Backstory:

Lavish Stop was formed in 2012 when four friends from a small town in Maine found a common interest in creating music that was a departure from their roots, yet still carried the essence of their shared memories and experiences. The group was made up of Phil Dawson (lead vocals and guitar), Isabella Norton (background vocals and bass), Jeremy Jacobson (drums), and Matt Matthews (lead guitar). They each brought their own unique musical influences and together they created a sound that blended the grit of rock and the soft undertones of indie music.

Despite their humble beginnings, their music caught the attention of a scout from an independent music label at one of their local performances and they were soon signed. The band quickly gained a following with their debut album and their popularity grew. As their career progressed, they consistently brought a level of depth and rawness to their music, which continually kept their fans engaged and on their toes.

Genre:
Indie Rock

Title:
Lighthouse in the Storm

Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
G C G
Under the starry night, we used to roam,
Em D C
You and I, we were never alone.
G C G
A lighthouse in the storm, we used to be,
Em D C
Our love was our own sanctuary.

(Chorus)
G D Em
Now I am lost at sea,
C G D
I’ve lost my light, my key.
G D Em
Without you, it’s a ceaseless fight,
C G D
I need you by my side, to make it right.

(Verse 2)
G C G
We used to dance under the moonlit sky,
Em D C
In your arms, I could forever lie.
G C G
The world’s noise, together, we could mute,
Em D C
Our love was a beautiful, everlasting flute.

(Repeat Chorus)

The band’s favorite fan’s name:

Jimmy Brown

Testimonial:

“Since their debut album, I’ve been a hardcore fan of Lavish Stop. Their music speaks to me on a personal level. I feel like they’re able to capture emotions in their songs that I can’t put into words myself. ‘Lighthouse in the Storm’ especially resonates with me, it’s like a personal anthem. Plus, they’re just good people. I’ve met them at a few meet-and-greets and they’re always genuinely interested in their fans. It’s not just about the music for them, it’s about the connection they make with their listeners. That’s why Lavish Stop is my favorite band.”

Backstory:
Formed in a small garage in Seattle, Washington, ‘FALSE Number’ is a group of four high school friends who shared the same passion for music and storytelling. The band consists of lead vocalist and guitarist, Ethan ‘Echo’ Sawyer, bassist, Miles ‘Milo’ King, drummer, Oliver ‘Ollie’ Grey, and keyboardist, Julia ‘Jules’ Rivers. They started out doing small gigs at local bars and school events until they were discovered by a talent scout from a record label who saw their performance at a local music festival. Their journey from playing in their garage to sold out arenas is a testament to their hard work, talent, and dedication to their craft.

Genre:
Alternative Rock

Title:
“Lost in Code”

Verse 1:
[Em] I walk these streets alone and [G] cold,
[D] In a world that’s digital and [A] bold.
[Em] My heart is analog, I’m [G] told,
[D] Lost in code, my story [A] unfolds.

Chorus:
[C] I am a [G] false number in a [D] true world,
[A] Lost in the system, lost like a [Em] pearl.
[C] I’m a misfit, [G] I’m unheard,
[D] I’m a false number in this [A] true world.

Verse 2:
[Em] Binary beats in a heart of [G] stone,
[D] Searching for a signal, feeling [A] alone.
[Em] In a matrix, I’m [G] unknown,
[D] Lost in code, I’m on my [A] own.

Chorus:
[C] I am a [G] false number in a [D] true world,
[A] Lost in the system, lost like a [Em] pearl.
[C] I’m a misfit, [G] I’m unheard,
[D] I’m a false number in this [A] true world.

Fan’s Name:
Sarah Bradley

Testimonial:
“As a software engineer, the lyrics of FALSE Number resonate with me on a different level. Their song “Lost in Code” perfectly depicts the solitary existence in the digital world, the disconnection despite being connected. Their music speaks the language of my soul. It makes me feel seen and understood. FALSE Number doesn’t just provide music, they provide an emotional experience. Their style, their lyrics, their raw passion – it’s something I haven’t found in any other band. They are a true gem in the world of Alternative Rock.”

Backstory:

Rapid Declaration was founded in the coffee-infused, music-driven heartbeat of Seattle in 2012. The band is comprised of lead vocalist, Ben “Fire” Campbell, drummer, Phil “Thunder” Brooks, guitarist Chad “Lightning” Thompson, and bassist, Amy “Earth” Rodriguez – four impassioned artists who met while studying at the University of Washington. Sharing a common love for music, they started jamming in their dorm rooms, eventually leading to impromptu concerts in the hallways. The energy and raw emotion they poured into their music quickly gained them a dedicated following on campus, which eventually spread throughout Seattle and beyond. The name ‘Rapid Declaration’ came about because they felt it perfectly represented their mission – to declare their emotions, thoughts and ideas rapidly through their music.

Genre:

Rapid Declaration is a powerhouse in the alternative rock scene, incorporating elements of punk, grunge, and progressive rock into their sound.

Title:

“Echoes in the Rain”

Full Song Lyrics:

[Verse 1]
Am Em G D
Walking down these familiar streets,
Am Em G D
Under a sky that’s painted gray,
Am Em G D
Your ghost is etched on every corner,
Am Em G D
In the echoes of the rain.

[Chorus]
C G D
Echoes in the rain,
Em C G
Reminding me of pain,
D Em C
Your memory won’t fade away,
G D Em
In the echoes of the rain.

[Verse 2]
Am Em G D
City lights blur through my tears,
Am Em G D
Your laughter still ringing in my ears,
Am Em G D
Our story etched in the city veins,
Am Em G D
In the echoes of the rain.

[Chorus]
C G D
Echoes in the rain,
Em C G
Reminding me of pain,
D Em C
Your love was not in vain,
G D Em
In the echoes of the rain.

Band’s Favorite Fan:

Our favorite fan is a woman named Sarah Thompson, no relation to Chad. Sarah has been with us since our early days, always in the front row at our concerts, come rain or shine. She’s not just a fan, she’s a friend and a part of our story. Sarah says:

“I remember the first time I heard Rapid Declaration in the university hallway. Their raw energy and passion struck a chord with me. Their music is like a roller coaster of emotion – it lifts you, shakes you, and leaves you breathless. It’s been years, and their music still resonates with me. They’re not just a band to me; they’re a part of my life story. I’ve grown with their music, and they’ve never failed to provide a soundtrack for my best and worst times.”

Backstory:
Born out of the vibrant underground music scene of New Orleans, Valid Beggar is composed of four friends who met in college while majoring in different disciplines. Frontman and lead singer, Ethan Lawson, was studying English Literature while lead guitarist, Colin Mitchell, was majoring in Psychology. Bassist, Jared Simmons, was an Astrophysics student, and drummer, Alex Harris, was a Fine Arts major. They all shared a love for music and an affinity for late-night jam sessions in their cramped dorm room, which eventually led to the formation of their band. Inspired by their eclectic backgrounds and varied influences, they started to create a unique blend of music that captured their shared experiences, struggles, and hope.

Genre:
Indie Rock

Song Title:
“Confluence of Stars”

Full Song Lyrics:

Verse 1:
[Am]Underneath the [D]confluence of stars, [G]we found our rhythm,
[C]Lost in dreams and [Am]old guitar strings, [D]echoing our anthem.
[G]Echoes of the past, [C]strumming through the night, [Am]we held on, [D]singing till the light.

Chorus:
[G]We’re the Valid Beggar, [C]no riches in our hands,
[Am]But we got dreams enough to [D]fill the endless sands.
[G]Under the symphony of [C]stars, we strum our hearts,
[Am]Music is our gold, [D]and it sets us apart.

Verse 2:
[Am]Through the struggles, [D]through the highs, [G]our notes became our anchor,
[C]The world may see us beggars, [Am]but we knew we’re [D]valid dreamers.
[G]In every heartbreak, [C]in every joy, [Am]our music was [D]our savior.

Chorus:
[G]We’re the Valid Beggar, [C]lost in the grand design,
[Am]But we got dreams enough to [D]last beyond our time.
[G]Under the symphony of [C]stars, we strum our hearts,
[Am]Music is our gold, [D] and it sets us apart.

Testimonial:
Fan’s Name: Lucy Michaels

Lucy Michaels, a resident of New Orleans, has been following Valid Beggar since their early days. “I fell in love with their music the moment I heard them play at a local bar,” she says. “Their lyrics resonated with me. They capture everything – from the struggle of life, the joy of friendship, to the beauty of dreams. Their music is raw, real, and unapologetically them. To me, Valid Beggar is more than a band, they are a testament to the power of dreams and the strength of friendship. I am a huge fan, and I always will be.”

Backstory:

Defiant Afterthought was birthed in the back alleys of Brooklyn, New York, where four friends, fresh out of high school and brimming with passion for music, found a haven in their shared dingy basement. The group consisted of Alex and Ben, childhood friends and guitar aficionados, Emily on the drums, and the charismatic Jordan as the frontman. Initially, they played for small crowds at local bars and during open mic nights, honing their sounds and developing a loyal local following. Their breakthrough came via a DIY album that went viral on the internet. This online buzz eventually landed them a record deal, propelling them from their basement to sold out shows across the country.

Genre:

Alternative Rock

Title:

“Unbroken Promises”

Full song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
Am G F C
Here we walk in the shadows, lost in our own minds,
Am G F C
Chasing dreams, unbroken promises, leaving all behind,
Am G F C
Underneath the city lights, we found a reason to survive,
Am G F C
In the echoes of yesterday, we learn to thrive.

(Chorus)
Dm Am C G
Unbroken promises, they keep us alive,
Dm Am C G
In the heart of the darkness, they are our dive,
Dm Am C G
Through the storm and the thunder, they are our guide,
Dm Am C G
Unbroken promises, our pride.

(Verse 2)
Am G F C
With every heartbeat, we paint a new day,
Am G F C
And with every sunset, our fears fade away,
Am G F C
We are the dreamers, the warriors of the night,
Am G F C
Unbroken promises, our guiding light.

(Chorus)
Dm Am C G
Unbroken promises, they keep us alive,
Dm Am C G
In the heart of the darkness, they are our dive,
Dm Am C G
Through the storm and the thunder, they are our guide,
Dm Am C G
Unbroken promises, our pride.

(Outro)
Am G F C
And as the dawn breaks, we rise with the sun,
Am G F C
Unbroken promises, our battles won.

Fan Testimonial:

Fan’s name: Lisa Reynolds

“I’ve been a huge fan of Defiant Afterthought ever since I stumbled upon their DIY album online. Their music resonates with me on a deeply personal level. Their song, ‘Unbroken Promises’, in particular, is a constant source of inspiration for me. The lyrics remind me to keep going, to never give up on my dreams, no matter how difficult the path may be. Their passion, determination, and raw talent shine through every note and every word. Defiant Afterthought isn’t just my favourite band; they’re a beacon of hope in my life.”

Backstory:
Tense Theft was formed in a small garage in the heart of Chicago in the winter of 2010. The band members, Corey, Max, and Jenna, were childhood friends who discovered their shared passion for music in high school. After countless jamming sessions and local gigs, their sound evolved into something unique, capturing the hearts of their local community. However, their break came when a video of one of their performances at a local fair went viral, catapulting them into the limelight. Now, Tense Theft is known for their gritty, yet soulful sound, with lyrics that reflect the struggles and triumphs of everyday life.

Genre:
Alternative Rock

Title:
“Shattering Silence”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
[G] Somewhere between the light and shadows, [D]
[Em] We found a place where we could grow, [C]
[G] Chasing dreams on open highways, [D]
[Em] Our hearts beating like a drum show. [C]

(Chorus)
[G] Shattering silence in the dead of night, [D]
[Em] We’re a symphony under the neon light. [C]
[G] Through every joy, and through every strife, [D]
[Em] This is the soundtrack of our life. [C]

(Verse 2)
[G] In this world full of chaos and change, [D]
[Em] In our hearts, we keep a steady beat, [C]
[G] Strumming the chords of a melody, [D]
[Em] That makes us feel alive and free. [C]

(Chorus)
[G] Shattering silence with our roaring sound, [D]
[Em] We are lost, and yet we are found. [C]
[G] Through every joy, and through every strife, [D]
[Em] We give you the soundtrack of our life. [C]

Band’s Favorite Fan:

Our most dedicated fan is undoubtedly Sarah Thompson. A music journalist by profession, Sarah attended one of our early shows by chance and since then, she’s been our biggest supporter. She not only attends our concerts, but also promotes us on her blog and social media. Here’s what she had to say about us:

“From the moment I heard the raw energy and captivating lyrics of Tense Theft, I was hooked. Their music is a refreshing blend of passion and vulnerability, and their performances are nothing short of electrifying. Their songs not only entertain, but also speak directly to the heart. Being a fan of this band isn’t just about loving their music—it’s about being part of a community that believes in the power of friendship, dreams, and perseverance.”

Backstory:

Born out of the creative turmoil of an art school in Portland, Oregon, “Glaring Spot” emerged as a musical anomaly in 2012. Made up of five friends, each with their own distinct artistic background and talent, they began to jam together in a decrepit old basement, their creative juices flowing into the creation of something unique. Their shared love for music and the desire to express their artistic visions culminated in the formation of the band.

The members of “Glaring Spot” include lead vocalist and lyricist, Trina Donovan, guitarist Dexter McLean, bassist Jimmy Walters, drummer Vince Shelton, and keyboardist Alice Ramirez. Over the years, they’ve utilized their different backgrounds – from jazz, blues, and rock – to develop their signature style. In a world that is increasingly genre-bending, “Glaring Spot” is at the forefront, producing music that is uncategorizable yet electrifying.

Genre:

Experimental Indie Rock

Title:

“Moonlit Shadows”

Full Song Lyrics:

Verse 1:
Am F
Moonlit shadows on the wall,
G C
The echo of your laughter in the hall,
Am F
My heart was yours, you held it all,
G C
In your hands, then let it fall.

Chorus:
Em F
Moonlit Shadows, whispers in the night,
C G
Your love was all, my delight.
Am F
Now all that’s left are haunted sights,
G C
Of our love, and moonlit nights.

Verse 2:
Am F
The silence now, it deafens me,
G C
Your absence, a constant misery.
Am F
Through moonlit shadows, I try to flee,
G C
But they hold, your memory.

Chorus:
Em F
Moonlit Shadows, echoes of the past,
C G
Our love was meant, not to last.
Am F
In the shadow’s grip, I am cast,
G C
In moonlit memories, vast.

Band’s Favorite Fan:

Our favorite fan is undoubtedly Kevin “Rusty” Jones. Rusty has been with us right from our humble beginnings in the grungy basement. His unwavering support and enthusiasm have been integral to our journey. He’s attended every show and performance, regardless of the location. His favorite song is “Moonlit Shadows”, saying it resonates with his soul.

Here’s what he says about us, “Glaring Spot is more than just a band for me. Their music is a journey, an exploration of emotions and thoughts that are universally human yet individually distinct. The way their lyrics intertwine with the rhythm is just magical. I can’t imagine my music playlist without them.”

Backstory:

Soft Guarantee, an eclectic mix of childhood friends and self-taught musicians from the small town of Leighton, Pennsylvania, erupted onto the music scene in the mid-2010s. The group of five; Jake, Mitch, Clara, Tim, and Jess, started off playing in their parents’ garages, basements, and local school events. Their unique sound caught the attention of a visiting music producer during a battle of the bands competition at their high school. Their lives took a significant turn as they signed their first record deal right after graduation. Over the years, Soft Guarantee has maintained its essence, delivering soul-stirring tunes that resonate with their fans across the world.

Genre:

Soft Guarantee primarily plays Indie Pop, with a fusion of Synth-pop and bits of New Wave. Their music is characterized by uplifting melodies, layered harmonies, and introspective lyrics.

Song Title:

“Midnight Echoes”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
Am – D – G – C
Underneath the soft moonlight, the world turns quiet and still
In the hush of the midnight, our hearts begin to fill
With echoes of our laughter, and whispers of our dreams
In the silence of the night, louder than it seems

(Chorus)
G – D – Am – C
Midnight echoes, they sing our song
In the silence, where we belong
In the twilight, under the skies so clear
Where the midnight echoes, draw us near

(Verse 2)
Am – D – G – C
In the stillness of the twilight, we find our lonely hearts
Beneath the stars that shine so bright, drawn together, not apart
With echoes of our stories, and murmurs of our fears
In the quiet of the night, only the moon hears

(Chorus)
G – D – Am – C
Midnight echoes, they sing our song
In the hush of the night, where we belong
Underneath the starlight, and the skies so clear
Where the midnight echoes, draw us near

(Outro)
Am – D – G – C
Midnight echoes, under the stars above
In the silence, they sing of our love
With whispers and murmurs, that only we can hear
Where the midnight echoes, draw us near

Favorite Fan:

The band’s favorite fan is a woman named Lily Stevens, a physical therapist from Leighton. She has been following Soft Guarantee since their high school days and has attended every single one of their concerts, locally and internationally. Lily says, “Soft Guarantee isn’t just a band for me, it’s a mood, it’s a feeling. Their music has been there for me through my highs and lows. It’s the soft guarantee of comfort, of understanding, that makes them my favorite. ‘Midnight Echoes’ particularly resonates with me; it’s the soundtrack of my life.”

Backstory:

Paltry Youth was born out of the cramped basements and echoing alleyways of Seattle’s bubbling underground music scene. Comprised of childhood friends, lead singer/guitarist Liam Dale, bassist Max Turner, and drummer Oliver West, the trio found solace in their mutual love for music amidst the tumultuous landscape of their high school years. The band was officially formed in 2013, the name ‘Paltry Youth’ a tongue-in-cheek nod to the members’ self-admittedly average teenage years. With a burning desire to escape the everyday and a shared quirky love for the offbeat, they poured their angst and aspirations into their music, quickly gaining a following in the local scene.

Their momentum on the local circuit caught the attention of indie record label ‘Offbeat Echoes’, and they released their debut album, ‘Riotous Silence’, in 2016. The album was a smashing success, earning rave reviews for its raw energy, palpable emotion, and refreshing authenticity, solidifying Paltry Youth’s position as one of the most promising up-and-coming bands in the indie rock scene.

Genre:

Indie Rock

Title:

“Washed Out Dreams”

Full song lyrics (Verse, Chorus):

(Verse 1)
Em G D A
Late nights and broken hearts,
Em G D A
Dreams spun from the start.
Em G D A
City lights, they burn so bright,
Em G D A
Beacon in our endless night.

(Chorus)
Em G D A
Washed out dreams, in monochrome streams
Em G D A
Running wild, like unruly teens.
Em G D A
Shattered hopes, in dappled sunbeams,
Em G D A
We find solace, in washed-out dreams.

(Verse 2)
Em G D A
Street signs, and fleeting time,
Em G D A
Memories etched into grime.
Em G D A
Concrete rhythm, silent rhyme,
Em G D A
In the cacophony, we find our prime.

(Chorus)
Em G D A
Washed out dreams, in monochrome streams,
Em G D A
Running wild, like unruly teens.
Em G D A
Shattered hopes, in dappled sunbeams,
Em G D A
We find solace, in washed-out dreams.

Favorite fan:

Their favorite fan is Amelia Rodgers, an art student from New York. Amelia discovered their music during her sophomore year at NYU, during a particularly challenging time in her life. Their music resonated with her, providing a comforting soundtrack to her struggles. She has been to every one of their concerts within a 200-mile radius of NYC and has a tattoo of their album cover on her arm.

Amelia’s testimonial: “Paltry Youth’s music is raw, real, and refreshingly authentic. Their relatable lyrics and unique sound provide a sense of companionship when you feel alone. They’re not just a band to me; they’re a lifeline. Their music has seen me through some of my darkest days, and for that, they will always be my favorite.”

Backstory:

Vital Gender was born in the heart of San Francisco’s music scene, a quartet of old souls with a thirst for classic rock and roll with modern twists. The band comprises of lead vocalist Evan O’Sullivan, the charismatic frontman with a gift for writing catchy hooks, bassist and backing vocalist Lily D’Souza, the backbone with a voice that can melt hearts, guitarist Jack ‘Riffmaster’ Murphy, a maestro whose fingers weave musical magic, and drummer Max ‘The Thunderbolt’ Thompson, renowned for his thunderous drumming style. The band members met at a small gig in SF and found a shared love for music that transcends time, styles, and genres. Their journey started in 2013, and since then, they’ve held their heads high against the tide of synthesized pop, carrying the torch for the rock of yesteryears while injecting a much-needed dose of present-day realism and energy.

Genre:

Rock, with influences of Pop/Rock, Punk, and Indie

Title:

“Rising Sun”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
[Em] Waking up to the [G] sight of a rising [D] sun,
[A] Dreams of yesterday, [Em] feeling like I’ve just begun.
[Em] Chasing shadows and [G] running from the [D] past,
[A] Time is fleeting, [Em] but we’re gonna make it last.

(Chorus)
[C] Rising sun, [G] guide us on our way,
[D] To the unknown, [Em] where dreams may lay.
[C] Through the storm, [G] in the darkest night,
[D] We’ll keep chasing [Em] the light.

(Verse 2)
[Em] Lost in the city that [G] never sleeps,
[D] A sea of faces, [A] promises to keep.
[Em] Racing heartbeats, [G] echoes in the [D] night,
[A] We’re lost, then found, [Em] in the morning light.

(Chorus)
[C] Rising sun, [G] show us the way,
[D] Through the struggles, [Em] come what may.
[C] In this world, [G] so cold and bright,
[D] We’ll keep chasing [Em] the light.

(Bridge)
[C] In the silence, [G] we’ll find our voice,
[D] In the chaos, [Em] we’ll make our choice.
[C] With the rising sun, [G] we’re taking flight,
[D] We’re not just surviving, [Em] we’re living in the light.

(Chorus)
[C] Rising sun, [G] on this brand-new day,
[D] In the love, the loss, [Em] in the words we say.
[C] As we journey on, [G] with all our might,
[D] We’ll keep chasing, [Em] chasing the light.

The band’s favorite fan’s name:

Testimonial – Sarah, from Portland

“I’ve been a fan of Vital Gender since their early days. Their music speaks volumes about real-life experiences, dreams, and emotions. It’s raw, authentic, and absolutely magnetic. I have seen them grow as a band and individuals, and their music has been a constant source of inspiration for me. I love how they’ve stuck to their roots yet continue to experiment and evolve. It’s not just their music, but who they are as people, their journey that makes them my favorite. Their song ‘Rising Sun’ especially has been an anthem for me, reminding me always to look forward and chase my dreams, no matter what.”