Backstory:

Extraneous Innovation, fondly known as EI, first came together in the bustling music scene of Austin, Texas in 2014. The five-piece band was formed by members, Alex (lead vocals), Sam (guitar), Jack (bass), Keith (keys), and Dean (drums), all sharing a common pursuit of creating music that would push boundaries. They met as students at the University of Texas, where they played in different local bands before coming together over a shared love for experimentation and a need to make their distinct mark on the music industry.

In the early stages, the group spent hours in Alex’s ramshackled garage, surviving on a diet of cheap pizza, local beer, and a burning passion to create something unique. Through their roller coaster journey, they experienced a mix of grueling late-night practice sessions, failed gigs, and countless rejections. Yet, they held tight to their dreams and relentless spirit. Their breakthrough finally came in 2016 when their demo track caught the attention of a local radio station, propelling them into the mainstream music scene.

Genre:
Alternative Rock with Elements of Electronic Music

Song Title:
“Echoes of Paradox”

Full song lyrics:

(Verse 1)
Am G D Am
In the hallways of time, where shadows unwind,
Am G D Am
We find ourselves lost, an echo of paradox.
Am G D Am
Shattered dreams, in a sea of silent screams,
Am G D Am
We’re a melody set free, in an infinite sea.

(Chorus)
C G D Em
We are the story untold,
C G D Em
The fire in the cold,
C G D Em
Extraneous innovation, echoes of paradox,
C G D
We’re the rhythm, we’re the rocks.

(Verse 2)
Am G D Am
In the cosmic dance, under the trance,
Am G D Am
We’re the chaos, we’re the art, we’re the beating heart.
Am G D Am
Between the stars, in the canvas of scars,
Am G D Am
We’re the whisper, we’re the scream, we’re the distant dream.

(Chorus)
C G D Em
We are the mystery unsolved,
C G D Em
The resolution evolved,
C G D Em
Extraneous innovation, echoes of paradox,
C G D
We’re the silence, we’re the talks.

Bands favorite fan’s name: Jessica Foster

Testimonial:
“I’ve been a die-hard fan of Extraneous Innovation from their garage band days. Their music is more than just melodies and rhythms, it’s poetry, it’s a revolution, it’s a journey. Each song is like a philosophic exploration of life and chaos, beautifully woven with electrifying guitar riffs and powerful vocals. Their unique blend of alternative rock with electronic elements is a breath of fresh air in the repetitive landscape of today’s music. EI isn’t just my favorite band, they’re like the soundtrack to my life. Their music has seen me through my darkest days and celebrated with me in my happiest moments. To put it simply, Extraneous Innovation isn’t just a band, they’re an experience!”

Backstory:
Tart Shirt was born from a chance meeting between four childhood friends at a local thrift store in Portland, Oregon back in 2009. They were all pursuing different paths in life but shared a common passion for music and offbeat fashion. After discovering an unsightly, tartan-patterned shirt that instantly became a symbol of their bond, the band Tart Shirt was born. Since then, the band has performed in numerous local bars and small venues, slowly gaining a devoted following, and have released two independent albums that reflect their unique musical style.

Genre:
Indie Rock/Alternative Pop

Title:
“Chasing Echoes”

Full song lyrics:

(Verse 1)
[G] Chasing echoes down the hallway [C]
[G] Of a love I thought was mine [C]
[D] Lost in the shadows of yesterday [Em]
[D] Where your memories intertwine [Em]

(Chorus)
[C] Oh, I’m chasing echoes, echoes in the dark [G]
[D] Trying to piece together, the fragments of my heart [Em]
[C] I’m chasing echoes, echoes of your voice [G]
[D] Drowning in the silence, your absence is my choice [Em]

(Verse 2)
[G] Trapped in the mirror of my mind [C]
[G] Reflecting spaces we once filled [C]
[D] Tracing outlines of a time [Em]
[D] When love wasn’t so uphill [Em]

(Chorus)
[C] Chasing echoes, echoes of your laugh [G]
[D] In the haunted corners, of our photographed past [Em]
[C] I’m chasing echoes, echoes of our song [G]
[D] It rings in empty chambers, where you no longer belong [Em]

Fan Testimonial:
Fan’s Name: Anna Peterson

“I’ve been a fan of Tart Shirt since their first gig at a local bar in Portland. Their genre blends indie rock with a unique kind of alternative pop that’s both familiar and refreshing. Their lyrics resonate with me, they often tell stories that feel personal yet universal. My favorite song, ‘Chasing Echoes’, is a powerful expression of lost love and longing. I feel a deep connection to it. Tart Shirt’s music has seen me through some tough times and for that, they will always be my favorite band.”

Backstory:
Instructive Name is a band that was birthed in the heart of New York City. Formed by four college friends who shared an apartment, their music journey began as a hobby and a way of coping with college stress. Little did they know that their shared love for music and their distinctive style would take them way beyond the confines of their apartment to headline concerts all around the world.

Their name, “Instructive Name,” came up as a tongue-in-cheek response to a professor’s comment about the importance of an instructive name in getting recognition. Ironically, it’s their unique, original sound and not their name that’s won them a legion of fans across the globe.

Genre:
Alternative Rock

Song Title:
“Underneath the City Lights”

Full Song Lyrics:

Verse1:
Em C G D
Underneath the city lights, we found our life
Em C G D
We played the songs, that took away the strife

Chorus:
A Em G D
Oh, how we danced, embraced the night
A Em G D
In the instructive name, we found our might

Verse2:
Em C G D
With every chord, our souls would ignite
Em C G D
Underneath the city lights, oh what a sight

Chorus:
A Em G D
We painted dreams, in shades of white
A Em G D
Under the dim glow, of the city lights

Favorite Fan – Testimonial:
Our most beloved fan is a woman named Anna. She first discovered us during our early college gigs and has been an ardent supporter ever since. In her own words, “Instructive Name is more than just a band to me. Their music has helped me through some of the toughest times in my life. It’s like they know exactly what I’ve been going through and put it into song. I’ve never felt a connection like this with any other band. They are my favorite because they strike a chord in my soul with their lyrics and music, it feels personal, like they’re singing just for me.”

Backstory: Parallel Change was formed in a small city garage amidst the cacophonous symphony of the industrial sector. Childhood friends Mark Thompson and Lucy Sanders had been playing music together for years, but their raw talent was ignited when they met the eccentric multi-instrumentalist, Toby “TJ” Jensen, at a local music festival. The trio cultivated their sound amidst the echoes of power saws and metal clangs, blending their love for the unconventional with melodic hooks and evocative lyrics. Despite their humble beginnings, Parallel Change quickly ascended to local fame, amassing a fervent following that transcends their city’s borders.

Genre: Alternative Rock with a hint of Blues

Title: “Mirrors of Time”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1: Am, F, C, G)
Am F
Drifting through the static noise,
C G
Searching for a familiar voice,
Am F
Mirrors of time, reflecting the past,
C G
Whispering tales that eternally last.

(Chorus: Em, G, D, A)
Em G D A
In our hearts, we carry the rhyme,
Em G D A
In the mirrors of time, we see the divine.

(Verse 2: Am, F, C, G)
Am F
Caged in dreams, we tend to roam,
C G
Every beat feels like home,
Am F
Lost in echoes, found in the mist,
C G
Reality’s kiss, too hard to resist.

(Chorus: Em, G, D, A)
Em G D A
In our souls, we feel the chime,
Em G D A
In the mirrors of time, love’s perfect crime.

Fan’s Testimonial: The band’s favorite fan, Jessica Adams, is known for her infectious energy and unparalleled dedication. Jessica discovered Parallel Change during a trying period in her life, and their music served as a comforting constant that helped her navigate her struggles. “Parallel Change is more than just a band to me. Their music resonates with my soul. It’s as if every lyric they write, every chord they play, is meant to reach out and touch my heart personally. Mark, Lucy, and TJ have a way of making you feel seen and heard, even in a crowd of thousands. They are my favorite because their music isn’t just music – it’s a lifeline.”

Backstory:
Solid Panic was formed in 2013 by four childhood friends, Max Hartley (lead vocals), Jake Gibson (guitar), Ethan Morris (bass), and Aaron Paul (drums). The group had been jamming in their parents’ garages since they were in high school, bonding over their shared love of punk rock and their dreams of making it big. It wasn’t until they graduated from college that they decided to take their music seriously and try to turn their passion into a career. Their name, Solid Panic, was chosen to represent their solid bond as friends and the panic they felt as they took the leap into the unknown world of professional music.

Genre:
Punk Rock

Title:
“Burn, Babylon, Burn”

Full Song Lyrics:
(Verse)
C#m, E, A, B
(Woke up this morning in a world so cold)
(Seeing all the chaos as the stories unfold)
(Looking for a way to make it, don’t know where to turn)
(Now we’re standing at the edge watching Babylon burn)

(Chorus)
G#m, E, B, F#
(Burn, Babylon, Burn)
(The wheels are turning, there’s no return)
(We’re just spectators in this game, waiting for our turn)
(So Burn, Babylon, Burn)

(Verse)
C#m, E, A, B
(Living in a world where the truth is a lie)
(And the innocent suffer while the guilty get by)
(Our eyes are open, it’s time we learn)
(We’re the generation watching Babylon burn)

(Chorus)
G#m, E, B, F#
(Burn, Babylon, Burn)
(The tides are shifting, the winds have turned)
(We’re the soldiers in this fight, waiting for our turn)
(So Burn, Babylon, Burn)

Favorite Fan Testimonial:
Name: Lucy Harper

“I’m a huge fan of Solid Panic because their music has a raw, rebellious nature that speaks to my own values and experiences. Their song, ‘Burn, Babylon, Burn’, is such a powerful anthem for our generation, who are witnessing a world in turmoil. As young people, we’re often made to feel powerless, but Solid Panic’s music gives me hope and makes me feel like I can make a difference. I’ve followed them since their garage band days, and it’s been an amazing journey watching them grow as a band and as individuals. Their dedication to their craft and their fans is truly inspiring!”

Backstory:

Formed in the vibrant music scene of Austin, Texas in 2016, Oval Easter is the brainchild of childhood friends Alex Sheridan and Neil Donovan. After spending their formative years experimenting with different sounds and styles, they found their sonic identity in a blend of indie folk and alternative rock. The band’s name, Oval Easter, was inspired by Sheridan’s fascination with the idiosyncrasies of language and the way words can evoke unique sensations and memories.

In 2018, they added multi-instrumentalist Jenny Peters to their lineup, adding a new dimension to their music. Their unique blend of soulful lyrics, intricate melodies, and playful experiments with rhythm and harmony quickly garnered them a dedicated following in the Austin music scene. They have since released two full-length albums, with numerous performances at local clubs and music festivals, which have only served to cement their status as a rising star in the indie music scene.

Genre:

Indie Folk/Alternative Rock

Title:

“Whispers in the Wind”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
Am G D Am
Beneath the sky, where the wildflowers bloom,
Am G D Am
I hear your voice, under the pale moon.
C G D Am
Your shadow lingers, like a sweet perfume,
C G D Am
In this empty field, in the silent gloom.

(Chorus)
F C G Am
Whispers in the wind, secrets we’ve confined,
F C G Am
In the echoes of our hearts, in the corners of our minds.

(Verse 2)
Am G D Am
Through the rustling leaves, through the crackling fire,
Am G D Am
Your laughter rings, like a choir.
C G D Am
Your memory dances, never to retire,
C G D Am
In this lonely place, your presence I aspire.

(Chorus)
F C G Am
Whispers in the wind, tales of love we’ve bind,
F C G Am
In the depth of our souls, in the labyrinth of time.

(Outro)
Am G D Am
In this silent night, in the whispers in the wind,
F C G Am
I find your love, in the echoes that you’ve pinned.

Fan Testimonial:

Name: Sarah Thompson

“Oval Easter is hands down my favorite band. They have this uncanny ability to blend sounds and lyrics into something that is not just music, but an experience. Every song they produce is like a journey into the soul, with each note and word resonating within you. They’re not just making music, they’re creating stories, painting pictures, and sharing a part of themselves with their listeners. I’ve been a fan since their early days and I am yet to find another band that touches my heart the way Oval Easter does.”

Backstory:

Born and raised in the eclectic city of Austin, Texas, Personal Troop is a band infused with passion and a love for music that transcends genres. It was the brainchild of long-time friends and college roommates, Jake Pendleton (lead vocals), Henry Lawson (guitar), Alex Mead (bass), and Liam Hart (drums). They began jamming together in their dorm room, gradually receiving recognition from their peers and eventually drawing larger crowds at local college gigs. An unforeseen break came when a music producer happened to hear them play at a local bar, leading to a recording contract that skyrocketed their careers. Since then, they have been tirelessly writing, recording, and touring, sharing their music with audiences all over the world.

Genre:

Indie Rock with a hint of Folk and Blues

Title:

“Echoes of The Past”

Full Song Lyrics:

[Verse 1]
Cmaj
Under the hollow skies, where our dreams used to play,
Am
We’d sit by the river, losing track of the day.
F
We had nothing but time, and our hearts on our sleeve,
G
Now all we’ve got are these echoes to grieve.

[Chorus]
Cmaj
Echoes of the past, whispers in the wind,
Am
Pictures in the dust, of where we’ve once been.
F
Echoes of our youth, that time can’t erase,
G
Forever carved in the canyons of space.

[Verse 2]
Cmaj
Looking back on the years, oh, how they’ve flown,
Am
Through the laughter and tears, how we’ve grown.
F
In the mirror of time, we see our reflection,
G
Haunting us with its sweet imperfection.

[Chorus]
Cmaj
Echoes of the past, whispers in the wind,
Am
Pictures in the dust, of where we’ve once been.
F
Echoes of our youth, that time can’t erase,
G
Forever carved in the canyons of space.

Fan Testimonial:

My name is Sarah Thompson, and I am unapologetically the biggest Personal Troop fan. There’s something incredibly genuine about their music, it resonates with my soul on so many levels. Their lyrics are insightful and raw, speaking not only to my heart but my experiences. It’s as if every song is a chapter from my own storybook. Personal Troop has this uncanny ability to connect with their fans on a deeply personal level through their music. Most importantly, they make me feel seen and heard, and I believe that’s the true power of music. They’re not just a band to me, they’re a source of comfort, joy, and introspection. And for that, Personal Troop will always be my favorite.

Backstory:
Sinful Painting was formed in the charming town of Waco, Texas, in 2012 by childhood friends, Timothy ‘T.J.’ Johnson, an accomplished yet unfulfilled painter, and Isaiah ‘Ike’ Kline, a talented but struggling songwriter. The two came together during a low point in their respective careers, hoping to blend their creative energies to form something new and exciting. They picked up the name ‘Sinful Painting’ as a tribute to T.J.’s eccentric and rebellious art style, which often pushed boundaries and questioned societal norms, much like their music.

They started out performing in small clubs and bars around Texas, slowly building a cult following with their innovative sound and thought-provoking lyrics. Their big break came in 2015, when they were noticed by a record label executive while performing at the famed SXSW festival. Since then, Sinful Painting has released three successful albums, toured the country, and solidified their place in the music industry.

Genre:
Alternative Rock

Title:
“Bleeding Colors”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1) – [Dm, Am, Bb, C]
In a world, painted black and white, [Dm]
We find solace in the neon lights. [Am]
Running from our shadows, trying to break free, [Bb]
Hoping for a chance, to rewrite our story. [C]

(Chorus) – [F, C, Dm, Bb]
We are bleeding colors, in the dark, [F]
Breaking the silence, making our mark. [C]
In a world left cold and stark, [Dm]
We’re the sinners, lighting the spark. [Bb]

(Verse 2) – [Dm, Am, Bb, C]
Caught in the crossfire, between right and wrong, [Dm]
We find strength, in our siren song. [Am]
With every stroke of the brush, we break the chains, [Bb]
Leaving behind, nothing but colorful stains. [C]

(Chorus) – [F, C, Dm, Bb]
We are bleeding colors, into the void, [F]
In a world, we once enjoyed. [C]
Turning the pages, of our past, [Dm]
We’re the sinners, making the contrast. [Bb]

Fan’s Name and Testimonial:

Fan’s Name: Alex Thompson

Testimonial: I’ve been a fan of Sinful Painting since their early days. Their music isn’t just music; it’s a rebellion, a statement, a cry for change. Their song “Bleeding Colors” became my personal anthem during a difficult time in my life. I feel their music speaks directly to me, and I’m sure many others feel the same. It’s raw, truthful, and beautifully chaotic. They’re not just my favorite band; they’re my lifeline.

Backstory:
Gruesome Conduct, from the gritty streets of Detroit, Michigan, was formed in the summer of 2008. The band began as a duo, with frontman Jason “Grave” Gravely and lead guitarist, Vince “Viper” Vaughn, who bonded over a shared love for powerful, raw, and intense music. The two met at a late-night open mic event in a dark Detroit dive bar. Their chemistry was undeniable, and soon they decided to start their own band, bringing in bass player, Dave “Doom” Davis and drummer, Aaron “Ace” Ellington to complete the lineup. Gruesome Conduct has been making noise in the underground scene ever since, with their thrashing riffs, hard-hitting rhythms, and poignant lyrics.

Genre:
Gruesome Conduct falls under the category of Hardcore Punk with a touch of Heavy Metal.

Title:
A popular song title from Gruesome Conduct is “Eternal Nightmare”.

Full Song Lyrics:
(Verse 1: Em – G – D – A)
Em
In this world of chaos, where dreams are lost,
G
We fight to survive, no matter the cost.
D
We’re trapped in an eternal nightmare,
A
No one warned us, life isn’t fair.

(Chorus: Em – C – G – D)
Em
Eternal Nightmare, we’re living in fear,
C
Our voices unheard, though we scream so clear.
G
In the dark, alone we stand,
D
With our fate written by a cold, cruel hand.

(Verse 2: Em – G – D – A)
Em
We’re the forsaken, we’re the damned,
G
In this barren wasteland, we make our stand.
D
The promise of dawn, a distant lie,
A
In this eternal nightmare, we live to die.

(Chorus: Em – C – G – D)
Em
Eternal Nightmare, we’re living in despair,
C
Our hearts are blackened, beyond repair.
G
In the shadows, we make our plea,
D
Bound by chains, yearning to be free.

Bands Favorite Fan:
Gruesome Conduct’s favorite fan is a woman named Sarah Mitchell. Sarah has followed the band since their inception and is known for traveling across states to catch their live shows. In her testimonial, she states, “Gruesome Conduct isn’t just a band to me, it’s a way of life. Their music speaks to me on a deep level, resonating with my own struggles and fears. Their ‘Eternal Nightmare’ is a testament to the human spirit’s resilience, and it gives me strength every time I listen to it. They are raw, real, and unapologetically themselves – a rarity in today’s music scene.”

Backstory:
Cumbersome Flock was formed in the small coastal town of Tiverton, Rhode Island, in the late 2000s. Bringing together five friends who shared a common love of music and the desire to express their thoughts through their melodies, they started jamming in their backyards, soon capturing the attention of their neighborhood. The band consists of lead singer and guitarist Ellen ‘Ell’ Masters, drummer Ted ‘The Stick’ Harlow, bass guitarist Sam ‘Bassy’ Green, keyboardist and backup vocalist Rob ‘Keys’ Miller, and their newest member, violinist Lisa ‘Strings’ Sanders.

The band started playing at local pubs and cafes, gaining recognition for their unique sound and soulful lyrics. Their breakthrough came when a music producer happened to be in the crowd at one of their gigs, who was instantly captivated by their riveting performance and offered them a record deal. Over the years, the band has evolved, incorporating a variety of influences into their music, but they’ve always stayed true to their roots.

Genre:
Indie Folk-Rock

Song Title:
“Wings of the Weary”

Song Lyrics:
(Verse 1)
Am G F C
Here we stand, on the edge of the night.
Em F C G
Tales untold, beneath the pale moonlight.
Am G F C
Oh, we are the Cumbersome Flock,
Em F C G
Flying against the tick of the clock.

(Chorus)
Am G F C
Wings of the weary, carry us home,
Em F C G
Through the gusts of the wild, wherever we roam.
Am G F C
In the heart of the storm, we find our song,
Em F C G
Wings of the weary, keep us strong.

(Verse 2)
Am G F C
Tossed by the wind, lost in the haze,
Em F C G
We sing our songs in a defiant blaze.
Am G F C
We are the voices in the night,
Em F C G
Carved out of hope, born from the fight.

(Chorus)
Am G F C
Wings of the weary, guide our way,
Em F C G
In the labyrinth of life, we sway.
Am G F C
In the echo of our dreams, we find our dawn,
Em F C G
Wings of the weary, lead us on.

Fan Testimonial:
Name: Sarah Thompson
“I’ve been a fan of Cumbersome Flock ever since I first heard them at a local café. Their music resonates with me on a personal level, reflecting my thoughts and emotions as if they were my own. The band’s unique blend of folk-rock and their heartfelt lyrics are like a beacon of light in the storm. I admire their authenticity and the way they pour their souls into their music. They’re not just a band to me, they’re storytellers whose stories I connect with. You can feel the passion, the joy, the sorrow in every note they play. Every time I listen to ‘Wings of the Weary’, it feels like a journey. Their music has gotten me through some tough times. That’s why Cumbersome Flock is my favorite band.”