Backstory:

Born in the pulsating heart of Brooklyn, New York, Enraged Sympathy was conceived in 2010. The band members, comprising frontman Evan Mitchell, bassist Ryan Peterson, drummer Will Hart, and guitarist Jake Johnson, met at a local open mic night. Fuelled by a shared passion for music and a desperate need to express their unique perspectives, they decided to form a band. Enraged Sympathy was birthed from their collective anger at societal injustices and a deep sympathy for the voiceless, hence their emotive name.

Enraged Sympathy quickly made a name for themselves with their soul-stirring melodies and raw, heart-wrenching lyrics. They became renowned for their energetic live performances, captivating audiences with their musical prowess and the sheer emotion they poured into each note.

Genre:

Alternative Rock

Title:

“Veil of Tears”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
[G]Walking down the [D]lonely street, [Em]heartache in my [C]soul
[G]Can’t escape the [D]haunting ache, [Em]love takes its [C]toll

(Chorus)
[D]Underneath the [G]veil of tears, [Em]you’ll find a [C]broken heart
[D]Torn apart by [G]pain and fear, [Em]struggling to [C]start

(Verse 2)
[G]Faces in the [D]crowd just blur, [Em]swim in my [C]sight
[G]In the depths of [D]despair, I look for [Em]your light [C]

(Chorus)
[D]Underneath the [G]veil of tears, [Em]I find my [C]strength
[D]Carrying the [G]burden of years, [Em]I’ll go to any [C]length

(Verse 3)
[G]Surrounded by the [D]echoes of past, [Em]I face the [C]morrow
[G]With the shards of a [D]shattered heart, [Em]I fight the [C]sorrow

(Chorus)
[D]Underneath the [G]veil of tears, [Em]there’s a will to [C]fight
[D]Against the [G]demons of years, [Em]I chase the [C]light

Band’s Favorite Fan:

Our favorite fan is definitely Mary Sullivan – or as we like to call her, ‘Sympathy Mary’. She has been with us since our first gig at a dingy bar, has attended every concert since, rain or shine, and knows every lyric by heart. Her immense support and unwavering belief in our music has been an absolute inspiration.

Testimonial:

“Enraged Sympathy is more than just a band to me. Their music resonates with my soul. It adds color to my mundane routines, gives words to my unexpressed emotions, and strength to my struggles. In their raw, powerful lyrics, I find empathy and understanding. They’re not just musicians; they’re poets, storytellers, and most importantly, they’re friends.” – Mary Sullivan.

Backstory:
Carefree Income was born under the bright city lights of New York in the mid-90s, formed by a group of garage-bound friends who shared a dream of making it big in the music industry. The band’s members include lead singer and rhythm guitarist Alex “Salty” Saltzman, bassist Penelope “Penny” Lane, lead guitarist Finn “The Shark” Sharp, and drummer Jasper “Thump” Thorne. Their bond, musically and personally, has kept them together despite the tumultuous journey from garage jam sessions to sold-out concerts.

The band became known for their signature sound, a refreshing take on punk rock that encapsulated the confident, carefree, and defiant spirit of youth. Though they faced the usual struggles of any up-and-coming band, their breakthrough came in 2001 with the release of their debut album ‘Sound of Freedom’. The album resonated with fans worldwide, earning them a loyal fanbase and transforming them from local rockers to international sensations.

Genre:
Punk Rock

Title:
“Roaring Twenties”

Full Song Lyrics:

Verse 1 (Em, Bm, G, D):
(Em) Wake up in the morning, (Bm) with a song in my head
(G) Out on the street, living free, (D) not a care about bread
(Em) Got this old guitar, (Bm) and a dream so bright
(G) Living my twenties, (D) ready for the fight

Chorus (G, D, A, Bm):
(G) Roaring twenties, (D) we’re alive and free
(A) No looking back, (Bm) just you and me
(G) Roaring twenties, (D) with a rebel’s song
(A) This is our decade, (Bm) where we belong

Verse 2 (Em, Bm, G, D):
(Em) Carefree income, (Bm) just a state of mind
(G) Playing our hearts out, (D) leaving worries behind
(Em) Got this rebel’s spirit, (Bm) and a future so bright
(G) Living my twenties, (D) under the city lights

Chorus (G, D, A, Bm):
(G) Roaring twenties, (D) we’re alive and free
(A) No looking back, (Bm) just you and me
(G) Roaring twenties, (D) with a rebel’s song
(A) This is our decade, (Bm) where we belong

Band’s Favorite Fan:
Name: Tommy “Rockstar” Johnson

Testimonial:
“Ever since I first heard Carefree Income’s ‘Sound of Freedom’, I was hooked. The raw energy, the rebellious spirit, the youthful vibe—it all resonated with me. Their song ‘Roaring Twenties’ became my anthem, reminding me that my twenties are about freedom, adventure, and living on my own terms. The band’s music is not just sound to my ears, it’s a lifestyle. They’ve become more than just my favorite band; they’re my inspiration and my heroes. Carefree Income is the soundtrack to my life.”

Backstory:

In the vibrant streets of New Orleans, where jazz and blues color every corner, a band of misfits decided to make noise in a different way. This band, dubbed “Messy Chocolate”, was formed in 2007 by a group of friends who met in a chocolate factory where they worked part-time during college. Drawn together by their mutual love for music and sweets, their instant bond saw them create music that was as sweet, indulgent, and sometimes messy as the chocolate they made together.

Their journey took them from playing at local bars to being the opening act for major music festivals. Despite their rise in popularity, Messy Chocolate maintained a grounded approach to their music, driven by their passion and a shared belief in the therapeutic power of music. Their story serves as a testament to their mantra: “Music, like chocolate, is a sweet mess that brings joy to the soul.”

Genre: Alternative Folk Rock

Title: “Sugared Hopes”

Full song lyrics with chord progression:

Verse 1 (Em, C, G, D)

Em C G D
“Walking down the line, with sugared hopes in mind,
Em C G D
Through bitter days and sweet, in rhythm and in rhyme.”

Chorus (G, D, Am, C)

G D Am C
“Sugared hopes, and cocoa dreams,
G D Am C
In this life of sweet extremes,
G D Am C
Taste the beauty, feel the mess,
G D Am C
In our world of sweet excess.”

(Repeat Verse and Chorus chords for other verses and choruses)

The bands favorite fan’s name and why and how this band is their favorite:

Fan’s Name: Becky Stevens

Testimonial:

“Ever since I first stumbled upon Messy Chocolate at our local bar, I was hooked. Their music is as rich and soulful as the chocolate they make during the day. Their songs, especially “Sugared Hopes”, resonate with me because they beautifully capture the sweetness and messiness of life. I’ve attended every one of their concerts in town and have all their albums. It’s not just their music that makes them my favorite band, it’s their authenticity and the way they connect with their fans. Their concerts feel like an intimate gathering of friends, filled with laughter, tears and a sense of camaraderie. To me, Messy Chocolate is more than a band, they’ve become a piece of my heart.”

Backstory:

Firm Grain started as a humble duo, in a small yet vibrant town of Ashwood, Wisconsin. The founding members – Bob Peterson, a talented guitarist with a distinct raw vocal, and Amy Hanson, a gifted drummer with a penchant for lyrical harmony, were high school mates with a shared love for music. The duo initially performed at open mics and local fairs, their unique sound quickly catching local attention. When they decided to take their musical journey seriously, they added two more members, bass player Rick Thomas and keyboardist Emily Pearl. Firm Grain’s rise to fame was a slow burn, demanding patience and perseverance, but their distinctive blend of traditional and modern sounds eventually found an audience that stretched far beyond the borders of Ashwood.

Genre:
Folk Rock

Title:
“Harvest Moon’s Regret”

Full Song Lyrics:

Verse 1:
(C) In the hallowed fields of (G) dreams and regret,
(Am) Under the watch of the (Em) Harvest Moon’s silhouette.
(F) Stories lost in the (C) wind, secrets (G) the stars forget.

Chorus:
(Em) Oh, the Harvest Moon’s (Am) regret,
(F) Lights my path, got no (C) secrets left.
(G) In the glow of her (Am) light, our hearts (Em) met,
(F) Under the promise of the (C) Harvest Moon’s (G) regret.

Verse 2:
(C) In the whispers of the (G) wheat, a tale unwinds,
(Am) Memories of love, of (Em) the sweetest kind.
(F) Each grain carries a (C) piece of our (G) love confined.

Chorus:
(Em) Oh, the Harvest Moon’s (Am) regret,
(F) Lights my path, got no (C) secrets left.
(G) In the glow of her (Am) light, our hearts (Em) met,
(F) Under the promise of the (C) Harvest Moon’s (G) regret.

Favorite Fan Testimonial:
My name is Laura Simmons, and I’ve been a diehard fan of Firm Grain for five years now. Their music is magical, resonating with the soul. It’s not just the melody, but the profound lyrics that bring me back to a time of innocence and simplicity. “Harvest Moon’s Regret” is my favorite song, it’s a journey through love, loss, and redemption. Firm Grain’s music is more than just entertainment for me, it’s an emotional refuge, a source of strength, and a beacon of hope. I believe they are the most underrated band in the folk rock scene, their music deserves to be heard worldwide.

Backstory:
Lanky Review was born out of the chemistry of five college friends from a small midwest town, bonded by their mutual love for music and their shared experiences. The band, composed of lead singer Jack Larson, guitarist Vincent “Vinny” Moretti, bassist Richard “Richie” King, drummer Lucas “Luke” Sheridan, and keyboardist Emma Harvey, first began playing together in their college dorm rooms. Their shared passion and carefree spirit soon resonated with their fellow students, leading to impromptu concerts on campus. Since then, they’ve built a dedicated fan base that extends beyond their campus borders. Their music, characterized by their authentic lyrics and relatable themes, embodies their journey from a casual college band to an emerging musical sensation.

Genre:
Indie Rock

Title:
“Shadows of Yesterday”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
Am (x2) – G (x2)
I was walking down the streets, under the neon lights
Am (x2) – G (x2)
With the Shadows of Yesterday following me tight
Dm (x2) – Em (x2)
Reminiscing the laughter, the tears, and some fights
Dm (x2) – Em (x2)
Oh, the Shadows of Yesterday, whispering the tales of night

(Chorus)
C (x2) – G (x2)
But the sun will rise, casting away the plight
Am (x2) – Em (x2)
And we’ll rise above, with all our might
Dm (x2) – Em (x2)
Oh, the Shadows of Yesterday, won’t dim our light
C (x2) – G (x2)
We’re dancing in the dawn, basking in the new day’s sight

(Repeat Verse 1 and Chorus)

Fan Testimonial:
The band’s favorite fan, Sarah Thompson, is a college freshman who has been following Lanky Review since their early campus days. “Lanky Review isn’t just a band for me. Their songs have been my comfort in times of distress, my joy in moments of celebration, and my companion during late-night studies. Each of their songs resonates with me on a personal level, making me feel understood and less alone. Their music has a unique, raw, and authentic feel that’s hard to find these days. I truly believe they’re on their way to becoming one of the greatest indie rock bands of our generation,” she says.

Backstory:
Warped Dock hails from the rust-belt region of America’s Midwest, formed in an old shipping warehouse on the banks of the Ohio River. The group is composed of four childhood friends: lead vocalist and bassist Jimmy “Tank” Martin, guitar virtuoso “Sliding” Sammy Ford, drummer Pete “The Beat” McGraw, and keyboardist/vocalist Lucy “Lights” DeLuca. Each member brought their own unique musical background and influences to the table, blending into a unique and captivating sound. They all shared a deep love for music and a desire to tell their stories of growing up in an industrial city, witnessing its transformation over the years. Their music resonates with those who’ve experienced the same struggle, joy, love, and change.

Genre:
Warped Dock’s sound is a mix of Classic Rock, Blues, and Heartland Rock, with a touch of contemporary Alternative Rock.

Title:
“One Last Shot at the Moonlight”

Full Song Lyrics:
(Verse)
Em C
Down by the river, where the steel mill stands,
G D
We swore to never let go of each other’s hands.
Em C
Dreams were big, in our small hometown,
G D
But the city lights were calling, we couldn’t turn them down.

(Chorus)
G D Em C
One last shot at the moonlight, under the rusted crane,
G D Em C
Promise we’ll remember, the love forged in the rain.
G D Em C
Hold on to the memory, as we take the midnight train,
G D Em C
One last shot at the moonlight, naming each other’s pain.

(Verse)
Em C
The echoes of laughter, in these empty streets,
G D
Replaced by whispering winds and broken beats.
Em C
We carry the spirit of our old neighborhood,
G D
In every note we play, every word we’ve understood.

(Chorus)
G D Em C
One last shot at the moonlight, under the rusted crane,
G D Em C
Promise we’ll remember, the love forged in the rain.
G D Em C
Hold on to the memory, as we take the midnight train,
G D Em C
One last shot at the moonlight, naming each other’s pain.

Band’s Favorite Fan’s Name:
Walter “Walt” Stevenson

Testimonial:
“I’ve been a dockworker my whole life, just like my dad and grandfather. Warped Dock’s music speaks directly to people like us. Their lyrics, the rhythm, it’s like they’ve lived our lives. I feel understood when I listen to them. I don’t just hear the music, I feel it. They’re not just a band to me, they’re the voice of our town. ‘One Last Shot at the Moonlight’ — that song says everything about my life. Their music is raw and real, just like the life we live here.”

Backstory:
Damp Station materialized on a rainy night in the urban landscapes of Brooklyn, New York, in the winter of 2015. The members, frontman Levi Strummer, bass player Marley Bono, guitarist Vince Neilson, and drummer Max ‘Thunder’ Waters, were all disenchanted employees of the same corporate machine who found solace in their shared love for music. They named their band ‘Damp Station’ in memory of the dilapidated subway station they’d meet at to jam after their 9-5 grind.

The band gained a reputation for stirring, gritty, and soulful performances at local pubs and underground venues. Their music, a catharsis for their corporate frustration, began to resonate with many, and before long, Damp Station found themselves at the vanguard of a new, raw wave of music that spoke for the city’s underbelly.

Genre:
Alternative Rock

Title:
“Empty Suits and Neckties”

Full song lyrics:

(Verse 1)
Am Em
Empty suits and neckties, running on caffeine highs,
G D
Living in the rat race, can’t find a safe space.
Am Em
Clock in, clock out, heart full of doubt,
G D
Corporate machines grinding our dreams.

(Chorus)
G D Am C
Damp Station, our salvation,
G D Em
From this life of stagnation,
G D Am C
Singing songs of liberation,
G D Em
In the heart of the city’s foundation.

(Verse 2)
Am Em
Under neon lights, in the dead of night,
G D
We play our tune, to the urban moon.
Am Em
Tales of the city, both gritty and pretty,
G D
Broken hearts mending, in music we’re sending.

(Repeat Chorus)

Favorite Fan:
Our favorite fan is Jenny “J-Rock” Morrison. She’s been with us from the start, when our only audience was the late-night subway rats. Jenny’s testimonial is nothing short of the spirit that drives Damp Station.

Testimonial:
“Damp Station isn’t just a band, it’s a movement. Their music is a voice against the monotony of adult life. Every chord, every lyric resonates with me. They remind me that even in the humdrum of daily life, there’s poetry, there’s music. Damp Station is my favorite because they’re real, they’re raw and they represent all of us caught in the corporate grind.”

Backstory:
Weird Cloth was formed in 2016, in the heart of Denver, Colorado. The founding members, Gilbert “Gibby” Chen, Lara “Lulu” Davidson and Oliver “Ollie” Wells, met while attending a local community college. They were all enrolled in a Music Theory class, and quickly discovered a shared passion for the unique and unusual. After a spontaneous jam session in the college music room, they formed a bond over their mutual love for music that pushed boundaries and challenged norms. Hence, Weird Cloth was born.

Genre:
Experimental Alternative Rock

Title:
“Specter of the Velvet Night”

Full song lyrics with chord progression:

(Verse 1 – Am, Em, G, D)
Under the velvet night, we wander far and wide, (Am, Em)
In the specter’s light, secrets we confide. (G, D)

Chasing shadows on the wall, (Am, Em)
In the echo of the nightfall. (G, D)

(Chorus – C, G, D)
Specter of the velvet night, take us on your flight, (C, G)
In your arms, we feel just right, under the moonlight. (D, C, G)

(Verse 2 – Am, Em, G, D)
In the whisper of the wind, stories spun in the air, (Am, Em)
In the specter’s glow, we lay our souls bare. (G, D)

Drifting in the endless dream, (Am, Em)
In the shimmer of the moonbeam. (G, D)

(Chorus – C, G, D)
Specter of the velvet night, reveal in your sight, (C, G)
What’s hidden in the starlight, in the quiet of the night. (D, C, G)

(Bridge – F, C, G)
In the spectral dance, we weave the weird cloth, (F, C)
Cloaked in the mystery, we follow the moth. (G, D, C)

(Chorus – C, G, D)
Specter of the velvet night, guide us through the twilight, (C, G)
In your magic, we take flight, in the spirit of the night. (D, C, G)

Favorite Fan Testimonial:
Name: Sarah Johnson

“I’ve always been a fan of music that goes beyond the mainstream and Weird Cloth does exactly that. I first saw them perform live at a tiny bar in Boulder and was blown away by their unique sound and energy. Their song ‘Specter of the Velvet Night’ painted a picture that resonated deeply with me. It’s like an audible tapestry of emotions and experiences. They aren’t just a band for me, they’re a unique musical journey I am always excited to embark on.”

Backstory:

Vivacious Organ was formed in the summer of 2009 in the heart of Portland, Oregon. The band was founded by three high school friends: Ross Franklin (lead vocalist and keyboardist), Mike ‘Sparks’ Henderson (guitarist), and Nancy Meredith (drummer). They were all known for their love of music and often spent countless hours in Ross’ basement, experimenting with sounds, creating music that was not limited to any specific genre, but was always full of life.

The band’s name, Vivacious Organ, was inspired by an antique organ that Ross inherited from his great-grandmother. This organ became the heart and soul of their music, breathing life into their compositions. Over the years, Vivacious Organ gained popularity in the local music scene. Their unique sound, energy, and spontaneous performances captured the hearts of many music lovers, eventually grabbing the attention of indie record labels and setting them on their path to stardom.

Genre:
Indie Rock / Experimental

Title:
“Beneath the Moonlight”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
[G] Underneath the moonlit sky,
[C] We found a dream that wasn’t shy,
[G] We sang our hearts out, just you and I,
[D] Beneath the moonlight, where love forms tie.

(Chorus)
[Em] Beneath the moonlight, oh, how we glow,
[C] Our hearts beating in a rhythmic flow,
[G] This love, it’s more than just for show,
[D] Beneath the moonlight, our true selves we bestow.

(Verse 2)
[G] We danced to the melody of the night,
[C] Our spirits, they took an ecstatic flight,
[G] In your arms, everything feels right,
[D] Beneath the moonlight, our love’s in sight.

(Chorus)
[Em] Beneath the moonlight, we are free,
[C] In your eyes, my world I see,
[G] This love story, it’s our decree,
[D] Beneath the moonlight, we’ll forever be.

Fan’s Name:
Lily Anderson

Testimonial:

“I’ve been a fan of Vivacious Organ ever since their first gig at the local coffee shop in Portland. Their music is a breath of fresh air in the indie rock scene. It’s experimental, vibrant, and touches the soul. My favorite song is ‘Beneath the Moonlight.’ The lyrics are magical, and the melody is enchanting. The way Ross plays the antique organ, it’s as if the instrument is alive. Vivacious Organ’s music is a big part of my life, and their concerts are an experience that I wouldn’t trade for anything. They aren’t just a band to me – they’re a celebration of life and music. Vivacious Organ, you rock!”

Backstory:

Frizzy Investment was born in the heart of New York City in 2012, formed by three stockbrokers who discovered a mutual passion for music. The trio – Rob ‘Frizzy’ Frizzell, Mark ‘Dow’ Jones, and Pete ‘Investment’ Iverson – set out to combine their love for rhythm and accounts, creating a unique sound that resonated with many on Wall Street. The band started as a fun side project, but their unique blend of finance-themed lyrics and catchy tunes led to a rapid rise in popularity, turning this once hobby into a full-time endeavor.

Genre:

Frizzy Investment is best known for their unique blend of indie rock and funk, a genre they like to call “Stock Rock.”

Title:

“Interest Rate Blues”

Lyrics:

(Verse 1) [Em]

Oh, I got the [G] interest rate blues, [Em] baby,

[G] Stocks are going down, [Em] bonds are feeling lazy,

[D] I’m drowning in these [C] fiscal tears I cry, [Em]

[G] My portfolio’s sinking, [Em] I don’t know why.

(Chorus) [Am]

But I’ll [Em] keep investing, [Am] yeah, I’ll keep playing,

[Em] Despite the interest rate [Am] blues that I’m saying,

[D] You can’t scare me, [C] Wall Street night,

[Em] Because I got my [G] Frizzy Investment [Em] light.

(Verse 2) [Em]

[G] I’m short selling my [Em] despair,

[G] Trading stocks like [Em] I don’t care,

[D] But the market’s [C] got me on my knees, [Em]

[G] Praying for a [Em] financial breeze.

(Chorus) [Am]

Yeah, I [Em] keep investing, [Am] even when I’m sinking,

[Em] Despite the interest rate [Am] blues I’m thinking,

[D] You can’t break me, [C] Wall Street fight,

[Em] Because I have my [G] Frizzy Investment [Em] light.

Testimonial (Fan’s Name: Jessica)

Jessica, a Wall Street analyst, is Frizzy Investment’s biggest fan. She says, “Their music just resonates with my daily grind. It’s like they put to rhythm the ups and downs of the stock market. It’s not just funky tunes, it’s the lyrics. They get it. They understand the struggle and the thrill of Wall Street. Frizzy Investment’s music is the perfect soundtrack for my life!”