Backstory:

Formed in the heart of New York City’s vibrant music scene, Obvious Rumour began as a chance meeting between four struggling musicians in a dingy bar in 2014. Lead vocalist, Eddie Kellerman, and drummer, Sam Benson, were playing an open-mic night when they were approached by guitarist, Max Turner, and bassist, Dave Carlson. United by a shared passion for music that pushed boundaries, the quartet began jamming together, discovering a unique chemistry. They spent the next year honing their sound, playing in dives and on the street, anywhere they could. Their raw talent and relentless dedication finally paid off when they were discovered by an indie record label scout during one of their impromptu street performances.

With a sound that challenges the mainstream, Obvious Rumour quickly rose in the underground music scene. Their compelling blend of punk, rock, and indie pop resonated with fans who were looking for something different. Their lyrics, driven by Kellerman’s poetic sensibility, told stories of love, rebellion, and urban existence. The band’s rise to fame was no accident, but the result of years of struggle, perseverance, and an unwavering belief in their music.

Genre:

Indie Punk Rock

Title:

“Echoes of Yesterday”

Full Song Lyrics:

[Intro: E, B, C#m, A]

[E] Walking down these empty streets [B]
Tired of the same old beats [C#m]
The city’s rhythm, lost in the fray [A]

[E] The echoes of yesterday [B]
They seem so far away [C#m]
In the heart of the city, we learn to sway [A]

(Chorus: E, B, C#m, A)

[E] Echoes of yesterday [B]
Won’t you take me away? [C#m]
To a place where the music [A]
doesn’t play [E]

[E] Echoes of yesterday [B]
In the shadows, we lay [C#m]
In the city of dreams, we lost our way [A]

(Second verse, same chord progression)

In the city lights, we lose our sight
Chasing dreams in the neon night
The music’s loud, but I can’t hear a sound

Echoes of yesterday
I feel them slip away
In the heart of the city, we begin to decay

(Chorus)

(Outro: E, B, C#m, A)

Echoes of yesterday
In the city’s disarray
We find our rhythm in a different way

Fan:

Obvious Rumour’s biggest fan hails from their hometown, New York City. Rachel Thompson, a graphic designer by day and a music enthusiast by night, has followed the band since their early days performing in local dive bars. She considers the band not just her favorite, but a part of her life.

Testimonial:

“Obvious Rumour is not just music; it’s a revolution. Their raw energy and soulful lyrics have a way of resonating deep down. The band is like the soundtrack to my life – their songs are the backdrop to my victories, my struggles, my everyday. I’ve watched them grow from playing on the streets to rocking packed venues, and they’ve never lost their authenticity. Every time I listen to ‘Echoes of Yesterday,’ I’m reminded of why I fell in love with their music in the first place. They aren’t just a band to me; they’re a part of who I am.”

Backstory:
Blank Seller started as an unexpected duo formed in the heart of London, England. Initially brought together simply because they were neighbors, high-school friends, and co-workers at a local record store, Dave Thompson, a multi-instrumentalist and songwriter, and Sarah Woods, a gifted singer with a love for lyric writing, discovered their shared passion for music. They started composing songs during their breaks, and it didn’t take long for them to realise that they had a unique chemistry. With their combined talents and musical affinity, they decided to create a band and named it Blank Seller, inspired by their record store experiences.

Genre:
Their music falls squarely within the Indie Folk genre, characterized by their unique blend of melodic vocals, intimate lyrics, and acoustic guitar riffs. Blank Seller’s sound is deeply influenced by folk tradition but re-imagined in a modern, indie lens.

Title:
“Midnight Rambler”

Full song lyrics with chord progression:

Verse 1: (Em, D, C, G)
Em
Underneath the city lights,
D
There’s a rambler in the night,
C G
Searching for a haven, far from sight.

Verse 2: (Em, D, C, G)
Em
The echoes of the past,
D
Like shadows they are cast,
C G
In the heart of the rambler, holding fast.

Chorus: (G, D, Em, C)
G
Oh, midnight rambler, where do you roam?
D
In the heart of the city, or the places unknown?
Em
Your journey is a mystery, your story untold,
C
In the quiet of the night, your secrets unfold.

Verse 3: (Em, D, C, G)
Em
The whispers of the wind,
D
Carry tales of where he’s been,
C G
A midnight rambler, lost within.

Repeat Chorus: (G, D, Em, C)
G
Oh, midnight rambler, where do you roam?
D
In the heart of the city, or the places unknown?
Em
Your journey is a mystery, your story untold,
C
In the quiet of the night, your secrets unfold.

Favorite Fan:
The band’s favorite fan is a man named Oliver Platt. Oliver is a 30-year-old architect who has been following Blank Seller since their very beginning. He describes the band as his favorite, saying, “Blank Seller’s music is like a sanctuary for me. Their intimate lyrics combined with their melodic tunes resonate deeply within me. It’s like they’re singing the soundtrack of my life. I’ve travelled the UK to see them perform. To me, they’re not just a band; they’re a part of who I am.”

Backstory:
Narrow Expert originated from the small town of Evergreen, Oregon in 2007. The band consists of five members; lead vocalist Jonah Armstrong, lead guitarist Eli Brandt, drummer Owen Harper, bassist Holden Graves, and keyboardist Ian Spencer. The band was initially formed during their high school years, where their shared love for music led to the formation of the group. Despite all coming from different musical backgrounds, the band quickly established a particular sound that was uniquely theirs.

The band struggled in its early years, playing gigs in local bars and recording demos in Armstrong’s garage. However, things took a turn when their self-released EP caught the attention of a prominent music producer in 2009. Since then, Narrow Expert has released three studio albums, each more successful than the last. They’ve toured the country, playing at some of the biggest music festivals, and have become renowned for their electrifying live performances.

Genre:
Alternative Rock

Title:
“Dancing Shadows”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
[C] I see your [G] ghost in the [Em] morning light,
[D] Dancing shadows in my [C] sight.
[C] I reach out, but [G] you’re not [Em] there,
[D] Empty echoes, it’s just [C] not fair.

(Verse 2)
[C] The memories [G] of you are [Em] all I have,
[D] A silent movie, a [C] broken laugh.
[C] I wish I could [G] turn back [Em] time,
[D] So your hand could be in [C] mine.

(Chorus)
[G] Dancing shadows on the [D] wall,
[Em] It’s like you’re not gone [C] at all.
[G] In the silence of the [D] night,
[Em] I hold on to your [C] light.

(Verse 3)
[C] I carry [G] your love in [Em] my heart,
[D] Even though we’re worlds [C] apart.
[C] Every sunrise, [G] every [Em] dusk,
[D] Your absence is a [C] silent hush.

(Chorus)
[G] Dancing shadows on the [D] wall,
[Em] It’s like you’re not gone [C] at all.
[G] In the silence of the [D] night,
[Em] I hold on to your [C] light.

Favorite Fan’s Name: Jessica Evans

Testimonial:
“I’ve been a fan of Narrow Expert since their first EP in 2009. Their lyrics speak to my soul and the music just takes me to another place. I’ve seen them live countless times and each time, it’s like seeing them for the first time. Their energy and dedication to their craft is truly inspiring. As a fan, I appreciate their authenticity and how they’ve stayed true to their roots. They’ve been my favorite band since high school and I can’t wait to see where their journey takes them next.”

Backstory:
Standard Coach is a four-piece band from the sleepy town of Carson, Nevada. The band members – Charlie on lead vocals and guitar, Jason on drums, Rosie on bass, and Daniel on keys, found each other in high school where they shared a mutual love for classic rock and blues. They started jamming together after school in Charlie’s garage and quickly discovered their synergy. After winning a local battle of the bands, they decided to take their music seriously and formed Standard Coach. The name is a playful nod to their school days, coming from an old coach they used to hang out in during breaks.

Genre:
Standard Coach falls under the genre of Alternative Rock with a strong influence from blues and classic rock.

Title:
“Riding the Rails”

Full Song Lyrics:

Verse 1 (Em C G D):
(Em) Under the moonlight, we (C) met at the crossroads,
(G) On the old dusty tracks, where (D) our stories unfold.
(Em) I looked in your eyes, you (C) had that spark,
(G) And I knew right then, we’d (D) leave our mark.

Chorus (G D Am C):
(G) Riding the rails, (D) chasing the sun,
(Am) With you by my side, (C) the journey’s begun.
(G) Through tunnels of doubt, (D) over bridges of fears,
(Am) We’re riding the rails, (C) shifting gears.

Verse 2 (Em C G D):
(Em) We’re strangers no more, (C) sharing our dreams,
(G) Underneath the stars, (D) by the old stream.
(Em) You play the melody, (C) I’ll sing the blues,
(G) We’re on this journey, (D) with nothing to lose.

[Repeat Chorus]

The bands favorite fan’s name:
Standard Coach’s favourite fan is a woman named Lucy who has followed them from the very beginning.

Testimonial:
“Standard Coach is, without a doubt, my favourite band for a myriad of reasons. The raw honesty in their lyrics combined with the soulful blend of their music speaks directly to my heart. Their songs are like beautiful stories that take you on a journey. I’ve been to countless gigs, and their live performances are electrifying. Each member brings their unique style, and together they create this incredible energy on stage. I remember the first time I saw them perform “Riding the Rails,” I was moved to tears. I’ve had the honour of getting to know them personally, and they’re as genuine as their music. They’ve created a community around their music that feels like home to me. I will always be a proud Standard Coach fan.”

Backstory:
Bold Leg was conceived in the back room of a rusty, old garage in the outskirts of Memphis, Tennessee, in the winter of 2008. The band was formed by a group of childhood friends: Ben Graham on lead vocals, Eddie Pearson on guitar, Greg Miller on drums, and Luke Stanton on the bass. The quartet shared a passion for music and an extraordinary ability to create distinctive tunes that border on the extraordinary. Taking inspiration from their everyday lives, they began crafting songs that resonated with the common man, the working class, the dreamers, and the fighters.

Bold Leg’s breakthrough came in 2010 when a local radio station picked up their music. Soon, their sound echoed through the radios of Tennessee, and eventually, they were the talk of the nation. The boys had an uncanny ability to connect with their audience through their music, and this authentic connection was what made them a hit among their fans.

Genre:
Bold Leg’s music can be best described as a blend of Blues, Rock and Punk – a genre they proudly call “BluePunk”.

Title:
“One More Night on the Road”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
[A] Riding down this lonesome highway, [E] feeling the cold wind blow,
[D] The lights of the city fading, [A] heading where the free birds go.
[E] No destination, no map, [D] just the road under my feet,
[A] I got my soul by my side, [E] and a rhythm in my heartbeat.

(Chorus)
[D] One more night on the road, [A] under the shimmering moonlight,
[E] Gonna chase that horizon, [D] till the break of daylight.
[A] With my guitar strings humming, [E] and my heart singing loud,
[D] I’m a vagabond dreamer, [A] lost in the melody of the cloud.

(Verse 2)
[A] The road is my home, [E] the stars my canopy,
[D] Every city, every town, [A] adds a verse to my symphony.
[E] The world is my stage, [D] my song the universal language,
[A] With every strum, every beat, [E] I write a new passage.

(Chorus)
[D] One more night on the road, [A] under the vast open sky,
[E] I got my dreams as my compass, [D] and the wind as my ally.
[A] With my Bold Leg tapping, [E] to the rhythm of the wheel,
[D] I’m just a simple storyteller, [A] with a love for the surreal.

The Band’s Favorite Fan – Testimonial:
Our favorite fan is a guy named “Curly Joe”. Joe has been with us from our very first gig in a small tavern in Memphis. He loved our music when we were nobody, and his faith in us never wavered. He once said, “Bold Leg is more than a band to me, they’re like the soundtrack of my life. Each song touches my soul and speaks to me like no other music does. It’s raw, it’s real, and it’s incredibly powerful. Their music resonates with my spirit, and I can’t imagine a day without their tunes. They are, and always will be, my favorite band.”

Backstory:

Grubby Quill materialized in the heart of London in early 2011 when former childhood friends, lead vocalist and guitarist Brian “Grubby” MacDonald and drummer Henry “Quill” Hansen, found each other after years of separation. Grubby, known for his raspy yet melodious voice, and Quill, renowned for his rhythmic instincts, decided to form a band that would pay homage to their shared love for old school blues, mixed with modern rock and roll. They were soon joined by bassist “Rocky” D’Amico and keyboardist Claire “Clarity” Bowen. Together, they embarked on a musical journey, each bringing their unique influences to create a distinctive sound that would eventually become their signature.

Genre:

Blues Rock

Title:

“Broken Lantern”

Song Lyrics:

[G] I walked down the [C] old town road,
[Em] Past memories [D] we used to hold.
[G] Saw a broken [C] lantern in the [Em] rain [D],
[G] Flickering [C] flames of [Em] love in vain [D].

Chorus:
[G] Broken lantern [D] in the night,
[C] Love’s lost flame no [D] longer bright.
[G] Heartache’s echo [C] in the dark,
[Em] Life’s a journey, [D] not a walk in the park.

Verse 2:
[G] Remembering [C] kisses in the [Em] moonlight [D],
[G] Love now lost, [C] hidden from [Em] sight [D].
[G] That broken [C] lantern’s all that’s [Em] left [D],
[G] Of a love that [C] weathered every [Em] test [D].

Repeat Chorus

Bridge:
[Am] The rain pours down, [C] extinguishing the glow,
[Em] In the silence, [D] heartbreak echoes grow.
[G] Fallen stars, [C] wishes turned to dust,
[Em] Broken lantern, [D] love lost to rust.

Repeat Chorus:

End:
[G] Broken lantern, [C] love’s lost flame,
[Em] We’ve only got [D] ourselves to blame.
[G] The rain falls [C] hard on this old [Em] town,
[D] In the quiet, [G] I can hear the sound.

Fan Testimonial:

The band’s favorite fan is Lydia Smith, a devoted follower since the band’s inception. Lydia, fondly known as “Lydia the Loyal” by the band, is a regular at every gig and has been known to travel across countries just to catch them perform. She says, “I fell in love with Grubby Quill not just for their mesmerizing music, but for the poetic, raw, and heartfelt lyrics. Their song ‘Broken Lantern’ particularly resonates with me. It’s a profound, soul-stirring reflection of love and loss. I can feel the raw emotion in each chord. To me, Grubby Quill is more than a band. They’re storytellers, and I’m just lucky to be part of their journey.”

Backstory:
Hasty Seminar, a band of four college friends from the small town of Redfield, South Dakota, formed in the fall of 2012. Lead singer and guitarist, Steve Hartley, bassist, Jesse “Jazz” Smith, drummer, Kevin Thompson, and keyboardist, Lisa O’ Connor, were initially brought together by their shared love for literature. They met at a writing seminar in their local college, hence the name Hasty Seminar. Rather than just discussing literature, they found a mutual interest in music and started creating songs based on their favorite literary works, turning their passion into an artistic endeavor.

Genre:
Hasty Seminar’s music can be described as Indie Folk Rock, tinged with elements of 70s classic rock and progressive rock, creating a unique blend that resonates with fans of multiple genres.

Title:
“A Tale of Two Cities”

Full Song Lyrics:

[Verse]
Am Em G D
In the heart of London town,
Am Em G D
Where the fog wraps all around,
Am Em G D
There’s a tale that’s yet untold,
Am Em G D
Of a love both young and old.

[Chorus]
C G D Em
Two hearts beat as one,
C G D Em
In the city’s setting sun,
C G D Em
One tale ends, another’s begun,
C G D Em
In the tale of two cities, under the sun.

[Verse]
Am Em G D
Across the channel, far away,
Am Em G D
In the heart of France’s dismay,
Am Em G D
A story unfolds in the night,
Am Em G D
A struggle of love, of wrong and right.

[Chorus]
C G D Em
Two hearts beat as one,
C G D Em
In the city’s setting sun,
C G D Em
One tale ends, another’s begun,
C G D Em
In the tale of two cities, under the sun.

Favorite Fan:
Hasty Seminar’s favorite fan is a vivacious literature professor named Brenda Watson. Brenda claims, “Their music resonates with my love for literature. It’s like they bring the stories to life and provide a soundtrack for my favorite novels. Their unique blend of musical storytelling is refreshing in a time of often superficial pop hits.” Brenda travels to every one of their concerts in the Midwest and has a collection of all their merchandise, making her an easy choice as their favorite fan.

Backstory:
‘Itchy Way’ was born in the heart of Nashville, Tennessee in 2014, when four childhood friends, all hailing from different musical backgrounds, decided to combine their talents and passion for music. Each member, who had already made a name for themselves in their individual musical career, realized the magic they were able to create when they jammed together in their basements during their free time. They decided to channel their unique rhythms and creative energy into a band and named it ‘Itchy Way’, symbolizing the urge and itch they felt to create something that was way beyond the traditional music boundaries.

Genre:
Their genre is a fusion of rock, blues, and bluegrass, producing a unique sound that captivates the hearts of music lovers. They love to experiment, creating a unique blend of old and new sounds that sets them apart in the music industry.

Title:
One of their most popular songs is named ‘River of Dreams’.

Full Song Lyrics:
(Verse 1)
[G] Down the river of dreams, [D] under the moon’s soft beam, [Em] we sail away.
[C] Leaving our worries behind, [G] only love we find, [D] as we make our way.

(Chorus)
[Em] River of dreams, take us [C] far, far away,
[G] To a place where the music [D] never stops,
[Em] Where the stars dance with us, [C] and the wind sings
[G] Songs of love, in our [D] river of dreams.

(Verse 2)
[G] Shadows of the night, [D] under the lantern’s light, [Em] we dance and sway.
[C] Our hearts beat in tune, [G] to the melody of the moon, [D] in the river’s bay.

(Chorus)
[Em] River of dreams, take us [C] far, far away,
[G] To a place where the music [D] never stops,
[Em] Where the stars dance with us, [C] and the wind sings
[G] Songs of love, in our [D] river of dreams.

Favourite Fan’s name and testimonial:
Lily Thompson, a die-hard fan of ‘Itchy Way’, fell in love with their music when she first heard ‘River of Dreams’ during a live performance at a local bar. She says, “The energy and love that ‘Itchy Way’ infuses into their music is infectious. Every song tells a story, and it’s like they are speaking directly to my soul. Their unique blend of rock, blues, and bluegrass is a breath of fresh air in today’s music scene. For me, ‘Itchy Way’ is more than just a band; they are a musical revolution.”

Backstory:

Private Deal was formed in the heart of Chicago in 2010 when four childhood friends decided to channel their shared love for music into a full-time commitment. The quartet, comprising of lead vocalist Derek Summers, guitarist Perry Thompson, bassist Hunter Nichols, and drummer Jesse Donovan, used to spend their high school days jamming in their parents’ garages, much to the neighbours’ chagrin. Their unique blend of old-school rock and contemporary pop caught the attention of local record label ‘Sonic Sphere’, who immediately offered them a contract, propelling them to stardom.

Genre:

Rock-Pop Fusion

Title:

“Bound by the Stars”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
Am C G D
Like a comet through the night,
Am C G D
Our hearts they took flight,
Am C G D
Riding on the tail of a shooting star,
Am C G D
We knew we could go far.

(Chorus)
F C G
Bound by the stars, into the night,
F C G
We took this journey, with all our might,
F C G D
The universe echoed our silent vow,
F C G
“Forever together,” that’s our Private Deal now.

(Verse 2)
Am C G D
Underneath the moon’s tender glow,
Am C G D
Our love continued to grow,
Am C G D
A celestial bond, ethereal and bright,
Am C G D
Illuminated by the stardust light.

(Chorus)
F C G
Bound by the stars, into the night,
F C G
We took this journey, with all our might,
F C G D
The universe echoed our silent vow,
F C G
“Forever together,” that’s our Private Deal now.

(Bridge)
Em C
In the cosmic expanse, we found our grace,
Em C
Two lost souls in the space,
Em C D
An astral love, a celestial wheel,
Em C
That’s our love, that’s our Private Deal.

(Chorus)
F C G
Bound by the stars, into the night,
F C G
We took this journey, with all our might,
F C G D
The universe echoed our silent vow,
F C G
“Forever together,” that’s our Private Deal now.

Fan Testimonial:

The band’s favorite fan is a 16-year-old student named Lily Peterson. In her own words, “Private Deal isn’t just a band to me, they’re my escape. The way their music blends old and new, the raw emotion in their lyrics, it’s something that speaks to me on a personal level. It’s like they’ve been reading my diary for song inspiration. I can’t imagine a day without their music. It’s more than a favorite band; it’s my lifeline.”

Backstory:
Born from the underground music scene of Portland, Oregon, “Gruesome Confusion” was formed in 2007. Childhood friends, Malachi Draven (vocals), Axl Thorne (guitar), Kip Rattle (bass), and Sam Decay (drums) grew up on the same block, sharing dreams of making it big in the music industry. Inspired by their love for the macabre and a desire to break away from the mainstream, they started experimenting with their unique sound in Malachi’s parents’ basement. Their music resonates with the darker corners of the human experience, challenging societal norms and exploring themes of existential confusion.

Genre:
Gothic Punk Rock

Title:
“Shadows of Tomorrow”

Full Song Lyrics:

Verse 1: (Am, C, G, E)
In the dim lights, we’re ignored (Am)
Like fading echoes on the shore (C)
Drowning in the sea of conformity (G)
We rise against the normality (E)

Chorus: (E, G, D, A)
Shadows of tomorrow (E)
We’re born to be free (G)
In the realm of sorrow (D)
We find our glee (A)

Verse 2: (Am, C, G, E)
Lost souls in this concrete maze (Am)
We’re the outcasts, the disarrayed (C)
Trapped in the cycle of the mundane (G)
In the gruesome confusion, we remain (E)

Chorus: (E, G, D, A)
Shadows of tomorrow (E)
We’re born to be free (G)
In the realm of sorrow (D)
We find our glee (A)

Outro: (E, G, D, A)
Gruesome confusion, our sanctuary (E)
In the land of illusion, we’re visionary (G)
In the shadows of tomorrow, we’ll eternally be (D)
The voice of the unheard, the plea for liberty (A)

Fan Testimonial:
Our most ardent fan, Luna Dusk, discovered “Gruesome Confusion” during her years in high school. Feeling out of place and misunderstood, their music became a solace, a beacon in the darkness for her. Luna says, “Their lyrics speak to me on a different level. They channel the raw emotions we usually are afraid to express. ‘Gruesome Confusion’ isn’t just a band to me, it’s a lifeline. They’ve taught me it’s okay to be different, to live authentically, and to revel in the beauty of chaos. Their music is my escape, my refuge. I can’t imagine my life without their haunting melodies and profound lyrics.”