Backstory:

Gross View emerged from the gritty streets of New York City’s underground music scene in 2013. The four-piece band – consisting of childhood friends Benny “Bassman” O’Leary, Tommy “Tickler” Patterson, Jimmy “Jabber” Michaels, and Frankie “Footloose” Russo – originally bonded over their shared love for punk rock and avant-garde music. They started jamming in the basements of their parents’ houses, honing their raw sound and unique approach to their instruments. They took their name from their favorite hangout spot, a grimy rooftop overlooking the city, which they lovingly referred to as the “Gross View”.

Their journey to stardom was anything but smooth, with several failed gigs, lineup changes, and financial struggles. However, the band’s perseverance finally paid off in 2015 when their debut album was met with widespread critical acclaim and commercial success. Since then, Gross View has been an unstoppable force in the punk rock scene, with a fiercely loyal fan base and a reputation for electrifying live performances.

Genre: Punk Rock

Title: “Concrete Jungle Jitters”

Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
Am | F | C | G
Oh, concrete jungle, (Am)
you’ve given us the jitters, (F)
We’ve tasted your poison, (C)
and drowned in your rivers. (G)

We’ve traversed your shadows, (Am)
our dreams torn at the seams, (F)
The city never sleeps, (C)
and neither do our dreams. (G)

(Chorus)
F | C | G | Am
Concrete jungle jitters, (F)
our hearts beat like critters, (C)
In this city of sinners, (G)
We’re just beginner drifters. (Am)

(Verse 2)
Am | F | C | G
Nighttime descends, (Am)
the city lights flicker, (F)
We play our tune, (C)
as the plot continues to thicken. (G)

Tangled in the chaos, (Am)
we found our salvation, (F)
In the rhythm of the streets, (C)
we found our revelation. (G)

(Chorus)
F | C | G | Am
Concrete jungle jitters, (F)
our hearts beat like critters, (C)
In this city of sinners, (G)
We’re just beginner drifters. (Am)

(Bridge)
Am | F | C | G
Our music, our weapon, (Am)
in this urban warfare, (F)
The city may be harsh, (C)
but we’re tougher, we swear. (G)

(Chorus)
F | C | G | Am
Concrete jungle jitters, (F)
our hearts beat like critters, (C)
In this city of sinners, (G)
We’re just beginner drifters. (Am)

Outro:
F | C | G | Am
We’ll rise through the jitters, (F)
the city can’t make us quitters. (C)
In our hearts, we’re already winners, (G)
in the concrete jungle, we’re hitters. (Am)

Favorite Fan Testimonial:

Our favorite fan is a woman named Hannah Lovelace, a music blogger from Boston. She first discovered us at a small gig in NYC and has been following our journey ever since. In her words, “Gross View is more than a band; it’s a symbol of resilience, authenticity, and unyielding passion for music. Their raw energy and punk rock ethos have not only shaped their music but also resonated deeply with their fans, myself included. I’m drawn to their unflinching honesty and the way they turn their struggles into powerful anthems. Gross View embodies the underdog spirit that is so emblematic of punk rock

Backstory:
Formed in the heart of New York City’s bustling East Village in 2010, Rough Apartment got its name from the dilapidated loft where the founding members resided and first started jamming together. Band members, Jake Reynolds (lead vocals and guitar), Max Riley (bass guitar and backing vocals), Liam Turner (drums) and Emily Smith (keyboard and vocals), bonded over their mutual love for music and their shared struggle of trying to make it in the big city. Their edgy, raw sound, together with their raw, heartfelt lyrics, quickly garnered attention from the local music community, helping them to establish a loyal fan base.

Genre:
Indie Rock

Title:
“Broken Chains”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
C G Am E
In this city of broken dreams,
C G Am E
Where nothing’s ever what it seems,
C G Am E
We found a home in each other’s arms,
C G Am E
Amidst the chaos, amidst the alarms.

(Chorus)
F C G Am
Broken chains, we’re breaking free,
F C G Am
From this rough apartment, you and me.
F C G Am
We’ll make our way, just wait and see,
F C G Am
Broken chains, we choose to be.

(Verse 2)
C G Am E
In this city of lights and sounds,
C G Am E
Where love is lost and then it’s found,
C G Am E
We found a rhythm, we found a beat,
C G Am E
In this rough apartment, on this street.

(Chorus)
F C G Am
Broken chains, we’re breaking free,
F C G Am
From this rough apartment, you and me.
F C G Am
We’ll make our way, just wait and see,
F C G Am
Broken chains, we choose to be.

Fan’s Testimonial:
Fan’s name is Sarah Matthews, and here’s her testimonial – “I’ve been a fan of Rough Apartment since their first gig at the local bar in East Village. Their music speaks to the soul and gives voice to the gritty, raw essence of city life that we’re all too familiar with. It’s like they’ve taken our shared struggles and emotions and turned them into something beautiful. Their song ‘Broken Chains’ particularly hits home; it’s like an anthem for all of us trying to break free from our circumstances. Rough Apartment isn’t just my favorite band because of their incredible talent and unique sound, but because they’ve created music that I, and so many others, can truly relate to.”

Backstory:
Primary Cheek was formed in 2010 in the bustling city of San Francisco by four high school friends with a shared passion for making music and breaking boundaries. Lead vocalist and guitarist, James Ward, bassist, Leo Parker, drummer, Robert Foster, and keyboardist, Ethan Chase, found common ground in their love for alternative music and a drive to create something that could make a mark on the music industry. The band’s name, Primary Cheek, was a playful metaphor for their self-confessed audacious spirit, and a commitment to always put their best foot forward in their musical journey.

Over the years, the band garnered quite the following due to their unique sound and energetic performances. Their debut album, “First Strike,” was a hit in the indie scene and bolstered their reputation as a band to watch. They’re known not just for their music, but also for their dedication to their fans and the close-knit community they’ve created around their music.

Genre: Alternative Rock

Title: “Chasing Shadows”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
C Am
Look into the mirror, can’t recognize my face,
Em G
Buried in the echo of a forgotten place.
C Am
Running from the past, underneath the hollow moon,
Em G
In every reflection, I find a piece of you.

(Chorus)
F C
I’m chasing shadows, in the depths of the night,
G Am
Lost in the world between the dark and the light.
F C
In this labyrinth of dreams, I’m seeking the truth,
G Am
Each shadow I chase, just leads back to you.

(Verse 2)
C Am
Walking through the mist, the cold wind at my back,
Em G
Each footstep I take, leaves a memory in its track.
C Am
Whispers in the night, they echo in my mind,
Em G
In every corner I turn, I hope it’s you I find.

(Chorus)
F C
I’m chasing shadows, dancing in your light,
G Am
Lost in the rhythm between the wrong and the right.
F C
In the depth of your eyes, I see something pure,
G Am
Each shadow I chase, just makes me want you more.

Favorite Fan:
Primary Cheek’s most devoted fan is Rachel Thompson, a music journalist from Los Angeles. “They’re more than just a band to me, they’re like a second family. Their music has gotten me through some of my toughest times and inspired me to keep going,” Rachel says. She has been following the band since their early days and has attended nearly all their concerts. “Their lyrics are raw, poignant, and speak to the heart. Even in their live performances, you can feel the energy and passion they put into every song. To be a fan of Primary Cheek is to be part of a community that celebrates love, resilience, and the power of music.”

Backstory:
Massive Screw’s origin takes us back to the late 80s, steeped in the underground music scene of coastal Florida. Long-time friends, singer and guitarist Darren ‘Mallet’ Rivers, bassist Steve ‘Bolt’ O’Connor and drummer Ed ‘Torque’ Henderson were infamous for their rebellious antics and love for music. When they got together for an impromptu jam session one night at an abandoned warehouse, they didn’t realize it was the birth of something phenomenal. Their unique sound quickly gained attention, and the band Massive Screw was born, rising from the ashes of their riotous youth.

Their journey to success was anything but smooth. They were shunned by traditional recording studios due to their unconventional style and fierce independence. But Massive Screw stayed true to their roots, self-recording and self-releasing their first album. It was underground success, catapulting them into the spotlight, and they’ve been shaking up the music scene ever since.

Genre:
Punk Rock

Title:
“Stainless Heart”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
[C]Steel cage around my chest, [Am]got no room left for distress,
[F]Love’s a game I always lose, [G]even when I get to choose.

(Chorus)
[C]Stainless Heart, [Am]shiny and cold,
[F]Your touch can’t melt it, [G]it won’t ever fold.
[C]Stainless Heart, [Am]battered and scarred,
[F]Still standing tough, [G]playing its own card.

(Verse 2)
[C]This life is just a test, [Am]with no room for any rest,
[F]Living on the edge of truth, [G]chasing shadows of my youth.

(Chorus)
[C]Stainless Heart, [Am]shiny and cold,
[F]Your love can’t reach it, [G]the story’s been told.
[C]Stainless Heart, [Am]broken and used,
[F]It’s still beating, [G]it refuses to lose.

(Bridge)
[C]Stainless heart, [Am]can’t you see?
[F]Your strength is a prison, [G]you need to break free.

(Chorus)
[C]Stainless Heart, [Am]shiny and cold,
[F]Crack it open, [G]let the new tale unfold.
[C]Stainless Heart, [Am]never be scared,
[F]To feel, to love, [G]to show that you cared.

Fan’s Testimonial:
My name is Lisa ‘Rockstar’ Johnson, and I’ve been a Massive Screw fan since day one. The raw energy, their unapologetic lyrics, and the sheer audacity of their sound speak to my soul. Their song “Stainless Heart” became my anthem during a tough time, and it gave me the strength to face my challenges head-on. Massive Screw is more than just a band to me; they are an inspiration, a beacon of bold authenticity in a world that often seems hell-bent on conformity.

Backstory:

Formed in the sleepy coastal town of North Haven, Maine where life revolves around the fishing industry, Profuse Cliff is the unlikely result of four friends’ shared love for music. The band is made up of Larry “Larz” Connor on lead vocals and guitar, his brother Nicky “NiX” Connor on drums, their childhood friend, Jessica “Jess” Stanley on bass, and her cousin, Samuel “Sam” Stanley on keyboard. The band came together in high school, practicing in the Connor family’s boat shed, and performing at local pubs and community events. Their name, Profuse Cliff, is a tribute to the stunning rock formations that pepper the North Haven coastline.

Genre:

Indie Rock

Title:

“Harbor Echoes”

Full Song Lyrics with Chord Progressions:

(Verse 1: D – A – G)
D A
Under the foggy dawn, down by the shore,
G
Plucking at heartstrings, just like before,
D A
Boats on harbor, silhouettes in line,
G
Reminiscing sweet echoes of time.

(Chorus: F – C – G)
F C
Harbor echoes, we’re calling out to you,
G
Bouncing off the water, painted in blue.
F C
Can you hear our song, or is it just the wind?
G
Carrying our hopes, where the sea and sky blend.

(Verse 2: D – A – G)
D A
Seagulls screech above, whispering tales,
G
Of fishermen, their laughter, and gales.
D A
We strum our heartbeats, into the salty air,
G
Finding solace in melodies, beyond compare.

(Chorus: F – C – G)
F C
Harbor echoes, we’re strumming out to you,
G
Soothing the restless, under the sky so blue.
F C
Can you feel our rhythm, or is it just the tide?
G
Rocking our dreams, in its gentle, timeless stride.

(Bridge: Em – C – D)
Em C
Each note a ripple, in the endless sea,
D
Profuse Cliff’s song, a timeless decree.

(Chorus: F – C – G)
F C
Harbor echoes, we’re singing out to you,
G
Casting our voices, in the twilight’s hue.
F C
Will you remember us, when the dawn is new?
G
Profuse Cliff’s song, forever in view.

Bands Favorite Fan:

Our favorite fan is an 80-year-old retired fisherman named Pete “Old Man” Jacobs. Pete has been with us since our first performance at the local pub. He often says that our music reminds him of his younger days spent out at sea. His testimonial, “I’ve spent most of my life hearing the songs of the sea. But Profuse Cliff, they’ve turned those whispers and roars into music. They’re not just a band to me, they’re the sound of home.” This uniquely defines our connection with our coastal town and its people.

Backstory:
‘Loathsome Deck’ was formed in 2013 in the heart of New Orleans, Louisiana. It all started as a simple jam session among four college friends – Tony ‘The Riff’ Richards (guitar), Billy ‘Vox’ Davis (vocals), Lester ‘The Hammer’ Smith (drums), and Charlie ‘Fretless’ Johnson (bass). Their shared passion for music and a deep-seated defiance against the norm drew them together. They began playing in local bars and pubs, and their raw energy and unique sound gradually started to gain recognition in the local music scene.

One night, while playing a game of poker after a gig, Tony drew a hand he described as ‘Loathsome Deck’, sparking laughter among the group. The name stuck, encapsulating their rebellious spirit and the wry sense of humor that underpins their music. From there, Loathsome Deck embarked on a journey, carving out their niche in the world of rock music with a twist of blues and a dash of punk.

Genre: Punk Rock/Blues

Title: “Dirty Joker’s Blues”

Full song lyrics:

(Verse 1)
[G] Well, I’m a Dirty Joker, [D] wild and free
[C] Wandering in the shadows, [G] as far as the eye can see
[G] Scars on my knuckles, [D] tales on my tongue
[C] An ace up my sleeve, [G] my story’s just begun

(Chorus)
[G] Mother, I’m the Dirty Joker, [D] I sing my Blues
[C] Can’t tie me down, [G] I got nothing to lose
[G] I’m the king in the backstreet, [D] queen in my mind
[C] Jack of all trades, [G] the truth you’ll find

(Verse 2)
[G] I roam on the highways, [D] under the moonlight haze
[C] Dancing with my shadows, [G] in this never-ending maze
[G] I’m the Dirty Joker, [D] can’t put me in a deck
[C] I’m the knight on a wild horse, [G] always a step ahead

(Chorus)
[G] Father, I’m the Dirty Joker, [D] I sing my Blues
[C] The hardest yet the softest, [G] just like your shoes
[G] I’m the prince of the gutters, [D] the king of the road
[C] With a heart full of fire, [G] and a soul that’s bold

Favorite Fan:
The band’s favorite fan is Stanley “Stanz” Matthews. Stanz discovered Loathsome Deck during their early bar gigs and instantly connected with their high-energy performances and raw lyrics. As a testimonial, Stanz says, “Loathsome Deck isn’t just a band; it’s a lifestyle. Their music is real, raw, and rebellious. Each song is a story that captures the essence of life, freedom, and defiance. They have a unique ability to spin emotions into a punk rock melody and that’s why they are my favorite.”

Backstory:

Likable Presentation is a band that emerged from the bustling music scene of Seattle in 2016. The band was originally a college project of lead vocalist and guitarist, Dave Gibson, and drummer, Charlie Stevens. When bassist Lily Johnson and keyboardist Mark Sullivan teamed up with them, they discovered a unique synergy and decided to take the band to the next level. Drawing inspiration from life’s ups and downs, they started writing relatable music with a touch of humor, seeking to spread positivity and fun.

Likable Presentation received their big break when they won a local Battle of the Bands competition. Their victory led to a record deal, and they quickly gained a loyal fan base with their light-hearted, energetic performances and catchy tunes. The band members enjoy a solid friendship off-stage, and their camaraderie translates into their music, making their shows an exciting, invigorating experience for fans.

Genre:

Pop-Rock

Title:

“Rainbow in My Coffee Cup”

Full song lyrics:

*(Verse 1 – C G Am F)*
Met her in the coffee shop, she was reading a book,
Lost in a world of her own, I just had to look.
Her eyes were sparkling, like a rainbow in my coffee cup,
Knew right there, she was the one, I was all fired up.

*(Chorus – G Am F C)*
She’s the rainbow in my coffee cup,
The sunrise after a long night’s hold up.
She’s the melody in my favorite song,
With her, can’t go wrong.

*(Verse 2 – C G Am F)*
We talked for hours, laughed at our silly jokes,
Found solace in each other, among the city’s smoke.
She’s a dream, she’s a charm, she’s my lucky star,
With her, life’s a sweet melody, on my old guitar.

*(Chorus – G Am F C)*
She’s the rainbow in my coffee cup,
The sunrise after a long night’s hold up.
She’s the symphony in the city’s noise,
She’s my choice.

*(Outro – C G Am F)*
Now every morning’s brighter, with the rainbow in my cup,
She’s my sunrise, my melody, she’s my love.

The band’s favorite fan’s name and testimonial:

Fan’s Name: Sarah Thompson

Testimonial: “I’ve been a fan of Likable Presentation since their early days. They have a unique way of expressing real, everyday feelings with a touch of humor and optimism. Their song, ‘Rainbow in My Coffee Cup’, is a daily anthem for me – it’s about finding joy in simple things, which is something I believe in. Their music just makes me feel good and reminds me to appreciate the little things in life. They aren’t just a band to me, they’re like friends who understand, and that’s why they’re my favorite.”

Backstory:
Born from the eclectic rhythms of a bustling international terminal, Creamy Airport is a band that rose to fame in the most unusual of circumstances. Their origins were as humble as can be – four high school friends working at the same city airport to cover college tuition bills. On a particularly slow night, they began jamming using the tools at their disposal – a mop bucket drum set, an amplified suitcase bass, and microphone check announcements that became their first verses. They quickly discovered their shared love for music could turn a mundane airport into a symphony of sound. Upon being discovered by a famous producer stranded due to a flight delay, Creamy Airport’s journey took off to a whole new level.

Genre:
Indie Rock with hints of Electro-Pop

Title:
“Runway Love”

Song lyrics:

(Verse 1)
[C] She was a flight attendant, [G] I was just a bag boy,
[F] In this creamy airport, [C] we found our joy.
[G] Amidst the hustle and noise, [C] we shared a silent stare,
[F] Our runway love was born, [G] floating in the air.

(Chorus)
[C] Runway love, [G] in the heart of the night,
[F] Under the glow of the plane’s [C] soft light.
[G] In this creamy airport, [C] where dreams take flight,
[F] Our runway love [G] feels just right.

(Verse 2)
[C] Serving coffees and smiles, [G] she walks down the aisle,
[F] In this creamy airport, [C] she makes every mile worthwhile.
[G] As the engines roar and hum, [C] our hearts beat the same song,
[F] Amidst the echoing announcements, [G] this is where we belong.

(Chorus)
[C] Runway love, [G] in the heart of the night,
[F] Under the glow of the plane’s [C] soft light.
[G] In this creamy airport, [C] where dreams take flight,
[F] Our runway love [G] feels just right.

Favorite Fan’s Name and Testimonial:
Favorite Fan: Sarah Jenkins
Testimonial: “Creamy Airport is the soundtrack to my life. Their unique sound, the way they blend indie rock with electro-pop, it’s unlike anything else out there. ‘Runway Love’ is my favorite song. It’s not just the music that I love, but their backstory inspires me. It’s a reminder that no matter where you are, even in the most mundane places, magic can happen. Creamy Airport is not just my favorite band; they’re a symbol of hope and dreams taking flight.”

Backstory:

Lame Bell stumbled into existence during a late-night jam session in a dingy basement in 2013 in a small town in New Jersey. The town was dull, life was predictable, and music seemed to be the only escape for these five friends – Jace (vocals), Tommy (guitar), Ricky (bass), Danny (drums), and Lisa (Keyboard). During one such jam session, the group decided to make their music journey official, and hence, Lame Bell was born. The band name came from a running joke among the group about an old, broken bell in their high school that never rang right – it was, as they would say, a lame bell.

Genre:

Indie Pop/Rock

Title:

“Rusted Strings”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
[G] All these years, in this [D] small town,
[G] Nothing changes, it’s a [D] merry-go-round,
[G] We found solace in [D] our sound,
[G] Midst the noise, a refuge [D] we found.

(Chorus)
[C] Ring out, ring out, [G] our rusted strings,
[D] Echoing down the empty swings,
[C] The lame bell, it [G] sings and sings,
[D] In our hearts, its melody clings.

(Verse 2)
[G] Chasing dreams in the [D] dead of night,
[G] Scribbling songs under the [D] pale moonlight,
[G] We found rhythm, found our [D] fight,
[G] In every chord, in every [D] plight.

(Chorus)
[C] Ring out, ring out, [G] our rusted strings,
[D] Echoing in the lonely springs,
[C] The lame bell, it [G] sings and sings,
[D] Our anthem, to the world it brings.

Fan’s Testimonial:

My name is Kayla and Lame Bell is my favorite band. They’ve inspired me, and their music resonates deeply with my life. Their song “Rusted Strings” is particularly close to my heart as it represents the struggle and hope of people like me, living in small towns, dreaming big. This band is a beacon of light in my otherwise mundane life, and their music has been a constant companion, making me feel less alone in my journey. Their down-to-earth lyrics, infectious tunes, and the emotional depth of their songs make Lame Bell not just a band, but a movement that touches and influences the lives of people like me.

Backstory:
Self-Assured Horse is a dynamic group of four friends from the small town of Mandan, North Dakota, who found a common love for music during their high school years. The band was formed in 2013, initially a garage band, playing at school events and local gigs. Their talent was soon recognized by a local music producer who provided them with the opportunity to record their first EP. This launched their career and they have been climbing the charts ever since. Despite their recent success, the band remains grounded, attributing their achievements to their loyal fans and their upbringing in the earthy landscapes of North Dakota.

Genre:
Self-Assured Horse has rooted their unique sound in Alternative Folk, blending elements of Bluegrass, Indie, and Americana. Their music is characterized by its layered harmonies, intricate guitar riffs, and poetic lyrics, creating a sound that is both nostalgic and refreshingly new.

Title:
“One More River”

Full Song Lyrics:

[Verse 1]
C G Am G
Down in the valley, where the wildflowers grow,
F C G Am
There’s a river that continues to flow.
C G Am Em
I’ve crossed it before, in times of despair,
F C G C
Now it’s one more river, I’ve left to bear.

[Chorus]
Am Em F C
One more river, one more stone,
G Am F C
In this journey, I walk alone.
Am Em F C
One more sunrise, one more mile,
G Am F C
With every step, I find a reason to smile.

[Verse 2]
C G Am G
Underneath the stars, in the dead of the night,
F C G Am
I’ve found solace in the moon’s soft light.
C G Am Em
I’ve bridged many gaps, in times of fear,
F C G C
Now it’s one more river, drawing near.

[Chorus]
Am Em F C
One more river, one more stone,
G Am F C
In this journey, I walk alone.
Am Em F C
One more sunrise, one more mile,
G Am F C
With every step, I find a reason to smile.

Fan Testimonial:
The band’s favorite fan is Martha Jenkins. Martha is a librarian from their hometown of Mandan, and has been their biggest supporter since the band’s inception. She claims that Self-Assured Horse’s music has a soulful authenticity that resonates with her, likening their lyricism to the best works of literature. In her words, “Self-Assured Horse’s music feels like home. Their harmonies and lyrics blend to create a sound that speaks to my heart. Every song is a journey, and I feel honoured to be a part of it.”