Episode 3: Pleased To Meet You

The sound of the doorbell interrupted his painting. It was a bright and sunny afternoon, a rare thing in London considering its famed hazy climate. While any given person would still be working on that part of the day, everyone else he knew of their circle would be having a rest after hours of either rehearsing or recording. In his case painting took up most of his spare time when music was his top priority, which was what was going on for him currently. He enjoyed it as well as being really good at it. So it did not come as a surprise when he became a bit upset over being interrupted. But he immediately recalled him saying on the phone he just had to talk to him about something important. Much had occured between them over the past years that had been resolved only months ago, and for that reason he knew he had to be there for his good friend. Which is why he left his annoyance aside while opening the door.

"Hello Graham, I hope I didn't interrupt you..." "I must get used to it but anyway mate, you said it was important so come on in." Damon Albarn ushered himself in and sat on the couch while Graham Coxon fixed some tea for them. Once it was done he sat down as well while asking: "So, what happened that has you searching for my help?" "Right, so I was wondering, do you remember this girl that came along with us on tour last year?" "A girl...um describe." "Dark hair, brown eyes, young and quite pretty. She was a roadie but traveled with us, in fact was most of the time around us. Oh, Melissa is her name." "Oh right, Melissa! Of course I remember her. Hard to miss in fact, always chatting with us or people before the shows. One of a kind, that girl. And yes, quite the looker." Yes well, now that I played on Jools Holland I saw her right after the gig and she told me she knew me from last year...and idiotically I said no." "Why did you say you don't remember her when you do?" "Because I remembered her several minutes later, and now I want to apologize to her." Graham became skeptical. Damon's not the kind of person who regrets what he says, and when apologizing it's only to people he knows and cares for. This sudden urge to ask for forgiveness to an acquaintance made him wonder what his real intentions were. "Damon, are you looking to apologize or is it something else? 'Cause I know you and you don't apologize to anyone." "I'm telling you, I feel really bad for my rudeness and especially after knowing she joined us on tour and how nice she was to us, well, I think I owe it to her." "...And?" "What do you mean 'and'?" "You said she's pretty." "Well she is..." "Don't you mean you've started fancying her?" "Graham, I just met her..." "And you already want to see her again very badly. Yes, I'd say you're smitten with her." There was nothing to deny. Graham knew him so well it was impossible to hide the simple truth from him. Hence why he kept silent for several seconds as his friend nodded slowly. "And what do you want from me on all this?" "By any chance do you have her phone number? I have an idea..."

People wandered in and out of the lobby to different directions. It was a fancy hotel, one Melissa had never seen before even after several months of living in the city. One she would've never entered had it not been for Graham's phone call yesterday. It was nice to receive news from her pal after their last lunch together one month ago. She was looking forward to see him again but it seemed very strange. Having drinks in a five-star hotel wasn't his style. A local bar sounded more like him. Why would he want to chat in such a place? Location withstanding, she felt pleased to join him for a friendly nightout as reward for a grueling week at work.

"Hi Melissa." Jamie Hewlett was the first person she saw when turning around. "Jamie! Hi! Good to see you!" "I'm pleased as well, how've you been?" As they hugged each other she thought: "What a weird coincidence to find him here as I'm about to see his ex friend." Or was it? "I've been fine. Struggling at work, but fine. How about you?" "Oh you know, just enjoying the moment." He immediately spun his head while explaining: "Hey, I don't believe you've been introduced formally." It was then when she heard Jamie's voice announce: "Melissa, this is Damon; Damon, this is Melissa." Even in her surprise, she remained calm while shaking hands with him. "Nice to meet you." There was a touch of awkwardness in the low, husky voice, something that expressed embarassment over his bad manners the other day. "Have we met?" For a moment he was stunned, left speechless. Was she so hurt she decided to give him the cold shoulder? In an attempt to display his good will he smiled at her and gently removed a strand of hair from her forehead. Her teasing grin and subsequent laugh proved the contrary: all was forgiven and forgotten. In the middle of this lapse of complicity, Jamie was a mere outsider. "Right, I better dash. My work here is done."

Once they were seated in the hotel bar Melissa asked: "So what did Graham have to do with all of this?" Damon looked at the floor in guilt. "Let's say he made this encounter possible. Had it not been for him having your phone number we wouldn't be here." "Yes, but you didn't call me." "Well I wasn't sure you would accept my apology. Besides it would've taken off the shock factor." "Oh come on, knock it off Mr. Albarn." Damon burst into laughter. Very few fans kept their cool when being around him. This girl clearly belonged to such minority. For that he liked her right away. He also did not expect her next move. "A Coke? We're in a bar and you just ordered a Coke?" "I don't drink. If I can, I avoid alcohol as much as possible." Quite the healthy kind, was Damon's thought. Or maybe a good girl all around?

The conversation moved on to their backgrounds. Damon became far more interested when Melissa told him she was Mexican. Being a traveling enthusiast, he made questions of its culture and idiosyncrasy. He wondered why leaving such a fascinating country for this dingy, lonely island. Always meant to come here, she answered. London is full of life and art, something her hometown lacks. She was honest too and admitted to be drawn by its vibrant music scene. Yes, she had been a roadie for a few independent bands but only sporadically. Her income depended on her main source: as a receptionist for a law firm. Such a boring job no one asks about it and it's all the better since there's nothing much to tell. After that they spoke of much more subjects: art, music, cinema, basically things they loved. Both clearly had great taste. In a moment Damon excused himself to go to the restroom and Melissa had a few minutes to take out the book she was currently reading. Barely one and a half page was read when she heard a soft-spoken man's voice ask in wondered tone: "Melissa? Is that you?"

No other than Paul Simonon was standing beside her, pleasantly astonished to see that young woman on the same hotel they were staying at. What was she doing there? The reason didn't matter. He was delighted to see her darling face after meeting her certain days behind. "Oh hey, how's it going?" "I'm quite fine dear. 'Tis lovely to see you again. Pardon my intrusion but what are you doing here?" "Damon invited me over to apologize for not recognizing me the other day when I approached him." "Recognizing you? Did you know each other already?" "Yeah, from last year. I was a roadie for Blur and we met there. We chatted a few times." "Small world eh." He was only planning to grab a quick drink and go to his room but seeing Melissa and knowing Damon was somewhere around, he ultimately had second thoughts. "Mind if I take a seat?" "No, go ahead." She secretly wished to be left alone with Damon but of course didn't say it out loud, would've been rather rude of her. In addition that man seemed nice enough to strike up a conversation with while waiting for the former. "So, what are you reading?" "A novel called The Mozart Season. It's about a young violonist rehearsing for a competition and how the events in her life affect both her practicing and herself." "Sounds interesting. Are you an avid reader?" " I love reading, it's one of my favorite things to do." "Funny you mention it because I'm currently reading...sorry, mind if I smoke?" "Um no, it's okay." He extracted a pack of cigarettes from his pocket, grabbed one and offered Melissa. "Oh, no thanks, I don't smoke." "I'm glad to hear that." She wondered what he meant with that.

"How's the chat going?" Damon playfully interrupted them on his way back from the restroom. "Hey welcome back. Paul said hi and asked to sit down. Is it okay with you?" "Of course it is, Paul is always welcome to join." And off they continued with the gathering. With Paul's arrival even more topics were discussed, making time go by at full speed. Melissa felt comfortable among those two men who looked more like brothers than good friends, being not only identical physically but also in points of view. They seemed to be responding favorably as well by what she observed. In a time Paul asked: "I hope you're not bothered Melissa, but how old are you?" "I'm 25." "Dear God, you're so young!" he exclaimed lowering his voice. "Why did you think I'd be bothered?" "Well you're a lady and as such we're not supposed to ask your age." Melissa let out a chuckle and replied, "I am so far away from being a lady, believe me. Plus, age is just a number. It doesn't reflect your maturity, life does it." "That's certainly true." Paul's thoughts started racing. "Cultured, fairly witted, beautiful and young. What a tremendous combination."

Once she was gone they were free to speak of her. "So, what do you think?" Paul's response was made at once. "How is it you didn't remember her back then? It's impossible to forget someone like that. I certainly wouldn't." "In other words, you liked her as well." "She's great, and she's utterly adorable. Never thought she would enjoy the company of two middle-aged blokes but there you go." "Paul, I'm not middle-aged." "You know what I mean. But my goodness, she's awfully young..." "So what if she's 25? She looked at ease with us older blokes. In fact, such good impression she left, I've invited her to the Cannes gig." Paul's blue eyes involuntarily opened wide upon such news. His speech remained calm all the same. "Really? When did you invite her?" "Just as I walked her out. Besides, it's part of my apology." "Did she accept?" "About thirty seconds later, yes." And in his excitement, Damon did not realize he wasn't the only one looking forward to see Melissa again.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XWCpNxCc0m8

Backstage Blues//Episode 2: Encounters

The streets were full of eager fans waiting for their entrance to the set. Later...With Jools Holland was considered one of the best television shows in the country due to its wide variety of both local and international artists. Lucky were those who received an invitation to perform there. No matter their independent or mainstream condition, to appear on such program was enough to either form or cement credibility. As members of the latter, Gorillaz had nothing to prove considering their recent supergroup status, rather to allow their followers to enjoy this public phase in the band.

If the album was all about high quality, the live performance was exponentially better. Every musician was in top form on their respective part, all outstandingly led by Damon Albarn as the core and founding member. In reference to the album's naval concept, the whole band wore matching attire: from striped shirts to sailor hats, all set to bring the Plastic Beach experience to life. Within their concentration, they were thrilled to be there, the signs of camaraderie clearly showing among them. Meanwhile the audience seemed to respond slowly but surely to this new chapter in Gorillaz's history. Alas, having well known music icons helped considerably.

Melissa was simply amazed at the surroundings, the idea of a television set quite unfamiliar yet fascinating. Being much more accustomed to concerts, it never crossed her mind to ever attend a live taping. Not even if one of her favorite bands appeared on it. But this time was different. She had been waiting for over a month for this day to come. And she was finally on the front row seeing him answer questions with his friend and collaborator sitting beside him. She'd been trying during the whole show to gain his attention with no success. At that instant she was flashing her best smile in order to be noticed. And she was noticed alright. She felt someone looking at her intently, beaming and avoiding everyone else around despite being surrounded by others. After studying the stranger out of the corner of her eye, Melissa finally recognized him as the band's bass player. Out of courtesy she smiled back but turned her focus immediately to the lead singer and his answers.

A satisfying success. That is how their performance was viewed by everyone in the group. It might take some time for the public to get used to not seeing the animations as much as before but they trusted they would eventually accept this change in its totality. This was all discussed between them while they made their way to exit the set. The tiredness was clear but was disguised through smiles and acknowledgements, especially when once outside they were encompassed by dozens of fans who have been waiting for a considerable amount of time to meet their idols. For a little while they signed autographs, posed for pictures and shook hands back and forth. Damon Albarn was particularly with his hands full until a youthful, female voice kept motioning for him to please sign her CD cover. Much was her insistence he finally moved towards her. She was quite attractive, he had to admit it, with long dark brown hair, eyes the same color as well as a confident attitude while speaking. No less she claimed they knew each other from before, from Blur's reunion tour last year. He was honest and answered with an apologetic smile: "Um well I'm sorry love, but I don't quite remember you." Or did he? Now that she mentioned it, her face started to look vaguely familiar somehow. He had probably seen her somewhere but couldn't place the exact location. As Mick Jones and Paul Simonon came their way he stepped aside so the girl could speak to them. Sure enough she stretched out her hand as she said: "Hi guys, I'm Melissa, nice meeting ya." "Likewise dear", Mick answered back. She waited for the CD cover to be signed and noticed the other man staring at her, all smiles. She recalled him from awhile back, the same who kept looking her way during the taping. A very handsome chap indeed: tall, short dark blond hair, blue eyes, his smile revealed two front crooked teeth which added a boyish charm to his elegant persona. "Well Melissa, I hope we get to see you again someday." His voice was rather...child-like was the word? She didn't expect it from such a good looking, classy older man but she didn't care, it was rather sweet. With Damon in her mind, she responded: "Yeah, I hope so too." The CD cover was finally signed and off they rushed to the vehicle which waited for the band. Melissa waved goodbye to them, inevitably feeling disappointed over her failure.

"Yes, I've seen that girl before, but where?" Damon kept searching through his memories from last year with no answer. She seemed very assured of their knowing each other and yet he couldn't place her. Where did he meet her? On the street? On a show? Backstage somewhere? For starters, what did she say her name is? Melissa she mentioned. "Where and when the fuck did I see you? You do look familiar." It wasn't until several more minutes that it dawned on him: a female roadie helping the crew with the equipment, accompanying the band on tour, speaking with either fans or musicians. He did get to say hi to her but it was just sporadically, being too busy with their schedule they didn't get to chat that much. Such a shame, she was nice enough, at least from what he saw with Graham and the others. Now that he remembered her he knew he had to apologize for his rudeness. He didn't know how or when, but he was determined to do so.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YKu1IQ76pWg&feature=grec_index

Novedades y Serie de Internet

Discúlpenme por no redactar aquí en mucho tiempo. Me ha vencido la flojera de tal forma que me metí a otras páginas en vez de actualizar mi blog. Aunque ya me recibí oficialmente de psicóloga hace más de un mes no he conseguido trabajo. Estoy yendo a una escuelita perteneciente a una tía y allí practico lo aprendido. Ha sido muy enriquecedor desde lo profesional pero el no recibir remuneración está empezando a desmotivarme al punto de ya no querer ir. No sé qué vaya a pasar conmigo pero espero ya trabajar pues me urge dinero con tal de hacer realidad mis sueños.

Hace poco empecé una serie para internet sobre la banda Gorillaz y una fan que tiene mi nombre, soy yo, mas no soy yo; cuando vean el video lo verán. Estoy por empezar el tercer episodio pero como en el segundo no pude poner la descripción completa, decidí poner aquí las descripciones desde el inicio por si a alguien le interesa leerlos. No pondré los videos acá, sólo el enlace pues por alguna razón el internet falla al querer poner la ventana así que sólo será el texto. Advertencia: está en inglés pues la mayoría de mis amigos en Facebook no hablan español, así que escribí en un idioma que casi todos entienden. ¡Disfruten!

BACKSTAGE BLUES

Episode 1: Glimpse

With the new year just recently started, Gorillaz have been recording their third album for the last weeks. Along with Jamie Hewlett's newest art developing to further dimensions, on this occasion frontman Damon Albarn proved to be much more ambitious than what was known by followers and critics, recruiting legendary musicians as Bobby Womack, Mick Jones, Paul Simonon, Lou Reed and Mark E. Smith, as well as a wide range of world acts like Little Dragon and the Hypnotic Brass Ensemble. Having such a stellar array, it would'be been pitiful to place them all behind a screen with no chance of highly deserved public acclaim. Thus the decision of going out on tour worldwide, even if it meant being all too tiresome due to the amount of people and equipment necessary. Nevertheless rehearsals were taking place enthusiastically, the excitement of performing live getting closer as the days went by. Overall, everything seemed to point to a very successful new album.

As it was expected, Plastic Beach was well received by both music critics and fans, the latters joyfully trudging to record shops in order to get their copy. In particular one of them, Melissa, couldn't wait to go home to listen it. She'd been waiting for months ever since word got around of a new Gorillaz album, especially after experiencing Blur's reunion last year. The day had been a rough one, with her boss being much more annoying than usual ranting at everyone around him. All of it went down the gutter as she walked steadily to her apartment, the record finally on her possession. As bad as life could be, music was Melissa's most loyal friend and companion. She relied on it to bear every bittersweet moment, inserting songs on them to always remember what she felt at the time. To her it mattered the world. Music saved her life.

It was fantastic, beyond her expectations. Melissa sat comfortably while the record kept playing. This by far exceeded the past albums. Melodically, lyrically, content-wise, it was perfect as far as she was concerned. A grin crept on her face as she listened but it wasn't solely because of the music. Flashbacks appeared in her mind, memories related to the key person behind the album. Oh she fully enjoyed traveling cross-country, getting to know such different people one of the highlights. Working and making friends with the musicians was something she would treasure for life. Of course, they were all pale in comparison with that frontman of theirs. They didn't get to speak much but those few chats had been unforgettable to her. In spite of the verbal communication being almost nonexistent, they made up for it through nods, smiles, waves, every nonverbal sign to acknowledge each other. "I wonder if he remembers me", Melissa kept thinking as the record came to an end. She knew from a reliable source Gorillaz wouldn't be depending so much on the animations this time, rather there would be a band performing live. This meant he would be there, no question of it. "Hmm, very well, time to start making some phone calls."

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FZgcGt6cqFE&feature=fvsr