Backstory:
Formed in 2010 in the bustling city of Portland, Oregon, Zany Need began as a trio of high school friends – lead vocalist and guitarist Max Everett, drummer Oliver Kirk, and bassist Jamie Spencer. The trio, who met in the school music room, bonded over their shared love of music and quickly began experimenting with writing and performing. Their raw talent and shared vision catapulted them from battle-of-the-band winners to local sensations, and their unique blend of music started to gain attention in the national circuit. In 2015, they added a new member, keyboardist Lisa Walker, who brought a whole new layer of depth to their sound, propelling them further into the national spotlight.

Genre:
Indie Rock with a blend of Psychedelic Pop

Title:
“Riding Dreams”

Full song lyrics:

(Verse 1)
Am Em G D
I’m riding dreams down the boulevard,
F C G Am
Echoes of you tattooed onto my heart.
Am Em G D
Empty spaces fill with the rhythm of the night,
F C G Am
Lost in the wilderness, you’re my only light.

(Chorus)
F C G Am
Don’t wake me up, don’t break the spell,
F C G Am
In the realm of dreams, that’s where we dwell.
F C G Am
Catch the wind, let’s ride it high,
F C G Am
In the haze of love, under the moonlit sky.

(Verse 2)
Am Em G D
Washed in the twilight, painted with your hue,
F C G Am
In the canvas of dreams, every stroke is true.
Am Em G D
We’re chasing comets, dancing in the cosmic sea,
F C G Am
With our hearts entwined, this is our symphony.

(Chorus)
F C G Am
Don’t wake me up, don’t shatter the peace,
F C G Am
In the realm of dreams, we find our release.
F C G Am
Catch the wind, let’s ride it far,
F C G Am
In the haze of love, you’re my guiding star.

Fan Testimonial:
Fan’s Name: Sarah Gibson

“I’ve been following Zany Need since their early days at the local music scene, and their music has seen me through some of the toughest times in my life. Their blend of Indie Rock with a touch of Psychedelic Pop is unique and refreshing. Their song ‘Riding Dreams’ is my anthem. The lyrics speak to the dreamer in me and the music just uplifts my spirit. It’s like a musical journey into the unknown with Zany Need as my guide. I can’t imagine my playlist without them. They are, and will always be, my favorite band.”

Backstory:

Formed in the bustling heart of Austin, Texas in 2013, Courteous Frequency was born when two childhood friends, guitarist Jacob Freeman and drummer Matthew Bailey, stumbled upon the ethereal voice of a local barista, Emily Hart. The trio immediately recognized the unique blend of their individual styles and decided to unite their talents. Starting with small gig nights at local bars and cafes, they quickly gained a reputation for their distinctive sound and energetic performances. After two years of tirelessly honing their skills, they released their debut album, sparking a ripple effect that quickly grew, propelling them to national attention.

Genre:
Courteous Frequency has carved out a niche within the Indie Rock scene, blending elements of folk and alternative rock. Their sound is marked by Emily’s haunting vocals, Jacob’s intricate guitar work, and Matthew’s dynamic beats. The alluring mix creates a musical experience that is both intimate and anthemic.

Title:
“One More Mile”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
Em C
Walking down the road, with a heavy load,
G D
Our hearts have stories yet untold.
Em C
Chasing the sun, our journey has begun,
G D
Believe, we won’t come undone.

(Chorus)
C G
One more mile to go,
D Em
In the cold, in the snow.
C G
We’ll find our way, come what may
D Em
Just one more mile, to the dawn of the day.

(Verse 2)
Em C
We’re not afraid of the echoes in the night,
G D
Guided by the stars’ gentle light.
Em C
Our dreams are wild, like a restless child,
G D
With every step, we’re reconciled.

(Chorus)
C G
One more mile to go,
D Em
Through the wind, through the woe.
C G
Hand in hand, we’ll withstand,
D Em
Just one more mile, to the promised land.

Favorite Fan Testimonial:

“My name is Sarah. Courteous Frequency has been my favorite band since their first album. Their lyrics speak to my soul, and Emily’s voice is like a balm for the heart. Jacob and Matthew’s musical prowess is unparalleled, and together, they create something magical. They remind me that even in the darkest times, there’s always ‘one more mile’ to go, and there’s beauty in the journey.”

Backstory:
Dearest Insurance was born out of the longing for music that didn’t just sound good, but also had a deeper message. The band’s four members – singer and guitarist Jack, drummer Emma, bassist Eric, and keyboardist Mia – met while working at an insurance company in the heart of New York City. They shared a common dissatisfaction with their monotonous 9-5 jobs and a burning passion for music that told real stories. After a spontaneous jam session at a company Christmas party, they decided to put their musical talents to use and formed Dearest Insurance, a name that represents their unexpected origin and their mission to provide a sense of comfort and security through their music.

The band quickly gained traction, their music resonating with listeners who were tired of the same old pop tunes and wanted something more. Dearest Insurance’s raw, heartfelt lyrics combined with their unforgettable melodies created a unique sound that couldn’t be ignored. It wasn’t long before they quit their jobs to dedicate themselves full-time to their music, becoming a beacon of hope for all those who dared to dream of a life beyond their cubicles.

Genre:
Indie Rock

Title:
“Policy of Love”

Full Song Lyrics:
(V)
Am G
I’ve been sitting at my desk
D Am
Counting minutes, feeling stressed
Am G
But when I close my eyes, I see
D Am
A world where we are finally free

(C)
G D
So let’s sign a policy of love
Am C
No more fear, no more of
G D
The doubts that keep us up at night
Am C
With you by my side, it feels right

(V)
Am G
We’ll trade our suits for guitars and drums
D Am
Sing our anthem till the morning comes
Am G
With every strum, we’ll find release
D Am
In the melody of our heart’s peace

(C)
G D
So here’s to our policy of love
Am C
No more chains, no more of
G D
The walls that keep us trapped inside
Am C
With you by my side, it’s time we tried

(Bridge)
Em D
And like the phoenix, we will rise
G C
From the ashes of our former lives
Em D
Into the light, where we belong
G C
With every beat, we sing our song

(Chorus)
G D
Yes, it’s our policy of love
Am C
No more lies, no more of
G D
The games that kept us playing safe
Am C
With you by my side, we find our faith

Fan’s Testimonial:
Name: Melissa

Melissa has been a fan of Dearest Insurance from the very beginning. She says, “There’s something about their music that feels like home. It’s raw and beautiful and speaks of a life that’s so far from the one I’m living, but it’s also incredibly relatable. I used to work in a similar corporate environment, so I understand their journey. Their song ‘Policy of Love’ in particular really resonates with me. Dearest Insurance is not just my favorite band because of their music, but also for the inspiring message they represent. They remind me every day that it’s never too late to follow your dreams.”

Backstory:
Odd Consumption, established in 2012 in the heart of Seattle, was formed by a group of friends who shared a love for alternative rock music and a passion for creating a unique sound. The band was brought together by lead vocalist and bassist, Jenna Sullivan, who met guitarist, Liam Moore, and drummer, Danny Ross, at a local music festival. Their collective creativity and shared musical vision prompted them to form a band that aimed to redefine the modern music landscape. Odd Consumption’s journey to the spotlight was not without its trials, but their perseverance and dedication to their craft eventually led them to a breakthrough, achieving both critical and commercial success in the vibrant Seattle music scene and beyond.

Genre:
Alternative Rock.

Title:
“Unlikely Devotion.”

Full Song Lyrics:
(Verse)
Em
Underneath the city lights, I found my reason,
G
Echoes of your laughter, a change in season.
Am
We’re just two odd souls, lost in the commotion,
B7
In this world of conformity, we found our devotion.

(Chorus)
Em D
Oh, this unlikely devotion,
G Em
Keeps us afloat in this vast ocean.
C D
Against all odds, we keep on moving,
B7
In this world of ours, it’s an Odd Consumption.

(Verse)
Em
Through the noise and chaos, we found each other,
G
Underneath the rubble, a tale to uncover.
Am
Amidst the cynics, we found the notion,
B7
In this world of apathy, an unlikely devotion.

(Chorus)
Em D
Oh, this unlikely devotion,
G Em
Carves a path through the commotion.
C D
Against all odds, we keep on choosing,
B7
In this world of ours, it’s an Odd Consumption.

Fan Testimonial:
“My name is Samantha, and I am a die-hard fan of Odd Consumption. Their music speaks volumes to me on a personal level – it’s raw, it’s rebellious, and it’s real. Their song, “Unlikely Devotion,” has become my anthem. The lyrics resonate with me, and every time I listen to it, I feel a surge of energy and empowerment. Odd Consumption’s unique sound and meaningful lyrics set them apart from typical mainstream bands, and that’s why they are my absolute favorite.”

Backstory:
Sizzling Society was born in the heart of Detroit, Michigan, a city known for its role in the birth of Motown and Techno. Lead singer, Jeremiah “Jazzy J” Johnson, and drummer, Timothy “T-bone” Thompson, were childhood friends who grew up immersed in the city’s rich musical heritage. The pair teamed up with guitarist, Frederick “Freddy Frets” Ferguson, and bassist, Oliver “Ollie Bass” Brown in high school. They started playing in local bars and clubs, which led to them being discovered by a local record producer who recognized their unique sound.

The band was initially known for their raucous live performances and deep, philosophical lyrics. As they evolved, they began to experiment with their sound, mixing elements of rock, blues, and funk, to create a music style that was all their own.

Genre:
Fusion of Rock, Blues, and Funk

Title:
“Riding the Rhythm Wave”

Full song lyrics:

[Verse 1]
Am
Wake up in the city, put on my shoes,
D
Hit the pavement running, shaking off the blues,
F
With every beat, every strum, every line,
C
We’re living our dreams, feeling so sublime.

[Verse 2]
Am
We’re just four boys from Motor City,
D
Chasing melodies, gritty and nitty
F
In the heart of the beat, in the soul of the sound,
C
We found our purpose, our solid ground.

[Chorus]
G
Riding the rhythm wave, under the neon lights,
D
Chasing the melody, through the city nights,
Am
We’re Sizzling Society, hear our song,
E
In this burning rhythm, we belong.

[Repeat Verse 1 and Chorus]

[Outro]
G
In the heart of the city, under the burning sun,
D
We found our voice, yeah we’re the chosen ones,
Am
We’re Sizzling Society, making our stand,
E
With the guitar in hand, we command.

Band’s Favorite Fan:
Our favorite fan is none other than Dave “Detroit” Daniels. He’s been our number one supporter since our humble beginning. Dave first heard us play in a small pub downtown and since then, he’s followed us to every gig, big or small.

Testimonial:
“No other band captures the spirit and soul of Detroit quite like Sizzling Society. Their unique fusion of rock, blues, and funk is a testament to the city’s rich musical history. I’ve seen them grow from playing in small bars to selling out big venues. Their lyrics speak of struggle, hope, and resilience that resonate with me and many others. They embody the heart of our city in every note they play. They’re more than just a band to me – they’re the musical heartbeat of Detroit.” – Dave “Detroit” Daniels.

Backstory:

Both Stairs was formed on a rainy night in 2015 when two friends, Darren Hughes and Jared Thompson, found themselves sobbing their hearts out on two different staircases in a shared apartment building. Both were heartbroken, but they found solace in creating music together. Darren, a carpenter by day and musician by night, and Jared, a struggling poet, had known each other since high school, but that night they created something more than just friendship. They created Both Stairs, a band that poured their heartaches and hopes into music, resonating with the struggles of everyday people.

In the years that followed, Both Stairs went from performing at small bars in their hometown of Pittsburgh to selling out shows across the country. Their music, a mixture of raw emotions and authentic experiences, deeply connected with their listeners. The duo strongly believes that everyone climbs their own set of stairs in life and their music embodies this shared human experience.

Genre:

Indie Folk-Rock

Title:

“Climb Again”

Full Song Lyrics:

(V1)
C Am F G
Climb again towards the sky,
Am F G
Unfraid to fall, ready to fly.
C Am F G
With a heavy heart and a weary sigh,
Am F G
Up those stairs we go, you and I.

(Chorus)
C Am F G
Both stairs may lead to different ends,
Am F G
But in our hearts, we’re more than friends.
C Am F G
Climb again, towards the dawn,
Am F G
With love and fear, we carry on.

(V2)
C Am F G
Through the pain and through the rain,
Am F G
Both stairs bear our love and strain.
C Am F G
We may stumble, we may wane,
Am F G
But we’ll climb again, unchained.

(Chorus)
C Am F G
Both stairs may show us different views,
Am F G
But in our hearts, we refuse to lose.
C Am F G
Climb again, towards the sun,
Am F G
With hope and faith, we’ve only begun.

Fan Testimonial:

The band’s favorite fan is Lenny Mitchell. Lenny, a barista by day and indie music enthusiast by night, stumbled upon Both Stairs during one of their early performances in a local Pittsburgh bar. He was immediately drawn to their raw emotions and profound lyrics. Both Stairs quickly became his favorite band and he began attending all their performances, often traveling miles to see them perform live.

Lenny says, “Both Stairs is not just my favorite band, they’re my lifeline. Their music resonates with my own experiences, it’s like they’re singing my life story. The way their lyrics intertwine with the melody, it’s beautiful and heartbreaking, all at once. ‘Climb Again’ has become my personal anthem. Life has its own set of stairs, sometimes you climb, sometimes you fall, but you always get back up and climb again. That’s the magic of Both Stairs, they understand and they make you feel understood.”

Backstory:

Incredible Anger emerged from the hard-knock streets of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. The band was formed by four high school friends in 2005, who found a common outlet to vent their frustrations and emotions through music. The band includes lead vocalist and bassist Dave ‘Destructive’ Thompson, guitarist Paul ‘Pulverizer’ Riggs, drummer Steve ‘Storm’ Reynolds, and keyboardist Mark ‘Meltdown’ Davis. Their shared experiences of hardship and the struggle to rise above their circumstances resulted in an authentic, raw sound that resonated with fans across the globe.

The band’s breakout performance came in 2006 at a local battle of the bands contest, where they stole the show and won over a music producer in the audience. Their victory led to a contract with an indie label, and they haven’t looked back since. Incredible Anger’s journey has been far from easy, but their passion, grit, and talent have carved their niche in music history.

Genre:
Hard Rock / Punk Rock

Song Title:
Burning Bridges

Full song lyrics:

(Verse 1)
Em G
Down the path, I see the flames,
D C
Burning bridges in my name.
Em G
Tears of sorrow, rage, and pain,
D C
This is the game, the price of fame.

(Chorus)
G D
Incredible anger, fueling my fire,
Em C
Lost in the mire.
G D
Burning bridges, no return,
Em C
Lessons learned, bridges burned.

(Verse 2)
Em G
Fights and fury, all we know,
D C
Echoes in the afterglow.
Em G
Shadows dancing in the night,
D C
In the ashes, we find our light.

(Chorus)
G D
Incredible anger, stoking the flame,
Em C
Life’s not a game.
G D
Burning bridges, we stand tall,
Em C
From the fall, we recall.

(Bridge)
G D
Lost, but we’re found,
Em C
In the chaos, the sound.
G D
Stand in the fire,
Em C
Climb higher and higher.

(Chorus)
G D
Incredible anger, lighting the way,
Em C
Burning the gray.
G D
Burning bridges, we won’t tire,
Em C
In the anger, we inspire.

Fan Testimonial:
The band’s favorite fan is Maggie O’Connell, who’s been with them since their first local gig. She says, “Incredible Anger’s music speaks to me on a level I can’t even explain. Their raw energy and authenticity is therapeutic. I’ve struggled a lot in life, and their music has been a constant companion. The song ‘Burning Bridges’ in particular, reminds me that it’s okay to let go of my past and harness my anger to build a better future. They’re definitely not just a band to me, they’re a lifeline.”

Backstory:
Born amidst the damp alleyways of Seattle, Wet Interpretation wasn’t your typical rock band. Founding members, Calvin “Cal” Thompson and Leo “Lo” Maxwell, both worked in a local record store. They spent their days surrounded by piles of vinyl, their nights jamming out in a cramped basement, and the small hours of the morning having philosophical debates under the city’s perpetual drizzle. Unearthed from this mix of late-night talks, music, and rain, was Wet Interpretation. Joined later by drummer, Rachel “Rae” Young, and bassist, Jake “Jay” Ford, they brought a unique blend of melancholy and grit to their music, sharing a collective dream of making a mark in the music industry.

Years of grinding in local pubs and clubs saw their sound evolve and mature, carving out a signature style that resonated with their audience. It wasn’t long before they were drawing large crowds and eventually landed a record deal. With their authentic songwriting and soulful performances, they managed to touch hearts, and soon their music was echoing beyond their city’s boundaries.

Genre:
Gritty Indie Rock

Title:
“Echoes In the Rain”

Full Song Lyrics:

[Verse 1]
Am G F C
In the city lights, under the pouring rain,
Am G F C
The echoes of your laughter still remain.
Am G F C
Through the foggy glass, I watch your silhouette,
Am G F C
A memory that I can’t forget.

[Chorus]
G Am F C
In every drop, I hear your name,
G Am F C
Lost in the echoes, in the rain.
G Am F C
In our song, you still remain,
G Am F C
Forever trapped inside this pain.

[Verse 2]
Am G F C
Down these empty streets, where we used to roam,
Am G F C
Your shadow lingers, my heart it roams.
Am G F C
In the puddles, your reflection fades,
Am G F C
Leaving behind our empty charades.

[Chorus]
G Am F C
In every drop, I hear your name,
G Am F C
Lost in the echoes, in the rain.
G Am F C
In our song, you still remain,
G Am F C
Forever trapped inside this pain.

Favorite Fan Testimonial:
Your favorite fan’s name is Ben. He stumbled upon Wet Interpretation during one of their earliest gigs in a local pub. He was immediately entranced by their raw energy and the depth of their lyrics. He says, “Wet Interpretation isn’t just a band for me, they’re a lifeline. Their music speaks to me in a way no other band ever has. Their songs are my solace on dark days and my celebration on bright ones. The emotion they pour into every chord and lyric hits me right in the heart. Wet Interpretation is more than just my favorite band, they’re a part of me.”

Backstory:

Dense Interest is a band that formed serendipitously in 2014. The group’s founding members, Ben Leeds and Jake Mullins, met in a crowded dive bar in Austin, Texas. They were drawn to each other by a shared love of vintage vinyl records and a firm belief in the transformative power of music. After several jam sessions, they decided to form a band, a tribute to their eclectic tastes and an attempt to create something unique and compelling. They were joined by Mike Thompson on bass and Sarah Gilbert on drums, two old friends from high school who shared their musical vision. Together, they’re on a mission to create thought-provoking music that resonates with the listener on a deep emotional level.

Genre:

Dense Interest’s sound is best described as indie rock with a progressive twist. Their music is characterized by intricate guitar work, complex rhythms, and poetic, often existential lyrics. They draw inspiration from a diverse range of sources, from the emotive narratives of classic rock to the innovative structures of progressive rock and the raw energy of punk.

Title:

One of Dense Interest’s most well-loved songs is “In The Shadow of Giants”.

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
Gmaj7 C7
In the shadow of giants, we found our place,
Em7 Am7
Lost in the echo, a forgotten space,
Dmaj7 F#7
Between the whispers and the roaring tide,
Bm7 E7
We found a melody that could not hide.

(Chorus)
Gmaj7
In the shadow of giants, we stand tall,
C7
In the face of silence, we heed the call,
Em7
We are the echoes, we are the sound,
Am7
In the shadow of giants, we are found.

(Verse 2)
Gmaj7 C7
In the rhythm of heartbeats, in the song of stars,
Em7 Am7
We found a rhythm that’s uniquely ours,
Dmaj7 F#7
In the quiet spaces, in the deafening roar,
Bm7 E7
We found a harmony worth fighting for.

(Repeat Chorus)

Favorite Fan Testimonial:

Our favorite fan is a young woman named Lucy. She’s been with us since our first makeshift concert at an old warehouse. What makes Lucy special is her unwavering support and belief in our music, even when we doubted ourselves.

Lucy says, “Dense Interest is more than just a band to me. Their music speaks to me on a level that I can’t quite put into words. It’s like they’ve taken the chaos of existence and turned it into something beautiful and profoundly meaningful. Whenever I’m going through a tough time, I find solace in their songs. I can’t imagine a world without their music.”

Backstory:

Born in the heart of the California desert, Dazzling War is a four-piece band that found its roots in 2010. The band members—Liam (lead vocals and guitar), Ethan (drums), Emily (keyboard), and Charlie (bass)—were all high school friends who shared a passion for music. They were united by their shared love for experimenting with sound, unafraid to blend genres and create something entirely new. Their journey began with a few shows at local bars and quickly escalated to them being one of the most sought-after indie bands in the west coast.

The band’s name, Dazzling War, is a contradiction in terms, a reflection of their music. It’s a blend of the gritty and the beautiful, the harsh realities of life and the sweet moments of joy. Their music carries an underlying message, encouraging listeners to confront their struggles head-on but also to remember to find the beauty in the chaos.

Genre:
Indie Rock / Alternative Pop

Title:
“Desert Mirage”

Full song lyrics:

(Verse 1)
[G] In the heat of the desert, where [C] dreams go to die,
[D] I found you, my oasis, under the [G] crimson sky.
[G] The sand beneath our feet, the [C] sun in our eyes,
[D] We danced through the heat, lost in the [G] disguise.

(Chorus)
[C] You’re my desert mirage, my [G] beautiful lie,
[D] A soothing illusion, under the scorching [C] sky.
[C] We’re dancing in the sand, [G] worlds far apart,
[D] But here in the desert, I’ve found my [C] heart.

(Verse 2)
[G] In the silent night, under the [C] stars so bright,
[D] We shared secrets, revealed in the [G] moonlight.
[G] A ghostly waltz, a [C] surreal existence,
[D] Our love story, a tale of [G] persistence.

(Chorus)
[C] You’re my desert mirage, my [G] beautiful lie,
[D] A dream in the night, under the star-lit [C] sky.
[C] We’re dancing in the shadow, [G] worlds far apart,
[D] But here in the desert, I’ve found my [C] heart.

Favorite Fan Testimonial:

Our band’s favorite fan is Sam. Sam’s love for Dazzling War is undying. He has been with us since our first gig at a local bar. He has attended every concert, bought every album, and supported us through our journey. He says, “Dazzling War isn’t just a band; it’s a community, a family. Their music is a beacon of hope, a reminder that even in the midst of war, there’s dazzling beauty to be found. They’ve been with me through my highs and lows, their melodies echoing in my best memories. I don’t think I’ll ever grow tired of their music.”