Backstory:
Formed in 2010, Alarming Punishment came together in the idyllic, yet culturally vibrant city of Asheville, North Carolina. The band’s distinctive sound is the brainchild of childhood friends and musical prodigies, Mark Hanson (lead vocals, guitar) and Jack Harlow (bass, backup vocals), who recruited virtuoso drummer, Sam Porter, and skilled keyboardist, Lily Summers, to complete the lineup. Their shared passion for creating innovative music that pushes boundaries quickly led to the formation of their band, Alarming Punishment.

Drawing influences from a vast range of artists and genres, they started playing in local clubs, quickly gathering a loyal fan base. Their bold and unique sound, combined with their intense and engaging live performances, soon caught the attention of music industry executives, leading to a promising record deal. They have since released three critically acclaimed albums, with their fourth currently in the works.

Genre: Progressive Rock/Metal

Title: “The Spiral of Sanity”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
Em7
Feel the weight of the world, it’s coming down,
Cmaj7
In the spiral of sanity, we all drown,
G
Look to the stars but there’s no escape,
D
In the labyrinth of the mind, we shape.

(Chorus)
Cmaj7
The spiral of sanity, it’s a vicious game,
G
In the vast cosmic ballet, we’re all the same,
Em7
Deconstructing reality, piece by piece,
D
In the echo chamber of thought, we seek release.

(Verse 2)
Em7
The silence screams, in the dark abyss,
Cmaj7
In the theater of life, we all dismiss,
G
The grandeur of existence, in a single breath,
D
In the maelstrom of time, we dance with death.

(Chorus)
Cmaj7
The spiral of sanity, in the cosmic swirl,
G
In the grand symphony of life, we twirl,
Em7
Seeking answers, in the confounding maze,
D
In the spiral of sanity, we set ablaze.

Favorite Fan’s Name: Jane Wilson

Testimonial:
As a music student and an avid fan, I’ve always been drawn towards experimental bands that push the envelope, and Alarming Punishment does exactly that. Their progressive rock/metal fusion, coupled with thought-provoking lyrics and intricate melodies, makes their sound truly unique. As a fan, their music constantly challenges me, inspires me, and takes me on a journey beyond the mundane. Their song, “The Spiral of Sanity”, in particular, resonates deeply with me, as it explores themes of existentialism and introspection, set to a compelling and innovative musical backdrop. Alarming Punishment isn’t just my favorite band, they’re a musical revolution.

Backstory:
Mild Show was formed in the bustling heart of Seattle, Washington, in the mid-2000s. The five-member band – consisting of Liam on vocals, Nate and Sarah on guitars, Harry on drums, and Jenna on the bass – were all college friends who shared a deep love for music. After many late-night jamming sessions in their dorm rooms, they realized their musical chemistry was undeniable and decided it was time to take their shared passion to the stage. They started performing in local bars, earning a modest following before breaking into the mainstream music scene with their unique sound and heartfelt lyrics.

Genre:
Mild Show fuses elements of Indie Rock and Pop, creating a fresh, vibrant sound that resonates deeply with their listeners.

Title:
“Paper Lanterns”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
G D Am C
Underneath the paper lanterns glow,
G D C
We found a world, we didn’t know,
G D Am C
Lost in the rhythm of the show,
G D C
In the mild, in the glow.

(Chorus)
Em C G D
We are just dreamers on a roll,
Em C G D
Underneath the lanterns, we stole,
Em C G D
In the light, we bare our soul,
Em C G D
In the mild, in the glow.

(Verse 2)
G D Am C
Stars as our sole spectator,
G D C
In this cosmic theater,
G D Am C
We danced until the morning hour,
G D C
In the mild, in the power.

(Chorus)
Em C G D
We are just dreamers on a roll,
Em C G D
Underneath the lanterns, we stole,
Em C G D
In the light, we bare our soul,
Em C G D
In the mild, in the glow.

The Band’s Favorite Fan:
The band’s favorite fan is a woman named Emily. Emily followed the band since their early days, attending every live show she could. She treasures every song, every lyric, and describes Mild Show as her favorite band because they’ve provided the soundtrack to her life. “Their music speaks to me on a personal level,” Emily says. “It’s like they’ve managed to capture the essence of my emotions and experiences and transform them into a melodic journey. Mild Show isn’t just a band to me; their music is an essential part of my life.” Emily’s unwavering support and deep connection to their music is what makes her stand out as their favorite fan.

Backstory:
Formed in the vibrant streets of Austin, Texas, Gorgeous Funding is a quirky, energetic group that got its start in 2014. The band was formed by childhood friends, drummer Tommy ‘Twister’ Jenkins and lead guitarist/vocalist Jake ‘Jubilee’ Johnson when they were just in their early twenties. They were later joined by bassist Maddie ‘Madd Hatter’ Hatfield and keyboardist ‘Silky’ Sam Ford. The band’s unique name, Gorgeous Funding, was a result of a sarcastic comment made by Tommy regarding the lack of funding they had when they first started out. They decided to keep the name as a reminder of their humble beginnings and their journey towards success in the music industry.

In the years since its formation, Gorgeous Funding has become well-known for their powerful, catchy tunes and dynamic live performances. The band quickly found success on the local scene, and their popularity has only continued to grow. Their charismatic stage presence, coupled with the raw talent of each band member, has garnered them a loyal fanbase that stretches far beyond the city limits of Austin.

Genre:
Gorgeous Funding is a Pop-Rock band with a twist of Neo-Psychedelia, reflecting their vibrant style and unconventional music influences.

Title:
“Psychic Dreamers”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
[G]Staring at the [C]stars, painted in the [Em]sky
[D]Singing tales of [G]love, beneath a moonlit [Am]high
[G]We’re psychic dreamers, [C]travelers of the [Em]night
[D]Chasing down the [G]shadows, till we find the [Am]light

(Chorus)
[G]We are the psychic [C]dreamers
[Em]Running wild beneath the [D]stars
[G]In love with the endless [C]night
[Em]Chasing dreams that are [D]ours

(Verse 2)
[G]Whirling in the [C]breeze, echoes of the [Em]night
[D]Whispering stories of [G]love, lost in starry [Am]sight
[G]We’re psychic dreamers, [C]dancing in the [Em]night
[D]Spinning tales of [G]love, under the moon’s [Am]light

(Chorus)
[G]We are the psychic [C]dreamers
[Em]Running wild beneath the [D]stars
[G]In love with the endless [C]night
[Em]Chasing dreams that are [D]ours

Band’s favorite fan:
Their favorite fan is a guy named Chuck, who has been following them since their first gig in a local bar in Austin. Chuck says, “The reason why Gorgeous Funding is my favorite band is quite simple: they have a unique energy that is absolutely contagious. Their music, their lyrics, everything about them has a depth that’s really hard to find these days. I’ve attended every single one of their concerts and their music has become a soundtrack to my life. They started from nothing and now they’re everything to their fans. That’s inspiring!”

Backstory:
Whole Cycle was born in a small town in Ohio, four friends – Mike, Nate, Sam, and Dave – sharing their love for music and the ability to create something unique and powerful. They met in high school, playing at local gigs and slowly earning their place in the hearts of the locals who awaited their performances with much anticipation. The band’s journey was not a smooth one; they juggled day jobs and college while nurturing their dream of making it big in the music industry. It was their pure passion for music and the bond they shared which held them together, making them a force to be reckoned with.

Throughout their journey, Whole Cycle has always emphasized the power of change and growth, both as individuals and as musicians. Their name also reflects this, symbolizing the cycle of life, the ups and downs, and how every end is just a new beginning. Their story is a testament to their belief in their music, their dedication to their craft, and their unwavering resilience.

Genre:
Whole Cycle’s music primarily falls under the genre of Alternative Rock, with a pinch of Indie Pop, which gives their music an edge of rawness while still maintaining an infectious catchiness.

Title:
“Riding the Waves”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
[G] Look into the distance, [D] where the road meets the sky,
[Em] Where dreams take flight, [C] and the limits are high.
[G] We’ve been through the storm, [D] we’ve danced in the rain,
[Em] We’ve felt the joy, [C] and we’ve shared the pain.

(Chorus)
[G] We’re riding the waves, [D] we’re embracing the change,
[Em] We’ve seen the whole cycle, [C] and we wouldn’t exchange.
[G] From dawn till dusk, [D] from dusk till dawn,
[Em] The cycle goes on, [C] but the music plays on.

(Verse 2)
[G] We’ve sung in the darkness, [D] we’ve laughed in the light,
[Em] We’ve held on tight, [C] with all our might.
[G] We’ve walked on the edge, [D] we’ve jumped off the cliff,
[Em] We’ve lived every moment, [C] every sigh, and every sniff.

(Chorus)
[G] We’re riding the waves, [D] we’re embracing the change,
[Em] We’ve seen the whole cycle, [C] and we wouldn’t exchange.
[G] From dawn till dusk, [D] from dusk till dawn,
[Em] The cycle goes on, [C] but the music plays on.

Band’s Favorite Fan:
The band’s favorite fan is Rachel Thompson. She has been following them since their very first gig and is their most ardent supporter. Rachel’s love for the band goes beyond just their music. She connects with their story and finds their perseverance and dedication inspiring. She says, “Whole Cycle is my favorite band, not just because they create amazing music, but because they stand for something more. Their journey is a testament to the fact that you should never give up on your dreams, no matter what. They inspire me every day.”

Backstory:
Flippant Lace, a band born in the eclectic and bohemian streets of San Francisco, was initially a duo formed by childhood friends, Jake Buckley and Milo Sanderson. Both possessed musical talents and a shared love for alternative rock from a young age. Jake, a charismatic vocalist, and Milo, a gifted guitarist, began by performing at local bars and open mic nights. Their music resonated with listeners who loved the unique blend of their soulful lyrics and edgy guitar riffs. Eventually, they added drummer, Tess McAlister and bassist, Sam Gibbons to the line-up, thus completing the quartet that is today’s Flippant Lace.

Genre:
Alternative Rock

Title:
“Kaleidoscope Dreams”

Full song lyrics:

[Verse 1]
Cmaj7 Em
Empty streets and broken hearts,
Am Em
We’re just stars apart, baby.
Cmaj7 Em
Ink-stained hands and smoky bars,
Am Em
We’re just chasing stars.

[Chorus]
G D
Oh, in kaleidoscope dreams,
Em C
We’re more than it seems.
G D
In the fray of the night,
Em C
We’re just lost in the light.

[Verse 2]
Cmaj7 Em
Scribbled thoughts on paper planes,
Am Em
We’re just playing games, darling.
Cmaj7 Em
Life’s a dance and love’s a chance,
Am Em
Guess we took our stance.

[Chorus]
G D
Oh, in kaleidoscope dreams,
Em C
We’re more than it seems.
G D
In the fray of the night,
Em C
We’re just lost in the light.

[Bridge]
Am Em Cmaj7 G
We’ll chase the horizon,
Am Em Cmaj7 G
Till the break of dawn.
Am Em Cmaj7 G
May the stars guide us,
Am Em Cmaj7 G
As we journey on.

[Chorus]
G D
Oh, in kaleidoscope dreams,
Em C
We’re more than it seems.
G D
In the fray of the night,
Em C
We’re just lost in the light.

Fan Testimonial:
Ella Thompson, an avid Flippant Lace fan explains why the band is her favorite, “Flippant Lace is more than a band to me. Their music is a transcendent experience that has gotten me through some of the toughest times in my life. The raw emotion in their lyrics, the way they blend alternative rock with soulful undertones, it’s unlike any other. And let’s not forget their amazing live performances, the energy and connection they share with their audience is simply incomparable. They’re not just musicians, they’re storytellers, and I can’t wait to see where their music journey takes them next.”

Backstory:

Definitive Borough, or “DefBro” as their fans lovingly call them, started in the heart of Chelsea, New York. The band is made up of four members: Tommy “Tone” Simons on vocals and guitar, Frankie “Frets” Russo on lead guitar, Jerry “Jazz” Sullivan on bass, and Danny “Drumbeat” O’Leary on drums. The quartet met during their stint at the New York University where they majored in various fields, but music brought them together. A late-night jam session in an empty lecture room marked the birth of their band, and before they knew it, they were performing at local bars and college festivals, slowly but surely capturing the hearts of the audience with their unique sound and heartfelt lyrics.

In an attempt to bring a fresh voice to the over-saturated music world, Definitive Borough aimed to create a sound that was a melange of their favorite genres. The band’s stories, struggles, triumphs, and their love for their home city are reflected in their deeply resonant lyrics. Their music has become a definitive part of the borough they grew up in, hence the name, Definitive Borough.

Genre:

Alternative Rock

Title:

“Sunset Skies Over Manhattan”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
Am F C G
Underneath the city lights, where we used to play,
Am F C G
Sunset skies over Manhattan, at the end of the day,
Am F C G
The hustle, the noise, passion and pain,
Am F C G
In the city that never sleeps, love remains.

(Chorus)
Dm Am F C
Oh, the streets that witnessed our youth,
Dm Am F C
Our dreams, our fights, the ultimate truth.
Dm Am F C
In those sunset skies over Manhattan,
Dm Am F C
We found love, in ways we’d never fathomed.

(Verse 2)
Am F C G
Corner cafes, graffiti walls, memories etched in stone,
Am F C G
Through winters cold, springs rebirth, our seeds were sown.
Am F C G
Brooklyn bridges, Central Park, under the city’s charm,
Am F C G
In the heart of the borough, we found our calm.

(Repeat Chorus)

(Outro)
Dm Am F C
Under the sunset skies of Manhattan,
Dm Am F C
In the definitive borough, our story is written.

Fan:

Anna Morris, a resident of Brooklyn, has been following Definitive Borough since their early days. She says, “Their music speaks to my soul. It’s like they’ve captured the essence of New York in their songs. Growing up in the city, I can relate to every lyric, every beat. It’s not just music, it’s my life in songs. DefBro has a heartfelt authenticity that’s rare to find these days. They’re not just a band to me, they’re the soundtrack of my life.”

Backstory:
Formed in the heart of Seattle’s grunge scene in 1997, Plush Island was born from the ashes of various underground bands that had already made a name for themselves locally. The original founding members, lead singer and guitarist Mason Rhys, drummer Jake Donovan, and bassist Milo Hart, had a shared vision of creating music that was raw, emotive, and unabashedly honest. They found their missing piece in keyboardist and female vocalist, Luna Matthews, who added a unique twist to their sound, making it softer, more melodic, yet still profound. Plush Island has since emerged as a beacon of underground music.

Genre:
Alternative Rock.

Title:
“Fallen Stars”.

Lyrics:
(Verse 1)
[G] Look into the night, [C] see the fallen stars,
[G] Like us, they once shone [C] bright,
[Em] Now they’re hidden in the [D] dark.

[Am] Remember how we used to be,
[G] so wild and free,
[Am] Now we’re just echoes of [D] our history.

(Chorus)
[C] Fallen stars, we [G] are,
[F] Lost in the darkness, [C] searching for a spark.
[C] Fallen stars, we [G] are,
[F] But we’ll keep on shining, [C] no matter how hard.

(Verse 2)
[G] Our dreams may have [C] died,
[G] But our spirit’s still [C] alive.
[Em] We’ll keep on fighting, [D] keep on trying,
[Am] Till we find our place in the [D] sky.

(Chorus)
[C] Fallen stars, we [G] are,
[F] Lost in the darkness, [C] searching for a spark.
[C] Fallen stars, we [G] are,
[F] But we’ll keep on shining, [C] no matter how hard.

Favorite Fan:
Katie Thompson. Katie has been a dedicated fan of Plush Island since their early days. She fell in love with their raw, genuine style and the honesty in their lyrics. The band’s music has been a constant in her life, helping her through some of her most challenging times. As a testimonial, Katie shared, “Plush Island is more than just a band to me; their music has provided a sense of solace and understanding that I’ve found nowhere else. Their song ‘Fallen Stars’ reminds me that even in our darkest times, we can still shine.”

Backstory:

Frivolous Fool, the brainchild of Alan Morris and Jessie Cruz, came into existence in 2008. Alan, a former bassist for the unsuccessful punk band ‘Lost Cause’, and Jessie, a classically-trained violinist with a penchant for indie rock, met by chance in a small coffee shop in Portland, Oregon. They bonded over their shared love of music, and after a few jam sessions fueled by coffee and creativity, Frivolous Fool was born. They began playing gig after gig, drawing in fans with their unique sound and raw energy. Over the years, the band has gone through several line-up changes but has always remained anchored by Alan and Jessie’s powerful musical partnership.

Genre:
Indie Rock

Title:
“Unraveled Threads”

Lyrics:

[Intro]
Am, G, F, C
(Verse 1)
Am, G
Underneath the city lights, we found our way
F, C
Lost in the rhythm, lost in the play
Am, G
Frivolous Fool, we were called back then,
F, C
Unaware of the journey that would begin.

(Chorus)
Am, G
Unraveled threads in our hands,
F, C
Finding hope in no man’s land
Am, G
In this chaos, we find our peace,
F, C
In our music, we find release.

(Verse 2)
Am, G
From the bustling streets to the silent night,
F, C
Our melody cuts through like a guiding light.
Am, G
Frivolous Fool, that’s what we are,
F, C
Playing our tunes under the stars.

(Chorus)
Am, G
Unraveled threads in our hands,
F, C
Finding hope in no man’s land
Am, G
In this chaos, we find our peace,
F, C
In our music, we find release.

(Outro)
Am, G, F, C
Unraveled threads, a tale to tell,
With our music, we break the spell.

Favourite Fan Testimonial:

The band’s favorite fan is named Sam. Sam has been following Frivolous Fool since their humble beginnings. He was there at their first gig at a small Portland bar, and he’s been a staunch supporter ever since. He says, “Frivolous Fool has been my favorite band for over a decade now. Their music resonates with me on a level that no other band has managed to do. It’s as if they’ve found a way to put my deepest feelings into words and melodies. The rawness, the authenticity, the energy – it’s all there in every song. Plus, Alan and Jessie are the most down-to-earth people. You can really feel the passion and dedication they put into their music.”

Backstory:
The ‘Faraway Cause’ is an Indie Rock band that started in the small, art-filled town of Asheville, North Carolina. Formed by childhood friends Alex Rieder on vocals and guitar, Jake Thompson on bass and backup vocals, Sarah Mitchell on the drums, and Leo Jameson on keyboard, Faraway Cause has been making their mark on the music scene since 2008. Their sound is characterized by a mixture of raw energy, emotional lyrics, and lush, anthemic choruses that have garnered a dedicated and diverse fan base. The name ‘Faraway Cause’ represents their shared belief in always striving for something bigger, pushing their boundaries, and making music that resonates on a universal level.

Genre: Indie Rock

Title: “Stars N’ Scars”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
[C] Looking through the [G] windowpane,
[Am] Stars and scars are [F] all the same.
[C] Trapped in moments [G] of the past,
[Am] Dancing shadows [F] won’t outlast.

(Chorus)
[C] We’re the dreamers [G] of the night,
[Am] Chasing stars till [F] morning light.
[C] Bearing stars n’ [G] scars of our plight,
[Am] In the end, we’ll [F] be alright.

(Verse 2)
[C] Cracked mirrors [G] tell no lies,
[Am] See the world in [F] broken eyes.
[C] Haunting melodies [G] replay,
[Am] The music never [F] fades away.

(Chorus)
[C] We’re the dreamers [G] of the night,
[Am] Chasing stars till [F] morning light.
[C] Bearing stars n’ [G] scars of our plight,
[Am] In the end, we’ll [F] be alright.

Favorite Fan:

Their favorite fan is a young woman named Emily. Emily was diagnosed with a chronic illness at the age of 15 and the band’s music helped her through her most challenging times. Emily says, “Faraway Cause’s music is a balm to my soul. Their lyrics resonate with my struggles and their melodies give me strength. They’ve become more than just a band to me, they’re a beacon of hope. Every time I listen to ‘Stars N’ Scars,’ I am reminded that despite all the challenges, in the end, I’ll be alright. Faraway Cause is my favorite band because they’ve given me a cause to believe in.”

Backstory:
Annual Reason was born out of a shared love for music and a belief that it could provide an escape from the monotony of life. Band members Austin, Marco, Lily, and Nate all met in college, initially bonding over their shared major – psychology. After spending countless hours studying together, they began playing music to blow off steam. One jam session led to another, and soon they found themselves creating original music. Together, they found that music gave them a reason to look forward to the next day, or in their case, the next year, hence the band name, Annual Reason.

After graduating, they decided to pursue music full-time, using the knowledge they gained from their study of psychology to create music that resonates deeply with their listeners. Their songs often evoke intense emotions and challenge listeners to question their perceptions of reality. Annual Reason is more than a band, it’s a movement meant to inspire and challenge the status quo.

Genre:
Alternative Rock

Title:
“Fallen Echoes”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
Em – G – D – A
Listen close, hear the sound,
it’s a whisper, it’s a cry,
it’s the echo of a love,
once strong now it has died.

(Chorus)
C – G – Am – Em
Fallen Echoes, Silent Screams,
Broken dreams, beneath moonbeams,
Can you hear it, the melodic pain,
Through the sunshine, through the rain.

(Verse 2)
Em – G – D – A
In the mirror, reflections lie,
Can’t hide the sorrow, in your eyes,
Fallen Echoes, they tell the tale,
Of a love, that was so frail.

(Chorus)
C – G – Am – Em
Fallen Echoes, Silent Screams,
Shattered hearts, and lost dreams,
Can you feel it, the rhythmic fears,
Through the laughter, through the tears.

(Bridge)
F – G – C – D
Sing with me, this mournful song,
A love that right, turned so wrong,
Fallen Echoes, let them be,
A testament of you and me.

(Chorus)
C – G – Am – Em
Fallen Echoes, Silent Screams,
Lost in time, like waking dreams,
Can you taste it, the bitter sweet,
Through the triumph, through defeat.

Fan’s Name and Testimonial:
My name is Sarah and Annual Reason is my favorite band, not just because of their music, but also for what they represent. Their lyrics are so profound, they touch the soul and force you to see things from a different perspective. As someone who has always struggled with expressing emotions, their music has helped me understand and process my feelings in a more positive way. Every time I listen to “Fallen Echoes”, I feel a sense of catharsis. Their music is not just entertainment, it’s therapy. And that’s why Annual Reason is my favorite band.