Backstory:
Aromatic Contact was born in the heart of Portland, Oregon. The four members, Sally (vocals), Tim (percussion), Chris (guitar), and Maria (bass), met in a unique way: they were all part of a local cooking class that went awry. They found solace in each other when their cooking class was evacuated due to a mishap with a crockpot. While waiting outside, they discovered a mutual love for music and decided to jam together. As they began to create music, they found their unique sound was like a perfectly blended dish, with each instrument adding a unique flavor, hence the name Aromatic Contact.

Genre:
Indie Folk Rock

Title:
“Recipe of Reverberation”

Song Lyrics:

Verse 1: (G Em C D)
G Em
We’re simmering on a low flame,
C D
Waiting for the right moment to ignite.
G Em
There’s a flavor in the strumming,
C D
A rhythm in the night.

Chorus: (C G D Em)
C G
We are the Recipe of Reverberation,
D Em
Stirring up a spicy celebration.
C G
Our melody is your invitation,
D Em
To taste the music’s jubilation.

Verse 2: (G Em C D)
G Em
Every note we play, is a pepper’s zesty sway,
C D
Every beat we strike, is a sizzle, a steak’s delight.
G Em
In our mellow broth of sound,
C D
Aromatic contact is found.

Chorus: (C G D Em)
C G
We are the Recipe of Reverberation,
D Em
Cooking up a rhythmic temptation.
C G
Our harmony, your sweet sensation,
D Em
Come partake in the music’s creation.

Fan’s Testimonial:
“I am a die-hard fan of Aromatic Contact. My name is Kate, and I came across their music at a local farmers’ market where they were performing. The harmonious blend of their music is like a delicious gourmet meal for my ears. Each song is a journey, a tale that unfolds with each note, each beat. Their music is comforting, uplifting, and touches the soul. I love how they incorporate everyday life experiences into their songs. I feel connected to them and their music, it’s like they’re singing just for me. Their song “Recipe of Reverberation” is my all-time favorite. It’s a perfect blend of rhythm and melody, just like a perfectly cooked meal. Aromatic Contact is not just a band for me, they are a soundtrack to my life.”

Backstory:

The four-member band, Crisp Dispute, came together in the heart of San Francisco’s bustling music scene in 2012. What started as a casual jamming session in a garage soon turned into a serious endeavor when they realized they had a unique sound that people seemed to crave. The members, consisting of lead vocalist Jackson “Jax” Mitchell, lead guitarist Ryan “Rye” Peters, bass guitarist Samantha “Sam” Johnson, and drummer Kevin “Kev” Davis, all come from different musical backgrounds, lending to their distinctive fusion of genres.

They signed their first record deal in 2014 after an electrifying performance at a local festival caught the attention of a talent scout. Since then, they’ve been touring the country, winning hearts and creating a buzz with their energetic performances and meaningful lyrics. Despite the fame and fortune, Crisp Dispute remains grounded, always keeping their fans at the heart of everything they do.

Genre:

Indie Rock mixed with Blues

Title:

“Fractured Harmony”

Full song lyrics:

(Verse 1)
[G] Your words were like a [D] symphony,
[Em] Dancing around in [C] harmony.
[G] But then you left, and [D] all I see,
[Em] Is a fractured [C] melody.

(Chorus)
[G] We were a melody, [D] so sweet, so pure,
[Em] But now our notes, they [C] don’t endure.
[G] Lost in the echoes, [D] our love unsure,
[Em] Can we find our [C] song once more?

(Verse 2)
[G] I remember when [D] you used to say,
[Em] We’d write our song, [C] come what may.
[G] But the music’s gone, [D] and in disarray,
[Em] Our fractured harmony [C] in the fray.

(Chorus)
[G] We were a melody, [D] so sweet, so pure,
[Em] But now our notes, they [C] don’t endure.
[G] Lost in the echoes, [D] our love unsure,
[Em] Can we find our [C] song once more?

(Outro)
[G] Fractured harmony, [D] can we mend,
[Em] Or is this the [C] final end?
[G] Our song’s fading, [D] round the bend,
[Em] Our fractured harmony [C] we can’t defend.

Fan Testimonial:

Fan’s name: Megan Clark
“Megan here, Crisp Dispute’s biggest fan! My love for these guys is indescribable. Their music takes me on a journey, and their lyrics are relatable on so many levels. ‘Fractured Harmony’ is my all-time favorite – it’s like they’ve put my feelings into words. Every verse, every note resonates with me. They’re not just a band, they’re storytellers. And I feel like part of their story. I have seen them grow, evolve, and their music is like a soundtrack to my life. Crisp Dispute is not just my favorite band, it’s a part of me.”

Backstory:

Born amidst the industrial grey of a mid-sized steel town in Pennsylvania, the four members of Rubbery Transport grew up with the hum of machinery as their lullaby and the spark of creativity at their core. The band members – Dave “Drift” Driffield on vocals and guitar, Gary “Grit” Walsh on bass, Tim “Tire” MacLeay on drums, and Rachel “Rust” Singleton on keyboard and backing vocals – found solitaire among the abandoned freight train tracks and rusty warehouses, inspiration took form in the form of music, giving birth to a band that would soon become a beacon for a generation.

In high school, they began playing together, starting with garage jam sessions that later evolved into local gigs around the town. Their reputation for entertaining yet introspective music was built on a solid bedrock of hard work and raw talent. The band’s name, ‘Rubbery Transport,’ was inspired by a graffitied phrase they stumbled upon one day in an old, deserted factory. It symbolized their escape from the mundane and the resilience of their spirit.

Genre:
Alternative Rock

Title:
“Tracks of Resistance”

Full song lyrics:

[Verse 1]
Em G
Underneath the steel sky,
D A
We found our rhythm and rhyme.
Em G
In the echoes of the old line,
D A
Our dreams began to intertwine.

[Chorus]
C G
The tracks of resistance,
D Em
Lead us to an existence,
C G
Away from the mundane,
D Em
Into the heart of the hurricane.

[Verse 2]
Em G
In the belly of the city’s roar,
D A
Our music, a defiant roar.
Em G
Through the rust and the rain,
D A
Rubbery Transport will remain.

[Chorus]
C G
The tracks of resistance,
D Em
Paved with persistence,
C G
Taking us away,
D Em
To where the free spirits play.

[Bridge]
Am Em
In the echoes of the midnight train,
C D
Our melodies will always remain,
Am Em
In the heart of the hurricane,
C D
Rubbery Transport will remain.

Favorite Fan Testimonial:

Hi, my name is Jack “Machinery” Evans. I am, without a shadow of a doubt, Rubbery Transport’s biggest fan. I grew up in the same town and their music is the soundtrack to my life. Every lyric, every strum, resonates deeply, echoing my own experiences. Their song, “Tracks of Resistance” particularly, reminds me of our shared roots and dreams of a bigger world. Just like them, I found solitaire and inspiration amongst the rust and rail tracks. Their music provides a comforting familiarity while offering a hopeful escape. They are my favorite band not just for their music, but for the connection it builds – it’s a bridge between our past and future, between the reality we live and the dreams we harbor. Rubbery Transport, you rock my world!

Backstory:
Fast Sky, an alternative rock band hailing from the small town of Fairfield, Vermont, was formed in 2014 by four childhood friends: frontman Sean Doherty, lead guitarist Brian “Brio” Thomas, bassist Adam “Bowski” Bowles, and drummer Mark “Mako” Sullivan. Their shared passion for music and a mutual ambition to escape the monotony of small-town life drove them to use Bowski’s garage as a makeshift music studio. They started out playing local gigs and county fairs and soon gained a following with their catchy melodies and energetic performances.

In 2016, they had a breakthrough moment when an amateur video of their performance at a local concert went viral on social media. This exposure led to a record deal with indie label, “Rising Phoenix Records”. Fast Sky’s music is inspired by the likes of Foo Fighters, Arctic Monkeys, and Blink 182, but they’ve always strived to bring something fresh and unique to the alt-rock genre.

Genre:
Alternative Rock

Title:
“Chasing Shadows”

Full Song Lyrics:
(Verse 1)
[G] Staring at the [D] moonlight, [Em] lost in the [C] night
[G] Empty streets echo my [D] loneliness, [Em] silence cuts like a [C] knife.
[G] Memories come [D] rushing, [Em] like waves on a [C] shore
[G] Searching for [D] answers, [Em] life’s an endless [C] chore.

(Chorus)
[G] We’re just chasing shadows, [D] under the fast sky
[Em] Hoping for tomorrow, [C] searching for a why
[G] Running from the sorrow, [D] looking for a high
[Em] Living for today, [C] under the fast sky

(Verse 2)
[G] Broken dreams, [D] shattered [Em] like glass on [C] the floor
[G] Trying to mend, [D] but they cut [Em] deeper than [C] before
[G] Every dawn, [D] a new battle [Em] to wage
[C] Fear is the enemy, [G] and love is the [D] cage.

(Chorus)
[G] We’re just chasing shadows, [D] under the fast sky
[Em] Hoping for tomorrow, [C] searching for a why
[G] Running from the sorrow, [D] looking for a high
[Em] Living for today, [C] under the fast sky

Fan’s Testimonial:
Name: Emily Stevens

Emily Stevens became Fast Sky’s no. 1 fan after she discovered their music during a particularly challenging time in her life. Emily says, “Their song ‘Chasing Shadows’ was my anthem during those hard times. I’ve seen them live three times now and their energy is just infectious. The way they connect with the crowd, how their lyrics hit home, it’s just magical. Fast Sky isn’t just a band to me, it’s an emotion. It’s the feeling of freedom, the joy of living in the moment, and the strength to face your fears. They’ve made me realize that it’s okay to feel lost sometimes, and it’s okay to take time to find your way. And for that, they will always be my favorite band.”

Backstory:
Rash Jew was formed in the heart of Brooklyn, New York in the early 2000’s. The band consists of four childhood friends: Josh Cohen (lead vocals and bass), Dave Rosenberg (guitar), Matt Goldman (drums), and Sam Levy (keyboard). The guys grew up in a tightly-knit Jewish community, always tinkering with various musical instruments, coming together to make music as a means of expressing their unique perspectives on life. The band’s name, Rash Jew, comes from their outspoken and in-your-face attitude towards the stereotypes and expectations that they have encountered over the years.

Genre:
Rash Jew plays a unique fusion of punk rock and klezmer, blending the raw energy and rebellious spirit of punk with their Jewish roots reflected by the traditional Eastern European Jewish music.

Title:
“Bagels and Schmaltz”

Full Song Lyrics:
(Verse 1: E min, C, G, D)
On the streets of Brooklyn, where we roam,
Mother’s calling, saying “time to come home”,
But the city’s got us, in its sweet embrace,
With its bagels, schmaltz, and endless race.

(Chorus: G, D, E min, C)
We’re Rash Jew, we’re here to stay,
With our music, we’ll blow you away,
In the face of the storm, we stand tall,
With our bagels and schmaltz, we’ll conquer all.

(Verse 2: E min, C, G, D)
In our hearts, a fire, burning bright,
Against the darkness, we’ll always fight,
With our guitars, drums, and rough voice,
We’re making some noise, we’ve made our choice.

(Chorus: G, D, E min, C)
We’re Rash Jew, we’re on the rise,
Can’t you see it, in our fiery eyes?
With our love for bagels and schmaltz,
Through music, we share our waltz.

The Band’s Favorite Fan:
The band’s favorite fan is a lady named Rachel Berkowitz. She has been following Rash Jew since their early days performing in small bars around Brooklyn. Her dedication is unmatched; she’s attended every single concert, from small local shows to big-time festivals. Rachel says, “Rash Jew’s music speaks directly to my soul. Their unique blend of punk rock and klezmer perfectly encapsulates the Jewish experience in today’s world. From their lyrics to their energetic performances, everything about them resonates with me. They are my favorite band because they’ve given me a voice, a way to express myself and celebrate my heritage.”

Backstory:

Formed in the winter of 2009, Warm Cloth sprung out from the heart of the vibrant music scene in Seattle, Washington. The band was founded by childhood friends, Billy Walker (lead guitarist) and Harriet Jones (vocals), who spent their formative years jamming in garages, writing soulful lyrics on scraps of paper and dreaming of the day they could share their music with the world. They were soon joined by drummer, Eddie Smith, and bassist, Laura Harper, two talented musicians they met during open mic nights at their favorite local coffee house. From their humble beginnings, Warm Cloth has gone on to capture the attention of audiences worldwide with their heartfelt lyrics, soul-piercing melodies, and a vibe that can only be described as ‘cozy rock’.

Genre:

The band’s style is best described as Indie Folk-Rock, with influences of Americana and Blues.

Title:

“Underneath the Weeping Willow”

Full song lyrics:

(Intro: Am F C G)

(Verse 1)
Am F C G
Underneath the weeping willow, she sits and sighs,
Am F C G
Her heart is heavy, her eyes are dry.
Am F C G
She’s been waiting, oh, all night long,
Am F C G
For that old freight train, to bring him home.

(Chorus)
Dm Am F C
Oh, the leaves are falling slow,
Dm Am F C
As the winter winds they blow.
Dm Am F C
Come back, darling, can’t you see,
Dm Am F C
That underneath the willow, waits for thee.

(Verse 2)
Am F C G
She holds a locket, close to her heart,
Am F C G
Inside a picture, of a love torn apart.
Am F C G
Each passing moment, each fallen leaf,
Am F C G
Is another reminder, of their stolen grief.

(Repeat Chorus)

(Outro: Am F C G)

Favorite Fan:

Their favorite fan’s name is Mary Simons. Mary, a high school teacher from Portland, has followed Warm Cloth since their early days, attending their debut performance at the local coffee house in 2009. She has been to every one of their shows since, even traveling out-of-state to support them at major music festivals. Mary is also known for her thoughtful reviews of their music on various online platforms.

Mary’s Testimonial:

“Warm Cloth’s music is like a comfortable embrace from a dear friend. Their lyrics resonate with me on a spiritual level, and their melodies are the perfect accompaniment to my life’s highs and lows. I consider myself their number one fan because their music speaks to me in a way that no other band’s has. It’s raw, real, and incredibly moving. I can’t wait to see where their musical journey takes them next!”

Backstory: Dental Funeral was originally formed in Seattle, Washington, in 2012 by lead vocalist and bassist Ben “Tooth” McKinney, a dental hygienist by day, and drummer Tommy “Cavity” Barnes, a funeral director by night. Both had a shared passion for music and decided to combine their odd professions into an offbeat band name. Dental Funeral quickly developed a local cult following, winning fans over with their unique sound and irreverent humor. The band further expanded with the addition of two more members, guitarist Emily “Floss” Thatcher, and keyboardist Dan “Crown” Miller in 2014.

Genre: Dental Funeral’s unique sound can best be described as a blend of punk rock with a dash of grunge, a healthy dose of humor, and the occasional scream of horror punk. Their music is known for its catchy hooks, raw energy, and lyrics that often revolve around themes of dentistry and mortality.

Title: “Root Canal Romance”

Full Song Lyrics:

Verse 1:
[G] She walked into my clinic with a [C] sweet and painful smile,
[G] Said she’s got a toothache been [D] hurting for a while.
[G] I looked into her mouth, [C] saw a cavity so deep,
[G] I knew this root canal was a [D] love I had to keep.

Chorus:
[G] It’s a root canal romance, baby [C] drill into my heart,
[G] Let’s fill this empty space and [D] never be apart.
[G] Don’t need no anesthesia, [C] I can take the pain,
[G] Cause our root canal romance is [D] love’s sweetest gain.

Verse 2:
[G] Worked on her molars as she [C] gripped the chair so tight,
[G] I saw the fear in her eyes but [D] promised it’ll be alright.
[G] As I removed her decay, [C] she began to see,
[G] This root canal romance is [D] our shared destiny.

(Repeat Chorus)

Favorite Fan: The band’s favorite fan is a wildly eccentric dentist named Dr. Phil Fillings. Dr. Fillings discovered Dental Funeral during a dental conference and instantly fell in love with their unique sound and quirky dental references. He has since attended every single one of their shows in the Seattle vicinity, often dressed in dental scrubs and carrying a giant foam toothbrush.

Testimonial: “Dental Funeral is more than just a band to me, they’re a movement. They’ve found a way to turn the mundane and often feared aspects of dentistry into pure punk rock gold. Their music, like a good cleaning, is refreshing, cathartic, and leaves me feeling invigorated. I can’t get enough of their root canal romance!” – Dr. Phil Fillings.

Backstory:

Negative Weekend was formed in the chilly winter of 2009 in the heart of Brooklyn, New York. The band members, consisting of lead vocalist and guitarist Jake Harrington, bassist Max Evans, and drummer Emily Walker, were initially a group of college friends who shared a deep passion for music. They started by performing in local bars and cafes and soon gained recognition for their unique sound and raw, emotional lyrics. Their band name, Negative Weekend, was coined from the idea that while weekends are usually associated with enjoyment, they can also bring loneliness and sorrow for some.

Genre:
Alternative Rock

Title:
“Grey Canvas”

Full Song Lyrics:

Verse 1: (C-Am-Dm-G)
Beneath the ashes of the night,
A heart is burning, fierce and bright.
Lost in the echoes of the crowd,
Yearning to break free, to shout out loud.

Chorus: (F-C-G-Am)
On this grey canvas, we paint our dreams,
In the silence, we scream our screams.
Even if the world turns its back,
On the path of fire, we leave our track.

Verse 2: (C-Am-Dm-G)
Torn pages, forgotten tales,
Wounded heart, a ship that sails.
A journey in the shadows, a lone crusade,
In the ruins, our name is made.

Chorus: (F-C-G-Am)
On this grey canvas, we paint our joy,
With the rhythm, we’re just a toy.
In the face of despair, we stand tall,
In the echoes, we answer the call.

Bridge: (Dm-Am-E-F)
In the heart of the storm, we find our peace,
In the labyrinth of life, we find our release.

Chorus: (F-C-G-Am)
On this grey canvas, we paint our story,
In the silence, we claim our glory.
Even if the world turns its back,
On the path of fire, we leave our track.

Fan Profile:

Fan’s Name: Sarah Thompson

Testimonial:
Sarah is a college student from Boston who discovered Negative Weekend in her freshman year. A self-proclaimed alternative rock enthusiast, she was immediately drawn to their emotional lyrics and powerful sound. She’s been to every one of their concerts in her city and even traveled across states to catch their performances. Sarah loves how their music speaks to her, making her feel seen and understood. She often says, “Negative Weekend’s music is raw, real, and relatable – it’s like they’ve channeled all my thoughts and emotions into their songs.”

Backstory:

Mysterious Business was formed in the artistically vibrant town of Austin, Texas, back in 2012. The band consists of four members: lead vocalist and guitarist, Charlie Fenton; drummer, Zoe Pierce; bassist, Ethan Graves; and keyboardist, April Hawkins. What began as a group of friends jamming in their garage quickly turned into a full-fledged band when their demo tape was discovered by a talent scout at a local music festival. Since then, they’ve been touring across the country and making waves in the music industry with their refreshing style and evocative lyrics.

After releasing their debut album, ‘Unseen Path’ in 2015, Mysterious Business garnered a strong following of fans who appreciated their unique blending of genres. As the years have passed, the band has stayed true to their roots while also evolving their sound, showcasing their talent for innovation and their deep understanding of musicality.

Genre:
Alternative Rock / Indie Folk

Title:
“Lucid Dreamer”

Full song lyrics:

[Verse]
Em G
In the quiet of the night, I see her,
Am Em
A lucid dreamer, painting her flight.
Em G
Skipping through stars, a cosmic believer,
Am Em
In the realm of dreams, she’s a fighter.

[Chorus]
C G
Oh, lucid dreamer, don’t lose your sight,
Am Em
In the chaos of the day, find your light.
C G
Keep painting the sky with your vibrant dreams,
Am Em
In the world asleep, be the soundless scream.

[Verse]
Em G
She dances with the moon, a silent prayer,
Am Em
Bathing in the glow, shedding her despair.
Em G
In her dreams, she’s free, unchained and clearer,
Am Em
Oh, the magic of the night, in her eyes a mirror.

[Chorus]
C G
Oh, lucid dreamer, don’t dim your light,
Am Em
In the silence of the night, take your flight.
C G
Keep weaving tales in the cosmic streams,
Am Em
In the world awake, be the dreamer of dreams.

The band’s favorite fan’s name:
Emily Hanson

Testimonial:

“I have been following Mysterious Business since their early days in Austin. Their music speaks to me on such a personal level, it’s like they’ve lived my life and are singing my experiences. ‘Lucid Dreamer’ became my anthem in a particularly difficult time in my life, reminding me to keep going, keep dreaming. No other band comes close to the emotional depth and innovative sound of Mysterious Business. They are, and always will be, my favorite band.”

Backstory:
Same Whole was conceived under the bright city lights of Seattle, Washington. The brainchild of two college schoolmates, Jackson Hart and Sammy Bell, the band was originally a garage project, taking form in the late evenings after classes. Hart, the lead vocalist and guitarist, brought the raw emotion while Bell, the drummer, brought the rhythmic backbone that gave their music its unique flavor. They later on added two more members; Megan Lee on the bass and Charlie McNeal on the keyboards. Their music has been a journey, reflecting their life experiences, aspirations, and a dream to connect with people on a cosmic level. The name ‘Same Whole’ represents their belief in universal connection – the idea that we are all part of the same whole.

Genre:
Alternative Rock

Title:
“Shift in the Shadows”

Full Song Lyrics:
[Verse 1]
Am D
Walking through the shadows,
G Em
Seeking the unknown,
Am D
Casting away doubts,
G Em
We walk alone.

[Chorus]
C G Am Em
In the darkness, we find our light,
C G Am Em
In the struggle, we gain our might.

[Verse 2]
Am D
Chasing the sunsets,
G Em
Beyond what we know,
Am D
Finding our purpose,
G Em
In this cosmic show.

[Chorus]
C G Am Em
In the silence, we find our voice,
C G Am Em
In the chaos, we make our choice.

[Bridge]
F C G
Shift in the shadows, reveal your truth,
F C G
In the same whole, we find our proof.

[Chorus]
C G Am Em
In the darkness, we claim our light,
C G Am Em
In the struggle, we take our flight.

Fan’s Testimonial:
My name is Emily Thompson, and I’ve been a huge fan of Same Whole since their first EP dropped. Their music speaks to me on a profound level. The raw emotion, the stirring guitar work, the solid rhythm section – it all meshes together into a sound that’s overwhelmingly powerful and yet, intimate. Every song feels like a journey, like they’re reaching out and pulling me into their world. I’ve seen them live three times now and each time it’s like a spiritual experience. I can’t wait to see where their journey takes them next. They’re not just my favorite band, they’re a part of me. They make me feel seen, and most importantly, they make me feel like I’m part of the ‘same whole’.