Backstory:

Wry Employment embarked on their musical journey in the vibrant arts scene of Austin, Texas in 2005. High school buddies, Jackson ‘Jax’ Taylor and Ryan ‘Ry’ Simmons, initially started it as a way to express their shared disdain for their mundane jobs, and their passion for music. Over time, they added bassist, Trish ‘Trix’ Keller, and drummer, Sam ‘Slam’ Boone, both of who brought their love for the eclectic and the avant-garde to the band’s unique sound. Their music was their escape, their rebellion, and their solace from the daily grind, hence the ironic name, Wry Employment.

The band started gaining local fame, playing in dive bars and local music festivals around Austin. Their relatable lyrics, grounded in their shared experiences, resonated with the working-class youth. Their big break came in 2010 when their first album, “Overtime Melodies,” won the Independent Music Award for best alternative album. Since then, they’ve only grown in popularity, with their unique sound and sincere lyrics resonating with audiences worldwide.

Genre:
Alternative Rock

Song Title:
“Clockwork Lament”

Full song lyrics:

(Verse 1)
Am – G – F – C
In the factory of our discontent, (Am)
We’re just cogs in the machine, (G)
Our dreams are rusted, our hopes are bent, (F)
Echoing unheard in the daily routine. (C)

Chorus:
Am – G – F – C
We’re all tangled in the clockwork lament, (Am)
Running in circles in our wry employment, (G)
Trading our time for a few dollars spent, (F)
Hoping for a glimpse of fleeting enjoyment. (C)

(Verse 2)
Am – G – F – C
In the maze of monotony, we lose our way, (Am)
Our passions faded, our spirits fray, (G)
But in the music, we find our say, (F)
Breaking the chains, we seize the day. (C)

Chorus:
Am – G – F – C
We’re all tangled in the clockwork lament, (Am)
Singing our defiance in our wry employment, (G)
Trading despair for a melody sent, (F)
Finding in the rhythm, our empowerment. (C)

Fan’s Testimonial:

Fan’s name: Jenny Walker

Jenny is a 25-year-old graphic designer from Austin, Texas. She has been a fan of Wry Employment since their early days. “I’ve loved them since they were just a garage band. Their music resonates with anyone who’s ever felt lost in the monotony of a 9-to-5 job. ‘Clockwork Lament’ is my anthem. It’s raw, real, and remarkably relatable. Wry Employment is not just my favorite band because their music speaks to me, but also because they’re proof that you should never give up on your dreams, no matter how wry they may seem.”