Backstory:
Vigorous Release wasn’t always the cohesive, guitar-shredding band they are today. The band was born out of a chance meeting between lead singer Johnny “Flash” Gordon and guitarist Ricky “Razor” Summers in a dingy, forgotten music shop in downtown Detroit. They bonded over their shared love for 90s grunge and the raw, pulsing energy of punk rock, deciding on a whim to form a band. Joined later on by childhood friends Tommy “Boom” Baxter on drums and Billy “Bassman” Daniels on bass, the quartet rapidly built a reputation for their high-energy performances and anthemic songs that resonated with the disillusioned youth of the city.

Genre:
90s-inspired grunge/punk rock

Title:
“Fading Echoes”

Full Song Lyrics:

Verse 1:
Am F C G
(We’re) Lost in the city of fading echoes,
Am F C G
Drowning in a sea of forgotten heroes.

Chorus:
Am F
(Follow) follow the sound,
C G
of our hearts beating loud,
Am F
We are the vigorous release,
C G
our spirits never cease.

Verse 2:
Am F C G
(We’re) Chasing the shadows of yesterday,
Am F C G
Bound by chains we’re trying to break away.

Chorus:
Am F
(Follow) follow the sound,
C G
of our hearts beating loud,
Am F
We are the vigorous release,
C G
our spirits never cease.

Bridge:
Am F C G
Torn and frayed, but we’re not afraid,
Am F C G
We’re the voice of the unheard, the undeterred.

Chorus:
Am F
(Follow) follow the sound,
C G
of our hearts beating loud,
Am F
We are the vigorous release,
C G
our spirits never cease.

Fan’s Testimonial:
“I’m Jenny. I’ve been a fan since their first performance in a musty basement club. Vigorous Release has been my favorite band because they aren’t just a band, they’re a movement. They echo the voice of our generation, expressing the angst, the struggles, and the joy we experience. They don’t shy away from the raw emotions, and their music has been a constant companion, giving me strength and inspiration in my darkest times.”

Backstory:

Wide-Eyed Personality was formed in the bustling city of New York in late 2010. The band is comprised of four members: the charismatic vocalist, Charlie; their lead guitarist, Joe with a virtuoso touch; the drummer, Sam, who brings a jazz-like intricacy to their sound; and their bassist, Kate, whose aggressive bass lines are the backbone of the band’s sound. The band met in a small underground music club while watching a performance of another band. Their shared passion for music and a mutual feeling of dissatisfaction with the current music scene led them to form their own band. With a shared vision, they’ve been making music that resonates with their unique perspective ever since.

Genre:

Wide-Eyed Personality’s music can be classified as Alternative Rock with a touch of Indie Pop.

Song Title:

“Secrets in the Shadows”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
Em G
Met you on the edge of twilight,
D A
In a world where we’re only two.
Em G
Locked in a dance, under starlight,
D A
In the darkness, love found a clue.

(Chorus)
Em G
Secrets in the shadows,
D A
Hidden in the corners of the night.
Em G
Sparks fly in the meadows,
D A
In your arms, everything feels right.

(Verse 2)
Em G
Promises whispered in quiet,
D A
Echoing in the vast expanse.
Em G
In the silence, a love riot,
D A
In our hearts, a fiery dance.

(Chorus)
Em G
Secrets in the shadows,
D A
Lost in the mystic glow of the moon.
Em G
Through time’s fast or slow,
D A
With you, it can never be too soon.

Favorite Fan:

The band’s favorite fan is Emily from Boston. Emily found their music during a difficult time in her life and claims it helped her navigate through it. In her words, “Wide-Eyed Personality’s music is like a beacon of hope in a storm. Their lyrics resonate with me so deeply and the passion they put into each performance is palpable. It’s like they’ve poured their soul into every note, and that connection is truly special. I feel like their music truly understands and speaks to me.”

Backstory:
Present Timing is a band that was founded in 2014 in the bustling city of New York. They formed their group in the heart of Brooklyn where they met in a small, underground music shop. The band consists of four members: Jake, the lead vocalist and guitarist; Ethan, the bassist; Adam, the drummer; and Olivia, the keyboardist and backup vocalist. The eclectic group had a shared passion for music and were inspired by the city’s vibrant music scene, which prompted them to start Present Timing. After years of hard work, dedication, and countless gigs in various bars and music festivals, the band has now gained a loyal fanbase from all over the world.

Genre:
The band’s music genre is a mix of Indie Rock and Pop, which they present with a touch of atmospheric electronic elements. They’ve become known for their catchy tunes, thoughtful lyrics and the unique energy they bring to performances.

Title:
One of their standout tracks is called “Running on Borrowed Time”.

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
[G] Running on borrowed time, [C] living on stolen dreams,
[D] Trying to find some peace in [Em] this crazy scene.
[G] The city lights are bright, but [C] they can’t outshine,
[D] The hope in our hearts, [Em] under the Brooklyn skyline.

(Chorus)
[G] We’re Present Timing, [C] living the now.
[D] No future worries, [Em] we’ll make it somehow.
[G] Right here, right now, [C] is where we shine.
[D] Running on borrowed time, [Em] we’re still alive.

(Verse 2)
[G] Music is our muse, [C] New York our home,
[D] Through every bruise, [Em] our love has grown.
[G] Strumming the strings, [C] beating the drums,
[D] This is our destiny, [Em] this is where we belong.

(Chorus)
[G] We’re Present Timing, [C] feeling the beat.
[D] Each note’s a promise, [Em] each lyric a feat.
[G] In every song, [C] in every rhyme,
[D] Running on borrowed time, [Em] we’re on repeat.

Fans’ Favorite:
A die-hard fan, named Lucy, has been following Present Timing since their first gig in a small bar in Brooklyn. Lucy explains, “Present Timing has a way of making you feel seen and heard. Their music speaks to my soul; it’s like they know exactly what I’m going through. The energy at their concerts is always electric. It’s more than just a band for me; it’s a community. Their track, ‘Running on Borrowed Time,’ is my personal anthem. It tells me to seize the day, make every moment count, and that’s why they are my favorite.”

Backstory:
Wet Drop was created on a rainy afternoon in Seattle, Washington in 2013. The founding members, lead vocalist, Evan Morris, and drummer, Tim Bradley, were college roommates who found themselves bonding over their shared love of music. After a few jam sessions, they decided to form a band, roping in their friends; guitarist, Finn Cooper, and bassist, Alex King. The name Wet Drop comes from this rainy start, as well as an inside joke about a coffee spill that ruined their first set of lyrics.

The band started performing at local bars and college parties, slowly building a dedicated fan base with their energetic performances and charismatic on-stage personas. Their breakthrough came when one of their songs was picked up by a local radio station, paving the way for a debut album and their first nationwide tour.

Genre:
Alternative Rock

Title:
“Rainy Day Revelation”

Full song lyrics:
(Verse 1)
Am F C G
Rainy day outside, we got the rhythm inside,
Am F C G
Barefoot on the floor, we dance to the cadence of the storm,
Am F C G
Your laughter echoes, sparkling like a wet drop,
Am F C G
Sliding down the window, a revelation in every raindrop.

(Chorus)
Am F C G
Rainy day revelations, in every wet drop, an affirmation,
Am F C G
Guitars hum our secrets, the rhythm, our celebration,
Am F C G
Finding us in the music, lost in the raindrop sensation,
Am F C G
Every wet drop, a chant, a whisper of our declaration.

(Verse 2)
Am F C G
Stormy blues in our eyes, we sing to the rhythm of the skies,
Am F C G
Rain paints our story, on the canvas of an old city,
Am F C G
Every note, every beat, dancing in the wet drop symphony,
Am F C G
Stolen glances, secret smiles, the rhythm of our mystery.

(Chorus)
Am F C G
Rainy day revelations, in every wet drop, an affirmation,
Am F C G
Guitars hum our secrets, the rhythm, our celebration,
Am F C G
Finding us in the music, lost in the raindrop sensation,
Am F C G
Every wet drop, a chant, a whisper of our declaration.

Favorite Fan’s Name:
Olivia Thompson

Testimonial:

“Wet Drop has been my favorite band since the first time I heard them at a college party. Their music is raw and real, and it’s like they’ve found a way to put into words things I’ve felt but could never express. Their song ‘Rainy Day Revelation’ is my anthem; it speaks to me in ways I can’t even explain. I love Wet Drop for their authenticity, for their passion, and for their incredible music that has been the soundtrack of my life.”

Backstory:
Envious Reward, a four-piece band hailing from the vibrant streets of Austin, Texas, started as a college dorm collaboration between lead vocalist, Ryan ‘Rico’ Gibson, and drummer, Tyler ‘Thunder’ Hart. The two found their musical synergy during a late-night jam session, and soon after, recruited bassist, Matthew ‘Matty Ice’ Robinson, and lead guitarist, Jake ‘Jester’ Levine. The band’s unique sound and raw energy quickly gained traction among the local music scene, leading to their first EP release in 2015. Since then, the band’s fan base has swelled, and they’ve toured extensively across the US and Europe.

Genre:
Alternative Rock

Title:
“Invisible Chains”

Full Song Lyrics:

[Versus]
C G D
Living in the shadows, lost in the crowd
Em D C
Chasing after whispers, voices so loud
C G D
Stare into the mirror, what do you see?
Em D C
A faceless reflection staring back at me

[Chorus]
G D Em C
These invisible chains, they’re pulling me down,
G D Em C
In the deafening silence, I’m lost, not found.
G D Em C
In a world of shadows, I’m yearning to be,
G D Em C
Unshackled, unbroken, finally free.

[Versus]
C G D
Walking in circles, on a road to nowhere
Em D C
Drowning in thoughts, gasping for air
C G D
Looking for answers, in a sky so clear
Em D C
Wishing for strength, to conquer the fear

[Chorus]
G D Em C
These invisible chains, they’re pulling me down,
G D Em C
In the deafening silence, I’m lost, not found.
G D Em C
In a world of shadows, I’m yearning to be,
G D Em C
Unshackled, unbroken, finally free.

Favorite Fan:
Our favorite fan is Amy Lawson, a music teacher from Dallas. Amy’s testimonial about our band genuinely encapsulates what we aim to deliver with our music. She says, “Envious Reward isn’t just a band to me, it’s a movement. Their lyrics speak to the raw and real parts of life that other alternative rock bands seem to gloss over. The raw emotion in their songs, especially in ‘Invisible Chains’, resonates with me on a personal level. Their music has been a source of comfort and motivation during difficult times. They are, without doubt, my favorite band!”

Backstory:
Hailing from the bustling streets of Austin, Texas, Conscious Fraud was born out of the shared angst and passion of its founding members, Oliver “Ollie” Cassidy and Harper “Harps” Benning. Having met in a grimy basement during a local punk show, they quickly discovered their shared disillusionment with the world and a mutual desire to express it through music. With Ollie slaying on the guitar and Harps beating the drums like they owed her money, the duo spent countless nights honing their craft in that same basement, their raw energy reverberating through the entire building. When they finally took their music to the street, Conscious Fraud was born – a raw, unfiltered voice of the disenchanted youth, amplified through the grit and sweat of punk rock.

Genre: Punk Rock

Title: “Chained Reality”

Full song lyrics:
(Verse 1)
G [D] They sold us dreams, we bought the lies,
Em [A] Shackled in chains, under their skies,
C [G] Broken promises, shattered hearts,
D [A] In a world where the ending starts.

(Chorus)
G [D] Chained reality, no way out,
Em [A] Drowning in a sea of doubt,
C [G] But we won’t go down without a fight,
D [A] ‘Cause we are the dark, and we are the light.

(Verse 2)
G [D] Faces hidden, voices loud,
Em [A] In their game, we’re just a crowd,
C [G] But our hearts beat with a rebel’s song,
D [A] We know where we belong.

(Chorus)
G [D] Chained reality, breaking free,
Em [A] We’re the chaos they can’t see,
C [G] Burning brighter than the night,
D [A] We are the wrong, we are the right.

Favorite Fan:
The band’s favorite fan is a fiery redhead named Riley. She discovered their music during a rough patch in her life and instantly connected with the raw honesty of Conscious Fraud’s lyrics. She found solace in their songs and has since followed the band through every basement show and street gig, becoming a familiar face in the front row. In her own words,

“Conscious Fraud isn’t just a band, they are a lifeline. Their music speaks to me on a level nothing else does. It feels like they’ve ripped open their chests and bared their hearts, and somehow, it’s exactly how I’ve felt inside. To anyone who’s ever felt lost or angry or hopeless, Conscious Fraud isn’t just a band, they’re a community, a refuge, a voice. They are my favorite because they showed me that it’s okay to be broken, it’s okay to be angry, and it’s okay to fight back.”

Backstory: Gummy Film was formed in 2003 by college buddies Jack Atwell and Alex Davidson while studying film at the University of Southern California. Jack, an energetic drummer, and Alex, a charismatic lead vocalist, shared a common love for music and filmmaking. They combined their passions for both into a dynamic, multi-sensory project that would soon become Gummy Film. After graduation, they moved to San Francisco, where they met guitarist Emma Li and bassist Max Peterson. The quartet quickly gained a devoted underground following with their unique sound and immersive stage performances, incorporating elements of film into their shows.

Genre: Indie Rock blended with Audiovisual Elements

Title: “Cellophane Dreams”

Full Song Lyrics:

Verse 1:
[Cmaj] Wandering through the [G] strip of life, [Am] caught in the [Em] film reel,
[Dm] Fading colors, [G] silent whispers, [Am] making it so [Em] real.

Pre-Chorus:
[F] Looking through the [G] cellophane dreams, [Am] painted in [Em] grayscale hues,
[Dm] Living the [G] scenes, [C] reality it [Em] seems.

Chorus:
[F] Cellophane dreams, [G] we’re living in between,
[Am] Filmed in technicolor, [Em] seen in black and white,
[Dm] Rolling, projecting, [G] the story of our lives,
[C] Cellophane dreams, [Em] we’re living in the [F] night. (Repeat)

Verse 2:
[Cmaj] Flip the script, [G] change the scene, [Am] life’s a [Em] movie,
[Dm] Candid pictures, [G] scripted laughter, [Am] Gummy Film’s [Em] story.

(Pre-Chorus)
(Chorus)

Fans’ Favorite Testimonial: Our most dedicated fan is undoubtedly 19-year-old Chloe Thompson from San Francisco. Chloe states, “Gummy Film is more than a band, it’s an experience. Their music transports me into a different world, a world that’s a mix of a vintage movie and a rock concert. Their song ‘Cellophane Dreams’ is an anthem of my life. I can literally imagine every word they sing, like a film playing in my head. They are more than just a favorite band, they are a part of who I am.” Chloe is known for travelling to every Gummy Film concert she can, making sure she’s right at the front for each performance.

Backstory:
Formed in a small seaside town in Virginia, Clean Nursery is the result of a chance meeting between childhood friends after a decade of separation. Mike Curtis, the band’s versatile guitarist, and Sam Stafford, the dynamic drummer, were school pals who had always shared a deep love for music. Life took them on different paths until they both found their way back to their cherished hometown where they crossed paths with Scott McIntosh, a charismatic vocalist. The trio immediately found a unique synergy that has been the band’s signature since their inception. Their name, Clean Nursery, came from their shared commitment to producing clean, unadulterated music and a nod to their childhood friendship.

Genre:
Alternative Pop Rock

Title:
“Echoes of Our Yesterday”

Full Song Lyrics:

[Verse]
Am
Underneath the willow tree, where we used to be,
D
Whispering our dreams, underneath the evening gleam,
G Am
Echoes of our yesterday, still ringing today.

[Chorus]
C G
Can you hear it still? Can you feel the thrill?
Am Em
Of our laughter, our tears, our shared years,
F C
Echoes of our yesterday, echoing today.

[Verse]
Am
Down the old town road, where our secrets were sowed,
D
Stories untold, where our hands would hold,
G Am
Echoes of our yesterday, they’re not far away.

[Chorus]
C G
Can you hear them call? Can you feel the fall?
Am Em
Of our promises, our fears, the lost cheers,
F C
Echoes of our yesterday, still echoing today.

[End]
Am
So here’s to you and me, and our shared symphony,
D
Underneath the willow tree, where we used to be,
G Am
Echoes of our yesterday, forever here to stay.

Fan’s Name, Testimonial:

My name is Julie Patterson. Clean Nursery is my favorite band. Their songs are poetry set to music. I’ve always admired the way they convey such raw, genuine emotions. “Echoes of Our Yesterday” in particular, has gotten me through some tough times. That’s the beauty of their music; it’s relatable, honest and it speaks to you. It’s not just music, it’s therapy.

Backstory:

Vigorous Stick was formed in 2009 in the bustling city of Chicago, Illinois. The ensemble was born out of a shared basement apartment, where four close friends decided to turn their love for music into a reality. Lead vocalist and guitarist, Danny ‘Storm’ Kellerman, drum master Luke ‘Thunder’ Redfield, bass virtuoso Jake ‘Lightning’ Harris, and keyboard maestro Martin ‘Blizzard’ White spent countless nights creating a unique blend of music, fueled by their shared experiences and the city’s vibrant energy.

Over the years, they’ve toured extensively within the USA, gaining a fanbase that loves and appreciates their unique sound. Their music, like their story, is filled with tales of friendship, hardships, triumphs, and the never-ending journey of life. A decade later, Vigorous Stick continues to be a beacon of relentless passion and perseverance, crafting music that resonates with their listeners.

Genre:
Alternative Rock

Song Title:
“Chasing Shadows”

Full song lyrics with chord progression:

Verse 1: (A-E-B-D)
(A) Late last night, (E) under the city light,
(B) I found a memory, (D) of you and me,
(A) Dreaming wide, (E) with our hearts alight,
(B) Now I’m chasing shadows, (D) where you used to be.

Chorus: (G-D-A-B)
(G) Chasing shadows, (D) in the pouring rain,
(A) Looking for a love that can (B) ease the pain.
(G) Chasing shadows, (D) till I find your face,
(A) In every corner, in (B) every place.

Verse 2: (A-E-B-D)
(A) Waking up, (E) to an empty bed,
(B) Feels like a nightmare, (D) messing with my head,
(A) Lost in time, (E) with words unsaid,
(B) I’m still chasing shadows, (D) where you used to tread.

Repeat Chorus.

Bridge: (F-C-D-E)
(F) Amidst the crowd, (C) I see your smile,
(D) It’s only a shadow, (E) but for a while,
(F) It brings back love, (C) brings back the fire,
(D) I’ll keep on chasing, (E) till I expire.

Repeat Chorus.

End: (A-E-B-D)
(A) So here’s to love, (E) here’s to life,
(B) Here’s to every shadow, (D) in the moonlight,
(A) I’ll keep on chasing, (E) till the end of time,
(B) For a shadow of love, (D) that once was mine.

Fan’s Favorite Testimonial:

My name is Sarah McIntyre, and I am a longstanding fan of Vigorous Stick. From the moment I heard “Chasing Shadows”, I knew I’d found my favorite band. Their music is raw and real, and it speaks to my own experiences. It’s like they’re narrating my life story. What sets Vigorous Stick apart for me is not just their unique sound but also their authenticity. Even after years of fame, they remain true to their roots, and that’s evident in their music. They are my favorite band because their songs resonate with me on a deep level, and their passion for music is palpable in every note they play.

Backstory:

Past Text is a band formed in the gritty, urban sprawl of Chicago in the late 90s. The band members, Jake Harper (vocals, guitar), Charlie Smith (drums), and Kenny Ross (bass), all came from different parts of the city but their paths intersected at a local music store, where they’d often find themselves after school, immersed in a world of records, instrumentals, and dreams of making it big.

Their bond was immediate and the trio eventually started jamming together, combining their diverse influences into a unique musical blend. They named their band ‘Past Text’, a nod to their shared love for classic literature and a hint at the lyrical depth they wished to bring to their music. They started performing at local gigs and their passionate performances started to gather a loyal fan base.

Genre:
Indie Rock

Title:
“Echoes in the Alley”

Full Song Lyrics:

[Intro] Am G D Em (x2)

[Verse]
Am
Through the alleys of the city,
G
Underneath the midnight sky,
D
We find solace in our silence,
Em
Lost in the echoes of our cries.

[Chorus]
Am
Echoes in the alley,
G
Speak louder than words,
D
In the hush of the night,
Em
Our voices are heard.

[Verse]
Am
Beneath a blanket of stars,
G
We shared our dreams and fears,
D
In the echoes of the alley,
Em
We wiped away our tears.

[Chorus]
Am
Echoes in the alley,
G
Speak louder than words,
D
In the hush of the night,
Em
Our voices are heard.

[Outro]
Am
In the echoes of the alley,
G
We found our song,
D
In the heart of the city,
Em
We found where we belong.

Fan Testimonial:

The band’s favorite fan is a woman named Emily. Emily is a literature professor who’s been following the band since their first local gig. She particularly loves how they blend literary themes into their lyrics and their music. Emily says, “Past Text’s music is a breath of fresh air. They’re not just musicians, they’re storytellers. Their songs, like ‘Echoes in the Alley’, are not just melodies but narratives that resonate with you. Their music has been a comfort and inspiration for me, and I feel as if I’ve grown up with them. I’m not just a fan, I feel like a part of their journey.”