Backstory:

Instructive Pleasure formed when four college friends with disparate musical tastes decided to jam together in a cramped garage in San Francisco in 2012. The members include Lloyd (Lead vocals and guitar), Alex (Drums), Rose (Bass), and Oliver (Keyboards). Each of them brought a unique flavor to their music, drawing from their personal influences. Despite their differences, their love for music created a common ground that cultivated a unique sound that soon resonated with the local crowd.

Starting out in small pubs and local gigs, they hustled their way to bigger platforms with their tireless passion and dedication. Their music was a blend of wistful lyrics infused with their youthful energy and bold sound, which quickly caught the attention of fans and critics alike. After signing with an indie label in 2014, they released their first album, “Lessons in Joy,” which established their foothold in the music industry.

Genre:
Indie Pop/Rock

Title:
“Chasing Eternity”

Full song lyrics:

(Verse 1)
C Am
Chasing dreams down open roads
Em G
Eternity in our souls
Dm C
We’re young, we’re bold
G Em
Our story’s yet untold

(Chorus)
C Am
Chasing eternity, my dear
Em D
With every laugh, every tear
G C
We’ll make our mark, have no fear
Am G C
Instructive pleasure’s here

(Verse 2)
C Am
In the shadows of the night
Em G
We find solace in starlight
Dm C
Embracing what feels right
G Em
Beneath the city’s neon lights

(Chorus)
C Am
Chasing eternity, my dear
Em D
With every laugh, every tear
G C
We’ll make our mark, have no fear
Am G C
Instructive pleasure’s here

Outro
Dm C
With every beat, every note
Em G
We’re keeping hope afloat
Dm C
Chasing dreams, staying afloat
Am G C
Chasing eternity’s our only note

Fan’s name: Jenny

Testimonial:
“I’ve followed Instructive Pleasure since their early days, playing in tiny pubs. What draws me to them is their authenticity, their lyrics feel profoundly personal yet relatable. I find a part of myself in their songs. My favorite is ‘Chasing Eternity,’ a song that resonates with my own pursuit of dreams. Their music isn’t just about entertainment; it’s about life, love, dreams, and the joy in the chase. It’s as if they’re sharing their own life lessons in the most melodious way possible, making them my favorite band.”

Backstory:
“Squeaky Title” was formed in the bustling city of Los Angeles, California in 2015. The band comprises four members: lead singer and guitarist Jamie “Squeaky” Johnson, bassist Mark “Title” Sanders, drummer Alex “Stickman” Rodriguez, and keyboardist Lisa “Keys” Edwards. The name “Squeaky Title” was derived from Jamie’s nickname “Squeaky”, given due to his distinctive high-pitched voice, and Mark’s nickname “Title” for his love of vintage title sequence design. The band members, all college friends from the University of Southern California, combined their shared passion for music and their unique sounds to form a band that would ultimately shake up the local music scene.

Genre:
Alternative Rock

Song Title:
“Washed Ashore”

Full Song Lyrics with Chord Progression:

(Verse 1: G, C, Am, D)
[G] I found myself [C] washed ashore,
[Am] Lost in thoughts, [D] needing more.
[G] With the waves, [C] I followed your call,
[Am] In your depth, [D] I began to fall.

(Chorus: Em, C, G, D)
[Em] Stranded on your [C] sandy smile,
[G] I’d walk a thousand [D] treacherous miles.
[Em] Your love is the [C] ocean wide,
[G] My heart’s the ship, [D] in you, I confide.

(Verse 2: G, C, Am, D)
[G] The seagulls sing [C] lullabies,
[Am] Underneath the [D] twilight skies.
[G] Your touch, [C] as soft as the sea foam,
[Am] In your arms, [D] I found my home.

(Chorus: Em, C, G, D)
[Em] Sailing through your [C] sea of dreams,
[G] Lost in love, or [D] so it seems.
[Em] Your love is the [C] ocean wide,
[G] My heart’s the ship, [D] in you, I confide.

Favorite Fan:
The band’s favorite fan is a woman named Penny. Penny has been following “Squeaky Title” since their first gig at a small bar in downtown LA and has never missed a concert, regardless of the location.

Testimonial:
Penny says, “Squeaky Title is more than just a band to me; they’re like family. Their music speaks to my soul, and their energy is infectious. I’ve been to every one of their shows, and I plan to continue this tradition. Their song ‘Washed Ashore’ is my personal anthem. I guess you could say I’m their number one fan, but to me, it’s more than just fandom. It’s a connection.”

Backstory:
Golden Box came into existence in the early 1990s when four friends from a small town in Massachusetts came together to express their passion for music. They started out as a garage band, practicing in their parents’ basements until they were good enough to perform at local gigs. Their love for music and authentic lyrics soon caught attention around their region, leading to their first record deal. The lead singer, Tommy, was the one who proposed the name Golden Box, inspired by a gold-colored box he found in his grandmother’s attic which was filled with old records that sparked his passion for music.

Genre:
Golden Box is best described as a Folk Rock Band with an alternative twist.

Title:
“One Last Dance”

Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
[G] Under the moonlight, [C] in the quaint old town,
[D] we danced away the night, [Em] without a frown.
[G] Your twinkling eyes, [C] and your glowing smile,
[D] turned my grey world, [Em] into a golden mile.

(Chorus)
[G] One last dance, [C] under the starry dome,
[D] A dance with you, [Em] feels like home.
[G] In your arms, [C] the world fades away,
[D] One last dance, [Em] before the break of day.

(Verse 2)
[G] Whispered secrets, [C] in the silent night,
[D] your laughter ringing, [Em] oh what a sight.
[G] This dance we share, [C] this precious moment,
[D] I will treasure, [Em] till my last lament.

(Chorus)
[G] One last dance, [C] under the starry dome,
[D] A dance with you, [Em] feels like home.
[G] In your arms, [C] the world fades away,
[D] One last dance, [Em] before the break of day.

Fan’s Testimonial:
My name is Sarah Thompson, and I can confidently say Golden Box is my favorite band. Their music speaks to me on a personal level, especially their song “One Last Dance.” It reminds me of the dances I used to share with my husband. We’d often dance under the stars in our backyard, and their song resonated with those memories. Their heartfelt lyrics and soulful folk-rock sound provide a sense of comfort and nostalgia that is rare to find. Their music has been a source of solace and joy for me, and for that reason, Golden Box will always be my favorite band.

Backstory: Formed in the bustling city of New Orleans in 2015, Handsome Ball was born from the diverse musical heritage of its four members: lead vocalist and bassist Michael “Micky” James, guitarist Jeremiah “Jerry” Sullivan, drummer Jason “Jay” Collins, and keyboardist Rachel “Ray” Thompson. The quartet met while studying at a jazz academy and soon discovered a shared passion for blending their jazz roots with a more modern sound, creating a uniquely captivating musical style. Their love for music and tenacious pursuit of their creative vision quickly propelled them into the spotlight, and they soon found themselves performing at popular jazz festivals and music venues across the country.

Genre: Modern Jazz Fusion

Title: “Jazz in the Night”

Full song lyrics with chord progression: (Verse, Chorus)

(Verse 1 – Am7, D7, GMaj7, CMaj7)
In the heart of the city, under the neon light,
There’s a rhythm woven in the seams of the night.
On the corner where lovers meet, and dreamers roam,
Handsome Ball plays, making the street their home.

(Chorus – F#m7, B9, EMaj7, A9)
We are jazz in the night, painting the town,
In colors of sound, where love is found.
In every chord and melody, in every subtle harmony,
We are jazz in the night, setting hearts free.

(Verse 2 – Am7, D7, GMaj7, CMaj7)
Stirring the air like a lover’s whisper,
In the rhythm of the night, you cannot resist her.
With a melody that dances through the city’s veins,
Handsome Ball plays, undeterred by the rain.

(Chorus – F#m7, B9, EMaj7, A9)
We are jazz in the night, painting the town,
In colors of sound, where love is found.
In every chord and melody, in every subtle harmony,
We are jazz in the night, setting hearts free.

Fan’s name and testimonial:
Fan’s Name: Lucy
Testimonial: “I’ve followed Handsome Ball since their early beginnings at small jazz clubs in New Orleans. Their music is unlike anything I’ve heard before – it’s a blend of traditional jazz and modern sounds that makes them stand out in today’s music scene. The members are not only incredible musicians but also amazing people. Their passion for music is infectious and their performances are unforgettable. Handsome Ball isn’t just my favorite band, they’re an experience that you don’t want to miss.”

Backstory:

Experienced Fog was born out of the ashes of a small-town garage band in the misty city of San Francisco. The four members, frontman Bill Patterson, lead guitarist Rick Lane, bassist Sam Collins and drummer Ted Benson, were childhood friends who found solace in music during their teenage years. They were often found practicing in Patterson’s dilapidated garage, creating echoes that would resonate through the narrow, foggy streets of their neighborhood. Their shared love for music and their unique chemistry led to the formation of Experienced Fog in the fall of 2011. Over the years, the band has managed to carve out its own niche, delivering soulful music with a touch of raw, genuine emotion, resonating deeply with their audience.

Genre:

Alternative/Indie Rock

Title:

“Through the Mist”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse)
G Em
Once upon a midnight dreary,
C D
In the shroud of the fog, my eyes were weary,
G Em
Lost in the echoes of the city so teary,
C D
Hoping to find what I hold dearly.

(Chorus)
G Em
Through the mist, I shall roam,
C D
Through the fog, I’ll find my home,
G Em
In the echoes, where memories foam,
C D
In the fog, I’m no longer alone.

(Verse)
G Em
Whispers of the past come calling,
C D
In the fog’s mystery, I find it enthralling,
G Em
With every step, my fears are falling,
C D
To the fog’s embrace, I hear it calling.

(Chorus)
G Em
Through the mist, I shall roam,
C D
Through the fog, I’ll find my home,
G Em
In the echoes, where memories foam,
C D
In the fog, I’m no longer alone.

Fan’s Name:

Katie Simmons

Testimonial:

“Experienced Fog has been my favorite band for years now. Their music somehow always manages to capture my emotions perfectly. ‘Through the Mist’ is my anthem, it is the song I turn to when I am lost, when I am happy, when I am sad, basically, it’s my go-to song for every emotion I have. Somehow, their music seeps into my soul, making me feel seen and understood. Their lyrics are raw, honest, and relatable. The way the rhythms blend seamlessly into each other, the way the lyrics flow with the melody, it’s just magical. There’s an authenticity to their music that’s just simply hard to find these days.”

Backstory:

Soulful Turn is a group of four friends who made a name for themselves in the vibrant music scene of Austin, Texas. Lead vocalist and guitarist, Jackson Miller, drummer Luke Knowles, bassist Ethan Grimes, and keyboardist/vocalist Michelle Vaughn met during their college years and quickly discovered their shared passion for deep, poignant music that touches the soul. Their unique blend of classic soul, blues, and modern pop quickly gained them a following in local venues. After two years of hard work and passionate performances, they signed a deal with an independent record label, releasing their debut album in 2019 to critical acclaim.

Genre:

Soulful Turn’s music can be described as a fusion of Classic Soul, Blues, and Modern Pop.

Title:

“One More Round”

Full song lyrics:

[Verse 1]
Em C G D
Worn out shoes, got no place to run,
Em C G D
Only got my guitar, under the setting sun,
Em C G D
Lost my way, in the city lights,
Em C G D
Lookin’ for a sign, in the lonely nights.

[Chorus]
G D Em C
One more round, for the broken hearted,
G D Em C
One more song, before we get started,
G D Em C
Raise your glass, to the ones we’ve lost,
G D Em C
In this crazy world, we pay the cost.

[Verse 2]
Em C G D
Shadows fall, on the empty stage,
Em C G D
Singin’ my soul out, with every page,
Em C G D
Bitter-sweet, this life of sound,
Em C G D
With every beat, a soulful turn around.

[Chorus]
G D Em C
One more round, for the broken hearted,
G D Em C
One more song, before we get started,
G D Em C
Raise your glass, to the ones we’ve lost,
G D Em C
In this crazy world, we pay the cost.

Favorite Fan Testimonial:

“I’m Sarah Jensen, and Soulful Turn is my absolute favorite band. I’ve been following them since their early days in Austin. Their music has a unique voice that speaks directly to my heart. Each song is a journey, and the lyrics are filled with so much emotion and truth that it’s hard not to feel connected to their experiences. ‘One More Round’ especially resonates with me. It’s a heartfelt tribute to the struggles we face in life, and it’s a reminder that there’s always hope and strength in unity. That’s why I never miss any of their gigs and have all their albums in my collection.”

Backstory:
Formed in 2015, Melodic Architecture was born from the creative minds of two architects turned musicians – Harry Moss and Amelia Fields. The duo met during their studies at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology where they both pursued architecture, finding a shared passion for music in between technical drawings and model making. They soon found themselves spending more time jamming and composing songs than constructing plans. After their graduation, rather than following the traditional path of an architect, they decided to carve their own way in the form of a band, with their architectural expertise subtly influencing their music compositions and performances.

The band’s debut album quickly skyrocketed to the top of indie music charts, making Melodic Architecture a household name in the world of alternative music. The intricate, symmetrical nature of their music, mirroring their architectural backgrounds, created a unique sound that music lovers were quick to appreciate and support. Their commitment to their craft shines through, not only in their music but also in the elaborate stage setups that they design for their live performances, offering their audience an immersive, multi-sensory experience.

Genre: Alternative Rock/Indie Pop

Song Title: “Blueprint of the Heart”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
[C] Drawing lines in the [Em] sand
[D] Just like we used to [G] plan
[C] The dreams of our [Em] hearts,
[D] Torn apart, it’s a [G] start

[Am] We built castles in the [Em] sky,
[D] Hopes so high, the [G] world couldn’t deny
[Am] But the winds of time [Em] changed,
[D] Rearranged, left us [G] estranged.

(Chorus)
[C] We’re the blueprint of the [G] heart,
[Em] Trying to find our [D] part
[C] In this grand design, [G] we intertwine,
[Em] Lost in time, but [D] you’re still mine.

(Verse 2)
[C] We traced maps on the [Em] stars,
[D] Wrote our story in [G] scars.
[C] But the ink has [Em] faded,
[D] Love we traded for [G] golden bars.

(Chorus)
[C] We’re the blueprint of the [G] heart,
[Em] Trying to find our [D] part
[C] In this grand design, [G] we intertwine,
[Em] Lost in time, but [D] you’re still mine.

(Bridge)
[Am] The echoes of our [Em] love,
[D] Whispered in the [G] grooves,
[Am] The rhythm of two [Em] hearts,
[D] That just can’t [G] lose.

(Chorus)
[C] We’re the blueprint of the [G] heart,
[Em] Trying to find our [D] part
[C] In this grand design, [G] we intertwine,
[Em] Lost in time, but [D] you’re still mine.

Fan Testimonial:
The band’s favorite fan is a woman named Abby Mathers. Abby had this to say about Melodic Architecture, “Their music is like a symphony of emotions, building up beautifully, just like the designs they used to create. Every song is a journey, not just lyrically but musically as well. The way their architect backgrounds seep into their sound is just magical. I’ve been to all their shows, and each one is a unique experience. The set designs, the lighting, everything is a testament to their genius. I believe Melodic Architecture is more than just a band, it’s a movement, a testament to the harmonious confluence of music and architecture.”

Backstory:
Reflecting Train is a band that emerged from the vibrant music scene of Seattle in the mid-2000s. The band initially came together under the name “Rusty Spoons,” composed of childhood friends and local garage band enthusiasts, Eric, Dave, and twin brothers, Josh and Jared. They spent countless hours practicing in their basements, eventually catching the attention of local bars where they frequently played small shows. The name “Reflecting Train” was adopted after a late-night jam session where they composed a song inspired by memories about a late-night train journey, reflecting on their own lives and dreams.

In 2010, the band caught the attention of a talent scout from a small record label who happened to hear them play at one of their shows. The scout was impressed by their original sound and signed them. The band was finally getting the recognition they deserved, and their journey to wider acclaim began. Today, Reflecting Train is known for their electrifying stage performances, their deep lyrics, and their ability to connect with the audience on a personal level, making them a staple in the American indie rock scene.

Genre: Indie Rock

Title: “Echoes on Rails”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
[G]I took a ride on the [Em]midnight train,
[C]Running away from the [D]heartache and pain.
[G]Staring out at the [Em]passing scenes,
[C]Reflecting on what [D]life really means.

(Chorus)
[G]I hear the echoes on [Em]rails,
[C]Our life stories in [D]tales,
[G]In the rhythm of the [Em]night,
[C]We find our way in the [D]light.

(Verse 2)
[G]Memories flood like the [Em]river wide,
[C]On the tracks of life, we [D]ride.
[G]Every station we [Em]pass,
[C]Echoes of our [D]future and past.

(Chorus)
[G]I hear the echoes on [Em]rails,
[C]Our life stories in [D]tales,
[G]In the rhythm of the [Em]night,
[C]We find our way in the [D]light.

Fan’s Name: Tina Adams

Testimonial: Reflecting Train has been my favorite band since I first heard them play at a local bar in Seattle. Their music resonates with the deepest part of my soul and takes me on a journey of self-reflection every time I listen to them. “Echoes on Rails” is my favorite song – I feel like it tells my life story. It’s about the journey and not the destination, and that’s how I view my life. The raw emotion in their songs and the genuine love they have for their fans is what makes them truly unique. I feel a deep connection with their music, and that’s why Reflecting Train will always be my favorite band.

Backstory:

Oblong Uncertainty was formed in the dreary summer of 2012 in the heart of Greenwich Village, New York City. The four band members – Eliot Becker (vocals), Sam Martensen (guitar), Alex Tilden (bass), and Jasper Li (drums) were all strangers who met at an open jam session at a local pub. They were drawn together by their shared love of unique, boundary-pushing music and their disillusionment with the current state of the music industry. After a few impromptu sessions, they decided to start their own band, a decision that led to the birth of Oblong Uncertainty.

The band gained a considerable following through their electric performances at local bars and music festivals. Their music, often characterized by its unpredictable and experimental nature, resonates with a wide range of audiences. Over the years, Oblong Uncertainty has released three studio albums, each one more daring and innovative than the last.

Genre:

Alternative Rock/ Experimental Rock

Title:

“Polarized Echoes”

Full song lyrics:

(Verse 1)
[C] Running down the [Am] alleys of [F] time, we’re [G] lost in a rhyme
[C] Between reality’s [Am] threads, where [F] uncertainty treads [G]
[C] Do we listen to the [Am] noise, or [F] find our own voice? [G]

(Chorus)
[C] We are the polarized [Am] echoes, [F] bouncing off tomorrow’s [G] walls
[C] We are the lingering [Am] shadows, [F] dancing in yesterday’s [G] halls

(Verse 2)
[C] Through the window of [Am] fate, we’re [F] early, we’re late [G]
[C] Sailing on life’s [Am] tide, with [F] destiny as our guide [G]
[C] Do we follow the [Am] past, or [F] create memories to last? [G]

(Chorus)
[C] We are the polarized [Am] echoes, [F] bouncing off tomorrow’s [G] walls
[C] We are the lingering [Am] shadows, [F] dancing in yesterday’s [G] halls

(Bridge)
[F] We’re the symphony of [C] life, [G] the harmony in strife
[F] We’re the silent [C] whispers, [G] the loud uproars

(Chorus)
[C] We are the polarized [Am] echoes, [F] bouncing off tomorrow’s [G] walls
[C] We are the lingering [Am] shadows, [F] dancing in yesterday’s [G] halls

Band’s favorite fan’s name:

Lucy Jameson

Testimonial:

“Oblong Uncertainty has been my favorite band for years now. Their music speaks to me on a level that no other band has managed to reach. The depth and complexity of their lyrics combined with their innovative soundscapes are mesmerizing. I love the way they are not afraid to experiment and push boundaries. Each of their songs is a journey, a story that touches the heart and stimulates the mind. Oblong Uncertainty is not just a band, it’s an experience.”

Backstory:
Perfect Sphere was formed in the sleepy coastal town of Santa Lucia, California. The four-piece band was originally a group of high school friends who spent their afternoons surfing and their evenings around a bonfire, strumming guitars and dreaming of bigger stages. Life took them in different directions after graduation, but they regrouped years later, their bond and shared love for music stronger than ever. They decided to name the band Perfect Sphere, as a nod to their beachy origins – the perfect sphere of a setting sun, of a full moon, of the harmony they found in their music.

Genre:
The music of Perfect Sphere can be best described as a fusion of Alternative Rock and Indie Pop, with a touch of surf-rock that is reminiscent of their Californian roots.

Title:
“Ocean Echoes”

Full Song Lyrics:
(Verse 1)
C G Am E7
Underneath the blazing sun, where we begun,
F C G
Tales spun in the golden sand, guitar in hand.
C G Am E7
The ocean’s hum, a rhythm pure,
F C G
In Perfect Sphere, our bond secure.

(Chorus)
C G Am E7
Ocean echoes, calling us home,
F C G
To the rhythm, in the sea foam.
C G Am E7
In every wave, in every tide,
F C G
We find a melody, our hearts can’t hide.

(Verse 2)
C G Am E7
Years have passed, we’ve come so far,
F C G
In every gig, in every bar.
C G Am E7
Yet in each song, in every chord,
F C G
We hear the ocean, our first reward.

(Chorus)
C G Am E7
Ocean echoes, calling us home,
F C G
To the rhythm, in the sea foam.
C G Am E7
In every wave, in every tide,
F C G
We find a melody, our hearts can’t hide.

Favorite Fan’s Name:
Tommy Harper

Fan Testimonial:
“I’ve been a fan of Perfect Sphere since their early days in Santa Lucia. Their music brings me back to those carefree days of youth, bonfires on the beach, and the shared experiences of growing up. The band’s unique sound, the blend of alternative rock and indie pop, just resonates with me. As a surfer, their surf-rock influences speak to my soul. I keep coming back to their music – it just has this authentic, homegrown feel that’s rare to find. “Ocean Echoes” is my favorite – it’s like a musical homecoming every time I listen to it. To me, they’re more than just a band – they’re a slice of nostalgia, a reminder of where I come from, and a testament to the magic of enduring friendship.”