Backstory:

Rubbery Middle was formed in the heart of New Orleans in 2015. The lead singer, Jesse Alexander, was a washed-up blues musician looking for a fresh start. Bass player, Kimberly Richard, was a classically trained violinist who traded strings in pursuit of a different sound. Drummer, Scott “Scooter” Daniels, was a former jazz session player eager for a new challenge. The three of them found each other at a local music festival, and despite their diverse musical backgrounds, they discovered a shared love for the unexpected, the offbeat, and the downright weird.

Their musical journey began in a dingy basement, where they spent endless hours experimenting with sounds and styles. After countless jam sessions and several poorly-attended gigs, they found their groove in a blend of blues, rock, and psychedelic funk. The band’s name, Rubbery Middle, was inspired by their flexible approach to music and their desire to avoid being boxed into one genre.

Genre:
Blues-Rock with a hint of Psychedelic Funk

Title:
“Chasing Shadows on the Moon”

Full song lyrics:

(Verse 1: D-A-G / D-A-G)
D
Caught in the crossfire of a midnight duel,
A
Torn between the devil and a barstool.
G
I’ve been chasing shadows on the moon,
D
A broken heart playing a broken tune.

(Chorus: D-G / D-A-G)
D
Chasing shadows on the moon,
G
In the mirror of the saloon.
D
With the ghosts of yesterday,
A
Drinking my blues away.
G
Chasing shadows on the moon,
D
Hoping for a love that’s coming soon.

(Verse 2: D-A-G / D-A-G)
D
Lost in the rhythm of a voodoo beat,
A
Walking on Bourbon with two left feet.
G
I’m just chasing shadows on the moon,
D
A lonely wolf howling out of tune.

(Chorus repeats)

(Bridge: Bm-A / Bm-G)
Bm
Underneath the neon sky,
A
With a bourbon tear in my eye.
Bm
Against the tide, against the pull,
G
Just a shadow, feeling so dull.

(Chorus repeats)

Band’s favorite fan:

Our favorite fan has to be Steve “The Music Man” Johnson. He’s been at every gig since day one, rain or shine, always dancing up a storm in the front row. Steve’s testimony sums up why Rubbery Middle has become his favorite band:

“There’s something raw and real about Rubbery Middle. They play with passion and they’re not afraid to take risks. I love the blend of blues, rock, and psychedelic funk. It’s a sound that’s fresh yet familiar, like a musical gumbo. ‘Chasing Shadows on the Moon’ is my personal favorite – it’s a haunting tune that really gets under your skin. For me, there’s no other band quite like them.”

Backstory:
Great Tooth was formed in the small coastal town of Torquay, Australia in 2015. The band, consisting of members Aaron Hughes (lead vocals, guitar), Christopher Baker (bass, backing vocals), and Alex Jennings (drums), were childhood friends growing up sharing a common interest in music. The band name ‘Great Tooth’ was inspired by their frequent trips to the beach and their fascination with the Great White Sharks. They started their journey playing at local bars and pubs, their music resonating with the locals and tourists. They were signed by an indie record company after winning a local battle of the bands competition.

Genre:
Indie Rock / Alternative

Title:
“Crashing Waves”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
(C)Crashing waves, (G)under the moonlight
(Am)We used to talk, (Em)until the sunrise
(F) Remember us, (C)on those summer nights
(G)Barefoot, (Am)in the sand, (Em)hand in hand, (F)in the torchlight

(Chorus)
(C)Crashing waves, (G)you’re like the ocean
(Am)Wild and free, (Em)full of emotion
(F)Every tide, (C)brings a new devotion
(G)With every wave, (Am)I feel the motion (Em)of your love

(Verse 2)
(C)Under the stars, (G)we made a promise
(Am)To be together, (Em)despite the distance
(F)In every letter, (C)I feel your presence
(G)In every word, (Am)I see your essence (Em)in the lines

(Chorus)
(C)Crashing waves, (G)you’re like the ocean
(Am)Wild and free, (Em)full of emotion
(F)Every tide, (C)brings a new devotion
(G)With every wave, (Am)I feel the motion (Em)of your love

The band’s favorite fan’s name:
Sophie Turner

Testimonial:
Sophie Turner, a 24-year-old teacher from Melbourne, discovered Great Tooth during a holiday trip to Torquay in 2015. “As soon as I heard the raw, authentic sounds of their music and the heartfelt lyrics, I was hooked,” she recalled. “Their music resonates with me in a way no other band has ever done before. I’ve been following their journey since their first gig at the local bar. Their songs ‘Crashing Waves’ is an anthem that I play every day. It carries a profound sense of nostalgia and longing that gives me comfort. For me, Great Tooth isn’t just a band, they’re a part of my life.”

Backstory:

Formed in the heart of Nashville, Tennessee in 2016, Little Soldier is an Indie rock band that boasts a unique blend of soulful vocals and powerful instrumentals. Comprising four close-knit friends – Max (lead vocalist), Sam (guitarist), Danny (bassist), and Benny (drummer), they began their journey in the music landscape as high school pals sharing a common passion for music. The name ‘Little Soldier’ was inspired by their collective belief in facing life’s battles head on, showing resilience, and pushing through adversities, just like a soldier.

They started out by playing covers in local bars and cafes, gradually gaining recognition for their raw talent and captivating stage presence. Their original compositions, filled with profound lyrics and infectious melodies, earned them a dedicated fanbase. After several years of hard work and relentless determination, they released their debut album in 2019, which was widely acclaimed by critics and fans alike, marking their significant breakthrough in the music industry.

Genre: Indie Rock

Title: “Battles We’ve Won”

Full song lyrics:

Verse 1:
(Am)Standing on the edge of hope,
(G)Drowning in a sea of doubt,
(Dm)We’ve come so far, we’ve made it through,
(E)With battles won and lessons learned.

Chorus:
(Am)We are the Little Soldiers,
(G)Fighting through the night,
(Dm)With dreams in our hearts,
(E)And fire in our eyes.

Verse 2:
(Am)With every step, every fall,
(G)We pick ourselves up, stand tall,
(Dm)We are the heroes of our tale,
(E)In every battle, we will prevail.

Chorus:
(Am)We are the Little Soldiers,
(G)Bearing no regret,
(Dm)With love in our hearts,
(E)And promises we’ve kept.

Fan Testimonial:

Fan’s name: Ellie Bowers

Testimonial: “Little Soldier is my favorite band, hands down. Their music resonates with me on such a deep level. It’s like they’ve taken all the ups and downs of life and put it into their songs. It’s not just about the music for them, it’s about the message, the journey, the resilience. It’s real and raw and beautiful. ‘Battles We’ve Won’ is my absolute favorite. The lyrics and melody hit me right in the feels every single time. I’ve been through some tough times and this song gives me the strength I need. Little Soldier is not just a band, they’re a beacon of hope for me.”

Backstory:
Flowery Exposure was born in 2015, in the heart of the vibrant, bustling streets of New Orleans. The band was formed when lead singer, Jasmine Bloom, stumbled upon a group of street musicians playing their hearts out under a neon light. Their music was so powerful it stopped her in her tracks. She joined them, adding her soulful vocals to their raw, energetic performance, and from that night, Flowery Exposure came to life.

The band members include Jasmine Bloom, who lends the band its distinct vocal quality, Leo ‘Thorn’ Russo on the guitar, Blossom ‘Petal’ O’Neil on the keys, and ‘Stem’ Green on the drums. They bonded over their shared love for classic rock, contemporary blues, and the vibrant energy of New Orleans, infusing these influences into their music, creating a unique and enthralling sound.

Genre:
Rock/Blues

Title:
“Violet Shadows”

Full Song Lyrics:

[Verse 1] (C – G – Am – Em)
(C) Underneath the violet shadows, (G) where our secrets lie,
(Am) We danced to the rhythm of the midnight sky. (Em)
(C) Lost in the echoes of your sweet goodbyes, (G) our love was starry-eyed. (Am – Em)

[Chorus] (F – C – G)
(F) Violet shadows, (C) tell me do you remember?
(G) How we grew wild and free, like a melody in late December.
(F) Violet shadows, (C) caught in your tender surrender,
(G) We were poetry in motion, lost in the notion, of forever.

[Verse 2]
From the same chord progression of verse 1, the song continues telling their story, revisiting memories wrapped up in ‘violet shadows’, and longing for that lost love.

[Chorus]
Repeats the chorus from above, emphasizing the nostalgic feeling of their past love and the significance of the ‘violet shadows’.

The Band’s Favorite Fan:

Name: Lily Summers

Testimonial: “I’ve been following Flowery Exposure since their early street gigs. Their music speaks to my soul; it’s raw and passionate, like a banging heartbeat. Jasmine’s voice can soothe my darkest days, and the band’s energy is electric. I love how they incorporate elements from classic rock and blues into their music, while retaining their unique sound. For me, their song “Violet Shadows” is a masterpiece. It brings back memories of love, loss, and longing. Flowery Exposure isn’t just my favorite band, they are a musical therapy, a refuge in the storm of life.”

Backstory:

Decimal Agenda was born in the shadowy corners of a small town garage; a group of high school buddies had a shared love for music and a burning desire to create something unique. The four original members – Jesse, Eddie, Marco, and Tommy – were all raised on a diverse diet of music genres which ranged from rock and pop to alternative and electronic. They decided to blend these influences to create a sound that was as distinct as it was undefinable.

Their journey was not easy. They would practice tirelessly after school and during weekends, honing their skills and refining their distinct sound, which eventually culminated in a winning performance at a local battle of the bands contest. This success propelled them into the local music scene, and they went on to record their first EP, which was well received. Their deep-rooted camaraderie, relentless commitment, and unity in their creative vision led the band to what they are today – Decimal Agenda.

Genre:

Alternative Rock/Electronic

Title:

“Mechanical Sunrise”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse)
Em C
Underneath the city lights,
G D
We found our way through the neon nights,
Em C
In the shadows of the looming towers,
G D
We found strength, we found power.

(Chorus)
Em C
Mechanical Sunrise, illuminate our lives,
G D
Break the silence, let the city thrive,
Em C
In the rhythm of the night, we find our drive,
G D
Mechanical Sunrise, keep us alive.

(Verse)
Em C
Through the circuitry and the steel,
G D
We found something that’s real,
Em C
In the hum of the electric dreams,
G D
We found solace, we found means.

(Chorus)
Em C
Mechanical Sunrise, bring us light,
G D
Guide our journey, make it right,
Em C
In the pulse of the city, we find our flight,
G D
Mechanical Sunrise, take us through the night.

The band’s favorite fan’s name:

Steve Reynolds

Testimonial:

“Decimal Agenda isn’t just a band; they’re a phenomenon. I’ve been listening to their music since their first EP, and I’ve been a dedicated fan ever since. There’s something about their lyrics that speaks to me on a level I’ve never experienced before. They combine the energy of rock with the rhythm of electronic music in a way that’s simply mesmerizing. Every performance is a journey, and every song is an anthem. The band members’ passion for their craft is palpable, and it’s the combination of their talent, dedication, and unique sound that makes them my favorite band.”

Backstory:

Jovial Star is the brainchild of two childhood best friends, Jimmy Sparks and Oliver Thompson from the small town of Masonville, Kentucky. Growing up together, the duo discovered their shared passion for music, often playing in their high school talent shows and local pubs. Upon graduating, they pursued different paths in life. Jimmy went on to study music in Nashville and Oliver, a self-taught guitarist, traveled around the world, busking on the streets. A chance reunion at a music festival brought them together again, and they decided to give their shared dream another shot, leading to the birth of Jovial Star.

The band became widely recognized after their first album, “Wandering Wonders,” topped the charts in several countries. They’ve since then toured around the world, bringing their unique music to the masses. Known for their engaging performances and deep, soulful lyrics, Jovial Star thrives on their connection with the audience, making each concert an incredible experience.

Genre:
Indie Folk

Title:
“Starry Reverie”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
E Am
Oh, under the midnight sky,
G D
We watched the stars come alive.
E Am
Your eyes held the universe,
G D
In a wordless lullaby.

(Chorus)
C G
In this starry reverie,
D Em
We found our symphony.
C G
Underneath the moon so bright,
D Em
In the canvas of the night.

(Verse 2)
E Am
Hand in hand, we traced our dreams,
G D
On a journey, it seems.
E Am
Through the galaxies afar,
G D
You and I, a jovial star.

(Chorus)
C G
In this starry reverie,
D Em
We found our symphony.
C G
Underneath the moon so bright,
D Em
In the canvas of the night.

(Bridge)
Am Em
The melody of the night,
G D
Carries our hearts in flight.
Am Em
In this celestial dance,
G D
We found our perfect chance.

(Chorus)
C G
In this starry reverie,
D Em
We found our symphony.
C G
Underneath the moon so bright,
D Em
In the canvas of the night.

Fan’s Name:

Lucas Miller

Testimonial:

“Music for me has always been about connection and Jovial Star is the epitome of that. Their songs speak to me on a level no other band has ever been able to. ‘Starry Reverie’ is not just a song, it’s an emotion. It takes me on a journey through the night sky, making me feel part of the universe. It’s that feeling of unity, of being one with everything that makes Jovial Star my favorite. Their performances are electrifying, their lyrics, soulful, their music, pure magic. I’ve been to every concert they’ve held in the state and I don’t plan on missing any future ones either!”

Backstory:
Wasteful Culture is an electric music ensemble that was formed in the heart of Brooklyn, New York, in 2015. The band was the brainchild of childhood friends Leander Brown (vocals, guitar) and Flynn Wright (drums), who decided to team up with the enigmatic Thalia Green (bass) and the genius Alden Clark (keyboards) to fill the city’s music scene with their vibrant and distinctive tunes. Their music, which incorporates elements of post-punk, synthesizers, and a touch of psychedelic rock, quickly gained traction and sparked an eclectic following in the local scene.

The band’s name, Wasteful Culture, is a satirical commentary on contemporary society’s excessive consumption and disregard for sustainability. This ethos is reflected in their music and lyrics, which often provoke thought and discussion among fans. Their use of vibrant and surreal visuals in their performances and album artwork further enhances their distinctive style.

Genre: Post-Punk Revival and Synth-Rock

Title: “Neon Echoes”

Full song lyrics:
(Verse 1)
C Am F G
“Underneath the city lights, we’re chasing neon echoes,
C Am F G
Through the haze and sleepless nights, we’re dancing with our shadows.
C Am F G
Concrete souls and iron hearts, we’re living out the gallows,
C Am F G
In this wasteful culture, we’re the heroes and the saddos.”

(Chorus)
Em Am Dm G
“We are the neon echoes, bouncing off the walls,
Em Am Dm G
In this wasteful culture, we stand, and we fall.
Em Am Dm G
We’re the poets and the punks, the dreamers in the halls,
Em Am Dm G
In this wasteful culture, we echo, we call.”

(Verse 2)
C Am F G
“Screaming in the silent streets, we’re echoing the chaos,
C Am F G
Feeding off the city’s beat, we’re the music and the pathos.
C Am F G
In this wasteful culture, we’re the lovers and the foes,
C Am F G
We are the neon echoes, the highs and the lows.”

(Chorus)
Em Am Dm G
“We are the neon echoes, bouncing off the walls,
Em Am Dm G
In this wasteful culture, we stand, and we fall.
Em Am Dm G
We’re the poets and the punks, the dreamers in the halls,
Em Am Dm G
In this wasteful culture, we echo, we call.”

Favorite Fan:
Joey Philips is Wasteful Culture’s biggest and most dedicated fan. An environmental scientist by day and a music enthusiast by night, Joey discovered the band during one of their early performances in a small Brooklyn club. He admired their raw energy, their unique sound, and most importantly, their message. As Joey puts it, “Wasteful Culture isn’t just a band, they’re a movement. Their music isn’t just tunes to move to, but a call-to-action to question our habits and strive for a more sustainable future. Every time I listen to ‘Neon Echoes’, I’m reminded of why I do what I do. Wasteful Culture isn’t just my favorite band; they’re amplifiers of change.”

Backstory:
Hearty Effect was formed by a group of high school friends from a small town in North Carolina. The friends, all passionate about music, found solace in their shared love for tunes and decided to form a band. They spent countless hours in each other’s garages, perfecting their sound and experimenting with different styles before finally discovering their unique blend. The name Hearty Effect was decided upon as a tribute to their genuine and heartfelt approach to music. With relentless determination and burning passion, they practiced every day until their craft was perfected, and then they took a leap of faith, recording their first album in a basement studio.

Genre:
Folk Rock

Title:
“Echoes of Autumn”

Full song lyrics:

Verse 1:
[G] Down the road, where the [D] autumn leaves fall
[Em] Listen to the whispers [C] of the wind call
[G] Telling stories of yesterday
[D] Painting colors of love in shades of grey

Chorus:
[G] Echoes of Autumn, [D] play me your song
[Em] The melody that keeps us [C] going strong
[G] In the rhythm of the falling leaves
[D] Is the heartbeat of love that never deceives

Verse 2:
[G] As each leaf dances [D] down the stream
[Em] It carries a dream, [C] a lover’s dream
[G] The chill in the air, the [D] warmth in our hearts
[Em] This is where our [C] love story starts

Chorus:
[G] Echoes of Autumn, [D] sing me your tune
[Em] In the light of the [C] harvest moon
[G] In your symphony of rustling leaves
[D] Lies the love story that everyone perceives

The band’s favorite fan:
The band’s favorite fan is named Amy. She is a music teacher in their hometown and has been following Hearty Effect from their very beginning. She was the one who encouraged them to showcase their talent in local gigs and has always been a consistent presence in their audience. Amy finds solace in their music because it reminds her of her late husband who was also a musician. She says, “Hearty Effect’s music is raw and emotional, it’s like they’ve poured their souls into each song. Every time I listen to ‘Echoes of Autumn’, I can feel the love and passion they put into it. It’s more than music, it’s a way to connect deeply with emotions that are often so hard to express. Their music helped me through my grieving process and for that, they’ll always be my favorite band.”

Backstory:
Ringed Year is an independent band that originated in the heart of London. The band was formed by four friends – Eddie (Vocals and Guitar), Jack (Bass), Liam (Drums), and Harry (Lead Guitar) in 2013. They met during their university years where they were studying various fields, but had a common love and passion for music. They spent their free time jamming together in their dorm rooms, and soon the idea of forming a band was born. With their combined musical talent and unique dynamic, they began composing and performing their own music locally. Over time, they found a strong fan base that resonated with their music and lyrics – a combination of their struggles, dreams, and the essence of life’s joys and sorrows.

Genre:
Indie Rock / Alternative Rock

Title:
“Seasons of Serenity”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1 – C, G, Am, F)
[C] As the sun sinks low, [G] And the shadows grow,
[Am] We find our way, [F] Through the open bay,
[C] With the stars as our guide, [G] And the moon by our side,
[Am] We reminisce, [F] About our first kiss.

(Chorus – G, Em, C, D)
[G] In the Seasons of Serenity, [Em] where we found our identity,
[C] Under the azure sky, [D] where we learned to fly,
[G] With every passing day, [Em] we found a new way,
[C] To love, to live, to play, [D] In our Ringed Year bay.

(Verse 2 – C, G, Am, F)
[C] As autumn leaves fall, [G] We answer nature’s call,
[Am] Find comfort in the chill, [F] As time stands still,
[C] Winter’s frosty sigh, [G] Under the starlit sky,
[Am] We dance, we sing, [F] We embrace the spring.

(Chorus – G, Em, C, D)
[G] In the Seasons of Serenity, [Em] where we found our sanity,
[C] Under the moon’s embrace, [D] we found our space,
[G] With every passing tide, [Em] we ride life’s ride,
[C] To dream, to dare, to hide, [D] In our Ringed Year stride.

Band’s favorite fan:
The band’s favorite fan is a woman named Amelia. Amelia, a writer by profession, discovered Ringed Year during a difficult phase in her life. She says, “Ringed Year’s music is not just melodies to my ears; it’s a healing experience. Their lyrics are deep and meaningful, and they have a beautiful way of weaving stories and emotions into their music. I find solace in their songs, and they’ve been a source of strength for me. Their authenticity and passion for music are palpable, and it resonates with me on a personal level. They are not just a band for me, they are a lifeline.”

Backstory:

Perfumed Offer was formed in the heart of Seattle, Washington in 2014. The band consists of four members: lead singer and guitarist Lana Thompson, bassist Chris Jennings, drummer Steve Mason, and keyboardist Bella Angelo. The quartet met in a local coffee shop, each one of them performing in an open mic night. They bonded over their shared love for music and decided to combine their individual talents into something extraordinary. From then on, they were inseparable, playing in bars, clubs, and eventually, recording their own music.

Their journey was not always easy. There were moments of doubt and several hurdles to cross, but their shared passion and commitment to music kept them united. Their unique blend of melodies, powerful lyrics, and the raw chemistry between them started to captivate audiences all across Seattle, and soon enough, they began to gain a loyal fanbase.

Genre:
Indie Rock

Title:
“Smoke and Mirrors”

Full song lyrics:
(Verse 1)
[C] Across the [G] empty streets, in the [Am] middle of the night,
[F] I see your [C] silhouette, bathed in the [G] pale moonlight.
[C] Your voice is [G] echoing, but it’s [Am] just a dream,
[F] And I wake up [C] to reality, [G] ripping at the seams.

(Chorus)
[C] Smoke and mirrors, [G] love’s cruel game,
[Am] Your memory’s the [F] fire, your [C] absence, the flame.
[C] Through the haze and the [G] shadows, you [Am] appear so near,
[F] In a world of [C] smoke and mirrors, [G] I wish you were here.

(Verse 2)
[C] The sunlight [G] filters through, as the [Am] dawn arrives,
[F] I’m haunted by [C] the ghost of you, [G] and our past lives.
[C] The echo of your [G] laughter, the [Am] whisper of your sighs,
[F] In the silence [C] of the morning, [G] my solitude lies.

(Chorus)
[C] Smoke and mirrors, [G] love’s cruel game,
[Am] Your memory’s the [F] fire, your [C] absence, the flame.
[C] Through the haze and the [G] shadows, you [Am] appear so near,
[F] In a world of [C] smoke and mirrors, [G] I wish you were here.

Favorite Fan:
The band’s favorite fan is Karen Miller. Karen has been following Perfumed Offer since their early days, attending their small gigs and cheering them on as they grew.

Testimonial:
“Perfumed Offer has spoken to my soul like no other band ever did. Their lyrics are profound, their melodies captivating. Every song tells a different story, every chord stirs a different emotion. I’ve laughed, cried, and healed with their music. They’re more than just a band for me; they are my solace in a chaotic world.”