Backstory:

Upset Mint is a quirky group from the eclectic music scene of Austin, Texas, that was established in 2014. The band comprises four members: The charming lead vocalist and guitarist, Jake “Whiskers” Fagan, the funky bassist, Hannah “Breeze” Brenson, the zealous drummer, Lucas “Storm” Stinton, and the radiant keyboardist and backup vocalist, Lila “Harmony” Harlow. Their unique name comes from an inside joke about a bad batch of homemade mint ice cream that became a symbol of the band’s distinctive and refreshing sound and their shared love of culinary adventures.

The band became a local sensation overnight when their first single “Innocence in Chaos” was dropped randomly one Saturday night. It was recorded in their shared basement, using only some old equipment and a whole lot of passion. The rawness and honesty of the track resonated with listeners, and it wasn’t long before they were performing at every local venue that would have them. They continue their journey, bringing their vibrant and raw music to larger audiences while keeping their unique and charming spirit alive.

Genre:

Alternative Rock

Title:

“Bittersweet Sundown”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
[A] Woke up in the morning with a [G] heavy heart,
[D] Dreamt about you leaving, it [E] tore me apart.
[A] Sipped on my coffee; it’s [G] bittersweet,
[D] Just like our love story, [E] incomplete.

(Chorus)
[F] Bittersweet sundown, [C] on this old town,
[G] Shadows of our love, [D] falling all around.
[F] Echoes of your laughter, [C] lost in the wind,
[G] This is where it ends, [D] where it all begins.

(Verse 2)
[A] Walked the streets we used to [G] stroll,
[D] Love faded just like that, how [E] it took a toll.
[A] The scent of mint upset, [G] mingled with regret,
[D] Memories of us, too [E] intense, too upset.

(Chorus)
[F] Bittersweet sundown, [C] on our worn-out path,
[G] Images of you and me, [D] remnants of our wrath.
[F] Silence of the night, [C] whispers of our sin,
[G] This is where it starts, [D] where it all ends in.

(Outro)
[A] Bittersweet sundown, [G] our love gone astray,
[D] In the heart of the night, [E] at the break of the day.

The band’s favorite fan’s name:

Casey “Crazy” Robinson

Testimonial:

“Upset Mint isn’t just a band for me; it’s an emotion, a lifestyle. Their music resonates with every fiber of my being. It’s like they crawled into my head, took my deepest thoughts and feelings, and turned them into harmonious symphonies. Their rawness, their authenticity, it’s unsurpassed. To say I’m their biggest fan is an understatement. They are the soundtrack of my life.”

Backstory:

When four college roommates, Jake, Ryan, Maddie, and Kyle, moved into their first off-campus apartment, they quickly realized they were all broke. The only furniture they could afford was cheap, thrift store buys that had seen better days. Thus, they began jokingly referring to themselves as ‘Cheap Furniture’. All four of them were passionate about music with varying talents; Jake played the guitar, Ryan was a drummer, Maddie had a powerful voice, and Kyle could play the bass like no other. Jamming sessions in their barely furnished living room soon led to the formation of the band ‘Cheap Furniture’.

Their shared experiences, late-night talks on worn-out couches, and love for music became the lifeline for their lyrics. They began performing at small local venues and college events, slowly gaining a dedicated fan-base that appreciated their raw, emotional performances. ‘Cheap Furniture’ became more than a joke; it became an embodiment of their shared bonds, struggles, and love for music.

Genre:
Indie Rock

Title:
“Second Hand Dreams”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
C Am F G
Living on ramen, dreams in our eyes,
C Am F G
Old worn-out couch, under starlit skies.
C Am F G
Second hand dreams, in a brand-new world,
C Am F G
We’re Cheap Furniture, with our stories unfurled.

(Chorus)
C Am F G
We’re not made of teak, but we’re standing strong,
C Am F G
In this world of fast, we’re the slow, long song.
C Am F G
We’re the worn-out sofas, the rusty springs,
C Am F G
We’re Cheap Furniture, and this is what we sing.

(Verse 2)
C Am F G
Holes in our pockets, hearts full of fire,
C Am F G
Strumming at life, fueled by desire.
C Am F G
We’re old school records in a streaming spree,
C Am F G
We’re Cheap Furniture, playing our melody.

(Chorus)
C Am F G
We’re the bargain buys, the thrift store treasure,
C Am F G
In this race for gold, we’re the simple pleasure.
C Am F G
We’re the chipped wood, the faded seams,
C Am F G
We’re Cheap Furniture, living second hand dreams.

(Outro)
C Am F G
We’re Cheap Furniture, and this is our scene,
C Am F G
Singing of life, love, and everything in between.

Favorite Fan:

Their biggest fan is a girl named Chelsea. She fell in love with Cheap Furniture when she heard them perform “Second Hand Dreams” at a local pub. The way they conveyed their struggles and dreams through raw music resonated with her own life as a college student. She’s been to every gig since, singing along to every song. Their music became the soundtrack of her college life, and Cheap Furniture became a symbol of her youth and aspiration. Her testimonial reads: “Cheap Furniture isn’t just a band; it’s a movement, a story of struggle, aspiration, and resilience. Their music fills the room with raw emotion, every strum, every beat, and every lyric, a mirror to their life and ours. They’re not just making music; they’re making memories, and I’m proud to be a part of their journey.”

Backstory:
Colossal Craft is a band that began in the small town of Frederick, Maryland, where three childhood friends, Simon, Max, and Alex, discovered their mutual passion for music. Inspired by their parents’ old record collections, they spent their youth experimenting with a variety of instruments in their parents’ basements. After years of honing their craft, they formed Colossal Craft in 2011 with a vision to reinvent the classic rock sound for the digital age.

As they gained a reputation for their dynamic live performances, Colossal Craft quickly caught the attention of local media and began to play at larger venues. In 2013, they released their self-titled debut album, which was hailed as a fresh take on classic rock. Since then, the band has enjoyed a steady rise to fame, establishing a strong fan base worldwide while remaining true to their passion for creating music that resonates.

Genre:
Classic Rock

Title:
“Midnight Echoes”

Full Song Lyrics:

Verse 1:
Am
Midnight echoes, in the city’s heart,
F
Bouncing off the walls, tearing us apart,
G
Don’t know where we’re going, got lost in the dark,
Em
Strumming our pain, with our beaten-up guitars.

Chorus:
C
But we’ll keep on playing, till the break of dawn,
G
Pushing through the darkness, till our dreams are drawn,
Am
We are Colossal Craft, we are rock reborn,
F
Riding on the echoes, in the midnight storm.

Verse 2:
Am
Stray notes whisper, through the alleyway,
F
Telling tales of triumph, in the light of day,
G
Feel the beat pulsing, it’s leading the way,
Em
With every strum, we’ve got something to say.

Chorus:
C
So we’ll keep on playing, till the morning light,
G
Chasing after shadows, in the heart of night,
Am
We are Colossal Craft, we’ll put up a fight,
F
Echoing our dreams, with all our might.

Favorite Fan:
Jamie Hartley, a lifelong resident of Frederick, has been a dedicated fan of Colossal Craft since their earliest days. Jamie says, “I remember going to their first shows, feeling the energy they brought to the stage. Their music speaks to me on such a personal level. Every chord, every lyric, resonates with my own life experiences. To me, they’re not just a band – they’re my anthem. Colossal Craft is everything I love about rock music, and more. They’ve taken the classic rock sound and made it their own. Their passion for music is contagious, and it’s impossible not to get caught up in it.”

Backstory:

Glamorous Refugee was formed in the bustling city of Toronto, Canada in 2008. All four members, who were immigrants from different parts of the globe, met at a local music festival. The chemistry between them was apparent from the start, and they soon decided to form their own band. They named it Glamorous Refugee as a tribute to their shared experience of being immigrants and to symbolize their glamorous journey through adversity towards their shared passion – music.

The band’s lead vocalist, Jay, hails from Kenya and brings an African rhythm to their music. The lead guitarist, Sergei, immigrated from Russia and adds a powerful rock edge to the melodies. The drummer, Tariq, originally from Pakistan, infuses an Eastern flavor into their rhythm, while the bassist, Rafael, from Brazil, brings a unique Latin beat. Together, they create a unique blend of multicultural music, embodying the spirit of unity and diversity.

Genre:

World Fusion Rock

Title:

“Shimmering Shadows”

Full song lyrics:

(Verse 1)
Am – C
From the shimmering shadows of my homeland, I stand,
G – F
Lost, yet found in a foreign land,
Am – C
Our hearts beat to different cultures’ drum,
G – F
But in music, we all become one.

(Chorus)
C – G
Shimmering Shadows, songs of the free,
Am – Em
Echoes of pain, melodies of glee,
F – C
We’re glamorous refugees, in rhythm, we confide,
G – F
In the language of music, we confide.

(Verse 2)
Am – C
Each strum, each beat, each note we sing,
G – F
Carries a story, makes our hearts ring,
Am – C
In the symphony of life, we found our place,
G – F
Every rhythm, a memory, we embrace.

(Chorus)
C – G
Shimmering Shadows, hymns of the brave,
Am – Em
From the ashes of past, new tunes we engrave,
F – C
We’re glamorous refugees, in harmony, we unite,
G – F
In the cadence of music, we ignite.

Fan’s Testimonial:

My name is Linda. I’ve been a die-hard fan of Glamorous Refugee since their first public performance in a small cafe in Toronto. What I love about them is the way they blend different cultures’ rhythms into a single, phenomenal symphony. Their music speaks of struggle, hope, unity, and resilience, which resonates deeply with me. Their song “Shimmering Shadows” is my anthem. It’s an honest account of their journey and beautifully encapsulates their spirit. The Glamorous Refugee is not just a band; it’s a symbol of hope for all those who’ve faced adversity and came out stronger. Their music is my lifeline.

Backstory:
Old-Fashioned Break is a band that formed in the rustic streets of Nashville, Tennessee. The four-piece ensemble, all childhood friends, had been playing individual gigs in the city’s bars and pubs until a chance reunion at a local music festival in 2010. They quickly realized that their musical synergy was too strong to ignore, and so, Old-Fashioned Break was born, a tribute to their roots and a nod to the refreshing breaks they took from their hectic lives to make music together.

Over the years, they have developed a strong and devoted fan base, enchanted by their soulful melodies and deeply emotional lyrics. The band’s music has been described as a unique blend of old and new, and their live performances have been hailed for their raw and authentic energy.

Genre:
Old-Fashioned Break identifies their music genre as Country-Blues fusion.

Title:
Their most popular song is a ballad named “Whiskey Lullaby Reverie”.

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
[G] Down the streets where we once [C] played,
[D] Lost in dreams, in the sun’s warm [G] haze.
[G] Your laughter, a melody, [C] lingered in the air,
[D] Our memories, like footprints, left [G] every-where.

(Chorus)
[G] Whiskey lullaby, our sweet [C] reverie,
[D] In the moonlight dance, just you [G] and me.
[G] Love’s old song, in the [C] heart it stays,
[D] Leaving us longing for those [G] golden days.

(Verse 2)
[G] The river’s hum, under the [C] old oak tree,
[D] Whispered tales of what we used [G] to be.
[G] In the mirror of the past, [C] we’d see,
[D] Reflections of our young hearts, wild [G] and free.

(Repeat Chorus)

(Testimonial)
The band’s favorite fan, Sarah Thompson, claims, “I’ve seen them grow from playing small gigs to selling out stadiums. Their music speaks directly to my soul. The way they blend country and blues together is nothing short of magical. The song ‘Whiskey Lullaby Reverie’ has gotten me through some tough times. Its heartfelt lyrics remind me of simpler times and the beauty of love and youth. I reckon it’s this ability to evoke such strong emotions that makes Old-Fashioned Break my favorite band.”

Backstory:

Flickering Gas was formed in a small, coastal town of Maine in 2013 by the then high school buddies – Jon Freeman (lead vocals, lead guitar), Matt Donovan (bass guitar, vocals), and Stuart Tiller (drums, vocals). The trio shared a common love for music, often jamming together after school and during their summer breaks. Their raw talent and passion for music turned many heads in their town, and they soon started performing in local gigs and music festivals. Their unique musical cohesion and distinctive style caught the attention of a record label executive who visited one of their performances, and this marked the beginning of their professional journey.

Genre:

Alternative Rock

Title:

“Embers In The Wind”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
Em – C – G – D
Em
Shadows dancing on the wall,
C
We were young, we had it all.
G
In the light of a flickering gas,
D
We built our dreams from shards of glass.

(Chorus)
Em – C – G – D
Em
Embers in the wind,
C
Our hearts were pinned.
G
In the dance of a flickering flame,
D
We found love in a timeless game.

(Verse 2)
Em – C – G – D
Em
Underneath the starlit sky,
C
We let our dreams take flight, so high.
G
With the glow of a flickering gas,
D
We painted a story of our own class.

(Chorus)
Em – C – G – D
Em
Embers in the wind,
C
Our souls were twinned.
G
In the flicker of a gentle flame,
D
We etched our world, we made our name.

End with:
Em – C – G – D
Em
In the flicker of the gas,
C
We found a love that’ll always last.

Favorite Fan’s Testimonial:

Name: Clara Johnson

Testimonial:
“There’s just something about Flickering Gas that makes them my absolute favorite band. Perhaps it’s their emotionally charged lyrics, the rawness in Jon’s voice, or the way their music resonates with my soul. Every time I listen to ‘Embers in the Wind,’ I’m transported to a different world – a world of love, dreams, and endless possibilities. Their music helped me through some of the toughest times in my life. It’s not just their music, but their journey that inspires me. Flickering Gas is more than just a band to me, they’re my heroes.”

Backstory:

The ‘Inferior Actor’ was born in the heart of Chicago, Illinois in the late 90s. The band was formed by five high school friends who shared a mutual admiration for music and the art of storytelling through the power of lyrics. They may have started their journey living in the shadow of popular bands, thus adopting their name ‘Inferior Actor’. However, they would soon discover that their unique sound and relatability would set them apart from the rest. The band took their music seriously, working tirelessly on their craft, and within a few years, they began to gain recognition from local venues, often filling them to capacity.

In the early 2000s, Inferior Actor’s popularity skyrocketed as they released their debut album, “Silhouette of the Unknown”. This album was a reflection of their experiences growing up, a harmonic blend of passion, struggle, and triumph. In the years that followed, they toured extensively, captivating audiences with their engaging performances and soulful music.

Genre:

Alternative Rock

Title:

“Shadows and Footsteps”

Full song lyrics:

(Verse 1)
Em G
In the city where I was born,
D C
Last stop on a journey torn,
Em G
I saw shadows and footsteps,
D C
Leading to where my heart rests.

(Chorus)
G D
Oh, shadows and footsteps,
Em C
Lead me to where my heart rests,
G D
In the echoes of the night,
Em C
Find me in the pale moonlight.

(Verse 2)
Em G
In a world that’s cold and grey,
D C
I found my path, I found my way,
Em G
In the shadows and footsteps,
D C
I found my truth, no regrets.

(Chorus)
G D
Oh, shadows and footsteps,
Em C
Show me the life I’ve not lived yet,
G D
In the whispers of the wind,
Em C
Bring me back to where I’ve been.

(Testimonial)
Favorite Fan’s Name: Amanda Reed

Amanda has been following Inferior Actor’s journey since their early performances in local venues. She claims, “Their music resonates with me on a deep level. Every lyric, every beat, it’s like they’ve walked in my shoes, lived my life. Their song “Shadows and Footsteps” became my anthem. It’s about finding your way in this confusing world and I find solace in their music. I’ve seen them live at least fifteen times and each performance has been better than the last. Inferior Actor isn’t just my favorite band – they’re a part of who I am.”

Backstory:
Unhealthy Group was formed in 2010 when four friends, working in disparate fields from data science to electrical engineering, found themselves drawn together by a shared love of music and a desire to escape the mundanity of their 9-to-5 grind. Jake Henderson (vocals and guitar), Lucas Dunn (bass), Ethan Grey (drums), and Tommy Hawkins (keyboard) started their musical journey in a beaten-down garage. Their shared catharsis quickly transformed into a unique sound, attracting an underground following. The band’s name, Unhealthy Group, spawned from their unorthodox lifestyle of late-night jamming, early morning work hours, and consuming too much takeaway.

Genre:
Alternative Rock

Title:
“Caffeinated Blues”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
Em C
“Wake up in the morning with a coffee in hand,
G D
Mind’s a racing, heart beats like a band
Em C
Skyscrapers hide the rising sun,
G D
Another day of the corporate run.”

(Chorus)
Em C
“Living on caffeine and nicotine dreams,
G D
Burning at both ends it seems,
Em C
We’re the Unhealthy Group with caffeinated blues,
G D
Chasing passion, paying our dues.”

(Verse 2)
Em C
“Late nights under the neon sky,
G D
Music’s our remedy, our only high,
Em C
Paperwork mountains, coded lines,
G D
Fading away in the rhythm and rhymes.”

(Chorus)
Em C
“Living on caffeine and nicotine dreams,
G D
Burning at both ends it seems,
Em C
We’re the Unhealthy Group with caffeinated blues,
G D
Chasing passion, paying our dues.”

Favorite Fan:
Their favorite fan is a woman named Sarah James. Sarah was an accountant stuck in a monotonous job. She stumbled upon Unhealthy Group during a late-night search for new music and their sound resonated with her immediately. In her testimonial, she states, “Unhealthy Group isn’t just a band, they’re a lifeline. Their music echoes the chaotic harmony of my own life – the late nights, the early mornings, the relentless pursuit of dreams. They’ve etched a bright spot of inspiration in my routine, reminding me that passion is worth chasing, no matter how ‘unhealthy’ it may seem.”

Backstory:

Remote Economy is a fusion of five talented musicians who found each other during the global pandemic of 2020. Stranded in their respective homes, they turned to the internet to express their shared love for creating music. They began collaborating online, creating a unique sound that transcended boundaries and resonated with the socially distanced world. Their name, Remote Economy, reflects the modern era of digital communication that allowed their collaboration to thrive despite being continents apart.

Genre:

Remote Economy plays a blend of Indie Rock with a hint of Electronic Synth Pop.

Song Title:

“Digital Heartbeat”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
Am Em Dm G
In a world so far and wide,
Am Em Dm G
We found a rhythm that could not hide.
Am Em Dm G
Across the distance, we found our beat,
Am Em Dm G
In the era of digital, we found our feat.

(Chorus)
C G Am F
Digital heartbeat, in the silence of the night,
C G Am F
We found a connection, in the absence of light.
C G Am F
Synchronous melodies, in the network so vast,
C G Am F
We found our rhythm, in the echoes of the past.

(Verse 2)
Am Em Dm G
Through the cables and the screens,
Am Em Dm G
We composed our shared dreams.
Am Em Dm G
In the solitude, we found our song,
Am Em Dm G
In the remote economy, we found where we belong.

(Chorus)
C G Am F
Digital heartbeat, in the silence of the night,
C G Am F
We found a connection, in the absence of light.
C G Am F
Synchronous melodies, in the network so vast,
C G Am F
We found our rhythm, in the echoes of the past.

(Bridge)
Am Em Dm G
In the stillness, we found our voice,
Am Em Dm G
In the distance, we made our choice.
Am Em Dm G
To create, to sing, to dream,
Am Em Dm G
In the digital age, we found our beam.

(Chorus)
C G Am F
Digital heartbeat, in the silence of the night,
C G Am F
We found a connection, in the absence of light.
C G Am F
Synchronous melodies, in the network so vast,
C G Am F
We found our rhythm, in the echoes of the past.

Favorite Fan:

The band’s favorite fan is a young woman named Lily. Her testimonial reads: “Remote Economy is my favorite band because their music speaks to me on a personal level. I discovered them during the lockdown when I was feeling very isolated. Their unique blend of Indie Rock and Synth Pop, and their lyrics that speak about connection and hope in times of distance and uncertainty, gave me comfort and reminded me that we are never truly alone. Their music is innovative and their story is inspiring. They are a testament to the power of the internet to bring people together, even in the most challenging times.”

Backstory:
Intelligent Society was formed in the bustle of New York City in the winter of 2006. The band consists of four friends – Max on vocals, Joe on Guitar, Ethan on drums, and Stacy on bass. The four met while attending the same music school, where they bonded over a shared love for the eclectic mix of genres from jazz to punk, and a dream of creating music that challenges societal norms. Their distinct sound and thought-provoking lyrics quickly caught the attention of a local record label, and Intelligent Society hasn’t looked back since.

Genre:
Intelligent Society falls under the genre of Alternative Rock with a slight mix of Indie and Punk influences.

Title:
One of their most famous tracks is titled “Reflections of The Machine”.

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
Am Em G D
In a world of wires and screens,
Am Em G D
We’ve forgotten what it means,
Am Em G D
To connect, to feel, to be part of the scene.
Am Em G D
Waking up in the machine,
Am Em G D
Living lives so clean and unseen.

(Chorus)
C G Am F
Reflections of the machine,
C G Am F
Are we lost or are we seen?
C G Am F
In this intelligent society,
C G Am F
Are we free or just another key?

(Verse 2)
Am Em G D
In the corners of the earth,
Am Em G D
We forget our own worth,
Am Em G D
Chasing dreams in the virtual mirth.
Am Em G D
Trapped in this digital birth,
Am Em G D
Is this bliss or a dearth?

(Chorus)
C G Am F
Reflections of the machine,
C G Am F
Are we lost or are we seen?
C G Am F
In this intelligent society,
C G Am F
Are we free or just another key?

Fan Testimonial:

Our favorite fan is a girl named Emily. She discovered Intelligent Society when she was going through a rough patch in her life, and their music provided her solace and comfort. Here’s what Emily had to say about the band:

“Intelligent Society’s music speaks to my soul. Their lyrics are profound, and they always manage to question the norms of society, making me ponder about life, meaning, and existence. They have helped me through some of my darkest times with their poignant and thought-provoking music. I am eternally grateful and feel a deep connection to their music. I’ve been their fan since day one, and I plan to remain so forever. They are not just a band to me; they are an inspiration, an escape, and a beacon of hope in this chaotic world.”