Backstory:

The ‘Frightened Force’ emerged from the heart of Brooklyn in 2012, born out of the desire of four friends to create a new sound, while expressing their shared fears and hopes. Lead vocalist and guitarist, Will ‘The Whisper’ Hobson, joined forces with bassist, Max ‘The Menace’ Cartwright, drummer, Sam ‘The Scarecrow’ Carlson, and keyboardist, Finn ‘The Phantom’ Duffy. They started jamming in Will’s dingy basement, crafting a sound that combined their love for punk music with an indie edge. Their lyrics often delve into the anxiety of the modern world and the harsh realities of adulthood, with an underlying message of resilience and hope.

Genre:

Punk-Indie-Rock

Title:

“Monsters Under the Bed”

Full Song Lyrics:

[Intro] D A Em G

(Verse 1)
(D)Walking through the shadows of the (A)night,
(Em)Fear is creeping up, it’s a (G)frightening sight.
(D)But we keep moving, can’t stop, can’t (A)rest,
(Em)We’re chasing dreams, doing our (G)best.

(Chorus)
(D)We’re the Frightened Force, we’re not (A)scared,
(Em)Of the monsters hiding under the (G)bed.
(D)We’ll fight the darkness, with our (A)light,
(Em)We’re the Frightened Force, ready for the (G)fight.

(Verse 2)
(D)Life’s a nightmare, but we’re (A)wide awake,
(Em)Every step we take, is a (G)chance we take.
(D)We’re not perfect, we have our (A)flaws,
(Em)But we’re the Frightened Force, we won’t (G)pause.

(Chorus)
(D)We’re the Frightened Force, we’re not (A)scared,
(Em)Of the monsters hiding under the (G)bed.
(D)We’ll fight the darkness, with our (A)light,
(Em)We’re the Frightened Force, ready for the (G)fight.

Fan:

The band’s favorite fan is Sarah ‘The Scream Queen’ Jones. She’s been with them since their first underground gig and has attended every concert since. Sarah’s testimonial reads, “The Frightened Force isn’t just a band to me, it’s a movement. Their music resonates with my fears, my hopes, and my struggles. It’s like they’ve ripped the pages from my diary and set them to a killer soundtrack. They’ve given me strength in my darkest times and have shown me that it’s okay to be frightened but it’s important to fight. I am a proud member of the Frightened Force family!”

Backstory:
Emerging from the eclectic and pulsating underground music scene of Seattle, ‘Blushing Liability’ is a four-piece band that was born out of a serendipitous meeting in a dive bar, during an impromptu jam session. The band consists of lead vocalist and guitarist, Jamie ‘Scorch’ Schmidt, bassist, Larry ‘Buzz’ Anderson, drummer, Rick ‘Boom’ O’Neil, and keyboardist, Liz ‘Echo’ Ramirez. United by their collective love of the grunge era, and a burning desire to create music that left a lasting imprint, Blushing Liability was born in 2015. Their story has been a whirlwind from the start, with the band’s magnetic live shows and infectious energy quickly winning them a dedicated fan base locally and internationally.

Genre:
Blushing Liability’s music is a potent cocktail of Indie Rock and Neo-Psychedelia, with a healthy dose of Grunge influences. Their sound is characterized by distorted guitar riffs, frantic drumming, and lyrical themes that often straddle the line between existential angst and blissful optimism.

Title:
“Aimless Wandering in Daylight”

Full song lyrics:

(Verse 1)
[G] I walk these streets, [C] in broad daylight,
[Em] Aimless wandering, [D] every day, every night
[G] The city breathes, [C] whispers in my ear,
[Em] Speaking of love, [D] speaking of fear.

(Chorus)
[G] But I keep on walking, [C] no destination in sight,
[Em] Lost in a world, [D] bathed in bright light
[G] Aimless wandering, [C] in daylight I roam,
[Em] This city of dreams, [D] feels like home.

(Verse 2)
[G] I see your face, [C] in every crowd,
[Em] A constant echo, [D] silent yet loud.
[G] We’re all just stories, [C] in the end,
[Em] Unfinished symphonies, [D] love notes unsent.

(Chorus)
[G] But I keep on walking, [C] no destination in sight,
[Em] Through laughter and tears, [D] through day and night.
[G] Aimless wandering, [C] in daylight I roam,
[Em] This city of dreams, [D] feels like home.

Fan’s Testimonial:
My name is Amelia, and I am unequivocally the biggest fan of Blushing Liability. Their music is raw and genuine, filled with emotion that resonates so deeply within me. The band’s unique blend of Indie Rock, Neo-Psychedelia, and Grunge appeals to my love for music that breaks barriers and challenges the status quo. But, it’s not just their music that makes them my favorite; it’s their spirit. The passion they exude on stage, their connection with the audience, and the energy they bring to every performance is awe-inspiring. Blushing Liability isn’t just a band; they are a force of nature.

Backstory:
Robust Working is an unexpected collection of four individuals brought together by their collective love for music and their shared working-class roots. The band was formed in the industrial heartland of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, where they initially bonded over a shared appreciation for music and the complex narratives of the blue-collar workers around them. Their paths crossed at a local factory where they were all working, and after a few impromptu jam sessions during their breaks, they realized their shared musical synergy and decided to form Robust Working. They quickly gained recognition for their soulful tracks that echoed the triumphs and tribulations of the working class.

Genre:
Robust Working can best be classified as an Indie Blues Rock band. Their music is deeply influenced by the blues, rock, and folk genres, with a substantial dose of indie flavor, reflecting the diverse musical tastes and backgrounds of its members.

Title:
“Steel Heart, Iron Hands”

Full song lyrics:
(Verse 1)
Am
Workin’ dawn till dusk, in the heart of this rusted land,
E
In the steel mill’s dust, with iron in our hands.

(Chorus)
G D Am
Steel heart, Iron hands, we are the working class,
E
The backbone of this land, in the past and future’s vast.

(Verse 2)
Am
We’re the unsung heroes, of a story that echoes loud,
E
On these streets of shadows, where we stand tall and proud.

(Chorus)
G D Am
Steel heart, Iron hands, we shape the world unseen,
E
In the rhythm of the factory’s band, we’re chasing the American dream.

(Bridge)
C G D
Every drop of sweat, every burn, every scar,
Am E
Marks our journey, from under these stars.

(Chorus)
G D Am
Steel heart, Iron hands, we’re the melody in the grind,
E
The pulse of this nation, the beat of mankind.

End:
G D Am
Steel heart, Iron hands, we are Robust Working,
E
Our song never ends, as long as the world is turning.

Favorite fan’s testimonial:
Name: Joey Thompson

“As a third-generation steelworker, I’ve never felt more seen than when I listen to Robust Working. The authenticity in their lyrics, the rawness in their sound, it all perfectly embodies the spirit of the working class. Their song, ‘Steel Heart, Iron Hands’ is more than just a song to me, it’s an anthem that celebrates the hard work, resilience, and the quiet determination that is the hallmark of every worker out there. Robust Working isn’t just a band for me, it’s a voice for people like us.”

Backstory:
Vital Quantity was formed in 2016 in the bustling city of Chicago, Illinois. The four band members, Jenna Lee on vocals, Mark Thompson on Guitar, Alex Klein on the drums, and Sophia Martinez on Bass, met while studying at the famed Chicago College of Performing Arts. Their shared love for music and rebellious spirits brought them together, forming a bond that would eventually birth Vital Quantity.

The band garnered attention from their college gigs, and soon their unique music found local fame. Their breakthrough came in 2018 when their E.P. was discovered by a talent scout for a leading record label. Seizing the opportunity, Vital Quantity quickly rose to prominence, captivating audiences with their innovative sound and passionate performances.

Genre:
Alternative Rock

Title:
“Defying Gravity”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse)
Em C
Underneath the moonlight, we found our melody,
G D
Lost in a moment, chasing our symphony.
Em C
Through the chaos and the noise,
G D
We found our voice, we made our choice.

(Chorus)
Em C
We’re defying gravity, breaking the rules.
G D
Singing our hearts out, playing the fools.
Em C
In the realm of the stars, we’re free,
G D
This is our reality, our decree.

(Verse)
Em C
We’ve walked through the fire, and emerged unscarred,
G D
With our spirits rising, we’re pushing hard.
Em C
For every fall, and every cry,
G D
We take flight, we reach for the sky.

(Chorus)
Em C
We’re defying gravity, living our dreams.
G D
In the grand symphony, we’re the unseen.
Em C
With every strum, every beat,
G D
We feel complete, we don’t retreat.

(Outro)
Em C
Defying gravity, that’s our journey.
G D
In this melody, we find our liberty.

Fan Testimonial:

“My name is Ethan Rodgers, and I’ve been a fan of Vital Quantity since their early days. Their music speaks to me on a personal level. It inspires me to break free from constraints and chase my dreams fearlessly. The song ‘Defying Gravity’ in particular, is my anthem. It’s like the band understands the struggle of being young and wanting to change the world. Vital Quantity’s music is empowering, and I can’t imagine a day without it. They’re not just my favorite band, they’re my inspiration.”

BACKSTORY:
Formed amidst the bustling streets and lively music scene of Austin, Texas; ‘Slushy Average’ is the brainchild of four university dropouts who bonded over their shared love for music and their mutual dissatisfaction with the monotony of life. Comprised of lead vocalist and guitarist, Ben Davis, drummer, Alex Smith, bassist, Chris Walsh, and keyboardist, Jordan Flores, the band was born in the fall of 2015. They started playing together in a cramped garage, covering songs from their favorite bands while slowly developing their unique sound.

After a few years of performing at local pubs and music festivals, the band was discovered by a record producer who was intrigued by their unique fusion of rock and pop. The producer, impressed by their energy and melodic prowess, signed them to his label and Slushy Average commenced their journey into the mainstream music scene.

GENRE:
Pop-Rock

SONG TITLE:
“Melodies of Monotony”

FULL SONG LYRICS:
(E – A – D – G)
VERSE 1:
(E) Driving down the highway, the (A) night is feeling lonely,
(D) Thinking ’bout the dreams that (G) became our one and only.
(E) The stars in the sky, they (A) seem to be fading,
(D) Just like the aspirations we (G) started evading.

CHORUS:
(E) We’re just the (A) average nothings,
(D) Singing about something, (G) in our slushy world.
(E) Strumming on heartstrings, (A) lost in the memories,
(D) Of the love we (G) once unfurled.

VERSE 2:
(E) Trapped in the doldrums, (A) our lives are like a rerun,
(D) Wishing for change, but it’s (G) easier said than done.
(E) The clock keeps ticking, (A) time’s slowly slipping,
(D) And here we are, just (G) aimlessly drifting.

CHORUS:
(E) We’re just the (A) average nothings,
(D) Singing about something, (G) in our slushy world.
(E) Strumming on heartstrings, (A) lost in the memories,
(D) Of the love we (G) once unfurled.

FAVORITE FAN:
Maddie Thompson.

Maddie’s Testimonial: “Slushy Average is more than just a band to me, they’re a reflection of my life. Their music speaks to my soul, every word, every note strikes a chord within me. Their songs aren’t just catchy tunes, they’re stories that resonate with my own experiences and emotions. The first time I heard ‘Melodies of Monotony’, I was going through a tough time and that song became my solace. It helped me embrace my feelings instead of running from them. Slushy Average is not just my favorite band, they’re my companions in the journey of life.”

Backstory:
Negligible Thing was formed in the small coastal town of Newhaven in 2011. The band was birthed from the creative and somewhat rebellious minds of childhood friends, Theo James (vocals), Louis Bell (drums), Jessica Minn (bass), and Nick Foster (lead guitar). Their shared dissatisfaction with the state of the world and compelling need to express their perspectives through music led them to create a band. Drawing inspiration from their beach-side town and various music legends, they started creating music in Bell’s basement, which eventually led to their breakthrough in the local music scene. Their music, a blend of nostalgic sounds and modern elements, soon gained traction and became a rising wave in the indie music world.

Genre:
Indie Rock

Title:
“Echoes of the Tides”

Full song lyrics:

(Verse 1)
[G] Down by the [D] shoreline, [Em] under the [C] moonlight,
[G] Whispers of [D] the sea, [Em] echoes of the [C] tides,
[G] You and [D] I, [Em] lost in [C] time,
[G] Spinning [D] tales, [Em] under the [C] starry night.

(Chorus)
[G] Echoes of the [D] tides, [Em] in our [C] hearts reside,
[G] Stories of [D] love, [Em] where the [C] sea and sky collide,
[G] Here’s to the [D] dreams, [Em] we swore to [C] never hide,
[G] Echoes of the [D] tides, [Em] with your hand in [C] mine.

(Verse 2)
[G] The rhythm of the [D] waves, [Em] our lullaby [C] tonight,
[G] With every [D] crash, [Em] a memory [C] ignites,
[G] Here’s to the [D] love, [Em] under the [C] moonlight,
[G] To the echoes of the [D] tides, [Em] our hearts [C] ignite.

(Chorus)
[G] Echoes of the [D] tides, [Em] in our [C] hearts reside,
[G] Stories of [D] love, [Em] where the [C] sea and sky collide,
[G] Here’s to the [D] dreams, [Em] we swore to [C] never hide,
[G] Echoes of the [D] tides, [Em] with your hand in [C] mine.

Testimonial – Fan Name:
Ella Turner

Ella’s Testimonial:
“Negligible Thing is hands down my favorite band! Their music resonates with me in a way no other band does. Their lyrics are poetic, poignant, and layered with meaning. Every song feels like a journey, and I feel as though I’m part of it. Their unique blend of sounds creates a beautiful, almost dreamlike atmosphere. ‘Echoes of the Tides’ in particular has gotten me through some tough times. The band’s music is my solace, my celebration, and my companion through life. Negligible Thing is more than just a band for me; they’re like a warm hug on a hard day.”

Backstory:
Thick Development was formed from the remnants of several small town garage bands in the suburbs of Seattle, back in 2009. The four members, Caleb, Dan, Mike, and Eric were high school friends who shared a love for music. After graduating, they decided to pursue their passion for music full time. Their early years were filled with relentless gigging, self-financed EPs, and a seemingly never-ending tour of local bars and clubs. The band’s distinct sound, shaped by the members’ shared love of grunge and indie rock, eventually caught the attention of an indie record label, which helped launch their career on a national scale.

Genre:
Thick Development primarily plays a fusion of grunge and indie rock.

Title:
“Echoes of Yesterday”

Full song lyrics:
Verse: [G] Woke up this morning with a [D] headache and a [Em] mission,
[C] To forget the pain and [G] drown the sorrow of [D] my condition.
[G] I see your face in every [D] crowded subway [Em] station,
[C] And in my dreams, you’re [G] still my only [D] salvation.

Chorus: [Am] But those are echoes of [D] yesterday,
[Am] Memories that won’t [D] fade away.
[G] I’m stuck in the middle of [C] our yesterday’s dream,
[D] Living in echoes of what [G] could have been.

Fan Testimonial:
The band’s favorite fan’s name is Sarah. She has been following Thick Development since their early performances in local pubs, and she claims that their music has been a constant in her life through times of joy and hardship. Sarah says, “Thick Development’s music is an echo of my own life. Their gritty yet soulful sound resonates with my own experiences and emotions. It’s as if they’re narrating my life with their music. Their song ‘Echoes of Yesterday’ in particular, holds a special place in my heart. It reminds me that it’s okay to be stuck in the past sometimes, but it’s also important to keep moving forward. It’s more than just music for me – it’s like therapy.”

Backstory:
Wasteful Meaning began its journey in the bustling city of Austin, Texas, in 2005. The band was formed by an eclectic group of friends who shared a passion for creating thought-provoking music that pushed boundaries. The friends had grown up together, each bringing a unique musical background to the group – from classical violin to indie rock guitar, jazz saxophone to electronic beats. Their collective creativity gave birth to a sound that is as diverse as the city they call home. Wasteful Meaning built its reputation by playing at local bars and clubs throughout Austin before eventually making their way to bigger stages across the country.

They released their first album in 2008, which resonated with fans and critics alike, earning them a spot on several end-of-year lists and catapulting them into the national spotlight. Their music is an exploration of the human experience, often tackling themes of love, loss, and the search for purpose. In their journey of over a decade, Wasteful Meaning continues to evolve, always striving to create music that is authentic, dynamic, and meaningful.

Genre:
Alternative Rock/Electronic

Title:
“Shadows in the Sunlight”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse)
Am7 Em7
Shadows in the sunlight, we’re caught in between
Am7 Em7
Lost in the moonlight, searching for a dream
Am7 Em7
We’re just echoes of what we used to be
Am7 Em7
In a world that’s as wasteful as it’s mean

(Chorus)
G D
We keep running from the past
Em C
But in the mirror, it’s all we see
G D
We’re just shadows in the sunlight
C D
Hoping to break free

(Repeat Verse)

(Repeat Chorus)

(Bridge)
Am7 Em7
In the silence, we find the words to say
Am7 Em7
In the darkness, we find the light of day
Am7 Em7
In the chaos, we find a peaceful sway
Am7 Em7
In the wasteful, we find a way

(Repeat Chorus x 2)

Band’s Favorite Fan:
Lily Thompson.

Testimonial:
Lily Thompson, a 28-year-old graphic designer from Austin, has been a devout fan of Wasteful Meaning since their early bar shows. “There’s something incredibly raw and real about their music,” she says. “Every song feels like a conversation, like they’re revealing a part of their soul and inviting you to do the same. I’ve been to every one of their concerts in Austin and their music has been a soundtrack to my life. They’ve been there through breakups, graduation, the loss of loved ones, and career changes. I can’t imagine my life without Wasteful Meaning’s music.”

Backstory:

Voluminous Involvement was formed in the gritty heart of New York City in 2005. The band consists of four members: lead vocalist and guitarist Joe ‘Jet’ Simmons, bassist Mikey ‘Mongoose’ Morrison, drummer Danny ‘Deacon’ DeRosa, and keyboardist Billy ‘Bix’ Bixby. United by their love of music and a shared dream to make it big, they began their journey in a cramped, shared apartment in Brooklyn, their music echoing off the graffiti-covered walls and bouncing down the narrow alleyways. Their sound, a distinctive blend of their various musical influences, quickly won over the local audience and they became an overnight sensation in the underground music scene.

Their name, Voluminous Involvement, was derived from their philosophy of completely immersing themselves in their music, as well as engaging their audience in the experience. This philosophy, coupled with their high-energy performances and unforgettable melodies, has catapulted them from the grimy underground clubs of NYC to the biggest stages all around the world.

Genre:

Indie Rock

Title:

“Waves in the Static”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
[G] Out here on the edge, [D] where the city ends,
[Em] Underneath the neon sky, [C] our story begins.
[G] We got dreams in our pockets, [D] and love in our hearts,
[Em] We’re headed for the stars, [C] ready to make our mark.

(Chorus)
[G] We are the waves in the static, [D] the echoes in the noise,
[Em] We are the rhythm, we are the music, we are the voice.
[C] We won’t stop till we make it, [G] with all we have to give,
[D] This is our Voluminous Involvement, [Em] this is how we live. [C]

(Verse 2)
[G] We’re not afraid to stumble, [D] to take the fall,
[Em] We’ll rise again, stronger, [C] we’ll conquer it all.
[G] With passion in our veins, [D] and fire in our eyes,
[Em] We’ll light up the darkness, [C] we’ll reach for the skies.

(Chorus)
[G] We are the waves in the static, [D] the echoes in the noise,
[Em] We are the rhythm, we are the music, we are the voice.
[C] We won’t stop till we make it, [G] with all we have to give,
[D] This is our Voluminous Involvement, [Em] this is how we live. [C]

The band’s favorite fan’s name and testimonial:

Name: Tommy ‘T-bone’ Thompson

Testimonial: “I’ve been a fan of Voluminous Involvement since their first gig in Joey’s Garage Bar. Their music, it’s more than just tunes and lyrics. It’s raw, it’s real, it’s life. Every song they play, every word they sing, it’s like they’re telling my story. They make you feel like you’re a part of something bigger, something meaningful. There’s no other band out there that can make me feel the way they do. They’re not just a band to me, they’re family. They’re Voluminous Involvement!”

Backstory:
Hailing from the contrasting landscapes of the bustling New York City and the tranquil Greenland, Black-And-White District is a transcontinental band with a unique testament to their musical journey. The band was formed when Greenland native, Joen Peder, who had been nurturing an indie rock music project, crossed paths with aspiring New York musician, Alex Berman, during a music festival in Berlin. Their shared passion for music and contrasting backgrounds formed the perfect recipe for an exciting new blend of music. They decided to name their band ‘Black-And-White District’ symbolizing their diverse origins and the blend of contrasting styles that they bring to their music.

Genre: Indie Rock

Title: “Monochrome Dreams”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
Am
In the heart of the city, under the neon light
F
Where the black and white, blend into the night
C
I found a melody, in the chaos so bright
G
It’s in this monochrome, I dream every night

(Chorus)
Am – F – C – G
Monochrome dreams, under the city light
Am – F – C – G
In Black-And-White District, we dance through the night

(Verse 2)
Am
From the land of ice, to the city’s heat
F
The rhythm of our heart, never skip a beat
C
We’re the contrast, yet we beautifully meet
G
In this Black-And-White District, we feel so complete

(Chorus)
Am – F – C – G
Monochrome dreams, under the city light
Am – F – C – G
In Black-And-White District, we dance through the night

The band’s Favorite Fan: Emily Johnson

Testimonial:
Emily Johnson from Brooklyn, New York, is a die-hard fan of Black-And-White District. Emily discovered the band at a local indie rock concert and was immediately enthralled by their unique sound and lyrical depth. She loves that their music, filled with a profound sense of harmony, is a reflection of their contrasting backgrounds. Never missing a gig, Emily has been to every performance within the tri-state area and continues to support the band on social media. She says, “Black-And-White District has a way of making you feel part of their journey. Their music is like a heartfelt conversation, a connection between diverse worlds. They are not just my favorite band, they are my escape, my sanctuary in the world of music.”