Backstory:
There’s something strangely compelling about the juxtaposition of humor and melancholy, and no band embodies that more than Drab Laugh. Born in the heart of Akron, Ohio, in 1996, Drab Laugh is a quartet that found each other in the most unlikely of places — a local comedy club’s open mic night. Each member was in attendance for their own reasons, but they all shared a common passion for music that transcended the usual boundaries of genre and form. The band’s members, lead vocalist and bassist Alex Hartley, guitarist Kevin Scott, drummer Oliver Jones, and pianist Michael Tucker, initially bonded over their shared love for 90s grunge and a curiosity for the avant-garde. The group quickly discovered a unique sonic chemistry, and Drab Laugh was born.

The band gained a significant local following with their unconventional fusion of grunge, punk, and something they referred to as “emo comedy”. Their music was marked by Hartley’s evocatively melancholic lyrics paired with an unexpectedly buoyant musical backdrop, garnering them critical acclaim and a dedicated fanbase. Two decades later, Drab Laugh continues to defy expectations with their distinctive sound and an unending commitment to push the boundaries of musical norms.

Genre:
Alternative Rock / Emo Comedy

Title:
“Jester in the Rain”

Full Song Lyrics:
(Verse 1)
Am – C – G – D
I’m a jester in the rain, trying to hide my pain
Casting laughs and jests in vain, against a world insane

Wearing a smile, while my heart cries
Feeling so lost in these endless lies
A broken soul beneath the jesters guise, in the pouring rain I realize.

(Chorus)
C – G – D – Em
Laugh, laugh, in the drab, drab rain
Life’s a circus, and we’re all to blame
Jester, jester, wash away your pain
In the drab, drab rain, laugh again.

(Verse 2)
Am – C – G – D
Tears mingle with the falling rain, a mural of my silent pain
On the stage of life, I remain, a jester in the rain

Heart stripped bare, under the neon lights
World’s a stage, and the audience delights
Yet beneath the humor, a battle fights, a jester in the rain, takes flight.

(Chorus)
C – G – D – Em
Laugh, laugh, in the drab, drab rain
Life’s a circus, and we’re all to blame
Jester, jester, wash away your pain
In the drab, drab rain, laugh again.

(Outro)
Am – C – G – D
I’m a jester in the rain, laughing through my pain
Life’s a circus, we’re all the same, but in the drab, drab rain, I’ll remain.

The band’s favorite fan’s name and testimonial:
Name: Emily Brown

Emily’s testimonial:
“There’s something hauntingly beautiful about Drab Laugh. Their music reaches into the deepest corners of my soul and pulls out emotions I didn’t know I had. They masterfully blend humor and sadness in a way that’s both cathartic and liberating. Their song ‘Jester in the Rain’ especially resonates with me. It’s like a balm for my angst-ridden soul, a reassurance that it’s okay to feel sad, to laugh, to be human. I’ve seen them live countless times, and every time it’s a transcendent experience. Drab Laugh isn’t just my favorite band – they’re a part of me.”

Backstory:
Conscious Revolution formed in 2012 when four college friends, Jack, Mike, Lily, and Sam, found a common ground in their passion for music and social activism. They initially started as a garage band, performing at local gigs and college events. Their music spoke to the millennials, touching raw and delicate issues like climate change, racial injustice, and mental health. The band was always about more than just the music, aiming to create a space where listeners could engage and reflect upon social issues. Their first big break came when they were discovered by a music producer at one of their college events. The producer was so moved by their lyrics that he signed them to his label, and they’ve been on the rise ever since.

Genre:
Alternative Rock/Indie-pop

Title:
“Whispers in the Wind”

Full Song Lyrics:
(Verse 1)
Em C
Look around, what do you see?
G D
A world in chains, desperate to be free.
Em C
We’re all just whispers in the wind,
G D
Bearing witness to the world’s sin.

Chorus:
Em C
Rise up, let your voice be heard,
G D
We are the conscious, we are the word.
Em C
Ignite the flame, begin the revolution,
G D
This is our time, this is our solution.

(Verse 2)
Em C
Speak your truth, don’t be afraid,
G D
We are the change that must be made.
Em C
The winds of change are blowing,
G D
In our hearts, the seeds we’re sowing.

Chorus:
Em C
Rise up, let your voice be heard,
G D
We are the conscious, we are the word.
Em C
Ignite the flame, begin the revolution,
G D
This is our time, this is our solution.

Fan’s Testimonial:
Name: Emily Thompson

“Conscious Revolution isn’t just a band to me, it’s a movement. Their music speaks to my soul and gives voice to the issues I care about deeply. In ‘Whispers in the Wind,’ it feels like they’ve encapsulated my thoughts and feelings about the world. Their candid lyrics, coupled with their unique sound, make them my absolute favorite band. They are more than just entertainers; they are catalysts for change, urging us all to become more aware and proactive. I am proud to be part of the Conscious Revolution.”

Backstory:

Dangerous Paper was born in the buzzing music scene of Austin, Texas. The band was formed in 2013 by lead vocalist and guitarist, James “Jimmy” Hernandez, who was working part-time at a local bookstore. As he was surrounded by countless stories, he found inspiration and decided to turn these stories into songs. Joining him were long-time friends and fellow musicians, drummer Marcus “Marc” Evans, bassist Samuel “Sammy” Bailey, and keyboardist Lisa “Lizzy” Johnson. They started out playing at small gigs and open mics, winning over the local crowd. Their unique sound quickly caught the attention of record labels, leading to their meteoric rise in the industry.

Genre:

Alternative Rock

Title:

“Origami Hearts”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse1)
Am
Turning pages in the dead of night,
G
Caught in stories, twisting black and white,
F
In the silence, we find our light,
C
In the chapters, we learn to fight.

(Chorus)
Em
Origami hearts, folded in our hands,
Am
Stories from the start, shaped by life’s demands,
F
Torn and mended parts, ink-stained bands,
C
In a book of love, written in the sands.

(Verse 2)
Am
In the margins, we find our path,
G
In the footnotes, we face our wrath,
F
Between the lines, we feel the aftermath,
C
In the endnotes, we find our craft.

(Chorus)
Em
Origami hearts, folded in our hands,
Am
Stories from the start, shaped by life’s demands,
F
Torn and mended parts, ink-stained bands,
C
In a book of love, written in the sands.

(Outro)
F
In the cover to the last page,
C
Our journey painted on the stage,
Am
In the ink, we find our brave,
G
In Dangerous Paper, we find our wave.

Fan Name:

Jessica Wilson

Testimonial:

“Dangerous Paper has been my favorite band since high school. Their unique blend of alternative rock and storytelling lyrics has always resonated with me. There’s something about Jimmy’s voice that just pulls you in and doesn’t let go. And don’t even get me started on Marc, Sammy, and Lizzy. They’re all phenomenal musicians. Their song “Origami Hearts” just hits differently! I always find myself humming it unconsciously. I’m proud to say I’ve been to every concert within a 100-mile radius. Dangerous Paper is more than just a band to me. They’re the soundtrack to my life.”

Backstory:

Happy Curtain was formed by a quintet of college friends from the University of Vermont in 2010: lead singer and guitarist Jamie Stevenson, drummer Luke McGinnis, bassist Carrie Grey, keyboardist Ethan Miller, and violinist Alice Sullivan. The group met during their time in the university’s music program and began jamming together in their free time. They quickly discovered a shared love for folk music, upbeat melodies, and profound lyrics. After performing at a few local gigs and receiving positive feedback, they decided to formally become a band, thus Happy Curtain was born.

Happy Curtain’s name was inspired by a quirky incident in their college apartment. They hung a brightly colored curtain, bought at a thrift store, in their living room. The curtain, full of vibrant hues, brought a lot of joy and happiness into their lives during stressful times. It became a symbol of their shared joy in music, hence the name Happy Curtain.

Genre: Indie Folk

Title: “Beneath the Old Oak”

Full Song Lyrics:

Verse:
[C] Underneath the old oak, [G] we spent our days,
[D] Laughing and singing in the [Em] sun’s warm rays.
[C] We shared secrets and dreams, [G] beneath its shade,
[D] Carved our initials, on its [Em] bark they stayed.

Chorus:
[G] And oh, [D] how the winds would blow,
[Em] We’d sway with the oak, [C] high and low.
[G] And oh, [D] beneath the old oak tree,
[Em] That’s where we discovered, [C] what we could be.

Verse:
[C] Seasons changed, and [G] so did we,
[D] But the old oak stood firm, [Em] strong and free.
[C] Our rendezvous, our [G] secret place,
[D] Amidst life’s whirl, it was our [Em] calm space.

Chorus:
[G] And oh, [D] when the storms did rage,
[Em] Beneath the old oak, we found our [C] sage.
[G] And oh, [D] beneath the old oak’s might,
[Em] We’d find ourselves, [C] in the quiet of the night.

Fan’s Name: Sarah Thompson

Sarah Thompson is a dedicated fan of Happy Curtain, having followed their journey from their first local gig in Vermont. She fell in love with their music due to its uplifting tone and deep, relatable lyrics. “Happy Curtain’s music has been a beacon in my life, especially their song ‘Beneath the Old Oak’,” Sarah shares. “It reminds me of the simpler times and the beauty of friendships and shared memories. The song’s melody is captivating, and the lyrics touch my soul. Their music is like that bright curtain – spreading happiness everywhere it goes!”

Backstory:

Close Hall was born out of the vibrant music scene in Austin, Texas, where their unique sound stood out in an already eclectic mix. The band, composed of childhood friends Dan, Alex, and Julie, started as a trio playing in local bars and coffee houses. Their passion for music quickly caught the attention of producer, Rolly Anderson, who saw potential in their raw energy and close-knit chemistry.

While their sound has evolved over the years, Close Hall has still managed to keep their roots intact. Their music is a reflection of their journey, from playing in small venues to selling out concerts. Their undying passion for music and their bond as friends have been the heart of the band, making them not just bandmates but a family.

Genre:
Indie Pop

Title:
“Stuck in a Daydream”

Full Song Lyrics:

Verse 1: (G, Em, C, D)
G
Lost within the city lights,
Em
We found magic in the night.
C
Laughter echoes in the air,
D
We leave our worries and despair.

Chorus: (Em, C, G, D)
Em
We’re stuck in a daydream,
C
Living life like a movie scene.
G
In the rhythm, we sway,
D
As the music begins to play.

Verse 2: (G, Em, C, D)
G
Street corners become our stage,
Em
In this world, we are the sage.
C
Chasing the melody line,
D
In the rhythm, we intertwine.

Chorus: (Em, C, G, D)
Em
We’re stuck in a daydream,
C
Living life like a movie scene.
G
In the rhythm, we sway,
D
As the music begins to play.

(Final Chorus)
Em
We’re stuck in a daydream,
C
Living life like a movie scene.
G
In the rhythm, we sway,
D
As the music begins to play.
G
As the music begins to play.

Favorite Fan:

Close Hall’s favorite fan is a girl named Lily. She has been with them since their early days, always showing up at their gigs and supporting them unconditionally. She was instrumental in spreading their music in the Austin music scene. Lily shared, “I fell in love with Close Hall’s music the first time I heard them in a small bar in downtown Austin. Their music speaks to me on a personal level and I feel a connection with their lyrics. Their journey inspires me and shows that with passion and hard work, you can achieve your dreams. Close Hall is my favorite band because they make music from their heart and it shows in every single song they create.”

Backstory:

Formed in the heart of Philadelphia, Plaintive Passenger began its journey in the vibrant music scene in 2010. The band consists of four childhood friends – Joan Carter (vocals/guitar), Nick Stanfield (bass), Rose Turner (drums), and Sam Mitchell (lead guitar). The friends were all bitten by the music bug early in life and started off playing in various local bands, but it was not until they combined their influences and talents that they found their true sound and voice. Plaintive Passenger’s unique blend of introspective lyricism and haunting melodies quickly gained them a growing fanbase and critical acclaim.

Genre:

Alternative Rock

Title:

“Lost in Echoes”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
Em – G – D – A
In the caverns of my mind, I find myself again,
Lost within the echoes, a solitary den.
Walking on the thin line, between love and disdain,
Oh, I’m searching for an answer, in this endless, pouring rain.

(Chorus)
C – G – D – Em
So I sing my song to the empty night,
Lost in echoes, hidden from the light.
Will you find me, will you take my hand?
Lost in echoes, in a far-off distant land.

(Verse 2)
Em – G – D – A
Walking in circles, trapped in my own thoughts,
Battling the demons, in a war that’s never fought.
In the maze of memories, where past and present blend,
I find myself alone, lost at the world’s end.

(Chorus)
C – G – D – Em
So I scream my fears to the silent stars,
Lost in echoes, hidden behind these bars.
Will you hear me, will you understand?
Lost in echoes, in an unseen, unnamed land.

Favorite Fan:

The band’s favorite fan is Matthew Howards, a high school teacher from their hometown of Philadelphia. According to Matthew, “Plaintive Passenger is more than just a band; it’s an emotion, a story of life that resonates with every chord, every word they sing. I was fortunate to have followed them from their garage band days to this massive success. Their songs have been my solace in tough times and a companion in joyous ones. The raw, honest lyrics of songs like ‘Lost in Echoes’ touch the soul and make you feel seen, heard, and less alone in this world. They’re not just my favorite band, they’re my beacon of hope and inspiration.”

Backstory:
Dimpled Pickle is a band that hails from the vibrant city of Austin, Texas. The band members, high school friends – Casey Jones (Lead Vocalist), Billy ‘Pickles’ Johnson (Guitarist), and Ben ‘Dimples’ Parker (Drummer), formed the band in their sophomore year. Their shared love for music and knack for humor led them to name their band ‘Dimpled Pickle’. What started as a hobby, soon turned into a passion as the trio started performing in local gigs and small concerts. Their fun-loving spirit, catchy music, and their unique knack to combine humor with music quickly gained them a following and they soon became a local sensation.

Genre:
Alternative Rock with a touch of Comedy

Title:
“Crunchy Love Story”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
Em C
I met her in the grocery aisle,
G D
In between the pickles and the chips,
Em C
Her smile was as bright as the summer sky,
G D
Her laughter the sweetest eclipse.

(Chorus)
G D Em C
Oh, it’s a crunchy love story, can’t you see,
G D Em C
Falling for a girl in the pickle factory,
G D Em C
It’s a crunchy love story, odd but true,
G D Em C
I found my heart in a jar of pickle brew.

(Verse 2)
Em C
She had dimples that could light up the moon,
G D
And eyes that sparkled like the sea,
Em C
Every moment with her felt too soon,
G D
Under the spell of her mystery.

(Chorus)
G D Em C
Oh, it’s a crunchy love story, can’t you deny,
G D Em C
With every bite, I feel like I could fly,
G D Em C
It’s a crunchy love story, pickle my heart,
G D Em C
In the world of love, we’re a piece of art.

Favorite Fan:
Their favorite fan is a young woman named Lisa. Lisa, a native of Austin, has been following the band since they started. She says, “Dimpled Pickle is my favorite band because their music is incredibly refreshing and different. It’s like a burst of energy and positivity. Their songs never fail to bring a smile to my face. Plus, their humor is just the cherry on top! I relate to their lyrics, and their music just resonates with me. Their unique sound is what sets them apart. I can’t wait to see what they come up with next!”

Backstory:

Quick-Witted Lamp was born in the heart of London in 2012, when four college friends – Alan, Benny, Charlie, and Dave – found themselves jamming together in their university’s dingy basement. The name was a quirky accident, thanks to a lamp in the corner of their practice room that would flicker on and off, seemingly to the rhythm of their music. They took this as a sign and embraced the odd name as their identity. Over the years, the friends grew into a formidable team, their chemistry reflected in their music that evolved from simple college jam sessions to complex, anthemic, and emotionally resonating soundscapes.

Alan’s smooth and soulful vocals, Benny’s experimental guitar riffs, Charlie’s rhythmic drum beats, and Dave’s melodic bass lines together create a unique musical concoction that is both endearing and fresh. Their quirky, self-deprecating humor, and their open and honest approach to music and life add an extra layer of charm to their persona. Their journey has been an adventurous ride, from performing at local pubs to gracing stages of renowned music festivals, Quick-Witted Lamp has been lighting up the music scene with their electrifying performances.

Genre:
Indie Rock/Alternative Pop

Title:
“Flickering Shadows”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
[C] Under the flickering shadows, [G] I found my peace,
[Am] A canvas painted with your presence, [F] a masterpiece.
[C] The silence whispered secrets, [G] in a melody so sweet,
[Am] Under the flickering shadows, [F] our hearts did meet.

(Chorus)
[G] Flickering Shadows, [Am] Playing in the night,
[F] Dancing with our dreams, [C] in the soft moonlight.
[G] Flickering shadows, [Am] Sing a lullaby,
[F] Telling tales of love, [C] under the starry sky.

(Verse 2)
[C] In the quiet corners of the night, [G] we found our song,
[Am] In the rhythm of your heartbeat, [F] I found where I belong.
[C] In the flickering shadows, [G] we trace our destiny,
[Am] An improvised melody, [F] a symphony in serenity.

(Repeat Chorus)

Fan’s Name:
Lucy Morgan

Testimonial:

“I’ve been a massive fan of Quick-Witted Lamp ever since their early days of performing in local pubs. Their music is raw, real, and deeply touching. There’s something incredibly personal about their tracks. It’s like they’re singing directly to me. The song ‘Flickering Shadows’ holds a special place in my heart. The lyrics are beautifully poetic, and the melody stays with you long after the song ends. Their music has been my companion through good and bad times, lending comfort and offering solace. Quick-Witted Lamp isn’t just a band for me, they’re a part of my life.”

Backstory:
Elastic Menu, a quirky and iconic musical phenomena, was born on the quiet streets of an eclectic neighborhood in New York City. The story begins back in 2010, when Timmy ‘The Chef’ Nelson, a sous chef at a local bistro, met Chris ‘The Delivery Boy’ Redfield, a part-time delivery guy and full-time street musician. They bonded over their shared love for music and their unique appreciation for the organized chaos of the restaurant industry. Timmy, who played the guitar, and Chris, a natural with the drums, started jamming in the restaurant’s basement after closing hours. Their unique sound, akin to a culinary experiment gone wildly right, soon resonated with the local community, bringing them to the forefront of the indie music scene. Elastic Menu was a name inspired by the ever-changing menu at their restaurant, which they felt reflected their ever-evolving music style.

Genre:
Indie Rock

Title:
“Bread Crumbs and Butterflies”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1: G-Em-C-D)
Late nights in the kitchen, (G)
We’re mixing up a storm (Em)
With a symphony of flavors (C)
In a world far from the norm (D)

(Chorus: G-D-Em-C)
Bread crumbs and butterflies, (G)
We’re stirring up the skies (D)
Call it our recipe, (Em)
For dreams that never die (C)

(Verse 2: G-Em-C-D)
In this concrete canvas, (G)
We paint with tunes so raw (Em)
Underneath the moonlight, (C)
We serve up an encore (D)

(Chorus: G-D-Em-C)
Bread crumbs and butterflies, (G)
We’re stirring up the skies (D)
Call it our recipe, (Em)
For dreams that never lie(C)

(Bridge: Em-C-G-D)
Here’s to the misfits and mavericks, (Em)
To the dreamers in the rye (C)
We’re the Elastic Menu, (G)
Serving up a piece of the pie (D)

(Chorus: G-D-Em-C)
Bread crumbs and butterflies, (G)
We’re stirring up the skies (D)
Call it our recipe, (Em)
For dreams that never die(C)

Favorite Fan:
Elastic Menu’s favorite fan is a young artist named Bella ‘The Baker’ Summers. Bella became an ardent fan of the band when she first heard their original track “Bread Crumbs and Butterflies” played at her favorite local bakery. Bella stated, “Elastic Menu’s music is just like a perfect loaf of bread, comforting yet surprising. Each song has this raw authenticity that is as addictive as the smell of freshly baked bread. Their music has this melodic tenderness that brings a sense of comfort and warmth, much like a cozy bakery on a cold, rainy day. Their lyrics have depth, and they resonate with me as an artist. I feel like I am part of their musical journey, and that’s why they are my favorite band.”

Backstory:
Born from the vibrant underground scene of Portland, Oregon, Stable Guilt is a band that rose from loss and catharsis. The group was founded by lifelong friends, singer/guitarist/lyricist Johnny Maxwell and drummer/percussionist Alex “Rusty” Ruston. After the death of a mutual friend, they found solace in music, channeling their shared grief into haunting lyrics and a melancholic but compelling sound. Their songs are raw and emotional, with each melody carrying a story of pain, guilt, and the struggle to find stability amidst chaos.

Genre:
Alternative Rock with a touch of Indie Folk

Title:
“Shadows of Yesterday”

Song Lyrics:
Verse (Am / G / F / C)
Am G
(Walking down the broken path,
F C
Memories, they always last,
Am G
The shadows of yesterday,
F C
Clawing at my guilt today.)

Chorus (C / G / Am / F)
C G
(Through the pain and the sorrow,
Am F
I search for a better tomorrow,
C G
In the echoes of our past,
Am F
I find a peace that will finally last.)

Verse (Am / G / F / C)
Am G
(Stare into the abyss,
F C
Remnants of a forgotten bliss,
Am G
Guilt shackles me to the past,
F C
In stability, I seek to last.)

Chorus (C / G / Am / F)
C G
(Through the pain and the sorrow,
Am F
I search for a better tomorrow,
C G
In the echoes of our past,
Am F
I find a peace that will finally last.)

Favorite Fan:
The band’s favorite fan is Sarah O’Leary, a high school teacher from Seattle, who discovered Stable Guilt during her own journey of grief. She writes, “In the darkest days of my life, I found the music of Stable Guilt. Their raw honesty, their unflinching exploration of pain and guilt, it resonated with me. It felt like they were singing my emotions, my story. They have this unique ability to create beauty out of sorrow. Their music has been my solace, my anchor. No other band has reached me so deeply. Stable Guilt gives voice to the silent struggles we all face, and for that, they will forever be my favorite.”