Backstory:

Insistent Women was formed in the bohemian corners of Portland, Oregon, during the summer of 2012 by four college friends with a shared love for music that breaks boundaries. Frontwoman, Lucy Hall, a jazz studies major, teamed up with bassist Sarah Williams, a literature student with a penchant for poetry, drummer Emily Clark, a psychology major with a fascination for rhythmic patterns, and guitarist Jane Mitchell, an art major with a unique sense for melody. They found that their different backgrounds and interests blended into a unique sound and perspective, which led to the creation of Insistent Women.

The band started playing at local bars and open mic nights, slowly gathering a following with their powerful lyrics and mesmerizing music. In 2015, they released their first EP, which was well received by critics and fans alike. The Insistent Women continue to use their music as a platform to voice their opinions on social issues and personal experiences, making their songs both relatable and impactful.

Genre:

Alternative Indie Rock

Title:

“Rise of the Phoenix”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1) Am – Em – G – D
Am Em
Through the ashes and the smoke,
G D
A phoenix starts to choke,
Am Em
On the remnants of her past,
G D
She knows she has to outlast.

(Chorus) C – G – D – Em
C G
Rise, rise, rise of the phoenix,
D Em
In her fire, she’s relentless.
C G
From the ashes, she ascends,
D Em
On her, the world depends.

(Verse 2) Am – Em – G – D
Am Em
She takes flight in the night,
G D
Illuminating with her light.
Am Em
Her flames burn bright and high,
G D
In the unforgiving sky.

(Chorus) C – G – D – Em
C G
Rise, rise, rise of the phoenix,
D Em
In her fire, she’s relentless.
C G
From the ashes, she ascends,
D Em
On her, the world depends.

(Outro) Am – Em – G – D
Am Em
With fiery wings she soars,
G D
Leaving behind her old wars.
Am Em
The phoenix, she has risen,
G D
In her, we find our vision.

Fan Testimonial:

My name is Max and I’m a huge fan of Insistent Women. Their music is a perfect blend of poignant lyrics and alluring melodies. “Rise of the Phoenix” is a song that resonates with my personal experiences and the challenges I’ve faced. Their songs give me strength and make me feel understood. Insistent Women is my favorite band due to their authenticity, their courage to stand for what they believe in, and their ability to make music that’s not only beautiful but also meaningful.

**Backstory**
“Perfect Afternoon” was formed in the heart of Denver, Colorado, in the year 2012. The band members, Charlie and Hannah, were both aspiring musicians who shared a mutual love for art and music. Charlie, a barista at a local coffee shop, sang and wrote songs during his free time. Hannah, a college art student, played the guitar and did gigs at the same coffee shop, where she met Charlie. Their story is a testament to the phrase “music brings people together”, and from then on, their journey started as “Perfect Afternoon”.

The band started off by performing at local pubs and events. They quickly gained attention due to their unique blend of vocals and melodies that resonated with the audience, leading to their popularity. Their songs represented their love for life and its small wonders, capturing moments in the form of music. They released their first album in 2015 which was a huge hit, thus marking the beginning of their success story.

**Genre**
Indie Pop

**Title**
“Canvas of Life”

**Full Song Lyrics**

(Verse 1)
[D]Watching the colors of the day, [G]drifting away,
[A]Lost in the canvas of life, [D]under the sky so bright.
[D]Hearing the whispers of the wind, [G]telling tales of the unseen,
[A]We paint our dreams with hope, [D]as we learn to cope.

(Chorus)
[D]In this perfect afternoon, [G]dancing under the moon,
[A]We find our tune, [D]hoping it won’t end soon.
[D]With the canvas laying bare, [G]we paint without a care,
[A]Living life without a scare, [D]in the open air.

(Verse 2)
[D]Feeling the rhythm of the rain, [G]washing away the pain,
[A]On the canvas of our heart, [D]we make a new start.
[D]Watching the sunset’s glow, [G]as the stars start to show,
[A]We paint our stories in light, [D]in the calm of the night.

(Repeat Chorus)

**Fan’s Name and Testimonial**
Fan’s Name: Emily Jenkins

Testimonial: “I’ve always been a fan of indie pop, and discovering ‘Perfect Afternoon’ was just an embodiment of my love. Their music, lyrics, and rhythm are just so captivating and relatable. Listening to them, you can feel the connection they have with their audience, how each song is inspired by real-life experiences and emotions; it’s like they’re painting my feelings into their music. ‘Canvas of Life’, in particular, is my favorite track. It’s beautifully composed and the lyrics are profoundly touching. I guess I found a piece of myself in their music.”

Backstory:

Born in the college town of Madison, Wisconsin, the band ‘Plain Boundary’ started their journey in the basement of a residential house, back in the summer of 2007. The band was formed by four students – who were attending the University of Wisconsin – as an outlet to express their youthful idealism and angst. The name ‘Plain Boundary’ originated from their emotional connection to the heartland, and their desire to push beyond the boundaries of conventional music.

The band quickly gained traction among the local youth, who connected deeply with their raw and honest music. They won the Wisconsin Battle of the Bands in 2009 which was a springboard to regional fame. After graduation, the band members decided to pursue their musical passion full time and they haven’t looked back since.

Genre:

Indie Rock/Alternative

Song Title:

“Underneath the Dusk”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
Em
Underneath the dusk, where the shadows blend,
G
We find our hearts, lost in the wind,
C
Tales of passion, tales of pain,
D
Drawn to the rhythm, of the falling rain.

(Verse 2)
Em
In the city’s hum, and the country’s silence,
G
We find our rhythm, in the defiance,
C
Running from ghosts, running from the past,
D
Nothing but the road, that’s moving too fast.

(Chorus)
C G
Oh, we’re just shadows, underneath the dusk,
D Em
Lost in the echoes, of a song that’s gone hush,
C G
Running towards a horizon, that’s always out of touch,
D
Underneath the dusk, underneath the dusk. (x2)

Fan Testimonial:

Name: Sarah Thompson.

“Plain Boundary’s music is everything to me. Their lyrics are so raw and honest – they hit you right in the heart. I remember the first time I saw them at a local gig in Madison. It was electrifying. I’ve been to every single concert in the city since then. My favorite song is ‘Underneath the Dusk’. The melody is dreamy and the lyrics are so poignant. As a young adult, I connect with their music on a deeply personal level, it gives voice to the whirlwind of emotions I feel every day. Plain Boundary isn’t just my favorite band, they’re part of my life.”

Backstory:
Ignorant Cow is an eclectic mix of childhood friends who hail from the small town of Elk Grove, Illinois. The band was initially a trio, consisting of lead singer and guitarist Jake Hudson, drummer Timmy Turner, and bassist Max Henderson. They started out playing in garages and small local gigs, their teenage angst and energy resonating with the youth in their town. The band got their big break with the addition of classically trained pianist, Sophia Miller. Sophia brought a unique flavor to the band’s sound, adding a sublime touch to their rebelliousness. Ignorant Cow was no longer just another band; they had a sound that was distinctly their own.

Their rise to fame was meteoric but not without its share of struggles. Hudson’s battle with addiction and his subsequent recovery journey became an integral part of their music, making their songs a beacon of hope for many. Despite the ups and downs, Ignorant Cow’s bond has only grown stronger, their music reflecting their resilience and the overcoming of personal battles.

Genre:
Ignorant Cow’s music falls under the genre of Alternative Rock, with a unique blend of Punk influences and Classical notes.

Title:
“Echoes of Yesterday”

Full Song Lyrics:

[Verse 1]
A | D | E | D
In the echoes of yesterday, we find our way,
Stumbling through the darkness, searching for the day.
The moon’s been hiding, the stars have lost their say,
In the echoes of yesterday, we find our way.

[Chorus]
F#m | D | E | E
So hold on to me, in this stormy sea,
In the echoes of yesterday, let’s rewrite our play.
Oh, let’s dance, under the pouring rain,
In the echoes of yesterday, let’s live today.

[Verse 2]
A | D | E | D
In the whispers of tomorrow, we lose our ground,
Caught in the symphony of life’s merry-go-round.
The sun’s been burning, the shadows gather around,
In the whispers of tomorrow, let’s make our sound.

[Chorus]
F#m | D | E | E
So hold on to me, in this joyous spree,
In the whispers of tomorrow, let’s set our hearts free.
Oh, let’s sing, under the radiant sunbeam,
In the whispers of tomorrow, let’s chase our dream.

[Fan Testimonial]
The band’s favorite fan’s name is Sarah Collins. Sarah loves Ignorant Cow because she feels their music is not just melodic but also introspective and therapeutic. She states, “Ignorant Cow’s music has been my solace during the toughest times. They’ve helped me feel understood, less alone in my struggles. ‘Echoes of Yesterday’ literally pulled me out of a very dark place. Their songs are not just music to me; they are life-saving anthems.”

Backstory: Nautical Application is a band that originated from a seaside town in northern California in 2015. The four members, Jack, Sam, Lucas, and Jen, were childhood friends who shared a deep love for the beach, sailing, and above all, music. They spent their summers sailing, surfing, and creating music inspired by their experiences. As years went by, they decided to put their shared passion into a musical project that would allow them to express their bond with the sea and its tales. They named their band ‘Nautical Application’, reflecting their maritime roots and the way they applied their experiences to their music.

Genre: Indie Folk Rock

Title: “Sea’s Serenade”

Full song lyrics:
Verse 1 (C, Am, Dm, G):
(C) Listen close to the sea’s (Am) serenade,
(Dm) Echoes of stories that the waves (G) made.
(C) Gulls overhead sing a (Am) lullaby,
(Dm) As the sun dips low, paints the (G) evening sky.

Chorus (F, C, G, Am):
(F) Sailing through the (C) unknown,
(G) Chasing the sunset, (Am) embrace the unknown.
(F) We’re all in this (C) voyage alone,
(G) But with the sea’s serenade, we’re (Am) home.

Verse 2 (C, Am, Dm, G):
(C) Stars above light the (Am) water’s face,
(Dm) Salt in the air, the night’s (G) embrace.
(C) We chart our course by the (Am) moon’s soft glow,
(Dm) Where we’re headed, only the (G) sea knows.

Chorus (F, C, G, Am):
(F) Sailing through the (C) unknown,
(G) Guided by stars, (Am) our fears overthrown.
(F) We’re all in this (C) voyage alone,
(G) But with the sea’s serenade, we’re (Am) home.

Band’s Favorite Fan: Nautical Application’s favorite fan is a woman named Emily. She has been following their musical journey since their first gig at a local bar in their hometown. Emily claims Nautical Application as her favorite band because their music reminds her of her own connection with the sea, having grown up in a seafaring family herself. As per Emily, “Nautical Application’s songs are like a compass, guiding me through the turbulent times, reminding me of my roots, and instilling in me the courage to sail through life’s unpredictable waves.”

Backstory:
Easy Ref was formed in 2007 in the bustling city of Seattle, Washington. It all started when high school friends Mike ‘Mic’ Halloway and Danny ‘Dex’ Dexter found common ground in music, particularly in the genres of soft rock and pop. Mic, a gifted guitarist, and Dex, a mesmerizing vocalist, began writing and performing their own songs in local cafes and clubs. The duo garnered the attention of bassist, Jamie ‘Jazz’ Zephyr and drummer, Eric ‘Echo’ Cole during one of their gigs. Jazz and Echo were amazed by the duo’s raw talent and unique sound. They proposed the idea of forming a band, and thus Easy Ref was born.

Over time, they gained popularity and recognition for their soulful lyrics and incredible musical arrangements. They signed their first record label deal in 2010 and have been rising stars in the music industry ever since. The band’s name, ‘Easy Ref’, was inspired by their philosophy of taking life easy and reflecting on the beauty and challenges of life through their music.

Genre:
Easy Ref represents a blend of Soft Rock and Pop.

Title:
“Ocean Boulevard”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1) [C] [G] [Am] [Em]
[C] Down the Ocean Boulevard, [G] we used to walk hand in hand,
[Am] Where the waves kissed the sand, and [Em] our hearts were in a far-off land.
[C] Your laughter echoed with the tide, [G] those days were our joyride,
[Am] Now all I have is the salty air, and [Em] the memories that have nowhere to hide.

(Chorus) [F] [G] [C] [Am]
[F] I still feel you here, [G] in the ocean’s gentle sway,
[C] I wish you were near, [Am] to watch the sunset’s play.
[F] On the Ocean Boulevard, [G] your love is not far,
[C] I still hold on to our love, [Am] like a lighthouse in the dark.

(Verse 2) [C] [G] [Am] [Em]
[C] The seashells whisper your name, [G] the wind sings our old song,
[Am] Here, nothing is the same, [Em] since the day you’ve been gone.
[C] Our footprints are washed away, [G] but your memory will stay,
[Am] On the Ocean Boulevard, [Em] I’ll keep coming back every day.

(Chorus repeated)

Fan’s Name:
Rebecca Hartley

Testimonial:
“Easy Ref has been my favorite band since their first gig at a small café in Seattle. I fell in love with their soulful performances and meaningful lyrics. Their songs, especially ‘Ocean Boulevard’, resonate deeply with me; it’s as if they’ve captured my own experiences and put them into a song. Every beat, every word feels like a personal message. Their music possesses a profound depth that’s hard to find these days. I’m not just a fan, I feel like I’m part of the Easy Ref family. For me, they’re not just a band, they’re a beacon of emotions that lights up life’s experiences.”

Backstory:

Stormy Restoration formed in the heart of the gritty and electrified streets of Chicago. A band formed by four childhood friends: John “Thunder” Thompson on lead guitar, Dave “Lightning” Lewis on drums, Paul “Rain” Rainsford on bass, and vocalist Aidan “Gale” Garner. Brought together by their shared love of music, they each quit their day jobs and decided to pursue their dream of creating music that resonates with the soul and speaks to the struggles of life. They started performing in small venues, quickly gaining a reputation for their energetic performances and raw, soulful tunes. The band’s name ‘Stormy Restoration’ is symbolic of their journey – from facing the stormy adversities of life to finding restoration through music.

Genre:

Their music can be classified as a fusion of blues and rock, with elements of soul and classic rock.

Song Title:

“Tears Of The Tempest”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse)
Em C
Tears of the tempest, fallin’ down on me,
G D
Wash away my troubles, take them to the sea.
Em C
Struck by the lightning, I’m on my knees,
G D
Praying for salvation, begging please.

(Chorus)
Am Em
Stormy restoration, in my soul,
D G
Healing my heart, making me whole.
Am Em
Through the thunder, and the rain,
D G
I find hope, I lose the pain.

(Verse)
Em C
Winds of change, blowin’ strong,
G D
Guide me where I belong.
Em C
Dark clouds are partin’, revealing the sun,
G D
The storm is over, my battle is won.

(Chorus)
Am Em
Stormy restoration, in my soul,
D G
Healing my heart, making me whole.
Am Em
Through the thunder, and the rain,
D G
I find hope, I lose the pain.

(Outro)
Em C
Stormy restoration, it’s a brand new day,
G D
I’m stronger now, I’ve found my way.

Fan’s Name and Testimonial:

Fan’s name is Martha “Marty” Bloom. In her words, “Stormy Restoration is more than just a band to me. Their music resonates with my experiences and makes me believe in the power of healing. Their song, “Tears Of The Tempest” has been like a beacon in my darkest times. It speaks of despair, yet ends with hope – a reflection of my life’s journey. I’ve been to every concert they’ve had in Chicago, and each performance leaves me feeling more connected and restored. They’re not just my favorite band, they’re my lifeline.”

Backstory:
Massive Garage originated from the bustling streets of New York City, where childhood friends Jerry “Jazzy” Gamble and Lucas “Lou” Schneider connected over their shared passion for music. With Jerry’s raspy vocals and Lou’s electrifying guitar strums, the duo quickly formed the core of what would one day become a celebrated rock band. Despite the initial struggles of being indie musicians, they continued to create music and perform at various local pubs and events. Their breakthrough came when their live performance at a local music festival was noticed by a renowned music producer who immediately signed them.

Genre:
Massive Garage’s music can be best categorized as a unique fusion of Indie Rock and Blues.

Title:
“Rusty Strings”

Full Song Lyrics:

Verse:
C G
On the streets of this city, we found our song,
Am Em
Chasing dreams, in a world that seems so wrong,
F C G
With a beat-up guitar and a heart so strong,

Chorus:
C G
We strum the rusty strings,
Am Em
Creating echoes that forever rings,
F C G
In the massive garage, where our spirit sings.

Verse:
C G
Under the city lights, we stand tall,
Am Em
In the face of adversity, we don’t fall,
F C G
Just a beat in our heart, that’s all.

Chorus:
C G
We strum the rusty strings,
Am Em
Creating echoes that forever rings,
F C G
In the massive garage, where our spirit sings.

Bands Favorite Fan Testimonial:
Our favorite fan is undoubtedly Maddie Lewis. Maddie has been with us from our early days, supporting us at every gig and often sharing our music with her friends. Here’s what she has to say about Massive Garage: “Massive Garage’s music has a raw, authentic feel that speaks directly to the heart. The way they blend rock and blues is simply magic to my ears. Their song ‘Rusty Strings’ has been my go-to anthem when life gets tough. Their music brings me comfort and strength, and for that, they will always be my favorite band.”

Backstory:
Agitated Pub is a group of four fiery, music-loving lads from the rustic town of Sheffield, England. The band was formed in 2006 when they all coincidentally found themselves in a pub brawl over a botched game of darts. They bonded over their shared love of music, and soon after, Agitated Pub was born. They started playing live music at the same pub they first met, called ‘The Agitated Squirrel’. Over time, they decided to take their music to the next level and began touring across the UK, which eventually led to their international fame.

Genre:
Agitated Pub’s music genre is a mix of punk rock and British indie, sprinkling their songs with rebellious energy combined with symphonic harmonies and deeply poetic lyrics.

Title:
One of their most popular songs is “Ale Stains on My Heart.”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
[C] Down at The Agitated Squirrel, [G] where the ale is always ample.
[Am] Saw her there, eyes so fair, [F] she lit the room like a candle.
[C] We danced, we sang, we laughed, we drank, [G] till the night gave way to the dawn.
[Am] But when I woke, in a smoky cloak, [F] I found that she was gone.

(Chorus)
[C] Ale stains on my heart, [G] from the love I lost at the tavern.
[Am] She was a fleeting dream, [F] a midnight queen, in a night full of passion.
[C] Now I’m left with just her ghost, [G] and a heart that’s filled with yearning.
[Am] Ale stains on my heart, [F] for a love that’s forever burning.

(Verse 2)
[C] I return to The Agitated Squirrel, [G] hoping to find what I lost.
[Am] I raise my glass, to the past, [F] and the love that came at a cost.
[C] Her laughter echoes through the room, [G] her touch lingers on my skin.
[Am] Ale stains on my heart, [F] a reminder of the sin.

(Chorus)
[C] Ale stains on my heart, [G] from the love I lost at the tavern.
[Am] She was a fleeting dream, [F] a midnight queen, in a night full of passion.
[C] Now I’m left with just her ghost, [G] and a heart that’s filled with yearning.
[Am] Ale stains on my heart, [F] for a love that’s forever burning.

The band’s favorite fan:
Their favorite fan is a woman named Rosie, a Sheffield native who has been following their music from the very beginning. She never misses a live performance and has all their lyrics memorized. Rosie is known for her vibrant personality and her knack for uplifting those around her.

Rosie’s Testimonial:
“I’ve loved Agitated Pub since their first gig at The Agitated Squirrel. Their music has a raw, electrifying energy that just captivates you. The depth in their lyrics, their rebellious spirit, and their unique blend of punk rock and British indie, it all resonates with me at a visceral level. Not to mention, they’re incredibly down-to-earth and humble. They’re my favorite band, and I can’t wait to see where their musical journey takes them.”

Backstory:

Minor Shelf is a quartet from the beaches of sunny San Diego, California. The band formed in 2013 when lead vocalist and guitarist, Tom Reynolds and drummer, Jake Malloy, met at a local music festival. Both had a shared interest in alternative and indie rock, and decided to start jamming together, resulting in a very unique and captivating sound. Later, they were joined by bassist, Nick Knox and keyboardist, Lily Ryan, who added to the depth and range of their music. The band quickly gained popularity amongst the local crowd, with their soul-stirring, and often introspective, lyrics set to foot-tapping melodies.

Genre: Alternative/Indie Rock

Title: “Dusty Pages”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
Em G
Through the dusty pages,
C Am
Of my old diary,
Em G
I see your face,
C Am
In the words I wrote.

Em G
Memories echo, haunting,
C Am
The corners of my mind,
Em G
A love, so fierce,
C Am
Going up in smoke.

(Chorus)
G D
We were young, we were reckless,
Em C
Lost in a world of our own,
G D
Dancing on the edge of forever,
Em C
Now I’m here, standing alone.

(Verse 2)
Em G
In the stillness of the night,
C Am
I can still hear your laughter,
Em G
A melody, so sweet,
C Am
Now a ghost of the past.

(Chorus)
G D
We were wild, we were fearless,
Em C
Burning like stars in the night,
G D
The memories still linger,
Em C
In the echoes of our fight.

(Bridge)
D Am
We were a song, left unsung,
C G
A story, written in vain,
D Am
But I’ll hold on to the echoes,
C G
And dance in our old lane.

Favorite Fan:

Their favorite fan is a woman named Bethany Green. Bethany has been following Minor Shelf since their first public gig at a local bar in San Diego. She’s attended every concert and owns every album. In her words, “Minor Shelf’s music is not just music. It’s a journey, it’s an experience. Their lyrics have a depth that speaks to my soul and the melodies are just captivating. There’s a raw, honest emotion in their music that’s missing in a lot of music today. They’re my favorite band because they’re real. They make music that matters.”