Backstory:

Mad Possession is a band that began in the heart of New York City’s underground music scene in the late 2000s. Its founding members, guitarist Ronnie “Riff” Baxter and drummer “Blister” Mike Johnson, met while working at a Manhattan music store. While bonding over their shared passion for old school punk and grunge, they decided to form a band that would bring the raw energy of these genres into the modern music era. After months of auditions, they discovered the missing puzzle pieces in the form of bassist Sarah “Snakebite” Castillo and vocalist Jake “Jinx” Riley, whose primal growls and haunting lyrics brought the desired edge to their sound.

Genre:

Mad Possession is known for their post-punk revival sound, infused with elements of grunge and alternative rock. Their music is characterized by heavy guitar riffs, driving bass lines, and raw, emotional vocals.

Title:

“One Way Ticket to Oblivion”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
Em G
Dark streets, neon glow,
D A
Lost souls with nowhere to go,
Em G
Empty hearts, shattered dreams,
D A
Fading away in silent screams.

(Chorus)
Em G
One way ticket to oblivion,
D A
No turning back, no redemption,
Em G
Lost in the city’s gritty seduction,
D A
This is our anthem, our destruction.

(Verse 2)
Em G
Broken glass, concrete skies,
D A
Searching for truth in a world of lies,
Em G
In the chaos, we find our home,
D A
In the madness, we find we’re not alone.

(Chorus)
Em G
One way ticket to oblivion,
D A
Drifting away in sweet delusion,
Em G
Lost in the city’s cold deception,
D A
This is our story, our resurrection.

Band’s Favorite Fan:

Our favorite fan is named Samantha “Sam” Jenkins. Sam has been following our journey since our first gig at a run-down East Village bar. She claims that our music gave her the courage to face her demons and pursue her dreams despite her humble beginnings. In her words, “Mad Possession is more than just a band. Their music is raw, real, and resonates with the struggles of the common man. It’s almost therapeutic how it encourages us to embrace our flaws and turn them into our strengths. I don’t just listen to their music – I feel it deep within my soul. I wouldn’t be who I am today without them.”

Backstory:

Formed in 2012, Pleased Consequence is a band that came together amidst the bustling music scene of Austin, Texas. All four members: lead vocalist and guitarist, Jason “Jay” Thomas, drummer, Aaron “Ace” Mitchell, keyboardist, Olivia “Liv” Davis, and bassist, Luke “Lucky” Parker, were previously part of different bands. But fate intervened when they all ended up as performers at the same local gig. Their shared love for music and striking chemistry led to the creation of Pleased Consequence, a band that captured the heart of Austin and eventually the world.

The band members’ diverse musical backgrounds contributed to a unique and compelling sound, earning them a devoted fanbase. Despite the inevitable ups and downs, the band has stayed true to their roots and to each other, creating music that resonates with millions.

Genre:

Alternative Rock

Title:

“Chasing Echoes”

Full Song Lyrics:

Verse 1: (C, Am, F, G)
In the depths of the night, under city lights (C, Am)
I can hear your voice, it’s cutting through the noise (F, G)

Verse 2: (C, Am, F, G)
Are you calling me? Or am I just dreaming? (C, Am)
Is it you I hear? Or just my fears speaking? (F, G)

Chorus: (Am, G, F, C)
I’m chasing echoes, echoes of you (Am, G)
In every corner, in every room (F, C)
I’m chasing echoes, echoes so true (Am, G)
Even in silence, I hear you (F, C)

Verse 3: (C, Am, F, G)
Through the laughter and tears, through the passing years (C, Am)
Your voice still rings, to your memory, I cling (F, G)

(Repeat Chorus)

Outro:
I’m chasing echoes, echoes of you… (Am, G, F, C)

Fan Testimonial:

Fan’s Name: Emily Thompson

Emily is a self-proclaimed super fan of Pleased Consequence. She stumbled upon their music during a difficult time in her life and their songs helped her navigate through her struggles. “Their music is not just a collection of beautiful tunes; it’s a lifeline. ‘Chasing Echoes’ in particular helped me cope with the loss of a loved one. Jay’s voice has this raw emotion that you can’t help but connect with. Olivia’s keys, Lucky’s bass, and Ace’s drums add layers to their sound that makes it unlike any other band. Pleased Consequence is my favorite because their music speaks to me on a profound level.” Emily even has a tattoo of the band’s logo as a testament to her love for the band.

Backstory:

Musty Card was born out of the friendship of four high school buddies who met in the school’s music room. Lead vocalist and songwriter, Ethan Collins, paired his lyrical genius with Ben Matthews’ skill on the guitar, Sam Webster’s pulsating rhythm on drums, and Zak Fields’ groovy bass lines. Musty Card was born in 2018, and the four friends spent their high school years juggling schoolwork, part-time jobs, and their shared passion for music. Their rehearsals in Ethan’s garage soon burgeoned into gigs at local bars and music festivals, and their unique sound quickly garnered a lot of attention.

The name Musty Card is a nod to the worn-out library card that Ethan found in an old, forgotten book. The card belonged to a certain Marianne, who checked out the same book in 1975. Intrigued by the story behind the card, they decided on the name Musty Card, symbolizing timeless stories and the shared human experience.

Genre:

Musty Card is an alternative rock band with a nostalgic undertone, often infusing their music with elements of folk and indie rock. They’re known for their introspective lyrics and eclectic sound that appeals to a broad audience.

Title:

“Pages of Time”

Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
[G] Once upon a time, [D] in a book so old,
[Em] Found a card so musty, [C] feeling untold.
[G] She was Marianne, [D] lost in ’75,
[Em] And I wonder if she’s still [C] alive.

(Chorus)
[G] Pages of time, [D] secrets unwind,
[Em] Marianne, tell me what you [C] find.
[G] Stories in lines, [D] memories left behind,
[Em] We’re all just lost in the [C] pages of time.

(Verse 2)
[G] Clues in the margin, [D] notes in the spine,
[Em] A life in a book, [C] frozen in time.
[G] I wonder if she knew, [D] as she read her tale,
[Em] That her musty card would [C] prevail.

(Chorus)
[G] Pages of time, [D] secrets unwind,
[Em] Marianne, tell me what you [C] find.
[G] Stories in lines, [D] memories left behind,
[Em] We’re all just lost in the [C] pages of time.

Favorite Fan:

Their favorite fan’s name is Laura Bannister. Laura has been there since their first gig, cheering them on and supporting their journey. She is their number one fan because she loves how Musty Card is not just about the music.

Testimonial:

“I love that they’re about stories, and how we all share them. Each of their songs feels like a journey, and I feel like I’m a part of it. The fact that they’re down-to-earth guys who haven’t let fame change them makes me admire them even more. Their music resonates, and the way they weave stories into their songs, I feel like I’m living those stories with them.”

Backstory:

“Original Smell” was formed in 2007 in the heart of Brooklyn, NY, by four childhood friends: lead vocalist and guitarist, Jimmy ‘Scar’ Gibson, drummer ‘Beat Machine’ Bernie, bassist, ‘Rythmical’ Ricky and the keyboardist, ‘Soulful’ Sammy. The band members, despite their diverse musical backgrounds, shared a mutual love for unpretentious, raw music. Their musical journey began in the bustling Brooklyn underground music scene where their unique sound soon started capturing the attention of the local crowd.

After a few years of relentless gigging and a couple of self-recorded demo tapes, Original Smell was discovered by renowned music producer, Ronnie ‘The Rock’ Sullivan. Ronnie recognized the raw, untamed talent and authenticity that Original Smell brought to the table and immediately signed the band to his record label. Since then, Original Smell has released three highly acclaimed studio albums and has gained a loyal fan following worldwide.

Genre:

Alternative Rock

Title:

“Underneath the Concrete Sky”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
[G]Staring at the [C]horizon, under the [Em]concrete sky[D]
[G]Dreaming about the [C]days, when life was [Em]just a high[D]
[G]Struggling with the [C]truth, in a world full of [Em]lies[D]
[G]Underneath the [C]concrete sky, we’re [Em]learning to fly[D]

(Chorus)
[G]Underneath the [D]concrete sky, [Em]we’re still alive[C]
[G]Dreaming dreams that [D]are too big, [Em]struggling to survive[C]
[G]In this city of [D]broken dreams, [Em]we strive[C]
[G]Underneath the [D]concrete sky, [Em]we’ll thrive[C]

(Verse 2)
[G]Caught in the [C]waves, of the ruthless [Em]tide[D]
[G]Beneath the [C]lights, of the city’s [Em]pride[D]
[G]Battered and [C]bruised, but we’re still [Em]riding the ride[D]
[G]Underneath the [C]concrete sky, there’s nowhere to [Em]hide[D]

(Chorus)
[G]Underneath the [D]concrete sky, [Em]we’re still alive[C]
[G]Broken but not [D]beaten, [Em]we continue to strive[C]
[G]In this city of [D]sleepless nights, [Em]we thrive[C]
[G]Underneath the [D]concrete sky, [Em]we’ll survive[C]

The Band’s Favorite Fan:

The band’s favorite fan is a guy named Davey ‘The Dude’ Davis. Davey has been following Original Smell since their early days in the Brooklyn underground scene. He’s attended every gig and owns every piece of merch the band has ever released. Here’s why Original Smell is his favorite band:

“Original Smell isn’t just a band for me; they’re like family. Their music has been the soundtrack of my life for the last decade. The rawness in their sound, the authenticity in their lyrics, it’s like they’re speaking directly to my soul. They’ve been there for me in my highs and lows, and their music has always given me strength. There’s no other band that can replace Original Smell in my heart.”

Backstory:

Troubled Meat was born in the year 2010 within the bustling streets of New York City. The band was comprised of four unknown musicians, Charlie (vocals and guitar), Zoe (bass guitar), Alex (drums), and Lena (keyboard), who met at an open-mic night. United by their shared vision of creating music to rebel against societal norms, they decided to form Troubled Meat. Their band name is a playful nod to the challenges they faced in their early days – struggling to make ends meet, dealing with personal issues, and the pressure of making it big in the music industry.

The band members come from diverse backgrounds, each bringing something unique to the mix. Charlie grew up in a house filled with jazz and blues, while Zoe was exposed to heavy metal. Alex, on the other hand, was influenced by punk rock and Lena was classically trained. This diversity of influences adds a distinctive depth and complexity to their music that makes Troubled Meat stand out from the crowd.

Genre:
Alternative Rock

Title:
“Stale Bread and Dusty Dreams”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
[A] You said [D] walk, but [G] I prefer to [A] run
[D] Through the city [G] streets, under the [A] setting sun
[A] Chasing shadows, [D] freedom in our [G] hands
[A] With stale bread [D] in our pockets, [G] we defy the man’s [A] plans

(Chorus)
[D] Stale bread and dusty [G] dreams, that’s all we [A] have, it seems
[D] But we won’t let go, [G] we’ll make a stand
[D] With our music, [G] we’ll take this [A] land

(Verse 2)
[A] Sound of sirens, [D] echoes in our [G] hearts
[A] We play our music, [D] tearing the silence [G] apart
[A] From alleyways to [D] crowded city [G] scenes
[A] With stale bread and [D] dusty dreams [G], we’re kings and [A] queens

(Chorus)
[D] Stale bread and dusty [G] dreams, that’s all we [A] have, it seems
[D] But we won’t let go, [G] we’ll make a stand
[D] With our music, [G] we’ll take this [A] land

Bands Favorite Fan:

The band’s favorite fan is a guy named Pete who runs a blog called “The Rock Digest”. Pete has been there from the start, attending their first open-mic gig. He has always believed in their potential and has spread the word about Troubled Meat, even when they were struggling to make a name for themselves.

Testimonial:

“Pete here from The Rock Digest. Troubled Meat is the kind of band that reminds you why you fell in love with music in the first place. Their raw energy, their meaningful lyrics, and their unique blend of musical styles is a breath of fresh air in an industry that often feels too manufactured. These guys are the real deal, and I can’t wait to see where their journey takes them. Troubled Meat isn’t just a band, it’s an experience, and it’s one I can’t recommend enough.”

Backstory:

Cloudy Respect is a musical powerhouse born out of the vibrant music scene of New York City. The band’s inception dates back to 2012 when lead vocalist and guitarist, Anthony ‘Ant’ Miller met bassist, Jake ‘Moody’ Johnson at a local dive bar. Their shared adoration for classic rock and roll, and a desire to create something unique was enough to set the wheels in motion. They later recruited drummer, Ella ‘Thunder’ Dawson, and keyboardist, Tom ‘Silky’ Simmons, both of whom brought an eclectic range of musical influences to the group, solidifying their unique sound.

The band’s journey has been a roller coaster ride, filled with sold-out gigs, grueling recording sessions, and a tight-knit brotherhood. Whether it was their infectious energy on stage, or their ability to captivate audiences with their soulful lyrics, Cloudy Respect quickly started to capture the hearts of music lovers across the globe.

Genre:

Indie Rock/Alternative

Title:

“Riding on a Moonbeam”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
[E] Riding on a moonbeam, [A] lost in city light,
[C#m] Looking for a reason, [B] to keep holding tight.
[E] Whispered words of wisdom, [A] echo in my ear,
[C#m] Tell me you’re beside me, [B] diminish all my fear.

(Chorus)
[G#m] Riding on a moonbeam, [A] chasing silver stars,
[E] Promise you won’t leave me, [B] no matter where we are.
[G#m] In the face of darkness, [A] your love is my guide,
[E] On this moonbeam, darling, [B] we’ll take the midnight ride.

(Verse 2)
[E] Draped in the silence, [A] of the world asleep,
[C#m] Secrets we are sharing, [B] are the ones we’ll keep.
[E] The rhythm of the night, [A] beats in our hearts,
[C#m] In this moonlit journey, [B] we’re making our own charts.

(Repeat Chorus)

(Outro)
[G#m] So we’ll keep riding, [A] on this moonlit beam,
[E] In your arms, darling, [B] I found my dream.

Fan Testimonial:

My name is Lisa Richards and I am, without a doubt, the biggest fan of Cloudy Respect. Their music resonates with me on a deeply personal level. The lyrics of “Riding on a Moonbeam” are profound, articulating feelings and thoughts I’ve often struggled to express. It’s not just their music, but also their genuine love for their fans and their commitment to their craft that makes them my favorite. Every time I’ve seen them live, they’ve radiated an energy that’s captivating and infectious. Their music, their vibe, everything about them screams authenticity, and that’s why Cloudy Respect will always be my favorite band.

Backstory:

Delayed Rule was formed in the small town of Akron, Ohio, in 2006. The four members, childhood friends, found their safe haven in creating music in a garage, amidst the monotony of their high school life. Jake, the lead vocalist, and guitarist, was always passionate about music, while Lucy, the bassist, had a natural talent for creating melodic riffs. Tim, the drummer, added his unique rhythm to their sound, and Ben, the keyboardist, filled in the gaps with his harmonic expertise. Although they started as a pastime, their shared love for music and their distinct chemistry led them to pursue this hobby seriously.

They played in several local gigs and slowly gained a dedicated fan base. They got their big break in 2011 when their demo was discovered by a record label executive. Since then, Delayed Rule has released three studio albums, each one showcasing their growth as musicians. Their music transcends the defining lines of genre, embodying a unique blend of passionate lyrics and soulful melodies.

Genre:

Alternative Rock

Title:

“Silhouettes in the Rain”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
[C] Walking down the [G] alleyway, [Am] lost in my [Em] own thoughts,
[F] Silhouettes in the [C] rain, [G] memories in every [Am] drop.
[C] The echoes of our [G] laughter, [Am] your voice still in my [Em] head,
[F] You’re gone, and I’m [C] here, [G] living with the [Am] dread.

(Chorus)
[F] We were like the sunshine after the [C] rain,
[G] Lighting up the world with our youthful [Am] flame.
[F] Now, the light has faded, but the [C] love remains,
[G] Silhouettes in the rain, [Am] dancing through the pain.

(Verse 2)
[C] You were my [G] compass, [Am] guiding me [Em] through,
[F] Now I’m aimlessly [C] drifting, [G] without a clue.
[C] The world keeps on [G] turning, [Am] but it’s not the [Em] same,
[F] Life without you is just a [C] cruel game. [G]

(Chorus)
[F] We were like the sunshine after the [C] rain,
[G] Lighting up the world with our youthful [Am] flame.
[F] Now, the light has faded, but the [C] love remains,
[G] Silhouettes in the rain, [Am] an endless refrain.

Fan’s Name:

Amy Peterson

Testimonial:

“Delayed Rule is more than just a band for me; they are a part of my life. Their music has seen me through the highest of highs and the lowest of lows. The authenticity in their lyrics, the raw emotions in their music, it’s like they’re speaking directly to my soul. Jake’s voice is like a warm hug on a cold day, comforting and reassuring. Lucy’s basslines are like the heartbeat to every song, while Tim’s drums add the perfect rhythm. Ben’s keyboard skills are the icing on the cake, adding depth to their sound. In short, Delayed Rule’s music is my lifeline, my happy place. They are, without a doubt, my favorite band.”

Backstory:
Absolute Swimming was born in the heart of Seattle during the rainy winter of 2010, when four friends – Mike, Rick, Thomas, and Paul – found their shared love for music. The band was named after their favorite pastime, swimming, which they believed was the perfect metaphor for their journey through music. They were all passionate about creating a unique sound that would differentiate them from other bands. Through countless jam sessions in their shared apartment’s garage, they found a sound that embodied their vision and Absolute Swimming was ready to hit the scene.

Genre:
Absolute Swimming is primarily an Indie Pop band with a significant influence of Alternative Rock. They blend catchy pop melodies with the raw energy of rock to create a unique sound that is both familiar and innovative.

Title:
“Wave Breaks on the Shore”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
[C]Down by the [G]ocean, under the [Am]moon’s soft [Em]glow
[C]Longing for [G]something, but don’t [Am]know where to [Em]go
[C]The waves crash [G]around me, as I’m [Am]searching for [Em]more
[C]Like the relentless [G]wave breaks on the [Am]shore [Em]

(Chorus)
[F] Let the water [C] wash over [G] me,
[F]I am lost but [C] feel so [G] free,
[F] I’m learning to [C] swim in this [G] mystery,
[F] Like the relentless [C] wave breaks on the [G] shore.

(Verse 2)
[C]Tossed by the [G]current, pulled by the [Am]undertow [Em]
[C]Chasing the [G]horizon, where does it [Am]go? [Em]
[C]Caught in the [G]motion, I am [Am]wanting for [Em]more
[C] Like the relentless [G]wave breaks on the [Am] shore [Em]

(Chorus)
[F] Let the water [C] wash over [G] me,
[F]I am lost but [C] feel so [G] free,
[F] I’m learning to [C] swim in this [G] mystery,
[F] Like the relentless [C] wave breaks on the [G] shore.

Band’s favorite fan:
The band’s favorite fan is a 19-year-old college student named Lily. Lily first discovered Absolute Swimming when she heard their single “Wave Breaks on the Shore” on a local radio station. She was instantly captivated by their unique sound and thoughtful lyrics. Lily says, “Absolute Swimming’s music is like a breath of fresh air in a world filled with noise. Their songs speak to my soul, and I feel a deep connection with their music. I’ve been to every one of their gigs in the Pacific Northwest and it’s always been an amazing experience. It’s not just the music, it’s the energy and the community they’ve built around their band. Listening to Absolute Swimming isn’t just about consuming music, it’s about being part of something bigger.”

Backstory:
Untrue Slip was formed by a quartet of childhood friends in the sleepy town of Ashville, North Carolina in 2009. The lineup included frontman and rhythm guitarist, Josh Johnson, lead guitarist, Saul Peterson, bassist, Duncan Reid, and drummer, Zachary Thomas. They started playing music in Reid’s garage, moving on to local venues, and eventually making their way into the heart of the American indie rock scene. Their journey was not always smooth; they faced numerous rejections, lineup changes, and financial struggles. However, they remained true to their music, crafting a unique sound that resonated with a growing fanbase.

In 2013, they released their debut album, ‘Parallels’, which was a commercial and critical success. This marked the beginning of a new chapter for Untrue Slip. Since then, they have released three more albums, each reflecting their growth as musicians and humans. Their music captures the essence of their experiences – from the struggles of small-town life to the triumphs of making it big in the music world.

Genre:
Indie Rock

Title:
“Fallen Shadows”

Full Song Lyrics:

Verse 1:
[Am] Underneath the [G] fallen shadows,
[Dm] Walking through the [Am] empty streets.
[Am] Memories of [G] old tomorrows,
[Dm] Echo in our [Am] silent beats.

Chorus:
[C] Can you hear the [G] whispers calling?
[Dm] In the night, we [Am] stand alone.
[C] Catch the stars that [G] keep on falling,
[Dm] In the heart, we [Am] call our home.

Verse 2:
[Am] Drifting on the [G] wave of sorrow,
[Dm] Riding on the [Am] winds of change.
[Am] Dreaming of a [G] new tomorrow,
[Dm] In a world that’s [Am] rearranged.

Chorus:
[C] Can you hear the [G] whispers calling?
[Dm] In the night, we [Am] stand alone.
[C] Catch the stars that [G] keep on falling,
[Dm] In the heart, we [Am] call our home.

End:
[Am] Underneath the [G] fallen shadows,
[Dm] We’ll find our [Am] way back home.

Fan Testimonial:
The band’s favorite fan is Emily Thompson. Emily has been there for every gig, every album release and has even travelled across states to support them. She says, “Untrue Slip is more than just a band to me. Their music has helped me through some rough patches in my life. I feel a deep connection with their lyrics. It’s like they’re speaking directly to me. I can’t imagine a day without their music. They’re my favorite because they don’t just create music; they create an experience that’s raw, genuine, and deeply human.”

Backstory:

Puzzling Scandal was formed in the heart of downtown Austin, Texas in the humid summer of 2007. It all started when lead singer and guitarist, Caden “Cad” Shepherd, met drummer, Izzy “Zig” McCallister, in a rundown record store, bonding over a shared affinity for vintage vinyls. The duo stumbled upon their bassist, June “Jazz” Knox, at an underground punk rock gig, and immediately knew they’d found the missing piece to their musical puzzle. While their initial meetings were quite random, their shared passion for music wasn’t. They started out performing at local bars, soon capturing the hearts of audiences with their dynamic performances and unique sound.

The band’s journey wasn’t without its trials and tribulations. They went through everything from eviction notices to broken down vans on deserted highways, but nothing could quench their fire. Over time, Puzzling Scandal turned their challenges into musical masterpieces, their story of grit and determination resonating with fans across the globe.

Genre:

Puzzling Scandal exhibits an eclectic mix of indie and alternative rock, infused with elements of grunge and punk. Their music is characterized by raw, powerful vocals, heavy drum beats and grungy guitar riffs, all coated in a layer of poignant lyrics.

Title:

“Unravelled in Time”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
Am – C – G – D
Wandered in the shadows, nowhere to call home,
Lost our way in the city, with no direction to roam.
Broken hearts and worn-out dreams, streets of faded smiles,
Underneath the neon lights, walking endless miles.

(Chorus)
Em – C – G – D
We’re unravelled in time, echoes of the past,
Playing our hearts out, not knowing if we’ll last.
But we’ll keep on singing, beneath this starry clime,
In the sea of faces, we’re unravelled in time.

(Verse 2)
Am – C – G – D
Finding solace in the music, it’s the rhythm of the soul,
Lost in the symphony, where silence takes its toll.
Chasing dreams and moonbeams, beneath the city’s grime,
We’re just a band of dreamers, unravelled in time.

(Chorus)
Em – C – G – D
We’re unravelled in time, echoes of the past,
Playing our hearts out, not knowing if we’ll last.
But we’ll keep on singing, beneath this starry clime,
In the sea of faces, we’re unravelled in time.

Fan Testimonial:

Name: Rosie “Rockin’ Rosie” Thompson

“Puzzling Scandal isn’t just my favorite band, they’re my lifeline. Their music has seen me through some of the darkest times in my life. Each song tells a story that resonates deep within my soul. Cad’s raw vocals, Zig’s thumping drums, and Jazz’s grungy bass lines create this perfect storm of intensity and emotion. Not just that, their backstory of resilience and determination inspires me every day. What makes them even more special is their connection with the fans. They’re incredibly down to earth and often hang out with fans after shows. So, here’s to Puzzling Scandal, the band that’s more than just music – it’s a movement!”