Backstory:
Distorted Selection, a powerful trio hailing from the raw and gritty streets of London, became the unexpected underdogs in the world of rock music. Comprised of childhood friends, lead vocalist and guitarist, Alex “Riff” Rodgers, bassist, Sam “Boom” Bradford, and drummer, Tom “Thunder” Thompson, they first started jamming in their parents’ garages. Their initial spark was ignited by their shared love for classic rock and heavy metal, but their sound quickly evolved into something uniquely their own. Their shared passion for music, coupled with their unquenchable desire to break free from their mundane lives, led them to form Distorted Selection in the summer of 2010.

Despite their humble beginnings, the band quickly gained a reputation for their raw and high-energy performances, often characterized by their unconventional, distorted guitar riffs, heavy basslines, and thundering drum patterns. Their path to fame was anything but smooth, but their determination and relentless pursuit of their dreams kept them going. Their journey was filled with countless late-night gigs at hole-in-the-wall bars, incessant rejections from record labels, and evenings spent sleeping in their van. Despite the hardships, they never wavered from their dreams, and their struggles only served to fuel their music, making it more authentic and raw.

Genre:
Hard Rock/Alternative Metal

Title:
“Chains of Yesterday”

Full song lyrics:
(Verse 1)
Em G
Wake up to the echoes, of dreams that fade away,
C Am
In the chains of yesterday, we’re all prisoners in some way.
Em G
The forgotten tales, in the shadows they sway,
C Am
In the chains of yesterday, they’re waiting to break away.

(Chorus)
D C
Shattered dreams, broken wings,
G D
In the chains of yesterday, we sing.
D C
Rising sun, day has begun,
G D
Rebel hearts, we won’t be undone.

(Verse 2)
Em G
Voices whispering, in the night’s somber grey,
C Am
In the chains of yesterday, the memories fray.
Em G
Beneath the starlight’s play, secrets they lay,
C Am
In the chains of yesterday, we’re waiting for the day.

(Chorus)
D C
Shattered dreams, broken wings,
G D
In the chains of yesterday, we sing.
D C
Rising sun, day has begun,
G D
Rebel hearts, we won’t be undone.

Fan’s name:
Katie

Testimonial:
“I’ve always resonated with the raw emotions and authentic stories that Distorted Selection brings to life through their music. The way they’ve turned their struggles into art is truly inspiring. These guys are the real deal, and their music has become my refuge in times of despair and my anthem of rebellion against the mundane. When ‘Chains of Yesterday’ blares through my speakers, I feel a sense of empowerment that no other music has given me. Distorted Selection is not just my favourite band; they’re my source of strength and inspiration.”

Backstory:
Excellent Page, an alternative indie rock band, was formed in the lively suburbs of Seattle, Washington in 2012. The band is composed of long-time friends: lead vocalist Lena Trails, guitarist Nolan Farley, drummer Kevin Lester, and bassist Jordan Stiles. The band was born from a shared love of music, a dash of teenage rebellion, and a night of frenzied jamming in Lester’s garage; the name Excellent Page was inspired by a random page in a book that Trails was reading that night. They started out playing in local gigs, slowly gathering a dedicated fan base through their raw energy and soulful music. Their breakthrough came in 2015 with their hit single “Misty Eyes”, catapulting them to national stardom.

Genre:
Alternative Indie Rock

Title:
“Shadow Dance”

Full Song Lyrics:
(Verse 1)
Am C G D
In the dark, we sway, lost in a shadow dance,
Am C G D
In your arms, I feel the rhythm’s trance.
Am C G D
Underneath the stars, we find our chance,
Am C G D
To the beat of our hearts, in a shadow dance.

(Chorus)
Am C G D
Shadow dance, our secret romance,
Am C G D
In the night, we take our stance.
Am C G D
Silhouettes in the moonlight’s glance,
Am C G D
We play our part in this shadow dance.

(Verse 2)
Am C G D
In the hush of the night, love’s expanse,
Am C G D
We spin and twirl in a shadow dance.
Am C G D
Caught in the moment, in a trance,
Am C G D
Enchanted by the rhythm of our shadow dance.

(Chorus)
Am C G D
Shadow dance, our secret romance,
Am C G D
In the night, we take our stance.
Am C G D
Silhouettes in the moonlight’s glance,
Am C G D
We play our part in this shadow dance.

Band’s Favorite Fan:
Excellent Page’s favorite fan is Emily Thompson, a dedicated supporter who has attended all of their concerts since their early gigs. Emily says, “The reason Excellent Page is my favorite band is because their music speaks to me on a deep, emotional level. The lyrics are profound, the melodies are enchanting, and their performances are always energetic and passionate. Their song ‘Shadow Dance’ is like my personal anthem. It’s about finding love and connection in unexpected places, which is something I can definitely relate to. Excellent Page isn’t just a band to me, they’re like a lifeline, helping me navigate the ups and downs of life with their music.”

Backstory:
Defenseless Rhythm had humble beginnings as a high school band in the vibrant city of Austin, Texas. Their shared love for music and the desire to fuse different musical influences brought Austin Rhodes, the lead vocalist and guitarist, Benny Thompson, the bassist, and drummer, Ian Lee, together. The trio spent countless afternoons jamming in Barnes’ garage, honing their skills and crafting their unique sound. After sweeping local music competitions and gaining a loyal fanbase, Defenseless Rhythm decided to take their passion to the next level. Their breakthrough came after their energetic performances at South by Southwest Music Festival, where they were spotted by a talent scout and landed a record deal.

Genre: Defenseless Rhythm’s music is a unique blend of alternative rock fused with elements of indie pop.

Title: “Reckless Beat of My Heart”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
Am Em
Under the bleeding twilight,
G D
I found myself lost in your eyes;
Am Em
The reckless beat of my heart,
G D
Screaming out loud, wrapped in your lies.

(Chorus)
C G
My soul is dancing, defenseless rhythm,
D Em
Against the symphony of your existence;
C G
In the silence of the night, my heart’s the victim,
D Em
To the temptation of your silence’s persistence.

(Verse 2)
Am Em
In the canvas of your secrets,
G D
I painted my emotions with passion;
Am Em
The rhythm of love, the rhythm of heartache,
G D
Caught in the dance, in an endless fashion.

(Chorus)
C G
My soul is dancing, defenseless rhythm,
D Em
Against the symphony of your existence;
C G
In the silence of the night, my heart’s the victim,
D Em
To the temptation of your silence’s persistence.

Favorite Fan: The band’s favorite fan is Hannah Thompson. She has been their biggest supporter since their garage jamming days.

Testimonial: “Being a fan of Defenseless Rhythm is more than just enjoying their music. It’s about being part of a journey, a story that’s being told through their songs. Their music speaks to me on so many levels, it’s raw, it’s passionate and it’s real. I’ve watched them grow from playing at high school events to headlining music festivals. I am incredibly proud of them and can’t wait to see what the future holds. Defenseless Rhythm isn’t just my favorite band, they are my inspiration.” – Hannah Thompson.

Backstory:
Blaring Round was formed in the bustling streets of Nashville, Tennessee, in the early 2000s. Childhood friends, lead vocalist and guitarist Jason “Jay” Davis, bassist Oliver “Ollie” Wheeler, and drummer James “Jimmy” Wren, decided to bring their shared love for music to life. The trio began as a garage band, belting out tunes for the love of the art, their growing passion leading them to busk on the streets of Nashville. Their unique sound soon caught the attention of a local record producer. With their break into the industry, Blaring Round had a chance to share their harmonious synergy with the world.

Genre:
Country Rock

Title:
“Spinning Free”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
Am G D G
Late nights under the neon lights,
Am G D G
Walking past signs that say, “we’re doing fine.”
Am G D G
My boots are worn, my heart is torn,
Am G D G
But I got my guitar and the stars above.

(Chorus)
C G D Em
I’m spinning free, in the heart of Tennessee,
C G D Em
With my guitar, under the southern stars,
C G D Em
Just you and me, it’s our destiny,
C G D Em
We’re Blaring Round, with our Nashville sound.

(Verse 2)
Am G D G
We’ve played the dives, lived nine lives,
Am G D G
Music’s the love we can’t deny.
Am G D G
Through the cheers and the tears, over the years,
Am G D G
Our song plays on, in the heart of the night.

(Chorus)
C G D Em
Spinning free, in the heart of Tennessee,
C G D Em
With my guitar, under the southern stars,
C G D Em
Just you and me, it’s our destiny,
C G D Em
We’re Blaring Round, with our Nashville sound.

Band’s Favorite Fan:
Our favorite fan has to be Sarah “Sunny” Johnson. Sarah has been following our journey from the early street gigs to our major concerts. She has sung, cried, and celebrated with us, mirroring the rhythm of our journey. Her unwavering support, evident in every front-row presence, is the fuel to our fire.

Sarah’s Testimonial:
“Blaring Round is more than just a band to me. They’re a testament to following dreams and doing what you love, no matter what. Their music speaks to my heart, the lyrics tell stories that feel so close to my own. I’ve been moved to tears, danced with strangers, and found a community where I feel I belong. That’s the power of Blaring Round. They’re not just playing music, they’re creating connection and understanding through their songs. I will forever be their number one fan.”

Backstory:

Immaculate Size was formed in the vibrant, music-loving city of Nashville, Tennessee. The founding members, Darius King, Jeremy Irons, and the enigmatic Raquel Smith, met in the most unlikely of places – a neighborhood garage sale. Their shared love for music, old vinyl records, and unique clothing sizes broke the ice, leading to the start of a lifelong friendship. After discovering their shared passion for creating music, they set up a makeshift studio in Raquel’s basement, and Immaculate Size was born. The band quickly gained popularity in the local scene and eventually garnered national attention, known for their unique sound and energy-filled performances.

Genre:
Alternative Rock

Song Title:
“Echoes of My Closet”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
[G] Searching through my closet, [D] trying to find my mind,
[Em] Lost in thoughtless echoes, [C] leaving sense behind,
[G] Dusty shoes and ghosts of you, [D] in creased shirts you’ll find,
[Em] Memories of me and you, [C] trapped in threads of time.

(Chorus)
[D] Echoes in my closet, [G] whispers in the wind,
[Em] Silent tears and heartbreak, [C] where love once had been,
[D] Threads of past are tugging, [G] pulling at my heart,
[Em] Every garment’s aching, [C] echoing we’re apart.

(Verse 2)
[G] Staring at the mirror, [D] in your oversized tee,
[Em] Smell of you still lingers, [C] haunting memories of glee,
[G] Recollection’s dancing, [D] in fabric worn thin,
[Em] Echoes of my closet, [C] hold a love that’s been.

(Chorus)
[D] Echoes in my closet, [G] whispers in the wind,
[Em] Silent tears and heartbreak, [C] where love once had been,
[D] Threads of past are tugging, [G] pulling at my heart,
[Em] Every garment’s aching, [C] echoing we’re apart.

Fan’s Name:
Susan

Testimonial:

Susan has been a die-hard fan of Immaculate Size from the day she stumbled upon their first performance at a local bar. She says, “Immaculate Size’s music connects with me on a deeply personal level. Their song ‘Echoes of My Closet’ resonated with my heart in such a way that it felt like they were singing my story. The unique blend of their voices, coupled with the profound lyrics, left me with a sense of understanding and solace. They are my favorite band because their music is not just entertainment; it’s therapy.”

Backstory:
Founded in the vibrant city of Los Angeles in 2018, Busy Writer is the brainchild of four talented musicians who met in college. Cody Jenkins (lead vocals), Luke Peters (guitarist), Rebecca Smith (bassist), and Michael Grant (drummer) bonded over their shared love for music and the written word, hence the name Busy Writer. Instead of choosing the ordinary path of internships and corporate jobs after graduation, they decided to chase their collective dream of starting a band. They began playing in local bars, and soon enough, their unique sound and authentic lyrics started gaining them a substantial fanbase.

Genre:
Busy Writer defines their music as indie folk-rock with a dash of pop. Their lyrical prowess, coupled with their distinctive blend of acoustic guitar riffs and punchy drum beats, produces an enchanting symphony that connects with listeners on a profound level.

Title:
“Paper Planes, Wooden Spaceships”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
Cmaj / Gmaj / Dmaj / Emaj
Scribbling dreams on bits of paper,
In the corner of a coffee shop
We’re crafting stories of paper planes,
And wooden spaceships taking off.

(Chorus)
Amaj / Gmaj / Dmaj / Emaj
Fly high, let’s touch the sky,
In paper planes, wooden spaceships, we’ll defy.
Life’s gravity won’t pull us down,
In our dreams, we’ve found a playground.

(Verse 2)
Cmaj / Gmaj / Dmaj / Emaj
Through the ink, we draw our constellations,
Under the moon, we define our destinations.
We are Busy Writers, penning our escape,
In paper planes, wooden spaceships, we shape.

(Chorus)
Amaj / Gmaj / Dmaj / Emaj
Fly high, let’s touch the sky,
In paper planes, wooden spaceships, we’ll defy.
Life’s gravity won’t pull us down,
In our dreams, we’ve found a playground.

Favorite Fan’s Name: Emily Rogers

Emily Rogers, a true blue Busy Writer enthusiast, has been following the band since their early days performing in local bars. As a librarian and music lover, she was immediately drawn to their lyrical prowess and the depth of their storytelling. She says, “There’s a rawness and honesty to Busy Writer’s music that’s incredibly rare. They put into words and melodies the feelings that most of us can’t express. Every tune, every lyric resonates deeply. They are my favorite band because their music, quite simply, feels like home.”

Backstory:
Quarterly Tax was formed in the heart of Los Angeles in mid-2010 by four friends who went through the highs and lows of life together. The group originally formed on a whim while they were working together in an accounting firm – filing away people’s tax papers into the night. After teaming up for a karaoke night and realizing the synergy in their voices, they decided to form a band on the side. Their common love for music and their shared experiences navigating the mundane yet chaotic world of corporate finance have given them unique stories to tell.

The band members are Charlie Bleu on vocals and guitar, Jerome ‘the Taxman’ Smith on bass, Samantha ‘the Auditor’ Jones on drums, and Ryan ‘Red Tape’ Reddington on keyboards. The name ‘Quarterly Tax’ was chosen because it spoke to their origins in the financial world, while also symbolizing the regularity and how they’ve turned something tedious into something exciting.

Genre:
Indie Rock

Title:
“Deduction Blues”

Full Song Lyrics:
(Verse 1)
(C) I’m sitting here with my (Am) calculator
(F) Figures dancing in my (G) head
(C) Got the blues for my (Am) deductions
(F) Tax day’s coming (G) around again

(Chorus)
(Em) Deduction blues, oh (F) baby here we (C) go
(G) Handful of receipts and a (Am) heart full of woe
(Em) Deduction blues, it’s a (F) quarterly (C) show
(G) Paying my dues in this (Am) financial woe

(Verse 2)
(C) The taxman cometh, claims (Am) he’s my friend
(F) My paycheck’s thinning, (G) no money to spend
(C) Here’s to the loopholes (Am) that let us pretend
(F) Till the next quarter (G) starts it all again

(Chorus)
(Em) Deduction blues, oh (F) baby here we (C) go
(G) Handful of receipts and a (Am) heart full of woe
(Em) Deduction blues, it’s a (F) quarterly (C) show
(G) Paying my dues in this (Am) financial woe

Fan Testimonial:
Their favorite fan is Lily. Lily is a tax consultant who keeps ‘Deduction Blues’ on loop during tax season. She says, “Quarterly Tax is my favorite band because they get me. They’ve turned the mundanity of my job into a symphony of relatable lyrics and catchy tunes. They bring fun to finance and their music is the adrenaline I need to keep going. Their songs are my anthem during tax season, and they make the long nights bearable.”

Backstory:

Thorough Permission traces its roots to a quaint town in Vermont, where childhood friends, Logan and Harper, decided to explore their shared passion for music. Logan, a gifted guitarist, and Harper, a soulful vocalist, started by covering classic hits from various genres, eventually finding their sound and direction. The duo soon expanded to a quartet, with the inclusion of drummer Kyle and bassist Lenny. The band members, despite their diverse musical influences, shared a common goal: to create music that would resonate with listeners’ lives, emotions, and experiences.

After several years of playing at local gigs, refining their craft, and building their fan base, the band caught the attention of a talent agent who was visiting Vermont. The encounter eventually led to a record deal, propelling Thorough Permission to a wider audience and transforming them from a small-town band into a rising name in the alternative rock scene.

Genre:
Alternative Rock

Title:
“Memoirs of a Melody”

Full Song Lyrics:

[Verse 1]
(Dm, C, Bb, A)
In this cathedral of echoes, under the neon sky,
We chase the shadows, our memoirs intertwined.
In silent whispers and alleyway goodbyes,
Our melody lingers, a serenade in disguise.

[Chorus]
(G, C, D, Em)
So sing me your secrets, in the language of the night,
In your memoirs of a melody, under the city light.
In our anthem of freedom, in our symphony of flight,
In the memoirs of a melody, we find our might.

[Verse 2]
(Dm, C, Bb, A)
With every heartbeat, we paint a tapestry,
Of dreams and detours, in this city of mystery.
Our love is a sonnet, our fears a travesty,
In the memoirs of a melody, we find our liberty.

[Chorus]
(G, C, D, Em)
So sing me your secrets, in the language of the night,
In your memoirs of a melody, under the city light.
In our anthem of freedom, in our symphony of flight,
In the memoirs of a melody, we find our might.

[Bridge]
(A, Bm, C, D)
In the silence of our sorrows, in the echoes of our delight,
In the memoirs of a melody, we make it right.

[Chorus]
(G, C, D, Em)
So sing me your secrets, in the language of the night,
In your memoirs of a melody, under the city light.
In our anthem of freedom, in our symphony of flight,
In the memoirs of a melody, we find our light.

Fan Favorite: Jenna Clark

Jenna, a librarian from Vermont, has been a fan of Thorough Permission since their early days performing in local pubs. She loves the band’s authentic lyrics and the raw emotions their melodies evoke. Jenna states, “Thorough Permission’s music isn’t just about the sound; it’s like a journey, a poignant narrative embedded with emotions. Their song, ‘Memoirs of a Melody,’ for example, resonates with me on so many levels. It’s like they’ve turned my feelings, dreams, and experiences into a song. They are not just a band for me; they are storytellers, artists who paint vivid pictures with their music.”

Backstory:

Sparse Host was formed in the bustling city of Chicago in 2005. The band members, all from divergent musical backgrounds, came together through a shared vision and passion for something different. Frontman Jason Walsh, a former gospel singer, teamed up with bassist Simon Hays, a Jazz enthusiast, and drummer Martin Fowler, a rock and roll specialist, to create a unique fusion of sounds. They started creating music without following any conventional pattern, and soon, their distinctive sound began to take shape, echoing through the alleyways of Chicago’s music scene.

The band’s journey was not without hardships. They faced numerous setbacks, including a period of inactivity due to a critical illness of their lead singer, Jason. However, the trio stood firm, using their struggles to fuel their creativity and musical exploration. Their resilience paid off when their first album was released, and it quickly gained the attention of music lovers across the country, making Sparse Host a household name in the indie music scene.

Genre:
Indie Rock

Title:
“Echoes in the Alley”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
[C] Down the [G] alley, where the [Am] night has no [Em] end,
[F] Lost our [C] dreams, found them [G] again.
[C] Streetlights [G] shimmering, [Am] dancing in [Em] rain,
[F] With every [C] echo, we [G] whisper your name.

(Chorus)
[C] ‘Cause you’re the [G] echo in the [Am] alley, the [Em] melody in our song,
[F] We’re the [C] sparse host, that [G] keeps playing along.

(Verse 2)
[C] Shadows [G] grow longer, as the [Am] night starts to [Em] sway,
[F] On this [C] concrete stage, we [G] continue to play,
[C] Through the [G] silence, through the [Am] crowd’s endless [Em] roar,
[F] With every [C] strum, we’re [G] longing for more.

(Chorus)
[C] You’re the [G] echo in the [Am] alley, the [Em] rhythm in our heart,
[F] In this [C] cityscape canvas, [G] you’re our favorite part.

(Fan Testimonial)

Fan’s Name: Chloe Stevens

Sparse Host is my favorite band, hands down! I’ve been following them since their early days, and they never fail to amaze me with their unique blend of music. The way they mix different genres, creating a sound that is entirely their own, is just mind-blowing. Their songs, like ‘Echoes in the Alley’, speak directly to my soul. It’s as if they’re narrating my life through their music. The struggles, dreams, and the beautiful chaos of life are all reflected in their songs. I’m proud to be a fan of Sparse Host!

Backstory:
Born from a spark of defiance in the heart of London’s underground music scene, Stingy Setting is the brainchild of four renegade musicians, each with their own unique style and background. The band’s creation story is a tale as varied as its members. Its frontman, Jagger Fox, is a former punk rocker with a love for heavy, grungy guitar riffs; bassist Lena ‘Thunder’ Reed is a classically trained musician with a rebellious streak; drummer Teddy ‘The Hammer’ Hammersmith is a jazz enthusiast turned punk; and keyboardist Orion ‘The Maestro’ Starlight is an electronic music whizz who brings an eclectic touch to the mix.

Their paths crossed at a local jam session in a dingy bar in Camden Town, where the chemistry between them was instantly electric. Despite their diverse backgrounds, their shared passion for pushing the boundaries of music saw them forming a band. They named it Stingy Setting, a tongue-in-cheek reference to the lack of funds they had when they started their journey together.

Genre:
Post-Punk Revival with Electronic undertones

Title:
“Neon Streets”

Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
C G Am F
Neon lights, shadows become our guide,
C G Am F
In the city’s heart where we choose to hide.
C G Am F
We paint our dreams on these urban walls,
C G Am F
A canvas of concrete, our silent calls.

(Chorus)
C G Am F
In Neon Streets, we find our beat,
C G Am F
Walking to the rhythm of our heart’s deceit.
C G Am F
Through the darkness, we will shine,
C G Am F
In Neon Streets, your soul meets mine.

(Verse 2)
C G Am F
Under the glow of the city’s glare,
C G Am F
We dance and sing, no burden to bear.
C G Am F
Lost in the noise, the echoes of our song,
C G Am F
In Neon Streets, we belong.

(Chorus)
C G Am F
In Neon Streets, we find our beat,
C G Am F
Struggling shadows, but we never admit defeat.
C G Am F
This cityscape, our testament, our shrine,
C G Am F
In Neon Streets, your path intertwines with mine.

Fan’s Name:
Stacy

Testimonial:
“Stingy Setting isn’t just a band; it’s a revolution — a vehement refusal to conform to the mainstream. Their sound is raw and visceral, and their lyrics, profound. They put into words the restless spirit of our generation. I’ve followed them since their first gig in that shabby bar, and I’ve seen them grow and evolve, never compromising their authenticity. Every song they produce resonates with me, but ‘Neon Streets’ holds a special place in my heart. It perfectly captures the essence of youth and rebellion. Stingy Setting, for me, isn’t just music — it’s a lifestyle.”