Backstory:

Vapid Literature came together during the late 90s in the indie scene of Portland, Oregon. The members, lead singer Alex Keegan, guitarist Sam Richardson, bassist Mark Griffith and drummer Lydia Stone, met in a used bookstore, where they bonded over a shared love for music and ironically, literature. They shared a common gripe about the pretentious nature of contemporary literature, prompting Alex to suggest an ironic name for their band: Vapid Literature. Their shared sentiment about literature manifested into their songwriting as they started weaving ironic and satirical elements into their lyrics.

Lydia’s garage became their recording haven and after several months of practice, they recorded their first demo. It was a unique blend of rock, indie, and undertones of folk, but with a sarcastic twist. The demo found its way into the hands of an indie label executive who, impressed by their sound, signed them immediately. Their unique sound and authentic lyrics not only set them apart from other bands in the indie scene but also earned them a loyal fan base.

Genre: Indie Rock

Title: “The Paperweight Desire”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
[G]Inside this glass house, [D]threw a stone,
[Em]Marked with stories, [C]secrets unknown
[G]Tales of love, [D]whispers of despair,
[Em]Pages of life, [C]into the cold air.

(Chorus)
[G]We are vapid literature, [D]written in a rush,
[Em]Pulled apart by the paperweight [C]desire, we hush,
[G]We’re the words that [D]love forgot,
[Em]In the chapters of time, [C]we’re just a thought.

(Verse 2)
[G]In the failing light, [D]we pen our tales,
[Em]Hope in our hearts, [C]as the truth unveils,
[G]The ink of dreams, [D]the paper of time,
[Em]In this book of life, [C]your story’s mine.

(Repeat Chorus)
[G]We are vapid literature, [D]written in a rush,
[Em]Pulled apart by the paperweight [C]desire, we hush,
[G]We’re the words that [D]love forgot,
[Em]In the chapters of time, [C]we’re just a thought.

Fan’s Testimonial:

The band’s favorite fan, Tess Gallagher, is an English literature professor from Seattle. Tess has been following the band since their first gig in a dingy pub in Portland. She finds their sound refreshingly unique and their lyrics intellectually stimulating. Her favorite song, “The Paperweight Desire,” is a beautiful blend of music and poetry that she uses frequently in her literature classes as an example of contemporary pop culture’s influence on literature. Tess says, “Vapid Literature is a phenomenon. They’ve turned the mundane into ironic and the pretentious into something relatable. They are a breath of fresh air in the music industry. Their satire is clever and their sound is divine. They are my favorite band because they are the perfect blend of all things great about modern music and literature.”

Backstory:

Fixed Wing had its humble roots in the college dorms of Seattle, Washington in 2011. Friends and roommates, Mike Sullivan and Alex Thompson, began writing music together as a way to unwind from their engineering studies. Their shared passion for soaring melodies, intricate harmonies, and dynamic rhythms soon attracted the attention of other musically inclined students, leading to the addition of drummer Lisa Hart and bassist Danny “Phoenix” Fenix. The band’s name was inspired by the avionic history of their city, and it aimed to mirror the freedom, thrill, and exhilaration of flight.

Fixed Wing began performing in local bars and at campus events, quickly garnering a reputation for their electrifying performances and distinct sound. Their first break came when they won a local battle of the bands competition, landing them a recording contract with indie record label, Pike Sound. Since then, Fixed Wing has soared to incredible heights, with their music being a staple on college radio stations across the country and their live shows selling out in minutes.

Genre:

Alternative Rock

Title:

“Sonic Boom”

Full Song Lyrics:
(Verse 1)
[G]Flying through the [Am]night, [C]wings cutting through the [D]fight
[G]Lights in the [Am]distance, [C]chasing down the [D]resistance

(Chorus)
[G]Sonic boom, [Am]breaking the [C]sound of [D]gloom
[G]Catch a tailwind [Am]ride, [C]on this airwave [D]high

(Verse 2)
[G]In the heart of the [Am]storm, [C]where new legacies [D]are born
[G]With engines of [Am]desire, [C]we set the night on [D]fire

(Chorus)
[G]Sonic boom, [Am]shattering the [C]silence of the [D]room
[G]We’re breaking altitude [Am]records, [C]with our story [D]unheard

(Verse 3)
[G]No looking [Am]back, [C]we’re on the comeback [D]track
[G]Fixed wings and [Am]free, [C]we are the melody [D]we see

(Chorus)
[G]Sonic boom, [Am]echoing under the [C]moon
[G]This is our flight [Am]song, [C]and we’re flying [D]strong

Band’s favorite fan:

Our favorite fan is Stacy Simmons, a high school science teacher from Tacoma. Stacy has attended every single one of our concerts in the Pacific Northwest and has an impressive collection of our band merchandise. Stacy says, “Fixed Wing is my favorite band because their music is so much more than just entertainment. It’s a fusion of passion, energy, and brilliance. Their lyrics are intelligent, their melodies are captivating, and their performances are always out of this world. They’re not just musicians, they’re artists and their canvas is the infinite sky. Every song is like a flight journey – it lifts you up and takes you places you’ve never been before.”

Backstory:
Hurtful Style was formed under a dimly lit underpass in the heart of Philadelphia in the middle of 2011. The founding members, Tommy ‘Pain’ Peterson and Bobby ‘Bruise’ Bailey, who were both high school dropouts, found solace in music as a way of expressing their frustrations and experiences. They started performing on the streets, capturing the hearts of many with their raw lyrics and unfiltered sound. The duo soon caught the attention of local drummer, Jenny ‘Jab’ Johnson, who, inspired by their unrefined talent, decided to join them and complete the triangle of ‘Hurtful Style’.

The band had a rocky start with several small gigs at local bars, but their breakthrough came when a passing record executive spotted them during a street performance. He was intrigued by their unique sound and signed them on the spot. Hurtful Style’s music resonated with the outcasts and the misfits, offering them a sense of belonging and understanding. Their fan base quickly grew, and it wasn’t long before they were playing in front of thousands at renowned venues.

Genre:
Punk Rock/ Alternative Rock

Song Title:
“Stitches of Society”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verses)
Am Em G Am
Living under the shadow, of a silenced scream,
Am Em G Am
Tangled in the web, of a forgotten dream,
Am Em G Am
Eyes wide open, yet nothing to see,
Am Em G Am
We’re just stitches, in society’s decree.

(Chorus)
Am Em G Am
We’re Hurtful Style, we’re the unheard voice,
Am Em G Am
The misfits, the rebels, we didn’t have a choice,
Am Em G Am
In a world of pretense, we chose to be free,
Am Em G Am
We’re the stitches, in society’s decree.

(Verse)
Am Em G Am
Drowned in the noise, of a muted crowd,
Am Em G Am
Covered in dust, yet standing proud.
Am Em G Am
Our song’s our rebellion, our lyrics a plea,
Am Em G Am
We’re the stitches, in society’s decree.

(Chorus)
Am Em G Am
We’re Hurtful Style, we’re the unheard voice,
Am Em G Am
The misfits, the rebels, we didn’t have a choice,
Am Em G Am
In a world of pretense, we chose to be free,
Am Em G Am
We’re the stitches, in society’s decree.

Fans Favorite:
Name: Megan ‘Mosh’ Miller

Testimonial:
“From the first time I heard Hurtful Style’s raw energy and rebellious lyrics, I knew they were more than just a band to me. They became an anthem for my struggles, a beacon in my darkness. Their music speaks to my soul and the vibe at their concerts is like no other. I’ve been to every single one of their shows in Philly and I plan to continue that streak. I resonate with every chord they strike; they’re not just a band, they’re a movement. They’re the voice of the unheard and the unseen. They’re my Hurtful Style.”

Backstory:
Formed in the early 2000s in the bustling city of New York, Altruistic House was born out of four childhood friends’ love for music and their desire to break the conventions of mainstream genres. Max, Jake, Rita, and Charlie, the inseparable quartet, grew up in the same neighborhood, spending countless hours jamming in basements and garages. After high school, they decided to turn their passion into a professional endeavor, marking the beginning of the Altruistic House journey. Their band name is derived from their shared philosophy of selflessness and a nod to their humble beginnings of performing in houses.

Genre:
Indie Pop-Rock

Title:
“Echoes of Our Youth”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
Em G
Underneath the city lights, our dreams took flight,
C D
Our hearts beating in rhythm, under the neon night.
Em G
We sang our songs, to the starry sky,
C D
In the echoes of our youth, we learned to fly.

(Chorus)
G D Em C
In the echoes of our youth, we found our truth,
G D Em C
In the rhythm of the night, under the city lights.
G D Em C
The music brought us together, made us feel alive,
G D Em C
In the echoes of our youth, we learned to thrive.

(Verse 2)
Em G
With a beat-up guitar, and a dream in our hearts,
C D
We found our voices, in music and arts.
Em G
In the rhythm of the city, we found our groove,
C D
In the echoes of our youth, we found our move.

(Chorus)
G D Em C
In the echoes of our youth, we found our truth,
G D Em C
In the rhythm of the night, under the city lights.
G D Em C
The music brought us together, made us feel alive,
G D Em C
In the echoes of our youth, we learned to thrive.

Band’s Favorite Fan:
The band’s favorite fan is a girl named Lucy. She’s been with them since their garage days, supporting and encouraging them. Lucy says, “Altruistic House isn’t just a band for me. They’re the soundtrack of my life. Their music speaks directly to my soul and mirrors my own experiences. They teach me that it’s okay to be different, to dream big, and to be myself. They are more than just my favorite band; they are my inspiration.”

Backstory:

Ideal Tube was born in the small coastal town of Plymouth, England in 2010. School friends, Alan Thompson (lead vocals and bass), Tom Mitchell (guitar), and Gary Peterson (drums), formed the band as a way of escaping the monotony of their small-town life. They began practicing in Peterson’s garage, huddled together against the freezing winter nights, fueled by a shared passion for music, and a dream to make it big. Despite the challenges they faced, including balancing college and odd jobs, the band never lost sight of their goal and used their struggles as the inspiration for their raw, emotional lyrics.

In 2012, talent scout, Emily Hobson, happened upon one of their gigs at a local pub. She was so moved by their performance that she offered them their first record deal. Since then, Ideal Tube has enjoyed a steady rise to fame, still holding onto their small-town roots, and expressing their journey through their music.

Genre:

Alternative Rock

Title:

“Shattered Mirror”

Full song lyrics:

(Verse 1)
Em D
I saw my face in the shattered mirror,
G C
Reflections broken, lines no clearer.
Em D
Tales of struggle, tales of strife,
G C
In every shard of this broken life.

(Chorus)
G D Em
Shattered mirror, show me the way,
C G D
To the light that breaks the day.
G D Em
Shattered mirror, in you I see,
C G D
The strength that lies inside of me.

(Verse 2)
Em D
Through the cracks in the glass,
G C
I see the shadows of my past.
Em D
In each fragment, a memory,
G C
Of the man I used to be.

(Chorus)
G D Em
Shattered mirror, show me the way,
C G D
To the light that breaks the day.
G D Em
Shattered mirror, in you I see,
C G D
The strength that lies inside of me.

(Bridge)
C D
In the mirror, broken and scarred,
Em G
I find the courage to fight hard.
C D
In the mirror, despite the pain,
Em G
I will rise, I will reign.

(Chorus)
G D Em
Shattered mirror, show me the way,
C G D
To the light that breaks the day.
G D Em
Shattered mirror, in you I see,
C G D
The strength that lies inside of me.

Outro:
Em D
I saw my face in the shattered mirror,
G C
Reflections broken, lines no clearer.

Band’s Favorite Fan:

Ideal Tube’s favorite fan is Sarah Green. Sarah has been following their journey since their early days in Plymouth. She was the one who insisted that Emily Hobson, the talent scout, should check out their local gig. Sarah’s unwavering support and belief in the band has been a source of inspiration for them.

Sarah’s Testimonial:

“Ideal Tube isn’t just a band, it’s a journey. Their music speaks to the struggles we all face, but it also embodies hope – the belief that we can overcome life’s difficulties. Their song ‘Shattered Mirror’ is my personal anthem. It reminds me of the strength within me, even when I’m feeling broken. I’ve been a fan from the start and I’ll continue to be one for as long as they keep making music that speaks to the heart like theirs does.”

Backstory:

Dental Brake was formed in the small town of Northampton, England in 2008. The founders, Harry Evans (lead vocalist, guitarist) and Ryan Thompson (drummer), met at a local dentist’s office and discovered a mutual love for music. They decided to combine their passion for music with their shared fear of dentistry, leading to the birth of their band – Dental Brake. After playing various gigs around Northampton, they recruited Daisy Collins (bassist) and Liam Parker (keyboardist) to the band in 2010. Their eccentric name and unconventional lyrics about life, love, and dental hygiene have granted them a unique place in the music scene.

Genre:

Indie Rock

Title:

“Fillings Ain’t Feelings”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
G Em
Open wide, under the light,
C D
Blinded by the sight, oh what a fright.

G Em
Tools made of silver, scraping away,
C D
Trying to keep all the cavities at bay.

(Chorus)
G Em
Fillings ain’t feelings, oh no,
C D
They’re just reminders of hurt we know,
G Em
Plaque’s like the past, hard to let go,
C D
But we learn to smile through every woe.

(Verse 2)
G Em
Brush and floss, every night,
C D
In the mirror, under the light.

G Em
Minty fresh, going in for the fight,
C D
Against the decay, with all our might.

(Chorus)
G Em
Fillings ain’t feelings, oh no,
C D
They’re just reminders of hurt we know.
G Em
Plaque’s like the past, hard to let go,
C D
But we learn to smile through every woe.

Favorite Fan:

The band’s favorite fan is Sally Thompson, a dental hygienist from their hometown. Sally has been a fan of Dental Brake since their earliest gigs. She says, “Their music is so relatable, it’s almost like they’re singing about my life. Plus, as a dental hygienist, I love the clever dental references. Their songs have a unique way of making me look at my job in a whole new light. Dental Brake is not just my favorite band, they’re my daily pick-me-up.”

Backstory:

FALSE Station is a band whose roots can be traced back to the vibrant music scene of Austin, Texas in 2011. It was a chance meeting between lead vocalist, Steve “Razor” Razinski, and guitarist, Mick “Shreds” Donovan in a sweaty, overflowing bar that sparked the idea of FALSE Station. The duo soon roped in bassist, Tasha “Bassface” Cohen, and drummer, Freddy “Thundersticks” Thompson. Their desire to break free from the monotonous rhythms of their day jobs and to express their unique musical perspectives led to the creation of their unique sound.

The band’s journey began by playing in local bars and underground gigs, grinding their way up to bigger stages. The road was tough and filled with obstacles, but their determination to share their music with the world never wavered. They have, over the years, transformed from being just another local band to a much-loved national sensation, with their tracks hitting the top of the charts and their concerts selling out.

Genre:

Alternative Rock

Title:

“Midnight Carousel”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
Am (C) D (G)
Down the empty city streets, under the moon’s cold heat
Am (C) D (G)
We dance to the rhythm of the heart’s deceit

(Chorus)
Am (C) D (G)
Riding on a Midnight Carousel, spinning tales we dare not tell
Am (C) D (G)
Lost in a dream, under love’s wicked spell

(Verse 2)
Am (C) D (G)
The neon lights flicker, as our shadows grow thicker
Am (C) D (G)
In the silence of the night, our pulses quicken

(Chorus)
Am (C) D (G)
On this Midnight Carousel, in a story we’re afraid to tell
Am (C) D (G)
Caught in the madness, where only the brave dare dwell

Favorite Fan Testimonial:

Name: Jenny Lancaster

“FALSE Station is more than just a band to me; it’s a life-altering experience. Their music has seen me through some of the toughest times in my life. When I felt lost, their lyrics guided me. When I felt alone, their harmonies were my companion. Razor’s soulful voice, Mick’s electrifying guitar, Bassface’s groovy bass, and Thunderstick’s heart-pounding beats create an intoxicating blend that I can’t resist. They’re not just my favorite band, they’re my lifeline.”

Backstory:
Astonishing Flat is a group of four friends from the rustic hills of North Carolina, who came together in the spring of 2009. The band is composed of John “J.D.” Dalton, an energetic lead vocalist and rhythm guitarist, Mark “Mickey” Rutherford, the creatively eccentric lead guitarist, Paul “P.C.” Carter, the soulful bassist, and Scott “Scotty” Fields, a powerhouse drummer. They initially met at a local open mic night, where they bonded over their shared love for music and storytelling. Their diverse musical backgrounds, ranging from blues to indie rock, fused into a unique sound that would later form the backbone of Astonishing Flat.

The band spent a few years experimenting with their music, often performing at local bars and festivals. Their breakthrough came in 2013, when they caught the attention of a scout from an independent music label. Since then, Astonishing Flat has released three albums and toured across the country, gaining a dedicated fan base along the way.

Genre:
Indie Blues Rock

Title:
“Rustic Reverie”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
[G]Trapped in this rustic town, [D]nothing but blues around,
[Em]Dreams are the only escape, [C]in this lonely landscape.
[G]Strings of my guitar hum, [D]to the beat of the distant drum,
[Em]Music is my saving grace, [C]in this forgotten space.

(Chorus)
[G]In this rustic reverie, [D]I’m a bird that’s free,
[Em]Flying over city lights, [C]chasing endless nights.
[G]In this rustic reverie, [D]I’m the deep blue sea,
[Em]Sailing on a melody, [C]I’m where I want to be.

(Verse 2)
[G]Stories hidden in every corner, [D]the spirit of a foreigner,
[Em]Lost in the rhythm and rhyme, [C]in the echo of time.
[G]Notes whisper in the breeze, [D]secrets hidden in the trees,
[Em]Music is my only guide, [C]on this endless ride.

(Chorus)
[G]In this rustic reverie, [D]I’m the wind that’s free,
[Em]Drifting over mountain highs, [C]chasing endless skies.
[G]In this rustic reverie, [D]I’m the wild, wide sea,
[Em]Sailing on a melody, [C]I’m where I want to be.

Band’s Favorite Fan’s Testimonial:
Our favorite fan is Abby Thompson. She has been with us since our early days, attending our local gigs and offering unwavering support. Abby once said, “Astonishing Flat isn’t just a band to me, they’re a part of my life. Their music has a raw, emotional quality that resonates with me deeply. It feels like they’re telling my story. Their song ‘Rustic Reverie’ is my anthem, it’s about being stuck but dreaming big, something I can personally relate to. It’s bands like these that make music worthwhile.”

Backstory:
Formed in the heart of New Orleans in 2006, Grave Festival was destined to bring a new wave of psychedelic rock to the music scene. The band was comprised of childhood friends Travis Monroe (vocals), Jackson “Jack” Riley (guitar), Tom Corbin (bass), and Alex Harris (drums). They owed their unique sounds to their diverse musical backgrounds. Monroe was classically trained, while Riley was heavily influenced by blues and Corbin and Harris were self-taught musicians with a penchant for experimenting with sounds. They decided on the name Grave Festival, inspired by the city’s voodoo history and the wild, free spirit of Mardi Gras.

The band got its first break playing in local bars and clubs, earning a reputation for its energetic performances and a unique sound that blended heavy guitar riffs, dreamy lyrics, and intense drumming. Their local success got the attention of indie label, ‘Moonstone Records,’ who signed them in 2008. Since then, Grave Festival has released three studio albums, each one showing the evolution of their sound and solidifying their place in the psychedelic rock scene.

Genre:
Psychedelic Rock

Title:
“Spectral Carousel”

Full Song Lyrics:
(Verse 1)
[G]Underneath, the [C]twilight’s gaze
[G]Lost in a [C]Mardi Gras haze
[G]She dances with the [D]shadows, in a [C]spectral ballet
[G]Her eyes hold a [C]story, too [D]ancient to say

(Chorus)
[G]Spectral Carousel, [C]take us ’round
[G]Where the spirits [C]dance, and the [D]lost are found
[G]Underneath the [C]gumbo moon
[D]We’ll dance till [C]dawn, in [G]the heart of June

(Verse 2)
[G]Through the streets [C]that whisper tales
[G]Of love, of life, of [C]spirits that wail
[G]She moves with the [D]music, under [C]neon lights
[G]In the heart of [C]darkness, creates [D]nights of light

(Chorus)
[G]Spectral Carousel, [C]spin us high
[G]Underneath the [C]Louisiana sky
[G]In the rhythm of the [D]night, we [C]find our tune
[D]Beneath the [C]mardi gras [G]moon

Fan’s Testimonial:
My name is Lily and Grave Festival is my favorite band. Their music is like a kaleidoscope of sounds, blending the raw energy of rock with the ethereal quality of psychedelia. It simultaneously takes you on a journey through the streets of New Orleans and your own subconscious. Each song feels like exploring a new dimension of music and emotions. Also having met them a couple of times at their concerts, they are genuinely nice guys who appreciate their fans. I can’t wait to see where their music takes them and us next.

Backstory:
Smug Exhibition was born in a dingy garage in the heart of Detroit, Michigan. The band was initially formed as a trio in 2009, comprising of childhood friends Mason “Mase” Greer on guitar and vocals, Foster “Fozzy” King on drums, and Mitchell “Mitch” Haney on bass. The trio shared a common passion for meaningful lyrics, heavy rhythms, and a somewhat disheveled, indie charm. After years of jam sessions, basement shows, and late-night songwriting, they decided to take their music to the streets of Detroit, introducing their unique sound to the local music scene. They quickly gained traction and eventually, added a fourth member, Mia “Mimi” Dawson, an enigmatic keyboardist who added a much-needed layer of depth to their raw sound.

Genre:
Alternative Rock / Indie

Title:
“Alleyway Serenade”

Full Song Lyrics:
[Verse 1: Em, G, D, A]
(Em)In the heart of the night, under dim streetlight,
(G)Your shadow dances against the wall.
(D)An alleyway serenade, a promise vaguely made,
(A)Our graffiti love, destined to fall.

[Chorus: C, G, D, Em]
(C)In the silent surrender, under stars’ splendor,
(G)We paint the town with our reckless ways.
(D)Oh, the echoes of our laughter, chasing ever after,
(Em)The echo of our alleyway serenade.

[Verse 2: Em, G, D, A]
(Em)As the city sleeps, inside our hearts creep,
(G)A melody, wild and free.
(D)In the moon’s stolen glance, we find our last dance,
(A)In the backdrop of the city’s symphony.

[Chorus: C, G, D, Em]
(C)In the silent surrender, under stars’ splendor,
(G)We paint the town with our reckless ways.
(D)Oh, the echoes of our laughter, chasing ever after,
(Em)The echo of our alleyway serenade.

[Outro: C, G, D, Em]
(C)As dawn breaks, our painted city awakes,
(G)In the hue of our midnight masquerade.
(D)With the coming of the sun, our serenade is done,
(Em)Yet in our hearts, the echo remains.

Fan’s Name:
Lizzy Stein

Testimonial:
“I’ve been a fan of Smug Exhibition since their early garage days. There’s just something so authentic about their music, it’s raw and real. They’re not just making noise, they’re telling stories. ‘Alleyway Serenade’ is my favorite— the lyrics are so evocative, it feels like I’m right there with them in that moonlit street. Seeing them play live is a transcendental experience. Every performance is filled with energy, and it’s clear that they pour their hearts and souls into their music. Smug Exhibition isn’t just my favorite band, they’re a part of me.”