Backstory:

Experienced Brick was founded in the hustle and bustle of downtown Chicago in 2004. The band consists of four childhood friends – Luke Harris on vocals and guitar, Danny Miller on bass, Andrew Thompson on drums, and Jack Adams on keyboard. The band members met in high school through a shared passion for music and the desire to create something unique. They started performing in local bars and soon developed a loyal following in the Windy City. Over the years, their unique, soul-piercing music has carved a niche in the hearts of many.

Despite numerous ups and downs, the band’s friendship and commitment to their craft have remained unbroken. After many years of hard work and dedication, Experienced Brick broke into the mainstream music scene in 2013 with their debut album. Since then, they have been a regular feature at music festivals across the country and have gained international recognition, all the while staying true to their roots and ethos.

Genre:
The band primarily falls under the genre of Indie Rock with significant influences from Blues, Folk, and Country.

Title:
“Brick by Brick”

Full song lyrics:

(Verse 1)
[G] I’ve been building these walls [D]
[A] Brick by brick, with a heart so sick [G]
[G] Barriers so high, under the midnight sky [D]
[A] Keeping the world at bay, with each passing day [G]

(Chorus)
[D] Brick by brick, I built this fortress [A]
[G] With no doors, no windows, just life’s excess [D]
[D] But now I see, it’s not what I need [A]
[G] The walls I built, are just a creed [D]

(Verse 2)
[A] Behind these walls, I’ve been hiding [D]
[G] From love, from life, from the world outside [A]
[A] But now I know, it’s time to let go [D]
[G] And step into the light, with all my might [A]

(Chorus)
[D] Brick by brick, I’ll break this fortress [A]
[G] Let in the warmth, let in the kindness [D]
[D] I’ve been locked in, but now I’m breaking free [A]
[G] Brick by brick, I’ll find the real me [D]

The band’s favorite fan’s name:

Emily Roberts. Emily has been a fan of Experienced Brick since their early days. In her words: “I first heard Experienced Brick in a small Chicago bar back in 2004. Their music resonated with me on a level I hadn’t experienced before. Each song is a unique blend of emotion and storytelling that just tugs at your heartstrings. I’ve followed their journey from being local musicians to a nationally known band and their sincerity and passion for music have never wavered. They are more than just a band to me; their music has become a part of my life’s soundtrack. I will forever be their number one fan.”

Backstory:
Oblong Oil, an eccentric band that hails from the heart of the music-rich city of Austin, Texas, was formed in the summer of 2012. The band’s inception resulted from an unlikely meeting during a local music festival. The lead vocalist, Finn Hardley, a folk singer at the time, bumped into the drummer, Lewis Trench, a well-known figure in the local jazz scene. The two discovered a common love for experimental music and decided to form a band, with the addition of bassist Nia Pike and guitarist Mitch Ford. The band chose the name Oblong Oil, inspired by a misunderstood lyric from a 1930s blues song. Their penchant for merging seemingly disparate music genres into a unique and cohesive sound quickly gained them a dedicated following.

Genre:
Oblong Oil is known for their genre-bending fusion of Alternative Rock, Psychedelic Folk, and Jazz.

Title:
“One-Eyed Gypsy”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
Am – F – G – Am
In a dusty ol’ town where the tumbleweeds roam,
Met a one-eyed gypsy with a heart of stone.
He was playing a tune, on a guitar so bold,
Singing tales of love, and secrets untold.

(Chorus)
C – G – Am – F
One-eyed gypsy, tell me your tale,
Spin me a story, let the truth prevail.
In your notes, and in your song,
Tell me where the lost hearts belong.

(Verse 2)
Am – F – G – Am
Beneath the moon, by the flickering firelight,
The gypsy played on, into the night.
His voice was a river, his fingers like the wind,
Telling stories of love, betrayal, and sin.

(Chorus)
C – G – Am – F
One-eyed gypsy, play me a tune,
Underneath the desert’s pale moon.
With your notes, and with your song,
Show me where the lost hearts belong.

Fan Testimonial:
“I’m Alicia, the band’s self-proclaimed biggest fan. Oblong Oil’s music is like a breath of fresh air. They’ve created this magical blend of genres that takes you on an emotional journey. Their songs, especially ‘One-Eyed Gypsy’, resonate deeply and feel authentic. It’s like they’ve found a way to narrate my own feelings better than I can. This is why Oblong Oil will always hold a special place in my heart, and why they’re my favorite band, bar none!”

Backstory:
Identical Princess was formed in the cultural cauldron of Brooklyn, New York, in 2015 by best friends and roommates, Jodie Simmons and Molly Clark. The duo initially shared a mutual love for music, drawing inspiration from their hardships, shared experiences, and their fascination with duality and identity. The name ‘Identical Princess’ was born from a quirky mix of their shared fascination with the duality of identity and their mutual love for all things fantastical and royal.

The band initially started as a fun pastime in their tiny apartment, with nights spent creating melodies and writing lyrics. Their debut performance in a small local pub created a ripple in the local music scene. Their unique sound and deeply personal lyrics resonated with the audience, leading to a record deal and their first album release in 2017.

Genre:
Indie Pop

Title:
“Mirrors of Illusion”

Lyrics:
[Verse 1 – Am, G, Em, F]
In the palace of the mind, where the shadows intertwine,
We are the Identical Princess, in mirrors of illusion.
With a crown of thoughts so deep, secrets we can’t keep,
We’re the queens of our own deception, in a kingdom of confusion.

[Chorus – C, G, Am, Em]
Mirrors of Illusion, tell us who we are,
Are we the reflection, or the shooting star?
In the glass we see, the truth or a lie,
Is it our real face, or just an alibi?

[Verse 2 – Am, G, Em, F]
In the labyrinth of dreams, nothing’s what it seems,
We are the Identical Princess, lost in our delusion.
With a scepter of our fears, and a river of tears,
We’re the rulers of our imagination, in a world of intrusion.

[Chorus – C, G, Am, Em]
Mirrors of Illusion, tell us who we are,
Are we the reflection, or the shooting star?
In the glass we see, the truth or a lie,
Is it our real face, or just an alibi?

Fan Testimonial:
My name is Sam, and I’m Identical Princess’s number one fan. Their music speaks to me on so many levels. I’ve always struggled with identity and acceptance, and their song “Mirrors of Illusion” has become my anthem. It’s as if they’ve seen my soul and written a song about it. Their raw emotion, openness, and vulnerability captivate me, and I find their music genuinely cathartic. My favorite thing about Identical Princess is their authenticity – they’re not afraid to show who they are or talk about their experiences, and that’s something truly admirable. They’re not just a band to me; they’re a source of strength and inspiration.

Backstory:

Wan Removal was born in the small coastal town of Downey, California in 2000. Initially, it was just a group of three high school friends – lead vocalist Jake Walker, bass guitarist Jesse Parker, and drummer Andy Taylor – who were united by their love of music and a desire to create something different. The band’s first couple of years were full of trial and error, as they experimented with various genres and styles. It was in 2003, however, when they added keyboardist Laura Miller to their ranks, that they truly found their unique and irresistible sound.

As the band matured, so did their music. Their lyrics began to reflect deeper themes and more complex emotions, painting pictures of their own experiences in growing up and navigating life. Despite the challenges along the way, Wan Removal has stayed true to their roots, never forgetting where they started and the passion that brought them together.

Genre: Alternative Rock

Title: “Shadows of Yesterday”

Full Song Lyrics:

[Verse 1]
Em C G D
Living life in a small town haze,
Em C G D
Trying to escape the shadows of yesterday.
Em C G D
Pictures on the wall, memories in the dust,
Em C G D
Chasing dreams, in these old jeans, is a must.

[Chorus]
Em C G D
Yesterday’s shadows, can’t hold us down,
Em C G D
We’re breaking free, from this small-town ground.

[Verse 2]
Em C G D
Old friends, new faces, the same old places,
Em C G D
We’re looking for a way out, tying our shoelaces.
Em C G D
The road ahead is long, the journey unknown,
Em C G D
But we’ll find our way, even if we’re alone.

[Chorus]
Em C G D
Yesterday’s shadows, can’t hold us down,
Em C G D
We’re breaking free, from this small-town ground.

[Bridge]
Em C G D
In the rearview mirror, our past fades away,
Em C G D
On the horizon, the dawn of a new day.

[Chorus]
Em C G D
Yesterday’s shadows, can’t hold us down,
Em C G D
We’re breaking free, from this small-town ground.

[Outro]
Em C G D
We’re moving on, no looking back,
Em C G D
In the story of our lives, we’re on a new track.

Favorite Fan’s Name: Lisa Marie

Testimonial:
“I’ve been a fan of Wan Removal since their early days. Their music resonated with me at a time when I felt misunderstood and isolated. The honesty in their lyrics gave me solace, while their unique sound always lifted my spirits. As an aspiring musician myself, I admire their tenacity and their dedication to their craft. They’ve faced challenges and setbacks, but they’ve always stayed true to their sound and their fans. Wan Removal isn’t just a band to me, they’re a beacon of hope and a testament to the power of music.”

Backstory:

Mountainous Brake was formed in the heart of the Rocky Mountains in Denver, Colorado in the early 2000s. The three members, Caleb Hart (lead vocals and guitar), Jake Mulligan (bass) and Ross Graham (drums) were childhood friends who shared a mutual love for music and the great outdoors. The band was born out of their many summer camping trips where they would create music around the campfire, inspired by the wild beauty surrounding them. Their music carries the echoes of those mountain songs, infused with elements of modern urban life.

Genre:
Mountainous Brake specializes in Indie Folk Rock, a blend that incorporates traditional folk elements with the energy of rock music. Their sound is characterized by melodic guitar riffs, rich vocal harmonies, and lyrics deeply rooted in nature and personal experiences.

Title:
“Riverside Reverie”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
G C G D
Underneath the silver moon, by the river’s flow,
G C D
In the heart of the night, where the wild things go,
Em C G D
We sang our song, with hearts ablaze, in the mountains’ glow.

(Chorus)
C G D
Oh, this riverside reverie,
C G D
Is more than a memory,
C G D Em
It’s the melody of our lives, set free.

(Verse 2)
G C G D
Beneath the towering pines, our song took flight,
G C D
Into the star-filled sky, breaking the quiet of the night,
Em C G D
Carving our dreams into the mountainside, in the pale moonlight.

(Chorus)
C G D
Oh, this riverside reverie,
C G D
Is more than a memory,
C G D Em
It’s the rhythm of our hearts, running free.

(Outro)
G C G D
Here in this riverside reverie,
G C D
We found our harmony,
Em C G D
In the mountains, where our souls will always be.

The band’s favorite fan’s name:

The band’s favorite fan is a woman named Julie Patterson. She has been a loyal follower of Mountainous Brake since their first gig at a local bar in Denver. Julie says, “Mountainous Brake’s music brings me peace. Their songs feel like a journey into the wild and also into oneself. There’s a rawness and authenticity in their sound that’s hard to find these days. Listening to them, I feel like I’m back home in the mountains.” Julie has attended every concert and album release, and the band is deeply grateful for her unwavering support.

Backstory:
Pitiful Cloud, an idiosyncratic quartet from the bustling city of Chicago, began their journey in the world of music in the early 2000s. Initially, they were just four friends – Andrew (vocals), Lily (drums), Mike (guitar), and Amy (bass) – who loved creating music in their tiny garage. Their unique and intertwined backgrounds, ranging from bluesy guitar licks learned in smoky bars to intricate rhythms picked up from underground punk shows, bled into their music giving it a unique character. Over time, through innumerable late-night jam sessions, they discovered their distinctive sound that resonated with listeners on a deeply emotional level. This was the birth of Pitiful Cloud, a band determined to express their shared experiences through their music.

Genre:
Alternative Indie Rock.

Title:
“Rainy Windows”

Full Song Lyrics:

[Verse 1]
Em G
Staring out those rainy windows,
D A
Watching as the world turns to gray.
Em G
Your reflection in the glass, I know,
D A
You’re miles and miles away.

[Chorus]
Em G D A
It’s just another rainy window day,
Em G D A
Seeing you but not feeling you in any way.

[Verse 2]
Em G
Gone are the sunny days, and the blue skies,
D A
All we’re left with is the storm.
Em G
I see a pitiful cloud in your gorgeous eyes,
D A
Holding on to a love that’s worn.

[Chorus]
Em G D A
Washed away in the rainy window pain,
Em G D A
Hoping tomorrow, the sun will shine again.

Bands Favorite Fan:
The band’s favorite fan is a woman by the name of Sarah Thompson. Sarah claims that Pitiful Cloud’s music resonated with her during her most challenging days. She says, “Their music is like a comforting friend that consoles you when you’re down. It’s emotional, raw, and incredibly relatable. I feel it echoing my own life stories and struggles. My favorite song has to be ‘Rainy Windows’. The lyrics and melody are so powerful that it takes me on an emotional roller coaster every time I listen to it. Pitiful Cloud is not just my favorite band, they’re my solace in this chaotic world.”

Backstory:
Piercing Trip was formed in 2013 when four college friends from Bristol, England decided to turn their shared love for music into a full-fledged band. The group comprises of frontman and lead vocalist Neil Hartley, guitarist Victor Glyn, bassist Oscar Dane, and drummer Ronny Pearce. The band’s name, Piercing Trip, was inspired by their shared philosophy of creating music that strikes listeners deeply, taking them on an impactful musical journey. Despite the challenges and struggles they faced in the beginning, their shared passion kept them going. They started performing in local pubs and slowly gained recognition for their unique sound and captivating performances.

Genre:
Alternative Rock

Title:
“Starlit Echoes”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
Em C
Walking down these empty streets tonight,
G D
With the echo of your laughter as my only light,
Em C
Your memory lingers, a starlit echo in my heart,
G D
In the solitude, we are miles and moments apart.

(Chorus)
G D Em C
Starlit echoes, guide me home,
G D Em C
In your memory, I’m never alone,
G D Em C
Through the darkness, through the haze,
G D Em C
Your starlit echoes, illuminate my days.

(Verse 2)
Em C
The cruel winds of time may blow,
G D
And in their gusts, all we know may go,
Em C
But in the silence, after the storm,
G D
Your starlit echoes, they keep me warm.

(Chorus)
G D Em C
Starlit echoes, in the night,
G D Em C
You’re my beacon, my guiding light,
G D Em C
In the shadows, in the unknown,
G D Em C
Your starlit echoes, remind me I’m not alone.

Piercing Trip’s Favorite Fan:
The band’s favorite fan is a young woman named Emily Thompson. Emily, an aspiring musician, discovered Piercing Trip during a rough time in her life. She was deeply moved by their songs and found solace in their lyrics. Emily says, “Piercing Trip isn’t just a band to me. They are a beacon of hope, a source of inspiration, and an embodiment of the healing power of music. Their songs resonate with my own experiences and emotions, and they’ve helped me through some really tough times. ‘Starlit Echoes’ is my favorite song, and it’s like a soundtrack to my life. I feel a deep connection to their music, and being their fan has enriched my life in so many ways.”

Backstory:

Lost Insurance came together in the heart of Brooklyn, New York, in 2014. The members, consisting of frontman and lead guitarist Sam “Slick” Thompson, rhythm guitarist Luis “Lucky” Diaz, bassist Mike “Mystery” Moore, and drummer Alex “Ace” Johnson met at a local bar’s open mic night. After a few rounds of drinks, they found they shared a love for music, a disdain for their day jobs in the insurance industry, and a dream to make it big. With their shared background in insurance and feeling like they were living their lives “lost” in the mundanity of everyday life, they coined the name ‘Lost Insurance’ in a whimsical nod to their past lives.

As they began writing and playing together, their unique sound took shape. Their lyrical narratives touched on themes of disconnection, monotony, and yearning for a more fulfilling life, all drawn from their collective pasts. The authenticity of their music resonated with audiences, catapulting them from local bars to national tours within a span of two years.

Genre:
Indie Rock

Title:
“Deductible Dreams”

Full Song Lyrics:

[Verse 1]
Am (Am) G (G)
Wake up, it’s just another day,
Dm (Dm) Em (Em)
In the maze of bills to pay.
Am (Am) G (G)
But our hearts are far away,
Dm (Dm) Em (Em)
Chasing dreams, in our own way.

[Chorus]
F (F) C (C)
We’re Lost Insurance, in the concrete bay,
G (G) Em (Em)
Living life with Deductible Dreams, we say.
F (F) C (C)
In the rat race, we refuse to stay,
G (G) Em (Em)
With Deductible Dreams, we’ll find our way.

[Verse 2]
Am (Am) G (G)
Paperwork as far as eyes can see,
Dm (Dm) Em (Em)
Imprisoned souls, yearning to be free.
Am (Am) G (G)
In music, we found the key,
Dm (Dm) Em (Em)
To escape, to be who we want to be.

[Chorus]
F (F) C (C)
We’re Lost Insurance, in the concrete bay,
G (G) Em (Em)
Living life with Deductible Dreams, we say.
F (F) C (C)
In the rat race, we refuse to stay,
G (G) Em (Em)
With Deductible Dreams, we’ll find our way.

Favorite Fan:

Our favorite fan is Jessica Freeman, a 29 years old graphic designer from Brooklyn, who’s been with us since day one. She was there in the crowd at our first ever open mic night, and she’s followed us to every gig since. Jessica says, “Lost Insurance is more than just a band. Their music is like a mirror to my life – the struggles, the dreams, the hope. I connect with their lyrics in a way I’ve never done with any other band. Plus, their energy on stage is electric. I can’t imagine not having their music in my life.”

Backstory:
Cloudy Attention emerged from the heart of Seattle’s vibrant music scene in 2013. The four members of the band – lead vocalist and guitarist, Samson Phillips; drummer, Alex ‘Rex’ Meyers; bassist, Daniel ‘D’ Casey; and keyboardist, Lily Graham were all childhood friends who shared a common passion for music. They started playing in local gigs, experimenting with different sounds, and eventually found their unique style that resonates with the audience. The name ‘Cloudy Attention’ was inspired by their perceived struggle to focus on what was happening around them due to their intense involvement with music.

Genre:
Cloudy Attention’s music can be classified as Indie Rock with strong influences of Psychedelic Pop.

Title:
“Rainy Day Reverie”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
Am E7 Am E7
Rain is falling, my mind is stalling
G D Am E7
Lost in thoughts of you, under skies of blue
Am E7 Am E7
I’m daydreaming, the world is seeming
G D Am E7
Far away from real, in this rainy day appeal

(Chorus)
C G D Em
Rainy day reverie, where my heart wants to be
C G D Em
Caught in the eye of the storm, where love was born
C G D Em
Rainy day reverie, in the rhythm of the sea
C G D Em
In your arms, I find calm, in the rain’s gentle balm

(Verse 2)
Am E7 Am E7
Raindrops falling, your name I’m calling
G D Am E7
In the heart of the storm, where our love was born
Am E7 Am E7
I’m reminiscing, while the rain is hissing
G D Am E7
Songs of love, under the cloudy skies above

(Chorus)
C G D Em
Rainy day reverie, where my heart wants to be
C G D Em
Caught in the eye of the storm, where love was born
C G D Em
Rainy day reverie, in the rhythm of the sea
C G D Em
In your arms, I find calm, in the rain’s gentle balm

The band’s favorite fan’s name and testimonial:

Name: Molly Jenkins

Testimonial:
Cloudy Attention is my absolute favorite band. Their music speaks to me in ways I can’t express. The raw emotion they pour into their songs, especially “Rainy Day Reverie”, resonates with my soul. It’s as if they’ve taken the thoughts and feelings I couldn’t articulate and turned them into the most beautiful melody. Their unique blend of Indie Rock and Psychedelic Pop is captivating and refreshing. In a world full of generic pop, they represent the true essence of music – the ability to evoke feelings and tell stories. I truly believe they are the voice of our generation!

Backstory:
Unfortunate Suit was formed in the heart of Brooklyn, New York, in the sweltering summer of 2015. The band consists of four members: lead singer and bassist Mitchell “Mitch” O’Connell, guitarist Brandon “Bran” Russo, drummer Alex “Al” Stein, and keyboardist Florence “Flo” Pearson. Strangers at first, they met at an open mic night held at a local dive bar and bonded over their shared love for music, their worn-out leather jackets, and their disillusionment with the modern 9-5 grind. They soon decided to combine their musical talents, and Unfortunate Suit was born.

Their journey has been filled with ups and downs, but the band remained undeterred, playing at local bars and small venues around the city. They’ve seen their share of empty rooms and broken strings, but they’ve also experienced the thrill of a standing ovation from a crowd of strangers. Their shared experiences, struggles, and triumphs have strengthened their bond and influenced their music, resulting in a unique sound that resonates with their listeners.

Genre: Alternative Rock

Song Title: “Office Rats”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
Em C G D
Workin’ nine to five, in a suit and tie,
Em C G D
No time to live, no time to die,
Em C G D
Constant grind, day by day,
Em C G D
In this corporate maze, we lose our way.

(Chorus)
Em C G D
We are the office rats, chasing cheese,
Em C G D
Lost in cubicles, on our knees,
Em C G D
Running in circles, can’t you see,
Em G C D
We are more than what we seem to be.

(Verse 2)
Em C G D
Grey walls closing in, no way out,
Em C G D
Dreams on hold, filled with doubt,
Em C G D
Chasing deadlines, chasing time,
Em C G D
In this corporate race, no finish line.

(Chorus)
Em C G D
We are the office rats, in our suits,
Em C G D
Trapped in the system, in pursuit,
Em C G D
Of a better life, and a way to be free,
Em G C D
We are more than what we seem to be.

Fan’s Testimonial:
Name: Jennifer “Jen” Moore
“I’m just your average office worker, but Unfortunate Suit’s music speaks to me on a level I cannot even begin to explain. Their songs are a reflection of my day-to-day life, the feeling of being trapped, the constant chase for something more, and the yearning for freedom. I remember hearing “Office Rats” for the first time at a small gig in Brooklyn. I was brought to tears by the raw emotion and the authenticity of their performance. Ever since then, I’ve been their biggest fan. Their music reminds me that I’m not alone in my struggles and that it’s okay to dream big. Unfortunate Suit is more than just a band to me, they’re a beacon of hope in an otherwise mundane world.”