Backstory:

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

Genre:

Indie rock with elements of folk and pop.

Title:

“Pathway to the Stars”

Full Song Lyrics:

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

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

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

(Chorus)

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

Fan’s Testimonial:

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

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

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

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

Title:
“Velvet Sands”

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Title:
“Hammer and Nails”

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

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

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

(Repeat Chorus)

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

Backstory:

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

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

Genre:

Country-Folk

Title:

“Golden Fields”

Full Song Lyrics:

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

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

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

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

Favorite Fan’s name:

Linda Thompson

Testimonial:

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

Backstory:

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

Genre:

Alternative Rock/Post-Grunge.

Title:

“Bleeding Colors.”

Lyrics:

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

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

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

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

Favorite Fan:

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

Backstory:

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

Genre:

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

Title:

“Golden Parachute”

Full Song Lyrics:

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

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

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

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

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

Fan Testimonial:

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

Backstory:

Hard-To-Find Master was born from the collaboration of four childhood friends: Anna, Jake, Mason, and Cassie. Growing up together in the bustling city of Chicago, their shared love for music was the glue that held their friendship together. They spent their after-school hours jamming in their parents’ garages, and eventually decided to take their passion to the professional level. After completing their studies, they formed the band, Hard-To-Find Master, in 2010. The name, according to the group, reflects their journey of self-discovery and the arduous process of refining their sound.

The band quickly gained local fame, becoming a staple act at local bars and music festivals. Their sound was unique, seamlessly blending various genres, and their lyrics were deeply personal, resonating with a wide range of listeners. It wasn’t long before Hard-To-Find Master caught the attention of a renowned music producer. They signed with a major label in 2015, and their star has only been on the rise ever since.

Genre:
Alternative Rock

Title:
“Uncharted Journeys”

Full Song Lyrics:

[Verse 1]
Am G
Wandering through the labyrinth of life,
F Am
Searching for a source of light,
G Am
We are the seekers of unfiltered truth,
F G
Though it’s hard, we keep pushing through.

[Chorus]
C G Am
Uncharted journeys, unending nights,
F C G
In the darkness, we find our light.
C G Am
Hard-To-Find Master, our quest is real,
F C G
In the end, it’s how we feel.

[Verse 2]
Am G
In the chaos of existence,
F Am
We find resilience and persistence,
G Am
Our melodies arise from the deepest core,
F G
Singing louder than ever before.

[Chorus]
C G Am
Uncharted journeys, unending nights,
F C G
In the chaos, we find our might,
C G Am
Hard-To-Find Master, our journey’s end,
F C G
Is just another place to begin.

The Band’s Favorite Fan:
The band’s favorite fan is Sarah Thompson.

Testimonial:

Sarah has been a dedicated follower of Hard-To-Find Master ever since their first gig at a local Chicago bar. Sarah states, “I fell in love with their sound the moment I heard them. Their music has seen me through some really tough times. The lyrics of their songs like ‘Uncharted Journeys’ speak to me on a personal level. It’s like they’re telling my life story. I’ve been to every one of their concerts in the city and even traveled out of state to see them perform. Hard-To-Find Master is my favorite band because their music is real, raw, and resonates with my soul.”

Backstory:

‘Phony Soldier’ is a band formed in the heartland of Nashville, Tennessee. The band members include lead vocalist and guitarist Clark Thompson, drummer and backing vocalist Adam James, bass guitarist Mike Johnson, and keyboardist and vocalist Sarah Mitchell. The band was born out of a college dorm room where the four friends would often jam together, creating a unique blend of sounds. They were all misfits in their own right, but music was their common language and escape. The band’s name ‘Phony Soldier’ is a metaphor for their journey, symbolizing their fight against societal norms and the artificiality they experienced in the modern world.

Genre:

Alternative Rock / Country

Title:

“Shadows in the Spotlight”

Full song lyrics:

(Verse 1)
[G] Walking down the [D] lonely road
[Em] Tired of carrying [C] this heavy load
[G] We’ve got no medals, no [D] stars to show
[Em] Just a couple of [C] misfits on the go

(Chorus)
[C] We are the [G] phony soldiers
[D] Shadows in the [Em] spotlight,
[C] Fighting the war [G] against the world
[D] With music as our [Em] might.

(Verse 2)
[G] Broken dreams and [D] shattered hearts
[Em] Trying hard to [C] make a fresh start
[G] We are the poets, [D] we are the fools
[Em] Turning sorrow [C] into tunes.

(Chorus)
[C] We are the [G] phony soldiers
[D] Shadows in the [Em] spotlight,
[C] Fighting the war [G] against the world
[D] With music as our [Em] might.

Favorite Fan’s Name & Testimonial:

“I’m Jenny, a 23-year-old college student. The first time I heard ‘Phony Soldier’, they were performing at a local bar in Nashville. Their music spoke to me, it was raw and real. I felt like they were singing my story. Every string strummed and drumbeat resonated with the struggles I was going through. Their song ‘Shadows in the Spotlight’ became my anthem. I’ve followed them ever since, attended all their concerts, and even started a fan club. I love ‘Phony Soldier’ because they are authentic and their music carries a powerful message. They are not just musicians, they are storytellers. And I am forever grateful to them for sharing their stories and helping me through my own.”

Backstory:

Submissive Identity is a group of four misfits from various parts of the United States who met in the grungy underbellies of LA’s music scene. Each member was struggling to make their mark as a solo artist until a chance encounter at a dive bar open mic night revealed their shared experiences and artistic vision. Coming from different cultures and backgrounds, they found unity in their mutual struggle against societal norms and expectations, thus forming the band Submissive Identity. Their music has become a rallying cry for those fighting against the constraints of identity, encouraging listeners to embrace their individuality.

Genre:

Submissive Identity primarily falls under the Alternative Rock genre, but their music incorporates elements of Post-Punk and Indie Rock as well – creating a unique, gritty, and raw sound.

Title:

“One Blink Rebellion”

Full Song Lyrics:

Verse 1:
[Am]Waking from a dream, [F]lost in the routine, [C]chained by common scenes, [G]how it’s always been.
[Dm]Chasing after ghosts, [Am]voices from the coast, [F]echoes of a toast, [G]to when we were most.

Chorus:
[Am]In one blink, [G]we start a rebellion, [F]break the chains of [C]submissive identity,
[Dm]Tear down the walls, let’s [Am]rewrite the story, [F]sing the anthem of [G]our own glory.

Verse 2:
[Am]Eyes wide open now, [F]to the chaos, the howl, [C]lost in the crowd, [G]yet standing proud.
[Dm]In the mirror we stare, [Am]at our battle wear, [F]knowing life isn’t fair, [G]but we dare.

Chorus:
[Am]With one blink, [G]we continue the rebellion, [F]free from the confines of [C]submissive identity,
[Dm]Stand on the edge, let’s [Am]live the story, [F]be the heroes of [G]our own glory.

Favorite Fan:

Their favorite fan is a guy named Tim from Missouri. Tim discovered Submissive Identity when he was grappling with his own identity and societal pressures. In their music, he found solace and the courage to embrace his true self. He’s seen them live 20 times, follows them on every social platform, and even has a tattoo of their logo.

Tim’s Testimonial:

“Submissive Identity is more than a band to me. Their music is a lifeline, a beacon in the dark. It’s raw, real, and it resonates with my soul. I feel seen, understood, and valued when I listen to their songs. They’ve given me the strength to stand up against the societal norms that were suffocating me and embrace my true identity. Their music is the soundtrack of my rebellion, and I will forever be a fan.”

Backstory:
Pristine Thing, a music group of four college friends, emerged from the bustling city of Seattle in 2013. The band initially experimented with their music during their college days, playing in talent shows and local gigs until their unique sound began to take shape. Charlie, on vocals and guitar, Jake, on drums, and Ben and Mia, on keyboard and bass respectively, found a shared passion for music that blended the lines between tradition and innovation. They started off recording their music in a makeshift studio in their college dorm room and it was their uniquely enchanting sound that eventually led them to sign a deal with a major record label.

Genre:
Indie Pop with an Electronic edge

Title:
“Echoes of Yesterday”

Full song lyrics:

Verse 1:
[Am] Wandering the silent streets,
[G] Echoes of yesterday on repeat.
[F] Our shadows danced in candlelight,
[Em] In a love story that felt so right.

Chorus:
[Am] Now I stand under neon rain,
[G] Where love was pristine, now stands pain.
[F] Memories wrapped in strains of a song,
[Em] Echoes of yesterday, all night long.

Verse 2:
[Am] Pictures frozen in time, they gleam,
[G] Silhouettes of a pristine dream.
[F] Your laughter, our midnight talks,
[Em] Resonate in the city blocks.

Chorus:
[Am] Now I roam under the clouded moon,
[G] The melody plays our silent tune.
[F] Echoes of yesterday, they belong,
[Em] To the rhythm of a love song gone wrong.

End:
[Am] The echoes of yesterday, they persist,
[G] In the love that time couldn’t resist.
[F] A pristine thing, our love was so,
[Em] Now it’s just an echo, echo, echo.

Favorite Fan:
Sarah, a bookshop owner from their hometown, is Pristine Thing’s favorite fan. She says, “I remember the first time I saw them play at a local bar. Their unique blend of indie pop with electronic undertones was so refreshing. I’ve been hooked ever since. It’s the way their lyrics speak to you, it’s like they’re telling your life story, making you feel less alone. Their music has been an escape for me during the most challenging times. They are my favorite not only because their music speaks to my soul, but also because they’ve stayed true to their roots even after achieving success. Pristine Thing forever!”