Backstory:
“Cultivated Polish” was born in the vibrant music scene of Manchester, England in 2006. The band members, who were all university friends, found inspiration in their shared love for vintage records, coffee shop debates, and late-night jamming sessions. After winning a local battle of the bands competition, the group began to gain a reputation for their unique sound and compelling performances. Over the years, Cultivated Polish toured extensively across Europe, earning a loyal fan base and the respect of their industry peers. Despite their success, the band remains fiercely independent, preferring to record in their self-built studio and releasing music on their own label.

Genre:
Indie Rock

Title:
“Shadows in the Rain”

Full Song Lyrics:
(Verse 1 – Am, G, F, Am)
Underneath the old city lights, we used to dance in the rain (Am, G)
Two souls lost in time, chasing the echoes of fame (F, Am)
Every day was a silent film, every night was a song (Am, G)
We were young, we were brave, we were wild, we were strong (F, Am)

(Chorus – C, G, Am, F)
In the shadows of the rain, we found a love that can’t be tamed (C, G)
Between the whispers and the screams, we built a castle out of dreams (Am, F)
In the shadows of the rain, we danced away the pain (C, G)
Remember my name, remember the nights, remember the shadows in the rain (Am, F)

(Verse 2 – Am, G, F, Am)
Now the old city sleeps, and the dance floor is bare (Am, G)
The echoes are silent, but the memories are there (F, Am)
We may have lost our way, but the music remains (Am, G)
In the shadows of the rain, we play the game (F, Am)

(Chorus – C, G, Am, F)
In the shadows of the rain, we found a love that can’t be tamed (C, G)
Between the whispers and the screams, we built a castle out of dreams (Am, F)
In the shadows of the rain, we danced away the pain (C, G)
Remember my name, remember the nights, remember the shadows in the rain (Am, F)

Favorite Fan:
The band’s favorite fan is Sarah O’Reilly, a 28-year-old graphic designer from Dublin. Sarah’s testimonial as to why Cultivated Polish is her favorite band: “From the very first note, I was hooked. Their music is raw, powerful, and incredibly moving. It’s not just about the lyrics or the melodies. It’s about the emotions they make you feel. They’ve created a sound that is genuinely unique and captivating. When I listen to their music, I feel understood. It’s like they’ve put my deepest emotions into words and melodies. They are not just a band; they are storytellers, and their music is the story of my life.”

Backstory:
Needy Wheel was formed in the heart of Brooklyn, New York in 2015, when college friends and music enthusiasts, Josh Goodman, an incredible guitarist, and Caleb Jones, a talented drummer, found themselves collaborating on music projects. After their soulful lyricist, Emily Hines, joined the band, the trio quickly gained popularity with their unique sound and raw passion. Needy Wheel’s intimate performances, which often featured just a simple drum kit, an acoustic guitar, and Emily’s powerful vocals, captivated audiences around the city. The band’s ability to connect with their crowd through their music, combined with their dedication to breaking the confines of traditional songwriting, has earned them a devoted following.

Genre:
Alternative Folk

Title:
“Rusted Love”

Lyrics:
(Verse 1)
Em G
Underneath the pale moon shine
D C
Rusted love, we left behind
Em G
Words unspoken, hearts denied
D C
Under the canvas of the night

(Chorus)
Em G
Oh, Rusted Love, don’t fade away
D C
In the shadows, we choose to play
Em G
Hold on tight, please don’t sway
D C
Our Needy Wheel turns today

(Verse 2)
Em G
Down the memory lane, we ride
D C
With hope and fear by our side
Em G
Silent whispers in the wind
D C
Echoing our love, in a beautiful blend

(Chorus)
Em G
Oh, Rusted Love, we’ll find a way
D C
Through the chaos and the fray
Em G
With our Needy Wheel, come what may
D C
We’ll carve a path, through the grey

Testimonial:
Our favorite fan is Maureen O’Donnell, a school teacher from Queens. Maureen has been following our music since our very first gig. It’s her passion for our music and constant support that has kept us going during tough times. In her own words, “Needy Wheel’s music is more than just a collection of songs. It’s an emotional journey that makes you feel seen and understood. Their raw, honest lyrics combined with their melodious tunes create a magical experience. It’s like having a conversation with a close friend who understands exactly what you’re going through. It’s this connection that makes them my absolute favorite band.”

Backstory:
Fragrant Unix was born in the eclectic neighborhood of San Francisco, in the midst of the tech boom. The band members, comprising of four software engineers from various start-ups, discovered their shared passion for music during a late-night coding marathon. The band name, ‘Fragrant Unix’, was inspired by their love for coding and the aromatic coffees that kept them going through long, challenging nights. Their journey together started in basement jam sessions and has led them to stages across the country, enchanting audiences with their unique sound that marries the digital with the acoustic.

Genre:
Fragrant Unix blends the electronic sub-genre of Chillwave with the heartfelt lyricism of Indie Folk, creating a sound that is both calming and thought-provoking. The band’s unique blend of genres has garnered it a dedicated fan base that loves the soothing, dreamy soundscapes juxtaposed with the raw emotional lyrics.

Title:
“Sudo My Heart”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
[G] Wandering through lines of [Am] code, in the [D] depth of night [G] so cold,
[G] Looking for that missing [Am] semicolon, my story [D] yet untold.

(Verse 2)
[G] Amid the bytes and [Am] bits, found a melody that [D] fits,
[G] Typed out our love in [Am] JavaScript, a song that never [D] quits.

(Chorus)
[G] Sudo my heart, [Am] take full control, [D] in the realm of code, you play the [G] leading role.
[G] In the world of [Am] logic, you’re my sweet [D] chaos, with every [G] keystroke, you’re my [Am] albatross.

(Verse 3)
[G] In the echo of the [Am] shell, in the system where we [D] dwell,
[G] Our love story in [Am] Python, compiles so [D] well.

(Chorus)
[G] Sudo my heart, [Am] let’s compile our dreams, [D] In this tech-filled world, love is more than what it [G] seems.
[G] Against the backdrop of [Am] servers, we’re the perfect [D] team, in a world of [G] zeros, you’re my [Am] one, it seems.

The band’s favorite fan’s name:
Katie Thompson

Testimonial:
“I’ve been a fan of Fragrant Unix from their early days, when they were just playing small gigs in basements and coffee shops. The way they weave the technical and the emotional together in their music is just incredible. ‘Sudo My Heart’ is my absolute favorite song of theirs – the lyrics speak to the techie in me while also touching my heart. The band has done a remarkable job of combining Chillwave and Indie Folk, and their sound is like nothing I’ve heard before. Being a software engineer myself, their music speaks to me on a level I didn’t think was possible. Fragrant Unix is, without a doubt, my favorite band!”

Backstory:
Born in the heart of the bustling city of Detroit, Crooked Isolation was formed by a group of childhood friends who shared an insatiable enthusiasm for music. The band members — lead singer Jefferson Harper, guitarists Riley Smith and Jason Moore, bassist Don Carter, and drummer Lucas Brown — grew up in the same neighborhood, enduring the hardships of their struggling city together. This struggle, along with the strong bond of their friendship, gave birth to Crooked Isolation, a music project that would eventually take them beyond the confines of their beloved city.

Genre:
Crooked Isolation draws from a diverse range of influences, including rock, blues, and soul to create their distinctive sound. However, they primarily identify themselves as an alternative rock band.

Title:
“One Last Dream”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
Am G F C
Living in shadows, buried deep in the dark,
Am G F C
Running from echoes, that tear us apart.

(Chorus)
G C F
“One Last Dream”, we cry,
G C F
Under this neon night sky,
G C F
Torn, but together we stand strong,
G C F
In the silence, we sing our song.

(Verse 2)
Am G F C
Fighting the currents, lost at sea,
Am G F C
But we’re the storm, wild and free.

(Chorus)
G C F
“One Last Dream”, we scream,
G C F
In the ruins of our shattered dream,
G C F
Crooked, but we soar so high,
G C F
In the darkness, we find our light.

The band’s favorite fan’s name and testimonial:
The band’s favorite fan is a dedicated follower named Megan Davis. According to Megan, “Crooked Isolation is more than just a band to me. Their music is raw, powerful, and it speaks to me on a level that no other band can. Their struggle and their journey resonate with me. Their song, “One Last Dream”, is a testament to their resilient spirit. It’s not just music for me, it’s inspiration. These guys have been through so much, yet they stay strong and continue to create amazing music. That’s why Crooked Isolation will always be my favorite band.”

Backstory:
Automatic Tea was formed in a small college dormitory in Boston, Massachusetts in the early 2000s. The band members, lead singer and guitarist Steve “Blimp” Blomgren, bassist Greg “Shadows” Shadwick, and drummer Jake “Styx” Stuyvesant, met in a college music theory course. Each of them had an obsession with mixing different musical genres to create a unique sound; hence the band was born. They started their journey by playing at small college events, slowly gaining a reputation for their unusual yet captivating music. The name Automatic Tea came about after a late-night brainstorming session. Blimp, an avid tea lover, commented that he wished he had an automatic tea maker, and in that moment, the quirky and distinct name of their band was born.

Genre:
Indie Rock, Experimental Pop

Title:
“Thermos of Dreams”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1) [C G D Em]
I’m stirring my thoughts in a thermos of dreams,
Tossing in remnants of yesterday’s scenes,
Moonlight on velvet, sunlight on seams,
I’m brewing away my life’s extremes.

(Chorus) [G D Em C]
In this thermos of dreams, I find my serenity,
Bathing in echoes of forgotten melody,
In this thermos of dreams, I find my longevity,
I’m sipping on shadows and steeped in tranquility.

(Verse 2) [C G D Em]
The past’s bitter tastes, the future’s sweet schemes,
All pouring into my thermos of dreams,
Swirling in moments, in memory streams,
In this thermos, I’ve captured life’s bloodstream.

(Chorus) [G D Em C]
In this thermos of dreams, I find my identity,
Swimming in currents of silent symphony,
In this thermos of dreams, I find my complexity,
I’m drinking in minutes, lost in an infinity.

Fan Testimonial:
The band’s favorite fan is a guy named “Tape-loop” Tim, a record store owner from their college town. Tim discovered Automatic Tea when they were just starting out and has been their biggest supporter ever since. He always said, “Automatic Tea’s music is like a good cup of tea, it’s an acquired taste that once you develop, you can’t live without. Their fusion of indie rock and experimental pop creates a unique flavor that makes music a whole new experience for me. And ‘Thermos of Dreams’? That song is an anthem for all dreamers. It’s like a journey through your own thoughts and dreams, which everyone can relate to. Automatic Tea isn’t just a band, it’s a way of life.”

Backstory:

Square Mass was formed in 2013 in the heart of Seattle’s indie music scene. The original members, lead singer and guitarist Jackson Hall, bassist Sam “Sammy” Greene, and drummer Billy Stewart, were all high school friends who shared a love of music and a dream of making it big. After a few years of playing local gigs and fine-tuning their distinctive sound, the band added a new member, keyboardist Lucy Thorne in 2016. Thorne’s addition brought a fresh dynamic to their music and they began to gain a wider following. In 2018, their debut album “Plaid and Metaphysics” was released, which hit it big in the indie rock scene and solidified their name as a band to watch.

Genre:

Indie Rock

Title:

“Lost in the Rhythm”

Song Lyrics:

(Verse) F#m // A // D // E
Underneath the city lights, we found our beginning,
Lost in the rhythm, drunk on the feeling.
Tales of youth and reckless hearts, whispered in the evening,
Promises we made, were echoes in the wind.

(Chorus) D // A // F#m // E
Lost in the rhythm, we danced through the night,
Chasing the echoes, holding on tight.
Lost in the rhythm, under the stars above,
We found something dangerous, we called it love.

(Verse) F#m // A // D // E
Memories of summer nights, tangled in your sheets,
The sound of your guitar, the rhythm of your heartbeat.
Moonlit confessions, secrets that we keep,
In the rhythm of the night, we fall and we leap.

(Chorus) D // A // F#m // E
Lost in the rhythm, we danced through the night,
Chasing the echoes, holding on tight.
Lost in the rhythm, under the stars above,
We found something dangerous, we called it love.

(End) D // A // E
Lost in the rhythm, we found our beginning,
In the echoes of the night, we found our ending.

Favorite Fan:

Their favorite fan is a girl named Emily. Emily wrote a heartfelt letter to the band explaining how their music had helped her through a really tough time. She loved the raw emotion and tangible energy in their music. She felt a connection to their lyrics and said that their songs had become the soundtrack to her life. Emily has been to every one of their shows in Seattle and is known to the band as their most enthusiastic supporter. “Square Mass’s music is real, it’s emotional, and it’s helped me through some really tough times. I feel like they put into words what I can’t express. They’re definitely my favorite band,” Emily stated in her testimonial.

Backstory:

Formed in the bustling streets of Seattle, Washington in 2011, Constant Response was born from the creative minds of childhood friends, Max Richardson and Luke Harper. The duo shared an unparalleled passion for music, a passion that quickly evolved into a mission to break through the conventional music scene and establish an innovative sound. Bringing on board fellow musicians, Sarah Gomez on bass, and drummer, Sammy Holden, the band was complete. Their camaraderie and shared vision quickly led them to the forefront of the local music scene.

After constant jamming sessions in Richardson’s garage, the band started performing in local bars and clubs. Their unique sound, combined with their raw energy on stage, resonated with audiences, earning them a loyal following. The band took this growing success as a sign to record their debut album, which was well-received both critically and commercially. This marked the beginning of Constant Response’s journey.

Genre: Indie Rock

Title: “Raging Heart”

Full Song Lyrics:

[Verse 1]
G C
Under the neon lights, I found my soul,
Em D
In the chaos, you made me whole.
G C
A pair of wandering souls, we roamed free,
Em D
In the noise, we found our symphony.

[Chorus]
C G
My heart, it rages on, for you,
Am Em
In the midst of the storm, you’re my only truth.
C G
Your love, it’s a constant response,
Am Em
A melody in the silence, an eternal song.

[Verse: 2]
G C
In a world full of shadows, you’re my light,
Em D
In your eyes, everything feels right.
G C
We’re just pages in the story of the universe,
Em D
In your arms, I find my verse.

[Chorus]
C G
My heart, it rages on, for you,
Am Em
In the midst of the storm, you’re my only truth.
C G
Your love, it’s a constant response,
Am Em
A melody in the silence, an eternal song.

The band’s favorite fan’s name:

Joshua Davis

Testimonial:

“To say I’m a fan of Constant Response is an understatement. From the first time I heard their music in a local bar in Seattle, they’ve been my favorite. Their poetic lyrics accompanied by their unique indie rock sound makes for an unbeatable combination. There’s an authenticity to their music that speaks to me, a raw honesty that I find in very few artists. The song “Raging Heart” holds a special place for me, because it’s a love song that’s not just about romance, but also about finding your place in the universe. Constant Response isn’t just a band to me, they’re storytellers, each song a new story to lose yourself in.”

Backstory:
Beloved Bread is a lively group of four friends who hail from the rustic countryside of Ireland. The band was formed in the spring of 2010 when they discovered their mutual love for music while working together in a local bakery. Their shared experiences, deeply rooted in their small-town life, baking bread, and grappling with love and loss, became the fuel for their lyricism and songwriting. The boys—Sean, Patrick, Liam, and Ian—combined their musical talents to create a unique sound that resonated with their community, and soon, beyond.

Genre:
Folk Rock

Title:
“A Slice of Life”

Full Song Lyrics:

Chords: Verse (G-D-C-D), Chorus (Em-C-G-D)

(Verse 1)
[G] Waking up in the [D] morning light,
[C] Smell of baking bread, [D] feels so right.
[G] Hard work and [D] sweat, hands in the dough,
[C] Our little bakery, [D] where the warm winds blow.

(Chorus)
[Em] Sharing a slice of life, [C] under the moon so bright,
[G] Dancing to the rhythm of the [D] falling night.
[Em] Here’s to love, here’s to pain, [C] here’s to the sunshine and the rain,
[G] But through it all, [D] the bakery remains.

(Verse 2)
[G] Laughter and [D] stories, shared over tea,
[C] Life is simple, [D] as simple as can be.
[G] Friends and [D] family, gathered near,
[C] In our hearts, we [D] hold them dear.

(Chorus)
[Em] Sharing a slice of life, [C] under the moon so bright,
[G] Dancing to the rhythm of the [D] falling night.
[Em] Here’s to hope, here’s to dreams, [C] here’s to the flowing streams,
[G] But through it all, [D] the bakery remains.

(Bridge)
[G] In this bakery, [D] we’ve found our tune,
[C] Dancing in the light of the [D] Irish moon.
[G] Love has blossomed, [D] hearts have been fed,
[C] In this place, where [D] we bake our bread.

(Chorus)
[Em] Sharing a slice of life, [C] under the moon so bright,
[G] Dancing to the rhythm of the [D] falling night.
[Em] Here’s to us, here’s to you, [C] here’s to the red, white, and blue,
[G] But through it all, [D] the bakery remains.

Favorite Fan:
Our favorite fan is a lovely woman named Eileen. She’s been with us from the very start, attending our small gigs at the local pub before we even had a record deal. Eileen says, “Beloved Bread is like a breath of fresh air. Their music is rooted in reality, yet it carries you away. It reminds me of home, love, pain, and hope all at once. To me, they’re more than a band—they’re the soundtrack to my life.”

Backstory:
Any Stranger was formed in a small town in southeastern Alabama in 2014. The band members, childhood friends James Thompson, Mike Robinson, and Sarah Williams, discovered their shared passion for music during a high school talent show, where they performed together for the first time. They decided to name their band “Any Stranger” to reflect their belief that anyone, no matter how strange or different, can find common ground through the universal language of music.

The band’s early years were marked by struggle and perseverance. They performed at local dive bars, birthdays, and street festivals, gradually gathering a small but loyal fan base. Their big break came in 2017 when a music producer spotted them during a gig at a county fair. Impressed by their talent and originality, he signed them to his record label, catapulting them to national fame.

Genre: Folk Rock

Title: “Harbor in the Storm”

Song Lyrics:
(Verse 1)
[G] Out in the wild, [C] under the stars, [D]
[G] We found each other in the [C] midst of it all. [D]
[G] Two hearts wanderin’, [C] lost and torn, [D]
[G] Found a harbor in the [C] storm. [D]

(Chorus)
[G] Oh, you’re my harbor in the [D] storm,
[C] My light when the night is [G] cold. [D]
[G] With you, I found a [D] home,
[C] In your arms, I’m not [G] alone. [D]

(Verse 2)
[G] We rode the waves, [C] we braved the tide, [D]
[G] Together, we found a [C] place to hide. [D]
[G] In the heart of the [C] storm so wild, [D]
[G] We found a love so [C] undefiled. [D]

(Chorus)
[G] Oh, you’re my harbor in the [D] storm,
[C] My light when the night is [G] cold. [D]
[G] With you, I found a [D] home,
[C] In your arms, I’m not [G] alone. [D]

Band’s favorite fan: Emily Johnson
Emily has been a loyal follower of Any Stranger since their early days. She discovered the band at a local street festival and instantly fell in love with their unique folk-rock sound and heartfelt lyrics. Despite now living in New York City and having access to a much wider variety of music, Emily always says that nothing compares to the raw emotion and authenticity that Any Stranger brings. She has never missed a concert and even travels back to their small town for their annual homecoming gig. In her words, “Any Stranger’s music is a healing balm for the soul. It’s a rare blend of vulnerability, strength, and hope. They remind me that no matter how rough the storm, there’s always a harbor waiting.”

Backstory:

Born out of the eclectic rhythms of a small, midwestern town, ‘Taut Recipe’ was the brainchild of childhood friends, Eddie Sparks and Willie “Fingers” Johnson. They started crafting their unique sounds in Eddie’s garage, initially inspired by the bluesy rock and roll that Eddie’s dad would play on his old-school turntable. As they honed their skills, their music evolved, incorporating elements of country, folk, and bluegrass, giving birth to a unique sound that was entirely their own.

Genre: Indie Rock with Country and Folk Influence

Title: “Twisted Highways”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
[Am] Driving down those [G] twisted highways, [D] past the fields and [Am] past the byways
[Am] Just a couple of [G] restless souls, [D] seeking solace in the [Am] unknown

(Chorus)
[C] We’re just lost in the [G] rhythm, [D] tangled in the [Am] rhyme
[C] Feeling every [G] heartbeat, [D] lost in time

(Verse 2)
[Am] Underneath the [G] starlit canvas, [D] in the glow of the [Am] moon’s chalice
[Am] We find our [G] harmony, [D] in the whispers of the [Am] summer breeze

(Chorus)
[C] We’re just lost in the [G] rhythm, [D] tangled in the [Am] rhyme
[C] Feeling every [G] heartbeat, [D] lost in time

(Outro)
[Am] Driving down those [G] twisted highways, [D] past the fields and [Am] past the byways
[Am] Just a couple of [G] restless souls, [D] seeking solace in the [Am] unknown.

Fan Testimonial:

Fan’s Name: Joanne Myers

“Where do I begin with how much I love Taut Recipe? I’ve been a fan since I first heard ‘Twisted Highways’ on a local radio station. Their music has a raw power, an authenticity that strikes a chord deep within me. It’s comforting and exciting all at once; it’s like a warm blanket and a thrilling roller coaster ride. Eddie and Fingers have an unbelievable connection, their music is a direct reflection of their camaraderie and shared love for their craft. Taut Recipe is my favorite band because they capture the essence of life, the beauty, the pain, the joy, and the mystery, and put it into beautiful melodies and thoughtful lyrics. Their music is my constant companion, my solace and my joy. I cannot wait to see where their journey takes them and us, their fans, along with them.”