Backstory:

Scared Seed sprouted from humble beginnings in the small midwestern town of Keota, Iowa, where farming was the norm, and music was an escape. The band was initially a trio of high school friends – lead vocalist and guitarist Layne Carver, bassist Ethan Powers, and drummer Luke Powell – who would jam out in their parents’ barns after the day’s chores were done. Their passion for music grew along with their friendship, and after a spontaneous performance at a local county fair, they realized their synergy on stage was something special.

Upon graduating high school, the trio was faced with a choice – to follow the conventional path of farming or pursue their shared passion for music. They chose the latter and moved to the bustling city of Chicago. After busking and playing small gigs, they were discovered by a local radio DJ, who helped them get their first record deal. Despite their success, Scared Seed has always stayed true to their roots, often integrating themes of rural life and personal growth in their music.

Genre:

Alternative Country / Folk Rock

Title:

“Rye Whiskey Lullaby”

Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1: C, Am, F, G)
In the heart of the heartland, under blue prairie sky
(C, Am, F, G)
You’ll find me at the crossroads, where the cornfields lie
(C, Am, F, G)
In my hands, a guitar, in my heart, a song
(C, Am, F, G)
And in my flask, a rye whiskey, to help me along

(Chorus: F, G, C, Am)
Sing me a rye whiskey lullaby
(F, G, C, Am)
Beneath that old Iowa moon so high
(F, G, C, Am)
We’ve grown from Scared Seeds, into mighty trees
(F, G, C, Am)
Singing our truth for all to see

(Verse 2: C, Am, F, G)
We traded ploughs for melodies, and tractors for guitars
(C, Am, F, G)
Left the cornfields behind us, chasing city stars
(C, Am, F, G)
But memories of roots, run deep in our veins
(C, Am, F, G)
In every note we play, you can hear the plains

(Repeat Chorus)

Favourite Fan:

Their best-loved fan is a young woman named Molly Malone. Molly first encountered Scared Seed during their early busking days in Chicago. She was captivated by their heartfelt lyrics and unique blend of country and folk rock. Since then, she has followed them to every concert, come rain or shine.

Testimonial:

“Scared Seed is my absolute favorite band, for so many reasons. From their raw, unfiltered lyrics to their authentic, soulful sound, they connect with my spirit like no other. They remind me of my own roots, growing up in a small town and dreaming big. Despite their growth, they’ve kept their humility, often giving back to their community and staying connected with their fans. Their music resonates with me in a way that’s more than just sound – it’s like a rye whiskey lullaby for my soul.”

Backstory:

Jaded Hope emerged from the damp basements of the Pacific Northwest in the late ’90s, initially formed as a refuge from the grim realities of millennial angst and apathy. The band consists of lead vocalist and guitarist, Michael “Mickey” Thompson, drummer Derek “Del” Campbell, and bassist Lucy “Lu” Harper. After meeting in a local record shop, the trio was united by their shared frustration with the world around them and their desire to express themselves through music. Their raw, hard-hitting sound soon caught the attention of the local scene, propelling them on an unexpected journey that would see them playing shows across the country.

Genre:

Alternative Rock/Grunge

Title:

“Faded Echo”

Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
[G] There’s a faded echo in the [D] back of my mind,
[C] Old melodies drowned in the [G] sands of time.
Distant [G] voices and the [D] laughter so clear,
[C] Lost in the echoes, yet [G] I still hear.

(Chorus)
[G] Faded echoes, [D] whispering low,
[C] Telling me things I [G] no longer know.
[G] Haunting my dreams, [D] stealing my sleep,
[C] These are the secrets [G] we buried so deep.

(Verse 2)
[G] Time moves on, but the [D] echoes remain,
[C] Ghost of the past, sing your [G] haunting refrain.
[G] Shadows dance to the [D] rhythm of night,
[C] Held in their grip, till [G] morning’s first light.

(Chorus)
[G] Faded echoes, [D] whispering low,
[C] Telling me things I [G] no longer know.
[G] Haunting my dreams, [D] stealing my sleep,
[C] These are the secrets [G] we keep.

Fan Testimonial:

Name: Ethan “E” Tanner
“I’ve been a fan of Jaded Hope since their first basement gig. Their music resonates with me on a personal level. The rawness, the honesty, the grit, it’s like they’ve taken my own thoughts and feelings and given them a voice. Specifically, “Faded Echo” is more than just a song to me, it’s an anthem. It speaks to the struggle of moving past old memories and the haunting echoes they leave behind. Jaded Hope is my favorite band because they aren’t afraid to dig deep and reveal the unadorned truth.”

Backstory:
Formed in the heart of Boston in 2011, Unripe Scene began as a shared passion among four college friends: lead vocalist/guitarist Chris Kent, drummer Miles Turner, bassist Jake Reynolds, and keyboardist Sophie Miller. United by their shared love for music, they started jamming in their dorm rooms, where their talent quickly became apparent. Over time, they started playing in small local venues, building a fan base with their infectious energy and unique sound. After graduation, they decided to take a leap of faith, touring the country and playing to larger crowds. They’ve worked hard to maintain their indie integrity, constantly evolving their sound while staying true to their roots.

Genre:
Indie Rock/Alternative Pop

Title:
“Stardust Melancholy”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
[C]Underneath the [G]city lights, [Am]lost in the [Em]crowd,
[D]Searching for a [G]little peace, where [C]silence is loud.
[C]We are just [G]dreamers, [Am]chasing the [Em]sun,
[D]Caught up in a [G]reverie, that’s [C]only begun.

(Chorus)
[Em]Stardust [G]melancholy, [C]painting the [D]sky,
[Em]We are [G]unripe scenes in the [C]world’s dreaming [D]eye.
[Em]Keep on [G]chasing shadows, [C]under the [D]moon,
[Em]We are [G]unripe scenes, but we’ll [C]ripen [D]soon.

(Verse 2)
[C]In the midst of [G]chaos, [Am]we seek the [Em]divine,
[D]Strangers in this [G]world, but [C]your hand in mine.
[C]We are just [G]travelers, [Am]on the road [Em]less trod,
[D]Finding our [G]way, with a [C]faith in God.

(Chorus)
[Em]Stardust [G]melancholy, [C]painting the [D]sky,
[Em]We are [G]unripe scenes in the [C]world’s dreaming [D]eye.
[Em]Keep on [G]chasing shadows, [C]under the [D]moon,
[Em]We are [G]unripe scenes, but we’ll [C]ripen [D]soon.

Fan’s Name and Testimonial:
Fan’s name: Lucy Donovan
Testimonial: “Unripe Scene is more than just a band to me. Their music has been a constant source of inspiration and comfort during some of the most challenging times of my life. Their unique blend of indie rock and alternative pop creates an incredibly moving, soul-stirring sound that’s impossible not to love. I especially connect with their song ‘Stardust Melancholy.’ The lyrics are profoundly relatable and always remind me of the importance of perseverance and hope. Unripe Scene will forever be my favorite band, not just for their music, but for the love and passion they put into it.”

Backstory:
Born from the ashes of a failed indie garage band in 2012, Kooky Existence rose to prominence in the less conventional corners of the music world. The band members – Zack, Charlotte, Louie, and Derek – found their unique sound when they began experimenting with blending different genres and infusing their music with introspective, existential lyrics. They started out by playing underground gigs in their hometown of Chicago, quickly building a loyal following. When they launched their first self-titled EP in 2015, it was received with critical acclaim, leading to the band’s first national tour. The quirky quartet has been rocking the music scene ever since, with their eccentric behavior and unorthodox sound creating a newfound appreciation for experimental music.

Genre:
Alternative rock/Neo-psychedelic

Title:
“Fractured Reflections”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
C#m
Walking down this lonely road,
Em
A million stories left untold,
F#m
Reflections fractured, shadows bold,
G#m
In this existence, we grow old.

(Chorus)
A
Fractured Reflections in the night,
B
A kooky world, a twisted sight,
C#m
Unveiling all, in the stark light,
D
In this existence, we must fight.

(Verse 2)
C#m
In the mirror of the soul,
Em
Cracks reveal the gaping hole,
F#m
In a world that’s out of control,
G#m
Music mends and makes us whole.

(Chorus)
A
Fractured Reflections, dreams collide,
B
In this kooky world, we confide,
C#m
In the chaos, we learn to abide,
D
In existence, we find our stride.

Fan Testimonial:
My name is Eddie and Kooky Existence is my favorite band, hands down. Their music isn’t just sound, it’s an experience. Every song tells a different story, every lyric has depth. As someone who appreciates music that goes beyond the surface, Kooky Existence is an absolute gem. From their unique blend of genres to their thought-provoking lyrics, they offer a fresh perspective that’s rare to find in the music industry today. Their song “Fractured Reflections” is my personal favourite. It’s honest, it’s raw, and it speaks of life as it truly is – beautiful but messy, chaotic but meaningful.

Backstory:
Determined Wedding sprung to life in the bustling city of Chicago during the late 1990s. The band was formed by lead vocalist and guitarist, Tommy Cook and bassist, Jamie Carpenter, two long-time friends who shared a love for music that told stories of love, loss, and the human condition. They were later joined by drummer, Rick Burton, and keyboardist, Lisa Hall, completing the band’s line-up. After years of performing in local bars and music festivals, Determined Wedding finally got their big break when they were picked up by a record label, catapulting them into the mainstream music scene. Their distinctive sound, poetic lyrics, and mesmerizing live performances soon won them a loyal fan base.

Genre:
Alternative Rock

Title:
“Painted Skies”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
G Am
Under painted skies, where we used to lie,
C D
Our hearts beating as one, under the setting sun.
G Am
In your eyes, I found a home,
C D
A place where I never felt alone.

(Chorus)
G Em
Oh, painted skies, bring back those highs,
Am D
Take me back to the time, when your hand was in mine.

(Verse 2)
G Am
We danced in the rain, forgetting all our pain,
C D
Lost in the rhythm, in the echoes of your name.
G Am
Through the thunder and the storm, we swore we’d never conform,
C D
In the painted skies, our love was reborn.

(Chorus)
G Em
Oh, painted skies, erase these goodbyes,
Am D
Bring me back to the time, when your love was mine.

Bands favorite fan’s name and testimonial:
Favorite Fan: Daisy Johnson

Testimonial: “There’s just something incredibly raw and authentic about Determined Wedding. Their music is like a salve to the soul. I’ve followed them since their early days, performing in small bars, and now, seeing them fill stadiums, it’s just incredibly moving. ‘Painted Skies’ is my absolute favorite. I think it really encapsulates their ability to weave stories into their music. It’s no surprise they’re my favorite band, and I can’t wait to see what they create next.”

Backstory:
Formed in the mountainous landscapes of Colorado, Immaculate Cave is a band that derived its inspiration from nature’s tranquility and vibrancy. The group was born in 2015 when lead vocalist, Luke Hemsworth, met drummer, Miles Gibson, while hiking the Rocky Mountains. While conversing about their shared passion for music and the serenity they found in the caves they encountered during their trek, they decided to form a band that could encapsulate these feelings into music. Eventually, bassist Jimmy Olsen and guitarist Stella Rockwell joined, bringing diverse musical influences that would form the unique sound of Immaculate Cave.

Genre:
Immaculate Cave is best known for their Alternative Folk sound, blending traditional acoustic elements with a modern, indie twist.

Title:
“Echoes of Silence”

Full song lyrics:
(Verse)
[G] In the depth of the [C] night, under the [D] star’s watchful [G] light
I seek the [C] cave that speaks true [D] to my plight
[G] Cool, damp stone under my [C] feet, this [D] immaculate refuge is [G] bittersweet
[C] Whispers of the past, [D] secrets it can’t [G] keep

(Chorus)
[C] Echoes of silence, [D] resounding through the [G] air
A [C] symphony of stone, [D] solitude we share
[G] Reverberating [C] whispers, shattering the [D] night
[G] In the immaculate cave, [C] bathed in moon’s [D] tender [G] light

(Verse)
[G] Here the world [C] outside seems [D] close yet so [G] far
In the heart of the [C] mountain, under the [D] quiet of the [G] star
[G] Time stands still, [C] echoes heal the [D] scar
[G] The cave holds the truth, [C] no matter who you [D] are

(Chorus)
[C] Echoes of silence, [D] resounding through the [G] air
A [C] symphony of stone, [D] solitude we share
[G] Reverberating [C] whispers, shattering the [D] night
[G] In the immaculate cave, [C] bathed in moon’s [D] tender [G] light

Favorite Fan:
The band’s favorite fan is Sarah Collins. Sarah, a Colorado native, found solace in Immaculate Cave’s music during a difficult time in her life. According to her, “Their songs remind me of the beauty in simplicity, and the power of quiet moments. As an avid hiker myself, the vivid imagery they paint with their lyrics resonates with me. I always feel like I’m on a journey with them every time their music plays. Immaculate Cave is my favorite band because they remind me of home, nature, and the importance of solitude in a world that’s often too loud.”

Backstory:

Equatorial Passenger is a progressive rock band that was formed in 2008 in the bustling city of Austin, Texas. The four members – lead vocalist and guitarist Sam Hargrove, bassist Jim “Jazz” McKeon, drummer Marty “Madman” Sorenson, and keyboardist Vincent “The Wizard” Tran – were all originally from different parts of the country, but their mutual love for music brought them together. Starting off as college roommates, they quickly discovered their shared passion for music and began making music in their dorm rooms, often disrupting their fellow students with their loud, energetic rehearsals. Their music journey wasn’t always smooth; they faced their fair share of setbacks and band disagreements. But they always found a way back to their music, their bond deepening with each passing hurdle.

The band’s name, Equatorial Passenger, is a nod to their shared desire to travel and experience different cultures. They saw each of their songs as a journey, an experience that transported the listener to another place, hence the name. Despite their varying backgrounds, they forged a unique sound that resonated with fans worldwide, and their star began to rise, leaving a lasting mark on the global music scene.

Genre:
Progressive Rock

Title:
“Cosmic Odyssey”

Full Song Lyrics:

Verse 1:
(Am) Wandering through the stars, (Em) lost in the cosmic sea,
(G) Hitching a ride on a comet, (D) in search of tranquility.
(Am) The earth is a fading memory, (Em) in the rearview of the galaxy,
(G) We’re Equatorial Passengers (D) on a cosmic odyssey.

Chorus:
(F) Cosmic odyssey, (C) take us far and wide,
(G) Show us the wonders, (D) that the universe hides.
(F) Sailing through nebulae, (C) surfing on solar tides,
(G) We’re Equatorial Passengers, (D) on a cosmic ride.

Verse 2:
(Am) Across the asteroid belt, (Em) through the Milky Way’s light,
(G) We dance with stardust, (D) in the infinite night.
(Am) Orion’s Belt our compass, (Em) the moon our guiding light,
(G) We’re Equatorial Passengers, (D) taking flight.

Chorus:
(F) Cosmic odyssey, (C) take us far and wide,
(G) Show us the wonders, (D) that the universe hides.
(F) Sailing through nebulae, (C) surfing on solar tides,
(G) We’re Equatorial Passengers, (D) on a cosmic ride.

Favorite Fan:

Our favorite fan’s name is Emily Carpenter. Emily has been following us since the very beginning. She attended our first gig in a small Austin bar and has since traveled across the country to watch us perform. She is more than just a fan; she is part of the Equatorial Passenger family.

Testimonial:
“Equatorial Passenger takes you on a journey with every song. They transport you to places you’ve never been, and somehow, make you feel like you’ve been there all your life. Their music has seen me through the toughest times. I can’t imagine my life without their tunes. To me, they’re not just a band; they’re a life-long companion.” – Emily Carpenter.

Backstory:
Formed in a garage in the early years of the new millennium in the heart of Seattle, Washington, the band ‘Gigantic Number’ was the brainchild of four high school friends – frontman Cole Foster, guitarist Benji Evans, bassist Greg “Hawkeye” Mitchell, and drummer Hannah “H-Bomb” Belson. They started as a simple, fun outlet to escape the mundane realities of their daily lives, but their unique sound soon caught the attention of locals, transforming them into the city’s best-kept secret.

Their breakthrough came during a local battle of the bands competition, catching the ear of music producer Jerry “The Mixer” O’Shea. Impressed by their raw talent and original sound, O’Shea signed them to his label, catapulting their musical careers. Gigantic Number soon released their first studio album that became a nationwide sensation, and their journey from garage band to national phenomenon had officially begun.

Genre:
Alternative Rock/Indie Pop

Title:
“Counting Down to Infinity”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
[Em] Starlight, [G] dream bright, [A] in the cold summer [C] night
[Em] We’re just [G] atoms, in the [A] universe taking [C] flight
[Em] Lost in [G] space and [A] time, but it [C] feels so right
[Em] Just like a [G] Gigantic Number, [A] fading out of [C] sight

(Chorus)
[D] Counting down to [G] infinity, [C] living out our [Bm] destiny
[D] Underneath the [G] galaxy, [C] we’re making our [Bm] melody
[D] Just you and [G] me, in this beautiful [C] insanity
[D] We’re like a [G] Gigantic Number, [C] Counting down to [Bm] infinity

(Verse 2)
[Em] High hopes, [G] tightropes, [A] walking on the edge [C] tonight
[Em] Risk it [G] all, won’t let [A] gravity win the [C] fight
[Em] We’re just [G] cosmic dust, [A] yet we shine so [C] bright
[D] Like a [G] Gigantic Number, [A] reaching infinite [C] height

(Chorus)
[D] Counting down to [G] infinity, [C] living out our [Bm] destiny
[D] Underneath the [G] galaxy, [C] we’re making our [Bm] melody
[D] Just you and [G] me, in this beautiful [C] insanity
[D] We’re like a [G] Gigantic Number, [C] Counting down to [Bm] infinity

Band’s Favorite Fan:
The band’s favorite fan is Timmy “Headbanger” Johnson. Timmy has been a staple at every Gigantic Number concert since their early garage band days and has supported them through their rise to stardom. He is known for his signature headbanging at the front row of every concert, showcasing his undying love for the band.

Testimonial:
“Gigantic Number is more than just a band for me. Their music, the raw energy, the authenticity – it’s the elixir that keeps me going. While their sound resonates with the broader alternative rock audience, for me, it signifies a fight against the mundane, a rebellion against conformity, and an embrace of the infinite possibilities of life. They are my favorite because their music is not just about providing entertainment, it’s about delivering a unique perspective of life through the medium of sound.” – Timmy Johnson

Backstory:
Querulous Role was formed in the smoky pubs of London in the early 2000s. The band was initially comprised of four childhood friends – Liam on lead vocals, Aaron on the guitar, Dan on bass, and Max on drums – who used to jam in their parents’ garages during their teenage years. After deciding to take their passion for music to the next level, they began to play small gigs around London, gradually garnering a loyal following. Their music, while diverse and experimental, quickly gained traction for its unique sound and their emotionally charged performances.

Genre:
Querulous Role is best known for their Indie Rock music, with influences of Punk Rock and a sprinkle of Folk, encapsulating their British roots. Their songs often feature melodic guitar riffs, powerful basslines, and intricate drum patterns, combined with Liam’s distinctive, soulful voice.

Song Title:
“Underneath the Painted Sky”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1) Am, G, D, Em
Underneath the painted sky, we laid down our dreams,
Talked about our fears, torn at the seams.
Hear the city’s heartbeat, echoing our own,
Wandering lonely streets, we’ve come to call home.

(Chorus) C, G, D, Em
Sing it out loud, a melody just for tonight,
Dance in the rain, bathed in the pale moonlight.
In the chaos and the crowd, we find our harmony,
Underneath the painted sky, we are finally free.

(Verse 2) Am, G, D, Em
Chasing the horizon, where the sun meets the sea,
Journey of a lifetime, just you and me.
Through the noise and the silence, through the joy and the pain,
In every moment, love remains.

(Chorus) C, G, D, Em
Sing it out loud, a melody just for tonight,
Dance in the rain, bathed in the pale moonlight.
In the chaos and the crowd, we find our harmony,
Underneath the painted sky, we are finally free.

Band’s Favorite Fan:
The band’s favorite fan is a woman named Emily. Emily has been a fan of Querulous Role since their first pub gig and has followed their journey from local pubs to international stages. In her testimonial, Emily states, “Querulous Role isn’t just a band, it’s an experience. Their music resonates with your soul, and you can’t help but feel a part of their story. Every song they create is a masterpiece that holds a piece of my heart. Their authenticity, their angst, and their passion is what keeps me coming back for more. There’s no other band that can replicate the magic they create. Querulous Role is not just my favorite band, but a part of my life.”

Backstory:

Wavy Compensation emerged from the hazy, eclectic music scene of Austin, Texas in the early 2010s. The founding members, Lance Stirling and Kit Rains, both hail from a background of jazz, funk, and blues. They met while studying at the Berklee College of Music in Boston and immediately bonded over a shared love of improvisation and experimental sounds. After graduation, they returned to their hometown of Austin, deciding to bring their creative energies into forming a band. Wavy Compensation was born out of a desire to weave intricate, thoughtful melodies with free-flowing, soulful rhythms.

Their first gig was at an underground bar known for hosting independent artists with a unique sound. The crowd loved their eclectic fusion of sounds and their raw, magnetic energy on stage. The band quickly gained a following, and as their audience grew, so did their sound, incorporating elements from hip-hop, electronic, and indie rock.

Genre:

Indie Jazz Fusion

Title:

“Cosmic Currency”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
Am Em G D
Born under a cosmic sky, my dreams are amplified,
Am Em G D
Stars like diamonds, they collide, in this cosmic currency ride.
Am Em G D
Turn the tides, with my mind, in this universe we abide,
Am Em G D
In the silence, let us confide, our souls intertwined.

(Chorus)
C G Am F
In the cosmic currency, we invest our dreams,
C G Am F
Trading stardust and moonbeams, it’s not as crazy as it seems.
C G Am F
In our hearts, we hold the keys, to unlock these mysteries,
C G Am F
In the cosmic currency, we are free.

(Repeat Verse 1 and Chorus)

Fan Testimonial:

“My name is Naomi Zimmerman. Wavy Compensation is, by far, my favorite band. The way they blend jazz, funk, and indie is unlike anything I’ve heard before. Their music touches your soul and makes you think. ‘Cosmic Currency’ literally feels like a spiritual journey every time I listen to it. Their lyrical depth, coupled with their musical prowess, is an absolute treat to the senses. They’re not just making music; they’re creating an experience. Wavy Compensation is the future of music, and I’m here for it!”