Backstory:

Beautiful Boat is a band that was formed in the heart of Venice, Italy, in the summer of 2005. The original band members, Lorenzo, Massimo, and Giuseppe, bonded over their shared love for music and their common job – gondoliers. They used to sing traditional songs to entertain their passengers, but their shared passion for music led them to create their own tunes. They would often practice late into the night, using their gondolas as stages, and the canals as their audience. Beautiful Boat started gaining local attention, and soon, their harmonious voices echoed beyond the beautiful city of Venice.

In 2007, they added a female voice to their harmonies when a tourist named Isabella joined them. She was a student from England who was traveling through Europe and fell in love with both the city and the music of Beautiful Boat. When asked to join them, she did not hesitate. Isabella brought a new depth to their music and added the element of folk to their sound. Beautiful Boat grew into a band that understands the power of music in connecting people, cultures, and stories.

Genre: Folk-Pop

Song Title: “Canal of Love”

Full song lyrics:

(Verse 1)
[G]Floating down the [Em]canal of [C]love,
[D]With the moonlight [G]shining from [Em]above.
[G]Strumming our hearts with [Em]each gentle [C]wave,
[D]In this city of water, we are [G]brave. [Em]

(Chorus)
[C]Sail on, Beautiful [G]Boat, [D]
Through the [Em]canals of love we [C]float.
[G]In Venice, we found our [D]note,
On our [Em]Beautiful Boat, we [C]wrote.

(Verse 2)
[G]With Isabella’s skin [Em]glowing in the [C]night,
[D]Her voice joins ours, it [G]feels so [Em]right.
[G]Under the bridge, past [Em]the church [C]tower,
[D]Our music grows in strength, [G]every hour. [Em]

(Chorus)
[C]Sail on, Beautiful [G]Boat, [D]
Through the [Em]canals of love we [C]float.
[G]To the rhythm of Venice, we [D]devote,
Our [Em]Beautiful Boat, our [C]hope.

The band’s favorite fan’s name:
Beautiful Boat’s favorite fan is a 70-year-old Venetian named Antonio. Antonio has been following the band since their early days as gondoliers. He claims that Beautiful Boat’s music brings life to the canals and embodies the spirit of Venice.

Antonio’s Testimonial:
“Beautiful Boat’s music captures the essence of Venice – it’s passionate, romantic, and deeply rooted in its tradition. Their songs take me on a journey through the city’s canals, and I feel the heartbeat of the city in their tunes. They are my favorite band because, with every song, they make me fall in love with Venice all over again.”

Backstory:

Common Shade was birthed in the bustling town of Austin, Texas, where the diverse culture and passionate music scene served as the perfect incubator for this band to grow. The group of four friends; Daniel, Mark, Jesse, and Sam, initially met in high school, providing the soundtrack to school dances and local parties. They realized they shared a natural chemistry and a mutual passion for music that transcended the usual teenage pastimes. After graduation, they decided to pursue music full time, ultimately forming Common Shade and building their reputation through relentless gigging, and sharing their music with the world.

Through years of struggle, success, and everything in between, Common Shade has managed to not only survive but thrive in the unpredictable world of the music industry. Their shared experiences have only strengthened their bond, successfully creating a distinct sound that encompasses their collective spirit. They’re more than just a band – they’re a family.

Genre:
Alternative Rock

Title:
“Shadows of Yesterday”

Full song lyrics:
(Verse 1)
[G] Look into the mirror, [Am] what do you see?
[G] A faded reflection, [Am] of who you used to be
[G] The light dims, the night falls, [Am] it’s hard to break away
[G] Trapped in the shadows [Am] of yesterday

(Chorus)
[C] Shadows of yesterday, [G] haunting the present
[Am] Can’t escape the memories, [D] they’re always incessant
[C] Shadows of yesterday, [G] lingering in the mind
[Am] Searching for the light, [D] hoping it’s not hard to find

(Verse 2)
[G] Walking down the memory lane, [Am] hand in hand with regret
[G] Trying to forget, [Am] the things we can’t accept
[G] The sun sets, the stars shine, [Am] tales they narrate
[G] Still trapped in the shadows, [Am] of yesterday

(Chorus)
[C] Shadows of yesterday, [G] haunting the present
[Am] Can’t escape the memories, [D] they’re always incessant
[C] Shadows of yesterday, [G] lingering in the mind
[Am] In the midst of the darkness, [D] the light we strive to find

Favorite Fan’s Name: Bella Stuart

Bella’s Testimonial:
“Common Shade’s music has been a constant in my life since I first saw them perform at a local bar in Austin. They have this raw energy, a unique sound that resonates with me, making me feel seen and heard. The emotion they put into their songs, especially ‘Shadows of Yesterday’, has comforted me in my darkest moments. They’re my favorite not just for their music, but for the authenticity they bring. They’re genuinely good people making amazing music, and I feel lucky to have discovered them. Here’s to Common Shade, for lighting up the common people’s life.”

Backstory:
Squeaky Virus came to life in the heart of London’s bustling music scene during the late 2000s. The band was formed by lead vocalist and guitarist, Freddie Chase, and drummer, Lily Evans, who were childhood friends with a shared passion for music. They were later joined by bassist, Ned Oliver, and keyboardist, Rebecca Gentry, who added the essential elements to their sound, resulting in a unique fusion of rhythm that quickly caught listener’s attention. Garnering a cult following in their local scene, they went on to perform in many underground gigs and music festivals, earning a reputation for their energetic performances and thought-provoking lyrics.

Genre:
Alternative Rock with a hint of Electronic

Title:
“Defective Machinery”

Full song lyrics:

[Verse 1]
Am – C – G – D
In the heartland of the obsolete,
There’s a rhythm, a repetitive beat.
Like the gears of defective machinery,
We’re caught in the cycle, can’t break free.

[Verse 2]
Am – C – G – D
We’re dancing on the edge of reality,
Engulfed by the waves of insanity.
Like the pulsating drone of the industry,
We’re drowned in the noise, lost in the sea.

[Chorus]
F – C – G – D
We’re Squeaky Virus, we infect your mind,
With lyrical bullets and melodies kind.
We’re the defective machinery in your perfect world,
Unraveling truths, as our music unfurled.

[Verse 3]
Am – C – G – D
In the kingdom of the monotonous,
We’re the rebels, the audacious.
Like an unexpected glitch in your system,
We bring the chaos, we bring the rhythm.

[Chorus]
F – C – G – D
We’re Squeaky Virus, we infect the scene,
With a sonic contagion, raw and pristine.
We’re the defective machinery in your flawless plan,
Shaking the silence, making our stand.

The favorite fan’s name:
Charlie Brown

Testimonial:
“I’ve been a die-hard music lover since my teens, but nothing has quite captured me like Squeaky Virus. Their sound is like a breath of fresh air in the over-commercialized music industry. It’s raw, it’s genuine and it speaks to you. It’s like they’ve somehow managed to translate the chaos of our lives into music. Every track they release is a journey in itself. It’s not just music, it’s an experience. And that’s why Squeaky Virus is, and will always be, my favorite band.”

Backstory:
Memorable Ratio was born in the heart of New York in the early 2000s. The band was formed by high school friends, Paul Fisher and Alex Straight, who grew up sharing a passion for music. The duo began their journey by playing in school talent shows and local bars, where their unique sound caught the attention of many. After graduation, they decided to take a leap of faith and dive into the music world, adding two more members, drummer Sarah Callahan and bass guitarist Mark Wilson. Memorable Ratio took off on a wild journey which led to landing a record deal and touring worldwide.

Genre:
Memorable Ratio’s music can be best classified as Indie Rock with a touch of Alternative Pop.

Title:
“Echoes of Yesterday”

Full song lyrics:

(Verse 1)
[G]Yesterday was a [D]song,
[Em]Playing on the radio, [C]strong,
[G]Moments that we used to [D]know,
[Em]Wrapped in the rhythm, [C]ready to go.

(Chorus)
[G]Echoes of yesterday, [D]playing in my mind,
[Em]Tunes of love and dreams, [C]that we’ve left behind,
[G]Voices of the past, [D]calling us to stay,
[Em]Living in the rhythm of [C]yesterday’s play.

(Verse 2)
[G]Dancing in the pale [D]moonlight,
[Em]Your eyes shining so [C]bright,
[G]We were young and ready to [D]fight,
[Em]Bound by the music, [C]holding us tight.

(Chorus)
[G]Echoes of yesterday, [D]playing in my mind,
[Em]Tunes of love and dreams, [C]that we’ve left behind,
[G]Voices of the past, [D]calling us to stay,
[Em]Living in the rhythm of [C]yesterday’s play.

(Favorite Fan’s Name, Testimonial):
Catherine, a graphic designer from the UK, has followed Memorable Ratio from their earliest gigs. “Their music is like a breath of fresh air,” she claims. “It’s an emotional rollercoaster, taking me through different stages of life. It resonates with me and I feel like they’re singing my life story. That sense of understanding and connectivity, that’s why Memorable Ratio is my favorite band.”

Backstory:
When four childhood friends – Adam, Henry, Mike, and Jack – graduated high school in their small town of Boone, Iowa, they decided to spend their summer creating music in Adam’s garage. The group discovered a deep, shared passion for rhythm and lyrics, and they began to dream of bigger stages and brighter lights. They called themselves the Famous Squad.

In their first year together, they played at local bars, birthday parties, and community events. Their music resonated with the town, and word about their performances began to spread. By the end of the summer, they had their first gig outside of Boone, and by the following summer, they had a following across the Midwest. Today, their dreams of bigger stages and brighter lights have come true, but they’ve never forgotten their roots.

Genre:
Indie Pop-Rock

Title:
“Shine on, Boone”

Full Song Lyrics:
(Verse 1)
[G] There’s a town so small, [Em] it’s hardly on the map,
[C] But the people there hold the [D] world in their lap.
[G] We found our rhythm in [Em] that quiet place,
[C] It’s the heart of America, [D] our saving grace.

(Chorus)
[G] Shine on, Boone, [Em] keep the rhythm alive,
[C] We’re out here rocking, [D] trying to survive.
[G] You gave us music, [Em] you gave us dreams,
[C] You’re in every song, [D] in every theme.

(Verse 2)
[G] From the county fair to the [Em] local bars,
[C] We played our hearts out under [D] the stars.
[G] This journey started in [Em] our hometown,
[C] Boone, you gave us this [D] rocking crown.

(Chorus)
[G] Shine on, Boone, [Em] keep the rhythm alive,
[C] We’re out here rocking, [D] trying to survive.
[G] You gave us music, [Em] you gave us dreams,
[C] You’re in every song, [D] in every theme.

The Band’s Favorite Fan:

The band’s favorite fan is named Lucy. Lucy is a waitress at the local diner in Boone and was one of the first to hear Famous Squad play. She has never missed a hometown show and has followed their journey from the beginning.

Testimonial from Lucy: “I’ve known the boys of Famous Squad since they were just kids causing ruckus around town. Then they started making music and it was something truly special. Their songs have a way of capturing the spirit of our town, of our people. They’ve gone on to perform on big stages, but their music still has Boone, still has us, in every note. They’ve never forgotten where they came from, and that’s why they’re my favorite band.”

Backstory:
Formed in the bustling city of Chicago in 2015, “Onerlooked Hat” was an eclectic mix of artists who found a common bond in their love for music and a strong desire to break away from the traditional soundscape. Inspired by their shared fascination for vintage headgear, the group named themselves after an antique hat they found in a thrift store, which they felt was being overlooked despite its unique charm – much like their music. The members, comprising a graphic designer turned drummer, a music teacher with a knack for songwriting, a painter who played the guitar, and a boisterous manager with an inclination towards bass, began creating music that resonated with their quirky personalities and offbeat aesthetic.

Genre: Indie Rock

Title: “The Forgotten Fedora”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
[Am] Looking ’round the corner, [Em] in a dusty old store,
[G] Found something telling tales, [F] of times before.
[Am] It was an overlooked hat, [Em] sitting on a rack,
[G] Its story untold, [F] threads faded to black.

(Chorus)
[C] Forgotten Fedora, [G] whispering the past,
[Am] Telling tales of spirits, [Em] that couldn’t last.
[F] Now you’re just a relic, [C] lost in the swirl,
[G] But in my eyes, [Dm] you’re a hidden pearl.

(Verse 2)
[Am] Picked up the Fedora, [Em] dusted off the grime,
[G] Beneath the layers, [F] found rhythm and rhyme.
[Am] It spoke of jazz clubs, [Em] smoky and sly,
[G] Of the bohemian days, [F] under the blue sky.

(Chorus)
[C] Forgotten Fedora, [G] whispering the past,
[Am] Telling tales of spirits, [Em] that couldn’t last.
[F] Now you’re just a relic, [C] lost in the swirl,
[G] But in my eyes, [Dm] you’re a hidden pearl.

Favorite Fan – Testimonial:
A die-hard fan of ‘Onerlooked Hat’ is a 24-year-old music enthusiast named Emily. She fell in love with the band during a live performance at a local music festival in 2016 and has been an avid follower ever since. “Their music is unique, it’s like they’re painting stories with their songs,” Emily shares. “I wear my own Fedora to all their concerts in homage to their signature song. Their music speaks to me on a personal level, it’s like they’ve managed to inject soul into their lyrics and melodies. They are, without a doubt, my favorite band.”

Backstory:
Feline Smile was formed in the bohemian arts scene of Portland, Oregon in 2017. The band members, consisting of lead singer Caitlin “Cat” Stevens, guitarist Felix “Flea” Jones, bassist Leo “Whiskers” Taylor, and drummer Tommy “Paws” Thompson, greeted each other in a local bookstore’s poetry night. Their shared love for music and felines fused into a unique blend of creativity, which led to the birth of Feline Smile. Since their formation, they have been entertaining audiences with their distinctive sound, playful lyrics, and quirky stage presence, making them a local sensation and a crowd favorite at music festivals.

Genre:
Indie Rock

Title:
“Nine Lives Gone”

Full Song Lyrics:
(Verse 1)
[G] Looking through my window, [D] on a lazy afternoon
[Em] Saw a cat strolling, [C] humming an unknown tune
[G] With its head held high, [D] a free spirit on its own
[Em] And I wondered, [C] about the lives it had blown

(Chorus)
[G] Nine lives gone, [D] under the blinding sun
[Em] Chasing shadows, [C] oh what fun!
[G] Nine lives gone, [D] in whispers and meow
[Em] Was it worth it, [C] I wonder how

(Verse 2)
[G] On the rooftop, [D] under the silvery moon
[Em] Saw the same cat, [C] humming the same tune
[G] With its eyes so bright, [D] shining like a beacon
[Em] And I thought, [C] what tales it had woven

(Chorus)
[G] Nine lives gone, [D] in the blink of an eye
[Em] Under the starry sky, [C] oh what a high!
[G] Nine lives gone, [D] in purrs and hiss
[Em] Was it worth it, [C] for a moment’s bliss

Favorite Fan Testimonial:
Our favorite fan is a 16-year-old girl named Zoe. She has been to almost every show of ours, and her enthusiasm and love for our music make our performances even more enjoyable. Zoe says, “Feline Smile is my go-to band. Their music is as unpredictable and exciting as a cat itself, and their lyrics have a deep meaning that touches my soul. They make me feel like I’m a part of their journey, and that’s why they are my favorite band.”

Backstory:

Gifted Apple was born in the bustling city of Detroit in the spring of 2008. It all started when high school friends Jim, a music-obsessed geek with a knack for keyboard, and Bennie, a charismatic but quiet lead guitarist, decided to jam together in Jim’s garage. The duet was complete when they met charismatic vocalist, Lana, at their local coffee shop. Her haunting voice and unique lyrical style was the missing piece of their musical puzzle. Since then, they’ve taken the local music scene by storm, creating their unique sound and gathering a loyal following.

Genre:

Gifted Apple defies definition, blending elements of indie rock, electro-pop, and a dash of punk. Their innovative sound merges guitar-driven melodies with synth undertones, grounded by Lana’s soulful vocals.

Title:

“Orchard Reverie”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
Em Am
Underneath the apple tree,
G D
Promise you won’t lie to me.
Em Am
In this orchard reverie,
G D
Where our hearts are running free.

(Chorus)
C G
No more pretending,
Am Em
No more bending,
C G
No more ending,
Am Em
This is our beginning.

(Verse 2)
Em Am
Beneath the starry night,
G D
We’ll dance in the moonlight.
Em Am
In this orchard reverie,
G D
Your love’s the only sight I see.

(Chorus)
C G
True love’s awakening,
Am Em
No more heart aching,
C G
This love we’re making,
Am Em
Is ours for the taking.

Favorite Fan’s Name:

Sophia

Testimonial:

“I’ve been following Gifted Apple since their early days jamming in the garage. Their music is a breath of fresh air, a beautiful blend of soulful vocals, electrifying guitar solos, and nostalgic synth sounds. It’s like they’ve bottled the essence of raw emotion and turned it into music. ‘Orchard Reverie’ is my personal favorite – it’s a love song, but with an edge that typically isn’t found in this genre. This band isn’t just my favorite, they’re an inspiration.”

Backstory:

The Hopeful Committee was born out of a mixture of restlessness, ambition, and the universal desire to make a difference. The band’s four members, Alex, Brian, Charlie, and Danni, met at a charity event in their small hometown of Waynesboro, Virginia, and found they shared a passion for both music and philanthropy. They started jamming in Alex’s garage, their raw talent and harmonious synergy turning into something bigger than they ever anticipated.

Combining their love for community service and music, they used their growing popularity to create awareness about the issues close to their hearts. From local fundraisers to larger charity events, the Hopeful Committee has become much more than just a band – they are a symbol of hope and positivity, reaching out to those in need through their music.

Genre:

Indie Folk Rock

Title:

“Tomorrow’s Promise”

Full Song Lyrics:

[Verse 1] (C-G-Am-F)
(C) Living in the shadow of yesterday, (G)
(Am) Dreams seem so far and away, (F)
(C) But we find strength, with each sunset’s ray, (G)
(Am) And carry hope into the fray, (F)

[Chorus] (G-Am-F-C)
(G) We are the Hopeful Committee, (Am)
(F) Singing songs for the broken-hearted, (C)
(G) Spreading love, where the day has started, (Am)
(F) We believe in tomorrow’s promise (C)

[Verse 2] (C-G-Am-F)
(C) In the face of despair, we stand tall, (G)
(Am) With our music, we answer the call, (F)
(C) To lift spirits, let no soul fall, (G)
(Am) We’re spreading hope, for one and all. (F)

[Chorus] (G-Am-F-C)
(G) We are the Hopeful Committee, (Am)
(F) Singing songs for the weary-hearted, (C)
(G) Spreading love, as a new day has started, (Am)
(F) We believe in tomorrow’s promise. (C)

[Outro] (C-G-Am-F-C)
(C) In the name of hope, we play, (G)
(Am) Brightening the world in our own way. (F)
(C) To every soul who’s lost its way, (G)
(Am) We’re the Hopeful Committee, and we’re here to stay. (F-C)

Fan’s Name: Stacy Smith

Fan Testimonial:
“I have been a huge fan of the Hopeful Committee since I first saw them perform at a local charity event. Their heartfelt lyrics and positive energy immediately drew me in, and I haven’t missed a single performance since. Their music has helped me through some tough times, and their dedication to their community is truly inspiring. They are so much more than just a band to me – they’re a beacon of hope, a reminder that there is always a ‘Tomorrow’s Promise’. I couldn’t be more proud to be a part of their story.”

Backstory:

Electric Brake formed in the vibrant music scene of Seattle in 2015. The band’s members – Julie Albrecht (lead vocals and keyboard), Rob Wilson (bass guitar), Bryan Chandler (lead guitar), and Craig Davis (drums) – were all involved in the city’s bustling local scene. They had been part of various groups, but always found themselves drifting back to each other. United by their shared love for alternative music and an insatiable desire to take their sound to new heights, the group decided to band together permanently, dubbing themselves Electric Brake.

Their big break came in 2017 when they won a local battle of the bands and earned their first record deal. Since then, Electric Brake has steadily grown in popularity, becoming known for their captivating live performances and unique perspective on the alternative music genre. With their edgy, unpredictable sound and authentic lyrics, they’ve carved out a special niche for themselves in the music industry.

Genre:
Alternative Rock

Title:
“Neon Heartbeat”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
[C] Under the [Am] city lights, a [F] neon heart takes [G] flight
[C] Racing against the [Am] night, in search of [F] what feels [G] right

(Chorus)
[F] Neon [G] heartbeat, [C] don’t [Am] lose your pace
[F] Keep [G] running, [C] till you [Am] win this race
[F] Neon [G] heartbeat, [C] don’t [Am] skip a beat
[F] Keep [G] burning, in the [Am] city heat

(Verse 2)
[C] In the [Am] shadows of the [F] day, we find our [G] way
[C] With every [Am] heartbeat, we [F] choose to [G] stay

(Chorus)
[F] Neon [G] heartbeat, [C] find your [Am] grace
[F] Keep [G] moving, in this [C] relentless [Am] chase
[F] Neon [G] heartbeat, [C] don’t [Am] retreat
[F] Keep [G] thumping, to your [Am] city beat

(Bridge)
[C] In this [Am] cityscape, our [F] hearts shape
[C] No escape, in the [Am] night we [F] drape

(Chorus)
[F] Neon [G] heartbeat, [C] make some [Am] space
[F] Keep [G] pounding, till you [C] ace this [Am] race
[F] Neon [G] heartbeat, [C] don’t [Am] lose your beat
[F] Keep [G] pulsing, in the [Am] city heat

Fan:

The band’s favorite fan is a young woman named Emily Thompson. As an avid concert-goer and music enthusiast, Emily has followed Electric Brake from their earliest gigs in local bars to their sold-out concerts at iconic venues. She has been an unwavering supporter, promoting their music on her social media platforms and even traveling out of state to attend their shows.

Emily says, “Electric Brake is my favorite band because they’ve remained true to their alternative rock roots while evolving their sound in exciting ways. Their songs are genuine and relatable, and they bring a remarkable energy to their live performances. I love how they interact with their fans, always making time for autographs and photos. Their music has been a constant in my life, helping me through tough times and making good times even better. I can’t wait to see what they do next!”