Backstory:
Minty Centre was born in the bustling college town of Ann Arbor, Michigan in 2012. The four-member band was composed of childhood friends: lead vocalist and guitarist Ben Matthews, bassist Ryan Carter, drummer Zoe Johnston, and keyboardist Max Thompson. Each member was pursuing different majors in the University of Michigan but found common ground in their shared love for music. Rehearsing in garages and performing in college festivals and local pubs, they built a reputation as a spirited and creative group, eventually gaining the attention of indie record labels.

After signing with Pine Records in 2015, Minty Centre released their debut album “Wintergreen Whispers,” which became an instant hit in the indie music scene. Their sound was characterized by a refreshing fusion of folk and alternative rock, combined with poetic lyrics that echoed the dreams and disillusionment of their generation. Over the years, they have released three more albums and have become a staple at music festivals nationwide, never failing to deliver energetic and heart-tugging performances.

Genre:
Indie Folk/Alternative Rock

Title:
“Midnight Sun”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
Am G F
Underneath the midnight sun, we found our sweet escape,
C G Am
Dancing shadows on the road, love without a shape.

Am G F
The laughter echoed through the night, our secret serenade,
C G Am
Lost in the rhythm of your eyes, a symphony we made.

(Chorus)
C G Am
Midnight sun, oh shining one,
F G C
Bathe our hearts in your radiant glow.
C G Am
Underneath your endless light,
F G C
We’ll dance until the dawn, in the afterglow.

(Verse 2)
Am G F
The whispers of the wind, a melody so divine,
C G Am
In the quiet moments shared, your hand entwined in mine.

Am G F
In the canvas of the night, painted with our dreams,
C G Am
We found freedom in the glow, in the spaces in between.

(Chorus)
C G Am
Midnight sun, oh resplendent one,
F G C
Bless us with your unending song.
C G Am
In your light, we find our flight,
F G Am
To the place where we truly belong.

Favorite Fan:
The band’s favorite fan is a 22-year-old Literature major named Emily Peterson. She’s been following Minty Centre since their garage days and swears by their music. “Minty Centre isn’t just a band; it’s a feeling, a place of solace,” Emily explains. “Their music makes me feel understood and less alone. It’s a beautiful blend of indie, folk, and rock that somehow feels as comforting as a warm cup of tea on a cold day. It’s raw, genuine, and it speaks straight to the heart. They’re my favorite band because they’ve created a soundtrack that’s intertwined with my life’s journey. It’s like they’ve written the music of my soul.”

Backstory:
Imaginary Kitchen is a band that came together under the most unusual circumstances. Four strangers found themselves locked in a cooking competition on a reality TV show. Having bonded over their shared love for music instead of cooking, they decided to form a band from the ashes of their failed culinary pursuits. The members include Tom “T-Bone” Carmichael on lead vocals and guitar, Sally “Saucepan” Noonan on drums, Eddie “Eggbeater” Thompson on bass, and Chris “Chef” Moretti on keyboard. Their band name, Imaginary Kitchen, was a playful tribute to the place their story began and a testament to their shared passion for music.

Genre:
Alternative Rock, with a dash of Indie Pop.

Title:
“Salt and Serenade”

Full Song Lyrics:
(Verse 1)
Am G D Am
In this Imaginary Kitchen, we found our sound,
C G Em
Lost in the chaos, a melody was found.
Am G D Am
Stirring the rhythm, strumming the beat,
C G Em
In this quirky world, music and food meet.

(Chorus)
F C G Dm
Salt and Serenade, under the lights we played,
F C G Dm
Tasting the sweet song, as the rhythm swayed.

(Verse 2)
Am G D Am
Cooking up harmony, baking the blues away,
C G Em
In this Imaginary Kitchen, music has its say.
Am G D Am
A pinch of Alternative Rock, a dash of Indie Pop,
C G Em
Musical recipes soar, they never flop.

(Chorus)
F C G Dm
Salt and Serenade, our music home-made,
F C G Dm
In this Imaginary Kitchen, memories won’t fade.

Fan Testimonial:
Fan’s Name: Lucy “Lemon” Andrews

Lucy “Lemon” Andrews has been a dedicated fan since Imaginary Kitchen’s first gig at a local charity bake sale. In her words, “Imaginary Kitchen is like the perfect recipe. Each member brings a unique flavor, and together they create a feast of music that simply fills your soul. Their songs are comfort food for the heart, and the raw energy they bring to their performances is simply intoxicating. From their unique backstory to their catchy tunes, I absolutely adore everything about them. They are a reminder that magic can be found in the most unexpected places, and for me, they will always be my favorite band.”

Backstory:
With the fusion of passion, talent, and a pinch of good old serendipity, the Lively Group was formed in the heart of Manchester, England, in the spring of 2012. Childhood friends, Max (lead singer and guitarist) and Owen (bassist), had shared numerous musical adventures while growing up, covering everything from garage punk bands to acoustic duos. The arrival of Daisy (keyboardist) and Finn (drummer), college friends from the Royal Academy of Music, completed the quartet, bringing a new depth to their sound and performances. Through numerous gigs and countless late-night jam sessions, the Lively Group honed their unique sound, gradually gaining a faithful following in the vibrant Manchester music scene.

Genre: Indie Pop/Rock

Title: ‘Melodies of Dawn’

Full Song Lyrics:
(Verse 1)
[G] Walking down the [C] street as the [D] dawn’s first light arrives,
[G] Caught in a [C] melody, as the [D] city comes alive.
[Em] Past the empty [C] bars, their stories [G] still fresh from the night,
[Em] In this dawning [C] hour, I find the [D] melody of life.

Chorus:
[G] Melodies of [C] dawn, [D] whispering the tales untold,
[Em] Painting the [C] skies, with [G] colors so bold.
[G] Every break of [C] dawn, is a [D] song that’s brand new,
[Em] In this early [C] light, I find a [D] melody in you.

(Verse 2)
[G] With the rising [C] sun, the [D] world starts to sing,
[G] Harmonies of [C] life, to the [D] dawn they bring.
[Em] The promise of a [C] new day, in the [G] heart of every tune,
[Em] I hear the [C] song of the dawn, under the [D] morning’s silver moon.

(Chorus)
Repeat Chorus.

The band’s favorite fan’s name: Emily
Testimonial:
“Being a fan of Lively Group has been an exhilarating experience. Their music has a unique way of resonating with my emotions. Whether I’m happy, sad, or just feeling mellow, there’s always a tune by ‘Lively Group’ that perfectly fits my mood. ‘Melodies of Dawn’ is a particular favorite; it feels like a fresh start, a new day filled with hope. Their songs have been my companion through many of life’s ups and downs, and for that, I will always be their number one fan.” – Emily.

Backstory:
Bleak Charity formed in the heartland of the UK, in the gritty, industrial city of Manchester in 2004. The band members – lead vocalist Jake Lawson, drummer Simon Hayes, lead guitarist Adam Fletcher, and bassist Liam Farrell – were childhood friends who shared a love for music. Their passion saw them practicing in garages, basements, and local pubs until they caught the attention of a local producer. Their friendship and chemistry fueled their talent, propelling them from local underground sensation to international fame. Their band’s name, Bleak Charity, is a reference to the harsh realities they observed growing up, combined with their belief in the redeeming power of compassion and kindness, even in the most desperate situations.

Genre:
Bleak Charity’s music is a gritty yet melodic blend of Alternative Rock and Post-Punk, with a touch of Indie thrown into the mix for good measure.

Title:
“Shadows in the Rain”

Full song lyrics:

(Verse 1)
[G] Shadows in the rain, [D] echoes of our pain
[Em] Dancing on the streets, [C] to the rhythm of defeat
[G] Lost but not alone, [D] we find our way back home
[Em] In the echoes of our hearts, [C] and the whispers of the dark

(Chorus)
[G] We’re the shadows in the rain, [D] the echoes of the pain
[Em] We’re the voice that cries out loud, [C] lost in the crowd
[G] We’re the love that never dies, [D] the dream that never lies
[Em] We’re the shadows in the rain, [C] dancing through the pain

(Verse 2)
[G] Silhouettes of despair, [D] in the cold city air
[Em] Chasing the dawn, [C] with the hopes that we’ve sworn
[G] We rise from the ashes, [D] brushing off the clashes
[Em] In the echoes of the night, [C] we find the strength to fight

(Chorus)
[G] We’re the shadows in the rain, [D] the echoes of the pain
[Em] We’re the voice that cries out loud, [C] lost in the crowd
[G] We’re the love that never dies, [D] the dream that never lies
[Em] We’re the shadows in the rain, [C] dancing through the pain

Favorite Fan:
Our favorite fan is Emily Johnson. Emily has followed us from the beginning, from our first gig in a dingy Manchester pub. She’s been the heart and soul of our fan base, always front and center at our shows, singing along to every lyric. Emily once said, “Bleak Charity is more than just a band to me. Their music has helped me through the darkest times of my life. It’s raw, it’s emotional, and it’s real. They’ve put into words and melodies the feelings I couldn’t express myself. They’re my favorite band because they make me feel seen, heard, and less alone.”

Backstory:

Black Life is a band that germinated from the urban sprawl of Chicago, Illinois. The founding members, Lucas Bishop, Max Keegan, and Anna Hurley, met during a local open mic night in 2005. Bonding over shared musical tastes and an equal passion for expressing the struggles of everyday life within their music, Black Life was born. Over the years, they honed their sound and expanded their lineup, welcoming drummer Jayden Miles and bassist Issac Dominguez. Their journey has been filled with highs and lows, but the band has maintained their unyielding spirit, consistently producing music that reflects their shared experiences and perspectives.

Genre:

Rock/Alternative

Title:

“City’s Veins”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
Em C
Tangled in the city’s veins, we stumble on,
G D
An echo of a dream we’ve known, yet feels so wrong.
Em C
The buildings rise, to hide the skies, we’re swallowed whole,
G D
Among the faces, empty spaces, we console.

(Chorus)
Em C G D
In the Black Life, we find our soul, in the Black Life,
Em C G D
We lose control, in this Black Life, we pay the toll,
Em C G D
But the Black Life, it makes us whole.

(Verse 2)
Em C
Streetlights hum a lullaby, in neon glow,
G D
Through cracks and crevices of life, the shadows grow.
Em C
We are lost, yet at a cost, we’re truly free,
G D
In the city’s veins, we remain, and choose to be.

(Chorus)
Em C G D
In the Black Life, we find our soul, in the Black Life,
Em C G D
We lose control, in this Black Life, we pay the toll,
Em C G D
But the Black Life, it makes us whole.

Fan’s favorite:

The band’s favorite fan is named Lily. Lily has been following Black Life since their early days, attending their local shows and supporting their music. She says, “Black Life is more than just a band to me. Their music speaks to the everyday struggle, the beauty, the pain, and the resilience it takes to keep going. It’s refreshing to find a band that doesn’t shy away from the reality of life but rather embraces it, making it a part of their art. The raw authenticity of their lyrics, coupled with their unique sound, makes them my favorite band. Their song ‘City’s Veins’ is an anthem for all of us hustling in the city, trying to find our place in the world.”

Backstory:
Expert Chicken is a unique blend of five childhood friends who grew up, sharing music and laughter, in a small town in Kentucky. Brought up on a farm, they spent their days helping their families and escaping into their shared love for music in their free time. Their band name is an homage to their humble beginnings and humorous moments when their chicken coop acted as their first, albeit unconventional, practice space. Instead of selling the eggs, they used them as concert tickets for their families, thus, earning their name Expert Chicken.

On their journey, they managed to convert their raw passion into a refined musical talent that caught the attention of a local radio station. Their folksy, lighthearted tunes turned into a local sensation, and their career took flight. Now, the band enjoys a dedicated fanbase, but they never let fame forget their love for their roots, their families, and most importantly, their chickens.

Genre:
Folk Pop

Title:
“Red Barn Door”

Full Song Lyrics:

Verse 1
G C D G
Under the sun, by the old red barn door,
Em C D
Dreams were born, like never before.

Verse 1
G C D G
Five friends played, amidst the straw,
Em C D
Music was their law, it was their raw.

Chorus:
G C D G
Expert Chicken, singing our song,
Em C D
In this place, we truly belong.
G C D G
Expert Chicken, under the moon’s glow,
Em C D
With every note, we continue to grow.

Verse 2:
G C D G
Our hearts here in this simple land,
Em C D
Strumming strings with calloused hand.
G C D G
Chickens clucking, is our cheering crowd,
Em C D
Playing our music, playing it loud.

(Repeat Chorus)

Favorite Fan:
The band’s favorite fan is a young girl named Lilly. Lilly lives with her single mother and listens to their songs every night. She says, “Expert Chicken is my favorite because they remind me of my hometown. Their songs bring warmth and familiarity. They make me feel like I am part of something bigger, part of a community. Their music, it’s like a friend to me. It’s comforting in the weirdest yet loveliest way possible. Plus, it’s impossible not to tap your foot to their catchy folk-pop tunes!”

Backstory:
Beloved Airport is a five-piece band formed in the heart of Austin, Texas in 2002. The members, Joseph “Joey” Daniels (lead vocals, guitar), Ethan Thompson (drums), Sarah Abrams (keyboards, backing vocals), Mike Preston (bass), and Rob Harper (lead guitar), were all childhood friends who shared a love for music and storytelling. Named after their first meeting spot, an abandoned airport hangar, the band Beloved Airport has resonated with fans through their heartfelt lyrics and soulful melodies. They have spent the last two decades perfecting their craft, opening for major acts, and finally headlining their own shows and tours.

Genre:
Indie Folk Rock

Title:
“On Wingless Dreams”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
[Am] There’s an old hangar, once [G] full of dreams
[F] Now it’s just echoes and [C] rusting beams
[Am] We’d sit and listen to the [G] silent planes
[F] Dreaming of escape but [C] bound by chains

(Chorus)
[Dm] On Wingless Dreams we [Am] learned to fly
[F] With our hearts in the clouds and [C] eyes on the sky
[Dm] In that old hangar, the [Am] world was ours
[F] Underneath the rusty beams and [C] age-old stars

(Verse 2)
[Am] The echoes turned into [G] melodies
[F] We found our voices in the [C] silent seas
[Am] The planes might be grounded, [G] but not us
[F] We’ll fly on the wings of [C] songs and trust

(Chorus)
[Dm] On Wingless Dreams we [Am] soared so high
[F] With our songs in the wind and [C] hopes in the sky
[Dm] From that old hangar, we [Am] took our flight
[F] Propelled by love and [C] guided by starlight

(Outro)
[Am] There’s an old hangar, [G] that’s where we began
[F] Beloved Airport, with [C] dreams in our hands.

Favorite Fan:
Casey Stevens. Casey has been following Beloved Airport since their early days and has attended nearly all their concerts. In her testimonial, Casey says, “Beloved Airport has a way of touching your soul. Their songs tell a story that is both personal and universal. Listening to them feels like going home. The honesty and passion in their music are what make them my favorite band. I feel like they are singing my life story. In a world full of noise, they are the melody that calms my heart.”

Backstory:
Formed in the heart of New York City, Blissful Coat is a band that arose from the ashes of a broken era. Comprising of lead guitarist Johnny “Jazz Hands” Sullivan, bassist Bobby “Bongo” Peterson, drummer Tyler “Thunder” Thomas, and the soulful vocals of Lily “Lilac” Lawson, the band was born out of their mutual love for music and the need to express their emotions through their songs. Busking in the streets of Soho initially, their unique sound and raw talent quickly caught the attention of passersby, leading to a loyal fan base and a record deal with indie label, Starlight Records.

Genre: Alternative Rock/Indie Pop

Title: “Velvet Tear Drops”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1) [C Em Am G]
Cold winds blowing in the dead of night,
Underneath the neon city light.
Lonely hearts are searching for a fight,
In your velvet tear drops, I find light.

(Chorus) [F G C]
Velvet tear drops, falling from the sky,
In your eyes, I see the world pass by.
Velvet tear drops, wash away the pain,
In the rain, we’ll dance away the strain.

(Verse 2) [C Em Am G]
Through the darkness, your love shines so bright,
In your arms, I feel so light.
Velvet tear drops, a symbol of our plight,
In this love, we’ll keep the flame alight.

(Chorus) [F G C]
Velvet tear drops, echo in the night,
In your laugh, I hear our love ignite.
Velvet tear drops, our love takes flight,
In this dance, we’ll turn wrongs to right.

(Outro) [C Em Am G]
Velvet tear drops, in the morning light,
In your smile, my world is right.
Velvet tear drops, ending the night,
In our love, we find pure delight.

Fan Name: Sarah Thompson

Testimonial:
Sarah Thompson, an avid fan of Blissful Coat, confesses, “The way Blissful Coat narrates stories and emotions through their music is enchanting. Their raw, authentic sound resonates with me on a deeper level. I admire their dedication to their craft and their ability to connect with their audience. Their song ‘Velvet Tear Drops’ is a particular favourite. I find solace in its lyrics and melody. It’s as if they’ve translated my emotions into music. They’re not just my favorite band, but a beacon of light in my life. Their music, in its essence, is a blissful coat that warms my soul.”

Backstory:

Cheery Arm was originally formed in the early 2000s in a small college town in Northern Idaho. Originally classmates and dorm mates, childhood friends Noah Gable (vocals, guitar) and Emery Clay (drummer) decided to combine their shared love for music and their talent for songwriting into something bigger than just their garage sessions. Initially, they played covers of their favorite bands at parties and local gatherings, but soon their original compositions started to gain attention. Encouraged by the positive feedback, they added bassist Rosie Dalton to their line-up and officially formed Cheery Arm.

The journey was not always smooth – from having their instruments stolen to dealing with creative differences – but it was always worthwhile. They started performing at local venues, which soon led to regional tours. Gradually, their music started to resonate with a wider audience, leading to their first music contract and album launch. Their unique sound and heartfelt lyrics have since endeared them to many, even as they continue to grow and experiment with their musical style.

Genre:

Alternative Rock

Title:

“Silhouettes in the Rain”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
Em D G
In the misty midst of the midnight rain,
Em D G
I see your silhouette, dancing in my brain,
Em D G
Shadows of memories, playing their game,
Em D G
In the rhythm of your love, I am your claim.

(Chorus)
C D G
Silhouettes in the rain, like a sweet refrain,
C D Em
Under the silver moon, we’ll meet again,
C D G
Between the whispers of the wind,
C D Em
Our love story will never end.

(Verse 2)
Em D G
Misty eyes, clouded thoughts, lost in pain,
Em D G
In dark alleys of my mind, you still remain,
Em D G
Fragile love, stronger than any chain,
Em D G
With every heartbeat, calling your name.

Repeat Chorus

Favorite Fan:

The band’s favorite fan is Melissa Green, a schoolteacher from their hometown. Melissa has been following their music from the very beginning, even before they officially formed as a band. “Cheery Arm is more than just a band for me,” she says. “Their music has been with me through highs and lows. Their lyrics are a beacon of hope in difficult times, and their upbeat tunes are the perfect soundtrack to my happy days. Noah, Emery, and Rosie are incredibly talented and genuine, and their music truly reflects their hearts. I can’t imagine my life without Cheery Arm’s music.”

Backstory:

General Accent hails from a sleepy suburban town on the outskirts of London. Comprised of four childhood friends; Eddie, John, Ben, and Daniel, the seed of the band was planted when they found an old guitar in Daniel’s attic. Each member was entranced by the power of music as they strummed on the battered strings. Practicing with a tape player in Daniel’s garage, they began to create a unique sound, fusing their diverse cultural backgrounds. Their first gig in a local pub was a roaring success, leading to a record deal that saw them skyrocket to fame. Today, General Accent is loved for their innovative sound, down-to-earth persona, and infectious energy.

Genre:

General Accent is best described as Folk-Pop Fusion with a dash of experimental electronic beats.

Title:

“Shadows in the Sun”

Full song lyrics:

(Verse 1)
Em C
Under the grand old sycamore,
G D
We etched our dreams into its core,
Em C
Chasing the shadows in the sun,
G D
Innocence has just begun.

(Chorus)
G D
Shadows in the sun, our journey just begun,
Em C
Lost in the fun, our hearts beat as one,
G D
In the cool summer breeze, beneath these trees,
Em C
We are young, we are free, just you and me.

(Verse 2)
Em C
As the sun dips down, we wear our crown,
G D
The stars our stage in this quiet town,
Em C
Laughing under the moon’s silver glow,
G D
Where we go next, only the wind knows.

(Repeat chorus)

(Fan Testimonial)

Fan’s Name: Emily Thompson

“I’ve been a fan of General Accent since their basement days. Their music is like a breath of fresh air in an industry full of repeated beats. The harmony of their voices, the unique blend of folk, pop, and a touch of electronica is captivating. Their song ‘Shadows in the Sun’ is an anthem for all who still believe in the beauty of youth and freedom. It’s like they’ve captured magic and woven it into their music. I play it on repeat and it never gets old. General Accent isn’t just my favorite band due to their music, but also their humble beginnings and the bond they share. They’re authentic, and it’s evident in the respect they show their fans. We’re not just a number to them, we’re part of the General Accent family.”