Backstory:

Giddy Pop began as a passion project for three childhood best friends, Benny, Kyle, and Liam. Growing up, they loved jamming out in their parents’ garages, often to the dismay of the suburban neighborhood. They were inseparable, their bond cemented by a shared dream of making waves in the music industry. After high school, they went their separate ways for college but reunited during the summers to play at local shows. One summer, they uploaded a homemade music video to YouTube, which unexpectedly went viral. This was the push they needed. They dropped out of college, pooled their savings, and moved to Los Angeles to pursue their dreams. Giddy Pop was born.

These three young men have experienced the highest highs and lowest lows together. From struggling to pay rent, to signing their first record deal, their bond has only grown stronger. Their music reflects the joy, heartbreak, and resilience that come with chasing dreams.

Genre:

Indie Pop

Title:

“Sweet Rebellion”

Full song lyrics:

(Verse)
[C] Looking back at our old [G] town,
[Am] Lights are dimming, sun’s going [Em] down.
[F] We swore we’d never be those [C] guys,
[G] Living life in black and [C] white.

(Chorus)
[C] Sweet rebellion in our [G] hearts,
[Am] Tearing the ordinary [Em] apart.
[F] In this city of flashing [C] lights,
[G] We found color in the [C] night.

(Verse)
[C] Dreams are bigger in this [G] town,
[Am] Heart’s beating with a different [Em] sound.
[F] We’re living on the edge of [C] life,
[G] Dancing on the razor’s [C] knife.

(Chorus)
[C] Sweet rebellion in our [G] veins,
[Am] Freedom ringing in the [Em] chains.
[F] In this city of starry [C] eyes,
[G] We’re the dreamers in dis[C]guise.

(Testimonial)

Fan’s name: Jessica

“Listening to Giddy Pop is like reliving my teenage years, but with the wisdom I’ve gained as an adult. Their music is a journey of growth, rebellion, love, and the will to keep dreaming. Their song ‘Sweet Rebellion’ has been my anthem. It’s about taking risks, chasing dreams, and finding joy in the journey. As someone who gave up a corporate job to pursue a career in photography, this song resonates with me deeply. Giddy Pop is my favorite band because their music isn’t just about entertainment, it’s about life. It’s raw, real, and it makes me feel seen.”

Backstory:
Natural Test is a band that was formed in the quiet, serene town of Lexington, Vermont. The band members – Jake, Liam, and Rebecca, were high school friends who shared a passion for music. Jake played the guitar, Rebecca was the lead singer and Liam was on the drums. They spent countless hours in Jake’s garage, jamming and experimenting with their sound. It was during one of these sessions that they came up with the name Natural Test, which was inspired by their shared love for nature and the idea of testing their limits through music.

In the beginning, their performances were limited to local talent shows and small gigs at local clubs. But their big break came when a music producer, who happened to be in town, heard them play at a local festival. Impressed by their sound, he offered them a record deal. Since then, Natural Test has been on a journey to share their unique sound with the world.

Genre: Folk Rock

Song Title: “Journey within”

Full Song Lyrics:

[Verse]
D (strum) G (strum) A (strum)
Walking down a dusty old road,
D (strum) G (strum) A (strum)
Looking for a story that’s never been told.
D (strum) G (strum) A (strum)
I got a pocket full of dreams,
D (strum) G (strum) A (strum)
And a heart full of love, that’s about to explode.

[Chorus]
D (strum) G (strum) A (strum)
Find your path, fight through the storm,
D (strum) G (strum) A (strum)
Life’s a journey within, to where you belong.
D (strum) G (strum) A (strum)
Let your heart lead the way, don’t be afraid,
D (strum) G (strum) A (strum)
For every end is a new beginning, in this beautiful maze.

Fan’s Testimonial:
“My name is Samantha, but most people in the Natural Test fandom know me as ‘Sam the Superfan’. I have been following their music since their early days of playing in local clubs. What makes Natural Test my favorite band is the authenticity of their lyrics and the rawness in their sound. Their song ‘Journey within’ particularly speaks to me. It’s like they took my life’s story and put it into a song. Every chord progression, every lyric, resonates with me on a personal level. It’s not just a band for me, it’s like a companion on my life’s journey.”

Backstory:

Joint Horror is a band that came together in the gritty heart of Manchester’s underground scene in 2005. The band members – Charlie Saxon on vocals, Jimmy ‘Bones’ Cole on guitar, ‘Slasher’ Sam Jones on bass, and Gerry ‘Ghoul’ Granger on drums – were all part of different bands that had either disbanded or were on the brink of disintegration. They found common ground in their shared love for horror films, grunge music, and their collective disillusionment with mainstream music. Named after an old, run-down movie theater they used to frequent as teenagers, Joint Horror was born, creating a unique blend of music that mirrors their love for the macabre and the melancholic.

Genre:

Joint Horror predominantly plays a blend of horror punk and grunge, infusing their music with chilling narratives and spine-tingling melodies. They are known for their theatrical live performances, often using elements of horror and suspense to create an immersive musical experience.

Title: “The Ghoul Next Door”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
Am Dm C G
She’s the girl, but not the kind you know,
Am Dm C G
A beauty in the streetlight’s soft glow.
Am Dm C G
But when the night creeps and the shadows call,
Am Dm C G
She becomes the ghoul next door, after all.

(Chorus)
Em G D A
She’s got a darkness that no one can see,
Em G D A
A haunting melody that runs free.
Em G D A
She’s the ghoul next door, can’t you see?
Em G D A
Leave her alone, let her be.

(Verse 2)
Am Dm C G
She walks the night in a silvery dress,
Am Dm C G
Her eyes hide a pain, a silent distress.
Am Dm C G
But when the moon is high and the stars roar,
Am Dm C G
She becomes the ghoul next door, once more.

(Chorus)

(Outro)
Em G D A
Now she haunts my dreams, evermore,
Em G D A
She’s the ghoul, the ghoul next door.

Fan’s Name: Lucy Hellman

Testimonial:

Lucy Hellman, a self-confessed horror junkie and grunge lover, says, “Joint Horror is more than just a band to me. Their music is like a chillingly beautiful nightmare that you don’t want to wake up from. I’ve been a fan since their earliest shows in Manchester, and their combination of horror punk, grunge, and storytelling is what separates them from the rest. The way they play with dark themes and yet deliver such profound, relatable messages is extraordinary. My personal favorite is ‘The Ghoul Next Door’. It’s hauntingly beautiful and stays with you long after the music stops. Joint Horror isn’t just my favorite band, it’s a part of who I am.”

Backstory:
Quiet Gun is a unique band that was formed in the small town of Red River, New Mexico. The members, Jake, Marley, Sam, and Lily, were childhood friends who shared a passion for music. Growing up, their house parties were the talk of the town, and they soon started playing at local bars and pubs. Eventually, they decided to take their passion to the next level and formed Quiet Gun in 2009. Their music is a reflection of their life experiences, their struggles, and their indomitable spirit.

Genre:
Quiet Gun is largely rooted in Alternative Rock, with a touch of Blues and Country. Their music is characterized by expressive lyrics, soulful vocals, and a unique blend of acoustic and electric sounds.

Title:
“One Last Shot”

Full Song Lyrics:

Verse 1:
(Am)Look into the mirror, (F) see the faded light
(C) Maybe we’ve been wrong, (G) maybe we were right
(Am) Memories of our past, (F) shining oh so bright
(C) Underneath the stars, (G) in the silent night

Chorus:
(Am) Give me one last shot, (F) to make it right
(C) Underneath the moon, (G) in the cool night light
(Am) We’ve been through thick and thin, (F) in the endless fight
(C) Let’s turn it around, (G) ‘fore the morning light

Verse 2:
(Am) Whispered words of love, (F) lost in the bitter wind
(C) Chasing the echoes, (G) of what could’ve been
(Am) We’ve got our scars, (F) but we’re wearing them with pride
(C) With you by my side, (G) on this wild ride

(Repeat Chorus)

Favorite Fan:
Quiet Gun’s favorite fan is a young woman named Emily. Emily is a high school teacher who fell in love with their music when she first heard them play at a local bar. She says, “The raw emotion in their lyrics resonated with me. They put into words what I’ve been feeling but couldn’t express. Each song tells a story, and I relate to each one of them on a personal level. They’re not just a band to me, they’re like family. Their music has been my solace in difficult times. They’re my favorite band because they make music that touches the soul.”

Backstory:
Advanced Riot was formed in the bustling metropolis of New York City during the turbulent years of the late 2000s. The band grew out of a shared passion for music and a desire to voice their disillusionment with the global socio-political climate. The band members, Danny “Riot” Rogers (vocals/guitar), Lily “Anarchy” Abrams (bass/vocals), and Jake “Revolution” Jacobson (drums), were all disenchanted youths yearning for a change. With their raw, energetic performances and poignant lyrics, they were quickly embraced by the underground music scene.

Their journey took a significant turn when their indie album, “Revolt Anthem,” caught the attention of a major record label. Despite their initial apprehension about potentially compromising their art, they decided to seize the opportunity to reach a wider audience. Today, Advanced Riot’s music continues to be a voice of rebellion and a beacon of hope for many people who resonate with their message.

Genre:
Punk Rock/Alternative Rock

Title:
“Fight the Silence”

Full Song Lyrics:

[Verses]
Am (C) E7 (G) D
Lying in the shadows, under the city lights
We’re just the echoes, fighting for our rights
In this world, where we’re voiceless
We’ll rise above, we won’t be silenced

[Chorus]
Am (C) E7 (G) D
Fight the silence, don’t let them quiet us
Speak up, stand tall, break down the walls
We are the advanced, we are the riot
We won’t back down, no, we won’t be quiet

[Verses]
Am (C) E7 (G) D
The chains of oppression, won’t hold us down
We won’t be muzzled, won’t be drowned
In this war of words, we’ll be the loudest
We’ll rise above, we won’t be quietest

[Chorus]
Am (C) E7 (G) D
Fight the silence, don’t let them quiet us
Speak up, stand tall, break down the barriers
We are the advanced, we are the riot
We won’t back down, no, we won’t be quiet

[Bridge]
Am (C) E7 (G) D
Every whisper, every shout, will break the silence
Every step, every leap, will start a riot
We are the advanced, we are the fight
We won’t back down, no, we won’t be quiet

[Chorus]
Am (C) E7 (G) D
Fight the silence, don’t let them quiet us
Speak up, stand tall, break down the walls
We are the advanced, we are the riot
We won’t back down, no, we won’t be quiet

Testimonial:

Fan’s Name: Alex Thatcher

“Advanced Riot isn’t just a band to me; they’re a movement. They’ve given me a voice when I felt voiceless, strength when I felt weak. Their music, whether it’s the hard-hitting anthems or the raw, emotive ballads, always resonates with me. It’s like they’re translating my inner tumult into music. Danny, Lily, and Jake aren’t just musicians; they’re revolutionaries. And the best part is, they’re just getting started.”

Backstory:
Formed in the quaint city of Portland, Oregon, Dense Grandfather consists of a group of four friends who turned their passion for music into a life-long journey. The band members – Pete (vocalist), Sam (lead guitarist), Alex (bassist), and Mike (drummer), have been inseparably bonded since their high school days. Inspired by a common passion for rock music and a shared love for philosophical debates, the group found its unique sound and decided to name their band ‘Dense Grandfather’, a nod to their love for philosophy and an inside joke about their actual grandfathers. The band’s journey has been nothing short of a roller-coaster ride, from garage jamming sessions to performing on the big stages across the country. Dense Grandfather’s music has been applauded for its meaningful lyrics, captivating sound, and raw energy.

Genre:
Alternative Rock with a touch of Psychedelic

Title:
“Cipher in the Snow”

Full Song Lyrics:
(Verse 1)
Em G
In the cold morning light, I found my sight,
D C
A cipher etched in the snow, where do I go?
Em G
Footprints traced to the past, shadows cast,
D C
In the untouched white, it’s a silent fight.

(Chorus)
G D Em C
The cipher calls my name, a game of shame,
G D C
In the snow, where lost souls go.

(Verse 2)
Em G
Day is dying, night is sighing,
D C
Cipher in the snow, the mystery grows,
Em G
Frost is biting, stars are writing,
D C
A story in the flakes, for the heart that aches.

(Chorus)
G D Em C
The cipher’s riddle to solve, in love dissolve,
G D C
In the snow, where brave hearts glow.

Favorite Fan’s Name: Alex Thompson

Testimonial:
“Music has always been my escape, and Dense Grandfather has become my favorite band, not just for their impressive music but for the deeper philosophical meanings behind each song. Their music speaks to me on so many levels. Every time I listen to ‘Cipher in the Snow’, I feel like it’s my own journey being narrated through music. It’s like Dense Grandfather knows my soul. Their music has comforted me in my toughest times and has made me see life from a different perspective. It’s hard to explain, but their music feels like a friend who understands me. I am eternally grateful for their music.”

Backstory:
Bogus Island was formed in a small town in Michigan by three estranged childhood friends: Mack, the lead vocalist and guitarist; Kia, the drummer; and Sam, the bass guitarist. They had grown up together, playing in their school band, but life took them on different paths. Mack pursued a career in law, Kia became a travel blogger, and Sam worked as a software engineer. However, the one thing that remained constant was their love for music. After a chance reunion at their high school’s 10-year reunion, the spark was reignited, and Bogus Island was born. The band’s name was inspired by a make-believe island they conceptualized as children, where they could escape from reality and just play music.

Genre:
Bogus Island’s music genre is a unique blend of indie rock and folk, creating a nostalgic yet invigorating sound.

Title: “Shipwrecked in Time”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
[G]Sailing on a sea of dreams, [C]lost in the echoes of time,
[Em]On Bogus Island, we’d roam free, [D]our spirits in their prime.
[G]We’d strum our guitars under the stars, [C]our notes riding the wind,
[Em]In this world of ours, we were superstars, [D]with no rules to bend.

(Chorus)
[G]Now we’re shipwrecked in time, [C]caught in the past’s design,
[Em]Chasing the echoes of our youth, [D]our melodies intertwine.
[G]On Bogus Island, we find, [C]the music that binds,
[Em]Our hearts, our souls, [D]our rhythm unfolds, in the sands of time.

(Verse 2)
[G]Years went by and life took its toll, [C]we drifted and lost our way,
[Em]Yet the music still played, it had its hold, [D]calling us back to the bay.
[G]Back to Bogus Island, under the moon’s command, [C]we picked up our broken dreams,
[Em]The melodies flowed, the rhythm soared, [D]drowning out the world’s screams.

(Chorus)
[G]We’re shipwrecked in time, [C]the past’s sweet design,
[Em]Our hearts beat to the rhythm of our youth, [D]our melodies intertwine.
[G]On Bogus Island, we unwind, [C]the music that binds,
[Em]Our hearts, our souls, [D]our rhythm unfolds, in the sands of time.

Fan Testimonial:
“My name is Lisa, and I’m Bogus Island’s biggest fan. Their music has been a sanctuary for me during difficult times. The raw emotion in their harmonies and the genuine storytelling in their lyrics resonate so deeply with me. They make it easier to navigate through life’s ups and downs. I’ve seen them live a dozen times, and each time they surpass my expectations. Bogus Island is more than just a band to me; they’re a lifeline.”

Backstory:

Frank Bay was formed in 2008, in the coastal city of Santa Monica by childhood friends Frank Harrison and Bay Thompson. The duo initially started their music career by performing at local bars and cafes during their college years. Their passion for music was an undeniable force that drew them together and pushed them to create their unique sound. After a few years of slogging it out in the local scene and developing their sound, they caught the attention of a local record label, who signed them in 2010. The name ‘Frank Bay’ is a combination of their first names and reflects the deep bond they share.

Genre:

Frank Bay is known for their distinct Indie Rock sound, influenced by blues, folk, and classic rock.

Title:

“Sunset Boulevard”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
C G
Walking down the Sunset Boulevard,
Am E
Underneath the sky of falling stars,
C G
Dreaming of a life beyond the bars,
Am E
With a guitar strapped on my shoulder hard.

(Chorus)
F G
Hey, it’s the Sunset Boulevard,
C Am
Where dreams are made and hearts are scarred,
F G
We’re playing songs on our old guitars,
C Am
Underneath the fading city stars.

(Verse 2)
C G
Drinks are cheap and life’s a card,
Am E
In the hustle of Sunset Boulevard,
C G
In every dive bar, every yard,
Am E
We’re singing songs, throwing the aces hard.

(Chorus)
F G
Hey, it’s the Sunset Boulevard,
C Am
Where dreams are made and hearts are scarred,
F G
We’re playing songs on our old guitars,
C Am
Underneath the fading city stars.

(Outro)
F G
On the Sunset Boulevard, we’re rockstar,
C Am
Living life loud under the city stars.

Fan:

Frank Bay’s most devoted fan is arguably Emily Carter. Emily fell in love with the band’s raw sound and relatable lyrics while she was in college in 2011. She says, “Frank Bay’s music is the soundtrack of my youth. Their melodies echo the highs and lows of my life. They have a way of capturing emotions that few other bands can. Listening to them feels like coming home after a long journey. They’re more than just my favorite band; they’re a part of my life’s tapestry.”

Backstory:

Strict Self was conceived in the heart of New York City amidst the eclectic backdrop of the thriving underground music scene. The band, composed of four friends – Kate Rodricks on vocals and guitar, Tony Williams on bass, Derrick Harvey on drums, and Charlie Palmer on keyboard, met while attending the prestigious Juilliard School. They discovered a shared love for music that wasn’t bound by the rules of traditional genres, a love that embodied the spirit of rebellion and individuality. Inspired by their surroundings and the complexities of the human condition, they decided to form Strict Self, a name symbolizing their quest for self-expression and authenticity.

Genre:

Strict Self’s music can be best described as Alternative Rock with a blend of Electronic elements. Their sound is a unique fusion of grungy guitar riffs, pulsating bass lines, intricate drum patterns, haunting keyboard melodies, and powerful, soulful vocals. They draw inspiration from various sub-genres of rock, electronica, and indie music, creating a fresh and distinctive soundscape.

Song Title:

“Boundless Chains”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
[G] I walk alone in the [D] shadow of the night,
[Em] Searching for truth in the [C] flickering light.
[G] Life’s a maze, [D] twists and turns,
[Em] Got so lost, [C] it burns.

(Chorus)
[G] But I’m breaking free, [D] from these boundless chains,
[Em] Rising above, [C] through the joy and the pains.
[G] I will fight, [D] won’t bow to the reigns,
[Em] I am free, [C] from these boundless chains.

(Verse 2)
[G] Staring at reflections, [D] in mirrors of the past,
[Em] Unveiling masks, [C] shedding the cast.
[G] Now I see, [D] through the haze,
[Em] Embracing life, [C] in its myriad ways.

(Chorus)
[G] Cause I’m breaking free, [D] from these boundless chains,
[Em] Flying high, [C] like a bird unchains.
[G] I will rise, [D] from the ashes and remains,
[Em] I am free, [C] from these boundless chains.

Bands Favorite Fan:

The band’s favorite fan is a young woman named Amy Richards. Amy has been following Strict Self since their early days, attending their small local gigs, and proudly supporting them on social media. She appreciates the band’s unique sound and the depth of their lyrics that touch upon the struggles and triumphs of human life. She says, “Strict Self’s music resonates with my experience. Their song ‘Boundless Chains’ became my anthem during a difficult period in my life. Their music isn’t just entertainment, it’s therapy, it’s an awakening. I’ve found solace and strength in their songs, and for that, they will always be my favorite band.”

Backstory:
Handmade Pass came to life in a small, rustic town in Wisconsin where four childhood friends, Ben, Sam, Jason, and Steve, discovered their shared love for music. As teenagers, they would jam together in Steve’s old barn, experimenting with different sounds until they created something that truly resonated with them. After graduating from high school, they decided to take their passion a step further, forming “Handmade Pass”. The band’s name was a tribute to the scenic route they would often pass through during their summer road trips, a route that was known for the handmade wooden signs left by anonymous artists.

Genre:
Handmade Pass is an Indie Folk band. Their sound is a fusion of soothing guitar strums, warm harmonies, and poignant lyrics that often touch upon themes of life, love, and self-discovery.

Title:
“One More Sunset”

Lyrics:
Verse:
C G Am Em
“Underneath the crimson sky, we bid the day goodbye,
F C G
Memories woven into the night.
C G Am Em
With your hand in mine, we’ll cross the borderline,
F C G
Into the realm where dreams and love align.”

Chorus:
F C G Am
“One more sunset, don’t let it end yet,
F C G
These moments are ours to keep.
F C G Am
Hold me closer, as the night grows darker,
F C G
Promise me we’ll never sleep.”

Fan Testimonial:
The band’s favorite fan is a woman named Emma Johnson. Emma has attended every single one of Handmade Pass’ shows since their very first gig at a local bar. She truly admires the band’s ability to weave stories within their songs that resonate with her on a profound level. Emma says, “Handmade Pass is my favorite band because their music feels like a journey. Every song is a new road, a new adventure. And it’s not just the lyrics – their melodies have a certain depth that just draws you in. I can’t help but feel a connection. They’re more than just a band to me – they’re storytellers, they’re poets, they’re friends.”