It's been a while since I updated "Platform," so here's the next chapter. I have a lot of projects I'm tackling, but I will keep this project on a good priority...
The Platform Surfers
Chapter 14:
Radio, and an interview.
************
"Hey, hey, hey! This is DJ Kohaku for Tokyo FM, and now, we have a new song by request that has started to go into CD shelves as of today. Here is The Platform Surfers, a 10-group surf band from Shibuya, with their debut single, 'Surf Guitar.' Enjoy! This is Tokyo FM!"
And so, the Platform Surfers were on the radio.
***
The phone rang. Ran picked it up, still feeling fresh after the 33rd dip in the Kobayashi pool. "Hello? Sup?"
"It's Miyu. Hi, Ran!"
"Miyu! How are things up there?"
"You know what? We're on the air!"
"NO WAY! You're kidding, right?"
"I'm serious! Every radio station in Tokyo is playing our song!"
"Kyaa~~~~~!!! That's too cool!"
"And you know what? Our next single, A-I-TSU, is going to be out on shelves in two weeks! Tsukino-san is asking you to head back to Japan. We have a lot of interviews to go to! Our first one is in 3 days! Please, Ran? And Sayo, too!"
She thought for a moment, and then said, "Sure. My bratty sister and me will be there tomorrow morning. See you."
"Toodles~~!"
***
"Ran," said Hayama, "I have something to tell you."
"What?"
"I'm not one of your relatives."
"WHAAAT!?"
"My father is good friends with Taizou-san, and he asked him if he could check out Brisbane."
"Oh, thank goodness. But please, don't touch me!" she exclaimed, crossing her fingers in front of Hayama's face. "I'm already taken!"
At that point, Taizou and Kiyoka came over.
"Ran," said the tall man with gray hair, "so, you're going back home, right? And Sayo, too?"
"Ya~~y!" said Sayo. "I go back home! Wheeheee!"
"That's right," said Ran with composure. "The radio stations in Tokyo are playing my band's song, and now I've gotta do some interviews."
"That's wonderful!" Kiyoka said. "We'll stay here. Yamato, do you want to go home as well?"
"Sure, he said. Me, Ran, and Sayo will take care of the house."
"Good," said Taizou. "We'll see you guys later. Pack up your stuff, the three of you. Ran, don't forget the Kotocaster."
"Right," the three kids said in unison.
***
At Shibuya Square, everyone was tense. They were waiting for the three of them to head home.
"That's a good boy," said Mami, referring to Yuuya. "Suck it good."
"Um, Mami," said Rei, "why is Yuuya doing THAT?" Yuuya's head was basically on Mami's breasts. He was enjoying it, blushing.
"Can't talk," Yuuya said, muffled. "Sharing love with fiancée. Mmmm...."
"Oh." Rei stuck his tongue out in boredom and slight disgust.
"I wonder when Ran, Sayo, and Yamato-kun will be back," said Miyu. "I miss them."
"They've only been gone for a week," said Aya. "It's not like they got eaten up or something!"
"Oh, Aya~~~~! Don't say that!!!"
"Sayo-chan," said Masato. "Please come home..."
"There there, Masato," said Naoki. "Don't worry about it. They'll be fine."
"But I can't live without her! I have dreams about her EVERY FUCKIN' DAY! SAYO~~~~~! COME TO ME~~~~~!!!"
Suddenly, a black limousine arrived. Out of the limousine cane Yamato, dressed like Neo from the Matrix, Sayo, dressed in a halter top and denim shorts, and Ran, who was dressed in a white leather jacket, short white skirt, and a leopard-skin shirt. All were stunned. And then they crowded the three.
"Oh, brother," said Ran, full of mixed emotions.
******
The next day, each of the band members had an interview. Here were some of the questions asked.
Ribon: Why did the ten of you decide to form a band like this, let alone a surf band?
Miyu: Well, all of us were best friends in high school, though some were in junior high. See, how we got started was this: Mami, our drummer, showed us this garage in her house. And then, she shows us this drum set, and other instruments. She's one good drummer, but the surf rhythm's her signature bread and butter. Also, Ran has a special electric guitar called a Kotocaster. This guitar sounds like cross between a koto, a shamisen, and an electric guitar, and it looks like a cross between those three mentioned. Rare instrument, but that's how we got together. And then our producer and agent, Tsukino Usagi-san, also known as Sailor Moon, comes over, and gives us a contract to sign. The rest is history.
Ribon: Ran, how do you guys like to play music? Do you add style to it? Go all the way? How do you do it?
Ran: In our band, we like to put balance and harmony in our song. We're not just an instrumental band. We can sing, too. Our first single, which is already on sale, is instrumental, but our next single will be vocal, with some instrumental tracks.
As for how we play our music, sometimes we like to dance while we play [our instruments]. The thing about our playing is that we don't look like we're just synching it. See, many pop stars and rock stars today just synch while playing their music. We don't do that. It looks pretty embarrassing and stupid. We do our thing, while we shake what our parents gave us, while not looking like we're imitating it. While I play the Kotocaster, I sometimes do a little twist, maybe wiggle my hips a bit...Style mixed with execution and good playing without compromises is what this band lives by, and will die by.
Ribon: Aya, why did you like to play the bass? What is it about the instrument that makes it so special?
Aya: There are a lot of things that make the electric bass special. First, you don't have to strum it. Plucking it a bit, even just touching the four strings, gives it that deep sound. Plus, it allows you to improvise and set the tone for the melody. I like to harmonize and integrate my instrument with the others, and when you play it right, it also gives a rhythmic sound, that just makes you want to dance. Also, it's so simple to play. But making sure you have knowledge of it, and knowing all the right moves, will make you a good bass player.
Ribon: Mami, you're a good drummer. Tell us a little something about your drumming ability per se. Do you break a sweat drumming?
Mami: Good question. I began drumming at a young age. Of course, like the other members, I have a fetish for surf music. The simple surf beat is something that makes gals and guys shake it whenever they have the chance, maybe nod their heads at the very least. I think the surf rhythm is a very...sexy beat, and that's why I like to play that.
I don't break a sweat drumming. But if the Platform Surfers have a concert that lasts 2 or 3 hours, I guess having a few water bottles handy per member wouldn't hurt. But I don't break a sweat; really, I don't.
Ribon: Rei, why did you decide to become a secondary guitarist, along with Miyu? How do your skills contribute to the chemistry of the band?
Rei: I'm not necessarily a secondary guitarist, as I adlib with Ran on the melodies at times. The same thing goes with Miyu. However, she is more on the acoustic side of things.
I think that music is one way you can communicate your emotions, even if you don't show it, and you have a so-so outlook on life. For me, it comes naturally. I don't try to be the center of attention. I just try to add balance to the team, as Ran previously mentioned.
All of us are friends. Any talk of us breaking up, getting greedy and stuff, would be detrimental to our friendships. We don't play for money; we play because we love to play. Many bands want the money. We want the music.
Ribon: Yuuya, it has been known that you like music from the 80's. Is that correct? If so, why?
Yuuya: I have been a fan of bands like Duran Duran, the Clash, the Cure, those bands. In our debut album which will come in a month, the male members of the band; that is, me, Rei, Tatsuki, Naoko, and Masato, play some 80's covers. However, we put our brand of music to it, so that sounds unique. You'll love it. Trust us. (wink)
Ribon: Ran, we heard from some trusted sources that you co-wrote a song, along with Kouyama Mitsuki-san, otherwise known as Full Moon, and Kusakabe Maron, called "Kamikaze." This song ended up on the charts and hit the ichiban last week. Give me your thoughts.
Ran: Heh. Funny you should ask. See, it was a few days before I left. Maron is a very nice person. She was trying to find a song that would define Momokuri Academy's run towards defending their national [rhythmic] gymnastics [title], and I decided, along with Mitsuki, to create a song specially designed for the situation. It was based on a poem she wrote, and we used the melody from "Flashdance" with a twist of the lemon to get it done. Completed in one take at Serenity, and slipped in at the last second...mission accomplished, title won. I'm proud of the [gymnastics] team, Maron, and Mitsuki that day. I even got a team jacket, and little tosses in the air. Cloud nine material, I tell ya.
But what surprised me is that "Kamikaze" reached the ichiban. THAT is new news to me. (wink) It's a bonus, I can tell you that much.
Ribon: And that's what makes music special.
Ran: Certainly. You better you bet. (laugh)
Ribon: Sayo, you recorded a track at the end of your upcoming album. Tell us about it.
Sayo: With pleasure. Basically, my older sister, Rei, and the others were having a lunch break at the studio. Masato, Naoki and me wanted to play something to pass the time away. There was this song by Santo and Johnny called "Sleepwalker" that we decided to play. Ran, always being the jumpstarter, decided to play drums on this song. It ended up being the closer to this record we're getting ready to make. Pretty nice.
Ribon: Masato, Naoki, do you consider yourselves as versatile players when it comes to...playing? Tell us about it.
Masato: I'm usually limited to percussion, and other special instruments. I only play guitar when it's really necessary, but I'm only good at the rhythm portion, not lead.
Naoki: Masato and me are also good when it comes to backup vocals. On the Clash and Cure covers, we have solid vocals to accompany Yuuya, Rei, and the Big Monkey himself [Tatsuki].
Ribon: Tatsuki, let me ask you one question: Why do you like to play ukulele on this record? Give me a concise reason.
Tatsuki: Well, I don't always play ukulele on this record, but the reason I play it is because its very simple to use. The ukulele is generally a strumming instrument, and is not a good lead instrument. So it puts a lot of heat off. I, like a few others in this band, are versatile.
Ribon: Miyu, you play rhythm guitar on a lot of these songs. Which songs are they and what are your thoughts?
Miyu: Easy question. I play rhythm guitar on the first 5 tracks, but in my song, "I WILL," I play synthesizers, sound sampling, and program the drums. In fact, all the instruments in that song are programmed by me, with the exception of the guitar lick by Ran. I wrote and put the lyrics to this song out of thought for my fiancée, Kotobuki Yamato-kun, and it came out so well. This is one of the few mellow songs. "Yasashisa to Yowasa wa Chigau" is a song that Aya created, and she did the same thing for my song: program synthesizers, sampling, drum programming.
Ribon: Ran, you also wrote and composed a song for this album too. Give us a look behind the scenes of how it was all put together.
Ran: "Hiru ni Miru Yume" is a song that I had fun composing and writing lyrics on. Miyu, Mami, and Aya did a wonderful job providing backup vocals to this. I did this out of the fact that I will stop at nothing to make the most out of my life. I could live for another hundred years; I could die tomorrow. All I wanted was to make the most out of what I have left to give. I don't have a lot to live, but I have a lot to give. That's what triggered "Hiru." I even added some really good guitar lick to it using my Kotocaster. Also, this was the first song in which there wasn't any backup of rhythm guitars by Miyu or Rei.
--------
"Perfect," said Ran, walking back home with her family later that day. The interview was over, and for the first time in her life, she was exhausted from the 5-hour grilling concerning the events.
"How was the interview, sweetie?" asked Taizou, stretching a bit.
"Ordinary," she said with a frown, before a surge of endorphins came in. "But it was fun!"
"Whatever," said Yamato. "You with the fake smile again?"
"Not like you care, aniki."
"It's so grat that you're on the radio with Sayo- and your friends, Ran," said Kiyoka gleefully. "You taking care of that Kotocaster right, sunshine?"
"All in a day's work for the invincible Kotobuki Ran-sama," she said with assertion.
"I'm hungry, Dad," said Sayo, her stomach snarling a bit. "Is there anything to eat at home. It may have gotten spoiled or something..."
"Don't worry, honey," Kiyoka coaxed, as she opened the door. "There should be plenty to eat-oh...my...God."
The house was a mess. Food and beverages were all over the house, and a few rodents feasted in the fun. And in the center of the horrendous melee was...
"SATSUKIIIIII!?" yelled Ran. "What the hell did you just do to my house, you idiot!?"
She had gotten a bit fat from too much boredom, but not that fat. She still looked slim and with a figure, but a bit flabby, as Ran suspected.
"Um...I just...uh...knocked myself out?"
"ARGGHHHHH!!" Suddenly, Ran was chasing Satsuki all over the house.
"Kanari blue..." said the other four in depressed unison.
********
End Chapter 14
Next chapter...could it be...the Platform Surfers' first concert? Find out next time...!!!
The Platform Surfers
Chapter 14:
Radio, and an interview.
************
"Hey, hey, hey! This is DJ Kohaku for Tokyo FM, and now, we have a new song by request that has started to go into CD shelves as of today. Here is The Platform Surfers, a 10-group surf band from Shibuya, with their debut single, 'Surf Guitar.' Enjoy! This is Tokyo FM!"
And so, the Platform Surfers were on the radio.
***
The phone rang. Ran picked it up, still feeling fresh after the 33rd dip in the Kobayashi pool. "Hello? Sup?"
"It's Miyu. Hi, Ran!"
"Miyu! How are things up there?"
"You know what? We're on the air!"
"NO WAY! You're kidding, right?"
"I'm serious! Every radio station in Tokyo is playing our song!"
"Kyaa~~~~~!!! That's too cool!"
"And you know what? Our next single, A-I-TSU, is going to be out on shelves in two weeks! Tsukino-san is asking you to head back to Japan. We have a lot of interviews to go to! Our first one is in 3 days! Please, Ran? And Sayo, too!"
She thought for a moment, and then said, "Sure. My bratty sister and me will be there tomorrow morning. See you."
"Toodles~~!"
***
"Ran," said Hayama, "I have something to tell you."
"What?"
"I'm not one of your relatives."
"WHAAAT!?"
"My father is good friends with Taizou-san, and he asked him if he could check out Brisbane."
"Oh, thank goodness. But please, don't touch me!" she exclaimed, crossing her fingers in front of Hayama's face. "I'm already taken!"
At that point, Taizou and Kiyoka came over.
"Ran," said the tall man with gray hair, "so, you're going back home, right? And Sayo, too?"
"Ya~~y!" said Sayo. "I go back home! Wheeheee!"
"That's right," said Ran with composure. "The radio stations in Tokyo are playing my band's song, and now I've gotta do some interviews."
"That's wonderful!" Kiyoka said. "We'll stay here. Yamato, do you want to go home as well?"
"Sure, he said. Me, Ran, and Sayo will take care of the house."
"Good," said Taizou. "We'll see you guys later. Pack up your stuff, the three of you. Ran, don't forget the Kotocaster."
"Right," the three kids said in unison.
***
At Shibuya Square, everyone was tense. They were waiting for the three of them to head home.
"That's a good boy," said Mami, referring to Yuuya. "Suck it good."
"Um, Mami," said Rei, "why is Yuuya doing THAT?" Yuuya's head was basically on Mami's breasts. He was enjoying it, blushing.
"Can't talk," Yuuya said, muffled. "Sharing love with fiancée. Mmmm...."
"Oh." Rei stuck his tongue out in boredom and slight disgust.
"I wonder when Ran, Sayo, and Yamato-kun will be back," said Miyu. "I miss them."
"They've only been gone for a week," said Aya. "It's not like they got eaten up or something!"
"Oh, Aya~~~~! Don't say that!!!"
"Sayo-chan," said Masato. "Please come home..."
"There there, Masato," said Naoki. "Don't worry about it. They'll be fine."
"But I can't live without her! I have dreams about her EVERY FUCKIN' DAY! SAYO~~~~~! COME TO ME~~~~~!!!"
Suddenly, a black limousine arrived. Out of the limousine cane Yamato, dressed like Neo from the Matrix, Sayo, dressed in a halter top and denim shorts, and Ran, who was dressed in a white leather jacket, short white skirt, and a leopard-skin shirt. All were stunned. And then they crowded the three.
"Oh, brother," said Ran, full of mixed emotions.
******
The next day, each of the band members had an interview. Here were some of the questions asked.
Ribon: Why did the ten of you decide to form a band like this, let alone a surf band?
Miyu: Well, all of us were best friends in high school, though some were in junior high. See, how we got started was this: Mami, our drummer, showed us this garage in her house. And then, she shows us this drum set, and other instruments. She's one good drummer, but the surf rhythm's her signature bread and butter. Also, Ran has a special electric guitar called a Kotocaster. This guitar sounds like cross between a koto, a shamisen, and an electric guitar, and it looks like a cross between those three mentioned. Rare instrument, but that's how we got together. And then our producer and agent, Tsukino Usagi-san, also known as Sailor Moon, comes over, and gives us a contract to sign. The rest is history.
Ribon: Ran, how do you guys like to play music? Do you add style to it? Go all the way? How do you do it?
Ran: In our band, we like to put balance and harmony in our song. We're not just an instrumental band. We can sing, too. Our first single, which is already on sale, is instrumental, but our next single will be vocal, with some instrumental tracks.
As for how we play our music, sometimes we like to dance while we play [our instruments]. The thing about our playing is that we don't look like we're just synching it. See, many pop stars and rock stars today just synch while playing their music. We don't do that. It looks pretty embarrassing and stupid. We do our thing, while we shake what our parents gave us, while not looking like we're imitating it. While I play the Kotocaster, I sometimes do a little twist, maybe wiggle my hips a bit...Style mixed with execution and good playing without compromises is what this band lives by, and will die by.
Ribon: Aya, why did you like to play the bass? What is it about the instrument that makes it so special?
Aya: There are a lot of things that make the electric bass special. First, you don't have to strum it. Plucking it a bit, even just touching the four strings, gives it that deep sound. Plus, it allows you to improvise and set the tone for the melody. I like to harmonize and integrate my instrument with the others, and when you play it right, it also gives a rhythmic sound, that just makes you want to dance. Also, it's so simple to play. But making sure you have knowledge of it, and knowing all the right moves, will make you a good bass player.
Ribon: Mami, you're a good drummer. Tell us a little something about your drumming ability per se. Do you break a sweat drumming?
Mami: Good question. I began drumming at a young age. Of course, like the other members, I have a fetish for surf music. The simple surf beat is something that makes gals and guys shake it whenever they have the chance, maybe nod their heads at the very least. I think the surf rhythm is a very...sexy beat, and that's why I like to play that.
I don't break a sweat drumming. But if the Platform Surfers have a concert that lasts 2 or 3 hours, I guess having a few water bottles handy per member wouldn't hurt. But I don't break a sweat; really, I don't.
Ribon: Rei, why did you decide to become a secondary guitarist, along with Miyu? How do your skills contribute to the chemistry of the band?
Rei: I'm not necessarily a secondary guitarist, as I adlib with Ran on the melodies at times. The same thing goes with Miyu. However, she is more on the acoustic side of things.
I think that music is one way you can communicate your emotions, even if you don't show it, and you have a so-so outlook on life. For me, it comes naturally. I don't try to be the center of attention. I just try to add balance to the team, as Ran previously mentioned.
All of us are friends. Any talk of us breaking up, getting greedy and stuff, would be detrimental to our friendships. We don't play for money; we play because we love to play. Many bands want the money. We want the music.
Ribon: Yuuya, it has been known that you like music from the 80's. Is that correct? If so, why?
Yuuya: I have been a fan of bands like Duran Duran, the Clash, the Cure, those bands. In our debut album which will come in a month, the male members of the band; that is, me, Rei, Tatsuki, Naoko, and Masato, play some 80's covers. However, we put our brand of music to it, so that sounds unique. You'll love it. Trust us. (wink)
Ribon: Ran, we heard from some trusted sources that you co-wrote a song, along with Kouyama Mitsuki-san, otherwise known as Full Moon, and Kusakabe Maron, called "Kamikaze." This song ended up on the charts and hit the ichiban last week. Give me your thoughts.
Ran: Heh. Funny you should ask. See, it was a few days before I left. Maron is a very nice person. She was trying to find a song that would define Momokuri Academy's run towards defending their national [rhythmic] gymnastics [title], and I decided, along with Mitsuki, to create a song specially designed for the situation. It was based on a poem she wrote, and we used the melody from "Flashdance" with a twist of the lemon to get it done. Completed in one take at Serenity, and slipped in at the last second...mission accomplished, title won. I'm proud of the [gymnastics] team, Maron, and Mitsuki that day. I even got a team jacket, and little tosses in the air. Cloud nine material, I tell ya.
But what surprised me is that "Kamikaze" reached the ichiban. THAT is new news to me. (wink) It's a bonus, I can tell you that much.
Ribon: And that's what makes music special.
Ran: Certainly. You better you bet. (laugh)
Ribon: Sayo, you recorded a track at the end of your upcoming album. Tell us about it.
Sayo: With pleasure. Basically, my older sister, Rei, and the others were having a lunch break at the studio. Masato, Naoki and me wanted to play something to pass the time away. There was this song by Santo and Johnny called "Sleepwalker" that we decided to play. Ran, always being the jumpstarter, decided to play drums on this song. It ended up being the closer to this record we're getting ready to make. Pretty nice.
Ribon: Masato, Naoki, do you consider yourselves as versatile players when it comes to...playing? Tell us about it.
Masato: I'm usually limited to percussion, and other special instruments. I only play guitar when it's really necessary, but I'm only good at the rhythm portion, not lead.
Naoki: Masato and me are also good when it comes to backup vocals. On the Clash and Cure covers, we have solid vocals to accompany Yuuya, Rei, and the Big Monkey himself [Tatsuki].
Ribon: Tatsuki, let me ask you one question: Why do you like to play ukulele on this record? Give me a concise reason.
Tatsuki: Well, I don't always play ukulele on this record, but the reason I play it is because its very simple to use. The ukulele is generally a strumming instrument, and is not a good lead instrument. So it puts a lot of heat off. I, like a few others in this band, are versatile.
Ribon: Miyu, you play rhythm guitar on a lot of these songs. Which songs are they and what are your thoughts?
Miyu: Easy question. I play rhythm guitar on the first 5 tracks, but in my song, "I WILL," I play synthesizers, sound sampling, and program the drums. In fact, all the instruments in that song are programmed by me, with the exception of the guitar lick by Ran. I wrote and put the lyrics to this song out of thought for my fiancée, Kotobuki Yamato-kun, and it came out so well. This is one of the few mellow songs. "Yasashisa to Yowasa wa Chigau" is a song that Aya created, and she did the same thing for my song: program synthesizers, sampling, drum programming.
Ribon: Ran, you also wrote and composed a song for this album too. Give us a look behind the scenes of how it was all put together.
Ran: "Hiru ni Miru Yume" is a song that I had fun composing and writing lyrics on. Miyu, Mami, and Aya did a wonderful job providing backup vocals to this. I did this out of the fact that I will stop at nothing to make the most out of my life. I could live for another hundred years; I could die tomorrow. All I wanted was to make the most out of what I have left to give. I don't have a lot to live, but I have a lot to give. That's what triggered "Hiru." I even added some really good guitar lick to it using my Kotocaster. Also, this was the first song in which there wasn't any backup of rhythm guitars by Miyu or Rei.
--------
"Perfect," said Ran, walking back home with her family later that day. The interview was over, and for the first time in her life, she was exhausted from the 5-hour grilling concerning the events.
"How was the interview, sweetie?" asked Taizou, stretching a bit.
"Ordinary," she said with a frown, before a surge of endorphins came in. "But it was fun!"
"Whatever," said Yamato. "You with the fake smile again?"
"Not like you care, aniki."
"It's so grat that you're on the radio with Sayo- and your friends, Ran," said Kiyoka gleefully. "You taking care of that Kotocaster right, sunshine?"
"All in a day's work for the invincible Kotobuki Ran-sama," she said with assertion.
"I'm hungry, Dad," said Sayo, her stomach snarling a bit. "Is there anything to eat at home. It may have gotten spoiled or something..."
"Don't worry, honey," Kiyoka coaxed, as she opened the door. "There should be plenty to eat-oh...my...God."
The house was a mess. Food and beverages were all over the house, and a few rodents feasted in the fun. And in the center of the horrendous melee was...
"SATSUKIIIIII!?" yelled Ran. "What the hell did you just do to my house, you idiot!?"
She had gotten a bit fat from too much boredom, but not that fat. She still looked slim and with a figure, but a bit flabby, as Ran suspected.
"Um...I just...uh...knocked myself out?"
"ARGGHHHHH!!" Suddenly, Ran was chasing Satsuki all over the house.
"Kanari blue..." said the other four in depressed unison.
********
End Chapter 14
Next chapter...could it be...the Platform Surfers' first concert? Find out next time...!!!