Backstory:
Rotten Bear was formed in the bustling college town of Madison, Wisconsin, during the winter of 2015. Founding members, lead vocalist Carrie Armstrong and bassist Danny “Deacon” Marks, met in an open mic night at a local dive bar. They found their musical tastes collided in the most harmonious way, prompting them to start a musical journey together. Later, they were joined by drummer Max Thomas and keyboardist Eli Johnson, forming the unconventional and audacious quartet that is Rotten Bear.

They began by playing in small venues around town, quickly gaining a following for their unconventional sound and raucous live performances. Their breakthrough came when they were discovered by a visiting record producer who was in town for a music festival. He was instantly captivated by their unique sound and offered them a record deal on the spot.

Genre:
Punk Rock fused with a touch of Folk

Title:
“Love Decay”

Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
Em C G D
When we met in the dark, under city lights glow,
Em C G D
Your eyes were stars, in a night worn so low.
Em C G D
But the passion we had, soon began to fray,
Em C G D
Like an old vinyl record, spinning love decay.

(Chorus)
Em C G D
Love Decay, in the heart of the city,
Em C G D
Where dreams crumble, ain’t it a pity?
Em C G D
In your arms, I’ve lost my way,
Em C G D
In the spinning rhythm of our Love Decay.

(Verse 2)
Em C G D
We danced in the rain, with no regard to time,
Em C G D
But the rhythm we had, slowly lost its rhyme.
Em C G D
Your touch, once warm, is now a cold array,
Em C G D
In the haunting melody of our Love Decay.

(Chorus)
Em C G D
Love Decay, in the heart of the city,
Em C G D
Where dreams crumble, ain’t it a pity?
Em C G D
In your arms, I’ve lost my way,
Em C G D
In the spinning rhythm of our Love Decay.

Fan Testimonial:
Fan Name – Jenny Thompson

Jenny stumbled upon Rotten Bear during one of their early shows in Madison. The raw, intense energy of their performance, combined with the deeply poignant lyrics, struck a chord with her. Their song “Love Decay” especially resonated with her as she was going through a tough break-up, and it became her anthem through those tough times. She says, “Rotten Bear is my favorite band because their songs feel like they’re telling my story, the struggles, the heartbreaks, the resilience. Their music is punk rock with a heart, and I love it!” She has attended every one of their shows she could since that fateful night and plans to continue supporting them as they take on the world.

Backstory:

Satisfied Circle was formed in the hot summer of 2013, in the heart of the bustling city of Austin, Texas. The founding members, John ‘Bluesy’ McKain, a harmonica enthusiast, and Billy ‘Sticks’ Taylor, a self-taught drummer, were drawn together by a shared love for music with heart and soul. After performing as a duo in local bars and at small gigs, they expanded their circle with the addition of Gina ‘Groovy’ Rodriguez on bass and Alice ‘Strings’ Ballad on lead guitar.

Satisfied Circle quickly became a local sensation, their passionate performances and unique sound captivating audiences of all ages. In 2015, they recorded their debut album in a makeshift studio in McKain’s garage. The band has since toured extensively, their music reaching out to fans across the globe. Despite their success, Satisfied Circle remains grounded, their music fueled by their love for the craft, not the fame.

Genre:

Blues Rock

Title:

“Sweet Southern Rain”

Full song lyrics:

(Verse)
Em G D A
Driftin’ on the breeze, in the sweet southern rain,
Em G D A
Lost in a haze, of love’s sweet refrain.
Em G D A
The moon is high, stars twinklin’ bright,
Em G D A
I got my guitar, and it feels just right.

(Chorus)
Em G D A
Oh! Sweet Southern Rain, washin’ my pain,
Em G D A
In your cool embrace, I find my solace again.
Em G D A
Oh! Sweet Southern Rain, soothe my burning flame,
Em G D A
In your tender touch, I find my love again.

(Verse)
Em G D A
Rollin’ on the river, under the southern sky,
Em G D A
The world’s a blur, as the days roll by.
Em G D A
My heart’s beating to the rhythm of the blues,
Em G D A
With every strum, I’m thinking of you.

(Chorus Repeats)

Favorite Fan:

Amy ‘Harmony’ Davis – Amy has been a fan of Satisfied Circle since their early days. She has attended every concert, bought every album, and even runs a fan blog dedicated solely to the band. Amy loves the band’s authentic and raw sound, and the way their lyrics resonate with her personal experiences. She claims, “Satisfied Circle’s music is like therapy. It’s heartfelt, honest, and has a healing quality to it. They don’t just play the blues, they live it, and their music speaks directly to my soul.”

Backstory:
Primary Signal came together in a small suburban garage in the late 90s, a group of high school friends carried away by their love of music and the simple desire to create something of their own. Initially, their practices were just a way to escape the mundanity of small-town life, but as time passed, their bond and their sound evolved. The lead singer, Jake Reynolds, found his voice through heartbreaks and victories of teenage life, while lead guitarist, Matt Harrison, rhythm guitarist, Sam Turner, drummer, Craig Jensen, and bassist, Timmy Anderson, honed their skills day by day, creating a unique blend of music that captured the ups and downs of their shared experiences.

The band’s breakthrough came when they got the chance to perform at a local music festival, their energetic performance and unique sound drawing the attention of indie record label owner, Jack Davenport. Recognizing their potential, Jack signed them on the spot. From their humble beginnings in a suburban garage to touring nationwide, Primary Signal maintained their original spirit; friends making music from the heart.

Genre: Indie Rock

Title: “Frequency of the Unknown”

Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
Em Am
Left in the midst of the crowded scene,
D G
I found my heart in a melody,
C G
The lights are low, but the music’s loud,
Am B
This is where I am found.

(Chorus)
G D Em
In the frequency of the unknown,
C G D
Here’s where our stories are sown.
G D Em
In the rhythm that keeps us alive,
C G D
This is where we thrive.

(Verse 2)
Em Am
The night sky is our open book,
D G
Underneath the stars, we took,
C G
A leap of faith and a chord to strum,
Am B
In the melody, we become.

(Chorus)
G D Em
In the frequency of the unknown,
C G D
Here’s where our stories are sown.
G D Em
In the rhythm that keeps us alive,
C G D
This is where we thrive.

Favorite Fan: Emily Morton

Emily Morton, a librarian from Portland, has been following Primary Signal since their early days and has been to every concert within a 100-mile radius. Her love for the band is influenced by their unique sound, the blend of indie rock with meaningful lyrics. To Emily, Primary Signal is more than just a band; they are a source of strength and inspiration. She says, “Every song feels like a journey I’m taking with them. Their music has helped me through tough times and has made me feel less alone. Primary Signal isn’t just my favorite band, they’re my beacon of hope in a sometimes chaotic world.”

Backstory:
Stark Dealer was birthed in the gritty underbelly of Nashville, Tennessee, a city known for its profound history in music. The four members—Landon Grey (lead vocals and guitar), Jamie Stark (drums), Deacon “The Dealer” James (bass), and Rosaline Bennett (keyboard and backup vocals)—met in a dimly lit jazz club one fateful night in 2016. All were wandering souls in the vast landscape of music, looking for something raw, something real. That night, they found it in each other.

The band’s name, Stark Dealer, was inspired from Jamie’s surname (Stark) and Deacon’s notorious poker skills (The Dealer). The name signifies the blend of stark, unadulterated emotion and the gamble that is life and love, themes that are regularly explored in their music.

Genre:
Stark Dealer’s unique blend of Indie Rock and Folk with a hint of Blues appeals to a broad spectrum of music lovers.

Title:
“Lady of the Midnight Sun”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
[G] Lady of the [Em] midnight sun,
[C] Dancing wild and [D] having fun.
[G] Bottle of [Em] whiskey in your hand,
[C] You’re the queen of [D] this no man’s land.

(Chorus)
[G] Spin, spin in the [Em] summer heat,
[C] To the rhythm of your [D] heart’s own beat.
[G] Lady of the [Em] midnight sun,
[C] Your dance has only [D] just begun.

(Verse 2)
[G] Underneath the [Em] velvet sky,
[C] You spin tales of [D] days gone by.
[G] With every [Em] tear and every laugh,
[C] You bear the scars of [D] your own path.

(Chorus)
[G] Spin, spin in the [Em] winter’s cold,
[C] You’re a story yet to [D] be told.
[G] Lady of the [Em] midnight sun,
[C] Your dance will never [D] be undone.

Fan Testimonial:
‘My name is Jimmy Thorne, and I am probably the biggest Stark Dealer fan out there. I remember the first time I heard “Lady of the Midnight Sun”; it spoke directly to me. The raw emotion, the vivid storytelling, it all resonated with my life experiences. There’s something about the way they blend indie rock, folk, and blues that just speaks volumes. Their music taught me how to embrace my scars and dance through life. Stark Dealer isn’t just my favorite band because they make great music, they’re my favorite because they touch souls.’

Backstory:

Decimal Spending was formed in the bustling city of Los Angeles in late 2012. The group is made up of five members: guitarists Adam and Brian, bassist Charlie, drummer David, and lead vocalist Emily. Each member had found moderate success in their individual musical paths, but they had all been searching for something more. When they finally found each other, they realized that together they could create something truly unique and revolutionary. Their mutual love for music, finance, and the concept of ‘spending’ influenced their band name and most of their songs.

For years, Decimal Spending worked relentlessly in the studio, combining their diverse areas of expertise to create their distinctive sound. They found popularity in the local music scene, known for their energetic performances and original melodies. The band’s passion and dedication have led them to become a household name in LA, and they continue to inspire and entertain their fans.

Genre:

Alternative Rock/Electronica

Title:

“Loose Change Love”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
[Em] Picking up pennies, [G] searching for dimes,
[C] You’re the dollar bill [D] I can’t seem to find.
[Em] Nights at the arcade, [G] tickets for two,
[C] Can’t afford dinner, [D] but I’ve got you.

(Chorus)
[G] Loose change love, [Em] we’re down but not out,
[C] I’ve got pennies for your thoughts, [D] that’s what we’re about.
[G] Dancing in the moonlight, [Em] beneath the stars above,
[C] We’re living on a budget, [D] in a loose change love.

(Verse 2)
[Em] Swiping my card, [G] in the ATM line,
[C] My accounts are empty, [D] but you’re still mine.
[Em] High-priced dreams, [G] in a dollar store town,
[C] We’ve got no money, [D] but we’re not down.

(Chorus)
[G] Loose change love, [Em] we’re making it through,
[C] No cash in our pockets, [D] but I’ve got you.
[G] Singing in the sunlight, [Em] beneath the skies above,
[C] We’re counting up pennies, [D] in a loose change love.

Favorite Fan:

The band’s favorite fan is a gentleman named Robert. He found Decimal Spending during a difficult financial period in his life and their music resonated deeply with him. He fell in love with their energetic sound and the way their lyrics painted a picture of the struggles and triumphs of life on a tight budget. In his words, “Decimal Spending’s music is a reminder that the most valuable things in life aren’t things at all. They inspire me to appreciate the small things and to not let financial struggles define me. Their song ‘Loose Change Love’ is my anthem; it reminds me that love and companionship are priceless, and that’s something worth singing about.”

Backstory:
Internal Zipper was born on a rainy night in Santa Fe, New Mexico. The founders, Jessa McCarthy (vocals and guitar) and Miguel Guerra (drums), met in a local record store where they were both eyeing the last copy of a rare Velvet Underground album. This chance encounter led to endless jam sessions in a friend’s garage, and soon they were creating their own unique sound. They were later joined by Rex Pearce on bass and Maya Song on keyboards, both friends they made while performing at local gigs. Their knack for blending a 90’s grunge sensibility with modern indie folk-pop made them a hit in the local scene.

Genre:
Indie Folk-Pop

Title:
“Ripped Seams”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
[G] She wore her heart like a [Em] locket, [C] starlit dreams in her [D] pocket.
[G] But love is a tricky [Em] thief, [C] it steals your joy while you’re [D] asleep.

(Chorus)
[G] Ripped seams, [D] broken dreams, [Em] unfinished songs, [C] life’s moving on.
[G] We are the [D] internal zipper, [Em] holding, mending, [C] keep it from falling apart.

(Verse 2)
[G] He held his hopes like a [Em] treasure, [C] finding solace in the [D] pleasure.
[G] But time is a ruthless [Em] beast, [C] it takes your yen while you’re [D] at peace.

(Chorus)
[G] Ripped seams, [D] stolen dreams, [Em] unsung melodies, [C] life’s just a tease.
[G] We are the [D] internal zipper, [Em] patching, sewing, [C] keeping it from falling apart.

(Bridge)
[C] Broken hearts and [D] shattered dreams, [G] life isn’t always what it [D] seems.
[Em] So hold on to your [C] ripped seams, [G] internal zippers [D] mend the means.

(Chorus)
[G] Ripped seams, [D] whispered dreams, [Em] forlorn symphonies, [C] life’s not a breeze.
[G] We are the [D] internal zipper, [Em] fixing, binding, [C] saving us from falling apart.

Bands Favorite Fan:
Our favorite fan is definitely Sammy Green. Sammy’s been at every gig since we started, rain or shine. He even drove for four hours once to watch us perform at a tiny venue in Albuquerque.

Testimonial:
“Internal Zipper has a unique blend of lyricism and raw emotion that speaks to my soul. Their music is not just noise, but a voice for our generation. The song ‘Ripped Seams’ resonates with my life struggles and inspires me to keep going. They’re more than just a band to me; they’re a beacon in the storm.” – Sammy Green.

Backstory:

Idolized Sail was born in the vibrant pubs and concert halls of Seattle, Washington, a city known for its rich music history. The band was formed in 2010 when lead singer and guitarist Tony “Tone” Rivers met drummer Jake “Rhythm” Richardson at a local open-mic night. They discovered a shared passion for music that was both intense and meaningful, and they sought to create something unique. They later added bassist Lily “Bass” Benson and keyboardist Fred “Keys” Kelley to the mix, and Idolized Sail was officially launched. Their music journey started from local bars to international stages, carrying a message of love, hope, and resilience through their lyrics and rhythms.

Genre:

Indie Rock

Title:

“Beyond the Horizon”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
Amaj7
Out here under the twilight sky,
D7
We dream of places far and high.
Gmaj7
We, the unchained melody,
Em7
Sail away on the open sea.

(Chorus)
Cmaj7
Beyond the horizon, our hopes they lie,
Fmaj7
In the idolized sail, under the night sky.
D7
In the face of the storm, we never say die,
Gmaj7
For beyond the horizon, our dreams they fly.

(Verse 2)
Amaj7
Weave tales in the canvas white,
D7
Guided by the northern light.
Gmaj7
Waves they rise, waves they fall,
Em7
But the idolized sail outlasts them all.

(Chorus)
Cmaj7
Beyond the horizon, our hopes they lie,
Fmaj7
In the idolized sail, under the night sky.
D7
In the face of the storm, we never say die,
Gmaj7
For beyond the horizon, our dreams they fly.

The band’s favorite fan:

Idolized Sail’s favorite fan is a woman named Jane McAllister from Portland, Oregon. Jane has been following the band since its formation, and she never misses a show within a 200-mile radius of her hometown. Jane says, “Idolized Sail is more than just a band to me. Their music has been my companion through the highs and lows of life. ‘Beyond the Horizon’ is my anthem, a reminder of the resilience and hope in us all. They understand the journey, the struggle, and the victory, and they encapsulate it all in their music. They’re the real deal, and their music comes straight from the heart.”

Backstory:
Disguised Angel came together in the small town of Red Ridge, Alabama, in 2013. Childhood friends, lead singer and guitarist, Jake Collins, and drummer, Maxwell ‘Max’ Stevens, nurtured their love for music from their early days in church choir. When Sarah Thompson, a new arrival in town and a proficient bassist, joined their high school, the trio decided to merge their talents, birthing Disguised Angel.

The band started by playing at local events and school functions and soon began amassing a fan base in their town. Their raw talent and unique sound led them to win the statewide band competition in 2015. This turned into their big break when a scout from a record label happened to be present at the event. Inspired by their spiritual roots and the struggles of life in a small town, their songs consist of soulful ballads and powerful anthems that resonate with many.

Genre:
Country Rock

Song Title:
“Broken Halo”

Full Song Lyrics:
(Verse 1 – Chords: G, D, Em, C)
(G) I see you standing there, (D) bathed in moonlight fair,
(Em) With a broken halo, and (C) angel wings so bare.
(G) Your eyes, they tell a tale, (D) of dreams that set to sail,
(Em) Beneath your disguise, (C) angel, lies a touching tale.

(Chorus – Chords: C, G, D)
(C) Broken Halo, (G) we all fall down,
(D) But it’s how we rise that makes the angels frown.
(C) Broken Halo, (G) in your eyes I see,
(D) The strength to mend, the will to be free.

(Verse 2 – Chords: G, D, Em, C)
(G) Hidden in your smile, (D) is a heart that’s been on trial,
(Em) With a broken halo, (C) yet you walk every mile.
(G) In your laughter rings, (D) the beauty that life brings,
(Em) Beneath your disguise, (C) angel, the true joy springs.

(Repeat Chorus)

(Bridge – Chords: Em, C, G, D)
(Em) Doesn’t matter the hurt, (C) doesn’t matter the fall,
(G) With your broken halo, (D) you still stand tall.

(Repeat Chorus)

Favorite Fan Testimonial:
“My name is Lottie Cooper. I am, without a doubt, Disguised Angel’s biggest fan. Their song ‘Broken Halo’ speaks to me on so many levels. It’s like they’ve climbed into my heart and put all my feelings into words. The way they incorporate their small-town roots and spiritual background into their music gives it a raw, powerful, and comforting feel. It’s like a balm for the soul. Whenever life gets tough, their music is my go-to remedy. I can’t wait for their next album. Long live Disguised Angel!”

Backstory:

Glamorous Break is a group of four high school friends from small-town Wisconsin, who grew up sharing a mutual love for music and rebellion. The members consist of lead vocalist Jenna “Fox” Daniels, guitarist Terry “Riff” Simpson, bassist Marty “Bass Beast” Clayton, and drummer Casey “Thumper” Marsh. They were initially drawn together by their shared sense of teenage angst, their love for their town’s local music scene, and their desire to add their unique sound into the mix.

The band came to be during a summer break when they decided to escape their mundane routine by creating music in Marty’s garage. They quickly realized their potential and started performing at local venues. Their music journey officially began when a talent scout from Los Angeles caught one of their performances and offered them a record deal. Since then, Glamorous Break has been breaking boundaries and capturing hearts with their vibrant music and energetic performances.

Genre:

Pop-Punk

Title:

“Midnight Rebellion”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
G D
Under the city lights, we found our way,
Em C
In the echoes of the night, we chose to stay.
G D
Restless hearts, whispering fears,
Em C
We broke the chains, leaving behind our tears.

(Chorus)
G D
It’s a midnight rebellion, we’re starting the fight,
Em C
Against the norms, under the silver moonlight.
G D
It’s our time to rise, let’s set the world alight,
Em C
In this midnight rebellion, love takes flight.

(Verse 2)
G D
Lost in the rhythm, we sway and swirl,
Em C
In the eyes of the storm, we’re diamonds and pearls.
G D
With wild dreams, we never looked back,
Em C
On this rebel ride, there’s no fear of attack.

(Chorus)
G D
It’s a midnight rebellion, we’re breaking free,
Em C
From the chains of convention, we choose to be.
G D
In the heart of the night, we find our delight,
Em C
In this midnight rebellion, we ignite.

The Band’s Favorite Fan:

The band’s favorite fan is a girl named Sally Thompson. Sally is a die-hard fan who’s been with Glamorous Break since their first garage performance. She says, “Glamorous Break is more than just a band to me. Their music speaks to my soul and gives voice to my emotions. Their energy and authenticity are infectious, and their rebellious spirit is truly empowering. They’ve become a soundtrack to my life, playing in the background of my highs and lows. They’re not just a favorite band, they’re a part of who I am.”

Backstory:
Fake Nest is a groundbreaking band that was formed in the heart of New York City’s bustling music scene. The band consists of five members: lead vocalist and guitarist Luke, bassist Tim, drummer Alex, keyboardist Jenny, and backing vocalist Michelle. They met during their college years, each from diverse backgrounds but bound by a shared love of music. Their journey embarked in a small, shabby apartment, aptly named the “Fake Nest,” where they started creating music that resonated with their generation. Over time, they established a unique sound that was a blend of their individual musical influences.

Genre:
Indie Rock/ Alternative Pop

Title:
“Fractured Frames”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
[G] Restless nights, [Em] faded dreams,
[C] We’re still young, [D] but it seems,
[G] Broken hearts, [Em] fractured frames,
[C] We’re just players [D] in this game.

(Chorus)
[G] But we’ll rise, [Em] from the ashes,
[C] Unveil the masks, [D] ignore the flashes,
[G] In our Fake Nest, [Em] we’ll sing,
[C] Of love, life, [D] and everything.

(Verse 2)
[G] Time flies, [Em] but memories remain,
[C] Through the sunshine, [D] through the rain,
[G] We stand tall, [Em] we stand strong,
[C] In our hearts, [D] is where we belong.

(Chorus)
[G] And we’ll rise, [Em] from the ashes,
[C] Unveil the masks, [D] ignore the flashes,
[G] In our Fake Nest, [Em] we’ll sing,
[C] Of love, life, [D] and everything.

Outro:
[G] Here in this nest, [Em] we found our rest,
[C] We played, we sang, [D] we gave our best,
[G] Together we’ve soared, [Em] on music’s wings,
[C] In our hearts, [D] the song still rings.

Favorite Fan:
The band’s favorite fan, Sarah, became a die-hard Fake Nest fanatic after discovering their music during a rough patch in her life. She says, “Their songs feel like a mirror, reflecting my experiences, emotions, and thoughts. The way the band combines raw emotion with intricate musicality is unparalleled. Fake Nest isn’t just my favorite band because of their music, but because their songs have been a friend when I felt alone. They’ve made me feel seen, understood, and loved.”