Backstory:

Oily Criticism, an unconventional ensemble, was born from the clash of artistic visions in the bustling city of Chicago in 2009. The core members, Lexi (Lead Vocals), Tabby (Guitar), Max (Bass), and Joe (Drums), had all been part of different bands that had disbanded or were on hiatus. One fateful night, while they were sharing their frustrations over drinks, the idea of forming a band sparked. Oily Criticism was established as a way to give a voice to their shared views on society’s norms and the constant criticism one faces when they don’t conform to these norms.

Their journey wasn’t smooth sailing. There were many disagreements and heated debates, but they transformed these clashes into powerful lyrics and unforgettable melodies. Oily Criticism’s unified voice was ultimately built on the foundation of shared frustration, criticism, and, most importantly, their unwavering belief in the power of music.

Genre:

Alternative Rock/Indie Pop

Title:

“Washed In The Echo”

Song Lyrics:

(Verse)
Am F C G
In the hall of broken dreams, where reality bleeds,
Living ghosts, we wear our hearts on our sleeves.
Strutting down the path of judgement, against the stream,
We’re rebels with a cause, seeing what others haven’t seen.

(Chorus)
C G Am F
We stand tall, embracing the echo,
Battered but unbowed, in the shadows we glow.
Washed in the echo, we’ve made our mark,
Screaming our truths out loud, igniting the dark.

(Verse)
Am F C G
Chasing the illusion, a mirage of perfection,
Finding solace in noise, drowned in deception.
But we rise above the noise, and bring our own reflection,
In the rhythm of our voices, we’ve found our direction.

(Chorus)
C G Am F
We stand tall, embracing the echo,
Battered but unbowed, in the shadows we glow.
Washed in the echo, we’ve made our mark,
Screaming our truths out loud, igniting the dark.

Fan Testimonial:

The name’s Kev. I’m not just a fan; I’m an ardent follower of Oily Criticism. Their music is not just sound; it’s a movement, a revolution that resonates deep within my soul. Each of their performances is a raw, visceral experience, their words echoing my deepest thoughts and feelings. Their song “Washed In The Echo” is my anthem, a testament to our collective voice against societal norms. Their music is a beacon of hope in this convoluted world. They inspire me to embrace my individuality and to never shy away from expressing my thoughts and beliefs, no matter how contradictory they may be to the conventional. For these reasons and more, Oily Criticism is my favorite band.

Backstory:
Acceptable Money was formed in a small New Jersey basement in 2012. The musicians, Jerry Sparks (lead vocals, rhythm guitar), Tommy ‘Fizz’ Felton (lead guitar), Benny ‘Beat’ Baxter (drums, percussion), and Mark ‘Maverick’ Miller (bass, backup vocals), all hailed from different musical backgrounds, ranging from punk to jazz. They were high school friends who decided to form a band after realizing they all shared a passion for creating socially conscious music. After playing several local gigs and garnering a small but dedicated fanbase, they caught the attention of indie label, ‘Underground Revolution’, who helped them craft their unique sound and reach a wider audience.

Genre:
Indie Rock

Title:
“Change in My Pocket”

Full Song Lyrics:
(Verse 1)
[G] Found a penny on the [D] ground,
[Em] Picked it up without a [C] sound,
[G] Wondering where it’s [D] been before,
[Em] In whose hands, at which [C] store?

(Chorus)
[G] Change in my pocket, [D] dreams in my head,
[Em] Scratching out a living, [C] just trying to get ahead,
[G] Dimes and nickels, [D] quarters and cents,
[Em] Life’s a game of luck, [C] and it’s all past tense.

(Verse 2)
[G] Saw a dollar on the [D] street,
[Em] Felt like finding rare, lost [C] fleet,
[G] In its threads, stories [D] untold,
[Em] Of the dreams it was [C] meant to hold.

(Chorus)
[G] Change in my pocket, [D] dreams in my head,
[Em] Clawing at tomorrow, [C] just keeping fear at bay,
[G] Bills and coins, [D] paper and metal,
[Em] Life’s a fleeting shadow, [C] always ready to settle.

Fan’s Name:
Rebecca Woods

Fan Testimonial:
“I’ve been following Acceptable Money since their early basement gigs. I was initially drawn to their raw energy and passion, but it was their lyrics that kept me hooked. They’re not just making music, they’re telling stories, and articulating the struggles and joys of everyday life in a way that’s both poignant and relatable. Their song ‘Change in My Pocket’ really resonates with me; it reflects the struggles of living paycheck to paycheck, but also the hope and dreams of a better future. Acceptable Money isn’t just a band to me, they’re a beacon of hope, a reminder that even in our darkest times, we’re not alone.”

Backstory:

Heavenly Official, a band born out of a meet-cute in a small town music store in Omaha, Nebraska in 2013, has now become a worldwide sensation. The core members, lead singer Angela Davis and guitarist David Thompson, were both skimming through the vintage vinyl section one afternoon when they reached for the same Jimi Hendrix album. This sparked a conversation about their shared love for classic rock, and by the end of the day, they had formed a band. After adding bassist Mark Collins, drummer Emily Monroe, and keyboardist Ryan Hill, the band was complete. For seven years, they have been creating soul-stirring music that resonates with their fans.

Genre:

Heavenly Official has carved out a niche for themselves in the genre of Alternative Rock. Their music, deeply influenced by classic rock, is layered with meaningful lyrics, power-packed guitar riffs, and a signature blend of rhythmic bass and electrifying keyboard tunes.

Song Title:

“Angels in Disguise”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
[G] Walking down the [D] lonely street,
[Em] Shadows dancing at my [C] feet,
[G] Feeling lost in the [D] city’s maze,
[Em] Searching for familiar [C] face.

(Chorus)
[G] Are we just angels in [D] disguise,
[Em] Lost in a world where [C] love often dies?
[G] Searching for heaven, we [D] pay the price,
[Em] Are we just angels in [C] disguise?

(Verse 2)
[G] Silent whispers and [D] empty halls,
[Em] Graffiti words on the [C] crumbling walls,
[G] In the midst of chaos, we [D] find our grace,
[Em] Wearing masks, hiding our [C] true face.

(Chorus)
[G] Are we just angels in [D] disguise,
[Em] Lost in a world where [C] love often dies?
[G] Searching for heaven, we [D] pay the price,
[Em] Are we just angels in [C] disguise?

(Bridge)
[G] In silent battles, [D] we rise,
[Em] Wear our wings with [C] no disguise.
[G] Among the stars, we’ll [D] find our place,
[Em] We are angels in this [C] human race.

(Chorus)
[G] Are we just angels in [D] disguise,
[Em] Lost in a world where [C] love often dies?
[G] Searching for heaven, we [D] pay the price,
[Em] Are we just angels in [C] disguise?

Fan Testimonial:

The band’s favorite fan is none other than 25-year-old Sarah Mitchell from their hometown Omaha. Sarah has been following Heavenly Official since their earliest gigs at local bars. She says, “Heavenly Official isn’t just a band to me, they are a source of inspiration. Their lyrics speak straight to my heart, their music transports me to another world. They are the soundtrack to my life, through ups and downs, their music has been with me. I can’t imagine my life without Heavenly Official’s music.”

Backstory:
Originally formed as a garage band in the vibrant city of Austin, Texas, the four members of ‘Other Post’ found their unique sound through trials and tribulations, late night jamming, and an undeniable collective passion for music. The band comprises Toby “Tobes” Dalton on lead vocals and rhythm guitar, Adam “Aces” Miller on lead guitar, Benjamin “Benny” Douglas on bass, and Mike “Micky” Simpson on drums.

They discovered their shared affinity for creating raw, emotive music during their time at the University of Texas. What started as impromptu jamming sessions turned into a dedicated pursuit of creating music that transcends barriers, speaks volumes, and resonates with people across all walks of life. They were united by their love for music and a shared dream – to make ‘Other Post’ a name to remember in the music industry.

Genre:
Alternative Rock

Title:
“Fallen Stars”

Full Song Lyrics:

Verse 1:
[C] Gazing at the [G] sky, [Am] lost in the [Em] night
[C] Searching for the [G] answers, [Am] hidden in the [Em] light
[C] Wishing on the [G] fallen stars, [Am] dreams yet to [Em] ignite
[C] Hoping for a [G] miracle, [Am] painted in the [Em] twilight

Chorus:
[Dm] Underneath the [G] fallen stars, [C] finding who we [Am] are
[Dm] With every beat of our [G] dazed hearts, [C] we’re just trying to [Am] embark
[Dm] The night whispers [G] mysteries, [C] and together we [Am] embark
[Dm] Beneath the [G] fallen stars, [C] we etch our [Am] mark

Verse 2:
[C] Walking on the [G] edge, [Am] of dreams and [Em] reality
[C] Catching the [G] moments, [Am] lost in [Em] gravity
[C] Breathing in the [G] silence, [Am] savoring the [Em] tranquility
[C] Embracing the [G] darkness, [Am] unmasked [Em] duality

(Repeat Chorus)

Fan’s Name:
Sophie Davis

Testimonial:
“Other Post is way more than just a band to me. Their music has helped me through some of the toughest times in my life. ‘Fallen Stars’ is not just a song; it’s like a friend who understands me when no one else does. The raw passion and authenticity that they bring to their music is unlike anything I have ever experienced. I have been to all their concerts in Texas, and the energy they bring on stage is simply electrifying. Other Post has a unique way of connecting with their audience and their music strikes a chord deep within me. They’re not just my favorite band, they’re a part of my life.”

Backstory:
Pristine Class was born out of a shared love for music between childhood friends, Billy and Nick. Growing up in the suburbs of Detroit, they spent countless hours in Billy’s garage, jamming together and slowly cultivating their unique sound. They added to their ranks as they got older; Sarah, the passionate pianist from their high school and Joe, a talented drummer they met at a local gig. Together, they decided to take a step towards the spotlight, entering the world of music with their band, Pristine Class. Despite the ups and downs of the music industry, their bond has never wavered, each member adds an irreplaceable dimension to their music, giving it depth and character.

Genre:
Pop Rock

Title:
“Underneath the Starlight”

Full Song Lyrics:

VERSE 1:
C – Em – D – G
In the wild of the night, with the city’s bright lights,
C – Em – D
I see you shining, more than they all,
C – Em – D – G
Underneath the starlight, you’re my one true sight,
C – Em – D
And in your arms, I’ll never fall.

CHORUS:
G – D – Em – C
Underneath the starlight, our hearts take flight,
G – D – Em – C
In the rhythm of love, in the silence of the night,
G – D – Em – C
You’re my melody, my shining light,
G – D – Em – C
Only with you, everything feels right

VERSE 2:
C – Em – D – G
In the quiet of the night, with the moon burning bright,
C – Em – D
I feel your heartbeat, in sync with my own,
C – Em – D – G
Underneath the starlight, we’re dancing in delight,
C – Em – D
In your love, I have grown.

REPEAT CHORUS

Favorite Fan Testimonial:
“My name is Lisa, and I’ve been a fan of Pristine Class since their early days in Detroit. I remember seeing them perform at a local bar, their energy and passion were electrifying. Over the years, their music has been a constant in my life, a soundtrack to my happiest and hardest moments. Their latest song, ‘Underneath the Starlight’, is a poignant reminder of the power of love, interlaced with their signature pop rock sound. It’s more than just their music, it’s their authenticity and genuine love for what they do that makes Pristine Class my favorite band.”

Backstory:

Long-Term Start was conceptualized in the bustling city of Austin, Texas, during the hot summer of 2012. The band was the brainchild of childhood friends Jake Harmon and Leo Peters, who reconnected after several years apart and discovered they both had a passion for music and a knack for songwriting. They began by playing at small gigs around the city, slowly expanding their reach as they honed their style and sound. Their big break came after a chance encounter with a record producer at a local festival. Impressed by their original material, the producer signed them on the spot, and the rest, as they say, is history.

Genre:
Alternative Rock

Title:
“Chasing Shadows”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
Am – G – F – G
We lived like ghosts, in the back of our minds,
In a world full of shadows, where the sun never shines.
We’re stuck in a race, in a world that’s hollow,
Chasing shadows that we can’t follow.

(Chorus)
C – G – Am – F
We’ve been running in circles, trying to find the light,
Through the shadows and the echoes, in the stillness of the night.
But we’re not giving up, we’re not falling apart,
‘Cause we’re in it for the long run, it’s a Long-Term Start.

(Verse 2)
Am – G – F – G
We’re dreamers and believers, in a world that’s lost,
In a sea of faces, paying the cost.
But we’ve got our music, we’ve got our heart,
In a world of shadows, it’s a Long-Term Start.

(Chorus)
C – G – Am – F
We’ve been running in circles, trying to find the light,
Through the shadows and the echoes, in the stillness of the night.
But we’re not giving up, we’re not falling apart,
‘Cause we’re in it for the long run, it’s a Long-Term Start.

Favorite Fan Testimonial:

“Hi, I’m Emma, and I can confidently say that Long-Term Start is my favorite band. Their music speaks to me in ways no other band has managed to do. Their songs are full of deep emotions, yet they evoke a sense of hope and determination that I find inspiring. They have helped me through some tough times, providing a comforting presence with their soulful melodies. I have been to countless gigs, and their energy and passion for their music is palpable. They genuinely love what they do, and it shows. Long-Term Start isn’t just a band for me, it’s a beacon of resilience and perseverance that reminds me to never give up, no matter how long the journey or how far the start.”

Backstory:
Born in the eclectic neighborhoods of Brooklyn, Potable Generation is a band that started as a group of friends jamming in their cramped basement. They shared a love for music and a passion for social activism, and this camaraderie and shared interest blossomed into something much bigger than they could have ever imagined – a unique band with an unmistakable sound and message. The band is composed of four members – lead vocalist and bassist, Max; guitarist and backup vocalist, Lily; keyboardist, Noah; and drummer, Chris. They chose the name Potable Generation as a nod to their advocacy for clean, drinkable water in all parts of the world, and as a representation of their generation’s thirst for change.

Genre:
Potable Generation is best known for their Indie Folk Rock sound, combining powerful lyrics and captivating melodies with an edge that’s uniquely their own.

Title:
Their most recognized song is “Ripple in the Stream”.

Full song lyrics:

Verse 1:
[Em]Watch the ripple in the [G]stream,
[C]Carving tales in water’s [D]dream,
[Em] Listen close, you’ll [G]hear it speak,
[C]Voices of those too [D]weak.

Chorus:
[Em]We are the Potable [G]Generation,
[C]Voices rising from each [D]nation,
[Em]Screaming loud for [G]water’s right,
[C]In the day and in the [D]night.

Verse 2:
[Em]See the child with [G]bucket old,
[C]Fetching water in the [D]cold,
[Em]Her dreams are worth more [G]than gold,
[C]It’s time her story’s [D]told.

(Repeat Chorus)

Fan Testimonial:
The band’s favorite fan is a die-hard music lover named Sarah. Sarah says, “As an environmental science student, I feel connected to Potable Generation’s advocacy. Their music isn’t just about creating melodies that get stuck in your head; they’re about sparking conversations and inspiring change. I’ve been to every concert they’ve had in the tri-state area. Their energy is infectious and their passion translates directly into their music. They’re more than just my favorite band – they’re my favorite movement.”

Backstory:
Born in the heart of the midwestern United States, Paltry Seed is a band that found its roots in a small town garage, fueled by youthful rebellion and a deep-rooted love for music. Originally a trio of childhood friends – Ray, Patrick, and Scott – they spent their high school years making noise, discovering their sound, and dreaming of a life beyond their sleepy hometown. After graduation, they added a fourth member, the charismatic front-woman Lily, whos powerful voice and magnetic stage presence quickly became a defining feature of the band. Having honed their skills and built a significant local following, Paltry Seed moved to the bustling music scene of Nashville, where their unique sound garnered attention and their journey towards national recognition began.

Genre:
Americana/Indie Rock

Title:
“Scattered Dreams”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
[C] Wandering souls, [G] left our hometown,
[D] Chasing shadows, [Em] on the lost and found,
[C] Wide-eyed, hopeful, [G] in the city’s gleam,
[D] We are the paltry seed, [Em] of scattered dreams.

(Chorus)
[C] From the heartland, [G] to the city lights,
[D] We’re sowing songs, [Em] into the night,
[C] Our roots may be humble, [G] our spirits high,
[D] We’re the paltry seed, [Em] reaching for the sky.

(Verse 2)
[C] Strumming chords, [G] in smoky bars,
[D] Under the canopy, [Em] of city stars,
[C] We found our rhythm, [G] in the urban stream,
[D] We are the paltry seed, [Em] of scattered dreams.

(Chorus)
[C] From the heartland, [G] to the city sights,
[D] We’re planting melodies, [Em] into the twilight,
[C] Our roots may be simple, [G] our hopes high,
[D] We’re the paltry seed, [Em] reaching for the sky.

Testimonial – Favorite Fan:
“I’m Jane, and I’ve been following Paltry Seed since their garage band days. I was lucky enough to grow up in the same town as them, watching them transform from a small town group to the amazing band they are today. Their music always spoke to me, it’s raw, real and it resonates with the journey so many of us take, from humble beginnings to chase our dreams. They’ve never forgotten where they’ve come from and they’ve always stayed true to their sound. For me, their music is a homecoming, a reminder of where I’m from and where I’m going. Paltry Seed isn’t just my favorite band, they’re my inspiration.”

Backstory:
Studious Glory is a band of four lifelong friends: Jack Stevenson (vocals), Amy Walters (guitar), Dave Matthews (bass) and Lisa Hopkins (drums) who met in high school in their small Midwestern town. They came together with a shared passion for music, finding solace in the harmonious melodies they created within the confines of the school music room. As they grew, so did their bond, and their love for music turned into a career when they formed Studious Glory in their senior year. They adopted their name ‘Studious Glory’ as a homage to their beginnings in the school environment and the glory they sought within their musical aspirations.

Their swift rise to fame was a surprise to everyone, including them. After they recorded a few songs in Jack’s garage, they uploaded them to a music-sharing platform, and within a month, they were signed by a significant record label. Despite their sudden success, they stayed grounded to their roots, ensuring their music remained true to their original vision.

Genre:
Alternative Rock

Title:
“A Lesson in Freedom”

Full song Lyrics:
(Verse 1)
[G] Walking down these [D] empty hallways, [Em] echoes of our [C] past,
[G] Scribbled notes and [D] faded dreams, [Em] wondering how long we’ll [C] last.

(Chorus)
[G] We’re learning a [D] lesson in freedom,
[Em] Chasing our [C] dreams in this desolate kingdom,
[G] We’re Studious [D] Glory, writing our [Em] story,
[C] Strumming the chords of life with [G] glee.

(Verse 2)
[G] Glorious days of [D] youth, [Em] slipping through our [C] grasp,
[G] We’re the poets, the [D] dreamers, [Em] holding on to our [C] past.

(Chorus)
[G] We’re learning a [D] lesson in freedom,
[Em] Chasing our [C] dreams in this desolate kingdom,
[G] We’re Studious [D] Glory, writing our [Em] story,
[C] Strumming the chords of life with [G] glee.

(Outro)
[G] So here’s to the [D] rebels, the [Em] dreamers, the [C] free,
[G] Studious Glory, [D] that’s who we’ll [Em] ever be,
[C] Strumming the chords of life with [G] glee.

Favorite Fan:
The band’s favorite fan is a young man named Liam Thompson. Liam has followed the band since their garage music days and has attended every concert they’ve hosted in their home state. He’s enthusiastic, devoted, and has been a constant source of inspiration for the band.

Liam’s Testimonial: “Studious Glory is more than just a band to me. Their music resonates with my soul. Their origins mimic my story – a small-town kid dreaming big. Their song ‘A Lesson in Freedom’ is a mantra for me – it’s about finding your place in the world despite the odds. Their music gives me the hope to chase my dreams, and for that, they will always be my favorite band.”

Backstory:

Born in the heart of Seattle’s vibrant music scene, Square Search came together in 2008, initially as a group of school friends exploring their shared passion for music. The members – lead vocalist and guitarist Danny Verge, bassist Nicky ‘the Flick’ Franklin, keyboardist Jenny ‘Keys’ Clarke, and drummer Sam ‘Sticks’ Simpson – were all students at the same music school. They began jamming together in their spare time, using the school’s rehearsal rooms. As the chemistry between them grew, they decided to take their hobby to the next level and formed what is now known as Square Search.

They spent their early years playing in local Seattle clubs, developing a dedicated local following before their first big break in 2012. Their debut album “Geometry of Sound” caught the attention of a national audience and sent them on a whirlwind tour, solidifying their place in the American music industry.

Genre:
Alternative Rock

Title:
“Corners of My Mind”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
[G] Down the corridors, into the [D] corners of my mind,
[Em] Where the shadows dance, [C] and the sun barely shines.
[G] I wander aimlessly, [D] lost in introspection,
[Em] Here I find a place, [C] riddled with imperfection.

(Chorus)
[D] Look into the corners, [Em] corners of my mind,
[C] Tangled thoughts and memories, [G] relics of time.
[D] In the depth of darkness, [Em] there’s so much to find,
[C] Hidden in the corners, [G] corners of my mind.

(Verse 2)
[G] The echoes of laughter, [D] the whispers of despair,
[Em] Unspoken secrets, [C] truth stripped bare.
[G] These walls bear witness, [D] to a tale untold,
[Em] In the corners of my mind, [C] where memories unfold.

(Chorus)

Fan Testimonial:
My name is Sarah Thompson, and I am probably Square Search’s biggest fan. I love everything about them – their energy, their raw lyrics, and their unique sound. It’s not just music for me, it’s a whole experience. They take you on a journey with every song. It’s like they’re telling my story through their music. They are not just a band, they are a part of my life. They are different from other bands because they are real, they write about real emotions, real struggles, and that’s what makes them my favorite.