Phrase Writers Group

At every Phrase Writers meeting we are given (optional) homework, a subject or phrase to inspire a story or poem.

This week's subject -- The Headline

Inspired by real life events, singer/songwriter Hattie Briggs being spotted by Alfie Boe when she was busking on the London Underground.

Friends donated their (first) names

THE HEADLINE

“Life’s so unfair” wailed Cathryn, as she put the phone down.

Lesley, her long-suffering flatmate, looked at her friend and raised an experienced eyebrow.

“Sounded like Tony. Was it bad news?”

“He was calling about next Thursday at Hillingdon Folk Club” said Cathryn. “The Headline act has pulled out and he wants me”

“That’s great” said Lesley, her eyebrow having recovered. “You’ve long wanted to be the Headline act”

Cathryn swallowed. “It’s been my dream since my first guitar lesson when I was 5”

“Tell me about it” said Lesley. “I’ve been your roadie for the past 7 years and sound engineer for 3. Loved every minute, even grabbing a bite in the early hours at South Mimms services”

Cathryn laughed. “Thanks for the driving and your time, and being there Les”. She paused. “Thing is, the tour with Brian starts on Monday”.

* * * * *

Two months earlier, Cathryn was busking at Tottenham Court tube station. Lesley had helped carry her speaker and cables, and would be back later when her time was over.

Cathryn enjoyed busking. It could bring good money, especially if she sang crowd-pleasing songs. And it was no longer a free-for-all with other singers, jostling for the best spots. At her audition she used her many years of practice and supporting other musicians, to convince the music industry judges she knew how to play, had a wide repertoire and could entertain.

And you never knew who you might meet. Joanna Lumley tipped a fiver the other week; Cathryn wished she had played the Ab Fab theme but Ms Lumley had disappeared into the commuter crowd.

Cathryn smiled Thanks to a passerby who had dropped some coins into her upturned hat. Another stood waiting for her to finish the song. Great, maybe he would buy a CD from her. Always good to get a tenner. Some venues where she played insisted on a cut of CDs and other merchandising sales.

Cathryn finished with a flourish, then turned to the man.

“Hi, that was really good” he said. “Haven’t heard that song before”

“I wrote it last year” said Cathryn. “It’s on the CD I’m selling” she added, dropping a strong hint.

“Wow. Have you written many songs?”

“I’ve been writing and singing for the last 10 years” said Cathryn, “and recorded 2 CDs of my songs”

“Well I see you have those CDs here. I’ll take them” he said handing over the money.

“I’m Brian and I’m a singer too. I’m going on tour in 2 months, and need a special guest to accompany me. Are you interested?”

Cathryn nodded in a daze.

“Here’s my card. Give me a call later and we can meet up at my record company”

Cathryn took the card and dropped it into her bag.

“Later” said Brian as he joined the tube-bound crowd.

* * * * *

Later that night in the flat Lesley wanted to know all about Brian.

“I’ve got his card” said Cathryn, rummaging in her bag.

“Here it is”

Cathryn looked at it in silence

“This can’t be right. It says Brian Briggs, international recording artist”

“Brian Briggs?” squealed Lesley. “We couldn’t get tickets for the O2 last year to see him. And he wants you to join him on his UK tour?”

“Yes” said Cathryn. “The papers say his recent tour has been extended, due to overwhelming demand for tickets. So he’s doing an extra 20 concerts, with ...”

“With you” finished Lesley.

* * * * *

Cathryn arrived at the plush record company and was shown to a large boardroom. She was welcomed by platters of fresh fruit and the smell of freshly brewed coffee.

Brian rose to greet her. “Welcome Cathryn, great to meet you again. Found us OK?”

“Yes, your directions were perfect”, said Cathryn, her nervousness evaporating with Brian’s obvious enthusiasm and friendliness.

“I listened to your songs and loved them all” said Brian. “Tell me about yourself. Where do these songs come from? Who has heard them?”

Cathryn tried to summarise a lifetime of making music, busking, playing in folk clubs, travelling 100 miles to a gig to support the Headline act, 15 minutes on stage, then driving home again afterwards.

Brian nodded, encouraging her to continue.

“I’m blessed with a wonderful friend who drives me to clubs, helps when I’m busking, and is there whenever I need her, and often when I don’t!”

Brian laughed. “I too had such a friend in my early days. We got married a few years before I got my recording contract. I’ve played at some of these folk clubs, as the Floor spot or support. Happy days, though I often fell asleep on the drive home”

“Me too” smiled Cathryn

“On my tour there’s a great coach we all travel on, and we stay overnight in nice hotels. All courtesy of my record company”

Cathryn wanted to pinch herself

“We start in 2 months. There are 20 concerts, sometimes in the same arena for a few nights. But I’ve made sure we get a few days break each week to recharge our batteries, and give our voices a rest. We’ll cover all expenses. The record company want your CDs and any other merchandising on their stall at each concert, all money going to you. And we’re offering £1,000 per show. Are you interested?”

Cathryn nodded, her eyes and heart filling up.

“I’m so looking forward to you coming on this tour”, said Brian. “And I’d love to sing a few duets with you. There’s one of your songs that would work well, and my last Christmas single.”

“There’s a lot to take in” continued Brian. “The record company have an information pack with the tour schedule, travelling arrangements and more. Plus a contract. Please send us your lawyer’s bill for scrutinising it, but it’s similar to mine and I have no complaints”

Cathryn started to speak

“Oh and one more thing” said Brian. “It can get lonely on tour, so I’d like to invite your friend to join us”

“Thank you” said Cathryn. “This is a wonderful opportunity”

“For us both” said Brian

* * * * *

Two months on

Cathryn laughed. “Thanks for the driving and your time, and being there Les”. She paused. “Thing is, the tour with Brian starts on Monday”.

The phone rang again. Cathryn picked it up

“Hello Brian, how are you?”

“Hi Cathryn, all ready to start next week? Well, we’ve just had a last minute booking for next Thursday. It’s at Hillingdon folk club. And you are the Headline”