Backstory:

Zigzag Pile was born from the basement jam sessions of college roommates in 2012 at the University of California, Berkeley. The band consists of four members: lead vocalist and guitarist Jason “Jazz” Marten, keyboardist and backing vocalist Adam “Keys” Keeling, bassist Mikey “Bassman” Bassett, and drummer Tim “Sticks” Stoker. The roommates bonded over their shared love of music and their eclectic taste, which ranged from classic rock, blues, jazz, to psychedelic and electronic music. Their common passion led to the formation of Zigzag Pile, a band that refuses to be boxed into a single genre.

Their music journey wasn’t easy. Following college, they juggled day-jobs while playing at local bars and small gigs. Their big break came when they performed at the Los Angeles Music Festival in 2015. Their unique sound and energetic stage presence caught the attention of a talent scout, leading to a recording contract with Alternative Records. Since then, Zigzag Pile has been touring around the country, winning hearts with their electric performances and genre-defying music.

Genre:

Psychedelic Rock/Blues

Title:

“Mystic Mirage”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
Em
In a desert of noise, we found our sound,
Am
A mystic mirage, where our souls are unbound.
G
In the sands of time, we etch our name,
D
Under this cosmic dome, we kindle our flame.

(Chorus)
C G
Through the Zigzag Pile, we thread the dreams,
Am Em
In the rhythm and blues, we stitch the seams.
C G
For the love of music, we’ve strayed and roamed,
Am Em
To the Mystic Mirage, we always come home.

(Verse 2)
Em
In the canvas of night, we paint our song,
Am
In the silence between, we find where we belong.
G
With the melody’s rise, and the harmony’s fall,
D
In our Zigzag Pile, we give it our all.

(Chorus)
C G
Through the Zigzag Pile, we thread the dreams,
Am Em
In the rhythm and blues, we stitch the seams.
C G
For the love of music, we’ve strayed and roamed,
Am Em
To the Mystic Mirage, we always come home.

Favorite Fan:

The band’s favorite fan is Lily “Lil” Thompson. Lil, a music journalist and a proud fan, has followed Zigzag Pile since their early days. Despite their rising popularity, she believes the band has stayed true to their roots and praises them for their authenticity.

Testimonial:

“Zigzag Pile is a breath of fresh air in the music industry. Their music is a clever mix of genres that creates a completely new and unique sound, unlike anything I’ve heard before. Their songs speak to the soul, and their live performances are electrifying. They are my favorite band because they embody the true spirit of music – passion, creativity, and authenticity.” – Lily “Lil” Thompson.

Backstory:
Unfit Machine was founded in the industrial city of Sheffield, England in the early 2000s. The band was formed by four factory workers who spent their days working on heavy machinery and their nights rocking out in their makeshift garage studio. Their shared experiences of monotony and frustration at their day jobs served as the inspiration for their music. They channeled their collective angst into creating a raw, gritty sound that resonated deeply with the working-class youth of Sheffield. Their big break came after a local radio DJ discovered their self-produced EP and started playing their songs on air. The band quickly gained a cult following and were soon signed to a major record label.

Genre: Industrial Rock

Title: “The Rust That Binds Us”

Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
Em Am
Down in the heart of Sheffield town,
C G
We’re just cogs in a machine that’s going round.
Em Am
In the factory, beneath the smoky cloud,
C G
You can barely hear your thoughts above the sound.

(Chorus)
Em Am
But the rust that binds us, keeps us in the grind,
C G
It’s the very thing that makes us, the voice of our kind.
Em Am
Through the noise and the clamor, our spirit, it shines,
C G
We’re not just working men, we’re the Unfit Machine’s lines.

(Verse 2)
Em Am
Under the stars, in a makeshift garage band,
C G
We found solace in music, guitar in hand.
Em Am
From the monotony, we take a grand stand,
C G
With every riff and beat, we make our stand.

(Chorus)
Em Am
The rust that binds us, it’s not just decay,
C G
It’s the symbol of our struggle, the price we pay.
Em Am
In the heart of Sheffield, we’ve found our way,
C G
We’re Unfit Machine, and here we stay.

Band’s Favorite Fan:
Our favorite fan is undoubtedly Liam Smith. A factory worker like us, Liam first heard our song on the local radio while working the night shift. He instantly connected with our music and has been an ardent supporter ever since. He’s attended every gig we’ve played in the UK and even has our lyrics tattooed on his arm.

Testimonial:
“In the raw, unpolished sound of Unfit Machine, I found a voice for my own frustrations and experiences. They are more than just a band for me; they are a symbol of resilience and unity for all the working-class folks out there. They remind me that even amidst the noise and chaos, you can find your own rhythm and make your own music.” -Liam Smith.

Backstory:
Shocking Jury was formed in the heart of Brooklyn, New York, in 2007. The group initially met at a local open mic night, where they bonded over their shared love of music and passion for social justice. The name “Shocking Jury” was a play on their intention to disrupt the status quo and challenge mainstream ideologies through their music.

They started by playing small gigs at local bars, where their energetic, gritty performances quickly gained them a dedicated fan base. Despite their growing popularity, the band always stayed true to their original vision: creating thought-provoking music that challenges societal norms and inspires change.

Genre:
Alternative Rock

Song Title:
“Guilty Verdict”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
[Am] Walking down these lonely [Dm] streets,
[Am] Brooklyn nights under my [Dm] feet,
[G] City’s noise is a symphony, [Em] but I’m still feeling incomplete.

(Chorus)
[F] Guilty Verdict on my [C] mind,
[G] Searching for the truth we [Am] find,
[Dm] Breaking chains that once confined,
[F] Stand up, it’s our time to [G] redefine.

(Verse 2)
[Am] Voices echoing in the [Dm] night,
[Am] Speaking up for what is [Dm] right,
[G] In the darkness, we ignite, [Em] Bringing hidden truths to light.

(Chorus)
[F] Guilty Verdict, hear our [C] plea,
[G] In the court of life, we [Am] decree,
[Dm] Striving for a world that’s free,
[F] Sing it loud, the anthem of the [G] Spree.

Fans Favorite:
The band’s favorite fan is Jenny Miller, a law student from New York. Jenny has been a dedicated fan since their first performance at a local bar. She claims that their music inspires her to question societal norms and continually strive for justice. Jenny says, “Shocking Jury is more than just a band to me. Their music resonates with me on a deeper level. Their lyrics, their energy, it all inspires me in my pursuit of fighting for justice. They’re not just musicians; they’re revolutionaries, using their music to spark change.”

Backstory:
Blue Volume, hailing from the bustling city of Seattle, Washington, is a band that came together in the summer of 2010. Childhood friends, drummer Max “Maddog” Davis, bassist Charlie “Chuckles” Thompson, and guitarist and lead vocalist, Alex “Ace” Sullivan, always shared a deep love for music. The trio decided to form the band after college, where they honed their individual skills and musical talents. They named the band “Blue Volume”, inspired by their shared love for the ocean and desire to create a “wave” in the music industry.

Genre:
Blue Volume’s sound is a unique fusion of Alternative Rock with a splash of Indie Blues.

Title:
“Heartbeat Echo”

Full song lyrics with chord progression:

(Verse 1)
C G
Running down the alleyway, under the neon lights,
Am Em
Memories in grayscale, trapped in endless nights,
F C
Drowning in silence, swallowed by the sea,
G C
Your voice is my lifeline, setting my heart free.

(Chorus)
F C
Heartbeat echo, in the twilight glow,
G C
Your love is my stereo, it’s the only sound I know.
F C
Heartbeat echo, through the highs and lows,
G C
Our rhythm, time bestows, till the end, it grows.

(Verse 2)
C G
Gazing at your silhouette, against the morning sun,
Am Em
Our melody within the chaos, you and I are one,
F C
Through the static and the noise, your whisper breaks through,
G C
In the blue volume of our love, every beat rings true.

(Chorus)
F C
Heartbeat echo, in the twilight glow,
G C
Your love is my stereo, it’s the only sound I know.
F C
Heartbeat echo, through the highs and lows,
G C
Our rhythm, time bestows, till the end, it grows.

Band’s favorite fan:

Blue Volume’s favorite fan is a woman named Hannah. She is a school teacher from their hometown and has been following the band since their very first gig at a local bar. Her support has been unwavering, and she has attended nearly all of their concerts. She even runs an unofficial fan page for the band on social media.

Hannah’s Testimonial:
“Blue Volume is my all-time favorite band, not only because they are incredibly talented, but because they are real, raw, and authentic. Their fusion of Alternative Rock and Indie Blues is unique and completely mesmerizing. Every song tells a story, and their lyrics resonate deeply with me. ‘Heartbeat Echo’ is my favorite song of theirs. It’s a powerful anthem of love and the feeling of unity it brings. It’s like they are speaking directly to me. Their music has been a constant companion, helping me through difficult times. I can’t wait to see what the future holds for them. I am a Blue Volume fan for life!”

Backstory:

Formed in 2013 in the heart of San Francisco, Everlasting Book is a band that embarked on a musical journey with a shared love for stories, literature, and the art of storytelling through music. The band is composed of four members: lead vocalist and guitarist Oliver “Oli” Johnson, drummer Adam “Ad” Huggins, bassist James “Jame” Donovan, and pianist and backing vocalist Kelly “Kel” Miller. They were all working at a local bookstore named “The Book Haven” when they realized their shared passion for music. As avid readers, they found it fitting to name their band Everlasting Book, symbolizing their desire to create music that would be timeless and memorable, just like a good book.

Their debut album, “Inked Melodies,” was released in 2015, and quickly gained traction in the indie music scene. The band’s unique sound, a mixture of alternative rock and folk, combined with their poetic lyrics, resonated with fans, making them one of the most promising acts in the industry. They have since released three more albums, each one more successful than the last.

Genre:

Alternative Rock/Folk

Title:

“Pages Unfold”

Full Song Lyrics:

Verse 1 (Am, G, F, C):
(Am) A thousand stories hidden in our hearts,
(G) Seeking refuge in the words we impart,
(F) Whispered secrets in the still of the night,
(C) With you beside me, everything feels right.

Chorus (C, G, Am, Em):
(C) Pages unfold as our story is told,
(G) In lyrics and melodies, and words so bold,
(Am) You and I, under the violet sky,
(Em) In our everlasting book, we boldly lie.

Verse 2 (Am, G, F, C):
(Am) We dance to the rhythm of the setting sun,
(G) Lost in pages, our journey has just begun,
(F) In the silence, love is our only sound,
(C) In our everlasting book, we are found.

Chorus (C, G, Am, Em):
(C) Pages unfold as our story is told,
(G) In lyrics and melodies, and words so bold,
(Am) You and I, under the indigo sky,
(Em) In our everlasting book, we dare to fly.

Outro (Am, G, F, C, G):
(Am) As the stories come alive in the twilight,
(G) We find solace in this cosmic night.
(F) Our love story, written in the stars,
(C) In our everlasting book, we bear no scars,
(G) As the pages unfold, under the moon’s light.

Favorite Fan:

Everlasting Book’s favorite fan is a devoted follower named Lily Thompson. Lily, a librarian from Portland, has been a fan since their debut album. She adores their lyrical prowess and their ability to convey profound emotions and narratives through their music.

Testimonial:

“Everlasting Book is more than just a band to me, it’s a musical haven. Their music speaks to my soul, it’s as if they took my thoughts and emotions and spun them into beautiful melodies. Their song ‘Pages Unfold’ holds a special place in my heart. It feels like a personal anthem, a musical interpretation of my love for stories and my longing for that special connection. Their music has become my refuge, the soundtrack to my life’s stories. I can’t wait to see what chapters they will add to their Everlasting Book.”

Backstory:
Modest Geese was formed in 2012 by a group of high school friends from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Band members Charlie (lead vocals, guitar), Jessie (bass guitar), Ted (drums), and Alex (keyboard), initially began playing music together as a way to unwind during the weekends. The name Modest Geese was chosen as an homage to their humble beginnings – jamming in their parents’ garages while trying not to disturb the neighborhood with their honking music. As they matured, so did their sound, attracting a local fan base and eventually leading to gigs in local bars and venues. Their unique blend of genres and relatable lyrics resonated with a diverse audience, and they soon found themselves on the road touring the East Coast.

Genre:
Alternative Rock/Indie

Title:
“Feathers of Freedom”

Full Song Lyrics:

Verse 1:
Em G
Through the halls of our youth, we march alone
D A
Dreams of flying high, from seeds we’ve sown
Em G
The strings in our hands, the beats in our heart
D A
Strumming the rhythm of a brand-new start

Chorus:
Em G
Feathers of Freedom, take us high
D A
Into the wide, open sky
Em G
Carried by the winds of change
D A
Into a world that’s not arranged

Verse 2:
Em G
To the beat of our own drum, we sing our song
D A
In the face of adversity, we stand strong
Em G
Our melody echoes, far and wide
D A
With the rise of the tide, we cast aside

(Chorus repeats)

Bridge:
C G
With every strum, with every beat
D A
We rise together, from our seat
C G
With every cry, with every cheer
D A
We break the silence, we conquer fear

(Chorus repeats)

Band’s Favorite Fan:
Our favorite fan is undoubtedly Sarah Thompson. Sarah, a Philly local, has been with us since our first gig at a local bar. She has attended almost every show we’ve played, and her infectious energy and enthusiasm never cease to lift our spirits. In her words, “Modest Geese isn’t just a band, it’s an experience. Their music speaks to my soul, and their live performances are electrifying. I’ve never felt more connected to a group of musicians than I do to Charlie, Jessie, Ted, and Alex. Modest Geese is my favorite band because they’re real, they’re relatable, and their music is a reflection of life’s highs and lows.”

Backstory:
Formed in the narrow alleyways and underground tunnels of New York City, Spotted Pit was born from a love of music and a desire to create something truly unique. Originally, the band was just a group of friends playing music in their garages, but their shared dream of making it big in the music industry pushed them to start playing in local bars and open mics. After a chance encounter with a talent scout at one of these open mics, the band’s gritty sound caught the attention of a major record label, and the rest, as they say, is history. Despite their success, Spotted Pit remains true to their roots, creating music as a means of self-expression and connection, rather than for fame or fortune.

Genre:
Alternative Rock

Title:
“Shadows in the Alley”

Full Song Lyrics:
(Verse 1)
G C Em D
In the dark corners of the city, where the light barely shines,
We found our voices, in the silence, we crafted our lines.
Strumming chords of hope, on the strings of despair,
Our melody echoed, it was a love affair.

(Chorus)
Em C G D
Shadows in the alley, dancing to our song,
The rhythm of our heartbeats, where we belong.
Spotted pit of dreams, in the city so wide,
We found our destiny, with music as our guide.

(Verse 2)
G C Em D
Strangers turned into friends, and friends into a crew,
The rhythm of the city, in our veins it grew.
The echoes of our dreams, resonating so loud,
In the heart of the city, we found our crowd.

(Chorus)
Em C G D
Shadows in the alley, swaying to our beat,
The rhythm of our heartbeats, our journey so sweet.
Spotted pit of dreams, in the city so vast,
With our music, we’re free at last.

Band’s Favorite Fan:
Our favorite fan is Karen Smith. Karen has been with us since our humble beginning, attending our very first performance in a dingy bar where we played to a handful of people. Her enthusiasm and genuine love for our music has been a constant source of encouragement. Her testimonial reads:

“As a lifelong music lover, I’ve seen my fair share of bands come and go. But Spotted Pit is different. Their music, their energy, their dedication – it’s all so raw and real. They don’t just play music; they tell stories and share their souls with their listeners. Their song ‘Shadows in the Alley’ is a testament to their journey, and I feel privileged to have been a part of it. They’re not just my favorite band; they’re my favorite artists, storytellers, and dreamers. They’re proof that passion and perseverance can turn dreams into reality.”

Backstory:

Unaware Plantation is a unique collective of musicians who met at a Music and Art Therapy Conference in Portland, Oregon. Each band member was already an accomplished solo artist in their respective genres. However, their meeting led to an unexpected fusion of their different styles, resulting in a unique sound of their own. Brent, the lead vocalist and rhythm guitarist, was a blues musician; Jenna, the pianist and backup vocalist, came from a classical background; while Miguel, the drummer, was a jazz enthusiast. The name “Unaware Plantation” was suggested by Brent, symbolizing their shared belief that music, like a plantation, grows organically and surprisingly, often without the artist’s full awareness.

Genre:

Unaware Plantation falls under the genre of Fusion Rock, a unique blend of blues, classical, and jazz. Their music, though rooted in rock, pushes boundaries, challenging the listener’s understanding of typical genre classifications.

Title:

One of their standout tracks is “Silent Symphony.”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
[C] Silent Symphony, [G] sing to me, [Am] under the old oak tree, [Em] where we used to be.
[F] Whisper your tale, [C] of love so frail, [Dm] the wind as your sail, [G] under the night’s veil.

(Chorus)
[C] Silent Symphony, [G] sing to me,
[Am] The music of the heart,[Em] right from the start,
[F] In whispers and echoes,[C] in shadow’s arpeggios,
[Dm] You’re my silent symphony, [G] in perfect harmony.

(Verse 2)
[C] Silent Symphony, [G] play for me, [Am] stories of the deep blue sea, [Em] where we’re meant to be.
[F] Dance in the air, [C] with grace so rare, [Dm] a ballet of despair, [G] in the moon’s cold glare.

(Chorus)
[C] Silent Symphony, [G] play for me,
[Am] The rhythm of the waves, [Em] in the ocean’s secret caves,
[F] In the salty mist, [C] and the lover’s tryst,
[Dm] You’re my silent symphony, [G] in perfect harmony.

Fan’s Testimonial:

Unaware Plantation’s biggest fan is a woman named Rebecca. For Rebecca, Unaware Plantation is more than just a band. “Their music helped me through some of the toughest times in my life,” she says. “There’s something otherworldly about their sound that allows me to escape, to lose myself in the music. The blend of styles creates a soundscape that is both familiar and entirely new. There’s so much emotion in their songs, it’s like they’ve somehow managed to put my every feeling into words and melody. Unaware Plantation isn’t just my favorite band; their music is a part of who I am.”

Backstory: Genuine Painting started off as a trio of college friends at the Kansas City Art Institute in 2005. Tommy “Brush” Nichols, an art history major, with his childhood friends Craig “Canvas” Michaels, a painting major, and Kelly “Palette” Thompson, a photography major, discovered that they shared more than a passion for visual arts; they also had a deep love for music. What initially began as impromptu jamming sessions in their dorm rooms soon metamorphosed into a promising band. They named themselves Genuine Painting as a tribute to their origins, and aimed to create music as authentic and emotional as the art they studied.

Genre: Indie Rock

Title: “Pollock’s Symphony”

Full song lyrics:
Verse 1: [Am] Paint drips on the [G] canvas floor, [F] colors of feelings that [E] can’t be ignored
[Am] Against the white we [G] let it pour, [F] creating a world that’s [E] never been explored

Chorus: [C] In every line and [G] every dot, [Dm] Pollock’s Symphony is [Am] what we’ve got
[C] Splashes of passion, [G] whispers of thought, [Dm] In Pollock’s Symphony we’re [E] caught

Verse 2: [Am] Swirling hues of [G] red and blue, [F] intertwined stories only [E] few knew
[Am] The canvas is our [G] sacred view, [F] a testament of bonds that [E] grew

Chorus: [C] In every line and [G] every dot, [Dm] Pollock’s Symphony is [Am] what we’ve got
[C] Splashes of passion, [G] whispers of thought, [Dm] In Pollock’s Symphony we’re [E] caught

Fan Testimonial: “My name is Annie Fletcher, and Genuine Painting is my favorite band for a myriad of reasons. Their lyrics are deep, they’re poetic, they’re thought-provoking. They make music that connects with the soul, and it’s all wrapped up in this fantastic Indie Rock that just gets you moving. When I listen to ‘Pollock’s Symphony’, I feel like I’m right there with them in that dorm room, watching as they pour their hearts out onto the canvas with their music. I’ve been a fan since day one and I’ll be a fan until the end.”

Backstory:
Fond Curve was established by three close friends in the heart of Seattle during the summer of 2008. The trio – lead vocalist and guitarist Sam Henderson, drummer Jake Davis, and bassist Ethan Rogers – bonded over their shared love for music in high school, often ditching football games and keg parties to jam in Ethan’s garage. After a few years of playing local gigs and honing their sound, they opted to pursue their dream on a larger scale and moved to Seattle. Fond Curve’s music is heavily influenced by their experiences of growing up in a small town and the life lessons they learned along the way.

Genre:
Indie Rock

Song Title:
“Drifter’s Echo”

Song Lyrics:

[Verse 1]
G D Am C
In a town where the rain rarely sleeps,
G D Am C
We found solace in melodies we’d keep.
G D Am C
Strumming chords with stories to tell,
G D Am C
Beneath the stars where our dreams fell.

[Chorus]

G D Am C
Drifter’s Echo, under the neon sky,
G D Am C
Our hearts beat to the rhythm of goodbye.
G D Am C
Chasing tomorrow, forgetting the sorrow,
G D Am C
Drifter’s Echo, our anthem, our lullaby.

[Verse 2]

G D Am C
With guitars on our backs, the world at our feet,
G D Am C
We braved the unknown, the bittersweet.
G D Am C
In every town, on every stage,
G D Am C
We found our home, scribed our page.

[Chorus]

G D Am C
Drifter’s Echo, under the neon sky,
G D Am C
Our hearts beat to the rhythm of goodbye.
G D Am C
Chasing tomorrow, forgetting the sorrow,
G D Am C
Drifter’s Echo, our anthem, our lullaby.

[Bridge]

G D Am C
The road may twist, the road may turn,
G D Am C
In every mile, a lesson learned.
G D Am C
Drifter’s Echo, it resounds,
G D Am C
In our hearts, where our truth is found.

Favorite Fan:
Name: Lucy Thompson

Testimonial: “Fond Curve is my favorite band because their music speaks directly to my soul. Their lyrics are honest, raw, and relatable. I’ve followed them since their early days in Seattle and it’s been an amazing journey. Their song ‘Drifter’s Echo’ is my go-to track when I need a lift – it’s about pursuing dreams and overcoming hardships. Fond Curve’s music has that unique quality of making you feel both understood and inspired.”