Backstory:
Every Principle was formed in the bustling city of New York in 2014. The members, lead vocalist Alex Troy, guitarist Lily Parker, bassist Mike Anderson, and drummer Andy Lee, were high school friends who shared a love for music and a passion for spreading messages of individuality, ingenuity, and inclusivity. The name Every Principle came from their belief that every principle of life, from love and truth to courage and resilience, is worth singing about and can resonate with people from all walks of life.

After a few years of creating music in Alex’s garage, Every Principle got their breakthrough with a self-released EP in 2015. They soon caught the attention of a major record label and found themselves writing and recording their debut album. Despite their success, the band still adheres to their roots, creating music that speaks about life’s principles and experiences.

Genre:
Alternative Pop-Rock

Title:
“Echoes of Heartbeats”

Full song lyrics:

(Verse 1)
[Em] Today, I [C] walked a lonely street,
[G] Memories haunted like a [D] phantom fleet,
[Em] Our story replayed on [C] repeat,
[G] Echoes of heartbeats, [D] bittersweet.

(Chorus)
[G] Echoes of heartbeats, [D] I still hear,
[Em] Your voice whispering [C] in my ear,
[D] A melody that draws [G] near,
[Em] The rhythm of love, [C] loud and clear.

(Verse 2)
[Em] At night, I [C] feel the empty space,
[G] Your shadow lingers, [D] a familiar trace,
[Em] In the quiet, I [C] see your face,
[G] Echoes of heartbeats, [D] keep the pace.

(Chorus)
[G] Echoes of heartbeats, [D] they resonate,
[Em] Your love is a song, [C] I celebrate,
[D] A melody that’s [G] never late,
[Em] The rhythm of memories, [C] we create.

Favorite Fan:
The band’s favorite fan is Sarah Thompson, a teacher from their hometown. Sarah has been an ardent supporter since their garage days and has never missed a show in New York. She loves Every Principle because their music speaks to her on a personal level, resonating with her own life experiences.

Sarah says, “Every Principle isn’t just a band to me; they are storytellers who craft beautiful narratives through their music. Their songs inspire me, comfort me, and above all, remind me that life is a beautiful melody full of echoes of heartbeats.”

Backstory:
Blowing straight out of the frigid landscape of Alaska in 2009, “Icy Carriage” is the brainchild of childhood friends and avid ice-fishing enthusiasts, Kole Bates and Drew McDonald. Formed initially to pass the long winter nights, the band gained local popularity playing in the small, isolated towns of Alaska. Their songs, reflecting the harsh yet beautiful environment of the region, resonated with the local population. In 2012, they caught their big break when a vacationing music producer, stranded due to a snowstorm, happened upon their performance in a local pub. Recognizing their unique sound, he signed them to his independent label, and the rest, as they say, is history.

Genre:
Icy Carriage primarily plays Indie Rock music with a hint of Folk and Country, reflecting their Alaskan roots.

Title:
“Frozen Heart”

Full song lyrics:

[Verse]
G
Walking along the ice-covered river,
Em
Beneath the Northern Lights that shiver.
C D
I see your eyes, they’re cold as ice,
G Em
Reflecting the moon, oh they’re so nice.

[Chorus]
C D
Frozen heart, in the land of the night,
G Em
Warming me with your love, oh so bright.
C D
Frozen heart, in the Alaskan breeze,
G Em
Melting slowly, just like the trees.

[Verse]
G
The snowflakes fall, as soft as a whisper,
Em
Your touch more potent than any elixir.
C D
Underneath the starry quilt, we unite,
G Em
In this winter wonderland, oh so white.

[Chorus]
C D
Frozen heart, in the land of the dream,
G Em
Your love flows like a radiant beam.
C D
Frozen heart, in the twilight’s gleam,
G Em
We dance, we sing, we reign supreme.

Favorite Fan:
The band’s favorite fan is a woman named Sarah Jensen from their hometown of Fairbanks, Alaska. She has been a supporter since their earliest days, attending every local show and organizing fan club events. Sarah says, “Icy Carriage is my favorite band because their music is not just songs, it’s the story of our lives here in Alaska. Their lyrics resonate with us, they capture the beauty, isolation, and harshness of our environment. It’s clear they love this land just as much as we do, and that authenticity shines through in their music. They’re not just a band to us – they’re our voice.”

Backstory:

Ordinary Quiet was born in the serenity of a small town, Arkham, Vermont. The four-piece band was formed by childhood friends – Alex (vocals, guitar), Sam (bass), Mark (drums), and Lisa (keyboard, backing vocals). They found solace in the quietness of their surroundings which inspired them to create music that could tell their stories. Ordinary Quiet started as a garage band, performing at local gigs and school fairs. It was their unique blend of melody and lyrics that caught the attention of a visiting music producer who happened to stumble upon their performance at a local bar. The rest is history.

Genre:

Folk Rock

Title:

“Whispers in the Wind”

Full Song lyrics:

(Verse)
Em C G D
Under the moon, on a cold silent night,
Em C G D
We shared whispers, in the soft candlelight.
Em C G D
Your eyes twinkled, like the stars up above,
Em C G D
In the quiet, I found the echo of love.

(Chorus)
G D Em C
Whispers in the wind, carried far and wide,
G D Em C
Tales of our love, that we couldn’t hide.
G D Em C
In the ordinary quiet, we found our sound,
G D Em C
With the whispers in the wind, love we found.

(Verse)
Em C G D
Among the trees, in the quiet of the night,
Em C G D
We found each other, in the moon’s pale light.
Em C G D
Your laughter echoed, in the silent air,
Em C G D
In the ordinary quiet, we found a love rare.

(Chorus)
G D Em C
Whispers in the wind, sweet and profound,
G D Em C
In the ordinary quiet, love we found.

Fan Testimonial:

My name is Jennifer, and Ordinary Quiet is my favorite band. Their music resonates with me on a deep level. The song “Whispers in the Wind” is particularly special to me because it was playing when I had my first dance with my now-husband. Every time I hear it, it takes me back to that magical night. I love how their music, especially this song, captures the beauty of life’s simple moments. The way they’ve used the quietness of their small-town roots to inspire their music is incredible and inspiring.

Backstory:
Comprising of four childhood friends, Ethan Baker, Oliver Steward, Liam Short, and Alfie Moore, Spry Square was born out of the suburban streets of East London. They discovered their shared passion for music during their time at the local comprehensive high school. Yearning to escape their mundane existence and express themselves creatively, they started by playing small gigs in their school, which later extended to local pubs and cafes. Spry Square got their break when they were noticed by a talent scout while performing at a music festival in their college. The scout was so impressed by their unique sound and chemistry, he decided to sign them on the spot, and there was no looking back for the boys after that.

Genre:
Spry Square mainly operates within the realm of Indie Pop, but is not afraid to experiment with elements of rock, electronica, and folk.

Title:
“Canvas Dreams”

Full Song Lyrics:

[verse]
Am C G
Lost in the brush strokes of time,
D Am
We paint our canvas dreams.
Am C G
In hues of hope and shades of life,
D Am
We sketch what love redeems.

[chorus]
Am C G D
In our canvas dreams we wander,
Am C G D
In a world so vibrant and free.
Am C G D
With hearts ablaze, in the painted haze,
Am C G D
We find our solace, our glee.

[verse]
Am C G
There’s a masterpiece in every glance,
D Am
In every smile and tear.
Am C G
We’re just artists of our fate,
D Am
Our canvas dreams so clear.

[chorus]
Am C G D
In our canvas dreams, we soar,
Am C G D
Beneath the painted twilight sky.
Am C G D
With hearts ablaze, in the coloured maze,
Am C G D
We breathe our dreams, our sigh.

Fan’s Name:
Rebecca Martinez

Testimonial:
“As someone who has followed Spry Square from their early days, I can only say how incredible their journey has been. Their music resonates with my soul, their lyrics are profound, and their sound is unique. I love how they experiment with different genres while staying true to their indie pop roots. ‘Canvas Dreams’ is my all-time favorite; it feels like an anthem for dreamers and artists like me. Spry Square’s music has been my solace in hard times, and their growth is as inspiring as their music. There’s no other band I’d love more than Spry Square, their music has become a part of my life’s soundtrack.”

Backstory:
Female Squad is a group of four young women from different parts of the US, who came together through their shared passion for music. They first met through an online musician’s forum, where they started creating together despite the physical distance. The group consists of a guitarist from Texas, a drummer from New Jersey, a bassist from California, and a vocalist from Florida. They chose the name ‘Female Squad’ to showcase their fierce approach to music and to celebrate their womanhood. The band was deeply influenced by the Riot Grrrl Movement and Indie rock artists from the late ’90s and early 2000s. After recording several demos and performing online gigs, they finally moved to the same city, Los Angeles, to officially launch their band.

Genre:
Indie Rock

Title:
“Under the Neon Lights”

Full Song Lyrics:
(Verse 1)
[G] Under the neon lights, where we [C] found our fight
[D] Struggled through the nights, but we [Em] knew it felt right
[G] Different paths we tread, [C] chasing dreams in our heads
[D] So we chose the music, [Em] left the normal life behind

(Chorus)
[G] We are the Female Squad, [C] we play it hard
[D] Our music’s our art, it’s our [Em] beating heart
[G] No matter where we roam, [C] music is our home
[D] Under the neon lights, [Em] we find our might

(Verse 2)
[G] Strumming strings in the dark, [C] hitting drums with a spark
[D] Singing our truth, [Em] creating our mark
[G] We wear our battle scars, [C] jamming in smoky bars
[D] For the love of music, [Em] we would go far

(Chorus)
[G] We are the Female Squad, [C] we play it hard
[D] Our music’s our art, it’s our [Em] beating heart
[G] No matter where we roam, [C] music is our home
[D] Under the neon lights, [Em] we find our might

(Outro)
[G] Under the neon lights, [C] we found our fight
[D] We are the Female Squad, [Em] and this is our night

Favorite Fan Testimonial:
The band’s favorite fan is Emma Johnson from Seattle. Emma has attended every gig the band has performed on the West Coast. Her admiration for the band is rooted in their empowering messages and raw, emotional performances. She stated, “Female Squad is my favorite because they are so much more than music. They are a symbol of strength and unity. Their lyrics resonate with my experiences, and their music gives me the courage to face my struggles. I can’t wait to see what they do next!”

Backstory:

Formed in the small coastal town of Nova Scotia, Canada, Simple Lamp began as a trio of high-school buddies – Ben Rogers (vocals/guitar), Michael Donnelly (bass), and Derek Sullivan (drums) – who shared a love for music and an undeniable chemistry. The band’s name was inspired by the lamp in their favorite hangout spot, their school’s library, a simple lamp that emitted soft, warm light, much like their music.

As young adults, they took their passion to the streets, busking and playing small gigs in local pubs. Their breakthrough came when a music producer, vacationing in Nova Scotia, happened to catch one of their performances. Impressed by their raw talent and unique sound, he offered them a recording contract, propelling Simple Lamp into the limelight.

Genre:
Indie Folk-Rock

Title:
“Light in the Dark”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
G Em C D
Underneath the old town light
G Em C D
We shared stories of endless nights
G Em C D
Through laughter and tears, we held on tight
G Em C D
Beneath the glow of a simple lamp’s light

(Chorus)
G Em C D
You are my light in the dark
G Em C D
My guide through the stormy park
G Em C D
With you, life ain’t a lark
G Em C D
You’re my light, you’re my spark

(Verse 2)
G Em C D
Through the waves and the shifting sand
G Em C D
Our faith never broke, like an unseen band
G Em C D
In the warmth of the light, we made our stand
G Em C D
With the glow of a simple lamp in our hand

(Chorus)
G Em C D
You are my light in the dark
G Em C D
My guide through the stormy park
G Em C D
With you, life ain’t a lark
G Em C D
You’re my light, you’re my spark

Favorite Fan:

Simple Lamp’s favorite fan is an enthusiastic music lover called Emily Thompson. Emily is a librarian at their old high school and it was she who first encouraged them to take their music seriously. Being their earliest supporter, she holds a special place in the band’s heart.

Emily’s Testimonial:

“Simple Lamp is my favorite band because their music resonates with real emotions and experiences. As their earliest fan, I’ve seen their tremendous growth, not just as musicians, but also as people. Their music, much like that simple lamp in our library, provides a comforting light in the darkness, a beacon of hope and warmth. I’m proud to have played a small part in their journey.”

Backstory:

Born in the heart of San Francisco, California, Cheap Awareness is a four-piece band that came to life in the basement of an old bookstore back in 2010. Childhood friends Thomas “Tommy” McVay, Casey “CJ” Johnson, Michael “Mikey” Reynolds, and Victor “Vic” Lugo were all pursuing different paths in life when they decided to take a crack at making music, just for the fun of it. They started with covers of popular tracks, but soon enough, they found their unique voice and began recording their own compositions. Their journey from a basement band to a well-known local sensation was anything but easy, but their passion for music and their bond of friendship carried them through.

Genre:

Alternative Rock

Song Title:

“Voices in the Suburbs”

Full Song Lyrics (with chord progression):

Verse 1: (A – E – D)
I’m hearing the voices in the suburbs,
(A – E – D)
Tales of lost dreams and forgotten love.
(A – E – D)
In the silhouette of the night, we sing our songs,
(A – E – D)
Underneath these stars, we belong.

Chorus: (F#m – D – A – E)
F#m – D
Stand up, sing loud, let them hear,
A – E
We are the voices they fear.
F#m – D
Cheap awareness, not a cry for help,
A – E
Just our stories, our truths to tell.

Verse 2: (A – E – D)
In these midnight streets, we find our peace,
(A – E – D)
Among the broken hearts and the lost beliefs.
(A – E – D)
The echoes of our laughter, the whispers of our tears,
(A – E – D)
We’ll let them know, we’re still here.

Chorus: (F#m – D – A – E)
F#m – D
Stand up, sing loud, let them hear,
A – E
We are the voices they fear.
F#m – D
Cheap awareness, not a cry for help,
A – E
Just our stories, our truths to tell.

Favorite Fan’s Name:

Charlie “Chuckles” Miller

Testimonial:

“Cheap Awareness is more than just a band to me, it’s a musical revolution. Their songs express the raw, unfiltered truth about life. It’s not just the powerful lyrics or the captivating melodies, but the genuine emotion behind each word they sing. They’ve turned their struggles into art, giving voice to people like me. Every time I hit play, I feel heard, I feel seen. That’s why they’re my favorite band. They make music that truly matters.”

Backstory:

Kaleidoscopic Judgement was formed in the heart of the vibrant Boston music scene in 2007. The band was the brainchild of childhood friends and fellow music enthusiasts, Malcolm ‘Mal’ Pritchard and Tucker ‘Tuck’ Alonzo. After years of jamming sessions in their respective basements, they finally decided to create something new, something bold, something that encapsulated their eclectic tastes in music. They enlisted the help of fiery drummer, Nina ‘Knuckles’ Woo, and eccentric bassist, Sebastian ‘Bass’ Collins, completing the quartet that would become Kaleidoscopic Judgement.

Despite a rocky start, the band steadily gained recognition in the underground music scene for their unique sound and captivating performances. Their breakthrough came when they won the ‘Unsigned Talent’ award at the Boston Music Awards in 2010. From that moment onwards, they were no longer just a local band playing at small pubs and clubs, but a revolutionary group ready to take the global stage by storm.

Genre:

Psychedelic Rock with a hint of Progressive Metal

Title:

“Ride the Astral Wave”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
Am/G/D/F
Cosmic lights, they flash and fade,
In a spiral dance, we serenade.
Take my hand, don’t be afraid,
It’s time to ride the astral wave.

(Chorus)
C/E/Am/G
Ride the astral wave,
Where stars are born and brave.
In the cosmic dance, we sway,
Riding high on the astral wave.

(Verse 2)
Am/G/D/F
Through the vortex, we’re spinning fast,
In the cosmic maze, shadows cast.
Pierce the veil, secrets to amass,
In the kaleidoscopic looking glass.

(Chorus)
C/E/Am/G
Ride the astral wave,
Where dreams are bold and grave.
In the stardust, we bathe,
Riding high on the astral wave.

(Bridge)
F/C/G/D
Break free from your earthly tether,
Join us in the cosmic weather.
In the astral wave, come together,
Riding high, forever and ever.

(Chorus)
C/E/Am/G
Ride the astral wave,
Where love and hope pave.
In the celestial ride, we rave,
Riding high on the astral wave.

(Bridge)
F/C/G/D
In the cosmic canvas, we engrave,
Our stories, bold and brave.
In the astral wave, we save,
Memories that time cannot shave.

Fan’s name:

Jeremy ‘Jez’ Powell

Testimonial:

“Kaleidoscopic Judgement isn’t just my favorite band because of their groundbreaking sound or the lyrical depth of their songs. They’ve been a constant companion through my life’s highs and lows, and their music resonates with me on a deeply personal level. ‘Ride the Astral Wave’ isn’t just a song; it’s an anthem that inspires me to break free from my constraints and aim for the stars. Their music is more than just an auditory experience; it’s a journey into the unknown, a celebration of the infinite possibilities life holds. They’re not just a band to me, they’re a philosophy.”

Backstory:
Born in the heart of Seattle’s grunge movement, Shoddy Explanation was formed in 1996 by four college friends eager to escape the mundanity of their academic lives. Vocalist Adam Franklin, guitarist Jake Cooper, bassist Leo Johnson, and drummer Matt Graham found solace and expression through music, crafting songs that resonated with the angst and disillusion of their generation. The band struggled through harsh winters and numerous small gigs just to get their music heard, but their persistence paid off in 1999 with the release of their debut album “Chaos in Comprehension”, which won them critical acclaim and a dedicated fan base.

Genre:
Shoddy Explanation’s music can be categorized as Alternative Rock with influences of Grunge and Punk.

Title:
“Reflections of a Broken Mirror”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
Am G C
Broken shards on the floor,
F G Am
Reflections of us, no more.
G D Am
Your laughter echoes in vain,
C F G
In this house of pain.

(Chorus)
Am G F C
Never meant to hurt you, I swear,
G D Am
But love is a game, it’s just not fair.
Am G F C
Reflections of a broken mirror,
G D Am
Our love story, no one will ever hear.

(Verse 2)
Am G C
Dreams shattered, hearts bruised,
F G Am
Innocence lost, trust abused.
G D Am
Silence screams louder than words,
C F G
In this symphony of hurting chords.

(Chorus)
Am G F C
Never meant to break your heart, I swear,
G D Am
But love is a war, it’s just not fair.
Am G F C
Reflections of a broken mirror,
G D Am
Our love story, drowned in tears.

The band’s favorite fan:
Ethan Carter is undoubtedly Shoddy Explanation’s favorite fan. A die-hard supporter since the band’s earliest days, Ethan has attended nearly every one of their concerts across the country. He’s always the first to buy their new merchandise and has an entire room dedicated to his collection of Shoddy Explanation’s memorabilia. Ethan’s favorite song is “Reflections of a Broken Mirror”, attributing it to a difficult breakup he went through. He says, “Shoddy Explanation doesn’t just make music, they paint emotions with their lyrics. Their songs have helped me through some of the darkest times in my life. For that, they’ll always be my favorite band.”

Backstory:
Spotless Produce was born out of a late-night jam session in a small, organic grocery store in Austin, Texas. The four store clerks decided to fill the night shift quiet with their shared passion for music. They named the informal band, Spotless Produce, after the store’s motto for quality, fresh groceries. After a number of impromptu gigs in the store and a surprisingly large online following thanks to a series of well-received social media posts, Spotless Produce decided to take their act from the grocery store aisles to local music venues. Their unique fusion of styles and organic sound soon caught the attention of local radio stations, sparking their journey into professional music.

Genre:
Folk Rock with a touch of Bluegrass

Title:
“Fresh as the Morning Dew”

Full song lyrics:

[vE] Waking up, [A] sun’s high in the sky
[E] It’s a new day, [B] let old troubles lie
[A] Smell of coffee, [E] eggs frying in the pan
[B] Life feels good, [E] livin’ off the land.

Chorus:
[E] Fresh as the morning dew, [A] crisp as a fall apple too
[E] That’s your love, [B] my heart’s fresh produce
[E] Sweet as a peach, [A] tangy as a lime
[E] You’re my perfect [B] fruit, [E] ripe for all time.

[vE] Ploughing the field, [A] under the hot sun
[E] Planting seeds of love, [B] our life’s just begun
[A] With you by my side, [E] everything feels just right
[B] Our love is real, [E] bright as moonlight.

Chorus:
[E] Fresh as the morning dew, [A] crisp as a fall apple too
[E] That’s your love, [B] my heart’s fresh produce
[E] Sweet as a peach, [A] tangy as a lime
[E] You’re my perfect [B] fruit, [E] ripe for all time.

[B] In the end, [A] as the sun goes down
[E] I’m thankful for this love [B] that we’ve found
[E] You’re my heart’s harvest, [A] the best kind of prize
[E] Our love is like [B] a star, [E] forever it’ll rise.

Favorite Fan:
Their biggest fan is a woman named Carly who discovered them during a late-night shopping run. In her words: “Spotless Produce is the real deal. Their music is fresh, organic, and wholesome, just like their name. ‘Fresh as the Morning Dew’ literally brought tears to my eyes the first time I heard it. Their music is a beautiful blend of nostalgic folk-rock with a modern bluegrass twist. It’s honest and raw, and it touches the soul. They’ve been my favorite band since that fateful night in the grocery store.”