Chapter 3: Set Up
The backstage area was a bustling hive of activity, a stark contrast to the hushed quiet of the empty stage just beyond the thick, black curtains. The air was thick with anticipation, the scent of smoke wafting from the smokers' corner, and the cloying, sweet aroma of hairspray and makeup lingered in the air. Indi stood in the midst of it all, her heart pounding with a mix of nerves and excitement that sent a shiver down her spine. She took a deep breath, pushing her hair back behind her ears and trying to calm her racing thoughts.
She had come a long way from those early days, but she never wanted to forget where she had come from or the people who had supported her along the way.
As if on cue, a familiar figure approached her—Gem, Noel's longtime friend and bandmate, with his warm smile and gentle eyes. He settled himself beside her, crossing his legs at the ankles. "I see you're deep in thought. Everything alright?" Gem asked, his voice a soft rumble, filled with genuine concern.
Indi let out a soft laugh, feeling a weight lift from her shoulders at his presence. "Just thinking about how grateful I am to have you in my corner, Gem. You have no idea how much your support means to me," she said, her voice filled with sincerity.
Gem smiled warmly, his eyes crinkling at the corners. "No need for thanks, Indi. It's an honor to be a part of your journey. You've got a rare talent, and it's a privilege to watch you shine. Besides, I've been in this business long enough to know that having good people around you is essential. You can't do this alone, and it's clear you've got a strong team behind you," Gem said, his gaze flicking to where Grizz was standing watch nearby.
Indi smiled, glancing over at Grizz and feeling a wave of gratitude wash over her.
"You're right. I wouldn't be here without them. And without you, Gem. I'm so thankful for all the advice and guidance you've given me. You've been a rock, and your wisdom has been invaluable."
Gem nodded, his gaze softening as he looked at her. "It's been a pleasure, Indi. You're a rare find in this industry—talented, grounded, and genuinely kind. You remind me of Noel when he was starting out. He had that same spark, that same authenticity that draws people in.
I believe you've got that same magic, Indi," Gem said, his voice filled with conviction.
Indi felt a warmth spread through her chest at his words. "I appreciate that, Gem. Really, I do. It means a lot to hear that from someone like you."
Gem smiled, his eyes reflecting the soft glow of the backstage lights. "Like me? You mean an old rocker who's been around the block a few times?" he asked, his voice a soft chuckle.
Indi laughed softly, feeling a sense of ease in his presence. "Exactly. Someone who's seen it all and knows the ins and outs of this crazy industry.
You've got a perspective that's hard to come by, and I value your insights more than you know," Indi said, her voice filled with sincerity.
Gem's smile widened, and he patted her gently on the shoulder. "Well, I'm glad to be of help, Indi. And remember, you've got something special. Don't ever let anyone tell you otherwise. Now, let's get you ready for your big moment, shall we?"
Indi nodded, taking a deep breath to calm her nerves. "Thanks, Gem. I appreciate it."
Gem stood up, offering her his hand.
"Come on, let's get you backstage. You've got a big night ahead of you, and we need to make sure you're ready."
Indi placed her hand in Gem's, feeling a surge of gratitude and trust. As they walked towards the backstage area, she could feel her nerves beginning to settle. She knew she was in good hands.
They rounded a corner and encountered a flurry of activity. Makeup artists, wardrobe assistants, and technical crew members scurried about, each focused on their respective tasks. Gem navigated the chaos with ease, deftly guiding Indi through the maze of equipment and people.
As they entered the artist lounge, a comfortable space set aside for the performers to relax and prepare before taking the stage, Indi noticed a familiar face sitting on a worn leather couch.
"Ah, there you are!" the person exclaimed, waving them over. It was Noel Gallagher himself, his eyes twinkling with warmth and mischief. "I was hoping I'd get a chance to chat with you before the show, Indi."
Indi felt a flutter of excitement and nerves in her stomach as she approached him, Gem lingering nearby but giving them some space.
Noel patted the seat beside him, inviting her to sit down.
"I've been hearing great things about your performance," Noel said, his voice warm and genuine. "You've really got something special, Indi. It's rare to find someone with such raw talent and authenticity."
Indi felt a blush creep up her cheeks at the praise. "Thank you, Noel. That means a lot coming from you."
Noel smiled, his eyes crinkling at the corners. "I call it like I see it, love. And I see a star in the making.
It's not just your voice or your songs, it's the way you connect with people. It's rare to find that kind of genuine connection, and it's something that can't be manufactured. I'm really looking forward to seeing you on stage tonight."
Indi felt a lump form in her throat at Noel's words. "I can't thank you enough, Noel. This opportunity means the world to me."
Noel chuckled softly, his eyes sparkling with genuine amusement. "Well, you don't need to thank me just yet.
You've still got to get through the show," Noel said with a wink, his voice laced with playful teasing. "But I have no doubt you'll do just fine. You've got that special something, Indi. It's palpable."
Indi smiled, her cheeks still flushed from the praise. "I'll do my best. I just hope I can live up to your expectations."
Noel leaned back against the couch, his gaze thoughtful. "You know, there are a lot of people in this industry who will try to mold you into something you're not, Indi.
They'll try to put you in a box, tell you what to wear, what to say, how to behave. But you've got something unique, something real. Don't ever let them take that away from you," Noel said, his voice serious and sincere.
Indi looked at him, her eyes filled with gratitude and resolve. "I won't, Noel. I promise. I've worked too hard and come too far to let anyone change who I am or what my music stands for."
Noel nodded, a small smile playing at the corners of his mouth. "That's the spirit. And remember, this is just the beginning.
You've got a long road ahead of you, and there will be challenges and setbacks, but if you stay true to yourself and your music, you'll come out on top," Noel said, his gaze steady and unwavering.
Indi felt a sense of determination wash over her, Noel's words resonating deep within her. I won't let anything or anyone change me or my music. I promise," she said, her voice filled with conviction.
Noel nodded approvingly, his eyes reflecting the genuine belief he had in her. "That's all I can ask for, Indi.
Now, let's get you ready for your big moment," Noel said, clapping her on the shoulder as he stood up. He turned to Gem, who had been standing quietly by, observing their conversation. "Gem, can you keep an eye on her while I go over some last-minute details with the crew?"
Gem nodded, giving Noel a reassuring smile. "Of course, mate. I'll take good care of her."
Noel gave them both a nod and walked off, leaving Indi and Gem alone in the artist lounge. Indi turned to Gem, feeling a mix of excitement and nerves churning in her stomach.
"Wow, that was intense. I can't believe I'm about to open for Noel Gallagher."
Gem chuckled softly, his eyes warm and reassuring. You've earned this moment, and I couldn't be prouder of you. Now, let's get you ready for the stage."
Indi nodded, taking a deep breath as she tried to calm her racing thoughts. She followed Gem over to a small, dimly lit room off to the side of the artist lounge. The room was filled with racks of clothing, shoes, and accessories, all carefully organized and labeled.
Gem led Indi to a plush, velvet chair in the center of the room. "Make yourself comfortable, and I'll have one of the wardrobe assistants bring you some options. They're expecting you, so it shouldn't take long."
Indi nodded, sinking into the chair and taking a deep breath to steady her nerves. She looked around the room, taking in the myriad of clothes and the familiar backstage atmosphere.
The hum of activity was muted in this room, but it still held an electric charge, the anticipation of the show hanging heavy in the air.
A young woman with a clipboard and a friendly smile entered the room, carrying several hangers draped with outfits. "Hello, I'm Lisa. I'll be your wardrobe assistant for tonight," she said, her voice soft yet professional.
"Hi, Lisa. I'm Indi," Indi replied, her voice a little shaky with nerves but still warm.
Lisa smiled, her eyes taking in Indi's features. "It's a pleasure to meet you, Indi.
I've heard a lot about you," Lisa said, her gaze flicking to Gem. "I have some gorgeous pieces for you to choose from. What's your usual style like?"
Indi shrugged, her eyes darting to the rack of clothes. "I don't really have a set style. I just wear what feels comfortable and authentic to me. I guess you could say I'm more of a jeans and t-shirt kind of girl."
Lisa nodded, her eyes scanning the rack. "Understood. Well, we have some stunning pieces that I think will complement your style while also looking fabulous on stage. Let's start with this one.
It's simple, comfortable, but with a bit of edge to it."
Lisa held up a pair of distressed jeans and a vintage-style t-shirt with a subtle band logo.
Indi's eyes lit up, and she reached out to touch the fabric. "I love it. It's perfect."
Lisa beamed, "I thought you might. Now, let's find a pair of boots to complete the look. What do you think about these?"
She pulled out a pair of black, ankle-high boots with silver studs.
Indi tried them on, and as she stood up, she felt a sense of confidence wash over her.
The boots fit perfectly, accentuating her style while adding a touch of rocker edge that she loved.
"These are amazing, Lisa. Thank you so much," Indi said, appreciating the effort Lisa had put into finding the right outfit for her.
Lisa smiled, her eyes sparkling with satisfaction. "You're very welcome, Indi. I'm so glad you like them. Now, let's do your hair and makeup. What are you thinking for that?"
Indi bit her lip, considering. "I usually just wear it down, loose waves.
And for makeup, I like to keep it natural, but with a little extra something for the stage." Indi said, running her fingers through her hair.
Lisa nodded, taking out her notebook and jotting down some notes. "Got it. I'll have our hair and makeup team ready for you in no time. Why don't you take a seat, and I'll be back in a moment to introduce you to them?"
Indi nodded, taking a seat in the chair as Lisa bustled out of the room. She let out a long breath, trying to calm her nerves.
The thought of standing on that stage, in front of thousands of people, was both exhilarating and terrifying. She could feel her heart racing, but she knew she had to push through the fear. This was her moment—the moment she'd been working towards since she was a little girl, strumming her first chords on her dad's old guitar.
As she waited, she took a moment to look around the room. It was filled with racks of clothes, shoes, and accessories, all carefully organized and labeled. There were mirrors at every angle, and soft, warm lighting that made everything look just a little bit better than it really was.
Indi caught her reflection in one of the mirrors and smiled. She looked nervous but excited, her eyes shining with a mixture of determination and fear.
Lisa returned with a team of hair and makeup artists in tow. Introductions were made quickly and efficiently, and soon Indi was surrounded by a flurry of activity. Hair was combed, curled, sprayed, and teased. Makeup was applied with careful precision, enhancing Indi's natural features while adding a touch of stage glamour.
Throughout the process, Indi chatted with the team, laughing at their jokes and sharing stories about her journey so far.
You're going to knock them dead out there, Indi," Gem said, his voice filled with genuine pride.
Indi smiled, her heart swelling with gratitude. I couldn't do this without you and the team."
The hair and makeup team finished their work, stepping back to admire their handiwork. Indi stood up and walked over to the full-length mirror, taking in her reflection. She looked like a rock star—her long, wavy brown hair cascaded down her back in loose curls, her eyes framed by subtle, smoky makeup that accentuated their natural warmth.
Just like yourself, but with a little extra something," Gem assured her, his voice warm and comforting. "You'll be the talk of the town after tonight."
Indi let out a soft laugh, her eyes scanning her reflection one last time. "I hope so. I really want to make a good impression."
Gem nodded, his expression turning serious. "You will, Indi. You have the talent, the heart, and the authenticity that people connect with. Just go out there and be yourself. That's all you need to do."
Indi took a deep breath, steeling herself for what was to come.
She turned to Gem, her eyes reflecting her nerves yet also her determination. "Okay, let's do this."
Gem smiled, clapping her on the shoulder. "You've got this, kid. Remember, it's just you, your guitar, and your songs. The rest will take care of itself."
Indi nodded, her fingers itching to touch the familiar strings of her guitar. She walked out of the dressing room, with Gem following close behind, into the bustling backstage area. As they approached the stage, the distance between Indi and her dream seemed to shrink with every step.
The murmur of the crowd intensified with every step, a low, rolling wave crashing against the backstage walls. Indi’s palms were slick against the cool wood of her guitar neck. She focused on the worn patch beneath her fingers. Just breathe. Just play.
Gem walked beside her, a steady, silent presence radiating calm. "Remember, they’re here for the music, Indi," he murmured, his voice cutting through her internal storm. "Just give 'em yours."