by DaNeo Duran
Friday 23rd December 1983
The next morning Calvin parked the Bedford van between a Daimler and a Porsche at the Hilton. The doorman looked shocked when they jumped out but relaxed seeing them greet Barbara and John.
Barbara hugged Katherine and handed her a bag of Christmas presents. Linking arms with John they bid them Merry Christmas and headed to the Train Station to spend Christmas in separate towns.
Danny asked Katherine, ‘Are you riding up front with Calvin?’
‘That’d be nice,’ she said. Shutting the cargo doors Danny rounded the van and climbed towards the back seats but stopped surprise to see Amy had already plonked herself in the coach seat behind the driver. She leant sleepily against her coat with closed eyes. Raphael having taken the double coach seat on the other side motioned Danny to join her.
Contentedly, he sat and closed his eyes as Amy wordlessly made herself comfy against him.
Monday 2nd January 1984
After a Christmas in Coventry with Calvin’s parents Katherine stepped through the flat’s door and smiled. ‘It’s good to have the real you back babe,’ she said wrapping her arms around him. ‘You’re so different around your folks.’
‘I am back I promise,’ Calvin said kicking the door shut. He swept Katherine off her feet and carried her up to their room leaving their dumped bags by the door.
Laying her on the bed he dived beside her. She cuddled into him and considered the past week. Though she knew he suffered from stage fright he always got through it but seeing him in the company of his dad had been a revelation.
‘I told you when we first met I can’t find a way round his watertight arguments.’
‘But he argues according to his reality.’
‘Doesn’t everyone? And they’re still good arguments.’
‘I don’t know,’ Katherine said with frustration.
On the first evening she’d overheard Calvin and his dad talking whilst his mum had popped out for more coal. A woman like that requires a hell of a lot of looking after, he’d said about Katherine. If you want to keep her you’ll require the security and stability that regular income provides. If you don’t sort yourself out quick-smart she won’t be around to invite next Christmas. You’ve no income at all now you’ve upset the printers. Take a leaf out of Justin’s book. Life’d be a lot simpler.
They’d dressed for midnight mass and headed to the Catholic Church where Calvin’s older brother Justin conducted the service. Katherine met Justin at the back of the church as the congregation exited. Unlike most men Katherine met Justin had taken a vow of celibacy. But just like most his eyes nearly popped out when he first saw her as the drowsiness that’d followed the deacon’s sermon took flight.
Justin admired his younger brother’s vivacity for music and to break from the ‘safe’ option.
On Christmas Day he told Katherine that their father had an exceptional talent for making people feel moronic. Calvin suffered ever more after Justin’s career choice only just fell within acceptable principles.
‘You know,’ Calvin said bringing Katherine back to the present, ‘ages ago, Raphael suggested I’m the weak link in Little Spirit.’
‘What? Why would he think that?’ She lifted her head from his chest facing him.
‘He reckons he’s a hundred percent up for success and Danny’s not got any other options. But he thinks I’ve got a backup plan. Reckons because my dad wants me back in Coventry I could disappear ruining Little Spirit’s chances.’
‘What do you think?’
‘Truthfully, I think he has a point.’
‘What do you want?’
‘I want the band to work more than anything. And I want my mind emptied of his opinions and arguments.’
‘You want to be free to be Little Spirit?’
‘Yes.’ He stroked her hair from her cheek ‘And I want you babe.’
‘You’ve got me. As long as you’re working towards your dream and not settling for someone else’s vision then you’ll have me.’ She kissed his nose. ‘Because that’s one of the main reasons I’m attracted to you.’
‘Really?’
‘Yes really. D’you think for a minute I wanted to receive letters from a young man in Coventry who hated work and complained that his dad was saying negative things? No. I wanted to read that you were following your heart; shooting for the starts.’
‘That’s odd because my dad said—’
‘A woman like me craves security and stability?’
‘Yeah,’ Calvin said puzzled.
‘He doesn’t know me. Frankly it’s ludicrous. Could you see me with a man who had a regular income? London’s got millions. No, it’s the fire in your heart that attracts me. That’s what’s brought me back to this country. If you want me then want Little Spirit. If you work for Little Spirit then everything will be alright, with you, me and money, you name it.’
Katherine lay back and watched Calvin straighten ingesting her words. Of course she had no idea how Little Spirit would turn out but from what she’d witnessed over Christmas she knew that away from his dad Calvin had twice the gumption and infinitely more appeal. Calvin moving back to Coventry would rival her moving back in with her dad as exercises in joyless pointlessness went.
She watched Calvin disappear into reverie and asked, ‘Are you alright?’
‘Yeah.’
But she recognised the same pallid nauseous look he always got before gigs and knew emotions must be flowing. ‘I’ll put the kettle on,’ she said excusing herself.
‘Okay,’ Calvin said seeming barely to hear her.
In the kitchen she considered how Calvin’s attacks of nerves always preceded action. As the kettle bubbled she wondered what could happen this time.
Across the flat Calvin succumbed to the emotions Katherine’s words had set free. He knew he loved her completely. The notion of returning to Coventry to appease his dad at the risk of losing her turned acidic. But causticity met an intuitive desire that he couldn’t ignore. He’d fought with his dad for a twelve month window of music but now he’d have to renege on his side of the deal. Music’s permanence needed to be voiced.
* * *
Raphael had driven the van from Hemel and picked Danny up from his mum’s.
Nearing London Danny said, ‘1984. Could be our year.’
‘It’s already our year,’ Raphael said pulling out to overtake a wagon. ‘We’re in a signed band and we’ve got an unbelievable album.’
Danny looked out of the window over the fields to where the lights of countless houses glowed. ‘I wonder how many lives we’ll change – how many people will come to know and be entertained by what we do?’
‘Easy mate, you’re sounding almost optimistic.’
Danny smiled feeling exceedingly optimistic.
Minutes later they arrived and Danny turned the key to the flat door but found it wouldn’t open more than six inches. ‘Hello,’ he called through the gap.
After light footsteps Katherine appeared. ‘Sorry Danny,’ she said quietly, hoisting the bags out the way. ‘Calvin’s on the phone.’
‘Oh, okay,’ Danny said. Both he and Raphael kissed her and wishing her Happy New Year.
On the landing Calvin gave the lads one armed hugs before returning and stressing to the telephone receiver, ‘You’re not listening. I’m not saying twelve months aren’t long enough. I’m saying your twelve months are irrelevant. In here …’ he thumped his chest, ‘… I’m a rock star, and that’s not going to stop just because you’ve decided time’s up.’
Katherine ushered the lads into the living room. ‘Exciting isn’t it?’ When Danny hung back listening, Katherine said, ‘Come away from the door.’
‘Sorry,’ he said not moving.
After a pause from the corridor they all heard Calvin shout, ‘Who cares?’
Without warning the door flew open knocking Danny off balance.
Red faced Calvin slumped next to Katherine and groaned. ‘Sorry guys. Just phon
ed my dad.’
‘We gathered,’ Danny said taking a seat. ‘How’d it go?’
‘He hung up on me.’ Katherine squeezed his hand. ‘I thought I was a nice guy – that’s twice people have done that recently.’
‘I’m sure you’re dad knows you’re nice,’ Raphael said. But the sparkle in his eyes left him under no illusion that taking a stand against his dad had delighted him. ‘So what happened?’
‘I got fired up; told him, successful or not, where to stick his twelve month deal.’
Danny said, ‘Why, couldn’t you just have dealt with it in June if we weren’t successful?’
‘Out the question. I had to let him know, officially. Besides he might have given me – us, twelve months but he’s not been the least bit positive about anything we’ve achieved so he’s hardly been keeping his end of the bargain. Anyway, I can stop fearing failure now. And any future manipulation on his part can be justifiably countered, if he ever speaks to me again.’
Tuesday 03rd January 1984
Rather than use Amy’s empty bed Raphael had slept on the settee figuring he may as well get back to his discomfort sooner than later. He woke hearing the phone ring and Calvin answer it.
Katherine padded through the living room on her way to the bathroom.
‘Is it his dad?’ Raphael called after her.
‘Oh, you’re awake. No it’s his mum,’ she said flicking the kettle on.
When Calvin came in he smiled. Raphael asked, ‘Good news?’
‘My mum’s worried but says Dad’s okay. At least that’s something.’
Raphael, grabbed his watch. ‘As long you’re alright. Time to get up; big day. Will you be okay?’
Two hours later the band arranged plastic seats around Richard’s desk. Despite the early hour Richard poured himself a whisky.
‘Thanks for coming guys. Austin will be along presently,’ Richard said between slurps. ‘I get jittery before an album’s unveiled.’ He pushed the glass away. ‘But first things first. As you know I’ve got you a showcase slot tonight at the Borderline. It’ll be tough given that everyone’s partied out after Christmas so there probably won’t be many general punters. The young industry reps will have hangovers and the older eccentrics don’t dance. Try and get some enthusiastic souls along if you can lads.’
‘We’ll do all we can,’ Danny said knowing Amy and friends would be absent.
‘Will you pop along for support?’ Richard asked Grace.
‘Of course,’ she said looking past her uncle to Raphael.
‘Thanks love,’ Richard said before spotting Austin at the door. ‘Ah, the man himself.’
‘Hi guys, Happy New Year,’ Austin said stepping in from the cold pulling the door closed. Danny grabbed a chair for him.
‘Have you got it?’ Richard asked.
‘Right here,’ Austin said handing over a high quality cassette. ‘Guys, I’m assuming you’ll like it but remember it’s not mastered. It still needs some polish.’
Richard took the cassette and dropped it in the tape machine. He waited for everyone to comfy themselves, pressed play and rushed to sit down and slurp more whisky before the music started. The giddy band watched as Richard’s eyes closed to listen.
Even before the first chorus of Come Around Richard said, ‘Bloody good job everyone.’
Grace wheeled her office chair behind the lads to listen properly. After the first song Richard asked Grace, ‘What d’ya think love?’
‘Brilliant. Possibly the best thing GMD have recorded.’ Raphael turned seeing her enthusiasm.
Richard nodded sagely. ‘I agree and that’s saying something considering how The USed Wonz turned out.’
By the end of the fifth song, I Can’t Wish, Richard pressed stop saying, ‘I think we get the idea.’ He sat back down with a sigh. Danny exchanged a worrisome look with Austin. Richard rubbed his eyes.
‘What’s wrong?’ Grace asked.
‘Nothing,’ Richard said. ‘It’s fantastic. Every song so far sounds like a hit to me. I presume the second side’s as good?’ He looked at Austin.
‘I’d say so.’
Richard said, ‘It’s almost too good.’
‘Too good?’ Calvin said. ‘How can it be too good?’
‘For this dammed business. We produced The USed Wonz who are climbing the USA ladder but this is the first time GMD’s produced anything so right for the British Top-5.’
Openly delighted Raphael said, ‘That’s great.’
‘It would be – but, it ain’t gonna happen.’
Calvin’s heart sank regretting having spoken to his dad as he had. ‘What the hell are you on about – isn’t Top-5 exactly what we’re after?’
‘It is but Richard’s got a point,’ Austin said pacifying everyone. ‘The popularity of Top-5 singles is produced artificially. And Top-5s cost major record companies almost quarter of a million quid.’
The band looked at one another.
‘Sorry,’ Raphael said, ‘you’re losing me here. Isn’t ze point of a Top-5 to make money?’
Austin looked to Richard who said, ‘Ultimately yes. The thing is the UK market though smaller than America and the rest of the world is controlled by ruthlessly sophisticated corruption basically. The majors do anything to sell records in Britain because it’s the key to the rest of the world.’
Austin said, ‘The heavy hitters pumping enough hundreds of thousands into a UK song’s marketing campaign almost guarantee worldwide success. They then make millions, avoiding UK tax as they go, for comparatively low investment.’
‘So you’re saying marketing is manipulation?’ Raphael asked.
‘Not per se. You’ve got to let the public know about your product but Top-5 singles get marketed to the point where UK teenagers, who represent the main single buying demographic, are brainwashed into desiring and buying records.’
‘Ze next plinth on ze pyramid is still marketing and distribution yes?’
‘Indeed but these recordings,’ Richard pointed to the tape deck behind him, ‘deserve priority treatment – a proper deal with a massive advance unlike the sorry deals I’ve struck in the past.’
‘Okay Richard we need to get to ze bottom of this. You told us that advances are loans and it’s better not to have them.’
‘And I was dead right as far as the work you’ve done with Austin is concerned. Plus the deals I cobble together for my bands don’t usually come with much of an advance so there’s no point getting anyone’s hopes up.’
‘So what’s with ze big advance now?’
‘If a major puts money into a band they’re going to want it back plus profit.’
‘Makes sense,’ Raphael said. Everyone looked agreeable.
‘So if they put masses into a band by way of a six-figure advance they’re going to work damn hard to get it back. You see when a band signs for marketing and distribution there’s nothing in the contract stipulating how hard the company has to work promoting your records. The size of advance is the only gauge. These songs deserve proper representation and without the big advance you won’t be on every radio and TV show as you should.’
Calvin felt glum. He thought all that would sort itself out.
‘I’m sorry to seem out of sorts,’ Richard said. ‘But you can see I’ve got my work cut out for me here. And the best I can get you won’t be that great.’
‘I don’t understand,’ Danny said. ‘You said the product’s worthy. Won’t someone bite your hand off and provide a fitting advance?’
‘Afraid not. Only a very few acts receive the necessary hundreds of thousands. Every major’s investment is a gamble; the majors are terrified just like I was when I sent you to Leeds with Austin’s cheque.’
Raphael shuffled in his seat. ‘But if ze product is worthy isn’t it worth ze gamble?’
‘Yes but, the product is more that the sound coming out the speakers. The majors require confidence. You look and sound brilliant but, whilst this record is big news for all of
us in this room and your modest fan base, it isn’t big news to the majors.’
‘It should be,’ Raphael said.
‘Should isn’t enough. The confidence they need comes from track records. You don’t have one. Does Austin have a track record of Top-20 hit productions? Despite how this record sounds the answer is no. And me, I’ve a track record of not introducing world dominating bands. Mine sell a few records and disappear into obscurity barely making anyone much money. The most useful thing I’ve done for the majors is put acts on their books that perpetuate the illusion that record buyers actually have a choice in what they buy.’
After a few moments Raphael asked, ‘Can’t we stick Hugh Padgham’s name next to Austin’s on a couple of tracks?’
‘No we can’t. Firstly we play an honest game and secondly we’d get caught out on budget and, no disrespect intended to Austin’s studio, but Padgham wouldn’t produce from The Production Annex.’
‘Okay, let’s think practically,’ Danny said sitting forwards.
‘Good idea, there is, as they say, always more than one way to skin a cat,’ Austin said not appearing the slightest bit perturbed buy Richard’s critical remarks of his studio.
Danny said, ‘What if we find some money and, once a single’s released, get everyone to buy bulk loads of it?’
‘Wouldn’t work,’ Richard said. ‘Worked in the sixties for Epstein’s Beatles but not now.’
‘Why?’
‘Epstein bought ten thousand singles of Love Me Do. Firstly that’s too many for us to buy. Secondly, Gallop would be all over us—’
‘The guys who compile the charts?’
‘That’s right. They mainly collect data from two-hundred and fifty shops, most of which are in London, but they’ve four-hundred backup shops. Gallop would find unnatural buying patterns; we’d be disqualified.’
‘What’s illegal about buying vinyl?’ Raphael asked.
‘Nothing but for reasons already discussed not only will there be no priority treatment for us but I’ve never even managed to secure a deal with a clause stipulating promo videos. If records start flying out of targeted shops Gallop will look closely at how it’s being promoted and how many are being returned.’
‘Dammit,’ Danny said.
‘Still not done,’ Richard said. ‘Without priority treatment there won’t even be enough copies printed and distributed to make a dent on the charts as they are. These days you need to sell quarter of a million per week to be Number-1 so even if ten thousand copies existed it still wouldn’t be enough.’