Bring Back My Arcade.

It was noisy and crowded in a car with the guys from my band. Everybody (except for the one driving) was trying to sleep knowing that it's still early and the long road seems neverending. All this memory started flashing one by one. Brings me back to last year.
It was all fun and joy. We were out of college for good! Being in a band seems so easy and exciting. From a producer saying "I like your song!" to an almost 30 shares on facebook, we were soaring. From one show to another. Nights were spent in studios practicing for shows. Woke up in the morning feeling excited and nervous for shows. Going thru cloths again and again. Calling each other for a jam session just because I wrote a new song. Dreaming big! Performing from small stage to a big one. Suddenly reality hits right on the face. The needs for surviving starts hunting each and everyone of us. We're getting older.
One band member is located a 13 hours drive far to another district. But the faith still lives inside. We're making things happened. Trying to be in every show we're offered to play. But slowly commitment failing. Trying to make time together, ended up using one whole day catching up what's up with everyone. Manager started worrying and end up ending things.
Two weeks ago, we got an invite from a dearest friend to perform. While I say yes to her, other band member say yes to a different show. But to not let this friend down, we decided to continue with performing without the other two. Asking for another friend's help at the very last moment. Thus, the worst performance in my life. People start questioning bout the band's quality. I was down in the dumps the whole night thru. Wondering what has gone wrong and where did the "last year band" are now. Are they still there inside of us? My heart aching to prove myself wrong. It keeps saying "You are way better than this!".
Our destination was almost on the tips of our foot. This time, tiredness pushed aside, I have to be ready. And short cut, we nailed the performance. It was an awesome feeling. I turned to the guys and gave them the biggest smile I can give. They were giving me one too. And that's when I realize all the late night practicing was worth it. Wann looked at me with red eyes for having only 2 hours sleep due to early morning shifts and afternoon practice. Syuk was standing next to me with a slouching posture with tired eyes due to the 13 hours journey and early morning exam. Awang was smiling but with a droopy eyes due to a restless week for practicing and driving us up and down to soundcheck, lunch, practices, and the actual performance. Mitch was wiping sweats out of his face while the other hand holding the just plugged out bass and his arm was swelling and red due to heavy duty at work and practicing. Watching all this, I think we can do it. We were ourselves when we play music.
I love them.