Backstory:
Afraid Association was formed in a bustling college town in Arkansas, born from a group of friends finding solace in each other’s shared musical interests and the desire to express their thoughts through melody and verse. Brimming with unique talents: a drummer with a fondness for jazz rhythms, a bassist with a deep-seated love for blues, a lead guitarist with a penchant for raw and gritty rock, and a frontman with a voice that could make angels weep – they were an eclectic mix that somehow worked. They quickly gained a reputation for their immersive live performances, profound lyrics, and genre-bending sound.

After graduating, they moved to Los Angeles to pursue their musical dreams. They faced their fair share of hardships, getting lost in the city’s endless sea of aspiring musicians. However, their determination to create music that resonated with people’s fears, hopes, and everything in between set them apart. This led to their big break, a record deal that launched them into the limelight.

Genre:
The music of Afraid Association straddles the lines between Alternative Rock, Blues, and Indie.

Title:
“Whispers in the Wind”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
(C)Caught in the (Am)maze of the mundane,
(Dm)Dreaming of skies, (G)beyond the rain.
(C)Voices around, they (Am)speak in vain,
(Dm)Our hearts beat (G)to a different strain.

(Chorus)
(C)We are the whispers in the (Am)wind,
(Dm)Unseen melodies, (G)unpinned.
(C)In our art, our fears are (Am)tinned,
(Dm)With each note, we are (G)rebuilt, reskinned.

(Verse 2)
(C)We’ve walked the (Am)paths less tread,
(Dm)With music, our (G)hungry souls are fed.
(C)In the noise, we’ve found our (Am)thread,
(Dm)To the world, our (G)hopes are wed.

(Chorus)
(C)We are the whispers in the (Am)wind,
(Dm)Dancing with dreams, (G)unthinned.
(C)Our echo will not be (Am)underpinned,
(Dm)Till the end, we’ll (G)fight, we’ll sing, we’ll grin.

Fan Testimonial:
“I’m Jenna. I stumbled upon Afraid Association’s gig at a small bar in L.A. three years ago, and it was life-changing. Their music spoke directly to my fears and hopes, making me feel understood and less alone. Their song, “Whispers in the Wind,” is my anthem, a reminder to keep pushing forward, no matter how hard things get. They’re not just a band for me; they’re a lifeline.”

Backstory:
Leading Shelf is a quartet of friends from Toronto, Canada. The band formed in 2015 when they discovered a mutual love for music during their college years. The members include lead vocalist and guitarist Alex Carlson, drummer Timmy Johnson, bassist Rick Hudson, and keyboardist and backing vocalist Emily Greene. The band started playing gigs at local bars and captured the hearts of the local audience with their electrifying performances. Their unabashed lyrical honesty and authenticity soon earned them a loyal fan base, eventually leading to their breakthrough in the indie music scene.

Genre:
Alternative Rock

Song Title:
“Shadows on the Wall”

Full Song Lyrics:
[Verse 1]
E A D
Shadows on the wall, dancing in the flame,
E A D
Whispers in the fall, they don’t know my name.
E A D
Caught in the darkness, lost in the game,
E A D
In love with the mystery, bearing no shame.

[Chorus]
G A D
Oh, I’m chasing shadows on the wall,
G A D
Caught in the thrill of it all.
G A D
Can’t hide, can’t stall,
G A D
Lost in the shadows on the wall.

[Verse 2]
E A D
Moonlight in the night, stars in her eyes,
E A D
Caught in her sight, lost in her lies.
E A D
Shadows on the wall tell no lies,
E A D
Caught in the rhythm, under her disguise.

[Chorus]
G A D
Oh, I’m chasing shadows on the wall,
G A D
Lost in the echo of her call.
G A D
Can’t hide, can’t stall,
G A D
Trapped in the shadows on the wall.

Fan’s Name – Testimonial:
Fan’s name: Sarah Thompson

“I stumbled across Leading Shelf while looking for fresh alternative rock bands, and I was instantly hooked. Their song ‘Shadows on the Wall’ resonated with me in a way that music rarely does. The lyrics are so raw and relatable, and the melody is absolutely intoxicating. As a fan, I feel a deep connection to their music. It’s like they’ve put my feelings into words. Leading Shelf is more than just a band to me, it’s an emotion.”

Backstory:

Safe Fence started off in the humble beginnings of the suburban neighborhoods of Boston, Massachusetts. The group, consisting of childhood friends Jack Bannister on vocals and guitar, Daniel Sullivan on bass, and twins Michael and Matthew Radley on drums and keys respectively, found a shared love for music during their high school years. An old wooden fence that separated their homes, marked as a “safe” meeting spot, ultimately became the inspiration for their band name. From jamming in their garages to performing at small local venues, they started gaining recognition for their unique sound, and in the mid-2000s, they broke out of the local scene and started gaining national attention.

Genre:

Indie Rock

Title:

“Behind Closed Doors”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
[G]Sitting by the fence, we [Em]used to call safe,
[C]Sharing secrets and dreams, under the [D]moon’s soft haze.
[G]Through laughter and tears, we [Em]found our place,
[C]Behind closed doors, in our [D]secret space.

(Chorus)
[G]Behind closed doors, [Em]we found our youth,
[C]In every note, lies a [D]grain of truth.
[G]When life gets hard, and [Em]our paths encircle,
[C]We’ll find solace, behind these [D]doors of purple.

(Verse 2)
[G]The world outside, seemed [Em]so unreal,
[C]We strummed our dreams, on this [D]old wheel.
[G]To every beat, our hearts [Em]would reveal,
[C]A rhythm raw, and a love [D]so real.

(Chorus)
[G]Behind closed doors, [Em]we found our youth,
[C]In every note, lies a [D]grain of truth.
[G]When life gets hard, and [Em]our paths encircle,
[C]We’ll find solace, behind these [D]doors of purple.

Favorite Fan:

Their favorite fan is, without a doubt, Emma Johnson. Emma has been following Safe Fence since their very first gig and has been to almost every single one of their concerts. Her dedication and support for the band is unmatched. She always manages to make her way to the front row and knows all the lyrics to their songs, singing along passionately.

Emma says, “Safe Fence is more than just a band to me. Their music has seen me through my hardest times, their lyrics resonating with my experiences. I’ve grown with their music, and they’ve always made me feel seen and heard. They’re my favorite band not just because of their amazing music, but also because they’re genuine and real, just like their music.”

Backstory:

Burly Front began as a quartet of college friends from the University of Southern California, each from different corners of the United States but who found common ground in their love for music. The quartet is composed of two guitarists, a bassist, and a drummer, each with unique vocal talents that can give a haunting harmony or a raucous chorus depending upon the song. The band was formed in the dorms, where their late-night jam sessions frequently earned them noise complaints, but undeterred, they continued to hone their craft.

A pivotal moment came when they were given a chance to perform at a local bar, where they were spotted by a talent agent. This led to a record contract and their first studio album, which was an instant hit. They’ve since released three more albums, each one more successful than the last. The band remains close-knit and dedicated to their craft, often stating that their chemistry is the key to their success.

Genre:
Alternative Rock

Title:
“Whispered Echoes”

Full song lyrics:

(Verse)
Em G D A
Long roads, fading into the neon light,
Em G D A
Lost souls dancing in the dead of night.
Em G D A
No fear, chasing the distant stars,
Em G D A
Here we are, becoming who we are.

(Chorus)
C G D Em
Whispered echoes in the dark,
C G D Em
A melody that leaves its mark,
C G D Em
We are the dreams that never die,
C G D Em
We are the love that learns to fly.

(Verse)
Em G D A
Lost years, drowned in the sands of time,
Em G D A
The road sears, the memories left behind.
Em G D A
No tears, for the fallen stars,
Em G D A
Here we are, becoming who we are.

(Chorus)
C G D Em
Whispered echoes in the wind,
C G D Em
A symphony that never ends,
C G D Em
We are the stories yet untold,
C G D Em
We are the brave that breaks the mold.

Favorite Fan Testimonial:

“Hi, I’m Tracy from Denver, Colorado. As a dedicated follower of Burly Front, I am always energized and inspired by their music. The raw emotion and depth in their lyrics, and the harmonious blend of their instruments, resonates with me on a personal level. Their song ‘Whispered Echoes’ has been my anthem throughout my college years, helping me express my own struggles and triumphs. It’s not just the music, but also their personal journey from college dorms to famous stages that inspires me. Burly Front is more than just a band to me; they represent the power of dreams and the promise of perseverance.”

Backstory:
Formed out of a garage in the small town of Gladstone, Virginia, Responsible Relationship is a unique mix of childhood buddies and college roommates who stumbled onto their shared love for music. The band came together in 2014, when lead vocalist, James “Jimmie” Balducci, began playing music with his high school friend, bass guitarist, Ted “Steady” Henderson. They were later joined by keyboardist, Drew “Dizzy” Rutherford and drummer, Emily “Emi” McQuinn – both college roommates of Balducci. The band started gaining local popularity with their compelling mix of melodic pop-rock and earnest, relatable lyrics.

Their big break came in 2017 when music producer, Alan Park, heard them playing in a local bar during his visit to Gladstone. Since then, Responsible Relationship has been creating a buzz in the music scene, amassing a growing fanbase with their captivating blend of infectious tunes and honest storytelling, all meant to echo the ups and downs of romantic relationships.

Genre:
Pop-Rock

Title:
“Balcony Serenade”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
[G] Underneath the starry sky, [D] you and I, [Em] in the moonlight,
[C] Laughter floats in the breeze, [D] it’s just you and me, [G] feels so right.
[G] Whispered secrets, [D] tender sighs, [Em] under the disguise of the night,
[C] From my heart to yours, [D] this love of ours, [G] takes flight.

(Chorus)
[C] Love like a melody, [G] sweet and clear,
[Am] Singing out from this balcony, [D] for you to hear.
[C] In this beautiful serenade, [G] beneath the stars,
[Am] Our love story unfolds, [D] right where we are.

(Verse 2)
[G] Holding hands, [D] stealing kisses, [Em] in the softness of the night,
[C] The world’s a blur, [D] all I see is you, [G] under the spotlight.
[G] Our shadows dancing, [D] hearts entrancing, [Em] as we hold each other tight,
[C] This balcony serenade, [D] our love displayed, [G] in the moonlight.

(Repeat Chorus)
[C] Love like a melody, [G] sweet and clear,
[Am] Singing out from this balcony, [D] for you to hear.
[C] In this beautiful serenade, [G] beneath the stars,
[Am] Our love story unfolds, [D] right where we are.

Favorite Fan:
The band’s favorite fan is a woman named Claire Thompson. Claire has been a dedicated follower since the band’s early days in Gladstone. She swears by their music and believes that the band’s raw honesty and their relatable take on romance is what makes their music comforting and therapeutic. She says, “Responsible Relationship isn’t just a band, it’s an experience. Their music has accompanied me through heartbreaks, new beginnings, and everything in between. It’s like they’ve been there with me, understanding all my feelings and putting them into songs. They’re not just my favorite band, they’re my musical confidants.”

Backstory:
Humiliating Campaign is made up of four members; lead vocalist and guitarist, Alex Ridgemont, drummer, Jacob ‘Jake’ Ramirez, bassist, Charlie Mathews, and keyboardist, Sophia ‘Soph’ Turner. The band was formed in the small town of Nantucket, Massachusetts, in 2007. They all attended the same high school, Nantucket High, where they found a common bond in their love of music, particularly the gritty and emotive sounds of alternative rock. The band’s name was inspired by a failed run for student council Alex had in his junior year. They saw this embarrassing moment as a metaphor for the trials and tribulations of life, turning humiliation into a rallying cry.

Genre:
Alternative Rock/Post-Punk

Title:
“Unpredictable Solitude”

Full Song Lyrics:

[Verse 1: Am, G, F, Em]
(Am) Staring at the ceiling, (G) got no feeling
(F) In this unpredictable (Em) solitude
(Am) Drawing up conclusions, (G) twisted illusions
(F) In this unpredictable (Em) solitude

[Chorus: C, G, Am, F]
(C) Unpredictable, (G) incomprehensible,
(Am) Welcome to my (F) solitude
(C) Unpredictable, (G) undeniable,
(Am) This is my (F) solitude

[Verse 2: Am, G, F, Em]
(Am) Echoes of laughter, (G) what I’m after
(F) Lost in this unpredictable (Em) solitude
(Am) Shadows on the floor, (G) can’t take it anymore
(F) In this unpredictable (Em) solitude

[Chorus: C, G, Am, F]
(C) Unpredictable, (G) incomprehensible,
(Am) Welcome to my (F) solitude
(C) Unpredictable, (G) undeniable,
(Am) This is my (F) solitude

[Outro: C, G, Am, F]
(C) Unpredictable, (G) and it’s undeniable,
(Am) I’m lost in my own (F) unpredictable solitude.

Favorite fan:
Name: Lacey Strickland

Testimonial: As a fan, I’ve been following Humiliating Campaign since they were playing small gigs in Nantucket. Their unique sound and raw energy drew me in from the start. Not only are their lyrics deep and relatable, but the passion they pour into their performance is palpable. “Unpredictable Solitude” is my favorite song, and it resonates with me on a personal level. It encapsulates the feeling of being lost and alone, but also conveys a sense of acceptance and strength—turning the negative into something powerful. I’ve had the chance to meet the band a couple of times and they are genuinely down-to-earth people. They appreciate their fans and it shows. Humiliating Campaign isn’t just my favorite band, they are a part of my life.

Backstory:
Born in the bustling streets of New York from the diverse and combative nature of urban life, Outrageous Boot came into being in 2006. The band members, Timmy ‘Thunder’ Turner (lead vocals), Ronnie ‘Rhino’ Reeves (drummer), and Simon ‘Silent’ Scott (bass guitar), were all childhood friends from the same neighborhood, each finding solace in music amidst the chaos of their surroundings. They began jamming together in Scott’s basement, their music echoing the raw energy and passion of their youth. Their unique sound quickly caught the attention of a local record label, and soon, Outrageous Boot was climbing the charts.

Genre:
Outrageous Boot’s genre is a unique blend of Punk Rock and Blues, creating a raw, emotive sound that resonates deeply with their audience. The band’s diverse influences, ranging from classic punk bands like The Ramones to legendary blues artists like B.B. King, has shaped their unique sound.

Title:
“Concrete Jungle Melody”

Full Song Lyrics:

Verse 1:
Am G
Under the city lights we found our vibe,
Dm Am
A rhythm that beats as strong as the tide.
Am G
In the chaos, we found our tune,
Dm Am
Our Concrete Jungle Melody, under the moon.

Chorus:
F C
Sing it loud, let it blare,
G Am
In this city, we lay bare.
F C
Our hearts beat, our voices free,
G Am
In this Concrete Jungle Melody.

Verse 2:
Am G
Strumming on the strings of our fate,
Dm Am
In a world that won’t wait.
Am G
We dance to our own beat,
Dm Am
In this concrete, we find our feat.

(Repeat Chorus)

The band’s favorite fan:
The band’s favorite fan is a woman named Maria Thompson. Maria has been following Outrageous Boot since their early days, attending every show and even traveling to other cities to see them play. The band appreciates her unwavering support and enthusiasm.

Testimonial:
“To say I am a fan of Outrageous Boot is an understatement. Their music speaks to me on a level that no other band has managed to reach. It’s raw, it’s honest, and it’s filled with an energy that is contagious. I feel like their songs are a reflection of my own life and experiences. It’s a wild ride, and I wouldn’t miss it for the world.” – Maria Thompson.

Backstory:
Hideous Needle was born in the grungy back alleys of Vancouver in the late 1990s. The original members, lead singer Rob Knox, guitarist Jack “Razor” O’Malley, drummer Mickey “Spikes” Dunne, and bassist Frankie “Stitches” McNeil, lived in the same tenement building and were all drawn to the underground music scene. They began their musical journey by playing at local bars before their unique sound caught the attention of a local record producer. The band gained a cult following with their raw, unfiltered lyrics, and rugged punk rock sound, often drawing on their experiences of the city’s rougher side.

Genre:
Punk Rock

Title:
“Rusty Shadows”

Full Song Lyrics with Chord Progression:

(Verse 1: Em, C, G, D)
In the rusty shadows of a city in decay,
Was born a breed of rebels with a lot to say.
Embracing the chaos, we found our way.
Living life on the edge, every single day.

(Chorus: G, D, Em, C)
Hideous Needle, we’re the voice of the unheard,
Spinning tales of the absurd.
With each screech of the guitar, every drumbeat,
We make the heart of the city skip a beat.

(Verse 2: Em, C, G, D)
Our music, a reflection of the streets we know,
The crumbling buildings, the city’s afterglow.
Through our songs, we let our rebellion show,
In this urban jungle, we’re the heroes.

(Chorus: G, D, Em, C)
Hideous Needle, we’re the soundtrack of the night,
A beacon of defiance, shining bright.
With melodies raw, and lyrics real,
We’re the city’s heartbeat, you can feel.

Favorite Fan:
Our favorite fan is Sarah “Punk Princess” Johnson. Sarah has attended every one of our gigs since our inception and fiercely defends our music and ethos. She says, “Hideous Needle isn’t just a band to me, they’re the voice of a generation. Their music reflects the gritty reality of the city, it’s like a lifeline for individuals who feel overlooked and unheard. The raw emotion and authenticity in their songs resonate with me on a personal level. They’re not just musicians; they’re poets, rebels, and more importantly, they’re real.”

Backstory:

Born in the cultural heart of Nashville, Tennessee, ‘Concerned Ownership’ is the musical brainchild of childhood friends – Dan Stevens, Mark Bolding, and Luke Hollis. The trio discovered their shared love for music while playing in their high school’s marching band. As they honed their skills and experimented with different genres, they found themselves gravitating towards the sincerity of Americana music and the soul-stirring lyrics of folk. Post their high school graduation in 2009, the trio decided to transform their passion into a full-time career, hence Concerned Ownership was born.

The band’s name reflects their belief in the idea of shared humanity and the collective responsibility that comes with it. Over the years, their music has become a platform for them to share their thoughts and concerns on social issues, personal relationships, and human experiences. Their harmonious blend of folk and Americana, coupled with meaningful lyrics, have resonated with audiences, making them a beloved band in the music scene.

Genre:

Americana/Folk

Title:

“Strings of Unity”

Full song lyrics:

[Verse 1]
Em C G D
Underneath the same sky, we’re all playing our part
Em C G D
In this grand symphony, where everyone’s a work of art
Em C G D
With your heart strings and mine, we can create a melody
Em C G D
In the name of unity, let’s write our own symphony

[Chorus]
Em C G D
Strings of unity, playing our part in harmony
Em C G D
In this grand symphony, your heart strings and mine, a divine melody

[Verse 2]
Em C G D
Times may change, seasons may shift
Em C G D
But our song remains, a timeless gift
Em C G D
From your heart to mine, echoes a symphony
Em C G D
In the name of unity, let’s write our own destiny

[Chorus]
Em C G D
Strings of unity, playing our part in harmony
Em C G D
In this grand symphony, your heart strings and mine, a divine melody

Favorite Fan:

Their biggest fan is Amy, a middle-school teacher from their hometown of Nashville. She discovered their music in 2012 and has been an ardent follower ever since. In her words, “Concerned Ownership is not just a band for me. Their music has been a friend, a confidante, a source of solace, and a beacon of hope. After a long day at school, I look forward to unwinding with their soulful music. Their songs resonate with me and have helped me navigate through some of my life’s most challenging moments. Being a fan of Concerned Ownership is not just about loving their music, it’s about being part of a community that believes in unity, compassion, and shared responsibility. Their music is a constant reminder of the power of unity, and that’s what makes them my favorite band.”

Backstory:

Gigantic Register was formed in the small town of Sequim, Washington during the summer of 2010. The band’s founding members, lead vocalist Jake Tucker, guitarist Ryan Lawson, bassist Max Smith, and drummer Ethan Browne, were childhood friends who grew fond of making music in their parents’ basements. Jake’s older brother owned a vinyl record store where the boys spent most of their free time rummaging through classic rock and metal albums, which would later influence their musical style. After winning the local battle of the bands competition, the group started to gain recognition and was eventually signed by a small independent label.

Gigantic Register’s rise to fame wasn’t without its hurdles. After the release of their debut album, the band found itself in a creative slump. It was during this time that they would lose their bassist Max to creative differences. However, the remaining members forged ahead, recruiting new bassist, Sophie Holden, a talented musician from their hometown. Sophie’s arrival not only filled the void in the band but also injected a fresh perspective into their music, propelling them to new heights.

Genre:
Hard Rock/ Heavy Metal

Title:
“Concrete Jungle Lullaby”

Full song lyrics:

(Verse)
Am – C – G – F
In the heart of the city, where the lights are so pretty,
They say dreams come alive, under the neon sky.
Concrete jungle, where the shadows creep,
Lost souls wander, while the city sleeps.

(Chorus)
Em – D – A – C
Sing me a lullaby, in this concrete jungle,
A song for the sleepless, for the weary and the humble.
Under the neon sky, where dreams are sold and bought,
Sing me a lullaby, of battles fought and lost.

(Verse)
Am – C – G – F
In the heart of the city, where the silence is gritty,
Broken dreams litter the streets, crushed under countless feet.
Concrete jungle, skyscrapers stand tall,
Echoing tales of rise and fall.

(Chorus)
Em – D – A – C
Sing me a lullaby, in this concrete jungle,
A song for the dreamers, in a world that’s brutal.
Under the neon sky, where hopes are tossed and turned,
Sing me a lullaby, of lessons learned and unlearned.

Favorite Fan:

The band’s favorite fan is named Kelly Sanders. Kelly considers Gigantic Register her favorite band because their music resonates with her deeply. She admires how they’ve stayed true to their roots and developed a unique sound inspired by classic rock and heavy metal. Kelly’s testimonial reads, “Gigantic Register is more than just a band for me; they’re a lifeline. Their lyrics speak directly to my soul, and I feel a connection with every note they play. From the gritty guitar riffs to the powerful vocals, there’s an authentic rawness in their music that’s hard to find these days. They’re hands down the best band out there, and I can’t wait to see where their journey takes them next.”