Backstory:

Embarrassed Fruit started as a trio of college roommates in rural Illinois – Henry “Hank” Reynolds on vocals, Dominic “Dom” Bellows on bass, and Emily “Em” Davis on drums. The three aspiring musicians met in their freshman year and connected over their shared love for alternative indie music infused with humor and irony. Em was always coming up with strange phrases that Dom and Hank started turning into song lyrics, thereby setting the foundation for their quirky, eccentric sound. The name “Embarrassed Fruit” was inspired by Emily’s red-faced embarrassment over a miscommunication when she’d referred to a tomato as a fruit during a botany class. The name caught on and became an inside joke with the trio deciding to use it as their band name, symbolizing their unique identity and their humor-infused approach to life and music.

Genre:

Alternative Indie

Title:

“Raspberry Revolution”

Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
C Am Em G
Down the streets of summer’s memory, under the soft glow,
Strawberry hearts beating, as the wind softly blows,
Blueberry dreams in our heads, as we march in our rows,
Cherry-topped moments, in our Raspberry Revolution we sow.

(Chorus)
F C G
Raise your voice, let’s make some noise,
For the Raspberry Revolution, we rejoice,
In the sweetness of freedom, we find our choice,
Come on now, let your spirit hoist.

(Verse 2)
C Am Em G
Peachy promises, under the starlit night,
With the pomegranate passion, we ignite,
In the apple of our eye, we find our light,
In this Raspberry Revolution, we take flight.

(Chorus)
F C G
Raise your voice, let’s make some noise,
For the Raspberry Revolution, we rejoice,
In the sweetness of freedom, we find our choice,
Come on now, let your spirit hoist.

(Outro)
C Am Em G
Hand in hand, in our fruit-filled land,
In this Raspberry Revolution, we proudly stand.

Fan Testimonial:

Name – Melissa Thompson

“I have been following Embarrassed Fruit since their early college days. Their music is like a breath of fresh air – light, fun, and filled with creative energy. It’s amazing how they’ve grown and evolved, yet they still retain their signature quirkiness that first drew me to them. Whether it’s the soft strumming of the guitar, Emily’s upbeat drum rhythms, or Hank’s soothing vocals, their music always manages to lift my spirits. Embarrassed Fruit isn’t just my favorite band because of their music but also for the joy and positivity they radiate.”

Backstory:

Profuse Rate was born out of a college dorm room in the small town of Gastonia, North Carolina. Founding members, Jake & Sam, were roommates with distinct musical tastes. Jake was a classical music wizard who played the violin, while Sam was a punk rock enthusiast who played the bass. One night, after a heated debate on which genre was superior, they decided to put their differences to work and create something unique. Recruiting fellow students Abby on the drums and Lia on the keyboards, Profuse Rate came into existence. Their music is an unapologetic fusion of punk rock with classical undertones, breaking the barriers of genres and creating a sound all their own.

Genre:

Classical Punk Rock

Title:

“Reincarnated Rhythm”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
Em C
Born from the ashes of a fiery debate,
G D
Classical meets Punk in a twist of fate,
Em C
We’re Profuse Rate, with a style innate,
G D
Strumming strings, striking chords at a furious rate.

(Verse 2)
Em C
A violin’s cry, a bass’s roar,
G D
Drums and keys adding to the score,
Em C
A sonic mix never heard before,
G D
We’re here to make your spirit soar.

(Chorus)
Em C
We are the Reincarnated Rhythm,
G D
Breaking boundaries, we don’t need ’em,
Em C
With our music, we’ll always lead ’em,
G D
To the land where Punk and Classicism breed ’em.

(Repeat Verse 1, Verse 2, and Chorus)

Favorite Fan:

Our favorite fan is a guy named Danny. A music major from our very own college, Danny has been with us since our first awkward jam in the dorm room. He was the one who coined our genre as “Classical Punk Rock.” He says, “Profuse Rate isn’t just a band for me, it’s a revolution. Their music is a seamless blend of the classics I grew up on and the punk rock I fell in love with in my teens. Every track they release is a surprise, a new exploration into what music can be. They’ve made me realize that music isn’t about rigid genres – it’s about emotion, expression, and most importantly, unity.”

Backstory:
Steep Spirit is an indie rock band that was formed in 2012 in the vibrant, bustling city of Portland, Oregon. The members of the band – lead vocalist and guitarist Derek Wills, drummer Miles Parker, and bassist Ava Franklin – were all college friends who shared a passion for music. After finishing college, they decided to turn their passion into a career and began playing small gigs around the city. Their unique sound soon caught the attention of local music enthusiasts, and they quickly started gaining popularity.

One night, while playing a show at a local pub, they were discovered by a music producer who happened to be in the audience. Impressed by their talent, the producer offered them a deal, which they gladly accepted. Since then, Steep Spirit has released two critically acclaimed albums and they continue to make waves in the indie rock scene.

Genre:
Indie Rock

Title:
“Echoes in the Rain”

Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
C – G – Am – F (progression)
In the twilight hours, beneath the city lights, (C G)
Walking alone, heart heavy with fights, (Am F)
Echoes of your laughter, play in my brain, (C G)
As I stand alone, lost in the rain. (Am F)

(Chorus)
F – C – G – Am
Echoes in the rain, whispers of our love, (F C)
Memories remain, sent from above, (G Am)
In the silence of the night, I hear your name, (F C)
Lost in the echoes, echoes in the rain. (G Am)

(Verse 2)
Same progression
The streetlights flicker, painting shadows on the street, (C G)
Where we used to wander, with dreams beneath our feet. (Am F)
Now all that’s left are echoes, and the silent pain, (C G)
As I walk alone, alone in the rain. (Am F)

(Chorus)
Echoes in the rain, whispers of our love, (F C)
Memories remain, sent from above, (G Am)
In the silence of the night, I hear your name, (F C)
Lost in the echoes, echoes in the rain. (G Am)

Favorite Fan’s Testimonial:
“My name is Lily Thompson. I just adore Steep Spirit. Their music speaks to me on so many levels. It’s like they’ve managed to put all my feelings into words and melodies. I can’t help but feel an intimate connection with their lyrics. The raw emotion that Derek, Miles, and Ava infuse into their songs touches my soul. I’ve been to all their concerts and each time it’s like a cathartic experience. Steep Spirit isn’t just a band to me, they’re like the soundtrack to my life journey.”

Backstory:

Critical Lot was formed in the heart of Detroit in 2008 when a group of high school friends discovered their mutual passion for music. The band consists of Mark Thompson on vocals, Harry Daniels on guitar, Mike Pearson on bass, and Tom Maddison on drums. During their college years, they started performing in local clubs and venues, slowly building a reputation for their energetic performances and poignant lyrics. After winning a local battle of the bands competition in 2011, they caught the attention of a music producer who helped them release their first studio album in 2013. Today, they are known for their combination of heavy, emotional lyrics and energetic rock sound.

Genre:

Alternative Rock

Title:

“Shards of Yesterday”

Full Song Lyrics:

[Verse 1]
Am (C) Dm (E)
Once upon a time, we were kids running wild,
Am (C) Dm (E)
Now all that’s left are memories, bitter and mild.
Am (C) Dm (E)
We dreamt of castles and kings, of love and all it brings,
Am (C) Dm (E)
Now we’re just trying to mend our broken wings.

[Chorus]
F (G) Am (C)
Shards of yesterday, cutting through the fray,
F (G) Am (C)
We’ve lost our way in this crazy play.
F (G) Am (C)
Hope is a flickering flame, life is not a game,
F (G) Am (C)
We’re not the same, caught in life’s mundane.

[Verse 2]
Am (C) Dm (E)
The world was ours to take, no fear of a heartbreak,
Am (C) Dm (E)
Now we’re haunted by every single mistake.
Am (C) Dm (E)
Once we believed in forever, now it’s a passing endeavor,
Am (C) Dm (E)
Shards of yesterday, we’re trying to sever.

[Chorus]
F (G) Am (C)
Shards of yesterday, cutting through the fray,
F (G) Am (C)
We’ve lost our way in this crazy play.
F (G) Am (C)
Hope is a flickering flame, life is not a game,
F (G) Am (C)
We’re not the same, caught in life’s mundane.

The Bands Favorite Fan:

Critical Lot’s favorite fan is Emma Johnson. Emma has been following the band since their first gig at a local pub. She has traveled far and wide to attend every single concert, has a collection of every album they’ve released, and is known to the band as a source of undying support and encouragement. She states, “Critical Lot isn’t just a band to me, they’re a lifestyle. Their music tells a story that resonates with my own experiences. It’s raw, it’s real, and it’s incredibly powerful. No other band can make me feel the way Critical Lot does with their music.”

Backstory:
Alive Help was formed in 2012 when five childhood friends from Austin, Texas recognized their shared passion for music and decided to take their garage jamming sessions to the next level. The members, Parker Davis (Lead vocalist), Luke Thomas (Guitarist), Zachary Collins (Bassist), Daisy Evans (Drummer), and Katie Adams (Keyboardist), have been inseparable since they formed their bond in high school. They started performing in local gigs and gained attention for their energetic performances and raw, unfiltered sound. Their shared experiences of triumphs and heartbreaks reflect in their music, offering an honest and emotional journey for their listeners.

Genre:
Alternative Rock

Title:
“Shadows in the Sunlight”

Full Song lyrics:
(Verse 1)
[C] In this world of [G] illusion, we’re [Am] living out our [Em] dreams,
[Dm] Lost and found in [G] confusion, [C] nothing’s as it [G] seems.

[C] I paint my [G] hopes on the [Am] canvas of the [Em] sky,
[Dm] But the colors [G] fade away, [C] as the sun begins to [G] lie.

(Chorus)
[C] We’re like shadows in the [G] sunlight, [Am] fleeting, yet so [Em] clear,
[Dm] Drunk on the illusion [G] of time, [C] masking our [G] fear.

(Verse 2)
[C] I see your face [G] in every [Am] corner, in every [Em] dusk and dawn,
[Dm] In the echoes of the [G] night, [C] I find where I [G] belong.

(Chorus)
[C] We’re like shadows in the [G] sunlight, [Am] dancing on the [Em] line,
[Dm] Between the truth and [G] deceit, [C] where love is [G] blind.

(Bridge)
[Am] We are the dreamers, [G] in the echoes of the [Dm] night,
[Am] Living in shadows, [G] searching for the [Dm] light.

(Chorus)
[C] We’re like shadows in the [G] sunlight, [Am] fleeting, yet so [Em] clear,
[Dm] Drunk on the illusion [G] of time, [C] In the end, we’re [G] here.

Fan’s Name:
Emily Thompson

Testimonial:
“I’ve been a super fan of Alive Help since their earliest days. Their music always felt so genuine and raw. It’s like they put their heart and soul into every note they play. The song ‘Shadows in the Sunlight’ for instance, it was like they narrated my life story. The lyrics, the melody, everything just felt so personal and relatable. It’s this ability to connect deeply with their listeners that makes them my absolute favorite band. Alive Help isn’t just a band to me, they’re a beacon of light in the confusing world of adolescence.”

Backstory:
In the bustling heart of Austin, Texas, a group of four friends decided to channel their shared love for music into something more tangible – a band named Sick Scandal. The quartet, comprised of lead vocalist/guitarist Alex, bassist Matt, drummer Dylan, and keyboardist Sarah, were initially a garage band in 2015, honing their skills and developing their sound. After years of playing local gigs and self-producing tracks, they caught the eye of a local record label executive at the famed SXSW festival in 2018. This chance encounter catapulted them into a whirlwind of studio sessions, gig bookings, and eventually, their debut album release in 2020.

Genre:
Alternative Rock

Title:
“Silhouette Shadows”

Full Song Lyrics:

[Intro]
(Em, C, G, D)

[Verse 1]
(Em, C, G, D)
In the silence of the night, under the pale street light,
I see your silhouette shadows, dancing in my sight.
Your memory lingers on, though long you’ve been gone,
In the echoes of our song, I find where I belong.

[Chorus]
(G, D, Em, C)
Silhouette Shadows, you haunt my dreams,
In the quiet corners, and in my silent screams,
With every whisper of the wind, in every sparrow’s wings,
I see your Silhouette Shadows, in everything.

[Verse 2]
(Em, C, G, D)
The empty halls echo the laughter we used to share,
Now, all that’s left is the ghost of your stare.
The echo of your voice, still lingers in the air,
In the remnants of your touch, I find you everywhere.

[Chorus]
(G, D, Em, C)
Silhouette Shadows, you’re in my veins,
In the rustling leaves, in the pouring rains,
With every heartbeat, every tear-streaked pain,
I feel your Silhouette Shadows, again and again.

[Outro]
(Em, C, G, D)
In the silence of the night, under the pale street light,
I see your silhouette shadows, fading into the light.

Favorite Fan:
The band’s favorite fan is Emily – a die-hard music lover from their hometown, Austin. She has been with Sick Scandal from their garage band days, attending every local gig, and is known for her unwavering support and infectious enthusiasm.

Emily’s Testimonial:
“Sick Scandal isn’t just my favorite band because they’re amazing musicians, which they absolutely are. It’s their genuine lyrics, the raw energy in their performances, and the way they connect with the audience that really makes them stand out. They make me feel seen, heard, and understood. They’re more than just a band to me, they’re a lifeline.”

Backstory:

Hoarse Affair was born from the ashes of two local Boston bands, The Pleading Thieves and Unheard Melody. The two groups frequently played the same small venues, and developed a mutual respect for each other’s sound. When both bands broke up within a few months of each other in 2017, members from each group decided to form a new band, using their shared love of heavy guitar riffs and raw, gritty vocals to create something truly unique. The name ‘Hoarse Affair’ was chosen to reflect their gritty, passionate sound. Lead vocalist, Jermaine Stevens, characterized by his signature raspy voice, teamed up with guitarist, Remy Sullivan, bassist, Davis Kirkland, and drummer, Alexei Petrov, to create a new breed of rock and roll music.

Genre:
Alternative Rock

Song Title:
“Midnight Delusion”

Full Song Lyrics:

Verse 1:
Em C
In a city scape of broken dreams,
G D
Lost in a midnight delusion,
Em C
Where the neon lights cast long shadows,
G D
And hearts beat in seclusion.

Chorus:
C G
In the heart of the night,
Am Em
We ride on the rhythm of our Midnight Delusion,
C G
Through the empty streets,
Am Em
Our dreams are the only solution.

Verse 2:
Em C
Underneath the silver moonlight,
G D
Desires take flight,
Em C
Reality unravels at the seams,
G D
In the realm of midnight dreams.

Chorus:
C G
In the heart of the night,
Am Em
We dance to the beat of our Midnight Delusion,
C G
Against the city’s plight,
Am Em
Our dreams fuel the revolution.

Band’s Favorite Fan:

Our favorite fan’s name is Marla. She was at our very first gig, and she has followed us across the country to perform at our major shows. Her love for our music and energy keeps us going. She once told us in a testimonial:

“As long as I can remember, music has been my refuge. When I first heard Hoarse Affair, it was like they were playing my life’s soundtrack. Their songs resonate with my experiences and emotions on a deep level. The rawness of their sound and lyrics, it’s so cathartic. It’s like they’ve crawled inside my head and heart and transformed my thoughts and feelings into music. For me, their music is therapy. It’s my release, my escape, and my strength. In the heart of the night, when I’m lost in the “Midnight Delusion,” I don’t feel alone anymore.”

Backstory:
Accurate Supporter, originally a duo from the small town of Hanover, New Hampshire, began their journey in the year 2009. Long-time friends and college dropouts, Alex Mitchell and Brad Jameson, were known for their camaraderie and their love for music. They initially started playing at local pubs, drawing in audiences with their heartfelt lyrics and unique sound. As their popularity grew, they decided to expand the band, welcoming two more members – bassist Jenny Ward and drummer Luke Harris. The quartet’s mutual passion for music and their shared experiences helped them create a synergy that reflected in their songs, earning them a loyal fanbase.

Genre:
Alternative Rock

Title:
“Midnight Solitude”

Full song lyrics:
[Verse 1]
(G) Embrace the silence, (C) under the moonlight, (Am) alone but never lonely,
(D) Caught in the cadence, (G) of our own rhythm, (C) in the midst of midnight solitude.

[Chorus]
(G) We are the dreamers, (D) the true believers, (Em) in the magic of the night,
(C) Lost in the echoes, (G) of our own voices, (D) in the rhythm of the midnight solitude.

[Verse 2]
(G) Under the starlight, (C) words unspoken, (Am) paint the canvas of the twilight,
(D) Dancing shadows, (G) tell a tale, (C) in the silence of the midnight solitude.

[Chorus]
(G) We are the dreamers, (D) the true believers, (Em) in the magic of the night,
(C) Lost in the echoes, (G) of our own voices, (D) in the rhythm of the midnight solitude.

[Outro]
(G) So here’s to the dreamers, (C) may we never lose sight, (D) of the magic that’s found,
(G) In the quiet corners, (C) of the night, (D) in the rhythm of the midnight solitude.

Band’s favorite fan:
Their most devoted fan is undoubtedly Maggie Simmons, a spirited young woman from their hometown. Despite her demanding job as a nurse, Maggie never misses a single Accurate Supporter gig. She’s been there from the start, encouraging and promoting the band locally, and then nationally.

Testimonial:
Maggie says, “Accurate Supporter isn’t just a band; they’re a beacon of hope, friendship, and resilience. Their songs have an uncanny knack for resonating with what you’re feeling, making you feel understood. They’ve provided the soundtrack to some of the best and worst times of my life, and I wouldn’t have it any other way.”

Backstory:
Excellent Exchange began as a group of high school friends from the small town of Vernon, Vermont. The band’s lead singer, Jay Gallagher, grew up in a household filled with music. His father, a jazz pianist, inspired him to venture into the world of music. The band’s drummer, Ian Matthews, was a childhood friend of Jay, and the two began jamming together in middle school. They added bassist, Sophie Hargrove, and guitarist, Liam Duncan in high school. The band was officially formed in 2011, gaining popularity in their hometown before spreading their roots to the broader New England music scene.

The band’s name, Excellent Exchange, was inspired by the members’ belief in the transformative power of music. They see music as a universal language, a means of expressing emotions and ideas that words alone cannot convey. For them, every performance is an exchange—an opportunity to share a part of themselves with the audience and, in turn, to be moved by the audience’s response.

Genre:
Indie Rock

Title:
“Shades of Grey”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
[Am] Floating on a cloud, [G] nothing to bring us down,
[Em] Living in a dream, [F] lost in the sound.
[Am] Echoes in the night, [G] whispers in the breeze,
[Em] Shades of grey, [F] beneath the trees.

(Chorus)
[G] Shades of grey, [Em] a beautiful play,
[Am] Dancing in the twilight, [F] lost in the fray.
[G] Shades of grey, [Em] no need to say,
[Am] We’re painting the world, [F] in our own way.

(Verse 2)
[Am] Silhouettes dancing, [G] beneath the moon’s glow,
[Em] In the realm of shadows, [F] where secrets grow.
[Am] We raise our voices, [G] we sing our song,
[Em] In the shades of grey, [F] we belong.

(Chorus)
[G] Shades of grey, [Em] a beautiful play,
[Am] Dancing in the twilight, [F] lost in the fray.
[G] Shades of grey, [Em] no need to say,
[Am] In the hues of life, [F] we find our way.

Band’s Favorite Fan:

Excellent Exchange’s most devoted fan is a woman named Bethany. She discovered the band while they were still playing in local pubs and has been following their journey ever since. She describes Excellent Exchange as her favorite band due to their authentic lyrics and their unique indie rock sound that “touches the soul”. According to Bethany, “Their music is a poetic form of storytelling, and it’s impossible not to be moved by their songs. They’re not just musicians, they’re artists—and it’s an honor to be part of their musical journey.”

Backstory:

Posh Society was formed in a small garage in the heart of Cambridge, England in late 2007. The brainchild of four university mates – lead vocalist Adrian Baxter, lead guitarist Oscar Peverell, bassist Stanley Sullivan, and drummer Philip Warrington – Posh Society was born as a way to cope with the rigors of collegiate life and to express their shared passion for music. Initially, they played at local pubs and small venues, their music quickly catching the attention of listeners, gaining them a loyal fan base in the region.

After graduation, the band decided to pursue their musical dream full-time. They moved to London where they were discovered by a talent scout during a live performance and were quickly signed to a major record label. Posh Society’s unique sound, a fusion of witty lyrics and innovative musical composition, has resonated with audiences worldwide, and the band is now known for their high-energy live shows and authentic British charm.

Genre:

Alternative Rock with British Pop influences

Title:

“Chasing Shadows”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
Em G
“On cobblestone lanes, in the pouring rain,
D C
We danced, us and our wild young hearts.
Em G
Chasing shadows of broken dreams,
D C
In a world that was tearing us apart.

(Chorus)
Em G
We were nothing but dreamers,
D C
Living on borrowed time,
Em G
Chasing shadows, oh, the shadows,
D C
Longing for a life that wasn’t mine.

(Verse 2)
Em G
In the neon glow of city nights,
D C
We found solace in the strangers’ smiles,
Em G
Chasing shadows, oh, the shadows,
D C
Lost in the city’s wily guiles.

(Chorus)
Em G
We were nothing but dreamers,
D C
Living on borrowed time,
Em G
Chasing shadows, oh, the shadows,
D C
Longing for a life that wasn’t mine.

(Outro)
Em G
Now the shadows have faded,
D C
But the memories remain,
Em G
We’re no longer chasing shadows,
D C
But the song of youth still plays.”

Fan’s Testimonial:

Fan’s name: Sally Harrison

“Posh Society is hands down my favorite band of all time! Their songs are a unique blend of raw emotion, poetic lyrics, and irresistible melodies that somehow manage to resonate with my life and experiences. The band’s authenticity, particularly Adrian’s heartfelt vocals, is truly refreshing in this era of manufactured music. Each song feels like a personal conversation, a shared experience. ‘Chasing Shadows’ is a particular favorite, a beautiful reminder of the transient nature of life. Posh Society’s music isn’t just something I listen to; it’s something I feel and live.”