Dreaming Is for the Free

Thirteen

"Top notch
Hot shot
I know I'm what you need"

"For the last word of the first two lines, I need it to be a note higher. Then on the third line, go back to the original note. So try doing C, D, C, D, C." KJ instructs me.

"I don't know shit about notes, KJ."

"Me either. Maya replies.

"Like this." Kiara taps me."

"Top notch
Hot shot
I know I'm what you need"

I repeat the lines once again.

"Okay, just like that."

KJ seems satisfied. I'm slightly irritated, but I shrug the feeling off for the sake of everyone else.

"That's the only thing I would change. The second part of the verse is perfect." KJ comments.

I haven't even been inside of the booth yet and the critiques have started. It wasn't harsh at all, but I'm not in the mood.

"Let me hear the rest. Then you can go in." KJ has his eyes glued to his computer screen.

I do what I'm instructed, but in the back of my mind all I'm thinking about is Charlotte's journal.

"Find me
Try me
Cause it's not what it seems
The days
They change
But I still think about you (about you)
We're two blank canvases
Can we paint something
Make something
Shape something
What is happening?"

"We're about to go viral with this song." Maya exclaims.

Once I'm inside of the booth I see that it is simple. It's exactly what I expected. There's black foam material covering the walls. A microphone is in one corner with black headphones hanging over it. There's a stand used for lyrics. And there's a stool. To tie everything together, there's a string of lights that are all around the closet. I notice a small remote placed on the stand. I soon learn it is to control the lights in the booth. The lights are now a dim yellowish shade but I switch it to blue. It's my favorite color and it'll help set the tone. It might help me relax and vibe with the music. I need to embrace the moment.

"You ready?"

I hear KJ's voice.

"Yes." I respond as I put the headphones on.

"Can you hear me?"

"Yes."

Suddenly I hear my own voice inside of the headphones.

"Can you hear yourself?" He asks.

"Yes." I now notice I sound like a broken record.

"Okay, let's start."

I soon hear what sounds like rhythmic beeps. Next the actual music comes in. I remember the notes I was given as the verse begins. I take a deep breath and sing the lyrics that I have memorized.

I get done with my verse but I know I messed up. Not on the lyrics but because I fell flat on the second part of my verse. I did get the C, D, C, D, C notes right though.

"Let's go again. I'll punch you in."

I start from the second part right where I messed up but this time I nail it.

KJ plays it back for me.

I can't even believe that's me. It sounds so weird hearing your voice back on a recording. I don't think I sound like this in real life but here it is. This is something that's going to take some time getting used to.

I come out of the booth satisfied with my vocals and excited to hear Maya and Kiara.

Next is Maya's turn. Then Kiara will go. After that, we'll add harmonies and ad libs. KJ will mix and master it, and soon we'll have our song.