Backstory:

Virtuous Locket was formed in 2012, in the heart of the historical city of Edinburgh, Scotland. What began as an idea in a small pub among three college friends quickly blossomed into a passion that consumed their lives. Sharing a profound love for traditional Scottish music, they decided to form a band that would blend their heritage with their adoration for indie rock.

The band consists of lead vocalist and guitarist, Ewan McLennan, violinist, Liam Stewart and drummer, Niall Ferguson. They began playing in local pubs and gradually caught the attention of the music scene with their unique sound and infectious energy. In 2014, they were discovered by a record label executive during their performance at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe and the rest, as they say, is history.

Genre:

Indie Folk Rock

Title:

“Shores of Loch Lomond”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
[C] Far beyond the [G] city lights, there’s a [Am] place we used to [Em] go,
[F] Down by the [C] river, under the [G] weeping willow.
[C] Whispered dreams and [G] stolen kisses, [Am] lost in the echo [Em] of time,
[F] You held me [C] close, under the [G] Scottish moonlight.

(Chorus)
[C] Take me back to the [G] shores of Loch Lomond,
[Am] Where we danced under the [Em] starry night.
[F] In your arms, I found my [C] freedom,
[G] Lost in the rhythm, of our [C] hearts’ delight.

(Verse 2)
[C] The wind sang our [G] song, as we [Am] walked along the [Em] pebbled path,
[F] And the echoes [C] of our laughter, [G] still linger in my heart.
[C] Through the mist and [G] the heather, [Am] we vowed to never part [Em],
[F] But time is cruel, and [C] no lock holds as [G] strong as the heart.

(Chorus)
[C] Take me back to the [G] shores of Loch Lomond,
[Am] Where we danced under the [Em] starry night.
[F] In your arms, I found my [C] freedom,
[G] Lost in the rhythm, of our [C] hearts’ delight.

The Bands Favorite Fan:

The band’s favorite fan is undoubtedly Isla MacDonald. A literature professor from the University of Edinburgh, Isla has been following Virtuous Locket since their early days playing in local pubs.

Testimonial:

“I’ve watched Virtuous Locket grow from their humble beginnings to the massive success they are today. Their music speaks directly to my heart, it’s like they’ve put the essence of Scotland into their songs. Every strum, every beat and every word resonates with me. Their song “Shores of Loch Lomond” is simply magical. It has the power to transport me back to my beloved homeland. For me, Virtuous Locket isn’t just a band, they’re the soundtrack to my life.”

Backstory:

Simplistic Attitude was formed in a small town in Georgia in 2015. The four members, Jack on lead vocals and guitar, Billy on drums, Jimmy on bass, and Katie on keys, were all childhood friends with a shared love for music. Their band’s journey started in Billy’s garage, where they would spend countless hours creating their own unique sound. Their dedication was rewarded when they were discovered by a local radio DJ at a charity concert, leading to their first record deal. Since then, the band has been continually evolving their sound and growing their fanbase.

Genre:

Simplistic Attitude’s music genre is a fusion of indie rock and country blues. Their sound is marked by soulful guitar solos, grounded bass lines, robust drum beats, and Jack’s heartfelt, raw vocals. The band members credit their Southern roots for their unique blend of styles.

Title:

One of Simplistic Attitude’s most popular songs is “Ride the Southern Breeze.”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
[G] Down the dusty roads, [C] under the willow trees,
[D] Tracing the path of the [G] Southern breeze.
[G] I left my heart in the [C] sweet Georgia pines,
[D] Whispered my secrets to the [G] Southern sky.

(Chorus)
[G] Come, ride the Southern breeze, [C] let it take you home,
[D] To the place where your heart [G] has always known.
[G] Through the smoke and the whiskey, [C] and the soft moon’s gleam,
[D] Ride the Southern breeze, [G] chase your dream.

(Verse 2)
[G] The river’s song, the [C] cotton field’s lullaby,
[D] Echoes of love under the [G] Southern sky.
[G] A rebel’s spirit, a [C] poet’s soul,
[D] Found my freedom on the [G] open road.

(Repeat Chorus)

Bridge:
[C] With every mile, [G] every passing day,
[D] The South in my heart [G] will forever stay.

(Repeat Chorus)

Fan Testimonial:

The band’s favorite fan is Emily Thompson. Emily discovered Simplistic Attitude at a local music festival and was instantly captivated by their raw, emotional sound. She has since followed the band across the country, attending every concert she can. In her words, “Simplistic Attitude is my favorite band because their music speaks to my soul. It’s like they’ve put into words everything I’ve ever felt but couldn’t express. Their songs make me feel understood, and for that, I’m forever grateful.”

Backstory:

Unpleasant Sponge formed in the underbelly of Boston’s buzzing punk scene in the late 90s. The band was founded by vocalist and lead guitarist, Tommy ‘Two-Tone’ Henderson and drummer, Mickey ‘The Mule’ Donovan, who were childhood friends. They were later joined by bassist, Jenny ‘Jett’ Adams and rhythm guitarist, Danny ‘Dynamite’ Flynn. Their shared love for loud guitars, high energy performances, and lyrical honesty brought them together to create a sound that was both unapologetically raw and surprisingly infectious.

The name Unpleasant Sponge was chosen somewhat ironically. The band wanted a name that was memorable and quirky, referencing the fact that they were absorbing all the ugliness of life and squeezing it out in their music. Their powerful and aggressive sound combined with their poignant and often confrontational lyrics have earned them a strong and dedicated fanbase.

Genre: Punk Rock

Title: “Reality’s Filth”

Full Song Lyrics:

[Intro: Am G F E]

Verse 1 (Am G F E)
Well, I’ve been down, down on my luck,
(Luck) doesn’t seem to give a f**k.
Life’s a mess, it’s reality’s filth,
Drownin’ in sorrow, guilt and self-wilt.

Chorus (C G Am E)
Reality’s filth, it’s all around,
In every smile, every sound,
Reality’s filth, the truth we hide,
In every tear, every lie.

Verse 2 (Am G F E)
Broken dreams and empty hearts,
This is where the end starts.
Reality’s filth, it’s a bitter pill,
An uphill battle, a test of will.

Chorus (C G Am E)
Reality’s filth, it’s all we know,
In every high, every low,
Reality’s filth, the price we pay,
For every night, and every day.

Outro (Am G F E)
Reality’s filth, it’s what we breathe,
In every hope, every grief,
Reality’s filth, it’s life’s cruel jest,
In every failure, every success.

Fan Testimonial:

Fan Name: Rebecca ‘Bex’ Matthews

“I’ve been following Unpleasant Sponge since their first gig at a dingy basement bar in Boston. There’s something about their raw authenticity that just speaks to me. Their music, especially songs like ‘Reality’s Filth’, resonate with my life experiences. It’s like they’ve taken the messiness of life and turned it into something beautiful. Their concerts are electrifying, and they always leave me feeling more alive than ever. Unpleasant Sponge isn’t just my favorite band, they’re a part of who I am.”

Backstory:

Charming Execution is a group of four friends hailing from the bustling city of Seattle, Washington. The band was formed in late 2008 after the members, who were all in different high school bands, realized they had a shared interest in music that pushed boundaries and challenged the status quo. Matt Bellamy was the lead guitarist of a punk band, Ben Howard was a drummer in a garage rock band, while James Vincent and Tim Booth were in a folk band together. One fateful night at a battle of the bands, they all realized they were bored of their current musical situations and decided to form their own band.

Charming Execution gathered in basements and garages, jamming day and night, creating a unique sound that reflected their diverse musical backgrounds. Their music evolved into a blend of folk, punk, and rock with an undeniable rebellious streak. Despite the challenges and obstacles they faced along the way, the band never lost their passion, achieving local fame and beyond.

Genre:

Alternative Rock

Title:

“Echoes of Revolution”

Full song lyrics:

(Verse 1)
Am [C] I just another face in the [G] crowd?
Do my [Am] dreams even make a sound?
I’m [F] standing here, but I feel so [C] alone
In this [G] city that I call my [Am] home

(Chorus)
But the [F] echoes of revolution [C] keep me going
[G] Lighting a fire that keeps on [Am] growing
I will [F] never stop, I will never [C] bow
For the [G] echoes of revolution are [Am] loud now

(Verse 2)
Do [C] you feel the same way I [G] do?
Are you [Am] tired of being told what to [F] do?
Let’s [C] stand together, let’s make a [G] stand
For freedom, for justice, across the [Am] land

(Chorus)
And the [F] echoes of revolution [C] keep us strong
[G] Singing together, a defiant [Am] song
We will [F] never stop, we will never [C] bow
For the [G] echoes of revolution are [Am] loud now

Testimonial:

The band’s favorite fan’s name is Alice. Alice has been following Charming Execution since their first gig in a tiny club in Seattle. She says, “Charming Execution is my favorite band because their music speaks to a rebel in me. The chords resonate with my emotions, and the lyrics tell stories that connect with my life’s experiences. They’re not just musicians, they’re poets, rebels, and philosophers. Their song ‘Echoes of Revolution’ became my anthem, inspiring me to stand up for what I believe in. I can’t wait to see what they do next!”

Backstory:
Founded in 2013 by software engineer-turned-lead vocalist Sam Pritchard, Harsh Analyst is an ensemble that fuses the technical intricacies of coding with the passionate artistry of music. Sam, who worked as a data analyst for a prominent tech company, found solace in creating music that reflects the everyday complexities of life. He wanted to build a band that would mirror his love for both technology and music, and thus, Harsh Analyst was born. Joined by guitarist Alex Freeman, bassist Mike Scott, and drummer Lisa Thompson, the band quickly rose to popularity in the underground music scene, their unique sound resonating with a swath of tech-savvy music enthusiasts.

Genre:
Electronic Rock

Title:
“Binary Heart”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
G#m – E – B – F#
In a world of ones and zeros, I found my beat
G#m – E – B – F#
In your eyes, a code so flawless, so unique
G#m – E – B – F#
Binary pulses, rhythms that entwine
G#m – E – B – F#
In the vast network of this digital design

(Chorus)
G#m – E – B – F#
Binary heart, electrical and smart
G#m – E – B – F#
Pulses in time, in the code of our rhyme
G#m – E – B – F#
In this digital love, we’re a part
G#m – E – B – F#
Of a binary, binary heart

(Verse 2)
G#m – E – B – F#
Data streams flowing, like rivers in the night
G#m – E – B – F#
Your touch is like a code, that feels just right
G#m – E – B – F#
In this world of silicon, we create our own art
G#m – E – B – F#
In this digital embrace, beats a binary heart

(Chorus)
G#m – E – B – F#
Binary heart, electrical and smart
G#m – E – B – F#
Pulses in time, in the code of our rhyme
G#m – E – B – F#
In this digital love, we’re a part
G#m – E – B – F#
Of a binary, binary heart

Band’s Favorite Fan:
Harsh Analyst’s favorite fan is Kelly Jensen, a computer science student from Austin, Texas. “Harsh Analyst is my absolute favorite band, not just because their music feels unique and fresh, but because they effectively blend my two passions – coding and music. Their song, ‘Binary Heart,’ inspired me during a tough semester and reminded me how beautiful code can be. Harsh Analyst is the perfect soundtrack for those late-night coding sessions,” says Kelly.

Backstory:

Wiry Novel, an indie-rock band from the arguably forgotten and obscure city of Albany, New York, united in 2012. The band is a creation of four childhood friends, Max Rohr (lead vocals, guitar), Eric Patterson (bass guitar, backing vocals), Charlie Brooks (lead guitar), and Sam Pepper (drums). Their love for music, inspired by the likes of The Beatles and The Smiths, led them to form their own band right after graduating from Albany High School. They started off as a garage band, performing at local venues, and soon gained regional popularity due to their unique songwriting and captivating live performances.

Genre: Indie Rock

Title: “Bittersweet Melancholy”

Full song lyrics:

[Verse 1]
Am, Dm, G, C
(Am) In these rooms of bittersweet melancholy, (Dm)
(G) I dance with shadows of forgotten dreams, (C)
(Am) I hear whispers of laughter, echoes of light, (Dm)
(G) In the ghostly silence of the night. (C)

[Chorus]
F, C, G, Am
(F) But in the pages of our wiry novel, (C)
(G) We danced under the starlit skies, (Am)
(F) Wrote our verses in the sand, (C)
(G) The winds may erase, but the heart never lies. (Am)

[Verse 2]
Am, Dm, G, C
(Am) The clock ticks on, the echoes grow stronger, (Dm)
(G) The canvas of life, painted in shades of grey, (C)
(Am) The melody of past, strums a sad song, (Dm)
(G) In the symphony of the breaking day. (C)

[Chorus]
F, C, G, Am
(F) But in the pages of our wiry novel, (C)
(G) We kissed beneath the rustling trees, (Am)
(F) The world may change, but the past, it clings, (C)
(G) In the heart’s unspoken pleas. (Am)

Favorite Fan Testimonial:

Name: Jenny Baker

Jenny, a 23-year-old music enthusiast from Albany, has been supporting Wiry Novel since their humble beginnings. “Their music is a breath of fresh air, it’s such a unique blend of poignant lyrics and captivating melodies,” she says. “What makes them my favorite is their authenticity and their ability to create music that resonates with my life. Every song is like a chapter of a novel, and I feel like I’m part of their journey.”

Backstory:
Smooth Corp is a music band originating from the city of Austin, Texas, formed in 2015. The quintet consists of lead singer Jackson Cole, guitarists Calvin Mitchell and Riley Stone, bassist Aaron Pierce, and drummer Preston Young. They were all childhood friends, each one finding a love for music at a young age and deciding to pursue it together. They started performing in local bars, earning quite a reputation for their unique sound before eventually attracting the attention of a major record label.

Smooth Corp’s journey is one of passion, unity, and resilience. They have faced countless rejections, but they never let it deter their musical ambition. Their shared dream and unwavering determination have played a crucial role in their success. Today, they have a solid fan base, and their music is played on radios across the globe.

Genre:
Smooth Corp’s music falls under the category of Indie Pop mixed with elements of Synth Rock.

Title:
The title of one of their hit songs is “Moonlight Whispers.”

Full Song Lyrics:
(Verse 1)
C G
Under the blanket of the moonlit sky
Am Em
We let our hearts intertwine,
F C
Just you and I, under the stars’ ally,
G C
In the sweet whispers of the moonlight.

(Chorus)
F C
Moonlight whispers,
G Am
Carrying our secrets,
F C
In the quiet of the night,
G C
It binds our hearts tight.

(Verse 2)
C G
The night, so peaceful, so serene,
Am Em
Reflecting our love so keen,
F C
In the hush of the night, so pristine,
G C
In the sweet whispers of the moonlight.

(Chorus)
F C
Moonlight whispers,
G Am
Spreading our love,
F C
In the cool breath of the night,
G C
It makes everything right.

The band’s favorite fan’s name:
The band’s favorite fan is Amy Peterson.

Amy Peterson’s Testimonial:
“Smooth Corp is my absolute favorite band for so many reasons. Their music is not just a collection of chords and lyrics; it’s a journey. A journey that uplifts you, moves you, and sometimes, breaks you, only to make you stronger. Their songs are like companions in every phase of life. They have a unique ability to touch on emotions that are often hard to express. Plus, their live performances are something else entirely; the energy, the connection they share with the audience, it’s simply exhilarating. My favorite song is ‘Moonlight Whispers’; it’s like a lullaby to my soul. I’m so glad I discovered Smooth Corp; they truly are the soundtrack to my life.”

Backstory:

Starchy Fire was born out of the shared love for music among four college friends: James Brooks (Lead Vocals/Guitar), Timothy Adams (Drums), Charles Richards (Bass), and Daniel Holloway (Keyboard). Initially, they started as a garage band in their hometown of Asheville, North Carolina in 2009. The name ‘Starchy Fire’ was inspired by their favorite late-night snack, flaming hot Cheetos, and their shared appreciation for absurdist humor. After winning a local battle of the bands competition, they gained local fame and soon began touring in the local music scene. Their unique sound, fueled by their deep-rooted friendship and shared passion, quickly gained a dedicated fan base.

After years of playing local gigs, they were discovered by a major record label in 2014. Their debut album, “FireFry”, was a commercial success and solidified their place in the music industry. Starchy Fire’s journey is a testament to their dedication to their craft and their relentless pursuit of their shared dream.

Genre:

Indie Rock

Title:

“Crispy Shadows”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
[C] Walking down a [G] lonely road, [Am] under the [Em] crispy shadows
[C] Chasing dreams, [G] like a river [Am] flows [Em]
[C] Can’t you see [G] that the night [Am] is young, [Em]
[C] We’re just having [G] fun, under the [Am] stars we [Em] run.

(Chorus)
[G] Let’s ignite [D] the starchy fire,
[Em] In the darkness, we’ll [C] never tire
[G] Let’s keep running [D] till dawn’s dire,
[Em] Under the crispy [C] shadows.

(Verse 2)
[C] No looking back [G] on the faded memories, [Am] Let’s create [Em] new stories,
[C] Starry nights, [G] our secret [Am] glories. [Em]
[C] Shadows dance [G] on the silent street, [Am] To the rhythm [Em] of our heart’s beat,
[C] The starchy fire, [G] our secret [Am] treat. [Em]

(Chorus)
[G] Let’s ignite [D] the starchy fire,
[Em] In the darkness, we’ll [C] never tire
[G] Let’s keep running [D] till dawn’s dire,
[Em] Under the crispy [C] shadows.

Favorite Fan:

Their favorite fan is a woman named Lucy, a school teacher from Asheville, who has followed their journey since the beginning. Lucy’s testimonial: “Starchy Fire is more than just a band to me. Their music has been a constant companion through my highs and lows. Their lyrics resonate with me and their melodies soothe my soul. There’s an honesty to their music that’s rare to find these days. From their humble beginnings to their rise in the industry, they’ve remained true to their sound and to their fans. Being a part of their musical journey has been an absolute joy.”

Backstory:
Flaky Relation was birthed in the heart of Chicago, in a small garage-turned-rehearsal space during the frosty winter of 2014. The quartet came together serendipitously after a chance meeting at an open mic night at a local bar. The band members include the charismatic lead vocalist and guitarist, Hayden Briggs, the rhythmic drummer, Eliot Stone, the suave bassist, Mason Andrews, and the electrifying keyboardist, Veronica ‘Ronnie’ Harper. Their shared passion for making music that resonates with the listener’s emotions led to the formation of Flaky Relation, a band that transcends the usual conventions of music.

The band’s name aptly captures the rollercoaster of drama, love, relationships, and dilemmas they experienced in their lives. Their tunes are a testimony to their bonds, struggles, and the lessons they learned along the journey. The band believes in translating their feelings into their music, making each song a vulnerable confession and a heartfelt narrative.

Genre:
Indie Rock/Alternative

Title:
“Bitter Sweet Symphony of Us”

Full song lyrics:

[Verse 1]
Am F C G
We walked on the streets of yesterday,
Am F C G
Under the gaze of a sun that’s gray.
Am F C G
Hearts humming a tune, none could play,
Am F C G
We were the bitter sweet symphony of us, hey!

[Chorus]
F C G Am
In the chaos, we found our serenity,
F C G Am
In the silence, we echoed our symphony.
F C G Am
We were the notes in a flaky relation,
F C G Am
But oh, such a beautiful damnation!

[Verse 2]
Am F C G
Eyes meeting in a crowded room,
Am F C G
A familiar scent, a known perfume.
Am F C G
Hearts playing an old familiar tune,
Am F C G
We are the bitter sweet symphony of us, soon!

[Chorus]
F C G Am
In the madness, we found our sanity,
F C G Am
In the noise, we whispered our vanity.
F C G Am
We are the chords in a flaky relation,
F C G Am
But oh, such a beautiful damnation!

Fan’s Name:
Sarah Thompson

Testimonial:
“Discovering Flaky Relation was like stumbling upon a hidden treasure. Their music resonated with the highs and lows of my life, making me feel seen and heard. Hayden’s raw voice is like a balm for the soul while Eliot’s drumming sends energy pulsing through my veins. Mason and Ronnie are the heart and soul, adding depth to their music. ‘Bitter Sweet Symphony of Us’ is my favorite, the lyrics and music are so relatable. They have become my favorite band because their music isn’t just a tune to hum along but a narrative that touches the soul. It’s as if they’ve put my life into their songs. I feel a deep connection with each strum, beat, and lyric.”

Backstory:
Favorite Residence, the brainchild of childhood best friends, Lacey Andrews and Jake Hobbs, was born inside the comforting walls of a tiny treehouse in the suburban town of Redwood, California. The two, having grown up together, shared an unspoken bond and love for music, which was nourished over countless afternoons in their neighborhood’s favorite residence, their treehouse. As they entered their teenage years, their passion for music grew, resulting in their determination to create a band. The name ‘Favorite Residence’ was a nod to their treasured treehouse, which was not only their haven of solace but also the birthplace of their shared dreams.

Years passed by, and the duo added more talented musicians to their group, forming a band that went on to touch the hearts of millions with their soulful performances. The band’s music has become the favorite residence for their fans, providing shelter to their thoughts, dreams, and emotions.

Genre:
Indie Folk-Rock

Title:
“Treehouse Serenade”

Full song lyrics:

(VERSE 1)
G C Em D
In our favorite residence, our hearts took flight,
G C Em D
Echoes of childhood laughter, hidden in the night.
G C Em D
Your voice, my guitar, our treehouse serenade,
G C Em D
The world beneath our feet, we were never afraid.

(CHORUS)
G C Em D
In our favorite residence, under the crimson sky,
G C Em D
We’d sing our hearts out, till the stars would cry.
G C Em D
With every strum, every beat, we’d make the winds sway,
G C Em D
In our favorite residence, we’d dream the night away.

(VERSE 2)
G C Em D
The years passed on, we left our sacred retreat,
G C Em D
But the chords of our past, still skip a beat.
G C Em D
In the echoes of the towering trees, our song remains,
G C Em D
In our favorite residence, love forever reigns.

(REPEAT CHORUS)

Fan’s Testimonial:
Fan’s name: Sarah Evans

Sarah Evans is a school teacher from Oregon and has been following Favorite Residence since their first hit, “Treehouse Serenade.” She fell in love with their soothing sound, poetic lyrics, and the heartwarming story behind their band’s formation. Sarah says, “Favorite Residence’s music is like a warm hug on a cold day. Every song they create, every story they tell, it feels like coming home. They remind me of my own childhood, my own dreams, and how beautiful and pure those moments were. Their music has become my favorite residence, my sanctuary in the chaos of life. There’s nothing more comforting than their melodies. They are my favorite band because they make me feel at home, no matter where I am.”