Backstory:

Long Architecture is a band formed in the artistic corridors of New York City’s School of Visual Arts back in 2012. The members, lead vocalist Jeremy Michaels, guitarist Henry Swanson, bassist Leonard Kelly, and drummer Danielle Foster, initially bonded over their shared love for music and architecture. This common interest spurred them to create music that draws inspiration from the symmetry, balance, and impressive silhouettes of architectural masterpieces, resulting in a unique sound that sets them apart from their contemporaries.

Their journey began in their college dorms, progressing to gigs at local bars, festivals, and later on, some of the country’s biggest music stages. Long Architecture has since garnered a loyal fan base and critical acclaim for their one-of-a-kind approach to music, intertwining their architectural influence in their songs, album covers, and live performances.

Genre:

Alternative Rock/ Indie Rock

Title:

“Spiral Staircase”

Full Song Lyrics:

Verse 1: [Em, C, G, D]
(Em) You built a house of glass and stone,
(C) A world where you could be alone.
(G) But the walls started closing in,
(D) Your fortress too thin.

Chorus: [Em, C, G, D]
(Em) Can we climb the spiral staircase?
(C) Take the steps we’re too scared to tread,
(G) Reach the heights we’ve only dared to dream,
(D) Tear down these walls instead.

Verse 2: [Em, C, G, D]
(Em) Brick by brick, we build up high,
(C) Our hopes touching the sky.
(G) Balanced on a razor’s edge,
(D) Betwixt fear and courage.

Chorus: [Em, C, G, D]
(Em) Can we climb the spiral staircase?
(C) Where each step is a chance we take,
(G) Beyond the limits of our design,
(D) A love we can’t fake.

Bridge: [Em, C, G, D]
(Em) It’s a long architecture we’re building,
(C) Where every whisper is thrilling,
(G) A design only we understand,
(D) In this love, we stand.

Chorus: [Em, C, G, D]
(Em) Can we climb the spiral staircase?
(C) Break through the glass, stone, and dread,
(G) Ascend to a place where love is the blueprint,
(D) And leave nothing unsaid.

Fan’s Name:

Jane Thompson

Testimonial:

“Ever since I first heard ‘Long Architecture’ at a music festival in Brooklyn, I’ve been hooked. Their approach to music, the architectural influence, it’s all so brilliant and refreshing. ‘Spiral Staircase’ is my absolute favorite. The lyrics speak volumes, and the music takes me to a whole new level. I feel like they’ve built a musical empire with their unique architectural sound. Long Architecture isn’t just my favorite band, they’re an experience.”

Backstory:
Bewitched Murder began as a trio of friends, Myles, Ian, and Jake, in the eerie confines of the Salem suburb, Massachusetts. All three had a shared fascination for the supernatural and occult, often dabbling in gothic literature and folklore. Their love for music united them, and they decided to channel their shared interests into a unique sound. They were known for setting up impromptu gigs at old haunted mansions, cemeteries, and abandoned buildings, incorporating their love for the supernatural into their music, creating an atmosphere that was haunting yet intriguingly captivating. With Myles on vocals and guitar, Ian on drums, and Jake on bass, Bewitched Murder carved a niche for themselves, finding favor amongst those who sought solace in their dark yet melodious tunes.

Genre:
Gothic Rock

Title:
“Ghostly Whispers”

Full Song Lyrics:

[Verse 1]
Em C G D
In the silent halls of the forgotten,
Em C G D
Where ghostly whispers breathe the rotten,
Em C G D
They echo the tales of love and pain,
Em C G D
In the corners where shadows reign.

[Chorus]
G D Em C
We dance to the rhythm of spectral hearts,
G D Em C
Lost in the ruins, where light departs.
G D Em C
In the echoes of ghostly whispers, we find,
G D Em C
A melody that transcends space and time.

[Verse 2]
Em C G D
In the spectral glow of the moon’s light,
Em C G D
We seek solace in the dead of night.
Em C G D
Through haunted dreams and phantom cries,
Em C G D
We paint a symphony that never dies.

[Chorus]
G D Em C
We dance to the rhythm of spectral hearts,
G D Em C
Lost in the ruins, where light departs.
G D Em C
In the echoes of ghostly whispers, we find,
G D Em C
A melody that transcends space and time.

[Outro]
Em C G D
In the echoes of ghostly whispers, we’ll forever bind,
Em C G D
A tune that’s woven in the fabric of the eternally confined.

Favorite Fan:
Their favorite fan is Lizzie, a small-town librarian from Salem, known for her Gothic-themed tattoos and her love for the supernatural. Lizzie has been a dedicated follower of the band since their early days, and her testimonial reads:

“Bewitched Murder isn’t just a band; they are storytellers who captivate you with their music, their atmospheric performances, their lyrics that take you to different realms. Their songs are an escape for me, resonating with my love for the supernatural, the gothic, and the unexplained. They’ve breathed life into the dark, making it a companion rather than an enemy. It’s this unique charm that makes them my favorite band, and I believe they deserve the world’s recognition.”

Backstory:

Unusual Rabbit was formed in the basement of an artsy coffee shop in the heart of Portland, Oregon in 2009. The band’s members – frontman and lead vocalist, Owen “Ozzy” Bell, guitarist Vanessa “Vee” Stanford, bassist Eliot “El” Thomas, and drummer Tina “TNT” Norton – were all college friends who shared a mutual love for music and experimenting with unusual sounds and unique instruments. They started performing in local venues for fun, but soon realized that their eclectic and quirky style resonated with a larger audience. Their songs, which often mix melancholic lyrics with upbeat melodies, explore themes of love, loss, and the everyday absurdity of life.

Genre:

Indie Pop/Folk

Title:

“Chasing Shadows”

Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
Am / Dm / G / E
I’ve been chasing shadows in the dark,
F / C / E / Am
Whistling tunes to an empty park,
Dm / G / C / F
Hoping to find the place we used to embark,
E / Am / Dm / F
In the days when love was a spark.

(Chorus)
Am / F / C / G
Oh, Unusual Rabbit, where did you hop,
Dm / E / Am / F
Are you still chasing dreams or did they stop?
G / C / F / E
Return from your warren, show me the light,
Am / Dm / G / C
In the midst of the darkness, be my sight.

(Verse 2)
Am / Dm / G / E
Your footprints faded with the morning dew,
F / C / E / Am
I’m left with echoes of a love that once grew,
Dm / G / C / F
In the fields of our youth, under skies so blue,
E / Am / Dm / F
Oh, Unusual Rabbit, I still miss you.

(Chorus)
Am / F / C / G
Oh, Unusual Rabbit, where did you bound,
Dm / E / Am / F
Did you find a new life, a new profound?
G / C / F / E
Return from your travels, share your tale,
Am / Dm / G / C
Of places far and wide, over hill and dale.

Favourite Fan Name:

Sarah Jennings

Testimonial:

I’ve been a fan of Unusual Rabbit from their very first gig. Their music feels like home to me. It’s strange and beautiful, just like life itself. They have this knack for blending heartbreaking lyrics with melodies that make you want to dance and cry at the same time. It’s like they’ve found a language that speaks directly to my soul. I’ve been to every show, own every album, and even have a tattoo of their logo on my arm. Unusual Rabbit isn’t just my favorite band – they’re a part of who I am.

Backstory:
Joint Institution is a group of four college friends – lead vocalist Jefferson “Jef” Houston, guitarist Ryan “Ry” Davies, bassist Willy “Wills” Thompson, and drummer Michael “Mike” Stevens – that formed during their university days in 2012. Despite coming from different academic fields, they were all united by their love for music. Their dorm rooms became their makeshift studio where they spent countless nights experimenting with sounds, lyrics, and melodies, which eventually gave birth to their unique, cohesive sound. They started performing in college events, local bars, and small gigs, gradually building their reputation as a band to watch out for in the indie music scene.

Genre:
Indie Rock with a mix of Alternative

Song Title:
“Midnight Revelations”

Full Song Lyrics:

[Verse 1: Am, F, C, G]
(Am) Trapped inside a world of (F) paper dreams,
(C) But reality is not as (G) sweet it seems.
(Am) The stars whisper secrets (F) in my ear,
(C) Midnight revelations, (G) crystal clear.

[Chorus: F, G, C, Am]
(F) Underneath the glow of (G) moonlight’s grace,
(C) I’m running towards the end of this (Am) endless race,
(F) With every beat, my heart (G) screams your name,
(C) In the realm of dreams, we’re (Am) playing the same game.

[Verse 2: Am, F, C, G]
(Am) Desires on fire, (F) burning bright,
(C) In the wilderness of (G) dark, you’re my light.
(Am) The echo of your laughter (F) in my mind,
(C) Sweet serenade, a melody (G) hard to find.

[Chorus: F, G, C, Am]
(F) Underneath the glow of (G) moonlight’s grace,
(C) I’m finding solace in your (Am) loving embrace,
(F) With every glance, I’m lost (G) in your eyes,
(C) Our love, a symphony, in (Am) disguise.

[Repeat chorus and ends with C]

Fan’s Name: Emily Simmons

Emily’s Testimonial:
“I’ve been an ardent fan of Joint Institution since their early days. Their music is not just a combination of wonderful melodies and meaningful lyrics, but it’s the emotion and rawness that they pour into each song that makes me connect with them on a deeper level. ‘Midnight Revelations’ is my personal favourite, it’s like they’ve put into words all the unspoken feelings and thoughts I’ve had. Their music has been my companion during my highs and lows, and I cannot thank them enough for creating such beautiful art. Joint Institution isn’t just a band to me, they’ve become a part of my life.”

Backstory:
Born from a shared love of vintage vinyl records, Positive Cellar was formed in 2011 by childhood friends John “Rhythm” Rhys and Adam “Ace” Armitage. Both were raised in the culturally rich city of New Orleans, Louisiana. The friends spent their youth exploring the city’s soul, blues, and jazz scenes by day, and at night, they’d retreat into the cool, subterranean, cob-webbed cellar of John’s old house, where they’d spin records, jam, and dream about creating their own band. Their chosen band name, Positive Cellar, reflects these cherished memories.

Genre:
Their unique sound falls under the umbrella of Alternative Rock with tinges of Blues and Soul, giving them a distinct flavor amidst their contemporaries.

Title:
“Vibrating Strings”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
[G] Underneath the [D] city light, [Em] strumming on a [C] moonlit night
[G] Two dreamers in the [D] shadow’s sight, [Em] making music [C] take flight
[Am] From the cellar to the [D] starry sky, [G] got our heads held [C] high

(Chorus)
[G] Can you hear those [D] vibrating strings, [Em] echoes of our [C] dreams
[G] This is how our heart [D] sings, [Em] in a world that [C] screams
[Am] We play the truth, we [D] play the lies, [G] we play the tears [C] we cry
[G] Can you hear those [D] vibrating strings, [Em] in the sweet by [C] and by

(Verse 2)
[G] In the quiet of the [D] cellar’s hold, [Em] playing blues that’s [C] bold
[G] In the rhythm and the [D] rhymes we’ve told, [Em] there’s a story [C] gold
[Am] We’re the voice in the [D] silent crowd, [G] playing music [C] loud

(Chorus)
[G] Can you hear those [D] vibrating strings, [Em] echoes of our [C] dreams
[G] This is how our heart [D] sings, [Em] in a world that [C] screams
[Am] We play the truth, we [D] play the lies, [G] we play the tears [C] we cry
[G] Can you hear those [D] vibrating strings, [Em] in the sweet by [C] and by

The band’s favorite fan:
Their favorite fan is Lucy, an artist from their hometown. Lucy loves Positive Cellar because their music resonates with her artistic soul. She states, “Their music is like a painting, full of colors and emotions. The raw blend of soul, blues, and alternative rock is remarkably authentic. It’s the perfect soundtrack for my art studio. The song ‘Vibrating Strings’ is my absolute favorite. It speaks to the artist in all of us, resonating with the unique struggles and passions we face.”

Backstory:

Launched in the heart of New York City’s underground music scene, Wasteful Van emerged in 2011. The band was formed by five college friends, each passionate about music and inspired by their love for the raw energy of rock, the rebellious spirit of punk, and the experimental nature of progressive rock. They converted an old, beaten down Volkswagen van into a roaming club where they’d perform impromptu gigs around the city; from here stemmed their unique name, Wasteful Van. Their drive to transform their musical dreams into reality, coupled with their passion for social issues, led them to use their platform to inspire change.

Genre:

Alternative Rock/Punk

Title:

“Riding Against the Grain”

Full song lyrics:

(Verse 1 – E minor, G, D, A)
Eyes wide open, we’re running through the night,
In our Wasteful Van, seeking the moonlight,
In this concrete jungle, we stake our claim,
We’re the misfit souls, riding against the grain.

(Chorus – C, G, D)
Riding against the grain, we won’t be tamed,
Igniting the city streets, like a wild flame,
In our Wasteful Van, we’re breaking the chain,
Living on borrowed time, without any blame.

(Verse 2 – E minor, G, D, A)
In the heart of the city, under neon lights,
We play our hearts out, through countless fights,
With our music echoing, down memory lane,
In our Wasteful Van, riding against the grain.

(Chorus – C, G, D)
Riding against the grain, we won’t be tamed,
With our rebellion song, we’re not the same,
In our Wasteful Van, there’s nothing to feign,
We’re the rhythm of the night, in joy and pain.

(Outro – E minor, G, D, A)
In the end, it’s not about the fame,
In our Wasteful Van, we’re riding against the grain.

Favorite Fan Testimonial:

My name is Lucy Harper, and there’s no band out there like Wasteful Van. I’ve been a die-hard fan since their first underground performance. Their music speaks to my rebellious spirit and their lyrics echo the corners of my mind that long for change. The energy, passion, and raw emotion they bring to their performances are unmatched. They’re not just a band, they’re a movement. The way they’ve used their platform to inspire change makes them more than just my favorite band, they’re my heroes.

Backstory:
Overcooked Wound is a group of four friends, all of whom were working as chefs in the same restaurant in Asheville, North Carolina. After a series of unfortunate incidents, including a fire, a health inspection failure, and a surprise visit from an underworld kingpin, the restaurant was forced to close down. Left jobless, the friends – Paul, David, Mark, and Brian – decided to channel their shared love for music and cooking into something that could keep them going. Hence, the birth of ‘Overcooked Wound’. Their band name, although slightly grotesque, signified the hardship they faced and their enduring spirit to overcome it by turning it into something beautiful – their music.

Genre:
Punk Rock

Title:
“Burnt Out Dreams”

Full song lyrics:

(Verse 1)
[G] Burnt out dreams, [Am] lost in screams, [Em] overcooked wounds, [C] under the moon.
[G] Dusted aprons, [Am] empty tables, [Em] we’ve lost our names, [C] become fables.

(Chorus)
[D] Here we stand, [G] in the dead of night, [Em] singing songs that [C] set us right.
[D] Here we stand, [G] under neon lights, [Em] singing songs of [C] our endless fight.

(Verse 2)
[G] Knives and forks, [Am] broken chords, [Em] we play our music, [C] in empty wards.
[G] Empty plates, [Am] bitter fate, [Em] our music’s hot, [C] it’s never late.

(Chorus)
[D] Here we stand, [G] under city lights, [Em] singing songs that [C] ignite our nights.
[D] Here we stand, [G] with all our might, [Em] singing songs of [C] our endless plight.

Fan Testimonial:
The band’s favorite fan, known as ‘Punky Pete,’ stated, “I’ve followed Overcooked Wound since their very first gig in a rundown bar in Asheville. I instantly connected with their raw energy, originality, and the brutal honesty of their lyrics. In a way, their music mirrors my own struggles, and I find solace in their songs. They’re not just a band for me; they’re my source of strength, my inspiration. They’ve turned their wounds into a feast of music, and I couldn’t be more proud to be their fan.”

Backstory:

Tan Ministry was formed in the hot summer of 2009 in the sun-soaked city of San Diego, California. The founding members, vocalist Luke Stryder and guitarist Ricky ‘Waves’ Lawson, were beach lifeguards who decided to turn their mutual love for music into a band. They soon recruited bassist Ethan ‘Shoreline’ Chandler and drummer Timothy ‘Sand-dune’ Jackson, both regulars at their lifeguard station. The band members bonded over their shared experiences of beach life, creating a unique blend of sand, surf, and music.

They started out playing local beach parties, bonfires, and bars, gaining a following for their feel-good tunes and charismatic presence. Their break came when they were spotted by a producer at a beach music festival, leading to their debut album, ‘The Tide Brings’, which was met with rave reviews and was an instant hit on the coastal areas. Tan Ministry’s music is an ode to the beach, capturing the essence of summer and the freedom of the sea, making listeners feel like they are on a perpetual vacation.

Genre:

Surf Rock/Indie Pop

Title:

“Sunset Serenade”

Full song lyrics:

(Verse 1)
[C] Down by the ocean, [G] under the palm trees,
[Am] You and I chasing, [F] the summer breeze.
[C] Seagulls are singing, [G] waves hitting the shore,
[Am] With every beat of our hearts, [F] we want more.

(Chorus)
[C] It’s a Sunset Serenade, [G] under the sky so clear,
[Am] With the sound of the ocean, [F] whispering in our ears.
[C] Just you and me baby, [G] in this golden hue,
[Am] Playing our Sunset Serenade, [F] our love forever true.

(Verse 2)
[C] Surfers are gliding, [G] embracing the sea,
[Am] The sun goes down, [F] painting a masterpiece.
[C] We’re caught in the moment, [G] lost in time,
[Am] In this beach paradise, [F] everything’s fine.

(Chorus)
[C] It’s a Sunset Serenade, [G] under the twilight’s glow,
[Am] On this sandy stage, [F] our hearts on a show.
[C] Let the waves be our song, [G] let the wind carry our tune,
[Am] Singing our Sunset Serenade, [F] under the rising moon.

The band’s favorite fan:

Name – Michael ‘Surfs-up’ Thompson

Testimonial:

“I’ve been following Tan Ministry since their early days. Their music takes me to the beach even when I’m stuck in the city. It’s like a mini-vacation for the mind. Luke’s soulful vocals, Ricky’s smooth guitar, Ethan’s rhythmic bass, and Tim’s energetic drums create a soundscape that’s truly magical. My favorite song is ‘Sunset Serenade’. It captures the spirit of the beach, the calmness of the sunset, and the magic of love perfectly. This band is my favorite because their music isn’t just about listening, it’s about feeling, and every song makes me feel good.”

Backstory:

Formed in the industrial heartland of Pittsburgh in 2012, Grown Steel is a testament to the resilience and spirit of the American blue-collar worker. Childhood friends, Eddie “Thunder” Thorton and Jimmy “Sledgehammer” Sorenson, started the band in a local garage, their music an echo of the sounds they grew up hearing in the steel mills where their fathers worked. The daily grind, the struggle, and the brotherhood that exists within these tough communities forms the very essence of their work. Over the years, the duo expanded, adding Daisy “Diamond” Rogers on drums and Tommy “Torch” Fitzgerald on bass, both hailing from similar industrial backgrounds.

Their gritty, authentic sound soon caught the attention of local radio stations, and from there, they created a wave that rolled out across the nation. Grown Steel is not just a band; they are a musical representation of the hard-working men and women who are the backbone of America. The band’s sound is as real, raw, and resilient as the city they come from, always reminding their listeners of the strength that comes from unity and determination.

Genre:

Grown Steel play music that can be best described as “Hard Rock with a Heart of Blue-Collar Blues”.

Title:

“One More Shift”

Full song lyrics:

(Verse 1)
Em – G – D – A
In the heart of this city, where the steel mills glow,
I’m just a man, with a hammer in tow.
Fire in my eyes, sweat on my brow,
One more shift, I gotta make it somehow.

(Chorus)
C – G – D – Em
One more shift, under the molten sky,
One more shift, where the sparks never die.
Through the heat, through the noise, through the endless day,
One more shift, then I’m on my way.

(Verse 2)
Em – G – D – A
Through the clang and the clamor, through the grit and the grime,
One more shift, I’m just biding my time.
With my brothers beside me, we stand tall and strong,
One more shift, that’s where I belong.

(Repeat Chorus)
C – G – D – Em
One more shift, under the molten sky,
One more shift, where the sparks never die.
Through the heat, through the noise, through the endless day,
One more shift, then I’m on my way.

Favorite Fan:

The band’s favorite fan is a steelworker named Gary “The Grinder” Griswold. Gary has seen the band perform more than anyone else, following them from their early days in Pittsburgh to sold-out shows across the country.

Testimonial:

“Grown Steel? They’re not just a band to me, they’re the soundtrack of my life. Their songs capture everything – the struggle, the hope, the camaraderie we feel in the mills. They’re the voice for the working man. When I’m on that last grind of a double shift, and I feel like I can’t go on, I hear ‘One More Shift’ in my head, and it gives me the power to push through. Grown Steel is the heartbeat of America, the pulse of the working class. They’re more than my favorite band – they’re my brothers in sound.”

Backstory:
Unlawful Land was born out of the eclectic music scene of Austin, Texas, during the vibrant alternative era of the late 90s. The band was established by four childhood friends – Jake Shepherd (lead vocals, guitar), Billy Hawkins (drums), Sara Norris (bass, backup vocals), and Mike Thompson (lead guitar). They were all born and raised in Austin, sharing a fondness for music since they were kids. Their bond grew stronger through high school jam sessions and local gigs, eventually leading to the formation of Unlawful Land.

Their music became a reflection of their shared experiences, a mix of melodic nostalgia and rebellious energy, echoing the spirit of their hometown. It didn’t take long for their distinctive sound to catch the attention of local music enthusiasts, eventually leading to their big break – a signing deal with a well-known indie record label in 2001.

Genre:
Alternative Country-Rock

Title:
“Midnight Run”

Full Song Lyrics:
(Verse 1)
[G]Driving down these dusty roads, [D]underneath the Texan sky,
[Em]Memories of youth unfold, [C]as the miles go passing by.
[G]Four free souls, no plans in hand, [D]making music in our band,
[Em]In the heart of this Unlawful Land, [C]we found our promised high.

(Chorus)
[D]Midnight run, under the [G]lone star sun,
[Em]Chasing dreams, our journey’s [C]just begun.
[D]In this Unlawful Land, we [G]made our stand,
[Em]With guitars in our hands, we claimed our [D]Midnight Run.

(Verse 2)
[G]Sweat and tears, and laughter loud, [D]echo through our past,
[Em]Standing tall, amidst the crowd, [C]we knew it would not last.
[G]Time, it flies, but songs remain, [D]each note a memory’s stain,
[Em]In this Unlawful Land, we gained, [C]a love that holds us fast.

(Chorus)
[D]Midnight run, under the [G]lone star sun,
[Em]Chasing dreams, our journey’s [C]just begun.
[D]In this Unlawful Land, we [G]made our stand,
[Em]With guitars in our hands, we claimed our [D]Midnight Run.

(Bridge)
[G]We sing for those who understand, [D]the power of a song,
[Em]In this Unlawful Land, we found where we [C]belong.

(Chorus)
[D]Midnight run, under the [G]lone star sun,
[Em]Chasing dreams, our journey’s [C]just begun.
[D]In this Unlawful Land, we [G]made our stand,
[Em]With guitars in our hands, we claimed our [D]Midnight Run.

Favorite Fan’s Testimonial:
Molly Hernandez, a die-hard fan since their earliest shows, states, “Unlawful Land isn’t just a band; they’re an experience. Their music resonates with me in a way that no other band does. It’s like they’ve woven the very essence of Austin into their songs. ‘Midnight Run,’ in particular, always brings a tear to my eye and takes me back to those warm, carefree summer nights spent under the Texas sky. Their authenticity in both music and personality is what makes them my favorite band.”