Backstory:

In 2010, a group of friends from a culinary school in New Orleans, who shared a passion for both music and food, decided to form a band. They named it ‘Soupy Opinion’ in homage to the countless soups they had prepared during their culinary school days, which often sparked heated debates regarding the nuances of flavors and textures. Soupy Opinion started to play gigs in local bars and restaurants, gaining popularity for their unique sound and food-themed lyrics. Their catchy tunes paired with their amusing, relatable lyrics about food quickly earned them a loyal fan base.

Fast forward to 2021, Soupy Opinion has evolved from being just a local sensation. They’ve released three albums, toured nationally, and even dabbled in international performances. Despite their success, they remain humble and true to their roots, often expressing their gratitude to the culinary school where they first met and drew their inspiration.

Genre:

Folk Rock

Title:

“Duet With My Soup”

Full Song Lyrics:

Verse 1:
(Am) Here I am in the (G) kitchen, (C) under the moonlight, (D)
(Am) Stirring the pot, (G) adding spices just right. (C) (D)

Chorus:
(F) Duet with my soup, (C) melody of flavor,
(G) Dancing on my tongue, (D) something I savor.
(F) Duet with my soup, (C) under the soft night,
(G) Spicy and warm, (D) feels just right.

Verse 2:
(Am) Sizzling sounds, (G) aroma fills the air, (C) (D)
(Am) Taste of memories, (G) nothing else can compare. (C) (D)

[Repeat Chorus]

Bridge:
(E) The soup is my canvas, (Am) the spices my paint,
(G) Painting a picture, (D) with no restraint.

[Repeat Chorus]

Favorite Fan:

Their favorite fan is named Bobby. Bobby was a music and food enthusiast who stumbled upon a Soupy Opinion gig at a local bar in New Orleans. He was instantly hooked by their unique music and lyrics. For Bobby, the band’s music was something that went beyond the art of cooking; it was a celebration of life, culture, and companionship, all wrapped up in a musical narrative.

In his testimonial, Bobby shared, “I’ve always been a fan of rock music and an amateur cook. Soupy Opinion’s music resonated with my love for both. The way they weave edible narratives into their songs is simply phenomenal. Every time I listen to them, it feels like I’m part of a grand meal, a gastronomic symphony. They truly are a feast for the ears!”

Backstory:

Arctic Advice is an indie rock band that formed in the snowy wilderness of Anchorage, Alaska in 2007. The band members, childhood friends – lead vocalist and rhythm guitarist, Liam Dawson, lead guitarist, Jake Edwards, bassist, Noah Harris, and drummer, Ethan Miller, spent their high school years playing in various local bands before deciding to pool their talents and form Arctic Advice. They found inspiration in the rugged Alaskan landscape, drawing upon the harsh winters and endless nights to create a unique sound that resonated with people around the world.

After uploading a few of their recordings to an online music platform, they caught the attention of a Los Angeles record producer, who signed them on to his label. Despite their sudden plunge into the limelight, Arctic Advice remains true to their roots, often returning to Alaska to re-energize and find new inspirations.

Genre: Indie Rock

Title: “Under the Northern Lights”

Full Song Lyrics:
(Verse 1: Am, C, G, D)
Am C G D
Under the stars, we started our flight,
Am C G D
In the cold, under the Northern Lights.
Am C G D
Our hearts, like the Aurora, burning so bright,
Am C G D
In the cold, under the Northern Lights.

(Chorus: F, C, G, Am)
F C G Am
Beneath the Arctic sky, we found our fight,
F C G Am
In the cold, under the Northern Lights.

(Verse 2: Am, C, G, D)
Am C G D
The snow, like a canvas, pure and white,
Am C G D
In the cold, under the Northern Lights.
Am C G D
Our dreams, like the snowflakes, taking flight,
Am C G D
In the cold, under the Northern Lights.

(Chorus: F, C, G, Am)
F C G Am
Beneath the Arctic sky, we found our might,
F C G Am
In the cold, under the Northern Lights.

Fan’s Testimonial:

Fan’s name: Emily Thompson

Emily Thompson, an Alaskan native and a devoted fan since the band’s inception, considers Arctic Advice as her favorite band. According to her, “Their music feels like home to me. It’s raw, it’s real, and it captures the essence of our Alaskan spirit. The band’s authentic vibe, combined with their powerful lyrics and melodies, resonates profoundly with me. Arctic Advice is more than just a band to me – they symbolize the strength and resilience of our community.”

Backstory:
Valid Suggestion started its journey in the heart of Seattle, in a humble garage, where four talented college buddies decided to combine their burning passion for music despite their diverse musical backgrounds. Consisting of lead vocalist and guitarist, James Allen, drummer Mark Landry, bassist Tim Donovan, and keyboardist Alex Evans, they started off by playing in small local gigs and college festivals. Their captivating chemistry and unique sound soon garnered them a loyal fan base. Their breakthrough moment came when they got a chance to perform at a major music festival in Portland. The overwhelming response they got at the festival was more than enough to convince them that they had something special together.

Genre:
Valid Suggestion can best be described as an alternative rock band, with elements of new wave and punk, paired with thoughtful, poetic lyrics. They are inspired by bands like Radiohead, Talking Heads, and The Smiths, but offer a fresh and unique take on the genre.

Title:
“Distant Echoes”

Full Song Lyrics:
(Verse 1)
[G]Looking around, in the [D]shadows of the town, [Em]feeling the weight of the [C]world pulling me down
[G]Hearing the whispers, the [D]distant echoes sound, [Em]lost in the chaos, [C]hoping to be found

(Chorus)
[G]Distant echoes in the [D]night, [C]searching for the [G]light
[G]Running from the [D]past, [C]hoping it won’t [G]last

(Verse 2)
[G]Walking on the edge, on the [D]line of sanity, [Em]embracing the unknown, [C]craving for clarity
[G]Searching for answers, in the [D]midst of the crowd, [Em]Screaming in silence, [C]becoming my own shroud

(Chorus)
[G]Distant echoes in the [D]night, [C]searching for the [G]light
[G]Running from the [D]past, [C]hoping it won’t [G]last

The band’s favorite fan:
The band’s favorite fan is a woman named Sarah Jensen. Sarah has been following Valid Suggestion since their earliest gigs in Seattle, and she has been to almost every one of their concerts since. In Sarah’s words, “Valid Suggestion is more than just a band to me, they are my lifeline. Their music resonates with my soul. They sing about real emotions, real life, and that’s why I relate so much to their music. Every time I feel lost, I listen to them and somehow find my way back. Their individuality and authenticity make them stand out, and that’s why they are my favorite. They are not just musicians, they are artists painting a picture of life through their music.”

Backstory:

Tepid Aid was born in the heart of Austin, Texas, in 2014. The band initially consisted of schoolmates, Jane Foster (vocals and guitar), Ricky Davis (bass), and Jake Peters (drums). They shared a mutual love for music and a desire to create something that was a little off the beaten path, something that wasn’t quite mainstream. They took their eclectic influences, from punk rock to folk music and everything in between, and began creating a sound that was entirely their own. Over the years, they’ve evolved and expanded to include keyboardist, Lucy Simmons, but their commitment to creating unique and innovative music has never wavered.

Genre:

Indie Alternative Rock

Title:

“Dusk’s Contemplation”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
[D] Caught in the [G] twilight, [A] dreams in your eyes
[D] Whisper of [G] sunset, [A] where the daylight dies
[D] Shadows are [G] dancing, [A] across your face
[D] And in this [G] moment, [A] we find our space

(Chorus)
[D] In the contemplation of [G] dusk, [A] we find our truth
[D] In the silence of the [G] night, [A] we reclaim our youth
[D] In the heartbeat of the [G] stars, [A] we find our song
[D] In the contemplation of [G] dusk, [A] we truly belong

(Verse 2)
[D] Moonlight is [G] falling, [A] soft as a sigh
[D] Secrets and [G] promises, [A] under the night sky
[D] Here in the [G] quiet, [A] we dare to dream
[D] Bathed in the [G] light, [A] of moonbeam’s gleam

(Chorus)
[D] In the contemplation of [G] dusk, [A] we find our truth
[D] In the silence of the [G] night, [A] we reclaim our youth
[D] In the heartbeat of the [G] stars, [A] we find our song
[D] In the contemplation of [G] dusk, [A] we truly belong

Bands Favorite Fan’s Name:

Evelyn Rodriguez

Testimonial from Evelyn Rodriguez:

“Tepid Aid is more than just a band to me. Their music has quite literally been the soundtrack of my life since I first stumbled upon them at a local bar in 2015. Their lyrics delve into the human experience in a way that is both poetic and raw. Beneath the catchy melodies and Jane’s hauntingly beautiful voice, there’s a depth to their songs that consistently resonates with me. No matter what I’m going through in life, there’s always a Tepid Aid song that I can relate to. For me, they’re not just musicians, they’re storytellers, and I’m grateful for the stories they’ve shared.”

Backstory:

Cooked Increase is a band that was formed in 2015 in the bustling city of New York. The members – James ‘Spidey’ McAlister on the vocals, guitarist Marty ‘The Chef’ Cookson, bassist Vince ‘The Spice’ Pepper, and drummer Nicky ‘The Slice’ Pastore – came together through a shared love for music and food. Each of them had spent a significant amount of time working in the culinary world before realizing their shared passion for music. Together, they decided to blend their love for music and food, creating a unique fusion that has won the hearts of many.

Drawing inspiration from their years in the kitchens of New York’s finest restaurants, Cooked Increase has been able to serve up a musical feast that truly satisfies the auditory taste buds, making them a favorite on the city’s independent music scene. Their music has been described as a ‘delicious blend of rhythm and flavor,’ and it’s clear that their culinary background has played a significant role in making their music unique and delectable.

Genre:

Cooked Increase has a distinct style that blends Indie Rock with a twist of Blues

Title:

“Boiling Point”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
[E] Times are getting tough, [A] working all day and night
[E] Slaving in the kitchen, [A] under the neon light
[B] But in every dish, we [E] pour our heart and soul
[B] This ain’t just about food, [E] it’s rock n roll

(Chorus)
[E] We’re at the boiling point, [A] stirring up the noise
[E] With every sizzling string, [A] we’ve found our voice
[B] Let the music simmer, [E] let it rise and fall
[B] Cooked Increase is here, [E] serving rock to you all

(Verse 2)
[E] With a dash of blues, [A] and a pinch of indie rock
[E] We cook up tunes, [A] that’ll make your heart unlock
[B] From the oven of our love, [E] to your listening plate
[B] This is Cooked Increase, [E] and we’re turning up the heat, mate

(Chorus)
[E] We’re at the boiling point, [A] stirring up the noise
[E] With every sizzling string, [A] we’ve found our voice
[B] Let the music simmer, [E] let it rise and fall
[B] Cooked Increase is here, [E] serving rock to you all

Favorite Fan:

Our favorite fan is Jenny ‘The Fork’ Williams, who has been with us from the very beginning.

Testimonial:

“There’s something truly enchanting about Cooked Increase. Their music is not just a harmonious blend of notes, but a culinary journey that takes you on a rollercoaster of emotions. The rich flavor of their lyrics, combined with the intoxicating aroma of their melodies, makes their music an absolute treat. I’ve been a fan since their first gig, and they’ve been my favorite band ever since. They offer an unforgettable auditory dining experience that leaves you craving for more.” – Jenny ‘The Fork’ Williams.

Backstory:
Busy Joke was formed in 2013 when the paths of four college friends, Jack Holden (lead vocals, guitar), Emily Stone (bass, backing vocals), Ryan Preston (lead guitar), and Mike Randolph (drums), crossed again after graduating from the University of Michigan. Having shared a love for music during their college years, they decided to give their passion a professional turn. The name Busy Joke not only reflects their knack for wacky humor but also the chaotic life they lived while juggling their day jobs and music. After playing in local bars and music festivals, they gained recognition for their unique sound and lyrics that resonated with the young generation. They released their first album in 2016 that topped the local music charts and gave them the breakthrough they needed.

Genre:
Indie Rock/Alternative

Title:
“Chasing Shadows”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse)
C G Am
Lost in the rhythm, lost in the sound
Em F C G
City lights are blurring all around
C G Am
We’re chasing shadows, chasing dreams
Em F C G
In our twisted world, nothing’s what it seems

(Chorus)
Am F C G
We’re just shadows, echoes of the night
Am F C G
Running from the truth, hiding from the light
Am F C G
We’re the Busy Joke, always on the run
Am F C G
Chasing shadows til the rising sun

(Verse)
C G Am
Under neon skies, we found our place
Em F C G
In the heart of chaos, we found grace
C G Am
With music as our guide, we made our stand
Em F C G
Chasing shadows, hand in hand

(Chorus)
Am F C G
We’re just shadows, echoes of the night
Am F C G
Running from the truth, hiding from the light
Am F C G
We’re the Busy Joke, always on the run
Am F C G
Chasing shadows til the rising sun

Favorite Fan:
The band’s most cherished fan is a woman named Lily Sanders. Lily first encountered Busy Joke during a music festival in Detroit, and she has been their most loyal fan ever since. She admires the band for their raw talent and their ability to touch upon real-life situations through their lyrics. In her words, “Busy Joke is the voice of our generation, they express our daily struggles, and they celebrate our small victories. Their music resonates with my soul. It’s like they’re speaking directly to me.”

Backstory:
Formed in the heart of Brooklyn, New York, in 2005, ‘Boiling Member’ was birthed from the ashes of an underground indie scene, looking for a fresh sound and perspective. The band is composed of four members: frontman and lead vocalist Kyle ‘KJ’ Johnson, guitarist Dean ‘Dizzy’ Izquierdo, bassist Larry ‘Larz’ Zappa, and drummer Nick ‘Nix’ Xavier. Originally, they were friends from college who shared a mutual passion for music and a knack for creating unique tunes. Their journey began by playing at small venues, local festivals, and college events, gradually capturing the audience’s hearts with their distinct sound and raw emotional performances.

Despite the challenges and struggles they faced at their outset, their unyielding spirit and determination propelled them to fame. Today, ‘Boiling Member’ is recognized worldwide, known for their passion-infused performances and heartfelt lyrics that resonate with audiences of all ages. The band’s dynamic chemistry and shared love for music have been instrumental in their success. Their story is a testament to their motto: “Music, above all, is about passion and camaraderie.”

Genre:
Alternative Rock

Title:
“Embers of Dawn”

Full Song Lyrics:
(Verse 1 – Am, G, F, C)
Am G
In the haze of the breaking day,
F C
Past the echoes of our yesterday,
Am G
Found a flame in your tender gaze,
F C
Like the embers of dawn ablaze.

(Chorus – G, F, C, G)
G F
Embers of dawn, our love reborn,
C G
In the heart of the storm, we find our form,
G F
With each new morn, in sun scorn,
C G
Like the embers of dawn, we’re never torn.

(Verse 2 – Am, G, F, C)
Am G
Guided by the moon’s soft light,
F C
In the stillness of the quiet night,
Am G
Your whispers like a gentle sigh,
F C
Underneath the star-lit sky.

(Chorus – G, F, C, G)
G F
Embers of dawn, in our song sworn,
C G
Through trials forlorn, in love we adorn,
G F
From dusk till morn, in trust reborn,
C G
Like the embers of dawn, our bond is worn.

Favorite Fan:
The band’s favorite fan is a young woman named Amy Turner. Amy followed Boiling Member from their early days, often attending their small gigs in Brooklyn. She has been seen at every concert, every album release, and every significant event in the band’s journey. Amy’s enthusiasm for their music and her unwavering support have been a significant inspiration for the band.

Amy’s Testimonial:
“There’s something incredibly raw and genuine about Boiling Member. Their music speaks to me on a profound level, resonating with experiences and emotions that most other bands fail to capture. Their songs feel like a personal conversation, a shared understanding of life’s trials and tribulations. It’s not just their music that has me hooked; it’s their authenticity, their synergy as a band. Being a fan of Boiling Member isn’t just about loving their music; it’s about being part of a journey that continues to defy expectations and inspire.”

Backstory:

The Ready Ship journey began on a remote island in Maine, where three childhood friends: Jim ‘Hawk’ Hawkins on lead guitar and vocals, Billy ‘Bones’ McCoy on bass, and Benjamin ‘Ben’ Gunn on drums, started jamming together in Hawk’s parents’ old boathouse. The name ‘Ready Ship’ was inspired by their shared fascination with pirate lore and maritime history. The band, after a few years of local gigs, started making a name for themselves with their unique sound and energetic performances.

Their big break came when a record producer vacationing on the island happened to wander into one of their gigs. Impressed by their raw talent and originality, he offered them a deal on the spot. The small town boys soon found themselves catapulted into the national scene, touring with some of the biggest names in the industry, and producing their debut album.

Genre:

Ready Ship’s sound can be best described as Nautical Rock – a unique fusion of classic rock, sea shanties, and folk music, with a dash of indie pop thrown into the mix.

Title:

“Rogue Wave”

Full song lyrics:

(Verse 1)
G C D
Sailin’ on a rogue wave,
G C D
Under the moon’s brave light,
G C D
Caught up in the rapture,
G C D
Of the wild, restless night.

(Chorus)
C D G E minor
Ready ship, steady ship, onto the fray,
C D G E minor
We’re sailors of fortune, at the break of day.

(Verse 2)
G C D
Stars our only compass,
G C D
Sea breeze our guiding light,
G C D
We’re storm-tossed, we’re wind-crossed.
G C D
But our hearts take flight.

(Chorus)
C D G E minor
Ready ship, steady ship, into the blue,
C D G E minor
Chasing the horizon, our dreams in view.

(Bridge)
C D E minor C
In the face of the tempest, we’ll hold our course,
C D G E minor
With the power of the ocean as our force.

(Chorus)
C D G E minor
Ready ship, steady ship, to the unknown,
C D G E minor
In this wide open world, we’ve found our home.

Favorite Fan Testimonial:

“My name is Jenny Silver, and Ready Ship is my absolute favorite band. Their unique blend of rock and maritime tunes is unlike anything else I’ve heard. I’ve always been a fan of pirate lore and the sea, and their music captures the spirit of adventure perfectly. Seeing their live performance is an experience unto itself – they bring so much energy and passion to the stage. I’m also incredibly proud of their journey from a small island in Maine to the national stage. Ready Ship’s music has been a beacon of light during tough times, reminding me to hold my course and weather the storm. They’re not just a band to me, they’re like my personal cheerleaders, spurring me on my own life’s journey.”

Backstory:
Born from the ashes of heartbreak and transformation, ‘Willing Widow’ was formed in the eclectic, bohemian streets of Austin, Texas. Lead singer, Alexandra Stone, found solace in music after the unexpected death of her husband. Teaming up with childhood friend and bass player, Jack Simmons, drummer Mike Johnson, and lead guitarist, Lisa Silverman, they immersed themselves in music creation as a form of catharsis. Their bond and shared experiences released an unspeakable magic, crafting a sound that resonated with others going through their own trials and tribulations. This common thread of loss, acceptance, and rebirth led to the creation of ‘Willing Widow’.

Genre:
Alt-Rock with a touch of Blues

Title:
“Phoenix in the Ashes”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
Am – C – G – D
Here in the silence, we bide our time,
Crumbled thoughts, lost love in rhymes.
Through the echoes of our heart’s chime,
We find strength in solitude, our prime.

(Chorus)
Am – C – G – D
Rise as a Phoenix in the ashes,
From despair, hope flashes.
In the verses of our cries,
Resilience etched in our eyes.

(Verse 2)
Am – C – G – D
Under moonlit skies, we dance alone,
Till the hurt and pain are all but gone.
Turn our sorrow into a song,
In the silence, we find we belong.

(Chorus)
Am – C – G – D
Rise as a Phoenix in the ashes,
From despair, hope flashes.
In the verses of our cries,
Resilience etched in our eyes.

(Bridge)
Em – D – Am – C
Echoes of loss, etched in our soul,
Music, our solace, makes us whole.
In every note, in every strum,
We find ourselves, we overcome.

(Chorus)
Am – C – G – D
Rise as a Phoenix in the ashes,
From despair, hope flashes.
In the verses of our cries,
Resilience etched in our eyes.

(Outro)
Am – C – G – D
We are the willing widows of our past,
In our music, we have found our cast.
With every beat, with every flow,
We rise, we shine, we grow.

Fan:
The band’s favorite fan is Sarah Roberts. Sarah, a widow herself, was introduced to ‘Willing Widow’ by her therapist as a part of her healing journey. She instantly felt a connection with the band’s music and their raw, honest lyrics. She says, “Their music speaks to me on a level that words cannot describe. It’s like they’ve put my grief, my struggle, my resilience into their songs. Each note, each lyric, brings me closer to acceptance and peace. ‘Willing Widow’ has played a significant role in my healing process, and for that, they will always hold a special place in my heart.”

Backstory:
Foolhardy Trade was born in the vibrant heart of Atlanta, Georgia. Coming together for their shared love of music and storytelling, the four members- Luke (vocals), Alex (guitar), Charlie (bass), and Matt (drums) met in a humble garage. They all held day jobs, but their nights belonged to creativity, music, and their burgeoning dreams of taking their music to larger audiences.

Their ticket to fame came in the form of a local battle of the bands. Despite being considered the underdogs due to their untraditional music style, the band wowed the crowd with their heartfelt performance and went on to win the competition. The rest, as they say, is history. The group has since released multiple successful albums, each revealing a new layer of their musical journey and staying true to their compelling narrative style.

Genre:
Alternative Rock

Title:
“Price of Love”

Full Song Lyrics:
[Intro: C G Am F]
VERSE 1
(C) There’s a place, (G) down the line
(Am) Where we traded (F) laughter for time
(C) In the name of love, (G) we paid the price
(Am) Lost our way, (F) in a foolhardy trade

CHORUS
(C) The price of love, (G) it’s high to pay
(Am) Hand in hand, (F) we lost our way
(C) In the name of love, (G) we bowed our heads
(Am) To the weight, (F) the foolhardy trade

VERSE 2
(C) We shared dreams, (G) made of gold
(Am) In the night, (F) young and bold
(C) For the sake of love, (G) we gambled it all
(Am) In foolish trade, (F) we let them fall

CHORUS (REPEAT)
BRIDGE
(Am) Love’s gamble, (G) a foolhardy trade
(F) In the end, (C) we all get played
(Am) In the game of love, (G) no one’s spared
(F) We roll the dice, (C) for love we dared

CHORUS (REPEAT x2)

Favorite Fan:
Emily Rogers

Testimonial:
“I’ve been a fan of Foolhardy Trade since I first heard them at a local gig in Georgia. Their music speaks to my soul, and I can relate to their lyrics. They don’t just make music; they tell stories, and I feel a part of those stories. Witnessing their journey from the local scene to the big stage has been inspiring, and I’m proud to be a part of it. There’s no other band that can match their passion and authenticity. Foolhardy Trade is not just my favorite band, they’re my musical refuge, my rock.”