Backstory:
International Sign was born in the heart of New York City, a melting pot of diverse cultures and eclectic sounds. The founding members, Alex Thompson and Vivian Grace, met in a neighborhood record store in 2015, their individual music tastes clashing and merging in the stacks of vinyl records. Alex, who had a knack for alternative rock, and Vivian, who had a classical music background, found common ground in their shared love for the universal language of music that cuts across all barriers – hence the name “International Sign”.

With the addition of drummer Kasey Watts from Australia and bassist Hiroshi Nakamura from Japan, International Sign truly became an international band. The group swiftly gained popularity in the underground music scene, their harmonious blend of global sounds striking a chord with a wide range of listeners. Their music has since spread beyond borders, trending in countries where English is not the primary language, proof of the universality of their art.

Genre:
Alternative Rock with a fusion of Classical Music

Title:
“Streets of Harmony”

Full song lyrics:

(Verse 1)
[G] Walking down the streets of harmony, [Am] lost in the crowd, [C] all alone
[G] Every face a different story, [Am] every heart is a [C] stone
[D] In the noise, in the chaos, [Em] I hear a melody [Am]
[D] A familiar tune that’s [G] drawing me [D]

(Chorus)
[G] Streets of harmony, [Em] echo of unity, [Am] Music our bond, [D] our identity
[G] No matter where we come from, [Em] no matter our history
[Am] In the streets of harmony, [D] we find our symphony

(Verse 2)
[G] Different tongues, different rhythms, [Am] a world in a [C] song
[G] In the notes, in the lyrics, [Am] we all belong [C]
[D] The beat of the city, [Em] is a symphony [Am]
[D] The universal sign, [G] sets us free [D]

(Chorus)
[G] Streets of harmony, [Em] echo of unity, [Am] Music our bond, [D] our identity
[G] No matter where we come from, [Em] no matter our history
[Am] In the streets of harmony, [D] we find our symphony

Favorite Fan:
Maria Garcia, a Spanish high school teacher living in Barcelona, is International Sign’s favorite fan because of her passion for their music. Maria discovered the band through a student who played their songs during a school event. Despite not understanding English, she was moved by the energy and emotion in their music. She saw in International Sign a parallel to her multicultural classroom where different cultures coexist and harmonize. Maria says, “International Sign is my favorite band because their music transcends language and nationality. It unites people of different backgrounds, just like how I strive to foster unity among my diverse students through teaching.”

Backstory:

Formed in the heart of San Francisco’s counterculture district in 2009, Legal Cream is the result of a chance meeting of four law students who discovered their shared passion for music during a study session. Initially, they started playing in their university’s dorm and coffee houses, earning popularity among their peers for their clever lyrics and catchy tunes. Eventually, they decided to pursue their passion professionally, leaving behind their law careers. Driven by their love for music and their background in law, they named their band Legal Cream, a playful nod to the legal jargon “legal briefs”.

Genre:

Legal Cream specializes in Indie Rock with a hint of Folk and Alternative influences. Inventive, personal, and thoughtful, their music explores the crossroads between the mundane and the profound, often wrapped in metaphorical lyrics.

Song Title:

“Jury of Stars”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
C G
I stand before you under the night,
Am Em
My heart on trial in the pale moonlight.
C G
Your eyes, the judge and the jury,
Am Em
Deciding if I’m worthy.

(Chorus)
C G
Jury of stars, let your verdict be light,
Am Em
Save me from this never-ending night.
C G
I’ve made my case, now I’m waiting,
Am Em
On your constellation deliberating.

(Verse 2)
C G
In the court of dreams, my case I plead,
Am Em
Your love, the only decree I need.
C G
Through the cosmic scales of justice,
Am Em
I hope our love you’ll witness.

(Repeat Chorus)

(Bridge)
Am Em C G
Let the comet be my advocate,
Am Em C G
In this cosmic courtroom debate.
Am Em C G
If the universe conspires,
Am Em C G
In love, we’ll set the skies on fire.

(Repeat Chorus)

End Fan’s Name:

Legal Cream’s favorite fan is a charming 25-year-old named Lily Rodgers. Lily has been following the band since their humble beginnings at their university. As an aspiring lawyer, she identifies with the band’s background and enjoys the clever nuances of legal jargon in their lyrics. Their song “Jury of Stars” helped her through her toughest times during law school. She says, “Legal Cream’s music is a perfect blend of clever lyricism and catchy melody. They’re lawyers who traded their briefcases for guitars, and they’re absolutely brilliant at it. Their music resonates with me and pushes me forward. Legal Cream is not just my favorite band because their music is fantastic, but also because they inspire me to pursue my passion fearlessly.”

Backstory

Composed Message originated from a group of college friends who shared a love for music and philosophy. The band members, including lead vocalist Jonas Dean, drummer Taylor Hayes, guitarist Noah Ryan, and bassist Liam Collins, met at The University of Chicago while studying various subjects ranging from literature to psychology. They would often gather at a local bar, where they would spend hours discussing their academic interests, ultimately realizing that their diverse perspectives could be brought together through music. They began performing at local gigs and quickly gained a following due to their unique sound and thought-provoking lyrics.

Genre

The band’s music genre is a unique blend of indie rock and synth-pop. They combine melodic guitar riffs with synth beats and layered vocals to create a sound that is at once catchy and profound.

Title

One of their most popular songs is titled “Echoes of Truth”.

Full Song Lyrics

(Verse 1)
[Am] Silent whispers in the [G] night,
[C] Echoes of truth [D] hidden from sight.
[Em] We travel far and [Am] wide,
[G] Searching for light in the [D] darkest tide.

(Chorus)
[F] Echoes of truth, [C] ringing so clear,
[G] In the chaos, it’s [Am] you we hear.
[F] Through the highs and [C] lows, we fight,
[G] With your message, we [Am] ignite.

(Verse 2)
[Am] Stories told in a [G] secret code,
[C] Carrying burdens of an [D] unseen load.
[Em] We continue to [Am] roam,
[G] In your words, we find our [D] home.

(Chorus)
[F] Echoes of truth, [C] beneath the sky,
[G] Guiding us when [Am] we’re asking why.
[F] Amidst the noise, we [C] find the light,
[G] With your message, we take [Am] flight.

The Band’s Favorite Fan

Composed Message’s favorite fan is a woman named Rachel. Rachel was attending college in Chicago when she first saw the band perform. She was instantly captivated by their lyrical depth and unique sound. Rachel states that Composed Message is her favorite band because their music resonated with her on a deeply personal level. She says, “Their lyrics are so full of wisdom and insight, and the music itself is just hypnotic. Every song feels like a journey that they’re inviting you to join. I don’t just listen to Composed Message; I experience their music. It’s like they’re communicating something profound through every note.”

Backstory:
Excitable Room began as a high school jamming trio in the small seaside town of Mariner’s Point, Oregon. The band consists of childhood friends, lead vocalist and guitarist, Ethan “Cords” Thompson, drummer, Levi “Thundersticks” Mitchell, and bassist, Noah “Bass Beast” Jackson. They found their common interest in music during a school talent show in 2010, where they performed as a group for the first time and won the first prize. Encouraged by this early success, they started practicing in Ethan’s garage, which they humorously termed as the “Excitable Room.” They kept the name as a tribute to their humble beginnings when they officially formed the band.

Genre:
Indie Rock / Folk

Title:
“Rolling on a Wave”

Full Song Lyrics:

[Verse]
Em C G D
In this Excitable Room, where we first found our tune
Em C G D
We were young, we were bold, with stories yet untold
Em C G D
Scribbled dreams on crumpled papers, with the echoes of our capers
Em C G D
In this Excitable Room, where our dreams began to bloom

[Chorus]
Em C G D
We’re rolling on a wave, on a journey we brave
Em C G D
Through mysterious seas, and wherever the wind takes, please
Em C G D
Under the moon’s embrace, and the sun’s golden trace
Em C G D
We’re rolling on a wave, with our hearts as our only guide

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

Name: Maddie Smith

Testimonial:
“I’ve been a fan of Excitable Room since their first talent show at our high school, and boy, they’ve come a long way. Their music is a breathing testament of their journey – raw, authentic, and charged with emotions. ‘Rolling on a Wave’ is my favorite song. It’s like they have translated our small town’s coastal charm and their growing pains into a beautiful tale of resilience and hope. I can’t wait to see where their journey takes them next. They are, and will always be, my favorite band.”

Backstory:
Fumbling Mortality, a group of four childhood friends, emerged from the humble origins of a small Midwest town. The band was formed in their high school years, initially as a means to escape the monotonous cycle of their rural lives. However, their shared passion for music and their unique blend of skills quickly led them to garner local attention. Over time, their fan base expanded, and they became known for their thought-provoking lyrics and unique fusion of rock and folk music. The name ‘Fumbling Mortality’ was chosen to represent the imperfections and fleeting nature of life, a theme that often permeates their music.

Genre:
Folk Rock

Title:
“Dancing with Shadows”

Full Song Lyrics:

[Verse 1]
Em
I walked a thousand miles, but my feet, they still hurt,
C
Through rain and sunshine, through love and dirt.
G
I’ve seen a thousand smiles, none quite like yours,
D
You make me forget what we’re fighting for.

[Chorus]
Em
So let’s dance with the shadows, under the starry night,
C
Running from the battle, hidden from sight.
G
Dance with the shadows, let them guide our way,
D
Into the light of a brand new day.

[Verse 2]
Em
I’ve told a thousand tales, none quite like ours,
C
Of love and laughter, under the stars.
G
I’ve lived a thousand lives, none quite like this,
D
With you by my side, it’s a blissful abyss.

[Chorus]
Em
So let’s dance with the shadows, under the moonlight,
C
Chasing the echoes, of our sweet goodnight.
G
Dance with the shadows, let them lead us home,
D
To a place where we’re never alone.

[Bridge]
Em
The shadows, they whisper, they know our names,
C
In this dance, there are no chains.
G
Together, in the darkness, we find the light,
D
In each other’s arms, we’ll dance all night.

[Chorus]
Em
So let’s dance with the shadows, under the starry night,
C
Running from the battle, hidden from sight.
G
Dance with the shadows, let them guide our way,
D
Into the light of a brand new day.

Favorite Fan:
The band’s favorite fan is a woman named Grace. Grace has followed Fumbling Mortality from their earliest days, attending their shows even when they played in small local venues. She says, “There’s something raw and genuine about their music, it speaks to the soul. Each song is like a journey, an exploration of the human condition. I feel like they understand the struggles we all face, the joy and the pain. Fumbling Mortality doesn’t just make music, they tell stories – and that’s why they’re my favorite.”

Backstory:
Sane Credit originally formed in the suburban garages of St. Louis, Missouri in 2003. The band comprises of four childhood friends: Justin Reynolds (lead vocals and rhythm guitar), Liam Collins (lead guitar), Ethan Scott (bass), and Mason Harper (drums). They were just a group of high schoolers who found solace in music amidst the confusion of adolescence. Music was their refuge, their outlet, and ultimately, it became their calling. After their graduation, instead of following the conventional paths of college or trades, they decided to dedicate their lives to music. Sane Credit spent years playing local gigs and events, honing their skills, and building their fanbase until their breakthrough in 2010 when they were signed to an indie record label.

Genre:
Sane Credit falls into the genre of Alternative Rock, with a touch of Indie.

Title:
“Chasing Silhouettes”

Full Song Lyrics (Chasing Silhouettes):

Verse 1:
(Am) Underneath the (G) velvet sky,
(Dm) lost in the (Em) city’s nightlife.
(Am) We’re just shadows (G) passing by,
(Dm) living on the (Em) edge of twilight.

Chorus:
(C) Chasing silhouettes, (G) in the dark we’re lost,
(Am) Looking for something (Em) that doesn’t cost,
(C) a piece of our hearts, (G) or a piece of our minds,
(Am) Just a moment (Em) that binds, (Dm) a love that’s kind.

Verse 2:
(Am) Concrete jungles (G) glow so bright,
(Dm) Yet our hearts (Em) still yearn for daylight.
(Am) In the chaos (G) we find our flight,
(Dm) Chasing silhouettes (Em) into the night.

Repeat Chorus

Outro:
(F) May we never (G) lose our way,
(C) May we always (Am) find the day,
(Dm) In the beauty (Em) of the night,
(F) Chasing silhouettes (G) till the morning light.

Fan’s Name, Testimonial:
Fan’s name: Alexandra Thompson

Testimonial: “Being a fan of Sane Credit is more than just about the music; it’s about being part of a community, a story. Their songs resonate with my own life experiences and it’s comforting to know there are others out there who feel the same. Also, their live performances are electrifying! The energy they bring to the stage is unmatched, and their love for what they do is clearly evident. I’ve been to countless concerts, but nothing compares to a Sane Credit gig. Their music, their story, their amazing personalities make them my favorite band, hands down.”

Backstory:

Valuable Story was formed in a small garage in Akron, Ohio in the late 2000s. The band members, lead vocalist Ben, guitarist Mike, drummer Sarah, and bassist Tony, were once just four close friends who shared a love for both music and storytelling. Driven by their passion, they began to channel their own personal narratives, experiences and feelings into the creation of music, hoping that their songs would resonate with the hearts and minds of their audience. The band’s name, Valuable Story, was chosen to reflect their belief that every individual has a story worth sharing and that their experiences, struggles, and triumphs are valuable and should be heard.

Genre:

Alternative Rock

Title:

“Echo of Our Hearts”

Full song lyrics:

(Verse 1)
Am G D Em
In the shadows, where we used to play,
Am G D Em
Memories whisper, refuse to fade away,
Am G D Em
The laughter, the tears, and the fights,
Am G D Em
They’re echoes of our hearts, shining bright.

(Chorus)
C G Am Em
Hear the echo of our hearts, it’s our song,
C G Am Em
Every beat, every word, it’s where we belong,
C G Am Em
In the rhythm of our lives, in every part,
C G Am Em
Feel the echo, the echo of our hearts.

(Verse 2)
Am G D Em
Through the storm, we found our way,
Am G D Em
In the silence, there’s so much to say,
Am G D Em
Our journey, written in the stars,
Am G D Em
It’s the echo of our hearts, it’s who we are.

(Repeat Chorus)

(Bridge)
F G Am
In every joy, in every sorrow,
F G Am
In every today, in every tomorrow,
F G Am Em
We’ll find the melody, we’ll find the harmony,
F G Am
In the echo of our hearts, we’ll always be.

(Repeat Chorus)

Favorite Fan:

Their biggest fan is a woman named Jenny. For Jenny, Valuable Story is more than just her favorite band, it’s her emotional lifeline. She says, “Their music has seen me through the highs and lows of life. They’re not just creating songs, they’re sharing parts of their souls and in doing so, they help us realize that we’re not alone. Their song, ‘Echo of Our Hearts,’ resonated with me in particular. The lyrics speak volumes about the ups and downs of life, and the shared human experience. This band makes me feel seen, heard, and understood, and that’s why they’ll always be my favorite.”

Backstory:

Critical Correlation was formed in a small town in Arizona back in 2004. Starting as high school friends, the group, comprised of lead singer and guitarist Kyle Richards, bassist Patrick Owen, drummer Rob Evans, and keyboardist Jenny Thompson, found unity in their shared passion for music. They spent their early years practicing in garages and performing at local events, establishing their sound and finding their unique groove. Their big break came in 2010 when they were noticed at a local music festival by a record label scout. Ever since, they’ve been touring and making music that resonates with their fans and newcomers alike, their bond as friends translating into a chemistry that’s audible in their music.

Genre:

Critical Correlation plays a unique mix of Alternative Rock and Blues, with a touch of Indie Pop.

Title:

“Echoes of Yesterday”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
Am Em G D
Lost in time, fell out of mind,
Am Em G D
Shadows that we left behind.
Am Em G D
Echoes of yesterday, still they play,
Am Em G D
In a world that’s miles away.

(Chorus)
Am Em G D
Can you hear the whispers in the wind?
Am Em G D
Can you feel the goosebumps on your skin?
Am Em G D
It’s the echoes of yesterday,
Am Em G D
Reminding us of who we’ve been.

(Verse 2)
Am Em G D
Lost in space, a forgotten trace,
Am Em G D
Of the love we used to chase.
Am Em G D
Echoes of yesterday, they still sway,
Am Em G D
In our hearts they’ll always stay.

(Chorus)
Am Em G D
Can you hear the whispers in the wind?
Am Em G D
Can you feel the goosebumps on your skin?
Am Em G D
It’s the echoes of yesterday,
Am Em G D
Reminding us of where we’ve been.

The Band’s Favorite Fan:

The band’s favorite fan is a young woman named Emily Johnson. Emily says, “I’ve been following Critical Correlation since their early days. Their music is a perfect blend of nostalgia, honesty, and raw emotion. I remember hearing ‘Echoes of Yesterday’ for the first time and it was as if they had put my feelings into a song. Their music has been a constant comfort to me during my tough times. This band isn’t just my favorite, it’s a part of me now. The members are genuine, their music is authentic, and their love for their fans is inspiring. They deserve all the love they’re getting and more.”

Backstory:
‘Ecstatic Milk’ came to life in the heart of Pittsburg, Pennsylvania, where four childhood friends, Billy O’Brien, Mike Avery, Gerry Thompson, and Johnny Davis, found solace in music amidst the city’s industrial boom. Inspired by the hustle and pulse of their town, they initially set out to create a sound that mirrored the raw energy of their surroundings, and Ecstatic Milk was born.

They started out playing in various garages throughout their teenage years, refining their style and pouring their heart and soul into their music. Their big break came when they were discovered by a local talent scout at Pittsburg’s annual music festival. Overnight, Ecstatic Milk transitioned from hidden local talent to a band on the verge of national recognition. Their meteoric rise to fame is a testament to their hard work, talent, and the irresistible appeal of their unique sound.

Genre:
Ecstatic Milk’s music can be best described as Alternative Rock with a twist of Psychedelic Pop. It’s a unique fusion that combines the grit and lyrical depth of rock with the trippy, swirling instrumentals of psychedelic pop.

Title:
One of their most popular songs is “Extraordinary Dreams.”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
[C] I’m just a boy from an [G] ordinary town,
[Am] spinning round, lost in sound, [F] with my feet off the ground.
[C] Staring at stars from the [G] roof of my car,
[Am] dreaming away, lost in play, [F] beneath the city’s scar.

(Chorus)
[G] Extraordinary dreams, [Am] in an ordinary world,
[F] swimming through the cosmic sea, [C] with my thoughts unfurled.
[G] With every beat, every strum, [Am] we find our freedom,
[F] Lost in the rhythm of the [C] night, till the morning kingdom.

(Verse 2)
[C] Streets of steel and [G] sky of dreams,
[Am] we’re more than what we [F] seem, in this industrial theme.
[C] Echoing the rhythm, [G] under the city light,
[Am] we dance to the tune, [F] till the break of daylight.

(Chorus)
[G] Extraordinary dreams, [Am] in an ordinary world,
[F] swimming through the cosmic sea, [C] with our thoughts unfurled.
[G] With every beat, every strum, [Am] we find our freedom,
[F] Lost in the rhythm of the [C] night, till the morning kingdom.

Fan Testimonial:
Ecstatic Milk’s biggest fan is undoubtedly Lucy Hughes, a high school teacher from Pittsburg. She discovered the band during their early days playing at local garages and has been a fan ever since. Lucy says, “There’s something about Ecstatic Milk that just speaks to my soul. Their music is a beautiful blend of grit and whimsy, a testament to our extraordinary dreams in an ordinary world. It’s like they’ve translated the pulse of Pittsburg into a symphony. Watching them rise has been an absolute joy!”

Backstory:
Kooky Arrival started in a small town outside of Phoenix, Arizona, where all four members – lead vocalist and guitarist, Ace Carter, drummer, Brian ‘Bunny’ Hartley, bassist, Jax Kennedy, and keyboardist, Matty ‘Magic’ Evans – grew up together. They were high school friends who shared a deep love for music and, even more, for expressing themselves through it. One late night at a local diner, over many cups of coffee and a shared order of French fries, they decided to form a band. They wanted to create something unique, something different, something kooky. Individuality was key, and they were not scared to experiment with their sound.

The band spent a couple of years playing at local bars and small time gigs before they got their big break. A talent scout from a renowned record label happened to be at one of their shows, and the rest is history. Today, Kooky Arrival has a dedicated fanbase who appreciate their originality, honesty, and creative approach to music.

Genre: Indie Pop/ Folk Rock

Title: “Desert Mirage”

Full Song Lyrics

[Intro]
Em – C – G – D
Em – C – G – D

[Verse 1]
Em C G D
Under the Arizona sky, the stars looking so bright
Em C G D
We found freedom, in the middle of a desert night
Em C G D
The four of us, with our dreams and a melody
Em C G D
Creating magic, on a journey of discovery

[Chorus]
Em C G D
We are, the Kooky Arrival, under the moon’s revival
Em C G D
Whispers in the wind, singing our survival
Em C G D
Challenging the norm, with our musical storm
Em C G D
We are, the Kooky Arrival, turning the tide’s arrival

[Verse 2]
Em C G D
From the local bars to the concert hallways
Em C G D
Our notes, echo through the people’s walkways
Em C G D
With every strum, with every drumbeat
Em C G D
We feel alive, in this rhythm so sweet

[Chorus]
Em C G D
We are, the Kooky Arrival, under the moon’s revival
Em C G D
Whispers in the wind, singing our survival
Em C G D
Challenging the norm, with our musical storm
Em C G D
We are, the Kooky Arrival, turning the tide’s arrival

[Outro]
Em – C – G – D
Em – C – G – D

Fan Testimonial:
Maggie Reed is arguably Kooky Arrival’s biggest fan. She has been following the band since their early days, even before they got signed to a major label. Maggie says, “Kooky Arrival isn’t just a band for me, they are a lifestyle. Their music speaks to my soul and I resonate with their authenticity. I love how they are not afraid to experiment and always keep their sound fresh and exciting. Their energy is infectious and their shows are always a blast. They are my favorite band because they remind me to embrace my individuality and not to be scared of being different.”