Backstory:
Formed in the underground music scene of New York City in 2013, ‘Unimportant Involvement’ was comprised of four ambitious musicians: frontman Jackson “Jax” Samuels, guitarist William “Will” Ortiz, bassist Richard “Rich” Anderson, and drummer Cara “CJ” Jenkins. United by their shared love for music and rebellious spirit, the band aspired to create songs that resonated with the youth, making them feel heard and understood. They honed their sound in small gigs across the city, gradually earning a loyal fanbase through their raw emotion and electric performances. They got their big break in 2015 when their first album “The Silent Rebellion” was picked up by a major record label.

Genre:
Alternative Rock

Title:
“Fade to Shadows”

Full Song Lyrics:

[Verse 1]
(C Am G F)
In the quiet corners of the city, life’s a war,
(Dm Am G F)
Dreams are whispering, but no one hears them anymore.
(C Am G F)
We’re the voices unheard, the forgotten, the unseen,
(Dm Am G F)
In the shadows we stand, in the light we’ve never been.

[Chorus]
(G Am F C)
But we won’t fade, we won’t fade to shadows,
(Dm Am G F)
We’ll fight, we’ll rise, against the gallows.
(G Am F C)
We’re the spark, we’re the flame, we’re the echoes,
(Dm Am G F)
We won’t fade, we won’t fade to shadows.

[Verse 2]
(C Am G F)
In the face of the world, we hold our banners high,
(Dm Am G F)
We’re the poets of the silent, under the starless sky.
(C Am G F)
In every beat of our hearts, in every note we play,
(Dm Am G F)
We’re the melody of the forgotten, fading away.

[Chorus]
(G Am F C)
But we won’t fade, we won’t fade to shadows,
(Dm Am G F)
We’ll fight, we’ll rise, against the gallows.
(G Am F C)
We’re the spark, we’re the flame, we’re the echoes,
(Dm Am G F)
We won’t fade, we won’t fade to shadows.

[Ending]
(C Am G F)
We stand strong, we stand proud, we are the echoes,
(Dm Am G F)
We won’t fade, we won’t fade to shadows.

Favorite Fan:
The band’s favorite fan is named Penny, a college student from Brooklyn who has attended every single one of their shows. In her testimonial, she said, “Unimportant Involvement isn’t just a band for me, it’s a voice. Their music speaks to me in a way that I can’t quite explain. It feels like they understand the struggles of being young, of feeling misunderstood. When I listen to their songs, especially ‘Fade to Shadows’, I feel heard, I feel important. Their music gives me strength, and for that, they will always be my favorite band.”

Backstory:

Personal Welfare began as a duo, featuring childhood friends, Tommy Schmidt and Alex Gibson, from a small town in Michigan. They grew up playing guitar and drums in a basement, dreaming about one day making it big. They got their chance when their breakout single “Hometown Glory” got picked up by a local radio station and caught the attention of a record label scout. Now, they tour across the country, sharing their music and their stories with fans everywhere. But no matter where they go, they always carry their humble beginnings with them, infusing their music with a grounded, personal touch that resonates with their listeners.

Genre:

Indie Rock

Title:

“Chasing Shadows”

Full Song Lyrics:

Verse 1:
(Am) Underneath the (G) old oak tree
(Dm) You whispered (Am) secrets just to me
(Am) We were wild, we (G) were free
(Dm) Chasing shadows (Am) endlessly

Chorus:
(G) Chasing shadows, (Am) in the dark
(Dm) Trying to capture, (Am) a fleeting spark
(G) We were young, we (Am) were bold
(Dm) Chasing shadows, (Am) stories untold

Verse 2:
(Am) Through the years, (G) we lost our way
(Dm) Shadows grew (Am) longer every day
(Am) But in my heart, (G) you’ll always stay
(Dm) Chasing shadows, (Am) come what may

(Repeat Chorus)

Bridge:
(F) Shadows may (G) fade, but (Am) love remains
(F) Here in my (G) heart, it always (Am) stays
(F) Though we’re grown (G) and worlds apart
(Dm) You’re still here, (Am) in my heart

(Repeat Chorus)

Outro:
(Am) Underneath the (G) old oak tree
(Dm) I’m still chasing (Am) shadows, you see

Favorite Fan:

Their favorite fan is a young woman named Mandy. Mandy stumbled upon Personal Welfare when she was going through a difficult time in her life, and their music became a solace for her. The raw emotion and authenticity in their songs struck a chord with Mandy, helping her feel understood and less alone. She says, “Personal Welfare’s music is like a friend who’s there for you, even through the tough times. Their songs are relatable, honest, and beautifully written. They’ve become my favorite band not just because they make great music, but because they genuinely care about their fans and use their platform to spread positivity and support.”

Backstory:

Mature Plaintiff started its journey in the basement of a rundown courthouse in the heart of Los Angeles. This iconic quartet met while serving as jury members on a high-profile case, discovering their shared passion for music during those lengthy and often tedious hours of court proceedings. They decided to put their boredom to good use and started experimenting with their acoustic sound during recess hours, turning the dull ambiance of the courthouse into a vibrant setting of creativity. The name “Mature Plaintiff” was, in fact, a cheeky nod to their surroundings, and a symbol of their mission to advocate for good music that resonates with the common man.

The band consisted of Jay Vargas, a criminal lawyer with a voice that could stand up in any court; Minnie Reynolds, a paralegal with mad drumming skills; Simon Howard, a translator whose fingers danced on the guitar like he was making a closing statement; and Trevor McQuinn, the court reporter who could play a mean bass, tapping into the rhythm of the courtroom.

Genre: Alternative Rock

Title: “Gavel and the Strings”

Full song lyrics:

Verse:
[Am] In this realm of truths and lies, [G]
[Em] Where the innocent sometimes cries, [D]
[Am] Justice wears a blindfold tight, [G]
[Em] Music be our guide this night. [D]

Chorus:
[F] Gavel and the Strings we play, [C]
[G] Echoes of the judgment day, [D]
[F] In this courthouse of the blues, [C]
[G] We find a rhythm, we can’t refuse. [D]

Verse:
[Am] Your honor, your honor, hear our song, [G]
[Em] We’ve been silent for far too long. [D]
[Am] Our rhythm is our testimony, [G]
[Em] In our music, we are free. [D]

Chorus:
[F] Gavel and the Strings we strum, [C]
[G] To the beat of justice’s drum. [D]
[F] In this courthouse of despair, [C]
[G] Our music fills the stagnant air. [D]

Favorite Fan’s Name: Benny “The Bailiff” Clarke

Testimonial: “I’ve been working in this courthouse for the better part of two decades, and honestly, the job can get quite monotonous. Mature Plaintiff brought a new lease of life into this place; their music echoes through the hallways long after they’ve finished playing. It’s not just about the sound, but the message they bring – one of hope, resilience, and justice. Watching them translate the intensity of the courtroom into their music is something truly special. They’re not just my favorite band because they lighten up my workplace, but because they truly represent what we strive for in this building – truth, integrity, and the power of the common man’s voice. Plus, ‘Gavel and the Strings’, is an absolute banger!”

Backstory:

Imaginary Gun is a band that was formed in the vibrant heart of New York City in the summer of 2002. Its founding members, lead singer and guitarist Milo Roberts, drummer Jake Watson, and bassist Lisa Murray, were childhood friends who always shared a dream of creating music that would touch people’s hearts. And Imaginary Gun was the manifestation of that dream. The band was named as a symbol of the imaginative power that music can wield, a gun that could trigger emotions and instigate change. Over the years, they honed their unique sound while performing at local bars and clubs, gradually making a name for themselves in the independent music scene.

Genre:

Alt-Rock / Indie

Title:

“Shadows in the Rain”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1 – G Em C D)
G Em
In the city’s night, I’m tracing your face
C D
Between the lines of rain, your memory won’t erase
G Em
Eyes that speak of love, whispers in the wind
C D
In the echoes of our past, where should I begin?

(Chorus – Am Em D G)
Am Em
Shadows in the rain, a dance of our refrain
D G
Our love’s a song that plays, in endless disarray

(Verse 2 – G Em C D)
G Em
In these empty streets, I see your silhouette
C D
In the fragments of my dreams, your touch I won’t forget
G Em
A ghost of a kiss, a lingering taste
C D
In the shadows of the rain, what love has laid to waste?

(Chorus – Am Em D G)
Am Em
Shadows in the rain, a dance of our refrain
D G
Our love’s a song that plays, in endless disarray

Bridge: (F C G Am)
F C
Underneath the streetlight’s glow, a story left untold
G Am
In the shadows and the rain, for our love to unfold

(Chorus – Am Em D G)
Am Em
Shadows in the rain, a dance of our refrain
D G
Our love’s a song that plays, in endless disarray

(Outro – G Em C D)
G Em
In the city’s night, I’m holding onto you
C D
In the shadows of the rain, our love will find its truth

Favorite Fan:

The band’s favorite fan is a young woman named Emily. Emily has followed Imaginary Gun from the beginning, first discovering their music while in high school. She’s attended every concert she could, always singing along with them from the front row. To her, Imaginary Gun’s music is more than just a series of beautiful melodies and thought-provoking lyrics — it’s a source of comfort, inspiration, and strength. In her own words, “Imaginary Gun’s music has been my guiding light in the darkest of days. Their words resonate deeply within me, making me feel understood and less alone. They’ve become a part of my life in a way no other band has.”

Backstory:

Spry Stop, the musical sensation that has taken the world by storm, wasn’t always on top of the charts. As college buddies from San Francisco, the four members – Alex, Hayden, Ben, and Courtney, started out as an indie garage band, playing at local events and parties with a couple of self-written songs. They decided to take a leap of faith and put their music on SoundCloud, which was met with significant traction, leading to their discovery by a music producer who fell in love with their unique sound.

Their journey from a garage band to the concert stages was anything but smooth. They had to juggle their college lives with their passion for music. Balancing studies, part-time jobs, and a music career was challenging, but their unwavering dedication and love for music kept them going. Despite the highs and lows, they stayed together, and their unity was reflected in their music, leading to their rise in popularity within a surprisingly short span of time.

Genre: Indie Rock

Title: “Sunset Promises”

Full song lyrics:

[Verse 1]
Am G C F
Summer nights and city lights,
Am G C F
Underneath the purple sky,
Am G C F
You and I, lost in time,
Am G C F
Chasing those sunset promises.

Chorus:
Dm Am G F
Oh, the moments we borrow,
Dm Am G F
In the heart of tomorrow,
Dm Am G F
We’ll keep chasing,
Dm Am G F
The sunset promises.

[Verse 2]
Am G C F
Laughter loud, in the crowd,
Am G C F
With your hand, holding tight,
Am G C F
Running wild, feeling alive,
Am G C F
Chasing those sunset promises.

(Repeat Chorus)

Favorite Fan: Marissa Thompson

Marissa Thompson, a college student from San Diego, has been a dedicated fan of Spry Stop since their early SoundCloud days. She shares, “What I love about Spry Stop is the authenticity of their music. It’s like they pour out their hearts in every song. ‘Sunset Promises’ has been my go-to song since it was released. I feel a connection with their music that I don’t get with most bands. Their journey from a garage band to their current popularity is inspiring considering they remain grounded and true to themselves. That’s why Spry Stop is, and will always be, my favorite band.”

Backstory:
Born in the heart of Detroit, Michigan, ‘Passionate Rank’ found its beginnings in a humble basement. Four childhood friends – vocalist and guitarist Danny Blake, lead guitarist Mike Foster, drummer Ethan Cross, and bassist Josh Reeves – decided to channel their shared love for music into something tangible. They combined their talents and began practicing together in their downtime, after working their day jobs. After a few setbacks, including a dodgy bass amp and some uncoordinated jamming sessions, they finally found their rhythm and sound. What started as a way to escape their mundane lives quickly turned into an exhilarating journey of creating music that resonated with people across the globe.

Genre:
Alternative Rock

Title:
“Echoes In The Void”

Full Song Lyrics:

[Verse 1]
Am G F C
Lost in an ocean of our own creation,
Am G F C
Drowned in the echoes of our silent conversation,
Am G F C
Trying to find a lighthouse in this dark isolation,
Am G F C
The melody within us is our only salvation.

[Chorus]
Am G F C
Echoes in the void, they unite us,
Am G F C
Through the noise, their harmony can guide us,
Am G F C
They fill our hearts and remind us,
Am G F C
That our passion, they can never divide us.

[Verse 2]
Am G F C
Strumming the chords of our collective dreams,
Am G F C
Unraveling the silence, as hard as it seems,
Am G F C
Through the echoes, we find our themes,
Am G F C
In the void, we drown, it seems.

[Chorus]
Am G F C
Echoes in the void, they unite us,
Am G F C
Through the noise, their harmony can guide us,
Am G F C
They fill our hearts and remind us,
Am G F C
That our passion, they can never divide us.

Favorite Fan:
The band’s favorite fan is Sarah Miller, a 19-year-old college student. Sarah discovered Passionate Rank in one of her lowest moments. The band’s raw energy and authentic lyrics resonated deeply with her. She says, “Their music isn’t just a collection of sounds, it’s a lifeline. When I feel like I’m drowning, their songs remind me that I’m not alone. ‘Echoes in the Void’ helped me realize that it’s okay to feel lost, and that’s something I’ll always be grateful for. Passionate Rank isn’t just a band to me. They’re my heroes.” Passionate Rank is her favorite band because their music has been a constant source of solace and inspiration, helping her navigate the ups and downs of life.

Backstory:

Threadbare Ideology was born out of the bustling music scene in the heart of Brooklyn, New York. Initially, the band consisted of lead vocalist and guitarist Alex Frost, drummer Sam Mendez, and bassist Lily Harper, who all met in a local record store and quickly discovered their shared love for music that was thought-provoking and emotive. A few late-night jam sessions later, they found themselves weaving together their intricate tapestry of sound, underpinned by their shared philosophy of questioning societal norms, hence the name Threadbare Ideology.

Their music is a reflection of their diverse influences, with its roots firmly planted in the ground of indie rock, but with tendrils reaching out into the realms of folk and punk. Their lyrics are perceptive, often spinning narratives which challenge conventional attitudes and ideologies, and it is this unique combination that has led them to carve out a dedicated following in the indie music scene.

Genre:

Indie Rock

Title:

“Chasing Shadows”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
Dm-G-C-Am
Why do we chase, chase what we can’t see?
Em-F-C-G
Are we just ghosts in this reality?
Dm-G-C-Am
We question norms, tear them at the seams,
Em-F-C-G
Is this just a dream within a dream?

(Chorus)
Dm-Am-Em-G
We are Chasing Shadows, in the dark,
F-C-G-Am
Threadbare Ideology, make your mark.
Dm-Am-Em-G
In the silence, find your spark,
F-C-G-Am
Chasing Shadows, till we embark.

(Verse 2)
Dm-G-C-Am
Walking the edge of what is known,
Em-F-C-G
Barefoot on the path that’s overgrown.
Dm-G-C-Am
Through the fog, the truth we hone,
Em-F-C-G
In this world, are we truly alone?

(Chorus)
Dm-Am-Em-G
We are Chasing Shadows, in the dark,
F-C-G-Am
Threadbare Ideology, make your mark.
Dm-Am-Em-G
In the silence, find your spark,
F-C-G-Am
Chasing Shadows, till we embark.

Favorite Fan:

Our favorite fan is a guy named Jake. Why? Because Jake has been with us since our garage rehearsal days and never misses a show, no matter where we play. In Jake’s words, “Threadbare Ideology isn’t just a band, it’s a movement. Their music makes me think, question, and reconsider. It’s not just about the entertainment, it’s about the enlightenment. That’s why they’re my favorite.”

Backstory:

Mortified Scandal’s story begins in the heartland of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, where childhood friends, Jack Thompson (vocals/guitar) and Adam Stone (drums), spent their high school years jamming in their garage. They were later joined by Clara Young (keyboard) and Sam Hicks (bass), two classmates with an equal passion for music. The four of them bonded over their shared love for punk rock and vintage records. After high school, they decided to turn their garage band into a professional endeavor and thus, Mortified Scandal was born. After several local gigs, the band’s raw energy and original songwriting caught the attention of an independent label, launching them into the punk rock scene. Now, with two full-length albums under their belt, Mortified Scandal has been hailed as a breath of fresh air, bringing a unique edge to the genre with their fusion of punk and classic rock influences.

Genre: Punk Rock

Title: “Chaos in Suburbia”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
[C] Living in a town so quiet,
[G] Where nothing ever seems to riot,
[A] Dreaming for a life so much more,
[F] Than this dead-end, it’s a bore.

(Chorus)
[C] Screaming for the Chaos in Suburbia,
[G] No more silence, no hysteria.
[A] We’re the rebel voices, the anomaly,
[F] Disturbing the peace, craving for liberty.

(Verse 2)
[C] We’re the forgotten, the misunderstood,
[G] In this perfect neighborhood.
[A] Underneath the picket fences,
[F] We’re the rebellion, no pretenses.

(Chorus)
[C] Echoing the Chaos in Suburbia,
[G] Breaking the monotony, the inertia.
[A] We’re the fire starters, the oddity,
[F] Upsetting the norm, longing for insanity.

(Chorus)
[C] We’re the Chaos in Suburbia,
[G] The punk rock mania.
[A] We’re the noise makers, the calamity,
[F] Fuelling the dissent, longing for unity.

Fan Testimonial:

My name is Jenny and I’ve been a fan of Mortified Scandal ever since their first gig at the local dive bar in Cedar Rapids. There is so much rawness and authenticity in their music. They have a way of making you feel like you’re not alone in feeling out of place. Their song “Chaos in Suburbia” resonates with me on so many levels. Their music gives me the strength to embrace my quirks and differences. I’ve seen them live seven times and each show feels intimate and electrifying. Mortified Scandal is more than just a band to me, they are a reminder that it’s okay to be different and that it’s more than okay to make a little noise.

Backstory:
The story of Glittering Objection began in the artistic outskirts of Brooklyn, New York. Founding members, Orion and Eve, both discovered their shared passion for creating uniquely expressive music, while attending a local open mic night. Orion, a synth wizard, with his roots in electronic productions, and Eve, a vocalist and songwriter with an affinity for acoustic sounds, found a common ground in their desire to break musical boundaries. Their distinctive combination of electronic and acoustic sounds caught the attention of other talented local musicians, soon leading to the formation of Glittering Objection, a band aiming to challenge the status quo with their sonic innovation.

Genre:
Electronic Acoustic

Title:
“Chasing Constellations”

Full Song Lyrics:
[Verse 1]
(Em, D, C, G)
Em D
Stars up in the velvet night,
C G
Their distant glow our only guiding light.
Em D
We’re swirling through this endless flight,
C G
Chasing constellations with all our might.

[Chorus]
(G, D, Em, C)
G D
Glittering objections in the sky,
Em C
Against the darkness, we rely.
G D
Dancing through the echoes of goodbye,
Em C
We’re chasing constellations, you and I.

[Verse 2]
(Em, D, C, G)
Em D
Casting dreams on a falling star,
C G
Their fiery tails lighting up our path so far.
Em D
In this cosmic journey, no matter where we are,
C G
Our hearts beat to the rhythm of a distant quasar.

[Chorus]
(G, D, Em, C)
G D
Glittering objections in the sky,
Em C
Against the darkness, we defy.
G D
Dancing through the echoes of goodbye,
Em C
We’re chasing constellations, you and I.

Fan Testimonial:
“My name is Charlie, and I’ve been a dedicated fan of Glittering Objection from the very start. Their unique blend of electronic and acoustic soundscapes provides a refreshing break from the mainstream music scene. They strike a perfect balance between the familiar and the experimental, which is a rarity in today’s music industry. Their song ‘Chasing Constellations’ is like an anthem to me, reminding me to reach for the stars and never give up. Their passionate performances and thought-provoking lyrics make them my all-time favorite band.”

Backstory:
Formed in the suburbs of London in 2010, Impassioned Carriage was the brainchild of three childhood friends: Kelvin Murphy (vocals, guitar), Jacob Bennett (bass), and Audrey Turner (drums). Coming from a shared background of musical families, their passion for music was ingrained from a young age. Starting from local pub gigs to performing at international music festivals, the band has come a long way, reflecting their versatile sound and unmistakable charisma.

Their music, filled with emotional intensity and lyrical depth, resonates with a variety of listeners. The band’s name, Impassioned Carriage, symbolizes their journey through life, love, and music, and their commitment to deliver their heartfelt messages with fervor and authenticity. Despite the ups and downs, the band remains firm in their pursuit of musical expression, constantly evolving while staying true to their roots.

Genre: Alternative Rock

Title: “Burning Bridges”

Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
[G] Standing at the [Em] edge of the [C] water
[D] Reflecting on the [G] years gone [Em] by
[C] All those burning [D] bridges [G] behind us
[Em] A testament to [C] our pride.

(Verse 2)
[G] Walking on this [Em] lonely path now
[C] With the weight of [D] our mistakes
[G] But every lesson [Em] learned
[C] Is another [D] chance we take.

(Chorus)
[G] We’re burning [D] bridges, and mending [Em] hearts
[C] Learning to [G] start all over [D] again
[G] No turning [D] back, we’re moving [Em] on
[C] This impassioned [G] carriage won’t [D] break.

(Verse 3)
[G] Shadows of our [Em] past may haunt us
[C] But they won’t [D] define our worth
[G] In every end, there’s [Em] a new beginning
[C] A chance for [D] rebirth.

(Chorus)
[G] We’re burning [D] bridges, and mending [Em] hearts
[C] Learning to [G] start all over [D] again
[G] No turning [D] back, we’re moving [Em] on
[C] This impassioned [G] carriage won’t [D] break.

Favorite Fan’s Name: Emily Roberts

Fan Testimonial:
“Impassioned Carriage is more than just a band to me, they’re my lifeline. Their music has seen me through my darkest moments, and their lyrics resonate with my soul. Their song ‘Burning Bridges’ is my anthem, a constant reminder that despite past mistakes, we can learn, grow, and keep moving forward. Kelvin, Jacob, and Audrey are more than musicians; they are storytellers, healers, and friends. Their commitment to their craft is inspiring, and their authenticity shines through their music. Their passion is infectious, and their music is the soundtrack of my life.”