Backstory:
Ragged Volunteer was formed in the heart of New York City in 2015 by lead vocalist and bass guitarist, Felix Gideon, and drummer, Hank Maddox. Both were strapping young men from small Midwestern towns, with dreams of making it big in the music industry. After months of playing together in a cramped one-bedroom apartment, they finally discovered their unique musical chemistry, leading to the formation of Ragged Volunteer. The band was later joined by Leonard Cruz on lead guitar and Isaiah Thompson on keyboard and back-up vocals. They named the band after a passing comment made by a homeless man who once said he felt like a “ragged volunteer” in the city—a phrase that resonated with the band members as they navigate their own struggles in the big city.

Genre:
Indie Folk Rock

Title:
“Shadows in the Alley”

Full Song Lyrics:
(Verse 1)
[G] Walking down the alley, [Em] in the middle of the night,
[C] A lonely silhouette dances, [D] under the pale moonlight.
[G] Muffled city sounds, [Em] echo off the walls,
[C] Undeterred, we march on, [D] answering to the call.

(Chorus)
[G] We’re the shadows in the alley, [Em] the voices in the noise,
[C] The ragged volunteers, [D] stripped of all our poise.
[G] We’re the echoes of the city, [Em] the heartbeat in the crowd,
[C] The ragged volunteers, [D] standing tall and proud.

(Verse 2)
[G] A symphony of sirens, [Em] the rhythm of the street,
[C] In the heart of chaos, [D] we find our beat.
[G] An orchestra of strangers, [Em] in this concrete maze,
[C] The ragged volunteers, [D] lost in the haze.

(Chorus)
[G] We’re the shadows in the alley, [Em] the voices in the noise,
[C] The ragged volunteers, [D] stripped of all our poise.
[G] We’re the echoes of the city, [Em] the heartbeat in the crowd,
[C] The ragged volunteers, [D] standing tall and proud.

Fan Testimonial:
My name is Sarah Williams. I’ve been a hardcore fan of Ragged Volunteer since they first started. Their music speaks to me on such a deep level because it perfectly captures the struggles and triumphs of city life. Every song feels like a journey through the urban landscape, and the raw and emotional lyrics resonate with my own experiences. The song “Shadows in the Alley” is my personal anthem. I’ve seen them live several times, and their performances are electrifying. Ragged Volunteer is my favorite band because their music is honest, real, and it makes me feel seen and understood.

Backstory:
Polite Joke began as a quirky, unconventional collaboration between two high school friends from Nashville, Tennessee: Johnny Calm and Steven Wit. While Johnny had a knack for creating melodic tunes on his acoustic guitar, Steven was a natural wordsmith, adding clever lyrics that teetered on the edge of satire and social commentary. During their college years, they recruited the agile hands of Pete Slick on bass, and the rhythmic prowess of drummer, Benny Beat. The band was complete, and they started gaining local attention for their innovative, humorous approach to music.

After graduation, the band decided to pursue their music career full-time, relocating to Austin, Texas. Polite Joke became an instant hit among Austin’s indie scene. Their self-titled debut album received national attention, and their blend of wit, humor, and catchy hooks made them a unique voice in the music industry. Now, they’re touring the country, spreading their music and joy, one city at a time.

Genre:
Indie Folk Rock

Title:
“Kaleidoscope Dreams”

Full Song Lyrics:

[Verse]
(G) Look at this world, full of color and light,
(Em) Dancing around like a (G) kaleidoscope’s sight.
(D) Gazing at the stars, (C) laughter in the night,
(Em) Look at us now, (D) everything’s right.

[Chorus]
(G) Oh, we’re living in a (C) kaleidoscope dream,
(Em) Spinning around, (D) on a sunbeam.
(G) Colors shining bright, (C) life’s not what it seems,
In this (Em) kaleidoscope (D) dream.

[Verse]
(G) Shadows cast long, in the (C) morning’s light,
(Em) We move to the rhythm, (D) under the night.
(G) Life’s a canvas, it’s a (C) beautiful sight,
In this (Em) kaleidoscope (D) dream, everything’s right.

[Chorus]
(G) Oh, we’re living in a (C) kaleidoscope dream,
(Em) Spinning around, (D) on a sunbeam.
(G) Colors shining bright, (C) life’s not what it seems,
In this (Em) kaleidoscope (D) dream.

Favorite Fan’s Testimonial:
“My name is Sylvia, and I’m Polite Joke’s self-proclaimed biggest fan! I first heard their song ‘Kaleidoscope Dreams’ in a small cafe in Austin and was instantly hooked. Their lyrics are poetic and funny, their melodies are infectious, and they have this energy that’s simply irresistible. Going to their concerts feels like a celebration of life, joy, and creativity. They make my mundane life feel like a ‘Kaleidoscope Dream.’ I’d say they’re not just my favorite band, they’re a part of my life’s soundtrack.”

Backstory:

Dirty Competition was born out of the hard-knock streets of Detroit, Michigan. The band was formed in 2008 by former skate shop co-workers, lead vocalist Jake “Snake” Hanson and drummer Mike “Moe” Madison. The band quickly blossomed as they added bassist Kelly “Killer” Kiel and lead guitarist Rob “Ruff” Russo. In the early days, the band was known for impromptu street performances, drawing crowds with their distinct sound and gritty lyrics, reflecting the everyday struggles and triumphs of life in the city.

Genre:

Dirty Competition identifies as a Punk Rock band, but they have a unique blend of bluesy undertones and raspy vocals that set them apart from the norm.

Song Title:

“Steel City Sunrise”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
[G] Woken up by the [D] hum of the city
[Em] Steel and smoke, ain’t [C] always pretty
[G] Working hard just to [D] make ends meet
[Em] In the heart of the [C] Motor City

(Chorus)
[G] Steel City Sunrise, [D] breaking the night
[Em] We’re just looking for a [C] piece of the light
[G] Burning rubber and [D] dreams taking flight
[Em] Underneath the [C] Steel City Sunrise

(Verse 2)
[G] She’s got dreams that [D] could fill the river
[Em] For a moment, can [C] make you shiver
[G] Tough as nails, but [D] she’s got grace
[Em] In the heart of the [C] human race

(Chorus)
[G] Steel City Sunrise, [D] breaking the night
[Em] We’re just looking for a [C] piece of the light
[G] Burning rubber and [D] dreams taking flight
[Em] Underneath the [C] Steel City Sunrise

Favorite Fan Testimonial:

The band’s favorite fan is a guy by the name of Louie “Loud” Lawson. Louie has been following Dirty Competition since their street performance days. He never misses a gig and is known for his wild energy, infectious smile, and uncanny ability to catch every guitar pick thrown into the crowd.

Louie enthusiastically says, “Dirty Competition, man, they’re my favorite because they’re real. Their music isn’t just about the struggles, it’s about the triumphs too. They’ve got this raw, gritty sound that just speaks to your soul, you know? Their live shows are like nothing else – the energy, the passion…it’s infectious. Plus, they’re just genuine, down-to-earth guys. They’ve never forgotten their roots, and that’s something I can really respect.”

Backstory:
Distorted Selection, a powerful trio hailing from the raw and gritty streets of London, became the unexpected underdogs in the world of rock music. Comprised of childhood friends, lead vocalist and guitarist, Alex “Riff” Rodgers, bassist, Sam “Boom” Bradford, and drummer, Tom “Thunder” Thompson, they first started jamming in their parents’ garages. Their initial spark was ignited by their shared love for classic rock and heavy metal, but their sound quickly evolved into something uniquely their own. Their shared passion for music, coupled with their unquenchable desire to break free from their mundane lives, led them to form Distorted Selection in the summer of 2010.

Despite their humble beginnings, the band quickly gained a reputation for their raw and high-energy performances, often characterized by their unconventional, distorted guitar riffs, heavy basslines, and thundering drum patterns. Their path to fame was anything but smooth, but their determination and relentless pursuit of their dreams kept them going. Their journey was filled with countless late-night gigs at hole-in-the-wall bars, incessant rejections from record labels, and evenings spent sleeping in their van. Despite the hardships, they never wavered from their dreams, and their struggles only served to fuel their music, making it more authentic and raw.

Genre:
Hard Rock/Alternative Metal

Title:
“Chains of Yesterday”

Full song lyrics:
(Verse 1)
Em G
Wake up to the echoes, of dreams that fade away,
C Am
In the chains of yesterday, we’re all prisoners in some way.
Em G
The forgotten tales, in the shadows they sway,
C Am
In the chains of yesterday, they’re waiting to break away.

(Chorus)
D C
Shattered dreams, broken wings,
G D
In the chains of yesterday, we sing.
D C
Rising sun, day has begun,
G D
Rebel hearts, we won’t be undone.

(Verse 2)
Em G
Voices whispering, in the night’s somber grey,
C Am
In the chains of yesterday, the memories fray.
Em G
Beneath the starlight’s play, secrets they lay,
C Am
In the chains of yesterday, we’re waiting for the day.

(Chorus)
D C
Shattered dreams, broken wings,
G D
In the chains of yesterday, we sing.
D C
Rising sun, day has begun,
G D
Rebel hearts, we won’t be undone.

Fan’s name:
Katie

Testimonial:
“I’ve always resonated with the raw emotions and authentic stories that Distorted Selection brings to life through their music. The way they’ve turned their struggles into art is truly inspiring. These guys are the real deal, and their music has become my refuge in times of despair and my anthem of rebellion against the mundane. When ‘Chains of Yesterday’ blares through my speakers, I feel a sense of empowerment that no other music has given me. Distorted Selection is not just my favourite band; they’re my source of strength and inspiration.”

Backstory:
Excellent Page, an alternative indie rock band, was formed in the lively suburbs of Seattle, Washington in 2012. The band is composed of long-time friends: lead vocalist Lena Trails, guitarist Nolan Farley, drummer Kevin Lester, and bassist Jordan Stiles. The band was born from a shared love of music, a dash of teenage rebellion, and a night of frenzied jamming in Lester’s garage; the name Excellent Page was inspired by a random page in a book that Trails was reading that night. They started out playing in local gigs, slowly gathering a dedicated fan base through their raw energy and soulful music. Their breakthrough came in 2015 with their hit single “Misty Eyes”, catapulting them to national stardom.

Genre:
Alternative Indie Rock

Title:
“Shadow Dance”

Full Song Lyrics:
(Verse 1)
Am C G D
In the dark, we sway, lost in a shadow dance,
Am C G D
In your arms, I feel the rhythm’s trance.
Am C G D
Underneath the stars, we find our chance,
Am C G D
To the beat of our hearts, in a shadow dance.

(Chorus)
Am C G D
Shadow dance, our secret romance,
Am C G D
In the night, we take our stance.
Am C G D
Silhouettes in the moonlight’s glance,
Am C G D
We play our part in this shadow dance.

(Verse 2)
Am C G D
In the hush of the night, love’s expanse,
Am C G D
We spin and twirl in a shadow dance.
Am C G D
Caught in the moment, in a trance,
Am C G D
Enchanted by the rhythm of our shadow dance.

(Chorus)
Am C G D
Shadow dance, our secret romance,
Am C G D
In the night, we take our stance.
Am C G D
Silhouettes in the moonlight’s glance,
Am C G D
We play our part in this shadow dance.

Band’s Favorite Fan:
Excellent Page’s favorite fan is Emily Thompson, a dedicated supporter who has attended all of their concerts since their early gigs. Emily says, “The reason Excellent Page is my favorite band is because their music speaks to me on a deep, emotional level. The lyrics are profound, the melodies are enchanting, and their performances are always energetic and passionate. Their song ‘Shadow Dance’ is like my personal anthem. It’s about finding love and connection in unexpected places, which is something I can definitely relate to. Excellent Page isn’t just a band to me, they’re like a lifeline, helping me navigate the ups and downs of life with their music.”

Backstory:
Defenseless Rhythm had humble beginnings as a high school band in the vibrant city of Austin, Texas. Their shared love for music and the desire to fuse different musical influences brought Austin Rhodes, the lead vocalist and guitarist, Benny Thompson, the bassist, and drummer, Ian Lee, together. The trio spent countless afternoons jamming in Barnes’ garage, honing their skills and crafting their unique sound. After sweeping local music competitions and gaining a loyal fanbase, Defenseless Rhythm decided to take their passion to the next level. Their breakthrough came after their energetic performances at South by Southwest Music Festival, where they were spotted by a talent scout and landed a record deal.

Genre: Defenseless Rhythm’s music is a unique blend of alternative rock fused with elements of indie pop.

Title: “Reckless Beat of My Heart”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
Am Em
Under the bleeding twilight,
G D
I found myself lost in your eyes;
Am Em
The reckless beat of my heart,
G D
Screaming out loud, wrapped in your lies.

(Chorus)
C G
My soul is dancing, defenseless rhythm,
D Em
Against the symphony of your existence;
C G
In the silence of the night, my heart’s the victim,
D Em
To the temptation of your silence’s persistence.

(Verse 2)
Am Em
In the canvas of your secrets,
G D
I painted my emotions with passion;
Am Em
The rhythm of love, the rhythm of heartache,
G D
Caught in the dance, in an endless fashion.

(Chorus)
C G
My soul is dancing, defenseless rhythm,
D Em
Against the symphony of your existence;
C G
In the silence of the night, my heart’s the victim,
D Em
To the temptation of your silence’s persistence.

Favorite Fan: The band’s favorite fan is Hannah Thompson. She has been their biggest supporter since their garage jamming days.

Testimonial: “Being a fan of Defenseless Rhythm is more than just enjoying their music. It’s about being part of a journey, a story that’s being told through their songs. Their music speaks to me on so many levels, it’s raw, it’s passionate and it’s real. I’ve watched them grow from playing at high school events to headlining music festivals. I am incredibly proud of them and can’t wait to see what the future holds. Defenseless Rhythm isn’t just my favorite band, they are my inspiration.” – Hannah Thompson.

Backstory:
Blaring Round was formed in the bustling streets of Nashville, Tennessee, in the early 2000s. Childhood friends, lead vocalist and guitarist Jason “Jay” Davis, bassist Oliver “Ollie” Wheeler, and drummer James “Jimmy” Wren, decided to bring their shared love for music to life. The trio began as a garage band, belting out tunes for the love of the art, their growing passion leading them to busk on the streets of Nashville. Their unique sound soon caught the attention of a local record producer. With their break into the industry, Blaring Round had a chance to share their harmonious synergy with the world.

Genre:
Country Rock

Title:
“Spinning Free”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
Am G D G
Late nights under the neon lights,
Am G D G
Walking past signs that say, “we’re doing fine.”
Am G D G
My boots are worn, my heart is torn,
Am G D G
But I got my guitar and the stars above.

(Chorus)
C G D Em
I’m spinning free, in the heart of Tennessee,
C G D Em
With my guitar, under the southern stars,
C G D Em
Just you and me, it’s our destiny,
C G D Em
We’re Blaring Round, with our Nashville sound.

(Verse 2)
Am G D G
We’ve played the dives, lived nine lives,
Am G D G
Music’s the love we can’t deny.
Am G D G
Through the cheers and the tears, over the years,
Am G D G
Our song plays on, in the heart of the night.

(Chorus)
C G D Em
Spinning free, in the heart of Tennessee,
C G D Em
With my guitar, under the southern stars,
C G D Em
Just you and me, it’s our destiny,
C G D Em
We’re Blaring Round, with our Nashville sound.

Band’s Favorite Fan:
Our favorite fan has to be Sarah “Sunny” Johnson. Sarah has been following our journey from the early street gigs to our major concerts. She has sung, cried, and celebrated with us, mirroring the rhythm of our journey. Her unwavering support, evident in every front-row presence, is the fuel to our fire.

Sarah’s Testimonial:
“Blaring Round is more than just a band to me. They’re a testament to following dreams and doing what you love, no matter what. Their music speaks to my heart, the lyrics tell stories that feel so close to my own. I’ve been moved to tears, danced with strangers, and found a community where I feel I belong. That’s the power of Blaring Round. They’re not just playing music, they’re creating connection and understanding through their songs. I will forever be their number one fan.”

Backstory:

Immaculate Size was formed in the vibrant, music-loving city of Nashville, Tennessee. The founding members, Darius King, Jeremy Irons, and the enigmatic Raquel Smith, met in the most unlikely of places – a neighborhood garage sale. Their shared love for music, old vinyl records, and unique clothing sizes broke the ice, leading to the start of a lifelong friendship. After discovering their shared passion for creating music, they set up a makeshift studio in Raquel’s basement, and Immaculate Size was born. The band quickly gained popularity in the local scene and eventually garnered national attention, known for their unique sound and energy-filled performances.

Genre:
Alternative Rock

Song Title:
“Echoes of My Closet”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
[G] Searching through my closet, [D] trying to find my mind,
[Em] Lost in thoughtless echoes, [C] leaving sense behind,
[G] Dusty shoes and ghosts of you, [D] in creased shirts you’ll find,
[Em] Memories of me and you, [C] trapped in threads of time.

(Chorus)
[D] Echoes in my closet, [G] whispers in the wind,
[Em] Silent tears and heartbreak, [C] where love once had been,
[D] Threads of past are tugging, [G] pulling at my heart,
[Em] Every garment’s aching, [C] echoing we’re apart.

(Verse 2)
[G] Staring at the mirror, [D] in your oversized tee,
[Em] Smell of you still lingers, [C] haunting memories of glee,
[G] Recollection’s dancing, [D] in fabric worn thin,
[Em] Echoes of my closet, [C] hold a love that’s been.

(Chorus)
[D] Echoes in my closet, [G] whispers in the wind,
[Em] Silent tears and heartbreak, [C] where love once had been,
[D] Threads of past are tugging, [G] pulling at my heart,
[Em] Every garment’s aching, [C] echoing we’re apart.

Fan’s Name:
Susan

Testimonial:

Susan has been a die-hard fan of Immaculate Size from the day she stumbled upon their first performance at a local bar. She says, “Immaculate Size’s music connects with me on a deeply personal level. Their song ‘Echoes of My Closet’ resonated with my heart in such a way that it felt like they were singing my story. The unique blend of their voices, coupled with the profound lyrics, left me with a sense of understanding and solace. They are my favorite band because their music is not just entertainment; it’s therapy.”

Backstory:
Founded in the vibrant city of Los Angeles in 2018, Busy Writer is the brainchild of four talented musicians who met in college. Cody Jenkins (lead vocals), Luke Peters (guitarist), Rebecca Smith (bassist), and Michael Grant (drummer) bonded over their shared love for music and the written word, hence the name Busy Writer. Instead of choosing the ordinary path of internships and corporate jobs after graduation, they decided to chase their collective dream of starting a band. They began playing in local bars, and soon enough, their unique sound and authentic lyrics started gaining them a substantial fanbase.

Genre:
Busy Writer defines their music as indie folk-rock with a dash of pop. Their lyrical prowess, coupled with their distinctive blend of acoustic guitar riffs and punchy drum beats, produces an enchanting symphony that connects with listeners on a profound level.

Title:
“Paper Planes, Wooden Spaceships”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
Cmaj / Gmaj / Dmaj / Emaj
Scribbling dreams on bits of paper,
In the corner of a coffee shop
We’re crafting stories of paper planes,
And wooden spaceships taking off.

(Chorus)
Amaj / Gmaj / Dmaj / Emaj
Fly high, let’s touch the sky,
In paper planes, wooden spaceships, we’ll defy.
Life’s gravity won’t pull us down,
In our dreams, we’ve found a playground.

(Verse 2)
Cmaj / Gmaj / Dmaj / Emaj
Through the ink, we draw our constellations,
Under the moon, we define our destinations.
We are Busy Writers, penning our escape,
In paper planes, wooden spaceships, we shape.

(Chorus)
Amaj / Gmaj / Dmaj / Emaj
Fly high, let’s touch the sky,
In paper planes, wooden spaceships, we’ll defy.
Life’s gravity won’t pull us down,
In our dreams, we’ve found a playground.

Favorite Fan’s Name: Emily Rogers

Emily Rogers, a true blue Busy Writer enthusiast, has been following the band since their early days performing in local bars. As a librarian and music lover, she was immediately drawn to their lyrical prowess and the depth of their storytelling. She says, “There’s a rawness and honesty to Busy Writer’s music that’s incredibly rare. They put into words and melodies the feelings that most of us can’t express. Every tune, every lyric resonates deeply. They are my favorite band because their music, quite simply, feels like home.”

Backstory:
Quarterly Tax was formed in the heart of Los Angeles in mid-2010 by four friends who went through the highs and lows of life together. The group originally formed on a whim while they were working together in an accounting firm – filing away people’s tax papers into the night. After teaming up for a karaoke night and realizing the synergy in their voices, they decided to form a band on the side. Their common love for music and their shared experiences navigating the mundane yet chaotic world of corporate finance have given them unique stories to tell.

The band members are Charlie Bleu on vocals and guitar, Jerome ‘the Taxman’ Smith on bass, Samantha ‘the Auditor’ Jones on drums, and Ryan ‘Red Tape’ Reddington on keyboards. The name ‘Quarterly Tax’ was chosen because it spoke to their origins in the financial world, while also symbolizing the regularity and how they’ve turned something tedious into something exciting.

Genre:
Indie Rock

Title:
“Deduction Blues”

Full Song Lyrics:
(Verse 1)
(C) I’m sitting here with my (Am) calculator
(F) Figures dancing in my (G) head
(C) Got the blues for my (Am) deductions
(F) Tax day’s coming (G) around again

(Chorus)
(Em) Deduction blues, oh (F) baby here we (C) go
(G) Handful of receipts and a (Am) heart full of woe
(Em) Deduction blues, it’s a (F) quarterly (C) show
(G) Paying my dues in this (Am) financial woe

(Verse 2)
(C) The taxman cometh, claims (Am) he’s my friend
(F) My paycheck’s thinning, (G) no money to spend
(C) Here’s to the loopholes (Am) that let us pretend
(F) Till the next quarter (G) starts it all again

(Chorus)
(Em) Deduction blues, oh (F) baby here we (C) go
(G) Handful of receipts and a (Am) heart full of woe
(Em) Deduction blues, it’s a (F) quarterly (C) show
(G) Paying my dues in this (Am) financial woe

Fan Testimonial:
Their favorite fan is Lily. Lily is a tax consultant who keeps ‘Deduction Blues’ on loop during tax season. She says, “Quarterly Tax is my favorite band because they get me. They’ve turned the mundanity of my job into a symphony of relatable lyrics and catchy tunes. They bring fun to finance and their music is the adrenaline I need to keep going. Their songs are my anthem during tax season, and they make the long nights bearable.”