Backstory:

Troubled Sleep was formed in 2011 in the heart of New York City, when four friends discovered their shared love for music and storytelling. The band consists of Jacob Walker (lead vocals, guitar), Nathan Martinez (drums), Alexandra ‘Alex’ Ramirez (bass guitar, supporting vocals), and Oliver Jensen (keyboard, supporting vocals). All four were students at the same college, studying different majors, but their path crossed in an evening music theory class. They started jamming together, and soon their dorm room jam sessions evolved into a full-fledged band when they realized their combined sound was something special.

The band went through several name changes before they settled on ‘Troubled Sleep’. The name came about after a night when they stayed up all night, discussing their personal struggles, dreams, and fears. They realized that all of them had some struggles keeping them up at night, hence, the name Troubled Sleep struck a chord with them, symbolizing their shared experience.

Genre:

Alternative Rock

Title:

“City of Shadows”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
Am G D Am
Walking through the city of shadows, no one to hold my hand,
Am G D Am
Those neon lights, they’re fading, drowned by the sinking sand.

(Verse 2)
Am G D Am
Struggling to find my home, amidst the chaos and the noise,
Am G D Am
In this place of strangers, lost my voice amongst the boys.

(Chorus)
F C G Am
City of Shadows, you’ve swallowed me whole,
F C G Am
In your maze of despair, I’ve lost all control.

(Verse 3)
Am G D Am
But I won’t let you break me, though I’m beaten and I’m worn,
Am G D Am
I’ll rise from your ashes, like a Phoenix reborn.

(Chorus)
F C G Am
City of Shadows, you’ve bruised my soul,
F C G Am
But I won’t stop fighting, until I reach my goal.

Fan’s Testimonial:

My name is Sarah McCartney, and Troubled Sleep is my favorite band for so many reasons. Their lyrics are deep, meaningful, and relatable. I first discovered their music during a pretty dark time in my life. The song “City of Shadows” resonated with me on a personal level, and it felt like someone finally understood my struggle. The sincerity in Jacob’s voice touched my heart and helped me find strength. Troubled Sleep is not just a band for me; their music is a companion that accompanies me in both my darkest and brightest times.

Backstory:

Gummy Bus was born in the vibrant, bustling streets of Seattle, Washington in 2017. The band was initially comprised of five university friends: Alex (vocals/guitar), Jenna (bass), Mike (keyboard), Lily (drums), and Dave (lead guitar). All with a shared passion for music, they would often jam in their dorm rooms, creating a rich blend of sound that was as unique as their friendship. After a spontaneous performance at a local charity event, they were met with overwhelming applause and an unexpected proposition from a small recording label. Thus, Gummy Bus was set on the road to stardom.

Their journey has been a thrilling roller coaster ride, filled with late-night gigs, sold-out concerts, and a fan base that has grown exponentially over the years. Despite the fame and recognition, the band has stayed true to their roots, often performing in their alma mater and local clubs where they first started their journey. Their music continues to inspire and entertain, staying true to their unique blend of sound that has captured the hearts of many.

Genre:
Alternative Pop/Rock

Title:
“Plastic Stars”

Full song lyrics:

[VERSE 1]
Am F
Wandering through this neon maze,
C G
Our dreams are wrapped in smoky haze.
Am F
Under plastic stars, we find our way,
C G
In the rhythm of the night, we sway.

[CHORUS]
F C
Under the plastic stars,
G Am
We sing our hearts out loud,
F C
Where dreams are not too far,
G Am
In the music, we are found.

[VERSE 2]
Am F
We dance on the echoes of the moon,
C G
Our tune is a sweet, cosmic boon.
Am F
Our hearts beat in harmony,
C G
Lost in our melody of symphony.

[CHORUS]
F C
Under the plastic stars,
G Am
We sing our hearts out loud,
F C
Where dreams are not too far,
G Am
In the music, we are found.

Favorite Fan’s Name: Emily

Testimonial:

“I’ve been a super-fan of Gummy Bus since their first gig at our university. Their music is a breath of fresh air, a unique blend of alternative pop/rock that you can’t help but get drawn into. The lyrics of their songs resonate with my experiences, making me feel seen and understood. I remember the first time I listened to ‘Plastic Stars’; it was as if they put my feelings into words. Gummy Bus is not just a band for me, they are my companions through the ups and downs of life.” – Emily

Backstory:
Agreeable Pizza was formed in a small town called Crustville in the bustling state of New York. The four members, Cheese, Tomato, Pepperoni, and Olive, were working at a local pizzeria when they discovered a shared passion for music. As they spent hours kneading dough and spreading cheese, they began to create their own melodies, singing songs that narrated tales of pizza encounters. After the pizzeria closed each night, they would turn the kitchen into a makeshift stage, practicing until dawn. Their music caught the ear of a regular customer, who happened to be a music producer scouting for untapped talent. Impressed by their pizza-themed tunes, he signed them to his record label, and thus, Agreeable Pizza was launched into the music industry.

Genre:
Folk Pop

Title:
“Anchovy Love Story”

Full Song Lyrics:

[Verse 1]
G D
In the heart of the dough, a love was born,
Em C
Underneath the sauce, and layers of corn.
G D
Anchovy met a pineapple, they were a unique sight,
Em C
A combination unassuming, under the pizza light.

[Chorus]
G D
Ooo.. Anchovy love story,
Em C
Unconventional but worthy.
G D
Sweet and salty, strange and bold,
Em C
A tale in the pizza world told.

[Verse 2]
G D
Anchovy was salty, pineapple was sweet,
Em C
Together they made a treat.
G D
In the heat of the oven, their love grew,
Em C
Creating a flavor, that was brand new.

[Chorus]
G D
Ooo.. Anchovy love story,
Em C
In every bite, there’s glory.
G D
Sweet and salty, tangy and wild,
Em C
Anchovy and pineapple, perfectly compiled.

[Bridge]
G D
Just like the cheese, love melts,
Em C
In the warmth of the heart, it dwells.
G D
Just like the pizza, love bakes,
Em C
In every bite, it partakes.

[Chorus]
G D
Ooo.. Anchovy love story,
Em C
Deliciously unconventional, full of mystery.
G D
Sweet and salty, together they twine,
Em C
Anchovy and pineapple, in love they dine.

Favorite Fan’s Name: Betty Piecrust

Testimonial:
“Agreeable Pizza is my favorite band, hands down. I fell in love with their music the first time I heard their song play in the pizzeria. Their unforgettable combination of folk-pop and pizza-themed lyrics is as delightful as a fresh-out-of-the-oven pizza. Each song is a delicious slice of music that fills my soul just like a good pizza fills my tummy.”

Backstory:

Formed in the eclectic heart of London in 2014, Harsh Cream is a four-piece band known for their heady blend of rock, blues, and a touch of psychedelic whimsy. The band was created when childhood friends and passionate musicians, Ryan Kelter (vocalist/guitarist) and Martin Poe (drummer), met at a local vinyl shop, Harrison Breslin (bassist) and Emily Tint (keyboardist/vocalist). All four shared a similar vision of creating music that challenged the norm and offered listeners something simultaneously familiar and remarkably different. Harsh Cream became their outlet, an iconoclast of standard rock conventions, a clash of vintage and modern elements that create an aural spectacle, resonating with millions worldwide.

Genre:

Psychedelic Rock/Blues

Title:

“Pastel Shadows”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
Em
Pastel Shadows in the moonlight
G
Dancing on the street so bare
D
Silhouettes of the night,
A
Under the stars’ glare

(Chorus)
Em
We are the losing kind
G
Chasing the imperfect rhyme
D
In the realm of Pastel Shadows
A
Where dreams and reality intertwine

(Verse 2)
Em
Whispers of the ancients
G
Echoed in the midnight air
D
We’re playing our own requiem
A
In the realm where no one dares

(Chorus)
Em
We are the dreamers blind
G
Lost in the labyrinth of time
D
In the realm of Pastel Shadows
A
Where the sun forgets to shine

(Outro)
Em
So we dance in Pastel Shadows,
G
To the rhythm of despair,
D
In the world of painted sorrow,
A
We find solace, solace there.

Fan Testimonial:

Fan’s Name: Jessie Turner

“I’ve been a fan of Harsh Cream since their early days. There’s something magical about their music, it’s raw, it’s pure, it’s real. It’s like they’ve woven fragments of my own emotions into their lyrics and melodies. Every song feels like a journey, it takes me places I’ve never been, and makes me feel things I didn’t know I could. In particular, ‘Pastel Shadows’ became my personal anthem. It’s a masterful blend of sorrow and solace, a perfect depiction of the human spirit. Harsh Cream isn’t just my favorite band, they’re my emotional refuge.”

Backstory:

Extroverted Activity was born in the vibrant city of San Francisco in 2006. The band was formed by childhood friends, Adam Hightower and Benny Palmer, who decided to turn their mutual love for music into a shared dream. After a few years spent refining their sound and experimenting in Adam’s garage, they were joined by Emily Davis, a talented songwriter and vocalist, and later by drummer Charlie Scott to complete the band. They started performing at local bars and slowly gathered a devoted fan base through their vivacious and energetic performances.

Genre:

Indie Pop-Rock

Title:

“Coffee Shop Reverie”

Full song lyrics:

(Verse 1)
G D
In this coffee shop, we used to sit,
Em C
Talk about dreams and love we commit,
G D
Laughter echoes, but you’re not here,
Em C
Just an empty chair and a bitter beer.

(Chorus)
G D Em C
Coffee Shop Reverie, where are you now?
G D Em C
Washed away with the foam, like our vow.

(Verse 2)
G D
Memories linger like the coffee stain,
Em C
What we had, I can’t explain,
G D
I still hear your laughter in the rain,
Em C
In my Coffee Shop Reverie, you remain.

(Chorus)
G D Em C
Coffee Shop Reverie, I miss you so,
G D Em C
In the depths of my cup, where did we go?

Favorite Fan:

The band’s favorite fan’s name is Sarah Mitchell. Sarah has been following Extroverted Activity since their first local bar gig and has attended every single concert since. She says, “Extroverted Activity isn’t just a band to me, it’s a piece of my heart. Their music resonates with me on a level that no other band has been able to reach. From the catchy beats to the heartfelt lyrics, there is a raw and palpable honesty in their songs that has helped me through some of the toughest times in my life. In many ways, they’ve been my lifeline, my beacon of hope. They’re more than just my favorite band, they’re my heroes.”

Backstory:
Hailing from the lively streets of Manchester, four ragtag musicians found themselves united by their shared love of rock and roll and vintage aesthetics. They were initially solo artists, each struggling to find their unique voice, until fate brought them together at a small charity gig in the heart of the city. Realizing that their talents blended seamlessly, they formed the band ‘Indolent Carriage’. The name, an ironic nod to their tireless work ethic and the relentless pace of the music industry, soon became a popular name in the local pub circuit. With their vintage flair and electrifying performances, the band quickly gained a cult following. Their music is a blend of old-school rock, with hints of modern folk, creating a unique sound that has captivated audiences.

Genre:
Rock/Folk

Title:
“Whiskey Dreams”

Full Song Lyrics:

[Verse 1]
Am Em
In the heart of the city, under neon lights,
G D
I found my soul lost in whiskey dreams.
Am Em
Caught in the rhythm of the endless nights,
G D
Chasing echoes of forgotten themes.

[Chorus]
C G Am Em
Oh, whiskey dreams, take me away,
F C G Em
To a place where the music never ends.
C G Am Em
In your amber haze, let me sway,
F C G
Where the night is forever, my friends.

[Verse 2]
Am Em
The tales we tell, in smoky rooms,
G D
Are etched in the heart of these whiskey dreams.
Am Em
In the flickering light, love looms,
G D
And reality is not what it seems.

[Chorus]
C G Am Em
Oh, whiskey dreams, don’t fade away,
F C G Em
Keep the fires of the night ablaze.
C G Am Em
In your glowing warmth, let me stay,
F C G
Lost in your intoxicating maze.

Fan Testimonial:
“My name is Emily and I have been a die-hard fan of Indolent Carriage since their first gig at The Rovers Return. Their music, a blend of rock and folk, feels like a journey back in time. The raw emotion and energy they pour into each performance are simply awe-inspiring. “Whiskey Dreams” in particular, always sends shivers down my spine. It’s not just their music; it’s their story, their passion, and their connection with the audience that makes them my favorite. They aren’t just a band to me, they’re a part of my life.”

Backstory:

Legal Volume was formed in 2016 in the bustling city of Chicago, Illinois. The band is comprised of four law school friends: lead vocalist and bass guitarist, Peter ‘the Plaintiff’ Jones; drummer and vocals, Sammy ‘the Solicitor’ Brown; lead guitarist, Jimmy ‘the Judge’ Davis; and keyboardist, Annie ‘the Advocate’ Miller. The group started out as a fun diversion from their rigorous studies, playing at local bars and university events. Their unique blend of music and law-inspired lyrics resonated with audiences, and they quickly gained a following.

Despite their burgeoning legal careers, the band decided to pursue their musical passions full time. Their journey has been an exciting whirlwind of performances, tours, and album releases. Legal Volume’s music speaks to their experiences in the legal world, with a tongue-in-cheek approach that has won them fans across the globe.

Genre:

Legal Volume’s music can best be described as Law Rock – a fusion of classic rock and catchy pop, peppered with witty law-themed lyrics.

Title:

“Justice Jam”

Full song lyrics:

(Verse 1)
Am Dm G C
Legal jargon, us against the world,
Am Dm G C
Courtroom battles, secrets unfurled.
Am Dm G C
We’re fighting hard, in our black and white,
Am Dm G C
For every wrong, there must be a right.

(Chorus)
Am Dm G C
Justice Jam, we’re playing loud,
Am Dm G C
For the silenced, lost in the crowd.
Am Dm G C
Guitars wailing, like our souls,
Am Dm G C
Music is our ultimate goal.

(Verse 2)
Am Dm G C
Witness stands, evidence in hand,
Am Dm G C
Rock and roll, taking a stand.
Am Dm G C
From the gavel’s bang, to the crowd’s roar,
Am Dm G C
Legal Volume, forever we soar.

(Chorus)
Am Dm G C
Justice Jam, we’re playing loud,
Am Dm G C
For the silenced, lost in the crowd.
Am Dm G C
Guitars wailing, like our souls,
Am Dm G C
Music is our ultimate goal.

Favorite Fan:

Their favorite fan’s name is Jessica ‘the Jury’ Baxter. Jessica is a law student herself and has been a devoted follower of Legal Volume since their early days. She appreciates not only their music but also their unique take on the legal world. Jessica is their favorite fan because she organizes fan meet-ups and helps promote their music on social media.

Jessica Baxter’s Testimonial:

“Legal Volume has been my favorite band since law school. Their music is a perfect blend of rock, pop, and legal humor. It’s not just entertaining, but it also gives me a sense of camaraderie and motivation in my own legal journey. Plus, they’re all really down-to-earth and appreciate their fans. I can’t wait to see what they do next!”

Backstory:
Mixed Cigarette was born in the backstreets of New York City, where four college dropouts found solace in their shared love for music and the smoke-filled atmosphere of late-night jam sessions. The group initially came together in 2008, bonding over their love for grunge, garage rock, and the gritty underground music scene. The band includes frontman and lead guitarist Jesse “Jay” Reyes, drummer Felix “Fix” McKenzie, bassist Amy “Axe” Ridgeway, and keyboardist Leon “Keys” Broussard. Through their music, they channel their shared experiences of heartbreak, disillusionment, and the struggle to find meaning in a world that often seems senseless.

Genre:
Mixed Cigarette’s music can best be described as a fusion of garage rock and grunge, with a dash of blues and a hint of punk. Their raw, gritty sound is driven by Reyes’ gruff vocals, deeply personal lyrics, and his signature smoky guitar riffs, balanced by the rhythmic backbone provided by McKenzie’s drums, Ridgeway’s bass and Broussard’s keyboard. Their music is a reflection of life’s chaos and beauty, capturing the essence of the human experience in its purest form.

Title: “Burned Out”

Full Song Lyrics:
(Em) Down the alley of (G) broken dreams,
(D) I found my solace in a (Am) mixed cigarette.
(Em) The streetlights flicker, (G) shadows scream,
(D) I’m seeking comfort in a (Am) silhouette.

Chorus:
(C) Burned out, (G) like the end of a (Am) mixed cigarette.
(D) Lost in a maze of (Em) smoke and regret.
(C) Flicking ashes, (G) chasing silhouettes,
(D) Life’s a gamble, I (Am) lost the bet.

(Em) Neon graffiti on (G) city walls,
(D) I’m just a pawn in this (Am) endless game.
(Em) Life strikes hard, and (G) a dreamer falls,
(D) But I’ll rise again, like a (Am) phoenix flame.

Chorus:
(C) Burned out, (G) like the end of a (Am) mixed cigarette.
(D) Lost in a maze of (Em) smoke and regret.
(C) Flicking ashes, (G) chasing silhouettes,
(D) Life’s a gamble, I (Am) lost the bet.

Bridge:
(C)Love’s a smoke, and life’s a (G)mirage,
(D) We’re all trapped in a (Am) cosmic collage.

Chorus:
(C) Burned out, (G) like the end of a (Am) mixed cigarette.
(D) Lost in a maze of (Em) smoke and regret.
(C) Flicking ashes, (G) chasing silhouettes,
(D) Life’s a gamble, I (Am) lost the bet.

Outro:
(Em) As the dawn breaks, (G) I’m still a silhouette,
(D) Burned out, like a (Am) mixed cigarette.

Band’s Favorite Fan:
The band’s favorite fan is a young woman named Lily. She discovered Mixed Cigarette during a particularly tough period in her life, and their music helped her find strength and courage. Lily says, “Mixed Cigarette is more than just a band to me. They’re like a companion on this rough road of life. Their music resonates with me on such a personal level. It’s raw, it’s real, and it gives me hope. Every time I listen to ‘Burned Out’, I feel understood and less alone. For me, Mixed Cigarette is a beacon of light in the dark.”

Backstory:
Adored Classification was born in the bustling city of Seattle, where college friends Andy, Damon, Robert, and Eddie came together over their shared love for music. Each of them, majoring in different subjects, brought a unique element to the group. Andy, a literature major, penned poignant lyrics while Damon’s engineering mind crafted their unique sound. Robert, a psychology student, tapped into the emotional depths of their songs with his soulful voice, and Eddie, a finance student, took care of the business side of the band. Together, they formed a band that was truly a class apart, thus gaining the name ‘Adored Classification’.

In their early days, they performed at local college fests, gaining a local fan base. Their unique sound quickly caught the attention of a popular record label, leading them to release their debut album ‘Categorically Adored’. Their music, a unique blend of deep lyrics and captivating tunes soon gained national fame, making them one of the noteworthy bands to emerge from Seattle’s thriving music scene.

Genre:
Alternative Rock

Title:
“Binary Star”

Full Song Lyrics:
(Verse 1)
G Em C D
G Em
In the vast cosmic bar,
C D
We’re a binary star.
G Em
Two beings, one soul,
C D
Making a harmonious whole.

(Chorus)
G Em
We’re a binary star,
C D
Shining near and far.
G Em
In the infinite night,
C D
We’re each other’s light.

(Verse 2)
G Em
In the celestial sphere,
C D
Our light is clear.
G Em
Together in strife,
C D
In death, and in life.

(Chorus)
G Em
We’re a binary star,
C D
Bound by a cosmic scar.
G Em
In the universe wide,
C D
We’re each other’s guide.

(Outro)
G Em
Binary star, we are,
C D
Burning both near and far.
G Em
In our cosmic play,
C D
We light up the Milky Way.

Fan Testimonial:
Amy, a linguistics student from Seattle University, is Adored Classification’s most ardent fan. For Amy, their music is more than just melodies and harmonies. She says, “Their lyrics speak to the soul; they’re deep and thought-provoking. As a literature enthusiast, Andy’s lyrics resonate with me and make me ponder the existential questions of life. Damon’s unique sound, Robert’s soulful voice, and Eddie’s smart business moves make them a complete package. They’re not just a band to me, they’re storytellers, and I am here for every story they want to tell.”

Backstory:
Thrifty Sleet is a group of four childhood friends who grew up in the vibrant streets of Austin, Texas. Being surrounded by music all their lives, they found their passion early, starting from jamming in garage bands, to performing at local music festivals. The band members – Jake, Charlie, Sam, and Nat were always innovative with their music, wanting to create a unique sound that pays homage to their Texan roots while pushing boundaries of traditional genres.

The name Thrifty Sleet is a symbol of their humble beginnings and their aspiration for growth. ‘Thrifty’ embodies their creative process of making the most out of limited resources, while ‘Sleet’ represents their desire to be a refreshing change in the music scene, much like a sudden sleet storm in a hot Texas summer.

Genre:
Thrifty Sleet identifies their music genre as Indie Folk Rock with a touch of Blues.

Title:
“Whiskey Lullaby”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
Am C G D
Down in the valley where the wild winds blow,
Am C G D
I found my solace in a whiskey glow.
Am C G D
My heart was aching, my soul felt so bleak,
Am C G D
I found my rhythm in a whiskey beat.

(Chorus)
F C G D
Oh, sweet whiskey lullaby,
F C G D
Sing me to sleep under the Texan sky.
F C G D
Kiss my pain goodbye, with your fiery high,
F C G D
Oh, sweet whiskey lullaby.

(Verse 2)
Am C G D
Underneath the stars, a lonely man’s plight,
Am C G D
I found my refuge in a whiskey night.
Am C G D
Through the darkness, a beacon so bright,
Am C G D
I found my solace in a whiskey light.

(Repeat Chorus)

(Bridge)
F C G D
Let the moonshine, let the heart pine,
Am C G D
In the arms of a whiskey rhyme,
F C G D
Soothe my soul, let the good times roll,
Am C G D
In the depths of a whiskey lullaby.

(Repeat Chorus)

Favorite Fan Testimonial:
“I’m Emily, 23-years-old, and a superfan of Thrifty Sleet. From the first time I heard ‘Whiskey Lullaby,’ I was hooked. Their music feels raw and real, like it’s a direct line from their souls into my ears. The lyrics resonate with me, painting vivid pictures of struggle, solace, and hope. The folk-rock vibes mixed with blues make me feel connected to their Texan roots. And their live performances are just electrifying! Thrifty Sleet is my favorite because their music moves me – it makes me dance, it makes me think, it makes me feel.”