Backstory:

In the heart of the eclectic city of Portland, Oregon, four architectural majors found a creative outlet beyond their blueprints and models. Francis Lee, twins John and Peter Mills, and Jessica Banks brought together their shared love for music and architecture to form the band Plain Column in 2015. With a name that pays homage to their architectural pursuits, Plain Column has made a name for themselves by drawing inspiration from the structures around them, both literally and musically.

The band spent their college years honing their skills, performing at local pubs and open mic nights. Their breakout moment came in 2017 when their demo was heard by an indie record label executive who happened to be in town for a conference. Two years later, they released their debut album, ‘Concrete Rhythms’ which was met with unexpected commercial and critical success, propelling them onto the national stage.

Genre:

Indie Rock/Post-Punk Revival

Title:

“Brick by Brick”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
Gm
We built these dreams together
Dm
Brick by brick, in any weather
Am
Under the sun, and under the moon
Dm
With the echo of your laughter filling every room

(Chorus)
F
Brick by brick, layer by layer
C
We’re building a story, let’s not be a naysayer
Gm
Our hands are sore, but hearts are light
Dm
In that house of dreams, under the starlight

(Verse 2)
Gm
The foundation’s strong, the walls are high
Dm
Underneath the radiant sky
Am
We’ve drawn each line, each curve and arch
Dm
In our blueprint of love, we’ve made our mark

(Chorus)
F
Brick by brick, piece by piece
C
We’ve built something that will never cease
Gm
Our love is carved in these stone walls
Dm
In this house of dreams, love recalls

Fan’s Name:

Danielle Johnson

Testimonial:

“Plain Column has been my favorite band since I first heard them at a small pub in Portland. Their music is a blend of raw emotion and architectural precision, much like the structures they draw inspiration from. The way they relate architecture to various aspects of life is not just unique but also deeply evocative. Listening to them, I’ve found solace, understanding, and an inexplicable connection. Their song ‘Brick by Brick’ is a masterpiece that signifies the beauty of building relationships and life. It’s a song that I believe everyone should listen to, for it reminds us of the beauty in endurance and resilience. Plain Column is not just a band to me; it’s a philosophy of viewing life through an architectural lens.”

Backstory:

Imperturbable Reaction formed in the summer of 2013 in the heart of Seattle, Washington, by childhood friends Jake Anderson and Ben Thompson. They spent their high school years jamming in their parents’ garages, playing at school talent shows, and dreaming of making it big in the music industry. After they graduated, they recruited local musicians, Sarah Evans on bass, and drummer Toby Mitchell. The quartet began to play at local bars, gigs, and small music festivals, quickly developing a loyal fanbase with their unique sound and stage presence.

By 2015, Imperturbable Reaction caught the attention of a local record producer who was captivated by their raw energy and synergy. The band was soon signed to a small independent record label, paving their way to the national music scene. Despite the sudden fame, the band remained true to their roots and continues to cherish their dedicated fans who have never stopped supporting them.

Genre:

Imperturbable Reaction’s music can best be described as Progressive Rock, with a unique blend of heavy guitar riffs, intricate drum patterns, melodic bass lines, and hauntingly beautiful lyrics. The band takes inspiration from legends like Rush and Dream Theater but adds their unique twist, creating a sound that is unmistakably their own.

Title: “Echoes in Time”

Full Song Lyrics:

[V1] (Em, G, D, A)
Stranded in the echoes of time, (Em, G)
As I walk through the shadows undefined. (D,A)
Reality fades as dreams intertwine, (Em, G)
In this great cosmic design. (D, A)

[Chorus] (C, G, D, Em)
Oh, I hear the echoes in time, (C, G)
Whispering stories, yours and mine. (D, Em)
In the grand theater of life, (C, G)
We dance, we dream, we strive. (D, Em)

[V2] (Em, G, D, A)
Beneath the starlit sky I find, (Em, G)
A mirror reflecting the corners of my mind. (D, A)
In the silence, secrets unwind, (Em, G)
Lost and found in the echoes of time. (D, A)

[Chorus] (C, G, D, Em)
Oh, I hear the echoes in time, (C, G)
Painting pictures in the corners of my mind. (D, Em)
In this cosmic waltz, so sublime, (C, G)
We lose, we love, we shine. (D, Em)

Fan’s Favorite Testimonial:

“Hi, I’m Emily! Imperturbable Reaction has been my favorite band for years. I first saw them at a local bar, and I was instantly taken with their raw energy and powerful lyrics. Their music speaks to me on a deep level, and I’ve found comfort and strength in their songs during difficult times. The band members are down-to-earth and always take the time to interact with their fans, which I really appreciate. ‘Echoes in Time’ is my favorite track – it’s a beautiful representation of their progressive rock style and their profound lyrics. Imperturbable Reaction isn’t just a band for me; they’re a lifeline.”

Backstory:
Where audacity meets talent, you find Astonishing Sack. Formed in 2004 in the bustling city of Chicago, the band is made up of four friends who bonded over their shared love for music. Frontman Larry ‘Lucky’ Landon, drummer ‘Crazy’ Charlie Chesterton, bassist Ricky ‘Rebel’ Reynolds, and lead guitarist ‘Jazz Hands’ Jerry Johnson met in a high school music class and haven’t looked back since. Each member’s unique personality brings a distinct flavor to the band, shaping their eclectic sound and energetic performances.

Genre:
Blues Rock

Title:
“Rustic Revelations”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
Em C D Em
Rustic revelations, in the heart of the night,
Em C D G
Under the stars, by the firelight.
C D Em Em
Cold wind howling, like a lonely child,
C D G G
Our song echoes, in the wild.

(Chorus)
C D Em Em
In this rustic revelation,
C D G G
Our hearts find their liberation.
C D Em Em
In the shadows of the fire,
C D G G
Awakens our deepest desire.

(Verse 2)
Em C D Em
Stars twinkle like her eyes,
Em C D G
Her laughter, a sweet surprise.
C D Em Em
In the rustic revelation night,
C D G G
Love’s secret takes flight.

(Chorus)
C D Em Em
In this rustic revelation,
C D G G
Our hearts find their liberation.
C D Em Em
In the shadows of the fire,
C D G G
Our love takes us higher.

Fan’s Name:
Jessica ‘Jessie’ Jenson

Testimonial:
“I have been a fan of Astonishing Sack since their first underground gig in Chicago. Their music is not just a fusion of chords and lyrics; it’s a visceral experience. Each song feels like a story that resonates deep within your soul. ‘Rustic Revelations’, their latest release, is an absolute masterpiece. It’s like a journey that takes you through the throes of love and the catharsis of liberation. I can’t imagine a world without their music. They’re not just my favorite band; they’re the lifeline that keeps me grounded in this chaotic world. Every song they produce is a testament to their incredible talent and passion, and I’m so proud to be a part of their journey.”

Backstory:

Respectful Scheme was formed in the heart of Brooklyn, New York, during the summer of 2012. The lineup consists of four childhood friends – lead vocalist and guitarist Max Day, bassist Luke Berry, drummer Chris Newman, and keyboardist Sam Evans. Initially, they were just playing for fun in each other’s garages after school, their shared love for music being the glue that held them together.

As time progressed, they began writing their own material, and it wasn’t long before they were performing at local bars and events. Their unique blend of sound and lyrical prowess quickly caught the attention of locals, and they soon gained a loyal fanbase. Fueled by their passion and the warmth of their newfound fans, Respectful Scheme decided to take the leap and pursue music full-time.

Genre:

Alternative Rock with a hint of Indie Pop

Title:

“Shades of Blue”

Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
[C] Looking at the [Am] world through the [Em] shades of blue [G]
[Dm] Wondering if I’ll ever [G] get over you
[C] Each day passing by [Am] feels like a [Em] year [G]
[Dm] It’s hard to hold back this [G] ocean of tears

(Chorus)
[C] But in the [Am] shades of blue, [Em] I see the truth [G]
[Dm] You were never meant to [G] stay
[C] And in the [Am] shades of blue, [Em] I’ll find someone new [G]
[Dm] Time will wash the sadness [G] away

(Verse 2)
[C] Those empty nights [Am] and the [Em] lonely days [G]
[Dm] Trying to erase all those [G] memories we made
[C] It’s not that easy [Am] to forget your [Em] face [G]
[Dm] But I know someday I’ll [G] win this race

(Chorus)
[C] In the [Am] shades of blue, [Em] I see the truth [G]
[Dm] You were never meant to [G] stay
[C] And in the [Am] shades of blue, [Em] I’ll find someone new [G]
[Dm] Time will wash the sadness [G] away

Favorite Fan:

Becky Thompson is the band’s favorite fan. She has been supporting Respectful Scheme since their first gig in a small bar in Brooklyn. Becky’s Testimonial: “I became an instant fan the moment I heard them play. Their lyrics have a profound depth and their music is so authentic. Max’s voice is pure magic. Their song ‘Shades of Blue’ helped me get through a difficult breakup. Their music has a healing power. I truly believe Respectful Scheme is the voice of our generation!”

Backstory:

Frightening Vat was formed on a gloomy night in the fall of 2008 in the basement of an abandoned distillery in Dublin, Ireland. The core members, Murphy O’Connor and Finnegan O’Doherty, while sipping their homemade whiskey, discovered their shared passion for dark and eerie music. The name of the band was inspired by the massive aging vats in the distillery that gave off an intimidating and mysterious aura, much like their music. The band was finally completed when drummer Eamon O’Neil and bassist Seamus O’Brien joined, adding their unique flair to the Frightening Vat’s sound.

Genre: Gothic Rock

Title: “Echoes from the Vat”

Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
Em C G D
In the shadows of the vat, where the whiskey ages,
Em C G D
I found my voice, my thoughts, my rages.
Em C G D
In the silence of the night, beneath the crescent moon,
Em C G D
I found my song, a gothic tune.

(Chorus)
Am C G D
Echoes from the vat, piercing through the night,
Am C G D
A haunting melody, beneath the pale moonlight.
Am C G D
Bring chaos to the calm, a symphony so clear,
Am C G D
Echoes from the vat, only the brave can hear

(Verse 2)
Em C G D
In the depth of the vat, where darkness reigns,
Em C G D
I found my pain, my fears, my chains.
Em C G D
In the mystery of the vat, beneath the starry skies,
Em C G D
I found my muse, where the true magic lies.

(Chorus)
Am C G D
Echoes from the vat, a chilling serenade,
Am C G D
A symphony of truth, in the night it’s played.
Am C G D
Bring order to the chaos, a song so sincere,
Am C G D
Echoes from the vat, the brave will revere.

Favorite Fan:

Our favorite fan’s name is Ciara. Ciara has been with us since our first gig in a rundown pub in Dublin. She has never missed a single show and has always encouraged and supported us through the highs and lows of our journey. She symbolizes the spirit of our music – brave, passionate, and true to herself.

Testimonial:

“I’ve been a fan of Frightening Vat since their inception. Their haunting melodies and deep, thoughtful lyrics truly resonate with me. I connect with their music on a personal level, as it echoes my own experiences and emotions. Every show is an enchanting journey into a world of darkness and beauty. Their music reminds me to embrace all aspects of life, even the scary and painful ones. They’re not just a band to me, they’re a beacon of light guiding me through the storm.” – Ciara.

Backstory:

Sympathetic Version was formed in the autumn of 2007 when four friends, fresh out of high school, decided to combine their musical talents. The band consists of lead guitarist Danny “Blaze” Mckenzie, bassist Fred “Bassman” Smith, drummer Alex “Sticks” Johnson, and vocalist Jenny “Voice” Miller. Their unique bond is rooted in their shared experiences growing up in the small town of Clearwater, Ohio. They started as a garage band, practicing in their parents’ basements, slowly working their way up to performing at local bars and eventually touring the country.

The band’s musical journey has been a rollercoaster ride. They faced numerous hurdles, including the untimely death of Fred’s father and Alex’s struggle with substance abuse. However, through their music, they channeled these setbacks into their art and developed a deep empathy for each other and their audience. This gave birth to their band name ‘Sympathetic Version’. They managed to touch the hearts of their listeners with their personal and relatable lyrics, quickly gaining a loyal following.

Genre:

Alternative Rock

Title:

“Turning Tides”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
C#m – B – A – E
Here in the depths of the night, we’re turning tides,
Barefoot on the sand, under the starlit skies,
We’ve walked through storms, through rain and fire,
But we’re still standing, our hearts afire.

(Chorus)
E – B – C#m – A
Turning tides, under the moon’s guiding light,
We won’t hide, we’ll fight the fight.
With every wave, our hearts align,
In this moment, your hand in mine.

(Verse 2)
C#m – B – A – E
With the breaking dawn, a new day’s born,
Tears and laughter, love and scorn,
We’re turning tides, beneath the sun,
Together we stand, we won’t run.

(Chorus)
E – B – C#m – A
Turning tides, with hope shining bright,
We’ll stand our ground, with all our might.
With every wave, a new story unfolds,
In this journey, we are bold.

Favorite Fan:

One of the band’s favorite fans is a girl named Lisa Daniels. Lisa, a college student from Clearwater, has been following the band since their early gig days. She is their favorite because of her unwavering support through good times and bad. Also, the band appreciates her thoughtful letters where she shares how their music helped her through tough times.

Testimonial:

“Sympathetic Version isn’t just a band for me; they’re like the friends I never had. Their music speaks to me on a personal level, it’s like they’ve walked in my shoes. Every song tells a story that resonates with my life. And the best part? They treat their fans like family. I’ll always be a proud fan of Sympathetic Version.” – Lisa Daniels.

Backstory:

Rigid Pen is a group of four friends, Alex Mueller, Kurt Hammer, Mira Walsh, and Richard Townsend, who met at a small liberal arts college in the Midwest. Sharing a common floor in the dormitory, they quickly found a shared passion for music and began jamming late into the night. Mira, the only music major among them, provided the much-needed technical know-how while the others brought raw energy and creativity. Named for a long-standing inside joke centered around late nights of studying and writing papers, the band utilized its diverse backgrounds to develop a unique sound.

Genre:

Rigid Pen identifies their music as an eclectic blend of alternative rock and folk with a touch of blues.

Title:

“Lost Echoes”

Full song lyrics:

Verse 1:
Am C
Found you in the morning light,
D Am
Barefoot and mesmerizing sight.
Am C
Whispered secrets in the dawn,
D Am
Echoes of a song now gone.

Chorus:
Am C D Am
Lost echoes, where do you hide?
Am C D Am
In heartbeats or the evening tide?
Am C D Am
Lost echoes, where do you roam?
Am C D Am
In our dreams or the way back home?

Verse 2:
Am C
Sprinkled stardust in your hair,
D Am
A cosmic love, none could compare.
Am C
Tangled tales of you and me,
D Am
Lost in time, yet forever free.

Chorus:
Am C D Am
Lost echoes, where do you hide?
Am C D Am
In heartbeats or the evening tide?
Am C D Am
Lost echoes, where do you roam?
Am C D Am
In our dreams or the way back home?

Fan’s name and testimonial:

Billy Thompson: “I’ve been a fan of Rigid Pen since their college dorm days. Their music is a blend of raw emotion, lyrical depth, and an enchanting melody. It’s not just music, it’s an experience. They take you on a journey through time and space with their songs. It’s like they’re sharing pieces of their souls with the world. The song ‘Lost Echoes’ resonates with me on a deep level. It’s about love, loss, longing, and the timeless echoes they leave behind. Rigid Pen is my favorite band because their music is beautifully profound, achingly real, and fearlessly honest.”

Backstory:
Rosy Degree was born in a small town in Illinois, where four childhood friends discovered their shared love for music while still in high school. The quartet, consisting of lead vocalist Jenny, guitarist Mike, drummer Neil, and bassist Rick, found their rhythm after countless jam sessions in Rick’s parents’ basement. Their name, ‘Rosy Degree’, was inspired by an old, sun-faded diploma that hung on the wall in that very basement, reminding them that with passion, ambition, and a little bit of faith, they could turn their dreams into reality.

After graduation, they moved to Chicago, where they juggled multiple jobs and open mic nights, working tirelessly to get their music heard. Their big break came when they won the ‘Battle of the Bands’ contest at a local music festival. Since then, Rosy Degree has been on an upward climb, earning fame and recognition for their unique music style and captivating lyrics.

Genre:
Alternative Rock

Title:
“Shades of Dusk”

Full Song Lyrics:

(V) Am F C G
I’m getting lost in the crowd of a thousand faces, (Am)
Trying to find the warmth in these cold, empty spaces. (F)
Evening’s falling, but the dawn is my friend, (C)
In these shades of dusk, I’ll find my end. (G)

(V) Am F C G
When the world is a blur, you’re the focus I see, (Am)
In the hush of the night, you’re the whispering sea. (F)
I’ve walked through the shadows, in your light I’ll mend, (C)
In these shades of dusk, I’ll find my end. (G)

(Chorus) F C G Am
Shades of dusk, on this canvas, we paint with our dreams, (F)
With every stroke, we’re more than what we seem. (C)
We chase the sun, but it’s the moon we commend, (G)
In these shades of dusk, we’ll find our end. (Am)

(Chorus) F C G Am
Shades of dusk, hold stories untold and unseen. (F)
In the twilight, we’ll carve our destiny clean. (C)
We sail in the night, on faith, we depend, (G)
In these shades of dusk, we’ll find our end. (Am)

Favorite Fan’s Testimonial:
My name is Lily, and I’ve been a fan of Rosy Degree since their early days in Chicago. Their music speaks to the soul, and I’ve found comfort in their lyrics during the toughest times. Their song, “Shades of Dusk,” specifically resonates with me and has been a constant on my playlist ever since I first heard it. The emotional depth and raw honesty that Rosy Degree brings to their music sets them apart from other bands. The fact that they’ve stayed true to their roots despite their success makes me admire them even more. They’re not just my favorite band; they’re a source of inspiration for me.

Backstory:
Thrifty Dog is a group of five best friends from Buffalo, New York who met during high school and shared a strong passion for music. The name ‘Thrifty Dog’ came about due to their collective habit of shopping at thrift stores together, and a shared love for a mutt named Rocky who was a regular visitor to their music practice sessions. The boys began their musical journey in 2010, jamming in their parents’ garages, and performing in local bars and cafes. Their music was raw and unpolished, but their unique sound quickly began to capture the hearts of local music enthusiasts. Over the years, Thrifty Dog has evolved, refining their sound and style, but they’ve managed to maintain the original authenticity that makes them so appealing.

Genre:
Indie Rock

Song Title:
Rainy Day Blues

Full song lyrics with chord progression:
(Verse)
Em Bm
Woke up this morning, with the sky so grey,
Em Bm
Feeling those blues, that won’t go away,
G D A Em
A rainy day in this town, feels so long and cold,
G D A Em
Missing your touch, wishing I had your hand to hold.

(Chorus)
C G D Em
Oh, darling, can’t shake off these rainy day blues,
C G D Em
Without you here, it’s just a melody I can’t refuse.
C G D Em
So, I strum my guitar, through the tears and the sighs,
C G D Em
Hoping that the music, drowns out my cries.

(Verse)
Em Bm
The streets are wet, with the tears of the sky,
Em Bm
Reflecting the sorrow, in my lonely eye,
G D A Em
A rainy day in this town, feels so empty and bare,
G D A Em
Without you beside me, there’s just sorrow and despair.

(Chorus)
C G D Em
Oh, darling, can’t shake off these rainy day blues,
C G D Em
Without you here, it’s just a tune I can’t refuse.
C G D Em
So, I play my guitar, through the heartache and the pain,
C G D Em
Hoping that the music, can wash away the rain.

Band’s Favorite Fan:
The band’s favorite fan is named Jenny Miller. Jenny, a librarian in Buffalo, has been following Thrifty Dog since their early days, attending every one of their shows and even helping promote their music. She fell in love with the band not just because of their harmonious tunes and passionate performances, but also due to their down-to-earth personality and commitment to their fans. For Jenny, Thrifty Dog is her favorite band because their music speaks to her soul. She says, “Their lyrics are poetry, their melodies are magic, and their energy is infectious. They’re not just musicians, they’re storytellers, and every song they perform is an emotional journey. Thrifty Dog is more than a band, it’s a feeling, and it’s a part of who I am.”

Backstory:
Content Alarm was formed in the bustling city of Seattle, Washington, in the spring of 2010. Longtime high school friends Pete Robinson and Tim McCartney decided to form a band after years of jamming in their parents’ garages. Once they added bassist Laura Thompson and drummer Jay Patel into the mix, the band was complete. Their shared love for melodic tunes and poignant lyrics quickly made them local favorites, and soon their fame began to spread across the West Coast. Their band name was inspired by their eagerness to stay alert to meaningful and engaging content in their songs, hence, ‘Content Alarm’.

Genre:
Content Alarm identifies themselves as an Indie Pop-Rock band with a dash of folk influences. Their genre finds its roots in their shared passion for meaningful and emotive music with catchy hooks and sing-along choruses.

Title:
Their most popular song to date is titled “Rain Over Seattle”.

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
G C Em D
Rain over Seattle, tears on my window pane
G C Em D
We used to be so simple, now everything has changed
G C Em D
There’s a silence in the city, a longing in my heart
G C Em D
For the days of sweet surrender, before everything fell apart

(Chorus)
G C Em D
Oh, bring back the rain over Seattle, bring back the love we knew
G C Em D
We danced under the starlight, just me and you
G C Em D
Bring back the rain over Seattle, let it wash away the pain
G C Em D
Under the grey sky, let’s start again

(Verse 2)
G C Em D
The sidewalks hold our story, under the neon lights
G C Em D
Echoes of our laughter, in the quiet of the night
G C Em D
I still remember the rhythm, of your heartbeat next to mine
G C Em D
In the rain over Seattle, lost in a moment in time

(Chorus)
G C Em D
Bring back the rain over Seattle, bring back the love we knew
G C Em D
We danced under the starlight, just me and you
G C Em D
Bring back the rain over Seattle, let it wash away the pain
G C Em D
Under the grey sky, let’s start again

Favorite Fan:
Their favorite fan is Amy Johnson. In Amy’s own words: “I’ve been following Content Alarm since their early days. Their music speaks to me on a personal level. ‘Rain Over Seattle’ is my go-to song whenever I’m feeling nostalgic or melancholic. The band’s authenticity is palpable in their lyrics, and their music always manages to touch my heart. I feel a connection with them through their songs, and I think that’s what makes them truly special.”