Backstory:

Formed in the heart of bustling New York City in 2009, Circular Plate began as a trio of friends who were all working as waiters at the time: vocalist and guitarist, Henry “Hank” Stanton, bassist, Tom “Tommy” Russo, and drummer, Jake “Drummer Jake” Kelly. They held jam sessions after their shifts, creating music that reflected the hustle and life of the city. Their music was not just about their shared love for food, service, and the people they met; it was their way of telling their own stories as well. They started playing in small live bars and singing about love, life, and the plates they served. Their unique sound and approach quickly caught the attention of fans and critics alike, leading to their first record deal in 2013.

Genre:

Indie Pop / Alternative Rock

Title:

“Coffee Stain”

Full Song Lyrics:

[Verse 1]
(Am) Waking up to a (G) coffee stain, (D) on my shirt,
(Am) Another day in the (G) city, (D) another day of work.
(F) Smiles of strangers and (C) the noise of the crowd,
(G) Every day, we play our (D) music loud.

[Chorus]
(E) This is our (A) story, this our (B) song,
(C) Serving plates, and (D) singing all night long,
(E) In the heart of the (A) city, where we (B) belong,
(C) We’re Circular (D) Plate, come (E) sing along.

[Verse 2]
(Am) Serving smiles, (G) in the midst of the (D) city’s rush,
(Am) Playing music that (G) gives your heart a (D) touch,
(F) Plates of dreams, and (C) glasses of hope,
(G) We’re your favorite (D) band, helping you cope.

[Chorus]
(E) This is our (A) story, this our (B) song,
(C) Serving plates, and (D) singing all night long,
(E) In the heart of the (A) city, where we (B) belong,
(C) We’re Circular (D) Plate, come (E) sing along.

[Ending]
(Am) We are (G) the Circular (D) Plate, and this is our (E) song.

Band’s Favorite Fan:

The band’s favorite fan is a man named Alex Turner. Alex is a New York-based food blogger who first heard Circular Plate playing in a local bar back in 2010. The band’s unique vibe and lyrical genius, combined with their connection to the food and service industry, immediately resonated with him. He started following them to every gig, writing glowing reviews about their music on his blog. His dedicated support and love for their music played a significant part in their initial success. Alex says, “Circular Plate is more than just a band to me. They are a voice for those of us who find beauty and inspiration in the ordinary. Their music is a celebration of life, love, and the joy of simple things. I can’t imagine my life without their songs.”

Backstory:
Academic Sheep is an indie rock band formed amidst the cerebral confines of Ivy League university dorms. The founding members, lead vocalist Josh Turner and guitarist Alex Flynn, were biology and literature majors respectively, who found common ground in their shared love of music. They would often jam together late into the night, their melodic explorations serving as a much-needed escape from academic pressures. When they recruited drummer Laura Chen, a fellow student and talented percussionist, and bass player Mike Russo, a mathematics wizard with an uncanny knack for rhythm, Academic Sheep was officially born. A kind of playful contradiction lies at the heart of the band, given their serious scholarly pursuits and their whimsical band name, which is actually a nod to their late-night practice sessions that often led them to feel like a herd of sleep-deprived sheep.

Genre:
Indie Rock

Title:
“Binary Heartbeat”

Lyrics (with chord progression):

[Verse 1: Em, C, G, D]
(Em)She’s a mathematician, (C) Lost in her equations
(G) Her mind is a galaxy full of (D) spinning constellations.
(Em) She’s reading prime numbers (C) under her breath,
(G) In her binary heartbeat, (D) I find my death.

[Chorus: Am, C, G, D]
(Am) She is my one and zero, (C) my everything, my none,
(G) In her eyes, I see universes (D) yet to be spun.
(Am) She’s my binary heartbeat, (C) my paradoxical sun,
(G) In her, I find answers, (D) in her, I come undone.

[Verse 2: Em, C, G, D]
(Em) She’s solving for variables, (C) I am her unknown,
(G) Amidst her calculus, (D) our love has grown.
(Em)She’s my binary heartbeat, (C) my algorithm in the dark,
(G) In the symmetry of her logic, (D) I’ve found my arc.

[Chorus: Am, C, G, D]
(Am) She is my one and zero, (C) my everything, my none,
(G) In her eyes, I see universes (D) yet to be spun.
(Am) She’s my binary heartbeat, (C) my paradoxical sun,
(G) In her, I find answers, (D) in her, I come undone.

Fan’s Testimonial
The band’s favorite fan is a woman named Emily Johnson. She is a literature professor who stumbled upon their music while grading papers one night. For Emily, Academic Sheep’s songs serve as a vibrant soundtrack to her long nights of reading and writing. She loves how the band combines intellectual themes with emotive melodies and lyrics that resonate with her on both a cerebral and emotional level. Emily says, “Academic Sheep is more than just a band to me. They’re an intellectual and emotional journey wrapped up in the form of indie rock. Their music inspires me, motivates me, and lifts me up even on the most challenging days. I feel seen and understood through their music. I can’t imagine my world without their songs”.

Backstory:
Artistic Gate emerged on the music scene in the bustling city of San Francisco in 2011, a mix of diverse personalities bound together by a common love for music. The band’s four members met at a local open-mic night, each of them performing solo acts. They were captivated by each other’s originality and quickly realized that their musical styles complemented each other. Lead vocalist, Adam, with his soulful voice, guitarists, Jake and Lily, with their unique riffs, and drummer, Mike, with his energetic beats, decided to form Artistic Gate. Their goal was to create music that would inspire, empower and transport listeners to a realm where imagination and creativity rule.

The band’s journey started with small gigs at local bars and cafes. However, their audience quickly grew as word spread about their mesmerizing performances and innovative sound. They gained recognition nationwide following their riveting performance at a popular music festival, and from there, Artistic Gate started their climb to stardom.

Genre:
Artistic Gate falls under the genre of Progressive Rock, with a touch of Psychedelic and Art rock influences.

Title:
“One More Brushstroke”

Full song lyrics:

(V1)
Am G
Take a walk down the corridors,
F C
Past the empty frames of forgotten lore.
Am G
Paint it all in colors bright,
F C
Under the canvas of the night.

(Chorus)
Dm G
One more brushstroke, we’ll make it right,
C Em
Capture the whispers of the starlight.
Dm G
One more brushstroke, let’s paint the sky,
C Em
With dreams that’ll never, ever die.

(V2)
Am G
In every hue, a story untold,
F C
Of love, of loss, of the bold.
Am G
Breathe life into the black and white,
F C
Let the art take flight.

(Repeat Chorus)

The band’s favorite fan:

Name: Jessica Harding

Testimonial:
“I’ve been a fan of Artistic Gate since their early days, their music has always resonated with me. Their songs are like paintings coming to life, full of colors and emotions. The lyrics are profoundly poetic, and the melody is a breath of fresh air in the modern music scene. Their song, ‘One More Brushstroke’ is my absolute favorite. It speaks to my soul and encourages me to embrace my creativity and chase my dreams. Artistic Gate is more than just a band to me; they inspire me every day. Their music is my constant companion, my source of comfort, my artistic muse.”

Backstory:

The band “Each Record” was formed in the summer of 2006 in the bustling city of Los Angeles. The founding members – Tom, Rick, and Mary, were high school friends who shared a mutual love for music. They initially played at local bars and birthday parties, their unique sound catching the attention of music enthusiasts around the city. After a rough patch of trying to establish their individual sound, they were discovered by a record label executive in 2008 while playing at a small gig in Hollywood. Their journey to stardom started from there, as they gradually gained popularity, first locally, then nationally.

Genre:

Each Record specializes in the genre of Indie Rock with elements of Pop.

Title:

“Chasing Shadows”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
[C] Look at the [G] stars above, [Am] beneath the city [F] lights,
[C] We’ve been [G] chasing shadows, [Am] all through the [F] night.
[C] Walking on [G] broken glass, [Am] dreams in our [F] sight,
[C] But we’re [G] chasing shadows, [Am] lost in the [F] night.

(Chorus)
[C] Chasing shadows, [G] under the [Am] moonlight,
[F] Wrapped in [C] mysteries, [G] out of [Am] sight.
[C] In the [G] darkness, we [Am] find our [F] light,
[C] We’re [G] chasing shadows, [Am] all through the [F] night.

(Verse 2)
[C] In the [G] city of dreams, [Am] we learn to [F] fight,
[C] Chasing [G] shadows, [Am] till the morning [F] light.
[C] Lost but [G] not alone, [Am] holding on [F] tight,
[C] We’re [G] chasing shadows, [Am] with all our [F] might.

(Chorus)
[C] Chasing shadows, [G] under the [Am] moonlight,
[F] Wrapped in [C] mysteries, [G] out of [Am] sight.
[C] In the [G] darkness, we [Am] find our [F] light,
[C] We’re [G] chasing shadows, [Am] all through the [F] night.

Fan’s Name:

The band’s favorite fan is Sophia Thompson.

Sophia’s Testimonial:

“Each Record has been my favorite band since I first heard them at a local bar back in 2008. Their lyrics resonate deeply with me, and their music is an eclectic blend of sounds that always leaves me wanting more. They’re not just musicians, they’re storytellers, and every song they create feels like a personal narrative. The raw emotion in their music, especially in ‘Chasing Shadows’ has helped me through some tough times. Their music is a beacon of hope, a constant reminder that no matter how dark it gets, we always find our light. Each Record isn’t just a band, it’s an experience.”

Backstory:
Icy Touch is a band that originated in the frigid north of Norway. The band came to life in a small town called Tromsø when childhood friends Leo Jensen, Erik Hagen, and Tessa Dahl decided to channel their innate talent and shared passion for music into something tangible. The trio spent their teenage years playing in local bars and at town events, honing their skills and gathering a local fanbase. Their big break came when they were spotted by a talent scout during a winter festival gig. They were immediately signed to a record label and since then, their soul-stirring music has been reaching the hearts of people all over the world.

Genre:
Synth Pop/Alternative Rock

Title:
“Frosty Heart Melts”

Full Song Lyrics:
(Verse 1)
[C] In this frozen town, we found our [G] sound,
[A minor] Echoing through the silent [F] night.
[C] We played our songs, it didn’t take [G] long,
[A minor] For our music to take [F] flight.

(Chorus)
[G] Frosty heart melts in the [C] warmth of your tone,
[G] Suddenly, I don’t feel so [C] alone.
[G] Icy touch, but your song’s [C] such,
[G] It sets my frozen heart [C] ablaze.

(Verse 2)
[C] Moonlight dances on the icy [G] fjord,
[A minor] As your melody plays [F] on.
[C] Icy touch, they say, but [G] I feel the heat,
[A minor] Of a sun that’s long been [F] gone.

(Chorus)
[G] Frosty heart melts in the [C] warmth of your tone,
[G] Suddenly, I don’t feel so [C] alone.
[G] Icy touch, but your song’s [C] such,
[G] It sets my frozen heart [C] ablaze.

Favorite Fan:
The band’s favorite fan is Amalie Solberg. Amalie’s testimonial reads: “Icy Touch is my favorite band because their music resonates with me on a personal level. It’s like they understand the beauty and isolation of our Arctic home. Their songs are like a soothing balm on the icy cold days and a comforting companion during the endless nights. From the first note of “Frosty Heart Melts”, I was hooked. The lyrics, the melody, the emotion… it all spoke to me. I haven’t found another band that can create such a magical blend of synth-pop and alternative rock. Icy Touch, you have my heart!”

Backstory:
Wonderful Flower, a band formed in the heart of London, has a rich history that springs from the shared love of music of its five members: Layla (vocals), Freddie (guitar), Sam (bass), Tony (drums), and Emma (keyboard). The band started as a group of friends, meeting in a small café every weekend, sharing their songs and stories as they slowly discovered their collective musical chemistry. The name “Wonderful Flower” was inspired by Layla’s favorite childhood fairy tale, about a magical flower that bloomed in the darkest of times and brought hope to everyone who saw it. The band seeks to bring the same hope and light into their listeners’ lives through their music.

Genre:
Alternative Pop

Title:
“Dance in the Sun”

Full Song Lyrics:
(Verse 1 – C, G, Am, F)
Take a step, don’t be afraid,
The world is yours, don’t let it fade.
Take a breath, feel the air,
This life is beautiful, I swear.

(Chorus – G, Am, F, C)
We’ll dance in the sun, our shadows behind,
Chasing the rhythm, leaving our worries behind.
We’ll sing till the dusk, under the moon’s gentle light,
Keep dancing my love, till we welcome the night.

(Verse 2 – C, G, Am, F)
Laugh out loud, let it be heard,
Break the silence with your word.
Capture the moment, let it last,
Live for now, forget the past.

(Chorus – G, Am, F, C)
We’ll dance in the sun, our shadows behind,
Chasing the rhythm, leaving our worries behind.
We’ll sing till the dusk, under the moon’s gentle light,
Keep dancing my love, till we welcome the night.

(Bridge – Am, G, F, C)
In the dance of life, in the song of time,
Find the strength to live, find the courage to rhyme.
Hold my hand, don’t let go,
Together we’ll sway, in life’s beautiful flow.

(Chorus – G, Am, F, C)
We’ll dance in the sun, our shadows behind,
Chasing the rhythm, leaving our worries behind.
We’ll sing till the dusk, under the moon’s gentle light,
Keep dancing my love, till we welcome the night.

Fan’s name and testimonial:
Name: Rosie Thompson
Testimonial: “Wonderful Flower has been my favorite band ever since I heard their song, ‘Dance in the Sun,’ at a music festival last year. There’s something incredibly uplifting about their music that makes me feel like I can take on the world. It’s like they’re speaking directly to me, reminding me to embrace life and find joy in every moment. Wonderful Flower’s music is a source of comfort and inspiration for me, and I can’t wait to see what they come up with next.”

Backstory:
Required Parliament was born in the heart of Bristol, England, amidst the cultural and musical renaissance of the early 2000s. The band was formed by five friends: Jim “The Voice” Hawkins, Milton “Keys” Parkes, Gregory “Bassmaster” Thompson, Toby “The Beast” Caldwell on drums, and the much-beloved songwriter and lead guitarist, Peter “The Maestro” Morris. The band was a product of their shared love for music, late-night discussions about society, politics, and a mutual desire to create something meaningful that resonates with people.

After they won a local battle of the bands competition, they were signed to a small indie record label, Soundwave Records. The band got their big break when their debut album hit the top of the UK charts, gaining traction in the United States and across Europe. Their unique sound and thought-provoking lyrics struck a chord with the masses, leading to multiple sold-out tours and a die-hard fanbase.

Genre:
Required Parliament’s music is best defined as Indie Rock fused with elements of Progressive Rock and Psychedelic Pop.

Title:
“Voices in the Static”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Intro)
Am7 – G – F – G

(Verse 1)
Am7
Walking down the backstreets of my mind,
G
Feeling like a stranger in my own time,
F
There’s a melody that’s lost in the dark,
G
And I reach out to find the spark.

(Chorus)
C Em
There are voices in the static,
Am F
Calling out from the tragic,
G
Can you hear it yet, my friend?
C Em
Voices in the static,
Am F
Painting dreams in the attic,
G
And a song that never ends.

(Verse 2)
Am7
Through the deafening silence of the night,
G
Chasing the echoes of forgotten light,
F
There’s a rhythm that’s buried deep,
G
In the secrets that we keep.

(Repeat Chorus)

(Bridge)
Am7 – G – F – G
In the static, can you feel the magic?

(Repeat Chorus)

Their Favorite Fan’s Name: Rebecca Stewart

Testimonial:
Rebecca Stewart, affectionately known as ‘Becky the Rocker,’ has been a die-hard fan of Required Parliament since their early days. She remembers stumbling upon their music while browsing through a local record store in Bristol. Becky says, “Their music hit me in a way no other band ever has. It’s not just the catchy melodies or the incredible talent each member possesses. It’s their ability to capture raw emotions and translate them into music. Required Parliament’s music digs deeper, asks tougher questions, and provides a comforting voice in an often chaotic world. They’ve been the soundtrack to my life, and I can’t imagine it any other way.”

Backstory:
Good-Natured Search is a band that originated in the heartland of Charleston, South Carolina, back in 2010. The four members, Joe, Ryan, Casey, and Sam, met in high school and began jamming together in their parents’ garages, with a shared love for music and a dream of making it big. Over the next few years, they honed their skills, paid their dues playing in local bars and clubs, and built a dedicated fan base. Their musical journey has been one defined by their unwavering passion for their craft and their steadfast belief in the power of music to bring people together.

Genre:
Good-Natured Search specializes in a genre mash-up of alternative rock and folk, combining catchy melodies with deeply introspective lyrics, resounding electric guitar riffs, and endearing harmonica tunes.

Title:
“One More Sunrise”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse)
Am C
Woke up to a morning, without any warnings,
G Em
The dreams of night had bid their goodbye.
Am C
Pulled up the curtains, as the day was birthing,
G Em
In the heart of the sky, there was a sigh.

(Chorus)
C G
One more sunrise, for the dreamers and the wise,
Am Em
We’re all stumbling in this ride.
C G
One more sunrise, for the hopes that never die,
Am Em
In the dawn, we confide.

(Verse)
Am C
We’re all on a journey, so dirty and worthy,
G Em
Fumbling through the dance of time.
Am C
With hearts wide open, and old wounds unspoken,
G Em
We climb the rhythm, we rhyme.

(Chorus)
C G
One more sunrise, for the jesters and the spies,
Am Em
We’re all playing in this tide.
C G
One more sunrise, for the love that never lies,
Am Em
In the dawn, we unite.

Band’s Favorite Fan:
Our favorite fan is Molly Thompson. Molly was one of our first fans and has supported us through thick and thin. She’s been to every gig, bought every album, and always cheers the loudest. She says, “Good-Natured Search is more than just a band for me; their music has been a companion in my highs and lows. The raw emotions in their lyrics coupled with their unique sound feels like home. They are my favorite band because they make music that touches the soul and connects people.”

Backstory:

Staid Tour is a quartet of boundary-pushing musicians hailing from the bustling city of Seattle. Founded in 2005, the bandmates made a pact to create music that stirred emotions and provoked thoughts. The name ‘Staid Tour’ was chosen as a satirical comment on the band’s early years, when they were constantly on the road, performing in countless bars and small venues across the country. Their journey has been anything but staid, with each tour taking them on wild adventures that have shaped their sound and generated a dedicated fanbase.

Genre:

Staid Tour is best known for their alternative rock sound, drawing influences from grunge, punk, and indie rock. They have earned a reputation for their energetic live performances and thought-provoking lyrics that resonate with audiences across the globe.

Title:

“One More Night In This Town”

Full Song Lyrics:

[Verse 1]
Em G
Packed up bags, ready to leave,
D A
One more night in this old town, we believe.
Em G
Streetlights flicker as we’re driving away,
D A
The familiar scenes start to fade, they sway.

[Chorus]
Em G
One more night in this town,
D A
Hear the echoes of our sound.
Em G
On the stage, under the moon’s crown,
D A
Oh, just one more night in this town.

[Verse 2]
Em G
Bar lights glow, the crowd starts to cheer,
D A
Playing our hearts out, chasing away the fear.
Em G
The rhythm of the road, pulsing in our veins,
D A
Every city’s different, but the music remains.

[Chorus]
Em G
One more night in this town,
D A
Wrapped in memories, we are bound.
Em G
With every chord, every profound,
D A
It’s just one more night in this town.

Fan’s Testimonial:

Staid Tour’s number one fan could arguably be Lisa Thompson from Los Angeles. Lisa claims that Staid Tour’s music helped her through a tough time in her life, and she has since followed their tours across the country. “Their raw energy, their passionate lyrics, it resonated with me on a deep level. I felt like they understood what I was going through. Every time I hear ‘One More Night In This Town’, it’s like they’re performing just for me. Staid Tour isn’t just a band to me, they’re a lifeline. I can’t imagine my life without their music.”

Backstory:

Unwilling Nose was formed in the small town of Moab, Utah in 2015 by four college friends: Allen Carter on lead vocals and guitar, Joey Dawson on drums, Nicky Thompson on bass, and Danny Fitzgerald on keyboards. The boys started out playing in their parents’ garages, creating a unique sound that combines elements of grunge, punk, and pop. They gained local fame, becoming the go-to band for high school parties and local bars. Their big break came when a talent scout heard them at one such bar, leading to a contract with an indie record label and the chance to tour nationwide.

Genre:

Grunge-Pop

Title:

“Shatterproof Mirror”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
[G] In a dusty town, [Em] where the sun went down,
[C] We found our voice, [D] in the noise.
[G] We’re the Unwilling Nose, [Em] through the highs and lows,
[C] Life’s a shatterproof mirror, [D] reflecting our fears.

(Chorus)
[G] We’re the echoes in the canyon, [C] the whispers in the wind,
[Em] The silent revolution, [D] where everything begins.
[G] We’re the Unwilling Nose, [C] with the grunge-pop prose,
[Em] Come see your life reflected, [D] in our shatterproof mirror.

(Verse 2)
[G] Through the bars and the stages, [Em] we’ve turned the pages,
[C] Made some noise, [D] found our choice.
[G] We’re the Unwilling Nose, [Em] with the highs and lows,
[C] Life’s a shatterproof mirror, [D] reflecting our hopes.

(Chorus)
[G] We’re the echoes in the canyon, [C] the whispers in the wind,
[Em] The silent revolution, [D] where everything begins.
[G] We’re the Unwilling Nose, [C] with grunge-pop prose,
[Em] Come see your life reflected, [D] in our shatterproof mirror.

(Outro)
[G] We’re the Unwilling Nose, [C] with the highs and lows,
[Em] Come see your life reflected, [D] in our shatterproof mirror.

Fan testimonial:

Fan’s name: Emily Thornton

Emily’s Testimonial: “Unwilling Nose has been my favorite band since I first heard them at the local bar in Moab. Their sound is so unique, a perfect blend of grunge and pop that really resonates with me. Their song ‘Shatterproof Mirror’ is like a personal anthem for me. I see myself reflected in their lyrics and music, and I can’t help but get lost in their sound. Their music takes me to a different place, and for that, they’ll always be my favorite band.”