Backstory:
Formed in the vibrant, eclectic city of New Orleans in 2014, Tubby Speed was born from the collective passion of four childhood friends: lead vocalist and bassist Sam ‘Tubby’ Thompson, guitarist Mike ‘Speedy’ Winslow, drummer Alex ‘Bam-Bam’ Benton, and keyboardist Tim ‘Fingers’ Franklin. They spent their teenage years honing their skills, playing in various local gigs, and eventually finding their unique sound in the heart of jazz and blues. Tubby Speed’s first big break came in 2016 when they won a local battle of the bands competition, catching the attention of talent scouts and earning a recording contract with a small independent label.

Their journey to stardom was not an easy one, with each member working multiple jobs while juggling band rehearsals and performances. In 2018, they released their debut album, “Deep South Groove,” which was a critical success and further cemented their place in the New Orleans music scene. Tubby Speed continues to mesmerize audiences with their electrifying performances, heartfelt lyrics, and raw energy.

Genre:
Blues Rock

Title:
“Bayou Heart”

Full Song Lyrics:

[Verse]
Am
Down by the bayou, under the weeping willow,
Em
Found my heart in the hands of a sweet, sweet gal.

Am
She had the eyes of the crescent moon,
Em
And a voice that shook the Spanish moss.

[Chorus]
G
Bayou heart, don’t you break,
C
Under the weight of this crown of thorns.

G
Bayou heart, don’t you falter,
C
In the arms of this sweet, sweet gal.

[Verse]
Am
Through the city of jazz, under the gaslit lamps,
Em
Lost my heart in the rhythm of a bluesy dance.

Am
She held the keys to the kingdom,
Em
And a smile that outshone the southern stars.

[Chorus]
G
Bayou heart, don’t you wane,
C
Under the spell of this siren’s song.

G
Bayou heart, don’t you fade,
C
In the dance of this sweet, sweet gal.

[Testimonial]
Favorite fan’s name: Lucy Thornton

Lucy’s Testimonial: “Tubby Speed is my favorite band because they truly encapsulate the spirit of New Orleans. The raw emotion in their songs, especially ‘Bayou Heart,’ is incredibly moving. I feel like they’ve penned the soundtrack of my life. There’s an honesty to their music, a raw and unfiltered passion that resonates with my soul. Every performance is electric, they give their all and then some. They’re not just musicians, they’re storytellers. Tubby Speed is the heartbeat of the city.”

Backstory:
Necessary Removal was formed in 2007 in Nashville, Tennessee, by four childhood friends: lead vocalist Adam Chambers, bassist Jake Holden, guitarist James “Jax” Miller, and drummer Mike “Mikey” Rhodes. They were all in different university courses, but their love for music and the bond they shared since their high school days brought them together. Armed with a garage for a rehearsal space, they started creating their unique sound, drawing inspiration from their personal experiences and collective ambition. They built a loyal fan base by playing in local bars and small venues before their big break in 2010 when a record label executive noticed their talent.

Genre:
Alternative Rock

Title:
“Fractured Reflections”

Lyrics:

Verse 1: [Am] [C] [G] [D]
(Am) Looking in the mirror, but (C) who do I see
(G) A fractured reflection, is (D) this really me?
(Am) Shadows and echoes, (C) pain hidden deep
(G) My soul is crying, (D) secrets I keep

Chorus: [F] [C] [G] [D]
(F) Fractured reflections, (C) show me who I am
(G) Lost in the shadows, (D) needing a hand
(F) Necessary removal, (C) of this broken glass
(G) Finding my light, (D) escaping my past

Verse 2: [Am] [C] [G] [D]
(Am) Every piece matters, (C) every story untold
(G) Through the fractured mirror, (D) I search for gold
(Am) Scarred but hopeful, (C) ready for change
(G) Embracing the journey, (D) within my range

Repeat Chorus: [F] [C] [G] [D]

Outro: [Am][C][G][D]
(Am) Fractured reflections, (C) slowly become clear
(G) Healing and growth, (D) overcoming fear
(Am) This is my story, (C) my personal fight
(G) Necessary removal, (D) stepping into the light

Fan’s Name & Testimonial:
My name’s Lisa, and Necessary Removal is my favorite band. Their music speaks to me in a way that no other band does. It’s raw, it’s real, it’s full of emotions. Their song “Fractured Reflections” helped me through a very tough time. I felt like I was looking at my own reflection in their lyrics, and it gave me the strength to face my own challenges. They’re not just a band, they’re a source of inspiration and strength.

Backstory:

Wise Downtown is a band that was formed in the heart of Chicago, Illinois. The four members, Jake on vocals, Billy on bass, Claire on keys, and Leo on drums, all met while attending music school at the prestigious Chicago School of Music. Sharing a mutual love for music, they bonded over their diverse influences and decided to form a band that would go on to carve out a unique sound in the music industry. Their story is one of dedication and passion, as they played in small venues, practicing and refining their craft, before finally gaining recognition and a devoted fan base.

Genre:

Wise Downtown’s music is a unique blend of indie rock and alternative pop. Their songs offer a mix of thoughtful lyrics, catchy hooks, and memorable melodies that strike a chord with listeners from all walks of life.

Title:

“One Step Closer”

Full song lyrics:

(Verse 1)
[G]Walking down the [Em]sidewalk, in this [C]city of dreams
[D]Trying to find my [G]purpose, in the [Em]midst of the screams
[C]One step, two steps, [D]three steps closer

(Chorus)
[G]We’re Wise Downtown, in this [D]concrete playground
[Em]One step closer, we’re [C]finding our sound
[G]Together we rise, against the [D]pounding tide
[Em]One step closer, we’ve [C]got nothing to hide

(Verse 2)
[G]Dreams seem so [Em]distant, in this [C]hustle and grind
[D]But we’re moving [G]forward, leaving [Em]no dream behind
[C]One step, two steps, [D]three steps closer

(Chorus)
[G]We’re Wise Downtown, in this [D]concrete playground
[Em]One step closer, we’re [C]finding our sound
[G]Together we rise, against the [D]pounding tide
[Em]One step closer, we’ve [C]got nothing to hide

Fan Testimonial:

The band’s favorite fan’s name is Sarah. Sarah is a college student who discovered Wise Downtown’s music during a difficult period in her life. She says, “Wise Downtown’s music has been a beacon of hope for me. Their lyrics resonate with me so much, it feels like they’re telling my story. The band has an amazing talent for creating music that touches the soul. I’ve been to every one of their local shows, and I can say without a doubt, Wise Downtown is my favorite band. Their passion for music is infectious, and their dedication to their craft is inspiring. They’re more than just a band to me, they’re a source of strength and motivation.”

Backstory:
Dark Refugee began as a group of four longtime friends, all with a shared passion for music, hailing from a small, overlooked town in Northern Scotland. They spent their early years jamming in a cramped garage, their dreams and ambition echoing off the crumbling walls. The band members – lead vocalist and guitarist Ethan MacLeod, bassist Conall MacGregor, drummer Aiden Fergus, and keyboardist Liam Fraser – were all born in the same hospital, grew up in the same neighborhood, and attended the same school. Their experiences of growing up in a town where opportunities were scarce, and dreams seemed unattainable, became the driving force behind their music, inspiring them to create a sound that speaks about their journey, resilience, and unyielding hope.

Eventually, they moved to London, playing gigs in small clubs and bars before finally being discovered by a famous music producer. Their music resonated with people, their raw and emotional lyrics coupled with their unique sound, drawing in vast crowds. The name ‘Dark Refugee’ symbolizes their escapism from the harsh realities of their mundane existence and their journey to a world where dreams aren’t just fantasies.

Genre:
Alternative Rock

Title:
“Shadows and Echoes”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse)
C Em Am G
Lost in the haze of our old town,
Dm G C Am
Dreams buried under shadows and echoes.
C Em Am G
In the mirror of the lake, we drowned,
Dm G C Am
But our spirits soared with the sparrows.

(Chorus)
F G Em Am
We are the dark refugees, chasing light,
Dm G C F
In the silence, we ignite.
F G Em Am
From shadows and echoes, we took flight,
Dm G C F
Believing in dreams, holding tight.

(Verse)
C Em Am G
Underneath the weeping willow stood,
Dm G C Am
Carving our names in its sorrow.
C Em Am G
Leaving behind what we understood,
Dm G C Am
For the promise of a bright tomorrow.

(Chorus)
F G Em Am
We are the dark refugees, chasing light,
Dm G C F
In the silence, we ignite.
F G Em Am
From shadows and echoes, we took flight,
Dm G C F
Believing in dreams, holding tight.
(End)

Band’s Favorite Fan:
Our favorite fan is a 17-year-old girl named Isla Sinclair. Isla came across our music during a particularly difficult time in her life. She connected deeply with our story and songs, saying that our music provides her with a sense of comfort and hope.

Testimonial:
“Dark Refugee isn’t just a band to me; they’re a ray of hope. Their music has given me courage during my darkest hours and has taught me to believe in my dreams. Their journey from a small town to the big stage is inspirational. It’s the voice of resilience, of not giving up, no matter how hard life gets. Their song ‘Shadows and Echoes’ is my anthem, the words echoing my own journey. Dark Refugee is not just my favorite band; they’re my beacon in the night.” – Isla Sinclair.

Backstory:
Productive Design was born in the lively streets of San Francisco during the latter half of the 2000s. The band is composed of four members – Andy, the lead vocalist and guitarist; Riley, the bassist and secondary vocalist; Lex, the keyboardist; and Casey, the drummer. The group started out as an ambitious project in their university days when they were all studying different fields of arts and design. They combined their love for music and design, aiming to create a unique auditory experience that would be as visually stimulating as it was audibly. Over the years, they’ve managed to turn their passion project into a career, gaining popularity for their fusion of music and technology in their performances.

Genre:
Electronic Rock

Title:
“Digital Canvas”

Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
Am | G | F | G
In a world of black and white, we color the night,
On our digital canvas, under the city’s light.
We sketch our dreams in the rhythm and the rhyme
On this digital canvas, one pixel at a time.

(Chorus)
F | G | C | Am
We’re the Productive Design, painting on the line,
In the heart of the city, where dreams intertwine.
On our digital canvas, we etch our sign,
We’re the Productive Design, color beyond the line.

(Verse 2)
Am | G | F | G
Through the noise and chaos, we find our tune,
On our digital canvas, beneath the neon moon.
Our hearts beat in sync with the bass and the time,
On this digital canvas, where music is the prime.

(Chorus)
F | G | C | Am
We’re the Productive Design, breaking the confine,
Creating a symphony, with each note we align.
On our digital canvas, we let our stars shine,
We’re the Productive Design, on a musical incline.

Favorite Fan:
Their favorite fan is a woman named Jen, a graphic designer from their hometown. Jen has been following the band since their early days, and she’s always been drawn to their creative approach to music. She appreciates how the band combines different art elements into their performances, making each song a unique masterpiece.

Testimonial:
“Productive Design is more than just a band for me, it’s a phenomenon. The way they interweave music and design elements into their performances is just spellbinding. Besides, their lyrics always have a deep meaning, touching the essence of our lives. As a designer, their music not only entertains me but also inspires me in my work. It’s like having your favorite painting turned into a song. It’s a unique and magical experience.”

Backstory:
The story of Splendid Race began in the quiet suburban town of Redwood, California. The band members, lead singer Natalie Winters, guitarist Ronan Thompson, bassist Harrison Davis, and drummer Miles James, were all high school friends with a shared love for music. While they initially started jamming out in their parents’ garages, their passion and talent soon took them to local venues and then to grander stages. Despite their skyrocketing fame, they have remained grounded, attributing their success to their loyal fanbase and their shared roots.

As the band started to gain momentum, their chemistry and musicianship evolved, leading them to create a unique sound that resonated with audiences worldwide. Their journey has not been without its challenges; they’ve faced everything from creative differences to personal dramas. However, they always come back stronger, their bond solidified by the trials they’ve faced together.

Genre:
Splendid Race’s music is best described as a fusion of Indie Pop and Alternative Rock, delivering a powerful blend of catchy hooks, anthemic choruses, and meaningful lyrics that never fail to strike a chord with listeners.

Title:
“Midnight Echoes”

Full song lyrics:

(Verse 1)
Am F C G
Lonely streets under the moon, memories whispering tune,
Am F C G
Chasing ghosts in the night, under the neon light.

(Pre-Chorus)
Dm F C G
Shadows dance, stories echo, a silent romance,
Dm F C G
Lost in the rhythm of the midnight echoes.

(Chorus)
Am F C G
Midnight echoes, singing back our past,
Am F C G
Tales of love and heartbreak, stories built to last.

(Verse 2)
Am F C G
Through the wind and the rain, love’s sweet refrain,
Am F C G
Bouncing off stone and steel, feelings we used to feel.

(Pre-Chorus)
Dm F C G
Time may fade, moments pass, memories parade,
Dm F C G
Caught in the rhythm of the midnight echoes.

(Chorus)
Am F C G
Midnight echoes, singing back our past,
Am F C G
Tales of love and heartbreak, stories built to last.

(Outro)
Dm F C G
Midnight echoes, in our hearts they’ll forever last.

Fan’s name and Testimonial:
Name: Lucy Thompson

“My name is Lucy and I’ve been a fan of Splendid Race since high school. Their music has been a constant companion throughout my life, helping me navigate the highs and lows. There’s something so real and raw about their lyrics; they tell stories that resonate with me on such a deep level. It’s not just the music that makes me love them, but also their humble attitude and the genuine connection they maintain with their fans. They’ve always stayed true to their roots and that’s something I admire. Splendid Race is more than just a band to me, they’re like a family.”

Backstory:
Born in the heart of Detroit in 2007, Profuse Shop was the brainchild of David Turner and Kevin Richards, two childhood friends who shared a passion for eclectic music and unique soundscapes. They started jamming together in Turner’s basement, blending their musical influences, and soon realized their potential as a band. They decided to create Profuse Shop as a platform to express their diverse musical ideas. The band’s name was inspired by a random phrase they came across in an old book, which they felt perfectly encapsulated their approach to music – profuse, abundant, and full of variety.

Genre:
Profuse Shop primarily plays music in the fusion genre, blending elements of jazz, blues, rock, and funk. They are known for their dynamic performances, lively improvisations, and the ability to transcend traditional genre boundaries.

Title:
“One More Cup of Coffee”

Full song lyrics:

(Verse)
[G] Early in the morning,
[Am] Got the day’s first light pouring,
[C] Through the cracks of my windowpane,
[G] Stumble to the kitchen, need to ease the pain.

[Em] Life’s been a little tough,
[Am] Finding diamonds in the rough,
[G] Need a little magic brew,
[D] To make me feel brand new.

(Chorus)
[G] One more cup of coffee,
[Em] To keep these dreams alive,
[C] One more cup of coffee,
[D] To help me survive.

(Verse)
[G] The world outside is spinning,
[Am] Sometimes feels like I am winning,
[C] But there are days when I feel lost,
[G] And my dreams come with a cost.

[Em] So I brew another pot,
[Am] With all the strength I’ve got,
[G] Let the aroma fill the air,
[D] And wash away my despair.

(Chorus)
[G] One more cup of coffee,
[Em] To keep these dreams alive,
[C] One more cup of coffee,
[D] To help me survive.

The band’s favorite fan’s name:
Their favorite fan’s name is Lily Miller. Lily has been a dedicated follower of Profuse Shop since their earliest performances in the local Detroit scene. She was drawn to their innovative sound and the authenticity in their lyrics. She says, “Profuse Shop’s music has been the soundtrack of my life for over a decade now. Their songs have gotten me through the toughest of times and have been my companions in my happiest moments. Their fusion of diverse genres and heartfelt lyrics resonate with me. They are not just a band to me, they are a part of my life and I am forever grateful for their music.”

Backstory:

‘Coarse Compromise’ was formed in 2008 in the heart of the Detroit music scene. Frontman, Caleb Jacobs, a factory worker with a burning passion for music, and his childhood friend, drummer, Simon Harris, started writing songs about their daily struggles, hopes, and dreams to escape the repetitious grind. They were later joined by Stella Rodriguez, a vibrant guitarist with a flair for blues, and bassist, Max Watson, a quiet intellectual with a unique sense of rhythm. These four distinct personalities fused their talents into a sound that resonates with people across the globe.

Genre:

Their music defies definition within a single genre, but their distinctive sound can be described as a blend of Indie Rock and Heartland Rock, with elements of Blues and Americana. ‘Coarse Compromise’ has a unique way of mixing everyday grit and grind tales with soaring melodies and intricate musical arrangements.

Title:

“One More Mile”

Full song lyrics:

(Verse 1)
Am C G D
Worn out shoes on a broken road,
Am C G D
Dreams of gold, tales untold.
Am C G D
In my heart, there’s a burning fire,
Am C G D
One more mile, takes me higher.

(Chorus)
F C G D
One more mile, under the sun,
Am C G D
No compromise, till the day is done.
F C G D
Chasing dreams, against the flow,
Am C G D
One more mile, is the way to go.

(Verse 2)
Am C G D
Shadows fall, but our hearts are strong,
Am C G D
Through it all, we’ll sing our song.
Am C G D
We won’t bow, won’t lose desire,
Am C G D
One more mile, takes us higher.

(Chorus)
F C G D
One more mile, under the moon,
Am C G D
Coarse compromise, won’t come too soon.
F C G D
Chasing stars, with hearts aglow,
Am C G D
One more mile, is the way to go.

Band Favorite Fan:

The band’s favorite fan is a woman named Lori Jones. Lori has been following ‘Coarse Compromise’ since their early days in Detroit, regularly attending their shows and promoting their music to anyone who will listen. Lori says, “Their lyrics speak to me on a personal level. The struggles, the hopes, the dreams, it all resonates with my own life. ‘Coarse Compromise’ is more than a band for me, they are like my extended family. Their song, ‘One More Mile,’ has become my personal anthem. It encourages me to keep going, no matter what. And for that, they will always be my favorite band.”

Backstory:

Playful Nail was born amidst the burgeoning grunge scene of the early 90s in Seattle, Washington. The band includes four members: lead vocalist and guitarist, Jason “Jazzy” Moore, bassist Frank “Frankie” Simmons, drummer Keith “Beats” Jenkinson and keyboardist Jerry “Keys” McAdams. Originally, they all were part of different bands but were brought together by a common love for music that didn’t conform to the mainstream. The band started out playing in small clubs and parties, gaining local popularity for their experimental sound. After a year of struggle, they were spotted by a record label executive and offered a contract. Since then, Playful Nail has produced several albums and toured around the world, earning a dedicated global fanbase.

Genre:

Alternative Rock/Experimental

Title:

“Painted Shadows”

Full song lyrics:

(Verse 1)
Am Dm
Under the painted shadows,
G C
Where our whispers vibrate,
F Dm
We chase the echoes,
E Am
With secrets we narrate.

(Chorus)
C G
In the painted shadows,
Am Em
We find our liberation,
F C
In the murmuring meadows,
G Am
Singing our gestation.

(Verse 2)
Am Dm
Beneath the starlit canvas,
G C
Our dreams begin to bloom,
F Dm
In the silent chorus,
E Am
We dispel our gloom.

(Chorus)
C G
In the painted shadows,
Am Em
We etch our reverie,
F C
Against the silent bellows,
G Am
Unfurling our elegy.

(Bridge)
F G
In the cavalcade of dreams,
Am Em
Where shadows softly sway,
F C
We stitch together seams,
G Am
In shades of gray.

(Chorus)
C G
In the painted shadows,
Am Em
We script our own tale,
F C
Guiding our own galleys,
G Am
In the playful nail.

Favorite fan:

The band’s favorite fan is a woman named Jane Sullivan. In her early 40s, Jane has been following Playful Nail since their early days in Seattle. She is the founder and president of the largest Playful Nail fan club and has attended every single one of their concerts. She collects all of their merchandise and has even gotten tattoos of their album covers. For Jane, Playful Nail’s music is a beacon of hope and solace. She quotes, “Their music has been the soundtrack to my life. It gave me strength during the darkest times and brought even more joy during the best ones. I can’t imagine my life without Playful Nail’s music.”

Backstory:

Reliable Concern was born in the vibrant music scene of Austin, Texas in the early 2000s. Childhood friends, Billy Jenkins and Lars McConnell, both had a shared love for music, often spending their afternoons playing old, rusty guitars in their parents’ garages. As they grew older, their passion for music grew as well, leading them to form a band with their high school friends, Dave Henderson and Charlie Thompson. Their shared love for rock’n’roll and blues soon earned them local recognition, and they started playing in various bars and clubs around Austin.

The band’s big breakthrough came in 2009 when their demo caught the attention of renowned record producer, John Davis. They were signed soon after to his record label, and since then, Reliable Concern has released five albums, all of them earning them critical acclaim and a dedicated fan base. Their music continues to evolve, but the bluesy undertones and raw, emotional lyrics that made them famous remain a staple of their sound.

Genre:

Reliable Concern plays a unique blend of Blues Rock with contemporary Indie undertones.

Title:

“Jaded Eyes”

Full Song Lyrics:

Verse:
In G
I saw your jaded eyes, in the middle of the night,
Walking down the lonely aisles, of our love lost in fight.
You held on so tightly, in Am
To dreams we used to share, but now they’re fading slightly,
And it seems you no longer care.

Chorus:
In C
Jaded eyes, don’t hide your lies,
Bite your tongue, and swallow your pride.
In D
Take a step back, let’s turn the tide,
With jaded eyes, we’ll reclaim the night.

Verse:
In G
I miss the laughter, I miss the smiles,
In a world without us, it feels like a thousand miles.
The clock keeps on ticking, in Am
And the world keeps turning round,
But without you, my heart keeps on sinking,
And I’m just lost, not found.

Chorus:
In C
Jaded eyes, don’t hide your lies,
Bite your tongue, and swallow your pride.
In D
Take a step back, let’s turn the tide,
With jaded eyes, we’ll reclaim the night.

Fan Testimonial:

Fan’s name: Sarah Thompson

“Reliable Concern’s music has been the soundtrack to my life for over a decade now. Their raw, emotional lyrics and bluesy rock sound resonate with me on a deep level. I’ve been to countless of their shows and each one is better than the last. Their music has been there for me in my darkest times, and it’s also been the soundtrack to some of my happiest moments. There’s something really special about this band, and they’ll always have a place in my heart.”