Backstory:

Emotional Crook was formed in the heart of Boston in 2015. The band consists of four members: the cerebral lyricist and vocalist, Ethan, the skillful guitarist, Brandon, the meticulous bassist, Dylan, and the rhythmic drummer, Scott. All four members were struggling musicians in the Boston scene, each member playing in different bands that felt more like dead ends than paths to success. It was during an open mic night at a local Boston pub that they crossed paths and realized their shared vision. Drawn together by their shared love for music that spoke to the soul, they created Emotional Crook, a band that beats with the heart of indie rock and pulsates with the pain and joy of everyday life.

Genre:
Indie Rock

Title:
“Shadows and Echoes”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
[C] Shadows on the wall, [Em] echoes in the hall,
[G] Footsteps in the past, [D] moments never last.
[C] We’re dancing in the dark, [Em] trying to make a mark,
[G] Whispering to the stars, [D] playing broken guitars.

(Chorus)
[F] We are the dreamers, [G] the emotional crooks,
[C] Stealing moments, [Am] giving them back in our songs,
[F] We are the artists, [G] drawing life with our words,
[C] Lost in the echoes, [Am] found in the shadows of our songs.

(Verse 2)
[C] Stories in our eyes, [Em] hidden in the cries,
[G] Laughter in the rain, [D] dancing through the pain.
[C] We’re singing in the wind, [Em] playing on a whim,
[G] Chasing the dawn, [D] until the night is gone.

(Chorus)
[F] We are the dreamers, [G] the emotional crooks,
[C] Stealing moments, [Am] giving them back in our songs,
[F] We are the artists, [G] drawing life with our words,
[C] Lost in the echoes, [Am] found in the shadows of our songs.

(Testimonial)
Fan’s Name: Jessica

Jessica has been a fan of Emotional Crook since their early days. She stumbled upon them during a live performance at the local pub and was immediately captivated by their raw and emotive sound. She claims their music speaks to her soul and has helped her navigate through the highs and lows of her life. Her favorite song is “Shadows and Echoes” and she listens to it every day. In her words, “Emotional Crook’s music is a journey, a therapy session, and an outburst of joy and sorrow – all at the same time. Their lyrics resonate with my life experiences, and their melodies soothe my spirit. It’s as if they’re stealing my emotions and echoing them back in their songs. They are indeed my favorite band and I am their biggest fan.”

Backstory:

The ‘Elderly Mice’ is a unique band that came together in an unconventional way. The members met at a community center in the small town of Harmony, Maine. All of them were retirees who had enjoyed a shared lifelong passion for music but had never pursued it professionally. One day, the local community center decided to host a music appreciation event where they serendipitously found each other. They decided to form a band, not for fame or money, but purely for the sheer joy of creating music and performing together. As for the name ‘Elderly Mice,’ it was an inside joke, a subtle nod to their age and the quiet, humble town they call home.

Genre:

The Elderly Mice specialize in the genre of Indie Folk, mixing in elements of bluegrass. Their music is filled with soulful melodies, meaningful lyrics, and the rustic charm of acoustic instruments.

Song Title:

“Harmony in the Heartland”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
[G] Down the lanes of memory, [D] beneath the willow trees,
[Em] Laughter echoes softly, [C] carried on the breeze.
[G] Summer sun is setting, [D] painting all in gold,
[Em] In the heart of Harmony, [C] where our stories are told.

(Chorus)
[G] We found a melody, [D] in this quiet town,
[Em] In the rhythm of the river, [C] where our roots are found.
[G] With the whispers of the wind, [D] and the old church bell’s sound,
[Em] We’re making harmony, [C] in the heartland’s ground.

(Verse 2)
[G] The old porch is creaking, [D] under stories untold,
[Em] Weaved in the fabric, [C] of this town, of old.
[G] Underneath the starlight, [D] by the fire’s soft glow,
[Em] We play our heartstrings, [C] letting the music flow.

(Chorus)
[G] We found a melody, [D] in this quiet town,
[Em] In the rhythm of the river, [C] where our roots are found.
[G] With the whispers of the wind, [D] and the old church bell’s sound,
[Em] We’re making harmony, [C] in the heartland’s ground.

Favorite Fan:

Their favorite fan is a woman named Agnes, a local schoolteacher. Agnes loves the Elderly Mice because their music is a reflection of their town’s spirit and values. In her words: “The Elderly Mice aren’t just a band; they’re the heartbeat of our community. Their songs are woven with love, nostalgia, and a deep connection to our roots. In their music, I find comfort, happiness, and a sense of belonging. They are the voices of our shared experiences, our joys and sorrows, our past, and our present. They remind us that no matter how far we venture, Harmony will always be home.”

Backstory:

Adored Group was formed in the vibrant music scene of Austin, Texas in 2012. Founding members Anna May (lead vocals, guitar), Jackson “Jax” Green (drums, backup vocals), and Finn Harper (bass, keyboard) met at a local open mic night and bonded over their shared vision for music that challenged the status quo. Anna’s passion for songwriting, Jax’s virtuosic drumming skills, and Finn’s multi-instrumental talents combined to create the band’s unique, genre-blending sound. Over the years, Adored Group grew their following through relentless touring and electrifying live performances. Their debut album, released in 2015, broke into the Billboard 200 and gained widespread critical acclaim, firmly establishing Adored Group as an unstoppable force in the industry.

Genre:

Alternative Rock/Indie Pop

Title:

“Unseen Symphony”

Full Song Lyrics:

[Verse 1 – A E B C#]
Underneath the city lights, we found our sacred space,
Running through the neon nights, lost in a wild chase.
All the words we left unspoken, all the dreams we dared to chase,
In our unseen symphony, we find our saving grace.

[Chorus – D A E F#]
In the rhythm of the night, in the lyrics of the day,
Unseen symphony, we find the will to play.
Eclipsing the ordinary, reaching for the extraordinary,
In our unseen symphony, we find our way.

[Verse 2 – A E B C#]
Broken hearts and shattered dreams, the cost of playing high,
In the echoes of our screams, we find our alibi.
Through the hush of hallowed whispers, through the roar of the crowd’s praise,
In our unseen symphony, we play our silent phrase.

[Chorus – D A E F#]
In the rhythm of the night, in the lyrics of the day,
Unseen symphony, we find the will to play.
Eclipsing the ordinary, reaching for the extraordinary,
In our unseen symphony, we find our way.

Fan Testimonial:

“Hello world, my name is Lily Rose, and I am Adored Group’s biggest fan. Their music speaks to my soul in a way that no other band ever has. I first came across them at a music festival in 2016, and their performance was life-changing! The lyrics of “Unseen Symphony” resonate so deeply with my life experiences. They mix thoughtful lyrics with an infectious energy that literally makes you want to dance in the rain! Adored Group’s dedication and passion are palpable in every show and every song they release. They’ve been my favorite band since the day I first heard them, and they’ll always have a special place in my heart.”

Backstory:
Only Season originated in the heart of Seattle, Washington, home of the grunge movement. Four friends and talented musicians, Sam (lead vocals), Nick (drums), Tom (bass) and Mike (guitar), all met at the local gig scene and found an instant musical connection that was impossible to ignore. After a few jam sessions, they decided to form Only Season and have been making waves in the music industry ever since. Their soulful melodies and raw lyrics have captivated audiences of all ages, proving that their music knows no boundaries.

Genre:
Only Season identifies with multiple genres, including Indie Rock and Alternative Pop.

Title:
“One Way Home”

Full song lyrics:

[Verse] (Am – G – F)
Running from the shadows,
In a city that’s long gone cold,
Looking for a glimmer,
In the darkness that unfolds.

[Chorus] (C – G – Am)
I’ve got one way home,
Through the rain and the stone,
I’ve got one way home,
And it’s with you, where I belong.

[Verse] (Am – G – F)
Walking down these empty streets,
Underneath the dimming lights,
Chasing echoes of your laughter,
In the quiet, lonely nights.

[Chorus] (C – G – Am)
I’ve got one way home,
Through the pain and the unknown,
I’ve got one way home,
And it’s with you, where I’ve grown.

[Bridge] (F – G – Am)
Only with you, I find my peace,
In your arms, all my troubles cease.

[Chorus] (C – G – Am)
I’ve got one way home,
In your love that’s ever known,
I’ve got one way home,
And it’s with you, where love has shown.

Fan’s Favorite:
The band’s favorite fan is Sally from Portland, Oregon. Sally has attended every single one of Only Season’s concerts since they first started. She claims that their music resonates with her soul. “Their every song is like a poetic narrative of my life. It’s like they’re speaking directly to me, consoling me, encouraging me. Only Season isn’t just my favorite band, their music is my therapy.”

Backstory:
Shameless Coup was formed in the dimly lit backroom of a gritty, downtown bar in Austin, Texas in 2013. The founding members, Jase Collins and Lane McKinnon, were two disenchanted office workers who found solace in harmonizing together after a long day of monotonous corporate rigmarole. Collins, a highly skilled guitarist, and McKinnon, a drummer with a knack for complex rhythms, soon realized their shared musical taste and started writing music together. They discovered their distinctive sound when they added bassist Mikey Lynch and keyboardist Ian Solis to the lineup, creating a diverse quartet of musicians.

Genre:
Shameless Coup is best known for their unique blend of Indie Rock and Blues, which captivates audiences with their melodic hooks and gritty undertones. Their music often explores themes of the human condition, social inequality, and self-actualization.

Title:
“Broken Chains”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
[Em] Woke up this morning, [Bm] felt the weight of these chains
[G] Heavy round my heart, [C] dragging me down in pain
[Em] I’ve seen better days, [Bm] seen some worse
[G] But it’s a brand new day, [C] time to lift this curse.

(Chorus)
[Am] Broken chains, [Em] we’re breaking free
[G] No more pain, [C] just you and me
[Am] With open skies, [Em] and open sea
[G] Our hearts are wild, [C] it’s time to flee

(Verse 2)
[Em] In the mirror’s reflection, [Bm] I see a stronger man
[G] One who’s not afraid, [C] who knows he can
[Em] Break these shackles, [Bm] shake off these ties
[G] Rise like the phoenix, [C] beyond these lies.

(Chorus)
[Am] Broken chains, [Em] we’re breaking free
[G] No more pain, [C] just you and me
[Am] With open skies, [Em] and open sea
[G] Our hearts are wild, [C] it’s time to flee

Fan Testimonial:
Their biggest fan, Hannah, says “I found Shameless Coup at a pretty rough time in my life. Their honest lyrics and raw sound really resonated with me. It’s like they were speaking directly to my experience. I’ve been to every one of their local shows since. They’re not just my favorite band—they’re my lifeline.”

Backstory:

Insistent Directive is a band that was formed in the bustling, eclectic city of Seattle, Washington in 2015. The band’s members consist of high school pals, lead vocalist and rhythm guitarist Mitch Connor, lead guitarist Liam Blake, bassist Alex Chase, and drummer Tim D’Amico who bonded over their shared love for rock music and their desire to make a change in the world. They started out by playing in school talent shows and at local bars and quickly gained a following for their energetic performances and thought-provoking lyrics. Their popularity soared after they won a local Battle of the Bands competition and were given the opportunity to open for a well-known rock band. This exposure led to them being signed by a major record label.

Genre:

Alternative Rock

Title:

“Chasing Shadows”

Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
[G]Standing in the wake of yesterday’s dream, [D]Feeling lost and not quite what it seems
[A]The world keeps spinning, time’s a thief [E]Stealing moments, leaving only grief

[G]Smiles fading like the setting sun [D]We’re all haunted by the things we’ve done
[A]Running in circles, chasing the past [E]Looking for answers that’ll never last

(Chorus)
[C]Chasing shadows, lost in the dark [G]Feeling the weight of the broken heart
[D]Longing for a glimpse of what could be [E]Fighting the battle to break free

(Verse 2)
[G]In the whispers of the midnight hour [D]Searching for power, a blooming flower
[A]In the echoes of the tears we shed [E]We find the courage, lift our head

[G]Dreams shattered like the fallen stars [D]We bear the scars of a thousand wars
[A]Holding on, amidst the strife [E]In every ending, there’s a new life

(Chorus)
[C]Chasing shadows, lost in the dark [G]Feeling the weight of the broken heart
[D]Longing for a glimpse of what could be [E]Fighting the battle to break free

Fan’s Name:

Jackie Peterson

Testimonial:

“I’ve been a fan of Insistent Directive ever since their first gig at the Red Light Cafe back in 2015. I was drawn by their raw energy and undeniable talent. Their ability to convey emotions through their music is something that resonates with me on a personal level. The lyrics of their songs, especially my personal favorite “Chasing Shadows,” speak to me and often mirror my feelings and experiences. I appreciate how real they are – their music isn’t just about selling records, it’s about creating connections with their audience, and that makes them my all-time favorite band.”

Backstory:
Hailing from the vibrant city of New Orleans, Nutty Comfort formed in an old garage in 2009, bringing together four talented musicians all hailing from different musical backgrounds. The band comprises of lead vocalist and guitarist Sam ‘Nutty’ Norton, bassist Billy ‘Comfort’ Conner, drummer Jake ‘Thunder’ Thornton and keyboardist Andy ‘Keys’ Keaton. The band name “Nutty Comfort” came about from the blending of Norton’s quirky personality and Conner’s knack for providing emotional solace through his soothing bass lines.

Their journey was not painted with instant success. They began playing in small pubs, coffee houses and local concerts around the city and slowly made a name for themselves. Their breakthrough came when a record producer, who happened to be in one of their shows, fell in love with their passionate performance and unique sound. Since then, Nutty Comfort has been touring nationwide and has even made waves overseas.

Genre:
Country Rock

Title:
“Along the Southern Breeze”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
G Em C D
Riding down the highway, where the winds do freeze,
G Em C D
Found my heart in Dixie, along the southern breeze.
G Em C D
A town of Spanish moss, pecan pies and sweet teas,
G Em C D
Where the river flows, and the soul feels at ease.

(Chorus)
G D Em C
Oh Nutty Comfort, play that country rock,
G D Em C
Under the neon lights, around the old dock.
G D Em C
Let the music combine, with the ticking of the clock,
G D Em C
In this, our bayou town, our love is a solid rock.

(Verse 2)
G Em C D
The night is young, and the stars are in sight,
G Em C D
Here in the heart of Dixie, under the moonlight.
G Em C D
Through the twists and turns, and the lovers’ fight,
G Em C D
We find our comfort, in the music of the night.

(Chorus)
G D Em C
Oh Nutty Comfort, keep playing that melody,
G D Em C
Under the southern sky, near the willow tree.
G D Em C
Let the music heal, all the heart’s agony,
G D Em C
In this, our southern home, our love is a melody.

Fan Testimonial:

The band’s favorite fan is a gentleman named Tim Jenkins. Tim has been following Nutty Comfort since their early days playing in small pubs. His passion for their music is so palpable that he has been to every single one of their concerts within the state.

“Nutty Comfort’s music resonates with me on a very personal level,” says Tim. “Their unique blend of country rock is not just music to my ears, but also balm to my heart. The lyrics of their songs speak directly to my soul, and their performances are always filled with such raw passion, it’s impossible not to be moved. For me, there is no other band out there that can provide the level of emotional comfort and musical satisfaction like Nutty Comfort does.”

Backstory:
Clever Cut was formed in 2011 in the heart of Los Angeles. Founding members Ethan Parker and Lily Collins were both working as music teachers in a nearby high school when they realized their shared passion for creating original and meaningful music. Ethan’s gritty guitar playing coupled with Lily’s emotive vocals quickly caught the attention of their peers and, in no time, they found themselves playing in local pubs and bars. They were soon joined by drummer Sam Reynolds and bassist Zoe Clarke, who brought a unique edge to the band’s sound. As they began to gain a local following, the quartet decided to fully commit to their music career, leading to the formation of Clever Cut.

Over the years, Clever Cut has evolved in their musical journey, experimenting with various genres and styles. Yet, they have never lost their originality and dedication to producing music that both inspires and evokes emotion. Their story is a testament to their love for music and their determination to keep their sound fresh and engaging.

Genre:
Alternative Rock

Title:
“Vanity’s Veil”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
G C D
Behind the shimmer and the shine,
Em G D
Lies a truth so hard to define.
G C D
Beneath the smiles and the cheers,
Em G D
Is a heart full of fears.

(Chorus)
C G D
Vanity’s Veil, masks what’s real,
Em G D
Hide the pain, that I feel.
C G D
Vanity’s Veil, in the night,
Em G D
Can’t conceal, the inner fight.

(Verse 2)
G C D
In the mirror, a stranger’s face,
Em G D
Lost in time, lost in space.
G C D
Vanity’s Veil, so enchanting,
Em G D
Leaves the soul, ever wanting.

(Chorus)
C G D
Vanity’s Veil, a deceptive tale,
Em G D
Hope and joy, begin to fail.
C G D
Vanity’s Veil, deeply worn,
Em G D
Shields a heart, forever torn.

(Ending)
G C D
Vanity’s Veil, in day’s last ray,
Em G D
Unveils the truth, in stark display.

Favorite Fan:
The band’s favorite fan is a woman named Karen. She has been with them since their early pub days and has followed their journey every step of the way. Karen has expressed that Clever Cut’s music has seen her through some of her darkest days, providing comfort and inspiration. “Their music is raw and real,” says Karen. “They aren’t afraid to delve into the deep, emotional aspects of life and that’s what makes them special. Their song ‘Vanity’s Veil’ resonates with me so much, it’s as if they’ve managed to put my feelings into words and melody. Clever Cut isn’t just my favorite band, they’re a lifeline that I hold on to every single day.”

Backstory:

The Yellow Mice is a compelling story of childhood friends turned renowned musicians hailing from the small town of Poughkeepsie, New York. Growing up in a community fond of jazz music, the four members namely, Sam (vocals and guitar), Keith (drums), Danny (bass), and Jeff (keyboard and backing vocals), decided to take the leap and formed their band, Yellow Mice, in 2010. The name stems from their shared love for a comic book character, a yellow mouse, that they read during their childhood. Their journey from being backyard performers to playing at sold-out venues is a testament to their talent and the love they share for music.

Genre: Indie Rock/Jazz Fusion

Title: “Midnight Whispers”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1: Am Em G D)
Am Em
I’m walking on this lonely road,
G D
With midnight whispers in my ear.
Am Em
The silence speaks a thousand words,
G D
Echoing what I hold dear.

(Chorus: C G Am F)
C G
Midnight whispers, carry me home,
Am F
To the place where my heart belongs.
C G
In the silence, I find my song,
Am F
Midnight whispers, keep me strong.

(Verse 2: Am Em G D)
Am Em
The moonlight paints a silver path,
G D
Guiding me through the night.
Am Em
I listen to the hushed lullabies,
G D
Finding solace in their light.

(Chorus: C G Am F)
C G
Midnight whispers, carry me home,
Am F
To the place where my heart belongs.
C G
In the silence, I find my song,
Am F
Midnight whispers, keep me strong.

Fan’s Testimonial:

Name: Sarah Johnson

Sarah has been a die-hard fan of Yellow Mice from the very beginning. She has been attending their concerts since their first gig at a small venue in Poughkeepsie. According to her, “Yellow Mice isn’t just a band, it’s a feeling. Their music speaks to my soul. Their fusion of indie rock and jazz creates a unique sound that is not just interesting but also refreshing. I’m always excited about their new releases as they never fail to amaze me. With their sincere lyrics and intricate musicality, they’ve won my heart and they’re my absolute favorite band!”

Backstory:
Formed in the heart of Seattle in 2004, Bumpy Collar began as a group of high school friends with a shared love for reinventing classic rock with a modern twist. The band’s lead singer, Spencer, was a barista by day and musician by night, while guitarist Mike and drummer Elliot were working at a record store, digging through vinyl records for musical inspiration. When they were joined by bassist Ruby, a classically trained cellist looking to branch out into rock music, Bumpy Collar was born. The band honed their sound through late-night jam sessions in Mike’s basement, and within a year, they were playing gigs in local bars and clubs, quickly gaining a reputation for their high-energy performances and distinctive sound.

Genre:
Modern Rock

Title:
“Rain Over The Emerald City”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
Am G
Rain it falls on the Emerald City,
F C
Strumming notes on the glass and steel.
Am G
Under the neon lights, life is gritty,
F C
But in the shadows, we learn to feel.

(Chorus)
G C
Bring on the storm, bring on the night,
Am F
We won’t go down without a fight.
G C
With every beat, and every strum,
Am F
We know our journey’s just begun.

(Verse 2)
Am G
Through the noise, we find our rhythm,
F C
Echoing off the city walls.
Am G
In every chord, in every anthem,
F C
We hear the call that never falls.

(Chorus)
G C
Bring on the storm, bring on the night,
Am F
We won’t go down without a fight.
G C
With every beat, and every strum,
Am F
We know our journey’s just begun.

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

Testimonial:
“Discovering Bumpy Collar was like finding a hidden gem in a sea of generic music. Their unique sound and undeniable energy instantly drew me in, and their lyrics resonate with me on a deeply personal level. Seeing them perform live is an unforgettable experience – their passion for music is palpable, and their on-stage chemistry is unrivaled. They’ve redefined modern rock for me, and I can’t wait to see where their journey takes them next.”