Chapters Music of a different genre
"A...singing contest?" Iron heart asked as he looked at the flyer being held in a lavender magic glow.
"Yep, it's going to be awesome, you should enter it Iron. You love music just as much as any pony and apparently you are a good singing from what I've heard." Twilight stated.
"Well...I'm not so sure Twilight" Iron said not sounding very sure.
"Come on...don't you wan't to sing just a little?" Twilight inched closer almost begging Iron to do it. Eventually after several thoughts he sighed and nodded. Twilight grinned "Oh thank you Iron, you won't regret it every pony is going to love to see you perform." she happily said before going back to the stage where the contest was being held to continue with it's preparations.
'I'm not very sure about that, considering what I like' Iron thought, as he began to walk away back home to prepare for the contest.
Iron heart made his back home and trotted to his room, he thought about the upcoming contest and wondered what song to do first. "Every pony has to audition before they are properly apart of the contest so I need to start off strong." Iron spoke aloud. "Hmm...maybe that could work...yeah nice I'll do that one first up"
Iron began to practice his choice of song for the audition, until he managed to nail it. This did take time...time unfortunately Iron din't have as the audition's were that night. "Grr if Twilight was going to ask me to enter, she should of done it a day or so earlier, not hours before" Iron said with frustration.
"No matter all I have to do is ace this and I should be good to go!" Iron said his energy returning. Not long afterwards Iron was back to practising the song and even some others for if he actually got in. It took him nearly to the time of the audition's but finished with great results.
"Alright, now to just tidy myself up and its off to the Audition's" Iron said to himself as he went into the bathroom. He picked up a brush with his levitation and brushed his dark brown mane, after he was satisfied with that he brushed his teeth and splashed his face with water to clean off some of the sweat that had built up during his practising. Once he finished his clean up and he felt he was ready, he left his house and trotted to the Auditions.
Arriving at the location, Iron could see the many ponies all around the stage chatting up a storm, there were rows upon rows of chairs lined up in front of the stage and several ponies were tinkering with the lights as another singer came up on stage to perform. The atmosphere was amazing and Iron silently thanked Twilight for persuading him to go...although granted it should of been earlier. Making his way to a small table at the back of the stage, he filled in a form to compete then gave a disc to the desk pony ready for when he performed. All performers were required to have discs with the song/s set on them, as the ponies setting up the show couldn't guess what they wanted to perform to, so it's required they bring their own music.
Iron heart couldn't lie that he was nervous, all those ponies looking at him was enough to make him jitter. But he kept the thoughts aside and decided to just think about the song. Pinkie pie was on just before him and she had just finished her happy bubbly sounding song (pretty much like most of the songs that are being performed). "Yeesh, they are going to be confused...and maybe scared when they hear this" Iron whispered under his breath.
Judges all approved of Pinkie's song and she was allowed to go on to perform in the real contest. She happily skipped back stage, getting hoof bumps and cheers from the other competitors, "Good luck Iron, oh and just have fun. It doesn't matter if you get in or not all that matters is that you enjoy doing what you can" Pinkie stated as she went to sit in the crowd.
"Hehe...yeah" Iron sighed happily "Well here it goes"
"And now we have the next contestant...Iron heart!" the announcer shouted enlisting cheers from the crowd, Iron heart stepped on stage and waved a few times.
Iron heart got up to the mic, he saw Twilight in the crowd smiling with glee which made him smile back, and he spoke out to the crowd what he was performing. "I will be performing As Daylight dies by Kill switch Engage!" he shouted.
The crowd all looked to each other and murmured about the odd name of the song and band, but they weren't going to jump to conclusions so they all cheered for Iron to start.
Iron's Heart was thumping and he saw the crowd cheering... it was time. He turned to the side where the disc player was and nodded that he was ready to the pony controlling it.
'Its now or never' Iron though one last time as the song started.
As daylight dies by Kill switch Engage :
"Slowly, we watch the degradation of the civilization
"This place is evil
"How long until we die?
"Contest the lies
"When there is blood on our hands,
"Contest the lies
"The cost of one life
"No more broken promises
"Contest the lies
"How long until it dies?
As the final words left his lips and the song cease to play. Iron panted briefly, he didn't look up at the crowd yet but he couldn't hear anything so he was unsure of their reaction. After catching his breath, Iron looked up and saw something pretty much expected from such a song. Every pony but Iron had their mouths wide open and practically on the ground. Iron didn't know what to do now. He could run away in a frenzied panic...but that was silly, he thought about other silly ideas on what he should do now but soon enough he just went ahead and did something simple yet tasteful...well as tasteful as it can get right about now. He bowed and smiled a very fake smile.
Iron thought in his head as he smile 'I think I should of just pulled out...darn you Twilight.'
Author's Note
So that's the starting chapter of this musical story. And yes I love this song that Iron performed.
Music of a different genre
Every pony was silent, not a single sound was heard...it began to scare Iron that he felt that he should run off the stage. Was what he sang that unsettling to the audience and the judges? It couldn't of been that bad, it wasn't even that dark sounding of a song, but yet here they all were staring wide eyed.
After one judge coughed awkwardly, every pony came out of their stupor and the said coughing judge spoke up. "Thank you...Iron heart...can you tell us why you chose such a...bizarre song?" he said trying to retain his professionalism.
Iron sighed before stepping up to the microphone again to speak "I...I have to be straight with you...in fact all of you" Iron gestured with a hoof to the whole audience.
"But the songs you sing all the time...not just at this contest...are really boring and all sound pretty similar, where is the variety?" Iron stated "The music I listen to is different yes...but does not mean you have to question my taste in it. I don't complain openly about what you sing...so you should either. But if you wish to deny me into the contest...then do it I won't argue with your decision." Iron finished his speech.
Everyone went silent again for a moment, but slowly, every pony started to applaud Iron and his speech. Iron felt a tad better from this turn around. The judges began to whisper to each other before coming to their decision. "We...approve of you entering the contest Iron Heart, we may see your taste in music...unique but we see your determination to be different from the other acts, for that you may continue to go on in the contest." The judge in the middle announced.
"Thank you...and I have an idea for my next song. This one will be a mix of the darker stuff and the much more pleasant too, it should enlighten you that not all that I listen to is not completely sinister." Iron replied
"We look forward to it Iron Heart" the judge replied back.
Iron heart left the stage after that, just like with Pinkie, he got all the approval from the other acts about to go on and he felt much better walking off stage then he thought.
The night continued on, some ponies got in and others didn't but it was great seeing others perform, some had never done it before and they seemed like superstars to the crowd. But eventually all the acts were finished and it was time for everything to end for the night as the first round was about to begin tomorrow at midday.
The next day Iron went about practising his next song. This one was metal but its chorus was much more cleaner and softer, but that didn't make the song any less appealing to Iron. Iron was much more accustomed to singing the darker and gritty stuff so he was a little sloppy with the light chorus, nonetheless he persevered on and managed to improve the chorus bit by bit until he was satisfied with the result.
The first round was going to start in an hour, so Iron had time to kill and do whatever until it was time to go. While making a tower out of playing cards, Spike burst through Iron's door and startled the metal head pony enough to ruin his card tower. Iron emitted a low growl at Spike, to which Spike laughed nervously at, "Sorry Iron, but I just needed to tell you something?" Spike stated.
Iron sighed "OK Spike, what did you need to tell me?" Iron asked the young drake as he began to build the tower again.
Spike shuffled uncomfortably for moment, it seemed he was nervous to say it, before giving his reply "I really enjoyed your song last night Iron, in fact I kinda went ahead early this morning to practice a song like it for when it's my turn. Is that OK with you?"
Iron smiled "Sure Spike, As long as you aren't doing a song I intend to perform then its alright with me. What was it called?" Iron asked
Spike thought for a moment trying to remember it's name, until his eyes widened "Oh it was called 'Breaking the silence' by the same band as last night." Spike stated again
"Kill switch engage, Alright you can do it but remember that song isn't a walk in the park to perform. I'm glad you have practised before hoof" Iron replied.
"Thanks Iron, don't worry you are gonna love seeing me perform." Spike said as he ran out, slamming the door as he left.
Iron sighed once more, looking at the once again destroyed tower "I really need other things to do when I'm bored" he said to himself.
It was time. The first round of the ponyville singing contest was about to begin, all the acts were either doing last minute practise or touching up their outfits, speaking of which, many of the outfits looked incredibly outrageous to Iron and they reminded him of what Countess Coloratura used to wear. Iron always wondered why some of these ponies bothered to wear these silly outfits.
While Iron preferred metal music, he couldn't deny that the songs that some performers did were catchy and well sung and he found himself tapping his hoof or bopping about to some of them. But finally it was time for the next set of performers to go on that included Iron.
As he got up to walk to the stage; he heard Twilight call him over, 'what did she want to talk about' Iron thought. Iron altered his direction and briskly trotted to where Twilight was seated. "What's up Twilight?" Iron asked.
Twilight paused for a moment as if she was contemplating on saying what she had to say, eventually she decided to speak up "I...I was a little confused by your song last night...but that doesn't mean I didn't enjoy listening to it...so thank you for agreeing to do this Iron."
"No worries Twi, also, that's why I didn't want to perform before because I felt Ponyville wasn't ready for that type of music" Iron replied. "But that doesn't matter now, it's already begun and now I'm going to give it my all to go straight to the finals"
Twilight smiled "That's great to hear Iron, I expect to see you perform in the finals then, otherwise...." Twilight thought for a moment before making a devious grin "Otherwise if you don't, you have to listen to me explain the history of magic in Equestria, everyday for a week. Do we have a deal?" Twilight gave Iron her offer.
"What do I get in return?" Iron asked.
"I...will...act like Rarity...for a week" Twilight answered with a frown. Iron could only chuckle before agreeing to the bet. While Iron was a heavy metal headed stallion, he couldn't deny his infatuation with Rarity, Spike had already gotten over Rarity some time ago and now was dating Sweetie belle, when he found out that Iron loved Rarity, he jumped to help him try to gain her affection and that's how the two managed to become good friends. One thing he did always want to see, was one of his good friends act like the love of his life even if it was for a mere moment...but a week! Iron had to win this bet.
After a few more acts went and did their turns, Iron was up to the stage, some of the crowd was a little nervous while some were excited to see him perform. He got up to the mic and explained his song "The song I shall be performing is called "A thread of light" by Demon hunter" the judges nodded for him to proceed and Iron complied.
He nodded once again to the disc player and as the music began, Iron began to sing.
A thread of light by Demon hunter
"These words are a weapon for the ones in pain
"Condemned
[Chorus:]
"You buried the chance in a self-righteous glance
"Condemned
"[Chorus]"
As the song finished and Iron took a bow, the crowd was much more welcoming this time and Iron couldn't feel any better about that outcome. The judges all talked between each other before the middle one spoke up. "We found this song very intriguing, you lived up to your promise of a mixed song that included both darker lyrics and lighter ones, the crowd seems to agree and for that you are through to the next round Iron Heart."
Iron beamed at the words "Thank you, thank you very much, I'm glad you liked it." he replied before waving a few times and made his way back stage. As he walked by the next performers he saw Spike among them looking very nervous.
"Hey man, you OK?" Iron asked the drake.
Spike in return replied "Just...nervous...I haven't done such a song in front of others, you haven't even heard it, I feel like its going to be terrible"
Iron hugged Spike briefly "Don't worry, if you enjoyed practising that song, then who cares what others think of it. You just have fun singing it" Iron stated.
"Thanks Iron, heh what would I do without you watching my back" Spike replied.
"Hmm do you want me to show you the list?" Iron asked with a sneaky grin
"Ha ha very funny man" Spike returned with a shake of his head.
Iron laughed "Ignore that Spike just go for it"
"Right, well two more acts before me, I'll see you later Iron" Spike said as he went back concentrating.
"Yeah you too Spike" Iron replied back as he went back to the audience and wait for Spike to perform.
"This was going to be interesting" Iron thought aloud.
Music of a different genre
This was it. Spike was about to step up on stage and perform the song. His entry into the contest was a basic melodic song that many ponies sang to and he enjoyed singing it, but now he was going to make a sharp turn to the dark side with this song he was going to perform right now.
Spike got up to the mic and explained his choice of song and what it was called "I have decided to perform "Break the Silence" by Killswitch engage." Spike spoke aloud. The crowd began to mutter to themselves, another one had decided to go a different route and ponies were getting slightly annoyed that things were changing.
Spike continued "My choice of song is this one because...I was inspired by Iron Heart to do things differently, I didn't want to perform songs that others were going to do either. While they may seem different to you, some of us can tell that they are pretty much the same song just with slightly different lyrics. So I decided to go a route like Iron and perform songs like his"
The judges talked between each other, the one on the far right seemed a little agitated by the choice of song but the others were against him and they soon stopped their bickering to reply to Spike "Proceed with your song Spike" the middle one said giving a scowl to the judge left of him.
Spike nodded and turned to the disc player indicating he was ready. The song began to play, much to some ponies cringing at the the music, and Spike proceeded to sing.
Break the Silence by Kill switch Engage
"As I live and breathe
"Consumed by self
"We must destroy and rebuild
:As I live and breathe
"If we can't break the silence (how can we survive?)
"Make this world, take notice
"If we can't break the silence (how can we survive?)
"With all that I am
"With all I am
"Break the silence [3X]"
The song finished and the crowd once more were gob smacked. It was silent for a moment before a wave of applause came out, Spike felt excited at the appreciation of him performing a song he's never performed before. Even Iron applauded Spike from the crowd. Spike bowed at the judges and the crowd and awaited the Judges decision. "That was once more a.... different song that we aren't used to, but it was performed very well and I enjoyed your enthusiasm for all the stronger lines, especially near the end with the line "It starts with me" it sounded strong all the way until you had to go to the next cleaner line. Despite Mister Kaltrot to my left not liking the performance, Miss Melodic and I both did and for that you are going to the next round" the middle judge stated.
Spike was over the moon at the response he humbly thanked the judges before running off stage jumping about with glee. "Yes, Yes, Yes I did it!" he shouted. Bouncing the whole way back to the crowd he stumbled upon the mane six and Iron.
"Good job Spike, I'm not the greatest with...darker sounding music but I could tell you enjoyed so that's all that matters" Applejack spoke up.
"Yeah Spike, it sounded pretty cool if I do say so myself" Rainbow joined in.
"Spike we are proud of you no matter what you sing and how well you sang it. Like Aj said if you enjoyed singing it than that's all that matters to us." Twilight said wrapping her hoof around the now blushing dragon as he got more praise for his song for the others.
Iron strode up and gave Spike a nudge with a hoof "You did well man, that song wasn't easy to sing for anypony, but you it pulled off amazingly and I can't be any more happy than that. So good job, I look forward on seeing your next songs" Iron stated.
"Thanks, it wouldn't of happened with out your encouragement" Spike replied grinning.
"But from now on, if you intend to sing these types of song for the rest of the contest, you should probably keep from telling me them, it makes it interesting that way. I'll tell you what you can sing though and you just pick from there." Iron stated once more.
"Ok, that's fair enough" Spike said before he heard a familiar voice behind him.
"Spike, don't you want me to congratulate you too?" Sweetie Belle said aloud to her coltfriend.
Spike in turn blushed "Well it looks like I need to go Iron, s-s-see you later" he said to Iron before running over to see Sweetie Belle.
Iron sighed "I wish I could get in on that action too" Iron said turning to Rarity as she chatted with Twilight.
