Backstory:

Upright Guest is a collection of four childhood friends – Jim on vocals, Pete on guitar, Harry on the drums, and Tom on bass. Growing up together in the small town of Caledonia, Minnesota, the guys found a common love for music, which became their solace from the mundane country life. They started jamming in high school, using their parents’ basements and garages as studios and performance spaces. Gradually, they began to gain a local reputation through their participation in local gigs and talent shows. Upon finishing school, the quartet decided to take a leap of faith and pursue music full-time, transforming from a pastime to a career. They took the name ‘Upright Guest,’ a term that they found amusingly ironic yet resonating with their humble beginnings and uncompromising approach to their music.

Genre:

Upright Guest is predominantly an Indie Rock band, but their music also takes on distinctive elements of Folk and Blues, reflecting their mid-western roots.

Title:

“Through the Lanes of Our Past”.

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
[G] Down the lanes of our past, [D] under the old city lights,
[Em] We used to share our dreams, [C] gazing at the starry nights.
[G] Chasing the echoes of laughter, [D] and the songs of our youth,
[Em] In the face of all odds, [C] we clung to our truth.

(Chorus)
[G] Upright we stand, [D] guests in this land,
[Em] Singing our hearts out, [C] with guitars in our hand.
[G] For love, for life, [D] for every strife,
[Em] We are Upright Guest, [C] and this is our life.

(Verse 2)
[G] Through the struggles and the victories, [D] we held on to each other,
[Em] In the symphony of life, [C] we found our colors.
[G] From the quiet country lanes, [D] to the city’s hustle and noise,
[Em] We shared our stories, [C] through the strings and our voice.

(Chorus)
[G] Upright we stand, [D] guests in this land,
[Em] Singing our hearts out, [C] with guitars in our hand.
[G] For love, for life, [D] for every strife,
[Em] We are Upright Guest, [C] and this is our life.

Fan Testimonial:

The band’s most ardent fan is Linda Carter, a local school teacher. She has followed Upright Guest since their early days, and their music has been a soundtrack to her life. Linda says, “There’s something so genuine and raw about Upright Guest that you rarely find in today’s music. They put their heart and soul into every song. Being from the same town, their lyrics resonate with me as they tell stories of our shared past. They’re more than just a band to me; they are the voice of our town, our people, and our shared experiences.”

Backstory:

Neglected Ministry, hailing from the raw and throbbing heart of Manchester, UK, came together in the chaotic landscape of the late 1990s. The band’s founding members, Jonny “Fingers” McNeil and Patrick “Paddy” O’Shaughnessy, were childhood friends who grew up together in the city’s local council estates. They formed the band as a way to escape their difficult backgrounds and express their feelings of rebellion and longing for change through their music. Having been fired from a series of dead-end jobs, Jonny and Paddy decided to channel their pent-up frustration and passion into music. Soon, they were joined by the talented drummer Amy “Rat” Ratcliffe, a classically trained musician with a wild streak, completing the raw essence of Neglected Ministry.

Genre:

Alternative Punk Rock

Title:

“Riot of the Forgotten”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
[G]Down the lane of the [C]forgotten,
[D]We scream out loud, our [Em]hearts rotten.
[G]In the alleys where dreams are [C]sold,
[D]We riot for stories [Em]untold.

(Chorus)
[G]We’re the Neglected [C]Ministry,
[D]Carrying the cross of [Em]anarchy.
[G]In the darkness, we find our [C]light,
[D]Dancing with shadows, [Em]all through the night.

(Verse 2)
[G]Against the walls of [C]oppression,
[D]We find our strength, the [Em]transgression.
[G]On the streets of silent [C]cries,
[D]We sing of forgotten [Em]ties.

(Chorus)
[G]We’re the Neglected [C]Ministry,
[D]Carrying the cross of [Em]anarchy.
[G]In the darkness, we find our [C]light,
[D]Dancing with shadows, [Em]all through the night.

(Bridge)
[G]We won’t bow, we won’t [C]break,
[D]Built on hope, for [Em]freedom’s sake.
[G]From the ashes, we [C]rise,
[D]Echoing the neglected [Em]cries.

(Chorus)
[G]We’re the Neglected [C]Ministry,
[D]Carrying the cross of [Em]anarchy.
[G]In the darkness, we find our [C]light,
[D]Dancing with shadows, [Em]all through the night.

Fan’s name:

Liam Gallagher

Testimonial:

“I’ve been a fan of Neglected Ministry since their first gig in a dingy Manchester pub. The raw energy, the unfiltered emotion, it’s all bloody real. It’s as if they’re the voice of the unheard, the neglected, just like their name suggests. Their music’s a proper riot, a wake-up call to society. It’s the kind of music that reminds you why you fell in love with punk rock in the first place. And their song ‘Riot of the Forgotten’, mate, it’s an anthem for the ages. Love it!”

Backstory:
Vicious Deposit was formed in the bustling city of Los Angeles in 2012. The founding members, Frankie “Bass” Johnson and Marty “Shredder” Thompson, first met in a grimy dive bar known for its live punk scene. Frankie was a disillusioned banker who had started playing the bass as an outlet for his frustration, while Marty was an ex-skateboarder turned guitarist with a fondness for fast and loud music. Their shared love for gritty, raw music and disillusionment with everyday life sparked an instant bond, and Vicious Deposit was born.

Despite their hard-hitting name, Vicious Deposit is more than just punk and rage. They aim to channel their frustrations into their music, creating an explosive, resonant sound that captures the spirit of rebellion and the ennui of modern life. Over the years, they have gained a dedicated fan base, and their performances at the local music festivals have become one of the much-awaited highlights.

Genre: Punk Rock

Title: “Withdrawal Pain”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
Am (C) I’m running on an empty street
F (G) My pockets are empty, got no beat
Am (C) I’ve given all, nothing to retain
F (G) Stuck in this circle of withdrawal pain

(Chorus)
Am (C) Vicious deposit, in my veins
F (G) Withdrawal pain, constant rain
Am (C) Nothing to gain, everything to loose
F (G) In this game, we didn’t choose

(Verse 2)
Am (C) I’m fighting a system, built to defeat
F (G) Grinding us down, till we admit defeat
Am (C) Our voices echo, but in vain
F (G) Lost in this maze of withdrawal pain

(Chorus)
Am (C) Vicious deposit, in our brains
F (G) Withdrawal pain, unending chains
Am (C) Dreams crash, like a runaway train
F (G) Leaving us with this withdrawal pain

Fans Favorite:
Name: Jenny “Riot” Harrison

Testimonial:
“I was just a bored teenager when I first heard Vicious Deposit. Their music, raw and unfiltered, spoke to me on a level no other band ever has. Their songs are more than just angst and rebellion, they reflect the struggles and frustrations we all face. Their song ‘Withdrawal Pain’ became my anthem, and it still resonates with me to this day. Vicious Deposit’s music gives me the strength to face my everyday demons. They are more than just my favorite band – they’re my inspiration.”

Backstory:

Tedious Top was born in the gritty heart of 1980s Seattle, a city soaked in rain and steeped in music history. The band was composed of three childhood friends – lead vocalist and guitarist, Max “Mackie” Jones, drummer, Pete “Pepper” Martinez, and bassist, Jamie “Jam” Thompson. They began their journey in the small but vibrant underground music scene of their city, making noise in dimly lit basements and intimate clubs. Their passion for music, fueled by angst, rebellion, and a desire to be heard, quickly gained them a loyal following.

Their breakthrough came in the form of an impromptu performance at a dive bar, where they were noticed by a record producer who was awestruck by their raw energy and unique sound. A record deal followed shortly after, catapulting Tedious Top into the mainstream, and solidifying their place in the annals of rock history.

Genre:
Punk Rock/Alternative

Title:
“Rusted Chains”

Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
C G Am Em
Rusted chains, broken dreams,
F C G Am
We’re caught in between, what’s real and unseen.
C G Am Em
City lights, neon screams,
F C G Am
We’re chasing the high, but we’re falling in between.

(Chorus)
Am Em F C
Break these chains, let us be,
G Am F C
In this world, we yearn to be free.
Am Em F C
In the rain, on the streets,
G Am F C
We find our rhythm, we find our beat.

(Verse 2)
C G Am Em
In the shadows, we find our fame,
F C G Am
In the noise, we lose our name.
C G Am Em
Through the struggle, we stake our claim,
F C G Am
We’re just pawns, in their wicked game.

(Repeat chorus)

Fan Testimonial:

“My name is Sarah. I’m a die-hard fan of Tedious Top. Their music really speaks to me. It’s raw and real, it reflects my struggle, my rebellion against the status quo. I’ve been with them since their dive bar days, their music has been my companion through highs and lows. It’s more than just music for me, it’s my life anthem. The way ‘Rusted Chains’ resonates with my own life is indescribable. Tedious Top isn’t just a band for me, it’s a beacon of hope and rebellion. I proudly say, I’m a Topper for life.”

Backstory:
The band Deserted Landscape was born in the heart of Ohio in the summer of 2010. The seven-member group was formed by a group of childhood friends who found solace in the rich world of music. After escaping the mundanity of the corporate life, they decided to pursue their passion for music full-time. They named their band ‘Deserted Landscape’ to symbolize their journey of leaving behind their old lives for a desolate, yet promising, terrain of creativity.

Their music draws inspiration from their personal lives, painting vivid images of love, loss, and longing. Over the years, Deserted Landscape has successfully created a unique blend of acoustic rock and folk, enchanting listeners with their soulful sound and poignant lyrics. The band is known for their electrifying performances and has a loyal fan base across the globe.

Genre:
Acoustic Rock / Folk

Title:
“Crimson Sunset”

Full Song Lyrics:
(Verse 1)
Am G
Underneath the crimson sunset,
F C
We found escape, no regrets.
Am G
With our dreams in a worn-out suitcase,
F C
We chose a road, a deserted landscape.

(Chorus)
G C
Oh, the echoes of our past,
Am Em
Just memories that don’t last.
F C
We’re singing under the midnight moon,
G C
Our hearts playing to the same, sweet tune.

(Verse 2)
Am G
We traded skyscrapers for open skies,
F C
The rhythm of freedom in our eyes.
Am G
The music whispers in the wind,
F C
A tale of where we’ve been.

(Chorus)
G C
Oh, the echoes of our past,
Am Em
Lost in the shadows we’ve cast.
F C
We’re strumming beneath the starry night,
G C
Bound by a promise, tied tight.

Fan Name:
Billy Thompson

Testimonial:
Deserted Landscape is my favorite band, hands down. They’ve created a sound like no other. Their music resonates with me and has helped me through tough times. The song “Crimson Sunset” takes me on a journey of breaking free and chasing dreams. I’m a huge fan of acoustic rock and folk, and they’ve beautifully blended both genres. Their lyrics are soul-stirring, and every live performance is simply electrifying. For me, Deserted Landscape isn’t just a band, it’s an emotion.

Backstory:
‘Lumpy Motion’ was born in the gritty heart of Seattle’s underground rock scene. The band came together in the fall of 2007, composed of three childhood friends, guitarist and vocalist Luke ‘Lumpy’ Donnelly, bassist Mike ‘Motion’ Peterson, and drummer Sam ‘Smash’ Anderson. The band’s unique name, contrary to popular belief, was not a tribute to a line from a cult science fiction movie – it was the result of a late-night brainstorming session fueled by too much pizza and cheap beer. The boys, as legend goes, were trying to describe the feeling of listening to their own music, and ‘Lumpy Motion’ was the most accurate representation they could find.

Lumpy Motion gained notoriety for their raucous live shows and their unapologetic, raw sound. Their music was a cathartic release of pent-up energy, giving voice to the frustrations and dreams of a generation. Despite their seemingly overnight success, the band remained down-to-earth and fiercely loyal to their loyal fanbase.

Genre:
Grunge Rock

Title:
“Rusty Chains”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
[G] Down the dusty road, [D] broken dreams untold
[Em] I’ve been searching for [C] something to hold
[G] Rusty chains are pulling me, [D] down this path of misery
[Em] Still, I fight, refuse to [C] bow to the cold.

(Chorus)
[G] Rusty chains, [D] can’t break free
[Em] Lost in this town, [C] but I still believe
[G] Rusty chains, [D] you own my soul
[Em] I’m a broken record, [C] spinning out of control.

(Verse 2)
[G] Wrinkled maps and [D] empty flasks
[Em] I’m a wanderer [C] hiding behind a mask
[G] Heart heavy with these [D] rusty chains
[Em] I’m a prisoner [C] of my own past.

(Chorus)
[G] Rusty chains, [D] can’t break free
[Em] Lost in this town, [C] but I still believe
[G] Rusty chains, [D] you own my soul
[Em] I’m a broken record, [C] spinning out of control.

(Outro)
[G] Rusty chains, [D] got to break free
[Em] From this town, [C] from this misery
[G] Rusty chains, [D] I’ll find my soul
[Em] I’m a broken record, [C] but I’ll regain control.

Favorite Fan Testimonial:

“I’m Sarah Thompson, and I’m probably the biggest ‘Lumpy Motion’ fan you’ll ever meet. Their music, it’s raw and real, and it speaks to me on an intensely personal level. I’ve been going to their gigs since the beginning when they couldn’t even afford proper stage lights. It feels like they’ve been writing the soundtrack to my life. I’ve cried to their songs, I’ve laughed, I’ve screamed – they’ve got this incredible power to evoke emotion. ‘Lumpy Motion’ is more than just a band to me, it’s a representation of who I am.”

Backstory:
Adolescent Measure comprises four ex-high school friends from the small town of Northbridge, Massachusetts. They all shared a common interest in music and started by playing in local talent shows, back in the school days. Their shared passion for music and a dream to leave a mark in the world, made them realize that they needed to take this journey together. They named their band ‘Adolescent Measure’, a nod towards their youth, symbolizing their journey of growth, exploration and constant measurement of their goals, dreams and abilities.

Genre:
Alternative Rock/ Indie Pop

Title:
“Counting Stars on a Canvas Sky”

Full song lyrics:
Verse 1:
[Em] Driving down the [G] same old roads, [D] wondering where the [A] time just goes,
[Em] Lost in the [G] memories, [D] trying to find [A] our destinies.

Chorus:
[Em] We’re just counting [G] stars on a canvas [D] sky,
[Em] Trying to catch our [G] dreams as they [D] pass us by.
[Em] We are but a measure, [G] an adolescent [D] measure,
[Em] Living life and [G] learning, in [D] each moment we [A] treasure.

Verse 2:
[Em] The world is our [G] oyster, [D] our canvas, our [A] stage,
[Em] Growing up together, [G] turning every [D] page.
[Em] We’re just kids on a [G] journey, [D] searching for the [A] clues,
[Em] Trying to find the [G] answers, [D] paying our [A] dues.

Chorus:
[Em] We’re just counting [G] stars on a canvas [D] sky,
[Em] Trying to catch our [G] dreams as they [D] pass us by.
[Em] We are but a measure, [G] an adolescent [D] measure,
[Em] Living life and [G] learning, in [D] each moment we [A] treasure.

The band’s favorite fan’s name:
Alyssa Mitchell

Testimonial:
Adolescent Measure has been my favorite band since the day I heard their first song. The way their music resonates with the trials, joys, and uncertainty of the adolescent age is something unmatched. Their lyrics have given me comfort and strength through my own journey. They inspire me to chase my dreams, like each star on a canvas sky. Their music is more than just a melody to me, it is my compass in this vast world.

Backstory:
Formed in the heart of Seattle’s buzzing music scene in 2003, Buzzing Sneeze began as a group of college friends who shared a love for eclectic noises and unconventional songwriting. Frontman, Larry “Buzz” Henderson, a zoology student, was known for his peculiar sneezes that possessed an almost musical quality. This, combined with the group’s electrifying sound, became the inspiration behind the band’s name. The rest of the band consists of bassist, Terry “Terry” Johnson, a computer science major with a knack for funky basslines, drummer Alice “Thumper” Thompson, a philosophy student with a surprisingly ferocious way with the sticks and backup vocalist and keyboardist, Peter “Squint” Squinter, an English Literature major who writes most of the band’s quirky, thought-provoking lyrics.

Genre: Indie Rock

Title: “Bumblebee Lament”

Full Song Lyrics:

[Intro]
Em – G – D – A (x2)

[Verse 1]
Em G
Bumblebee, where’d you go?
D A
In the garden, can’t you show?
Em G
Your wings have lost their glow
D A
And the flowers, they’re covered in snow

[Chorus]
Em G
Bumblebee, don’t you see?
D A
This world’s forgotten thee
Em G
Can you still find glee?
D A
In the branches of the old oak tree

[Verse 2]
Em G
Bumblebee, you used to soar
D A
Now your buzz is no more
Em G
Lost in the world’s uproar
D A
Can you find your lore?

[Chorus]
Em G
Bumblebee, don’t you see?
D A
This world’s forgotten thee
Em G
Can you still find glee?
D A
In the branches of the old oak tree

[Outro]
Em – G – D – A (x2)

Fan’s Name and Testimonial:
Tina Stephens – “I’ve followed Buzzing Sneeze since their early days performing at local bars in Seattle. Their unique blend of indie rock and whimsical lyricism creates a sound that’s refreshing and incredibly addictive. ‘Bumblebee Lament’ is my ultimate favorite. The lyrics resonate with me on a deep level, and the melody is simply unforgettable. It’s like Buzzing Sneeze has found a way to translate the human condition into a beautiful symphony of sounds. Honestly, there’s no other band that speaks to my soul quite like they do.”

Backstory:

Handsome Voter was born in the late 90’s in the bustling streets of New York City, as four college friends discovered their mutual love for music and decided to form a band. The name “Handsome Voter” was inspired by the pivotal 2000 Presidential elections, symbolizing their belief in the power of every individual’s voice and their handsome contribution to society. Over the years, they’ve steadily risen in popularity, performing in small bars and clubs, until their breakout in 2005 with their major-label debut that hit the top charts nationwide.

Genre:

Their music is best classified as Alternative Rock with a hint of Punk influence. Their sounds are raw and edgy, with power-packed performances and deeply moving lyrics.

Title:

“Ballot of Broken Dreams”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1 – E minor, G major, D major, A major)
“Striding down a road of echoes, (Em)
Silhouettes of life in shadows, (G)
Inking my voice on a piece of paper, (D)
Fighting for a world to savor. (A)”

(Chorus – C major, G major, D major)
“In the Ballot of Broken Dreams, (C)
We find power, we find means, (G)
To turn the tide, to light the beams, (D)
In the Ballot of Broken Dreams.” (C)

(Verse 2 – E minor, G major, D major, A major)
“Underneath the starlit skyline, (Em)
In the queue, biding my time, (G)
Voting for a change, a new design, (D)
In the ballot, our hopes align.” (A)

(Chorus – C major, G major, D major)
“In the Ballot of Broken Dreams, (C)
We find power, we find means, (G)
To turn the tide, to light the beams, (D)
In the Ballot of Broken Dreams.” (C)

Fan Testimonial:

“Hi, I’m Lucy Matthews. Handsome Voter is my favorite band because their music resonates with me on a personal level. Their lyrics speak truth to power, and they are all about making a difference. Every song feels like a story I can relate to, and that captures my life’s ups and downs. Their passion for what they do is evident and infectious. Truly, there’s no other band like Handsome Voter. For me, they are more than just a band; they are a voice, a movement, a beacon of hope.”

Backstory:
Excitable Respect is a band that has never been afraid to defy stereotypes and rewrite musical rules. Initially formed in the gritty underbelly of New York City in 2004, the group started as a trio consisting of college friends – vocalist Josh Thompson, drummer Mike Miller, and guitarist Sean Riley. They all shared a collective love for music and a dream of doing something different than the standard music scene. Over time, they added bassist, Alex Turner, and keyboardist, Liam Green, to their ranks, which added new dimensions to their sound. The quintet took the local underground indie scene by storm, earning a reputation for their energetic performances and deep, thought-provoking lyrics.

Genre:
Indie Rock

Title:
“Emerald City Dreams”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
Am – D – G – C
In the heart of the Emerald City, lost in a crowd,
I met a girl with eyes like the sky, her laughter so loud.
We danced through the night, under neon lights,
And I knew then, in that moment, she was my fight.

(Chorus)
G – Em – C – D
Emerald City dreams, brighter than the stars,
Got lost in the rhythm, and found ourselves at bars.
In the midst of chaos, we found our peace,
In the heart of the Emerald City, where dreams don’t cease.

(Verse 2)
Am – D – G – C
She told me stories, of dreams so big,
In the heart of the Emerald City, our dance, our gig.
Her smile like a promise, of better days,
Emerald City dreams, we were lost in a haze.

(Chorus)
G – Em – C – D
Emerald City dreams, tangled in her hair,
In the heart of the city, love everywhere.
In the midst of chaos, we danced our dance,
Emerald City dreams, we took our chance.

Fan Testimonial:

“My name is Emily, and Excitable Respect is my favorite band for many reasons. Their lyrics speak to me on a profound level, and I connect with their songs deeply. Every chord strummed, every beat hit, and every word sung feels like a personal conversation between the band and me. ‘Emerald City Dreams’ is a song that deeply resonates with my heart. It speaks of hope, dreams, and love in a chaotic world – a feeling I believe we all experience at one point or another. Excitable Respect isn’t just a band to me, they are the soundtrack to my life.”