Backstory:
Oddball Inspector was formed in the eccentric city of Austin, Texas in 2012 by childhood friends, drummer Harry “Oddball” Owens and guitarist Lance “Inspector” Ingle. The two were known for their quirky personalities and affinity for the unusual, hence the name ‘Oddball Inspector’. They were later joined by bassist Vanessa “Vee” Vargas and lead vocalist, Daniel “Danny” DeMarco, solidifying their lineup. Oddball Inspector became known for their unconventional concerts which resembled more of an avant-garde theatre than a traditional rock show, combining elements of music, art, and performance in a way that captivated audiences.

Genre:
Psychedelic Rock

Title:
“Kaleidoscope Dreams”

Full Song Lyrics:
(Verse 1)
G Am Em C
Wandering through this place, a smile on my face
G Am Em C
Kaleidoscope dreams, nothing is what it seems
G Am Em C
Lost in a trance, caught in a dance

(Chorus)
D G D G
Living our lives in colors, in the realm of the others
D G D G
Kaleidoscope dreams, where reality screams

(Verse 2)
G Am Em C
Under the blue moon, we dance to our tune
G Am Em C
Spiraling in space, no need for the race
G Am Em C
Velvet and lace, time to embrace

(Chorus)
D G D G
Lost in the hues, of reds and blues
D G D G
Kaleidoscope dreams, where love always gleams

(Outro)
G Am Em C
Kaleidoscope dreams, nothing is what it seems
G Am Em C
In this colorful dream, we continue to gleam

Favorite Fan:
The band’s favorite fan is a man named Roger Whitney. A software engineer by day, Roger has attended every single Oddball Inspector concert, traveling across states just to catch a glimpse of their magical performances. Roger says, “Oddball Inspector is more than just music for me. They are a spectacle, a rollercoaster ride that takes me to a world of creativity and freedom. Their music, their performances, they are like a beacon of light in an otherwise mundane world. They are not just my favorite band, they are my escape, my kaleidoscope dreams.”

Backstory:
The story of Fake Crayon begins in a quaint, lively town of Longport, nestled in the heart of California. Four childhood friends, Gina Thompson on vocals and rhythm guitar, Rick Maynard on lead guitar, Benny “The Beat” Stephenson on drums, and Tim “Bassman” Jackson on Bass guitar, decided to channel their shared love for music and playful creativity into a full-fledged band during their senior year of high school. The name ‘Fake Crayon’ was inspired by a childhood memory when Gina pretended a piece of chalk was a multicolor crayon, leading to a day filled with vibrant chalk drawings and laughter. The band’s journey has been a testament to their shared passion for music, their undying friendship, and the whimsical spirit that has been the driving force behind their resonance with fans worldwide.

Genre:
Indie Pop/Alternative Rock

Title:
“Chalk Rainbows”

Full Song Lyrics:

[Verse 1]
Em C G D
Oh, remember the day,
Em C G D
When we drew with chalk,
Em C G D
Laughter echoed, heart aflame,
Em C G D
Underneath the old oak.

[Chorus]
Am Em G D
Chalk rainbows, on the pavement,
Am Em G D
drizzle swept, yet we remained,
Am Em G D
hand in hand, under our haven,
Am Em G D
colored dreams, they never waned.

[Verse 2]
Em C G D
Blue and gold, red and green,
Em C G D
Time fades, but not these scenes,
Em C G D
Crayon hearts, drawn in between,
Em C G D
forever young, forever keen.

[Chorus]
Am Em G D
Chalk rainbows, in our memories,
Am Em G D
promise kept, in the sea of dreams,
Am Em G D
hand in hand, under our canopy,
Am Em G D
colored dreams, they forever gleam.

Fan’s Name and Testimonial:
Fan’s Name: Lucas Gallagher

“Fake Crayon isn’t just my favorite band because they create incredibly catchy and soul-stirring indie pop music, they are my favorite because their songs are a reflection of life itself. They’ve captured the essence of childhood, friendship, dreams, and love in their lyrics, and when coupled with their upbeat tunes, it’s an experience that is both nostalgic and refreshing. I discovered Fake Crayon when I was at my lowest and their music helped me find joy and hope again. It’s like they’re painting vibrant images with their songs, just like Gina did with her fake crayon. They’re more than a band to me, they’re storytellers, they’re artists, they’re friends. They’ve turned me into a forever fan.”

Backstory:

Upset Shop came to life in the bustling, music-filled streets of Nashville, Tennessee in 2012. The band was formed when two struggling musicians, lead vocalist and guitarist Jason Moore and drummer Pete Jameson, met at a local open mic night. They quickly bonded over their shared love for music and their dissatisfaction with the commercial music industry. Fueled by their desire to create something unique and meaningful, they decided to form their own band named ‘Upset Shop,’ symbolizing their intent to disrupt and challenge the status quo of the music industry.

Over time, bassist Lisa Hamilton and keyboardist Sam Lloyd joined them, adding new flavors to the band’s unique sound. This talented quartet infused their music with raw emotion and honest lyrics, quickly gaining a loyal fan base. Their brand of music presented a radical departure from the mainstream, catching the attention of independent record labels and gaining them a considerable following in the indie music scene.

Genre:
Indie Rock

Title:
“Spinning Records”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
C Am F G
Met you in a smoky dive, down the corner of 45
C Am F G
You, with your dreams and old blue jeans, and me, with my stubborn pride

(Chorus)
C Am F G
We’re just spinning records in a world that’s gone digital
C Am F G
Tryna find a rhythm in the static and the noise

(Verse 2)
C Am F G
Poured our heart in every chord, every word we ever wrote
C Am F G
Drowning in the sound, lost and found, in the songs that we both loved

(Chorus)
C Am F G
We’re just spinning records in a world that’s lost its magic
C Am F G
Hopeless romantics, playing in the noise

(Bridge)
F G C Am
We’re the Upset Shop, rocking out non-stop
F G C Am
In the age of robots, we’ll give all we’ve got

(Chorus)
C Am F G
We’re just spinning records, till the whole world starts to listen
C Am F G
To the beautiful chaos, the music of our voice

Fan’s Name and Testimonial:

Name: Tom Harrison

Tom Harrison, a loyal fan from the early days of Upset Shop, says, “I’ve been following Upset Shop ever since they played at the local dive bar in Nashville. Their music speaks to my soul in a way that commercial music can’t. They’re not just musicians—they’re storytellers, challenging the norm with every note they play. I’ve attended all their gigs within a hundred-mile radius! Their song, ‘Spinning Records’, is a testament to their love for classic rock and their determination to keep it alive in today’s digital world. I will forever be a fan of their raw, authentic sound.”

Backstory:

Arctic Park is a quartet who hails from the frosty expanses of Anchorage, Alaska. Band members Josh, Max, Ryan, and Leo were childhood friends who spent their younger years exploring the wilderness of their home state, learning about the beauty and harshness of nature. One day, they stumbled upon an abandoned cabin in the woods with some old musical instruments. They decided to give these instruments a new lease on life, and that’s how Arctic Park was born.

Their music draws heavily from their shared experiences and the landscapes they grew up in. They initially started as a fun project, performing for their friends in the local pubs and participating in the local festivals. However, their unique blend of music quickly gained traction and caught the attention of a local record label, launching their professional journey in the music industry.

Genre:
Indie Folk Rock

Title:
Cold Northern Skies

Full song lyrics:

Verse 1:
[Am] Underneath the [G] stars so bright
[C] In the cold Alaskan [Em] night
[Am] Dreams take [G] flight, out of [C] sight
[Em] Under the cold northern [Am] skies

Chorus:
[Am] Oh, sing to me, [G] cold northern skies
[C] Of rugged mountains [Em] and lullabies
[Am] Tell your tales, [G] the truth and lies
[Em] Under the cold northern [Am] skies

Verse 2:
[Am] Whispering winds [G] tell stories old
[C] Of the brave, the young and [Em] bold
[Am] In your vastness, [G] we unfold
[Em] Under the cold northern [Am] skies

Chorus:
[Am] Oh, sing to me, [G] cold northern skies
[C] Of rugged mountains [Em] and lullabies
[Am] Tell your tales, [G] the truth and lies
[Em] Under the cold northern [Am] skies

Testimonial:

Arctic Park’s favorite fan, Sam “Frosty” Henderson, says, “Arctic Park is my favorite band because their music tells stories. Stories of the wilderness, stories of the north, stories of home. It’s raw, it’s real, and it’s deeply connected to the roots. I’ve been to every single one of their concerts and own every album because their music speaks to my soul. It’s like a journey back to the roots, back to the wilderness, back home. Arctic Park is more than just a band to me, they are the soundtrack of my life.”

Backstory: Deserted Beam was formed in the mid-2000s in the heart of Los Angeles and consists of members Alex Thompson (lead singer), James Gallagher (guitarist), Noah Clarke (drummer), and Ethan Anderson (bassist). The four members met at a local open mic night at a shady bar, each one disillusioned with the state of modern music and looking for something more. They found solace in the raw, authentic sound they created together, and after that fateful night, Deserted Beam was born. Their music is a rebellion against the polished, overproduced sounds dominating the airwaves, seeking to return to the raw roots of rock and roll.

Genre: Garage Rock

Song Title: “Steel Lullaby”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1: [Am, G, F, E])
Steel town girl, with her head in the clouds,
Dreamin’ bigger than the factory allows.
She’s got tired eyes, but a restless soul,
Lost in a world, where she don’t belong.

(Chorus: [C, G, Am, F])
She’s singing, steel lullaby,
Underneath this smoky sky.
Like a stranded star, lost in the city lights,
But she won’t let go, of her dream tonight.

(Verse 2: [Am, G, F, E])
Widget maker boy, with a poet’s heart,
Working his days, in a world apart.
In the neon glow, he finds his muse,
Taken by the girl, who’s got nothing to lose.

(Chorus: [C, G, Am, F])
He’s whispering, steel lullaby,
To the girl who’s always in his mind.
Like a beacon torch, shining in the dark,
He’s finding hope, in a lonely spark.

Favorite Fan: Sarah Johnson, a millennial from their home city of Los Angeles, has emerged as Deserted Beam’s favorite fan. Sarah discovered the band during one of their earliest performances at a local dive bar and has supported their journey ever since. She even runs a fan blog, spreading the word about their music and shows. Sarah genuinely connects with the rawness and authenticity of Deserted Beam’s sound and lyrics, identifying them as a refreshing alternative to the overly produced music which she feels lacks true heart and soul.

Sarah’s Testimonial: “Deserted Beam is more than just a band to me – they’re a voice for the unheard, a glimmer of raw authenticity in a world of polished fakeness. Their music is gritty, unfiltered, and achingly real. It’s like a balm for my soul, a connection to something real. I can’t imagine my life without their music.”

Backstory:
Charming Radio was formed in the small town of Belleview, Ohio in the summer of 2006. The band members, childhood friends – Frankie Millers (Lead Vocals/Guitar), Nick Hale (Drums), and Jenna Hart (Bass/Vocals), spent their teenage years immersing themselves in music. Music was their refuge from the monotony of their small-town life. They started as a cover band, playing in basements and backyard parties, but soon their passion for music blossomed into writing their own songs, and Charming Radio was born.

Their breakthrough came in 2009 when they performed at a local music festival. Their unique sound, coupled with Frankie’s charismatic stage presence, captured the audience’s attention and got them noticed by a talent scout. After signing to a record label, their career took off, and they have since toured extensively, gaining an ever-growing fan base, and have released four successful albums.

Genre:
Indie Rock

Title:
“Echoes of You”

Full Song Lyrics:

[Intro]
Em, D, G, C

[Verse 1]
(Em) I’ve been walking down, (D) this old familiar town
(G) Underneath the starlight, (C) in the quiet night
(Em) I can hear the echoes, (D) echoes of you
(G) In the laughter and the tears, (C) in the joy and the fears

[Chorus]
(Am) Echoes of you, (Em) in every corner of my heart
(C) Like a haunting melody, (G) tearing me apart
(D) I’m still holding onto, (Em) echoes of you
(Am) Because they’re all I have left, (Em) since we are through.

[Verse 2]
(Em) The world keeps spinning round, (D) I’m lost in the sound
(G) Of your voice in my head, (C) and the words we once said
(Em) I can feel the echoes, (D) echoes of you
(G) In every sunrise, (C) and every sunset hue

[Chorus]
(Am) Echoes of you, (Em) they’re etched in my soul
(C) Like a song that never ends, (G) a love that’s still whole
(D) I’m still clinging to, (Em) echoes of you
(Am) Because they’re all that’s left, (D) of a love that once flew.

[Outro]
(Em) Echoes of you, (D) in the silence of the night
(G) Like a whisper in the wind, (C) like a broken kite
(Em) I’m still living with, (D) echoes of you
(G) And I’ll keep them close, (C) till my days are through.

Name and Testimonial:
Amy Peterson, a massive fan of Charming Radio, stated: “I first heard Charming Radio at a local festival. They sounded so authentic and raw, and Frankie’s lyrics resonated with me on a personal level. Their music has seen me through some dark times, and it also amplified some of the happiest moments of my life. For me, there is no other band that captures the essence of life, love, and loss like Charming Radio does. They are my favorite because their music speaks to my soul, and it’s like they’ve written the soundtrack to my life.”

Backstory:

Portly Chance is the brain child of four high school friends — Tom, Rick, Neil, and Jeff— who were all part of their school’s marching band in the small Midwestern town of Cedarville. Known for their larger-than-life personalities and matching physiques, they decided to embrace their shared love for music and food, creating the unique and enigmatic band, ‘Portly Chance’. The band used their shared experiences and unique perspectives to write songs that explore life’s uncertainties with humor, wit, and a dash of sentimentality. From their humble origins in Cedar house basements to rocking major music festivals, Portly Chance has truly become a symbol of embracing your quirks and making the most of life’s uncertainties.

Genre:

Portly Chance specializes in Indie Rock, flavored with a touch of blues and a sprinkling of pop-punk for good measure. Their sound is characterized by energetic riffs, snappy drums, and distinctive vocals, often layered with rich harmonies and clever lyrics.

Title:

“Full Plate Blues”

Full song lyrics:

(Verse 1 – A, D, G, D)
A D G D
Well, I woke up this morning with a head full of dreams,
A D G D
Got a pocket full of change, but it ain’t what it seems.

(Chorus – A, G, D, A)
A G D A
I got the Full Plate Blues, oh yeah,
A G D A
I’m feasting on my dreams and I just can’t lose.

(Verse 2 – A, D, G, D)
A D G D
My guitar is my silverware, my songs are the feast,
A D G D
I’m dining on life’s banquet, from the west to the east.

(Chorus – A, G, D, A)
A G D A
I got the Full Plate Blues, oh yeah,
A G D A
I’m feasting on my dreams and I just can’t lose.

(Bridge – G, D, A, D)
G D A D
Serving up my heart, one song at a time,
G D A D
The stage is my kitchen, the crowd is my wine.

(Chorus – A, G, D, A)
A G D A
I got the Full Plate Blues, oh yeah,
A G D A
I’m feasting on my dreams and I just can’t lose.

Testimonial:

Meet Jenny McAlister, Portly Chance’s self-proclaimed biggest fan. “I first saw Portly Chance at a small gig in our local club,” she says. “Their energy was infectious, their songs were witty, and their love for music was palpable. It’s not just about their sound though — it’s their message. They remind us that life isn’t perfect, but it’s the imperfections that make it worth living. They’ve inspired me to embrace my own quirks and dreams, making Portly Chance not just my favorite band, but a real influence on how I live my life.”

Backstory:
Glossy Dream was born in the heart of New York City in the year 2012. Founding members, vocalist and guitarist Leo Chambers and bassist Jay Hawkins, childhood friends from Brooklyn, were both working mundane office jobs when they decided to chase their shared love for music. They soon added talented drummer, Mia Rogers, to their line-up and Glossy Dream was officially formed. They started out playing gigs in small clubs across NYC and quickly gained a dedicated fan base, drawn to their unique sound and raw, emotional lyrics.

Genre:
Indie Pop/Rock

Title:
“City Skylines”

Song Lyrics:
(Verse 1)
[G]Sitting on a rooftop [Em]under city skylines, [C]drowning in the neon lights,
[G]Dreams echo in the [Em]night, destined to [C]take flight.

[Em]Close your eyes and [D]see, the [C]world beneath our feet,
[G]In this pulsating [Em]city, where [C]dream and reality meet.

(Chorus)
[G]City skylines, [D]in our sight,
[Em]Under the cover of the [C]starlight.
[G]City skylines, [D]our dreams ignite,
[Em]In the heart of the [C]night.

(Verse 2)
[G]Strumming my guitar, [Em]under the moon’s glow, [C]music flows like a river’s flow,
[G]Tales of love and [Em]woe, [C]in the melody we sow.

[Em]In the rhythm and the [D]rhyme, [C]we carve our own time,
[G]Beneath the city’s [Em]grime, [C]our dreams chime.

(Chorus)
[G]City skylines, [D]in our sight,
[Em]Under the cover of the [C]starlight.
[G]City skylines, [D]our dreams ignite,
[Em]In the heart of the [C]night.

Testimonial:

The band’s favorite fan is a 16-year-old girl named Lucy Spencer. Lucy was there at their very first gig, and she’s been their biggest supporter ever since. She loves Glossy Dream because their music resonates with her, and she feels a deep connection to their lyrics.

Lucy said, “Glossy Dream isn’t just a band to me. Their music is an escape, a solace, a companion when I need it most. Their song ‘City Skylines’ is an anthem for my generation – it speaks to our dreams, our hopes, and our journey. Glossy Dream reminds us that in the concrete jungles we call home, we can find magic and inspiration. I can’t imagine my life without their music.”

Backstory:

Glistening Bed came into existence in the tranquil corners of a small town in Vermont during the crisp winter of 2011. The band’s creation was a serendipitous encounter of four music-loving college friends, each hailing from different musical backgrounds. Their shared love for harmonious melodies and poetic lyrics led them to form a band that would later become known as Glistening Bed. Inspired by their deep-rooted emotions, their lyrical journey is encapsulated in the music they produce, creating a unique soundscape that resonates with their listeners.

Genre:

Neo-Folk

Title:

“Underneath the Willow Tree”

Full song lyrics:

(Verse 1 – Em, D, G, C)

(Em) Underneath the Willow Tree, (D) where our love used to be
(G) We laughed, we cried, (C) under the open sky
(Em) Whispered secrets in the wind, (D) promises not to rescind
(G) Now all I have are (C) memories that never die

(Chorus – G, D, Em, C)

(G) Underneath the Willow Tree, (D) is where I feel you close to me
(Em) The rustling leaves sing (C) our forgotten melody
(G) As the sun sets, painting the sky, (D) I remember your goodbye
(Em) But here, underneath the Willow Tree, (C) I still feel you with me

(Verse 2 – Em, D, G, C)

(Em) Seasons have changed, (D) and so have we
(G) Yet, the Willow Tree (C) remains, a testament to our history
(Em) The carved initials, (D) a symbol of our story
(G) Though you are gone, (C) your essence still lingers in its glory

(repeat Chorus – G, D, Em, C)

(G) Underneath the Willow Tree, (D) is where I feel you close to me
(Em) The rustling leaves sing (C) our forgotten melody
(G) As the moon shines, whispering to the night, (D) I remember your soft light
(Em) But here, underneath the Willow Tree, (C) I still feel you with me

The band’s favorite fan:

Name: Maggie Rutherford

Testimonial:

“Glistening Bed’s music is a ray of sunshine in my life. They perfectly blend poetic narratives with harmonious melodies, a combination that’s rare to find these days. Their song ‘Underneath the Willow Tree’ is a masterpiece – the lyrics hit right in the feels, and the melody is ever so soothing. Every time I listen to it, I feel a deep sense of connection, almost as if they’ve crafted this song out of my own experiences. Glistening Bed has become my favorite band because they make music that feels personal and relatable, with a comforting vibe that soothes my soul.”

Backstory:

Fruitful Sheep is an eccentric, whimsical band formed in Portland, Oregon in 2008. The band originated from a shared love for music, art, and an eclectic sense of humor among four close friends – lead vocalist and guitarist David ‘Sheepdog’ Shergill, bassist and backup vocalist Jack ‘Juicy’ Jackson, drummer Sam ‘Sweet’ Swanson, and keyboardist Andy ‘Apple’ Applegate. These friends found their unique voice and sound in the vibrant, creative atmosphere of Portland’s independent music scene. Amid the colorful chaos of their shared apartment, the band was born, choosing the name ‘Fruitful Sheep’ in a humorous nod to their agricultural backgrounds and their desire to create music that was both rich and bountiful.

Genre:

Indie-Folk

Title:

‘Orchard Serenade’

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
[G] Out in the orchard, [C] under the old pear tree,
[D] I found a melody, [C] sweet as can be.
[G] The wind was whispering, [C] secrets it knew,
[D] I took them in my hand, [C] composed this tune for you.

(Chorus)
[G] Sing to the moon, [C] dance with the stars,
[D] Let’s make music, [C] wherever we are.
[G] We are the Fruitful Sheep, [C] singing our serenade,
[D] In the orchard, [C] where our dreams are made.

(Verse 2)
[G] Plucking the strings, [C] like ripe fruit from a vine,
[D] We’ll make a melody, [C] sweet and divine.
[G] Night’s gentle silence, [C] day’s radiant light,
[D] We’ll blend them in harmony, [C] from morning till night.

(Chorus)
[G] Sing to the moon, [C] dance with the stars,
[D] Let’s make music, [C] wherever we are.
[G] We are the Fruitful Sheep, [C] singing our serenade,
[D] In the orchard, [C] where our dreams are made.

Fan:

The band’s favorite fan is a woman named Alice who discovered the band during a small gig at a local café in Portland. Alice says, “The first time I heard Fruitful Sheep, I was instantly captivated. Their music speaks to me on a personal level, and I’ve been a loyal fan ever since. It’s not just their whimsical tunes but the way they connect with their audience. They remind me of the simple joy of creating, the beauty of friendship, and the importance of staying true to oneself. They’re not just a band to me, they’re my sonic soulmates.”