Backstory:
Formed in the gritty underbelly of Detroit, Michigan, in 2010, Calculating Knife was originally intended to be a one-night-only performance for a local charity event. However, the undeniable chemistry between lead guitarist and vocalist, Alex “Razor” Novak, bassist, Charlie “Cutter” Lawson and drummer, Samantha “Switchblade” Turner, led to an unexpected but welcome shift in their plans. The band members, each individually steeped in the rich musical history of their city, decided to merge their unique styles to create an innovative sound that resonates with their listeners deeply.

Genre:
Calculating Knife’s distinctive sound lies within the realms of Progressive Rock, with a hint of the Blues. They have managed to create a unique blend of complex rhythms, intricate melodies, and emotionally charged lyrics that have become their signature style.

Title:
“Measured in Shadows”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
[G] Looking back, we find [D] footprints in the sand,
[A] Measured in shadows, under the [Em] moon’s command.
[B] Tides that wash away, but [C] memories remain,
[D] Each echo of laughter, every [G] drop of rain.

(Chorus)
[A] Carve it with a calculating knife, [G] memories etched in stone,
[D] Every shared sunrise, every [Em] secret we’ve known.
[B] We count our blessings, [C] under the starlit skies,
[D] Measured in shadows, as [G] time quietly flies.

(Verse 2)
[G] Hand in hand, we [D] walked these silent shores,
[A] Whispered promises, and [Em] so much more.
[B] Sunsets painted with, [C] colors of our dreams,
[D] Every fleeting moment, not [G] always what it seems.

(Chorus)
[A] Carve it with a calculating knife, [G] in the canvas of the night,
[D] Every whispered promise, [Em] every star’s gentle light.
[B] We count our blessings, [C] beneath the watchful eyes,
[D] Measured in shadows, [G] as time quietly flies.

Fan’s Testimonial:
“My name is Ben Carter, and I’ve been a fan of Calculating Knife since their first gig at the charity event. What drew me in initially was their unique blend of Progressive Rock and Blues. But it was their profound lyrics, combined with their engaging performances, that made them my favorite band. Their song, ‘Measured in Shadows,’ resonates with me on a profound level. Every time I listen to it, I feel a deep connection, as if they’re telling my story. Calculating Knife isn’t just a band for me, they are a voice that echoes my thoughts, feelings, and experiences.”

Backstory:
“Dear Poetry” is a band that formed in the heart of London, in 2012. Its founding members, James Thornfield and Dana Nelson, met at a poetry reading session at a small bookstore. They bonded over their shared love for written verse and music. James, an accomplished guitarist, found in Dana, a singer and lyricist, the perfect partner for his dream of blending poetry and music. They were soon joined by drummer, Matthew, and bassist, Rosie, both friends from their college days, and thus, “Dear Poetry” was born. The band gained popularity playing at local venues and were known for their heart-stirring lyrics and soulful melodies. Their musical journey is a testament to their belief in the power of words and music as catalysts for change.

Genre:
Indie Folk

Song Title:
“Verses in the Rain”

Full Song Lyrics:

[Verse]
G D Em C
Rain on the rooftops, words in my mind,
G D Em C
A melody forms in the whispers of the wind,
G D Em C
Your memories haunt me, like verses in the rain,
G D Em C
Lost in the echoes of love’s sweet refrain.

[Chorus]
G D Em C
Oh, Dear Poetry, sing to me,
G D Em C
Of a love lost and found in life’s grand symphony,
G D Em C
With your verses in the rain, heal my pain,
G D Em C
Play on, Dear Poetry, play on.

[Verse]
G D Em C
In the silent corners of the night,
G D Em C
I find your letters, bathed in soft moonlight,
G D Em C
Each word, a promise, each phrase, a tear,
G D Em C
In the rhythm of the rain, your voice I hear.

[Chorus]
G D Em C
Oh, Dear Poetry, sing to me,
G D Em C
Of a love lost and found in life’s grand symphony,
G D Em C
With your verses in the rain, heal my pain,
G D Em C
Play on, Dear Poetry, play on.

Bands Favorite Fan:
Our favorite fan is Emily Green. Emily first discovered our music at a small cafe where we were performing. She has been our most loyal and enthusiastic follower ever since. She travels to all our shows and has a unique way of interpreting our music that always fills us with awe.

Testimonial from Emily Green:

“Dear Poetry’s music is like a balm for my soul. Their lyrics resonate with my experiences and emotions. Each song is beautifully crafted with deep, profound meanings. As a fan of both music and poetry, I love how they seamlessly merge the two. The melody of their music and the rhythm of their words create an enchanting symphony. Their song “Verses in the Rain” is my personal favorite. The touching lyrics and soulful melody never fail to move me. Dear Poetry isn’t just a band for me; it’s a source of comfort, inspiration, and joy.”

Backstory:

Odd Assistant emerged from the bustling alternative music scene of Chicago in the late 90s. The band’s original four members: lead vocalist and guitarist, Jasper, bassist, Marlon, keyboardist, Lennox, and drummer, Rex, were all working odd jobs around the city when they decided to form the band. They found solace in music, pouring their frustrations and dreams into relatable, emotive songs. Their name, ‘Odd Assistant’, was a cheeky nod to their unconventional beginnings and their determination to bring heartfelt music to the masses.

The band released their self-titled debut album in 2001 to critical acclaim, earning them a loyal fan base that cherished their unique sound and infectious energy. With five successful albums and several nationwide tours under their belt, Odd Assistant continues to deliver raw, passionate performances that resonate with fans of all ages.

Genre:

Alternative Rock

Song Title:

“Scattered Pages”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
[C]Turn back the clock, [G]take a walk, [Am]through the streets we used to [F]roam.
[C]Count every step, [G]with every breath, [Am]we are closer to our [F]home.
[C]Laughing in the rain, [G]healing the pain, [Am]we were young and [F]wild and free.
[C]In this city of lights, [G]on those endless nights, [Am]you were always there with [F]me.

(Chorus)
[G]In these scattered pages, [Am]our story unfolds,
[C]Through the highs and the lows, [F]through the young and the old.
[G]In these scattered pages, [Am]our love never fades,
[C]Like an undying flame, [F]our memories won’t wane.

(Verse 2)
[C]Long summer days, [G]a haze of craze, [Am]time was just a [F]game.
[C]We’d dance and sing, [G]like we were kings, [Am]in a world that knew our [F]name.
[C]Underneath the stars, [G]with our battle scars, [Am]we made promises to [F]keep.
[C]In the heart of the night, [G]underneath the city lights, [Am]our secrets we would [F]leap.

(Chorus)
[G]In these scattered pages, [Am]our story unfolds,
[C]Through the highs and the lows, [F]through the young and the old.
[G]In these scattered pages, [Am]our love never fades,
[C]Like an undying flame, [F]our memories won’t wane.

Band’s Favorite Fan:

The band’s favorite fan is a woman named Kelly. Kelly is a librarian from their hometown and has been their fan since day one. She has attended every one of their hometown gigs, even traveling with them for a few tour dates. She even organized a fan club for them, arranging events and meet-ups for other fans. She has an Odd Assistant tattoo on her arm, and when asked why she loves the band so much, she says, “Their music has carried me through some of the toughest times in my life. Every song resonates deep within me, it’s like they’re singing my life. They remind us all that it’s okay to be an ‘odd assistant’ in life, as long as we’re true to ourselves.”

Backstory:
Remarkable Money was formed in the hustle and bustle of 2010’s New York City. The original four members, Damian Stone, Jeremy Fisher, Rebecca Elms and Nate Feldman, were all friends from the same high school. Their shared love for music brought them together in the garage of Damian’s parent’s house where they started to casually jam. What started as a relaxed after-school hobby, turned serious when Damian’s older brother, a producer in a small recording studio, heard them play and saw their potential.

The band faced several obstacles, including lineup changes and disagreements about their musical direction. However, they stayed strong, drawing inspiration from their struggles and crafting a unique sound that resonated with their fans. Their raw, emotional lyrics, coupled with their distinctive musical style, quickly attracted a loyal following. They released their debut album in 2015 and have been gaining momentum ever since.

Genre:
Alternative Rock

Title:
“Paper Chase Dreams”

Full Song Lyrics:

Verse (G-D-Am-C):
(G) Late nights under the (D) city lights,
(Am) Dreaming about the (C) paper chase,
(G) We’d play our guitars, (D) under the stars,
(Am) We felt so out of (C) place.

Chorus (Em-D-C-G):
(Em) Paper chase dreams, (D) life ain’t what it (C) seems,
(G) We’re just kids trying to (D) make it in this (Em) world,
(Em) Paper chase dreams, (D) strumming on guitar (C) strings,
(G) We’re just kids trying to (D) make some (Em) remarkable money.

Verse (G-D-Am-C):
(G) Life was so simple, (D) just us and our (Am) music,
(C) Trying to find our place, in this (G) world so confusing,
(D) Not caring for the fame, just (Am) playing the game,
(C) Trying to make a life, from (G) strumming on guitar (D) strings.

Repeat Chorus (Em-D-C-G)

Favorite fan’s name:
Maddie Thompson

Maddie’s testimonial:
“Remarkable Money isn’t just a band for me, they are a part of my life. Their music has been there for me during my toughest times. When I was dealing with heartbreak, their songs made me feel understood. When I was celebrating, their music was my joy. Every note they play, every word they sing, resonates with me. Being a fan of Remarkable Money isn’t about just loving their music, it’s about being part of a community that celebrates life, love, and everything in between.”

Backstory:
Definitive Floor is a group of five friends from the small coastal town of Castine, Maine. The band was formed in their high school years, initially as a small pastime but soon, their passion for music transformed this casual hobby into something much bigger. The band members include: Alex (vocalist), Chris (lead guitarist), Joe (rhythm guitarist), Mike (bassist), and Nick (drummer). The band’s name is a nod to their humble beginnings, as they spent countless hours practicing in Alex’s basement, which was known for its distinct hardwood floor – a ‘Definitive Floor.’

Genre:
Definitive Floor’s music can best be described as alternative rock with a splash of punk and grunge. They’re deeply influenced by bands like Nirvana, Foo Fighters, and Green Day, but they’ve always strived for their own unique sound. They’re known for their thought-provoking lyrics, melodious guitar riffs, and energetic live performances.

Song Title:
“Echoes in the Hallway”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
C Am F G
In this old house with the silent walls,
I hear the echoes in the hallway again,
Memories tied in a picture frame,
It’s the same old song with a familiar refrain.

(Chorus)
Em Am Dm G
Echoes in the hallway, whispering my name,
A ghost from the past, playing shadow games,
Shadows dance on the definitive floor,
Reminding me of a life I adore.

(Verse 2)
C Am F G
The laughter, the tears, all the joy and pain,
Caught in the echoes that the hallway retains,
Each footstep a story, each sigh a song,
In the echoes of the past where our hearts belong.

(Chorus)
Em Am Dm G
Echoes in the hallway, whispering my name,
A ghost from the past, playing shadow games,
Shadows dance on the definitive floor,
Echoing a life, forevermore.

The band’s favorite fan:
Their favorite fan is a young woman named Lily. Lily is a die-hard Definitive Floor fan who’s been following them since their early days. She’s always front and center at all of their shows and loves everything about them – their music, their lyrics, and their performances. For Lily, Definitive Floor is not just a band, they’re her escape. She says, “Their music speaks to my soul. It’s raw, real, and relatable. It’s like they’ve put my feelings into words and melodies. I’ve grown with their music, and they’ve been my constant through everything. They’re more than just my favorite band – they’re a part of me.”

Backstory:
Miserable Yoke was born out of the gritty back-alleys of New York City, formed by four childhood friends who found solace in music amidst their challenging circumstances. The band’s lead vocalist, ‘Rusty’ Jones, learned to play the guitar using an old, rusty instrument he found in a dumpster, while the drummer, Tommy ‘Twister’ Miller, honed his drumming skills using paint cans and lids. Sally ‘Silky’ Smith, the band’s bassist, learned to play on a broken-down bass she rescued from a junkyard, and ‘Cozy’ Collins, the band’s keyboardist, had to make do with a dilapidated keyboard left behind by a former tenant in their rundown apartment complex. Their music grew out of their shared experiences – the hardship, the pain, but most importantly, the enduring hope for a better tomorrow.

Genre:
Alternative Rock/Blues

Song Title:
“Scrapyard Symphony”

Full Song Lyrics:
[Intro] E A E B

(Verses)
E A
Scratched records, broken dreams,
E B
Deep in the city of forgotten screams.
E A
Battered hearts, rusty strings,
E B
We’re playing our scrapyard symphony.

A E
In the alleyways and gutters,
A E
We found our voice.
A E
Among the clutter,
B
We made our choice.

(Chorus)
E A
We’re the Miserable Yoke,
E B
Born of steel and cloaked in smoke.
E A
From the ashes, we arose,
E B
To sing our scrapyard symphony.

(Repeat verses and chorus)

Fan’s Favorite Name and Testimonial:

Fan’s Name: Frankie ‘Firestarter’ Flynn

Testimonial:
“Miserable Yoke, man, they’re like the voice of every kid who’s ever grown up in the tough neighborhoods. Their music-it’s raw; it’s real. It’s like they’ve taken everything that’s wrong with the world, and instead of letting it break them, they’ve turned it into something beautiful. Their song, ‘Scrapyard Symphony,’ speaks to me on a personal level. I see myself in their lyrics, in their story. They’re not just a band to me, they’re like brothers, a family. They’re my favorite because they make me feel seen, heard, and most importantly, understood.”

Backstory:

Extraneous Innovation, fondly known as EI, first came together in the bustling music scene of Austin, Texas in 2014. The five-piece band was formed by members, Alex (lead vocals), Sam (guitar), Jack (bass), Keith (keys), and Dean (drums), all sharing a common pursuit of creating music that would push boundaries. They met as students at the University of Texas, where they played in different local bands before coming together over a shared love for experimentation and a need to make their distinct mark on the music industry.

In the early stages, the group spent hours in Alex’s ramshackled garage, surviving on a diet of cheap pizza, local beer, and a burning passion to create something unique. Through their roller coaster journey, they experienced a mix of grueling late-night practice sessions, failed gigs, and countless rejections. Yet, they held tight to their dreams and relentless spirit. Their breakthrough finally came in 2016 when their demo track caught the attention of a local radio station, propelling them into the mainstream music scene.

Genre:
Alternative Rock with Elements of Electronic Music

Song Title:
“Echoes of Paradox”

Full song lyrics:

(Verse 1)
Am G D Am
In the hallways of time, where shadows unwind,
Am G D Am
We find ourselves lost, an echo of paradox.
Am G D Am
Shattered dreams, in a sea of silent screams,
Am G D Am
We’re a melody set free, in an infinite sea.

(Chorus)
C G D Em
We are the story untold,
C G D Em
The fire in the cold,
C G D Em
Extraneous innovation, echoes of paradox,
C G D
We’re the rhythm, we’re the rocks.

(Verse 2)
Am G D Am
In the cosmic dance, under the trance,
Am G D Am
We’re the chaos, we’re the art, we’re the beating heart.
Am G D Am
Between the stars, in the canvas of scars,
Am G D Am
We’re the whisper, we’re the scream, we’re the distant dream.

(Chorus)
C G D Em
We are the mystery unsolved,
C G D Em
The resolution evolved,
C G D Em
Extraneous innovation, echoes of paradox,
C G D
We’re the silence, we’re the talks.

Bands favorite fan’s name: Jessica Foster

Testimonial:
“I’ve been a die-hard fan of Extraneous Innovation from their garage band days. Their music is more than just melodies and rhythms, it’s poetry, it’s a revolution, it’s a journey. Each song is like a philosophic exploration of life and chaos, beautifully woven with electrifying guitar riffs and powerful vocals. Their unique blend of alternative rock with electronic elements is a breath of fresh air in the repetitive landscape of today’s music. EI isn’t just my favorite band, they’re like the soundtrack to my life. Their music has seen me through my darkest days and celebrated with me in my happiest moments. To put it simply, Extraneous Innovation isn’t just a band, they’re an experience!”

Backstory:
Tart Shirt was born from a chance meeting between four childhood friends at a local thrift store in Portland, Oregon back in 2009. They were all pursuing different paths in life but shared a common passion for music and offbeat fashion. After discovering an unsightly, tartan-patterned shirt that instantly became a symbol of their bond, the band Tart Shirt was born. Since then, the band has performed in numerous local bars and small venues, slowly gaining a devoted following, and have released two independent albums that reflect their unique musical style.

Genre:
Indie Rock/Alternative Pop

Title:
“Chasing Echoes”

Full song lyrics:

(Verse 1)
[G] Chasing echoes down the hallway [C]
[G] Of a love I thought was mine [C]
[D] Lost in the shadows of yesterday [Em]
[D] Where your memories intertwine [Em]

(Chorus)
[C] Oh, I’m chasing echoes, echoes in the dark [G]
[D] Trying to piece together, the fragments of my heart [Em]
[C] I’m chasing echoes, echoes of your voice [G]
[D] Drowning in the silence, your absence is my choice [Em]

(Verse 2)
[G] Trapped in the mirror of my mind [C]
[G] Reflecting spaces we once filled [C]
[D] Tracing outlines of a time [Em]
[D] When love wasn’t so uphill [Em]

(Chorus)
[C] Chasing echoes, echoes of your laugh [G]
[D] In the haunted corners, of our photographed past [Em]
[C] I’m chasing echoes, echoes of our song [G]
[D] It rings in empty chambers, where you no longer belong [Em]

Fan Testimonial:
Fan’s Name: Anna Peterson

“I’ve been a fan of Tart Shirt since their first gig at a local bar in Portland. Their genre blends indie rock with a unique kind of alternative pop that’s both familiar and refreshing. Their lyrics resonate with me, they often tell stories that feel personal yet universal. My favorite song, ‘Chasing Echoes’, is a powerful expression of lost love and longing. I feel a deep connection to it. Tart Shirt’s music has seen me through some tough times and for that, they will always be my favorite band.”

Backstory:
Instructive Name is a band that was birthed in the heart of New York City. Formed by four college friends who shared an apartment, their music journey began as a hobby and a way of coping with college stress. Little did they know that their shared love for music and their distinctive style would take them way beyond the confines of their apartment to headline concerts all around the world.

Their name, “Instructive Name,” came up as a tongue-in-cheek response to a professor’s comment about the importance of an instructive name in getting recognition. Ironically, it’s their unique, original sound and not their name that’s won them a legion of fans across the globe.

Genre:
Alternative Rock

Song Title:
“Underneath the City Lights”

Full Song Lyrics:

Verse1:
Em C G D
Underneath the city lights, we found our life
Em C G D
We played the songs, that took away the strife

Chorus:
A Em G D
Oh, how we danced, embraced the night
A Em G D
In the instructive name, we found our might

Verse2:
Em C G D
With every chord, our souls would ignite
Em C G D
Underneath the city lights, oh what a sight

Chorus:
A Em G D
We painted dreams, in shades of white
A Em G D
Under the dim glow, of the city lights

Favorite Fan – Testimonial:
Our most beloved fan is a woman named Anna. She first discovered us during our early college gigs and has been an ardent supporter ever since. In her own words, “Instructive Name is more than just a band to me. Their music has helped me through some of the toughest times in my life. It’s like they know exactly what I’ve been going through and put it into song. I’ve never felt a connection like this with any other band. They are my favorite because they strike a chord in my soul with their lyrics and music, it feels personal, like they’re singing just for me.”

Backstory: Parallel Change was formed in a small city garage amidst the cacophonous symphony of the industrial sector. Childhood friends Mark Thompson and Lucy Sanders had been playing music together for years, but their raw talent was ignited when they met the eccentric multi-instrumentalist, Toby “TJ” Jensen, at a local music festival. The trio cultivated their sound amidst the echoes of power saws and metal clangs, blending their love for the unconventional with melodic hooks and evocative lyrics. Despite their humble beginnings, Parallel Change quickly ascended to local fame, amassing a fervent following that transcends their city’s borders.

Genre: Alternative Rock with a hint of Blues

Title: “Mirrors of Time”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1: Am, F, C, G)
Am F
Drifting through the static noise,
C G
Searching for a familiar voice,
Am F
Mirrors of time, reflecting the past,
C G
Whispering tales that eternally last.

(Chorus: Em, G, D, A)
Em G D A
In our hearts, we carry the rhyme,
Em G D A
In the mirrors of time, we see the divine.

(Verse 2: Am, F, C, G)
Am F
Caged in dreams, we tend to roam,
C G
Every beat feels like home,
Am F
Lost in echoes, found in the mist,
C G
Reality’s kiss, too hard to resist.

(Chorus: Em, G, D, A)
Em G D A
In our souls, we feel the chime,
Em G D A
In the mirrors of time, love’s perfect crime.

Fan’s Testimonial: The band’s favorite fan, Jessica Adams, is known for her infectious energy and unparalleled dedication. Jessica discovered Parallel Change during a trying period in her life, and their music served as a comforting constant that helped her navigate her struggles. “Parallel Change is more than just a band to me. Their music resonates with my soul. It’s as if every lyric they write, every chord they play, is meant to reach out and touch my heart personally. Mark, Lucy, and TJ have a way of making you feel seen and heard, even in a crowd of thousands. They are my favorite because their music isn’t just music – it’s a lifeline.”