Piano and Fortissimo are in the garage working on some vocal parts. They are moving between songs quite swiftly, working well and efficiently, a very effective duo.
Fortissimo: Okay, so that one seems pretty complete.
Piano nods excitedly and Fortissimo flips a page in a notebook.
Fortissimo: Oh yeah, this one! We had this one when it was just me, Forte and Triplet. Never ended up playing it though. Do you want to take the lead on this one Piano?
Piano: Wait... what?
Fortissimo: Ummmm.... did I say something weird? It's just that this song plays a lot higher generally, would rather not have to force my voice up there, especially considering there's a lot more to sing. It suits your range a lot more anyways.
Piano: Aren't I just the backing vocalist though? Why would I take the lead vocals?
Fortissimo: What do you mean "just the backing vocalist"? You know Crotchet increases your volume on certain tracks so you come through more. You're the lead on multiple tracks already. If anything everyone is a vocalist because we all have a vocal mic for ensemble parts in choruses. We're the two main ones.
Piano: But... I'm not at the front like you are? Shouldn't the main vocalist always be at the front?
Fortissimo: I mean sure, but it shouldn't be a problem. If it bothers you that much we'll just have Crotchet move things around for a couple of songs.
Piano: No... no, I don't mean that. I mean on stage I don't think I've ever taken the lead. At least like knowingly.
Fortissimo: You really need to listen to the final mixes more Piano, you're the main voice on almost half of the tracks, and Crotchet makes it happen on stage somehow too, lord knows how.
Piano: But aren't I normally too quiet for that? I kinda thought I was only there to provide layers and depth. Being the actual lead makes me so much more nervous, I don't think I can sing as well like that. I kinda wish you hadn't told me, because now Ill be worrying about it forever.
Fortissimo: Like I said, Crotchet fixes the volume issue in the mix. And being there for layers and depth is never something you should say you're "only" there for. It's super important. What exactly are you nervous about Piano? You're a great singer, if you just pretend like it's me at the front again, you'll be okay right?
Piano: But... what will you do if you're not singing as much?
Fortissimo holds up her guitar. Piano is becoming more and more upset as the conversation goes on. Fortissimo notices and crouches down next to Piano.
Fortissimo: Ill just add some more layers on the guitar parts. What is it Piano? How can I actually help?
Piano starts tearing up.
Piano: I don't know. But I feel like I shouldn't be at the front. When you're up there you move around and interact with the fans and dance and I cant do any of that. And you do all of that while singing and playing guitar. I get too shy and just stand there and sing. You're actually outgoing and have confidence in yourself and I cant do any of that. You're an amazing person to be at the front. I should be at the back. And I'm not scared of the people, I'm just scared of messing up and that being myself wont be enough because I'm shy and introverted and you're outgoing and it'll be boring with me up there and it feels like I'm stealing your spot and you're replacing yourself with someone who is worse at doing your job and I would never want to steal anything from you and I cant do the things that you do and... and...
Fortissimo: Hey... hey. Its alright. Piano, nobody's asking you to do the same things that I do. I do those things because they come naturally to me. I like dancing when I listen to music. I like interacting with fans. You don't need those things to be a good front. You don't have to do any of that. There have been so many musicians throughout history, that just sit there at the piano, sing and let the music speak for itself. Those are some of the best artists in history. You can do it exactly like that.
Piano: But, we're a rock band - the high energy suits us a lot more right?
Fortissimo: It doesn't have to. Especially for stuff like the ballads or more acoustic stuff, I wish I could sit still. Being at the front is not a playbook or a vibe and it's not something you can stereotype. You just do it the way you do it. And remember, Piano, you're probably the most popular member of our band by the fans without doing any of the things that I do already. You dont see the amount of people that want pictures with you I promise. Whenever Im at parties and you cant come with us, EVERYONE always asks about you. We try and protect you a little so you dont get overwhelmed by all that stuff and so you dont see it all. But I promise its there. People love your vibe, they think you're awesome and cute and most of all, theyre very impressed by your singing and your playing and what you can do so young. Theyre always telling us that you're going to clear the rest of us in talent in a few years and we should build the band around you already haha.
Piano: But I...
Fortissimo: Look Piano, youre amazing and if it helps you relax and sing well, I can stay up front and you can stay exactly in your spot and we can do it as we have been doing it. With Crotchet changing some of the levels. And you can pretend it's me being the main and you being the backing. We dont have to switch spots or anything okay? Ill dance and do all the things I usually do to not put the spotlight on you as much. Will that help?
Piano nods.
Fortissimo: Okay, but you have to promise me something. You work on upping your confidence, because you're amazing at what you do and deserve to be confident about it. And one day, we will switch spots and you can stand in the front and sing and have the spotlight on you and it will be amazing. You deserve the spotlight on you Piano okay. It's a priveledge to have, not a thing to be scared of okay? You promise me that?
Piano nods fast and Fortissimo smiles.
The two go back to running through some songs.
Fortissimo and Piano work on her confidence over the next few weeks in sessions much like this one. With the help of the rest of the band to work on it as well, eventually, Piano has the confidence to take centre stage at a show, and despite her being shy and nervous it leads to the most donations the band have had at a gig yet.