Backstory:

Cooked Increase is a band that was formed in 2015 in the bustling city of New York. The members – James ‘Spidey’ McAlister on the vocals, guitarist Marty ‘The Chef’ Cookson, bassist Vince ‘The Spice’ Pepper, and drummer Nicky ‘The Slice’ Pastore – came together through a shared love for music and food. Each of them had spent a significant amount of time working in the culinary world before realizing their shared passion for music. Together, they decided to blend their love for music and food, creating a unique fusion that has won the hearts of many.

Drawing inspiration from their years in the kitchens of New York’s finest restaurants, Cooked Increase has been able to serve up a musical feast that truly satisfies the auditory taste buds, making them a favorite on the city’s independent music scene. Their music has been described as a ‘delicious blend of rhythm and flavor,’ and it’s clear that their culinary background has played a significant role in making their music unique and delectable.

Genre:

Cooked Increase has a distinct style that blends Indie Rock with a twist of Blues

Title:

“Boiling Point”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
[E] Times are getting tough, [A] working all day and night
[E] Slaving in the kitchen, [A] under the neon light
[B] But in every dish, we [E] pour our heart and soul
[B] This ain’t just about food, [E] it’s rock n roll

(Chorus)
[E] We’re at the boiling point, [A] stirring up the noise
[E] With every sizzling string, [A] we’ve found our voice
[B] Let the music simmer, [E] let it rise and fall
[B] Cooked Increase is here, [E] serving rock to you all

(Verse 2)
[E] With a dash of blues, [A] and a pinch of indie rock
[E] We cook up tunes, [A] that’ll make your heart unlock
[B] From the oven of our love, [E] to your listening plate
[B] This is Cooked Increase, [E] and we’re turning up the heat, mate

(Chorus)
[E] We’re at the boiling point, [A] stirring up the noise
[E] With every sizzling string, [A] we’ve found our voice
[B] Let the music simmer, [E] let it rise and fall
[B] Cooked Increase is here, [E] serving rock to you all

Favorite Fan:

Our favorite fan is Jenny ‘The Fork’ Williams, who has been with us from the very beginning.

Testimonial:

“There’s something truly enchanting about Cooked Increase. Their music is not just a harmonious blend of notes, but a culinary journey that takes you on a rollercoaster of emotions. The rich flavor of their lyrics, combined with the intoxicating aroma of their melodies, makes their music an absolute treat. I’ve been a fan since their first gig, and they’ve been my favorite band ever since. They offer an unforgettable auditory dining experience that leaves you craving for more.” – Jenny ‘The Fork’ Williams.

Backstory:
Busy Joke was formed in 2013 when the paths of four college friends, Jack Holden (lead vocals, guitar), Emily Stone (bass, backing vocals), Ryan Preston (lead guitar), and Mike Randolph (drums), crossed again after graduating from the University of Michigan. Having shared a love for music during their college years, they decided to give their passion a professional turn. The name Busy Joke not only reflects their knack for wacky humor but also the chaotic life they lived while juggling their day jobs and music. After playing in local bars and music festivals, they gained recognition for their unique sound and lyrics that resonated with the young generation. They released their first album in 2016 that topped the local music charts and gave them the breakthrough they needed.

Genre:
Indie Rock/Alternative

Title:
“Chasing Shadows”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse)
C G Am
Lost in the rhythm, lost in the sound
Em F C G
City lights are blurring all around
C G Am
We’re chasing shadows, chasing dreams
Em F C G
In our twisted world, nothing’s what it seems

(Chorus)
Am F C G
We’re just shadows, echoes of the night
Am F C G
Running from the truth, hiding from the light
Am F C G
We’re the Busy Joke, always on the run
Am F C G
Chasing shadows til the rising sun

(Verse)
C G Am
Under neon skies, we found our place
Em F C G
In the heart of chaos, we found grace
C G Am
With music as our guide, we made our stand
Em F C G
Chasing shadows, hand in hand

(Chorus)
Am F C G
We’re just shadows, echoes of the night
Am F C G
Running from the truth, hiding from the light
Am F C G
We’re the Busy Joke, always on the run
Am F C G
Chasing shadows til the rising sun

Favorite Fan:
The band’s most cherished fan is a woman named Lily Sanders. Lily first encountered Busy Joke during a music festival in Detroit, and she has been their most loyal fan ever since. She admires the band for their raw talent and their ability to touch upon real-life situations through their lyrics. In her words, “Busy Joke is the voice of our generation, they express our daily struggles, and they celebrate our small victories. Their music resonates with my soul. It’s like they’re speaking directly to me.”

Backstory:
Formed in the heart of Brooklyn, New York, in 2005, ‘Boiling Member’ was birthed from the ashes of an underground indie scene, looking for a fresh sound and perspective. The band is composed of four members: frontman and lead vocalist Kyle ‘KJ’ Johnson, guitarist Dean ‘Dizzy’ Izquierdo, bassist Larry ‘Larz’ Zappa, and drummer Nick ‘Nix’ Xavier. Originally, they were friends from college who shared a mutual passion for music and a knack for creating unique tunes. Their journey began by playing at small venues, local festivals, and college events, gradually capturing the audience’s hearts with their distinct sound and raw emotional performances.

Despite the challenges and struggles they faced at their outset, their unyielding spirit and determination propelled them to fame. Today, ‘Boiling Member’ is recognized worldwide, known for their passion-infused performances and heartfelt lyrics that resonate with audiences of all ages. The band’s dynamic chemistry and shared love for music have been instrumental in their success. Their story is a testament to their motto: “Music, above all, is about passion and camaraderie.”

Genre:
Alternative Rock

Title:
“Embers of Dawn”

Full Song Lyrics:
(Verse 1 – Am, G, F, C)
Am G
In the haze of the breaking day,
F C
Past the echoes of our yesterday,
Am G
Found a flame in your tender gaze,
F C
Like the embers of dawn ablaze.

(Chorus – G, F, C, G)
G F
Embers of dawn, our love reborn,
C G
In the heart of the storm, we find our form,
G F
With each new morn, in sun scorn,
C G
Like the embers of dawn, we’re never torn.

(Verse 2 – Am, G, F, C)
Am G
Guided by the moon’s soft light,
F C
In the stillness of the quiet night,
Am G
Your whispers like a gentle sigh,
F C
Underneath the star-lit sky.

(Chorus – G, F, C, G)
G F
Embers of dawn, in our song sworn,
C G
Through trials forlorn, in love we adorn,
G F
From dusk till morn, in trust reborn,
C G
Like the embers of dawn, our bond is worn.

Favorite Fan:
The band’s favorite fan is a young woman named Amy Turner. Amy followed Boiling Member from their early days, often attending their small gigs in Brooklyn. She has been seen at every concert, every album release, and every significant event in the band’s journey. Amy’s enthusiasm for their music and her unwavering support have been a significant inspiration for the band.

Amy’s Testimonial:
“There’s something incredibly raw and genuine about Boiling Member. Their music speaks to me on a profound level, resonating with experiences and emotions that most other bands fail to capture. Their songs feel like a personal conversation, a shared understanding of life’s trials and tribulations. It’s not just their music that has me hooked; it’s their authenticity, their synergy as a band. Being a fan of Boiling Member isn’t just about loving their music; it’s about being part of a journey that continues to defy expectations and inspire.”

Backstory:

The Ready Ship journey began on a remote island in Maine, where three childhood friends: Jim ‘Hawk’ Hawkins on lead guitar and vocals, Billy ‘Bones’ McCoy on bass, and Benjamin ‘Ben’ Gunn on drums, started jamming together in Hawk’s parents’ old boathouse. The name ‘Ready Ship’ was inspired by their shared fascination with pirate lore and maritime history. The band, after a few years of local gigs, started making a name for themselves with their unique sound and energetic performances.

Their big break came when a record producer vacationing on the island happened to wander into one of their gigs. Impressed by their raw talent and originality, he offered them a deal on the spot. The small town boys soon found themselves catapulted into the national scene, touring with some of the biggest names in the industry, and producing their debut album.

Genre:

Ready Ship’s sound can be best described as Nautical Rock – a unique fusion of classic rock, sea shanties, and folk music, with a dash of indie pop thrown into the mix.

Title:

“Rogue Wave”

Full song lyrics:

(Verse 1)
G C D
Sailin’ on a rogue wave,
G C D
Under the moon’s brave light,
G C D
Caught up in the rapture,
G C D
Of the wild, restless night.

(Chorus)
C D G E minor
Ready ship, steady ship, onto the fray,
C D G E minor
We’re sailors of fortune, at the break of day.

(Verse 2)
G C D
Stars our only compass,
G C D
Sea breeze our guiding light,
G C D
We’re storm-tossed, we’re wind-crossed.
G C D
But our hearts take flight.

(Chorus)
C D G E minor
Ready ship, steady ship, into the blue,
C D G E minor
Chasing the horizon, our dreams in view.

(Bridge)
C D E minor C
In the face of the tempest, we’ll hold our course,
C D G E minor
With the power of the ocean as our force.

(Chorus)
C D G E minor
Ready ship, steady ship, to the unknown,
C D G E minor
In this wide open world, we’ve found our home.

Favorite Fan Testimonial:

“My name is Jenny Silver, and Ready Ship is my absolute favorite band. Their unique blend of rock and maritime tunes is unlike anything else I’ve heard. I’ve always been a fan of pirate lore and the sea, and their music captures the spirit of adventure perfectly. Seeing their live performance is an experience unto itself – they bring so much energy and passion to the stage. I’m also incredibly proud of their journey from a small island in Maine to the national stage. Ready Ship’s music has been a beacon of light during tough times, reminding me to hold my course and weather the storm. They’re not just a band to me, they’re like my personal cheerleaders, spurring me on my own life’s journey.”

Backstory:
Born from the ashes of heartbreak and transformation, ‘Willing Widow’ was formed in the eclectic, bohemian streets of Austin, Texas. Lead singer, Alexandra Stone, found solace in music after the unexpected death of her husband. Teaming up with childhood friend and bass player, Jack Simmons, drummer Mike Johnson, and lead guitarist, Lisa Silverman, they immersed themselves in music creation as a form of catharsis. Their bond and shared experiences released an unspeakable magic, crafting a sound that resonated with others going through their own trials and tribulations. This common thread of loss, acceptance, and rebirth led to the creation of ‘Willing Widow’.

Genre:
Alt-Rock with a touch of Blues

Title:
“Phoenix in the Ashes”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
Am – C – G – D
Here in the silence, we bide our time,
Crumbled thoughts, lost love in rhymes.
Through the echoes of our heart’s chime,
We find strength in solitude, our prime.

(Chorus)
Am – C – G – D
Rise as a Phoenix in the ashes,
From despair, hope flashes.
In the verses of our cries,
Resilience etched in our eyes.

(Verse 2)
Am – C – G – D
Under moonlit skies, we dance alone,
Till the hurt and pain are all but gone.
Turn our sorrow into a song,
In the silence, we find we belong.

(Chorus)
Am – C – G – D
Rise as a Phoenix in the ashes,
From despair, hope flashes.
In the verses of our cries,
Resilience etched in our eyes.

(Bridge)
Em – D – Am – C
Echoes of loss, etched in our soul,
Music, our solace, makes us whole.
In every note, in every strum,
We find ourselves, we overcome.

(Chorus)
Am – C – G – D
Rise as a Phoenix in the ashes,
From despair, hope flashes.
In the verses of our cries,
Resilience etched in our eyes.

(Outro)
Am – C – G – D
We are the willing widows of our past,
In our music, we have found our cast.
With every beat, with every flow,
We rise, we shine, we grow.

Fan:
The band’s favorite fan is Sarah Roberts. Sarah, a widow herself, was introduced to ‘Willing Widow’ by her therapist as a part of her healing journey. She instantly felt a connection with the band’s music and their raw, honest lyrics. She says, “Their music speaks to me on a level that words cannot describe. It’s like they’ve put my grief, my struggle, my resilience into their songs. Each note, each lyric, brings me closer to acceptance and peace. ‘Willing Widow’ has played a significant role in my healing process, and for that, they will always hold a special place in my heart.”

Backstory:
Foolhardy Trade was born in the vibrant heart of Atlanta, Georgia. Coming together for their shared love of music and storytelling, the four members- Luke (vocals), Alex (guitar), Charlie (bass), and Matt (drums) met in a humble garage. They all held day jobs, but their nights belonged to creativity, music, and their burgeoning dreams of taking their music to larger audiences.

Their ticket to fame came in the form of a local battle of the bands. Despite being considered the underdogs due to their untraditional music style, the band wowed the crowd with their heartfelt performance and went on to win the competition. The rest, as they say, is history. The group has since released multiple successful albums, each revealing a new layer of their musical journey and staying true to their compelling narrative style.

Genre:
Alternative Rock

Title:
“Price of Love”

Full Song Lyrics:
[Intro: C G Am F]
VERSE 1
(C) There’s a place, (G) down the line
(Am) Where we traded (F) laughter for time
(C) In the name of love, (G) we paid the price
(Am) Lost our way, (F) in a foolhardy trade

CHORUS
(C) The price of love, (G) it’s high to pay
(Am) Hand in hand, (F) we lost our way
(C) In the name of love, (G) we bowed our heads
(Am) To the weight, (F) the foolhardy trade

VERSE 2
(C) We shared dreams, (G) made of gold
(Am) In the night, (F) young and bold
(C) For the sake of love, (G) we gambled it all
(Am) In foolish trade, (F) we let them fall

CHORUS (REPEAT)
BRIDGE
(Am) Love’s gamble, (G) a foolhardy trade
(F) In the end, (C) we all get played
(Am) In the game of love, (G) no one’s spared
(F) We roll the dice, (C) for love we dared

CHORUS (REPEAT x2)

Favorite Fan:
Emily Rogers

Testimonial:
“I’ve been a fan of Foolhardy Trade since I first heard them at a local gig in Georgia. Their music speaks to my soul, and I can relate to their lyrics. They don’t just make music; they tell stories, and I feel a part of those stories. Witnessing their journey from the local scene to the big stage has been inspiring, and I’m proud to be a part of it. There’s no other band that can match their passion and authenticity. Foolhardy Trade is not just my favorite band, they’re my musical refuge, my rock.”

Backstory:
Accurate Constable is a group of five childhood friends who were brought up in the tight-knit community of a small coastal town in Oregon. Inspired by their humble surroundings and the tales of their local folk heritage, the band formed in high-school. They developed a bond through their shared passion for storytelling and music and began performing at local bars and community events. After years of nurturing raw talent and honing skills, they finally got their break; a record label scout happened upon one of their gigs and was immediately captivated. Now, Accurate Constable has become a staple in the music industry, their songs echoing the spirit of their coastal hometown while resonating with audiences worldwide.

Genre:
Indie Folk

Title:
“Lost in the Waves”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
[G] Somewhere on the [Em] coastline, [C] underneath the [D] pines,
[G] Lost boys with their [Em] fishing lines, [C] we were once upon a [D] time.

(Chorus)
[G] Lost in the [Em] waves of time, [C] our hearts forever [D] entwined,
[G] Nostalgic [Em] days sublime, [C] in our memories, they [D] shine.

(Verse 2)
[G] The old lighthouse [Em] stands tall, [C] whispering tales of [D] fishermen’s brawl,
[G] And we heed its [Em] beckon call, [C] as towards the sea, we [D] crawl.

(Chorus)
[G] Lost in the [Em] waves, we find, [C] pieces of our [D] childhood behind,
[G] Memories that [Em] never unwind, [C] in the echoes of the [D] tide.

(Outro)
[G] And we’ll always [Em] be those boys, [C] with salt in our [D] hair,
[G] Forever lost in the [Em] waves, [C] in the sea’s loving [D] care.

Favorite Fan:
Their favorite fan is a woman named Emily Thompson from their hometown, who has attended every single one of their performances since the band first started. Emily describes Accurate Constable as her favorite band, saying, “Their music is like a love letter to our coastal town. It’s nostalgic, it’s heartfelt, and it’s home. Every song brings back memories of my childhood and the wonderful community we have here. Listening to them is like a warm embrace, reminding me of why I love our little corner of the world.”

Backstory:
“Dizzy Suggestion” was born in the bustling heart of New York City in 2014. Originally started as a duo, it was formed by a pair of childhood friends, Oliver Riley on the guitar and vocals and Sam Matthews on the drums. They were inspired by the vibrant city life and the diversity of art and culture around them. As they gained momentum, they were joined by the talented Riya Patel on the keyboards and Thomas Sanchez on the bass, transforming the duo into a quartet. The band’s unique sound came from their collective background, their love for the city, and their shared passion for self-expression through music.

Genre:
The band’s musical style can be best described as Indie Rock with a blend of Alternative Pop.

Title:
“Neon Dreams”

Full Song Lyrics with Chord Progression:

(VERSE 1: C G Am F)
C G
City lights, flashing in rhythm,
Am F
With the beating of our hearts in sync,
C G
We’re young, wild, in this concrete jungle,
Am F
Living our own version of neon dreams.

(CHORUS: Am G F)
Am G F
Dizzy suggestions, in the echo of the night,
Am G F
Can you hear it? The city’s whispering our names.

(VERSE 2: C G Am F)
C G
The skyscrapers, they’re telling a story,
Am F
Of dreams weaved in steel and glass,
C G
We’re just silhouettes against the skyline,
Am F
With hearts full of dreams, we’re not letting it pass.

(CHORUS: Am G F)
Am G F
Dizzy suggestions, the city’s coded signs,
Am G F
Can you see it? The city’s painting our path.

The band’s favorite fan’s name and testimonial:
Fan Name: Jessica Thompson

Testimonial:
“Dizzy Suggestion is more than just a band to me, it’s a lifeline. Their music, it’s like they’ve captured my inner thoughts and feelings and put it into words and melodies. There’s a raw honesty and authenticity in their lyrics, it just resonates with me. When I listen to their song ‘Neon Dreams,’ I feel seen, validated. I love how they’ve captured the essence of city life and the dreams and struggles of the people living in it. Their music brings comfort and inspires me to continue pursuing my dreams. I can’t imagine a life without their music!”

Backstory:

In a small town in Michigan, three high school friends discovered their shared passion for music, humor and a shared belief in the power of laughter. Josh, the lead singer, Alex, the drummer, and Jake, the bass guitarist, formed ‘Mediocre Joke’ in the summer of 2005. Known for their lighthearted take on life, the band initially started as a fun project, playing at local clubs and high school events. However, their unique blend of music and humor soon caught the attention of a larger audience, and before they knew it, Mediocre Joke was touring across the nation, bringing smiles and music to their fans.

The band’s name, Mediocre Joke, is a reflection of their motto: life doesn’t always have to be serious, and it’s okay to be just ‘okay’ sometimes. Their mission is to remind their listeners that it’s okay not to be perfect, it’s okay to laugh at your own mistakes and that life should be taken with a grain of salt and a pinch of humor.

Genre:

Pop-Rock Comedy

Title:

“Laugh It Off”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
Em C
I tripped on my shoelace,
G D
Face on the pavement,
Em C
I could let it ruin my day,
G D
Or just laugh it away.

(Chorus)
Am C
So I’ll just laugh it off, laugh it off,
G D
Turn my stumble into a dance,
Am C
‘Cause life’s a mediocre joke,
G D
And I got the punchline in advance.

(Verse 2)
Em C
I messed up my lines,
G D
On our first date,
Em C
I could let it sting,
G D
Or just join in the laughing.

(Chorus)
Am C
So I’ll just laugh it off, laugh it off,
G D
Turn my blunder into a chance,
Am C
‘Cause life’s a mediocre joke,
G D
And I’m still here, in the dance.

Fan Name:

Sarah Thompson

Testimonial:

“Mediocre Joke has been my favorite band since I first heard them at a local club in Michigan. Their music is catchy and their lyrics are hilarious, but most importantly, they have a message. They remind me that it’s okay to be human, to make mistakes, and to laugh at myself. Whenever I’m having a rough day, I play ‘Laugh It Off’ and it instantly makes me feel better. Their music, their humor and their message have helped me through some tough times. Mediocre Joke isn’t just a band for me, they’re a beacon of positivity and a reminder to not take life too seriously.”

Backstory:

Sore Location was formed in the vibrant heart of Brooklyn, New York, in the winter of 2012. The band is comprised of four members – frontman, songwriter, and lead guitarist Viktor “Vik” Sawyer, bassist Eli “the Elephant” Walsh, drummer Jasper “Jazz” Reinhardt, and keyboardist Penny “Pip” Pippin. Their bond was formed over countless nights spent in the local dive bars, a shared love for music, and a mutual distaste for the mainstream 9-to-5 lifestyle. The band’s name was inspired by the band’s struggle to find an ideal rehearsal space in the city, which they humorously termed their “sore location.”

Genre:
Alternative Rock

Title:
“Subway Rendezvous”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
[G] Down in the underground we met, [D] lost in the city’s silhouette,
[Em] Swallowed by the crowd, [C] our eyes were the only sound,
[G] Shattered dreams but still we ride, [D] souls intact on the subway line,
[Em] Underneath the city’s light, [C] found solace in the neon night.

(Chorus)
[G] Subway rendezvous, [D] under the crescent moon,
[Em] With nothing left to lose, [C] painted with city hues,
[G] Meet me at the station, [D] in our sore location,
[Em] Amidst the chaos and commotion, [C] find our own devotion.

(Verse 2)
[G] Whispers echoed in the train, [D] drowned in the city’s pouring rain,
[Em] Amidst the rush, amidst the grind, [C] found peace in the labyrinth of our mind,
[G] Broken hearts but still we find, [D] solace in the subway line,
[Em] Amidst the city’s blinding light, [C] found comfort in the silent night.

(Chorus)
[G] Subway rendezvous, [D] under the falling dew,
[Em] With nothing left to prove, [C] sketched in the city’s groove,
[G] Meet me at the station, [D] in our sore location,
[Em] Amidst the hurry and the hasten, [C] we find our hearts awaken.

Fan Testimonial:

Fan’s name: Sam “Shutterbug” Sullivan

“Being a photographer and a New Yorker, I’ve always been drawn to the rawness and authenticity of Sore Location’s music. I’ve followed them from their early days, playing in dingy bars to now, when they’re selling out shows. Their music has always been a source of solace for me, encapsulating the spirit of the city – the loneliness, the hustle, and the unyielding hope. Their song ‘Subway Rendezvous’ perfectly captures the essence of feeling lost and found in the city, all at once. This band is my favorite because they’ve somehow put into words and music what living and breathing in this city feels like.”