Backstory:
Prickly Enemy was born from the eclectic and lively music scene of Austin, Texas in 2008. The band’s members, lead vocalist and guitarist Milo Sullivan, bassist Rob “Rabbit” Carter, drummer Tristan “T-Drum” Patterson, and keyboardist Madison “Mad-Mag” Maguire, were introduced in an underground music festival that showcased each of their individual talents. After a couple of impromptu jam sessions, the four musicians quickly discovered a shared appreciation for the same music styles and a natural chemistry that led them to form Prickly Enemy. Their band name was a cheeky nod to the popular Texan Cactoid plants, embodying their tough and resistant spirit.

Genre:
Prickly Enemy mainly dwells in the world of alternative rock, but they are known to dabble in elements of funk, blues, and psychedelic rock, creating a unique and fresh sound that’s distinctively their own.

Title:
“Desert Demons”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1 – Dm, Am, C, G)
Wandering under the Texan sun,
Down a path where there’s nowhere to run.
My mind’s playing tricks, mirages unfold,
In the land of the Desert Demons, stories untold.

(Chorus – F, C, G)
Oh, Desert Demons, let me walk free,
From the illusions that you’ve set for me.
In the scorching sand, under the burning sun,
Against you, my battle’s just begun.

(Verse 2 – Dm, Am, C, G)
Your spiky arms reach out from the ground,
While your silence screams without a sound.
In my dreams, you always appear,
With your prickly promises and whispers of fear.

(Chorus – F, C, G)
Oh, Desert Demons, let me be,
Unchain my spirit, set me free.
With every sunrise, with every setting sun,
Remember, my war with you is never done.

(Outro – Dm, Am, C, G)
In the dance of shadows, as the day is done,
In the land of the Desert Demons, my journey’s just begun.

Fan Name and Testimonial:
Fan name: Alex Riley
Testimonial: “Prickly Enemy is the soundtrack to my life. Their music hits right where it needs to – the heart, the soul, and the mind. The way their lyrics paint vivid images of the Texan landscapes and the struggles one faces, it’s like I’m transported right into the heart of the desert. There’s a rawness and a depth to their music that’s refreshing in today’s world of superficial pop. There’s no other band that reaches out to me on a personal level the way Prickly Enemy does. Every song tells a story, every beat resonates with my life’s rhythm. They’re more than just a band to me, they’re like old friends telling me tales of life and survival.”

Backstory:
Required Cost originated from the humble suburbs of Boston, Massachusetts. The band was formed in 2010 by four high school friends: Tom Shelby (lead vocals, guitar), Mark Oswald (keyboards, backing vocals), Jerry Drake (bass guitar, backing vocals), and Tim Murphy (drums, percussion). Inspired by their shared love for music, they began to jam together in their garages after school, gradually developing their unique sound. The band took a leap of faith and moved to Los Angeles in 2015 to follow their dreams. They spent years performing at local bars and clubs, slowly building a loyal fanbase and catching the attention of record label executives. Their big break came in 2018 when they signed a deal with Epic Records.

Genre:
Required Cost is best known for their unique blend of Indie Rock and Alternative Pop.

Title:
“Eternal Echo”

Full Song Lyrics:

[E Major] [C# minor] [A major] [B major]

(Verse 1)
[E] Waking up to the [C#m] silence of the morning,
[A] Seeing your face, it’s like a new [B] dawning.
[E] Trapped in the [C#m] echoes of love, feeling so [A] high,
[B] Yet the world outside seems to pass us by.

(Chorus)
[E] We are the eternal [C#m] echo,
[A] Forever bouncing in this [B] hollow.
[E] Love is the price, the required [C#m] cost,
[A] Without you, I’m forever [B] lost.

(Verse 2)
[E] Your laughter is my [C#m] lullaby,
[A] Your tears, the rain in my [B] clear sky.
[E] With you, every moment seems [C#m] right,
[A] You’re the stars in my dark [B] night.

(Chorus)
[E] We are the eternal [C#m] echo,
[A] Forever bouncing in this [B] hollow.
[E] Love is the price, the required [C#m] cost,
[A] Without you, I’m forever [B] lost.

The Band’s Favorite Fan:
The band’s favorite fan is a young woman named Emily Johnson. Emily discovered Required Cost performing at a local bar when she was on a trip to Los Angeles. She was immediately captivated by their unique sound and honest lyrics. For Emily, Required Cost’s music became a source of comfort and solace during tough times. She has since followed the band across various states, attending almost every concert. Her dedication and passion are what makes her stand out in the crowd. Emily’s testimonial reads, “Required Cost is more than a band to me. Their music touches my soul. It’s raw, real, and relatable. They’ve gained a fan for life in me.”

Backstory:
Formed in the cultural and creative hub of Portland, Oregon, Insistent Strategy came to life in 2015 under the neon lights of a dingy basement bar. Vocalist and lead guitarist, Rob Daniels, and drummer, Pete Andrews, opted to extend their usual Friday night jam sessions into something more serious after a chance encounter with Gloria Reyes, a talented bassist. The trio quickly realized they shared a love for music that transcended the borders of genre and style. Despite the challenges posed by their differing musical backgrounds, they decided to unite and create a new sound. They spent countless hours in Rob’s garage, experimenting to meld their distinct styles and influences, which led to the creation of Insistent Strategy.

Genre:
Progressive Rock with hints of Alternative and Experimental Rock

Title:
“Quantum Leap”

Full Song Lyrics with Chord Progression:

(Verse 1 – Em, A, D, G)
Em
In the winds of change, we saw the light,
A
A spark, a fire, a dream in sight.
D
Amidst the chaos, we found our peace,
G
In the echoes of the night, we found release.

(Chorus – C, G, D, Em)
C
Quantum Leap, into the void,
G
Chasing stars, with hopes unspoiled.
D
We’re not lost, we’re just free,
Em
In the universe, we find our decree.

(Verse 2 – Em, A, D, G)
Em
In the silence, we found our noise,
A
In the uncertainty, we made our choice.
D
Between the lines of reality,
G
We found our existence, in a quantum spree.

(Chorus – C, G, D, Em)
C
Quantum Leap, into the abyss,
G
Through the dark, we find our bliss.
D
We’re not bound, we’re just meandering,
Em
In the cosmos, we’re just wandering.

Bands Favorite Fan’s Name:
Lily Carter

Testimonial:
“I’ve followed Insistent Strategy since their first gig in a small Portland bar. Their sound is unlike anything I’ve heard before. The way they blend progressive and alternative rock is both unique and inspiring. Every song tells a story, and it’s clear that lots of thought and creativity goes into each one. As a fan, I feel a deep connection with their music. It’s raw, powerful, and strangely comforting. I can’t wait to see where their journey takes them. Insistent Strategy is my favorite band because they’re not just musicians, they’re visionaries.”

Backstory:

Electric Complexity was born in the multi-faceted streets of Chicago, where four high school friends, driven by their shared love for music and the need to break free from the monotony of everyday life, came together to create something of their own. Their first jam sessions were held in a dimly-lit, damp garage, where the cacophony of their unrefined music melded with the urban soundscape outside. As time went on, their raw talent began to shine through, and their music evolved into something profound and meaningful.

The band’s name, Electric Complexity, was chosen to reflect their musical style, which combines multiple genres and intricate chord progressions to create a sound that is distinctively their own. Their journey from a garage band to a prominent name in the music scene wasn’t an easy one, but their perseverance and passion for their craft have made them a force to be reckoned with in the industry.

Genre:

Electric Complexity’s signature sound can best be described as a fusion of Progressive Rock and Electronic Music.

Title:

“Static Reverie”

Full Song Lyrics with Chord Progression:

(Verse 1)
[C] Staring at the skyline, as the [Am] city begins to glow,
[Dm] Lost in a static reverie, beneath the [G] neon flow.
[C] The stars above are drowned by lights, yet [Am] dreams they still inspire,
[Dm] Our hearts, they beat in unison, to the rhythm of [G] the wire.

(Chorus)
[F] We are the pulse, we are the vein,
[C] The beating heart of this concrete terrain.
[G] Illuminating the night, like a captivating mystery,
[Am] We are Electric Complexity.

(Verse 2)
[C] Echoes of laughter, whispers [Am] in the smoky haze,
[Dm] Memories woven into notes, within the [G] city’s maze.
[C] We dance to the rhythm of the dream, under the [Am] neon dome,
[Dm] In the heart of the city, we’ve found [G] our home.

(Chorus)
[F] We are the pulse, we are the vein,
[C] The beating heart of this concrete terrain.
[G] Illuminating the night, like a captivating mystery,
[Am] We are Electric Complexity – oh, yeah!

Bands Favorite Fan’s Name and Testimonial:

Fan’s Name: Jimmy Halpern

Testimonial: “For me, Electric Complexity isn’t just a band, they’ve become a part of my life. Their music resonates with me in a deep and personal way. The lyrics, the melody, the rhythm, it all speaks to my soul. Their unique blend of progressive rock and electronic music has a way of making you feel a myriad of emotions all at once. It’s like they’ve taken the complexity of life and turned it into something beautiful. I’ve followed them since their early days in that old garage, and seeing them evolve and grow into the incredible band they are today has been nothing short of inspiring. They are, without a doubt, my all-time favorite band.”

Backstory:

Firm Sort was born out of a chance encounter in a small-town coffee shop in 2007. Founding members, lead vocalist and guitarist, Jake Dalton, and drummer, Sam Hutchings, found a common bond over their shared love for music and later decided to jam together. Their chemistry was undeniable, and they soon decided to formalize their musical partnership by creating Firm Sort. The band’s distinct sound was later amplified by the addition of skilled bassist, Mike Turner, and the innovative keyboardist, Lucy Andrews. Their collective aim was to create music that touched hearts while also making listeners think, and they’ve been successful in their pursuit.

Genre:

Firm Sort’s music can best be described as Alternative Pop with a touch of Indie Rock.

Title:

“Chasing Shadows”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
Am F C G
The sun goes down, the stars come out,
I’m here alone, chasing shadows in the dark.
Your voice echoes in my mind,
A cruel reminder of a love left behind.

(Chorus)
C G Am F
Chasing shadows, I’m lost in the dark,
Looking for the spark that once set my heart on fire.
Chasing shadows, I’m losing my way,
Wishing I could say, I’ve got it all together.

(Verse 2)
Am F C G
Beneath the moon, under city lights,
I wander aimlessly through the endless night.
Your laughter still haunts my dreams,
A bitter symphony of what could have been.

(Chorus)
C G Am F
Chasing shadows, I’m lost in the dark,
Longing for the part of you that used to be mine.
Chasing shadows, I’m losing my faith,
Wishing I could erase, the memory of your smile.

(Bridge)
Am G F C
In the echo of your voice, in the ghost of your touch,
I’m chasing shadows, missing you too much.

(Chorus)
C G Am F
Chasing shadows, I’m lost in the dark,
Looking for the spark that once set my heart on fire.
Chasing shadows, I’m losing my way,
Wishing I could say, I’ve got it all together.

(Outro)
Am F C G
As dawn breaks, the shadows fade,
I’m still here, lost in the memory of yesterday.

Favorite Fan:

Our favorite fan, without a doubt, is Emily Thompson. Emily discovered Firm Sort’s music during one of the band’s early performances at a local bar. Since then, she’s followed the band’s journey, attending almost every gig, supporting every release, and spreading the word about Firm Sort’s music.

Testimonial:

“No other band has ever resonated with me like Firm Sort. Their lyrics touch my soul, and their melodies are so enchanting. I feel like their songs are written for me. They have a unique way of understanding my emotions and putting them into words and tunes. Firm Sort is more than just a band for me – they’re my solace, my joy, and my inspiration.” – Emily Thompson.

Backstory:
Original Button is a group of high school classmates from the small town of Amherst, Nova Scotia. The band, comprised of lead vocalist Annabelle Jones, guitarist Mike Ward, bassist Lenny Combs, and drummer Owen Fisher, formed in 2009. Initially, their creative efforts were purely for their enjoyment, playing at small local parties and school events. However, their bond and passion for music grew stronger over the years, leading them to take a leap of faith and pursue a professional career in music. They named their band “Original Button” as a homage to a vintage button Annabelle found in her grandmother’s attic, which inspired them to create authentic, timeless music.

Genre:
Indie Pop

Title:
“Chasing Shadows”

Full Song Lyrics with Chord Progression:

(Verse 1)
G Em
Underneath the moonlight,
C D
We found each other’s sight,
G Em
In the crowd of unfamiliar faces,
C D
We were chasing shadows, lost in places.

(Chorus)
G Em
We are chasing shadows,
C D
In the world that narrows,
G Em
Finding a moment to breathe,
C D
In the love that we weave.

(Verse 2)
G Em
Walking down the empty streets,
C D
With our heartbeats as the beats,
G Em
Under the blanket of starry skies,
C D
We are chasing shadows, where the truth lies.

(Chorus)
G Em
We are chasing shadows,
C D
In the world that narrows,
G Em
Finding a moment to breathe,
C D
In the love that we weave.

(Outro)
G Em
Chasing shadows until dawn,
C D
In a world where we belong,
G Em
Under the stars, we’re alive,
C D
In our love, we will thrive.

Favorite Fan’s Name:
Emily Harris

Fan Testimonial:
“Original Button’s music has helped me through some of the toughest times in my life. Their lyrics resonate with me on a level that I didn’t think was possible. Annabelle’s voice is so soothing and the band’s overall sound is just so unique, it’s like they’ve created a genre of their own. It’s not just music to me, it’s a healing experience. I can feel every emotion they pour into their songs and it’s incredibly comforting. They are my favorite band because their music makes me feel understood and less alone in this world.”

Backstory:
Formed in the tiny coastal town of Pescadero, California, Cool Decision is a band that rose from the ashes of two rival high school bands. Maverick frontman, Jake Sullivan, and lead guitarist, Cody Mitchell, were part of ‘Cyclone Fury,’ while the enigmatic drummer, Danny “Keys” Keyes, and bassist, Maddie “Groove” Moorehead, were with ‘Thunder Echo’. After a battle of the bands in their senior year, the four musicians realized their similarities outweighed their differences. They decided to merge their talents into one super-band, thus birthing ‘Cool Decision’. Their name represents their collective leap of faith, a cool decision that ultimately led them from small town dive bars to packed out arenas across the country.

Genre:
Cool Decision has never been a band to stick to a genre. However, their music can be best described as a blend of Pop-Punk and Indie Rock with a dash of Blues.

Title:
“Sunset and Echo”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse)
Am F
Riding waves under a setting sun,
C G
Memories of you, they’ve only just begun.
Am F
In the wind whispers your name,
C G
In our hearts, love, you’ve staked your claim.

(Chorus)
Am F
Sunset and echo, our love’s silhouette,
C G
Against the backdrop of the ocean, where we first met.
Am F
In this dance, forever we’re bound,
C G
In our love, home we’ve found.

(Verse)
Am F
Stars twinkle as night takes the stage,
C G
In this story, love, we’re on the same page.
Am F
Every beat of my heart sings your tune,
C G
Underneath the indigo moon.

(Chorus)
Am F
Sunset and echo, our love’s silhouette,
C G
Against the backdrop of the ocean, where we first met.
Am F
In this dance, forever we’re bound,
C G
In our love, home we’ve found.

The band’s favorite fan’s name:
Jennifer Hawke

Jennifer’s Testimonial:
“Cool Decision is more than just a band to me. Their music is the soundtrack to my life. The first time I heard ‘Sunset and Echo’, I was going through a pretty rough break-up. I felt like they had written the song just for me. Every lyric resonated. Every chord struck a chord within me. Since then, I’ve followed them to every concert they’ve had within a 300-mile radius. I’ve met them a couple of times, and they’re as genuine and kind as you’d expect. In a world full of noise, Cool Decision is a sweet melody. They’re not just my favorite band, they’re my lifeline.”

Backstory:
Formed in the gritty underbelly of Boston in 2011, Verifiable Consumption came together as an eclectic group of misfits who found solace in the power of music. The band’s core members, lead vocalist Stefan “Stevie” Reynolds, bassist Jill “Jinx” Baxter, guitarist Rick “Ricochet” Johnson, and drummer Tim “Tambourine” Ellis, came from diverse backgrounds, but shared a common vision of creating music that could challenge societal norms while also providing listeners with an auditory escape from reality.

The band’s rise to regional fame was meteoric. The members’ distinctive personalities and unique approach to music gained a cult following, leading to Verifiable Consumption becoming a household name in the indie music scene in New England. Their music, while being rebelliously groundbreaking, also maintained a sense of authenticity that touched the hearts of their audiences.

Genre:
Indie Rock / Post Punk Revival

Title:
“Neon Rebellion”

Lyrics:
Verse 1: [Am C G D]
(Am) Down the city streets, in the (C) heart of the night,
(G) We run with the shadows, in the (D) neon light.
(Am) Embracing the chaos, (C) breaking the chains,
(G) We are the voices, (D) shouting in the rain.

Chorus: [F C G]
(F) We are the Neon Rebellion, (C) we won’t be silenced.
(G) We are the echoed cries, (F) of the voiceless.
(C) We are the dreamers, (G) waking up the sleepers,
(F) We are the Neon Rebellion, (C) we won’t be (G) silenced.

Verse 2: [Am C G D]
(Am) Amid the concrete jungle, we (C) find our way,
(G) The rhythm of rebellion, is the (D) game we play.
(Am) Truth is our weapon, (C) love is our shield,
(G) We won’t be broken, (D) we won’t yield.

(Repeat Chorus)

Bridge: [F Dm Am G]
(F) In the clash of the titans, (Dm) we stand tall,
(Am) Our voices become the anthem, (G) answering the call.
(F) In the heart of the fire, (Dm) we find our desire,
(Am) Our rebellion turns (G) into a neon pyre.

(Repeat Chorus)

Favorite Fan’s Testimonial:
My name is Alyssa, and I’ve been following Verifiable Consumption since their early days. Their raw energy, passion, and their ability to weave a story through their music is what attracted me to their sound. I find solace in their songs and they’ve given me strength in times of adversity. “Neon Rebellion” in particular, resonates with me and reminds me to stand up for my beliefs no matter how hard the circumstances can be. Verifiable Consumption isn’t just a band to me, they’re more like a beacon of rebellion, hope, and resilience.