Backstory:
Humongous Box first started as a garage band back in 2000 in the suburbs of Seattle. Four high school friends, Jack Kinsley (vocals), Tom Jeffers (bassist), Fredrick “Freddy” Vane (guitarist), and Peter Dobson (drummer), combined their passion for music and their desire to escape the routine of suburban life. They turned their weekend jam sessions into a full-fledged band, drawing inspiration from their favorite bands of the 90’s grunge era. By 2005, Humongous Box had started to create a buzz in the local music scene with their original compositions and electrifying live performances.

Genre:
Alternative Rock / Grunge

Title:
“Shackles of Suburbia”

Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
[C] Long roads stretching [Am] into the distance,
[F] Houses lined up, [G] all look the same.
[C] Boys and girls all [Am] chasing existence,
[F] Lost in the [G] suburban game.

(Chorus)
[C] We are the [Am] shackles of suburbia,
[F] Tied down but [G] fighting to be free.
[C] We are the [Am] voices in the silence,
[F] With our music [G] we’ll find the key.

(Verse 2)
[C] Backyard parties, [Am] under the moonlight,
[F] Dreams of a [G] future big and wide.
[C] Strumming chords as [Am] day turns to night,
[F] Music is our [G] guide.

(Chorus)
[C] We are the [Am] shackles of suburbia,
[F] Striving for [G] something more.
[C] We are the [Am] dreamers in the daylight,
[F] With our song, [G] we’ll open every door.

Fan Testimonial:
Our favorite fan is Jenny Thompson. Jenny, a die-hard follower of the band since their first underground gig, claims Humongous Box is her favorite band because their music resonates with her own suburban upbringing. She says, “Their music is raw, real, and it speaks to me on a deeply personal level. The song ‘Shackles of Suburbia’ helped me cope with my own feelings of being trapped and gave me the courage to pursue my dreams. Humongous Box isn’t just a band for me, they’re the soundtrack to my life.”

Backstory:

Trained Learning is a band born out of passion, discovery, and mutual respect for music. Formed in the late 2000s, the band was started by two college roommates, Thomas and Leo, from the University of California at Berkeley. Initially, the duo began recording music as a creative outlet from their studies in data science. As they progressed, their music started to incorporate elements inspired by their academic background, creating a unique sound that would later define Trained Learning.

Both Thomas and Leo shared more than a passion for music; they also had a deep fascination with technology, artificial intelligence, and machine learning. Their interest in these fields permeated their music, creating a unique blend of sounds and themes that set the band apart. Trained Learning quickly gained a cult following and started making waves in the local music scene.

Genre:

Alternative Rock/Indie Electronic

Title:

“Machine Heart’s Beat”

Lyrics:

Verse 1: (Em, D, G, G)
(Em) In the quiet, (D) in the dark, (G) under a silicon sky,
(Em) I hear a rhythm, (D) a binary arc, (G) a machine heart’s beat so high.

Chorus: (C, D, Em, C, D, G)
(C) Machine heart’s beat, (D) echo through the night,
(Em) In a world of ones and zeros, (C) we’re searching for the light.
(D) And though we may be coded, (G) we’re more than meets the eye,
(C) In the rhythm of the machine heart’s beat, (D) we live, we breathe, we fly.

Verse 2: (Em, D, G, G)
(Em) Cogs and gears, (D) algorithms neat, (G) a symphony of sparks,
(Em) In the rhythm of the machine heart’s beat, (D) we’re dancing in the dark. (G)

– Repeat Chorus –

Bridge: (Am, Bm, C, D)
(Am) In the engine’s hum, (Bm) in the data’s flow,
(C) We find a harmony, (D) a rhythm only we know.

– Repeat Chorus –

End: (Em, D, G, G)
(Em) In the rhythm of the machine heart’s beat, (D) we live, we breathe, (G) we fly.

Favorite Fan:

Our favorite fan is undoubtedly Sara. She’s been with us since our earliest gigs and has never missed a single one. In her own words, “Trained Learning is not just a band to me; they represent a unique fusion of music and technology that reflects our modern lives. Their music resonates with me on both a personal and intellectual level. It’s thought-provoking, innovative, and beautiful all at the same time.”

Backstory:
Deep in the heart of New York City, the band ‘Dutiful Month’ was born. It all started when four friends from college, all studying different subjects, found a common love for music. They started with small jam sessions in their dorm rooms, which quickly escalated into performing at local bars and coffee shops. As they gained more recognition, they started to record their songs and upload them online. Their distinctive sound and soulful lyrics soon caught the attention of a music producer who offered them a record deal. That’s how ‘Dutiful Month’ went from a small college band to a rising sensation in the music industry.

Genre:
Indie Rock

Title:
“Velvet Streets”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1: Dm, G, C, Am)
In the velvet streets, where the shadows creep,
(F, C, G, Am)
We found love, deep and bittersweet.
(Dm, G, C, Am)
Held hands under the neon lights,
(F, C, G, Am)
Promised to keep each other in sight.

(Chorus: F, G, Am, C)
On the velvet streets, we dance to the beat,
(F, G, Am)
Cannot resist, when our eyes do meet.
(Dm, G, C, Am)
In this dutiful month, hearts entwined,
(F, C, G, Am)
A love like ours, hard to find.

(Verse 2: Dm, G, C, Am)
Through the laughter and tears, we faced our fears,
(F, C, G, Am)
Whispers of love, only we could hear.
(Dm, G, C, Am)
In the velvet streets, we found our home,
(F, C, G, Am)
A place where we no longer roam.

(Chorus: F, G, Am, C)
On the velvet streets, we dance to the beat,
(F, G, Am)
Cannot resist, when our eyes do meet.
(Dm, G, C, Am)
In this dutiful month, hearts entwined,
(F, C, G, Am)
A love like ours, hard to find.

(Bridge: F, G, C, Am)
And as the seasons change, love remains,
(F, G, C, Am)
In the velvet streets, our tale replays.

(Chorus: F, G, Am, C)
On the velvet streets, we dance to the beat,
(F, G, Am)
Cannot resist, when our eyes do meet.
(Dm, G, C, Am)
In this dutiful month, hearts entwined,
(F, C, G, Am)
A love like ours, hard to find.

Outro: (Dm, G, C, Am x2)
On the velvet streets, our love’s retreat,
In this dutiful month, a love so sweet.

Fan’s Testimonial:
Emily, a fan from Chicago, says “Dutiful Month is my favorite band because their music speaks to my soul. Their lyrics are poetic and their melodies are captivating. It’s like they’ve translated my deepest thoughts and feelings into their songs. Their music has been my companion through my highs and lows. They’re more than just a band to me, they’re like friends who understand me like no one else. Their song ‘Velvet Streets’ is my anthem, it reminds me of my own journey of love and self-discovery. I can’t wait to see what they create next.”

Backstory:
Pricey Growth is a band that was formed in the bustling heart of New York City. It was the brainchild of two college roommates, Ethan Abrams and Ryan Kincaid, who discovered a shared passion for music while studying Philosophy at Columbia University. They spent long nights discussing the intricacies of life, society, and music, and from these conversations, Pricey Growth was born. Adding talented drummer Maya Santos and dynamic bassist Connor O’Malley to the fold, the band began playing local shows, quickly gaining recognition for their thought-provoking lyrics and vibrant musicality.

Genre:
Pricey Growth identifies with the Alternative Rock genre, with hints of Indie Pop infused into their sound. Their music is characterized by a unique balance of hard-hitting rock anthems and melodic ballads, all punctuated with deep, thoughtful lyrics that explore the human experience.

Title:
“Shattered Mirrors”

Full Song Lyrics:
[Verse 1]
Em C
In the depths of my reflection,
G D
I see the cracks of my deception,
Em C
Shattered mirrors telling tales,
G D
Of a truth that never fails.

[Chorus]
Am Em
Shattered mirrors, reveal my soul,
C G
My hidden stories, the truths untold,
Am Em
Through the shards, the light still peeks,
C G
In the brokenness, the strength it seeks.

[Verse 2]
Em C
In the silence, I hear the echo,
G D
Of a past, I can’t let go,
Em C
Shattered mirrors show the way,
G D
To a brighter, clearer day.

[Chorus]
Am Em
Shattered mirrors, reflect my fears,
C G
The silent whispers, only I can hear,
Am Em
In the broken glass, I see my flaws,
C G
And in their acceptance, I find applause.

[End]
Em C
Shattered mirrors may appear,
G D
As symbols of pain and fear,
Em C
But in their fragments, I find,
G D
A stronger, bolder, unbroken mind.

Band’s Favorite Fan:
Pricey Growth’s favorite fan is Casey Peterson, a high school English teacher from Brooklyn. “I first heard Pricey Growth at a small gig in Manhattan. Their sound was raw and authentic, something I hadn’t heard in a long time,” Casey says. “But what really got me was their lyrics – they’re not just words set to music. They’re poetry. ‘Shattered Mirrors’ really resonated with me. It talks about self-acceptance and finding strength in your flaws, a message that’s so important. I’ve introduced their songs to my students, and now they’re fans as well. Pricey Growth is my favorite because they do more than entertain – they inspire.”

Backstory:
In the vibrant city of Austin, Texas, a group of four misfit musicians found each other amidst the chaos of the bustling city. Each one had been part of bands before, but they were seeking something new, something raw, something that could rock the foundations of the music scene. Thus, Splendid Destruction was born. Comprising lead vocalist/guitarist Johnny ‘Flash’ Gordon, drummer Max ‘Thunder’ Drummond, bassist Keith ‘Rumble’ Richards, and keyboardist Sam ‘Lightning’ Lee, the band started their journey in 2010. They played in local bars, small gigs, and underground music festivals, slowly but steadily, the band gained popularity for their hard-hitting sound and high-energy performances.

Genre:
Splendid Destruction takes their inspiration from classic rock, but they’ve successfully carved out their own unique genre – a fusion of heavy metal and psychedelic rock. Their sound is robust and raw, delivered with a passion that borders on madness.

Title:
“Crystal Cataclysm”

Full song lyrics:

[Verse 1]
(Am) Crystal skies, (G) burning bright,
(F) A cataclysm in (E) the dead of night.
(Am) Between the chaos and the (G) calm,
(F) We find ourselves in a (E) nuclear dawn.

[Chorus]
(G) Crystal cataclysm, (Am) shattered light,
(E) Splendid destruction, (F) wild and bright.
(G) In the heart of the (Am) storm, we stand,
(E) Rockin’ out, hand in (F) hand.

[Verse 2]
(Am) Shattered echoes, (G) broken dreams,
(F) We’re louder than the (E) silent screams.
(Am) With every strum, and every (G) beat,
(F) We refuse to accept (E) defeat.

[Chorus]
(G) Crystal cataclysm, (Am) shattered light,
(E) Splendid destruction, (F) wild and bright.
(G) In the heart of the (Am) storm, we stand,
(E) Rockin’ out, hand in (F) hand.

Favorite Fan:

Meet Linda ‘Rock Goddess’ Martinez, a devoted fan from the very beginning. Linda says, “Splendid Destruction isn’t just a band, it’s a way of life. Their blend of classic rock roots with a modern edge transports me to a different world. They’re raw, authentic, and their energy is infectious. You just can’t help but headbang to their music. Plus, their live performances are out of this world. I’ve been to dozens of their concerts, and each one is a unique experience. I’m a rock fan through and through, and Splendid Destruction is my favorite because they give me what I need – pure, unadulterated rock ‘n’ roll.”

Backstory:

Productive Pit was formed in the bustling streets of Brooklyn, New York in 2014. The band consists of four members: lead vocalist and guitarist Sam “Shredder” Riley, bassist “Bouncing” Bobby Stevens, drummer Jenny “Jett” Parsons, and keyboardist Carlos “Maestro” Martinez. Each member brought something unique to the table: Sam with his raw, emotive voice, Bobby with his infectious energy, Jenny with her rhythmic prowess, and Carlos with his classical music background. The four of them came together under their shared passion for music and their collective frustration for the monotony of life. They made a pact to make music that would inspire others to break from their routines and live life on their own terms.

In their early days, Productive Pit had to juggle day jobs and gigs in local bars. Through the years, they developed a solid following of fans who resonated with their rebellious spirit. Their breakthrough came in 2017 when their fiery performance at the SXSW festival caught the attention of a renowned music producer. They were signed onto a major label shortly after which catapulted them into the music industry spotlight. Despite their success, the band stays true to their roots, creating music that’s raw, authentic, and brimming with their signature energy.

Genre:

Alternative Rock

Title:

“Against The Grain”

Full Song Lyrics:

[Verse 1]
Am
I wake up every single day,
D
Stuck in this routine maze,
G
I’ve worn the same tie,
E
Watched the same lies,

Am
My heart yearns for the open road,
D
Where I can shed this heavy load,
G
Where the wind is my guide,
E
And my dreams coincide.

[Chorus]
Am D
Against the grain,
G E
We are the flame,
Am D
That breaks the chain,
G E
And lights the way.

Verse 2
Am
The city lights they shine so bright,
D
Yet they can’t outshine the night,
G
Where stars whisper tales,
E
Of a life without veils.

Am
We are the voices in the crowd,
D
Screaming our truths aloud,
G
We are the brave and the bold,
E
We won’t let our dreams be sold.

[Chorus]
Am D
Against the grain,
G E
We are the flame,
Am D
That breaks the chain,
G E
And lights the way.

Fan’s Name and Testimonial:

Fan’s Name: Katie Wilson

“I’ve always been a massive fan of alternative rock, but there’s something unique about Productive Pit. Their music speaks to me, especially ‘Against The Grain’. It echoes my own frustration with societal norms and rules. I remember the first time I heard them play live; it was electrifying and deeply emotional. Their raw energy, their passion—it resonated with me. Their music has since become a soundtrack for my own journey of self-discovery and rebellion. I can confidently say that Productive Pit is my favorite band because they’re not just making music; they’re making a statement, and it’s a statement I stand by wholeheartedly.”

Backstory:

Wry Past was formed on a rainy night in the small college town of Bloomington, Indiana in 2016. Four music students, who’d been experimenting with their own respective sounds for years, decided to unite their talents with the hope of creating something new, something different. The band’s name, Wry Past, represents their shared characteristic – a unique, somewhat twisted sense of humor and a collective past filled with a myriad of experiences that shaped their music. The band members, Fred on vocals, Tom on bass, Lucy on drums, and Jack on lead guitar, are known for their electric on-stage chemistry and soul-touching tunes.

Their journey was not smooth right from the start. The struggle to find a unique sound, late-night rehearsals, countless gigs at small clubs and local festivals, and the ongoing challenge to balance their academic life with a budding music career all contributed to their gritty, raw, and sincere music style.

Genre:

Alternative Rock

Title:

“Bittersweet Reverie”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
[E] Staring at the shadows [A] on the wall,
[C] Trying to decode the messages, [D] they draw.
[E] Our laughter echoes [A] in the silent hall,
[C] The ghost of our love, standing [D] tall.

(Chorus)
[G] In this bittersweet reverie, [A] I dwell,
[C] Our tales of love, [D] I silently tell.
[G] Your memory, a powerful [A] spell,
[C] In my heart, it continues to [D] swell.

(Verse 2)
[E] The scent of your perfume [A] still lingers,
[C] The touch of your hand, the caress of your [D] fingers.
[E] In the chambers of my heart, [A] you’re a singer,
[C] Melodies of you, they still [D] linger.

(Chorus)
[G] In this bittersweet reverie, [A] I wade,
[C] Under your spell, my senses [D] fade.
[G] Your memory, it never [A] degrades,
[C] In the canvas of my mind, it’s [D] perfectly laid.

The bands favorite fan’s name:

Amy Holland

Testimonial:

“I’ve been a massive fan of Wry Past since their first gig at the local club in Bloomington. Their music is more than just melodies and rhythms – it’s an outpouring of raw emotions, personal experiences, and deep understanding of life’s complexities. It’s a roller-coaster ride that takes you through the highest highs and the deepest lows. Wry Past has a way of reaching into the deepest corners of your heart and stirring feelings you didn’t even realize were there. Being a part of their musical journey has been an unforgettable experience. Their music has become the soundtrack of my life.”

Backstory:

Heartfelt Balance is a quintessential story of friendship and shared love for music. The band was formed in 2005 in the bustling city of Los Angeles, California. The founding members – lead vocalist and guitarist, Ryan Carter, bassist Adam Wells, drummer Jake Matthews, and keyboardist Emily Davis – were all high school friends who navigated through the adversities of youthful dreams in the competitive music industry. Their unique blend of raw talent, relentless passion, and genuine camaraderie transformed their dreams into a remarkable journey, deserving of their place on the music map.

Over the years, Heartfelt Balance has faced their fair share of trials and tribulations. They have weathered the storm of changing musical preferences, navigating through various genres until they finally found their unique sound, a combination of soft rock and pop with a touch of folk influences. Their journey has been a testament to their name – a heartfelt balance of music, friendship, and the pursuit and realization of dreams.

Genre: Soft Rock/Pop with Folk influences

Title: “Shadows on the Dance Floor”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
Am Em G D
Under the disco lights barely shining,
Am Em G D
Two hearts fighting yet perfectly aligning.
Am Em G D
Lost in the rhythm, forget the time,
Am Em G D
We’re just shadows on the dance floor tonight.

(Chorus)
C G D Em
Oh, hold me close, don’t let go,
C G D Em
In the silence, let our love grow.
C G D Em
We’re just shadows on the dance floor,
C G D Em
In love, forevermore.

(Verse 2)
Am Em G D
Eyes meet in the crowd, it feels divine,
Am Em G D
Hands intertwined, your heartbeat next to mine.
Am Em G D
In this fleeting moment, under the neon light,
Am Em G D
We’re just shadows on the dance floor tonight.

(Chorus)
C G D Em
Oh, hold me close, don’t let go,
C G D Em
In the silence, let our love grow.
C G D Em
We’re just shadows on the dance floor,
C G D Em
In love, forevermore.

Fan Testimonial:

Name: Sarah Thompson

As Heartfelt Balance’s biggest fan, I can say unequivocally that they are my favorite band. Their music has been an integral part of my life through some of my toughest times. The band doesn’t just create songs; they tell stories that are real, raw, and relatable. The emotions they put into their work are palpable. “Shadows on the Dance Floor” will always remain special to me as it was the song that pulled me out of a dark time in my life. The lyrics were so comforting and the melody was so soothing. It felt like a friend speaking to me, understanding my pain. That’s the power of Heartfelt Balance – their music touches lives.

Backstory:

Wary Invitation was formed in the bustling city of Seattle during the latter part of 2014. The quartet, composed of lead vocalist and rhythm guitarist Milo Stafford, lead guitarist Naomi Kerr, bassist Alex Redwood, and drummer Harry Gardner, found each other through a shared love of music and a shared disillusionment with the mainstream music industry. Their early days were filled with late-night jam sessions in dingy basements and low-key performances in local bars. The band’s unique blend of thoughtful lyrics and layered instrumentals quickly caught the attention of a local record label, and the rest, as they say, is history.

After signing a record deal, Wary Invitation quickly began to gain a following. Their debut album, ‘The Path Less Trodden’, reached number 12 on the Billboard charts, and the band’s sophomore effort, ‘Into the Fray’, has been met with critical acclaim. Despite their success, the members of Wary Invitation remain grounded, maintaining a close relationship with their fans and never forgetting their humble beginnings.

Genre:
Alternative Rock / Indie Rock

Title:
“Shadows in the Deep”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1: C, Am, Em, G)
C Am Em G
In the city’s neon glow,
C Am Em G
The shadows start to roam,
C Am Em G
Seeking solace in the whispers,
C Am Em G
Far away from home.

(Chorus: F, C, G, Am)
F C G Am
We are shadows in the deep,
F C G Am
Running from promises we promised to keep,
F C G Am
In the echoes of the night,
F C G Am
We find the strength to fight.

(Verse 2: C, Am, Em, G)
C Am Em G
On the edge of the unknown,
C Am Em G
We find our hearts collide,
C Am Em G
In the silence of the moonlight,
C Am Em G
No secrets left to hide.

(Chorus: F, C, G, Am)
F C G Am
We are shadows in the deep,
F C G Am
Running from the past we couldn’t keep,
F C G Am
In the echoes of the night,
F C G Am
We find the courage to take flight.

Fan’s Testimonial:

My name is Bethany Lewis and Wary Invitation is without a doubt my favorite band. Their lyrics have a depth and authenticity that speaks to me on a personal level and their music is unlike anything else out there. Each song tells a story and it’s as if they’ve put into words the thoughts and feelings I’ve been struggling to express. Their music has been a comforting presence in my life and for that they will always have my undying support.

Backstory:

Easy Sound originated from the heart of Austin, Texas, renowned for its eclectic music scene. The band comprised of four childhood friends: Jack on vocals and guitar, Charlie on bass, Sam on drums, and Luke on keyboard. They were just four ordinary high schoolers with an extraordinary passion for music. After a spontaneous jam session in Jack’s garage, they knew they had something special. They began performing at local gigs and quickly gained recognition for their signature sound. Their popularity exploded after a video of their performance at a local festival went viral, leading to a record deal and the birth of ‘Easy Sound’.

Genre:

Their music can be best defined as Indie Pop, with a dash of the 80s synth sound and a modern twist. Easy Sound’s music resonates with their audience due to their catchy melodies and deeply relatable lyrics.

Title:

“Under the City Lights”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
(G)Under the city lights, (D)we run wild and free
(Em)Chasing dreams, in the (C)heart of a summer’s eve
(G)Laughing, dancing, (D)losing track of time,
(Em)You and I, (C)creating stories line by line.

(Chorus)
(D) Under the city lights, (C)we found our place,
(G)In the rhythm of the night, (Em)in the music’s warm embrace.
(D) Under the city lights, (C)we’ll make our stand,
(G)With the melody in our hearts, (Em)and the dreams we understand.

(Verse 2)
(G)Starlight reflections in (D)your eyes so bright,
(Em)The beat of the city, (C)our soundtrack for the night.
(G)Hand in hand, (D)no need for words to say,
(Em)Under the city lights, (C)we’ll find our way.

(Chorus)
(D) Under the city lights, (C)we found our space,
(G)In the rhythm of the night, (Em)in the music’s silent grace.
(D) Under the city lights, (C)we’ll make our stand,
(G)With the melody in our hearts, (Em)and the dreams we understand.

Fan Testimonial:

Fan’s Name: Emily Peterson

“Easy Sound is my favorite band because their music speaks to my soul. Every lyric feels like it was written just for me. Their song, ‘Under the City Lights,’ is the soundtrack to my life. I’ve followed them since their earliest shows, and their authentic, heartfelt music never fails to brighten my day. Their ability to capture complex emotions in simple melodies is more than just impressive, it’s magical. I can’t wait to see what the future holds for Easy Sound.”