Backstory:
Monthly Function was formed in the summer of 2010 by a group of college friends on a road trip from their hometown of Austin, Texas to the sandy beaches of San Diego. The band’s founding members, frontman Jerry Thompson, guitarist Sam Ortiz, bassist Rachel Li, and drummer Tom Peterson, were all studying different disciplines – from computer science to literature – but they shared a love for music. The band’s name, ‘Monthly Function,’ was inspired by the monthly jam sessions they used to hold in their dorm rooms. These informal gatherings evolved into serious songwriting and music-making sessions. Since their college years, Monthly Function has grown from playing in small local venues to performing at big music festivals, garnering an impressive fan base along the way.

Genre:
Indie Pop with a hint of Electronica

Title:
“Binary Love Affairs”

Full Song Lyrics:
(Verse 1)
[G] Binary love affairs, [Em] we’re playing truth or dare
[C] Who will be the one to [D] break the code?
[G] In this digital game, [Em] you’re not just a name
[C] We’re tangled in the [D] web that we weave

(Chorus)
[Am] Pixels and bytes, [C] flashing neon lights
[G] Caught in the spell of [D] this binary love
[Am] Magnetic attraction, [C] electronic satisfaction
[G] Are we just numbers in [D] this game of love?

(Verse 2)
[G] Let’s decode the silence, [Em] break the compliance
[C] In this world of [D] zeroes and ones
[G] Our hearts beat in rhythm, [Em] in this digital kingdom
[C] There’s no escape from [D] this binary run

(Chorus)
[Am] Pixels and bytes, [C] flashing neon lights
[G] Caught in the spell of [D] this binary love
[Am] Magnetic attraction, [C] electronic satisfaction
[G] Are we just numbers in [D] this game of love?

Favorite Fan:
The band’s favorite fan is a software engineer named Oliver. He’s been following the band since their first gig in Austin and hasn’t missed a single show since. In his testimonial, Oliver writes, “As a tech geek, I resonate with Monthly Function’s fusion of indie pop and electronica. Their songs, especially ‘Binary Love Affairs,’ are like a soundtrack to my life. The band doesn’t just create music; they create experiences that make me feel seen and heard. It’s an incredible feeling to find music that speaks your language, literally and metaphorically. It’s why Monthly Function is hands down my favorite band.”

Backstory:

Potable Call began as a light-hearted joke during college days in the mid-2000s when roommates and best friends, Aaron (guitar and vocals) and Kyle (drums), started playing cover songs at local bars around their Boston campus. Their name, Potable Call, came about during an alcohol-fueled late-night brainstorming session, initially meant to be just a playful reference to their love for beer. However, as their popularity grew around the local scene, they decided to keep the name, feeling it perfectly represented their light-hearted approach to music. When they met Emily (bass guitar), and Oliver (keyboard and background vocals) at a local music festival, they knew they had found their missing pieces. The result was a band that holds true to its roots as a college buddy’s project but brings a maturity and depth that only time and friendship can cultivate.

Genre:

Indie Pop/Rock with a touch of Blues

Title:

“Hot Air Balloon”

Full Song Lyrics:

[Verse 1]
C G Am Em
I met you in the middle of a crowd,
F C G
You were looking at me like a child
C G Am Em
I took you for a ride, around the city lights,
F C G
Underneath the stars, we came alive.

[Chorus]
Am F C G
We’re like a hot air balloon, floating high above,
Am F C G
In the arc of the moon, we found our kind of love.
Am F C G
With the wind in our hair, and the world below,
Am F C G
We’re a hot air balloon, in the afterglow.

[Verse 2]
C G Am Em
The city sleeps but we’re awake,
F C G
In our balloon, we float away.
C G Am Em
No fears, no tears, just you and me,
F C G
On our journey to infinity.

[Chorus]
Am F C G
We’re like a hot air balloon, floating high above,
Am F C G
In the arc of the moon, we found our kind of love.
Am F C G
With the wind in our hair, and the world below,
Am F C G
We’re a hot air balloon, in the afterglow.

Favorite Fan:

The band’s favorite fan is named Sophie, a university student from their hometown who has followed their journey from the very beginning. Sophie was the one who organized their first-ever fan club and has since then been a driving force in promoting the band across social media platforms.

Sophie’s Testimonial:

“To me, Potable Call is more than just a band. They’re a symbol of friendship, love, and the undying spirit of staying young at heart. Every song they play takes me back to simpler times, and it’s like I’m also a part of their journey. They’re my favorite band not only because of their incredible music but because through their songs, I find a sense of belonging and home.”

Backstory:

Flaky Need was born in the bustling city of Chicago in 2012, formed by four childhood friends who shared an unconditional love for music. The members, lead singer and guitarist Frank Mars, drummer Eddie Kingston, bassist Alfie Brooks, and keyboardist Paul Stanton, initially bonded over their collective need to escape routine life and express their shared experiences through music. The band was initially a hobby, a way for them to come together, unwind, and enjoy their shared passion. However, their unique sound quickly drew attention from the local music scene, and they soon found themselves transitioning from small-time hobbyists to full-time musicians. Their rise to fame has been a whirlwind, but their bond and love for music have remained as strong as ever.

Genre:

Alternative Rock and Indie Pop

Title:

“Against the Grain”

Full Song Lyrics:

[Verse 1]
Am E Dm C
Walking on the edge, we’ve been cast aside,
Am E Dm C
Fighting for a place in this crazy ride.
Am E Dm C
We’re the lost souls, the midnight’s children,
Am E Dm C
Born to the night, to the moon, we’re hidden.

[Chorus]
G C Am E
Against the grain, we’re breaking the chain.
G C Am E
With hearts aflame, we’ll rise in our name.

[Verse 2]
Am E Dm C
In the brightest days, we’ve seen darkest nights,
Am E Dm C
Scribbling our dreams in the city lights.
Am E Dm C
We’re the unheard voices, the silent screams,
Am E Dm C
In the world of chaos, we’re chasing dreams.

[Chorus]
G C Am E
Against the grain, we’re breaking the chain.
G C Am E
With hearts aflame, we’ll rise in our name.

[Bridge]
F C G Am
We won’t be tamed, we’re not the same,
F C G Am
In this game, we’re not to blame.

[Chorus]
G C Am E
Against the grain, we’re breaking the chain.
G C Am E
With hearts aflame, we’ll rise in our name.

Favorite Fan’s Testimonial:

Our favorite fan is Lisa Thompson. She’s been with us from the start, attending every show, buying every album, and even driving for hours to see us perform in different cities. Lisa says, “Flaky Need is my favorite band because their music really speaks to me. It’s raw, it’s real, and it’s relatable. Every song feels like it’s telling a story that I can personally connect with. They are not just musicians but storytellers, and I believe that’s what sets them apart.”

Backstory:
“Worthwhile King” is an unlikely fusion of four individuals, from diverse cultural and musical backgrounds, who all met at a music theory class in college. Each member fell in love with the idea of creating unique music that transcends boundaries and speaks directly to the soul. The meeting of their minds and the kinship they discovered in their shared passion birthed an inexplicable musical synergy that lives on as Worthwhile King.

The band’s charismatic frontman, Finn, is a trained classical singer who grew up in a family of musicians in Nashville. The lead guitarist, Ricky, is a maestro of the rock genre, hailing from Seattle. The rhythmic heart of the band, drummer Kyra, was raised amidst the vibrant rhythms of New Orleans jazz. Lastly, the band’s bassist, Ethan, who also plays the piano, is a blues enthusiast from Chicago. Together, they create an extraordinary fusion that is Worthwhile King.

Genre:
Their music is best defined as an eclectic mix of alternative rock, blues, and classical music with strains of jazz.

Song Title:
“Under the Shaded Moon”

Full song lyrics:
Verse 1:
Em G
Under the shaded moon, where we used to play
C D
Lost in the echoes of yesterday
G Em
Your laughter still lingers, sweet as the dew
C D
And I stray in the memories of me and you

Chorus:
G D Em
Under the shaded moon, I found my peace
C G D
In the tender gleam of your love’s release
Em G C
We danced with the shadows, beneath the stars
D G
You and I, bound by our battle scars.

Verse 2:
Em G
The whispers of the wind, the rustling leaves
C D
Speaks of our tale, as the night believes
G Em
In your absence, the silence grew
C D
Under the shaded moon, I still find you

(Chorus repeats)

The band’s favorite fan:
Worthwhile King’s favorite fan is a woman named Liv Alexander. Liv, who has been deaf since birth, experienced Worthwhile King’s music through vibration and rhythm. She describes their music as “resonating within her soul, creating beautiful imagery in her mind.” She loves how their sound can be felt and not just heard. She wrote to them, saying, “Your music gives me a sense of belonging and understanding that I’ve never felt with any other band. The vibrations and rhythm tell me a story, and it’s a story I am a part of. Thank you for creating such impactful and inclusive music!” The band was moved by this, and Liv’s deep connection with their music motivates them to continue creating their unique sound.

Backstory:
There’s something strangely compelling about the juxtaposition of humor and melancholy, and no band embodies that more than Drab Laugh. Born in the heart of Akron, Ohio, in 1996, Drab Laugh is a quartet that found each other in the most unlikely of places — a local comedy club’s open mic night. Each member was in attendance for their own reasons, but they all shared a common passion for music that transcended the usual boundaries of genre and form. The band’s members, lead vocalist and bassist Alex Hartley, guitarist Kevin Scott, drummer Oliver Jones, and pianist Michael Tucker, initially bonded over their shared love for 90s grunge and a curiosity for the avant-garde. The group quickly discovered a unique sonic chemistry, and Drab Laugh was born.

The band gained a significant local following with their unconventional fusion of grunge, punk, and something they referred to as “emo comedy”. Their music was marked by Hartley’s evocatively melancholic lyrics paired with an unexpectedly buoyant musical backdrop, garnering them critical acclaim and a dedicated fanbase. Two decades later, Drab Laugh continues to defy expectations with their distinctive sound and an unending commitment to push the boundaries of musical norms.

Genre:
Alternative Rock / Emo Comedy

Title:
“Jester in the Rain”

Full Song Lyrics:
(Verse 1)
Am – C – G – D
I’m a jester in the rain, trying to hide my pain
Casting laughs and jests in vain, against a world insane

Wearing a smile, while my heart cries
Feeling so lost in these endless lies
A broken soul beneath the jesters guise, in the pouring rain I realize.

(Chorus)
C – G – D – Em
Laugh, laugh, in the drab, drab rain
Life’s a circus, and we’re all to blame
Jester, jester, wash away your pain
In the drab, drab rain, laugh again.

(Verse 2)
Am – C – G – D
Tears mingle with the falling rain, a mural of my silent pain
On the stage of life, I remain, a jester in the rain

Heart stripped bare, under the neon lights
World’s a stage, and the audience delights
Yet beneath the humor, a battle fights, a jester in the rain, takes flight.

(Chorus)
C – G – D – Em
Laugh, laugh, in the drab, drab rain
Life’s a circus, and we’re all to blame
Jester, jester, wash away your pain
In the drab, drab rain, laugh again.

(Outro)
Am – C – G – D
I’m a jester in the rain, laughing through my pain
Life’s a circus, we’re all the same, but in the drab, drab rain, I’ll remain.

The band’s favorite fan’s name and testimonial:
Name: Emily Brown

Emily’s testimonial:
“There’s something hauntingly beautiful about Drab Laugh. Their music reaches into the deepest corners of my soul and pulls out emotions I didn’t know I had. They masterfully blend humor and sadness in a way that’s both cathartic and liberating. Their song ‘Jester in the Rain’ especially resonates with me. It’s like a balm for my angst-ridden soul, a reassurance that it’s okay to feel sad, to laugh, to be human. I’ve seen them live countless times, and every time it’s a transcendent experience. Drab Laugh isn’t just my favorite band – they’re a part of me.”

Backstory:
Conscious Revolution formed in 2012 when four college friends, Jack, Mike, Lily, and Sam, found a common ground in their passion for music and social activism. They initially started as a garage band, performing at local gigs and college events. Their music spoke to the millennials, touching raw and delicate issues like climate change, racial injustice, and mental health. The band was always about more than just the music, aiming to create a space where listeners could engage and reflect upon social issues. Their first big break came when they were discovered by a music producer at one of their college events. The producer was so moved by their lyrics that he signed them to his label, and they’ve been on the rise ever since.

Genre:
Alternative Rock/Indie-pop

Title:
“Whispers in the Wind”

Full Song Lyrics:
(Verse 1)
Em C
Look around, what do you see?
G D
A world in chains, desperate to be free.
Em C
We’re all just whispers in the wind,
G D
Bearing witness to the world’s sin.

Chorus:
Em C
Rise up, let your voice be heard,
G D
We are the conscious, we are the word.
Em C
Ignite the flame, begin the revolution,
G D
This is our time, this is our solution.

(Verse 2)
Em C
Speak your truth, don’t be afraid,
G D
We are the change that must be made.
Em C
The winds of change are blowing,
G D
In our hearts, the seeds we’re sowing.

Chorus:
Em C
Rise up, let your voice be heard,
G D
We are the conscious, we are the word.
Em C
Ignite the flame, begin the revolution,
G D
This is our time, this is our solution.

Fan’s Testimonial:
Name: Emily Thompson

“Conscious Revolution isn’t just a band to me, it’s a movement. Their music speaks to my soul and gives voice to the issues I care about deeply. In ‘Whispers in the Wind,’ it feels like they’ve encapsulated my thoughts and feelings about the world. Their candid lyrics, coupled with their unique sound, make them my absolute favorite band. They are more than just entertainers; they are catalysts for change, urging us all to become more aware and proactive. I am proud to be part of the Conscious Revolution.”

Backstory:

Dangerous Paper was born in the buzzing music scene of Austin, Texas. The band was formed in 2013 by lead vocalist and guitarist, James “Jimmy” Hernandez, who was working part-time at a local bookstore. As he was surrounded by countless stories, he found inspiration and decided to turn these stories into songs. Joining him were long-time friends and fellow musicians, drummer Marcus “Marc” Evans, bassist Samuel “Sammy” Bailey, and keyboardist Lisa “Lizzy” Johnson. They started out playing at small gigs and open mics, winning over the local crowd. Their unique sound quickly caught the attention of record labels, leading to their meteoric rise in the industry.

Genre:

Alternative Rock

Title:

“Origami Hearts”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse1)
Am
Turning pages in the dead of night,
G
Caught in stories, twisting black and white,
F
In the silence, we find our light,
C
In the chapters, we learn to fight.

(Chorus)
Em
Origami hearts, folded in our hands,
Am
Stories from the start, shaped by life’s demands,
F
Torn and mended parts, ink-stained bands,
C
In a book of love, written in the sands.

(Verse 2)
Am
In the margins, we find our path,
G
In the footnotes, we face our wrath,
F
Between the lines, we feel the aftermath,
C
In the endnotes, we find our craft.

(Chorus)
Em
Origami hearts, folded in our hands,
Am
Stories from the start, shaped by life’s demands,
F
Torn and mended parts, ink-stained bands,
C
In a book of love, written in the sands.

(Outro)
F
In the cover to the last page,
C
Our journey painted on the stage,
Am
In the ink, we find our brave,
G
In Dangerous Paper, we find our wave.

Fan Name:

Jessica Wilson

Testimonial:

“Dangerous Paper has been my favorite band since high school. Their unique blend of alternative rock and storytelling lyrics has always resonated with me. There’s something about Jimmy’s voice that just pulls you in and doesn’t let go. And don’t even get me started on Marc, Sammy, and Lizzy. They’re all phenomenal musicians. Their song “Origami Hearts” just hits differently! I always find myself humming it unconsciously. I’m proud to say I’ve been to every concert within a 100-mile radius. Dangerous Paper is more than just a band to me. They’re the soundtrack to my life.”

Backstory:

Happy Curtain was formed by a quintet of college friends from the University of Vermont in 2010: lead singer and guitarist Jamie Stevenson, drummer Luke McGinnis, bassist Carrie Grey, keyboardist Ethan Miller, and violinist Alice Sullivan. The group met during their time in the university’s music program and began jamming together in their free time. They quickly discovered a shared love for folk music, upbeat melodies, and profound lyrics. After performing at a few local gigs and receiving positive feedback, they decided to formally become a band, thus Happy Curtain was born.

Happy Curtain’s name was inspired by a quirky incident in their college apartment. They hung a brightly colored curtain, bought at a thrift store, in their living room. The curtain, full of vibrant hues, brought a lot of joy and happiness into their lives during stressful times. It became a symbol of their shared joy in music, hence the name Happy Curtain.

Genre: Indie Folk

Title: “Beneath the Old Oak”

Full Song Lyrics:

Verse:
[C] Underneath the old oak, [G] we spent our days,
[D] Laughing and singing in the [Em] sun’s warm rays.
[C] We shared secrets and dreams, [G] beneath its shade,
[D] Carved our initials, on its [Em] bark they stayed.

Chorus:
[G] And oh, [D] how the winds would blow,
[Em] We’d sway with the oak, [C] high and low.
[G] And oh, [D] beneath the old oak tree,
[Em] That’s where we discovered, [C] what we could be.

Verse:
[C] Seasons changed, and [G] so did we,
[D] But the old oak stood firm, [Em] strong and free.
[C] Our rendezvous, our [G] secret place,
[D] Amidst life’s whirl, it was our [Em] calm space.

Chorus:
[G] And oh, [D] when the storms did rage,
[Em] Beneath the old oak, we found our [C] sage.
[G] And oh, [D] beneath the old oak’s might,
[Em] We’d find ourselves, [C] in the quiet of the night.

Fan’s Name: Sarah Thompson

Sarah Thompson is a dedicated fan of Happy Curtain, having followed their journey from their first local gig in Vermont. She fell in love with their music due to its uplifting tone and deep, relatable lyrics. “Happy Curtain’s music has been a beacon in my life, especially their song ‘Beneath the Old Oak’,” Sarah shares. “It reminds me of the simpler times and the beauty of friendships and shared memories. The song’s melody is captivating, and the lyrics touch my soul. Their music is like that bright curtain – spreading happiness everywhere it goes!”

Backstory:

Close Hall was born out of the vibrant music scene in Austin, Texas, where their unique sound stood out in an already eclectic mix. The band, composed of childhood friends Dan, Alex, and Julie, started as a trio playing in local bars and coffee houses. Their passion for music quickly caught the attention of producer, Rolly Anderson, who saw potential in their raw energy and close-knit chemistry.

While their sound has evolved over the years, Close Hall has still managed to keep their roots intact. Their music is a reflection of their journey, from playing in small venues to selling out concerts. Their undying passion for music and their bond as friends have been the heart of the band, making them not just bandmates but a family.

Genre:
Indie Pop

Title:
“Stuck in a Daydream”

Full Song Lyrics:

Verse 1: (G, Em, C, D)
G
Lost within the city lights,
Em
We found magic in the night.
C
Laughter echoes in the air,
D
We leave our worries and despair.

Chorus: (Em, C, G, D)
Em
We’re stuck in a daydream,
C
Living life like a movie scene.
G
In the rhythm, we sway,
D
As the music begins to play.

Verse 2: (G, Em, C, D)
G
Street corners become our stage,
Em
In this world, we are the sage.
C
Chasing the melody line,
D
In the rhythm, we intertwine.

Chorus: (Em, C, G, D)
Em
We’re stuck in a daydream,
C
Living life like a movie scene.
G
In the rhythm, we sway,
D
As the music begins to play.

(Final Chorus)
Em
We’re stuck in a daydream,
C
Living life like a movie scene.
G
In the rhythm, we sway,
D
As the music begins to play.
G
As the music begins to play.

Favorite Fan:

Close Hall’s favorite fan is a girl named Lily. She has been with them since their early days, always showing up at their gigs and supporting them unconditionally. She was instrumental in spreading their music in the Austin music scene. Lily shared, “I fell in love with Close Hall’s music the first time I heard them in a small bar in downtown Austin. Their music speaks to me on a personal level and I feel a connection with their lyrics. Their journey inspires me and shows that with passion and hard work, you can achieve your dreams. Close Hall is my favorite band because they make music from their heart and it shows in every single song they create.”

Backstory:

Formed in the heart of Philadelphia, Plaintive Passenger began its journey in the vibrant music scene in 2010. The band consists of four childhood friends – Joan Carter (vocals/guitar), Nick Stanfield (bass), Rose Turner (drums), and Sam Mitchell (lead guitar). The friends were all bitten by the music bug early in life and started off playing in various local bands, but it was not until they combined their influences and talents that they found their true sound and voice. Plaintive Passenger’s unique blend of introspective lyricism and haunting melodies quickly gained them a growing fanbase and critical acclaim.

Genre:

Alternative Rock

Title:

“Lost in Echoes”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
Em – G – D – A
In the caverns of my mind, I find myself again,
Lost within the echoes, a solitary den.
Walking on the thin line, between love and disdain,
Oh, I’m searching for an answer, in this endless, pouring rain.

(Chorus)
C – G – D – Em
So I sing my song to the empty night,
Lost in echoes, hidden from the light.
Will you find me, will you take my hand?
Lost in echoes, in a far-off distant land.

(Verse 2)
Em – G – D – A
Walking in circles, trapped in my own thoughts,
Battling the demons, in a war that’s never fought.
In the maze of memories, where past and present blend,
I find myself alone, lost at the world’s end.

(Chorus)
C – G – D – Em
So I scream my fears to the silent stars,
Lost in echoes, hidden behind these bars.
Will you hear me, will you understand?
Lost in echoes, in an unseen, unnamed land.

Favorite Fan:

The band’s favorite fan is Matthew Howards, a high school teacher from their hometown of Philadelphia. According to Matthew, “Plaintive Passenger is more than just a band; it’s an emotion, a story of life that resonates with every chord, every word they sing. I was fortunate to have followed them from their garage band days to this massive success. Their songs have been my solace in tough times and a companion in joyous ones. The raw, honest lyrics of songs like ‘Lost in Echoes’ touch the soul and make you feel seen, heard, and less alone in this world. They’re not just my favorite band, they’re my beacon of hope and inspiration.”