Backstory:
Formed in the heart of Austin, Texas, Illustrious Delivery was the brainchild of childhood friends Mike “Mojo” Johnson and Danny “Dynamo” Roberts. Born from long jam sessions in Dynamo’s parents’ garage, the group steadily grew from a duo into a quintet, adding saxophonist Eliza “Heartbeat” Rodriguez, bassist Jake “Jazzy” Thompson, and drummer Rick “Rhythm” Sanchez. Over the years, Illustrious Delivery has been known for their brash, energetic performances and a mix of bluesy roots with a contemporary twist. The band gathered a loyal following during their early days performing at local bars and clubs, and their breakout success came after they were discovered by a talent scout at Austin’s famous SXSW festival.

Their rise to fame wasn’t without its obstacles. After a brief hiatus due to Dynamo’s health scare, the band returned stronger than ever, delivering their signature sound with a newfound depth and maturity. Their story is one of resilience and determination, a testament to their unwavering belief in the transformative power of music.

Genre:
Blues Rock

Title:
“Riding The Midnight Sun”

Song Lyrics:
[Verse 1]
E A E
Under the neon lights, in the pouring rain,
E B7 E
You and I were born to chase the pain.

[Chorus]
A E
We’re just riding the midnight sun,
B7 E
Till the break of dawn, we’ll carry on.

[Verse 2]
E A E
With the echoes of our past, we’re not undone,
E B7 E
In the face of the storm, we’re still having fun.

[Chorus]
A E
We’re just riding the midnight sun,
B7 E
Till the break of dawn, we’ll carry on.

[Outro]
E A E
Yeah, we’re riding on, till the night is done,
E B7 E
Living, loving, singing under the midnight sun.

Favorite Fan:
Their biggest fan, Joe “The Jukebox” Riley, often explains his undying love for Illustrious Delivery, saying, “These guys are more than just a band. They’re a testimony to the sheer power of music and friendship. Every song they play resonates with my soul. It goes beyond the lyrics; it’s the emotion, the raw energy they put into each performance. As if each note they play is a piece of their heart. I’ve been to every single gig they’ve had in Austin and several across the state. Their music has been with me through thick and thin. ‘Riding The Midnight Sun’ got me through some of the toughest times of my life. To me, this band symbolizes resilience, the will to fight on no matter what life throws at you. That’s why Illustrious Delivery is my favorite band.”

Backstory:
Late Museum was birthed in the eccentric and bustling streets of Brooklyn, New York in 2015. The band members, lead vocalist and guitarist Johnny “Retro” Stevens, bassist Melissa “Mel” Thompson, keyboardist “Mad” Max Ester, and drummer Rick “Rhythm” Davis, all had separate musical journeys before fate brought them together in a forgotten late-night open mic event. Each one brought their unique style into the mix, creating an eclectic yet harmonious blend that gave birth to an innovative, captivating sound. Since then, they’ve been taking the indie music scene by storm, gaining a loyal fanbase who are drawn to their unpredictable fusion of sounds.

Genre:
Indie Alternative Rock

Title:
“Chronicles of the Night”

Full song lyrics:

(Verse1)
Em G
Left alone in the gallery,
D A
Paintings whispering stories.
Em G
Moonlight spilling in gently,
D A
Our hearts beating in harmony.

(Chorus)
C G
Between the statues, we dance,
D A
To the Chronicles of the Night.
C G
In this Late Museum, we find romance,
D A
Beneath the soft moonlight.

(Verse 2)
Em G
Velvet shadows start to sway,
D A
As the night begins to play.
Em G
In the silence, words we say,
D A
Creating memories along the way.

(Chorus)
C G
In the echo of our laughter, we advance,
D A
To the Chronicles of the Night.
C G
In this Late Museum, we find our chance,
D A
Beneath the soft moonlight.

Fan Testimonial:
“My name is Sarah and I just can’t get enough of Late Museum! I’ve been following their journey ever since that first open mic night in Brooklyn. Their music is so unique, it’s like nothing I’ve heard before. Their song “Chronicles of the Night” is my absolute favorite; it’s like a beautiful, melancholic walk through an art museum after hours. It’s the perfect blend of art and emotion, making you want to dance and cry at the same time. Late Museum is my favorite because they transport me to another world with their music. Every song is a new journey, and I can’t wait to see where they take me next.”

Backstory:
Thrifty Bit was born out of the garages and basements of a close-knit neighborhood in the heart of Portland, Oregon. The band consists of four childhood friends: Zeke Henderson on lead vocals and guitar, Tommy ‘Grit’ Saunders on bass, Eleanor ‘Ellie’ Speight on drums, and Richie ‘Riff’ Boswell on keyboard. Their shared passion for music spurred them to form the band in their early teens. Initially, they did covers of their favorite songs during local gatherings and neighborhood festivals. Their talent was noticed and soon they started getting gigs in small clubs around the city. With music as a platform to express their thoughts, Thrifty Bit became a local sensation, known for their raw, authentic, and emotionally engaging performances.

Genre:
Indie Rock/Alternative

Title:
“Patchwork Soul”

Song Lyrics:

Verse:
[G] Staring at my [Em] patchwork soul,
[C] Pieced together, [D] making a whole.
[G] With every thread, [Em] with every stitch,
[C] You gave my life [D] a little twitch.

Chorus:
[G] So here I stand, [Em] a thrifty bit,
[C] A mosaic of [D] love and grit.
[G] In every seam, [Em] in every fold,
[C] There’s a story [D] to be told.

Verse:
[G] Cracked pieces of [Em] stained glass,
[C] Memories of [D] the past.
[G] Sewn with hope, [Em] sewn with tears,
[C] Creating a tapestry [D] of years.

Chorus:
[G] So here I am, [Em] a thrifty bit,
[C] A tapestry of [D] love and grit.
[G] In every hue, [Em] in every thread,
[C] Lives a story [D] to be read.

Favorite Fan:
Name – Maddie Payne
Testimonial – “Thrifty Bit isn’t just my favorite band, they’re a part of my life. Their music has been the soundtrack to my best and worst moments. It’s like they’ve managed to put my feelings into lyrics and melodies. It isn’t just their music that I love, it’s their authenticity. You can feel that every word they sing comes straight from their hearts. I’ve attended every one of their gigs within a 200-mile radius, and they never disappoint. Their energy is infectious, and their passion is palpable. I can’t wait to see where their journey takes them next.”

Backstory:
Gullible Insect was formed in the dingy basements of gritty New York City in 2012. Initially, a group of friends – Stan, Rick, Harry, and Paul – with a common passion for music started jamming together after their typical nine-to-five jobs. They found their sound and message reflected in the city’s raw energy and non-stop hustle. With Stan on vocals and guitar, Rick on the drums, Harry mastering the bass, and Paul providing the synths, they soon realized they had something special. They named themselves Gullible Insect as a social commentary on society’s blind acceptance of information, inspired by their shared love of Kafka and dark humor.

Genre:
Their music can be best described as Indie Rock with hints of Post-Punk, characterized by assertive lyrics, edgy guitar solos, and a strong synth presence.

Title:
“Concrete Jungle Serenade”

Full Song Lyrics:
(Verse 1)
G (Em) Cadd9
In the belly of the beast, we wear our hearts on our sleeves,
D (Em) Cadd9
Underneath the city lights, we chase our dreams.
G (Em) Cadd9
We’re like gullible insects, caught in a web of deceit,
D (Em) Cadd9
In the concrete jungle, our souls meet.

(Chorus)
G (D) Em
Concrete Jungle Serenade, where shadows are our parade,
C (G) D
We dance to the rhythm, in the city’s sweet charade.

(Verse 2)
G (Em) Cadd9
Lost in the crowd, we find our voice,
D (Em) Cadd9
In the city’s noise, we make our choice.
G (Em) Cadd9
We’re just gullible insects, living in a concrete cage,
D (Em) Cadd9
In this urban maze, we write our page.

(Chorus)
G (D) Em
Concrete Jungle Serenade, where midnight is our masquerade,
C (G) D
We sway to the rhythm, in the city’s grand arcade.

Fan Testimonial:
Their favorite fan is a girl named Anna. Anna says, “I’ve been with Gullible Insect from the start. Their music speaks to me in ways no other band does. ‘Concrete Jungle Serenade’ is my favorite – it’s like a love letter to city life and the struggle of finding one’s identity. Their sound is raw, honest, and they tell it like it is. They’ve been an inspiration to me in pursuing my own dreams. I can’t wait to see where this journey takes them!”

Backstory:
Unlucky Drop was born out of a chance meeting at a charity music event in Seattle, Washington, back in 2008. The original band members, Piper Jones (lead vocalist), Jake Garrison (guitarist), and Mikey “Mamba” Rodriguez (drummer), discovered their shared passion for music and a surprising harmony in their differing musical backgrounds. Piper was a folk singer-songwriter, Jake had a punk background, and Mamba had played in various heavy metal bands. Deciding to fuse their musical influences, they formed Unlucky Drop, an unconventional alliance that produced an unexpectedly riveting sound. The eclectic blend of their music soon garnered a loyal fan base, leading them to tour across the United States. They later added Will “Willow” O’Dowd (Bassist) to complete the line-up.

Genre:
Folk-Punk Fusion

Title:
“Rainy Serenade”

Full Song Lyrics:

[Verse 1]
(G)Staring down this empty (Em)street,
(C)In the rhythm of the falling (D)rain,
(G)Heart echoing an unheard (Em)beat,
(C)Painting pictures on the canvas of (D)pain.

[Chorus]
(G)Rainy serenade, (Em)whisper in the wind,
(C)Tell me a story, let the (D)music begin.
(G)Dance under the storm, let the (Em)teardrops fall,
(C)Unlucky drop of love, we’ve (D)known it all.

[Verse 2]
(G)Wandering through the city (Em)lights,
(C)Lost in echoes of her laughter’s (D)trace,
(G)Chasing shadows of love into the (Em)night,
(C)In every puddle, I see her (D)face.

[Chorus]
(G)Rainy serenade, (Em)whisper in the wind,
(C)Tell me a story, let the (D)music begin.
(G)Dance under the storm, let the (Em)teardrops fall,
(C)Unlucky drop of love, we’ve (D)known it all.

Fan Testimonial:

Fan Name: Rachel

Testimonial: “I’ve been a fan of Unlucky Drop since the beginning. The unique fusion in their music is like nothing else out there. Piper’s vocal range and the way she blends it with the punk elements from Jake and Mamba, it’s just magic. Adding Willow into the mix only strengthened the band. Their song ‘Rainy Serenade’ is my absolute favorite. The lyrics hit me right in the feels every time. I’ve seen them live in concert several times and they never disappoint. They’re my favorite because they’re original, they’re passionate, and they’re incredibly talented.”

Backstory:
Previous Station is a band that was created in a small town in Vermont during the mid-90s. Its members consist of four childhood friends: Ken (lead vocals and guitar), Bryan (drums), Toby (bass), and Phil (keyboard). They had a shared love for music from an early age, often jamming in their basement and playing at school events. They decided to officially form a band during their senior year of high school and named it ‘Previous Station’ as a nod to the old train station near their homes where they’d often sneak out to perform late-night secret concerts.

In the early years, they played at small local gigs and gradually gained a dedicated fan base. Their breakthrough came when a famous music producer, who happened to see one of their performances, offered them a record deal. From then on, Previous Station’s fame began to spread beyond their hometown to nationwide audiences. Their sound, a combination of their unique energy and poetic lyrics, has not only kept their initial fan base loyal but also won them new fans.

Genre:
Alternative Rock/Soft Rock

Title:
“Train Tracks to Yesterday”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
Am7 D
Underneath the glowing moon,
G E
We played our tunes,
Am7 D
In the place where dreams were born,
G E
At the break of every morn.

(Chorus)
C G
Train tracks to yesterday,
D E
Echoes of laughter, love, and play,
C G
In the shade of the old station,
D E
We found our salvation.

(Verse 2)
Am7 D
In the heart of the silent night,
G E
Under the tender starlight,
Am7 D
We shared tales of joy and sorrow,
G E
Building bridges to tomorrow.

(Chorus)
C G
Train tracks to yesterday,
D E
Echoes of promises we’d say,
C G
In the lore of the old station,
D E
We sang our declaration.

(Bridge)
Am7 D
Through every chord, every beat,
G E
We found a rhythm so sweet,
Am7 D
In the echoes of the old station,
G E
Lies the heart of our creation.

(Chorus)
C G
Train tracks to yesterday,
D E
Carrying us in a timeless ballet,
C G
In the whispers of the old station,
D E
We found our inspiration.

Fan Testimonial:
The band’s favorite fan is a woman named Grace, who has been an ardent supporter of the band since their high school days. She’s attended every single concert, even traveling across states to see them play. Grace says, “Previous Station’s music has a profound depth that resonates with my soul. Their lyrics are a poetic blend of joy and melancholy that’s layered with reflections of youth and dreams. It’s like they’ve put into words the feelings I couldn’t quite articulate. I love how their music takes me on a journey, a trip down memory lane, every time I listen. They’re not just a band to me, they’re storytellers, and I feel connected to their story.”

Backstory:

Beloved Baby was born out of the shared passion for music of two best friends, Ari Davis and Liam O’Reilly, in the heart of Seattle. The duo met in high school and quickly bonded over their mutual love for the Beatles, The Rolling Stones, and Bob Dylan. They started writing and performing songs together in the basement of Ari’s parents’ house, which eventually led to the formation of Beloved Baby in 2012. The band’s name was inspired by a vintage doll Ari found in a flea market, which they considered as their good luck charm.

In their early years, Beloved Baby performed at local bars, cafes, and open mic nights, slowly building a dedicated fanbase with their unique sound and soulful lyrics. They released their debut album in 2016, which received critical acclaim and solidified their place in the music scene. Today, Beloved Baby is known for their high-energy performances, memorable songwriting, and the deep bond they share with their fans.

Genre: Indie Rock/Folk

Title: “A Dance in the Night”

Full Song Lyrics:

(V)
Em G D A
In the soft haze of evening light,
Em G A
We sway with the rhythm right,
Em G D A
Hands held in a tight grip,
Em G A
Whispering sweet nothings in your ear.

(CHORUS)
C G D Em
A dance in the night, under the starlight,
C G D Em
Your laughter ringing pure and bright,
C G D Em
Nothing else matters, not the world’s chatter,
C G D Em
With you, everything simply feels right.

(V)
Em G D A
Your eyes hold galaxies unseen,
Em G A
Your smile, a beacon in my dream,
Em G D A
Caught in this moment’s spell,
Em G A
In our own world, we quietly dwell.

(CHORUS)
C G D Em
A dance in the night, under the moonlight,
C G D Em
Your love, my anchor, my flight,
C G D Em
In your arms, I find, a peace of mind,
C G D Em
With you, everything feels just right.

Fan Testimonial:

Name: Molly Peterson

As a fan of Beloved Baby, their music has always touched my heart and soul. Ari and Liam have a way of making every lyric resonate with my own experiences and emotions. Whether it’s a day filled with sunshine or a stormy night, their music brings me comfort and joy. The band’s authenticity and vulnerability make them stand out in today’s music scene. Their song “A Dance in the Night” is my favorite. It’s about the simple joy of sharing a dance with a loved one, a feeling I cherish deeply. I think what makes Beloved Baby my favorite band is their genuine connection with their fans – they truly care about us and their music reflects that.

Backstory:

Formed in the heart of New York City’s financial district, ‘Irresponsible Investor’ is an eclectic fusion of five Wall Street traders who found their solace in music after the market crash of 2008. Each member, facing their own financial downfall, pursued music as an outlet for their frustrations and a platform to voice the complexities of Wall Street. True to their name, they craft songs that humorously highlight the trials and tribulations of investment decisions gone wrong.

The band features lead singer Jack ‘Bear Market’ Collins, guitarist Steve ‘Short Sell’ Smith, bassist Larry ‘Long Position’ Peterson, drummer Mike ‘Margin Call’ Davis, and keyboardist Eric ‘Equity’ Johnson. Their shared experiences in the financial industry, combined with their unique musical talents, have created a compelling musical cocktail that resonates with fans from all walks of life.

Genre:

Irresponsible Investor’ specializes in alternative rock with a hint of blues, embodying their financial woes in lively, expressive performances.

Title:

One of their most popular songs is entitled “Bull Run Blues”.

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
(Am)Wake up in the morning, (D)check the stocks on my phone
(G)Hoping for a miracle, (C)in the trading zone
(Am)Portfolio’s bleeding, (D)red’s the color of the day
(G)Oh, how I wish, (C)the Bull would come to play

(Chorus)
(G)Oh, Bull Run Blues, (C)you got me down on my knees
(Am)Stocks are falling, (D)like autumn leaves
(G)In this market crash, (C)my hopes are few
(Am)Got nothing left, but (D)the Bull Run Blues

(Verse 2)
(Am)Bought high, sold low, (D)that’s my trading song
(G)In this bear market, (C)everything’s going wrong
(Am)Short sell, margin call, (D)they’re no friends of mine
(G)Just want a bull run, (C)to let my portfolio shine

(Repeat Chorus)

Fan Testimonial:

“Irresponsible Investor’s biggest fan is Timothy ‘Tim’ Fields. A retired accountant living in Brooklyn, Tim found a profound connection with the band’s music, especially the track “Bull Run Blues”. He states, “As a former member of the financial sector, I feel like this band speaks my language. Their music narrates my past struggles and joys in a way that is both relatable and rocking. They’re my favorite because they’ve turned the mundane world of finance into something exciting and relatable. Plus, their live performances are always a blast!”

Backstory:

Best Company was formed in the heart of Brooklyn, New York in the summer of 2013. The eccentric duo comprised of vocalist and keyboardist, Charlie Kline, and drummer, Max Reuben, met at a local music festival. Sharing a mutual love for heavy synths, energetic beats, and powerful lyrics, they locked themselves in an old warehouse and started creating music. The band was named after the warehouse they started in, which was previously owned by a company known as Best Company.

Genre:

The band’s sound is a fusion of Electronic Rock and Synth-pop, creating an upbeat and catchy yet thought-provoking style. Their electronic beats, combined with rock roots, create an infectious rhythm that mesmerizes anyone who listens.

Song Title:

“Neon Dreams”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
[Em]Riding on the wave of [G]neon light,
[C]Breaking through the noise of [D]endless night,
[Em]Here we stand, holding [G]tight,
[C]In this city of [D]flashing light.

(Chorus)
[Em]Neon dreams, [G]painted skies,
[C]In our hearts, [D]where freedom lies,
[Em]Come take my hand, [G]let’s rise,
[C]Beneath these [D]neon lights.

(Verse 2)
[Em]We are not just faces [G]in the crowd,
[C]We’re the heartbeat, [D]we are loud,
[Em]In this world that’s [G]so profound,
[C]Where our dreams are [D]unbound.

(Chorus)
[Em]Neon dreams, [G]city’s lullaby,
[C]In this dance, [D]we comply,
[Em]Underneath the starlit [G]sky,
[C]In this city of [D]neon light.

Favorite Fan:

The band’s favorite fan is Sarah Jenkins, a music lover from their hometown, Brooklyn. Sarah has followed Best Company since their early days, providing support at local gigs and spreading their music through her social media platforms. In her testimonial, she stated, “Best Company’s music is more than just beats and lyrics. It’s a powerful wave of emotion that hits you right in the heart. Their music is a journey, a neon-lit journey through the highs and lows of life. The energy, the creativity, and the pure passion they put into their music is what makes them my favorite band.”

Backstory:

Starry Frame was born in the heart of Seattle in 2014. The quirky duo, Peter Schrute on vocals and guitar, and Jenna Pickett on drums, met in a local record shop, bonding over their mutual obsession with 80s indie rock and 70s folk music. They started jamming together in Schrute’s garage, creating a unique blend of the two genres that soon caught the local curiosity. Their passion for music and the desire to bring something new to the world led to the formation of Starry Frame.

The name Starry Frame came from Schrute’s deep fascination with Vincent Van Gogh’s ‘Starry Night’. The duo believed they were framing their music in a vivid, expansive universe, just like Van Gogh’s famous painting. They released a few songs on the internet, and the local community quickly embraced their unique sound, leading to the rapid growth of their fan base.

Genre: Indie Folk-Rock

Title: “Cosmic Carousel”

Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
Em G
Underneath the cosmic dome,
C D
We spin around, lost and alone.
Em G
Caught in time’s relentless hold,
C D
Chasing stories yet untold.

(Chorus)
G D
On the Cosmic Carousel,
Em C
We’re spinning round and round.
G D
Love’s echo, an elusive sound,
Em C
In our Starry Frame, it’s found.

(Verse 2)
Em G
In the constellation’s glow,
C D
We find a rhythm, steady and slow.
Em G
In the universe’s grand design,
C D
Our hearts, like stars, align.

(Chorus)
G D
On the Cosmic Carousel,
Em C
We’re weaving tales of light.
G D
In the universe’s endless night,
Em C
In our Starry Frame, it’s bright.

Band’s Favorite Fan:

The band’s favorite fan is a woman named Susan, a librarian from Portland who has attended every single one of their shows since their formation. Susan shared, “Starry Frame’s music is like a cosmic ballet for my soul. Their blend of indie and folk brings a freshness that is a balm in today’s chaotic world. Peter’s vocals have a soothing quality that makes you feel seen and heard, and Jenna’s drumming feels like the heartbeat of the universe. The band’s artistry is truly one-of-a-kind and I wouldn’t miss a single show.”