Backstory:

Uncommon Oatmeal was formed in the small town of Avena, Iowa in 2009. The band’s members, lead vocalist and guitarist Joey “Oat” Oates, bassist Sam “Bran” Branigan, and drummer Kelly “Grain” Grainsworth, met at a local farmer’s market where they bonded over a shared love for music and, of course, oatmeal. They decided to turn their passion into reality and started playing at local bars and cafes, quickly gaining a loyal following.

Their breakthrough came in 2012 when they were discovered by a famous music producer who happened to stumble into one of their shows while passing through Avena. He was so captivated by their unique sound and engaging performances that he decided to sign them to his label. Since then, Uncommon Oatmeal has been pouring their heart and soul into creating music that resonates with their fans and continues to rise in popularity.

Genre:

Indie Folk Rock

Title:

“Morning Harmony”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
[G] Wake up, it’s a brand new day, [C] sun is shining in a [G] charming way
[D] Spoonfuls of love and a [C] bowl of dreams, [G] life is more than what it [D] seems
[G] Kitchen smells like warmth and cheer, [C] as the day’s dawn is drawing [G] near
[D] Hear the sound of the morning dove, [C] it’s another day to [G] love [D]

(Chorus)
[G] Morning harmony, [C] in a bowl of oatmeal [G] rising
[D] With every spoonful I [C] take, there’s a new day [G] dawning
[C] Uncommon, but it’s ours, [G] everyday starts with these hours
[D] Morning harmony, the [C] sweetest thing in [G] life [D]

(Verse 2 repeats verse 1’s chord progression)
Wake up, it’s a melody, life is singing in a perfect key
Bowl of oatmeal, a cup of joe, ready to face the day and go
Sunrise colors the world anew, every day is a different hue
Taste the sweetness of the dawn, another day to be reborn

(Chorus repeats)

Favorite Fan’s Name:

Linda Thompson

Testimonial:

“I’ve always been a fan of music that speaks to the simple things in life and when I first heard Uncommon Oatmeal, I knew I had found something special. Their music is so relatable and comforting, like a warm bowl of oatmeal on a cold morning. It’s an essential part of my day now. I just love how their songs can turn ordinary moments into something magical. They’re not just a band to me, they’re like family.”

Backstory:
Jagged Chain formed in the heart of Detroit, Michigan, in 2008, when four friends decided to turn their passion for music into a tangible reality. The bandmembers, Jack “Jazz” Johnson, Andy “Twister” Tisdale, Greg “Grit” Greene, and Nate “Nail” Norton, all came from different musical backgrounds, making their fusion unique and electrifying. Jazz, a former church choir singer, brought a soulful touch to their sound, Twister, a classically trained pianist, added depth, while Grit and Nail, both self-taught musicians, contributed raw, powerful energy. Their shared ambition and love for their hometown propelled them into the local music scene, where they quickly made a name for themselves.

The band’s big break came when their energetic performance at a local music festival caught the attention of a record label executive. Since then, Jagged Chain has released three albums, each reflecting their gritty, emotional sound and their evolution as artists. Their music, often described as a unique blend of rock, soul, and blues, resonates with their fans, who appreciate their authenticity and down-to-earth approach.

Genre:
Blues-Rock

Title:
“Steel City Blues”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse)
E A E
Steel city’s burnin’, burnin’ down to the ground
C#m B7 E
Feels like my whole world is tumblin’ down
E A E
Workin’ long hours, just to make ends meet
C#m B7 E
Dreamin’ of a life away from this heat

(Chorus)
A E
I’ve got those steel city blues
B7 E
Ain’t got nothing left to lose
A E
Shackles tying me down
B7 E
In this old industrial town

(Repeat Verse and Chorus)

Favorite Fan Testimonial:
Name: Sarah “Chainlink” Thompson

Sarah, known among the Jagged Chain community as “Chainlink,” has been a diehard fan since their first performance. “I was there at their first gig in a rundown bar in Detroit. What drew me to them was their raw energy, passion, and the way they captured the struggles of our city in their music. ‘Steel City Blues,’ in particular, spoke to me. It was like they took the heartache, dreams, and resilience of our city and turned it into a song. Over the years, I’ve watched them grow and evolve, but they’ve always remained true to their roots. Jagged Chain isn’t just a band; they’re a symbol of our city, our struggles, and our hopes. They’re my favorite because their music is real, and it speaks to my soul.”

Backstory:
Hailing from the rain-soaked city of Seattle, Washington, Harsh Cemetery formed in the fall of 1999 through childhood friends and music enthusiasts: Malcolm Riley (Lead Vocals), Elliot Brown (Lead Guitar), Thomas Harington (Bass), and Aaron Mathis (Drums). The four of them found solace in music amidst the chaos of their tumultuous teenage years. Malcolm’s hauntingly beautiful lyrics, often inspired by the macabre, paired with Elliot’s atmospheric guitar riffs, Thomas’s brooding basslines, and Aaron’s thunderous drumming, quickly gained a cult following in the Pacific Northwest’s vibrant music scene. They were known for their raw and intense live performances that left audiences in an emotional tornado.

Genre:
Post-Grunge with a tint of Gothic Rock

Title:
“Echoes in the Graveyard”

Full Song Lyrics:

Verse 1:
[Am] In the heart of dark, where shadows lie [E]
[G] You’ll find me wandering, beneath the moonlit sky [D]
[Am] Among the tombstones, where the silence screams [E]
[G] I trace the names of forgotten dreams [D]

Chorus:
[Am] Echoes in the graveyard, whisper to the night [E]
[G] Lost souls humming lullabies, in the pale moonlight [D]
[Am] In this harsh cemetery, we find our peace [E]
[G] Where the world’s chaos, finally cease [D]

Verse 2:
[Am] The wind carries stories, of love and despair [E]
[G] In the cold night air, there’s a mournful prayer [D]
[Am] I etch my heartache, on the marble stone [E]
[G] In this sea of death, I’m not alone [D]

Chorus:
[Am] Echoes in the graveyard, whisper to the night [E]
[G] Lost souls humming lullabies, in the pale moonlight [D]
[Am] In this harsh cemetery, we find our peace [E]
[G] Where the world’s chaos, finally cease [D]

Favorite Fan Testimonial:
Lisa Marie, a 30-year-old from Olympia, Washington, has been following the band since their early days. “Harsh Cemetery’s music is a cathartic experience,” she says. “Their lyrics are incredibly profound, and their raw energy is truly mesmerizing. I’ve been to dozens of their concerts, and each time, I come out feeling emotionally purged. I’ve even got their lyrics tattooed on me. They’ve helped me through some tough times, and for that, they’ll always be my favorite band.”

Backstory:

Sardonic Tower, a band of five close friends, emerged from the gloomy bayous of Louisiana. The band was formed in 2010 when lead-singer and guitarist, Jaxon Locke, convinced his childhood friends to take their high school jam sessions to a professional level. The group, made up of Locke, drummer Eli Hardy, bassist Max Silver, keyboardist Lara Finch, and backup vocalist and rhythm guitarist, Seth Morton, began honing their skills in a dilapidated tower Locke inherited from his eccentric uncle. The tower, known for its history and mystery, inspired the name, ‘Sardonic Tower.’ The band started playing gigs at local bars and clubs, gaining a reputation for their haunting melodies and sardonic lyrics. Their breakthrough came when a recording of their performance went viral on social media, leading to a record deal and solidifying their place in the music industry.

Genre:

Alternative Rock

Title:

“Climbing Shadows”

Full song lyrics with chord progression:

(Verse)
Am Em G D
In the shadow of the tower, beneath the moonlight’s glower,
Am Em G D
Barefoot and wild, running like a child.
Am Em G D
Tales of old, secrets left untold,
Am Em G D
In the heart of the night, we ignite.

(Chorus)
C G D Em
Climbing shadows, chasing echoes,
C G D Em
In sardonic tower, we find our power.
C G D Em
Rising higher, fueled by desire,
C G D Em
In the heart of the night, we take flight.

(Verse)
Am Em G D
Eyes wide open, words unspoken,
Am Em G D
Guided by stars, bearing our scars.
Am Em G D
Lost in this maze, set ablaze,
Am Em G D
In the heart of the night, we ignite.

(Chorus)
C G D Em
Climbing shadows, chasing echoes,
C G D Em
In sardonic tower, we find our power.
C G D Em
Rising higher, fueled by desire,
C G D Em
In the heart of the night, we take flight.

Favorite Fan:

The band’s favorite fan is a girl named Harper, a Louisiana native who has been following the band since their early days of playing at local venues. She is not just a fan but a part of their journey, always front and center at every show, cheering them on. Her dedication has been instrumental in the band’s rise to fame.

Testimonial:

“Sardonic Tower embodies everything I love about music. Their lyrics are like poetry, and their melodies are hauntingly beautiful. I’ve been with them from the start, and to see their progression has been amazing. The way their music connects with the audience, it’s like they’re telling your story. For me, there’s no band quite like Sardonic Tower.” – Harper.

Backstory:
Querulous Authority sprouted from the foggy streets of London, England in the year 2002. The band was formed by four art college mates, all of whom shared a passion for music that pushes boundaries and challenges the status quo. The original members of the band, lead vocalist and guitarist Dominic Prince, bass guitarist Arthur Hyde, drummer Robbie Clare, and keyboardist Leo Hargrove, bonded over their shared dissatisfaction with the mainstream music scene. They decided to create their own sound, one that expressed their distinctive perspectives and beliefs, calling into question the authority of societal norms and policies. Querulous Authority has since then become a significant part of the underground music scene, gaining a cult following with their unique sound and unabashed lyrical themes.

Genre:
Post-punk / Experimental Rock

Title:
“Vagrant Voices”

Full Song Lyrics:

[Verse 1]
Gm / F / C / C
In a world where silence breeds,
Gm / F / C / C
Vagrant voices, we do heed.
Bb / F / C / D
In the shadows, we find light,
Bb / F / C / D
Screaming at the endless night.

[Chorus]
Gm / F / C / C
We are the querulous authority,
Gm / F / C / C
Rising from the ashes of conformity.
Bb / F / C / D
We won’t be silenced, we won’t be tamed,
Bb / F / C / D
We are the fire, we are the flame.

[Verse 2]
Gm / F / C / C
In a world where the truth is sold,
Gm / F / C / C
We weave stories, bold and bold.
Bb / F / C / D
Through our music, through our verse,
Bb / F / C / D
We aim to heal the universe.

(Repeat Chorus)

Fan Testimonial:
The band’s favorite fan is a passionate music-lover named Sophie Turner. Sophie has been a die-hard fan of Querulous Authority since their inception. She has attended every single one of their concerts and is known for her dedication, even traveling across countries to see them perform. Sophie praises Querulous Authority for their raw and rebellious sound, as well as their thought-provoking lyrics.

“Querulous Authority isn’t just a band to me, they are a revolution. Their music speaks to me on a personal level, challenging the norms and questioning the authority. They represent the voice of the unheard, the underrepresented. Every lyric, every chord progression speaks volumes about their commitment to incite change through their music. And that’s why they will always be my favorite band.” – Sophie Turner.

Backstory:

Tender Border was born during a time when a group of close friends from high school found themselves at different ends of the country for college. The longing for their home and their shared memories sparked the creation of this band. Comprised of lead vocalist Jeremy Hopkins, guitarist Mark Whitman, drummer Lily Marshall, and bassist Hugo Turner, Tender Border’s journey began in their own backyards on balmy summer nights, transitioning into jamming sessions in their dorm rooms. The band’s emotional connection and shared experiences became the soul of their music, leading them to deliver heartfelt performances that resonated with audiences everywhere.

Genre:

Their music can best be described as indie folk-rock, with a touch of Americana. They have a knack for blending mellow acoustic melodies with heartfelt lyrics, echoing reflections of their own personal experiences and the broader human condition. Tender Border’s unique sound is characterized by a blend of rhythmic guitar strumming, powerful drum beats, and resonant bass lines, complemented perfectly by Hopkins’ rich, emotive vocals.

Title:

“One More Summer”

Full song lyrics:

Verse 1:
(G) They say the past is just a (D) memory,
(Em) And tomorrow is an (C) unwritten song.
(G) But I’m stuck in the middle, (D)
(Em) Feeling lost in a riddle, (C)

Chorus:
(G) Give me one more summer,
(D) One more laugh under the twilight.
(Em) Let’s relive the joy and the blunder,
(C) Before we say goodnight.
(G) One more summer,
(D) Underneath the endless sky,
(Em) Chasing dreams before they asunder,
(C) Before we say goodbye.

Verse 2:
(G) The road stretches like a (D) dream,
(Em) And home feels like a (C) distant star.
(G) The city lights don’t (D) glow the same,
(Em) I long for our old town’s (C) charm.

(Repeat Chorus)

Favorite Fan:

Our favorite fan is Emily Patterson. She’s been with us since the beginning, faithfully attending every single gig we’ve played, whether it was in a crowded bar or at a small town festival. Emily’s testimonial is, “Tender Border is more than just a band for me. Their music resonates with my life experiences. It’s almost as if they’ve stolen pages from my diary and composed tunes around them. The raw emotion they project through their songs is not just heard, but felt. They are my favorite because they have the uncanny ability to transport me back to my own ‘one more summer’ and they do it with such grace and authenticity. They are a gem in the world of music.”

Backstory:
Motionless Potato was born out of a shared dorm room in a quirky New England liberal arts college. The founding members -guitarist Henry “Hank” Reilly, drummer Simon “Sy” Goldberg, and bassist Lily “Liz” Zhang- were all majoring in different fields, but found a common love for music and creativity. Their unique band name came about during a marathon late-night study session, when they spotted a forgotten bag of potatoes that had sat motionless in the corner of their room for weeks. The trio found humor in the randomness of the name and decided to embrace it, hoping that it would reflect their unconventional approach to music.

The band spent the initial years playing at college festivals and local pubs, gradually building a fanbase. Following their graduation, they moved to Brooklyn and began recording their music while working part-time jobs. Their unique blend of psychedelia and folk-rock, coupled with their tongue-in-cheek lyrics, began to resonate with a larger audience. As they climbed the ladder of indie music, Motionless Potato remained true to their roots, maintaining their signature quirkiness and commitment to artistic expression.

Genre:
Psychedelic Folk-Rock

Song Title:
“A Glimpse of the Cosmic Spud”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
C G Am Em
Look at the sky, it’s a velvet kind of night
F C G
Stars drawing pictures for the colorblind
C G Am Em
In the distance, an echo of a lullaby
F C G
Bouncing off the walls of the Spacetime

(Chorus)
F C G
Oh shining, cosmic spud
Am Em F
Unmoved in the celestial flood
C G Am
Teach us to be still yet fly
F C G
In the vast theater of the sky

(Verse 2)
C G Am Em
Through the kaleidoscope of the universe
F C G
We find humor in the poignant verse
C G Am Em
A motionless potato in the cosmic stir
F C G
Symbol of tranquility we so prefer

(Chorus)
F C G
Oh shining, cosmic spud
Am Em F
Unmoved in the celestial flood
C G Am
Teach us to be still yet soar
F C G
In the cosmic maze evermore

Bridge:
Dm Em F G
May we find peace, in the quiet
Dm Em F G
May we flourish, in the riot

(Chorus)
F C G
Oh shining, cosmic spud
Am Em F
Unmoved in the celestial flood
C G Am
Teach us to be still yet glide
F C G
In the cosmic dance, be our guide

Fan’s Name and Testimonial:
Fan’s Name: Jenny Masterson

Testimonial: “Motionless Potato is my absolute favorite band because they offer something truly unique. Their music is not just a combination of pleasing sounds, it’s a creative journey that takes you to unexpected places. Every song is an adventure that makes you think, laugh, cry, and most importantly, feel. Their lyrics are profound yet playful, and their overall vibe is refreshingly authentic. There’s a certain comfort in their music, like a warm, familiar blanket in the cold unknown of the universe. As a fan, it feels like I am part of this fantastic journey of exploring humanity through music.”

Backstory:
Unlined Income is a band that started in the vibrant city of Seattle during the late 90s. The founding members, Alex Grafton (lead vocals, rhythm guitar) and Mark Plank (drums, backing vocals), were high school friends who found solace in music during their tumultuous teenage years. After finishing college, they decided to form a band and express their thoughts on society, freedom, and their mutual disdain for the 9-5 grind. They were later joined by Sarah Jones (bass) and Tom Helms (lead guitar), both of whom brought a new depth and complexity to the band’s sound. Unlined Income became known for their electric performances and their thought-provoking lyrics, garnering a dedicated fanbase.

Genre:
Alternative Rock

Title:
“Paper Chains”

Full song lyrics:

(Verse 1)
Em G
Trapped in the cage of corporate race
Em C
Freedom’s a memory we barely trace
Am Em
Chasing after the gleaming gold
Am Em
Are we just doing as we are told?

(Chorus)
C G Em
Paper chains, Unlined Income
C G Em
In this game, are we really free?
C G Em
Paper Chains, Unlined Income
C G Em
Is this life just a life decree?

(Verse 2)
Em G
Dreams sold in the market place
Em C
Reality’s a pill we often brace
Am Em
Living life in the paper chase
Am Em
Is this the human race’s grace?

(Repeat Chorus)
C G Em
Paper chains, Unlined Income
C G Em
In this game, are we really free?
C G Em
Paper Chains, Unlined Income
C G Em
Is this life just a life decree?

Fan’s Name:
Julie Simmons

Testimonial:
“I’ve followed Unlined Income since their first gig in the local bar. Their music has always resonated with me because it talks about real life, the grind, and the sometimes soul-crushing monotony. It’s not easy to find a band that can so beautifully articulate your thoughts and emotions. Their song ‘Paper Chains’ is my anthem; it gets me through the tough days. Unlined Income isn’t just my favorite band, they’re my lifeline.”

Backstory:

Dental Implementation was born out of a dentist’s waiting room in the small town of Colgate, Oklahoma. The lead singer, Tom “Tooth” Thompson, was a dental hygienist with a love for music, who often sang to his patients to calm their nerves. One day, Tooth was overheard by Jeremy “Drill” Daniels, an oral surgeon with a secret talent for songwriting. Intrigued by Tooth’s unique voice and charisma, Drill proposed a musical collaboration, and Dental Implementation was born. They quickly recruited Tooth’s receptionist, Carol “Cavity” Carson on bass, and Drill’s anesthesiologist, Mike “Molar” Miller on drums, and they began writing songs inspired by their day jobs, turning the often-feared dental visit into a joyous musical exploration.

Genre:
Dental Implementation identifies their musical genre as a unique blend of Punk-Rock and Dental Pop.

Title:
Their hit song is called “Root Canal Romance”.

Full song lyrics:

Verse 1:
[Am] “I saw her sitting in the [G] waiting room,
[Am] Her eyes as captivating as a [G] dental bloom.
[Am] She’s got a smile that could light up a [G] tomb,
[F] And I’m just a dentist, [E] sweeping with my broom.”

Chorus:
[Am] “It’s a root canal romance, [G] baby don’t you see,
[Am] You’re the crown I’ve been waiting for, [G] you’re perfect for me.
[F] I’ll clean your cavities, make your enamel [E] gleam,
[Am] It’s a root canal romance, [G] you’re my dental dream.”

Verse 2:
[Am] “She’s got teeth as white as [G] porcelain,
[Am] A laugh that could make a hygienist [G] grin.
[Am] Love is the floss that ties us, [G] thin,
[F] And our love story is just [E] begin.”

(Repeat Chorus)

Fan Testimonial:

Dental Implementation’s biggest fan is Molly “Mouth” Martin. Molly discovered Dental Implementation during a rough patch in her life when she was struggling with a severe toothache. She stumbled upon their music video for “Root Canal Romance” and immediately fell in love with their unique, catchy tunes and relatable lyrics. Molly states, “Dental Implementation isn’t just a band, they’re a community. When I listen to their music, I feel understood and comforted. They turned my dental dread into a dental delight. They’re more than my favorite band; they’re like my second family.”

Backstory:

Infamous Crow is a band that started out as a passion project between three childhood friends- Jake, Mike and Sally, in the small town of Asheville, North Carolina. The trio would spend hours in their makeshift garage studio, playing their hearts out, and letting the rhythm of their dreams come alive in the purity of their music. Their name, Infamous Crow, is a tribute to an old town tale about a crow that would never quit, despite its notoriety, much like their own spirit. After years of playing at local gigs, they were discovered by a prominent music producer who was in town for a festival. Their raw talent and unique sound led them to greater heights, and they soon became a nationally recognized band, retaining their humble attitude and their strong bond of friendship.

Genre:
Rock/ Folk Rock

Title:
“Dancing Shadows”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
C#m B A G#
Underneath the willow, where we used to play,
C#m B A G#
Found our shadows dancing, in the break of day,
C#m B A G#
Memories came rushing, like a forgotten song,
C#m B A G#
In the heart of the meadow, where we belong.

(Chorus)
E B C#m G#
Dancing shadows, whispering winds,
E B C#m G#
Carry us home, where the story begins,
E B C#m G#
Underneath the stars, by the old stone well,
E B C#m G#
In our hometown, where our hearts dwell.

(Verse 2)
C#m B A G#
Chasing dreams and fireflies, under the moon’s soft glow,
C#m B A G#
We found our rhythm, in the ebb and flow,
C#m B A G#
Our love was wild and free, like the river’s song,
C#m B A G#
In the heart of the meadow, where we belong.

(Chorus)
E B C#m G#
Dancing shadows, whispering winds,
E B C#m G#
Carry us home, where the story begins,
E B C#m G#
Underneath the stars, by the old stone well,
E B C#m G#
In our hometown, where our hearts dwell.

Favorite Fan’s Name: Emily Jenkins

Emily Jenkins, known affectionally as ‘Crow Caller’ among the Infamous Crow fan circle, is a die-hard fan from the very beginning. When asked why Infamous Crow is her favorite, Emily said, “Their music resonates with my soul. It’s like they’re telling my story through their songs. The raw passion, the authenticity, the way they pour their hearts into their performances, it’s all incredibly captivating. And the best part is, they’ve remained grounded even after achieving so much success. I’ve had the pleasure of meeting them at a fan meet, and they’re the most humble and genuine people I’ve ever met. Infamous Crow isn’t just a band to me, it’s a way of life.”