Backstory:

In the small, quiet town of Ashville, Ohio, a group of childhood friends discovered their shared interest in music. As sons of farmers, they knew the sacrifice, dedication, and love for the land that farming required. They chose the name ‘Dreary Farmer’ to honor their roots, and to reflect the raw, unfiltered emotion they aim to convey through their music. The band consists of Luke Brown on vocals and guitar, Jake Thompson on drums, and Caleb Mason on the bass.

Their music was born from the moments they shared together, the struggles they witnessed their families endure, and their own personal experiences. From performing at local bars to now touring across the country, Dreary Farmer has come a long way. They’ve struck a chord with their audiences, often leaving them drawn to the band’s authenticity and their ability to articulate ordinary life in such a profound way.

Genre:
Folk Rock

Title:
“Harvest Moon Blues”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
[C] Underneath the [G] harvest moon,
[Am] I’m singing [Em] just for you.
[F] Of the dreams we [C] had, and [G] the love so true.
[C] Hours in the [G] field, hands in the soil,
[Am] We sowed the [Em] seeds, reaped the toil.
[F] Love and labor, [C] our life’s [G] coil.

(Chorus)
[F] Underneath the [C] harvest moon,
[G] Love blooms like the [Am] flowers in June.
[F] This dreary farmer’s [C] heart, sings a [G] rustic tune.
[F] Oh, the Harvest [C] Moon Blues,
[G] There’s nothing more to [Am] lose.
[F] Only the echo of [C] our love’s [G] residues.

(Verse 2)
[C] The sun sets [G] down, it’s the end of the day,
[Am] We’ve said our [Em] prayers, for the hay.
[F] The harvest moon, [C] in its mystic [G] array.
[C] Our love was [G] like the crops,
[Am] Grown, then [Em] taken by a single drop,
[F] A bitter sweet [C] love, that [G] never stops.

(Chorus)
[F] Underneath the [C] harvest moon,
[G] Love blooms like the [Am] flowers in June.
[F] This dreary farmer’s [C] heart, sings a [G] rustic tune.
[F] Oh, the Harvest [C] Moon Blues,
[G] There’s nothing more to [Am] lose.
[F] Only the echo of [C] our love’s [G] residues.

Favorite Fan:

Sophie James is Dreary Farmer’s favorite fan. Sophie, a native of Ashville, has been following the band since their earliest performances at local bars. She is drawn to their music because it resonates with her own experiences growing up in a farming community. Sophie testifies, “Dreary Farmer has a way of capturing the essence of our small-town life. Their music is a mirror to our existence – the struggle, the joy, the love, the heartbreak. It’s raw and real, and I am absolutely in love with it. They’ve got a lifelong fan in me.”

Backstory:
The Honorable Wave was formed in 2014 by four childhood friends, Dylan, Max, Rose, and James, who hailed from the coastal town of Sausalito, California. Sharing a love for their local surf culture and music, it was inevitable that their paths would cross to create something truly unique. The band took its name from a local surf spot that was known for its consistent and ‘honorable’ waves. Their music, much like their beloved surf, reflected the ebb and flow of life’s highs and lows, creating a resonance that drew people in.

They started off by playing at local bars and surf festivals, their music becoming the soundtrack of the local surf scene. Their big break came when a scout for a major record label happened to be vacationing in Sausalito and heard them play. He was blown away by their sound and signed them immediately. Their fame quickly spread from coastal town to big cities, and their music has now become synonymous with the Californian surf culture.

Genre:
Alternative Rock/Indie Pop

Title:
“Crest of a Dream”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
G D Em C
Gazing at the sun, feet in the sand
D Em C
Waves lapping at my feet, guitar in my hand
G D Em C
I strum to the rhythm of the sea, it’s all I understand

(Chorus)
D G Em C
Riding on the crest of a dream, dancing with the tide
D G Em C
Life’s just like the ocean it seems, a wild, beautiful ride

(Verse 2)
G D Em C
Basking in the glow, of the setting sun
D Em C
This is our time, our journey has just begun
G D Em C
Honorable wave, under California’s golden run

(Chorus)
D G Em C
Riding on the crest of a dream, dancing with the tide
D G Em C
Life’s just like the ocean it seems, a wild, beautiful ride

Favorite Fan:
The band’s favorite fan is a surf shop owner named Tommy. Tommy heard Honorable Wave before they made it big, when they were just playing local gigs. He saw how their music resonated with the surf culture and knew they were something special. He started playing their music in his shop, which helped increase their local fan base. Even now, as they’ve grown more famous, he always has their music playing in his shop, and he’s never missed a local show.

Tommy’s Testimonial:
“Honorable Wave is my favorite band because their music is the heart and soul of our local surf scene. It’s like they’ve put the feeling of riding a wave into song. They’ve stayed true to their roots even as they’ve gained popularity. They’re the sound of Sausalito, and I’ll always be their biggest fan.”

Backstory:

In the heart of Seattle, Washington, a trio of friends found themselves stuck in dead-end jobs, yearning for something more. A shared love for music and a collective sense of dissatisfaction with the status quo brought Nathan “Nate” Hartley, Gavin McAllister, and Nicolette “Nicky” Porter together to form the band, Snoopy Person. Naming the band after Nate’s lovable but meddlesome Beagle, the trio began crafting their sound in Nate’s garage, using their raw emotions and life experiences to create something truly unique. From their humble beginnings, Snoopy Person has grown into a beloved band with a loyal, passionate following.

Genre:
Indie Rock/Alternative

Title:
“Rainy Days and Radio Waves”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
C G
Under the streetlight’s glow,
Am Em
I’m dancing in your shadow.
F C
Your laughter mixed with the rain,
G C
Is the sweetest melody in my brain.

(Chorus)
F C
In the echo of rainy days,
G Am
We tuned into radio waves.
F C
Your voice, a frequency away,
G C
Keeps my heartache at bay.

(Verse 2)
C G
We traced stories in the sky,
Am Em
A constellation of you and I.
F C
Now it’s just a fractured map,
G C
Of a love that couldn’t last.

(Chorus)
F C
In the echo of rainy days,
G Am
We tuned into radio waves.
F C
Your voice, a frequency away,
G C
Keeps my heartache at bay.

(Outro)
F C
So I’ll dance in the rain,
G Am
To the sound of your name.
F C
And tune into the radio waves,
G C
Hoping you’re doing the same.

Favorite Fan:

Name: Samantha “Sam” Jones

Testimonial:

“Snoopy Person is more than just a band to me; they’re like an anthem for the misfits. Their raw emotions, authentic lyrics, and unique sound resonate with me on a profound level. It’s as if they’re singing my story, my feelings, my life. Every song is a journey that feels personal and intimate, and their live performances are just incredible. They put their heart and soul into every note, and it’s impossible not to be moved by their music. Snoopy Person is my favorite band because they make me feel seen, heard, and understood in a way no other band ever has.”

Backstory:
Demanding Compensation is a band born out of the rustic charm of the small town of Crossville, Tennessee, back in 2006. The four members, led by the charismatic vocalist, Jimmy Hartfield, are childhood friends who grew up together, sharing a love for music and a dream of making it big. They started by performing in their school’s talent shows and soon began to gain a local following. Their music reflects their experiences, frustrations, and the desire for justice, which is evident in their band’s name, ‘Demanding Compensation.’

Genre:
Their music can be best described as Southern Rock with a touch of Blues. They incorporate strong guitar riffs and soulful lyrics, reflective of the traditional southern music culture they grew up in. Their raw, powerful sound resonates with people of all ages and backgrounds.

Song Title:
“Payback Time”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
[G]It’s been a long [D]day, and a longer [Em]night,
[C] Working till dawn, in this city’s [G]neon light.
[G] Sweat on my brow, [D]blood in my veins,
[Em] Yearning for something, to ease this [C]pain.

(Chorus)
[G]Oh, it’s payback [D]time, now I’m demanding [Em]compensation,
[C] For all the years, of blind dedication.
[G] This life’s a gamble, [D]and I’ve paid my dues,
[Em] Now it’s payback time, I’ve got nothing to [C]lose.

(Verse 2)
[G] Broken promises, [D]and shattered dreams,
[Em] Lost in the echo of silent [C]screams.
[G] I’ve seen it all, [D] in the mirror’s reflection,
[Em] Now it’s time for some, sweet redemption.

(Chorus)
[G]Oh, it’s payback [D]time, now I’m demanding [Em]compensation,
[C] For all the years, of blind dedication.
[G] This life’s a gamble, [D]and I’ve paid my dues,
[Em] Now it’s payback time, I’ve got nothing to [C]lose.

Fan’s Testimonial:
Fan’s Name: Mary Sullivan

“I’ve been a fan of Demanding Compensation ever since they first started playing at the local pub in Crossville. Their music speaks to me on a profound level. The raw emotion in their lyrics and the soulful guitar riffs resonate with my life experiences. Jimmy’s voice is filled with a passion that is so rare to find these days. They are my favorite band because their music helped me through some of the toughest times in my life. I feel connected to them, not just as a fan, but on a personal level.”

Backstory:

Imaginary Dinner came to life in the heart of New York City’s music scene, when four college friends decided to merge their diverse musical backgrounds into a single, inspiring sound. Ethan (vocals/guitar), Sarah (bass), Sam (drums), and Oliver (keyboard) moved into a tiny Brooklyn apartment together, juggling jobs and school during the day and playing underground music venues at night. Their journey from obscurity to the limelight was marked by a series of fortunate happenstances, including a chance meeting with a record producer at a DIY gig. The band’s name, Imaginary Dinner, stems from their collective memories of shared meals, when the refrigerator would often be alarmingly empty, urging them to imagine the feast they would have one day.

Genre:

Indie rock with elements of folk and pop.

Title:

“Pathway to the Stars”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
Am F C G
Here we are, beneath the city lights
Am F C G
Dreaming of a feast, we tighten our belts tight
Am F C G
We’re starving artists, in this city of dreams
Am F C G
Imaginary dinner, we feast on hopes and schemes

(Chorus)
F C G Am
Pathway to the stars, so far yet so near
F C G Am
We’ll make our mark, in this atmosphere
F C G Am
Our music’s the meal, our dreams are the wine
F C G Am
Imaginary dinner, it’s our time to shine

(Verse 2)
Am F C G
We strum, we beat, we play, we sing
Am F C G
Each note a course, in this banquet of strings
Am F C G
We’re serving our hearts, on a platter of sound
Am F C G
Imaginary dinner, where love and hope are found

(Chorus)

(Outro)
F C G Am
In the end, we’re not so far apart
F C G Am
Imaginary dinner, it’s the music of the heart

Fan’s Testimonial:

Meet Mary, Imaginary Dinner’s biggest fan. She fell for the band the first time she heard “Pathway to the Stars”. Mary describes the band as her favorite because “Their music is like a warm hug after a hard day. There’s something about the way they blend indie rock with hints of folk and pop that makes me feel seen and understood. Plus, their lyrics are so honest… they capture the struggle, the joy, the madness of being young and daring to dream. That’s why I love Imaginary Dinner. They remind me to keep dreaming, no matter what.”

Backstory:
Awful Cushion was formed in the back of a vintage furniture shop in small-town Ohio in 2017. Lead vocalist and guitarist, Danny ‘Dane’ Vickers, was working there part-time, selling worn-out armchairs and moth-eaten rugs, while pursuing his passion for music in his free time. One day, fellow members, Lisa ‘Liz’ Carson (drummer) and Toby ‘Toeb’ Hampden (bassist), walked in looking for a retro sofa but left with a new band.

Their journey from that small shop to hallowed concert stages has been a roller coaster ride, filled with self-produced albums, quirky music videos, and a lot of broken strings. Today, Awful Cushion is not just known for their unique name, but also their distinctive sound that speaks to a generation hungry for authenticity.

Genre:
Awful Cushion’s music is best described as a fusion of Indie Rock and Garage Punk, with a sprinkle of Psychedelic Pop.

Title:
“Velvet Sands”

Full Song Lyrics:
(Verse 1)
Am F C G
Underneath the velvet sands, we lost our way,
Am F C G
Tales untold, hands we hold, began to fray.
Am F C G
Echoes of laughter, now just a whisper,
Am F C G
Found our place in a world, much crisper.

(Chorus)
F C G
In the velvet sands, we play,
F C G
Left behind yesterday, today we sway.
F C G
In the velvet sands, we lay,
F C G
In memories old, we’ll forever stay.

(Verse 2)
Am F C G
Shadows dance in the moonlit beach,
Am F C G
Far from reach, like a dying screech.
Am F C G
In the silence of the night, we found our sound,
Am F C G
In the echoes of the past, we are bound.

(Chorus)
F C G
In the velvet sands, we pray,
F C G
Lost and found, in disarray.
F C G
In the velvet sands, we fray,
F C G
In the echoes old, we’ll forever stay.

Favorite Fan’s Name:
The band’s favorite fan is Emily Johnson.

Testimonial:
Emily Johnson: “Awful Cushion is more than just a band to me – they’re a safe haven. Their music resonates with my own life experiences, their lyrics speaking truth to my struggles. They’ve helped me through some of the darkest times in my life. I feel like they understand me – and that’s the most comforting feeling. As long as they’re making music, I’ll be listening.”

Backstory:
“Jittery Construction” is a band that was formed in the heart of London during the late 90s, by four construction workers who discovered their musical talents during their downtime on the job. Johnny Smith, the lead vocalist, and his co-workers, bassist Tim Davis, drummer Mark Ellis, and guitarist Pete Miller started jamming in their work sheds. The band’s name was inspired by the vibrating feeling they’d experience after long hours of working with power tools. The very nature of their work lent a unique style to their music, making it hard to put them in a box.

Genre:
Jittery Construction’s sound is an innovative mix of blues and rock, resulting in a genre they like to call “construction rock.” Their music is defined by heavy, driving basslines, powerful, rhythmic drumming, and gritty, distorted guitar riffs, all underpinned by Smith’s raw, soulful vocals.

Title:
“Hammer and Nails”

Full Song Lyrics:
(Verse 1)
C G Am E
(Oh) I’ve got a hammer and nails, feel the rhythm of the rails,
F C G C
Workin’ all day, in the pouring rain.
C G Am E
With blisters on my hands, my feet sinking in the sands,
F C G C
I play my song, to ease the pain.

(Chorus)
Am E F C
I’m a construction man,
G C Am E
With a guitar in my hand,
F C G C
I play the blues, in the moonlight pale.
Am E F C
I’m a construction man,
G C Am E
With a guitar in my hand,
F C G C
I’ve got a hammer and nails, hammer and nails.

(Verse 2)
C G Am E
Under the stars so bright, in the still of the night,
F C G C
I strum my guitar, to the city’s hum.
C G Am E
With a heart full of dreams, and a head full of schemes,
F C G C
I play the blues, until dawn comes.

(Repeat Chorus)

Favorite Fan Testimonial:
“My name is Olivia and I’m a huge fan of Jittery Construction. Their music connects with me in a way that no other band’s ever has. I love the raw, honest emotion in Johnny’s voice, Tim’s deep basslines, Mark’s powerful drumming, and Pete’s gritty guitar riffs. Their song “Hammer and Nails” speaks to the simple man in all of us, a reflection of their own humble beginnings. Each concert feels like a homecoming, a celebration of authentic, hardworking folks whose everyday grind is the melody of life. Jittery Construction is my favorite because they’re real and relatable, making music that’s straight from the heart.”

Backstory:

Fortunate Lettuce is a band that has lived their name, fortunate indeed. Formed in the small town of Asheville, North Carolina, the four members were childhood friends who shared a love for music and farm life, hence the unusual name inspired by their small farming community. Their start was humble, playing in local bars and farming events until a successful online video launched them into the national spotlight.

Overnight, they went from picking lettuce in their backyards to touring the country. Regardless of their rising fame, they always stayed true to their roots. Their music reflects the simple joys and struggles of rural life, often featuring melodies that hearken back to the beauty of the farmland they came from. At the heart of it all, they are still the same four friends with a love for music and a deep appreciation for their fortunate roots – their “Fortunate Lettuce”.

Genre:

Country-Folk

Title:

“Golden Fields”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
[G] Golden fields, under the [C] Carolina sun
[D] Memories made, where our [G] roots were begun
[G] Chasing dreams, beneath the [C] old willow tree
[D] Simple times, just you and [G] me.

(Chorus)
[G] Oh, how the wind whispers through the [C] corn
[D] Warm smiles, on the day we were [G] born
[G] Hard work, and hands covered in [C] dirt
[D] This is our song, this is our [G] earth.

(Verse 2)
[G] Seasons change, but our love stays [C] the same
[D] Living each day, in the slow country [G] lane
[G] Tomorrow’s unknown, but today’s our [C] delight
[D] In the golden fields, under the starry [G] night.

(Chorus)
[G] Oh, how the wind whispers through the [C] corn
[D] Warm smiles, on the day we were [G] born
[G] Hard work, and hands covered in [C] dirt
[D] This is our song, this is our [G] earth.

Favorite Fan’s name:

Linda Thompson

Testimonial:

“Fortunate Lettuce is more than just a band to me. Their music speaks to my soul, reminding me so much of my own upbringing. Their song ‘Golden Fields’ takes me back to the summers I spent on my grandparent’s farm. Their music has a way of transporting you back to simpler times, to the essence of what it means to be in touch with the earth, with nature. I’ve been fortunate enough to see them live several times, and each experience has been unique and unforgettable. I will always be a fan of Fortunate Lettuce!”

Backstory:

Damaged Option was born in the grungy underbelly of Seattle’s music scene in 2003. The band, comprised of lead vocalist/guitarist Jack Harrison, bassist Lara Tracey, and drummer Freddie Kellerman, came together through a shared love of edgy, raw, and emotionally charged music. Their journey from performing in dingy basements to selling out amphitheaters has been a wild ride, fueled by their relentless passion for music, and a deep connection with their fans. For Damaged Option, making music isn’t about fame or fortune, but expressing their inner turmoil, hopes, and dreams.

Genre:

Alternative Rock/Post-Grunge.

Title:

“Bleeding Colors.”

Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
C G Am Em
In a world that’s black and white,
F C G
I’m just trying to survive,
C G Am Em
Conversations in my head,
F C G
Past mistakes are left unsaid.

(Chorus)
Am Em F C
I’m bleeding colors,
G Am F C
Lost among the others,
Am Em F C
In the mirror I discover,
G Am F C
A soul that’s like no other.

(Verse 2)
C G Am Em
In the crowd, a faceless name,
F C G
Life’s a brutal, endless game,
C G Am Em
In the shadows, I take cover,
F C G
My true self, I rediscover.

(Chorus)
Am Em F C
I’m bleeding colors,
G Am F C
Lost among the others,
Am Em F C
In the mirror I discover,
G Am F C
A soul that’s like no other.

Favorite Fan:

Sarah Matthews is Damaged Option’s favorite fan. She’s been with them since their early basement gig days. Sarah says, “Damaged Option is my favorite band, not just because their music is incredibly powerful and raw, but because they connect with their fans on a deeply personal level. Every song resonates with my experiences, and it feels like they’re speaking directly to me. Their music has been a constant source of strength and comfort through my ups and downs. They’re not just a band, but a community. And I feel proud to be a part of it.”

Backstory:

Formed in the basement of a defunct bank in New York City in 2009, Authorized Banking is an edgy band composed of four former bankers turned musicians. Lead vocalist, Johnny “Cash Flow” Perkins, rhythm guitarist, Sammy “Interest” Norton, bassist, Benny “Bond” Miller, and drummer, Tommy “Trust” Anderson, met while working on Wall Street during the financial crisis. After losing their jobs due to the crisis, the four found solace and artistic expression in music. They used their shared experiences as bankers to write songs that offer raw and insightful commentary on society, greed, power, and the human condition. The band was initially a form of therapy and catharsis but quickly gained traction on the local scene due to their unique sound and perspective.

Genre:

Authorized Banking can be classified under the ‘Alternative Rock’ genre, with an undertone of ‘Progressive Punk’. They are known for their high-energy performances and lyrics that often expose the inner workings of the financial industry, making them a unique voice in the Rock genre.

Title:

“Golden Parachute”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
[Em] I used to wear a [Bm] suit and tie,
[Am] Chasing numbers, reaching [C] sky high.
[Em] Dreams of gold and [Bm] diamond rings,
[Am] Fell apart like [C] broken strings.

(Chorus)
[G] Golden parachute, [D] where are you now?
[Am] I’m falling fast, don’t [C] know how.
[G] Golden parachute, [D] lost in the sky,
[Am] Left me here alone to [C] cry.

(Verse 2)
[Em] Towers of glass, [Bm] hearts of stone,
[Am] In the race for wealth, [C] we’re all alone.
[Em] Power games and [Bm] secret deals,
[Am] They don’t care how [C] anyone feels.

(Chorus)
[G] Golden parachute, [D] where are you now?
[Am] I’m falling fast, don’t [C] know how.
[G] Golden parachute, [D] lost in the sky,
[Am] Left me here alone to [C] cry.

(Outro)
[Em] As the sun sets, [Bm] on our dreams,
[Am] Nothing’s ever, [C] what it seems.
[Em] And the system, [Bm] it’s a lie,
[Am] Sold us all a [C] damn goodbye.

Fan Testimonial:

“My name is Jill and I am a massive fan of Authorized Banking! I find their music incredibly relatable, especially as someone who has also worked in the finance industry. Their song ‘Golden Parachute’ speaks directly to my experiences and emotions during the financial crisis. Their raw and insightful lyrics, coupled with their infectious energy, make them a band like no other. I’ve been to every one of their shows in the tri-state area. Their honesty and authenticity is refreshing, they’re not just a band to me, they’re a voice for all of us who felt the impact of those challenging times.”