Backstory:
Inferior Winter began as an idea in the cold, isolated landscape of Fairbanks, Alaska. Childhood friends, guitarist Jake “Frostbite” Johnson and drummer Eddie “Blizzard” Baker formed the band in 2005, drawing inspiration from the harsh, unforgiving winters of their hometown. The duo quickly gained popularity in the local music scene, known for their haunting melodies and emotionally charged lyrics. In 2010, they added Helena “Storm” Swanson on bass, whose melodic skills further enhanced their sound. The band’s big break came when their 2013 album, ‘The Frostbite Sessions’, caught the attention of a major record label.

Genre:
Alternative Rock

Title:
“Frostbitten Heart”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
[G] Trapped in this cold, [Em] cloaked in white,
[C] Our hearts still beat in the [D] pale moonlight.
[G] This winter storm, [Em] it cuts like a knife,
[C] Carving lines in the [D] landscape of life.

(Chorus)
[G] Frostbitten heart, [Em] it’s too cold to mend,
[C] Chasing shadows in the [D] winter’s end.
[G] Snowflakes fall, [Em] as we pretend,
[C] That this inferior winter [D] will never end.

(Verse 2)
[G] Ice-veined rivers, [Em] flowing fast,
[C] Memories of a [D] frozen past.
[G] The northern lights, [Em] they dance and sway,
[C] As we lose ourselves in the [D] winter’s gray.

(Repeat Chorus)

Bridge:
[Am] Love is a flame, [Em] burning bright,
[C] In the heart of this [D] endless night.
[Am] But the frostbite stings, [Em] and the cold winds blow,
[C] And we’re trapped in this [D] endless snow.

(Repeat Chorus)

Fan Testimonial:
My name’s Lily, a die-hard fan from their early days. I fell in love with Inferior Winter when I first heard them at a local gig a decade ago. Their music resonates with my soul; it’s like they’ve captured the essence of winter in Alaska – the beauty, the desolation, the struggle, all in their songs. “Frostbitten Heart,” is my all-time favorite; it speaks to the heartache and resilience that come with enduring a long, harsh winter. This band is special to me, it’s more than just music; it’s a piece of home that I carry with me wherever I go.

Backstory:
Sneaky Bench is an indie-rock band that was formed in the tranquil town of Stratford-upon-Avon, England, in 2013. Its founding members, Jack Harrison (lead vocalist), Neil Cooper (lead guitarist), and brothers Adam and Oliver Smith (on bass and drums respectively), were all childhood friends who shared a deep passion for music. The story goes that they got their quirky name ‘Sneaky Bench’ one night when they found an old bench mysteriously placed in their rehearsal studio, a bench which no one knew how got there, and they decided to use it as part of their set-up. Their musical journey started from gigging in small local bars to eventually landing a record deal in 2014 after their performance at the Glastonbury festival was spotted by a talent scout from a major label.

Genre:
Indie Rock

Title:
“The Silent Echo”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
[G] Looking out of my old [D] windowpane, [C]
[G] Watching the world spin [D] in the rain,
[G] Trapped in a moment, [D] lost in time, [C]
[G] Waiting for your voice, [D] that silent echo of [C] mine.

(Chorus)
[Em] In the stillness, [C] I can hear your whisper,
[G] In the darkness, [D] your light shines brighter,
[Em] And with every beat of [C] my heart,
[G] I feel you, [D] The Silent Echo, [G] start.

(Verse 2)
[G] Walking down the [D] memory lane, [C]
[G] Drenched in love, soaked [D] in pain,
[G] Your laughter, your tears, [D] everything feels near, [C]
[G] But it’s your voice, [D] that silent echo I [C] fear.

(Repeat Chorus)

(Bridge)
[Am] Caught in the echoes [D] of forgotten dreams,
[G] You’re a silhouette [C] of all that’s been,
[Am] I’ll hold on to [D] your echo,
[G] Until I find my [C] tomorrow.

(Ending Chorus)
[Em] In the silence, [C] your voice grows stronger,
[G] In the darkness, [D] your light lingers,
[Em] And with every beat of [C] my heart,
[G] I feel you, [D] The Silent Echo, [G] depart.

Favorite Fan’s Name: Jessica Nolan

Testimonial:
“I’ve been a die-hard fan of Sneaky Bench ever since I heard their song, ‘The Silent Echo.’ Their lyrics resonate with me at a deep emotional level, and I always feel a profound connection with their music. It’s more than just indie-rock; it’s storytelling at its finest. Their songs bear a raw sense of authenticity that moves me every single time. The band’s journey, from playing at local bars to becoming an international sensation, is truly inspiring. Their music has been a comforting presence in my life, and I can’t wait to see where their musical journey takes them next.”

Backstory:

Circular Midnight was formed during the early hours of an impromptu university jam session in Boston, Massachusetts. The band’s original members, Dylan Grant (lead vocals, rhythm guitar), Emma Adams (lead guitar), Leon Smith (bass), and Josh Carpenter (drums), were brought together by a shared love of late-night conversations and caffeine-induced creativity. They found common ground in their love for music that was not only melodic but also rich in lyrical depth and philosophical undertones. Their first breakthrough was their winning performance at a local Battle of the Bands competition, which led to a record deal and catapulted Circular Midnight into the limelight.

The band’s name, Circular Midnight, refers to the profound conversations that would take place in their shared dorm room, often extending into the early hours of the morning. Their music reflects the sentiments of those youthful dialogues – the exploration of self, the search for truth, and the pursuit of connections in our shared human experience.

Genre:

Alternative Rock

Title:

“Shadows of Dawn”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse)
Em C G D
Wake up to the echoes of the night,
Em C G D
Lost in the corners of your mind.
Em C G D
We’re chasing shadows, can’t you see?
Em C G D
Dancing on the edge of make-believe.

(Chorus)
G C Em D
In the Shadows of Dawn, we find our song,
G C Em D
In the echoes of night, we find our light.

(Verse)
Em C G D
Look beyond, the stars can tell,
Em C G D
In the silence, we learn to dwell.
Em C G D
Tales of love, tales of pain,
Em C G D
In our hearts, they will remain.

(Chorus)
G C Em D
In the Shadows of Dawn, we find our song,
G C Em D
In the echoes of night, we find our light,
Em C G D
Tales of love, tales of sorrow,
Em C G D
In their echoes, we borrow.

Band’s Favorite Fan:

Our favorite fan is Jenny Davis. Jenny has been our avid supporter since our early days when we were playing for pocket change at local bars. She’s been to every single one of our shows, always standing front row, singing along to every lyric. Jenny once mentioned in an interview, “Circular Midnight isn’t just my favorite band because of their music, but because their lyrics speak to the very core of my being. They are the soundtrack to my life’s highs, lows and everything in between. Their music is a life companion, feeding my soul and challenging my thoughts. They are profound, they are real, and I couldn’t imagine my life without their music.”

Backstory:

Powerful Hand was born in the bustling city of Detroit, Michigan in 2010. The group was comprised of four close friends: lead vocalist and guitarist, Max Sterling, drummer, Jake Dillard, bassist, Tom Watson, and keyboardist, Leo Turner. Each had been involved in various local bands, but felt they were misaligned with their previous bandmates musically. They sought to create music that resonated with both their gritty, rock-infused roots and their love for contemporary sounds. Hence, they formed Powerful Hand, with a mission to create music that was not just heard, but felt in the hearts of their listeners.

The band’s journey to prominence was a slow burn. They began by playing in local bars and small music venues, slowly building a loyal fanbase. Their breakthrough came in 2013, when they won a local battle of the bands competition, catching the eye of a major record label. Today, Powerful Hand is a household name, known for their passionate performances, and emotionally charged music.

Genre:
Rock / Indie Rock

Title:
“Rising Storm”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
[C] She was a [G] wild, summer [Am] breeze [Em]
[C] I was a [G] boy lost at [Am] sea [Em]
She had a [F] smile like a [C] rising [G] storm
[F] I had a [C] heart ready [G] to transform

(Chorus)
[C] In the eye of the [G] storm, there’s a [Dm] calm, oh so [Am] warm
[F] It’s a love that [C] can weather any [G] form
[C] With you, I feel [G] I can soar
[F] You’re my [C] Rising [G] Storm

(Verse 2)
[C] Her laugh was [G] thunder, loud and [Am] clear [Em]
[C] Her touch was [G] lightning, drawing [Am] me near [Em]
We danced under [F] rain clouds, [C] lost in [G] time
Under her [F] spell, I found [C] the rhythm to [G] my rhyme

Chorus:
[C] In the eye of the [G] storm, there’s a [Dm] calm, oh so [Am] warm
[F] It’s a love that [C] can weather any [G] form
[C] With you, I feel [G] I can soar
[F] You’re my [C] Rising [G] Storm

Favorite fan:

The band’s favorite fan is a woman named Abby Johnson. Abby has been there from the very beginning, attending their local gigs when Powerful Hand was an unknown band playing in small bars. Abby’s testimonial: “Powerful Hand’s music is like a beacon in the night, guiding me through life’s ups and downs. Their lyrics speak to my soul and their melodies stir emotions deep within me. I’ve watched them grow and evolve, and I couldn’t be prouder of the band they’ve become. They are my favorite band because their music is not just entertainment, it’s a lifeline.”

Backstory:

Agonizing Suspicion was born in the underground rock scene of Austin, Texas in 2011. The band was formed by four college friends, Jake Martinez (lead vocals and guitar), Luke Harper (drums), Alex Turner (bass guitar), and Ava Adams (keyboard and backing vocals). As a group, they shared a mutual sense of disillusionment and frustration with society’s conventions, using music as an outlet to express their perspectives. Their sound was honed in the basements of local punk houses and dive bars, where their introspective lyrics and raw, aggressive sound quickly attracted a dedicated following.

Over the course of a decade, the band has faced their share of trials and triumphs. From lineup changes to record label disputes, the quartet has managed to maintain their unique sound and uncompromising vision. Today, Agonizing Suspicion is known for their intense live shows and thought-provoking lyrics, steadily building a fervent fanbase that spans the globe.

Genre:

Alternative Rock / Post-Punk

Title:

“Shadows in the Rearview”

Full song lyrics:

(Verse 1)
Em
Driving down this broken road,
Am
memories begin to unfold.
Em
In the rearview, I see shadows,
D
of a past I can’t let go.

(Chorus)
G D
Shadows in the rearview,
Em C
haunting every mile.
G D
A past that’s always chasing,
Am C
can’t outrun denial.

(Verse 2)
Em
Long nights and longer days,
Am
the echo of your love decays.
Em
In the silence, I hear whispers,
D
of promises we couldn’t make.

(Chorus)
G D
Shadows in the rearview,
Em C
haunting every mile.
G D
A past that’s always chasing,
Am C
can’t outrun denial.

(Bridge)
Em D
I keep driving,
G C
trying to escape.
Em D
But these shadows,
Am C
they won’t abate.

(Chorus)
G D
Shadows in the rearview,
Em C
haunting every mile.
G D
A past that’s always chasing,
Am C
can’t outrun denial.

Fan’s Name:

Caroline Morgan

Testimonial:

“‘Agonizing Suspicion’ is much more than just a band to me. It’s an emotion, a voice that resonates with my soul. Their music has seen me through my darkest times and celebrated with me in my brightest moments. The raw honesty in their lyrics, the passion in their performances, it all speaks to me in a way that no other band does. ‘Shadows in the Rearview’ is my personal favorite – it’s a blend of anguished sentiment and hopefulness that really defines what ‘Agonizing Suspicion’ stands for. I am, and will forever be, a proud fan.”

Backstory:

Irritating Depth started out as a group of four friends from the quiet town of Worcester, Massachusetts. The band members – lead vocalist Dylan Burke, guitarist Mitchell Stevens, bassist Laura Simmons, and drummer Max Crawford – all attended the same high school where they participated in their school band. In their senior year, they decided to start a band as a hobby, which eventually turned into a full-time passion. The band took gigs at local pubs, and their unique style attracted a diverse audience, earning them a dedicated local following.

In 2012, the band’s demo was picked up by a producer who found them playing in a small pub in Boston. He was so impressed with their music that he immediately signed them up for a record deal. Since then, Irritating Depth has been on a steady rise, releasing two successful albums and touring extensively.

Genre:

Irritating Depth are best known for their Progressive Rock sound with a blend of post-hardcore elements.

Title: “Submerge in Silence”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
Am (Am7) E (E7)
In the depths of my mind, I’m losing the fight,
C G
I’m entrapped in the silence, it’s a daunting night.
Am (Am7) E (E7)
I’m drowning in my thoughts, they’re pulling me under,
C G
In this sea of confusion, I begin to wonder.

(Chorus)
F C
Submerge in silence, it’s a terrifying beauty,
Em D
Under the surface, I find my duty.
F C
Submerge in silence, a calm catastrophe,
Em D
In the depths, I find my identity.

(Verse 2)
Am (Am7) E (E7)
In the confusion, the noise fades away,
C G
The silence is golden, in its own unique way.
Am (Am7) E (E7)
I’m swimming in the abyss, in the quiet unrest,
C G
In the silence, I find my quest.

Fan Testimonial:

The band’s favorite fan is a middle-aged woman named Susan Hill. A fan since their early pub days, Susan has attended almost all their concerts in the USA. She says, “Irritating Depth is not just a band for me. Their music speaks to me on a spiritual level. The lyrics are so deep and meaningful, and the music is unlike anything I have ever heard before. I feel a connection with their music that I don’t feel with any other band. I believe their music has a healing power, it’s my therapy. It is as if they are telling my story through their songs. I can’t imagine my life without their music. They are my favorite band, always and forever.”

Backstory:

Illegal Bay is a band that emerged from the quaint town of Portside, Massachusetts. The group was formed in 2010 when four childhood friends and musicians; Riley (lead vocals and guitar), Jesse (drums), Anna (bass guitar), and Ethan (keyboard), decided to venture into the music scene after their high school graduation. The band’s name was inspired by an infamous, hidden section of the Portside coast, known as ‘Illegal Bay’ – a local secret spot where the group used to hang out, write music, and discuss their dreams.

Staying true to their roots, Illegal Bay’s music reflects their maritime surroundings. With their creative fusion of folk, rock, and a touch of blues, the band gained popularity across New England. Their soulful lyrics and unique sound have garnered a dedicated fanbase who connect with the band’s nostalgia of their small town roots.

Genre: Folk-Rock with a touch of Blues.

Title: “Pier Pilgrimage”

Full song lyrics:

Verse 1: [C] Down by the old [G] pier, under the [Am] moonlight clear [E]
[C] Laughter and fervor [G] fill the cool sea air [Am] [E]
[C] Tides rush in and out [G], as we chase our [Am] dreams and doubts [E]
[C] In our secret haven, [G] without a care [Am] [E]

Chorus: [F] Illegal Bay, it’s where we’d [C] stay
[G] Sharing secrets till the break of [Am] day
[F] The world seemed brighter under [C] moon’s ray
[G] In our sanctum, our Illegal [C] Bay

Verse 2: [C] Bonfires and guitar [G] strings, life was simple [Am] and serene [E]
[C] Under the star-studded [G] infinite sky [Am] [E]
[C] Chasing the fading [G] summer, we found [Am] love and wonder [E]
[C] In every whispered [G] promise and sigh [Am] [E]

(Repeat Chorus)

Bridge: [Am] Oh, the waves could [G] wash away
[F] Our footprints, but not our [C] memory
[Am] As the music [G] fades, we will always [F] find our way
[G] Back to the sounds of our Illegal [C] Bay

(Repeat Chorus)

Favorite Fan’s Name: Maggie

Testimonial: “I’ve been a fan of Illegal Bay since they first started playing at our local pub. Their music speaks to me in a way few others do. My favorite song is “Pier Pilgrimage”. The lyrics bring me back to my own teenage years, hanging out by the town pier with my friends. They capture the essence of small-town life and the nostalgia of youth. I love the authenticity in their music, it makes me feel connected to them. It’s like they’re not just a band, but friends sharing their stories with you. Illegal Bay isn’t just a band to me, they’re a piece of home.”

Backstory:
Quarrelsome Spring emerged from a small neighborhood in Austin, Texas. The band was formed by four childhood friends – Lucas, Ryan, Stacy, and Kenny, who all shared a passion for music. Their story began in a rusty garage where Lucas, the lead vocalist and guitarist, invited his friends to jam after school. With Ryan on the drums, Stacy on the keyboard, and Kenny playing the bass, they began creating music that was an outlet for their adolescent frustrations and dreams. Their journey from the garage to the world stage was not without its fair share of bickering, disagreements, and setbacks, giving birth to the name, ‘Quarrelsome Spring’.

Genre:
Quarrelsome Spring is an alternative rock band that perfectly molds the grit of classic rock with the expressive themes of indie music.

Title: “Through The Haze”

Full song lyrics:

Verse:
Em C G D
Walking down the road with my guitar
Em C G D
All my dreams are scattered near and far
Em C G D
Fighting through the haze, we’ll find our star
Em C G D
In this quarrelsome spring, we’ll leave our scar

Chorus:
Em C G D
Through the haze, we’ll find our way
Em C G D
In the quarrelsome spring, we’ll dance and sway
Em C G D
Casting shadows, in the light we play
Em C G D
Living dreams, in the songs we say

(Repeat Verse and Chorus)

Favorite Fan:
Our favorite fan’s name is Jamie. Jamie discovered Quarrelsome Spring during a difficult time in her life and has been a superfan ever since.

Jamie’s Testimonial:
“When I first heard Quarrelsome Spring, I was going through a rough patch. Their music spoke to me on a personal level, and every lyric felt like it was written for me. ‘Through The Haze’ became my anthem, the song that encouraged me to keep going. The raw energy of their music, mixed with the deep, thoughtful lyrics, makes Quarrelsome Spring more than just a band to me. They’ve become my favorite band because their music has given me strength, hope, and a sense of belonging. I can’t wait to see what they create next.”

Backstory:
The band, Coordinated Suggestion, originated in the colorful town of Asheville, North Carolina. Consisting of four members – Johnny on vocals and guitar, Kyle on drums, Seth on bass, and Mary on keyboards – the group initially started as a group of friends having jam sessions in Johnny’s garage. They all loved music and used it as an escape from their daily routines. After numerous garage jams, the group decided to take their passion for music to the next level and formed Coordinated Suggestion in 2013. The name of the band was inspired by their first jam session when they all intuitively played a song that magically fit together, as if it was a ‘coordinated suggestion’.

Genre:
Coordinated Suggestion is firmly located in the genre of Alternative Pop.

Title:
Their maiden hit single, “Rhythm of the Night.”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
[G] Underneath the city [D] lights,
[Em] We’re humming the tunes of the [C] restless nights.
[G] Skipping beats, losing [D] sights,
[Em] We’re dancing to the rhythm of the [C] night.

(Chorus)
[G] Rhythm of the night, [D] whispers in the breeze.
[Em] Life in technicolor, [C] dancing with the trees.
[G] We are the poets, [D] painting sentimental scenes.
[Em] In the rhythm of the night, [C] we’re weaving vivid dreams.

(Verse 2)
[G] Lost in the music, [D] finding our way,
[Em] Chasing the moments that [C] simply sway.
[G] Painting the town with [D] hues of day,
[Em] In the rhythm of the night, [C] we dance away.

(Chorus)
[G] Rhythm of the night, [D] whispers in the breeze.
[Em] Life in technicolor, [C] dancing with the trees.
[G] We are the poets, [D] painting sentimental scenes.
[Em] In the rhythm of the night, [C] we’re weaving vivid dreams.

Fan Testimonial:
The band’s favorite fan, Emma, has attended every one of their gigs, travelling across states, just to hear them play. She says, “Coordinated Suggestion is my favorite band because their music resonates deeply with me. It’s not just about the catchy tunes or the brilliant lyrics, but the energy they bring on stage. They have this unique ability to make you feel a part of the music, and that’s why I love them. “Rhythm of the Night” is my favorite track. It’s so emotionally rich and vibrant, it always makes me feel alive.”

Backstory:
Reflecting Gaze was formed in the heart of London, England, in 2015. The band features childhood friends Mark Teller, the charismatic lead vocalist, Oliver Clarke on rhythm guitar and backing vocals, Charlotte “Charlie” Lynn on bass and the enigmatic, mysterious figure, Jasper “Jazz” Knight on drums. They found their common ground in music during their high school days, jamming in garages and basements, paying their dues at local gigs until they found their unique sound.

Their breakthrough came in 2017, after two years of hard work, constant gigging, and honing their craft when their demo was picked up by a local radio. The uniqueness of their sound caught the attention of a record label, and it wasn’t long before Reflecting Gaze was signed and recording their debut album. The band members describe their journey as a whirlwind, but they are grounded in their shared passion for music and dedication to their craft.

Genre:
Reflecting Gaze’s music can best be described as a fusion of Alternative Rock and Neo-psychedelia. They’re known for their hauntingly beautiful melodies and profound lyrics, heavily influenced by the likes of Radiohead, Tame Impala, and Arctic Monkeys.

Song Title:
“Through the Looking Glass”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
[Am] Floating in the [G] haze, [F] lost in the [C] maze,
[Am] Chasing down [G] time, [F] caught in the [C] rhyme.
[Am] We’re all just [G] faces, [F] lost in [C] spaces,
[Am] Trying to [G] find, [F] what’s left [C] behind.

(Chorus)
[G] Through the looking [Am] glass, we [F] find our [C] past,
[G] Reflecting gaze, [Am] in a [F] silent [C] haze.
[G] Unraveling [Am] time, [F] in every [C] rhyme,
[G] Through the looking [Am] glass, the [F] truth at [C] last.

(Verse 1 repeats)

(Chorus repeats)

(Bridge)
[Em] Shadows of [D] yesteryear, [C] whispering in our [G] ear,
[Em] A mirror [D] of our soul, [C] the story yet [G] untold.

(Chorus repeats)

Fan’s Favorite:
The band’s favorite fan is a 25-year-old journalist named Sam Thompson. Sam has followed Reflecting Gaze since their first gig at a local pub and has been a loyal fan ever since. He claims, “Reflecting Gaze’s music hits me in a way no other band’s music has. Their lyrics speak directly to my soul; they’re not just a band to me, they’re a lifeline. They’ve been there through my darkest times and their music has guided me through. I feel a deep connection with each word they sing, each chord they play. I believe their music can change lives because it certainly changed mine.”