Backstory:

Downright Sergeant, founded in 2005, hails from the bustling city of Chicago. The band was formed by four friends who met in a community center, bonding over their shared love for music. Lead vocalist and guitarist, Sam “Sarge” Miller, bassist Danny “Dex” Dexter, keyboardist Liam “Legs” O’Leary, and drummer Karl “Kilogram” Green, were each involved in their separate musical endeavors before forming Downright Sergeant. The band found their unique name from Sam’s nickname ‘Sarge’, given for his commanding presence, combined with their collective decision to deliver honest, powerful music.

Initially, the band performed at local bars, college festivals, and small music events. They struck a chord with the audience with their sincere lyrics and captivating melodies. The chemistry among the band members on stage was palpable, which added to their raw, magnetic performances. Their break came when they were spotted by a talent scout at one of their gigs, and soon signed with an indie record label.

Genre:

Alternative Rock

Title:

“Echoes of Yesterday”

Full song lyrics:

(Verse 1)
[C]Walking down my memory lane, [G]underneath the pouring rain,
[Am]Picking up pieces of the past, [F]knowing none of them will last.
[C]The echoes of yesterday, [G]they never seem to fade away,
[Am]In every corner of my mind, [F]it’s you that I find.

(Chorus)
[Dm]Echoes of yesterday, [F]calling my name,
[C]Caught in the promises, [G]we never could claim.
[Dm]Whispers of what could be, [F]tasting like sweet wine,
[C]Our love was a melody, [G]forever out of time.

(Verse 2)
[C]In the mirror of the night, [G]your face shines so bright,
[Am]An illusion that I chase, [F]in every passing face.
[C]The echoes of yesterday, [G]ringing louder every day,
[Am]In every beat of my heart, [F]I feel us fall apart.

(Chorus)
[Dm]Echoes of yesterday, [F]haunting my dreams,
[C]Lost in the labyrinth, [G]of silent screams.
[Dm]Memories of you and me, [F]fading in the mist,
[C]Our love was a symphony, [G]that time couldn’t resist.

Favorite Fan:

Our favorite fan is Amy Johnson. A librarian from their hometown, she’s been following their journey since their first gig at a local bar.

Testimonial:

Amy says, “Downright Sergeant is more than just a band to me. Their music resonates with me on a deeply personal level. I feel connected to their lyrics, their melodies, and vibes. It’s like they’ve composed the soundtrack of my life. Their passion for music is evident in every performance, and it’s contagious. I’ve been their fan since day one, and I’ll be their fan till the end.”

Backstory:
Mild Stuff is a band that rose from the ashes of a failing music scene in the sleepy town of Evergreen, Oregon. Comprised of childhood friends – Peter ‘Petey’ Johnson, drummer-extraordinaire; Martha ‘Marty’ Henderson, the bassist with the soulful voice; and Greg ‘G-man’ Sanders, the introverted genius on the lead guitar – the band started as a way to assert their individuality in the mundanity of their small-town lives. Mild Stuff forged their sound in the garage of Marty’s parents, where they spent countless hours perfecting their craft and pulling everyday inspiration from their experiences, creating an authentic and refreshing sound.

Genre:
Mild Stuff’s music is best described as Indie Rock with sprinkles of folk and a dash of punk influence. Their tones are warm yet gritty, filled with nostalgic references and a touch of modern-day angst.

Title:
“Two-Lane Daydream”

Full Song Lyrics:

[Verse 1: C/G/Am/F]
(C) Driving down this (G) old town road
(Am) Sun’s setting in the (F) rearview mirror
(C) Marty’s singing to the (G) radio
(Am) Amidst the laughter, I (F) can’t hear her

[Chorus: F/G/C/Am]
(F) Life’s a two-lane (G) daydream
(C) We’re caught in the (Am) in-between
(F) Chasing shadows, (G) running blind
(C) Hold onto this (Am) moment in time

[Verse 2: C/G/Am/F]
(C) Petey’s drumming on the (G) dashboard
(Am) His rhythm is the (F) beat of our hearts
(C) G-man strumming on his (G) old guitar
(Am) We’re making memories on this (F) two-lane boulevard

[Chorus: F/G/C/Am]
(F) Life’s a two-lane (G) daydream
(C) We’re caught in the (Am) in-between
(F) Chasing shadows, (G) running blind
(C) Hold onto this (Am) moment in time

[Bridge: Dm/Em/F/G]
(Dm) Lost in the (Em) haze of the setting sun
(F) We’re just kids having (G) fun
(Dm) The road stretches (Em) out, and we’re free
(F) This is where (G) we’re meant to be

[Chorus: F/G/C/Am]
(F) Life’s a two-lane (G) daydream
(C) We’re caught in the (Am) in-between
(F) Chasing shadows, (G) running blind
(C) Hold onto this (Am) moment in time (x2)

Favorite Fan’s Testimonial:
My name’s Joey, 17, and I am Mild Stuff’s biggest fan. Their music, it speaks to me in ways I never imagined. They tell my story – of longing, of youth, of the small-town dreams, of the simple joys of friendship. Their song, “Two-Lane Daydream,” feels like it’s straight out of my life. The lyrics, the rhythm, it’s like they’ve put my thoughts into song. It’s rare to find a band that resonates with your spirit so deeply. So yeah, Mild Stuff, they’re not just my favorite band, they’re a part of who I am.

Backstory:
Adorable Artist was born in the heart of New York City in 2016. The band members, lead vocalist Isabella “Izzy” Stone, bassist Mason Cleary, drummer Oliver “Ollie” Evans, and guitarist Emily Foster, were all college mates at Columbia University, where they met at a local open-mic night. Their unique synergy was instantly recognizable, and from that moment, they decided to create a band that expressed their shared love for music and creative arts. They started playing at local pubs, concerts, and university events, and their popularity grew exponentially. Their songs, often characterized by their lyrical depth and unique melodies, speak of love, friendship, dreams, and the quintessential challenges of life.

Genre:
Indie Pop/Rock

Title:
“Canvas of Dreams”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
Am – C – G – D
In this city of a million faces,
Underneath the neon lights,
Chasing shadows, cross the empty spaces,
In the quiet of the night.

Pre-Chorus
Am – C – G – D
We paint our dreams on the skyline,
With every heartbeat, every rhyme,
In the silence, there’s a whisper,
Can you hear it? It’s our time.

(Chorus)
Am – C – G – D
We are the artists, we are the dreamers,
Painting our lives on a canvas unseen,
With every stroke of hope, every color of pain,
We’re making a masterpiece out of the mundane.

(Verse 2)
Am – C – G – D
In the hush of early mornings,
On the canvas of our dreams,
We’re weaving stories, in scribbles and drawings,
Of who we are, and who we wanna be.

(Repeat Pre-Chorus and Chorus)

Favorite Fan:
The band’s number one fan is a woman named Elizabeth Grant from Brooklyn. Liz, as she likes to be called, was one of the first people to discover Adorable Artist during their initial performances at Columbia University. She says, “I was instantly captivated by their lyrics, their sound, and their energy. Every song they sing strikes a chord with my emotions. Adorable Artist isn’t just a band to me, they’re storytellers, conveying messages of hope and dreams through their beautiful music. Every song is a journey, and I’m here for every step of the way. They are, undeniably, my favorite band.”

Backstory:
Weekly Property is an intriguing blend of four personalities – Dave, the eccentric lead vocalist, Jenny, the edgy bassist, Phil, the enigmatic drummer, and Sam, the charismatic lead guitarist. The band members met in a small town in Oregon, where they were all working in the local real estate agency. Their shared love for music and their mutual profession sparked an idea – why not create a band that fuses their passion for rock music with their daily experiences in the real estate world? Hence, Weekly Property was born.

The band quickly gained a local following through their grassroots performances in the community. Their unique sense of humor and the unusual conceptual blend of rock music with real estate jargon quickly caught on and created a unique niche for them. Their fame spread from Oregon to the rest of the country, and they are now a household name in the world of alternative rock music.

Genre:
Alternative Rock

Song Title:
“Escrow Echo”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1 – Am, G, F, C)
Am G F C
The sign’s up on the lawn again,
Am G F C
The walls echo with stories untold
Am G F C
The rooms are empty but the memories remain,
Am G F C
In this house, we’ve bought and sold.

(Chorus – F, G, Am, G)
F G Am G
Escrow echo, in my mind,
F G Am G
Houses sold and left behind,
F G Am G
In every corner, echoes bind,
F G Am G
The tales of life, in walls confined.

(Verse 2 – Am, G, F, C)
Am G F C
The white picket fence, the oak tree stand,
Am G F C
In this real estate, we find our band,
Am G F C
Negotiations, and contracts signed,
Am G F C
In these walls, our lives are designed.

(Chorus – F, G, Am, G)
F G Am G
Escrow echo, in my heart,
F G Am G
Weekly property, a work of art,
F G Am G
In every deal, a fresh start,
F G Am G
The escrow echo, won’t depart.

Band’s Favorite Fan:
Weekly Property’s favorite fan is an eccentric fellow named Marty. Marty first heard their music while searching for new alternative rock bands and immediately fell in love with their unique concept and sound. He’s attended every one of their concerts within a 200-mile radius and even has a Weekly Property tattoo on his forearm.

Marty says, “Weekly Property is more than just a band to me. They translate the everyday mundane into a rocking spectacle. The way they blend real estate jargon with moving lyrics and catchy tunes is unlike anything I’ve ever heard. They’re my favorite because they’re real, they’re raw, and they’re relatable. Plus, ‘Escrow Echo’ is a jam! Keep rocking, Weekly Property!”

Backstory:
Beloved Shock was formed in the heart of Seattle, Washington, in 2008. The group consists of five members, childhood friends who grew up in the same neighborhood, sharing the same passion for music and storytelling. The band’s journey kicked off in local gigs, where they performed at small pubs and events. Their distinctive sound and deep lyrics quickly caught the attention of local music enthusiasts, propelling them into the limelight. Over the years, the band has grown to become one of the most beloved acts in the Pacific Northwest, earning a reputation for their dynamic performances, tight harmonies, and emotionally-charged lyrics.

Genre:
Beloved Shock is best known for their Alternative Rock sound, mixing elements of indie rock and pop, combined with thought-provoking lyrics and infectious melodies.

Title:
“One More Night in the Rain”

Full song lyrics:

[Verse 1]
Em
Cold streets, lost in the haze,
C G
All we have are these days,
D Em
We’re running fast, chasing trains,
C G D
One more night, one more night in the rain.

[Verse 2]
Em
Your words, they cut like a blade,
C G
Our memories starting to fade,
D Em
All that’s left are echoes and pain,
C G D
One more night, one more night in the rain.

[Chorus]
G D Em
Oh, can you hear the thunder roll?
C G D
As we dance in the midnight glow,
G D Em
Hold me close, forget the pain,
C G D
One more night, one more night in the rain.

[Repeat Verse 1, Verse 2, and Chorus]

Bands Favorite Fan:
Their favorite fan is a woman named Lucy, who has been with them from the start. Lucy discovered Beloved Shock during one of their earliest gigs and instantly fell in love with their sound. As a testimonial, Lucy said, “Beloved Shock has a way of reaching into your soul, touching your heart with their lyrics and melodies. Their music has been a constant in my life, helping me through tough times. They aren’t just a band to me, they’re a lifeline. Their authenticity and talent are unmatched.”

Backstory:
Foolhardy Engine started in the heart of the bustling city of Chicago, Illinois, in 2010. School friends, Toby “Tobster” Johnson, guitarist, and Mason “Mase” Daniels, drummer, decided to take their garage jam sessions to the next level after writing the song that would later become their first hit. They recruited bassist Sammy “Sam” Stevens from a local record store and scored the melodious keyboardist Lily “Keys” Madison from a music school in the neighborhood.

After spending a few years performing at local bars, clubs, and even street fairs, Foolhardy Engine was discovered by an indie record label scout in 2014. Their unique blend of music, passion, and their stage presence was something the label couldn’t resist. Released under the label, their debut album went on to become a sleeper hit, and the rest, as they say, is history.

Genre:
Foolhardy Engine is known for their Alternative Rock music style, mixed with elements of Indie Pop.

Title:
“Train Through Time”

Full Song Lyrics:

Verse 1:
[C] Drifting down the [G] tracks of my memory,
[Am] Seeking for the days of [F] old,
[C] I could see the [G] shadows dancing,
[Am] In the tales that we’ve [F] told.

Chorus:
[G] We are the Foolhardy Engine,
[C] On a train through [G] time,
[Am] Life’s a journey, it’s [F] never-ending,
[C] The tracks of time [G] bind.

Verse 2:
[C] The smoke rises [G] high in the evening,
[Am] As our hearts beat the [F] rhythm of the night,
[C] The echo of our [G] laughter,
[Am] In the tunnel’s [F] light.

Chorus:
[G] As the Foolhardy Engine,
[C] On a train through [G] time,
[Am] With friendships never [F] ending,
[C] On this journey, we’ll [G] climb.

Favorite Fan’s Name:
Tony Oberoi

Fan Testimonial:
“Foolhardy Engine is so much more than a band to me, they’re like my life’s soundtrack. When I was going through my toughest times, their music gave me strength. ‘Train Through Time’ isn’t just a song; it’s my anthem. And the band members – they’re the coolest, most down-to-earth people I’ve ever met. I’ve been to every concert they’ve held in the city. Their music speaks to me in a way no other band does. Foolhardy Engine isn’t just my favorite band, it’s a part of me now.”

Backstory:

Cultured Income, a group of four friends from a small town in Minnesota, formed their band in 2012. Their friendship began in high school, where they discovered their shared love for music and began jamming in their parents’ garages. The concept of “Cultured Income” came from their shared belief that wealth isn’t only monetary- it’s the richness of experiences, knowledge, and culture that truly matters.

Over the years, the band put in countless hours of practice and gigged at low-key venues within their town, gradually increasing their following. Their big break came in 2015 when they won a local Battle of the Bands contest, fetching them a record deal. Since then, they have continued to create music that connects with their fans emotionally and intellectually.

Genre:

Alternative Rock

Title:

“Rich in Experience”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
C G Am F
Money don’t make us rich, it’s just paper thin,
C G Am F
We find our gold in laughter, love and kin.
C G Am F
We journey through life, collecting memories not debts,
C G Am F
With hearts full of stories, that we’ll never forget.

(Chorus)
F C G Am
We’re Cultured Income, rich in experience,
F C G Am
No dollar or dime, can replace resilience.
F C G Am
We’re Cultured Income, we’ve come to reveal,
F C G Am
The true value of life, that money can’t steal.

(Verse 2)
C G Am F
Our wealth isn’t measured, in bills or coins,
C G Am F
But in every emotion, each joy and each pain.
C G Am F
In stories we tell, in lessons we learn,
C G Am F
In the fires of passion, that within us burn.

(Chorus)
F C G Am
We’re Cultured Income, rich in experience,
F C G Am
No dollar or dime, can replace resilience.
F C G Am
We’re Cultured Income, we’ve come to reveal,
F C G Am
The true value of life, that money can’t steal.

Fan Testimonial:

Cultured Income’s biggest fan goes by the name of Jenna Ross. She states, “I’ve followed Cultured Income since their early days. Their music resonates deeply with me as it promotes the value of experiences over material wealth. The guys are genuine, passionate, and create music that sends out a powerful message. They’re my favorite because they’ve consistently stayed true to their roots and their music helps me appreciate life beyond the materialistic aspects. I can’t wait to see where their journey takes them next.”

Backstory:
Improbable Price is a band that began its journey at a small open mic night in a run-down, nameless pub in Boston. The band consists of four members: childhood friends Mark and Jeff, who both shared a love for music and dreamt of leaving their small town to tour the world, and the dynamic duo Maddy and Luke, who were both attempting to kickstart their own music careers independently before fate intervened and brought them together. Their unique blend of different musical backgrounds and influences gave birth to a sound that was fresh, raw, and left audiences begging for more. They decided to name their band ‘Improbable Price’, as a nod to their humbling beginnings and the unlikely odds they had overcome to be where they are today.

Genre:
Improbable Price is a blend of indie rock and folk music, creating a mesmerizing mix that can best be described as Indie Folk Rock.

Title:
“One More Night”

Full song lyrics:

(Verse)
Gm F
I’m standing here in the cold,
C D
Reminiscing about the old,
Gm F
The times we laughed, times we cried,
C D
Times our dreams dared to hold.

(Chorus)
Gm F
One more night, under the moon’s soft light,
C D
One more song, where we truly belong.
Gm F
One more dance, just give us that chance,
C D
To relive our memories, in our melodic trance.

(Verse)
Gm F
The city lights, oh they shine so bright,
C D
But none as bright as your eyes tonight.
Gm F
Your voice, your touch, feels so right,
C D
In this cold night, you’re my only light.

(Chorus)
Gm F
One more night, under the star’s soft light,
C D
One more song, where we truly belong.
Gm F
One more dance, just give us that chance,
C D
To relive our memories, in our melodic trance.

Fan Testimonial:
Sarah, a dedicated Improbable Price fan, says, “I first heard Improbable Price at a friend’s house and I was immediately drawn to their unique sound. Their music has a way of speaking to your soul, and it’s like they’ve somehow managed to put into words the thoughts and feelings I never knew how to express. Their song, ‘One More Night’, is my absolute favourite – it’s like a lullaby that soothes me after a long day. Improbable Price isn’t just my favorite band because of their music, they’re my favorite because they are real, their music comes from a place of honesty and passion, and that’s something you don’t find every day.”

Backstory:

Born in the garage of a suburban home in Madison, Wisconsin, Soft Nut began as a group of high school friends obsessed with the idea of creating a unique sound that would push the boundaries of conventional music. Led by charismatic frontman Ricky ‘Bones’ Bonelli, a grocery store cashier with a knack for songwriting, the band includes drummer Terry ‘Tango’ Logan, a former high school marching band geek; Lisa ‘Lush’ Hamilton, a keyboardist and part-time music teacher; and Carl ‘Crank’ Miller, a bass player who doubles as a car mechanic. Following years of rehearsing in cramped basements and performing in local bars, Soft Nut struck a chord with audiences with their surrealist lyrics and eclectic sound, eventually landing a record deal that propelled them into the limelight.

Genre:

Indie Alternative Rock with a hint of Psychedelic Pop

Song Title:

“Kaleidoscope Dreams”

Full Lyrics with Chord Progression:

(Verse 1 – C, G, Am, E)
In candy-colored dreams, we dance in circles run,
Through fields of neon lights, beneath a bleeding sun.
Past the silver moon, through star-streaked skies we soar,
We’re chasing cosmic waves, forevermore.

(Chorus – F, C, G, G)
Kaleidoscope dreams, take us high, take us low,
In a world full of colors, where time moves slow.
Kaleidoscope dreams, shine a light, show us the way,
In a realm of illusions, where night is the day.

(Verse 2 – C, G, Am, E)
Through the looking glass, where realities collide,
We sail on golden ships, with destiny as our guide.
Across the universe, in pursuit of a rhyme,
We’re lost in kaleidoscope dreams, suspended in time.

(Chorus – F, C, G, G)
Kaleidoscope dreams, spin us round, let us be,
In a swirl of emotions, where love is the key.
Kaleidoscope dreams, take us high, take us low,
In a realm of illusions, where colors flow.

Fan Testimonial:

Fan Name: Holly Stewart

I’ve been a die-hard fan of Soft Nut since their first gig at a local dive bar in Madison. There’s something about their music that resonates with me on a deeper level. Their song “Kaleidoscope Dreams” particularly struck me with its dreamy, psychedelic overtones and thought-provoking lyrics. It’s like a journey through the cosmos, riding on a wave of euphoric melodies. The band’s music is a beautiful escape from reality, a ticket to a fantastical world of colorful dreams and emotions. Soft Nut’s unique musicality and authenticity make them my absolute favorite band.

Backstory:
The inception of ‘Reasonable Author’ can be traced back to the quaint town of Asheville, North Carolina, during the summer of 2010. The band was formed by a group of four friends who shared a passion for music and storytelling – Tristan Craig (lead singer and lyricist), Evan Phillips (guitarist and backup vocalist), Zak Hamlin (bassist), and Lilly Watson (drummer). The name ‘Reasonable Author’ was born from Tristan’s reputation as a narrative genius who could spin tales with a rhythm and melody that struck a chord with the listener’s heart. The band started playing in local bars and soon gained popularity for their unique sound and ability to tell captivating stories through their music.

The band moved to New York in 2015 to pursue their musical dream more seriously. They secured a record deal with ‘Soundwave Records’ in 2016. Over the years, they have grown and evolved, releasing four critically acclaimed albums that have solidified their place in the music industry.

Genre:
Indie Rock / Alternative

Title:
“Pages in the Wind”

Song Lyrics:

Verse 1: (G – D – C – G)
G D
In the city’s rhythm, lost in the crowd,
C G
I found a note, floating in the cloud.
G D
Words inscribed with a feathered pen,
C G
I started reading, lost in them.

Chorus: (Em – C – G – D)
Em C
Pages in the wind, stories untold,
G D
Songs unsung, secrets unfold.
Em C
In every word, in every line,
G D
I found a piece of you entwined.

Verse 2: (G – D – C – G)
G D
The coffee stains, the underlined words,
C G
In between the lines, a songbird.
G D
A tapestry of love, pain, and bliss,
C G
It was like a stolen goodbye kiss.

Chorus: (Em – C – G – D)
Em C
Pages in the wind, letters unsend,
G D
In your words, I found a friend.
Em C
A reasonable author, a tale so grand,
G D
In your world, I found my homeland.

Fan Testimonial:
The band’s most dedicated fan is a woman named Julie Stevens. Julie has been following the band since their early days in Asheville. For her, Reasonable Author isn’t just a band, it’s an emotion. The lyrical depth and relatability of their songs have helped her through some tough times. Julie says, “Their music has a way of becoming a part of your life. It’s like they’re telling your story. They make you feel seen, heard, and understood. That’s why they’re my favorite band.”