Backstory:
Fantastic Store is a band that surfaced from the colorful and vibrant city of Chicago. Established in 2014, the group started as four college friends, Josh, Mason, Lily, and Bella, who shared a common love for music and a dream to make it big. They spent their weekends in the small basement of their shared apartment, creating tunes that resonated with their shared experiences and feelings. Their band name, ‘Fantastic Store,’ was inspired by their favorite local vinyl record store, where they spent countless hours discovering new music and getting inspired. Over time, they embraced their unique sound and started to perform at local bars and music festivals. Their heartfelt songs and passionate performances quickly garnered a loyal fan base, leading to their breakthrough in the music world.

Genre:
Indie Pop/Rock

Song Title:
“Vinyl Skies”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
[G] Under the vinyl skies, [D] chasing the morning light, [Em] we found our paradise, [C] in the music of the night. [G]
[D] Strumming the strings of time, [Em] we found a rhythm divine, [C] in our fantastic store, [G] we’re forever, we’re four. [D]

(Chorus)
[Em] We’re the dreamers in the night, [C] under the vinyl skies.
[G] We’re the music in your life, [D] in the rhythm, we rise.
[Em] We’re your tears and your smiles, [C] we’re your lows and your highs,
[G] Under the vinyl skies, [D] we’re your fantastic guys.

(Verse 2)
[G] Through the echoes of our song, [D] we found where we belong.
[Em] In the rhythm and the rhyme, [C] we found our own time. [G]
[D] In the fantastic store, [Em] we’re forever, we’re four.
[C] With every note we strike, [G] we ignite the vinyl skies. [D]

(Chorus)
[Em] We’re the dreamers in the night, [C] under the vinyl skies.
[G] We’re the music in your life, [D] in the rhythm, we rise.
[Em] We’re your tears and your smiles, [C] we’re your lows and your highs,
[G] Under the vinyl skies, [D] we’re your fantastic guys.

The bands favorite fan’s name and why and how this band is their favorite as a testimonial:

The band’s favorite fan is named Emily. She has been following Fantastic Store since the band’s inception. Emily has attended every gig, wearing a signature band t-shirt and always singing along to their songs. She claims that Fantastic Store’s music speaks to her on a deeply personal level, becoming somewhat of a soundtrack to her life. She feels a connection to the band which transcends the mere fan-artist relationship. Emily once stated in an interview, “Fantastic Store’s music is like a friend who understands exactly what you’re going through. Their songs have seen me through my highs and lows. They’re not just a band to me, they’re family.” This deep connection and loyalty have made Emily a special part of the Fantastic Store family.

Backstory:

Lovely Import was born out of a chance meeting at a Parisian open mic between two strangers from different ends of the world. Hugh O’Reilly, a wandering Irish folk singer, and Riku Nakamura, a Japanese electronic music producer on vacation, found common ground in their shared love of music and an insatiable hunger for cross-cultural exploration. They began crafting tunes that blend hauntingly beautiful Irish folk harmonies with the pulsating rhythm of Japanese techno. The name ‘Lovely Import’ was born out of their mutual admiration for each other’s culture and the import of the blend they were creating.

Genre:

Irish folk and Japanese electronic fusion

Title:

“Song of the Setting Sun”

Full song lyrics:

(Verse 1)
Am Em
A silent prayer, the night descends,
C G
Waves lapping at Kyoto’s ends.
Am Em
An Irish lullaby in the wind,
C G
Our tale of love is set to begin.

(Chorus)
Am Em
Song of the Setting Sun, carry our love,
C G
Over rolling hills to the stars above.
Am Em
Two hearts echo in the twilight’s hum,
C G
Dancing to the Song of the Setting Sun.

(Verse 2)
Am Em
Underneath the cherry blossom’s shade,
C G
We found a promise of love we’ve made.
Am Em
Sake and Guinness in a lover’s blend,
C G
In your arms, I found a home, my friend.

(Chorus)
Am Em
Song of the Setting Sun, carry our love,
C G
Over rolling hills to the stars above.
Am Em
Two hearts echo in the twilight’s hum,
C G
Dancing to the Song of the Setting Sun.

Fan Testimonial:

The band’s favorite fan is a young woman named Aoife. Her testimonial reads, “I’ve always felt caught between my rich Irish heritage and my love for Japanese culture. Lovely Import magically bridges that gap with their music. It’s as if they’ve given voice to a piece of my identity that I never knew needed expression. The ‘Song of the Setting Sun’ brings tears to my eyes every time. It’s a testament to the beauty that can be born out of cultural fusion. Lovely Import isn’t just my favorite band, they’re an essential part of my life.”

Backstory:
‘Lustrous Data’ was born in the vibrant streets of San Francisco, California, under the glittering city lights in the year 2015. The band was a fusion of four computer science college pals – Adrian, Isaac, Leah, and Sadie, each one hailing from different corners of the world, bringing a unique flavor and style to their music. Bound by their passion for coding and love for music, they decided to combine their creative and technical skills to create something extraordinary. Thus, ‘Lustrous Data’ came into existence, a band that symbolizes the harmonious blend of music and technology.

The band’s journey hasn’t been linear; they’ve had their fair share of highs and lows. But, with every challenge, their bond strengthened, and their music evolved, eventually leading them to sign a major record deal in 2018 and since then, they’ve been ascending the ladder of success, one hit track at a time.

Genre:
Synth-Pop/Rock with a touch of Electronic Dance Music

Title:
‘Binary Love’

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
Am Em F C
In a world of codes, hiding in the data stream,
Am Em F C
Found your love in the bits and bytes of a dream.

(Chorus)
G Am F C
Binary love, can never be undone,
G Am F C
Encoded hearts beat like a rhythm, so strong.

(Verse 2)
Am Em F C
Across the cyber lines, in the digital divide,
Am Em F C
Our love pulses like a neon tide.

(Chorus)
G Am F C
Binary Love, in the silicon sea,
G Am F C
In the rhythm of the code, we’re forever free.

Testimonial:
Fan’s name: Mike

Mike says, “I’ve always been a huge fan of bands that blend different genres, and ‘Lustrous Data’ is one such band that has managed to captivate my heart and mind. Their music is fresh, unique, and has a certain rhythm that resonates with the modern-day tech-savvy generation. Being an IT professional, I connect with their theme and lyrics on a personal level. ‘Binary Love’, their latest track, is my all-time favorite. It’s like they’ve coded a beautiful melody out of my daily life! I love how they’ve managed to fuse the technical world with the musical one. This band is not just my favorite; it’s a part of my life now.”

Backstory:
Other Issue is a group conceived in a cramped, dingy garage in the heart of San Francisco, California. It is made up of five friends, each possessing a unique musical background, from blues to punk rock, which has resulted in a melting pot of sounds that is truly their own. The band got their name as a reflection of the diversity and variety of their music, as well as their constant struggle to break through societal and personal issues that they feel are often overlooked.

Genre:
Alternative Rock

Title:
“Paper Parachutes”

Full Song Lyrics:

Verse 1 – [Em – G – Dsus2 – A]
(Em) Drifting through the (G) nightfall,
(Dsus2) Got no wings, just paper (A) parachutes,
(Em) Dreaming of the (G) sun-streaked sky,
(Dsus2) With these paper (A) parachutes.

Chorus – [C – G – D]
(C) Paper parachutes, (G) take me high,
(D) Above the world that’s been left behind,
(C) Paper parachutes, (G) guide my flight,
(D) To where dreams are born and hearts ignite.

Verse 2 – [Em – G – Dsus2 – A]
(Em) The city lights, they (G) grow dim,
(Dsus2) As I ascend with my paper (A) parachute,
(Em) Floating on the (G) moon’s soft hymn,
(Dsus2) The world beneath, now a mute (A).

Chorus – [C – G – D]
(C) Paper parachutes, (G) take me high,
(D) To where the moon and stars lie,
(C) Paper parachutes, (G) color my night,
(D) In shades of dreams and soft twilight.

Fan’s Favorite Testimonial:
The band’s favorite fan is Sammy Rodriguez, a college student from Los Angeles, who was introduced to Other Issue by a friend and has been a dedicated follower ever since. He appreciates their music for its rawness and authenticity, and their lyrics speak to him on a personal level. In his own words, “Other Issue has this unique way of expressing what I feel but can’t put into words. Their music is like the voice of my inner thoughts. It’s like they’re not just a band, but a friend who understands me. Also, their song ‘Paper Parachutes’ has been a constant on my playlist. It’s like a hopeful anthem for all of us trying to soar in life.”

Backstory:
Born out of the foggy streets of London in the mid-90s, Knobby Cough was formed by four friends with a shared love for music and a mutual distaste for the mundane. The band consists of charismatic lead vocalist and guitarist, Eddie ‘Knobs’ McVeigh, bassist Johnny ‘Cough’ Grange, beguiling keyboardist Sarah ‘Fuzz’ Harding and the ever-steady drummer, Mikey ‘Beat’ Hall. As teenagers, they would sneak into pubs and clubs, performing covers before they plucked up the courage to share their own material. Their talent was recognized by a record producer during an open mic one fateful night, and thus the journey of Knobby Cough began.

Facing an industry saturated with pop sounds and cookie-cutter bands, Knobby Cough chose to swim against the tide, embracing their unique blend of styles. Rooted in their shared love for blues, they wove in threads of indie rock, creating a sound that was entirely their own. Over the years, they have released five studio albums, each one delving into the different facets of their musical style and lyrical prowess.

Genre:
Indie Blues Rock

Title:
‘Underneath a Cloudless Sky’

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
Em G
Wake up to a morning chill,
C G
Underneath a cloudless sky.
Em G
An empty canvas, a hollow thrill,
C G
Life’s palette passing by.

(Chorus)
D Em
Let’s paint our dreams tonight,
C G
Underneath a cloudless sky.
D Em
With hues of love and fight,
C G
Watch the world pass us by.

(Verse 2)
Em G
Solitude in the crowd,
C G
Underneath a cloudless sky.
Em G
Voices echo, loud and proud,
C G
Yet silence is our lullaby.

(Chorus)
D Em
Let’s paint our dreams tonight,
C G
Underneath a cloudless sky.
D Em
With hues of love and fight,
C G
Watch the world pass us by.

(Outro)
Em G
As we dream beneath the stars,
C G
Life’s canvas takes flight,
Em G
Underneath a cloudless sky,
C G
We find our beautiful night.

Favorite Fan:
The band’s favorite fan is 26-year-old Lucy ‘Knobs’ Thompson. Lucy first discovered Knobby Cough’s music during a difficult time in her life and their songs gave her solace. She has attended every concert they’ve held in the UK and some in Europe too, proudly wearing her band tee and singing along to every lyric. Lucy says, “Knobby Cough isn’t just a band, they’re my beacon in the darkness. Their music is raw, honest, and speaks to the soul. I can’t imagine a world without their sound. They are my favorite because their music feels like home.”

Backstory:
Guilty Fireman was born out of an unconventional get-together in a small town firehouse in 2003. The four-man team, then full-time firefighters, found themselves drawn together by their mutual love for music. During their time off-duty, they would gather in the firehouse, using their equipment as makeshift instruments, crafting songs that spoke to their daily experiences. It was through these intimate jamming sessions that Guilty Fireman was ignited.

Their bold sound caught the attention of local music enthusiasts and they began playing small gigs at community events. They juggled their lives as firefighters and musicians until their music gained enough traction for them to make a difficult decision; to hang up their fire helmets and fully commit to their musical journey. Now, the band is known for their emotive lyrics, pulsating rhythms, and fiery performances that mirror the intensity of their firefighting past.

Genre:
Alternative Rock

Song Title:
“Ashes and Embers”

Full Song Lyrics:

Verse 1:
[C] Trapped in the heat, [Am] fighting the flame,
[G] We were heroes, not seeking [F] fame.
[C] Saving lives, was our [Am] game,
[G] But music was our secret [F] flame.

Chorus:
[G] Ashes and embers, [Am] fire’s sweet surrender,
[C] We traded our hoses, [F] for rock and roll poses.
[G] No more alarms in the [Am] night,
[C] Now we set the stage [F] alight.

Verse 2:
[C] We were the guardians, [Am] braving the blaze,
[G] Now we’re musicians, lost in a [F] daze.
[C] From firehouse to concert [Am] stage,
[G] This is our story, every [F] page.

Chorus:
[G] Ashes and embers, [Am] fire’s sweet surrender,
[C] We traded our helmets, [F] for microphones and sonnets.
[G] No more rescues in the [Am] night,
[C] Now we play our songs [F] right.

(Repeat Chorus)

Band’s Favorite Fan:
Our favorite fan is undoubtedly Lucy Thompson. A nurse by day and avid concert-goer by night, Lucy discovered us during one of our earliest gigs. She’s been our most loyal supporter, attending every show, and has since become our “fifth member” – she’s family.

Lucy said, “Guilty Fireman isn’t just a band, they’re a symbol of strength, courage, and resilience. Their music is raw and genuine, and it speaks to me on so many levels. The transition they’ve made from serving the community as firefighters to connecting with it through their music is truly inspiring. They’ve won the hearts of many, including mine, and I will always be their biggest fan.”

Backstory:
Waterlogged Veil was born out of the small coastal town of St. Lucia, Maine where the four members grew up together, always sharing an intense passion for music. They spent their high school years playing in various bands, performing at local venues, and honing their unique and dynamic sound. After graduation, they decided to pursue their shared passion full-time and formed Waterlogged Veil, taking their name from the foggy, veil-like conditions of their coastal hometown. Despite the challenges, they remained resilient and their close friendship helped them weave their shared experiences into their music, yielding a beautifully haunting, melodic result.

Genre:
Alternative Rock with a touch of Folk

Title:
“Drowned in Echoes”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
Em C G D
Lost by the lighthouse, caught in the rain,
Em C G D
Searching for answers, easing the pain.
Em C G D
The waves crash around us, the fog is our veil,
Em C G D
In this weathered landscape, our truth will prevail.

(Chorus)
Em C G D
Drowned in echoes, we found our name,
Em C G D
In the storm’s fury, we staked our claim.
Em C G D
Waterlogged Veil, erasing our fears,
Em C G D
In the heart of the tempest, our path clears.

(Verse 2)
Em C G D
From the coastal town, under the pine,
Em C G D
Crafting our music, line by line.
Em C G D
We sang our stories, loud and clear,
Em C G D
Anchored by friendship, year after year.

(Chorus)
Em C G D
Drowned in echoes, we found our name,
Em C G D
In the storm’s fury, we staked our claim.
Em C G D
Waterlogged Veil, erasing our fears,
Em C G D
In the heart of the tempest, our path clears.

Favorite Fan Testimonial:
My name is Molly McDermott, and I proudly call myself the biggest fan of Waterlogged Veil. Their music connects with me on a level that no other band can even touch. The depth of their lyrics, the raw emotion in their performance, and their overall captivating sound…it’s all so powerful. Every song feels like a journey, one that I can’t help but join in on. They’ve been my favorite band since they first started performing in St. Lucia, and I’ve followed their journey ever since. They truly are the heart and soul of our coastal town.

Backstory:

Exemplary Freedom was born in the heart of New York City in 2008, when four college friends decided they wanted to make a difference through music. Comprised of lead singer and bassist Jenna Golding, guitarist Jack “Jax” Turner, keyboardist and backing vocalist Emily Norton, and drummer Mike “Mikey” Ferris, the band started as an experiment in their college dorm rooms. They spent countless nights writing and practicing, their shared passion for music and social justice forming the backbone of their band.

Living in one of the most culturally diverse cities in the world, they found their inspiration in the vibrant surroundings, in the stories of the common people, the struggles, the joys, and the spirit of undying hope. Their music soon garnered local attention and they started performing in local bars and community events. In 2010, they landed a record deal with indie music label, ‘Raw Echoes’, releasing their debut album ‘Awakening’ which saw a meteoric rise in popularity, making Exemplary Freedom a household name in the indie music scene.

Genre:

Indie Rock with a touch of Soul

Title:

“Chains of Liberty”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
[G] Wandering through the streets of the [C] city,
[G] Listening to the silent cries of the [D] nitty-gritty.
[G] The hushed whispers of the [C] oppressed,
[D] Paint a picture of freedom, undressed.

(Chorus)
[G] Chains of Liberty, [C] bind us together,
[G] Wrapped in love, we [D] will never sever.
[G] Through the storm, through the [C] weather,
[D] Chains of Liberty, we’ll [G] stand forever.

(Verse 2)
[G] The rich man’s power, the [C] poor man’s dream,
[G] The world’s not always [D] what it seems.
[G] Between the lines of [C] black and white,
[D] Lie the colors of the fight.

(Chorus)
[G] Chains of Liberty, [C] bind us together,
[G] United in song, we [D] echo forever.
[G] In the face of hate, we [C] shall never waver,
[D] Chains of Liberty, our [G] eternal savior.

Favorite Fan’s Testimonial:

Name: Mia Thompson

“I’ve been a fan of Exemplary Freedom since their first gig at a local pub in Manhattan. Their music speaks to my soul, articulating the feelings and emotions I struggle to express. In today’s world, where there’s so much chaos and inequality, their songs like ‘Chains of Liberty’ encourage us to stand together, to fight for what’s right. They make me believe that music can change the world. It’s not just their music that I love. It’s their spirit, their integrity, their commitment to social justice. They make me proud to be a fan.”

Backstory:
Overdue Smoke was born out of the heart of Austin, Texas, in the summer of 2012. Lead singer and rhythm guitarist Josh Steele was a bartender at the local watering hole, “The Dirty Dog”, while lead guitarist Brandon “Boots” Walker was a recently discharged Marine looking for a new path. Their paths crossed one fateful night when Boots walked into the bar and the two started talking music. Their tastes were so alike, they decided to jam together. With the addition of bassist Mickey “the Shadow” Thompson and drummer Hank “Bulldog” Brown, Overdue Smoke was complete. Their passion for music led them to practice tirelessly for hours in a small garage, honing their craft and creating a unique sound that soon had a local following.

Genre:
Southern Rock/Blues Rock

Title:
“Cinder and Ash”

Full song lyrics:

Verse – C / G / Am / Em
( C ) Down in the valley where the ( G ) whispers grow,
( Am ) I found a love that was ( Em ) bound to flow.
( C ) She was a flame, burning ( G ) bright and fast,
( Am ) We danced together in the ( Em ) cinder and ash.

Chorus – D / Em / C / G
( D ) Cinder and ash, ( Em ) love’s fiery crash,
( C ) She was a spark in the ( G ) midnight’s hush.
( D ) Cinder and ash, ( Em ) lost in the flash,
( C ) We were a tale of the ( G ) cinder and ash.

Verse
( C ) Her love like fire, my heart ( G ) made of wood,
( Am ) Burning brighter than I ( Em ) thought it could.
( C ) Flames of passion, they don’t ( G ) last I knew,
( Am ) But I danced with her in the ( Em ) cinder and ash.

Chorus
( D ) Cinder and ash, ( Em ) love’s fiery crash,
( C ) She was a spark in the ( G ) midnight’s hush.
( D ) Cinder and ash, ( Em ) lost in the flash,
( C ) We were a tale of the ( G ) cinder and ash.

Fan’s Name:
Sarah Thompson

Testimonial:
“I’ve been a fan of Overdue Smoke since their first performance at the Dirty Dog. Their music resonates with me on a personal level. It’s raw, emotional, and unapologetic, just like life. The song “Cinder and Ash” in particular, helped me through a rough patch in my life. It’s my favorite because it tells a story of love, loss, and the beauty of fleeting moments, but also the pain they can cause. Each of their songs is filled with this kind of authenticity, that’s why Overdue Smoke is and will always be my favorite band.”

Backstory:
Buoyant Sheet, a music band that was born from the heart of Austin, Texas, is the epitome of serendipity. The band was formed when four friends, who were initially working on individual music projects, found themselves jamming together in a garage on a lazy summer evening. Jake and Harrison were childhood friends who had a shared love for indie rock. On the other hand, Martha, an enchanting singer, was a new addition to their group, and Tim, a percussion prodigy, was someone they had bumped into at a local music festival. What started as an impromptu jam session soon turned into a serious project when the four realized that they had a unique sound that deserved to be heard by more than just the walls of their garage.

Their journey was not without its fair share of challenges and setbacks, but every hurdle they faced only brought them closer together. The band’s name, Buoyant Sheet, was inspired by their shared belief in the power of music to lift spirits and keep them afloat even in the most trying times. Music was their buoyant sheet, and they wished to extend the same solace to their listeners.

Genre:
Indie Rock

Title:
“Runaway Echo”

Full Song Lyrics:

[Verse 1]
C G
Here in the silence, under the grey,
Am Em
We search for the colors, in the array.
C G
Holding the whispers, catching the rain,
Am Em
Our hearts beat in rhythm, bearing the pain.

[Chorus]
C G
Runaway echo, where do you fly?
Am Em
In the realm of dreams or the morning sky?
C G
Find us a melody, pure and bright,
Am Em
Make our hearts buoyant, in the moonlight.

[Verse 2]
C G
Through the shadows, under the stars,
Am Em
We trace our journey, carrying our scars.
C G
Finding our harmony, in the silent night,
Am Em
We play until dawn, in the pale moonlight.

[Chorus]
C G
Runaway echo, where do you soar?
Am Em
Over the mountains, or the distant shore?
C G
Bring us a song, that sets us free,
Am Em
Fill our hearts buoyant, with your melody.

Favorite Fan:
The band’s favorite fan is Sarah Coleman. She has been following Buoyant Sheet since their garage days and has been an ardent supporter, attending every gig, purchasing their music and merchandise, and even promoting them on social media. Sarah loves Buoyant Sheet’s music for its authenticity and the raw emotions it evokes. She says, “Their music speaks to me on a personal level. It is as if every song was written just for me. The band members are also down-to-earth and genuinely care for their fans. To me, Buoyant Sheet is not just a band; they are a family.”