Backstory:

Born out of the bustling music scene of Seattle, Rich Cast was formed in 2010. The founding members, Max Holdon (lead vocals, rhythm guitar), Danny Klein (lead guitar, backing vocals), Tom Michaels (bass guitar), and Sammy Thomas (drums, percussion) were all friends in high school. They shared a love for music and started jamming together in their parents’ garages. What started as a hobby soon evolved into a passion when they started drawing crowds at local gigs. Their music, a unique blend of alternative and pop rock, coupled with their dynamic stage presence, has made them the talk of the town.

Genre:

Alternative/Pop Rock

Title:

“Shards of Glass”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
C# F#m B E
Came out of nowhere, you left me stranded,
C# F#m B E
Torn between my heart and the shards of glass.
C# F#m B E
I pick up the pieces, try to understand it,
C# F#m B E
Why you had to leave, why we couldn’t last.

(Chorus)
C# F#m B E
“Shards of Glass”, echoing the past,
C# F#m B E
Remnants of a love that was meant to last.
C# F#m B E
I’m bleeding out, lost in this vast,
C# F#m B E
Ocean of memories, in your aftermath.

(Verse 2)
C# F#m B E
I see your face, in these broken mirrors,
C# F#m B E
In every fragment, I see our past.
C# F#m B E
Wish I could erase, these painful errors,
C# F#m B E
But the echoes remain, they’re holding fast.

(Chorus)
C# F#m B E
“Shards of Glass”, echoing the past,
C# F#m B E
Remnants of a love that was meant to last.
C# F#m B E
I’m bleeding out, lost in this vast,
C# F#m B E
Ocean of memories, in your aftermath.

The band’s favorite fan:

Name: Jenny Lawrence

Testimonial:

“Rich Cast has been my absolute favorite band since their first gig at the local club. Their music resonates with me on a level I can’t even describe. It’s like they’re speaking directly to my soul. The lyrics, the tunes, the performances – everything about them is just phenomenal. I’ve been to every single one of their shows in Seattle. ‘Shards of Glass’ is my favorite song, it just touches my heart every time I listen to it. Rich Cast isn’t just a band to me; they’re a part of my life and I wouldn’t have it any other way.”

Backstory:
Jovial Class came together in the bustling music scene of Austin, Texas, back in 2015. The four-piece band comprises of childhood friends: Luke “Hurricane” Harrison, the charismatic vocalist, “Slinky” Sal Martinez, the master of guitar riffs, Rob “Thunder” Thompson, the beat keeper on drums, and Jess “Smooth” Stevens, the melodious bassist. They found their common ground in the love of music, despite the dichotomy of their backgrounds – Luke’s love for classic rock, Sal’s fascination with blues, Rob’s passion for jazz, and Jess’s inclination towards folk. Jovial Class is best known for its unique soulful blend of these influences, creating a music style that’s distinctly their own.

Genre:
Indie Rock with elements of Blues, Jazz, and Folk.

Title:
“Silhouettes of Love”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
[G] Sitting on the [C] rooftop, under the [Em] sable sky,
[D] Lost in the [C] silhouettes of [G] love passing by.
[G] Whispering confessions to the [C] crescent moon,
[Em] Wrapping up dreams in the [D] old, worn-out [G] tune.

(Chorus)
[C] Silhouettes of [G] love, in the [Em] starry night,
[D] painting our dreams with a [C] soft, gentle [G] light.
[C] Shadows of [G] promise, [Em] etched in our soul,
[D] In the silhouettes of [C] love, we’re forever [G] whole.

(Verse 2)
[G] Wandering souls in the [C] labyrinth of night,
[Em] Seeking solace in each [D] other’s [C] warm, tender [G] sight.
[G] Love letters carved on the [C] canvas of heart,
[Em] In the silhouettes of love, we’re [D] never [G] apart.

(Chorus)
[C] Silhouettes of [G] love, in the [Em] starry night,
[D] painting our dreams with a [C] soft, gentle [G] light.
[C] Shadows of [G] promise, [Em] etched in our soul,
[D] In the silhouettes of [C] love, we’re forever [G] whole.

Favorite Fan:
Daniel “Danny” Brooks – Danny claims that Jovial Class’s unique blend of indie rock with elements of blues, jazz, and folk resonates deeply with him. He considers their songs as a captivating blend of storytelling and soulful music. In his words: “Jovial Class is more than a band, it’s a musical companion. Their songs are a mirror to my emotions. They’ve got a song for every season of my soul. The richness of their music and the authenticity of their lyrics make them my favorite.”

Backstory:

Second-Hand Mist was formed in the vibrant music scene of Austin, Texas in 2012. Composed of childhood friends, lead vocalist and guitarist Mike Peters, bassist Joel Green, and drummer Sam Davis, the band brings a unique blend of raw emotion and musical energy to the stage. The group got their start playing in small bars and cafes, making a name for themselves with their distinctive sound and passionate performances. Their breakthrough came when they were spotted by a talent scout at the popular SXSW Festival, landing them a record deal with an independent label. Since then, Second-Hand Mist has been steadily gaining fans and critical recognition, a testament to their commitment to their music and their undeniable talent.

Genre: Indie Rock

Title: “Paper Lanterns in the Rain”

Full song lyrics:

(Verse 1)
[G]Her eyes, they glow like [D]paper lanterns in the [Em]rain,
[C]Caught between the laughter and the [G]pain.

[D]She dances on the edge of a [C]blade,
Embracing the [G]chaos that she’s [D]made.

(Chorus)
[G]Paper lanterns in the [D]rain,
[Em]Flicker like a heart in [C]pain.
[G]Lost, but refusing to [D]wane,
[Em]She’s the light that still [C]remains.

(Verse 2)
[G]Her smile, a promise [D]unkept,
[Em]Memories of the secrets that we [C]slept.

[D]In the quiet of the night, she [C]weeps,
Ghosts of the past that she [G]keeps.

(Chorus)
[G]Paper lanterns in the [D]rain,
[Em]Burning with a love in [C]vain.
[G]She’s a song with a haunting [D]refrain,
[Em]Her light the only thing that’s [C]sane.

Favorite Fan:

Their favorite fan’s name is Sarah Mitchell, a college student from Austin. Sarah has been following the band since their earliest shows in local cafes. She’s an ardent supporter and has attended almost all their performances, always cheering them on from the front row. She owns all of their merchandise and has a dedicated room in her apartment filled with Second-Hand Mist posters, stickers, and vinyl records.

Sarah’s testimonial: “Second-Hand Mist isn’t just a band to me, they are like the soundtrack to my life. Their lyrics speak to me on a deeply personal level, and their music always manages to lift me up, no matter how I’m feeling. Their passion and authenticity shines through in every performance, and it’s impossible not to be moved by their music. Second-Hand Mist is more than just my favorite band, they are a part of who I am.”

Backstory:
Svelte Birthday was born in the heart of the bustling city of New York in the late 2000s. The band members, lead vocalist and bassist Noah Goldstein, lead guitarist Emma Shaw, drummer Jackson Carter, and keyboardist Lily Adams met in college while studying various fields of art. They discovered a common interest in music and soon decided to form a band. Despite their different musical backgrounds, they were able to find common ground through their shared love for indie rock and pop culture. The name Svelte Birthday came from their appreciation of the minimalist and sophisticated aesthetic and their desire to celebrate every day as a special occasion.

Genre:
Indie Rock

Title:
“Porcelain Stars”

Full Song Lyrics:

Verse 1:
Am Em
Beneath the porcelain stars, we lay,
G D
Counting dreams that were far away.
Am Em
Your eyes, two galaxies wide,
G D
In your universe, I want to hide.

Chorus:
Am Em
Paint me in your love, color me in sighs,
G D
Under the porcelain stars, our love never lies.
Am Em
We dance in silence, our hearts beat aloud,
G D
In the twilight’s canvas, we’re lost in the crowd.

Verse 2:
Am Em
Beneath the porcelain stars, we dream,
G D
In our world, things are not as they seem.
Am Em
Whispered secrets in the dark,
G D
In your smile, I find my spark.

Chorus:
Am Em
Paint me in your love, color me in sighs,
G D
Under the porcelain stars, our love never lies.
Am Em
We dance in silence, our hearts beat aloud,
G D
In the twilight’s canvas, we’re lost in the crowd.

Fan Testimonial:
“My name is Maya Johnston and Svelte Birthday is my favorite band because their music feels like it was made for me. The lyrics resonate with my life and I feel a strong connection to each song. The band’s unique sound and authentic lyrics make me feel understood and seen. Every performance is a celebration, just like their name suggests. Their song “Porcelain Stars” is my anthem – it embodies the feeling of being in love and seeing the world through rose-colored glasses. Svelte Birthday is more than just a band to me; they are my source of strength and inspiration.”

Backstory:
“Those Pain” was formed in the heart of New York City during the harsh winter of 2008. The band members, comprising of lead vocalist Steve “Stinger” Harrison, guitarist Jake “Riff Monster” Donovan, bassist Richie “Heavy Hands” Thornton, and drummer Matt “Thumper” Baxter met at a local open mic night. Each of them was struggling to find their place in the grand scheme of the music industry. However, when they played together that night, something clicked. The crowd fell silent, then roared their approval, and Those Pain was born.

The band spent the next few years playing in local bars and clubs, developing their signature sound and gathering a loyal fan base. Their breakthrough came in 2013, when their demo reached the hands of a renowned producer who saw their potential and signed them to a record deal. Since then, Those Pain has been on a meteoric rise, captivating audiences with their raw emotion and relatable lyrics.

Genre:
Alternative Rock

Title:
“The Echo of Regrets”

Song Lyrics:
(Verse 1)
[Em] I walk down these [G] empty streets,
[D] Memories haunting my [A] incomplete,
[Em] Echoes of regrets, [G] shadows of deceit,
[D] That’s where I found [A] my defeat.

(Chorus)
[C] In the echo of regrets, [G] I lost my way,
[D] In the heart of the storm, [A] lost in the fray.
[C] Can I undo what’s done, [G] can I pay my debt?
[D] Trapped in the sorrow, [A] in the echo of regrets.

(Verse 2)
[Em] Love was a fleeting [G] summer day,
[D] It came, it shone, it [A] faded away.
[Em] In the mirror of the past, [G] all I see,
[D] Is the echo of regrets [A] staring back at me.

(Chorus)
[C] In the echo of regrets, [G] I lost my way,
[D] In the heart of the storm, [A] lost in the fray.
[C] Can I undo what’s done, [G] can I pay my debt?
[D] Trapped in the sorrow, [A] in the echo of regrets.

Fan Testimonial:
My name is Emily Thompson, and I am Those Pain’s biggest fan – or at least I like to think so. I stumbled across their music during a difficult time in my life. I was struggling with depression and their songs, especially “The Echo of Regrets”, spoke directly to my heart. The raw emotion in their music is something I can relate to – it is real, it is human. They’ve got a way of making you feel understood, like you’re not alone in your struggles. Those Pain is my favorite because their music helped me through some of my darkest days, and for that, I am forever grateful.

Backstory:

Peaceful Study is a quartet hailing from the tranquil city of Portland, Oregon. Formed in 2015, the group was initially a diverse mix of college students from Portland State University who often found solace and inspiration in music while studying late into the night. As roommates, they started experimenting with different sounds and rhythms, eventually developing their unique musical style that incorporated elements of Jazz, Electronic and Ambient music. Their music journey began with performing at local coffee shops and college events, and their calming yet stimulating music quickly garnered a loyal fanbase within the student community. Today, Peaceful Study is known for creating music that not only relaxes listeners but also helps in concentration and productivity.

Genre:

Jazz, Electronic, Ambient

Song Title:

“Waves of Wisdom”

Full Song Lyrics:

Verse 1: (Cmaj7, Gm7, Am7, D7)
Under the moonlight, with my books open wide,
The whispers of knowledge seeping inside,
Typing on keys, as thoughts collide,
In this peaceful night, wisdom, my guide.

Chorus: (Gm7, Cmaj7, F7, Bbmaj7)
Waves of wisdom washing over me,
In the silence of the night, I begin to see,
Tales of equations, of history, of philosophy,
I’m in a peaceful study, a world set free.

Verse 2: (Cmaj7, Gm7, Am7, D7)
Pages turn as hours burn,
The midnight oil, lessons to learn,
In the soft glow, for knowledge, I yearn,
In this quiet sanctuary, the world, I spurn.

Chorus: (Gm7, Cmaj7, F7, Bbmaj7)
Waves of wisdom washing over me,
In the stillness of the night, I begin to see,
Stories of science, of art, of poetry,
I’m in a peaceful study, a world set free.

Favorite Fan Testimonial:

“My name is Rebecca, and I’m a graduate student at the University of California. Peaceful Study has been my favorite band since my sophomore year. Their music has been my constant companion during countless study sessions. Their unique blend of Jazz, Electronic, and Ambient music helps me relax and concentrate on my work. Their song ‘Waves of Wisdom’ particularly resonates with me, as it perfectly encapsulates the journey of seeking knowledge. It’s more than just music to me; it’s like a soothing sound therapy that helps me focus and improve my productivity. I cannot thank Peaceful Study enough for their incredible work.”

Backstory:

Giddy Pop began as a passion project for three childhood best friends, Benny, Kyle, and Liam. Growing up, they loved jamming out in their parents’ garages, often to the dismay of the suburban neighborhood. They were inseparable, their bond cemented by a shared dream of making waves in the music industry. After high school, they went their separate ways for college but reunited during the summers to play at local shows. One summer, they uploaded a homemade music video to YouTube, which unexpectedly went viral. This was the push they needed. They dropped out of college, pooled their savings, and moved to Los Angeles to pursue their dreams. Giddy Pop was born.

These three young men have experienced the highest highs and lowest lows together. From struggling to pay rent, to signing their first record deal, their bond has only grown stronger. Their music reflects the joy, heartbreak, and resilience that come with chasing dreams.

Genre:

Indie Pop

Title:

“Sweet Rebellion”

Full song lyrics:

(Verse)
[C] Looking back at our old [G] town,
[Am] Lights are dimming, sun’s going [Em] down.
[F] We swore we’d never be those [C] guys,
[G] Living life in black and [C] white.

(Chorus)
[C] Sweet rebellion in our [G] hearts,
[Am] Tearing the ordinary [Em] apart.
[F] In this city of flashing [C] lights,
[G] We found color in the [C] night.

(Verse)
[C] Dreams are bigger in this [G] town,
[Am] Heart’s beating with a different [Em] sound.
[F] We’re living on the edge of [C] life,
[G] Dancing on the razor’s [C] knife.

(Chorus)
[C] Sweet rebellion in our [G] veins,
[Am] Freedom ringing in the [Em] chains.
[F] In this city of starry [C] eyes,
[G] We’re the dreamers in dis[C]guise.

(Testimonial)

Fan’s name: Jessica

“Listening to Giddy Pop is like reliving my teenage years, but with the wisdom I’ve gained as an adult. Their music is a journey of growth, rebellion, love, and the will to keep dreaming. Their song ‘Sweet Rebellion’ has been my anthem. It’s about taking risks, chasing dreams, and finding joy in the journey. As someone who gave up a corporate job to pursue a career in photography, this song resonates with me deeply. Giddy Pop is my favorite band because their music isn’t just about entertainment, it’s about life. It’s raw, real, and it makes me feel seen.”

Backstory:
Natural Test is a band that was formed in the quiet, serene town of Lexington, Vermont. The band members – Jake, Liam, and Rebecca, were high school friends who shared a passion for music. Jake played the guitar, Rebecca was the lead singer and Liam was on the drums. They spent countless hours in Jake’s garage, jamming and experimenting with their sound. It was during one of these sessions that they came up with the name Natural Test, which was inspired by their shared love for nature and the idea of testing their limits through music.

In the beginning, their performances were limited to local talent shows and small gigs at local clubs. But their big break came when a music producer, who happened to be in town, heard them play at a local festival. Impressed by their sound, he offered them a record deal. Since then, Natural Test has been on a journey to share their unique sound with the world.

Genre: Folk Rock

Song Title: “Journey within”

Full Song Lyrics:

[Verse]
D (strum) G (strum) A (strum)
Walking down a dusty old road,
D (strum) G (strum) A (strum)
Looking for a story that’s never been told.
D (strum) G (strum) A (strum)
I got a pocket full of dreams,
D (strum) G (strum) A (strum)
And a heart full of love, that’s about to explode.

[Chorus]
D (strum) G (strum) A (strum)
Find your path, fight through the storm,
D (strum) G (strum) A (strum)
Life’s a journey within, to where you belong.
D (strum) G (strum) A (strum)
Let your heart lead the way, don’t be afraid,
D (strum) G (strum) A (strum)
For every end is a new beginning, in this beautiful maze.

Fan’s Testimonial:
“My name is Samantha, but most people in the Natural Test fandom know me as ‘Sam the Superfan’. I have been following their music since their early days of playing in local clubs. What makes Natural Test my favorite band is the authenticity of their lyrics and the rawness in their sound. Their song ‘Journey within’ particularly speaks to me. It’s like they took my life’s story and put it into a song. Every chord progression, every lyric, resonates with me on a personal level. It’s not just a band for me, it’s like a companion on my life’s journey.”

Backstory:

Joint Horror is a band that came together in the gritty heart of Manchester’s underground scene in 2005. The band members – Charlie Saxon on vocals, Jimmy ‘Bones’ Cole on guitar, ‘Slasher’ Sam Jones on bass, and Gerry ‘Ghoul’ Granger on drums – were all part of different bands that had either disbanded or were on the brink of disintegration. They found common ground in their shared love for horror films, grunge music, and their collective disillusionment with mainstream music. Named after an old, run-down movie theater they used to frequent as teenagers, Joint Horror was born, creating a unique blend of music that mirrors their love for the macabre and the melancholic.

Genre:

Joint Horror predominantly plays a blend of horror punk and grunge, infusing their music with chilling narratives and spine-tingling melodies. They are known for their theatrical live performances, often using elements of horror and suspense to create an immersive musical experience.

Title: “The Ghoul Next Door”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
Am Dm C G
She’s the girl, but not the kind you know,
Am Dm C G
A beauty in the streetlight’s soft glow.
Am Dm C G
But when the night creeps and the shadows call,
Am Dm C G
She becomes the ghoul next door, after all.

(Chorus)
Em G D A
She’s got a darkness that no one can see,
Em G D A
A haunting melody that runs free.
Em G D A
She’s the ghoul next door, can’t you see?
Em G D A
Leave her alone, let her be.

(Verse 2)
Am Dm C G
She walks the night in a silvery dress,
Am Dm C G
Her eyes hide a pain, a silent distress.
Am Dm C G
But when the moon is high and the stars roar,
Am Dm C G
She becomes the ghoul next door, once more.

(Chorus)

(Outro)
Em G D A
Now she haunts my dreams, evermore,
Em G D A
She’s the ghoul, the ghoul next door.

Fan’s Name: Lucy Hellman

Testimonial:

Lucy Hellman, a self-confessed horror junkie and grunge lover, says, “Joint Horror is more than just a band to me. Their music is like a chillingly beautiful nightmare that you don’t want to wake up from. I’ve been a fan since their earliest shows in Manchester, and their combination of horror punk, grunge, and storytelling is what separates them from the rest. The way they play with dark themes and yet deliver such profound, relatable messages is extraordinary. My personal favorite is ‘The Ghoul Next Door’. It’s hauntingly beautiful and stays with you long after the music stops. Joint Horror isn’t just my favorite band, it’s a part of who I am.”

Backstory:
Quiet Gun is a unique band that was formed in the small town of Red River, New Mexico. The members, Jake, Marley, Sam, and Lily, were childhood friends who shared a passion for music. Growing up, their house parties were the talk of the town, and they soon started playing at local bars and pubs. Eventually, they decided to take their passion to the next level and formed Quiet Gun in 2009. Their music is a reflection of their life experiences, their struggles, and their indomitable spirit.

Genre:
Quiet Gun is largely rooted in Alternative Rock, with a touch of Blues and Country. Their music is characterized by expressive lyrics, soulful vocals, and a unique blend of acoustic and electric sounds.

Title:
“One Last Shot”

Full Song Lyrics:

Verse 1:
(Am)Look into the mirror, (F) see the faded light
(C) Maybe we’ve been wrong, (G) maybe we were right
(Am) Memories of our past, (F) shining oh so bright
(C) Underneath the stars, (G) in the silent night

Chorus:
(Am) Give me one last shot, (F) to make it right
(C) Underneath the moon, (G) in the cool night light
(Am) We’ve been through thick and thin, (F) in the endless fight
(C) Let’s turn it around, (G) ‘fore the morning light

Verse 2:
(Am) Whispered words of love, (F) lost in the bitter wind
(C) Chasing the echoes, (G) of what could’ve been
(Am) We’ve got our scars, (F) but we’re wearing them with pride
(C) With you by my side, (G) on this wild ride

(Repeat Chorus)

Favorite Fan:
Quiet Gun’s favorite fan is a young woman named Emily. Emily is a high school teacher who fell in love with their music when she first heard them play at a local bar. She says, “The raw emotion in their lyrics resonated with me. They put into words what I’ve been feeling but couldn’t express. Each song tells a story, and I relate to each one of them on a personal level. They’re not just a band to me, they’re like family. Their music has been my solace in difficult times. They’re my favorite band because they make music that touches the soul.”