Backstory:

Fond Class is an underdog story. The band was formed in the backroom of an old, musty bookstore in Philadelphia in the winter of 2010. An unlikely trio – a calculus teacher (Nate), a librarian (Sam), and an out-of-work actor (Milo) – discovered they shared a mutual passion for music and storytelling. Nate’s mathematical mind lent itself to the precise timing necessary for drumming, Sam’s lyrical talents as a writer found expression through songwriting, and Milo’s acting background made him a charismatic frontman. Despite their diverse backgrounds, the band members connected on a deep level, and Fond Class was born.

The band started off playing small gigs at local bars, gradually gaining a loyal following. As their popularity increased, they recorded their first album in a friend’s garage. The raw, authentic sound of their music resonated with people all over the city. Word spread, and soon Fond Class was a well-known name in the indie music scene.

Genre: Indie Rock

Title: “Pages Unread”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
C Am G F
On cobbled streets beneath the moon’s soft glow,
C Am G F
We found a love that only poets know.
C Am G F
In your eyes, a world of stories untold,
C Am G F
In my heart, a fire, burning and bold.

(Chorus)
Dm G C Am
Pages unread, words unsaid,
Dm G C Am
In the library of our love, we tread.
Dm G C Am
Every glance, every chance,
Dm G C Am
In this dance, we take the lead and advance.

(Verse 2)
C Am G F
By cafe corners, under neon lights,
C Am G F
We chased the music into the night.
C Am G F
Your laugh, a song that plays on repeat,
C Am G F
With every beat, our hearts meet.

(Chorus)
Dm G C Am
Pages unread, tears we’ve shed,
Dm G C Am
In the chapters of our love, we bled.
Dm G C Am
Every sigh, every lie,
Dm G C Am
In this story, we learn to fly.

(Bridge)
Em Am Dm G
Between the lines of our silent cries,
Em Am Dm G
In the margins, our love never dies.
Em Am Dm G
Through the pages, we live and learn,
Em Am Dm G
In the end, for your love, I yearn.

(Chorus)
Dm G C Am
Pages unread, love unsaid,
Dm G C Am
In the library of our hearts, we tread.
Dm G C Am
Every glance, every chance,
Dm G C Am
In this dance, we take the lead and advance.

End credits: An avid fan’s testimonial

Fan’s Name: Lila Thompson

Lila Thompson, a well-known Philadelphia book blogger, stumbled upon Fond Class at their very first gig. She instantly fell in love with their unique sound and heartfelt lyrics. Lila says, “Fond Class is more than just a band to me. Their music is like a novel–each song a chapter unfolding a beautiful, emotional story. From ‘Pages Unread’ to their other songs, there’s a depth and authenticity that always resonates with me. I’ve been to every one of their concerts and will continue to be their biggest fan. Their music has provided solace during tough times and joy in moments of celebration. Fond Class is, without a doubt, my favorite band.”

Backstory:

Salty Category emerged from the eclectic music scene of Austin, Texas, in the early 2010s. Originally comprised of high school friends Andy Sullivan (vocals/guitar), Sofia Hernandez (bass), and Leo Wallace (drums), the trio quickly garnered attention in their local scene, known for their energetic performances and progressive sound. They were soon joined by a gifted violinist, Mira Patel, injecting their music with a distinctive twist. The band got its name from a suggestion box they put out at their regular gigs – it was a phrase written on a scrap of paper that captivated them instantaneously.

The band’s diverse musical backgrounds led to a unique sound, blending elements of rock, folk, and indie, with a touch of the avant-garde. Their breakthrough came after a series of successful EPs and relentless touring, ultimately catching the attention of famed producer, Joey Brighton, who helped them craft their debut full-length album, ‘Waves of Rumination,’ which catapulted them into the national spotlight.

Genre:

Indie Folk Rock

Title:

Beneath the Azure

Full song lyrics:

[Intro: G – Em – C – D]

Verse 1:
(G)I sailed on paper boats, (Em)under the cotton candy sky,
(C)I painted the ocean blue, (D)on the canvas of my mind.
(G)We charted constellations, (Em)on our freckled summer skin,
(C)We were young and fearless, (D)underneath the azure thin.

Chorus:
(G)Beneath the azure, (Em)we danced and dreamt,
(C)In salty whispers, (D)our hearts were swept,
(G)Oh, fleeting moments, (Em)time couldn’t cage,
(C)Beneath the azure, (D)we wrote our age.

[Instrumental: G – Em – C – D]

Verse 2:
(G)Remember the old oak tree, (Em)where we etched our names?
(C)Just young hearts beating, (D)in love’s rhythmic games.
(G)We tasted the salty wind, (Em)on the cusp of the sea,
(C)Cast away our worries, (D)in the arms of liberty.

Chorus:
(G)Beneath the azure, (Em)we loved and lost,
(C)In tender echoes, (D)we counted the cost,
(G)Through the rearview mirror, (Em)we catch the haze,
(C)Beneath the azure, (D)we trace our days.

[Outro: G – Em – C – D]

Fan’s name, testimony:

My name is Rachel Thompson and I am an unabashed, die-hard fan of Salty Category. The way their music resonates with my soul is something I’ve never experienced before. The unique fusion of folk and rock, combined with the hauntingly beautiful violin, creates a sound that is so raw, so genuine. Their song ‘Beneath the Azure’ is my personal anthem. The lyrics are poetic, the melody is soothing, and it’s just a perfect song for any mood, any time of the day. The authenticity and passion that Salty Category pours into their music is what makes them my favorite band. They are, in every sense of the word, a category of their own.

Backstory:
Moral Satellite, a band that found its roots in a small Midwestern town in the early 2000s, was formed by childhood friends, Jacob “Jay” Harrington and Olivia “Liv” Barnes. Jay, a self-taught guitar enthusiast with a knack for songwriting, and Liv, a classically trained pianist with a hauntingly beautiful voice, discovered their shared love for making music during their high school years. Late-night jam sessions in Jay’s garage eventually led to a collection of original songs, and the pair decided to take the leap and form a band. After recruiting local drummer, Ryan “Ry” Gibson, and bassist, Mia “Mimi” Porter, Moral Satellite was born. The band quickly gained a local following and within the span of five years, they have ascended from their garage band status to a nationally recognized indie rock sensation.

Genre:
Indie Rock

Title:
“Orbit of Love”

Full song lyrics:
(Verse 1)
[C] Floating in the [G] void, [Am] lost in your [Em] eyes
[F] Jupiter and [C] Mars, [G] beneath the starry [C] skies
[C] Feeling your [G] gravity, [Am] pulling me [Em] in
[F] We’re satellites in [C] orbit, [G] where love will [C] begin

(Chorus)
[C] Orbit of love, [G] round and round we [Am] go
[Em] Spinning in the [F] cosmos, [C] in a celestial [G] show
[C] Orbit of love, [G] you’re my sun, my [Am] star
[Em] Together we’re [F] unstoppable, [C] no matter [G] where we [C] are

(Verse 2)
[C] Across the [G] asteroid belt, [Am] dancing in the [Em] night
[F] Your love is the [C] comet, [G] in my lonely [C] flight
[C] Our hearts in [G] sync, [Am] like a cosmic [Em] rhyme
[F] In this orbit of [C] love, [G] we’re lost in [C] space and time

(Chorus)
[C] Orbit of love, [G] round and round we [Am] go
[Em] Spinning in the [F] cosmos, [C] in a celestial [G] show
[C] Orbit of love, [G] you’re my sun, my [Am] star
[Em] Together we’re [F] unstoppable, [C] no matter [G] where we [C] are

(Bridge)
[F] Stars align, [C] our hearts collide
[G] This is our [Am] universe, [Em] with you by my [F] side
[F] Through Milky Ways, [C] and meteor showers
[G] I’ll love you [Am] every second, [Em] of these cosmic [F] hours

(Chorus)
[C] Orbit of love, [G] round and round we [Am] go
[Em] Spinning in the [F] cosmos, [C] in a celestial [G] show
[C] Orbit of love, [G] you’re my sun, my [Am] star
[Em] Together we’re [F] unstoppable, [C] no matter [G] where we [C] are

Outro
[C] In this orbit of [G] love, [Am] you’re my shooting [Em] star
[F] We’re satellites in [C] love, [G] no matter [C] where we are

Fan’s Name & Testimonial:
My name is Sarah, and I can safely say that Moral Satellite is my favorite band

Backstory:

The birth of “Hopeful Actor” was a serendipitous encounter in a worn-out New York acting school back in 2011. Four struggling actors, Jonathon, Sam, Riley, and Karen, found solace not just in their shared dreams of Hollywood fame but in their mutual love for music. They began to break the monotony of auditions and rejections by jamming together in their tiny apartment. Soon, they realized that the songs they composed were heart-touching tales of their journey, embodying the resilience of every artist who dared to chase a dream.

Years later, the group gained recognition when their gig at a local club was recorded and went viral on social media. Their unique sound, a blend of their acting prowess and musical talent, became an overnight sensation. Despite their newfound fame in the music industry, they chose to call themselves “Hopeful Actor” as a tribute to their humble beginnings and to remind them of their love for acting.

Genre:
Progressive Indie Rock infused with Theatrical Pop

Song Title: “Fade In, Fade Out”

Verse:

Am C G D
“Living in the spotlight, dream of the silver screen,
Am C G D
Washing up in neon lights, in a world unseen.
Am C G D
Echoes of applause, but no one’s really there,
Am C G D
Chasing phantom fame, in a city that doesn’t care.”

Chorus:

Am C G D
“Fade in, fade out, life’s a movie no doubt,
Am C G D
Reels of our dreams, gleaming in sunbeams.
Am C G D
Rolling with the scene, lost in the routine,
Am C G D
Fade in, fade out, in the dreamer’s hideout.”

Fan Profile:

Name: Rebecca Grant
Testimonial:

“As an aspiring actress, ‘Hopeful Actor’ isn’t just my favorite band, it’s my lifeline. Their music is my comfort on tough days, my inspiration when I feel uninspired, and a reflection of my journey. Each song not only resonates with my own experiences but also reminds me of the beauty of resilience, of hope, of dreams. ‘Fade In, Fade Out’, especially, is the anthem of my life. It reassures me that I’m not alone in this journey and that every scene, every ‘fade in and fade out’, is a part of my beautiful narrative. This band has given a voice to every struggling artist out there, and for that, they will forever be my favorite.”

Backstory:

Reliable Princess is an eccentric group of musicians who began their journey in the vibrant city of Seattle, Washington in 2011. The band members – lead vocalist, Hannah, guitarist, Rick, drummer, Simon, and bassist, Rose – were all active in the local music scene. Their paths crossed during the renowned Seattle Music Festival, where they discovered their shared passion for music that defies conventions. They bonded over their love for unique melodies and decided to form a band that would make music that is both dynamic and nostalgic.

Their journey as Reliable Princess has been a rollercoaster of relentless perseverance, sweat, tears, and triumphant joy. They have seen their fair share of struggles, from not being able to afford new instruments to playing in empty bars. But their journey has taught them the true essence of their band’s name – being a princess is not about wearing a crown, but about staying reliable, strong, and resolute, even in the face of adversity.

Genre:
Reliable Princess falls into the Indie Pop genre with a touch of Synth-Pop. They are known for their energetic tunes, infectious hooks, and dreamy soundscapes paired with introspective lyrics.

Title:
One of their most popular songs is the catchy hit “Rebel in the Rain”.

Full Song Lyrics (Rebel in the Rain):

[Verse 1]
(Am) Walking down this (Em) empty street
(G) Wind whispers (D) secrets to my feet
(Am)Pictures of you (Em) in my mind
(G) Wishing for your (D) touch, one more time

[Chorus]
(C) I’m a rebel (G) in the rain,
(Am) Dancing with your (Em) ghost, stuck in pain
(C) But I’ve got your (G) love, it’s my chain
(Am) I’m a rebel but (Em) I won’t complain

[Verse 2]
(Am) Traces of you (Em) in this town
(G) Echoes of your (D) laugh, and your frown
(Am)Lost in the (Em) memories we made
(G) A love like ours (D) will never fade

[Chorus]
(C) I’m a rebel (G) in the rain,
(Am) Dancing with your (Em) ghost, stuck in pain
(C) But I’ve got your (G) love, it’s my chain
(Am) I’m a rebel but (Em) I won’t complain

Fan Testimonial:

The band’s favorite fan is Emily, a 23-year-old college graduate from Portland. Emily discovered Reliable Princess during a challenging time in her life and their music provided solace and strength. She says, “Reliable Princess has a knack for putting my unexpressed feelings into beautiful melodies. Their music is like a comforting friend during tough times. Their song, ‘Rebel in the Rain’ is a masterpiece that never fails to empower me. I’ve seen them perform live thrice and their energy is just magical. Reliable Princess isn’t just my favorite band, they are my lifeline!”

Backstory:

Even Dose was formed in the small Midwestern town of Harmon, Nebraska. The four-member band, composed of childhood friends Jack ‘Riff’ Harper, Billy ‘Thump’ Thompson, Tommy ‘Tickler’ Wilkerson, and Lilly ‘Crooner’ Carruthers, began their musical journey in a dusty garage, covering classics from different rock’n’roll legends. They quickly realized that they had a unique chemistry and decided to create original music. Their humble beginnings and long-lasting friendship reflected in their music, making their songs relatable and touching.

Over the years, Even Dose has managed to carve a niche for themselves in the music industry. Their journey has been about more than just making music, it’s a testament to their bond, their love for music, and their desire to share their experiences with the world through their songs. Despite the ups and downs, the band stays united, infusing their music with honesty and passion that resonates deeply with their fans.

Genre: Alternative Rock

Title: “Heartstrings and Drumbeats”

Full Song Lyrics with Chord Progression:

Verse 1: (C G Am F)
“Under the neon lights, in the buzzing night,
We found our melody, in the rhythm of the heartbeat (C G Am F)
It’s the same old town, but with a different sound,
We’ve got our dreams bound, to our heartstrings and drumbeats (C G Am F)”

Chorus: (Am G C F)
“Heartstrings and drumbeats, in every note, and every repeat,
We pour our souls, in these worn-out streets, (Am G C F)
With every strum, every beat, we feel complete,
Our lives, our stories, in heartstrings and drumbeats (Am G C F)”

Verse 2: (C G Am F)
“In the echo of the guitar, under the same old stars,
We find our harmony, in the rhythm of the heartbeat (C G Am F)
It’s the same old road, but with a different load,
We’ve got our dreams sewed, to our heartstrings and drumbeats (C G Am F)”

Repeat Chorus: (Am G C F)

Favorite Fan’s Name: Emily Harper

Testimonial:

Emily Harper has been a fan of Even Dose since their first gig at the local fair. “Their music just resonates with me,” says Emily, “It’s raw, real, and full of passion, just like them. It feels like they’ve put their heart and soul into every song. The lyrics, the melody, everything is just so relatable. It’s like they’re speaking directly to me. They are my favorite because they make music that talks about real-life experiences, emotions, and struggles. Listening to them makes me feel understood and less alone.”

Backstory:

Admired Man was formed in the vibrant music scene of Austin, Texas, in 2012. The band is comprised of five childhood friends – Calvin, Bryan, Sam, Luke, and Michael, each bringing a unique sound and perspective to the group. They initially started as a garage band, jamming in their parents’ basements on the weekends. After winning a local Battle of the Bands competition, they decided to take things to the next level and began playing at local venues, steadily building a loyal fan base.

After releasing their debut album in 2015, they were quickly recognized by critics for their unique sound and lyricism. Their talent and hard work quickly paid off, and they were signed by a major record label. Despite their newfound fame, Admired Man has remained grounded and focused on their music, regularly interacting with their fans and maintaining their unique style.

Genre:

Indie Rock

Title:

“Shadows and Echoes”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
Am (x2), G (x2), F (x2), E (x2)
In the corners of the room where the light doesn’t reach,
I find shadows and echoes of what we used to be.
Every echo rings with laughter, every shadow holds a tear,
The remnants of our love, now just a ghostly smear.

(Chorus)
F (x2), G (x2), Am (x2), E (x2)
So I chase these shadows and echoes,
Hoping they can fill the hollow.
Trying to find what we lost, in the echoes and the frost,
Shadows and echoes, they’re all I’ve got.

(Verse 2)
Am (x2), G (x2), F (x2), E (x2)
The empty rooms echo your name, the shadows dance in your shape,
In every nook and corner, your absence I can’t escape.
As the sun goes down, these echoes grow louder,
Every shadow grows longer, the emptiness grows wider.

(Chorus)
F (x2), G (x2), Am (x2), E (x2)
So I chase these shadows and echoes,
Knowing it’s you, they cannot bestow.
In the silence of the night, in the absence of the light,
Shadows and echoes, are my only sight.

The band’s favorite fan:

Emily Thompson. Emily has been a fan of Admired Man since their first local gig and has never missed a concert. In her words “Admired Man is more than just a band to me. Their music has seen me through heartbreaks, triumphs, and everything in between. It’s like they somehow manage to put into words and melody, the unspoken feelings of my soul. I feel seen, heard and understood when I listen to their songs. Their music is raw, real and relatable. That’s why they are my favorite band.”

Backstory:
Funny Respect is a band that was born out of the unconventional friendship between four neighborhood kids from Charleston, South Carolina: Benny, Marcus, Jessie, and Charlie. Growing up, they found solace and fun in each other’s company, as they all shared an immense love for music. In their early teens, they decided to form a band, naming it ‘Funny Respect’- a nod to their humorous, playful camaraderie and the mutual respect they shared. They started by playing at local gigs, then slowly moved onto stage performances, and eventually hit the jackpot when a talent scout spotted them at a music festival.

The band’s journey has been like a roller coaster, filled with moments of joy and despair. However, they stuck together through thick and thin, making music that not only appealed to the masses but also encapsulated their own experiences and values. Through their music, they aim to spread laughter and positivity while also emphasizing the importance of respect and mutual understanding.

Genre:
Funny Respect is primarily a Pop-Punk band, but they also incorporate elements of Alternative and Indie Rock in their music.

Song Title:
“Laugh Lines”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
[G] On the corners of our lips, [D] we wear our laugh lines,
[Em] Stories of joy, and tales of good times.
[C] Through highs and lows, through [G] sunshine and rain,
[D] Together we stand, sharing laughter and pain.

(Chorus)
[G] These are our laugh lines, [D] etched with respect,
[Em] The testament of friendship, [C] that we’ll never forget.
[G] We’ll keep on laughing, keep on [D] living,
[Em] A melody of joy, [C] that keeps on giving.

(Verse 2)
[G] Our songs are our stories, [D] our chords are our memories,
[Em] We sing of love, hope, and [C] shared victories.
[G] Through heartbreak and triumph, [D] we’ve stood the test,
[Em] We’re Funny Respect, [C] we’re simply the best.

(Chorus)
[G] These are our laugh lines, [D] etched with respect,
[Em] The testament of friendship, [C] that we’ll never forget.
[G] We’ll keep on laughing, keep on [D] living,
[Em] A melody of joy, [C] that keeps on giving.

Fan Testimonial:
Our favorite fan is a vibrant and passionate music lover named Jenny. Jenny has been with us since our humble beginnings, cheering us on at every local gig. Her enthusiasm is contagious and she has this knack for remembering every lyric of every song we’ve ever performed. Jenny says, “Funny Respect is my favorite band because their music hits home. It’s like they took pages from my own life and turned it into music. Their energy, humor, and camaraderie on stage is something that I find extremely inspiring. They’ve taught me the importance of laughter, respect, and friendship through their music, and for that, they’ll always have a special place in my heart.”

Backstory:
Stimulating Clinic came to life in the dark alleys of Seattle in 2015, where four strangers connected over the unnerving hum of the city’s electricity. Lead vocalist and guitarist, James ‘Jaz’ Zephyr, had been working as a psychologist by day and a musician by night. His childhood friend and bassist, Patrick ‘Patsy’ MacKinnon, used to play in his garage. The drummer, Alice ‘AlleyCat’ Casson, was an accountant who had a profound connection with rhythm and numbers, while the keyboardist, Finn ‘Frequency’ Lawrence, was a sound engineer fascinated by the power of psycho-acoustics. The four of them, each dealing with the delicate dance between sound and psyche in their own lives, came together to create a band that would explore the mind’s responses to music.

In their music, the band seeks to explore the latent powers of sound on the human psyche, using a blend of sonic frequencies and rhythmic patterns to create a unique musical style. Their compositions, as a result, are an auditory exploration into the depths of the mind, stimulating the listener’s senses and pushing the boundaries of their consciousness.

Genre: Psychedelic Rock

Title: “Electric Mindscape”

Full Song Lyrics:
(Verse)
Am Em G D
Electric mindscape, don’t let me down,
F C G
In this field of sound, where we’re bound.
Am Em G D
Cognitive echoes, in the air,
F C G
Psychedelic patterns that we share.

(Chorus)
D Em G A
Ride the wave, embrace the sound,
F C G
In this mindscape, we’re unbound.
D Em G A
Feel the frequencies collide,
F C G
In this electric, mind-forged ride.

(Verse)
Am Em G D
Synaptic rhythms, in our brain,
F C G
Driving us to the edge of sane.
Am Em G D
Stimulating clinic, of the mind,
F C G
Creating melodies that bind.

(Chorus)
D Em G A
Ride the wave, embrace the sound,
F C G
In this mindscape, we’re unbound.
D Em G A
Feel the frequencies collide,
F C G
In this electric, mind-forged ride.

Fan’s Name: Alex Farraday
Testimonial: “Stimulating Clinic isn’t just a band to me, it’s a journey into the self. Their music is like an echo of my own thoughts, resonating with my inner psyche. It’s not just about the sound, it’s about the experience. The way their music stimulates my senses, it’s as if they’ve got a direct line to my soul. It’s a mind-bending, soul-stirring experience that I’ve never gotten from any other band. I’ve been to every one of their concerts since they first started performing, and each time it’s a new adventure. Stimulating Clinic is more than my favorite band, they’re my favorite psychedelic experience.”

Backstory:

Insistent Purchase originated in the vibrant indie music scene of Seattle, Washington. The band was formed in 2008, by Adam Hawks and Clark Stevenson, two childhood friends who shared deep-rooted love for music and a rebellious spirit. After getting their music degrees, they decided to combine their unique styles of music under the umbrella of Insistent Purchase. The band grew over the years, incorporating Emily Jones on drums and bassist Andrew Smith. Their love for experimentation with different soundscapes, combined with their raw and expressive lyrics, earned them a dedicated fan base in the Pacific Northwest soon after the release of their debut album.

Genre:

Alternative Indie Rock

Title:

“Melting Clocks”

Lyrics:

(Verse 1 – Em, D, Bm, C)
Em D Bm
Under the city lights, we slept through the night,
C
Dreaming with open eyes, under the melting clocks.
Em D Bm
Our hearts skipping beats, on the rhythm of the streets,
C
We danced to the pulse of our silhouette talks.

(Chorus – G, D, Am, C)
G D Am
Melting clocks, our endless walks,
C
Our love echoes through the empty blocks.
G D Am
In the labyrinth of time, we find our rhythm and rhyme,
C
With every tick-tock, we’re under the melting clocks.

(Verse 2 – Em, D, Bm, C)
Em D Bm
As twilight paints the sky, we let our spirits fly,
C
Chasing shadows, embracing the paradox.
Em D Bm
In fleeting moments we steal, our love we silently reveal,
C
In the whispers of the wind, under the melting clocks.

(Chorus – G, D, Am, C)
G D Am
Melting clocks, our endless talks,
C
Our heartbeat resonates with the ticking clocks.
G D Am
In the river of time, we pen our own sublime,
C
With every tick-tock, we’re under the melting clocks.

Favorite Fan:

The band’s favorite fan is Sarah Jennings. Sarah, a high school teacher, has been attending their gigs since their early days. Not only does she love their melodic tunes and thought-provoking lyrics but she also incorporates their music into her teaching methodology, using their songs to inspire creativity and individuality among her students. As a testament to her love for the band, she has all their albums, posters, and merchandise.

Testimonial:

“Insistent Purchase is more than just a band to me; their music is a symphony of emotions, and each song tells a story that resonates with my own. Their lyrics are a poetic journey, and their melodies are captivating. They have an authenticity that is rare to find these days. Their music has not only become the soundtrack of my life but also a creative teaching tool in my classroom. They continue to inspire me and many of my students through their unique blend of indie rock.”