Backstory:
Antique Release was formed in the quaint town of Madison, Indiana, a place known for its historic architecture and antique shops. In 2013, Alex Rains and Braden Coomes, childhood friends with an undying love for music, decided to convert their garage jam sessions into a full-fledged band. They were soon joined by fellow Madison local, drummer Ashton Fletcher and bassist Sam Winslow. Vintage vibes and the love for antiquity influenced their music, giving them a unique edge and sound. They named their band Antique Release, symbolizing their passion for vintage influences and the cathartic release of music.

Genre:
Folk Rock

Title:
“River Bend Blues”

Full song lyrics:

Verse 1:
Am E7
Down by the river bend, where our memories blend
F C
We used to laugh and play, until the break of day
Am E7
The cool breeze in our hair, life without a care
F C
Oh how I miss those days, lost in a nostalgic haze

Chorus:
G Am
River bend blues, sing me to sleep
F C
Underneath the willow weep
G Am
Take me back to simpler times
F C
When life was sweet, like nursery rhymes

Verse 2:
Am E7
The echo of our laughter, and the dreams we chased after
F C
Still linger in the air, a silent whisper of a prayer
Am E7
Though time has made us change, our bond remains the same
F C
In the rhythm of the river bend, we found a lifelong friend

Repeat Chorus

Fan Testimonial:
My name is Rebecca Mulligan and Antique Release is my absolute favorite band. Their music resonates with me on a deeply personal level. It’s like they have somehow tapped into my own memories and experiences and turned them into lyrics. The raw authenticity and emotional depth in their songs is something rare and precious. Every time I listen to “River Bend Blues”, I’m transported back to my carefree childhood days. Their music is a soothing balm in a chaotic world. Antique Release isn’t just a band for me, they are a lifeline.

Backstory:

“Strange Comment” was formed in the underbelly of a bustling city in 2012, when four misfit musicians discovered their shared love for creating out-of-the-box music. The band members, Adrian (vocals), Charlie (guitar), Nick (bass), and Sam (drums) were all college chums, studying various subjects but their hearts belonged to the rhythm. They played at college festivals, local bars, and opened for several other acts, gradually making a name for themselves in the local music scene. Their unique sound, combined with their penchant for surreal lyrics, gave them an edge and soon they were signed by an indie label.

Strange Comment’s music has always been a reflection of their diverse backgrounds and collective experiences. They write about the oddities of life, the mysteries of the universe, and the small moments of human connection that make it all worth it. Their sound has grown and evolved over the years, but they’ve never lost their distinctive, ‘strange’ flavor that makes them stand out.

Genre:

Alternative Rock / Psychedelic

Title:

“Neon Mirage”

Full Song Lyrics with Chord Progression:

(Verse)
[G] Walking through the city streets, [D] under the neon glow
[Em] Life’s a stage, we’re actors in a [C] psychedelic show

[G] Swimming in the sea of faces, [D] lost in the crowd’s roar
[Em] Finding truth in strange places, [C] just outside your door

Chorus:
[Am] In the Neon Mirage, [G] we find our way
[D] Dancing shadows in the dark, [Em] till the break of day
[Am] In the Neon Mirage, [G] we lose, we gain
[D] Life’s a riddle, love’s a song, [Em] sung in joy and pain

(Verse)
[G] Dreams are just like paper planes, [D] soaring through the night
[Em] We chase after fleeting fame, [C] in the city’s blinding light

[G] Strangers meet, hearts collide, [D] under the starlit sky
[Em] In the midst of chaos, we find [C] the reason why

(Chorus)

Favorite Fan:

Strange Comment’s favorite fan is a girl named Lily, a college student who first discovered their music during a difficult time in her life. She says, “Their songs are like my secret hideaway when the world gets too loud. The strange lyrics make me think, the melodies touch my heart and Adrian’s voice has a way of calming my nerves. Their music is my comfort zone, my happy place. I can’t imagine a day without their songs playing in my headphones. They may be ‘Strange Comment’ to many, but to me, they’re a musical refuge.”

Backstory:
Irresponsible Button began one quiet, rainy night in a Portland basement, bonding over a shared love for creating unique music. The band is composed of childhood friends Ken Thompson (vocals and guitar), George Layman (bass), Linda Reilly (drums), and Laura Thompson (Ken’s younger sister, on keyboards). They started off by playing gigs in local bars, their music quickly resonating with listeners for its catchy lyrics and unconventional melodies. Their early experimental fusion of sounds steadily evolved into a defining style, earning them a loyal following.

Genre: Psychedelic Indie Rock

Title: “Misfit’s Anthem”

[Verse]
(G) Caught on the (D) outskirts of (Em) sanity,
(C) Dancing under the (G) moon, we’re a (D) rarity.
(Em) Chasing echoes of our (C) fancy,
(G) We’re the (D) misfits of (Em) reality.

[Chorus]
(C) We’re the (G) voices that (D) refuse to (Em) fit,
(D) We’re the (G) heartbeats that (C) dare to commit.
(C) We’re the (G) misfits, and this is our (D) anthem,
(Em) Unbound and (D) free, we’re a (G) spectrum.

Full Song Lyrics:

[Verse]

(G) Caught on the (D) outskirts of (Em) sanity,
(C) Dancing under the (G) moon, we’re a (D) rarity.
(Em) Laughing at the world’s (C) vanity,
(G) We’re the (D) misfits of (Em) reality.

[Chorus]

(C) We’re the (G) voices that (D) refuse to (Em) fit,
(D) We’re the (G) heartbeats that (C) dare to commit.
(C) We’re the (G) misfits, and this is our (D) anthem,
(Em) Unbound and (D) free, we’re a (G) spectrum.

[Verse]

(G) Walking on the (D) road less (Em) taken,
(C) We create the (G) rules, we’ve been (D) mistaken.
(Em) With dreams as our (C) token,
(G) We’re the (D) misfits, and we’re (Em) unbroken.

[Chorus]

(C) We’re the (G) voices that (D) refuse to (Em) fit,
(D) We’re the (G) heartbeats that (C) dare to commit.
(C) We’re the (G) misfits, and this is our (D) anthem,
(Em) Unbound and (D) free, we’re a (G) spectrum.

The band’s favorite fan’s name: Ethan
Testimonial: “Irresponsible Button isn’t just a band, they’re a feeling. They’ve created their own genre, a mix of indie rock and something undefinable that can only be described as ‘Irresponsible Button’. Their music resonates with me, and their lyrics are a reflection of my thoughts and experiences. They’re not just musicians, they’re storytellers, and their songs have become a part of my story. Misfit’s Anthem is my anthem.”

Backstory:
Anguished Potato originated in the small town of Madison, Indiana, where the band members were neighbors and childhood friends. The group consists of lead singer Jason ‘Spud’ Murphy, guitarist Patrick ‘Tater’ O’Reilly, drummer Sarah ‘Yukon’ Gold, and bassist Kevin ‘Russet’ O’Hara. They were inspired to form a band after bonding over their mutual love for music and an inside joke about an overly dramatic potato they’d created in art class. Anguished Potato quickly gained local fame and soon after, their unique sound and style captured the attention of a larger audience.

Genre:
Anguished Potato’s music can be described as a fusion of Indie Rock and Folk Pop with a pinch of quirky humor. They have a distinctive sound that blends melodic guitar riffs, powerful drum beats, and poignant lyrics delivered with raw emotion.

Song Title:
“Roots in the Soil”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
Am-Em-F-C-G
Raised in the heartland where the rivers flow,
Am-Em-F-C-G
Our roots run deep as the love we know,
Am-Em-F-C-G
We began as seeds in the same old town,
Am-Em-F-C-G
Grew into something that can’t be put down.

(Chorus)
Dm-Am-B-F-G
We’re the Anguished Potato, growing under the sun,
Dm-Am-B-F-G
Strong and resilient, we’re second to none,
Dm-Am-B-F-G
Though we’re buried in dirt, we rise above,
Dm-Am-B-F-G
Sharing our music, spreading the love.

(Verse 2)
Am-Em-F-C-G
We’ve weathered storms and seen the rain,
Am-Em-F-C-G
Felt the joy, endured the pain,
Am-Em-F-C-G
Through it all, we sing our song,
Am-Em-F-C-G
With every note, we keep growing strong.

(Chorus)
Dm-Am-B-F-G
We’re the Anguished Potato, thriving in strife,
Dm-Am-B-F-G
Playing our hearts out, living our life,
Dm-Am-B-F-G
From the ground to the stage, we’ve made our way,
Dm-Am-B-F-G
Singing for you, come what may.

Favorite Fan Testimonial:
Our favorite fan is 15-year-old Lily Thompson. She discovered our music during a difficult period in her life and claims that our songs have helped her through it. Here’s her testimonial:
“Anguished Potato is my favorite because their music makes me feel seen and understood. Their lyrics are uniquely relatable and their melodies are catchy. Their music has been a constant companion in my ups and downs. They inspired me to believe in my roots and strength and showed me how to rise above my problems. I owe them so much of my strength and resilience.”

Backstory:
Acceptable Part was formed in a bustling, gritty city, known for its vibrant and diverse music scene. The band members, Jake, Lily, Mark, and Rachel, were all childhood friends who grew up in the same neighborhood. They spent most of their teenage years jamming together in their parents’ garages and basements, honing their craft under the influence of various musical genres. As they matured, their camaraderie evolved into a shared dream of creating music that resonated with people of all walks of life. They named their band ‘Acceptable Part’ to represent their belief that every single part of life, whether good or bad, is acceptable and constitutes the entire experience of being human.

Genre:
Indie Pop

Title:
“Voyage of the Broken Hearts”

Full song lyrics:

Verse 1:
E (add9) C#m7
Another day, another sigh,
A (add9) E (add9)
Our hearts are heavy, our spirits high
E (add9) C#m7
We’ve seen the world, felt its pain
A (add9) E (add9)
Yet here we are, to try again

Chorus:
E (add9) C#m7
Voyage of the broken hearts, we sail
A (add9) E (add9)
With courage, hope, and love as our tale
E (add9) C#m7
The storm may come, the winds may wail
A (add9) E (add9)
But we’re the Acceptable Part, we won’t fail

Verse 2:
E (add9) C#m7
Tears we’ve shed, the laughter shared
A (add9) E (add9)
The bonds we’ve formed, the souls bared
E (add9) C#m7
This journey’s been rough, we’ve come so far
A (add9) E (add9)
In the end, we’re each an Acceptable Part

(Repeat Chorus)

Bands favorite fan’s name:
Alice Peterson

Testimonial:
“I first discovered Acceptable Part at a local music festival. Their unique blend of Indie Pop and their heartwarming lyrics had me hooked instantly. Over the years, I’ve been to all their gigs, bought all their merchandise and followed their journey closely. Their music not only soothes my soul but also gives me a sense of connection and belonging. It teaches me that it’s okay to accept all parts of life, the good, the bad, the beautiful, and the ugly. Acceptable Part, for me, is more than just a band; it’s a philosophy, a way of life.”

Backstory:
Hailing from the eclectic city of Portland, Oregon, ‘Silly Dog’ first took shape in the year 2017. It was the brainchild of childhood friends, Bill Jefferson and Gary Smith, who had spent their school years jamming in dusty attics and garages. Their mutual love for music was undeniable, and they decided to take their passion to the next level by forming ‘Silly Dog’. Over the years, they were joined by Anna Maria on the drums and Justin Mason on the bass, creating a unique blend of music that captivated their audience’s hearts right from their first gig at a local pub.

Genre:
Silly Dog’s music could best be described as Indie Pop with a hint of Folk. Their lighthearted lyrics combined with their upbeat melodies make for a great, feel-good vibe that audiences can’t help but groove to.

Title: “Chasing Rainbows”

Full Song Lyrics:
(Verse 1)
C G Am E
Wake up early in the morning light,
F C G
Heading out to chase the fresh sunlight.
C G Am E
Running with my heart held in my hands,
F C G
Hoping that you’d understand, my plans.

(Chorus)
Dm G C Am
Chasing rainbows, in the sky,
F C G
Hoping to find, that pot of gold, oh my.
Dm G C Am
With every color, I see your smile,
F C G
Making all the running worthwhile.

(Verse 2)
C G Am E
I’m just a silly dog chasing my tail,
F C G
Running in circles, on this endless trail.
C G Am E
I may look foolish, but I feel so free,
F C G
Living my life, just being me.

(Chorus)
Dm G C Am
Chasing rainbows, in the sky,
F C G
Hoping to find, that pot of gold, oh my.
Dm G C Am
With every color, I see your smile,
F C G
Making all the running worthwhile.

Favorite Fan Testimonial:
The band’s favorite fan is a lady named Suzie. Her undying support for the band from their early days is something they always appreciate. In Suzie’s words: “I’ve followed Silly Dog from their first gig. The raw honesty in their lyrics combined with their infectious melodies has a way of making you feel seen and understood. Their music has been my companion through my highs and lows. To me, they’re not just a band; they’re a part of my life’s soundtrack.”

Backstory:
Jovial Packet, a whimsical mishmash of tech geeks and music enthusiasts, was formed in a small garage in Portland in the spring of 2012. The band members, who were all software engineers by trade, came together with the common goal of integrating their love for technology and music. The name of the band, Jovial Packet, is a humorous nod to their tech background, as it refers to a ‘packet’ of data transmitted over a network – a concept they were all too familiar with. Their shared passion for quirky indie-pop sound and unconventional lyrics about the mundane to the profound aspects of coder life, has left a lasting imprint on their loyal fan base.

Genre:
Indie Pop / Nerd Rock

Title:
Bytes of Love

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
E minor / A major / D major / B minor
In the realm of zeros and ones,
Found my heart’s rhythm in keyboard runs.
In the hallowed halls of binary code,
Found a love that could never corrode.

(Chorus)
G major / D major / A major / B minor
Bytes of Love, in the ethernet sea,
Finding connection, just you and me.
In the data streams, under the silicon sun,
With every keystroke, our hearts have begun.

(Verse 2)
E minor / A major / D major / B minor
Through the screens of blue and green,
Fell for a love that’s never been seen.
In the circuits and the chips we roam,
Found a frequency to call our own.

(Chorus)
G major / D major / A major / B minor
Bytes of love, over wi-fi waves,
In the virtual world, it’s you I crave.
Pixel by pixel, bit by bit,
In this digital domain, our hearts have lit.

Favorite Fan:
Their favorite fan is a Silicon Valley coder named Benny. To Benny, Jovial Packet is not just a band, but a testament to the harmonious fusion of his two passions – code and music. He says, “Their songs resonate with my daily experiences, from the struggle of debugging a complex algorithm to the joy of successful code execution. It’s like they’re translating my life into a beautiful symphony. Plus, the nerdy jokes in their lyrics? Absolutely priceless!”

Backstory:

‘Round Attack’ is an ensemble that came into existence when five childhood friends – Jake (lead vocalist), Connor (drummer), Emily (bassist), Daniel (keyboardist), and Sam (lead guitarist), all hailing from the small town of Bakersfield, California, discovered their shared passion for music. Growing up together, they had always shared a deep bond, but it was their shared love for music that truly made them inseparable. After showcasing their talents in numerous local gigs and high school performances, they decided to take their passion to the next level and formed ‘Round Attack’ in the summer of 2012.

The band drew inspiration from their experiences, struggles, love, triumphs, and the simple pleasures of life. This gave their music an authentic and relatable quality that resonated deeply with their listeners. They began to gain recognition and gradually built a fan base that extended beyond their hometown. ‘Round Attack’ continues to create music that is a reflection of their lives and the world around them, always staying true to their roots.

Genre:

Alternative Rock

Title:

“Dusk Till Dawn”

Full song lyrics:

(Verse 1)
[Am] Wandering through the [C] city lights,
[G] Trying to find the [D] meaning of life.
[Am] As the shadows [C] start to fall,
[G] We keep on chasing [D] dreams till dawn.

(Chorus)
[F] We’re living from [C] dusk till dawn,
[G] Chasing dreams, we’re [Am] forever on.
[F] The night is young, and [C] so are we,
[G] We won’t give up; we’re [D] wild and free.

(Verse 2)
[Am] In the silence of the [C] night,
[G] We find the strength to [D] take flight.
[Am] With our hearts beating [C] in time,
[G] We conquer mountains, [D] we climb.

(Chorus)
[F] We’re living from [C] dusk till dawn,
[G] Chasing dreams, we’re [Am] forever on.
[F] The night is young, and [C] so are we,
[G] We won’t give up; we’re [D] wild and free.

The band’s favorite fan:

The band’s favorite fan is a 16-year-old girl named Lily. She’s been following the band since their earliest days, and they’ve grown to know her well through her regular attendance at their concerts. To Lily, ‘Round Attack’ isn’t just her favorite band because of their music but also because of their authenticity. In her own words, “Their music speaks to my soul, it’s like they’re narrating my story through their songs. At every concert, I feel like I’m a part of something bigger, like I’m not alone. ‘Round Attack’ is not just a band to me; they’re my safe haven.”

Backstory:
Born out of the melancholy corners of a small town in Maine, Weepy Floor was forged in the winter of 2008. The band members, high-school friends, found a haven in music from the daily grind and the harsh winters. They started by performing for their friends in basement gigs, eventually outsiders started taking notice. Now, they’re touring across the country, but always remember their humble roots and loyal fans back home.

The name Weepy Floor comes from their rehearsal space – an old, creaky wooden basement that would “weep” icicles during the harsh Maine winters. The band felt the image of the weeping floor encapsulated their music perfectly – a little raw, a little melancholic, and definitely unforgettable.

Genre:
Weepy Floor embodies a unique blend of Indie Rock with hints of folk and blues undertones.

Title:
“Dancing Shadows”

Full Song Lyrics:
(Verse 1)
[G] Underneath the [D] pale moonlight, [Em] I see your [C] dancing shadow,
[G] Whispering [D] secrets of the night, [Em] where only [C] we know,
[G] The cold [D] echoes of our love, [Em] lost in the [C] snow.

(Chorus)
[D] We’re just dancing shadows [Em] under the moon,
[C] Embracing the silence, [G] humming our tune,
[D] Love, like winter, is fickle and [Em] fleet,
[C] Leaving us standing on the [G] weepy floor, [D] feeling the beat.

(Verse 2)
[G] You’re a mystery [D] I can’t unwind, [Em] in the echoes [C] of the night,
[G] A dance of shadows [D] intertwined, [Em] under the [C] pale moonlight,
[G] Our love story [D] etched in time, [Em] lost then [C] found in plain sight.

(Repeat Chorus)

Favorite Fan’s Name and Testimonial:
Name: Sam Peterson

Testimonial:
“There’s something incredibly intimate about Weepy Floor’s music. It’s like they’ve captured the essence of life in a small town and turned it into a haunting melody. The raw emotion and the melancholic undertones resonate with me on a deep level. I’ve been at their first ever gig and have seen them grow. Their songs like ‘Dancing Shadows’ remind me of home, of love lost and found, and of those cold, harsh winters. They’re not just my favorite band, they’re the soundtrack to my life.”

Backstory:

Formed in the vibrantly eclectic music scene of New Orleans in 2013, Total Bat is a quartet of friends who were drawn together by their shared love for offbeat music and the strange, supernatural side of life. The band members, vocalist Sam ‘Vlad’ Harker, guitarist Leigh ‘Nosferatu’ Carter, bassist Jessie ‘Veil’ Adams, and drummer Mickey ‘Coffin’ Douglas, each has a unique connection to the paranormal or uncanny, making them the perfect ensemble to personify their dark, yet quirky, musical vision. The group’s name is a nod to its fascination with bats, creatures that are both revered and feared in various cultures, reflective of their own dualistic musical style.

Genre:
Gothic Rock/Goth-Punk

Title:
“Night Waltz of the Shadows”

Song Lyrics:

Verse 1 (Em, Am, Em, B7)
Em
In the heart of the night, where shadows lie,
Am
We dance to the beat, of the crypt’s lullaby.
Em
Under the moon’s cold light, where secrets hide,
B7
We’re the children of twilight, on a spectral ride.

Chorus (G, D, A, B7)
G
Join the Night Waltz of the Shadows,
D
Feel the rhythm in your bones,
A
Dance till dawn breaks the darkness,
B7
Live for the music, forget your moans.

Verse 2 (Em, Am, Em, B7)
Em
In the crypt of the night, where silence grows,
Am
We play melodies that only the moon knows.
Em
Under the star’s cool light, where mystery flows,
B7
We’re the sons of twilight, where eerie wind blows.

Chorus (G, D, A, B7)
G
Join the Night Waltz of the Shadows,
D
Feel the rhythm in your veins,
A
Dance till the night loses her battle,
B7
Live for the music, forget your pains.

Fan’s Testimonial:

My name’s Brenda, and I’ve been a die-hard fan of Total Bat since their first gig at a local club in New Orleans. I was drawn to their unique sound and the fascinatingly dark yet playful aura they embodied. I’ve followed them to every concert and bought every record they’ve put out. Their music speaks directly to my soul. The blend of Gothic rock and punk is intoxicating. The raw authenticity, the haunting melodies, and the lyrics that seem to unravel a cryptic world just resonates with me. I feel empowered and understood when I listen to their music. Their song, “Night Waltz of the Shadows,” is my absolute favorite. It’s a beautiful composition that perfectly captures the essence of their unique style. Total Bat is more than just a band to me; they’re the soundtrack to my life.