Backstory:
Outstanding Manager was formed in the heart of Seattle in 2014, beginning as a musical experiment between long-time friends, Martin “Marty” Gibbs, a disgruntled office worker with a flair for bass guitar, and Graham “Grammy” Nelson, an underpaid retail manager who could shred a mean guitar solo. They created music as a form of catharsis, a creative outlet to express their shared dissatisfaction with corporate life. As their sound began to develop, they brought in two more members: Felicia “Feli” Howard, a stressed-out financial consultant with a knack for drumming, and Aaron “Ari” Mathers, a smooth-voiced receptionist who could harmonize with a fence post.

Their music quickly resonated with other disenchanted professionals, creating an unexpected following of fans who related to their honest, raw, and sometimes tongue-in-cheek lyrics about the corporate grind. Eventually, they decided to quit their jobs and commit themselves fully to their passion, becoming one of the unlikely success stories of the indie music scene.

Genre:
Indie Rock / Alternative

Title:
“Breakroom Ballad”

Full Song Lyrics:
(Verse 1)
[Am] Clock in at nine, [D] coffee’s not fine, [G] boss on cloud nine, [C] got no time.
[Am] Papers to file, [D] fake a smile, [G] stuck in this mile, [C] for a while.

(Chorus)
[E] We’re just Outstanding Managers, [A] trying to keep our sanity,
[F#m] Living life on ledgers, [B] lost in workday vanity.
[E] We play our Breakroom Ballad, [A] sing it loud for all to hear,
[F#m] Liberation’s anthem, [B] in the face of corporate fear.

(Verse 2)
[Am] Breakroom lunch, [D] crunching numbers crunch, [G] feel the punch, [C] in a bunch.
[Am] Dreaming of chords, [D] in meeting boards, [G] as life affords, [C] untold rewards.

(Chorus)
[E] We’re just Outstanding Managers, [A] trying to escape from reality,
[F#m] Trading ties for amplifiers, [B] finding our own clarity.
[E] We play our Breakroom Ballad, [A] music is our therapy,
[F#m] Shattering the silence, [B] in the heart of corporate apathy.

Fan Testimonial:

Name: Jennifer “Jen” Stevens

Why and How Outstanding Manager is her favorite:

“I’ve been a fan of Outstanding Manager since their first jam session in a basement. Their music is a breath of fresh air in a world where everything feels so pre-packaged and artificial. It’s like they’ve taken the mundanity of everyday life and turned it into something beautiful and rebellious. As a project manager myself, I can relate to their lyrics on a deeply personal level. They’ve become my soundtrack on the way to work, a daily reminder that there’s more to life than just deadlines and deliverables.”

Backstory:

Modest Nail formed in the heart of New York City in 2010, originally a passion project of three childhood friends: Jayson Scott, Liam Michaels, and Charlie Hart. The trio began by playing in small bars and cafes, where their music resonated with listeners. It wasn’t long before they gained a substantial following. The band’s big break came in 2012, when one of their performances in a local bar was recorded and posted online. The video quickly went viral and caught the attention of several record labels.

With their newfound fame, Modest Nail redefined themselves, solidifying their sound and style. They have since released three studio albums, each garnering critical acclaim and commercial success. Despite their stardom, they remain humble and dedicated, never forgetting their roots, hence their band name. Modest Nail continues to inspire millions with their heartfelt lyrics, innovative sound, and passionate performances.

Genre:

Alternative Rock

Title:

“Shadows and Echoes”

Full song lyrics:

(Verse)
Em Am G D
In the corners of my mind, I find,
Em Am G D
Shadows and echoes, left behind.
Em Am G D
A ghost of a memory, a trace of a smile,
Em Am G D
In the echoes of my mind, I find you awhile.

(Chorus)
C G D Em
Shadows and echoes, whispers and sighs,
C G D Em
In every goodbye, a part of us dies.
C G D Em
In the shadows and echoes, I see your face,
C G D Em
In every silence, I feel your embrace.

(Verse)
Em Am G D
In the echoes of my dreams, I see,
Em Am G D
Your eyes, your smile, your memory.
Em Am G D
A touch of your hand, a whisper so mild,
Em Am G D
In the shadows of my heart, I find you, my child.

(Chorus)
C G D Em
Shadows and echoes, pain and bliss,
C G D Em
In every absence, it’s you I miss.
C G D Em
In the shadows and echoes, I hear your voice,
C G D Em
In every moment, I relive our choice.

The band’s favorite fan’s name:

Samantha Brown

Testimonial:

“As a long-time fan of alternative rock, I’ve always admired bands that could create a unique sound, and Modest Nail does just that. Their music is not just tunes to my ears; it’s poetry to my soul. Every song they’ve released resonates with me on a deep, emotional level. ‘Shadows and Echoes,’ in particular, is a masterpiece that I hold close to my heart. It’s a beautiful blend of haunting lyrics and mesmerizing melodies. Modest Nail’s music has been the soundtrack of my life for the last decade, and I can’t wait to see what they do next.”

Backstory:
Polished Observation was born when five friends from high school, having shared a deep passion for music, decided to turn their garage jam sessions into something more serious. Initially, their audience consisted of close friends and family, but their powerful lyrics and distinctive sound quickly started attracting a wider audience. The band members are: lead vocalist, Sam; guitarist, Jake; drummer, Mike; bassist, Brandon; and keyboardist, Lily. They all share in the songwriting process, and their strong camaraderie and shared creative vision are what make Polished Observation stand out in today’s music scene.

After playing in several local gigs and getting positive feedback, the band decided to record their first album. Their debut was a hit in their local music scene, providing them the momentum to venture into larger venues and platforms. Polished Observation’s music speaks about everyday experiences and emotions, connecting with listeners on a personal level and making their music not just a song but a shared expression of life.

Genre:
Alternative Pop/Rock

Title:
“Rooftops and Reveries”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
[G] Staring out the window, [Em] watching the world go by,
[C] Thoughts in my head, [Am] lost in the vast sky,
[G] Echoes of laughter, [Em] faces from the past,
[C] Trying to hold on, [Am] but it’s fading fast.

(Chorus)
[G] On the rooftops and in reveries, [Em] that’s where we used to be,
[C] Looking at the stars, [Am] dreaming of what could be,
[G] Hand in hand, [Em] lost in our fantasies,
[C] In the moonlight, [Am] we were wild and free.

(Verse 2)
[G] The city lights are calling, [Em] but it’s just not the same,
[C] Without your laughter, [Am] it’s just an empty game,
[G] Trying to move on, [Em] but I’m stuck in rewind,
[C] Looking for answers, [Am] that I can’t find.

(Chorus)
[G] On the rooftops and in reveries, [Em] that’s where we used to be,
[C] Looking at the stars, [Am] dreaming of what could be,
[G] Hand in hand, [Em] lost in our fantasies,
[C] In the moonlight, [Am] we were wild and free.

Bridge:
[G] Can we go back, [Em] to the times so divine,
[C] When the world was ours, [Am] and you were mine,
[G] Lost in the rhythm, [Em] of your soft lullaby,
[C] Underneath the stars, [Am] of the midnight sky.

(Chorus)
[G] On the rooftops and in reveries, [Em] that’s where we used to be,
[C] Looking at the stars, [Am] dreaming of what could be,
[G] Hand in hand, [Em] lost in our fantasies,
[C] In the moonlight, [Am] we were wild and free.

Fan Testimonial:
“I’m Lisa, and I’ve been a fan of Polished Observation since their early gigs. I have found a friend in their music, a solace when life gets tough. Their songs speak to me on such a personal level that it feels like they’ve written them just for me. The honesty in their lyrics, the raw emotion in their music, it’s all so heartfelt. They’re not just a band to me, they’re the soundtrack to my life.”

Backstory:
Formed in the heart of New York City in 2012, Lively Squirrel is a group of five friends bound together by their shared love for music and their common ambition to create their own unique sound. The band members were initially part of different music projects, but fate conspired to bring them together in a small, cramped rehearsals room where they first began to jam together. They realized there was an undeniable chemistry, and thus, Lively Squirrel was born.

The band name, Lively Squirrel, was inspired by a squirrel that frequented the window of their initial rehearsal space – energetic, spirited, and ceaseless. The band found these traits echoed in their own approach to music, and named their group in its honor.

Genre: Indie Rock

Title: “Ode to the Concrete Jungle”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
[G] Underneath the city lights, [D] we find our place to hide,
[Em] Amidst the chaos and the noise, [C] in the shadows, we confide.
[G] Skyscrapers reaching up so high, [D] like giants in the night,
[Em] The concrete jungle, our playground, [C] beneath the neon light.

(Chorus)
[G] We are the Lively Squirrels, [D] never slowing down,
[Em] In the heart of the city, [C] we’ve found our battleground.
[G] With music as our weapon, [D] and dreams as our shield,
[Em] We’ll keep fighting, [C] until our fate is sealed.

(Verse 2)
[G] Racing through the city streets, [D] with our hearts on fire,
[Em] We chase the echoes of the night, [C] fueled by our desire.
[G] Like the squirrel amongst the trees, [D] in the urban wild,
[Em] We find our rhythm, [C] in the heart of a child.

(Chorus)
[G] We are the Lively Squirrels, [D] dancing on the edge,
[Em] In the roar of the city, [C] we’ve pledged our allegiance.
[G] With melodies as our map, [D] and passion as our guide,
[Em] We’ll keep moving, [C] with the city by our side.

Fan Testimonial:
Fan’s Name: Jessica Ross

“From the first time I heard Lively Squirrel, I knew they were different. Their music isn’t just sound; it’s a feeling, a connection, a story. It’s the rhythm of the city, the pulse of the urban life they love. Their song ‘Ode to the Concrete Jungle’ embodies the spirit of NYC and resonates with me as a city dweller. This band has a unique way of narrating our everyday experiences with their Indie Rock melodies. They’re not just my favorite band, they’re like a musical diary of my life in New York.”

Backstory:

Imperfect Tenant is the brainchild of five childhood friends from the dusty outskirts of El Paso, Texas. Initially just a hobby to fill their monotonous summer breaks, their passion quickly transformed into a full-fledged musical pursuit. The band was christened ‘Imperfect Tenant’, an ironic nod to their dilapidated practice space – an old, abandoned tenement they’d sneak into after sundown.

The group’s unique sound soon caught the attention of local radio stations, and they quickly rose to regional fame. Their raw lyrics, coupled with honest, uncompromising musicianship, reflect their humble beginnings and the struggles of everyday life. Despite their growing fame, Imperfect Tenant remains true to their roots, still practicing in their beloved rundown space, which they’ve since legally rented and affectionately repaired.

Genre:

Alternative Rock

Title:

“Lessons From The Dust”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1 – C G Am F)
Well, I’ve been running from this tenement,
In the heart of our dusty town,
Got a pocketful of dreams and a worn-out jean,
And a hope that won’t back down.

My boots are worn, my hands are torn,
From the lessons of love and trust,
I’ve tasted joy and the bitter ploys,
Learned my lessons from the dust.

(Chorus – Am G F C)
But oh, life ain’t always kind,
And oh, but we don’t mind,
We’ve got our scars, but we wear them as stars,
Lessons from the dust, etched in time.

(Verse 2 – C G Am F)
In the shadows of this tenement,
We’ve sung sorrow and delight,
We’ve danced with dreams and the moonlit streams,
In the silence of the night.

Our hearts are raw, but they’re eager for,
The melody of life’s thrust,
We’ve learned to cheer and shed no tear,
From the lessons of the dust.

(Chorus – Am G F C)
But oh, life ain’t always kind,
And oh, but we don’t mind,
We’ve got our scars, but we wear them as stars,
Lessons from the dust, etched in time.

(Bridge – Em Am F G)
In this imperfect tenement, we found our rhyme,
In its cracks and crevices, we’ve learned to climb,
The echoes of our laughter, the whispers of our trust,
Are the beautiful lessons, we’ve learned from the dust.

(Chorus – Am G F C)
Oh, life ain’t always kind,
And oh, but we don’t mind,
We’ve got our scars, but we wear them as stars,
Lessons from the dust, etched in time.

Favorite Fan:

Imperfect Tenant’s favorite fan is undoubtedly Lenny Crawford. Lenny, a mechanic by day and a self-proclaimed ‘Tenent-head’ by night, has not missed a single local gig since their formation.

Testimonial:

“In a world of overproduced, cookie-cutter music, Imperfect Tenant is a breath of fresh air. Their lyrics resonate with me. They’re real, raw, and they tell a story. It’s like they took the ups and downs of my life and put it into a song. I love everything about them – from their gritty sound to their roots in an old tenement. They’re more than just a band to me. They’re a testament to the fact that brilliance can come from the most unexpected places.” – Lenny Crawford

Backstory:

Illustrious Wind is a band that was formed in the quaint town of Asheville, North Carolina. The four members, frontman Jasper Connelly, guitarist Griffin Edwards, bassist Oliver Ross, and drummer Eliot Walsh, were high school friends who shared a common love for music. They started as a garage band, performing at local clubs and slowly gaining recognition for their unique sound. While attending college, they continued to play in small venues and gradually built a loyal fanbase who appreciated their organic sound and heartfelt lyrics. Though they are now recognized on an international level, they never forget their roots and always carry the same authenticity that their fans fell in love with.

Genre:

Illustrious Wind’s music can best be described as a blend of folk-rock and indie pop. They have a unique sound that features harmonious vocals, melodic guitar riffs, punchy bass lines, and dynamic drum beats.

Title:

‘Echoes of Our Hearts’

Full Song Lyrics:

Verse 1: [Am, G, Em, D]
In the silence of the night, under the stars so bright,
We shared whispers, of dreams taking flight.
Your laughter, your smile, they lit up the sky,
In the echoes of our hearts, you and I.

Chorus: [C, G, Am, F]
Through the storm, through the rain,
Through the joy, through the pain,
In the echoes of our hearts, we remain.
In the tears, in the smiles,
Through the miles and miles,
In the echoes of our hearts, we sustain.

Verse 2: [Am, G, Em, D]
In the chill of the dawn, with the day reborn,
Our promises, on the wind they’re borne.
Your voice, your touch, they set me alight,
In the echoes of our hearts, into the night.

Chorus: [C, G, Am, F]
Through the dark, through the shine,
Through the sands of time,
In the echoes of our hearts, we realign.
In the fears, in the hopes,
On the high, steep slopes,
In the echoes of our hearts, we cope.

Favorite Fan:

Their favorite fan is a 25-year-old woman named Emily. Emily first saw Illustrious Wind perform at a small gig during their early years. She was immediately drawn to their heartfelt lyrics and raw, authentic sound. Emily has been following the band ever since, attending all their concerts within her reach and collecting all their album releases. Emily shares, “Illustrious Wind has a way of making you feel like you’re not alone. Their music echoes our deepest feelings and experiences, and that’s what makes them not just a band, but a friend to their fans. Their song ‘Echoes of Our Hearts’ particularly resonates with me. It’s almost like they’ve put my feelings into words. I’ve never felt such a connection with any other band.”

Backstory:
Thorough Criterion was born out of a college dorm room in the heart of Austin, Texas, in 2012. The four band members – Cody, a charismatic lead singer with a love for philosophy; Alex, a laid-back drummer with a knack for intricate rhythms; Gina, a classically trained violinist turned bassist; and Miguel, an enigmatic guitar virtuoso – met during their first year at the University of Texas. The name Thorough Criterion was inspired by their shared aspiration to create music that could pass the “thorough criterion” of being both intellectually stimulating and emotionally resonant.

Their first album, “Cognitive Resonance”, released in 2015, gained them a cult following in the Austin music scene. Thorough Criterion’s blend of thoughtful lyrics, complex instrumentation, and a vibrant live performance energy quickly drew a dedicated fanbase. The band’s authenticity, passion, and willingness to push boundaries have since propelled them to national recognition.

Genre:
Indie Alternative Rock

Title:
“Daydreams in D Minor”

Song Lyrics:

[Verse]
Em Am
We’re spinning on the axis of time,
D G
Caught in the ebb and flow, so divine.
C Am
Sharing daydreams in D minor,
D G
Your harmony complements my rhyme.

[Chorus]
Em Am
In the melody of life, we sway,
D G
Through the discord, we find our way.
C Am
Our song, a thorough criterion,
D G
Echoing from yesterday till today.

[Verse]
Em Am
Under the twilight sky, we confide,
D G
In our symphony, we take pride.
C Am
Strumming daydreams in D minor,
D G
In our music, we confide.

[Chorus]
Em Am
In the rhythm of life, we dance,
D G
In our ballad, we find romance.
C Am
Our tune, a thorough criterion,
D G
In this sonnet of life, we enhance.

Fan Testimonial:
My name is Lisa and I have been a die-hard fan of Thorough Criterion since their first gig at a local Austin bar. I remember being captivated by their poetic lyrics and the way their music spoke directly to my soul. Their songs are like emotional journeys that also make you think deeply about life. Plus, their live performances are electrifying! Thorough Criterion is my favorite band because their music resonates with me on a personal level, and they’ve remained true to their unique, heartfelt sound even as they’ve grown in popularity. They truly meet the “thorough criterion” of great music!

Backstory:

Experienced Brick was founded in the hustle and bustle of downtown Chicago in 2004. The band consists of four childhood friends – Luke Harris on vocals and guitar, Danny Miller on bass, Andrew Thompson on drums, and Jack Adams on keyboard. The band members met in high school through a shared passion for music and the desire to create something unique. They started performing in local bars and soon developed a loyal following in the Windy City. Over the years, their unique, soul-piercing music has carved a niche in the hearts of many.

Despite numerous ups and downs, the band’s friendship and commitment to their craft have remained unbroken. After many years of hard work and dedication, Experienced Brick broke into the mainstream music scene in 2013 with their debut album. Since then, they have been a regular feature at music festivals across the country and have gained international recognition, all the while staying true to their roots and ethos.

Genre:
The band primarily falls under the genre of Indie Rock with significant influences from Blues, Folk, and Country.

Title:
“Brick by Brick”

Full song lyrics:

(Verse 1)
[G] I’ve been building these walls [D]
[A] Brick by brick, with a heart so sick [G]
[G] Barriers so high, under the midnight sky [D]
[A] Keeping the world at bay, with each passing day [G]

(Chorus)
[D] Brick by brick, I built this fortress [A]
[G] With no doors, no windows, just life’s excess [D]
[D] But now I see, it’s not what I need [A]
[G] The walls I built, are just a creed [D]

(Verse 2)
[A] Behind these walls, I’ve been hiding [D]
[G] From love, from life, from the world outside [A]
[A] But now I know, it’s time to let go [D]
[G] And step into the light, with all my might [A]

(Chorus)
[D] Brick by brick, I’ll break this fortress [A]
[G] Let in the warmth, let in the kindness [D]
[D] I’ve been locked in, but now I’m breaking free [A]
[G] Brick by brick, I’ll find the real me [D]

The band’s favorite fan’s name:

Emily Roberts. Emily has been a fan of Experienced Brick since their early days. In her words: “I first heard Experienced Brick in a small Chicago bar back in 2004. Their music resonated with me on a level I hadn’t experienced before. Each song is a unique blend of emotion and storytelling that just tugs at your heartstrings. I’ve followed their journey from being local musicians to a nationally known band and their sincerity and passion for music have never wavered. They are more than just a band to me; their music has become a part of my life’s soundtrack. I will forever be their number one fan.”

Backstory:
Oblong Oil, an eccentric band that hails from the heart of the music-rich city of Austin, Texas, was formed in the summer of 2012. The band’s inception resulted from an unlikely meeting during a local music festival. The lead vocalist, Finn Hardley, a folk singer at the time, bumped into the drummer, Lewis Trench, a well-known figure in the local jazz scene. The two discovered a common love for experimental music and decided to form a band, with the addition of bassist Nia Pike and guitarist Mitch Ford. The band chose the name Oblong Oil, inspired by a misunderstood lyric from a 1930s blues song. Their penchant for merging seemingly disparate music genres into a unique and cohesive sound quickly gained them a dedicated following.

Genre:
Oblong Oil is known for their genre-bending fusion of Alternative Rock, Psychedelic Folk, and Jazz.

Title:
“One-Eyed Gypsy”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
Am – F – G – Am
In a dusty ol’ town where the tumbleweeds roam,
Met a one-eyed gypsy with a heart of stone.
He was playing a tune, on a guitar so bold,
Singing tales of love, and secrets untold.

(Chorus)
C – G – Am – F
One-eyed gypsy, tell me your tale,
Spin me a story, let the truth prevail.
In your notes, and in your song,
Tell me where the lost hearts belong.

(Verse 2)
Am – F – G – Am
Beneath the moon, by the flickering firelight,
The gypsy played on, into the night.
His voice was a river, his fingers like the wind,
Telling stories of love, betrayal, and sin.

(Chorus)
C – G – Am – F
One-eyed gypsy, play me a tune,
Underneath the desert’s pale moon.
With your notes, and with your song,
Show me where the lost hearts belong.

Fan Testimonial:
“I’m Alicia, the band’s self-proclaimed biggest fan. Oblong Oil’s music is like a breath of fresh air. They’ve created this magical blend of genres that takes you on an emotional journey. Their songs, especially ‘One-Eyed Gypsy’, resonate deeply and feel authentic. It’s like they’ve found a way to narrate my own feelings better than I can. This is why Oblong Oil will always hold a special place in my heart, and why they’re my favorite band, bar none!”

Backstory:
Identical Princess was formed in the cultural cauldron of Brooklyn, New York, in 2015 by best friends and roommates, Jodie Simmons and Molly Clark. The duo initially shared a mutual love for music, drawing inspiration from their hardships, shared experiences, and their fascination with duality and identity. The name ‘Identical Princess’ was born from a quirky mix of their shared fascination with the duality of identity and their mutual love for all things fantastical and royal.

The band initially started as a fun pastime in their tiny apartment, with nights spent creating melodies and writing lyrics. Their debut performance in a small local pub created a ripple in the local music scene. Their unique sound and deeply personal lyrics resonated with the audience, leading to a record deal and their first album release in 2017.

Genre:
Indie Pop

Title:
“Mirrors of Illusion”

Lyrics:
[Verse 1 – Am, G, Em, F]
In the palace of the mind, where the shadows intertwine,
We are the Identical Princess, in mirrors of illusion.
With a crown of thoughts so deep, secrets we can’t keep,
We’re the queens of our own deception, in a kingdom of confusion.

[Chorus – C, G, Am, Em]
Mirrors of Illusion, tell us who we are,
Are we the reflection, or the shooting star?
In the glass we see, the truth or a lie,
Is it our real face, or just an alibi?

[Verse 2 – Am, G, Em, F]
In the labyrinth of dreams, nothing’s what it seems,
We are the Identical Princess, lost in our delusion.
With a scepter of our fears, and a river of tears,
We’re the rulers of our imagination, in a world of intrusion.

[Chorus – C, G, Am, Em]
Mirrors of Illusion, tell us who we are,
Are we the reflection, or the shooting star?
In the glass we see, the truth or a lie,
Is it our real face, or just an alibi?

Fan Testimonial:
My name is Sam, and I’m Identical Princess’s number one fan. Their music speaks to me on so many levels. I’ve always struggled with identity and acceptance, and their song “Mirrors of Illusion” has become my anthem. It’s as if they’ve seen my soul and written a song about it. Their raw emotion, openness, and vulnerability captivate me, and I find their music genuinely cathartic. My favorite thing about Identical Princess is their authenticity – they’re not afraid to show who they are or talk about their experiences, and that’s something truly admirable. They’re not just a band to me; they’re a source of strength and inspiration.