Backstory:

Formed in the heart of Chicago in 2015, ‘Admirable Crook’ was born from an unlikely friendship between a blues guitarist from the South and an indie drummer from the Midwest. Both were seeking to break the molds of their music styles and desired something different, something that could change the game. This shared ambition led to an alliance, uniting their unique sounds into one cohesive, groundbreaking whole. They found an old garage and spent countless hours experimenting with various sounds and crafting their unique musical style.

After a year, they were joined by a classically trained keyboardist and a jazz bassist. Together, they evolved into ‘Admirable Crook’, a band with a distinctive sound that pushes the boundaries of conventional music genres. Their music resonates with people across the globe, and the band continues to captivate audiences with their innovative fusion of styles.

Genre:

Admirable Crook’s music genre is a unique fusion of Blues, Indie, Jazz and Classical, which they’ve dubbed “Indie Jazz-Blues.”

Title:

“One More Dime”

Full song lyrics:

(V)
[C] Used to walk [Am] down the line
[G] One more dime, [F] one more time

[C] She left me [Am] hanging dry
[G] No reason why, [F] no goodbye

(Chorus)
[G] Now I’m searching [F] for a sign,
[C] One more dime, [Am] one more time

[V]
[C] Beneath the city [Am] lights so bright
[G] I lost sight, [F] of the night

[C] Not a word, [Am] not a rhyme
[G] Just one dime, [F] to call her mine

(Chorus)
[G] Now I’m lost in [F] this design,
[C] One more dime, [Am] one more time

[Bridge]
[Am] Just a crook, [G] with a dream
[F] Running from, [C] what I’ve been

(Chorus)
[G] Need a chance to [F] realign,
[C] One more dime, [Am] one more time

(Outro)
[C] Used to walk [Am] down the line
[G] One last dime, [F] for the last time

Fan’s Testimonial:

My name is Patricia Meyers, and I am a 54-year-old music lover from Chicago. Admirable Crook is my absolute favorite band for many reasons. The fusion of genres they’ve created is something I’ve never heard before. Their music breaks conventional boundaries and has a level of depth and creativity that is truly admirable. “One More Dime” is a song that has a special place in my heart. It’s so raw and relatable. It’s a perfect blend of soulful blues and energetic indie, with a touch of jazz and classic influence. Admirable Crook’s music has been a constant in my life, providing comfort, joy, and inspiration.

Backstory:
“That Prince” was born from the need to break boundaries. Its members – Robby on vocals/guitar, Tommy on drums, and Jimmy on bass – met in a small town in Nebraska, where their distinct sound was almost alien to the country and rock music dominating their local scene. Against the odds and the conventional, they relentlessly pursued their unique sound, which would end up defining their identity.

The band’s name, “That Prince,” was inspired by an eccentric old man in their town known as Prince. Prince was a music lover who owned an old record store and introduced the boys to a variety of music, from funk to reggae, punk to blues. He would always tell them, “Music isn’t about fitting in, it’s about standing out.” They named the band in his honor, vowing to stand out with their music just like Prince himself.

Genre:
Indie Pop / Alternative Rock

Title:
“Echoes in the Shadows”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
[G] Walking down the [D] street, beneath the [Em] neon lights [C]
[G] Shadows dancing [D] as we’re chasing [Em] the night [C]
[G] Memories of us, [D] they’re playing in my [Em] mind [C]
[G] Your laughter’s echoing, [D] in the corners of the [Em] time [C]

(Chorus)
[D] Echoes in the shadows, [G] whispers in the wind
[Em] You’re the song, the rhythm, [C] under my skin
[D] Dance with me darling, [G] until the light begins
[Em] We’re nothing but echoes, [C] in the shadows of the sin

(Verse 2)
[G] City sleeps but [D] we’re awake, lost in [Em] our secret place [C]
[G] Talking about dreams and [D] fantasies, in our own [Em] space [C]
[G] Your touch lingers on, [D] as the dawn breaks [Em] the night [C]
[G] Leaving me with echoes, [D] of a love that felt so [Em] right [C]

(Chorus)
[D] Echoes in the shadows, [G] whispers in the wind
[Em] You’re the song, the rhythm, [C] under my skin
[D] Dance with me darling, [G] until the light begins
[Em] We’re nothing but echoes, [C] in the shadows of the sin

Fan Testimonial:
Name: Sarah Thompson

“I fell in love with That Prince the first time I heard ‘Echoes in the Shadows’. Their music hits you right in the feels. It’s raw, it’s real, and it’s different. It’s like they’re not just playing the music, they’re living it. Robby’s voice is so hauntingly beautiful, it sends shivers down my spine every time. And the lyrics… they speak to my soul. I’ve never connected with a band this way before. They’re my favorite because they’re not afraid to be different, to stand out, just like the Prince they were named after.”

Backstory:

Carefree Shake was born in the heart of Nashville in 2012 when a bunch of high school friends decided to take their shared love for music a step further. The group consists of lead vocalist and guitarist Sam Healy, drummer Joe Taylor, bassist Pete Andrews, and keyboardist Lily Clark. The quartet began by playing at small local events and school functions, gaining a steady fan base with their infectious energy and unique sound.

Their breakout moment came in 2015 when they were discovered by a talent scout at a local music festival. Since then, they’ve been creating waves in the music industry with their captivating blend of rootsy rock and poignant lyrics. In spite of their quick rise to fame, they’ve managed to stay grounded, often reminiscing about their early days playing for friends in their school auditorium.

Genre:

Alternative Country-Rock

Title:

“Fireflies and Moonshine”

Full Song Lyrics:

[Verse 1]
C G Am F
Under a blanket of stars
C G Am F
With our old beat-up guitars
C G Am F
We’d sing the night away
C G Am F
In our carefree, reckless way

[Chorus]
C G Am F
Fireflies and moonshine, our innocent crime
C G Am F
Lost in the rhythm, lost track of time
C G Am F
A melody of memories, a harmony so fine
C G Am F
Fireflies and moonshine, those days were prime

[Verse 2]
C G Am F
We danced in the pale moonlight
C G Am F
Our hearts wild and bright
C G Am F
Chasing dreams, chasing life
C G Am F
Oh, those endless summer nights

[Chorus]
C G Am F
Fireflies and moonshine, our innocent crime
C G Am F
Lost in the rhythm, lost track of time
C G Am F
A melody of memories, a harmony so fine
C G Am F
Fireflies and moonshine, those days were prime.

Favorite Fan:

Our favorite fan is Emily Johnson. Emily’s been with us since our very first gig at the school auditorium. She’s been with us through thick and thin, braving all the small dive bars and crowded music festivals. Emily said, “Carefree Shake is my favorite band because they’ve stayed true to their roots. Their music speaks of simple times, youth, and the beauty of life. It’s easy to lose yourself in the melody and feel a sense of comfort and nostalgia. I can’t wait to see where their journey takes them.”

Backstory:
Metallic Sex was formed in the heart of New York City’s underground rock scene in the late 80s. Its members, all of whom came from different walks of life, found common ground in their shared love for music that was both electrifying and provocative. Lead vocalist, Spike Hellion, was a former construction worker with a voice that could rattle buildings; guitarist, Johnny ‘Blade’ Sabre was a classically trained musician gone rogue; drummer, Axel Crash, was a street performer who beat rhythms on trash cans and bassist, Maxx Steel, was a quiet tech genius. They began playing in dingy bars and underground clubs, their unique sound slowly but surely attracting a dedicated following. Their music is a blend of raw energy, unbridled passion, and a touch of the uncanny, reflecting the grit and glamour of the city they call home.

Genre:
Heavy Metal/Glam Rock

Title:
“Electric Desire”

Full Song Lyrics:
Verse: [Am, G, D, E]
In the city lights, where the shadows dance,
A siren’s song, lures me in her trance.
Her eyes of fire, and lips of sin,
Pull me deeper, in the chaos within.

Chorus: [C, G, D, E]
Electric Desire, burns like a wire,
In the heart of the city, fuels my fire.
Metallic Sex, in neon lights,
Living for the rush, in the endless nights.

Verse: [Am, G, D, E]
She’s a mystery, in the urban maze,
A goddess of neon, in the smoky haze.
Her touch is toxic, her love’s a hex,
In her electric arms, I’m lost in Metallic Sex.

Chorus: [C, G, D, E]
Electric Desire, burns like a wire,
With a heart on fire, I dance on the pyre.
Metallic Sex, under the moon’s flex,
Lost in the rhythm, of the night’s reflex.

Fan’s Name:
Billy ‘Banger’ Thompson

Testimonial:
“I’ve been a die-hard fan of Metallic Sex since their first gig in a dingy bar in Brooklyn. The raw energy, the pure passion in their music, it’s like nothing I’ve ever heard before. From Spike’s thunderous vocals to Blade’s ripping guitar solos, from Crash’s explosive drum beats to Steel’s thumping bass lines – it’s a sonic assault that leaves you begging for more. They’re not just a band, they’re a movement, a rebellion against the ordinary. I’ve seen them play over a hundred times and each show is a new experience. Metallic Sex isn’t just music, it’s a lifestyle!”

Backstory:
Burdensome Mum is a British band that originated in the small town of Blackpool, England in the late 1990s. The group’s four members, vocalist and guitarist Jason Crowley, bassist Tim Reynolds, drummer Dave Hancock, and keyboardist Sarah Mitchell, met at a local pub’s open mic night and bonded over their shared love of music and dissatisfaction with routine life. The name ‘Burdensome Mum’ was chosen as an ironic nod to the group members’ collective realization that their mothers, while loving and supportive, sometimes offered life advice that felt more like a burden. Their music became a form of rebellion and escape from the expectations their families had for them, and this emotion has resonated deeply with their fans.

Genre:
Alternative Rock

Title:
“Halfway to Nowhere”

Full song lyrics:
(Verse 1)
[G] Woke up this morning, [D] to the same old scene,
[Am] Dreams of rebellion, [C] lost in routine,
[G] Mum’s got advice, [D] she’s keen to share,
[Am] But her words are heavy [C], like a cross to bear.

(Chorus)
[D] Burdensome Mum, [C] you’re driving me wild,
[G] Your love is a cage, [D] I’m still your child.
[Am] I’m halfway to nowhere, [C] fighting the tide,
[G] With your burdensome love, [D] there’s nowhere to hide.

(Verse 2)
[G] Lost in the city, [D] trying to break free,
[Am] From the chains of the past, [C] that won’t let me be,
[G] Your words echo, [D] in the back of my mind,
[Am] They’re heavy and hollow, [C] and I’m done being kind.

(Chorus)
[D] Burdensome Mum, [C] you’re driving me mad,
[G] Your love is a weight, [D] that’s making me sad.
[Am] I’m halfway to nowhere, [C] chasing a dream,
[G] With your burdensome love, [D] I just want to scream.

Fan’s name: Sophie Turner
Testimonial:
“I’ve been a fan of Burdensome Mum since their debut album. Their music speaks directly to my experiences growing up in a small town and feeling the pressure to conform to societal expectations. The song ‘Halfway to Nowhere’ especially resonates with me. The band’s raw emotion, thought-provoking lyrics, and powerful tunes have helped me navigate through my own struggles. They are more than a band to me; they are like a friend who understands.”

Backstory:
Hailing from the urban outskirts of Chicago, Stable Invasion began their journey in a small garage. The band comprises of five childhood friends – Max (Lead Vocals), Simon (Lead Guitar), Jake (Keyboard), Adam (Bass Guitar), and Nick (Drums). Their shared love for music led to the creation of the band during their high school days. They became popular in the local music scene through their electrifying performances at school events and local pubs. After years of performances and honing their skills, they were signed by a major music label, catapulting them into the mainstream music scene.

Genre:
Stable Invasion specializes in Alternative Rock, blending elements of punk, hard rock, and indie music. Their sound is characterized by heavy guitar riffs, powerful vocals, and deeply emotional lyrics that resonate with fans across all walks of life.

Title:
One of their most popular songs is titled “Shadows in the Light”.

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
C#m – A – E – B
In the corners of the night, we’re dancing with the fright,
Haunted by the ghosts of past, Shadows in the light.
Walls keep closing in, the world’s wrapped up so tight,
Wish I could rewrite the script, put up a better fight.

(Chorus)
E – B – C#m – A
Shadows in the light, we’re chasing through the night,
Lost within our minds, in an endless fight.
Shadows in the light, where wrong feels so right,
Are we just shadows, forever lost in the light?

(Verse 2)
E – B – C#m – A
Lines are getting blurred, can’t tell the black from white,
Caught up in this whirlwind, this endless flight.
I see you standing there, a beacon burning bright,
Can we be more than just, Shadows in the light?

(Chorus)
C#m – A – E – B
Shadows in the light, we’re chasing through the night,
Lost within our dreams, in this endless fight.
Shadows in the light, where love is out of sight,
Are we just shadows, forever lost in the light?

Fan Testimonial:
The band’s favorite fan is undoubtedly Emily Clark. She’s been with them since their high school days, attending every local performance they gave. Here’s what she has to say, “Stable Invasion is more than just a band for me. Their music has helped me through some of the toughest times in my life. The raw energy and emotion they put into their performances are truly moving. I feel seen and understood through their lyrics. They have a unique style that sets them apart from anyone else in the industry. They are my favorite because they are real, they are raw, and they are unapologetically themselves.”

Backstory:

Ill-Informed Bedroom is a group of four college roommates that accidentally fell into the music scene amidst their Psychology studies. Their name is inspired by the shared dorm room in which they would conduct their makeshift jam sessions on late sleepless nights, unknowingly causing sleep deprivation for their fellow students. It was during a campus talent show that they stumbled onto the stage, literally, after losing a bet. The crowd’s reaction was nothing short of surprising – a standing ovation. It was at that moment, they realized their combination of raw talent and chemistry could lead them somewhere other than a psychology lab.

The band comprises of Adam, the charismatic lead singer who also doubles as the bassist, the multi-talented Leonard on the keys, Jones, the whiz kit on the drums with a knack for creating innovative beats, and Mike, the silent, brooding guitarist whose fingers create magic on his instrument. The former psychology students now tour the world, bringing their ill-informed, spontaneous music to fans far and wide.

Genre:

Alternative Indie Rock

Title:

“Insomnia Serenade”

Full song lyrics:

(Verse 1)
C#m
In the still of the night, under artificial light
A
Our minds intertwined, lost in time
E
Can you hear the clock tick, as we fight against the trick
B
Of the slipping sands, in this sleepless land

(Chorus)
C#m
Sing me your insomnia serenade
A
In the whisper of the night, let your worries fade
E
In the symphony of silence, we play
B
Dancing to the rhythm of the break of day

(Verse 2)
C#m
In the hush of the dark, we etch our mark
A
With notes and chords, on life’s record boards
E
Between the sheets of music, we find our magic
B
In the worn-out grooves, our melody moves

(Chorus)
C#m
Sing me your insomnia serenade
A
In the quiet of the night, where dreams are made
E
In the harmony of heartbeats, we sway
B
Drifting to the rhythm, till the light of day

Fan’s Testimonial:

Fan’s Name: Jessica Hart

Ill-Informed Bedroom is more than just a band to me. They’re the soundtrack to my life. They have this ability to capture the beauty of everyday experiences that everyone can relate to in their music. As a fellow insomniac, their song “Insomnia Serenade” resonates with me deeply. It’s almost as if they’ve been sitting on the edge of my bed, singing me to sleep. Their music has pulled me out of many dark nights and filled my life with a rhythm that I didn’t know I needed. Their raw, heartfelt music, combined with their humble and authentic selves, makes them my favorite band.

Backstory

Primary Quality was born out of a shared passion for music among four college friends – Brandon, Kyle, Aaron, and Ryan based in San Francisco, California. The band came together in 2010, when they found a mutual love for music while pursuing their engineering degrees. They started jamming and composing in their dorm rooms, and soon their melodies started to resonate with their peers. Their music found its way beyond the university campus, and Primary Quality was officially formed when they decided to drop out of college, chase their dreams, and dedicate their lives to music.

They spent the next few years performing in local clubs, bars, and music festivals, slowly but surely building their fan base. Their unique sound – a mix of classic rock and emotional lyrics that resonated with their generation – made them stand out. With each performance, their popularity grew, and they finally got their big break in 2015 when they signed a contract with a major record label.

Genre

Alternative Rock

Title

“Chasing Shadows”

Full song lyrics

(Verse 1)
Am / G / D / Am
Chasing shadows on the city streets,
Am / G / D / Am
Underneath the lights where the dreamers meet.
Am / G / D / Am
Caught in the rhythm of a heart that beats,
Am / G / D / Am
With a melody that sets us free.

(Chorus)
C / G / D / E
We’re just chasing shadows,
C / G / D / E
In the city of dreams, where nothing’s as it seems,
C / G / D / E
We’re just chasing shadows,
C / G / D / E
But in the darkness, we find our light, we find our fight.

(Verse 2)
Am / G / D / Am
Running wild, running free,
Am / G / D / Am
In the city that never sleeps.
Am / G / D / Am
Living fast, living loud,
Am / G / D / Am
In the city that makes us proud.

(Chorus)
C / G / D / E
We’re just chasing shadows,
C / G / D / E
In the city of dreams, where nothing’s as it seems,
C / G / D / E
We’re just chasing shadows,
C / G / D / E
But in the darkness, we find our light, we find our fight.

Favorite fan’s name

Emily Rodriguez

Testimonial

“I’ve always felt like music is a way to express what words can’t, and Primary Quality does just that. Their music speaks directly to my soul, their lyrics articulate my feelings in a way I never could. Every song of theirs tells a story that I can relate to. They’ve been my favorite band since I first heard ‘Chasing Shadows’; it’s a song that has seen me through heartbreak, joy, and everything in-between. Primary Quality isn’t just a band to me; they’re a part of my journey, my life.”

Backstory:
Lean Shower, a group of five friends from the smaller towns of Minnesota, came together to form a band in their college years. Their shared love of music and an innate chemistry to create magic with their instruments led them to participate in several local gigs where their unique sound was loved and appreciated. This appreciation fueled their ambition, pushing them to record their own music and eventually catching the attention of a local record label. The band remains true to their roots, incorporating their Midwestern charm and storytelling prowess into each song.

Genre:
Indie Folk Rock

Song Title:
“Whispers in the Wind”

Song Lyrics:
(Verse 1)
[C] Hear the whispers in the wind,
[G] They’re carrying secrets we’ve never seen
[Am] Underneath the falling leaves,
[F] Tales of love and tales of dreams.

(Chorus)
[G] Oh oh, whispers in the wind,
[Am] Carry our hopes, carry our sins.
[F] Through forests dark, through fields so green,
[C] In the end, we’re just whispers in the wind.

(Verse 2)
[C] Through the country roads we roam,
[G] Carrying hearts that feel like home.
[Am] In the glow of the setting sun,
[F] We find where we truly belong.

(Chorus)
[G] Oh oh, whispers in the wind,
[Am] Carry our love, carry our kin.
[F] Through mountains high, through valleys seen,
[C] In the end, we’re just whispers in the wind.

(Outro)
[Am] And when the day is at its end,
[F] We’ll be the whispers in the wind.
[C] Stories told, songs that’ve been,
[G] In the end, we’re just whispers in the wind.

Favorite Fan:
The band’s favorite fan is a young lady named Erin Johnson. Erin first heard Lean Shower’s music during a tough time in her life and their indie folk rock sound instantly resonated with her. She found comfort in their lyrics, often finding parallels to her own life experiences. Erin says, “Lean Shower’s music has been a comforting presence during my toughest days. Their words are like woven stories that make you feel seen and heard. Their music is just so authentic and real, you can’t help but fall in love with it.” Erin has followed the band’s journey from their early local gigs to their record label breakthrough, making sure to attend every concert within a 200-mile radius. She cherishes her collection of Lean Shower’s music, merchandise and a couple of guitar picks she managed to catch at their live shows.

Backstory:
Born out of the basements of small-town Illinois, Unwieldy Human was formed in 2012 by a group of four friends with a shared love for music. The members, lead vocalist and guitarist Alex Riley, bassist Bruno Sanford, drummer Adam Kovac, and keyboardist Matthew Grimes, met in high school and quickly bonded over their similar musical tastes. They started playing music together mostly for fun, until a recording of one of their jam sessions found its way onto the internet and quickly went viral. This unexpected success prompted them to take their hobby more seriously, leading to the creation of Unwieldy Human. Their meteoric rise to fame has only further solidified their friendship and commitment to producing quality music.

Genre:
Indie Rock

Title:
“In the Haze of Dawn”

Full song lyrics with chord progression:

[Verse 1: Em – G – D – A]
Wake up in the morning, in the haze of dawn,
No idea where I’m going, no idea where I belong.
Walking with shadows, beneath the neon light,
Lost in the echo of a never-ending night.

[Chorus: C – G – D]
In the haze of dawn, we’re searching for the light,
Caught up in the dream, of an endless night.
In the haze of dawn, we’re swimming against the tide,
In a world gone wrong, you’re my only right.

[Verse 2: Em – G – D – A]
Drifting through the city, with its vacant stare,
Looking for something, but there’s nothing there.
Painting pictures, with our broken dreams,
In the silence, drowning in our screams.

[Chorus: C – G – D]
In the haze of dawn, we’re searching for the light,
Caught up in the dream, of an endless night.
In the haze of dawn, we’re swimming against the tide,
In a world gone wrong, you’re my only right.

[Bridge: Bm – A – G]
And as the sun rises, painting the sky,
We’ll find the answers, in the morning light.
Together we’ll stand, as the world turns,
In the haze of dawn, where love returns.

[Chorus: C – G – D]
In the haze of dawn, we’re searching for the light,
Caught up in the dream, of an endless night.
In the haze of dawn, we’re swimming against the tide,
In a world gone wrong, you’re my only right.

Band’s favorite fan’s name: Anna Mitchell

Testimonial:
“I’ve loved Unwieldy Human since the moment I heard their first song. Their music really resonates with me; it’s like they put into words the emotions and experiences I couldn’t express. Their song “In the Haze of Dawn” is my personal anthem. I’ve seen them live 12 times and every performance is better than the last. They’re not just a band to me, they’re like the soundtrack of my life. That’s why Unwieldy Human is my favorite band.”