Chapter 1

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“Dad, please! I really don’t want to go! Can’t I stay here?” I asked. Dad shook his head firmly. God, why does this always happen? Nothing I ever say can change his mind after it’s set.

“No Lex, you have to come. I already got you an office to use and the tasks set. Your mum won’t want to put up with you ‘informing’ her about those Mexican band members all day.” He told me. I crossed my arms.

“Dad, they are called Pierce The Veil and their new album is coming out soon! I have nothing better to talk about! They are better than you think! They’re not like those shitty pop artists that everyone loves! Those groups that used electronic beats and no real instrumentation shouldn’t even get signed!” I complained. Dad shook his head and I sighed in defeat. I should have known better than to complain. Dad always gets his way. Don’t get me wrong, I love the bloke but he needs to relax, maybe even have a wank every now and then.

“Lex, you’re coming with me and that’s final. I don’t need you running amuck for your mum. Let’s go. Get in the car. Let’s just hope they let you in dressed like that.” He stated and I looked down at my attire. I was wearing a Pierce The Veil band shirt with black skinnies and chains hanging off the belt loops. Thick, bulky boots were strapped around my feet and ankles and my hair was half covering my face. I didn’t look ‘that’bad!

I walked out the door after my dad and then trailed behind him down the long driveway. Our house wasn’t small, and unfortunately, we had company over a lot from his work. I should explain. My dad works in the music industry as the CEO of Palm Perks Records and it’s my duty to help evaluate upcoming bands to possibly be signed. Although today, dad’s dragged my ass to see how they actually sign a band. That band, I don’t know. I honestly didn’t want to go.

Jumping in the car, I pressed play on the radio. Hearing the electronic beats of some shit artist, I slid in my A Day To Remember CD and started having a one-man mosh pit in the passenger seat. As dad slid into the driver’s seat, he passed me a stack of CD’s.

“What are these for?” I asked him, eyeing the black dying rose on one of the covers. He cleared his throat, started the car and pulled out of the driveway before replying.

“Those are the demos of a few bands. I want you to listen to them all and pick out the few that you think might sell. Remember, not everyone likes your taste in music, so have a bit of an open mind when deciding.” Dad explained. I nodded. This was my favourite part of the process. Each CD held up to four songs. I was to play through the whole demo and rate each song individually according to criteria. The only time I hated my job was when a ‘pop’ artist hands in their demo. “Are we understood?” Dad asked, shifting his gaze between me and the road. I nodded and he smiled proudly. “You know, I really appreciate you helping me. I was hoping that today, when we interview the boys, maybe you could sit in and listen… Maybe even have some input?” Dad asked cautiously. WAIT! WHAT?

“Interview the boys? What boys?” I asked. A pale wave rolled over dad’s face and he looked like he had just taken up a major interest in the ways of driving. He plastered his eyes to the road in front of us and I knew he wasn’t going to answer soon. “What boys, dad?” I persisted. He sighed.

            “We have a massive opportunity Alex. One Direction have expressed interest in making their new album a bit less ‘cliché boy band’ and a little more rock, meaning they want the label to produce their next album. I know you aren-“

“No dad, it’s fine. I know how much this means to you, and I will try and help. Don’t worry about me.” I cut him off. At my claim, he looked relieved. I honestly did know what this opportunity could do for dad’s business, didn’t mean I was happy with it. “What time is this interview?” I asked. Dad pointed to his journal hanging out of his laptop bag. Taking it out, careful not to spill any loose papers, I opened to today’s date. “1:30, we have plenty of time before then. What are you planning to have me do? Or am I free to go through the demos?” I asked, feeling all professional. Dad shrugged.

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