Little Spirit

by DaNeo Duran

  ‘Will our songs translate to acoustic instruments?’

  ‘Who knows? Once we’ve got Danny we can give it a go.’

  ‘Okay Raphael, we’ll have a bash at Danny.’

  ‘Thank you.’ He headed for the kitchen. ‘Little Spirit takes ze bull by ze horns yes?’

  ‘I guess.’

  ‘First step to convincing Danny,’ Raphael said taking the groceries from the bag he’d brought, ‘is to feed him. All cultures respond to ze law of reciprocation. Anyone who receives a gift feels obliged to reciprocate that kindness.’

  Once Danny arrived back the lads tucked into Raphael’s cuisine.

  Calvin wasting no time said, ‘Danny, Raphael’s forwarded an idea to reach more people and I support it.’

  ‘Oh?’ Danny said unsure what he’d just swallowed.

  ‘Yeah, we propose we work the songs acoustically and busk them in the streets.’

  ‘These aren’t snails are they?’

  ‘No, only things I knew you’d like,’ Raphael said. ‘What about ze idea?’

  ‘It’s good. I was thinking we should play streets like Brook Green where the EMI and Virgin offices are – you know, put it under their noses.’

  Raphael looked incredulous. ‘What do you mean, you thought?’

  ‘Oh, sorry mate. I was thinking the same last night; figured we’d sell demos, make some money and get new faces to gigs.’

  Raphael put his cutlery down. ‘Ze washing up’s all yours.’

  They washed up together after which they attempted to play their songs on acoustic instruments. Instead of playing his normal guitar parts Danny strummed chords to the songs as Raphael beat his djembe like a conga without regard for his original drum parts. Only Calvin, on the horrible bass, played his lines as he ordinarily would have.

  ‘Terrible,’ Raphael said.

  ‘We sound like Christians,’ Danny said. ‘What d’you think Cal?’

  ‘I think you’re making this hard work. Stop strumming and play your parts as you’ve always practiced and gigged. Raphael I can hear that drum has a wide range of sounds. If you find a way to recreate your drums parts then the songs should sound more like we’re used to.’

  They gave it a go running through the same song time after time. Danny naturally modifying his guitar parts while Raphael drew a credible drum kit approximation from the djembe.

  ‘Not bad guys,’ Danny smiled. ‘There might be something there yet.’

  ‘Ze song’s sounding cool again.’

  By the end of the night another three songs had taken shape.

  ‘Four songs will do for starters,’ Danny said. ‘We could perform them then move on to another place. But this isn’t gonna be easy. The general public won’t give a damn about us. They’ll just want to shop.’

  ‘We know that. We’re just getting into ze consciousness of as many people as possible.’

  ‘Yeah, we’re the SAS of bands,’ Calvin said almost convincingly. ‘We don’t shy away from an uninterested public.’

  Saturday 29th October 1983

  On Saturday the band woke early, nervous and unready but nevertheless up for the challenge of busking. Between them they lugged their instruments, demos, backdrop and flyers onto buses and tubes.

  With no firm plan they chanced leaving the tube at Hyde Park Corner. Up the steps and into the park they went. Tourists milled around in the mild weather. With no thought of busking licences they set up away from other performers draping the backdrop on an available park bench.

  ‘Okay guys,’ Danny said feeling uncomfortable, ‘are we ready to do this?’

  ‘Let’s,’ Raphael said, djembe hanging from a padded shoulder strap. Without further ado he beat out the rhythm of, Only When it’s Saturday.

  Danny not wanting to face passers-by watched the drummer’s posture and fearlessness to look out into the park at anyone who cared to look at him. Thinking Raphael’s confidence unfounded he grasped at the neck and grabbed at the strings. He screwed his eyes and lamely sang along with his bandmates; hardly like his life depended on it. He tried driving his voice harder but didn’t like hearing his voice evaporating into the park’s openness.

  After the first song a frustrated Raphael stretched his shoulder. In the guitar case not one penny lay on the furry lining. Three songs later Raphael felt his performance had been compromised by the band’s reluctance to seize the attention of the great British public.

  ‘This is more reserved than rehearsals,’ he said. ‘Let’s repeat ze set. I’m rocking out whether you two do or not.’ With that he led the way again. This time wandering behind the bench emblazoned with Little Spirit’s logo. If they see me, they’ll hear me, he thought.

  Just like before Danny joined after Raphael’s introduction.

  But Calvin, after his four bars, ran to the bench and leapt off it. Landing right on the beat he arched his back and sang out like a wolf howling at the moon. Seeing this Raphael rounded the bench to join him in harmony.

  After the song Calvin shouted up to anyone within earshot, ‘I hope you’re all having a great day. We’re Little Spirit, here for your entertainment.’

  It got a few people’s attention. A couple stopped to listen to the next song so Raphael made sure they got a performance. Behind them others slowed from stride to amble.

  Another song and Calvin bantered at the gathering few. Still nobody put money into the guitar case. Perhaps no one wanted to throw the first coins. Remembering how French bar staff always left some coins in the plate Raphael relived his pockets of change.

  Feeling excluded Danny watched Raphael, free of his usual unmovable drum kit join Calvin. Danny forced himself to face the audience surprised to see a blonde girl eying him up. Automatically he looked away but he ordered himself to look back. When the blonde smiled he didn’t feel so silly. With one last song in their second four-song set Danny snapped from his freeze heating his volume and performance to Calvin and Raphael’s temperature.

  Having played the last song Calvin told anyone listening they could buy demos.

  ‘You have company,’ Raphael said.

  Danny turned and saw the blonde with her friends.

  * * *

  Katherine and Amy packed their bags and John secured his yacht. Together they left without bidding anyone farewell. Katherine knew she should have checked Elaine’s booking with Château Hôtel de la Messardière but had felt too upset.

  * * *

  Danny had pocketed his admirer’s phone number and sold her a demo. The band moved on playing two more areas of Hyde Park before trying Regent’s Park. There they handed out flyers and promoted that night’s Water Rats gig before packing up and heading off to meet the girls’ plane.

  On the tube heading to the airport, Danny closed his eyes and thought of Amy and the blonde who’d given him her number. He’d said he’d phone but felt that would betray Amy. He also considered the guitar case he’d closed. It seemed to have a lot of coins but he knew from cashing up at The Lion that lots of coins didn’t necessarily mean lots of money.

  * * *

  John led the way through passport control towards where the lads waited. Amy spotted Danny between Calvin and Raphael looking tall, unaware of his attractiveness. Katherine ran to Calvin. John, perhaps having considered the logistics, greeted Raphael leaving Amy who approached Danny. Arms ready for a hug she made a bad decision and ducked the same way as Danny. With each advancing step they corrected and counter-corrected looking dafter each second until Amy stood still and let Danny’s arms fold around her.

  At a loose end, John said he’d join the band later at The Water Rats. Katherine clung to Calvin all the way to Chingford. The band changed and gathered instruments for the evening’s electric gig squeezing a moment to count the day’s takings. Though Amy stayed to catch up on her poly assignments Katherine headed back to London with the band.

  * * *

  At The Water Rats John said, ‘So we’ve got fantastic demo tapes yet those idiots at the re
cord companies keep sending them back.’

  ‘Unbelievable but true,’ Calvin said.

  ‘We need to examine further options.’

  Raphael explained the benefits of busking and how the first day had progressed.

  ‘Brilliant,’ John declared. ‘Absolutely brilliant. I can only imagine how many people have seen the Little Spirit name today. How much money did you make?’

  ‘Well,’ Danny said, ‘we lumped the sales of demos in with it.’

  ‘That’s okay,’ John said, ‘they’re your tapes now. So how much?’

  Danny told him split three ways he’d earn more busking than doing a pub shift. The band reckoned as they improved they’d earn more especially approaching Christmas.

  ‘So you could afford to have Friday off like me and Raphael,’ Calvin said.

  ‘When you gonna tell Liz?’ John asked.

  ‘What, that I’m dropping Fridays?’ Danny asked. John raised an eyebrow whilst the others looked expectant. ‘I don’t know. Monday, maybe?’

  ‘Tell her now,’ Raphael said. ‘That way she’s got more notice to fill ze slot.’ Danny looked around the table.

  ‘Go to it,’ John said. ‘It makes economic sense.’

  ‘Yeah, alright.’ Danny fished in his pocket for 5p and went in search of a payphone.

  ‘What’s next regarding gaining record company interest?’ John asked.

  Calvin explained with experience they’d play Brook Green for the benefit of EMI and Virgin.

  ‘And what do you imagine will happen – will someone run out and sign you on the spot?’

  Calvin looked at Raphael who said, ‘Probably not.’

  ‘No,’ John said, ‘but, that doesn’t mean don’t do it. It’s a very good idea. Make sure the Little Spirit banners are clearly displayed. Mind you, it’s a pity we can’t personally deliver the demos.’

  Calvin said, ‘We’ve discounted that idea. It’s a well-known fact that bands lacking proper management can’t get past reception at the majors.’

  ‘But is that true of smaller labels?’

  ‘All done,’ Danny said returning from his talk with Liz.

  ‘Well done,’ John said. ‘How did it go?’

  ‘She understood. Looks like I’ve done my last Friday.’

  Bringing Danny to speed the band decided on their next busking trip they’d visit some small independent labels.

  * * *

  After soundchecking Danny told Raphael, ‘I phoned the blonde but some bloke answered so I hung up.’

  ‘Probably for ze best. Don’t want any trouble,’ Raphael said. ‘I’ll try ze two numbers I collected; see what happens there.’

  Hearing this and perhaps feeling insecure Katherine cuddled closer to Calvin.

  Tuesday 01st November 1983

  Calvin stayed at work late on Tuesday, finishing in time to meet Katherine before her pub shift ended. She’d been quiet since her return but Calvin thought he might be able to change that if only slightly.

  ‘Let’s see them,’ she said staring at the plastic bag in his hand. But instead of opening it he took his denim jacket off revealing the first Little Spirit T-shirt off the press.

  ‘What d’ya think?’ he asked displaying the blue Little Spirit Flag with white writing on black T-shirt.

  ‘Wow, you’ll sell loads.’

  ‘Hopefully, but I’ve got a free one for us lot.’ Calvin handed her a ladies fit from the bag.

  ‘Thanks love,’ Katherine said holding it up for size. ‘I’ll wear it in the pub.’

  Back in the flat Danny posing in his T-shirt said, ‘Hang on, yesterday we didn’t have T-shirts, hadn’t even discussed them and now, we have T-shirts. How did that happen?’

  Calvin explained that on Monday he’d asked his boss why the filing cabinets had moved. Not only did Ian speak of the proposed fabric printer but he suggested using the Little Spirit logo to trial it. Calvin agreed and paid for a handful of black T-shirts.

  ‘I’ll wear mine for poly tomorrow,’ Amy said unaware of Danny’s eyes admiring her curves.

  ‘Shame John and Raphael have to wait,’ Amy said. ‘Will you wear them on stage?’

  ‘Why not?’ Danny asked.

  ‘Isn’t that a bit desperate?’ Calvin said.

  Everyone turned to Katherine. ‘I suppose bands don’t often promote themselves that way but the Ts do look good. I’d say at this stage you can’t afford not to promote the band – in fact definitely wear them for busking.’

  Friday 04th November 1983

  On Friday Katherine came home from her shift to find the boys gloomily flopped over the living room furniture. ‘How d’it go?’ she asked hugging Calvin.

  ‘Busking went well,’ Raphael said.

  ‘That’s good. Make any money?’

  ‘We did and handed out flyers,’ Danny said. ‘But we didn’t get anywhere with the labels.’

  Calvin said, ‘We didn’t intend trying the big ones but thought we’d have a go anyway.’

  ‘Couldn’t get passed reception?’ Katherine asked.

  ‘Just as expected,’ Calvin said adding, ‘So that’s that for them.’

  ‘What about the smaller labels?’

  Danny said, ‘Nobody’s interested.’

  ‘None have been interested yet,’ Raphael said.

  ‘True,’ Calvin said. ‘Apparently we’re not what they were looking for if they were looking at all.’

  ‘One wasn’t open,’ Danny said. ‘But apart from that most said we weren’t contemporary enough, so they might as well have said we were crap.’

  ‘Really?’

  ‘A couple described us as unremarkable.’

  ‘It was never going to be easy but I can’t believe it,’ Katherine said.

  ‘Wasn’t it JFK who said, We do these things, not because they’re easy but, because they’re hard?’ Raphael asked.

  ‘About the space program, yeah’ Calvin said. ‘I suppose every band would have a deal if it was easy.’

  ‘Tomorrow’s Saturday so we’ll be lucky to catch anyone in,’ Danny said.

  ‘It’s bonfire night too,’ Katherine pointed out.

  Saturday 05th November 1983

  In the parks the next morning Danny felt more positive than the previous day as performances seemed to reach people more effectively.

  Later they visited a small label called GMD; the one that had been closed the previous day. Giving it the benefit of the doubt, they didn’t even know what genre of music they specialised in.

  The courtyard office lay amongst other unrelated businesses. Lacking the glamour of the majors and some independents Danny figured if GMD didn’t want them no one would.

  But like the day before Raphael ran up the exterior steps and found the door locked. Later, with no sign of action at GMD or elsewhere they resolved to leave the labels till the following week. Danny wondered if they’d ever get signed. He imagined Calvin’s dad chalking up another point against them.

  Monday 7th November – Friday 11th November 1983

  During the following week Raphael felt in danger of joining Danny’s despondency. He came to believe the labels had correctly identified their sound as unremarkable. Leaning from his bed he clicked rewind to listen to the demo from the start. Laying back he recognised rushed bits. Now the initial excitement had worn off he heard limp snare flams, stray bass notes and bent guitar notes that hadn’t bent far enough. The demo didn’t sound like the band that cracked jokes with their audience or leapt into the rafters from springboards.

  Unfortunately trudging round the labels would have to do until another great idea presented itself. But Raphael couldn’t concentrate on that because another thought pestered his mind. His mum’s Renault couldn’t cope now they’d added a springboard and T-shirts. His mum wanted her car back. A silly idea took hold.

  * * *

  The next day Calvin picked up the phone after his shift.

  ‘Great news,’ Raphael said. ‘I got us a van.’

&nb
sp; ‘Really?’

  ‘Yes, really. How good does that feel?’

  ‘Fantastic.’ Calvin grinned at his end. ‘How d’you sort that out?

  ‘I don’t know yet. Something will come to mind.’

  It took Calvin seconds to realise Raphael’s game. ‘Ahhgh – we don’t have a van – why did you say we did?’

  ‘We’ll have a van soon I promise.’

  ‘Answer the question.’ Danny may have grown used to Raphael’s quirks but Calvin’s patience hung by an unusually thin thread.

  ‘Okay, I’m sorry,’ Raphael said. ‘We need a van. I wanted you to feel exactly how you would if we did.’

  ‘Why?’ Calvin asked bewildered.

  ‘To help you visualise. Feel as you did when I said we had a van and we soon will. But I don’t want to do this all on my own because it’s my mum’s car we use.’

  ‘Sorry, I know we can’t use it forever. I feel bad about it too,’ Calvin said. ‘So, how we gonna get a replacement?’

  ‘It’s on its way; somehow,’ Raphael said.

  * * *

  In the flat early Friday morning whilst the band prepared to hit London Raphael helped himself to the phone.

  ‘Oh, hello,’ he said; the female voice picking up surprising him. ‘Err, you’re in?’

  ‘We’re in.’

  ‘All day?’

  ‘All day.’

  ‘Great,’ Raphael said hanging up.

  * * *

  Between rain showers the band played Regents Park. Calvin watched coins pour into the guitar case.

  Danny watched the money come too, almost wondering if they needed a record deal. But, Raphael called them to the task of dragging round to the record labels again. Danny’s face fell.

  Calvin sympathised. In the parks they made money and created happiness doing the thing they’d set out to do if acoustically rather than electrically.

  ‘Come on guys,’ Raphael encouraged. ‘It’s a rite of passage.’

  Less than encouraged they followed Raphael from Regent’s Park towards Chalcot Road. Recognising the route Calvin didn’t have the best feeling as they entered a familiar courtyard. The front of the record company office they’d seen before faced the rear of the surrounding companies. A steel fire escape led the way to its entrance. Calvin presumed in the event of fire the other companies would empty through it.

  ‘We’ve been here before – nothing doing,’ Danny said.

  ‘But look, there’s a light,’ Raphael said leading the way. ‘Come on.’

  Atop the stairs Calvin saw the company name displayed on a sheet of paper Sellotaped to the glass; not neatly etched like the other businesses.