InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ The Street Musician ❯ A New Start ( Chapter 21 )

I do not own Inuyasha & Co. However, I am the actual singer in the band The Street Musician, so I can claim that.

 

I have most certainly been bad lately…With lyric writing for the band and everything else going on throughout the holidays, as well as being very ill for a week or so, I have been on a bit of a writer's hiatus. Well, rest assured, that hiatus is over with, and I believe I can continue writing as I used to. I certainly hope everyone's holidays were merry, and that everyone held on well while waiting for this chapter, but here you are. If ya like, you can look at it as a belated holiday gift. Well, enjoy!

 

 

Chapter 21: A New Start

 

 

“Okay, let's try it again, from the top!” Inuyasha shouted as the drums began the tempo, leading the rest to join in time.

 

Sesshomaru stood back in the booth as he listened to the music, which had grown in sound with the addition of the band members. He watched as Kagome sang into the mic, and noticed the change in confidence. Ever since he released them from the wrong composer, the musicians let loose and finally enjoyed the recording sessions in the studio. Bopping his head slightly to the sound nearing perfection, the executive smiled slightly, a glint of accomplishment in his decisions.

 

Suddenly, over the phone in the booth, a page sounded requesting Sesshomaru to return to his office. The voice over the intercom shook him back to reality as he stayed to hear the ending of the song, and then left quickly.

 

Once he returned to the secretary, she introduced him to a man waiting for him. “Mr. Tai, this is Mr. Tana, he's here for his interview.”

 

“Good to meet you,” Mr. Tana said as he rose from his seat to shake the hands with the owner.

 

“Thank you for coming,” Sesshomaru said as he shook the man's hand and then politely lead the man into his office.

 

Once inside, Sesshomaru gestured to the nearest chair by his desk and walked around to sit in his own leather chair across the desk from the man. “So, what kind of experience do you have in the music business, Mr. Tana?”

 

“Well, I have a music degree in composition and theory from an American music college; I have studied abroad; mostly contemporary as well as classical music. I have also had experience in vocal coaching throughout my travels abroad,” Mr. Tana expressed.

 

Sesshomaru nodded, his eyes showing no emotion as he continued, “I am well versed in all forms of music, as well as what it takes to market new talent. I majored in music and minored in business at the music college, so the business classes were focused mainly on sales and events. I also have gained management skills through my travels abroad over these past few years,” the applicant explained as he crossed his right leg over his left.

 

“So, you have experience in all aspects of what it takes to get new talent noticed, which is what we're looking for. Now, are you well versed in what sells among the rock industry as well?” the business owner asked.

 

“Yes, I have a keen ear and a good eye in regards to form. I have a resume here,” the young applicant replied as he passed his papers to Sesshomaru.

 

The business owner looked the resume over carefully and quietly, seeing all he'd needed from the headline formed advertisement. “Mr. Tana, take a walk with me, please.”

 

The applicant stood with the executive and followed him from the office. “What we do here, is we bring opportunity to hopefuls, and we mold them into the business of music. Now, the position you will be filling has a special group already working through this process,” Sesshomaru explained as he lead the applicant down to the recording studio.

 

When the two men walked in to the booth, a view of the band lit the room as music tantalized their ears. Taking a seat behind the soundman, the new applicant listened intently to the music, picking it apart note for note, and word for word.

 

“What do you think? Is this a band you can compose for, lead, mold, and sell?” Sesshomaru asked.

 

“I believe so. I'll tell you what I think. The music is fresh, hot, and untamed. It holds a certain feel about it that I've never come across before. The girl has a full-bodied voice, sounds like she's been trained. The guitarist there, with the silver hair, his form is simplistic, but affective. It also seems that he found an effective way to make the chord transitions easier, which is interesting,” he stopped for a moment as he looked them over and listened to the rest of the band.

 

“Your drummer needs more confidence. The bassist has great form and has obviously played for quite some time. Who writes their music?” the applicant asked.

 

“The young guitarist is the creator of the riffs, and the singer writes the lyrics and melody,” the soundman replied simply as he pointed to Inuyasha and Kagome.

 

“I see. And where would you like me to start? How far along are they?” the applicant asked.

 

“They've been signed on for several months now. They are still fresh and still have a lot to learn,” Sesshomaru stated.

 

“I see. What other talents do they have?”

 

“Well, we haven't explored anything other than what you see right here so far, but we will in time, if you're interested in the job enough to work hands on with them,” Sesshomaru offered.

 

Mr. Tana smiled and replied with, “I would love to work with these kids. When do I start?”

 

“As soon as you're available,” Sesshomaru replied.

 

“Sounds great, I'm available now, or as soon as you'd like me to start.”

 

“Great, follow me, and we'll get you on board,” Sesshomaru said as he shook the new composer's hand and directed him from the booth to fill out paperwork.

 

Two hours later, once their last song ended, Sesshomaru and Mr. Tana arrived back at the booth and asked the band to join them. Once everyone all filed in, Sesshomaru introduced the band to the new composer/manager.

 

“The Street Musician, this is Hiro Tana, your new composer/manager.” The band members said hello and shook his hand with enthusiasm as Sesshomaru continued, “He comes from a background with years of experience abroad in your genre of music and has opted to help you sell your work and get you where you want to be. If you have any questions, fire away.”

 

Sesshomaru then sat down and watched the exchange take place between the composer and the band. “What kind of music have you worked with before?” Inuyasha asked.

 

“I have composed mainly rock, hi hop, some metal, and electronica. I have worked with music in almost every genre, but I have to say that rock is my strong point in composition.”

 

 

“Do you work with vocals?” Kagome asked him.

 

“Yes, as a matter of fact, I have taught choir, voice lessons, as well as a bit of voice acting.”

 

`Wow…' Kagome mouthed in awe of such an opportunity.

 

“What instruments do you play?” Koga asked.

 

“I play a variety of instruments, but drums, guitar and piano are the ones I stuck with most because of the genre I enjoy composing most.”

 

“What about lyrics? Are you good as a poet?” Inuyasha asked.

 

“Depends on the music. You see, music is more than just sounds melding together. Music is life, and when a musical piece truly holds heart and soul within, it's the easiest music to write lyrics to. Window to expression of your soul.”

 

“That's how we feel!” Inuyasha and Kagome exclaimed in unison. “We accept you, you're hired!” Inuyasha commented as he shook the composer's hand with a smile.

 

“Thank you, I look forward to working with you all. We'll start tomorrow then?” Hiro Tana looked to Sesshomaru who nodded in approval. “Tomorrow then. See you all later,” the composer greeted as he and his new boss filed out, closing the door behind them.

 

Inuyasha smiled widely and said, “Hey, let's all go out for a bite to eat and talk about some ideas.”

 

“Sure, how about you Koga?” Kita asked.

 

“I'm in, you Kagome?” Koga asked.

 

“Sure, I'm definitely there,” she said as she wrapped her arm around Inuyasha's and they all left together.

 

 

@*@

 

 

The next day, the band members arrived at 1:00 pm for their practice/recording session and they all pull out their gear to warm up. As they, all went about their motions and tweaked their instruments; Hiro showed up and sat in the booth with the soundman to watch them interact.

 

“They certainly work well together. How many weeks have they been working together as a whole?” Hiro asked the soundman.

 

“Oh, I'd say it's been about 6 weeks now, and they are getting closer and gaining their bearings with the new sounds. Inuyasha's been quite the leader so far, and they all don't seem to mind that he's leading,” the soundman recalled.

 

“I see. He does evoke a sense of authority, but more of guidance to a vision, which is good. So, what's their story?” Hiro asked as he watched Inuyasha and Kagome interact over lyrics.

 

“Well, what I know is that Inuyasha and Kagome were the first band members, and the others were hired on later once they signed the contract to make CD's with our label. The rest of them were individual hopefuls recruited individually. We looked at the credentials, and styles, and chose them to sit well with Inuyasha and Kagome.”

 

“Where did the name come from? Is there a story behind it?”

 

“Yes, Inuyasha there is actually a street musician, working on the street to pay for his future education on his own. Kagome met him in a subway station while waiting for a friend and they've been writing music together ever since.”

 

“I see; a very interesting story there. Thanks for the talk!” Hiro tapped his shoulder, got up and left to step into the studio. “Hey, afternoon guys, lady.”

 

“Hey, Hiro!” Inuyasha right away shook his hand and Kagome bowed politely as the rest of the band shook his hand as well.

 

“So, I figure today we can relax and just play to our heart's content. Since I'm just in the `get to know you' stage, I'm just going to sit back and listen to you practice and record today, and if I have any advice, I'll come down and let ya know, k?” Hiro suggested nonchalantly with his hands in his jean pockets.

 

“Sure, sounds fine with us,” Inuyasha replied with a nod.

 

“All righty. Now, show me what you're all made of; give me all ya got!” Hiro cheered them on as he shut the door and stepped back into the booth.

 

For the next few hours, Hiro watched intently, giving pointers here and there if needed throughout the session. Showing enthusiasm, Hiro bopped his head, clapped, tapped his feet and felt the music as he reached for his composition book to write the notes down as they were played.

 

As far as the musically gifted, he was similar to Kagome in the sense that since he not only felt the music, but he could also see the notes in his head as they flowed into his ears. By the time the session was over, he had roughly copied down at least the verses and choruses for each song they'd played, feeling very impressed with the level of talent and leadership.

 

Once the band was finished playing, he called Inuyasha into the booth. When he set his guitar down he suddenly heard, “Bring your heart with you.” He then grabbed his guitar and headed into the booth.

 

Kagome watched as Inuyasha sat down before Hiro as they interacted. She stopped packing as Hiro showed Inuyasha his rough draft and asked him to see if Hiro wrote the chorus correctly. To her relief, he played it fluently, and a smile appeared on Inuyasha's face afterwards. She let out the breath she'd held and began packing once again.

 

“So, are you self taught, or did you take lessons in guitar?” Hiro asked Inuyasha as he set his notebook in his lap.

 

“I did take instruction, and then once I learned enough, I just decided to just play, and I ended up creating some really good songs that I decided I couldn't just play for my mother, even though she enjoys it a lot,” Inuyasha explained.

 

“Ah. And where did your knowledge on how to form the chords that way come from?” Hiro asked as he signaled for Inuyasha to play a few chords for him.

 

“I see its one standard chord. You somehow figured out how to gain the same chords through other positions. One thing I will need to tell you is I will not be writing the chord in that fashion, otherwise no other guitar player will be able to play your riffs. I'm not going to ask you to refrain from how you play; you do whatever works for you. I'm just letting you know that I only know the standard chords. Is that all right?” Hiro asked civilly.

 

“Sure, I don't mind how you do up the chords on the sheet music. It's all up in my head and I don't follow sheet music. For both Kagome and I, it's all by ear as you can tell. I just play, she has her lyrics, and that's all.”

 

“What about the other players? Are they working the same way?” Hiro asked.

 

“Basically. Sesshomaru's people found other musicians who play by ear as well. So, I guess we lucked out with natural talent, but if you can get it all down to make it easier for us, that would be fine,” Inuyasha replied with a shrug.

 

“Okay, great. Just making sure, we're on the same page here. Now, I'm going to work a bit with Kagome on vocals, so you can chill, wait with the guys, or whatever you'd like to do while we're working. However, tell the rest of them that I have advice for each individual here. So, don't wander off too far, all right?”

 

“Sure, I'll tell them,” Inuyasha replied as he left the booth while Hiro followed.

 

Once they walked into the studio, Hiro approached Kagome to follow him into the adjacent room with the piano, and shut the glass door. “So, Kagome, I heard your voice yesterday and today, and I can tell you have trained your voice haven't you?”

 

“Yes, I took vocal lessons back in high school and junior high, sang in the school choirs, and I've been performing with Inuyasha in the subway almost daily.”

 

“I see. That's a great history. Now, tell me, how well do you think you're supporting?” Hiro asked politely.

 

“Well, I know I need some work, since I'm used to singing a different type of genre. Are there techniques I could learn to use my voice effectively?” Kagome asked intelligently.

 

“There are actually. With your background, singing mostly classical I gather, you need to learn how to support differently, a bit more relaxed. I mean, heck, you don't need to support as tightly as you would for an opera, but you will need to continue to listen closely and support well to make it sound true to the music.

 

“In music of this genre, confidence is key. Expression is important as well, but confidence is more important than any thing. For example, you have some great music to work with and you have some awesome musicians supporting you. If you don't sound confident, then you will automatically douse their confidence not only in you, but also in whether or not it will fly. You see what I'm getting at?” he asked.

 

“Yes, I hear ya,” Kagome replied with a nod.

 

“So, how about I play some chords, and you sing your lyrics for me, k? And we'll work on sounding confident and your support,” he directed as he turned on the bench and set his rough music on the holder.

 

As he began to play, Kagome readied her stance and inhaled slowly and deeply, drawing the air deep to the depths of her lungs. When the verse came up, she let her voice ring out, as she closed her eyes and became one with the music.

 

“That's it, feel the music, be the music. Become that character, Kagome,” Hiro said aloud as he played.

 

Inuyasha watched them interact from the studio as she sang out behind the door, wishing he could hear her voice at that moment. He continued to watch throughout the entire session and saw the connection they made musically, noticing something strangely familiar happen; they both collaborated well as he and Kagome do.

 

After the short session apparently ended between them, Inuyasha averted his eyes and began packing once again. When the door opened, he heard positive words exchanged, and then Hiro stepped over to the drummer next as Kagome made her way to sit beside Inuyasha with a confident sigh.

 

“Went well, eh?” Inuyasha commented with a smile over his shoulder.

 

“Yeah, he's amazing! I'm so glad your brother hired him. I think he's the key, Inu, I feel it in my gut!” Kagome expressed enthusiastically.

 

“He is an amazing musician, and he knows a lot more than one would figure. I have to admit though, I may have to make a trip by Sesshomaru's office again,” Inuyasha mentioned while sounding deep in thought.

 

“You're not being sarcastic are you?” Kagome asked worriedly.

 

“No, not in that way. I like this guy,” Inuyasha explained as he turned her way.

 

“Oh, geeze…you scared me for a minute there,” Kagome let go of the breath she'd been holding.

 

“Naw, I wanna thank him. Want to come with me?” he asked as he snapped the locks on his guitar case.

 

“Sure. Now?”

 

“Yeah, why not. We're through for the day, so I'm sure it won't be a problem,” Inuyasha replied as he stood before her, holding out his hand for her.

 

She took his hand and they walked from the studio. Once they made it to the secretary, she gave them a look of surprise, which Inuyasha caught right away and held up his hand and said, “No, no…It's okay, we'd just like to speak with him briefly about the session today,” Inuyasha assured her with a smile.

 

“Oh, all right, hold on while I let him know you're here,” the secretary replied as she hit the button on the intercom.

 

“Yes?”

 

“Inuyasha and Kagome are out here to see you.”

 

“Show them in.”

 

“Yes, sir. You may go right in,” the secretary assured.

 

“Thanks,” Inuyasha replied and the two headed through the door and closed it behind them. “Sesshomaru…”

 

“Yes, brother?” he replied while turning around in his leather chair.

 

“We just have something we'd like to tell you.”

 

“And what is that?” the mogul dwarfed by the mahogany desk asked.

 

“Well, first of all, let me start by saying that I owe you an apology,” Inuyasha stated.

 

“Oh?” he simply let out.

 

“Yeah. I didn't trust you at first, and now, I have to say that I'm glad that Kagome convinced me to take you up on the offer, and to stick with it. This man you hired, Hiro, he's amazing. The level of talent is on par with our own, and he's really proved to us that he's the perfect man for the job. Thank you, brother for your help,” Inuyasha replied with a smile.

 

“Good to hear such enthusiasm from you, brother. And you're right; you did make a very wise decision by taking this offer. And the changes made recently will no doubt lead your group to release instant hits on the charts. Congratulations, Inuyasha, you are on your way to growing as a musician.”

 

“Thank you, Sesshomaru,” Kagome said with a bow.

 

“You're welcome Kagome and thank you for your patience. It's ultimately due to your good sense that you both will gain success. Now, if I understand, your recording session for the day is over. So, you may do as you wish,” Sesshomaru suggested as the two bowed and then left his office hand in hand.

 

 

@*@

 

 

Yes, finally a light shines at the end of the tunnel! Well, this chapter has been a long time in the making, and I certainly hope it was good after the long wait. Thanks again for your patience, and hopefully you won't have to wait so long for the next chapter since this story is starting to pick up finally. Also, with the music I am working on in the true duet band, I assure you, there will be more lyrics posted soon So, `til next time, Ja ne!