Backstory:

Jovial Councillor was born in the heart of Oakland, California, as the brainchild of five college friends back in 2012. Each member of the group had a different musical background, but shared a collective love for pop culture, politics, and storytelling. The group was named Jovial Councillor as a cheeky nod to a local council member who was known for his jolly disposition. After several years of performing at local gigs and word-of-mouth marketing, they had their breakthrough in 2015 with the hit song “Chasing the Sun” which garnered them national attention.

The quintet is known for their lively performances, playful lyrics, and tight-knit camaraderie. Their unique music style, inspired by political satire and daily life events, has earned them a dedicated fanbase. Despite their rapid rise to fame, the band has stayed true to their origins and continues to use their platform to promote positive changes in their community and beyond.

Genre:

Alternative Rock

Title:

“Midnight City”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
Am, Em, G, D
We were born in a midnight city,
where the stars don’t shine so pretty,
two lost souls just trying to get by,
in the echoes of neon light and petty fights.

(Chorus)
C, G, Am, F
In the midnight city, where the dreams are gritty,
we found love in the low-lit alleys,
in urban tales and graffiti hearts,
we turned our pain into art.

(Verse 2)
Am, Em, G, D
Through the smoke and the concrete maze,
we found our voice, we found our place,
in the rhythm of the midnight city,
we found our hope, we found our gritty.

(Chorus)
C, G, Am, F
In the midnight city, where life ain’t always pretty,
we found each other in the chaos,
through broken strings and broken dreams,
we made our own melodies.

Favorite Fan:

Our favorite fan’s name is Tyler. He’s been with us since our days of playing in small pubs around Oakland. A true-hearted music lover, Tyler has shown up to almost every one of our shows, often with a homemade sign to show his support. In his testimonial, he says, “Jovial Councillor is my favorite band because they’re so much more than their music. They’re about community, camaraderie, and advocating for change. Their lyrics speak to everyday life and they put on the most energetic live performances. My favorite song of theirs, ‘Midnight City’, actually helped me through a tough time in my life. Their music really speaks to me, and I can’t wait to see what they do next.”

Backstory:
Fumbling Vegetable was formed in the eclectic city of Austin, Texas, where the members first met at a farmers market. The four members – Jason ‘Jalapeno’ Smith (guitar), Larry ‘Lettuce’ Larson (bass), Penny ‘Pepper’ Peterson (keyboard), and Tommy ‘Tomato’ Thompson (drums) – were all stallholders selling their respective vegetable-themed products. They bonded over their shared love of music and dedication to sustainable farming, eventually deciding to form a band and promote their environmental advocacy through song. After a few impromptu jam sessions in the market, their unique sound started attracting crowds, leading to their decision to record and perform beyond the market.

Genre:
Fumbling Vegetable’s sound is a blend of Indie Rock and Folk, infused with a hint of Country. Their lyricism leans towards environmentalism and the joys of farming, often delivering messages around sustainability, love for the earth, and simple living.

Song Title:
“Carrot and Stick”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
Am C G F
I’ve got a carrot, I’ve got a stick,
Am C G F
Walking down the road, so thick.
Am C G F
My heart is heavy, my feet are quick,
Am C G F
Underneath the sun, so slick.

(Chorus)
Dm Am C G
Oh, Mother Nature gives, Mother Nature takes,
Dm Am C G
In her arms, there ain’t no fakes.
Dm Am C G
We’re just a fumbling vegetable in this world,
Dm Am C G
Sowing seeds, as love unfurls.

(Verse 2)
Am C G F
The garden grows, the garden sighs,
Am C G F
Underneath the moonlit skies.
Am C G F
Whispered secrets, true and wise,
Am C G F
In every turn, a sweet surprise.

(Repeat Chorus)

Favorite Fan:
Their favorite fan is Sally ‘Squash’ Sampson, a fellow farmer and environmental activist from Austin, Texas.

“Squash” says, “Fumbling Vegetable is my favorite band not just because of their catchy tunes that get me through long days on the farm, but also because of their message. They advocate for sustainable farming and environmentalism in a way that’s accessible and fun. Their music carries the spirit of the land, the love for our Earth, and it just resonates with me. They’re more than just a band; they’re a movement.”

Backstory:

Hailing from the rain-drenched city of Seattle, Careful Hose emerged onto the indie music scene in 2016. The band is comprised of childhood friends, frontman Joel “Jett” Peterson, drummer, Tim “T-Bone” Andrews, bassist, Caleb “CJ” Johnson, and lead guitarist, Kaitlyn “KT” Thompson. The members, who had played in various garage bands throughout high school, sought to create a sound that was uniquely their own. They decided to name the band Careful Hose as a nod to their childhood mischief of water fights with garden hoses and the inevitable need to be careful not to flood their parents’ basements.

Genre:

Indie Rock/ Alternative

Title:

“Echoes in the Rain”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
Em G D A
Underneath the city lights, we found our way,
Em G D A
In the echoes of the rain, we learned to play,
Em G D A
Scribbled dreams on napkins, in a city cafe,
Em G D A
Promised we’d make them real, come what may.

(Chorus)
C G D Em
In the echoes, echoes in the rain,
C G D Em
Found our purpose, found our pain,
C G D Em
In the echoes, we found our name,
C G D Em
Careful Hose, we’re here to play.

(Verse 2)
Em G D A
Strumming chords on rooftops, underneath the moon,
Em G D A
Singing out our hearts, in a harmonious tune,
Em G D A
Beckoning the stars, to dance along,
Em G D A
In the echoes of the rain, we found our song.

(Chorus)
C G D Em
In the echoes, echoes in the rain,
C G D Em
Found our music, found our claim,
C G D Em
In the echoes, we found our fame,
C G D Em
Careful Hose, we’re here to claim.

Testimonial:

Name: Emma Thompson

“Careful Hose has been my favorite band since I first heard ‘Echoes in the Rain’. Their music speaks to me in a way that no other band does. It’s not just about the melody, but the raw, honest lyrics that feel as if they’ve been pulled from my own life experiences. They’ve created a sound that is unique and authentic, and it’s absolutely captivating. From the energetic guitar riffs to the powerful drum beats, everything about their music is just perfect. I can feel the emotion in every word they sing, and it resonates with me on a deep level. I’ve been to every one of their concerts in Seattle, and I can’t wait to see where their music takes them next. Careful Hose isn’t just a band to me, they’re a part of my life, and I wouldn’t have it any other way.”

Backstory:

‘Welcome Attempt’ was formed in a small, bustling town of Nashville, Tennessee in 2012. The band was initially a collection of childhood friends – passionate about music and bonded by their shared dreams of making it big in the industry. Their journey began in their high school days, where they started out as a garage band, earning a name for themselves by performing at local events and high school parties. Their unique sound and lyricism soon caught the attention of a local record label, and their journey to stardom began.

The band experienced a significant breakthrough after releasing their debut album in 2015, which resonated with audiences across the country. They continued to attract a diverse and passionate fan base with their heartfelt performances and unique style. Despite the hardships and trials of the music industry, ‘Welcome Attempt’ always stayed true to their roots, creating music that represented their journey and experiences.

Genre:
Alternative Rock / Indie

Title:
“Chasing Shadows”

Full song lyrics:

Verse 1:
(Am)
In the city lights, where dreams become the night
(G)
We are just shadows, chasing after time
(D)
Look around, look around, what do we find?
(Am)
But echoes of our laughter, lost in the city’s rhyme

Chorus:
(G)
We are Chasing Shadows, in the dark
(D)
Lost in time, like a forgotten spark
(Am)
But in our hearts, there’s a burning mark
(G)
Chasing Shadows, is just the start

Verse 2:
(Am)
In the endless night, under the neon light
(G)
We are just dreamers, fighting the silent fight
(D)
Look up, look up, what do we see?
(Am)
But the canvas of the universe, painting our destiny

Repeat Chorus:
(G)
We are Chasing Shadows, in the dark
(D)
Lost in time, like a forgotten spark
(Am)
But in our hearts, there’s a burning mark
(G)
Chasing Shadows, is just the start

Band’s Favorite Fan:
‘Welcome Attempt’s’ favorite fan is a young woman named Lily. She’s been following the band since their early days, attending every concert, buying every album, and always sharing their music on her social media platforms. Lily’s enthusiasm is contagious and has often been a ray of light for the band during tough times.

Lily’s Testimonial:
“This band, Welcome Attempt, they’re more than just musicians to me. They’ve provided the soundtrack to my life. Their music has been there through my ups and downs, their words have been a comfort and a guide. I feel like they’re singing my story, and that connection is beyond words. They are my favorite band because they make music that is raw, real, and resonates with me on a deep level.”

Backstory:
Gorgeous Bulb was formed in 2016 in the bustling city of Boston, Massachusetts. Childhood friends, drummer Dave ‘Bulldozer’ Miller, guitarist Mike ‘Magic’ Johnson, and bassist Chris ‘Crippler’ Smith, had played in various high school bands but yearned to create something more original and resonant. They were introduced to charismatic frontman, Louis ‘Lighthouse’ Taylor, a British expat with a distinctive voice, in their local music store. After a jam session that lasted an entire weekend, they knew they had something special. Thus, Gorgeous Bulb was born.

Gorgeous Bulb spent the next few years honing their sound in local bars and clubs. Their relentless gigging and unique sound caught the attention of independent record label, Subterranean Riffs. In 2019, they released their debut album, ‘Illuminated Paths’, which was met with critical acclaim and allowed them to embark on their first national tour.

Genre:
Alternative Rock/Indie

Title:
“Shadow Ballet”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
G Em C D
Look at the shadow, dancing in the twilight,
G Em C D
A ballet in the dimming light.
G Em C D
Echoes of love, whispers of sorrow,
G Em C D
Tomorrow’s another day, another fight.

(Chorus)
G Em C D
Shadow ballet, I’ll dance with you,
G Em C D
In the moonlight, under the sky so blue.
G Em C D
I’ll fight the dawn, till the morning dew,
G Em C D
Shadow ballet, I’ll dance, just me and you.

(Verse 2)
G Em C D
Under the starlight, the dance continues,
G Em C D
Two hearts beating in different hues.
G Em C D
The night is ours, till the sun renews,
G Em C D
In the shadow ballet, we’ve got nothing to lose.

(Chorus)
G Em C D
Shadow ballet, I’ll dance with you,
G Em C D
In the moonlight, under the sky so blue.
G Em C D
I’ll fight the dawn, till the morning dew,
G Em C D
Shadow ballet, I’ll dance, just me and you.

Band’s Favorite Fan’s Name:
Sophie Williams

Why and How This Band is Her Favorite:
“I’ve been a fan of Gorgeous Bulb since their first gig at a local bar in Boston. The raw energy, the emotional depth of the lyrics, their unique sound – it all spoke to me. To see them grow and evolve as a band, to follow them on this incredible journey has been nothing short of inspiring. Their music has been a constant companion through my own highs and lows. The song ‘Shadow Ballet’ holds a particular place in my heart – the melody, the lyrics, the emotion it evokes, it’s indescribable. Gorgeous Bulb isn’t just a band to me, it’s an emotion, a way of life.”

Backstory:
Knobby Delivery was formed in 2010 in the bustling streets of Brooklyn, New York. The founders, Pete ‘Knobby’ Jefferson, a bike courier, and his childhood friend Mark ‘Delivery’ O’Connor, a postal worker, came together during one fateful evening jam session. They found a unique sound in their shared experiences of the day-to-day grind and the extraordinary characters they met during their delivery runs. Adding two more members, Lisa ‘Fast Track’ Evans on drums and ‘Package’ Joe Matthews on the bass, their quirky street-inspired music quickly gained a faithful following.

Genre:
Knobby Delivery plays a unique blend of alternative rock and folk, known for their rich storytelling and vibrant harmonies. They have carved out a niche for themselves in the indie music scene, their sound a unique reflection of the city they love.

Title:
“The Brownstone Serenade”

Full Song Lyrics:

Verse 1 (Am, D, G, Em):
(Am) Winding streets, (D) concrete beats,
(G) Letters in hand, (Em) I’m a delivery man.
(Am) Brownstones rise, (D) under city skies,
(G) Got a song to serenade, (Em) every window pane.

Chorus (C, G, D, Em):
(C) Singin’ high, singin’ low, (G) through the sun, sleet, and snow,
(D) Knobby wheels spin and roll, (Em) melodies from my soul.
(C) The city echoes my refrain, (G) in love with the joy, the pain,
(D) The Brownstone Serenade, (Em) the rhythm of the trade.

Verse 2 (Am, D, G, Em):
(Am) Faces blur, (D) stories stir,
(G) Every letter, every box, (Em) a key to a hidden world.
(Am) Through the noise, (D) find my voice,
(G) A song to the city, (Em) in every delivery.

Repeat Chorus.

Favorite Fan’s Testimonial:
My name’s Ellie and I swear, I’m Knobby Delivery’s biggest fan! I first heard them at a dive bar in Brooklyn. Their music, it’s just so real. It feels like they’ve taken pieces of the city, the people, the spirit, and turned it into a song. Their tracks, especially my favorite – “The Brownstone Serenade”, to me, it’s about how every person has a story, every place has a tale. No other band captures the heart and soul of New York like Knobby Delivery. Their music isn’t just a listening experience, it’s a journey.

Backstory:
Adorable Pain emerged from the heart of the bustling city of Chicago in 2012. The core members, lead singer Jenna Fields, guitarist Max Riley, bassist Adam Miles, and drummer Noah Walker were all high school friends who shared a love for music. After graduating, they moved into a shared flat, working part-time jobs while dedicating their nights to creating music. They started performing in local bars and soon their soulful sound started attracting attention. Their signature music style, which they described as “pain wrapped in sweet melodies,” resonated with a lot of listeners, earning them a loyal fanbase. Their big break came in 2015 when an indie record label spotted them at a gig and signed them on the spot.

Genre:
Alternative Rock

Title:
“Waves of Yesterday”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
Em C G D
Lost in the echoes of our old conversations,
Em C G D
Painted memories fading in dilapidation,
Em C G D
Waves of yesterday crash over me,
Em C G D
Not quite a memory, it’s bittersweet.

(Chorus)
G D Em C
Adorable pain, so familiar,
G D Em C
Twisted in love’s peculiar strain,
G D Em C
We were a beautiful picture,
G D Em C
Now all that’s left is adorable pain.

(Verse 2)
Em C G D
Walking through the remnants of our secret places,
Em C G D
Visions of you still fill the empty spaces,
Em C G D
Tears of yesterday rain over me,
Em C G D
Every drop a memory, it’s bittersweet.

(Chorus)
G D Em C
Adorable pain, so peculiar,
G D Em C
Tangled in love’s enduring chain,
G D Em C
We were a symphony in color,
G D Em C
Now all that’s left is adorable pain.

Fan’s name and testimonial:
Name: Kevin Hughes

Testimonial:
“I’ve been a fan of Adorable Pain since their early days. I still remember stumbling upon them at a small gig downtown. Their music just spoke to me on a deeper level. The raw emotion wrapped in those soothing yet electrifying melodies felt like they were telling my story. Their song ‘Waves of Yesterday’ pretty much became the soundtrack of my life. I’ve seen them grow over the years and every album they’ve released has been nothing short of a masterpiece. This band isn’t just my favorite, they’re a part of me now.”

Backstory

Funny Election was formed in a small town in Midwest America during the tumultuous 2016 presidential election. The band members, all high school friends, started out as a form of protest against the polarizing political climate, using their music as a platform to satire the election process. Over time, their witty lyrics, coupled with their infectious melodies, gained them a dedicated fanbase beyond their small-town origins. The band members, lead singer Gary, guitarist Dave, drummer Mike, and bassist Lana, have stayed true to their roots despite their growing fame, using their music as social commentary and maintaining their signature humor throughout their journey.

Genre

Funny Election is best known for their Alternative Rock with a splash of Pop Punk.

Title

“Ballot Box Blues”

Full Song Lyrics

(Verse 1)
[G] I woke up this morning, [D] feeling so confused,
[Em] Turned on the TV, [C] got the Ballot Box Blues.
[G] Left is saying right, [D] and right is saying wrong,
[Em] I just want to express, [C] my feelings in a song.

(Chorus)
[G] Oh, we got the Ballot Box Blues, [D] yes, we do,
[Em] Can’t decide who’s telling the truth, [C] or who’s just spreading the news.
[G] It’s a funny election, [D] a game of misdirection,
[Em] But we’ll keep singing the Ballot Box Blues, [C] for me and you.

(Verse 2)
[G] Politicians promise, [D] to make our dreams come true,
[Em] But most of the time, [C] they just leave us feeling blue.
[G] So here’s to the people, [D] who feel like they’ve been used,
[Em] Let’s sing together, [C] the Ballot Box Blues.

(Chorus)
[G] Oh, we got the Ballot Box Blues, [D] yes, we do,
[Em] Don’t know who to trust anymore, [C] or what to do.
[G] It’s a funny election, [D] filled with misconception,
[Em] But we’ll keep singing the Ballot Box Blues, [C] for me and you.

Favorite Fan’s Name

The band’s favorite fan is a middle-aged woman named Charlene.

Testimonial

“I’ve been a fan of Funny Election since their first gig at our town fair. Their music resonates with me in a way no other band has. The combination of their catchy tunes and tongue-in-cheek lyrics is just brilliant. They take our everyday struggles and make them into something we can dance to. I love how they don’t shy away from addressing socio-political issues, yet they do it in a fun and relatable way. They’ve turned the confusion of the political landscape into the ‘Ballot Box Blues,’ and I just can’t get enough of it! They’re not just a band to me; they’re a voice for people like me, and that’s why they will always be my favorite.”

Backstory:

Attentive Letter is a standout ensemble, founded in a small town of Hudson, Wisconsin, by childhood friends, Ben Mason and Paul Shepard. Ben, a self-taught guitar player, and Paul, a lyrical genius, discovered their shared passion for music during their high school years. They found each other scribbling lyrics and humming tunes during their lunch breaks, synergizing their creativity, and forming a strong bond. Their friendship and passion soon evolved into a blooming musical journey. After high school, they moved to Minneapolis, Minnesota, where they met the rest of the band members and officially formed Attentive Letter.

Their vision was simple – to create music that resonated with their listeners and to communicate stories, emotions, and experiences through their songs. Their tireless dedication and raw talent paid off, leading to them gaining a robust local following, which soon exploded into national fame. With their vivid storytelling and unique sound, the band began to revolutionize the music scene and created a lasting impact on their listeners.

Genre:

Alternative Rock

Title:

“Rushing Pulse”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
C#m E A B
On the edge of the city lights,
A E B C#m
Our shadows collide in the silent night.
G#m A B E
In your eyes, I find a rushing pulse,
A B C#m E
A wild rhythm, an unbroken waltz.

(Chorus)
E B C#m A
You and I, under the stardust glow,
E B C#m A
Lost in time, where the wild winds blow.
E B C#m A
In the rush, in the thundering pulse,
E B C#m A
You’re the song, you’re the waltz.

(Verse 2)
C#m E A B
Through the chaos, through the noise,
A E B C#m
Your voice echoes, a soothing voice.
G#m A B E
In your words, I find a hidden verse,
A B C#m E
A silent promise, a universe.

(Chorus)
E B C#m A
You and I, under the twilight’s haze,
E B C#m A
Caught in moments, in the silent phrase.
E B C#m A
In the rush, in the echoing verse,
E B C#m A
You’re the song, you’re the universe.

Band’s Favorite Fan:

The band’s favorite fan is Emily Thompson. A fan since the band’s inception, Emily has been to every single one of their performances, nationwide. In her words, “Attentive Letter’s music speaks to the heart. It’s raw, it’s real, and it’s relatable. Every song feels like a personal letter written just for me. Their music helped me through some tough times and continues to be my comfort and joy. I am, and always will be, their number one fan.” Emily’s unwavering support and dedication make her the band’s favorite fan.

Backstory:
Unripe Catalogue was born in the thriving music scene of Austin, Texas, in 2015. The group was first formed by childhood friends, lead vocalist Jake Stratton and bass guitarist Tony Delgado, who discovered their mutual love for music while rummaging through their parents’ old records. Inspired by the diverse range of genres they found in those musty collections, they began experimenting with their own unique sound. Eventually, they were joined by drummer Lila Roberts and lead guitarist Dan Jefferson, whose talent helped shape their unique fusion of rock, folk, and a little bit of soul.

Genre:
Indie Folk Rock

Title:
“Echoes of Vinyl”

Lyrics:
(Verse 1)
A minor, D major, G major
A minor, D major, C major, E minor
In the attic we found a chest, dust-coated old unrest,
Beneath the clutter and the mess, the echoes of vinyl we undressed.

Chorus:
F major, C major, G major, A minor
F major, C major, G major
Spinning tales of you and me, in every groove and melody,
Echoes of vinyl, our history, the soundtrack of our legacy.

(Verse 2)
A minor, D major, G major
A minor, D major, C major, E minor
We danced under the moonlight’s glow, to the rhythm only we know,
In the hush of the night, the records show, our love in stereo.

Chorus:
F major, C major, G major, A minor
F major, C major, G major
Spin the record, let it play, songs of love that never fray,
Echoes of vinyl, they convey, words we could never say.

Fan’s Testimonial:
Hey there, I’m Emily. I’ve been a fan of Unripe Catalogue since their very first gig. What first drew me to them was their unique sound – you can’t easily box them into any one genre. Their music evokes nostalgia, yet feels fresh and vibrant. Their song “Echoes of Vinyl” is my absolute favorite. The lyrics resonate with me – it’s like they’ve given a voice to what I’ve experienced and felt. I’m a music enthusiast myself, and the fact that Unripe Catalogue combines rock, folk, and soul in a way that’s not chaotic, but rather harmonious and meaningful, makes them my favorite band. Their music isn’t just songs, they’re stories – stories that speak to their listeners on a deeply personal level.