One Year

Just like their name, a mysterious publisher and band that published songs every day for one year and suddendly stopped uploading. It was almost like they disappeared.

It has been three years since the legendary band released their first song on a music sharing platform. No one knew their real identity. What they did know was how unique the lead vocalist voice was. Were they a boy? Were they a girl? It didn't matter. Their music inspired others to start a band and to become the next hit wonder.

At a cafe, a girl is closing up shop. She has shoulder-length hair and a bored expression. Her name is Anne Lent. A woman approaches Anne.

"Thanks Anne, are you prepared for the night shift?" asked the woman.

The woman is the manager. Her name is Linda. She operates a Morning Cafe in the morning and a Night Bar in the evening. The bar is located below the cafe.

"Of, course." said Anne. "I'll meet you downstairs."

"I hope we can listen to something good." explained Linda. "It has been getting stiff lately. Meet you at the bar."

Anne enters the bar and passes a wall. The walls is filled with rows of names. The bar has a unique rule where any band can play for free. However, if no one shows up their name is blacklisted and they have to choose a new name to perform. Likewise, if a name is already blacklisted they can’t use that name.

Anne's job is to be a substitute for band's who are missing members or to fill in for those who don't show up.

The Night Bar's regular walks in. They are here to listen to some bands. The night passes by with some incidents.

The first couple group knew the rules. But the regulars didn't want to pay attention. It looks like the crowd is waiting.

One group didn't have a drummer so Anne filled in. That's what the crowd is waiting for. The crowd starts cheering for Anne.

"You are lucky kids. Being able to listen and play with Anne." said one of the Night Bar's regulars.

"What do you mean?" said one of the members.

The band starts playing. Immediately they could tell.

"Wow! How is she that good?" thought the members

"It feels like I am being drawn in." thought another.

The members are shocked by Anne's drumming skills. Anne's beats are crystal clear. She leads the band together. They could feel as if their playing skills have gotten better.

The group receives a standing ovation before Anne walks back to her station.

More bands shows up to the bar and the regular starts to feel bored. That is until a no show appears.

Anne writes the bands name on the wall and proceeds on stage. The audience is ready to hear Anne play.

This time it is a relaxing piano piece. Her ability dazzles the crowd. 

Time flew by as Anne blows through the time slot. Anne returns to her seat as the next band enters the stage. A guitarist, a bassist, a drummer and keyboarder.

"Hi, we are One Year." said the guitarist "And we will perform 3.14."

Anne's ear is perked up.

The band starts covering the song.

"Wow, they really sound like One Year." said one of the regulars.

"Especially that part of the rift." said another. "But, the vocalist is lacking."

Anne heads on stage and takes the microphone. She starts singing.

"Hey, is that One Year?" a new regular walks in. "That's One Year isn't it."

"Isn't that Anne up there?" said Linda. "I didn't know she could sing."

The song ends. The crowd cheers in excitement.

Anne doesn't walk back this time. She whispers into one of the members ears.

"Meet me outside."

The group meets outside.

"Hey? Aren't you the vocalist of One Year." said the keyboardist.

The other wait in anticipation.

"Follow me."

Anne guides the members to her apartment.

The inside appears simply except for the collection of instruments nearby.

"That's right, I am the vocalist. Or to be exact. I am One Year." said Anne.

"What do you mean?" said the Drummer.

"One year was a project I created after my high school years. There is no other member but me." said Anne. "In the beginning, I wanted to release my songs for a year and disappear. I didn't expect my project to gain so much popularity."

"Why did you decide to show yourself?" said the Bassist.

"I've been thinking of performing my music live but how can I when I am one person." said Anne. "With you four, I believe the public can't tell the difference between one member and five members."

"Why us?" said the Guitarist.

"I have seen many bands who were influenced by One Year, but they did not come close to my expectation. That is until today when I met all of you" said Anne. "Please help me with my request."

They agree and start to prepare for a new song.

Their first song is released on February 29, leap day, on the music sharing platform. Each members face is revealed and the name One Year is changed into 1+365.

1+365 had their fair shares of ups and downs over the years but in the end they performrf for the world to see.

"Thank you for accepting my request all those years ago." Anne says sincerely to her members backstage.

"No, if it wasn't for you for releasing you music," said the Bassist.

"We wouldn't have decided to pursue our music," said the Drummer.

"And we wouldn't have met." said the keyboardist.

"Thank you, Anne." said the Guitarist.

"1+365, it is your turn to go stage. Stand by." said a staff member

1+365. 1+365, 1+365. The crowd chants loudly.

The five of them proceed on stage towards the cheering fans.