Backstory:

Crowded Conduct was formed in the bustling city of Seattle in the early 2000s. The band members, high school buddies Jack Dylan (vocals, guitar), Andy Sullivan (bass guitar), and Michael “Mickey” Ryan (drums) all shared a mutual love for music and an ambition to make it big in the music scene. Initially, they started by playing small gigs at local bars and high school parties, gradually making a name for themselves in Seattle’s vibrant underground music community. Their breakthrough came in 2005 when they were spotted by a record executive at a local music festival, and their journey towards stardom began.

Genre:

Alternative Rock

Title:

“Midnight City Scapes”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
[C] Midnight city scapes, [Am] glowing in the dark,
[Em] Concrete jungle beats, [G] humming in our hearts,
[C] We are lost in the [Am] rhythm of this life,
[Em] Running with dreams, [G] under the city lights.

(Chorus)
[F] Crowded Conduct, [Am] playing our song,
[G] In the heart of the city, [C] where we belong,
[F] Night by night, [Am] we carve our path,
[G] In the echoes of the city, [C] we find our craft.

(Verse 2)
[C] Skyscrapers rise, [Am] as our dreams take flight
[Em] We dance in the shadows, [G] bathed in neon light,
[C] We’re the sound of the [Am] city, pulsating beat,
[Em] Voices in the wind, [G] on the empty streets.

(Repeat Chorus)

(Bridge)
[F] The city never sleeps, [Am] it dreams with open eyes,
[G] We’re the soundtrack to its slumber, [C] under the starry skies,
[F] Lost in the rhythm, [Am] found in the sound,
[G] In the heart of the city, [C] our dreams are bound.

(Repeat Chorus)

End

Fan testimonial:

My name’s Lily. I’ve been a fan of Crowded Conduct since I first heard their demo played at a local radio station in Seattle. Their music speaks to me, especially their song “Midnight City Scapes”. It perfectly encapsulates the essence of city life and motivates me to chase my dreams. Jack, Andy, and Mickey aren’t just musicians; they’re poets painting a vivid image of life in a city with their lyrics and music. Their energy, their passion, and their authenticity make them my favorite band.

Backstory:

Forthright Fifth was born on the smoky basement stages of South London’s underground music scene. Originally five childhood friends, frontman Johnny “Jay” Lawrence, lead guitarist Jack “Cobra” Harrison, rhythm guitarist Michael “Mickey” Green, drummer Leo “Lion” Reynolds, and bassist Lucas “Luke” Foster found their camaraderie in music during their high school years. Their shared love of rock, blues, and a hint of punk gave birth to a unique sound that couldn’t be confined to their humble beginnings. They soon found themselves on the precipice of fame when their indie-rock style resonated with local music fans and critics alike. The name ‘Forthright Fifth’ is a nod to their straightforward approach to music and the strong bond that has kept the five of them together.

Genre:
Indie Rock

Title:
“Behind the Mask”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verses)
[G] You were a vision, [D] in the summer haze
[Em] Caught my attention, [C] with your mysterious ways
[G] Behind the mask, [D] what do you hide?
[Em] Is it a secret, [C] buried deep inside?

(Chorus)
[G] Reveal the truth, [D] break the chains,
[Em] Let your guard down, [C] wash away the stains.
[G] Behind the mask, [D] show me your face,
[Em] Beneath the surface, [C] lies a grace.

(Verses)
[G] Shadows dance, [D] in your eyes so bright,
[Em] Hidden stories, [C] in the moonlight.
[G] Behind the mask, [D] lies a tale untold,
[Em] In your silence, [C] secrets unfold.

(Chorus)
[G] Reveal the truth, [D] break the chains,
[Em] Let your guard down, [C] wash away the stains.
[G] Behind the mask, [D] show me your face,
[Em] Beneath the surface, [C] lies a grace.

(Outro)
[G] We’re all masked, [D] in a way,
[Em] But when the music plays, [C] the masks fade away.
[G] Behind the mask, [D] we find our place,
[Em] In Forthright Fifth’s songs, [C] we embrace.

Fan Testimonial:

Name: Emily Thompson

“I’ve been a fan of Forthright Fifth since their very first gig in the South London scene. Their music speaks to me on a level that no other band has managed to reach. ‘Behind the Mask’ is my all-time favourite. Every time I hear it, it feels like they are narrating my life and emotions. The way they blend rock with a hint of punk and blues, it’s just extraordinary. I feel a deep connection with their lyrics which talk about revealing our true selves and not hiding behind any façade. This band is my favourite because they make me feel seen, heard, and understood through their music. Their songs are like my personal anthems, always there to make me feel better.”

Backstory:

Husky Grape is a ragtag group of musicians who found each other in the bustling city of Seattle during the early 2000s. The band consists of frontman Jake ‘Husky’ Jacobs, lead guitarist Bryan ‘Grape’ Reynolds, bassist Sarah ‘Sturdy’ Simkins, and drummer Kyle ‘Knockout’ Kingston. Each member brings a unique sense of style and sound, creating a perfect harmony of diversity and unity. From the grungy bars of the Pacific Northwest to the biggest stages worldwide, Husky Grape has continuously proven that they are a force to be reckoned with in the music industry.

The name ‘Husky Grape’ was coined from the nicknames of Jake and Bryan during a late-night jamming session. Jake, known for his husky voice and husky dog, and Bryan, who was infamously known for eating grapes during their gigs, decided to combine their nicknames to form the band name. The name stuck and gave the band a unique identity that sets them apart from the crowd.

Genre:

Husky Grape is best known for their Alternative Rock sound, with a hint of Indie Pop and Psychedelic Rock.

Title:

One of their most popular songs is “Crimson Echoes.”

Full song lyrics:

[Verse 1]
Am F
Underneath the city lights,
C G
We danced away the summer nights,
Am F
In your arms, I found my home,
C G
In your eyes, a world unknown.

[Chorus]
Am F C G
Crimson echoes, in the corners of my heart,
Am F C G
Shadows dancing, like we never were apart,
Am F C G
In the reflections of our love, so true,
Am F C G
Crimson echoes, I see nothing but you.

[Verse 2]
Am F
Through the rhythm of the rain,
C G
We shared joys and felt the pain,
Am F
In your voice, a melody,
C G
In your touch, eternity.

[Chorus]
Am F C G
Crimson echoes, in the corners of my mind,
Am F C G
Past is calling, the memories we left behind,
Am F C G
In the echoes of our love, so blue,
Am F C G
Crimson echoes, I hear nothing but you.

Favorite Fan:

The band’s favorite fan is Lucy Cartwright, a 26-year-old software engineer from San Francisco. Lucy has attended all of Husky Grape’s concerts in the West Coast and has an impressive collection of their merchandise.

Testimonial:

“I’ve been a fan of Husky Grape since I stumbled upon one of their performances at a local bar in San Francisco. There was just something about their raw energy and passionate music that resonated with me. Over the years, their music has seen me through the happiest and toughest times of my life. I feel a strong connection with their songs because they’re so real and relatable. Husky Grape isn’t just my favorite band; they’re part of my life.” – Lucy Cartwright.

Backstory:
Fragrant Export was born in the eclectic music scene of Seattle, Washington in 2013. The band members, Hannah (lead vocals), Steve (guitar), Greg (bass), and Eddie (drums), met at a local open mic night and, after a few impromptu jam sessions, they realized their unique chemistry and musical compatibility. Their shared love for music and a desire to create something fresh led to the formation of Fragrant Export. Since then, they have been touring across the country, making their name known through energetic live performances, catchy melodies, and thought-provoking lyrics.

Genre:
Indie Pop/Rock

Title:
“Scented Sunrises”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
[G]Wake up to the morning light, [Em]caress the dawn with your eyes
[C]Smell the rose, smell the pine, [D]it’s a scented sunrise
[G]The world’s a canvas painted bright, [Em]under the vast azure skies
[C]Every moment feels just right, [D]in these scented sunrises

(Chorus)
[G]Live like the world’s a fragrant dream, [Em]hold on to every sunrise
[C]Leave behind the shadows of the night, [D]and embrace the scent of new life
[G]Every breath, every heartbeat, [Em]under the scented sunrises
[C]Life’s melody, so sweet, [D]we’re living for these scented sunrises

(Verse 2)
[G]Take a walk through whispered pines, [Em]where the air is crisp and pure
[C]Every breath, a taste of life, [D]in these scented sunrises
[G]Climb the hills, cross the line, [Em]where the horizon meets the shore
[C]Every dawn, a brand new light, [D]in these scented sunrises

(Repeat chorus)

(Bridge)
[Am]In the quiet of the dawn, [Em]with the world painted in hues
[C]We find the strength to carry on, [D]with every scent, we’re renewed

Outro:
[G]Live like the world’s a fragrant dream, [Em]hold on to every sunrise
[C]Leave behind the shadows of the night, [D]and embrace the scent of new life

Fan Testimonial:
Name: Sarah Jacobs

Sarah is a self-proclaimed #1 fan of Fragrant Export. She discovered their music during a difficult time in her life, and their songs instantly resonated with her. According to Sarah, “Their lyrics have depth and emotion that touch your soul. Their song ‘Scented Sunrises’ is my absolute favorite. I play it every morning. It’s like a personal anthem that encourages me to embrace the new day with optimism. Their music has a unique way of connecting with the listener, it’s like therapy. For me, Fragrant Export isn’t just a band, they’re a beacon of hope.”

Backstory:

Born from the wild cafes of Portland, Oregon in 2015, Soupy Attraction is not your typical rock band. Longtime friends and co-workers at a local soup kitchen, Dwight “Spoon” Stevens and Jimmy “Bowl” Benson found their common interest in music and soup was not only an escape from the humdrum of life but also a way to bring joy to others. They were soon joined by another friend, Penny “Ladle” Lancaster on the bass guitar, and the trio began to rehearse, write, and perform at local venues. Their music reflects their experiences, with songs that bring out the subtle flavors of life, heartwarming stories and rebellious tales akin to their favorite soups.

Genre:

Indie Rock

Title:

“Creamy Notes of Life”

Full song lyrics:

(Verse 1)
Am Em
Cooking up dreams in a kitchen so cold,
G D
Pouring out tales, to young and old.
Am Em
Spoon and the bowl, the ladle so bold,
G D
Serving up melodies, stories untold.

(Chorus)
C G
Creamy notes of life, in our soup of song,
Am Em
Bitter, sweet, and spicy, right or wrong.
C G
Hot or cold, it’s the taste that’s strong,
Am Em
In the soupy attraction, we all belong.

(Verse 2)
Am Em
Three hearts beating, in rhythm so fine,
G D
Stirring up emotions, like a soup so divine.
Am Em
In every beat, in every line,
G D
Taste the love, feel the shine.

(Chorus)
C G
Creamy notes of life, in our soup of song,
Am Em
Bitter, sweet, and spicy, right or wrong.
C G
Hot or cold, it’s the taste that’s strong,
Am Em
In the soupy attraction, we all belong.

Favorite fan:

The band’s favorite fan is Brandy Jenkins, a middle-aged librarian from Portland who has followed the band since their first gig. Brandy loves how Soupy Attraction’s music combines strong rock elements with meaningful, poetic lyrics that speak to the heart. She says, “I’ve always been a fan of both soup and music, and never thought I’d see them combined so beautifully. Their music reminds me of the warmth of a good bowl of soup on a cold day – comforting, nourishing, and full of flavor. They’re definitely my favorite band!”

Backstory:
Cumbersome Bird was born out of the vibrant music scene of Austin, Texas in the mid-2000s. It was formed by childhood friends Jack Matheson and Ethan Laramie, two self-taught musicians who shared a passion for songwriting and a rebellious spirit. Their early gigs in local bars and small music festivals were marked by their high energy performances and raw, emotive lyrics. With the addition of drummer, Lucy Henderson and bassist, Mark Cohen, their sound evolved from an acoustic duo into a dynamic, eclectic mix that defied easy categorization.

Genre:
Although they’ve been tagged as indie rock, Cumbersome Bird’s music draws from a wide range of influences including folk, blues, and punk. Their sound is characterized by Matheson’s raspy vocals, Laramie’s intricate guitar work, Henderson’s propulsive drumming, and Cohen’s grounding bass lines.

Title:
“A Story in the Wind”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
G C Em D
Underneath the setting sun, we found ourselves on the run,
A story written in the wind, two hearts with nothing to defend.
We travelled through the seasons, moved without reasons,
A journey guided by the stars, life lived in moving cars.

(Chorus)
Em C G D
We are a cumbersome bird, flying in an endless sky,
Craving tales unheard, beneath the moon we lie.
In our hearts a song, a melody that’s strong,
We sing it loud and long, to the rhythm of life’s throng.

(Verse 2)
Em C D G
Through the deserts and the plains, through laughter and through pains,
We found a rhythm of our own, a symphony in every tone.
In this life that’s fleeting, our hearts kept beating,
To the tune of something pure, a love that could endure.

(Chorus)
G C Em D
We are a cumbersome bird, soaring high and free,
Chasing dreams absurd, in this vast, endless sea.
With our song, we belong, in the world’s great throng,
We sing it loud and long, to the rhythm of life’s song.

Favorite Fan:
Their favorite fan is 24-year-old graphic designer, Julie Thompson, from San Francisco. Julie first stumbled across Cumbersome Bird at a small music festival in her hometown. She was instantly drawn to their raw emotion and distinct sound.

Testimonial:
“Cumbersome Bird isn’t just a band for me, it’s an emotion. Their music resonates with my experiences and feelings. Every song feels like an exploration of the human condition. Their energy, their lyrics, their sound – everything about them is captivating. I’ve been to every concert they’ve played in the Bay Area and they never disappoint. They’ve got this uncanny ability to make you feel understood through their music. It’s like each song is a story and you’re a part of it. It’s a truly immersive experience. They’re not just my favorite band, they’re my lifeline.”

Backstory:

Triangular Rest is an acclaimed indie rock band from Seattle, Washington. The band was formed by three college friends – guitarist and vocalist Alex Kelly, bassist Chris Harrison, and drummer Jake Baxter. They were initially drawn together by their mutual love for music and their shared experiences as college students. They began performing in small gigs around the college campus before their unique sound started attracting a broader audience. When they graduated, they decided to pursue music full-time and thus, Triangular Rest was born.

The band’s name, Triangular Rest, refers to the three sides of their music – the emotions, the experiences, and the musicians themselves. This triad is integral to their sound, and they believe that it’s this combination that sets them apart in the indie rock scene.

Genre:

Indie Rock

Title:

“Chasing Echoes”

Full Song Lyrics:

Verse 1:
Am G F C
Walking through the shadows of my mind,
Am G F C
Chasing echoes of a time, a love left behind,

Chorus:
Dm F C G
Oh, how the silence can be so loud,
Dm F C G
In the hustle and bustle of the crowd,

Verse 2:
Am G F C
Empty hallways, echo my lonely call,
Am G F C
In the midst of it all, I stumble and fall,

Chorus:
Dm F C G
Can’t drown the echoes, can’t hide the sound,
Dm F C G
In the silence, it’s the echoes I found.

Fan’s Name:

Samantha Carlson

Testimonial:

“I’ve always had a soft spot for indie rock, but I fell in love with Triangular Rest’s music the very first time I heard them. Their songs resonate with me on a personal level. ‘Chasing Echoes’ is my favorite; I just love how the lyrics convey such raw emotion. The chord progressions are unique and captivating, and the overall sound is just so authentic. The band doesn’t just perform, they communicate their experiences and feelings through their music, and it’s just so powerful. Triangular Rest is not just my favorite band; to me, they’re an embodiment of the power and beauty of music.”

Backstory:

Cautious Defendant is a band that was formed in the heart of the buzzing New York City music scene. The band members, Zachary Larson (lead vocalist), Harry Brooks (lead guitarist), Jack Milton (bassist) and Max Holt (drummer), were all working various roles in the legal system before they decided to pursue their shared passion for music. It was during a late-night debate about a high-profile case that they discovered their musical connection, and thus, Cautious Defendant was born. The band harnesses their backgrounds in law to bring a unique perspective to their music-making, filling their lyrics with courtroom jargon and presenting intriguing stories drawn from their experiences.

Genre:

Alternative Rock

Title:

“Guilty As Charged”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
[Am] In the heart of the city, under the neon lights [G]
[F] I stand as a defendant, ready for a fight [G]
[Am] My palms are sweaty, heart’s beating loud [G]
[F] But in the court of love, there’s no backing down [G]

(Chorus)
[C] Guilty as charged, I’ve fallen for you [G]
[Am] In your eyes, I see a love that’s true [F]
[C] You’re the plaintiff, I’m pleading my case [G]
[Am] But I’m guilty as charged, lost in your embrace [F]

(Verse 2)
[Am] The jury’s out, the verdict’s in [G]
[F] In this game of love, you always win [G]
[Am] Your love’s the judge, and I’m on the stand [G]
[F] Guilty as charged, my heart’s in your hand [G]

(Chorus)
[C] Guilty as charged, I’ve fallen for you [G]
[Am] In your eyes, I see a love that’s true [F]
[C] You’re the plaintiff, I’m pleading my case [G]
[Am] But I’m guilty as charged, lost in your embrace [F]

Band’s Favorite Fan:

The band’s favorite fan is Amelia Brown, a paralegal from Brooklyn. Amelia first discovered Cautious Defendant during a gig at a local bar. She was initially drawn in by their unique blend of legal terminology and alternative rock but soon fell in love with their down-to-earth personalities and meaningful lyrics.

Testimonial:
“Being a fan of Cautious Defendant has been a journey full of excitement and emotion. Their music hits close to home, and their court-centered themes feel so familiar yet so innovative. Their song “Guilty as Charged” is my anthem, resonating with my love life and my career. It’s like my two worlds colliding, and I can’t get enough of it. The band’s authenticity, combined with their riveting performances, makes them my absolute favorite.”

Backstory:
Rubbery House is a band that was born out of the creative genius of childhood friends, Jack Moore and Ted Miller, in a small garage in the heart of Buffalo, New York. Jack, a talented drummer, and Ted, a skilled guitarist, began experimenting with music as early as their high school days. Following their graduation, they decided to formally form a band and named it ‘Rubbery House,’ inspired by their shared love for dynamic, unconventional soundscapes that reminded them of the elasticity and resilience of a rubber house. Their first breakthrough came in 2015 when their indie track went viral on various online platforms, leading them to tour throughout the country.

Genre:
Indie Rock

Title:
“Jelly Walls”

Full song lyrics:

[Verse]
Em
Underneath the jelly walls of my heart,
C
you find a soul that’s torn apart.
Am
Broken pieces on the floor,
D
Can’t take it anymore.

[Chorus]
G
Jelly walls, they bend, they sway,
Em
Holding all my tears at bay.
C
One minute strong, next one frail,
D
like a ship caught in a gale.

[Verse]
Em
Your words, they sting like a bitter pill,
C
in this house of rubber, no room to fill.
Am
Paint peeling off silent screams,
D
Can’t wake from this dream.

[Chorus]
G
Jelly walls, they wobble, they quake,
Em
Under the weight of each heartache.
C
One minute here, next one gone,
D
like the dusk before the dawn.

[Bridge]
Am
In this house that we built,
C
lined with guilt, filled with tilt.
D
Jelly walls around my heart,
Em
Wish we could go back to the start.

[Chorus]
G
Jelly walls, they twist, they shake,
Em
Under the pressure of each mistake.
C
One minute high, next one low,
D
like a winding river’s flow.

[End Verse]
Em
Underneath the jelly walls of my heart,
C
you find a soul that’s torn apart.
Am
Broken pieces on the floor,
D
Ready to walk out the door.

Favorite Fan:
Their most fervent fan is Sarah Thompson from Ohio. She says, “Rubbery House is my favorite band because their music speaks to my soul. It’s raw, real, and somehow always manages to capture exactly how I’m feeling. When I listen to their songs, I feel seen and understood. The band’s unique sound, combined with their genuine lyrics, sets them apart from everyone else. ‘Jelly Walls,’ for example, perfectly encapsulates what it feels like to have a fragile heart – it’s like they’re singing my life story. I can’t wait to see what Rubbery House will do next!”

Backstory:
Classic Competition was born in the vibrancy of the Brooklyn music scene in 2015. Its core members, Nathan ‘Nate’ Gallagher and Olivia ‘Liv’ Thompson, were both struggling solo artists who, after a chance encounter at a local open mic night, decided to join forces, their contrasting musical styles creating an electrifying blend of energy and creativity. They soon added drummer Carlos ‘CJ’ Juarez and bassist Emily ‘Em’ Russo to the mix and the band was set. Despite their differences, they shared a common vision: to create music that resonates with the richness of the past while capturing the spirit of the present.

Their rise to fame was not smooth sailing. The band members all held day jobs and would often practice late into the night, striving to perfect their sound. Their big break came in 2017, when they won the annual ‘Battle of the Bands’ held at the famed Bowery Ballroom. The victory not only gave them recognition but also the confidence to continue pursuing their collective musical dream.

Genre: Classic Rock infused with Indie Pop

Title: “Never a Loser”

Full Song Lyrics:
(Verse 1)
[G] I’ve been down this road before, [Em] spinning wheels, [C] closing doors.
[G] But in the end, [Em] I found out, [C] life is what it’s all about.

(Chorus)
[C] We’re never a loser, [G] not in this game,
[D] Classic competition, [Em] we’re all the same.
[G] We’re fighting, [Em] striving, [C] aiming high,
[G] Underneath the [Em] boundless sky.

(Verse 2)
[G] Sometimes you win, sometimes you lose, [Em] it’s not a path [C] that we choose.
[G] But through it all, [Em] we stay strong, [C] with our music, we belong.

(Chorus)
[C] We’re never a loser, [G] not in this game,
[D] Classic competition, [Em] we’re all the same.
[G] We’re loving, [Em] living, [C] playing our song,
[G] Underneath the [Em] bright star throng.

(Outro)
[C] We’re never a loser, [G] not in this song,
[D] Classic competition, [Em] makes us strong.

Favorite Fan:
The band’s favorite fan is Rachel Thompson, a Brooklyn native who has been following Classic Competition since their early days. Rachel recalls a time when they performed in small local bars to an audience of friends and family. She has attended almost every concert they have played, and her dedication has not gone unnoticed by the band. Rachel’s testimonial is a heartfelt expression of her admiration: “I love Classic Competition because they’re not just musicians; they’re storytellers. Their songs are filled with raw emotion and relatable life experiences. They don’t just play music, they live it. Their passion is infectious, and it’s impossible not to get swept up in it. They are my favorite band because they’ve created a sound that is undeniably their own. Classic Competition is more than just music, it’s an experience.”