Backstory:
Formed in the heart of Brooklyn, New York, in 2001, Sour Borough is a unique blend of childhood friends who grew up in the same borough, each bringing their diverse musical influences to the table. The band consists of lead vocalist and guitarist Eli, bassist Mike, drummer Joey, and keyboardist Sarah. The band’s name originates from their shared experiences growing up in the grittier parts of Brooklyn, which they affectionately refer to as “the sour borough”. Their shared love for music and the experiences of their youth inspired them to create songs that reflect their life, their struggles, and their triumphs.

After years of playing in small clubs and local festivals, Sour Borough was discovered by a talent scout from an independent record label. Their debut album “Vintage Metro” was released in 2006, placing them on the indie rock map. Their unique sound, combined with honest and raw lyrics, quickly cultivated a loyal fan base. The band is known for their electrifying live performances, their connection with their fans, and their dedication to keep their music real and relatable.

Genre:
Indie Rock

Title:
“Neon Graffiti”

Full Song Lyrics:

[Verse 1]
G Cadd9 G D
Streets of gray, under subway’s glow
G Cadd9 G D
Echoes of a city, in shadows we roam
Em D C G D
Running wild, in the urban maze
Em D C G D
Painted walls, our secret place.

[Chorus]
C Em D G
Neon Graffiti, our hearts aflame
C Em D G
In this sour borough, we stake our claim
C Em D G
With spray cans and dreams, we’re never tame
C Em D G
Neon Graffiti, remember our name.

[Verse 2]
G Cadd9 G D
In the chill of night, we find our truth
G Cadd9 G D
On the skyline, our unfading youth
Em D C G D
Beneath the stars, in the city’s glow
Em D C G D
We write our story, let the world know.

[Chorus]
C Em D G
Neon Graffiti, our hearts aflame
C Em D G
In this sour borough, we stake our claim
C Em D G
With spray cans and dreams, we’re never tame
C Em D G
Neon Graffiti, remember our name.

Favorite Fans Testimonial:
Name: Jenny Taylor

Jenny has been a Sour Borough fan since their first gig at a local Brooklyn bar. She’s followed their journey from the beginning and has attended every single hometown show. Jenny claims, “There’s something about Sour Borough that just resonates with me. Their music, their lyrics, they’re like snapshots of my own life. They’re not just a band, they’re storytellers. Every track is an anthem to our youth, our city, and our dreams. I feel seen, heard, and represented through their music. Sour Borough is more than my favorite band; they’re the voice of our generation.”

Backstory:

Icky Training, the maverick punk ensemble, was born from the creative chaos of a small garage in the heart of Portland, Oregon. Initially a ragtag group of high school pals experimenting with sounds, they fumbled their way through a series of backyard gigs, earning the nickname ‘Icky Training’ due to their lack of finesse and raw talent. However, their audacious energy and unpolished charm captured the attention of a local record label scout at one of their performances, who immediately saw their potential. The band, embracing their nickname, officially christened themselves Icky Training, a nod to their roots and a reminder of their journey.

With the help of the record label, the band members, lead vocalist Perry Gibson, bassist Max Sullivan, drummer Joey Mitchell, and guitarist Liam Turner, grew and honed their skills. Their raw, unfiltered sounds transformed into a unique blend of punk and grunge, with lyrics that resonate with the rebellious spirit of youth.

Genre: Punk/Alternative Rock

Title: “Trapped in Echoes”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
[G] Trapped in echoes of [D] yesterday,
[Em] Trying to break free, [C] find our way.
[G] Stuck in shadows of [D] self-doubt,
[Em] Scream to the heavens, there’s [C] no way out.

(Chorus)
[G] We are the voices [D] unheard,
[Em] Singing a song that’s [C] rarely stirred.
[G] We are the echoes [D] left behind,
[Em] Trapped in the cages [C] of our mind.

(Verse 2)
[G] Painted faces in [D] the mirror,
[Em] Hiding truths that are [C] clearer.
[G] Lost in the labyrinth [D] of despair,
[Em] Chasing ghosts that [C] aren’t there.

(Chorus)
[G] We are the voices [D] unheard,
[Em] Singing a song that’s [C] rarely stirred.
[G] We are the echoes [D] left behind,
[Em] Trapped in the cages [C] of our mind.

(Outro)
[G] Trapped in echoes, [D] setting free,
[Em] The voices of our [C] reality.
[G] We are the echoes, [D] we are the voices,
[Em] We are the echoes, [C] we make the choices.

Fan Testimonial:

Hi, I’m Mandy, Icky Training’s self-proclaimed biggest fan! I fell in love with their raw energy and unabashedly honest lyrics. They don’t just make music; they create anthems for those of us who’ve felt unheard and unseen. They are a constant reminder that it’s okay to be a work in progress and that growing pains are part of the process. Icky Training is more than just my favorite band; they’re my inspiration and soundtrack to life!

Backstory:
“Unkempt Trial” formed in the small coastal town of Crosby, Maine. Childhood friends Ben Rhodes, Mason Hicks, and Jonas Reynolds bonded over a shared love of music and a deep-rooted desire to escape the monotony of their small town life. The trio began to write and record music in Hicks’ parents’ basement, pouring their frustrations, dreams, and raw emotions into their lyrics and melodies. Their name, “Unkempt Trial,” is a nod to their struggles, both personal and as a band, their journey in the music industry, and their refusal to alter their authenticity despite the challenges faced.

Genre:
Unkempt Trial’s music combines elements of Alternative Rock and Indie Pop, resulting in a sound that is both rebellious and catchy, raw and emotional, yet undeniably melodic.

Title:
“Shattered Echoes”

Full song lyrics:

(Verse 1)
[C]I’m lost inside your [G]shattered echoes [Am]
[Em]Bouncing off these [F]hollow walls [C]
[G]The silence is [Am]screaming, our [Em]memories [F]creeping
[C]In the corners of my [G]heart [Am]

(Chorus)
[F] We’re just [C]shattered echoes now [G]
[Am]In the ruins of our [Em]love somehow [F]
[C]Drifting in the [G]wind, [Am]like a forgotten [Em]melody [F]

(Verse 2)
[C]Underneath the [G]stars we were [Am]weightless, [Em]
[F]In your eyes I found my [C]cosmos [G]
[Am]But the galaxies [Em]collapsed, [F]our love couldn’t outlast
[C]The trials of our [G]own unkempt [Am]saga

(Chorus)
[F] We’re just [C]shattered echoes now [G]
[Am]In the aftermath of [Em]promises somehow [F]
[C]Lost in the [G]murmur, [Am]swept away in the [Em]current of [F]time

Favorite Fan:
Their biggest fan, Lily Morrison, confesses, “Unkempt Trial is more than just a band to me. Their music resonates with me on a deep, personal level. It’s raw, honest, and authentic, reflecting the emotions we too often suppress. Their songs have been my solace in times of sadness and my soundtrack in moments of joy. They’ve managed to articulate feelings I’ve struggled to put into words. They’re not just musicians; they’re poets, artists, and storytellers. ‘Shattered Echoes’ is my favorite track; it’s a beautiful, heart-wrenching anthem of lost love and resilience, which I believe many can relate to. Unkempt Trial is my favorite band because their music speaks to, and for, the soul.”

Backstory:

Shameful Muscle started its journey in the smoky garages of Seattle in the late ’90s. Founding members Pete “The Fist” McAllister and Johnny “Biceps” Thompson were childhood friends who shared a love for music. The band’s name, Shameful Muscle, came from a humorous childhood incident where Johnny flexed his muscles at a school talent show to impress his peers, but his pants ripped on stage, thus his muscle display turned into a shameful event. The duo turned this embarrassing moment into a symbol of resilience, signifying the ability to turn any situations into an opportunity, no matter how embarrassing or challenging it might be. Over the years, the band has seen several lineup changes, but Pete and Johnny have remained the constant driving force behind the band’s unique sound and success.

Genre:

Shameful Muscle falls under the genre of Alternative Rock with a hint of Grunge, delivering raw energy and uncompromising honesty in their music.

Title:

“Unleashed Steel”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)

Em C G D
Pumped iron in my veins, I’m feeling strong,
Em C G D
Broken dreams, shattered glass, where do we belong?
Em C G D
Riding high, riding low, upon this roller-coaster,
Em C G D
In every fall, every rise, I am my own composer.

(Chorus)

Em C G D
Unleashed steel, tearing through the silent night,
Em C G D
A shameful muscle, standing tall in the spotlight.
Em C G D
In our weakness, we find our might,
Em C G D
Through the darkness, we’re blazing bright.

(Verse 2)

Em C G D
A ripped pair of jeans, a memory not so subtle,
Em C G D
From that day to now, we’ve grown a shameful muscle.
Em C G D
Scars of the past, fading in the rearview,
Em C G D
In the mirror of the now, we’re something new.

(Chorus)

Em C G D
Unleashed steel, tearing through the silent night,
Em C G D
A shameful muscle, standing tall in the spotlight.
Em C G D
In our weakness, we find our might,
Em C G D
Through the darkness, we’re blazing bright.

Fan Testimonial:

Name: Emily “The Rock Chick” Stephens

“I don’t just love Shameful Muscle; I live it. Their music is a raw, unfiltered reflection of real life. They’ve turned their scars, their trials, their ‘shameful muscles’ into roaring anthems of resilience. When I listen to ‘Unleashed Steel,’ I feel seen, heard, and understood. Their music reminds me that even my weaknesses can become my strengths. Shameful Muscle isn’t just my favorite band; they’re my lifeline.”

Backstory:

Gross View emerged from the gritty streets of New York City’s underground music scene in 2013. The four-piece band – consisting of childhood friends Benny “Bassman” O’Leary, Tommy “Tickler” Patterson, Jimmy “Jabber” Michaels, and Frankie “Footloose” Russo – originally bonded over their shared love for punk rock and avant-garde music. They started jamming in the basements of their parents’ houses, honing their raw sound and unique approach to their instruments. They took their name from their favorite hangout spot, a grimy rooftop overlooking the city, which they lovingly referred to as the “Gross View”.

Their journey to stardom was anything but smooth, with several failed gigs, lineup changes, and financial struggles. However, the band’s perseverance finally paid off in 2015 when their debut album was met with widespread critical acclaim and commercial success. Since then, Gross View has been an unstoppable force in the punk rock scene, with a fiercely loyal fan base and a reputation for electrifying live performances.

Genre: Punk Rock

Title: “Concrete Jungle Jitters”

Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
Am | F | C | G
Oh, concrete jungle, (Am)
you’ve given us the jitters, (F)
We’ve tasted your poison, (C)
and drowned in your rivers. (G)

We’ve traversed your shadows, (Am)
our dreams torn at the seams, (F)
The city never sleeps, (C)
and neither do our dreams. (G)

(Chorus)
F | C | G | Am
Concrete jungle jitters, (F)
our hearts beat like critters, (C)
In this city of sinners, (G)
We’re just beginner drifters. (Am)

(Verse 2)
Am | F | C | G
Nighttime descends, (Am)
the city lights flicker, (F)
We play our tune, (C)
as the plot continues to thicken. (G)

Tangled in the chaos, (Am)
we found our salvation, (F)
In the rhythm of the streets, (C)
we found our revelation. (G)

(Chorus)
F | C | G | Am
Concrete jungle jitters, (F)
our hearts beat like critters, (C)
In this city of sinners, (G)
We’re just beginner drifters. (Am)

(Bridge)
Am | F | C | G
Our music, our weapon, (Am)
in this urban warfare, (F)
The city may be harsh, (C)
but we’re tougher, we swear. (G)

(Chorus)
F | C | G | Am
Concrete jungle jitters, (F)
our hearts beat like critters, (C)
In this city of sinners, (G)
We’re just beginner drifters. (Am)

Outro:
F | C | G | Am
We’ll rise through the jitters, (F)
the city can’t make us quitters. (C)
In our hearts, we’re already winners, (G)
in the concrete jungle, we’re hitters. (Am)

Favorite Fan Testimonial:

Our favorite fan is a woman named Hannah Lovelace, a music blogger from Boston. She first discovered us at a small gig in NYC and has been following our journey ever since. In her words, “Gross View is more than a band; it’s a symbol of resilience, authenticity, and unyielding passion for music. Their raw energy and punk rock ethos have not only shaped their music but also resonated deeply with their fans, myself included. I’m drawn to their unflinching honesty and the way they turn their struggles into powerful anthems. Gross View embodies the underdog spirit that is so emblematic of punk rock

Backstory:
Formed in the heart of New York City’s bustling East Village in 2010, Rough Apartment got its name from the dilapidated loft where the founding members resided and first started jamming together. Band members, Jake Reynolds (lead vocals and guitar), Max Riley (bass guitar and backing vocals), Liam Turner (drums) and Emily Smith (keyboard and vocals), bonded over their mutual love for music and their shared struggle of trying to make it in the big city. Their edgy, raw sound, together with their raw, heartfelt lyrics, quickly garnered attention from the local music community, helping them to establish a loyal fan base.

Genre:
Indie Rock

Title:
“Broken Chains”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
C G Am E
In this city of broken dreams,
C G Am E
Where nothing’s ever what it seems,
C G Am E
We found a home in each other’s arms,
C G Am E
Amidst the chaos, amidst the alarms.

(Chorus)
F C G Am
Broken chains, we’re breaking free,
F C G Am
From this rough apartment, you and me.
F C G Am
We’ll make our way, just wait and see,
F C G Am
Broken chains, we choose to be.

(Verse 2)
C G Am E
In this city of lights and sounds,
C G Am E
Where love is lost and then it’s found,
C G Am E
We found a rhythm, we found a beat,
C G Am E
In this rough apartment, on this street.

(Chorus)
F C G Am
Broken chains, we’re breaking free,
F C G Am
From this rough apartment, you and me.
F C G Am
We’ll make our way, just wait and see,
F C G Am
Broken chains, we choose to be.

Fan’s Testimonial:
Fan’s name is Sarah Matthews, and here’s her testimonial – “I’ve been a fan of Rough Apartment since their first gig at the local bar in East Village. Their music speaks to the soul and gives voice to the gritty, raw essence of city life that we’re all too familiar with. It’s like they’ve taken our shared struggles and emotions and turned them into something beautiful. Their song ‘Broken Chains’ particularly hits home; it’s like an anthem for all of us trying to break free from our circumstances. Rough Apartment isn’t just my favorite band because of their incredible talent and unique sound, but because they’ve created music that I, and so many others, can truly relate to.”

Backstory:
Primary Cheek was formed in 2010 in the bustling city of San Francisco by four high school friends with a shared passion for making music and breaking boundaries. Lead vocalist and guitarist, James Ward, bassist, Leo Parker, drummer, Robert Foster, and keyboardist, Ethan Chase, found common ground in their love for alternative music and a drive to create something that could make a mark on the music industry. The band’s name, Primary Cheek, was a playful metaphor for their self-confessed audacious spirit, and a commitment to always put their best foot forward in their musical journey.

Over the years, the band garnered quite the following due to their unique sound and energetic performances. Their debut album, “First Strike,” was a hit in the indie scene and bolstered their reputation as a band to watch. They’re known not just for their music, but also for their dedication to their fans and the close-knit community they’ve created around their music.

Genre: Alternative Rock

Title: “Chasing Shadows”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
C Am
Look into the mirror, can’t recognize my face,
Em G
Buried in the echo of a forgotten place.
C Am
Running from the past, underneath the hollow moon,
Em G
In every reflection, I find a piece of you.

(Chorus)
F C
I’m chasing shadows, in the depths of the night,
G Am
Lost in the world between the dark and the light.
F C
In this labyrinth of dreams, I’m seeking the truth,
G Am
Each shadow I chase, just leads back to you.

(Verse 2)
C Am
Walking through the mist, the cold wind at my back,
Em G
Each footstep I take, leaves a memory in its track.
C Am
Whispers in the night, they echo in my mind,
Em G
In every corner I turn, I hope it’s you I find.

(Chorus)
F C
I’m chasing shadows, dancing in your light,
G Am
Lost in the rhythm between the wrong and the right.
F C
In the depth of your eyes, I see something pure,
G Am
Each shadow I chase, just makes me want you more.

Favorite Fan:
Primary Cheek’s most devoted fan is Rachel Thompson, a music journalist from Los Angeles. “They’re more than just a band to me, they’re like a second family. Their music has gotten me through some of my toughest times and inspired me to keep going,” Rachel says. She has been following the band since their early days and has attended nearly all their concerts. “Their lyrics are raw, poignant, and speak to the heart. Even in their live performances, you can feel the energy and passion they put into every song. To be a fan of Primary Cheek is to be part of a community that celebrates love, resilience, and the power of music.”

Backstory:
Massive Screw’s origin takes us back to the late 80s, steeped in the underground music scene of coastal Florida. Long-time friends, singer and guitarist Darren ‘Mallet’ Rivers, bassist Steve ‘Bolt’ O’Connor and drummer Ed ‘Torque’ Henderson were infamous for their rebellious antics and love for music. When they got together for an impromptu jam session one night at an abandoned warehouse, they didn’t realize it was the birth of something phenomenal. Their unique sound quickly gained attention, and the band Massive Screw was born, rising from the ashes of their riotous youth.

Their journey to success was anything but smooth. They were shunned by traditional recording studios due to their unconventional style and fierce independence. But Massive Screw stayed true to their roots, self-recording and self-releasing their first album. It was underground success, catapulting them into the spotlight, and they’ve been shaking up the music scene ever since.

Genre:
Punk Rock

Title:
“Stainless Heart”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
[C]Steel cage around my chest, [Am]got no room left for distress,
[F]Love’s a game I always lose, [G]even when I get to choose.

(Chorus)
[C]Stainless Heart, [Am]shiny and cold,
[F]Your touch can’t melt it, [G]it won’t ever fold.
[C]Stainless Heart, [Am]battered and scarred,
[F]Still standing tough, [G]playing its own card.

(Verse 2)
[C]This life is just a test, [Am]with no room for any rest,
[F]Living on the edge of truth, [G]chasing shadows of my youth.

(Chorus)
[C]Stainless Heart, [Am]shiny and cold,
[F]Your love can’t reach it, [G]the story’s been told.
[C]Stainless Heart, [Am]broken and used,
[F]It’s still beating, [G]it refuses to lose.

(Bridge)
[C]Stainless heart, [Am]can’t you see?
[F]Your strength is a prison, [G]you need to break free.

(Chorus)
[C]Stainless Heart, [Am]shiny and cold,
[F]Crack it open, [G]let the new tale unfold.
[C]Stainless Heart, [Am]never be scared,
[F]To feel, to love, [G]to show that you cared.

Fan’s Testimonial:
My name is Lisa ‘Rockstar’ Johnson, and I’ve been a Massive Screw fan since day one. The raw energy, their unapologetic lyrics, and the sheer audacity of their sound speak to my soul. Their song “Stainless Heart” became my anthem during a tough time, and it gave me the strength to face my challenges head-on. Massive Screw is more than just a band to me; they are an inspiration, a beacon of bold authenticity in a world that often seems hell-bent on conformity.

Backstory:

Formed in the sleepy coastal town of North Haven, Maine where life revolves around the fishing industry, Profuse Cliff is the unlikely result of four friends’ shared love for music. The band is made up of Larry “Larz” Connor on lead vocals and guitar, his brother Nicky “NiX” Connor on drums, their childhood friend, Jessica “Jess” Stanley on bass, and her cousin, Samuel “Sam” Stanley on keyboard. The band came together in high school, practicing in the Connor family’s boat shed, and performing at local pubs and community events. Their name, Profuse Cliff, is a tribute to the stunning rock formations that pepper the North Haven coastline.

Genre:

Indie Rock

Title:

“Harbor Echoes”

Full Song Lyrics with Chord Progressions:

(Verse 1: D – A – G)
D A
Under the foggy dawn, down by the shore,
G
Plucking at heartstrings, just like before,
D A
Boats on harbor, silhouettes in line,
G
Reminiscing sweet echoes of time.

(Chorus: F – C – G)
F C
Harbor echoes, we’re calling out to you,
G
Bouncing off the water, painted in blue.
F C
Can you hear our song, or is it just the wind?
G
Carrying our hopes, where the sea and sky blend.

(Verse 2: D – A – G)
D A
Seagulls screech above, whispering tales,
G
Of fishermen, their laughter, and gales.
D A
We strum our heartbeats, into the salty air,
G
Finding solace in melodies, beyond compare.

(Chorus: F – C – G)
F C
Harbor echoes, we’re strumming out to you,
G
Soothing the restless, under the sky so blue.
F C
Can you feel our rhythm, or is it just the tide?
G
Rocking our dreams, in its gentle, timeless stride.

(Bridge: Em – C – D)
Em C
Each note a ripple, in the endless sea,
D
Profuse Cliff’s song, a timeless decree.

(Chorus: F – C – G)
F C
Harbor echoes, we’re singing out to you,
G
Casting our voices, in the twilight’s hue.
F C
Will you remember us, when the dawn is new?
G
Profuse Cliff’s song, forever in view.

Bands Favorite Fan:

Our favorite fan is an 80-year-old retired fisherman named Pete “Old Man” Jacobs. Pete has been with us since our first performance at the local pub. He often says that our music reminds him of his younger days spent out at sea. His testimonial, “I’ve spent most of my life hearing the songs of the sea. But Profuse Cliff, they’ve turned those whispers and roars into music. They’re not just a band to me, they’re the sound of home.” This uniquely defines our connection with our coastal town and its people.

Backstory:
‘Loathsome Deck’ was formed in 2013 in the heart of New Orleans, Louisiana. It all started as a simple jam session among four college friends – Tony ‘The Riff’ Richards (guitar), Billy ‘Vox’ Davis (vocals), Lester ‘The Hammer’ Smith (drums), and Charlie ‘Fretless’ Johnson (bass). Their shared passion for music and a deep-seated defiance against the norm drew them together. They began playing in local bars and pubs, and their raw energy and unique sound gradually started to gain recognition in the local music scene.

One night, while playing a game of poker after a gig, Tony drew a hand he described as ‘Loathsome Deck’, sparking laughter among the group. The name stuck, encapsulating their rebellious spirit and the wry sense of humor that underpins their music. From there, Loathsome Deck embarked on a journey, carving out their niche in the world of rock music with a twist of blues and a dash of punk.

Genre: Punk Rock/Blues

Title: “Dirty Joker’s Blues”

Full song lyrics:

(Verse 1)
[G] Well, I’m a Dirty Joker, [D] wild and free
[C] Wandering in the shadows, [G] as far as the eye can see
[G] Scars on my knuckles, [D] tales on my tongue
[C] An ace up my sleeve, [G] my story’s just begun

(Chorus)
[G] Mother, I’m the Dirty Joker, [D] I sing my Blues
[C] Can’t tie me down, [G] I got nothing to lose
[G] I’m the king in the backstreet, [D] queen in my mind
[C] Jack of all trades, [G] the truth you’ll find

(Verse 2)
[G] I roam on the highways, [D] under the moonlight haze
[C] Dancing with my shadows, [G] in this never-ending maze
[G] I’m the Dirty Joker, [D] can’t put me in a deck
[C] I’m the knight on a wild horse, [G] always a step ahead

(Chorus)
[G] Father, I’m the Dirty Joker, [D] I sing my Blues
[C] The hardest yet the softest, [G] just like your shoes
[G] I’m the prince of the gutters, [D] the king of the road
[C] With a heart full of fire, [G] and a soul that’s bold

Favorite Fan:
The band’s favorite fan is Stanley “Stanz” Matthews. Stanz discovered Loathsome Deck during their early bar gigs and instantly connected with their high-energy performances and raw lyrics. As a testimonial, Stanz says, “Loathsome Deck isn’t just a band; it’s a lifestyle. Their music is real, raw, and rebellious. Each song is a story that captures the essence of life, freedom, and defiance. They have a unique ability to spin emotions into a punk rock melody and that’s why they are my favorite.”