Backstory:
Formed in the rustic town of Maplewood, Minnesota, Worthy Announcement is an ensemble of five childhood friends who, despite their diverse backgrounds, united with a shared passion for music. The band members are: Tanner, the charismatic singer and rhythm guitarist; Luke, the dynamic drummer; Emily, the soulful pianist; Jake, the gifted lead guitarist; and Nina, the lively bassist. The group started in a humble garage, where their love for music echoed off the walls and soon caught the attention of their small town. After winning the local ‘Battle of the Bands’ competition, they went on to impress a visiting record producer who offered them their first contract.

Their journey was not without hurdles. Tanner’s struggle with vocal cord polyps threatened to disrupt their progress. However, the band stayed together, supporting Tanner through his surgery and recovery. The experience only brought them closer and added a depth of emotion to their music that resonated with listeners.

Genre:
Rock/Indie Pop

Title:
“Beyond the Echoes”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
[G] Underneath the [D] old oak tree, [Em] where our dreams were [C] born,
[G] We etched our [D] names in heart-shaped [Em] lines, [C] as promises were sworn.
[G] From the backbeat of our [D] hometown streets, to the [Em] city’s dazzling [C] glow,
[G] Our journey started [D] at that spot, [Em] beneath the [C] shadows.

(Chorus)
[G] Beyond the echoes, [D] through the noise,
[Em] We found our voice, [C] we made our choice,
[G] Worthy announcements, [D] etched in the sky,
[Em] We’ll sing our truth, [C] and never deny.

(Verse 2)
[G] Tanner’s voice, once [D] silenced by pain, [Em] now roars like a [C] storm,
[G] Emily’s keys, Luke’s [D] powerful beats, [Em] in harmony, we [C] perform.
[G] Jake’s guitar, Nina’s bass, [D] together, we [Em] took a stance,
[C] We are Worthy Announcement, [D] this is our [Em] chance.

(Chorus)
[G] Beyond the echoes, [D] through the silence,
[Em] In defiance, [C] we found reliance,
[G] Worthy announcements, [D] etched in the sky,
[Em] We’ll sing our truth, [C] and never deny.

Favorite Fan Testimonial:
My name is Sam, an ardent fan of Worthy Announcement. Their music resonates with me on a spiritual level, like they’re narrating my life’s journey. It’s not just about the melodious tunes or the powerful lyrics, but the emotion with which they perform every song. Their dedication, their struggles, and their unity inspire me. Their music has been a source of comfort to me in my most challenging times. To me, Worthy Announcement isn’t just a band, it’s a beacon of hope and perseverance.

Backstory:

Bite-Sized Need originated in the small coastal town of Brighton, UK, in 2015. Childhood friends, Oliver ‘Ollie’ Jones and Charlie ‘Chuck’ Brown, were always known for their shared love of music. They spent their formative years jamming together in their garages, and exploring various genres, searching for their sound. Once they chanced upon a box of old vinyl records in a flea market, the world of psychedelic rock opened to them. Inspired by the likes of Pink Floyd and Tame Impala, they decided to start their own band, Bite-Sized Need. After recruiting their school friend Amy ‘A-Bomb’ Davies on drums, and a talented local bassist, Peter ‘Pete’ Wilson, the band was complete.

From their first gig at a local pub, Bite-Sized Need made waves with their spellbinding performances, blending old-school rock with a touch of modern psychedelia. Their music, coupled with thought-provoking lyrics, quickly grabbed attention and they soon found a loyal fan following.

Genre:
Psychedelic Rock

Title:
“Echoing Shadows”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
Em G
Lost in the echoing shadows,
D A
In the world that spins too fast.
Em G
We’re chasing illusions of tomorrow,
D A
Borrowed time from our past.

(Chorus)
C G
Echoing shadows, we’re lost, we’re found,
D Em
In the chaos of sound, we’re bound.
C G
Echoing shadows, in dreams we drown,
D Em
In this cosmic playground, we’re bound.

(Verse 2)
Em G
Sailing on the waves of silence,
D A
Among stars that lost their glow.
Em G
We’re echoes of the memories,
D A
In the time’s endless flow.

(Chorus)
C G
Echoing shadows, we’re lost, we’re found,
D Em
In the chaos of sound, we’re bound.
C G
Echoing shadows, in dreams we drown,
D Em
In this cosmic playground, we’re bound.

Fan Testimonial:

“Hi, I’m Steve. My love for Bite-Sized Need is no secret to anyone who knows me. Their music just resonates with me on a deep level. I’ve never missed a single gig and I proudly own all their albums. The first time I heard ‘Echoing Shadows’, it was like they were singing about my life. I felt seen, understood. And that’s the magic of Bite-Sized Need- they make you feel less alone in this vast universe through their music. Their sound is so fresh, yet it carries the timeless charm of classic rock. Trust me, once you listen to them, there’s no going back.”

Backstory:
Functional Smoke erupted onto the music scene in the late 80s from the gritty backstreets of Boston. The band originally consisted of three college dropouts – Mike ‘Smoke’ Sullivan on lead vocals, Jimmy ‘Function’ Fitzgerald on drums, and Tommy ‘Fumes’ O’Reilly on bass. They all shared a mutual passion for creating an original sound that deviated from the mainstream pop and rock that dominated their era. Operating out of their garage practice space, they honed their craft, creating a distinct sound that blends raw emotion, social commentary, and distinct rhythmic patterns. Their unexpected rise to fame came after a chance encounter with a record producer at a local dive bar gig.

Genre:
Alternative Rock/Electronica

Title:
“Shadows in the Mist”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
Am
There’s a raven in the night,
Em
Echoing our fears,
Am
Along the darkest alleys,
Em
And the whispers in our ears.

Chorus:
C
In the Shadows in the Mist,
G
We find our way, we persist,
Am
Through the smoke, and the haze,
Em
To brighter, functional days.

(Verse 2)
Am
Voices of the lost,
Em
Scream out in the silence,
Am
Carrying the cost,
Em
Of our collective defiance.

Chorus:
C
In the Shadows in the Mist,
G
We find our way, we persist,
Am
Through the smoke, and the haze,
Em
To brighter, functional days.

(Outro)
C
Hand in hand we’ll journey,
G
Through this smoky mystery,
Am
Believing in tomorrow,
Em
A future we can’t yet see.

Fan’s Name: Jesse ‘The Jester’ Rodriguez
Testimonial:
“Man, I’ve been a fan of Functional Smoke since the beginning. I remember catching them at the local dive bar, and their sound just resonated with me. It was raw, it was rebellious, it was real. Their song, ‘Shadows in the Mist’, it’s like an anthem for anyone feeling lost or confused. It’s a promise of brighter days, through all the smoke and confusion. That’s why I keep coming back to their music. It’s not just entertainment, it’s hope.”

Backstory:

Classic Card is the product of an unlikely combination of musicians who crossed paths at an open mic night in a small bar in New York City. Simon, an aspiring folk singer, and twins Jax and Jake, jazz enthusiasts, found a common fascination with classic rock and funk. The trio quickly realized that the fusion of their distinct styles resulted in a unique sound that was both familiar and innovative. Classic Card was born in that bar, and in the spirit of those early gigs, they’ve maintained their grassroots ethos despite their rise to prominence.

Genre:

Classic Card’s music is a unique blend of Classic Rock, Funk, and Folk, resulting in a sound that resonates with both older and younger generations alike.

Title:

“Joker’s Game”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
[G] Came in from the cold, [D] under city lights so bold,
[Em] Found a game of chance, [C] felt the rhythm, took a stance.

[G] Dealt in with a smile, [D] played my hand for a while,
[Em] But the joker’s cards, [C] were wild and held their guile.

(Chorus)
[D] It’s a Joker’s Game, [C] win or lose it’s all the same,
[G] Life’s a deck of cards, [D] we’re all players in the frame.

(Verse 2)
[G] Bet my heart and soul, [D] on a dream that took its toll,
[Em] But the joker laughed, [C] as he put me in a hole.

[G] Read my poker face, [D] in this unforgiving space,
[Em] With the joker’s hand, [C] I learned life’s pace.

(Chorus)
[D] It’s a Joker’s Game, [C] win or lose it’s all the same,
[G] Life’s a deck of cards, [D] we’re all players in the frame.

Fan’s Name: Jenny Harper

Testimonial:

“I’ve followed Classic Card from their early days in that tiny bar. I fell in love with their unique sound, an inexplicably perfect blend of genres that shouldn’t work together, yet they do. The lyrics, the melody, the raw talent, it all resonates with me. ‘Joker’s Game’ is my anthem, it’s gotten me through some tough times and made the good times even better. There’s something incredibly human about their music that just draws you in and makes you feel seen. There’s no band like Classic Card, and I’m proud to be their biggest fan.”

Backstory:

Slight Delegate is a band that came into existence in the vibrant music scene of New Orleans. The group was formed in 2014 during a chance meeting at the city’s annual Jazz Festival. The four members – lead vocalist, Randy; guitarist, John; drummer, Dave; and bass player, Pete – were all performing separately at the festival but felt an immediate chemistry when they jammed together during an impromptu session backstage.

They decided to merge their respective talents to create a unique blend of music, drawing inspiration from their shared love for jazz, blues, and rock. Despite their diverse musical backgrounds and styles, their shared vision and dedication to create something fresh and innovative led them to form Slight Delegate, a band that’s constantly pushing boundaries and experimenting with new sounds.

Genre:

Jazz, Blues, Rock Fusion

Title: “A Timeless Echo”

Full Song Lyrics:

[Intro] E7 Am7 D7 Gmaj7 Cmaj7 Bm7 E7

[Verse 1]
E7
In the heart of the city, under the pale moonlight,
Am7
We sang our song, lost in the rhythm of the night.
D7
With every note we played, every string we strummed,
Gmaj7
We found a piece of us in the beat of the drum.

[Chorus]
Cmaj7
We are the voices, we are the timeless echo,
Bm7
Playing our hearts out, wherever we go.
E7
In every note, in every melody,
Am7
We find our truth, we find our liberty.

[Verse 2]
E7
Through the stormy nights and the bright sunny days,
Am7
Through the laughter, tears, and the onstage haze.
D7
Every gig is a journey, every song a new tale,
Gmaj7
In the grand symphony of life, we sail.

[Chorus]
Cmaj7
We are the voices, we are the timeless echo,
Bm7
Playing our hearts out, wherever we go.
E7
In every note, in every harmony,
Am7
We find our spirit, we find our unity.

Favorite Fan and Testimonial:

Our favorite fan’s name is Sophie. Sophie has been with us since our very first gig at a small pub in New Orleans. Her consistent presence and support have meant the world to us. Sophie said, “Slight Delegate isn’t just a band to me, they’re like family. Their music is a unique fusion of jazz, blues, and rock that soothes my soul and lifts my spirits. Their song ‘A Timeless Echo’ speaks to me on so many levels. It’s about finding your voice and letting it echo through time. It’s about unity, truth, and liberty. It’s a song that transcends time and resonates with everyone. I can’t imagine my life without their music.”

Backstory:
Shameful Behavior was born in the heart of Brooklyn, New York City, during the smoky, innovative, and rebellious years of the 1990s. The members, frontman Tyler “Ty” Booth, lead guitarist Martin “Marty” Sanchez, bassist Danny “Dee” Roberts, and drummer Sam “Sammy” Hudson, were childhood friends who had spent countless nights in their garages, honing their skills and penning lyrics that reflected their tumultuous adolescence. As teenagers, they played at local gigs, parties, and dive bars, grabbing the attention of a record label scout in the crowd during a show at the legendary CBGB’s. Their raw talent, unique sound, and unfiltered lyrics won them a record deal, leading to the rise of Shameful Behavior as we know it.

Genre:
Alternative Rock/Punk

Title:
“Lost in Rebellion”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
[C] Walking down the [Am] streets of my [Em] youth,
[G] Memories flood back, [F] bitter and [C] uncouth.
[C] Lost in the [Am] chaos, [Em] hidden by the [G] night,
[F] Found a piece of [C] heaven in your [G] devilish delight.

(Chorus)
[C] We were [G] young, we were [Am] wild, we were [Em] free,
[F] Lost in [C] rebellion, just you and [G] me.
[C] We were [G] reckless, we were [Am] bold, we were [Em] brave,
[F] Shameful [C] behavior was the [G] path that we [C] paved.

(Verse 2)
[C] Skipping school and [Am] stealing your dad’s [Em] car,
[G] Racing down the highway, [F] feeling like a [C] star.
[C] Smoky backroom [Am] parties, the [Em] taste of cheap [G] beer,
[F] Looking for some [C] validation, a [G] rush to conquer fear.

(Chorus)
[C] We were [G] young, we were [Am] wild, we were [Em] free,
[F] Lost in [C] rebellion, just you and [G] me.
[C] We were [G] reckless, we were [Am] bold, we were [Em] brave,
[F] Shameful [C] behavior was the [G] path that we [C] paved.

Favorite Fan:
Samantha “Sam” Johnson, who claims, “Shameful Behavior is the soundtrack to my youth. Their lyrics are raw and real, capturing the rebellious spirit of adolescence. I see my past mirrored in their music. Every chord strikes a nostalgic note, and their performances are electrifying. They’re more than a band; they are the voice of our generation.”

Backstory:
The Odd Youngster is an eccentric group of musical prodigies who came together under improbable circumstances. Each member was discovered on the underground music scene of New York City, performing in small bars and open mics where they were each pursuing independent music careers. Their shared love for unconventional sounds and avant-garde approaches to music, however, drew them together, and in 2016, they decided to join forces, creating the band Odd Youngster. They quickly gained a reputation for their offbeat performances and unique style, often combining elements from different genres to create a sound that was entirely their own.

Genre:
The Odd Youngster’s music genre is best described as “Experimental Indie Pop”, characterized by their unorthodox blend of indie pop melodies with experimental sounds and unconventional song structures.

Title:
One of their most popular songs is titled “Rhapsody in the Rain”.

Full song lyrics:

Verse 1: (Am, F, C, G)
In the twilight, under the city lights (Am)
She walks alone, with a heart full of fights (F)
Tears in her eyes, reflecting the glowing night (C)
Each drop of rain, a story of her plight (G)

Chorus: (C, G, Am, F)
Rhapsody in the rain, a lullaby of pain (C)
Under the silver moon, she’ll find her tune (G)
In the echoes of the night, she’ll take her flight (Am)
Rhapsody in the rain, she’ll dance again (F)

Verse 2: (Am, F, C, G)
The city sleeps, but her dreams are awake (Am)
In the quiet streets, she finds her stake (F)
With every step, a symphony she makes (C)
In the rhythm of the rain, her soul awakes (G)

Chorus: (C, G, Am, F)
Rhapsody in the rain, a melody of her gain (C)
In the silence of the night, she finds her light (G)
With the music of the rain, she breaks her chain (Am)
Rhapsody in the rain, freedom is her reign (F)

The band’s favorite fan’s name:
Their favorite fan’s name is Lucy Greenberg, a budding artist and music enthusiast.

Testimonial:
“Odd Youngster is unlike any other band I’ve ever listened to. Their music isn’t just about catchy tunes or trendy lyrics; it’s a whole experience. It’s the kind of music that makes you feel understood, seen, recognized. Their song ‘Rhapsody in the Rain’ is my anthem, it’s like a mirror to my soul. Their experimental sound, their unique style, it’s a breath of fresh air in an industry that often feels monotonous and repetitive. I genuinely believe they’re revolutionizing the music scene and I can’t wait to see what they create next.”

Backstory:
Near Offer was formed in the bustling and diverse music scene of Austin, Texas in 2010. Its founding members, frontwoman Hazel Meadows, guitarist Jackson “Jax” Hawke, bassist Connor “Con” O’Brien, and drummer Tessa “Tez” Rutherford, were all music students at the University of Texas, Austin. They bonded over their shared love for music and a desire to create something out of the ordinary. Their music journey started with performing at small college events and local bars, but their unique sound soon caught the attention of indie music lovers in the city, and their popularity began to skyrocket.

Their breakthrough came when they were chosen to perform at the Austin City Limits Music Festival in 2013. Their intoxicating mix of raw talent, passion, and on-stage chemistry drew in a large crowd, leading to the band’s first record deal. Since then, Near Offer has been a staple in the Texan music scene, known for their energetic live performances and thought-provoking lyrics.

Genre:
Indie Rock

Title:
“Chasing Shadows”

Full Song Lyrics:

[Verse 1]
Am G D Am
Underneath the city lights, we find our way,
Am G D Am
Lost in the crowd, but not afraid.
Am G D Am
We’re chasing shadows, in the night,
Am G D Am
In search of truths, hiding in plain sight.

[Chorus]
C G D Em
Oh, we’re chasing shadows,
C G D Em
In this endless night.
C G D Em
Chasing dreams, chasing time,
C G D Em
Hoping to find, a piece of our light.

[Verse 2]
Am G D Am
Through the noise, hear the whispers of our soul,
Am G D Am
Running wild, with a heart full of hope.
Am G D Am
We’re chasing shadows, in the night,
Am G D Am
With every beat, feeling so alive.

[Chorus]
C G D Em
Oh, we’re chasing shadows,
C G D Em
In this endless night.
C G D Em
Chasing dreams, chasing time,
C G D Em
Hoping to find, a piece of our light.

[Bridge]
F C G Am
Let’s chase the shadows, till the dawn,
F C G Am
With our dreams, we’ll carry on.

[Chorus]
C G D Em
Oh, we’re chasing shadows,
C G D Em
In this endless night.
C G D Em
Chasing dreams, chasing time,
C G D Em
Hoping to find, a piece of our light.

Fan’s Name: Lily Thompson

Testimonial:
“I’ve been a fan of Near Offer since their early days. Their indie rock sound is raw, real, and resonates with me on so many levels. Hazel’s vocals are hauntingly beautiful, and the way the band weaves a story through their music is truly captivating. ‘Chasing Shadows’ is my personal favorite – it’s an anthem for dreamers and anyone who’s ever felt lost. Near Offer is more than just a band to me, their music has been a guiding light in my life.”

Backstory:
Threadbare Lad is an indie-folk band formed in the heart of Seattle, Washington, in the winter of 2014. The band consists of four members: lead singer and guitarist, Ben Wileman; pianist and backing vocalist, Sarah James; drummer, Tom Harris, and bassist, Jack Morgan. Legend has it that the band was formed on a rainy night when Ben, originally an acoustic solo performer, was playing in a small, local coffeehouse. Sarah, who happened to be in the audience, was so moved by Ben’s emotionally raw lyrics and distinct voice that she approached him after the show and offered to collaborate. The duo later met Tom and Jack, who were college friends and shared their love for music. The name ‘Threadbare Lad’ is a representation of their humble beginnings and the raw, honest, and emotion-striking narratives they deliver through their music.

Genre:
Indie Folk

Title:
“Rains of Remembrance”

Full song lyrics:

Verse 1: (Am, G, F, C)
Beneath the sky’s grey canvas (Am)
We used to dance, unafraid (G)
Now only echoes remain (F)
In the Rains of Remembrance, we fade. (C)

Chorus: (G, Am, F, C)
Wash away the colors, wash away the pain (G)
Let the Rains of Remembrance, wash us clean again. (Am)
Let the memories drip down, let them stain, (F)
In the Rains of Remembrance, we remain. (C)

Verse 2: (Am, G, F, C)
Your laughter still lingers, in every drop (Am)
Our love story etched, on every rooftop (G)
Now only your shadow haunts (F)
In the Rains of Remembrance, we’re lost. (C)

Chorus: (G, Am, F, C)
Wash away the colors, wash away the pain (G)
Let the Rains of Remembrance, wash us clean again. (Am)
Let the memories drip down, let them stain, (F)
In the Rains of Remembrance, we remain. (C)

Favorite Fan:
The band’s favorite fan is Emily Gibson. Emily found Threadbare Lad’s music during a challenging time in her life, and their lyrics resonated with her deeply. She says, “Threadbare Lad’s songs are like a comforting friend that understands my struggles and soothes my pain. Their raw emotion and storytelling take me on a journey that somehow makes everything feel okay. No other band has struck such a chord with my heart. Their song ‘Rains of Remembrance’ is my all-time favorite; it’s hauntingly beautiful and incredibly healing.”

Backstory:
Stimulating Specialist came into existence in the eclectic music scene of Seattle in the early 2000s. Initially, the band was a duo formed by childhood friends, Liam Harper and Noah Reid, who shared a common love for music and a dream of capturing life’s complexities and beauty in their songs. Over the years, the band grew in numbers as well as in popularity. New members Jenna Dawson and Alex Mercer introduced a fresh dynamic and depth to their sound.

In their early years, Stimulating Specialist started by performing in local clubs and pubs. Slowly, they gained recognition for their distinct sound and captivating live performances. Their meteoric rise in the music scene was cemented when they won the Best New Artist award at a local music awards show. Since then, Stimulating Specialist continues to captivate audiences worldwide with their unique blend of introspective lyrics, energetic performances, and innovative music.

Genre:
Alternative Rock

Title:
“Ripple in the Pond”

Full song lyrics:

[Verse 1]
Am Em
Walking on the edge of twilight,
G D
Gazing at the churning pond,
Am Em
Reflections of a life in hindsight,
G D
And dreams of the world beyond.

[Chorus]
C G
We are but a ripple in the pond,
Am Em
Changing with the touch of a magic wand.
C G
Stand tall, let your voice resound,
Am Em
Just remember, we’re all bound.

[Verse 2]
Am Em
Struggling under the weight of silence,
G D
Seeking solace in the song of the breeze,
Am Em
Embracing the chaos with defiance,
G D
In this life, nothing comes with ease.

[Chorus]
C G
We are but a ripple in the pond,
Am Em
Shaped by the touch of a guiding hand.
C G
In this dance that goes round and round,
Am Em
We find strength, in love we’re bound.

Testimonial:
The band’s favorite fan’s name is Sarah Cunningham. A music blogger and an ardent fan since their early days, Sarah has attended every show and has written extensively about the band in her blog. Her testimonial says, “Stimulating Specialist isn’t just my favorite band because they make incredible music. It’s the raw emotion, the depth, the honesty in their lyrics that reach out and connect with the listener’s soul. Their music is a beautiful exploration of life’s complexities. It’s like they put words and melodies to feelings I couldn’t even describe. They have a magical ability to touch hearts, lift spirits, and inspire minds. That’s why they’re my favorite.”