Backstory:

Formed in the gritty streets of Detroit, Grimy Career is a musical amalgamation, a perfect storm of talent, creativity, and defiance. Its core members, a disillusioned office worker, a renegade mechanic, and a wayward poet, found each other amidst a sea of monotony and decided to join forces to create the sound of resistance. They converted an abandoned garage into a makeshift studio, fueled by their dreams and hot cups of coffee, and wrote songs that captured their shared frustrations, hopes, and longing for a different path.

The band underwent several line-up changes, but the spirit remained the same – to represent the forgotten, the undervalued, and the ones who dare to hope for more. They broke out of their local scene with their raw, powerful performances and soon attracted audiences across the country. Despite their increasing popularity, Grimy Career stayed true to their roots, continuing to use their music as a rallying cry for the weary and worn out, the ones yearning to break free from the grimy careers they never asked for.

Genre:

Alternative Rock/Blues

Title:

“Mechanical Heart”

Full song lyrics:

(Verse 1)
Cmaj Gmaj Amaj Emaj
Workin’ in a factory, cogs in a machine
A life that’s colorless, a dream unseen
Trading hours for pennies, dreams for dimes
Sitting in the corner, serving our time

(Chorus)
Fmaj Cmaj Gmaj
Got a mechanical heart, held together with rust
In the land of the lost, where dreams turn to dust
But we won’t be broken, won’t be torn apart
We’re more than the beats of a mechanical heart

(Verse 2)
Cmaj Gmaj Amaj Emaj
Screaming in silence, whispers in the dark
Burning the midnight oil, making our mark
Chasing our dreams, they’re just out of reach
Life’s a cruel teacher, with so much to teach

(Chorus)
Fmaj Cmaj Gmaj
Got a mechanical heart, held together with rust
In the land of the lost, where dreams turn to dust
But we won’t be broken, won’t be torn apart
We’re more than the beats of a mechanical heart

Fan Testimonial:

Name: Erica Johnson

Erica has followed Grimy Career since their early Detroit days. She says, “Their music is like a mirror, reflecting the struggle, the longing, and the dreams that are so often overlooked in our society. It resonates deeply with me and gives me the strength to fight for my own dreams. ‘Mechanical Heart’ is my anthem, my battle cry. Grimy Career isn’t just a band, they’re the voice of those forgotten, and that’s why I’ll always be their number one fan.”

Backstory:

Formed in 2002 in the heart of Chicago, Jaded Mouth is comprised of childhood friends turned bandmates, frontman Danny “Dusk” Russo, bassist Mikey “Midnight” Ferrara, guitarist Jeffrey “Dawn” Sinclair, and drummer Ricky “Noon” O’Connell. The name ‘Jaded Mouth’ is said to be a reflection of their shared sentiment that words have lost their meaning in the modern world, a theme that heavily influences their music. After years of playing local gigs and scrounging up money for recording sessions, the band caught the attention of indie record label, Underground Reverie Records, and their journey to nationwide recognition began.

Genre:

Alternative Rock/Indie Rock

Title:

“Echoes in Silence”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
[G]Silent whispers in the dead of night, [Em]Flowing like a river in the pale moonlight
[C]Screams of truth that no one seems to hear, [D]Drowned in the laughter and the cheer

(Chorus)
[G]Can you hear the echoes in silence? [Em]Can you see the pain beneath the violence?
[C]In a world that’s lost its voice, [D]Do we really have a choice?

(Verse 2)
[G]Words losing meaning, getting lost in time, [Em]Fighting to surface but losing in the climb
[C]In the jaded mouths of the modern age, [D]Our stories become a hollow page

(Chorus)
[G]Can you hear the echoes in silence? [Em]Can you feel the stir beneath compliance?
[C]In a world that’s lost its voice, [D]It’s time we make a choice

(Outro)
[G]Echoes in silence, [Em]Echoes in silence
[C]In the jaded mouths of this world, [D]It’s time we let our voices be heard

Fan’s Testimonial:

My name is Sarah Beth and I’m the biggest fan of Jaded Mouth. Their music speaks to me on so many levels. Their raw and authentic sound, coupled with profound lyrics, makes their music a sanctuary for me. I relate to their frustration with the modern world and how it seems everyone is just going through the motions, not questioning anything. “Echoes in Silence” specifically resonates with me, as it makes me feel seen and heard in a world that often feels like it’s deaf to individual voices. Jaded Mouth isn’t just my favourite band, they’re the anthem of my life.

Backstory:
Muffled Drive was born in the unassuming small town of Salisbury, North Carolina. The band was formed by five childhood friends – Charlie, Ethan, Aiden, Liam, and Noah – in the fall of 2003 during their high school years. Fueled by their shared passion for music and a desperate need to break free from the monotonous small-town life, Muffled Drive started practicing in their parents’ garages and basements. Their music, deeply rooted in their shared experiences, quickly gained traction in Salisbury and the surrounding areas, paving the way for their eventual rise in the North Carolina music scene. Through sold-out gigs, late-night recording sessions, and road trips across the state, the bond between the band members grew stronger, reflecting in their music and creating the unique sound that is Muffled Drive.

Genre:
Alternative Rock

Title:
“Echoes of Yesterday”

Full Song Lyrics:
(Verse 1)
Em G
Living in a town, where dreams just fade,
D A
We carved our names on the promenade.
Em G
Underneath the stars, we swore that day,
D A
We’d never let our dreams slip away.

(Chorus)
Em G
Echoes of yesterday, still ringing loud,
D A
In the whispers of the crowd.
Em G
We’re the voices of the unsaid,
D A
Carrying the dreams, that most have left for dead.

(Verse 2)
Em G
We traded quiet nights, for neon lights,
D A
Chasing melodies in the still of the night.
Em G
Tasting every high, every bitter low,
D A
Guided by the rhythm, and the radio glow.

(Chorus)
Em G
Echoes of yesterday, still ringing loud,
D A
In the whispers of the crowd.
Em G
We’re the voices of the unsaid,
D A
Carrying the dreams, that most have had left for dead.

(Bridge)
Em G
We’ve come too far to back down,
D A
Our dreams echoing through this town.

(Chorus)
Em G
Echoes of yesterday, still ringing loud,
D A
In the whispers of the crowd.
Em G
We’re the voices of the unsaid,
D A
Carrying the dreams, that most have had left for dead.

Fan Favorite Testimonial:
Fan’s Name: Ellie Harper

Ellie is a bookstore owner from Salisbury who has followed Muffled Drive’s journey since their very first gig. She says, “There is something very raw and genuine about Muffled Drive’s music. Their stories resonate with me, and I feel as if I’m a part of their journey. Their song ‘Echoes of Yesterday’ is a testament to their resilience, their commitment to their dreams, and it serves as a constant reminder for me to never give up on mine. Muffled Drive is not just my favorite band, they are my lifeline.”

Backstory:
Last Bed started its journey in the misty city of Seattle in 2008. The four-piece band was initially composed of some college mates who were trying to blow off some steam through music. Dylan Hart, a literature major, brought the profound poetry to the table, while Stella Martin gave life to it with her sultry vocals. James Wilkins and Steve Harris added the exceptional rhythm to the mix, playing the guitar and drums respectively. The band derives their unique name from an old dorm room tradition of the ‘last one to bed’, which signified the person who was most passionate about their music and would stay up practicing the longest.

Genre:
Alternative Rock

Title:
“Awake in the Silence”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
[C]Staring at the ceiling, [Am]in the middle of the night
[G]Thoughts running wild, [F]in the soft moonlight
[C]Dreams seem too distant, [Am]reality too tight
[G]In the silence, [F]there’s no respite

(Chorus)
[Dm] Awaken the silence, [G] break these chains
[C] Let’s dance to the rhythm, [Am] of the falling rain
[Dm] Let the music heal, [G] all our pain
[C] In this world of ours, [Am] let’s reign

(Verse 2)
[C]On the streets of despair, [Am] we learned to fight
[G]With every chord, [F] we reclaim the night
[C]Lost in the shadows, [Am] until we ignite
[G]In the silence, [F] we found our light

(Chorus)
[Dm] Awaken the silence, [G] break these chains
[C] Let’s dance to the rhythm, [Am] of the falling rain
[Dm] Let the music heal, [G] all our pain
[C] In this world of ours, [Am] let’s reign

Favorite Fan’s Name:
Rebecca Smith

Testimonial:
Rebecca Smith, a software engineer from San Francisco, has been a die-hard fan of Last Bed since their inception. She expresses, “What makes Last Bed stand out for me is not just their music but the raw emotion they pour into it. They’ve given me solace during my toughest times and made me feel seen and heard. Their song ‘Awake in the Silence’ resonates with me on so many levels. It’s like they’ve put my feelings into words. Every chord, every lyric, it’s like they’ve peeled back a layer of my soul and turned it into a melody. Last Bed is not just a band to me, they are a part of who I am.”

Backstory: Skinny Ship was formed in 2012 in the heart of Brooklyn, New York. The band members, lead vocalist and guitarist Jake ‘Skipper’ Clarke, drummer Harry ‘Sailor’ Jensen, and bassist Paul ‘Captain’ Adams are childhood friends who shared a passion for music. They decided to turn their passion into a career after winning a local talent contest, which garnered them recognition and a loyal following. Their name, Skinny Ship, was inspired by their mutual love for sailing and their shared struggle with weight during their teenage years. They use their name to remind themselves of where they came from and how they’ve grown, both musically and personally.

Genre: Indie Rock

Title: “Lost at Sea”

Full Song Lyrics: (C-G-Am-F progression)

Verse 1:
(C) I’ve been sailing on the ocean,
(G) Lost in the endless blue sea.
(Am) Looking for a lighthouse,
(F) To guide me home to thee.

Verse 2:
(C) The waves are getting higher,
(G) And the wind’s blowing strong.
(Am) But my love for you is mightier,
(F) It’s you where I belong.

Chorus:
(C) I’m a skinny ship on this vast ocean,
(G) Sailing through the storm, just a speck in the potion.
(Am) My compass is your love, it sets me free,
(F) Lost at sea, but I’m yearning to be, home with thee.

Verse 3:
(C) The stars are my map tonight,
(G) Guiding light from afar.
(Am) No matter the distance,
(F) I’ll sail back to where you are.

Chorus:
(C) I’m a skinny ship on this broad horizon,
(G) Sailing through darkness, with your love as the sun.
(Am) Your heart is my haven, it’s my decree,
(F) Lost at sea, but I’m yearning to be, home with thee.

Fan’s name: Emily Martinez

Testimonial: “Skinny Ship has been my favorite band since their first gig at our local bar. Not only do they create wholesome and relatable music, but their story of resilience and camaraderie also resonates with me deeply. I’ve been through some tough times, and their music, especially ‘Lost at Sea’, has been a constant source of strength and comfort for me. Their lyrics are soulful, the tunes are catchy, and the band’s connection on stage is palpable. I’m proud to be a lifelong Skinny Ship fan!”

Backstory: Spotted Space was formed in the vibrant college town of Austin, Texas. In 2010, four astronomy students, intrigued and inspired by the mysteries of the universe, found a common interest in music and decided to start a band. The group comprised lead vocalist and rhythm guitarist David “Galaxy” Gibson, lead guitarist and backing vocalist Tommy “Nebula” Nelson, bassist and backing vocalist Mike “Meteor” Morgan, and drummer and backing vocalist John “Jupiter” Johnson. The band’s name, Spotted Space, reflects their shared passion for cosmic exploration, the pursuit of knowledge, and the time they spent stargazing together in the college observatory.

Genre: Psychedelic Rock

Title: “Stellar Gaze”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
Am G D A
Underneath the cosmic haze,
Em C D G
In our minds, a stellar gaze,
Am G D A
We’re lost in space, in a trance,
Em C D G
In spotted space, we dance.

(Chorus)
Am G D A
Stellar Gaze, take us away,
Em C D G
Through the layers of milky way,
Am G D A
Where constellations play,
Em C D G
In spotted space, we’ll sway.

(Verse 2)
Am G D A
Beyond the nebulas, so bright,
Em C D G
In the universe’s infinite night,
Am G D A
A psychedelic flight, a chance,
Em C D G
In spotted space, we romance.

(Chorus)
Am G D A
Stellar Gaze, take us high,
Em C D G
Beyond the earthly sky,
Am G D A
Where meteors fly,
Em C D G
In spotted space, we’ll lie.

Favorite Fan: Their favorite fan is a librarian named Emily. Emily was hooked on Spotted Space the first time she heard “Stellar Gaze” on a local radio station. Ever since, she has followed Spotted Space religiously, attending every concert and owning every album. She appreciates the group’s unique blend of cosmic wonder and rock, which she describes as “a musical journey through the cosmos.” Emily proudly wears her Spotted Space band t-shirt at work, spreading the word about her favorite band.

Testimonial: “Spotted Space is more than a band to me, it’s an experience. Their music takes me on a journey to the farthest corners of the universe. Every time I listen to ‘Stellar Gaze,’ I feel like I’m floating amongst the stars. Their unique blend of psychedelic rock and cosmic themes is refreshing and timeless. Spotted Space is the soundtrack to my dreams of the cosmos.”

Backstory:

Born in the underbelly of Detroit’s gritty and grinding machine shops, four mechanics found a common thread in their shared love of music. They were all working on a dilapidated old car one late night, the radio playing forgotten rock anthems, when the idea sparked to form a band. In honor of the mechanical beasts they tamed daily, they decided to name their newfound musical unity, ‘Honored Machine’. The band consists of lead singer and guitarist, Sam “Spark Plug” Thompson, bassist, Mike “Gearbox” Richards, drummer, Jeff “Piston” Sullivan, and on keyboards, Danny “Axle” Murphy. Together, they bring a new edge to their beloved city, with music that mirrors the relentless rhythm of the factories and the unyielding spirit of the Motor City.

Genre:

Honored Machine identifies their genre as Industrial Rock, with a dash of classic Motor City soul and modern synth elements, creating a unique blend that resonates with fans from all walks of life.

Title:

One of Honored Machine’s most popular songs is “Rusty Heart Beats”.

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
[G] Rusty heart beats, [D] in an old machine,
[Em] Underneath the city lights, [C] dreams unseen.
[G] Wrenches turn and [D] gears align,
[Em] In the rhythm of the [C] assembly line.

(Chorus)
[G] We’re the Honored Machine, [D] forged in steel and steam,
[Em] Echoing the city’s [C] unbroken dream.
[G] Our hearts may be rusty, [D] but they beat in time,
[Em] With the pulse of the [C] Motor City’s grind.

(Verse 2)
[G] Smokestack dreams in [D] the dead of night,
[Em] We’re the spark that [C] keeps the city alight.
[G] From the foundry’s fire to [D] the factory’s might,
[Em] We are the [C] Honored Machine, shattering the quiet.

(Repeat Chorus)

Favorite Fan:

Our favorite fan is undoubtedly Lisa “Muffler” Johnson. A seasoned mechanic herself, Lisa discovered our music during a late-night shift at her shop, and has been a die-hard fan since then. Her testimonial sums up why she resonates with our music, “Honored Machine is not just a band, it’s the heartbeat of our city. Their music echoes the symphony of our daily grind, a beautiful tribute to the industrial spirit of Detroit. When I hear ‘Rusty Heart Beats’, it reminds me of why I love my job – the rhythm, the machines, the city. It’s all perfectly encapsulated in their music.”

Backstory:

Joyous Pop is a four-piece band that hails from the vibrant city of Austin, Texas, known for its eclectic live-music scene. Founded in 2010, the band members met during their college days at the University of Texas. They bonded over their shared love for music and passion for songwriting. Despite their diverse backgrounds, they found a common sonic vision that could be best expressed through upbeat, feel-good music.

Their journey, however, was not always smooth sailing. Juggling between academics and their passion for music was challenging, but they took it in their stride. What started as impromptu jamming sessions in their dorm rooms soon transformed into local gigs, and before they knew it, they were performing at bigger venues across the country. The band takes inspiration from their own life experiences, infusing a sense of positivity and joy into their music, thus living up to their band name, ‘Joyous Pop.’

Genre:
Pop-Rock

Title:
“Daylight Bliss”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
G C Em D
Wake up to the sunrise, let the light fill your eyes,
G C Em D
Morning coffee in hand, we’re drawing in the sand.
G C Em D
Laughter ringing in the air, not a single worry or care,
G C Em D
We’re living our dream, like a perfect team.

(Chorus)
G C Em D
In the daylight bliss, nothing’s amiss,
G C Em D
Under the sky so blue, everything feels new.
G C Em D
With the rhythm of the breeze, life is at ease,
G C Em D
In the daylight bliss, we find our peace!

(Verse 2)
G C Em D
Sunglasses and a hat, a cool summer like that,
G C Em D
The waves hitting the shore, couldn’t ask for more.
G C Em D
With a song in our heart, every day is a fresh start,
G C Em D
In the sunlight’s kiss, we find our bliss.

(Chorus)
G C Em D
In the daylight bliss, nothing’s amiss,
G C Em D
Under the sky so blue, everything feels new.
G C Em D
With the rhythm of the breeze, life is at ease,
G C Em D
In the daylight bliss, we find our peace!

Fan Testimonial:

Our favorite fan’s name is Lisa Jenkins. Lisa has been with us from the very beginning, showing up to all our local Austin shows, then traveling to our gigs around the country as we grew. She often says, “The thing about Joyous Pop is that their music is more than just tunes; it’s a mood lifter. Their name itself is a mood. Every time I listen to their songs, I can’t help but smile and forget my worries. Their songs remind me to enjoy the little moments in life and spread joy wherever I go. They are my favorite band because they make music that touches the heart and uplifts the spirit.”

Backstory:
Spry Commitment was born from the ashes of a high school garage band in the small town of Ellwood City, Pennsylvania. The band was started in 2005 by childhood friends Luke Carson (vocals and guitar) and Ethan Hill (drums), who were later joined by Jake Anderson (bass) and Alicia Harper (keyboard and backing vocals). With their shared love for music and a deep bond of friendship, the band developed a signature sound that resonates deeply with their listeners. They started their journey by competing in local talent shows, and getting their big break when they won Battle of the Bands in 2008 at their local music festival.

Post their big win, Spry Commitment steadily gained popularity and signed with an indie label in 2010. They have since produced three studio albums, toured extensively, and have built a dedicated fanbase. Their music embodies a mix of youthful energy, a willingness to experiment, and a commitment to creating meaningful, thought-provoking lyrics.

Genre:
Alternative Rock

Title:
“Chasing Daylight”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
Am – G – F – C
Lost in the neon maze, chasing shadows down the lane
Every corner holds a memory, every whisper speaks your name
Am – G – F – C
Pavements bear our secrets, as we dance amidst the rain
In the quiet corners of the night, love is our only claim

(Chorus)
F – Am – G – C
Chasing daylight, past the horizon
Through the echoes of our dreams, where the stars begin to gleam
F – Am – G – C
Chasing daylight, lost in the moment
Tangled in the twilight spell, where our hearts in silence dwell

(Verse 2)
Am – G – F – C
In the canvas of the night, we drew stories in the stars
Within the echoes of the past, we find exactly who we are
Am – G – F – C
In the silence between heartbeats, in the spaces between words
In the melody of the midnight, a symphony is heard

(Chorus)
F – Am – G – C
Chasing daylight, under the moonlight
In the whispers of the breeze, where our dreams are set at ease
F – Am – G – C
Chasing daylight, in silent surrender
In the rhythm of the night, where our spirits take flight

Favorite Fan Testimonial:
My name is Bella Thompson, and I am the biggest fan of Spry Commitment. Their music is more than the melodies, it’s the emotion and the story behind each song. Their lyrics speak to me, as their songs seem to capture the essence of life’s ups and downs, making you feel part of their journey. The band’s commitment to creating meaningful and inspiring music is what sets them apart. Every tune they’ve produced feels like a personal letter to their fans, making us feel seen and heard. I’ve attended every one of their concerts in Pennsylvania and can’t wait for more. I am so grateful for their music, and I’m proud to call myself a fan.

Backstory:

Crooked Patch is a group of four friends who met in high school in the small town of Augusta, Georgia. The band was born out of basement jam sessions, where these teenagers discovered their shared love for music and storytelling. Their name, Crooked Patch, comes from their fond memories of the crooked patch of grass in the backyard where they used to gather, play music, and dream about their futures.

The group decided to pursue their dream of making music together right after graduation, and moved to Nashville, Tennessee. Their journey wasn’t easy, with countless gigs at small bars and coffee shops, but they never lost sight of their shared dream. Their big break came when a record producer heard them play at a local music festival. Their unique sound and raw energy caught his attention, and he offered them a record deal on the spot. Soon after, Crooked Patch began working on their debut album.

Genre:

Folk-rock

Title:

“Under the Peach Tree”

Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
[G]Under the peach tree, [C]where we used to be,
[D]Carved our names in the [G]bark, for eternity.
[G]In our small town, [C]where dreams were free,
[D]We’d sing till the [G]sun went down, just to feel alive.

(Chorus)
[G]Oh, we were young, we were [C]wild,
[D]Under the peach tree, we’d [G]smile.
[G]Oh, we were loud, we were [C]proud,
[D]Under the peach tree, we found our [G]sound.

(Verse 2)
[G]Under the peach tree, [C]we found our path,
[D]Made a crooked patch of [G]grass, our own aftermath.
[G]Under the stars, [C]we made a pact,
[D]To chase our dreams, and [G]never look back.

(Chorus)
[G]Oh, we were young, we were [C]wild,
[D]Under the peach tree, we’d [G]smile.
[G]Oh, we were loud, we were [C]proud,
[D]Under the peach tree, we found our [G]sound.

Fan Testimonial:

Fan’s name: Sarah Thompson

“If someone asked me who my favorite band is, I’d say Crooked Patch without hesitation. Their songs speak to me on such a personal level, and they have a way of telling stories that make you feel seen and understood. I first saw them play at a small bar in Nashville. They were so raw and passionate, and I’ve been following their music ever since. Their song, “Under the Peach Tree,” is my absolute favorite. It reminds me of my own youth and the dreams I used to have. Crooked Patch is more than just a band to me. They’re story tellers, dream weavers, and their music has been the soundtrack to my life.”