Backstory:
Formed in the gloomy back alleys of Seattle in 2011, Usable Disappointment was the brainchild of a group of friends bound by their mutual love for music and their shared disdain for the monotony of life. The band was created as a way to channel their frustration and disappointment into something they could consider ‘usable’. Thus, the name Usable Disappointment was chosen. The band comprises of lead vocalist Roy, guitarist Mike, bassist Sandy, and drummer Tim. Despite their contrasting personalities, they managed to connect on a deep level and used their collective creativity to produce an eclectic mix of music that soon caught the attention of the local music scene.

Genre:
Alternative Rock

Title:
“Drowning In The Shallow”

Full song lyrics:

Verse 1 (Am, C, G, D):
In the depth of the shallow end, (Am)
I find myself again, (C)
Surrounded by the echoes, (G)
Of what could have been. (D)

Chorus (C, G, Am, F):
Are we just drowning, drowning in the shallow? (C)
Our dreams washed away, in the undertow. (G)
We’re just usable disappointments, (Am)
Finding comfort in the sorrow. (F)

Verse 2 (Am, C, G, D):
Against the tide, we fight, (Am)
With all our might, (C)
But the currents of reality, (G)
Pull us back into the night. (D)

Chorus (C, G, Am, F):
Are we just drowning, drowning in the shallow? (C)
Our hopes sinking in the hollow. (G)
We’re just usable disappointments, (Am)
Embracing the morrow. (F)

Band’s Favorite Fan:
The band’s favorite fan is Mary, a university student from Minneapolis. Mary discovered Usable Disappointment while going through a particularly tough time in her life and their music resonated with her. She felt a deep connection to the band’s lyrics, which she describes as “painfully beautiful”.

Testimonial:
“I stumbled upon Usable Disappointment in the darkest period of my life. Their music, especially ‘Drowning In The Shallow’, became my solace. It felt as if they understood my struggles and frustrations. Their raw, powerful lyrics combined with the deeply moving compositions made me feel seen and heard. They’re not just a band for me, they’re a beacon of hope.”

Backstory:

‘Masculine Average’ was born out of a small garage in Boston, Massachusetts, in the summer of 2010. Childhood friends and aspiring musicians, Joe Riley (vocals), Sam O’Reilly (drums), Casey O’Boyle (bass), and twin brothers Ryan and Sean Kerrigan (guitars), embarked on a journey to create a unique sound that resonated with their shared life experiences. They were just average guys with a shared passion for music, thus birthing the name ‘Masculine Average’.

Armed with a tremendous determination and an unwavering spirit, ‘Masculine Average’ pushed through numerous gigs and performances at local bars and college campuses. Their music, filled with raw energy and honest lyrics, quickly found a fan base in the city. They managed to turn their ‘average’ into something extraordinary, a band that didn’t have to rely on gimmicks but rather the strength of their music.

Genre:

Alternative Rock

Title:

“Every Man’s Anthem”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
[A] Walking down the [E] same old road,
[F#m] Every story’s been [D] told and sold,
[A] Look to the [E] mirror, what do you [D] see?
[F#m] Another average Joe, [E] just like me.

(Chorus)
[D] We are the [A] voice, we are the [E] song,
[F#m] Living our lives, [D] just playing along,
[D] From dusk till [A] dawn, we’ll [E] keep holding on,
[F#m] This is every man’s [E] anthem, we’re [D] masculine average, standing strong.

(Verse 2)
[A] Bottle of beer, a [E] ragged tee,
[F#m] Dreams are far, but [D] hearts are free,
[A] Struggling, striving, [E] trying to be,
[F#m] More than an average man, [E] can’t you see?

(Repeat Chorus)

The band’s favorite fan’s name:

Liam Thompson

Testimonial:

“As an average guy trying to make it through life, ‘Masculine Average’ resonates with me on so many levels. Their music speaks to me, makes me feel seen and heard. Their song ‘Every Man’s Anthem’ is like my life put into words. It’s like they peeked into my life, took my feelings, and turned it into this powerful song. I’ve followed them since their first gig at a local bar in Boston, and I’ve seen them grow into this phenomenal band. Their sound is raw, their lyrics are honest, and their passion is palpable. They make me believe that being average is not a disadvantage but a strength. ‘Masculine Average’ is not just my favorite band; they’re my voice, my anthem.”

Backstory:

Impressive Flame was birthed in the heart of the bustling city of Austin, Texas back in 2012. Comprised of four childhood friends, Jack Harris (lead vocals), Mike Taylor (drummer), Samuel Wilson (bass guitarist), and Mark Johnson (lead guitarist), the band’s unique bond dates back to their elementary school days when they discovered their shared passion for music. After numerous impromptu jams in their parents’ garages and some high school talent shows, they decided to take their passion to the next level and thus, Impressive Flame was ignited.

Over the years, they have stuck to their roots, crafting music that is true to their experiences and emotions. Their commitment to authenticity and the raw connection they share with their audience has turned them into a well-respected name on the indie music scene. Through the ups and downs of their journey, they have kept their flame burning, always impressive and always passionate.

Genre:
Indie Rock

Title:
“Flickering Shadows”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
Em G D A
Lost souls wandering, in the night,
Em G D A
Seeking solace, in the dim light.
Em G D A
Stories untold, hearts unlaid,
Em G D A
We’re all soldiers, in our own crusade.

(Chorus)
Em G D A
Flickering shadows, under the moon’s glare,
Em G D A
An impressive flame, beyond compare.
Em G D A
In the darkness, we find our way,
Em G D A
With our passion, we light the day.

(Verse 2)
Em G D A
Through trials and tribulations, we stride,
Em G D A
With the rhythm, as our guide.
Em G D A
Never faltering, never tamed,
Em G D A
We’re the impressive flame, unashamed.

(Chorus)
Em G D A
Flickering shadows, under the moon’s glare,
Em G D A
An impressive flame, beyond compare.
Em G D A
In the darkness, we find our way,
Em G D A
With our passion, we light the day.

Favorite Fan:

The band’s favorite fan is a woman named Lilly Thompson. Lilly discovered Impressive Flame at a small bar in Austin shortly after the band was formed. She was immediately captivated by their authenticity and the depth of their lyrics. Here’s a testimonial from Lilly: “Impressive Flame’s music resonates with me on a deeply personal level. Their songs capture life’s raw emotions and experiences in a way that is both cathartic and empowering. Their passion ignites my own internal flame, reminding me of my strength even in the face of adversity. They are more than just a band to me, they are the soundtrack to my life’s journey.”

Backstory:
“Quiet Management” was formed in the bustling city of London by four friends who were passionate about sharing their unique perspective of the world through their music. The band’s inception is rooted in a pub that the friends used to frequent. On one particular night, while witnessing a chaotic band play, they found peace in the commotion and decided to form a band right there. With a shared love for indie-pop tunes and alternative rock, they began to practice and create their brand of sound, showcasing their creativity and authenticity. Their passion for music and dedication towards their craft led them to release their first self-titled EP, which accelerated their journey from small pub gigs to headlining festivals nationwide.

Genre:
Alternative Indie-pop

Title:
“Underneath the Neon Lights”

Full Song Lyrics:
(Verse 1)
[C] Underneath the neon lights, [G] we found our place to hide.
[Am] In the silence of the night, [F] our hearts began to collide.
[C] We danced with the shadows, [G] in rhythm, in stride,
[Am] Breaking down the barriers, [F] with nothing to hide.

(Chorus)
[C] Can you hear the whispers [G] in the quiet management of the night?
[Am] They speak of our stories, [F] beneath the city’s bright lights.
[C] We may be just silhouettes [G] dancing in the twilight,
[Am] But our echoes will linger [F] in the echoes of the midnight.

(Verse 2)
[C] Lost in the labyrinth, [G] we found our way,
[Am] Through the noise and clutter, [F] we found our day.
[C] In the quiet corners, [G] where secrets lay,
[Am] We found our rhythm, [F] we found our play.

(Chorus)
[C] Can you hear the whispers [G] in the quiet management of the night?
[Am] They speak of our stories, [F] beneath the city’s bright lights.
[C] We may be just silhouettes [G] dancing in the twilight,
[Am] But our echoes will linger [F] in the echoes of the midnight.

The bands favorite fan’s name and why and how this band is their favorite as a testimnial:
Their favorite fan is a woman named Charlotte, who has been their support system right from their pub gig days. Charlotte says, “Quiet Management isn’t just a band to me, it’s an emotion. Their music has been my solace during my hardest days and my joy during my best. They don’t just create music; they create a safe space for their listeners. The authenticity of their lyrics intertwined with their melodic tunes forms a unique bond with anyone who listens to them. They are not just my favorite band; they are my quiet escape in this loud world.”

Backstory:

Trivial Merger was formed in 2009 in a basement in downtown Seattle. The founding members, Ben Carter and Matt Gordon, were college roommates who shared a mutual passion for music. After several late-night jam sessions and a few modest gigs at local bars, they decided to take their passion to the next level. They recruited their talented friends, bassist Amy Baker and drummer Kyle Thompson, and formed Trivial Merger, a nod to their seemingly inconsequential beginnings that eventually resulted in a dynamic fusion of talent and creativity.

The band first gained recognition with their unique blend of rock and blues, which resonated with a wide audience. They quickly built a strong local following and eventually caught the attention of a prominent record label. Their debut album, “Merge Without Warning,” was a commercial success, solidifying their place in the music industry. Despite their growing fame, Trivial Merger remains grounded, staying true to their roots and continuing to connect with their fans through their raw and relatable music.

Genre:
Rock/Blues Fusion

Title:
“Confluence of Feelings”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
Em C G D
Washed out dreams, on the freeway of minds,
Em C G D
We resonate, in the confluence of feelings, we find.

(Chorus)
Am C G D
Trivial merger, we’re not just a band,
Am C G D
We’re the voice of the unheard, making a stand.

(Verse 2)
Em C G D
In the rhythm, we find solace, as the beat unwinds,
Em C G D
Raw emotions run deep, in the confluence of feelings, we find.

(Chorus)
Am C G D
Trivial merger, we’re here to command,
Am C G D
The stage is our battlefield, guitar in hand.

(Bridge)
F C G Am
Strumming tales of pain and joy, of love lost and found,
F C G Am
With each note, we merge our souls, to the resounding sound.

(Chorus)
Am C G D
Trivial merger, we’re the rock and roll brand,
Am C G D
Singing for the broken, the brave, and the damned.

Favorite Fan:

Our biggest fan is Jamie Wheeler. Jamie has been with us since our very first gig at a local bar in Seattle. He has attended every concert, owns every album, and is always the first in line for meet-and-greets. But it’s not just his loyalty that makes him special; it’s his unwavering belief in our music.

Testimonial:
“Trivial Merger is more than just a band to me; they’re a lifeline. Their music speaks to me on a level that nothing else does. It’s raw, it’s real, and it’s incredibly relatable. It has helped me through some really tough times. They’re not just musicians; they’re storytellers, painting vivid pictures with their lyrics and melodies. I’ll always be their number one fan.” – Jamie Wheeler

Backstory:
Lame Tale, an enigmatic band founded in 1990 in the vibrant city of Seattle, rose like a phoenix from the ashes of a now-forgotten punk rock group. The band’s founding members, lead singer Alex Hart and bassist Dean Walker, met at a local open mic night and bonded over their shared love of innovative musical storytelling. After scouring the city’s independent music scene, they welcomed guitarist Sam Mitchell and drummer Eddie White into the fold. With the line-up complete, Lame Tale set out to redefine the norms of the music world, blending soulful lyrics with a contemporary rock sound.

Despite facing numerous obstacles along their journey, including several changes in the band’s lineup and a temporary split in the late ’90s, Lame Tale managed to stay relevant in the ever-evolving music scene. Their resilience and passion for music led to their breakout success in 2002 with their debut album ‘One Story Too Many’. Since then, the band has continued to captivate audiences worldwide through their unique blend of hard-hitting beats and poignant storytelling.

Genre:
Alternative Rock

Title:
“Shattered Mirrors”

Full song lyrics:

(Verse 1)
[C] Look into the eyes of the past
[D] Find the pieces of a love that didn’t last
[Em] Like shattered mirrors on our path
[D] Reflecting moments that we thought would always last

(Chorus)
[G] Shattered mirrors, [D] broken dreams
[Em] Lost in time, [C] or so it seems
[G] Memories fade, [D] like whispers in the wind
[Em] But in our hearts, [C] it’s where they’ve always been

(Verse 2)
[C] Echoes of laughter, lost in the rain
[D] Chasing shadows, trying to ease the pain
[Em] Shattered mirrors, the pieces remain
[D] Reflections of a love, we’ll never regain.

(Chorus)
[G] Shattered mirrors, [D] broken dreams
[Em] Lost in time, [C] or so it seems
[G] Memories fade, [D] like whispers in the wind
[Em] But in our hearts, [C] it’s where they’ve always been

Favorite Fan:
Lame Tale’s most dedicated fan is undoubtedly Kevin Johnson, a mechanic from Ohio. Kevin first heard Lame Tale’s music during a challenging period in his life. He recounts, “Their raw and honest lyrics touched my soul. It was like they were singing my story. They have a unique way of turning life’s hardships into relatable music. It’s therapeutic.” Kevin has since seen the band live over 30 times and even sports a tattoo of the band’s logo on his arm. His favorite song is ‘Shattered Mirrors’, which he claims helped him overcome a painful break-up. He concludes, “Lame Tale isn’t just a band to me; they’re like a beacon of hope in a sometimes dark world.”

Backstory:
Zigzag Mystery didn’t start out as a band, but rather as a college project between four friends at the University of Leeds in 2012. Daniel Martin, the lead vocalist and guitarist, came up with the idea of creating music that defined their unique personalities. He was soon joined by his childhood friend and roomie, Sam Thompson, a prodigious drummer. Emily Griffith, a pianist and violinist, and Richard Doyle, a bassist, would later join the band, completing the ensemble that would soon become known as Zigzag Mystery. They started playing at a local pub in Leeds, which led to their discovery by a music producer. Their rise came as a surprise to many, hitting the charts with an eclectic fusion that felt raw and fresh, sweeping the music industry off its feet.

Genre:
Indie Rock/Alternative

Title:
“Shadows on Canvas”

Full Song Lyrics:
(V1)
[C] Walking down the [Am] avenue in the [Em] darkest blue,
[G]Painting all the [C] shadows on the [D] canvas of the [G] moon.
[C] Remembering the [Am] times we shared, the [Em] laughter and the [G] tears,
[C] You were the [Am] melody in the [D] symphony of [G] years.

(Chorus)
[C] Shadows on canvas, [G] echoes in halls,
[Am] We’re just a memory, [Em] trapped within these walls.
[C] You were the rhythm, [G] I was the rhyme,
[Am] Lost in the echoes, [Em] faded out of [D] time.

(V2)
[C] Sketching out the [Am] silhouette of your [Em] sweet smile,
[G] Each brush stroke [C] a testament of [D] every lost [G] mile.
[C] Your laughter still [Am] resonates, a [Em] harmonious tune,
[G] A star that [C] burned out too [D] soon.

(Chorus)
[C] Shadows on canvas, [G] echoes in halls,
[Am] We’re just a memory, [Em] trapped within these walls.
[C] You were the rhythm, [G] I was the rhyme,
[Am] Lost in the echoes, [Em] faded out of [D] time.

(Bridge)
[G] We’re a masterpiece [D] lost in the dusk,
[Em] A symphony on canvas, [C] concealed in the husk.
[G] We’ll dance with the [D] shadows, till the break of [C] dawn,
[G] Until our echo is [D] finally gone.

(Chorus)
[C] Shadows on canvas, [G] echoes in halls,
[Am] We’re just a memory, [Em] trapped within these walls.
[C] You were the rhythm, [G] I was the rhyme,
[Am] Lost in the echoes, [Em] faded out of [D] time.

(Outro)
[C] Shadows on canvas, [G] echoes once loud,
[Am] We’re just a melody, [Em] lost in the [D] crowd.

Favorite Fan:
The band’s favorite fan is a high school student named Tom Peterson. Tom stumbled upon Zigzag Mystery during a time when he felt alone and unheard. He instantly connected with their soulful lyrics and raw music. He says, “Zigzag Mystery is not just a band; they’re my lifeline. Their music sees me, understands me. It feels like a friend at the end of a long, hard day. Their song ‘Shadows on Canvas’ is my anthem. It’s as if they’ve put my feelings into words and melody. Their music is a zigzag road of emotions, a mystery of feelings waiting to be discovered.” Tom

Backstory:
Dear Leisure is an indie-pop band formed in 2012, hailing from the vibrant city of Seattle, Washington. The group consists of lead vocalist and guitarist, Andrew, keyboardist and background vocalist, Lily, bassist, Danny, and drummer, Jake. The friends who had previously played in different bands during their high school years, united their mutual love for music and created Dear Leisure. The band name was inspired by their shared sentiment of making music for leisure and love rather than for profit or fame. They gained local fame quickly, known for their electrifying live performances and distinct, uplifting sound.

Over the years, their sound has evolved, incorporating elements of synth-pop, folk, and even jazz into their music. They released their self-titled independent album in 2014, which was well received by critics and fans alike. This ignited a loyal fan base and several opportunities for touring around the country.

Genre: Indie-Pop

Title: “Kaleidoscope Dreams”

Full Song Lyrics:
(Verse)
G
Waking up to the sound of the rain,
Em
In the city of dreams, it’s another day.
C
Can’t help but think of you,
D
In this kaleidoscope view.

(Chorus)
G
We’re chasing kaleidoscope dreams,
Em
In a world that isn’t what it seems.
C
Hand in hand, we’re breaking free,
D
In our kaleidoscope dreams, you and me.

(Verse)
G
Walking along the city streets,
Em
Feeling the rhythm, the city’s heartbeat.
C
Every color, every hue,
D
Reminds me of days spent with you.

(Chorus)
G
We’re chasing kaleidoscope dreams,
Em
In a city that’s bursting at the seams.
C
Hand in hand, we’re making history,
D
In our kaleidoscope dreams, just you and me.

Favorite Fan Name: Sarah

Testimonial:
“Dear Leisure is hands down my favorite band. Their music isn’t just something to listen to, it’s something to feel. From their heartfelt lyrics to their energetic performances, they never fail to add color to my day. As a fan, you don’t just feel like a spectator; you feel part of a community, part of the music. ‘Kaleidoscope Dreams’ is my personal favorite. The lyrics resonate with me and the tune is just so catchy. It’s a song that always lifts my spirits and makes me believe in the beauty of dreams and love.”

Backstory:
Mountainous Record is a band born in the heart of Denver, Colorado. The four members, Eddie Johnson, Mike Stone, Laura Mitchell, and Ricky Davis, discovered their shared passion for music in high school. Their individual music tastes were as diverse as their personalities, but they found a common ground in music that told a story and reflected their love for Colorado’s vast landscapes. They named their band ‘Mountainous Record’ as an homage to their roots, and to express their combined love for the majestic Rockies where they grew up. They formed in 2007 and played at local bars and gigs, gradually gaining popularity within their city. The band’s breakout moment happened in 2012 when their song, “Rocky Peaks” went viral online, propelling them to national stardom.

Genre:
Mountainous Record primarily produces indie folk-rock music.

Title:
“Echoes of the Valley”

Full Song Lyrics with Chord Progression:

(Verse 1 – G, Am, C, G)
On the banks of the river, under the sapphire sky,
Where the wind whispers secrets, and leaves sigh,
I lost my heart to the echoes of the valley,
In the shadows of mountains, where we used to lie.

(Chorus – D, Em, C, G)
Echoes of the valley, tell our story,
Tales of love, and warmth, and glory
In the heart of the Rockies, we found our tune,
In the silence of the night, under the silver moon.

(Verse 2 – G, Am, C, G)
The bubbling brooks, the towering pines,
In the heart of the forest, where the sun shines
I found my rhythm in the echoes of the valley,
In the heart of nature, where we drew our lines.

(Chorus – D, Em, C, G)
Echoes of the valley, sing our song,
In the melody of mountains, where we belong.
Through the seasons of love, through the changing time,
In the echoes of the valley, our love will chime.

Bands Favorite Fan:
Mountainous Record’s favorite fan is a woman named Sarah Thompson. Sarah first heard their music while studying in Denver and has been an avid fan ever since. She has attended every concert and even followed them on their national tour. She says, “Mountainous Record is my favorite band because their music is a beautiful blend of folk and rock, and the lyrics are deep, touching, and connect me to nature in a way no other band does. Their music feels like coming home to my beloved Colorado. It’s the soundtrack of my life.”

Backstory:
Mortified Hill was formed in an old, haunted house atop a hill in the rural town of Salem, Massachusetts. The founding members, Dan “Raven” Blackwood on vocals, Tony “Scarecrow” Tillerman on the bass guitar, Bobby “Ghost” White on the drums, and Sally “Bat” Brimstone on the lead guitar, were brought together by their mutual love for rock music and the supernatural. They drew inspiration from their eerie surroundings, spinning tales of ghostly apparitions, mystical happenings, and the unknown, thus creating music that resonated with the outcasts, the misfits, and the lovers of the occult and the macabre.

Their debut album, “Spectral Serenades”, released in 2010, quickly gained a cult following. The chilling melodies, haunting harmonies, and ghostly narratives in their songs resonated with fans who felt seen and understood. Mortified Hill continues to make music that embraces the odd, the misunderstood, and the eerie, enchanting their listeners with their unique blend of rock and supernatural storytelling.

Genre:
Gothic Rock

Title:
“Whispering Shadows”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
Em C G D
In the silent halls of the deserted manor,
Em C G D
Echoes of the past, like a haunting banner.
Em C G D
Pale moonlight dancing on the cobwebbed chandelier,
Em C G D
Shadows whispering tales of yesteryears.

(Chorus)
Am C G D
Whispering Shadows, in the heart of night,
Am C G D
Speak to me in your ghostly light.
Am C G D
Tell your tales, oh spirits of the bygone,
Am C G D
I’m listening in the pale light of the dawn.

(Verse 2)
Em C G D
In the lonely corridors, hear the echoes of laughter,
Em C G D
Of love lost and found, and the tears thereafter.
Em C G D
Through the cold drafts, feel a spectral caress,
Em C G D
In this house of ghosts, I am the guest.

(Chorus)
Am C G D
Whispering Shadows, in the heart of night,
Am C G D
Speak to me in your ghostly light.
Am C G D
Tell your tales, oh spirits of the bygone,
Am C G D
I’m listening in the pale light of the dawn.

Favorite Fan:
Their favorite fan is Jennifer “Gothgirl” Stevens. Jennifer first stumbled upon Mortified Hill’s music during a particularly tough period in her life. She was immediately drawn to the band because their music resonated with her. “Mortified Hill is not just a band, but a sanctuary for people like me,” she says. “They’ve given a voice to the misfits and the misunderstood. Their music is a safe space where I feel seen, heard, and understood. Their songs are like spells, enchanting, comforting, and empowering.” For Jennifer, Mortified Hill is more than just a favorite band, they are her tribe, her family.