Chapter Sixteen. The Right Fireworks at the Wrong Time
The Unplugged Podcast
[HOST]: Lachlan, does it bother you that fans call you the “forgotten member”? Do you think you’re a worthless addition?
[tense silence]
[LACHLAN]: I … yeah, who wouldn’t hate hearing such negative comments? I mean … in any group, someone is bound to stand out, but that doesn’t diminish anyone else’s value.
[HOST]: Not sure the public agrees about your value, but speaking of public opinion, Will, you post a lot of workout content. Are you seeking validation?
[WILL]: Wha—? No. Usually when I’m not working, I’m at the gym, so I post it. It’s a mental health thing for me. It puts me in a better headspace and helps me have stamina for concerts.
[HOST]: What’s the max weight your girlfriend could be?
[WILL]: Wow. Um. Anyone who has “max weights” is a walking red flag and shouldn’t be allowed to date. Or in public at all.
[HOST]: Interesting take. Moving on. The band was originally called Renegade Wizard. Why the change? What does DAYDREAM signify?
[FELIX]: We took a different direction sonically and aesthetically after signing to our label. Daydreaming is all about imagining endless possibilities. The goal is for our music to be like a soundtrack that allows fans to escape from reality and explore their own dreams and aspirations.
[HOST]: Damn, that was scripted! [smug laugh] Your image is “wholesome,” but surely you aren’t that pure. Are you all virgins?
[LACHLAN]: Do you have actual questions? What is this bull [bleep]?
[HOST]: Well, that certainly wasn’t wholesome! How about you, Mateo? Have you taken advantage of your newfound fame?
[CALUM]: Dude, he’s seventeen! Don’t be a creep.
[HOST]: Geez! Then let me pose it to a legal member, if that’s so important. Felix, have you hooked up with fans?
[FELIX]: I’m not answering that.
[HOST]: To all the disappointed fans, I’m sorry your burning questions are being ignored! A word of advice, boys: Don’t be buzzkills. You won’t be invited back!
[CALUM]: We don’t want to be invited back.