Backstory:
Born in the hallowed halls of a local tax office, Wasteful Taxation emerged as a rebellious voice of the weary middle class. The band consists of four members: Steve “The Auditor” Johnson, a disgruntled government employee turned lead vocalist; Billy “The Deduction” Smith, a former tax lawyer now shredding the guitar; Janet “The Exemption” Davis, a tax accountant deftly hitting the drums; and Mike “The Levy” O’Reilly, a rebellious, self-taught bassist and small business owner. Their shared disdain for the inefficient bureaucracy and a longing for financial justice created the perfect storm, driving them to establish Wasteful Taxation.

Their rise to fame was rapid, breaking the bar scene in their hometown of Des Moines and quickly spreading across the Midwest. Their mix of satirical lyrics, hard-hitting guitar riffs, and pulsating drumbeats captured the hearts of a generation fed up with the status quo. Wasteful Taxation’s music became the anthem for the tired, the overworked, and the overtaxed.

Genre:
Punk Rock

Title:
“Loophole Lament”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Versus)
Am (strum) G (strum)
Wake up in the morning, another bill to pay
Am (strum) G (strum)
Feeling like a slave, to the IRS’s game

(Chorus)
F (strum) C (strum) G (strum)
I’m a prisoner to the loophole, buried in the laments
F (strum) C (strum) G (strum)
We’re the voice of the voiceless, in the game of cents

(Versus)
Am (strum) G (strum)
Politicians’ promises, always fall flat
Am (strum) G (strum)
While the rich get richer, and the poor get taxed

(Chorus)
F (strum) C (strum) G (strum)
I’m a prisoner to the loophole, buried in the laments
F (strum) C (strum) G (strum)
We’re the voice of the voiceless, in the game of cents

Fan Testimonial – Favorite Fan’s Name:
Sandra “The Rebate” Miller

Wasteful Taxation is more than just a band to me. Their music speaks to the frustration and disillusionment that many of us feel. As a single mom juggling two jobs and still barely making ends meet, Wasteful Taxation’s songs resonate with me and give voice to my struggles. “Loophole Lament” in particular, is a song that encapsulates the struggle of the common man against an oppressive system. This band is a beacon of hope and rebellion for me, and they remind me that I’m not alone in this fight.

Backstory:
Formed in the heart of Pittsburgh during the peak of the steel boom, Burly Machinery started as a quartet of steel mill workers who found solace in music. After a long and grueling shift, they would gather in a run-down garage, surrounded by the very same machinery that defined their lives, to create an entirely different kind of metal. The band was led by frontman and lead guitarist, Joe “Burly” McCallister, a towering man of 6’4 with a voice that could rival the roar of the mill. Backed by the percussive power of drummer Mike “The Hammer” Grady, the unforgiving bass riffs of Billy “The Furnace” Fenton, and the melodic prowess of keyboardist, Tommy “The Pulley” Johnson, the band quickly gained a loyal following.

Their music was raw and powerful, echoing the hard days and harder nights of the working man’s struggle. They played at local bars and even held impromptu concerts outside the mills, providing a soundtrack to the lives of their fellow workers. Their music embodied the spirit of their city, a testament to the gritty determination and steadfast resilience of its people.

Genre:
Heavy Metal/Blues Rock

Title:
“Hammer and the Anvil”

Full Song Lyrics:
Verse 1 (Am/F/G):
Darkened skies, smoke that blinds, (Am)
Sweat and tears, lost in grinds, (F)
Men of steel, hearts that feel, (G)
Under the hammer and the anvil. (Am)

Chorus (C/G/Am):
We’re the fire, we’re the fight, (C)
In the furnace of the night, (G)
We forge on, in the thrill, (Am)
Under the hammer and the anvil. (G)

Verse 2 (Am/F/G):
Mighty machines, in endless scenes, (Am)
Painted with our hopes and dreams, (F)
We rise and fall, but never still, (G)
Under the hammer and the anvil. (Am)

Chorus (C/G/Am):
We’re the spark, we’re the light, (C)
In the depth of the darkest night, (G)
We stand tall, with a will, (Am)
Under the hammer and the anvil. (G)

Favorite Fan:
A die-hard fan named Eddie “Steel-toe” Sullivan is their favorite. He’s a retired steelworker who has been following them since their inception. He’s seen every single one of their performances, from grimy bars to the largest stadiums. He even has a tattoo of the band’s logo on his forearm. When asked why he loves Burly Machinery so much, he said, “They’re not just a band, they’re a symbol. A symbol of our city, our people, and our struggles. Each song is a story of our lives, the raw power, the emotion… it’s like a spark that lights the fire in your soul. That’s why they’re my absolute favorite.”

Backstory:
Popular Company got its start in the heart of Nashville, Tennessee in 2017. Childhood friends, Mike “Mic” Johnson on guitar and vocals, and Eddie “Drums” Daniels on percussions, found their musical connection while jamming in their high school’s music room during lunch breaks. Adding Jane “Bass” Thompson, a classically trained pianist who decided to trade her piano for bass guitar, and the talented Louis “Lou” Robinson on saxophone, the band was complete. They began creating a unique fusion of music that quickly garnered attention from locals and beyond.

Their first gig was at a small dive bar in downtown Nashville. The low-key, grungy environment provided the perfect backdrop for their breakthrough performance. The crowd was captivated by their eclectic sound and energetic performance style. In a short span, they’ve managed to cultivate a devoted fan base and have performed at several popular music festivals.

Genre:
Alternative Rock /Jazz Fusion

Title:
“Melody in the Madness”

Full Song Lyrics with Chord Progression:

[Verse 1]
Am-Em-Dm-Am
Follow the rhythm, get lost in the beat,
Em-G-Am-C
Turn up the volume, feel the street’s heat,
Dm-Am-C-G
Oh, what a strange, glorious feat,
Am-Em-Dm-Am
Find a melody in the madness, take a seat.

[Chorus]
F-C-G-Am
Melody in the madness, song in the chaos,
Dm-Am-C-G
Find your tune, don’t let it pass,
F-C-G-Am
In the cacophony, make your bass,
Dm-Am-C-G
The melody in the madness, it’s not too vast.

[Verse 2]
Am-Em-Dm-Am
The city’s whispers, the laughter, and the cries,
Em-G-Am-C
In the symphony of life, the music never dies,
Dm-Am-C-G
In the humdrum, the harmony lies,
Am-Em-Dm-Am
The melody in the madness, it’s the ultimate prize.

[Repeat Chorus]
End on: Dm-Am-C-G

Favorite fan’s name:
Lucy Thompson

Lucy’s Testimonial:
Popular Company manages to create an unusual blend of genres that just speaks to my soul. Their performances are always electrifying, and their lyrics are deep, filled with meaning. The song “Melody in the Madness” is a testament to their ability to speak truth through their music. It’s the song I play when the world gets too much, reminding me to find harmony in the chaos. There are very few bands that can evoke such a strong emotional connection with their music, and Popular Company is one of them. They’re more than just a band to me, they’re a lifeline.

Backstory:

Composed Kingdom emerged from the vibrant underground music scene of Seattle in 2007. The band was formed by four college friends, each with a unique musical background, but with a shared passion for creating meaningful and compelling music. Over a decade later, the band’s music has transcended boundaries, with fans all over the world enchanted by their unique sound that fuses diverse genres.

The band’s journey has been marked with trials and triumphs, from playing in small local pubs to packed stadiums and renowned music festivals. Their music is a reflection of their experiences and growth, both as individuals and as a band. Unafraid to experiment and push the boundaries, Composed Kingdom is characterized by their constant evolution and reinvention.

Genre:

Alternative Rock / Folk Fusion

Title:

“Echoes of Infinity”

Full Song Lyrics:

[Verse 1]
G#m E
Hear the whispers in the wind,
B F#
Guiding us where we’ve never been.
G#m E
Under the vast open sky,
B F#
Chasing the echoes of infinity.

[Chorus]
E B
In the heart of night, we awaken,
G#m F#
Guided by stars unshaken.
E B
Dreaming of what we could be,
B F#
Lost in the echoes of infinity.

[Verse 2]
G#m E
The road is long, and the world is wide,
B F#
But we’ve got each other, side by side.
G#m E
Walking towards the unseen,
B F#
Living the echoes of infinity.

[Chorus]
E B
In the heart of night, we awaken,
G#m F#
Guided by stars unshaken.
E B
Dreaming of what we could be,
B F#
Lost in the echoes of infinity.

Fan’s Name:

Jenny Martin

Fan Testimonial:

“Composed Kingdom isn’t just a band, they’re a phenomenon. Their music speaks to my soul and resonates with my experiences and dreams. I’ve been to every concert they’ve ever played within a 200-mile radius of my hometown, and each time it feels like a spiritual journey. “Echoes of Infinity” is my personal favorite. The lyrics, the melody, and the raw emotions they pour into their performance truly make me feel lost in the echoes of infinity. Composed Kingdom isn’t just my favorite band, they’re a part of me.”

Backstory:
Formed in the dimly lit corners of a small, grungy Portland bar in 2012, Ill-Fated Bottle sprang into existence as a result of a chance meeting between lead singer Barry “Baz” Whitman, a disillusioned office worker with a passion for blues and rock, and guitarist Alex “Rusty” Ruston, a former roadie and self-taught musician with a knack for catchy riffs. Over a shared bottle of whiskey and tales of their ill-fated love lives, the two decided to pour their experiences into song, leading to the birth of Ill-Fated Bottle. Recruiting bassist Danny “Hooch” Hutcherson and drummer Tommy “Thumper” Anderson, they started practising in Rusty’s garage, honing their raw, emotionally charged sound.

Genre:
Ill-Fated Bottle’s music is best described as Blues-infused Rock with a generous dose of Grunge.

Title:
“Whiskey in the Rain”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse) [Em – B7 – Em – B7]
Em B7 Em
Streetlights flicker, the night’s getting thicker
B7
And I’m standing here in the rain,
Em B7 Em
Whiskey bottle empty, heart feelin’ heavy,
B7
Drowning in my pain.

(Chorus) [G – D – Em – B7]
G D Em
Whiskey in the rain, tears all in vain,
B7
Lost love’s refrain keeps playing again,
G D Em
Bottle’s my companion, under neon canyon,
B7
Trying to forget, but rememberin’ when.

(Verse) [Em – B7 – Em – B7]
Em B7 Em
She danced in the moonlight, her eyes shining so bright,
B7
Now it’s just the night and the sorrow,
Em B7 Em
Whiskey’s my solace, in this lonely palace,
B7
Dreading the dawn of tomorrow.

(Chorus) [G – D – Em – B7]
G D Em
Whiskey in the rain, tears all in vain,
B7
Lost love’s refrain keeps playing again,
G D Em
Bottle’s my companion, under neon canyon,
B7
Trying to forget, but rememberin’ when.

Testimonial:
The band’s favorite fan is an ardent supporter named Lisa, a bartender from the same Portland bar where they first met. Lisa mentions, “I’ve been with Ill-Fated Bottle since their inception, watching their journey from being a garage band to a local phenomenon. Their music speaks to the soul, it’s raw and authentic. The way they’ve spun their ill-fated experiences into music is nothing short of poetic. Baz’s voice, Rusty’s riffs, Hooch’s bass and Thumper’s beats, they all come together to create a bluesy-rock symphony that resonates with anyone who’s ever loved and lost. They’re more than just a favorite band to me, they’re a beacon of catharsis.”

Backstory:

Monthly Episode was born in the vibrant and diverse music scene of San Francisco. The band members, James, Danny, Mark and Charlie, all high school buddies, started their musical journey playing in various local punk bands before deciding to form their own group. The name ‘Monthly Episode’ was inspired by their shared passion for television drama series, reflecting their goal to present a new musical “episode” each month. Their journey has been one of steady growth, filled with local gigs, late-night songwriting sessions, and the occasional ramen dinner, all while balancing day jobs and personal lives.

Genre:
Indie Pop/Rock

Title:
“Chasing the Falling Star”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
Am Em
Gazing at the night sky,
G D
dreams spinning so high.
Am Em
Waiting for the morning light,
G D
feeling the world so nigh.

(Chorus)
C G Am Em
We’re just chasing the falling star,
C G D
trying to catch our dreams from afar.
C G Am Em
Under the city lights, in our beat-up car,
C G D
we’re just chasing the falling star.

(Verse 2)
Am Em
Running through the city streets,
G D
living life on repeat.
Am Em
With every beat of the night,
G D
we find a rhythm so sweet.

(Chorus)
C G Am Em
We’re just chasing the falling star,
C G D
trying to unravel who we are.
C G Am Em
Under the milky way, we’ve come so far,
C G D
we’re just chasing the falling star.

(Outro)
C G Am Em
Oh, the journey may be bizarre,
C G D
But we keep chasing the falling star.

Fan Testimonial:

Name: Lisa Johnson

Statement: “I’ve been a huge fan of Monthly Episode since their early days. Their music just speaks to me. The lyrics are personal, yet universal, and the melodies are catchy, yet sophisticated. It’s like they’re telling my story with their tunes. They’ve been there through my ups and downs, and their music has been a constant source of inspiration and comfort. Every new “episode” is like a new chapter in my life. For me, Monthly Episode is not just a band, it’s a part of my journey.”

Backstory:
Good Toothbrush started as an inside joke between high school friends, Max Moore, Luke Stanton, and Andy Robinson. In 2010, during a sleepover at Max’s house, the trio spontaneously started jamming with Max’s old guitar, Luke’s second-hand drum kit, and Andy’s dad’s vintage bass guitar. They discovered an unexpected chemistry, creating melodies that were far from perfect but had a unique charm. They decided to take their small jam sessions more seriously, spending every weekend honing their skills and writing original songs. The band’s name, Good Toothbrush, was born out of a running joke about Luke’s obsession with dental hygiene.

Genre:
Good Toothbrush’s sound is a unique fusion of Indie Rock and Pop.

Title:
“Dental Floss Diaries”

Full song lyrics with chord progression:
(Verse 1) [Em, C, G, D]
Every day and every night, under the bathroom light, I find my truth,
In the bristles and the paste, in the mirror’s gaze, there’s no reproof.

(Chorus) [G, D, Em, C]
Oh, Good Toothbrush, you’re my guide,
In you, I trust, in you, I confide,
My Dental Floss Diaries, they never lie,
Clean and white, under the sky.

(Verse 2) [Em, C, G, D]
With every stroke, every glide, I clear my pride, and I feel free,
In the rinse and the spit, in the tap’s drip, I find my glee.

(Chorus) [G, D, Em, C]
Oh, Good Toothbrush, you’re my friend,
In your ritual, I find no end,
My Dental Floss Diaries, they speak of me,
Clean and bright, as I can be.

(Bridge) [Am, Em, D]
In the morning rinse, in the nightly grind,
In every cavity, I find,
A part of me, in the toothpaste’s foam,
In the bathroom echoes, I find my home.

(Chorus) [G, D, Em, C]
Oh, Good Toothbrush, you’re my guide,
In you, I trust, in you, I confide,
My Dental Floss Diaries, they never lie,
Clean and white, we say goodbye.

The band’s favorite fan’s name and why and how this band is their favorite as a testimonial:
Good Toothbrush’s favorite fan is a college student named Helen. Helen has been a fan since the very beginning, often being the first one to arrive at their gigs, and the last one to leave. She has every piece of merch they’ve released and knows all their songs by heart. But her unwavering support isn’t what makes her special. It’s her genuine belief in the band’s talent and potential.

Testimonial: “Good Toothbrush isn’t just a band; it’s a feeling. Their music speaks to me on a personal level, yet it’s fun, and it’s quirky. It’s a blend of raw emotions, humor, and everyday life that’s hard to find these days. They’re my favorite not just because their songs resonate with me, but because they’re true to themselves, and that authenticity shines through their music.” – Helen, a superfan.

Backstory:

In the bustling city of San Francisco, four friends, Mike, Sam, Dave, and Chris formed a band for a high school talent show they called ‘Cavernous Tomatoe’. Their quirky name was birthed out of their love of hanging out in Dave’s parents’ old basement (a cavern, they used to call it), and the discovery of a strangely large tomato in Mike’s mom’s vegetable garden. During college, each of them explored different musical avenues but ultimately, they gravitated back to their shared love for music and decided to breathe new life into ‘Cavernous Tomatoe’. Their unique musical fusion and distinct style quickly caught the ears of music lovers around the city, and they gradually became a darling of the underground music scene.

Genre:

Alternative Rock and Blues Fusion

Song Title:

“Groovy Greens”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
Em G D A
Down in the cavern, where the secrets lie,
Em G D A
A tomatoe grows, under the neon sky.

Em G D A
It’s growing bigger, with a vibrant hue,
Em G D A
A tale of friendship, old but ever new.

(Chorus)
C G D A
Oh, Groovy Greens, under the moonlight’s glow,
C G D A
We strum our strings, let the rhythm flow.
C G D A
Groovy Greens, our song you know,
C G D A
In the cavernous echoes, our love we show.

(Verse 2)
Em G D A
Music resonates, in the tomatoe’s heart,
Em G D A
A melody starts, an art in every part.

Em G D A
The chords we strike, the beats we share,
Em G D A
In the cavernous depths, there’s music everywhere.

(Chorus)
C G D A
Oh, Groovy Greens, under the starry dome,
C G D A
Where dreams are spun, where whispers roam.
C G D A
Groovy Greens, in our sonic home,
C G D A
Through every note, our story we comb.

Fan’s Name:

Emma Thompson

Testimonial:

Emma Thompson, a college student studying music in New York, is an avid fan of ‘Cavernous Tomatoe’. She says, “Their music is a unique blend of rock and blues which resonates deeply with me. Their ability to infuse stories into their lyrics is something that I find to be rare and beautiful. I find myself getting lost in their songs, feeling each beat and rhythm in my soul. ‘Groovy Greens’ is my absolute favorite! It’s my go-to song whenever I need some inspiration or just a good vibe. ‘Cavernous Tomatoe’ isn’t just a band for me, they are a musical journey that I love being a part of.”

Backstory:
Grumpy Province was formed in a quaint little town in Canada, more specifically in a broken-down garage over a couple of beers and a shared love for music. The founding members, Paul Bannister and Jonny Westwood, were school friends who always dreamt of starting their own band. They named it ‘Grumpy Province’, as a tribute to their roots and the good, bad, and often grumpy days they spent in their small town. Driven by their passion for music, they began honing their craft, adding members along the way, including bassist Lee Jenkins and drummer Aiden Matthews. Their fame spread through grassroots efforts, gigs in local bars, and the support of their home province, which took pride in the band’s success.

Genre:
Grumpy Province plays a unique blend of Indie Rock and Country, often referred to as upbeat country rock.

Title:
“Whiskey and Snowflakes”

Full song lyrics:

(Verse)
[C] Down the dusty roads of our [G] grumpy hometown,
[Am] Met you by the corner, where the [F] maple leaves fall down,
[C] Underneath the streetlight, [G] where our hearts would play,
[Am] Life was just a [F] song, in the old province way.

(Chorus)
[G] Whiskey and snowflakes, [C] laughter in the air,
[Am] You were my sunshine, [F] in the winters bare.
[G] We danced through the night, [C] lost in the haze,
[Am] Living for the [F] moment, in those good old days.

(Verse)
[C] The church bell would ring, [G] breaking the dawn,
[Am] But the music played on, [F] till the stars were gone.
[C] Your smile was my compass, [G] your laughter my guide,
[Am] In our grumpy province, [F] with love on our side.

(Chorus)
[G] Whiskey and snowflakes, [C] summer’s sweet bliss,
[Am] All I ever wanted, [F] sealed in your kiss.
[G] Underneath the moonlight, [C] we’d watch the day raise,
[Am] Love was our [F] soundtrack, in those grumpy province days.

Band’s favorite fan:
Their favorite fan is a cheerful woman named Maggie. Maggie has been a fan of Grumpy Province since their inception. She has attended every local gig and has even traveled across Canada to watch them perform. She claims that their music helps her feel connected to her roots, and their song “Whiskey and Snowflakes” was the first dance at her wedding. Maggie considers Grumpy Province as not just her favorite band, but a crucial part of her life’s soundtrack. She appreciates their honest and heartfelt lyrics, blended with infectious country rock tunes. For her, their music is like a comforting friend, always there to accompany her through life’s ups and downs.

Backstory:
Formed in 2015 in the bustling music scene of Austin, Texas, Forsaken Link is a group of four childhood friends who found their perfect escape from reality: music. The band consists of lead vocalist and guitarist, Tom Reynolds, bassist Danny Peterson, keyboardist Sarah Williams, and drummer Billy Thompson. They’ve faced their fair share of ups and downs, including a near disbandment in 2017 due to creative differences. However, their shared passion for music and their enduring friendship brought them back together stronger than ever, realizing that their link, however forsaken at times, could not be broken.

Genre:
Forsaken Link is primarily known for their unique blend of Alternative Rock and Indie Pop, with a touch of Psychedelic influences. Their music is defined by its emotive lyrics, dynamic chord progressions and characteristically raw, energetic performances.

Title:
“Chains Unbroken”

Full Song Lyrics:
(Verse 1)
C G Am E
Waking up to the sound of silence,
C G Am E
Watching as the dawn breaks in the sky.
C G Am E
I’m a thousand miles from yesterday,
C G Am E
Caught up in the dreams we left behind.

(Chorus)
F C G Am
But our chains are unbroken, our hearts still beat,
F C G Am
In the rhythm of the songs we used to sing.
F C G Am
We’re forsaken, but not forgotten,
F C G Am
Our link remains, in the echoes of our names.

(Verse 2)
C G Am E
We’ve walked on shadows, and danced in fire,
C G Am E
Tales of love and loss etched on our skin.
C G Am E
Through the dust and ashes of our desires,
C G Am E
We’ve found a way to let the light back in.

(Repeat Chorus)

Favorite Fan:
Their favorite fan is a 25-year-old graphic designer named Emily Dawson. Emily has been following Forsaken Link from their garage band days. She fell in love with their unique sound and the raw, emotional depth of their lyrics. “Their music is like a lifeline to me. It’s gotten me through some really tough times. Plus, they’re the nicest guys you’ll ever meet. They’ve never lost their humility despite their growing success. I will forever be a Forsaken Link fan!” Emily is equally loved by the band for her unwavering support and her creativity, as she designs most of their gig posters.