Backstory:

Ready Ref was formed in the small Midwestern town of Worthington, Ohio in 2008. The three original members; Ethan Black (vocals/guitar), Olivia Grant (bass), and Jacob Hughes (drums), were all friends from high school who shared a passion for music. Ethan, Olivia and Jacob started jamming in Ethan’s parent’s garage after school and eventually began producing their own unique sound. They decided to call their band ‘Ready Ref’, a name inspired by a joke between the friends about always being ready for a game of pick up basketball and the ‘ref’ part symbolizing their desire to maintain order and precision in their music.

In 2010, the band had a breakthrough when their self-produced album got noticed by a local radio station. Their unique sound quickly garnered a large following, and in 2013, they were signed by a major record label. Since then, Ready Ref has grown from a small garage band to a household name, with their songs continuously topping charts across the country.

Genre:

Indie Rock

Title:

“Pick Up & Play”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1: G-Em-C-D)
G
Underneath the Midwestern sky,
Em
Three friends with a dream not shy.
C
Strumming strings and beating drums,
D
Creating music that hums.

(Chorus: G-D-Em-C)
G
Pick up and play, let your soul sway,
D
In the rhythm of life, come what may.
Em
Like a ref, we’re ready, steady,
C
In this game of life, always heady.

(Verse 2: G-Em-C-D)
G
In a garage, dreams were spun,
Em
Underneath the setting sun.
C
Notes and chords, a harmony,
D
Born was Ready Ref, in pure honesty.

(Chorus: G-D-Em-C)
G
Pick up and play, let your heart say,
D
All the words that the melodies convey.
Em
Like a ref, we’re ready, steady,
C
In this game of life, always heady.

Chord Progression for Bridge: C-Am-G-D
C
Can you hear our rhythm, can you feel our beat?
Am
In the echoes of the cornfields, down the silent street.
G
With each strum, with each drum,
D
We are Ready Ref, we’ve only just begun.

Favorite Fan:

The band’s favorite fan is a young woman named Lisa from their hometown of Worthington, Ohio. Lisa has been there since the beginning, attending every local show, and was the first to buy their self-produced album. Lisa’s testimonial about the band is, “Ready Ref’s music resonates with me deeply. Their lyrics mirror my own experiences growing up in a small town, dreaming big dreams. They’ve shown me that dreams can come true with dedication and hard work. Their music is a constant source of strength and inspiration for me. They’re more than just a band; they’re my heroes.”

Backstory:
Wonderful Contest began their journey in the indie music scene in the bustling city of Austin, Texas, back in 2012. The band members – Dillon, an architectural student with a penchant for guitar and lyrics; Mia, a painter who possessed a honeyed voice; Max, a physics nerd with a surprising talent for drumming; and Ella, a philosophy major whose bass guitar skills were unparalleled – met at a local open mic night. United by their shared passion for music, they decided to form a band that can embrace and encompass art, science, architecture, and philosophy within their music.

They spent their initial years performing in local bars and small gigs, gathering a niche audience. Their big break arrived in 2015 when they were discovered by a talent scout during the famed ‘South by Southwest’ music festival. Following this, they signed with an independent label and have been creating their unique brand of music ever since.

Genre:
Indie Rock/Alternative

Title:
“Architects of Dreams”

Full Song Lyrics:
[Verses]
Em G
I woke up in the middle of the night,
D A
Scribbling dreams, chasing the light.
Em G
Building castles in the sky,
D A
With the stars as our guide, baby, we fly.

[Chorus]
C G D
We are the architects of dreams,
D Em
Painting worlds unseen.
C G D
In the canvas of the night,
D Em
We bring dreams to life.

[Verse]
Em G
In the city of stardust and hues,
D A
We’re creating something new.
Em G
With the rhythm and the rhyme,
D A
We’re making music that’s divine.

[Chorus]
C G D
We are the architects of dreams,
D Em
Drawing lines, connecting themes.
C G D
In the canvas of the night,
D Em
We bring dreams to life.

Favorite Fan:
Their favorite fan, Lucy, has been with them from their early days. An ardent follower of indie rock, she stumbled upon Wonderful Contest at one of their initial shows in Austin. Lucy says, “Wonderful Contest is my favorite band because their music goes beyond the ordinary. It’s not just about the sound—it’s about the essence of life, the philosophy of existence. The way they blend art, science, and philosophy into their music is truly unique. Even their song ‘Architects of Dreams’ is an ode to creativity and the power of dreams. This band has the ability to touch your soul and stimulate your mind simultaneously. That’s what makes them stand out for me.”

Backstory:
Born from the vibrant underground music scene of San Francisco in 2018, Neat Bath was created by childhood friends Bob ‘Bubbles’ Bullock and Chris ‘Cleanser’ Clayton. Searching for a unique blend of music that would encompass their love for indie rock and electronic vibes, they started experimenting with their acoustic guitars, vintage synthesizers, and drum machines in Bob’s old bathroom. The name ‘Neat Bath’ was born out of their recording space and their ability to create an organized chaos of sounds that somehow resulted in a compelling musical journey.

Genre:
Indie Electro-Rock

Title:
“Soap Suds Symphony”

Full song lyrics:

(Verse 1)
E C
There’s a melody that’s flowing down the drain,
G D
Dancing soap suds flicker like a distant flame,
E C
In our neat bath, where silence is our canvas,
G D
We play our dreams, in a soap suds symphony.

(Chorus)
E C
The echo of our voices, bouncing off the tiles,
G D
Creating waves of music, that travel for a while,
E C
In our neat bath, we find our harmony,
G D
In between the bubbles, of our soap suds symphony.

(Verse 2)
E C
Underneath the running water, we discover tunes,
G D
That keep us floating, like lost balloons,
E C
In our neat bath, where rivers of creativity,
G D
Meet the sea of our soap suds symphony.

(Chorus)
E C
The porcelain stage, the lukewarm light,
G D
We’re creating magic, in the middle of the night,
E C
In our neat bath, where we find our liberty,
G D
Sailing on the waves, of our soap suds symphony.

Fan Testimonial:

“My name is Jessica, and I’m hands down Neat Bath’s biggest fan. I discovered their music when I was going through a tough time, and it was like a soothing balm to my soul. Their unique blend of indie and electronic music creates a calming yet exciting atmosphere that resonates with me deeply. Their song ‘Soap Suds Symphony’ is my go-to track; it’s like a heartfelt conversation with an old friend. In their music, I find comfort, joy, and an undeniable sense of connection.”

Backstory:
Formed in the heart of downtown Seattle in 2012, Outrageous Stuff began as a group of friends and music enthusiasts who found a common solace in their shared love for the extraordinary. The band members – Marcus (vocals), Sammy (guitarist), Brett (drummer), and Brian (bass guitarist) – were known for their ludicrous sense of style and experimental approach to music. The band started playing at local bars and coffee houses, and despite early struggles, they slowly gathered a following who appreciated their unique sound and lyrical depth.

While the band faced numerous line-up changes in the early years, the core group remained. Their breakthrough came in 2015 with the release of their debut album ‘Insane Realities’, which brought them into the limelight. The band’s journey since then has been nothing short of a roller coaster ride, filled with exhilarating highs and daunting lows. Despite all the challenges, Outrageous Stuff has continued to produce music that resonates with their fans and stays true to their original sound.

Genre:
Alternative Rock

Title:
“Raucous Dreams”

Song Lyrics:

Verse 1:
(Am) Walking down the (G) streets at night,
(Dm) Lost in the (Am) city’s neon light.
(F) Dreams in my (C) head, running (G) wild,
(Am) Like a restless, (G) untamed child.

Chorus:
(Am) Raucous dreams, (G) in my mind,
(Dm) In them, our (Am) fates entwined.
(F) They’re outrageous, (C) they’re rough,
(G) But they’re made of (Am) our love’s tough stuff.

Verse 2:
(Am) The world might (G) say we’re out of line,
(Dm) But together, (Am) we’ll be just fine.
(F) Through the noise, (C) through the bluff,
(G) We’ll conquer with (Am) outrageous stuff.

(Repeat Chorus)

Outro:
(F) In the end, we’re (C) more than enough,
(G) Living our dreams of (Am) outrageous stuff.

Fan’s Name and Testimonial:
Fan’s Name: Jenny Thompson

Jenny Thompson, a die-hard fan of Outrageous Stuff, stated, “This band’s music speaks to me on a personal level. Their words capture the essence of life, love, and all the outrageous stuff in between. The way they blend their lyrics with their unique sound creates a remarkable atmosphere that I just can’t get enough of. Their song ‘Raucous Dreams’ is my absolute favorite. I’ve been following them since their early days, and I’m always eager to see what Outrageous Stuff has in store next. They’re not just my favorite band, they’re a part of my life.”

Backstory:
Memorable Hole sprang into existence in the vibrant musical scene of Seattle during the late ’90s, a unique melding of four childhood friends who were wildly passionate about music. The group comprised of Greg “Grub” Stevens on vocals and rhythm guitar, Billy “Bash” Jenkins on lead guitar, Pete “Pogo” O’Connell on drums, and Andy “Axle” Anderson on bass. Their journey began in a garage with second-hand instruments, a shared love of alternative music, and dreams of stardom. They spent their early years performing at local gigs, open mics, and high school talent shows, slowly gaining recognition for their edgy sound and provocative lyrics.

Their breakthrough moment came in 2001 when they were discovered by a record producer at the Battle of the Bands event in Seattle. The producer was deeply impressed by the raw talent, energy, and emotional depth of the band, signing them to his record label. Over the years, Memorable Hole has made their mark in the music industry with their innovative and uncompromising signature sound, combining grunge, punk, and emo influences.

Genre: Alternative Rock / Emo

Title: “Labyrinth of Echoes”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
[G] Wandering in the maze, [D] lost in the haze,
[Em] The echoes whisper, [C] your memory blazes,
[G] The walls crumble, [D] time has its phases,
[Em] Walking down the aisles, [C] of your old traces.

(Chorus)
[G] Labyrinth of echoes, [D] your voice resounds,
[Am] In the depths of my mind, [C] where love is found,
[G] Call out your name, [D] no one’s around,
[Am] Lost in this labyrinth, [C] I’m forever bound.

(Verse 2)
[G] The sound of your laughter, [D] still rings true,
[Em] Our shared moments, [C] a color palette of hue,
[G] Chasing shadows, [D] in the dark I pursue,
[Em] The labyrinth echoes, [C] the essence of you.

(Chorus)
[G] Labyrinth of echoes, [D] your voice resounds,
[Am] In the depths of my mind, [C] where love is found,
[G] Call out your name, [D] no one’s around,
[Am] Lost in this labyrinth, [C] I’m forever bound.

Fan’s Name: Jessica Thompson

Testimonial: I’ve been a fan of Memorable Hole since the early 2000s. I instantly fell in love with their raw sound and thought-provoking lyrics. Their songs have been a constant in my life, serving as the soundtrack to my best and worst moments. They’ve helped me navigate the labyrinth of life, and for that, I’ll always be grateful. There’s an emotional depth to their music that resonates with me on so many levels. “Labyrinth of Echoes” is my absolute favorite—it’s like they’ve captured my own experiences and emotions in a song. Memorable Hole isn’t just my favorite band, they’re a part of who I am. Their music echoes in me, and I wouldn’t have it any other way.

Backstory:
Born in the gritty streets of New York City, Hateful Concentration was not a band that was conceived overnight. It started with a chance encounter between two music enthusiasts, Jay “Hate” McCarthy and Eddie “Concentration” Gomez, in a dingy basement of an old recording studio. Both shared a love for music that transcends borders and norms, and this meeting sparked the idea of creating something unique. After recruiting percussionist Jerry “Rhythm” Thompson and keyboardist Tommy “Melody” Davis, the four member group, Hateful Concentration, was formed. The band’s name came from their mutual disdain for mainstream music and their will to concentrate on producing meaningful, evocative songs.

Genre:
Alternative Metal

Title:
“Shards of Smoke”

Full Song Lyrics:
(Verse 1)
Em7 G
Breathe in the ashes, taste the despair,
A7 Em7
Drown in the echoes of a love not there.
C G
Chasing illusions, lost in the maze,
A7 Em7
Invisible threads of the yesteryears’ haze.

(Chorus)
C G A7 Em7
Shards of smoke, fragments of time,
C G A7 Em7
Decaying dreams, echoes of the crime.
C G A7 Em7
In the end, we’re all but ghosts,
C G A7 Em7
In life’s cruel game, we’re but hosts.

(Verse 2)
Em7 G
Whispers of the wind, tales of the sea,
A7 Em7
Carrying the burden of what used to be.
C G
Hoping for redemption, praying for the light,
A7 Em7
In this endless tunnel of unending night.

(Chorus)
C G A7 Em7
Shards of smoke, fragments of time,
C G A7 Em7
Decaying dreams, echoes of the crime.
C G A7 Em7
In the end, we’re all but ghosts,
C G A7 Em7
In life’s cruel game, we’re but hosts.

Favorite Fan:
Lucas Blackmore is the band’s favorite fan. Lucas, an art student who accidentally stumbled upon Hateful Concentration’s music during an open mic night. He was instantly drawn to their raw, evocative sounds and insightful lyrics. His testimonial reads, “Hateful Concentration is like a light in the darkness. Their music speaks to my soul, resonating with my feelings and experiences. It’s not just music, it’s a lifeline, a beacon of understanding in a world that often feels cold and indifferent.”

Backstory:

Trained Track had its humble beginnings in the bustling city of New York. The band was formed by four childhood friends: lead vocalist and guitarist Jake, drummer Mike, bassist Sam, and keyboardist Max. All four friends shared a love for music and decided to form their own band right after graduating high school. They started off by playing at local bars and small music festivals, and their unique sound caught the attention of a music producer who saw their potential. Their rise to the top was not easy, they stumbled and faced several challenges, but they always got back on track. Their friendship, shared dreams, and passion for music were what kept them going.

The band members’ diverse tastes in music helped them create a unique blend of sounds that became the band’s signature. Jake’s love for rock, Sam’s passion for funk, Max’s flair for pop, and Mike’s talent in jazz culminated in a unique sound that became the signature style of Trained Track.

Genre:
Rock-Pop

Title:
“Lost in the Echo”

Full Song Lyrics:

[Verse 1]
Am G F C
Every night, under the city lights,
Am G F C
I find myself lost in the echo.
Am G F C
The echo of your laughter,
Am G F C
the echo of our love.

[Chorus]
Dm G C F
Lost in the echo, in the echo of your voice,
Dm G C F
I hear your words, I see your choice.
Dm G C F
Lost in the echo, in the echo of our past,
Dm G F G
I find our love, it didn’t last.

[Verse 2]
Am G F C
In the echo of the crowd,
Am G F C
I hear your name called out loud.
Am G F C
In the echo of our dreams,
Am G F C
I see your shadows as it seems.

[Chorus]
Dm G C F
Lost in the echo, in the echo of your voice,
Dm G C F
I hear your words, I see your choice.
Dm G C F
Lost in the echo, in the echo of our past,
Dm G F G
I find our love, it didn’t last.

Favorite Fan Testimonial:

The band’s favorite fan is a young woman named Lisa. She has been following the band since their early days. She would always be spotted front and center at every gig, cheering them on. Her dedication to the band is evident in her passionate testimony: “What I love most about Trained Track is their authenticity. Their music touches my soul and resonates with my own experiences. I’ve seen them grow as a band and their music has been the soundtrack to my own personal growth. Their uniqueness and passion for their craft are what make them my favorite band.”

Backstory:
Likely Sneeze is a band that was formed in the heart of bustling New York City. The band members, frontman Liam, guitarist Nell, bassist Steve, and drummer Zed met during their studies at a local music college, bonding over their love for unique soundscapes and quirky songwriting. The band’s name, Likely Sneeze, is inspired by an inside joke when they were rehearsing in a dusty old apartment and Nell’s allergies led to frequent sneezes, disrupting their practice sessions. They found humor in this situation, which reflected their approach to music – finding beauty and fun in the unexpected and everyday life.

Genre:
Likely Sneeze’s music is best described as Indie Pop, sprinkled with elements of Folk and Alternative Rock. Their sound is characterized by catchy hooks, layered harmonies, imaginative lyrics, and a playful spirit that captures the energy of their live performances.

Title:
“Monochrome Rainbow”

Song Lyrics:

[Intro] G – Em – C – D

[Verse 1]
(G) Take a walk under the (Em) monochrome rainbow,
(C) Paint your fears with the (D) colors of the echo.
(G) Life’s not always (Em) vivid or mellow,
(C) Sometimes, it’s just (D) different shades of shadow.

[Chorus]
(G) Monochrome Rainbow, (D) speckled with gray,
(Em) You color my world in your (C) own special way.
(G) Under your arch, we will (D) dance and sway,
(Em) In this black and white world, (C) you make me stay.

[Verse 2]
(G) Smiling under the (Em) monochrome rainbow,
(C) Finding joy in the (D) ordinary and the shallow.
(G) The beauty lies in the (Em) unseen and the untold,
(C) In the heart of the (D) monochrome rainbow’s hold.

[Chorus]
(G)Monochrome Rainbow, (D) speckled with gray,
(Em) You color my world in your (C) own special way.
(G) Under your arch, we will (D) dance and sway,
(Em) In this black and white world, (C) you make me stay.

[Outro]
(G) Under the Monochrome (Em) Rainbow, we’ll make our stay,
(C) Painting our dreams in (D) white and gray.

Fan Testimonial:
Likely Sneeze’s biggest fan is a young woman named Sarah. She first discovered the band during a small gig they played in a local coffee shop. The honesty in their lyrics, their infectious energy, and their ability to transform ordinary moments into extraordinary stories through their music deeply resonated with her. Since then, she was hooked.

Sarah says, “Likely Sneeze is more than just a band to me. Their music has become the soundtrack of my life. I find comfort in their songs during my low days and celebrate with their upbeat tunes during my highs. They sing about real life, real feelings, and that is what makes them my favorite. It’s not just music, it’s a friend that understands me.”

Backstory:

Naughty Debt was formed in 2013 in the college town of Athens, Georgia, by a group of finance students who found solace in music during tiresome lectures and study nights. The band members, Christian “Crispy” Martin on lead vocals and guitar, Jillian “Jill” Kirby on drums, and Henry “Hank” Collins on the bass, met in a freshman finance class and quickly discovered their shared passion for music. They began playing at college open mic nights, with Jill’s quick wit and Crispy’s soulful voice soon forming a significant fan base. Their unique sound garnered attention from local labels, and they were signed by “Red Clay Records” in 2015.

Genre:

Indie Rock

Title:

“Balancing The Books Of Love”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
[G] I’ve been working on these numbers, [C] all night and day,
[D] Trying to figure out, [C] why you walked away.
[G] We used to calculate love, [C] under the moon’s glow,
[D] Now all I’m left with, [C] are these debts of woe.

(Chorus)
[G] We’re just balancing the books of love, [C] making it through,
[D] I’m in the red, [C] still missing you.
[G] Let’s reconcile our hearts, [C] under the stars above,
[D] ‘Cause baby we’re just, [C] balancing the books of love.

(Verse 2)
[G] I’ve been crunching these figures, [C] in my lonely room,
[D] Trying to understand, [C] why our love was doom.
[G] We used to count stars, [C] in the summer’s breeze,
[D] Now I’m just trying, [C] to balance these emotional fees.

(Chorus)
[G] We’re just balancing the books of love, [C] making it through,
[D] I’m in the red, [C] still missing you.
[G] Let’s reconcile our hearts, [C] under the stars above,
[D] ‘Cause baby we’re just, [C] balancing the books of love.

The band’s favorite fan’s name and why and how this band is their favorite as a testimonial:

Fan Name: Emily “Em” Dawson

Testimonial:

“As a fellow finance geek, Naughty Debt’s clever blend of finance and romance in their lyrics caught my attention. However, it was their raw energy and heartfelt performances that made me a fan for life. Their song ‘Balancing The Books Of Love’ resonated with me during a difficult breakup. The band’s ability to weave complex emotions with relatable financial metaphors is truly unique. Naughty Debt, to me, is so much more than a band – they’ve been my support system, my solace, and my joy.”

Backstory:

Agitated Murder was formed in Seattle, Washington in 2008. The four members, frontman Jack Avery, guitarist Henry Taylor, bassist Daniel Martin, and drummer Sam Baker, all worked dead-end jobs and bonded over their shared love for punk rock and discontent with society. They started jamming in Taylor’s basement, creating a raw, raucous sound that resonated with their feelings of frustration. A local record label owner heard their music at an underground gig and immediately signed them. With their explosive energy and rebellious lyrics, Agitated Murder quickly gained a cult following, becoming the voice of a disenchanted generation.

Genre: Punk Rock

Title: “Chaos in the City”

Full Song Lyrics:

Verse 1:
[G] Another day of dreary [D] work, I’m feeling like a [Em] jerk,
[C] No mind to think, no [G] voice to speak, just another [D] corporate freak.
[G] Out in the street, the [D] people shout, they’ve had enough, no [Em] doubt,
[C] With fists clenched tight, they [G] march all night, under the [D] city lights.

Chorus:
[C] Chaos in the city, [G] can’t you see it’s getting [D] gritty,
[Em] We won’t back down, we [C] won’t be hushed, we are the [G] agitated [D] crush.
[C] Chaos in the city, [G] the power’s in the [D] nitty-gritty,
[Em] Raise your voices, [C] make some noise, we are [G] Agitated [D] Murder boys.

Verse 2:
[G] The system’s broken, [D] can’t you see, it’s a rigged [Em] lottery,
[C] The rich get richer, the [G] poor stay poor, it’s a never-ending [D] war.
[G] We’re not the sheep, we [D] won’t be led, we’ll scream until we’re [Em] red,
[C] With every beat, with [G] every strum, we’ll fight till the [D] morning comes.

(Repeat Chorus)

Fan Testimonial:

“My name is Sarah, and I’m the biggest fan of Agitated Murder. Their music resonates with me because it’s raw, gritty, and it says what needs to be said. It reflects the angst we’re all feeling, and it’s like they’re giving us a voice. Their song ‘Chaos in the City’ is a powerful anthem that sums up the frustration of our generation. I don’t just enjoy their music, I believe in their message. Agitated Murder isn’t just my favorite band, they’re my heroes.”