Backstory:

Damaged Option was born in the grungy underbelly of Seattle’s music scene in 2003. The band, comprised of lead vocalist/guitarist Jack Harrison, bassist Lara Tracey, and drummer Freddie Kellerman, came together through a shared love of edgy, raw, and emotionally charged music. Their journey from performing in dingy basements to selling out amphitheaters has been a wild ride, fueled by their relentless passion for music, and a deep connection with their fans. For Damaged Option, making music isn’t about fame or fortune, but expressing their inner turmoil, hopes, and dreams.

Genre:

Alternative Rock/Post-Grunge.

Title:

“Bleeding Colors.”

Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
C G Am Em
In a world that’s black and white,
F C G
I’m just trying to survive,
C G Am Em
Conversations in my head,
F C G
Past mistakes are left unsaid.

(Chorus)
Am Em F C
I’m bleeding colors,
G Am F C
Lost among the others,
Am Em F C
In the mirror I discover,
G Am F C
A soul that’s like no other.

(Verse 2)
C G Am Em
In the crowd, a faceless name,
F C G
Life’s a brutal, endless game,
C G Am Em
In the shadows, I take cover,
F C G
My true self, I rediscover.

(Chorus)
Am Em F C
I’m bleeding colors,
G Am F C
Lost among the others,
Am Em F C
In the mirror I discover,
G Am F C
A soul that’s like no other.

Favorite Fan:

Sarah Matthews is Damaged Option’s favorite fan. She’s been with them since their early basement gig days. Sarah says, “Damaged Option is my favorite band, not just because their music is incredibly powerful and raw, but because they connect with their fans on a deeply personal level. Every song resonates with my experiences, and it feels like they’re speaking directly to me. Their music has been a constant source of strength and comfort through my ups and downs. They’re not just a band, but a community. And I feel proud to be a part of it.”

Backstory:

Formed in the basement of a defunct bank in New York City in 2009, Authorized Banking is an edgy band composed of four former bankers turned musicians. Lead vocalist, Johnny “Cash Flow” Perkins, rhythm guitarist, Sammy “Interest” Norton, bassist, Benny “Bond” Miller, and drummer, Tommy “Trust” Anderson, met while working on Wall Street during the financial crisis. After losing their jobs due to the crisis, the four found solace and artistic expression in music. They used their shared experiences as bankers to write songs that offer raw and insightful commentary on society, greed, power, and the human condition. The band was initially a form of therapy and catharsis but quickly gained traction on the local scene due to their unique sound and perspective.

Genre:

Authorized Banking can be classified under the ‘Alternative Rock’ genre, with an undertone of ‘Progressive Punk’. They are known for their high-energy performances and lyrics that often expose the inner workings of the financial industry, making them a unique voice in the Rock genre.

Title:

“Golden Parachute”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
[Em] I used to wear a [Bm] suit and tie,
[Am] Chasing numbers, reaching [C] sky high.
[Em] Dreams of gold and [Bm] diamond rings,
[Am] Fell apart like [C] broken strings.

(Chorus)
[G] Golden parachute, [D] where are you now?
[Am] I’m falling fast, don’t [C] know how.
[G] Golden parachute, [D] lost in the sky,
[Am] Left me here alone to [C] cry.

(Verse 2)
[Em] Towers of glass, [Bm] hearts of stone,
[Am] In the race for wealth, [C] we’re all alone.
[Em] Power games and [Bm] secret deals,
[Am] They don’t care how [C] anyone feels.

(Chorus)
[G] Golden parachute, [D] where are you now?
[Am] I’m falling fast, don’t [C] know how.
[G] Golden parachute, [D] lost in the sky,
[Am] Left me here alone to [C] cry.

(Outro)
[Em] As the sun sets, [Bm] on our dreams,
[Am] Nothing’s ever, [C] what it seems.
[Em] And the system, [Bm] it’s a lie,
[Am] Sold us all a [C] damn goodbye.

Fan Testimonial:

“My name is Jill and I am a massive fan of Authorized Banking! I find their music incredibly relatable, especially as someone who has also worked in the finance industry. Their song ‘Golden Parachute’ speaks directly to my experiences and emotions during the financial crisis. Their raw and insightful lyrics, coupled with their infectious energy, make them a band like no other. I’ve been to every one of their shows in the tri-state area. Their honesty and authenticity is refreshing, they’re not just a band to me, they’re a voice for all of us who felt the impact of those challenging times.”

Backstory:

Hard-To-Find Master was born from the collaboration of four childhood friends: Anna, Jake, Mason, and Cassie. Growing up together in the bustling city of Chicago, their shared love for music was the glue that held their friendship together. They spent their after-school hours jamming in their parents’ garages, and eventually decided to take their passion to the professional level. After completing their studies, they formed the band, Hard-To-Find Master, in 2010. The name, according to the group, reflects their journey of self-discovery and the arduous process of refining their sound.

The band quickly gained local fame, becoming a staple act at local bars and music festivals. Their sound was unique, seamlessly blending various genres, and their lyrics were deeply personal, resonating with a wide range of listeners. It wasn’t long before Hard-To-Find Master caught the attention of a renowned music producer. They signed with a major label in 2015, and their star has only been on the rise ever since.

Genre:
Alternative Rock

Title:
“Uncharted Journeys”

Full Song Lyrics:

[Verse 1]
Am G
Wandering through the labyrinth of life,
F Am
Searching for a source of light,
G Am
We are the seekers of unfiltered truth,
F G
Though it’s hard, we keep pushing through.

[Chorus]
C G Am
Uncharted journeys, unending nights,
F C G
In the darkness, we find our light.
C G Am
Hard-To-Find Master, our quest is real,
F C G
In the end, it’s how we feel.

[Verse 2]
Am G
In the chaos of existence,
F Am
We find resilience and persistence,
G Am
Our melodies arise from the deepest core,
F G
Singing louder than ever before.

[Chorus]
C G Am
Uncharted journeys, unending nights,
F C G
In the chaos, we find our might,
C G Am
Hard-To-Find Master, our journey’s end,
F C G
Is just another place to begin.

The Band’s Favorite Fan:
The band’s favorite fan is Sarah Thompson.

Testimonial:

Sarah has been a dedicated follower of Hard-To-Find Master ever since their first gig at a local Chicago bar. Sarah states, “I fell in love with their sound the moment I heard them. Their music has seen me through some really tough times. The lyrics of their songs like ‘Uncharted Journeys’ speak to me on a personal level. It’s like they’re telling my life story. I’ve been to every one of their concerts in the city and even traveled out of state to see them perform. Hard-To-Find Master is my favorite band because their music is real, raw, and resonates with my soul.”

Backstory:

‘Phony Soldier’ is a band formed in the heartland of Nashville, Tennessee. The band members include lead vocalist and guitarist Clark Thompson, drummer and backing vocalist Adam James, bass guitarist Mike Johnson, and keyboardist and vocalist Sarah Mitchell. The band was born out of a college dorm room where the four friends would often jam together, creating a unique blend of sounds. They were all misfits in their own right, but music was their common language and escape. The band’s name ‘Phony Soldier’ is a metaphor for their journey, symbolizing their fight against societal norms and the artificiality they experienced in the modern world.

Genre:

Alternative Rock / Country

Title:

“Shadows in the Spotlight”

Full song lyrics:

(Verse 1)
[G] Walking down the [D] lonely road
[Em] Tired of carrying [C] this heavy load
[G] We’ve got no medals, no [D] stars to show
[Em] Just a couple of [C] misfits on the go

(Chorus)
[C] We are the [G] phony soldiers
[D] Shadows in the [Em] spotlight,
[C] Fighting the war [G] against the world
[D] With music as our [Em] might.

(Verse 2)
[G] Broken dreams and [D] shattered hearts
[Em] Trying hard to [C] make a fresh start
[G] We are the poets, [D] we are the fools
[Em] Turning sorrow [C] into tunes.

(Chorus)
[C] We are the [G] phony soldiers
[D] Shadows in the [Em] spotlight,
[C] Fighting the war [G] against the world
[D] With music as our [Em] might.

Favorite Fan’s Name & Testimonial:

“I’m Jenny, a 23-year-old college student. The first time I heard ‘Phony Soldier’, they were performing at a local bar in Nashville. Their music spoke to me, it was raw and real. I felt like they were singing my story. Every string strummed and drumbeat resonated with the struggles I was going through. Their song ‘Shadows in the Spotlight’ became my anthem. I’ve followed them ever since, attended all their concerts, and even started a fan club. I love ‘Phony Soldier’ because they are authentic and their music carries a powerful message. They are not just musicians, they are storytellers. And I am forever grateful to them for sharing their stories and helping me through my own.”

Backstory:

Submissive Identity is a group of four misfits from various parts of the United States who met in the grungy underbellies of LA’s music scene. Each member was struggling to make their mark as a solo artist until a chance encounter at a dive bar open mic night revealed their shared experiences and artistic vision. Coming from different cultures and backgrounds, they found unity in their mutual struggle against societal norms and expectations, thus forming the band Submissive Identity. Their music has become a rallying cry for those fighting against the constraints of identity, encouraging listeners to embrace their individuality.

Genre:

Submissive Identity primarily falls under the Alternative Rock genre, but their music incorporates elements of Post-Punk and Indie Rock as well – creating a unique, gritty, and raw sound.

Title:

“One Blink Rebellion”

Full Song Lyrics:

Verse 1:
[Am]Waking from a dream, [F]lost in the routine, [C]chained by common scenes, [G]how it’s always been.
[Dm]Chasing after ghosts, [Am]voices from the coast, [F]echoes of a toast, [G]to when we were most.

Chorus:
[Am]In one blink, [G]we start a rebellion, [F]break the chains of [C]submissive identity,
[Dm]Tear down the walls, let’s [Am]rewrite the story, [F]sing the anthem of [G]our own glory.

Verse 2:
[Am]Eyes wide open now, [F]to the chaos, the howl, [C]lost in the crowd, [G]yet standing proud.
[Dm]In the mirror we stare, [Am]at our battle wear, [F]knowing life isn’t fair, [G]but we dare.

Chorus:
[Am]With one blink, [G]we continue the rebellion, [F]free from the confines of [C]submissive identity,
[Dm]Stand on the edge, let’s [Am]live the story, [F]be the heroes of [G]our own glory.

Favorite Fan:

Their favorite fan is a guy named Tim from Missouri. Tim discovered Submissive Identity when he was grappling with his own identity and societal pressures. In their music, he found solace and the courage to embrace his true self. He’s seen them live 20 times, follows them on every social platform, and even has a tattoo of their logo.

Tim’s Testimonial:

“Submissive Identity is more than a band to me. Their music is a lifeline, a beacon in the dark. It’s raw, real, and it resonates with my soul. I feel seen, understood, and valued when I listen to their songs. They’ve given me the strength to stand up against the societal norms that were suffocating me and embrace my true identity. Their music is the soundtrack of my rebellion, and I will forever be a fan.”

Backstory:
Pristine Thing, a music group of four college friends, emerged from the bustling city of Seattle in 2013. The band initially experimented with their music during their college days, playing in talent shows and local gigs until their unique sound began to take shape. Charlie, on vocals and guitar, Jake, on drums, and Ben and Mia, on keyboard and bass respectively, found a shared passion for music that blended the lines between tradition and innovation. They started off recording their music in a makeshift studio in their college dorm room and it was their uniquely enchanting sound that eventually led them to sign a deal with a major record label.

Genre:
Indie Pop with an Electronic edge

Title:
“Echoes of Yesterday”

Full song lyrics:

Verse 1:
[Am] Wandering the silent streets,
[G] Echoes of yesterday on repeat.
[F] Our shadows danced in candlelight,
[Em] In a love story that felt so right.

Chorus:
[Am] Now I stand under neon rain,
[G] Where love was pristine, now stands pain.
[F] Memories wrapped in strains of a song,
[Em] Echoes of yesterday, all night long.

Verse 2:
[Am] Pictures frozen in time, they gleam,
[G] Silhouettes of a pristine dream.
[F] Your laughter, our midnight talks,
[Em] Resonate in the city blocks.

Chorus:
[Am] Now I roam under the clouded moon,
[G] The melody plays our silent tune.
[F] Echoes of yesterday, they belong,
[Em] To the rhythm of a love song gone wrong.

End:
[Am] The echoes of yesterday, they persist,
[G] In the love that time couldn’t resist.
[F] A pristine thing, our love was so,
[Em] Now it’s just an echo, echo, echo.

Favorite Fan:
Sarah, a bookshop owner from their hometown, is Pristine Thing’s favorite fan. She says, “I remember the first time I saw them play at a local bar. Their unique blend of indie pop with electronic undertones was so refreshing. I’ve been hooked ever since. It’s the way their lyrics speak to you, it’s like they’re telling your life story, making you feel less alone. Their music has been an escape for me during the most challenging times. They are my favorite not only because their music speaks to my soul, but also because they’ve stayed true to their roots even after achieving success. Pristine Thing forever!”

Backstory:
Born into a sleepy Midwest town, the four members of Dizzy Boot met at the local high school marching band, where they discovered their common ground in their love for music and their mutual sense of not quite fitting in with the rest of the town. The bond they formed eventually led them to break away from the marching band and form their own musical outfit, blending a variety of musical influences into a sound all their own.

The band spent many a sleepless night in their parents’ garages and basements, practicing until they perfected their unique sound. They started out playing at local fairs and school talent shows, eventually catching the attention of a small-time music producer vacationing in their town. Impressed by their raw talent and original sound, he offered them a record deal. And thus, Dizzy Boot gained a stepping stone to bigger stages, taking their unconventional sound beyond the confines of their small town.

Genre:
Alternative Rock with a hint of country twang

Title:
“Midnight Whiskey Dreams”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
Am
Grabbed my boots, hit the road, under a sky of stars and dreams,
C
In the quiet of the night, we danced to our own beat.
G
With the moon as our spotlight, and the wind in our hair,
D
We whispered promises in the dark, like a midnight prayer.

(Chorus)
Am
Midnight Whiskey Dreams, under a sky so wide,
C
In the heart of the night, where our secrets reside.
G
Two hearts beating in rhythm, to the tune of a silent song,
D
In our Midnight Whiskey Dreams, where we truly belong.

(Verse 2)
Am
In the hush of the twilight, we held our breath,
C
In the magic of the moonlight, we made our secret pact.
G
With the stars as our witness, we made a vow,
D
In the silence of the night, we found our bow.

(Chorus)
Am
Midnight Whiskey Dreams, under the sky so blue,
C
With the night as our canvas, we painted a love so true.
G
In the heart of the darkness, we found our light,
D
In our Midnight Whiskey Dreams, we found our flight.

Fan Testimonial:
“My name is Alice Moore. I’ve been a fan of Dizzy Boot ever since I first heard ‘Midnight Whiskey Dreams’ on the radio. There’s something about their lyrics that just resonates with me on a deep level. They manage to capture the rawness and beauty of life in a way that I’ve never seen before. Plus, their ability to mix alternative rock with a hint of country twang is just incredible. I’ve been to all their concerts in the city and every time they take the stage, it feels like a magical experience. For me, Dizzy Boot isn’t just a band, they’re a lifeline.”

Backstory:
Afraid Garden was formed in the dusky streets of Portland, Oregon in the early spring of 2012. Comprising of four childhood friends – frontman and guitarist Noah Harper, bassist and backing vocalist Archie Bell, drummer Eli Foster, and keyboardist and percussionist Madison Blake – the band came together as a way to escape the monotony and trials of everyday life. They found solace in music, creating an indie-rock sound that resonated with the hearts of their listeners. Their music, deeply rooted in personal experiences and emotions, was a reflection of their collective journey through life.

Genre:
Indie Rock

Title:
“Caged in Daisies”

Full Song Lyrics & Chord Progression:

Verse 1: (E minor, C, G, D)
(Eminor) On daisy fields, we made a (C) fortress strong,
(G) Blown by the wind, our dreams were (D) not too long.
(Eminor) But time, it changes (C) paths so unknown,
(G) Now we’re caged in daisies, (D) finding ways to be grown.

Chorus: (G, D, A minor, C)
(G) Caged in daisies, our hearts lost in (D) reverie.
(Aminor) Miles from the garden, we’re (C) captives in an open sea.
(G) Here in the echoes, we find our (D) solace and song,
(Aminor) Afraid Garden, the place where (C) we belong.

Verse 2: (E minor, C, G, D)
(Eminor) Sunsets we chased, (C) slipped through our hands,
(G) Star-lit hopes, like shifting (D) sands.
(Eminor) We’ve grown up with (C) roots beneath our feet,
(G) Caged in daisies, life’s (D) bittersweet.

Repeat Chorus: (G, D, A minor, C)
(G) Caged in daisies, our hearts lost in (D) reverie.
(Aminor) Miles from the garden, we’re (C) captives in an open sea.
(G) Here in the echoes, we find our (D) solace and song,
(Aminor) Afraid Garden, the place where (C) we belong.

Favorite Fan:
Their biggest fan’s name is Emily Jensen. She has been following Afraid Garden since their obscure beginning, attending every concert and purchasing every album. Emily testifies, “Afraid Garden isn’t just a band to me, they’re a source of inspiration. Their music is like a mirror that reflects my own experiences and emotions. Listening to their songs, I feel seen and understood. Their authenticity and raw emotion make them stand apart and that’s why they’re my absolute favorite.”

Backstory:

Untidy Sock was born from the remnants of a rock band that had disbanded years ago. Hailing from Liverpool, the three members, lead vocalist and guitarist Jake, bassist Max, and drummer Billy, found themselves reunited at an old bandmate’s wedding in 2015. Reminiscing about the old times, they decided to pick up their instruments again but this time, with a completely new sound and approach to music. They wanted to create something that extended beyond the stereotypes of their previous band, something that was more them – unpolished, spontaneous, and fun. Thus, Untidy Sock was born.

Their first album, “Mismatched Melodies,” was self-produced and released in the small garage-turned-studio in Jake’s backyard. Despite their limited resources, the album’s raw authenticity and unique sound managed to create a buzz in the local music scene. A combination of their wit, their rebellious spirit, and the undeniable chemistry between them gave birth to songs that were full of life, even in their untidiness.

Genre:

Indie Rock

Title:

“Lost in the Laundry”

Full Song Lyrics:

[Verse]
Em G
Wake up in the morning, feeling all the same,
D A
Tomorrow’s just a rerun, played in yesterday’s game.
Em G
Tired and torn, like an untidy sock,
D A
Lost in the laundry, running against the clock.

[Chorus]
C G
I’m just a sock, mismatched and worn,
D A
Lost in the spin, in a world that’s torn.
C G
Searching for my pair, in the heap so high,
D A
In this laundry pile, under the open sky.

[Verse]
Em G
Dreams are like the lint, that clings on to me,
D A
Stuck in the whirlwind, longing to be free.
Em G
Threadbare hopes, and colours that fade,
D A
In the washer’s rumble, promises are made.

[Chorus]
C G
I’m just a sock, lost and alone,
D A
In the spin cycle, where dreams are overthrown.
C G
But I’ll find my pair, in this chaos I’ll thrive,
D A
In the laundry of life, I’ll strive to survive.

Favorite Fan:

Their favorite fan is a woman named Mandy, who first heard them at a small gig in a local pub. She fell in love with their music instantly and has been their most ardent supporter ever since. Mandy says, “Untidy Sock’s music speaks to me on a level that no other band has. The rawness, the realness, it echoes my own life. Their songs are like the soundtrack to my existence, a beautiful mess and a constant struggle to find order in chaos. They remind me it’s okay to be ‘untidy’, to be human, and to keep searching for my own pair in the laundry pile of life.”

Backstory:

Electric Chair was born in the heart of the gritty streets of Detroit, Michigan. Comprised of four childhood friends, Jake “Thunder” Thompson on vocals, Gary “Lightning” Lewis on lead guitar, Stan “Storm” Edwards on bass, and Pete “Cyclone” Carter on drums, the band was formed in their high school days. They started out performing in their parents’ garages, local bars, and eventually moved on to the city’s underground music scene. Inspired by the raw energy of the city and their rebellious spirit, the band developed a unique sound that resonated with the disenchanted youth of their generation.

The four friends experienced a meteoric rise to fame after their debut album, “Jolt of Justice”, caught the attention of a prominent recording label. While their journey to stardom was not without its trials and tribulations, the band has always stayed true to their roots, using their music as an outlet to challenge societal norms and inspire their fans to do the same.

Genre:

Electric Chair’s music is best described as a fusion of hard rock and punk, with a sprinkling of blues. Their sound is characterized by heavy guitar riffs, intense drumming, and raw, passionate vocals.

Title:

“One Way Ride”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse)
[Em] They say life’s a [G] journey, [D] no destination in [A] sight,
[Em] Just endless [G] highways, under [D] the moon’s pale [A] light.
[Em] We’re all just [G] passengers, on this [D] one-way ride, [A]
[Em] No turning [G] back, no place to [D] hide. [A]

(Chorus)
[C] One way ride, [G] no place to hide,
[D] Living fast, [A] till we’ve died.
[C] One way ride, [G] on this wild tide,
[D] With the electric [A] chair, we collide.

(Verse)
[Em] The city’s [G] heartbeat, echoes [D] in our souls, [A]
[Em] We play the [G] music, but it’s [D] you who make it [A] whole.
[Em] In this wild [G] journey, we share our [D] stories untold, [A]
[Em] With a burning [G] spirit, in a world so [D] cold. [A]

(Chorus)
[C] One way ride, [G] no place to hide,
[D] Living fast, [A] till we’ve died.
[C] One way ride, [G] on this wild tide,
[D] With the electric [A] chair, we collide.

Fan’s Name and Testimonial:

Fan’s Name: Tommy “Revolt” Richardson

Testimonial: “Electric Chair isn’t just a band for me, it’s a lifestyle! Their unapologetic spirit and raw energy resonate with me. Their music has been the soundtrack to my life, giving me strength during hard times, and making the good times even better. I’ve followed them from their garage gigs to their sold-out stadium tours, and their authenticity has never wavered. Their song ‘One Way Ride’ fuels my rebellious spirit and inspires me to face life head-on. For me, Electric Chair is more than a band, they’re a beacon of resistance in a conformist world.”