Backstory:

Needy Directive initially formed in 2012 in the heart of San Francisco, California. The founding members, lead singer/guitarist Quinn Underwood and bassist Jake Tennyson, were both roommates at their college. They started off playing in local pubs and coffee shops, where their unique blend of sounds soon gained attention. They were later joined by drummer Eliot Weiss and keyboardist Lila Pemberton. Over the years, the band has faced numerous challenges, including personal differences, financial difficulties, and the ever-changing music landscape. But, their undying passion for music and their unique bond have kept them going.

Genre:

Needy Directive blends Indie Rock with a touch of Electronic Pop, creating a sound that’s as unique as their name. Their music is characterized by Quinn’s soulful vocals, Jake’s groovy bass lines, Eliot’s rhythmic drum beats, and Lila’s mesmerising keyboard tunes.

Title:

“One More Night In”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
[C] One more night in, [G] staring at these walls,
[Am] Memories spinning, [F] as the silent night falls.
[C] Waiting for a sign, [G] craving for your call,
[Am] Trapped within my mind, [F] in an endless haul.

(Chorus)
[C] So, I’ll spend one more night in,
[G] Dreaming under this neon light.
[Am] Oh, I’ll spend one more night in,
[F] Hoping everything’s gonna be alright,
[C] Oh, everything’s gonna be alright.

(Verse 2)
[C] The clock keeps ticking, [G] as the shadows grow,
[Am] The emptiness is sickening, [F] but I’ve got nowhere to go.
[C] Lost in the echoes, [G] of yesterday’s show,
[Am] I’m just a silhouette, [F] in my own afterglow.

(Chorus)
[C] So, I’ll spend one more night in,
[G] Dreaming under this neon light.
[Am] Oh, I’ll spend one more night in,
[F] Hoping everything’s gonna be alright,
[C] Oh, everything’s gonna be alright.

Fan Testimonial:

My name is Sarah Langford and I live in Portland, Oregon. I’ve been a fan of Needy Directive since their early days. Their music is a kind of balm for my soul. The raw emotion in Quinn’s voice, the stories their songs tell; it’s all so powerful. I love how their music is a blend of indie rock and electronic pop, it’s refreshing and unique. Every song feels like a journey, and I’m always excited to see where they’ll take me next. Seeing them live is an experience I can’t put into words. Their energy, their passion, it’s contagious. They are, without a doubt, my favorite band.

Backstory:

Sociable Hate began their journey in a small suburban garage in Portland, Oregon. The band consists of four members: frontman and lead guitarist Alex Thompson, drummer Zack Harper, bassist Leo Mitchell, and keyboardist and backup vocalist, Sarah Walker. The band met in high school and bonded over a shared passion for music. They played at small gigs in high school and later in local bars, gaining a following because of their unique sound and profound lyrics. Their name, Sociable Hate, was chosen as an oxymoron to describe the conflict between societal norms and personal identity.

Genre:

Alternative Rock

Title:

“Distant Echoes”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
Cm7 G7 Fm Bb
Lost in a world, full of faces,
Cm7 G7 Fm Bb
Struggling to find, our own places,
Cm7 G7 Fm Bb
Looking for truth, in empty spaces,
Cm7 G7 Fm Bb
We are the distant, we are the distant echoes.

(Chorus)
Cm7 G7 Fm Bb
Shouting out loud, in silent screams,
Cm7 G7 Fm Bb
Living our lives, in shattered dreams,
Cm7 G7 Fm Bb
We are the distant, we are the distant echoes.

(Verse 2)
Cm7 G7 Fm Bb
Puppets of society, strings pulled tight,
Cm7 G7 Fm Bb
Breaking free, with all our might,
Cm7 G7 Fm Bb
In the dark, we found our light,
Cm7 G7 Fm Bb
We are the distant, we are the distant echoes.

(Chorus)
Cm7 G7 Fm Bb
Shouting out loud, in silent screams,
Cm7 G7 Fm Bb
Living our lives, in shattered dreams,
Cm7 G7 Fm Bb
We are the distant, we are the distant echoes.

Band’s Favorite Fan:

The band’s favorite fan is undoubtedly Emily Richards. Emily has been a loyal follower of Sociable Hate since their early days, attending every live performance and promoting their music on social media.

Emily’s Testimonial:

“Sociable Hate is more than just a band to me. Their music speaks to me on a personal level and has helped me through some of the toughest times in my life. The raw emotion and honesty in their lyrics, coupled with their captivating melodies, set them apart from any other band I’ve come across. I’ve had the pleasure of getting to know them personally, and their authenticity and passion reflect in their music. They’re not just musicians; they’re storytellers, and their stories have become a huge part of my life.”

Backstory:
Barren Architecture was formed in the heart of the Rust Belt, in the industrial city of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. The band was started by a group of three architects who had found a shared passion for music during their time studying at Carnegie Mellon University. They initially gathered in cramped studios, using the sounds of the city’s decaying steel structures and bustling streets as their inspiration. Their debut album, ‘Blueprints in Sound’ was a reflection of their roots, combining the raw energy of the city with the intricate design principles of architecture.

The trio was comprised of lead vocalist and rhythm guitarist Aaron Cunningham, bassist and backup vocalist Jared Hill, and drummer Sam Duffy. Their initial struggle to break into the music scene fueled their determination and creativity, leading to a unique sound that began to draw attention. Their journey from drafting tables to sold-out gigs is a testament to their talent and tenacity.

Genre:
Barren Architecture chooses to not limit themselves to one genre. Instead, they combine elements of alternative rock, indie, and post-punk to create a unique sound that mirrors the complexity and depth of their architectural backgrounds.

Title:
“Steel and Concrete Dreams”

Song Lyrics:

(Verse)
[G] Steel and concrete dreams [D] echo in our minds,
[Em] Structures soaring high, [C] amidst the city lights.
[G] We etch them out in lines, [D] blueprint of our lives,
[Em] Amid the noise, the grind, [C] their beauty shines.

(Chorus)
[D] We are the architects, [G] of our own design,
[C] In every steel beam, [G] every chalk line.
[D] From the barren land, [G] we create the divine,
[C] In this architecture, [G] our dreams intertwine.

(Verse)
[G] The cityscape’s a canvas, [D] etched with grit and grace,
[Em] Where iron meets the sky, [C] our dreams find their space.
[G] From nothing, we construct, [D] foundations strong and true,
[Em] Our buildings stand tall, [C] against the sky so blue.

(Chorus)
[D] We are the architects, [G] of our own design,
[C] In every steel beam, [G] every chalk line.
[D] From the barren land, [G] we create the divine,
[C] In this architecture, [G] our dreams intertwine.

Bands Favorite Fan:
Our favorite fan has to be Hannah Summers. Hannah was one of the first to champion our music, even when we were playing to mostly empty rooms. She’s followed us on every step of our journey, from small Pittsburgh clubs to national tours. In her own words, “Barren Architecture’s music is like a sonic blueprint of our city. It’s raw, real, and yet has an elegance that speaks of their architectural background. They’ve managed to construct a unique sound that feels like home while pushing boundaries. It’s like watching your favorite skyline come to life in a song.” Hannah’s unwavering support has meant the world to us.

Backstory:
Shy Will was formed in the midst of the bustling music scene of Austin, Texas, in 2015. The band’s name is a nod to their lead singer, Will Thompson, who’s known for his introverted nature off stage and mesmerizing energy on stage. The band members met in a small, underground jam session where they connected through their deep-rooted love for music and their shared dream of pushing the envelope in their creative expression. The band includes Will on vocals and guitar, Lizzy Kline on bass, Matt Soto on drums, and Rachel Parks on keyboards and backing vocals.

Genre:
Shy Will is known for their distinct Indie Rock sound, with elements of folk and alternative rock, and a touch of bluegrass, making them stand out in the crowded Indie scene.

Title: “Underneath The Moonglow”

Full Song Lyrics:
[Intro – G, D, Em, C]
G D
(V1) I’m lost in a city, where the lights don’t sleep,
Em C
so I find my dreams, in your quiet company.
G D
Tonight, let’s dance, unnoticed in the street,
Em C
underneath the moonglow, just you and me.

G D
(Chorus) Underneath the moonglow, we feel so free,
Em C
beneath the stars, you’re the only one I see.
G D
The city sleeps, but we refuse to be,
Em C
underneath the moonglow, we are truly free.

G D
(V2) As the night grows older, our hearts beat fast,
Em C
with every passing moment, we make the seconds last.
G D
In the echo of the silence, the world’s so vast,
Em C
underneath the moonglow, we forget the past.

(Repeat Chorus)

Fan Testimonial:
Shy Will’s biggest fan, Amelia Martinez, says, “I’ve never been so moved by a band’s music before. Their lyrics speak directly to my soul, and their melodies make my heart sway. The rawness in Will’s voice, the harmonies, the earthy tones of their music, makes me feel like I’m a part of something bigger. It’s hard to put into words, but I guess you can say Shy Will’s music is a safe place for me – a refuge. They’re more than just my favorite band, they’re my therapy.”

Backstory:

Reckless Industry is a five-piece band that emerged from the colorful and vibrant streets of Seattle, Washington. The group was formed when lead vocalist, Brandon Michaels, who was working as a mechanic, started jamming in a garage with his childhood friend and bassist, Jake Owens. They were later joined by guitarist Alex Stone, drummer Steve Carter, and keyboardist Lisa Turner. Their shared love for music and desire to create something unique became the driving force of Reckless Industry, turning the garage into a musical haven. Their journey from the garage to the spotlight has been nothing short of a rollercoaster ride, filled with late-night rehearsals, gigs in local pubs, and days spent writing songs fueled on coffee and dreams of making it big.

Genre:

Alternative Rock

Title:

“Rusty Chains”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
Am D G E
Life’s been a journey, a road full of pits,
In this reckless industry, we’ve taken our hits,
Rusty chains hold us, but we won’t quit,
In a world of chaos, we’ve found our fit.

(Chorus)
C G D E
Rusty Chains, can’t bind our dreams,
In this reckless industry, we’re more than it seems,
We’re the voice of the unheard, the unheard screams,
Breaking the chains, we’re not what we seem.

(Verse 2)
Am D G E
Through smoky mirrors and broken strings,
The melody of the unheard, our music sings,
With each beat, each strum, hope it brings,
In the heart of chaos, freedom rings.

(Chorus)
C G D E
Rusty Chains, can’t bind our dreams,
In this reckless industry, we’re more than it seems,
We’re the voice of the unheard, the unheard screams,
Breaking the chains, we’re not what we seem.

(Outro)
Am D G E
In this reckless industry, we’ve made our mark,
With the fire in our hearts, we’ve lit the spark,
Rusty Chains can’t hold us, we’re leaving our ark,
In the face of the storm, we’re creating our arc.

Fan Testimonial:

The band’s favorite fan’s name is Sarah Thompson. Sarah connected with the band when she first heard their song “Rusty Chains” on the radio during a difficult time in her life. Their music became her solace, and she used it as a stepping stone to navigate her struggles. She loves how the band’s lyrics resonate with the common man’s life, and how their music is a blend of raw emotions and unfiltered truth. In her own words, “Reckless Industry is a beacon of hope in the music industry. Their songs are not just melodies; they are anthems of life. ‘Rusty Chains’ inspired me to break my own limitations and chase my dreams. Every beat, every word of their songs echoes in my heart, making me feel understood and less alone in my journey.”

Backstory:
Slight Applicant came together in the bustling music scene of Seattle in 2013. The band was born out of a determined vision by its four members; Jake Larson (vocals), Sarah Combs (guitar), Michael ‘Mikey’ Davis (bass), and Ethan Hill (drums). Each member had been playing in different local bands, experimenting with various sounds and styles. However, they felt unsatisfied with the lack of depth and meaning in their music. One fateful night at a mutual friend’s jam session, they found a shared vision and decided to form a band that combined their varied influences into a cohesive sound.

Their first year was spent in intense songwriting sessions and spirited performances across the local pub scene, where they honed their style and stage presence. Their dedication to their music, combined with their raw and genuine performances, quickly garnered a loyal fanbase. After releasing a couple of EPs, they were signed to an indie label, launching their journey into the national music scene.

Genre:
Alternative Rock

Title:
“Fallen Shadows”

Full Song Lyrics:

[Intro]
Em – C – G – D

(V1)
Em C
In the echoes of the fallen shadows,
G D
We find our hearts entangled.
Em C
In the chaos of the silent nights,
G D
We unravel, we kindle.

(Chorus)
Em C G D
Fallen shadows, whispering tales of a forgotten past.
Em C G D
In the silence, we find our strength, we find our path.

(V2)
Em C
Underneath the veil of the moonlight,
G D
We dance with our dreams.
Em C
In the maze of our desires,
G D
We break free, we redeem.

(Chorus)
Em C G D
Fallen shadows, whispering tales of a forgotten past.
Em C G D
In the silence, we find our strength, we find our path.

(Bridge)
Am Em
In the remnants of the fallen shadows,
F C
We dare to rise, we dare to echo.

(Chorus)
Em C G D
Fallen shadows, whispering tales of a forgotten past.
Em C G D
In the silence, we find our strength, we find our path.

(Outro)
Em – C – G – D
We are the echoes, we are the fallen shadows.

Fan’s Testimonial:
“My name is Megan and I have been a die-hard fan of Slight Applicant since their early pub gigs. Their music has a depth and sincerity that is rare to find these days. Each song feels like a journey, and I totally get lost in their music. The song “Fallen Shadows” has a special place in my heart. It helped me through a rough patch and inspired me to push forward. The way they pour their heart into their music makes me feel like I’m not alone in my struggles. Slight Applicant isn’t just my favorite band, it’s a part of my life.”

Backstory:

Sunny Joy is a mirthful quartet from the colorful streets of San Francisco, California. Initially, the group was just a duo comprised of childhood friends, Lucas and Kate. Both shared a passion for spreading positivity through music. They later met twins, Mark and Emma, at a local music festival. The twins, blessed with a similar outlook on life and music, joined the duo, thus completing the Sunny Joy band in 2011. Since then, they have been spreading their infectious energy and uplifting melodies to the world, bringing a touch of the Californian sun wherever they go.

The band faced numerous challenges, including a brief disbandment in 2015 due to creative differences. However, they always found their way back to each other, finding strength and unity in their shared love of music. Their music reflects their journey, filled with ups and downs, but always circling back to the message of hope, unity, and ‘sunny joy’.

Genre:
Indie Pop

Title:
“Golden Days Are Here”

Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
C G Am F
Wake up, step out, feel the warm sunlight,
C G Am F
Smiling faces, come alive in the bright.
C G Am F
Lift your spirit, let your troubles go,
C G Am F
Let the music, set your heart aglow.

(Chorus)
C G Am F
Golden days are here, they’re crystal clear,
C G Am F
Sunny joy, don’t you hear? It’s music to the ear.

(Verse 2)
C G Am F
Walk down the lane, humming our favorite tune,
C G Am F
Underneath the radiant afternoon.
C G Am F
Feel the rhythm, let it take control,
C G Am F
Sunny joy, it’s the anthem of the soul.

(Chorus)
C G Am F
Golden days are here, they’re crystal clear,
C G Am F
Sunny joy, don’t you hear? It’s music to the ear.

Fan’s Name: Jill Thompson

Testimonial:

“There’s something magical about Sunny Joy. Their music is like a ray of sunshine in a cloudy day. I’ve been a fan since 2012 and their songs have been my companions through the highs and lows of life. ‘Golden Days Are Here’ is my all-time favorite! It’s almost as if they’ve encapsulated joy, hope, and love in that song. Sunny Joy isn’t just a band for me, they’re like family. Their music speaks directly to my soul, and I believe that’s what makes them my favorite band.”

Backstory:

Pointless Opportunity emerged from the depths of the dusty small town of Copperfield, Texas. Four high school buddies, Patrick (lead vocals), Owen (bass guitar), Ian (drums), and Neil (lead guitar), bound by their shared love of music and restless spirits, formed the band in the summer of 2007. The garage-turned-studio became their sanctuary from the mundanity of their small-town life, breeding ground for their raw and expressive music. They named their band ‘Pointless Opportunity’ as a cheeky comment on their seemingly aimless journey. They believed in turning pointless opportunities into meaningful ones, through music, as their life’s mantra.

Genre: Alternative Rock

Title: “Echoes in the Wind”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
[E] They said, “Reach for the stars,” [A] but all I found was dust,
[D] Echoes in the wind, [A] shadows are a must.
[E] In the glare of the city lights, [A] I lost my way,
[D] Searching for a pointless chance, [A] to make my own day.

(Chorus)
[E] Echoes in the wind, [A] sing my silent song,
[D] Carrying my whispers, [A] where they truly belong.
[E] In the noise of this world, [A] I found my peace,
[D] In the echoes in the wind, [A] I found my release.

(Verse 2)
[E] Looking at the clear night sky, [A] I saw my dreams,
[D] In the twinkling stars, [A] bursting at the seams.
[E] I found my place, [A] in the quiet of the night,
[D] Built on pointless opportunity, [A] it never felt so right.

(Chorus)
[E] Echoes in the wind, [A] sing my silent song,
[D] Carrying my whispers, [A] where they truly belong.
[E] In the noise of this world, [A] I found my peace,
[D] In the echoes in the wind, [A] I found my release.

Favorite Fan:

Their most devoted fan, Sarah, a librarian in Copperfield, TX, has been a fervent supporter since their early days. She’s seen them evolve from inexperienced young boys into accomplished musicians. For her, Pointless Opportunity isn’t just a band; they’re a symbol of hope and resilience.

Testimonial: “Being a fan of Pointless Opportunity is like being part of a journey – a journey of self-discovery, growth, and endless dreams. Their music resonates with me on such a personal level that it feels like they are telling my story. Their unfiltered expression and undeniable passion make me believe that even the most pointless opportunities can lead to the most meaningful life experiences.”

Backstory:
‘Extra-Small Decade’ came together in the heart of Ohio, Cleveland, where five talented individuals crossed paths at the local community college. During an open mic night, each member, drawn by the allure of the stage, discovered mutual passions for experimentation, nostalgia, and the power of music to connect people across time and space. The band was born from these seemingly chance encounters as the quintet decided to unite their talents, each bringing unique influences from alternative rock to electronic. Stating their primary aim as ‘creating music that navigates listeners on a journey through time’, ‘Extra-Small Decade’ has since gone from playing in small cafes to selling out concerts in the city.

Genre:
Alternative Electronica

Title:
“Reverse Time Machine”

Full Song Lyrics:
(Verse 1)
[F#m, C#m, D, A]
In the heart of every moment, there’s a clock that ticks unseen,
Echoes of the past and future, in the present we convene.
Turn back the hands, feel the rhythm unwind,
In our reverse time machine, we’ll leave no memory behind.

(Chorus)
[E, D, A, C#m]
Reverse time machine, in the dance of the unseen,
Spin us back to the moments, where we’ve never been.
Back to the laughter, back through the pain,
Our extra-small decade, in the reverse time machine, we remain.

(Verse 2)
[F#m, C#m, D, A]
Through the smoke of memory’s skyline, we rewrite the script of time,
Songs of yesteryears echo, in the harmonies we align.
Cue the moonbeams, let the shadows align,
In our reverse time machine, we’ll drink the aged wine.

(Chorus)
[E, D, A, C#m]
Reverse time machine, in the whispers of the unseen,
Take us back to the heartbeats, that color our dream.
Back to the hopes, back through the unseen,
An extra-small decade, in the reverse time machine, we glean.

Testimonial (Fan’s Name: Charlie):
Charlie, a longtime fan of ‘Extra-Small Decade’, says, “I fell in love with their sound the moment I heard their first song. The way they blend electronic elements with alternative rock creates a distinct universe, a timeless place that resonates with my every emotion, every memory. They have this incredible ability to transport their listeners to different eras, different moments – it’s a magical experience. ‘Extra-Small Decade’ isn’t just my favorite band; it’s been my anchor, my time-travelling companion through thick and thin.”

Backstory:
Loving Distribution originated from the heart of Sacramento in 2011 when four college friends discovered their unique, harmonious blend during an impromptu jam session in a basement. The group was comprised of lead vocalist and guitarist, Adam Warren, drummer Jason Lowell, bassist Dee-Dee Rodriguez, and keyboardist, Sam Fuller. Each member brought distinct influences, experiences, and skills, which combined to form their unique sound. Their chemistry was undeniable, and they decided to join forces under the name ‘Loving Distribution,’ a nod to their shared passion for spreading love and positivity through music.

In the early days, they played at small gigs, local festivals, and college events, gradually gaining recognition for their infectious energy and catchy tunes. They released their first independent album in 2013, and it was a local hit, pushing them further into the limelight. Their music resonated with the audience who appreciated the band’s raw talent, authenticity, and the feel-good vibes that their songs conveyed.

Genre:
Folk/Alternative Rock

Title:
“Ripple of a Heartbeat”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
[G] Under the [D] crimson [Em] sky, I see your [C] eyes,
[G] Reflecting [D] stars, like diamonds on a [C] tide.
[G] We exchange [D] secrets, while the [Em] night comes alive,
[C] In the rhythm of our hearts, we find the perfect [G] vibe.

(Chorus)
[G] We’re just a [D] ripple of a [Em] heartbeat,
[C] Caught in the [G] waves of a [D] universe so sweet.
[G] Through the [D] echo and the [Em] retreat,
[C] Our love is the [G] rhythm, life’s [D] perfect beat.

(Verse 2)
[G] In the morning [D] glow, beneath the [Em] willow,
[C] You play the strings, I follow your [G] shadow.
[G] We sing our [D] dreams, in whispers and [Em] echo,
[C] Dancing on the rhythm, of life’s loving [G] flow.

(Chorus)
[G] We’re just a [D] ripple of a [Em] heartbeat,
[C] In the symphony of [G] love that’s so [D] bittersweet.
[G] With every [D] pulse, and every [Em] retreat,
[C] Our love is the [G] rhythm, life’s [D] sweetest beat.

Fan’s Name:
Jacob Turner

Testimonial:
‘As a fan, I’ve followed Loving Distribution since their earliest performances at local festivals in Sacramento. Their music is like a soothing balm to my soul. I love how their songs are infused with positivity, love, and a sense of interconnectedness that resonates with my own life philosophies. Adam’s vocals combined with Dee-Dee’s bass, Sam’s keyboard and Jason’s steady drumbeat create a harmony that is truly unique. “Ripple of a Heartbeat” is my absolute favorite – it never fails to uplift my spirit. Loving Distribution is not just my favorite band because they create beautiful music, but because they spread a message of love and unity that the world needs more than ever.’