Backstory:

In the grungy underground scene of Seattle in the late 1990s, Illiterate Murder was born. The band’s five members – Alex “Raven” Rave, Jimmy “Jinx” Jones, Michael “Maelstrom” Malley, Ricky “Riff” Rafferty, and Sam “Stryker” Strike – were all outcasts in their own right, drawn together by their shared love of music and chaos. They found solace in their union, their collective energy producing a sound that was as raw and rebellious as their own lives. Illiterate Murder started playing in dingy bars and underground parties, slowly building a devoted fanbase with their unapologetic attitude and electrifying performances.

In 2002, their breakthrough came. They were discovered by a record label scout at one of their underground gigs and signed on the spot. Since then, Illiterate Murder has been a relentless force in the music industry, consistently delivering hard-hitting music that captures the essence of their rebellious spirit and resonates with their dedicated fan base.

Genre:

Illiterate Murder’s music is a unique blend of punk rock, grunge, and heavy metal.

Song Title:

“Riotous Reverie”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
[G] Down in the city where the [D] shadows lie,
[Em] A symphony of chaos, [C] under the neon sky.
[G] Dreamers and rebels, we’re [D] all the same,
[Em] Living on the edge, [C] in this riotous game.

(Chorus)
[G] Wake up, [D] it’s a riotous reverie,
[Em] Under the city lights, [C] we are truly free.
[G] Raise your voice, [D] let them hear our cry,
[Em] We won’t be silenced, [C] under the neon sky.

(Verse 2)
[G] We’re the voice of the unheard, [D] the rebellious breed,
[Em] In this wild jungle, [C] we’re a different seed.
[G] We fight, we scream, we [D] break the chains,
[Em] In this riotous reverie, [C] we’ll never be tamed.

(Chorus)
[G] Wake up, [D] it’s a riotous reverie,
[Em] Under the city lights, [C] we are truly free.
[G] Raise your voice, [D] let them hear our cry,
[Em] We won’t be silenced, [C] under the neon sky.

Testimonial:

Favorite Fan – Billy ‘Bolt’ Bolton

“I’ve been following Illiterate Murder since their early days, playing in rundown bars to a crowd of twenty. Their music speaks to me in a way nothing else does. It’s raw, unfiltered, and brutally honest – just like life itself. They’ve given a voice to people like me, who feel sidelined and misunderstood. These guys are not just my favorite band, they’re my heroes. I’m proud to be part of the Illiterate Murder family.”

Backstory:
Born from the restless spirit of small-town Wisconsin, “Dear Name” is a four-piece band that found their voice in the heart of America’s Midwest. The band members – Tom (lead vocals and guitar), Nick (bass and backing vocals), Jeff (drums), and Larry (keyboard and saxophone) – have known each other since high school. Their shared love for music and the need to express their feelings and thoughts led them to form the band in 2010. “Dear Name” was chosen as a tribute to all the unnamed individuals who strive and toil in the shadow, yet shape our world in their unique ways.

Genre:
Indie Rock/Alternative

Title:
“Sunset Silhouettes”

Song lyrics:

(Verse 1)
[C] Underneath the [G] crimson skies,
[Am] There you stand, [Em] right by my side.
[C] Hand in hand, we [G] watch the light,
[Am] Fade into [Em] the night.

(Chorus)
[F] Sunset Silhouettes, [C] love’s silhouette,
[G] Tracing tales in the [Am] dusky light.
[F] Underneath the [C] stars, near yet so [G] far,
[Am] We dance in the [Em] arms of the night.

(Verse 2)
[C] Shadows merge, [G] stories merge,
[Am] Words unspoken, [Em] feelings surge.
[C] In the twilight, [G] we become,
[Am] Echoes of [Em] the setting sun.

(Repeat Chorus)
[F] Sunset Silhouettes, [C] love’s silhouette,
[G] Tracing tales in the [Am] dusky light.
[F] Underneath the [C] stars, near yet so [G] far,
[Am] We dance in the [Em] arms of the night.

Fan’s Testimonial:
“My name is Lisa, and I can honestly say that “Dear Name” is my favorite band. Their music, especially “Sunset Silhouettes,” speaks to my soul. I’ve been a loyal fan since their first gig in our town’s community center. Their songs have a unique way of capturing the essence of everyday struggles and turning them into something beautiful and inspiring. My favorite part about “Dear Name” is their authenticity, both in their music and their interactions with fans. They always take time after shows to meet and chat with fans, making us feel like we’re part of their musical journey.”

Backstory:

Incomparable End is a group of musicians who met during their time in high school in Akron, Ohio. Having started out as a garage band, they gained popularity in their local community with their unique sound and evocative lyrics. Their rising fame earned them a spot in a local music festival where they caught the attention of a seasoned producer who saw the potential in them. After signing a record deal, the band relocated to LA to take their music to the big stage. The band took their name ‘Incomparable End’ from an intense conversation they had about life’s impermanence and the ambition to make a lasting impact with their music.

Genre:

Incomparable End’s music can be categorized under Alternative Rock with elements of Indie, Pop and Punk.

Title:

One of Incomparable End’s most popular songs is “Eclipsed Memories”.

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
Am – C – G – D
Living in the shadows of our yesterday,
Dancing in the echoes, in an aimless ballet,
We painted a picture, in colors so rare,
Now it’s just a canvas, in need of repair.

(Chorus)
E – G – D
Eclipsed Memories, in the rearview mirror,
Fading whispers, of what was once clearer,
In this recursion, we find our light,
In the remnants of day, and the onset of night.

(Verse 2)
Am – C – G – D
Drifting through the echoes of our forgotten dreams,
We’re not what we were, we’re not what it seems,
Washed up desires, on the shores of time,
We’re chasing the horizon, in an endless climb.

(Chorus)
E – G – D
Eclipsed Memories, in the rearview mirror,
Fading whispers, of what was once clearer,
In this recursion, we find our light,
In the remnants of day, and the onset of night.

Fan’s Name and Testimonial:

Alice Martin – “Incomparable End’s music is my lifeblood. I’ve been a huge fan since their early days in Akron. I remember watching them perform at local festivals and being completely blown away by their energy and unique sound. Their song ‘Eclipsed Memories’ got me through some tough times in my life. It’s a raw expression of human experience, and it resonates with me on so many levels. This band is a testament to the power of music and the potential it has to move people.”

Backstory:
In 2014, a garage band ironically named ‘Marvelous Pail’ was formed in the small town of Middletown, Connecticut. The band’s odd name came from an old rusted pail they found in their first rehearsal space, which they used as an impromptu drum. The band consists of four childhood friends – lead vocalist and guitarist Paul, drummer Rick, bassist Ben, and keyboardist Tommy. With a shared passion for music and a dream of making it big, they started off playing in small local gigs, capturing hearts with their soulful music and down-to-earth personalities. Over time, their popularity grew, and ‘Marvelous Pail’ became a local sensation, bringing listeners a unique blend of music that resonates with varying emotions and experiences.

Genre:
Indie Rock

Song Title:
“Colors of the Rain”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
[G] Look at the colors of the rain [Em]
[C] Falling down, washing all the pain [D]
[G] Listen to the rhythm, it’s our tune [Em]
[C] Underneath the silver moon [D]

(Chorus)
[G] We’re painting with the colors of the rain [Em]
[C] Dancing in the puddles, no more pain [D]
[G] When life gets heavy, we won’t refrain [Em]
[C] We’ll keep dancing in the colors of the rain [D]

(Verse 2)
[G] See the world in a different light [Em]
[C] Every drop whispers a different night [D]
[G] In our hearts, a rainbow we contain [Em]
[C] With every splash, we break the chain [D]

(Repeat Chorus)

(Bridge)
[Am] When the skies turn gray [G]
[C] We’ll chase the clouds away [D]
[Am] With a melody that sways [G]
[C] In the colors of the rain [D]

(Repeat Chorus x2)

Fan Testimonial:
Fan’s Name: Jenny Hart
“I first discovered ‘Marvelous Pail’ at a local pub in Middletown. They have a unique sound that’s hard to come by these days. Their song ‘Colors of the Rain’ is my absolute favorite. I feel like it speaks directly to me, reminding me to find beauty and hope even during the toughest times. In a strange way, their music has been a source of comfort for me. I’ve seen them play live multiple times and each experience is better than the last. ‘Marvelous Pail’ is not just my favorite band because of their music, but also because they’re genuine, talented, and humble. They’re not just a band to me, they’re like family.”

Backstory:
“Different Navy” was formed in 2004 in the bustling city of Seattle. The four members, lead vocalist and guitarist Alex Ray, bassist Sam Foster, drummer Miles Keller, and keyboardist Jenny Song, met at a local music shop, each drawn in by the others’ unique taste in music. They quickly discovered a shared passion for creating a fresh, bold sound that challenges conventional music norms. After experimenting in Alex’s garage for a year, they emerged with a style entirely their own and a band name inspired by their shared love for the sea and desire to stand out from the masses.

Genre:
Alternative Rock with a touch of Electronic Pop

Title:
“Underneath the Waves”

Full Song Lyrics:

Verse:
(Em) Sailing through the (D) night, (C) lost without a (G) light
(Em) Waiting for the (D) dawn, (C) writing down this (G) song
(Em) Underneath the (D) waves, (C) where my heart (G) craves
(Em) To find a (D) different navy, (C) where I can be (G) free

Chorus:
(D) Underneath the waves, (G) past the ocean’s haze
(C) We’ll find our space, (Em) in the different navy’s grace
(D) Just let the current flow, (G) let go of the undertow
(C) In the different navy’s glow, (Em) that’s where we’ll go

Verse:
(Em) In the silent deep, (D) where secrets sleep
(C) We’ll find our (G) truth, in the ocean’s (Em) sleuth
(D) Drifting without a care, (C) salt wind in our hair
(G) In the different navy, (Em) we’ll be truly free

Chorus:
(D) Underneath the waves, (G) past the ocean’s haze
(C) We’ll find our space, (Em) in the different navy’s grace
(D) Just let the current flow, (G) let go of the undertow
(C) In the different navy’s glow, (Em) that’s where we’ll go

Fan’s Name:
Lucy Harmon

Testimonial:
“Different Navy is my favorite band because their music speaks to me on such a deep level. The way they mix alternative rock with electronic pop is truly unique and every song of theirs is a journey. ‘Underneath the Waves’ is my go-to track when I’m feeling lost or need inspiration. The lyrics resonate with my love for freedom and the unknown, just like the band’s name. I’ve been a fan since their early days and I’m amazed at how they consistently create music that pushes boundaries while remaining true to their unique style. Different Navy isn’t just a band to me, it’s a lifestyle.”

Backstory:

Medical Mailbox was born in the vibrant heart of the Seattle music scene in 2012. The quartet met at a local open mic night, their individual talents and shared passion for music quickly leading to the formation of a dynamic group. Made up of frontman and lead guitarist Jace Montgomery, drummer Leo Rios, bassist Ethan Murphy, and keys and rhythm guitarist Izzy Hayes, Medical Mailbox is a band that draws inspiration from the quirks of day-to-day life, turning them into musical narratives that resonate with listeners on a personal level. Their band name is an homage to their quaint rehearsal space, an abandoned post office that they’ve converted into their musical haven, where they create the melodies and rhythms that have become their signature sound.

Genre:

Indie Pop/Rock

Title:

“Postmarked Heart”

Full song lyrics:

(Verse 1)
Am (E) Dm (G)
In my postmarked heart, you’ve found a space,
A letter box of feelings, lost in trace.
Each emotion, a stamp of a different face,
Your words, an echo, in this silent embrace.

(Verse 2)
Am (E) Dm (G)
Letters of love, parcels of pain,
Under the moonlight, in the soft rain,
Our shared silences, are never in vain,
Tales of our lives, in every refrain.

(Chorus)
C (G) Am (E)
In the Medical Mailbox of our lives,
We sort through joy, we sort through strife.
Every postmark, a cut like a knife,
But darling, it’s worth it, in the end, it’s our life.

(Verse 3)
Am (E) Dm (G)
Sealed with a kiss, your words I unfold,
In this mailbox, our stories are told.
With every letter, our narrative grows bold,
In the Medical Mailbox, where our love takes hold.

(Chorus)
C (G) Am (E)
In the Medical Mailbox of our hearts,
Every end leading to new starts.
Even when we’re worlds apart,
We’re together in the mailbox, where our story departs.

Fan Testimonial:

My name is Sarah and I’ve been a die-hard fan of Medical Mailbox ever since I heard their first album. Their songs have a unique way of resonating with the highs and lows of life that we all go through. It’s like they’re singing my thoughts, my emotions. My favorite song has to be “Postmarked Heart”. That song got me through some of the toughest times in my life. Whenever I play it, it’s like I’m not alone. Their music is therapy in itself, which is why Medical Mailbox is my favorite band. They’re not just musicians; they’re healers too.

Backstory:
Vain Developer is a product of the digital age, a band conceived in the depths of an online music forum. The quartet, consisting of singer and programmer Neil Hawkins, guitarist and designer Oliver Lee, bassist and data analyst Daisy Ford, and drummer and software engineer Jordan Summers, found common ground in their love for music and their day jobs in the tech industry. Wanting to express their unique fusion of artistic passion and technical expertise, the group decided to form a band in 2015. They named themselves “Vain Developer”, a cheeky nod to their tech roots and a commentary on the egotism they often observed in their industry.

Vain Developer’s music often draws from their experiences in the tech world, with lyrics about the struggles of coding, the high-pressure environment of start-ups, and the peculiar culture of Silicon Valley. Despite the niche subject matter, they’ve struck a chord with a broader audience, capturing a modern experience that many can relate to.

Genre: Indie Rock/Electronic

Title: Binary Love

Full Song Lyrics:

Verse 1: (Am – F – C – G)
In this world of silicon and glass,
I found a love that’s built to last.
In the glow of the screen so bright,
I found my heart in the codes we write.

Chorus: (C – G – Dm – Em)
Binary Love, you’re my sweet escape,
In this world of constant update.
Through the bugs and the code that’s rough,
It’s a Binary Love, but it’s enough.

Verse 2: (Am – F – C – G)
The rhythm of our hearts, like a coding beat,
In a world where the virtual and reality meet.
In the matrix of our digital life,
I found a love that cuts like a knife.

Chorus: (C – G – Dm – Em)
Binary Love, in a world so cold,
In the servers where our secrets are told.
In the circuits, in the data we shove,
It’s a Binary Love, it’s a love I’m proud of.

Favorite Fan: Amy Johnson

Testimonial:

“I’m a fan of several bands, but Vain Developer has a special place in my heart. The way they express the intersection of technology and human emotion is so unique and relatable. As a computer science student, their lyrics resonate with me deeply, and their music provides a comforting backdrop to many late-night coding sessions. Their song ‘Binary Love’ perfectly captures my own experience with finding love in the tech world. Vain Developer is not just a band for me; they’re a voice for all of us navigating the digital age.”

Backstory:
Difficult Strain was born in the back alleys of Louisville, Kentucky, when five friends with a shared passion for music decided to create their unique sound. The band members, Dylan, Mike, Randy, Travis, and Ryan, met in high school and immediately bonded over a shared love for music. They initially started as a garage band, performing at small local events and high school parties. Due to their consistent efforts and passion for music, they gained local recognition and eventually signed a deal with an independent music label. Since then, Difficult Strain has been on an upward trajectory, touring across the United States and earning a loyal fan base.

Genre:
Alternative Rock

Title:
“Cracks in the Mirror”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
[C] Look into the mirror, [Am] what do you see?
[G] A picture of a man, [F] who used to be free
[C] Life took a turn, [Am] and brought you down
[G] Wearing a smile, [F] beneath the frown

(Chorus)
[C] Cracks in the mirror, [Am] pain in the heart
[G] Trying to piece together, [F] what’s torn apart
[C] Searching for the light, [Am] in the darkest night
[G] This difficult strain, [F] will make us right

(Verse 2)
[C] Shadows of the past, [Am] whisper in my ear
[G] Reminding of the joy, [F] amidst the fear
[C] Running from demons, [Am] that lurk within
[G] Battling the chaos, [F] beneath the skin

(Repeat Chorus)

Fan Testimonial:
“My name is Abby Thompson, and I can confidently say Difficult Strain is my favorite band. Their music resonates with me on so many levels. Their lyrics are challenging, thought-provoking, and emotionally charged, reflecting the complex nature of life. I particularly love the song “Cracks in the Mirror”. It speaks about human resilience and the determination to overcome life’s hardships. It reminds me that no matter how difficult the strain is, there’s always light at the end of the tunnel. Their music has helped me through some tough times, and for that, I’m forever grateful.”

Backstory:

Unwritten Help was formed in the small coastal town of Aberystwyth, Wales in 2012. Childhood friends Tim Owens (Vocals), Matt Stevens (Guitar), Alex Francis (Bass), and Jonny Williams (Drums) had always dreamed of making music but never had the means or opportunity until they all returned home after finishing university. Armed with degrees, but with no interest in traditional careers, they decided to give their childhood dream a chance. The band practices in Alex’s dad’s old mechanic shop, tweaking their sound and experimenting with different styles until they found their unique blend. Their name, Unwritten Help, came from an old proverb from their hometown, which states that the best help is often unwritten, it’s in actions.

Genre: Indie Rock

Title: “Echoes From Yesterday”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
[G]Hear the echoes from yester[D]day,
[A]They’re calling out in dis[G]array,
[G]Memories locked in a silver [D]cage,
[A]Hoping they’ll soon find their [G]way.

(Chorus)
[C]Echoes from yesterday, [G]don’t lead me astray,
[D]Show me the road that leads [A]to her doorway,
[C]Echoes from yesterday, [G]forever I’ll pray,
[D]To see her face in the [A]light of a new day.

(Verse 2)
[G]Shadows dancing in the [D]night,
[A]Beneath the moon’s soft [G]light,
[G]Searching for what was once so [D]right,
[A]In the echoes from yester[G]night.

(Chorus)
[C]Echoes from yesterday, [G]in my heart they stay,
[D]Whispering tales of our [A]love’s ballet,
[C]Echoes from yesterday, [G]they never betray,
[D]The feelings we had, they’ll [A]never decay.

(Bridge)
[F]And though we’ve moved apart,
[C]You’re still in every beat of my [G]heart,
[F]I’ll keep listening to the [C]past,
[G]In hopes our echoes will last.

(Chorus)
[C]Echoes from yesterday, [G]don’t fade away,
[D]Keep reminding me of her [A]lovely way,
[C]Echoes from yesterday, [G]in them I sway,
[D]Reliving our love every [A]single day.

Fan’s Name: Emily Johnson
Testimonial:
“Unwritten Help isn’t just a band for me; they’re a therapy, a friend, a voice that understands me. Their music resonates with my soul. As a person struggling with anxiety and depression, their song ‘Echoes From Yesterday’ especially hit home. It’s like they’ve taken my feelings and put them into words. Every chord progression, every lyric seems to be taken from my life. Unwritten Help makes me feel seen and heard, and for that, they will always be my favourite band.”

Backstory:

Bite-Sized Cab was formed in the heart of Brooklyn, New York, in 2014. Childhood friends Anthony “Ant” Russo, a prodigious bassist, and Joshua “J” Rios, a deft drummer, decided to combine their musical prowess while they were both working as cab drivers. They were joined by singer-songwriter, Lydia “Lyds” Reynolds, who had been busking in the subways of NYC when Ant and J heard her soulful voice and immediately knew she was the missing piece to their puzzle. The name ‘Bite-Sized Cab’ was coined during a late-night brainstorming session, a tribute to their past as cab drivers and a nod to the compact yet powerful nature of their music.

Genre:

Alternative Rock with a fusion of Indie Pop.

Title:

“Yellow Lights Flashing”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
E B
Driving through the city at night,
C#m A
Neon colors flashing bright.
E B
Looking through the rearview mirror,
C#m A
Seeing life getting a little clearer.

(Chorus)
E B
Yellow lights flashing,
C#m A
Our hearts are forever clashing.
E B
In our bite-sized cab,
C#m A
We’re chasing dreams, not cash.

(Verse 2)
E B
Lydia’s voice fills the air,
C#m A
Mixing with the city’s flare.
E B
Ant’s bass and J’s steady beat,
C#m A
Make our journey seem so sweet.

(Chorus)
E B
Yellow lights flashing,
C#m A
Our souls are fiercely dashing.
E B
In our bite-sized cab,
C#m A
We found a music lab.

Favorite Fan:

Our favorite fan, without a doubt, is Maggie O’Reilly. She’s been with us from the very beginning, from the days when we played gigs in small, stuffy bars to now, when we’re performing on bigger stages. Maggie’s love for our music is infectious. She once said, “Bite-Sized Cab is my favorite band because they encapsulate the spirit of New York in their music. The combination of their raw talent and the way they uniquely blend Alternative Rock with Indie Pop, it’s like a breath of fresh air. Their music has seen me through some tough times. Listening to them, it feels like I’m on a journey with them in their bite-sized cab, making the ride a little less lonely.”