Backstory:

Quarrelsome Landlord is a rag-tag assembly of musicians who first crossed paths in a run-down, airbnb apartment complex in downtown Chicago. The members include lead vocalist and bassist, Amos “The Hammer” Johnson; the harmonica-wielding, Scott “Keymaster” Rodriguez; drummer, Benny “Big Bang” Thompson; and the enigmatic lead guitarist, simply known as “The Mute”. Their shared experience of dealing with a particularly difficult landlord, set in the backdrop of the unpredictable Chicagoland weather, became the inspiration behind the formation of their band, and their unique brand of music.

Despite their differing musical backgrounds, ‘Quarrelsome Landlord’ found common ground in their shared experiences of navigating the complexities of city life, and the trials and tribulations of renting. Their music, filled with raw emotions and authentic storytelling, resonates with individuals from all walks of life, earning them a legion of dedicated fans across the country and beyond.

Genre:

Blues Rock

Song Title:

“Leaky Roof Blues”

Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1 – E, A, E, B)
Rain’s fallin’ down on the streets of Chicago, (E)
Ain’t got no place to go, (A)
My landlord, he won’t fix the leaky roof, (E)
I’ve got them deep down, leaky roof blues. (B)

(Chorus – A, E, B, E)
Oh, the water’s drippin’, (A)
My soul’s flippin’, (E)
Why can’t I get some peace? (B)
Got the leaky roof blues, (E)
In the heart of the Land of the Free. (E)

(Verse 2 – E, A, E, B)
Bills are mounting high, (E)
Landlord’s got his tie, (A)
But I’m just trying to get by, (E)
With these low down, leaky roof blues. (B)

(Chorus – A, E, B, E)
Rain keeps on fallin’, (A)
My heart’s callin’, (E)
For a little bit of ease, (B)
Got the leaky roof blues, (E)
In the home of the brave, if you please. (E)

Fan’s Name:

Mike “Old School” O’Connor

Testimonial:

“Never heard of a band like Quarrelsome Landlord. I’ve been following them since their first gig in an old dive bar in Chicago. Their music speaks directly to the soul, especially ‘Leaky Roof Blues’. It’s raw and real – just like life in the city. They aren’t just a band, they’re storytellers, and they’ve captured the essence of the urban struggle like no one else. No wonder these guys are my all-time favorite.”

Backstory:
Substantial Error came to life in the early 2000s, in the dusty garages of suburban San Francisco. The founding members, Billy Samson (vocals), Ricky Harper (lead guitar), and Chuck Madison (drums), were school buddies who shared a mutual passion for alternative music and a disdain for the mainstream music scene. They started out playing covers of their favorite bands, but soon graduated to creating their own unique sound, incorporating elements of punk, grunge, and alt-rock with a lyrical focus on social commentary. As they began to make a name for themselves locally, they added Tracy Lewis (bass guitar) to their lineup, solidifying Substantial Error as a force to be reckoned with.

Despite facing numerous hardships, including a revolving door of managers and a near breakup, Substantial Error persevered, proving their dedication to their craft was not a fleeting whim. The band has gone from playing high school proms to selling out venues across the country, while maintaining their raw, unfiltered sound and genuine love for their craft.

Genre: Alt-Rock/Punk

Title: “Cruel Consequence”

Full song lyrics:

Verse 1: [Am, C, G, E]
( Am ) Painted faces, ( C ) vacant spaces,
( G ) Lost the meaning of what ( E ) life is.
( Am ) Broken systems, ( C ) twisted wisdom,
( G ) A world that doesn’t ( E ) care if we exist.

Chorus: [F, C, G]
( F ) Wake up, stand up, face the ( C ) cruel consequence,
( G ) Life is anything but innocent. ( F )
Stand your ground, don’t back down, and ( C ) let your voice be heard,
( G ) In this world, it’s our turn.

Verse 2: [Am, C, G, E]
( Am ) Empty promises, ( C ) shattered dreams,
( G ) Reality is not what it ( E ) seems.
( Am ) We’re the renegades, ( C ) the disarray,
( G ) We won’t let them ( E ) take our dreams away.

(Repeat Chorus)

Bridge: [F, Am, G]
( F ) We’re living on the edge, ( Am ) where fear meets courage,
( G ) In a world that’s spinning out of control. ( F )
( Am ) We won’t let go, we won’t ( G ) let them steal our souls.

(Repeat Chorus)

End: [Am, C, G, E]
( Am ) For every dream that’s ( C ) been denied,
( G ) For every voice that’s been ( E ) silenced,
( Am ) We’ll stand up, we’ll ( C ) fight, until the ( G ) end, ( E ) until the end.

Fan Testimonial:
“Hi, I’m Jessica Mathers, the all-time biggest fan of Substantial Error. Their music speaks volumes about the issues we face in society today. It’s raw, it’s real, and it’s relatable. Their song ‘Cruel Consequence’ is an anthem for my generation, inspiring us to stand up and make our voices heard. Substantial Error isn’t just a band for me, it’s a movement.”

Backstory:

“Even Potato” is a band that rose to fame from a small town in Idaho. The band was formed in a high school music class in 2011 by four friends, Jacob, Nick, Ethan, and Hannah. They were known for their humor, creativity, and undeniable talent. The band name “Even Potato” was chosen during a late-night jamming session when the group decided that they were as versatile and universally loved as a potato, and they wanted their music to appeal to even the most ‘potato’ of people.

Through years of hard work, they started gaining local attention by performing at county fairs, local dive bars, and Christmas events. Their breakthrough came when a video of their performance at a local festival went viral on YouTube, gaining them a significant following. They have since signed with a small indie record label and continue to create music that speaks to the common man’s experiences.

Genre:

Indie Rock

Title:

“French Fry Sky”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse)
[C] Underneath the French Fry Sky, [G] no more reasons left to cry,
[Am] We’ve got our love, [F] and a bag of dreams to fry,
[C] An Idaho town, [G] a bumpy road down,
[Am] Through fields of gold, [F] where our love is found.

(Chorus)
[G] Even Potato, we rise from the soil, [C] our roots run deep,
[Am] Through troubles and toil, [F] we’ll hold each other tight,
[G] Underneath the French Fry Sky. [C] [G]

(Verse)
[C] Laughing on the porch swing, [G] with our old songs to sing,
[Am] You and me babe, [F] we got that simple thing,
[C] Underneath the stars, [G] in the back of our old car,
[Am] We found our peace, [F] right where we are.

(Chorus)
[G] Even Potato, we rise from the dust, [C] our love so robust,
[Am] In each other, we trust, [F] as we soar above high,
[G] Underneath the French Fry Sky. [C] [G]

Favorite Fan’s Name, Testimonial:

My name is Tom, and I’m proud to say I’ve been a fan of Even Potato since their humble beginnings. Their music, especially songs like “French Fry Sky,” resonate with me on a deep level. They capture the simplicity, beauty, and resilience of life in a small town. The raw emotions and the beautiful harmonies transport me to a place of peace, hope, and love. Their music has been a source of comfort and joy for me, especially in tough times. There’s something so pure and authentic about Even Potato that makes them my favorite band.

Backstory:
Unselfish Step came together in the vibrant music scene of Seattle, Washington in 2012. The five band members, all from diverse musical backgrounds, found a common bond in their mutual love for alternative rock and their shared desire to make an impact. Their eclectic influences, ranging from the grunge era to folk music, have helped them create a unique sound that attracts a wide range of fans. The band’s rise to fame was not easy; they played countless gigs in local clubs and bars before getting their big break at a music festival in 2015, where a record producer spotted their talent. Since then, they have been steadily gaining recognition and building a passionate fan base.

Genre:
Alternative Rock

Title:
“Concrete Jungle”

Full Song Lyrics:
(Verse 1: E-A-D-G-B-E)
In the middle of the concrete jungle, we found our hearts (E)
Broken and scattered like shards of glass (A)
We’re just trying to fit this puzzle, of life (D)
With every unselfish step, we strive (G)

(Chorus: E-A-D-G-B-E)
Unselfish steps we take (B),
In this concrete jungle, we awake (E)
Dreams crushed under the weight (A),
But we won’t let it dictate our fate (D)

(Verse 2: E-A-D-G-B-E)
Riding the subway to the rhythm of life (G)
In the city that never sleeps, we fight (B)
With every ticking second, we find (E)
An unselfish step, leaving no one behind (A)

(Chorus: E-A-D-G-B-E)
Unselfish steps we take (B),
In this concrete jungle, we awake (E)
Dreams lost in the cityscape (A),
But we won’t let it obfuscate our slate (D)

(Bridge: E-A-D-G-B-E)
In the alleyways, under the city lights (G)
We find the courage to take flight (B)
With unselfish steps, we ignite (E)
A beacon of hope, burning so bright (A)

(Chorus: E-A-D-G-B-E)
Unselfish steps we take (B),
In this concrete jungle, we awake (E)
This city won’t make us break (A),
For every unselfish step, it’s our path we remake (D)

Fan’s Name:
Mike Williams

Testimonial:
“Unselfish Step is by far my favorite band. Their music speaks to me on a level that no other band has been able to reach. The lyrics of their songs, like “Concrete Jungle”, are so raw and real. They sing about the struggles we all face, but they do it in a way that motivates us to keep moving forward, to take those ‘unselfish steps’. Their concerts are always a phenomenal experience, filled with such energy and passion. It’s impossible not to get swept up in it!”

Backstory:

“Untrue Harbour” was born on a boat, literally. The band’s core members, Tyler James (lead vocals, guitar) and Luke Harrison (drums), had been childhood pals growing up in the small coastal town of Port Anson, Maine. Their shared passion for music and adventure led them to spontaneously embark on a sailing trip after high school, taking only their instruments and a bag of clothes. On the boat, they started crafting their unique sound, fusing elements of their environment with their musical influences. They named their band “Untrue Harbour,” symbolizing their constant state of journey and discovery rather than aiming for a safe harbour. Once back on land, they added to their lineup Riley Stevens (bass) and Ella Mason (keyboard, backup vocals), completing their dynamic quartet.

Genre:

Alternative Rock with a touch of Nautical Folk

Title:

“Beyond the Breakers”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse)
[G] Sailing on the silver line, [D] under the canvas painted sky, [C] we’re adventurers in time, [D] beyond the breakers.
[G] Stars are our compass in the night, [D] guided by the northern light, [C] in our hearts the fire’s bright, [D] beyond the breakers.

(Chorus)
[Em] Beyond the breakers, [C] where the ocean meets the sky,
[G] we’re chasing dreams, [D] under the moon’s watchful eye.
[Em] Beyond the breakers, [C] with tales yet untold,
[G] we’re sailing on, [D] where only the brave and bold hold.

(Verse)
[G] The wind whispers tales of old, [D] in this vast and open road, [C] the sea’s secrets we hold, [D] beyond the breakers.
[G] The waves sing a lullaby, [D] as we bid the land goodbye, [C] this journey’s our ally, [D] beyond the breakers.

(Chorus)
[Em] Beyond the breakers, [C] where the seagulls freely fly,
[G] we’re carving paths, [D] in the canvas of the sky.
[Em] Beyond the breakers, [C] with a freedom so bold,
[G] we’re sailing on, [D] where only the brave and bold hold.

Fan Testimonial:

My name is Sarah, and I am a die-hard fan of “Untrue Harbour.” Their music speaks to the wanderlust in me, invoking a sense of travel and freedom. It’s as if they’re narrating my thoughts and dreams through their songs. Their lyrics are poetic, and the music has a transcendent quality that takes me on a journey. I’ve attended all their concerts within a hundred-mile radius and each one is a new, exciting experience. They truly are the soundtrack of my life’s adventures.

Backstory:

Best Difference formed in the heart of St. Louis, Missouri, in 2008 by childhood friends Rex Gibson and Mia Evans. They met in elementary school and immediately bonded over their shared love for music. After years of honing their skills in basements and garages, they finally decided to step into the limelight. They brought onboard their college friends – ace drummer, Tim ‘Rhythm Beast’ Rogers, and charismatic bass guitarist, Ethan ‘Soul Strings’ Wallace, and thus, Best Difference was born.

The band first gained attention when they won a local Battle of the Bands competition. This led to a record deal and their debut album, ‘Winds of Change’, took off successfully. Even with the fame and recognition, Best Difference stayed true to their roots and beliefs, using their music to propagate a message of difference, and the acceptance and celebration of it. Their songs often revolve around the idea that it is our differences that make us unique and that they should be celebrated, not shunned.

Genre:

Indie Rock

Title:

“Echoes of Difference”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
Cmaj7
Sailing on the waves of the unknown,
Em
Found a place where the wild winds have blown,
Am
We’re the voices from a distant star,
G
Carving out a world that’s ours.

(Chorus)
Fmaj7
In the echoes of difference, we find our song,
C
In the chaos of existence, we belong,
G
United by the notes, we soar beyond,
Am
In the echoes of difference, we are strong.

(Verse 2)
Cmaj7
Dancing in the rain, we break the chain,
Em
In the symphony of life, we stake our claim,
Am
We’re the whispers in the cosmic sea,
G
Finding beauty in our diversity.

(Chorus)
Fmaj7
In the echoes of difference, we find our song,
C
In the chaos of existence, we belong,
G
United by the notes, we soar beyond,
Am
In the echoes of difference, we are strong.

Favorite Fan’s Name:

Jessie Thompson

Testimonial:

“Best Difference is more than just a band to me. Their music speaks to my soul and represents everything I believe in. Their song ‘Echoes of Difference’ became my anthem, my beacon of hope during some really challenging times. I love how they weave powerful messages into their songs, reminding us to embrace and celebrate our differences. Their music isn’t just entertainment; it’s a call to action, a call to understand, and a call to love. To me, they aren’t just musicians; they are poets, philosophers, and revolutionaries.”

Backstory:

Buoyant Nut was formed in 1976, in the vibrant cultural hub of Liverpool, England. Four childhood friends: Oliver, Jimmy, Freddie, and Mike, who had been playing music in garage bands and school assemblies, decided to come together to form a musical group. Their shared love for eclectic music coupled with their playful and free-spirited approach to life inspired the name ‘Buoyant Nut’.

Over the years, the band has seen several highs and lows. They’ve played to empty bars, packed stadiums, and everything in between. Despite the varying sizes of their audiences, the band has remained unwavering in their commitment to their music and their fans. They’ve never compromised their unique sound for commercial success, choosing instead to stay true to their roots and their passion for music.

Genre:

Psychedelic Rock

Song Title:

“Whirlwind of Whimsy”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
[Am]Sailing on the [G]rhythm, lost in the [F]melody,
[Dm]Twirling in the [C]whirlwind of [G]whimsy and [Am]dreams.
[Am]Caught in the [G]crossfire of [F]love and [Dm]reality,
[C]Held by the [G]thread of [F]hope that [Am]gleams.

(Chorus)
[C]In the whirlwind of [G]whimsy, we [F]find our [Am]grace,
[Dm]In the whirlwind of [C]whimsy, we [G]find our [Am]place.
[C]In the whirlwind of [G]whimsy, we [F]find our [Am]space,
[Dm]In the whirlwind of [C]whimsy, we [G]embrace.

(Verse 2)
[Am]Strumming the [G]strands of [F]fate in [Dm]harmony,
[C]Swinging on the [G]edges of [F]sanity and [Am]dreams.
[Am]Dancing in the [G]dusk of [F]doubts and [Dm]certainty,
[C]Bound by the [G]beats of [F]life that [Am]streams.

(Chorus)
[C]In the whirlwind of [G]whimsy, we [F]find our [Am]grace,
[Dm]In the whirlwind of [C]whimsy, we [G]find our [Am]place.
[C]In the whirlwind of [G]whimsy, we [F]find our [Am]space,
[Dm]In the whirlwind of [C]whimsy, we [G]embrace.

Favorite Fan:

The band’s favorite fan is a woman by the name of Lily Hartman. She has been following the band since their early days in Liverpool and even moved to the United States to continue supporting them when they decided to tour there. She’s their favorite due to her commitment and passion for their music. Lily has been known to say, “Buoyant Nut isn’t just a band, they’re a life experience. Their sound carries you away into a psychedelic world of whimsy and wonder. There’s no other band like them, and I’m proud to be their biggest fan.”

Backstory:
Formed in the drizzling city of Seattle in 2015, Wide-Eyed Draft is a group of college friends, passionate about bringing fresh changes in the music industry. The founding members, Cory (lead singer & guitarist), Pete (bassist) and Amy (drummer) were studying music at the University of Washington when they decided to form a band. The members shared a common love for music that transcends genres and that’s how ‘Wide-Eyed Draft’ was born, a name inspired by their wide-eyed vision of drafting a new chapter in music history.

Genre:
Indie Folk/Rock

Title:
“Rainbow in the Grey”

Full Song Lyrics:
(Verse 1)
[C] Walking down the [G] streets of our [Am] city,
[F] Painted with stories [C] old and gritty.
[C] Looking at the [G] sky above so [Am] grey,
[F] Waiting for the [C] rain to wash away.

(Chorus)
[G] Rainbow in the [C] grey, [Am] casting shadows away,
[F] Drifting through the [C] day, [G] finding our own way.
[G] Rainbow in the [C] grey, [Am] turning night into day,
[F] With our music we [C] play, [G] drafting our own way.

(Verse 2)
[C] Dreams on the [G] horizon, wide and [Am] far,
[F] Guiding us like a [C] Northern Star.
[C] Through the [G] storm, the [Am] sun will find its way,
[F] In our hearts, it’s [C] always a sunny day.

(Chorus)
[G] Rainbow in the [C] grey, [Am] casting shadows away,
[F] Drifting through the [C] day, [G] finding our own way.
[G] Rainbow in the [C] grey, [Am] turning night into day,
[F] With our music we [C] play, [G] drafting our own way.

End with:
[C] With a wide-eyed [G] draft, we [Am] pave our path,
[F] Through the rainbow in the [C] grey.

Bands Favorite Fan:
Name: Emily Roberts.
Emily is a journalist based in Seattle who has been a dedicated follower of Wide-Eyed Draft since their first gig at a local bar. She stumbled upon their music by chance and instantly fell in love with their unique sound. Emily is not just a fan but a supporter who has written several articles promoting the band. She considers Wide-Eyed Draft as her favorite because, “their music speaks to my soul. It’s a blend of raw emotion and authenticity, which is a rarity in today’s music scene. They are not just musicians but storytellers who express through their songs. Wide-Eyed Draft’s music has been a big part of my life and I look forward to hearing more from them.”

Backstory:
The Cooked Ms is a band of four childhood friends hailing from the underground music scene of Austin, Texas. The band was formed when lead vocalist and rhythm guitarist, Beau, and drummer, Luke, fired up a grilling party and found a note that was signed ‘Ms’. It was a song scribbled by their friend, Mia, who could never muster the courage to publicly share her writing. Inspired by the soul of her words and their shared love for music, they decided to bring her songs to life. Alongside Beau and Luke, Mia (the ‘Ms’ in Cooked Ms) and bass guitarist, Ray, began their journey as The Cooked Ms.

Their music, a blend of their shared experiences, cookouts, and a love for their city, soon garnered a loyal following. The Cooked Ms has since been known for its unique, soulful performances and profound lyrics, sharing stories from their life, their city, and every experience in between.

Genre:
Alternative Rock/Blues

Song Title:
“Burnt Letters”

Full Song Lyrics:
(Verse 1)
[C] Walking down the [Am] lane, where we used to [Dm] be
[G] Holding onto memories, just [C] you and [Em] me
[C] Found a letter in my [Am] pocket, burnt at the [Dm] seam
[G] It’s your words, girl, they’re [C] haunting [Em] me

(Chorus)
[C] Burnt letters and a [F] broken heart
[Dm] Can’t put together what’s [G] torn apart
[C] Your words they [F] sting, like a fiery dart
[Dm] Burnt letters, oh they’re [G] tearing me apart

(Verse 2)
[C] The ink has faded, [Am] but the pain’s still [Dm] here
[G] Lost in echoes of laughter, drowned in [C] tears [Em]
[C] Those burnt letters, [Am] our love’s debris
[Dm] Oh, how I wish, [G] I could make you [C] see [Em]

(Chorus)
[C] Burnt letters and a [F] broken heart
[Dm] Can’t put together what’s [G] torn apart
[C] Your words they [F] sting, like a fiery dart
[Dm] Burnt letters, oh they’re [G] tearing me apart

Fan’s Name:
Fan’s name is Anna. Anna stumbled upon Cooked Ms at a local gig and instantly felt an emotional connection with their music. Anna’s Testimonial: “Cooked Ms isn’t just a band for me, it’s like they’re part of my life. Every word they sing echoes my thoughts, my feelings. ‘Burnt Letters’ is more than a song; it’s a shared experience. Amid the fast pace of life, their music reminds me to feel, to breathe, to live. They channel raw emotions and experiences that we often push aside. For me, Cooked Ms is therapeutic, and I cannot thank them enough for their music.”

Backstory:
Liquid Member was born in the bustling music scene of Austin, Texas, in 2013. The group was formed by long-time friends John “Johnny” Stephens and Matthew “Matty” Andrews, who had spent their post-college years jamming together in various garage bands. Their shared love for music and frustration with the commercialization of the mainstream music industry led to the creation of their own band. Johnny, a trained guitarist, and Matty, an experimental drummer, joined forces with vocalist Sarah “Sar” Jones, who was known for her electric performances at local open mic nights. With the addition of bassist Peter “Pete” Thompson, Liquid Member was complete. Their name, a playful take on their fluid, ever-evolving sound, encapsulates their belief that music should be transformative, taking on the shape of its surroundings and the mood of its listeners.

Genre:
Indie Psychedelic Rock

Title:
“Resonance in Reverie”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
Am7 D7
In your eyes, I see the cosmos spinning,
Gmaj7 Cmaj7
In your voice, a distant star’s beginning.
Am7 D7
You’re a dream wrapped in skin and soul,
Gmaj7 Cmaj7
You’re the echo, you’re the resonance, in every role.

(Chorus)
Cmaj7 D7
Let’s paint the sky with our melody,
Am7 D7
Dive in the sea of shared memory.
Gmaj7 Am7
You and I, in reverie,
D7 Gmaj7
The world fades away, only you and me.

(Verse 2)
Am7 D7
In your laughter, I hear the sunbeam’s whisper,
Gmaj7 Cmaj7
In your touch, the moonlight grows crisper.
Am7 D7
You’re a song, played on endless repeat,
Gmaj7 Cmaj7
You’re the rhythm, you’re the beat, so bittersweet.

(Chorus)
Cmaj7 D7
Let’s paint the sky with our symphony,
Am7 D7
Float in the cloud of our harmony.
Gmaj7 Am7
You and I, in reverie,
D7 Gmaj7
The world fades away, it’s our reality.

Fan’s Testimonial:
My name is Linda and I am Liquid Member’s number one fan. I first discovered their music during a time when I felt lost and disconnected. The raw emotion and cosmic energy in their music resonated with me and provided solace. Their song “Resonance in Reverie” quickly became my personal anthem, helping me to not just cope, but to find beauty in the chaos of life. The band’s commitment to creating authentic, transformative music sets them apart in a sea of generic sound. Their performances are electric, their lyrics poetic, and their sound transcendent. They’re more than just a band to me, they’re a lifeline.