Backstory:
Interesting Crime was born in the heart of Detroit, Michigan, in 2017, conceived by childhood friends Max “Slick” Johnson and Ben “Crazy B” Preston. The two discovered their passion for music in high school, where they spent hours jamming in the Preston family’s garage. After a few years of refining their sound and enlisting the help of bassist Diana “Dee” Gonzales and drummer Jessie “The Hawk” Hawkins, Interesting Crime began to play local venues, captivating audiences with their raw energy and unique sound.

Things took a turn in 2019 when the band’s demo tape caught the attention of renowned record producer Vince “Viper” Vaughn. Vaughn signed Interesting Crime to his label, Night Vibe Records, giving the band the platform they needed to share their music on a larger scale. Despite their newfound fame, the band remains grounded, dedicated to creating music that is as authentic as it is engaging.

Genre:
Alternative Rock

Title:
“Stolen Moments”

Full song lyrics:

(Verse 1)
Am, Em, G, D, Am
Late-night, chasing shadows, under city lights, Am
Running on the edge of our stolen moments, Em
You and I, we’re like a secret, in the moonlight, G
Playing this interesting crime, in the pale moonlight, D

(Chorus)
C, G, D, Am
We’re just stolen moments, in the dead of the night, C
Playing interesting crimes, under the city lights, G
We’re just silhouettes, in the midnight hour, D
Living in the shadows, of our stolen power, Am

(Verse 2)
Am, Em, G, D, Am
Every glance we steal, is a stolen jewel, Am
In the crown of the night, we’re the jester and the fool, Em
Playing our cards in the backstreet’s hush, G
With every stolen moment, our hearts rush, D

(Chorus)
C, G, D, Am
We’re just stolen moments, in the dead of night, C
Playing interesting crimes, under the city lights, G
We’re just silhouettes, in the midnight hour, D
Living in the shadows, of our stolen power, Am

Fan’s Name:
Mary-Anne Thompson

Testimonial:
“I’ve been a fan of Interesting Crime since their early garage band days in Detroit. Their unique blend of alternative rock, their intense energy, and their captivating lyrics full of depth and emotion is what makes them stand out. I’ve been to every concert they’ve had around here and let me tell you, their performance is electrifying! ‘Stolen Moments’ is my absolute favorite, I love the way their music tells a story, it’s like listening to a thrilling novel. Interesting Crime is my favorite band because they’re raw, authentic, and their music resonates with me on such a personal level. They truly rock!”

Backstory:
Rectangular Architecture was born in the heart of Detroit, Michigan, during the tumultuous early 2000s. The band was drawn together by their shared love of music and architectural design, initially playing together on weekends at a local building site. The band’s members include lead vocalist and rhythm guitarist Aaron Roberts, lead guitarist Ben Sullivan, bassist Tim James, and drummer Charlie Brown. Despite the band’s roots in the construction industry, their music transcends the commonplace, echoing the architectural designs they love: structured, yet innovative and full of surprises.

Their big break came when a local radio DJ heard an impromptu performance at a city planning conference. He was so impressed by their unique fusion of sound and architectural philosophy that he immediately offered them a spot on his show. From then on, Rectangular Architecture’s journey has been one of building upon their roots, creating music that not only resonates with the soul but also the towering skyscrapers they once helped erect.

Genre:
Indie Rock

Title:
“Blueprints for the Soul”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse – A, D, G, E)
Underneath the city lights, where steel and dreams intertwine,
We sketch blueprints of love, drawn in the lines.
In the echo of the hammer’s strike, and the rhythm of the grime,
We found a melody, a symphony of time.

(Chorus – C, G, Am, E)
Blueprints for the soul, etched in the stone,
Music in the rebar, rhythm in the bone.
Sketching out existence, line by line,
Architects of harmony, in rhythm and in rhyme.

(Verse – A, D, G, E)
In the shadow of the skyscrapers, we found our song,
An anthem to the night, where the weary hearts belong.
In the echo of the city’s cry, and the whispered dreams held high,
We found our purpose, beneath the steel-blue sky.

(Chorus – C, G, Am, E)
Blueprints for the soul, born from the fight,
Songs of the cityscape, music of the night.
Building our existence, note by note,
Architects of melody, on every note we dote.

Bands Favorite Fan:
The band’s favorite fan is a young architecture student named Lily. According to her, Rectangular Architecture is her favorite band because “their music is a perfect blend of structural complexity and emotional rawness, much like the buildings I aspire to design. Each song is a journey, an exploration of space and sound that feels as though it’s been sketched out by an architect’s pencil. The band’s love for their craft is palpable, and it’s impossible not to be inspired by their passion. Every song feels like a blueprint for the soul.”

Backstory:
Well-Off Comparison was established in the trendy suburbs of Brooklyn, New York in 2008. The band’s original duo, Rex Halberd and Troy McClure, were childhood friends who shared a deep passion for music and the complexities of life’s experiences. They were joined by Hannah Hart and Vince Magnusson in 2010, adding a new dynamic to their sound and creativity. Drawing inspiration from their own personal struggles and triumphs, their music is a reflection of their journey, highlighting the challenges of self-discovery and the pursuit of happiness in a world that often demands so much.

Despite their early struggles, the band has gained a cult following for their raw, emotive performances and their unique approach to music. Their heartfelt lyrics, combined with their distinct musical style, has helped them carve out a niche in today’s competitive music scene. They have released three studio albums so far and continue to play live shows across the country, capturing the hearts of music enthusiasts everywhere.

Genre:
Well-Off Comparison’s music can be described as Indie Rock with elements of Folk and Pop.

Title:
“One More Leap”

Song Lyrics:
(Verse 1 – Am, F, C, G)
Here I stand, on the edge of my dreams,
Caught between truth and what it seems,
Staring at the sky, just wondering why,
Oh, why the world can be so mean.

(Chorus – F, C, G)
But it’s one more leap, one more leap to make,
I’ve got to take the chance, for my own sake,
To find the life that’s been waiting,
Beyond the fears, I’ve been creating.

(Verse 2 – Am, F, C, G)
In the mirror, a stranger looks back at me,
A reflection of who I once used to be,
A smile hides the tears, the hopes and the fears,
Of a journey that’s yet to be free.

(Chorus – F, C, G)
It’s one more leap, one more leap to take,
To cross the line, to make or break,
To seize the day, to find my way,
Beyond the world, I’ve had to fake.

Fan’s Name:
The band’s favorite fan is a young woman named Lily Parker.

Lily’s Testimonial:
“Well-Off Comparison is more than just a band to me, they are a beacon of hope. Their music speaks to my heart and captures the struggles and triumphs I face in my own life. It’s like they understand exactly what I’m going through and their songs give me the courage to face my own fears. They remind me that it’s okay to take ‘One More Leap’ in life, despite the uncertainties. Every lyric, every chord resonates with me on such a personal level. They are my favorite band not just because of their music, but also because they stand for something bigger – the pursuit of authenticity and the courage to embrace who we are. Their music is a beautiful reminder that we are not alone in our journey.”

Backstory:
Crafty Advertisement came to fruition in the creative and edgy art scene of Portland, Oregon. Initially formed by college friends: Mark “Scribbler” Scott on vocals and rhythm guitar, Laura “Melody” Nguyen on keyboards, Reggie “Beatbox” Harrison on drums, and Dave “Strummer” Peterson on bass. The group started out playing in basements, small clubs, and local festivals, gaining a reputation for their unique sound and thought-provoking lyrics, inspired by the advertising industry and the impact it has on society. Their band name, inspired by their clever and intriguing way of putting across messages in their music, quickly became a household name in the local music scene.

In 2014, they caught the attention of indie record label ‘Sound Canvas’, which helped them break out of the local scene and onto the national stage. Since then, they’ve released three albums, each one receiving critical acclaim for their innovative merging of genres and their sociopolitical commentary embedded within their cleverly crafted lyrics.

Genre:
Indie Rock with Electronic Pop undertones

Song Title:
“Neon Dreams”

Full Song Lyrics:
(Verse 1)
[C] Look around, [Am] what do you see?
[F] Neon dreams, [G] painted reality.
[C] Mirrored screens, [Am] digital sea,
[F] It’s not what it [G] seems, it’s a crafty advertisement.

(Chorus)
[Am] Don’t believe, [F] don’t believe the hype,
[G] It’s just a crafty, [C] crafty advertisement.
[Am] Open your eyes, [F] see through the disguise,
[G] It’s just a crafty, [C] crafty advertisement.

(Verse 2)
[C] Subtle signs, [Am] hidden in plain sight,
[F] Selling lies, [G] making wrong seem right.
[C] Glittering skies, [Am] blinding bright,
[F] It’s all a disguise, [G] it’s a crafty advertisement.

(Chorus)
[Am] Don’t believe, [F] don’t believe the hype,
[G] It’s just a crafty, [C] crafty advertisement.
[Am] Open your eyes, [F] see through the disguise,
[G] It’s just a crafty, [C] crafty advertisement.

The Band’s Favorite Fan:
Name: Jessica “Jessie” Bloom
Testimonial:
“Crafty Advertisement is more than just a band for me; they are a voice of our generation. Their lyrics question the world we live in, urging us to think beyond what we are told or sold. I’ve seen them live seven times now, and each performance is more electrifying than the last. They have this uncanny ability to make you dance and ponder at the same time. Their songs are my anthems, my solace, my wake-up calls. I am a proud ‘Advert Fanatic’ (as we, fans, like to call ourselves), and I can’t wait to see where their music takes them next.”

Backstory:
Rapid Adventure started as a group of college buddies who were always together, exploring new places and living life as one grand adventure. The band’s formation happened quite spontaneously during a road trip when someone started strumming a guitar and the others joined in with their own improvised lyrics. They realized the energy they shared was not just for exploring the world physically, but also musically. The band members include lead vocalist and drummer Andy Gibson, lead guitarist Jackson Davis, bassist Tommy Newton, and keyboardist Ryan Philips. Since their humble beginnings, they have been on a rapid adventure, creating music that reflects their shared love for exploration and adventure.

Genre:
Alternative Rock

Song Title:
“Journey of a Lifetime”

Full Song Lyrics:
(Verse 1)
[C] Down the roads, through the [G] valleys,
[Am] We’ve wandered far and [Em] wide,
[F] Chasing dreams, and [C] chasing stars,
[G] With no place to hide.

(Chorus)
[C] We’re on a journey, [G] a journey of a lifetime,
[Am] On this rapid adventure, [Em] we’ll never be the same,
[F] Through the highs and the lows, [C] through the laughter and the pain,
[G] Rapid Adventure is [C] our name.

(Verse 2)
[C] We’ve climbed the mountains, [G] crossed the seas,
[Am] With music as our [Em] guide,
[F] The rhythm of life, [C] the melody of love,
[G] With every step, our stride.

(Chorus)
[C] We’re on a journey, [G] a journey of a lifetime,
[Am] On this rapid adventure, [Em] we’ll never be the same,
[F] Through the sunsets and dawns, [C] through the cheers and the blame,
[G] Rapid Adventure is [C] our game.

Fan Testimonial:
The band’s favorite fan is Emily Lewis, a twenty-something wanderlust and music lover. Emily testified, “Rapid Adventure isn’t just a band, it’s a way of life. Their music speaks to my heart and resonates with my love for exploration. Every song is a new journey, a new adventure. They inspire me to live life on my terms, to chase my dreams, and to make every moment count. They’re more than just my favorite band, they’re my spirit animal.”

Backstory:
Formed in the bustling city of Los Angeles in the late 90s, Speedy Consent is a band that made its mark through a unique blend of gritty punk rock and power pop. The band comprises of four members – lead vocalist and guitarist Luke ‘Lightning’ Reynolds, bassist ‘Fast’ Eddie Harper, drummer Johnny ‘Jet’ Robbins, and keyboardist Sammy ‘Sonic’ Stein. All four members came from diverse musical backgrounds, but bonded over a shared love for uncompromising, energetic music. Their debut album, “Rapid Response,” was an instant hit and earned them a dedicated fan base. They’ve since released six more albums, each one more successful than the last, confirming their status as punk rock legends.

Genre:
Punk Rock/ Power Pop

Title:
“Flash Fire”

Full song lyrics:

(Verse 1)
Am F C G
Late night on the boulevard, eyes wide and heart on guard
Am F C G
Waiting for the sirens call, under the neon lights we fall

(Chorus)
Am F C G
Flash Fire, burning desire, we’re flaming higher and higher
Am F C G
Flash Fire, chase the wire, in this game of rapid-fire

(Verse 2)
Am F C G
Speeding through the cityscape, with fiery hearts that won’t escape
Am F C G
The thrill of the chase, the taste of grace, in a world that’s lost its pace

(Chorus)
Am F C G
Flash Fire, burning desire, we’re flaming higher and higher
Am F C G
Flash Fire, chase the wire, in this game of rapid-fire

(Bridge)
Am F C G
In this speedy consent, we find our intent, on this ride, there’s no dissent

(Chorus)
Am F C G
Flash Fire, burning desire, we’re flaming higher and higher
Am F C G
Flash Fire, chase the wire, in this game of rapid-fire

(Outro)
Am F C G
Burning like a flash fire, in this world of liars, we’re the survivors

Fan’s favorite:
The band’s favorite fan goes by the name of Alice ‘Turbo’ Thompson. Alice has been a die-hard fan from the very beginning, following the band through every high and low. Her dedication is unwavering, evidenced by her presence at every concert, every record signing, and every public appearance the band makes. “Speedy Consent isn’t just a band to me,” she claims, “They’re my heroes. Their music has the power to ignite my spirit and soothe my soul at the same time. No other band can do that.”

Backstory:
Formed in the burgeoning musical hub of Austin, Texas, Giving Straw was born amidst the vibrant live music scene in 2013. The band, comprising lead vocalist and guitarist Paul McMillan, bass player Ben Lewis, drummer Nick Turner, and Hannah Wilson on keyboards, found a common passion in their love for inventive music blended with thought-provoking lyrics. After numerous live shows in local bars and pubs, they found themselves gaining significant popularity due to their unique sound and honest, soul-stirring performances.

In 2015, the band encountered a life-changing event when their gig in a small music festival was discovered by a talent scout, which led to them signing their first record deal. The deal not only catapulted them into mainstream music but also helped them reach a wider audience, solidifying their position as an up-and-coming act in the music industry.

Genre:
Indie Folk-Rock

Title:
“Fields of the Forgotten”

Song Lyrics:

Verse 1: [Em – G – D – A]
Under the midnight sun, we’re all alone, [Em]
Walking through fields of the forgotten, [G]
Along the path, where memories have grown, [D]
In the silence, our dreams got woven. [A]

Chorus: [C – G – D]
In the fields of the forgotten, we find ourselves, [C]
In the echoes of the past, we ring the bells. [G]
In the stillness of the night, under the starlit shell, [D]
In the fields of the forgotten, we dwell. [C]

Verse 2: [Em – G – D – A]
Beneath the sky, where stories unfold, [Em]
Among the whispers of the wind being told, [G]
In the fields, where the old becomes the new, [D]
We seek the truth, a perspective anew. [A]

(Repeat chorus)

Bridge: [C – G – D]
In the dance of the shadows, and the morning dew, [C]
In the fields of the forgotten, we grew, [G]
Under the moonlight, we’re painted in hues of blue, [D]
In the fields of the forgotten, we pursue. [C]

(Repeat chorus)

Favorite Fan:
Our favorite fan’s name is Jimmy Hall. Jimmy, a high school teacher from Houston, first found our music during a tough period of his life. He claims that our songs provided him a sense of solace and connection that he was desperately looking for. “The raw, beautiful, and haunting melodies of Giving Straw’s music resonate with me deeply. Their song, ‘Fields of the Forgotten,’ is a masterpiece that I can relate to on a personal level. It’s like they’ve put my feelings into words, and that’s why they are my favorite band,” says Jimmy.

Backstory:

Born amidst the clamor and clatter of a Manchester machine shop, Oily Line is the embodiment of industrial grit and raw talent. The band was formed in 2006 by three factory workers, lead vocalist Nick Walker, bassist Tommy Pearson, and drummer Liam King, who found solace and camaraderie in their shared love for music amid the grueling monotony of assembly-line work. Overtime jamming sessions in the factory workshop soon blossened into something more, and Oily Line was born. Their music, like their shared past, is a patchwork of blue-collar struggles and dreams, and their journey from factory floor to studio floor has been nothing short of extraordinary.

Genre:

Industrial Rock

Title:

“Rusted Hearts”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1, Am – Em – Dm – A7)
Down the assembly line, where dreams are left behind,
Worked to the bone, hearts turned to stone,
In the factory’s din, where hopes wear thin,
Where the oily line, marks the passage of time.

(Chorus, F – C – G – Am)
Rusted hearts, oiled gears, shed no tears,
In the rhythm of the machine, we lose the human sheen,
Rusted hearts, can’t you see, yearning to be free,
From the oily line, that binds you and me.

(Verse 2, Am – Em – Dm – A7)
Under the harsh white light, in the dead of the night,
We toil, we strive, to keep the dream alive,
In the echo of steel, in the wounds that never heal,
The oily line, tells a tale so real.

(Chorus, F – C – G – Am)
Rusted hearts, oiled gears, drowned in cheers,
In the rhythm of the machine, we find the human sheen,
Rusted hearts, now you see, breaking free,
From the oily line, that once bound you and me.

Fan’s Favorite Testimonial:

“My name is Sarah Greenfield, and I’ve been following Oily Line since their first gig in a small pub in Manchester. Their music, especially ‘Rusted Hearts,’ speaks volumes of the struggles and dreams of us everyday folks. It’s raw, it’s real, and it’s incredibly moving. The way Oily Line incorporates their industrial background into their music is nothing short of brilliant. They’re not just musicians; they’re storytellers. Their songs are the anthems of the working class, and that’s why they’re my favorite band.”

Backstory:

Formed in Seattle, Washington, in the year 2010, Amused Cigarette emerged from a group of barista friends who shared a knack for music and an insatiable love for coffee-induced creativity. The friends, all college dropouts, came together at the back patio of their local coffee shop, where they found solace in the scent of freshly ground coffee, the sound of acoustic guitar strumming, and the sight of amused cigarette smoke wafting through the air. The band’s name, a nod to their humble beginnings, was born from this setting.

The band’s journey to stardom was anything but easy. Juggling their day jobs at the coffee shop and their passion for music, Amused Cigarette started performing at local pubs, busking in parks, and even recording their music in a makeshift studio in one of their shared apartments. Their dedication and grit paid off when they were discovered by a music producer who happened to hear their music in a local radio station. The rest, as they say, is history.

Genre:

Indie Rock

Song Title:

“Coffee Stains and Cigarette Burns”

Full Song Lyrics:

[Verse 1]
G Em
Underneath the city lights,
C D
In the corner coffee shop nights,
G Em
We found music in the grind,
C D
And a name that’s so inclined.

[Chorus]
G Em
Coffee stains and cigarette burns,
C D
Lessons we learned, bridges we burned.
G Em
Strumming chords in smoky haze,
C D
Living in our indie rock daze.

[Verse 2]
G Em
From the back alleys to the stage,
C D
Poured our hearts on every page,
G Em
In the echo of the night,
C D
Found a song to set it right.

[Chorus]
G Em
Coffee stains and cigarette burns,
C D
Lessons we learned, bridges we burned.
G Em
Strumming chords in smoky haze,
C D
Living in our indie rock daze.

[Bridge]
G Em
We are the Amused Cigarette,
C D
In this life, we’ve no regret,
G Em
With every beat and every fret,
C D
We sing a song you’ll never forget.

[Chorus]
G Em
Coffee stains and cigarette burns,
C D
Lessons we learned, bridges we burned.
G Em
Strumming chords in smoky haze,
C D
Living in our indie rock daze.

Favorite Fan:

Amused Cigarette’s favorite fan is a woman named Bethany. Always seen at the front row of their concerts with a cup of coffee in her hands, Bethany discovered the band during their early days of performing in their local coffee shop. She fell in love not just with their music, but also their story of resilience and determination.

Testimonial:

“There’s something about Amused Cigarette’s music that draws you in and makes you feel at home. The raw emotions, the stirring melodies, and the way they encapsulate their journey in every song…it’s just beautiful. Their music has become my refuge, my source of strength during tough times. Amused Cigarette isn’t just my favorite band because they make great music, they’re my favorite because they remind me of the power of dreams and perseverance.” – Bethany

Backstory:
Concrete Judge was born out of the gritty streets of Chicago in 2010, lead by lifelong friends singer/guitarist Johnny ‘Concrete’ Dalton and drummer Marcus ‘Judge’ Levinson. Having spent their youth in the city’s underground music scene, the duo decided to create a sound that reflected their raw experiences and poured their passion into creating a rock band. From performing in dingy basements to now packing out local venues, Concrete Judge has steadily risen through the ranks, priding themselves on their sound that’s as solid and compelling as their name.

Genre:
Concrete Judge primarily identifies with Hard Rock, with influences of Punk and Blues. Their music features gritty guitar riffs, pounding drum lines, raw yet soulful vocals and lyricism that explores the highs and lows of urban living.

Title:
“One Last Word”

Full Song Lyrics (with chord progression):

*Verse 1 (E, G, D, A)*
In the city that never sleeps, (E)
Our hearts beat out of time, (G)
Tangled in the neon dreams, (D)
One last word could make you mine. (A)

*Chorus (C, G, D)*
One last word, (C)
Before the dawn breaks, (G)
Could mend our mistakes, (D)
Or leave us in its wake. (C)

*Verse 2 (E, G, D, A)*
Concrete hearts and iron souls, (E)
In this city, we pay the toll. (G)
One last word across the line, (D)
Could echo through the sands of time. (A)

*Chorus (C, G, D)*
One last word, (C)
Before the day is new, (G)
Could rewrite the truth, (D)
Or shatter me and you. (C)

*Outro (E, G, D, A)*
In the city that never sleeps, (E)
Our hearts beat out of time, (G)
One last word could make you mine. (D, A)

Favorite Fan:
The band’s favorite fan is named Katy, a night shift hospital nurse who discovered Concrete Judge during a difficult period in her life. Despite her demanding job, Katy never misses a single show in Chicago.

Fan Testimonial:
“Concrete Judge is my favorite band for so many reasons. Their lyrics speak to the raw realities of life, yet there’s a hopeful undertone that keeps me going. Their music has been my anchor in the chaos. The dedication they show to their fans is incredible, and their performances are electrifying. Concrete Judge is not just a band, they’re a lifeline.”