Backstory:
Raised in the small town of Franklin, Vermont, the members of ‘Caring Poll’ were four childhood friends who found a shared love for music in their high school years. When they discovered their shared interest, they decided to create a band, ‘Caring Poll.’ The name was thought up by their parents who were all in the local council together. They would often conduct polls to determine what the community was interested in or cared about, hence the name. Despite their humble beginnings, the members of ‘Caring Poll’ were quick to understand that they had something special. Their music was not only an outlet for their feelings and dreams but also a way to bring people together, just like the community polls their parents conducted.

Genre:
Indie Rock/Folk

Title:
‘Frostbitten Feelings’

Full Song Lyrics:

Verse 1:
[G]In the arms of a winter’s [C]breeze,
[D]Caught in an echo of [Em]memories.
[G]Laughter and tears, joy and [C]pain,
[D]In each frostbitten feeling, there’s [Em]love to regain.

Chorus:
[G]Beneath the cold, beneath the [C]snow,
[D]There’s a warmth in us ready to [Em]glow.
[G]Shivering hearts, but not from the [C]cold,
[D]It’s the frostbitten feelings that make us [Em]bold.

Verse 2:
[G]In the soft glow of a [C]fire’s light,
[D]We find solace in the [Em]lonely night.
[G]Whispering trees, their secrets [C]unfurled,
[D]In the quiet of the night, we find our [Em]world.

(Repeat Chorus)

Bridge:
[G]Embrace the frost, embrace the [C]ice,
[D]Each shiver is a roll of the [Em]dice.
[G]In the face of the cold, we [C]rise,
[D]Warming the world with our [Em]smiles.

(Repeat Chorus)

Fan’s Testimonial:
Fan’s Name: Lucy Andrews

Lucy Andrews, an ardent follower of ‘Caring Poll’, has been cheering for the band since its inception. She shares, “I love ‘Caring Poll’ for the way their lyrics touch the soul. Their music isn’t just about melodies or beats but about the essence of life, emotions, and experiences. Each tune, every word, seems to resonate with my own life, my own feelings. It’s like they’re telling my story in their songs. Their song ‘Frostbitten Feelings’ is my absolute favorite. It talks about finding warmth in the coldest seasons of life. ‘Caring Poll’ isn’t just a band; it’s a healing, a reassurance, a community.”

Backstory:

Solid Honey was born out of a shared love for music among four childhood friends: Tim Hall (vocalist), Brad McKenzie (guitarist), Lance Stewart (bassist), and Jack Miller (drummer) in the small town of Rockland, Oregon. Initially playing at local bars and high school festivals, the group garnered an underground following with their unique brand of melody-driven rock. Their big break came when a renowned record producer happened to stumble into a bar where they were performing one night in 2017. Impressed by their raw talent and refreshing sound, he signed them to his label, and the rest, as they say, is history.

In the past few years, Solid Honey has toured extensively, sharing their music with fans around the world. Despite their success, the band members never lost their grounded nature, often engaging with fans and maintaining their close-knit camaraderie. They attribute their name ‘Solid Honey’ to their secure bond and the sweet harmony they create together.

Genre:
Alternative Rock

Title:
“Shadows of the Sun”

Full Song Lyrics with Chord Progression:

Verse 1: (C-G-Am-F)
In the shadows of the sun, we were on the run,
Lost in the streets, chasing our fun.
Shoes worn thin, hearts full of sin,
In the world so wild, yet we wore our grins.

Chorus: (G-Am-F-C)
We were the children of the setting sun,
Our hearts beating like a loaded gun.
In the shadows, we found our light,
Dancing, singing through the endless night.

Verse 2: (C-G-Am-F)
We walked on shards of broken dreams,
Yet our laughter drowned out the screams.
In the blink of an eye, in the beat of a heart,
We found our end where we found our start.

Chorus: (G-Am-F-C)
We were the children of the setting sun,
Our hearts beating like a loaded gun.
In the shadows, we found our light,
Dancing, singing through the endless night.

End: (C-G-Am-F)
In the shadows of the sun, our journey had begun,
We’re Solid Honey, and we’re having fun.

Fan Name:
Emma Thompson

Testimonial:
“I’ve been with Solid Honey from the start, when they were playing at dingy bars and small town festivals. What attracted me to their music was not just the infectious energy, but also the raw emotion they put into their songs. They have a way of mirroring life’s ups and downs in their melodies that deeply resonates with me. No matter what mood I’m in, I can always find a Solid Honey song that understands me. For me, Solid Honey isn’t just a band; they’re a lifestyle.”

Backstory:
Corrupt Street is a band that was formed in the grimy alleyways of Brooklyn, New York in 2015. The band consists of four members: Jake “Riff” Roberts on guitar and vocals, Eddie “Slam” Slater on drums, Tom “Bassman” Baker on bass, and finally, Mikey “Scream” Scott on keys and backing vocals. They all were high school friends who used to jam together in a small garage on Corrupt Street, a local name for the street where they grew up because of its reputation for illicit activities. The name of the band was a tribute to where they all found their calling, a place which they called home.

Their music is a fusion of their shared experiences, their struggles and triumphs, all wrapped up in soulful melodies and powerful lyrics. After years of performing at local gigs and pubs, they were discovered by a music producer and have since then, been on a roller-coaster ride to stardom.

Genre:
Alternative Rock

Title:
“Shadows of the Past”

Full song lyrics:

(Verse 1)
C G Am E
Down the road where we used to play,
F C G
Laugh and cry, night and day.
C G Am E
Memories etched in the concrete,
F C G
Whispers of Corrupt Street.

(Chorus)
Dm Am E
Echoes of a time gone by,
F C G
A past that makes us sigh.
Dm Am E
In the shadows of the past we meet,
F C G
Under the lights of Corrupt Street.

(Verse 2)
C G Am E
Gritty walls and broken dreams,
F C G
Everything’s not what it seems.
C G Am E
We found music in this defeat,
F C G
In the heart of Corrupt Street.

(Chorus)
Dm Am E
Echoes of a time gone by,
F C G
A past that makes us sigh.
Dm Am E
In the shadows of the past we meet,
F C G
Under the lights of Corrupt Street.

Testimonial:

The band’s favorite fan’s name is Lisa Malone. Lisa has been a fan of Corrupt Street from their early days. She was there at their first gig in a small pub, and has followed their journey all the way to their first stadium concert. She loves their raw, heartfelt lyrics, and the honesty in their music. She says, “Corrupt Street isn’t just a band for me, they are a testament to the power of friendship and dreams. Their music touches my soul, it’s like they’ve put into words the struggles and aspirations every one of us faces. They’re not just musicians, they’re poets, philosophers, and most importantly, they’re real. They’re my favorite because they make me feel seen, heard, and understood.”

Backstory:

Bogus Reserve traces its journey back to the sleepy town of Fincastle, Virginia, where four childhood friends, Sean, Jake, Travis, and Riley, discovered their shared passion for music. They started jamming together in Riley’s dad’s old garage, creating music that echoed their rebellious spirit and deep-seated desire for adventure. Bogus Reserve was born in that very garage, named after a treasure map the boys came across in one of their adventures, leading to a “Bogus Reserve.” The name stuck, reflecting the band’s journey of exploration and their pursuit of a dream that many believed was bogus.

Bogus Reserve’s music journey was not without its challenges, but it was their shared bond and love for music that kept them going. They played in local pubs and music festivals, slowly gaining recognition for their unique sound and captivating performances. Their journey took a significant turn when their performance at a music festival in Richmond was noticed by a record label executive, leading to their first official record deal.

Genre:

Bogus Reserve is a dynamic blend of Indie Rock and Alternative Country, with influences from folk and blues. Their music is characterized by deep soulful lyrics, rich harmonies, and a raw, gritty sound that resonates with their listeners’ emotions.

Title:

“One Last Dance in the Rain”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
[G] Sitting on the porch, [D] looking at the sky,
[Em] Memories of you and I, [C] under the moonlight.
[G] Your laughter in my ear, [D] your touch so near,
[Em] A love so clear, [C] now you’re not here.

(Chorus)
[G] Let’s have one last [D] dance in the rain,
[Em] Let’s forget the [C] world, forget the pain.
[G] Hold on to the [D] memories, let them not wane,
[Em] Let’s have one last [C] dance, [G] in the rain.

(Verse 2)
[G] The wind whispers your [D] name, it’s not the same,
[Em] Life’s a cruel game, [C] love’s the only flame.
[G] I miss the way you [D] smile, it’s been a while,
[Em] Every moment, every mile, [C] without you is a trial.

(Chorus)
[G] Let’s have one last [D] dance in the rain,
[Em] Let’s forget the [C] world, forget the pain.
[G] Hold on to the [D] memories, let them not wane,
[Em] Let’s have one last [C] dance, [G] in the rain.

Band’s Favorite Fan:

Bogus Reserve’s favorite fan is a young woman named Emily. Emily heard Bogus Reserve for the first time at a small concert in her home city of Roanoke, Virginia. She was immediately captivated by their authenticity, raw emotion, and the way their music resonated with her own experiences. She has been a devout fan ever since, attending almost every concert in the area and even creating a fan page for the band.

Emily’s Testimonial:

“Bogus Reserve is more than just a band to me. Their music has been a source of comfort during my darkest days and a companion during my happiest moments. Their songs have an uncanny ability to stir up emotions and make me feel seen and understood. I’ve seen them perform live numerous times, and each time, I’m awestruck by their passion and energy. They are genuine, talented, and their music touches hearts. I can’t wait to see where their journey takes them.”

Backstory:
Obvious Producer was born in the bustling streets of Seattle, Washington, from the shared passion of five childhood friends. Their shared love for music ignited a spark in them that urged them to start making music in a small garage in 2015. Through local gigs, street performances, and social media, they began to gain a loyal following due to their innovative and transformative musical approach. Despite facing numerous challenges and creative blocks, the band stayed committed to their art and continued to produce music that resonated with their growing audience.

In 2019, their perseverance paid off when a music executive discovered their music online. This chance encounter led to a record deal that catapulted Obvious Producer into the mainstream music scene. Despite their rapidly increasing fame, the band continues to stay true to their roots and create music that is experimental, emotive, and original.

Genre:
Alternative Rock/Indie

Title:
“Echoes of Yesterday”

Full song lyrics:

(Verse 1)
[C] Trapped in the echoes of [G] yesterday,
[Am] Searching for a dawn that seems far [F] away.
[C] The shadows whisper the [G] tales of yore,
[Am] We’re holding on to what we were [F] before.

(Chorus)
[G] Echoes, echoes, [C] fading slowly,
[Am] In the silent night, we’re [F] feeling so lonely.
[G] Echoes, echoes, [C] in our minds,
[Am] We’re just a memory that [F] time left behind.

(Verse 2)
[C] Chasing the past in an [G] endless race,
[Am] Wishing we could just erase [F] the trace.
[C] The echoes of yesterday are [G] haunting,
[Am] In our dreams, they’re forever [F] daunting.

(Chorus)
[G] Echoes, echoes, [C] fading slowly,
[Am] In the silent night, we’re [F] feeling so lonely.
[G] Echoes, echoes, [C] in our minds,
[Am] We’re just a memory that [F] time left behind.

Band’s Favorite Fan:
Obvious Producer’s favorite fan is a devoted follower named Alex who first discovered the band while they were performing at a small local gig. Alex was captivated by the raw emotions and experimental sounds of their music and has since attended every single one of their concerts.

Testimonial:
“I’ve been a fan of Obvious Producer since their early days. There’s something about their music – it’s raw, it’s real, and it’s different from anything else out there. Their songs speak to me on a deeply personal level and have seen me through some of the toughest times in my life. They’re not just a band to me, they’re a lifeline. I’ve seen them grow from playing small gigs to filling stadiums, and I couldn’t be prouder. Their music is a beautiful blend of emotions and experiences, and I can’t wait to see what they come up with next.”

Backstory:

Born from the ashes of a disbanded high school music troupe, Fumbling Investigation is a ragtag assembly of four music enthusiasts who found solace in their shared love for rhythm and storytelling. The band members, Aiden Davenport (vocals), Eliot Sherman (guitar), Ronan Fitzpatrick (bass), and Remy Blanchard (drums), all hail from different musical backgrounds but are unified by their passion for music and the desire to touch hearts through their songs. Unlike other bands that thrive on tumultuous drama, Fumbling Investigation is a testament to the power of friendship and enduring camaraderie. Their journey from local gigs to international platforms was not without hurdles, but every stumbling step only pushed them further, strengthening their bond, and shaping their unique sound.

Genre:

Fumbling Investigation defines their music as Indie Rock with a splash of Angsty Pop. Their melodies are a rollercoaster ride, shifting from peaceful introspective tunes to loud, energetic anthems often in the blink of an eye. Their lyrics resonate with the real-life experiences and the existential crises of the common youth.

Title: “Derailed Serenity”

Lyrics:

[Verse 1]
C G Am
I’ve been lost in the echoes, blind to all but my fears,
F C G
Drinking the bitter brew of uncertainty,
Am F C G
While the city sleeps, I walk alone in tears,
F C G Am
Find me in the shadows, where light’s a rarity.

[Chorus]
F C G Am
In this derailed serenity, I breathe,
F C G Am
Among the broken, among the free.
F C G Am
In the echo of the city’s heartbeat,
F C G Am
I find my melody, in the derailed serenity.

[Verse 2]
C G Am
In the noise of silence, in the crowd’s anonymity,
F C G
I sing my song, words clothed in sorrow,
Am F C G
Lost in the maze of thoughts, embracing the absurdity,
F C G Am
Dreaming of a dawn, a brighter tomorrow.

[Chorus]
F C G Am
In this derailed serenity, I breathe,
F C G Am
Among the broken, among the free.
F C G Am
In the echo of the city’s heartbeat,
F C G Am
I find my harmony, in the derailed serenity.

Fan Testimonial:

Our dear fan, Maggie O’Donnell: “Fumbling Investigation is more than just a band to me. Their music transcends the barriers of just sound and rhythm. It’s the raw emotion, the authenticity of their words that strikes a chord. It’s like they’re speaking right to me, voicing my silent thoughts, and making me feel seen and understood. Their song, ‘Derailed Serenity’, is like a salve to my soul. It’s my anthem and my solace. I can’t help but love Fumbling Investigation, for they are a beacon of light in my darkest times.”

Backstory:

Embarrassed Fruit started as a trio of college roommates in rural Illinois – Henry “Hank” Reynolds on vocals, Dominic “Dom” Bellows on bass, and Emily “Em” Davis on drums. The three aspiring musicians met in their freshman year and connected over their shared love for alternative indie music infused with humor and irony. Em was always coming up with strange phrases that Dom and Hank started turning into song lyrics, thereby setting the foundation for their quirky, eccentric sound. The name “Embarrassed Fruit” was inspired by Emily’s red-faced embarrassment over a miscommunication when she’d referred to a tomato as a fruit during a botany class. The name caught on and became an inside joke with the trio deciding to use it as their band name, symbolizing their unique identity and their humor-infused approach to life and music.

Genre:

Alternative Indie

Title:

“Raspberry Revolution”

Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
C Am Em G
Down the streets of summer’s memory, under the soft glow,
Strawberry hearts beating, as the wind softly blows,
Blueberry dreams in our heads, as we march in our rows,
Cherry-topped moments, in our Raspberry Revolution we sow.

(Chorus)
F C G
Raise your voice, let’s make some noise,
For the Raspberry Revolution, we rejoice,
In the sweetness of freedom, we find our choice,
Come on now, let your spirit hoist.

(Verse 2)
C Am Em G
Peachy promises, under the starlit night,
With the pomegranate passion, we ignite,
In the apple of our eye, we find our light,
In this Raspberry Revolution, we take flight.

(Chorus)
F C G
Raise your voice, let’s make some noise,
For the Raspberry Revolution, we rejoice,
In the sweetness of freedom, we find our choice,
Come on now, let your spirit hoist.

(Outro)
C Am Em G
Hand in hand, in our fruit-filled land,
In this Raspberry Revolution, we proudly stand.

Fan Testimonial:

Name – Melissa Thompson

“I have been following Embarrassed Fruit since their early college days. Their music is like a breath of fresh air – light, fun, and filled with creative energy. It’s amazing how they’ve grown and evolved, yet they still retain their signature quirkiness that first drew me to them. Whether it’s the soft strumming of the guitar, Emily’s upbeat drum rhythms, or Hank’s soothing vocals, their music always manages to lift my spirits. Embarrassed Fruit isn’t just my favorite band because of their music but also for the joy and positivity they radiate.”

Backstory:

Profuse Rate was born out of a college dorm room in the small town of Gastonia, North Carolina. Founding members, Jake & Sam, were roommates with distinct musical tastes. Jake was a classical music wizard who played the violin, while Sam was a punk rock enthusiast who played the bass. One night, after a heated debate on which genre was superior, they decided to put their differences to work and create something unique. Recruiting fellow students Abby on the drums and Lia on the keyboards, Profuse Rate came into existence. Their music is an unapologetic fusion of punk rock with classical undertones, breaking the barriers of genres and creating a sound all their own.

Genre:

Classical Punk Rock

Title:

“Reincarnated Rhythm”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
Em C
Born from the ashes of a fiery debate,
G D
Classical meets Punk in a twist of fate,
Em C
We’re Profuse Rate, with a style innate,
G D
Strumming strings, striking chords at a furious rate.

(Verse 2)
Em C
A violin’s cry, a bass’s roar,
G D
Drums and keys adding to the score,
Em C
A sonic mix never heard before,
G D
We’re here to make your spirit soar.

(Chorus)
Em C
We are the Reincarnated Rhythm,
G D
Breaking boundaries, we don’t need ’em,
Em C
With our music, we’ll always lead ’em,
G D
To the land where Punk and Classicism breed ’em.

(Repeat Verse 1, Verse 2, and Chorus)

Favorite Fan:

Our favorite fan is a guy named Danny. A music major from our very own college, Danny has been with us since our first awkward jam in the dorm room. He was the one who coined our genre as “Classical Punk Rock.” He says, “Profuse Rate isn’t just a band for me, it’s a revolution. Their music is a seamless blend of the classics I grew up on and the punk rock I fell in love with in my teens. Every track they release is a surprise, a new exploration into what music can be. They’ve made me realize that music isn’t about rigid genres – it’s about emotion, expression, and most importantly, unity.”

Backstory:
Steep Spirit is an indie rock band that was formed in 2012 in the vibrant, bustling city of Portland, Oregon. The members of the band – lead vocalist and guitarist Derek Wills, drummer Miles Parker, and bassist Ava Franklin – were all college friends who shared a passion for music. After finishing college, they decided to turn their passion into a career and began playing small gigs around the city. Their unique sound soon caught the attention of local music enthusiasts, and they quickly started gaining popularity.

One night, while playing a show at a local pub, they were discovered by a music producer who happened to be in the audience. Impressed by their talent, the producer offered them a deal, which they gladly accepted. Since then, Steep Spirit has released two critically acclaimed albums and they continue to make waves in the indie rock scene.

Genre:
Indie Rock

Title:
“Echoes in the Rain”

Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
C – G – Am – F (progression)
In the twilight hours, beneath the city lights, (C G)
Walking alone, heart heavy with fights, (Am F)
Echoes of your laughter, play in my brain, (C G)
As I stand alone, lost in the rain. (Am F)

(Chorus)
F – C – G – Am
Echoes in the rain, whispers of our love, (F C)
Memories remain, sent from above, (G Am)
In the silence of the night, I hear your name, (F C)
Lost in the echoes, echoes in the rain. (G Am)

(Verse 2)
Same progression
The streetlights flicker, painting shadows on the street, (C G)
Where we used to wander, with dreams beneath our feet. (Am F)
Now all that’s left are echoes, and the silent pain, (C G)
As I walk alone, alone in the rain. (Am F)

(Chorus)
Echoes in the rain, whispers of our love, (F C)
Memories remain, sent from above, (G Am)
In the silence of the night, I hear your name, (F C)
Lost in the echoes, echoes in the rain. (G Am)

Favorite Fan’s Testimonial:
“My name is Lily Thompson. I just adore Steep Spirit. Their music speaks to me on so many levels. It’s like they’ve managed to put all my feelings into words and melodies. I can’t help but feel an intimate connection with their lyrics. The raw emotion that Derek, Miles, and Ava infuse into their songs touches my soul. I’ve been to all their concerts and each time it’s like a cathartic experience. Steep Spirit isn’t just a band to me, they’re like the soundtrack to my life journey.”

Backstory:

Critical Lot was formed in the heart of Detroit in 2008 when a group of high school friends discovered their mutual passion for music. The band consists of Mark Thompson on vocals, Harry Daniels on guitar, Mike Pearson on bass, and Tom Maddison on drums. During their college years, they started performing in local clubs and venues, slowly building a reputation for their energetic performances and poignant lyrics. After winning a local battle of the bands competition in 2011, they caught the attention of a music producer who helped them release their first studio album in 2013. Today, they are known for their combination of heavy, emotional lyrics and energetic rock sound.

Genre:

Alternative Rock

Title:

“Shards of Yesterday”

Full Song Lyrics:

[Verse 1]
Am (C) Dm (E)
Once upon a time, we were kids running wild,
Am (C) Dm (E)
Now all that’s left are memories, bitter and mild.
Am (C) Dm (E)
We dreamt of castles and kings, of love and all it brings,
Am (C) Dm (E)
Now we’re just trying to mend our broken wings.

[Chorus]
F (G) Am (C)
Shards of yesterday, cutting through the fray,
F (G) Am (C)
We’ve lost our way in this crazy play.
F (G) Am (C)
Hope is a flickering flame, life is not a game,
F (G) Am (C)
We’re not the same, caught in life’s mundane.

[Verse 2]
Am (C) Dm (E)
The world was ours to take, no fear of a heartbreak,
Am (C) Dm (E)
Now we’re haunted by every single mistake.
Am (C) Dm (E)
Once we believed in forever, now it’s a passing endeavor,
Am (C) Dm (E)
Shards of yesterday, we’re trying to sever.

[Chorus]
F (G) Am (C)
Shards of yesterday, cutting through the fray,
F (G) Am (C)
We’ve lost our way in this crazy play.
F (G) Am (C)
Hope is a flickering flame, life is not a game,
F (G) Am (C)
We’re not the same, caught in life’s mundane.

The Bands Favorite Fan:

Critical Lot’s favorite fan is Emma Johnson. Emma has been following the band since their first gig at a local pub. She has traveled far and wide to attend every single concert, has a collection of every album they’ve released, and is known to the band as a source of undying support and encouragement. She states, “Critical Lot isn’t just a band to me, they’re a lifestyle. Their music tells a story that resonates with my own experiences. It’s raw, it’s real, and it’s incredibly powerful. No other band can make me feel the way Critical Lot does with their music.”