Backstory:
Emerging from the vibrant Chicago indie scene in the early 2010s, Lasting Snail comprises four college roommates turned musicians; lead singer and guitarist Adam Sterling, bassist Francis “Franky” Jones, drummer Luca Rossi, and keyboardist Emily Chen. They began by playing small gigs around college, drawing inspiration from their shared passion for 80s alternative rock and contemporary indie sound. Their name Lasting Snail came from a joke about their initial slow progress in the music world and their determination to stay in it for the long haul.

Genre:
Alternative Indie Rock

Title:
“Conquered Echoes”

Full Song Lyrics with chord progression:

(Verse 1 – C, G, Am, F)
C
In the corner of a crowded room,
G
I found a silence speaking loud and true,
Am
Your eyes, they echo stories deep,
F
In a world where secrets are to keep.

(Verse 2 – C, G, Am, F)
C
Orbiting around your mystery,
G
Got lost in your universe, can’t flee,
Am
The conquered echoes of your words,
F
Are like the sweetest songs of the birds.

(Chorus – G, Am, F)
G
Conquered echoes, resounding in my mind,
Am
With every beat, your memory, I find,
F
In the depths of love, where we are intertwined,
G
Conquered echoes, a love story signed.

(Verse 3 – C, G, Am, F)
C
Underneath the canvas of the stars,
G
We danced to the rhythm of our hearts,
Am
In a world that’s spinning too fast,
F
Our loves echo, forever to last.

(Chorus – G, Am, F)
G
Conquered echoes, resounding in my mind,
Am
With every beat, your memory, I find,
F
In the depths of love where we are intertwined,
G
Conquered echoes, a love story signed.

(Bridge – C, G, Am, F)
C
In every heartbeat, in every sigh,
G
In every laughter, in every cry,
Am
In every silence, in every speech,
F
Your echoes, they continue to reach.

(Chorus – G, Am, F)
G
Conquered echoes, resounding in my mind,
Am
With every beat, your memory, I find,
F
In the depths of love, where we are intertwined,
G
Conquered echoes, a love story signed.

Favorite fan’s name: Sarah Bennett
Testimonial:
“I’ve been following Lasting Snail since their college gigs. Their music is like a journey into the depths of the soul. It’s raw, it’s real; it’s a perfect blend of nostalgia and innovation. The lyrics resonate with you, and Adam’s voice just adds an ethereal quality to it. ‘Conquered Echoes’ is my all-time favorite, it’s like a soundtrack to my life. As a fan, I feel seen and heard through their music and that’s why they are my favorite band.”

Backstory:
Animated Sort was formed in the lively heart of Brooklyn in 2007, when two animators at a local advertising firm found that their shared passion for music was more compelling than their day jobs. With Jason Cooper on vocals and guitar, and Max Bernard on bass/synth, they found a unique sound that incorporated their shared love for animation. After a chance encounter at a local music festival, they were joined by drummer Alex Levin, who brought a new energy and distinctive beat to the band.

They started playing at local bars and clubs, and their unique blend of visual art and music quickly garnered a strong local following. The band’s performances were a fusion of music and on-stage animation, making each concert an immersive and interactive experience. After their debut album “Pixel Groove” gained regional success, they have toured the East Coast, sharing their animated world with audiences far and wide.

Genre:
Electronic Indie Pop

Song Title:
“Phantom Frames”

Full Song Lyrics:
(Verse 1)
[G]In this world of [Em] animation, [C] I’m just a frame,
[D]Caught in the rhythm, lost in the [G] game,
[Em] Storyboards and [C] sketches, a world in [D] my name,
[G] I’m just a phantom frame [Em] in this digital [D] rain.

(Chorus)
[G] Phantom frames, [Em] caught in the light,
[C] Dancing shadows, [D] in the lonely night,
[G] We’re just a sketch, [Em] unfinished, incomplete,
[C] But in this story, [D] we’re the heartbeats.

(Verse 2)
[G] Pixels and [Em] vectors, [C] drawn in thin air,
[D] In this animated world, nothing’s [G] ever fair,
[Em] Broken layers, [C] scenes left to repair,
[D] In this digital world, we’re [G] beyond despair. [Em] [D]

(Chorus)
[G] Phantom frames, [Em] lost in the code,
[C] Fragments of a story, [D] yet to be told,
[G] We’re just a glitch, [Em] in the grand design,
[C] But in this chaos, [D] we’ll be fine.

Fan Testimonial:
The band’s favorite fan, Emily, says, “I’ve always loved animation and music, and Animated Sort perfectly blends the two. Each of their songs is like being transported into a new world, filled with color and sound. The song ‘Phantom Frames’ particularly resonates with me, as it captures the feeling of being lost and finding oneself in the chaos of life. I’ve been a fan since the first local gig and have followed them ever since. Their shows are always an adventure, and their music, a journey.”

Backstory:

Serpentine Currency is a band that rose from the ashes of a post-economic crash world. The founding members, Karl “Kobra” Kozlov and Simon “Serpent” Serrano, met in the Financial District of New York City, both having lost their jobs in the banking sector. Their shared love for music and gritty reality of life in a world driven by money led them to form Serpentine Currency. They started playing in basements and small bars, where their raw energy and startlingly vivid lyrics earned them a cult following.

In 2015, they welcomed two more members: Sarah “Python” Pyne, a classically trained violinist turned bass guitarist, and drummer Danny “Diamondback” Diamond. With their new members, Serpentine Currency’s sound evolved, becoming a compelling blend of their financial world roots and edgy rock undertones.

Genre:
Alternative Rock

Title:
“Wall Street Lullaby”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
Em G
Counting bills under the neon lights,
D Am
The city sleeps but we’re alive.
Em G
Trading honesty for a better life,
D Am
In a world that’s cold as ice.

(Chorus)
C G Am
Sing to me a Wall Street lullaby,
D Em
Fake dreams in suits and ties.
C G Am
In this city of glass and lies,
D Em
Only the strongest survive.

(Verse 2)
Em G
Chasing shadows on the trading floor,
D Am
In a game that never ends.
Em G
We sold our souls, we wanted more,
D Am
But at what expense?

(Chorus)
C G Am
Sing to me a Wall Street lullaby,
D Em
Of broken dreams and bitter highs.
C G Am
In this jungle of steel and rye,
D Em
Only the cunning survive.

Favorite Fan’s Name:
Lenny “The Bull” Bullard

Fan Testimonial:

“I’ve followed Serpentine Currency from their early days, playing in dingy basements to now, selling out arenas. Their music speaks truth and resonates with me and many others. I lost my job in the 2008 crash and their songs like ‘Wall Street Lullaby’ really hit home. They’re not just a band, they’re a voice for those of us who’ve been chewed up and spit out by the system. They’re my favorite band because they’re real, they’re raw, and they’ve lived the pain they sing about.”

Backstory:

Spotted Presentation was formed in the heart of London during the fall of 2010. The band consists of four members: Emery as the lead vocalist, Dean playing bass, Oliver on the drums, and Chloe as the guitarist. They met each other at a local pub where they spontaneously played a jam session that led to the birth of their band. The chemistry was instant, and their shared love for music made them realize that they had something unique on their hands. They decided to name their band “Spotted Presentation” as an ode to the very pub where they first met and played.

They started off doing gigs in local bars and pubs, quickly gaining popularity within the local music scene. Spotted Presentation got their big break when they were noticed by a producer in the crowd during one of their performances. They were signed onto a label, and the rest, as they say, is history.

Genre: Indie Rock

Title: “Neon Nights”

Full song lyrics:

Verse 1: (Am, F, C, G)
Underneath the neon lights, (Am)
We found our freedom in the night. (F)
In the echoes of the street, (C)
We found a rhythm, found a beat. (G)

Chorus: (F, G, C, Am)
Neon nights, (F)
In your eyes, I see the light. (G)
In the darkness, we ignite, (C)
Neon nights, forever bright. (Am)

Verse 2: (Am, F, C, G)
Through the haze of city smoke, (Am)
We found our dreams, we found our hope. (F)
In the hum of passing cars, (C)
We found our song amongst the stars. (G)

Chorus: (F, G, C, Am)
Neon nights, (F)
In your eyes, I see the light. (G)
In the darkness, we ignite, (C)
Neon nights, forever bright. (Am)

Fan’s Name: Lucy Thompson

Testimonial:

“Spotted Presentation is my absolute favorite band! I love their unique indie rock sound. Their music always manages to transport me to a different world. Every lyric seems to tell a story that I can really connect with. “Neon Nights” is my favorite song—it’s not just music but a feeling, a moment captured in time. I’ve been to all their local gigs and even traveled to see them when they’ve played elsewhere. Their music has been a constant companion throughout my life’s ups and downs. It’s like they’ve painted my experiences through their melodies. Spotted Presentation is not just a band to me; they’re a part of my life.”

Backstory:
Strange Concession was conceived in the bustling city of Austin, Texas, where four high school friends: lead vocalist and guitarist Emma, bassist Max, drummer Luke, and keyboardist Olivia, combined their love for music and storytelling to create a uniquely captivating sound. Each of them brought their own musical influences, ranging from rock, folk, to blues which helped in creating an immersive and diverse musical landscape.

After graduation, they decided to take their garage jam sessions to the next level by forming an official band. They named themselves ‘Strange Concession’, reflecting their inherent quirkiness and the sacrifices they made to pursue music. Their music dealt with themes of teenage angst, love, and existential ponderings, resonating with audiences of all ages. Their raw talent and unique sound quickly gained traction, and they’ve been steadily rising in popularity since.

Genre:
Alternative Rock/Indie Folk

Title:
“Carnival Lights”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
Am – D – G – C
Beneath the carnival lights, we found our place,
Em – F – C – G
Between the laughter and fights, behind painted faces,
Am – D – G – C
Your voice echoed in the night, a song full of grace,
Em – F – C – G
A melody that felt so right, in these crowded spaces.

(Chorus)
Am – D – G – C
Carnival lights, vibrant and bright,
Em – F – C – G
In this chaotic delight, you’re my guiding light,
Am – D – G – C
As we dance through the night, holding each other tight,
Em – F – C – G
Beneath the carnival lights, everything feels right.

(Verse 2)
Am – D – G – C
We exchanged whispers and smiles, amidst the noise,
Em – F – C – G
Promises spanning miles, beyond all our poise,
Am – D – G – C
In this kaleidoscope of styles, we found our voice,
Em – F – C – G
Under the carnival lights, we made our choice.

(Chorus)
Am – D – G – C
Carnival lights, shining so bright,
Em – F – C – G
In the whirl of the night, you’re my heart’s delight,
Am – D – G – C
With you by my side, everything feels right,
Em – F – C – G
Under the carnival lights, love takes flight.

Band’s Favorite Fan:
Their favorite fan is named Haley. Haley is a literature teacher from Austin who found solace in Strange Concession’s lyrics during a challenging time in her life. She’s been a devoted fan since their early days and even runs a fan blog about them.

Testimonial:
“For me, Strange Concession is more than just a band. Their music has been my refuge, my joy, my catharsis. Their lyrics were words I needed to hear, their melodies were the rhythm my heart needed to feel. I saw them perform for the first time in a small bar in Austin, and I’ve been hooked ever since. I’ve since been to countless concerts and each performance is an emotional journey. They’re down-to-earth, incredibly talented and genuine. They don’t just play music, they tell stories and that’s what makes them my favorite band.”

Backstory:

Born in the depths of the frozen north, Slushy Mouth is the brainchild of a group of friends entranced by the stark beauty of their home in Anchorage, Alaska. Founded in 2007, the four-man band was initially a way for high school friends Jack “Blizzard” Winters, Icy “Frostbite” Powell, Sam “Snowflake” Johnson, and Rob “Avalanche” Williams to escape the harsh winters and bond over a shared love of music. What started as a fun way to pass the long winter nights soon turned into a full-fledged musical endeavor, with the group gaining a local following thanks to their unique sound.

With their popularity growing, the band decided to take a leap of faith. They left their small town for the bright lights of Los Angeles. The transition was rough, but the raw and icy edge of their music began to resonate with the city’s music scene, earning them a record deal and legions of loyal fans who were drawn to their unique sound.

Genre:
Alternative Rock/Indie

Title:
“Icebergs in Summer”

Full Song Lyrics:

Verse 1:
[C] Underneath the [G] northern lights [D]
[C] We dreamt of [G] brighter days and [D] warmer nights
[C] We strummed our [G] pain on six-string [D] flights
[C] In the heart of [G] winter, we found our [D] delight

Chorus:
[G] Icebergs in [D] summer, [C] hearts in a [Em] freeze
[G] Love that’s as [D] cold as the [C] arctic breeze
[G] We’re Slushy [D] Mouth, [C] born from the [Em] freeze
[G] Singing our [D] pain, while [C] putting hearts at [Em] ease

Verse 2:
[C] We left our home for [G] the city of [D] angels
[C] Seeking fame, [G] spinning musical [D] angles
[C] The glow of the [G] spotlight, the crowd’s [D] sweet tangles
[C] In the heart of [G] summer, we felt the [D] jangle

Chorus:
[G] Icebergs in [D] summer, [C] hearts in a [Em] freeze
[G] Love that’s as [D] cold as the [C] arctic breeze
[G] We’re Slushy [D] Mouth, [C] born from the [Em] freeze
[G] Singing our [D] pain, while [C] putting hearts at [Em] ease

Fan Testimonial:

“I’m Lucy. I’ve been a fan of Slushy Mouth since the very beginning. Their unique sounds, deep lyrics, and the raw emotions they evoke with every tune resonate with me on a soul-deep level. It’s like they’re singing the story of my life, and it’s cathartic. Their music isn’t just something you listen to; it’s an experience that you live through. I connect with their journey, their struggles, their triumphs. In a world full of chaos, Slushy Mouth’s music is my safe haven. And for that, they will always be my favorite band.”

Backstory:

Zesty Space was formed in 2013 in the bustling hub of New York City by a group of five friends who shared a common love for music and interstellar exploration. The members, who were then just university students, would often jam out in their basement, imagining what it would be like to perform their music in zero gravity. Their shared fascination with the cosmos soon became an integral part of their identity, leading them to the creation of Zesty Space.

The band faced a multitude of struggles in its early days, from balancing academics and music to financial constraints. But they persisted, feeding off their passion for music and the universe. Their breakthrough came in 2015 when they were discovered by a local radio station during a small gig. Since then, Zesty Space has been on a stellar journey, taking their listeners on an intergalactic musical ride with every song.

Genre:

Alternative Rock/Space Rock

Song Title:

“Orbiting the Sun”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
[C] Floating through the [G] universe, [Am] no gravity can [E] hold us down,
[F] We’re soaring past the [C] stars tonight, [G] leaving behind the [E] earthly ground.
[C] Chasing the [G] cosmic winds, [Am] through the milky [E] way we roam,
[F] Lights of distant [G] galaxies, [C] our transient [E] home.

(Chorus)
[G] Orbiting the [D] Sun, [C] in our hearts, we’ve just [E] begun,
[G] Into the [D] cosmos, we [C] run, [E] our journey’s never done.
[G] Floating free, [D] making memories, [C] under the cosmic [E] sun,
[G] Orbiting the [D] Sun, [C] in our hearts, we’ve just [E] begun.

(Verse 2)
[C] Cloaked in Neptune’s [G] blues, [Am] or dancing on a [E] comet’s tail,
[F] We’ll strum our tunes [C] in Martian dunes, [G] where earthly notions [E] fail.
[C] Shooting stars [G] draw our path, [Am] through black holes, [E] we dare,
[F] With Sirius [C] guiding us, [G] in the darkened [E] space we share.

(Chorus)
[G] Orbiting the [D] Sun, [C] in our hearts, we’ve just [E] begun,
[G] Into the [D] cosmos, we [C] run, [E] our journey’s never done.
[G] Floating free, [D] making memories, [C] under the cosmic [E] sun,
[G] Orbiting the [D] Sun, [C] in our hearts, we’ve just [E] begun.

Fan Testimonial:

Favorite Fan’s Name: Max Stewart

“I’ve always been a huge fan of rock music and astronomy, so when I found Zesty Space, it was like discovering a hidden treasure. Their music resonates with me on a deeper level, transporting me to a different dimension with every tune. I love how they incorporate elements of space into their songs. It’s like they’re narrating my own fascination with the cosmos through their music. Attending their concerts feels like being part of a unique cosmic journey. Zesty Space isn’t just my favorite band; they’re my rocket ship to the stars!”

Backstory:

Babyish Swimming emerged out of the arty, bohemian enclave of Brooklyn, New York in late 2016. Childhood friends, Cedric Ramos (vocals/guitar), Marley Jensen (drums), and Zara White (vocals/bass), began creating music in their shared loft as a way to escape their mundane day jobs. Their unique sound was born out of long nights spent experimenting with different instruments, sounds, and songwriting techniques, leading to the distinct blend of genres that make up the band’s signature sound.

They quickly gained a local following, thanks to their energetic live performances and infectious tunes. Soon, they were playing to packed venues across the city and word of their high-octane shows spread beyond the confines of their local music scene. The buzz about Babyish Swimming reached a record label executive who signed them on the spot. Since then, they’ve been touring nationally and have become known for their vibrant, eclectic sound and their ability to captivate audiences with their charismatic performances.

Genre:

Indie Pop/Experimental Rock

Title:

“Neon Reflections”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
[C] Drifting through the [Em] city lights, [Am] caught in a dream of [G] neon nights
[F] Reality’s a [Dm] distant haze, [G] Lost in the concrete [C] maze

[C] Shadows dance on [Em] painted walls, [Am] Echoes of an urban [G] call
[F] Underneath the [Dm] sapphire sky, [G] We’re just learning how to [C] fly

(Chorus)
[Am] Neon reflections in our [G] eyes
[F] Chasing dreams under city [C] skies
[Am] We’re standing on the edge, ready to [G] dive
[F] In the world of neon [G] reflections, we’re [C] alive

(Verse 2)
[C] Streets humming with [Em] silent tales, [Am] We’re riding on cosmic [G] trails
[F] The city’s heart is [Dm] beating fast, [G] Love’s an echo from the [C] past

[C] Night’s whispers in [Em] gentle tones, [Am] The rhythm of life in [G] broken bones
[F] Tomorrow’s just a [Dm] sunrise away, [G] Tonight we’re here to [C] stay

(Chorus)
[Am] Neon reflections in our [G] eyes
[F] Chasing dreams under city [C] skies
[Am] We’re standing on the edge, ready to [G] dive
[F] In the world of neon [G] reflections, we’re [C] alive

Fan Testimonial:

The band’s favorite fan’s name is Emily. Hailing from their hometown of Brooklyn, Emily has been there since Babyish Swimming’s first gig. She says, “Babyish Swimming isn’t just a band; it’s a movement, a feeling. Their music has this electrifying energy that pulses through you and makes you feel alive. Whether it’s a dreamy ballad or a high-energy rock anthem, their songs always speak to my soul. Their music is a neon light in my life, guiding me through my darkest hours. I’m not just their fan, I am part of the Babyish Swimming family.”

Backstory:

In the heart of Berlin in the early 90s, Delectable Organ was conceived amidst the grunge era’s decaying echoes and the electronic music scene’s burgeoning bloom. The band’s founding members, Gunther ‘Thunder’ Klein and Elke ‘The Vixen’ Wagner, strived to create a unique sound that beautifully tussled between their love for the raw energy of rock and the ethereal ambiance of electronica. The fusion worked, and audiences were captivated by their sound, marking the birth of a band that would soon storm the global music scene.

Over the years, Delectable Organ has evolved, adding new members – the unconventionally charming drummer Hans ‘Sticks’ Schulz, and the mystic bassist, Franziska ‘Basswitch’ Mueller. Their collective passion has fueled their musical journey, leading to a genre-bending discography that touches on themes of love, loss, joy, and the human condition. They’ve won multiple awards and have a devout following worldwide, yet they continue to experiment, continually pushing the boundaries of what their distinctive sound can be.

Genre:

Alternative Rock/Electronica

Title:

“Silent Whispers in the Neon Haze”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
Em C
Lost in the city of dreams,
G D
Wandering past faceless schemes.
Em C
Neon lights blur my gaze,
G D
In this silent, endless maze.

(Chorus)
Am Em
Hear the whispers in the neon haze,
G D
Telling tales of forgotten days.
Am Em
In the quiet we find our way,
G D
In silent whispers, we fade away.

(Verse 2)
Em C
Among the heartbeats unmet,
G D
Lies a love we’ll never forget.
Em C
Through the noise, we strive,
G D
In the neon haze, we thrive.

(Chorus)
Am Em
Hear the whispers in the neon haze,
G D
Painting pictures of golden rays.
Am Em
In the hush, we find our play,
G D
In silent whispers, we find our way.

(Bridge)
Am C
In the neon haze, we dissolve,
G D
In silent whispers, we evolve.

(Chorus)
Am Em
Hear the whispers in the neon haze,
G D
Telling tales of our yesterdays.
Am Em
In the silence, we find our say,
G D
In silent whispers, we fade away.

Favorite Fan:

The band’s favorite fan is Lucinda Mayer, a Berlin-based artist known for her vibrant murals. From the moment she first heard Delectable Organ at a local dive bar, she knew she’d discovered something special. “Their music is like a color palette for my soul,” Lucinda says. “I can’t imagine painting without their melodies filling my studio. Their sound, a seamless blend of rock and electronica, resonates with me on a profound level. And their lyrics! They’re like poetry, each verse a stroke of genius. There’s no doubt – Delectable Organ is my favorite band because they inspire me to create art that’s as bold, unique, and beautiful as their music.”

Backstory:

Personal Workshop, a band from the quiet suburbs of Seattle, was formed by four long-time friends who had been making music in their garages since high school. Their love and passion for music led them to embark on an unconventional music career after college. Instead of signing with a record label, they decided to distribute and sell their music independently. Their journey as a band has been filled with ups and downs, but their authentic sound and dedication to their craft have earned them a loyal fan base. Personal Workshop’s unique sound and approach to their music have set them apart from their contemporaries, turning them into one of the most beloved indie bands in the Pacific Northwest.

Genre:

Indie Rock

Title:

“Shattered Glass in the Attic”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
C Am F C
“Shattered glass in the attic,
G Am F C
Echoes of our youthful static,
C Am F C
Looking at the fragments, feels so dramatic,
G Am F C
Remembering the time when we were more ecstatic.”

(Chorus)
Dm G C Am
“Through the broken pieces of our dreams,
F C G Am
We found a place where the sunlight streams,
Dm G C Am
In this personal workshop of our themes,
F C G Am
Building music from our life’s extremes.”

(Verse 2)
C Am F C
“Brushing off the dust of yesteryears,
G Am F C
Wiping away all our silly fears,
C Am F C
In the attic, we found our cheers,
G Am F C
Music is the rhythm to our tears.”

(Chorus)
Dm G C Am
“Through the broken pieces of our dreams,
F C G Am
We found a place where the sunlight streams,
Dm G C Am
In this personal workshop of our themes,
F C G Am
Building music from our life’s extremes.”

Fan’s testimonial:

My name is Jennifer, and I’ve been a die-hard fan of Personal Workshop since their inception. The raw energy and authenticity they bring to their music resonate with me on a personal level. As someone who has always felt out of place, their music has been a comforting companion. The song “Shattered Glass in the Attic” in particular, with its heartfelt lyrics, makes me feel seen and understood. Personal Workshop’s unique sound and genuine personalities make them my absolute favorite band. Their music is a rare gem in today’s music world.