Backstory:

Hideous Policy was formed in the gritty backstreets of Leeds, England, in 2010. Originally a trio, band members Leon “Locke” McIntyre, Rufus “Rusty” Haynes, and Oliver “Ollie” Shaw were childhood friends turned disgruntled employees in different sectors of the corporate world. They initially used their musical skills as an outlet for their frustrations with their workplace’s unethical practices and eventually decided to leave their nine-to-five grind to pursue music full-time. The band was later joined by bassist Emma “Em” Cassidy in 2012 after she was inspired by their raw and passionate performances at a local pub.

Genre:

Alternative Punk Rock

Title:

“Corporate Chains”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
C Am F G
Once we were free, now we’re in chains,
C Am F G
Puppets on strings, playing the corporate game,
C Am F G
Trapped in offices, under fluorescent light,
C Am F G
Swallowed by the system, losing the fight.

(Chorus)
C Am F G
Corporate Chains, they bind us tight,
C Am F G
Drown us in policies, suppress our might,
C Am F G
But we’ll break free, cut through the lies,
C Am F G
In the name of truth, the phoenix rises.

(Verse 2)
C Am F G
In the mirror, a stranger looks back,
C Am F G
Lost in the grind, painted in monotone black,
C Am F G
But deep inside, a fire burns bright,
C Am F G
Ready to ignite, in the dead of night.

(Chorus)
C Am F G
Corporate Chains, they bind us tight,
C Am F G
Drown us in policies, suppress our might,
C Am F G
But we’ll break free, cut through the lies,
C Am F G
In the name of truth, the phoenix rises.

Fan’s Name:

“Hideous Policy is more than just a band to me. They’re a beacon of rebellion, a voice for the voiceless. Their music resonates with me on a personal level. As someone who’s been stuck in a corporate job I hate, their lyrics speak directly to my frustrations. I see myself in their music, and it gives me hope and the courage to make changes in my life.” – Testimonial by Sam Henderson.

Backstory:
Flashy Alarm came into being when four struggling musicians, from different backgrounds, found each other in a rundown bar in downtown Austin, Texas. The lead vocalist, Jake “Thunder” McGrath, was a powerful singer with a voice that echoed with rock ‘n’ roll, who was working as a mechanic at the time. The drummer, “Lightning” Leroy Johnson, was a construction worker with the rhythm of a metronome and the power of a jackhammer. Paul “Rainstorm” Rivera, the bassist, was a quiet librarian with a love for heavy bass lines, while “Tornado” Tom Cooper, the guitarist, was a small-town boy with fast fingers and a dream. The band came together, not because they had to, but because the universe conspired to bring their talents together.

Genre:
Rock

Title:
“Downpour of Desires”

Full Song Lyrics:
(Verse 1 – G, C, Em, D)
[G] Every night I walk this lonely street,
[C] My mind filled with dreams I can’t defeat,
[Em] Your memory lingers, causing an internal fight,
[D] A downpour of desires, in the silence of the night

(Chorus – C, G, D, Em)
[C] Downpour of Desires, let me be,
[G] I’m drowning in your memory, can’t you see?
[D] I can’t escape, I can’t deny,
[Em] All I want, is to hold you tight.

(Verse 2 – G, C, Em, D)
[G] The echoes of laughter, the fragments of love,
[C] Seen through the window, beneath the stars above,
[Em] Your photograph still hangs, in the corner of my room,
[D] A reminder of happiness, now just my doom.

(Chorus – C, G, D, Em)
[C] Downpour of Desires, I’m losing my way,
[G] In the labyrinth of your love, day by day,
[D] The past is a ghost, that I can’t fight,
[Em] All I have left, is this lonely night.

The band’s favorite fan:

Name: Lilly “Firecracker” Rodriguez

Testimonial: “Flashy Alarm isn’t just a band for me; they’ve become a symphony for my soul. Their music has seen me through my darkest days and rejoiced with me on my happiest. ‘Downpour of Desires’ feels like a personal anthem. The raw emotions and the powerful music resonate with me. Their beats and rhythms are not just heard; they are felt. The authenticity in their lyrics and the passion in their performance are what set them apart. Flashy Alarm isn’t just my favorite band; they’re a part of my life.”

Backstory:

Well-Groomed Protein is an eccentric fusion of four university friends who bonded over their shared love for music and biology. The band was formed in the bustling campus of Harvard University in 2014, when the foursome, who were all biology majors, decided to turn their passion for music into something more concrete. The name ‘Well-Groomed Protein’ is an inside joke among the members, reflecting their geeky nature while offering an abstract hint at their sound.

Led by lead vocalist and guitarist Roger ‘Rog’ Williams, the band also consists of bassist Peter ‘Pete’ Howard, drummer Daniel ‘Danny’ Sullivan and keyboardist Samantha ‘Sam’ Carter. They started by performing at local college events, gradually gaining a following with their quirky lyrics and infectious energy. The band earned their big break in 2016 when they were discovered playing at a Boston dive bar by a local record producer.

Genre:

Indie Rock/Alternative

Title:

“Cellular Serenade”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
Am – F – C – G
I’m just a cell in your vast universe, girl
Am – F – C – G
Lost in the spiral of your DNA swirl
Am – F – C – G
I’m drawn to your nucleus, can’t you see
Am – F – C – G
Your cytoplasm’s got a hold on me

(Chorus)
Dm – Am – C – G
You’re my cellular serenade
Dm – Am – C – G
In your presence, my fears do fade
Dm – Am – C – G
For you, my heart beats like a centrifuge
Dm – Am – C – G
In this biological love deluge

(Verse 2)
Am – F – C – G
We’re binary fission, splitting apart
Am – F – C – G
But the love in our cells is where it starts
Am – F – C – G
Through mitosis and meiosis, we divide and unite
Am – F – C – G
In the endoplasmic reticulum, we ignite

(Repeat Chorus)
Dm – Am – C – G
You’re my cellular serenade
Dm – Am – C – G
In your presence, my fears do fade
Dm – Am – C – G
For you, my heart beats like a centrifuge
Dm – Am – C – G
In this biological love deluge

Fan Testimonial:

The band’s favorite fan is Zoe Meyer, a fellow biology student. Zoe claims, “Well-Groomed Protein is more than a band, it’s a revelation. Their music is a perfect blend of science and emotion, revealing the poetry in biology. ‘Cellular Serenade’ is my go-to song when I’m studying, chilling, or falling in love. There’s something so beautiful about their scientific metaphors being used to express such raw emotions. This band is my favorite because their music is not only unique, but also intellectually stimulating. They are truly one of a kind.”

Backstory:

Lone Crook is a four-piece band from the small town of Pottersville, New Hampshire. The band was formed in 2014 when lead singer and guitarist, Jake Doyle, returned to his hometown after spending years as a traveling musician. He met drummer Mick O’Riley, bassist Ian Harper, and keyboardist Sarah Pierce during a gig at the local pub. They instantly connected through their shared love for rock and blues and decided to form their own band, naming it Lone Crook, a nod to Jake’s nomadic past.

They started playing local gigs and gained a reputation for their gritty, raw sound and honest lyrics. After two years of playing together, they caught the attention of a small indie label, which led to the release of their debut album, “Highway & Heartache”. The album was praised for its unique blend of bluesy rock and heartfelt storytelling, establishing Lone Crook as a band to watch in the national rock scene.

Genre:
Rock/Blues

Title:
“Roads of Regret”

Full song lyrics:

(Verse 1)
[G] Wandering down the [D] roads of regret,
[Em] Picking up pieces of [C] dreams I’ve left.
[G] Chasing the shadows of [D] love long gone,
[Em] I’m just a lone crook [C] singing my song.

(Chorus)
[G] The highways are my [D] home,
[Em] The heartache is my [C] throne,
[G] And these roads of regret, [D] they’re all I’ve known,
[Em] I’m just a lone crook [C] playing along.

(Verse 2)
[G] The street lamps flicker [D] like a dying star,
[Em] The neon signs scream [C] from afar.
[G] Lost in the rhythm [D] of my heartbeat’s drone,
[Em] I’m just a lone crook [C] who has flown

(Chorus)
[G] The highways are my [D] home,
[Em] The heartache is my [C] throne,
[G] And these roads of regret, [D] they’re all I’ve known,
[Em] I’m just a lone crook [C] playing along.

(Outro)
[G] So I’ll keep walking these [D] roads of regret,
[Em] With the echoes of your [C] love in my head.
[G] And the heartache will be [D] my song,
[Em] As a lone crook, [C] I’ll move along.

Favorite Fan:

Lone Crook’s favorite fan is Layla Simmons. She’s an art teacher from their hometown who has been to every one of their gigs since the band’s inception. As a token of her unwavering support, the band even wrote a song about her, “Layla’s Blues”. Layla says, “Lone Crook’s music is raw, honest, and heart-wrenching. Their songs have a way of speaking directly to my soul. There’s nothing quite like losing yourself in their music after a long day. They’re my favorite band because their music feels like home to me.”

Backstory:
Warlike Carpenter Ant, a quartet of music enthusiasts, came to be during a casual jam session in a basement in Seattle. The members, Jack Barnes, a carpenter by day and guitarist by night, lead vocalist Megan Harper with her powerhouse voice, drummer Danny Patterson, and the bassist Charlie Springer, found an uncanny harmony in their distinct styles. Their name was inspired by Jack’s profession and an infestation of ants inside his guitar case, creating a unique blend of toughness and humor that resonates with their fans.

Genre:
Warlike Carpenter Ant’s music is an eclectic fusion of Indie Rock and Psychedelic Folk.

Title:
“The Lumberjack’s Ballad”

Full Song Lyrics:
(Verse 1)
Am Em
In the heart of the timber, echo the saw,
G D
A melody struck by the carpenter’s claw,
Am Em
Strumming the life, of the age-old pine,
G D
A tale to tell, in the moonshine.

(Chorus)
C G
Oh, the Lumberjack’s ballad, sings of the night,
D Am
A whisper in the wind, beneath the starlight,
C G
A symphony of nature, a heartbeat drum,
D Am
In the wild, where the carpenter ants hum.

(Verse 2)
Am Em
The forest’s secrets, the carpenter knows,
G D
In every grain, a story grows,
Am Em
He chisels the echoes, of the woodland’s hum,
G D
A song that dances, when the daytime’s done.

(Chorus)
C G
Oh, the Lumberjack’s ballad, echoes in the breeze,
D Am
A serenade of solitude, whispered through the trees,
C G
It’s a warlike rhythm, a resilient song,
D Am
Shared by ants and men, all night long.

Testimonial:
Fan’s Name – Billy Thompson

Billy Thompson, a carpenter himself, has followed Warlike Carpenter Ant since their inception. He says, “Their music resonates with my soul. The way they connect the rawness of nature with the everyday struggles of life is incredible. It’s like they’re voicing my thoughts, my emotions in the most soulful melodies. ‘The Lumberjack’s Ballad’ is my anthem, speaking of my love for nature and my craft. Plus, their performances are always electrifying. Warlike Carpenter Ant is my favorite band, not only for their music but for their authenticity and passion.”

Backstory:

Granular Mm was born out of the withering ashes of several unsuccessful garage bands in Louisville, Kentucky. United by their passion for music and a shared sense of offbeat humor, members Ethan “E” Jankowski (vocals/guitar), Holly “H” Barker (bass), and Tommy “T” Sinclair (drums) combined their musical talents and unique styles to create something new and exciting in 2015. Despite the grueling challenges and frustrations, Granular Mm emerged from their initial struggles with a fresh perspective, a unique sound, and a clear vision of what they wanted to achieve together as a band.

Genre:

Alternative Rock with a dash of Electronica

Title:

“Binary Dreams”

Full song lyrics:

(Verse 1)
Em G
Drifting through the shadows,
D A
In the heart of Binary Dreams,
Em G
Coded whispers, pixelated screams,
D A
Living in the echoes of our memes.

(Chorus)
C G
In Binary Dreams, we’re zeros and ones,
Am Em
Caught in the web spun by silicon suns,
C G
In Binary Dreams, we live, we die,
Am Em
Blinking in the rhythm of a neon sky.

(Verse 2)
Em G
Lost in the maze of electric haze,
D A
Feeding on the digital eternal blaze,
Em G
In the realm where data is the craze,
D A
In Binary Dreams we spend our days.

(Chorus)
C G
In Binary Dreams, we’re zeros and ones,
Am Em
Caught in the web spun by silicon suns,
C G
In Binary Dreams, we laugh, we cry,
Am Em
Sailing through the cosmic Wi-Fi.

Fan Testimonial:

The band’s favorite fan is a woman from their hometown named Melissa Thompson. Melissa was present at the band’s very first show and has followed their journey ever since. She’s known for creating all the fan merchandise for Granular Mm and runs their unofficial fan page. She says, “Granular Mm isn’t just a band; they’re a revolution. Their music is a voice for our generation, speaking to the unique challenges and experiences we face in a digital age. Every song is an exploration of life in the 21st century. They’ve taken the raw energy of alternative rock and blended it with the subtle nuances of electronica, creating a sound that’s as complex and multifaceted as our lives today. I’ve been to every show, bought every album, and I’ll continue to support them because their music speaks to me on a deeply personal level. They’re more than my favorite band, they’re the soundtrack to my life.”

Backstory:
Early Coverage was born out of the grungy basements and crowded bars of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania in 2016. It all started when the lead singer, Mike ‘Rusty Pipes’ Rutherford, met drummer, Tony ‘Hardknocks’ Bellevue, in a local music shop. After bonding over their mutual love for the gritty sound of classic rock, they decided to form a band. They later recruited bassist, Jenny ‘Cool Vibes’ Washington, and lead guitarist, Andy ‘Riff Raider’ Logan, to complete their lineup. The group quickly gained local popularity for their high-energy shows and original compositions, leaving their raw, unfiltered mark on the music scene.

Genre:
Classic Rock / Blues Rock

Title:
“Rusted Chains”

Full Song Lyrics:

[Verse 1:]
Dm Am
I’ve been walking, down a lonesome road
C G
Carrying the weight, of a heavy load
Dm Am
Whispers in the wind, tales untold
C G
Can’t shake off, this rusted old chain

[Chorus:]
F C
Rusted Chains, holding me tight
G Am
Won’t let me be, day or night
F C
Rusted Chains, won’t let me fly
G Am
Tied to the ground, under the night sky

[Verse 2:]
Dm Am
Scars on my skin, from battles fought
C G
Lessons in life, so dearly bought
Dm Am
In the mirror, an anxious thought
C G
Can’t escape from, these rusted old chains

[Chorus:]
F C
Rusted Chains, my constant plight
G Am
In every dawn, and every twilight
F C
Rusted Chains, my endless fight
G Am
Against the pull, of the darkest night

Fan’s Testimonial:
My name is Lenny ‘The Rockhound’ Johnson. I have been a fan of Early Coverage since their first gig at The Smiling Moose. Their music, especially “Rusted Chains”, speaks to my soul like no other. The raw emotion and the explosive energy that they bring to every performance is truly unmatched. Their sound is a refreshing take on classic rock, with a bluesy touch that makes each song unique. Through their music, they have shown me that it’s alright to carry your burdens and that each struggle is a part of our journey. Early Coverage isn’t just my favorite band, they are a part of who I am.

Backstory:

Formed in the sleepy college town of Eugene, Oregon, in the early 2000s, Alarmed Recovery is a band that rose from the ashes of a failed student rock group. The original four members, Logan, Travis, Becca, and Eli, were childhood friends who shared a love of music and a desire to break from the monotony of small-town life. The quartet spent countless nights in the garage of Logan’s parents, writing songs about their experiences, dreams, and fears. After graduation, they went their separate ways, but after some time, they realized that they were missing the camaraderie and the music. Thus, they decided to reunite, creating Alarmed Recovery. Their music took a more mature, introspective turn, reflecting their personal experiences and growth.

Genre:

Indie rock with elements of folk and blues.

Title:

“Fade into the Morning”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
C G Am E
Waking up to the sound of rain, in a town that’s all the same,
F C G
Trying to forget your name, oh darling.

C G Am E
Old memories they fade, like worn-out shades of grey,
F C G
I miss you more each day, it’s alarming.

(Chorus)
Am E F C
Wish I could fade into the morning,
G Am E
Leave behind all the warning,
F C G
Find a place where love’s not mourning,
C G Am E
A place where hearts are not torn.

(Verse 2)
C G Am E
The echoes of your laughter, in the halls of our ever after,
F C G
Drowned out by the disaster, we’re living.

C G Am E
I’m seeking solace in the night, under the flickering neon light,
F C G
Wishing we could reignite, what’s missing.

(Chorus)
Am E F C
Wish I could fade into the morning,
G Am E
Leave behind all the warnings,
F C G
Find a place that’s not mourning,
C G Am E
A place where hearts are not torn.

Fan’s Name:

Natalie Green

Testimonial:

“I’ve loved Alarmed Recovery since their college days. The depth of their lyrics and the raw emotion in their music resonates with me on such a personal level. It’s like they’ve crawled into my experiences and articulated them in a way I never could. Their song ‘Fade into the Morning’ is my all-time favorite. It’s poetic, soulful, and heart-wrenchingly beautiful. It’s more than just a song to me. It’s a feeling, an experience. Alarmed Recovery’s music has helped me through some of the toughest times in my life, and for that, they’ll always be my favorite band.”

Backstory:
In the heart of Boston, four friends yearning for an escape from their mundane 9-to-5 jobs began to make music in their basements. Combining their diverse musical influences ranging from folk to rock, “Enormous Circle” was born. Comprising of lead singer and songwriter Jamie O’Hare, guitarist Adam Hendricks, bassist Neil Sawyer, and drummer Richard Olsen, the band brings a fresh take on modern music. Their music, filled with poignant lyrics and unforgettable melodies, quickly resonated with listeners, catapulting them to local stardom.

Genre:
Alternative Folk Rock

Title:
“Roundabout Reflections”

Full Song Lyrics:

Verse 1:
Am Em G D
Staring down on the city lights,
Am Em G D
Lost in the maze of the endless nights,
Am Em G D
Chasing dreams in a world so cold,
Am Em G D
We’re the stories yet untold.

Chorus:
Am Em G D
In roundabout reflections, we find our directions,
Am Em G D
In the glow of the moon, we’ll find our tune,
Am Em G D
Through the noise and the haste, we’ll not waste,
Am Em G D
In the enormous circle of life, we strive.

Verse 2:
Am Em G D
Walking paths that twist and turn,
Am Em G D
In the city lights, we live and learn,
Am Em G D
In the echo of the silent night,
Am Em G D
We’re the sparks that burn so bright.

Chorus:
Am Em G D
In roundabout reflections, we find our connections,
Am Em G D
Under the starry dome, we find our home,
Am Em G D
Through the chaos and strife, we find life,
Am Em G D
In the enormous circle of dreams, we believe.

Band’s Favorite Fan:
Sarah Thompson has been an ardent fan of “Enormous Circle” since their earliest days playing in Boston’s underground music scene. The band’s unique blend of folk and rock, coupled with their introspective lyrics, resonates with Sarah on a deep level. She says, “Their music feels like a friend to me. It’s been there during my best and worst times, like a comforting constant. ‘Enormous Circle’ is not just a band for me, it’s a part of my life and my favorite without doubt!”

Backstory:
Born and bred in the heart of Detroit’s industrial sector, Bronze Cannon emerged from humble beginnings. Band members Jake “Jet” Thompson (lead vocals, guitar), Nick “Nixon” Gilbert (drums), Benny “Bronco” Michaels (bass), and Lisa “Laser” Peterson (keyboard, backup vocals), all grew up in the same neighborhood, each developing a passion for music amidst the clanging of machinery and the whirring of factory belts. When they met during a local music festival, they immediately clicked, leading to all-night jam sessions in Benny’s garage. Their shared experiences and raw love for music propelled them to create a sound that resonated with the blue-collar spirit of their hometown.

Genre:
Bronze Cannon is best known for its fusion of Classic Rock and Industrial Blues, creating a gritty yet electrifying sound that perfectly encapsulates their industrial roots.

Title:
“Steelbone Serenade”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
[C] Down in the heart of the [G] city, where the [Am] smokestacks touch the [Em] sky,
[F] We’re forging dreams on the [C] anvil, under the [G] steel-gray sky.
[C] Kids with nothing but [G] courage, and hands [Am] blackened by the coal,
[F] This is our bronze anthem, [C] the song of the [G] steelbone soul.

(Chorus)
[C] We are the Bronze Cannon, [G] blasting through your town,
[Am] With a steelbone serenade, [Em] we’ll bring the factories down.
[F] Hear the hammer’s rhythm, [C] feel the sparks ignite,
[G] We’re the Bronze Cannon, baby, [C] playing through the night.

(Verse 2)
[C] We didn’t have much [G] growing, but we [Am] made do with what we [Em] had,
[F] Our dreams made of iron, [C] and hearts that never [G] bled.
[C] From the engine’s roar, [G] to the clang of [Am] steel,
[F] The Bronze Cannon’s playing, [C] for a love that’s [G] real.

(Chorus)
[C] We are the Bronze Cannon, [G] blasting through your town,
[Am] With a steelbone serenade, [Em] we’ll bring the factories down.
[F] Hear the hammer’s rhythm, [C] feel the sparks ignite,
[G] We’re the Bronze Cannon, baby, [C] playing through the night.

Favorite Fan’s Testimonial:
“Hi, I’m Debbie, but most of the BC crew knows me as ‘Debstar.’ Bronze Cannon is my absolute favorite because they’re not just a band, they’re a testament to my city. Their music isn’t just about rhythm and melody—it’s about struggle, triumph, and the heartbeat of Detroit. When Jake sings, ‘We are the Bronze Cannon, blasting through your town,’ I feel it in my soul. It’s a cry to remember who we are, where we’ve come from, and to never forget the power of resilience and hard work. Bronze Cannon’s music is the soundtrack of my life.”