Backstory:
Handy Temper was formed in the mid-90s amidst the bustling streets of Portland, Oregon. Five friends from college, each with different musical tastes, decided to merge their distinct styles into one brand, and the band was born. These five friends – Steven, Ray, Mike, Gary, and Tom – started as a garage band, practicing their beats and notes after their day jobs. They were driven by their love for music and the dream of making it big in the music industry.

Their big break didn’t come until 1998, when their demo tape was heard by a music producer at an independent record label. Impressed by their unique sound, the producer signed them on the spot. Since then, Handy Temper has been known for its captivating performances and compelling lyrics that touch the heart and soul.

Genre:
Alternative Rock with a hint of Grunge

Title:
“Underneath the Rain”

Full Song Lyrics:

Verse 1:
Am Em
Underneath the rain, I stand alone,
G D
With the echoes of your laughter in my bones.
Am Em
The streets are wet, the lights are dim,
G D
And I can’t help but wonder where you’ve been.

Chorus:
C G
Gone are the days, we used to play,
Am Em
Lost in love, in our own special way.
C G
Now I’m standing here, in the pouring rain,
Am Em
All alone, with nothing but your name.

Verse 2:
Am Em
The city sleeps, but I’m awake,
G D
Drowning in the memories, I can’t shake.
Am Em
Underneath the rain, I silently pray,
G D
For the sun to rise, and chase the pain away.

(Repeat Chorus)

Bridge:
F C
I’m underneath the rain, but I feel no cold,
G Em
Only the warmth of your love, I used to hold.
F C
I’m underneath the rain, but I’m not alone,
G Em
I have our memories, your laughter in my bones.

(Repeat Chorus)

End:
Am Em
Underneath the rain, I stand alone,
G D
With the echoes of your laughter in my bones.

Band’s Favorite Fan:
Our favorite fan is a guy named Daniel. Daniel has been to every one of our shows since our first gig in a small bar in Portland. He has always supported us, even when we were just starting out. Daniel has often said, “Handy Temper has a way of creating melodies and lyrics that resonate with my soul. Every song is a journey, a rollercoaster of emotions that leaves me feeling understood and less alone. They are not just a band, they are my escape, my solace.” Daniel’s support and love for our music make all the hard work worth it.

Backstory:

Messy Display was formed in the vibrant streets of New York City in 2012. The founding members, lead singer and guitarist Michael ‘Micky’ Stinson and drummer James ‘Jimmy’ McArthur, were high school friends who shared a passion for music and the vibrant local art scene. Even in the early days, they were known for their chaotic, energetic performances – a trademark that would eventually inspire their band name. After playing in local pubs and gaining a small following, they recruited bassist Lisa ‘Lulu’ Harper and keyboardist Sam ‘Smokey’ Jones to complete their lineup. This quartet would go on to take the indie rock world by storm with their distinctive sound and unapologetic lyrics.

Genre:

Indie Rock

Title:

“Neon Catastrophe”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1 – A, E, D, E)
In the neon glow of the city streets, (A, E)
She’s a vision, a walking masterpiece, (D, E)
But she’s caught in a world that’s too discrete, (A, E)
Like a bird confined, no chance to compete. (D, E)

(Chorus – Bm, D, A, E)
Neon catastrophe, it’s a sight to see, (Bm, D)
She’s trying to break free, she’s just like you and me, (A, E)
In the chaos of the night, we’ll ignite, (Bm, D)
Beneath the city lights, we’ll take flight. (A, E)

(Verse 2 – A, E, D, E)
In the cold concrete jungle, she roams, (A, E)
Seeking solace, a place she can call home, (D, E)
In the chaos, she feels so alone, (A, E)
Yet she stands tall, queen without a throne. (D, E)

(Chorus – Bm, D, A, E)
Neon catastrophe, can’t you see, (Bm, D)
She’s a symphony wrapped in mystery, (A, E)
In the heart of the night, we’ll unite, (Bm, D)
In the glow of the moonlight, we’ll find light. (A, E)

Fan’s Name and Testimonial:

Fan’s Name: Johnny ‘Jazz’ Thompson

Testimonial: “I’ve been along for the Messy Display ride since their early pub performances. I was instantly drawn to their raw and unfiltered sound. It wasn’t just about the music; it was the way they captured the chaos and beauty of our city in their lyrics. Their song “Neon Catastrophe” is my absolute favorite. It perfectly encapsulates the struggle of feeling lost in a big city while trying to find your own place. It’s a testament to their songwriting skills and their ability to connect with their audience. For me, Messy Display isn’t just a band, it’s a soundtrack to my life.”

Backstory:

Incomplete Chance is a four-member band hailing from the heart of Seattle’s indie music scene. The band was formed in 2014 when lead vocalist and guitarist, Max, met drummer, Danny, during a jam session at a local music shop. Their mutual love for storytelling through music led them to search for other kindred spirits, which led them to bassist, Jay, and keyboardist, Luna. The chemistry was instantaneous, and Incomplete Chance was born. They’ve swiftly made a name for themselves, tapping into the disquiet and disillusionment of the millennial generation, while celebrating their dreams and hopes.

Genre:

Indie Rock/Alternative

Title:

“Lost In The Echo”

Full song lyrics:

(Verse 1)
C Am G F
In the city that never sleeps,
C Am G F
We found our dreams incomplete.
C Am G F
Lost like whispers in the wind,
C Am G F
We’re searching for where to begin.

(Chorus)
C Am G F
Lost in the echo, we’re screaming out loud,
C Am G F
Drowning in silence, lost in the crowd.
C Am G F
Our hearts are breaking, but we’re still proud,
C Am G F
Lost in the echo, we’re singing out loud.

(Verse 2)
C Am G F
In the corners of our mind,
C Am G F
We’re looking for what we can’t find.
C Am G F
Chasing shadows in the night,
C Am G F
We’re dancing in the moon’s soft light.

(Chorus)
C Am G F
Lost in the echo, we’re screaming out loud,
C Am G F
Drowning in silence, lost in the crowd.
C Am G F
Our hearts are breaking, but we’re still proud,
C Am G F
Lost in the echo, we’re singing out loud.

Favorite Fan:

The band’s favorite fan is a college student named Sarah. She discovered Incomplete Chance during a particularly challenging time in her life. The band’s raw, authentic lyrics and the emotional intensity of their indie rock sound resonated deeply with her. In her own words:

“I found Incomplete Chance during a time when everything seemed to be falling apart. Their music felt like a friend, understanding exactly what I was going through. The lyrics, the melody, the emotion – it was as if they were speaking directly to me. ‘Lost in The Echo’ will always be my anthem; it reminds me that even when times are tough, I am not alone. That’s why Incomplete Chance is my favorite band, they gave voice to what I couldn’t express.”

Backstory:

‘Round Energy’ started as a small garage band in the heart of Portland, Oregon in 2007. The band was formed by Jesse Chamberlain (lead vocalist and guitarist), Aaron Reynolds (bass guitar), and Sophie McKinley (drummer). They met in a local record shop, bonding over their love of music and desire to create something new and exciting that would resonate with the people around them. Starting out with small gigs at local venues, they quickly caught the attention of audiences with their infectious energy and unique sound.

By 2012, they had gained a loyal fan base and started touring nationally. Their fans admired their raw talent and passion for music. With Jesse’s soulful voice, Aaron’s electrifying bass, and Sophie’s dynamic drumming, ‘Round Energy’ soon became an admired name in the indie rock scene. Over the years, they continued to evolve, always staying true to their roots while continuing to impress the music world with their fresh and energetic sound.

Genre:

Indie Rock

Song Title:

“Chasing Shadows”

Full song lyrics:

Verse 1: [G – D – Em – C]
(G) Underneath the city lights, (D) we were chasing our dreams,
(Em) Running wild, running free, (C) lost in our teens.
(G) We found love in the music, (D) found hope in the night,
(Em) In the shadows, we were dancing, (C) bathed in moonlight.

Chorus: [G – D – C]
(G) Chasing shadows, (D) under the stars,
(C) We found our rhythm, (G) we found our hearts.
(G) Chasing shadows, (D) in the dark,
(C) We found our music, (G) we found our spark.

Verse 2: [G – D – Em – C]
(G) Lost in the rhythm, (D) we held on tight,
(Em) To our dreams, to each other, (C) through every fight.
(G) Our music was our refuge, (D) our bond was our strength,
(Em) In the shadows, we were singing, (C) without any restraint.

Chorus: [G – D – C]
(G) Chasing shadows, (D) under the stars,
(C) We found our rhythm, (G) we found our hearts.
(G) Chasing shadows, (D) in the dark,
(C) We found our music, (G) we found our spark.

Bands favorite fan’s name:

Andy Meyer

Why and How this band is their favorite:

Andy Meyer is a long-time follower of ‘Round Energy’. He’s been attending their gigs since their early days in Portland. For Andy, ‘Round Energy’ is more than just music; it’s a part of his life. In his words, “Their music has the power to lift you up when you’re down. They’ve created a sound that isn’t just melody and rhythm; it’s a reflection of life, of love, and of the indomitable human spirit. Every song resonates with my own experiences, making ‘Round Energy’ not just my favorite band, but also my most cherished musical companion.”

Backstory:
“Cultivated Polish” was born in the vibrant music scene of Manchester, England in 2006. The band members, who were all university friends, found inspiration in their shared love for vintage records, coffee shop debates, and late-night jamming sessions. After winning a local battle of the bands competition, the group began to gain a reputation for their unique sound and compelling performances. Over the years, Cultivated Polish toured extensively across Europe, earning a loyal fan base and the respect of their industry peers. Despite their success, the band remains fiercely independent, preferring to record in their self-built studio and releasing music on their own label.

Genre:
Indie Rock

Title:
“Shadows in the Rain”

Full Song Lyrics:
(Verse 1 – Am, G, F, Am)
Underneath the old city lights, we used to dance in the rain (Am, G)
Two souls lost in time, chasing the echoes of fame (F, Am)
Every day was a silent film, every night was a song (Am, G)
We were young, we were brave, we were wild, we were strong (F, Am)

(Chorus – C, G, Am, F)
In the shadows of the rain, we found a love that can’t be tamed (C, G)
Between the whispers and the screams, we built a castle out of dreams (Am, F)
In the shadows of the rain, we danced away the pain (C, G)
Remember my name, remember the nights, remember the shadows in the rain (Am, F)

(Verse 2 – Am, G, F, Am)
Now the old city sleeps, and the dance floor is bare (Am, G)
The echoes are silent, but the memories are there (F, Am)
We may have lost our way, but the music remains (Am, G)
In the shadows of the rain, we play the game (F, Am)

(Chorus – C, G, Am, F)
In the shadows of the rain, we found a love that can’t be tamed (C, G)
Between the whispers and the screams, we built a castle out of dreams (Am, F)
In the shadows of the rain, we danced away the pain (C, G)
Remember my name, remember the nights, remember the shadows in the rain (Am, F)

Favorite Fan:
The band’s favorite fan is Sarah O’Reilly, a 28-year-old graphic designer from Dublin. Sarah’s testimonial as to why Cultivated Polish is her favorite band: “From the very first note, I was hooked. Their music is raw, powerful, and incredibly moving. It’s not just about the lyrics or the melodies. It’s about the emotions they make you feel. They’ve created a sound that is genuinely unique and captivating. When I listen to their music, I feel understood. It’s like they’ve put my deepest emotions into words and melodies. They are not just a band; they are storytellers, and their music is the story of my life.”

Backstory:
Needy Wheel was formed in the heart of Brooklyn, New York in 2015, when college friends and music enthusiasts, Josh Goodman, an incredible guitarist, and Caleb Jones, a talented drummer, found themselves collaborating on music projects. After their soulful lyricist, Emily Hines, joined the band, the trio quickly gained popularity with their unique sound and raw passion. Needy Wheel’s intimate performances, which often featured just a simple drum kit, an acoustic guitar, and Emily’s powerful vocals, captivated audiences around the city. The band’s ability to connect with their crowd through their music, combined with their dedication to breaking the confines of traditional songwriting, has earned them a devoted following.

Genre:
Alternative Folk

Title:
“Rusted Love”

Lyrics:
(Verse 1)
Em G
Underneath the pale moon shine
D C
Rusted love, we left behind
Em G
Words unspoken, hearts denied
D C
Under the canvas of the night

(Chorus)
Em G
Oh, Rusted Love, don’t fade away
D C
In the shadows, we choose to play
Em G
Hold on tight, please don’t sway
D C
Our Needy Wheel turns today

(Verse 2)
Em G
Down the memory lane, we ride
D C
With hope and fear by our side
Em G
Silent whispers in the wind
D C
Echoing our love, in a beautiful blend

(Chorus)
Em G
Oh, Rusted Love, we’ll find a way
D C
Through the chaos and the fray
Em G
With our Needy Wheel, come what may
D C
We’ll carve a path, through the grey

Testimonial:
Our favorite fan is Maureen O’Donnell, a school teacher from Queens. Maureen has been following our music since our very first gig. It’s her passion for our music and constant support that has kept us going during tough times. In her own words, “Needy Wheel’s music is more than just a collection of songs. It’s an emotional journey that makes you feel seen and understood. Their raw, honest lyrics combined with their melodious tunes create a magical experience. It’s like having a conversation with a close friend who understands exactly what you’re going through. It’s this connection that makes them my absolute favorite band.”

Backstory:
Fragrant Unix was born in the eclectic neighborhood of San Francisco, in the midst of the tech boom. The band members, comprising of four software engineers from various start-ups, discovered their shared passion for music during a late-night coding marathon. The band name, ‘Fragrant Unix’, was inspired by their love for coding and the aromatic coffees that kept them going through long, challenging nights. Their journey together started in basement jam sessions and has led them to stages across the country, enchanting audiences with their unique sound that marries the digital with the acoustic.

Genre:
Fragrant Unix blends the electronic sub-genre of Chillwave with the heartfelt lyricism of Indie Folk, creating a sound that is both calming and thought-provoking. The band’s unique blend of genres has garnered it a dedicated fan base that loves the soothing, dreamy soundscapes juxtaposed with the raw emotional lyrics.

Title:
“Sudo My Heart”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
[G] Wandering through lines of [Am] code, in the [D] depth of night [G] so cold,
[G] Looking for that missing [Am] semicolon, my story [D] yet untold.

(Verse 2)
[G] Amid the bytes and [Am] bits, found a melody that [D] fits,
[G] Typed out our love in [Am] JavaScript, a song that never [D] quits.

(Chorus)
[G] Sudo my heart, [Am] take full control, [D] in the realm of code, you play the [G] leading role.
[G] In the world of [Am] logic, you’re my sweet [D] chaos, with every [G] keystroke, you’re my [Am] albatross.

(Verse 3)
[G] In the echo of the [Am] shell, in the system where we [D] dwell,
[G] Our love story in [Am] Python, compiles so [D] well.

(Chorus)
[G] Sudo my heart, [Am] let’s compile our dreams, [D] In this tech-filled world, love is more than what it [G] seems.
[G] Against the backdrop of [Am] servers, we’re the perfect [D] team, in a world of [G] zeros, you’re my [Am] one, it seems.

The band’s favorite fan’s name:
Katie Thompson

Testimonial:
“I’ve been a fan of Fragrant Unix from their early days, when they were just playing small gigs in basements and coffee shops. The way they weave the technical and the emotional together in their music is just incredible. ‘Sudo My Heart’ is my absolute favorite song of theirs – the lyrics speak to the techie in me while also touching my heart. The band has done a remarkable job of combining Chillwave and Indie Folk, and their sound is like nothing I’ve heard before. Being a software engineer myself, their music speaks to me on a level I didn’t think was possible. Fragrant Unix is, without a doubt, my favorite band!”

Backstory:
Born in the heart of the bustling city of Detroit, Crooked Isolation was formed by a group of childhood friends who shared an insatiable enthusiasm for music. The band members — lead singer Jefferson Harper, guitarists Riley Smith and Jason Moore, bassist Don Carter, and drummer Lucas Brown — grew up in the same neighborhood, enduring the hardships of their struggling city together. This struggle, along with the strong bond of their friendship, gave birth to Crooked Isolation, a music project that would eventually take them beyond the confines of their beloved city.

Genre:
Crooked Isolation draws from a diverse range of influences, including rock, blues, and soul to create their distinctive sound. However, they primarily identify themselves as an alternative rock band.

Title:
“One Last Dream”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
Am G F C
Living in shadows, buried deep in the dark,
Am G F C
Running from echoes, that tear us apart.

(Chorus)
G C F
“One Last Dream”, we cry,
G C F
Under this neon night sky,
G C F
Torn, but together we stand strong,
G C F
In the silence, we sing our song.

(Verse 2)
Am G F C
Fighting the currents, lost at sea,
Am G F C
But we’re the storm, wild and free.

(Chorus)
G C F
“One Last Dream”, we scream,
G C F
In the ruins of our shattered dream,
G C F
Crooked, but we soar so high,
G C F
In the darkness, we find our light.

The band’s favorite fan’s name and testimonial:
The band’s favorite fan is a dedicated follower named Megan Davis. According to Megan, “Crooked Isolation is more than just a band to me. Their music is raw, powerful, and it speaks to me on a level that no other band can. Their struggle and their journey resonate with me. Their song, “One Last Dream”, is a testament to their resilient spirit. It’s not just music for me, it’s inspiration. These guys have been through so much, yet they stay strong and continue to create amazing music. That’s why Crooked Isolation will always be my favorite band.”

Backstory:
Automatic Tea was formed in a small college dormitory in Boston, Massachusetts in the early 2000s. The band members, lead singer and guitarist Steve “Blimp” Blomgren, bassist Greg “Shadows” Shadwick, and drummer Jake “Styx” Stuyvesant, met in a college music theory course. Each of them had an obsession with mixing different musical genres to create a unique sound; hence the band was born. They started their journey by playing at small college events, slowly gaining a reputation for their unusual yet captivating music. The name Automatic Tea came about after a late-night brainstorming session. Blimp, an avid tea lover, commented that he wished he had an automatic tea maker, and in that moment, the quirky and distinct name of their band was born.

Genre:
Indie Rock, Experimental Pop

Title:
“Thermos of Dreams”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1) [C G D Em]
I’m stirring my thoughts in a thermos of dreams,
Tossing in remnants of yesterday’s scenes,
Moonlight on velvet, sunlight on seams,
I’m brewing away my life’s extremes.

(Chorus) [G D Em C]
In this thermos of dreams, I find my serenity,
Bathing in echoes of forgotten melody,
In this thermos of dreams, I find my longevity,
I’m sipping on shadows and steeped in tranquility.

(Verse 2) [C G D Em]
The past’s bitter tastes, the future’s sweet schemes,
All pouring into my thermos of dreams,
Swirling in moments, in memory streams,
In this thermos, I’ve captured life’s bloodstream.

(Chorus) [G D Em C]
In this thermos of dreams, I find my identity,
Swimming in currents of silent symphony,
In this thermos of dreams, I find my complexity,
I’m drinking in minutes, lost in an infinity.

Fan Testimonial:
The band’s favorite fan is a guy named “Tape-loop” Tim, a record store owner from their college town. Tim discovered Automatic Tea when they were just starting out and has been their biggest supporter ever since. He always said, “Automatic Tea’s music is like a good cup of tea, it’s an acquired taste that once you develop, you can’t live without. Their fusion of indie rock and experimental pop creates a unique flavor that makes music a whole new experience for me. And ‘Thermos of Dreams’? That song is an anthem for all dreamers. It’s like a journey through your own thoughts and dreams, which everyone can relate to. Automatic Tea isn’t just a band, it’s a way of life.”

Backstory:

Square Mass was formed in 2013 in the heart of Seattle’s indie music scene. The original members, lead singer and guitarist Jackson Hall, bassist Sam “Sammy” Greene, and drummer Billy Stewart, were all high school friends who shared a love of music and a dream of making it big. After a few years of playing local gigs and fine-tuning their distinctive sound, the band added a new member, keyboardist Lucy Thorne in 2016. Thorne’s addition brought a fresh dynamic to their music and they began to gain a wider following. In 2018, their debut album “Plaid and Metaphysics” was released, which hit it big in the indie rock scene and solidified their name as a band to watch.

Genre:

Indie Rock

Title:

“Lost in the Rhythm”

Song Lyrics:

(Verse) F#m // A // D // E
Underneath the city lights, we found our beginning,
Lost in the rhythm, drunk on the feeling.
Tales of youth and reckless hearts, whispered in the evening,
Promises we made, were echoes in the wind.

(Chorus) D // A // F#m // E
Lost in the rhythm, we danced through the night,
Chasing the echoes, holding on tight.
Lost in the rhythm, under the stars above,
We found something dangerous, we called it love.

(Verse) F#m // A // D // E
Memories of summer nights, tangled in your sheets,
The sound of your guitar, the rhythm of your heartbeat.
Moonlit confessions, secrets that we keep,
In the rhythm of the night, we fall and we leap.

(Chorus) D // A // F#m // E
Lost in the rhythm, we danced through the night,
Chasing the echoes, holding on tight.
Lost in the rhythm, under the stars above,
We found something dangerous, we called it love.

(End) D // A // E
Lost in the rhythm, we found our beginning,
In the echoes of the night, we found our ending.

Favorite Fan:

Their favorite fan is a girl named Emily. Emily wrote a heartfelt letter to the band explaining how their music had helped her through a really tough time. She loved the raw emotion and tangible energy in their music. She felt a connection to their lyrics and said that their songs had become the soundtrack to her life. Emily has been to every one of their shows in Seattle and is known to the band as their most enthusiastic supporter. “Square Mass’s music is real, it’s emotional, and it’s helped me through some really tough times. I feel like they put into words what I can’t express. They’re definitely my favorite band,” Emily stated in her testimonial.