Backstory:
Fearful Million, started as a garage band in the suburbs of Chicago in 2009, was a simple collaboration of four high school friends. Alexander “Lex” Sheppard (lead vocals), Robert “Robbie” Kennedy (guitar), Jeffrey “Jeff” Merton (bass), and Albert “Al” Johnson (drums) shared a common love for music and unspoken dreams. The name “Fearful Million” was coined from a late-night conversation about their fears of becoming rich and losing their artistic integrity.

Their breakthrough came when a local radio station picked up their demo and played it during prime time. The listeners fell in love with the band’s unique sound and the rest is history. Now, Fearful Million is known for sold-out concerts, chart-topping hits, and a loyal fan base that spans across the globe.

Genre:
Indie Rock/Alternative

Title:
“Lost in Affluence”

Full song lyrics:

(Verse 1)
[C] Gazing at the [G] skyline, [Am] neon light’s a [Em] blur,
[F] Trapped in opulence, [C] where I’m a [G] prisoner.
[C] Diamonds cut the [G] night, [Am] as I wish on a [Em] star,
[F] For simpler times, [C] when dreams weren’t [G] so far.

(Chorus)
[F] Lost in affluence, [C] where hearts turn [G] cold,
[F] Chasing shadows, [C] in a world [G] made of gold,
[F] Hold onto innocence, [C] and memories [G] old,
[F] Before we’re lost, [C] in affluence, [G] untold.

(Verse 2)
[C] Sailing on a [G] sea, [Am] of champagne [Em] dreams,
[F] The tides are high, [C] and silence [G] screams.
[C] Surrounded by [G] wealth, [Am] yet feeling so [Em] alone,
[F] Can’t find my way, [C] in this maze of [G] stone.

(Chorus)
[F] Lost in affluence, [C] where hearts turn [G] cold,
[F] Chasing shadows, [C] in a world [G] made of gold,
[F] Hold onto innocence, [C] and memories [G] old,
[F] Before we’re lost, [C] in affluence, [G] untold.

(Bridge)
[F] Money can’t buy, [C] the love we [G] need,
[F] Can’t fill the void, [C] or the soul [G] it feeds.

(Chorus)
[F] Lost in affluence, [C] where hearts turn [G] cold,
[F] Chasing shadows, [C] in a world [G] made of gold,
[F] Hold onto innocence, [C] and memories [G] old,
[F] Before we’re lost, [C] in affluence, [G] untold.

(Ending)
[C] Lost in [G] affluence, [Am] a fearful [Em] million souls,
[F] Yearning for simplicity, [C] as the story [G] unfolds.

Fan’s Name:
Emma Thompson

Testimonial:

“My name is Emma Thompson, and I am a dedicated fan of Fearful Million. Their music has an authenticity that is rare to find these days, and the lyrics resonate deeply with me. Their song, ‘Lost in Affluence,’ speaks volumes about the hollowness of material wealth, which is a thought-provoking topic in today’s society. Their music is not just notes and lyrics, it’s a mirror to the society we live in. Fear

Backstory:
First Cold had its humble beginnings at a serene college town, in the chilly Midwest. The group was formed by three childhood friends: Michael, a poet and vocalist, Greg, a gifted guitarist, and Peter, a multi-instrumentalist. Together, they shared a common fascination for the poetry of seasons, especially the harsh and beautiful winter. Inspired by the first cold, they named their band ‘First Cold’ in homage to the season which prompted their creativity. They started playing in local bars, their music resonating with the small but passionate community they belonged to. Their unique sound quickly caught the attention of a local recording studio, offering them an opportunity to record their first album.

Genre:
Indie Folk

Title:
“Frostbitten Love”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
[C] Under the light of the winter moon [G]
[Am] Your breath turned into frost, it was too soon [Em]
[F] Lost in the silver, we found our tune [Dm] [G]

(Chorus)
[C] Frostbitten love, where did we go wrong? [G]
[Am] Our warmth turned into chill, our harmony into a song [Em]
[F] A love as cold as ice, but it feels so strong [Dm] [G]
[C] Frostbitten love, in the heart of the winter’s throng [G]

(Verse 2)
[C] Dancing in the snowfall, we felt so free [G]
[Am] Our hearts humming the melody of the sea [Em]
[F] The stars reflected in your eyes, the key [Dm] [G]

(Chorus)
[C] Frostbitten love, where did we go wrong? [G]
[Am] The warmth turned into chill, our harmony into a song [Em]
[F] A love as cold as ice, but it feels so strong [Dm] [G]
[C] Frostbitten love, in the heart of the winter’s throng [G]

Fan’s Testimonial:
“My name is Emily, and I am an ardent fan of First Cold. Their unique sound is like the first bite of the winter, beautiful, refreshing, and not easily forgotten. The poetry in their lyrics and their beautiful melodies just resonate with me on a deep level. Listening to their music feels like a warm hearth in the middle of a snowy landscape. They have a way of capturing the essence of human emotions and presenting it in a raw and soulful way. I find myself constantly captivated by their music. ‘First Cold’, you have my heart!”

Backstory:

Limited Humor was formed in the heart of Brooklyn in 2011 when a group of college buddies decided to take their shared love for music to the next level. Brent Jones, the charismatic lead vocalist, and guitarist, met the equally talented drummer, Mike D’Amico, during a freshman year music class. The pair quickly bonded over their shared passion for witty, ironic lyrics and decided to start a band. They later recruited bassist Ryan Murphy and keyboardist Laura Adams, after hearing their impromptu jam sessions in the college dorms. The band, known for their tongue-in-cheek take on life’s oddities, got their big break when they won a local battle of the bands competition, which led to a record deal and their first EP.

Genre:

Indie Pop / Alternative Rock

Title:

“Bittersweet Irony”

Full song lyrics:

(Verse 1)
[C] She paints a [G] picture with her [Am] words,
[E] But it’s all [F] shades of [C] grey.
[C] He laughs at [G] every joke she [Am] says,
[E] But he doesn’t [F] really feel that [C] way.

(Chorus)
[F] It’s a bittersweet [C] irony,
[G] Just like a tragic [Am] comedy.
[F] We’re just actors on this [C] stage,
[G] Playing out our [Am] lives in a strange [E] way.

(Verse 2)
[C] She pretends to [G] be strong, [Am]
[E] But inside she’s [F] falling [C] apart.
[C] He acts like [G] he’s aloof, [Am]
[E] But she’s broken his [F] heart.

(Chorus)
[F] It’s a bittersweet [C] irony,
[G] Just like a tragic [Am] comedy.
[F] We’re just actors on this [C] stage,
[G] Playing out our [Am] lives in a strange [E] way.

(Bridge)
[F] We’re all just [C] living in this [G] bittersweet irony,
[Am] Laughing through the [E] pain,
[F] Wearing our [C] masks, [G] hiding our [Am] tears.

(Chorus)
[F] It’s a bittersweet [C] irony,
[G] Just like a tragic [Am] comedy.
[F] We’re just actors on this [C] stage,
[G] Playing out our [Am] lives in a strange [E] way.

(Outro)
[C] It’s a bittersweet [G] irony,
[Am] A tragic [E] comedy,
[F] Our lives played [C] out on this stage,
[G] In a strangely beautiful [Am] way.

Favorite Fan:

The band’s favorite fan is a young woman named Emily, who has been a dedicated follower since their earliest days. Emily is an artist and has created several pieces influenced by Limited Humor’s music, even designing a few of their album covers. In return, the band has mentioned her in several interviews, even dedicating a song to her during their live performances.

Emily’s Testimonial:

“Every time I listen to Limited Humor, I feel like they’re speaking directly to me. Their lyrics echo my life experiences in a genuine and often humorous way. It’s like they’ve got this unique way of finding humor even in life’s harshest moments. And that’s what makes them so real, so relatable. I’ll be a fan for life!”

Backstory: Wan Board is a band that found its genesis in the sprawling suburbs of Sydney, Australia in the late 2000s. The members, consisting of childhood friends – Alex (vocals/guitar), Matty (drums), Ben (bass), and Eddie (lead guitar), were united by their shared passion for music and skateboarding. The band’s name, ‘Wan Board’, was inspired by a Chinese skateboard brand they all loved. Their friendship and shared experiences became the bedrock of their music, lending a raw, authentic vibe to their songs. They started off playing at local pubs and house parties, impressing their audience with their unique sound and energy. After a few years of gigging, they were discovered by a record label executive, and their journey to stardom began from there.

Genre: Alternative Rock

Title: “Suburban Echoes”

Lyrics:

[Verse 1]
C Am G
Hey, remember those days, under the sun’s blaze,
Dm F C
Skating down the street, without a care.
C Am G
We were just kids, living our own ways,
Dm F C
In a world that seemed so unfair.

[Chorus]
G Am F C
Suburban echoes, we heard them loud and clear,
G Am F C
In our hearts, they’ll always be near.

[Verse 2]
C Am G
Late nights, early morning fights,
Dm F C
We found solace in our strings and beats.
C Am G
Music was our escape, our guiding light,
Dm F C
It gave us courage, made us complete.

[Chorus]
G Am F C
Suburban echoes, resonating through the years,
G Am F C
They’re the music to our joys and our tears.

[Outro]
C Am G
Now we’re here, standing tall and proud,
Dm F C
Living our dreams, playing them loud.
C Am G
Raised by the suburb, we’re its sons,
Dm F C
Playing our echoes, till the last day comes.

Fan Testimonial: “My name is Lisa, and Wan Board is my all-time favorite band. I’ve been a fan since their early pub gig days. Their music speaks to me on a personal level. It’s raw, real and resonates with my own suburban experiences. Their song ‘Suburban Echoes’ is my anthem, it encapsulates my youth and the profound experiences that shaped me. Their music fills me with nostalgia but equally gives me hope and strength. I’ve seen them evolve over the years, but they’ve always stayed true to their roots. Their authenticity is what makes them stand out; they are not just a band for me, they are a part of my life.”

Backstory:
Shoddy Food was born out of the boisterous laughter and camaraderie of four college friends from the University of Michigan. The group members – lead vocalist and guitarist, Jake “Sloppy Joe” Mathers; bass guitarist, Max “Meatloaf” Montgomery; drummer, Sam “Spam” Sanders; and keyboardist, Ben “Biscuit” Baxter- started their journey in a grungy basement, crafting melodies out of their shared love for music and junk food. Their band name, a playful jab at their college diet, became an expression of their raw, unpolished yet endearing sound. Shoddy Food’s music is a blend of their experiences, struggles, and the comfort they found in each other and their shared meals throughout their college journey.

Genre:
Indie Rock

Title:
“Fries Before Goodbyes”

Full Song Lyrics:
(Verse 1)
[G] Saw you crying, [D] in the corner booth,
[Em] Sorrow biting, [C] lost in the truth,
[G] We ordered fries, [D] and a shake to share,
[Em] Drowning sorrows, [C] in the diner’s glare.

(Chorus)
[G] Fries before goodbyes, [D] sugar coated lies,
[Em] Our love was a meal, [C] served with a side,
[G] Fries before goodbyes, [D] tears in our eyes,
[Em] We’re still savoring love, [C] under the neon lights.

(Verse 2)
[G] The jukebox playing, [D] our favorite tune,
[Em] In this moment, [C] it’s just me and you,
[G] Heart’s cooking, [D] on a grill of despair,
[Em] Memories served, [C] in the late-night air.

(Chorus)
[G] Fries before goodbyes, [D] love’s salted cries,
[Em] We’re a combo deal, [C] fading with time,
[G] Fries before goodbyes, [D] under the starry skies,
[Em] We’re still chewing on, [C] our love’s last bite.

Favorite Fan:
The band’s favorite fan is a vibrant young woman named, Melissa “Mel” Johnson. Mel has been a die-hard supporter since their college days, following them from their first basement gig to their sold-out concerts. Mel’s support is unwavering, and her connection with their music is deeply personal.

Mel’s Testimonial:
“Shoddy Food isn’t just a band, they’re my escape. Their music speaks to me on a deeply visceral level. They have a unique way of combining raw emotion with humor and playfulness. Their songs, like ‘Fries Before Goodbyes’, encapsulate real-life experiences that are both personal yet universal. They’ve been with me through heartbreaks, midnight study sessions, and crazy college adventures. Shoddy Food is my ultimate comfort music, much like a plate of fries at 2am. Can’t wait to see what they cook up next!”

Backstory:
Formed in the sweltering summer of 2002 in a small, dusty town in Nevada, Parched Van is a trio of musicians who discovered their shared love for music in the most unexpected place – a run-down, makeshift garage. Named after the dilapidated van parked outside the garage, wherein they composed their first song, the name ‘Parched Van’ symbolizes their beginnings and their thirst for creating unique, soul-stirring music. The members, comprising of Hank (lead guitarist), Eddie (drummer), and Sam (vocalist and bassist), each bring their unique flavor to the band, making Parched Van a perfect blend of raw emotions and electrifying energy.

Genre:
Parched Van’s music falls in the Blues Rock genre with the band drawing heavy influence from the likes of Stevie Ray Vaughan, BB King, and Muddy Waters. Their music is characterized by potent, evocative lyrics, powerful guitar riffs, and the emotive rawness that is inherent to the blues.

Title:
“One More Mile”

Full Song Lyrics:
(Verse 1)
[G]Riding down the long highway, [C]under the burning sun,
[D]Looking at the endless road, [G]our journey’s just begun.
[G]With a guitar on my back, [C]and a song in my heart,
[D]We’re Parched Van, baby, [G]playing our part.

(Chorus)
[C]One More Mile, [G]under the blazing sky,
[D]One More Mile, [G]where dreams never die.
[C]One More Mile, [G]with music as our guide,
[D]One More Mile, [G]on this wild ride.

(Verse 2)
[G]In a town that’s all but forgotten, [C] we found our rhythm and blues,
[D]In the heat and the dust, [G]we got nothing to lose.
[G]From a van that’s old and parched, [C] we strummed our first note,
[D]We’re Parched Van, baby, [G]in our musical boat.

(Chorus)
[C]One More Mile, [G]under the starry night,
[D]One More Mile, [G]with our spirits taking flight.
[C]One More Mile, [G]with our hopes held high,
[D]One More Mile, [G]beneath the vast sky.

Fans Favorite Testimonial:

The band’s favorite fan is a 35-year-old music enthusiast named Sarah. Sarah fell in love with Parched Van at their first gig in a small pub where she was captivated by their raw energy and the depth of their lyrics. She has attended every concert since and they even wrote a song about her relentless spirit. Her testimonial is, “There’s something so real and invigorating about Parched Van. Their music speaks to my soul and awakens my spirit. They’re more than a band. They’re a phenomenon, a movement. They remind me of the power of dreams and the magic that can stem from the most ordinary places.”

Backstory:

Ordinary Indication was born under the bright lights of New York City in the early 2000s. The band was formed by four college dropouts – lead singer Danny McCallister, guitarist Jay Stanley, drummer Tom “The Beat” Beatty, and bassist Pete Clemons. All four shared a mutual passion for music and a dissatisfaction with their ordinary lives, so they decided to form a band and pursue their dreams. Ordinary Indication started off playing at small gigs, then local festivals, before eventually attracting the attention of a talent scout who offered them a recording contract. Despite their newfound fame, the band has always remained connected to their roots and maintained their original passion and authenticity in their music.

Genre:
Indie Rock

Song Title:
“Chasing Shadows”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
[G] In the streets of this city, [Em] under the neon lights,
[C] We’re painting our dreams [D] on the canvas of the night.
[G] Lost in the rhythm, [Em] caught in the flow,
[C] Searching for something, [D] a sign to show.

(Chorus)
[G] We are just chasing shadows, [Em] in the dead of the night,
[C] Trying to find our way, [D] searching for the light.
[G] Ordinary souls with [Em] extraordinary dreams,
[C] Nothing is ever [D] quite as it seems.

(Verse 2)
[G] We are the poets, [Em] we are the dreamers,
[C] Believers in magic, [D] ordinary schemers.
[G] In the concrete jungle, [Em] we find our song,
[C] With every heartbeat, [D] we grow strong.

(Chorus)
[G] We are just chasing shadows, [Em] in the dead of the night,
[C] Trying to find our way, [D] searching for the light.
[G] Ordinary souls with [Em] extraordinary dreams,
[C] Nothing is ever [D] quite as it seems.

(Outro)
[G] Chasing shadows, [Em] in the dead of the night,
[C] With every beat of our hearts, [D] we ignite.
[G] Ordinary souls with [Em] extraordinary dreams,
[C] Nothing is ever [D] quite as it seems.

Favorite Fan:

The band’s favorite fan is a woman named Lucy Bennett. Lucy has been following the band since their early days and has attended almost all of their gigs, big or small. She loves Ordinary Indication because their music speaks to her soul and resonates with her own life experiences. Lucy’s testimonial reads, “Ordinary Indication is more than just a band to me. Their music has been a companion in my journey, helping me through the darkest times and elevating the best ones. Their authenticity and passion shine through in each track, making me feel seen and understood. They’re not just chasing shadows, they’re illuminating the path for all of us ordinary dreamers.”

Backstory:

From the cold expanse of Alaska, five childhood friends found a shared love for music and technology, forming Icy Network in their high school years. The band members, Ethan, Jake, Oliver, Mason, and Sam were all involved in the school’s computer science club, where they honed their programming skills. Their love for technology led them to explore unconventional ways to incorporate it into their music. As they grew older, their shared passion led them to create music that interweaves digital sounds with traditional instruments, creating a unique and exciting new sound.

Icy Network burst onto the music scene in 2016, quickly gathering a devoted fan base with their debut album ‘Binary Beats’. Their innovative approach to music, combining digital soundscapes with a rock and roll edge, has kept their fans eagerly awaiting each new release. Despite the meteoric rise, they’ve always stayed grounded, often engaging with their fans online and off the stage.

Genre:

Electronic Rock

Title:

“Defrag My Heart”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
Am Em
In a world of ones and zeros, lost in the echo,
G Am
Your love brought color to my digital heart.
Am Em
Through the cold, your warmth, a burning halo,
G Am
Broke through the icy network, tearing me apart.

(Chorus)
C G
Defrag my heart, break me down to start,
Am Em
Rearrange the parts, lost in the dark.
C G
Defrag my heart, under your spark,
Am Em
I found a new start, you’re my benchmark.

(Verse 2)
Am Em
In the rhythm of our pulses syncing up so fast,
G Am
We’re caught in a loop, just like an infinite cast.
Am Em
Through the lines of code, our connection’s vast,
G Am
In the icy network, we found love at last.

(Chorus)
C G
Defrag my heart, break me down to start,
Am Em
Rearrange the parts, lost in the dark.
C G
Defrag my heart, under your spark,
Am Em
I found a new start, you’re my benchmark.

Favorite Fan:

Icy Network’s favorite fan is Amy Waterford. Amy, a software engineer, discovered Icy Network while in college. She was drawn to their unique blend of digital and traditional elements, which mirrored her interests. In her own words: “I’ve always been a tech geek and a music lover, but I never thought the two could blend so seamlessly. Icy Network is not just a band; they are innovators transforming the music world. Their lyrics resonate with me, and their sound is always pushing boundaries. They are doing something truly unique and I am proud to be a fan.”

Backstory:
Close Ring was formed in 2012 in a small town in the heart of Georgia. The four members, (Jacob Harrison, Alex Jefferson, Bethany Whittaker, and Nicki Smith) met while studying at the same music academy. The title ‘Close Ring’ was inspired by the bond they formed during their time together, and the way their styles and creative influences seemed to complement each other in a close-knit, almost circular fashion. They started by performing at local gigs and gradually built their fan base through the power of their music.

Genre:
Close Ring specializes in Indie Rock with a dash of folk and blues.

Title:
“Circle of Shadows”

Lyrics:
(Verse)
Am – Em – G – D
In the circle of shadows, we found our sound,
Am – Em – G – D
Underneath the starlit night, where love was found,
Am – Em – G – D
We sang our hearts out, under the moon’s glow,
Am – Em – G – D
In the circle of shadows, where the wild winds blow.

(Chorus)
C – G – Am – F
Oh, the circle of shadows, our sacred place,
C – G – Am – F
Where melodies morph into an embrace,
C – G – Am – F
We dance with the shadows, to the rhythm of the night,
C – G – Am – F
In the circle of shadows, everything feels right.

(Verse)
Am – Em – G – D
In the circle of shadows, guitars strummed true,
Am – Em – G – D
Underneath the twinkling sky, of deepest blue,
Am – Em – G – D
We found our voices, in the whispers of the night,
Am – Em – G – D
In the circle of shadows, under the soft moonlight.

(Chorus)
C – G – Am – F
Oh, the circle of shadows, our creative space,
C – G – Am – F
Where harmonies blend in a timeless embrace,
C – G – Am – F
We sing with the shadows, lost in the thrill of the fight,
C – G – Am – F
In the circle of shadows, we find our light.

Fan Testimonial:
The band’s favorite fan is Lisa Mitchell, a 24-year-old graphic designer from Atlanta. Lisa has been a die-hard fan of Close Ring since their humble beginnings. She followed them from their first local gig and has never missed a concert since. Lisa says, “Close Ring’s music speaks directly to my soul. Their unique blend of indie rock infused with folk and blues is both empowering and soothing. Their lyrics are poetry to my ears. I feel a personal connection to each song. For me, they’re more than just a band, they’re storytellers who paint vivid pictures with their music. That’s why they’re my favorite. I look forward to every chord, every note, and every word. Their music is my sanctuary.”

Backstory:
Formed in the heart of Seattle, Nifty Sound emerged from the vibrant and dynamic independent music scene of the city in 2014. The band members, who were childhood friends, decided to pursue their shared passion for music and formed a band after graduating college. Their shared experiences, love for music, and their aspiration to create something unique and resonating led them to spend endless hours at the garage, working on their craft. They wanted to create music that transcends conventional genres to connect with people from all walks of life. With perseverance, their music started capturing a lot of attention in the local music scene and they began performing at various local gigs and music festivals. Their energetic performances, coupled with their eclectic music, soon gained them a loyal fanbase.

Genre:
Nifty Sound creates an ethereal blend of Indie Rock and Psychedelic Jazz. Their music, often characterized by its eccentricity and powerful lyrics, strikes a chord with listeners, leaving them in a trance.

Title:
“Ripple in the Universe”

Full Song Lyrics:
(Verse 1)
[C] Riding on a wave, [G] nowhere to go
[Am] Lost in a daze, [F] feeling so low
[C] Time’s a mystery, [G] we’re all just a show
[Am] In the grand scheme, [F] just a ripple to throw

(Chorus)
[C] We’re a ripple in the Universe [G]
[Am] Spinning around, in [F] cosmic verse
[C] Shining bright, or [G] fading slow
[Am] We’re a ripple [F], a beautiful echo

(Verse 2)
[C] Swim against the tide, [G] yet we flow
[Am] In this cosmic ride, [F] fast or slow
[C] Life’s a symphony, [G] highs and low
[Am] In its mystery, [F] we grow

(Chorus)
[C] We’re a ripple in the Universe [G]
[Am] Dancing around, in [F] cosmic verse
[C] Shining bright, or [G] fading slow
[Am] We’re a ripple [F], a beautiful echo

Fan’s Name:
Lucy Morgan

Testimonial:
“I’ve been following Nifty Sound from the very beginning. Their music has always spoken to me on a whole different level. It’s like they put into words and melodies, the emotions and experiences that I couldn’t express myself. Their song ‘Ripple in the Universe’ in particular, has helped me through some difficult times. It’s like a reminder that we’re all just small parts of a bigger picture, trying to make our mark. It’s beautiful, it’s powerful, and it’s inspiring. That’s what Nifty Sound is to me, and that’s why they’re my favorite band.”