Backstory:

Elaborate Zoo was born in the heart of the vibrant city of Austin, Texas, in 2014. The band originally began as a trio of college roommates — Andy Monroe on vocals and guitar, Benny “Bear” Johnson on drums, and Louisa “Lou” Garza on bass — who bonded over their shared love for eclectic music and their knack for storytelling. They started playing small gigs around the city, and before they knew it, word got out about their unique sound and they became a local sensation. After bringing in a talented multi-instrumentalist by the name of Sam “Seven” Stevens, Elaborate Zoo was ready to take their music to the national stage.

Genre:

Elaborate Zoo’s style is a blend of folk-rock, indie pop, and a dash of psychedelia, producing a unique sound that defies easy categorization. They are known for their thought-provoking lyrics, distinctive harmonies, and experimental instrumentals that are always pushing the boundaries of conventional music.

Song Title:

“Carousel Daydream”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
E A E A
Swirling lights, we’re lost in a carousel daydream,
E B E B
Cotton candy clouds and lovers lost in a sunbeam.
A E A E
Riding painted horses, high and low,
B E B E
Round and round and round we go.

(Chorus)
A E B E
In this carousel daydream, we’re living in a reverie,
A E B E
Spinning in circles, lost in our own fantasy.
A E B E
Hold tight, don’t let go, ’cause life’s a beautiful show,
A E B E
In our carousel daydream, we’re forever eighteen.

(Verse 2)
E A E A
Laughter rings out, echoed by the organ grinder,
E B E B
Summer days spent wandering, becoming love-blind.
A E A E
Taste the salt air, hear the seagulls cry,
B E B E
Underneath the cotton candy sky.

(Chorus)
A E B E
In this carousel daydream, we’re living in a reverie,
A E B E
Spinning in circles, lost in our own fantasy.
A E B E
Hold tight, don’t let go, ’cause life’s a beautiful show,
A E B E
In our carousel daydream, we’re forever eighteen.

Favorite Fan:

Their favorite fan is a woman named Emily. Emily has been following Elaborate Zoo since their early days playing small gigs in Austin. She loves their unique sound and always describes their music as a ‘sonic journey’. Emily says, “Elaborate Zoo’s music isn’t just something you listen to, it’s something you experience. The stories they tell through their songs resonate with me on a deep level. They’ve got this way of making you feel like you’re a part of something bigger, like you’re a part of their journey. It’s like they’ve created their own world through their music, and as a fan, I get to live in it.”

Backstory:

Filthy Push emerged from the vibrant music scene of Downtown Boston. The band was formed in 2013 by four friends: lead vocalist and guitarist, Jack Clayton; bassist, Vince ‘The Slap’ Russo; drummer, Ricky ‘Rat Trap’ Johnson; and keyboardist, Mikey ‘Fingers’ Finnegan. They started out playing in various local clubs and pubs before eventually catching the eye of a talent scout, which catapulted their careers. Their music is a reflection of their raw experiences, gritty urban life, and the power of friendship.

Genre:

Punk Rock with a dash of Blues

Title:

“Bleeding Hearts and Broken Strings”

Full song lyrics:

(Verse 1)
[G] She walks in through the [D] smoke and the mirrors,
[Em] Draped in a world of [C] dreams and tears.
[G] Face like an angel, [D] heart like a stone,
[Em] She’s got the kind of love that [C] chills to the bone.

(Chorus)
[G] Bleeding hearts and [D] broken strings,
[Em] That’s the song the [C] city sings.
[G] Lost souls on [D] broken wings,
[Em] That’s the dance of [C] kings and queens.

(Verse 2)
[G] Strumming my pain on the [D] strings of life,
[Em] Fighting the strain, cutting [C] through the strife.
[G] She dances in the darkness, [D] lost in the night,
[Em] Her eyes are the stars, her [C] smile is the light.

(Chorus)
[G] Bleeding hearts and [D] broken strings,
[Em] That’s the song the [C] city sings.
[G] Lost souls on [D] broken wings,
[Em] That’s the dance of [C] kings and queens.

Fan’s Name:

Danny “Pogo” McMillan

Testimonial:

“I’ve been a fan of Filthy Push since they were playing in crappy dive bars. I love their raw energy and honesty. They’re not trying to be something they’re not. Their music speaks to me and helps me get through tough times. “Bleeding Hearts and Broken Strings” is an anthem for people who are down and out, but refuse to give up. Filthy Push is my favorite band because they’re real, authentic, and their music hits you right in the gut.”

Backstory:
Reliable Oatmeal was born out of a small university dorm room in the mid-2000s in Austin, Texas. Roommates and lifelong friends, Roger Harrow (Lead Vocals and Acoustic Guitar), Frank “Funky” Johnson (Bass), and Tommy “Tangerine” Parker (Drums), found a shared love for music. Initially, the band was an escape from their grueling studies, but the guys eventually realized they had stumbled upon something special. The group solidified their unique sound, combining quirky lyrics, offbeat humor, and the laid-back, indie-folk vibe of their early years.

In 2012, after playing a slew of local gigs and self-producing two EPs, Reliable Oatmeal garnered national attention. Their breakout song, “Morning Delight,” became a surprise hit on college radio stations across the country, catapulting these three friends from the dorm room to the main stage. Even as their fame grew, Reliable Oatmeal stayed true to their roots, maintaining their eccentric nature and authenticity, keeping their music grounded, and always connecting with their fans.

Genre:
Indie Folk Rock

Title:
“Almond Milk Blues”

Full Song Lyrics:

[Verse 1] (D, G, D, A)
I woke up this morning, sun screaming in my eyes (D, G)
Looked in my cupboard, you won’t believe the surprise (D, A)
No coffee, no tea, not even a decent slice (D, G, D, A)

[Chorus] (G, D, A, D)
I got them almond milk blues (G, D)
Ain’t got no cereal to use (A, D)
Yeah, them almond milk blues (G, D, A, D)

[Verse 2] (D, G, D, A)
Went to the store, shelves empty as a ghost town (D, G)
My heart sank lower, my day’s just going down (D, A)
No crunch, no munch, my breakfast crown’s lost its crown (D, G, D, A)

[Chorus] (G, D, A, D)
I got them almond milk blues (G, D)
Ain’t got no oatmeal to soothe (A, D)
Yeah, them almond milk blues (G, D, A, D)

[Outro] (D, A, G, D)
Oh, these almond milk blues, they’ll get you too (D, A)
Lamenting on your lost breakfast brew (G, D)

Favorite Fan:
Stacy “Spoonful” O’Connor is a self-proclaimed number one fan of Reliable Oatmeal. An ardent supporter since their first EP, she has traveled to over 50 of their concerts and owns every piece of merch available.

“Reliable Oatmeal is more than just a band for me; it’s a lifestyle. Their music speaks to the mundane, everyday experiences, making them extraordinary and hilarious. They took my breakfast woes, transformed them into ‘Almond Milk Blues,’ and made me fall in love with them even more. Their authenticity, humor, and music are a blend no other band can replicate. They’re my favorite, always and forever!”

Backstory:
Surprised Circle was formed in the creative hub of Seattle in 2004. The story of its inception is as interesting as their music. Jill Archer, a talented violinist, and Jake Hardy, a passionate guitarist, crossed paths in a music shop. Their love for unique sound and the magic that happens when different genres collide, led them to form Surprised Circle. Shortly after, they invited their friends – percussionist Andy Clarke and bassist Will Benson, to join the band. The band’s name was inspired by an inside joke about how their unexpected collaboration felt like a “circle of surprises”.

Genre:
Surprised Circle specializes in a fusion of folk-rock and indie pop.

Title:
“Chasing Shadows”

Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1) [C-Em-Am-G]
C
In the morning light, under a cloudless sky,
Em
I see your traces, where shadows lie.
Am
Through the bustling crowd and city’s roar,
G
I’m chasing shadows, I’ve seen before.

(Chorus) [F-C-G-Am]
F
Chasing shadows in the night,
C
Underneath the pale moonlight.
G
Running through the memories,
Am
In the echoes of your melodies.

(Verse 2) [C-Em-Am-G]
C
On the empty streets, lit by neon signs,
Em
Searching for the shadows, in the corners of time.
Am
Each footprint you left, each whispering breeze,
G
Are shadows dancing in the evening freeze.

(Chorus) [F-C-G-Am]
F
Chasing shadows in the night,
C
Underneath the pale moonlight.
G
Running through the memories,
Am
In the echoes of your melodies.

(Bridge) [Am-Em-F-C]
Am
The sun may rise, the stars may fall,
Em
Yet your shadows, they outlast them all.
F
In the twist of fate, in the turn of tide,
C
I’m chasing shadows, with time on my side.

(Chorus) [F-C-G-Am]
F
Chasing shadows in the night,
C
Underneath the pale moonlight.
G
Running through the memories,
Am
In the echoes of your melodies.

Fan’s Name:
Katie Thompson

Testimonial:
“Surprised Circle is more than just a band for me – they are my lifeline. Their music speaks to me on a level that nothing else has ever been able to. From the first chord of ‘Chasing Shadows’ to the last, I feel like they’ve somehow managed to capture my life and emotions in their lyrics. Their unique fusion of folk-rock and indie pop is like a breath of fresh air and has made my life more colorful. I’ve been following them since their inception and they’ve never failed to surprise me with their refreshing and evocative music. They are, without a doubt, my absolute favorite.”

Backstory:

Intentional Constraint is an American indie rock band formed in Phoenix, Arizona, in 2008. The band comprises five members: frontman and lead guitarist Sam Mitchell, rhythm guitarist Alex Klein, bass guitarist Danny Sparks, drummer Zach Johnson, and keyboardist Emily Bishop. They met in college while studying at Arizona State University. Their shared love for music and a desire to create thought-provoking and emotionally charged songs brought them together to form Intentional Constraint.

Their rise to fame came in 2012 when their self-titled debut album caught the attention of music critics and indie rock lovers, thanks to its unique blend of raw energy and heartfelt lyrics. Their music addresses subjects such as depression, societal constraints, and the struggles of breaking free from traditional norms. They have since released three more albums, each demonstrating growth and depth in their lyrics and music, solidifying their place in the indie rock scene.

Genre: Indie Rock

Title: “Unleashed Potential”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse)
[G]I’ve been walking, [C]underneath the city lights
[G]Trying to find the [C]meaning in this life
[D]Society’s constraints, [C]they keep holding me tight
[G]But tonight, [C]I’m gonna break from the chains and take flight

(Chorus)
[G]Unleashed potential, [C]that’s what we are
[D]Striving for the stars, [C]no matter how far
[G]We are the voices, [C]that refuse unheard
[D]We are the poets, [C]painting the world with our words

(Verse)
[G]Freedom is calling, [C]can you hear the sound?
[G]It’s time to rise, [C]and claim our own ground
[D]No more shackles, [C]no more fear
[G]Sing to the sky, [C]let your anthem roar clear

(Chorus)
[G]Unleashed potential, [C]we’re breaking the mold
[D]Writing our stories, [C]uncontrolled
[G]We are the dreamers, [C]the believers and the free
[D]We are Intentional Constraint, [C]join our melody

Favorite Fan’s Testimonial:

The band’s favorite fan is a girl named Carla Bennett. Carla, who’s been a fan since their debut album, has attended every concert in her city and owns all of their merchandise. In her words, “Intentional Constraint is more than just a band to me; they’ve been my rock through the ups and downs. Their music and lyrics speak to me on a deeper level, encouraging me to break free from societal constraints. As someone who’s always felt out of place, their songs gave me the courage to embrace my uniqueness. They’re not just my favorite band; they’re my inspiration.”

Backstory:

‘That Curriculum’ was formed in the bustling streets of Chicago in 2012. The band is composed of four high school music teachers with a common passion for crafting educational but catchy tunes. Inspired by their everyday experiences in the classroom, the group chose the name ‘That Curriculum’ to symbolize how they incorporate topics from their various educational disciplines into their melodies. Their unique fusion of education and rock music has seen them rise steadily in the indie music scene.

The band members Jake (guitarist and English teacher), Sarah (drummer and science teacher), Laura (vocalist and history teacher), and Nick (bass player and math teacher) utilize their knowledge as educators to create meaningful music. They intend to inspire their listeners through informative yet catchy lyrics, hoping it will make learning more enjoyable for students everywhere.

Genre: Indie Rock

Title: “Parabola Blues”

Full song lyrics:

(Verse 1)
Am – D – G – E
Where once I was stuck in a curve,
Feeling like I had no nerve,
Suddenly I see the line,
In the graph of space and time.

(Chorus)
C – G – Am – E
Oh Parabola, you got me singing the blues,
With your ups and downs, you’re my muse.
You rise, you fall, you bend, you curve,
Through the quadratic lessons that we learn.

(Verse 2)
Am – D – G – E
A symbol of life, a mathematical art,
You form the beats of my heart,
In the world of lines and shapes,
Parabola, you make my heart ache.

(Chorus)
C – G – Am – E
Oh Parabola, you got me singing the blues,
With your highs and lows, you choose.
Like a wave in an ocean, you serve,
A reminder of the beauty in this world we observe.

Band’s Favourite Fan:

Our favourite fan’s name is Lily and she’s a high school junior from our hometown, Chicago. She discovered our music during a math lesson when her teacher played “Parabola Blues” to make the subject more interesting. She felt an instant connection to our music and its unique approach to education. Ever since then, Lily has attended every single one of our shows, often bringing along her classmates.

Testimonial from Lily:

“Being a student, I often find it hard to stay focused, especially during math lessons. But ‘That Curriculum’ changed that for me. Their songs, especially ‘Parabola Blues’, make learning fun and enjoyable. The fact that they’re educators who understand what we go through is really cool. They’ve become my favorite band not just because of their music, but because they care about making education more engaging. They really rock, both in the classroom and on the stage!”

Backstory:

Vengeful Tie was formed in the outskirts of Manchester in 2010. The core of the band is an unlikely duo: a classically trained pianist, Albert Mills, and a self-taught punk rock guitarist, Eddie McAdams. After crossing paths in a local pub’s open mic night, they found a shared love for breaking musical boundaries and challenging the status quo, and Vengeful Tie was born. Their name came about as a symbol of their rebellion against the societal pressure to fit in and conform – a tie being a universal symbol of formality and their music being their act of vengeance.

Genre:

Vengeful Tie’s music can be best described as Progressive Punk – a blend of punk rock’s raw energy and classical music’s intricate arrangements. This unique fusion sets them apart in the music scene, attracting fans who crave innovation and authenticity in their soundtracks.

Title:

One of their most popular songs is titled “The Threads That Bind Us.”

Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
C G Am E
Waking up to the same old ties,
F C G G
Chasing dreams in suits and lies.
Am E F C
In the reflection, who do we find,
G G Am E
But the threads that bind us, bind us tight.

(Chorus)
F C G G
Break away, break away,
Am E F C
From the threads that bind us.
G G Am E
Find your voice, find your way,
F C G G
In the path that’s kindest.

(Verse 2)
C G Am E
No place for the vengeful tie,
F C G G
In the world where we learn to fly.
Am E F C
Unravel the threads, don’t ask why,
G G Am E
Just let them bind us, bind us high.

(Repeat Chorus)

Fan Testimonial:

One of Vengeful Tie’s most devoted fans is a woman named Lucinda. For Lucinda, Vengeful Tie isn’t just a band – it’s an anthem for her life. “Their music has helped me navigate through my own struggles of fitting in,” Lucinda shares. “The song ‘The Threads That Bind Us’ became my personal anthem during a time I felt most lost. I admire how passionately Albert and Eddie stand for what they believe in, and their music constantly inspires me to do the same. Vengeful Tie is more than just my favorite band – they are my beacon of hope in a world that often feels too restrictive.”

Backstory:

Glum Time is a unique ensemble of musicians who first came together during a rainy, melancholic evening in London’s thriving music scene. Comprising five members, each from different musical backgrounds, they were united by their shared love for introspective music that resonates with the soul. The band was formed in a quaint little café, where they were individually performing open mic nights. As the rain poured incessantly outside, they discovered a synergistic relationship flowing between their music, like the raindrops creating a symphony on the café windows. Glum Time was born out of this serendipitous unity, promising to deliver music that was raw, emotional, and deeply connective.

As they honed their skills, Glum Time began to explore the complexities of human emotions, weaving them into a tapestry of profound lyrical content and innovative musical arrangements. Their journey, full of ups and downs, has rendered them an unshakable spirit, and their music is a testament to their resilience and passion. Glum Time believes in the power of music to heal and connect, and they strive to offer their audience the same comfort and understanding that they found in each other during that rainy night in London.

Genre: Alternative Indie

Title: “Echoes in The Rain”

Full song lyrics:

(Verse 1)
Em C
Underneath the pouring rain,
G D
In a café on the corner lane,
Em C
Five souls met, born of pain,
G D
Music was their only gain.

(Chorus)
Em C
Echoes in the rain, glum time again,
G D
Melodies of hope, drowning the pain.
Em C
In the rhythm of our hearts, we found our fame,
G D
Echoes in the rain, glum time again.

(Verse 2)
Em C
As the night wore on, under the city light,
G D
Their symphony took flight,
Em C
A song of love, a song of fight,
G D
In the echoes of the night.

(Chorus Repeat)

Bridge:
Em C
The rhythm of our hearts, the rhythm of the rain,
G D
In the glum time, we found our name.

(Chorus Repeat)

Fan’s Testimonial:

My name is Lydia, and Glum Time is my favourite band, hands down. They struck a chord with me at a time when I was going through a tough phase. Their music became an outlet for my emotions. Their songs, especially “Echoes in The Rain”, spoke to my heart like no other music ever had. Glum Time’s ability to paint vivid emotions through their music is truly commendable. Their raw, honest, and introspective approach to music-making is refreshing in a world full of artificiality. Every time I listen to them, I feel understood, comforted, and a little less alone.

Backstory:
Formed in the heart of Portland, Oregon in 2013, Plaintive Fly started as a creative outlet for four local artists, each with their own unique musical background. Lead vocalist and pianist, Sam Drake, met guitarist Jack Stewart at a local indie music festival, and the two quickly found a shared love for emotionally charged power-pop. After recruiting bassist Lisa Cohen and drummer Mike Reynolds, the four started jamming in Sam’s garage, and Plaintive Fly was born. After two years of late-night practices and small gig performances, they released their debut album, titled “Journey to Solitude”, which quickly gained traction in the underground music scene. The band’s heartfelt lyrics and infectious melodies have been captivating audiences ever since.

Genre:
Power-pop/Indie Rock

Title:
“Paper Cranes”

Full Song Lyrics:
[Verse 1]
G D Em C
Feathered dreams in my hand, we were chasing sunsets,
G D Em C
Woven tales, fragile hopes, like these paper cranes.

[Verse 2]
G D Em C
Underneath the starry night, we promised forever,
G D Em C
But now, all I have are these paper cranes.

[Chorus]
G D Em C
Paper cranes in the wind, flying to where we began,
G D Em C
Carrying dreams that were penned, in a love that couldn’t stand.

[Verse 3]
G D Em C
Empty rooms, silent halls, echo your laughter,
G D Em C
All that’s left of you here, are these paper cranes.

[Chorus]
G D Em C
Paper cranes in the wind, tell a tale of what has been,
G D Em C
In each fold, in each bend, lives a love that couldn’t mend.

Favorite Fan’s Name: Jessica Martinez
Testimonial:
“From the first time I listened to Plaintive Fly, I was instantly hooked. Their music has a raw, emotional quality that connects with me on a personal level. As someone who’s gone through a lot of ups and downs in life, their songs provide a form of solace and understanding that I’ve rarely found in music. The song “Paper Cranes” in particular, speaks volumes about love and loss and it’s a song I often turn to whenever I’m feeling down. I’ve seen them live a total of seven times, and each time, they’ve managed to exceed my expectations. I’m proud to call myself a fan of Plaintive Fly and I can’t wait to see where their musical journey takes them next.”

Backstory:

Impure Suspicion was born out of a basement in the outskirts of Brooklyn, New York in 2005. Its members, childhood friends Jude Trumpet (vocals and guitar), Leo Winters (bass), and Max Holden (drums), were disheartened by the lack of authenticity and rawness in the music scene of their time. They sought to bring back the purity of music, with an impure suspicion of the contemporary industry. They were all about the music, the passion, and the rebellion against the mainstream.

The band started playing local gigs in their teenage years, honing their skills among the punk-rock community of New York City. Their rise to fame was slow and steady, as they sought to create a bond with their fans that transcended the superficiality of stardom. They finally hit the big time in 2010 with their hit album, “Untamed,” which was critically acclaimed for its punk-rock revivalism and its raw and honest lyrics.

Genre:

Punk-Rock

Song Title:

“Lost in the Echo”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
[G] Lost in the echo of a [D] forgotten dream,
[Em] Trying to find my way in a world [C] that’s not as it seems.
[G] Running from shadows, and [D] chasing the light,
[Em] I’m finding my freedom in the [C] dead of the night.

(Chorus)
[G] Can’t you see I’m [D] lost in the echo?
[Em] Living on borrowed time, [C] just let me go.
[G] I’m sinking in quicksand, but [D] I’m learning to fly,
[Em] This world is a desert, and [C] I’m just passing by.

(Verse 2)
[G] Struggling with demons, [D] fighting the tide,
[Em] Trying to stay afloat, in a sea [C] of lies.
[G] I’m a wanderer in this [D] desolate land,
[Em] Walking alone, with my heart [C] in my hand.

(Chorus)
[G] Can’t you see I’m [D] lost in the echo?
[Em] Living on borrowed time, [C] just let me go.
[G] I’m sinking in quicksand, but [D] I’m learning to fly,
[Em] This world is a desert, and [C] I’m just passing by.

Favorite Fan:

Jessica Mitchell, a die-hard fan from the early days, is especially dear to the band. Jessica stumbled upon a live performance of Impure Suspicion at a local bar in Brooklyn in 2006. She was instantly drawn to their raw energy and emotionally charged lyrics. Impure Suspicion became her solace, her escape from reality, and her joy. She says, “Impure Suspicion isn’t just a band to me; it’s an emotion. Their music has seen me through the good and the bad. Their authenticity and passion shine through every song, and as long as they’re making music, I know I’ll never feel alone.”