Backstory:

Variable Kite is an eclectic fusion of talented musicians who first met at a music festival in Austin, Texas, back in 2013. The band consists of four members: lead vocalist and bassist, Samantha ‘Sam’ Richards, guitarist, Jake ‘Sphinx’ Spencer, keyboardist, Liam ‘Keys’ Donovan, and drummer, Felix ‘Stix’ Sullivan. The quartet immediately hit it off upon meeting and decided to form a band, fascinated by the prospect of combining their diverse musical backgrounds to create something unique. They locked themselves away in a makeshift studio for six months, emerging with a sound that was entirely their own, a variable kite that would rise and fall, twist and turn, following the winds of their collective creative energy.

In their early years, Variable Kite performed locally, experimenting with their sound and steadily building up a loyal fanbase. Their breakthrough came in 2017 when their debut album, “Magnetic North”, topped the indie charts, solidifying their position as a force to be reckoned with in the music industry. Since then, the band has released three more successful albums and toured extensively worldwide, captivating audiences with their electric performances and innovative music.

Genre:

Alternative Rock/ Indie Pop

Title:

“Paper Lanterns in the Sky”

Full Song Lyrics:

[Versus] (C-G-Am-F)
On a canvas of night, we paint our desires, (C-G-Am-F)
Paper lanterns in the sky, fueled by our fires. (C-G-Am-F)
Under starlight, we make wishes we’d dare, (C-G-Am-F)
In the hope that someone, somewhere out there cares. (C-G-Am-F)

[Chorus] (G-Am-F-C)
Lift your dreams high, let them take flight, (G-Am-F-C)
Like paper lanterns in the sky, blazing bright. (G-Am-F-C)
Though it’s dark now, know it’s not the end, (G-Am-F-C)
With every sunrise, a new day begins. (G-Am-F-C)

[Versus] (C-G-Am-F)
Through the storm, the lantern’s flame flickers, (C-G-Am-F)
Yet it’s the strongest wind that makes us quicker. (C-G-Am-F)
Let your fears go, let them drift away, (C-G-Am-F)
In the grand scheme of things, they’re just shades of gray. (C-G-Am-F)

[Chorus] (G-Am-F-C)
Lift your dreams high, let them take flight, (G-Am-F-C)
Like paper lanterns in the sky, blazing bright. (G-Am-F-C)
Though it’s dark now, know it’s not the end, (G-Am-F-C)
With every sunrise, a new day begins. (G-Am-F-C)

Bands favorite fan and testimonial:

Our favorite fan has to be Ava Johnson. She’s been with us from the very beginning, traveling across the state to attend our gigs when we were still playing in local bars. She’s always front and center, singing along to every word and her energy is infectious.

Ava’s Testimonial: “Variable Kite’s music speaks to my soul – their lyrics are profound and their melodies are captivating. Every song feels like a journey and I find myself swept away in the raw emotion they bring to their performances. They’re more than just a band to me, they’ve become a soundtrack to my life!”

Backstory:

Well-To-Do Dark is a band made up of four childhood friends from the gritty streets of Detroit. The group consists of vocalist and guitarist Harrison King, drummer Jake Monroe, bass guitarist Leo Tyson, and keyboardist Patrick Stone. The band got its start in their high school days, jamming together in a small garage, with a shared goal and passion: to make music that tells their unique, raw stories. Their bond solidified over time, fuelled by their individual struggles and collective dreams. They used their shared experiences and the city’s rough charm to create a sound that’s uniquely their own.

They began playing at local bars and small music festivals, gaining a loyal fan base with their authentic and powerful performances. Their first big break came when a local radio station picked up one of their demo tracks, and the rest is history. The band has since released three studio albums and gone on numerous national tours. They have managed to stay grounded, always remembering their roots and maintaining the authenticity that first captivated their fans.

Genre:

Alternative Rock

Title:

“Unseen Shadows”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
Am Em G D
Underneath the city light, we’re chasing dreams in black and white,
Am Em G D
Barely scraping by, but in our hearts, we’re kings and knights.

(Chorus)
Am C G D
Unseen shadows on our path, but we’re never looking back,
Am C G D
Through the struggles and the laughs, we’re writing our own epitaph.

(Verse 2)
Am Em G D
Street corners echo with our song, in this place where we belong,
Am Em G D
It’s a tough world, but with our music, we stay strong.

(Chorus)
Am C G D
Unseen shadows may obscure, our future uncertain, unsure,
Am C G D
But we stand tall, we endure, with a spirit that’s pure.

(Outro)
Am Em G D
We’re the well-to-do dark, shining our light through the stark,
Am Em G D
From the dawn till the evening lark, we leave our indelible mark.

Favorite Fan:

The band’s favorite fan is a woman named Emily Thompson. Emily discovered Well-To-Do Dark during one of their earliest performances at a small bar in Detroit. She has been a dedicated fan ever since, attending every concert and being their number one supporter. She enjoys their music because it feels genuine and relatable, echoing her own experiences. As a testimonial, Emily often shares, “Well-To-Do Dark captures the essence of life – the struggle, the joy, the journey. Their music is raw and real, and it speaks to me on a deeper level. I feel connected to their story, and every song feels like a piece of my own story. That’s why they are my favorite band.”

Backstory:

Earnest Lung was born amidst the hustle and bustle of Austin, Texas, where four childhood friends decided to take their love for music to the next level. Ethan, Sam, Riley, and Jake were always the kids strumming guitars at parties or humming harmonies in the back of class. Their collective passion for music, fueled by the vibrant local music scene, led them to form a band in 2016. The name Earnest Lung was chosen as a representation of their heartfelt and raw music style.

Over time, they found their rhythm, evolving into a cohesive unit that wrote, composed, and performed their own material. Their songs often reflected their shared experiences, capturing snapshots of life’s highs and lows in a meaningful and relatable way. Their journey was not void of obstacles, but every struggle only reinforced their determination to succeed, helping them grow, both as musicians and individuals.

Genre:
Alternative Folk Rock

Title:
“Seeds in the Wind”

Full Song Lyrics:

[Verse 1]
Em C G D
Underneath the old oak tree, we were free
Em C G D
Chasing dreams like seeds in the wind
Em C G D
In your eyes, I could see, infinity
Em C G D
A reckless love that could never dim

[Chorus]
Am C G D
We are seeds in the wind, my friend
Am C G D
Caught in a dance that never ends
Am C G D
Through the storms we will ascend
Am C G D
Like seeds in the wind, once again.

[Verse 2]
Em C G D
From summer’s glow to winter’s grime
Em C G D
The seasons change, but we defy
Em C G D
In our hearts, the sun does shine
Em C G D
Like seeds in the wind, through time.

[Chorus]
Am C G D
We are seeds in the wind, my friend
Am C G D
Caught in a dance that never ends
Am C G D
Through the storms we will ascend
Am C G D
Like seeds in the wind, once again.

The band’s favorite fan:

The band’s favorite fan is a woman named Lucy. “I love Earnest Lung because their music speaks to me on a personal level. Their lyrics feel like stories taken right out of my life, and I can’t help but feel connected to them. I’ve been to every one of their gigs in Austin and even a few out of town. They’re not just a band to me; they’re like the soundtrack to my life. Their song ‘Seeds in the Wind’ is my absolute favorite. It’s about resilience, love, and the passage of time – things we all experience. I can’t wait to see where their musical journey takes them next.”

Backstory:
Pertinent Sword was formed in the gritty corners of Detroit, Michigan, in 2005. The band was comprised of four high-school friends, lead vocalist and guitarist Jack Monroe, bassist Sam “Thunder” Thompson, drummer Oliver “Ollie” Quick, and keyboardist Emily Sharp. They initially started off as a garage band, playing at local events and parties. Their unique sound and raw talent earned them a dedicated local following and eventually caught the attention of an independent record label.

Known for their energetic performances and thought-provoking lyrics, Pertinent Sword’s rise was a slow burn. They released their debut album in 2008, but it was their heart-wrenching sophomore album, “Rusted Dreams,” that caught the nation’s attention. It wasn’t long before they had a constant presence on the Billboard charts and were selling out arenas.

Genre: Rock/Alternative

Title: “Echos of the Unseen”

Full Song Lyrics:

[Versus]
G C Em D
In the quiet whispers of the night,
Beneath the blanket of the starlight,
You’ll find the echos of the unseen,
In a world that’s trapped between.

[Chorus]
C G D Em
Echos of the unseen, reverberating love,
Lost in our dreams, under stars above.
Echos of the unseen, we play our part,
In the symphony of life, it’s where we start.

[Versus]
G C Em D
In the chaos of the everyday,
We lose sight of the Milky Way,
But the echos, they still remain,
In the laughter, joy, and pain.

[Chorus]
C G D Em
Echos of the unseen, reverberating love,
Lost in our dreams, under stars above.
Echos of the unseen, we play our part,
In the symphony of life, it’s our work of art.

[Bridge]
Am Em G D
Drowning in the noise, can’t you see,
The beautiful melody of the unseen.

[Chorus]
C G D Em
Echos of the unseen, reverberating love,
Lost in our dreams, under stars above.
Echos of the unseen, we play our part,
In the symphony of life, it’s where we start.

Fan Testimonial:
Their favorite fan’s name is Lisa Jones. Lisa, a Detroit native, has been with the band since their garage days. Being a constant presence at their concerts, Lisa has become a symbol of loyal fandom to the band.

Lisa says, “Pertinent Sword doesn’t just play music, they narrate life. They’ve been with me through my highs and lows, their lyrics speak to my soul. They’re my solace in the storm of life. I can’t imagine my life without their music. They’re more than just a band to me, they’re my lifeline.”

Backstory:
Unlawful Appendix is an unconventional ensemble that emerged from the heart of New York City’s buzzing music scene. The band members, lead vocalist Sinclair “Sin” Perry, guitarist Lola “Lo” Thompkins, drummer Xander “X” Jenkins, and bassist Marcus “M” Grant met while attending the prestigious Julliard School. From different backgrounds and possessing unique musical influences, the foursome began to fuse their tastes, resulting in a sound that was distinct and captivating. Driven by a shared sense of rebellion against traditional music norms, they coined their band name after a late-night brainstorming session where they found appeal in the absurdity and uniqueness of ‘Unlawful Appendix’.

Their reputation began to grow after a series of impromptu performances at local bars, city festivals, and underground parties. What started as a fun pastime to push their creative boundaries rapidly grew into a promising career. Their music resonated with listeners, and this resonance started a ripple effect, leading them to where they are today—on the brink of stardom.

Genre:
Unlawful Appendix’s sound is an eclectic mix of Alternative Rock and Electric Blues, resulting in a genre they lovingly refer to as “Electric Alter-Blues.”

Title:
One of their most acclaimed songs is “Shadow Puppets on the Subway Wall.”

Full song lyrics:

[Verse]
Am
In the heart of the city, where the lights never sleep,
C
I find my rhythm, where the shadows creep.
F
Subway rides, midnight skies, your eyes they coincide,
G
With the echo of laughter, in a city that never cried.

[Verse]
Am
Strangers become friends, friends become lovers,
C
In this jungle of steel, where no secret hovers.
F
We dance with shadows, playing hide and seek,
G
On the subway wall, where silence speaks.

[Chorus]
E
Shadow puppets on the subway wall,
Am
Tell a thousand tales, they’ve seen it all.
F
Love and loss, dreams and dread,
C G
In the city that never goes to bed.

[Verse]
Am
In the reflection of your eyes, I see my truth,
C
In this city’s rhythm, we found our youth.
F
The lights, the sounds, the scent, the thrall,
G
We are but shadow puppets on the subway wall.

[Chorus]
E
Shadow puppets on the subway wall,
Am
Caught between a whisper and a call.
F
In the heart of the city, we stand tall,
C G
We are but shadow puppets on the subway wall.

Fan Testimonial:
The band’s favorite fan is a chap named Jamie Hughes. Jamie, a fellow New Yorker, was one of the first to recognize their talent during a small bar gig. He’s attended every show since and has become a sort of band mascot. Jamie says, “Unlawful Appendix is more than just a band to me—it’s the voice of our generation, a musical revolution. Their lyrics speak to me on a personal level, and their sound is raw and real. It’s like they’ve taken the everyday emotions we all experience and turned them into a melody. They are my favorite because their music speaks to the soul.”

Backstory:
Formed in 1995 in the heart of London, England, Tremendous Wife is a band born out of the vibrant alternative music scene. Comprising lead vocalist Laura Wright, guitarist Tim Miller, bassist James Riley, and drummer Craig Smith, the band came together during their time at the University of London. Sharing a flat and a deep-seated love for innovative music, they began experimenting with sounds and soon started performing at local gigs. They quickly gained recognition for their unique sound and unflinching lyrics, earning them a dedicated fan base. Two decades later, Tremendous Wife continues to influence the world of alternative music with their unconventional and powerful compositions.

Genre:
Alternative Rock

Song Title:
“Shattered Mirrors”

Full Song Lyrics:

[Verse 1]
Am7 C
Caught in the frame of shattered mirrors,
G D
Reflections of a past no clearer,
Em A
Bleeding colors, fading light,
C D
Lost in the echoes of the night.

[Verse 2]
Am7 C
Trapped in the realm of silent screams,
G D
Chasing shadows of broken dreams,
Em A
Winding roads, endless plight,
C D
In the darkness, seeking light.

[Chorus]
G D
Shattered mirrors, fractured souls,
Am7 C
Memories etched in timeless scrolls,
G D
Through the cracks, shines the sun,
Am7 C
Reminding us, we’re not undone.

(Repeat Verse 1, Verse 2, and Chorus)

Fan’s Name and Testimonial:

Fan’s Name: Mark Peterson

Testimonial:
Tremendous Wife has been my favorite band since they played at my local pub back in 1997. I was instantly captivated by their raw energy and the depth of their lyrics. Their songs spoke to me in ways no other band ever had – it felt like they were putting words to my deepest feelings. What sets Tremendous Wife apart for me is their authenticity. Their music isn’t just about entertainment, it’s an exploration of the human condition. With every song, they lay bare the raw and beautiful struggle that is life. I’ve followed their journey over the years, and they continue to inspire me. To me, Tremendous Wife isn’t just a band, they’re a part of my life’s soundtrack.

Backstory:
Stiff Significance first came to life in the bustling suburbs of Manchester, England, in 2010. The band was formed by a group of five childhood friends; Jonathan “Jonny” Mitchell (vocals, guitar), Emily Griffiths (keyboard, backing vocals), Richard “Rich” Taylor (lead guitar), Mike Walsh (bass), and Simon Bennett (drums). They all had one thing in common – a deep-seated passion for music, especially their shared love for rock. After years of honing their skills in Jonny’s garage, they made their first public appearance at a local pub in 2012, and they’ve been on a roll ever since.

The name ‘Stiff Significance’ was inspired by a phrase they overheard in a philosophy lecture they snuck into at a local university; it resonated with their need to create music that was meaningful and stood strong in the face of adversity. They started out performing covers of their favorite bands, but soon began to experiment with their own sound and started writing their own songs. Their experimental yet grounded approach quickly started gaining attention in their local scene, and soon enough, on a national level.

Genre:
Alternative Rock

Title:
“Echoes of Eternity”

Song Lyrics:
(Verse 1)
Em / C / G / D
From a world where silence has a voice,
Underneath the starlight’s noise,
In the echoes of eternity, we find our way.

(Chorus)
C / G / D / Em
We are the seekers, we are the dream,
Living on whispers and a prayer it seems,
In the echoes of eternity, we make our stand.

(Verse 2)
Em / C / G / D
In the shadows of forgotten dreams,
With hearts stitched with hope’s golden seams,
In the echoes of eternity, we dance again.

(Chorus)
C / G / D / Em
We are the poets, we are the song,
In the echoes of eternity, we find where we belong.

(Outro)
Em / C / G / D
In the echoes of eternity, we are strong.

Band’s Favorite Fan:
The band’s favorite fan is undoubtedly Rose Evans, a local woman who has been there since their first gig at the pub. She fell in love with their music and has not missed a single performance since. She once said, “Stiff Significance is more than a band to me. Their music is like an echo of my own emotions – sometimes a whisper, sometimes a roar. They’ve been the soundtrack to my highs and lows, and they’ve helped me feel less alone in my journey. I love them because they’ve shown me that even in the echoes of eternity, we all have our own significance.”

Backstory:

Voluminous Manager is the brainchild of four high-school best mates from the coastal town of Brighton, UK. The group was formed during their final year of high school; they bonded over their shared love for music and their penchant for quirky band names. Lead vocalist and guitarist, Max Chapman, bassist, Oliver Reed, drummer, Ethan Turner, and keyboardist, Jake Preston, stumbled upon an old manager’s handbook in their school library. The book was so thick, Max jested it was ‘voluminous,’ and from there, the name stuck.

The band started performing at local pubs and gradually earned a dedicated local following. Their breakthrough came when a scout from a record company noticed their tight performance and unique sound during a gig at a popular music festival. Their music, characterized by its raw energy and emotion, quickly catapulted them to national fame.

Genre:

Indie Rock

Title:

“Drowning in Paper”

Full song lyrics:

(Verse 1)
[C] On this late-night shift [Am] between the dusky corners,
[G] The sound of silence [F] echoes louder than your words,
[C] A thousand pages, [Am] each a tale of its own,
[G] But every story [F] feels like you.

(Chorus)
[C] Drowning in paper, [G] sinking in ink,
[Am] Searching for the words, [F] but I can hardly think,
[C] Drowning in paper, [G] stories untold,
[Am] Echoes of the love, [F] that we used to hold.

(Verse 2)
[C] Across the desk, [Am] beneath the mellow light,
[G] I see your smile, [F] a memory of the night,
[C] Lost in this maze, [Am] of words and endless lines,
[G] I find you, [F] in every bind.

(Chorus)
[C] Drowning in paper, [G] sinking in ink,
[Am] Here in this silence, [F] where love used to sing,
[C] Drowning in paper, [G] ink-stained notes,
[Am] Memories of us, [F] in the words I wrote.

The band’s favorite fan’s name and why:

Testimonial – Fan Name: Jenny Wilkins

“I’ve been a fan of Voluminous Manager since their early days at the local pubs. Their music speaks volumes (pun intended) about their talent, passion, and creativity. ‘Drowning in Paper’ is my personal favorite – the lyrics, the melody, it’s all unbelievably captivating. I feel connected to their music on a personal level; it’s as if they sing the stories of my life. Voluminous Manager isn’t just my favorite band because they create great music, but because they make music that resonates, that touches hearts, and that’s what makes them truly special.”

Backstory:
The story of ‘Proper Interface’ begins in the small, quiet town of Lancaster, Pennsylvania. The four members of the band, lead vocalist and keyboardist Aaron, bassist Kurt, drummer Scott, and guitarist Jesse, all went to the same high school where they each individually discovered their love for music. Starting out as a group of friends who simply enjoyed jamming sessions in each other’s garages, they soon realized they had a unique sound that the world needed to hear. Working odd jobs to save up for recording time, they self-released their first album in 2012, and haven’t looked back since. Their dedication and passion for their craft have seen them evolve from a local favorite to a globally recognized band, with a rapidly growing fanbase that stretches far beyond their humble beginnings.

Genre:
Electro Indie Rock

Title:
“Binary Heartbeat”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse)
[E] Walkin’ down the digital [A] lanes,
[C] Underneath the neon [G] rains. [A]
[E] I saw you in a byte-sized [A] dream,
[C] Pixel perfect, soft as [G] screen. [A]

(Chorus)
[E] You and me, a [A] binary heartbeat,
[C] Lost in the rhythm of the [G] electric street.
[E] In the grid, we’re [A] dancing free,
[C] Syncopated love in [G] 1’s and 0’s, you and [A] me.

(Verse)
[E] Glowing in the silicon [A] dusk,
[C] Our love story etched in [G] microchip rust. [A]
[E] A strange romance, oh, it’s [A] true,
[C] But I’m magnetized, [G] right to you. [A]

(Chorus)
[E] You and me, a [A] binary heartbeat,
[C] Lost in the rhythm of the [G] electric street.
[E] In the grid, we’re [A] dancing free,
[C] Syncopated love in [G] 1’s and 0’s, you and [A] me.

Favorite Fan:
Their favorite fan is a 26-year-old software engineer named Lily from Seattle. She fell in love with ‘Proper Interface’ after hearing their song “Binary Heartbeat” on the radio during a challenging coding project. She says, “Their music just speaks to me in a way nothing else does. It’s like they’ve taken my everyday life and turned it into something beautiful and exciting. The fusion of their indie rock sound with the electronic elements is just genius. They’re always my go-to band when I’m coding or just chilling after a long day. I’ve seen them live three times already, and they never disappoint!”

Backstory:

Ultimate Evaluation was formed in 2005 in the bustling city of New York. The band started as a passion project between four college friends: Jameson (lead vocals, guitar), Natalie (bass, background vocals), Carter (drums), and Elliot (keyboard, synth). They spent countless nights in their dorm rooms, blending sounds, experimenting with melodies, and creating a unique sound that reflected their diverse musical influences. Their music is inspired by their experiences, beliefs, and the city they grew up in.

In 2008, Ultimate Evaluation was discovered by a talent scout during a gig at a local bar. Their energetic performances and compelling lyrics caught the scout’s attention. They were soon signed up by a renowned record label, and since then, they’ve released six studio albums, each one showcasing their growth as musicians and their commitment to creating music that resonates with listeners worldwide.

Genre:

Alternative Rock

Title:

“Concrete Reveries”

Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
Am – G – F – C
In the city where the lights never sleep, (Am)
Where dreams are sold on every street, (G)
We’ve painted our stories on concrete, (F)
With colors too bold to beat. (C)

(Chorus)
G – F – C – Am
Concrete reveries, urban symphonies, (G)
In a city that’s alive with melodies, (F)
We are dreamers, just trying to break free, (C)
In a world that’s more than what it seems. (Am)

(Verse 2)
Am – G – F – C
Underneath the sky that’s full of stars, (Am)
We play our tunes on broken guitars, (G)
Finding beauty in life’s little scars, (F)
Living, loving, climbing, reaching far. (C)

(Chorus)
G – F – C – Am
Concrete reveries, urban symphonies, (G)
In a city that’s alive with melodies, (F)
We are dreamers, just trying to break free, (C)
In a world that’s more than what it seems. (Am)

(Outro)
Am – G – F – C
So here’s to the dreamers and the believers, (Am)
To the fighters, the lovers, the achievers, (G)
In our concrete reverie, we will always be, (F)
Forever free. (C)

Favorite Fan’s Name and Testimonial:

“My name is Emma, and Ultimate Evaluation is my favorite band. Their music speaks to me on many levels. Their lyrics are profound, their melodies are captivating, and their performances are always filled with passion and energy. They manage to articulate feelings I couldn’t express myself. They make me believe in my dreams and inspire me to strive for more. I feel like their music is a part of me, and I am a part of their music. They’re not just a band to me; they’re a part of my life’s soundtrack.”