Backstory:

Assured Target was born in the heart of New York City in 2013, with lead vocalist Jace Mercer and guitarist Nick Harper bonding over their shared love of music in their college years. The duo later found the missing pieces to their ensemble within the city’s underground music scene, ultimately becoming a quintet with drummer Alice Lane, keyboardist Benji Katz and bassist Riley McCormick. They began their journey by performing in local bars and clubs, gaining popularity through their unique sound and the raw honesty in their lyrics.

Their first big break came in 2015 when a music producer happened to hear one of their gigs, leading to their signing with an indie record label. The band’s reputation grew exponentially, leading to national tours and eventually international success. Assured Target’s powerful and unified voice, which emerged from their humble beginnings, continues to resonate with fans around the world.

Genre:
Alternative Rock

Title:
“Shadowed Hearts”

Full song lyrics:

Verse 1: (Am – G – D – F)
Underneath the city lights, (Am)
We found love in the darkest nights. (G)
Caught in the web of your lies, (D)
I saw truth in your eyes. (F)

Chorus: (C – G – Am – F)
Shadowed hearts beating in time, (C)
In a world that’s yours and mine. (G)
In the echoes of the night, (Am)
We’ll find our way, it’s our fight. (F)

Verse 2: (Am – G – D – F)
In the silence of our words, (Am)
The melody of love is heard. (G)
In the maze of your touch, (D)
I found a love that means so much. (F)

Chorus: (C – G – Am – F)
Shadowed hearts beating in time, (C)
In a world that’s only yours and mine. (G)
In the echoes of the night, (Am)
We’ll find our way, it’s our fight. (F)

Favorite Fan:
Sarah Thompson. Sarah has been a fan of Assured Target since their early days, and continues to follow their journey, attending every concert she can. She says, “Assured Target’s music speaks to me on a personal level. Their songs have been my safe harbor during some of the toughest times in my life. They have a way of conveying emotion that makes you feel seen and understood. They’re not just a band to me, they’re a lifeline.”

Backstory:
Criminal Indicator was formed in the grungy depths of Seattle’s underground music scene in 2004. The four members – frontperson Jackie ‘Criminal’ Krebs, guitarist Dexter ‘Indicator’ Smith, bassist Patty ‘Pulse’ Jones, and drummer Billy ‘Beat’ Thompson – were all former law students, disillusioned by the system they were studying and seeking an outlet for their pent-up frustrations. They channeled their energy into creating music that reflected their gritty worldview, initially performing in dimly-lit basements and obscure music festivals.

Their breakthrough came in 2007, when their raw, unfiltered sound managed to catch the ear of a record executive at one of their gigs, leading to a record deal that put them firmly on the map. Despite their success, Criminal Indicator has never lost touch with their roots and continues to produce music that challenges societal norms and calls out corruption.

Genre:
Alternative Rock/Punk

Title:
“Courthouse Chaos”

Full song lyrics:

(Verse 1) [Am G F E]
In the stinging rain, I stand alone,
A lone soldier in the courthouse tone.
In the heart of the chaos, I make my plea,
But the judge and the jury, they don’t see me.

(Chorus) [C G Am F]
Courthouse chaos, system’s a lie,
Freedom is a bird that’s too wounded to fly.
Courthouse chaos, can’t you see?
Justice is blind, but we refuse to be.

(Verse 2) [Am G F E]
In the halls of power, truth’s a ghost,
A spectral whisper, an empty boast.
Shackled in silence, I bear my chains,
In the courthouse chaos, only injustice reigns.

(Chorus) [C G Am F]
Courthouse chaos, system’s a lie,
Freedom is a bird that’s too wounded to fly.
Courthouse chaos, can’t you see?
Justice is blind, but we refuse to be.

(Bridge) [Dm Am G F]
We won’t be silenced, we won’t be still,
We’ll shatter the silence with our will.
Courthouse chaos, hear our cry,
We won’t stop fighting till we touch the sky.

(Chorus) [C G Am F]
Courthouse chaos, system’s a lie,
Freedom is a bird that’s too wounded to fly.
Courthouse chaos, can’t you see?
Justice is blind, but we refuse to be.

Band’s favorite fan’s name:
Timothy “Tim” Hayes

Testimonial for the band:
“Criminal Indicator isn’t just a band; they’re a revolution. Their music isn’t just melodies and chords; it’s a call to action. I first heard them in a dingy basement gig and I was immediately drawn to their raw energy and passion. They have a way of speaking truth to power that resonates with me and so many others. They’re more than my favorite band, they’re the soundtrack to my personal rebellion against the status quo.”

Backstory:
Formed in the quiet suburban streets of Reno, Nevada, Joyous Venture was birthed out of the desire of four childhood friends to create something beautiful out of their shared love for music. The band consists of lead guitarist and vocalist, Sam Middleton; bassist, Danny Marshall; the drummer, Jake Matthews, and keyboardist, Lily Adams. They began crafting their sound in Sam’s garage, which eventually transformed into a sanctuary for their creativity and innovation. Their music, crafted with heart and soul, offered an escape from the monotony of their 9-5 jobs. As their sound evolved, they found their niche, a fusion that resonated with people. The world started noticing Joyous Venture after their breakthrough performance at a local music festival. Since then, there has been no looking back for this talented quartet.

Genre:
Indie Folk Pop

Title:
“Lost in the Echo”

Full song lyrics:

(Verse 1)
[C] Strumming my pain with the [G] rhythm divine
[Am] Longing for silence in this [F] chaos so prime
[C] Echoes of love, lost in the [G] sands of time
[Am] I’m holding on to a [F] memory so fine

(Chorus)
[C] Lost in the echo, [G] found in the beat
[Am] We dance with shadows, where [F] memories meet
[C] In the whispers of the wind, [G] in the rhythm of the street
[Am] We’re lost in the echo, but [F] the echo is sweet

(Verse 2)
[C] Underneath the moonlight, [G] our hearts collide
[Am] Drunk on stardust, in [F] dreams we confide
[C] In the moments that matter, [G] love is our guide
[Am] Lost in the echo, [F] on this magical ride

(Repeat Chorus)

Band’s favorite fan:
Our favorite fan is a lady named Emma Henderson. Being a literature teacher, Emma has always had a profound love for words and music. She discovered Joyous Venture during a difficult phase in her life and our music became her solace. Emma has been following our journey from the start. She once told us that she feels our music is like poetry in motion–each song telling a unique story, evoking myriad emotions. Emma has been to every local concert and has even traveled to some of our out-of-town gigs. Her dedication and love for what we do is truly heartwarming.

Emma’s Testimonial:
“Discovering Joyous Venture was serendipity. Their songs are like stories that speak to my heart. Every chord, every lyric resonates with me. When life gets tough, their music soothes me, when life is joyful, their music enhances that joy. I will forever be a fan of Joyous Venture; they are a testament to the power of music.”

Backstory:
Pioneers of grunge revival, Musty Crime was born in the dimly-lit basements of Portland, Oregon in 2013. The band consists of childhood friends: frontman and guitarist, Ray ‘Musty’ Mitchell, bassist Jack ‘Crime’ Carter, and drummer Tommy ‘Rimshot’ Rogers. The trio, known for their raw, energetic performances and unapologetic lyrics, found their sound through the heavy influence of 90’s grunge bands like Nirvana and Pearl Jam. The name ‘Musty Crime’ is an allegory for their rebellious spirit against the sanitised, mainstream pop music, signifying a return to the gritty, raw roots of rock and roll.

Genre:
Grunge Revival

Title:
“Cobweb Chronicles”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
Em C
Woke up this morning, in this musty town,
G D
Echoes of yesterday are all around.
Em C
The cobwebs of memory, they pull me down,
G D
Into the chronicles, where I am bound.

(Chorus)
C G
Cobweb chronicles, the stories untold,
D Em
In the heart of the city, where the nights are cold.
C G
The tales of a time, lost in the fold,
D Em
Cobweb chronicles, where legends are mould.

(Verse 2)
Em C
Walking down the street, under the crimson sky,
G D
With the echoes of her laughter, and our last goodbye.
Em C
The city whispers secrets, in the dead of night,
G D
In the cobweb chronicles, I find my fight.

(Repeat Chorus)

(Bridge)
A C
And in the silence, the city speaks,
G D
Of love and heartbreaks, of highs and peaks.
A C
And I find myself in this urban maze,
G D
In the cobweb chronicles, lost in a daze.

(Repeat Chorus)

(Outro)
Em C
So here’s to the stories, still to unfold,
G D
In the cobweb chronicles, brave and bold.

Favorite Fan Testimonial:
Name: Sarah Jensen

Sarah Jensen, a dedicated music enthusiast and self-proclaimed ‘grunge-head’, has been a fan of Musty Crime since their inception. “Musty Crime isn’t just a band. They are a beacon of rebellion, a fresh gust of wind in the stale, overproduced music industry,” Sarah opines. Their authenticity and raw energy have impacted her deeply. The lyrics from “Cobweb Chronicles” resonate with her everyday struggles, making Musty Crime more of a companion in her life. “Their music is cathartic. It’s not just about the angst and the grunge; it’s about finding yourself amidst the chaos. They make it okay to be human, to be flawed,” she adds.

Backstory:
Attached Bird began its life as a dream in the heart of a small-town boy named Mark. Mark’s life changed when he discovered his father’s old guitar in the attic. He spent hours learning to play, developing a sound that was uniquely his own. In high school, he met three like-minded musicians, Jenny, Tom, and Alex. Each had their own individual musical background, coming from classical music, jazz, and rock. When they came together, the combination of their talents created a unique and captivating sound that resonated with audiences. They dubbed themselves ‘Attached Bird’, as a symbol of their unity and shared vision, while each retaining their individuality.

Genre:
Indie Folk Rock

Title:
“Wings Unfurled”

Full Song Lyrics:

[Verse 1] (C-G-Am-F)
I’ve been feeling lost, just like a bird in the cage,
But your love, it’s like a melody that sets me free.
I’ve been down and out, but you never let me fade,
Your words of love, they’re like a song, they’re all I need.

[Chorus] (G-Am-F-C)
Wings unfurled, flying high,
With your love, I touch the sky.
Through the storm, through the night,
With you, everything’s alright.

[Verse 2] (C-G-Am-F)
Life can be a maze, with its twists and its turns,
But your voice, it’s like a compass guiding me.
Through the darkest days, your light always burns,
With your song, with your love, I am never weak.

[Chorus] (G-Am-F-C)
Wings unfurled, flying high,
With your love, I touch the sky.
Through the storm, through the night,
With you, everything’s alright.

[Bridge] (Am-G-F-C)
With you, I am boundless, I am free,
With you, I am more than I could ever be.
Your love gives me wings, sets my spirit free,
With you, I am, I am free.

[Chorus] (G-Am-F-C)
Wings unfurled, flying high,
With your love, I touch the sky.
Through the storm, through the night,
With you, everything’s alright.

Fan’s Name, Testimonial:
“Sarah: I’ve been following Attached Bird since their early days. There’s just something so raw and real about their music—it speaks to me on a level that no other band has managed to reach. Their song ‘Wings Unfurled’ helped me through a really tough time in my life. It’s like the band understands what it’s like to struggle and to hope. I can’t wait for their future songs because I know they’ll continue to make music that inspires and moves people.”

Backstory:
Neighboring House is a collective of five childhood friends who grew up in the same neighborhood in Detroit, Michigan. The band derives their name from the fact that they spent their formative years jamming in the garage of their shared neighboring houses. The group, formed in late 2003, consists of lead vocalist Steve Hartman, guitarist Tom Wise, bassist Bobby Thomas, keyboardist Carl Gomez, and drummer Andy Russell. Celebrating their shared love for music and their tight-knit friendship, they decided to take their garage sessions to the next level, and thus, Neighboring House was born.

Living next door to each other allowed them to develop a unique synchronicity and harmony, which is evident in their music. Their close-knit bond is the reason why they have stuck together through ups and downs, constantly evolving their sound and style, but always staying true to their roots. Their music reflects the essence of their journey together, filled with shared dreams, struggles, and the beauty of life in their beloved hometown.

Genre:
Alternative Rock

Title:
“Garage Memories”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
[G] Woke up this morning, old memories [D] flooding back,
[Em] Echoes of laughter, in that old garage out [C] back.
[G] Dusty guitars and worn-out [D] drum skins,
[Em] Secret promises, of the battles we’d [C] win.

(Chorus)
[G] Garage memories, [D] keep us warm,
[Em] Whispering tales, of a [C] brotherhood born.
[G] Garage memories, [D] in every chord,
[Em] Echoing the dreams, that we [C] swore.

(Verse 2)
[G] Late-night rehearsals, under the [D] pale moonlight,
[Em] We were just kids, with our hopes [C] shining bright.
[G] Our hearts pounded, to the rhythm of the [D] same beat,
[Em] In our neighboring house, where our dreams [C] meet.

(Chorus)
[G] Garage memories, [D] still alive,
[Em] A testament to a friendship, that will [C] survive.
[G] Garage memories, [D] etched in stone,
[Em] Reminding us, we will never be [C] alone.

The Band’s Favorite Fan:
Neighboring House’s favorite fan is a woman named Mandy. Mandy has been following their music since the band’s inception. She was their first fan, outside of their family circle, and has attended every single one of their shows, come rain or shine.

Testimonial:
“Neighboring House is my favorite band because their music speaks to me on a personal level. Their songs reflect real-life experiences, emotions, and dreams that I can relate to. I’ve seen them grow as musicians and as people. The bond they share is one-of-a-kind, and it reflects in their music, which is raw, authentic, and full of heart. I love them not just for their music, but for the incredible people they are. They’re more than a band to me; they’re family.” – Mandy

Backstory:

Jittery Ward came into existence in the bustling city of Austin, Texas, in 2008. The trio, comprising of childhood friends Adam, Jason, and Mark, started out as a garage band, their youthful energy resonating through the quiet suburbs. Their unique sound was heavily influenced by the music their families listened to: a mixture of classic rock, blues, and a hint of jazz. Initially, they played at small gigs, such as local bars and community fairs. However, their popularity grew steadily, and larger venues started taking notice.

Within a few years, they landed a record deal with a prominent music label. Their debut album “Rattle the Cage” charted on Billboard’s Top 50, a feat that was considered impressive for a band so new. Soon, they were headlining festivals and touring across the country. Despite their success, the band remains true to their roots, often returning to their hometown for surprise shows and charity events.

Genre:

Alternative Rock infused with Blues and Jazz undertones.

Title:

“Fractured Echoes”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
Am G D Am
Hear the sound in the distance, a cry in the dark,
Am G D Am
A fractured echo bouncing off broken hearts.
Am G D Am
Lost in the rhythm, the beat of the night,
Am G D Am
You and me spinning in the pale moonlight.

(Chorus)
C G D Em
We’re just fractured echoes, dancing in the rain,
C G D Em
Holding onto each other, easing the pain.
C G D Em
Fractured echoes in the night,
C G D Em
In the rhythm, we’ll find our light.

(Verse 2)
Am G D Am
The city sleeps but our hearts are awake,
Am G D Am
Bitter words left unsaid, promises to break.
Am G D Am
Under starlight kisses, secrets we unfold,
Am G D Am
Our story, in fractured echoes, is told.

(Chorus)
C G D Em
We’re just fractured echoes, lost in time,
C G D Em,
In the chaos, your heart beats with mine.
C G D Em
Fractured echoes, don’t let them fade,
C G D Em
In the rhythm, our love is displayed.

Favorite Fan Testimonial:

Name: Lisa Reynolds

“Jittery Ward is more than just a band to me. Their music has been a comforting presence throughout my life. Whether I’m happy, sad, angry or just need to relax, I know I can count on their songs to resonate with my emotions. The lyrics of ‘Fractured Echoes’ helped me through a tough breakup. Every chord, every word they sing, it feels like they’re directly speaking to me. It’s an incredible feeling. There’s a rawness and authenticity in their music that you just can’t find in most bands these days. Jittery Ward isn’t just my favorite band; they’re a part of my life’s soundtrack.”

Backstory:
Adolescent Hall was formed in the small Midwestern town of Chillicothe, Missouri in 2011. The band was originally composed of childhood friends: lead vocalist and guitarist, Tom Bennett, drummer, Sam Wilcox, and bassist, Max Newman. They chose the name ‘Adolescent Hall’ to symbolize their journey from adolescence to adulthood. They started out performing in local bars and high school talent shows, where they were discovered by an independent record producer. Their raw talent and authentic sound caught the attention of the music industry, leading to their first record contract in 2013. Despite their success, they have never forgotten their small-town roots, and their music continues to reflect the struggles and triumphs of growing up.

Genre:
Alternative Rock

Title:
“Midnight Sun”

Full Song Lyrics:
[Verse 1]
C G Am F
Underneath the midnight sun, we played our hearts out,
C G Am F
Chasing dreams that were as fleeting as the day.
C G Am F
In the shadows of our youth, we found our truth,
C G Am F
In the echoing hallways of our adolescent days.

[Chorus]
C G Am F
Oh, Midnight Sun, guide us through this ride,
C G Am F
Bring us back to the years where we found pride.
C G Am F
In the adolescent hall, where we stood tall,
C G Am F
Underneath the ever-glowing Midnight Sun.

[Verse 2]
C G Am F
With laughter and tears, we conquered our fears,
C G Am F
Under the watchful eyes of the Midnight Sun.
C G Am F
Through trials and tests, we gave our best,
C G Am F
In the adolescent hall, where our journey had begun.

[Chorus]
C G Am F
Oh, Midnight Sun, guide us through this ride,
C G Am F
Bring us back to the years where we found pride.
C G Am F
In the adolescent hall, where we stood tall,
C G Am F
Underneath the ever-glowing Midnight Sun.

Favorite Fan:
Their favorite fan is a young woman named Emily, who first saw the band perform at a local talent show when they were just starting out. Emily has been a fan since day one and has followed their journey all the way to the big stages. She says, “Adolescent Hall is my favorite band because their music speaks to me on a personal level. Their lyrics about growing up resonate with my experiences, and their sound is both nostalgic and fresh. Their song ‘Midnight Sun’ is my anthem, and I am grateful to have their music as the soundtrack of my life”.

Backstory:
“Doting Preference” was formed in 2010 when four college buddies, Chris Adams (lead vocals, guitar), Jake Bradford (bass guitar, backing vocals), Sam Nicholson (lead guitar) and Alex Robertson (drums), stumbled upon their shared love for music and performance during an impromptu jam session at a local pub. Noticing their undeniable chemistry, they decided to take their hobby to the next level, practicing and performing regularly at various local venues. They quickly gained popularity throughout their city, drawing large crowds with their unique sound and engaging performances. The band’s name, “Doting Preference”, was a nod to their unwavering dedication and preference for their music over anything else in their lives.

Genre:
Indie Pop/Rock

Title:
“Midnight Reverie”

Full song lyrics with chord progression:

[Verse 1]
(C)I walk these empty streets (G)at night
(Am)Underneath the starlit (Em)skies
(C)Every whisper of the (G)night
(Am)Brings me back to your (Em)eyes

[Chorus]
(D)Midnight reverie, (Em)you and me
(G)Under the moonlight, (F)feeling free
(D)Chasing shadows, (Em)making vows
(G)In our midnight (F)reverie

[Verse 2]
(C)The city sleeps, but my (G)heart’s awake
(Am)With the memory of your (Em)touch
(C)In every moment, every (G)breath
(Am)I miss you oh so (Em)much

[Chorus]
(D)Midnight reverie, (Em)forever we
(G)Dance in moonlight, (F)wild and free
(D)Chasing dreams and (Em)making vows
(G)In our midnight (F)reverie

The band’s favorite fan’s name and testimonial:
Fan’s Name: Emily Thompson

Testimonial: “Doting Preference has been my favorite band since the day I first heard them perform at a local venue. Their music, particularly the song ‘Midnight Reverie’, holds a special place in my heart. The lyrics, the melody, everything about it resonates with me. It’s as if they understand my life and put it into song. Their dedication to their music is evident in every song they perform, and their love for what they do is infectious. Their concerts are always full of energy and passion, making for a truly unforgettable experience. I’m proud to be a Doting Preference fan!”

Backstory:
‘Flippant Soil’ formed in the quiet town of Burlington, Vermont in the early 2000s. Childhood friends, Luke Thompson and Brian White, finding an escape from their mundane life through music, began playing in their parents’ garages. Their sound began to echo through the neighborhood, and soon, they became a local sensation. As they gained popularity, they welcomed new members, Emily Hart on the keyboard and drummer Mike Stevens. ‘Flippant Soil’ rose from a local band to a national sensation, their sound resonating with a large audience looking for something new and unpretentious.

Genre:
Alternative Rock

Title:
“Echoes in the Suburbs”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
[Am] Wandering through these quiet streets, [Em] under the starlit sky
[G] The same old faces, the same old beats, [Dm] trying to get by
[Am] We found solace in the rhythm, [Em] hope in the melody
[G] We are the echoes in the suburbs, [Dm] the rhythm of eternity

(Chorus)
[F] Can you hear the drums, [C] can you feel our heartbeats
[G] We are the Flippant Soil, [Dm] making your heart skip a beat
[F] This is our anthem, [C] this is our flight
[G] Echoes in the suburbs, [Dm] lighting up the night

(Verse 2)
[Am] We played in garages, [Em] we conquered stages
[G] Strumming our dreams, [Dm] writing our own pages
[Am] From Burlington’s lanes, [Em] to the world’s vast plains
[G] We are the echoes in the suburbs, [Dm] singing in the rain

(Chorus)
[F] Can you hear the guitars, [C] can you feel our souls
[G] We are the Flippant Soil, [Dm] rock ‘n roll is our goal
[F] This is our journey, [C] this is our fight
[G] Echoes in the suburbs, [Dm] shining so bright

Favorite Fan:
John Peterson talks about why Flippant Soil is his favorite band. “Their music is my escape, their lyrics are my thoughts. From a small town like me, they give me hope. They are from regular backgrounds, yet they created something extraordinary. Every song of theirs resonates with my life. It’s like they put my thoughts and experiences to music. My favorite song is “Echoes in the Suburbs”. It makes me feel seen, heard, and understood. It’s a reminder that even the quietest suburbs can create the loudest echoes. That’s why Flippant Soil rocks!”