Maya is a guitarist in the band Lagom Ethics. Just as the band is about to take off, their management decides the band need more exposure in Europe. Suddenly, Maya and her bandmates are on a collaborative tour with the up-and-coming band Tokio Hotel...
The four kids enjoyed plucking away at their instruments. Suddenly, the group was offered some small gigs. The band started to prepare. After a while, Sigmund and Carl had to decide what to do with their little bassist. Either they had to get somebody that knew bass, and kick Maya out of their little band, or teach Maya the instrument.
Carlo decided to try to teach her first and then they could make the decision. So while Sigmund and Oscar worked on songs, Carlo would teach Maya the bass. And after 3 weeks, the 14 year old girl seemed to get the hang of it. She could do the few songs they had, and even Oscar was impressed by her sudden skill in bass. Back in 2004, the band went by " Formula of Insanity". The typical cringe name for the punk-rock band. However, they showed great potential. Sigmund brought the order, Oscar the passion, Carlo the support and Maya flowed along.
It was, as mentioned, Sigmund's mother who tried to get in contact with a management that would support them. She saw the potential, and seemed to push Sigmund to push the band. In late 2004, Sigmund's dad left. It was never explained to Maya what happened, but the sudden move in from Sigmund's new stepdad explained it. Sigmund's mother, Greta, convinced Sigmund's stepdad, Kurt, to see one of their shows at the local youth hangout spots. His interest peaked, and he started reaching out to different music companies. In May, 2005, they found someone. A Swedish company, LOW Music, asked to meet the young band. That's when Greta and Kurt brought the four kids to Stockholm to start their career.
It's quite fascinating how one can remember certain memories their whole life. First time in Stockholm was one for Maya. The band had just landed at the airport, and sat in a taxi towards the music company's building. Maya remembers being so nervous. Back then, they all turned into nervous, young kids. Maya sat beside Carlo, and he was the calmest. He had put it simply when Sigmund stressed about everything. "If it's meant to be, it will happen. If not, my garage won't disappear." That was true, in some sense. Maya didn't quite understand the gravity of the situation. When she turned older, she was happy she didn't. Sigmund had helped everyone plan their outfits accordingly.
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Maya didn't even wear her own pants! Sigmund found them in his sister's closet. She assumed she must look very cool while she had to lift her pants legs up the stairs of the building. Kurt and Greta walked first, the band after. After walking down a hallway forever, Kurt suddenly stops. "This is it! Are you guys ready?" He smiled encouragingly towards the band. "As ready we can be I guess." Sigmund said. Carlo smirked and pushed Sigmund's shoulder, while Oscar looked as nervous as Maya. He was also a bit oblivious to the situation, and what it meant for him. Kurt took a short breath and opened the door.
"Hello Lukas! How wonderful to see you." He said, and was met by a man around the same age. He had brown hair, with a beard. He was wearing a suit and everything! Maya felt Sigmund misread the dress code. "Absolutely Kurt! I brought Lena, another representative of the company, Gunnar, a producer here, and Erling, the CEO himself." They all stood up and shakes Kurt and Greta's hand. Then, the focus was turned to the band. "Okey! What about you guys? Could you introduce yourself?" Lena asked. She smiled friendly towards them. Sigmund took the chance. "Yes! I am Sigmund. I am the drummer... And..." He didn't seem to have anything else interesting to say about himself. Carlo saved him. "And I am Carlo. I currently function as the guitarist, but I am most comfortable with the bass." Maya looked at him. Strange that he would feel the need to mention that when Maya was here, ready to play all their songs.
Oscar continued. "My name is Oscar, and I do the singing. I am also the funniest." He smiled cockily while giggling a bit. He earned a small laughter from the board. Then all eyes laid onto Maya. "Ehm... I am Maya. I try my best to play the bass. Carlo has taught me everything." They nodded slowly. She wanted Carlo to get as much creds he deserved. "She is really good though! Maya is a quick learner." Sigmund blurted out. The man called Lukas chuckled. "Don't worry guys. We will let you play multiple instruments, and find out where you truly belong. And get to know you better of course." The band nodded slowly.
They tried everything. First they made them do instruments they didn't know. Lukas said it was to 'test their skills'. Maya would later realize it was to make them calm down... They had all their songs recorded on some crappy recording. Maya thought the drums was okey. The rhythm was easy to match, but the hard parts were horrible. Carlo tried his best taking the singing serious. Oscar just messed around on the bass, and Sigmund played the most obvious parts on the guitar. He was the closest to an allrounder they had. The 'wrong' instrument rounds brought a lot of laughter, from the band and the board. Maya couldn't keep singing when Oscar tried beating the drums dead. She was happy Oscar never had any love for the drums, only for himself and his singing... After they were done, it was time to show off their real stuff.
The atmosphere was suddenly way more comfortable. Maya was happy to have the poor bass again. She felt the pressure though! Carlo was flawless on the bass in their songs. She took a deep breath and did what she did best. They showed off 2 songs, both went great! Maya was so focused on herself, she didn't see how her and her bandmates were shining on their own. Sigmund was having a great time drumming away, even doing tricks with the sticks. Oscar lived up to the frontman expectations, and played around the whole time, just having fun. However, the odd ones out were clear. Maya and Carlo's obvious need to concentrate, didn't show the charming people that just had fun. When they finished, they earned an applause. When it settled, the board started discussing.
They did so in Swedish, so Maya didn't quite understand. Carlo, Sigmund and Oscar however, did. "I think they have a lot of potential! Oscar is very captivating, and knows his own voice very well." Lena said. "I agree, Sigmund is also very skilled at the drums, but he is actually above average on all the other instruments as well." Lukas added. Suddenly, the praise and excitement went down to a serious tone. The discussion was Maya and Carlo's role. Lukas, Lena and Gunnar ended their conversation about their own opinions, and looked towards the CEO. He hadn't said much until now. "Well... Carlo. Be honest with me. You, like us, are good enough of a musician to feel what your true instrument is. Is it bass or guitar?"
His eyes burned into Carlo, and Maya even saw a glimpse of uneasiness from Carlo. All the people in the room was looking at him. Carlo looked at Maya, as if he was expecting her to answer for him. "Well. It's impossible to lie, isn't it." He started bitterly. He then looked at Maya again before he continued. "I never tried teaching Maya the guitar, because I don't feel confident enough. I love the bass, I have played it for years. I would be willing to switch, if Maya was given a fair chance to learn the guitar." The room went silent.
