Backstory:

Enormous Commonwealth is an eclectic ensemble that emerged from the intersection of diverse musical backgrounds in 2011. The band’s founding members, lead vocalist Jack Merrick and lead guitarist Andy Ray, met at a local open mic night in Manchester, UK. Struck by each other’s unique sound, they decided to combine their talents to create a fusion of music unlike anything heard before. As they continued to refine their sound, they invited bassist Sophie Thompson, drummer Lee Macintosh, and keyboardist Rachel Bell to join them, solidifying the distinct style of Enormous Commonwealth.

Residing in a small town on the outskirts of Manchester, each member contributes their unique style and flair to the band’s collective sound, resulting in an unexpected but harmonious blend of music. Over time, they’ve gained popularity for their performances that captivate audiences with their energy, passion, and depth.

Genre:

Alternative Rock / Indie Folk

Title:

“Shadows on the Cobblestone”

Full song lyrics:

Verse 1: [C] Wandering through the [G] streets at night, [Am] Shadows on the [Em] cobblestone
[F] Whispering tales of [C] dreams and fright [Dm] Echoes of a [G] time long gone
[C] Illuminate the [G] dark with light, [Am] Heartaches to the [Em] unknown
[F] Picture-perfect [C] star so bright, [Dm] Yet we feel so [G] all alone

Chorus: [F] Shadows on the [G] cobblestone, [C] Dancing in the [Am] moonlit night
[F] Secrets that the [G] city’s known, [C] Hidden in the [Am] subtle light
[F] Shadows on the [G] cobblestone, [C] Memories etched in [Am] stone
[F] Singing out a [G] soothing tone, [C] Yet we feel so [Am] all alone.

Fan Testimonial:

The band’s favorite fan is Liam Gallagher, a long-time follower since their open-mic-night days. Liam claims, “Enormous Commonwealth is my favorite band for several reasons. Their music is a beautiful blend of alternative rock and indie folk that you just don’t find anywhere else. It’s raw, it’s real, and it’s deeply emotive. Every song, especially ‘Shadows on the Cobblestone,’ captures a sentiment so personal yet so universal. Seeing them perform live is an experience in itself – the energy, the passion, and the connection they forge with the crowd is incomparable. Enormous Commonwealth is more than a band – they’re a beacon of creativity, passion, and authenticity in a world often devoid of such things.”

Backstory:

Internal Commissioner is an enigmatic group composed of four prominent activists turned musicians, who found their shared love for music while attending various global summits and protests. The band members – Ava, Cole, Leo, and Ruby, all dedicated their lives to environmental conservation, social justice, and political reform before deciding to unite their voices and make a stand through music. They derive their name from their shared commitment to being ‘commissioners’ of internal and external change. Their music often reflects their passionate advocacy with hard-hitting lyrics and raw emotions.

Genre:

Indie Rock with strong Folk influences.

Title:

“Anthem of the Reclaimed”

Full song lyrics:

(Verse 1)
G D Em C
Broken chains, an empty street,
G D Em
Whispers of revolution we meet,
G D Em C
Voices rise, in the dead of the night,
G D Em
Singing for our sacred right.

(Chorus)
C D G Em
Hear our Anthem of the Reclaimed,
C D G Em
In the silence, we are named,
C D G Em
On this earth, we stake our claim,
C D G
This is the Anthem of the Reclaimed.

(Verse 2)
G D Em C
Torn flags, symbols of our fight,
G D Em
In the shadows, we ignite,
G D Em C
Standing tall, in the face of the storm,
G D Em
Witness the new world form.

(Chorus)
C D G Em
Hear our Anthem of the Reclaimed,
C D G Em
In the storm, we remain unnamed,
C D G Em
On this battleground, we stake our claim,
C D G
This is the Anthem of the Reclaimed.

Favorite Fan:

Their favorite fan is a young activist named Maya. Maya first discovered Internal Commissioner during a protest rally where the band was performing. She was deeply moved by their music and the messages they conveyed, which she found to resonate with her own beliefs. She describes Internal Commissioner as ‘the soundtrack of her activism’ and considers their concerts a safe space where she feels heard and empowered. In her testimonial, Maya writes, “Internal Commissioner’s music is a call to action that echoes around the world. It’s a reminder that our voices matter, that we matter. Their songs inspire, comfort, and challenge me, and I can’t imagine fighting for a better world without their music in the background.”

Backstory:

Severe Complaint, initially a garage punk band, was formed in the broken, graffiti-strewn backstreets of New York City in the spring of 2008. The group was made up of four childhood friends: lead vocalist and rhythm guitarist Alex ‘Storm’ DeLucca, lead guitarist Tony ‘Riff’ Ricci, bassist Jimmy ‘Blast’ Anderson, and drummer Charlie ‘Beat’ Rodriguez. They were bonded by a shared love of music, a desire to express their angst, and the need to escape the monotony and hardships of their daily lives.

Storm, Riff, Blast, and Beat spent countless hours jamming, honing their musical skills, and refining their unique sound in the dank, dimly lit garage of Storm’s grandmother. Their raw and unfiltered lyrics, combined with their high-energy performances, soon caught the attention of local punk rock lovers and they began playing at local gigs and underground clubs. Their cathartic, relatable music resonated with an audience who felt like outsiders, struggling to be heard in a world that seemed deaf to their pleas.

Genre: Punk Rock

Title: “Urban Anarchy”

Full Song Lyrics:

(VERSE 1) [Am] [G] [F] [E]
[Am] In this concrete jungle, [G] we’re just misfits
[F] Raging against the system, [E] that never quits
[Am] Gritty grime and graffiti, [G] our anthem’s melody
[F] An urban anarchy, [E] our only remedy

(CHORUS) [Dm] [Am] [G] [F]
[Dm] Screaming for freedom, [Am] under the city lights
[G] Lost in the shadows, [F] in the dead of night
[Dm] No more silence, [Am] it’s time to fight
[G] This is our cause, [F] this is our plight

(VERSE 2) [Am] [G] [F] [E]
[Am] Broken dreams and broken strings, [G] strumming our pain
[F] Voices echo in the alleyways, [E] singing in the rain
[Am] Our song is our rebellion, [G] against the mundane
[F] A severe complaint, [E] coursing through our veins

(CHORUS) [Dm] [Am] [G] [F]
[Dm] Screaming for freedom, [Am] under the city lights
[G] Lost in the shadows, [F] in the dead of night
[Dm] No more silence, [Am] it’s time to fight
[G] This is our cause, [F] this is our plight

Favorite Fan:

Name: Luna ‘Loony’ Martinez

Testimonial:

“I’ve seen many bands live, but none has ever captured my heart and soul like Severe Complaint. Their music is raw, real, and hits you right in the feels. Every song is a shout-out to people like me, who refuse to conform to societal norms and expectations. ‘Urban Anarchy’ is my absolute favorite – I blast it on my speakers every morning! It’s a reminder that it’s okay to be different, to have a voice and to use it, no matter how the world may try to silence you. Severe Complaint is more than just a band to me – they’re my rebellion, my freedom, my voice!”

Backstory:
Formed in 2013, Sugary Building hails from the vibrant heart of Austin, Texas. The quartet consists of childhood friends – lead vocalist and guitarist Max, drummer Sammy, bassist Joel, and keyboardist Lisa. What initially began as weekend jam sessions in Max’s garage soon turned into a musical journey. The band tossed away their high-paying tech jobs to fully commit to their passion for music. Their unique name ‘Sugary Building’ comes from an inside joke about Max’s childhood dream of living in a gingerbread house, symbolizing the sweet, dreamlike essence that their music intends to convey.

Genre:
Alternative Pop/Rock

Title:
“Rainbow Painted Skies”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
C#m – A – E – B
Living in a world that’s turning black and white,
Trying to find a way to color it bright.
The canvas of life just needs your touch,
To make it vibrant, to make it much.

(Chorus)
E – B – C#m – A
Rainbow painted skies, are in your eyes,
The world is your canvas, paint it wise.
Rainbow painted skies, light up the night,
See the world through colors, make it right.

(Verse 2)
C#m – A – E – B
Walking through the hallways of your mind,
Lost in thoughts, trying to unwind.
Just remember, you hold the brush,
To paint the world, there’s no rush.

(Chorus)
E – B – C#m – A
Rainbow painted skies, with colors bright,
Your dreams are the stars, shining in the night.
Rainbow painted skies, in the dawn’s light,
With your colors, you make everything right.

End:
C#m – A – E – B
Under rainbow painted skies, the world is new,
Keep painting, let your colors shine through.

Fan Testimonial:

Name: Jenny Collins

“How could I not love Sugary Building? Their music is melodic, profound, and instantly uplifts my mood. Max’s voice has this raw, emotive quality that directly speaks to the heart. Their lyrics are poetic, carrying an optimistic message that encourages you to see beauty in life. As a painter, their song ‘Rainbow Painted Skies’ especially resonates with me – it inspires me to keep painting, to keep expressing myself. Sugary Building isn’t just a band to me, they’re my muses, my constant companions through life’s ups and downs.”

Backstory:
Whispered Target was formed in the late 1990s in the heart of New York City’s bustling music scene. The band members, high school friends, Jenna “Stix” Davis on drums, Mike “Throttle” Thompson on bass, and frontman and lead guitarist, Bryan “NightHawk” Black, found a shared passion for music in their school’s music club. The trio would spend countless hours after school practicing and writing songs, their dedication and shared dream of a big break keeping them going despite the odds.

The band worked tirelessly, playing at local bars and underground music festivals, gaining a significant following with their unique sound. Their hard work paid off in 2003 when they were noticed by a scout from “Rough Riffs Records” who was mesmerized by their raw talent and cohesive performance. The rest, as they say, is rock n’ roll history.

Genre:
Whispered Target considers itself a Progressive Rock band, but they incorporate elements of alternative rock and blues into their sound, creating a unique and identifiable style that their fans love.

Song Title:
“Echoes of Yesterday”

Full Song Lyrics:

[Verse 1]
Am G D Am
In the shadows of the silence,
G D Am
We carve our names in the stone.
G D Am
The whispers of the forgotten,
G D Am
Echo in the marrow of our bones.

[Chorus]
G D Am
Oh, echoes of yesterday,
G D Am
You haunt our today and tomorrows.
G D Am
We walk on a path, winding and narrow,
G D Am
Guided by the whispers, drowned in sorrows.

[Verse 2]
Am G D Am
In the hush of a winter’s night,
G D Am
We dance with the ghosts of our past.
G D Am
Tales of love, of joy and fight,
G D Am
In our hearts, eternally cast.

[Chorus]
G D Am
Oh, echoes of yesterday,
G D Am
You haunt our today and tomorrows.
G D Am
We walk on a path, winding and narrow,
G D Am
Guided by the whispers, drowned in sorrows.

Fan’s Name:
Jared “Jazz” Simmons

Testimonial:
“As a fan of rock music, Whispered Target is my absolute favorite. Their unique blend of progressive rock with alternative and blues just hits the right notes for me. The raw emotions in their lyrics, coupled with their powerful performances, are nothing short of mesmerizing. Bryan’s guitar solos are a thing of beauty, while Jenna’s drumming skills are pulse-pounding. Mike’s thumping bass lines are the backbone of their sound. The song “Echoes of Yesterday” particularly resonates with me; it’s a haunting melody that gets stuck in my head for days. Their music has gotten me through some tough times, and for that, I’ll forever be a loyal fan.”

Backstory:

Unnatural Mass is an iconic band formed in the late 90s, hailed from the gritty, industrial corners of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. The band was formed by childhood friends and garage jam buddies, Jeremy Haldon and Kevin Stark, who shared a dream of creating music that could invoke emotions and stir the spirit of their listeners. As the years went by, the duo evolved into a full-blown quintet, with the inclusion of bassist Amy Wattson, drummer Lenny Baldwin, and keyboardist Danny Ricks. Their shared passion for music and hunger for innovation fashioned the quintessential Unnatural Mass sound, a blend of steel-toned melodies and hard-hitting lyrics, capturing the struggles and triumphs of the everyday blue-collar man.

Genre:

Unnatural Mass has been widely recognized as a Post-Grunge/Alternative Rock band. They’ve managed to craft a unique sound by incorporating elements of grunge, metal, and punk, creating a heavy yet melodic style that resonates with their fans on a visceral level.

Song Title:

“Chains of the Foundry”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
Em G D A
Working late, steel on my hands, dreams in my mind
Em G D A
Under the moon, a foundry man, with life left behind

(Chorus)
Em G D A
Chains of the foundry, burning so bright
Em G D A
Longing for freedom, in the still of the night

(Verse 2)
Em G D A
The iron’s roar, the sparks that fly, like stars in the void
Em G D A
To the rhythm of the hammer, my fears get destroyed

(Chorus)
Em G D A
Chains of the foundry, cold as the night
Em G D A
Breaking the shackles, with all my might

(Outro)
Em G D A
Chains of the foundry, I’ll break and I’ll fight
Em G D A
For the music, my freedom, ignites the light

Favorite Fan Testimonial:

Diane Lewis, a long-time fan of Unnatural Mass, says, “Their music speaks to the soul. The raw power in their lyrics and melodies captures the spirit of hard work and the dreams that fuel it. As a daughter of a steelworker, I feel represented and understood. Unnatural Mass is my favorite band because they sing about the realities that mainstream media often overlooks. They’re not just musicians to me; they’re narrators of stories of ordinary people like my dad.”

Backstory:
Formed in the bustling city of Chicago in 2010, FALSE Race started from humble beginnings. The four members — lead vocalist and guitarist Leo, bassist Frank, keyboardist Amy, and drummer Josh — all met in a grimy, underground music shop, each one plucking at different instruments and inadvertently creating a unique harmony that sparked a connection. What started as casual jamming sessions soon escalated into a full-fledged band, with the members dedicating themselves to create music that resonates with their listeners. They named their band FALSE Race, a nod to their belief that the rat race of life is nothing more than an illusion, and that the real race is within oneself.

Genre:
Alternative Rock

Title:
“Echoes of Silence”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
Am – F – G – Em
In the echoes of silence, I hear your voice,
F – C – G – Am
Lost in the chaos, you’re my only choice.
Am – F – G – Em
In the shadows of twilight, you’re my guiding light,
F – C – G – Am
Amidst the false race, you’re my only fight.

(Chorus)
F – Am – G – Em
Echoes of silence, whispers in my ear,
C – G – Dm – Am
Promises of a tomorrow, devoid of fear.
F – Am – G – Em
In this fast-paced world, love’s the only pace,
C – G – Dm – Am
The only real race, in this false race.

(Verse 2)
Am – F – G – Em
In the maze of existence, lost and alone,
F – C – G – Am
In the echoes of silence, found a way to atone.
Am – F – G – Em
In the race to the top, lost sight of the sky,
F – C – G – Am
In the echoes of silence, learned to fly.

(Chorus)
F – Am – G – Em
Echoes of silence, whispers in my ear,
C – G – Dm – Am
Promises of a tomorrow, devoid of fear.
F – Am – G – Em
In this fast-paced world, love’s the only pace,
C – G – Dm – Am
The only real race, in this false race.

Fan’s Name and Testimonial:
My name is Sarah, and FALSE Race is my favorite band because they speak to my soul. Their music, especially their song “Echoes of Silence,” resonates with me. It’s more than just music; it’s an escape from reality, a comfort during tough times. The band speaks the truth about life and love in a world that is often filled with pretense. The passion and authenticity in their music inspire me to be true to myself. It’s the real race in my false race.

Backstory:
Regal Set was formed in the historic city of Birmingham, England, in 2015. The band is composed of five childhood friends: Alfie, the lead vocalist and guitarist; Jake, the drummer; Liam, the bassist; Charlie, the keyboardist; and Max, the lead guitarist. As kids, they would gather in Alfie’s garage and cover classic rock songs, dreaming of one day breaking into the music industry. After playing at numerous local pubs, they were discovered by a producer who was visiting the city for a music festival. The Regal Set had been born, their name reflecting both their British roots and the aspiration to create music that was as timeless as it was regal.

Genre: Indie Rock

Title: ‘Rainbow After the Rain’

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
E A D G
Under a shattered sky we hide,
E A D G
Where the sun used to shine.
E A D G
In the dark, we lost our way,
E A D G
But together, we’ll find a new day.

(Chorus)
C D G E
Look for the rainbow after the rain,
C D G E
Hold on, we’ll see the sun again.
C D G E
Every storm will pass, believe,
C D G E
In the beauty of your dreams.

(Verse 2)
E A D G
Through the wind and the pouring rain,
E A D G
We’ll dance away the pain.
E A D G
In each other’s arms we’ll stay,
E A D G
Till we see the break of day.

(Chorus)
C D G E
Look for the rainbow after the rain,
C D G E
Hold on, we’ll see the sun again.
C D G E
Every storm will pass, believe,
C D G E
In the beauty of your dreams.

Favorite fan: The band’s favorite fan is a cheerful young lady named Molly. Molly has attended every single Regal Set show in various locations across the UK. She is known for her infectious energy and her unwavering dedication to the band. As a testimonial, Molly stated, “I first heard Regal Set at a small pub in Birmingham, and I was instantly captivated by their sound. Their music resonates with the soul. It speaks of hope, love, and the will to carry on even through the toughest times. In a way, it’s like they’re singing my life story. I can’t imagine a world without their music.”

Backstory:
Feline Cry emerged from the grungy, dimly-lit basements of Seattle in the mid-90s, establishing a reputation as an underground sensation before breaking into mainstream success. The band was conceived by childhood friends, lead vocalist Pete ‘Lynx’ Lindstrom and drummer Felix ‘Catnip’ Carruthers, who shared a deep-rooted passion for music and a profound love for cats – which eventually led to the formation of ‘Feline Cry’. As they began to pursue their musical endeavors, bassist Harriet ‘Hairball’ Harrison and guitarist Tom ‘Tomcat’ Thompson were added to the mix, completing the quartet in 1994.

Their breakthrough came when a talent scout for a major record label stumbled upon their boisterous live performance at a local club. Impressed by their unique sound and compelling stage presence, he immediately signed them. Their rebellious spirit, edgy lyrics, and cat-inspired themes resonated with many, propelling Feline Cry into the limelight of the alternative rock scene.

Genre:
Alternative Rock

Title:
“Whiskers in the Wind”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
Em C G D
Whiskers in the wind, I’m calling out your name,
Em C G D
A feline cry in the night, can you feel the same?
Em C G D
Your eyes are glowing green, under the moonlit sheen,
Em C G D
I’m a stray cat on the prowl, lost in a dream.

(Chorus)
Em C G D
Oh, hear the feline cry, echoing in the night,
Em C G D
A symphony of whispers, under the pale moonlight,
Em C G D
Through alleyways and shadowed paths, our hearts take flight,
Em C G D
With every feline cry, we claim the night.

(Verse 2)
Em C G D
Stray hearts in the shadows, playing hide and seek,
Em C G D
Your purr is my melody, makes me feel so weak,
Em C G D
Chasing tails under the stars, love’s game of hide and peak,
Em C G D
I’m just a tomcat, darling, your love is all I seek.

(Chorus)
Em C G D
Hear the feline cry, it’s our love’s secret sign,
Em C G D
In the silence of the night, your heart beats with mine,
Em C G D
With every feline cry, our souls intertwine,
Em C G D
Beneath the city lights, your love, forever mine.

Fan Testimonial:
Name: Jessica ‘Jazz’ Morrison

“Feline Cry is more than just a band to me. Their music speaks to my soul, mirror my emotions, and evoke a sense of belonging that I’ve never felt before. Pete ‘Lynx’ Lindstrom’s raw voice combined with the band’s distinctive sound provides solace in my darkest times. ‘Whiskers in the Wind’ is my favorite track – a love story wrapped in a cat metaphor, it’s pure genius! Feline Cry has this unique ability to blend love, rebellion, and cat themes into one harmonious sound. Their songs are the soundtrack to my life. Feline Cry forever!”

Backstory:
Born in the heart of New York’s underground music scene, Apt Trouble emerged from the boiling pot of artistic expression, rebellion and passion. The band comprises four members: lead singer and rhythm guitarist Jamie Starks, lead guitarist Mike “Mickey” Brooks, bassist Charlie “Chuckles” Stone, and drummer Alexia “Lex” Turner. Initially, they all lived together in a minuscule apartment, hence the name Apt Trouble. Their shared struggles, creativity, and wild nights inspired their unique music style and sturdy bond.

Genre:
Alternative Rock with a hint of Blues

Title:
“Love’s Fickle Echo”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
[C] Wandering through the [Am] city streets, under [F] lights that never [G] sleep.
[C] Recalling words you [Am] spoke so sweet, now [F] they’re echoes in the [G] deep.
[Dm] I gave you my [G] heart, [C] you made it [Em] weep,
[Dm] Left me here to [G] fall, in a [C] love so [Em] steep.

(Chorus)
[F] Love’s fickle [C] echo, [G] bouncing off the [Am] walls,
[F] Chasing after [C] shadows, [G] answering love’s [Am] calls.
[F] I’m just another [C] echo, [G] lost in your [Am] halls,
[F] Searching for a [C] love that [G] only falls.

(Verse 2)
[C] Shadows of your [Am] laughter, still [F] linger in this [G] room,
[C] Haunting dreams of [Am] after, under [F] a broken [G] moon.
[Dm] You played your [G] game, [C] left me in [Em] ruins,
[Dm] Now I dance [G] alone, in the [C] echoes of [Em] our tunes.

(Chorus)
[F] Love’s fickle [C] echo, [G] bouncing off the [Am] walls,
[F] Chasing after [C] shadows, [G] answering love’s [Am] calls.
[F] I’m just another [C] echo, [G] lost in your [Am] halls,
[F] Searching for a [C] love that [G] only falls.

Favorite Fan Testimonial:
Our favorite fan is a vibrant music enthusiast named Lenny Strickland. Lenny has been with us since our very first gig and never misses a show. His favorite song is “Love’s Fickle Echo,” and he proudly wears a t-shirt with the song’s lyrics to every concert. Lenny says, “Apt Trouble is more than just a band to me. They’re a group of artists who have managed to encapsulate the raw emotions we all feel but struggle to express. Their music resonates with me on a deeply personal level. They’re not just my favorite band; they’re the soundtrack of my life.”