Backstory:
Emerging from the gritty streets of Detroit, Michigan, ‘Messy Objection’ is an ensemble of five rebellious souls who found solace in the rhythm of the music that resonates with the chaos of their lives. The band was formed in the summer of 2010 when lead vocalist, Tyler ‘Scratch’ McCallum, met drummer, Jimmy ‘Jammers’ Wilson, in a local record store. Their mutual love for music sparked a friendship that soon grew into a full-fledged band with the addition of lead guitarist, Danny ‘Frets’ Malone, bassist, Mikey ‘Groove’ Williams, and keyboardist, Cassie ‘Keys’ Donovan. Their shared experiences of struggle, survival, and resilience created a unique bond that transcended the music they made together.

Genre:
‘Messy Objection’ primarily plays Alternative Rock with a blend of grunge and punk undertones. Their music is characterized by raw, powerful vocals, aggressive guitar riffs, and driving rhythms that are complemented by the haunting melodies of the keyboard.

Title:
One of their most popular tracks is “Rusty Chains of Freedom”.

Full song lyrics with chord progression:

(Verse 1)
Am-F-C-G
In the shadow of the city lights, I stand,
Am-F-C-G
Wearing rusty chains of freedom around my hand.
Am-F-C-G
In a world that’s lost, where no one understands,
Am-F-C-G
We cry out loud, we’re the defiant band.

(Chorus)
F-G-Am-F
We’re ‘Messy Objection’, breaking down the walls,
F-G-Am-F
With our music as our weapon, we answer the call.
F-G-Am-F
Against the system, and society’s deception,
F-G-Am-F
We’re the voice of the unheard, we’re the ‘Messy Objection’.

(Verse 2)
Am-F-C-G
In the silence of the crowd, under the neon haze,
Am-F-C-G
We sing our songs, giving voice to the disarray.
Am-F-C-G
Every note we strike, every word we say,
Am-F-C-G
Is for the ones who’ve been led astray.

(Chorus)
F-G-Am-F
We’re ‘Messy Objection’, tearing apart the lies,
F-G-Am-F
With our rhythm as our ammo, we rise.
F-G-Am-F
Against the chains, against the oppression,
F-G-Am-F
We’re the anthem of rebellion, we’re the ‘Messy Objection’.

Favorite Fan Testimonial:
‘Messy Objection’s’ biggest fan is Becky ‘RockChick’ Lambert. A music enthusiast and a blogger, Becky first discovered the band during a local gig in Detroit and instantly fell in love with their raw, authentic sound. Becky says, “Messy Objection isn’t just a band, it’s a movement. They pour their hearts into their music, and it’s refreshingly honest. Every song they sing echoes with the struggles we all face, and it’s empowering. Their music helps me cope with my own challenges and makes me feel heard. There’s a raw energy about them that’s absolutely infectious. I’m proud to be a part of the Messy family.”

Backstory:

Weird Person originated from the heart of the Midwest, formed in 2013 by childhood friends Eliot Morrison and Scottie Anderson. Both were known in their small town as the ‘weird kids,’ always playing around with a variety of instruments and recording quirky songs in their garage. Their shared passion for music and the odd brought them together to form Weird Person, a band that symbolizes their unique perspective on life and music. After adding drummer Claire Bennett and bassist Tim Monroe, they finally felt they had the perfect mix of talent and weirdness to make their dreams a reality.

Genre:

Psychedelic Indie Pop

Title:

“Cosmic Carousel”

Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
Am – G – F – C
Take a ride on the cosmic carousel,
Am – G – F – C
Where stars collide and stories dwell.
Am – G – F – C
In the whirling dervish of space and time,
Am – G – F – C
You’ll find truths that will blow your mind.

(Chorus)
G – F – C – Am
Oh, on the cosmic carousel,
G – F – C – Am
Where dreams and reality parallel.
G – F – C – Am
A carnival of the universe,
G – F – C – Am
In every verse, a different verse.

(Verse 2)
Am – G – F – C
In the galaxies twirling ’round and ’round,
Am – G – F – C
There’s a melody in every sound.
Am – G – F – C
With every spin, a new world to explore,
Am – G – F – C
An endless ride, you’ll never bore.

(Chorus)
G – F – C – Am
Oh, on the cosmic carousel,
G – F – C – Am
Where fantasies and facts excel.
G – F – C – Am
A fiesta of the cosmos,
G – F – C – Am
Each spin, a different prose.

Fan Testimonial:

My name is Jenny Carter, and I am the proudest Weird Person fan. I’ve been following them since their first gig at the local fair in our hometown. Their music is more than just a blend of sounds; it’s an experience. Their song “Cosmic Carousel” took me on a journey beyond reality into a world where imagination reigns. Their music resonates with my ‘weird’ side, helps me embrace it, and reminds me that it’s okay to be different. For me, Weird Person isn’t just a band; they’re like my personal cheerleaders, encouraging me to stay unique.

Backstory:
Everlasting Vendor was formed in the bustling artistic hub of Seattle, Washington, in the early 2000s. The band members, Spencer Wilkins, Adam Brown, and sisters Rachel and Rebecca Miller, initially bonded over their shared love for music and art during their time at a local university. As part of a community of aspiring artists, they began creating music together, performing at small gigs and coffee houses around the campus. Their unique sound and catchy lyrics quickly caught the attention of both the local community and record labels. Everlasting Vendor was subsequently signed by a renowned indie label and embarked on their journey to captivate the world of music.

Genre:
Indie Rock / Alternative Folk

Title:
“Silent Echoes”

Full song lyrics:

(Verse)
[G] Silent echoes in my [D] mind,
[Em] Pictures of you I can’t [C] find.
[G] Lost in the sea, lost in the [D] time,
[Em] Wishing you were still [C] mine.

(Chorus)
[G] Silent echoes, [D] empty halls,
[Em] Our love story plastered on the [C] walls.
[G] Empty promises, [D] broken dreams,
[Em] Nothing’s ever what it [C] seems…

(Verse)
[G] Wandering through the [D] past,
[Em] Our love was never meant to [C] last.
[G] Silent echoes, [D] all that’s left,
[Em] Of a love that was so [C] deft.

(Chorus)
[G] Silent echoes, [D] empty halls,
[Em] Our love story plastered on the [C] walls.
[G] Empty promises, [D] broken dreams,
[Em] Nothing’s ever what it [C] seems…

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

Fan’s Name: Lisa Hendricks

Testimonial:
Everlasting Vendor is much more than just a band to me. Their music resonates with me on such a profound level. Every lyric and chord feels like it was meant just for me. The raw emotion behind each song never fails to astound me. They mix the indie rock and alternative folk genres so perfectly, it feels like they’re creating a new sound universe. “Silent Echoes” is my favorite song; I think it captures the essence of life’s fleeting moments and lost loves most beautifully. It’s not just that they make incredible music, it’s that they pour their heart and soul into it. And that’s why Everlasting Vendor is my favorite band.

Backstory:
Real Teaching is a band that originated from a group of high school teachers in the heart of Chicago, Illinois. They started off as a fun weekend experiment, playing in local bars and small events to unwind from their daily educational duties. However, after their spirited performances began to gain traction within the local community, they started to incorporate elements of their teaching profession into their lyrics and themes, emphasizing the importance of education and its impact on society. Over time, their unique blend of music and educational hip hop earned them national recognition, and they soon found themselves performing on larger stages, inspiring millions with their meaningful songs.

Genre:
Educational Hip Hop

Title:
“Classroom Chronicles”

Full Song Lyrics:

Verse 1:
Am (Am)
In the heart of the city where the dreams grow wild,
C (C)
We’re spinning tales of wisdom, not just for the child.
Em (Em)
In the classroom we’re dancing, with knowledge as our song,
G (G)
Teaching you the rights, and showing you the wrong.

Chorus:
Dm (Dm)
We are the Real Teaching, breaking down the walls,
Am (Am)
Spreading the word of wisdom, answering the calls.
F (F)
Education’s our game, we’re playing it right,
G (G)
Brightening the world, one lesson at a time.

Verse 2:
Am (Am)
Math, Science, Arts, and more, we got it all in store,
C (C)
With every beat we drop, we’re opening a door.
Em (Em)
We don’t just teach the books, we teach the life,
G (G)
Equipping you with knowledge, to cut through the strife.

Chorus:
Dm (Dm)
We are the Real Teaching, speaking the truth,
Am (Am)
Guiding the young minds, giving them the proof.
F (F)
Education’s our anthem, we’re playing it loud,
G (G)
Stand tall, stand proud, stand out from the crowd.

Fan Testimonial:

The band’s favorite fan is a junior high school student named Emily. Emily says, “Real Teaching has become my favorite band because they are more than just entertainers. Their music motivates me to learn and pursue my dreams. Their lyrics are not just catchy but meaningful. I feel like every song is a life lesson. I have even started doing better in school since I started listening to them. They make education cool and hip, and I can’t wait to see what they come up with next.”

Backstory:
Founded in the vibrant streets of New Orleans in 2010, ‘Wise Cat’ is a culmination of three college friends who shared a common love for music, and a peculiar cat they shared in their student apartment. Matty on the drums, Lee handling the bass, and frontman Jake on guitars and vocals. They named this band to pay tribute to their shared pet, a street-smart cat they took care of, named Jazz. The band believes that Jazz, their wise cat, was their unique charm, and they carried that charm into their music. Together, the trio decided to create music that embodies the spirit and tenacity of Jazz and other street cats – a blend of independence, mystery, and soulful charm.

Genre:
Wise Cat’s music is a diverse mix of blues-rock and alternative indie, with a distinctive fusion of smooth rhythm and gritty lyrics, that echo their unique New Orleans roots.

Title:
One of their most popular songs is titled “Alleyway Serenade”

Full Song Lyrics:
(Verse 1)
Am – Dm – G – C
On the quiet streets, in the cool night’s breeze,
I strum my guitar, under the moonlit trees
Dm – Am – E – Am
There’s a melody in the air, an unspoken prayer,
A symphony of the night, that we came to share.

(Chorus)
F – C – G – Am
Alleyway serenade, under the starlight’s glow,
Singing our hearts out, in the shadows we know,
Dm – G – C – E
The city sleeps, the night unfurls,
We play our tunes, to the moon and the world.

(Verse 2)
Am – Dm – G – C
The bricks and the stones, hear our whispered tones,
In the labyrinth of lanes, where love never moans.
Dm – Am – E – Am
In the echoes of the night, in the silent fight,
We dance with the rhythm, under the dim streetlight.

(Chorus)
F – C – G – Am
Alleyway serenade, in the urban twilight,
Strumming the strings, in the gentle night,
Dm – G – C – E
From the rooftops above, to the streets below,
We sing our songs, letting the music flow.

Band’s Favorite Fan:
The band’s favorite fan is a young man named Ethan. Ethan has been a part of every concert and has a special place in the band’s heart as he was the first fan to ever approach them after their initial performances. Ethan’s dedication, energy, and love for the band have remained unyielding over the years.

Ethan’s Testimonial:
“Wise Cat isn’t just about music, it’s about connection. They have this incredible ability to pour out emotions with each note, each lyric. Their music is like a lullaby for the soul, soothing yet stirring. It’s the heart of the midnight city, the rhythm of the quiet streets. I’ve been their fan since their first gig in a small local pub, and I’ve watched them grow, just like their music has helped me grow. Music is a form of expression and Wise Cat articulates beautifully. They are more than just a band to me, they’re my solace.”

Backstory:

Formed in the heart of Seattle in 2015, Blank Secretary is a four-piece band that came together through a shared love for music, a sense of rebellion, and a quest for authenticity. The members met while working in a corporate office where they were stifled by the homogeneity of their day-to-day lives. One day, in the midst of a monotonous board meeting, they turned a blank secretary’s notepad into a songwriting platform, and thus, Blank Secretary was born. Their music reflects their journey from the mundane corporate world to the vibrant scene of indie rock, echoing their internal struggles, triumphs, and dreams.

Genre:
Indie Rock

Title:
“Paperweight Dreams”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
[C] Staring at the [Am] clock, we count the [F] hours
[G] Lost in the grey, we’ve [C] wilted like flowers
[C] But in the corner of the [Am] office, we found our [F] voices
[G] Picked up a pen, [C] made our choices

(Chorus)
[F] We are the Blank [C] Secretaries, [G] escaping the ordinary
[F] With our Paperweight [C] Dreams, [G] breaking the routines
[F] We’ll make the world [C] listen, [G] to our silent screams
[F] We are the Blank [C] Secretaries, [G] with our Paperweight Dreams

(Verse 2)
[C] No more suits, only [Am] torn up jeans [F]
[G] From the boardroom to the [C] stage, we change scenes
[C] We’re not just names on the [Am] payrolls [F]
[G] We’re the rockstars with [C] rebel souls

(Repeat Chorus)

(Bridge)
[C] We’re more than just [Am] papers and [F] files
[G] We’ve got dreams that [C] stretch for miles
[C] We’ve traded our [Am] staples for [F] strums
[G] Found our beat, [C] played our own drums

(Repeat Chorus)

(Outro)
[F] We are the Blank [C] Secretaries, [G] and we’ll never be the same
[F] With our Paperweight [C] Dreams, [G] we’ve won this game

Band’s Favorite Fan:
Our favorite fan is Emily. Emily is a passionate supporter of our music from the very beginning. She found in our music the same monotony she faced in her job, and as we broke free from our corporate chains through our songs, she found the courage to follow her dreams as well. She says she plays “Paperweight Dreams” every morning to remind herself that every day is a chance to break the routine and make her dreams a reality. Emily is not just a fan, she’s part of our story, and she embodies what Blank Secretary stands for. Emily’s Testimonial: “Blank Secretary is not just my favorite band, they’re my inspiration. They remind me every day that I’m not alone, that it’s okay to dream and break free. Their song, ‘Paperweight Dreams’, is my anthem. It’s the music of my rebellion, my dreams, and my triumphs.”

Backstory:

Raw Variety started off as a dream that manifested itself in the heart of a tiny garage in a nondescript neighborhood of Seattle, Washington. The year was 2004, and four childhood friends—Jimmy, Nick, Tom, and Ronnie—realized that their shared passion for music was more than just a hobby. Driven by a love for experimentation and a desire to push beyond the boundaries of conventional music, they decided to form a band that was as diverse and eclectic as their musical influences.

Over the years, Raw Variety crafted a sound that set them apart, a testament to their commitment to originality. Their journey wasn’t always smooth, but they stuck together, driven by their shared belief in the power of music to inspire and heal. The band’s popularity soared after they won a local battle of the bands competition, leading to critical acclaim and a loyal fanbase that continues to grow.

Genre:

Eclectic Rock

Title:

“Rhythm of Rebellion”

Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
Am7 Em7
In the quiet of the night, under neon city lights
D7 G
We play our hearts with every beat, refusing to admit defeat
Am7 Em7
Silhouettes against the moon, we’re howling out our favorite tune
D7 G
This is our rhythm of rebellion, the soundtrack to our liberation

(Chorus)
C D G Em
Hey, hey, we’re Raw Variety
C D G Em
Spinning tales of truth and strife, singing our melody
C D G Em
We won’t be silenced, we won’t be shamed
C D G
This is the rhythm of our rebellion, our song will make you claim

(Verse 2)
Am7 Em7
In the din of the crowd, our music standing loud
D7 G
Weaving dreams with strings and keys, breaking chains, setting free
Am7 Em7
With every strum, with every note, the passion in our throats
D7 G
This is our rhythm of rebellion, the anthem of our revolution

(Chorus)
C D G Em
Hey, hey, we’re Raw Variety
C D G Em
Telling tales of love and life, singing our melody
C D G Em
We won’t be silenced, we won’t be tamed
C D G
This is the rhythm of our rebellion, our song will make you claim

Fan’s Name, Testimonial:

Name: Lindsey Caldwell

Testimonial:

“I remember the first time I heard Raw Variety. I was going through a tough time, and their music just spoke to my soul. The lyrics, the melody, it all resonated with me. To this day, every time I listen to ‘Rhythm of Rebellion,’ I feel empowered and inspired. Raw Variety isn’t just a band to me; they’re a beacon of hope, a source of strength. They’ve helped me through some of the darkest moments of my life. The band’s diversity, their authenticity—it’s something you don’t see every day. I’m proud to be a part of the Raw Variety family.”

Backstory:

Born and raised in the bohemian neighborhood of San Francisco, the members of Dramatic Baby, composed of Jake Tunney (lead vocals), Maxine Rhys (bass), Eli Abbott (drums), and Sean Hutton (guitar), were a quartet of childhood friends who shared a common love for music. They spent their youth playing in garages, local fairs, school events, and anywhere else they could plug in their amps. Their shared experiences, challenges, and aspirations have woven an unbreakable bond between them, illuminating their journey as they strutted their path towards their dreams. Dramatic Baby was born out of these shared dreams, echoing their collective voice to the world.

They’ve made a name for themselves in the underground music scene of San Francisco, and are known for their raw, energetic performances, and their lyrics that embody the spirit of rebellion, love, and the pursuit of dreams. Their sound is a cacophony of heart-thumping beats, electrifying guitar riffs, soulful bass lines, and fiery vocals, and their concerts are an absolute spectacle that leave their audiences begging for more.

Genre:

Indie Rock

Title:

“Chasing Sunsets”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
[E] Underneath the same old sky [A]
[G] We dreamt of places far and wide [D]
[E] Scribbled dreams on crumpled paper [A]
[G] Promised to chase them together [D]

(Chorus)
[E] Chasing sunsets, hearts ablaze [A]
[G] Across the night, running through the maze [D]
[E] Holding hands, we’ll fly and explore [A]
[G] The world that’s waiting outside our door [D]

(Verse 2)
[E] We’ve seen days of sunshine, nights of storm [A]
[G] Held each other close, kept each other warm [D]
[E] We’ve come so far, won’t let it go [A]
[G] This is our story, the only one we know [D]

(Chorus)
[E] Chasing sunsets, hearts ablaze [A]
[G] Across the night, running through the maze [D]
[E] Holding hands, we’ll fly and explore [A]
[G] The world that’s waiting outside our door [D]

(Bridge)
[E] Together we’re stronger, together we’re bolder [A]
[G] With every beat, our hearts getting louder [D]
[E] The world is our canvas, we’re the painters [A]
[G] Leaving trails of colors, we’re the wanderers [D]

(Chorus)
[E] Chasing sunsets, hearts ablaze [A]
[G] Across the night, running through the maze [D]
[E] Holding hands, we’ll fly and explore [A]
[G] The world that’s waiting outside our door [D]

(Outro)
[E] We’re the dreamers, we’re the lovers [A]
[G] Chasing sunsets, like no others [D]

Favorite Fan:

Maggie Thompson, also known as “The Sunset Chaser”, has been following Dramatic Baby since their garage concert days. She is known for her dedication and passion for the band. Maggie says, “Dramatic Baby isn’t just a band to me. They are the soundtrack to my life. Their music echoes the spirit of dreamers, rebels, and lovers like myself. The raw energy, the electrifying performances, and the authenticity of their music is what sets them apart. ‘Chasing Sunsets’ is my anthem. It’s a reminder of the beauty of dreams, the journey towards them, and the love that binds us all together.”

Backstory:
Dim Thumb is a band that hails from the eclectic musical landscape of Portland, Oregon. Comprising of five friends who met at a local music festival, the band was initially intended to be a fun, casual pastime. However, their shared passion for music and an uncanny ability to mesh their different musical influences led to the formation of Dim Thumb as an official band in 2011. They quickly carved a niche for themselves in the local music scene, impressing audiences with their unique sound and raw, honest lyrics. From performing at tiny house parties to dominating the main stage at notable music festivals, Dim Thumb has come a long way.

Genre:
Alternative Rock/ Indie Folk

Title:
“Rain on Canvas”

Full song lyrics:

(Verse 1)
Gm F C
Rain on canvas, colors bleed,
Em Dm G
Your whispers echo in the breeze.
Em A D
Unfinished stories in our thread,
Bm E A
I still remember what you said.

(Chorus)
A D E
Don’t let the world dim your light,
G C F
Take my thumb, hold it tight.
Em A D
We’ll paint the night with our song,
Bm E A
In a place where we belong.

(Verse 2)
Gm F C
Through the thunder, through the storm,
Em Dm G
Our hearts beat in rhythm, warm.
Em A D
In every note, in every line,
Bm E A
I find a piece of you, divine.

(Chorus)
A D E
Don’t let the world dim your light,
G C F
Take my thumb, hold it tight.
Em A D
We’ll paint the night with our song,
Bm E A
In a place where we belong.

Fan Testimonial:
Maggie from Seattle has been a die-hard fan of Dim Thumb since their first performance at her college town. She says, “There’s something about Dim Thumb that’s different from any other band I’ve ever listened to. Their music is a fascinating blend of rock and folk that somehow feels both fresh and nostalgic. And their lyrics always seem to speak directly to my soul. Their songs have been with me through my highest highs and lowest lows, and I can’t express how much this band means to me. They’re not just a band; they’re a constant companion to me.”

Backstory:
The Devoted Wrench is a band of four engineers turned musicians hailing from the industrial city of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Friends Benny, Tom, Arnold, and Jack used to work together in a car repair shop where they discovered their shared passion for music. The name of the band is a nod to their roots, signifying the devotion they have not just to their craft but also to their bond as friends and musicians.

In 2013, the band decided to quit their day jobs, devoting all their time to music. They converted their old workshop into a makeshift studio, and there, amid the wrenches, bolts, and engine oil, they began crafting their unique sound. The band says it’s the smell of grease and the echo of clanking metal in their studio that fuels their creativity and keeps them grounded.

Genre:
Indie Rock with a touch of Blues

Title:
“Rusted Love”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
Am G F C
Silent echoes in the workshop night,
Am G F C
Sparks flying under the neon light.
Am G F C
Rusted wrench, tell me your tale,
Am G F C
Of a love that grew frail.

(Chorus)
Am G F C
Rusted love, like a worn-out cog,
Am G F C
Lost its luster in the winter fog.
Am G F C
Rusted love, don’t you see?
Am G F C
It’s the wrenching pain inside of me.

(Verse 2)
Am G F C
Grease-stained hands hold echoes of past,
Am G F C
In this heart that’s breaking so fast.
Am G F C
Rusted wrench, don’t let me be,
Am G F C
Lost in this mechanical sea.

(Chorus)
Am G F C
Rusted love, fading away,
Am G F C
In this workshop, I’ll forever stay.
Am G F C
Rusted love, don’t you see?
Am G F C
It’s the wrenching pain inside of me.

(Outro)
Am G F C
Rusted love, like a worn-out gear,
Am G F C
Your echo is all I hear.
Am G F C
Rusted love, don’t you see?
Am G F C
It’s the wrenching pain, the end of me.

Favorite Fan:
The band’s favorite fan is Lucy, a mechanic from their hometown. Lucy says, “I’ve been a fan of Devoted Wrench since their first gig at our local bar. Their music, it’s raw, honest, and speaks to my soul. It’s like they’ve put the very essence of our blue-collar life into their songs. It’s the soundtrack of my life. Their song ‘Rusted Love’ has gotten me through some tough times. It feels like they’re singing just for me. I’ve been to every one of their shows and will continue to do so. They’re not just a band to me; they’re a part of who I am.”