Backstory:
Yawning Representative was formed in the early 2000s in a small town in Northern California. Founder members, Jason Grace (lead vocalist and rhythm guitarist) and Lewis Payton (drummer), were childhood friends who grew up with a shared love of politically charged music. They wanted to voice their opinion on current social issues through their lyrics. Later they were joined by Tony Black (bass player) and Amanda Reed (lead guitarist), both passionate about the same cause. The name ‘Yawning Representative’ was chosen to symbolize their dissatisfaction with the political landscape, seeing the government as perpetually asleep to the needs of the people.

Genre:
Alternative Rock/ Activist Music

Song Title:
“Sleeping Giants”

Full Song Lyrics:
[C G Am F]
(Verse 1)
C G Am F
Oh, the giants sleep so soundly,
C G Am F
While the world around crumbles down.
C G Am F
Acting blind to the trembling ground,
C G Am F
Their slumber echoes a thunderous sound.

(Chorus)
C G Am F
Wake up, Sleeping Giants,
C G Am F
Can’t you see the world’s on fire?
C G Am F
Rise and shine, it’s your waking hour,
C G Am F
Time to feel the people’s power.

(Verse 2)
C G Am F
In the shadows of your ivory tower,
C G Am F
We, the people, refuse to cower.
C G Am F
With every tick of the midnight hour,
C G Am F
We gain strength, we gain power.

(Chorus)
C G Am F
Wake up, Sleeping Giants,
C G Am F
Can’t you see the world’s on fire?
C G Am F
Rise and shine, it’s your waking hour,
C G Am F
Time to feel the people’s power.

The band’s favorite fan:
Beverly Reed, a sociology professor from Berkeley, is Yawning Representative’s most fervent fan. She was drawn to the band for their strong messages and activism. “Yawning Representative gives voice to the voiceless,” she says. “Their music is more than just melody and rhythm. It’s a call to action, a beacon of hope in these turbulent times. They not just entertain, but educate and inspire. That’s why they’re my favorite band.”

Backstory:

Recent Planet is comprised of four childhood friends from the small town of Hadley, New York; Sam (guitar/vocals), Nancy (bass), Peter (drums), and Grace (keyboard). Their shared love for music fostered a bond that would transform their lives forever. Having spent countless hours in their high school music room, they nurtured a unique sound that would eventually establish them as one of the most promising young acts in the US. School custodian, Mr. Roberts, was often their only audience during those early years, but he never failed to encourage them to continue pursuing their dreams.

In 2018, Recent Planet recorded their first demo in a makeshift studio in Sam’s basement. The demo found its way into the hands of local radio DJ, Chad Michaels, who shared their unique sound with the world. The rest, as they say, is history.

Genre:

Indie Rock/Pop

Title:

“Neon Stardust”

Full Song Lyrics:

[Verse 1]
G C Em D
Underneath a canvas of neon stardust,
G C Em D
We danced the night away, lost in the rhythm of our heartbeat.
G C Em D
With your eyes as my guiding light,
G C Em D
We painted this town in shades of love and midnight.

[Chorus]
G C
Oh, my Neon Stardust,
Em D
You’re the melody that plays in the quiet of my heart.
G C
We’re a symphony in the silence,
Em D
Our song echoes in the streets after dark.

[Verse 2]
G C Em D
As the city sleeps, we come alive,
G C Em D
Breathing in the moment, we’re dancing on borrowed time.
G C Em D
With the world beneath our feet,
G C Em D
In your arms, I found a love I never knew I could keep.

[Chorus]
G C
Oh, my Neon Stardust,
Em D
You’re the rhythm that moves in the depth of my soul.
G C
With every beat, with every strum,
Em D
We’re painting a story that’s yet to be told.

[Bridge]
G C Em D
Underneath a canvas of neon stardust,
G C Em D
Our love is a song, forever playing in the stars.

[Chorus]
G C
Oh, my Neon Stardust,
Em D
You’re the music that fills the silence of the night.
G C
Every word, every note,
Em D
Echoes a love story written in neon light.

Favorite Fan:

The band’s favorite fan is a woman named Clara. She was there when the band played their first gig at a local bar and has been supporting them ever since. She always manages to be at every concert, no matter how far away. According to Clara, “Recent Planet has a way of turning everyday experiences into magical moments through their music. Their songs resonate with my own life, and it feels like they’re telling my story. They’re not just a band to me, they’re like family.”

Backstory:

Splendid Cat was created in the heart of Brooklyn, New York, in the loft of a former sewing factory turned artist commune. The four members, Silas (vocals and guitar), Juniper (bass), Huxley (drums), and Phillip (keyboard), were all independent artists who crossed paths in the vibrant New York scene. United by their shared love for alternative sounds and their shared disdain for conventional 9-to-5 jobs, they decided to form a band. Their shared living space became both a practice studio and a creative hub where they could freely experiment with their sound and style.

The band had its breakthrough when they performed at a local open mic night where they were discovered by a small indie record label. From there, their journey skyrocketed, as their unique sound and energetic performances led to an increasing fanbase and critical acclaim. Despite the band’s rise in popularity, the members of Splendid Cat remain grounded, often seen mingling with their fans after gigs or hanging out in local cafes and record stores.

Genre:

Indie Rock / Psychedelic Pop

Title:

“Neon Nights and City Lights”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
[Am]Underneath the neon lights, [G]we find our way,
[F]Lost in the city maze, [C]drenched in the milky way.
[Am]Dreams that flicker on the screen, [G]faces we’ve never seen,
[F]Chasing the night away, [C]in our own peculiar way.

(Chorus)
[Am]Neon nights and city lights, [G]we dance till break of day,
[F]Splashes of colors in the dark, [C]we paint our fears away.
[Am]Neon nights and city lights, [G]lost in the metro maze,
[F]Hand in hand we roam, [C]in the city’s daze.

(Verse 2)
[Am]Pavements echo our laughter, [G]as we chase tomorrow’s chapter,
[F]Running through the city’s veins, [C]drunk on moonlight elixir.
[Am]Our shadows dance on the walls, [G]as we answer the night’s calls,
[F]In the throbbing heart of the city, [C]we find our sweet solace.

(Repeat Chorus)

Fan’s Name:

Lola

Testimonial:

Splendid Cat is my absolute favorite band because they have an authentic and unique sound. Their music takes me on a journey through the cityscape, making me feel both lost and found at the same time. Their lyrics are poetry, and their melodies stick with me long after the song ends. Splendid Cat is not just a band, they’re a lifestyle, a voice for our generation, and a testament to the power of music. Their performances are energetic and engaging, and their connection with their fans is genuine and palpable. I’ve been a superfan since their first open mic night performance and will follow them wherever their music takes them.

Backstory:
Sour Writing is a group of four friends – Andy, Billy, Charlie, and Dale, who come from diverse backgrounds and brought together by the shared love of music. They first met at a poetry slam event held in their high school, where they connected over a shared love of creative expression and the power of words. After graduation, they all went their separate ways but held on to their shared passion. By a beautiful coincidence, they all ended up in the same city again five years later. During a casual meet-up, they realized that their passion for music was still very much alive. They decided to form a band, and Sour Writing was born.

Sour Writing aims to express the bitter-sweet emotions of life through their music, and their name is a reflection of this intent. They believe that every experience, no matter how sour, contributes to the person you become, and through their music, they intend to share these experiences.

Genre:
Sour Writing is primarily an Indie Rock band but they often blend elements of Pop and Alternative into their sound to create a unique blend that is refreshingly different yet comfortably familiar.

Title:
“Paper Cuts and Lemon Drops”

Lyrics:
(Intro)
G-D-Em-C

(Verse 1)
G D
Scribbles on the paper, beneath the moonlight,
Em C
Thoughts pouring like rain, in the quiet of the night.
G D
Memories of laughter, tears and fights,
Em C
All inked in words, under the soft lamp light.

(Chorus)
G D
Paper cuts and lemon drops, oh the bittersweet pain,
Em C
Life’s a ride on a teeter-totter, sunshine after the rain.
G D
Through the highs and the lows, love and disdain,
Em C
We pen down our stories, on life’s open plain.

(Verse 2)
G D
Words are but whispers, of the heart’s quiet song,
Em C
In the silence of the night, where secrets belong.
G D
In the dance of the letters, where we sway and twirl,
Em C
We script our saga, in this crazy world.

(Chorus)
G D
Paper cuts and lemon drops, oh the bittersweet pain,
Em C
Life’s a ride on a teeter-totter, sunshine after the rain.
G D
Through the highs and the lows, love and disdain,
Em C
We pen down our stories, on life’s open plain.

(Outro)
G-D-Em-C

Band’s favorite fan:
The band’s favorite fan is named Oliver. Oliver discovered Sour Writing during a particularly challenging time in his life. The band’s music, with its raw emotion and honest lyrics, resonated deeply with him, providing him solace and strength. Their song “Paper Cuts and Lemon Drops” became his anthem, and he found himself drawn to their unique blend of Indie Rock with Pop and Alternative elements. He loves how Sour Writing can take something as sour as life’s hardships and turn it into a beautiful melody. Oliver’s unwavering support and deep connection to their music make him a favorite fan.

Backstory:

Wide-Eyed Planet is a band of four friends from Minneapolis, Minnesota, who came together through a shared love of music and a desire to make a positive impact through it. They formed in 2005, with each member bringing a unique element to the band – Tom with his rugged vocals, Chris with his powerful guitar skills, Jake with his rhythmic drumming, and Mark with his strong bass lines. The name “Wide-Eyed Planet” came about from their collective awe of the natural world and their wish to inspire a sense of wonder and curiosity in their listeners.

The band faced their share of struggles in the early days, playing in small bars and local venues. Their determination never faltered, and their fan base gradually grew. By 2010, they found themselves on the verge of a breakthrough. Their first album, “A Journey Begins”, was a hit, and they were now playing to packed venues. Their music resonates with listeners due to their profound lyrics, soulful sound and the raw emotions they pour into their performances.

Genre:

Alternative Rock

Song Title:

“Under the Cosmic Canopy”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
Am – D – G – C
Under the cosmic canopy, we lay
Am – D – G – C
Dreaming of galaxies far, far away
Am – D – G – C
Our hearts beating to a celestial song
Am – D – G – C
In this vast universe, where do we belong?

(Chorus)
C – G – Am – F
Under the cosmic canopy, let’s soar
C – G – Am – F
Through time and space, forevermore
C – G – Am – F
With stars as our guide, moonlight our lore
C – G – Am – F
Under the cosmic canopy, let’s explore

(Verse 2)
Am – D – G – C
In the inky darkness, we’ll find our light
Am – D – G – C
In the silence, our voices take flight
Am – D – G – C
With the universe as our compass and guide
Am – D – G – C
In every corner, wonders hide

(Chorus)
C – G – Am – F
Under the cosmic canopy, let’s soar
C – G – Am – F
Through time and space, forevermore
C – G – Am – F
With stars as our guide, moonlight our lore
C – G – Am – F
Under the cosmic canopy, let’s explore

Fan’s Name:

Liam

Testimonial:

“Liam here. I’ve been a fan of Wide-Eyed Planet since their early days. I’ve seen them perform in small bars, and now I see them in crowded arenas. Their music speaks to my soul. It’s like they’ve taken my thoughts, my emotions, and put them into song. “Under the Cosmic Canopy” is my favorite track. It’s as if they’re telling me it’s okay to dream, to explore, to be curious, and to be lost sometimes. I can’t imagine my life without their music.”

Backstory:
Instructive Admission is an ensemble that emerged from the underground music scene of Nashville, Tennessee. The band’s core members, singer-guitarist John McKenzie, bassist Sarah Lane, and drummer Alex Monroe, met during their high school years and shared a mutual passion for music that was outside the traditional country genre that their city is renowned for. Their unique sound was shaped by their diverse musical tastes, from alternative rock to jazz, and the conscious decision to incorporate insightful lyrics that resonate with the listeners.

Instructive Admission spent their early years performing in small local venues, trying to make a name for themselves in a city known for its competitive music scene. Their break finally came when a music producer, charmed by their unique sound, decided to give them a chance to record their first album. Since then, Instructive Admission has evolved to become an influential act in the Nashville music scene and beyond, turning heads with their distinct sound and lyrical depth.

Genre:
Alternative Pop-Rock

Title:
“Behind the Masquerade”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
Em G D A
Shadows dancing on the wall,
Em G D A
Truth hidden behind the masquerade ball.
Em G D A
We wear our masks so perfectly,
Em G D A
But what lies beneath is a mystery.

(Chorus)
C G D Em
Behind the masquerade, we’re just the same,
C G D Em
Struggling souls playing a game.
C G D Em
Unmask the truth, let it be shown,
C G D Em
Beneath the facade, we’re all alone.

(Verse 2)
Em G D A
In the mirrors of our eyes,
Em G D A
What’s reflected are just lies.
Em G D A
Unveil the truth, it’s time to admit,
Em G D A
Instructive admission, let’s permit.

(Chorus)
C G D Em
Behind the masquerade, we’re all the same,
C G D Em
Blinded hearts seeking a flame.
C G D Em
Unmask the truth, let it be known,
C G D Em
Beneath the facade, love is overthrown.

Fan:
The band’s favorite fan is a woman named Abby Simmons. Abby was there for Instructive Admission from the beginning, a loyal supporter who followed the band from their humble beginnings to their rise to prominence. As a testimony to her dedication, she states, “Instructive Admission isn’t just a band to me – they’re a reflection of real life. Their lyrics resonate with my experiences and emotions, making me feel seen and understood. Each song is a journey that I’m proud to be a part of. They’ve been an instrumental part of my life and will forever be my favorite band.”

Backstory:

Neglected Oil was formed in the dusty heart of Texas in 2012, when childhood friends Jack Carver and Kyle Richards stumbled upon an abandoned oil well on the outskirts of their small town. The eerie beauty of the place, coupled with their shared love for music, inspired them to start a band that would echo the spirit of the ignored and forgotten. They were soon joined by exiled punk rocker Lucy Sanders on drums, her fiery personality adding the raw energy they were looking for. The trio gained recognition through passionate performances in local bars and soon began to hit the road, their music resonating with audiences across the state and beyond.

The band’s name Neglected Oil is symbolic of their raw, uncompromising music and lyrics that touch upon themes of neglect, rebellion, and the quest for personal freedom. Despite their growing popularity, they remain true to their roots, using their music as a way to shine a light on the overlooked and underserved.

Genre:
Alternative Rock

Title:
“Dusty Dreams”

Full Song Lyrics with Chord Progression:

(Verse 1: C G Am F)
Down by the deserted well, where the moonlight’s our only spell,
We found our hearts, we found our home, in echoes and the silence we dwell.
The wind in the wires, the rust in the gears, sings the forgotten tales,
In this world of neglected oil, we’re the wind in your dusty sails.

(Chorus: Am G F C)
Oh, in this land of broken dreams, our music is the golden seams.
We’re Neglected Oil, singing free, sewing together the torn up seams.

(Verse 2: C G Am F)
Here in the crucible of time, where the lost and the lonely chime,
We strike a chord, we sound a note, turning the ordinary to sublime.
With every beat of Lucy’s drum, every strum of our guitars,
We’re the soundtrack to your rebellion, we’re your guiding northern stars.

(Chorus: Am G F C)
And in this world of shifting sands, we’re the only steady bands.
We’re Neglected Oil, riding wild, leaving traces in your hands.

Fan Testimonial:

My name is Danny Jacobs, and I’ve been a fan of Neglected Oil since their first gig at Hard Rock Café in Houston back in 2012. What draws me to their music is how genuine it is. It’s raw, it’s honest, and it speaks to my soul. I’ve followed them across the country, to every dive bar and concert hall they’ve played in. To me, they’re not just musicians playing songs, they’re poets painting a world I can lose myself in. Their song “Dusty Dreams” especially resonates with me. Whenever I hear it, I feel like I’m back home in Texas, under the wide-open skies, free and unburdened. Neglected Oil is more than my favorite band, they’re the soundtrack to my life.

Backstory:

Plush Festival, a group that initially formed in the hustle and bustle of New York City, was made up of four friends who were captivated by the city’s diverse music scene. They were college mates who shared a dorm room and a love for music. During their college years, in between studying and part-time jobs, they began jamming in their basement, initially playing covers of their favorite songs. As the years went by, their musical bond strengthened and they decided to push their boundaries and create original music. Their passion for creating music was born from late-night jam sessions and music was their escape from the stress and struggles of college life. After graduating, they pursued their shared dream of becoming professional musicians and formed the band “Plush Festival.”

Genre:

Alternative Rock with a touch of Indie Pop.

Title:

“Painted Echoes”

Full song lyrics:

(Intro) Cmaj7 G Am F

(Verse 1)
Cmaj7 G
Under the city lights, we found our dreams,
Am F
Chasing painted echoes, your eyes in gleam.
Cmaj7 G
With every strum, with every beat,
Am F
We danced in rhythm, on the concrete.

(Chorus)
Cmaj7 G
Hey, let’s paint the town, in our melody,
Am F
In this plush festival, let’s be free.
Cmaj7 G
With our hearts on our sleeves and music in our souls,
Am F
We’ll keep on rockin’, till we lose control.

(Verse 2)
Cmaj7 G
With a guitar in my hand, and you by my side,
Am F
Beneath the stars, we took a ride.
Cmaj7 G
Through the chords, through the high and lows,
Am F
In our plush festival, our love grows.

(Chorus)
Cmaj7 G
Hey, let’s paint the town, in our melody,
Am F
In this plush festival, let’s be free.
Cmaj7 G
With our hearts on our sleeves and music in our souls,
Am F
We’ll keep on rockin’, till we lose control.

(Outro)
Cmaj7 G
In this festival of life, we found our tune,
Am F
Under the glittering, silver moon.
Cmaj7 G
In the plush festival, we found our home,
Am F
In every song, in every poem..

Fan’s Favorite Testimonial:

My name is Stella and Plush Festival is my favorite band. Their music speaks to me on a personal level. Every lyric of their songs feels like a journey I have taken. It’s like they’ve captured the emotions of my life story and turned it into music. I especially love their song “Painted Echoes”; it’s a beautiful blend of rock and pop that moves me every time I hear it. The first time I heard it, I was going through a rough patch. Their music helped me cope and gave me strength. Plus, their live performances are electrifying! There’s an energy that radiates from them. It’s a band that truly understands the power of music and I can feel their passion in every song they play.

Backstory:
Classic Indicator is formed in the heart of Seattle in 2008, started as a garage band by the lead singer and guitarist, Tom Kelsey and bassist, John Russo. Both of them were working at a local record store, sharing the same love for vintage music and the golden era of rock. They were later joined by drummer, Ethan Donovan and keyboardist, Harry Phillips, completing the classic foursome. Over the years, they earned a devoted fan base and made a name for themselves through their exhilarating live concerts and unique music style, which combined old-world charm with a contemporary vibe.

Genre:
Classic Indicator’s music can be best described as Retro-Indie Rock. They combine the energy and power chords of classic rock with the innovative sounds and thoughtful lyrics of contemporary indie music. Their music echoes nostalgia while also addressing the realities of today’s world.

Title:
“Vinyl Days”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
G – D – Em – C

Remember the times in the record store,
G – D – Em – C
Spinning tales and dreams galore,
G – D – Em – C
When music was pure, hearts were sure,
G – D – Em – C
In those Vinyl Days of yore.

(Chorus)
G – D – C

Vinyl Days, where did you go?
In your grooves, our dreams would flow.
G – D – C
Bring back the vibes, the classic show,
G – D – C
In those Vinyl Days we know.

(Verse 2)
G – D – Em – C
On the turntable, the disc would spin,
G – D – Em – C
Creating a world, we’d lose, we’d win.
G – D – Em – C
Every note, every spin,
G – D – Em – C
In those Vinyl Days, we’d grin.

(Repeat Chorus)

(End)
G – D – C
Vinyl Days, you’re in our hearts,
G – D – C
In our music, in our art.
G – D – C
From these memories, we’ll never part,
G – D – C
Vinyl Days, you’re our chart.

The Band’s Favorite Fan:
Our favorite fan is Jenny McClain. She never misses a show and has been with us since our first gig at the local pub. Jenny fell in love with our music because she says it brings her back to the time when her parents would dance around the living room to their favorite vinyl records. She appreciates the nostalgia we bring to our music, yet the relevance to her and her generation. Jenny once sent us a letter saying, “Classic Indicator is more than just a band for me; they are the bridge between my past and present, painting my life with their harmonious hues of retro and modern tunes.” We are grateful for her support and love she shows us.

Backstory:

Born out of the vibrant music scene of Seattle in 2010, ‘Sarcastic Childhood’ was formed by a trio of childhood friends, guitarist/vocalist Mike ‘Micky’ Thornton, bassist Andy ‘Ando’ James, and drummer Daniel ‘Dandy’ Richardson. Equipped with their instruments, a shared sense of sarcasm, and a nostalgia for their carefree younger days, they began to create music that spoke to their collective experiences. Life wasn’t always easy, but their songs turned the struggles into sarcastic and poignant anthems, helping them and their fans laugh at the absurdity of it all.

The band achieved moderate success in the local scene before their breakout hit in 2015, which led to national tours and a dedicated following of fans who resonated with the rawness of their music and the authenticity of their lyrics. Despite their rising popularity, the band has managed to stay true to their roots, maintaining a close relationship with their fans and often incorporating fan experiences into their songs.

Genre:
Alternative Rock

Title:
“Riding the Rubber Ducky”

Full song lyrics:

(Verse 1)
[E] Riding my rubber ducky in a [A] bathtub of despair,
[D] Laughter echoing off tiles, [G] pretending not to care.
[E] Mom yells about homework, [A] but I’m sailing far away,
[D] Amidst the sea of soap suds, [G] where I’d rather stay.

(Chorus)
[C] Oh, Sarcastic Childhood, [G] you’re a cruel beast,
[D] Masking pain with a jester’s grin, [E] at the very least.
[C] But in this tub, I’m a pirate, [G] I’m a king, I’m free,
[D] In this world of make-believe, [E] that’s where I want to be.

(Verse 2)
[E] My fortress made of Lego, [A] in a battlefield of toys,
[D] Echoing laughter, drowned [G] by the TV’s noise.
[E] Dad speaks of responsibility, [A] but I’m a knight today,
[D] Fighting dragons in my room, [G] in my own spectacular play.

(Chorus)
[C] Oh, Sarcastic Childhood, [G] you’re a bittersweet song,
[D] Making jest of growing pains, [E] where we all belong.
[C] But in my fortress, I’m a hero, [G] I’m a god, I’m me,
[D] In this realm of imagination, [E] forever I shall be.

The band’s favorite fan:

Our favorite fan is undoubtedly Rachel Simmons. She’s been with us since our earliest gigs in Seattle, always standing in the front row, singing along to every lyric. Her passion for our music is palpable and her dedication is heartwarming. She once told us, “Sarcastic Childhood is like a breath of fresh air in the often too serious world of music. Their lyrics resonate with me on a personal level and their performances always leave me feeling lighter. They remind me to laugh at life’s absurdities and to keep the child within me alive.” Her words perfectly encapsulate why we make music and why we love our fans.