Backstory:
Formed in the dimly lit corners of a small, grungy Portland bar in 2012, Ill-Fated Bottle sprang into existence as a result of a chance meeting between lead singer Barry “Baz” Whitman, a disillusioned office worker with a passion for blues and rock, and guitarist Alex “Rusty” Ruston, a former roadie and self-taught musician with a knack for catchy riffs. Over a shared bottle of whiskey and tales of their ill-fated love lives, the two decided to pour their experiences into song, leading to the birth of Ill-Fated Bottle. Recruiting bassist Danny “Hooch” Hutcherson and drummer Tommy “Thumper” Anderson, they started practising in Rusty’s garage, honing their raw, emotionally charged sound.

Genre:
Ill-Fated Bottle’s music is best described as Blues-infused Rock with a generous dose of Grunge.

Title:
“Whiskey in the Rain”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse) [Em – B7 – Em – B7]
Em B7 Em
Streetlights flicker, the night’s getting thicker
B7
And I’m standing here in the rain,
Em B7 Em
Whiskey bottle empty, heart feelin’ heavy,
B7
Drowning in my pain.

(Chorus) [G – D – Em – B7]
G D Em
Whiskey in the rain, tears all in vain,
B7
Lost love’s refrain keeps playing again,
G D Em
Bottle’s my companion, under neon canyon,
B7
Trying to forget, but rememberin’ when.

(Verse) [Em – B7 – Em – B7]
Em B7 Em
She danced in the moonlight, her eyes shining so bright,
B7
Now it’s just the night and the sorrow,
Em B7 Em
Whiskey’s my solace, in this lonely palace,
B7
Dreading the dawn of tomorrow.

(Chorus) [G – D – Em – B7]
G D Em
Whiskey in the rain, tears all in vain,
B7
Lost love’s refrain keeps playing again,
G D Em
Bottle’s my companion, under neon canyon,
B7
Trying to forget, but rememberin’ when.

Testimonial:
The band’s favorite fan is an ardent supporter named Lisa, a bartender from the same Portland bar where they first met. Lisa mentions, “I’ve been with Ill-Fated Bottle since their inception, watching their journey from being a garage band to a local phenomenon. Their music speaks to the soul, it’s raw and authentic. The way they’ve spun their ill-fated experiences into music is nothing short of poetic. Baz’s voice, Rusty’s riffs, Hooch’s bass and Thumper’s beats, they all come together to create a bluesy-rock symphony that resonates with anyone who’s ever loved and lost. They’re more than just a favorite band to me, they’re a beacon of catharsis.”

Backstory:

Monthly Episode was born in the vibrant and diverse music scene of San Francisco. The band members, James, Danny, Mark and Charlie, all high school buddies, started their musical journey playing in various local punk bands before deciding to form their own group. The name ‘Monthly Episode’ was inspired by their shared passion for television drama series, reflecting their goal to present a new musical “episode” each month. Their journey has been one of steady growth, filled with local gigs, late-night songwriting sessions, and the occasional ramen dinner, all while balancing day jobs and personal lives.

Genre:
Indie Pop/Rock

Title:
“Chasing the Falling Star”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
Am Em
Gazing at the night sky,
G D
dreams spinning so high.
Am Em
Waiting for the morning light,
G D
feeling the world so nigh.

(Chorus)
C G Am Em
We’re just chasing the falling star,
C G D
trying to catch our dreams from afar.
C G Am Em
Under the city lights, in our beat-up car,
C G D
we’re just chasing the falling star.

(Verse 2)
Am Em
Running through the city streets,
G D
living life on repeat.
Am Em
With every beat of the night,
G D
we find a rhythm so sweet.

(Chorus)
C G Am Em
We’re just chasing the falling star,
C G D
trying to unravel who we are.
C G Am Em
Under the milky way, we’ve come so far,
C G D
we’re just chasing the falling star.

(Outro)
C G Am Em
Oh, the journey may be bizarre,
C G D
But we keep chasing the falling star.

Fan Testimonial:

Name: Lisa Johnson

Statement: “I’ve been a huge fan of Monthly Episode since their early days. Their music just speaks to me. The lyrics are personal, yet universal, and the melodies are catchy, yet sophisticated. It’s like they’re telling my story with their tunes. They’ve been there through my ups and downs, and their music has been a constant source of inspiration and comfort. Every new “episode” is like a new chapter in my life. For me, Monthly Episode is not just a band, it’s a part of my journey.”

Backstory:
Good Toothbrush started as an inside joke between high school friends, Max Moore, Luke Stanton, and Andy Robinson. In 2010, during a sleepover at Max’s house, the trio spontaneously started jamming with Max’s old guitar, Luke’s second-hand drum kit, and Andy’s dad’s vintage bass guitar. They discovered an unexpected chemistry, creating melodies that were far from perfect but had a unique charm. They decided to take their small jam sessions more seriously, spending every weekend honing their skills and writing original songs. The band’s name, Good Toothbrush, was born out of a running joke about Luke’s obsession with dental hygiene.

Genre:
Good Toothbrush’s sound is a unique fusion of Indie Rock and Pop.

Title:
“Dental Floss Diaries”

Full song lyrics with chord progression:
(Verse 1) [Em, C, G, D]
Every day and every night, under the bathroom light, I find my truth,
In the bristles and the paste, in the mirror’s gaze, there’s no reproof.

(Chorus) [G, D, Em, C]
Oh, Good Toothbrush, you’re my guide,
In you, I trust, in you, I confide,
My Dental Floss Diaries, they never lie,
Clean and white, under the sky.

(Verse 2) [Em, C, G, D]
With every stroke, every glide, I clear my pride, and I feel free,
In the rinse and the spit, in the tap’s drip, I find my glee.

(Chorus) [G, D, Em, C]
Oh, Good Toothbrush, you’re my friend,
In your ritual, I find no end,
My Dental Floss Diaries, they speak of me,
Clean and bright, as I can be.

(Bridge) [Am, Em, D]
In the morning rinse, in the nightly grind,
In every cavity, I find,
A part of me, in the toothpaste’s foam,
In the bathroom echoes, I find my home.

(Chorus) [G, D, Em, C]
Oh, Good Toothbrush, you’re my guide,
In you, I trust, in you, I confide,
My Dental Floss Diaries, they never lie,
Clean and white, we say goodbye.

The band’s favorite fan’s name and why and how this band is their favorite as a testimonial:
Good Toothbrush’s favorite fan is a college student named Helen. Helen has been a fan since the very beginning, often being the first one to arrive at their gigs, and the last one to leave. She has every piece of merch they’ve released and knows all their songs by heart. But her unwavering support isn’t what makes her special. It’s her genuine belief in the band’s talent and potential.

Testimonial: “Good Toothbrush isn’t just a band; it’s a feeling. Their music speaks to me on a personal level, yet it’s fun, and it’s quirky. It’s a blend of raw emotions, humor, and everyday life that’s hard to find these days. They’re my favorite not just because their songs resonate with me, but because they’re true to themselves, and that authenticity shines through their music.” – Helen, a superfan.

Backstory:

In the bustling city of San Francisco, four friends, Mike, Sam, Dave, and Chris formed a band for a high school talent show they called ‘Cavernous Tomatoe’. Their quirky name was birthed out of their love of hanging out in Dave’s parents’ old basement (a cavern, they used to call it), and the discovery of a strangely large tomato in Mike’s mom’s vegetable garden. During college, each of them explored different musical avenues but ultimately, they gravitated back to their shared love for music and decided to breathe new life into ‘Cavernous Tomatoe’. Their unique musical fusion and distinct style quickly caught the ears of music lovers around the city, and they gradually became a darling of the underground music scene.

Genre:

Alternative Rock and Blues Fusion

Song Title:

“Groovy Greens”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
Em G D A
Down in the cavern, where the secrets lie,
Em G D A
A tomatoe grows, under the neon sky.

Em G D A
It’s growing bigger, with a vibrant hue,
Em G D A
A tale of friendship, old but ever new.

(Chorus)
C G D A
Oh, Groovy Greens, under the moonlight’s glow,
C G D A
We strum our strings, let the rhythm flow.
C G D A
Groovy Greens, our song you know,
C G D A
In the cavernous echoes, our love we show.

(Verse 2)
Em G D A
Music resonates, in the tomatoe’s heart,
Em G D A
A melody starts, an art in every part.

Em G D A
The chords we strike, the beats we share,
Em G D A
In the cavernous depths, there’s music everywhere.

(Chorus)
C G D A
Oh, Groovy Greens, under the starry dome,
C G D A
Where dreams are spun, where whispers roam.
C G D A
Groovy Greens, in our sonic home,
C G D A
Through every note, our story we comb.

Fan’s Name:

Emma Thompson

Testimonial:

Emma Thompson, a college student studying music in New York, is an avid fan of ‘Cavernous Tomatoe’. She says, “Their music is a unique blend of rock and blues which resonates deeply with me. Their ability to infuse stories into their lyrics is something that I find to be rare and beautiful. I find myself getting lost in their songs, feeling each beat and rhythm in my soul. ‘Groovy Greens’ is my absolute favorite! It’s my go-to song whenever I need some inspiration or just a good vibe. ‘Cavernous Tomatoe’ isn’t just a band for me, they are a musical journey that I love being a part of.”

Backstory:
Grumpy Province was formed in a quaint little town in Canada, more specifically in a broken-down garage over a couple of beers and a shared love for music. The founding members, Paul Bannister and Jonny Westwood, were school friends who always dreamt of starting their own band. They named it ‘Grumpy Province’, as a tribute to their roots and the good, bad, and often grumpy days they spent in their small town. Driven by their passion for music, they began honing their craft, adding members along the way, including bassist Lee Jenkins and drummer Aiden Matthews. Their fame spread through grassroots efforts, gigs in local bars, and the support of their home province, which took pride in the band’s success.

Genre:
Grumpy Province plays a unique blend of Indie Rock and Country, often referred to as upbeat country rock.

Title:
“Whiskey and Snowflakes”

Full song lyrics:

(Verse)
[C] Down the dusty roads of our [G] grumpy hometown,
[Am] Met you by the corner, where the [F] maple leaves fall down,
[C] Underneath the streetlight, [G] where our hearts would play,
[Am] Life was just a [F] song, in the old province way.

(Chorus)
[G] Whiskey and snowflakes, [C] laughter in the air,
[Am] You were my sunshine, [F] in the winters bare.
[G] We danced through the night, [C] lost in the haze,
[Am] Living for the [F] moment, in those good old days.

(Verse)
[C] The church bell would ring, [G] breaking the dawn,
[Am] But the music played on, [F] till the stars were gone.
[C] Your smile was my compass, [G] your laughter my guide,
[Am] In our grumpy province, [F] with love on our side.

(Chorus)
[G] Whiskey and snowflakes, [C] summer’s sweet bliss,
[Am] All I ever wanted, [F] sealed in your kiss.
[G] Underneath the moonlight, [C] we’d watch the day raise,
[Am] Love was our [F] soundtrack, in those grumpy province days.

Band’s favorite fan:
Their favorite fan is a cheerful woman named Maggie. Maggie has been a fan of Grumpy Province since their inception. She has attended every local gig and has even traveled across Canada to watch them perform. She claims that their music helps her feel connected to her roots, and their song “Whiskey and Snowflakes” was the first dance at her wedding. Maggie considers Grumpy Province as not just her favorite band, but a crucial part of her life’s soundtrack. She appreciates their honest and heartfelt lyrics, blended with infectious country rock tunes. For her, their music is like a comforting friend, always there to accompany her through life’s ups and downs.

Backstory:
Formed in 2015 in the bustling music scene of Austin, Texas, Forsaken Link is a group of four childhood friends who found their perfect escape from reality: music. The band consists of lead vocalist and guitarist, Tom Reynolds, bassist Danny Peterson, keyboardist Sarah Williams, and drummer Billy Thompson. They’ve faced their fair share of ups and downs, including a near disbandment in 2017 due to creative differences. However, their shared passion for music and their enduring friendship brought them back together stronger than ever, realizing that their link, however forsaken at times, could not be broken.

Genre:
Forsaken Link is primarily known for their unique blend of Alternative Rock and Indie Pop, with a touch of Psychedelic influences. Their music is defined by its emotive lyrics, dynamic chord progressions and characteristically raw, energetic performances.

Title:
“Chains Unbroken”

Full Song Lyrics:
(Verse 1)
C G Am E
Waking up to the sound of silence,
C G Am E
Watching as the dawn breaks in the sky.
C G Am E
I’m a thousand miles from yesterday,
C G Am E
Caught up in the dreams we left behind.

(Chorus)
F C G Am
But our chains are unbroken, our hearts still beat,
F C G Am
In the rhythm of the songs we used to sing.
F C G Am
We’re forsaken, but not forgotten,
F C G Am
Our link remains, in the echoes of our names.

(Verse 2)
C G Am E
We’ve walked on shadows, and danced in fire,
C G Am E
Tales of love and loss etched on our skin.
C G Am E
Through the dust and ashes of our desires,
C G Am E
We’ve found a way to let the light back in.

(Repeat Chorus)

Favorite Fan:
Their favorite fan is a 25-year-old graphic designer named Emily Dawson. Emily has been following Forsaken Link from their garage band days. She fell in love with their unique sound and the raw, emotional depth of their lyrics. “Their music is like a lifeline to me. It’s gotten me through some really tough times. Plus, they’re the nicest guys you’ll ever meet. They’ve never lost their humility despite their growing success. I will forever be a Forsaken Link fan!” Emily is equally loved by the band for her unwavering support and her creativity, as she designs most of their gig posters.

Backstory:

Boiling Norm is an eclectic mix of musicians hailing from the vibrant city of Austin, Texas. The band was formed in 2012, when lead vocalist, Norm “Boiling” McAllister, met drummer Jon “Grit” McGruder and guitarist Carlos “Heat” Henriquez at an open mic night in a downtown bar. The trio realized they shared a common vision of creating music that pushes past traditional boundaries and resonates with people’s raw, unchecked emotions. With the addition of bassist Emily “Melt” Melendez, Boiling Norm was born, and they’ve been lighting up the underground music scene ever since.

Their story is one of perseverance, unity, and a profound love for music. Boiling Norm has faced many challenges, including lineup changes, creative differences, and financial struggles. But they have always managed to pull through, thanks to their shared passion and dedication to their craft. They are a testament to the power of music and its ability to bring people together, regardless of their background or circumstances.

Genre:

Boiling Norm has carved out a genre of their own, fusing elements of alternative rock, blues, and indie pop. They have a unique sound that’s both gritty and melodic, characterized by Norm’s raw, soulful vocals, Carlos’ fiery guitar licks, Grit’s driving drum beats, and Melt’s pulsating bass lines.

Title:

“Scorching Solitude”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
G D
In the burning haze of the summer’s twilight,
Em C
Loneliness wraps me in its chilling bite,
G D
Lost in the echo of your laugh, your light,
Em C
In the scorching solitude of the night,

(Chorus)
G D
Oh, the flames, they lick and dance,
Em C
Burning my heart at every chance,
G D
In your absence, I’m in a trance,
Em C
In the scorching solitude, I find romance,

(Verse 2)
G D
Bitter memories of your sweet smile,
Em C
Haunt me every lonely mile,
G D
Living in the heat, in denial,
Em C
In the scorching solitude, I’m in trial,

(Chorus)
G D
Fire of love, a cruel, cruel dance,
Em C
Burning my dreams, left no chance,
G D
In your absence, my soul’s expanse,
Em C
In the scorching solitude, life’s cruel romance,

Favorite Fan:

The band’s favorite fan is a woman named Lisa, a devoted follower since their early days. Lisa has attended every show, purchased all their music, and is known for her tireless efforts to promote the band. Lisa says, “Boiling Norm isn’t just a band to me, they are a lifeline. Their music has held me through some of my darkest times and helped me celebrate my brightest. The raw emotion they pour into every note, every lyric, resonates with me on a deeply personal level. They’re not just musicians, they’re poets, storytellers, and most importantly, they’re real. They aren’t afraid to bare their souls, and that’s what makes them my favorite.”

Backstory:

Trusty Laborer was formed in the gritty heart of Manchester, England in the late 2000s. The band members, childhood friends Alex Thompson (vocals), Brian ‘Buzz’ Fenton (guitar), Rick Masters (bass), and Eddie ‘Sticks’ Nickson (drums), were all working blue-collar jobs, dreaming of a life beyond the factory floor. One fateful evening, at a neighborhood pub, they found themselves in a jam session that sparked something magical. The band was born from the ashes of their struggles, channeled into a hauntingly beautiful harmony. They began playing local gigs, then regional music festivals, and slowly their reputation spread far beyond their industrial hometown.

Genre:

Indie Folk/Rock

Title:

‘Blest the Chains that Bind’

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse)
[G] Down the path of hallowed [C] halls,
[D] Echoes of our past work [G] calls.
[G] Hands once rough, now softly [C] tend,
[D] To the tune, our hearts [G] mend.

(Chorus)
[G] Blest the chains that [C] bind,
[D] The labor of love, we [G] find.
[G] With sweat and soul, we’ve [C] scribed,
[D] In the song of life, we’re [G] described.

(Verse)
[G] The hammer stroke, the furnace [C] roar,
[D] A symphony we don’t ignore, [G]
[G] The rhythm of our beating [C] hearts,
[D] Is where every great song [G] starts.

(Chorus)
[G] Blest the chains that [C] bind,
[D] The labor of love, we [G] find.
[G] With sweat and soul, we’ve [C] scribed,
[D] In the song of life, we’re [G] described.

(Outro)
[G] We are the trusty [C] laborers,
[D] Our song will be our [G] saviors.
[G] For in every note and [C] rhyme,
[D] Lives the spirit of our [G] time.

Favorite Fan Testimonial:

“I’m Molly from Manchester, and Trusty Laborer is my absolute favorite band. Their music resonates with the soul of the working class, like ours. It’s the voice of the silent, the tired, the hopeful. When I listen to ‘Blest the Chains that Bind’, it feels like they’re narrating our story – our struggles and dreams. Trusty Laborer’s songs are raw, honest, and beautifully poignant. The band’s humble beginnings and their journey to success is an inspiration to all of us. They remind us that even in the hardest of times, we can find beauty and make art.”

Backstory:
Aromatic Pile, often referred to as the underdogs of the music scene, emerged from the heart of New York City in 2008. The band members, Tom (lead guitar), Ricky (drums), and Sally (vocals), were childhood friends who found their passion for music while attending the same high school. What began as a hobby soon turned into a lifelong journey. They practiced in their parents’ basements, honing their eclectic sound, which eventually resulted in their unique blend of punk-rock and folk music.

Aromatic Pile was a hit at local shows and underground clubs, capturing the hearts of audiences with their raw energy and unapologetic lyrics. Their breakthrough came in 2010 after their performance at the renowned New York Music Festival, which led to a recording contract with an independent label. Since then, the band has released three albums, including their critically acclaimed debut, “Scent of Rebellion.”

Genre:
Punk-Rock / Folk Fusion

Title:
“Daisy Chains and Leather Jackets”

Full song lyrics:

(Verse 1) [Em, C, G, D]
Em C
On city streets, a tale untold,
G D
Under the neon lights, so bold.
Em C
The scent of rebellion in the air,
G D
With daisy chains in her hair.

(Chorus) [G, D, Em, C]
G D
She’s a blend of soft and tough,
Em C
Her world is raw and rough.
G D
In daisy chains and leather jackets,
Em C
She fights the world’s brackets.

(Verse 2)
Em C
She strums the chords of freedom,
G D
In every beat, she finds her kingdom.
Em C
Her voice, a melody so rare,
G D
With daisy chains in her hair.

(Chorus)
G D
She’s a blend of love and rage,
Em C
Her life’s a beautiful cage.
G D
In daisy chains and leather jackets,
Em C
She’s the queen of all brackets.

(Bridge)
Am Em
She stands tall, she won’t fall,
D C
Her spirit echoing in the hall.
Am Em
She dances on, free and fair,
D C
With daisy chains in her hair.

(Chorus)
G D
She’s a blend of dreams and tears,
Em C
Her courage conquering her fears.
G D
In daisy chains and leather jackets,
Em C
She’s larger than life’s brackets.

Fan’s Name and Testimonial:
Name: Amy Johnson

“Aromatic Pile is my favorite band because their music resonates with me on a deeply personal level. Their unique blend of punk-rock and folk fusion mirrors the paradox of my own life – the blend of soft and hard, love and rebellion. The lyrics of ‘Daisy Chains and Leather Jackets’ are an anthem for all of us who feel like we’re walking the line between two worlds. Their music is a celebration of individuality and the power of being genuinely yourself, no matter how unconventional that is. Aromatic Pile’s music isn’t just songs – it’s a lifeline.”

Backstory:

Simple French came together in the heart of Paris in 2013, with its members originally working in different areas of the artistic world. Lead vocalist, guitarist, and songwriter, Édouard, was a painter; bassist, Henri, was a sculptor; and drummer, René, was a writer. They decided to blend their talents and express their artistry through music. They began playing in small venues, charming audiences with their creative blend of music and storytelling. Their style is a nod to their backgrounds, using soundscapes, visual lyrics, and emotional narratives to create an immersive musical experience.

Genre:

Simple French’s genre is a unique fusion of alternative rock and French pop, with some elements of folk and indie. Their sound is characterized by evocative lyrics, melodic bass lines, rhythmic guitar-strumming, and the steady beat of the drums. They use their music to paint a picture, taking listeners on a journey that’s as visually stimulating as it is audibly pleasing.

Title:

“Une nuit à Montmartre” (“A Night in Montmartre”)

Full song lyrics:

(Verse 1)
[G]Walking along the cobblestone, [C] under the Paris moon,
[D]Lost in the rhythms of our [Em] hearts, in the [C] middle of June.
[C]Paintings of life spilled on the [G] streets, [D] secrets hidden in the air,
[Em]Laughter echoing [C] through the night, [D]In Montmartre, we [G] share.

(Chorus)
[C]Oh, a night in [G] Montmartre, [D] under the twinkling stars,
[Em]We dance, we sing, we [C] dream, in this city of [G] arts.
[C]Stories etched on the [G] canvas of [D] time, love flowing like fine wine,
[Em]In Montmartre, we [C] live, in Montmartre, we [G] shine.

(Verse 2)
[G]Sketching memories with our [C] words, [D] sculpting moments with our touch,
[Em]Under the shadow of the [C] Sacré-Cœur, this [G] city gives us much.
[D]In the heart of Paris, under the [G] moonlight’s glow,
[Em]We’re painting our [C] love in simple French, letting [G] the world know.

(Chorus)
[C]Oh, a night in [G] Montmartre, [D] a love story unfolds,
[Em]Hand in hand, heart to [C] heart, a tale never to [G] grow old.
[C]Lost in the rhythm of the [G] night, [D] under the Parisian skyline,
[Em]In Montmartre, we [C] love, in Montmartre, we [G] shine.

Favorite fan:

Our favorite fan is Sophie, a Parisian art student who discovered Simple French during one of their early performances at a local café. Sophie says, “Their music is not just music, it’s poetry, it’s art, it’s life. It’s like they’re painting Paris with their lyrics, sculpting emotions with their voices. Simple French is my favorite because they bring together all my passions – art, Paris, and music – in a beautifully harmonious way. Plus, ‘Une nuit à Montmartre’ perfectly encapsulates the magic of Parisian nights. Whenever I listen to it, I feel as if I’m wandering the streets of Montmartre, lost in the heart of Paris.”