Backstory:
Golden Customer is the brainchild of long-time friends and musicians, Reese Holdsworth and Corey Johansson. Back in their college days at Stanford, Reese studied business while Corey majored in music. The name ‘Golden Customer’ was inspired by the marketing concept of the ideal customer. The two blended their academic interests perfectly in this innovative endeavor. After graduation, Reese and Corey spent several months traveling through Europe, immersing themselves in the music and culture of each country they visited. Their unique sound, branded by the musicians themselves as “retrofuturistic pop”, emerged from this transformative experience.

Genre:
Retrofuturistic Pop

Title:
“Abstract Transaction”

Full Song Lyrics:
[Verse 1]
Am / G / F / E
Every little penny, every little dime,
Am / G / F / E
In the abstract transaction of your time,
Am / G / F / E
Bought a ticket to the show, won’t you come on in,
Am / G / F / E
Step into the light, let the magic begin.

[Chorus]
C / G / Am / F
You’re a golden customer in my eyes,
C / G / Am / F
In the currency of love, you pay the highest price,
C / G / Am / F
In the abstract transaction of your heart,
C / G / Am / F
We’ve been priceless, right from the start.

[Verse 2]
Am / G / F / E
Through the lens of love, see the world unfold,
Am / G / F / E
In the abstract transaction, stories told,
Am / G / F / E
You and me baby, under the neon sign,
Am / G / F / E
In this moment, everything’s divine.

[Chorus]
C / G / Am / F
You’re a golden customer in this love bazaar,
C / G / Am / F
In the currency of passion, you’re the brightest star,
C / G / Am / F
In the abstract transaction of our dreams,
C / G / Am / F
We’re the richest, or so it seems.

Favorite Fan:
Sadie Thompson. Sadie has been a fan of Golden Customer since day one. She was there when they played their first show at a dingy bar in Palo Alto and has followed them through their journey to stardom. Sadie’s testimonial reads, “Golden Customer’s music is a breath of fresh air in the world of pop. Their lyrics, the melodies, the way they fuse old and new is something special. They don’t just create songs, they tell stories. I’ve never felt so seen and understood through music. They’re not just my favorite band, they’re my lifeline.”

Backstory:

Whimsical Men started as a garage band in the small, seaside town of Monterey, California. The quartet, composed of childhood friends Jake, Billy, Marcus, and Dylan, picked up their instruments as a way to escape the mundanity of their day jobs. Their music quickly evolved, echoing the sounds of the crashing waves and whispering winds. Their unique sound started to attract an audience and they began performing in small, local venues. The band’s popularity exploded when a small-time music producer saw their performance and decided to record their music. The rest, as they say, is history.

Genre:

Alternative Indie Rock

Title:
“Kaleidoscope Dreams”

Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
[C] Staring at the [G] sky, waiting for the [Am] dreams to fly,
[F] Caught in the whims of the [C] world, where the wild [G] winds twirl.

[Am] Colors of the mind, [F] finding what’s been left behind,
[C] Sailing through the night, [G] chasing the morning light.

(Chorus)
[Am] Kaleidoscope dreams, [F] woven in the seams
[C] Of our hearts, [G] tearing us apart,
[Am] But we’re holding on, [F] playing till dawn,
[C] With the rhythm of the [G] wild, and the tune of the [Am] child.

(Verse 2)
[C] Running through the [G] fields, spinning on the [Am] wheels,
[F] Lost in the echoes of [C] time, where the past [G] and present intertwine.

[Am] Weaving through the stars, [F] strumming on the old guitars,
[C] Lost in the endless night, [G] beneath the moon’s soft light.

(Chorus)
[Am] Kaleidoscope dreams, [F] woven in the seams
[C] Of our hearts, [G] tearing us apart,
[Am] But we’re holding on, [F] singing till dawn,
[C] With the melody of the [G] wild, and the spirit of the [Am] child.

Fan’s Testimonial:

“My name is Lily and I’ve been a fan of Whimsical Men since their garage band days. Their music resonates with my soul, each song painting a vivid tale of dreams, adventures, and the raw, mesmerizing beauty of nature. Not a day goes by where I don’t listen to their music. It’s like a lullaby to my weary heart. Watching them rise to fame, yet remain true to their roots, has been incredible. They’re more than just a band – they’re a beacon of hope and inspiration, reminding us to always chase our dreams, no matter how whimsical they may be.”

Backstory:
Rectangular Cloth was born in the bustling, vibrant city of Seattle in the early 2000s. The band is composed of five childhood friends – William “Bill” Henley, Jacob “Jake” Nixon, Emily “Em” Sanders, Penny “Pen” Turner, and Sean “Shawn” O’Brien. Growing up together, they discovered a shared passion for music, beginning their journey with impromptu jam sessions in their parents’ basements. After high school, they decided to form a band, choosing the name ‘Rectangular Cloth’ as a tribute to a colorful tablecloth that became their staple decoration during early practice sessions.

Their music is influenced by personal experiences, local culture, and their shared love for the city of Seattle. Despite facing numerous challenges, the band never gave up, continued to produce music, and slowly but steadily built a dedicated fan base. They are known for their raw authenticity and captivating storytelling, which resonates deeply with their audience.

Genre:
Alternative Rock

Song Title:
“Underneath the Emerald Sky”

Full song lyrics:

(Verse 1)
[G] Underneath the emerald sky, [D] where dreams and reality lie,
[C] We found our rhythm, [Am] lost in time, [Em] caught in the city’s rhyme.
[D] Strumming chords of an unseen song, [C] in this place where we belong.

(Chorus)
[G] Oh, Seattle, [D] with your rain washed streets,
[C] Underneath the emerald sky, [Am] where our hearts beat,
[D] You’re the muse of our melody, [C] the rhythm of our rhyme,
[Am] Whispering tales of love, [Em] lost in time.

(Verse 2)
[G] We danced with shadows, [D] kissed the dawn,
[C] Found solace in music, [Am] when hope seemed gone.
[D] In your embrace, [C] we found our song,
[Am] Underneath the emerald sky, [Em] we belong.

(Chorus)
[G] Oh, Seattle, [D] with your starlit nights,
[C] Underneath the emerald sky, [Am] we ignite,
[D] You’re the harmony to our tune, [C] the canvas to our color,
[Am] Painting stories of life, [Em] like no other.

The band’s favorite fan:

Name: Audrey Harper

Audrey’s testimonial: “As an avid music lover, Rectangular Cloth is my absolute favorite band. Their lyrics speak directly to me, almost as if they’ve put my thoughts and experiences into song. Each track tells a different story, but they all share the same raw emotion and authenticity. Their music has helped me through some of the toughest times in my life, and for that, I am eternally grateful. Their album ‘Underneath the Emerald Sky’ is a masterpiece, a perfect blend of powerful lyrics and mesmerizing melodies. Rectangular Cloth isn’t just a band to me – they’ve become a part of my life’s journey.”

Backstory:

Beautiful Boat is a band that was formed in the heart of Venice, Italy, in the summer of 2005. The original band members, Lorenzo, Massimo, and Giuseppe, bonded over their shared love for music and their common job – gondoliers. They used to sing traditional songs to entertain their passengers, but their shared passion for music led them to create their own tunes. They would often practice late into the night, using their gondolas as stages, and the canals as their audience. Beautiful Boat started gaining local attention, and soon, their harmonious voices echoed beyond the beautiful city of Venice.

In 2007, they added a female voice to their harmonies when a tourist named Isabella joined them. She was a student from England who was traveling through Europe and fell in love with both the city and the music of Beautiful Boat. When asked to join them, she did not hesitate. Isabella brought a new depth to their music and added the element of folk to their sound. Beautiful Boat grew into a band that understands the power of music in connecting people, cultures, and stories.

Genre: Folk-Pop

Song Title: “Canal of Love”

Full song lyrics:

(Verse 1)
[G]Floating down the [Em]canal of [C]love,
[D]With the moonlight [G]shining from [Em]above.
[G]Strumming our hearts with [Em]each gentle [C]wave,
[D]In this city of water, we are [G]brave. [Em]

(Chorus)
[C]Sail on, Beautiful [G]Boat, [D]
Through the [Em]canals of love we [C]float.
[G]In Venice, we found our [D]note,
On our [Em]Beautiful Boat, we [C]wrote.

(Verse 2)
[G]With Isabella’s skin [Em]glowing in the [C]night,
[D]Her voice joins ours, it [G]feels so [Em]right.
[G]Under the bridge, past [Em]the church [C]tower,
[D]Our music grows in strength, [G]every hour. [Em]

(Chorus)
[C]Sail on, Beautiful [G]Boat, [D]
Through the [Em]canals of love we [C]float.
[G]To the rhythm of Venice, we [D]devote,
Our [Em]Beautiful Boat, our [C]hope.

The band’s favorite fan’s name:
Beautiful Boat’s favorite fan is a 70-year-old Venetian named Antonio. Antonio has been following the band since their early days as gondoliers. He claims that Beautiful Boat’s music brings life to the canals and embodies the spirit of Venice.

Antonio’s Testimonial:
“Beautiful Boat’s music captures the essence of Venice – it’s passionate, romantic, and deeply rooted in its tradition. Their songs take me on a journey through the city’s canals, and I feel the heartbeat of the city in their tunes. They are my favorite band because, with every song, they make me fall in love with Venice all over again.”

Backstory:

Common Shade was birthed in the bustling town of Austin, Texas, where the diverse culture and passionate music scene served as the perfect incubator for this band to grow. The group of four friends; Daniel, Mark, Jesse, and Sam, initially met in high school, providing the soundtrack to school dances and local parties. They realized they shared a natural chemistry and a mutual passion for music that transcended the usual teenage pastimes. After graduation, they decided to pursue music full time, ultimately forming Common Shade and building their reputation through relentless gigging, and sharing their music with the world.

Through years of struggle, success, and everything in between, Common Shade has managed to not only survive but thrive in the unpredictable world of the music industry. Their shared experiences have only strengthened their bond, successfully creating a distinct sound that encompasses their collective spirit. They’re more than just a band – they’re a family.

Genre:
Alternative Rock

Title:
“Shadows of Yesterday”

Full song lyrics:
(Verse 1)
[G] Look into the mirror, [Am] what do you see?
[G] A faded reflection, [Am] of who you used to be
[G] The light dims, the night falls, [Am] it’s hard to break away
[G] Trapped in the shadows [Am] of yesterday

(Chorus)
[C] Shadows of yesterday, [G] haunting the present
[Am] Can’t escape the memories, [D] they’re always incessant
[C] Shadows of yesterday, [G] lingering in the mind
[Am] Searching for the light, [D] hoping it’s not hard to find

(Verse 2)
[G] Walking down the memory lane, [Am] hand in hand with regret
[G] Trying to forget, [Am] the things we can’t accept
[G] The sun sets, the stars shine, [Am] tales they narrate
[G] Still trapped in the shadows, [Am] of yesterday

(Chorus)
[C] Shadows of yesterday, [G] haunting the present
[Am] Can’t escape the memories, [D] they’re always incessant
[C] Shadows of yesterday, [G] lingering in the mind
[Am] In the midst of the darkness, [D] the light we strive to find

Favorite Fan’s Name: Bella Stuart

Bella’s Testimonial:
“Common Shade’s music has been a constant in my life since I first saw them perform at a local bar in Austin. They have this raw energy, a unique sound that resonates with me, making me feel seen and heard. The emotion they put into their songs, especially ‘Shadows of Yesterday’, has comforted me in my darkest moments. They’re my favorite not just for their music, but for the authenticity they bring. They’re genuinely good people making amazing music, and I feel lucky to have discovered them. Here’s to Common Shade, for lighting up the common people’s life.”

Backstory:
Squeaky Virus came to life in the heart of London’s bustling music scene during the late 2000s. The band was formed by lead vocalist and guitarist, Freddie Chase, and drummer, Lily Evans, who were childhood friends with a shared passion for music. They were later joined by bassist, Ned Oliver, and keyboardist, Rebecca Gentry, who added the essential elements to their sound, resulting in a unique fusion of rhythm that quickly caught listener’s attention. Garnering a cult following in their local scene, they went on to perform in many underground gigs and music festivals, earning a reputation for their energetic performances and thought-provoking lyrics.

Genre:
Alternative Rock with a hint of Electronic

Title:
“Defective Machinery”

Full song lyrics:

[Verse 1]
Am – C – G – D
In the heartland of the obsolete,
There’s a rhythm, a repetitive beat.
Like the gears of defective machinery,
We’re caught in the cycle, can’t break free.

[Verse 2]
Am – C – G – D
We’re dancing on the edge of reality,
Engulfed by the waves of insanity.
Like the pulsating drone of the industry,
We’re drowned in the noise, lost in the sea.

[Chorus]
F – C – G – D
We’re Squeaky Virus, we infect your mind,
With lyrical bullets and melodies kind.
We’re the defective machinery in your perfect world,
Unraveling truths, as our music unfurled.

[Verse 3]
Am – C – G – D
In the kingdom of the monotonous,
We’re the rebels, the audacious.
Like an unexpected glitch in your system,
We bring the chaos, we bring the rhythm.

[Chorus]
F – C – G – D
We’re Squeaky Virus, we infect the scene,
With a sonic contagion, raw and pristine.
We’re the defective machinery in your flawless plan,
Shaking the silence, making our stand.

The favorite fan’s name:
Charlie Brown

Testimonial:
“I’ve been a die-hard music lover since my teens, but nothing has quite captured me like Squeaky Virus. Their sound is like a breath of fresh air in the over-commercialized music industry. It’s raw, it’s genuine and it speaks to you. It’s like they’ve somehow managed to translate the chaos of our lives into music. Every track they release is a journey in itself. It’s not just music, it’s an experience. And that’s why Squeaky Virus is, and will always be, my favorite band.”

Backstory:
Memorable Ratio was born in the heart of New York in the early 2000s. The band was formed by high school friends, Paul Fisher and Alex Straight, who grew up sharing a passion for music. The duo began their journey by playing in school talent shows and local bars, where their unique sound caught the attention of many. After graduation, they decided to take a leap of faith and dive into the music world, adding two more members, drummer Sarah Callahan and bass guitarist Mark Wilson. Memorable Ratio took off on a wild journey which led to landing a record deal and touring worldwide.

Genre:
Memorable Ratio’s music can be best classified as Indie Rock with a touch of Alternative Pop.

Title:
“Echoes of Yesterday”

Full song lyrics:

(Verse 1)
[G]Yesterday was a [D]song,
[Em]Playing on the radio, [C]strong,
[G]Moments that we used to [D]know,
[Em]Wrapped in the rhythm, [C]ready to go.

(Chorus)
[G]Echoes of yesterday, [D]playing in my mind,
[Em]Tunes of love and dreams, [C]that we’ve left behind,
[G]Voices of the past, [D]calling us to stay,
[Em]Living in the rhythm of [C]yesterday’s play.

(Verse 2)
[G]Dancing in the pale [D]moonlight,
[Em]Your eyes shining so [C]bright,
[G]We were young and ready to [D]fight,
[Em]Bound by the music, [C]holding us tight.

(Chorus)
[G]Echoes of yesterday, [D]playing in my mind,
[Em]Tunes of love and dreams, [C]that we’ve left behind,
[G]Voices of the past, [D]calling us to stay,
[Em]Living in the rhythm of [C]yesterday’s play.

(Favorite Fan’s Name, Testimonial):
Catherine, a graphic designer from the UK, has followed Memorable Ratio from their earliest gigs. “Their music is like a breath of fresh air,” she claims. “It’s an emotional rollercoaster, taking me through different stages of life. It resonates with me and I feel like they’re singing my life story. That sense of understanding and connectivity, that’s why Memorable Ratio is my favorite band.”

Backstory:
When four childhood friends – Adam, Henry, Mike, and Jack – graduated high school in their small town of Boone, Iowa, they decided to spend their summer creating music in Adam’s garage. The group discovered a deep, shared passion for rhythm and lyrics, and they began to dream of bigger stages and brighter lights. They called themselves the Famous Squad.

In their first year together, they played at local bars, birthday parties, and community events. Their music resonated with the town, and word about their performances began to spread. By the end of the summer, they had their first gig outside of Boone, and by the following summer, they had a following across the Midwest. Today, their dreams of bigger stages and brighter lights have come true, but they’ve never forgotten their roots.

Genre:
Indie Pop-Rock

Title:
“Shine on, Boone”

Full Song Lyrics:
(Verse 1)
[G] There’s a town so small, [Em] it’s hardly on the map,
[C] But the people there hold the [D] world in their lap.
[G] We found our rhythm in [Em] that quiet place,
[C] It’s the heart of America, [D] our saving grace.

(Chorus)
[G] Shine on, Boone, [Em] keep the rhythm alive,
[C] We’re out here rocking, [D] trying to survive.
[G] You gave us music, [Em] you gave us dreams,
[C] You’re in every song, [D] in every theme.

(Verse 2)
[G] From the county fair to the [Em] local bars,
[C] We played our hearts out under [D] the stars.
[G] This journey started in [Em] our hometown,
[C] Boone, you gave us this [D] rocking crown.

(Chorus)
[G] Shine on, Boone, [Em] keep the rhythm alive,
[C] We’re out here rocking, [D] trying to survive.
[G] You gave us music, [Em] you gave us dreams,
[C] You’re in every song, [D] in every theme.

The Band’s Favorite Fan:

The band’s favorite fan is named Lucy. Lucy is a waitress at the local diner in Boone and was one of the first to hear Famous Squad play. She has never missed a hometown show and has followed their journey from the beginning.

Testimonial from Lucy: “I’ve known the boys of Famous Squad since they were just kids causing ruckus around town. Then they started making music and it was something truly special. Their songs have a way of capturing the spirit of our town, of our people. They’ve gone on to perform on big stages, but their music still has Boone, still has us, in every note. They’ve never forgotten where they came from, and that’s why they’re my favorite band.”

Backstory:
Formed in the bustling city of Chicago in 2015, “Onerlooked Hat” was an eclectic mix of artists who found a common bond in their love for music and a strong desire to break away from the traditional soundscape. Inspired by their shared fascination for vintage headgear, the group named themselves after an antique hat they found in a thrift store, which they felt was being overlooked despite its unique charm – much like their music. The members, comprising a graphic designer turned drummer, a music teacher with a knack for songwriting, a painter who played the guitar, and a boisterous manager with an inclination towards bass, began creating music that resonated with their quirky personalities and offbeat aesthetic.

Genre: Indie Rock

Title: “The Forgotten Fedora”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
[Am] Looking ’round the corner, [Em] in a dusty old store,
[G] Found something telling tales, [F] of times before.
[Am] It was an overlooked hat, [Em] sitting on a rack,
[G] Its story untold, [F] threads faded to black.

(Chorus)
[C] Forgotten Fedora, [G] whispering the past,
[Am] Telling tales of spirits, [Em] that couldn’t last.
[F] Now you’re just a relic, [C] lost in the swirl,
[G] But in my eyes, [Dm] you’re a hidden pearl.

(Verse 2)
[Am] Picked up the Fedora, [Em] dusted off the grime,
[G] Beneath the layers, [F] found rhythm and rhyme.
[Am] It spoke of jazz clubs, [Em] smoky and sly,
[G] Of the bohemian days, [F] under the blue sky.

(Chorus)
[C] Forgotten Fedora, [G] whispering the past,
[Am] Telling tales of spirits, [Em] that couldn’t last.
[F] Now you’re just a relic, [C] lost in the swirl,
[G] But in my eyes, [Dm] you’re a hidden pearl.

Favorite Fan – Testimonial:
A die-hard fan of ‘Onerlooked Hat’ is a 24-year-old music enthusiast named Emily. She fell in love with the band during a live performance at a local music festival in 2016 and has been an avid follower ever since. “Their music is unique, it’s like they’re painting stories with their songs,” Emily shares. “I wear my own Fedora to all their concerts in homage to their signature song. Their music speaks to me on a personal level, it’s like they’ve managed to inject soul into their lyrics and melodies. They are, without a doubt, my favorite band.”

Backstory:
Feline Smile was formed in the bohemian arts scene of Portland, Oregon in 2017. The band members, consisting of lead singer Caitlin “Cat” Stevens, guitarist Felix “Flea” Jones, bassist Leo “Whiskers” Taylor, and drummer Tommy “Paws” Thompson, greeted each other in a local bookstore’s poetry night. Their shared love for music and felines fused into a unique blend of creativity, which led to the birth of Feline Smile. Since their formation, they have been entertaining audiences with their distinctive sound, playful lyrics, and quirky stage presence, making them a local sensation and a crowd favorite at music festivals.

Genre:
Indie Rock

Title:
“Nine Lives Gone”

Full Song Lyrics:
(Verse 1)
[G] Looking through my window, [D] on a lazy afternoon
[Em] Saw a cat strolling, [C] humming an unknown tune
[G] With its head held high, [D] a free spirit on its own
[Em] And I wondered, [C] about the lives it had blown

(Chorus)
[G] Nine lives gone, [D] under the blinding sun
[Em] Chasing shadows, [C] oh what fun!
[G] Nine lives gone, [D] in whispers and meow
[Em] Was it worth it, [C] I wonder how

(Verse 2)
[G] On the rooftop, [D] under the silvery moon
[Em] Saw the same cat, [C] humming the same tune
[G] With its eyes so bright, [D] shining like a beacon
[Em] And I thought, [C] what tales it had woven

(Chorus)
[G] Nine lives gone, [D] in the blink of an eye
[Em] Under the starry sky, [C] oh what a high!
[G] Nine lives gone, [D] in purrs and hiss
[Em] Was it worth it, [C] for a moment’s bliss

Favorite Fan Testimonial:
Our favorite fan is a 16-year-old girl named Zoe. She has been to almost every show of ours, and her enthusiasm and love for our music make our performances even more enjoyable. Zoe says, “Feline Smile is my go-to band. Their music is as unpredictable and exciting as a cat itself, and their lyrics have a deep meaning that touches my soul. They make me feel like I’m a part of their journey, and that’s why they are my favorite band.”