This will probably be a series of interviews of various subjects in the Commonwealth, the first being a harmonica playing busker.

REPORTER

I’m a reporter. I’m doing a longform piece on “Characters of the Commonwealth.”
I’m hoping that if Piper likes my work, I can get a job at Publick Occurrences.

I feel like these interviews are a way to connect people.

I write some fiction too. Maybe someday I’ll show you my novel.

I wanna be the first great writer of the post-war world. I figure, if I’m gonna shoot for something, it might as well be the moon.

News reporting helps sharpen my skills. Writing fiction is about observing too.

I try not to smoke. Writers and cigarettes are such a tired cliche. And that’s like the worst thing you can be, someone other than yourself. But sometimes you can’t help it.

My favorite phrase is “Every love story is a ghost story.” It’s because love is so powerful it can bring the dead to life. But an unrequited love is the opposite. It makes you feel invisible.

Part of what draws me to print is that it lasts forever. A byline isn’t just a name. It’s proof you exist.

MUSICIAN

Truth is, I don’t know when I’ll play again. Just gotta wait until the mood strikes. 

I taught myself to play the harmonica when I was five. It turns out I’m a pretty good teacher, but a horrible student.

I’m not a fan of old world music. The songs are good, don’t get me wrong, but I feel like the music loses its soul when it comes out of a record.

I started out trying to sing along with the music. Then I found out the harmonica had a much better voice.

I don’t take requests. It’s like letting someone else pick your clothes.

I get anxious when there’s a lot of people around. Sometimes I have to play them a song so I can forget they’re there.

I’ve played with a few other great musicians around the Commonwealth. I don’t wanna name drop though…it’d be like I need to validate myself through others.

Is it bad that I like to laugh at my own jokes? Or bad that I feel bad about it? I wish I didn’t think about it at all.

When you’re alone you tend to think too much. That’s why I like playing music. It’s the only time I can turn my brain off.

Scene 1

I think people in the Commonwealth need to hear your story.

Kid, a story has to have an ending. Otherwise it’s just words.

Scene 2

I’m a bit nervous about this whole interview thing.

Why, are you afraid I won’t capture the real you?

I’m afraid you will.

Scene 3

Where’s the inspiration for your music come from?

Well, some of it’s personal, some of it I just make up.
The funny thing is, people like the fake stuff better.

What do you think that says about the people?

I don’t know. I’m a musician, not a shrink.

Scene 4

We used to love your bits on Diamond City radio. Why don’t you play anymore?

It got to being too much. People knowing my name, wanting to hear this and say that. I’m just a simple man. I don’t want that kind of attention.

But you agreed to do this interview.

Ha, I didn’t agree to nothing. You’re just here talking to me, and it’d be rude not to say anything back.