Backstory:
Sparse Tree, a band that sprung from the serene hills of Asheville, North Carolina, found their roots in a shared love for both music and nature. The band’s core members, Jason Grant, Olivia Keane, and Tom Wynn, were music students at the University of North Carolina Asheville. They bonded over late-night jam sessions, impromptu gigs at local venues, and hiking trips in the surrounding Blue Ridge Mountains. Their unique fusion of sounds began to take shape around campfires, under the stars, and among the sparse trees that lent their name to the group. With Jason on lead vocals and guitar, Olivia on the bass and backing vocals, and Tom on the drums, they began to develop a unique blend of folk and indie rock.

Genre:
Folk/Indie Rock

Title:
“Underneath the Starlit Canopy”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
[G] Underneath the starlit canopy,
[C] Among the whispers of the trees,
[Am] We found a rhythm, found a melody,
[D] Nature’s song, set us free.

(Chorus)
[G] We are Sparse Tree, born in the wild,
[C] Music flowing like a river, gentle and mild,
[Am] Our hearts are tuned to the mountains high,
[D] Underneath the starlit canopy, we learn to fly.

(Verse 2)
[G] The moonlight dances on the creek,
[C] In our songs, it’s peace we seek,
[Am] Through the valleys, over the peak,
[D] Our love for music, it’s never weak.

(Chorus)
[G] We are Sparse Tree, singing the night away,
[C] In harmony with nature, in its gentle sway,
[Am] We strum, we drum, we begin to play,
[D] Underneath the starlit canopy, we find our way.

Fan testimonial:
Our biggest fan is none other than Sarah Gibson. Sarah, an Asheville native, has been following us since our first gigs in small, local venues. Her testimonial: “Sparse Tree’s music is like a breath of fresh mountain air. They capture the beauty and tranquility of nature in a way that speaks to my heart. I feel transported to the mountaintops every time I hear ‘Underneath the Starlit Canopy’. The band has this magical ability to blend folk and indie rock that creates a completely unique and mesmerizing sound. They’re my favorite because they are genuine, down-to-earth, and their music reflects their love for both music and nature. I couldn’t ask for a better band to represent the spirit of Asheville.”

Backstory:
Positive Attempt was born out of a garage in suburban Portland, Oregon back in 2012. Four childhood friends – Mike (vocals), Ryan (guitar), Sam (bass), and Jake (drums) – decided to channel their shared love for music into something more tangible. They started out playing at local bars and eventually caught the attention of a local radio station that played one of their demo tracks during an unsigned bands segment. Their unique sound resonated with people, and soon they had a growing fan base. The band’s name reflects their shared philosophy – always staying positive and constantly learning from every attempt they make in life.

Genre:
Positive Attempt has a distinctive sound that blends Alternative Rock with elements of Folk and Country music.

Title:
“Chasing the Horizon”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
[G] Running down this endless road, [D] chasing dreams that we hold,
[Em] The sun is setting but we’re still [C] going strong,
[G] The wind is whispering our song, [D] the journey seems so long,
[Em] But with every mile, we find where we [C] belong.

(Chorus)
[G] Chasing the Horizon, [D] under the setting sun,
[Em] In every struggle, every joy, every [C] victory won,
[G] We’ll keep moving forward, [D] until our days are done,
[Em] And with every sunrise, a new journey [C] has begun.

(Verse 2)
[G] With a map in our hearts and [D] stars as our guide,
[Em] We’ll conquer every mountain, cross the [C] ocean’s tide,
[G] No matter what comes our way, [D] we’ll take it in stride,
[Em] ‘Cause in this game of life, there’s nowhere to [C] hide.

(Chorus)
[G] Chasing the Horizon, [D] under the setting sun,
[Em] In every struggle, every joy, every [C] victory won,
[G] We’ll keep moving forward, [D] until our days are done,
[Em] And with every sunrise, a new journey [C] has begun.

Favorite Fan:
The band’s favorite fan is a guy called Tim. He’s been with them since their early days, attending their first gig in a small pub in Portland. He’s followed their journey ever since, attending every show he possibly can. Tim says, “What draws me to Positive Attempt is their raw, honest music and their positive outlook. Their songs have gotten me through some tough times and inspired me in so many ways. The song ‘Chasing the Horizon’ is my go-to anthem – a reminder to keep moving forward no matter what. Positive Attempt is more than just a band to me, they’re a beacon of hope.”

Backstory:
Formed in the eclectic music scene of Portland, Oregon, in 2013, Second Bank is a unique blend of old school friends and chance encounters. The lead singer, Leo Sullivan, and drummer, Bill “Bam Bam” Baxter, were high school buddies who shared a passion for music and dreamed of forming their own rock band. They found their missing pieces in a local bar when they heard a bass solo that stopped them in their tracks. The man behind the bass was Mitch “Stitch” Reynolds, a seasoned musician who had toured with several bands before deciding to settle down in Portland. Together with Molly Holmes, a classically trained violinist who adds a unique flavor to the band, they formed Second Bank.

Genre:
Second Bank is an Indie Rock band with influences of Folk and Blues.

Title:
“One More Whiskey”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
G
The night’s young and the bar is old,
D
I’m sittin’ here, stories untold,
Em
With my thoughts, my dreams, my fears,
C
And this old folk song ringing in my ears.

(Chorus)
G
One more whiskey, and a song,
D
In this old bar, we all belong,
Em
With the echoes of the night,
C
We’ll find our way towards the light.

(Verse 2)
G
To the dreams that got away,
D
To the hopes of a brighter day,
Em
Here’s to you and me,
C
And to what will never be.

(Chorus)
G
One more whiskey, and a song,
D
In this old bar, we all belong,
Em
With the echoes of the night,
C
We’ll find our way towards the light.

(Bridge)
Em
In the shadows, we find light,
C
In the wrongs, we find the right,
G
In the silence, we find the sound,
D
In the lost, we find the found.

(Chorus)
G
One more whiskey, and a song,
D
In this old bar, we all belong,
Em
With the echoes of the night,
C
We’ll find our way towards the light.

Favorite Fan:
Second Bank’s favorite fan is Jenny Anderson. Jenny got to know about the band through a friend’s recommendation and she’s been a fan since the band’s early days.

Testimonial:
“I love Second Bank because their music speaks to me. Their lyrics, their sound, everything about them feels so genuine and raw. It’s like they’re not just playing music; they’re sharing their stories, their experiences. And in doing so, they’re helping me understand my own feelings and experiences better. They’re more than just a band to me. They’re a part of my life.” – Jenny Anderson

Backstory:

Smug Witness is a band that was built on the foundations of friendship and a shared love for creative expression. The band members, Jaden Smithson (vocals), Kyle Mitchell (guitar), Tony Hunter (drums), and Liam Gordon (bass), were childhood friends who grew up in the suburbs of Pittsburgh. The band started as a fun pastime in their high school years, playing in their garage, but their raw talent and unique sound couldn’t go unnoticed for long. After winning a local band competition and getting featured in a local newspaper, they started gaining recognition, leading to their first record deal.

Their journey was not without struggles. Jaden’s fight with depression and Kyle’s battle with addiction became the inspiration for many of their songs. Their music became a testament to their struggles and victories, resonating with a lot of fans around the world.

Genre:

Rock/Alternative

Title:

“Shattered Mirrors”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
Am Em G D
Lost in the shadows of the forgotten lies,
Am Em G D
Broken shards reflecting the unanswered cries,
Am Em G D
Shattered mirrors of a thousand tries,
Am Em G D
In the chaos, our hope never dies.

(Chorus)
C G Am F
We’re the forgotten, we’re the survivors,
C G Am F
Born in the fire, raised in the wild,
C G Am F
In our reflections, see the fighters,
C G Am F
In shattered mirrors, we stand united.

(Verse 2)
Am Em G D
In the ashes, we find our light,
Am Em G D
In the darkness, we continue to fight,
Am Em G D
Our reflections may not always be right,
Am Em G D
But in shattered mirrors, we find our might.

(Repeat Chorus)

(End)
C G Am F
In the shattered, we’re the brightest,
C G Am F
In the lost, we find the rightest,
C G Am F
In the chaos, we stand the firmest,
C G Am F
In shattered mirrors, we’re the truest.

Favorite Fan:

Their favorite fan is a girl named Mia Thompson. Mia first came across Smug Witness when she was dealing with her own struggles with depression and addiction. She felt connected to their music and found strength in their lyrics. She has attended every concert since then and even started a fan page to connect other fans of the band.

Testimonial:

“I never thought I could find solace in music until I found Smug Witness. Their songs speak to me on a level that nothing else can. They tell my story, they tell everyone’s story who’s been through struggles and come out stronger. I appreciate the band not only for their amazing music but also for being so open about their own struggles. It’s the raw honesty that sets them apart. I am proud to be a fan of Smug Witness.” – Mia Thompson

Backstory:

Grandiose Chest formed in the suburbs of Austin, Texas, in 2012. The band was initially composed of high school friends, lead vocalist/guitarist Jeff Harris, drummer Anna Perkins, bassist Mikey Ross and keyboardist Rachel ‘Rae’ Owens. They spent their early days jamming in Jeff’s basement after school. Their music reflects their shared passion for storytelling, blending their everyday experiences with the glistening charm of grand folk tales. Grandiose Chest landed their first gig at a local bar, and the positive response from the crowd gave them the confidence to believe in their potential. They recorded their first album in 2015, and it was more successful than they had ever imagined.

Genre:

Indie Folk-Rock

Title:

“Desert Dreams”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
G C
Underneath the Texas sky,
Am D
Dreams are burning, burning bright,
G C
Just a band of misfits, casting shadows in the night.

(Chorus)
G C
Grandiose chest, we’re beating,
Am D
Down the highway, we’re streaking,
G C
With our desert dreams, and our hearts alight.

(Verse 2)
G C
Our songs echo through the canyons,
Am D
Like whispers of forgotten anthems,
G C
Underneath the starlight, we carve our own enchantments.

(Chorus)
G C
Grandiose chest, we’re beating,
Am D
Down the highway, we’re streaking,
G C
With our desert dreams, and our hearts alight.

(End)
G C
Desert dreams, they keep us moving,
Am D
Under the moon, our souls are swooning,
G C
Grandiose chest, we’re beating, to the rhythm of the night.

Favorite Fan:

The band’s favorite fan is 22-year-old Sarah Thompson. She’s been following Grandiose Chest since their early days and has been to every concert within a hundred-mile radius. In her testimonial, she says, “I stumbled upon Grandiose Chest when they were just starting. Their music resonates with me in a way nothing else does. It’s raw, real, and heartfelt. I feel like they tell my story, and that’s why they are my favorite band. They weave magic with their music, and to me, they are more than a band, they are my safe haven.”

Backstory:

Wide Bean emerged from the rustic heartlands of Tennessee in the early 2000s, a time when the music scene was teetering between the old and the new. The band members, consisting of lead singer and guitarist Charlie “Red” Thompson, drummer Lucas “Spike” Anderson, bassist John “Banks” Bankson, and keyboardist Sarah “Sunny” Miller, met at a local dive bar during a music festival. Sharing a love for music that transcends boundaries and a penchant for unorthodox sounds, the four decided to form their own band – thus, Wide Bean was born.

Their unique blend of rootsy, soulful music touched with a hint of contemporary sounds quickly caught the ears of music enthusiasts. With Thompson’s raw and passionate vocals, Anderson’s rhythmic beats, Bankson’s groovy bass lines, and Miller’s magical keys, Wide Bean took the local music scene by storm. Their performances echoed the nostalgia of the past, the energy of the present, and the promise of the future.

Genre:

Alternative Folk Rock

Song Title:

“Thunderbird Whispers”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
Am G C F
Riding on a thunderbird, whispers in the wind
Am G C F
Tales of love and longing, where do I begin?
Dm Am G F
Sky’s painted with a sunset, stars just out of sight
Dm Am G F
In my heart, a melody, carries through the night.

(Chorus)
C G Am F
Thunderbird whispers, oh they’re calling me
C G Am F
Under moonlit rivers, that’s where I’ll be
Dm Am G F
Singing songs of freedom, love’s sweet harmony
Dm Am G F
With the thunderbird whispers, I’m truly free.

(Verse 2)
Am G C F
Saddlebags of memories, carried on this flight
Am G C F
Through the mountains and the valleys, in the soft moonlight.
Dm Am G F
Catch a dream, let it ride, on the wings so wide
Dm Am G F
With the thunderbird whispers, there’s no place to hide.

(Chorus)

Band’s Favorite Fan:

Our favorite fan is a humble truck driver named Joe Thompson. No relation to our lead singer, Joe has been a Wide Bean fan since our earliest gigs. His testimonial reads, “Wide Bean isn’t just a band to me, they’re like family. Their music is an escape, a comfort, and a joy. It reminds me of home when I’m on the road. The rich lyrics and soulful tunes of songs like ‘Thunderbird Whispers’ are just pure magic. They bring a unique vibe to the folk-rock scene and I’m proud to be their number one fan.”

Backstory:

When the high school friends, Jason Hartman (lead guitarist), Ronnie Blackwell (vocalist), and Zack Cooper (drummer), found themselves on the same college campus, they decided to take their shared passion for music to the next level by forming a band called ‘Slim Approach’. Their complementary strengths and shared love for the same music genre led to an almost immediate chemistry, and the trio began making waves on the campus music scene. Throughout their college years, Slim Approach performed at numerous parties, college fests, and even a few local gigs. Their popularity continued to grow even after graduation, culminating in their breakout success on a national level.

Genre:

Alternative Rock

Title:

“Riding the Wave”

Full song lyrics:

(Verse 1)
Em C
Beneath the stars, chasing a dream,
G D
We found our hearts in the rhythm unseen.
Em C
In the echoes of the night, the melody we craved,
G D
Together we’re stronger, Riding the Wave.

(Chorus)
C G
Riding the Wave, lighting up the dark,
D Em
In the echoes of our hearts.
C G
Riding the Wave, leaving no trace,
D Em
In the rhythm, we find our place.

(Verse 2)
Em C
Through the noise, in the silent roar,
G D
We find our voice, never heard before.
Em C
In the winding road, in every chance we gave,
G D
Together we’re bolder, Riding the Wave.

(Repeat Chorus)

(Bridge)
Em C
We ride the rhythm and roll,
G D
In the silence, we find our soul.
Em C
In the music, we save,
G D
Every moment, as we ride the Wave.

(Repeat Chorus)

Favorite Fan:

The band’s favorite fan is Sarah Thompson. As a college student herself, Sarah discovered Slim Approach during her freshman year and has followed their journey ever since. She has attended every one of their performances and is known for her dedicated support and infectious enthusiasm. Sarah loves Slim Approach for their unique sound and raw, honest lyrics that resonate with her own life experiences.

Sarah’s Testimonial:

“Slim Approach isn’t just a band, it’s a feeling. Their music is the soundtrack of my college years, filled with laughter, heartbreak, and everything in between. Their music is pure, relatable, and incredibly powerful. They’ve got this amazing ability to connect with their audience, drawing us into their world of rhythm and emotions. They make us feel understood, seen, and most importantly, they make us feel like we’re a part of something bigger. That’s what makes Slim Approach my favorite band.”

Backstory:

Glamorous Vessel was born in the heart of Brooklyn, New York in 2015, when lead singer Jace Maddox met drummer Bev ‘Banger’ Rogers in a dingy underground bar. Drawn together by their shared love for experimental music and 80s glam rock, they decided to form a band. Enlisting the help of synth player and bassist Kyle ‘Kryptic’ Lawson and guitarist Nessa ‘Neon’ DeSilva, Glamorous Vessel was complete. Their sound was a fusion of old school chic and cutting edge freshness that resonated with a broad base of listeners.

Over the years, Glamorous Vessel built a reputation for their energetic live performances and creative music videos. Their concerts were more than just a gig – they were a sensory spectacle, complete with flashy costuming, intricate light shows, and a tangible electricity that enthralled audience members. Through sheer hard work and a commitment to making music that pushed the envelope, Glamorous Vessel steadily climbed the ladder of success, capturing the hearts of fans across the world.

Genre:

Glam Rock / Synth Pop

Title:

Neon Nightfall

Full Song Lyrics:

[Intro]
(E – A – D – G)x2

[Verse 1]
(E – A – D – G)
Tonight’s the night, we’re gonna light up like a fire (E – A)
We are the spark, we are the wild desire (D – G)

[Chorus]
(E – A – D – G)
In the neon nightfall, we rise (E – A)
Under thousand city lights, we ignite (D – G)

[Verse 2]
(E – A – D – G)
Diamond nights and ruby dreams, we’re the glitter in between (E – A)
In the cosmic dancehall, we’re the queens and kings (D – G)

[Chorus]
(E – A – D – G)
In the neon nightfall, we shine (E – A)
Radiant like starlight, we’re divine (D – G)

[Outro]
(E – A – D – G)
In the neon nightfall, take flight,
We are the Glamorous Vessel, we ignite. (E – A – D – G)

Bands Favorite Fan:

Their favorite fan is named Danny ‘Dazzler’ Turner. Danny has attended every Glamorous Vessel concert since their inception and has all their albums. He runs a fan site dedicated to the band and has even managed to catch a few of their spontaneous garage sessions.

Testimonial:

“I’ve been following Glamorous Vessel since their humble beginnings. Their music speaks to me on a level that no other band has managed to reach. It’s not just the catchy beats, the colorful costumes, or the incredible energy they bring to each performance – it’s the raw passion they have for their craft. They’re not just performers; they’re artists, and their music is a masterpiece. They are my favorite and always will be.” – Danny ‘Dazzler’ Turner.

Backstory:

Variable Kite is an eclectic fusion of talented musicians who first met at a music festival in Austin, Texas, back in 2013. The band consists of four members: lead vocalist and bassist, Samantha ‘Sam’ Richards, guitarist, Jake ‘Sphinx’ Spencer, keyboardist, Liam ‘Keys’ Donovan, and drummer, Felix ‘Stix’ Sullivan. The quartet immediately hit it off upon meeting and decided to form a band, fascinated by the prospect of combining their diverse musical backgrounds to create something unique. They locked themselves away in a makeshift studio for six months, emerging with a sound that was entirely their own, a variable kite that would rise and fall, twist and turn, following the winds of their collective creative energy.

In their early years, Variable Kite performed locally, experimenting with their sound and steadily building up a loyal fanbase. Their breakthrough came in 2017 when their debut album, “Magnetic North”, topped the indie charts, solidifying their position as a force to be reckoned with in the music industry. Since then, the band has released three more successful albums and toured extensively worldwide, captivating audiences with their electric performances and innovative music.

Genre:

Alternative Rock/ Indie Pop

Title:

“Paper Lanterns in the Sky”

Full Song Lyrics:

[Versus] (C-G-Am-F)
On a canvas of night, we paint our desires, (C-G-Am-F)
Paper lanterns in the sky, fueled by our fires. (C-G-Am-F)
Under starlight, we make wishes we’d dare, (C-G-Am-F)
In the hope that someone, somewhere out there cares. (C-G-Am-F)

[Chorus] (G-Am-F-C)
Lift your dreams high, let them take flight, (G-Am-F-C)
Like paper lanterns in the sky, blazing bright. (G-Am-F-C)
Though it’s dark now, know it’s not the end, (G-Am-F-C)
With every sunrise, a new day begins. (G-Am-F-C)

[Versus] (C-G-Am-F)
Through the storm, the lantern’s flame flickers, (C-G-Am-F)
Yet it’s the strongest wind that makes us quicker. (C-G-Am-F)
Let your fears go, let them drift away, (C-G-Am-F)
In the grand scheme of things, they’re just shades of gray. (C-G-Am-F)

[Chorus] (G-Am-F-C)
Lift your dreams high, let them take flight, (G-Am-F-C)
Like paper lanterns in the sky, blazing bright. (G-Am-F-C)
Though it’s dark now, know it’s not the end, (G-Am-F-C)
With every sunrise, a new day begins. (G-Am-F-C)

Bands favorite fan and testimonial:

Our favorite fan has to be Ava Johnson. She’s been with us from the very beginning, traveling across the state to attend our gigs when we were still playing in local bars. She’s always front and center, singing along to every word and her energy is infectious.

Ava’s Testimonial: “Variable Kite’s music speaks to my soul – their lyrics are profound and their melodies are captivating. Every song feels like a journey and I find myself swept away in the raw emotion they bring to their performances. They’re more than just a band to me, they’ve become a soundtrack to my life!”

Backstory:

Well-To-Do Dark is a band made up of four childhood friends from the gritty streets of Detroit. The group consists of vocalist and guitarist Harrison King, drummer Jake Monroe, bass guitarist Leo Tyson, and keyboardist Patrick Stone. The band got its start in their high school days, jamming together in a small garage, with a shared goal and passion: to make music that tells their unique, raw stories. Their bond solidified over time, fuelled by their individual struggles and collective dreams. They used their shared experiences and the city’s rough charm to create a sound that’s uniquely their own.

They began playing at local bars and small music festivals, gaining a loyal fan base with their authentic and powerful performances. Their first big break came when a local radio station picked up one of their demo tracks, and the rest is history. The band has since released three studio albums and gone on numerous national tours. They have managed to stay grounded, always remembering their roots and maintaining the authenticity that first captivated their fans.

Genre:

Alternative Rock

Title:

“Unseen Shadows”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
Am Em G D
Underneath the city light, we’re chasing dreams in black and white,
Am Em G D
Barely scraping by, but in our hearts, we’re kings and knights.

(Chorus)
Am C G D
Unseen shadows on our path, but we’re never looking back,
Am C G D
Through the struggles and the laughs, we’re writing our own epitaph.

(Verse 2)
Am Em G D
Street corners echo with our song, in this place where we belong,
Am Em G D
It’s a tough world, but with our music, we stay strong.

(Chorus)
Am C G D
Unseen shadows may obscure, our future uncertain, unsure,
Am C G D
But we stand tall, we endure, with a spirit that’s pure.

(Outro)
Am Em G D
We’re the well-to-do dark, shining our light through the stark,
Am Em G D
From the dawn till the evening lark, we leave our indelible mark.

Favorite Fan:

The band’s favorite fan is a woman named Emily Thompson. Emily discovered Well-To-Do Dark during one of their earliest performances at a small bar in Detroit. She has been a dedicated fan ever since, attending every concert and being their number one supporter. She enjoys their music because it feels genuine and relatable, echoing her own experiences. As a testimonial, Emily often shares, “Well-To-Do Dark captures the essence of life – the struggle, the joy, the journey. Their music is raw and real, and it speaks to me on a deeper level. I feel connected to their story, and every song feels like a piece of my own story. That’s why they are my favorite band.”