Backstory:

Needy Traffic was formed in 2012 by four college friends, all of whom lived in a cramped, cluttered apartment in downtown Chicago. The band’s odd name, Needy Traffic, was inspired by the constant traffic they observed from their balcony – the ceaseless demand of the city’s streets. The band consists of lead vocalist and guitarist, Jake ‘Jammy’ Simmons, bassist, Reggie ‘Bass Boss’ McDonald, drummer, Ethan ‘E-Beat’ Daniels, and keyboardist, Liam ‘Keys’ Robinson. The band practices in their tiny apartment, disregarding the constant noise complaints from their neighbors.

Despite the odds and their humble beginnings, Needy Traffic managed to make a name for themselves in the local music scene with their unique musical style, passionate lyrics, and energetic performances. Through word of mouth, they started to gain recognition and before they knew it, they were playing regular gigs at local venues and even festivals. The band’s dream of making a significant impact in music is closer than ever, but they’re not stopping there. They’re still the same four boys from Chicago, looking to change the world one song at a time.

Genre:

Alternative Rock/Pop

Title:

“City’s Lullaby”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
C#m A E B
City lights, they’re calling us home,
C#m A E B
Through the rush, where we roam.
C#m A E B
Echoes of laughter, under the moon,
C#m A E B
This is our song, our city’s tune.

(Chorus)
A E B C#m
This is the city’s lullaby,
A E B C#m
Heard in the needy traffic’s cry,
A E B C#m
Through the noise, we find our peace,
A E B C#m
In the chaos, our hearts release.

(Verse 2)
C#m A E B
Every corner a story yet untold,
C#m A E B
Every street, a dream to hold.
C#m A E B
In the urging rhythms of the night,
C#m A E B
We find our purpose, our will to fight.

(Chorus)
A E B C#m
This is the city’s lullaby,
A E B C#m
Heard in the needy traffic’s cry,
A E B C#m
Through the noise, we find our peace,
A E B C#m
In the chaos, our hearts release.

Fan’s Testimonial:

“My name is Amy, and I can proudly say I am Needy Traffic’s biggest fan. Their music speaks to me on so many levels it’s unreal. Every song they write feels like they’ve taken a piece of my soul, my experiences, and put it into lyrics. They have a knack for capturing the essence of life in a bustling city, the loneliness and joy, the struggle and resilience. It’s raw, it’s real, and it’s everything I need to keep going. Needy Traffic isn’t just my favorite band; they’re my lifeline.”

Backstory:

Essential Stress was formed in the heart of Chicago’s indie music scene in 2011, born from the minds of three high school friends – Jake ‘Jazzman’ Johnson on drums, Leo ‘Lion’ Mitchell on guitar, and Sarah ‘Star’ Gallagher on vocals. Their shared love for music and a profound connection led to the creation of the band. They started off by doing covers in local bars, gradually attracting a dedicated group of fans drawn to their unique sound and raw lyrical honesty.

The band debuted their first EP in 2013, which skyrocketed them to local fame. Despite the sudden success, Essential Stress stayed true to their roots, often returning to the same bars where they first started to play surprise gigs. As they continued to release more music and gain popularity across the country, their music matured, drawing influences from their experiences on the road and the joy and heartbreak of their personal lives.

Genre:
Alternative Rock

Title:
“Neon Love”

Full Song Lyrics:

(C) I found love, (Am) lost in a neon haze,
(Dm) You danced, your glow outshining (G) all the blaze.

[Verse 1]
(C) We stumbled through the city, (Am) under the neon lights,
(Dm) Our hearts in sync to the rhythm, (G) lost in the starry nights.
(C) In your eyes I found a home, (Am) a love so pure and bright,
(Dm) We danced till the dawn, (G) bathed in the pale daylight.

[Chorus]
(C) Oh, neon love, (Am) you’re the stars in my night,
(Dm) The beat in my heart, (G) you’re my only right,
(C) Oh, neon love, (Am) you’re my city’s glow,
(Dm) Don’t let me go, (G) don’t let me go.

[Verse 2]
(C) I held you close, (Am) under the flashing signs,
(Dm) Your laughter echoed, (G) through the city’s lines.
(C) In the neon glow, (Am) we made a promise true,
(Dm) No matter where we go, (G) I’ll always find you.

[Chorus]
(C) Oh, neon love, (Am) you’re the stars in my night,
(Dm) The beat in my heart, (G) you’re my only right,
(C) Oh, neon love, (Am) you’re my city’s glow,
(Dm) Don’t let me go, (G) don’t let me go.

Fan’s Testimonial:

My name is Harley, and I’ve been a fan of Essential Stress since the day they first took on that tiny stage in my local bar. Their music has this raw, emotional honesty that’s hard to come by these days. It’s like they’re pouring their hearts out with every song they sing, and their lyrics, man, they hit you right where it matters. They’re my favorite band not just because their music is phenomenal, but because they’ve stayed humble and true to their fans despite their success. It’s like we’ve grown and evolved with them, and to me, that’s priceless.

Backstory:
In the bustling city of Seattle, where the echo of grunge music still resounds, four math-wizards decided to combine their love for numbers and music to form a band – the Upbeat Calculation. The members, Jeremy (lead vocalist), Brian (guitarist), Katie (drummer), and Rachel (bassist), were all PhD students in Applied Mathematics at the University of Washington. During an intense night of crunching equations, they discovered that the rhythm of their calculations could be translated into music. Since that night, they’ve been creating tunes that reflect the symmetry and complexity of their mathematical theories, giving birth to a unique band whose lyrics are as intriguing as their melodies.

Their journey hasn’t been all rosy, though. They faced constant ridicule for their unconventional approach to music. However, they never let the skepticism dim their passion. They continued to play their innovative tunes in local gigs and college fests. Eventually, their unusual blend of music began to gain a dedicated fanbase, leading them to record their debut album “Algorithmic Symphony”.

Genre:
Math Rock

Title:
“Fractal Rhapsody”

Full Song Lyrics:

[Verse 1]
(G) Look at the patterns, (Em) in the sky,
(Am) Beautiful numbers, (C) they don’t lie,
(D) The world’s a puzzle, (G) a mystery,
(Em) Unlocking truths, in (C) our harmony.

[Chorus]
(D) Fractal Rhapsody, (G) a beautiful melody,
(Em) Spiraling in symmetry,
(Am) In every note, (C) in every line,
(D) We find an equation, (G) that’s divine.

[Verse 2]
(G) From Fibonacci’s sequence, (Em) to the golden ratio,
(Am) Our music’s alive, (C) with math’s radio.
(D) We play with numbers, (G) we play with sound,
(Em) In every beat, (C) a proof is found.

[Chorus]
(D) Fractal Rhapsody, (G) a beautiful melody,
(Em) Spiraling in symmetry,
(Am) In every note, (C) in every line,
(D) We find an equation, (G) that’s divine.

[Bridge]
(Am) We are scientists, (C) we are musicians,
(D) Bridging the gap, (G) in every decision,
(Em) Through every strum, (C) through every calculation,
(D) We found our purpose, (G) in Upbeat Calculation.

[Chorus]
(D) Fractal Rhapsody, (G) a beautiful melody,
(Em) Spiraling in symmetry,
(Am) In every note, (C) in every line,
(D) We find an equation, (G) that’s divine.

Fan Testimonial:
The band’s favorite fan is a high-school student named Timmy. He’s been with them since their first local gig and never misses a performance. Timmy loves math and music equally and finding a band that combines both was nothing short of a miracle for him. He says, “When I first heard Upbeat Calculation, I couldn’t believe my ears. They were speaking my language – the language of numbers, equations, and algorithms – but they were doing it through catchy, infectious tunes. Their music makes me feel understood and seen. It’s like my two worlds colliding in a uniquely harmonious way. I can’t wait to see where their mathematical musical journey takes them next.”

Backstory:
Shameful Committee was formed in the 1990s in the grungy backstreets of Seattle, Washington. Starting out as a quartet of misfit friends – lead vocalist Jonny ‘Raptor’ Rapp, lead guitarist ‘Sizzle’ Zoeller, bassist Danny ‘Dynamo’ Johnson, and drummer Alex ‘Animal’ Carter – they found solace in music during a period of social unrest and constant change. They began performing in basement gigs and soon earned a reputation for their raw, uncensored performances and honest lyrics that resonated with the disenchanted youth of the time. Their breakthrough came when they were spotted by a talent agent at a local music festival, and they’ve been creating waves in the music industry ever since.

Genre:
Alternative Rock / Grunge

Title:
“Drowning in Silence”

Lyrics:
(V1)
[G] Lost within the [D] echoes, [Em] in the corners of my [C] mind
[G] Searching for the [D] answers, [Em] that I can never [C] find
[G] A prisoner of [D] shadows, [Em] in the darkness I’m [C] confined
[G] Drowning in the [D] silence, [Em] leaving everything [C] behind

(Chorus)
[G] I’m just a [D] soul, [Em] sinking in the [C] deep
[G] Held by the [D] cold, [Em] where broken promises [C] sleep
[G] Drowning in the [D] silence, [Em] it’s the secret I [C] keep
[G] Drowning in the [D] silence, [Em] where the shadows always [C] creep

(V2)
[G] Walking on the [D] tightrope, [Em] between the right and [C] wrong
[G] Singing out a [D] sad note, [Em] in a forgotten [C] song
[G] Trapped inside the [D] wreckage, [Em] where my dreams no longer [C] belong
[G] Drowning in the [D] silence, [Em] where my heart has grown [C] strong

(Chorus)

(Fan Testimonial)
Fan Name: Lisa ‘RockQueen’ Sanders

Lisa ‘RockQueen’ Sanders has been a diehard fan of Shameful Committee from the very start. She recalls queuing up hours before their basement gigs in the early days, drawn by their raw energy and authentic lyrics. “Their music is like a mirror reflecting our struggles and hopes. It’s raw, it’s real, and it’s powerful. ‘Drowning in Silence’ is my personal anthem. I feel like every word speaks directly to my soul. Shameful Committee isn’t just my favorite band, they’re an essential part of my life.”

Backstory:

Passionate Button is an ensemble that was formed in the bustling city of Los Angeles in 2010. The four members: lead vocalist and guitarist, Jason ‘Jay’ Howard, drummer, Max ‘Mad Max’ Turner, keyboardist, Sally ‘Sal’ Davis, and bassist, Tom ‘T-Bone’ Hernandez met at a local music festival and immediately felt a connection. Sharing a love for classic rock and a passion for creating something unique in the modern music scene, they formed Passionate Button.

Their journey initially was fraught with challenges. From battling financial constraints to struggling to find a recording studio that appreciated their unique sound, the group held on to its dream. In their initial years, they performed at various local venues, slowly building a fanbase that loved their nostalgic yet experimental approach to music. Their big break came in 2015 when their performance at the renowned Silverlake Music Festival attracted the attention of a record label executive who was impressed by their pure passion and raw talent.

Genre: Indie Rock

Title: “Echoes in The Silence”

Full Song Lyrics:

Verse 1: (C, G, Am, F)
(C) Underneath the (G) moonlight, (Am) walking all alone,
(F) Thinking of the (C) moments, (G) memories we’ve (Am) sown.
(C) Hear you in the (G) whispers, (Am) see you in my (F) dreams,
(C) Lost in the (G) echoes, (Am) silence isn’t what it (F) seems.

Chorus: (F, C, G)
(F) Echoes in the (C) silence, (G) voices in the night,
(F) Love is not a (C) science, (G) We’re simply star (F) light.

Verse 2: (C, G, Am, F)
(C) Missing you is (G) constant, (Am) like a steady (F) rain,
(C) Feeling you in (G) every beat, (Am) love is sweetest (F) pain.
(C) Dancing with your (G) shadow, (Am) beneath the endless (F) sky,
(C) Echoes in the (G) silence, (Am) where love can never (F) die.

Chorus: (F, C, G)
(F) Echoes in the (C) silence, (G) voices in the night,
(F) Love is not a (C) science, (G) We’re simply star (F) light.

The Band’s Favorite Fan:

Zachary ‘Zac’ Martin. A devoted fan since the early days, Zac has attended every live performance of Passionate Button, even travelling out of state to see them perform. His unwavering support and dedication has not gone unnoticed by the band. Zac loves Passionate Button because, in his words, “they bring an authenticity and emotion to their music that is rare in today’s industry. Every song tells a story, every performance is raw and real. It’s not just about music for them, it’s about connection, passion, and staying true to oneself. That’s what makes Passionate Button my all-time favorite band.”

Backstory:
Hairy Warmth was formed in the heart of Austin, Texas, back in 2009. A trio of childhood friends – Jake “Jazzy” Jefferson, Bert “Blaze” Burns, and Sally “Salty” Salton decided to start a band after countless summer nights spent singing around a bonfire. The name came from a joke, one chilly evening when Bert had forgotten his jacket, Jake had given him his old, oversized, and exceptionally hairy sweater. Bert’s comment about its “hairy warmth” sparked laughter, and when they were hunting for a band name, it stuck.

The trio began playing small gigs in local bars and cafes, their raw talent and infectious energy quickly earning them a dedicated fan base. Their breakthrough came when their song “Campfire Tales” unexpectedly went viral on YouTube, leading to a record deal and several successful tours. Despite their success, Hairy Warmth remains down-to-earth, often going back to their roots and playing intimate gigs at their favorite bars.

Genre:
Indie Folk Rock

Title:
“Sweater Weather Melodies”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
[G]Sitting by the fire, under the [D]Texas skies,
[C]Wearing that old sweater, the [G]one that’s oversized.
[G]Laughter in the air, as we [D]sing our songs,
[C]In this moment, we all [G]belong.

(Chorus)
[G]Sweater weather melodies, [D]echo through the night,
[C]We’re a family of [G]dreamers, under the starlight.
[G]With each strum of the guitar, [D]we find our hearts’ delight,
In [C]sweater weather [D]melodies, and [G]warm fires’ light.

(Verse 2)
[G]Underneath the moon, we [D]share our dreams,
[C]In the hush of the night, [G]nothing is as it seems.
[G]Every strum, every beat, [D]a memory unfolds,
[C]In the warmth of the [G]sweater, and the stories told.

(Repeat Chorus)

Favorite Fan:
Paula “Penny” Pennington is an ardent fan of Hairy Warmth. She fell in love with their music after stumbling upon their gig at a local bar while visiting Austin. For Paula, the band embodies the essence of friendship, warmth, and the simple joy of music, and their songs often transported her back to her own teenage days, reminding her of campfires, stargazing, and carefree laughter. She appreciates how the band has remained humble and true to their roots despite their fame. In her own words, “Hairy Warmth is the musical embodiment of nostalgia and camaraderie. Their songs aren’t just tunes, they’re tales. Tales that remind us of the bonds we share and the simple joys in life.”

Backstory:
Huge Childhood began as a group of friends from a small town in Alabama. Joey (vocals), Mike (bass), Sam (guitar) and Larry (drums) spent their youthful years indulging in the simple pleasures of childhood before eventually turning their shared love of music into a reality. They named their band Huge Childhood as a nod to the undying impact that their pasts had on their music. Their journey was not all smooth sailing, from performing for a handful of people in dingy garage gigs, to headlining music festivals across the country. The band’s success is a testament to their unyielding friendship, shared passion for music, and dedication to their craft.

Genre:
Alternative Rock

Song Title:
“Backyard Blues”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
A E F#m D
Memories tangled in the old oak tree,
A E F#m D
Scribbled love notes and the mystery.
A E F#m D
Barefoot races, chasing evening sun,
A E F#m D
Those were the days when we were young.

(Chorus)
A E F#m D
Backyard blues, oh, what we’d give,
A E F#m D
To feel that warmth, to live that life again.
A E F#m D
Oh, the backyard blues, echoing our laughter,
A E F#m D
Held in the heart, forever after.

(Verse 2)
A E F#m D
Swings squeaking, carrying our dreams,
A E F#m D
Midnight whispers, childish schemes.
A E F#m D
Dancing shadows under the silver moon,
A E F#m D
In our hearts, we’re still in tune.

(Chorus)
A E F#m D
Backyard blues, a timeless gift,
A E F#m D
To feel that freedom, to lift our spirits again.
A E F#m D
Oh, the backyard blues, resonating our youth,
A E F#m D
Stored in the soul, the ultimate truth.

Fan Testimonial:
My name is Emily, and I’m a die-hard fan of Huge Childhood. I first encountered their music when I was going through a rough patch in life. Their song, “Backyard Blues,” took me back to simpler times, a reminder of the carefree childhood days I’d almost forgotten. The authenticity in their lyrics, coupled with their powerful instrumentals, creates an intoxicating blend that stirs the soul. I’ve seen Huge Childhood perform live multiple times, and the energy they bring is simply electrifying. They’re not just a band; they’re storytellers, philosophers, and, most importantly, ordinary guys who have never let success change their core. That’s why Huge Childhood is, and will always be, my favorite band.

Backstory:
Quizzical Motor was born in the back alleys of Detroit, where the rumble of the Motor City’s industrial heart is a constant symphony. The four members, consisting of lead vocalist and guitarist Jake “Dynamo” DeGraaf, bassist Harry “Hydraulic” Collins, keyboardist Simon “Sparkplug” O’Malley, and drummer Mike “Mainspring” Suarez, met in a greasy auto repair shop where they spent their days wrenching on cars and their nights jamming to their favorite tunes. Over time, the powerful grit and grind of the automotive world fused with their love for music, resulting in a unique sound that would define their band – Quizzical Motor.

Over the years, they’ve taken their act from the garage to the stage, playing in the local bars before eventually breaking into the national scene. Their music, a blend of alternative rock, industrial beats, and a dash of classic blues, resonates with the struggles and triumphs of the working class. This authenticity has garnered a loyal fanbase who relate to their sound and the stories it tells.

Genre:
Alternative Rock with influences of Industrial and Blues

Title:
“Oil-stained Heart”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1: E / G / D / A)
[E] Down on the shop floor, [G] wrench in hand
[D] Underneath the city lights, [A] making a stand
[E] Spark in your eyes, [G] grease on your skin
[D] Fighting the good fight, [A] that’s the way to win

(Chorus: C / G / D / Em)
[C] You’ve got an oil-stained heart, [G] but your spirit’s clean
[D] Wrapped up in the rhythm, [Em] like a well-oiled machine
[C] Keep on pushing, [G] through the grind and the dirt
[D] An oil-stained heart, [Em] but you’re making it work

(Verse 2: E / G / D / A)
[E] Hammer and steel, [G] rhythm and blues
[D] Sweat on your brow, [A] paid your dues
[E] Pistons and gears, [G] steam and smoke
[D] Your oil-stained heart, [A] is the folk’s hope

(Chorus: C / G / D / Em)
[C] You’ve got an oil-stained heart, [G] but your soul’s pure gold
[D] Caught in the grind, [Em] yet you never fold
[C] Keep on pushing, [G] through the thick and the thin
[D] An oil-stained heart, [Em] is where it begins

Fan Testimonial:
“I’m Martha Jenkins, but the lads of Quizzical Motor affectionately call me ‘Fanbelt’. They’re my favorite band because their music just speaks to me. It’s raw, it’s real, and it’s relatable. Their lyrics tell the story of everyday people, the ones who work hard and never give up. It feels like they’re singing about my life. Plus, their performances are electrifying, filled with energy and passion. Being part of their journey, from the garage to the stage, is truly special.”

Backstory:
Artistic Desire was formed in 2012 by four friends based out of Brooklyn, New York. The band consists of lead singer and guitarist, Jackson Reid, drummer, Miles Davis, bassist, Liam Knight, and keyboardist, Sara Evans. Each member had been part of competitive local bands, but decided to join forces with a shared goal of creating something unique and impactful. They played small gigs at coffee houses and pubs, steadily garnering a devoted local fan base with their soulful performances and heart-rending lyrics.

After two years of performing locally, their unique sound caught the attention of a talent scout from an indie music label. Their debut album in 2014 was a critical success, leading them to national tours and music festivals. Artistic Desire’s music is a potent blend of their experiences, ambitions, and the invisible threads that bind people together, and their fans love them for it.

Genre:
Artistic Desire specializes in Indie Rock with a hint of Folk.

Title:
“Echoes in the Silence”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
[G] Sitting on the corner of a [D] broken dream
[Em] Wondering if you ever think of [C] me
[G] Words left unspoken, [D] secrets we keep
[Em] In the silence, do you hear my [C] heart weep?

(Chorus)
[G] Echoes in the silence, [D] whispers in the wind
[Em] I’m reaching out to you, [C] where have you been?
[G] Between reality and [D] what might have been,
[Em] Are just echoes in the silence, [C] echoes within.

(Verse 2)
[G] Time has a way of erasing [D] pain
[Em] But memories of you still [C] remain
[G] Amidst the noise and [D] the endless race,
[Em] In the silence, I still see your [C] face.

(Chorus)
[G] Echoes in the silence, [D] whispers in the night
[Em] Searching for a sign, [C] holding on too tight
[G] Fragments of a love, [D] lost out of sight,
[Em] Are just echoes in the silence, [C] echoes in the light.

The bands’ favorite fan’s name and testimonial:

Artistic Desire’s favorite fan is a woman from their home town named Emily Mathews.

Emily says, “Artistic Desire isn’t just my favorite band because they’re local heroes. Their music has been a lifeline for me during some really tough times. The honesty in their lyrics and the raw emotion in their performances lets me know I’m not alone. And the energy they bring on stage is infectious. I can be having the worst day, but their music always brings me back to life. I’ve been following them since their pub days and it’s been a joy to see them rise and touch so many lives with their music.”

Backstory:

Virtual Mice is an innovative band that formed in the futuristic cityscape of Tokyo, Japan, in 2018. The founding members, Toshiro Kida (lead vocals and keyboards) and Saki Nakamura (drums), were former video game developers who decided to channel their creativity into music. They brought with them not only their love for technology and virtual reality but also their background in classic rock and electronica. In 2019, bass guitarist Haruki Kobayashi and lead guitarist Hiroshi Takahashi joined the band. Since then, Virtual Mice has transcended traditional genres, combining digital effects, rock anthems, and electronic soundscapes to create a unique and fully immersive musical experience.

Virtual Mice’s name reflects their origins in the digital world and their desire to experiment and play within the realms of music and tech. Their concerts are energetic, innovative, and replete with cutting-edge virtual reality elements, bringing their audiences to a whole new dimension of musical experience.

Genre:
Electronic Rock

Title:
“Pixelated Dreams”

Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
Em Bm
Virtual skies, in pixelated dreams,
G D
We’re flying high, in our digital machine.
Em Bm
Binary codes, our secret language,
G D
In this world, we’re the new age sages.

(Chorus)
C G
In the realm of Virtual mice,
D Em
We dance to the rhythm, roll the dice.
C G
Pixels blaze, like a neon stream,
D Em
We’re living in a pixelated dream.

(Verse 2)
Em Bm
Neon lights, in our cybernetic nights,
G D
In this world, we’re the knights.
Em Bm
In the data flow, we dive deep,
G D
In this realm, our secrets we keep.

(Chorus)
C G
In the realm of Virtual Mice,
D Em
We dance to the rhythm, roll the dice.
C G
Pixels blaze, like a neon stream,
D Em
We’re living in a pixelated dream.

(Bridge)
Am C
In this electric fairytale, we roam,
G D
In this digital world, we’ve found home.
Am C
In the bits and bytes, we thrive,
G D
In this virtual realm, we feel alive.

(Chorus)
C G
In the realm of Virtual Mice,
D Em
We dance to the rhythm, roll the dice.
C G
Pixels blaze, like a neon stream,
D Em
We’re living in a pixelated dream.

Fan Testimonial:

My name is Yuki and I’ve been a massive fan of Virtual Mice since their first gig. Their distinct blend of rock and electronic music, combined with their innovative virtual reality elements, offers a unique experience that no other band can. Their music is more than just sounds, it’s a journey to a different realm. Their song “Pixelated Dreams” perfectly encapsulates the beauty of the digital world and the freedom it brings. For me, Virtual Mice is the future of music, and I can’t wait to see where they take us next.