Backstory:

Firsthand Amusement is a vibrant, soulful ensemble that came together in the bustling city of New York in 2012. The band was born when four friends, all with a mutual love for music and shared experiences, decided to turn their passion into reality. The members include Jake Madison on vocals, Sammy Riddle on the guitar, Benny Morrison with his magical fingers on the keyboard, and Ryan McMillan, the heartthrob drummer. They all met in college and found a common ground in their love for raw, unadulterated music. Their shared housing during the college years turned into a studio filled with dreams, hopes, and a soundtrack for their lives.

Firsthand Amusement’s journey from playing in small college gigs to selling out big concert halls symbolizes their passion and hard work. Their music speaks of their journey, the highs and lows of life, and the shared experiences that bring people together. Their synergy on stage is infectious, and their music resonates with people of all ages.

Genre:

Indie Rock and Soul

Title:

“Dance in the Rain”

Full Song Lyrics:

(V1)
Am – C – G – F
[Am] Looking out the window, [C] the world’s in a haze,
[G] Life’s spinning around in this [F] confusing maze.
[Am] But there’s a rhythm in the chaos, [C] a melody in the pain,
[G] Let’s find our music, let’s [F] dance in the rain.

(Chorus)
C – G – Am – F
[C] Come now, don’t shy away, [G] let the music play,
[Am] Let your heart sway, [F] in this life’s ballet.
[C] Together we’ll rise, [G] together we’ll sustain,
[Am] In joy and sorrow, we’ll [F] dance in the rain.

(V2)
Am – C – G – F
[Am] Amidst the thunder, [C] amidst the storm,
[G] We’ll find our rhythm, we’ll [F] break the norm.
[Am] With each droplet, wash away the [C] pain,
[G] Embrace the madness, let’s [F] dance in the rain.

(Repeat Chorus)

Fans’ Favorite:

April Thompson is a die-hard fan of Firsthand Amusement. She states, “I fell in love with their music the moment I heard ‘Dance in the Rain’. The lyrics speak to me on so many levels, and it’s like they understand exactly what I’m going through. They’re not just a band to me; they’re a beacon of hope. Their music has been my refuge in tough times, an escape from harsh realities. The raw and soulful tunes resonate with my emotions and make me feel understood. Firsthand Amusement, for me, is not just about music; it’s about connection, emotion, and life.”

Backstory:

Formed in the quirky backstreets of San Francisco in 2011, ‘Acceptable Slope’ is a band that channels the free-spirited energy of the city into a unique sonic experience. The band was born when a group of architect friends decided to explore an alternate form of expression and discovered their mutual love for music. Each band member brings a distinct flavor to the group, with frontman James Frazier’s deep vocals, Lisa Bell’s thunderous drumming, Kyle McAdams’ soulful bass and Sarah Wilson’s electrifying guitar strings. Over the years, they have honed their craftsmanship into a harmonious blend of sound that’s as unconventional as the band’s name, drawing inspiration from their shared passion for design, geometry and the hilly landscapes of their home city.

They gained recognition for their daring to experiment and explore different music genres. Acceptable Slope, however, is not just about creating music but also about creating experiences. They continue to imbibe the subtleties of life in their music, painting emotional landscapes that speak to the hearts of their listeners.

Genre: Alternative Rock

Title: “Angles and Echoes”

Full Song Lyrics:

Verse 1:
(Am)Underneath the city lights, (G)walking past the shapes of night,
(Dm)Echoes of our laughter, (Em)still lingering in the air,
(Am)The contours of our lives, (G)tangled in the threads of time,
(Dm)In the architecture of our hearts, (Em)we find solace and despair.

Chorus:
(F)Angles and Echoes, (C)shadows and slopes,
(G)We build our dreams, (Am)on foundations of hope.
(F)Angles and Echoes, (C)skies wide and deep,
(G)In the geometry of love, (Am)secrets we keep.

Verse 2:
(Am)Through the corridors of time, (G)we trace our arches and lines,
(Dm)In the blueprints of memory, (Em)etched with ink and tears.
(Am)In whispers of the wind, (G)in silhouettes against the sun,
(Dm)We find our symmetry, (Em)in joy, love, and fears.

Chorus:
(F)Angles and Echoes, (C)shadows and slopes,
(G)We build our dreams, (Am)on foundations of hope.
(F)Angles and Echoes, (C)skies wide and deep,
(G)In the geometry of love, (Am)secrets we keep.

Favorite Fan’s Name: Alan Thompson

Testimonial:
Acceptable Slope is more than just a band to me; they are a part of my life. Their music transcends the usual rock cliches, delving deep into the emotional spectrum that most bands fail to explore. The band’s ability to merge architecture and music into a single, united entity is what drew me in at first, but it’s their deep, poetic lyrics that kept me coming back. I love how they use the cityscape and geometry as metaphors for life and relationships. Each song tells a story, drawing you into its narrative, making you a part of it. Acceptable Slope isn’t just my favorite band; they are a part of who I am.

Backstory:

Grim Assumption came to be during a gloomy winter night in Seattle in 2013, when three childhood friends – Mike Glint, Gary Stevens and Jack Gloss – huddled together in an old, creaky garage. They were disillusioned with the mainstream music that was ruling the airwaves and craved something raw, powerful, and hauntingly beautiful. Inspired by their shared love for dark poetry, classic horror movies and the grunge music scene of their hometown, they started putting together music that echoed their discontent and their longing for a more authentic, deeper connection with the world.

The band faced its fair share of setbacks and heartbreaks along the way. They were rejected by numerous record labels and faced the harsh realities of the cut-throat music industry. But the trio was relentless. They turned their disappointments into fuel for their music, creating heart-wrenching, evocative songs that spoke of their struggles and their undying determination. Their grit finally paid off when they were signed by a small indie label in 2015, and they haven’t looked back since.

Genre:

Alternative Rock/ Grunge

Title:

“The Silent Echo”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
Am – G – D – Am
In this cold, silent night, under the city lights,
Am – G – D – Am
I walk alone, feeling the echoes of your voice.
Am – G – D – Am
With every step I take, the emptiness awakes,
Am – G – D – Am
I can’t escape, the silent echo of your choice.

(Chorus)
F – G – Am – C – D
The silent echo, it’s so deafening,
F – G – Am – C – D
In a world so loud, your absence is everything.
F – G – Am – C – D
The silent echo, it’s a constant reminder,
F – G – Am – C – D
In the mirror of life, I see a desperate dweller.

(Verse 2)
Am – G – D – Am
In the cold morning haze, I see your phantom gaze,
Am – G – D – Am
Haunting me, in the empty corners of my mind.
Am – G – D – Am
With every song I play, the silence has its say,
Am – G – D – Am
In your absence, the solemn tunes I find.

Repeat Chorus

Favorite Fan:

The band’s favorite fan is a die-hard music lover named Rachel Sullivan. A longtime fan of alternative rock, Rachel was drawn to Grim Assumption’s raw, deeply emotional songs and their unique blend of grunge and alternative rock. She has attended every one of their concerts since their debut, and her dedication to the band has only intensified over the years.

Testimonial – Rachel Sullivan:

“Grim Assumption isn’t just a band, they’re a revolution. Their music speaks to me on a level that few other bands can touch. They’re not just playing songs; they’re sharing stories, struggles, and raw emotions that resonate with my life. Their music is a beacon of light during my darkest days. Grim Assumption isn’t just my favorite band, they’re my lifeline.”

Backstory:

Born and raised in the post-industrial landscapes of Sheffield, United Kingdom, the Extra-Large Facility started as a musical expression of three high school friends, Jack, Lucas and Oscar. The band’s name originated as an inside joke, referring to their initial rehearsal spot – an abandoned, oversized factory. They began playing music to fight the monotony of their blue-collar town and quickly realized, amidst the echo of their instruments bouncing off the factory walls, they had something unique to share with the world.

The trio honed their sound over years, playing local gigs and eventually getting their big break when a scout for a major record label happened to be in town on holiday and saw them perform at a local pub. He was instantly captivated by their raw energy and signed them up, paving the way for Extra-Large Facility to take their music beyond the confines of their town.

Genre:

Post-Punk Revival with Indie Rock elements

Title:

“Echoes of Steel”

Full Song Lyrics:

[Verse 1]
Am C G D
In this city of steel, where we were raised,
Am C G D
Monotony is a curse that’s hard to erase,
Am C G D
We found solace in music, in melody’s grace,
Am C G D
In the extra-large facility, we found our space.

[Chorus]
C D G Em
Echoes of steel, echoes of a dream,
C D G Em
Lost in the rhythm, in the melody’s stream,
C D G Em
In the extra-large facility, under spotlight’s beam,
C D G Em
We give you our soul, in every chord and theme.

[Verse 2]
Am C G D
From the factory’s shadow, to the pub’s dim light,
Am C G D
We strummed our journey, into the night,
Am C G D
In the extra-large facility, we took flight,
Am C G D
With each beat and strum, we ignite.

[Chorus]
C D G Em
Echoes of steel, echoes of a dream,
C D G Em
Lost in the rhythm, in the melody’s stream,
C D G Em
In the extra-large facility, under spotlight’s beam,
C D G Em
We share our stories, each a poetic scheme.

The band’s favorite fan’s name:

Liam Smith

Testimonial:

“Extra-Large Facility is more than just a band to me. It’s a part of who I am. Their music resonates with the soul of our town, their lyrics capturing the spirit of our everyday life. In their songs, I find solace, joy, and a sense of belonging. I’ve been to every gig they’ve played, and each one feels like a homecoming. They’ve taken the echoes of our factory town and turned it into music that makes us dance, dream, and hope. They are the voice of our town, and for that, they’ll always be my favorite.”

Backstory:
Born from a strange blend of humor, love for music, and a shared affinity for barnyard animals, Infatuated Pig took root in the heart of Tennessee. The band was formed in 2005, when lead vocalist, Samuel “Ham” Higginson, met guitarist, Peter “Pork” Peterson, and drummer, Lilly “Sow” Sanders, at a local music festival. They quickly discovered their shared passion for creating unique music that challenges the status quo. The band’s eccentric name, Infatuated Pig, was inspired by Higginson’s beloved childhood pet pig, who had an odd fondness for Ham’s guitar playing.

Genre:
Infatuated Pig’s music is a unique fusion of country, blues, and psychedelic rock. They are known for their unusual lyrics, energetic performances, and the raw authenticity they bring to every performance.

Title:
“Love’s Bacon Beat”

Full Song Lyrics:
(Verse 1 – G, D, Em, C)
G D Em C
Woke up this morning, Sun’s already high
G D Em C
My heart is sizzling, like bacon in a fry
G D Em C
Thoughts of you, they dance around
G D Em C
In my head, your love’s sweet sound

(Chorus – G, D, Em, C)
G D Em C
You’re my sweet love’s bacon beat
G D Em C
You make my heart skip, skip a beat
G D Em C
Your love is salty, your love is sweet
G D Em C
You’re my love’s bacon beat

(Verse 2 – G, D, Em, C)
G D Em C
Your love, it sizzles, like a summer’s heat
G D Em C
Every time we meet, feels like a treat
G D Em C
Just like a pig, I’m infatuated
G D Em C
With your love, I’m captivated

(Chorus – G, D, Em, C)
G D Em C
You’re my sweet love’s bacon beat
G D Em C
You make my heart skip, skip a beat
G D Em C
Your love is salty, your love is sweet
G D Em C
You’re my love’s bacon beat

Fan Testimonial:
The band’s favorite fan is a woman named Daisy who has followed their journey from the very start. She says, “Infatuated Pig is more than just a band to me. They’ve been the soundtrack to my life for the past decade. From the eclectic mix of country, blues and rock to their quirky, heartfelt lyrics, there’s something so captivating about their music. Their authenticity and soul in every performance just pulls you in. ‘Love’s Bacon Beat’, in particular, always reminds me of the sweetness and spice of love. Infatuated Pig is truly a band like no other.”

Backstory:

Scaly Decade was born in the backstreets of New Orleans. Comprised of five childhood friends, all with a deep-seated passion for music, the band started out playing at local bars and open mic sessions for nothing more than drinks and a chance to play. Their unique sound soon garnered attention from a wide variety of listeners. The band’s big break came one fateful evening when a big-shot producer happened to be in the audience. Impressed by their unique sound and undeniable chemistry, he signed them on the spot.

Despite now having representation and a record deal, Scaly Decade has never lost their original love for playing music and the authenticity that won their fans over in the first place. They see their music as more of a conversation with their audience, an intimate connection between the band and their listeners.

Genre:
Rock/Alternative

Title:
“Crocodile Tears”

Full Song Lyrics:

[Verse 1]
(C#m B A G#m)
Wading in the bayou, under the moonlight glow,
(C#m B A G#m)
Hear the whispers of the wind, where the wild things go.
(C#m B A G#m)
Caught up in the rhythm, of a lonely radio,
(C#m B A G#m)
Singing songs of sorrow, in the bayou’s ebb and flow.

[Chorus]
(E B A G#m)
Crocodile tears, falling like rain,
(E B A G#m)
Lost in the echo, of a swamp-side serenade.
(E B A G#m)
Crocodile tears, the taste of regret,
(E B A G#m)
A song of the heart, that we’ll never forget.

[Verse 2]
(C#m B A G#m)
Underneath the willow, where the shadows hide,
(C#m B A G#m)
Echoes of the past, in the river’s running tide.
(C#m B A G#m)
Playing for the broken, playing for the lost,
(C#m B A G#m)
Paying for the dreams, that we’ve all had to toss.

[Chorus]
(E B A G#m)
Crocodile tears, falling like rain,
(E B A G#m)
Lost in the echo, of a swamp-side serenade.
(E B A G#m)
Crocodile tears, the taste of regret,
(E B A G#m)
A song of the heart, that we’ll never forget.

Band’s Favorite Fan’s Name:
Harold “Harley” Desoto

Testimonial:

“Scaly Decade isn’t just a band to me, it’s an experience. Every song they play feels like a journey, a raw, unfiltered reflection of life and its many complications. Their music has been a source of comfort for me in my darkest days. The authenticity they bring to their music, the sheer love and passion they have for it, it’s something that I’ve always admired. They make you feel seen and heard, a rare quality in a band. Crocodile Tears is an anthem I live by. Thank you, Scaly Decade, for your music and for the difference you make.”

Backstory:

Entire Symptom was formed in 2007, in a grimy basement in the heart of Chicago, Illinois. Long-time friends and seasoned musicians; Terry (drums), Ed (bass), Kelly (vocals), and George (guitar) came together, fueled by their shared love for music and a burning desire to create something different. They started jamming and experimenting with their sound, eventually honing it into something truly unique. As they say, the rest is history.

Genre:

Entire Symptom’s music can be best described as Alternative Rock with a raw, gritty edge. Their sound is a potent mix of hard-hitting drum beats, heavy bass, bold guitar riffs, and powerful, emotionally charged vocals. Their music is intense and energetic, yet it also resonates deeply with their listeners, drawing them into the band’s compelling narrative.

Title:

“One Last Dive”

Full song lyrics:

(Verse 1)
Cm
Walking on the edge, it’s a long way down,
G#
One last dive, before we hit the ground.
A#
Glimpse of the abyss with the eyes wide open,
D#
Don’t look back, we’re past the point of no hope.

(Chorus)
Cm
One last dive, into the unknown,
G#
We’ve come so far, we’ve grown.
A#
This is our time, this is our fight,
D#
In the end, it will be alright.

(Verse 2)
Cm
Shadow of the past, it’s a silent scream,
G#
One last dive, to chase the dream.
A#
Through the darkness, we find the light,
D#
We won’t go down without a fight.

(Chorus)
Cm
One last dive, into the unknown,
G#
We’ve come so far, we’ve grown.
A#
This is our journey, this is our flight,
D#
In the end, it will be alright.

Fan’s Name:

Entire Symptom’s favorite fan is Stacy, a die-hard music enthusiast from their hometown.

Testimonial:

“Entire Symptom is my all-time favorite band. Their music speaks to me on a level that I’ve never experienced before. I remember the first time I heard ‘One Last Dive’, I was going through a tough time, and the lyrics just hit me. It felt like they were telling my story. Their music has been a constant source of inspiration and strength for me. They’re more than just a band to me, they’re lifelines.” – Stacy, Chicago.

Backstory:

Icy Hill is a group of four deeply rooted friends from the charming town of Burlington, Vermont. The band formed in the frosted winter of 2005, when they found solitude and music became their refuge. With Jack Forester on vocals and rhythm guitar, Nicholas ‘Nick’ Gray handling the keys, Daniel ‘Danny’ O’Reilly holding down the rhythm section on drums, and Haley Simmons on lead guitar and backing vocals, Icy Hill was born out of a love for music and a desire to create a soundscape that would resonate with audiences everywhere.

Over the years, they honed their craft, playing in local bars, community events, and eventually landing gigs at music festivals across the state. Their music, inspired by the harsh winters and breathtaking landscapes of their hometown, doesn’t shy away from exploring the human experience in all its rawness and beauty. Icy Hill’s journey is one marked by persistence, friendship, and a shared belief in the magic of music.

Genre:
Indie Folk Rock

Title:
“Crimson Snowfall”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
[G] Gazing at the [C] icy hill, [D] under the crystal [G] sky
[G] Thinking of the [C] love we’ve spilled, [D] beneath the moon’s pale [G] light
[G] Our laughter frozen [C] in time, [D] and all those whispers [G] low
[G] As the winter wind [C] begins to chime, [D] in the falling crimson [G] snow

(Chorus)
[C] Crimson snowfall, [G] painting our memories
[D] Love’s recall, etched in winter’s [G] freeze
[C] Gentle whispers, [G] beneath the snowy pine
[D] Our love lingers, in the crimson snowfall [G] time

(Verse 2)
[G] As the stars [C] silently weep, [D] we share our stories [G] old
[G] The secrets we [C] vowed to keep, [D] in the winter’s biting [G] cold
[G] The fire of our love [C] remains, [D] under the frosty [G] glow
[G] In the silent night, [C] only love sustains, [D] beneath the crimson [G] snow

(Chorus)
[C] Crimson snowfall, [G] painting our memories
[D] Love’s recall, etched in winter’s [G] freeze
[C] Gentle whispers, [G] beneath the snowy pine
[D] Our love lingers, in the crimson snowfall [G] time

Favorite Fan:

The band’s favorite fan is Sarah Thompson, a graphic designer from Burlington who has been with them since their very first gig. Sarah says, “Icy Hill’s music is a love letter to life, capturing its beauty and struggles with a raw, soulful honesty that resonates with me. Their songs are like stories that unfold with every listen, and I find myself lost in them each time. ‘Crimson Snowfall’ is my favorite; it’s a hauntingly beautiful ballad that perfectly encapsulates the band’s unique blend of indie folk and rock. Icy Hill isn’t just a band to me; they’re storytellers, poets, and the soundtrack to my life.”

Backstory:
Jaunty Approval is a band that originated from the heart of the city of Nashville, Tennessee. Originally composed of five friends who shared the same passion for music, they found their bond over late-night jamming sessions in the basement of their shared apartment during their college days. The band members, each with their peculiar character, managed to blend their diverse musical backgrounds into a unique sound. The name ‘Jaunty Approval’ stemmed from their shared philosophy of embracing the joy in life despite its ups and downs, and the band’s music does just that – it resonates with the listeners, giving them the approval to be jaunty and free-spirited.

Throughout their journey, they faced numerous challenges, but rather than letting those hurdles dampen their spirits, they used them as stepping stones to refine their music. Their music is a reflection of their journey, filled with stories of love, loss, resilience, and most importantly, the joy of living every moment. Their journey, which started in a small basement, has led them to perform in some of the most renowned venues across the country.

Genre:
Folk Rock

Title:
“Dance in the Rain”

Full Song Lyrics:

[Intro]
Dm – G – C – Am

(Verse 1)
Dm G C Am
Life ain’t always sunshine, my dear,
Dm G C Am
Sometimes it pours down like a tear.
Dm G C Am
But don’t you hide, don’t you refrain,
Dm G C Am
Come out and dance in the rain.

(Chorus)
F G C Am
With every drop, let your troubles drain,
F G C Am
Embrace the storm, dance in the rain.
F G C Am
Life is a melody, a sweet, soulful refrain,
F G C Am
So come, my dear, dance in the rain.

(Verse 2)
Dm G C Am
In the sky of life, be a rainbow stain,
Dm G C Am
After the storm, in a world so plain,
Dm G C Am
With every step, let joy regain,
Dm G C Am
Come, my dear, dance in the rain.

(Chorus)
F G C Am
With every beat, feel life’s pulsating vein,
F G C Am
Embrace the rhythm, dance in the rain.
F G C Am
Life is a song, not a ball and chain,
F G C Am
So come, my dear, dance in the rain.

(Outro)
Dm – G – C – Am

Favorite Fan Testimonial:
The band’s favorite fan is a vibrant young woman named Sarah Thompson. Sarah says, “I stumbled upon Jaunty Approval during a low point in my life. Their music resonated with me, it was like they were telling my story and assuring me that it’s okay to feel what I feel. It became my solace, my guide. The song ‘Dance in the Rain’ particularly became my mantra. It taught me to embrace the storms of life and to find joy in every moment. Their music changed my perspective towards life. For me, Jaunty Approval is more than just a band, it’s a beacon of hope, resilience, and joy.”

Backstory:

Slim Creditor is a group of four friends originating from the heart of New York City’s Wall Street. The band members, previously involved in the finance industry, decided to trade their briefcases for guitars and drumsticks after a particularly stressful audit season. The group, comprised of lead vocalist and bassist Fred “Slim” Banks, drummer Paul “Creditor” Creed, guitarist John “Ledger” Leary, and keyboardist Mark “Balance” Sheets, vowed to create music that reflected their past in a light-hearted way – part therapy, part catharsis, and full of rhythm and blues.

Their music, heavily influenced by their unique past, narrates stories of financial markets, economic hardships, and corporate guiles, which not only resonates with the white-collar fan base but also with anyone who enjoys a soulful tune. Slim Creditor quickly rose to fame within the city, and their influence soon began to spread nationwide. Their ability to deliver hard-hitting truths of the corporate world in smooth melodies is what truly sets them apart from the crowd.

Genre:
Blues Rock

Title:
“Margins of My Mind”

Verse 1:
C G F
Once a broker in the city’s heart,
Am G Em
In the game of money, a small part.
A G F
Now I play a different art,
C B7 Em
Singing songs, creating chart.

Chorus:
G C G
In the margins of my mind,
Am F C
Lies a tale of a different kind.
G C G
Of bonds broken and signed,
Am F Em
In the margins of my mind.

Verse 2:
C G F
Trading stocks, we used to grind,
Am G Em
Now we groove, leaving worries behind.
A G F
From equations, we’ve unbind,
C B7 Em
To the rhythm, we’re now aligned.

(Repeat Chorus)

Testimonial (Fan’s Name):
Jessica Davis

Jessica was a former Wall Street analyst who found solace in the music of Slim Creditor during her long hours at work. “Slim Creditor’s music is like an oasis in the desert of my corporate life. Their lyrics capture the essence of our struggles and turn them into soulful tunes that are incredibly relatable. Each song, each note, is a catharsis. They’ve transformed the mundane world of finance into a heartfelt rhythm, and I find it absolutely captivating. Slim Creditor isn’t just my favorite band; they are my lifeline.”