Backstory:

Cheery Burden was formed in the artistic hub of Austin, Texas, in the late spring of 2007. Comprising five friends who all held day jobs teaching music, they’d often spend their evenings and weekends jamming together. Their shared passions for art, music, and social issues soon coalesced into a musical entity they named ‘Cheery Burden.’ The name reflects the band’s ethos: acknowledging the struggles of life but choosing to face them with positivity and music.

A major turning point for Cheery Burden was when they performed at a local bar, and an executive from an indie record label was in the audience. Their unique sound, coupled with their infectious energy, caught his attention. The band was signed, their sound was refined, and they’ve been steadily gaining a passionate following ever since.

Genre:

Folk-Pop fusion with a hint of Blues

Title:

“Silver-lining Shadows”

Full Song Lyrics:

Verse 1:
[G]Walking down memory lanes, [Am]lost in the pouring rain,
[D]Looking for a silver lining, [G]in the shadows of the pain.
[G]Hold on to what’s left, [Am]while the world takes the rest,
[D]In the heartache and the turmoil, [G]we’ll find what matters best.

Chorus:
[C]We’re the Cheery Burden, [G]carrying the weight,
[Am]Singing in the twilight, [D]it’s never too late.
[C]Look for the sunshine, [G]even in the night,
[Am]With the music as our guide, [D]we’ll keep up the fight.

Verse 2:
[G]Dancing on the edge, [Am]of a promise and a pledge,
[D]Balancing the sorrow, [G]on life’s narrow ledge.
[G]We’ll turn the tears to melody, [Am]the grief into a song,
[D]With a guitar in our hands, [G]nothing can be wrong.

Chorus:
[C]We’re the Cheery Burden, [G]carrying the load,
[Am]On this long and winding road, [D]it’s a complex code.
[C]With laughter in our voices, [G]and hope in our sight,
[Am]Through the music and the lyrics, [D]we’ll make it right.

Favorite Fan:

Their favorite fan is Jenny Lee, a graphic designer from Austin. Jenny discovered Cheery Burden in their early days and has followed their journey since then. She says, “The authenticity and depth in their lyrics combined with their infectious energy are unmatched. I’ve been to countless shows and never once have they failed to move me. Their music has been a constant companion through my highs and lows. Cheery Burden is more than just a band, they’re a lifeline.”

Backstory:
Snarling Balloon is an unlikely fusion of musicians from different corners of the globe, converging in the vibrant streets of New York City. The lead vocalist, Gavin ‘Fang’ Denton, hails from Sydney, Australia, known for his unique grunge vocals and eccentric stage presence. He was busking in the subway when he crossed paths with Mia ‘Balloon’ Ramirez, a Latina DJ with a passion for mixing classic rock and techno beats. Intrigued by the unusual pairing of their talents, they decided to team up and create a sound that was as eclectic as they were. After recruiting a Korean-American bassist, Jiho ‘Snarl’ Kim, and a British drummer, Elias ‘Pop’ Thompson, Snarling Balloon was born.

Their music, a rebel yell against the homogeneity of pop culture, resonated with the city’s youth. Their first gig was in a dingy basement bar to an audience of ten. Today, they perform to sold-out arenas, their sound echoing through the city that brought them together.

Genre:
Alternative Rock/Electronica

Title:
“Helium Heartbeat”

Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
C Em
Underneath the neon light
D G
We found our rhythm in the night
C Em
Our hearts beating out of time,
D G
In this city that’s not kind.

(Chorus)
C Em
Helium Heartbeat, rise above
D G
In the chaos, we find love
C Em
Lost in music, lost in sound
D G
In your arms, I am found.

(Verse 2)
C Em
Fighting against the tide,
D G
In your eyes, I confide.
C Em
We’re the misfits, we’re the wild,
D G
In this world, we’re but a child.

(Repeat Chorus)

(Bridge)
C Em
In this helium heartbeat, we’re alive,
D G
In the music, we thrive.
C Em
Against the odds, we rise,
D G
Our love, society’s demise.

(Repeat Chorus twice)

Fan’s Testimonial:
Fan’s name: Timmy “Balloonatic” Johnson
Snarling Balloon is more than just a band for me, it’s a lifestyle. Their unorthodox mix of alternative rock and electronica is a balm for my restless soul. As a city boy myself, I resonate with their songs of struggle, chaos, and finding love amidst it all. “Helium Heartbeat”, in particular, speaks to me on a deeply personal level. It’s like Snarling Balloon has put my life into a song. They’ve given me a voice, a platform, an identity. They’re not just my favorite band, they’re my beacon in the darkness, my helium heartbeat.

Backstory:
Barren Need was born in the rainy town of Aberdeen, Scotland in 2015. The members, lead vocalist and guitarist Alex McLeary, bassist and backing vocals Hazel Burgess, drummer Mick Hardy, and keyboardist Tim O’Malley, were all childhood friends who shared the same passion for music. They began playing in Alex’s garage, practicing every day after school until they developed their distinct sound. Their dedication paid off when their self-produced debut album caught the attention of a prominent talent scout, catapulting them into the limelight.

Genre:
Barren Need is best known for their Alternative Rock with Goth undertones. They infuse raw, emotional lyrics with powerful guitar riffs, creating a compelling and unique sound that resonates with their fans.

Title:
One of the most popular songs by Barren Need is “Crimson Echoes”.

Full song lyrics:

(Verse 1)
[G]Every night, [D] in the dark, [Em] I hear the silence speak,
[C] It murmurs tales of you, [G] the memories I seek.
[G]Beneath the moon’s cold light, [D] my heart’s a barren land,
[Em] Surrounded by the echoes, [C] of love we used to command.

(Chorus)
[G]Crimson echoes, [D] in the quiet night,
[Em] Haunting whispers, [C] of our love’s lost fight.
[G]Shadows dancing, [D] under silver streams,
[Em] Our love’s a ghost, [C] in my hollow dreams.

(Verse 2)
[G]Through the mist of time, [D] I see your phantom smile,
[Em] The specter of your touch, [C] lingers all the while.
[G]In every empty corner, [D] in every lonely street,
[Em] I find the crimson echoes, [C] of a passion once so sweet.

(Chorus)

Fan’s Testimonial:
“My name is Amy Richards and Barren Need is my favorite band. From their haunting melodies to their raw, emotional lyrics, they’ve got a way of making me feel seen and understood. ‘Crimson Echoes’ particularly resonates with me, it’s my go-to song when I’m feeling down. I’ve followed their journey from their Aberdeen garage days, and it’s safe to say, they deserve all the success and love they’re getting. I can’t wait for their next album!”

Backstory:
“Dishonest Clover” was born in the heart of Dublin in 2011. The band members consist of childhood friends: frontman Patrick O’Shea, drummer Liam Kelly, bassist Sean Murphy, and guitarist Declan Ryan. They were united by a common love for music and a shared sense of restlessness. They started by playing in local pubs, their unique sound gradually winning the hearts of locals. The name “Dishonest Clover” was chosen as a subtle nod to their Irish heritage and a facetious reference to their collective sense of cynicism.

By 2013, Dishonest Clover had started gaining international attention. Their debut album “Emerald Lies” broke into the Top 10 in UK charts, and the band was catapulted to stardom. Dishonest Clover’s fame continued to spread, their influence reaching corners of the globe they had once only dreamt of. Today, they are known for their earnest lyrics, distinct sound, and spirited performances.

Genre:
Alternative Rock

Title:
“Shadows of the Rain”

Full song lyrics:

(Chords: G, Em, C, D for the verse and chorus)

(Verse 1)
G Em
Underneath the city lights,
C D
Tales of love and lovers’ fights.
G Em
Smoke and mirrors, highs and lows,
C D
Where we’re headed, no one knows.

(Chorus)
G Em
In the Shadows of the Rain,
C D
We’re dancing with our pain.
G Em
Through the laughter, through the strife,
C D
Such is the rhythm of life.

(Verse 2)
G Em
Street corners and neon signs,
C D
Echoes of forgotten times.
G Em
Hear the whispers in the wind,
C D
Life’s a gamble, none can win.

(Chorus)
G Em
In the Shadows of the Rain,
C D
We’re dancing with our pain.
G Em
Through the heartbreak, through the mirth,
C D
Such is the music of the earth.

Fan’s Name:
Amy Donovan

Testimonial:
Amy Donovan, a 28-year-old nurse from Dublin, has been a fan of Dishonest Clover since their early days. “I remember when they used to play in our local pub. They had this raw, untamed energy about them – it was electrifying,” she recalls fondly. Over the years, her love for the band has only grown. “Their music speaks to my soul. It’s as if they’ve lived my joys, my sorrows. They make me feel seen, understood. Dishonest Clover isn’t just my favorite band, it’s part of my identity now.”

Backstory:

Frightened Output’s formation is a story wrapped in mystery, intrigue, and sheer creativity. The band’s four members – vocalist and lead guitarist, Rocky, bassist and backing vocalist, Jeff, drummer, Carlos, and keyboardist, Lisa – were working together in a Silicon Valley tech start-up when they discovered their shared passion for music. After a prolonged period of after-hours jamming sessions in the office’s basement, the group decided to swap their tech careers for a shot at stardom. They dubbed their band “Frightened Output,” a cheeky nod to their programmer past and their relation to the sheer power of their music.

In no time, the band started gaining popularity in the local music scene. Their unique sound, a blend of hard-hitting lyrics and electrifying guitar riffs, resonated with the audience. Despite their rapid ascent, Frightened Output remains grounded, often joking that they’ve simply traded one form of coding for another – this time, it’s the code of music.

Genre:

Alternative Rock

Title:

“Circuit Breaker”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse)
[G] There’s a spark [D] in the dark, [Em] as we start [C] this journey,
[G] Coding lines [D] of our lives, [Em] in the night [C], so lonely.
[G] Binary dreams, [D] machine’s screams, [Em] we weave [C] our story,
[G] From silicon minds, [D] to the strings, [Em] of our glory. [C]

(Chorus)
[G] We are the circuit breakers [D] in the night,
[Em] Lighting up your world, [C] with our song so bright.
[G] From a server’s hum, [D] to the drum’s thud,
[Em] We are Frightened Output, [C] flowing like an electric flood.

(Verse)
[G] Lost in the code, [D] our hearts explode, [Em] with passion and [C] power,
[G] We traded our screens, [D] for the scene, [Em] chasing the final [C] hour.
[G] Silicon souls, [D] rock and roll, [Em] we play our [C] part,
[G] From the start-up race, [D] to the bass, [Em] we followed our heart. [C]

(Chorus)
[G] We are the circuit breakers [D] in the night,
[Em] Lighting up your world, [C] with our song so bright.
[G] From a server’s hum, [D] to the drum’s thud,
[Em] We are Frightened Output, [C] flowing like an electric flood.

Fan Testimonial:

My name is Dave, and Frightened Output is my favorite band. Not just because their songs are amazing, but because they inspire me. Their backstory of trading a secure tech job for pursuing their passion for music is truly inspiring. Every time I listen to “Circuit Breaker,” I feel a sense of connection. It’s as if they’ve plugged into my emotions, my dreams, and my fears. Their music speaks to me in a way that no other band does. It’s raw, it’s real, and it’s truly electrifying. Frightened Output isn’t just a band for me; they’re a beacon of inspiration, a true testament of following your dreams against all odds.

Backstory:
The Adorable Furniture, a unique band name birthed from the members’ passion for vintage furniture and the belief in the power of the ordinary to create something extraordinary, first saw the light in the small town of Asheville, North Carolina. The founding members, high school buddies, Eliot Hodges (lead vocals) and Albert ‘Al’ Reed (drummer), began creating music in Eliot’s dad’s old furniture workshop. As they were surrounded by the charm and beauty of antique furniture, they decided to name their band Adorable Furniture, a representation of their exceptional taste in music, just like the furniture’s exquisite craftsmanship.

After a few local performances, their talent was noticed by bassist, Debbie Marshal, who was looking for a fresh sound and found it in Adorable Furniture. She introduced them to her cousin, Peter Marshal, a gifted guitarist, and the quartet was formed. Their common love for old furniture, music, and the fusion of interesting sounds helped them create a unique style that made them stand out on Asheville’s music scene.

Genre:
Alternative Rock with a pinch of Psychedelic Pop

Title:
“Velvet Settee Serenade”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
[G] Velvet settee in the [D] corner,
[Em] Telling tales of [C] love and sorrow.
[G] Carved wood whispers [D] sweet stories,
[Em] Of the nights and the [C] dawns so gory.

(Chorus)
Am] My Velvet Settee [D] Serenade,
[G] Singing about love [C] that never fades.
[Am] In the moonlight [D] softly we fade,
[G] To the rhythm of [C] Velvet Settee Serenade.

(Verse 2)
[G] Antique mirror on the [D] wall,
[Em] Reflecting moments [C] standing tall.
[G] The chandelier’s enchanting [D] glow,
[Em] Lights up memories [C] from long ago.

(Chorus)
[Am] My Velvet Settee [D] Serenade,
[G] Singing about love [C] that never fades.
[Am] In the moonlight [D] softly we fade,
[G] To the rhythm of [C] Velvet Settee Serenade.

Testimonial:

Favorite Fan: Rose Thompson

As an avid listener of alternative rock music, Rose shared how she fell in love with Adorable Furniture’s music. “I was searching for something different, something that blends old-world charm with modern sounds. That’s when I found Adorable Furniture. Their music is a perfect mix of nostalgia and novelty. It’s like stepping into a vintage furniture shop, each song so beautifully crafted, just like an antique piece. The song ‘Velvet Settee Serenade’ is my favorite. The lyrics depict a beautiful love story, and the melody is captivating. Adorable Furniture is my favorite band because their music is heartfelt, unique, and full of history, just like the antique furniture they love.”

Backstory:
Formed in the bustling streets of London’s East End in 2013, Powerless Borough is a rare gem in the vast world of indie music. The band spawned from the shared love of music and shared struggles of members Jack Davies (lead vocals), Harry Thompson (drums), and twins Robert and Richard Evans (guitar and bass respectively). Born and raised in the less affluent parts of London, the boys found solace in music, channeling their experiences into their lyrics, giving a voice to those who feel unheard. Powerless Borough is not just a band; it’s a movement that stands for resilience and determination in the face of adversity.

Genre:
Indie Rock

Title:
“Riding the Underground”

Full Song Lyrics (Verse, Chorus):

Intro: Gm – D – A – E

Verse 1:
(Gm) Faces blurred in the (D) crowd,
(A) Lost voices screaming (E) loud.
(Gm) Trying to rise, we’re (D) pushed to the ground,
(A) We’re riding the (E) underground.

Chorus:
(Gm) We might be powerless in their (D) sight,
(A) But we have the courage to (E) fight.
(Gm) From the borough, we’ll (D) take flight,
(A) We’re riding the (E) underground tonight.

Verse 2:
(Gm) Dreams in concrete (D) citadels,
(A) Ringing ambition’s (E) bells.
(Gm) In the darkness, we (D) found our light,
(A) Riding the (E) underground tonight.

Repeat Chorus

Bridge:
(Gm) Tunnel visions in the (D) night,
(A) Street lamps as our (E) spotlight.
(Gm) We’re the shadows that (D) take flight,
(A) Riding the (E) underground tonight.

Outro:
(Gm) On our journey, we’ll (D) ignite,
(A) Breaking chains, we’re (E) dynamite.
(Gm) From the borough, we’ll (D) take flight,
(A) Riding the (E) underground tonight.

The Band’s Favorite Fan Testimonial:

Our favorite fan is none other than Alice, a teenager from the same streets of East End London. She says, “Powerless Borough is more than my favorite band; they’re the anthem of my life. Their music gives me strength and hope. It’s the soundtrack to my dreams. Each song voices the struggles I see every day and the determination to rise above them. It’s like they’ve taken the heart of our borough, our struggles and our hopes, and turned them into music. They’re not just making songs; they’re telling our stories.”

Backstory:

“Blushing Space” was formed in the vibrant city of Austin, Texas by childhood friends, Amber Cornish and Justin Winters. Amber, a classically trained pianist with a voice that could shake the heavens, and Justin, a self-taught guitar virtuoso, decided to take their shared love for music and storytelling to the next level. Their chemistry, both on and off the stage, led to a unique blending of their musical abilities. After recruiting drummer, Sam Ross, and bassist, Maya Clarke from local blues and jazz bands, the quartet quickly evolved into an act that could capture any audience’s heart.

The band’s journey from basement jam sessions to sold-out local venues was one of relentless passion and dedication. Their unique sound caught the attention of a local music producer who offered them a record deal. This was the springboard for their first studio album, which propelled them into the national music scene. Despite their sudden fame, the members of “Blushing Space” have remained dedicated to their craft and close to their roots, often returning to Austin for impromptu performances at their favored local haunts.

Genre:
Indie Pop/Rock

Title:
“Stargazing in Reverse”

Full Song Lyrics:

[Verse 1 – Em, C, G, D]
(Em) Looking for the stars in the daylight,
(C) We were just kids running wild, alright.
(G) Lost in the echoes of laughter,
(D) Reality was never after.

[Chorus – C, G, Am, Em]
(C) Stargazing in reverse,
(G) Living in a universe,
(Am) Where dreams were not rehearsed,
(Em) And love could quench any thirst.

[Verse 2 – Em, C, G, D]
(Em) Counting the freckles on your face,
(C) Lost in the enigma of space.
(G) Our hearts beat in tandem,
(D) Caught in a celestial anthem.

[Chorus – C, G, Am, Em]
(C) Stargazing in reverse,
(G) Living in a universe,
(Am) Where fears were disbursed,
(Em) And we were the last, but not the worst.

[Outro – C, G, D]
(C) And as night turns to day,
(G) We’ll continue to play,
(D) In this Blushing Space, far away.

Bands Favorite Fan:

Lisa Murphy is Blushing Space’s favorite fan. Lisa has been there from the start, attending their first gig in a basement to their sold-out shows across the country. She runs a fan blog, creating a community for fans to discuss and appreciate the music. She once stated in a testimonial: “Blushing Space is more than just a band to me, they are the soundtrack to my life. Their music has the power to transport me to different dimensions. It’s a blend of poetic lyrics and mesmerizing compositions that always leaves me wanting more. They’ve created a universe of their own, and I’m just happy to be a part of it.”

Backstory:
Well-To-Do Vacation was formed in 2010 in the bustling college town of Boulder, Colorado. The four members, Josh (lead vocals, guitar), Hannah (bass, vocals), Ben (drums), and Jake (keyboard, vocals) met at the University of Colorado during their freshman year. During a late-night jam session at a house party, they realized their eclectic musical influences — ranging from indie rock to jazz fusion — created a unique sound they wanted to explore further. Since then, they’ve played local gigs at coffee shops, bars, and even a few music festivals, earning themselves a loyal following in the local music scene.

Genre:
Indie Pop/Rock

Title:
“Sunset on the Sand”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
[G]Staring at the fading [D]light, [Em]we got the whole beach to [C]ourselves,
[G]Footprints in the sand, [D]we left our worries on the [Em]shelf.
[D]Laughter echoes off the [C]waves, as we’re lost in the [G]discussion,
[D]This is how we like to spend our well-to-do [Em]vacation.

(Chorus)
[G]Oh, the sunset on the [D]sand, [Em]waves kissing our [C]feet,
[G]Stars begin to dance, as [D]the day and night [Em]meet.
[D]Every moment’s a [C]postcard, every memory a [G]station,
[D]We’re living our dreams on this well-to-do [Em]vacation.

(Verse 2)
[G]Cold beers in our hands, [D]as the sky turns [Em]red,
[C]Sharing stories of our past, [G]as we lay out our [D]bed.
[Em]Under the open sky, [C]we find our [G]salvation,
[D]In the sweet embrace of this well-to-do [Em]vacation.

(Chorus)

Favorite Fan:
Our favorite fan is Emily, a college student who has been following our journey since the beginning. She fell in love with our music because it helps her escape the pressures of school and everyday life. To her, our songs paint a picture of carefree and adventurous days. She once told us, “Your music is like a mini-vacation for my soul. It’s full of life, freedom, and positivity. I feel like I’m right there with you guys, enjoying the beach and the sunset. It’s the perfect blend of dreamy vibes and real-world charm. I can’t wait to see where your musical journey takes you next.”

Backstory:

Bogus Limitation was founded in 2013 by childhood friends, Zack Johnson and Jeremy Scott. Both grew up in the small town of Brattleboro, Vermont, where their shared love for music led to countless hours spent in Jeremy’s basement practicing guitar and dreaming of bigger stages. During college, they met drummer, Amy Lee and bassist, Tim Parker, completing their lineup. Drawn together by a shared interest in pushing the boundaries of music and breaking away from what they saw as the ‘bogus limitations’ of musical genres, they named their group Bogus Limitation. They gained recognition for their dynamic live performances and unique sound, which quickly earned them a loyal following.

Genre: Progressive Rock

Title: “Against the Grain”

Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
Am-Dm-G-D
Underneath the mountain shadows, (Am)
Where the river touches the plain, (Dm)
We found our rhythm, our soulful melody, (G)
Breaking free, we’re going against the grain. (D)

(Chorus)
Am-C-G-D
No more Bogus Limitation, (Am)
We’ll rise above with our creation, (C)
With every chord, every note we play, (G)
We’re going against, we’re going against the grain. (D)

(Verse 2)
Am-Dm-G-D
In this vast and endless ocean, (Am)
We found our tune amid the rain, (Dm)
With every echo, each reverberation, (G)
We’re out here, going against the grain. (D)

(Chorus)
Am-C-G-D
No more Bogus Limitation, (Am)
We’ll soar high with our imagination, (C)
With every beat, every word we say, (G)
We’re going against, we’re going against the grain. (D)

Fan Profile:

Name: Sarah Thompson

Testimonial:

Bogus Limitation has been my favorite band since I first heard their debut album during my freshman year of college. Their song “Against the Grain” spoke to me on a personal level, as I too was seeking to break free from the expectations and limitations set by others. Their unique sound and the energy they bring to every performance is truly exhilarating. I love how they blend different musical genres and make it their own. Their commitment to staying true to themselves and their art is truly inspiring. They have proven that they can stand out in an industry where it’s so easy to conform and compromise. I’m proud to be part of the Bogus Limitation family.