Backstory:

Unfolded Sergeant erupted from the rustic town of Jackson, Wyoming, in 2012. The band, led by charismatic frontman Jack “Jax” Cohen, a former military officer and his childhood friend, bassist Annie “Tank” Thompson, rose to prominence due to their unique blend of musical talent, energy, and military-inspired thematic elements. Drummer ‘Sniper’ Steve Riley and guitarist ‘Bomber’ Bill Gordon, both veterans like Jax, joined the two, and the band’s formation was complete. The band members’ shared military background and love for music provided the perfect foundation for creating tunes that resonated deeply with their listeners, offering both a sense of camaraderie and an escape.

Unfolded Sergeant’s journey was not without struggles. They faced criticism and indifference from mainstream music circles, but their tenacity and unwavering faith in their music and message saw them through. Their breakthrough came in 2015 when they performed at the annual Warriors Fest, a music festival dedicated to celebrating and supporting veterans. Their music, filled with stories of bravery, resilience, and the aftermath of war, struck a chord with the audience, earning them a loyal following and a record deal.

Genre:
Alternative Rock/ Country

Title:
“Battlefield Ballad”

Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
[G] Marching on this lonely road, [D] past the scars that war bestowed
[Em] Memories of a time, painted [C] red with the frontline

[G] Dusty boots and a worn-out soul, [D] a sergeant’s tale untold
[Em] Fighting not just a war, but [C] battles that come ashore

(Chorus)
[G] Sing me a battlefield ballad, [D] a tune for the brave and gallant
[Em] A heart’s anthem, a soldier’s song, [C] in the face of right and wrong
[G] With every note, every chord, [D] remember what we fought for
[Em] Let the music heal, in the echoes of this [C] battlefield

(Verse 2)
[G] Through the trenches, under the sun, [D] till the battle’s won
[Em] I’m an unfolded sergeant with [C] tales of tenacious torment

[G] Echoes of gunfire, the smell of rain, [D] a symphony of pain
[Em] Play on, my guitar, play on, [C] healing my war-torn heart

(Chorus)
[G] Sing me a battlefield ballad, [D] a melody for each comrade
[Em] A tribute to the countless names, [C] in the hall of war games
[G] With every strum, every word, [D] remember their stories, unheard
[Em] Let the rhythm tell, the tale of this [C] living hell

Fan’s Testimonial:

“My name is Charlie and I’m the biggest fan of Unfolded Sergeant. Their music speaks to me like no other. As a retired serviceman, their songs resonate with my experiences. They don’t just sing about battles and war, they sing about the human side of it, the emotions, the struggles, the resilience. It’s therapeutic and honestly, it’s helped me immensely in dealing with my PTSD. I’ve seen them perform live, and their energy is contagious. They’ve become my favorite because they aren’t just musicians, they are storytellers, and in their stories, I find solace and strength.”

Backstory:

Icy Oven is a band that came together under the most unexpected circumstances. The founding members, Leo and Max, met during a snowstorm while seeking refuge in a bakery. Stranded there for hours, they discovered a mutual love for music and started to talk about forming a band. Thus, Icy Oven was born, a name that paid homage to the fateful night they met. After a few years of grinding in the local music scene, they found their two other members – drummer Jodie and bassist Alan. Despite their different music tastes, they all found a unique rhythm together, creating an unparalleled synergy.

Genre:

Icy Oven’s music can be classified as Alternative Rock with a touch of Psychedelic Pop. Their sound is a unique fusion of heavy guitar riffs, dreamy synths, and powerful, emotive vocals.

Title:

The band’s most popular song is called “Lost in Frost.”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse)
[C]Lost in the blizzard, [G]found in the heat,
[Am]Life’s paradoxes make our [F]hearts beat.
[C]We met in a bakery, [G]inside a snowstorm,
[Am]Two lost souls, getting [F]warm.

(Chorus)
[C]Icy Oven, [G]Our hearts are leavened,
[Am]In a world of frost, [F]we’re never lost.
[C]Icy Oven, [G]Our love has risen,
[Am]In this winter’s frost, [F]we’re never lost.

(Verse)
[C]Strumming guitars, [G]pounding the drums,
[Am]We found our rhythm, [F]beating like thumbs.
[C]Dreaming of stages, [G]beneath the lights,
[Am]We found our purpose, [F]on those endless nights.

(Chorus)
[C]Icy Oven, [G]Our hearts are leavened,
[Am]In a world of frost, [F]we’re never lost.
[C]Icy Oven, [G]Our love has risen,
[Am]In this winter’s frost, [F]we’re never lost.

Fan Testimonial:

Their favorite fan is a teenager named Sarah. Sarah is a self-proclaimed super fan who has been following Icy Oven since their local gigs. Sarah says, “Icy Oven is more than just a band for me. Their music speaks to me on a level that no other band does. Their unique sound, their blend of rock and pop, and their emotional lyrics connect with me like nothing else. The song ‘Lost In Frost’ especially, it’s like they took a piece of my soul and turned it into a song. Icy Oven isn’t just my favorite band, they’re a part of who I am.”

Backstory:
‘Grateful Fear’ traces its origin back to a random subway platform in Brooklyn, New York. Its members, lead guitarist Warren ‘Worm’ Thompson and lead vocalist Ethan ‘Echo’ Eichmann, were two strangers who shared a common love for music. Their friendship started with a chance encounter when Warren overheard Echo humming a tune he recognized and couldn’t help but join in. This sparked a conversation that led to jamming sessions, which eventually turned into full-blown songwriting collaborations. Within a year, they added drummer Lily ‘Lightning’ Lane and bassist Oliver ‘Ox’ Xavier to the mix, forming a band they would later name ‘Grateful Fear’. Why such a name? According to Echo, it represents their collective appreciation for the fear that pushes them to create music that not only entertains but challenges social norms and provokes thought.

Genre:
Grateful Fear is an Alternative Rock band with influences of Punk and Grunge seeping into their sound.

Title:
“Nightmare in Paradise”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse)
Am G D Am
Caught in this paradise, chained by the silent lies,
Am G D Am
Trapped in our own device, living on borrowed time.

(Chorus)
C G D Em
Nightmare in paradise, we’re lost and mesmerized,
C G D Em
Wings clipped, we cannot fly, it’s a nightmare in paradise.

(Verse)
Am G D Am
Through the mirror’s eyes, witnessing our demise,
Am G D Am
Innocence pays the price, wake up it’s no surprise.

(Chorus)
C G D Em
Nightmare in paradise, under the neon lights,
C G D Em
In freedom’s disguise, it’s a nightmare in paradise.

(Bridge)
F G Em Am
In the end, we realize, we’re just stars in an endless sky,
F G Em Am
Chasing dreams, chasing highs, in this nightmare in paradise.

(Chorus)
C G D Em
Nightmare in paradise, through the smoke and the ice,
C G D Em
In the heart of the fight, it’s a nightmare in paradise.

Fan’s Name & Testimonial:
Fan’s name: Rosemary Hopkins
“Grateful Fear is like a breath of fresh air in the music industry. Their unique sound and profound lyrics have a way of resonating with my own life experiences. Their music brings light to darker themes in a way that feels comforting, rather than isolating. ‘Nightmare in Paradise’ is a testament to their genius. It’s a song that speaks directly to our society’s issues, yet simultaneously offers solace. I feel heard and understood when I listen to their music. There’s a raw authenticity to their sound that’s both refreshing and cathartic. I’ve been a fan since their first gig in a small club in Brooklyn, and I’ll continue to support Grateful Fear as they climb their way to the top.”

Backstory:
Overjoyed Tension was formed in the charming city of Austin, Texas in 2010. The band was the brainchild of childhood friends, Jeremy Jones on vocals and guitar, Eliza Thompson on bass, and Mason Mitchell on drums. Each of them had a deep-rooted love for music and an eclectic taste that inspired the unique sound of Overjoyed Tension. They started small, playing in local bars and at private events, eventually carving a spot for themselves in the local music scene. They caught their big break in 2013 when an indie label signed them and helped them release their debut album, ‘Echoes of a Whisper’.

Genre:
Overjoyed Tension’s music falls distinctly in the Alternative Rock genre with a touch of Indie and Punk influence. Their sound is raw and emotive, known to bring listeners on an emotional rollercoaster with their hard-hitting lyrics and melodic tunes.

Title:
One of their most popular songs is titled “Midnight Revelations”.

Full Song Lyrics:

Verse 1: [G] I walk on a [Em] path well known, [C] under a sky so [D] full of stars
[G] Secrets whispering [Em] in the wind, [C] echoing the [D] scars
[G] My heart is heavy [Em] with tales untold, [C] dreams crumbling like [D] sand
[G] Midnight revelations, [Em] a journey yet [C] unplanned [D]

Chorus: [G] Midnight revelations, [Em] under the moon’s soft [C] glow
[D] Ghosts of the past, [G] dancing in shadows [Em] low
[C] We’re finding our way, [D] amidst the overjoyed tension
[G] Revelations at midnight, [Em] embracing the [C] unspoken dimension [D]

Repeat Verse 1 and Chorus

Favorite Fan:
Their favorite fan is a woman named Lisa Howard. Lisa has been following their journey since their garage band days and has become a beloved figure among the band members for her unwavering support and love. She’s been to nearly all their concerts, whether they were local gigs or major music festivals.

Testimonial:
“Overjoyed Tension is more than just a band to me. Their music has been a constant in my life through ups and downs. There is a raw honesty in their songs that resonates with me and many others. It’s more than just music, it’s a shared human experience, and that’s why they are my favorite band.” – Lisa Howard.

Backstory:

Born in the heart of the music city, Nashville, Ample Federation is a band that celebrates diversity and unity in every aspect of their music. The four members, Ryan Elliot (lead vocals, guitar), David Freeman (bass), Olivia Clarke (drums), and Sarah Simmons (keyboard, backing vocals) met in college, where they were studying different genres of music. Inspired by their shared love for creating music that transcends borders and genres, they joined forces, bringing their varying expertise to the table and creating a unique sound that was simultaneously unusual and irresistible.

Genre:

Ample Federation’s music is a fusion of alt-rock, indie-pop, and electronic music, with a heavy influence of folk. Their sound is characterized by powerful vocals, energetic guitar riffs, compelling drum patterns, and catchy keyboard melodies. Their lyrics often speak about societal issues, unity, and personal experiences, resonating with their diverse audience.

Title:

“One More Horizon”

Full song lyrics:

(Verse 1)
Am G F C
Flying high, on the back of a dream,
Am G F C
We’re chasing light, where it’s never been seen.
Am G F C
Together we stand, divided we fall,
Am G F C
With one voice we answer the call.

(Chorus)
Dm G C Am
One More Horizon, waits for us ahead,
Dm G C Am
In the face of the unknown, we choose to tread.
Dm G C Am
Hand in hand, we’ll break the night,
Dm G C Am
Chasing dreams in the new morning light.

(Verse 2)
Am G F C
Countless voices, echoing in the night,
Am G F C
In the symphony of life, we find our light.
Am G F C
Different paths, but the same destination,
Am G F C
In unity, we find our salvation.

(Chorus)
Dm G C Am
One More Horizon, waits for us ahead,
Dm G C Am
In the face of the unknown, we choose to tread.
Dm G C Am
Hand in hand, we’ll break the night,
Dm G C Am
Chasing dreams in the new morning light.

Favorite Fan:

Our favorite fan is Jennifer Parker. “Ample Federation is more than just a band for me,” she says. “They are a beacon of hope. Their music has helped me through some of the toughest times in my life. The way they weave stories into their lyrics, the passion they put into every note, it’s a reminder that we are not alone. The world is full of people who feel, dream, struggle, and hope just like us. That sense of unity, that’s why they are my favorite band.”

Backstory:

Several Record was formed in the vibrant music scene of Austin, Texas, in the mid-2000s. The band members, lead vocalist and guitarist Ethan Grant, bassist Noah Ryan, drummer Alex Hayes, and keyboardist Adam Parker, first met at a local open-mic night. Sharing a mutual love for music, the four quickly hit it off and decided to form a band. After months of practicing in Ethan’s garage and performing at local venues, Several Record self-released their debut EP, catching the attention of a prominent record label.

Experimenting with different sounds and genres, they settled on indie rock with a touch of pop, a genre that perfectly encapsulated their soulful lyrics and dynamic harmonies. Their breakthrough came when their hit single, “River in the Rain,” blew up on various music platforms, propelling them into the mainstream music industry. Since then, the band has released three albums and toured worldwide, gaining a dedicated fan base along the way.

Genre:

Indie Rock-Pop

Title:

“Sunset Silhouettes”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
Am Em
Driving down the highway, the sun begins to set
F C
Lighting up the sky in hues of orange and red
G Dm
You’re sitting right next to me, your hand in mine we’re set
F C G
Making memories that we will never forget

(Chorus)
Am Em F C
In the glow of the sunset silhouettes, we make our own secret alphabet
G Dm Am G
Your laughter, our music, we dance, we spin, our story’s only about to begin

(Verse 2)
Am Em
In the rearview mirror, the city fades away
F C
Trading skyscrapers for fields of golden hay
G Dm
Our hearts are intertwined, in this moment we stay
F C G
Tomorrow’s worries feel so far away

(Chorus)
Am Em F C
In the glow of the sunset silhouettes, we trace out our future without any regrets
G Dm Am G
In this moment, your love feels like a sonnet, as the sun dips, we’re lost in this moment

(Bridge)
F G Am
And as the stars light up the night, your eyes hold mine tight
Em F C G
Under the moon’s silver light, everything feels so right

(Chorus)
Am Em F C
In the glow of the sunset silhouettes, our love story is the best one yet
G Dm Am G
With every sunset, we write a new chapter, chasing the happiness we’re after

Fan Testimonial:

Fan’s Name: Sarah Thompson

“Several Record has been my favorite band since I stumbled upon their EP years ago. Their songs always manage to tell a story that I can personally connect with. Their music, especially “Sunset Silhouettes,” makes me feel seen, understood, and less alone. I’ve been to several of their concerts and each one feels like a unique and intimate experience. The band’s passion for their music is palpable and infectious, and I can’t wait to see what they have in store for the future.”

Backstory:
Tender Play is a band that formed in the bustling city of New York in 2013. The members, lead singer Amelia “Amy” Reid, guitarist Oliver “Ollie” Torres, bassist Avery “Av” Lewis, and drummer Isaac “Ike” James, met in a local underground music gig and quickly found a common passion for music that pushed the boundaries, blending raw emotions with a compelling narrative. They started out playing in small venues, gradually building a reputation for their harmonious synergy and emotional performances. After years of honing their skills and evolving their sound, they caught the attention of a record label in 2016, leading to their debut album, which gained considerable attention.

Genre:
Tender Play’s sound falls under the Indie Folk genre. Their music is characterized by its storytelling lyrics, combining acoustic guitar with subtle electronic elements, which results in a unique sound that echoes the ups and downs of life.

Title:
One of their most popular songs is “Beneath the Moonlit Sky”.

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
[G]Underneath the canvas of a painted sky, [D] we lay,
[Em]Sharing dreams of love through words we couldn’t [C] say,
[G]Night’s enchantment echoed in your eyes so [D] bright,
[Em] as we danced beneath the [C] moonlit sky tonight.

(Chorus)
[G]Beneath the moonlit sky, [D] we found our paradise,
[Em]Two hearts intertwined, [C] guided by starlight.
[G]A love so pure it could [D] ignite the night,
[Em]Oh, we danced beneath the [C] moonlit sky.

(Verse 2)
[G]With every beat, our hearts composed a [D] song,
[Em]Swept in the rhythm, together we belong.[C]
[G]As the stars bear witness to our [D] plight,
[Em]We keep dancing beneath the [C] moonlit sky.

(Repeat Chorus)

(Outro)
[G]Beneath the moonlit sky, [D] our love will never die,
[Em]Forever in our hearts, [C] beneath the moonlit sky.

Fan Testimonial:
Jeremy, a die-hard fan from Levittown, Pennsylvania, holds Tender Play in high esteem. “I stumbled upon Tender Play at a music festival in 2017. The raw emotion in their performance was palpable. I was immediately drawn to their genuine lyrics and the way they blend acoustic and electronic elements. Their song “Beneath the Moonlit Sky” resonates with me on a profound level. It’s a beautiful narrative of love and connection that invokes a sense of peace and nostalgia. Tender Play isn’t just my favorite band; they’re my emotional haven. Their music has been the comforting soundtrack to my life’s highs and lows.”

Backstory:
Tangible Kingdom was born in a small, artistically vibrant town in New England, where four childhood friends – Tom, Ryan, Greg, and Matt – discovered their shared passion for music at a young age. As they grew older, their bond solidified around jam sessions and late-night discussions about their favorite albums. After high school, the boys decided to pursue their passion seriously and formed Tangible Kingdom. The band’s name was thought up during a late-night conversation about music’s power to manifest feelings and experiences that seem unattainable. Their shared belief that good music can make the abstract seem more tangible is what drives their music creation process.

Genre:
Alternative Rock

Title:
“Scintillating Shadows”

Full Song lyrics:

(Verse)
Em G D A
In the corner of my dreams, you dance like a flame,
Em G D A
In your eyes, I see my reflection playing the game.
Em G D A
From the cracks of my broken heart, you became the light,
Em G D A
Now, your love is the echo that fills my lonely nights.

(Chorus)
C G D Em
Scintillating shadows, in this hollow room,
C G D Em
Your love is like a melody that cuts through the gloom.
C G D Em
Together we’ll dance, to this rhythm of our own,
C G D Em
In this tangible kingdom, we’ve built from stone.

(Verse)
Em G D A
Through the chaos and the noise, your voice was my guide,
Em G D A
In this dance of life, you’ve always been by my side.
Em G D A
As the world keeps spinning, we’ll face it with a song,
Em G D A
In our tangible kingdom, where we truly belong.

(Chorus)
C G D Em
Scintillating shadows, in this hollow room,
C G D Em
Your love is like a melody that cuts through the gloom.
C G D Em
Together we’ll dance, to this rhythm of our own,
C G D Em
In this tangible kingdom, we’ve built from stone.

Fan’s Testimonial:

Fan’s Name: Jessica Parker

“As a long-time fan of alternative rock, I’ve followed many bands over the years. But Tangible Kingdom holds a special place in my heart. Their music resonates with me like no other. I connect with their lyrics on a deep, personal level, and their melodies often seem to echo my own emotions. Their song ‘Scintillating Shadows’ is, to me, the epitome of their ability to portray the power and depth of human emotions. Every time I listen to it, I feel like they understand my struggles and feelings. I’m not just a fan of Tangible Kingdom because of their music; their genuine connection with their fans makes them stand out. I’ve met them a few times at concerts, and they’ve always been incredibly kind and down-to-earth. To me, they’re not just musicians, they’re friends I’ve never met.”

Backstory:
Moral Plant was created during an impromptu jam session in a shared apartment in Portland, Oregon. Initially, it was just a fun way for college roommates, Mason, Neil, and Harper, to let off steam after long study nights. However, as they began to experiment with their unique blend of sounds, they discovered their shared passion for music was more than a mere hobby. In 2016, they played their first gig at a small local pub, a performance filled with raw energy, experimental sounds, and earthy lyrics. The crowd’s appreciation and energetic response encouraged them to keep going, and thus, Moral Plant was born. They continued to play throughout the Pacific Northwest, eventually gaining a loyal following and attracting the attention of local music producers.

Genre:
Eclectic Indie Rock

Title:
“Rooted in Rebellion”

Full Song Lyrics:

[Verse 1]
Em C
From the depths of concrete jungles, we sprout,
G D
Against the odds, we’ve figured it out,
Em C
Our roots run deep, beneath the doubt,
G D
We’re the Moral Plant, hear our shout.

[Chorus]
G D Em
Rooted in rebellion, grown in the wild,
C G D
Singing for freedom, for every child,
G D Em
We are the Moral Plant, unstyled,
C G D
We bloom in the face of the reviled.

[Verse 2]
Em C
Growing towards the sun, we rise,
G D
Bearing witness to the world’s lies,
Em C
In our music, the truth lies,
G D
We are a Moral Plant, with open eyes.

[Chorus]
G D Em
Rooted in rebellion, grown in the wild,
C G D
Singing for freedom, for every child,
G D Em
We are the Moral Plant, unstyled,
C G D
We bloom in the face of the reviled.

Testimonial – Fan’s name:
Lyla Harrison

As a fan of Moral Plant, I’ve always found their music to be a mix of raw emotion and unapologetic truth. Their lyrics speak volumes about the world around us, and their passion is tangible in every song. As someone who appreciates both music and the message it can deliver, Moral Plant captivates me like no other band. Their song “Rooted in Rebellion” is a testament to their uniqueness and their dedication to making music that not only sounds good but also resonates with the listener on a deeper level. To say Moral Plant is my favorite band would be an understatement; they’re more of a musical revelation.

Backstory:
Excellent Desire was formed in early 2010 in the bustling heart of Denver, Colorado. The band’s members – lead vocalist Alex, guitarist and backup vocalist Taylor, drummer Connor, and bassist Max – were all childhood friends who shared a love for music. They started playing together in their parents’ garages when they were just teenagers, inspired by their diverse musical influences ranging from classic rock, punk, and contemporary pop. They began writing their own songs, and as they refined their sound, they gained a local following. Their big break came in 2013 when they won a citywide battle of the bands and were signed to a major record label.

Genre:
Pop Rock

Title:
“Chasing Stars”

Song Lyrics:
(Verse 1)
[G]Underneath the city lights, [D]we’re dreaming with our eyes wide open, [Em]chasing what feels right, [C] even when we’re broken.
[G]Running from the past, [D]into the arms of the future, [Em]hoping that it lasts, [C] this feeling is our suture.

(Chorus)
[G]Oh, we’re just chasing stars, [D]trying to find who we are,
[Em]in the midst of the chaos, [C]we find our Excellent Desire.
[G]Living on a hope, [D]we’re more than just dreamers,
[Em]And in the darkness, we cope, [C]we’re the star chasers, believers.

(Verse 2)
[G]Through the city’s beating heart, [D]we’re dancing in the rhythm,
[Em]Tearing all our fears apart, [C]we’re painting our own prism.
[G]Fighting against the odds, [D]carving out our own path,
[Em]Breaking all the molds, [C]we are the aftermath.

(Chorus)
[G]Oh, we’re just chasing stars, [D]trying to find who we are,
[Em]in the midst of the chaos, [C]we find our Excellent Desire.
[G]Living on a hope, [D]we’re more than just dreamers,
[Em]And in the darkness, we cope, [C]we’re the star chasers, believers.

(Bridge)
[G]And even when the night falls, [D]and shadows close in,
[Em]We’ll keep chasing stars, [C]with hearts ablaze, we’ll win.

(Chorus)
[G]Oh, we’re just chasing stars, [D]trying to find who we are,
[Em]in the midst of the chaos, [C]we find our Excellent Desire.
[G]Living on a hope, [D]we’re more than just dreamers,
[Em]And in the darkness, we cope, [C]we are the star chasers, believers.

Fan’s Testimonial:
Name: Sarah Jenkins

“My name is Sarah, and I absolutely adore Excellent Desire. I first heard them at a small venue in Denver, and I was instantly captivated. Their songs speak to me on a deep, personal level, and their sound is both refreshing and nostalgic. ‘Chasing Stars’ is my favorite song, and the lyrics just resonate with me. It speaks of hope, dreams, and living life on your terms, and it’s my anthem. Excellent Desire is more than just my favorite band, they’re a source of inspiration and strength for me.”