Backstory:
Born in the gritty, bustling streets of New York City, ‘Ripe Hot’ is a band that captures its city’s raw energy and diverse culture. The band was formed in late 2013 by childhood friends, frontman Jamie Roach and drummer Leo Parker. They began their career playing for a small audience in neighborhood cafes and pubs, their searing passion for music resonating with every beat and strum. Soon, they added bassist Sarah Williams and keyboardist Tommy Lee to their band, transforming ‘Ripe Hot’ into a powerhouse of soulful rock tunes and heartfelt lyrics.

Genre:
Ripe Hot’s music can best be described as a soulful blend of Indie Rock with a touch of Blues.

Title:
‘Endless Summer Nights’

Full Song Lyrics:

Verse 1:
Am F C G
“On the streets of New York, as the city lights go dim,
Am F C G
We find love in every corner, where the music’s never grim.
Am F C G
In the heart beats of the city, in the rhythm of the night,
Am F C G
We dance to the raw energy, ‘neath the neon’s pulsing light.”

Chorus:
Am F C G
“Here’s to the endless summer nights, and those wild city dreams,
Am F C G
To the music that makes us feel alive, in the city of extremes.
Am F C G
Let the rhythm take over your soul, let the music set you free,
Am F C G
In this city of endless summer nights, we’re as wild as we can be.”

Fan Testimonial:
The band’s favorite fan is a woman named Molly Gibson. Molly found ‘Ripe Hot’ when she was at a low point in her life. The band’s music helped her through tough times and gave her the strength to face her challenges. She says, “Ripe Hot is not just a band for me, it’s a lifeline. Their music has a soul-stirring quality that has helped me through tough times. The raw passion in their performances resonates deeply with me. Their song ‘Endless Summer Nights’ is a testament to their talent and their ability to capture the spirit of a city and its people in their music. There’s something incredibly honest and real about their music that I haven’t found anywhere else.”

Backstory:

Unnatural Riot is a group of four rebellions brought together by their shared passion for creating music that defies the mainstream and breaks boundaries. Based out of Austin, Texas, the band formed in the summer of 2009 during a local underground music festival. The lead vocalist, Jake ‘Riot’ Reynolds, met the drummer, Sam ‘Boom’ Thompson, and the guitarists, twins Zack and Zoe ‘ZigZag’ Davis, while performing in separate bands. Discovering their shared goal to redefine music, they united to form Unnatural Riot. Their unique name reflects the band’s mission- to create an ‘unnatural’ upheaval in the music world, fueled by their shared spirit of rebellion.

Genre:

Unnatural Riot specializes in punk rock, with a slight blend of grunge and alternative rock.

Title:

Their hit song is titled “Rage Against the Silence.”

Full Song Lyrics:

[Verse 1]
Am, Em, G, D
(Am) Night falls, (Em) shadows grow,
(G) We’re ready for the (D) final show.
(Am) The world’s asleep, (Em) the city’s still,
(G) It’s time to break the (D) silence, fulfill.

[Chorus]
F, G, Am
(F) Rage against the silence, (G) fight the quiet night,
(Am) We’re Unnatural Riot, setting (F) the world alight.
(G) Sound waves crash, guitar strings (Am) scream,
(F) We’re the voice of the (G) unheard dream.

[Verse 2]
Am, Em, G, D
(Am) Fearless and bold, (Em) we take the stage,
(G) Unleashing the (D) rebel’s rage.
(Am) Echoes of our (Em) melody,
(G) Tear down walls of (D) apathy.

[Chorus]
F, G, Am
(F) Rage against the silence, (G) shatter the quiet night,
(Am) We’re Unnatural Riot, setting (F) the world aflame.
(G) With drums that pound, and a (Am) throaty sound,
(F) We’re the quake that’ll (G) shake the ground.

Fan Testimonial:

The band’s favorite fan is a young woman named Sarah ‘Firefly’ Mitchell. Sarah has attended every gig the band has ever performed and runs their largest fan page online. She says, “Unnatural Riot is my favorite band because they’re not afraid to be themselves, to be different, and to stand out. Their music is raw, unfiltered, and authentic. It speaks to me on a personal level and motivates me to challenge the status quo. As a young woman trying to find her place in the world, their lyrics have become my anthem.”

Backstory:

Forming in the humming streets of Portland, Oregon, in the summer of 2015, four childhood friends convened to form the band, ‘Hopeful Youngster’. Brett Gibson, Greg Duncan, Mick Sutherland, and Eddie Wells had all grown up in the same neighborhood, sharing a mutual love for music and dreams of one day making it big. The band was born out of a shared feeling of optimism and hope for the future, hence the name ‘Hopeful Youngster’. They started out playing local spots like bars, cafés, and college events, and gradually began to gain a local fanbase. Their blend of pop hooks, soulful lyrics, and a raw, heartfelt sound resonated with their audiences, and before long, they were selling out venues across the city.

Genre:

Alternative Pop-Rock

Title:

“Chasing Shadows”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)

[Am] Down the streets where we used to run, [G] chasing ghosts of our younger fun,
[F] Remember how we’d laugh till we cried, [C] just basking in the morning sun.

[Am] Time went by, the summer’s glow [G] faded, winters brought the snow,
[F] But the fires in our hearts never did slow, [C] we just learned to grow.

(Chorus)

[G] Chasing shadows, [C] in the night,
[Am] we won’t give up, [D] we won’t lose our light.
[G] We’re the hopeful ones, [C] holding on tight,
[Am] With every beat of our hearts, [D] we’re ready to fight.

(Verse 2)

[Am] Life threw curves, we learned to sway, [G] found our rhythm in disarray,
[F] Every low note hit, we’d find a way, [C] to turn it back into a brighter day.

[Am] Painting dreams with our melody, [G] we found solace in our harmony,
[F] We held on to our shared memory, [C] the soundtrack to our journey.

(Chorus)

[G] Chasing shadows, [C] in the night,
[Am] we won’t give up, [D] we won’t lose our light.
[G] We’re the hopeful ones, [C] holding on tight,
[Am] With every beat of our hearts, [D] we’re ready to fight.

Bridge:

[F] With every note we play, [C] every song we write,
[Am] We’re chasing shadows, [D] bringing back the light.

(Chorus)

[G] Chasing shadows, [C] in the night,
[Am] we won’t give up, [D] we won’t lose our light.
[G] We’re the hopeful ones, [C] holding on tight,
[Am] With every beat of our hearts, [D] we’re ready to fight.

Fan Testimonial (Sarah Thompson):

Sarah Thompson, a student at Portland State University, is considered the band’s favorite fan. She has attended every one of their shows since their formation and became their biggest advocate on social media. Sarah’s testimonial about the band reads: “There’s something about ‘Hopeful Youngster’ that resonates with me on a deep level. Their music is an emotional journey, and their lyrics always seem to say what I feel but can’t express. They’re my favorite because they put into words the hopes, dreams, and struggles of our generation. I guess, in a way, we’re all chasing our own shadows, just like they sing about. It’s comforting to feel seen and understood through their music. They bring light to my life when the world seems a bit too heavy.”

Backstory:
Made-Up Waste was born in the raucous pubs and low-lit backrooms of Liverpool. The band was founded by four childhood friends: Paul ‘Puppy’ Thompson, Darren ‘Dizzy’ Rogers, Gareth ‘Gibby’ Gibson, and Liam ‘Lucky’ Lancaster. They decided to take a leap from their regular jobs and committed to their shared dream of making music. A dream sparked from a late-night, beer-fueled jam session that soon turned into something much bigger. For them, their music was a path to escape the monotonous nine-to-five grind and express their vivid imaginations and wild creativity.

The band’s name, Made-Up Waste, was a tongue-in-cheek reference to their initial lack of formal training and the notion of wasting time on something that wasn’t guaranteed to pay off. The name stuck, and with it, an attitude of perseverance, reckless abandon, and a desire to break away from the norm. With every gig, the guys began to feel more at home under the stage lights, and their fan base started to grow, one rowdy crowd at a time.

Genre:
Made-Up Waste identifies as a Progressive Rock band with a lot of emphasis on lyricism and storytelling.

Title:
“Alien in My Cupboard”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
[C] Found myself an alien, it was [G] hiding in my cupboard
[Am] Freaky green and glittering, it [Em] didn’t want to be discovered
[F] Asked it what it wanted, it [C] said it had lost its way
[G] I said, “Don’t worry mate, [F] you can always stay.”

(Chorus)
[C] Alien in my cupboard, [G] secrets we share
[Am] In this world so unfair, [Em] you’re my solitaire
[F] We’re an odd pair, but [C] we don’t care
[G] Alien in my cupboard, [F] it feels like you’ve always been there.

(Verse 2)
[C] Alien told me stories, of [G] galaxies far and wide
[Am] Of million-star battles, and [Em] interstellar tide
[F] But it looked so lonely, [C] so far from its celestial abode
[G] We made a pact that night, [F] to share the earth’s road.

(Repeat Chorus)

Fan Testimonial:
The band’s favorite fan is a woman named Sarah Addison. She’s been following Made-Up Waste since their inception, and she’s at every show, rain or shine. For Sarah, the band’s rebellious spirit echoes her own journey, breaking away from a mundane job to chase her dreams. She says, “Made-Up Waste offers more than just music. They tell stories that resonate with all of us, who feel lost, or out of place, or just want to escape. When I’m at their gigs, it feels like I’m a part of something bigger. That’s why they’re my favorite band.”

Backstory:
Fluid Timing is a collective musical experiment that began in the coastal town of New Brighton, England. Meeting in a dilapidated beach house in the summer of 2012, the band was formed by two childhood friends, Ben Scott on vocals and guitar and Jez Davis on drums. They were later joined by Emily Turner on bass and Lenny Jackson on keyboard, who brought with them an eclectic mix of influences. Starting as a garage band, they soon found their groove in jam sessions that stretched late into the night, fueled by their shared passion for breaking musical boundaries and a love for the sea. Their name, Fluid Timing, represents their loose, instinctive approach to rhythm and their shared connection to the ebb and flow of the ocean.

Genre:
Fluid Timing’s unique sound is best described as Progressive Surf Rock. Their music draws on the eclectic energy of Progressive Rock and combines it with the laid-back vibes of classic Surf Rock.

Title:
‘Echoes of the Tides’

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse Am – G – F – Em)
In the heart of the sea, where the sun kisses the tide
I found a melody, carried on the wind’s lullaby
Beneath the moon’s silver glow, and the stars’ twinkling pride
The waves become my rhythm, timeless under the night sky

(Chorus C – G – Am – F)
Echoes of the tides, they’re calling me
With their ebb and flow, and the sea’s endless decree
In the rhythm of the surf, I find my harmony
Echoes of the tides, they’re calling me

(Verse)
In the hush of the dawn, as the tide draws near
I feel the pull of the ocean, in its whispers, I hear
A symphony of the sea, in every wave’s cheer
In the rhythm of the surf, all my fears disappear

(Chorus)
Echoes of the tides, they’re guiding me
In the pulse of the sea, I find my melody
With the ebb and flow, I find my liberty
Echoes of the tides, they’re guiding me

Fan Testimonial:
“My name is Sarah Medley, and I am a massive fan of Fluid Timing. Their music is like a wave that sweeps you off your feet. It’s raw, authentic, and always evolving, just like the sea. There’s a natural rhythm to their sound that I can’t find anywhere else. They make me feel connected to the world around me, and for that, they will always be my favorite band. When life gets hard, I know I can always count on Fluid Timing to help me ride the waves.”

Backstory:
Arid Start was formed in the dry and desolate landscapes of New Mexico, by a group of high school friends in 2008. The band consisted of four members, Liam on vocals and guitar, Ben on lead guitar, Jake on bass, and Max on drums. Born and raised in a small desert town, their unique upbringing became the wellspring for their creative energy. The vastness of the desert, the stark heat of the summer, the aridness of their environment, all of it formed the backdrop for their melancholic, soul-stirring music. Their journey from performing at local gigs to touring nationwide is a romantic testament to the power of music, friendship, and sheer determination.

Genre:
Arid Start can be best described as a Desert Rock band, their music infused with elements of Alternative Rock, Indie, and Blues. The raw energy of their sound evokes the stark, rugged beauty of the desert, while the emotional depth of their lyrics paints a vivid picture of their shared experiences growing up in such a unique environment.

Title:
“Dusty Serenade”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
Am Dm
Through the haze of desert heat,
G Em
A voice that cuts so deep,
Am Dm G
It’s our dusty serenade, it keeps us awake.

(Chorus)
C Em
Our dreams are like the desert sand,
Am G
Slipping through our hands,
Dm F C
It’s a bitter, arid start, but we won’t fall apart.

(Verse 2)
Am Dm
Beneath the burning sun,
G Em
We’ve only just begun,
Am Dm G
With guitars in our hands, we’ll make our stand.

(Chorus)
C Em
Our dreams are like the desert sand,
Am G
Slipping through our hands,
Dm F C
It’s a bitter, arid start, but we won’t fall apart.
Dm F C
This is our dusty serenade, a promise that won’t fade.

The band’s favorite fan’s name:
Emily

Testimonial:
“I’ve been a loyal fan of Arid Start since their early days, performing in local bars and small festivals around New Mexico. Their music speaks to me on a level I cannot describe, it’s like they have captured the essence of life in this harsh desert and turned it into art. Each song feels like a journey through the landscapes that I’ve known and loved my whole life. As someone who has also grown up in New Mexico, their music is a reminder of home, of a shared experience. I feel seen, I feel heard, and most importantly, I feel represented in their music. It’s raw, it’s authentic, it’s Arid Start.”

Backstory:
Formed in the heart of Austin, Texas, Illustrious Delivery was the brainchild of childhood friends Mike “Mojo” Johnson and Danny “Dynamo” Roberts. Born from long jam sessions in Dynamo’s parents’ garage, the group steadily grew from a duo into a quintet, adding saxophonist Eliza “Heartbeat” Rodriguez, bassist Jake “Jazzy” Thompson, and drummer Rick “Rhythm” Sanchez. Over the years, Illustrious Delivery has been known for their brash, energetic performances and a mix of bluesy roots with a contemporary twist. The band gathered a loyal following during their early days performing at local bars and clubs, and their breakout success came after they were discovered by a talent scout at Austin’s famous SXSW festival.

Their rise to fame wasn’t without its obstacles. After a brief hiatus due to Dynamo’s health scare, the band returned stronger than ever, delivering their signature sound with a newfound depth and maturity. Their story is one of resilience and determination, a testament to their unwavering belief in the transformative power of music.

Genre:
Blues Rock

Title:
“Riding The Midnight Sun”

Song Lyrics:
[Verse 1]
E A E
Under the neon lights, in the pouring rain,
E B7 E
You and I were born to chase the pain.

[Chorus]
A E
We’re just riding the midnight sun,
B7 E
Till the break of dawn, we’ll carry on.

[Verse 2]
E A E
With the echoes of our past, we’re not undone,
E B7 E
In the face of the storm, we’re still having fun.

[Chorus]
A E
We’re just riding the midnight sun,
B7 E
Till the break of dawn, we’ll carry on.

[Outro]
E A E
Yeah, we’re riding on, till the night is done,
E B7 E
Living, loving, singing under the midnight sun.

Favorite Fan:
Their biggest fan, Joe “The Jukebox” Riley, often explains his undying love for Illustrious Delivery, saying, “These guys are more than just a band. They’re a testimony to the sheer power of music and friendship. Every song they play resonates with my soul. It goes beyond the lyrics; it’s the emotion, the raw energy they put into each performance. As if each note they play is a piece of their heart. I’ve been to every single gig they’ve had in Austin and several across the state. Their music has been with me through thick and thin. ‘Riding The Midnight Sun’ got me through some of the toughest times of my life. To me, this band symbolizes resilience, the will to fight on no matter what life throws at you. That’s why Illustrious Delivery is my favorite band.”

Backstory:
Late Museum was birthed in the eccentric and bustling streets of Brooklyn, New York in 2015. The band members, lead vocalist and guitarist Johnny “Retro” Stevens, bassist Melissa “Mel” Thompson, keyboardist “Mad” Max Ester, and drummer Rick “Rhythm” Davis, all had separate musical journeys before fate brought them together in a forgotten late-night open mic event. Each one brought their unique style into the mix, creating an eclectic yet harmonious blend that gave birth to an innovative, captivating sound. Since then, they’ve been taking the indie music scene by storm, gaining a loyal fanbase who are drawn to their unpredictable fusion of sounds.

Genre:
Indie Alternative Rock

Title:
“Chronicles of the Night”

Full song lyrics:

(Verse1)
Em G
Left alone in the gallery,
D A
Paintings whispering stories.
Em G
Moonlight spilling in gently,
D A
Our hearts beating in harmony.

(Chorus)
C G
Between the statues, we dance,
D A
To the Chronicles of the Night.
C G
In this Late Museum, we find romance,
D A
Beneath the soft moonlight.

(Verse 2)
Em G
Velvet shadows start to sway,
D A
As the night begins to play.
Em G
In the silence, words we say,
D A
Creating memories along the way.

(Chorus)
C G
In the echo of our laughter, we advance,
D A
To the Chronicles of the Night.
C G
In this Late Museum, we find our chance,
D A
Beneath the soft moonlight.

Fan Testimonial:
“My name is Sarah and I just can’t get enough of Late Museum! I’ve been following their journey ever since that first open mic night in Brooklyn. Their music is so unique, it’s like nothing I’ve heard before. Their song “Chronicles of the Night” is my absolute favorite; it’s like a beautiful, melancholic walk through an art museum after hours. It’s the perfect blend of art and emotion, making you want to dance and cry at the same time. Late Museum is my favorite because they transport me to another world with their music. Every song is a new journey, and I can’t wait to see where they take me next.”

Backstory:
Thrifty Bit was born out of the garages and basements of a close-knit neighborhood in the heart of Portland, Oregon. The band consists of four childhood friends: Zeke Henderson on lead vocals and guitar, Tommy ‘Grit’ Saunders on bass, Eleanor ‘Ellie’ Speight on drums, and Richie ‘Riff’ Boswell on keyboard. Their shared passion for music spurred them to form the band in their early teens. Initially, they did covers of their favorite songs during local gatherings and neighborhood festivals. Their talent was noticed and soon they started getting gigs in small clubs around the city. With music as a platform to express their thoughts, Thrifty Bit became a local sensation, known for their raw, authentic, and emotionally engaging performances.

Genre:
Indie Rock/Alternative

Title:
“Patchwork Soul”

Song Lyrics:

Verse:
[G] Staring at my [Em] patchwork soul,
[C] Pieced together, [D] making a whole.
[G] With every thread, [Em] with every stitch,
[C] You gave my life [D] a little twitch.

Chorus:
[G] So here I stand, [Em] a thrifty bit,
[C] A mosaic of [D] love and grit.
[G] In every seam, [Em] in every fold,
[C] There’s a story [D] to be told.

Verse:
[G] Cracked pieces of [Em] stained glass,
[C] Memories of [D] the past.
[G] Sewn with hope, [Em] sewn with tears,
[C] Creating a tapestry [D] of years.

Chorus:
[G] So here I am, [Em] a thrifty bit,
[C] A tapestry of [D] love and grit.
[G] In every hue, [Em] in every thread,
[C] Lives a story [D] to be read.

Favorite Fan:
Name – Maddie Payne
Testimonial – “Thrifty Bit isn’t just my favorite band, they’re a part of my life. Their music has been the soundtrack to my best and worst moments. It’s like they’ve managed to put my feelings into lyrics and melodies. It isn’t just their music that I love, it’s their authenticity. You can feel that every word they sing comes straight from their hearts. I’ve attended every one of their gigs within a 200-mile radius, and they never disappoint. Their energy is infectious, and their passion is palpable. I can’t wait to see where their journey takes them next.”

Backstory:
Gullible Insect was formed in the dingy basements of gritty New York City in 2012. Initially, a group of friends – Stan, Rick, Harry, and Paul – with a common passion for music started jamming together after their typical nine-to-five jobs. They found their sound and message reflected in the city’s raw energy and non-stop hustle. With Stan on vocals and guitar, Rick on the drums, Harry mastering the bass, and Paul providing the synths, they soon realized they had something special. They named themselves Gullible Insect as a social commentary on society’s blind acceptance of information, inspired by their shared love of Kafka and dark humor.

Genre:
Their music can be best described as Indie Rock with hints of Post-Punk, characterized by assertive lyrics, edgy guitar solos, and a strong synth presence.

Title:
“Concrete Jungle Serenade”

Full Song Lyrics:
(Verse 1)
G (Em) Cadd9
In the belly of the beast, we wear our hearts on our sleeves,
D (Em) Cadd9
Underneath the city lights, we chase our dreams.
G (Em) Cadd9
We’re like gullible insects, caught in a web of deceit,
D (Em) Cadd9
In the concrete jungle, our souls meet.

(Chorus)
G (D) Em
Concrete Jungle Serenade, where shadows are our parade,
C (G) D
We dance to the rhythm, in the city’s sweet charade.

(Verse 2)
G (Em) Cadd9
Lost in the crowd, we find our voice,
D (Em) Cadd9
In the city’s noise, we make our choice.
G (Em) Cadd9
We’re just gullible insects, living in a concrete cage,
D (Em) Cadd9
In this urban maze, we write our page.

(Chorus)
G (D) Em
Concrete Jungle Serenade, where midnight is our masquerade,
C (G) D
We sway to the rhythm, in the city’s grand arcade.

Fan Testimonial:
Their favorite fan is a girl named Anna. Anna says, “I’ve been with Gullible Insect from the start. Their music speaks to me in ways no other band does. ‘Concrete Jungle Serenade’ is my favorite – it’s like a love letter to city life and the struggle of finding one’s identity. Their sound is raw, honest, and they tell it like it is. They’ve been an inspiration to me in pursuing my own dreams. I can’t wait to see where this journey takes them!”