matadorable: (♬ The Message)
Manolo Luis Sanchez Rivera ([personal profile] matadorable) wrote in [community profile] maskormenace2016-01-24 09:57 pm

04 ♥ audio (Jan. 22)

[After Newton's request, Manolo wasn't able to think about anything else, and the usual compulsion to play his guitar only grew more intense with every hour that passed.

He knows what he needs to do now, despite the way his stomach keeps doing flip-flops at the thought of broadcasting something so personal, pieces of his very heart, for everyone to hear.

Eventually, Manolo scrapes up the courage to turn on the feed.

He wants to dedicate this music to everyone who needs someone right now, whether it's because they're lonely, sad, or frightened. But Newton already cautioned him against making any sort of preamble, so without a word he begins to gently strum his guitar.

Unlike his public performance earlier this month, however, these songs have a distinct ranchera sound to them and are completely Manolo's own work. Each word, each note serves as a bridge into his soul.

The first piece (which may vaguely sound like this) is inspired by Newton's original message. An appeal for people to reach out if they need a shoulder to cry on, to let themselves be vulnerable enough to receive help, and to call on Manolo if they need someone to support them. A solid reminder of the power of friendship, of community, and the universal need to lean on somebody. His soulful words carry a strong sense of warmth, love and security that anyone listening to the live broadcast may end up sharing themselves.

The second piece has the mellow tone and rhythm of a soothing lullaby that might remind someone of this a little bit, and it includes gentle reassurances that everything's going to be alright, so please, try to relax, let your mind unwind, and allow your body to get the rest it may need. People listening to the live feed may find some much-needed calm and respite in this particular song, and anyone who's been struggling to rest lately might discover that the song has temporarily taken the edge off their stress and anxiety enough to help them finally get some shut-eye once bedtime actually rolls around.

Once both songs reach their conclusion, and the final chords fade away, Manolo quietly ends the broadcast.]
subourbon: (officer krupke)

[personal profile] subourbon 2016-01-30 06:18 am (UTC)(link)
[There's silence from her side for a second, and when she speaks again, her voice is tight like she's trying to hold back the floodgates.]

No, it's fine. Not talking about it won't make it better. I'm told it gets easier with time.
subourbon: (everything's coming up roses)

[personal profile] subourbon 2016-01-30 06:31 am (UTC)(link)
Well, you sound like the kind of young man any mother would be proud of.
subourbon: (i enjoy being a girl)

[personal profile] subourbon 2016-01-30 06:45 am (UTC)(link)
[She's touched by his tribute to his mother, and a little envious that her mother mostly has a legacy for having fake heart attacks at the most inconvenient times.]

That's very sweet. And what about your father?
subourbon: (a little fall of rain)

[personal profile] subourbon 2016-01-31 01:11 am (UTC)(link)
... I'm very sorry to hear that, Manolo. I hope you're able to work things out with him.
subourbon: (miracle of miracles)

[personal profile] subourbon 2016-01-31 05:17 am (UTC)(link)
I'm happy to hear that! I'm sure no parent wants to pick a fight with their child.

[The exception being her own mother, who seems to thrive on just that.]
subourbon: (history has its eyes on you)

[personal profile] subourbon 2016-01-31 05:23 am (UTC)(link)
I'm sure you'll feel the same way if you have kids one day too.

[A small beeping sound goes off in the background and she lets out an audible sigh.]

Well that's my signal to get back to practicing. We'll be in touch soon, okay? And I hope your friends all come home safe and sound.