Backstory:
Formed in the small, coastal town of Mendocino, California, Drafty Needle began as a group of high school friends brought together by their shared love for music and a desire to push boundaries. The band members, who were all skilled in different aspects of music, from songwriting to production, decided to merge their talents to create a unique sound that combined their shared love for alternative rock, indie sounds, and the raw emotion found in folk music. Early garage practices turned into local gigs and before they knew it, they had a loyal fanbase across the West Coast.

Genre:
Alternative Indie Rock

Title:
“Stitched in Shadows”

Full Song Lyrics:

[Verse 1: G, D, Am, C]
(G) Cast away (D) on the Mendocino coast,
(Am) We etch our vows (C) on the foggy windows.
(G) In a cabin (D) where time seems to stand still,
(Am) We sew our dreams (C) with a drafty needle.

[Chorus: Em, C, G, D]
(Em) Stitched in shadows, (C) bound by the twilight,
(G) We find solace (D) in the moon’s silver light.
(Em) Through the echoes (C) of our whispered word,
(G) We trace our stories (D) till they’re heard.

[Verse 2: G, D, Am, C]
(G) Wandering spirits (D) in the early dawn,
(Am) We trace our love (C) till the shadows are gone.
(G) With silent whispers (D) and a shared melody,
(Am) We carve our memories (C) in an endless sea.

[Chorus: Em, C, G, D]
(Em) Stitched in shadows, (C) bound by the twilight,
(G) We find solace (D) in the moon’s silver light.
(Em) Through the echoes (C) of our whispered word,
(G) We trace our stories (D) till they’re heard.

[Bridge: F, C, G, D]
(F) Under the stars, (C) we find our healing,
(G) With every stroke, (D) we share our feeling.
(F) Wrapped in the night, (C) beneath the cedar,
(G) With a drafty needle, (D) we’re the dreamers.

[Chorus: Em, C, G, D]
(Em) Stitched in shadows, (C) bound by the twilight,
(G) We find solace (D) in the moon’s silver light.
(Em) Through the echoes (C) of our whispered word,
(G) We trace our stories (D) till they’re heard.

Fan Profile:
Meet Eric Lawson, a diehard Drafty Needle fan from Oregon who discovered the band during a surfing trip to California. Eric immediately fell in love with the band’s unique blend of emotive lyrics, indie rock sounds and the rawness of their vocals. Here’s his testimonial: “Drafty Needle is more than just a band to me, it’s a source of inspiration. Their music has gotten me through some tough times. Whether I’m driving along the coastline or having a quiet night at home, their songs always touch my soul. Their ability to put complex emotions into words is what sets them apart. I feel like they’re stitching my own shadows with their songs, they make me feel heard in a world that’s often too loud. That’s why they’re my favorite band.”

Backstory:

Born and raised in the bustling city of Los Angeles, the five members of Jubilant Working met in a small, underground open mic night. The group consisted of a dishwasher, a fast food worker, a janitor, a mechanic, and a construction worker. Each of them shared a common dream – to escape their monotonous jobs and live their passion for music. They quickly become friends and decided to form a band, naming it ‘Jubilant Working’ as a tribute to their working-class roots and endless optimism. This group embodies the spirit of perseverance, resilience, and the joy of living one’s passion, even in the face of adversity.

Genre:

Folk Rock

Title:

“Blueprint of Dreams”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
[G]In the heart of this city, beneath the [C]neon lights,
[D]We found each other, in a sweaty [Em]open mic night.
[G]No silver spoons, just calloused [C]hands,
[D]We’re the working class heroes, with [Em]guitar in our stand.

(Chorus)
[C]We are Jubilant Working, [G]with dreams in our eyes,
[D]Music is our freedom, under [Em]the starry skies.
[C]We play, we sing, we [G]laugh, and we dream,
[D]Creating a blueprint, with [Em]each melody’s theme.

(Verse 2)
[G]We swapped our day jobs, for [C]fretboards and strings,
[D]Chasing echos of melodies, that [Em]make our hearts sing.
[G]From dawn till dusk, we [C]strum and we pick,
[D]With hopes our music, makes [Em]someone’s heart tick.

(Chorus)
[C]We are Jubilant Working, [G]with dreams in our eyes,
[D]Music is our freedom, under [Em]the starry skies.
[C]We play, we sing, we [G]laugh, and we dream,
[D]Creating a blueprint, with [Em]each melody’s theme.

Fan Testimonial:

My name is Jessica Rodriguez, and there’s no band on earth I adore more than Jubilant Working. I stumbled upon their music during a particularly tough time in my life. I was juggling three jobs and felt like I was drowning. Their songs resonated with me, reminding me that it’s okay to dream and to keep fighting for what you love. Their spirit, their resilience, and their joy in the face of adversity inspire me daily. I’ve been to every concert and own every album. To me, they are more than just a band, they are my lifeline.

Backstory:
Oddball Basin was formed in the sleepy town of Bakersfield, California in 2012, an unlikely place for a band that would soon make waves in the indie music scene. The four members, lead singer and guitarist Jack Kinsley, bassist Ella Walker, drummer Tommy Harding, and keyboardist Nate Peterson, were childhood friends who grew up together. Their shared love of music led them to form a band in high school, originally playing covers of their favorite bands in their parents’ garages. With time, they began writing their own songs, drawing inspiration from their collective experiences and surroundings. They decided on the name ‘Oddball Basin’ as a nod to their eccentricities and the valley they called home.

Genre:
Indie Rock

Title:
“Desert Sundown”

Full Song Lyrics:

[Verse 1]
Am C G D
Dusty trails and summer heat,
Am C G D
Bakersfield’s got us beat.
Am C G D
Dreams of fame, dreams of love,
Am C G D
Catch the stars from above.

[Chorus]
Em G C D
Desert sundown, won’t you take us away?
Em G C D
To a place where dreams don’t fray,
Em G C D
In the glow of the neon day,
Em G C D
Desert sundown, we’ll find our way.

[Verse 2]
Am C G D
Cracked guitars and broken strings,
Am C G D
Life ain’t easy in the wings.
Am C G D
But we’ll sing our hearts out loud,
Am C G D
Make this small town crowd proud.

(Repeat Chorus)

Favorite Fan’s Testimonial:
“My name’s Kimberly and I’ve been a fan of Oddball Basin since their early garage days. Their music is a perfect blend of childhood innocence and the struggles of growing up. Their song ‘Desert Sundown’ is like an anthem to me. It’s about dreaming big and not letting yourself be beaten down by circumstances. There’s a raw authenticity to their music that resonates with me on a personal level. Seeing them evolve as a band over the years, it’s clear they have stayed true to themselves, and I think that’s why I admire them so much.”

Backstory:
Formed in 1978 in the bustling city of Chicago, Bulky Analysis began as a union of four talented music enthusiasts. The lead guitarist, Thommy Tyler, was a mathematical genius with a love for playing with complex musical structures. He teamed up with childhood friends, Benji “Bassman” Jules and Ronnie “Stickman” Lane, who shared his drive for innovation in music. They were later joined by lyricist and lead singer, Emily “Melo” Melville, who brought her unique perspective and soulful voice to the mix. The name ‘Bulky Analysis’ was derived from the band’s desire to delve into weighty, philosophical themes through their music, offering their listeners a deeper level of understanding of the world around them.

Genre:
Progressive Rock

Title:
“Fractal Illusions”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
C Em F G
In a world of chaos, through the strands of time,
C Em F G
Finding patterns, hard to define.
C Em F G
Shadows dark and light entwine,
C Em F G
In the labyrinth of the mind.

(Chorus)
Am G F C
Fractal illusions, a cosmic dance,
Am G F C
In the universe’s vast expanse.
Am G F C
In the echo of existence, we take a chance,
Am G F C
In the heart of the cosmos, we find romance.

(Verse 2)
C Em F G
Fragments of reality, abstract and surreal,
C Em F G
A tapestry of truth, only music can reveal.
C Em F G
Through the notes we weave and peel,
C Em F G
Our souls to the rhythm we feel.

(Chorus)
Am G F C
Fractal illusions, a symphony of stars,
Am G F C
We find ourselves in the music’s bars.
Am G F C
Our existence, a melody that never mars,
Am G F C
In the infinite universe, we find who we are.

Fan’s Name: Sarah Thompson

Sarah Thompson, a schoolteacher from New York, is hailed as Bulky Analysis’ favorite fan. She stumbled upon their music while studying mathematics in college and found a profound connection between their musical complexity and her field of study. According to Sarah, “Bulky Analysis takes progressive rock to a whole new level. Their music isn’t just something to listen to; it’s something to experience. Every song is a journey, a mathematical puzzle waiting to be solved. They have given me a unique way to understand and appreciate the world around me, and I can’t think of any other band that has been able to do that.”

Backstory:

Obese Value, formed in the rugged streets of Austin, Texas, are a quartet group that came together in 2010. The band members, Jeff on vocals and guitar, Danny on drums, Mike on bass, and Rob on keyboards, were childhood friends who grew up in Austin’s thriving music scene. Inspired by their shared love for music and food, they combined these passions to form a band that reflects their unique identity.

Their bond strengthened over years of performing impromptu gigs at local eateries, and their distinct style eventually caught the attention of a local music producer who was drawn in by their unusual band name and their unique approach to music. Since their debut album, “Heavy Flavors,” released in 2013, Obese Value has steadily risen in popularity, gaining a strong fan base that appreciates their unconventional approach to music.

Genre:

Alternative Rock and Culinary Pop.

Title:

“Deep Fried Love”

Full Song Lyrics:

Verse 1: (Em – C – G – D)
Em C G D
“I told you once, won’t tell you twice
Em C G D
Your love’s more savoury, than bacon on ice
Em C G D
You’re the butter to my bread, the spice in my rice
Em C G D
A deep fried love, ain’t it mighty nice?”

Chorus: (C – G – D – Em)
C G D Em
“Oh, love so hot, straight from the stove
C G D Em
Our hearts sizzling, in this culinary stove
C G D Em
You’re my sweet pie, my honeyed dove
C G D Em
This is our story, our deep fried love”

The band’s favorite fan’s name:

Samantha “Sam” Hughes

Testimonial:

“I’ve been a huge fan of Obese Value since their first album. Their music has a unique blend of rock and elements of culinary pop, which really resonated with me as a foodie. The lyrical creativity, tied with their relatable themes of food and love, is at the heart of why this band is my favorite. Plus, their performances are always filled with so much energy that it’s impossible not to get caught up in it. I think the song ‘Deep Fried Love’ is a perfect example of their unique style. They’re not just a band; they’re a musical feast!”

Backstory:
Born in the gritty, bustling streets of New York City, ‘Ripe Hot’ is a band that captures its city’s raw energy and diverse culture. The band was formed in late 2013 by childhood friends, frontman Jamie Roach and drummer Leo Parker. They began their career playing for a small audience in neighborhood cafes and pubs, their searing passion for music resonating with every beat and strum. Soon, they added bassist Sarah Williams and keyboardist Tommy Lee to their band, transforming ‘Ripe Hot’ into a powerhouse of soulful rock tunes and heartfelt lyrics.

Genre:
Ripe Hot’s music can best be described as a soulful blend of Indie Rock with a touch of Blues.

Title:
‘Endless Summer Nights’

Full Song Lyrics:

Verse 1:
Am F C G
“On the streets of New York, as the city lights go dim,
Am F C G
We find love in every corner, where the music’s never grim.
Am F C G
In the heart beats of the city, in the rhythm of the night,
Am F C G
We dance to the raw energy, ‘neath the neon’s pulsing light.”

Chorus:
Am F C G
“Here’s to the endless summer nights, and those wild city dreams,
Am F C G
To the music that makes us feel alive, in the city of extremes.
Am F C G
Let the rhythm take over your soul, let the music set you free,
Am F C G
In this city of endless summer nights, we’re as wild as we can be.”

Fan Testimonial:
The band’s favorite fan is a woman named Molly Gibson. Molly found ‘Ripe Hot’ when she was at a low point in her life. The band’s music helped her through tough times and gave her the strength to face her challenges. She says, “Ripe Hot is not just a band for me, it’s a lifeline. Their music has a soul-stirring quality that has helped me through tough times. The raw passion in their performances resonates deeply with me. Their song ‘Endless Summer Nights’ is a testament to their talent and their ability to capture the spirit of a city and its people in their music. There’s something incredibly honest and real about their music that I haven’t found anywhere else.”

Backstory:

Unnatural Riot is a group of four rebellions brought together by their shared passion for creating music that defies the mainstream and breaks boundaries. Based out of Austin, Texas, the band formed in the summer of 2009 during a local underground music festival. The lead vocalist, Jake ‘Riot’ Reynolds, met the drummer, Sam ‘Boom’ Thompson, and the guitarists, twins Zack and Zoe ‘ZigZag’ Davis, while performing in separate bands. Discovering their shared goal to redefine music, they united to form Unnatural Riot. Their unique name reflects the band’s mission- to create an ‘unnatural’ upheaval in the music world, fueled by their shared spirit of rebellion.

Genre:

Unnatural Riot specializes in punk rock, with a slight blend of grunge and alternative rock.

Title:

Their hit song is titled “Rage Against the Silence.”

Full Song Lyrics:

[Verse 1]
Am, Em, G, D
(Am) Night falls, (Em) shadows grow,
(G) We’re ready for the (D) final show.
(Am) The world’s asleep, (Em) the city’s still,
(G) It’s time to break the (D) silence, fulfill.

[Chorus]
F, G, Am
(F) Rage against the silence, (G) fight the quiet night,
(Am) We’re Unnatural Riot, setting (F) the world alight.
(G) Sound waves crash, guitar strings (Am) scream,
(F) We’re the voice of the (G) unheard dream.

[Verse 2]
Am, Em, G, D
(Am) Fearless and bold, (Em) we take the stage,
(G) Unleashing the (D) rebel’s rage.
(Am) Echoes of our (Em) melody,
(G) Tear down walls of (D) apathy.

[Chorus]
F, G, Am
(F) Rage against the silence, (G) shatter the quiet night,
(Am) We’re Unnatural Riot, setting (F) the world aflame.
(G) With drums that pound, and a (Am) throaty sound,
(F) We’re the quake that’ll (G) shake the ground.

Fan Testimonial:

The band’s favorite fan is a young woman named Sarah ‘Firefly’ Mitchell. Sarah has attended every gig the band has ever performed and runs their largest fan page online. She says, “Unnatural Riot is my favorite band because they’re not afraid to be themselves, to be different, and to stand out. Their music is raw, unfiltered, and authentic. It speaks to me on a personal level and motivates me to challenge the status quo. As a young woman trying to find her place in the world, their lyrics have become my anthem.”

Backstory:

Forming in the humming streets of Portland, Oregon, in the summer of 2015, four childhood friends convened to form the band, ‘Hopeful Youngster’. Brett Gibson, Greg Duncan, Mick Sutherland, and Eddie Wells had all grown up in the same neighborhood, sharing a mutual love for music and dreams of one day making it big. The band was born out of a shared feeling of optimism and hope for the future, hence the name ‘Hopeful Youngster’. They started out playing local spots like bars, cafés, and college events, and gradually began to gain a local fanbase. Their blend of pop hooks, soulful lyrics, and a raw, heartfelt sound resonated with their audiences, and before long, they were selling out venues across the city.

Genre:

Alternative Pop-Rock

Title:

“Chasing Shadows”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)

[Am] Down the streets where we used to run, [G] chasing ghosts of our younger fun,
[F] Remember how we’d laugh till we cried, [C] just basking in the morning sun.

[Am] Time went by, the summer’s glow [G] faded, winters brought the snow,
[F] But the fires in our hearts never did slow, [C] we just learned to grow.

(Chorus)

[G] Chasing shadows, [C] in the night,
[Am] we won’t give up, [D] we won’t lose our light.
[G] We’re the hopeful ones, [C] holding on tight,
[Am] With every beat of our hearts, [D] we’re ready to fight.

(Verse 2)

[Am] Life threw curves, we learned to sway, [G] found our rhythm in disarray,
[F] Every low note hit, we’d find a way, [C] to turn it back into a brighter day.

[Am] Painting dreams with our melody, [G] we found solace in our harmony,
[F] We held on to our shared memory, [C] the soundtrack to our journey.

(Chorus)

[G] Chasing shadows, [C] in the night,
[Am] we won’t give up, [D] we won’t lose our light.
[G] We’re the hopeful ones, [C] holding on tight,
[Am] With every beat of our hearts, [D] we’re ready to fight.

Bridge:

[F] With every note we play, [C] every song we write,
[Am] We’re chasing shadows, [D] bringing back the light.

(Chorus)

[G] Chasing shadows, [C] in the night,
[Am] we won’t give up, [D] we won’t lose our light.
[G] We’re the hopeful ones, [C] holding on tight,
[Am] With every beat of our hearts, [D] we’re ready to fight.

Fan Testimonial (Sarah Thompson):

Sarah Thompson, a student at Portland State University, is considered the band’s favorite fan. She has attended every one of their shows since their formation and became their biggest advocate on social media. Sarah’s testimonial about the band reads: “There’s something about ‘Hopeful Youngster’ that resonates with me on a deep level. Their music is an emotional journey, and their lyrics always seem to say what I feel but can’t express. They’re my favorite because they put into words the hopes, dreams, and struggles of our generation. I guess, in a way, we’re all chasing our own shadows, just like they sing about. It’s comforting to feel seen and understood through their music. They bring light to my life when the world seems a bit too heavy.”

Backstory:
Made-Up Waste was born in the raucous pubs and low-lit backrooms of Liverpool. The band was founded by four childhood friends: Paul ‘Puppy’ Thompson, Darren ‘Dizzy’ Rogers, Gareth ‘Gibby’ Gibson, and Liam ‘Lucky’ Lancaster. They decided to take a leap from their regular jobs and committed to their shared dream of making music. A dream sparked from a late-night, beer-fueled jam session that soon turned into something much bigger. For them, their music was a path to escape the monotonous nine-to-five grind and express their vivid imaginations and wild creativity.

The band’s name, Made-Up Waste, was a tongue-in-cheek reference to their initial lack of formal training and the notion of wasting time on something that wasn’t guaranteed to pay off. The name stuck, and with it, an attitude of perseverance, reckless abandon, and a desire to break away from the norm. With every gig, the guys began to feel more at home under the stage lights, and their fan base started to grow, one rowdy crowd at a time.

Genre:
Made-Up Waste identifies as a Progressive Rock band with a lot of emphasis on lyricism and storytelling.

Title:
“Alien in My Cupboard”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
[C] Found myself an alien, it was [G] hiding in my cupboard
[Am] Freaky green and glittering, it [Em] didn’t want to be discovered
[F] Asked it what it wanted, it [C] said it had lost its way
[G] I said, “Don’t worry mate, [F] you can always stay.”

(Chorus)
[C] Alien in my cupboard, [G] secrets we share
[Am] In this world so unfair, [Em] you’re my solitaire
[F] We’re an odd pair, but [C] we don’t care
[G] Alien in my cupboard, [F] it feels like you’ve always been there.

(Verse 2)
[C] Alien told me stories, of [G] galaxies far and wide
[Am] Of million-star battles, and [Em] interstellar tide
[F] But it looked so lonely, [C] so far from its celestial abode
[G] We made a pact that night, [F] to share the earth’s road.

(Repeat Chorus)

Fan Testimonial:
The band’s favorite fan is a woman named Sarah Addison. She’s been following Made-Up Waste since their inception, and she’s at every show, rain or shine. For Sarah, the band’s rebellious spirit echoes her own journey, breaking away from a mundane job to chase her dreams. She says, “Made-Up Waste offers more than just music. They tell stories that resonate with all of us, who feel lost, or out of place, or just want to escape. When I’m at their gigs, it feels like I’m a part of something bigger. That’s why they’re my favorite band.”

Backstory:
Fluid Timing is a collective musical experiment that began in the coastal town of New Brighton, England. Meeting in a dilapidated beach house in the summer of 2012, the band was formed by two childhood friends, Ben Scott on vocals and guitar and Jez Davis on drums. They were later joined by Emily Turner on bass and Lenny Jackson on keyboard, who brought with them an eclectic mix of influences. Starting as a garage band, they soon found their groove in jam sessions that stretched late into the night, fueled by their shared passion for breaking musical boundaries and a love for the sea. Their name, Fluid Timing, represents their loose, instinctive approach to rhythm and their shared connection to the ebb and flow of the ocean.

Genre:
Fluid Timing’s unique sound is best described as Progressive Surf Rock. Their music draws on the eclectic energy of Progressive Rock and combines it with the laid-back vibes of classic Surf Rock.

Title:
‘Echoes of the Tides’

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse Am – G – F – Em)
In the heart of the sea, where the sun kisses the tide
I found a melody, carried on the wind’s lullaby
Beneath the moon’s silver glow, and the stars’ twinkling pride
The waves become my rhythm, timeless under the night sky

(Chorus C – G – Am – F)
Echoes of the tides, they’re calling me
With their ebb and flow, and the sea’s endless decree
In the rhythm of the surf, I find my harmony
Echoes of the tides, they’re calling me

(Verse)
In the hush of the dawn, as the tide draws near
I feel the pull of the ocean, in its whispers, I hear
A symphony of the sea, in every wave’s cheer
In the rhythm of the surf, all my fears disappear

(Chorus)
Echoes of the tides, they’re guiding me
In the pulse of the sea, I find my melody
With the ebb and flow, I find my liberty
Echoes of the tides, they’re guiding me

Fan Testimonial:
“My name is Sarah Medley, and I am a massive fan of Fluid Timing. Their music is like a wave that sweeps you off your feet. It’s raw, authentic, and always evolving, just like the sea. There’s a natural rhythm to their sound that I can’t find anywhere else. They make me feel connected to the world around me, and for that, they will always be my favorite band. When life gets hard, I know I can always count on Fluid Timing to help me ride the waves.”