Backstory: Dental Funeral was originally formed in Seattle, Washington, in 2012 by lead vocalist and bassist Ben “Tooth” McKinney, a dental hygienist by day, and drummer Tommy “Cavity” Barnes, a funeral director by night. Both had a shared passion for music and decided to combine their odd professions into an offbeat band name. Dental Funeral quickly developed a local cult following, winning fans over with their unique sound and irreverent humor. The band further expanded with the addition of two more members, guitarist Emily “Floss” Thatcher, and keyboardist Dan “Crown” Miller in 2014.

Genre: Dental Funeral’s unique sound can best be described as a blend of punk rock with a dash of grunge, a healthy dose of humor, and the occasional scream of horror punk. Their music is known for its catchy hooks, raw energy, and lyrics that often revolve around themes of dentistry and mortality.

Title: “Root Canal Romance”

Full Song Lyrics:

Verse 1:
[G] She walked into my clinic with a [C] sweet and painful smile,
[G] Said she’s got a toothache been [D] hurting for a while.
[G] I looked into her mouth, [C] saw a cavity so deep,
[G] I knew this root canal was a [D] love I had to keep.

Chorus:
[G] It’s a root canal romance, baby [C] drill into my heart,
[G] Let’s fill this empty space and [D] never be apart.
[G] Don’t need no anesthesia, [C] I can take the pain,
[G] Cause our root canal romance is [D] love’s sweetest gain.

Verse 2:
[G] Worked on her molars as she [C] gripped the chair so tight,
[G] I saw the fear in her eyes but [D] promised it’ll be alright.
[G] As I removed her decay, [C] she began to see,
[G] This root canal romance is [D] our shared destiny.

(Repeat Chorus)

Favorite Fan: The band’s favorite fan is a wildly eccentric dentist named Dr. Phil Fillings. Dr. Fillings discovered Dental Funeral during a dental conference and instantly fell in love with their unique sound and quirky dental references. He has since attended every single one of their shows in the Seattle vicinity, often dressed in dental scrubs and carrying a giant foam toothbrush.

Testimonial: “Dental Funeral is more than just a band to me, they’re a movement. They’ve found a way to turn the mundane and often feared aspects of dentistry into pure punk rock gold. Their music, like a good cleaning, is refreshing, cathartic, and leaves me feeling invigorated. I can’t get enough of their root canal romance!” – Dr. Phil Fillings.

Backstory:

Negative Weekend was formed in the chilly winter of 2009 in the heart of Brooklyn, New York. The band members, consisting of lead vocalist and guitarist Jake Harrington, bassist Max Evans, and drummer Emily Walker, were initially a group of college friends who shared a deep passion for music. They started by performing in local bars and cafes and soon gained recognition for their unique sound and raw, emotional lyrics. Their band name, Negative Weekend, was coined from the idea that while weekends are usually associated with enjoyment, they can also bring loneliness and sorrow for some.

Genre:
Alternative Rock

Title:
“Grey Canvas”

Full Song Lyrics:

Verse 1: (C-Am-Dm-G)
Beneath the ashes of the night,
A heart is burning, fierce and bright.
Lost in the echoes of the crowd,
Yearning to break free, to shout out loud.

Chorus: (F-C-G-Am)
On this grey canvas, we paint our dreams,
In the silence, we scream our screams.
Even if the world turns its back,
On the path of fire, we leave our track.

Verse 2: (C-Am-Dm-G)
Torn pages, forgotten tales,
Wounded heart, a ship that sails.
A journey in the shadows, a lone crusade,
In the ruins, our name is made.

Chorus: (F-C-G-Am)
On this grey canvas, we paint our joy,
With the rhythm, we’re just a toy.
In the face of despair, we stand tall,
In the echoes, we answer the call.

Bridge: (Dm-Am-E-F)
In the heart of the storm, we find our peace,
In the labyrinth of life, we find our release.

Chorus: (F-C-G-Am)
On this grey canvas, we paint our story,
In the silence, we claim our glory.
Even if the world turns its back,
On the path of fire, we leave our track.

Fan Profile:

Fan’s Name: Sarah Thompson

Testimonial:
Sarah is a college student from Boston who discovered Negative Weekend in her freshman year. A self-proclaimed alternative rock enthusiast, she was immediately drawn to their emotional lyrics and powerful sound. She’s been to every one of their concerts in her city and even traveled across states to catch their performances. Sarah loves how their music speaks to her, making her feel seen and understood. She often says, “Negative Weekend’s music is raw, real, and relatable – it’s like they’ve channeled all my thoughts and emotions into their songs.”

Backstory:

Mysterious Business was formed in the artistically vibrant town of Austin, Texas, back in 2012. The band consists of four members: lead vocalist and guitarist, Charlie Fenton; drummer, Zoe Pierce; bassist, Ethan Graves; and keyboardist, April Hawkins. What began as a group of friends jamming in their garage quickly turned into a full-fledged band when their demo tape was discovered by a talent scout at a local music festival. Since then, they’ve been touring across the country and making waves in the music industry with their refreshing style and evocative lyrics.

After releasing their debut album, ‘Unseen Path’ in 2015, Mysterious Business garnered a strong following of fans who appreciated their unique blending of genres. As the years have passed, the band has stayed true to their roots while also evolving their sound, showcasing their talent for innovation and their deep understanding of musicality.

Genre:
Alternative Rock / Indie Folk

Title:
“Lucid Dreamer”

Full song lyrics:

[Verse]
Em G
In the quiet of the night, I see her,
Am Em
A lucid dreamer, painting her flight.
Em G
Skipping through stars, a cosmic believer,
Am Em
In the realm of dreams, she’s a fighter.

[Chorus]
C G
Oh, lucid dreamer, don’t lose your sight,
Am Em
In the chaos of the day, find your light.
C G
Keep painting the sky with your vibrant dreams,
Am Em
In the world asleep, be the soundless scream.

[Verse]
Em G
She dances with the moon, a silent prayer,
Am Em
Bathing in the glow, shedding her despair.
Em G
In her dreams, she’s free, unchained and clearer,
Am Em
Oh, the magic of the night, in her eyes a mirror.

[Chorus]
C G
Oh, lucid dreamer, don’t dim your light,
Am Em
In the silence of the night, take your flight.
C G
Keep weaving tales in the cosmic streams,
Am Em
In the world awake, be the dreamer of dreams.

The band’s favorite fan’s name:
Emily Hanson

Testimonial:

“I have been following Mysterious Business since their early days in Austin. Their music speaks to me on such a personal level, it’s like they’ve lived my life and are singing my experiences. ‘Lucid Dreamer’ became my anthem in a particularly difficult time in my life, reminding me to keep going, keep dreaming. No other band comes close to the emotional depth and innovative sound of Mysterious Business. They are, and always will be, my favorite band.”

Backstory:
Same Whole was conceived under the bright city lights of Seattle, Washington. The brainchild of two college schoolmates, Jackson Hart and Sammy Bell, the band was originally a garage project, taking form in the late evenings after classes. Hart, the lead vocalist and guitarist, brought the raw emotion while Bell, the drummer, brought the rhythmic backbone that gave their music its unique flavor. They later on added two more members; Megan Lee on the bass and Charlie McNeal on the keyboards. Their music has been a journey, reflecting their life experiences, aspirations, and a dream to connect with people on a cosmic level. The name ‘Same Whole’ represents their belief in universal connection – the idea that we are all part of the same whole.

Genre:
Alternative Rock

Title:
“Shift in the Shadows”

Full Song Lyrics:
[Verse 1]
Am D
Walking through the shadows,
G Em
Seeking the unknown,
Am D
Casting away doubts,
G Em
We walk alone.

[Chorus]
C G Am Em
In the darkness, we find our light,
C G Am Em
In the struggle, we gain our might.

[Verse 2]
Am D
Chasing the sunsets,
G Em
Beyond what we know,
Am D
Finding our purpose,
G Em
In this cosmic show.

[Chorus]
C G Am Em
In the silence, we find our voice,
C G Am Em
In the chaos, we make our choice.

[Bridge]
F C G
Shift in the shadows, reveal your truth,
F C G
In the same whole, we find our proof.

[Chorus]
C G Am Em
In the darkness, we claim our light,
C G Am Em
In the struggle, we take our flight.

Fan’s Testimonial:
My name is Emily Thompson, and I’ve been a huge fan of Same Whole since their first EP dropped. Their music speaks to me on a profound level. The raw emotion, the stirring guitar work, the solid rhythm section – it all meshes together into a sound that’s overwhelmingly powerful and yet, intimate. Every song feels like a journey, like they’re reaching out and pulling me into their world. I’ve seen them live three times now and each time it’s like a spiritual experience. I can’t wait to see where their journey takes them next. They’re not just my favorite band, they’re a part of me. They make me feel seen, and most importantly, they make me feel like I’m part of the ‘same whole’.

Backstory:
Formed in the quiet town of Ashford, Connecticut, amidst the isolation and turmoil of the year 2020, Silent Mind is a band that embodies the spirit of introspection and resilience. Comprising four members – Alex (vocals/guitar), Emily (bass), Oliver (drums), and Sarah (keyboard/vocals) – who met via an online music forum during lockdown, they started out creating music remotely, using the pandemic as a catalyst to fuel their creativity. Each member, isolated in their respective abodes, turned their silent minds into a harmonious voice, thus birthing the band. Drawing inspiration from their shared experiences, Silent Mind quickly started gaining attention for their complex, harmonious sound and thought-provoking lyrics.

Genre:
Alternative Indie

Title:
“Echoes in the Silence”

Song Lyrics:

[Verse 1]
Em G D A
In the still of the night, under the watchful moon,
Em G D A
We find ourselves lost, waiting for the dawn soon,
Em G D A
Our voices cut through the silence, like a loom,
Em G D A
Weaving a tapestry of sound, in our lonely room.

[Chorus]
Bm G D A
Echoes in the silence, whispers in the wind,
Bm G D A
Speak of a world unseen, of a melody within,
Bm G D A
Let the silent mind speak, let the heart begin,
Bm G D A
To feel the rhythm of life, under the skin.

[Verse 2]
Em G D A
In the quiet corners of our hearts, we confide,
Em G D A
In the solitude we find, there’s nothing to hide,
Em G D A
Bare to the bone, with our emotions on the tide,
Em G D A
Silent minds speak, where the true self resides.

[Chorus]
Bm G D A
Echoes in the silence, whispers in the wind,
Bm G D A
Tell the stories untold, of a journey within,
Bm G D A
Let the silent mind speak, let the heart begin,
Bm G D A
To feel the rhythm of life, in its beautiful din.

Fan Testimonial:
Silent Mind’s biggest fan is undoubtedly Sofia Bennett, a 25-year-old writer from Seattle. Sofia first discovered Silent Mind during a late-night search for new music. She immediately connected with their introspective lyrics and saw her own isolation and internal struggle reflected in their music. She says, “Silent Mind is more than a band to me. It is a reflection of my own journey, my own struggle and resilience. Their music has seen me through my darkest days and filled me with hope and strength. There is a raw honesty to their lyrics and a soulful sincerity to their music that resonates with me deeply. Silent Mind is not just my favorite band, they are my companions in the journey of life.”

Backstory:
Formed in the small town of Kent, Ohio, ‘Physical Session’ traces its roots back to a close group of friends who decided to turn their weekend jam sessions into a full-blown musical journey. They were four normal guys – two college students, a mechanic, and a restaurant waiter – each with a deep love for music and a burning desire to create something of their own. They started performing at local bars and clubs, their soulful renditions resonating with the crowd’s emotions, leading them to quickly gain recognition on the local music scene. Their journey has been filled with ups and downs, but ‘Physical Session’ stands strong, united in their love for music and belief in their unique sound.

Genre:
Alternative Rock

Title:
“Chasing Shadows”

Full Song Lyrics:

[Verse]
Em C
As I walk down this lonely road,
G D
Chasing shadows of the tales untold.
Em C
The echoes of your laughter, they still remain,
G D
In my heart, in my soul, like a sweet refrain.

[Verse]
Em C
The taste of your lips, the touch of your skin,
G D
In the silence of the night, still lingers within.
Em C
Your whispers in the wind, your fragrance in the rain,
G D
I’m chasing shadows, in joy and in pain.

[Chorus]
Em C
Chasing shadows, in the dead of the night,
G D
Holding on to memories, with all my might.
Em C
I know you’re gone, but you’re still here,
G D
In every shadow, in every tear.

[Verse]
Em C
As I walk down this lonely road,
G D
Chasing shadows, in the cold.
Em C
I see your smile, I hear your voice,
G D
In the whispers of the wind, in the silence and noise.

[Chorus]
Em C
Chasing shadows, in the light of the moon,
G D
Hoping to find you, hoping it’s soon.
Em C
I know you’re gone, but you’re still here,
G D
In every shadow, in every tear.

Fan Testimonial:
“Physical Session’s biggest fan has to be Dave Kowalski. The band’s authentic sound and heartfelt lyrics resonate deeply with him, providing comfort during difficult times. He sees himself in their journey, being a small-town guy with big dreams. The song ‘Chasing Shadows’ is his favorite, as it reminds him of a lost love. He admires how the band’s music tries to heal and inspire, always providing him a safe harbor. Physical Session isn’t just a band for him, it’s a life philosophy.”

Backstory:
“Closed Discovery” was born in the dynamic and eclectic music hub of Austin, Texas, in 2015. The four-piece band comprised of lead vocalist and rhythm guitarist, Daniel, lead guitarist Rick, bassist Alex, and drummer Greg. They were all childhood friends who shared a profound interest in music. In their early days, they spent countless hours in Alex’s garage, writing songs, practicing their synchronization, and honing their craft. These humble beginnings infused a sense of camaraderie and synergy in their music, which has been a signature element of their performances. Their name, ‘Closed Discovery,’ signifies their belief in the continuous journey of exploring the depths of music, even when all doors seem closed.

Genre:
Alternative Rock

Title:
“Midnight Echo”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
G C D G
“Under the moon, where shadows creep,
Em C D G
we dance in whispers, while the world sleeps.
Am C D G
Our words are secrets, lost in the night,
Em C D G
an echo in the wind, veiled in twilight.”

(Chorus)
C D G Em
“Midnight Echo, our story untold,
C D G Em
in the silent hours, our spirit unfolds.”

(Verse 2)
G C D G
“Dreams take flight, under starlight’s glow,
Em C D G
In the hush of the night, our passions grow.
Am C D G
We’re chasing echoes, in the midnight air,
Em C D G
an eternal dance, beyond compare.”

(Chorus)
C D G Em
“Midnight Echo, a symphony so grand,
C D G Em
in the heart of the night, together we stand.”

Fan’s Testimonial:
“Hi, my name is Lily Patterson. I am, without a doubt, the biggest fan of Closed Discovery. Their music is like an intoxicating blend of emotions and power. I come from a family of musicians, so I’ve always had an ear for authentic, heartfelt music. What I love about Closed Discovery, particularly, is their unique sound and thoughtful lyrics. The song “Midnight Echo” has been my go-to track whenever I need to unwind. It’s a tune that embarks on a journey of shared silence and unspoken words, resonating deeply with me. The melody is enchanting, and the lyrics are profoundly poetic. Closed Discovery isn’t just my favorite band; they are the soundtrack of my life.”

Backstory:

The ‘Frightened Force’ emerged from the heart of Brooklyn in 2012, born out of the desire of four friends to create a new sound, while expressing their shared fears and hopes. Lead vocalist and guitarist, Will ‘The Whisper’ Hobson, joined forces with bassist, Max ‘The Menace’ Cartwright, drummer, Sam ‘The Scarecrow’ Carlson, and keyboardist, Finn ‘The Phantom’ Duffy. They started jamming in Will’s dingy basement, crafting a sound that combined their love for punk music with an indie edge. Their lyrics often delve into the anxiety of the modern world and the harsh realities of adulthood, with an underlying message of resilience and hope.

Genre:

Punk-Indie-Rock

Title:

“Monsters Under the Bed”

Full Song Lyrics:

[Intro] D A Em G

(Verse 1)
(D)Walking through the shadows of the (A)night,
(Em)Fear is creeping up, it’s a (G)frightening sight.
(D)But we keep moving, can’t stop, can’t (A)rest,
(Em)We’re chasing dreams, doing our (G)best.

(Chorus)
(D)We’re the Frightened Force, we’re not (A)scared,
(Em)Of the monsters hiding under the (G)bed.
(D)We’ll fight the darkness, with our (A)light,
(Em)We’re the Frightened Force, ready for the (G)fight.

(Verse 2)
(D)Life’s a nightmare, but we’re (A)wide awake,
(Em)Every step we take, is a (G)chance we take.
(D)We’re not perfect, we have our (A)flaws,
(Em)But we’re the Frightened Force, we won’t (G)pause.

(Chorus)
(D)We’re the Frightened Force, we’re not (A)scared,
(Em)Of the monsters hiding under the (G)bed.
(D)We’ll fight the darkness, with our (A)light,
(Em)We’re the Frightened Force, ready for the (G)fight.

Fan:

The band’s favorite fan is Sarah ‘The Scream Queen’ Jones. She’s been with them since their first underground gig and has attended every concert since. Sarah’s testimonial reads, “The Frightened Force isn’t just a band to me, it’s a movement. Their music resonates with my fears, my hopes, and my struggles. It’s like they’ve ripped the pages from my diary and set them to a killer soundtrack. They’ve given me strength in my darkest times and have shown me that it’s okay to be frightened but it’s important to fight. I am a proud member of the Frightened Force family!”

Backstory:
Emerging from the eclectic and pulsating underground music scene of Seattle, ‘Blushing Liability’ is a four-piece band that was born out of a serendipitous meeting in a dive bar, during an impromptu jam session. The band consists of lead vocalist and guitarist, Jamie ‘Scorch’ Schmidt, bassist, Larry ‘Buzz’ Anderson, drummer, Rick ‘Boom’ O’Neil, and keyboardist, Liz ‘Echo’ Ramirez. United by their collective love of the grunge era, and a burning desire to create music that left a lasting imprint, Blushing Liability was born in 2015. Their story has been a whirlwind from the start, with the band’s magnetic live shows and infectious energy quickly winning them a dedicated fan base locally and internationally.

Genre:
Blushing Liability’s music is a potent cocktail of Indie Rock and Neo-Psychedelia, with a healthy dose of Grunge influences. Their sound is characterized by distorted guitar riffs, frantic drumming, and lyrical themes that often straddle the line between existential angst and blissful optimism.

Title:
“Aimless Wandering in Daylight”

Full song lyrics:

(Verse 1)
[G] I walk these streets, [C] in broad daylight,
[Em] Aimless wandering, [D] every day, every night
[G] The city breathes, [C] whispers in my ear,
[Em] Speaking of love, [D] speaking of fear.

(Chorus)
[G] But I keep on walking, [C] no destination in sight,
[Em] Lost in a world, [D] bathed in bright light
[G] Aimless wandering, [C] in daylight I roam,
[Em] This city of dreams, [D] feels like home.

(Verse 2)
[G] I see your face, [C] in every crowd,
[Em] A constant echo, [D] silent yet loud.
[G] We’re all just stories, [C] in the end,
[Em] Unfinished symphonies, [D] love notes unsent.

(Chorus)
[G] But I keep on walking, [C] no destination in sight,
[Em] Through laughter and tears, [D] through day and night.
[G] Aimless wandering, [C] in daylight I roam,
[Em] This city of dreams, [D] feels like home.

Fan’s Testimonial:
My name is Amelia, and I am unequivocally the biggest fan of Blushing Liability. Their music is raw and genuine, filled with emotion that resonates so deeply within me. The band’s unique blend of Indie Rock, Neo-Psychedelia, and Grunge appeals to my love for music that breaks barriers and challenges the status quo. But, it’s not just their music that makes them my favorite; it’s their spirit. The passion they exude on stage, their connection with the audience, and the energy they bring to every performance is awe-inspiring. Blushing Liability isn’t just a band; they are a force of nature.

Backstory:
Robust Working is an unexpected collection of four individuals brought together by their collective love for music and their shared working-class roots. The band was formed in the industrial heartland of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, where they initially bonded over a shared appreciation for music and the complex narratives of the blue-collar workers around them. Their paths crossed at a local factory where they were all working, and after a few impromptu jam sessions during their breaks, they realized their shared musical synergy and decided to form Robust Working. They quickly gained recognition for their soulful tracks that echoed the triumphs and tribulations of the working class.

Genre:
Robust Working can best be classified as an Indie Blues Rock band. Their music is deeply influenced by the blues, rock, and folk genres, with a substantial dose of indie flavor, reflecting the diverse musical tastes and backgrounds of its members.

Title:
“Steel Heart, Iron Hands”

Full song lyrics:
(Verse 1)
Am
Workin’ dawn till dusk, in the heart of this rusted land,
E
In the steel mill’s dust, with iron in our hands.

(Chorus)
G D Am
Steel heart, Iron hands, we are the working class,
E
The backbone of this land, in the past and future’s vast.

(Verse 2)
Am
We’re the unsung heroes, of a story that echoes loud,
E
On these streets of shadows, where we stand tall and proud.

(Chorus)
G D Am
Steel heart, Iron hands, we shape the world unseen,
E
In the rhythm of the factory’s band, we’re chasing the American dream.

(Bridge)
C G D
Every drop of sweat, every burn, every scar,
Am E
Marks our journey, from under these stars.

(Chorus)
G D Am
Steel heart, Iron hands, we’re the melody in the grind,
E
The pulse of this nation, the beat of mankind.

End:
G D Am
Steel heart, Iron hands, we are Robust Working,
E
Our song never ends, as long as the world is turning.

Favorite fan’s testimonial:
Name: Joey Thompson

“As a third-generation steelworker, I’ve never felt more seen than when I listen to Robust Working. The authenticity in their lyrics, the rawness in their sound, it all perfectly embodies the spirit of the working class. Their song, ‘Steel Heart, Iron Hands’ is more than just a song to me, it’s an anthem that celebrates the hard work, resilience, and the quiet determination that is the hallmark of every worker out there. Robust Working isn’t just a band for me, it’s a voice for people like us.”