Backstory:

Centered in the heart of Detroit’s underground music scene, Terrible System was born out of a shared dissatisfaction with the world’s status quo. Comprising four rebellious spirits – lead vocalist and guitarist Jake “Juke” Williams, drummer Rex “Rebel” Johnson, bassist Lenny “Loudwire” Davis, and keyboardist Amy “Amp” Baker, the band formed in 2012. Initially playing at small gigs and dive bars, they quickly gained a reputation for their electric performances and politically charged lyrics, prompting their rise to fame.

Their music acts as an outlet, allowing them to channel their frustrations into something more substantial, more resonant. Terrible System soon found themselves becoming the voice of the voiceless, the sound of the unheard, and the rhythm of the restless. Their music embodies the angst, the rebellion, and the spirit of everyone who’s felt the weight of the world on their shoulders.

Genre:

Terrible System is often categorized under Punk-Rock, although they incorporate elements from Heavy Metal and Grunge. Their music is renowned for its fast tempo, aggressive guitar work, and raw, unabashedly political lyrical content.

Title:

“Riots in the Streets”

Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1 – E G A B)
E
In a city of shadows, under neon lights,
G
Lost souls wander, in the dead of night.
A
The echoes of injustice, the cries of the weak,
B
In their hearts, they carry, a rage that speaks.

(Chorus – C D E)
C
Riots in the streets, a rebellion in the air,
D
Can you hear the sound, of despair?
E
We won’t be silenced, won’t be beat,
C
We are the pulse, of the riots in the streets.

(Verse 2 – E G A B)
E
Against the system, we make our stand,
G
With the power of music, and a guitar in hand.
A
The truth is our weapon, the night our shield,
B
In the face of tyranny, we will never yield.

(Chorus – C D E)
C
Riots in the streets, a fire in our souls,
D
Fighting for freedom, that’s our goal.
E
We won’t be broken, won’t accept defeat,
C
We are the force, behind the riots in the streets.

Fan Testimonial:

Fan’s Name: Stacy Turner

“Terrible System is my favorite band because their music gives a voice to my frustrations and fears. The raw energy of their tunes and the honesty of their lyrics make me feel less alone. When I listen to their songs, like ‘Riots in the Streets’, I feel a sense of camaraderie, of unity. It’s as if they’re speaking directly to me, and to everyone who’s ever felt disheartened by the state of the world. Their music is a powerful reminder that we’re not alone in this fight – and that’s why I love Terrible System.”

Backstory:
Regular Mission was formed under the ordinary suburban lights of Bakersfield, California, in 2012. Four friends – Jack on vocals and rhythm guitar, Chris on lead guitar, Tom on bass, and Ben on drums – found solace in the garage, strumming away the monotony of everyday life. United by a shared love of music and an urge to break free from the regularity of their lives, they began to spend their evenings creating music that captured their dreams and frustrations. Jack’s introspective lyrics, Chris’s electric riffs, Tom’s subtle bassline, and Ben’s steady rhythm turned a simple garage band into something extraordinary. Regular Mission was no longer just a name, it became their quest for a life less ordinary.

Genre:
Indie Rock/Alternative

Song Title:
“Suburban Dreams”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1 – E B C#m A)
In the heart of the common scene, (E B)
Underneath the dull routine, (C#m A)
There’s a wind that’s starting to rise. (E B C#m A)

The stars are hidden by the city lights, (E B)
Streets are cold and the walls are high. (C#m A)
But we won’t be confined. (E B C#m A)

(Chorus – E B C#m A)
Suburban dreams, and concrete skies, (E B)
We’re breaking free, we’ll learn to fly. (C#m A)
Our words will echo, through the night. (E B C#m A)
Suburban dreams, taking flight. (E B C#m A)

(Verse 2 – E B C#m A)
In the shadows of the everyday, (E B)
We’re just souls trying to navigate, (C#m A)
Beneath the suburban haze. (E B C#m A)

With every chord, and every verse, (E B)
We’re screaming out to the universe. (C#m A)
We will not be erased. (E B C#m A)

(Chorus – E B C#m A)
Suburban dreams, and concrete skies, (E B)
We’re breaking free, we’ll learn to fly. (C#m A)
Our words will echo, through the night. (E B C#m A)
Suburban dreams, taking flight. (E B C#m A)

Favorite Fan Testimonial:
Name: Sarah Lewis

“Regular Mission is more than just a band for me; they’re the soundtrack to my life. Their music transcends the banality of everyday life, and it gives us ‘ordinary’ folks something extraordinary to hold on to. They make me feel seen, understood, and inspire me to break out of the mold. Every time I listen to ‘Suburban Dreams’, I feel like I’m not alone in wanting more from life. Their music encourages me to dream big, no matter where I come from. That’s why Regular Mission is, and will always be, my favorite band.”

Backstory:
TRUE Wren is a band born out of small-town dreams and the desire for authentic self-expression. They were formed in the heart of Ohio in the year 2007. The band’s four members, childhood friends who grew up sharing a love for music, decided to come together and create their unique sound. TRUE Wren embodies the spirit of their home state – raw, resilient, and undeniably charming. Their music speaks to the heartland of America, sharing stories of love, loss, and the thrill of small-town life.

Genre:
TRUE Wren is best known for their Indie Rock sound, peppered with elements of Country and Folk.

Title:
“The Ballad of the Midnight Sky”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
G Em C D
Underneath the midnight sky,
I heard the wren start to cry
Her wings were tired, her voice was low,
She had no place she could go

(Verse 2)
G Em C D
A single tear fell from her eye,
Reflecting the sorrow of the midnight sky.
Her heart was heavy, her spirit weak,
She craved the solace that she seeks.

(Chorus)
G Em C D
Fly, fly, wren of the night,
Seek the stars, they’ll guide your flight.
Find your strength, embrace the dark,
For within you, beats a warrior’s heart.

(Verse 3)
G Em C D
She closed her eyes, began to sing,
A melody that made the night sky ring.
Her voice was soft, yet fierce and strong,
A testament to a spirit lifelong.

(Chorus)
G Em C D
Fly, fly, wren of the night,
Seek the stars, they’ll guide your flight.
Find your strength, embrace the dark,
For within you, beats a warrior’s heart.

(Bridge)
G Em C D
The moon shone down, its silver glow,
Illuminating the wren below.
She took a breath, spread her wings wide,
Ready to start her midnight ride.

(Chorus)
G Em C D
Fly, fly, wren of the night,
Seek the stars, they’ll guide your flight.
Find your strength, embrace the dark,
For within you, beats a warrior’s heart.

The Band’s Favorite Fan:
The band’s favorite fan is a woman named Susan from their hometown. She has been with them from the beginning, attending every local performance and cheering them on as they took their music beyond the borders of their small town. “TRUE Wren is my favorite band because their music has a way of speaking directly to my soul,” Susan says. “Their melodies are catchy, their lyrics are heartfelt, and their performances are electric. They’ve stayed true to their roots, and that authenticity is reflected in every song they perform.”

Backstory:

Slow Protest was formed in the rainy autumn of 2010 in the small coastal city of Gulfport, Mississippi. The four founding members, Jake Sullivan (vocals and guitar), Liam Ferguson (bass), Henry Tucker (drums), and Isabelle Hart (keyboard and backing vocals), met in high school where they bonded over their shared love of music and dissatisfaction with the status quo. They initially started out playing covers in Jake’s garage, but quickly realized they had a unique sound and started writing their own music. Their name, Slow Protest, came from their belief that challenging the system and creating change doesn’t always have to be loud and disruptive. Sometimes, the most profound protests are quiet, steady, and slow.

Genre:

Indie Rock

Title:

“Rainy Sunday Morning”

Full song lyrics:

(Verse 1)
[G] Woke up this morning, [C] to the sound of falling rain
[Em] Outside my window, [D] world’s filled with pain
[G] A cup of coffee, [C] a thought in my head
[Em] Change is coming, [D] like the weatherman said

(Chorus)
[G] Rainy Sunday morning, [C] dreams are on the line
[Em] Listen to the silence, [D] it’s a slow protest time
[G] Don’t rush the moment, let it [C] slowly unwind
[Em] In this quiet rebellion, [D] truth we will find

(Verse 2)
[G] Streets are empty, [C] people hiding from the storm
[Em] But we’re out here, [D] breaking the conform
[G] With every raindrop, [C] we’re making a stand
[Em] With our silent voices, [D] we’ll reclaim this land

(Chorus)
[G] Rainy Sunday morning, [C] dreams are on the line
[Em] Listen to the silence, [D] it’s a slow protest time
[G] Don’t rush the moment, let it [C] slowly unwind
[Em] In this quiet rebellion, [D] truth we will find

Their favorite fan’s name and why this band is their favorite:

Fan’s Name: Maddie Thompson

Testimonial:

“I’m a huge fan of Slow Protest. Their music is soothing, yet filled with passion and energy. Their lyrics reflect the feelings and struggles of our generation. They’re not just singing empty words, but are voicing out our thoughts and frustrations. Every time I listen to ‘Rainy Sunday Morning’, I feel like they’re speaking directly to me, understanding my feelings, my confusions, my hopes, and my dreams. Slow Protest is not just a band to me, they’re the voice of our silent, slow protests.”

Backstory:
Surprised Experiment, a melodic group of four friends from the quiet midwestern town of Stillwater, Oklahoma, came together over their shared love for the eclectic and strange. They first met during a local science fair competition, where they were partnered to create an experiment that would surprise their teachers and peers. Though their science project ended in a rather spectacular failure, what was birthed out of that experience was a deep friendship and a shared passion for music that would eventually lead to the formation of ‘Surprised Experiment’. The band started performing in local bars and cafes, their experimental and unique sound quickly drawing a crowd. Now, they’re ready to take their music on the road and spread their sound to the wider world.

Genre:
Alternative Rock/Electro-pop fusion

Title:
“Elemental Symphony”

Full Lyrics:
(Verse 1)
Am F C G
Underneath the burning sun, we found our rhythm,
Am F C G
Between the atoms, the music of the system,
Am F C G
A melody in the chaos, our elemental anthem.

(Chorus)
Am F C G
Let’s play our elemental symphony,
Am F C G
In a world of noise, we’ll be the harmony,
Am F C G
Echoing in every shared memory,
Am F C G
This is our elemental symphony.

(Verse 2)
Am F C G
In the glow of twilight, we strum our story,
Am F C G
Notes dancing like particles in their glory,
Am F C G
This is our science, our love, our territory.

(Chorus)
Am F C G
Create our elemental symphony,
Am F C G
In a universe of silence, we’ll be the melody,
Am F C G
Resounding in every heart’s treasury,
Am F C G
This is our elemental symphony.

Fan Testimonial:
Name: Sarah Thompson

“Surprised Experiment is my favorite band because they bring a unique blend of science and art into their music. It’s like they’re painting a picture of the universe with their lyrics, and it’s utterly captivating. I’ve been following them since their first gig at the Stillwater Cafe, and they never fail to surprise me with their creativity and passion. Their song, ‘Elemental Symphony’, is a masterpiece that perfectly encapsulates their distinct style. It resonates with me on a personal level, reminding me of the beauty in science and the rhythm of life.”

Backstory:
Thoughtful Daddy is an indie rock band that got its unusual start in the heart of Seattle in the late 1990s. Originally composed of four college friends – lead singer and rhythm guitarist Robert ‘Bobby’ Hart, lead guitarist Kevin ‘Kev’ Collier, bassist Max ‘Daddy’ Johnson, and drummer Alex ‘Lex’ Hammond – the band got their name from the affectionate nickname the other band members gave Max on account of his maturity and wisdom beyond his years. He was the one who always had thoughtful advice and sensible solutions to any problem the band faced. They began by playing small gigs around their college campus, eventually moving onto local bars and music festivals, where their unique sound and thought-provoking lyrics steadily caught peoples’ attention. Their journey wasn’t without challenges, but their shared passion for music and deep bond of friendship kept them going, eventually landing them a record deal.

Genre: Indie Rock

Title: “Rivers of Reflection”

Full Song Lyrics:
(Verse 1)
[G] Walking down this [D] beaten path [Em]
[C] Visions of the [G] future, shadows of the [D] past
[Em] Your words, like [C] rivers, flow [G] into my [D] mind
[A] Reflecting thoughts [C] I thought I’d left [D] behind.

(Chorus)
[G] Rivers of [D] reflection, [Em] carry me [C] away
[G] To brighter [D] moments, to better [Em] days
[C] Through the darkness, [G] you’re my [D] guiding [Em] light,
[A] Thoughtful Daddy, [C] you make it [D] feel right.

(Verse 2)
[G] The world is [D] spinning, but [Em] you stand [C] still
[G] Your wisdom [D] like a beacon [Em] on a [C] distant hill
[G] Your melody [D] echoes through [Em] the silent [C] night
[A] Thoughtful Daddy, [D] you make it feel [C] right.

(Chorus)
[G] Rivers of [D] reflection, [Em] carry me [C] away
[G] To brighter [D] moments, to better [Em] days
[C] Through the darkness, [G] you’re my [D] guiding [Em] light,
[A] Thoughtful Daddy, [C] you make it [D] feel right.

Band’s Favorite Fan:
The band’s favorite fan is a young woman named Lily. Lily says: “I’ve followed Thoughtful Daddy since their early days. I was drawn to their raw, emotional lyrics and the way their music resonated with my experiences. Their songs gave me comfort during tough times and always made me feel understood. Their music has a unique way of telling a story that connects with the listener, and it’s truly something special. Over the years, I’ve become a huge fan and have attended nearly all their concerts. Their live performances take you on an emotional journey, and it’s an experience I wouldn’t miss for the world. Thoughtful Daddy is, and always will be, my favorite band.”

Backstory:
Near Interpretation was formed in the bustling city of Seattle in 2014 by childhood friends Tom Wilson and Nick Landon. After years of experimenting with different musical styles in their parents’ basements, the duo finally discovered a sound that was uniquely their own. Combining elements of electronica, rock, and punk, they started creating music that was raw, authentic, and full of energy. They later recruited the talented drummer, Emily Clarke, and the versatile bassist, Luke Bennett, through local music festivals and open mic nights. With the addition of Emily and Luke, Near Interpretation quickly gained a reputation in the city’s underground music scene as a band that was fearless and ready to push boundaries.

Genre:
Electronic Punk Rock

Song Title:
“Echoes of the Unknown”

Full Song Lyrics:

[Verse 1]
Em (Em/G) D (D/F#) Am (Am/C)
Hear the echoes of the unknown, falling like rain in the dark,
C (C/E) G (G/B) D (D/F#)
Whispering words we used to know, etched on the canvas of the heart.
Em (Em/G) D (D/F#) Am (Am/C)
Lights from the city dim and slow, as we chase shadows in the park,
C (C/E) G (G/B) D (D/F#)
With each step, we’re letting go, setting fire to the spark.

[Chorus]
C (C/E) G (G/B) D (D/F#)
Echoes of the unknown, they’re calling us home,
Em (Em/G) Am (Am/C) D (D/F#)
Through the labyrinth of the night, beneath the twilight dome.
C (C/E) G (G/B) D (D/F#)
In our hearts, a silent song, a tale that’s yet to be told,
Em (Em/G) Am (Am/C) D (D/F#)
The echoes of the unknown, they’re turning silver to gold.

Favorite Fan:
The band’s favorite fan is a 20-year old college student named Mia. She followed Near Interpretation since their inception and has attended every single concert, even traveling across states to see them perform. Mia loves the band for their authentic and fearless approach to music. She admires their ability to experiment with different genres and their courage to push the boundaries of the conventional music scene. Near Interpretation’s music has been a constant companion for Mia during her highs and lows, their lyrics resonating deeply with her personal experiences. She says, “Their music speaks to me on so many levels. It’s raw, it’s real, and it’s incredibly powerful. Near Interpretation isn’t just a band to me, it’s a part of who I am.”

Backstory:

Authorized Menu is an eclectic group of musicians who found each other by chance in a small, downtown coffee shop in Austin, Texas. The band is made up of former chef turned lead vocalist, Billy “Menu” Menendez; classically trained violinist and keyboardist, Helena “Harmony” Johnson; self-taught drummer, Ian “Beat” Barker; and prodigious bassist, Jake “Bass” Bassett. Each was pursuing their own solo career until one fateful day when they spontaneously jammed together during an open mic night at the coffee shop. Their collective chemistry was undeniable, and realizing that they made better music together than apart, Authorized Menu was born.

Their name was a playful nod to Billy’s culinary past and the band’s shared love for food, combined with their shared belief in the freedom to create unorthodox music. Authorized Menu quickly gained a reputation in the local scene for their unique sound and charismatic performances. With their stellar fusion of genres, they are fast becoming a sensation far beyond the confines of Austin, Texas.

Genre:

Indie Fusion Pop

Title:

“Coffee and Dreams”

Full song lyrics:

(Verse 1)
Am G F C
Coffee in the morning, I got dreams on my mind,
Am G F C
Waking up to music, it’s the rhythm of life.
Am G F C
Scribbled songs on napkins, in the heart of the night,
Am G F C
We’re cooking up a melody, under the neon light.

(Chorus)
F C G Am
We are Authorized Menu, we’re serving up the new,
F C G Am
Brewing indie fusion, just for you.
F C G Am
A dash of pop, a sprinkle of jazz,
F C G Am
Creating a feast, in the name of music’s craft.

(Verse 2)
Am G F C
From the coffee shop to the stage, we’re turning the pages,
Am G F C
In the book of our journey, lighting up faces.
Am G F C
Every note’s a flavor, every chord’s a spice,
Am G F C
Whipping up a symphony, in this musical paradise.

(Chorus)
F C G Am
We are Authorized Menu, we’re serving up the new,
F C G Am
Brewing indie fusion, just for you.
F C G Am
A dash of pop, a sprinkle of jazz,
F C G Am
Creating a feast, in the name of music’s craft.

Fan’s Name:

Riley Gordon

Testimonial:

“Authorized Menu has been my favorite band since the first time I heard them at a local coffee shop. Their unique blend of indie, pop, and jazz is just magical. I’ve seen them grow from performing for the baristas to selling out concert halls. Their music has a certain authenticity and passion that I’ve never seen before. Each song feels like a carefully prepared dish, with different flavors and textures that somehow blend perfectly. No one does it quite like Authorized Menu. Their music is my comfort food, it’s what I turn to when I need to feel understood, when I want to celebrate, or just unwind. They’ve made my life richer, one song at a time.”

Backstory:

Easy Singer was formed in the bustling heart of London in 2013. The band was born when old school friends, lead vocalist Steven Johnson and guitarist Sam White, met in a dingy basement club and decided to dust off their old instruments. Joined later by bassist Tony Williams and drummer Danny Jones, the band started their journey, jamming in Steven’s garage and playing at the local pubs. Easy Singer’s fame began to grow when they were discovered by a record label executive during a gig at a famous underground club in the city.

Their moniker, ‘Easy Singer’, was adopted from an old phrase Steven’s granddad used, describing the ease with which the young Steven could carry a tune. The name stuck, and it became a symbol of their approach to music—uncomplicated, heartfelt, and genuine.

Genre:
Indie Pop-Rock

Title:
“Under The City Lights”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
[C] Underneath the city [G] lights,
[D] Found a place where [Em] dreams take flight.
[C] Hum of the city, [G] whispers in the dark,
[D] Here we found our [Em] spark.

(Chorus)
[G] Under the city [D] lights, we [Em] found our way,
[C] Music in our hearts, had [G] so much to say.
[G] Here we stand [D] now, on the [Em] edge of night,
[C] Ready to sing, under these [G] city lights.

(Verse 2)
[C] Strumming tunes in [G] subway trains,
[D] Songs of love, joy, and [Em] pains.
[C] From crowded streets to [G] smoky bars,
[D] Our music reached out to [Em] stars.

(Chorus)
[G] Under the city [D] lights, we [Em] found our way,
[C] Pushing through the dark, [G] to a brighter day.
[G] Here we stand [D] now, under the [Em] city lights,
[C] Ready to sing, to these [G] city nights.

(Band’s Favorite Fan)

Our favourite fan is Sarah Thompson. Sarah has followed us since our very first gig at the local pub. She’s been at every concert, cheering us on, and even helped us sell our first self-made album at her café. Here’s what she has to say about us:

“I’ve been a fan of Easy Singer since day one. Their music speaks to my soul in a way no other band has ever managed to do. The honesty in their lyrics, the passion in their performance, it’s just awe-inspiring. Their song “Under the City Lights” is my go-to track on a hard day. Easy Singer is more than just a band to me, they’re like a beacon of hope and strength. Their journey from a garage band to a well-recognized Indie Pop-Rock band is nothing short of inspiring.”

Backstory:

The universe of music welcomed Writhing Student in the summer of 2008. The band was born in the dusty, underground corridors of Yale University’s music department, where four ambitious students discovered a shared passion for creating compelling music. Jason Weaver, the charismatic frontman, came together with the fiery guitarist, Mark Thompson, the soulful drummer, Sarah Monroe, and the mellow bassist, Liam Davis, to form the essence of Writhing Student. They started as a college band, performing at university events, local gigs, and small venues around New Haven, Connecticut. Their unique sound, combining alternative rock and experimental jazz, quickly grabbed the attention of indie music enthusiasts. Writhing Student became known for their compelling lyrics and innovative composition, earning them a loyal fanbase and the reputation as one of the most promising indie bands in the Northeast.

Genre:

Alternative Rock/Experimental Jazz

Title:

“Library Ghost”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
Am C G D
In the quiet halls, under the dim light,
Am C G D
Sits a lonely ghost, lost in his own plight.
Am C G D
His eyes are on the books, but his mind is somewhere else,
Am C G D
In a time where he was more than just a shadow of himself.

(Chorus)
F C G Am
He’s the Library Ghost, always there but unseen,
F C G Am
Living in the pages, in the worlds that have been.
F C G Am
Once a writhing student, now a forgotten host,
F C G Am
In the heart of the library lives the lonely ghost.

(Verse 2)
Am C G D
He turns the tattered pages, a whisper in the silent room,
Am C G D
His story lost in ages, his existence merely assumed.
Am C G D
He looks for solace in the words, finds comfort in the lines,
Am C G D
In the sanctuary of books, where his solitude aligns.

(Chorus)
F C G Am
He’s the Library Ghost, trapped in time’s cruel jest,
F C G Am
In the echoes of the quiet, where his memories rest.
F C G Am
Once a writhing student, now a phantom most,
F C G Am
In the chorus of the library sings the lonely ghost.

The band’s favorite fan’s name:

Tommy “Bookworm” Phillips

Testimonial:

“I’ve been a fan of Writhing Student since their first gig at the Yale Underbrook. Their music resonates with me in a way that no other band does. ‘Library Ghost’ feels like it was written for me. As a Literature major, I can relate to the solitude of a library and the loss in the pages of a book. Writhing Student’s unique blend of rock and jazz gives me a sense of belonging. Their music has become the soundtrack of my college life.”