Backstory:

Curly Condition is a band that was born from the electrifying atmosphere of the seedy music clubs of New York’s Lower East Side in the late 2000s. The four members, frontman Jordan “Curls” Hartley, guitarist “Riff” DeMarco, bassist “Bass-o-matic” Jenkins, and drummer “Beatdown” Barnes, all hailed from wildly different musical backgrounds that ranged from jazz to metal. They were drawn together by their shared love for unabashedly loud, raw energy and a desire to create something truly unique. They spent countless nights jamming together, their shared passion fuelling their determination to break through the mainstream.

They started to gain recognition after winning a local battle of the bands, but it wasn’t until a grainy video of their enigmatic live performance went viral that they were catapulted into the national spotlight. Their sound, a wild fusion of punk, rock, and blues, combined with Hartley’s emotive, gravelly voice and the band’s mesmerizing stage presence, quickly earned them a dedicated fan base. Despite their meteoric rise, they’ve remained grounded, always returning to those same clubs that gave them their start.

Genre:
Blues-infused Punk Rock

Title:
“Rusty Chains of Love”

Full song lyrics:

(Verse 1: E A E B7)
Well I’m bound by these rusty chains of love (E A)
Can’t escape no matter how hard I shove (E B7)
Your memory lingers like a haunting dove (E A)
Flying high above, my one true love (E B7)

(Chorus: A E B7)
Rusty chains of love, you’ve got me tied (A E)
Can’t break free, don’t matter how I’ve tried (A B7)
This heart keeps beating for you, can’t hide (A E)
In these rusty chains of love, I abide (A B7 E)

(Verse 2)
Your voice echoes in my weary mind (E A)
The sweetness of your touch, so hard to find (E B7)
In these rusty chains of love, I am confined (E A)
Searching for a love that’s one of a kind (E B7)

(Chorus)
Rusty chains of love, you’ve got me tied (A E)
Can’t break free, don’t matter how I’ve tried (A B7)
This heart keeps beating for you, can’t hide (A E)
In these rusty chains of love, I abide (A B7 E)

(Bridge: E A B B7)
In the moonlight’s cold, I feel your touch (E A)
These rusty chains of love, they mean so much (B B7)
Without your love, I’m out of clutch (E A)
These rusty chains of love, they are my crutch (B B7 E)

(Chorus)
Rusty chains of love, you’ve got me tied (A E)
Can’t break free, don’t matter how I’ve tried (A B7)
This heart keeps beating for you, can’t hide (A E)
In these rusty chains of love, I abide (A B7 E)

Band’s Favorite Fan:

The band’s favorite fan is a woman named Francine “Frankie” O’Dell, a schoolteacher from Brooklyn. Frankie fell in love with the band when she stumbled upon their performance in one of the clubs. As she puts it in her testimonial, “Their music, it’s raw, it’s real, it’s like a punch in the gut that leaves you wanting more. They have this incredible energy, this passion that just grabs you and doesn’t let go. It’s like a wild ride, a roller coaster of emotions. They’re not just a band, they’re an experience. And once you’ve had a taste, you just can’t

Backstory:
Exalted Truck, a legendary band with a humble beginning, was born in the garage of a small-town mechanic named Joe. Joe, along with his buddies, Mike and Tom, whiled away their spare time jamming together, using old engine parts as makeshift instruments. The unique and raw sound they created resonated with their co-workers, and soon, the word spread like wildfire. They decided to take their music out of the garage and into the world, christening themselves ‘Exalted Truck’, a nod to their mechanized origins.

Their journey wasn’t smooth, with various obstacles blocking their path, like the skepticism of record labels and financial difficulties. Yet, the trio persisted, trucking down the highway of their dreams. Their first breakthrough came when their track ‘Rust and Resilience’ hit the airwaves, creating a stir in the music scene. The rest, as they say, is history.

Genre:
Alternative Rock with a hint of Country

Title:
‘Gears of Change’

Full Song Lyrics:
(Verse 1)
G D Em
Grinding gears, oil-stained tears,
C G D
Midnight shift, life’s a stiff.
Em D G
In this rusty town,
C Em D
We wear our crown.

(Chorus)
G D C G
We are the gears of change,
Em C D
In a world, estranged.
G D C G
Turn the wrench, tighten the range,
Em C D
We are the gears of change.

(Verse 2)
G D Em
Steel bones, hearts of stones,
C G D
Daylight fades, but hope cascades.
Em D G
Under the waning moon,
C Em D
We hum our tune.

(Repeat Chorus)

(Bridge)
Em D G C
Fight the rust, in ourselves, we trust,
D Em C G
In this tussle, we’ll find our muscle.
D Em C G
For every broken cog, and every unclogged bog,
D Em C G
We remain, the gears of change.

(Repeat Chorus)

Fan Testimonial:
“My name is Sarah, and I’ve been a die-hard fan of Exalted Truck since their ‘Rust and Resilience’ days. Their music speaks to the soul. It’s raw, real, and resonates with the working class. It’s a testament to perseverance and resilience. Being a mechanic myself, their songs like ‘Gears of Change’, inspire me to fight my everyday battles with a smile. Exalted Truck isn’t just a band to me; they are the soundtrack of my life.”

Backstory:

Warlike Side is an unexpectedly harmonious blend of five childhood friends who discovered their shared passion for music while growing up in the industrial heart of Pittsburgh. They spent their formative years listening to everything from grunge to metal, using music as an escape from the daily realities of life in a manufacturing town. As they honed their skills in countless garages and small club stages, the band started gaining local popularity for their electrifying performances and substantial lyrical depth. Their unique, gritty, and raw sound quickly caught the attention of the city’s underground music scene, and in 2005, they officially formed Warlike Side, a testament to their tenacious spirit and unwavering dedication to their craft.

Genre:

Alternative Rock / Nu Metal

Title:

“Shadows of the Steel City”

Song lyrics:

(Verse 1)
[G] Down by the river, [D] where the steel mills hum,
[Em] We found a rhythm, [C] under the setting sun.
[G] Echoes of factory [D] whistles, as day turns to night,
[Em] We were born from its pulse, [C] in the shadows, we write.

(Chorus)
[G] We are the Warlike Side, [D] voices raised high.
[Em] From the ashes of the old, [C] beneath the steel sky,
[G] In every note, in every stride, [D] we redefine the fight,
[Em] This is our war cry, [C] we are the Warlike Side.

(Verse 2)
[G] Streets of struggle, [D] etched in our song,
[Em] We carry the legacy, [C] where we belong.
[G] With every chord, and [D] every line,
[Em] We paint a picture, [C] of our Warlike Side.

(Chorus)
[G] We are the Warlike Side, [D] in the noise, we confide.
[Em] From the heart of the city, [C] we ride the tide,
[G] In every beat, in every stride, [D] we light up the night,
[Em] This is our anthem, [C] we are the Warlike Side.

Band’s Favorite Fan:

Our favorite fan is a lady called Sarah Jennings. Sarah has been with us since day one. She was there in those humble beginnings when we were belting out tunes in tiny, half-empty bars. Her unwavering support and dedication have been a constant source of motivation and inspiration for us. Here’s what she had to say about us:

“Warlike Side is more than just a band to me; it’s a movement, a statement. Their music is a testament to our city, our struggles, and our triumphs. It’s raw, powerful, and incredibly relatable. Their song ‘Shadows of the Steel City’ particularly resonates with me. It perfectly captures the essence of Pittsburgh. The lyrics, the rhythm, everything about it speaks to my soul. It’s hard to put into words, but their music makes me feel seen and understood. I am proud to be a Warlike Side fan!”

Backstory:

Arctic Recess was born on a chilly winter’s night in the heart of Stockholm, Sweden. The four members, Axel, Elin, Gustav, and Sven, were childhood friends who shared a deep love for music and the adventure of the arctic wilderness. They spent their school recesses playing music together, creating their unique sound, hence the name ‘Arctic Recess’. Their music evolved as they grew up, echoing with the raw beauty and harsh contrasts of the Arctic landscape that had always been their playground.

The band gained recognition when they won a local battle of the bands competition with their unique blend of music. Many of their early songs were inspired by their shared love for the arctic wilderness and the harmony of their childhood friendship. Their music resonated with the audience, and they quickly became a local sensation, selling out shows in Stockholm and eventually landing a record deal.

Genre:

Indie Folk/Pop

Title:

“Aurora’s Echo”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
[G] Down the icy lanes where [C] childhood remains,
[D] We’ve woven tales of the [G] winter’s refrain.
[G] Underneath the Northern Lights, [C] in the dead of the night,
[D] We found our rhythm, our [G] musical delight.

(Chorus)
[C] Singing to the echoes of [G] Aurora’s dance,
[D] Finding our rhythm in this [Em] icy trance.
[C] Our melody sparkles like [G] the frosty dew,
[D] We’re Arctic Recess, we’ve got a [G] song for you.

(Verse 2)
[G] From the frozen landscape where [C] our dreams took shape,
[D] We strummed our guitars, our [G] music to create.
[G] Our voices carried by the [C] wintry wind,
[D] A symphony of friendship, an [G] unbreakable kin.

(Chorus)
[C] Singing to the echoes of [G] Aurora’s dance,
[D] Finding our rhythm in this [Em] icy trance.
[C] Our melody sparkles like [G] the frosty dew,
[D] We’re Arctic Recess, we’ve got a [G] song for you.

The band’s favorite fan’s name:

Lenny

Testimonial:

“Arctic Recess is my favorite band because their music is like a breath of fresh air. It’s raw, it’s real, and it takes me to a beautiful but harsh Arctic landscape that I’ve only ever dreamed of. Their lyrics are deeply emotional and their harmonies are so beautifully in sync. It’s like they are not just a band, but lifelong friends who share a beautiful journey. Every time I listen to their music, I feel like I’m part of that journey, part of that unique wilderness adventure, and that’s a truly magical feeling.” – Lenny

Backstory:

Obedient Joke originated in the bustling music scene of Seattle in 2017. The band was formed when childhood friends Bryan “Blitz” Johnson (Lead Guitar), Daniel “Dax” Armstrong (Bass Guitar), and Liam “Loopy” Cooper (Drums) joined forces with a charismatic frontwoman, Marissa “Rizzo” Davis (Vocals), who they met at a local open mic night. They started out playing gigs in small pubs and clubs, slowly gaining a fanbase with their unique sound and energetic performances. Their big break came when they were spotted by a record label executive at a battle of the bands event, leading to their first self-titled album “Obedient Joke”.

Genre:

Alternative Rock with a hint of Punk

Title:

“Chasing Shadows”

Full Song Lyrics:

[Intro]
Em-C-G-D (x2)

[Verse 1]
Em C
I’ve been running, running blind
G D
Chasing shadows in my mind
Em C
Lost in your laughter, lost in your lies
G D
All I can do is wonder why

[Chorus]
Am C
I’m just a joke, an obedient joke
G D
Playing along, choking on smoke
Am C
Lost in a dream, feeling so broke
G D
I’m just a joke, an obedient joke

[Verse 2]
Em C
Your words are daggers, your love is a hoax
G D
In your game, I’m the butt of the joke
Em C
I’ve been crying, I’ve been broke
G D
I’m just a joke, an obedient joke

[Chorus]
Am C
I’m just a joke, an obedient joke
G D
Playing along, choking on smoke
Am C
Lost in a dream, feeling so broke
G D
I’m just a joke, an obedient joke

[Outro]
Em-C-G-D (x2)
I’m just a joke, an obedient joke (Repeat till fade)

Fan Testimonial:

Name: Sarah Harper

“Obedient Joke has been my favorite band since the first time I heard ‘Chasing Shadows’ on the radio. Their lyrics speak to my experiences and their music ignites a fire in my soul. I’ve seen them live five times and they never disappoint. Rizzo’s powerful voice combined with Dax, Blitz, and Loopy’s musical mastery makes for an electrifying performance. They’re more than just a band to me, they’ve become a part of my life’s soundtrack.”

Backstory:

Formed in the tech-infused city of San Francisco, Calculating Sandwich is a trio of software engineers who found a common passion outside of their 9 to 5 job – music. Adam, Mark, and Neil used to jam together during their lunch breaks at their tech firm. One day, while eating sandwiches and discussing algorithms, they realized they had hit on an intriguing mix of passions that they could combine. Thus, Calculating Sandwich was born.

Their style, mainly influenced by their tech backgrounds, integrates technology and music in a way that’s never been done before. They craft every song using a mix of traditional instruments and computer generated sounds, making their music unique with an edge of unpredictability. They’ve gained a cult following within the tech community and beyond, appealing to anyone who appreciates innovation and creativity.

Genre:

Electronic Rock

Title:

“Binary Love”

Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1 – E, A, D, G)
E
In the world of ones and zeroes,
A
I was lost and all alone.
D
Then you came just like a hero,
G
Made of circuits, wires, and chrome.

(Chorus – C, G, A)
C
Binary Love, we’re dancing in the code,
G
With every beat my heart is in download mode.
A
In our digital world, no need to decode,
C
It’s a Binary Love, that’s all we know.

(Verse 2 – E, A, D, G)
E
In the neon glow of night time,
A
We converse in data streams.
D
In your eyes, I see the starlight,
G
Reflecting off our shared dreams.

(Chorus – C, G, A)
C
Binary Love, we’re tangled in the net,
G
Every byte and bit, a moment we won’t forget.
A
Just you and me, in this techno duet,
C
It’s a Binary Love, no need to reset.

Favorite Fan:

Their most dedicated fan is a software developer named Jenny. She first encountered Calculating Sandwich at a tech conference where they were performing and was instantly hooked on their unique blend of electronic rock. She has since become an avid fan and promoter of the band within the tech community.

She says, “Each song feels like an algorithm, taking you on a journey with unpredictable twists and turns. Their music is more than just entertainment—it’s an experience. As a tech enthusiast, I appreciate how they’ve incorporated bits and pieces of our world into their music. It’s like they’re speaking our language, and that’s what makes them my favorite band.”

Backstory:

Determined Album was born out of a college dorm room in the bustling city of Chicago. Four music lovers who found solace in their shared love for music, Eric (vocalist and bassist), Sam (lead guitarist), Pete (drummer), and Olivia (keyboardist and backup vocalist) came together to create something they believed was missing in the world of music. They all hailed from different backgrounds – a classical pianist, a jazz guitarist, a rock drummer, and a blues singer. Together, they merged their unique styles into a cohesive, genre-defying sound.

The band began to gain notice on the local scene after a series of impressive performances at local pubs and music festivals. Their tight-knit bond and electric energy on stage was infectious, captivating audiences wherever they played. Determined Album’s unique blend of styles, coupled with their ability to capture raw, heartfelt emotions in their lyrics, had fans eagerly anticipating each new release.

Genre:

Alternative Rock with a blend of Blues and Jazz

Title:

“Melancholy Morning”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
Cmaj7 Em
Wake up to a melancholy morning,
Dm7 G7
Eyes heavy with the echoes of a dream.
Cmaj7 Em
The world outside, still softly dawning,
Dm7 G7
But inside, there’s a storm that’s yet unseen.

(Chorus)
Fmaj7 Em
In the echoes of this melancholy morning,
Am7 G7
I find a rhythm in the rain.
Fmaj7 Em
The sorrow may be forming,
Dm7 G7
But in the music, I find my refrain.

(Verse 2)
Cmaj7 Em
A silent song begins its story,
Dm7 G7
On the keys of a heart that’s painted blue.
Cmaj7 Em
In every note, there’s a hidden glory,
Dm7 G7
A melody that seeks the morning’s dew.

(Chorus)
Fmaj7 Em
In the whispers of this melancholy morning,
Am7 G7
I find a symphony in the silence.
Fmaj7 Em
The day may be dawning,
Dm7 G7
But in the music, I find my resilience.

Fan:

Name: Jessica Thompson

Testimonial:

“Determined Album is more than just a band to me, they are a lifeline. Their unique mix of genres somehow manages to encompass all the emotions I’m feeling, no matter what kind of day I’m having. From the moment I heard ‘Melancholy Morning’, I knew they had a unique ability to connect with listeners on a deep, emotional level. Their music is raw, real, and incredibly relatable. Determined Album is not just my favorite band, they are my soundtrack for life.”

Backstory:
Bony Clothing started as a garage band in the heart of Brooklyn, New York in 2010. The members, Riley, Vince, and Ash, were college mates, sharing a common dorm and a mutual passion for music that goes beyond the mainstream. Amidst the busy city life and the rigorous academics, they found solace in their music sessions. The name, ‘Bony Clothing’ was inspired by their thrift shop adventures where they would often find vintage clothing items with unusual bone-like patterns. Over the years, they have risen from performing at local bars and college festivals to being a recognized band in the indie music scene.

Genre:
Indie Rock

Title:
“Echoes of Silence”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
[Am] Walking down the [G] empty streets, [F] searching for the [C] light
[Am] Laughter echoing [G] in my head, [F] like whispers in the [C] night
[Am] I close my [G] eyes, [F] I see your [C] face, your [G] memory still [C] alive

(Chorus)
[F] Echoes of silence, [C] Hiding in the [G] shadows of the [Am] night
[F] Echoes of silence, [C] Telling me it’s [G] gonna be [Am] alright
[F] Echoes of silence, [C] Keeping our [G] secrets, holding [Am] tight
[F] Echoes of silence, [C] You’re still with [G] me in this [Am] fight

(Verse 2)
[Am] I trail the [G] footprints [F] left behind, [C] lost in the sands [G] of time
[Am] I breathe in the [G] scent of [F] love, [C] bottled in the [G] sweetest rhyme
[Am] I can’t [G] hear your [F] voice, [C] but I feel your [G] presence, yeah, you’re [C] mine.

(Chorus)
[F] Echoes of silence, [C] Hidden in the [G] corners of my [Am] mind
[F] Echoes of silence, [C] In the quiet, [G] your love I [Am] find
[F] Echoes of silence, [C] The ticking [G] clock, our hearts [Am] bind
[F] Echoes of silence, [C] With every [G] beat, you’re [Am] defined.

Favorite Fan’s Name: Daisy Miller

Testimonial:
“I’ve been a fan of Bony Clothing since their early days. Their music speaks to me on a personal level. Each song tells a story, one that I find myself often a part of. ‘Echoes of Silence’ is my absolute favorite. It talks about love and loss, something we all deal with at some point. Bony Clothing is my favorite band because they make music that’s soulful, raw, and real. Their lyrics resonate with me and their tunes make me feel like I’m not alone in my struggles. They’ve soundtracked my life’s ups and downs and made everything feel a little bit better.”

Backstory:

Steel Sky is a band that was created in the industrial heartland of Michigan in 2004. It was born out of the friendship of four factory workers who spent their lunch breaks jamming in the warehouse. They were known for creating music that resonated with the grit and determination of their fellow workers, using the sounds of their surroundings – the hum of machinery, the clang of metal – to create a unique soundcape. After winning a local battle of the bands, they were discovered by a music producer who was mesmerized by their raw energy and distinct sound. Since then, Steel Sky has been touring nationally, winning hearts with their songs that speak of resilience, unity, and the undying spirit of the working class.

Genre:

Industrial Rock

Title:

“Hammer and Anvil”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
Em C
On the assembly line, under the steel sky,
G D
We weld our dreams with a fire in our eyes.
Em C
With each spark that flies, in the heat of the grind,
G D
We forge our hopes, leaving nothing behind.

(Chorus)
C G
We are the hammer, we are the anvil,
D Em
Bringing to life what mere words can’t reveal.
C G
Against all odds, we rise, we thrive,
D Em
Under the steel sky, we come alive.

(Verse 2)
Em C
In the heart of the city, where the sirens cry,
G D
We carve our anthem in the midnight sky.
Em C
With the rhythm of progress, in the echo of steel,
G D
We find our strength, we find our will.

(Chorus)
C G
We are the hammer, we are the anvil,
D Em
Bringing to life what mere words can’t reveal.
C G
Against all odds, we rise, we thrive,
D Em
Under the steel sky, we come alive.

(Outro)
Em C
Under the steel sky, together we stand,
G D
A symphony of resilience across the land.

Fan’s Favorite:

The band’s favorite fan is a woman named Maria, a single mother working two jobs. She heard Steel Sky’s music on the radio during a particularly difficult time in her life and found it incredibly motivating. Maria has been following the band ever since – she believes their music is a tribute to people like her, who work tirelessly to make ends meet. For Maria, Steel Sky isn’t just her favorite band because they make great music – they are her favorite because their music connects with her, gives her hope, and reminds her of her own strength.

Backstory:
Formed in the garages of Detroit’s suburban outskirts in 2003, Menacing Worker is a band that consists of four childhood friends: lead vocalist Tom O’Connor, drummer Rick Walker, bassist Max Miller, and guitarist Sam Johnson. The group initially started as a hobby, but their unique sound quickly gained traction in the local music scene, which led to their transformation into a full-fledged band. Over the years, Menacing Worker has developed a reputation for their high-energy performances, thought-provoking lyrics, and unapologetic dedication to their roots in the blue-collar neighborhoods where they grew up.

Genre:
Alternative Rock

Title:
“Steel Heart Rebellion”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
[Em] In the belly of the beast, where the [G] iron is hot
[D] We lay our hands, on every [A] bolt and cot
[Em] Sweat and tears, making dreams [G] from rust
[D] A life of labor, in the dust we [A] trust.

(Chorus)
[C] Steel Heart Rebellion, [G] in our veins it’s pumping
[D] Hard hats and hammers, [A] the city is thumping
[C] We are the Menacing Worker, [G] born in the grind
[D] With every scar, a story you’ll [A] find.

(Verse 2)
[Em] The sun falls, but the [G] machines don’t sleep
[D] We bear the weight, as the [A] city weeps
[Em] Ignoring the suits, and their [G] empty promises
[D] We forge ahead, in the furnace’s [A] abyss.

(Chorus)
[C] Steel Heart Rebellion, [G] we carry the banner
[D] Through smoke and soot, in a [A] disciplined manner
[C] We are the Menacing Worker, [G] our spirits won’t break
[D] The strength of steel, in every choice we [A] make.

Favorite Fan:
The band’s favorite fan is a woman named Rosa Martinez. Rosa’s father worked in a Detroit auto factory, and she identifies deeply with Menacing Worker’s lyrics about hard work, determination, and resilience. Rosa has attended every one of their local shows since 2005 and has even followed them on two of their national tours.

Testimonial:
“Menacing Worker isn’t just a band to me, they’re the soundtrack of my life. Their music is raw, honest, and so powerful. It reminds me of my father – strong, resilient, and unyielding. Every performance is an emotional journey, and it’s like they’re telling my story, our story. They’re more than just musicians, they’re poets of the working class.”