Backstory:

Admired Man was formed in the vibrant music scene of Austin, Texas, in 2012. The band is comprised of five childhood friends – Calvin, Bryan, Sam, Luke, and Michael, each bringing a unique sound and perspective to the group. They initially started as a garage band, jamming in their parents’ basements on the weekends. After winning a local Battle of the Bands competition, they decided to take things to the next level and began playing at local venues, steadily building a loyal fan base.

After releasing their debut album in 2015, they were quickly recognized by critics for their unique sound and lyricism. Their talent and hard work quickly paid off, and they were signed by a major record label. Despite their newfound fame, Admired Man has remained grounded and focused on their music, regularly interacting with their fans and maintaining their unique style.

Genre:

Indie Rock

Title:

“Shadows and Echoes”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
Am (x2), G (x2), F (x2), E (x2)
In the corners of the room where the light doesn’t reach,
I find shadows and echoes of what we used to be.
Every echo rings with laughter, every shadow holds a tear,
The remnants of our love, now just a ghostly smear.

(Chorus)
F (x2), G (x2), Am (x2), E (x2)
So I chase these shadows and echoes,
Hoping they can fill the hollow.
Trying to find what we lost, in the echoes and the frost,
Shadows and echoes, they’re all I’ve got.

(Verse 2)
Am (x2), G (x2), F (x2), E (x2)
The empty rooms echo your name, the shadows dance in your shape,
In every nook and corner, your absence I can’t escape.
As the sun goes down, these echoes grow louder,
Every shadow grows longer, the emptiness grows wider.

(Chorus)
F (x2), G (x2), Am (x2), E (x2)
So I chase these shadows and echoes,
Knowing it’s you, they cannot bestow.
In the silence of the night, in the absence of the light,
Shadows and echoes, are my only sight.

The band’s favorite fan:

Emily Thompson. Emily has been a fan of Admired Man since their first local gig and has never missed a concert. In her words “Admired Man is more than just a band to me. Their music has seen me through heartbreaks, triumphs, and everything in between. It’s like they somehow manage to put into words and melody, the unspoken feelings of my soul. I feel seen, heard and understood when I listen to their songs. Their music is raw, real and relatable. That’s why they are my favorite band.”

Backstory:
Funny Respect is a band that was born out of the unconventional friendship between four neighborhood kids from Charleston, South Carolina: Benny, Marcus, Jessie, and Charlie. Growing up, they found solace and fun in each other’s company, as they all shared an immense love for music. In their early teens, they decided to form a band, naming it ‘Funny Respect’- a nod to their humorous, playful camaraderie and the mutual respect they shared. They started by playing at local gigs, then slowly moved onto stage performances, and eventually hit the jackpot when a talent scout spotted them at a music festival.

The band’s journey has been like a roller coaster, filled with moments of joy and despair. However, they stuck together through thick and thin, making music that not only appealed to the masses but also encapsulated their own experiences and values. Through their music, they aim to spread laughter and positivity while also emphasizing the importance of respect and mutual understanding.

Genre:
Funny Respect is primarily a Pop-Punk band, but they also incorporate elements of Alternative and Indie Rock in their music.

Song Title:
“Laugh Lines”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
[G] On the corners of our lips, [D] we wear our laugh lines,
[Em] Stories of joy, and tales of good times.
[C] Through highs and lows, through [G] sunshine and rain,
[D] Together we stand, sharing laughter and pain.

(Chorus)
[G] These are our laugh lines, [D] etched with respect,
[Em] The testament of friendship, [C] that we’ll never forget.
[G] We’ll keep on laughing, keep on [D] living,
[Em] A melody of joy, [C] that keeps on giving.

(Verse 2)
[G] Our songs are our stories, [D] our chords are our memories,
[Em] We sing of love, hope, and [C] shared victories.
[G] Through heartbreak and triumph, [D] we’ve stood the test,
[Em] We’re Funny Respect, [C] we’re simply the best.

(Chorus)
[G] These are our laugh lines, [D] etched with respect,
[Em] The testament of friendship, [C] that we’ll never forget.
[G] We’ll keep on laughing, keep on [D] living,
[Em] A melody of joy, [C] that keeps on giving.

Fan Testimonial:
Our favorite fan is a vibrant and passionate music lover named Jenny. Jenny has been with us since our humble beginnings, cheering us on at every local gig. Her enthusiasm is contagious and she has this knack for remembering every lyric of every song we’ve ever performed. Jenny says, “Funny Respect is my favorite band because their music hits home. It’s like they took pages from my own life and turned it into music. Their energy, humor, and camaraderie on stage is something that I find extremely inspiring. They’ve taught me the importance of laughter, respect, and friendship through their music, and for that, they’ll always have a special place in my heart.”

Backstory:
Stimulating Clinic came to life in the dark alleys of Seattle in 2015, where four strangers connected over the unnerving hum of the city’s electricity. Lead vocalist and guitarist, James ‘Jaz’ Zephyr, had been working as a psychologist by day and a musician by night. His childhood friend and bassist, Patrick ‘Patsy’ MacKinnon, used to play in his garage. The drummer, Alice ‘AlleyCat’ Casson, was an accountant who had a profound connection with rhythm and numbers, while the keyboardist, Finn ‘Frequency’ Lawrence, was a sound engineer fascinated by the power of psycho-acoustics. The four of them, each dealing with the delicate dance between sound and psyche in their own lives, came together to create a band that would explore the mind’s responses to music.

In their music, the band seeks to explore the latent powers of sound on the human psyche, using a blend of sonic frequencies and rhythmic patterns to create a unique musical style. Their compositions, as a result, are an auditory exploration into the depths of the mind, stimulating the listener’s senses and pushing the boundaries of their consciousness.

Genre: Psychedelic Rock

Title: “Electric Mindscape”

Full Song Lyrics:
(Verse)
Am Em G D
Electric mindscape, don’t let me down,
F C G
In this field of sound, where we’re bound.
Am Em G D
Cognitive echoes, in the air,
F C G
Psychedelic patterns that we share.

(Chorus)
D Em G A
Ride the wave, embrace the sound,
F C G
In this mindscape, we’re unbound.
D Em G A
Feel the frequencies collide,
F C G
In this electric, mind-forged ride.

(Verse)
Am Em G D
Synaptic rhythms, in our brain,
F C G
Driving us to the edge of sane.
Am Em G D
Stimulating clinic, of the mind,
F C G
Creating melodies that bind.

(Chorus)
D Em G A
Ride the wave, embrace the sound,
F C G
In this mindscape, we’re unbound.
D Em G A
Feel the frequencies collide,
F C G
In this electric, mind-forged ride.

Fan’s Name: Alex Farraday
Testimonial: “Stimulating Clinic isn’t just a band to me, it’s a journey into the self. Their music is like an echo of my own thoughts, resonating with my inner psyche. It’s not just about the sound, it’s about the experience. The way their music stimulates my senses, it’s as if they’ve got a direct line to my soul. It’s a mind-bending, soul-stirring experience that I’ve never gotten from any other band. I’ve been to every one of their concerts since they first started performing, and each time it’s a new adventure. Stimulating Clinic is more than my favorite band, they’re my favorite psychedelic experience.”

Backstory:

Insistent Purchase originated in the vibrant indie music scene of Seattle, Washington. The band was formed in 2008, by Adam Hawks and Clark Stevenson, two childhood friends who shared deep-rooted love for music and a rebellious spirit. After getting their music degrees, they decided to combine their unique styles of music under the umbrella of Insistent Purchase. The band grew over the years, incorporating Emily Jones on drums and bassist Andrew Smith. Their love for experimentation with different soundscapes, combined with their raw and expressive lyrics, earned them a dedicated fan base in the Pacific Northwest soon after the release of their debut album.

Genre:

Alternative Indie Rock

Title:

“Melting Clocks”

Lyrics:

(Verse 1 – Em, D, Bm, C)
Em D Bm
Under the city lights, we slept through the night,
C
Dreaming with open eyes, under the melting clocks.
Em D Bm
Our hearts skipping beats, on the rhythm of the streets,
C
We danced to the pulse of our silhouette talks.

(Chorus – G, D, Am, C)
G D Am
Melting clocks, our endless walks,
C
Our love echoes through the empty blocks.
G D Am
In the labyrinth of time, we find our rhythm and rhyme,
C
With every tick-tock, we’re under the melting clocks.

(Verse 2 – Em, D, Bm, C)
Em D Bm
As twilight paints the sky, we let our spirits fly,
C
Chasing shadows, embracing the paradox.
Em D Bm
In fleeting moments we steal, our love we silently reveal,
C
In the whispers of the wind, under the melting clocks.

(Chorus – G, D, Am, C)
G D Am
Melting clocks, our endless talks,
C
Our heartbeat resonates with the ticking clocks.
G D Am
In the river of time, we pen our own sublime,
C
With every tick-tock, we’re under the melting clocks.

Favorite Fan:

The band’s favorite fan is Sarah Jennings. Sarah, a high school teacher, has been attending their gigs since their early days. Not only does she love their melodic tunes and thought-provoking lyrics but she also incorporates their music into her teaching methodology, using their songs to inspire creativity and individuality among her students. As a testament to her love for the band, she has all their albums, posters, and merchandise.

Testimonial:

“Insistent Purchase is more than just a band to me; their music is a symphony of emotions, and each song tells a story that resonates with my own. Their lyrics are a poetic journey, and their melodies are captivating. They have an authenticity that is rare to find these days. Their music has not only become the soundtrack of my life but also a creative teaching tool in my classroom. They continue to inspire me and many of my students through their unique blend of indie rock.”

Backstory:
Portly Teacher began as an inside joke between high school friends and aspiring musicians, Tim Cook, Billy Thompson, and Jake Johnson. The trio loved to tease their affable but overweight physics teacher, who had a penchant for bursting into song during class, often to explain complex theories. One day, after a particularly enthusiastic rendition of the theory of relativity set to the tune of an old blues song, the boys decided to form a band in his honor, thus ‘Portly Teacher’ was born. They started off playing gigs in their small midwestern town, eventually gaining recognition for their unique sound and tongue-in-cheek band name.

Genre:
Indie Rock/Folk

Title:
“Einstein’s Blues”

Song Lyrics:

[Intro]
A D E D

[Verse]
A D E
Einstein was a man, who had a grand plan,
A D E
To understand the world, he worked it out with his hand.
A D E
From the apple that fell, to the star’s distant yell,
A D E
He saw the universe in a shell, oh he could tell.

[Chorus]
Em D
So here’s to the man, with the master plan,
A E
Who taught us about time and space.
Em D
To the rhythm of the universe, we dance,
A E
Under the sky’s embrace.

[Verse]
A D E
To the teacher, who sang with a blues guitar’s twang,
A D E
Explaining relativity, with a rock and roll twang.
A D E
You made us see, the beauty in theory,
A D E
Ignited minds with your melody, filled hearts with theory.

[Chorus]
Em D
So here’s to the portly teacher, an unlikely preacher,
A E
Who taught us physics with a song.
Em D
To the rhythm of your lessons, we sway,
A E
In your memory, we belong.

[Bridge]
F#m D
Portly teacher, with a heart so eager,
E A
Your song is now our anthem.
F#m D
We sing it loud, we sing it proud,
E A
To the world, we present them.

[Outro]
A D E
Einstein’s blues, in our hearts, it still rings true,
A D E
For the world, we are the Portly Teacher’s crew.

Favorite Fan Testimonial:
“I’m Jessica. I’ve been a Portly Teacher fan since their early high school gigs. I love their music because it echoes the heart of our small town while reaching out to broader, universal concepts. They bring an indie rock twist to folk, which keeps their music fresh and engaging. I also love the humorous and light-hearted spirit they incorporate into their performances. Portly Teacher isn’t just a band for me; they’re a connection to home and a reminder to always find joy and humor, even in complex things like physics.”

Backstory:
Buzzing Director was born in the vibrant heart of Manchester, England. The band members—lead vocalist and guitarist Jack, bassist Ralph, drummer Simon, and keyboardist Roger—were four film school dropouts who turned their creative energies from scriptwriting and directing to music. Their passion for storytelling, however, is still evident in their lyrics, which often read like short films set to music. The band formed in 2010, and after playing in local pubs and gaining significant popularity, they released their debut album in 2013. Since then, they’ve been steadily climbing the charts and have amassed a devoted international fan base.

Genre:
Alternative Rock

Song Title:
“Rainy Day Refrain”

Full song lyrics:

Verse 1:
Am G F Em
Once upon a midnight lonely, in a city cold and phony,
Am G F
Rain beat against my window, memories came in tow.

Chorus:
Dm F G Am
Oh, the rainy day refrain, sings to my pain,
Dm F G
Whispers of love lost in vain.

Verse 2:
Am G F Em
Remembered the way she smiled, on that old, forgotten aisle,
Am G F
Her laughter in the morning, without a single warning.

Chorus:
Dm F G Am
The rainy day refrain, plays again,
Dm F G
Echoes of a love that waned.

Bridge:
F G Am Em
Washed away, like tears in the rain,
F G Am
Only the refrain, only the pain.

(Repeat Chorus)

Fan’s Name:
Eleanor Thompson

Testimonial:
I’ve been following Buzzing Director from their humble beginnings in Manchester. What drew me to their music is how they beautifully wrap up a whole story in a single song. Each song is not just a melody; it’s a narrative. It’s like listening to a short film; you can visualize each scene as the music plays. “Rainy Day Refrain” is my go-to song whenever I’m feeling a bit down. There’s something about the combination of the lyrics and the melody that speaks to the soul. It’s raw, it’s authentic, and there’s a kind of magic in it. I’ve seen Buzzing Director live a few times, and they’re electrifying on stage. Their passion for their music is palpable, and they’ve got a unique energy that draws you in. I can’t wait to see where their musical journey takes them.

Backstory:

Perky Library is a band of five members – Anthony, Beth, Miranda, Timothy and Roger – all originating from different backgrounds but crossing paths at the local library in the small town of Jefferson, Oregon. Each of them held an insatiable thirst for knowledge and a shared a love for music. Their bond was formed over the stacks of literature, late-night study sessions, and impromptu jam sessions. The name ‘Perky Library’ was born from their shared love for the library, the symbol of their friendship and the birthplace of their music.

Anthony was a music teacher, Beth a nurse, Miranda a high school student, Timothy a freelance writer, and Roger an ex-military officer. However, their differences were their strength. They wrote songs about their experiences, their dreams, their struggles, and their hopes. They performed in local gigs, small music festivals, and gradually their unique sound began to garner attention from the music industry.

Genre:

Acoustic Folk

Title:

“Whispers among the Pages”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
[Em] In the quiet corners, [G] between dust and time
[C] We found our voices, [D] in the pages divine
[Em] We crafted our dreams, [G] underneath the moon’s glow
[C] We found our rhythm, [D] in the words that we know

(Chorus)
[G] Whispers among the pages, [C] secrets within the lines
[Em] We became the stories, [D] weaving through the rhymes
[G] We found our melodies, [C] in the heart of the night
[Em] This is our song, [D] born from the quiet

(Verse 2)
[Em] We sang the tales, [G] of love and of fear
[C] Each note a memory, [D] each chord a tear
[Em] We penned our journey, [G] under the library’s roof
[C] We found our harmony, [D] in the echo of the truth

(Chorus)
[G] Whispers among the pages, [C] secrets within the lines
[Em] We became the stories, [D] weaving through the rhymes
[G] We found our melodies, [C] in the heart of the night
[Em] This is our song, [D] born from the quiet

Favorite Fan:

Their favorite fan is a 16-year-old girl named Lily. Lily says, “I first heard Perky Library’s music at a local festival. Their poetic lyrics and soothing melodies resonated with me. They sing about real dreams, real struggles and it was like they were singing my life. Their music became my escape, my comfort. Their song ‘Whispers among the Pages’ helped me through a very tough time. And their story, their friendship inspires me. They are more than a band for me, they are my friends, my mentors. They are my favorite, not just for their music, but for who they are and what they stand for.”

Backstory:
Mundane Expenditure is an unlikely band of four, hailing from the small Midwest town of Baxter Springs. They were all average kids – Bobby, the thoughtful cashier from the local grocery store; Jenny, a librarian who always had her nose in a book; Mike, a high school dropout fixing cars at his father’s garage; and Rosie, who spent her days waitressing at a 24-hour diner. They were all living simple, ordinary lives until a chance encounter at Baxter Springs’ annual music festival brought them together.

Inspired by the music they heard and the energy they felt, the four decided to start practicing together. They started off just jamming in Mike’s garage, but soon they found themselves writing original music. Mundane Expenditure was born out of the raw honesty of their everyday lives, reflecting the struggles and beauty in the ordinary. Their music is a testament to their belief that everyone, no matter how mundane their life may seem, has something valuable to share.

Genre:
Indie Folk Rock

Title:
“Receipts and Regrets”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1 – C G Am F)
C
Running the till at a small-town store
G
Living each day just like the one before
Am
Every penny counts, every dollar spent
F
Trading dreams for the money on the rent

Chorus – F C G Am
F
We’re all just receipts and regrets,
C
Lost in a life of mundane expenditure
G
Trying to find a balance, trying to settle our debts,
Am
Invisible chains, but we’re still the prisoners.

(Verse 2 – C G Am F)
C
Beneath the library’s hush and the car’s engine roar,
G
Behind the diner’s door, we all seek something more.
Am
Counting the hours, counting the days,
F
Can’t we find a way to break away?

(Repeat Chorus)

(Bridge – F G C Am)
F
In the rhythm of the ordinary, we find the extraordinary,
G
In the mundane, we find the profound.
C
We’re more than just a summary of our daily inventory,
Am
In the noise, we find the sound.

(Repeat Chorus)

Fan Testimonial:
“Hi, I’m Sam. I’ve followed Mundane Expenditure since their first performance at a local bar. I love how they put into words what we all feel but never say. Their music speaks to me on a personal level. Each tune narrates a tale from my own life, making me feel seen and heard. Their song ‘Receipts and Regrets’ is my favorite; it’s like a mirror reflecting my daily struggles and hopes. Mundane Expenditure makes me believe that there’s beauty in the ordinary, and that’s why they’re my favorite band.”

Backstory: Old-Fashioned Champagne is a delightful trio hailing from the nostalgic corners of Austin, Texas. The group came together in 2015 when lead singer and pianist, Elizabeth “Lizzy” Monroe, met guitarist, Samuel “Sammy” Jennings, during a jazz workshop. They bonded over their mutual love for retro tunes and the charm of bygone eras. Along with drummer, Benny “Boom Boom” Thomas, who had been a childhood friend of Lizzy’s, they formed Old-Fashioned Champagne, a band that combines old-world charm with modern sensibility.

Genre: Old-Fashioned Champagne plays a unique blend of Jazz and Indie Pop, capturing the spirit and charm of yesteryears while infusing the edginess of today’s indie scene.

Title: “Moonlight and Monograms”

Song Lyrics:
(Verse 1)
[C] Underneath the [G] star-studded sky,
[Am] We dance, in an old-fashioned [Em] style.
[F] Memories of glamour and [C] grace,
[G] You and I in a timeless [C] place.

(Chorus)
[F] Sipping on old-fashioned [C] champagne,
[G] Lost in moonlight and [C] monograms.
[F] Life is but a beautiful [C] game,
[G] We play, in our timeless [C] domain.

(Verse 2)
[C] Velvet whispers, [G] crystal laughs,
[Am] We trace the echoes of [Em] our past.
[F] In this dance of romance and [C] dreams,
[G] Forever is closer than it [C] seems.

(Chorus)
[F] Sipping on old-fashioned [C] champagne,
[G] Lost in moonlight and [C] monograms.
[F] Life is but a beautiful [C] game,
[G] We play, in our timeless [C] domain.

Favorite Fan: The band’s favorite fan is a bookshop owner named Amelia. She’s been a steadfast supporter since their first gig at a local dive bar. Amelia claims the band’s music takes her back to the vintage era she dearly loves while keeping her grounded in the present.

Testimonial: “Old-Fashioned Champagne’s music is like a delightful journey through time. Their melodies remind me of the charm and elegance of the past, while their lyrics resonate with my modern sentiments. They add a touch of nostalgia to my daily life, transporting me back to an era I’ve always adored. Their music is an absolute treasure and a refreshing break from the norm.”

Backstory:

Optimal Fee originated in a small, dusty garage in Akron, Ohio. It was the shared childhood dream of three best friends: Keith “Keef” Collins, the jocular, self-taught guitarist, Roland “Rollo” Jennings, the introspective bassist with a knack for crafting thoughtful lyrics, and Drummer Steve “Stickz” Hemmings, who got his nickname due to his uncanny ability to break drumsticks in the heat of rocking out. Despite the limited resources and small-town beginnings, the trio possessed an unwavering belief in their musical abilities and their shared vision of creating unique, transformative music.

As they grew older, their shared passion for music never diminished, and they started playing at local bars and clubs, sharing their raw, heartfelt tunes with anyone willing to listen. Their undeniable chemistry and innovative music gradually built them a solid fan base. Their breakthrough came when a song they had whimsically recorded in Keith’s basement made its way to a renowned music producer. Captivated by their inventive sound and genuine lyrics, he offered them a record deal, and the rest is history.

Genre:

Alternative Rock

Title:

“Edges of Infinity”

Song Lyrics:

[Verse 1: C – G – Am – E]
(C) I was drifting on the (G) edges of infinity,
(Am) Lost in the fabric of (E) time and reality.
(C) You found me in the (G) void, brought me to serenity,
(Am) Now we’re riding on the (E) cosmic waves of destiny.

[Chorus: F – C – G]
(F) Together, we break the (C) barrier of sound,
(G) In this rhythm of life, where love is found.
(F) With every beat of our (C) hearts, we’re homeward bound,
(G) To the edges of infinity, where we are crowned.

[Verse 2: C – G – Am – E]
(C) The stars in your (G) eyes light up the cosmos,
(Am) Your touch feels like (E) comets in the chaos.
(C) We dance on the (G) moon, lost in our ethos,
(Am) In our universe, there’s no (E) status quo.

[Chorus: F – C – G]
(F) Together, we break the (C) barrier of sound,
(G) In this rhythm of life, where love is found.
(F) With every beat of our (C) hearts, we’re homeward bound,
(G) To the edges of infinity, where we are crowned.

Fan Testimonial:

Fan’s Name: Lisa “Loudspeaker” O’Donnell

Testimonial:

“I can’t put into words how much I love Optimal Fee. Their music speaks directly to my soul and gives me a sense of peace and understanding I never thought possible. Their unique blend of alternative rock with existential lyrics is something the music industry has been lacking for years. Every time I listen to ‘Edges of Infinity,’ I feel like I’m on a cosmic journey of love and self-discovery. Their music has changed my life in ways I can’t express. Long live Optimal Fee!”