Backstory:

Guilty Colleague was formed in the summer of 2009 in a small garage in the suburbs of Seattle. The band consists of four childhood friends named Jake Hardy (lead vocalist/guitarist), Mark Stevens (lead guitarist/backing vocals), Bryan Walker (bassist) and Sammy Reed (drummer). They all worked in the same office and shared a mutual discontentment with their 9-5 grind, which eventually led to jamming sessions after work. One day, after a particularly grueling day at work, they collectively realized that their music was their true calling. They quit their jobs, coined their band name from an office incident involving stolen lunch, and Guilty Colleague was born.

The band played several local gigs and quickly gained a reputation for their energetic performances and unique sound. Their big break came when they were spotted by a talent scout at a music festival and signed to a record label. Since then, Guilty Colleague has toured nationally and internationally, and their music has resonated with fans around the globe.

Genre:

Alternative Rock/Indie

Title:

“Paperclip Chains”

Full song lyrics:

(Verse 1)
Em
Staring out the window, a world of gray and green
Am
Dreaming of a time, when life was more serene
C
Paperclip chains on my desk, a symbol of my plight
D
In this corporate maze, I’m losing the fight

(Chorus)
G D
Paperclip chains, bind me tight
Am C
In this office cage, day and night
G D
Dreaming of a stage, under the light
Am C
Playing my guitar, with all my might

(Verse 2)
Em
Cubicle walls closing in, a prisoner of time
Am
In the corporate grind, there’s no reason or rhyme
C
Paperclip chains, a symbol of my despair
D
In this concrete jungle, gasping for air

(Chorus)
G D
Paperclip chains, heavy and cold
Am C
In this office cage, I’m growing old
G D
Dreaming of a stage, breaking the mold
Am C
Playing my music, fearless and bold

The band’s favorite fan:

Name: Emily Rose

Emily Rose first saw Guilty Colleague at a club in Portland when she was a college freshman. She was instantly captivated by their music and their story. She felt a deep connection with their songs, which she says gave her the strength to pursue her own dreams and shake off societal expectations.

Testimonial:
“Guilty Colleague is more than just a band to me. Their music, their journey, their rebellion against the norm, it all resonates with me. It’s like they’ve put my thoughts and feelings into words and melodies. They remind me that it’s okay to chase your dreams, even if they don’t fit into a conventional box. Their song ‘Paperclip Chains’ is my daily anthem, and it gives me the courage to keep pushing forward. Guilty Colleague is my favorite band, not just for their music, but for their spirit and their message.”

Backstory:

Close Cloud is an indie band born in the urban landscape of Seattle, Washington in 2012. The band consists of four members – Jamie Clark (lead vocalist and guitarist), Rachel Decker (keyboardist), Tommy Young (drummer), and Sean Parker (bassist). The band met in high school and shared a common love for music that reflected the raw, unfiltered emotions of everyday life. Instead of pursuing conventional paths, they decided to form a band and express their creativity through music.

Close Cloud’s journey has been one of struggle and triumph. Their first album, launched in 2014, barely made a dent in the music world. However, the band continued to play at local venues, refining their sound. They broke through with their second album in 2016, which found a strong fan base that appreciated their honest, introspective lyrics and unique sound.

Genre:

Indie Rock

Title:

“Rains of Reminiscence”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
Am [Am] I just a drop in the ocean, [G]
or a star in your sky? [F]
Do [F] you remember the promises, [G]
underneath the twilight? [Am]

(Chorus)
We [C] danced in the rains of reminiscence, [G]
our hearts playing an old melody. [Am]
Lost [Am] in the echoes of innocence, [F]
In love, we found our symphony. [G]

(Verse 2)
We [Am] walked on the edges of shadows, [G]
chasing dreams in the night. [F]
Our [F] echoes linger in the hollow, [G]
a memory of our flight. [Am]

(Chorus)
We [C] danced in the rains of reminiscence, [G]
painting moments with hues of ecstasy. [Am]
Lost [Am] in the echoes of innocence, [F]
In love, we found our symphony. [G]

End

Fan’s testimonial:

My name is Alicia and Close Cloud is my favorite band. Their music speaks volumes to me. I first heard them play at a small venue in Seattle. I was captivated by their raw sound and the emotion that resonated through their lyrics. As an artist, I often find myself drawing to their music. It evokes strong emotions, and I feel connected to their journey. It’s like they know exactly how I’m feeling and put it into a song. Every album is a new journey and I feel privileged to be a part of it.

Backstory:
‘Crisp Mill’ originated in the heartland of Manchester, England, in 2010, when childhood friends, guitarist Harry Simmons and drummer Ben Jenkins, decided to channel their passion for music into something more tangible. They were soon joined by vocalist and bassist, Robert ‘Robbie’ Elliot, and the lineup was completed with the addition of keyboardist, Oliver White. The name ‘Crisp Mill’ came from an old mill near the boys’ hometown, which had been converted into a pub where they used to hang out and perform their earliest gigs.

The band’s journey has been a gradual evolution from playing at local pubs and college gigs to having their music played on national radio. The turning point came in 2012 when they were spotted by a music producer who was impressed by their unique sound and offered them their first record deal. Since then, ‘Crisp Mill’ has been making waves in the UK and beyond with their heartfelt lyrics and powerful tunes.

Genre:
Alternative Rock

Title:
“Shades of Yesterday”

Full Song Lyrics:
(Verse 1)
Am C G D
Lost in the shades of yesterday,
Am C G D
Haunted by dreams that faded away,
Am C G D
Memories turn into silhouettes,
Am C G D
In this world of no regrets.

(Chorus)
Am C G D
Shades of yesterday, don’t fade away,
Am C G D
Lead me back to where we used to lay,
Am C G D
In the echoes of our laughter, in the remnants of our play,
Am C G D
Bring back the colors of my yesterday.

(Verse 2)
Am C G D
Paths we walked are now overgrown,
Am C G D
Echoes of laughter turned to stone,
Am C G D
Yet in the silence of the dawn,
Am C G D
I still feel you, though you’re gone.

(Chorus)
Am C G D
Shades of yesterday, don’t fade away,
Am C G D
Lead me back to where we used to lay,
Am C G D
In the echoes of our laughter, in the remnants of our play,
Am C G D
Bring back the colors of my yesterday.

Favorite Fan:
The band’s favorite fan is a young woman named Emily Thompson. Emily has followed ‘Crisp Mill’ since their earliest pub gigs and has been a constant source of support and encouragement. Her testimonial on their fan page reads, “Crisp Mill has a special place in my heart. Their music speaks to me on a personal level and every time I see them perform live, I feel a connection that goes beyond the music. Their song “Shades of Yesterday” perfectly encapsulates the nostalgia and longing that we all feel at times. It’s more than just a band for me, it’s a feeling, a journey I’m glad to be a part of.”

Backstory:

Formed in the bustling city of New York during the summer of 2013, Fresh Strip was brought together by a shared passion for music and their eccentric take on the world. The band is made up of five lads – Max on vocals, Jules on guitar, Dave on bass, Sam on drums, and Finn on keyboard. After playing at various local venues, they caught the attention of a renowned producer who took a chance on them and helped them record their debut album. With an unprecedented blend of diverse musical influences and a relentless drive, the journey of Fresh Strip has been nothing short of extraordinary. Their dedicated fanbase, known as the ‘Freshies’, have been the driving force behind their success, contributing to their journey from underground local gigs to sold-out arenas.

Genre:

Fresh Strip’s music is best described as Indie Pop with a mix of Electronic Rock, blending catchy melodies with strong electronic elements.

Title:

The band’s most popular song is “Neon Dreams”.

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
Em C G D
Neon nights and city lights,
Our hearts beat like a drum.
Invisible in the crowd,
Just look at what we’ve become.

(Chorus)
Em C G D
In our Neon Dreams, we’re invincible,
With hearts glowing bright, it’s so magical.
Under the city lights, so irresistible,
In our Neon Dreams, we’re unbreakable.

(Verse 2)
Em C G D
Running wild, feeling alive,
Under the moon’s silver glow.
Our shadows dance in the night,
Where we’re going, we don’t know.

(Chorus)
Em C G D
In our Neon Dreams, we’re invincible,
With hearts glowing bright, it’s so magical.
Under the city lights, so irresistible,
In our Neon Dreams, we’re unbreakable.

(Bridge)
Em C G D
In the city’s heartbeat, we find our rhythm,
In our Neon Dreams, we’ve found our freedom.

(Chorus)
Em C G D
In our Neon Dreams, we’re invincible,
With hearts glowing bright, it’s so magical.
Under the city lights, so irresistible,
In our Neon Dreams, we’re unbreakable.

Outro:
Em C G D
In our Neon Dreams, we’re unbreakable,
In our Neon Dreams, we’re invincible.

Fan’s Testimonial:

The band’s favorite fan is Ella, who has been a ‘Freshie’ from the very beginning. She says, “Fresh Strip has a way of reaching into the depths of your soul with their music. The raw passion in their performances and the authenticity of their lyrics resonate deeply. They are unapologetically themselves, and that’s what I admire the most. Their song ‘Neon Dreams’ inspired me during a tough time in my life, reminding me of the strength I carry within. Being a part of the ‘Freshies’ family has been an incredible journey, and I’m excited for what the future holds for Fresh Strip.”

Backstory:

Capital Draft was born out of the bustling streets of New York City, brought together by their shared love of music and the energy of the city’s nightlife. The band is comprised of four members: lead vocalist and guitarist Adam Riley, bassist Jake Collins, drummer Megan Reed, and keyboardist Leo Harris. The four met by chance in Adam’s café, where he would often perform solo sets in the evenings. They discovered a shared passion for creating a new sound that would reflect the diversity and dynamism of their city. Within months, they were playing gigs around the city, from small pubs to large concert halls, earning a reputation for their distinct style and high-energy performances.

Genre:

Alternative Rock with a blend of blues and indie pop.

Title:

“Bright Lights, City Nights”

Full song lyrics:

(Verse 1)
[G] Underneath the city sky, [D] we found our paradise, [Em] lost in a sea of neon lights. [C]
[G] We danced in the rhythm of the night, [D] not thinking about the passing time, [Em] we were young and free, and everything felt right. [C]

(Chorus)
[G] Bright lights, city nights, [D] they’ve been our guiding light. [Em]
[C] Through the chaos and the noise, [G] we found our voice. [D]
[Em] Bright lights, city nights, [C] You’re the color of our life. [G]
[D] In the heart of New York, we found our spark. [Em] [C]

(Verse 2)
[G] The city’s pulse became our song, [D] we played it loud, we played it strong. [Em]
[C] We found a rhythm that felt so right, [G] in the chaos of the city night. [D] [Em]

(Chorus)
[G] Bright lights, city nights, [D] they’ve been our guiding light. [Em]
[C] Through the chaos and the noise, [G] we found our voice. [D]
[Em] Bright lights, city nights, [C] You’re the color of our life. [G]
[D] In the heart of New York, we found our spark. [Em] [C]

(Bridge)
[G] In this concrete jungle we found a home, [D] a place where we could grow. [Em]
[C] Through the highs and the lows, [G] we’ve learned to flow, [D] under the city’s glow. [Em] [C]

(Chorus)
[G] Bright lights, city nights, [D] they’ve been our guiding light. [Em]
[C] Through the chaos and the noise, [G] we found our voice. [D]
[Em] Bright lights, city nights, [C] You’re the color of our life. [G]
[D] In the heart of New York, we found our spark. [Em] [C]

(Outro)
[G] So here’s to the city that never sleeps, [D] and the memories we’ll always keep. [Em]
[C] Bright lights, city nights, [G] you’re the heartbeat of our lives. [D] [Em] [C]

Favorite Fan:

Their favorite fan is Emily Thompson. Emily has followed Capital Draft from their earliest gigs to their biggest concerts, always singing along to every song in the crowd. She loves the band’s unique sound and the energy they bring to every performance. She has said, “Capital Draft is my favorite band because they manage to capture the essence of New York City in their music. Their songs make me feel like I’m right there dancing on the city’s streets, surrounded by the chaos and the beauty of it all. Their music is a love letter to the city, and I can’t get enough of it

Backstory:
Drafty Protein was conceived in the bustling, eclectic city of Austin, Texas, where childhood friends Max Wells (lead vocals, guitar) and Jonny Trescott (drums) were roommates at the University of Texas. In between their studies, they spent countless hours jamming in their shared living room, composing songs that reflected their shared love for music and their unique take on the world. Their distinctive sound caught the attention of local bassist Lucy ‘Loose Strings’ St. James, who loved their raw energy and infectious groove. The trio officially formed Drafty Protein in 2012, and their ambitious sound soon started making waves in the vibrant Austin music scene.

Genre:
Drafty Protein’s music can best be described as Indie Rock with a strong influence of Psychedelic Pop. Their sound is a blend of hypnotic rhythms, layered guitars, and evocative lyrics, topped with Max’s distinctive vocals.

Title:
One of their most popular songs is “Sugar-Coated Echoes”.

Full Song Lyrics:

Verse 1: (Em – G – D)
Wandering through the city at night, (Em)
Lost in a world of neon light, (G)
I’m chasing your sugar-coated echoes, (D)

Verse 2: (Em – G – D)
Your voice still lingers in the air, (Em)
In the noise and the chaos, I hear it there, (G)
Your sugar-coated echoes, everywhere. (D)

Chorus: (C – G – D)
Sugar-coated echoes, (C)
Bouncing off the empty spaces, (G)
Between your words and my heart, (D)
Lost in translation, lost in these places. (C – G – D)

Verse 3: (Em – G – D)
The same old streets, the same old scenes, (Em)
But without you, what does it mean? (G)
I’m following your sugar-coated echoes, unseen. (D)

Chorus: (C – G – D)
Sugar-coated echoes, (C)
Ringing out in the silence, (G)
Between what was said and unsaid, (D)
Caught in the regret, caught in the defiance. (C – G – D)

Favorite Fan:
The band’s favorite fan is a woman named Amelia Sanchez. Amelia has been following Drafty Protein since their inception, and she is known for attending every gig, sporting a homemade Drafty Protein T-shirt.

Amelia’s Testimonial:
“Drafty Protein, for me, is more than just a band. They’re like a soundtrack to my life. Their songs speak to me on a personal level, and I find comfort, joy, and inspiration in their music. Whether it’s their killer guitar riffs, poetic lyrics, or the raw energy they bring on stage, Drafty Protein never fails to deliver. They’re my favorite because they’re real, they’re raw, and they’re absolutely unforgettable.”

Backstory:
Tremendous Display was born in the heart of Nashville, Tennessee, in 2008 when two childhood friends, Jack Billings and Luke Robinson, decided to combine their love for music and innate songwriting abilities with the intention of creating something extraordinary. Jack, the lyricist, and Luke, the instrumentalist, started out by playing in local bars and small-time gigs, showcasing their raw talent and engrossing harmonies. Their unique sound, coupled with their infectious energy, soon started gaining them a solid fanbase, propelling them to the forefront of the local music scene.

As their popularity grew, they decided to expand their duo, inviting talented drummer, Mikey Hargrove, and virtuoso bassist, Ronnie Cross, to join them in 2010. This new formation added depth and dynamism to their music, helping them to evolve their sound and reach new heights. Now, with over a decade of writing, performing, and touring together, Tremendous Display has become a staple in the American music industry, remaining true to their roots while continuing to push boundaries and redefine their genre.

Genre:
Alternative Country Rock

Title:
“Chasing the Horizon”

Full Song Lyrics:
(Verse 1)
[C] I’ve been to the edge of the world,
[G] seen the sun go down.
[Am] I’ve chased after dreams,
[F] in this old, dusty town.
[C] But the road keeps on calling,
[G] whispering my name,
[Am] Like a song in the wind,
[F] I’m caught in the game.

(Chorus)
[G] Chasing the horizon,
[Am] aiming for the stars,
[F] Leaving behind what’s familiar,
[C] and carrying these scars.
[G] Chasing the horizon,
[Am] it’s a long, winding road,
[F] But with you by my side,
[C] I’ve found my abode.

(Verse 2)
[C] We’ve weathered the storms,
[G] and danced in the rain,
[Am] Shared laughter and tears,
[F] Joy and pain.
[C] As the miles roll behind us,
[G] And the future’s untold,
[Am] We’re chasing the horizon,
[F] With stories to be told.

(Repeat Chorus)

Favorite Fan:
The band’s favorite fan is Amelia Thompson. Amelia has been with Tremendous Display since their earliest local bar performances. She says, “Tremendous Display is more than just a band to me. Their music has been my companion through the highs and lows of life. Their lyrics resonate with me on a deep level and their melodies are always uplifting. I admire their authenticity and their dedication to their fans, always giving their all in every performance. They’ve created a community around their music that feels like a family. That’s why they’re my favorite band.”

Backstory:
Plump Measure was born out of the close-knit community of Montana’s arts scene in 2010. The band is composed of five members: Laura, a classically trained pianist, the energetic drummer Jim, guitarist and lead vocalist Mark, the bassist Danny, and Mike who plays the violin and sometimes the banjo. They all met at a local music festival and found a shared love for creating experimental and eclectic music that pushes boundaries. They started jamming together weekly, and eventually decided to form a band, calling themselves Plump Measure to signify their intent to produce full-bodied, resonating, and dynamic music.

Genre: Indie Folk/Rock

Title: “Shimmer in the Shadows”

Song Lyrics:
(Verse)
Am – C – G – F
Am C
In the heart of the city,
G F
Where the lights burn so pretty,
Am C
We found our melody, we found our song,
G F
In this urban symphony we belong.

(Chorus)
Am – F – C – G
Am F
Shimmer in the shadows,
C G
Dance in the twilight glow,
Am F
We’re the music, we’re the rhythm,
C G
In the silent night, we echo.

(Verse)
Am – C – G – F
Am C
With the moon as our spotlight,
G F
And the stars sparkling so bright,
Am C
We sing our hearts out, we sing it loud,
G F
Lost in the music, lost in the crowd.

(Chorus)
Am – F – C – G
Am F
Shimmer in the shadows,
C G
Move with the nighttime flow,
Am F
In this vast cosmic theatre,
C G
We’re the show, we’re the echo.

Fan profile:
The band’s favorite fan is Sarah McKenzie, a twenty-four-year-old art student from Missoula. Sarah first heard Plump Measure at a local bar back in 2012 and has been following them ever since. Their music, she says, touches her soul like no other. “Plump Measure is more than a band to me. They’re a soundtrack to my life. Their lyrics are poetry, their music an emotion. It’s as if they can transcribe the human experience into a song. Every show is a unique experience, and I feel like I’m part of this big, beautiful family. The energy is infectious, and I often find myself lost in their rhythmic melodies.” Sarah has attended every one of their concerts, buying the first ticket each time, and holds a special place in the heart of the band.

Backstory:
Tricky Bottle was birthed from the smoky blues bars of Chicago in the late 90s. The band’s members, frontman Jasper ‘Jazz’ Donovan, guitarist Charlie ‘Fingers’ Malone, bassist ‘Smooth’ Sammy Thompson, and drummer ‘Wicked’ Larry Davis, were all struggling musicians, wandering aimlessly through the city’s vibrant music scene. One fateful night, their paths converged at an open-mic night in a dive bar. Their chemistry was immediate and potent, and they decided on the spot to form Tricky Bottle, named after an old blues song about a bottle of whiskey that always seems to be empty when you most need a swig.

Tricky Bottle’s music journey took them from the dimly lit bars of the Windy City to sold-out arenas around the world. Their soulful blues combined with a modern rock edge brought a fresh sound to the music industry, attracting fans from diverse age groups and cultural backgrounds. Despite their success, the band always stayed true to their roots, keeping the spirit of those smoky Chicago blues bars alive in their music.

Genre:
Blues Rock

Title:
“Whiskey Wind”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
Am Em
Underneath that old willow tree,
Dm Am
I found a bottle and it found me.
Am Em
The whiskey wind, it starts to blow,
Dm Am
In the heart of the city, in the shadow’s glow.

(Chorus)
Dm Am
Oh, whiskey wind, take me home,
Dm Em
To the bluesy night, where I roam.
Dm Am
Whiskey wind, be my guide,
Dm Em Am
Through this tricky path, on this rocky ride.

(Verse 2)
Am Em
The city lights, they shine so bright,
Dm Am
But can’t beat the whiskey’s gentle might.
Am Em
Each sip a tale, each gulp a sin,
Dm Am
I’m riding high on this whiskey wind.

(Repeat Chorus)

Fan’s Name:
Billy ‘Bluesman’ Johnson

Testimonial:
“I’ve been a fan of the blues since before it was cool, and let me tell you, Tricky Bottle is the real deal. Their music is raw, filled with emotion and heart, just like the blues ought to be. Jazz’s soulful voice, Fingers’ intricate guitar solos, Smooth’s groovy bass lines, and Wicked’s relentless drumming make for a magical combo. Every time I listen to ‘Whiskey Wind,’ I feel like I’m back in those smoke-filled bars where the blues were born. Tricky Bottle is more than my favorite band; they’re a testament to the enduring power of the blues.”

Backstory:
Sugary Ambition was birthed in a small, artsy beach town on the shores of North Carolina. As a group of five lifelong friends, they found solace in music and camaraderie in their shared hometown of Wilmington, North Carolina. With a strong sense of community and mutual inspiration drawn from their coastal surroundings, childhood friends, lead singer Karla, guitarist Jimmy, bassist Lou, drummer Danny, and keyboardist Mike, decided to form a band; they named themselves ‘Sugary Ambition’ in 2015. The name was inspired by their collective desire to sweetly pursue their ambitions in music and make a mark in the world.

Genre: Indie Pop-Rock

Title: “Coastline Dreams”

Full Song Lyrics:

[Intro]
(E – A – D – A)
E A D A
Coastline dreams, oh, so sweet,
E A D A
Under the stars, feeling the beat.

[Verse 1]
E A D A
Sunset hues, our canvas wide,
E A D A
Creating melodies, with high tide.
E A D A
We play our chords, under the moon,
E A D A
Hoping to be recognized soon.

[Chorus]
E A D A
Sugary Ambition, in the night,
E A D A
Making music, with all our might.
E A D A
With our dreams, as our guide,
E A D A
On this beautiful, seaside ride.

[Verse 2]
E A D A
Waves crash, a rhythm divine,
E A D A
Inspiring lyrics, line by line.
E A D A
In our town, we find our song,
E A D A
In our hearts, is where it belongs.

[Chorus]
E A D A
Sugary Ambition, in our soul,
E A D A
Creating music, that’s our goal.
E A D A
With passion, we ignite,
E A D A
Coastline dreams, taking flight.

[Fan Profile]
Name: Sarah Thompson
Sarah has been a fan of Sugary Ambition since their humble beginnings. She’s always admired their authenticity and their commitment to their roots. For Sarah, their music is a source of inspiration and motivation. She says, “Their songs are like a breath of fresh sea air, they have a unique ability to transport me to the coast whenever I listen to them. Their music is a reminder that dreams can be pursued no matter where you come from. Sugary Ambition is my all-time favorite band because they create music that’s not just enjoyable but also meaningful, it’s hard to find such a blend these days.”