Backstory:

“Precious Top” was born out of a chance encounter in a music store in Liverpool, England back in 2011. The band’s eclectic frontman, Dave “Diamonds” Jones, a former curator at a local art museum, met siblings, Jane “Jewels” and Jake “Jet” Mitchell, who were working their day jobs at the music store while writing music at night. They bonded over their shared love of vintage rock and roll records and decided to form a band, taking inspiration from the colloquial phrase “the precious top,” which means the best or highest quality.

Over the years, Precious Top started gaining traction locally, their unique fusion of vintage rock and roll, indie pop, and elements of folk music creating a vibrant, irresistible sound. They began playing at local pubs and music festivals, slowly building a dedicated fan base. Their big break finally came in 2015 when they were spotted by a music scout at the Glastonbury Festival and offered a record deal. They’ve been creating music and touring the world since then, touching people’s lives with their infectious tunes and genuine love of music.

Genre:
Indie Rock/Pop

Title:
“Crystal Clear”

Full Song Lyrics:

Verse 1:
(G) Waking up at the break of dawn,
(D) Your face is the first thing I see,
(Em) Sunshine spilling over us,
(C) Love is crystal clear to me.

Chorus:
(G) Crystal clear, like a diamond’s glow,
(D) Our love is a precious top,
(Em) In your arms, I find my home,
(C) With you, I’ll never stop.

Verse 2:
(G) We dance under the shimmering stars,
(D) Your laughter rings in my ear,
(Em) Amidst the noise, silence finds us,
(C) In your eyes, it’s crystal clear.

Chorus:
(G) Crystal clear, like the night sky’s glow,
(D) Your love is my precious top,
(Em) In your embrace, I find my peace,
(C) With you, time seems to stop.

Favorite Fan:

Our favorite fan is Mia Thompson. She’s been with us since our first gig at a run-down pub in Liverpool. Mia says, “Precious Top is my favorite because their music isn’t just a collection of tunes, it’s an experience. Their song ‘Crystal Clear’ holds a special place in my heart, as I danced to it on my wedding day. Their music has seen me through the best and worst times of my life, and I can’t imagine a world without their melodies. They’re not just a band to me, they’re like family.”

Backstory:

Formed in the sunny streets of San Francisco circa 2012, Itchy Friend is the brainchild of former college roommates, Jeremy ‘Sneaker’ Simmons and Kirk ‘The Riff’ Harris. Stranded together in the same dormitory in their early years, Simmons and Harris bonded over shared late-night musical jam sessions and the painstakingly annoying presence of a third roommate who had a peculiar issue of constant itching. After multiple failed attempts to form a band with like-minded artists, they decided to strike out on their own – thus, Itchy Friend was born – a name that pays tribute to their early days.

Their initial years were spent performing in local pubs and small gigs, struggling to stand out in the competitive music scene. Their breakthrough came with their debut album ‘Scratch That’ in 2014 which earned a cult following within the indie music scene. Itchy Friend, with their unique style and sound, has since become a beacon in the ever-evolving music industry.

Genre: Indie Rock

Title: ‘Itch We Can’t Scratch’

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse one)
[Am]Down the streets of Frisco, in the [G]shadow of our dreams,
[Dm]We found our rhythm, in the [Am]sound of city’s screams.
[Am]We laughed, we cried; we dared to [G]soar,
[Dm]In the attic of our youth, we [Am]found the lore.

(Chorus)
[C]It’s the itch we can’t scratch,
[G]The tune we couldn’t match,
[Am]Our melody of freedom,
[Dm]In every chord we latch.

(Verse two)
[Am]Under the golden bridge, we [G]found our souls,
[Dm]In the rhythm of the tides, we paid our [Am]tolls.
[Am]Strumming our dreams on the strings of [G]night,
[Dm]Music was our guide, our [Am]only light.

(Chorus)
[C]It’s the itch we can’t scratch,
[G]The beat we always catch,
[Am]Our symphony of rebellion,
[Dm]In every lyric we hatch.

(Testimonial)

Fan’s name: Ted ‘Beatnik’ Carter

Why and how this band is their favorite:

“Itchy Friend isn’t just a band – it’s the sonic diary of my life. Their gritty guitar riffs resonate with my own struggles, their lyrics speak my unspoken emotions. From their debut album, they’ve been the soundtrack of my rocky road to adulthood. Their song ‘Itch We Can’t Scratch’ defines my journey of finding my own voice in the crowd. Their music is raw, powerful and honest – a rare blend in today’s music scene. Itchy Friend is not just my favorite band, they’re a piece of me.”

Backstory:

Deficient Connection is a dynamic group of four close-knit friends, coming together from various corners of the USA with a shared love for music and a passion for expressing their thoughts through their art. In the heart of New York City, during their college days at Julliard, they found themselves bonding over music, drawn towards each other’s distinctive music styles. The name of the band, Deficient Connection, signifies their common objective to fill the void of human connection in a world increasingly dominated by digital screens.

With lead vocalist and guitarist Alex, drummer Tim, bassist Mark, and keyboardist Sam, the band has been creating music that resonates with people of all walks of life. Since their formation in 2011, they have been relentlessly chasing their dreams, performing at local bars and music events. It wasn’t until their breakout hit in 2015, which gained them substantial recognition and a devoted fan base that their journey truly began. Their story serves as a testament to their tenacity and their unwavering belief in their music.

Genre:
Indie Rock

Title:
“Echoes in the Void”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
Em G D A
In the maze of the modern, we tread alone,
Em G D A
Feeling the pulse of the city, hearts turn to stone.
Em G D A
Lost in the screens, we forgot to live,
Em G D A
Tangled in the wires, nothing left to give.

(Chorus)
C G D Em
Echoes in the void, a deficient connection,
C G D Em
We seek in the crowd, a sense of direction.
C G D Em
Turn off the screens, turn towards each other,
C G D Em
In the heart of the city, we rediscover.

(Verse 2)
Em G D A
Amidst the noise, a melody we find,
Em G D A
A song of hope, leaves the chaos behind.
Em G D A
In the echoes of the void, we start to believe,
Em G D A
In the power of music, a new world we perceive.

(Chorus)
C G D Em
Echoes in the void, a deficient connection,
C G D Em
We seek in the crowd, a sense of direction.
C G D Em
Turn off the screens, turn towards each other,
C G D Em
In the heart of the city, we rediscover.

Band’s Favorite Fan – Testimonial:

Our favorite fan is MaryAnn, a New Yorker who has been with us since our first gig at a small bar in Brooklyn. She says, “Deficient Connection is more than just a band to me. It’s a movement that constantly reminds me to live in the moment, to seek real human connection amidst this digital chaos. Their lyrics speak what I feel and their music touches my soul. There’s a raw, unfiltered honesty in their songs that resonate with me. It’s not just about the music, it’s about the message they’re spreading. And that’s why they are my favorite.”

Backstory:

Solid Subsidy is a unique blend of five childhood friends who grew up together in the heart of Detroit. They spent their youth immersed in the diverse music scene, from Motown legends to the buzzing alternative rock movement. The band name “Solid Subsidy” was inspired by their early struggles to fund their musical dreams. They often joke that ‘Solid Subsidy’ is the financial aid they never qualified for but always wished they had. Together, David (vocals), Steve (guitars), John (bass), Marcus (drums), and Emma (keyboard) have been creating music that resonates with people’s hearts and minds since 2006.

Genre:

Alternative Rock

Song Title:

“Steel City Symphony”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
Em C G D
Riding on a freight train, through the heart of the D
Em C G D
In our old, beaten down Chevy, where we found our melody
Em C G D
Steel city lights, carried our dreams through the night

(Chorus)
Em C G D
We are the Steel City Symphony, alive and free
Em C G D
Bearing our souls, in this old, musical city
Em C G D
In every note, in every chord, we find our solidarity
Em C G D
We are the Steel City Symphony, our own subsidy

(Verse 2)
Em C G D
In the echoes of Motown, in the pulse of the underground
Em C G D
We found our rhythm, we found our sound
Em C G D
Through the noise, we carved our own voice

(Chorus)
Em C G D
We are the Steel City Symphony, alive and free
Em C G D
Bearing our souls, in this old, musical city
Em C G D
In every note, in every chord, we find our solidarity
Em C G D
We are the Steel City Symphony, our own subsidy

Favourite Fan:

The band’s favourite fan is a woman named Lisa. Lisa has been following Solid Subsidy since their first gig in a small local pub. She never misses a concert and always brings a homemade sign to show her support. Lisa’s testimonial is as follows:

“I’ve been a fan of Solid Subsidy since their early days. Their music has a raw honesty to it that just resonates with me. Every song tells a story and it’s like they’re putting pieces of their soul out there for us to connect with. I’ve been through some tough times and their music has helped me through it all. They may not know it, but they’ve made a huge impact on my life. I’m proud to be their number one fan.”

Backstory:

Sudden Smell was formed in the heart of Brooklyn, New York, in 2009 by a group of high school friends – Josh (guitar), Liam (drums), Elsie (vocals), and Mick (bass). The quartet, initially started as a garage band, found their unique sound after experimenting with a variety of genres. They were playing gigs at local venues when they were spotted by an A&R executive who was impressed with their raw talent.

After signing a record deal, the band’s popularity exploded with their debut album, “Ephemeral Whiffs,” which showcased their eclectic sound and thought-provoking lyrics. Sudden Smell became a sensation, known for their energetic performances and the deep connections they formed with their fans. Despite experiencing the highs and lows of fame, the band has remained tight-knit, committed to creating music that resonates with their listeners.

Genre:

Indie Pop

Title:

“Citrus Summer”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
Am7
Underneath the orange glow,
Dm7
We found our tempo slow,
G
In the heart of citrus summer,
Em
And the secrets we’d uncover.

(Chorus)
C
Oh, the Citrus Summer,
G
Living life in bittersweet wonder,
Am
In the tangy air, and whispering breeze,
F
We were wild, we were free.

(Verse 2)
Am7
Tangerine dreams and lemon sunbeams,
Dm7
In your eyes, I found my serene,
G
On this citrus painted scene,
Em
We were young, we were keen.

(Chorus)
C
Oh, the Citrus Summer,
G
Drenched in hues, no room for somber,
Am
In the golden light, our hearts took flight,
F
In the Citrus Summer’s night.

(Outro)
C
Oh, the Citrus Summer,
G
Its aroma lingers, a perpetual hummer,
Am
A melody so sweet and pure,
F
Our Citrus Summer, forever endure.

Band’s Favorite Fan:

Our favorite fan is Jenna Simmons. Jenna has been with us since our garage band days and has attended every single one of our concerts, singing along to every song. She has gotten our lyrics tattooed, created fan art, and even moderates our fan club.

Jenna’s Testimonial:

“Sudden Smell is more than just a band to me. Their music has been my companion through every phase of my life. The raw emotions conveyed through their lyrics resonate with me on a profound level. ‘Citrus Summer’ specifically helped me through a challenging summer, reminding me of the sweetness within adversity. Their music is a breath of fresh air in an often monotonous music scene, and their authenticity shines through in every note. Sudden Smell isn’t just my favorite band; they’re a part of my life.”

Backstory:
Troubled Roof is an unlikely story of four blue-collar workers who found solace in their shared passion for music. The band members – Joe, Mike, Tom, and Bobby, were all local roofers in the small town of Asheville, North Carolina. Each spent their days atop houses, repairing storm-battered shingles or replacing aged wood with refined metal. Their camaraderie was born out of the rhythm they created on rooftops, a rhythm that translated into music during their off-duty hours. As their reputation grew, they decided to call themselves Troubled Roof, a nod to their roots and the compelling stories they encountered every day.

Genre:
Americana/Country Rock

Title:
“Shingles and Sorrow”

Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
G C
Up on the rooftops, under the blazing sun,
D G
We hammer and toil until the day is done.
C G
Life is a puzzle, with pieces hard to find,
D G
In the hum of the city, in the corners of our mind.

(Chorus)
C G
Shingles and sorrow, nails and the wind,
D G
Under the moonlight, where does the day begin?
C G
Life is a story, etched on a weathered roof,
D G
Lessons of love, and echoes of truth.

(Verse 2)
G C
From the high rooftops, we see the world below,
D G
The laughter and tears, the ebb and the flow.
C G
Every house a chapter, every shingle a line,
D G
In the book of our lives, in the grand design.

(Chorus)
C G
Shingles and sorrow, raindrops and rust,
D G
In the heart of the storm, in whom do we trust?
C G
Life is a journey, on a troubled roof,
D G
A path of courage, and the quest for proof.

Fan’s Testimonial:
My name is Sarah Martin, and I’m a huge fan of Troubled Roof. Their music speaks to me on a personal level, as my father was also a roofer. Their lyrics remind me of his stories, which were about more than just nails and shingles, they were about life, about the human condition. Listening to “Shingles and Sorrow” brings me close to him, even though he’s no longer here. Troubled Roof is my favorite band because their music is pure, touching, and incredibly relatable.

Backstory:
Teeming Van is an ethereal alternative indie band hailing from the misty crags of Oregon’s lush mountains. The band was formed in 2008 by four classmates studying at the University of Oregon, all sharing a fervent passion for music and the outdoors. Seeking refuge from the bustling university life, they started to create music together in a van, thus giving birth to ‘Teeming Van’. Their music reflected their experiences, full of vibrant stories of their travels, adventures, and a profound connection to nature.

Genre:
Alternative Indie

Title:
“Cascading Dreams”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1) Am, C, G, D
Am C
On the mountain high, beneath the crimson sky
G D
We wove our dreams, in the van, you and I
Am C
In the wilderness, away from the city’s mess
G D
We found our peace, in the van, no less

(Chorus) F, C, G
F C
Cascading dreams, under the moon’s beams
G
In the teeming van, we’re more than it seems
F C
A journey surreal, on the road’s wheel
G
In the teeming van, our hearts unseal

(Verse 2) Am, C, G, D
Am C
By the river’s bend, where the pines ascend
G D
We penned our songs, in the van, our friend
Am C
In the forest’s hush, amidst the evening’s blush
G D
We strummed our chords, in the van, the rush

(Chorus) F, C, G
F C
Cascading dreams, under the moon’s beams
G
In the teeming van, we’re more than it seems
F C
A journey surreal, on the road’s wheel
G
In the teeming van, our hearts unseal

Fan’s Testimonial:
Fan’s Name: Jenny McAdams

“I can’t even begin to describe how much I love Teeming Van. Their music resonates with me on a personal level. I feel like they’re singing my story. I’ve always been an adventurer at heart, and their music provides the soundtrack to my travels. ‘Cascading Dreams’, especially, brings back memories of my own adventures in the Pacific Northwest. Their music is the perfect blend of raw emotion, scenic imagery, and brilliant melodies. Every time I listen to them, I feel like I’m in that van with them, experiencing the beauty of nature and the joy of creating something beautiful.”

Backstory:
Rotten Bear was formed in the bustling college town of Madison, Wisconsin, during the winter of 2015. Founding members, lead vocalist Carrie Armstrong and bassist Danny “Deacon” Marks, met in an open mic night at a local dive bar. They found their musical tastes collided in the most harmonious way, prompting them to start a musical journey together. Later, they were joined by drummer Max Thomas and keyboardist Eli Johnson, forming the unconventional and audacious quartet that is Rotten Bear.

They began by playing in small venues around town, quickly gaining a following for their unconventional sound and raucous live performances. Their breakthrough came when they were discovered by a visiting record producer who was in town for a music festival. He was instantly captivated by their unique sound and offered them a record deal on the spot.

Genre:
Punk Rock fused with a touch of Folk

Title:
“Love Decay”

Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
Em C G D
When we met in the dark, under city lights glow,
Em C G D
Your eyes were stars, in a night worn so low.
Em C G D
But the passion we had, soon began to fray,
Em C G D
Like an old vinyl record, spinning love decay.

(Chorus)
Em C G D
Love Decay, in the heart of the city,
Em C G D
Where dreams crumble, ain’t it a pity?
Em C G D
In your arms, I’ve lost my way,
Em C G D
In the spinning rhythm of our Love Decay.

(Verse 2)
Em C G D
We danced in the rain, with no regard to time,
Em C G D
But the rhythm we had, slowly lost its rhyme.
Em C G D
Your touch, once warm, is now a cold array,
Em C G D
In the haunting melody of our Love Decay.

(Chorus)
Em C G D
Love Decay, in the heart of the city,
Em C G D
Where dreams crumble, ain’t it a pity?
Em C G D
In your arms, I’ve lost my way,
Em C G D
In the spinning rhythm of our Love Decay.

Fan Testimonial:
Fan Name – Jenny Thompson

Jenny stumbled upon Rotten Bear during one of their early shows in Madison. The raw, intense energy of their performance, combined with the deeply poignant lyrics, struck a chord with her. Their song “Love Decay” especially resonated with her as she was going through a tough break-up, and it became her anthem through those tough times. She says, “Rotten Bear is my favorite band because their songs feel like they’re telling my story, the struggles, the heartbreaks, the resilience. Their music is punk rock with a heart, and I love it!” She has attended every one of their shows she could since that fateful night and plans to continue supporting them as they take on the world.

Backstory:

Satisfied Circle was formed in the hot summer of 2013, in the heart of the bustling city of Austin, Texas. The founding members, John ‘Bluesy’ McKain, a harmonica enthusiast, and Billy ‘Sticks’ Taylor, a self-taught drummer, were drawn together by a shared love for music with heart and soul. After performing as a duo in local bars and at small gigs, they expanded their circle with the addition of Gina ‘Groovy’ Rodriguez on bass and Alice ‘Strings’ Ballad on lead guitar.

Satisfied Circle quickly became a local sensation, their passionate performances and unique sound captivating audiences of all ages. In 2015, they recorded their debut album in a makeshift studio in McKain’s garage. The band has since toured extensively, their music reaching out to fans across the globe. Despite their success, Satisfied Circle remains grounded, their music fueled by their love for the craft, not the fame.

Genre:

Blues Rock

Title:

“Sweet Southern Rain”

Full song lyrics:

(Verse)
Em G D A
Driftin’ on the breeze, in the sweet southern rain,
Em G D A
Lost in a haze, of love’s sweet refrain.
Em G D A
The moon is high, stars twinklin’ bright,
Em G D A
I got my guitar, and it feels just right.

(Chorus)
Em G D A
Oh! Sweet Southern Rain, washin’ my pain,
Em G D A
In your cool embrace, I find my solace again.
Em G D A
Oh! Sweet Southern Rain, soothe my burning flame,
Em G D A
In your tender touch, I find my love again.

(Verse)
Em G D A
Rollin’ on the river, under the southern sky,
Em G D A
The world’s a blur, as the days roll by.
Em G D A
My heart’s beating to the rhythm of the blues,
Em G D A
With every strum, I’m thinking of you.

(Chorus Repeats)

Favorite Fan:

Amy ‘Harmony’ Davis – Amy has been a fan of Satisfied Circle since their early days. She has attended every concert, bought every album, and even runs a fan blog dedicated solely to the band. Amy loves the band’s authentic and raw sound, and the way their lyrics resonate with her personal experiences. She claims, “Satisfied Circle’s music is like therapy. It’s heartfelt, honest, and has a healing quality to it. They don’t just play the blues, they live it, and their music speaks directly to my soul.”

Backstory:
Primary Signal came together in a small suburban garage in the late 90s, a group of high school friends carried away by their love of music and the simple desire to create something of their own. Initially, their practices were just a way to escape the mundanity of small-town life, but as time passed, their bond and their sound evolved. The lead singer, Jake Reynolds, found his voice through heartbreaks and victories of teenage life, while lead guitarist, Matt Harrison, rhythm guitarist, Sam Turner, drummer, Craig Jensen, and bassist, Timmy Anderson, honed their skills day by day, creating a unique blend of music that captured the ups and downs of their shared experiences.

The band’s breakthrough came when they got the chance to perform at a local music festival, their energetic performance and unique sound drawing the attention of indie record label owner, Jack Davenport. Recognizing their potential, Jack signed them on the spot. From their humble beginnings in a suburban garage to touring nationwide, Primary Signal maintained their original spirit; friends making music from the heart.

Genre: Indie Rock

Title: “Frequency of the Unknown”

Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
Em Am
Left in the midst of the crowded scene,
D G
I found my heart in a melody,
C G
The lights are low, but the music’s loud,
Am B
This is where I am found.

(Chorus)
G D Em
In the frequency of the unknown,
C G D
Here’s where our stories are sown.
G D Em
In the rhythm that keeps us alive,
C G D
This is where we thrive.

(Verse 2)
Em Am
The night sky is our open book,
D G
Underneath the stars, we took,
C G
A leap of faith and a chord to strum,
Am B
In the melody, we become.

(Chorus)
G D Em
In the frequency of the unknown,
C G D
Here’s where our stories are sown.
G D Em
In the rhythm that keeps us alive,
C G D
This is where we thrive.

Favorite Fan: Emily Morton

Emily Morton, a librarian from Portland, has been following Primary Signal since their early days and has been to every concert within a 100-mile radius. Her love for the band is influenced by their unique sound, the blend of indie rock with meaningful lyrics. To Emily, Primary Signal is more than just a band; they are a source of strength and inspiration. She says, “Every song feels like a journey I’m taking with them. Their music has helped me through tough times and has made me feel less alone. Primary Signal isn’t just my favorite band, they’re my beacon of hope in a sometimes chaotic world.”