Backstory:

Formed in a small Southern town, Unpleasant Cup was born from the collective love of music and a shared sense of alienation. The band’s founding members, lead vocalist and songwriter, Jake “Sour” Simmons, and drummer, Ryan “Bitter” Doyle, met in a high school music class. Despite having different musical upbringings – Simmons was raised on blues and rock, while Doyle was a classically trained percussionist – they found a shared love for music that pushed boundaries and challenged conventions. With the addition of bassist, Alice “Acerbic” Chen, and guitarist, Ben “Tart” Hawkins, Unpleasant Cup was complete. Despite their name, Unpleasant Cup is anything but, and they quickly gained a loyal fan base with their genre-defying sound and raw, emotional lyrics.

Genre:

Unpleasant Cup’s music is a unique blend of alternative rock and indie folk, with touches of blues and experimental sounds.

Title:

Their most famous track, “Brewed in the Shadows”.

Full song lyrics:

(Verse 1)
[Am] In the corner of a [Em] dim-lit room,
[F] Brewed in the shadows, [C] I met my gloom.
[Am] Whispering echoes, [Em] a familiar tune,
[F] Tasted the bitter, [C] under the moon.

(Chorus)
[G] Unpleasant Cup, [Em] you’re my bane,
[Am] But I drink you up, [Em] to numb the pain.
[G] Brewed in the shadows, [Em] in the rain,
[Am] Your taste lingers, [Em] a sweet refrain.

(Verse 2)
[Am] Sipped on the sorrow, [Em] gulped down the lies,
[F] In the depth of night, [C] under the skies.
[Am] Unpleasant Cup, [Em] you’re harsh and wise,
[F] The truth in doses, [C] the devil’s disguise.

(Chorus)
[G] Unpleasant Cup, [Em] you’re my bane,
[Am] But I drink you up, [Em] to numb the pain.
[G] Brewed in the shadows, [Em] in the rain,
[Am] Your taste lingers, [Em] a sweet refrain.

Fan’s Testimonial:

The band’s favorite fan, Sarah, has followed the band since their early days. “Unpleasant Cup is more than just a band to me. Their music speaks to me on a deeply personal level. They’re not afraid to tackle complex emotions and experiences, and that’s something I really connect with. ‘Brewed in the Shadows’ has been my anthem during tough times. It’s raw, it’s real, and it doesn’t shy away from the harsh realities of life. I’ve seen them play live multiple times, and their energy and passion is unlike anything I’ve ever experienced. Unpleasant Cup isn’t just my favorite band, they’ve become a fundamental part of my life.”

Backstory:

Ideal Topic is the brainchild of a group of childhood friends who went on a life-changing road trip in the summer of 2010. While journeying across the country, they discovered their mutual love for music and began toying with the idea of creating their own band. They lived by one mantra, “be the ideal version of yourself,” which eventually gave birth to the band’s name – Ideal Topic. The band, formed in the heartland of Ohio, consists of lead vocalist and guitarist, Jake, bassist Ethan, drummer Sam, and keyboardist, Ben. Their journey has been filled with highs and lows, but their shared love for music and their insatiable passion for self-exploration has kept them together.

Genre:

Ideal Topic is best known for their Indie Rock sound infused with elements of alternative pop, creating a unique blend of catchy hooks and soul-stirring lyrics.

Title:

“One Last Dance”

Full song lyrics:

(Verse 1)
[C] Wandering souls in the [G] city of lights,
[Am] We found our rhythm in the [Em] dead of the night.
[C] Lost in love, and [G] found in the crowd,
[Am] Dancing to the beat, [Em] we were young and proud.

(Chorus)
[C] Give me one last dance, in the [G] pouring rain,
[Am] Let’s lose ourselves, and [Em] find us again.
[C] In the neon glow, under [G] starlit skies,
[Am] Let’s capture this moment, before [Em] the sunrise.

(Verse 2)
[C] Running wild, in the [G] heart of the storm,
[Am] We found our courage, [Em] we found our form.
[C] Hand in hand, with [G] dreams in our eyes,
[Am] Under the city lights, [Em] we began to rise.

(Chorus)
[C] Give me one last dance, in the [G] pouring rain,
[Am] Let’s lose ourselves, and [Em] find us again.
[C] In the neon glow, under [G] starlit skies,
[Am] Let’s capture this moment, before [Em] the sunrise.

The bands favorite fan’s name:

Ideal Topic’s favorite fan is named Lily. Lily first heard Ideal Topic’s music during a rough patch in her life. Their lyrics resonated with her situation and provided solace. Over time, she’s attended all their concerts within a 300-mile radius and claims their music helped her find herself again during a challenging time. The band appreciates her dedication and her story, which aligns with their mantra, making them feel that their music makes an impact.

Lily’s Testimonial:

“Ideal Topic isn’t just a band to me; they are my lifeline. Their music has guided me through some of the darkest times of my life. Their raw and authentic lyrics have a unique way of touching the soul. When I feel lost, their mantra of being the ideal version of oneself reminds me to stay true to who I am. They’re not just a band; they’re an inspiration.”

Backstory:
Granular Channel was formed in the musical heartland of Austin, Texas in the summer of 2015. The band was a vibrant mixture of five friends who had been experimenting with their sound since their school days. The band, comprised of lead singer and guitarist Jake Evans, keyboardist and vocalist Lisa Flores, bassist Dan Davis, drummer Tom Jackson, and violinist Bella Harper, would spend their weekends fine-tuning their distinctive style, inspired by their collective love for rock and electronica. Their unique sound was recognized by a local radio station, giving them their first big break, and Granular Channel was soon playing to packed venues across Texas.

Their reputation was cemented when they released their first album “Sonic Tides” in 2017. The album was critically acclaimed and further solidified Granular Channel’s presence in the music scene, not just in Texas, but across the nation. Known for their electrifying live performances and deeply emotive lyrics, Granular Channel has continued to captivate audiences, becoming a beacon in the indie music scene.

Genre:
Indie Rock with a touch of Electronica

Title:
“Canvas of Chaos”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1: Am – F – C – G)
Am
Late night drives, city lights aglow,
F
Running wild, with nowhere to go,
C
Painting dreams on a canvas of chaos,
G
Chasing the echo of the unknown.

(Chorus: F – C – G – Am)
F
In the static, we find our peace,
C
In the noise, we find release,
G
In the echoes of our heartbeats,
Am
We find our symphony, our masterpiece.

(Verse 2: Am – F – C – G)
Am
Underneath the stars, we start to see,
F
That we’re made of stardust, you and me,
C
In the silence, we start to hear,
G
The music of the universe, so clear.

(Chorus: F – C – G – Am)
F
In the static, we find our peace,
C
In the noise, we find release,
G
In the echoes of our heartbeats,
Am
We find our symphony, our masterpiece.

Name of the Band’s Favorite Fan:
David Rosen

David’s Testimonial:
“Granular Channel isn’t just a band, they’re poets who paint pictures with their music. I’ve been a fan since their early days, and their music has been a lifeline for me. It’s the perfect blend of reality and dreams, capturing the chaos and beauty of life. Their song ‘Canvas of Chaos’ resonates with me because it speaks to the journey of finding peace amidst noise and chaos. That’s why Granular Channel is my favorite band. They create music that speaks to the soul.”

Backstory:

Established in the heart of London in 2011, ‘Virtuous Bone’ emerged from a shared passion for heavy metal and poetic lyricism. The dynamic trio, comprising of Riley ‘Riot’ Matthews on vocals and guitar, James ‘Jigsaw’ Turner on bass and backing vocals, and Zach ‘Zephyr’ Johnson on drums, all met in a dingy London pub known for its vibrant underground music scene. After a few jam sessions and a mutual admiration for each other’s musical prowess, ‘Virtuous Bone’ was born. They decided to create music that explored the darker realms of the human psyche, interwoven with instrumental prowess and raw vocals.

The band’s first gig at a local pub started circulating around the underground music scene and quickly garnered a loyal fanbase. The band’s raw energy, coupled with their unique take on heavy metal, impressed audiences and critics alike. In the span of just a decade, ‘Virtuous Bone’ has contributed to the international heavy metal scene with six studio albums, several chart-topping hits, and countless electrifying live performances.

Genre:

Heavy Metal

Title:

“Scars of the Sacred”

Full song lyrics:

(Verse 1)
Em (C) Look into my eyes, see the chaos within,
G (D) Born from pain and sacrifice, branded by sin.
Em (C) We slave, we strive, every struggle, every strife,
G (D) Carved into our souls, the scars of life.

(Chorus)
C (Em) Scars of the sacred, etched in stone,
G (D) Echoes of battles, the seeds we’ve sown.
C (Em) The virtue in pain, the marrow in bone,
G (D) We rise, we fall, but we’re never alone.

(Verse 2)
Em (C) Through the storm, through the fire, through the darkest desire,
G (D) We stand strong, unconquered, hearts ablaze, never tire.
Em (C) This is our journey, our anthem, our song,
G (D) Scars of the sacred, where we belong.

(Chorus)
C (Em) Scars of the sacred, etched in stone,
G (D) Echoes of battles, the seeds we’ve sown.
C (Em) The virtue in pain, the marrow in bone,
G (D) We rise, we fall, but we’re never alone.

(Bridge)
Am (Em) Bound by the chains, yet free in our hearts,
F (C) Unbroken, unbeaten, playing our parts.
D (Em) In the dance of destiny, we’ve known,
G (D) Scars of the sacred, a legacy shown.

(Chorus)
C (Em) Scars of the sacred, etched in stone,
G (D) Echoes of battles, the seeds we’ve sown.
C (Em) The virtue in pain, the marrow in bone,
G (D) We rise, we fall, but we’re never alone.

Outro
G (D) Scars of the sacred, our story told,
Em (C) Virtuous Bone, forever bold.

The band’s favorite fan:

The band’s favorite fan is a 25-year-old woman named Lucy. She’s been following Virtuous Bone since their first local gig and has attended nearly all their concerts. Lucy sees the band as more than just musicians; she believes “Virtuous Bone” is a voice for those who feel unheard and misunderstood. She’s even designed and distributed her own line of fan merchandise, getting it signed at meet and greets.

Lucy’s Testimonial:

“Virtuous Bone isn’t just a band to me, they’re a lifeline. Their lyrics resonate with my own experiences, making me feel seen and

Backstory:

Silly Grass started their journey in 2012, in the bustling city of Nashville. The yesteryear dorm mates, John, a banjo player, and Sam, a mandolin maestro, had been jamming together for quite a while. They decided to form a band when they realized their shared love for folk music and not taking things too seriously. They roped in their friends Kevin, a drummer, and Keith, who could play almost anything with strings. The band was named ‘Silly Grass’, a nod to their music roots and playful attitude.

The band was fueled by the spirit of camaraderie and the shared love for music. They were not just a band but a family with a mission to spread joy through their music. Over the years, they have been entertaining their audiences with their quirky lyrics, novel themes, and unique music style, which is a blend of traditional folk and modern pop.

Genre: Folk Pop

Title: ‘Moonshine Lullaby’

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
[G]Down by the [C]river where the [D]willows weep,
[G]Echoes of [C]laughter and [D]secrets we keep.
[G]Under the [C]night sky, so [D]vividly deep,
[G]We’d sing the [C]moonshine [D]lullaby, [G]into sleep.

(Chorus)
[C]Whispers of [G]love, and [D]promises to keep,
[C]In the heart of the [G]night, when the [D]world’s asleep.
[G]Here’s to the [C]moments, so [D]sweet and so brief,
[G]To the [C]moonshine [D]lullaby, [G]and the relief.

(Verse 2)
[G]Years have rolled [C]by, but [D]memories stay,
[G]Of those starry [C]nights and [D]carefree days.
[G]With hearts so [C]light, and [D]dreams so gay,
[G]We’d hum the [C]moonshine [D]lullaby, [G]far away.

(Chorus)
[C]Echoes of [G]laughter, [D]friendship so deep,
[C]In the heart of the [G]night, as the [D]willows weep.
[G]Here’s to the [C]memories, [D]forever to keep,
[G]To the [C]moonshine [D]lullaby, [G]and the leap.

Fan Testimonial:

The band’s favorite fan is Sarah, a kindergarten teacher from Nashville. Sarah says, “Silly Grass isn’t just a band to me. It’s a feeling, a mood. Their songs speak to me directly, they make me laugh, they make me cry, they make me think. Each song tells a story that is so unique yet so universal. It’s like they’ve put my thoughts into lyrics. Their music is a blend of tradition and modernity, and that’s what I love most about them. They respect where they come from but are not afraid to experiment. They are my favorite because they are true to their craft yet don’t take themselves too seriously. They are indeed a breath of fresh air in the music scene.”

Backstory:
Stormy Cobweb is a band born out of the bohemian heart of San Francisco. Founded in 2010, the band consists of lead vocalist/guitarist Grace “Stormy” Malone, bassist Charlie “Cobweb” Weber, drummer Frankie “Thunder” Gray, and keyboardist, Violet “Lightning” Hayes. The band members met at a local cafe, each one performing solo gigs, until a twist of fate brought them together one rainy evening. A power outage forced them to improvise and perform together. The chemistry was undeniable, and by the end of the night, Stormy Cobweb was born.

Their unique blend of music, a potpourri of soulful lyrics with a touch of rebellious beats, soon caught the attention of both local and international music lovers. They started their journey playing in local bars and cafes and gradually moved to larger venues, with their music echoing in every corner of the city, and then the world.

Genre:
Alternative Rock with a hint of Indie Folk

Title:
“Crisis of the Heart”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
[C] I’m standing on the [Am] ledge, looking at the [Em] stars,
[G] Wondering if you’re [C] doing the same from [Am] afar.
[C] Our love was like a [Am] beautiful song,
[G] But now, all I feel is [C] terribly wrong. [Am]

(Chorus)
[F] Crisis of the [C] heart, [G] tearing us apart,
[Am] We’re lost, [G] we’re lost, in the [F] dark.
[F] Can we find our [C] way, [G] can we hit replay,
[Am] Let’s start, [G] let’s start, a new [F] day.

(Verse 2)
[C] I remember the [Am] taste of your sweet [Em] smile,
[G] Now it’s disappeared, [C] lost in the [Am] meanwhile.
[C] Shadows of our [Am] love still linger on,
[G] But without you, it feels [C] all so [Am] wrong.

(Chorus)
[F] Crisis of the [C] heart, [G] tearing us apart,
[Am] We’re lost, [G] we’re lost, in the [F] dark.
[F] Can we find our [C] way, [G] can we hit replay,
[Am] Let’s start, [G] let’s start, a new [F] day.

Fan Testimonial:
Stormy Cobweb’s favorite fan is a young woman named Lucy. “Their music speaks to my soul like no other,” Lucy says. “Every song feels so personal, as though they’ve managed to put my emotions into words. I remember once, at a concert, Grace looked into the crowd and for a moment, our eyes met. It was as if she was singing just for me. From the vivacious tunes to the heart-wrenching lyrics, Stormy Cobweb is my favorite because they’ve created a world where every emotion is valid and every voice is heard. Their music has been a beacon of light in my darkest times, a constant reminder that it’s okay to feel and express freely. For that, I’ll always be a proud ‘Cobwebber’.”

Backstory:
Spectacular Road is an indie rock band formed in Boston back in 2013. The band’s founding members, Joe and Mike, were childhood friends who shared a passion for music and dreamed of making it big. The two decided to pursue their dream after graduating college, and so began their journey down the Spectacular Road. Their initial years were challenging, but their passion for music and determination to succeed saw them through. They were later joined by Kate, a talented bass guitarist, and Tom, a charismatic vocalist. Together, they began creating their unique sound, drawing inspiration from life experiences and the world around them.

Genre:
Indie Rock

Title:
“Journey Unseen”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
[G] Down the winding path we [D] go,
[Em] Looking for a reason, for a way to [C] show,
[G] That life is more than checking [D] boxes,
[Em] It’s about chasing dreams, no matter the [C] losses.

(Chorus)
[G] We’re on a spectacular road, [D] unseen,
[C] Unfolding our life’s pages, [Em] yet so serene,
[G] One day we’ll look back with a [D] gleam,
[Em] Knowing we chased, not just a [C] dream.

(Verse 2)
[G] We’ve seen the highs and we’ve known [D] lows,
[Em] The love of fans, the critic’s [C] blows,
[G] But we’ve held on tight, stuck to our [D] creed,
[Em] Music is our life, it’s all we [C] need.

(Chorus)
[G] We’re on a spectacular road, [D] unseen,
[C] Finding our voice, in the [Em] routine,
[G] One day we’ll stand tall, so [D] keen,
[Em] Knowing we voiced, not just a [C] dream.

Fan’s Name and Testimonial:
Ben Matthews – “I’ve been a fan of Spectacular Road since their early days. Their music speaks to me on so many levels. It’s raw, real, and relatable. Their song, ‘Journey Unseen,’ is a masterpiece. It describes the journey of life, the ups and downs, and the courage to pursue your dreams. It reminds me to keep going no matter what. I feel a deep connection with their music. To me, Spectacular Road isn’t just a band; it’s an experience, a motivation, a way of life.”

Backstory:
Thorough Summer was born on a warm afternoon in the small town of Pueblo, Colorado. The founding members, childhood best friends Jonah and Brett were out on their usual fishing trip when they found an old, worn-out guitar lying by the river bank. They took it home, and that same night, music filled the air as Jonah strummed the guitar and Brett accompanied him with his harmonica. This was the start of their journey into the world of music. After a year of practicing and creating their own tunes, they were joined by a drummer, who was none other than Brett’s cousin Jamie. Thus, Thorough Summer came into existence, their name inspired by the sunny afternoon that kindled their passion for music.

Genre:
Thorough Summer’s music can be best described as Indie Folk Rock.

Title:
“River Bank Serenade”

Full Song Lyrics:

Verse 1: [G] Down by the [C] river, we [G] found our [D] beat
[G] Strumming and [C] humming, to the [G] summer [D] heat
[G] We were so [C] young, we were [G] wild, we were [D] free
[G] And our [C] music, was our [D] only decree [G]

Chorus:
[C] So we sang a [G] serenade on the [D] river bank [G]
[C] Of dreams and [G] love and the [D] pranks we pranked [G]
[C] We were Thorough [G] Summer, in our [D] own sweet way [G]
[C] Our songs are [G] memories, of that [D] sun-drenched day [G]

Verse 2:
[G] Jonah on the [C] guitar, Brett with his [D] harp [G]
[G] Jamie on the [C] drums, under the [D] sky so sharp [G]
[G] We created [C] melodies, under the [D] old oak tree [G]
[G] And our [C] music, set our [D] spirits free [G]

Chorus:
[C] So we sang a [G] serenade on the [D] river bank [G]
[C] Of dreams and [G] love and the [D] pranks we pranked [G]
[C] We were Thorough [G] Summer, in our [D] own sweet way [G]
[C] Our songs are [G] memories, of that [D] sun-drenched day [G]

Fan’s Name and Testimonial:
Fan’s Name: Lily Roberts
Testimonial: “I first heard ‘River Bank Serenade’ at a local club in Pueblo and instantly fell in love with Thorough Summer’s music. The raw and rustic vibe, the heartfelt lyrics, and the soulful melodies strike a chord with me. It’s like they are not just playing music, but telling a story that resonates with my own life. Every song is a journey that I want to take over and over again. Thorough Summer is, without a doubt, my favorite band.”

Backstory:
Kosher Wind was formed in a small, nondescript village in Jerusalem, Israel. The band was the brainchild of Isaac Cohen, a rabbi’s son with a penchant for musical instruments and an ear for melodies. Isaac was soon joined by his childhood friends, Benjamin, Levi, and Simon on the drums, bass, and lead guitars respectively. They turned their shared love for music into a creative outlet, drawing on their cultural heritage as well as their spiritual upbringing. From performing at Bar Mitzvahs to sell-out shows in Tel Aviv, Kosher Wind came a long way since their humble beginnings. Their music is a testament to their roots and a reflection of their faith, incorporating elements of Jewish folklore and modern rhythms.

Genre:
Kosher Wind primarily plays Jewish Folk-Rock with a modern twist.

Title:
“The Prayer of the Wanderer”

Full song lyrics:

(Verse 1 – Am, Dm, G, C)
In the city of golden dreams, (Am, Dm)
I lost my way, (G, C)
I saw faces I never knew, (Am, Dm)
In the light of day. (G, C)

(Chorus – F, Am, Dm, G)
Oh, take me back, (F, Am)
To the land of my father, (Dm, G)
My heart yearns, (F, Am)
For the prayer of the wanderer. (Dm, G)

(Verse 2 – Am, Dm, G, C)
I tread on paths, (Am, Dm)
That ancestors have trod, (G, C)
In search of the divine, (Am, Dm)
In the silence of God. (G, C)

(Chorus – F, Am, Dm, G)
Oh, take me back, (F, Am)
To the land of my father, (Dm, G)
My soul sings, (F, Am)
The prayer of the wanderer. (Dm, G)

Favorite Fan:
Their biggest fan is a woman named Sarah Goldstein. She has been following their journey since their early days. She says, “Kosher Wind is my favorite band due to their unique blend of traditional Jewish melodies and modern rock vibes. Their music transcends the boundaries of religion and speaks to the soul. I feel a deep connection with their lyrics as they beautifully encapsulate the Jewish diaspora’s experience. Every time I listen to ‘The Prayer of the Wanderer’, I am transported back to my roots, and for that, I am forever grateful to Kosher Wind.”

Backstory:

Cheap Gallery was born out of the colorful chaos of a college dorm room in Brooklyn, New York. The band members, high school friends Alex (vocals), Jack (guitar), and Elliot (drums), decided to turn their shared passion for music into a creative outlet during their sophomore year. With a reputation for transforming everyday experiences into meaningful lyrics, Cheap Gallery quickly developed a loyal local following and became a staple act at local bars and clubs. Their journey, built on friendship, passion, and sheer talent, has been a testament to their determination and love for music.

Genre:
Indie-Rock

Title:
“Frames of Yesterday”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
[C]Looking through the [G]frames of yesterday,
[Am]Shadows dancing in the [F]monochrome,
[C]Pieces of a [G]past, in silence lay,
[Am]In the corners of our [F]home.

(Chorus)
[G]Oh, we are the [Em]Cheap Gallery,
[C]Painters of the [D]memories,
[G]Lost in the [Em]echoes of yesterday,
[C]In the frames of [D]our gallery.

(Verse 2)
[C]Strokes of our [G]laughter still resonate,
[Am]In the walls of this [F]crumbling room,
[C]Faded pictures [G]speak of love and hate,
[Am]In the canvas of our [F]doom.

(Chorus)
[G]Oh, we are the [Em]Cheap Gallery,
[C]Carving tales of [D]melancholy,
[G]Reviving the [Em]ghosts of yesterday,
[C]In the frames of [D]our gallery.

Band’s Favorite Fan:

Our favorite fan is Emily Peterson. She’s been with us since our early days, showing up at every gig, buying our initial demos, and spreading the word about us. Emily says, “Cheap Gallery is my favorite band because their music really resonates with me. It’s like they’ve taken fragments of my life and turned them into songs. They’re authentic, raw, and real. I feel a personal connection with their music.” Emily’s support and enthusiasm have been invaluable to our journey.