Backstory:

Miserly Duty was born amidst the gray landscape of recession-ridden Birmingham, England in the late 2000s. The band was formed by four childhood friends who found solace in music: lead vocalist and guitarist Derek Silverton, bassist Liam Thorne, drummer Oliver Holmes, and keyboardist Ethan Scott. They started as a garage band, playing gigs for a few quid at local pubs and doing odd jobs during the day to keep their dreams alive. It was during these challenging times, the band found its voice – reflecting their arduous journey and the struggle of everyday people around them. Their music, tinged with raw emotions and powerful lyrics, resonated with the audience, thus paving their way to mainstream music.

Genre:

Miserly Duty categorizes their sound as Indie rock with a touch of blues. Their music is characterized by thoughtful lyrics, powerful guitar riffs, and a gritty undertone that gives a nod to the classic rock bands of the 70s, yet topped with a modern twist.

Title:

“Blue Collar Blues”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
Am
Working nine to five, another day in the grind
F
Blue-collar dreams, weighing on my mind
C
Pockets painted green, but the paint’s wearing thin
G
Chasing paper ghosts, in a world we can’t win.

(Chorus)
Am F
Blue collar blues, singing our song
C G
In a world that feels so right, but treats us so wrong
Am F
Blue collar blues, we’re paying our dues
C G
In this never-ending dance, of the working man’s ruse.

(Verse 2)
Am
Sweat on our brows, blood in our veins
F
Counting the hours, bound in iron chains.
C
Clock hands ticking, but the time’s not our own
G
A life measured in paychecks, till our youth is blown.

(Repeat Chorus)

(Bridge)
Am C
Dreams of freedom, in every weary sigh
G D
Finding solace in the rhythm, under the factory sky.

(Repeat Chorus)

The band’s favorite fan:

“Hi, my name is Alice Turner. Miserly Duty is my favorite band because they speak to the heart of ordinary people like me. Their lyrics tell our story – of struggle, dreams, and the simple joys amidst the chaos. Each chord strikes a familiar note, making me feel seen and valued. They are the voice of the underdog, the rallying cry for the working class. The day I heard “Blue Collar Blues”, I knew I had found my anthem. Their music is not just entertainment, it’s a lifeline.”

Backstory:
Bogus Mortgage began as a trio of college roommates in a small Iowa town, toiling away at their shared love of music in their campus dormitory. The three founding members, Connor on guitar and vocals, Jake on bass and keys, and Ethan on drums, were initially a garage band, playing local gigs and house parties. Their name, Bogus Mortgage, was inspired by their first attempt to rent a house together off-campus, where they were almost swindled into signing a deceptive lease. The experience was stressful but also humorous in retrospect, and they decided to name their band after it as a reminder of their journey.

As their music evolved, they started to incorporate elements of bluegrass, rock, and indie pop into their repertoire, attracting a diverse fan base. They released their first independent album in their senior year, and it was warmly received by the local community. The band’s popularity soon skyrocketed, leading to their signing with a prominent record label. Now, Bogus Mortgage tours nationwide, bringing their unique sound to fans across the country.

Genre:
Alternative Bluegrass Rock

Title:
“Deceptive Lease Blues”

Full Song Lyrics:

Verse 1:
C G Am Em
Back in the days of youthful ease,
F C G
We signed on a deceptive lease.
C G Am Em
A fool’s paradise, or so it seemed,
F C G
In the land of the American dream.

Chorus:
Am Em F C
Oh, we got the Bogus Mortgage blues,
G C Am F
Naive hearts, with so much to lose.
Am Em F C
Learning life ain’t a gentle breeze,
G C Am F
Sailing on this sea of deceptive leases.

Verse 2:
C G Am Em
The walls were thin, the roof did leak,
F C G
Yet it was home, humble and meek.
C G Am Em
With music and laughter, we filled the place,
F C G
Despite the lies of our leasing space.

(Repeat Chorus)

Band’s favorite fan:
Bogus Mortgage’s favorite fan is named Ashley. She discovered the band during their college gigs and has remained a dedicated fan ever since.

Testimonial:
Ashley says, “I love Bogus Mortgage because their music resonates with me on a deep level. Their songs tell a story, one of struggle, triumph, humor, and most importantly, friendship. They have a unique sound that blends genres seamlessly, and their energy on stage is infectious. They are genuine, down-to-earth guys, and their journey from a campus band to a nationwide sensation is incredibly inspiring.”

Backstory:
Modest Carriage was born from the synergy of four college friends, who shared a dorm room and a love for music in the heart of New York City. Originally hailing from different corners of the country, each member brought their unique music influences and shared a passion for creating something distinctive. Lead singer, Jared, an ardent fan of rock and blues from Florida, bassist, Kyle, a jazz enthusiast from New Orleans, guitarist, Mark, a country music follower from Texas, and drummer, Rachel, a pop-rock lover from California, combined their talents to create an eclectic band. Their music was a melting pot of their backgrounds and influences, swirling into a unique mix that was distinctively Modest Carriage.

It all started in the winter of 2010, when they would jam in their dorm room to escape the bitter cold outside. They realized they had something special and started performing at local clubs and college events. Word spread, and they soon caught the ear of a local music producer. In 2012, they were signed to a small independent record label and they haven’t looked back since.

Genre:
Indie Pop-Rock Fusion

Title:
“A Journey in Reverse”

Full song lyrics:

Verse:
C G Am Em
Started out with dreams in hand,
F C G Am
all aboard the dreamer’s land.
C G Am Em
Moving forward, time in freeze,
F C G Am
found ourselves in a gentle breeze.

Chorus:
G D Em C
We are going in reverse,
Am G D Em
living life, rehearsing verse,
G D Em C
taking back the time we lose,
Am G D Am
in Modest Carriage, we find our muse.

Verse:
C G Am Em
Riding on the rails of time,
F C G Am
feeling every uphill climb.
C G Am Em
Carriage racing with the sun,
F C G Am
our journey’s just begun.

Chorus:
G D Em C
We are going in reverse,
Am G D Em
living life, rehearsing verse,
G D Em C
taking back the time we lose,
Am G D Am
in Modest Carriage, we find our muse.

Fan’s Name:
Kevin James

Testimonial:
Modest Carriage is more than just a band to me, it’s a movement, a revolution of music. They’ve just got this amazing blend of music that resonates with my soul. I’ve been following them since their dorm room days, and it’s been a thrilling ride. The raw passion, the talent, the sense of unity, it’s hard to come by these days. Their songs have a way of making me feel understood, like “A Journey in Reverse”, it’s my life anthem. They’ve helped me through some tough times. To me, Modest Carriage is not just a band, they’re family.

Backstory:
Formed in the heart of the 1990s Seattle grunge scene, Guilty Cake started off as a group of friends who just loved to jam. Lead vocalist, Britney “Cupcake” Daniels, met bassist, Sam “Whisk” Kelly, when they both found themselves in the same cake decorating class while trying to get through their menial day jobs. They discovered their shared love for music, and soon after, they were introduced to drummer, Chris “Frosting” Wallace and guitarist, Jackson “Sprinkles” Rodriguez, at a local open mic night. They quickly bonded over their mutual love of rock music and cake, deciding to form Guilty Cake. Their name reflects their guilty pleasures – rock music and sweet treats.

Genre:
Alternative Rock

Title:
Sugarcoated Lies

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
[Em] Sugarcoated lies, [G] frosting on your tongue, [D]
Bet you thought you’d get away, [A] thought you’ve had your fun.
[Em] Crumbs of deceit, [G] layers of disguise,
[D] Can’t hide the truth no more, [A] it’s time for your demise.

(Chorus)
[C] You can’t have your cake and eat it too, [G] it’s time to pay your dues,
[D] Your sweetness is deceiving, [A] your icing, so untrue.
[C] Guilty little secrets, [G] hidden in your eyes,
[D] It’s time to taste the bitter truth, [A] beneath your sugarcoated lies.

(Verse 2)
[Em] Bittersweet revelations, [G] tastes so hard to swallow,
[D] Revealing a taste of reality, [A] a truth you can’t follow.
[Em] Crumbs of your deceit, [G] eaten by your pride,
[D] Can’t fool us anymore, [A] from us you cannot hide.

(Chorus)
[C] You can’t have your cake and eat it too, [G] it’s time to pay your dues,
[D] Your sweetness is deceiving, [A] your icing, so untrue.
[C] Guilty little secrets, [G] hidden in your eyes,
[D] It’s time to taste the bitter truth, [A] beneath your sugarcoated lies.

(Bridge)
[E] Sugarcoated lies, [B] tastes so bitter sweet,
[G] A deceptive dessert, [A] that we refuse to eat.

(Chorus)
[C] You can’t have your cake and eat it too, [G] it’s time to pay your dues,
[D] Your sweetness is deceiving, [A] your icing, so untrue.
[C] Guilty little secrets, [G] hidden in your eyes,
[D] It’s time to taste the bitter truth, [A] beneath your sugarcoated lies.

Fan’s Testimonial:
My name is Michelle and I’m Guilty Cake’s biggest fan! I’ve seen them perform at every local gig they’ve had since they started. I love how their lyrics twist sweet images into powerful statements about truth and lies. The way they blend grunge and alternative rock with their unique dessert-themed lyrics is just genius. Their song “Sugarcoated Lies” is a testament to their creativity. It’s like they’ve baked the perfect cake with layers of raw emotions, powerful messages and just the right amount of sweetness. Guilty Cake isn’t just my favorite band, they’re an experience!

Backstory:
Aromatic Contact was born in the heart of Portland, Oregon. The four members, Sally (vocals), Tim (percussion), Chris (guitar), and Maria (bass), met in a unique way: they were all part of a local cooking class that went awry. They found solace in each other when their cooking class was evacuated due to a mishap with a crockpot. While waiting outside, they discovered a mutual love for music and decided to jam together. As they began to create music, they found their unique sound was like a perfectly blended dish, with each instrument adding a unique flavor, hence the name Aromatic Contact.

Genre:
Indie Folk Rock

Title:
“Recipe of Reverberation”

Song Lyrics:

Verse 1: (G Em C D)
G Em
We’re simmering on a low flame,
C D
Waiting for the right moment to ignite.
G Em
There’s a flavor in the strumming,
C D
A rhythm in the night.

Chorus: (C G D Em)
C G
We are the Recipe of Reverberation,
D Em
Stirring up a spicy celebration.
C G
Our melody is your invitation,
D Em
To taste the music’s jubilation.

Verse 2: (G Em C D)
G Em
Every note we play, is a pepper’s zesty sway,
C D
Every beat we strike, is a sizzle, a steak’s delight.
G Em
In our mellow broth of sound,
C D
Aromatic contact is found.

Chorus: (C G D Em)
C G
We are the Recipe of Reverberation,
D Em
Cooking up a rhythmic temptation.
C G
Our harmony, your sweet sensation,
D Em
Come partake in the music’s creation.

Fan’s Testimonial:
“I am a die-hard fan of Aromatic Contact. My name is Kate, and I came across their music at a local farmers’ market where they were performing. The harmonious blend of their music is like a delicious gourmet meal for my ears. Each song is a journey, a tale that unfolds with each note, each beat. Their music is comforting, uplifting, and touches the soul. I love how they incorporate everyday life experiences into their songs. I feel connected to them and their music, it’s like they’re singing just for me. Their song “Recipe of Reverberation” is my all-time favorite. It’s a perfect blend of rhythm and melody, just like a perfectly cooked meal. Aromatic Contact is not just a band for me, they are a soundtrack to my life.”

Backstory:

The four-member band, Crisp Dispute, came together in the heart of San Francisco’s bustling music scene in 2012. What started as a casual jamming session in a garage soon turned into a serious endeavor when they realized they had a unique sound that people seemed to crave. The members, consisting of lead vocalist Jackson “Jax” Mitchell, lead guitarist Ryan “Rye” Peters, bass guitarist Samantha “Sam” Johnson, and drummer Kevin “Kev” Davis, all come from different musical backgrounds, lending to their distinctive fusion of genres.

They signed their first record deal in 2014 after an electrifying performance at a local festival caught the attention of a talent scout. Since then, they’ve been touring the country, winning hearts and creating a buzz with their energetic performances and meaningful lyrics. Despite the fame and fortune, Crisp Dispute remains grounded, always keeping their fans at the heart of everything they do.

Genre:

Indie Rock mixed with Blues

Title:

“Fractured Harmony”

Full song lyrics:

(Verse 1)
[G] Your words were like a [D] symphony,
[Em] Dancing around in [C] harmony.
[G] But then you left, and [D] all I see,
[Em] Is a fractured [C] melody.

(Chorus)
[G] We were a melody, [D] so sweet, so pure,
[Em] But now our notes, they [C] don’t endure.
[G] Lost in the echoes, [D] our love unsure,
[Em] Can we find our [C] song once more?

(Verse 2)
[G] I remember when [D] you used to say,
[Em] We’d write our song, [C] come what may.
[G] But the music’s gone, [D] and in disarray,
[Em] Our fractured harmony [C] in the fray.

(Chorus)
[G] We were a melody, [D] so sweet, so pure,
[Em] But now our notes, they [C] don’t endure.
[G] Lost in the echoes, [D] our love unsure,
[Em] Can we find our [C] song once more?

(Outro)
[G] Fractured harmony, [D] can we mend,
[Em] Or is this the [C] final end?
[G] Our song’s fading, [D] round the bend,
[Em] Our fractured harmony [C] we can’t defend.

Fan Testimonial:

Fan’s name: Megan Clark
“Megan here, Crisp Dispute’s biggest fan! My love for these guys is indescribable. Their music takes me on a journey, and their lyrics are relatable on so many levels. ‘Fractured Harmony’ is my all-time favorite – it’s like they’ve put my feelings into words. Every verse, every note resonates with me. They’re not just a band, they’re storytellers. And I feel like part of their story. I have seen them grow, evolve, and their music is like a soundtrack to my life. Crisp Dispute is not just my favorite band, it’s a part of me.”

Backstory:

Born amidst the industrial grey of a mid-sized steel town in Pennsylvania, the four members of Rubbery Transport grew up with the hum of machinery as their lullaby and the spark of creativity at their core. The band members – Dave “Drift” Driffield on vocals and guitar, Gary “Grit” Walsh on bass, Tim “Tire” MacLeay on drums, and Rachel “Rust” Singleton on keyboard and backing vocals – found solitaire among the abandoned freight train tracks and rusty warehouses, inspiration took form in the form of music, giving birth to a band that would soon become a beacon for a generation.

In high school, they began playing together, starting with garage jam sessions that later evolved into local gigs around the town. Their reputation for entertaining yet introspective music was built on a solid bedrock of hard work and raw talent. The band’s name, ‘Rubbery Transport,’ was inspired by a graffitied phrase they stumbled upon one day in an old, deserted factory. It symbolized their escape from the mundane and the resilience of their spirit.

Genre:
Alternative Rock

Title:
“Tracks of Resistance”

Full song lyrics:

[Verse 1]
Em G
Underneath the steel sky,
D A
We found our rhythm and rhyme.
Em G
In the echoes of the old line,
D A
Our dreams began to intertwine.

[Chorus]
C G
The tracks of resistance,
D Em
Lead us to an existence,
C G
Away from the mundane,
D Em
Into the heart of the hurricane.

[Verse 2]
Em G
In the belly of the city’s roar,
D A
Our music, a defiant roar.
Em G
Through the rust and the rain,
D A
Rubbery Transport will remain.

[Chorus]
C G
The tracks of resistance,
D Em
Paved with persistence,
C G
Taking us away,
D Em
To where the free spirits play.

[Bridge]
Am Em
In the echoes of the midnight train,
C D
Our melodies will always remain,
Am Em
In the heart of the hurricane,
C D
Rubbery Transport will remain.

Favorite Fan Testimonial:

Hi, my name is Jack “Machinery” Evans. I am, without a shadow of a doubt, Rubbery Transport’s biggest fan. I grew up in the same town and their music is the soundtrack to my life. Every lyric, every strum, resonates deeply, echoing my own experiences. Their song, “Tracks of Resistance” particularly, reminds me of our shared roots and dreams of a bigger world. Just like them, I found solitaire and inspiration amongst the rust and rail tracks. Their music provides a comforting familiarity while offering a hopeful escape. They are my favorite band not just for their music, but for the connection it builds – it’s a bridge between our past and future, between the reality we live and the dreams we harbor. Rubbery Transport, you rock my world!

Backstory:
Fast Sky, an alternative rock band hailing from the small town of Fairfield, Vermont, was formed in 2014 by four childhood friends: frontman Sean Doherty, lead guitarist Brian “Brio” Thomas, bassist Adam “Bowski” Bowles, and drummer Mark “Mako” Sullivan. Their shared passion for music and a mutual ambition to escape the monotony of small-town life drove them to use Bowski’s garage as a makeshift music studio. They started out playing local gigs and county fairs and soon gained a following with their catchy melodies and energetic performances.

In 2016, they had a breakthrough moment when an amateur video of their performance at a local concert went viral on social media. This exposure led to a record deal with indie label, “Rising Phoenix Records”. Fast Sky’s music is inspired by the likes of Foo Fighters, Arctic Monkeys, and Blink 182, but they’ve always strived to bring something fresh and unique to the alt-rock genre.

Genre:
Alternative Rock

Title:
“Chasing Shadows”

Full Song Lyrics:
(Verse 1)
[G] Staring at the [D] moonlight, [Em] lost in the [C] night
[G] Empty streets echo my [D] loneliness, [Em] silence cuts like a [C] knife.
[G] Memories come [D] rushing, [Em] like waves on a [C] shore
[G] Searching for [D] answers, [Em] life’s an endless [C] chore.

(Chorus)
[G] We’re just chasing shadows, [D] under the fast sky
[Em] Hoping for tomorrow, [C] searching for a why
[G] Running from the sorrow, [D] looking for a high
[Em] Living for today, [C] under the fast sky

(Verse 2)
[G] Broken dreams, [D] shattered [Em] like glass on [C] the floor
[G] Trying to mend, [D] but they cut [Em] deeper than [C] before
[G] Every dawn, [D] a new battle [Em] to wage
[C] Fear is the enemy, [G] and love is the [D] cage.

(Chorus)
[G] We’re just chasing shadows, [D] under the fast sky
[Em] Hoping for tomorrow, [C] searching for a why
[G] Running from the sorrow, [D] looking for a high
[Em] Living for today, [C] under the fast sky

Fan’s Testimonial:
Name: Emily Stevens

Emily Stevens became Fast Sky’s no. 1 fan after she discovered their music during a particularly challenging time in her life. Emily says, “Their song ‘Chasing Shadows’ was my anthem during those hard times. I’ve seen them live three times now and their energy is just infectious. The way they connect with the crowd, how their lyrics hit home, it’s just magical. Fast Sky isn’t just a band to me, it’s an emotion. It’s the feeling of freedom, the joy of living in the moment, and the strength to face your fears. They’ve made me realize that it’s okay to feel lost sometimes, and it’s okay to take time to find your way. And for that, they will always be my favorite band.”

Backstory:
Rash Jew was formed in the heart of Brooklyn, New York in the early 2000’s. The band consists of four childhood friends: Josh Cohen (lead vocals and bass), Dave Rosenberg (guitar), Matt Goldman (drums), and Sam Levy (keyboard). The guys grew up in a tightly-knit Jewish community, always tinkering with various musical instruments, coming together to make music as a means of expressing their unique perspectives on life. The band’s name, Rash Jew, comes from their outspoken and in-your-face attitude towards the stereotypes and expectations that they have encountered over the years.

Genre:
Rash Jew plays a unique fusion of punk rock and klezmer, blending the raw energy and rebellious spirit of punk with their Jewish roots reflected by the traditional Eastern European Jewish music.

Title:
“Bagels and Schmaltz”

Full Song Lyrics:
(Verse 1: E min, C, G, D)
On the streets of Brooklyn, where we roam,
Mother’s calling, saying “time to come home”,
But the city’s got us, in its sweet embrace,
With its bagels, schmaltz, and endless race.

(Chorus: G, D, E min, C)
We’re Rash Jew, we’re here to stay,
With our music, we’ll blow you away,
In the face of the storm, we stand tall,
With our bagels and schmaltz, we’ll conquer all.

(Verse 2: E min, C, G, D)
In our hearts, a fire, burning bright,
Against the darkness, we’ll always fight,
With our guitars, drums, and rough voice,
We’re making some noise, we’ve made our choice.

(Chorus: G, D, E min, C)
We’re Rash Jew, we’re on the rise,
Can’t you see it, in our fiery eyes?
With our love for bagels and schmaltz,
Through music, we share our waltz.

The Band’s Favorite Fan:
The band’s favorite fan is a lady named Rachel Berkowitz. She has been following Rash Jew since their early days performing in small bars around Brooklyn. Her dedication is unmatched; she’s attended every single concert, from small local shows to big-time festivals. Rachel says, “Rash Jew’s music speaks directly to my soul. Their unique blend of punk rock and klezmer perfectly encapsulates the Jewish experience in today’s world. From their lyrics to their energetic performances, everything about them resonates with me. They are my favorite band because they’ve given me a voice, a way to express myself and celebrate my heritage.”

Backstory:

Formed in the winter of 2009, Warm Cloth sprung out from the heart of the vibrant music scene in Seattle, Washington. The band was founded by childhood friends, Billy Walker (lead guitarist) and Harriet Jones (vocals), who spent their formative years jamming in garages, writing soulful lyrics on scraps of paper and dreaming of the day they could share their music with the world. They were soon joined by drummer, Eddie Smith, and bassist, Laura Harper, two talented musicians they met during open mic nights at their favorite local coffee house. From their humble beginnings, Warm Cloth has gone on to capture the attention of audiences worldwide with their heartfelt lyrics, soul-piercing melodies, and a vibe that can only be described as ‘cozy rock’.

Genre:

The band’s style is best described as Indie Folk-Rock, with influences of Americana and Blues.

Title:

“Underneath the Weeping Willow”

Full song lyrics:

(Intro: Am F C G)

(Verse 1)
Am F C G
Underneath the weeping willow, she sits and sighs,
Am F C G
Her heart is heavy, her eyes are dry.
Am F C G
She’s been waiting, oh, all night long,
Am F C G
For that old freight train, to bring him home.

(Chorus)
Dm Am F C
Oh, the leaves are falling slow,
Dm Am F C
As the winter winds they blow.
Dm Am F C
Come back, darling, can’t you see,
Dm Am F C
That underneath the willow, waits for thee.

(Verse 2)
Am F C G
She holds a locket, close to her heart,
Am F C G
Inside a picture, of a love torn apart.
Am F C G
Each passing moment, each fallen leaf,
Am F C G
Is another reminder, of their stolen grief.

(Repeat Chorus)

(Outro: Am F C G)

Favorite Fan:

Their favorite fan’s name is Mary Simons. Mary, a high school teacher from Portland, has followed Warm Cloth since their early days, attending their debut performance at the local coffee house in 2009. She has been to every one of their shows since, even traveling out-of-state to support them at major music festivals. Mary is also known for her thoughtful reviews of their music on various online platforms.

Mary’s Testimonial:

“Warm Cloth’s music is like a comfortable embrace from a dear friend. Their lyrics resonate with me on a spiritual level, and their melodies are the perfect accompaniment to my life’s highs and lows. I consider myself their number one fan because their music speaks to me in a way that no other band’s has. It’s raw, real, and incredibly moving. I can’t wait to see where their musical journey takes them next!”