Backstory:

Deficient Cannon was formed in the summer of 2009 when college roommates, Max ‘Mad Max’ Holloway, a skilled guitarist, and Tommy ‘TNT’ Nolan, a charismatic vocalist, started jamming to kill the monotony of study hours. Coincidentally, both shared a mutual love for classic rock and indie music, which became the preliminary foundation for their friendship and later band collaboration. They were soon joined by the versatile drummer, Benny ‘Barrage’ Johnson and groovy bassist, Ricky ‘Ripple’ Stevens. It was their shared experience of student debt, heartbreak, and love for intoxicating music that served as a catalyst for the band’s formation. Deficient Cannon’s name is a paradoxical tribute to their college life, symbolizing their struggle in the face of adversity, but with a resounding bang.

Genre:

Indie Rock

Title:

“Chasing Echoes”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
[Em] Gazing at a [C] picture of you and [G] me,
[D] Wondering where [Em] our love could ever [C] be,
[G] Lost in the [D] corners of [Em] yesteryear,
[C]Finding comfort in the [G] echo of your [D] cheer.

(Chorus)
[Em] Chasing echoes, [G] down the lane,
[D] Lost desires, [C] in the rain.
[Em] Your voice that [G] lingers, in my [D] heart,
[C] We are miles apart, yet never [G] apart. [D]

(Verse 2)
[Em] The myriad of [C] memories we [G] share,
[D] Silent whispers in the [Em] midnight air, [C]
[G] The laughter, the [D] tears, the [Em] joy and pain,
[C] In my heart forever, they’ll [G] remain. [D]

(Chorus)
[Em] Chasing echoes, [G] down the lane,
[D] Lost desires, [C] in the rain.
[Em] Your voice that [G] lingers, in my [D] heart,
[C] We are miles apart, yet never [G] apart. [D]

Fan’s name: Abigail ‘Abby’ Thompson

Abby’s Testimonial:

Deficient Cannon is more than just a band to me; they’re a lifeline. Their music has carried me through some of the toughest times in my life; from heartbreaks to the challenges of adulting. The depth of their lyrics combined with the raw, emotive vocals of TNT and the captivating riffs from Mad Max are pure magic. “Chasing Echoes” has a very special place in my heart. It’s just so relatable and gets me every time. The band’s authenticity and their ability to weave intricate emotions into their songs is what makes them my favorite. I’ve never felt a connection with any other band like I do with Deficient Cannon.

Backstory:
Wordy Expenditure was formed in the bustling city of San Francisco during the vibrant art scene of the early 2000s. The founding members, Lexi Turner and David “Verso” Verse, were both English literature graduates who had a deep passion for music and lyrics. They used to spend hours at local cafes, discussing books and music, soon realizing their shared love for words could translate into a unique musical blend. They started composing music as a form of escapism and a way to express their emotions, eventually throwing caution to the wind and deciding to create Wordy Expenditure. As their fan base grew, so did their band, and they added three more musically talented wordsmiths, creating a well-rounded group that feeds off each other’s creative energy.

Genre:
Indie folk-rock

Title:
“Pencil ‘n’ Paper Blues”

Lyrics:

[Verse]
Em D
Opened up a book of aged, worn-out pages,
C G
Found a tale so old, yet timeless.
Em D
There we were, just pencil and paper,
C G
Sketching dreams, in rhymes and lines.

[Chorus]
Am Em
Caught in the throes of our prose,
F C
Wove tales of love and sorrow.
Am Em
With each word we penned,
F C
Began to mend the heartache of tomorrow.

[Verse]
Em D
Once upon a time, we promised to write,
C G
A story that would last forever.
Em D
Now we’re here, lost in translation,
C G
Chasing words that no longer tether.

[Chorus]
Am Em
Lost in the echoes of our epics,
F C
Sang songs of joy and pain.
Am Em
With every tale we told,
F C
Our love story would ever remain.

Band’s Favorite Fan:
Our number one fan has to be Melissa “Mel” Emerson. She’s been with us since our first open mic night at a tiny coffee shop in San Francisco. Her dedication to our sound, our lyrics, and our band is unwavering. Here’s her testament:

“Wordy Expenditure isn’t just a band; they’re poets with instruments. Their songs are stories, their lyrics like literature. I’ve been a fan since day one, and every day I find myself falling in love with their music all over again. Their song “Pencil ‘n’ Paper Blues” speaks to the writer in me. It’s a beautiful tale of love, loss, and words left unsaid. To anyone who appreciates good music and meaningful lyrics, I highly recommend Wordy Expenditure. They’re not just a band, they’re storytellers. To me, their music is more than sound; it’s an experience, a journey, and I’m glad I’m on this ride with them.”

Backstory:

Negative Exposure was formed in 2010 in a small town in Nevada called Ely. The quartet, composed of childhood friends Sam Reynolds (vocals, guitar), Tommy Stevens (bass), Liam Hartley (drums), and Ethan Hall (lead guitar), discovered their shared love for music during their high school years. They would sneak into the old town hall after hours to practice, their echoing tunes filling the deserted streets, earning them their fair share of neighborhood complaints. Despite this, they kept playing, their passion never wavering. The band honed their skills and developed a distinct sound, drawing inspiration from their everyday struggles, evolving their small-town stories into powerful anthems.

Genre:

Alternative Rock

Title:

“Shadows in the Sunlight”

Full song lyrics:

(Verse 1)
Em G
In this vast expanse of desert plain,
D A
We etch our names in sand and pain.
Em G
Dreams of fame, and songs unsung,
D A
In the Shadows of the Sunlight, we belong.

(Chorus)
C G
Running through the alleyways,
D Em
Screaming out our silent rage.
C G
Chasing dreams and chasing time,
D Em
In the Shadows of the Sunlight, we ignite.

(Verse 2)
Em G
Through the small town’s silent night,
D A
Our tune breaks free, in moon’s soft light.
Em G
In the echo of our song,
D A
In the Shadows of the Sunlight, we belong.

(Chorus)
C G
Dancing on life’s knife edge,
D Em
Tearing down the fear and dread.
C G
Leaving all our pain behind,
D Em
In the Shadows of the Sunlight, we’ll fly.

Fan’s name:

Amy Lancaster

Fan Testimonial:

“Negative Exposure is not just a band to me, they’re a lifeline. Their music resonates with me on a deeply personal level. I’m a small-town girl too, and their lyrics capture that struggle perfectly. The heart and soul they put into their music is palpable. ‘Shadows in the Sunlight’ is my anthem. I play it whenever I feel down and it lifts me right back up. It’s raw, real, and it just hits home. I feel like they understand me. They’re not just singing; they’re speaking my mind, my story. Negative Exposure is more than my favorite band – they’re my heroes.”

Backstory:

Glittering Spark was formed in a small town nestled in the heart of Massachusetts in late 2013. The group was initially made up of childhood best friends – Noah Parker (vocals and guitar), Riley Adams (bass), Amelia Jefferson (drums) and Holly Clark (keyboard). Each member had their unique taste in music but all shared a common love for pop-punk, which ultimately became the foundation of their sound. They started by playing at local bars and small gatherings, rapidly gaining popularity due to their charismatic performances and infectious energy.

In 2015, Glittering Spark was discovered by a music producer during a gig at a local music festival. Impressed by their raw talent and stage presence, he signed them to his independent record label. Since then, their EPs have consistently made it to the top charts, and they have attracted a legion of dedicated fans who resonate with their lyrics and vibe. Their lively performances and heartfelt lyrics about love, friendship, and growing up continue to captivate audience across the globe.

Genre: Pop-Punk

Title: “Neon Dreams”

Full song lyrics:

(V1)
[Am] Underneath the [G] blanket of the [F] night,
[C] We paint our [G] dreams in neon [Am] lights,
[G] Chasing the [F] shadows, making them [C] bright,
[G] In the world of [Am] our neon [G] dreams.

(CH)
[Am] We are the [G] Glittering [F] Spark,
[C] Lighting up the [G] night, making our [Am] mark,
[G] Living our [F] truth, dancing in the [C] dark,
[G] In the glow of our [Am] neon [G] dreams.

(V2)
[Am] We found love in the [G] rhythm of the [F] night,
[C] Dancing under the [G] moon’s gentle [Am] light,
[G] With hopes high and [F] spirits taking [C] flight,
[G] In the realm of our [Am] neon [G] dreams.

(CH)
[Am] We are the [G] Glittering [F] Spark,
[C] Lighting up the [G] night, making our [Am] mark,
[G] Living our [F] truth, dancing in the [C] dark,
[G] In the glow of our [Am] neon [G] dreams.

Favorite Fan’s Testimonial:

“My name is Lydia and I’ve been a Glittering Spark fan since their first EP release. I love their music because it isn’t just about the catchy tunes but also about the raw emotion in the lyrics. Their music has been with me through my ups and downs, it’s like they’ve written the soundtrack of my life. The band members are genuine and down-to-earth, and their live performances are always beyond amazing. There’s no other band that checks all the boxes for me like Glittering Spark does!”

Backstory:
Indolent Square was formed in the gritty heart of New York City in 2012. The band consists of five members: frontman and lead vocalist Jake ‘Jet’ Thompson, lead guitarist Sam ‘Slick’ Rutherford, bassist Max ‘Maverick’ Higgins, drummer Zac ‘Zephyr’ Morgan, and keyboardist Liz ‘Lightning’ Harper. Coming together from different backgrounds, they found common ground in their shared love of music and a deep desire to break away from the monotony of the daily grind.

Their journey began in the basement of Jet’s old apartment, where they would gather around after their tedious day jobs to create music. Unbeknownst to them, they were slowly developing a distinct sound, a fusion that was as diverse as their backgrounds.

Genre:
Indolent Square is best categorized as Alternative Rock with a touch of Psychedelia.

Title:
“Sleepy Neon Streets”

Full Song Lyrics:

[Verse 1]
Am Em G D
Wake up in the city, where the dreamers never sleep,
Am Em G D
Lost in the rhythm, in the beats that life repeats,
Am Em G D
The concrete jungle hums a song, we join the symphony,
Am Em G D
Roaming the sleepy neon streets, in search of our destiny.

[Chorus]
Am Em G D
Oh, the city lights, they blind our sight,
Am Em G D
But in the dark, we find our might,
Am Em G D
In the sleepy neon streets, we find our beat,
Am Em G D
In indolence we meet, our hearts upbeat.

[Verse 2]
Am Em G D
Underneath the skyscrapers, we find our secret lair,
Am Em G D
In the din and clamor, we uncover solitaire,
Am Em G D
Roaming the sleepy neon streets, we unmask reality,
Am Em G D
In the indolent square, we carve our own clarity.

[Chorus]
Am Em G D
Oh, the city nights, they fuel our fight,
Am Em G D
But in the noise, we find our quiet,
Am Em G D
In the sleepy neon streets, we find our heat,
Am Em G D
In indolence we meet, our lives complete.

The Band’s Favorite Fan:
Sharon ‘Shazza’ Davis is Indolent Square’s favorite fan. A college student from Brooklyn, she found solace in the band’s music during a difficult period in her life. She has attended every single show since their very first gig and owns all their merchandise. Shazza’s testimonial is a testament to the band’s impact on their fans:

“Indolent Square’s music saved me during the darkest time in my life. Their lyrics spoke to me, and their melodies carried me through. I found a piece of myself in their songs, a part of me that was lost. Their music gave me strength and hope when I needed it the most. They aren’t just a band to me, they’re my lifeline. The name might be ‘indolent’, but their music is anything but. They are my favorite because they make me feel seen, heard, and understood. I am forever grateful for their existence.”

Backstory:

Petty Proposal emerged from the vibrant music scene of Austin, Texas in 2007. Band members Jake Kendall (vocals and guitar), Amy Hughes (bass), and Cameron Jones (drums) were childhood friends who spent their high school years playing in various garage bands, honing their skills and finding their sound. Their breakthrough moment came during an impromptu performance at a local music festival when their original act had to pull out at the last minute. The crowd loved their raw energy and the band’s unique blend of alternative rock and indie pop. Their infectious tunes and powerful lyrics about love, life, and the pressures of modern society quickly gained them a loyal fan base.

Genre:

Alternative Rock / Indie Pop

Title:

“Broken Mirror”

Lyrics:

(Verse 1 – Am, G, F, C)
This ain’t no fairytale, no glass shoe to fit,
In this broken mirror, we reflect a bit.
Our dreams lay scattered, like a puzzle incomplete,
Chasing shadows of love, on a dead-end street.

(Chorus – G, Am, F, C)
Broken mirror, shattered dreams,
In the chaos, do we scream?
Or do we gather the pieces and try again,
In this world of love and pain?

(Verse 2 – Am, G, F, C)
We danced with demons, under the pale moonlight,
In the silence of the night, we lost our fight.
But in this shattered reflection, we see a different view,
In the fragments of us, we find something true.

(Chorus – G, Am, F, C)
Broken mirror, shattered dreams,
In the chaos, do we scream?
Or do we gather the pieces and try again,
In this world of love and pain?

(Bridge – Em, Dm, G, Am)
In the ruins, we see a chance,
In the echoes, we find our dance.
In the shards of glass, a prism of light,
In the darkness, we hold each other tight.

(Chorus – G, Am, F, C)
Broken mirror, shattered dreams,
In the chaos, do we scream?
Or do we gather the pieces and try again,
In this world of love and pain?

Fan Testimonial

Name: Sarah Wells

“I’ve been a fan of Petty Proposal since their first EP. Their music just resonates with me on so many levels – it’s like they write songs about my life. It’s hard to pick a favorite, but ‘Broken Mirror’ is definitely up there. It’s a raw, emotional song that’s helped me through some tough times. The lyrics are deep and meaningful, and their musical prowess is undeniable. I just love how authentic and real they are. They make music for the love of it, and you can feel that passion in their performances. They’re my favorite band and will always have my support!”

Backstory:

Inconsequential Tension originated from a small town in Illinois, where the members met at their local community college in 2014. The shared love for music brought them together, despite their diverse backgrounds and personalities. Lead vocalist and guitarist Jesse Blake was a home-schooled introvert with a passion for poetry. He met the charismatic drummer, Kyle Martin, in an English class where they discovered their shared love for music. One open mic night at a local coffee house, the duo was joined on stage by the classically trained violinist, Melissa Thompson, and there was an immediate connection through their unique blend of music. From then on, the trio started creating music, blending their diverse influences and incorporating their distinct sounds, and Inconsequential Tension was born.

The band played at local venues and small music festivals, gaining a loyal following for their engaging performances. Their breakthrough came in 2016 when a producer heard their music and offered to record their first album. The release of their debut album, “Strains of Silence,” marked their entrance into the mainstream industry, where they continue to make waves with their unconventional sound.

Genre:

Indie Rock with a mix of Folk and Punk influences

Title:

“Echoes of Emptiness”

Full song lyrics:

(Verse 1)
[Am] Alone in the crowd, [G] drowning in noise,
[F] Searching for silence, [C] lost in your voice.
[Am] Chasing the shadows, [G] breaking the light,
[F] Grasping the echoes, [C] embracing the night.

(Chorus)
[Em] Echoes of emptiness, [G] lost in the sea,
[Dm] Calling for something, [C] setting us free.
[Em] Echoes of emptiness, [G] whispers of the wind,
[Dm] Telling us stories, [C] we’ve never been in.

(Verse 2)
[Am] Walking in circles, [G] tracing our dreams,
[F] Lost in the rhythm, [C] breaking the seams.
[Am] Sailing the oceans, [G] touching the skies,
[F] Tasting the moments, [C] saying goodbye.

(Chorus)
[Em] Echoes of emptiness, [G] lost in the sea,
[Dm] Calling for something, [C] setting us free.
[Em] Echoes of emptiness, [G] whispers of the wind,
[Dm] Telling us stories, [C] we’ve never been in.

Favorite Fan:

The band’s favorite fan is Sarah Mitchell. Sarah discovered Inconsequential Tension during a difficult period in her life. Their music served as an escape and comfort during the hard times. She says, “Inconsequential Tension is my favorite band because their music speaks to me on a personal level. Their song ‘Echoes of Emptiness’ helped me through a rough patch. The lyrics are powerful and the music is just beautiful. It’s not every day you find a band that can touch your soul the way they do. They’ve made a huge impact on my life and that’s something I’ll forever be grateful for.”

Backstory:

Royal Chin was formed in the early 2000s in a small garage in Seattle, WA. The members, lead vocalist and guitarist Jamie O’Connell, drummer Oliver ‘Ollie’ Jones, and bassist Sarah Stockton, had known each other since their high school days. They bonded over a shared love for music and rebellious spirit. The band’s name, ‘Royal Chin,’ was inspired by the in-joke among the group about their shared heritage – all three members could trace their lineage back to British royalty.

Following their high school graduation, the trio decided to pursue music full-time. After years of building a local following and honing their sound, they were discovered by a record executive during one of their gigs and immediately signed to a major label. This marked the beginning of Royal Chin’s rise to the national stage.

Genre:
Indie Rock

Title:
“Strings and Shadows”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
[G]I walk down the streets where we used to meet, [D]Faces pass by but none that I seek,
[C]In this city of dreams, we’re just the [G]strings and shadows.

[G] Your voice echoes in my mind, [D]like a song left behind,
[C]In the symphony of life, we’re lost [G] in the meadows.

(Chorus)
[D]Strings and shadows,
[C]Lovers in the gallows,
[G]We’re played and we’re swayed,
[D]In the game of life’s shadows.

(Verse 2)
[G]I look at the stars, but they’re not the same, [D]They sparkle and shine, but there’s a tinge of pain,
[C]Our love was a constellation, now [G]it’s just a fable.

[G]Your laugh still rings in the air, [D]A sweet melody, nowhere to share,
[C]In the dance of echoes, we’re just [G]unable.

(Chorus)
[D]Strings and shadows,
[C]Lovers in the gallows,
[G]We’re played and we’re swayed,
[D]In the game of life’s shadows.

(Outro)
[C]As the curtains fall, the [G] show must end,
[D]But in the strings and shadows, [G]we’ll forever blend.

Favorite Fan:

The band’s favorite fan is Emma Thompson, who has been with the band since their garage-playing days. Emma has attended almost every one of the band’s concerts, always front row, cheering them on. She even started a fan club for them in the local area, which has now grown to have chapters in multiple states.

Testimonial:

“I’ve loved Royal Chin since their first show in that tiny garage. Their music has a way of moving me that no other band can replicate. They’re not just playing songs, they’re telling stories and expressing emotions that speak to me on a very deep level. Royal Chin isn’t just my favorite band, they’re a part of me.” – Emma Thompson.

Backstory:

Oddball Top is a four-member band hailing from the artistic city of Austin, Texas. Formed in 2013, the group boasts of an eclectic mix of personalities, with each member bringing their unique musical influences to the table. Stumbling upon each other in the vibrant music scene of Austin, they quickly bonded over their shared passion for music that refuses to fit neatly into any one box. Their name, Oddball Top, reflects both their eccentricity and their determination to rise to the top in their own unique way.

Genre:

Oddball Top is best described as an Indie Rock band with a heavy dose of Psychedelic Pop.

Title: “Dreaming in Technicolor”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
[D] Wandering through an [G] ocean of hues,
[A] Lost in a world, [D] far from the blues.
[G] Painting the sky with [A] shades of our mind,
[D] Freedom in colors, [G] we leave the grey behind.

(Chorus)
[A] Dreaming in Technicolor, [G] feeling so bright,
[D] The world is our canvas, [A] we’re painting the night.
[G] Swirling rainbow patterns, [A] a psychedelic sight,
[D] Dreaming in Technicolor, [G] ‘til the morning light.

(Verse 2)
[D] Strokes of emotion, [G] canvas takes flight,
[A] Wizard of colors, [D] in the still of the night.
[G] Technicolor dreams, [A] they’re never what they seem,
[D] We’re lost in this world, [G] caught in a dream.

(Chorus)
[A] Dreaming in Technicolor, [G] feeling so bright,
[D] The world is our canvas, [A] we’re painting the night.
[G] Swirling rainbow patterns, [A] a psychedelic sight,
[D] Dreaming in Technicolor, [G] ‘til the morning light.

Band’s favorite fan:

The band’s favorite fan is a young woman named Lily. Lily has been a die-hard fan of Oddball Top since their infancy. She discovered the band at a local music festival and was immediately drawn to their unconventional sound and passionate performances. She says, “Oddball Top isn’t just a band, they’re a feeling. Their music has a way of transporting you to a different world. I love their wild energy and the emotion they put into their songs. They’re my top favorite because they’re genuinely unique and unafraid to be themselves. I can’t wait to see what they do next.”

Backstory:

Rosy Bar began as a trio of college friends from Michigan. Lead vocalist and guitarist, Jonah Hayes, had a penchant for telling stories through his music. He would often gather his friends, bassist, Emily Trench, and drummer, Sam Kingston, for late-night jam sessions in their rundown apartment. They would play their hearts out until the sun came up, just for the love of music. While attending a local music festival, they stumbled upon a small bar with an open-mic night. On a whim, Jonah decided to share his stories, and Rosy Bar was born. The crowd was captivated by their raw emotions and unique sound. The band’s journey took off from there, playing at local bars, and t eventually headline their own tours. Despite their success, they remain deeply grounded, often going back to Michigan to play in their local bars.

Genre:

Alternative Rock

Title:

“Whiskey in the Dawn”

Full Song Lyrics:

Verse 1:
[C]I found my love, [G]in the Rosy bar
[Am]Underneath the neon lights, [F]reflecting in her eyes
[C]She laughed at my jokes, [G]and we danced in the dark
[Am]In a corner booth, [F]underneath the starlight

Chorus:
[C]Whiskey in the dawn, [G]her love keeps me warm
[Am]In this cold and lonely town, [F]her love is my crown
[C]She’s the melody, [G]in this life’s crazy song
[Am]With her, everything is right, [F]even when it’s all wrong

Verse 2:
[C]I lost my way, [G]in the city’s maze
[Am]She held my hand, [F]and we ran in the rain
[C]She whispers dreams, [G]into my ear
[Am]Her voice, the only thing [F]I want to hear

(Repeat Chorus)
[C]Whiskey in the dawn, [G]her love keeps me warm
[Am]In this cold and lonely town, [F]her love is my crown
[C]She’s the melody, [G]in this life’s crazy song
[Am]With her, everything is right, [F]even when it’s all wrong

Band’s Favorite Fan:

Our favorite fan is Annie Thompson. Annie has been with us from our first open mic night. She has attended every local gig and even followed us on our tours.

Testimonial from Annie:

“I love Rosy Bar because their music is genuine and raw. It’s more than just music; it’s a storytelling experience that resonates with the heart. They’re not just a band; they are friends who share their journey with us. I’ve laughed, I’ve cried, and I’ve loved with them through their music. Their song ‘Whiskey in the Dawn’ has been my constant companion through my ups and downs. Rosy Bar is not just my favorite band; it’s a part of my life story.”