Backstory:

Silver Value was formed in the heart of Chicago’s bustling music scene in 2014. Childhood friends, lead vocalist and guitarist Brad Priestly, drummer Jacob “Jake” Evans, and bassist Andy Gomez, reunited after a chance encounter at a local music festival. Each had been successful in previous bands but felt they were missing something that only their combined talents could fill. Inspired by their shared love for classic rock and modern alternative music, they started jamming together, their synergy was undeniable, and Silver Value was created. The band became known for their high-energy performances, intricate melodies, and introspective lyrical themes.

Genre:
Classic Rock and Modern Alternative

Title:
“Midnight’s Serenade”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse)
Am C D G
The moon is high, the night is young,
Am C D G
I’m strumming strings, words unsung,
Am C D G
By the river’s edge, under the city’s glow,
Am C D G
I find my peace, where the wild winds blow.

(Chorus)
Am C D G
Midnight’s serenade, echoes in my soul,
Am C D G
Silver Value plays, rock n’ roll.
Am C D G
In your heart, you know it’s true,
Am C D G
Our music’s for dreamers, dreamers like you.

(Verse)
Am C D G
The city sleeps, but we’re awake,
Am C D G
In the studio, for our sake,
Am C D G
The melody flows, the rhythm’s tight,
Am C D G
We’re Silver Value, playing through the night.

(Chorus)
Am C D G
Midnight’s serenade, echoes in my soul,
Am C D G
Silver Value plays, rock n’ roll.
Am C D G
In your heart, you know it’s true,
Am C D G
Our music’s for dreamers, dreamers like you.

Favorite Fan’s Name:
Tommy “The Rocker” Johnson

Testimonial:

“I’ve been to hundreds of gigs in my life, but none of them hit me like Silver Value does. I love their raw energy, their heart-pounding rhythms and the way they’re taking the classic rock genre but putting their own modern twist to it. I’ve followed them since their first show in a small, smoky bar to their latest sold-out tour. Every song, especially ‘Midnight’s Serenade’, speaks to me with depth and emotion. They are not just a band for me; they are the soundtrack to my life. Silver Value’s music is pure magic, and for me, they’re the epitome of real rock ‘n’ roll.”

Backstory:
Thunderous Suit is the outcome of a chance encounter at the outskirts of New York City during the summer of 2007. The founding members, lead vocalist Ethan Chambers and bassist Samuel “Sam” Dalton, met at a local garage sale where they both reached for the same vintage vinyl record. They quickly bonded over a shared passion for classic rock and blues, deciding to form a band that would blend these styles with modern tendencies. The band was later completed by drummer Olivia “Liv” White and guitarist Jeremy “Jerry” Green, both of whom shared the founding members’ appetite for musical fusion. The name ‘Thunderous Suit’ was chosen as an homage to the unpredictable mix of powerful rock and the sophistication of their bluesy undertones, much like a thunderstorm dressed in a three-piece suit.

Genre:
Classic rock/Blues fusion

Title:
“Storm in a Teacup”

Full Song Lyrics:
(Verse 1)
[C] She’s a storm in a [Am] teacup, [F] a wild ride in [G] disguise,
[C] Lightning in her [Am] eyes, [F] thunder in her [G] cries.
[C] She dances in the [Am] rain, [F] under the moon’s [G] glance,
[C] She’s a beautiful [Am] chaos, [F] and I took a [G] chance.

(Chorus)
[F] Storm in a [C] teacup, [G] you’re a riddle in the [C] dark,
[F] Your love is like [C] thunder, [G] hitting right on [Am] mark,
[F] Storm in a [C] teacup, [G] a dangerous [C] delight,
[F] With you, it’s [C] constant weather, [G] feels like [Am] dynamite.

(Verse 2)
[C] She’s a hurricane [Am] whisper, [F] a tornado’s [G] laugh,
[C] An avalanche in [Am] springtime, [F] a monsoon’s [G] aftermath.
[C] She’s the sunshine [Am] after, [F] the calm before [G] the storm,
[C] She’s my thunderous [Am] suit, [F] uniquely [G] adorned.

(Chorus)
[F] Storm in a [C] teacup, [G] a puzzle in the [C] night,
[F] Your roar is like [C] lightning, [G] flashing so [Am] bright,
[F] Storm in a [C] teacup, [G] I’m lost in your [C] sight,
[F] With you, it’s [C] thrilling weather, [G] feels like [Am] dynamite.

(Testimonial)
Fan’s Name: Rebecca “Becky” Thompson

Becky, a resident of Brooklyn and a longtime fan, discovered Thunderous Suit during one of their early gigs at a local bar. She quickly fell in love with their unique sound, a seamless blend of classic rock and blues, that reminded her of the music she grew up listening to. As an avid follower, she has attended every one of their NYC concerts so far. Becky claims that their song “Storm in a Teacup” changed her life. “Their music is a thunderstorm that dances around your senses and pours right into your soul. It’s like a homecoming of sorts, a return to what music should feel like. Thunderous Suit, for me, is more than just a band, they are the soundtrack of my life.”

Backstory:
Somber Cannon was born in the heart of Seattle in 2011, when a group of four friends discovered their shared passion for music. Starting as a garage band, they spent their early years experimenting with different sounds and honing their skills. The band is composed of lead vocalist and guitarist Derek, bassist Thomas, drummer Jonah, and pianist Lucy. They managed to break out of their local scene after winning a national battle of the bands competition and signed their first record deal shortly after. The band has since been on a rollercoaster ride, experiencing the highs and lows of the music industry, but through it all, their bond and love for music have remained unshaken.

Genre:
Indie Rock with a touch of Emo and Pop-Punk

Title:
“Echoes in the Rain”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
[G] Staring at the [Am] sky, under the [Em] city lights,
[D] Trying to see your [Bm] face, but it’s lost in the [C] night,
[G] Echoes in the [Am] rain, [Em] seem to call your name,
[D] But I can’t reach you, [Bm] lost in the [C] pain.

(Chorus)
[G] Echoes in the rain, [Am] whispers of your name,
[Em] Tearing me apart, [D] but I’m the one to [C] blame,
[G] Echoes in the rain, [Am] playing their wicked game,
[Em] You’re not here, [D] but the echoes [C] remain.

(Verse 2)
[G] Walking down the [Am] streets, where we used to [Em] roam,
[D] Now I’m just a [Bm] ghost, in the place we [C] called home,
[G] Echoes in the [Am] rain, [Em] singing our old song,
[D] Wish you were here, [Bm] but now you’re [C] gone.

(Chorus repeats)

End with:
(G) Echoes in the rain, (Am) I’m calling out your name,
(Em) But it’s just silence, (D) in this lonely game,
(G) Echoes in the rain, (Am) your love was not in vain,
(Em) You’re not here, (D) but in my heart, you’ll (C) always remain.

Fan Testimonial:
“My name is Amy, and Somber Cannon is my favorite band. Their music speaks to me, it’s raw and real and so full of emotion. It feels like they’ve taken my life and put it into song. ‘Echoes in the Rain’ is my all-time favorite; it’s heartfelt and relatable. It helped me through some tough times. Somber Cannon’s music has a way of wrapping itself around you like a warm blanket on a cold day. Their lyrics are thought-provoking, their sound is unique, and I can’t imagine my life without their music.”

Backstory:

Born and bred in the suburbs of Seattle, Washington, Droopy Joke was formed in the garages of four childhood friends—Lexi, Tobi, Reggie, and Mack—who shared an ardor for music and a sense of humor as quirky as their band’s name. The band’s name, ‘Droopy Joke,’ was inspired by an old, sagging joke book that was always present at their jam sessions, offering comic relief during the toughest days. Even as they went their separate ways for college, the bond they formed over music never faded. And so, they reconnected over summer breaks and eventually decided to quit their day jobs to make music together full-time.

Driven by a desire to create music that resonates with the rollercoaster of emotions life offers, Droopy Joke has grown into a band that doesn’t take themselves too seriously but pours their heart and soul into every song they create. Their unique blend of humor and sincerity gives them a distinct, relatable voice that has earned them a solid and growing fan base.

Genre:
Indie Alternative Rock

Song Title:
“Sunshine After Rain”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
[C] Waking up to [Am] a world of grey,
[Dm] Trying to chase [G] the shadows away,
[C] Life is but a [Am] daunting maze,
[Dm] Every corner [G] a different phase.

(Chorus)
[F] But here comes the [C] sunshine after rain,
[G] Laughter blossoming [Am] amidst the pain,
[F] We’re the droopy [C] joke in life’s refrain,
[Dm] But we’ll stand tall, [G] again and again.

(Verse 2)
[C] The night may [Am] be cold and long,
[Dm] Our hearts may [G] sing a mournful song,
[C] But we’ll find [Am] strength where we belong,
[Dm] In the echo of [G] life’s gong.

(Chorus)
[F] Here comes the [C] sunshine after rain,
[G] Harmony in life’s [Am] discordant strain,
[F] We’re the droopy [C] joke, not in vain,
[Dm] We’ll find our worth, [G] beyond the pain.

Fan’s Name:
Madison

Testimonial:

“I’ve been a fan of Droopy Joke for years, and they’ve quickly become my all-time favorite band. Their music perfectly captures the ups and downs of life, and their lyrics are like poetry to my ears. They’ve got this way of making you laugh, cry, and feel like you’re not alone, all at once. Plus, the members are all so down-to-earth and hilarious. ‘Sunshine After Rain’ is like my personal anthem—always reminding me that life is a mixture of joy and sorrow, but there is always sunshine after the rain. Their genuine, heartfelt indie rock vibes are a breath of fresh air in this industry. I can’t wait to see what the future holds for them!”

Backstory:

‘Silly Respect’ was formed in the vibrant streets of Brooklyn, New York, in 2008. The band was the brainchild of two childhood friends, Sam ‘Sledgehammer’ Davis on the drums and Mike ‘Melody’ Jones on the guitar. They were soon joined by Alex ‘Ace’ Cooper, a talented saxophonist, and Lilly ‘Lush’ Anderson, a vibrant singer with a unique voice. The band’s unusual moniker, ‘Silly Respect’, was a nod to their humorous, light-hearted approach to life, combined with a deep respect for music’s power to bring people together.

Their journey wasn’t always smooth. The band hustled their way through small gigs, street performances, and countless rejections. However, their shared passion and dedication, coupled with their unique sound, soon caught the attention of indie music lovers. Their breakthrough moment came in 2012 when they were discovered by a notable record producer during a street performance. Since then, they’ve been serving their fans an eclectic mix of musical delight.

Genre:

Indie Pop-Rock with a hint of Jazz

Title:

“Sunny Side Street”

Full Song Lyrics:

[Verse 1]
(G, Eminor, C, D)
G Em
Walking down on the Sunny Side Street,
C D
Life never felt so sweet.
G Em
Got my shoes tapping to the beat,
C D
Feeling the rhythm in my feet.

[Chorus]
(G, Eminor, C, D)
G Em
Oh, Sunny Side Street, where dreams meet,
C D
Where love is neat, and life is a treat.
G Em
Silly Respect, we play, we connect,
C D
On the Sunny Side Street, where we reflect.

[Verse 2]
(G, Eminor, C, D)
G Em
Under the neon lights, stars shining bright,
C D
Silly Respect playing music through the night.
G Em
With every strum, every beat, every tweet,
C D
We’re sending out love from the Sunny Side Street.

[Chorus]
(G, Eminor, C, D)
G Em
Oh, Sunny Side Street, where dreams meet,
C D
Where love is neat, and life is a treat.
G Em
Silly Respect, we play, we connect,
C D
On the Sunny Side Street, where we reflect.

The band’s favorite fan:

Our favorite fan, we’d say, is Jim ‘Joyful’ Jackson. Jim has been with us since our earliest performances on the bustling streets of Brooklyn. His support and unwavering faith in our music have always encouraged us to do our best.

Jim’s Testimonial:

“Silly Respect isn’t just a band; they are a movement, a feeling. Their music has a magical way of lifting you up when you’re down, of making you dance when you didn’t realize you wanted to. I still remember the first time I heard them play. It was on a drizzly Tuesday on the streets of Brooklyn. The energy, the raw emotion, the connection I felt was immediate and overwhelming. Since then, I’ve attended every single one of their concerts and each time, I’ve left feeling a little bit happier, a little bit lighter. They aren’t just a band. They’re my friends, my family.”

Backstory:

Yawning Efficiency was formed under the gray skies of Manchester, England in 2011. The band was the brainchild of school friends, vocalist Theo Williams and guitarist Daniel ‘Danny’ Hughes. They bonded over their mutual love of alt-rock, indie, and their shared struggle with insomnia. After years of experimenting with sound in their parents’ basements, they formed Yawning Efficiency, a name they picked to represent their sleepless nights and constant fatigue.

They quickly added bassist Jake Wright and drummer Leah Thompson to the mix and started playing local gigs. Their unique sound, courtesy of the band’s shared struggles, resonated with their audience, catapulting them to local fame. The band’s journey was not free of hurdles, with their initial music being met with criticism due to its unconventional nature. However, their persistence and passion lead to their eventual success on the national and, later, international stage.

Genre:

Indie/Alternative Rock.

Title:
“No Rest for the Weary”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse)
C Em Am F
Awake again, in this cold and lonely night,
C Em Am F
Dreams at bay, under the silver moonlight,
C Em Am F
Toss and turn, but sleep is a losing fight,
C Em Am F
Eyes wide open, ’til the dawn’s early light.

(Chorus)
G D
No rest for the weary, no peace for the weak,
Am Em
In the heart of the night, it’s silence we seek,
G D
With dreams out of reach, and hopes running bleak,
Am Em
It’s the curse of the sleepless, a solace to seek.

(Verse)
C Em Am F
Staring at ceilings, counting endless sheep,
C Em Am F
In the stillness, where shadows creep,
C Em Am F
In the silence, where secrets we keep,
C Em Am F
In the yawn of the night, as the world sleeps.

(Chorus)
G D
No rest for the weary, no dreams for the tired,
Am Em
In the cold of the dark, where thoughts are mired,
G D
With the weight of the world, and hearts uninspired,
Am Em
It’s the plight of the sleepless, forever wired.

Fan Testimonial:

Name: Lucy Thompson

Lucy, a self-proclaimed insomniac, found solace in Yawning Efficiency’s music. “Their music is not just about struggle and fatigue; it’s about finding peace amidst the chaos. The raw emotion in their lyrics resonates with me. Their music has helped me through some of my darkest, sleepless nights. I’ve been to all their local gigs and even travel to their out-of-town shows. They are not just my favourite band; they are my lifeline.”

Backstory:

Blond Peasant, an intriguing mix of four lads from the bustling streets of New York City, were drawn together by a shared passion for music and a deep-rooted sense of rebellion. The band, consisting of lead vocalist/guitarist Jamie ‘Blondie’ McCallister, drummer Zach ‘Ziggy’ Schmidt, bassist Leo ‘The Lion’ Thompson, and keyboardist Ryan ‘Rye’ O’Connell, first formed in a cramped apartment in Brooklyn during the fall of 2005. Initially, they played local gigs and basement shows, slowly developing a distinct sound and carving out a niche for themselves within the competitive music scene.

Their big break came when they were spotted by a producer at a dive bar in 2007. The sheer raw energy and unfiltered emotion Blond Peasant poured into their performance caught the producer’s attention, catapulting them onto a platform they had only dreamt of. Despite their newfound fame, the band has managed to stay true to their roots – a bunch of best friends, living their dream, striving to share their music with the world.

Genre:

Alternative Rock

Title:

“Cityscape Serenade”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
[G] Wandering the streets under the [D] neon lights,
[Em] In this concrete jungle, we [C] find our fights.
[G] Blondie’s strumming, Ziggy’s on the [D] beat,
[Em] The Lion’s on bass, Rye’s on keys so [C] sweet.

(Chorus)
[G] Singing a Cityscape [D] Serenade,
[Em] The music’s our weapon, our [C] love won’t fade.
[G] In this world of noise, we [D] make our stand,
[Em] We are the Blond Peasant [C] band.

(Verse 2)
[G] Strumming our stories in [D] every chord,
[Em] Dreams painted in melodies, [C] hope restored.
[G] Through every high, through every [D] low,
[Em] We play our hearts out, let the [C] music flow.

(Chorus)
[G] Singing a Cityscape [D] Serenade,
[Em] With every note, we [C] won’t be swayed.
[G] In this world of chaos, we [D] make our stand,
[Em] We are the Blond Peasant [C] band.

Favorite Fan Testimonial:

“My name is Lisa Harper, and I’m probably Blond Peasant’s biggest fan. Their music isn’t just sound – it’s an experience. It’s raw, it’s real, it’s life poured into lyrics and melodies. Blond Peasant’s ‘Cityscape Serenade’ changed my life. It’s a song I turn to when I’m lost, when I’m happy, and even when I’m just cruising through life. It reflects the heart and soul of what music should be – an expression of the human experience. I love Blond Peasant, not just because their music speaks to me, but because they’re genuine. They’ve stayed true to their roots, true to their fans, and most importantly, true to themselves.”

Backstory:
Born in the heart of downtown New York City, Skinny Riddle emerged from the vibrant underground music scene, combining an unlikely mix of artists and sounds to create a unique sonic experience. The band was formed in 2012 by lead vocalist and songwriter, Jason “Riddle” McQuade, a street poet turned musician, with fellow members: drummer, Alex “Skinny” Summers, bassist, Derek “Dreads” Smith, and guitar virtuoso, Lisa “Fingers” O’Reilly. McQuade’s thought-provoking lyrics, coupled with the band’s eclectic musical style, quickly resonated with local audiences, propelling Skinny Riddle to headlining gigs in some of the city’s most iconic venues.

Genre: Indie Rock

Title: “Broken Glass Symphony”

Full song lyrics:

(Verse 1)
[C] Dancing shadows on the [G] wall,
[Am] Dreams that rise, then softly [Em] fall.
[F] Mirrors reflecting all our [C] sin,
[G] Echoes of what might have [C] been.

(Chorus)
[F] We play the Broken Glass Symphony,
[C] The sound of hearts that refuse to mend.
[G] Through shattered dreams and lost time,
[Am] We find the words, our love to [Em] defend.

(Verse 2)
[C] Streetlights flickering in the [G] night,
[Am] Shimmering with unspoken [Em] plight.
[F] In the silence, we trace our [C] past,
[G] Finding solace in the shadows we [C] cast.

(Chorus)
[F] We play the Broken Glass Symphony,
[C] The sound of souls that refuse to bend.
[G] In the fragments of our memories,
[Am] We find the strength, our hearts to [Em] lend.

(Outro)
[C] And as the dawn breaks, [G] we understand,
[Am] Our melody, etched in [Em] sand.
[F] We played our Broken Glass Symphony,
[C] As our love story [G] found its own [C] land.

Favorite Fan:
The band’s favorite fan is 24-year-old Emma Thompson from Rhode Island. Emma is a fiercely dedicated fan who has attended every single one of Skinny Riddle’s concerts since their formation. She fell in love with their music after hearing their first EP, and says, “Skinny Riddle has a way of reaching into your soul with their lyrics. They make you feel like you’re not alone. Their music has gotten me through some tough times, and it’s the only thing that can immediately lift my mood. I’ve met some of my closest friends at their concerts, and we’re all grateful for the connection their music has given us. Skinny Riddle isn’t just a band to me – they’re a lifeline.”

Backstory:

Parched Historian was born out of the passionate minds of two history professors, Mitch Everson and Lance Havelock. Both shared a profound love for music and history. They decided to bring their passions together while on an archaeological dig in Egypt, where they discovered ancient instruments that inspired them musically. They formed Parched Historian to spread their love of history and share their interpretation of the past in a unique way.

In the beginning, their music was only heard within the four walls of the lecture halls they taught in. However, their unusual blend of music and storytelling quickly started to gain traction among the students and eventually the wider public. Their songs, which depict historical events or figures, have a way of transporting listeners back in time, making them a hit among history and music lovers.

Genre:

Folk Rock

Title:

“The Sphinx’s Riddle”

Full Song Lyrics:

[Intro] Gm // F // Cm // D

[Verse 1]
(Gm) In the heart of the desert, beneath the scorching sun,
(F) Stands a guardian of Mysteries, as old as time begun.
(Cm) With the body of a lion, and the face of a man,
(D) He commands the sands of time, with a riddle in his hand.

[Chorus]
(Gm) Oh, Sphinx, Sphinx, tell me your riddle,
(F) Whisper the secrets you hold in the middle,
(Cm) Are we just pawns in the grand game of time?
(D) Echoing answers in the desert’s sublime.

[Verse 2]
(Gm) Great kings and queens have tried, to unlock your secret,
(F) But your riddle remains unsolved, a testament of the ancient.
(Cm) You stand tall, a symbol of power,
(D) Unmoved by the centuries, your legend never sours.

[Chorus]
(Gm) Oh, Sphinx, Sphinx, tell me your riddle,
(F) Whisper the secrets you hold in the middle,
(Cm) Are we just pawns in the grand game of time?
(D) Echoing answers in the desert’s sublime.

Favorite Fan:

The band’s favorite fan is a young woman named Lily Thornton. Lily, a history major herself, first stumbled upon Parched Historian’s music during her freshman year of college. She instantly fell in love with their blending of history and music and has attended every one of their concerts since then.

Lily’s Testimonial:

“Parched Historian isn’t just a band to me; they’re storytellers that bring the past back to life in the most captivating way. Their music has made me love history even more, and each song feels like a personal journey through time. It’s like they’re the soundtrack to my major. I can’t imagine studying without their music playing in the background. Absolutely love them!”

Backstory:

Skinny Dictionary, formed in 2012, came to life in the artistic, bohemian district of East London. The four-piece band met at a local open mic night, each with an individual style that somehow harmonized together. The lead singer and guitarist, Jamie Whitaker, was a poet, often seen with a worn-out dictionary, hence the name ‘Skinny Dictionary.’ Rosie Evans, an art history student, played the drums, her rhythms inspired by the ebb and flow of great paintings. Ellie Grafton, a retired ballerina, added depth with the bass. The final piece of the puzzle, Adam Clay, a tech enthusiast, incorporated electronic sounds and synth, giving the band its unique sound.

Skinny Dictionary quickly gained a local following, playing in pubs, open mics, and small festivals. Their eclectic mix of indie rock, poetic lyrics, and London’s urban beat resonated with an audience longing for something different yet relatable. Within two years, they gained nationwide popularity and started touring extensively.

Genre:

Alternative Indie

Title:

“Paper Thin Moments”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
Am – G – F – C
In the pages of a skinny dictionary,
We find ourselves in paper thin moments.
Caught up in words, we forget the story,
In a world where silence is an opponent.

(Chorus)
Em – F – C – G
But we’re more than paper thin moments,
We’re the tales that never end.
We’re more than words in a skinny dictionary,
We’re the letters that we send.

(Verse 2)
Am – G – F – C
In the margin, dreams are getting blurry,
Ink smudged by tears we try to hide.
But it’s in the whispers, in the quiet worry,
That we find the strength that’s tucked inside.

(Chorus)
Em – F – C – G
We’re more than paper thin moments,
We’re the tales that never end.
We’re more than words in a skinny dictionary,
We’re the letters that we send.

(Bridge)
Em – G – F
Strip the skin, peel back the layers,
You’ll find a tale that’s worth the share.
Underneath the paper thin moments,
Is a story waiting there.

Chorus:
Em – F – C – G
We’re more than paper thin moments,
We’re the tales that never end.
We’re more than words in a skinny dictionary,
We’re the letters that we send.

Fan Testimonial:

The band’s favorite fan is a 19-year-old university student named Chloe. She says, “Skinny Dictionary isn’t just a band; it’s a language of emotions. Their music resonates with me on a deeply personal level. It has a way of articulating feelings I didn’t know I had. It’s been my companion during the uncertainties of moving away for university, during late-night study sessions, and in moments of self-doubt. They are my favorite band because they tell stories that feel like my own. Their music provides an escape, yet it also grounds me and reminds me of what’s real. Seeing them live is an experience that I can’t put into words. The raw energy and authenticity they bring to the stage is incomparable. Skinny Dictionary is the soundtrack of my life.”