Backstory:
Violent Dividend was born out of the rubble of the Great Recession in 2008. The band’s members, frontman David “Devo” Jensen, lead guitarist Derek “Drek” Monroe, bassist Billy “Bass” Masterson, and drummer Tim “Thump” Thompson, were all victims of corporate layoffs, finding themselves without work and struggling to survive. They decided to channel their anger and frustration into music, forming Violent Dividend as an outlet and a way to make a statement. The band’s music resonated with people who were also feeling the weight of economic hardship, and they quickly started to generate a buzz in the underground music scene.

Genre:
Post-Punk

Title:
“Market Crash Melody”

Full Song Lyrics:
(Verse 1)
C#m – Am – E – F
Down in the dust, with no trust in the dollar,
Feeling the crush, as the towers grow taller.
Investment’s a bust, as we tighten our collar,
Economic thrust, makes the hardworking holler.

(Chorus)
G – D – Em – C
Sing the Market Crash Melody,
Echoing the violent dividend,
Chaotic clash, of a world we can’t mend,
Drowning in debt, where does this end?

(Verse 2)
C#m – Am – E – F
Wall street’s a gamble, we’re the losing bet,
In financial shambles, consumed by regret.
A world in disarray, reality we met,
To the corporate vultures, we are in their debt.

(Chorus)
G – D – Em – C
Sing the Market Crash Melody,
Echoing the violent dividend,
Counting the cost, of the money we spent,
Living lost, in a world that’s hell-bent.

(Bridge)
Am – F – C – G
The suits in their towers, pulling all the strings,
We’re just the pawns, in their power play flings.
But we won’t remain silent, we will scream and shout,
Until justice rings out, tearing down their clout.

(Chorus)
G – D – Em – C
Sing the Market Crash Melody,
Echoing the violent dividend,
In the face of despair, we won’t pretend,
Keep singing loud, till the bitter end.

Fan Testimonial:
Name: Lisa “Punk Princess” Peterson

“I first heard Violent Dividend at a backyard gig while still dealing with the loss of my job due to the recession. Their raw energy and poignant lyrics resonated with me. Their music became a beacon of hope, a rallying cry for those of us left in the dust by corporate greed. They’re not just a band to me, they are the voice of our struggle. That’s why Violent Dividend is my favorite band – their music speaks to the heart of the modern working class with brutal honesty.”

Backstory:
Past Smoke first ignited the Seattle music scene in 2007. The band consists of childhood friends, vocalist/guitarist Ethan Hall, bassist Liam Turner, and drummer Max Preston. The trio found their unique sound while jamming in a damp basement during their high school years. Driven by a shared passion for music and storytelling, they decided to form Past Smoke, a band that mirrors their collective consciousness and experiences.

Their journey to stardom wasn’t a straightforward one. They worked odd jobs, played at local bars, and even performed at house parties to save enough money to record their first album. The band’s name, Past Smoke, is a poignant reminder of their tumultuous journey filled with struggle, hard work, and resilience, very much like smoke dissipating into the air eventually to reach the sky, which symbolizes their struggles, past failures, and subsequent rise.

Genre:
Past Smoke is best known for their gritty, organic sound that blends Alternative Rock with a touch of Blues and Grunge.

Song Title:
“Embers of Yesterday”

Full Song Lyrics:

(VERSE 1)
Am C G
Under the veil of the twilight’s gleam,
Am C G
I chase the shadows of our broken dream.
Em D C
The ashes whisper tales of our yesterday,
Am C G
Fading embers, their glow in decay.

(CHORUS)
D Em C G
Oh, Embers of Yesterday, burning so bright,
D Em Am C
Smoke and mirrors, obscuring the light.
D Em C G
In the remnants of your fire, we’ve come unmade,
D Em Am C
Embers of Yesterday, love’s masquerade.

(VERSE 2)
Am C G
As the night descends, secrets unwind,
Am C G
In the dance of the flames, our truths intertwined.
Em D C
Our love, once a blaze, now a smoky haze,
Am C G
In the Embers of Yesterday, we find our maze.

(REPEAT CHORUS)

Bands Favorite Fan:
Our favorite fan is Sophie Miller. Sophie has been with us from our first show in a dingy bar to our sold-out stadium concerts. She’s followed us through our journey, sharing our story and our music with anyone who would listen. She was the first to buy our merch, promote our music, and showed up to every local gig. In her words:

“Past Smoke is more than just a band to me, it’s like a family. Their music speaks to my soul, and their journey inspires me. Every chord, every word, feels like it’s been plucked from my own life. Their songs ‘Embers of Yesterday’ resonates with me on a deep, personal level. Their music has been a constant companion in my life, and I can’t imagine a world without Past Smoke.”

Backstory:
Acceptable Movie is a group of four close friends who came together through their shared love of movies and music. Integrating their passion for cinema and storytelling into their musical compositions, they created a unique sound that truly stands out. The band was formed in 2013, in the vibrant city of Los Angeles, while the members were studying film at UCLA. Their dorm-room jam sessions slowly turned into a serious project as they started performing at local bars and college events.

The band consists of lead vocalist and rhythm guitarist Mark, lead guitarist Jack, bassist Amy, and drummer Tim. They found an interesting dynamic between their different music tastes; from Mark’s penchant for indie rock, Jack’s passion for classic rock, Amy’s love for pop, to Tim’s obsession with punk rock. This eclectic mix of influences is what makes Acceptable Movie’s sound so unique and uncategorizable.

Genre:
Indie Rock/Pop

Title:
“Cinema Paradiso”

Full song lyrics:

[Verse 1]
(C-G-Am-F)
Underneath the starlight glow, where the dreams unfold
Lost in the magic of the silver screen, stories being told
We dance in our Cinema Paradiso, caught in the undertow
Between reality and fantasy, where do we go?

[Chorus]
(G-D-Em-C)
Take my hand, we’ll dive into the scene, no need to be afraid
In our Cinema Paradiso, no moments ever fade
We are the heroes, we are the villains, but the script is ours to write
In our Cinema Paradiso, we make our day and night

[Verse 2]
(C-G-Am-F)
Reflecting shades of life, in the flicker of the reel
In this place of shadows and light, we learn to feel
Our Cinema Paradiso, a sanctuary, a home
A world away from the world, a place to roam

[Chorus]
(G-D-Em-C)
Take my hand, we’ll rewrite the story, no need to hide away
In our Cinema Paradiso, we choose the words to say
We are the lovers, we are the dreamers, in this celluloid delight
In our Cinema Paradiso, we own the night.

The bands favorite fan’s name:
Testimonial – Sarah Thompson

“I’ve been a fan of Acceptable Movie since their first appearance at our college bar. Their unique blend of indie rock/pop music and the way they incorporate elements of cinema into their songs is just magnificent. I feel like every song is a whole movie in itself. I’ve seen them performing live numerous times and each time, I have felt a deep connection with their music. It’s like they are creating a new world with their melodies and lyrics and inviting us to be a part of it. There’s no band quite like them!”

Backstory:

Forsaken Doctor got its genesis in a rundown apartment in the heart of New York City. The band members, having initially met at a medical conference, decided to abandon their stethoscopes and the path of conventional medicine and instead, pursued their shared passion for music. The band is comprised of Jake Thompson (lead vocals and guitar), Amy Reed (bass and vocals), and twins Max and Alex Phillips (drums and keyboard respectively). Their name, “Forsaken Doctor,” is a nod to their past lives as medical professionals and symbolizes their decision to pursue an unconventional path.

Their journey was not without its hardships, from performing for empty bars to struggling to pay the bills. Despite these difficulties, Forsaken Doctor persevered, believing in the healing power of music. Their music is a therapeutic outlet, not just for them, but for their fans as well. Over time, they’ve managed to carve out a niche following and have finally started receiving the recognition they deserve.

Genre:
Alternative Rock

Title:
“Vital Signs”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse)
Am-C-G-D
Under these cold neon lights,
We traded in our vows for sleepless nights,
Stethoscopes and white coats, forsaken,
For a melody, our hearts awaken.

(Chorus)
G-D-Em-C
Vital Signs, they’re dancing to our beat,
In this world of chaos, we found a retreat,
With every chord, we heal, we mend,
Defying norms, we won’t pretend.

(Verse)
Am-C-G-D
In the rhythm of the night, we find our cure,
To the pains of the world, we endure,
Guitars instead of scalpels, we hold,
In the lyrics, our stories unfold.

(Chorus)
G-D-Em-C
Vital Signs, they’re beating strong and loud,
In the harmony, we’ve found our crowd,
With every note, we rise, we soar,
In this life, we’re doctors no more.

Fan’s Testimonial:

My name is Sarah Jennings, and I am undoubtedly the biggest fan of Forsaken Doctor. Their music is not just a collection of chords and lyrics; it’s a narrative that echoes through my soul. Their decision to leave medicine and create music that heals in a different way is inspiring. I’ve been through some tough times, and their songs have been my refuge. “Vital Signs,” especially, resonates deeply with me. It’s a testament to their journey and serves as a reminder of the unconventional paths that life can take us on. I am eternally grateful for their music, and I can’t wait to see where their journey takes them next.

Backstory:

Spicy Fault was born on a balmy summer evening in the heart of New Orleans. A group of four friends with a shared love for music and a mutual tradition of after-work jam sessions suddenly found themselves creating something bigger. Their eclectic blend of genres, influenced by the vibrant music scene of their hometown, started attracting attention from the neighborhood, and before they knew it, they had a small, loyal fanbase. To them, their unexpected journey from passionate hobbyists to an established band was truly a “spicy fault” – a twist of fate with a kick of flavor.

Genre:

Spicy Fault’s signature sound is a vibrant fusion of Jazz, Blues, and Rock, a genre they’ve lovingly dubbed ‘JazzRock Blues’.

Title:

“Hot Peppers in the Moonlight”

Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
C Em F C
In the midnight hour, under the crescent glow,
G Am Bm C
Sweet sounds of jazz, with the blues in tow,
F Em Dm G
Hot peppers in the moonlight, swinging to and fro,
C Am Dm G
In the heart of the city, where the wild winds blow.

(Chorus)
C Em Am G
Hot peppers in the moonlight, come and steal the show,
F C Dm G
With a song on their lips, and a rhythm that flows,
C Em Am G
In the silence of the night, they hit a high and a low,
F C Dm G
Hot peppers in the moonlight, in the city’s afterglow.

(Verse 2)
C Em F C
With a beat in their steps, and a nod to the past,
G Am Bm C
They play their hearts out, each note their last,
F Em Dm G
Hot peppers in the moonlight, no shadows cast,
C Am Dm G
Burning bright in the darkness, a fiery contrast.

(Chorus)
C Em Am G
Hot peppers in the moonlight, come and steal the show,
F C Dm G
With a song on their lips, and a rhythm that flows,
C Em Am G
In the silence of the night, they hit a high and a low,
F C Dm G
Hot peppers in the moonlight, in the city’s afterglow.

Fan’s Testimonial:

Spicy Fault’s favorite fan is a lady named Mabel Jenkins. Mabel fell in love with the band during their initial jam sessions in the neighborhood. She says, “Spicy Fault’s music is like the city itself – bold, unique, and full of life. Their JazzRock Blues genre brings a fresh perspective to the music scene. The song ‘Hot Peppers in the Moonlight’ is my personal anthem. It reminds me of the vibrant and passionate culture of New Orleans. They are my favorite band because they capture the soul of our city in their music. It’s raw, real, and incredibly moving.”

Backstory:
Mammoth Partner was formed in a small town in Alaska where four friends, Jake, Alex, Mike, and Sam, discovered their shared passion for music. The group initially pursued music as a hobby, using a makeshift studio in Jake’s garage to create their unique sound. Their band name was inspired by their combined fascination for the Alaskan wilderness and their commitment to each other. As they honed their skills and music style, Mammoth Partner soon began playing local gigs, and their popularity started to grow. Their music resonated with people in ways they never anticipated, leading them to quit their day jobs and pursue their passion full time.

Genre:
Indie Folk Rock

Title:
“Echoes of the North”

Full Song Lyrics:

[Verse 1]
Em G D A
Growing under the northern lights,
Em G D A
Four souls bound in the moonlight.
Em G D A
We strummed our dreams into the night,
Em G D A
In the echoes of the north that felt right.

[Chorus]
C G D Em
Mammoth Partner, through thick and thin,
C G D Em
Under the snow, where we’ve always been.
C G D Em
Echoes of the north in our song,
C G D Em
Strumming together, where we belong.

[Verse 2]
Em G D A
Our music spreads like wildfire,
Em G D A
Fueling hearts with desire.
Em G D A
In every note, in every chord,
Em G D A
We tell our story, unexplored.

[Chorus]
C G D Em
Mammoth Partner, loyal and strong,
C G D Em
Under the stars, where we belong.
C G D Em
Echoes of the north, in our song,
C G D Em
Strumming together, all along.

Fan testimonial:
My name is Sarah. I’ve been a big fan of Mammoth Partner from their very beginning. I love their music because it feels so genuine and raw. Every song they create feels like a personal conversation, a shared experience. Mammoth Partner’s songs have been a comforting presence during my toughest times, and I can’t help but feel connected to their journey. Their song “Echoes of the North” inspired me to embrace my own journey, reminding me that we all have our own northern lights to follow. I’m grateful for their music – it has truly touched my life in ways I can’t put into words. Mammoth Partner isn’t just my favorite band; they’re a part of my story, my echoes of the north.

Backstory:
Alive Passenger is a band formed in the rainy city of Seattle, Washington, in 2010. They met in a local coffee shop, where their shared love for music and the desire to create something unique brought them together. The lead singer, Sam, and guitar player, Alex, were both working as baristas, crafting lattes during the day, and melodies during the night. They began jamming together, and soon invited Emily, a classically-trained cellist, and Jake, a drummer who used to play in a punk band, to join them. Their eclectic backgrounds and shared passion for music led to the creation of Alive Passenger, a band that refuses to conform to a single genre and embraces the emotions and experiences of life in their music.

Genre:
Indie Folk Rock

Title:
“Remnants of the Rain”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
Am Em G D
Underneath the city lights,
Am Em G D
We found ourselves one starry night,
Am Em G D
Lost in dreams and drifting tides,
Am Em G D
In the echo of our whispered goodbyes.

(Chorus)
C G D Em
Can you hear the remnants of the rain,
C G D Em
As they trickle down the window pane?
C G D Em
The memory of our love remains,
C G D Em
In the remnants of the rain.

(Verse 2)
Am Em G D
We danced in the moon’s pale glow,
Am Em G D
With the city sleeping down below,
Am Em G D
Our hearts beat in a silent vow,
Am Em G D
In the silence, love spoke out loud.

(Chorus)
C G D Em
Can you feel the remnants of the rain,
C G D Em
As they gather in our hearts’ terrain?
C G D Em
The echo of our love sustains,
C G D Em
In the remnants of the rain.

(Outro)
Am Em G D
In the remnants of the rain,
Am Em G D
Love’s echo will always remain.

Favorite Fan Testimonial:
The band’s favorite fan is Lisa, a 25-year-old graphic designer from Portland. Lisa has been a fan since their early days when they played in small coffee shops and has attended every concert within a 200-mile radius. She says, “Alive Passenger is my favorite band because their music resonates with me in a way no other music does. Their songs are raw, powerful, and evoke emotions I didn’t know I could feel. ‘Remnants of the Rain’ in particular is a song that has helped me through some tough times. It’s as if Alive Passenger has managed to capture the very essence of what it means to be human in their music, and it’s simply beautiful.”

Backstory:

Full Nail was conceived in the bustling musical hub of Austin, Texas, during the summer of 2007. The band was formed by college roommates, vocalist and guitarist, Josh Nolan and drummer, Steve Parsons. After a chance meeting at a local record shop, the duo picked up bassist Alex Granger, who added a unique element to their sound. From playing in their garage to performing at local gigs, the band’s relentless energy and captivating performances quickly won the hearts of music lovers.

In the years that followed, Full Nail honed their musical style, influenced heavily by the rock and blues of their home state. They eventually signed with an independent record label in 2012 and released their debut studio album, which was critically acclaimed for its raw, authentic sound and compelling lyricism.

Genre: Alt-Rock/Blues

Title: “Rusted Chains”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
Em C
Wake up with rusted chains,
Am B7
Tired hearts filled with pain.
Em C
Head is filled with haze,
Am B7
Living in yesterday’s daze.

(Chorus)
G D
Break free, shed your rusted chains,
Em C
Let’s defy these hearts in pain.
G D
With a rebel yell and a righteous gain,
Em C
Break free, lose your rusted chains.

(Verse 2)
Em C
Dusk falls, we remain,
Am B7
In the echo of a forgotten refrain.
Em C
A song sung in vain,
Am B7
Trapped within these rusted chains.

(Chorus)
G D
Break free, shed your rusted chains,
Em C
Let’s defy these hearts in pain.
G D
With a rebel yell and a righteous gain,
Em C
Break free, lose your rusted chains.

Favorite Fan:

The band’s favorite fan is a woman named Megan Taylor. An Austin native, Megan has been following Full Nail since their humble beginnings. She was captivated by their raw energy, mesmerizing performances, and their unique blend of alt-rock and blues. Megan says, “Full Nail isn’t just a band, they’re a lifeline, their music hits me in places I didn’t even know still existed. From ‘Rusted Chains’ to their latest tracks, they’ve always managed to capture the raw human spirit in their music. I can’t imagine my life without their sound.”

Backstory:

Black Reward originated in the heart of Seattle’s grunge scene in the late 90’s. The band, composed of lead vocalist and guitarist Jack Morrison, drummer Nick Riddle, and bassist Sarah Lambert, all shared a deeply rooted passion for the raw and edgy sounds of grunge, blending it with their unique take on alternative rock. Coming together in a dingy basement, their shared love for music and the bustling underground scene resulted in a band that would soon take the city, and eventually, the world by storm. The band’s name, ‘Black Reward,’ was inspired by the idea that the struggles they faced gave birth to something beautiful: their music.

Genre:
Alternative Grunge Rock

Title:
“Shadow’s Embrace”

Full Song Lyrics:

Chorus:
Am C G D
In the Shadow’s Embrace, we find our place,
Am C G D
Amid the echoes of our past mistakes,
Am C G D
In the Shadow’s Embrace, we bear the weight,
Am C G D
Of dreams we chase, and hearts that break.

Verse 1:
Am C G D
Beneath the city lights, we find our fight,
Am C G D
In the rhythm of the night, we ignite,
Am C G D
In the shroud of the dusk, we trust,
Am C G D
In the Shadow’s Embrace, we combust.

(Repeat Chorus)

Verse 2:
Am C G D
Through the cracks of the dawn, we’re reborn,
Am C G D
In the furnace of life, we’re torn,
Am C G D
In the searing heat of the day, we fray,
Am C G D
In the Shadow’s Embrace, we stay.

(Repeat Chorus)

Fan Testimonial:
Name: Bailey Thompson

“Black Reward has been my favorite band since I stumbled upon them in a small club downtown. Their sound is raw, unfiltered, and forces you to confront your innermost feelings. Their lyrics resonate with me on a profound level; every word is a poignant reflection of life and the human condition. ‘Shadow’s Embrace’ in particular, is a song I hold dear to my heart. It feels like their music was written just for me. As an artist, their creativity and genuineness inspire me every day. I owe my artistic growth to them, and that’s why Black Reward will always be my number one band.”

Backstory:

Impolite Canal found its genesis in a small, unassuming suburb of Manchester in the United Kingdom. Band members Andrew “Drew” Thomson (lead vocals, guitar), Rachel “Rach” Harrison (drums, backing vocals), and Simon “Si” McLeary (bass, backing vocals) crossed paths at a local music festival in 2010. Drew, a bartender with a knack for playing guitar, and Rach and Si, two childhood friends who were locally known for their impromptu drum and bass performances at house parties, found a common thread in their shared love for music that was unconventional and unabashedly raw. They decided to form a band, and true to their offbeat spirit, they named it ‘Impolite Canal’ after a local urban legend.

Over the next few years, Impolite Canal found a unique voice in the indie-rock scene. Their music blended the grit and honesty of punk with the soulful melodies of indie rock, creating a sound that was fresh, fearless, and unapologetically them. Their journey from performing at local pubs to commanding the stage at music festivals around the country is an inspiring tale of passion, perseverance, and the power of music.

Genre:

Indie Rock/ Punk

Title:

“Riverside Rebellion”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1 – G, Em, C, D)
[G] Down by the riverside, [Em] beneath the city’s glow,
[C] We found a sense of pride, [D] a place where rebels go.
[G] Shouting at the quiet night, [Em] with dreams as loud as sin,
[C] We danced on the edge of right, [D] let the rebellion begin.

(Chorus – Am, C, G, D)
[Am] Riverside Rebellion, [C] echo in the night,
[G] In our hearts, the insurrection, [D] in our eyes, the fight.
[Am] Riverside Rebellion, [C] under the starlight dome,
[G] This is our love, our war, [D] our indie-punk home.

(Verse 2)
[G] Broken strings and drumbeats raw, [Em] under the neon rain,
[C] We sang the songs of the outlaw, [D] to the rhythm of disdain.
[G] Amidst the noise and the unrest, [Em] we found our sweet refrain,
[C] In the heart of the riot, we professed, [D] our unchained domain.

(Chorus)
[Am] Riverside Rebellion, [C] a symphony of noise,
[G] This is our sanctum, [D] our sanctuary of choice.
[Am] Riverside Rebellion, [C] in the heart’s throb and hum,
[G] This is our music, [D] this is where we come from.

Fan Testimonial:

Fan’s Name: Melissa “Mel” Blackburn

Melissa, known as Mel among her peers, has been a diehard fan of Impolite Canal since their early pub gig days. She proudly proclaims that her life has a soundtrack, and it’s composed entirely of Impolite Canal songs. “Their music isn’t just noise – it’s raw, real, and it resonates,” says Mel. She appreciates the band’s sincerity and fearlessness in expressing themselves. For Mel, Impolite Canal is more than just her favorite band – they’re the narrators of her life. She once said, “Impolite Canal’s music has been with me through highs and lows, they’ve been my ‘Riverside Rebellion’.” Their authenticity and passion have deeply inspired Mel, making them her all-time favorite band.