#Beat Instrumental Magazine

[savage-kult-of-gorthaur]

"AND WE ALL LOVED NICE RAW R&B, AND IT WAS THE MOST ACCESSIBLE MUSIC TO PLAY FOR US."

PIC INFO: Spotlight on English musician Dick Taylor, founding member and lead guitarist for THE PRETTY THINGS, and one-time member of THE ROLLING STONES (1962-1962), from the portrait gallery of '60s rock & pop magazine"Beat Instrumental," c. 1965.

DICK TAYLOR: "The same thing applies, very much, to the Pretty Things. [There was] never any question of arguing as to what direction we were going to go, because we all kind of knew what that was. We all knew what we regarded as hip music, and it coincided very much. One of the great things about art school was that everybody at lunch time would come and bring their records in. There was a lot of different styles being played. Someone would have, like, Thelonious Monk at Town Hall. I really got into that. Another guy brought Joey Dee and the Starliters.  No one went, I'm not listening to this shit or anything.

But having said that, what kind of to a certain extent controlled what we played was what we could play. And we all loved nice raw R&B, and it was the most accessible music to play for us.  And we'd all sort of listen to folky stuff and try to play that.  But the thing we really wanted to do was electric guitars and make noise.  And that's the stuff we were most into."

-- DICK TAYLOR interview with Richie Unterberger

Sources: www.picuki.com/media/3408996801430770630 & www.richieunterberger.com/taylor.html.

[forever70s]

Joe Cocker on the cover of Feb. 1969 Beat Instrumental magazine

[hide-your-bugs-away]

Quite a zoo you got there, Connie... 👀🐾

(more photos under the cut!)

[bloodybosom]

[eseomo]

I was interviewed for this issue of The Wire. Buy or subscribe here.

Stream ASSMIX 5000.

[gwopmagazine]

BEEZY “REEL Muzik” streaming now on all digital platforms

BEEZY drops an instrumental EP titled REEL Muzik available now on all streaming platforms This is the first volume of instrumental EPs produced by BEEZY. GWOP University Recordings 2023 all rights reserved https://distrokid.com/hyperfollow/beezy20/reel-muzik

[spookysteddie]

Cover Girl

modern!rockstar!Eddie Munson x Influencer!reader

cw: public nudity, topless photoshoot, album covers, implied smut at the end, pet names.

wc: 1.5k

A/N: I hope you enjoy this little one shot! The aesthetic for this is very much 'Ethel Cain' (sorry not sorry) and the 70s style wood paneling even though that has like very little to do with the fic? Anyway, I enjoyed writing this!!

...

You’ve done a lot of photoshoots in your life. Some for magazines, some for your social media, some for brands. So many that, at this point, you shouldn’t be this nervous. 

This photoshoot is different. 

This photoshoot is for Corroded Coffins album. The cover of the album to be exact, so you’re practically shitting yourself as your team finishes your makeup. Your team thought this would be an incredible opportunity and the rest of the band was more than excited. According to Eddie, it was their idea and they practically begged him to agree to it. 

“Are you excited?” Your hair stylist asks you and she fixes your hair. It’s supposed to be… effortlessly messy. There is a very high chance no one will even see your hair but better to be safe than sorry. 

You smile at her through the mirror, being careful not to disturb your makeup artist, “yes and no. We haven’t been together long so I’m just scared.” 

Which was true. 

You had this weird fear that if you and Eddie broke up during this albums era, it would be the end of your career. Your therapist, of course, reminded you how harmful that mindset could be. You agreed but it didn’t mean it didn’t chew at the back of your mind. The chances of that happening were extremely low, but there was still a chance. Then your voice is immortalized on his album along with your body and face on his album covers. 

Eddie, to his credit, had reassured you that he didn’t care. Well, not that he didn’t care, he cares about you and your feelings. But the point is that, in his own words, even if you two didn't work out, it would be a reminder of you and, allegedly, he wants to remember you for the rest of his life. It calmed your fears slightly. 

Your hairstylist finishes, spraying your hair with hairspray, “well, I think you’re the perfect fit for this cover. You are so beautiful that no one would ever regret putting you on their cover art.” 

You smile, your throat getting a little tight at her words. “Thank you. Means a lot.” 

… 

You’re in little more than a pair of blue jeans, inside a house that looks like it’s stuck in the 70s. You haven’t seen carpet like this in a very long time. It makes you laugh a little, remembering your best friends house, her parents refused to upgrade it even though they totally could’ve. 

You hold a rob to your chest, leaving your back exposed but keeping your chest covered for now. Eddie smiles when he sees you, “well don’t you look pretty.” 

You feel your face and body go warm, “you’re sweet.” 

He kisses your forehead, more than knowing that your makeup artist will beat his ass for ruining your lipstick. “I mean it.” 

You smile shyly, shaking your head a little. You know he means it but no man has ever made you feel as wanted and appreciated as Eddie does. He tells you how pretty you are at least three times a day and he always makes sure to kiss you goodnight. 

Needless to say, he was perfection in a human being. 

“How do you want me?” You look up at him with big eyes, eyes that make his cock twitch in his pants. He needs to give your hair and makeup team a very large bonus because you look ever more fuckable than you typically do. 

Eddie hands you his precious guitar, his baby. His hands shake slightly and you can tell he’s a little nervous of letting anyone but him handle this instrument. And he is nervous. This guitar has been with him through all the ups and downs of his life. 

From leaving Hawkins to signing his first record deal, that guitar has been there. It’s a reminder of where he’s been and where he’s going. Is it super easy to break guitars? No. If you happen to drop it the worst that might happen is a scratch, maybe a dent. 

But you knew better than that. You reach out, gripping the neck of the guitar tightly, Eddie also holding on. You drop the robe, previously agreeing to being topless but covered by the guitar. You put the strap over your shoulder, only letting the robe go when you have the guitar covering you. 

Eddie let's go and you can tell he’s trying really hard to not look at your chest, to not make you uncomfortable in front of everyone. You’re more than comfortable with your nudity, especially around Eddie, but you appreciate the respect. 

You grin up at him, “again, how do you want me?” You bat your lashes at him as you ask. 

He takes a shuddering breath, “we-we were thinking of having you lay down, knees under you with the guitar covering your c-chest.” Eddie swallows, letting his eyes dip to your chest for only a moment before meeting your eyes again. 

You lean up, kissing him sweetly, “absolutely baby.” 

You head to the middle of the room, being careful not to flash everyone as you get to your knees. “Should we start with a few of me just on my knees?” You give Eddie big bedroom eyes as you ask. 

He shifts foot to foot before the photographer answers, “actually that might be a good idea! Give us some options just in case.” 

You smile and pose, making sure the guitar is covering your tits correctly. The camera flashes and you blink a little, trying to wipe away the new, green specks in front of your face. But you pull it together, moving and posing in all the ways you could. 

“Okay, now lay back and keep your legs under you.” 

You lay back, settling yourself on the scratchy carpet and letting your hair lay around you like a halo. You let your hand curl around the neck and the other resting on the body. The strap covers your breast, the body covering the other one. 

If you asked Eddie, you looked like a fucking angel. Like a little rock goddess. Eddie hasn’t ever felt this way about anyone ever. He think you’re the most beautiful woman to ever exist, not to mention so fucking kind to every single person you ever come in contact with. Eddie wishes he could be more like you in that sense. 

Isn’t there a saying that's like ‘opposites attract’? That’s what you and Eddie are, opposites, but it works more than he wanted to admit. Sure, deep down he has this horrible fear he’s going to fuck it up. He knows he probably should give you more credit than he is, but he’s terrified that one wrong move and that is it. It’s how it usually went with the girls he dates. 

But he knew you weren’t usual. In the good way of course. Eddie doesn’t really know why he knows, but he does. He knows the feelings he has for you run deep and ever since the string theory got brought up, he’s been feeling the tug more. It’s an emotion he doesn’t want to (and can’t) name. Eddie feels it’s just slightly too early and again he doesn’t want to scare you. 

The photographer snaps photos of you from all angles, making sure to give the guys and Eddie plenty of options for the cover. They’d wanted the album cover to be simple and had confessed to Eddie that they thought you’d be perfect. They may or may not have confessed that they enjoy having you around and that they think you’re good for Eddie. 

“Okay! We’re done! Great job Miss. Asher, you were beautiful as ever.” Eddie watches you smile, gripping the neck of the guitar so you don’t somehow drop it. 

Eddie puts you out of your misery, handing you your robe and covering you so you can take the guitar off and slip the robe on. Once it’s settled around your shoulders he kisses the side of your head.

…

The photos and mock up of the cover come back a few weeks later. They’d all chosen the one of you on the floor, back arched slightly and not looking at the camera. You don’t know what filters they used but the photo looks old school. It looks like they took it on a disposable camera and you couldn’t love it anymore. 

Eddie’s eyes get wide when he sees the finished product. 

“God… this is so perfect.” He whispers it and you know he didn’t mean for you to hear it. But it’s sweet regardless. 

You zoom in just a little, “god this is such a vibe and I am obsessed.” 

He looks over, a big, beautiful grin on his face, “I’m glad you like it too. And um… thank you for all your help with this album.” 

You smile softly, kissing him, “of course. Thank you for letting me be a part of it.” 

He kisses you deeply, laying you back on the bed. 

“Let me really thank you, yeah?” 

You swallow, nodding, “I would love that. Always love the way you thank me.” 

Eddie smirks, ducking below the covers and worshiping you till you can’t take it anymore. 

[cartermagazine]

Today We Honor Lee Morgen

Lee Morgan was one of hard bop’s greatest trumpeters, and indeed one of the finest players of the ‘60s. An all-around master of his instrument modeled after Clifford Brown, Morgan boasted an effortless, virtuosic technique and a full, supple, muscular tone that was just as powerful in the high register.

His playing was always emotionally charged, regardless of the specific mood: cocky and exuberant on uptempo groovers, blistering on bop-oriented technical showcases, sweet and sensitive on ballads.

In his early days as a teen prodigy, Morgan was a busy soloist with a taste for long, graceful lines, and honed his personal style while serving an apprenticeship in both Dizzy Gillespie’s big band and Art Blakey’s Jazz Messengers.

Due to the crossover success of “The Sidewinder” in a rapidly changing pop music market, Blue Note encouraged its other artists to emulate the tune’s “boogaloo” beat. Morgan himself repeated the formula several times with compositions such as “Cornbread” (from the eponymous album Cornbread) and “Yes I Can, No You Can’t” on The Gigolo.

CARTER™️ Magazine

[keepingupwithzaynmalik]

Zayn is always working on music, even if he doesn’t plan on releasing it publicly. There’s stuff he makes for fun on GarageBand, mostly rap beats and instrumental music, built around little movie quotes or other samples. There’s the slick pop-R&B he is best known for and promises is still part of his brand. “I don’t want to give too much away, but I’m working on a lot of music, and I might even be releasing another record pretty soon,” he says. And then there are the songs that make up Room Under the Stairs, some of which date back five or six years. “I like to bounce from one thing to another,” he says. “It happens fast for me: I get a vibe, I’ll write a song in two or three hours, and I’ll have the whole thing cut that evening.”

via NYLON Magazine

[savage-kult-of-gorthaur]

"BUT IT ALL STARTED HAPPENING FOR HIM WHEN HE WAS ASKED TO JOIN THE PRETTY THINGS."

PIC INFO: Spotlight on cartoon art of Viv Prince, drummer for English rhythm & blues band THE PRETTY THINGS, from the pages of "Beat Instrumental" UK pop and rock magazine. Pic uploaded by @fundacionclub45 on August 5, 2024.

Source: www.picuki.com/media/3425843730494892470.

[forever70s]

Charlie Watts on the Nov. 1965 cover of Beat Instrumental magazine

[hide-your-bugs-away]

...gathering every issue of Beat Instrumental with the Animals on the cover has been a SUCCESS.

[kelseytheballerina]

what do i do if i end up going back on my word? what if i end up watching netflix on a weekday? i’ll feel really bad about myself but how do i make sure i don’t do it again? i’m scared that i’ll start off really well but then i’ll fall off after 2 weeks and my body will feel tired and i’ll just take a ‘me day’ for a day and then the me day become dayS for the rest of the challenge :(

Very real fear, seems like it’s based on past experience. I’m sure we’ve all gone though this.

The key is to remember that you are not a helpless sim being controlled by someone else. It was your hand that clicked on your Netflix bookmark, signed in, picked a show, and started watching. It didn’t just “end up” happening to you. You actively do things that throw you off the wagon by listening to the part of your brain that specializes in self sabotage under the guise of you being ‘too tired’ or ‘need a day off’. Take accountability for your actions.

There are other ways to relax and unwind that don’t require screens. Remember that this challenge isn’t about always being super active and go go go. You’re allowed to chill, read and daydream and draw and paint and play music and practice instruments and journal and talk to yourself and go for a walk and knit and make jewelry and paint your nails and chat on the phone and do crossword puzzles and sudoku and look at a magazine. You can learn to have fun without a screen. I think if you have the fear of a Netflix relapse then you are the main person who needs to learn how to have fun without a screen. It will be so so good for you.

Yes, your body will feel tired bc it’s being pushed further than normal and still adjusting to the routine. That is normal. You will not die from 30 minutes of exercise and a bit of reading and praying. Your body will eventually adjust and accept that this is the new normal. People who study 12 hours a day didn’t just suddenly start doing it. Their bodies got used to the increase over time. People who have intensive workouts didn’t do it overnight and they will gladly tell you how hard it was in the beginning. Our bodies and minds are capable of incredible things and they are very adaptive. They adapted to you sitting down looking at screens all day and they can be adapted to do other things. But you have to let it.

You have to delete the apps from your phone, block the websites, and stop making excuses. You have to let logic and reason beat self sabotage. You have to remember that there is life without an internet addiction and you can experience it. Please let yourself experience it.

[vyl3tpwny]

Hello Vylet, I find your music inspiring to me. as I am beginning to get into music production myself. With that being said I find it very difficult to find a place to start and I don't really have a direction. Is there any advice that you could give beginners like me on trying to get a foothold in music? Like sources, or things that should have a higher priority in learning?

the thing i tell most ppl is to start learning with whatever interests you the most first. for example, if you rlly like drums and rhythms, start by experimenting with drum beats and programming stuff and performing things like that. if you really like the idea of arranging things into a song, get some loops and shit and just feel out how to arrange things. as you get proficient in one aspect, start throwing in more things that you're interested in.

for me, i really liked composing and arranging when i started. so i didnt care about how good the instruments were or how to mix anything or how to refine anything. i just focused on taking instruments, composing things with them, and arranging on a timeline. then i got super interested in sound design so i started to learn more about how synths ACTUALLy worked, and how to use effects to change things.

—

whats cool is you can actually find lots of old sample cd's archived on archive .org [just google archive . org sample cds]. so tons of free samples there. looperman is another classic sample resource. freesound also. you can pay splice for sample credits and u can have a certain amount of sounds for a monthly fee. but u can also just sample songs too. hey! you can sample my songs. that's always safe :3

—

i always find andrew huang's videos to be great for beginners

fact magazine has a great series called against the clock where you can watch ppl make a song in a few mins and observe workflows and ideas

even if u dont use live, ableton has some great videos and seminars on making music and stuff.

—

if you need a DAW, bitwig is available on rent-to-own so you dont need to commit to smth

and if you need some third party plugins, check out vital , ob-xd , klanghelm , and analog obsession for some cheap and free stuff. i say this everytime ppl ask for software recommendations but Vital is such an awesome free synth. i use it on almost every single song i make!!!!

also sylenth is one of my fav synths after over 10 years of using it and it's also on rent-to-own

everything on kilohearts is rent-to-own and i love all their shit too.

hope this helps a little bit!

[eyes-of-rock]

When Your Walls Come Down

( Eric Carr X OC)

Word count: 2600

Summary: Rae is a shy music journalist who’s never stood out in a crowd and prefers it that way, but a chance meeting with a certain fox might change all of that.

I worked really hard on this am I'm very proud of it so I hope you all like it and read it! ♥︎

I don't consider myself anything special. In fact, in most rooms, I'm the invisible one. The one that no one pays any attention to. That's perfectly fine with me. I prefer to keep to myself because I'm deathly shy.

As much as I love rock and metal, I could never play an instrument or be a groupie. My stage fright and general shyness would prevent me. Instead, I'm okay with being an observer in the crowd. That's why I only write music reviews for the magazine and don't bother fighting to get interviews with actual rock stars. I know I could never handle it. I'm perfectly fine doing my more solitary work.

“Rae, ready to go?” Dana, my roommate and concert buddy, says, popping her blonde head into my room.

“Yup,” I say, grabbing my purse and slinging it over my shoulder.

“Really?” Dana says, giving me a once-over; she's not convinced.

“What?” I ask, looking myself up and down. Am I missing a stain or something?

“You can't wear that to a Kiss concert!” Dana says, pushing me back into my room.

“Why not?” I ask, confused.

Since when can't a girl wear ripped jeans, a kiss t-shirt, leather jacket and cowboy boots to a concert?

It's not her red leather mini skirt and leather top to match with leather-heeled boots, but it's not a bad look. I'm not like her anyway. She's a blonde knockout with a perfect body. I'm a lacklustre redhead.

“We’re front row!” She says appalled. “Don’t you want them to notice you?”

Truthfully? No. I didn't want anyone to notice me. I want to enjoy the show up close. I wouldn't even know how to react or what to say if they did.

“No, I’ll let you get the attention,” I admit to her; I'm fine. I dont need it.

“Fine, but if I get backstage, I'm taking you with me.” She warns me.

Hearing that makes my heart race a bit. God, I wouldn't know what to do. I'd be awkward, ruin the vibe, and look like an idiot.

“Please don't.” I plead with her, “You don't want me making things weird.”

“You need to have some fun, Rae.” Dana sighs, “Come on, you're young and beautiful.”

If only that were true.

“Come on.” I say, opening our door and changing the subject, “I don't want to be late.”

“Fine.” She sighs, rolling her eyes as she follows me out.

———————————————

As the show ends, all four band members stand at the edge of the stage. Naturally, everyone around me is doing everything possible to get their attention. That includes Dana, of course. She's not trying to get anyone in particular. I know this because I know Dana. I've been to many shows with her; she's happy to get attention from anyone.

I, on the other hand, would rather disappear into the crowd. I actively try not to make eye contact despite them being right there. I'm looking at every place but the stage.

I watch as Paul Stanley hands a guitar pick right into Dana’s hand. Dana gives him a flirtatious smile. Please don't take her backstage—the memory of the threat she made earlier coming back. My anxiety is suddenly rising.

I'm not thinking straight because of that, and I make the mistake of looking up onto the stage. As I do so, I lock eyes with Eric Carr, the drummer.

Shit.

Before I can quickly look away, he smiles at me. Of course, once that happens, I know it would not be pleasant to look away. Of course, I can't make myself smile back because my anxiety is preventing me from thinking straight, and I'm slightly panicking.

He’s Eric Carr. The drummer of KISS is looking at me. I’m not used to anyone looking at me, let alone someone like him.

My heart is beating faster now. God, he's going to think of the rudest person ever. This is why you don't look up on stage, Rae.

He squats down and reaches out to me with one of his drumsticks. I've never gotten a drumstick or a pick at a show. Usually, like I said, I blend into the crowd so no one notices me, and when a pick is thrown out, I'm not about to fight over it.

I graciously take it. This time, I managed a shakey to smile at him to say thanks. Then, once it sinks in, I freak out and look away because it's me.

Oh my god. Eric Carr just gave me a drumstick. I know it means nothing; I'm in the front row at this concert. Plus, I weirdly made eye contact with him, and he probably felt he had to.

I look over to where Dana is standing. She's now somehow holding a backstage pass. How did that happen within the minute I wasn't paying attention?

Please, please, please don't have one for me. The drumstick incident was enough excitement for me, and I still haven't fully recovered from it. I'm even more scared to look on stage in case it happens again.

She turns to me with a big grin on her face. She flashes me the passes, and there are two of them.

Shit. The panic rises in my chest. I don't know what to do backstage with a band! What happens if I run into Eric? Oh my god. What do I even say after that? I suddenly regret ever coming to this concert with Dana.

——————————————————

I managed to sneak off before anyone noticed. Ideally, I'd like to leave, but I can't because I’m too nice and can't just leave Dana here. So, Instead, I search for a quiet spot.

I find a quiet corner and sit with my back against the way. I let out a sigh, not realizing I was holding in. I reach into my bag and pull out my notepad and a pen. I need to make some quick notes for my review tomorrow. I always do this right after a concert; it's still fresh, and I don't forget.

Yes, I'm lame. I'm sitting alone in the corner, writing backstage at a KISS show. I'm fully aware. I'd rather it be this way. I feel bad, though; this backstage pass should have been given to someone who’d used it correctly.

I pause as I hear hushed voices coming towards me. Hopefully, whoever it is won’t notice me. At least, that's what I'm praying for.

No such luck. Into view down the hall come Eric Carr and Bruce Kulick. Fuck. Eric is the last person I want to see.

Not that I don't think he's a brilliant drummer. No, I happen to love his drumming. I also happen to think he's cute and seems like a sweet person.

It's just the whole drumstick thing from earlier. I don't know what to say. Well, I do. I don't know if my anxiety will let me say it. I’m shy and hate interacting with people because I freak out. Then, they lose all ability to act normally or form words.

“Bruce, this is-” Eric stops once he spots me.

“Oh, hello.”

“I told you,” Bruce says, giving Eric an I told you so look, clearly referring to an earlier conversation.

You can do this, Rae. I remind myself. They’re just people. Not that I'm good with any people. Stop overthinking. I take a deep breath. Trying and failing to calm the panic I feel rising in my chest.

“Hello.” I manage to reply with a shaky voice. God, I sound like an idiot.

“You should know you might be here awhile,” Eric informs me, “I just saw your blonde friend making out with Paul.”

Ugh. I mean, it's good for Dana but not good for me. Now I'm stuck waiting until Dana remembers me, comes and tells me what's up, and before I can leave. I don't want to leave her behind. It's our policy.

“Oh…guess I have to wait then,” I reply like an idiot as if he couldn't figure that out.

“I can wait with you if you want.” Eric offers with a friendly smile.

“Oh…ah…you don't have to.” I manage to stutter out it's lovely of him to offer, but for one, I'm sure he has better things to do than spend time with me. And I have no idea how I'm managing to make this much conversation, let alone the hours it could take for Dana to find me.

“I have no problem keeping a pretty girl like you

company,” Eric compliments me, shooting me a charming yet sweet smile. Everything this man does is cute.

I swear my heart stops for a second. Did Eric Carr of KISS call me pretty? No. No way he did. I mean, no one has ever really called me pretty. No one even notices me, let alone someone like him.

I’d even think his tone was slightly flirtatious if I didn't know better. There is no way, though. After all, he could have any girl in that audience, hell, any girl in the world. Why would he want me? He's just being nice, Rae; it doesn't mean anything.

“Thank you,” I reply, giving him a small smile. I'm proud of myself for even being able to do that. After all, I'm freaking out inside.

“What are you writing?” Eric asks, peaking around to get a look at the page.

“I’m a journalist; I do music and concert reviews,” I tell him, gently shutting the book.

“Hopefully, you write about how amazing that drum solo was.” He teases, “And how sexy the drummer is.”

I was going to write about the drum solo and how I did think it was great. Of course, I thought he looked good behind the kit, but I was never and will never admit that out loud. I was half expecting him to bring up giving me a stick.

“The drum solo was great.” I compliment him; his solos are some of the best. I can't deny that.

“Also, thanks for the drumstick.”

“You’re welcome.” He smiles, “I always try to give them to the hottest girls in the crowd.”

There he goes again with the compliments. I can feel my cheeks getting red. Rae, it means nothing. Calm down.

“You don't say much, do you?” He comments, but it's not in a condescending way, like most people mean it when they say it to me. More just made in observation.

“I’m just shy, sorry.” I apologize; I feel embarrassed. I'm sure he's used to women and people talking his ear off. I'm just sitting here like a mute, and it's no fun.

“It’s okay,” Eric says softly, “I think it's cute.”

In all my life, I've never had anyone call me shy and cute; like I mentioned, they are usually not that nice.

“Oh.” I replied, surprised, “Thank you. Most people think it weird.”

I feel my face getting warm again. I'm sure I'm blushing like a complete idiot. He’s being nice, and you’re just sitting here blushing like an idiot. I should probably say something nice back, or do I? I'm not good in social situations.

Before he can reply to that, Dana comes down the hall. Her heels clicked loudly on the tiled floor, catching my attention.

She shoots me a smirk once she notices Eric sitting with me. Oh god. I'm never going to hear the end of this.

“I won’t be coming home tonight.” She tells me, tossing her car keys at me. “Looks like you won't be either.”

“Dana, please,” I say, my face turning bright red in embarrassment. Could you leave it to Dana to embarrass me?

“What?” Dana says, playing innocent, “You’re talking to a man and not running away; this has to mean something.”

“I don't run away.” I lie.

I know exactly what she's referring to with that comment. We became roommates in our first year of college when I moved to Los Angeles. Dana set me up on a blind date with her then-boyfriend's friend.

He came on way too strong, which freaked me out, so I ran away. Like, I ran away. I turned and ran—one of my most embarrassing moments. I would instead say that Eric never knew about it, though.

“Freshmen year,” Dana says, giving me the Oh come on, Rae, don't you play dumb look.

“Fine, but in my defence, he came on to me way too strong,” I say, trying to defend myself and not look like a loser or weirdo in front of Eric.

“You’re hopeless.” Dana rolls her eyes.

“You know it,” I say, shooting a finger gun her way. Completely forgetting for a quick second, I sat next to Eric Carr of KISS, and what I did was majorly dorky.

“Please be gentle with her,” Dana says, looking at Eric. “She’s easily spooked.”

“Dana, please, I'm not your horse!” I say, completely and utterly embarrassed. I feel like hiding.

First, Dana suggests he'd want to sleep with me, which is highly unlikely. Plus, they have a highly embarrassing story of me running away from a date. There is no way Eric will want to talk to me after this encounter.

“I won’t come on too strong, I promise.” Eric jokes, “I don't want you running off on me.”

“I’m more worried you might run off after that embarrassing conversation,” I coyly say, shooting Dana a glare afterward.

“Embarrassing? I found it very informative.” Eric laughs, “Now I know what not to do.”

“Well, that's my queue to leave; see you tomorrow, Rae!” Dana says, giving me a little wave as she disappears down the hall.

I suddenly feel a yawn coming on. I glance at my watch. It's 1 am. I'm never usually up past 10:30 most nights. No wonder I'm tired. I also have work tomorrow, so I really should get going.

“I didn't know I was that boring.” Eric teases.

“It’s not you,” I tell him, laughing a little. I feel much more comfortable with him after he didn't run away after the Dana incident.

“It’s just that I have work tomorrow and never stay up this late,” I tell him, yawning halfway through the sentence.

“Well, before you go, would it be too bold to ask for your phone number?” Eric asks me with a sweet smile.

I'm surprised. No one has ever wanted my phone number before. Does this mean I've been wrong this whole time? Maybe he thinks I'm cute. Why else would he ask for my number?

“Okay,” I reply. I think he's earned it. After all, he's been sweet to me all night. As Dana would say, you only live once, right? And who am I to say no to Eric Carr of KISS having my phone number?

I open my notebook and carefully write it down. Then I write my name below it before ripping the page out of the notebook and folding it over before handing it to Eric.

He unfolded it and read it over, then looked at me.

“Rae.” He says, repeating the name he just read on the paper. I must admit it does sound nice coming out of his mouth- Rae, keep yourself in line.

“It suits you.”

“Thank you.” I smile shyly.

“I’ll give you a call.” He promises.

“I’m looking forward to it,” I tell him, and I wholeheartedly mean that. For the first time, I'm looking forward to talking to someone, and the feeling is new. Yet, for once, I'm not scared. No, I'm excited and it's a good feeling.

[turigirl]

Could you tell us either abt ur ocs or your f/os? :-)

hi anon i love you

my ocs that ive been thinking about most lately have been those under the tag "fine & mellow" :o) theyre a 60s girl band! ive read a lot about the dynamics of popular bands, specifically in this time period, and i think the love-hate relationship that usually results is really interesting.

i think if i ever illustrated it in some way (art or writing or etc) id want it to be a comic. maybe a webcomic, maybe a physical comic. im not super sure on that.

id want to include things like interviews, magazine covers, album covers, photos of them, etc, played as from a real band (as real as a picture of furries can be). i have a list of album names and song ideas for each one (some being existing songs to pretend are theirs, some being "original" songs. meaning i made it up)

the band is founded in 1959 by dominique dalmatian, who is the main character. she's reserved- not shy necessarily but cautious of every new person she meets. she has bpd (projectionn of my symptomsss) and depression that creeps in slowly and immobilizes her. and she plays bass! she has a strong work ethic and will push her feelings (and others') aside to finish her work, in this case being f&m's albums.

fine & mellow is the name of the band, by the way, to be clear. it's named after a jazz standard and slowly becomes more and more ironic.

there are other guitarists before, of course, but the most important one is laura labradoodle. she's peppy and brings a lighter tone to their music as well as a more romantic light. shes a brilliant songwriter, despite it being really just a hobby. shes a full time photographer when they recruit her. when she joins in 1962, the band as a whole changes. she and dom write songs together, becoming closer and closer. that relationship and how it bends and breaks is especially what i would focus on. there's something so heartbreaking about getting so close, hearing a part of the others soul, only for something to backfire and send the band into a downward spiral.

clears my throat. so anyway, the drummer is named lolly lamb, and she stays from the beginning (until she's pushed out by jackie, who you'll hear about in a sec). she adores 40s and 50s fashion and has a seemingly instinctual sense of beat. drumming for f&m started out as a favor for her friend and ended up becoming so much more for her, and the rest of them.

in early 1964, after a couple months of no creative breaks, laura brings in... a hairdresser. her name is jackie jackrabbit, and she stares at the other two like they've grown new heads. but she's laura's friend, and they know the moment she sings with them that they've got something special. jackie is a little snobby and a little blunt, but manages to fit in fairly well. she can't play an instrument, but her singing ability more than makes up for it, and laura hands her a tambourine a few months later.

they release an album in july, and it seems to be the domino piece slowly falling into place. after months of arguing with jackie, lolly leaves the band.

they hire a session drummer, LAYLA, but she quickly becomes their permanent drummer for their next albums. layla (stylized in all caps) is the stage name of susie sloth-bear, a drummer who first got famous as a model. but she was good, playing as a session drummer across the states.

but the making of their next album with layla is FULL of arguments, and they go on a 5 month hiatus. the hiatus gave them the new material they were looking for, but they struggled to work together in making them. most of the songs on the next album would be mainly played by one individual member. only layla collaborated with the other three. the damage was done, and their 1967 album, fittingly titled "kill the lights," would be their last.

so that was kinda long, huh? i still don't have everything set in stone, but here's a summary probably way longer than you expected. they also all have refs! which are on my toyhouse (link). i would upload them here, and someday i might get around to it, but i dont have the energy to write ids for all of em. so. ill leave it at all this. if anyone has any questions, though, id be happy to answer :o) im still workin out the kinks!