How I feel when I'm around you (System Of A Down)(EN)

(Re)Kindling

-Serj-

The last week of tour is a whirlwind that takes us to France, Belgium and then, through the Channel, to United Kingdom and Ireland for the prestigious Ozzfest, leaving us feeling quite dizzy as it ends and we're on our way back to the States, trying to push away thoughts of what's awaiting us there.

Two main thoughts make rounds in my mind, our next concert on June 7th and the new album to be completed, then there's another that's "accidentally" linked to my job: before leaving, when I had the chance to go into an internet point, I found a new e-mail from my brother Sevag. This isn't unusual, we always keep ourselves updated whenever we're distant, but the topic of his last digital letter sure is concerning: during one night at the Whisky a Go Go he met Georgia, Nikki's childhood friend I met back in December, but he was also targeted with xenophobic words together with some friends and the thing almost turned into a brawl. Also, he and Georgia recognized two unpleasant folks: Tina, Daron's former groupie, and Jake, Nikki's abusive ex. 

The note Nikki received at the start of May, at this point, isn't a joke anymore, more like a real threat, and me and the guys need to talk about it so we can protect Nikki, ourselves and our staff, but this has to be postponed at least until the trip is over since we're too tired. In the meanwhile, I'll mull over it, maybe something will pop up in my head.

Back in Los Angeles, once we're over the jet lag, me and my colleagues decide to meet up at the studio to say hello to Rick and maybe even work a bit on the album: he's very happy to see us again and even prioritizes hearing our stories about the tour over working, hoping to catch some gems from each of us.

I follow Rick out to smoke while I'm telling him one of my anecdotes, out of the studio entrance, staying in the shadow, but I must cut my story short anyway, because two people are coming our way: one is Mike Shinoda, from another famous LA band named Linkin Park, the other is their producer and a friend of Rick's, Don Gilmore.

«Rick, buddy!» Don greets his friend cheerfully with a brotherly hug. «I was passing by and thought I could stop and say hello, how are you doing? Here with me is Mike Shinoda from Linkin Park, can't recall if you already knew each other.»

«I'm alright, dude», Rick says, smiling «I'm happy to see you, and it's a pleasure to meet you, Mike» he shakes the guy's hand vigorously, looking happy indeed. «I'm on a cigarette break and took Serj with me so he could keep on telling me about the tour.»

«The famous Serj Tankian!» Don says, reaching out to shake my hand. «A real pleasure to meet you, I've heard many say that you and your bandmates really killed it in Europe, is that so?»

«I think we did» I chuckle.

«Oh, just remembered I had some business to discuss with Don, guys, so we'll leave you alone for a bit, be right back», Rick says and Mike and I nod toward him, then look at each other again.

«Hi Mike, long time no see!»

«Yup! We've come a long way with our bands since that night at the Whisky a Go Go in 1997», are Mike's first words, said with a grin. «Did you know we've got a new singer?»

«I noticed the first time I listened to one of your singles on the radio and the voice I heard wasn't the one I knew! I'll buy your album when I can because I'm curious to hear the rest, but I can already say you've done a great job and your new singer kicks ass.»

«Thank you! We're very happy with our work and very proud of Chester, too.»

Suddenly an idea pops up. «Say, what about a band meet up one of these days, even in studio? Me and the guys, you and your band, maybe a few close friends from staff?»