Page 75 of Paparazzi

It’s Michael’s turn to respond. “Yes, but while all of us wanted to be up front about who we were right away, the label thought it would tarnish their image. They said the world wasn’t ready for a band of ex-convicts, that we’d be remembered just for that. We wanted to lose that stigma, show the world that we were more than just the mistakes of our past, and we fucking did. But when we became famous enough to prove it, we had already signed a confidentiality agreement with the record company.”

“What has changed now? Why did you decide to speak up now after almost eight years into your career?”

This time Simon responds, and even though I already know the answer to this question, I can’t help but feel a squeeze in my stomach as I hear it. This is the decision that will completely change their lives, their careers, their future.

“Because our contract with the record company included four albums. The fourth will be released soon and when it is, our relationship with them will end, we’ll be free from the contract, and we’ve decided not to continue with them. We don’t care if this album does well or not. We couldn’t care less if we put more money into the record company’s pockets...hell, if you want to download it illegally, do it, as long as you talk to your friends about it. It’s not about money. It’s about the honesty and respect we’re going to earn with our fans. We’re already working on the fifth album and we’re going to do a tour once it’s finished. If we don’t fill stadiums like before, that’s fine with us. It’s the music that matters to us. It saved us once. It’s going to save us again.”

His honesty and enthusiasm are so contagious that the serious tone that’s permeated the interview so far seems to lighten. You can see it in their eyes—they’re finally free from a burden that they’ve been carrying for too long. They can breathe now like they never were able to before.

“So, for now, you’re without a record company?”

“Yes, if anyone wants to volunteer...” Damian laughs as he runs a hand through his hair. It’s not as nervous a gesture as I would have expected.

The interview continues with other slightly lighter questions that focus on their intentions for the future and, when I finally turn off the camera, their enthusiasm turns to joy. Evan and Lilly bring out beer for everyone and we all take a moment to process what we just did, sipping the cold liquid silently while we gather our thoughts.

*

We’re still at Lilly and Damian’s place when I finish editing the video and loading it onto the blog site. We gather around the screen to read the comments. It’s as though people had been waiting for this their entire life. Aside from the usual toxic ones who spread negativity online like it’s their job, most are words of encouragement. Some people admire their decision to change, others tell their story, very similar to that of the Jailbirds only without the same happy ending, and some wish them continued success. Unexpectedly, their confession seems to have worked out quite favorably for the Jailbirds—at least for the immediate future.

Evan’s phone starts blowing up. We all anticipate a verdict, something that reveals how industry insiders took the news. “Pretty much every TV station in the country wants an interview with you. There are already a couple of record companies asking for a meeting...” He smiles, a gesture that seems relaxed but that no one has any idea how to interpret.

“Is that a good thing?” Damian gives voice to what we’re all thinking.

“It’s very positive at the moment. It’s publicity for you. I’m going to have to work overtime to handle all this attention. Hell, I’m not going to sleep for weeks.” He laughs as he runs a hand over immaculate hair.

“Do you need help? Because I know a person who would like to do exactly this job and would do it for free.”

Thomas looks at me, puzzled. “Who the hell would that be?”

“Emily.”

“Oh! Yeah, and that woman has the balls to handle it,” Thomas admits with such seriousness everyone bursts out laughing.

“It seems like she’s already kicked your ass once,” Michael jokes.

“Twice, actually,” Thomas admits, joining in the laughter.

“Call her immediately. I want her here in less than an hour.” Evan points his finger at me as he turns to answer an email.

“Really? Do you really want me to call her?”

“Do I look like I’m joking?”

I raise my hands in surrender and pull out my phone. It seems that life is about to change for everyone, not just the Jailbirds.

People:

We expected denial from the Jailbirds, especially after the video posted by the blogger. Instead, they completely floored us with a confession that made the walls of every news room tremble. The Jailbirds didn’t randomly choose their name, they met in a juvenile prison. The confession has provoked reactions all over the music world. Most offer their support, while others turn their noses up, sensing a publicity stunt. However, the band will undoubtedly need as much publicity as it can get. Their record label has confirmed their contract with the Jailbirds has come to an end and will not be renewed. Now we’ll wait and see how the fans will react and whether they will continue to support the band after hiding the truth for so long.

Rock Now!

Breaking news we did not expect: confirmation that the Jailbirds have served time in prison has been discovered in a video posted on the blog site,Rocking in New York. We’ve always wondered about the mysterious past of the most famous band in the world, and now we have the answer—from their own voices. Damian, Thomas, Michael, and Simon met in a juvenile prison and played music together to survive a situation that threatened a somewhat dark future. Words of support flooded in from several major bands, as well as admiration from all over the world, for what these four guys managed to do, proving that it is possible to redeem themselves and change a seemingly hopeless future. It’s a profound example of how kids who make mistakes can become thriving, successful adults. Their confession is further confirmation that this band has integrity, and not just musically. We’ll surely be hearing from them for a long time to come, despite the fact that their record company decided to cut ties with them.

Gossip Now!

Sexy, famous musiciansandbad guys with a past in prison? Where do we sign up to have one of the Jailbirds delivered directly to our house?

@jailfreakingbirds How sweet are they all together on that couch? No matter what your past is, we will always be by your side.

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