Banding Together
Requirements
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Requirements
Between classes, you and Julian find Ezra switching out his textbooks at his new locker.
Danny: Hey, Ezra. How are you liking being a student here so far?
Ezra: It’s not bad, Danny. Better than my last haunt, for sure. Plus, everyone here is REALLY cute. Am I right, or am I RIGHT?
Julian: Are those my only choices?
A gaggle of girls walks past you in the halls. They spot Ezra and giggle. Ezra smiles back.
Ezra: Hey.
The girls blush and scamper off to class.
Ezra: Yep. Coming here was a good call.
Danny: 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, Danny. For me, there’s only the music.
Julian: Do your dates know that?
Ezra: We have to stay focussed on our priority. Our raison d’etre... And that’s winning the Battle of the Bands. Call a meeting, Danny. We’re getting the band back together.
Time - 6 hours
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’.
Danny: 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, Danny?
Danny: Hmm... my favorite is The.
Ezra: Glad you liked my idea, Danny. Our band will be all about questioning the norm. It will be about the words we leave unsaid. And soon, everyone will know the name The.
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 Danny.
Danny: Me?!
Payton: You’re a rock star now, Danny! You can look however you want! Let’s give your hair a rocked-out upgrade!
Requirements
You timidly walk out of the hair salon to find your whole band waiting for you.
Danny: 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, Danny.
Danny: 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.
Danny: What’s wrong?
Julian: I just don’t like it.
Danny: 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 it 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.
Danny: I’m on it. I’ve got a few friends in mind who will know exactly what to do!
Requirements
You lead Uma, Carlos, and Willow into the recording studio, where Ezra is just wrapping up a gorgeous, heartbreaking solo.
Carlos: I haven’t teared up like that since I saw ‘The Crucible’.
Willow: Wow, Danny. When we heard you were starting a band, we thought it was cool, but we had no idea you’d actually have talent.
Uma: Seriously. What are you guys called?
Danny: The!
Uma: The what?
Danny: That’s what I said! Now take your seats and enjoy the show!
Time - 8 hours
The last song of your set ends with a thunderous outro, leaving everyone’s ears ringing!
Danny: So! What’d you guys think?
Ezra: Don’t pull any punches. We need honestly if we want to win the Battle of the Bands.
Uma: 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 if you’re not. I don’t think Nishan moved an inch during the whole set!
Nishan: I was concentrating!
Carlos: 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.
Willow: That’s what I found missing... choreography! An epic set like you just played will need sweet moves to match. Like, Danny 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!
Danny: Yeaaah!
Uma: 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 smiled 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, Danny, 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!
Danny: 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! Danny, do you think we could snag someone poetic to help us figure out the words?
Requirements
Ezra: Hey, Madison. Danny and yours truly are writing a song to get our group into the Battle of the Bands this week. Want to help?
Madison: 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...
Time - 10 hours
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!’
Madison: 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!’
Danny: Ezra, listen, the music you wrote is gorgeous and haunting...
Madison: 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.
Danny: 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.
Requirements
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!
Danny: 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 head. Trust me on this, it’s better my way.
Julian: Says who?
Danny: Oh boy... we’d better get these two working together, and fast!
Payton: I have an idea how we can get them to bond.
Danny: Is it a party? I have a feeling you’re going to suggest a party.
Requirements
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: Danny... 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.
Danny: 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!
Danny: 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...
Requirements
Ezra: Okay, Danny, we’re about to lay down your track. Let’s go over the chords.
Danny: Okay!
Ezra: The chorus goes ‘F... G... A-minor... C...’ Remember. ‘F... G... A-minor... C...’
Danny: Got it!
Ezra: Then let’s get rocking!
Your 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... The song stops, and Ezra’s voice barks over your headset.
Ezra: Cut! Print! Perfect, Danny! 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?
Danny: 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?!
Danny: What are we gonna do?!
Ezra: Danny! We need to get across town, and FAST! Who’s the best driver at our school?
Requirements
Danny: James, you’re the best driver in school. Can you get us across town to KLOL’s headquarters before they close?
James: Sounds impossible... for anyone else.
Danny: And don’t speed! If you get pulled over, there’s no way we’ll make it in time.
James: Relax, Danny. I’ve got this... I know a shortcut.
Time - 7 hours
James 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, Jame?! KLOL’s station is the other way!
James: Yup! But none of these commuters know about the shortcut on Sheridan Road!
Soon, James screeches to a stop outside KLOL’s office!
James: Ha! Made it! With a full minute to spare! I’d like to see anybody else pull that off...
Ezra: Danny, hurry! Get that disc inside!
You climb out of James’s car, sprint up the steps into the station... and slam the disc down on the receptionist’s desk!
Danny: Whew... we’d like... huff... to submit an application.
You walk back out to James’s car.
Danny: They took it. We’ve officially submitted our demo.
Ezra: Then let’s head back to school. The band will want to know.
Requirements
You and Ezra return to campus, where you find Julian, Payton, and Nishan anxiously pacing.
Payton: So? Did you guys make it?
Danny: We did.
Julian: Now what do we do?
Ezra: Now... we wait.
Time - 13 hours
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, Danny. Tonight’s the big night.
Danny: 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.
Are you ready to take the stage? Who will win the Battle of the Bands? Play the next quest and find out!
- Danny
- Ezra
- Julian
Between classes, you and Julian find Ezra switching out his textbooks at his new locker.
Danny: Hey, Ezra. How are you liking being a student here so far?
Ezra: It’s not bad, Danny. Better than my last haunt, for sure. Plus, everyone here is REALLY cute. Am I right, or am I RIGHT?
Julian: Are those my only choices?
A gaggle of girls walks past you in the halls. They spot Ezra and giggle. Ezra smiles back.
Ezra: Hey.
The girls blush and scamper off to class.
Ezra: Yep. Coming here was a good call.
Danny: 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, Danny. For me, there’s only the music.
Julian: Do your dates know that?
Ezra: We have to stay focussed on our priority. Our raison d’etre... And that’s winning the Battle of the Bands. Call a meeting, Danny. We’re getting the band back together.
Time - 6 hours
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’.
Danny: 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, Danny?
Danny: Hmm... my favorite is The.
Ezra: Glad you liked my idea, Danny. Our band will be all about questioning the norm. It will be about the words we leave unsaid. And soon, everyone will know the name The.
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 Danny.
Danny: Me?!
Payton: You’re a rock star now, Danny! You can look however you want! Let’s give your hair a rocked-out upgrade!
Requirements
- Change Danny’s hairstyle
You timidly walk out of the hair salon to find your whole band waiting for you.
Danny: 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, Danny.
Danny: 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.
Danny: What’s wrong?
Julian: I just don’t like it.
Danny: 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 it 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.
Danny: I’m on it. I’ve got a few friends in mind who will know exactly what to do!
Requirements
- A Level 5+ Cheerleader (Uma)
- A Level 5+ Actor (Carlos)
- A Level 5+ Dancer (Willow)
You lead Uma, Carlos, and Willow into the recording studio, where Ezra is just wrapping up a gorgeous, heartbreaking solo.
Carlos: I haven’t teared up like that since I saw ‘The Crucible’.
Willow: Wow, Danny. When we heard you were starting a band, we thought it was cool, but we had no idea you’d actually have talent.
Uma: Seriously. What are you guys called?
Danny: The!
Uma: The what?
Danny: That’s what I said! Now take your seats and enjoy the show!
Time - 8 hours
The last song of your set ends with a thunderous outro, leaving everyone’s ears ringing!
Danny: So! What’d you guys think?
Ezra: Don’t pull any punches. We need honestly if we want to win the Battle of the Bands.
Uma: 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 if you’re not. I don’t think Nishan moved an inch during the whole set!
Nishan: I was concentrating!
Carlos: 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.
Willow: That’s what I found missing... choreography! An epic set like you just played will need sweet moves to match. Like, Danny 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!
Danny: Yeaaah!
Uma: 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 smiled 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, Danny, 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!
Danny: 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! Danny, do you think we could snag someone poetic to help us figure out the words?
Requirements
- Danny
- Ezra
- An Artist (Madison)
Ezra: Hey, Madison. Danny and yours truly are writing a song to get our group into the Battle of the Bands this week. Want to help?
Madison: 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...
Time - 10 hours
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!’
Madison: 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!’
Danny: Ezra, listen, the music you wrote is gorgeous and haunting...
Madison: 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.
Danny: 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.
Requirements
- Complete a Successful Date with Danny
- Complete a Successful Date with Julian
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!
Danny: 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 head. Trust me on this, it’s better my way.
Julian: Says who?
Danny: Oh boy... we’d better get these two working together, and fast!
Payton: I have an idea how we can get them to bond.
Danny: Is it a party? I have a feeling you’re going to suggest a party.
Requirements
- Complete a Party with Julian and Ezra
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: Danny... 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.
Danny: 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!
Danny: 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...
Requirements
- Spend 40,000 coins
- Record!
Ezra: Okay, Danny, we’re about to lay down your track. Let’s go over the chords.
Danny: Okay!
Ezra: The chorus goes ‘F... G... A-minor... C...’ Remember. ‘F... G... A-minor... C...’
Danny: Got it!
Ezra: Then let’s get rocking!
Your 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... The song stops, and Ezra’s voice barks over your headset.
Ezra: Cut! Print! Perfect, Danny! 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?
Danny: 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?!
Danny: What are we gonna do?!
Ezra: Danny! We need to get across town, and FAST! Who’s the best driver at our school?
Requirements
- Danny
- Ezra
- A Level 6+ Gamer (James)
Danny: James, you’re the best driver in school. Can you get us across town to KLOL’s headquarters before they close?
James: Sounds impossible... for anyone else.
Danny: And don’t speed! If you get pulled over, there’s no way we’ll make it in time.
James: Relax, Danny. I’ve got this... I know a shortcut.
Time - 7 hours
James 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, Jame?! KLOL’s station is the other way!
James: Yup! But none of these commuters know about the shortcut on Sheridan Road!
Soon, James screeches to a stop outside KLOL’s office!
James: Ha! Made it! With a full minute to spare! I’d like to see anybody else pull that off...
Ezra: Danny, hurry! Get that disc inside!
You climb out of James’s car, sprint up the steps into the station... and slam the disc down on the receptionist’s desk!
Danny: Whew... we’d like... huff... to submit an application.
You walk back out to James’s car.
Danny: They took it. We’ve officially submitted our demo.
Ezra: Then let’s head back to school. The band will want to know.
Requirements
- Julian
- Payton
- Nishan
You and Ezra return to campus, where you find Julian, Payton, and Nishan anxiously pacing.
Payton: So? Did you guys make it?
Danny: We did.
Julian: Now what do we do?
Ezra: Now... we wait.
Time - 13 hours
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, Danny. Tonight’s the big night.
Danny: 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.
Are you ready to take the stage? Who will win the Battle of the Bands? Play the next quest and find out!