Backstory:
Formed in the bustling college town of Cambridge, Massachusetts, ‘Petty Learning’ was a product of late-night dorm room jam sessions and a shared love for unconventional music. Consisting of four members, Mark ‘Moose’ McAllister on lead guitar and vocals, Rachel Farley on bass, Liam Holmes on drums, and Tim ‘Toto’ Dalton on keyboard, the band was named ironically after an old professor’s remark that the members’ interest in music was ‘petty learning’ compared to their academic pursuits. Refusing to let the remark be a deterrent, they instead let it fuel their passion for music, and thus ‘Petty Learning’ was born.

Their journey began with impromptu performances in local bars and college festivals, but their raw talent and unique sound quickly caught the ears of fans and music producers alike. Despite their academic pressures, the band members continued to juggle their studies with their rising music career, embodying the name ‘Petty Learning’.

Genre:
Indie Rock

Title:
“Chasing Shadows”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
[G] Wandering through the [D] foggy streets, [Em] heart beating wild, [C] feet tapping on concrete.
[G] Chasing shadows, [D] sipping dreams, [Em] in this world, [C] nothing’s as it seems.

(Chorus)
[G] We’re just [D] chasing shadows, [Em] in the pale moonlight, [C] living for tomorrow, in the dead of night.
[G] With every [D] sorrow, and every [Em] delight, [C] we’re just chasing shadows, till the morning light.

(Verse 2)
[G] Rolling dice, [D] on starlit rooftops, [Em] laughing at our losses, [C] never knowing when to stop.
[G] Singing songs, [D] of love and despair, [Em] lost in melodies, [C] with the cool night air.

(Chorus)
[G] We’re just [D] chasing shadows, [Em] in the pale moonlight, [C] living for tomorrow, in the dead of night.
[G] With every [D] sorrow, and every [Em] delight, [C] we’re just chasing shadows, till the morning light.

(Bridge)
[G] And as the dawn [D] breaks, we find our [Em] hearts, [C] nestled in the melodies, torn apart.
[G] With every sunrise, [D] a brand new start, [Em] another day to chase, [C] the shadows in our hearts.

(Chorus)
[G] We’re just [D] chasing shadows, [Em] in the pale moonlight, [C] living for tomorrow, in the dead of night.
[G] With every [D] sorrow, and every [Em] delight, [C] we’re just chasing shadows, till the morning light.

(Outro)
[G] Chasing shadows, [D] sipping dreams, [Em] in this world, [C] nothing’s as it seems.

Favorite Fan:
The band’s favorite fan is a twenty-year-old college student named Jessica. She first discovered ‘Petty Learning’ during one of their local bar gigs and instantly fell in love with their music. As a college student herself, Jessica relates to their struggles and successes. She says, “Their music, it’s like a reflection of everything we go through as students, a beautiful blend of dreams, aspirations, heartbreak, and joy. Their song ‘Chasing Shadows’ particularly resonates with me. It speaks of the transient nature of life, the pursuit of dreams, and the hope for a better tomorrow. It’s a song that gives me hope and strength during tough times. ‘Petty Learning’ is my favorite band because their music is real, raw,

Backstory:
Required Tub’s music journey started in a small garage in Akron, Ohio. The founding members, two high school best friends, Jason Rogers and Matthew ‘Matty’ Stevens, were always seen noodling around with their guitars after school. Their shared love for music led them to form a band after graduation. They named it ‘Required Tub’, inspired by an old vintage bathtub found in the garage they practiced in. Soon, they were joined by drummer, Micky ‘Thunder’ Collins, and bassist, Andy Johnson, and their journey of making music together officially began.

Their initial years were filled with ceaseless jamming sessions, local gigs, and numerous unsuccessful attempts to break into the music industry. However, their perseverance finally paid off when they were discovered by a talent scout during a local music festival. Their powerful performance left an undeniable impression, leading to a record deal that would turn Required Tub into one of the most popular bands of their generation.

Genre:
Required Tub’s music transcends the boundary of a single genre. Their sound is a distinct blend of Alternative Rock and Indie Folk, with a hint of psychedelia that sets them apart from their contemporaries.

Title:
“Float on the Ripples”

Full song lyrics:
(Verse 1 – Am, C, G, F)
Am
In the midst of chaos,
C
I found my peace in the bathtub,
G
Reflections in the water,
F
I saw what we had was love.

(Chorus – C, G, Am, F)
C
Float on the ripples, past the pain,
G
Where the love remains,
Am
Sailing through the memories,
F
Till we wash away the strain.

(Verse 2 – Am, C, G, F)
Am
Under the water,
C
I heard the beat of our song,
G
Echoes of laughter,
F
And where we truly belong.

(Chorus – C, G, Am, F)
C
Float on the ripples, past the fears,
G
Through the rolling tears,
Am
Moving with the melodies,
F
To the rhythm of the years.

(Testimonial)
Fan’s Name: Lily Mason

Lily Mason, a retiree from Akron, has been a die-hard fan of Required Tub ever since their first local gig. “I’ve always had a soft spot for music that speaks to the soul,” she says. Lily loves how the band’s music carries a sense of nostalgia and a touch of melancholy. Her favorite song is “Float on the Ripples”. “Their music is like a soothing balm, a comforting friend during the lonely nights,” she shares. Lily believes that Required Tub’s music does not just entertain, but also heals and comforts in the most profound way. “They’re not just my favorite band, they’re also my emotional therapists,” she concludes.

Backstory:
Selfish Programme emerged from the ashes of a small-town tech startup in Boise, Idaho. The four founding members – Chris Armstrong (vocals, guitar), Mike Taylor (drums), Sarah Anderson (synthesizer, vocals), and Matt Donaldson (bass, vocals) – were all software developers who found a common bond in their deep love for music. They started jamming together during lunch breaks and, before they knew it, they had written an EP’s worth of songs. The band is self-described as ‘geek rock’, with lyrics often inspired by their experiences in the tech industry.

The band’s name, Selfish Programme, is a tongue-in-cheek reference to their former careers as programmers and their decision to put their own passion for music before their tech jobs. This choice to pursue music full-time wasn’t an easy one, but they’ve never looked back and are now touring extensively across the country, taking their unique brand of rock and roll to the masses.

Genre:
Alternative Rock / Indie Rock

Title:
“Binary Heartbeat”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Am)
(Verse1)
Lost in the matrix, in the depths of the code,
(Em)
In a world that’s so complex, in a realm so broad,
(Dm)
We found each other in the circuit’s glow,
(Am)
Two binary hearts ready to flow.

(Chorus)
(Em)
Binary heartbeat, electric and bright,
(Am)
In the depth of the night, we code in the light,
(Dm)
Binary heartbeat, our rhythm, our song,
(Am)
In this digital world, together we belong.

(Verse2)
(Am)
On the keyboard of life, we found our beat,
(Em)
In the lines of code, our hearts did meet,
(Dm)
From C++ to Python, our love did bloom,
(Am)
In the server’s hum, we found our tune.

(Chorus)
(Em)
Binary heartbeat, electric and bright,
(Am)
In the depth of the night, we code in the light,
(Dm)
Binary heartbeat, our rhythm, our song,
(Am)
In this digital world, together we belong.

Favorite Fan:
Our favorite fan is Lucy Sanchez. Lucy discovered us at a small gig we did at Boise State University. She’s been to every show we’ve played within 100 miles of Boise, and she’s even made a few road trips to see us.

Lucy says, “Selfish Programme’s music is my personal soundtrack. Their songs are my comfort after a long day of coding. They remind me that life is not just about zeros and ones, but rhythm and melody too. Their music is the perfect intersection of my two passions – tech and music. They are the voice of tech geeks like me, and I couldn’t ask for anything more.”

Backstory:

Cloudy Gun was born out of the melancholic musings of childhood friends, Oliver ‘Ollie’ Stevens and James ‘Jimmy’ Barrett. Growing up in the misty mountains of Asheville, North Carolina, the duo found solace in music, pouring out their thoughts and feelings through melodic compositions and resonant lyrics. After high school, they left their secluded hometown and headed to the bustling city of Nashville, Tennessee. Working day jobs and playing at local bars at night, they soon gained a following with their unique sound and honest storytelling. Their band name, Cloudy Gun, was inspired by the recurring theme of struggle and resilience in their songs, conveying the message that whilst we may have to navigate through the ‘cloudiness’ of life, we hold the ‘gun’ to choose our path and outlook.

Genre:

Alternative Country/Folk Rock

Title:

“Shadows in the Sun”

Full song lyrics:

(Verse 1)
[G] Looked out the window, [C] saw a cloudy gun,
[G] Shooting at the shadows, [C] hiding from the sun.
[Em] Yet in the darkness, [Bm] there’s a will to run,
[D] Chasing the horizon, [C] till the day is done.

(Chorus)
[G] Shadows in the sun, [C] we’re all on the run,
[G] Searching for a place, [C] where we don’t have to shun.
[Em] We’ve got this cloudy gun, [Bm] but the battle’s just begun,
[D] In the end, we’ll see, [C] we were all meant to be free.

(Verse 2)
[G] The wind whispers stories, [C] beneath the moon’s pale glow,
[G] Of dreams and glory, [C] and spirits that won’t bow.
[Em] We’ve got our scars, [Bm] and memories to stow,
[D] But the cloudy gun, [C] leads us where we go.

(Chorus)
[G] Shadows in the sun, [C] we’re all on the run,
[G] Carving out our fate, [C] beneath the rising sun.
[Em] Holding on to this cloudy gun, [Bm] our journey’s just begun,
[D] When the night is done, [C] we’ll know we’ve won.

Fan’s Testimonial:

“Hi, I’m Lily, the biggest Cloudy Gun fan, hailing all the way from Manchester, England. From the first time I heard “Shadows in the Sun”, I was hooked. The band speaks to me on a deep, personal level. Their thoughtful lyrics and mesmerizing melodies have helped me through some tough times, reminding me that I have the power to face any challenge that comes my way. The raw honesty and passion in their music is a rare gem in today’s world. Cloudy Gun is not just a band, they’re my heroes.”

Backstory:
Improbable AlleyAbbey, or IAA for short, came into existence during an after-hours jam session in a small recording studio, hidden away in one of London’s labyrinthine alleys. The group was originally comprised of four childhood friends – Asa, Beatrice, Carl and Dora, who had spent their formative years experimenting with different sounds, genres, and instruments in a secluded Abbey on the outskirts of the city. The name of the band, Improbable AlleyAbbey, was a tribute to their origins – a nod towards the unlikely circumstances of their encounter and their beloved practice space in the Abbey.

The band’s big break came when their impromptu performance at a local pub was overheard by a big-name record executive. Intrigued by their distinct sound, he offered them a record deal on the spot. Thanks to their raw talent and unrelenting drive, IAA quickly rose to fame, capturing the hearts of people worldwide.

Genre:
Improbable AlleyAbbey is best known for their unique fusion of Indie rock and Baroque pop, creating a sound that is both hauntingly nostalgic and refreshingly modern.

Title:
“One for the Ages”

Full song lyrics with chord progression:

Verse 1 (G, Em, C, D):
(G) Wandering through the (Em) fragments of our past,
(C) Memories in sepia, fading (D) fast.
(G) The echo of our laughter, the (Em) residue of dreams,
(C) Lost in the sands of time, it (D) seems.

Chorus (Am, Em, D, G):
(Am) But we won’t let it (Em) be,
(D) We’ll carve our names in the (G) eternity.
(Am) We’ll dance through the ruins, (Em) we’ll sing in the rain,
(D) Our love will be, a (G) song, one for the (Am) ages.

Verse 2 (G, Em, C, D):
(G) Hand in hand, we (Em) ventured into the unknown,
(C) Built our own world, where (D) seeds of love were sown.
(G) Through trials and tribulations, (Em) through joy and through pain,
(C) We found in each other, a (D) shelter from the rain.

Repeat Chorus (Am, Em, D, G)

Bridge (F, Am, G):
(F) Here’s to the moments, (Am) both bitter and sweet,
(G) To the rhythm of our hearts, to the (F) sound of our feet.
(Am) Here’s to us, to our (G) tale,
(F) With love and music, we’ll (G) never fail.

Repeat Chorus (Am, Em, D, G)

Fan Testimonial:
My name is Elliot James, and I’ve been an ardent fan of Improbable AlleyAbbey since their first album. The reason why this band is my absolute favorite is because of their poetic lyrics and the emotional depth in their music. Their songs resonate with me on a personal level, carrying a sense of nostalgia and raw emotion that is powerful yet comforting. The way they weave stories and sentiments into their lyrics is truly captivating. IAA’s music has been a constant companion through my life’s ups and downs, and I am eternally grateful for their existence.

Backstory:

Born in the heart of Seattle’s vibrant music scene, Oblong Joke is a quartet that came together in the most unexpected ways. The band members – Stanley, the drummer with a punk past; Mikey, the bassist who used to be a jazz prodigy; Lisa, the classically trained violinist turned electric guitarist; and Freddie, the frontman with a voice as powerful as thunder – all met in their common love for music, despite their vastly different backgrounds. What initially started as casual jam sessions in Stanley’s basement, eventually took shape as something unique, a true representation of their collective musical genius, thus birthing the band, Oblong Joke.

They’ve been together for a five years now and have grown a fan base that loves and cherishes the unique and unpredictable sound of Oblong Joke. Their performances are characterized by an unusual blend of various genres, their wide-ranging musical backgrounds providing a fresh and unprecedented sound that has rocked the local music scene.

Genre:
Oblong Joke’s music is best described as Progressive Rock with hints of funk and jazz.

Song Title:
“Fractal Minds”

Full Song Lyrics:

[Verse 1]
Am Dm
In the maze of thoughts,
G C
Where the reality distorts,
Am Dm
We’re the Fractal Minds,
G C
In timeless space, where no one finds.

[Verse 2]
Am Dm
Woven dreams on quantum strings,
G C
Invisible scars and angel’s wings,
Am Dm
We’re the echoes of the divine,
G C
In the grand scheme, oh so fine.

[Chorus]
F G
Fractal Minds, we’re intertwined,
Am Em
In dimensions, where the stars are blind.
F G
Fractal Minds, in the cosmic grind,
Am Em
In the universe’s melody, we’re signed.

(Repeat Verse and Chorus Chords for subsequent Verses and Choruses)

Fan Testimonial:
Meet Jenny, a hard-core fan of Oblong Joke. She describes her love for the band, “Oblong Joke is not just a band for me, it’s a lifestyle. Their music transcends the boundaries of the ordinary, taking me to a different realm. Each member brings something unique to the table, creating a harmony that’s truly enchanting. Stanley’s punk influences, Mikey’s jazz nuances, Lisa’s electrifying guitar riffs, and Freddie’s powerful voice all come together in a symphony that resonates with my soul. Being part of their journey, witnessing their growth, has been a pleasure. Oblong Joke isn’t my favorite band, they’re my inspiration.”

Backstory:
Crafty Attack was founded in the vibrant city of Austin, Texas in the year 2010. It all began when lead vocalist, Jack Murphy, ran into drummer, Scott Hamilton, in a local music store. They instantly connected over their shared love for music and began jamming together in Scott’s garage. Soon after, they were joined by guitarist, Amy Newman, and bassist, Luke Wilson, who were both local musicians. The quartet found a unique harmony among themselves, leading to the birth of ‘Crafty Attack’. They started off by playing small gigs at local bars and cafes, but their scintillating performances quickly caught the attention of music lovers, and they began to gain popularity in the local music scene.

Their rise to fame was not a smooth journey. They faced rejections, financial hardships, and several lineup changes. However, their shared passion for music and their determination to make it big carried them through all the difficulties. Today, they are one of the most beloved bands in Austin, with a fan base that spans across the globe.

Genre:
Alternative Rock

Title:
“Echoes in the Silence”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
Am C G D
In the quiet, beneath the moon’s pale light,
Am C G D
Sitting by the window, staring into the night,
Am C G D
Thoughts like bullets, racing through my mind,
Am C G D
Memories like echoes, of a time left behind.

(Chorus)
Em D C G
Echoes in the silence, screams in the dark,
Em D C G
Broken pieces of a forgotten spark,
Em D C G
In the quiet, beneath the moon’s light,
Em D C G
I find myself, in the echoes of the night.

(Verse 2)
Am C G D
In every corner, every shadow I see,
Am C G D
Ghosts of the past, coming back to me,
Am C G D
Whispers of love, shouts of despair,
Am C G D
In the silence, they’re everywhere.

(Chorus)
Em D C G
Echoes in the silence, screams in the dark,
Em D C G
Broken pieces of a forgotten spark,
Em D C G
In the quiet, beneath the moon’s light,
Em D C G
I find myself, in the echoes of the night.

Favorite Fan:
The band’s favorite fan is named Sarah Johnson. Sarah has been with Crafty Attack since their humble beginnings. She first saw them at a local cafe in Austin and was so moved by their music that she followed them to every gig since then. The band fondly remembers Sarah as their “first and most loyal fan”.

Sarah’s Testimonial:
“Crafty Attack is more than just a favorite band for me. They’re my lifeline. Their music has seen me through some of the hardest times in my life. The raw emotion in their lyrics, the powerful performances, it resonates with me on such a personal level. There’s a Crafty Attack song for every mood and every moment. They are truly the soundtrack of my life. I can’t imagine a world without their music. To me, they’re not just musicians, but also friends who’ve been with me through it all.”

Backstory:
Possible Developer is a band that was formed in the bustling city of Austin, Texas in 2013. The band members, comprising of lead singer and guitarist, Jason “Jay” Bradley, bassist, Oliver “Ollie” Sanchez, and drummer, Charlie “Chaz” Wilson, were all software developers who, after long days of coding, found solace in creating music together. They started off playing at local pubs and performing at tech events, before gaining recognition for their unique sound and theme, which combined their two passions – music and technology. Their innovative approach to songwriting, wherein they integrated computer programming jargon and concepts into their lyrics, quickly caught on, and they rapidly built a fan base within the tech community and beyond.

Genre:
Indie Alternative Rock

Title:
“Code of Love”

Full Song Lyrics:

(V)
G C D G
She’s got my heart in a debug mode,
G C D G
Her eyes like syntax errors in my code.
Em C D G
She’s the one loop I can’t seem to close,
Em C D G
She’s the constructor of my highs and lows.

(Chorus)
G C D G
In the language of love, she’s my compiler,
G C D G
Through every runtime error, she’s my debugger.
Em C D G
With every method, every line, every layer,
Em C D G
She’s the syntax to my life, my code of love player.

(Verse)
G C D G
Her love’s the software to my hardware heart,
G C D G
An algorithm that I can’t seem to chart.
Em C D G
In the realm of binary, she’s my perfect 1,
Em C D G
In the language of love, she’s second to none.

(repeat Chorus)

Fan’s Name, Testimonial:
“Robert ‘Bobby’ Jenkins – I’ve been a fan of Possible Developer since their first gig at ‘The Coding Pub’. Being a programmer, I instantly connected with their music. Their lyrics, filled with coding jargon, are clever and original, but at the same time, they can touch anyone who’s ever experienced love or heartbreak. ‘Code of Love’ is my favorite track – it’s like they’ve encrypted my love life in their song. Possible Developer is not just a band to me, they’re like my troubleshooters, always helping me decode the confusions of life through their music.”

Backstory:
Close Drink started out in the bustling music scene of Austin, Texas, in the late 2000s. As college buddies at the University of Texas, founding members Jason “Jazz” Mitchell (lead vocals and guitar) and Mark “Marksman” Collins (drums) found their jam sessions became a much-needed reprieve from their grind of engineering studies. Their music, a fusion of soulful melodies and up-tempo rhythms, quickly caught the attention of fellow students and locals. After graduating, they added bassist Lilly “Bass Lily” Austin and keyboardist Sean “Keys” Griffin, giving a new definition to their sound.

The band’s breakthrough arrived when they started playing at renowned local venues and music festivals. Their music, filled with raw energy and catchy hooks, resonated with many, leading to their signing with indie music label, Sunset Sounds. Close Drink continues to tour extensively, spreading their infectious melodies and earning a dedicated fanbase.

Genre:
Indie Pop-Rock

Title:
“Last Call”

Full Song Lyrics:
(Verse 1)
[G] Looking at the neon signs, [D] as the night unwinds,
[Em] In the corner of the bar, [C] strumming my old guitar.
[G] You walked in like a dream, [D] under the moon’s silver beam,
[Em] Order a drink, [C] got me on the brink.

(Chorus)
[G] Last Call, [D] in the dim dance hall,
[Em] You and I, [C] under the starlit sky,
[G] Heart’s on fire, [D] filled with desire,
[Em] Last Call, [C] don’t let this moment fall.

(Verse 2)
[G] The band’s playing our favorite tune, [D] In the soft glow of the moon,
[Em] Your eyes meet mine, [C] in the perfect time.
[G] No need for words, [D] our hearts have heard,
[Em] This is our song, [C] where we belong.

(Repeat Chorus x 2)

Favorite Fan’s Name:
Emily Thompson

Testimonial:
Emily, a music journalist from San Antonio, has been an avid fan of Close Drink since their inception. “I’ve been following them from their college days,” she says. “Their music has this unique blend of rock, pop, and a tinge of soul. It’s the sort of music that makes you want to dance, cry, and sing all at once. And the lyrics, they tell stories that touch your heart. As a fan, following their journey and watching them grow musically has been amazing. Close Drink isn’t just my favorite band; they’re a part of my life.”

Backstory:

Formed in a small garage in Columbia, Missouri, in 2011, the ‘Tense Airline’ began its journey when friends Patrick Kelly, a lyrical genius, and Connor Moore, a master of strings, decided to fuse their musical talents. After a couple of months of jamming together, they realized that their music had a unique flavor that many might enjoy. So they decided to expand their crew. They recruited Rachel Brown, a classically trained pianist, and Freddy Smith, a jazz drummer, to complete their band. Their diversity brought a unique sound to their music, and they began to gain some local popularity. After winning a local battle of the bands competition, they were signed to a small independent label, and soon, their music was being played on local radio stations.

Genre:

Tense Airline’s music style can be classified as Alternative Rock, with elements of Indie, and subtle undertones of blues and jazz.

Title:

“Cabin Pressure”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
Em C G D
I’m stuck in the middle of the clouds,
Em C G D
Watching the sun as it dips and it drowns.
Em C G D
In this flight above the city lights,
Em C G D
I find comfort in the quiet night.

(Chorus)
G D Em C
Cabin pressure’s mounting high,
G D Em C
Yet beneath the stars, we fly.
G D Em C
Hear the engines’ lullaby,
G D Em C
In the tense airline of the night.

(Verse 2)
Em C G D
Beneath us, thousand lights do glow,
Em C G D
Painting stories that we’ll never know.
Em C G D
Above the world, we’re free to roam,
Em C G D
In the tense airline we find our home.

(Chorus)
G D Em C
Cabin pressure’s mounting high,
G D Em C
Yet beneath the stars, we fly.
G D Em C
Hear the engines’ lullaby,
G D Em C
In the tense airline of the night.

The band’s favorite fan’s name:

Lucas Thompson

Testimonial:

“I’ve been a fan of Tense Airline since their early days, playing in small local bars. Their eclectic mix of alternative rock with a touch of blues and jazz is unlike anything else out there. The way they convey emotions through their music is phenomenal. ‘Cabin Pressure’ is my favorite song. It somehow perfectly encapsulates the feeling of being alone in a crowd, of being lost and found at the same time. For me, Tense Airline isn’t just a band; it’s an emotion, a journey, and a home.”