Backstory:
Neighboring Butter was born out of the vibrant streets of San Francisco in the late 2000’s, a brainchild of college roommates, Brad Fields and Steve Callahan. The pair, both musicians in their own right, shared a love for eclectic music and cheesy food, particularly butter, which led to the creation of this unique band. They started off playing at local gigs, soon becoming a staple in the underground music scene. Their musical prowess, combined with their quirky name, generated a cult following quite quickly. As the band expanded to include bassist Casey Simmons and drummer Terry Johnson, it became apparent that Neighboring Butter was not just a fleeting idea, but a musical phenomenon that was here to stay.

Genre:
Indie Pop/Alternative

Title:
“Melting Moments”

Full song lyrics:

[Verse 1]
C Am Em G
Underneath the city lights, we found our groove,
C Am Em G
Dancing to the rhythm, of our heart’s move.

[Chorus]
C Am Em G
Melting moments, in our hands,
C Am Em G
Lost in the butter of our neighboring lands.

[Verse 2]
C Am Em G
Golden as the dawn, slick as the night,
C Am Em G
We spread our dreams, in the hush of twilight.

[Chorus]
C Am Em G
Melting moments, in our hands,
C Am Em G
Lost in the butter of our neighboring lands.

[Bridge]
C Am Em G
We drench our souls, in this creamy delight,
C Am Em G
Savoring the richness, till the morning light.

[Chorus]
C Am Em G
Melting moments, in our hands,
C Am Em G
Lost in the butter of our neighboring lands.

Favorite Fan:
The band’s favorite fan is a woman named Lucy Simmons. She’s been there since their very first gig in a small San Francisco café and has followed them through their journey. She claims that Neighboring Butter’s music saved her during a tough time in her life. In a testimonial she wrote, “Their songs speak to me on a different level. It’s like they understand exactly what I’m going through. The song ‘Melting Moments’ has a special place in my heart. Their music is my solace, my joy, and my companion in times of loneliness. I can’t thank them enough for providing me with such comfort through their music.”

Backstory:

Artistic Shit was formed in the back alleys of New York City, in the middle of the 90s punk revolution. The founding members – Jonny Trash (vocals and guitar), Mickey Spats (drums), and Bobby Slats (bass) – were disillusioned art school dropouts who found common ground in their love for punk rock and the raw, unfiltered emotion it represented. They started performing in underground clubs and basements, eventually gaining a reputation for their unapologetic lyrics and raucous performances. Despite their seemingly irreverent band name, Artistic Shit uses their music to challenge societal norms and conventions, creating a unique fusion of punk rock and artistry.

Genre:

Punk Rock

Title:

“Canvas of Lies”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
[G] Sprayed on the [C] walls, colors of [G] disdain,
[D] Life is a [G] canvas, filled with [C] pain.
[G] Screaming voices, [C] unheard cries,
[D] Our lives are just a [G] canvas of [C] lies.

(Chorus)
[G] Tear it all [C] down, let’s start a [G] new,
[D] Paint our [G] truth in shades of [C] blue.
[G] Break the chains, [C] rip the ties,
[D] No more living in a [G] canvas of [C] lies.

(Verse 2)
[G] Politicians’ [C] promises, like [G] cheap paint,
[D] Over the truth, it’s [G] all so quaint.
[G] Media’s brush, [C] strokes so sly,
[D] Just adding to the [G] canvas of [C] lies.

(Chorus)
[G] Tear it all [C] down, let’s start a [G] new,
[D] Paint our [G] truth in shades of [C] blue.
[G] Break the chains, [C] rip the ties,
[D] No more living in a [G] canvas of [C] lies.

Favorite Fan’s Name:

Jessie “Punkette” Turner

Testimonial:

“Artistic Shit” has always been there for me, their music resonates with the frustration and angst I’ve felt growing up in a world full of deceit and hypocrisy. They’re not just a band, they’re a revolution, a call to action. Their song “Canvas of Lies” became the anthem of my teenage years, the lyrics perfectly encapsulating the disillusionment I felt. They don’t just make music, they paint with their words, and for that, they’ll forever be my favorite.

Backstory:
Willing Trouble is an unexpected amalgamation of four talented individuals who were each pursuing separate musical ventures before fate brought them together in 2009. The band, consisting of lead vocalist and guitarist, Tommy ‘Thrasher’ Thornton, bassist, Simon ‘Silky’ Stiles, drummer, Remy ‘Rambunctious’ Randle, and keyboardist, Clara ‘Chaos’ Czerny, formed in the vibrant music scene of Austin, Texas. Their chemistry was evident from the start. Sharing the same passion for music and a rebellious spirit, they named their band “Willing Trouble”, symbolizing their willingness to stir up the traditional music scene.

Their journey was an uphill battle. They started performing at local bars, earning a reputation for their energetic performances and raw, heartfelt lyrics. Their big break came in 2012 when a renowned record label executive happened to see them perform at a local festival. Impressed by their performance, he signed them on the spot. Since then, Willing Trouble has been unstoppable, enchanting audiences worldwide with their distinctive sound.

Genre:
Alternative Rock

Title:
“Chasing Shadows”

Full song lyrics:

(Verse 1)
Am C
Woke up in a world so hollow,
Em G
Underneath the weeping willow.
Am C
I saw your face in the shadows,
Em G
Reflecting in the shallow waters.

(Chorus)
C G D Em
We’ve been chasing shadows, chasing shadows,
C G D Em
The echoes of our love lost in the meadows.
C G D Em
Can’t escape these feelings, oh so narrow,
C G D Em
We’re just chasing shadows, chasing shadows.

(Verse 2)
Am C
In dreams, we used to tango,
Em G
In reality, it’s a fandango.
Am C
Our love’s a fading echo,
Em G
We’re just chasing shadows, oh no.

(Chorus)
C G D Em
We’ve been chasing shadows, chasing shadows,
C G D Em
The echoes of our love lost in the meadows.
C G D Em
Can’t escape these feelings, oh so narrow,
C G D Em
We’re just chasing shadows, chasing shadows.

Fan Testimonial:
Their favorite fan is a woman named Jenny who has been following the band since their first gig. She says, “Willing Trouble saved my life. Their music speaks to my soul, and it’s like they understand exactly what I’m going through. I’ve seen them live so many times, I’ve lost count. ‘Chasing Shadows’ is my personal anthem. It reminds me that it’s okay to feel lost sometimes because we’re all just chasing shadows. This band isn’t just my favorite, they’re my lifeline.”

Backstory:

Sudden Rate was born in a small garage in the heart of Brooklyn in 2014. Best friends since middle school, Max “Fury” Furlong and Jake “Echo” Echolls found solace and escape in their music. Max, a gifted guitarist, was the son of a blues musician who had left him his prized Fender Stratocaster, while Jake, a talented drummer, was the son of a jazz drummer who taught him how to play. They spent countless hours in Max’s garage, writing songs and dreaming of making it big. Their big break came in 2016 when they were discovered by a producer at a local open mic night, and they were signed to a record label shortly after.

Genre:
Alternative Rock

Title:
“Breaking Time”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
G#m E B F#
Waking up to the rhythm of a breaking heart,
G#m E B F#
Seeing through the darkness, a dreams depart.
G#m E B F#
Everyday is a struggle, every night a fight,
G#m E B F#
Holding on to hope with all our might.

(Chorus)
G#m E B F#
Breaking time, in the middle of the night,
G#m E B F#
Can’t rewind, can’t set things right.
G#m E B F#
We’re just taking the punches, roll with the tide,
G#m E B F#
In the breaking time, where love resides.

(Verse 2)
G#m E B F#
Memories of laughter, echoes in the mind,
G#m E B F#
Finding strength in sorrow, leaving fears behind.
G#m E B F#
The road ahead is treacherous, the past a heavy load,
G#m E B F#
In the breaking time, we find our road.

(Chorus)
G#m E B F#
Breaking time, in the middle of the storm,
G#m E B F#
Can’t define, can’t conform.
G#m E B F#
We’re just facing the demons, lost in the ride,
G#m E B F#
In the breaking time, where dreams collide.

Fan’s Name & Testimonial:

My name is Sarah, and I am Sudden Rate’s biggest fan. Their music speaks to my soul. Their lyrics are profound and their melodies are heart-stirring. The raw emotion in Max’s voice and the powerful beat of Jake’s drums make their sound uniquely captivating. “Breaking Time” is my favorite song because it resonates with my own journey of overcoming adversity. Sudden Rate’s music is a beacon of hope and strength for me, and I am forever grateful for their art.

Backstory:

Pretty Rumour is an indie rock band that was formed in the throwback city of Birmingham, UK in 2013. Childhood friends, Jake Reynolds (lead vocal/guitar), Oliver Hamilton (bassist), and siblings Lucy (keyboard) and Eric Mathews (drummer) found common ground in their shared love for music. They started performing in small pubs, quickly winning over audiences with their raw musical talent and heartfelt lyrics. Their breakthrough came in 2015 when they were spotted by record producer, Sam Thompson, at a local open-mic night. Since then, they have been making waves in the indie music scene, known for their magnetic live performances and their eclectic mix of rock, pop, and folk sounds.

Genre: Indie Rock

Title: “Whispers in the Wind”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
[G] Looking back at our [Em] time, [C] chasing shadows in the [D] night
[G] Your smile flickering [Em] in candlelight, [C] was it all just a [D] pretty rumour?

[G] Echoes of laughter, [Em] secrets shared [C] under the starry layer, [D]
[G] Now they’re whispers in the [Em] wind, [C] my love, are we fading [D] into the ether?

(Chorus)
[G] Whispers in the wind, [Em] echoes in the night,
[C] Are we just a pretty rumour, [D] lost in the flight?
[G] Can we find a way back [Em] under the moon’s silver light?
[C] Or are we just whispers, [D] whispers in the [G] wind?

(Verse 2)
[G] Your touch still lingers, [Em] in the corners of my [C] mind
[D] Tangled in the echoes, [G] of the love we left [Em] behind
[C] Are we washed away by [D] time, or just a [G] pretty rumour [Em] unrefined?

(Chorus)
[G] Whispers in the wind, [Em] echoes in the night,
[C] Are we just a pretty rumour, [D] lost in the flight?
[G] Can we find a way back [Em] under the moon’s silver light?
[C] Or are we just whispers, [D] whispers in the [G] wind?

Favorite Fan:

Name: Emily Roberts
Testimonial: “Pretty Rumour’s music has been a constant in my life. Their lyrics are so genuine and relatable that I feel like they’re singing my life story. I’ve been to every single one of their concerts in town and it’s like a spiritual experience for me. The energy, the music, the lyrics – it’s just magical. The song “Whispers in the Wind” hits me hard every time I hear it. It’s like they’ve put my deepest feelings into words. Pretty Rumour is more than just my favourite band, they’re my emotional anchor.”

Backstory:
Required Minister is an underground indie rock band that was formed in 2011 in the heart of Brooklyn, New York. The founding members, lead vocalist/guitarist Max Perry, drummer Oliver McQueen, bassist Sam Little, and keyboardist/backup vocalist Emily Rogers, met at a local open-mic night and instantly bonded over their shared love for music that treads the unconventional path. They named their band after a graffiti tag they found on the way home that night, seeing it as a metaphor for the necessity of art and music in society.

Their journey started within the confines of small coffee shops and basement gigs, constantly experimenting with their sound and pushing boundaries. The audience was captivated by their raw energy, insightful lyrics, and unique composition, which quickly gained them a dedicated following. Despite facing numerous challenges and lineup changes, the band has been able to remain true to their essence, resonating with fans who are in search of music that defies the mainstream.

Genre:
Indie Rock

Title:
“Echoes in the Hallway”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
Em G D A
Walking down this dreamy street,
Em G D A
Where shadows whisper tales,
Em G D A
Moonlight paints our secret meet,
Em G D A
On this night, hope prevails.

(Chorus)
C G D Em
Echoes in the hallway,
C G D Em
Our love story on replay,
C G D Em
In the corners of the twilight,
C G D Em
We find our solace, we ignite.

(Verse 2)
Em G D A
Our souls dance to the rhythm,
Em G D A
Of words unsaid, emotions raw,
Em G D A
In the silence, we find wisdom,
Em G D A
In your eyes, I see more.

(Chorus)
C G D Em
Echoes in the hallway,
C G D Em
Our love story on replay,
C G D Em
Underneath the fading starlight,
C G D Em
We find our peace, we ignite.

Fan Testimonial:
Fan’s Name: Jessica Davies
“Why I love Required Minister? It’s simple. Their music speaks to me on a personal level. It’s raw, it’s real, and it’s beautifully crafted. As an artist, I appreciate their commitment to authentic creativity, their refusal to bend to industry norms, and their ability to translate life’s complexities into poignant lyrics. ‘Echoes in the Hallway’ is my anthem. I feel a connection with the band that is both inspiring and comforting. For me, Required Minister is not just a band, it’s a lifestyle.”

Backstory:
Happy-Go-Lucky Memory was formed in the summer of 2010 in the small town of Davis, CA. The band was born from the friendship of four college mates – Jack, Emily, Peter, and Lilly, who discovered their shared passion for music while studying at the University of California, Davis. With Jack and Emily on vocals, Peter on guitar, and Lilly on drums, they started playing at local bars and small gigs around their town. They gained a significant following due to their unique blend of music and their energetic performances, which reflected their youthful spirit and unwavering positivity.

The band started recording their original songs and launched their debut album in 2013. Their music received an overwhelming response from their audience, propelling them to the mainstream music scene. The band name, ‘Happy-Go-Lucky Memory,’ was inspired by their ability to create fun, joyful music that always left their fans with happy memories.

Genre:
Indie Pop

Title:
“Summer Of Smiles”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse1) [G-Em-C-D]
G Em C D
“Under the golden summer sun,
G Em C D
We danced until the day was done.
G Em C D
The sand beneath our barefoot feet,
G Em C D
Was our stage, our secret retreat.”

(Chorus)[G-C-D]
G C D
“We were the summer of smiles,
G C D
Living for the sun-kissed miles.
G C D
With every beat of the drum,
G C D
We knew our journey had just begun.”

(Verse2)[G-Em-C-D]
G Em C D
“Laughter echoed in the night,
G Em C D
Underneath the starry light.
G Em C D
Every moment was a song,
G Em C D
In our hearts, where they belong.”

(Chorus)[G-C-D]
G C D
“We were the summer of smiles,
G C D
Living for the sun-kissed miles.
G C D
With every beat of the drum,
G C D
We knew our journey had just begun.”

(Bridge)[Em-C-G-D]
Em C G D
“Those memories, they never fade,
Em C G D
Like the melody we’ve made.”

(Chorus)[G-C-D]
G C D
“We were the summer of smiles,
G C D
Living for the sun-kissed miles.
G C D
With every beat of the drum,
G C D
We knew our journey had just begun.”

Fan’s Name and Testimonial:
Fan’s Name: Sarah Thompson

Testimonial: “I first heard Happy-Go-Lucky Memory at one of their local bar gigs in 2011, and I was instantly hooked. Their music is a refreshing blend of pure joy and mellow vibes that always uplifts my mood, no matter what. For me, they are not just a band; they are the soundtrack of my life. I’ve been to all their concerts, own all their albums, and every song brings back a happy-go-lucky memory for me. They are, without a doubt, my favorite band.”

Backstory:
Formed in the heart of Detroit in 1976, Deep Journey is a culmination of four marginalized musicians who found solace in music. Initially, the members came together as a means of escape from their individual hardships. The lead vocalist, Pete Falconer, was a former factory worker, whose singing talent was discovered by a colleague. The drummer, Frank “Thunderhand” Williams, grew up in a crime-ridden neighborhood and found rhythm in the chaos. The band’s guitarist, Johnny “Riffmaster” Baxter, was a self-taught prodigy, and the bassist, Sammy “Low-End” Mitchell, was a jazz enthusiast. Their unique backgrounds and shared love for music led to the formation of Deep Journey, a band that has since become a timeless symbol of resilience and passion.

Deep Journey had a rocky start, with the band struggling to gain recognition and break through the mainstream music scene. However, they persisted, performing in various local venues and music festivals. Their breakthrough came after a mesmerizing performance at a local Blues festival, where their emotional connection with the audience and the rawness of their music touched many, leading to their rise in popularity.

Genre:
Blues Rock

Title:
“Shadows in the Light”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
Am – F – C – G
Am
In the depth of the night, where the shadows roam,
F
There’s a cry unheard, a story untold.
C
In a world so cold, lost souls take flight,
G
Finding solace in the shadows in the light.

(Chorus)
Am – F – C – G
Am
Shadows in the light, hiding in plain sight,
F
Unseen warriors in an endless fight.
C
In the darkness, they find their might,
G
Dancing with the shadows in the light.

(Verse 2)
Am
In the silence, there’s a melody,
F
In the sorrow, there’s a symphony.
C
With every step, we scale new heights,
G
Walking with the shadows in the light.

(Chorus)
Am
Shadows in the light, secrets of the night,
F
Where pain and joy intertwine.
C
In their dance, we find delight,
G
Living with the shadows in the light.

Favorite Fan:
Their favorite fan’s name is Rosie Thompson. Rosie first heard Deep Journey at a music festival and was instantly drawn to their soulful music. Rosie has since followed their journey closely, never missing a concert and even starting a fan club. Rosie says, “Deep Journey’s music speaks to me in a way no other band does. Their songs resonate with my experiences, giving voice to my struggles and joys. Their music is raw, emotional, and real. They are not just a band to me; they are a beacon of hope, reminding me that no matter my journey, I am not alone.”

Backstory:

Amused Needle is a group of childhood friends turned rock stars, hailing from the small town of Ferris, North Dakota. Consisting of lead vocalist and guitarist, Joey Morgen, bassist, Luke Stevenson, drummer, Max ‘The Hammer’ Hendrik, and keyboardist, Ivy Knight, the band was formed in their high school music room. Their journey started by playing at local events, covering songs from their favorite artists and eventually creating their own unique sound. The band’s quirky name, “Amused Needle,” was inspired by the town’s iconic landmark, a giant hay needle statue, which they found ironically amusing.

Genre:

Amused Needle plays a combination of Indie Rock and Blues, creating an engaging blend of infectious riffs, powerful bass lines, and poignant lyrics. Their sound is raw, emotive, and deeply connected to their small-town roots.

Title:

“Whiskey on a Sunday Morning”

Full song lyrics:

Verse 1:
[G] Woke up this morning to the [C] sound of the rain,
[D] Whiskey on my breath, I’m [G] lost in the pain.
[G] Echoes of your laughter fill [C] this empty room,
[D] I’m missing you, darling, like a [G] sunflower misses the bloom.

Chorus:
[C] Whiskey on a Sunday morning, [G] tears falling down like rain,
[D] I’m dancing with your memory, lost in the [G] refrain.
[C] Whiskey on a Sunday morning, [G] empty bed and a lonely night,
[D] Only your whispers in the wind, taking [G] flight.

Verse 2:
[G] The town seems so quiet, just [C] like your goodbye,
[D] Whiskey on a Sunday morning, [G] trying not to cry.
[G] Pictures on the wall, just [C] reminders of the past,
[D] Our love story ended, it [G] happened so fast.

Chorus:
[C] Whiskey on a Sunday morning, [G] drowning in the past,
[D] In this old house, echoes of our [G] love, so vast.
[C] Whiskey on a Sunday morning, [G] the world’s a colder place,
[D] Without your smile, your touch, your [G] grace.

The band’s favorite fan’s name:

Billy Porter

Testimonial:

“Amused Needle is my favorite band for many reasons, but primarily because their music speaks to me on a personal level. Their lyrics are deep and meaningful, and the melodies are just incredible. Also, they’re from my hometown, Ferris. Seeing them go from playing cover songs at the local fair to creating their own music and achieving success is truly inspiring. Every time I listen to their song, ‘Whiskey on a Sunday Morning,’ I feel a strong connection to their journey and roots. They’re not just a band to me, they’re the voice of our town.”

Backstory:
Wordy Hotel – a band that originated from the depths of artistic obscurity in the bustling city of Austin, Texas. The band was formed by a group of college friends who shared a common love for the literary arts, music, and deep philosophical discussions. Fueled by their shared passion, they started writing songs that embodied their unique creative spirit. Their music, filled with metaphors and literary references, caught the attention of a local fanbase and their fame began to slowly snowball. With each performance, Wordy Hotel continued to prove that their music was a labyrinth of words waiting to be explored.

Genre:
Indie Folkrock

Title:
“Paperback Kingdom”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
Am [C] I just a story, [G] lost within your pages, [Dm]
Am [E] I just a memory, [Am] fading through the ages? [F]

(Chorus)
In this [C] paperback kingdom, [G] we write our own fates,
Inked our [Dm] dreams in the margin, [E] sealed them with heartaches.
We are [Am] princes of prose, [F] queens of the quatrain,
In this [C] paperback kingdom, [G] we’ll always remain. [Dm]

(Verse 2)
Am [C] I just a chapter, [G] bound in your verses, [Dm]
Am [E] I just a whisper, [Am] trapped in your stanzas? [F]

(Chorus)
In this [C] paperback kingdom, [G] we etch our desires,
Lit our [Dm] hopes like a candle, [E] fanned them into fires.
We are [Am] rulers of rhyme, [F] lords of the sonnet,
In this [C] paperback kingdom, [G] we’re forever upon it. [Dm]

(Final chorus)
In this [C] paperback kingdom, [G] we spin tales of old,
We are [Dm] bards of the ballad, [E] our stories unfold.
We are [Am] masters of metaphor, [F] scribes of the scene,
In this [C] paperback kingdom, [G] we’re the word and the dream. [Dm]

Favorite Fan:
The band’s favorite fan is a literature professor named Rebecca Smith. Rebecca has been with Wordy Hotel since their earliest gigs. She claims that their music is “a beautiful confluence of thought-provoking poetry and soulful harmonies that transcends generic boundaries. It’s like stepping into a literary world that dances with melodies and rhythm.” She’s not just an ardent supporter but has also written several academic papers on the band’s lyrical depth and thematic coherence. To Rebecca, Wordy Hotel isn’t just a band, they’re a testament to the power of words and music.