Backstory:
Born in the heart of the bustling city of Detroit, Crooked Isolation was formed by a group of childhood friends who shared an insatiable enthusiasm for music. The band members — lead singer Jefferson Harper, guitarists Riley Smith and Jason Moore, bassist Don Carter, and drummer Lucas Brown — grew up in the same neighborhood, enduring the hardships of their struggling city together. This struggle, along with the strong bond of their friendship, gave birth to Crooked Isolation, a music project that would eventually take them beyond the confines of their beloved city.

Genre:
Crooked Isolation draws from a diverse range of influences, including rock, blues, and soul to create their distinctive sound. However, they primarily identify themselves as an alternative rock band.

Title:
“One Last Dream”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
Am G F C
Living in shadows, buried deep in the dark,
Am G F C
Running from echoes, that tear us apart.

(Chorus)
G C F
“One Last Dream”, we cry,
G C F
Under this neon night sky,
G C F
Torn, but together we stand strong,
G C F
In the silence, we sing our song.

(Verse 2)
Am G F C
Fighting the currents, lost at sea,
Am G F C
But we’re the storm, wild and free.

(Chorus)
G C F
“One Last Dream”, we scream,
G C F
In the ruins of our shattered dream,
G C F
Crooked, but we soar so high,
G C F
In the darkness, we find our light.

The band’s favorite fan’s name and testimonial:
The band’s favorite fan is a dedicated follower named Megan Davis. According to Megan, “Crooked Isolation is more than just a band to me. Their music is raw, powerful, and it speaks to me on a level that no other band can. Their struggle and their journey resonate with me. Their song, “One Last Dream”, is a testament to their resilient spirit. It’s not just music for me, it’s inspiration. These guys have been through so much, yet they stay strong and continue to create amazing music. That’s why Crooked Isolation will always be my favorite band.”

Backstory:
Automatic Tea was formed in a small college dormitory in Boston, Massachusetts in the early 2000s. The band members, lead singer and guitarist Steve “Blimp” Blomgren, bassist Greg “Shadows” Shadwick, and drummer Jake “Styx” Stuyvesant, met in a college music theory course. Each of them had an obsession with mixing different musical genres to create a unique sound; hence the band was born. They started their journey by playing at small college events, slowly gaining a reputation for their unusual yet captivating music. The name Automatic Tea came about after a late-night brainstorming session. Blimp, an avid tea lover, commented that he wished he had an automatic tea maker, and in that moment, the quirky and distinct name of their band was born.

Genre:
Indie Rock, Experimental Pop

Title:
“Thermos of Dreams”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1) [C G D Em]
I’m stirring my thoughts in a thermos of dreams,
Tossing in remnants of yesterday’s scenes,
Moonlight on velvet, sunlight on seams,
I’m brewing away my life’s extremes.

(Chorus) [G D Em C]
In this thermos of dreams, I find my serenity,
Bathing in echoes of forgotten melody,
In this thermos of dreams, I find my longevity,
I’m sipping on shadows and steeped in tranquility.

(Verse 2) [C G D Em]
The past’s bitter tastes, the future’s sweet schemes,
All pouring into my thermos of dreams,
Swirling in moments, in memory streams,
In this thermos, I’ve captured life’s bloodstream.

(Chorus) [G D Em C]
In this thermos of dreams, I find my identity,
Swimming in currents of silent symphony,
In this thermos of dreams, I find my complexity,
I’m drinking in minutes, lost in an infinity.

Fan Testimonial:
The band’s favorite fan is a guy named “Tape-loop” Tim, a record store owner from their college town. Tim discovered Automatic Tea when they were just starting out and has been their biggest supporter ever since. He always said, “Automatic Tea’s music is like a good cup of tea, it’s an acquired taste that once you develop, you can’t live without. Their fusion of indie rock and experimental pop creates a unique flavor that makes music a whole new experience for me. And ‘Thermos of Dreams’? That song is an anthem for all dreamers. It’s like a journey through your own thoughts and dreams, which everyone can relate to. Automatic Tea isn’t just a band, it’s a way of life.”

Backstory:

Square Mass was formed in 2013 in the heart of Seattle’s indie music scene. The original members, lead singer and guitarist Jackson Hall, bassist Sam “Sammy” Greene, and drummer Billy Stewart, were all high school friends who shared a love of music and a dream of making it big. After a few years of playing local gigs and fine-tuning their distinctive sound, the band added a new member, keyboardist Lucy Thorne in 2016. Thorne’s addition brought a fresh dynamic to their music and they began to gain a wider following. In 2018, their debut album “Plaid and Metaphysics” was released, which hit it big in the indie rock scene and solidified their name as a band to watch.

Genre:

Indie Rock

Title:

“Lost in the Rhythm”

Song Lyrics:

(Verse) F#m // A // D // E
Underneath the city lights, we found our beginning,
Lost in the rhythm, drunk on the feeling.
Tales of youth and reckless hearts, whispered in the evening,
Promises we made, were echoes in the wind.

(Chorus) D // A // F#m // E
Lost in the rhythm, we danced through the night,
Chasing the echoes, holding on tight.
Lost in the rhythm, under the stars above,
We found something dangerous, we called it love.

(Verse) F#m // A // D // E
Memories of summer nights, tangled in your sheets,
The sound of your guitar, the rhythm of your heartbeat.
Moonlit confessions, secrets that we keep,
In the rhythm of the night, we fall and we leap.

(Chorus) D // A // F#m // E
Lost in the rhythm, we danced through the night,
Chasing the echoes, holding on tight.
Lost in the rhythm, under the stars above,
We found something dangerous, we called it love.

(End) D // A // E
Lost in the rhythm, we found our beginning,
In the echoes of the night, we found our ending.

Favorite Fan:

Their favorite fan is a girl named Emily. Emily wrote a heartfelt letter to the band explaining how their music had helped her through a really tough time. She loved the raw emotion and tangible energy in their music. She felt a connection to their lyrics and said that their songs had become the soundtrack to her life. Emily has been to every one of their shows in Seattle and is known to the band as their most enthusiastic supporter. “Square Mass’s music is real, it’s emotional, and it’s helped me through some really tough times. I feel like they put into words what I can’t express. They’re definitely my favorite band,” Emily stated in her testimonial.

Backstory:

Formed in the bustling streets of Seattle, Washington in 2011, Constant Response was born from the creative minds of childhood friends, Max Richardson and Luke Harper. The duo shared an unparalleled passion for music, a passion that quickly evolved into a mission to break through the conventional music scene and establish an innovative sound. Bringing on board fellow musicians, Sarah Gomez on bass, and drummer, Sammy Holden, the band was complete. Their camaraderie and shared vision quickly led them to the forefront of the local music scene.

After constant jamming sessions in Richardson’s garage, the band started performing in local bars and clubs. Their unique sound, combined with their raw energy on stage, resonated with audiences, earning them a loyal following. The band took this growing success as a sign to record their debut album, which was well-received both critically and commercially. This marked the beginning of Constant Response’s journey.

Genre: Indie Rock

Title: “Raging Heart”

Full Song Lyrics:

[Verse 1]
G C
Under the neon lights, I found my soul,
Em D
In the chaos, you made me whole.
G C
A pair of wandering souls, we roamed free,
Em D
In the noise, we found our symphony.

[Chorus]
C G
My heart, it rages on, for you,
Am Em
In the midst of the storm, you’re my only truth.
C G
Your love, it’s a constant response,
Am Em
A melody in the silence, an eternal song.

[Verse: 2]
G C
In a world full of shadows, you’re my light,
Em D
In your eyes, everything feels right.
G C
We’re just pages in the story of the universe,
Em D
In your arms, I find my verse.

[Chorus]
C G
My heart, it rages on, for you,
Am Em
In the midst of the storm, you’re my only truth.
C G
Your love, it’s a constant response,
Am Em
A melody in the silence, an eternal song.

The band’s favorite fan’s name:

Joshua Davis

Testimonial:

“To say I’m a fan of Constant Response is an understatement. From the first time I heard their music in a local bar in Seattle, they’ve been my favorite. Their poetic lyrics accompanied by their unique indie rock sound makes for an unbeatable combination. There’s an authenticity to their music that speaks to me, a raw honesty that I find in very few artists. The song “Raging Heart” holds a special place for me, because it’s a love song that’s not just about romance, but also about finding your place in the universe. Constant Response isn’t just a band to me, they’re storytellers, each song a new story to lose yourself in.”

Backstory:
Beloved Bread is a lively group of four friends who hail from the rustic countryside of Ireland. The band was formed in the spring of 2010 when they discovered their mutual love for music while working together in a local bakery. Their shared experiences, deeply rooted in their small-town life, baking bread, and grappling with love and loss, became the fuel for their lyricism and songwriting. The boys—Sean, Patrick, Liam, and Ian—combined their musical talents to create a unique sound that resonated with their community, and soon, beyond.

Genre:
Folk Rock

Title:
“A Slice of Life”

Full Song Lyrics:

Chords: Verse (G-D-C-D), Chorus (Em-C-G-D)

(Verse 1)
[G] Waking up in the [D] morning light,
[C] Smell of baking bread, [D] feels so right.
[G] Hard work and [D] sweat, hands in the dough,
[C] Our little bakery, [D] where the warm winds blow.

(Chorus)
[Em] Sharing a slice of life, [C] under the moon so bright,
[G] Dancing to the rhythm of the [D] falling night.
[Em] Here’s to love, here’s to pain, [C] here’s to the sunshine and the rain,
[G] But through it all, [D] the bakery remains.

(Verse 2)
[G] Laughter and [D] stories, shared over tea,
[C] Life is simple, [D] as simple as can be.
[G] Friends and [D] family, gathered near,
[C] In our hearts, we [D] hold them dear.

(Chorus)
[Em] Sharing a slice of life, [C] under the moon so bright,
[G] Dancing to the rhythm of the [D] falling night.
[Em] Here’s to hope, here’s to dreams, [C] here’s to the flowing streams,
[G] But through it all, [D] the bakery remains.

(Bridge)
[G] In this bakery, [D] we’ve found our tune,
[C] Dancing in the light of the [D] Irish moon.
[G] Love has blossomed, [D] hearts have been fed,
[C] In this place, where [D] we bake our bread.

(Chorus)
[Em] Sharing a slice of life, [C] under the moon so bright,
[G] Dancing to the rhythm of the [D] falling night.
[Em] Here’s to us, here’s to you, [C] here’s to the red, white, and blue,
[G] But through it all, [D] the bakery remains.

Favorite Fan:
Our favorite fan is a lovely woman named Eileen. She’s been with us from the very start, attending our small gigs at the local pub before we even had a record deal. Eileen says, “Beloved Bread is like a breath of fresh air. Their music is rooted in reality, yet it carries you away. It reminds me of home, love, pain, and hope all at once. To me, they’re more than a band—they’re the soundtrack to my life.”

Backstory:
Any Stranger was formed in a small town in southeastern Alabama in 2014. The band members, childhood friends James Thompson, Mike Robinson, and Sarah Williams, discovered their shared passion for music during a high school talent show, where they performed together for the first time. They decided to name their band “Any Stranger” to reflect their belief that anyone, no matter how strange or different, can find common ground through the universal language of music.

The band’s early years were marked by struggle and perseverance. They performed at local dive bars, birthdays, and street festivals, gradually gathering a small but loyal fan base. Their big break came in 2017 when a music producer spotted them during a gig at a county fair. Impressed by their talent and originality, he signed them to his record label, catapulting them to national fame.

Genre: Folk Rock

Title: “Harbor in the Storm”

Song Lyrics:
(Verse 1)
[G] Out in the wild, [C] under the stars, [D]
[G] We found each other in the [C] midst of it all. [D]
[G] Two hearts wanderin’, [C] lost and torn, [D]
[G] Found a harbor in the [C] storm. [D]

(Chorus)
[G] Oh, you’re my harbor in the [D] storm,
[C] My light when the night is [G] cold. [D]
[G] With you, I found a [D] home,
[C] In your arms, I’m not [G] alone. [D]

(Verse 2)
[G] We rode the waves, [C] we braved the tide, [D]
[G] Together, we found a [C] place to hide. [D]
[G] In the heart of the [C] storm so wild, [D]
[G] We found a love so [C] undefiled. [D]

(Chorus)
[G] Oh, you’re my harbor in the [D] storm,
[C] My light when the night is [G] cold. [D]
[G] With you, I found a [D] home,
[C] In your arms, I’m not [G] alone. [D]

Band’s favorite fan: Emily Johnson
Emily has been a loyal follower of Any Stranger since their early days. She discovered the band at a local street festival and instantly fell in love with their unique folk-rock sound and heartfelt lyrics. Despite now living in New York City and having access to a much wider variety of music, Emily always says that nothing compares to the raw emotion and authenticity that Any Stranger brings. She has never missed a concert and even travels back to their small town for their annual homecoming gig. In her words, “Any Stranger’s music is a healing balm for the soul. It’s a rare blend of vulnerability, strength, and hope. They remind me that no matter how rough the storm, there’s always a harbor waiting.”

Backstory:

Born out of the eclectic rhythms of a small, midwestern town, ‘Taut Recipe’ was the brainchild of childhood friends, Eddie Sparks and Willie “Fingers” Johnson. They started crafting their unique sounds in Eddie’s garage, initially inspired by the bluesy rock and roll that Eddie’s dad would play on his old-school turntable. As they honed their skills, their music evolved, incorporating elements of country, folk, and bluegrass, giving birth to a unique sound that was entirely their own.

Genre: Indie Rock with Country and Folk Influence

Title: “Twisted Highways”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
[Am] Driving down those [G] twisted highways, [D] past the fields and [Am] past the byways
[Am] Just a couple of [G] restless souls, [D] seeking solace in the [Am] unknown

(Chorus)
[C] We’re just lost in the [G] rhythm, [D] tangled in the [Am] rhyme
[C] Feeling every [G] heartbeat, [D] lost in time

(Verse 2)
[Am] Underneath the [G] starlit canvas, [D] in the glow of the [Am] moon’s chalice
[Am] We find our [G] harmony, [D] in the whispers of the [Am] summer breeze

(Chorus)
[C] We’re just lost in the [G] rhythm, [D] tangled in the [Am] rhyme
[C] Feeling every [G] heartbeat, [D] lost in time

(Outro)
[Am] Driving down those [G] twisted highways, [D] past the fields and [Am] past the byways
[Am] Just a couple of [G] restless souls, [D] seeking solace in the [Am] unknown.

Fan Testimonial:

Fan’s Name: Joanne Myers

“Where do I begin with how much I love Taut Recipe? I’ve been a fan since I first heard ‘Twisted Highways’ on a local radio station. Their music has a raw power, an authenticity that strikes a chord deep within me. It’s comforting and exciting all at once; it’s like a warm blanket and a thrilling roller coaster ride. Eddie and Fingers have an unbelievable connection, their music is a direct reflection of their camaraderie and shared love for their craft. Taut Recipe is my favorite band because they capture the essence of life, the beauty, the pain, the joy, and the mystery, and put it into beautiful melodies and thoughtful lyrics. Their music is my constant companion, my solace and my joy. I cannot wait to see where their journey takes them and us, their fans, along with them.”

Backstory:

Far-Flung Challenge was formed in the bustling midst of Seattle’s music scene back in 2012. The band’s members – lead vocalist and guitarist Alex Mason, drummer Claire Bennett, and bassist Lucas Collins – met while studying at the University of Washington. They bonded over their shared love of music, particularly for the classic rock and grunge music that had once dominated their city. Their friendship grew into a musical partnership, spurred on by late-night jam sessions and an unwavering desire to create something new and exhilarating.

The band’s breakthrough came in 2014 when they won a local battle of the bands competition. The prize: a recording session at a renowned local studio, which resulted in their first EP. From there, it was a whirlwind of touring, recording, and steadily building a dedicated fan base. Far-Flung Challenge’s unique sound and raw, passionate performances quickly caught the attention of the music industry, eventually leading to a contract with a major record label.

Genre:

Alt-Rock/Post-Grunge

Title:

‘Stranded in the Silence’

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
[C] Stranded in the silence, [G] lost in the crowd,
[Am] Shouting out for help, but [Em] can’t be loud.
[C] Trying to find the pieces, [G] of a shattered dream,
[Am] Swimming against the currents, [Em] in a tearing stream.

(Chorus)
[F] Stranded in the silence, [C] caught in the lies,
[G] Fighting for freedom, [Am] under the azure skies.
[F] Stranded in the silence, [C] in the echoes of the night,
[G] Chasing the shadows, [Am] looking for the light.

(Verse 2)
[C] Walking on the edges, [G] of a broken road,
[Am] Carrying the weight, [Em] of a heavy load.
[C] Searching for a rhythm, [G] in a silent song,
[Am] Trying to find the right, [Em] in a world so wrong.

(Chorus)
[F] Stranded in the silence, [C] tangled in the fears,
[G] Running from the past, [Am] fighting back the tears.
[F] Stranded in the silence, [C] between the dusk and dawn,
[G] Looking for the answers, [Am] before the hope is gone.

Favorite Fan:

Far-Flung Challenge’s favorite fan is Sammy Carter. Sammy has been following FFC since their early days, attending all their local gigs, buying every album, and supporting them online and offline. Sammy says, “Far-Flung Challenge is my favorite band because their music speaks to me. It’s raw, real and relatable. Their sound is a blend of nostalgia and innovation, a mix of the classic and the contemporary. Every song feels like a journey, a far-flung challenge that we’re all invited to embark on. I can’t imagine my life without their music.”

Backstory:
Thirsty Distribution was formed in the gritty heart of downtown Detroit. The band consists of five members; lead vocalist and guitarist, Jett Black, bassist and backing vocalist, Rusty Chains, drummer, Blaze Wilde, keyboardist, Zephyr Skye, and lead guitarist, Flash Harmon. Growing up in a blue-collar city heavily influenced their sound, as they aimed to capture the spirit of resilience and determination that fueled their hometown. The name ‘Thirsty Distribution’ came from their shared passion for delivering an energetic and refreshing sound to those who were ‘thirsty’ for something different. They embarked on their musical journey in 2010 and have since won over the hearts of millions with their searing guitar solos, resonant lyrics, and unique sound.

Genre:
Thirsty Distribution’s music can be categorized as Indie Rock with a touch of grunge. Their raw, gritty sound is a tribute to their roots and is a refreshing change in the mainstream music scene.

Title:
“Steel and Stardust”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
Am F
Under the city lights, life’s a bitter fight
C G
In the heart of steel and concrete, we learn to find our might
Am F
We play with dreams and dust, in love and faith we trust
C G
Against the machinery’s hum, we sing until dawn’s first light

(Chorus)
Dm F
Steel and stardust, we rise from the dirt
C G
Shining bright, showing what we’re worth
Dm F
In this city, where dreams are often crushed
C G
We’re the melody that can’t be hushed

(Verse 2)
Am F
Through the noise and grime, we find our rhythm and rhyme
C G
Beneath the stars above, our music intertwines
Am F
We’re the heartbeat of this town, we won’t be brought down
C G
In the face of struggle, we wear our indie crown

(Chorus)
Dm F
Steel and stardust, we rise from the dirt
C G
Shining bright, showing what we’re worth
Dm F
In this city, where dreams are often crushed
C G
We’re the melody that can’t be hushed

Favorite Fan’s Name:
Lucy Johnson

Testimonial:

“Thirsty Distribution is my favorite band, bar none. Their music resonates with me on a deeply personal level. It’s not just their lyrics that tell a story of resilience and hustle, but the raw, gritty energy they convey through their sound. It feels as though they’ve taken the spirit of Detroit, the struggle and the hope, and transformed it into music. They’re not just a band, they’re an anthem for every underdog out there.”

Backstory:

Belated Committee was formed in the heart of Seattle during the chilly winter months of 2008. The band was comprised of five childhood friends – lead vocalist Alex Parker, lead guitarist Jason Harper, bassist Nick Thompson, drummer Mike Wilson, and keyboardist Sarah Anderson. They were all in different careers, and with a common love for music, they decided to start a band as an after work hobby. They began by playing at local bars and small gigs, but their unique sound quickly started attracting larger audiences. The name ‘Belated Committee’ was born out of their frequent late-night jam sessions and the democratic way in which they made decisions about their songwriting and performances.

Genre:

The band’s music can be best described as Indie Rock with a touch of folk and a dab of soul, creating a distinct, appealing sound.

Title:

One of their most popular songs is called ‘Rainy Days in Seattle’.

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
C G Am F
Rainy days in Seattle, walking down the lane,
C G Am F
Heart’s heavy like a battle, weighed down by the pain.

(Chorus)
C G Am F
But your love is like a hot cup of coffee,
C G Am F
Warming me up, as I watch this city.

(Verse 2)
C G Am F
Grey skies overhead, but I’ve got you by my side,
C G Am F
Through the mist, your smile, is my only guide.

(Chorus)
C G Am F
And your love is like a cozy bookstore,
C G Am F
Turning pages of my heart, forever more.

(Bridge)
C G Am F
In Seattle’s rain, we find our rhythm,
C G Am F
In your love, I found my freedom.

(Chorus)
C G Am F
Because your love is like the Seattle skyline,
C G Am F
Bright and beautiful, making my heart pine.

Favorite Fan Testimonial:

Our favorite fan is named Emily Johnson. She’s been with us since our first gig at a local bar. Emily says, “Belated Committee is my favorite band because their music speaks to my soul. Every song tells a story that resonates with my life. Their unique sound is like a breath of fresh air in the world of music. The passion and dedication they put into their work is both inspiring and uplifting. With every new song, they manage to touch my heart in a new way.”