Backstory:

Plastic Discount was birthed in the urban sprawl of New York City in 2010. Its founding members, lead singer Joey “Jawbreaker” Jenkins, guitarist Eddie “Eagle” Ellington, bassist Ricky “Rattler” Russo, and drummer Danny “Dynamite” D’Amico met at a local dive bar during an open mic night. Sharing a communal love for the raucous energy of punk rock and the sarcastic wit of the beatnik movement, they decided to join forces, creating a band that was as culturally insightful as it was audibly explosive.

After several chaotic house shows and a handful of self-released demos, Plastic Discount garnered a cult-like following. Their scathing societal commentaries wrapped in infectious punk anthems resonated with the disenfranchised youth. Their sophomore album, “Shrink-Wrapped Rebellion,” caught the attention of major labels, but the band held steadfast to their DIY ethos, opting to remain independent.

Genre:

Punk Rock

Title:

“Barcode Blues”

Full Song Lyrics:

[Verse 1]
Em G
Living in a world, made of plastic and pearls
D A
I got the barcode blues, wrapped in the daily news
Em G
Reality is a joke, the punchline makes us broke
D A
I got the barcode blues, can’t shake off these shopping shoes

[Chorus]
C D
Hey, hey, it’s a plastic discount life
G E
We’re buying lies with every swipe
C D
Hey, hey, it’s a plastic discount dream
G E
All that glitters is not what it seems

[Verse 2]
Em G
Our hearts are for sale, sanity growing stale
D A
I got the barcode blues, got nothing left to lose
Em G
The world’s a supermarket, and we’re all a target
D A
I got the barcode blues, can’t escape these consumer views

[Chorus]
C D
Hey, hey, it’s a plastic discount life
G E
We’re buying lies with every swipe
C D
Hey, hey, it’s a plastic discount dream
G E
All that glitters is not what it seems

[Outro]
Em G
Living in a world, made of plastic and pearls
D A
I got the barcode blues, wrapped in the daily news

The Band’s Favorite Fan:

Luna “Loony” Larkin

Testimonial:

“I’ve been a fan of Plastic Discount since their first underground show in Brooklyn. Their raw energy, unfiltered lyrics, and rebellious spirit hooked me instantly. ‘Barcode Blues’ is an anthem for our generation, highlighting the fallacy of consumerism with a catchy punk rock twist. They’re not just my favorite band; they’re the voice of a generation feeling the burden of capitalism. Plastic Discount is a symbol of rebellion in a world that desperately needs it.”

Backstory
Grumpy Contest was formed in the sleepy town of Freemont, Nebraska. Childhood friends, Jeff Miles (vocals) and Tim Benson (guitar), started the band during their sophomore year of high school after stumbling upon an old guitar in Jeff’s attic. After relentless practice in Tim’s garage, the duo realized they needed a fuller sound and recruited Sarah Miller (bass) and Luke Anderson (drums), classmates from their high school. They found their unique sound, an eclectic mix of their varied musical tastes, and started playing local gigs, quickly gaining a loyal fanbase. Their energetic performances and relatable lyrics helped them get noticed by a local record label. Grumpy Contest was signed within a year and has since been making waves in the music industry.

Genre
Alternative Rock

Title
“Never Enough Time”

Full Song Lyrics
(Verse 1)
[E] Picked up the pieces, [A] walked down the line,
[E] Searching for something, [A] never enough time.
[D] Drifting through memories, [G] lost in the night,
[D] Echoes of laughter, [G] out of sight.

(Chorus)
[C] Never enough time, [G] to say what we feel,
[A] Words left unspoken, [D] wounds that won’t heal.
[C] You’re always running, [G] trying to find,
[A] A moment of peace, [D] never enough time.

(Verse 2)
[E] Shadows are falling, [A] the day’s almost done,
[E] Chasing the moments, [A] lost and won.
[D] Through all the chaos, [G] you’re my lifeline,
[D] But in the grand scheme, [G] there’s never enough time.

(Chorus)
[C] Never enough time, [G] to do what we want,
[A] Dreams left unchased, [D] they continue to haunt.
[C] Always in motion, [G] in life’s uphill climb,
[A] Just remember, love, [D] there’s never enough time.

Band’s Favorite Fan
Our favorite fan is Jenny Matthews. Jenny has been with us since our first local gig in Freemont. She has attended every concert, bought every album, and has constantly shown her support through every step of our journey. She once said, “Grumpy Contest is more than a band to me; they’re the soundtrack to my life. Their music has seen me through heartache, joy, confusion, and growth. It’s honest, raw, and relatable. They’re not just making music; they’re telling stories, our stories. And that’s why they’re my favorite band.”

Backstory:

Careful Carpet started in the humble college dormitory of the University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign. Formed by four engineering students – lead singer and rhythm guitarist Chris Peterson, lead guitarist Josh Murphy, bassist Dave Wells, and drummer Sam Hamilton – who discovered that their shared passion for music was just as strong as their love for science and technology. They named their band ‘Careful Carpet’ to poke fun at their meticulous and sometimes obsessive approach to arranging their music and their general way of life. The band’s initial performances at local bars and college events soon transformed into more significant gigs, and in no time, they began to make a name in the local music scene.

Genre:

Alternative Rock

Song Title:

“Threadbare Heart”

Song Lyrics:

Verse 1:
[C] My heart is a rug, [G] worn and used,
[F] Trampled by lovers, [C] their affection abused.
[C] Stitches undone, [G] colours now faded,
[F] I’m a threadbare heart, [C] love, I’m jaded.

Chorus:
[C] Can you be my careful carpet,
[G] Walking gently, mending what’s torn?
[F] Can you bring back the colours,
[C] Make this threadbare heart reborn?

Verse 2:
[C] Love’s a tough gamble, [G] I’ve rolled the dice,
[F] Paid the price, [C] oh, not once but twice.
[C] Now I’m frayed at the edges, [G] damaged at the core,
[F] Look for a careful carpet, [C] to love me once more.

Chorus:
[C] Will you be my careful carpet,
[G] Walking gently, mending what’s torn?
[F] Can you bring back the colours,
[C] Make this threadbare heart reborn?

Fan Testimonial:

The band’s favourite fan is named Jenny Lancaster. She’s been following Careful Carpet since their early gigs at her local bar. Jenny says, “Their music is like a tapestry of emotions, woven together so beautifully. It speaks to me on so many levels. I especially love the song ‘Threadbare Heart’; it’s so raw and genuine. It’s like they’ve put my feelings into words. Careful Carpet is my favorite band because their music is not just about playing chords and words; it’s about conveying feelings and experiences, making us feel seen and heard. And that’s what makes them truly special.”

Backstory:

All Assistance was formed in the bustling city of Chicago in the summer of 2010. The band’s founding members, vocalist Alex Thompson, drummer Jake Murray, and guitarist Ben Mason, met while working as roadies for different bands touring the Midwest. Their shared passion for music and a dream to rise above their mundane jobs led to late-night jam sessions, which soon became a regular occurrence. One fateful night, while performing an impromptu session at a local bar, they were noticed by music producer Teddy Hall. Seeing their potential, Teddy offered them a chance to record their first album, and the rest, as they say, is history.

Genre:
Indie Rock

Title:
“Holding on to Shadows”

Full Song Lyrics:

[Verse 1]
Em C
Riding on the wings of a cold winter’s night,
G D
Lost in the rhythm, bathing in the moonlight.
Em C
Strumming on the strings of a heart worn thin,
G D
Holding on to shadows, where do we begin?

[Chorus]
Em C
Oh, we’re all assistance in this dance,
G D
Lost in the music, caught in the trance.
Em C
We’re holding on to shadows, slipping through our hands,
G D
Living in the echoes, drawn into the bands.

[Verse 2]
Em C
Cruising through the city, under neon lights,
G D
Playing our hearts out, every single night.
Em C
We’ve got each other, and that’s all we need,
G D
Strumming the chords of life, on this journey, we proceed.

[Chorus]
Em C
Oh, we’re all assistance in this dance,
G D
Lost in the music, caught in the trance.
Em C
We’re holding on to shadows, slipping through our hands,
G D
Living in the echoes, drawn into the bands.

Fan’s testimonial:
Fan’s Name: Lisa Grey

“All Assistance is my favorite band because their music speaks to my soul. It’s like they’ve put my thoughts, feelings, and experiences into their songs. Alex’s voice is just mesmerizing, Jake’s beats are spot on, and Ben’s guitar-playing is out of this world. Every song of theirs tells a story that I can relate to on a personal level. The connection I feel with their music is indescribable. Their song, ‘Holding on to Shadows’, in particular, has helped me through some tough times. Their music isn’t just entertainment for me, it’s a lifeline.”

Backstory:

Wooden Boy was formed in the small coastal town of Lighthouse Point, Maine. The band consists of childhood friends: lead vocalist and guitarist, Sam Parker, bassist, Mikey Walsh, and drummer, Alex “Mouse” Thompson. They spent their formative years practicing in Sam’s parents’ barn, writing songs influenced by their seaside surroundings, small-town life, and their shared love of folk and rock music. The band got its name from a well-loved childhood storybook of Sam’s, ‘The Adventures of the Wooden Boy,’ symbolizing their deep-rooted bond and shared history.

Genre:
Folk-Rock

Title:
“Seashell Whispers”

Full Song Lyrics (with chord progression):

Verse 1: C – G – Am – F
(C) I found a seashell by the (G) shore,
(Am) Whispering tales of love and (F) lore,
(C) Crashing waves and silent (G) cries,
(Am) Underneath the moonlit (F) skies.

Chorus: G – Em – Am – D
(G) Hear the seashell (Em) whispers,
(Am) Tales of love, tales of (D) whispers,
(G) In this small town by the (Em) sea,
(Am) You and I were meant to (D) be.

Verse 2: C – G – Am – F
(C) Wooden boy with a (G) heart of gold,
(Am) With you, our story will (F) unfold,
(C) In the sand, our names we (G) carve,
(Am) In this moment, love we (F) serve.

Repeat Chorus: G – Em – Am – D

Outro: C – G – Am – F
(C) Hear the seashell (G) whispers,
(Am) In the wind, love (F) lingers,
(C) Wooden boy and a girl (G) so free,
(Am) In this town, we’ll always (F) be.

Fan Testimonial:

The band’s favorite fan is a charming, elderly lady named Edna. Ever since Wooden Boy’s first impromptu performance at the local farmers market, Edna has been their most loyal supporter. She says, “Wooden Boy’s music brings me back to the good old days of folk-rock. It’s refreshing and nostalgic at the same time. Their song ‘Seashell Whispers’ perfectly captures the essence of our beautiful little seaside town. I feel like they’re singing the story of my younger years, of love found and lost on these shores. They’re simply my favorite, and I wouldn’t miss any of their shows for the world.”

Backstory:

Slim Cap originated in the small town of Montgomery, Alabama in 2007. The band was formed by childhood friends Jake Dawson, Timmy Knight, and Shawn O’Connell. Growing up, they bonded over a shared love for music, spending their high school years jamming in basements and garages, dreaming of making it big one day. Jake, the lead singer and guitarist, was the driving force of the band, with Timmy on the drums and Shawn on the bass. After high school, they decided to take their dream seriously and started playing at local bars and clubs, catching the attention of a local record label.

In 2010, they added a fourth member, Rachel Green, a keyboardist and songwriter, who added a unique flavor to their sound. Rachel was initially a fan who attended their local gigs regularly. The band noticed her passion for music and invited her to join them. With Rachel’s addition, the band made a significant breakthrough in their music career, and their popularity started to grow beyond their town. They released their debut album, “Slim Cap Rising,” which became a local sensation, and they haven’t looked back since.

Genre:

Alternative Rock

Title:

“Echoes of the Heart”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
Em C
Under the violet sky, we used to lie,
G D
Dreaming about the places, we’d someday fly,
Em C
Now those visions have faded, into the night,
G D
But your memory still lingers, in the soft twilight.

(Chorus)
Em C
Echoes of the heart, they never part,
G D
Remnants of our love, painted in the dark,
Em C
Your laughter still rings, in my ears,
G D
Your love, your love, dissipating my fears.

(Verse 2)
Em C
Staring at the old tree, where we carved our names,
G D
The world has changed, but our love remains,
Em C
In every whisper of the wind, every falling leaf,
G D
I find solace in the memory, however brief.

(Chorus)
Em C
Echoes of the heart, they never part,
G D
Remnants of our love, painted in the dark,
Em C
Every note I play, every song I sing,
G D
They are for you, my love, my everything.

Bands Favorite Fan’s Name:

Kenny Jackson

Testimonial:

“I’ve been a fan of Slim Cap since their early days. I remember hearing them at a local bar and thinking, ‘These guys are going to be huge.’ Their music moved me in a way nothing else ever had. Jake’s voice is raw and emotive, Timmy’s drumming is explosive, Shawn’s bass lines are strong and steady, and Rachel… her keyboard skills and songwriting added so much depth to their sound. Even though their music has evolved over the years, the soul of Slim Cap has remained consistent. They’ve stayed true to themselves, and that’s why they’ll always be my favorite band.”

Backstory:
Faraway Fear began in the eclectic heart of San Francisco, where high school friends and aspiring musicians, Milo and Orion, decided to form a band. Their shared love for alternative rock and their fascination with the profound depths of human emotion led to a unique soundscape that set them apart. Faraway Fear was actually a term they coined for the existential anxiety they often discussed – a fear of the unknown, of what’s beyond reach. Their songs aimed at encapsulating this fear and transforming it into a cathartic experience for listeners. With Orion on lead vocals and guitar, Milo on drums, and later additions – Ivy on bass and Echo on keyboards, the band began their journey. Their profound lyrics, combined with their intense and emotive music, quickly created a buzz in the local music scene, leading to their breakout in 2014.

Genre:
Alternative Rock

Title:
“Horizons of the Unknown”

Full Song Lyrics:

[Verse 1]
G C
Eyes on the road to the infinite,
Em D
Stars beyond reach, secrets they keep.
G C
In the rearview, trails of the ordinary,
Em D
Driving through the night, escaping the light.

[Chorus]
G C
Horizons of the unknown,
Em D
Faraway fear, we embrace, not alone.
G C
In the realm of the unseen,
Em D
We find solace, in the mysteries of the dream.

[Verse 2]
G C
Paths untraveled, echo with a lure,
Em D
Chasing shadows, in hopes of a cure.
G C
Dreams and dread blend in the twilight,
Em D
We dance with the darkness, finding our light.

[Chorus]
G C
Horizons of the unknown,
Em D
Faraway fear, we embrace, not alone.
G C
In the realm of the unseen,
Em D
We find solace, in the mysteries of the dream.

[Bridge]
Em D
With every beat of fear,
C G
We’re drawn closer to the clear.
Em D
In the mirror of the night,
C G
We see ourselves in a different light.

[Chorus]
G C
Horizons of the unknown,
Em D
Faraway fear, we embrace, not alone.
G C
In the realm of the unseen,
Em D
We find solace, in the mysteries of the dream.

[Outro]
G C
Driving through the night, escaping the light,
Em D
Lost yet found, in the horizons of the unknown.

Fan Testimonial:

Name: Riley

Faraway Fear isn’t just a band for me, they’re a lifeline. Their music has a depth that understands my anxieties and fears. It’s like they’re right there beside me on my journey, through the uncertainties and challenges. In every tune, every word they sing, I find comfort, validation, and an unusually beautiful camaraderie. They’re my favorite band, not just because they make good music, but because they make me feel seen and understood. I feel less alone in my ‘faraway fear.’

Backstory:

Wet Knife was formed in the bustling harbors of Seattle in 2011. The band members were all employees at the same waterfront fish market and found a shared passion for music during their breaks and after-hours. Using makeshift instruments, Josh (vocals), Dave (guitar), Jeremy (bass), and Rob (drums), started playing together in the backroom of the market, using the echoes of the room to fuel their raw and unique sound. They quickly discovered they had a knack for creating music that resonated with their own hard-working, gritty experiences and decided to take their jamming sessions out of the fish market and onto the stage.

They took the name ‘Wet Knife’ as a homage to their fishmonger roots and the rough, unpolished edge that characterizes their music and lyrics. Their journey from the fish market to the music scene was not easy, but the band has gained a reputation for their electrifying performances, and their music has found a home in the hearts of many who identify with their world-weary yet hopeful message.

Genre:

Alternative Rock/Indie Grunge

Title:

“Catch of the Day”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1 – Dm, Bb, F, C)
Dm
Workin’ on the docks, under the grey sky,
Bb
Fish in the nets and the seagulls cry,
F
The waves are a rhythm, the wind’s a song,
C
We’re just here, tryin’ to get along.

(Chorus – Gm, Bb, F, C)
Gm
We’re the Catch of the Day, cast in the fray,
Bb
Life’s a storm, but we wouldn’t have it any other way,
F
With our hearts on our sleeves, and our dreams in our hands,
C
We’re the Wet Knife, makin’ our stand.

(Verse 2 – Dm, Bb, F, C)
Dm
We’ve traded fish scales for guitar strings,
Bb
From market shouts to the songs we sing,
F
The smell of salt still in our veins,
C
As we play our music in the pouring rain.

(Chorus – Gm, Bb, F, C)
Gm
We’re the Catch of the Day, in the sound we play,
Bb
Carrying the echo of the bay,
F
From the harbor’s edge to the concert stands,
C
We’re the Wet Knife, this is our band.

(Testimonial)
Favorite Fan:

Emily, a 20-year-old college student from Portland. Emily stumbled upon Wet Knife while searching for up-and-coming indie bands on a streaming platform. She was instantly hooked by their raw energy and honest lyrics. Having grown up in a small, coastal town, Emily felt an immediate connection to Wet Knife’s music.

“As someone who’s seen the tough side of life but still dreams of something bigger, Wet Knife’s music really resonates with me. Their songs feel like anthems for the underdogs, for those who dare to dream despite the odds. I’ve been a fan since the beginning and their music has seen me through some difficult times. It’s more than just music for me, it’s a beacon of hope.”

Backstory:

Fat Belief is a band that originated from the heart of Manchester, England in the early 2010s. The band is composed of four members: Alex, the lead vocalist and rhythm guitarist; Paul, the bassist and backing vocalist; George, the drummer; and John, the lead guitarist. The band was formed when Alex and Paul, school friends who had both been in different bands, decided to pursue music that was true to their hearts. They found George and John at a local music festival, and the rest, as they say, is history.

Over the years, the band has seen highs and lows, but their common love for music and dedication to their craft has kept them together. They’ve toured across Europe, played in numerous music festivals, and have built a loyal fan base. The band’s name, Fat Belief, was chosen as a testament to their conviction in their music, their larger-than-life dreams, and their unwavering belief in their potential to create great music.

Genre:
Indie Rock

Title:
“Chasing Echoes”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
Am F C G
In the midst of the city lights, we found our song,
Am F C G
Underneath the stars’ infinite throng.
Am F C G
In the whispers of the wind, in the rhythm of the rain,
Am F C G
We found a melody to ease the pain.

(Chorus)
Am F C G
We’re just chasing echoes in the night,
Am F C G
Hoping to find a whisper of the light.
Am F C G
In the rhythm of our hearts, the beats align,
Am F C G
Making music, beneath the moon’s design.

(Verse 2)
Am F C G
Through the highs, through the lows, we press on,
Am F C G
With a fat belief, we write our song.
Am F C G
In the silence of the night, in the break of the dawn,
Am F C G
We find a harmony to carry on.

(Chorus)
Am F C G
We’re just chasing echoes in the night,
Am F C G
Hoping to find a whisper of the light.
Am F C G
In the rhythm of our hearts, the beats align,
Am F C G
Making music, beneath the moon’s design.

Name of Fan:
Liam Gallagher

Testimonial:

“I’ve been a fan of Fat Belief since their first gig in Manchester. Their music resonates with me, it’s raw, it’s real, and it speaks directly to my heart. They’re not just making music here, they’re telling stories, sharing experiences, making you a part of their journey. Fat Belief is more than just a band, they’re the embodiment of the spirit of indie rock and I wouldn’t miss their gig for the world.”

Backstory:
Political Sea is a band born in the heart of San Francisco during the turbulent times of 2020. The band was formed by four friends – Leo, Mark, Hazel, and Stella – who shared a common passion for music and a desire to voice out their opinions about the socio-political issues of their time. The band’s unique blend of music and activism quickly caught on, and they gained a dedicated following in the Bay Area, leading to bigger gigs and eventually, national tours.

The band’s name, Political Sea, was a metaphorical representation of the chaotic political landscape they found themselves in. Their music was their ship, navigating through and making sense of it all. Their songs often speak about freedom, justice, and creating a better world. Unafraid to be direct and controversial, Political Sea continues to resonate with those who believe in the power of music to effect change.

Genre:
Alternative Rock/Indie Pop

Title:
“Wave of Rebellion”

Full Song Lyrics:
(Verse 1)
[C] In the heart of the city, [G] where the dreams are plenty,
[F] We built our fortress, [C] armed with melody.
[C] Tired of the silence, [G] we ignited violence,
[F] Not of arms and bloodshed, [C] but of harmony.

(Chorus)
[G] This is our wave of rebellion, [C] surf it if you dare,
[F] A song for the silent, [C] a voice for the impaired.
[G] We are the Political Sea, [C] where the currents are free,
[F] Stirring the ocean, [C] in the name of liberty.

(Verse 2)
[C] We witness the injustice, [G] buried under pretense,
[F] We strum our guitars, [C] and scream for sense.
[C] In the face of oppression, [G] we sing our confession,
[F] The anthem of resistance, [C] and self-defense.

(Chorus)
[G] This is our wave of rebellion, [C] surf it if you dare,
[F] A song for the oppressed, [C] a plea for the scared.
[G] We are the Political Sea, [C] where the truths are set free,
[F] Echoing the cry, [C] for peace and unity.

Fan’s Name: Melissa Richards

Testimonial:
“Political Sea is more than just a band to me; they’re a beacon of hope. Their music inspires me to stand up for what I believe in and encourages me to make a difference. Their lyrics are powerful, their energy is infectious, and their mission is one I can get behind. In a world that often feels scary and tumultuous, Political Sea’s music is a reminder that there is still beauty, hope, and the potential for change. They’re not just my favorite band, they’re my heroes.”