[ Have Payton | None | 500c ]
PAYTON: There you are, Addison! This is an emergency. Check out this flier!
ADDISON: Let’s see here… ‘Battle of the Bands! Coming soon! Cash Prize! Be a rock star!’ How is this an emergency?
PAYTON: Because we need to win this! And didn’t you read? It’s COMING SOON! Please, please, please, Addison. I’ve been dreaming of this ever since I started voice lessons back in kindergarten! Come on… haven’t you ever wanted to be a rock star?
ADDISON: I guess it wouldn’t be the worst thing in the world…
PAYTON: I’ll take that as a yes! This is going to be the best band ever! We can’t lose! With my vocal talents, and your skills on the… er, uh, on the… Um, what instrument do you play?
ADDISON: Guitar. I’ve been known to rock a power chord or two…
PAYTON: Perfect! I knew you had an inner rock star! Now we just have to recruit the rest of the band!
ADDISON: I’m sure there’s a TON of musical talent at this school.
PAYTON: For sure! Now we just have to find out WHO can really rock!
ADDISON: I know a couple of well-connected people who should be able to find out!
[ A Student Gov, A Student Gov (Hadley, Joss) | 4h | 600c ]
ADDISON: Hadley? Joss? Are you two busy?
HADLEY: We’ve got a three o’clock STUDENT council meeting, a four o’clock CITY council meeting, and a five o’clock COUNCIL council meeting!
ADDISON: There’s a COUNCIL council?
JOSS: It’s the most important council of all!
ADDISON: I guess I’ll try to catch you later when you aren’t so busy…
HADLEY: Are you kissing? This is our LEAST busy day of the week!
JOSS: Besides. We always have time for you. What’s up?
ADDISON: I’m trying to find out who at our school has some musical talent… I figured since you two are always polling people and doing surveys and stuff, you might have some ideas.
HADLEY: No problem! We’ll just add a few questions to our latest survey!
JOSS: We’ll give you a full report as soon as we identify some likely band candidates… BANDIDATES!
HADLEY: Great branding! High-five!
Hadley and Joss return holding a stack of papers.
HADLEY: The results are in! Obama wins! Oh, wait. Those are the results from 2012.
JOSS: The results ARE in, though. We’ve identified our first two candidates for your band: Julian and Nishan!
ADDISON: I would never have guessed!
PAYTON: Sounds like we know who to talk to. Thanks!
JOSS: Any time! Feel free to contact us again for all your informational needs!
HADLEY: Now who wants to go watch C-SPAN?
JOSS: You don’t have to ask me twice!
Hadley and Joss power walk away. A few minutes later, you find Julian and Nishan playing ping-pong in the gym.
ADDISON: Julian! Word on the street is you’ve got some hidden talents.
JULIAN: You’ll have to be a little more specific. I have LOTS of hidden talents.
PAYTON: We’re talking about MUSICAL talents. We heard all about them.
JULIAN: I was wondering why Hadley and Joss kept asking me random questions about Led Zeppelin.
ADDISON: So what do you say? Want to join our band? The Battle of the Bands is coming up soon!
JULIAN: As long as there are plenty of gratuitous drum solos, I’m in.
ADDISON: Awesome. How about you, Nishan. Any interest in being a rock star?
NISHAN: I’ve been waiting for this moment for YEARS. I’m in. You’ve got yourself a keyboardist.
ADDISON: Band assembled! Who’s ready for our first practice?
A few hours later, your band finishes its first practice.
JULIAN: Not bad.
NISHAN: That was actually pretty good!
PAYTON: It was PRETTY good… But I think we’re still missing something… someone who can really take us to the next level. A truly amazing musician!
JULIAN: Hey! What are you trying to say?
NISHAN: Actually… I think I know what she means. For us, music is a hobby, but for some people, music is their LIFE.
JULIAN: I get it… we need our Slash.
ADDISON: Our Dave Grohl.
NISHAN: Our… uh… Katy Perry’s Bassist?
PAYTON: There’s an open mic night downtown tonight… it could be a great place to scout for talent.
NISHAN: If you’re looking to recruit a bandmate, just keep something in mind… According to the fine print regarding the Battle of the Bands, all members of each band are required to come from the same school!
ADDISON: If we find someone we like, we’ll need to convince them to join our band AND our high school!
[ Addison, Payton, Julian | 6h | 700c ]
At the open mic night…
PAYTON: There you are! I was worried it would be my turn before you showed up!
ADDISON: You’re performing?
PAYTON: I never miss a chance to be on stage! Besides, if we’re going to try to recruit some talent, we need to prove we have the skills to keep up!
Just then, the MC announces that it’s Payton’s turn to take the stage!
PAYTON: This is a cover of a little song called ‘Bohemian Rhapsody.’
Six minutes and five seconds later…
JULIAN: That… was… amazing.
ADDISON: I didn’t know Payton had that kind of range. She even hit the falsetto!
As Payton is walking off stage, you run up to congratulate her… but someone else gets there first.
EZRA: Not bad. You did Freddie Mercury proud.
PAYTON: You really think so? Heh.
EZRA: Truly. I’m impressed. Your voice is almost as pretty as you are.
PAYTON: Hee! Thanks! You’re, uh, not so bad looking yourself.
EZRA: Now you’ll have to see if my talent matches my looks.
JULIAN: What a cheeseball. I hope you didn’t actually fall for that line, Payton!
PAYTON: I thought he was nice!
He walks onstage and plugs in his electric guitar.
EZRA: Hi, everyone… I’m Ezra… and this is a little song called ‘Free Bird’.
Nine minutes and three seconds later…
ADDISON: That was…
PAYTON: ...hot. I mean ‘good’! He played the song very well!
ADDISON: Very VERY well. He’s like the Mozart of guitar players!
JULIAN: We already HAVE a guitarist… Addison!
ADDISON: Lots of bands have two guitarists… like Radiohead… and the Beatles.
JULIAN: Never heard of them.
PAYTON: Come on, Julian. Admit it. He was AMAZING!
JULIAN: I didn’t think he was THAT good.
PAYTON: Are you kidding? Did all that time behind your drum set make you go deaf?
ADDISON: He was pretty awesome…
JULIAN: Okay, fine! He was pretty good.
PAYTON: So let’s get him in our band!
You spot Ezra in the VIP lounge at the back of the club and head that way… only to find your path blocked by a giant, incredibly unfriendly bouncer.
PAYTON: This might not be as easy as I thought…
ADDISON: If we want to get past the bouncer, it’s going to take some smooth-talking… and probably a little cash!
[ Sweet Talk, Spend 10000 coins | None | 50b ]
PAYTON: Okay… here goes nothing. Go for it, Addison!
ADDISON: I’m a little nervous about this. I don’t exactly have a lot of experience with… bribes.
PAYTON: Whoa! Getting past the bouncer rule number one: don’t call it a bribe! You’ve got to be cool… relaxed. And don’t EVER use the word ‘bribe!’
ADDISON: Okay… I’ll see what I can do.
You approach the bouncer, who stares down at you menacingly.
ADDISON: Uh, hello, sir… perhaps you could let me and me friends through in exchange for a… bribe!
The bouncer frowns and points to a nearby sign reading ‘No Bribing the Bouncer’.
ADDISON: Did I say ‘bribe’ because I actually meant… bribe!
The bouncer shakes his head.
ADDISON: I… may have misspoken.
PAYTON: Wait! Sorry about my friend, Mr. Bouncer. What Addison ACTUALLY meant to say was ‘generous tip for a job well done’!
The bouncer slowly nods…
PAYTON: Looks like we made it in… just barely.
You, Julian, and Payton walk past the bouncer and enter the VIP lounge.
JULIAN: Does it seem especially crowded in here?
PAYTON: Yeah. Maybe it has something to do with this crowd of starstruck girls trying to flirt with Ezra…
JULIAN: He’s not even that good looking!
ADDISON: Yeah… an incredibly handsome guy who also happens to be a guitar genius. I wonder what girls see in him. Of course, handsome drummers have their own charms.
JULIAN: Exactly! Right? Thanks for actually having some taste!
ADDISON: Now come on… let’s squeeze in so we can talk to him.
Ezra spots your group through the sea of girls.
EZRA: Ladies, ladies… I’ll be happy to talk with you all later. Right now, I want to talk with my new friend Payton.
PAYTON: Hee hee. I didn’t realize we were friends.
EZRA: I’d like us to be close.
PAYTON: That could be arranged…
JULIAN: Are we here to flirt or to recruit a guitarist for our band?!
EZRA: Recruit me? Is that what this is all about?
PAYTON: We could really use an amazing guitarist like you, Ezra… Any chance you’d consider joining our band?
EZRA: Interesting proposition… let me think about it. Honestly… I’m more of a solo act these days. My last band… let’s just say we’re on an indefinite hiatus. I thought my bandmates had my back… and they didn’t.
PAYTON: But our band would be different! Everyone gets along super well! Thanks to Addison we actually have a school where people get along and watch each others’ backs!
EZRA: Interesting… sounds like maybe I should check out your school.
ADDISON: This is perfect! You can join the school AND the band!
EZRA: I like the enthusiasm… but let’s not get ahead of ourselves. I’ve got to see the campus first.
PAYTON: Perfect! I’ll arrange a tour!
[ Payton, A Girl Classmate, A Girl Classmate (Cameron, Emery) | 8h | 800c ]
Later, Ezra arrives at school…
EZRA: I’m surprised you didn’t mention how many beautiful girls attend this school. That seems like a major selling point.
A nearby group of girls giggles.
PAYTON: And here I thought I was special.
EZRA: Believe me, you are.
PAYTON: Forget the girls for a second. What do you think of the school?
EZRA: Not bad, Payton. The campus is beautiful, almost as beautiful as--
PAYTON: Do you EVER stop flirting?
EZRA: Do you want me to stop?
CAMERON: Quit hogging Ezra, Payton! I want to show him the fountain! It’s super romantic… I mean super, uh, watery?
EZRA: That doesn’t sound bad at all…
EMERY: And I want to show him the view from the roof of the gym! It’s perfect for watching the sunrise and talking all night about life and love…
EZRA: I’d love to… get to know you better. Sounds like we’d better get this tour started...
A while later…
EZRA: Not bad, Payton. The campus is pretty special. I should have known you’d go to a school like this.
PAYTON: I told you it was a good place.
EZRA: And thanks to Cameron for showing me that romantic spot on the park bench.
CAMERON: Hee hee… maybe I’ll see you there again sometime.
EZRA: And, Emery… thanks for showing me that shady spot under the tree. I could imagine myself playing guitar there.
EMERY: Maybe you can serenade me there sometime…
PAYTON: It sounds like you’re ready to transfer here!
EZRA: Almost… the school is great… But if the whole point of me coming here is to join your band, I should probably make sure we play well together…
A bit later, the band assembles in a classroom to play…
EZRA: So… this is where you practice?
ADDISON: This is the best place for now… but we can always find a better room.
EZRA: That’s a conversation for later. For now, let’s play some music!
[ Nishan, Payton, Julian | 7h | 900c ]
The band begins to play… Payton sings, Julian rocks out on the drums, and Nishan nails his chord progressions… and you unleash an amazing guitar lick!
EZRA: Not bad, Addison… I’ve never been in a band where the other guitarist could give me a run for my money.
ADDISON: Heh. Thanks.
EZRA: Not bad… not bad. Now let’s see how it goes when I start playing too...
The band plays several covers, with Ezra’s guitar riffs adding a whole new dimension to the band’s sound.
PAYTON: Great playing, everyone!
ADDISON: So, Ezra… what did you think?
EZRA: Payton… you’ve got the voice of an angel crossed with one of those sweet sirens whose voices drove Odysseus mad. Amazing.
PAYTON: Hehe.
EZRA: And Nishan… your keyboard skills are INCREDIBLE.
NISHAN: Those harmonies were amazing, Ezra! It felt like we were one mind in two bodies!
EZRA: And Julian… uh… good effort.
JULIAN: ‘Good effort’?!
EZRA: Uh, yeah… it was a good session. But there’s still one thing I need to discuss with you, Addison.
[ Addison | 10h | 1000c ]
You and Ezra step outside to talk.
ADDISON: Is everything okay? Is something wrong? Is it me?
EZRA: I like the band… and I want in. There’s only one problem.
ADDISON: What’s that?
EZRA: Julian. He’s an OKAY drummer. But do you want this to just be an OKAY band?
ADDISON: I always thought Julian was pretty good! He’s got a really good sense of rhythm… and his drum fills are really coming along!
EZRA: It’s definitely nothing personal. I just think we could do better, you know? Especially if we want to win the Battle of the Bands!
ADDISON: I don’t know what to say… Julian is a good friend.
EZRA: I’m sorry to put you in a hard position, Addison… but I can’t commit unless this band is going to be the BEST! It’s me or Julian.
After thinking long and hard about what to do…
ADDISON: Okay. I’ve made a decision. Let’s go back and talk to the band.
You and Ezra head back inside.
ADDISON: Guys, I have an announcement to make… Outside, Ezra gave me an ultimatum: him or Julian. And I’ve made a decision… Julian is out! Sorry, buddy. We’ll just have to find another drummer.
JULIAN: What?!
PAYTON: Wait just a second, Addison! Who died and made you band leader?
NISHAN: Yeah! You can’t just go kicking people out for no reason!
ADDISON: But… I mean… Ezra said Julian is dragging the band down!
EZRA: Actually… that was a test. I wanted to make sure that this band had some loyalty to each other! And MOST of you passed with flying colors.
JULIAN: Way to throw me under the bus, Addison. I thought we were friends!
ADDISON: We are! I mean… I’m sorry. I guess I failed the test. I guess I let wanting to win get in the way of my better judgement.
EZRA: The point is, the rest of the band really stood up for Julian! When it comes down to it, a band is more than just talent, practice, and determination. It’s a brotherhood. And you can’t have that closeness without trust. I’ve seen how bad things can get when a band backstabs each other. If I’m going to play with a group again, I want it to be the right group. The kind that cares about each other.
ADDISON: We can be that band!
EZRA: I know you can. You’ve definitely got the talent, from Payton’s singing to Julian’s drum fills!
ADDISON: You mean… you don’t think Julian is a bad drummer?
EZRA: No way, Julian is great!
JULIAN: You really think so?
EZRA: Definitely! The bond between a guitarist and his drummer… that’s like, sacred!
JULIAN: You know… maybe you’re not such a bad dude, Ezra. It was fun playing with you too.
EZRA: Then I guess we’d better keep playing together.
ADDISON: Wait a second… are you saying…
EZRA: I’m in!
ADDISON: I can’t believe it! This is going to be the best band ever…
EZRA: Yeah… now there’s just one more issue to deal with. If I’m going to join this school, I’m going to need a place to hang out.
ADDISON: No problem! We’ve got lots of buildings for artists like you.
EZRA: I don’t think that’s going to work… What we need is a dedicated Musician Hangout! It’ll be the perfect place for us to practice.
ADDISON: You know what? I can make this happen.
[ Have 1 Musician Hangout | None | 1100c, Ezra ]
A while later…
ADDISON: Presented: one Musician Hangout!
EZRA: It’s… it’s epic!
ADDISON: Soundproof walls… built-in amps and speakers… a fully-operational recording studio… You like it?
EZRA: I don’t like it… I love it!
ADDISON: The building is all ready for you… But are you ready for it?
EZRA: I’m ready to be a part of this thing, Addison! It’s time for me to officially join your school!
[ Admit Ezra | None | 1200c ]
A while later…
ADDISON: Welcome to your new school, Ezra. How’s it feel to officially be a student here?
EZRA: Honestly… pretty good! I haven’t even seen the whole place yet! I’ve heard good things about that Party Central over there… and even better things about the Isle of Love!
ADDISON: I get the sense that you’re going to have a good time here, Ezra… maybe too good a time. Okay, everyone… we’ve got the band together…
PAYTON: But that’s just the first step.
NISHAN: It’s time to join the battle…
JULIAN: The Battle of the Bands!
* * *
[ Addison, Ezra, Julian | 6h | 600c ]
Between classes, you and Julian find Ezra switching out his textbooks at his new locker.
ADDISON: Hey, Ezra. How are you liking being a student here so far?
EZRA: It’s not bad, Addison. Better than my last haunt, for sure. Plus, everyone here is REALLY cute.
Ezra winks at you.
ADDISON: You think you’re so smooth, don’t you?
EZRA: What? Can’t a guy notice?
JULIAN: Seems you’re noticing a lot.
EZRA: You can say that again. Coming here was a good call.
ADDISON: Looks like everyone here’s happy you made that call too! Have you gone on any dates yet?
EZRA: Sure, but I can’t risk getting distracted, Addison. For me, there’s only the music.
JULIAN: Do your dates know that?
EZRA: We have to stay focused on our priority. Our raison d’etre… And that’s winning the Battle of the Bands. Call a meeting, Addison. We’re getting the band back together.
PAYTON: So, as you guys know, the local radio station KLOL has their annual Battle of the Bands this week. The winner gets their song played on the air for the whole month, so we HAVE to win on Saturday!
EZRA: That means we only have a few days to go from a ragtag bunch of amateurs to a cohesive unit of one mind, one soul, and one heartbeat. I’ve seen this Battle before, and they don’t take just anyone. Only the most elite bands in the area get in. To make the cut, we have to audition by sending in a demo.
NISHAN: Perfect! I’ve been waiting for my chance to use the recording booth. Have you seen all those knobs and dials? It looks like NASA Mission Control in there!
EZRA: We’ll get to recording songs soon, but FIRST we need an identity. An image. And that starts with our name. We have to ask ourselves that eternal question… who ARE we? Any ideas, Payton? You’re such a muse, I’m sure you save some inspiration for yourself.
PAYTON: Oh, well, since you asked… I like ‘Rodeo Drive’. Home to the best shopping on earth!
NISHAN: My vote is for ‘Kingslayer’! It evokes power and intrigue! Daggers and deception! So metal!
EZRA: Rock on. Apparently Nishan of all people is into metal.
PAYTON: What about you, Ezra? You must have some really poetic ideas.
EZRA: Personally, I was leaning toward ‘The’.
ADDISON: The what?
EZRA: Just… ‘The’. It’d make people curious, and that’s what we want, right?
PAYTON: O.M.G., it’s brilliant.
JULIAN: Sorry, what?!
EZRA: What do you think our name should be, Addison?
ADDISON: Hmm… my favorite is… Addison and the Selfies!
JULIAN: ‘Addison and the Selfies’?!
EZRA: Wait! It’s genius! It speaks to the narcissism of our time… how social media is making the whole world an echo chamber! Addison, you’re a straight-up genius! A true artist!
ADDISON: I know!
EZRA: See? That’s exactly what I’m talking about!
NISHAN: Now that we’ve got a name, let’s get to practicing. Shall we warm up with some Mozart?
PAYTON: Whoa, whoa, whoa! Like Ezra said, we need an identity first. And image isn’t JUST a name. It’s also a LOOK! We need an ensemble for our ensemble!
EZRA: That’s a good call, Payton. Style is critical.
PAYTON: Hmmm, let’s start with Addison.
ADDISON: Me?!
PAYTON: You’re a rock star now, Addison! You can look however you want! Let’s give your hair a rocked-out upgrade!
[ Change Addison’s hairstyle | None | 700c ]
You timidly walk out of the hair salon to find your whole band waiting for you.
ADDISON: So, um… how do I look?
PAYTON: Oh. Em. Gee! So cute!
EZRA: Cute? I’d say it’s hot! They’ll be swooning in the stands for you, Addison.
ADDISON: You really think so?
JULIAN: We know so.
PAYTON: Who’s next? ...Ezra?
EZRA: Are you trying to tell me you don’t like my hair?
PAYTON: No, I love it.
As Payton touches Ezra’s hair and giggles, Julian steams beside you.
ADDISON: What’s wrong?
JULIAN: I just don’t like it.
ADDISON: They’re friends, Julian. It’s harmless. It doesn’t mean anything.
JULIAN: That’s just it. I don’t think anyone means anything to him. You heard what he said. All he cares about is music. We really don’t know him at all. And he seems like the type of guy to go around breaking hearts. But you can be sure, if he pulls anything on any of my friends, he’ll have me to answer to.
Ezra and Payton approach.
PAYTON: Okay, people, we’ve got the name and now we’ve got the look.
EZRA: We’re making real progress really fast, but…
JULIAN: Here comes the ‘but’.
EZRA: BUT a Battle of the Bands is about putting on a show. Stage presence… choreography… theatrics. We need feedback from OUTSIDE the band if we want to take our image to the next level.
ADDISON: I’m on it. I’ve got a few friends in mind who will know exactly what to do!
[ A Level 5+ Cheerleader, A Level 5+ Actor, A Level 5+ Dancer (Emery, Laurie, Sheridan) | 8h | 800c ]
You lead Emery, Laurie, and Sheridan into the recording studio, where Ezra is just wrapping up a gorgeous, heartbreaking solo.
LAURIE: I haven’t teared up like that since I saw ‘The Crucible’.
SHERIDAN: Wow, Addison. When we heard you were starting a band, we thought it was cool, but we had no idea you’d actually have talent.
EMERY: Seriously. What are you guys called?
ADDISON: Addison and the Selfies!
EMERY: Ha ha ha! Oh, you’re serious?
ADDISON: Selfies are never serious. Now take your seats and enjoy the show!
The last song of your set ends with a thunderous outro, leaving everyone’s ears ringing!
ADDISON: So! What’d you guys think?
EZRA: Don’t pull any punches. We need honesty if we want to win the Battle of the Bands.
EMERY: Well, you guys seriously rock. But if you’re looking for pointers… Your stage energy was a little low. Just like in cheerleading, the crowd feeds off you, so feed them! Jump around! Dance! They won’t be pumped up if you’re not. I don’t think Nishan moved an inch during the whole set!
NISHAN: I was concentrating!
LAURIE: Yeah, stage energy is all about showmanship! You’re not just playing a song, you’re telling a story! A sonic narrative in which you are the actors! Sell that story with your body language. The way you move toward and away from your bandmates.
SHERIDAN: That’s what I found missing… choreography! An epic set like you just played will need sweet moves to match. Like, Addison could do a powerslide with the guitar!
EZRA: Let’s try it!
Your band dives back into one of your favorite songs! As you break into the chorus, you run across the studio and slide on your knees while you crunch out the chords!
ADDISON: Yeaaah!
EMERY: Wow! That was way better! You were all so into it! Could you feel it?
EZRA: I know I could.
Ezra grins at Payton. She sheepishly smiles back. Later, your band strides through the crowded halls of your school. Everyone turns their head to watch Ezra, but now he’s oblivious to the attention.
EZRA: I have to say, Addison, this band is really coming together. We’re not just people playing at the same time anymore. We’re a BAND. It’s a connection on a spiritual level!
ADDISON: That sounds like a good thing! We should record our audition tape for the Battle of the Bands!
EZRA: There’s only one problem. The demo has to be an ORIGINAL song. And all we know are covers.
NISHAN: An original song?! Then we’d better get writing! We don’t have long before the submission deadline!
PAYTON: What kind of song should we do?
EZRA: The most powerful kind of song there is… a love ballad.
PAYTON: Awwww! My favorite!
JULIAN: Yeah? And what do YOU know about love, Ezra?
EZRA: I know that girls LOVE when I sing about it! Addison, do you think we could snag someone poetic to help us figure out the words?
[ Addison, Ezra, An Artist (Avery) | 10h | 900c ]
EZRA: Hey, Avery. Addison and yours truly are writing a song to get our group into the Battle of the Bands this week. Want to help?
AVERY: Holy cow, it’s you! The super cool new guy! You… you want ME to help? It… would be an honor.
EZRA: Awesome. Now just follow my lead...
Your marathon songwriting session continues… and gradually a ballad takes shape!
EZRA: ‘I see you dancing there in the dark / I swim through the party like a shark / and we… make out on the daaaance flooooor!’
AVERY: Um, what if we did something a little more romantic, like this? ‘Without you, my life is dark / We were a pair, like on Noooah’s ark...’
EZRA: Sweet! And then straight into, ‘We make out on the daaaance floooooor!’
ADDISON: Ezra, listen, the music you wrote is gorgeous and haunting…
AVERY: It’s just that the lyrics are… are…
EZRA: What?
JULIAN: They’re not about love! You don’t even know what it is!
PAYTON: Have you ever loved anyone, Ezra?
Ezra suddenly averts his eyes.
EZRA: I…
JULIAN: See what I mean?
EZRA: Look, man, if you think you can write better lyrics, you go right ahead.
JULIAN: Fine. Maybe I will.
ADDISON: The entry deadline is coming up, Julian. Do you think you can write a love song by then?
JULIAN: I’ve been in a few relationships in my life. I might not be able to play guitar, but I know a lot more about love than a guy like Ezra. But I could use a little reminder. If we’re going to write an epic love song, we’ll need to do a little ‘research’ on romance.
[ Complete a Successful Date with Addison, Complete a Successful Date with Julian | None | 1000c ]
PAYTON: So? How did the dates go? Were you two inspired enough?
JULIAN: Well, uh… I guess you can see for yourself.
Julian hands Payton a sheet of paper, lyrics scrawled in pen across it. She reads…
PAYTON: Wow! This is… this is good!
ADDISON: I think so too.
PAYTON: We have to show the rest of the band!
Later, back at the Musician hangout, Payton sings Julian’s lyrics while the rest of you listen, enraptured.
PAYTON: ‘We may be young, but with you I’ve lived a thousand lives / And when we’re old, you’ll make me see the world through brand new eyes...’ Julian… It’s just lovely. This won’t just get us into the Battle of the Bands… I think we can win the whole thing with it!
NISHAN: Aww, who knew the big jock had such a big heart?
JULIAN: Tread lightly, Nishan.
NISHAN: Gulp!
EZRA: Cool, cool. Not bad. Let’s get practicing then, yeah?
Your band rehearses the new song together… but Ezra and Julian quickly fall out of sync!
EZRA: Julian, you’re falling behind!
JULIAN: Don’t play so fast. It’s a love song!
EZRA: Just follow my lead. Trust me on this, it’s better my way.
JULIAN: Says who?
ADDISON: Oh boy… we’d better get these two working together, and fast!
PAYTON: I have an idea how we can get them to bond.
ADDISON: Is it a party? I have a feeling you’re going to suggest a party.
[ Complete a Party with Julian and Ezra | None | 1100c ]
As the party ends, you spot Ezra and Julian playing a video game together…
EZRA: Whoa, look out!
JULIAN: Ezra, you cover that alley.
EZRA: And you’ll come around the side?
JULIAN: Already on it. Next, we should flank them around that barricade!
EZRA: My thoughts exactly!
PAYTON: Addison… I think it’s working!
The game goes on…
JULIAN: Aw yeah! I think that’s the last of them!
EZRA: Look out!
Ezra blasts an alien coming up behind Julian!
JULIAN: Hey… thanks.
EZRA: You’re my bandmate, dude. That means I have your back, no matter what.
Back at the Musician Hangout, you find Ezra and Julian in the studio, talking excitedly.
EZRA: And then when we hit the second verse breakdown--
JULIAN: The guitar can come back in!
EZRA: Exactly.
ADDISON: You guys sound like you’re on the same wavelength now.
EZRA: Bands are about trust. I know I’m the new guy still… but I think Julian trusts me just enough to stand me now.
JULIAN: Barely.
PAYTON: You guys are like a dream team. A dreamy team!
ADDISON: I’m glad we got the band back together, but we don’t have much time left to get our demo to KLOL!
EZRA: You’re right. It’s time to record. I know a producer who will mix and master our demo, but she doesn’t work for free…
[ Spend 40000 coins, Record! | None | 1200c ]
EZRA: Okay, Addison, we’re about to lay down your track. Let’s go over the chords.
ADDISON: Okay!
EZRA: The chorus goes ‘F… G… A-minor… C...’ Remember. ‘F… G… A-minor… C...’
ADDISON: Got it!
EZRA: Then let’s get rocking!
You tune your guitar and give a thumbs-up to Nishan through the glass. Julian’s drumming comes over your headset, about to break into the chorus! You strum… C… D… A-major… F…
ADDISON: How was that?
NISHAN: Um…
EZRA: It would’ve been great… if you played the right chords. Take five, and we’ll try again.
Julian’s drumming comes over your headset, about to break into the chorus! You strum… F… G… A-minor… C… The song stops, and Ezra’s voice barks over your headset.
EZRA: Cut! Print! Perfect, Addison! Flawless playing! Now come in here and take a listen.
After everyone’s recorded their parts, your band crowds into the studio to listen to the completed song. As the last chord rings out, you all stand there in stunned silence…
PAYTON: We… we sound amazing! Like, I would listen to that song all the time if I heard it on the radio!
NISHAN: I can’t even believe that’s us!
EZRA: That track is real. Real emotion for real people. I love it.
JULIAN: Can I have a copy of that, like immediately?
ADDISON: NOW we’re a band.
JULIAN: Nice work, team. We got the whole song done, and it’s only…
Julian looks at the clock on the wall, and his eyes go wide!
JULIAN: Oh no! It’s almost the deadline to enter the Battle of the Bands!
NISHAN: Don’t fret. We just have to email the radio station an MP3 copy of--
PAYTON: The rules say we have to bring them a physical CD!
NISHAN: What is this?! 2009?!
ADDISON: What are we gonna do?!
EZRA: Addison! We need to get across town, and FAST! Who’s the best driver at our school?
[ Addison, Ezra, A Level 6+ Gamer (Kennedy) | 7h | 1300c ]
ADDISON: Kennedy, you’re the best driver in school. Can you get us across town to KLOL’s headquarters before they close?
KENNEDY: Sounds impossible… for anyone else.
ADDISON: And don’t speed! If you get pulled over, there’s no way we’ll make it in time.
KENNEDY: Relax, Addison. I’ve got this… I know a shortcut.
Kennedy takes off in a sleek sports car, weaving through traffic. In the passenger seat, you clutch the demo CD tightly!
EZRA: Where are you going, Kennedy?! KLOL’s station is the other way!
KENNEDY: Yup! But none of these commuters know about the shortcut on Sheridan Road!
Soon, Kennedy screeches to a stop outside KLOL’s office!
KENNEDY: Ha! Made it! With a full minute to spare! I’d like to see anybody else pull that off…
EZRA: Addison, hurry! Get that disc inside!
You climb out of Kennedy’s car, sprint up the steps into the station… and slam the disc down on the receptionist’s desk!
ADDISON: Whew… we’d like… huff… to submit an application.
You walk back out to Kennedy’s car.
ADDISON: They took it. We’ve officially submitted our demo.
EZRA: Then let’s head back to school. The band will want to know.
[ Julian, Payton, Nishan | 13h | 1400c ]
You and Ezra return to campus, where you find Julian, Payton, and Nishan anxiously pacing.
PAYTON: So? Did you guys make it?
ADDISON: We did.
JULIAN: Now what do we do?
EZRA: Now… we wait.
You, Julian, Nishan, and Payton are lounging around the Musician Hangout, doing homework, when a figure appears in the doorway.
PAYTON: Ezra! What did they say?
Ezra looks at each of you in turn, his expression indecipherable. Then he holds up a thin envelope.
EZRA: We’re in. We’re in the Battle of the Bands.
Later that week…
EZRA: All right, Addison. Tonight’s the big night.
ADDISON: Do you think we’re ready?
EZRA: Yeah. I think we’re gonna rock more than a few socks off. And win or lose, I’m really glad I met you guys… That said, I plan on winning. Let’s get everyone together. It’s time to get our gear over to the venue.
* * *
[ Addison, Ezra, Julian | 6h | 600c ]
ADDISON: We’re ready to go!
PAYTON: Are we? This is our first real performance!
NISHAN: I’m usually more comfortable in virtual reality than, you know, REALITY reality.
JULIAN: Don’t worry, guys. We’re ready. We’ve got this.
ADDISON: I know we can do it!
EZRA: Everyone into my van… we’re heading to the Battle of the Bands!
You arrive at the concert venue. Dozens of bands crowd around backstage, unpacking their gear.
PAYTON: Wow… I knew the Battle of the Bands was big, but I didn’t know it was THIS big!
JULIAN: How many high schools have bands in this competition?
NISHAN: It looks like it’s not just high schools… a few COLLEGE BANDS are competing too!
PAYTON: No way! Is that even allowed?
EZRA: It’s not about the competition… it’s about US.
ADDISON: Yeah! We know we’ve got a killer song, and we’ve been practicing like crazy…
EZRA: ...and now we get to play that song in front of a real audience! This is what it’s all about, guys. Music connecting us with the fans… connecting us with real people!
Your bandmates unpack their belongings and head to the main stage.
PAYTON: Looks like we’re all ready to go…
NISHAN: I can’t wait to hear the acoustics of this venue! It’ll be like having a built-in reverb on our instruments!
Over the loudspeaker, a voice calls out that it’s time for your band’s sound check and rehearsal.
EZRA: Time to go! Everyone get ready for sound check!
[ Addison, Nishan, Payton | 8h | 800c ]
The band members plug into the concert hall’s system and check their instruments.
PAYTON: Check. Check one, two!
EZRA: Just got to adjust my tuning a little… and that does it!
Ezra strums his guitar, and the sound reverberates through the concert hall.
ADDISON: I could get used to the sound of our music playing out of fifty-foot amps!
NISHAN: The sheer wattage boggles the mind! I wonder what the RMS power is on these babies…
Ezra plays a short riff. Music fills the concert hall.
EZRA: Yeah… that feels good.
Suddenly, you hear a voice from behind you… ‘Not bad’.
ADDISON: Huh? Who said that?
Ezra turns around, and a look of recognition crosses his face.
EZRA: You… what are YOU doing here?
A figure steps out of the shadows…
JACK CARVER: I thought you were a solo act these days.
EZRA: What are you doing here, Carver?
JACK CARVER: Me? I came to win. I’m here with my new band, ‘Jack and the Jills’.
NISHAN: Does that mean all of the other people in your band are named ‘Jill’?
JACK CARVER: It’s just a clever name, nerd boy!
PAYTON: Hey! No one calls Nishan stupid names but us!
JACK CARVER: Speaking of names, what’s yours, beautiful?
EZRA: Stay away from her, Jack.
JACK CARVER: What’s the matter, Ezra… afraid history might repeat itself?
Ezra takes a step toward Jack, but Julian holds him back…
JULIAN: Easy buddy… you need to cool off!
EZRA: Get out of here, Jack… before I do something I’ll regret.
JACK CARVER: You’re still mad at me? I thought for sure you’d be over it by now.
EZRA: I told you to leave… we’ll settle this onstage!
JACK CARVER: I’ll look forward to it.
Jack turns and exits the stage.
ADDISON: What happened between you and that guy, Ezra?
EZRA: He’s nobody. Forget him. Let’s just finish this last practice, okay?
PAYTON: If you say so…
NISHAN: Not to change the subject, but we’d also better remember to drop off the entrance fee.
ADDISON: I’m on it! Let’s pay the fee and finish our final rehearsal!
[ Spend 15000 coins, Rehearse! | None | 50b ]
EZRA: Okay, everyone… let’s get this right!
Everyone starts to play…
ADDISON: Time for an epic guitar solo!
EZRA: You’ve just got to wait for the right moment to start… right after PAYTON finishes the chorus!
Julian starts drumming, crashing the symbols and pounding the snare.
JULIAN: …
Nishan plays a solo, his fingers flying across the keys…
NISHAN: …
Payton finishes the chorus, hitting the last notes especially hard!
PAYTON: ...our house of CARDS!
The band stops playing.
NISHAN: Uh… Addison? That’s supposed to be your cue.
ADDISON: My bad…
EZRA: Let’s take it from the top...
Julian starts drumming, crashing the symbols and pounding the snare.
JULIAN: …
Nishan plays a solo, his fingers flying across the keys…
NISHAN: …
Payton finishes the chorus, hitting the last notes especially hard!
PAYTON: ...our house of CARDS!
ADDISON: Here I go!
You nail your section, adding in a few improvisational flourishes.
PAYTON: Woo hoo! Good job, Addison!
JULIAN: Everyone rocked it! Nishan, that new keyboard solo you threw in was crazy good!
NISHAN: I was just riffing off those new snare drum beats you added in!
Everyone seems happy with the performance… everyone but Ezra.
EZRA: This isn’t working for me.
ADDISON: Huh? I don’t get it. What did we do wrong? Ezra? What did we do wrong?
EZRA: You’re not playing it right! Can’t you just play the song like we wrote it?!
NISHAN: But I like the way we improvise… it’s more fun…
EZRA: When you improvise, you take chances. When you take chances, you screw up!
ADDISON: Ezra… calm down. The band sounded great!
EZRA: Clearly we have different definitions of ‘great’. Just play it right, okay? I’ll be back in five.
He turns and walks out into the hall.
PAYTON: What’s wrong with him? He hasn’t seemed right ever since that skeezy guy Jack showed up…
ADDISON: Keep practicing, guys… I’m going to go talk to Ezra.
[ Addison, Ezra | 10h | 1000c ]
You find Ezra out in the hall.
ADDISON: Okay, Ezra… it’s time for you to tell me what’s going on.
EZRA: It’s nothing.
ADDISON: If it’s nothing, how come you’re yelling at the band for no reason?
EZRA: I had plenty of reasons! All that improvising is going to ruin our chance at winning!
ADDISON: Ezra… come on. What happened with you and Jack?
EZRA: I don’t like to talk about it… but I guess I owe you an explanation. I’ve told you before that I used to be in a band… Well, it was a good band. A great one, actually. It was me on guitar, Jack on vocals, and my girlfriend Lena on bass. Lena was the love of my life… at least, I thought so anyway…
ADDISON: This doesn’t sound good…
EZRA: Yeah. I’m pretty sure you can tell where this is going… I showed up early for practice one day and walked in on her and Jack making out. My girl and my best friend… oldest story in the book. After that, I was out of the band…
ADDISON: I had no idea… honestly, I’m kind of surprised you used to have a serious girlfriend!
EZRA: Yeah… I was pretty different back then.
ADDISON: Maybe getting your heart broken turned you into a little more of a… er… someone who dates casually?
EZRA: It’s all in the past now, right?
ADDISON: Are you kidding? No WONDER you have trouble trusting in your bandmates after getting burned like that! So Jack and Lena… they’re a couple now?
EZRA: That’s the worst part. He dumped her like two weeks after I caught them cheating. I trusted him like a brother… and he ruined my life over some little fling.
ADDISON: I’m sorry that happened… That must have really hurt, and seeing Jack must have opened up some old wounds. But it doesn’t change what we’re trying to do here… Earlier today, you said you wanted our music to connect with people. I still think we can do that!
EZRA: Can we? I’m starting to think I just need to get out of here…
As you keep talking, you hear footsteps approach. The door opens, and the rest of your band comes out.
PAYTON: The show is coming up soon…
JULIAN: So before this ‘talking about your feelings’ party drags on TOO long, we’ve got something to say…
[ Julian, Nishan, Payton | 12h | 1200c ]
ADDISON: Sorry, guys, but Ezra and I are talking about some, uh, personal issues here!
EZRA: No… it’s okay. If they’ve got something to say, I want to hear them out.
JULIAN: We didn’t hear everything… but we got the gist.
PAYTON: Ezra’s last band ended up giving him… trust issues.
NISHAN: But this time it’ll be different… and we’re going to tell you why!
PAYTON: Here’s the thing, Ezra… it sounds like you had some drama with Jack in the past… But that was your OLD band! This is a brand new one!
JULIAN: I’ve had football games where I lost by a half-dozen touchdowns… but the next week, we rallied and won!
NISHAN: Yeah. You can’t let ONE little lab fire make you give up on chemistry!
JULIAN: The point is, man… we don’t know what happened in the past… but we’re here NOW, and we’ve got your back!
ADDISON: At our school, we don’t betray each other… and the same goes for our band!
NISHAN: Whatever happened with your old band, we’re different!
PAYTON: We’re on your side. For us it’s bandmates once… bandmates forever!
NISHAN: Now are you ready to make some rock and roll?
EZRA: You know what? Yes I am! The truth is, you guys are GOOD… and I need to trust you.
JULIAN: Right on, man!
PAYTON: Let’s go be rock stars!
The Battle of the Bands begins! Bands from your rival schools take the stage in turns. Some are a little played-out…
KATHERINE: ...who’s ready for our a capella medley of some 80s songs?
...other bands are interesting.
CHELSEA: Britney inspired my fashion sense… and my musical taste! This cover goes out to a certain ex-boyfriend of mine… it’s called ‘Womanizer’!
...but Jack’s band is actually intimidating!
JACK CARVER: Any of you ever heard a song called ‘Stairway to Heaven’? Well this song I wrote is even better! They lyrics are inspired by real events. It’s called ‘Your Girl is a Lousy Kisser’.
EZRA: …
ADDISON: You okay?
EZRA: I will be… after we win this thing and send Jack home without a prize.
ADDISON: Let’s get ready to go out there and rock!
[ Addison, Ezra, Payton | 7h | 700c ]
Your band walks onstage, and the lights come up. The crowd cheers.
ADDISON: This is really it!
Ezra strums his guitar, the chord emanating through the room and quieting the audience.
EZRA: Here goes nothing...
Your band begins to play… and the crowd loves it! Julian’s drumbeats are better than ever…
JULIAN: …
And Payton is killing it on vocals!
PAYTON: ‘I’m sick of the clubs and the diamonds… but we’ve got heart in spades...’
And as usual, Ezra’s guitar solos are incredible.
EZRA: …
But it still seems like the crowd isn’t cheering as hard as they did for Jack’s band!
ADDISON: What do we do?
EZRA: Easy… Jack’s band was good… polished. But if you ask me, they were TOO rehearsed. We’ve got to take this to the NEXT LEVEL, Addison! Time to do your thing!
Just as Payton finishes singing the chorus, Ezra points to you. He wants you to improvise! You reel off an amazing guitar solo, eliciting a huge cheer from the crowd!
EZRA: Yeah! Rock on, Addison!
ADDISON: Thanks, Ezra!
As you finish the performance, the crowd cheers louder! Now, everyone joins in, improvising and playing more solos!
JULIAN: …
NISHAN: …
With each new riff, the crowd cheers louder and louder!
EZRA: That’s what I’m talking about!
As the song ends, the audience’s applause is deafening!
PAYTON: Thank you! Thank you, and good night!
Your band exits the stage.
EZRA: Now it all comes down to the crowd… they’ll pull all the bands onstage and let the crowd noise decide the winner!
ADDISON: In that case, I’ll text a couple of our biggest fans out in the crowd and make sure they’re EXTRA loud!
[ A Cheerleader, A Cheerleader, A Student Gov (Ollie, Nat, Hadley) | 13h | 1300c ]
In the crowd, Ollie, Nat, and Hadley get your text!
OLLIE: Sounds like Addison’s band needs us to cheer extra loud!
NAT: Heh. I was going to do that anyway!
HADLEY: Time to rally some support with a catchy slogan! ‘Only someone taking stupid pills… would cheer for Jack and the Jills!’
NAT: We need to cheer FOR Addison, not AGAINST the competition.
HADLEY: My bad… negative advertising can be sort of a reflex. And it was a great rhyme! But you’re right… we’ve got to stay positive! Yeah, Addison and the Selfies! You rock!
OLLIE: Ha ha! That name gets me every time.
HADLEY: Yes we can… cheer for Addison!
NAT: Addison is so hot!
The announcer brings out a huge Applause-O-Meter to measure the crowd noise and calls all of the bands up onstage. Each band seems to get more applause than the last, and Jack and the Jills generate a huge explosion of cheering!
JACK CARVER: Yeah, yeah… you know you love me.
Finally, the judge announces your band…
OLLIE: Woo hoo!
NAT: You guys rock!
HADLEY: Drill, baby, drill… I mean, Addison, baby, Addison!
The Applause-O-Meter whirs and blinks, filling up all the way! You win!
JULIAN: We did it!
PAYTON: Best band ever!
JACK CARVER: No way I’m losing to your pathetic, second-tier band, Ezra!
EZRA: I think you just did!
Ezra turns away from Jack to congratulate the rest of the band…
JACK CARVER: Looks like you’ve already forgotten the biggest lesson I taught you… always watch your back!
Jack lunges at Ezra!
JULIAN: Not so fast!
Before Jack can hit Ezra, Julian body-checks him off the stage!
JACK CARVER: Oof!
As Jack falls, the fans catch him and crowd-surf him out of the exit.
EZRA: Thanks, Julian. I guess you really do have my back.
NISHAN: Huzzah! Our enemy is vanquished! Our band is victorious!
PAYTON: Only one things left to do… celebrate!
[ Complete a Party with Ezra | None | 2000c ]
Back at school, the band hosts a massive party!
NISHAN: I’m not sure I can handle this rockstar lifestyle! I’ve had like three Mountain Dews!
PAYTON: It’s a party! Live it up! Dance with me!
NISHAN: Me? Dance… with you?
Payton and Nishan head out to the dance floor.
EZRA: It’s good to see everyone having so much fun… and it’s all thanks to you, Addison.
ADDISON: No way. At this school, everything we do, it’s as a team.
JULIAN: Bandmates forever!
EZRA: Bandmates forever.
As the party continues, the DJ cuts the music, and your band takes the stage.
ADDISON: Okay… who’s ready for an encore?
The crowd cheers!
EZRA: Okay, everyone… here we go again.
Your band plays late into the night as everyone at school dances around you!
* * *
[ Have Ezra | None | 50b ]
EZRA: Guys, I am about to drop a MAJOR bombshell on you. As winners of KLOL’s Battle of the Bands, we were just invited to perform at none other than the Red Canyon Music Festival!
PAYTON: No way! I literally don’t believe you!
JULIAN: That’s the biggest music festival in the state!
NISHAN: They draw upwards of ten thousand people a year!
EZRA: Well, we’re playing at the crack of dawn, but still… This is an amazing opportunity. This could make or break us.
ADDISON: This all sounds awesome, Ezra. Is this thing official?
EZRA: It will be… just as soon as we sign the contract!
You find Ezra hunched over a thick packet of papers, rubbing his brow.
EZRA: ‘Solely and exclusively… in perpetuity and throughout the universe… now known or hereafter devised?’ What does this even MEAN?
ADDISON: Everything okay, Ezra?
EZRA: Oh, hey, Addison. Just going over our contract to play at Red Canyon. I’m trying to make sure they’re not stealing our work or something, but this legalese is impossible to read! Worse than that, I’m stuck here trying to translate the contract into a human language when I SHOULD be practicing.
ADDISON: So… what do we do?
EZRA: Honestly? I think it’s time the band hired a manager.
ADDISON: Not a bad idea. And I might know JUST the right person for the job.
[ Ezra, Mia | 4h | 400c ]
You and Ezra are strolling through the mall’s most expensive department store, on the lookout for immaculately conditioned blonde hair.
ADDISON: There she is.
You point out Mia, who’s standing at the checkout desk, debating with the store manager.
MIA: Look, I’m on your side here. I want us both to get what we want. So let’s do this. I’ll stack these coupons, apply next month’s sale price, and I’ll promise to buy all of my non-pink, non-purple blouses here for the next thirty days. Sounds like we have a deal!
EZRA: Did… did she just manage to snag that five-hundred dollar purse for free?
ADDISON: See! She’s a born contract lawyer! We HAVE to convince her to manage us.
EZRA: Hey, Mia, let me ask you something? Do you like arguing with people?
MIA: Sure!
EZRA: Do you like making them give you money?
MIA: Duh!
EZRA: Then how would you like to be our band manager?
MIA: You had me at ‘arguing’.
ADDISON: Then welcome aboard, Mia!
Back at school…
EZRA: So this is the contract the music festival sent us. Think it looks good?
Mia reads over the packet for a few moments… and dumps it in the trash bin!
MIA: If they think they can claim all the allied, ancillary, and subsidiary rights without a fight, they’re dreaming! Let me make a few calls. Oh, and I’ll need a couple of legal assistants.
[ Mia, A Student Gov, A Student Gov (Hadley, Joss) | 6h | 600c ]
ADDISON: So what’s your plan?
MIA: One of the problems with negotiating an amateur band’s contract is that… well, we have no leverage. If we wanted to walk away, they’d let us without blinking. MY job is to make sure they’re desperate to have us. So I plan on selling them on the idea of how much money they’ll make selling the concert video as your band’s first ever festival show, BEFORE you became global superstars.
EZRA: I sure like the sound of that.
HADLEY: And I’ve compiled a list of state statutes to throw in their face when they try to give us the runaround.
JOSS: Someone’s about to get straight-up LAWYERED!
HADLEY: Permission to approach the bench for a high-five?
JOSS: Permission granted!
ADDISON: Sounds like you guys have it all figured out!
MIA: Are you ready, Hadley and Joss? Let’s negotiate!
Your band gathers in your practice space…
ADDISON: So how’d the contract negotiations go?
HADLEY: Done and done!
JOSS: Did we mention ‘done’?
MIA: Not only did we double your pay, we pushed your show back from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.! You’re actually opening for Jim Fox!
JULIAN: You’re joking.
PAYTON: That is almost TOO cool!
ADDISON: Jim Fox? Who’s that?
EZRA: The man is a living legend! The King Midas of guitarists! Any riff he touches is straight gold! I can’t believe we’re opening for Jim Fox. I mean, THE Jim Fox!
PAYTON: Even I’ve heard of him… and I mostly listen to Disney soundtracks!
EZRA: We have to get practicing right now!
NISHAN: But we just finished a three hour jam s--
EZRA: NOW!
[ Ezra, Payton, Julian | 8h | 800c ]
The band starts practicing again…
PAYTON: My vocal chords are starting to hurt.
NISHAN: And my fingers are cramping up.
EZRA: Art is suffering! We’re playing in front of Jim Fox! Do you want him to see you fail?
JULIAN: No?
EZRA: Exactly. Now let’s take it from the top!
Later, you’re running through a song for the twentieth time… And Ezra misses a note in a solo! His amp screeches!
PAYTON: Aah! That was loud!
NISHAN: I didn’t know the human ear could even detect those frequencies!
EZRA: Sorry, guys…
JULIAN: Ezra, are you gonna be good to go at the show? You seem a little, uh, tense.
EZRA: I’m totally chill. I promise.
ADDISON: Right… totally chill… Don’t worry, Ezra… it’s just another gig. No need to put so much pressure on yourself!
MIA: Actually, Addison, that’s not quite true… It’s my job to tell you guys the harsh reality. And the fact is, if you blow this show… you may never get another chance like this… And on that happy note, it’s time to head to the festival! Grab your bags!
ADDISON: Ezra, sit next to me on the way up… we need to talk.
[ Addison, Ezra | 10h| 1000c ]
Your band squeezes aboard a van bound for the Red Canyon Music Festival. You climb in the back with Ezra.
ADDISON: So? What’s the deal?
EZRA: What are you talking about?
ADDISON: You know you’ve been acting weird ever since our timeslot was moved. Are you going to talk me through what’s going on with you?
EZRA: I’m good, really, Addison. It’s no big deal.
ADDISON: Ezra, this is the biggest deal of your life so far. It’s okay to feel the pressure. Besides… we’ve got a long car ride ahead of us.
EZRA: Well… okay, I’ll talk. The thing is… Jim Fox was the first guitarist I ever really loved. Listening to him, I felt such a rush. That feeling behind his riffs… it’s the reason I picked up a guitar in the first place.
ADDISON: I get it… Jim Fox isn’t just some famous rock star. He’s your idol.
EZRA: Exactly. And what if I don’t have what it takes? I could embarrass myself in front of the one person I always wanted to be.
ADDISON: Our band has what it takes! I know this is a ton of pressure… But you’ve got four other people backing you up out there, on your side!
EZRA: I guess that’s true. It’s not all on me… but I still have this sense that I need to prove myself to Jim Fox. To show him I’m worthy of his approval! And impressing a guy like him? That’s got to be practically impossible.
ADDISON: I understand… I’m not saying this is going to be easy. But it’s the hard moments in life that show us who we really are! Like… how can you know how good you actually are until you play in front of the best?
EZRA: I guess I can’t know until I try.
ADDISON: More than that, you can’t want to be Jim Fox. You never will be. Because you’ll always be you. So just try to be the best you that you can be.
EZRA: You’re pretty smart, you know that, Addison? Thanks for the pep talk.
ADDISON: What are bandmates for?
Finally, your van pulls up at the Red Canyon Music Festival, and your band climbs out after a long, cramped ride.
JULIAN: This stage is even bigger than I imagined! It’s MASSIVE!
PAYTON: Look how many people there are! They must be from all over the country!
MIA: Welcome to the big time! All right, let’s start unloading the gear.
EZRA: That can wait a bit. This festival has some of the best acts on Earth playing, so I vote that we go check them out, take in the sights, sounds, and smells!
PAYTON: I can do without the smells, but otherwise I’m in!
NISHAN: Hey, look over there! It’s a whole bunch of our classmates! They came to support us!
ADDISON: Let’s go say hi!
[ A Musician except Ezra, A Glee Club Member, a DJ (Eddie, Briar, Izzy) | 12h | 1200c ]
ADDISON: Good to see you guys!
EDDIE: Of course! We wouldn’t miss your show!
PAYTON: But we don’t play for a few hours.
JULIAN: Maybe we should check out some of the other bands in the meantime!
Everyone looks over the daily schedule of performances.
EDDIE: Oh wow! There’s a really good indie rock band, Tweezer!
BRIAR: And I want to see The Bad Squids! Their singer hits the highest notes I’ve ever heard!
IZZY: Obviously, I’m gonna go check out DJ DangerRatt…
ADDISON: Those all sound great!
EDDIE: In that case, you should come check them out with us!
BRIAR: Yeah! You’ve got some time, right?
ADDISON: I’m in!
You spend the next few hours checking out different bands with your friends.
EDDIE: Yeah! Go Tweezer! So classic! You know I liked them before they were cool, right?
ADDISON: Haven’t they been around for like ten years?
EDDIE: I was a very precocious kindergartner!
And at the Bad Squids performance…
BRIAR: Wow! Listen to the pipes on this vocalist!
ADDISON: She’s incredible!
And at the DJ DangerRatt show…
IZZY: These beats!
ADDISON: These beats!
IZZY: THESE BEATS!
Later on, you reunite with your band and start preparing for your set.
ADDISON: Wow… that was awesome. I just hope our performance measures up.
MIA: Yeah, no pressure, but it would be great if you could really nail tonight’s performance!
ADDISON: Uh… why’s that?
MIA: There are a ton of execs from indie labels here! Put on a good show, and who knows what doors might open? Maybe you’d even get signed!
ADDISON: Right… no pressure.
Just then, Ezra accidentally drops his guitar pick, as he’s practicing a solo!
ADDISON: Everything okay, Ezra?
EZRA: What? Uh… yeah. Doing just fine.
Mia pulls you and Payton aside.
MIA: Clearly everything is NOT fine! Ezra is crazy nervous.
PAYTON: Part of it must be the pressure of wanting to put on a good show and maybe get a record deal…
ADDISON: But remember, he’s still nervous about meeting Jim Fox! I know we talked about it, but I think it’s still kind of freaking Ezra out.
PAYTON: That’s too bad… I’m sure Jim Fox is just a regular guy.
MIA: That’s it! All we have to do is arrange a meeting with Jim Fox and Ezra! That’ll make Ezra less nervous to perform in front of him.
ADDISON: Great idea! Let’s do it!
[ Addison, Mia, Ezra | 14h | 1400c ]
MIA: Okay! It’s all set up… I arranged with Jim Fox’s people to have Ezra meet him backstage!
ADDISON: Great! Let’s do this.
A few minutes later…
EZRA: Uh… guys? Where are we going? Shouldn’t we be practicing right now?
ADDISON: You’ll see in just a second!
You, Ezra, and Mia walk backstage to see Jim Fox, plucking a guitar!
EZRA: Is that… is that…?
ADDISON: Ezra, allow us to introduce you to Jim Fox!
As you and Mia watch, Ezra approaches Jim Fox.
MIA: Let’s keep our distance so they can have a moment together…
As you watch, Ezra and Jim Fox talk for a few seconds… but Ezra doesn’t seem to be saying much.
ADDISON: Oh no! He’s totally starstruck! I never thought that would happen to Ezra… he’s usually Mr. Cool!
MIA: Looks like my idea backfired… big time.
Jim Fox takes a photo out from his guitar case, signs it, and hands it to Ezra. They shake hands, and then Jim Fox walks away.
EZRA: …
You and Mia run up to Ezra.
MIA: What happened?
EZRA: I… I got so tongue-tied I didn’t even tell him I’m a musician! He thought I was just a FAN! I couldn’t even pronounce my own name around him.
He shows you the signed photo, which reads ‘To Eddie’. As you reunite with the rest of the band, Ezra looks shell-shocked.
EZRA: I can’t believe Jim Fox thinks I’m just a… fan. That’s it. I’m done. I’m officially giving up and going to live in a cave for a couple of decades.
PAYTON: Now wait just a second! You can’t give up now!
JULIAN: Your whole life, you’ve dreamed of making it big as a musician! You’re going to let THIS stop you?
MIA: And what about your bandmates? Are you just going to hang them out to dry? They need you, Ezra! And anyway… who cares about impressing some old rock star?
ADDISON: I think what Mia is trying to say is that you’ve always played music because you love it. Not to impress other people!
NISHAN: Forget about Jim Fox. Play this show for Ezra!
EZRA: I… I… I can do it! Let’s go play the show of our lives!
Ezra rejoins the rest of the band as you and Mia huddle up.
MIA: Okay, it looks like Ezra’s on board… it’s almost showtime. Now for a little last-minute audience management! Time to call all of your most enthusiastic fans! We’ll make sure they cheer extra-loud to get the rest of the audience pumped up!
[ A Cheerleader, A Student Gov, A Band Member (Emery, Hadley, Devin) | 16h | 1600c ]
A ton of students from your school show up, cheering on your band!
EMERY: Ezra, Ezra, he’s our man… if he can’t rock this, no one can!
HADLEY: Excellent sloganeering, Emery! I’ll add that one to my spreadsheet!
DEVIN: The whole band is here to cheer you guys on, Addison! Rock this place!
Thanks to your friends cheering, a crowd begins to gather around the stage.
ADDISON: Awesome! By showtime, we should have a huge audience!
Your friends rally the crowd, which has grown epically huge!
DEVIN: Yeah, Addison and the Selfies! You rock!
EMERY: Ha ha! That name STILL gets me every time.
HADLEY: …
EMERY: What’s wrong, Hadley?
HADLEY: I’m trying to think of a catchy slogan… but nothing rhymes with Ezra! Pez-ra? Fez-ra?
EMERY: In that case, refer to cheerleading rule number thirty-seven. If you can’t cheer WELL… cheer LOUD!
HADLEY: Okay, then… GO EZRA! WOO HOO!
EMERY: Whoa! Nice cheering, Hadley!
As the crowd cheers, your band waits nervously backstage.
ADDISON: Everyone ready?
JULIAN: Heck yeah!
NISHAN: I was born ready… well, not literally. I was born a baby who had no idea how to play keyboard… but I’m ready now!
ADDISON: How about you, Ezra?
EZRA: I guess we’ll both find out soon…
[ Payton, Julian, Nishan | 11h | 1100c ]
Your band takes the stage, and the crowd roars! Thousands of people pack the audience!
ADDISON: Thank you, Red Canyon Music Festival!
PAYTON: Who’s ready to rock?
Just then, you see Ezra looking offstage and spot Jim Fox watching you.
EZRA: …
Sweat drops from Ezra’s brow. His hands are shaking.
ADDISON: Hey, Ezra… you can do this.
EZRA: I hope you’re right.
ADDISON: Then here goes nothing...
Your band plays great for the first half of your opening song… then it comes time for Ezra to perform his solo!
ADDISON: Come on buddy… you can do it!
Ezra starts playing… and completely rocks out, playing better than ever!
EZRA: Here’s a little something I learned from watching Jimi Hendrix!
JULIAN: Yeah! Go Ezra!
As Ezra winds down his solo, the audience lets out a deafening cheer!
ADDISON: We did it!
After the show, your band is packing up your gear when a figure approaches…
ADDISON: Guys… it’s Jim Fox!
MIA: He says he wants to talk to Ezra.
EZRA: He does?
ADDISON: Go on, Ezra… go talk to him. We can finish packing up without you.
[ Ezra | 15h | 1500c ]
Ezra and Jim Fox step out of earshot and start talking…
ADDISON: You think it’ll go better this time?
MIA: I hope so… I definitely prefer super-confident, flirty Ezra to starstruck, tongue-tied Ezra.
ADDISON: Me too...
Ezra comes back beaming.
ADDISON: So?
EZRA: So… he liked the way I played!
ADDISON: And?
EZRA: ...and he asked for MY autograph. He said it ‘was gonna be worth something one day’.
ADDISON: You know what… I think Jim Fox is on to something there.
EZRA: Heh. Thanks, Addison… for believing in me. Even when I got nervous.
ADDISON: Always.
The band finishes packing up, then heads back out into the audience. Jim Fox is just going up onstage.
PAYTON: Woo hoo! Go Jim Fox!
EZRA: After all of that pressure earlier, it feels pretty good to just sit back and enjoy some music.
Later, back at school…
MIA: Good news, Addison! After your performance, I got a call from a booking agency… They want the band to go on tour and play some shows around the state! The only question is… are you ready to take the next step?
