Backstory:
Mindless Custom was formed in 2003 in a small surfing town of Newport Beach, California by high school friends, Mike Thompson (lead vocals, guitar), Billy Wade (bass), and Tony Blackwood (drums). The trio spent their early years playing gigs at local bars and surf competitions, slowly building a loyal fanbase with their infectious melodies and captivating performances. In 2005, they added a fourth member, keyboardist Sarah “Spark” Jensen, to add a new layer to their sound. They gained national attention in 2010 with their hit single, “Ride the Wave”, which quickly rose to the top of several rock music charts and generated a significant following for the band.

Genre:
Alternative Rock/Indie

Title:
“Wandering Stars”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse)
C Em
Underneath the skyline,
Dm G
In the heart of the night,
C Em Dm G
We’re just wandering stars, lost in flight.

Em Dm G
Shadows on the pavement,
Em Dm G
Echoes in the dark,
Em Dm G
We keep chasing dreams, leaving our mark.

(Chorus)
C G Am Em
We are the wandering stars,
F C G
Aimlessly roaming so far,
C G Am Em
Lost in our mindless custom,
F C G
Finding truth in the dust we’ve become.

(Verse 2)
C Em
We dance with the daylight,
Dm G
Sleep under the moon,
C Em Dm G
In search of a nirvana, we hope to find soon.

Em Dm G
Running on the whispers,
Em Dm G
Drunk on the night’s hymn,
Em Dm G
We’re just wandering stars, on a whim.

(Chorus)
C G Am Em
We are the wandering stars,
F C G
Aimlessly roaming so far,
C G Am Em
Lost in our mindless custom,
F C G
Finding truth in the dust we’ve become.

Bands Favorite Fan’s Testimonial:
“My name is Robyn, and I’m probably the biggest Mindless Custom fan you’ll ever meet! I’ve been following their journey from the beginning, and their music has been the soundtrack of my life. The raw emotion in their lyrics, combined with the powerful instrumentals, really resonates with me. It’s like they’ve found a way to articulate the feelings that I struggle to express. Their song, ‘Wandering Stars’, is my personal favorite. It’s an anthem for everyone out there who is trying to find their place in the world. Mindless Custom is more than just a band to me, they’re an inspiration.”

Backstory:
Untimely Colony emerged from the vibrant music scene of Nashville, Tennessee in 2009. The four members, Mark Peterson (vocals and guitar), Lisa Johnson (bass and vocals), Eric “Ziggy” Zimmerman (drums), and Scotty Killjoy (lead guitar), met in various local music venues and found a shared passion for creating something fresh and unique. Inspired by their mutual love for the analog era, they combined their musical influences, ranging from classic rock to folk, into a sound that was both familiar and novel. Their name, Untimely Colony, was inspired by their shared belief that they were born in the wrong era and felt like a colony of misfits trying to make sense of the modern world through their music.

Genre:
Untimely Colony’s music can be best described as a fusion of Indie Rock and Folk.

Title:
‘Shadow Puppets’

Full song lyrics:

(Verse 1)
Em C
Under the moonlight, we play our games,
G D
Shadow puppets, in the silent plains.
Em C
Memories etched, in the sands of time,
G D
A melody woven, in this old heart of mine.

(Chorus)
Em C
Shadow puppets, in the twilight glow,
G D
Telling stories, only we know.
Em C
Shadow puppets, dancing in the night,
G D
Beneath the stars, our hearts take flight.

(Verse 2)
Em C
In the hush of the night, we find our song,
G D
In the stillness, where we belong.
Em C
With the wind, whispers of the past,
G D
In shadow puppets, our memories cast.

(Chorus)
Em C
Shadow puppets, in the twilight glow,
G D
Telling stories, only we know.
Em C
Shadow puppets, dancing in the night,
G D
Beneath the stars, our hearts take flight.

Testimonial:
Untimely Colony’s number one fan is undoubtedly Sarah Williams, a college student from Knoxville. Sarah has followed the band since their debut and has attended nearly every concert in the Tennessee area. Sarah says, “Untimely Colony is my favorite band because their music speaks to me on a deep, personal level. Their songs, like ‘Shadow Puppets’, tell stories that are authentic and relatable. The combination of Indie rock and folk creates a unique sound that I can’t get enough of. They’re not just another band to me; they’re a group of artists who perfectly capture the timeless human experience in their music.”

Backstory:

“Sunny Tribunal” was formed in the small coastal town of Seabrook, Oregon in 2009. The band consists of childhood friends turned passionate musicians: Jake Thomas (lead vocals and guitar), Matthew Ryan (bass), Emily Kane (drums), and Sarah Davis (keyboard and backup vocals). When they were kids, they spent their sunny days exploring the tranquil beaches and lush forest trails, often creating songs inspired by their adventures. Their bond grew stronger through high school and college, ultimately leading to the formation of Sunny Tribunal. As they honed their skills, their music, filled with nostalgia and warm melodies, began to resonate far beyond their quaint seaside town.

In their ten years of existence, Sunny Tribunal has become a staple in the indie folk scene. They aim to tell stories of love, friendship, and the joys of simple life through their music. Despite being proposed numerous record deals, they always insisted on remaining independent, wanting to have full creative control over their music.

Genre:
Indie Folk

Title:
“Seabrook Serenade”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
[G] Down by the [C] Seabrook shore I find,
[D] Memories of [G] summer left behind.
[G] Footprints in the [C] sand, carved by time,
[D] Reminds me of your [G] hand in mine.

(Chorus)
[D] Oh, Seabrook [C] Serenade,
[G] In our hearts, forever you’ll [D] stay,
[C] Your melody [G] takes us home,
[D] A symphony in every [G] stone.

(Verse 2)
[G] Underneath the [C] pines we’d lie,
[D] Counting stars in [G] the painted sky,
[G] Your laughter still [C] echoes in the breeze,
[D] And the sea still [G] whispers our stories.

(Chorus)
[D] Oh, Seabrook [C] Serenade,
[G] In our hearts, forever you’ll [D] stay,
[C] Your melody [G] takes us home,
[D] Singing love’s sweetest [G] tone.

Fan Testimonial:

Hi, I’m Avery Marshall. Sunny Tribunal is my favorite band for countless reasons. Their music carries an intimate, nostalgic energy that immediately transports me to a place of peace and warmth. Every song feels like a journey back to simpler times, full of love and camaraderie. Their authenticity shines through their music, making every lyric, every note, deeply personal and relatable. I’ve been a fan since their first album and their music has been a constant companion through various phases of my life. It’s as though each song was written just for me, and I believe many other fans feel the same. Sunny Tribunal isn’t just a band to me, it’s home.

Backstory:
Emerging from the city’s vibrant underground music scene, Lanky Theft was the brainchild of childhood friends, Jake Lanson and Terry Philips. Both grew up in the outskirts of Manchester, where they spent countless hours jamming in Jake’s parents’ garage during their teenage years. Their common passion for music, with Jake on the guitar and Terry on the drums, led them to form a band after finishing high school and moving into the city. The duo soon added bassist Steve McQuire and keyboardist Sarah April to their lineup, creating a fierce quartet that took the local bars by storm. Over the years, they’ve transformed their shared love for music into a compelling, dynamic force that captivates audiences at every venue they play.

Genre:
Indie Rock

Title:
“Shadows on the Sidewalk”

Full Song Lyrics:

Verse 1: (C G Am F)
C G
Walking down the lonely lane,
Am F
Shadows on the sidewalk, whispering your name.
C G
They dance with the rhythm of the pouring rain,
Am F
Echoing the memories, all the pleasure and pain.

Chorus: (F C G Am)
F C
These shadows on the sidewalk, can’t let go,
G Am
They cling to my heart, they’re part of the show.
F C
Caught in a moment, where time stands still,
G Am
In these shadows on the sidewalk, I find my thrill.

Verse 2: (C G Am F)
C G
Every corner holds a story untold,
Am F
The laughter, the tears, the love bought and sold.
C G
In the fading light, the truth unfolds,
Am F
In these shadows on the sidewalk, our tale is told.

Repeat Chorus: (F C G Am)

Favorite Fan Testimonial:
My name is Lily Thompson, a self-proclaimed diehard fan of Lanky Theft. I’ve been following their journey since they were playing in local bars. Their music speaks to my soul, and their lyrics paint vivid pictures that resonate with my own experiences. Their song “Shadows on the Sidewalk” is my personal favorite—it’s like a poetic journey through the streets of life. Every time I listen to it, it’s like I’m traveling through time, reliving my memories. Lanky Theft is my favorite band because they have a unique ability to weave emotions into music and create magic. Their authenticity and passion shine through every performance, making me feel like I am part of their musical journey.

Backstory:
Born in the murky spaces of an underground lab, Nervous Molecule is the brainchild of former biochemists turned musicians, Dr. Theo Marley and Dr. Grace Felton. The duo met at Harvard, where they shared not only a passion for molecular biology but also a deep love for music and the art of storytelling. After earning their doctorates, they decided to merge their two passions and create Nervous Molecule, a band that aims to explore the intricate dance of human emotions through a blend of electronic and acoustic soundscapes.

Despite their unusual shift in career, their scientific background has been instrumental in shaping their unique sound. Their music attempts to capture the essence of our fleeting emotions, akin to the unpredictable movement of molecules, hence the name Nervous Molecule. They bring a fresh take to the music scene, using their music as a tool to explore and express the complexity and beauty of human emotions on a molecular level.

Genre:
Electronic Pop

Title:
“Quantum Love”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
[C] You and I, particles in flight,
[G] Drawn together, in the dead of night.
[Am] We collide, energy ignites,
[F] In this dance of quantum light.

(Chorus)
[C] Quantum Love, in the spaces in between,
[G] Invisible forces, yet to be seen.
[Am] We’re bound in ways, unseen, untold,
[F] Our hearts beat to rhythms, billions of years old.

(Verse 2)
[C] In the vast universe, your eyes, a constellation.
[G] A gravitational pull, a gentle persuasion.
[Am] Electrons spin, in silent conversation,
[F] Love, a universal manifestation.

(Chorus)
[C] Quantum Love, in the spaces in between,
[G] Invisible forces, yet to be seen.
[Am] We’re bound in ways, unseen, untold,
[F] Our hearts beat to rhythms, billions of years old.

Fan Testimonial:
Name: Neil Steward

“Nervous Molecule is my favorite band, hands down. Their blend of scientific concepts and emotional narratives is something I’d never experienced before. It’s like they’re trying to explain the mysteries of love and emotion through science, and it resonates with me deeply. As an astrophysics student myself, I find their approach innovative and refreshing. Their song ‘Quantum Love’ is my personal favorite. The lyrical depth and the combination of electronic pop beats is just mesmerizing. There’s something about the way they weave science into their music that feels deeply human and real. Nervous Molecule has been a game-changer for me, both musically and intellectually.”

Backstory:

Lonely Park is a four-piece band formed in the isolated town of Forlorn, Oklahoma. The group was born in the languid summers of late 2010 when high school friends Caleb Lee (vocals, guitar), Emma Daly (bass, vocals), Mike Anderson (drums) and Ben Foster (keyboard) began jamming in their local park to escape the mundane realities of their small-town life. The park, aptly named Lonely due to its sombre ambiance and secluded location, became the band’s sanctuary; a place for them to unleash their pent-up emotions and creativity, eventually inspiring the name of their band – Lonely Park.

These high school friends found their bond and musical chemistry transcending beyond the confines of the park. They began sharing their music in local bars, garnering a loyal following in the process. Their popularity grew exponentially when they uploaded their music online, enabling them to reach a global audience. The raw, emotional lyrics, intertwined with their innovative sound, resonated with listeners, solidifying Lonely Park as one of the most relatable and original acts in today’s music scene.

Genre:

Lonely Park is primarily an Indie Rock band with subtle elements of Alternative and Blues.

Song Title:

“Sundown Shadows”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
[G]Walking under the [C]empty sky,
[Em]Dreams whispering in my [D]mind,
[G]In the quiet of the [C]Lonely park,
[Em]We find love in the [D]dark.

(Chorus)
[G]Sundown shadows [C]start to fall,
[Em]In your arms, I’ve [D]found it all.
[G]In the stillness, under the [C]stars,
[Em]It’s with you, I’ve [D]healed my scars.

(Verse 2)
[G]Beneath the weeping [C]willow tree,
[Em]You’re the only one I [D]see,
[G]In the silence of the [C]Lonely park,
[Em]Our love sets a [D]spark.

(Chorus)
[G]Sundown shadows [C]start to rise,
[Em]With you, there are no [D]goodbyes.
[G]Under the moon’s gentle [C]mark,
[Em]Our love ignites in the [D]Lonely park.

Fan’s Name:

Alex Simpson

Testimonial:

“Lonely Park, they understand me. Their lyrics hit home, they voice my thoughts, my struggles, my victories. From the first song I’ve heard, ‘Sundown Shadows’, I was hooked. The way they combine the raw emotions with such soothing melodies, it’s magic. I feel a deep connection with their music, it’s like they’re telling my story. To me, they’re not just a band, they’re the voice of my generation. I am, and will always remain, a dedicated fan.”

Backstory:

Born in the bustling city of Austin, Texas, Granular Scale is made up of four passionate musicians who met at a local open mic night. Eric, the lead vocalist and guitarist, was playing a few of his original pieces when Eli, a bass guitarist, approached him with admiration for his unique sound. Soon, the duo started jamming together and realized they needed to expand their band to create a more diverse sound. They ran into Abby, a drummer, and Sam, a keyboard player, at another open mic night and invited them to join the band. Their chemistry was undeniable, and thus, the band Granular Scale was formed.

Their journey began in 2015 at a garage, where they practiced tirelessly day and night, aiming to create music that was distinct and memorable. After a series of small gigs at local bars, they released their first EP that caught the attention of a major record label. With their individualistic sound and relatable lyrics, they’ve managed to establish a devoted fan base that continues to grow with each passing day.

Genre:

Indie Rock

Title:

“Quantum Blues”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
Am – G – F – Am

Am
Look at the stars tonight,
G
So bright, yet out of sight,
F
Caught in a quantum dance,
Am
Under the moon’s romance.

(Chorus)
C – G – Am – F

C
We’re a granular scale,
G
In the cosmic tale,
Am
Singing the quantum blues,
F
Lost in the nebula hues.

(Verse 2)
Am – G – F – Am

Am
Running through the milky way,
G
In search of the light of day,
F
We’re stardust, after all,
Am
Answering the cosmic call.

(Chorus)
C – G – Am – F

C
We’re a granular scale,
G
In the cosmic tale,
Am
Singing the quantum blues,
F
Lost in the nebula hues.

(Bridge)
Dm – E – Am

Dm
Look beyond the constellation,
E
Find your own interpretation,
Am
We’re all part of the celestial sphere,
E
Singing the quantum blues for the universe to hear.

(Chorus)
C – G – Am – F

C
We’re a granular scale,
G
In the cosmic tale,
Am
Singing the quantum blues,
F
Lost in the nebula hues.

Fan Testimonial:

Fan’s name: Emily Thompson

“Granular Scale is my favorite band hands down. Their music resonates with me on a deeper level, and their unique sound is a breath of fresh air in the current music scene. I’ve attended every concert they’ve had in my city and each time, it’s been an incredible experience. The raw energy they bring to each performance is incredible. I can’t wait to see where their musical journey takes them. Their song ‘Quantum Blues’ is my all-time favorite. It’s a perfect blend of melodic tunes and profound lyrics.”

Backstory:
Formed in the bustling streets of New York City in 2011, ‘Wise Milk’ is the brainchild of lead vocalist and songwriter, Lucas Jennings and percussionist, Sam O’Connell. Sharing a mutual passion for music and storytelling, they decided to start a band when they were just roommates at NYU. Jennings, with his heartfelt lyrics, and O’Connell, with his innovative percussion techniques, soon attracted the attention of talented bassist, Emily Rose and virtuoso guitarist, Jake Nielsen. Thus, Wise Milk was born – a unique, vibrant, and soulful band that perfectly encapsulates the spirit and diversity of New York City.

Wise Milk’s journey from playing in local gigs to performing at highly acclaimed music festivals was no overnight success. Lucas’s lyrics, filled with raw emotion, coupled with Sam, Emily, and Jake’s musical prowess, resonated with people. The band was not just playing music, they were telling stories – stories about love, loss, life, dreams, and the city they loved so much. With every song, they took their listeners on a journey through their own experiences, making them laugh, cry, dance, and most importantly, feel.

Genre:
Indie Folk-Rock

Title:
“Dream Catcher”

Song Lyrics with Chord Progression:

Verse 1: (C – G – Am – F)
In a city that never sleeps, I found my rhythm, (C – G)
In the beating heart of its streets, I found my reason, (Am – F)
Dreams, big as skyscrapers, burning like papers, (C – G)
Chasing the echoes, I’m a dream catcher. (Am – F)

Chorus: (C – G – Am – F)
I’m a dream catcher, catching stories in my net, (C – G)
In this city of dreamers, I found my silhouette, (Am – F)
In the music, in the streets, I see my reflection, (C – G)
I’m a dream catcher, in a city of affection. (Am – F)

Verse 2: (C – G – Am – F)
From the subways to the skyline, stories are unfolding, (C – G)
In the city lights, I find the dreams I’m holding. (Am – F)
With every strum, every beat, every word I utter, (C – G)
I’m a dream catcher, in a city like no other. (Am – F)

Chorus: (C – G – Am – F)
I’m a dream catcher, catching stories in my net, (C – G)
In this city of dreamers, I found my silhouette, (Am – F)
In the music, in the streets, I see my reflection, (C – G)
I’m a dream catcher, in a city of affection. (Am – F)

Fan Testimonial:
Name: Lisa Harper

“Wise Milk is more than just a band to me. Their music has helped me through some of my toughest times. Lucas’s lyrics always manage to put my feelings into words, and the music is simply magical. It’s like they understand what I’m going through, and it makes me feel less alone. My favorite song, ‘Dream Catcher,’ perfectly encapsulates the spirit of NYC and the dreams that we all chase. Wise Milk is not just my favorite band, they are my companions in life’s journey.”

Backstory:
Outstanding Manager was formed in the heart of Seattle in 2014, beginning as a musical experiment between long-time friends, Martin “Marty” Gibbs, a disgruntled office worker with a flair for bass guitar, and Graham “Grammy” Nelson, an underpaid retail manager who could shred a mean guitar solo. They created music as a form of catharsis, a creative outlet to express their shared dissatisfaction with corporate life. As their sound began to develop, they brought in two more members: Felicia “Feli” Howard, a stressed-out financial consultant with a knack for drumming, and Aaron “Ari” Mathers, a smooth-voiced receptionist who could harmonize with a fence post.

Their music quickly resonated with other disenchanted professionals, creating an unexpected following of fans who related to their honest, raw, and sometimes tongue-in-cheek lyrics about the corporate grind. Eventually, they decided to quit their jobs and commit themselves fully to their passion, becoming one of the unlikely success stories of the indie music scene.

Genre:
Indie Rock / Alternative

Title:
“Breakroom Ballad”

Full Song Lyrics:
(Verse 1)
[Am] Clock in at nine, [D] coffee’s not fine, [G] boss on cloud nine, [C] got no time.
[Am] Papers to file, [D] fake a smile, [G] stuck in this mile, [C] for a while.

(Chorus)
[E] We’re just Outstanding Managers, [A] trying to keep our sanity,
[F#m] Living life on ledgers, [B] lost in workday vanity.
[E] We play our Breakroom Ballad, [A] sing it loud for all to hear,
[F#m] Liberation’s anthem, [B] in the face of corporate fear.

(Verse 2)
[Am] Breakroom lunch, [D] crunching numbers crunch, [G] feel the punch, [C] in a bunch.
[Am] Dreaming of chords, [D] in meeting boards, [G] as life affords, [C] untold rewards.

(Chorus)
[E] We’re just Outstanding Managers, [A] trying to escape from reality,
[F#m] Trading ties for amplifiers, [B] finding our own clarity.
[E] We play our Breakroom Ballad, [A] music is our therapy,
[F#m] Shattering the silence, [B] in the heart of corporate apathy.

Fan Testimonial:

Name: Jennifer “Jen” Stevens

Why and How Outstanding Manager is her favorite:

“I’ve been a fan of Outstanding Manager since their first jam session in a basement. Their music is a breath of fresh air in a world where everything feels so pre-packaged and artificial. It’s like they’ve taken the mundanity of everyday life and turned it into something beautiful and rebellious. As a project manager myself, I can relate to their lyrics on a deeply personal level. They’ve become my soundtrack on the way to work, a daily reminder that there’s more to life than just deadlines and deliverables.”

Backstory:

Modest Nail formed in the heart of New York City in 2010, originally a passion project of three childhood friends: Jayson Scott, Liam Michaels, and Charlie Hart. The trio began by playing in small bars and cafes, where their music resonated with listeners. It wasn’t long before they gained a substantial following. The band’s big break came in 2012, when one of their performances in a local bar was recorded and posted online. The video quickly went viral and caught the attention of several record labels.

With their newfound fame, Modest Nail redefined themselves, solidifying their sound and style. They have since released three studio albums, each garnering critical acclaim and commercial success. Despite their stardom, they remain humble and dedicated, never forgetting their roots, hence their band name. Modest Nail continues to inspire millions with their heartfelt lyrics, innovative sound, and passionate performances.

Genre:

Alternative Rock

Title:

“Shadows and Echoes”

Full song lyrics:

(Verse)
Em Am G D
In the corners of my mind, I find,
Em Am G D
Shadows and echoes, left behind.
Em Am G D
A ghost of a memory, a trace of a smile,
Em Am G D
In the echoes of my mind, I find you awhile.

(Chorus)
C G D Em
Shadows and echoes, whispers and sighs,
C G D Em
In every goodbye, a part of us dies.
C G D Em
In the shadows and echoes, I see your face,
C G D Em
In every silence, I feel your embrace.

(Verse)
Em Am G D
In the echoes of my dreams, I see,
Em Am G D
Your eyes, your smile, your memory.
Em Am G D
A touch of your hand, a whisper so mild,
Em Am G D
In the shadows of my heart, I find you, my child.

(Chorus)
C G D Em
Shadows and echoes, pain and bliss,
C G D Em
In every absence, it’s you I miss.
C G D Em
In the shadows and echoes, I hear your voice,
C G D Em
In every moment, I relive our choice.

The band’s favorite fan’s name:

Samantha Brown

Testimonial:

“As a long-time fan of alternative rock, I’ve always admired bands that could create a unique sound, and Modest Nail does just that. Their music is not just tunes to my ears; it’s poetry to my soul. Every song they’ve released resonates with me on a deep, emotional level. ‘Shadows and Echoes,’ in particular, is a masterpiece that I hold close to my heart. It’s a beautiful blend of haunting lyrics and mesmerizing melodies. Modest Nail’s music has been the soundtrack of my life for the last decade, and I can’t wait to see what they do next.”