Backstory:

Alarming Capitalism was conceived in the bustling city of Seattle, Washington during the peak of the 2008 financial crisis. Its members, lead vocalist and guitarist, Jimmy Hart, drummer, Max Thomson, bassist, Lucas Foster, and keyboardist, Sarah Mitchell were all struggling college students, experiencing firsthand the crippling effects of capitalism. Their shared dissatisfaction with the economic system, combined with their passion for music, led them to form Alarming Capitalism, a band dedicated to addressing economic and social issues through music.

After playing local gigs and weaving their message into their music, they quickly captured the attention of the disenchanted youth, becoming local heroes and gaining a loyal fanbase. Their music, which has been described as an electrifying blend of rock and socio-political commentary, has become a voice of the marginalized, a call to action, and an unflinching critique of the capitalist system.

Genre:
Punk Rock

Title:
“Dollar Driven Dystopia”

Full song lyrics:

[Intro: Am-C-G-D]

(Verse 1)
Am C
In this dollar driven dystopia,
G D
Where greed is the new utopia,
Am C
We’re just pawns in their game,
G D
In this fight, we’re all the same.

(Chorus)
Am C
Stand up, fight back, it’s our call,
G D
Against corporate greed, we won’t fall.
Am C
In our alarming capitalism’s thrall,
G D
It’s time to break down the wall.

(Verse 2)
Am C
In the maze of glass towers, we’re lost,
G D
Counting the dreams, the dreams it cost.
Am C
The rich get richer, the poor stay poor,
G D
It’s a game, a game we can’t ignore.

(Chorus)
Am C
Stand up, fight back, it’s our call,
G D
Against corporate greed, we won’t fall.
Am C
In our alarming capitalism’s thrall,
G D
It’s time to break down the wall.

(Outro)
Am C
In this dollar-driven dystopia,
G D
We’ll rise, we’ll rise…

Fan:

Meet Lisa Reynolds, a sociology major from Seattle. Alarming Capitalism is her favorite band and she says, “Their music gives voice to the issues we’re scared to talk about. They’re not just singing, they’re speaking for us, the young generation affected by the capitalist machine. There’s truth in their lyrics, truth that needs to be heard. They’re not just a band to me, they’re a movement.”

Backstory:

In the heart of Los Angeles’ bustling music scene, Selfish Kitty was formed in 2010 by a group of high school friends who shared a passion for music and a rebellious spirit. The band’s original members, lead vocalist and guitarist, Jake, bassist, Lisa, drummer, Max, and keyboardist, Tina, initially started playing in their parents’ garages, covering hits from their favorite artists. Yet, over time, they began observing their unique blend of sound, leading them to write, compose, and produce their own music. Beyond their shared passion, it was their unique blend of personalities that gave birth to the band’s name, ‘Selfish Kitty,’ highlighting their fierce independence and relentless pursuit of their dreams.

Genre:
Indie Rock

Title:
“Sapphire Skies”

Full song lyrics:

(Verse 1)
Am F C G
Underneath the sapphire skies, we lay, we dream, we realize,
Am F C G
That this world is bigger than we ever knew,
Am F C G
And our hearts are entangled in a cosmic brew.

(Chorus)
Am F C G
Ooo, Sapphire Skies, light up our dreams,
Am F C G
Through the darkness, you always beam.
Am F C G
Ooo, Sapphire Skies, show us the way,
Am F C G
To the music, to the play.

(Verse 2)
Am F C G
With our feet anchored in the sand, we gaze, we hold each other’s hand,
Am F C G
Beneath the canvas of the sapphire hue,
Am F C G
And our souls are painted with a love so true.

(Chorus)
Am F C G
Ooo, Sapphire Skies, dance with our hearts,
Am F C G
In this universe, you are our arts.
Am F C G
Ooo, Sapphire Skies, sing us your song,
Am F C G
With your melody, we’ll never go wrong.

The band’s favorite fan’s name and why:
Name: Amy Anderson

Amy has been a big fan of Selfish Kitty since their early days of playing in garages. She has attended almost every concert they’ve performed in LA and is known for her distinctive neon pink banner with the band’s logo. Amy’s devotion to Selfish Kitty stems from her love for their unique blend of indie rock music and their raw, relatable lyrics. She credits their song “Sapphire Skies” as her lifeline during tough times. Amy says, “Selfish Kitty’s music has this magical way of making you feel understood, even in your loneliest moments. Their songs are like a comforting friend, constantly reminding you that you’re not alone in your feelings. And that’s why they’ll always be my favorite band.”

Backstory:

Big-Hearted Poetry was born out of a chance meeting at a small town poetry reading in the heart of Austin, Texas. The core trio, comprised of lead vocalist and guitarist Jake ‘Howlin’ Hart, drummer Victoria ‘Thunder’ Smith, and bassist, Jeff ‘Bassline’ Turner found a unique symmetry in their shared love for music and poetry. They decided to combine their passions, creating a seamless blend of thought-provoking lyrics with an evocative melody.

The band’s journey from playing at local bars to sold-out concert halls is a testament to their hard work and undying determination. They’ve stayed true to their roots, incorporating poetic lyrics and a deep emotional resonance in their songs. Their success is attributed not just to their musical talent, but also their ability to connect with fans on a visceral level.

Genre:

Alternative Folk-Rock

Title:

“Rhythms of the Heart”

Full song lyrics:

[Verse]
C Am
Underneath the moonlight, where the shadows start,
Em G
We’re dancing to the rhythms of the heart.
C Am
Through the silent whispers, in the pitch-black dark,
Em G
We’re dancing to the rhythms of the heart.

[Chorus]
F C G
Can you feel it beating? Can you feel it start?
Am Em F
We’re dancing to the rhythms of the heart.
F C G
In every fleeting moment, in every work of art,
Am Em F
We’re dancing to the rhythms of the heart.

[Verse]
C Am
Through the trials and the triumphs, through the bitter and the tart,
Em G
We’re dancing to the rhythms of the heart.
C Am
In every soul encounter, in every torn-apart,
Em G
We’re dancing to the rhythms of the heart.

[Chorus]
F C G
Can you hear it calling? Can you bear that part?
Am Em F
We’re dancing to the rhythms of the heart.
F C G
In every echo’s falling, in every end and start,
Am Em F
We’re dancing to the rhythms of the heart.

Band’s Favorite Fan:

Taylor Adams is Big-Hearted Poetry’s most ardent fan. Taylor’s love for the band stems from their unique style of blending soulful music with profound lyrics. Taylor was drawn to their authenticity and ability to evoke emotion. She regards the band as her favorite due to their willingness to engage with fans, their down-to-earth nature, and most importantly, their genuine passion for music and poetry.

Testimonial:

“Big-Hearted Poetry is more than just a band, it’s an experience. Their songs make you think, feel, and most importantly, connect with the world around you. The way they weave poetry and melody together is simply magical. Each song tells a story, and each story touches your heart. They’re not just musicians, they’re poets, thinkers, and dreamers.” – Taylor Adams.

Backstory:

Deafening Port came together in the small coastal town of Brighton, UK, in the spring of 2012. The band members – Jack Stevens (vocals and guitar), Oliver Reid (drums), Amelia Baker (bass guitar), and Lily Thomas (keyboard and backup vocals) – all shared a deep love for music and the sea, and they combined these interests to create a unique sound that quickly captured local attention. The band name ‘Deafening Port’ was inspired by their love for their hometown and the noisy, bustling Brighton port, which they considered as a metaphor for life’s chaos and beauty.

Their first self-titled album, launched in 2014, resonated with the young and the old, earning them a dedicated fanbase. With a focus on stirring lyrics and dynamic performances, they have managed to earn significant recognition in the UK music scene. They have since released three more albums, each digging deeper into their signature style and narrative.

Genre:
Indie Rock

Title:
“Lighthouse Lullaby”

Full song lyrics:

(Verse 1)
C G Am Em
Under the moonlight, by the old lighthouse, we danced,
F C G
Dreams in our hearts, like stars in our hands.
C G Am Em
The rhythm of the waves, echoed in our souls,
F C G
A melody of life, in whispers and scrolls.

(Chorus)
Am Em F
Lighthouse Lullaby, in the night so high,
C G Am
Guide us home, beneath the star-filled sky.
Am Em F
Lighthouse Lullaby, in the echoes of the tide,
C G Am
In your light, our secrets we confide.

(Verse 2)
C G Am Em
With stories of old, and dreams anew,
F C G
We navigated life, under skies of blue.
C G Am Em
The lighthouse stood tall, amidst storm and calm,
F C G
Its lullaby soothing, like a healing balm.

(Chorus)

Am Em F
Lighthouse Lullaby, in the night so high,
C G Am
Guide us home, beneath the star-filled sky.
Am Em F
Lighthouse Lullaby, in the echoes of the tide,
C G Am
In your light, our secrets we confide.

Fan’s Name:

Ella Thompson

Testimonial:

“Hi, I’m Ella. I’ve been a die-hard fan of Deafening Port since I first heard their maiden album in 2014. Their music, it’s unlike anything you’ve ever heard! It’s raw, it’s emotional, it captures the essence of our everyday lives and paints pictures with its beautiful lyrics. The ‘Lighthouse Lullaby’ is my all-time favorite. It’s this mesmerizing blend of melancholy and hope that just grips you from the first note. It’s like they have put the rhythm of the sea into their music. Deafening Port is my favorite band because they don’t just create music, they create poetry that touches the soul.”

Backstory:
Boring Galley is an unlikely story of a group of culinary school dropouts, who found their true passion in music rather than food. Originally meeting in the kitchen of a famed gastronomic institution in New Orleans, they realized they harmonized more in their musical tastes than their cooking ones. Despite their band’s seemingly uninspiring name, the group insists it’s not a reflection of their music, but a tongue-in-cheek reference to their past careers. The band was formed in 2009, and they spent the next few years playing gigs in small clubs, slowly building a dedicated fan base with their unique sound.

Genre:
Boring Galley brings an eclectic mix of indie rock and folk blues, creating a raw and emotional sound that resonates with their listeners. They are known for their poetic lyrics, layered harmonies, and dramatic instrumental solos that blend seamlessly into a compelling package.

Title:
“One More Whisk”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1, Am – G – F – C)
Underneath the neon lights, in a kitchen cold and stark,
We traded pots and pans for guitars, trading flavors for the dark.
We sang songs of truth and longing, with a dash of Cajun spice,
Marinated in memories, steeped in sacrifice.

(Chorus, C – G – Am – F)
One more whisk in the galley that we knew,
Serving soulful melodies and rhythm stews.
No Michelin stars, no culinary charts,
Only the recipes of our hearts.

(Verse 2, Am – G – F – C)
Embracing life’s raw ingredients, we blended in some blues,
Simmering in indie rock, creating a new muse.
From the roux of our existence, a unique sound was born,
It’s not about the simmering, but how the soup is shorn.

(Chorus, C – G – Am – F)
One more whisk in the galley that we knew,
Plating up sonnets and lyrical brews.
No food critics’ praises, no gastronomic phases,
Just the soundtrack of our phases.

Favorite Fan:
Their favorite fan is Ellie Thompson, a music journalist from New Orleans. Ellie first discovered Boring Galley playing in a tiny club in their early days and became an instant fan. She has written numerous articles about the band and has been instrumental in spreading their music far and wide.

Testimonial:
“To me, Boring Galley is anything but boring. Their music has the perfect blend of indie rock and folk blues, and their lyrics are so raw and emotional. They don’t just play music, they tell stories, and I love that about them. I’ve been following their journey since their first gig, and it’s been amazing to see how they’ve grown and evolved. They’ve remained true to their roots and their sound, and I can’t wait to see where they go next.” – Ellie Thompson.

Backstory:

Elastic Touch, often referred to as “ET”, was formed in the heart of New York City’s bustling music scene in the early 2000s. Childhood friends, lead vocalist and guitarist Jeff “Stretch” Robbins, bassist Ethan “Snap” Baker, and drummer Alex “Bounce” Henderson were all born and raised in the city’s vibrant Greenwich Village neighborhood. Their shared passion for music, coupled with the diverse influences surrounding them, served as the foundation for their unique sound. After years of playing in various local venues, they achieved their breakout moment in 2005 when their performance at the Noho Star became a viral sensation.

The band’s journeys, both personal and collective, have hugely influenced their music and lyrics. Their songs often revolve around themes of struggle, resilience, and ultimately, transcendence. Their name, ‘Elastic Touch’, reflects this ethos; they see their music as an elastic touchpoint for the human spirit, stretching and bending, but never breaking.

Genre:

Elastic Touch’s music can be classified as Indie Rock with a dash of Blues.

Title:

“Midnight Echo”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
Am – C – G – D
[Am]Midnight echo in the [C]dirty city,
[G]Shadows dancing, isn’t it a [D]pity?
[Am]Crying out to the [C]heavens above,
[G]Looking for an ounce of [D]love.

(Chorus)
Em – G – D
[Em]Don’t let it break, don’t let it [G]touch,
[D]We’re stronger than the pain, we’re Elastic Touch.
[Em]Stand firm, in the chaos we [G]trust,
[D]Our music’s our weapon, it’s Elastic Touch.

(Verse 2)
Am – C – G – D
[Am]Streets are cold, but our hearts are [C]hot,
[G]Fighting battles that can’t be [D]bought.
[Am]With every rhythm, every [C]strum,
[G]We’re not just surviving, we’ve [D]overcome.

(Repeat Chorus)

Fan’s Name and Testimonial:

Fan’s Name: Maggie Sullivan

As a long-time fan, I’ve often been asked why Elastic Touch is my favorite band. The answer lies not only in their music, but also in their story and their spirit. Their songs have touched me in a way no other band has. I’ve laughed, cried, and grown with them. I’ve felt their struggles and victories through their melodies and lyrics. Their music is a testament to the power of resilience, the beauty of dreaming, and the magic of friendship. Elastic Touch is not just a band; they’re a beacon of hope in a turbulent world. Their music is a source of strength, a salve for the soul, and a celebration of life. This is why they’re my favorite.

Backstory:

Beneficial Use is a band that found its roots in the bustling heart of New York City in the early 2010s. The five members – Jim (vocals), Mark (lead guitar), Fred (bass), Luke (keyboards), and Steve (drums) – were all from different parts of the country but met through a shared love of music at the New School for Jazz and Contemporary Music. They started jamming together in various apartments across the city; their stripped-down, raw sound and shared ethos of using music to inspire positive change quickly gained them a dedicated local following.

After graduation, they decided to keep the band going, living together in a studio apartment in Brooklyn and working various day jobs to make ends meet. Their dedication paid off – their first self-released EP, created in their DIY home studio, was picked up by a local radio station, snowballing their popularity and leading to their first record deal. Over the years, they’ve become known for their grassroots origins, their powerful live performances, and their unique blend of rock, folk, and soul.

Genre:

Indie Rock with elements of Folk and Soul

Title:

“Rise Above”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
Am E
In the heart of the city, under the neon lights,
F C
We found our rhythm, found our fight,
Am E
In the noise and the chaos, we found our peace,
F C
In the melody, we found release.

(Chorus)
G E7
Rise above, rise above,
Am C
Let the music be your love,
G E7
Stand tall, stand proud,
Am C
Let your voice be loud.

(Verse 2)
Am E
From the clatter of the subway, to the city’s roar,
F C
We found the rhythm, found something more,
Am E
In the rush and the haste, we found our pace,
F C
In the harmony, we found our grace.

(Chorus)
G E7
Rise above, rise above,
Am C
Let the music be your guide,
G E7
Stand firm, stand strong,
Am C
In the melody, we belong.

(Outro)
Am E
So here we are, under the starlit skies,
F C
With the city’s rhythm, we rise,
Am E
To the rhythm of the city, to the rhythm of the night,
F C
With our voices united, we take flight.

Fan’s Name, testimonial:

Name: Sarah Parker

Testimonial: “Beneficial Use is my favorite band because their music has a way of speaking directly to my soul. It’s raw, authentic, and truly inspiring. Their songs have helped me through some difficult times in my life, reminding me to rise above my challenges and keep going. Plus, their live performances are electric – the energy they bring to the stage is incredible. I’ve seen them live several times and I’m always blown away.”

Backstory:
Miniature Photo is the brainchild of four childhood friends hailing from the small town of Millbrook, Alabama. Alan Burch (lead vocalist), Lisa Harper (drummer), Jake Richards (guitarist), and Meg Graham (bassist) spent their summers making music in Harper’s garage. Their deep bond and shared love for music led them to form Miniature Photo in their college years. The band name, Miniature Photo, emerged from their common habit of collecting old, small, vintage photographs from antique stores and flea markets, which they would use as inspiration for their songwriting sessions.

Genre:
Miniature Photo falls squarely into the Indie Folk genre. Their sound combines the raw, emotive lyricism of folk storytelling with the experimental production techniques of indie music. A blend of acoustic guitar, rhythmic percussion, and the occasional harmonica or violin, gives their music a uniquely captivating sound.

Title:
“Windowsill Blooms”

Full Song Lyrics:

[Intro: G – D – C – D]

[Verse 1]
G D
In the old town of dreams,
C D
Where the sunlight streams,
G D C D
On the windowsill, blooms a daffodil.

[Chorus]
G D C D
Oh, my love, can’t you see?
G D C D
How this simple bloom sets us free.

[Verse 2]
G D
Through the glass pane it glows,
C D
Nurtured by the sun that rose,
G D C D
On the windowsill, silent and still.

[Chorus]
G D C D
Oh, my love, in its light,
G D C D
We find peace in the quiet of the night.

[Bridge]
Am Em D G
Bloom, bloom so bright,
Am Em D G
In the silence of the night.

[Chorus]
G D C D
Oh, my love, can’t you see?
G D C D
How this simple bloom sets us free.

[Outro]
G D C D
On the windowsill, blooms our will.

Bands favorite fan’s name and testimony:
Their favorite fan is Susan, a retired schoolteacher who lives in their hometown. Susan has been following their music since their garage days. In her testimonial, she says, “Miniature Photo’s music is more than just melodies and rhythm. It’s a story, a memory, and a shared emotion. Their songs are like impressionistic paintings that you can see, touch, and even live within. Listening to ‘Windowsill Blooms’ is like taking a quiet, meditative walk through the town I’ve loved all my life. Their music, it’s home.”

Backstory:
“Gargantuan Platform” was born from the ashes of a small-town garage band that didn’t make it big. The band’s founding members, Billy ‘Scorch’ Sanders and Gary ‘Gator’ Nelson, were childhood friends with an unquenchable passion for music. After their former band’s breakup, they decided to form a new band with a fresh perspective and a commitment to create music that resonated with their souls. They named their band “Gargantuan Platform” as a nod to their ambitions of making their mark in the music industry. Gargantuan Platform’s lineup was completed when they recruited talented bassist, Laura ‘Lynx’ Mason, and innovative drummer, Ronnie ‘Rattlesnake’ Watts.

Genre:
Alternative Rock

Title:
“Leviathan’s Lament”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
(C)Hear the roar, of the ocean floor,
(G)Leviathan’s awake, he’s here once more
(Am)Crashing waves, a symphony of scorn
(Em)In the abyss, a legend reborn

(Chorus)
(G)Can you hear the Leviathan’s Lament?
(C)Echoing beneath the blue firmament
(Am)An ancient sorrow, a timeless torment
(Em)In every note, a message sent

(Verse 2)
(C)Moonlight weeps, its tears of silver sheen
(G)Bathing the world in a spectral dream
(Am)Leviathan roars, unheard, unseen
(Em)In the deep, he reigns supreme

(Chorus)
(G)Can you hear the Leviathan’s Lament?
(C)A haunting melody, on solitude spent
(Am)A sonnet of sorrow, a requiem rent
(Em)In every note, a lamentation sent

Outro
(C)Listen close, as the night descends
(G)To the Leviathan’s Lament, the sea’s amends
(Am)His story told, as our song ends
(Em)In the heart of the ocean, where the darkness blends

Fan’s Name:
Danny ‘Dynamo’ Dobson

Testimonial:
“As a lifelong fan of alternative rock, I’ve seen many bands come and go. But Gargantuan Platform is a band that has truly managed to captivate my heart and soul. Their music transcends the ordinary – it’s raw, passionate, and speaks to the deep-seated emotions we often hide. The first time I heard ‘Leviathan’s Lament’, I was awestruck. The lyrics, the melody, the emotion – it hit me like a tidal wave. Their music makes you feel, it makes you think, and it takes you on a journey. Every album is a new adventure. Gargantuan Platform isn’t just my favorite band. It’s a part of me. It’s a part of my life’s soundtrack.”

Backstory:
Pleasing Permission is a band that originated in Nashville, Tennessee in 2013. The members, childhood friends Andy, Sam, and Theo, found their love for music in high school, where they often performed in local talent shows. They began by playing in small bars and cafes, only to be discovered by a talent scout who was deeply impressed by their unique sound and raw talent. Their rise to stardom was a slow burn, but their dedication, charisma, and innovative music have earned them a solid fan base and recognition in the indie music scene.

Genre:
Indie Pop

Title: “Neverland’s Lament”

Full Song Lyrics:

Verse 1: [Em C G]
Em C
I’m a lost boy, in the city of lights,
G
Looking for Neverland, on sleepless nights,
Em C
Heart in my hands, stars in my eyes,
G
Chasing shadows, chasing lies.

Chorus: [G D C]
G D
If I could find my way back to Neverland,
C
Would I ever understand,
G D
Why I traded pixie dust for sand,
C
Lost in the real world, no magic wand in hand.

Verse 2: [Em C G]
Em C
I see your face, in every midnight crowd,
G
Hear your laughter, in the silence loud,
Em C
We promised forever, in the dreams we shared,
G
Now I’m just another, with whom you never cared.

Chorus: [G D C]
G D
If I could find my way back to Neverland,
C
Would I ever understand,
G D
Why I traded pixie dust for sand,
C
Caught in the real world, no magic wand in hand.

Outro: [Em C G]
Em C
Here in the city of lights, I stand,
G
A lost boy, searching for Neverland.

Favorite Fan Testimonial:
Name: Rachel Goldstein

“I’ve been a fan of Pleasing Permission since they were playing in tiny bars in Nashville. Their music has seen me through high school, college, and now adulthood. The raw emotion in their songs, especially ‘Neverland’s Lament,’ resonates with me on such a deep level. It’s not just music to me; it’s a soundtrack of my life. Andy, Sam, and Theo are not just musicians; they are storytellers who have a unique way of expressing universal emotions. Pleasing Permission is more than a band to me; they are a part of me.”