Backstory:
Substantial Value is a unique ensemble that came together under unexpected circumstances. The band’s founding members, lead vocalist/guitarist Jake Harrison and drummer Tom Lawson, met during a college philosophy seminar in the mid-90s. Inspired by their shared passion for music and their keen interest in existential dialectics, they decided to form a band to express their philosophical musings through music. After enlisting bassist Diane Matthews and keyboard player Alex Kim, Substantial Value was born. They spent countless hours in their university’s music room, combining their diverse musical influences and distinct lyrical vision to create a sound that was both thought-provoking and catchy.

Genre:
Substantial Value’s music can be best described as Indie rock with a tinge of post-punk revival. They incorporate indie sensibilities with thought-provoking lyrics and undeniable melodic hooks. Their music can be as driving and unrelenting as it is introspective and sensitive.

Title: “Layers of Existence”

Full Song Lyrics:
(Verse 1, G-A-D)
Where do we find our place, in this vast cosmic space?
Is there a trace of grace, or just an empty chase?
I see your face, lost in the human race,
Looking for a case, to escape this place.

(Chorus, Em-Bm-C-D)
Layers of existence, peeling away,
What’s the distance, between the night and the day?
Are we mere resistance, to all that may sway,
In these layers of existence, we lose and find our way.

(Verse 2, G-A-D)
Is this a test or a quest, and who’s the guest?
Are we blessed, or just pressed and stressed?
In our chest, lies the zest, unexpressed,
In these layers of existence, we search for rest.

(Chorus, Em-Bm-C-D)
Layers of existence, unfolding in stride,
Where’s the persistence, when dreams have died?
Are we mere subsistence, in the world outside,
In these layers of existence, we hide and confide.

Fan Testimonial:
The band’s favorite fan is a young woman named Emily. She discovered Substantial Value’s music during a challenging period in her life and claims their philosophical lyrics and soulful melodies helped her navigate through her existential crisis. Emily shares, “Substantial Value isn’t just a band to me, they’re a beacon of hope. Their music has a way of making you feel seen and understood even in your most vulnerable moments. They’ve found a way to encapsulate feelings we often struggle to express, and for that, I will forever be a fan.”