Backstory:

Puzzled Condition is the brainchild of long-time friends and musical visionaries, Derek Reynolds and Jade D’Amico. Both grew up in the heart of San Francisco, each nurturing a profound love for music and an insatiable creative spirit. Their shared passion for puzzle-solving and complex musical structures led them to form Puzzled Condition in 2012. The band quickly gained a cult following, their music resonating with listeners who valued intricate, thought-provoking compositions. They’ve been recognized for their ability to weave personal narratives and socio-political commentary into their unique sonic tapestry.

Genre:

Puzzled Condition can best be classified as Progressive Rock, with heavy influences from Jazz and experimental music. They are known for their intricate arrangements, convoluted song structures, and boundary-pushing thematic content. Their music is characterized by its complexity and depth, inviting listeners to delve into the layers of sound and meaning.

Title:

“Reflections in a Broken Mirror”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1 – Dm, Bb, C, Am)
In a house of glass, we cast the first stone
Searching for the truth, the world we’ve known
The shards of reality, splintered and spun
In the reflections of a broken mirror, our journey has begun.

(Chorus – F, C, G, Am)
Reflections in a broken mirror, fragments of our past
Among the scattered pieces, we’re free at last
In the chaos of perception, where reality’s torn
In the reflections of a broken mirror, we’re reborn.

(Verse 2 – Dm, Bb, C, Am)
In the kaleidoscope of memories, we dance and twirl
In this fractured existence, a new world unfurls
Bound by the gravity of our collective fear
In the reflections of a broken mirror, we draw near.

(Chorus – F, C, G, Am)
Reflections in a broken mirror, fragments of our plight
In the shadows and the echoes, we find our light
In the distortion of the image, where truth’s unclear
In the reflections of a broken mirror, we persevere.

Favorite Fan Testimonial:

The band’s favorite fan is known only as “PuzzleMaster”. She’s attended every one of their shows, always front and center, and her dedication to deciphering their complex lyrics and musical themes has made her stand out among the fans. “Puzzled Condition’s music is truly a journey,” says PuzzleMaster. “It’s not just about listening; it’s about experiencing, analyzing, and understanding. Their music challenges me, makes me think, and opens up new perspectives. That’s why they’re my favorite band. Their music is a puzzle to solve, and I’m here for it.”

Backstory:

Noisy Assumption was formed in the tumultuous streets of New York in 2012, initially as a trio of school friends with a shared passion for music that reflects life’s raw realities. Frontman and main songwriter, Mark “Scratch” Conner, bassist Joe “Fingers” Llewellyn, and drummer Dave “Stix” Kavanagh played their first gig in a dingy basement club, generating a buzz with their unconventional sound that defied expectations. Their music, a unique blend of politically charged lyrics and a powerful, grungy sound, earned them a growing underground following.

After a few years of heavy gigging and local success, Noisy Assumption expanded their lineup in 2016 to include a second guitarist, Sarah “Riff” Reynolds, whose melodic and aggressive playing style added a rich layer of complexity to their sound. The addition of Sarah allowed the band to broaden their musical spectrum and push their sonic boundaries.

Genre:

Noisy Assumption is an Alternative Rock band with strong elements of Grunge and Punk influences.

Title:

“Flickering Shadows”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
[Am] From the depths of the city’s [Em] core,
[G] Beneath the layers of the urban [D] lore,
[Am] We rise, we shout, to even the [Em] score,
[G] We are the flickering shadows, hear our [D] roar.

(Chorus)
[C] Flickering shadows on the [G] wall,
[Am] Echoing the rise and fall,
[F] Of a world that’s standing tall,
[C] Through the chaos, we hear the [G] call.

(Verse 2)
[Am] Noisy voices against the [Em] machine,
[G] Assumptions stripped so bare and [D] lean,
[Am] We rise, we shout, no longer un[Em]seen,
[G] We are the flickering shadows, wild and [D] keen.

(Chorus)
[C] Flickering shadows on the [G] wall,
[Am] Echoing the rise and fall,
[F] Of a world that’s lost in brawl,
[C] Through the chaos, we hear the [G] call.

(Bridge)
[F] Hear us roar, hear us [G] call,
[Am] On the system that’s bound to [Em] fall,
[F] We are the shadows on the [G] wall,
[Am] We are the voice that answers the [G] call.

(Chorus)
[C] Flickering shadows on the [G] wall,
[Am] Echoing the rise and fall,
[F] Of a world that’s doomed to crawl,
[C] Through the chaos, we hear the [G] call.

Outro:
[Am] Flickering shadows, we rise, we [Em] roar,
[G] Noisy Assumption, forever [D] more…

Fan’s Name:
Billy “The Rookie” Parker

Testimonial:

“Noisy Assumption has been my favorite band since I first saw them in a small club back in 2015. There’s something unapologetically raw about their music that resonates with me. The way they fuse punk and grunge into their alt-rock sound is just mind-blowing. ‘Flickering Shadows’ speaks to the rebellion in me – its lyrics, the aggressive guitar riffs, it’s all a perfect representation of the struggle against conformity. This band is not just about music; it’s about standing up and making noise. They represent a voice for those unheard, and that’s why they’re my favorite.”

Backstory:

Handy Profession, a band hailing from the eclectic city of San Francisco, was founded in 2014 by four childhood friends – lead vocalist Roger, bass guitarist Sam, drummer Johnny, and lead guitarist Tim. The band’s name is a humorous nod to their pre-music careers; Roger was a plumber, Sam a carpenter, Johnny an electrician, and Tim was a mechanic. All four members shared a common love for music and would often jam in their free time, eventually deciding to swap their tools for guitars and drumsticks.

Their journey to fame was a slow burn. They started off performing in small clubs and bars around their city, gradually gaining a dedicated fan base due to their distinct sound and energetic performances. Their big break came when a local radio station played their demo, leading to a record deal, national tours, and acclaimed albums. Regardless of their success, Handy Profession remains grounded, often referencing their humble beginnings in their lyrics.

Genre:

Alternative Rock

Title:

“Blueprints of Our Soul”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
Em G D A
Streets of gold, dreams we’ve molded,
Em G D A
Nights so cold, stories untold.
Em G D A
Memories fold, like the blueprints of our soul,
Em G D A
Heart’s console, the music that we hold.

(Chorus)
Em G D A
We’re building bridges in the sky,
Em G D A
With notes that make the angels cry.
Em G D A
Our tools may change, but our hearts remain,
Em G D A
In this handy profession, we stake our claim.

(Verse 2)
Em G D A
Songs of steel, rhymes that heal,
Em G D A
Rhythm’s wheel, emotions we conceal.
Em G D A
Crafted with zeal, like the blueprints of our soul,
Em G D A
Music’s appeal, the bond that makes us whole.

(Chorus)
Em G D A
We’re building bridges in the sky,
Em G D A
With notes that make the angels cry.
Em G D A
Our tools may change, but our hearts remain,
Em G D A
In this handy profession, we stake our claim.

Fan Testimonial:

“My name is Lisa and I am the band’s biggest fan. Handy Profession is my favorite because their music is a potent mix of raw emotion and masterful skill. As a construction worker myself, I relate to their backstory and find their journey from humble tradesmen to rock stars inspiring. They prove that it’s never too late to follow your passion. Their song ‘Blueprints of Our Soul’ feels like a tribute to all of us who work with our hands and build our dreams from scratch.”

Backstory:

The brainchild of a group of friends from the eerie, almost desolate town of Whisper Hill, Scary Tape was born from the ashes of their shared passion for storytelling and an eccentric taste for music. The lead singer, Danny “Ghost” Sheldon, was a former librarian, while the bassist, Greg “Wraith” Powell, was a night watchman. The drummer, Terry “Spectre” O’Leary, was an undertaker, and guitarist, Ross “Phantom” Maxwell, a retired illusionist. Their shared fascination with the supernatural and things that go bump in the night were what brought these unlikely musicians together, forming a powerful bond that was just as mysterious and captivating as their music.

The band started out playing in local bars, attracting a small but dedicated following who enjoyed their distinctive sound and hauntingly beautiful lyrics. They soon began recording their sessions, wrapping their cassettes in a spooky cover, earning them their name ‘Scary Tape’. Their journey from being a local tavern band to a celebrated group on the national stage is a fascinating tale of passion, persistence, and of course, the paranormal.

Genre:

Alternative Rock with a touch of Gothic Rock

Title:

“Whispers in the Wall”

Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
Em C
Underneath the moon’s pale glow,
G D
In the chambers of the night’s row,
Em C
We hear the whispers in the wall,
G D
Ghostly secrets they recall.

(Chorus)
C G D
Oh, listen to what they say,
Em C G
Mysteries of yesterday,
C G D
In the whispers of the wall,
Em C G
We find the bravest of us all.

(Verse 2)
Em C
Shadow figures in the hall,
G D
To the echoing voices we fall,
Em C
The whispers bring a chilling awe,
G D
Unseen faces they have saw.

(Chorus)
C G D
Oh, listen to what they say,
Em C G
Ancient tales in modern day,
C G D
In the whispers of the wall,
Em C G
We find the bravest of us all.

The Band’s Favorite Fan:

Our favorite fan is a lady named Iris “Ghostgazer” Walker. Iris has been with us since our earliest performances in the dingy taverns of Whisper Hill. According to Iris, her love for our band comes from our shared fascination with the supernatural and our ability to turn those elements into captivating, melodic tales. She once told us, “Your songs, they’re not just music. They’re stories, tales, and legends that come alive in the listener’s mind. Every time I listen to your songs, it’s like I’m being transported into a different world – a world that is mystical and unnervingly beautiful at the same time.”

Backstory:
Tepid Limit, a name that sprang up from a random conversation about hot tea, is an eclectic group of four friends from the small town of Fort Mitchell, Alabama. The members, James, Zach, Lisa, and Mike, met in their high school marching band where they discovered a shared love for poignant lyrics and a mix of sonic textures. After graduation, while friends moved away to chase various dreams, they decided to stay put and chase their collective dream – creating music that resonates with people. From James’s basement, they began their journey, making music that echoed through the quiet small town, eventually catching the attention of some notable figures in the music industry.

With a loyal fan base and a growing reputation, Tepid Limit broke out of Fort Mitchell and onto the national stage. Despite their rise to fame, the band remains grounded, often returning to their home town for impromptu performances. They never lost touch with their roots and continue to share stories of life in a small town, love, loss and everything in between through their music.

Genre:
Alternative Rock

Title:
“Crimson Dreams”

Full song lyrics:

[Verse 1]
Am C G D
In this sleepy town of crimson dreams,
Where nothing’s quite the way it seems,
We found each other midst the crowd,
Our love story, we vowed, will be sung out loud.

[Chorus]
Em D C G
In the depth of night, under the neon light,
We’ll dance away our fears, holding each other tight,
In this town of crimson dreams, our love takes flight.

[Verse 2]
Am C G D
We chase dreams down the quiet lanes,
In the sunshine and the pouring rains,
Our hearts beat to an unsung rhyme,
In this town, our love story will stand the test of time.

[Chorus]
Em D C G
Under starlit skies, where the old river lies,
We’ll pen our tales, catching the world by surprise,
In this town of Crimson Dreams, our love never dies.

Fan Testimonial:
Name: Sarah Thompson

“I’ve been a fan of Tepid Limit from the very beginning. Their music transcends the ordinary and resonates deeply with me. Every song tells a story that I can relate to, and that’s a rare thing to find these days. ‘Crimson Dreams’ especially, reminds me of my hometown and the love of my life. It brings tears to my eyes every time I listen. For me, Tepid Limit isn’t just a band, they’re a part of my life, a soundtrack to my memories.”

Backstory:
Easy Trip, a musical group comprised of four lifelong friends: Jack Peters (lead vocals/guitar), Aaron Wright (bass/vocals), Tom Porter (drums), and Will McAdams (keyboard/vocals). The band was formed in the heart of Denver, Colorado, their hometown, in the spring of 2005. What started as a recreational jamming session among friends in a garage soon transformed into a serious pursuit of music. They played at local bars, college fests, and small gigs, steadily gaining recognition for their distinctive blend of music.

The major breakthrough for Easy Trip came in 2010 when they won a local band competition and were offered a record deal by an independent label. With their unique sound and captivating stage presence, the band has managed to build a dedicated fanbase that resonates with their music and the underlying messages.

Genre:
Easy Trip is best described as a fusion of Indie Rock and Psychedelic Pop.

Title:
“Chasing Sunsets”

Full Song Lyrics:

[Verse 1]
C D
Sitting on the roof, under the diamond sky,
Em G
Watching the world spin, as the day goes by,
C D
Waiting for the moon to take the day’s place,
Em G
Every sunset chase, paints a smile on my face.

[Chorus]
Am Em
Chasing sunsets, living dreams,
C G
Nothing’s as simple as it seems,
Am Em
With the sky painted red and blue,
C G
I’ll spend each sunset with you.

[Verse 2]
C D
As the colors blend and the stars appear,
Em G
You’re by my side, nothing to fear,
C D
In the quiet whispers of the night,
Em G
I find my solace in your light.

[Chorus]
Am Em
Chasing sunsets, living dreams,
C G
Nothing’s as simple as it seems,
Am Em
With the sky painted red and blue,
C G
I’ll spend each sunset with you.

[Bridge]
Am Bm
In every sunset, I see your face,
C D
With you, every place is a loving space,
Am Bm
As the day ends, and the night creeps,
C D
In your arms, I’ll fall into the sleep.

[Chorus]
Am Em
Chasing sunsets, living dreams,
C G
Nothing’s as simple as it seems,
Am Em
With the sky painted red and blue,
C G
I’ll spend each sunset with you.

The Favorite Fan:
The band’s favorite fan is a young woman named Lily Mitchell. A dedicated follower since their initial breakthrough, Lily stood out from the crowd for her enthusiasm and dedication. She has attended almost all their concerts and has a collection of Easy Trip merchandise that would make any fan envious.

Lily says, “Easy Trip’s music is more than just a blend of sounds to me. It’s an emotion, a relief, a sanctuary. Their lyrics resonate with me on a personal level, and their melodies are the soundtrack to my life. Their song ‘Chasing Sunsets’ became my anthem, it’s about living your dreams and appreciating the small moments in life. I can’t imagine my day without their music.”

Backstory:
Pointed Rain is a band that traces its roots back to the quiet city of Austin, Texas. It was formed in 2012 by a group of high school friends – Luke (lead vocals and guitar), Grant (bass), Bella (drums), and Jax (keyboard and backup vocals). Inspired by their shared passion for music that resonates with emotional depth and authenticity, they began their journey playing in local bars and small music festivals, slowly gaining recognition for their unique sound and raw energy. After a highly-acclaimed performance at SXSW in 2017, their career skyrocketed, catapulting them into the national stage.

Genre:
Indie Alternative Rock

Title:
“Dew Drops and Daydreams”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
Em C G D
Walking under the painted sky,
Em C G D
Lost in thoughts, as time goes by.
Em C G D
Raindrops fall, sharp as a knife,
Em C G D
Like pointed truths, in this wide life.

(Chorus)
G D Em C
Dew drops and daydreams, under the moon’s gleam,
G D Em C
We’re dancing in the pointed rain.
G D Em C
Echoes of laughter, chasing after,
G D Em C
Reveling in joy, ignoring the pain.

(Verse 2)
Em C G D
Stars as guide, night as our cloak,
Em C G D
Heartbeats sync in rhythm and smoke.
Em C G D
Skies burst open, secrets to yield,
Em C G D
In the pointed rain, we’re unsealed.

(Chorus)
G D Em C
Dew drops and daydreams, under the moon’s gleam,
G D Em C
We’re dancing in the pointed rain.
G D Em C
Echoes of laughter, chasing after,
G D Em C
Reveling in joy, ignoring the pain.

Fan Testimonial:
Name: Sarah McAllister

“Pointed Rain is much more than a favorite band to me. Their music is my sanctuary. The rawness and authenticity of their lyrics resonate with me deeply. “Dew Drops and Daydreams” is a song that I hold close to my heart, it’s like they’ve put all my unspoken feelings into beautiful melodies. The way they have grown as artists while still maintaining their unique sound is truly inspiring. They’re my favorite because I can connect with their music on a personal level. Plus, there’s just something about the energy they bring while performing live. It’s always magical and unforgettable.”

Backstory:
French Ladybug was birthed in the lively streets of Paris in early 2003. The band members, Marcel, Camille, and Pierre, were childhood friends who grew up with a common love for music. The trio, initially playing for small crowds in local cafes, were discovered by a talent scout one remarkable evening, changing their lives forever. The name “French Ladybug” was inspired by a ladybug landing on Marcel’s guitar during their first performance, which they took as a sign of good luck.

Genre:
Indie Pop

Title:
“Dancing in Versailles”

Song Lyrics:
(Verse 1)
[G] Underneath the chandeliers, [D] in the hall of mirrors,
[Em] We found a secret rhythm, [C] in the heart of Versailles.
[G] With your dress of velvet night, [D] and my suit of starlight,
[Em] We vowed to keep it dancing, [C] past the dawn’s first light.

(Chorus)
[D] Dancing in Versailles, [Em] under the moon’s disguise,
[C] Whispers of a revolution, [G] in your eyes.
[D] We’ve got the world to ourselves, [Em] in this palace of wealth,
[C] Dancing in Versailles, [G] till the clock strikes twelve.

(Verse 2)
[G] The statues stand as witness, [D] to our stolen bliss,
[Em] In the garden of enchantment, [C] sealed with a kiss.
[G] As the music softly plays, [D] in the grand hallways,
[Em] We’ll remember this moment, [C] all our days.

(Chorus)
[D] Dancing in Versailles, [Em] under the moon’s disguise,
[C] Whispers of a revolution, [G] in your eyes.
[D] We’ve got the world to ourselves, [Em] in this palace of wealth,
[C] Dancing in Versailles, [G] till the clock strikes twelve.

Fan’s Name:
Sophie Fontaine

Testimonial:
“I’ve loved French Ladybug since the first time I heard them play in a little café in Paris. Their music speaks to my soul and takes me on a journey. ‘Dancing in Versailles’ is my favorite song; it’s magical, romantic and the chord progression is simply beautiful. The band have a unique way of capturing the essence of French charm and translating it into melodies. Their music has been my companion during my happiest and saddest times. French Ladybug’s music is a true celebration of life, love and everything in between.”

Backstory:

Concrete Women came together in the gritty backstreets of Brooklyn in 2012, a brainchild of lead vocalist and songwriter, Jenna Osborne, and bassist, Michelle Rodriguez. The duo, inspired by their shared upbringing in urban landscapes full of skyscrapers and concrete, decided to form a band that showcased the raw, unyielding spirit of city women. They roped in drummer Sheila Thompson and lead guitarist Brenda ‘Red’ Willis, both known for their powerful performances on the local music scene. With a goal to make music that resonated with the strength and resilience of women from all walks of life, Concrete Women was born.

Genre:

Concrete Women is primarily a punk rock band, known for their heavy use of bass and drums. Their sound combines elements of grunge and indie rock, creating a feel that’s as raw and real as the city streets they come from.

Title:

One of their most popular songs is “Pavement Princess”.

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
(C) Walking down the (Am) city streets,
(F) Shadows dancing at her (G) feet,
(C) She’s a diamond in the (Am) rough,
(F) A pavement princess, tough and (G) tough.

(Chorus)
(Em) She’s a pavement (Am) princess,
(F) Living life with no (C) distress,
(G) She walks tall, she don’t (Am) need a crown,
(F) She’s a queen of the (G) underground.

(Verse 2)
(C) High heels on the (Am) concrete floor,
(F) She’s a fighter, hear her (G) roar,
(C) Broken dreams, but she’s (Am) not done,
(F) She’s a rising, setting (G) sun.

(Chorus)
(Em) She’s a pavement (Am) princess,
(F) Living life with no (C) distress,
(G) She walks tall, she don’t (Am) need a crown,
(F) She’s a queen of the (G) underground.

Fan’s Testimonial:

“I’m Sarah, and Concrete Women is my favorite band. Their music empowers me, makes me feel invincible. The tough, unyielding spirit of a city woman is perfectly captured in their songs. Every time I listen to ‘Pavement Princess’, I am reminded of my own strength and resilience. It’s as if they’ve made the soundtrack of my life. I’ve been to every gig they’ve played in NYC, and I’ll keep supporting them because they make music that gives women like me a voice.”

Backstory:
Emerging from the heart of London’s vibrant music scene, Thorough Slave is a quartet that found each other in the most unlikely of places – a midnight poetry slam. Lead singer and guitarist, James Elmore, was blown away by the rhythmic cadence and soulful passion of Dylan Keating’s poetry. Intrigued by the depth of his words, Elmore invited Keating to join him on an impromptu jam session. The pair were joined by the dynamic duo, bassist Tasha Jones and drummer, Oliver ‘Ollie’ Mulligan. With the four members coming together, the band that would later be known as Thorough Slave was formed.

Thorough Slave’s distinct sound is a product of their diverse influences. From Elmore’s bluesy notes, Keating’s insightful lyrics, Tasha’s jazz-infused bass lines, and Ollie’s rock-infused beats. Their music tells a story of resilience, passion, and the unyielding pursuit of freedom, a tribute to their band’s name.

Genre:
Alternative Rock with Blues Influence

Title:
“Chains of Yesterday”

Full Song Lyrics:

Verse 1:
C G F C
In the shadows of the night, when the world’s turned off its light,
Em F C G
I see the chains of yesterday, binding me tight.
C G F C
Past mistakes, regrets, and fears, tears that fell for years,
Em F C G
Chains of yesterday, holding me near.

Chorus:
F C G Dm
Break these chains, fly into the morrow,
F C G Dm
Shed the weight, of old heartache and sorrow.
F C G Dm
No more a slave, to the ghosts of the past,
F C G C
With wings of hope, I’m free at last.

(Repeat verse and chorus)

Favorite fan:
Their favorite fan is a young woman named Emily Hughes. She discovered Thorough Slave during a difficult time in her life and found solace in their music. Emily shares, “Thorough Slave’s music has been my safe haven. Their lyrics speak volumes about life, resilience, and freedom. Every song is a journey that makes me feel understood and less alone. They are incredibly talented and their music resonates with me on a deep level. ‘Chains of Yesterday’ became my personal anthem, and I’m forever grateful for their existence.”