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

Roulette

-Daron-

Back in the US there's no rest for us, we get back to comfy beds and more decent time tables but we have to keep working on the new album: we decided to name it "Steal this album!", with a reference to Abbie Hoffman's book named "Steal this book", and it has a sarcastic jab for those lovely people who stole and published all the unfinished songs that didn't make it to "Toxicity". Take this, you motherfuckers!

Today the sky is almost fully clear, spotted by tiny white clouds, but the climate is cooler than it usually is in April; we're on a break from recording and I'm looking out of a window, observing the trafficked street below, and the height makes me feel a bit giddy.

«End of the break, let's go back to work!» Serj thunders and breaks my contemplation of the urban landscape; I close the window, fix my clothes a bit and sigh.

«I like how the album is turning out» once we're all gathered together Rick says «and I think it's time to record "Roulette", we can't keep going on and putting this song aside because it is worth going in this album. What do you think?»

«Give us an hour so we can rehearse it together» Serj says «when we're sure about it Daron will come and record the first guitar track.»

«That's okay» the producer ends, getting up. «I'm going to have a coffee and something to eat, anyone wants anything?»

«No, thanks» everybody answer together.

Once in the rehearsal room Serj and I get a chair to sit on and Shavo and John lean against a wall, watching us. I take a pick and the old guitar near there, the same one Nikki used time ago, and the thought of this makes my hands tingle a bit.

«Are you ready?» the singer asks with a curious gaze.

«I was born ready» I chuckle to chase anxiety away. «You?»

«Sure.»

After some hesitation I start the song, strumming gently, Serj coughs a bit and then starts singing along; I join him in the chorus but my voice comes out half-choked many times so I give up and remain silent for the rest of the time.

«Daron, are you okay?» the singer approaches me with a bit of worry afterwards.

«Yeah, it's just a bit of tiredness, I can manage it» I answer with the most normal voice, in fear of getting debunked.

«Uhm, you're hiding something» he adds, observing me «but now we've got stuff to do so you're safe for now. C'mon, let's rehearse again.»

The song comes out definitely better with two more rehearsals so we decide it's time to start recording; I have to go first, so I leave for the recording room.

«It worked until yesterday, I can't understand what the issue is!»

«Be light and easy, we'll find the solution.»

«What's up guys?» I peep into the small space filled with consoles for audio control and who the hell knows whatever else and find two techs with a quite desperate attitude and Nikki quietly sitting on an office chair.

«Something isn't working, but I don't think there's a real fault» she explains. «Simon, have you checked every single wire and their positions yet?»

The guy she named immediately accomplishes his task and suddenly lets out a joyful exclamation.

«There was a jack in the wrong place!»

«See? We just needed to be more careful. The next time you scare me like that I'll bite you!»

She looks so professional and easy while doing her job, yet she lacks any haughtiness... she's fascinating.