Backstory:
Quarterly Tax was formed in the heart of Los Angeles in mid-2010 by four friends who went through the highs and lows of life together. The group originally formed on a whim while they were working together in an accounting firm – filing away people’s tax papers into the night. After teaming up for a karaoke night and realizing the synergy in their voices, they decided to form a band on the side. Their common love for music and their shared experiences navigating the mundane yet chaotic world of corporate finance have given them unique stories to tell.

The band members are Charlie Bleu on vocals and guitar, Jerome ‘the Taxman’ Smith on bass, Samantha ‘the Auditor’ Jones on drums, and Ryan ‘Red Tape’ Reddington on keyboards. The name ‘Quarterly Tax’ was chosen because it spoke to their origins in the financial world, while also symbolizing the regularity and how they’ve turned something tedious into something exciting.

Genre:
Indie Rock

Title:
“Deduction Blues”

Full Song Lyrics:
(Verse 1)
(C) I’m sitting here with my (Am) calculator
(F) Figures dancing in my (G) head
(C) Got the blues for my (Am) deductions
(F) Tax day’s coming (G) around again

(Chorus)
(Em) Deduction blues, oh (F) baby here we (C) go
(G) Handful of receipts and a (Am) heart full of woe
(Em) Deduction blues, it’s a (F) quarterly (C) show
(G) Paying my dues in this (Am) financial woe

(Verse 2)
(C) The taxman cometh, claims (Am) he’s my friend
(F) My paycheck’s thinning, (G) no money to spend
(C) Here’s to the loopholes (Am) that let us pretend
(F) Till the next quarter (G) starts it all again

(Chorus)
(Em) Deduction blues, oh (F) baby here we (C) go
(G) Handful of receipts and a (Am) heart full of woe
(Em) Deduction blues, it’s a (F) quarterly (C) show
(G) Paying my dues in this (Am) financial woe

Fan Testimonial:
Their favorite fan is Lily. Lily is a tax consultant who keeps ‘Deduction Blues’ on loop during tax season. She says, “Quarterly Tax is my favorite band because they get me. They’ve turned the mundanity of my job into a symphony of relatable lyrics and catchy tunes. They bring fun to finance and their music is the adrenaline I need to keep going. Their songs are my anthem during tax season, and they make the long nights bearable.”

Backstory:

Thorough Permission traces its roots to a quaint town in Vermont, where childhood friends, Logan and Harper, decided to explore their shared passion for music. Logan, a gifted guitarist, and Harper, a soulful vocalist, started by covering classic hits from various genres, eventually finding their sound and direction. The duo soon expanded to a quartet, with the inclusion of drummer Kyle and bassist Lenny. The band members, despite their diverse musical influences, shared a common goal: to create music that would resonate with listeners’ lives, emotions, and experiences.

After several years of playing at local gigs, refining their craft, and building their fan base, the band caught the attention of a talent agent who was visiting Vermont. The encounter eventually led to a record deal, propelling Thorough Permission to a wider audience and transforming them from a small-town band into a rising name in the alternative rock scene.

Genre:
Alternative Rock

Title:
“Memoirs of a Melody”

Full Song Lyrics:

[Verse 1]
(Dm, C, Bb, A)
In this cathedral of echoes, under the neon sky,
We chase the shadows, our memoirs intertwined.
In silent whispers and alleyway goodbyes,
Our melody lingers, a serenade in disguise.

[Chorus]
(G, C, D, Em)
So sing me your secrets, in the language of the night,
In your memoirs of a melody, under the city light.
In our anthem of freedom, in our symphony of flight,
In the memoirs of a melody, we find our might.

[Verse 2]
(Dm, C, Bb, A)
With every heartbeat, we paint a tapestry,
Of dreams and detours, in this city of mystery.
Our love is a sonnet, our fears a travesty,
In the memoirs of a melody, we find our liberty.

[Chorus]
(G, C, D, Em)
So sing me your secrets, in the language of the night,
In your memoirs of a melody, under the city light.
In our anthem of freedom, in our symphony of flight,
In the memoirs of a melody, we find our might.

[Bridge]
(A, Bm, C, D)
In the silence of our sorrows, in the echoes of our delight,
In the memoirs of a melody, we make it right.

[Chorus]
(G, C, D, Em)
So sing me your secrets, in the language of the night,
In your memoirs of a melody, under the city light.
In our anthem of freedom, in our symphony of flight,
In the memoirs of a melody, we find our light.

Fan Favorite: Jenna Clark

Jenna, a librarian from Vermont, has been a fan of Thorough Permission since their early days performing in local pubs. She loves the band’s authentic lyrics and the raw emotions their melodies evoke. Jenna states, “Thorough Permission’s music isn’t just about the sound; it’s like a journey, a poignant narrative embedded with emotions. Their song, ‘Memoirs of a Melody,’ for example, resonates with me on so many levels. It’s like they’ve turned my feelings, dreams, and experiences into a song. They are not just a band for me; they are storytellers, artists who paint vivid pictures with their music.”

Backstory:

Sparse Host was formed in the bustling city of Chicago in 2005. The band members, all from divergent musical backgrounds, came together through a shared vision and passion for something different. Frontman Jason Walsh, a former gospel singer, teamed up with bassist Simon Hays, a Jazz enthusiast, and drummer Martin Fowler, a rock and roll specialist, to create a unique fusion of sounds. They started creating music without following any conventional pattern, and soon, their distinctive sound began to take shape, echoing through the alleyways of Chicago’s music scene.

The band’s journey was not without hardships. They faced numerous setbacks, including a period of inactivity due to a critical illness of their lead singer, Jason. However, the trio stood firm, using their struggles to fuel their creativity and musical exploration. Their resilience paid off when their first album was released, and it quickly gained the attention of music lovers across the country, making Sparse Host a household name in the indie music scene.

Genre:
Indie Rock

Title:
“Echoes in the Alley”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
[C] Down the [G] alley, where the [Am] night has no [Em] end,
[F] Lost our [C] dreams, found them [G] again.
[C] Streetlights [G] shimmering, [Am] dancing in [Em] rain,
[F] With every [C] echo, we [G] whisper your name.

(Chorus)
[C] ‘Cause you’re the [G] echo in the [Am] alley, the [Em] melody in our song,
[F] We’re the [C] sparse host, that [G] keeps playing along.

(Verse 2)
[C] Shadows [G] grow longer, as the [Am] night starts to [Em] sway,
[F] On this [C] concrete stage, we [G] continue to play,
[C] Through the [G] silence, through the [Am] crowd’s endless [Em] roar,
[F] With every [C] strum, we’re [G] longing for more.

(Chorus)
[C] You’re the [G] echo in the [Am] alley, the [Em] rhythm in our heart,
[F] In this [C] cityscape canvas, [G] you’re our favorite part.

(Fan Testimonial)

Fan’s Name: Chloe Stevens

Sparse Host is my favorite band, hands down! I’ve been following them since their early days, and they never fail to amaze me with their unique blend of music. The way they mix different genres, creating a sound that is entirely their own, is just mind-blowing. Their songs, like ‘Echoes in the Alley’, speak directly to my soul. It’s as if they’re narrating my life through their music. The struggles, dreams, and the beautiful chaos of life are all reflected in their songs. I’m proud to be a fan of Sparse Host!

Backstory:
Born from a spark of defiance in the heart of London’s underground music scene, Stingy Setting is the brainchild of four renegade musicians, each with their own unique style and background. The band’s creation story is a tale as varied as its members. Its frontman, Jagger Fox, is a former punk rocker with a love for heavy, grungy guitar riffs; bassist Lena ‘Thunder’ Reed is a classically trained musician with a rebellious streak; drummer Teddy ‘The Hammer’ Hammersmith is a jazz enthusiast turned punk; and keyboardist Orion ‘The Maestro’ Starlight is an electronic music whizz who brings an eclectic touch to the mix.

Their paths crossed at a local jam session in a dingy bar in Camden Town, where the chemistry between them was instantly electric. Despite their diverse backgrounds, their shared passion for pushing the boundaries of music saw them forming a band. They named it Stingy Setting, a tongue-in-cheek reference to the lack of funds they had when they started their journey together.

Genre:
Post-Punk Revival with Electronic undertones

Title:
“Neon Streets”

Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
C G Am F
Neon lights, shadows become our guide,
C G Am F
In the city’s heart where we choose to hide.
C G Am F
We paint our dreams on these urban walls,
C G Am F
A canvas of concrete, our silent calls.

(Chorus)
C G Am F
In Neon Streets, we find our beat,
C G Am F
Walking to the rhythm of our heart’s deceit.
C G Am F
Through the darkness, we will shine,
C G Am F
In Neon Streets, your soul meets mine.

(Verse 2)
C G Am F
Under the glow of the city’s glare,
C G Am F
We dance and sing, no burden to bear.
C G Am F
Lost in the noise, the echoes of our song,
C G Am F
In Neon Streets, we belong.

(Chorus)
C G Am F
In Neon Streets, we find our beat,
C G Am F
Struggling shadows, but we never admit defeat.
C G Am F
This cityscape, our testament, our shrine,
C G Am F
In Neon Streets, your path intertwines with mine.

Fan’s Name:
Stacy

Testimonial:
“Stingy Setting isn’t just a band; it’s a revolution — a vehement refusal to conform to the mainstream. Their sound is raw and visceral, and their lyrics, profound. They put into words the restless spirit of our generation. I’ve followed them since their first gig in that shabby bar, and I’ve seen them grow and evolve, never compromising their authenticity. Every song they produce resonates with me, but ‘Neon Streets’ holds a special place in my heart. It perfectly captures the essence of youth and rebellion. Stingy Setting, for me, isn’t just music — it’s a lifestyle.”

Backstory:
The gritty, grunge-rock group Overcooked Resignation is a quartet of seasoned musicians hailing from the dimly-lit back-alleys of Seattle, Washington. The band was formed in 2009 by childhood friends, lead guitarist Casey ‘Razor’ Reilly and drummer Mason ‘Whirlwind’ Williams. The duo, disillusioned with the monotony of their blue-collar day jobs, decided to channel their frustration into creating resonating tunes that spoke to the common man, hence the band name ‘Overcooked Resignation’.
After struggling through years of playing in seedy bars, the band found their rhythm section in bassist Danny ‘Boulder’ Benson and lead vocalist, Rachel ‘Raven’ Riddle in 2011. With these additions, Overcooked Resignation solidified their signature grunge sound and began producing music that resonated with fans who found solace in their raw, emotional lyrics and aggressive, grunge-inspired instrumentals.

Genre: Grunge Rock

Title: “Shackles of Mediocrity”

Verse: (Em, G, D, A)
Em G
Trapped in corners of my mind,
D A
In chains of routine, I am confined.
Em G
Dreams of freedom, far behind,
D A
In shackles of mediocrity, I’m entwined.

Chorus: (C, G, D, Em)
C G
Shout it out, let it unravel,
D Em
Break the chains, start the travel.
C G
Roar against the crushing din,
D Em
In the name of passion, let us sin.

Verse: (Em, G, D, A)
Em G
Days of drudgery, nights of strain,
D A
In this life devoid of gain.
Em G
Chasing shadows, seeking vain,
D A
In this existence, marked by pain.

Repeat Chorus

Outro: (Em, G, D, Em)
Em G
This is our anthem, our war-cry,
D Em
In the face of resignation, we defy.

Favorite Fan’s Name: Josh ‘Mad Dog’ Mitchell.

Testimonial:
“I’ve been a hardcore fan of Overcooked Resignation since their early days of playing in dive bars. Their music speaks directly to my soul. It’s a perfect blend of raw emotion, angst, and rebellion against the status quo. ‘Shackles of Mediocrity’, it’s as if they’ve put my life into a song. The lyrics, the music, it’s all a mirror to my everyday struggle. Overcooked Resignation isn’t just a band, it’s a movement for people like me who are trapped in the drudgery of life and yearn for more. They are my favorite because they give a voice to my silence.”

Backstory:

Rotating Need came together in the eclectic music scene of Portland, Oregon, in early 2010. The founding members, Max Stone on lead vocals and guitar, Luke ‘Rusty’ Russel on bass, and Tommy ‘Speed’ Johnson on drums, were all childhood friends who lived on the same suburban street. Each of them discovered their love for music independently but fate brought them together. They would spend hours jamming in Russel’s basement, their harmonic connection sparking a unique sound that was destined to be shared with the world. Their band name, Rotating Need, signifies their ever-evolving musical taste and the constant desire to push boundaries in their craft.

Genre:

Rotating Need’s music can broadly be categorized as Alternative Rock.

Title:

Their most popular song is titled “Circles in the Sand”.

Full song lyrics:

[Verse 1] (C-G-Am-F)
In the silence of the morning, (C-G)
Underneath the breaking dawn, (Am-F)
I find my thoughts returning, (C-G)
To a path I’ve always known. (Am-F)

[Chorus] (Am-G-F)
Circles in the sand, (Am-G)
Drawn by a wandering hand, (F)
Tracing the life that we planned, (Am-G)
In the circles in the sand. (F)

[Verse 2] (C-G-Am-F)
As the sun climbs over the ocean, (C-G)
Casting shadows long and lean, (Am-F)
I feel the pull of emotion, (C-G)
As I walk this scene unseen. (Am-F)

[Chorus] (Am-G-F)
Circles in the sand, (Am-G)
Left by a fleeting band, (F)
The story of life unplanned, (Am-G)
In the circles in the sand. (F)

Fan Testimonial:

“Rotating Need is my favorite band hands down. I am so in love with their raw, authentic sound. It’s Dave, by the way, or as the band knows me, ‘Crazy Dave’. Since I first heard them play in a dingy Portland bar, they’ve been my go-to for all moods and moments. Their lyrics speak to me like nothing else, and their performances are always electrifying. I’ve seen them live 17 times and each time feels like the first. ‘Circles in the Sand’ is the soundtrack to my life. They are genuine, talented, and just downright amazing musicians. Can’t wait for their next album!”

Backstory:

The origins of FALSE Honour can be traced back to a quiet suburb of Manchester, England. Consisting of four childhood friends – Ben Jenkins (lead vocals and guitar), Sam Turner (bass and backup vocals), Aaron Colman (drums), and Daniel Hills (lead guitar), they started playing together in their parents’ garages. Inspired by the raw emotion, power, and poetic expression of punk rock bands of the 70s and 80s, they decided to create their own music. The name FALSE Honour came from their feelings of disillusionment toward societal norms, where false appearances and honour seemed to overrule genuine human connection and authenticity.

Genre:
Punk Rock

Title:
“Thorns and Roses”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
[Em] Walking down the [D] lonely streets,
[G] Shaded by the [C] thorns and roses,
[Em] Dreaming of the [D] times we meet,
[G] In the midst of [C] all the poses.

(Chorus)
[Am] Wear your false [Em] honour like a crown,
[G] But don’t let it [D] bring you down,
[Am] It’s the thorns that [Em] make the roses,
[G] And the falls that [D] make the poses.

(Verse 2)
[Em] Reality is [D] painted grey,
[G] Lost in all the [C] empty phrases.
[Em] Hunting for the [D] light of day,
[G] Amidst the false [C] honour’s gazes.

(Chorus)
[Am] Wear your false [Em] honour like a crown,
[G] But don’t let it [D] bring you down,
[Am] It’s the thorns that [Em] make the roses,
[G] And the falls that [D] make the poses.

Fan Testimonial:

The band’s favorite fan is Emily Johnson. Emily discovered FALSE Honour during her most challenging times and their music became her refuge. She claims, “I found FALSE Honour at a time when I was lost, their music resonated with my struggle. It wasn’t just the raw energy and emotion, but the lyrics spoke to me on a deeper level. ‘Thorns and Roses’ is my anthem. It’s not just my favorite song, it’s a part of who I am. To anyone who feels like they’re lost in the pretenses of society, FALSE Honour’s music is a beacon of authenticity.”

Backstory:
Hospitable Complexity started its journey in the basement of a small suburban house in Long Beach, California during the summer of 2003. Founding members, lead vocalist and guitarist Ethan Moore, drummer Jeremy Davis, and bass guitarist Luke Jennings, were childhood friends who shared a common passion for music and a burning desire to create something new. Their unique friendship and chemistry evolved into a band, which started off playing at local bars and soon found recognition for their distinct style and soulful lyrics. They believe in the power of music to connect people, a value that they uphold not only in their music but in their interactions with their fans.

Genre:
Alternative Rock/Indie Pop

Title:
“Shores of Serenity”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
Am Em G D
Staring at the sunset, by the ageless sea
Am Em G D
Time seems to stand still, just you and me
Am Em G D
In the waves, I see our love’s story
Am Em G D
In the breeze, I feel your sweet glory

(Chorus)
G D Am Em
On the shores of serenity, we are free
G D Am Em
In the embrace of love, we find eternity

(Verse 2)
Am Em G D
Under the starlit sky, we make a vow
Am Em G D
To hold each other, here and now
Am Em G D
In your eyes, I see our shared dream
Am Em G D
In your smile, I find a precious gleam

(Chorus)
G D Am Em
On the shores of serenity, we are free
G D Am Em
In the embrace of love, we find eternity

Favorite Fan:
Their favorite fan is named Madison, a college student from San Diego. Madison first heard Hospitable Complexity at a small music festival and instantly fell in love with their sound. She has been a dedicated fan ever since, attending every local concert and passionately promoting their music. Madison says, “Hospitable Complexity isn’t just a band to me, they’re like a beacon of light. Their music has this unique way of making me feel understood and comforted. It’s as if they’re able to put into words what I can’t express. I think that’s what makes them my favorite. Their music is like a friend who’s always there for me.”

Backstory:

Unlawful Police originated in the heart of Detroit, Michigan, formed by a group of four friends – Joey, Simon, Nattie, and Tommy – who shared a profound love for music, and a deep-seated resentment for the perceived social injustices around them. Their passion for change and rebellion fueled their creative fire, leading to the formation of their band in the summer of 2003. The band’s name ‘Unlawful Police’ was a reflection of their rebellious spirit and their desire to question authority and societal norms.

Their music, a blend of punk rock and grunge, became an anthem for those who felt disconnected from the mainstream, felt unheard in a system that they believed to be unfair. Unlawful Police used their music as a medium to voice their perspectives, rallying their listeners to stand up against the system, and question the status quo.

Genre: Punk Rock/Grunge

Title: “Echoes of Resistance”

Full song lyrics:

(Verse 1)
[G] With a heart full of rage, [D] and the soul on fire,
[Em] We rise from the ashes, [C] aiming higher.
[G] Breaking the chains, [D] tearing the lies,
[Em] Unlawful Police, [C] hear our cries.

(Chorus)
[G] Echoes of resistance, [D] drowning the silence,
[Em] We won’t back down, [C] we won’t comply.
[G] The fight is ours, [D] the night is young,
[Em] Stand with us, [C] let freedom ring.

(Verse 2)
[G] Red ink on the wall, [D] screams of the forgotten,
[Em] Echoes of resistance, [C] a world so rotten.
[G] The system’s a game, [D] we refuse to play,
[Em] Unlawful Police, [C] we have our say.

(Chorus)
[G] Echoes of resistance, [D] drowning the silence,
[Em] We won’t back down, [C] we won’t comply.
[G] The fight is ours, [D] the night is young,
[Em] Stand with us, [C] let freedom ring.

Favorite Fan’s Name: Danny

Testimonial:

Danny, a university student from Chicago, found solace in the music of Unlawful Police during a time when he felt disenchanted with the system. The band’s refusal to bow down to the norms and their perseverance in the face of adversity ignited a spark in him. “Unlawful Police isn’t just a band, they’re a movement,” Danny says. “Their music isn’t just art, it’s a call to action. A call for change. Their music makes me feel seen, heard, and understood. It’s changed my life.” Danny’s profound connection with the band and their music has made him one of their most ardent supporters, earning him the title as the band’s favorite fan. His dedication and support for the band are a testament to the impact that Unlawful Police has had on their listeners.

Backstory:
Single Good is a quartet of seemingly mismatched individuals who came together in the bustling city of Miami. The band’s journey began when lead vocalist, Sarah Greene, and drummer, Danny Rios, were roommates in college. They started experimenting with music in their free time, creating melodies that resonated with their everyday experiences. Soon, with the addition of guitarist, Mark Downey, and bassist, Rebecca Meyers, Single Good came into existence. They began playing at local venues, dishing out tunes that tugged at heartstrings and made people tap their feet.

Genre:
Single Good is primarily an Indie Pop band, with their music being a heady mix of catchy pop beats and soulful indie rhythms. However, they’re not afraid to step out of their comfort zone and experiment with new genres.

Title:
One of their most popular songs is “Moonlit Symphony”.

Full Song Lyrics:

[Verse]
Em G
Under the moonlit sky, where the stars align,
D A
We dance to a symphony, just you and I.
Em G
With the soft sand beneath, and the ocean by,
D A
We let the night seep in, without a goodbye.

[Chorus]
G Em
It’s a moonlit symphony, we sway to its tune,
D A
Under the stardust glow, feeling the monsoon.
G Em
With the melody of whispers, and rhythm of the sea,
D A
In a moonlit symphony, we find our decree.

[Verse]
Em G
With the silhouettes looming, and the lighthouse afar,
D A
We trace our story, under every visible star.
Em G
With the waves as our soundtrack, and the moon our guiding star,
D A
We let the night play on, till the morning scar.

(Repeat Chorus)

Fan Testimonial:

“My name is Jenna Rodriguez and I am Single Good’s biggest fan. Their music is like a breath of fresh air, it’s something that speaks to me on a personal level. The lyrics aren’t just words, but they tell a story that resonates with my life. Listening to them after a long, hard day is the best form of relaxation. “Moonlit Symphony” is my all-time favorite; it feels like a soothing lullaby that effortlessly calms my restless thoughts. Single Good isn’t just a band to me, they’re like friends who understand my emotions without me having to say a word.”