Band prototype

"So, what exactly do you mean?" Pepe sat there pondering, then suddenly blurted out a sentence that made Hugo and Neil pause and then burst into laughter.

"You're still thinking, huh?" Hugo thought Pepe had figured it out already, so he and Neil were discussing everything about the emerging British rock bands of the past two years.

Pepe hadn't taken a sip of his beer and looked at Hugo earnestly. "Of course! Can you demonstrate it for me?"

Hugo smiled helplessly. "I told you, I can't play the bass." In fact, this was a case of onlookers seeing more clearly than the players themselves. If they recorded Pepe's performance just now, let him listen to it, and then compare it with the original songs of the Pink Floyd band, he would be able to feel the difference.

Looking at Pepe's perplexed expression, Hugo explained, "Pedro." As a result, the young man in front of him raised his head, furrowed his brows, and glared fiercely. "I don't like it when people call me that, especially friends." Hugo finally remembered and nodded, "Pepe, you're a talented bassist, I've told you that. But you still lack performing experience, not only in public performances but also in collaborating with a band. If you're willing to join in these performances, you will gradually discover the issues I mentioned. You have talent, all you need is to accumulate."

Afraid that Pepe wouldn't believe him, Hugo pointed innocently to Neil on his right. "If you don't believe me, you can ask Neil. His thoughts were the same as mine just now."

Neil rolled his eyes in silence, expressing his disdain for Hugo, but he didn't delay in speaking, "Yes, Pepe, I agree with Hugo." Neil continued, "In fact, whether it's guitar or bass, they are instruments that serve the band. That's what Hugo told me just now." This left Hugo speechless. "So, practicing and performing with the band is the best way to improve your skills. I remember you have a band, right?"

"Yes, when you participated in the Rock Night last time, those companions around you were in a band, right? You should practice more with them." Although Hugo was confused, he quickly recalled the situation when he met Pepe that day. However, the appearances of Pepe's friends were already quite blurry.

Pepe shrugged helplessly. "We do have a band, but it's just for fun. Now, everyone is about to graduate, and for the sake of our future livelihoods, we haven't gathered to practice together for a long time." Hugo and Neil both understood. It seemed that Pepe was still a university student, and unlike Eugene, he wasn't studying music specifically, it was just a hobby. After graduation, he would inevitably face the pressure of making choices.

"What about you? Don't you plan to find a job?" Neil asked, following `'s words.

Pepe immediately looked conflicted, unable to conceal his true emotions. "I haven't made a decision yet. Actually, I want to continue staying in the band, but life isn't that simple, is it?" Pepe scratched his head irritably and then looked at the two people in front of him with a glimmer of hope. "What about you? How did you make your choices?"

Neil smiled. "I perform on the street and have another part-time job." It seemed that Neil was still pursuing his dream, but he had never given up.

"So, what is your ultimate goal? Do you plan to continue like this?" Neil's life didn't sound promising; street performances couldn't last forever. Pepe couldn't help but ask.

"Well, I'm raising money to go to Europe and participate in major music festivals, to meet more music enthusiasts. Until one day, I feel I can't go on anymore, maybe I'll stop and find a stable job, becoming one of the millions leading an ordinary life in this society," Neil said casually about his dream. This made Hugo and Pepe both show expressions of yearning. To break free from the constraints of society and embrace freedom, that was perhaps the dream of countless people. However, the courage and cost to realize such a dream were too heavy, and very few people could truly achieve it.

Seeing their expressions, Neil waved his hand, "Don't envy me; the price of freedom and dreams is too high. My spiritual life is rich, but my material life is just barely making ends meet." He chuckled, describing his current situation realistically. "I don't even know how long I can keep going. Perhaps tomorrow, I might suddenly decide not to persist anymore."

Neil's words made Pepe and Hugo laugh. "What about you?" Neil looked at Hugo.

Hugo was taken aback, "I'm an actor, it's that simple. I thought you both knew, quite disappointing."

Pepe looked surprised, "I really didn't know." He turned to Neil, seeking confirmation, "Is he telling the truth?"

Hugo smiled helplessly, "It seems I need to work harder." Next to them, Neil nodded, confirming Hugo's statement, which made Pepe keep looking at Hugo and then remark with amazement, "Now that I think about it, you do have a bit of an actor's vibe. I just don't know about your acting skills since I hardly watch movies."

"Your life is occupied by rock music; where would you find time to watch movies?" Hugo's words made Pepe nod vigorously.

"So, are you giving up music then? Just treating it as a hobby?" Pepe asked excitedly. "Your talent for composing and your guitar skills are so excellent. Giving up music would be such a waste."

Hugo didn't answer immediately. He fell silent for a moment before sighing, "Actually, I am like Neil, persisting with a heart full of passion. But who knows when I might not be able to persist anymore, maybe tomorrow, maybe next year." Hugo didn't specify whether he was talking about music or acting. In fact, he was talking about living honorably to the end, but it resonated differently in Pepe and Neil's ears.

Pepe thought Hugo was just an inconspicuous actor, probably leading a difficult life. In Los Angeles, there were already so many actors that you could randomly throw a brick on Sunset Boulevard and hit two actors. As for Neil, he gazed thoughtfully at the dartboard next to the bar counter, where he had thrown a dart.

But Hugo took a deep breath and adjusted his emotions. These things had persisted for too long, becoming a part of his blood. There was no need to be too emotional about it. Instead, he remembered his purpose for coming today and said playfully, "I came to Al's Bar today to try my luck, to see if any bands are looking for a guitarist. Joining a band could be a good choice."

Although joining another band was a completely unfamiliar concept for Hugo because he had only been in the band Death or Glory his whole life, with band members who were childhood friends, joining a completely new band was a massive change for him, leaving him somewhat bewildered. But Hugo knew that when he arrived in Los Angeles in 1992, everything had to start anew.

"Why do you want to join another band? As an actor, it would be difficult for you to coordinate with the practice schedule of other bands," Neil asked curiously. He was well aware of Hugo's accomplishments as an actor, and although Hugo was currently going through a slump, it didn't mean he would remain in that state forever. Being a double Golden Globe nominee, it was undeniable that he would still have opportunities for performances in the near future.

Hugo shrugged, about to answer when Pepe, who was beside them, interjected, "You could start your own band, you know, with some familiar friends. After all, a band works better when friends come together, sharing common musical ideas and goals."

"Well, that's also an option," Hugo nodded in agreement. "If I can find like-minded friends to form a band, that would be the best. But the problem is..." Hugo was about to say that he didn't know anyone in Los Angeles who played rock music, but he stopped himself. "Um, I think... What if the three of us form a band?"

"You mean me and Neil?" Pepe raised his hand in surprise, pointing at Neil.

"It's just a suggestion," Hugo said with widened eyes, smiling.

In fact, Hugo had only met Neil and Pepe a few times. Apart from music, they had little knowledge of each other's personalities, habits, or interests. But that didn't matter. The most important thing for a band was that its members shared a common understanding of music. As for personality compatibility, it would naturally work itself out.

After speaking, Hugo wasn't sure if it was a good idea or not, so he casually added an explanation.

However, Pepe immediately showed a smile. "Wow, this... this would be fantastic!" Pepe seemed excited. "You have excellent guitar skills, both you and Neil, and Hugo, you can write your own music. It's just amazing."

Hugo was quite surprised by the response. Things seemed to be going much smoother than he had imagined. "Neil?"

Neil had a smile on his lips, but he remained relatively calm. "Hugo, I want to know, if you form a band, what is your goal? Is it just a hobby, or do you really want to make a name for yourself?"

Hugo carefully considered it. "Neil, you know, we can give it a try first. If it doesn't work out, then we can forget about it. But if we succeed, maybe we can go on tour and truly become a band. Of course, starting with rehearsals and testing our progress with street performances would be a good choice."

After all, they were not very familiar with each other. It was uncertain if sparks would fly after they harmonized, and even if they did, what kind of sparks would they be? Moreover, it was difficult to estimate whether their personalities would be compatible within a band. That's why Hugo didn't speak further.

Upon hearing Hugo's words, Neil nodded satisfactorily. Taking cautious steps and avoiding blind confidence and exaggeration, it was the best way to proceed. "Then count me in!"