Backstory:
In the eclectic town of Kent, England, deep in the heart of its bustling music scene, five friends with a shared love for music, animals and mischief came together in 2012 to form the band Beneficial Horse. Harry, a jazz enthusiast and accomplished saxophonist, was the one who christened the group, inspired by a piece of misguided advice from his eccentric grandmother, who claimed that owning a horse was beneficial to one’s wellbeing. Joined by Molly, an indie-rock lover and guitarist, Chris, a punk rock aficionado on drums, Laura, a classically trained pianist, and Eric, a folk and country singer and bassist, Beneficial Horse was born. Over the years, their music has evolved into an amalgamation of their diverse influences, resulting in a remarkably unique sound.

Genre:
Indie-Rock / Alternative

Title:
“Stable Hearts”

Full song lyrics:

Verse 1:
[G] Woke up with the [D] dawn, [Em] found a new day [C] born,
[G] Found a reason [D] to be [Em] moving on. [C]
[D] Blackbird singing [C] in the tree, [G] sings a song that [D] sets me free,
[Em] Unstable hearts [D] finding where they [C] belong.

Chorus:
[G] Oh, we’re like [D] horses in the [Em] wind, [C]
[G] Running wild, [D] where do we [Em] begin? [C]
[D] Love’s the stable [C] where we rest our [G] hearts,
[D] That’s where the story [Em] starts, in stable [D] hearts. [C]

Verse 2:
[G] Moonlight [D] on the mea[Em]dow, [C] shadows start to [G] grow,
[D] We’re chasing dreams, [Em] we’re chasing stars. [C]
[D] Through the hurdles [C] and the highs, [G] under infinite [D] skies,
[Em] We find our peace [D] within these [C] stable hearts.

Chorus:
[G] Oh, we’re like [D] horses in the [Em] wind, [C]
[G] Running wild, [D] where do we [Em] begin? [C]
[D] Love’s the stable [C] where we rest our [G] hearts,
[D] That’s where the story [Em] starts, in stable [D] hearts. [C]

Favorite fan testimonial:
Name: Sam Felicity
Testimonial: “Beneficial Horse is more than just a band to me; it’s my sanity, my escape, my solace. Their music, especially “Stable Hearts,” resonates on so many levels. It’s like they’ve put all my thoughts and feelings into harmonious melodies. Harry, Molly, Chris, Laura, and Eric – you guys have created a safe haven for me through your music. Keep rocking, Beneficial Horse!”

Backstory:
Ethical Estimate originated in the bustling streets of Philadelphia in 2012. The band was initially formed by a group of high-school friends – Martin “Marty” Richmond (lead vocalist and guitarist), Andrea “Andi” Johnson (drummer), and Dave Harrison (bassist). The trio, bound by their shared love for music and a collective dream to leave a mark on the world, started out playing at local bars and open mic nights. They soon gained a reputation for their thought-provoking lyrics and unique sound. Their breakthrough came in 2015 when their demo was discovered by a local producer, and since then, there’s been no looking back for Ethical Estimate.

Genre:
Alternative Rock with elements of Indie Folk.

Title:
“Imperfect Symphony”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
C G Am Em
In this world of smoke and mirrors,
F C G
we search for truths unsaid,
C G Am Em
In a crowd yet feeling lonely,
F C G
our hearts so often led.

(Verse 2)
C G Am Em
With our dreams wrapped in stardust,
F C G
we chase the setting sun,
C G Am Em
The path may be uncertain,
F C G
but our journey’s just begun.

(Chorus)
Am Em F C
We’re an imperfect symphony,
G Am Em F
Playing notes of life, set free,
C G Am Em
In the chaos, find your melody,
F C G
In this imperfect symphony.

(Verse 3)
C G Am Em
In our hearts, a silent whisper,
F C G
Guiding us through the night,
C G Am Em
Underneath the starlit sky,
F C G
We find our inner light.

(Chorus)
Am Em F C
We’re an imperfect symphony,
G Am Em F
Playing notes of life, set free,
C G Am Em
In the chaos, find your melody,
F C G
In this imperfect symphony.

(Outro)
C G Am Em
So here’s to every high and low,
F C G
In this symphony, we grow,
C G Am Em
An Ethical Estimate, we bestow,
F C G
In this imperfect symphony.

Favorite Fan:
Their favorite fan is a young girl named Emily, who has been following them since their bar gig days. Emily once shared in an interview, “Ethical Estimate is my favorite band because their music speaks to me on a deeply personal level. Their song ‘Imperfect Symphony’ helped me through some incredibly tough times. Their lyrics are raw yet comforting, and their melodies are simply haunting. They don’t just play music, they tell stories, and that’s what makes them stand out for me.”

Backstory:

Dirty Play is the brainchild of longtime friends and college roommates, Jason “Jase” Morand and Caleb “Cal” Herndon. During their time at the University of New Orleans, the duo used to kill time between classes by jamming out in their dorm and writing songs about their shared experiences of campus life, women, and heartbreak. Their music was a hit among their peers, and soon, they started performing at college events. After graduation, they decided to pursue music professionally and formed Dirty Play, a nod to their love for sports and their playful outlaw vibe. Their unique blend of rock and soul has captivated audiences nationwide, earning them a dedicated fanbase.

Genre:

Dirty Play’s sound is best categorized as Southern Rock with a soulful twist, featuring raspy vocals, twangy guitar riffs, and heartfelt lyrics that reflect their southern roots.

Song Title:

“Rumors and Whiskey”

Full song lyrics:

(Verse)
Am G D Am
Rumors blowing with the southern breeze,
Am G D Am
Whiskey drowning out the memories.
Am G D Am
Got my heart tangled up in these dreams,
Am G D Am
Broken promises and ripped out seams.

(Chorus)
C G D Am
Rumors and whiskey, our two-faced friend,
C G D Am
Keeps you in the shadows, right till the end.
C G D Am
Rumors and whiskey, won’t you set me free?
C G D Am
Can’t live without you, can’t live with your decree.

(Verse)
Am G D Am
Shadows falling on this lonely road,
Am G D Am
Carrying burdens, a heavy load.
Am G D Am
In the half-light, I’m holding on,
Am G D Am
To the echoes of a love long gone.

(Chorus)
C G D Am
Rumors and whiskey, you’re the ties that bind,
C G D Am
Wrapped in your mystery, lost and confined.
C G D Am
Rumors and whiskey, won’t you let me be?
C G D Am
Under your influence, forever lost at sea.

Favorite Fan’s Name:

Dirty Play’s favorite fan is Gina Bell, a nurse from Biloxi, Mississippi.

Fan Testimonial:

“What I love about Dirty Play is their authenticity. Their music isn’t about glitz and glamour; it’s about real life, real feelings, and real experiences. They sing about the things everyone goes through but often doesn’t talk about. ‘Rumors and Whiskey’ has become my anthem, and it helped me through a tough breakup. Their raw, soulful sound resonates with me, and no matter how many times I see them live, their performances always feel intimate and personal. They make you feel like you’re part of a family, not just a fan of a band.”

Backstory:

Irritating Cream might sound like a surprising name for a band, but when one knows their origin story, it makes perfect sense. The band was formed in Strasbourg, France in 2008 when four college friends discovered their shared passion for making unique music. Kaan, the lead vocalist, worked at a local pastry shop that served an infamous cream that people found annoyingly addictive; this became the inspiration for their band name.

Irritating Cream’s first gig was a small-scale college fest where they performed covers of popular songs with their unique twist. Their performance generated a lot of buzz and they were invited to perform at local clubs and music festivals. With each performance, they evolved their sound—creating a unique blend of punk and alternative rock with a hint of French pop.

Genre:

Alternative Rock

Song Title:

“Bittersweet Symphony of Life”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1: C–G–Am–F)
In the quiet streets of Strasbourg,
Where the cobblestones seem to hum,
I found my voice, a hidden power,
In the rhythm of the strum.

As the stars begin their dance,
And the moon begins to frown,
We grab our instruments of chance,
Playing till the sun goes down.

(Chorus: G–Em–C–D)
We’re singing the bittersweet symphony of life,
Every note filled with joy and strife,
In the music, we find our freedom,
In the melody, we find wisdom.

(Verse 2: C–G–Am–F)
We are the poets with guitars,
We shout our verses to the night,
In our songs, we share our scars,
In the darkness, we find our light.

(Chorus: G–Em–C–D)
We’re singing the bittersweet symphony of life,
Every beat tells a tale of strife,
In the rhythm, we find our reason,
In the harmony, we find our season.

The Bands Favorite Fan’s Name & Testimonial:

Name: Marie Dupont

Testimonial: “Irritating Cream is more than just a band to me, they’re my solace in this chaotic world. Their music speaks to me on a personal level—it’s raw, it’s real, it’s life. I remember the first time I heard ‘Bittersweet Symphony of Life’, it was like the song had been written for me. The lyrics spoke about my struggles, my joys, my life. Every time I see them perform, I feel like I’m not alone. They’re not just musicians—they’re storytellers, philosophers, friends. They’re my favorite because they make music that matters. It’s not just about catchy tunes—it’s about the message, the emotion, the experience. And that’s why Irritating Cream will always be my favorite band.”

Backstory:

Pure Breast owes its unique name to a hilarious misunderstanding that occurred during their initial formation. The band was created in a dorm room at the University of Southern California by four friends, who were passionate about creating unique, soulful music. They originally wanted to name the band ‘Pure Beast,’ symbolizing the raw, unrestrained feel of their music. However, during their first gig, the announcer misread the name as ‘Pure Breast.’ The crowd loved the name and the band decided to keep the name as a memento of the amusing incident, which also demonstrates their ability to embrace mistakes and convert them into their own brand.

Despite their humorously acquired name, Pure Breast has never been a joke in the music industry. Starting from their college dorm room, the band has risen through the ranks to become a popular alternative rock band, with their distinctive music style and relatable lyrical content earning them a dedicated fan base. The band’s members include vocalist and guitarist Ryan, bassist Jake, drummer Alex, and keyboardist Sam, each bringing their unique musical backgrounds and influences to the group’s sound.

Genre:

Alternative Rock

Title:

“Against the Grain”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
G Em C D
Look back, retracing my steps,
D G
Lost in the recklessness,
Em C D
A path, laid by the broken dreams,
D G
Flowing with the unseen,

(Verse 2)
G Em C D
Standing tall against the grain,
D G
The echoes of the silent pain,
Em C D
Drifting through the shadows of the night,
D G
In search of the flickering light,

(Chorus)
G Em C D
Against the grain, we’ll find our way,
D G
Carve our names, on the wall of the day,
Em C D
With the morning sun, we will run,
D G
Against the grain, till our battles are won.

(Repeat Verse, Chorus)

Fan’s Testimonial:

My name is Emily, and I can confidently say I am Pure Breast’s biggest fan. I first heard their music during a particularly challenging time in my life, and their song “Against the Grain” became my anthem. The lyrics spoke to me, the melody moved me, and I felt seen and understood. Their music is raw, emotional, and has an authenticity that is rare in the industry today. They are my favorite band because their music resonates with me, they make me feel less alone, and they remind me that it’s okay to go ‘Against the Grain.’ I can’t wait to see what they come up with next.

Backstory:
Formed in the lively streets of Paris in 2015, “French Lecture” comprises four passionate musicians: lead vocalist and pianist Jean-Paul, guitarist Louis, bassist Pierre, and drummer Olivier. Their unique name originated from a spontaneous jam session in a French literature class, where they found their shared love for art, history, and music. Combining their individual influences, they created a unique sound that echoes the richness and diversity of their French heritage.

The band gained prominence when they started performing their original compositions in local cafés and art galleries. As word spread, their fan base rapidly expanded, reaching beyond local borders and into the international music scene. Their breakthrough moment came in 2017 when they were invited to perform at the prestigious Paris Jazz Festival. Since then, French Lecture has been captivating audiences with their evocative music, charming storytelling, and undeniable charm.

Genre:
French Lecture’s music can be classified as Indie Pop with noticeable Jazz influences, coupled with their unique touch of French elegance and sophistication.

Title:
“Voyage à Montmartre”

Full Song Lyrics:
(Verse)
Cmaj7 Em7
Wander through the cobblestone streets,
Dm7 G7
Beneath the shadow of Sacré Coeur,
Cmaj7 Em7
Where artists paint and lovers meet,
Dm7 G7
Our story begins here.

(Chorus)
Fmaj7 G7
Voyage à Montmartre, under the moonlight,
Em7 Am7
Laughter and music fill the air,
Fmaj7 G7
In this city of love, in the soft night,
Em7 A7
You’ll find your story there.

(Verse)
Cmaj7 Em7
In quaint cafés, in soft candlelight,
Dm7 G7
With wine and poetry to share,
Cmaj7 Em7
We dance and sing into the night,
Dm7 G7
Lost in romance, without a care.

(Chorus)
Fmaj7 G7
Voyage à Montmartre, where dreams take flight,
Em7 Am7
And the music is a love affair,
Fmaj7 G7
In this city of art, in the starlight,
Em7 A7
You’ll find your heart there.

Fan’s Testimonial:
My name is Isabelle, a die-hard fan of French Lecture. What I love about them is how their music brings me back to the enchanting streets of Paris, a city that’s close to my heart. Every lyric they sing paints a beautiful picture of love, art, and culture. They’re not just a band for me; they’re a poetic and musical voyage that takes me back to the charming corners of France, a place I hold dear. Their song, “Voyage à Montmartre,” especially encapsulates the soul, romance, and vibrancy of Paris. It’s more than just music; it’s an experience.

Backstory:

Political Motion is a remarkable band that was formed in the vibrant city of Seattle during the mid-90s, at the peak of the grunge movement. The members; Victor ‘Vic’ Marshall, Leo ‘Lightning’ Davis, Rick ‘Ricochet’ Simmons, and George ‘Gyro’ Harrison, were all students at the University of Washington with a shared passion for using music to express their political views and societal concerns. They initially began as a garage band, performing at local pubs and college festivals, until their unique blend of thought-provoking lyrics with powerful melodies caught the attention of a talent scout from a prominent record label.

The band members all had diverse musical influences, from punk to folk, which contributed to Political Motion’s distinctive sound. Their commitment to addressing social issues through music, coupled with their dedication to their craft, soon catapulted them into the national arena. Over the years, they have used their platform to advocate for various causes close to their hearts, making them not just musicians, but also activists.

Genre:

Political Motion is primarily a Rock band, with elements of Punk, Folk, and Alternative music interwoven into their sound.

Title:

“Revolution in Disguise”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
Em C
Walking on the streets under the city light’s glare,
G D
Seeing the injustice, feeling the despair.
Em C
Rich get richer while the poor barely survive,
G D
Feels like we’re living in a revolution in disguise.

(Chorus)
G D A C
Stand up, rise, don’t let your spirits break,
G D A C
Believe in change, for our future’s sake.
G D A C
Our voices together can touch the skies,
G D Em
We’re living in a revolution in disguise.

(Verse 2)
Em C
Politicians lie, promises they never keep,
G D
While we’re left struggling, buried in deep.
Em C
We won’t stay silent, won’t give into their lies,
G D
We’re part of a revolution in disguise.

(Chorus)
G D A C
Stand up, rise, don’t accept defeat,
G D A C
Shout out loud, make your heart beat.
G D A C
Together we’ll reveal the truth from lies,
G D Em
Wake up to the revolution in disguise.

Fan’s Name:

Jenny Henderson

Testimonial:

“I’ve been a fan of Political Motion since their first album. Their lyrics aren’t just words strung together, they resonate with me on a personal level. They talk about real issues and push for change, all while delivering mind-blowing music. Their song ‘Revolution in Disguise’ is my anthem, it motivates me to stand up for what I believe in and not be silenced. Political Motion isn’t just my favorite band, they’re the voice of our generation.”

Backstory:
Huge Duty was formed in a sleepy seaside town in New England in 2007. Childhood friends, lead vocalist and guitarist Danny “Huge” Hauler and drummer Tommy “Duty” Duvet, found themselves falling in love with the grungy, raw sounds of punk rock as teenagers. They initially started playing in their parents’ basements, driven by the shared desire to tell stories about their lives and experiences on the fringes of society. Over the years, they’ve added two more members – bass guitarist Michael “Muscle” Muffler and keyboardist Joey “Jumbo” Jamboree. Huge Duty has since gained underground fame for their energetic live shows and anthemic tunes, resonating with the disaffected youth and delighting punk rock enthusiasts across the country.

Genre:
Punk Rock

Title:
“Rusty Chains of Convention”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1 – C, G, Am, Em)
We grew up on the outskirts,
Caught in the rusty chains of convention,
Rebels with a cause, hearts full of tension,
Strumming on the chords of our own invention.

(Chorus – F, C, G)
Rusty Chains, we’re breaking free,
In this world, we choose to be,
Rusty Chains, can’t hold us down,
In our music, we have found.

(Verse 2 – C, G, Am, Em)
The system tried to break us,
Tried to make us blend in,
But we found our voice,
In the noise of the punk rock din.

(Chorus – F, C, G)
Rusty Chains, we’re breaking free,
In this world, we choose to be,
Rusty Chains, can’t hold us down,
In our music, we have found.

(Bridge – Am, Em, F, G)
In the heart of the crowd,
We feel so alive,
This is our sound,
This is our drive.

(Chorus – F, C, G)
Rusty Chains, we’re breaking free,
In this world, we choose to be,
Rusty Chains, can’t hold us down,
In our music, we have found.

(Outro – C, G, Am, Em)
Yeah, we’re Huge Duty,
Living life with no impunity,
Breaking the rusty chains,
In the punk rock lanes.

Fan’s Name & Testimonial:
Name: Mandy Thomason

Testimonial: “I’ve been a fan of Huge Duty since their first gig in our small town. Their lyrics resonate with my own experiences. The rebellious spirit, the yearning for freedom, the raw emotions – it’s all so real and palpable. I found strength in their words during my hardest times. They are more than just a band for me, they are my source of inspiration and courage. For anyone who feels like they don’t fit into society’s mold, Huge Duty’s music is a clarion call to embrace your individuality and break free.”

Backstory:

Timely Fund emerged from the bustling music scene of Seattle in the early 2000s. The band members, childhood friends Paul Madison, Terry Walsh, and Kelly Stevens, initially formed the group as a fun pastime. However, their shared passion for music and distinct chemistry quickly took them from basement jam sessions to local gigs in a matter of months. They earned their unique name after a fateful night when they were forced to busk in the streets to raise funds for a broken down van, which they humorously termed as their ‘Timely Fund’.

Genre:

Their music is an electrifying blend of indie rock and punk with a hint of alternative.

Song Title:

“Chasing Sunsets.”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
Am
Late nights, city lights,
F
Just you and me chasing sunsets.
C G
The echoes of our laughter,
Am
Lost in the wind.

(Chorus)
F
We are dreamers,
C
Living for moments,
G
Chasing sunsets,
Am
Till the end of time.

(Verse 2)
Am
Through the winds and the storms,
F
Our hearts beat in rhythm,
C G
Keep chasing, keep chasing,
Am
The sunsets of our time.

(Chorus)
F
We are warriors,
C
Guided by the northern star,
G
Chasing sunsets,
Am
Till we touch the sky.

(Bridge)
F
Our hearts beat,
C
In unison,
G
To the rhythm of,
Am
Our endless dreams.

(Chorus)
F
We are dreamers,
C
Living for moments,
G
Chasing sunsets,
Am
Till the end of time.
(Outro)
F
Dreamers we are,
C
Chasing sunsets,
G
Till we touch,
Am
The sky.

Bands Favorite Fan:

The band’s favorite fan is undoubtedly Lily Harper, a 20-year-old college student from Seattle who has been with them since their underground days. Her dedication and passion for their music is palpable. Lily’s testimonial as a fan states, “There’s nothing quite like the raw energy and authenticity Timely Fund brings to their music. Every song is an expression of their journey, their struggle, and their triumphs. Their music speaks to me on a personal level, it gives me the courage to chase my own ‘sunsets’. They aren’t just a band to me, they’re my inspiration.”

Backstory:

Grim Newspaper is an unconventional band that was formed in the heart of New York City in 2007. The band members, all journalism students from Columbia University, decided to combine their shared love for music and writing into a unique musical project. The name “Grim Newspaper” was inspired by their belief that news has become increasingly gloomy and their aim to satirically comment on pressing societal issues through music.

Their journey started when they began playing at local open mic nights, and as their music resonated with the audience, they started gaining popularity. Their unique blend of satire, commentary, and catchy tunes caught the attention of a local record company executive, who signed them to his label. The band has since released two critically acclaimed albums and continues to captivate audiences with their thought-provoking lyrics and vibrant sound.

Genre:

Alternative Rock

Title:

“Headline Blues”

Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
[G] Another day, another [C] headline full of [G] sorrow,
[G] A world in disarray, what’s gonna [C] change by [D] tomorrow?
[G] We’re flipping pages, [C] coffee-stained and [G] worn,
[G] Every story’s the same, just a [C] different [D] storm.

(Chorus)
[G] We’re singing the [C] Headline [G] Blues,
[G] Truth’s hidden in the [C] articles we [D] choose.
[G] Can we find some [C] hope amidst the [G] news,
[G] Or are we just singing the [C] Headline [D] Blues?

(Verse 2)
[G] Politicians lie, while the [C] truth takes a [G] backseat,
[G] The world’s on fire, but we’re [C] lost in the [D] tweet.
[G] We’re desensitized, [C] truth feels so [G] abstract,
[G] But it’s time to rise, time to [C] react.

(Chorus)
[G] We’re singing the [C] Headline [G] Blues,
[G] Is this the world we [C] want to [D] choose?
[G] Time to speak up, [C] share our [G] views,
[G] We’re done singing the [C] Headline [D] Blues.

Fan Testimonial:

Fan’s name: Amy Johnson

Amy is a hardcore fan of Grim Newspaper and she adores their music. She says, “Their ability to integrate meaningful commentary about the world’s current state into catchy tunes is what sets them apart. They are the perfect mix of depth and entertainment, and their music always leaves me thinking. Grim Newspaper doesn’t just create music, they create conversations. They are, by far, my favorite band because they make me feel seen, heard, and understood in a world that often feels chaotic.”