Backstory:
Clean Tea was formed in the bustling city of London, during the spring of 2010. The band members, consisting of frontman and singer-songwriter Simon McCabe, guitarist Max Turner, bassist Ollie Stewart, and drummer Jack Morris, were all childhood friends who shared a love for music. As teenagers, they turned their shared basement into a makeshift studio, where they spent countless hours refining their sound and dreaming of making it big. Their name, Clean Tea, was a nod to their British roots and their love for a simple, clean lifestyle.

When a local record producer stumbled upon their homemade demos, he was so impressed that he signed them on the spot. Their debut album, “Earl Grey Echoes”, was a surprise hit, and Clean Tea was catapulted into the national spotlight. Despite their success, they remained true to their humble beginnings, and continue to produce music that is raw, authentic, and true to who they are.

Genre: Indie Rock

Title: “Rooibos Rhythms”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
G C G C
In a town where the fog is thick,
G C D
Underneath the London Bridge,
G C G C
I met you sipping clean tea,
G C D
In the rhythm of the city.

(Chorus)
Em C G D
Rooibos rhythms and whispers of your name,
Em C G D
Under the city lights, we dance in the rain,
Em C G D
With the melody of love, and a hint of pain,
Em C G D
Oh, how I wish we could remain.

(Repeat Verse 1 with new lyrics & Chorus)

Testimonial:

Fan’s Name: Chloe Anderson

“I’ve been a huge fan of Clean Tea since their first album, ‘Earl Grey Echoes’. The raw energy and emotional depth of their music really resonated with me. Their songs are like a comforting cup of tea for the soul – soothing, refreshing, and full of warmth. The band’s authenticity and dedication to their craft is truly inspiring. ‘Rooibos Rhythms’ is my absolute favorite song, and I often find myself humming the tune. Clean Tea has a way of creating music that feels personal and deeply relatable. They are my favorite band because they create music that speaks to the heart, and they’ve shown me that it’s okay to be vulnerable and express your feelings through art. I am so grateful for their music and the positive impact it has had on my life.”

Backstory:
Dry Standing was formed in a quaint Midwestern town in Nebraska in the late 2000s. It began with three lifelong friends – lead vocalist and guitarist Andy “Ace” Carr, bassist Charlie “CJ” Jenkins, and drummer Benny “Blitz” Fitzgerald. Their shared love for music led them to set up a makeshift studio inside Ace’s garage, where they gathered after school and on weekends, honing their skills and developing their own unique sound. Initially, they used to perform at school events and local bars, until one day a talent scout spotted them. His interest in their talent led to the creation of their first album, launching Dry Standing to nationwide recognition.

Genre:
Alt-Country Rock

Title:
“Midnight Highway”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verses)
Em G
Under the midnight highway,
C
we found our sacred ground.
D
Where the dreams and stars lay,
Em
we made a sound that echoed around.

Em G
Chasing the horizon, we let ourselves unwind,
C
In the rear-view, left our past behind,
D
Bare feet on the dashboard, not a worry on our mind.

(Chorus)
G C
Singing, “Life, take us where you may,
Em
We’re just drifters on this open bay,
D
In the end, it’s love we pay,
G
On this midnight highway.”

(verse)
Em G
Neon signs and truck stop diners,
C
In our hearts, we’re lone survivors,
D
With every mile, we become fighters,
Em
On this endless midnight highway.

(Chorus)
G C
Singing, “Life, take us where you may,
Em
We’re just drifters on this open bay,
D
In the end, it’s love we pay,
G
On this midnight highway.”

Favorite Fan’s Name:
Jimmy “J-Cat” Catterson

Testimonial:
“I’ve been a fan of Dry Standing since their first gig at a local fair. Their music speaks to me on a personal level, and their lyrics have a way of telling a story that makes you feel like you’re part of it. The energy they bring to their performances is electric, and you can tell how much they love what they do. Their song ‘Midnight Highway’ is my anthem. It captures the spirit of freedom and adventure that I crave. To me, Dry Standing is more than just a band. They’re the soundtrack to my life.”

Backstory:

Ready Employer was formed in the quaint, rainy town of Aberdeen, Scotland, where four childhood friends, Harry, Dean, Stuart, and Lenny, discovered their shared love for music as teenagers. The band was born in the basement of Harry’s house, where they spent countless hours experimenting with different musical styles and refining their sound. After winning a local talent competition, they were spotted by a record label executive who offered them a contract on the spot, propelling them from their small-town lives to national stardom.

Their journey wasn’t easy. The band faced many ups and downs, from struggling with creative differences to dealing with the pressures of fame. But through it all, they remained true to their roots and their love for music. They’ve only grown stronger and closer as a unit, their bond reflecting in their melodies and lyrics, making them a band that resonates with audiences across generations.

Genre:

Alternative Rock

Song Title:

“Dreams in the Rain”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
[G] Standing by the road in the [D] pouring rain,
[Em] Waiting for the bus that never [C] came,
[G] Visions of the future in a [D] crystal ball,
[Em] Can’t you hear the dreamer’s [C] call?

(Chorus)
[G] Dreaming in the rain, [D] waiting for the sun,
[Em] Someday we’ll rise, and we’ll [C] overcome.
[G] Ready for the fight, [D] ready for the pain,
[Em] Dreams in the rain, [C] we’re gonna make it through the [G] game.

(Verse 2)
[G] Took a leap of faith, and we [D] didn’t look down,
[Em] From the basement to the stars, we’ve [C] worn the crown.
[G] Echoes of our dreams in the [D] midnight air,
[Em] We’re ready, employer, we’re [C] there.

(Chorus)
[G] Dreaming in the rain, [D] waiting for the sun,
[Em] Someday we’ll rise, and we’ll [C] overcome.
[G] Ready for the fight, [D] ready for the pain,
[Em] Dreams in the rain, [C] we’re gonna make it through the [G] game.

Fan Testimonial:

Name: Fiona MacIntyre

“I’ve been a fan of Ready Employer from the very beginning. Their music speaks to me on so many levels. They sing about dreams, struggle, and the courage to chase your ambitions, it’s like they’re singing my life story. I feel connected to their journey because it mirrors my own, from a small town to the big city, always dreaming big. Their song ‘Dreams in the Rain’ is my absolute favorite! It fuels my spirit and pushes me to strive harder. Every time I feel lost or low, their music provides me comfort. Ready Employer isn’t just my favorite band, they are my inspiration, my strength. In a world that often feels chaotic, their music is my calm.”

Backstory:
Formed out of a chance encounter in a Chicago record store in 2007, “Favorite Tower” is a high-energy band comprised of friends and musicians, Alex DeLeon (lead vocals), Michael Scott (guitar), Steven O’Mally (bass), and Derek Smith (drums). United by their shared love for music and the iconic Chicago skyline, they chose the name ‘Favorite Tower’ as a tribute to their city and as an eclectic symbol of the many layers of their music. They began playing in local bars and venues, and quickly gained a loyal fan base with their unique sound and energetic performances.

Genre:
Alternative Rock.

Title:
“City of Wind”

Song Lyrics:

Verse 1:
C#m, E, B, A
(C#m) Underneath the sunlit sky,
(E) In the city where we lie,
(B) Dreams are built, and hearts collide,
(A) In our sweet old Chicago’s side.

Chorus:
A, E, B, C#m
(A) Echoing through the tower high,
(E) We play our music, we touch the sky,
(B) The city of wind, it’s heard our cry,
(C#m) Favorite Tower, we never say goodbye.

Verse 2:
C#m, E, B, A
(C#m) Through the smoky jazz-filled night,
(E) Underneath the neon light,
(B) We found our rhythm, we took flight,
(A) In this city of endless might.

Chorus:
A, E, B, C#m
(A) Hear the sounds that fill the night,
(E) We play our music with all our might,
(B) The city of wind, it holds us tight,
(C#m) Favorite Tower, in her we find our light.

Favorite Fan:
Our favorite fan would have to be Maria Sanchez. Maria was there from the very beginning, attending our smaller gigs and even helping us sell our first batch of homemade merchandise. She has never missed a concert and has been our biggest supporter.

Maria’s Testimonial:
Favorite Tower is more than just a band to me; they are like family. Their music speaks to me like no other, and it’s not just their sound, but also their genuine love for what they do and for their fans. They have a unique way of capturing the essence of Chicago and the spirit of its people in their songs. They breathe life into the city’s stories and make you feel like a part of it all. Being a part of this journey with them has been an incredible experience. I am, and always will be their number one fan.

Backstory:

Liquid Correlation was first established in 2010 by two high school buddies in Seattle, Mark Douglas and Evan Hartley. Initially, they collaborated on an experimental basement project, combing their love for music and poetry. What started off as a hobby soon gained traction in the local underground scene and eventually blossomed into a full-fledged band with the addition of drummer Jesse Hughes and bassist Terry Morris in 2012.

Sharing a love for the rainy city’s intimate music scene, the band’s mission is to evoke the various emotions inherent in the human experience through their unique blend of music. The name ‘Liquid Correlation’ represents their fluid approach to music, never restricting their creative process within genre boundaries, and their ability to correlate different aspects of life and emotions into their lyrics.

Genre:

Liquid Correlation is known for their eclectic mix of Indie Rock and Electro-Pop with a sprinkle of poetic lyrics.

Song Title:

“Rains of Retrospect”

Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
C#m, E, B, A
The city lights are fading now, on the streets of my old town
E, C#m, B, A
Reflections dancing in the rain, whispering secrets of joy and pain

(Chorus)
A, E, B, C#m
In the Rains of Retrospect, we find the past that we’ve unchecked
A, E, B, C#m
And the echoes of the things we’ve left, in the Rains of Retrospect

(Verse 2)
C#m, E, B, A
The sky paints a canvas grey, the colors of our yesterday
E, C#m, B, A
The drops they fall, they correlate, to the love we’ve known, to the love we hate

(Chorus)
A, E, B, C#m
In the Rains of Retrospect, we find the moments we neglect
A, E, B, C#m
And the shadows of the dreams we’ve kept, in the Rains of Retrospect

Fan Testimonial:

Favorite fan’s name: Samantha Riley

“Why do I love Liquid Correlation? It’s like they’ve found a way to articulate my deepest emotions, those that I often struggle to understand myself, through their music. Their song “Rains of Retrospect” is forever etched in my heart; it’s an anthem for all of us who are navigating through the complexities of life and emotions. Their music is a beautiful blend of profound lyrics and melodies that touch the soul. Plus, they’re super down-to-earth and appreciative of their fans. They’re not just a band for me, they’re like an old friend whose words comfort me in my darkest days.”

Backstory:

Concrete Soldier was formed in the winter of 2010 in the small town of Lancaster, Pennsylvania. The band was composed of childhood friends and self-taught musicians – lead vocalist, Benny Green; guitarist, Tommy “Jonesy” Jones; bassist, Sylvester “Sly” Wallace; and drummer, Danny O’Hara. They started playing in their parents’ garages, covering songs from their favorite post-punk bands. By 2012, they had started recording their original music and playing local gigs. Their big break came in 2015 when they won a battle of the bands competition, leading to their first record deal.

Over the years, Concrete Soldier evolved from their post-punk roots to incorporate a more melancholic tone, their lyrics often narrating stories of life in a small town, youthful rebellion, and the struggles of growing up. Despite their growth and popularity, the band remained true to their roots, often returning to Lancaster to play special gigs for their first fans.

Genre:

Alternative Rock

Title:

“Shadows in the Rain”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
Em G D A
Walking these streets in the cold and the pain,
Em G D A
Just a concrete soldier in shadows and rain.
Em G D A
Got my heart in my pocket, dreams in my head,
Em G D A
Aching for something more than this dread.

(Chorus)
C G D E
I am a voice, I am a scream,
C G D E
In this town of broken dreams.
C G D E
I am a shadow, I am the rain,
C G D E
Just a concrete soldier with a name.

(Verse 2)
Em G D A
In this city of rust, under skies of gray,
Em G D A
Chasing ghosts of a future that’s slipping away.
Em G D A
Got my hope in my hands, fears at my back,
Em G D A
Trudging along this lonely track.

(Chorus)
C G D E
I am a voice, I am a scream,
C G D E
In this town of broken dreams.
C G D E
I am a shadow, I am the rain,
C G D E
Just a concrete soldier with a name.

Fan:

The band’s favorite fan is a woman named Susan Meyer. Susan has been following the band since their garage days and has attended every single one of their gigs in Lancaster. Susan says, “Concrete Soldier isn’t just my favorite band because of their music. Their lyrics speak to my soul, they tell my story. They make me feel seen. They’ve managed to put the small-town experience into words and music. For that, I’ll always be their number one fan.”

Backstory:

Wry Lift is a result of a chance meeting between four music enthusiasts from four different corners of the world at an international music festival in London. The band was formed in the fall of 2010 when Jack Kellerman (lead vocalist) from Ireland crossed paths with German bass guitarist Stefan Heidenreich, Australian drummer Tommy McArthur, and American lead guitarist Kyle Harper. They realized they share a common passion for music and an urge to create a unique sound. They decided to collaborate and hence Wry Lift was born. Despite their diverse backgrounds, they found a unified voice through their music and since then, they’ve been wowing audiences worldwide with their unique blend of eclectic and soulful tunes.

Genre:

Wry Lift falls under the Alternative Rock genre with a mix of Indie Pop. Their music is a refreshing blend of powerful guitar riffs, soulful vocals, and rhythmic drum patterns.

Song Title:

“Riding the Echoes”

Full song lyrics:

(Verse 1)
[G]Staring at the mirror, [Am]losing my sight,
[D]Chasing shadows, [C]through the night.
[G]Living on the edge, [Am]on a moonlit ride,
[D]Riding the echoes, [C]with the tide.

(Chorus)
[G]Riding the echoes, [Am]in my mind,
[D]Seeking answers, [C]that I can’t find.
[G]Lost in time, [Am]lost in space,
[D]Riding the echoes, [C]in a lonely place.

(Verse 2)
[G]Walking through the desert, [Am]under the blazing sun,
[D]Searching for a reason, [C]that’s long been gone.
[G]Running from the past, [Am]with nowhere to hide,
[D]Riding the echoes, [C]with the tide.

(Chorus)
[G]Riding the echoes, [Am]lost in a dream,
[D]Life ain’t always, [C]what it seems.
[G]Caught in a whirl, [Am]of love and hate,
[D]Riding the echoes, [C]it’s never too late.

Testimonial:

Favorite Fan Name: Emily Thompson

Emily Thompson, a high school teacher from Birmingham, UK, has been a die-hard fan of Wry Lift since their inception. She states, “Wry Lift’s music has an unexplainable charm. Their songs resonate with my daily life. ‘Riding the Echoes’ particularly touched me during a challenging phase of my life. The lyrics, the music, everything just hit the right chords. I’ve been following them ever since their first performance at a local pub in London. They have a unique sound that distinguishes them from the rest of the bands in the music scene. There’s a depth in their music that’s rare to find these days. I look forward to their concerts because their performances are not just about music, they redefine the essence of storytelling through their songs.”

Backstory:

In the heart of the bustling city of New Orleans, Virtuous Zone, or VZ as their fans affectionately refer to them, was formed in 2011. The band features four members: lead vocalist and guitarist Aidan, drummer Jake, bassist Nathan, and keyboardist Marcus. All four members met at a local music festival and immediately bonded over their shared love of music and their drive to create something unique. They started out playing small gigs around the city, and after gaining a small but dedicated fan base, they released their first EP in 2013. Since then, Virtuous Zone has been continuously rocking the music industry with their soulful tunes and profound lyrics.

Genre:

Alternative Rock

Title:

“Dancing With Shadows”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
Gm – Eb – Bb – F

[Gm]Walking on the edge, [Eb]underneath the moonlit sky,
[Bb]Tangled in a web, [F]with echoes of your sighs.
[Gm]In this life we lead, [Eb]haunted by our past,
[Bb]We keep on dancing, [F]knowing it may not last.

(Chorus)
Dm – Bb – F – C

[Dm]Dancing with shadows, [Bb]in the dead of the night,
[F]Seeking redemption, [C]through the soul’s twilight.
[Dm]Whispering secrets, [Bb]hidden in plain sight,
[F]We’re dancing with shadows, [C]underneath the moonlight.

(Verse 2)
Gm – Eb – Bb – F

[Gm]This virtuous zone, [Eb]where love and loss collide,
[Bb]In our hearts, [F]it’s where we choose to hide.
[Gm]Through the silence, [Eb]we hear the echoes call,
[Bb]In the dance of shadows, [F]we risk it all.

(Chorus)
Dm – Bb – F – C

[Dm]Dancing with shadows, [Bb]in the dead of the night,
[F]Seeking redemption, [C]through the soul’s twilight.
[Dm]Whispering secrets, [Bb]hidden in plain sight,
[F]We’re dancing with shadows, [C]underneath the moonlight.

Bands Favorite Fan’s Name:

Lucas

Lucas’s Testimonial:

“Virtuous Zone is one of a kind. Their music transports you to a different world – a world filled with raw emotions and powerful stories. What’s unique about VZ is their ability to beautifully blend rock music with deep, heartfelt lyrics. Their song “Dancing with Shadows” is my all-time favorite. It makes me feel seen and understood. The chord progression, the lyrics, Aidan’s voice – everything about it is just perfect. I’ve been a fan since they started, and I will continue to support and follow their musical journey. VZ isn’t just a band to me, they’re a part of my life.”

Backstory:
Formed in the quiet, rural town of Sanford, Maine, in 2006, Open Pickle started as a trio of high school friends – Tom Hackett, Joe Bowman, and Barry Becker. The trio initially did cover versions of their favourite classics for local events and small gatherings. Their unique sound and palpable chemistry drew the attention of indie record label, ‘TreeTop Records’ in 2010, forever changing their journey. With the addition of drummer Nicky Stevens in 2012, Open Pickle found their rhythm and began making waves in the indie music scene.

Genre:
Indie rock, infused with elements of folk and blues.

Song Title:
“Pickled Dreams”

Full Song Lyrics:

Verse 1: [C G Am E]
Pickled dreams in a jar of time,
Painted stories, your hues and mine,
Riding the wave of an endless rhyme,
In the world that’s yours and mine.

Chorus: [F C G]
Oh, can you see, can you feel,
The echoes of an unreal,
Brewing storms in the summer night,
We’ll chase our dreams in the morning light.

Verse 2: [C G Am E]
In the heart of the twilight zone,
We’ve built our world, we’ve sown,
Threads of love, seeds of hope,
In our garden where wild dreams roam.

Chorus: [F C G]
Do you hear, do you know,
The whispers of the wind that blow,
Dreams pickled in the sweetest brine,
In the world that’s yours and mine.

Bridge: [Am F C G]
In the fragrant dawn, under the setting sun,
Our pickled dreams have just begun,
Through the rustling leaves, and the trickling sand,
Hand in hand, together we stand.

Chorus: [F C G]
Can you taste, can you touch,
The dreams that mean so much,
Pickled in the heart of time,
In the world that’s yours and mine.

Favorite Fan:
Our favorite fan has to be Lisa Thompson. As a high school teacher in our hometown, she was one of the first to believe in us, even when we were just a garage band. Her testimonial reads, “Open Pickle’s music touches the soul. Their lyrics are poetic, and the melodies are beautiful. But, what sets them apart is the heart and soul they put into every performance. They’re not just musicians; they’re storytellers, philosophers, friends. They sing about the world, about the human condition, and about dreams bottled up in time. Their music brings a sense of peace and togetherness. My favorite song is ‘Pickled Dreams’. It inspires me to hold onto my dreams and live freely. Open Pickle is not just my favorite band, they’re a part of my life.”

Backstory:
Front Grandfather was formed in the heart of Portland, Oregon in 2015. The band consists of four childhood friends – John “Carter” Lennon on lead vocals and rhythm guitar, Tommy “Rattlesnake” Jones on lead guitar and backup vocals, Jimmy “Silver” Smith on bass, and Ricky “Sticks” Stone on drums. The band members were all raised on their families’ stories about life in the mid-20th century. They found common ground in their shared fascination with their grandparents’ era, particularly their grandfathers who fought in World War II. Hence the name ‘Front Grandfather’, a tribute to their ancestral roots.

Front Grandfather, after countless late-night jam sessions in their parents’ garages, began performing at local venues, quickly gaining a dedicated fan base with their blend of nostalgia-infused rock and poetic lyrics. They were discovered by a talent scout during one of their electrifying performances at a local bar, leading to their first record deal and the start of their journey in the music industry.

Genre:
Indie Rock

Title:
“Battlefield Lullaby”

Full song lyrics:

(Verse 1)
[G] My old man was a [D] soldier, [Em] bravery in his [C] veins,
[G] Heart full of [D] courage, [Em] hands used to the [C] reins.
[G] He’d tell me [D] stories, [Em] of a war-torn [C] sky,
[G] And the lullaby, he’d [D] sing in the [C] battlefield’s cry.

(Chorus)
[G] The battlefield [D] lullaby, [Em] soothing the [C] night,
[G] A song of [D] courage, [Em] in the face of [C] fight.
[G] Underneath the [D] starry sky, [Em] as bullets [C] fly,
[G] Echoes the [D] battlefield [C] lullaby.

(Verse 2)
[G] His spirit was [D] unbroken, [Em] though his body was [C] scarred,
[G] He held on to [D] memories, [Em] each one a [C] bard.
[G] His legacy [D] lives within, [Em] in every tear I [C] dry,
[G] And the sweet tune, of [D] his battlefield [C] lullaby.

(Chorus)
[G] The battlefield [D] lullaby, [Em] soothing the [C] night,
[G] A song of [D] hope, [Em] amidst the [C] fright.
[G] It’s the melody [D] of heroes, [Em] it doesn’t [C] lie,
[G] It’s the undying [D] battlefield [C] lullaby.

Favorite Fan:
The band’s favorite fan is Austin Clarke. Austin, an ex-serviceman, deeply resonates with the band’s lyrics, which often draw inspiration from wartime experiences. He became an instant fan after hearing Front Grandfather’s debut album, particularly the song “Battlefield Lullaby”. He says, “Front Grandfather’s music connects with me on a personal level. Their lyrics act as a mirror to my own stories and experiences from the war. Their sound has a raw, elemental quality that takes me back in time. It’s like therapy, like talking to an old friend. They are my favorite band because they understand the part of me that so many others don’t.”