[Q&A Part 1/?] [ Feb - Band Tier ]

Q&A_TRANSCRIPT_RAW_FILM_FOR_EDITOR.mp4

[ As the producers set up the cameras for the Q&A, the door to the set swings open to reveal the members of Underground Wastebasket. As always, Jane and Ansel are led by Blake, who looks around the set with a rather surprising amount of discomfort. ]

[ Our volunteer interviewer of the day is Peter, a production assistant. He stands near the camera, smiling. He looks nervous but...Peter always looks nervous. ]

Peter: Welcome! Take a seat anywhere. We'll be done in a minute. 

Blake: Not this again.

Jane: You don't like it?

Blake: Getting asked borderline invasive questions? Turns out that's not my style. 

Peter: No worries! For my first time leading this, I'll make sure to make everyone feel comfortable. 

Blake: How did we get so lucky?

[ Blake's blatant mockery makes Peter's smile fall. The members take seats at the table, their eyes lingering on the bowl of notes. ]

[ The next shot is of the members of Soft Violence taking a seat at the table. This time, Seven has decided to sit at the corner. Every time the camera is adjusted, Seven scoots farther away. It almost appears like they're trying to stay out of the show. ]

Peter: Seven, can you...

[ Seven stares at Peter. Peter laughs nervously. ]

Peter: Can you move? Just a bit to the right? You’re getting cut off.

[ Seven seems to be hesitating, and the members of Soft Violence glance at them. They nod, relenting by scooching back closer to Pope, the member they’re sitting next to. ]

[ A producer enters from the room, and Peter straightens. ]

Peter: Cory!

Seven: Oh, wonderful.

[ The producer, Cory, smiles as she waltz through the room, eyes on the band members. ]

Cory: I’m simply here to watch. We're going to start lighthearted today, okay? No tough questions. Should we cut this out of the video?

Crew member: We’ll cut it.

Cory: Good. Carry on.

[ The band are seen chatting at the table. Rowan is showing the members his new shirt, while O—their manager—settles behind the camera. ]

Cory: You all seem energetic for 6am.

O: I’m surprised as well.

Rowan: Being trapped in a hotel makes me crazy. I’m just glad to be doing something.

Peter: Great! This is going to be very fun!

Iris: Fun.

Cory: Have some enthusiasm.

@any band - if you could steal a member from any other band competing in BOTB, who would you choose?

Rowan: This is a good one.

Iris: Can the question be give a member away? Because Rowan would be great literally anywhere else.

[ She taps Rowan on the shoulder. ]

Rowan: Har-har.

Devyn: I’d choose Jenna from Jenna and the Jewels. Iris is a big fan of her.

[ Iris grins. ] 

Iris: Everyone watching this listen to Promising Woman and you'll understand why I'm a fan. 

August: So would I. Jenna seems cool.

[ August shrugs. ] 

Rowan: Are you agreeing to agree or do you genuinely mean that?

August: …

August: The first one.

Devyn: You guys are useless.

[ Devyn takes a slip and raises it in the air. ]

@august from @aug4lifer: besides listening to music and playing drums, are there any of hobbies that you enjoy?

August: I like to skateboard.

Iris: I do remember you mentioning that.

[ MC smiles. ]

MC: That’s cool.

August: …

August: Thanks.

[ August quickly turns away and grabs a slip, looking bothered by something. ]

@august from @auggiekins: for someone who has a good poker face, you sure make some pretty cute faces at MC 👀

August: I…don’t know what this means.

Iris: You don’t? You just did it.

[ MC and August share a look. ]

August: What?

Rowan: That face.

[ Rowan is grinning. ]

August: You mean my normal face?

MC: Uh…

Devyn: You do it a lot.

August: No?

Rowan: Yes?

MC: We don’t have to…

Cory: No, keep going.

[ The camera cuts to Victoria who is pushing her seat in and fixing her hair, smiling. ]

Cory: No G today?

[ Victoria shrugs, her smile faltering. ]

Victoria: You guys choose the seating.

[ Peter laughs nervously and when Cory steps back, shooting him a look, he clears his throat and gestures to the bowl. ]

Peter: You can choose now.

[ Victoria grabs a slip from the bowl and takes a moment to read it. Then she laughs nervously, blowing a breath. ]

Victoria - I love you so much and I think you should divorce G and become MY Valentine instead😘

Victoria: Divorce G?

[ Another nervous laugh. ]

Cory: Is the idea of divorcing discomforting?

[ Victoria frowns, her long nails tapping against the table in what appears to be nervousness. ]

Victoria: I think the idea of divorcing would be discomforting to anyone.

Cory: Some would think it freeing.

[ Peter’s eyes widen, and Victoria shifts uncomfortably in her seat. ]

Victoria: Some.

[ Victoria looks away. ]

Victoria: Not all.

[ The camera cuts to the members of Missing in Action, zooming into Triple A. ]

@Triple A: Are you single?? Seeing anyone special in your life?? 👀 (I am free Saturday nights)

Triple: Heyyyyyy.

[ He starts fist pumping the air as Hasan shakes his head. He then rereads the slip, laughing to himself. ]

Triple: I’m free as a bird. Can I keep this?

[ Cory sighs. ]

Cory: Go ahead.

Triple: To date me, you need to impress my mama. Who is notoriously hard to impress.

Cynthia: She still asks me to date you because she trusts no one else.

Triple: You wouldn't be able to handle me.

Cynthia: Ew. 

Hassan: You two give me headaches.

[ He shakes the slip with a grin. ]

Triple: Good luck.

[ Triple grabs another slip. ] 

@Triple A, how did you get your nickname? And do you get stage fright?

Triple: How'd I get my nickname...

Triple: Well, my real name is a mouthful. 

Triple: Atticus—

Cynthia: Axel—

Hassan: Abby.

Triple: I also like to think I'm a mood maker. An energizer, if you will. Like a battery. 

Cynthia: You always look so smug when you say that. 

Triple: Because my lore is clever,  leave me alone.

[ Triple smiles and turns back to the camera. ] 

Triple: Thus, Triple A was born. 

[ The camera cuts back. The band appears tired. Rowan takes a slip from the bowl. ]

@[band]memes

for [band] do you guys have any funny stories from the tour so far? hope you win!

[ Rowan snorts and crumples the paper, tossing it over his shoulder. ]

Rowan: Sharing a bathroom on the bus isn’t fun.

August: It barely has hot water.

MC: Hearing Iris scream in shock at it was pretty funny.

[ As the band laughs, Iris huffs and slaps a palm on the table. ]

Iris: A warning would’ve been nice. You guys fucking suck.

[ That only makes the band laugh harder. ]

Devyn: We all had to go through it. It’s a rite of passage.

[ The happy atmosphere doesn’t seem satisfy Cory, who is seen giving Peter an annoyed look. Does Cory want juicier questions? Is that why she’s here, babysitting Peter? He clears his throat. ]

Peter: Uh…Next question—

MC: My turn.

[ MC grabs a slip, eyes lighting up and waving it around toward O. ]

MC: For you.

Cory: Oh, great. Maybe it’ll be a good one.

[ The sarcasm is palpable. O gives her a look before moving in frame. The crew hands them a seat. ]

@O- since you’ve moved from a big studio job to an indie band I gotta ask, what is the biggest difference between working with a large company and working as an independent?

O: More stress.

MC: At the company?

O: No, with the band.

[ Cory snorts. ]

O: I don’t have people breathing down my neck. I don’t answer to anyone but the band and…my work feels more meaningful. Seeing the actual impact I make is gratifying and motivating.

[ O says it awkwardly, words curt and short. They crumple the page, not looking anyone in the eye. ]

[ It returns to Underground Wastebasket. Peter looks around, appearing uncomfortable, before he snaps a finger. ]

Peter: Okay! You can start. If you like.

Cory: They have no choice.

Peter: …

Peter: Right.

[ With a sigh, Blake reaches into the bowl and grabs the first slip. Jane and Ansel peer over their shoulder, and there’s a collective sigh of relief at the question. ]

For Blake: Why are the Lyrics to the Bands songs usually suggestive? Trying to seduce the audience? 👁️

[ Jane and Ansel share a laugh, leaning back in their seat. Blake looks amused. ]

Blake: Sex sells, doesn’t it?

[ Jane hits Blake on the shoulder. Blake and Ansel laugh. ]

Jane: You make us sound so shallow.

Blake: I’m not seducing the audience on purpose but I’m not not seducing them.

[ Blake winks. Ansel nods. ]

Ansel: We are. We are very much seducing the audience. 

Blake: I was blessed with good looks. I need to take advantage of it. 

Jane: That's a very subjective opinion.

[ Blake nudges her. ] 

[ Cory speaks from her spot in the corner. ]

Cory: Who writes the lyrics?

[ There’s a beat of hesitation. ]

Blake: I do. Mostly. We have a team.

Cory: Do you considering yourself a songwriter?

[ Blake pauses. ]

Blake: I’m not pretentious about it but yes.

Peter: Uh—

Cory: Interesting.

Blake: Why?

Cory: What?

[ Jane and Ansel glance at each other. ]

Blake: Why is it interesting?

[ Cory smiles, but doesn’t answer. ]

@restlesscapybara Blake, do you ever gonna be able to write something outside sex? And do you really practice the things you write?? *Skeptical eyebrow judge face *

[ Jane laughs. ]

Jane: All Blake does is write about sex.

Blake: Not true. I sing about it too.

[ Blake grins while Jane rolls her eyes. ]

Ansel: You write about other stuff, you just don’t show us.

[ Ansel’s laugh sounds forced, and Blake squirms in their seat. Jane’s smile falls. ]

Blake: Not every song is meant for the public.

Ansel: Not even meant for your members?

[ There’s a pause. ]

Blake: No.

Cory: Next question.

[ Cory raises a clipboard, stopping them from taking a slip. ]

@Jane & Ansel: Blake seems pretty confrontational (getting in to arguments with other bands and random photographers) do they get like that with you?

Blake: That’s not the question we chose.

Cory: I chose it. I wanted to ask it myself.

Peter: Uh…

[ Blake shoots her a glare, but turns to Jane and Ansel. ]

Blake: Well?

[ Ansel and Jane share a look. ]

Blake: Don’t be afraid.

[ Blake says it through their teeth. ]

Ansel: We’re not. Don’t make it seem like that.

Blake: Like what?

Jane: Guys…

[ Ansel leans back and huffs. ]

Ansel: I do think you’re confrontational, yeah.

[ Blake laughs dryly. ]

Blake: Please—

Ansel: You’re not doing much to disprove my point—

Blake: You have no point.

Ansel: I’m just saying. You know it.

[ Blake turns away, frowning. Or pouting. Yes, Blake Winter is pouting. ]

Blake: I’m honest and speak my mind. I don’t see the problem with that.

Jane: There is no problem…

[ Silence. ]

[ Peter claps his hands together. ]

Peter: This is productive!

@seven from @sevenspitinmymouthlawless: Imagine being stranded in a room with the MC as the world is ending. In your final conversation with them, what would you say? (Silence is not an option)

[ Seven lifts the slip and narrows their eyes, their face twisting when they peer at it again. ]

Seven: That username is…

Pope: Absolutely hilarious.

Avina: They really like putting you on the spot.

[ Avina laughs nervously, but Seven simply sighs. They lean back and read the question to themself once more before folding the paper and setting it down. ]

[ Seven hesitates, taking a while to answer. The rest of the Soft Violence members appear uncomfortable, but they don’t push Seven to speak. ]

Seven: Um.

Cory: Silence is not an option.

[ Seven shoots Cory a dark look. She shoots them a cheeky smile. ]

Seven: I got it the first time.

Seven: But I don’t know.

[ Peter frowns. Cory rolls her eyes, letting out a dry laugh. ]

Peter: You don’t…know?

Cory: Silence—

Seven: Alright, alright. 

[ Seven shrugs, sighing. ] 

Seven: 'Why?' 

[ The members glance at each other. ] 

Avina: Why?

Seven: I'd ask why, yeah. 

Cory: Why what? 

[ Seven inhales, looking torn. ] 

[ Without waiting for permission, Seven digs their hand through the bowl, ignoring the protests from Cory and Peter. The members of Soft Violence are equally surprised, but they don’t stop Seven from taking another slip. ]

@seven say one nice thing about MC challenge (I dare you)

Seven: Oh for fucks—

[ Cory is heard laughing. ]

Seven: Real professional.

Cory: Apologies. Let's cut that.

Crew member: Noted.

[ She doesn’t appear to mean her apology. ]

Kieran: Just answer the question, Sev.

[ Seven sighs and shrugs, dropping the slip. ]

Seven: MC is a good singer. I’m not delusional enough to pretend they’re not. I mean, we were in a band together.

[ Seven’s voice turns small. ]

Seven: I wouldn't have started the band if I didn't think they were talented...

[ Silence. ]

[ Avina smiles, but it’s forced. ]

Avina: That answers that, doesn’t it?

Cory: …

Cory: Sure.

Pope: My turn.

[ Quickly, Pope grabs a slip. His smile falls when he reads it. ]

Pope: (sigh) For you.

[ He hands it over to Avina, who appears surprised. ]

Avina, do you have any ideas on how soft violence will evolve after the tour?

[ Avina’s eyes light up. ]

Avina: Well, I hope we’re winners.

[ The band laughs. ]

Avina: I’m sure Seven will be a much better guitarist by the end of this, if I have anything to do with it.

[ Seven rolls their eyes lightheartedly. ]

Avina: Jokes aside, we do have some…ideas to dip our toes into music that’s more elevated and complex. We’re learning everyday.

Avina: I hope this tour makes us more confident and teaches us things that can help us grow.

[ Avina shrugs. ]

Avina: Who knows?

[ Avina grabs another slip. ]

Seven, do you think that you'll ever step into a different genre of music? Is there a genre you wouldn't touch?

Seven: Country.

Peter: You want to step into it or…

Seven: I wouldn’t touch it with a ten foot pole.

[ Peter frowns and Pope clicks his tongue. ]

Pope: You suck.

Seven: I’m not saying it’s bad…just…not my vibe?

Kieran: Hm.

Kieran: I can imagine you in a cowboy hat and boots.

Seven: Stop imagining.

[ Kieran winks at them, and Avina drums their fingers on the table. ]

Avina: Didn’t you tell me you wanted to try avant-garde?

Seven: I said that as a joke—

Pope: Avant-garde? What the hell does that even mean?

[ Pope breaks into a high-pitched laugh, making Seven huff through their nose. ]

Seven: It’s like…

[ Seven gestures vaguely. ]

Pope: You have the voice for country, but you want to do that?

Seven: I have the voice for country???

[ Kieran scratches his head. ]

Kieran: We’re going to be here all day.

Peter: Next question!

@seven from @sevenwetcatlawless’slefttoenail: favourite lyric you’ve written? And why?

[ Avina laughs and Seven is already grinning at them. ]

Seven: You know.

Kieran: Oh God.

[ Pope snorts. ]

Peter: What’s going on?

[ Avina and Seven giggle to each other while Pope rubs his face in humorous exasperation. There seems to be a secret message exchanged between the members before they calm down and Seven composes themself enough to speak. ]

Seven: It was a nursery rhyme for Avina’s younger brother.

Avina: We wrote it as a joke!

Seven: It’s embarrassing but…

[ Seven smiles. ]

Seven: It’s the best thing I’ve written.

[ Avina and Seven share a look, and then their smile drops. ]

Seven: Also, please change that username.