Backstory:
Formed in the gritty depths of Boston’s underground music scene, Anguished Work is a band built on the idea of expressing the struggles of the working class through raw, gripping music. The three-piece group consists of Billy ‘Bluesman’ Thompson on vocals and guitar, Sammy ‘Rhythm King’ Davis on drums, and Mikey ‘The Groove’ Johnson on the bass. Their individual struggles and life experiences have given birth to a unique sound that speaks to those who feel forgotten or overlooked in the fast-paced, corporate world.

The band met while working in the same factory, surrounded by the noise of clanging metal, beeping machines, and the constant drone of conveyor belts. These industrial sounds and rhythms became the key inspiration for their music. The long hours, low pay, and lack of appreciation they experienced at work were channeled into powerful lyrics, creating a unique connection with their fan base.

Genre:
Industrial Blues-Rock

Title:
“Factory Floor Blues”

Full song lyrics:

(Verse 1) E-A-D-G-B-E
In the shadows of the factory, where the workers toil away, (E-A-D)
The noise of the machines, drowns the dreams of the day. (G-B-E)
A paycheck’s promise keeps us here, trapped in this steel cage, (E-A-D)
While the boss man laughs, counting money on his stage. (G-B-E)

(Chorus) E-A-D-G-B-E
Factory floor blues, we’re just making our dues, (E-A-D)
Building their castles, while we’re wearing out our shoes. (G-B-E)
Factory floor blues, the forgotten worker’s news, (E-A-D)
Sweat, blood, and tears, are the colours we use. (G-B-E)

(Verse 2) E-A-D-G-B-E
In the echoes of the evening, when the workday is done, (E-A-D)
We carry home the heaviness, under the setting sun. (G-B-E)
With worn out hands and tired eyes, we return to our kin, (E-A-D)
Knowing that tomorrow, we’ll do it all again. (G-B-E)

(Chorus) E-A-D-G-B-E
Factory floor blues, it’s a battle we can’t lose, (E-A-D)
Selling our time, it’s the only life we choose. (G-B-E)
Factory floor blues, like a melody we infuse, (E-A-D)
Singing our struggles, it’s the path we didn’t choose. (G-B-E)

Fan:
The band’s favorite fan’s name is Danny O’Leary, a fellow factory worker who feels deeply connected to the band’s lyrical depiction of the working man’s struggle. In his testimonial, Danny says, “Anguished Work is not just a band for me, it’s a voice for all of us breaking our backs out there. Their songs, man, they hit home. They make me feel seen. No other band does that. ‘Factory Floor Blues’ helps me get through the day; it’s like a comforting friend telling me I’m not alone in this grind. That’s why they’re my favorite.”

Backstory:
Portly Priest was originally formed in the small town of Pine Creek, Michigan by two high school friends, Calvin “Cal” Hartley and Thomas “Tommy” Dewitt. As the sons of two local pastors, they spent their youth in the town’s church choir, but felt the call for something more. When they discovered their shared love for old vinyl records and the sound of classic rock, they decided to form a band. They spent years playing in the garage of Cal’s family home, with neighbors often complaining about the noise, until they were discovered by a small town music producer during a high school talent show.

Genre:
Classic Rock Revival

Title:
“Sermon on a Sunday Night”

Full Song Lyrics:

[Verse]
C F C G
Underneath the steepled sky,
C F C G
No secrets here, we can’t tell no lies.
C F C G
Heaven knows, in the preacher’s choir,
C F C G
Our souls are set on a holy fire.

[Chorus]
C F C G
Sermon on a Sunday Night,
C F C G
Underneath the pale moonlight.
C F C G
Can you feel the spirit’s might?
C F C G
It’s our sermon on a Sunday night.

[Verse]
C F C G
In the town where the bells do toll,
C F C G
We found rock n roll, it saved our souls.
C F C G
Beneath the cross, and the holy light,
C F C G
We found our rhythm in the still of the night.

[Chorus]
C F C G
Sermon on a Sunday Night,
C F C G
Our music is our guiding light.
C F C G
With every chord we play so right,
C F C G
It’s a sermon on a Sunday night.

Favorite Fan Testimonial:
Meet 19-year-old Linda Mckay, who has been a diehard fan of Portly Priest ever since she heard their first demo in a record store. “No other band speaks to my soul like they do. It’s like they’re singing right from the hymnals of my heart. Their music helps me navigate through my life. It’s like a guiding beacon, offering comfort, inspiration, and joy. The song ‘Sermon on a Sunday Night’ is particularly special to me – it feels like a prayer set to a rock n roll rhythm. I just can’t imagine my life without their music. It’s like church and a rock concert rolled into one, and I absolutely love it.”

Backstory:

Bony Neighbour was formed in 2015 when a group of friends in the small town of Ames, Iowa discovered they shared a passion for not just listening to music, but creating it. Initially, they started out as a cover band, performing renditions of their favorite songs at local pubs and small community events. As they gained more experience and confidence, they started experimenting with their own sound, blending elements from their favorite bands and genres. By 2017, Bony Neighbour had honed a unique sound that stood apart from the typical music scene, marking the beginning of their original compositions. Despite a few lineup changes over the years, the core trio of Jake (vocals/guitar), Ethan (bass), and Liv (drums) has remained constant.

Genre:

Bony Neighbour’s music falls into the Indie Rock genre with a strong influence of Folk and Psychedelic Rock.

Title:

“Shadow Dance”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
Am G
Long days and cold nights,
F E
Under the city’s neon lights,
Am G
Walking alone with your shadow,
F E
In a dance that only you know.

(Chorus)
C G
Shadow dance, through the lonely street,
Am E
In your silent symphony, your heart beats.
C G
Shadow dance, under the moon’s glow,
Am E
Where only the stars know.

(Verse 2)
Am G
In the softness of the twilight,
F E
You’re a silhouette taking flight,
Am G
Invisible to the world’s sight,
F E
In your shadow dance, you ignite.

(Chorus)
C G
Shadow dance, in the dead of night,
Am E
In your world, devoid of light.
C G
Shadow dance, with your spirit free,
Am E
In your silent, secret decree.

Favorite Fan:

Their favorite fan is a young woman named Emily.

Testimonial:

“I’ve been following Bony Neighbour since they were just a cover band. Their evolution to creating original music has been extraordinary. Their songs, like ‘Shadow Dance’, resonate with me on a personal level. It’s like they are translating my thoughts and emotions into music. I love how they can flawlessly blend Indie Rock with Folk and Psychedelic Rock elements. Bony Neighbour isn’t just a band for me, it’s a part of my identity now. Their music has become my go-to comfort and celebration soundtrack. I can’t wait to see what they come up with next!”

Backstory:

Formed in the bustling city of Chicago, Attractive Destruction was born out of the collective frustration and shared passion for music of four young men: lead vocalist and bassist, Dylan Cooper, guitarist Ethan Miller, drummer Vince Kirk, and keyboardist Zachary Sullivan. All four were working dead-end jobs, trying to support their families while dreaming big about a life in music. One fateful night at a local open mic, they crossed paths and decided to unite their individual talents, thus creating what would become the sensation, Attractive Destruction. Known for their electrifying performances and soul-piercing lyrics, this band conquered the local scenes before their popularity exploded nationally.

Genre:

Alternative Rock

Title:

“Beautiful Chaos”

Full song lyrics:

(V)
Em G D A
In this world of beautiful chaos, we drown
Em G D A
Under the stars, we wear our crown
Em G D A
In the streets, we lost what we found
Em G D A
But in the music, we’re homeward bound

(Chorus)
C G D Em
We’re the children of attractive destruction
C G D Em
Bathed in the glow of our own eruption
C G D Em
Held together by the music’s seduction
C G D Em
We’re the saints of beautiful corruption

(Repeat Verse and Chorus)

Fan’s Name:

Jessica Martin

Testimonial:

“I’ve been a fan of Attractive Destruction since their very first gig at my local bar. Their music has a raw, genuine energy that just resonates with me. It’s like they took all the chaos and struggles of life, and turned it into something beautiful. Dylan’s voice is hauntingly beautiful, the guitar riffs by Ethan are mind-blowing, Vince’s drumming skills give me chills and Zachary on the keyboard is just magical. Every song they create is a testament to their talent and passion. They’re not just another band for me, they soundtrack my life. Their song “Beautiful Chaos” is my anthem. It reminds me that we can find beauty in destruction and chaos, and that’s a message I carry with me every day.”

Backstory:

Primary Scarf was formed in the bright, sunny town of Santa Barbara, California, back in 2012. The band started out as a trio of high school friends: lead vocalist, Jack Turner; guitarist, Steve ‘Sparrow’ Wilson; and drummer, Alex ‘Shaker’ Harris. They all shared an obsession with music and a dream to create something fresh and vibrant, a sound that would color the world with auditory magic. They named their band ‘Primary Scarf,’ inspired by a multi-colored scarf Jack’s grandmother had knitted, which symbolized, to them, the amalgamation of different colors, emotions, and experiences – much like their music.

Genre:

Indie Pop

Title:

“Crimson Sky”

Lyrics:

Verse 1 (E A D G):
Underneath the crimson sky,
I traced your shadow with my eyes.
Saw the sorrow, saw the joy,
In the echoes of your voice.

Chorus (C G Am F):
Primary Scarf, we wear it high,
Colors blending with the sky.
Underneath the crimson hue,
I found a piece of me in you.

Verse 2 (E A D G):
Lost in the rhythm of the night,
Your laughter was my only light.
Dancing through our shared decay,
We painted memories in grey.

Chorus (C G Am F):
Primary Scarf, we wear it proud,
Echoing our dreams aloud.
Underneath the crimson veil,
We found a tale to retell.

Outro (E A D G):
So here’s to the crimson sky,
And the colors that made us fly.
With the Primary Scarf, we soar,
Into the world, forever more.

Favorite Fan:

The band’s favorite fan is Lucy Harper, a 19-year-old college student from Austin, Texas. Lucy claims Primary Scarf saved her life. “Their lyrics really speak to me. It’s like they really get the struggles of growing up and trying to find your place in the world,” she says. She discovered Primary Scarf during a particularly tough time in her life and their music became a safe place for her. She’s been to every concert they’ve had in Texas since then. “They’re more than just a band to me, their music is like a friend who understands.”

Backstory:
Wet Transition was formed in late 2013 in the vibrant city of Seattle, Washington by childhood friends Henry Cole and Sam Sullivan. Both were high school band mates with a profound adoration for music. Henry, an adept guitarist, and Sam, a raw vocal powerhouse, decided to combine their talents to create something fresh and unique. Together with drummer Alex Brady and bassist Marcus Turner, they spent countless hours in a basement, eventually crafting their unique sound and a bond that would evolve into the entity that is Wet Transition.

Genre:
Indie Rock

Song Title:
“Rains of Change”

Song Lyrics:
(Verse 1: A, E, D, D)
A E
In the city streets, under neon lights
D D
We danced to the rhythm of the pouring night
A E
Torn shirts, worn shoes, but hearts so bright
D D
In the kingdom of youth, we took flight

(Chorus: G, A, Bm, D)
G A
And the rains of change, came pouring down
Bm D
Washed away our smiles, turned them into frowns
G A
But we’ll find our way, in this ghostly town
Bm D
With the rains of change, we wear the crown

(Verse 2: A, E, D, D)
A E
Memories crashing like thunder roars
D D
As we stood firm, on life’s rocky shores
A E
Through trials and tribulations, love and wars
D D
Underneath the storm, our spirit soars

(Repeat Chorus: G, A, Bm, D)

(Outro: A, D, E, E)
A D
With the rains of change, the story unfolds
E E
In the heart of the tempest, our destiny holds

Band’s Favorite Fan:
Our favorite fan’s name is Jenna Collins. Jenna has been with us since our earliest gigs in Seattle’s local bars. She was enchanted by our unique sound, deeply moved by our lyrics, and the sheer energy we brought to every performance. Jenna once told us, “Wet Transition isn’t just a band to me, they’re like a part of my life. Their music has seen me through my toughest times. It’s not just the rhythm that gets me, it’s their soul-stirring lyrics that resonate with my life. That’s why they’re my favorite.” Jenna’s unwavering support and enthusiasm have always been a source of motivation for us.

Backstory:
“Neglected Process” was born out of a university dorm room jam session in the bustling city of Chicago in 2012. Three friends, Brandon McFly (guitarist and lead vocalist), Mick O’Sullivan (bass), and Danny ‘The Beats’ Johnson (drums), decided to take their shared love for music a step further. During their sophomore year, they began spending countless nights rehearsing in the dormitory’s basement, where the sounds of their unique fusion of alternative rock and electronic music would echo until the early hours of the morning. Under the weight of academia and the struggles of young adulthood, they found solace in their music, labelling it a ‘Neglected Process’ that deserved more attention. The name stuck, and soon, Neglected Process was playing gigs all over the city.

Genre:
Alternative Rock / Electronic fusion

Title:
“Echoes of Youth”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
C#m – A – E – B
Caught in the glare of the city lights,
We were dreamers at the speed of light.
Running reckless, hearts under arrest,
In the neon glow, we were at our best.

(Chorus)
G – D – Em – C
Echoes of youth, breaking through the silence,
In the rhythm of truth, we found our defiance.
Through the static noise, and the endless ruse,
We hear the echoes, the echoes of youth.

(Verse 2)
C#m – A – E – B
In the basement, where the shadows dance,
We found rhythm in the state of trance.
With every strum, and every beat,
We laid our souls on this concrete.

(Chorus)
G – D – Em – C
Echoes of youth, ringing in the night sky,
In the echoes of truth, we learned to fly.
Through the stardust dreams, and the city’s abuse,
We hear the echoes, the echoes of youth.

Fan’s Testimonial:
My name’s Gina Matthews, and I’m probably Neglected Process’s biggest fan. Their music resonates with me on a level I can’t even begin to describe. It’s like they’ve taken the soundtrack of my adolescence and gave it lyrics. Their songs remind me so much of my carefree days, the raw energy and the rebellious phase of youth. “Echoes of Youth”, in particular, pulls at my heartstrings every time I listen to it. The lyrics, the melody, it’s just sublime. Neglected Process is my favorite band because they’re not just musicians, they’re storytellers painting pictures of life with their songs.

Backstory:

Originally from the heartland of Detroit, Michigan, Treasured Scope was formed in 2007 by a group of five high school friends. The band’s frontman, Leon Iverson, was a natural-born storyteller with a love for music. After practicing and playing local gigs for several years, their big break came in 2011 when a video of them performing at a local festival went viral. Their authenticity and unique sound caught the attention of a seasoned record producer, who signed them to a record deal. Since then, Treasured Scope has released three studio albums and toured across the country, captivating audiences with their unique blend of music.

Genre:

Treasured Scope’s music can be best described as Indie Folk Rock with a touch of Blues.

Title:

One of the band’s most popular songs is “Rivers of Orion”.

Full song lyrics:

(Verse 1)
Em G D
Underneath the starlight, where the river flows
A Em
We danced in the moon glow, Orion in our souls
Em G D
The world stood still, as we lost control
A Em
Just you and I, beneath the glow

(Chorus)
G D A
Rivers of Orion, lighting up the sky
Em G D
In our hearts forever, where our love lies
G D A
Rivers of Orion, in your eyes I find
Em G D
A treasure that’s forever, a love that’s hard to find

(Verse 2)
Em G D
In your eyes I see, a universe unexplored
A Em
In your touch, I feel a love that I adored
Em G D
Every moment with you, feels like a cherished lore
A Em
Underneath the stars, it’s you I implore

(Chorus)
G D A
Rivers of Orion, lighting up the sky
Em G D
In our hearts forever, where our love lies
G D A
Rivers of Orion, in your eyes I find
Em G D
A treasure that’s forever, a love that’s hard to find

Fan Testimonial:

The band’s favorite fan is a Chicago native named Jess Mitchell. Jess fell in love with Treasured Scope after hearing “Rivers of Orion” at a local music festival. Since then, she has followed the band across the country, attending almost every single one of their concerts. To her, the band’s music speaks to her own experiences and emotions in a way that no other music does. She states, “Treasured Scope’s music is raw, real, and deeply moving. They have a way of putting into words and melodies what I’ve felt but could never express. Their music has been a great source of comfort and inspiration to me. They are more than just a band – they are a musical lifeline.”

Backstory:

Early Sort was formed in a sleepy, coastal town in Rhode Island in 2010, by a group of high school friends, each with their unique musical abilities. The band consists of lead vocalist and keyboardist Ethan Harper, guitarist and backing vocalist Luke Marsh, bass guitarist Oliver Baker, and drummer Mason Riley. They started by performing at school events, local bars, and birthday parties, making a name for themselves in their small community with their earnest lyrics and unique sound. Their breakthrough came when a talent scout visiting a nearby city heard their music on a local radio station and signed them to his record label.

Genre:

Early Sort’s music falls into the broad genre of Indie Rock, with elements of folk and pop, characterized by their melodic harmonies, insightful lyrics, and a distinctive blend of acoustic and electronic sounds.

Title: “Tales of the Dusk”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse)
Em C G D
From the east, across the sea,
Em C G D
I search for what’s left of me.
Em C G D
Underneath the setting sun,
Em C G D
My journey has just begun.

(Chorus)
Em C G D
Here in the tales of the dusk,
Em C G D
Are stories of love and trust.
Em C G D
Where hearts mend and souls combust,
Em C G D
In the tales of the, tales of the dusk.

(Verse)
Em C G D
The twilight whispers your name,
Em C G D
In the quiet, we’re one and the same.
Em C G D
Stars as our only guide,
Em C G D
In the dark, we confide.

(Chorus)
Em C G D
Here in the tales of the dusk,
Em C G D
Are stories of love and trust.
Em C G D
Where hearts mend and souls combust,
Em C G D
In the tales of the, tales of the dusk.

Fan Testimonial – Sarah Gibson:

“Early Sort has been my favorite band since I first heard them at a local music festival in Providence. Their music has seen me through my highest highs and my lowest lows. The lyrics of their songs are thoughtful and profound, they speak to my soul. Their sound is unique and refreshing in the music industry today. They are the kind of band you can listen to on a long drive, on a quiet evening, or even on a busy morning. I especially love their song ‘Tales of the Dusk’. The melody is haunting, and the lyrics are beautifully poetic. I can’t wait to see what the future holds for Early Sort.”

Backstory:
Formed in the heart of the midwest, Remorseful Bill was born from the ashes of a blue-collar, American dreamscape. The quartet of childhood friends, comprising of lead singer and guitarist Blake Ender, bassist Tim McLean, drummer Roy Jenkins, and keyboardist Pat O’Sullivan, took the rock scene by storm in the early 2000s as they began to translate their heartache, joys, and life stories into soulful tunes, infused with a tinge of country. Named after a local legend of a remorseful cowboy named Bill, the band’s narrative-driven music resonates with the common folk, making them a sensation in the underbelly of the music landscape.

Genre:
Country Rock

Title:
“Whiskey Lullaby”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
G Em C D
[G] Down the old dust road, under the [Em] crumbling sky,
[C] Bill, he was a wanderer, with pain in his [D] eyes.
[G] He had a heart full of sorrows, and a [Em] bottle of rye,
[C] Singing his whiskey lullaby, under the [D] moon so high.

(Chorus)
G D Em C
[G] Whiskey, oh, whiskey, drown my [D] sorrow,
[Em] Under the starless sky, waiting for the [C] morrow.
[G] Whiskey, oh, whiskey, you’re a betrayer so [D] sly,
[Em] Where’s my piece of heaven, [C] singing my whiskey lullaby?

(Verse 2)
G Em C D
[G] Lost love, broken dreams, and a [Em] tale of despair,
[C] Bill, he was a broken man, living on [D] prayer.
[G] His tears were lost in the bottle, [Em] no one to care,
[C] Singing his whiskey lullaby, life’s an [D] unfair affair.

(Repeat Chorus)

End:
G Em C D
[G] So here’s to old Bill, a man [Em] so real,
[C] Chasing ghosts of the past, trying to [D] heal.
[G] His legacy lives in us, [Em] let’s take the deal,
[C] Singing our whiskey lullaby, [D] feeling Remorseful Bill.

Favorite Fan’s Name:
Cathy Jensen

Testimonial:
“I’ve been a fan of Remorseful Bill since their first gig in our small town. Their lyrics speak to me on a personal level, it’s as if they’re singing about my life. The rawness and honesty in their music make it even more compelling. Their song ‘Whiskey Lullaby’ is my go-to comfort track. I find solace in it during my darkest times. Honestly, I can’t imagine a day without their music. Thank you, Remorseful Bill, for being the soundtrack of my life.”