Backstory:

Athletic Mode is a high-energy trio formed in the coastal town of Bournemouth, UK. The band members, lead vocalist and guitarist Sam Bentley, bassist Max Harding, and drummer Luke Johnson, all grew up in the same neighborhood and shared a deep love for music and sports. Athletic Mode was conceived in 2010 after a wild night of beach football and jamming under the stars. Their name, Athletic Mode, not only represents the band’s shared love for fitness but also symbolizes their blazing approach to life – live vigorously, passionately, and wholeheartedly.

The band’s journey to fame wasn’t straightforward. They initially played at local bars and small gigs, often juggling their passion for music with their day jobs. Their big break came in 2013 when they won a regional band competition and attracted the attention of a well-known record label. Since then, Athletic Mode has been making waves in the international music scene, known for their unique sound and electrifying performances.

Genre:

Athletic Mode specializes in a hybrid of Alternative Rock and Electronic Dance Music (EDM), a sound that is both unique and compelling, encapsulating their vivacious spirit.

Title:

“Running Wild”

Full Song Lyrics:

Verse 1:
(C)Running Wild in the (Am) dead of night
(Em)Chasing dreams, lost in the (G) city light
(C)Passion burning, we’re on a (Am) flight
(Em) Our Athletic Mode is (G) shining bright

Chorus:
(D)Running Wild, we’re (G) free and young
(C)In the rhythm of our (Em) unsung song
(D)Feel the beat, (G) it won’t be long
(C) We’re in the Athletic (Em) Mode, so strong

Verse 2:
(C)Through fields of gold, we (Am) break away
(Em)In the game of life, we (G) choose to play
(C)With every note, we (Am) have our say
(Em)Sporting our dreams in the (G) light of day

Chorus:
(D)Running Wild, we’re (G) breaking ground
(C)With the melody of (Em) our profound sound
(D)In Athletic Mode, (G) we’re homeward bound
(C) With the rhythm, (Em) we’re tightly wound

The band’s favorite fan:

“Athletic Mode’s biggest fan has to be our very own ‘Running Wild’ Ruth. She has been with us since our early days, always in the front row of our gigs, cheering us on. She is more than just a fan, she’s family. Ruth’s favorite song is ‘Running Wild,’ and she says it encapsulates her spirit of adventure and zest for life. According to Ruth, “Athletic Mode’s music is a symphony of energy, passion, and freedom. Their electrifying performances combined with their high-octane EDM-Rock blend has made them my all-time favorite band. Each of their songs is like a thrilling roller-coaster ride that I never want to get off of!”

Backstory:
Formed in the bustling city of Manchester, England in 2010, Gigantic Neighbour had modest beginnings. The group was comprised of four childhood friends—James, Simon, Caelan, and Fergus—who found common ground in their shared passion for music. The band was born from late-night jam sessions in their parents’ garages, with the house walls barely containing the immense sound and energy that would later define their music. The name ‘Gigantic Neighbour’ was coined to cheekily express the band’s disruptive presence in their neighbourhood, a metaphor for the significant impact they hoped to have on the music scene.

After playing in numerous local gigs and slowly attracting a faithful following, the band found their big break in 2012 when a music producer happened to hear a demo of their song at a local pub. Impressed by their raw talent and unique sound, the producer helped Gigantic Neighbour release their self-titled debut album which quickly took the UK charts by storm. Their unique blend of sound and lyrics that touch upon themes of love, life, and navigating adulthood resonated with a broad audience, solidifying Gigantic Neighbour in the realm of popular music.

Genre:
Gigantic Neighbour’s music can be best described as Indie Rock with traces of Shoegaze and Post-Punk Revival.

Title:
“One Last Chance”

Song Lyrics:
(Verse 1)
Cmaj / G / Am / F
Swimming in a sea of thoughts tonight,
Caught in waves, under the crimson light.
Praying to the moon, oh so bright,
For one last chance to make it right.

(Chorus)
Cmaj / G / Am / F
One last chance, to steal the show,
One last dance, before we let go.
In the mirror of time, we cast our glow,
One last chance, to grow.

(Verse 2)
Cmaj / G / Am / F
We’re on a journey, with no end,
Broken hearts, we try to mend.
Through the darkness, we ascend,
For one last chance, to transcend.

(Chorus)
Cmaj / G / Am / F
One last chance, to feel the rain,
One last glance, at love’s terrain.
In the whisper of time, we stake our claim,
One last chance, to remain.

Favourite Fan Testimony:
My name is Lucy Green, and Gigantic Neighbour has been my favourite band since their first gig at the local pub. Their music is a beautiful blend of raw emotion and melody, it’s like they’re speaking directly to my soul. “One Last Chance” is my absolute favourite; the lyrics resonate so strongly with my own life experiences. They’re not just a band for me, they are a source of comfort, a voice in the dark, and an echo of my own feelings. I’m grateful for their music and the impact they’ve had on my life.

Backstory:
Jumpy Settlement arose from the quaint, sleepy town of Aspen Springs, Colorado. The founding members—Benji “Blue” Harmon, a quirky ukulele enthusiast, Carter “CJ” Jenkins, an unwavering bassist, and Poppy “Pixie” Hawthorne, a dreamy-eyed singer-songwriter—were childhood friends. They bonded over the love of music and outdoor adventures, often finding inspiration in the haunting beauty of Aspen Springs’ landscapes. Initially, they started playing for their supportive community, garnering praise and encouragement, which led to them recording their first EP in Blue’s basement. Their raw, heartfelt music quickly gained traction, propelling them from their local scene to national venues.

Genre: Indie Folk-Pop

Title: “Eagle’s Peak”

Full Song Lyrics:
(Verse 1)
C G Am F
Underneath the Aspen sky, we were young and wild,
C G Am F
Chasing dreams on Eagle’s Peak, just a reckless child.

(Chorus)
C G Am F
Eagle’s Peak, oh, what a sight, under the moon’s gentle light,
C G Am F
With the wind in our hair, love in the air, felt so right.

(Verse 2)
C G Am F
Sunset hues, hidden clues, in your laughing eyes,
C G Am F
We swore we’d never come down from these mountain highs.

(Chorus)
C G Am F
Eagle’s Peak, our hearts would speak, under the starry night,
C G Am F
With the whispering pines, your hand in mine, held so tight.

The Band’s Favorite Fan:
Jumpy Settlement’s favorite fan is a woman named Lily Bennett, an art teacher from Boulder. Lily first discovered their music during a particularly challenging time in her life. She was drawn to their raw, soulful lyrics and the comforting lullabies of their melodies. Their music became her solace, her beacon of hope, helping her regain her strength and passion. In her testimonial, she says, “Jumpy Settlement isn’t just a band to me; they are my lifeline. Their music resonates with me on a profound level, wrapping me in a comforting blanket of emotions, reminding me of the beauty in life’s simple moments. The purity in their voices and the honesty in their words make them my favorite band. Just like their song ‘Eagle’s Peak,’ they’ve helped me reach my personal high, and for that, I’ll forever be a fan.”

Backstory: Sizzling Installation is a band that came to life in the vibrant streets of downtown Toronto. The band consists of four talented musicians – lead vocalist and guitarist Mike ‘Scorch’ Davidson, bassist Sarah ‘Sparky’ O’Reilly, drummer Ted ‘Blaze’ Thompson, and keyboardist and backup vocalist Jenny ‘Glow’ Johnson. Formed in 2018, the band members met at a local open mic night, where they discovered their shared love for creating music with a unique spark. Impressively, each member brings a different musical background, which contributes to the unparalleled sound of Sizzling Installation. From their humble beginnings performing in small clubs and pubs, their popularity skyrocketed after their first EP got discovered by a renowned music producer.

Genre: Their music is a vibrant blend of Indie Pop and Electro-Funk.

Title: “Sparks In The Night”

Song Lyrics (Verse, Chorus):

[Am] Floating in the dark, [G] lost in your eyes
[Dm] Silence all around, [Am] except for our sighs
[F] Restless hearts dancing, [G] under the neon light
[Am] We’re just sparks in the night. [G]

(Chorus)
[C] Sparks in the night, [G] lost in your light
[Am] Love’s electric current, [F] feels just right
[Dm] Setting off fireworks, [G] in our hearts so bright
[Am] We’re just sparks in the night. [G]

Favorite Fan: The band’s favorite fan is Tim ‘Buzz’ Patterson, a graphic designer from Vancouver. Tim has been a loyal fan since the band’s forming and has attended every one of their concerts within his reach. He even designed some early band merchandise and album covers for Sizzling Installation. His testimonial states: “The energy of Sizzling Installation is unparalleled. Their unique sound is an electrifying blend of genres that sets them apart in the music scene. The way they connect with their fans, it’s not just about the music. It’s about the shared experiences and emotions that their music evokes. It’s a sizzling installation of passion, rhythm, and life. And that’s why they remain my all-time favorite band.”

Backstory:

Solid Stomach is a band that began in the humble town of Rawlins, Wyoming. The four friends – Jim, Rob, Pete, and Mike – met in their local high school’s music room. They were all drawn together by their love of music and their longing for an escape from the monotony of small-town life. The band was named ‘Solid Stomach’ after a playful incident involving a dare to eat the school’s infamous chilli cheese fries – a challenge only Pete could stomach.

In 2005, the band members decided to take their act to the big city, with dreams of making it in the music industry. Their struggle was real and daunting. However, their shared experiences, love for music, and their solid friendship (as strong as Pete’s stomach) kept them motivated. After years of playing in small gigs and on the streets, their unique style finally caught the attention of an independent record label – ‘Raw Sound’. The rest is history.

Genre:

Alternative Rock

Title:

“Streets of Rawlins”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
Am G D Am
Rocky roads, beneath the starlight,
Am G D Am
Echoes of dreams, in the dead of night,
Am G D Am
Rawlins, you’re quiet, but your heart’s alight,
Am G D Am
With a silent song, that feels so right.

(Chorus)
C G D Em
Streets of Rawlins, where dreams are born,
C G D Em
Through struggles, through tears, through love torn,
C G D Em
Streets of Rawlins, your memory lives,
C G D Em
In every note, in every rift, in every beat it gives.

(Verse 2)
Am G D Am
Rawlins, we left, for city lights,
Am G D Am
Chasing dreams, through countless nights,
Am G D Am
But your spirit, your strength, your old town sights,
Am G D Am
Are the chords and beats, in our midnight writes.

(Chorus)
C G D Em
Streets of Rawlins, where dreams are born,
C G D Em
Through struggles, through tears, through love torn,
C G D Em
Streets of Rawlins, your memory lives,
C G D Em
In every note, in every rift, in every beat it gives.

Band’s Favorite Fan:

The band’s favorite fan is a girl named Jenny Wilson. Jenny discovered Solid Stomach during one of their earliest gigs in a small bar in Rawlins. She’s been a loyal fan ever since, following them through their journey from small town to big city. Her testimonial reads, “Solid Stomach’s music speaks to my soul. Their songs encapsulate the spirit of Rawlins and yet resonate with the universal human experience. The raw emotions, the authenticity, it’s all there. Their music has been a constant friend through good times and bad. I’m not just a fan; I’m part of the Solid Stomach family.”

Backstory:
Thick Revenue was born in the bustling streets of San Francisco back in 2013 when four childhood friends found their shared passion for music. The band comprises of lead vocalist and rhythm guitarist, Jake Dillard, lead guitarist, Noah Calhoun, bassist, Mark Castellano, and drummer, Teddy Simmons. Each member brought a unique touch to the band, creating a musical fusion that defied conventions and created a genre of their own. They started playing in local bars, subway stations, and house parties, but their talent soon caught the eye of a local record producer, and they rapidly ascended to national stardom.

Genre:
Thick Revenue’s music is best described as a mix of indie rock and blues with a touch of funk, essentially creating their own sub-genre fondly termed by their fans as ‘groove rock’.

Title:
One of their most popular songs is “Riding the Midnight Wave”.

Full Song Lyrics:
(Verse 1)
[Am] Through the golden city lights, [Dm] we are dancing in the night
[G] Echoes of laughter, [Em] tales of old fight
[Am] We’re just stargazers, [Dm] lost in the midnight flight
[G] Riding the wave, [Em] painting the night bright

(Chorus)
[C] Riding the midnight wave [G] under the city’s gaze
[Am] Feeling the rhythm sway, [D] we’re lost in our own maze
[C] Strumming the chords of life, [G] we’re singing away our strife
[Am] In the ocean of the night, we’re [D] riding the midnight wave.

(Verse 2)
[Am] Distant melody, [Dm] whispers of the sea
[G] Remnants of the day’s glee, [Em] setting our spirits free
[Am] We’re the dream chasers, [Dm] drowning in the mystery
[G] Riding the wave, [Em] in the canvas of infinity.

(Chorus)
[C] Riding the midnight wave [G] under the moon’s praise
[Am] Feeling the stars’ ballet, [D] we’re finding our own way
[C] With the tune as our guide, [G] we’re on this joyride
[Am] In the galaxy of the night, we’re [D] riding the midnight wave.

Fan Testimonial:
Thick Revenue’s biggest fan is named Sarah Thompson. Sarah explains her devotion to the band saying, “Thick Revenue is not just another band, they are my beacon of hope, my refuge, my source of joy. Their music resonates with my soul, and each song tells a story that I connect to. I’ve been to every one of their concerts and I always leave feeling a sense of peace and happiness. Their unique sound, their lyrics, and their energy on stage is unparalleled. Thick Revenue is more than my favorite band, they are a part of my life. For me, they’re not just creating music, they’re crafting magic.”

Backstory:
Formed in 2015, Overcooked Album originated in a small college town in New Hampshire where they began their journey as an indie rock group. They were mostly friends from the same music program who started jamming together in their garage. A peculiar chain of events involving an ambitious cooking experiment gone wrong is what led them to their unique band name. Their first “album” was actually a compilation of their music, incidentally left in a microwave for too long, and thus “Overcooked Album” was born. Their sound is known for its unique blend of indie, rock, and blues influences, with lyrics that range from introspective to absurd, and energetic performances that captivate audiences.

Genre:
Indie Rock/Blues

Song Title:
“Crispy Notes”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1) [C, G, Am, E]
Life’s like an overcooked album, my friend,
Melting down, yet we play it again,
Memories, like crispy notes, within,
Distorted, yet they’re our favorite hymn.

(Chorus) [F, C, G]
Is it love, or is it the chaos we’re in,
Just like that overcooked album’s din,
Broken, yet we spin it again and again,
Is it love, or just a phantom pain?

(Verse 2) [C, G, Am, E]
Tales we tell, in rhythm and rhyme,
Lost in the smoky haze of time,
Songs we sing, in joy and in despair,
Are we lost, or just pretending to care?

(Chorus) [F, C, G]
Is it love, or is it the chaos we’re in,
Just like that overcooked album’s din,
Broken, yet we spin it again and again,
Is it love, or just a phantom pain?

(Bridge) [Am, E, F, G]
In the echoes of the night, we find,
The music of our twisted, entwined minds,
Crispy notes, they play, they remind,
Of love lost and what’s left behind.

Fan’s Favorite Testimonial:
The band’s favorite fan is Sam “The Record Man” Watson. Sam has been following Overcooked Album from their earliest shows at college pubs. Sam is a record store owner who has an immense love for music. He says, “Overcooked Album is not just a band, they’re a phenomenon. Their sound is raw, real, and resonates with you long after the song has ended. Their lyrics, like a chef’s secret recipe, have a unique blend of ingredients that create a perfect musical stew. In today’s world of manufactured pop, their authenticity is a breath of fresh air. The ‘Crispy Notes’ tune is my anthem, and I play it every morning to start my day. They’re simply the soundtrack to my life!”

Backstory:

Suburban Obligation was formed in 2017 in the quiet town of Ridgeway, Connecticut. The band came together in the cushy basement of lead singer, Carson Blake, originally as a means to escape from the humdrum of their daily lives. Comprising Carson, lead guitarist Ethan Owens, rhythm guitarist and backup vocalist Mia Rhodes, bassist Liam Mitchell, and drummer Stella Harper, the group found solace in creating music, blending their varied musical influences to form a unique, yet resonant sound. Their music, highlighting the often-overlooked complexities of suburban life, quickly struck a chord with their audience, propelling them from basement jam sessions to more significant platforms.

Genre:

Alt-Rock

Song Title:

“Chasing Shadows”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
[C] Under the pale moonlight, [G] lost in neon dreams,
[Am] Trying to figure out what [F] freedom really means.
[C] Suburban stars above, [G] whispers in the wind,
[Am] We’re all caught up in a [F] game we’ll never win.

(Chorus)
[C] Chasing shadows, we [G] serenade the night,
[Am] Running wild through these [F] empty streets of light.
[C] Searching for a truth that’s [G] hidden in plain sight,
[Am] This is our suburban [F] plight.

(Verse 2)
[C] Smiles are just a mask, [G] secrets held within,
[Am] Playing roles in a [F] drama we can’t begin.
[C] Houses in a row, [G] lives in symmetry,
[Am] It’s a choreographed [F] dance of mystery.

(Chorus)
[C] Chasing shadows, we [G] serenade the night,
[Am] Running wild through these [F] empty streets of light.
[C] Trying to outrun the [G] sadness that takes flight,
[Am] In the harsh glare of [F] suburban twilight.

Favorite Fan:

Their favorite fan is a teenager named Jenna who lives in their hometown. Jenna discovered Suburban Obligation when she was going through a rough patch in high school and their music became her sanctuary.

Jenna’s testimonial:

“I first heard Suburban Obligation at a local gig. Their music spoke to me on a level nothing else ever had. The way they encapsulate the suburban experience, the feeling of being lost and found simultaneously, is both haunting and comforting. Their song, ‘Chasing Shadows,’ became my anthem; it echoed my feelings of being on the brink of adulthood while feeling the weight of expectation. Suburban Obligation isn’t just a band for me, they’re a reflection of my life, my struggles, and my dreams.”

Backstory:
Fast Assistance, a band hailing from the boisterous world of Chicago’s underground music scene, was formed in the fall of 2008. The core members of the band are a group of four friends who, during their time in high school, discovered a shared passion for music and a deep admiration for the punk rock ethos. The band’s name, Fast Assistance, is a nod to their collective childhood memory of a local auto repair shop’s sign, which ironically was renowned for its dreadful service. The band thought the name was fitting, as their music is intended to be an ironic commentary on the world around them, providing fast assistance to listeners in navigating the confusing and often chaotic journey of life.

Genre:
Alternative Punk Rock

Title:
“Broken Wrenches, Broken Hearts”

Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
[E]Life’s a busted engine [A]on a lonely road
[D]We’re all just waiting [G]for a fix, for a hope
[A]Here we are, just [E]broken wrenches in our hands
[D]Trying to repair, [G]that which we don’t understand

(Chorus)
[E]Broken wrenches, [A]broken hearts
[D]Stuck in gear, don’t [G]know where to start
[E]We need fast assistance, [A]an urgent part
[D]To mend our engines, [G]and our hearts

(Verse 2)
[E]Underneath the hood, [A]in the shadows deep
[D]Lies the problem, [G]hiding, playing hide and seek
[A]We are mechanics, [E]just learning as we go
[D]Fumbling in the dark, [G]with no direction home

(Chorus)
[E]Broken wrenches, [A]broken hearts
[D]Stuck in gear, don’t [G]know where to start
[E]We need fast assistance, [A]an urgent part
[D]To mend our engines, [G]and our hearts

Favorite Fan Testimonial:
“My name is Sylvia and I can’t begin to explain how much Fast Assistance means to me. I first heard ‘Broken Wrenches, Broken Hearts’ during a difficult time in my life, and it resonated deeply. The song made me feel less alone and it felt like a hand reaching out when I was lost. Their music is raw, honest, and it speaks to the struggle we all face in trying to make sense of the world. Fast Assistance is my favorite band because they’re not just musicians, they’re storytellers who sing about the human experience in a way that’s both poignant and comforting.”

Backstory:

Utter Grave came into being in a small, dimly lit garage in the suburbs of Seattle. It was 1999, and four friends – Ken Thorn (lead vocals, rhythm guitar), Mark Pearson (drums), Gabriel Miller (lead guitar), and Jeremy Moss (bass, backing vocals) – decided to forge their shared love for music into a joint venture. They started spending countless hours in that garage, dwelling in the world of music and experimenting to find their unique sound. Utter Grave slowly made a name for themselves in the local underground scene, standing out with their dark, melancholic melodies and deeply emotive lyrics, until eventually they got their big break in 2003 when they signed with a renowned record label. Since then, Utter Grave has been a force to be reckoned with in the world of alternative music, mesmerizing fans with their hauntingly beautiful songs.

Genre:

Alternative Rock

Title:

“Shadows of Yesterday”

Full song lyrics:

(Verse 1)
Em/ G/ D/ A
In the shadows of yesterday, we’re losing light,
Chasing ghosts in the moonlight, running from the fight.
In the echoes of our memories, silence is the night,
Hand in hand we walk, blinded by absence of sight.

(Chorus)
C/ G/ D/ Em
Hold on to the shadows, let them guide our way,
In the remnants of our past, the echoes of yesterday.
The world may crumble, but in the dark we’ll stay,
For in the shadows of yesterday, we find our way.

(Verse 2)
Em/ G/ D/ A
In the shroud of forgotten dreams, we find our path,
Drowned in the sea of regret, aftermath.
In the depths of our sorrows, truth is the wrath,
Through the ruins of our love, we take our aftermath.

(Chorus)
C/ G/ D/ Em
Hold on to the shadows, let them guide our way,
In the remnants of our past, the echoes of yesterday.
The world may crumble, but in the dark we’ll stay,
For in the shadows of yesterday, we find our way.

The band’s favorite fan:

Name: Jessica Brown

Testimonial:

“Utter Grave is more than just a band to me. They are like a beacon of light guiding me through my darkest days. The profound lyrics of their songs resonate with my experiences. It’s as if they’re speaking my life. ‘Shadows of Yesterday,’ for instance, is a song that I hold close to my heart. It speaks of finding your way in the darkness, a theme that I can deeply relate to. Their music has been my solace in times of loneliness and despair. I am grateful to Utter Grave for creating music that touches the soul and heals the heart.”