Backstory:

Roasted Side was formed in the heart of Brooklyn, New York, in the sweltering summer of 2009. The band was born out of a desire to create music that spoke to the human soul, using simple melodies and profound lyrics to tell stories of life, love, loss, and everything in between. The core members of the band, drummer Ben “Benny” O’Neil and guitarist/singer Jason “Jay” Torres, met in a local coffee shop where they discovered a shared passion for creating music that made people feel. With the addition of bassist Lisa “Liz” Wilson and keyboardist Peter “Pete” Cohen, the band was complete, and the rest, as they say, is history.

Roasted Side quickly gained a local following, playing in bars and small venues around the city. Their music resonated with people, offering a much-needed escape from the hustle and bustle of the city. In 2012, they recorded their first album, “Coffee Shop Stories”, which was met with favorable reviews from critics and fans alike.

Genre:
Indie Rock

Title:
“Shadows and Light”

Full Song Lyrics:

Verse 1: [Am – F – C – G]
( Am ) Shadows on the ( F ) wall,
( C ) they see it ( G ) all,
( Am ) In the heart of the ( F ) city we’re playing ( C ) our song ( G )

Chorus: [F – C – G – Am]
( F ) We’re dancing in the ( C ) shadows,
( G ) Embracing the ( Am ) light,
( F ) Living in the ( C ) moments,
( G ) we’re taking ( Am ) flight.

Verse 2: [Am – F – C – G]
( Am ) Life is but a ( F ) dream,
( C ) Things aren’t as they ( G ) seem,
( Am ) In this concrete ( F ) jungle, we’re making ( C ) our scene ( G )

Repeat Chorus

Bridge: [Dm – E – Am – G]
( Dm ) This city is our ( E ) canvas,
( Am ) Music is our ( G ) fight,
( Dm ) We’re Roasted Side, ( E ) come take a ( Am ) ride,
( G ) Into the night.

Repeat Chorus

The band’s favorite fan:

The band’s favorite fan is a guy called Mike, a Brooklyn native who has been there from the start. He’s been to every show, knows every lyric, and his passion for Roasted Side’s music is infectious. In his own words:

“As a born and bred New Yorker, I feel like Roasted Side’s music captures the essence of the city – the grit, the grime, the beauty, and the hope. Their songs are like love letters to the city, and I feel like I’m a part of that love story. Their music is raw, real, and resonates with me on a deep level. It’s like they’re speaking directly to me, and for that, Roasted Side will always be my favorite band.”

Backstory:
In the heart of the vibrant music scene of Austin, Texas, ‘Strident Nest’ was born. The band was formed in 2013 when high-school friends Ethan Hayward (singer, rhythm guitarist) and Toby Chapman (lead guitarist) started jamming together in their suburban garage. After a chance meeting with drummer, Alice Rivera, and bassist, Julian Mendez, at a local open mic, ‘Strident Nest’ transformed from a duo into a full-fledged band. The band’s name is reflective of their collective journey; strident for their bold, robust sound and nest symbolizing their shared space and musical home.

Genre: Alternative Rock

Title: “Echoes in the Rain”

Full Song Lyrics:
(Verse 1)
Em C G D
Through the whispers of the night, under the city’s neon light
Em C G D
We found solace in the pain, dancing with echoes in the rain

(Chorus)
G D Em C
And as the night unfurls, in this ever-spinning world,
G D Em C
We’ll let the echoes in the rain, wash away our deepest pain.

(Verse 2)
Em C G D
Silhouettes against the sky, with dreams too wild to ever die
Em C G D
We rode the storm, against the grain, lost in the echoes in the rain.

(Chorus)
G D Em C
In the heart of the night’s reign, amid the chaos and the strain,
G D Em C
We’ll find solace once again, with the echoes in the rain.

Fan’s Testimonial:
Fan’s Name: Alex Sullivan

“Being a fan of Strident Nest is an experience unlike any other. Their music is raw, it’s real, and it resonates with me on a deeply personal level. ‘Echoes in the Rain’ particularly holds a special place in my heart – it’s not just a song, but an anthem of resilience and finding beauty in the midst of chaos. It’s a reminder that even through hardships, there’s hope and solace to be found. That’s the magic of Strident Nest, they make music that is not only enjoyable but also profoundly moving and inspiring. Their sound is unique, and their lyrics are deeply insightful. I’ve been to every concert they’ve performed in Texas and their live performances are just electrifying. Strident Nest isn’t just my favorite band, they’re a part of who I am.”

Backstory:

Likely Rest was formed in the heart of Seattle, Washington, in the spring of 2012. The founding members, lead vocalist and guitarist, Cal Bridges, bassist, Eddie Russo, and drummer, Ian McConnell met at a local open mic night and bonded over their shared love of music and storytelling. They quickly discovered an undeniable chemistry and began crafting their unique sound from a basement-turned-music-studio. Known for their soulful ballads and raw emotionality, Likely Rest moved from basement gigs to renowned stages in just a few short years, captivating audiences with their authenticity and passion.

A turning point in the band’s journey was when they were discovered by a popular music producer during a local music festival. Their first album, “Soothing Echoes,” was a hit, carving a niche for the band in the industry and the hearts of their growing fan base. Today, they continue to inspire and reach out to the audience with their moving lyrics and melody.

Genre: Alternative Rock

Title: “Halfway There”

Full song lyrics:

Verse 1: [Em, G, D, A]
Em G
Underneath the silver sky,
D A
We’ve found our reasons why.
Em G
In the silence of the night,
D A
Our hearts take flight.

Chorus: [C, D, Em, G]
C D
Halfway there to where we know,
Em G
Our dreams are waiting in the glow.
C D
Riding on a rhythm so rare,
Em G
We’re halfway there, we’re halfway there.

Verse 2: [Em, G, D, A]
Em G
Echoes of the past climb high,
D A
In the shadows, we lie.
Em G
Through the maze of despair,
D A
We find comfort there.

Chorus: [C, D, Em, G]
C D
Halfway there to where we know,
Em G
Our dreams are waiting in the glow.
C D
Riding on a rhythm so rare,
Em G
We’re halfway there, we’re halfway there.

Favorite Fan Profile:

Name: Sarah Meyers

Sarah Meyers, a devoted fan from the very beginning, has seen Likely Rest evolve from a promising local act into a major musical force. Sarah discovered Likely Rest during their earliest open mic days. She was captivated by their raw emotion and ability to weave stories into their melodies. Sarah quickly became a die-hard fan, attending every performance and spreading the word about the band. She states, “Likely Rest has a way of touching the soul with their music. They’ve been my constant companion through life’s ups and downs. Their song, ‘Halfway There’, in particular, resonates with me. It speaks of hope and the journey of chasing dreams. It’s a reminder that we’re all in this together, braving life’s uncertainties. As long as Likely Rest continues to make music, I’ll be right there, cheering them on every step of the way.”

Backstory: Gentle Injury originated in the bustling city of Seattle, Washington in the year 2005. The band’s main members, lead vocalist and guitarist Isaac Thompson and bassist Paul “Skid” McKnight met at a local record store. Sharing a common love for grunge and alternative rock, they decided to form a band that would mirror their musical influences yet stand out with its unique experimental sound. Drummer Will “Pixie” Denvers and keyboardist Michelle “Red” Reyes were later added to the lineup, solidifying the band’s sound and direction.

Genre: Alternative Rock / Experimental Rock

Title: “Glass Houses”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
Am Em
In the land of glass houses, we’re throwing stones
F G
Hoping to shatter the silence, we’re not alone
Am Em
In our hearts there’s a thunder, a violent storm
F G
Broken pieces start to fall, in the shape we’ve known

(Chorus)
C G
In the glass house we’ve built, reflections stare
Am Em
Echoing each choice, each cross we bear
F G
Underneath the moonlight, shadows share
C G
The story of a gentle injury, we learn to wear

(Verse 2)
Am Em
In the mirror of the glass, we’ve come to see
F G
The faces of our past, the people we used to be
Am Em
With every crack and break, a memory
F G
In the shards of our mistakes, lies our history

(Chorus)
C G
In the glass house we’ve built, time stands still
Am Em
Each reverberation, a silent thrill
F G
Underneath the starlight, our truth spills
C G
A testament of gentle injury, against our will

Bridge:
Dm C
In the silence we find, echoes of our mind
G Am
Each glass house a testament, to the ties that bind
Dm C
Built on shaky ground, in the fabric we’re wound
G Am
The gentle injury speaks, without a sound

(Chorus)
C G
In the glass house we’ve built, we find our worth
Am Em
From the rubble of our past, comes a rebirth
F G
Underneath the sunlight, our story unfurls
C G
A chronicle of gentle injury, in a glass world.

Fan’s name: Emily Thompson

Testimonial: “I’ve been following Gentle Injury since their early days and what attracts me the most is the raw, emotional depth of their music. Their experimental rock sound is unique, while their lyrics resonate deeply with me, often speaking about experiences that feel incredibly personal. The band has a way of taking hauntingly beautiful, raw emotions and translating them into a melody that sticks with you. ‘Glass Houses,’ in particular, is a song that I feel represents my life’s journey. Gentle Injury has the ability to touch the listener’s soul, making them my all-time favourite band.”

Backstory:
Pesky Chair hails from the back alleys of Chicago, where its founding members, lead vocalist Alex “Rusty” Taylor and drummer Jake “Thumper” Nelson, first began jamming in their parents’ garages. Fueled by their shared love for unorthodox musical expression, Rusty and Thumper sought out two more members, lead guitarist Andy “Spider” Webb and bassist Charlie “Bassman” Lawson, to complete their radical lineup. Their name, Pesky Chair, came from an infamous moment during an early rehearsal when a rickety old chair collapsed under Bassman during an intense jam session, causing an immediate eruption of laughter. From then on, the band has been committed to infusing their music with the same spontaneity and humor.

Genre:
Alternative Rock with a Blues twist.

Title:
“Rust on the Rails”

Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
[G]Looking back on the [D] tracks we’ve [Em] made,
[C]Scars of time, memories [G] fade.
[G]In the heart of the city, [D] under neon [Em] haze,
[C]We found our sound in the [G] concrete maze.

(Chorus)
[Am]Rust on the rails, [D] dust in the wind,
[G]We’re just echoes of [C] where we’ve been.
[Am]Running on dreams, [D] fueled by the night,
[G]Carrying the torch, [C] keeping it bright.

(Verse 2)
[G]Strummed our stories [D] under city [Em] lights,
[C]Made our mark in the [G] endless nights.
[G]Battled demons, [D] faced the [Em] fear,
[C]Found our voices, made it [G] clear.

(Chorus)
[Am]Rust on the rails, [D] dust in the wind,
[G]We’re just echoes of [C] where we’ve been.
[Am]Running on dreams, [D] fueled by the night,
[G]Carrying the torch, [C] keeping it bright.

The band’s favorite fan’s name:
Tommy “T-Bone” Anderson.

Testimonial:
“I was there at Pesky Chair’s first gig in an old warehouse in the South Side. Their sound was raw, their spirit was electric, and their energy was infectious. I was instantly hooked. As I followed them through their journey, I watched them grow not just as musicians, but as artists who truly believed in their craft. Their music resonates with me; it’s like they’ve put my life into words and notes. Pesky Chair isn’t just my favorite band, they’re a part of who I am.”

Backstory:

Formed in 2016, Fake Mode is a dynamic fusion of four friends from Austin, Texas, all sharing a common love for music. Frontman Jared D’Agostino, a passionate singer-songwriter, met guitarist Chris MacNeil during their college years. The duo began to play at local bars, attracting the attention of drummer Max ‘Thunder’ Thompson and bassist Eliot ‘Smooth Groove’ Pierce. With varying music backgrounds, from jazz to grunge, the new quartet started to jam and experiment, leading to the formation of Fake Mode.

The band’s name was inspired by their philosophy of breaking free from the mold, creating their unique style, and rejecting generic, mainstream music. As Fake Mode, they aimed to challenge the conventional norms of the music industry, daring to be different. Their journey was not smooth sailing; however, their zeal and commitment to their art led them to break barriers and attain a steadfast fanbase that resonates with their message.

Genre: Alternative Rock

Title: “Cracked Mirrors”

Song Lyrics:

[Verse 1]
Am (Play throughout the verse)
Cracked mirrors on the wall,
Reflecting shadows, tall and small,
In the echoes of the night,
We’re dancing in the dim moonlight.

[Chorus]
Em / G / D / A (Play this progression throughout the chorus)
We are the rebels,
in the glow of the setting sun,
We are the dreamers,
Our journey has just begun.
In the cracked mirrors,
We see more than meets the eye,
In the cracked mirrors,
Our spirits will never die.

[Verse 2]
Am (Play throughout the verse)
In the stillness of the night,
We’re painting dreams in black and white,
In the silence, we find our voice,
Living on the edge, by choice.

(Repeat Chorus)

Fan’s Testimonial:

My name is Sarah-Jane. I’ve been a fan of Fake Mode since their inception. What resonates the most with me is their authenticity and their urge to break traditional music boundaries. As a painter, I share their philosophy – to create and not imitate. Their music inspires me, especially “Cracked Mirrors” – it’s a reflection of our collective spirit against the world’s odds. Their work isn’t just music to my ears, but the soundtrack to my life. They aren’t just my favorite band; they are my creative muse. Their raw energy and lyrical depth make their concerts an experience of a lifetime. They’re not just musicians; they’re artists in the true essence of the word.

Backstory:

Appropriate Expert was conceived in the bustling streets of New York City. The trio, comprising of lead vocalist and keyboardist Ryan, bassist Benny, and drummer J.J., started their journey playing small gigs in local bars and cafes. Their musical journey was a fusion of their shared love for music and the diversity of their distinct backgrounds – Ryan’s classical piano training, Benny’s experience in a jazz band, and J.J.’s passion for rock n’ roll. The group found their unique sound during one particularly memorable jam session in Benny’s rundown apartment, and the rest, as they say, is history.

Genre:

Their music can be classified as Progressive Indie Rock with a blend of Jazz and Classical influences.

Title:

“Ripples on Concrete”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
Em7 G Dsus4 A7
Lost in the city, a sea of grey
Em7 G Dsus4 A7
Echoes of life in the light of day
Em7 G Dsus4 A7
We find hope in the strangest ways
Em7 G Dsus4 A7
Through the noise, our melody plays

(Chorus)
C G D Em
Ripples on concrete, soft as a lullaby
C G D Em
In this urban symphony, we rise and we fly
C G D Em
Making music in the chaos, our hearts unify
C G D Em
Ripples on concrete, under the city sky

(Verse 2)
Em7 G Dsus4 A7
Strangers connect in a single note
Em7 G Dsus4 A7
In our song, their stories float
Em7 G Dsus4 A7
In this city of dreams, we wrote
Em7 G Dsus4 A7
A symphony of hope that we devote

(Repeat Chorus)

Fan’s Testimonial:

My name is Maggie, and I am probably the biggest fan of Appropriate Expert. Their music is like a breath of fresh air in a genre that often feels repetitive. I love how they are able to blend so many different styles into a single piece. But what truly sets them apart is their lyrics. They have a way of capturing the complexities of life in the city that just speaks to my soul. I first saw them at a small gig in Brooklyn, and I have been hooked ever since. I’ve attended every concert in the tri-state area. Their music, their passion, their authenticity – it’s all so palpable. Appropriate Expert is more than just a band to me, they’re the soundtrack of my life.

Backstory:
Quiet Distribution was formed on the hazy streets of Seattle in 2010, when four childhood friends found themselves reunited after years of pursuit in disparate musical directions. Tom Reynolds, the charismatic and introspective frontman, was experimenting with poetry and folk music in New York, before he decided to return home and reconnect with his roots. Tom’s brother, Sam Reynolds, had spent his time honing his skills as a bassist in various underground punk bands in LA. Meanwhile, the industrious Ryan Baker had spent his years mastering the intricacies of the keyboard in the simmering jazz clubs of New Orleans, and the energetic drummer, Mike Davis, had been touring Europe with an indie rock band.

Their reunion in Seattle was a serendipitous twist of fate, leading to a fusion of their diverse musical experiences, birthing an entirely new sound. Over time, their late-night jamming sessions in Tom’s garage transformed into polished performances on local stages, and eventually, they took the music world by storm as Quiet Distribution.

Genre:
Quiet Distribution draws from a diverse musical background, creating a unique sound that can best be described as progressive alt-rock infused with elements of punk, folk, and jazz.

Title:
“A Dance with Solitude”

Full Song Lyrics with Chord Progression:

[Verse 1] (Am, F, C, G)
Wandering the streets of my mind (Am)
Lost in thoughts, lost in time (F)
All I need is a dance, with solitude (C)
To find myself, my inner truth (G)

[Chorus] (C, G, Am, F)
In silence, I find my song (C)
In the quiet, I grow strong (G)
Dancing alone, yet I’m free (Am)
With solitude, I dance, I see (F)

[Verse 2] (Am, F, C, G)
The corners of my soul, I explore (Am)
Finding doors, I never saw before (F)
A dance with solitude, my only guide (C)
Into the depths, where my truths lie (G)

Chorus (C, G, Am, F)
In silence, I find my song (C)
In the quiet, I grow strong (G)
Dancing alone, yet I’m free (Am)
With solitude, I dance, I see (F)

Fan’s Name: Lucy Thompson

Lucy’s Testimonial:
“I’ve always been drawn to the kind of music that makes you think, feel, and connect with the deepest parts of yourself. Quiet Distribution does that for me in a way no other band ever has. Their lyrics are like poetry, and their music is a masterpiece that weaves together so many different genres. ‘A Dance with Solitude’ is my absolute favorite. I’ve spun that record so many times, I think I’ve worn it out. In their music, I see my own journey towards self-discovery.”

Backstory:
Tough Result came into existence one chilly autumn evening in a garage in Maine when a group of high school friends decided to start jamming together. The group consists of lead vocalist and rhythm guitarist, Jack Tobin, lead guitarist, Hunter Ross, bassist, Danny Hunter, and drummer, Max Hill. After years of playing local gigs and small venues, they caught the attention of a talent scout and signed a record deal that led to their breakthrough hit, catapulting them into the limelight.

In the midst of their newfound fame, the band faced numerous challenges including personal differences and creative disagreements. They decided to take a short hiatus, which recalibrated their purpose and brought them back stronger than ever. ‘Tough Result’ symbolizes the hardship and grit it took to keep their musical journey alive. Their story is about persistence, perseverance, and the true spirit of rock and roll.

Genre:
Rock

Title:
“Chasing Shadows”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
C Am
In the midst of the fading light,
F G
I saw your shadow take flight.
C Am
In the whispers of the night,
F G
We were just chasing shadows, right?

(Chorus)
Am G F C
Chasing shadows, in the crimson twilight,
Am G F C
Living dreams, under the moon’s soft light.
Am G F C
Chasing shadows, in the dead of night,
Am G F C
Finding love, in our own twilight.

(Verse 2)
C Am
In the echoes of our past,
F G
We found a love that could last.
C Am
Through the trials, we held fast,
F G
To each other, till the shadows were cast.

(Chorus)
Am G F C
Chasing shadows, in the crimson twilight,
Am G F C
Living dreams, under the moon’s soft light.
Am G F C
Chasing shadows, in the dead of night,
Am G F C
Finding love, in our own twilight.

Fan Testimonial:
Name: Lisa Thompson

“I’ve been a fan of Tough Result since their early days. I saw them play at a local bar in Maine before they became famous. Their music, particularly the song “Chasing Shadows,” speaks to me on a personal level. I love the raw emotion in their lyrics and the energy they bring to their performances. They’ve been through a lot as a band and their music resonates with my own struggles. It’s like they put my feelings into words and melodies. For me, Tough Result is much more than a band, they’re an inspiration.”

Backstory:

The beginnings of Lone Trip go back to a sleepy, midwestern town where four school friends, Jack, Ryan, Steve, and Sammy, discovered their shared love for music. Jack had a knack for writing powerful lyrics while Ryan was a guitar prodigy, Steve mastered the drums, and Sammy played the bass like no other. They would spend days and nights in Jack’s garage, creating music that echoed their thoughts and experiences. After high school, they moved to the bustling city of Chicago, armed with dreams of sharing their music with the world. That’s when Lone Trip was officially formed.

Their breakthrough came in 2008 when their debut album was heard by a music producer during a small gig. He was so moved by the rawness and sincerity of their music that he immediately signed them under his label. Since then, they’ve been touring around the world, captivating audiences with their soulful tunes and honest lyrics. Their journey from a small town to worldwide fame inspired many to keep pushing onwards, no matter how long the road may be, much like a lone trip.

Genre:

Indie rock

Title:

“Midnight Reflections”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1: C-G-Am-F)
C G
Moonlight spills on the empty streets,
Am F
Our footsteps echo, our hearts meet.
C G
In the silence, we find our song,
Am F
In the darkness, we find where we belong.

(Chorus: G-Am-F-C)
G Am
Midnight reflections, in your eyes,
F C
Tell tales of a love, that never dies.
G Am
In the quietness of the night,
F C
We find our souls taking flight.

(Verse 2: C-G-Am-F)
C G
Against the backdrop of a starlit sky,
Am F
We let our dreams, unfurl and fly.
C G
In this lone trip, we’re together,
Am F
Through every storm, every weather.

(Chorus: G-Am-F-C)
G Am
Midnight reflections, in your eyes,
F C
Tell tales of a love, that never dies.
G Am
In the quietness of the night,
F C
We find our souls taking flight.

Outro: C-G-Am-F

The Band’s Favorite Fan:

The band’s favorite fan is a young woman named Emily Thompson. Emily is a nursing student who discovered Lone Trip during a particularly difficult time in her life. She says, “The raw, honest lyrics spoke to me, guided me. It was like they were telling my story. The music made me feel less alone and gave me the strength to keep going.” The band was exceptionally touched by Emily’s story and her interpretation of their music. They often mention her in interviews, saying how fans like Emily remind them why they do what they do. Emily loves the band not just for their music, but for their humility and their dedication towards their fans.