Backstory:
Born in the back alleys of Seattle’s vibrant music scene, Delirious Playground sprang onto the sonic landscape in 2014. The band consists of four childhood friends: vocalist/guitarist Jack Downey, bassist Leo Martinez, drummer Ryan Thompson, and keyboardist Amy Patel. Childhood playground games and imagination-tripping adventures formed the substance of their early songwriting, eventually growing into the unique sound they are known for today.

Their first album, “Chasing Shadows”, caught the attention of indie music lovers, earning rave reviews with its unique mix of nostalgia and experimental sounds. After a grueling but successful touring schedule, Delirious Playground solidified their growing reputation as an electrifying live act and became a staple of the underground music scene.

Genre:
Experimental Indie Rock

Title:
“Carousel of Broken Dreams”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
[G]Walking on a [D] tightrope of my [Em] shattered dreams,
[C]Echoes of our [D] laughter now a [G] distant scream.
[G]Memories like [D] phantoms, in the [Em] dying light,
[C]Hold me in their [D] grip, in the [G] cold of night.

(Chorus)
[D]Carousel of [G] broken dreams, [Em] spinning around,
[C]We’re just lost [D] children on a [G] playground.
[D]Running from our [G] shadows, [Em] chasing the sun,
[C]In this delirious [D] playground, we’ve [G] only just begun.

(Verse 2)
[G]Broken swings and [D]roundabouts, [Em] where we used to play,
[C]Now stand like [D] monuments, to our [G] yesterday.
[G]Echoes of our [D] innocence, in the [Em] cool night air,
[C]Remind us of the [D] dreams we used to [G] share.

(Chorus)
[D]Carousel of [G] broken dreams, [Em] spinning around,
[C]We’re just lost [D] children on a [G] playground.
[D]Running from our [G] shadows, [Em] chasing the sun,
[C]In this delirious [D] playground, we’ve [G] only just begun.

Fan Testimonial:

Name: Sarah Stevenson

Sarah Stevenson, a college student from Portland, has been following Delirious Playground since their inception. “Their music is like a journey into a dream, where the familiar meets the unexpected. It’s like reliving childhood memories through a distorted, haunting mirror,” she says. Sarah has been to every one of their concerts, wearing their merch, and even got their album cover tattooed on her arm. “Delirious Playground isn’t just my favorite band, they’re my escape, my safe place. Their music speaks to me, it’s like they’ve soundtracked my life.”

Backstory:
Formed in a tiny garage in the heart of Austin, Texas in 2012, Fake Responsibility is a four-piece ensemble made up of former high school friends: lead vocalist and guitarist, Mike “Skipper” Harper, bassist, James “Jazz” Rodriguez, drummer, Luke “The Duke” Henderson, and keyboardist, Emma “Echo” Pearce. The band was born out of their shared love of music and a desire to break free from societal expectations. They found solace in their music and named the band ‘Fake Responsibility’ as a commentary on the modern-day necessity to put on a facade of responsibility while dealing with internal chaos.

The group started by playing in local bars, and their electric performances soon earned them a loyal fan base. They got their big break when a music producer caught one of their shows, and they were signed onto a major record label. Despite their success, they’ve remained true to their roots, writing songs that speak to the struggles and triumphs of everyday life.

Genre:
Indie Rock

Title:
“Facade of a Smile”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
[C] Trapped in a mind full of [G] shadows,
[Dm] Fighting battles of my [Em] own,
[Am] Walking through life with a [F] smile,
[C] But inside I feel [G] so alone.

(Chorus)
[C] Wearing a facade of a [G] smile,
[Dm] Underneath lies a heart [Em] wild,
[Am] Living with fake [F] responsibility,
[C] Screaming for [G] freedom, silently.

(Verse 2)
[C] Shadows of doubt creeping [G] in,
[Dm] Feeling lost in a world of [Em] sin,
[Am] Hiding truth behind a [F] grin,
[C] But can’t escape the chaos [G] within.

(Chorus)
[C] Wearing a facade of a [G] smile,
[Dm] Underneath lies a heart [Em] wild,
[Am] Living with fake [F] responsibility,
[C] Drowning in [G] my own fragility.

(Bridge)
[Am] I’m just a soul [F] searching for [C] peace,
[G] Desperate to find [Am] my release,
[F] Can’t bear this weight [C] anymore,
[G] It’s time to walk through a new door.

(Chorus)
[C] Leaving behind the facade of a [G] smile,
[Dm] Embracing the heart that’s [Em] wild,
[Am] Breaking free from this [F] responsibility,
[C] Finding my [G] own stability.

Outro:
[C] Once wore a facade of a [G] smile,
[Dm] Now I wear a heart that’s [Em] wild,
[Am] Living without fake [F] responsibility,
[C] Found my true [G] identity.

Fan:
Their biggest fan is a college student named Lily who discovered their music during a time of personal struggle. She says, “Fake Responsibility’s raw lyrics and haunting melodies spoke to my heart during a time when I felt alone and misunderstood. Their music gave me strength to face my own fake responsibilities and find my true identity. I’m forever grateful for their music and can’t wait to see where their journey takes them next.”

Backstory:

Relieved Essence is a band formed in the hazy summer of 2008 in a small town in North Carolina. High-school friends Austin Roberts, Jay Foster, and siblings Clara and Mike Turner, united by their shared love for music, found a haven away from their mundane routines in their music. They practiced in their parents’ garage, creating tunes that captured their dreams and shared experiences. Their music, a cathartic release, became a source of solace and harmony, a ‘Relieved Essence’ of their chaotic lives. Over the years, their bond grew stronger, their music more refined, and their fan base gradually expanded beyond their small town to other parts of the state, and then the country.

Relieved Essence gained recognition for their soul-stirring melodies and honest, heartfelt lyrics. After years of hard work and countless gigs at local cafes and bars, the band caught their big break in 2012 when a talent scout stumbled upon one of their performances. They were signed to a major record label, and their journey towards national, and eventually global recognition began.

Genre:

Indie-Folk

Title:

“Shades of Serenity”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
[G] Drifting in the sea of [C] time,
[G] We found solace in [Em] rhyme,
[D] Dancing in the moonlight, [C] under the pines,
[G] Our hearts intertwined, [D] yours and mine.

(Chorus)
[G] Oh, the shades of [D] serenity,
[Em] In the echoes of our [C] harmonies,
[G] Weaving tales of [D] love and liberty,
[C] In the glow of our [G] shared infinity.

(Verse 2)
[G] Lost in the maze of [C] memories,
[G] We found peace in [Em] melodies,
[D] Playing strings and keys, [C] under the trees,
[G] We set our spirits [D] free.

(Chorus)
[G] Oh, the shades of [D] serenity,
[Em] In the echoes of our [C] harmonies,
[G] Weaving tales of [D] love and liberty,
[C] In the glow of our [G] shared infinity.

(Testimonial)

Fan’s Name: Josephine Mitchell

“I’ve been a fan of Relieved Essence since their early garage days. The raw emotion in their music resonated with me. Every new song is like a breath of fresh air. Their music is a beautiful mix of complex emotions and simple bliss. It’s relatable, comforting, and empowering. ‘Shades of Serenity’ is my favorite track – it’s like a lullaby for my soul. I love how they create music that’s intimate and grand at the same time. Relieved Essence isn’t just my favorite band, they’re my safe space, my relief.”

Backstory:

Formed in the mystical depths of Sligo, Ireland, in 2010, Sleepy Deposit is the brainchild of childhood friends, Ronan O’Sullivan and Cian O’Reilly. The pair spent their teenage years exploring local folklore, spinning tales and creating melodies around late-night campfires. Their love for music and myth led to the formation of the band, with their bond providing a strong foundation to their unique sound.

In 2015, they gained a massive following through their stunning performance in a local music festival, after which, they welcomed new members Claire Gallagher on cello and Fiona Murphy on the flute. The addition of these two instrumentalists added a new depth to their already rich sound, making them a must-see act for any fan of the unique blend of folk and ethereal soundscapes.

Genre:
Celtic Folk and Ambient

Title:
“The Lullaby of the Lost”

Song Lyrics:
(Verse 1)
[G] In the shadow of the [Em] moonlight, [C] under a cloak of [D] night,
[G] A tale as old as [Em] time itself, [C] brought forth in soft [D] twilight.
[Am] Lost in the misty [Em] moors, [C] trapped in the sands of [D] time,
[G] Whispering a [Em] lullaby, [C] a melody so [D] divine.

(Chorus)
[G] Oh, Sleepy Deposit, [D] carry me [Em] home,
[C] Through the ancient [G] forests, [D] where the spirits [Em] roam.
[G] Underneath the [D] starlight, [Em] till the break of [C] dawn,
[G] Your lullaby [D] keeps me moving [G] on.

(Verse 2)
[G] Through the emerald [Em] valleys, [C] beneath the sapphire [D] sky,
[G] We’re dancing with the [Em] shadows, [C] where the dreamers [D] lie.
[Am] Tell us your secrets, [Em] oh ancient [C] stone,
[G] Sing to us [Em] your lullaby, [C] let your truth be [D] known.

(Chorus)
[G] Oh, Sleepy Deposit, [D] carry me [Em] home,
[C] With your enchanting [G] lullaby, [D] we’re never [Em] alone.
[G] Underneath the [D] moonlight, [Em] till the morning [C] light,
[G] Your melody [D] guides us through the [G] night.

Fan’s Name: Eoin Murphy

Testimonial:
“Sleepy Deposit has been a huge part of my life since their first performance at the local music festival. Their music is a beautiful blend of the old and the new, with lyrics steeped in Irish folklore and enchanting melodies that transport you to another realm. Their song, ‘The Lullaby of the Lost’, speaks to me on such a deep and personal level. Ronan and Cian’s passion for music and storytelling shines through every performance, and the addition of Claire and Fiona added an ethereal depth to their music. They’re not just a band to me, they’re storytellers, they’re music therapists, they’re a part of my life.”

Backstory:

Forceful Park was birthed in the eclectic heartbeat of New York City in the fall of 2011. The four members – David Cane (lead vocals), Michael ‘Micky’ Thompson (guitar), Carl ‘The Hammer’ Jensen (drums), and Paul ‘Pablo’ Rodriguez (bass) – met at a local open-mic night, instantly bonding over their shared love of classic rock and transformative lyrics. Over years of jamming together in the back of a thrift store, their unique sound gradually took shape, leading to the formation of the band that would challenge the musical sensibilities of their generation.

Inspired by the likes of Pearl Jam, Nirvana, and Radiohead, Forceful Park quickly emerged as a leading force in the local music scene, known for putting up electrifying performances. Their music, laced with introspective lyrics and powerful hooks, echoes the raw energy and passion that has defined their journey so far.

Genre:

Alternative Rock

Song Title:

“Dream in Grey”

Full song lyrics:

(Verse 1)
C#m E B A
Wake up in the morning, the world’s the same
C#m E B A
Everybody’s playing, no one’s in the game
C#m E B A
Living in the shadows, hiding from the sun
C#m E B A
Pretend we’re not hurting but we’re all on the run

(Chorus)
E B A
Dream in grey, no colors today
E B A
Lost in the haze, we’re all just a phase
E B A
Dream in grey, until you find your way
E B A
Break through the noise, it’s time for your voice

(Verse 2)
C#m E B A
Eyes wide open but we’re still blind
C#m E B A
Seeking for the answers we can’t even find
C#m E B A
Got to keep moving, time’s running out
C#m E B A
Whisper of the wind, hear the silent shout

(Chorus)
E B A
Dream in grey, no colors today
E B A
Lost in the haze, we’re all just a phase
E B A
Dream in grey, until you find your way
E B A
Break through the noise, it’s time to reclaim your voice

(Bridge)
C#m E B A
In the world of black and white, color your rhyme
C#m E B A
The universe listens, it’s your moment in time

(Chorus)
E B A
Dream in grey, no colors today
E B A
Lost in the haze, we’re all just a phase
E B A
Dream in grey, until you find your way
E B A
Break through the noise, this is your voice, your choice

Fan’s Name:

Sarah Thompson

Testimonial:

Forceful Park’s music feels like a return to authenticity in a world that often feels superficial. Their lyrics resonate with my own experiences and emotions, making me feel seen and heard. David’s raw and powerful vocals, combined with the potent instrumentals, create a sound that’s both comforting and invigorating. Each concert feels like a celebration of shared human experiences. Their music is a constant reminder to embrace our struggles and our victories, and to always stay true to who we are. They’re more than just my favorite band – they’re like a beacon of hope and resilience in the face of life’s challenges.

Backstory:

Kind Extension was formed in the vibrant heart of San Francisco’s music scene in 2016, by a group of friends whose shared love for music transcended the boundaries of their day jobs. The band initially consisted of passionate music enthusiasts, Brad Tucker, a graphic designer, Annie Morgan, a school teacher, and Ethan Foster, a freelance writer. They began by playing at small local gigs and slowly captivated the attention of the community with their fresh, dynamic sound and heartfelt lyrics. The band embodies a spirit of unity, and their name ‘Kind Extension’ is a testament to their belief in extending kindness and love through their music.

Genre:

Indie Folk Rock

Title:

“A Bridge to You”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
[G] I stood on the edge of a [D] dream,
[Em] Looking at the world as it [C] seems,
[G] An echo of your voice in the [D] wind,
[Em] Whispering a tale of where we’ve [C] been.

(Chorus)
[G] We’re building a bridge to [D] you,
[Em] Over the rivers of blue, [C] oh,
[G] A kind extension of [D] love,
[Em] Guided by the stars [C] above.

(Verse 2)
[G] The moonlight dances on your [D] skin,
[Em] A symphony of life within, [C]
[G] Through the noise, I hear your [D] truth,
[Em] Wrapped in the innocence of [C] youth.

(Chorus)
[G] We’re building a bridge to [D] you,
[Em] Resonating a melody so [C] true,
[G] A kind extension of [D] dreams,
[Em] Stitched together by love’s [C] seams.

The band’s favorite fan:

The band’s favorite fan is an animation artist named Lily Santiago. In her testimonial, she says, “I discovered Kind Extension during a difficult time in my life. Their music felt like a friend reaching out in the dark, offering comfort. The song ‘A Bridge to You’ particularly resonated with me. I felt seen, understood. I love how every chord they play, every lyric they sing, is steeped in genuine emotion. It’s the kind of music that makes you believe in the power of kindness and love.”

Backstory:

Gracious Freedom is a band born from the angst and energy of four college friends – Alex, Chris, Jordan, and Sam. They met in the dorms of California State University, united by a shared love of music, late-night jam sessions, and a dream of making it big. Their journey started with small gigs at local pubs, which gradually propelled them to larger stages. Over the years, they’ve developed a unique sound that fuses classic rock vibes with modern influences, creating a style that’s entirely their own. The band’s name, Gracious Freedom, represents their core belief in the power of music to liberify the soul and instill a sense of boundless freedom.

Genre:

Alternative Rock

Title:

“Echoes of Liberty”

Full Song Lyrics:

Verse 1:
(Em) Every star is (C) burning brighter,
(G) Lighting up the (D) black and white.
(Em) We’re chasing dreams, (C) but they’re getting lighter,
(G) Not afraid of (D) taking flight.

Chorus:
(G) Echoes of liberty, (D) whispers of the free,
(Em) We’re not just a memory, (C) we’re Gracious Freedom, see.
(G) Unchained melodies, (D) our notes are running free,
(Em) We’ll sing in harmony, (C) this is Gracious Freedom’s decree.

Verse 2:
(Em) The world can be (C) a little colder,
(G) But we’ve got (D) fire in our hearts.
(Em) We’re getting wiser, (C) but not older,
(G) Painting with our (D) musical arts.

(Repeat Chorus)

(Bridge)
(Am) Wake up, (D) rise above the (G) fear,
(Am) This music will (D) wipe away your (G) tear,
(Am) Stand tall, (D) let your voice be (G) heard,
(Em) Sing together, (D) liberated by each (C) word.

(Repeat Chorus)

Favorite Fan’s Name, Testimonial and Why They Love the Band:

Fan’s Name: Rachel Thompson

Testimonial:

Gracious Freedom is more than just a band to me; they are a beacon of hope and a symbol of liberation. Their music has been my companion through life’s highs and lows, the rhythm to my dance, and the solace to my sorrow. The way they blend melodies and lyrics creates a unique musical tapestry that strikes a chord within my soul. The song “Echoes of Liberty,” especially, embodies the spirit of their music – it’s a clarion call to freedom and self-expression. In a world often bound by constraints and expectations, Gracious Freedom truly lives up to its name, reminding us all to embrace our individuality and live as freely as our hearts desire.

Backstory:
Dense Hill was conceived in the bustling music scene of Austin, Texas, where four high school friends with a shared passion for music decided to form a band in 2005. Lead singer and guitarist, Jake Simmons, bassist, Kyle Lopez, drummer, Richard Harris, and keyboardist, Leo Adams, began this journey by playing at local gigs and small-time festivals. Their undeniable chemistry and unique vibe caught the attention of independent recording label, “Red Star Records” and the rest, as they say, is history. Over the years, Dense Hill has navigated the choppy waters of the music industry, constantly evolving their sound and refining their musical prowess.

Genre:
Alternative Rock

Title:
“Echoes of the Past”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
[G]Remember when we [C]were just kids,
[D]Running wild, free and [G]unrestrained.
[G]The world was ours to [C]explore,
[D]Our spirits untamed, dreams [G]untrained.

(Chorus)
[Em]Echoes of the past, [C]ringing so loud,
[G]Reminding us of who we were,
[D]Before we got lost in the crowd.
[Em]Echoes of the past, [C]please guide us through,
[G]To a time we were pure,
[D]To a love that was true.

(Verse 2)
[G]We’ve journeyed far and [C]seen it all,
[D]Chasing dreams, taking the [G]fall.
[G]Lost in the hustle, the [C]noise so loud,
[D]The echoes of the past, a forgotten [G]sound.

(Chorus)
[Em]Echoes of the past, [C]ringing so loud,
[G]Reminding us of who we were,
[D]Before we got lost in the crowd.
[Em]Echoes of the past, [C]please guide us through,
[G]To a time we were pure,
[D]To a love that was true.

Favorite Fan:
The band’s favorite fan is a guy named Michael Jenkins. He has been following Dense Hill from their early days in Austin and has attended every concert they’ve ever played. He says, “Dense Hill is more than just a band to me. Their music is a soundtrack to my life. It has seen me through the best and worst of times. I love the raw emotion they infuse in their songs. It’s like they are speaking directly to me. I am not just a fan of their music, but of their honesty, authenticity, and the realness they bring. They are, and always will be, my favorite band.”

Backstory:

Basic Fight was formed in 2005 in the small town of Voltaire, North Dakota. The four childhood friends – Samuel ‘Sammy’ Johnson on vocals, Daniel ‘Dan’ Thompson on guitar, Benjamin ‘Ben’ Anderson on drums, and Michael ‘Mike’ Robertson on the bass – were brought together by their shared love for music. They started as a garage band, playing in local clubs and venues and slowly gained a reputation for their raw sound and energetic performances. After years of hard work and determination, their big break came in 2010 when they were signed to a major record label.

Despite their newfound fame, Basic Fight never lost sight of their roots. Their music continues to reflect their small-town upbringing and the struggles they faced. It’s this authenticity that has earned them a dedicated fan base, a series of successful albums, and renowned accolades in the music industry.

Genre:
Alternative Rock

Song Title:
“Bound to Break”

Full Song Lyrics:

[Verse 1]
G C Am D
I see the world in shades of gray,
G C Am D
Life’s a game we’re bound to play.
G C Am D
But the rules, oh they twist and turn,
G C Am D
And the lessons, oh they’re hard to learn.

[Chorus]
Em C G D
We’re all bound to break, under the weight,
Em C G D
But we’ll fight, oh we’ll fight, till the end,
Em C G D
With every breath, with every step,
Em C G D
We’ll rise again, we’ll never bend.

[Verse 2]
G C Am D
The night is dark, the road is long,
G C Am D
But our hearts are strong, they play our song.
G C Am D
We’ll push and pull, till the break of day,
G C Am D
We’re Basic Fight, and we’re here to stay.

(Repeat Chorus)

Fan Testimonial:

Fan’s name: Jessica Moore

“I’ve been a fan of Basic Fight since their early days. Their music has always spoken to me on a personal level, it’s like they’re narrating my life. Especially the song “Bound To Break”, it has helped me through some of my darkest times. It’s that raw emotion and honest lyrics that make Basic Fight my favorite band. They’re not just musicians, they’re storytellers, and their music is a testament to the human spirit and its resilience.”

Backstory:

Practical Removal emerged from a small, tight-knit community in the heart of Boulder, Colorado. Lead vocalist and songwriter, Anna “Pulse” Peterson, put the band together as an experimental project during her senior year of high school; she crafted a unique sound by combining influences from classic rock, folk, and indie music. The band, including Connor “Rhythm” Rossi on drums, Maddy “Dynamics” Diaz on bass, and Liam “Lead” Lawson on guitar, quickly built a solid fan base in the local music scene, leading to their first self-recorded EP, “The Garage Sessions”.

After high school, they all decided to pursue the band full-time, touring in a beat-up old van, playing in small venues and festivals across the country. Their dedication and passion for their music eventually caught the attention of a major record label, leading to their first studio album, “Practical Removal”. Despite their newfound success, the band remains grounded and dedicated to their fans, often hanging out with them after shows and always displaying their community-oriented spirit.

Genre:
Indie Rock / Folk

Title:
“Echoes of Yesterday”

Full Song Lyrics:

[Verse 1]
Am Em
Walking down these lonely streets,
G D
Memories of you still cling to me.
Am Em
Echoes of a love so sweet,
G D
In the echoes of yesterday.

[Chorus]
C G Am
Oh, how we danced, lost in the melody,
F C G
Those were the days, tangled in ecstasy.
C G Am
Caught in a haze, only you and me,
F C G
In the echoes of yesterday.

[Verse 2]
Am Em
Time is cruel, it moves so fast,
G D
Our love, our youth, it didn’t last.
Am Em
But in my heart, the past is vast,
G D
In the echoes of yesterday.

[Chorus]
C G Am
We laughed, we cried, under the cherry tree,
F C G
Whispered our dreams, in sacred reverie.
C G Am
Now all that’s left, is a love’s decree,
F C G
In the echoes of yesterday.

[Bridge]
F C
I’m picking up the pieces of our shattered dreams,
G D
In the echoes of yesterday.
F C
Riding the waves of love’s mournful screams,
G D
In the echoes of yesterday.

[Chorus]
C G Am
Oh, how we danced, lost in the melody,
F C G
Those were the days, tangled in ecstasy.
C G Am
Caught in a haze, only you and me,
F C G
In the echoes of yesterday.

[Outro]
Am Em
I’ll walk these streets alone,
G D
With the echoes of yesterday.

Favorite Fan:

The band’s favorite fan is Alex “Alleycat” Smith. Alleycat was with Practical Removal from the very beginning, attending every show, buying every album, and always singing along to every song. Alleycat says, “Practical Removal isn’t just a band to me, it’s a way of life. Their music speaks to me on levels that I didn’t even know existed. It’s raw, it’s emotional, and it’s real – just like life. I’ve seen them grow from a local garage band to a major player in the music industry, and I couldn’t be prouder. They’ve remained genuine and loyal to their fans, and that means the world to me.”