Backstory:
Oblong Sleep is an electrifying blend of four college friends – Jack, Liam, Dan, and Noah, who started their journey in the dorm halls of the University of Oregon. The late-night jam sessions in their shared dorm room, filled with laughs and dreams, soon turned into serious rehearsals, and eventually, into a full-blown band. They named themselves ‘Oblong Sleep,’ a name they thought was as eccentric as their music. With Jack’s soulful voice, Liam’s deep rhythm on the bass, Dan’s lively beats on drums, and Noah’s vibrant lead guitar, Oblong Sleep quickly carved a niche for themselves in the local music scene. What started as a college hobby, has now blossomed into a journey of music and friendship that continues to evolve.

Genre: Alternative Rock

Title: “Shrouds of Yesterday”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
[G]I walk along the [C]sunlit streets, [D]memories of yesterday
[G]Shadows whisper [C]soft and sweet, [D]but they never really stay
[A]Echoes of our laughter, [Em]fade into the blue
[D]I still remember, [C]every shade of you

(Chorus)
[G]Underneath the [D]shrouds of yesterday
[C]We promised each other, [G]we’d never fade away
[D]But like autumn leaves, [C]we changed our hue
[G]Now, I walk alone in the [D]light of the moon

(Verse 2)
[G]Yesterday’s sunshine, [C]today’s pouring rain
[D]Love turned to sorrow, [G]joy turned to pain
[A]The past is a mirror, [Em]reflecting the truth
[D]Underneath the shrouds, [C]I find my youth

(Chorus)
[G]Hidden in the [D]shrouds of yesterday
[C]We were young and wild, [G]with dreams that sway
[D]Time swept us away, [C]like a monsoon’s fury
[G]Now, I dance alone in the [D]mystery

Fan Testimonial:
My name is Rosie, and Oblong Sleep is my favorite band for so many reasons. Their music is raw and honest, speaking to the ups and downs of life that we all experience. The lyrics are deeply personal, and at the same time, universal. Their song “Shrouds of Yesterday” is a beautiful expression of nostalgia, longing, and acceptance. Each member brings a unique energy to the band, making Oblong Sleep a force to be reckoned with on the alternative rock scene; they’re a breath of fresh air in an often mundane world.

Backstory:

Born and bred in the heart of Seattle, the band Ajar Agenda was founded in 2010 by four friends who shared a love for music and a desire to bring their unique sound to the world. Lead vocalist and guitarist, Ethan Moore, along with drummer, Zach Smith, bassist, Kyle Daniels, and keyboardist, Jake Nelson, started by playing various gigs at local bars and coffee shops. Their distinctive sound quickly caught the attention of music lovers. They were soon offered a recording contract after winning a local talent competition, propelling them into the national music scene.

The band name ‘Ajar Agenda’ was derived from their inherent philosophy of keeping an open mind to diverse musical influences while staying committed to their primary agenda of creating a fusion of sounds that’s distinctive. They believe that music, like a door left ajar, allows a peek into different worlds, cultures, and experiences. This belief reflects their wide range of inspirations, from the grunge scene of their hometown to African rhythms and Eastern melodies.

Genre:

Alternative Rock

Title:

“Uncharted Echoes”

Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
Em7 Dm
Down the forgotten, untrodden path,
G C
Wandering souls, crafting their craft,
Am D
oh, echoes of yore, in the past, they bathe,
G C
Seeking solace, in the paths they pave.

(Chorus)
Em7 Dm
Uncharted echoes, in our minds they ring,
G C
A symphony of life, in our hearts they sing,
Am D
In this dance of destiny, in this cosmic fling,
G C
We are the echoes, of an uncharted spring.

(Verse 2)
Em7 Dm
In the labyrinth of life, find your rhyme,
G C
Lost in the maze, yet in perfect time,
Am D
With every heartbeat, with every chime,
G C
We are the poets, in life’s paradigm.

(Chorus)
Em7 Dm
Uncharted echoes, in our minds they ring,
G C
A symphony of life, in our hearts they sing,
Am D
In this dance of destiny, in this cosmic fling,
G C
We are the echoes, of an uncharted spring.

Fan Testimonial:

“I’m Lily Hernandez, the band’s favourite fan, or at least that’s what they’ve told me! Ajar Agenda has been my go-to band since I heard them at a local bar in Seattle. Their music is the perfect blend of appealing lyrics and thrilling beats, and they never fail to surprise me with their creative diversity. From their soulful ballads to their energetic rock anthems, every song they release has a unique vibe that resonates deeply. ‘Uncharted Echoes’ especially, speaks to me on a spiritual level. The band’s commitment to their craft, their raw talent, and their humble, down-to-earth nature make them a standout in today’s music industry. They’re not just a band to me, they’re a musical revolution!”

Backstory:
Straight Pen, formed in the small town of Redwood, Oregon, began as a gathering of a few high school friends in a garage. They started with a simple love for music, and as they got older, the passion grew, driving them to craft their unique style. The band initially consisted of Peter, David, and Robert, who began by playing cover songs from their favorite bands during high school events. It was not until they met Jenna, a gifted songwriter who had a knack for creating authentic and heartfelt lyrics, that the band started writing original music. Straight Pen’s popularity grew quickly within their hometown and soon reached far beyond, catapulting them into the mainstream music scene.

Genre:
Alternative Rock

Title:
“Lost in the Echo”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
Am (C) G
Lost in the echo of the words we never said,
F (G) C
Strings of silence in the pages we never read,
Am (C) G
We were the dreamers, we were the mislead,
F (G) C
Chasing shadows in the dark until it bled.

(Chorus)
C (G) Am (F)
But can you hear my voice through the static noise,
C (G) Am (F)
Are we just lost in the echo, are we just lost in time?
C (G) Am (F)
Tell me do the stars still shine for you as they do for me?
C (G) Am (F)
Or are we just lost in the echo, lost in the echo of our time?

(Verse 2)
Am (C) G
In this labyrinth, we’re just two souls intertwined,
F (G) C
Caught in the maze of love, yet the exit we can’t find,
Am (C) G
We are the poets, we are the undefined,
F (G) C
Writing sonnets of the heart, yet love is blind.

(Chorus repeats)

(Bridge)
C (Am) G (F)
Are we just echoes of the past, whispers in the wind?
C (Am) G (F)
Are we just lost in the echo, or can love truly begin?
(Chorus repeats)

Favorite Fan’s Name:
Samantha, a dedicated fan from their hometown of Redwood, Oregon.

Testimonial:
“Straight Pen’s music has been the soundtrack to my life. Their lyrics resonate deeply with me, and each song feels like a personal message. I’ve followed them since their early garage days, and their music has seen me through both the best and worst times of my life. Their raw and honest approach to songwriting has made them my favorite band, and I can’t imagine my life without their music. They are the true voice of our generation.”

Backstory:

Sardonic Mouth was formed in the heart of Chicago in 2008 by charismatic lead singer and songwriter, Max Derringer, and his childhood friend and proficient drummer, Luke “Sticks” Neilson. They spent their early years playing in the underground punk scene, making a name for themselves with their unapologetically raw sound and wry, sarcastic lyrics. In 2011, they were joined by fiery bassist Rosie “Rogue” Riley and enigmatic keyboardist, Clara “Keys” Kent. With their lineup finally complete, the band was ready to break out of the underground scene and onto the bigger stage.

The band’s first big break came in 2013, when their independently produced album ‘Bitter Bites’ caught the attention of music industry bigwigs. Sardonic Mouth’s unique blend of punk rock, dark humor, and biting social commentary was a breath of fresh air in a scene that had become stagnant. Their authentic sound and electrifying live performances quickly built a loyal fan base and they’ve been consistently touring and producing hit records ever since, with their signature wit and gritty sound.

Genre: Punk Rock

Title: “Cynic’s Anthem”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
Am (C) G D
Living in a world that’s so cold,
Dressed in our despair like it’s gold,
Fighting for a dream that’s been sold,
To a highest bidder, oh, so bold.

(Chorus)
Am (C) G D
Here’s to the cynics, the critics, the outcasts,
Dancing to the rhythm of a world that’s so vast.
Raise your glass high, let your voices blast,
This is the Cynic’s Anthem, it won’t be our last.

(Verse 2)
Am (C) G D
Truth is a joke in a jester’s court,
Reality, a game of the cruellest sort.
We’re all just players in a sport,
Where the rules are written by the corporate fort.

(Chorus)
Am (C) G D
Singing for the cynics, the critics, the unheard,
Scream out the injustice, let’s flip them the bird.
This is our anthem, every bitter word,
In the face of the absurd, we’ll be undeterred.

Favorite Fan:
The band’s favorite fan is named Teddy. Teddy has been following Sardonic Mouth since their earliest underground gigs in Chicago. He runs a fan blog dedicated to the band and travels across states to attend their concerts. According to Teddy, “Sardonic Mouth isn’t just a band, it’s a revolution. Their lyrics speak to the disenfranchised and misunderstood. Their sound is raw, real, and it cuts through the noise of mainstream music to deliver a punch to the gut. To me, they embody the spirit of punk rock – they’re rebellious, they’re unapologetic, and they’re fiercely independent.”

Backstory:
Formed in the bustling music scene of Austin, Texas in 2012, ‘Neat Chest’ was the brainchild of college buddies, Dave Martinez and James Lee. Bonding over their shared love for 90’s alternative rock and the blues, they started jamming together in the small, cramped basement of their student apartment. Soon, they were joined by Cecilia Perez on the bass and drummer Tommy Johnson, a local legend known for his inimitable drumming style. ‘Neat Chest’ has since become a staple in Austin’s vibrant music scene, known for their emotive lyrics, eclectic sound, and energetic live performances.

Genre:
Alternative Rock/Blues

Title:
“Strings of Despair”

Full song lyrics:

(Verse 1)
[Em] Strings of despair, [G] tied to my soul,
[D] Dancing in the darkness, [A] out of control.
[Em] Echoes of laughter, [G] lost in the rain,
[D] Searching for the sunshine, [A] to ease the pain.

(Chorus)
[C] Lights are fading, [G] but we’re still here,
[Am] Riding the storm, [Em] conquering our fear.
[C] With every heartbeat, [G] we climb so high,
[Am] On the wings of dreams, [D] into the sky.

(Verse 2)
[Em] Shadows of the past, [G] whispering lies,
[D] Weaving a symphony, [A] under the night skies.
[Em] Silhouettes of memories, [G] painted in grey,
[D] We’re playing the chords, [A] in our own way.

(Repeat Chorus)

Favorite Fan:
Their favorite fan is named Lily Thompson. Lily discovered ‘Neat Chest’ at a local gig in 2013 and has been their biggest supporter since. As a testimony to her loyalty, Lily says, “There’s something incredibly raw and authentic about ‘Neat Chest’. Their music resonates with me on a level that no other band ever has. It’s like they’ve managed to take the intricate tapestry of human emotions and transform it into music. Every concert feels like a journey, an exploration of the human condition, through their potent lyrics and unforgettable melodies. ‘Neat Chest’ isn’t just my favorite band — they’ve become a part of my life story.”

Backstory:
Worthy Analysis was formed in the hustle and bustle of Brooklyn, New York in 2012. It all started when keyboardist Michelle Rey noticed the unique sound of busker Sam Meyers playing his guitar at a subway station. Recognizing a kindred spirit, she approached him, and they soon meshed their musical talents, creating an emotionally charged, experimental sound. As they grew their fan base, they added drummer Jake Darling and bassist Ellie Pierce, who were both classmates at Julliard, to their lineup. Their diverse musical backgrounds fused into a unique sound that swept through the underground music scene like wildfire.

Genre:
Worthy Analysis is best characterized in the Alternative Rock genre, with elements of Indie Pop, Experimental Rock, and hints of Jazz.

Title:
One of their most acclaimed songs is titled “Canvas of Dreams”.

Full Song Lyrics:

Am (Verse 1)
In a world that’s lost and broken,
F
You and I, we are awoken.
C
On this canvas of dreams, we’ll paint,
G
In colors bold and faint.

Am
Through the chaos, find the harmony,
F
In our hearts, a perfect symphony.
C
On this canvas of dreams, we’ll paint,
G
Together, there ain’t no restraint.

(CHORUS)
C
Hey, let’s make a masterpiece,
G
In a world that’s ceased to cease.
Am
We’ll write our own narrative,
F
Show them how to live.

(Verse 2)
Am
In the silence, hear the melody,
F
In the darkness, find the remedy.
C
On this canvas of dreams, we’ll paint,
G
With love, there ain’t no constraint.

(Repeat CHORUS)

Favorite Fan:
Their favorite fan’s name is Charlie. Charlie has been following Worthy Analysis since their early days in the subways. His love for their music has made him attend every gig, manage their fan club, and promote their music to anyone who’ll listen.

Charlie’s testimonial:
“Worthy Analysis’s music is like a breath of fresh air. Their sound is innovative, their lyrics are meaningful, and every song resonates with me on a personal level. I’ve seen them grow from playing in subways to sold-out venues, and it’s been a journey I wouldn’t trade for anything. There’s not a band out there today that can match their sincerity and their talent.”

Backstory:

Icky Memory was born in the rainy alleys of Seattle, Washington, in the mid-2000s. The founding members, lead vocalist Danny ‘Nifty’ Nyman and bassist Jack ‘Jester’ Jackson, spent their adolescent years together, sharing their love for music, comic books, and grungy flannel shirts. They decided to form a band after they found solace in music amidst personal struggles and family problems. Danny took hold of the mic and Jack manned the bass. They were later joined by fiery guitarist Zane ‘Zodiac’ Zellweger and enigmatic drummer Calvin ‘Casper’ Clark. And thus, Icky Memory was born, out of the ashes of their past and with a burning desire to create music that resonates with the masses.

The band adopted their name ‘Icky Memory’ as a reflection of their past experiences, both good and bad, and transformed these memories into gritty, soulful sounds. The band started out performing in local bars, slowly climbing up the ladder to gain recognition. Their breakthrough came when a scout from an indie record label saw them performing at a local music festival and signed them on the spot.

Genre:
Grunge Rock

Title:
‘Rusted Chains’

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
C G Am E
Once we were light, now we’re shadows in the night
F C G Am
Broken dreams, rusted chains, we’re an icky memory
C G Am E
Shattered hearts, ripped apart, under the city lights
F C G Am
In the end, all that remains, is our icky memory

Chorus:
F C G Am
Icky memory, a haunting melody, it’s our story
F C G Am
Rusted chains, love and pain, in the end, it’s just an icky memory

(Verse 2)
C G Am E
The rain has dried, but the scars eternally lie
F C G Am
In the mirror of our past, it’s an icky memory
C G Am E
Walking through this life, with shadows by our side
F C G Am
In every echo of our laughs, there’s an icky memory

Chorus:
F C G Am
Icky memory, a haunting melody, it’s our story
F C G Am
Rusted chains, love and pain, in the end, it’s just an icky memory

Favorite Fan Testament:

‘My name is Lisa and I am a devoted fan of Icky Memory. Their music resonates with me on a personal level, it’s like they are speaking directly to my soul. The song ‘Rusted Chains’ particularly got me through some dark times in my life. Their music reminds me that I’m not alone and it’s okay to feel pain. For me, Icky Memory is not just a band, it’s a beacon of hope and healing. Their music is my therapy. They are my favorite band because they make me feel seen and heard.’

Backstory:
“Second-Hand Button” was formed in the late summer of 2017 on a back porch in a small town in Vermont. Founding members, lead guitarist Liam Miller and drummer Noah Jenkins, were childhood friends who had a common love for music and vintage buttons. They found their inspiration from a bag of second-hand buttons they found in an antique shop, which they believed represented their passion for music – old but ever-relevant, worn but full of character. They were later joined by vocalist Charlotte Stevens and bassist Ethan Woods. Together, they spun their love for music into a unique blend of indie pop and electric folk tunes.

Genre:
Indie Pop and Electric Folk

Title:
“Patchwork Melody”

Full Song Lyrics:
[Verse 1 – C G Am F]
C
In a world that’s always spinning,
G
We found a way to stay still.
Am
In a room that’s always changing,
F
We found a way, a way to feel.

[Chorus – G C Em D]
G
Patchwork melody, sewn with a second-hand button,
C
In the rhythm of the heartbeats, where we’ve fallen.
Em
Singing tunes that whisper in the wind,
D
Dancing in the moonlight, where it all begins.

[Verse 2 – C G Am F]
C
In a crowd that’s never listening,
G
We found a way to be heard.
Am
In a world that’s always dividing,
F
We found a way to form a word.

[Chorus – G C Em D]
G
Patchwork melody, held by a second-hand button,
C
In the rhythm of the heartbeats, where we’ve united.
Em
Singing tunes that echo through the night,
D
Dancing in the moonlight, feeling oh so right.

[Outro – C G Am F]
C
Patchwork melody, we are the second-hand button,
G
In the rhythm of the heartbeats, together we’re strummin’.
Am
Singing tunes that will forever linger,
F
Dancing in the moonlight, with music on our fingers.

Band’s Favorite Fan:
Name: Emily Sullivan
Emily Sullivan first heard “Second-Hand Button” at a local pub in Vermont. She instantly fell in love with their unique sound. She said, “Their music is like a breath of fresh air in today’s repetitive music scene, it’s like seeing the vibrant colors in a patchwork quilt. The lyrics resonate with me and the rhythm is like a comforting heartbeat. Each song is a new journey and I feel a connection to the emotions they convey. They don’t just play music, they tell stories. “Second-Hand Button” is hands down, my favorite band. Their music is soul-enriching. It’s all about the connection for me, and they’ve got it.”

Backstory:

Burly Framework began as an unlikely alliance between four university students, each from different academic backgrounds. The lead vocalist, Spencer, was an architecture student who spent most of his time with blueprints, hence the band name ‘Burly Framework.’ The drummer, Elliot, studied information technology, while the bassist, Greg, majored in philosophy. The band’s guitarist, Oscar, was a prodigious music student who pulled the group together. Their shared love of music, despite their diverse professional backgrounds, led to the formation of this unique ensemble.

The band started out by playing at small gigs around the university and soon became popular on campus. Their unique sound and lyrics, influenced by their diverse academic interests, resonated with a broad range of audiences. As their popularity grew, they started performing at bigger venues, and soon they were releasing their music on various platforms. They continue to gain recognition for their unique genre blending and lyrical depth.

Genre:

Alternative Rock with a touch of Progressive Metal.

Title:

“Blueprints to Reality”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
Em C
Architect of my own destiny, I sketch my dreams,
G D
Against the burly framework of reality, it seems.
Em C
Transcendent thoughts, merging lines,
G D
In the blueprint of existence, our life intertwines.

(Chorus)
C G
Blueprints to reality, crafting our duality,
Am Em
We design, painting time,
D C
In the realm of the divine.

(Verse 2)
Em C
Information streams, in our minds,
G D
We decode the chaos, leaving no ties that bind.
Em C
Philosophers musings, in musical rhymes,
G D
Crafting our anthems, in these transformative times.

(Chorus)
C G
Blueprints to reality, crafting our duality,
Am Em
We design, painting time,
D C
In the realm of the divine.

(Bridge)
Am Bm
In this symphony of thoughts,
C D
We construct our life in dots.
Am Bm
In the corners of our mind,
C D
The blueprint of life, we find.

(Chorus)
C G
Blueprints to reality, crafting our duality,
Am Em
We design, painting time,
D C
In the realm of the divine.

Favorite Fan:

Our favorite fan is Clara. She discovered us during one of our early gigs at the university and has been a staunch supporter ever since. Clara says, “I love Burly Framework because their music isn’t just about catchy hooks or foot-tapping beats. It’s about profound thoughts, existential contemplations, and unique perspectives. Their music touches your soul while making you think, and that’s a rare combination.”