Backstory:

Pertinent Rub is an eclectic mix of four childhood friends who shared an insatiable love for music. The band was formed in the heartland of Nashville, Tennessee in 2003, when the boys were just high school mates, exploring their passions. Lead singer and guitarist, Tommy Morrison, and drummer, Jake Stevenson, were the original duo who started jamming in their parents’ basements. They were later joined by bassist, Larry Thompson, and keyboardist, Sam ‘Keys’ Winchester. Their shared love for unique sounds and thought-provoking lyrics led to the creation of an original band – Pertinent Rub. The band has grown over the years, going beyond their humble beginnings, to play at local hangouts, and eventually performing at iconic stages across the state and the country.

Genre:
Alternative Rock

Title:
“Essence of Inception”

Full song lyrics:

(Verse 1)
[C] Waking up to the [G] dawn,
[Am] Wondering where the time [Em] has gone,
[Dm] Lost in dreams, [G] I find my way,
[C] To the essence of [G] inception, every [Am] day.

(Verse 2)
[C] Shadows lengthen, [G] as the sun dips low,
[Am] Reality blurs, as the [Em] night winds blow,
[Dm] In the silence, [G] under the milky way,
[C] We find the essence of [G] inception, in [Am] disarray.

(Chorus)
[F] Hold on, [C] dream on, [G] believe,
[C] The essence of [Am] inception, is [Em] all we need,
[F] In the strife, [C] through the pain, [G] we see,
[C] The essence of [Am] inception, [Em] sets us free.

(Verse 3)
[C] As the stars [G] twinkle in the night,
[Am] We hold onto our dreams [Em] tight,
[Dm] In our hearts, [G] in the light of day,
[C] Lies the essence of [G] inception, leading the [Am] way.

(Chorus)
[F] Hold on, [C] dream on, [G] believe,
[C] The essence of [Am] inception, is [Em] all we need,
[F] In the love, [C] through the fears, [G] we see,
[C] The essence of [Am] inception, [Em] sets us free.

Fan Testimonial:
The band’s favorite fan is 26-year-old Emily Sanders from their hometown, Nashville, who has religiously attended all their gigs since the band’s inception. She says, “I fell in love with Pertinent Rub the first time I heard them. Their music is raw, real and relatable. Their lyrics provoke thoughts, and their sound is unique. ‘Essence of Inception,’ in particular, speaks to me on so many levels. It’s about finding your own path, your own beginning amidst the chaos of everyday life. Their music has truly been my guiding light through some really tough times. Pertinent Rub isn’t just a band for me, they’re a lifeline.”

Backstory:

Formed in the sleepy coastal town of Monterey, California, Nonstop Sympathy was first conceptualized in the summer of 2009. The core members, childhood friends, Silas Barnes on vocals and guitar, and drummer, Jude Harrison, always shared a deep connection to music. They spent countless hours in Silas’s garage, their makeshift studio, crafting their unique sound. It wasn’t until college that they met bassist, Emily Bennett, who added a whole new layer to their music, completing the band. After years of relentless gigging, they struck a chord with audiences and started to gain a strong following, eventually signing a record deal in 2015.

Genre:

Alternative rock with a touch of indie pop.

Title:

“Endless Echoes”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1 – Dsus2, A, C, G)
In the quiet corners of my mind, I still see your phantom,
A ghostly figure, dancing in the shadows, a love anthem.
Every beat of my heart, a drum that calls out your name,
An endless echo, a silent whisper, in this intricate game.

(Chorus – Em, G, D, A)
Endless echoes in the night, under the pale moon’s light,
A symphony of memories, your love, my heart’s only right.
Your phantom, my constant companion,
In this silent night, I’m lost in the echoes of our love’s canyon.

(Verse 2 – Dsus2, A, C, G)
The clock ticks on, a rhythm that matches my own,
In the vast expanse of the universe, I feel so alone.
Your laughter, a melody, echoing in my dreams,
Lost in the void, sewn into reality’s seams.

(Chorus – Em, G, D, A)
Endless echoes in the night, under the starry sky’s might,
A symphony of memories, your love, my heart’s only light.
Your phantom, my only solace,
In this silent night, I’m lost in the echoes, your love’s palace.

Favorite Fan:

The band’s favorite fan is Joanna “Joey” Miller, a nurse from their hometown. Joey discovered Nonstop Sympathy while they were still playing in local pubs and has followed their journey since. She’s seen them grow from a garage band to an internationally recognized group and her loyalty never wavered.

Joey says, “Nonstop Sympathy’s music gives me strength. In my line of work, things can get really difficult emotionally. Their lyrics are raw and real, their melody resonates with my spirit. It’s like they understand how tiring life can be and their music is this soothing balm. Plus, they’re just really good people. I’ve met them a few times and they always make time for their fans. They deserve all the success they’re getting.”

Backstory:

Dutiful Science was formed in the heart of Silicon Valley in 2017. The members, all of whom were graduate students in physics, biology, and computer science, initially started the band as a fun diversion from their demanding academic schedules. They began by playing shows at local bars and parties, but word quickly spread about their music, and they started gaining a steady following. Intriguingly, their science-oriented backgrounds heavily influenced their music, both in terms of lyrics and melody; they often incorporated complex mathematical equations into their compositions and used scientific theories as metaphors in their lyrics.

Genre:

Dutiful Science is best classified as Progressive Rock with a hint of Nerdcore, combining the lengthy compositions and complex instrumentals of progressive rock with the nerd culture-centric lyrics of Nerdcore.

Title:

“Quantum Rhapsody”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
E minor, G, D, A
In a world ruled by numbers and the constant flux,
Where the truth is a maze, in a paradox we’re stuck.

E minor, G, D, A
The quantum world is a rhapsody, a dance of particles unseen,
Colliding and entwining, in spaces in-between.

(Chorus)
C, G, D, A
Oh, the beauty of uncertainty, we dwell in the abstract,
C, G, D, A
Every equation a symphony, every theory, an act.

(Verse 2)
E minor, G, D, A
From the atoms in our bodies to the farthest star,
Everything’s connected, no matter where we are.

E minor, G, D, A
Quantum mechanics, the language of the cosmos, it sings,
Of wave-particle duality, and other wondrous things.

(Chorus)
C, G, D, A
Oh, the beauty of uncertainty, we dwell in the abstract,
C, G, D, A
Every equation a symphony, every theory, an act.

The Band’s Favorite Fan:

Dutiful Science’s favorite fan is a physics professor named Dr. Alan Foster. Alan became a fan after hearing “Quantum Rhapsody” in one of his students’ presentations, and he was immediately captivated by their use of scientific metaphors and advanced theories in their lyrics. Dutiful Science has become his favorite band because their music speaks to his love for science and offers a unique way to appreciate the beauty of the universe.

Alan’s testimonial:

“Dutiful Science takes progressive rock and nerdcore to a whole new level. Their songs are not just music, they’re fascinating journeys through the realm of science. As a physicist, I’m beyond impressed with their knowledge and their ability to make complex concepts accessible and enjoyable to all. Their songs are like lectures I’d love to give – engaging, profound, and melodious.”

Backstory:

Vigilant Crib is a group of four childhood friends who hail from the bustling city of Seattle, Washington. The band members, lead singer Blake Samuels, drummer Max Mitchell, bassist Evan Kelsey, and guitarist Jake Morgan, share a collective love for music that brought them together during high school. Their shared passion for creating and sharing music blossomed in the confines of a makeshift studio in Blake’s old crib, earning their unique band name. Their musical journey took a turn when they performed at a local talent show and were discovered by an independent record label. From garage practices to recording studios, the group has continued to evolve, maintaining their unique sound and dedicated fanbase.

Genre:

Vigilant Crib specializes in Alternative Rock with a slight blend of Indie and a hint of Punk.

Song Title:

“Urban Dreamscape”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1) [Em – D – G – C]
Em D G C
In the heart of the city, beneath the neon lights
Em D G C
Street art whispering, narrating silent fights
Em D G C
Sirens singing lullabies, in the urban nights
Em D G C
We’re just dreamers, in the urban dreamscape’s sight.

(Chorus) [G – D – C – Em]
G D C Em
We’re lost but found, in the city’s resounding sound
G D C Em
In the urban dreamscape, where our souls are bound.

(Verse 2)
Em D G C
Concrete jungles, where dreams are made and lost
Em D G C
We find our rhythm, no matter the cost
Em D G C
The city’s pulse, a beat we cannot exhaust
Em D G C
In the urban dreamscape, we’re tossed and crossed.

(Chorus repeats)

(Bridge) [C – Em – D – G]
C Em D G
In the cityscape, we find our voices, find our fate
C Em D G
In the echoes of the night, we resonate.

(Chorus repeats)

End Favorite Fan’s Testimonial:

Jessica Peters, a 23-year-old graphic designer from New York, is Vigilant Crib’s self-proclaimed number one fan. She claims, “Their music speaks to me on a different level, it’s like they’ve captured the essence of city life and put it into words and melodies. Every time I listen to their songs, I feel like I’m not alone in my experiences. ‘Urban Dreamscape’ is my anthem. It embodies my love for the city and the beauty and chaos it holds. Vigilant Crib is my favorite band because their music is real, raw, and incredibly relatable.”

Backstory:
Snappy Election was formed in mid-2016 in the throes of a contentious American presidential election. The group’s founders, frontman Pete ‘Snap’ Miller and lead guitarist ‘Fast’ Eddie York, met during a political science class at New York University and found common ground not just in their shared concern for the nation’s future, but also in their love for edgy, thought-provoking music. They decided to create a band that would combine their love for music with their passion for politics, a band that would provide commentary on the socio-political landscape through their songs. Soon, they were joined by drummer Michelle ‘Throttle’ Lee and bassist Bob ‘Groove’ Johnson, and Snappy Election was born. Their songs have since become anthems for the politically aware and socially conscious youth.

Genre:
Punk Rock

Title:
“Ballot and Bullet”

Full song lyrics

Verse 1:
[C]
In the heart of the city, under the neon light,
[G]
Lies a story untold, of a never-ending fight.
[Am]
Ballots in our hands, bullets in their sight,
[F]
Freedom’s on the line, it’s time to ignite.

Chorus:
[G]
Raise your voice, don’t let it falter,
[Am]
In the Snappy Election, we’re led to the slaughter.
[C]
Ballot and Bullet, it’s water and fire,
[F]
This is our song, the people’s choir.

Verse 2:
[C]
In the world of the free, where the brave reside,
[G]
The truth is a luxury, justice takes a ride.
[Am]
With every vote we cast, a piece of us died,
[F]
In this Snappy Election, no place to hide.

Chorus:
[G]
Stand tall, don’t let them alter,
[Am]
In the Snappy Election, they’re the assaulter.
[C]
Ballot and Bullet, it’s earth and air,
[F]
In our fight for justice, we all share.

Fan’s Name: Jenny Lawson

Testimonial: “Snappy Election isn’t just a band to me, it’s a movement, a call to arms. Their raw energy and thought-provoking lyrics resonate deeply with me. They make me believe in the power of my voice, my vote. I’ve been a fan ever since I stumbled upon their debut album in a record store. I felt like their music was speaking directly to me, voicing all my frustrations and hopes. It’s political, it’s punk, and it’s personal. That’s why Snappy Election is my favorite band, they make me feel seen, heard, and most importantly, they inspire me to challenge the status quo.”

Backstory:

Born from the vibrant music scene of Austin, Texas in 2012, Vague Beam was a product of the convergence of four diverse musicians, each with their own unique influences. The band was formed when lead vocalist and rhythm guitarist, James “J.D.” Davis, bumped into childhood friend and bassist, Ethan Turner, at a local open mic night. They were later joined by lead guitarist, Adrian Perez, and drummer, Nick Lawson, both of whom they met at the same venue. Their bond was established over late-night jam sessions and shared dreams of making it big in the music industry. Their eclectic tastes and backgrounds have shaped the band’s signature sound which blends rock, electronica, and a hint of southern soul.

Genre:

Alternative Electronica Rock

Title:

“Neon Echoes”

Full song lyrics:

(Verse 1)
Am | C | G | F
In the city of neon reflections,
Beneath the stars with no direction,
We’re just shadows in the crowd,
Chasing echoes that resound.

(Chorus)
F | C | G | Am
Neon echoes, light our way,
In the current, we sway.
Through the uncertainties of the day,
In the echoes, we’ll stay.

(Verse 2)
Am | C | G | F
In the hum of the electric night,
Lost in the haze of flashing lights,
We find peace in the noise,
In the chaos, we find our voice.

(Chorus)
F | C | G | Am
Neon echoes, light our way,
In the rhythm, we play.
Through the whirlwind of the fray,
In the echoes, we’ll stay.

(Bridge)
Dm | G | C
In the echoes we find our song,
In the echoes, we belong.

(Chorus)
F | C | G | Am
Neon echoes, light our way,
In the echoes, we say.
Through the uncertainties of the day,
In the echoes, we’ll stay.

(Outro)
Am | C | G | F
In the city of neon reflections,
Beneath the stars with no direction,
We’re just shadows in the crowd,
In the echoes, we’ve found our sound.

Fan’s Testimonial:

My name is Mia and I am Vague Beam’s biggest fan. I first saw them perform at a small gig in a local pub. Their music has been my companion through my highs and lows. Each song holds a special place in my heart as if they’ve written the lyrics just for me. The way they blend different musical elements is both entrancing and invigorating. They perfectly capture the essence of our generation – the struggle, the hope, the love, the heartbreak – and translate it into melodies that resonate with you. Vague Beam isn’t just a band to me, it’s a part of my life’s soundtrack.

Backstory:
Sardonic Drug was born out of the gritty underground music scene of Brooklyn, New York in the late 90s. The band originally consisted of four friends – Jack, the introspective lead vocalist, Max, the rebellious guitarist, Lloyd, the eccentric drummer, and Chris, the thoughtful bassist. Sharing a common passion for creating music that challenges the norm and stimulates thought, they began playing small gigs in dive bars and coffee houses, gradually developing a loyal following of fans who appreciated their raw talent and unconventional style.

Their big break came when a local radio DJ, charmed by their unique blend of sarcasm and psychedelic influences, played one of their tracks during his prime-time slot. The band was quickly signed to a record label, and their journey from obscurity to stardom began. Despite their success, Sardonic Drug has managed to retain their originality and authenticity, never compromising their vision or values for commercial appeal.

Genre:
Psychedelic Rock

Title:
“Trip To The Cosmos”

Full song lyrics:

(Verse 1)
Am [Am] I just a speck in the [G] universe?
A [F] fleeting thought in the [G] cosmic verse?
In [Am] the grand scheme of things [G], do I matter?
[F] Or am I just [G] cosmic chatter?

(Chorus)
Let’s [C] take a trip to the cosmos, [Am] my dear
[G] Leave behind all our fears
[C] Dance among the stars so bright, [Am]
In the [G] tranquil beauty of the night

(Verse 2)
I [Am] sometimes feel so [G] small and lost,
[F] Adrift on a sea, in the [G] vast cosmos
[Am] But when you’re here by my [G] side,
[F] I feel the universe [G] inside

(Chorus)
Let’s [C] take a trip to the cosmos, [Am] my dear
[G] Explore the unknown far and near
[C] We’ll paint our dreams in the [Am] starry sky,
And [G] watch the universe passing by

Favorite Fan’s Name: Sally Thompson

Testimonial:
“Sardonic Drug isn’t just a band, it’s an experience. Their music feels like an exploration of the universe, an introspective journey that awakens my soul. Jack’s raspy vocals combined with the mesmerizing guitar riffs and rhythmic drum beats create a psychedelic trip that is truly unparalleled. Each performance feels raw, honest, and full of energy. I’ve been to every gig they’ve played in the city and each time, I’m blown away by their authenticity and passion. Sardonic Drug is more than my favorite band, they’re my cosmic retreat” – Sally Thompson.

Backstory:

Wet Troop was formed in 2015, when a group of college friends decided to turn their dorm jam sessions into something more formal. The band’s frontman, Lucas “Luke” Harvey, along with drummer Jasper “Jazz” Shaw, bassist Michael “Mikey” Turner, and guitarist Oliver “Ollie” Reed, began playing local gigs in their hometown of Seattle, Washington. Despite their diverse musical backgrounds – Luke was raised on classic rock, Jazz studied jazz and blues, Mikey was a punk rocker, and Ollie was an indie-pop enthusiast – they managed to find a common ground in their music. Their unique blend of gritty rock and catchy pop resonated with a wide audience, and before long, Wet Troop was packing out local venues and gaining a significant online following.

Genre:

Alternative Rock / Indie Pop

Title:

“Rain Dance”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1: Dm, Am, C, G)
Under city lights, we dance in the rain, (Dm)
Your laughter is the antidote to my pain, (Am)
We’re young, we’re wild, we’ve got nothing to lose, (C)
So let’s keep dancing, we’ve got our own groove. (G)

(Chorus: Em, C, G, D)
Rain dance, oh woah, (Em)
With you, I’m in a trance. (C)
Underneath the moonlight’s glow, (G)
In the rain, we lose control. (D)

(Verse 2: Dm, Am, C, G)
The city sleeps, but we’re wide awake, (Dm)
Lost in the moment, there’s no room for heartache. (Am)
Splashing through puddles, we’re making our own way, (C)
With every drop, we’re washing our fears away. (G)

(Chorus: Em, C, G, D)
Rain dance, oh woah, (Em)
With you, I’m in a trance. (C)
Underneath the moonlight’s glow, (G)
In the rain, we lose control. (D)

Fan’s testimonial:

My name is Jenna Thompson and Wet Troop is my absolute favorite band. I’ve been following them since their first gig at a local pub in Seattle. Their music speaks to me in a way that no other band’s does. The way they blend rock and pop, the raw energy they bring to their performances, and the genuine emotion in their lyrics, it all strikes a chord with me. Each song feels like a journey, one that I’m only too happy to embark on. Wet Troop isn’t just a band to me, they’re a lifeline, providing a soundtrack to my life’s highs and lows.

Backstory:

Spirited Toad was born in the heart of Austin, Texas, as four coffeehouse baristas shared a mutual love of music and the desire to create something unique. The eclectic quartet, comprising of Jenny Bell on vocals and tambourine, Tim “T-Bone” Miller on bass guitar, ‘Crazy’ Carl Jenkins on lead guitar and harmonica, and Rosie ‘The Rocket’ Adams on drums, initially found their audience in small-time venues and local festivals. After a chance encounter with a talent scout in 2018, they exploded onto the national stage, quickly gathering a devoted fan base with their soulful performances and innovative sound.

Genre:

Indie-Blues Rock

Song Title:

‘Moonlit Bay’

Full song lyrics:

(Verse 1)
Am
Underneath the moonlit bay,
G
We sang our hearts away,
F
In the silence of the night,
C
Our dreams took flight.

(Chorus)
Am
Moonlit Bay, where we used to play,
G
Moonlit Bay, we’ll meet again someday,
F
In the echoes of the waves,
C
Our love engraves.

(Verse 2)
Am
By the rustling of the reeds,
G
We shared our deepest needs,
F
In the whispers of the wind,
C
Our tales were pinned.

(Chorus)
Am
Moonlit Bay, beneath the Milky Way,
G
Moonlit Bay, where we promised to stay,
F
In the rhythm of the tide,
C
Our bond did ride.

Favorite Fan:

Spirited Toad’s number one fan is a 24-year-old, Boston-based artist named Lucy Brown. She loves the band for their raw, emotional lyrics and their unique blend of indie and blues rock. She says, “Spirited Toad has a way of making you feel seen, heard, and understood. Their song ‘Moonlit Bay’ is my all-time favorite. It’s as if they’ve somehow captured the essence of longing and spun it into a beautiful, melancholic melody. I’ve seen them live five times and each performance was a cathartic experience. They bring a certain sincerity to the stage that’s rare in today’s music scene.”

Backstory:
Straight Emission is a band that was formed in the small town of Abingdon, Oxfordshire, in the UK. The group consists of childhood friends: James Cooper (lead vocals, guitar), Oliver Harrison (drums), Samuel Adams (bass) and Matthew Riley (keyboard, backing vocals). Coming from a town with a rich musical heritage, these four friends always wanted to bring their unique sound to the world. After years of playing in local pubs and small festivals, they were discovered by a record producer, who was impressed with their raw energy and sincerity.

Straight Emission believes in the power of music as a form of expression, and they pour their heart and soul into every song. Their lyrics often reflect the struggles and triumphs of everyday life, and their performances are known for their evocative and emotive quality. The band has an honest, infectious energy that resonates with their fans, making them one of the most beloved alternative rock bands on the scene today.

Genre: Alternative Rock

Title: “Unseen Shadows”

Full Song Lyrics:

[Intro: G – D – A – E]
Verse 1:
(G) Walking down the (D) alleyways,
(A) Chasing the unseen (E) shadows.
(G) We were just some (D) kids at play,
(A) Navigating narrow (E) rows.

Chorus:
(G) Look at us now, all we (D) are,
(A) Still chasing unseen (E) shadows.
(G) Guided by the northern (D) star,
(A) But surrounded by (E) halos.

Verse 2:
(G) Memories etched on (D) broken walls,
(A) Echoes of laughter, (E) echoes of falls.
(G) Remembering the (D) climbs and the crawls,
(A) Our life in these (E) urban sprawls.

[Chorus]

Bridge:
(F) Shadows unseen, (C) yet they’re clear to me,
(G) Memories of what we used to (A) be.
(F) Running wild, running (C) free,
(G) In our hearts, you’ll always (A) be.

[Chorus x2]

Outro:
(G) Chasing unseen (D) shadows,
(A) Still, we follow, (E) still we follow.

Fan Testimonial:
The band’s favorite fan, Ruby Thompson, says “Straight Emission has been my favorite band since I first heard ‘Unseen Shadows’ on the radio. Their music resonates with me on a deep, personal level. It’s raw, it’s real, and it’s heartfelt. Their lyrics always seem to perfectly capture the ups and downs of life. They are my comfort on bad days, and my joy on good ones. For me, Straight Emission is not just a band, they are a part of my life.”