Backstory:

Puzzling Scandal was formed in the heart of downtown Austin, Texas in the humid summer of 2007. It all started when lead singer and guitarist, Caden “Cad” Shepherd, met drummer, Izzy “Zig” McCallister, in a rundown record store, bonding over a shared affinity for vintage vinyls. The duo stumbled upon their bassist, June “Jazz” Knox, at an underground punk rock gig, and immediately knew they’d found the missing piece to their musical puzzle. While their initial meetings were quite random, their shared passion for music wasn’t. They started out performing at local bars, soon capturing the hearts of audiences with their dynamic performances and unique sound.

The band’s journey wasn’t without its trials and tribulations. They went through everything from eviction notices to broken down vans on deserted highways, but nothing could quench their fire. Over time, Puzzling Scandal turned their challenges into musical masterpieces, their story of grit and determination resonating with fans across the globe.

Genre:

Puzzling Scandal exhibits an eclectic mix of indie and alternative rock, infused with elements of grunge and punk. Their music is characterized by raw, powerful vocals, heavy drum beats and grungy guitar riffs, all coated in a layer of poignant lyrics.

Title:

“Unravelled in Time”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
Am – C – G – D
Wandered in the shadows, nowhere to call home,
Lost our way in the city, with no direction to roam.
Broken hearts and worn-out dreams, streets of faded smiles,
Underneath the neon lights, walking endless miles.

(Chorus)
Em – C – G – D
We’re unravelled in time, echoes of the past,
Playing our hearts out, not knowing if we’ll last.
But we’ll keep on singing, beneath this starry clime,
In the sea of faces, we’re unravelled in time.

(Verse 2)
Am – C – G – D
Finding solace in the music, it’s the rhythm of the soul,
Lost in the symphony, where silence takes its toll.
Chasing dreams and moonbeams, beneath the city’s grime,
We’re just a band of dreamers, unravelled in time.

(Chorus)
Em – C – G – D
We’re unravelled in time, echoes of the past,
Playing our hearts out, not knowing if we’ll last.
But we’ll keep on singing, beneath this starry clime,
In the sea of faces, we’re unravelled in time.

Fan Testimonial:

Name: Rosie “Rockin’ Rosie” Thompson

“Puzzling Scandal isn’t just my favorite band, they’re my lifeline. Their music has seen me through some of the darkest times in my life. Each song tells a story that resonates deep within my soul. Cad’s raw vocals, Zig’s thumping drums, and Jazz’s grungy bass lines create this perfect storm of intensity and emotion. Not just that, their backstory of resilience and determination inspires me every day. What makes them even more special is their connection with the fans. They’re incredibly down to earth and often hang out with fans after shows. So, here’s to Puzzling Scandal, the band that’s more than just music – it’s a movement!”

Backstory:

Dead Literature was formed in the heart of Toronto, Canada in 2008. Childhood friends Jacob “Jake” Thompson, a poet and songwriter, and Matthew “Matty” Davis, a gifted guitarist, united over their shared love for music and literature. They soon found themselves writing songs, integrating their passion for classic literature into their music. After recruiting bassist Sarah Andrews and drummer Tom Wallace from their local music scene, Dead Literature was born. The band’s name is a testament to their inspiration drawn from the timeless classics of literature, viewing their music as a resurgence of dead literature into modern times.

Genre:

The band falls under the genre of Alternative Rock with a dash of Post-Punk.

Title:

One of Dead Literature’s most well-known songs is “Gatsby’s Lament.”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
[G] Long ago in a [C] city of gold,
[D] Lived a man with a [Em] story untold.
[G] Gatsby’s heart was [C] lost in the green,
[D] Chasing a dream that [Em] never had been.

(Chorus)
[G] Oh Daisy, [C] Daisy, you’ve [D] stolen his soul,
[Em] Lost in your love, it’s [C] taken its toll.
[G] In the light of the [C] green, he [D] gave up his life,
[Em] To the love that he [C] sought, the [D] edge of a knife.

(Verse 2)
[G] Wealth and power, [C] all in his hand,
[D] Couldn’t buy the [Em] heart of that woman.
[G] Echoes of laughter, [C] old sport and champagne,
[D] Lost in the wind like [Em] summer rain.

(Chorus)
[G] Oh Daisy, [C] Daisy, you’ve [D] stolen his soul,
[Em] Lost in your love, it’s [C] taken its toll.
[G] In the light of the [C] green, he [D] gave up his life,
[Em] To the love that he [C] sought, the [D] edge of a knife.

Favorite Fan’s Name:

The band’s favorite fan’s name is Molly Carpenter.

Testimonial:

Molly Carpenter is a high school literature teacher from Halifax who has been a fan of Dead Literature since their inception. According to Molly, “Dead Literature’s music is like an enthralling book that you can’t put down. The way they blend their literary inspirations with heartfelt lyrics and powerful rock instrumentals is truly unparalleled. As an educator, their music has become a valuable tool in my classrooms, allowing me to engage students with literature in a whole new, exciting way. Plus, their live shows are just electrifying! Their music, their performances, their energy – it’s all part of why Dead Literature is my favorite band.”

Backstory:

Unkempt Join was born in the bustling city of Brooklyn, New York in the basement of a thrift store. The band members, Sam (vocals, guitar), Alex (drums), and Rachel (bass), met during an open mic night in a local coffee shop. They were all solo artists, struggling to make their own way in the music industry. One night, they decided to jam together, and the chemistry was undeniable. They started practicing in the basement of the thrift store where Alex worked, forming their unique sound surrounded by vintage clothes and antique furniture, hence their peculiar name, Unkempt Join.

Their music journey pivoted when they were discovered by a music producer who happened to visit the thrift store. He was impressed by their raw talent and innovative approach towards music. This lucky encounter led to their first album, which quickly gained recognition in the indie music industry. Today, Unkempt Join is an acclaimed band, known for their distinctive sound, thought-provoking lyrics, and unforgettable live performances.

Genre:

Indie Rock

Title:

“Thrift Store Dreams”

Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
[C] Wandering down the [Am] city streets,
[F] Scuffed shoes on our [G] tired feet,
[C] Strumming songs in a [Am] basement beat,
[F] In the heart of where [G] old and new meet.

(Chorus)
[C] Thrift store dreams and [Am] second-hand life,
[F] We’re carving out our path with [G] music and strife.
[C] Unkempt Join, we’re [Am] more than a band,
[F] We’re the voice of the unheard, [G] making a stand.

(Verse 2)
[C] Tattered jeans and [Am] vintage guitars,
[F] Playing our hearts out [G] under the stars,
[C] In this concrete jungle, [Am] we found our muse,
[F] With every note we play, [G] we have nothing to lose.

(Chorus)
[C] Thrift store dreams and [Am] second-hand life,
[F] We’re carving out our path with [G] music and strife.
[C] Unkempt Join, we’re [Am] more than a band,
[F] We’re the voice of the unheard, [G] making a stand.

Favorite Fan Testimonial:

Our biggest fan is Linda Hughes, who’s been with us since our first show at the coffee shop. Linda says, “Unkempt Join isn’t just my favorite band because their music is relatable and innovative; their story is a source of inspiration. They serve as a reminder that no matter where you start, with hard work and passion, nothing is impossible to achieve. Every time they perform, I feel their energy, their dreams, and their fight, all wrapped up into one electrifying show. Their struggle, triumph, and the journey is what makes them my favorite band.”

Backstory:
Unfortunate Service was formed in the misty corners of Portland, Oregon, in 2010, as a result of a chance meeting between lead singer and guitarist, Tim “Tex” Walker, and drummer, Barry “Biscuit” Riddle, at a downtown recording studio. Both were there to perform as session musicians for different bands. However, their shared love for a raw, expressive sound, coupled with their uncanny musical chemistry, sparked the idea of forming their own band. With the addition of bassist, Gina “Gecko” Mancini, who was a long-time friend of Tim, Unfortunate Service was born. The band name was inspired by a mishap at a local diner, where they were served the worst coffee they had ever tasted – an unfortunate service indeed.

Genre:
Alternative Rock

Title:
“Coffee Mug Blues”

Full song lyrics:
(Verse 1) [C-G-Em-D]
Well, I walked into the diner, in my old hometown, [C-G]
Waitress gave me a smile, but her eyes were down [Em-D]
Ordered a cup of Joe, black and hot [C-G]
What I got, well, it tasted like rot [Em-D]

(Chorus) [Am-G-D-Em]
Got them coffee mug blues, bitter and strong [Am-G]
Every sip I take, feels so wrong [D-Em]
Coffee mug blues, all night long [Am-G]
Can’t shake this feeling, something’s gone wrong [D-Em]

(Verse 2) [C-G-Em-D]
She stands behind the counter, her apron stained [C-G]
Lost in her own world, looking pained [Em-D]
I take another sip, wince at the taste [C-G]
In this old diner, feels like such a waste [Em-D]

(Chorus) [Am-G-D-Em]
Coffee mug blues, keeps me awake [Am-G]
Every drop I drink, feels like a mistake [D-Em]
Coffee mug blues, for heaven’s sake [Am-G]
Can’t shake this feeling, it’s more than I can take [D-Em]

Favorite Fan’s Name & Testimonial:
Our favorite fan’s name is Sarah Lambert. Sarah has attended every one of our gigs since we first started playing in local bars. She’s not just a fan; she’s more like a part of the band. Her testimonial reads:

“I’ve been following Unfortunate Service since their early days. Their music, particularly ‘Coffee Mug Blues’, has a raw, emotional honesty that resonates with me. It’s not just the music, it’s the feelings they manage to elicit with every chord progression, every lyric. They’re not just making music, they’re telling stories, and it’s impossible not to get drawn into their world. Their music has become the soundtrack to my life – I absolutely love this band!”

Backstory:

Known Maker found their roots in the heart of Seattle, Washington, where four childhood friends discovered their shared love for music. The band includes frontman and guitarist Jake “Firehands” Hollister, drummer Eli “Thundersticks” Benjamin, bassist Tom “Bass Beast” Sheldon, and keyboardist Sara “Sonic Rain” Douglas. Their bond was born in the high school music room, where they would spend every free moment creating their unique sound. Post high school, they traveled the country in a beat-up VW van playing to whoever would listen, earning their stripes in small-town bars and local festivals. Their breakthrough came after a chance encounter with a record executive at one of these local gigs, leading to their debut album’s release in 2018.

Genre:
Rock / Indie Rock

Title:
“Shadows of Yesterday”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
[G] Underneath the [D] burning sun,
[Em] Our journey’s [C] only just begun,
[G] We’re chasin’ [D] dreams and [Em] ghosts from yester-[C]-day,

[G] Words unspoken, [D] love unmade,
[Em] Trapped in the [C] shadows we’ve betrayed,
[G] Break these [D] chains and let’s [Em] fly a-[C]-way.

(Chorus)
[G] Shadows of yesterday, [D] don’t you look back,
[Em] We’ve got a journey on this [C] one-way track,
[G] We’re lighting up the night, [D] driving away the grey,
[Em] We are the Known Maker, [C] we’ll find our way.

(Verse 2)
[G] With heartache [D] as our guide,
[Em] We find the [C] strength to turn the tide,
[G] Erasing [D] the shadows of [Em] yester-[C]-day.

(Chorus)
[G] Shadows of yesterday, [D] don’t you look back,
[Em] We’ve got a journey on this [C] one-way track,
[G] We’re lighting up the night, [D] driving away the grey,
[Em] We are the Known Maker, [C] we’ll find our way.

(Bridge)
[G] We’re dancing with the [D] ghosts of the past,
[Em] Making every [C] moment last,
[G] We’re the [D] Known Maker, [Em] and we’re here to [C] stay.

(Chorus)
[G] Shadows of yesterday, [D] don’t you look back,
[Em] We’ve got a journey on this [C] one-way track,
[G] We’re lighting up the night, [D] driving away the grey,
[Em] We are the Known Maker, [C] we’ll find our way.

Favorite Fan Testimonial:

“My name is Max, and I am an absolute Known Maker superfan! I first heard ‘Shadows of Yesterday’ on a road trip, and it completely changed my life. The energy, the lyrics, the raw emotion – everything about their music speaks to me. Jake, Eli, Tom, and Sara have this incredible ability to create songs that connect with you on a personal level. They’ve got this raw, genuine sound that just resonates with what I’ve been through. Known Maker isn’t just a band to me, they are a beacon of hope, a symbol of resilience, and a source of inspiration. I can’t wait to see where their journey takes them next!”

Backstory:
Built from the ashes of their former bands, Easy-Going Minority is a tight-knit group of friends hailing from New York City. The band formed in early 2010, after a chance meeting at the legendary CBGB’s club where each member was performing in different acts. Recognizing a shared love for music and an easy-going approach to life, they decided to form a band that reflects their own experiences as minorities in the bustling city. Easy-Going Minority is all about embracing life’s challenges and a shared belief in the power of music to bring people together.

Genre:
Easy-Going Minority is an Alternative Rock band that draws influences from a range of genres including punk and indie rock, underlining their music with a distinctive raw and energetic sound.

Title:
“One More Challenge”

Full song lyrics:

Verse 1
(Am / G / F / E)
Life’s a puzzle, it’s a muddle, (Am)
In the middle of the hustle and the bustle, (G)
We find our purpose, we find our peace, (F)
In a world that never sleeps. (E)

Chorus
(Am / G / F / E)
One more challenge, one more fight, (Am)
We’re the underdogs, taking flight. (G)
In the city lights, we’ll make our stand, (F)
With a melody, and a helping hand. (E)

Verse 2
(Am / G / F / E)
The city’s loud, but we’re louder, (Am)
In the crowd, but we’re prouder, (G)
We’re a minority, but we’re free, (F)
Singing our song, in harmony. (E)

Chorus
(Am / G / F / E)
One more challenge, one more night, (Am)
We’re the easy-going, shining bright. (G)
In the city’s heart, we’ll leave our mark, (F)
With our music, we’ll ignite a spark. (E)

Favorite Fan’s Testimonial:
My name is Maria Gonzalez, and Easy-Going Minority is my favorite band for so many reasons. First, their music resonates with me on a deep level – it’s like they’re singing the soundtrack of my life. As a Latina living in NYC, their songs about overcoming obstacles and embracing our minority status really speak to me. Their live shows are something else, too. They’re raw, energetic, and full of passion. I’ve never felt more connected to a band before, and I can’t wait to see where their journey takes them.

Backstory:
Rusty Police emerged from the gritty, working-class neighborhoods of Detroit in the late 1990s. The four-piece powerhouse was formed by old school friends, lead vocalist and rhythm guitarist, Kenny ‘Rusty’ Thompson, lead guitarist, Zach ‘Zed’ McAllen, bassist, Mikey ‘The Bull’ Davis, and drummer, Joey ‘The Hammer’ Russo. Their shared love for music and a desire to escape their monotonous day jobs brought them together, creating something raw, energetic, and completely their own. Rusty Police quickly earned a reputation for their high-energy performances and raw, emotionally charged lyrics, and as they built their grassroots following, they became a defining force in the city’s underground music scene.

Genre:
Alternative Rock/ Punk Rock

Title:
“Broken Chains”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1: Am, G, F, C)
Am G F C
In the city’s cold embrace, we found our grace,
Am G F C
In the alleys, under the neon haze.
Am G F C
Broken hearts, shattered dreams, and empty promises,
Am G F C
We found our rhythm in the chaos’s bliss.

(Chorus: F, G, Am)
F G Am
We are the Rusty Police, breaking our chains,
F G Am
Echoing voices, through the pain.
F G Am
We are the fighters, lighting the flame,
F G Am
And in the darkness, we stake our claim.

(Verse 2: Am, G, F, C)
Am G F C
Through the city’s silent scream, we heard our theme,
Am G F C
In the shadows, we found our dream.
Am G F C
With guitars and drums, we told our tales,
Am G F C
In this concrete jungle, we set our sails.

(Chorus: F, G, Am)
F G Am
We are the Rusty Police, breaking our chains,
F G Am
Echoing voices, through the pain.
F G Am
We are the fighters, lighting the flame,
F G Am
And in the darkness, we stake our claim.

Fan’s Name and Testimonial:

Name: Maggie O’Connell

Testimonial: Rusty Police is more than just a band to me. They are my escape, my solace, and my celebration. Their music resonates with me – the raw emotion, the gritty realism, and the fiery spirit. ‘Rusty Police isn’t just a band; they’re a movement. They’ve given a voice to those who feel voiceless. I’ve been to numerous concerts and have even had the honor of meeting them backstage. Their kindness and humility are just as impressive as their music. They’re not just my favorite band; they’re my heroes.

Backstory:
Entire Feet was formed in the bohemian district of Austin, Texas, during a chance meeting at a local dive bar in 2010. The band’s members – frontman Alex Reed, drummer Kelly James, keyboardist Josh Anderson, and bassist Danny Greene, found common ground over a shared love of alternative rock and a knack for storytelling through music. The band quickly gained momentum in the local music scene, known for their energetic live performances and their undeniable chemistry. A decade later, they’ve carved out a unique niche for themselves, threading influences of indie rock, folk, and punk into their distinctive sound.

Genre:
Indie Rock/ Alternative Folk

Title:
“Steps of Stone”

Full song lyrics:

(Verse 1)
[C] Walking on the steps of [Am] stone,
[Dm] Shadows of a past [G] untold,
[C] Echoes of a love once [Am] known,
[Dm] Now all that’s left are [G] memories old.

(Chorus)
[F] Take my hand and [C] walk with me,
[G] Down the pathway [Am] of our history,
[F] Each step on this [C] rocky road,
[G] Is a story to be [C] told.

(Verse 2)
[C] Remember when we used to [Am] dance,
[Dm] Lost in music, in a [G] trance,
[C] Now our feet no longer [Am] prance,
[Dm] But our love’s not left to [G] chance.

(Chorus)
[F] Take my hand and [C] dance with me,
[G] To the rhythm of our [Am] symphony,
[F] Each beat of this [C] melancholy tune,
[G] Is a testament to our [C] monsoon.

Favorite Fan:
Susan Miller, a librarian from Austin, is Entire Feet’s top fan. She says, “I remember hearing Entire Feet play in a tiny bar before they even had an EP out. Something about their music resonated with me. It’s raw, it’s real, and it tells a story. It’s not just about the sound, it’s about the experience. Every song is a journey, an emotion personified. The band has a way of making you feel like every song was written just for you. They’re not just my favorite because their music moves me, they’re my favorite because they’re genuine people making genuine art.”

Backstory:

Difficult Corridor was formed in 2012 in the cramped basement of a student house in Seattle. At the time, the founding members Larry Sullivan (vocals, guitar) and Alan Priest (drums) were college roommates, just two kids with a shared passion for music, dreams of fame, and a knack for writing killer tunes. They were later joined by fellow students, Tina Hobbs (bass) and Joy Reynolds (keyboard, backing vocals). The band name, Difficult Corridor, was chosen to represent the emotional hardships and complex pathways that young adults navigate through during their formative years.

Their first show was a small gig at a local bar, where they rapidly gained a devoted fan base. The band’s unique sound and energetic performances eventually caught the attention of a talent scout from a major record label. Their debut LP was critically acclaimed for its honest lyricism, innovative sound, and raw emotion. With several successful albums under their belt, Difficult Corridor continues to create music that resonates deeply with their listeners.

Genre:

Alternative Rock

Title:

“Echoes of Yesterday”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
[G] Lost in a daze, [D] caught in a phase,
[Am] With the echoes of yesterday [C] clouding my ways.
[G] Trapped in the past, [D] moving too fast,
[Am] In the shadows of memories [C] that were not meant to last.

(Chorus)
[G] Echoes of yesterday, [D] won’t you fade away?
[Am] I’m caught in your maze, [C] lost in your haze.
[G] Echoes of yesterday, [D] I need to break away.
[Am] From the chains of the past, [C] I want to be free at last.

(Verse 2)
[G] Dancing with ghosts, [D] making the most,
[Am] Of a love that was meant to be, [C] now it’s just a close host.
[G] Holding on tight, [D] losing the fight,
[Am] To the echoes of yesterday, [C] that haunt me at night.

(Repeat Chorus)

Favorite Fan’s Testimonial:

“My name is Steve and I’ve been a Difficult Corridor fan since their first bar gig in 2012. Their music has an emotional depth that really resonates with me and has helped me through some tough times. The lyrics, the melodies, the performances – it all comes together to create something that goes beyond music. It’s like they’re speaking directly to me, about my struggles, my hopes, my fears. That’s why Difficult Corridor will always be my favorite band.”

Backstory:
Our Motor was formed in the heart of Detroit, Michigan, during the summer of 2009. The band was initially just a small garage band started by two childhood friends, Randy ‘Rusty’ Johnson and Jake ‘Sparky’ Evans. They grew up together, elbow-deep in engines, as their fathers were both mechanics. Their love for music and engines led to the formation of Our Motor, an ode to their shared passion. Their work ethic was akin to the same grit and tenacity that made Detroit the motor city. The band truly took off when they expanded their line up by adding bassist Lexi ‘V8’ Vega and drummer Tommy ‘Turbo’ Thompson, creating a dynamic and powerful sound.

Genre:
Rock and Roll with a hint of Blues

Title:
“Wheel in the Sky”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse)
G Em C D

G Em
Crank up the music, let the engine roar,
C D
City lights flickering, as we hit the road.
G Em
Burning rubber under the midnight sky,
C D
Riding with you, feeling so alive.

(Chorus)
G D Em C
Wheel in the sky, keep on turning,
G D C
Guide us through the paths, we’re yearning.
G D Em C
With every mile, we’re learning,
G D C
Life is but a journey, keep the wheel turning.

(Verse)
G Em
Fast lanes, open roads, echoes of the past,
C D
Chasing dreams, in our steel contrast.
G Em
Engine humming, like a sweet melody,
C D
This is our freedom, this is our legacy.

(Chorus)
G D Em C
Wheel in the sky, keep on turning,
G D C
Guide us through the paths, we’re yearning.
G D Em C
With every mile, we’re learning,
G D C
Life is but a journey, keep the wheel turning.

Bands Favorite Fan:
Our Motor’s favorite fan is a guy named Tim ‘Gearhead’ Garry. As a mechanic himself, Tim resonates with the band’s backstory and its connection to the motor city. He admires their grit and claims their music gives him the energy to push through tough times. Tim always says, “The raw power and emotion in their sound, it’s like the roar of a perfectly tuned engine. It’s music that gets your blood pumping. Our Motor is my favorite band because they’ve managed to blend my two passions – cars and music, into one harmonious entity.”