Backstory:
Fake Retirement is a group of four friends from a small town in Texas who got together in their high school years to jam and make music. They were all a part of the school band but wanted to take things a little further. The chemistry between them was undeniable as they began to collaborate on their original music. The name ‘Fake Retirement’ came from the joke that they were all retiring from their high school band to start their own. Little did they know, this joke would turn into a journey of music, friendship, and success.

Genre:
Alternative Rock

Title:
“Rusted Swingsets”

Full Song Lyrics:
(Verse 1)
Am Em
Under the rusted swingsets, we found our sound,
G Dm
An echo of our youth, a melody profound,
Am Em
Ours is a music that can’t be bound,
G Dm
Fake Retirement, where dreams are found.

(Chorus)
F C
Oh, we’re just starting out,
G Am
Faking our retirement no doubt,
F C
With music, we break out,
G Dm
In every note, our life’s account.

(Verse 2)
Am Em
Under the Texas sky, we scribe our tale,
G Dm
Of melodies and harmonies, a never-ending trail,
Am Em
We’re not just a band, but a ship setting sail,
G Dm
In the vast ocean of music, we prevail.

(Chorus)
F C
Oh, we’re just starting out,
G Am
Faking our retirement no doubt,
F C
With music, we break out,
G Am
In every note, our life’s account.

(Bridge)
Dm G
Through every note and chord,
C Am
Our stories are recorded,
Dm G
With each strum of the guitar,
C Am
We are forever rewarded.

(Chorus)
F C
Oh, we’re just starting out,
G Am
Faking our retirement no doubt,
F C
With music, we break out,
G Dm
In every note, our life’s account.

Favorite Fan:
The band’s favorite fan is Amy Johnson. Amy has been with them since their high school performances. She has seen them grow and evolve into the band they are today. Amy says, “Fake Retirement is my favorite band because their music speaks to my soul. Their lyrics resonate with my life’s experiences, and their melodies make me feel alive. They’re not just a band to me, they’re a part of my life’s soundtrack.”

Backstory:
Advanced Ownership was formed in the gritty heart of Manchester, England in 2007. Its founding members, Jake Turner (lead vocals, guitar) and Oliver ‘Ollie’ Ashford (drums, backing vocals), met while working at a local music store. Their shared love for experimentation and boundary-pushing soundscapes led them to delve into the world of music. Joined later by acclaimed synth player and vocalist, Ivy Johnson, the trio quickly rose to local fame for their unique blend of psychedelic and progressive rock. Over the years, they have released six studio albums, becoming a critical darling and a favorite among ardent music fans.

Genre:
Psychedelic/Progressive Rock

Title:
“Stellar Silhouettes”

Full song lyrics:
(Verses)
[C]Drifting through the [Am]nebulae, [E]we paint our stories in the [F]sky
[G]Chasing cosmic [C]echoes, [Am]In our dreams, we [D]learn to fly
[F]Beneath the [C]milky way, [G]we find a home within the [Am]night
[D]Stellar silhouettes [F]drawn, [C]in this endless [G]starlight

(Chorus)
[C]Ride on, [G]the waves of [Am]stardust, [E]see the universe [F]unfold
[G]In our hearts, [C]we hold the [Am]key, to tales [D]yet untold
[F]We are the [C]dreamers, [G]lost in the [Am]wild, our spirits [D]never broken
[C]Advanced Ownership, [G]we claim the [Am]stars, in words [E]yet unspoken

Favorite Fan’s Name: Emily Roberts

Testimonial:
“Advanced Ownership has been a beacon of light in my life. Being a fan for over a decade, their music has been my solace in hard times and the soundtrack to my best moments. Their experimental style and profound lyrics resonate deeply with me. The song ‘Stellar Silhouettes’ particularly stands out. It’s a cosmic journey, a psychedelic voyage that captivates the mind and stirs the soul. I’ve attended nearly all their concerts within a 200-mile radius. There’s something magical about their performances, an earthy, raw energy that’s both comforting and invigorating. I can’t imagine a world without Advanced Ownership’s music.”

Backstory:

Happy Wish is the brainchild of a quartet of friends from a small coastal town in Maine. The band members, Amy, Becky, Charlie, and Dan, met during their high school years and discovered their shared love for music. They initially started playing for fun at local events and gatherings until they noticed a growing fan base, prompting them to take their music more seriously. Their band name ‘Happy Wish’ was inspired by their collective desire to bring happiness through their music.

Genre:

Happy Wish primarily plays indie pop, known for their catchy melodies blended with soulful lyricism. Their music often incorporates a mix of acoustic and electronic instruments, creating a unique sound that resonates with a broad audience.

Title:

One of Happy Wish’s most popular songs is titled “Dreams in a Bottle.”

Full song lyrics:

(Verses)
[Em]Tossing and turning, in the [G]ocean of the night,
[D]In our dreams, we’re yearning, for the [A]daylight.
[Em]Stories untold, wishes [G]wrapped in gold,
[D]Inside a bottle, waiting to [A]unfold.

(Chorus)
[Em] Dreams in a bottle, [G]floating on the sea,
[D] Driven by waves to the [A]destiny.
[Em] Dreams in a bottle, [G]don’t let ’em sink,
[D] Open up and let ’em [A]link.

(Verses)
[Em]Starlight guides us, through the [G]twilight haze,
[D]In the bottle, our dreams [A]glaze.
[Em]With a whispering wind, and a [G]rising tide,
[D]To the horizon, let’s [A]ride.

(Chorus)
[Em] Dreams in a bottle, [G]sailing through the stars,
[D] Leading us to places, [A]near and far.
[Em] Dreams in a bottle, [G]don’t let ’em break,
[D] Let our wishes [A]awake.

Fans’ Testimonial:

One of Happy Wish’s most devoted fans is Sarah, a college student from Maine. “Happy Wish isn’t just my favorite band because they’re from my hometown, but because their music speaks to me on a personal level”, Sarah explains. “Whenever I’m feeling down or need a pick-me-up, I put on ‘Dreams in a Bottle’, and it instantly brightens my day. Their music has a special way of conveying emotions, and it’s obvious they put their heart into every song. They’re not just a band to me, they’re like friends singing my feelings out loud.”

Backstory:

Realistic Bomb is a band formed in the heart of New York City in 2015. The band members, Alex (vocalist), Benny (drummer), Chester (guitarist), and Denny (bassist), met in a small, underground music club named ‘The Spots’. They were all independent musicians looking for the perfect collaborators. After a night of jamming together, they realized their sounds resonated, creating a unique harmony. Thus, Realistic Bomb was born, reflecting their idea of presenting raw, authentic music that could explode with energy and emotions in listeners’ hearts.

They quickly gained traction due to their electrifying performances and distinct sound. Their music is a testament to the undying spirit of the youth and the complexities of life. With their passion for music and creativity, they continue to release songs that resonate with listeners and create a significant impact.

Genre:

Alternative Rock

Title:

“Echoes of the Past”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
Em G
In the echoes of the past, we lost our way,
Am Em
The shadows cast, in our hearts they stay.
Em G
Chasing dreams in the crimson twilight,
Am Em
We found solace in the dead of night.

(Chorus)
G D
Echoes of the past, they haunt us still,
Am Em
Through the glass, we’ve lost our will.
G D
But in the music, we find our strength,
Am Em
In these echoes, we find our length.

(Verse 2)
Em G
The neon streets, the pounding beat,
Am Em
In this city, we find our feat.
Em G
The rhythm flows, like a midnight train,
Am Em
In the echoes, we dance away the pain.

(Chorus)
G D
Echoes of the past, in the sound of the night,
Am Em
In the heartache, we find our fight.
G D
But in the music, we find our peace,
Am Em
In these echoes, we find release.

Fan’s Name:

Haley Johnson

Testimonial:

“Realistic Bomb is my favorite band for so many reasons. Their music is raw, real, and speaks to my soul. The lyrics of their songs, especially ‘Echoes of the Past,’ resonate with my experiences and feelings. It’s as if they put words to emotions I didn’t even know I was carrying around. Their energy is contagious, and their performances are always a blast. They’re not just a band to me; they’re my emotional outlet, my comfort zone, my source of inspiration. I can’t imagine my life without their music.”

Backstory:

Golden Quantity is an indie rock band that was formed in the bustling city of Portland, Oregon. The founding members, lead vocalist Frank “Goldie” Goldsmith and guitarist Tim “Quantum” Granger met during a college music theory class. They quickly bonded over their shared love for indie music and decided to form a band. They later recruited bassist Marla “Atomic” Edison and drummer Cal “The Catalyst” Hawkins. Despite the group’s diverse musical backgrounds – ranging from jazz to punk – they found a common ground in their love for indie rock.

Genre: Indie Rock

Title: “Heart of Gold, Veins of Silver”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)

[D] Her heart is made of gold,

[G] But her veins, they carry silver.

[A] She’s got stories left untold,

[D] In her eyes, a passionate quiver.

(Chorus)

[G] Heart of gold, veins of silver,

[A] She’s a mystery yet to uncover.

[D] In the world’s cold, she’s my shelter,

[G] With her, I need no other.

(Verse 2)

[D] She dances in the moonlight,

[G] With the grace of falling snow.

[A] In her laughter, my darkest night,

[D] Finds a hopeful glow.

(Chorus)

[G] Heart of gold, veins of silver,

[A] In her arms, I find my harbor.

[D] In her love, I’m the winner,

[G] With her, life needs no armor.

(Outro)

[D] Heart of gold, veins of silver,

[G] In this life’s complex jigsaw.

[A] With her love, I’m the victor,

[D] Heart of gold, veins of silver.

The band’s favorite fan:

The band’s favorite fan is named Samantha. Samantha was one of their first fans and has been with them since their first gig at a small coffee shop in Portland. She has followed them through all their tours and has an impressive collection of their merchandise. Samantha says, “Golden Quantity is my favorite band because their music is raw, real, and resonates with me. Their lyrics tell stories that I can connect with, and their sound is unique. They’ve got this great balance of indie rock with hints of other genres. Plus, the band members are incredibly down-to-earth and genuinely care about their fans. I’ll always be a Golden Quantity fan!”

Backstory:

Regal Sister is an all-female band that formed in 2012 in the heart of New York City. Each member coming from different walks of life, they all shared a common goal: to make music that empowers and uplifts women all around the world. Lead vocalist and guitarist, Maria, met bassist Lisa in a local jazz bar, and there they started talking about their shared love for music. With the addition of drummer Camila and keyboardist Sophia, they started making songs that reflect their experiences as women, turning their trials and triumphs into powerful anthems.

Genre:

Indie Pop/Rock with a touch of Soul

Title:

“Queen’s Crown”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
[G]Look at you in [Em] the mirror [C]tonight,
[D]Wearing your [G]insecurities like a [C]tattoo.
[G]But let me tell [Em]you a secret, [C] darlin’,
[D]You’re a [G]queen wearing a [C]crown, yes it’s [D]true.

(Chorus)
[G]They can’t take your [Em]crown,
[C]It’s not theirs to [D]wear,
[G]You’re a queen, a [Em]regal sister,
[C]Show the world you [D]don’t care.

(Verse 2)
[G]Times may get [Em]tough, and [C]the road might be [D]rocky,
[G]But remember, [Em]you’ve got that crown [C]on your head.
[G]You’re stronger than [Em]you think, [C]and braver than [D]you believe,
[G]Stand tall, [Em]sister, let your [C]courage [D]spread.

(Chorus)
[G]They can’t take your [Em]crown,
[C]It’s not theirs to [D]wear,
[G]You’re a queen, a [Em]regal sister,
[C]Show the world you [D]don’t care.

(Bridge)
[G]Wear your crown with [Em]pride,
[C]Let it shine [D]bright.
[G]You’re a queen, a [Em]regal sister,
[C]In your own [D]light.

(Chorus)
[G]They can’t take your [Em]crown,
[C]It’s not theirs to [D]wear,
[G]You’re a queen, a [Em]regal sister,
[C]Show the world you [D]don’t care.

Outro:
[G]You’re a queen, a [Em]regal sister,
[C]Your crown is [D]your flare.

Testimonial:

Fan’s Name: Jenny Lawson

Jenny Lawson, a single mom from Nebraska, has been a die-hard fan of Regal Sister since their debut. “Their music is so empowering. It’s like they understand all the struggles women go through and they put it into these beautiful, uplifting songs,” says Jenny. “Their song, ‘Queen’s Crown’, became my anthem during the hardest times. It reminds me that I’m a queen and that I have the strength to face any challenge. Regal Sister is not just my favorite band, they’re my inspiration.”

Backstory:

Imaginary Slope, a band of five, came together in the autumn of 2008 on the campus of Yale University. The members, originally an eclectic mix of engineering and music students, bonded over a common love for music and their shared interest in experimenting with sound and lyrics. Their dorm rooms echoed with the sounds of late-night jam sessions, where they played everything from classic rock covers to their unique original compositions. With Tyler on vocals, Jake and Max on guitars, Ryan on bass, and Ethan holding the rhythm on drums, they started playing small gigs at local bars, campus fests, and open mics. Their breakthrough came with their debut album, “Elevation of Thoughts” in 2012, which received overwhelming response from the alternative rock community.

Genre:

Alternative Rock

Title:

“Parallel Lines”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
Em C
On the edge, of an imaginary slope,
G D
We dared to dream, dared to hope,
Em C
Carving our story, on a cosmic tape,
G D
In the universe, finding our shape.

(Chorus)
Em C
Two parallel lines, in the cosmic grind,
G D
Never touching, never to find,
Em C
Freedom in distance, pain in resistance,
G D
In a parallel world, we find persistence.

(Verse 2)
Em C
Dancing with stars, in the night,
G D
In the dark, seeking light,
Em C
Drawing circles, in the sand,
G D
In your presence, I understand.

(Chorus)
Em C
Two parallel lines, in the cosmic grind,
G D
Never touching, never to find,
Em C
Freedom in distance, pain in resistance,
G D
In a parallel world, we find persistence.

(Bridge)
Em C
In the silence, in the noise,
G D
In our words, in our voice,
Em C
We are the echoes, we are the rhymes,
G D
Forever bound, as parallel lines.

Favorite Fan’s Testimonial:

“My name is Sarah Thompson. Imaginary Slope is my favorite band because their music speaks to my soul. Their songs, like ‘Parallel Lines,’ makes me feel connected to a larger universe. Their lyrics are profound, and the music is a harmonious blend of various instruments that perfectly complement each other. Every performance of theirs is an unforgettable experience. They’re not just a band, they’re storytellers, and I’m here for every story they have to share.”

Backstory:

Puzzled Package was formed in a sleepy town of Wisconsin in 2016 by a group of childhood friends who shared a common love for music and storytelling. The band members include lead vocalist and rhythm guitarist, Ben ‘Benny’ Davenport, bassist, Danny ‘Duke’ Johnson, lead guitarist, Tony ‘Tone’ Hopkins, and drummer, Luke ‘Lucky’ Davenport, Benny’s younger brother. The band’s name, Puzzled Package, is inspired by an incident where they received a mystery package containing a car key without any note or sender’s detail. This incident led them to write their first song, embracing the mystery and intrigue of life, a theme that continues to resonate in their music.

Genre:

Alternative Rock/Indie

Title:

“The Mystery Key”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
[G] Woke up to a [D] package on the [Em] step,
[C] No return address, [G] just a riddle for the [D] rest.
[Em] Inside was a [C] key, with no [G] car in sight,
[D] Puzzled Package that’s how [Em] we got our name [C] right.

(Chorus)
[G] We’re the Puzzled Package, [D] living life in a mist,
[Em] Solving mysteries, with a [C] melody twist.
[G] Open your heart, [D] let the music seep,
[Em] We’re the Puzzled Package, [C] the band with the mystery [G] key.

(Verse 2)
[G] Played our first gig in a [D] rundown bar,
[Em] The crowd was small, but our [C] dreams were far.
[G] Every strum, [D] every beat, every [Em] note,
[C] Was a piece of the puzzle, a [G] message we wrote.

(Chorus)
[G] We’re the Puzzled Package, [D] living life in a mist,
[Em] Solving mysteries, with a [C] melody twist.
[G] Open your heart, [D] let the music seep,
[Em] We’re the Puzzled Package, [C] the band with the mystery [G] key.

Testimonial:

Fan’s Name: Sarah Thompson

“I’ve always loved music and been a fan of many bands, but Puzzled Package stands out for me. Their music is not just melodious, but also tells a story, intrigues, and inspires. They are so real and connect with me at a personal level. It’s like they’re singing my thoughts, my feelings. It’s hard to pick a favorite, but the song ‘The Mystery Key’ with its catchy tune and mysteriously meaningful lyrics is currently on repeat. It’s Puzzled Package’s authenticity that makes them my favorite band. They are a band that wears their hearts on their sleeves and that is why I will always love them.”

Backstory:

Ill-Informed Circle was born in the bustling streets of Brooklyn, New York in 2013. The band’s founders, lead vocalist Jonny Rains and lead guitarist Sami Leeds, met entirely by chance in the eclectic record store, Vinyl Revivals. After an intense debate about the merits of blues over punk, they realized that their shared passion for music could be the foundation of something great. Leeds’ childhood friend, drummer Max Hoffman, and Rains’ cousin, bassist Oliver Rains, joined the nascent band, and Ill-Informed Circle was officially formed.

Their music journey started from playing in local bars and cafes to performing at festivals and major venues across the U.S. The band is known for their ironic name, reflecting the idea that they constantly push boundaries in their music, never limiting themselves to what is considered “standard” or “traditional.” They believe in the power of music to challenge perceptions, stimulate debate, and create conversations.

Genre:
Alternative Rock

Title:
“Crossroads Conspiracy”

Song lyrics:

(Verse 1)
Am – G – F – C
In the city’s glow, under the neon lights,
We find our peace, in the dead of night.
Running from the truth, hidden in plain sight,
Crossroads conspiracy, our endless fight.

(Chorus)
G – D – Am – C
We are the Ill-Informed Circle, roaming through life,
Chasing shadows, cutting through strife.
We find solace in each other’s arms,
In this crazy world, we are each other’s charm.

(Verse 2)
Am – G – F – C
Walking these streets, we’re misunderstood,
Our music is our shield, in this concrete wood.
We might be ill-informed, yet we stand,
Against the crossroads conspiracy, hand in hand.

(Chorus)
G – D – Am – C
We are the Ill-Informed Circle, stronger together,
Carrying on, in any kind of weather.
In the face of the world, we’ll make our stand,
Against the crossroads conspiracy, we band.

(Bridge)
F – C – G – D
We won’t be silenced, we won’t be shamed,
Our music, our weapon, in this game.
Crossroads conspiracy, we’ll rise above,
With our ill-informed wisdom, we’ll show love.

Fan’s Name:

Jessica Meyers

Testimonial:

“I have been a hardcore fan of Ill-Informed Circle since their early days, when they were just playing at local bars. Their music, especially ‘Crossroads Conspiracy’, speaks to me on a personal level. Their lyrics about standing together and finding your own path in the face of adversity really hit home. Their music has been my rock during some tough times. Plus, they’re all such down-to-earth guys who genuinely care about their fans. That’s why Ill-Informed Circle is my favorite band.”

Backstory:

Dopey Incident, a band straight out of the heartland of America, was formed in the town of Ames, Iowa in 2010. The band members, all natives of Iowa, met in high school and discovered a shared love for music. They started off as a garage band, practicing at each other’s houses, recording in their parents’ basements, and performing at school events. Their journey from a garage band to having three successful albums has been anything but straightforward. The name ‘Dopey Incident’ itself derived from an inside joke about a clumsy moment one of the members experienced in their early days as a band.

Genre:

Dopey Incident primarily plays indie rock but occasionally dabbles in folk and blues fusion. Their unique sound has been described as a mixture of melodic harmonies, combined with gritty guitar riffs and poetic, introspective lyrics.

Title:

Their most popular song to date is titled “Midwest Mornings.”

Full Song Lyrics:

Verse 1: (G, Em, C, D)
Waking up to your smile, on this Midwest morning.
Coffee brewing, sun shining, oh how it’s adorning.
Walking down the dusty roads, hand in hand, we’re roaming.
On this Midwest morning, feels like we’re soaring.

Chorus: (C, G, D)
Midwest mornings, the sun’s a warning,
To all the troubles, they go into hiding.
With you by my side, in this wide-open land,
Everyday feels like, we’re just starting.

Verse 2: (G, Em, C, D)
The cornfields whisper, the secrets they’re holding.
On this Midwest morning, our love is unfolding.
The prairie wind, sings the songs of the olden,
On this Midwest morning, our hearts are golden.

(Repeat Chorus)

Favorite Fan Testimonial:

Sarah Johnson, a devoted fan from the beginning, shares her love for the band: “As an Iowa native myself, Dopey Incident strikes a chord within me. Their music captures the essence of our Midwestern lifestyle and their song ‘Midwest Mornings’ is the perfect depiction of a simple, serene life here. The way they blend indie rock with folk influences is unique and refreshing. Their lyrics touch my soul and make me feel understood. I’ve followed them since their garage band days and their musical journey has been an inspiration. Dopey Incident isn’t just my favorite band, they’re a part of my identity.”