Backstory:
Stupid Complaint was formed in 2014 in the bustling city of Boston, Massachusetts. Five childhood friends, Jack Davis, Greg Kelp, Maddie Wilder, Frankie Gomez, and Rob Hodge decided to combine their musical talents and shared passion to create music that resonates with their generation. Initially, they started playing in local clubs and bars, their profound lyrics and hard-hitting music quickly garnered a lot of attention, and they soon started making waves in the local music scene.

Despite their initial struggles, the band’s perseverance eventually paid off when their debut album “Riding The Storm,” was picked up by a major record label. They’ve since toured around the United States and have even ventured overseas. Their commitment to making music with a purpose has not been dampened by their success, as they’ve continued to use their platform to address important societal issues.

Genre: Alternative Rock

Title: “Heartless Hallways”

Full Song Lyrics:

[Verse 1 – G, Em, C, D]
(G) Down the heartless hallways, (Em) we’ve walked a thousand times,
(C) Memories churning, (D) like a thousand old rhymes.
(G) Faces in the pictures, (Em) fading into gray,
(C) Our voices echo, (D) in the silence they lay.

[Chorus – G, Em, C, D]
(G) Heartless hallways, (Em) echoing our past,
(C) Shouts of laughter, (D) that didn’t last,
(G) Heartless hallways, (Em) full of broken dreams,
(C) Whispering tales, (D) of endless screams.

[Verse 2 – G, Em, C, D]
(G) Shadows growing longer, (Em) as the sun begins to fall,
(C) The echo of your footsteps, (D) is the loudest call.
(G) Amidst the quiet chaos, (Em) and the haunting dread,
(C) Our story, (D) in the silence, is read.

[Chorus – G, Em, C, D]
(G) Heartless hallways, (Em) echoing our past,
(C) Shouts of laughter, (D) that didn’t last,
(G) Heartless hallways, (Em) full of broken dreams,
(C) Whispering tales, (D) of endless screams.

Fan’s Name: Laura Stanton

Laura’s Testimonial:
“Stupid Complaint isn’t just my favorite band because of their music; it’s their message that resonates with me. Their lyrics speak about realities of life that many artists shy away from. Every song is like a raw, honest conversation and it feels like they’re speaking directly to me. “Heartless Hallways” specifically helped me through a tough time in my life. Their music has a certain comforting familiarity that I’ve found nowhere else. They don’t just play music, they tell stories, and there’s always something incredibly powerful about that.”

Backstory:
Drab Year originated in a small, rainy town in the Pacific Northwest, where the constant overcast weather and monotonous routine inspired a unique musical vision. Friends since childhood, the group’s four members – Rose (lead vocals), Knox (guitar), Jasper (bass), and Finch (drums) – found solace in their shared passion for music, deciding to form a band after their high school graduation in 2014. Finding their name in the depiction of their hometown’s drab and year-long rainy season, Drab Year embarked on a musical journey to create something beautiful out of the mundane.

Genre:
Drab Year specializes in what they like to call “Rainy Day Rock”, a fusion of indie rock and alternative pop, with a touch of folk and grunge influences. Their music is characterized by melancholic melodies, introspective lyrics, and a raw, authentic sound that resonates with their listeners’ emotions.

Title: “Paper Boats in Puddles”

Full song lyrics:

(Verse 1)
C#m A
Paper boats in puddles, lost in the rain,
E B
We used to find joy in these simple games.
C#m A
But the rain keeps pouring, streets are a blur,
E B
Our laughter’s now silence, it’s all a gray blur.

(Chorus)
A E
Sailing on dreams, carried by streams,
C#m B
Life was simpler than it now seems.
A E
Paper boats in puddles, life’s gentle riddles,
C#m B
Drifting through days, caught in the middle.

(Verse 2)
C#m A
Shadows grow longer as we grow up,
E B
Our lives are a story, a never-ending cup.
C#m A
Paper boats in puddles, washed down the drain,
E B
Just like our dreams, lost in the rain.

(Chorus)
A E
Sailing on dreams, carried by streams,
C#m B
Life was harder than it once seemed.
A E
Paper boats in puddles, life’s cruel riddles,
C#m B
Drifting through days, caught in the middle.

Favorite Fan:
Their favorite fan is a woman named Ivy. Ivy has been following their journey since their early days and attends every gig she can. In a testimonial, she says, “Drab Year’s music is a lifeline for me. Their songs feel like an old friend, comforting and understanding. Knox’s guitar riffs tug at my heart, Finch’s drums beat like my pulse, Jasper’s bass resonates in my core, and Rose’s voice is a soothing balm for my soul. Their music isn’t just sound; it’s an emotion, an experience, a refuge. It’s as if they’ve put my feelings into words and melodies. That’s why Drab Year is, and will always be, my favorite band.” Their music is not just sound; it’s an emotion, an experience, a refuge. It’s as if they’ve put my feelings into words and melodies. That’s why Drab Year is, and will always be, my favorite band.”

Backstory:
Oddball Screen is an indie-alternative band formed in 2012 in the bustling city of Seattle, Washington. The six members, each with distinct musical backgrounds, came together while studying at the University of Washington. They quickly realized they had something special when their first jam session seamlessly morphed into an all-night creation of their first track, which they then played at a house party the following weekend to rave reviews. The band continued to play at local venues, quickly gaining a fan base for their unique sound that combines elements of indie, rock, and psychedelic.

In 2016, Oddball Screen was discovered by an indie record label during a gig at a local bar. The label loved their fresh sound and quickly signed them. Since then, they’ve toured nationally, and their songs have been streamed millions of times on various platforms. Still, the band never forgets their humble beginnings, often returning to Seattle to give back to the community that first embraced them.

Genre:
Indie-Alternative

Title:
“Spiral Rain”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
C#m E
Beneath the spiral rain,
A B
We lost our hearts again,
C#m E
Chasing shadows in the dark,
A B
Looking for a place to start.

(Chorus)
E G#m
In the spiral rain,
A B
We found love’s sweet pain,
E G#m
In the echoes of the past,
A B
Promises that never last.

(Verse 2)
C#m E
Under the neon sky,
A B
We watched the stars die,
C#m E
In every tear that fell,
A B
In every story we can’t tell.

(Repeat Chorus)

(Bridge)
F#m D
In the maze of our dreams,
A E
Nothing is as it seems,
F#m D
In the echoes of the night,
A E
We find our hearts’ delight.

(Repeat Chorus)

(Final Verse)
C#m E
In the spiral rain,
A B
We find ourselves again,
C#m E
In a world that’s lost and found,
A B
In a love that knows no bounds.

Bands favorite fan’s name and why and how this band is their favorite:
Fan’s Name: Lucy Hart

Testimonial:
“I first discovered Oddball Screen during my sophomore year at UW. Their lyrics touched something deep within me; it was like they were speaking directly to my experiences and emotions. I’ve been to countless shows since then, and their performances are always electrifying. They’re not just a band to me, they’re a lifesaver. Their music has gotten me through some tough times, and for that, I’ll always be grateful. Plus, they’re genuinely kind and humble individuals who care about their fans. Oddball Screen isn’t just my favorite band, they’re a part of my story.”

Backstory:
Realistic Confusion is a group of four friends from a small town in Oklahoma who never intended to form a band. As high school buddies, they bonded over their mutual love for music, spending countless afternoons jamming in the garage of their drummer, Luke. During one such jam session, they stumbled upon a unique sound that was a fusion of punk rock and country, which later became their signature style. Their name, Realistic Confusion, was a reflection of their shared disbelief and awe at their sudden success, blended with their down-to-earth approach towards their art.

Genre:
Country-Punk Fusion

Title:
“Whiskey Lullabies”

Full Song Lyrics:
[Verse]
Em G
Down the road of whiskey lies,
D A
Drown our sorrows, cut our ties.
Em G
Small-town dreams under city lights,
D A
We’re lost in these whiskey lullabies.

[Chorus]
C G D
Whiskey lullabies, in the dead of night,
Em C G
Washed by time, but holding tight.
C G D
In the echoes of our fight,
Em C G
Live our whiskey lullabies.

[Verse]
Em G
Underneath the starry skies,
D A
We let go of our disguise.
Em G
No more pretense, no more lies,
D A
Only truth in these whiskey lullabies.

[Chorus]
C G D
Whiskey lullabies, in the dead of night,
Em C G
Bitter sweet, but feeling right.
C G D
In the whispers of our plight,
Em C G
Sing our whiskey lullabies.

Fan Testimonial:
The band’s favorite fan, Sarah Johnson, from their hometown, has been a supporter from the very beginning. “Realistic Confusion isn’t just a band for me. They are the voice of my generation. Their unique fusion of punk and country resonates with the confusion and chaos we face today. The lyrics are raw, the music is powerful, and the emotions are real. They are not just musicians, they are storytellers, telling tales of love, life, loss and everything in between. They have the rare ability to make you feel heard and understood. That’s why they are my favorite.”

Backstory:
Avaricious Harm was formed in the shadowy corners of Detroit back in 2011, led by frontman and songwriter, Lenny Briggs. Briggs, a former dockworker, found solace in music after a severe injury left him unable to continue his manual labor. Together with a group of friends comprising of drummer Tommy “Fists” Malone, bassist Madeline “Queen Maddy” Yates, and guitarist Dizzy Trent, they started jamming in a makeshift studio in Lenny’s garage. After a year of exploring their sound, the band decided to make it official, and Avaricious Harm was born. The band quickly earned a following in their local scene, known for their intense performances and hard-hitting, introspective lyrics.

Genre:
Alt-Metal/Post-Grunge

Title:
“Shackles of Greed”

Full song lyrics:

(Verse 1)
[E] Crawling in the shadows, beneath the city’s [Am] gleam
[D] Struggle in the silence, but [G] no one hears the scream
[E] Lost in the labyrinth, shackled by the [Am] greed
[D] An avaricious harm that [B7] only bleeds

(Chorus)
[E] Break the chains, [Am] let’s start a fight
[D] Against the harm that [G] haunts the night
[E] Rise above, [Am] against the need
[D] No more shackles, [B7] no more greed

(Verse 2)
[E] Trapped in the machine, the [Am] corporate design
[D] Feeding off the weak, on [G] dreams they dine
[E] The weight of the world, on [Am] shoulders lean
[D] A silent scream in the [B7] city’s gleam

(Chorus)
[E] Break the chains, [Am] let’s start a fight
[D] Against the harm that [G] haunts the night
[E] Rise above, [Am] against the need
[D] No more shackles, [B7] no more greed

Fan Testimonial:
Fan’s Name: Samantha “Sammy” Rodriguez.

“Avaricious Harm is more than just a band to me; it’s a lifeline. Their music helped me through some of the darkest times in my life. Lenny’s raw and gritty voice, combined with the poignant lyrics and the band’s heavy, relentless sound, really resonates with me. I connect with their songs on a personal level, they speak the truth about life, struggle, and resilience. They’ve taught me that it’s okay to be angry, it’s okay to fight back, and it’s essential to rise above whatever tries to pull you down. I am forever grateful to Avaricious Harm. They’re not just a band; they’re a movement.”

Backstory:
Neat Release is a band that came together in the heart of London’s underground music scene. The band members met while working day jobs in various record stores, drawn together by their shared passion for music and desire to create something unique. Initially a garage band, they spent their nights jamming, composing, and experimenting with sounds in their small shared apartment. Their break came when a local radio station picked up one of their unique tracks, catapulting them into the limelight.

The band’s line-up consists of lead vocalist and guitarist, Jack Bristol; keyboardist and backing vocalist, Lily Evans; bass guitarist, Max Rogers; and drummer, Sam Thompson. Their shared love for exploring boundaries results in a unique sound, a fusion of their diverse musical backgrounds and influences.

Genre:
Neat Release falls within the genre of Alternative Rock with a hint of Indie Pop. Their music is characterized by its innovative blend of guitar riffs, melodic keyboard notes, and rhythmic drum beats, creating a sound that’s refreshingly different yet familiar.

Title:
“One Last Night’s Rain”

Full Song Lyrics:

[Verse 1]
Am G
It’s one last night’s rain, can’t you see?
F C
The drops are falling, just as you’re calling me.
Am G
The street lamps glow, as my tears flow,
F C
It’s one last night’s rain, you had to go.

[Chorus]
F C G
Oh, it’s one last night’s rain, it’s you I miss,
Am F G
All I have now, are memories and a last kiss.
F C G
In one last night’s rain, our love did drown,
Am F G
Now I’m alone in this rain-soaked town.

[Verse 2]
Am G
The city sleeps, as my heart weeps,
F C
It’s one last night’s rain, love’s broken leaps.
Am G
The echoes of your laugh, our photographed path,
F C
Lost in one last night’s rain, love’s aftermath.

[Chorus]
F C G
Oh, it’s one last night’s rain, it’s you I miss,
Am F G
All I have now, are memories and a last kiss.
F C G
In one last night’s rain, our love did drown,
Am F G
Now I’m alone in this rain-soaked town.

The band’s favorite fan’s name:
The band’s favorite fan is Emily Fields, a music blogger who has been following their journey from the early days of playing small gigs in local pubs.

Testimonial:
Emily Fields says, “Neat Release has always been my favorite band for their authenticity and the raw emotions they bring to their music. Their sound is unique, and their lyrics always tell a story that resonates with me. They never shy away from experimenting, yet their music always feels grounded. ‘One Last Night’s Rain’ is my favorite track because it beautifully encapsulates the feeling of longing and love lost. The band’s heart and soul are evident in every chord and verse, which is why I will always be a proud fan of Neat Release.”

Backstory:

Offbeat Post came into existence in the bustling streets of New York, a city that never sleeps. The band was formed in the year 2012 by four ambitious friends: Jason, a barista with a love for guitar; Emily, a college student with a voice that could stir emotions; Rob, a drummer passionate about rhythm; and Mark, a bassist with a knack for creating captivating melodies. Their shared love for music and the urge to express their thoughts and emotions through it were the main factors that led to the creation of Offbeat Post. Despite their hectic schedules, they found solace in their music jamming sessions, which eventually transformed into something bigger than they ever imagined.

Genre:
Alternative Rock

Title:
“Endless Echo”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
[E] Every night I find myself alone,
[A] Staring at the stars in the unknown.
[E] The city lights and the traffic below,
[A] Are like an endless echo.

(Chorus)
[C#m] Echoing the stories untold,
[A] In the heart of the city, where things unfold.
[C#m] The sounds of life, they seem so mellow,
[A] Lost in the rhythm of the endless echo.

(Verse 2)
[E] Amidst the rush, in the city’s heartbeat,
[A] We found our rhythm, on an offbeat.
[E] The melodies of life, both high and low,
[A] Resonate in the endless echo.

(Chorus)
[C#m] Echoing the dreams we chase,
[A] In the city that sets the pace.
[C#m] The sounds of life, they seem so mellow,
[A] Lost in the rhythm of the endless echo.

Favorite Fan’s Testimonial:

“My name is Sarah, and I’m a huge fan of Offbeat Post. Their music is a beautiful blend of emotions and reality, oftentimes depicting the struggles and joys of life in a city. I’ve always been a fan of alternative rock, and they take the genre to another level. To me, they’re not just a band; they’re poets, storytellers who use music as their medium. Their song ‘Endless Echo’ speaks volumes about how amidst all the chaos, one can find a rhythm, an echo that resonates uniquely with them. Offbeat Post is my favorite because their music feels personal, it feels real, and it resonates with me on so many levels.”

Backstory:
The band “Noted Reading” originated in the bustling music scene of Manchester, England in the year 2006. It started as a side project of two talented high-school friends, lead vocalist James “Jamie” Turner and drummer Simon “Sy” Bell. The duo then recruited Sylvia “Syl” Hopkins on bass and Adam “Addy” Butterfield on guitar. When the four combined their shared love for literature and music, the band “Noted Reading” was born. Over the years, they’ve made a name for themselves by translating their favorite books and novels into music.

Genre:
The band plays a unique blend of indie rock and pop, with touches of folk and a distinct literary twist. Their music is characterized by thoughtful lyrics, catchy melodies, and an overall light-hearted vibe that resonates with fans of all ages.

Title: “Pages in the Wind”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
Am G
Turn the pages, in the wind,
Dm Am
each one a tale, that’s been penned.
Am G
Stories of old, stories of new,
Dm Am
All in ink, black and blue.

(Chorus)
F C
We are the tales that we tell,
G Am
In every book, in every cell.
F C
Read between the lines, you will find,
G Am
A piece of heart, a piece of mind.

(Verse 2)
Am G
Novels of love, and of pain,
Dm Am
In every story, something to gain.
Am G
From Hemingway to old Bronte,
Dm Am
In every word, we are set free.

(Chorus)
F C
We are the tales that we tell,
G Am
In every book, in every cell.
F C
Read between the lines, you will find,
G Am
A piece of heart, a piece of mind.

(Bridge)
F G
In every chapter, in every phrase,
Am G
We find ourselves, in countless ways.

(Chorus)
F C
We are the tales that we tell,
G Am
In every book, in every cell.
F C
Read between the lines, you will find,
G Am
A piece of heart, a piece of mind.

Favorite Fan:
The band’s most beloved fan, “Bookish Bess,” has followed the band since their first gig at a local bookshop. Aside from their music, she loves the band for their deep regard for literature and their ability to bring stories to life through their songs. As a testimonial, she said, “Noted Reading combines my two loves, music and literature, in a way that is simply magical. ‘Pages in the Wind’ is like a love letter to every book I’ve ever read. I can’t wait to see where their musical journey takes them next!”

Backstory:

In the bustling streets of London, a group of three friends, who were kitchen staff in a popular pub, discovered their common passion for music. One night, after a long and tiresome shift, they started jamming together using kitchen utensils as instruments – a frying pan, a spatula, and a vegetable peeler. Thus, Ajar Potato was born in the underbelly of the culinary world, where their musical talent was as unique as their origin.

Drawn together by their love for making music, they decided to quit their jobs in the pub and start a journey that would take them from the kitchen to the studio. Their name, Ajar Potato, reflects their humble beginnings and their desire to always keep the door slightly ajar to new ideas, just like a potato that can be cooked in countless ways.

Genre:

Ajar Potato’s unique sound could best be described as a fusion of Indie Rock and Folk, with a sprinkle of Blues.

Song Title:

“Unpeeled Dreams”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
[C] In the heart of London, under [G] kitchen lights
[Am] Found our rhythm, in the [Em] dead of night
[F] With a frying pan, spatula, and [C] trusty peeler
[G] We were cooking up dreams, not a [C] simple dinner.

(Chorus)
[F] Unpeeled dreams, [C] raw and bold
[G] In the kitchen’s heart, our [C] story told
[F] With every beat and [C] strum, our hearts unfurl
[G] Ajar Potato, ready to [C] rock the world.

(Verse 2)
[C] Left the pub, said [G] our goodbyes
[Am] Off to the studio, beneath [Em] London skies
[F] With a drum set, guitar, and [C] a mic on a stand
[G] Ajar Potato, with music [C] at our command.

(Repeat Chorus)

(Final Chorus)
[F] Unpeeled dreams, [C] now they see
[G] The humble kitchen’s band, [C] set free
[F] With every beat and [C] strum, we rise and twirl
[G] Ajar Potato, ready to [C] rock the world.

Band’s Favorite Fan:

Our favorite fan is a girl named Emily. Emily first heard us play at an open mic night in a small coffee shop. She was instantly hooked and has followed our journey ever since, from our kitchen beginnings to our current studio recordings. Emily’s testimonial reads:

“I’ve been with Ajar Potato since their first gig, and their music has become an integral part of my life. Their sound is unique and mesmerizing, and their story is inspiring. It’s not every day you find a band that can make you dance and think at the same time. They are my favorite because their music speaks to my soul and their journey reminds me that it’s never too late to follow your dreams.”

Backstory:
Teeming Angel is a music band that was formed in the bustling city of Austin, Texas in the late 90s. The group consists of four members- Joe on vocals and guitar, Mike playing the drums, Jack on keyboards and Sarah on bass. They grew up in the same neighborhood, sharing a passion for music from their early days. Initially, they played in different bands but eventually came together during a local music festival. Realizing their shared musical chemistry, they decided to form their own band and named it ‘Teeming Angel’.

Their journey has been full of ups and downs, but they’ve always believed in their musical bond. Over the years, they’ve grown from playing in local pubs to selling out large venues and music festivals, gaining a steady fan base that appreciates their unique style.

Genre:
Rock, Alternative, and Indie.

Title:
“Skyward Flight”

Full song lyrics:

(Verse)
C G Am F
In this world full of chaos, I found my light,
C G Am F
In your eyes, dear angel, I took a skyward flight.

C G Am F
Your voice, the melody that soothes my night,
C G Am F
In your arms, dear angel, I found my might.

(Chorus)
C G Am F
So here we stand, against the world so tight,
C G Am F
With you, dear angel, I’ll always take a skyward flight.

(Verse)
C G Am F
You heal my heart, with your soul so bright,
C G Am F
In your love, dear angel, my darkness turns to light.

(Chorus)
C G Am F
So here we are, under the starry night,
C G Am F
With you, dear angel, every day is a skyward flight.

Favorite Fan’s Testimonial:
My name is Casey. I’ve been a fan of Teeming Angel ever since they were playing in local pubs. I remember being drawn to their raw, powerful energy and the depth of their lyrics. Every song they create resonates with my life, but “Skyward Flight” holds a special place in my heart. It’s about finding strength in love, which is a lesson I learned the hard way. The chords and lyrics of this song are a constant reminder that love can lift us up, even in the darkest days. Teeming Angel isn’t just my favorite band, they’re my emotional anchor. Their music has gotten me through some of the toughest times in my life, and for that, I’ll always be grateful.