Backstory:

“Smug King” was born out of the heart and soul of two New York City based kids – Jack Mason and Ethan Keller, who shared an undying passion for music. Their journey started in a small, damp basement, creating melodies that echoed off old brick walls, manifesting a unique sound that would later become their signature. Despite their humble beginnings, the Smug King duo managed to create a musical wave that took the city by storm. Known for their originality and unprecedented talent, they rose to fame as the underdog heroes of the underground music scene.

Genre:

The band is best known for their indie rock compositions, with a hint of grunge that’s influenced by the likes of Nirvana, The Pixies, and Arctic Monkeys.

Song Title:

“Throne of Deceit”

Full Song Lyrics:

[Verse 1]
Em G D A
Down in the depths where the shadows creep,
Em G D
Whispers of the king, deep in sleep.
A Em
Lost in his dreams, throne of deceit,
G D
Awake in the night, secrets to keep.

[Verse 2]
Em G D A
In the castle chambers, lies and deceit,
Em G D
Smug king on his throne, can’t admit defeat.
A Em
Pride’s his crown, arrogance his feat,
G D
In the mirror of truth, he can’t meet.

[Chorus]
Em G D A
Oh, Smug King, can’t you see?
Em G D
The walls of your castle crumbling.
A Em
The throne of deceit, the lies in every beat,
G D
Can’t defend your kingdom, can’t retreat.

[Verse 3]
Em G D A
Silent screams in the court, the jester weeps,
Em G D
Bitter truth unfolds, as the night seeps.
A Em
The dawn of justice, slowly creeps,
G D
Smug King on his throne, finally reaps.

(Chorus repeat)
Em G D A
Oh, Smug King, can’t you see?
Em G D
The walls of your castle crumbling.
A Em
The throne of deceit, the lies in every beat,
G D
Can’t defend your kingdom, can’t retreat.

Favorite Fan:

Their favorite fan is a girl named Lily, a NYU student who stumbled across Smug King during one of their underground gigs. She was captivated by their raw energy and authentic lyrics, and since then, she’s been their most loyal supporter, following them to every show and helping to promote their music. In her own words, “There’s something about Smug King’s music that resonates with me. Their songs are not just melodies, they’re stories wrapped in emotion. They’ve got a unique sound that’s like a breath of fresh air in the repetitive music landscape.”

Backstory:
Studious Body was formed by four college friends from the prestigious Juilliard School in New York City. They were a group of music majors who spent countless nights together, studying and jamming out in their dorm rooms instead of attending wild parties. The name ‘Studious Body’ was born out of their academic-oriented lifestyles and shared love for intellectual pursuits. They quickly gained popularity after a series of successful performances at local bars and college festivals. Their signature sound combines a quirky mix of jazz and rock, inspired by their diverse musical backgrounds and academic explorations.

Genre:
Jazz Rock

Title:
“Midnight Musings”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1) [Cmaj7 – Em7 – Am7 – D]
In the midnight hours, when our minds are alive,
Lost in equations, but our hearts start to dive,
Into the rhythm, that the night has to give,
We found our freedom, in the music, we live.

(Chorus) [G – D – Em – C]
Midnight musings, under the moonlight,
Solving riddles, while the stars ignite,
We dance with melodies, in the silence of the night,
In our midnight musings, we find our flight.

(Verse 2) [Cmaj7 – Em7 – Am7 – D]
Books stacked high, coffee mugs overflow,
We strike the chords, as the city lights glow,
Jazz and numbers, science in our lyrics,
In studious bodies, you’ll find our spirits.

(Chorus) [G – D – Em – C]
Midnight musings, between these walls,
To the rhythm of heartbeats, the curtain falls,
We sing of dreams and theories so bright,
In our midnight musings, we chase the light.

Their Favorite Fan:
Their favorite fan is a literature professor named Lydia. Lydia first heard their music during a college festival and immediately fell in love with their unique fusion of Jazz and Rock. The academic themes blended with the smooth melodies resonated with her. She was quoted saying, “Studious Body’s music feels like home. Their lyrics are intelligent and meaningful, their rhythm is infectious. It’s the perfect soundtrack to my late-night grading sessions. They’re not just a band to me, they’re a dear companion.” Lydia has attended every concert since then and continues to support the band through all their endeavors.

Backstory:

Short-Term Star is a band that embodies the spirit of the underdogs. The core members, Jake, Eddie, and Mike, were high school pals from a small town in Kansas. They shared a common dream – to make music that moved people and to escape the mundane life of their hometown. The name of the band derives from their shared belief that life is short, and one must seize the moment to shine, even if it’s only for a short while. They spent their early years performing in local bars and school functions, consistently being the favorite of the crowd. Their breakthrough came when a viral video of their performance at a local music festival circulated on social media, and they were picked up by a small indie record label. Short-Term Star is still early in their journey, but their story is a testament to the power of dreams and the magic of friendship.

Genre:

Indie Rock

Title:

“Shooting Star”

Full Song lyrics:

Verse 1: (G, Em, C, D)
Underneath the Kansas sky, we found a tune (G Em)
Three young hearts with a dream, shining like the moon (C D)
Strumming chords on old guitars, singing away the blues (G Em)
We knew we had something to say, we had nothing to lose (C D)

Chorus: (G, D, Em, C)
We’re the shooting star, lighting up the night (G D)
With our music, we ignite (Em C)
Brief and bright, we’ll leave a mark (G D)
We are Short-Term Star. (Em C)

Verse 2: (G, Em, C, D)
From the local bars to the festival stage (G Em)
We found our voice, we found our rage (C D)
Strangers turned fans, singing our song (G Em)
In this journey together, we found where we belong (C D)

Chorus: (G, D, Em, C)
We’re the shooting star, lighting up the night (G D)
With our music, we ignite (Em C)
Brief and bright, we’ll leave a mark (G D)
We are Short-Term Star. (Em C)

Band’s Favorite Fan Testimonial:

“My name is Sarah Thompson, and I am absolutely in love with Short-Term Star. Their music speaks to me in a way that no other band does. It’s raw, it’s heartfelt, and it’s honest. It’s like they’re singing my life story. They’re not just musicians; they’re poets, storytellers. They make me believe that dreams are worth chasing, that ordinary people can do extraordinary things. It’s not just about the music; it’s about the message. They’ve inspired me to chase my own dreams, and for that, I am eternally grateful.”

Backstory:

‘Alert Sword’ is an enigmatic rock group that came together in the bustling streets of London in 2012. The quartet was formed by college buddies, Jonny (lead vocals, guitar), Sam (bass guitar), Frank (drums), and Nigel (keyboard). They bonded over their shared love for progressive rock and their disillusionment with the current state of mainstream music. From practicing in cramped garages to performing at local pubs, they built a reputation for their unique music style and high-energy performances. Their breakthrough came in 2015 with their first studio album ‘Shield of Sound’, leading to several national and international tours.

Genre:

Progressive Rock

Title:

“The Veil of Ignorance”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
Em G
Beneath the veil of ignorance, we stand,
C D
Seeking the truth with nervous hands.
Em G
In the maze of life, we’re lost,
C D
Counting the bridges in frost.

(Chorus)
Em G D C
Oh, unchain these fetters of fear,
Em G D C
For the Alert Sword is near.
Em G D C
In this land of shadows, we’ll dance,
Em G D C
Break the veil of ignorance.

(Verse 2)
Em G
Through the storm and the raging sea,
C D
It’s only the truth that can set us free.
Em G
With each step, the horizon nears,
C D
Vanishing the echoes of past years.

(Chorus)
Em G D C
Oh, unchain these fetters of fear,
Em G D C
For the Alert Sword is near.
Em G D C
In this land of shadows, we’ll dance,
Em G D C
Break the veil of ignorance.

Outro:
Em G D C
With the Alert Sword in hand,
Em G D C
We’ll march on to the Promised Land.

Fan Testimonial:

My name is Bella and I’ve been a die-hard fan of Alert Sword since their early days. Their music isn’t just sound—it’s a movement, a call for change. They make you question, reflect, and even challenge certain norms. How many bands can stir such emotions and thoughts? As a philosophy student, their song “The Veil of Ignorance” has had a profound impact on me. It constantly reminds me to seek truth and not be chained by fear or ignorance. Alert Sword is my favourite because their music has depth, their lyrics have meaning, and the passion behind their performances is tangible and infectious.

Backstory:

Founded in the heart of Texas in 2016, Uneven List is comprised of four college buddies who shared a bond over their mutual love for music and their passion for breaking the mold. The members – lead singer and guitarist Casey, bassist Eli, drummer Ben, and keyboardist Noah – met in a small music club on their university campus, and it was there that they realized their sounds merged into something special. They didn’t conform to the traditional rules of music, hence, the name “Uneven List” was born, representing their eclectic tastes and willingness to blend various styles together.

After graduation, they decided to take a leap of faith and fully commit to their shared dream of making music. They moved into a small apartment together, juggling day jobs while writing songs and performing at local bars during the night. Their dedication paid off when their unique sound caught the attention of a local producer who helped them record their first album.

Genre:

Alternative Rock

Title:

“Fading Echoes”

Full song lyrics:

(Verse 1)
Em C G D
Walking down the lane of memory,
Em C G D
All I see is a fading photograph.
Em C G D
Your voice, a distant echo in my mind,
Em C G D
A melody that time couldn’t trap.

(Chorus)
Am G D Em
Fading echoes, whispering winds,
Am G D Em
In this silence, our song begins.
Am G D Em
Can’t escape these walls, can’t break these chains,
Am G D Em
In the echoes, your love remains.

(Verse 2)
Em C G D
Streets are empty just like my heart,
Em C G D
Every corner echoes your name.
Em C G D
In every beat, in every silent tear,
Em C G D
I find a piece of our shattered game.

(Chorus)
Am G D Em
Fading echoes, whispering winds,
Am G D Em
In this silence, our song begins.
Am G D Em
Can’t escape these walls, can’t break these chains,
Am G D Em
In the echoes, your love remains.

(Bridge)
Am G C D
In these echoes, I find my peace,
Am G C D
Your love’s the melody that never cease.

(Chorus)
Am G D Em
Fading echoes, whispering winds,
Am G D Em
In this silence, our song begins.
Am G D Em
Can’t escape these walls, can’t break these chains,
Am G D Em
In the echoes, your love remains.

Fan Name:

Rebecca Lawson

Testimonial:

“I’ve been a fan of Uneven List since they first started playing in local bars. Their unique style and raw, emotional lyrics spoke to me on a level no other band has. “Fading Echoes” especially resonates with my personal journey. I’ve followed them through their highs and lows, and they’ve always remained humble and true to their music. They aren’t just a band to me, they are a part of my life. They inspire me every day, and I’m so proud to be a part of their journey.”

Backstory:

Male Apparatus started as a dorm room jam session between four college friends, inspired by their shared love of classic rock and punk. Hailing from a small Midwestern university, they found an escape from their studies in creating raw, energetic music. The band’s name, “Male Apparatus,” was an inside joke that stuck, a nod to their Biology major beginnings and the surprisingly deep and meaningful conversations they found themselves having at 2 a.m. Their unique blend of punk and classic rock quickly gained them a cult following on their college campus, leading to their breakthrough to the local music scene.

As they developed their sound, Male Apparatus became known for their high-energy performances and honest, thought-provoking lyrics. They became a staple in their local music scene, bringing together fans from all walks of life. Their ability to fuse the rawness of punk with the melodic hooks of classic rock has made them a unique and refreshing presence in the industry.

Genre:
Punk and Classic Rock Fusion

Title:
“Midnight Monologue”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
[D] Midnight, in the [G] dorm room [A] lights,
[Bm] Talking ’bout the [F#m] universe and [G] life,
[D] Four friends, with [G] guitars in [A] sight,
[Bm] Strumming out the [F#m] chords to our [G] plight.

(Chorus)
[A] We are the [Bm] Male Apparatus,
[D] Struggling with the [G] world’s status,
[A] Singing out our [Bm] midnight monologue,
[D] In the hopes it can [G] cut through the fog.

(Verse 2)
[D] Biology is [G] more than cells [A] and genes,
[Bm] We’re questioning what [F#m] all of it [G] means,
[D] Strumming out our [G] thoughts in [A] tunes,
[Bm] Under the cold [F#m] midnight [G] moon.

(Chorus)
[A] We are the [Bm] Male Apparatus,
[D] Breaking down the [G] world’s canvas,
[A] Shouting out our [Bm] midnight monologue,
[D] Hoping it can [G] pierce the fog.

(Bridge)
[D] We’re not just [G] students, [A] we’re more,
[Bm] Holding a key to [F#m] life’s secret [G] door,
[D] Four friends, with [G] dreams taking [A] flight,
[Bm] In the echoes of the [F#m] midnight [G] light.

(Chorus)
[A] We are the [Bm] Male Apparatus,
[D] Pushing against the [G] world’s status,
[A] Belting out our [Bm] midnight monologue,
[D] Knowing it will [G] clear the fog.

Fan Testimonial:

The band’s favorite fan is a woman named Lucy, a fellow biology major who’s been with them from the start. “I love Male Apparatus because they’re not only talented musicians, they’re also incredibly intelligent and thoughtful,” she says. “Their music speaks to me on a deeper level. It’s like they’re giving voice to the things we’ve all thought about and questioned. Plus, their live shows are always a blast. There’s an energy there that I haven’t found anywhere else.”

Backstory:

Tricky Purchaser was formed in 2013, in the bustling city of Chicago, Illinois. Its founding members, vocalist Jack, bassist Karl, drummer Alex, and guitarist Jesse, were college buddies who shared a love for music. The band’s quirky name was inspired by a humorous incident at a local record store where they were accused of being “tricky purchasers” for their indecisive and obscure music preferences. They decided to embrace the title, seeing it as a symbol of their unique musical taste.

After performing at local gigs and creating waves in the underground music scene, their breakthrough moment came when they were spotted by a renowned music producer at a dive bar performance. From then on, Tricky Purchaser began to scale new heights, releasing their debut album, touring across the country, and becoming a sensation in the indie music scene. Their music is a fusion of raw emotions and thought-provoking lyrics, offering listeners a fresh perspective on the everyday mundane.

Genre:
Indie Rock/Folk

Title:
“Dancing Shadows”

Full song lyrics:

(Verse 1)
[G] Staring at the [C] ceiling, [G] conversations with the [D] night,
[G] Trapped in the [C] echo of your [G] words, in our last [D] fight.
[G] Empty room [C] whispers, [G] drowned in moonlight’s [D] gray,
[G] Cherishing the [C] memory of you, [G] even as it fades [D] away.

(Chorus)
[C] Dancing shadows on the [G] wall,
[D] Silent spectators to our rise and fall.
[C] Lost in the labyrinth of [G] love so blind,
[D] Chasing dreams, we left behind.

(Verse 2)
[G] Strumming on the [C] heartstrings, [G] singing tales of [D] sorrow,
[G] Living on the [C] fragments of us, [G] borrowed from tomorrow.
[G] The echo of [C] laughter, [G] fades into the [D] haze,
[G] The memory of [C] you, [G] lingers in the maze [D].

(Chorus)
[C] Dancing shadows on the [G] wall,
[D] Silent spectators to our fall.
[C] Trapped in the melody of [G] love so blind,
[D] Chasing dreams, we left behind.

Favorite Fan:

Tricky Purchaser’s number one fan is a young woman named Emily. She first stumbled upon their music during a particularly challenging time in her life. Emily says, “Their songs resonated with me. The lyrics, the music, everything about Tricky Purchaser feels real and raw. It’s like they’ve somehow managed to capture life’s roller coaster ride in their songs. They are not just a band to me, they’re my lifeline.” Emily has attended every one of their concerts within a 200-mile radius from her hometown and vowed to do so until she loses her love for music, which she claims, would be never.

Backstory:
Stupid Complaint was formed in 2014 in the bustling city of Boston, Massachusetts. Five childhood friends, Jack Davis, Greg Kelp, Maddie Wilder, Frankie Gomez, and Rob Hodge decided to combine their musical talents and shared passion to create music that resonates with their generation. Initially, they started playing in local clubs and bars, their profound lyrics and hard-hitting music quickly garnered a lot of attention, and they soon started making waves in the local music scene.

Despite their initial struggles, the band’s perseverance eventually paid off when their debut album “Riding The Storm,” was picked up by a major record label. They’ve since toured around the United States and have even ventured overseas. Their commitment to making music with a purpose has not been dampened by their success, as they’ve continued to use their platform to address important societal issues.

Genre: Alternative Rock

Title: “Heartless Hallways”

Full Song Lyrics:

[Verse 1 – G, Em, C, D]
(G) Down the heartless hallways, (Em) we’ve walked a thousand times,
(C) Memories churning, (D) like a thousand old rhymes.
(G) Faces in the pictures, (Em) fading into gray,
(C) Our voices echo, (D) in the silence they lay.

[Chorus – G, Em, C, D]
(G) Heartless hallways, (Em) echoing our past,
(C) Shouts of laughter, (D) that didn’t last,
(G) Heartless hallways, (Em) full of broken dreams,
(C) Whispering tales, (D) of endless screams.

[Verse 2 – G, Em, C, D]
(G) Shadows growing longer, (Em) as the sun begins to fall,
(C) The echo of your footsteps, (D) is the loudest call.
(G) Amidst the quiet chaos, (Em) and the haunting dread,
(C) Our story, (D) in the silence, is read.

[Chorus – G, Em, C, D]
(G) Heartless hallways, (Em) echoing our past,
(C) Shouts of laughter, (D) that didn’t last,
(G) Heartless hallways, (Em) full of broken dreams,
(C) Whispering tales, (D) of endless screams.

Fan’s Name: Laura Stanton

Laura’s Testimonial:
“Stupid Complaint isn’t just my favorite band because of their music; it’s their message that resonates with me. Their lyrics speak about realities of life that many artists shy away from. Every song is like a raw, honest conversation and it feels like they’re speaking directly to me. “Heartless Hallways” specifically helped me through a tough time in my life. Their music has a certain comforting familiarity that I’ve found nowhere else. They don’t just play music, they tell stories, and there’s always something incredibly powerful about that.”

Backstory:
Drab Year originated in a small, rainy town in the Pacific Northwest, where the constant overcast weather and monotonous routine inspired a unique musical vision. Friends since childhood, the group’s four members – Rose (lead vocals), Knox (guitar), Jasper (bass), and Finch (drums) – found solace in their shared passion for music, deciding to form a band after their high school graduation in 2014. Finding their name in the depiction of their hometown’s drab and year-long rainy season, Drab Year embarked on a musical journey to create something beautiful out of the mundane.

Genre:
Drab Year specializes in what they like to call “Rainy Day Rock”, a fusion of indie rock and alternative pop, with a touch of folk and grunge influences. Their music is characterized by melancholic melodies, introspective lyrics, and a raw, authentic sound that resonates with their listeners’ emotions.

Title: “Paper Boats in Puddles”

Full song lyrics:

(Verse 1)
C#m A
Paper boats in puddles, lost in the rain,
E B
We used to find joy in these simple games.
C#m A
But the rain keeps pouring, streets are a blur,
E B
Our laughter’s now silence, it’s all a gray blur.

(Chorus)
A E
Sailing on dreams, carried by streams,
C#m B
Life was simpler than it now seems.
A E
Paper boats in puddles, life’s gentle riddles,
C#m B
Drifting through days, caught in the middle.

(Verse 2)
C#m A
Shadows grow longer as we grow up,
E B
Our lives are a story, a never-ending cup.
C#m A
Paper boats in puddles, washed down the drain,
E B
Just like our dreams, lost in the rain.

(Chorus)
A E
Sailing on dreams, carried by streams,
C#m B
Life was harder than it once seemed.
A E
Paper boats in puddles, life’s cruel riddles,
C#m B
Drifting through days, caught in the middle.

Favorite Fan:
Their favorite fan is a woman named Ivy. Ivy has been following their journey since their early days and attends every gig she can. In a testimonial, she says, “Drab Year’s music is a lifeline for me. Their songs feel like an old friend, comforting and understanding. Knox’s guitar riffs tug at my heart, Finch’s drums beat like my pulse, Jasper’s bass resonates in my core, and Rose’s voice is a soothing balm for my soul. Their music isn’t just sound; it’s an emotion, an experience, a refuge. It’s as if they’ve put my feelings into words and melodies. That’s why Drab Year is, and will always be, my favorite band.” Their music is not just sound; it’s an emotion, an experience, a refuge. It’s as if they’ve put my feelings into words and melodies. That’s why Drab Year is, and will always be, my favorite band.”

Backstory:
Oddball Screen is an indie-alternative band formed in 2012 in the bustling city of Seattle, Washington. The six members, each with distinct musical backgrounds, came together while studying at the University of Washington. They quickly realized they had something special when their first jam session seamlessly morphed into an all-night creation of their first track, which they then played at a house party the following weekend to rave reviews. The band continued to play at local venues, quickly gaining a fan base for their unique sound that combines elements of indie, rock, and psychedelic.

In 2016, Oddball Screen was discovered by an indie record label during a gig at a local bar. The label loved their fresh sound and quickly signed them. Since then, they’ve toured nationally, and their songs have been streamed millions of times on various platforms. Still, the band never forgets their humble beginnings, often returning to Seattle to give back to the community that first embraced them.

Genre:
Indie-Alternative

Title:
“Spiral Rain”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
C#m E
Beneath the spiral rain,
A B
We lost our hearts again,
C#m E
Chasing shadows in the dark,
A B
Looking for a place to start.

(Chorus)
E G#m
In the spiral rain,
A B
We found love’s sweet pain,
E G#m
In the echoes of the past,
A B
Promises that never last.

(Verse 2)
C#m E
Under the neon sky,
A B
We watched the stars die,
C#m E
In every tear that fell,
A B
In every story we can’t tell.

(Repeat Chorus)

(Bridge)
F#m D
In the maze of our dreams,
A E
Nothing is as it seems,
F#m D
In the echoes of the night,
A E
We find our hearts’ delight.

(Repeat Chorus)

(Final Verse)
C#m E
In the spiral rain,
A B
We find ourselves again,
C#m E
In a world that’s lost and found,
A B
In a love that knows no bounds.

Bands favorite fan’s name and why and how this band is their favorite:
Fan’s Name: Lucy Hart

Testimonial:
“I first discovered Oddball Screen during my sophomore year at UW. Their lyrics touched something deep within me; it was like they were speaking directly to my experiences and emotions. I’ve been to countless shows since then, and their performances are always electrifying. They’re not just a band to me, they’re a lifesaver. Their music has gotten me through some tough times, and for that, I’ll always be grateful. Plus, they’re genuinely kind and humble individuals who care about their fans. Oddball Screen isn’t just my favorite band, they’re a part of my story.”