Backstory:
High Horse is a folk-rock band that came together in the heart of Appalachia. The four members, lead vocalist and guitarist Luke Masterson, bassist Jillian ‘Jill’ Day, drummer Nathan ‘Nate’ Myers, and keyboardist Adam ‘Ace’ Cunningham, stumbled upon each other in a small, charismatic town of Boone, North Carolina. Their shared love for music, the rugged outdoors, and a common dream of changing the world with their melodies, united them as a band. High Horse started by playing in local pubs and cafes, and were loved for their soulful music and their honest, deeply resonate lyrics.

Genre:
Folk Rock

Title:
“Moonshine Lullaby”

Full Song Lyrics:

Verse 1:
[G]Underneath the cypress trees, [D]darling, you and me,
[E minor]Lost in a moonshine lullaby, [C]it’s where we used to be.

Verse 2:
[G]The river’s song and the fireflies, [D]we’d dance till morning light,
[E minor]I’d hold you close, your sweet perfume, [C]under the moon so bright.

Chorus:
[G]Oh, I miss those summer nights, [D]our moonshine lullaby,
[E minor]Where we shared our dreams and fears, [C]underneath the starry sky.
[G]We’d sway with the rhythm of the breeze, [D]lost in each other’s eyes,
[E minor]These memories echo in my heart, [C]our moonshine lullaby.

Favorite Fan:
High Horse’s favorite fan is a man named Elijah Johnson. Elijah first heard High Horse playing at a local bar in Boone. He was captivated by their soulful melodies and poignant lyrics. He immediately felt a deep connection with their music, feeling as if they were putting his deepest emotions into song. Elijah has been to every single one of their shows since then, and has been a constant supportive presence for the band. He has even managed to rally more fans for High Horse, helping them grow their fan base.

Elijah’s testimonial: “High Horse’s music is a balm for the soul. Their songs speak to my heart and make me feel less alone in the world. The band’s authentic, down-to-earth nature shines through both in their music and in person. They’re not just musicians – they’re storytellers, painting beautiful, intimate pictures with their lyrics. I’ll always be their number one fan.”

Backstory:
Modern Diary was born in the vibrant music scene of Seattle during the mid-2000s when four college friends decided to pool their unique musical talents together. They were all pursuing different degrees but shared a common passion – music. The band members include lead vocalist Jenna, guitarist Ryan, bassist Nick, and drummer Alex. The name ‘Modern Diary’ was inspired by their desire to create music that reflected the thoughts, emotions, and experiences of modern youth.

They started by performing at various local venues, building a reputation for their energetic performances and unique style. Their big break came when they were spotted by a record label executive during one of their gigs. The executive was impressed by their originality and their ability to connect with the audience. He offered them a record deal, which they accepted, marking the start of their professional music career.

Genre:
Modern Diary is an indie rock band with a fusion of pop and punk influences.

Title:
“Stardust Memories”

Song Lyrics:

[Verse 1]
Am G F
Once upon a time in a city of dreams,
C G Am
We were young and wild, bursting at the seams.
Am G F
We painted the town with our hopes and fears,
C G Am
Our laughter echoed louder than our tears.

[Chorus]
F C
In the stardust memories,
G Am
We found our destiny.
F C
In the echoes of the night,
G Am
We learned to fight for right.

[Verse 2]
Am G F
Through the highs and lows, the joy and pain,
C G Am
We held on tight, dancing in the rain.
Am G F
The stars were our guide, the moon our light,
C G Am
In the arms of the night, we took flight.

[Chorus]
F C
In the stardust memories,
G Am
We found our identity.
F C
In the echoes of the night,
G Am
We learned to shine so bright.

[Fade Out]
F C
Stardust memories,
G Am
They’ll always be a part of me.

Fan’s Testimonial:
My name is Lily and Modern Diary is my favorite band for so many reasons. Their music speaks to me on a deep and personal level. It’s like they’ve reached into my soul and put my thoughts, feelings, and experiences into song. Whenever I’m feeling down or lost, their music gives me comfort and strength. They’ve truly been the soundtrack of my life.

Backstory:

Striped Disk originated in the lively streets of New York City in the late 90s. The original members, lead vocalist Liam Grant and drummer Nathan Davis, were childhood friends who shared a mutual love for music. Inspired by the offbeat blend of the city’s music scene, they started to create their unique sound. Adding guitarist Alex Thompson and bassist Eric Fisher to the mix, their eclectic band was formed. Their rise to fame was anything but easy, but they managed to conquer the underground music scene with their raw talent and unflinching determination.

Genre:

Striped Disk is known for their groundbreaking amalgamation of Indie Rock and Synth Pop. By fusing distorted guitar riffs with electric synths, they have carved a niche for themselves in the world of music. Their genre-blending soundscape and their ability to craft memorable, relatable songs have resonated with listeners worldwide.

Title:

One of their notable songs is “Aura of the Night”.

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse)
Em C
Underneath the sapphire sky,
G D
We see our dreams go by.
Em C
In the aura of the night,
G D
We find strength and ignite.

(Chorus)
Am C
Stars are our canvas, dreams our paint.
G D
In this world, we’ll leave no restraint.
Am C
With the aura of the night as our guide.
G D
In its mystery, we confide.

Fan Testimonial:

One of their ardent fans is Rebecca Miller, a young artist from Brooklyn. She says, “Striped Disk isn’t just my favorite band because they make great music. Their songs, like ‘Aura of the Night,’ reach into the depth of your soul and touch you in a way very few can. Their music has been my solace during my darkest times and my companion in the happiest moments. With their genre-bending sound and heartfelt lyrics, they’re more than just a band to me – they’re my guiding stars.”

Backstory:
Crafty Popcorn was born in the sunny streets of Los Angeles, California. The band members, lead vocalist and guitarist Ben Richards, bassist Luke Wilson, drummer Jay Simmons, and keyboardist Clarke Collins, met at their local summer music camp in 2005 when they were just teenagers. The quirky name “Crafty Popcorn” was inspired by their shared love for popcorn and their adventurous nature to try out different types of homemade popcorn recipes during their initial jamming sessions. Their bond grew stronger through the years, and their shared love for music evolved into a unique sound that they were eager to share with the world.

Their journey to the music industry was not easy. They started by performing at small gigs, local pubs, and outdoor music festivals. Their unique and lively performances caught the attention of an indie record label who offered them their first recording contract. They accepted, and the rest is, as they say, history. Now, Crafty Popcorn are rocking stages all over the world, sharing their distinctive sound with millions of fans.

Genre:
Indie Pop

Title:
“Spinning Colors”

Full Song Lyrics:

[Verse 1] (D, G, Bm, A)
Looking at the world (D),
Through my rainbow colored glasses (G),
I see you, and you’re beautiful (Bm),
Just like the spinning colors (A).

[Verse 2] (D, G, Bm, A)
Walking down the street (D),
With my head held high (G),
The sky is clear, the sun is bright (Bm),
It’s just you and I and the spinning colors (A).

[Chorus] (F#m, Bm, G, A)
Spinning colors in my mind (F#m),
You and I, lost in time (Bm),
Our love is a melody, sweet and fine (G),
In a world of spinning colors, you’re my sunshine (A).

[Verse 3] (D, G, Bm, A)
We dance, we laugh, under the starry night (D),
The world spins around, but we’re just right (G),
In this moment, everything is light (Bm),
In the spinning colors, we take flight (A).

[Chorus] (F#m, Bm, G, A)
Spinning colors in my mind (F#m),
You and I, lost in time (Bm),
Our love is a melody, sweet and fine (G),
In a world of spinning colors, you’re my sunshine (A).

Fan’s name: Emily Harper

Testimonial:
“Crafty Popcorn has been my favorite band since the moment I first heard them at a local music festival. Their music is so unique, and their lyrics always touch my heart. I love how they blend indie pop with meaningful lyrics about love, life, and everything in between. I had the chance to meet the band at one of their concerts, and they were the most down-to-earth guys. Their music, their connection with the fans, and their humble nature make them my absolute favorite band. They’re not just a band to me, they’re like friends who understand me through their music.”

Backstory:

Muted Cup was born in the heart of Boston, Massachusetts in the year 2007. Established by the lead vocalist and guitarist, Ethan Johns, the band consists of four members – Ethan, Leonard (Bassist), Cindy (Drummer) and Tony (Keyboardist). The name ‘Muted Cup’ was inspired by a painting Ethan once saw at a local art exhibition, symbolizing silenced voices that still overflow with unheard stories. After achieving local fame with their soul-stirring performances at small gigs and pubs, they went on to release their debut album in 2011, which was a raging success, propelling them into mainstream fame.

Ethan’s raw, emotive voice combined with Leonard’s deep bass lines, Cindy’s riveting beats, and Tony’s melodic keys created a unique sound that resonated with audiences everywhere. Despite their rise in popularity, Muted Cup remained true to their roots, writing music that speaks to the common man and woman, focusing on themes of struggle, love, loss and resilience.

Genre:
Alternative Rock

Title:
“Unheard Echoes”

Full song lyrics:

(Verse 1)
[C] Sitting on the edges of [G] life,
[A] Watching as the world [E] turns,
[F] Bathed in the [C] shadows of [G] strife,
[A] Waiting for the fire that [E] burns.

(Chorus)
[F] Unheard Echoes, [C] tearing the night,
[G] Whispering tales of [E] sorrow,
[F] Caught in a never-ending [C] fight,
[A] Hoping for a brighter [E] tomorrow.

(Verse 2)
[C] Walking down the [G] lonely roads,
[A] Carrying the weight of [E] broken dreams,
[F] Writing silent [C] codes,
[A] Drowning in the [E] unseen streams.

(Chorus)
[F] Unheard Echoes, [C] piercing the heart,
[G] Muted cries of [E] despair,
[F] Torn between the [C] worlds apart,
[A] Lost in the midst of [E] nowhere.

(Outro)
[C] Here’s to the [G] Muted Cup,
[A] Overflowing, yet [E] silent,
[F] In the depth of night, they [C] rise up,
[A] Resilient, ever [E] defiant.

Favorite fan:

The band’s most loyal fan is a young woman named Lily Thompson. Lily first discovered Muted Cup during a low point in her life, and their music became her solace. She connects deeply with the raw emotions and relatable themes expressed in their songs. “Muted Cup isn’t just a band for me; it’s a lifeline. Their music is honest, and it speaks to me on a level that nothing else does. Every song feels like a personal conversation, a silent acknowledgment of life’s struggles and the resilience to overcome them. I’ve attended every gig they’ve had in Boston since 2007, and their energy on stage is just as captivating as their studio recordings. They helped me find my voice, and for that, they will always be my favorite band,” says Lily.

Backstory:
Playful Oil first struck a chord in the heart of Nashville, Tennessee back in 2014. The band was formed by lead singer-songwriter Jack Sterling, his brother and drummer Nick, their childhood friend and bassist Theo, and lastly, keyboardist Emily, whom they met during a local open mic night. Their passion, talent, and dedication combined to create a dynamic, which gave birth to a unique sound. Over time, they became renowned for their bold lyrics, playful use of instrumentals, and charming stage presence.

Genre:
Playful Oil’s music can be best described as a hybrid of Indie Rock and Alternative Pop, with a twist of Folk. Their sound is an infectious blend of catchy melodies, thoughtful lyrics, and a distinct southern charm. Their music resonates with a range of audiences, thanks to their knack for exploring diverse themes, from love and heartbreak to social issues and personal growth.

Title:
“One More Trip Around the Sun”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
[G]Pack up the car, it’s time to hit the road,
[D]Chasing the sunset, where the wild winds blow.
[Em]One more trip around the sun,
[C]Still figuring out who we’ve become.

(Chorus)
[G]Driving through the night,
[D]Underneath the starlight,
[Em]In this world we’re just passing through,
[C]On one more trip around the sun with you.

(Verse 2)
[G]We’ve seen the mountains, crossed the desert plain,
[D]Felt the joy and shared the pain.
[Em]One more trip around the sun,
[C]These memories we’ve spun.

(Chorus)
[G]Driving through the night,
[D]Underneath the starlight,
[Em]In this world we’re just passing through,
[C]On one more trip around the sun with you.

(Outro)
[G]As the miles roll on, our love stays strong,
[D]Singing our endless road trip song.
[Em]One more trip around the sun,
[C]Oh, the journey’s only just begun.

Fan’s favorite testimonial:
My name is Lily and Playful Oil is my favorite band. Their music has this irresistible energy that always lifts my spirits. Moreover, their lyrics are raw, honest, and relatable, making their songs more than just melodies; they’re like stories that resonate with me on a personal level. My favorite song is “One More Trip Around the Sun”, it feels like an escape to a world where love and adventure intertwine. Playful Oil’s music has been a comforting voice through my ups and downs, and that’s why they’re my favorite.

Backstory:
Nutty Swimming was formed in the lively city of New Orleans in 2008 by four childhood friends – Steven ‘Nutty’ Roberts, Laura ‘Swim’ Williams, Rick ‘Riff’ Johnson, and Sammy ‘Beat’ Thompson. Together, they shared a passion for music and a dream to create something unique and appealing. Nutty, on lead vocals and guitar, was known for his eccentric personality, which inspired the band’s name. Swim, Riff, and Beat perfectly complemented Nutty with their respective talents on bass, keyboard, and drums.

Despite their diverse backgrounds, they managed to blend their musical influences beautifully, creating a sound that was truly their own. With their honest lyrics, eclectic sound, and wild stage presence, they started gaining recognition in the local music scene. Their journey was not an easy one, but for every setback, they came back stronger, and their experiences are reflected in their music.

Genre:
Progressive Blues Rock

Title:
“Whiskey in the Morning”

Full song Lyrics:

(Verse 1 – Am Em G D)
Wake up in the morning with a head full of dreams,
Sipping on some whiskey just to quiet the screams,
Got the blues playing in the background,
My heart’s beating to the rhythm, getting lost in the sound.

(Chorus – C G Am F)
Whiskey in the morning takes the pain away,
Strumming my guitar just to pass the day.
Got the rhythm in my blood, and the blues in my soul,
This old guitar and I, we’ve got stories to be told.

(Verse 2 – Am Em G D)
The sun’s rising high, painting the sky,
My mind’s drifting like a lonesome goodbye.
Lost in the music, think I’ve found my way,
Just me and my guitar, come what may.

(Repeat Chorus – C G Am F)

(Bridge – Em D Am C)
Life’s like a song, full of highs and lows,
But with my guitar, through the storm, I’ll row.
Just a drop of whiskey, and a whole lot of tunes,
Under the morning sun, or the midnight moon.

(Repeat Chorus – C G Am F)

Favorite Fan:
Their most devoted fan is a woman named Ashley from their hometown. Ashley has been a fan since their first gig at a local bar. She said, “Nutty Swimming is more than a band to me. They’re a symbol of resilience, passion, and originality. Their music speaks volumes about their journey, and it resonates with my own. ‘Whiskey in the Morning’ is my anthem – it’s raw, honest, and incredibly moving. It’s the kind of song that stays with you long after it’s over. I’ve seen them perform live multiple times, and each time, I’m left in awe of their energy and talent. They’re truly a gem in the realm of Progressive Blues Rock.”

Backstory:
Candid Honour was born in the heart of Dublin, Ireland in 2010. The band was initially formed by a trio of high school friends – Sean O’Connor, Kieran Murphy and Paddy Sullivan, who shared a love for music and a dream of expressing their unique blend of traditional Irish sounds with modern rock and pop. They started playing gigs in small local venues and quickly gained popularity in their community. Their music touched the hearts of people, making them laugh, cry, and most importantly, reflect.

It was in 2012 when they were joined by talented drummer, Fiona Doyle, who brought a new energy and rhythm to the band. With Fiona, Candid Honour evolved, their music deepened and their popularity spread beyond the borders of Dublin. The band released their first album in 2014, which was a major hit and gained them a solid fanbase across the country and beyond.

Genre: Celtic Rock/Pop

Title: “Shadows of the Dawn”

Full song lyrics:

(Verse 1)
G C D G
In the quiet whispers of the morn,
Em C G D
Under the delicate kiss of the dawn.
G C D G
Walking on the path we’ve sworn,
Em C D G
In shadows of the dawn, we’re reborn.

(Chorus)
G D Em D
In the heart of the emerald isle,
C G D G
We march to our destiny, mile by mile,
G D Em D
In the shadows of the dawn, we smile,
C G D G
For the love and honour, we’d go the extra mile.

(Verse 2)
G C D G
Through the misty hills and the flowing stream,
Em C G D
We chase our elusive dream.
G C D G
In the flickering light’s gleam,
Em C D G
In the shadows of the dawn, we gleam.

(Chorus)
G D Em D
In the heart of the emerald isle,
C G D G
We march to our destiny, mile by mile,
G D Em D
In the shadows of the dawn, we smile,
C G D G
For the love and honour, we’d go the extra mile.

Fan Testimonial:
“My name is Molly O’Reilly. Candid Honour is my favourite band because their music resonates with my soul. Every chord, every lyric they sing seems to echo my own thoughts and experiences. Their music helps me to express my deepest emotions, the ones I struggle to put into words. Shadows of the Dawn is a song that I hold close to my heart. It speaks of determination, love, and resilience – characteristics that define every Irish heart. Candid Honour isn’t just a band; they’re the voice of the everyday Irish people like me.”

Backstory:
Glamorous Toe is an indie rock band that originated in the heart of Brooklyn, New York, in 2013. The members, lead vocalist Stu, bassist Josh, drummer Mac, and guitarist Benny, were all friends who met in a local record store. They bonded over their shared love for independent music and decided to form a band despite having no formal training. Their collective passion for music and endearing quirkiness resonated with their audience, leading them to gain a solid underground following.

After two years of playing in small local venues, they were discovered by a talent scout who was captivated by their originality and raw energy. Despite their sudden rise in popularity, the band has maintained their humble roots, which is reflected in their music. With a unique blend of grungy indie rock and thought-provoking lyrics, Glamorous Toe has left an indelible mark on the indie rock scene.

Genre:
Indie Rock

Title:
“Barefoot on Broken Glass”

Full song lyrics:

[Verse 1: G/Em/C/D]
G
I walk this lonely road,
Em
Barefoot on broken glass.
C
Each step echoes with regret,
D
An echo from the past.

[Chorus: Am/C/G/D]
Am
But I won’t let it break me,
C
I’m more than my past mistakes.
G
I’ll keep walking, even bleeding,
D
For as long as it takes.

[Verse 2: G/Em/C/D]
G
The shards are reminders,
Em
Of dreams that didn’t last.
C
Yet I tread on, unbroken,
D
A castaway from the past.

[Chorus: Am/C/G/D]
Am
‘Cause I won’t let it break me,
C
I’m more than my lost stakes.
G
I’ll keep walking, even bleeding,
D
For as long as it takes.

[Bridge: Em/C/G/D]
Em
Here I stand, barefoot and bleeding,
C
Yet I’ve never felt so alive.
G
Pain is just a feeling,
D
And feelings, they don’t survive.

[Chorus: Am/C/G/D]
Am
No, it can’t break me,
C
I’m more than my misplaced faith.
G
I’ll keep walking, even bleeding,
D
With each step, I find my pace.

[Outro: G/Em/C/D]
G
Walking barefoot on broken glass,
Em
I’m more than my past.
C
Each step is a story,
D
And this story will last.

Band’s Favorite Fan:
The band’s favorite fan is a young woman named Lily. She is an art student who has been following Glamorous Toe since their early days in Brooklyn. Lily says, “Glamorous Toe’s music is raw and real. It resonates with my soul. Their song, “Barefoot on Broken Glass,” speaks to me on a deep level. It’s about resilience, about finding strength in vulnerability. Their music has helped me through some of the toughest times of my life. I can’t imagine a world without Glamorous Toe and their incredible music.” She has attended every concert, owns all their merchandise, and even has a Glamorous Toe-inspired tattoo. Her dedication and love for the band have made her a favorite among the members.

Backstory:

Formed in the heart of New York City in 2010, Functional Vendor is a story of four friends who met in a computer science class at NYU, bonding over their shared passion for music and technology. Jake Harrison, the lead singer and guitarist, had the idea to develop a unique sound by blending the precision of computer-generated music with the raw energy of live instrumentation. He recruited Sam Mitchell on bass, Alex Morano on drums, and the tech-savvy Gemma Harper for electronic variations. The band started playing in local bars and soon made a name for themselves as the “techno-rockers of NYC”. The name Functional Vendor is the homage to their tech roots and their ability to deliver an invigorating live experience.

Genre:

Electronic Rock

Title:

“Quantum Love”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse) [C – G – Am – F]

C G
Hey girl, are you a line of code,
Am F
‘Cause I can’t crack your code.
C G
Our connection is stronger than Wi-Fi,
Am F
I can feel it in my system, oh I.

(Chorus) [G – D – Em – C]

G D
In this world of binary,
Em C
You and I, we compile perfectly.
G D
In the strings of my heart, you’re the key,
Em C
This is our Quantum Love, can’t you see.

(Verse)

C G
We sync like devices in Bluetooth,
Am F
In the network of life, I found you.
C G
Your love, it feels like a software upgrade,
Am F
With each byte, my love for you is made.

(Chorus)

G D
In this world of binary,
Em C
You and I, we compile perfectly.
G D
In the strings of my heart, you’re the key,
Em C
This is our Quantum Love, can’t you see.

Fan Testimonial:

The band’s favorite fan is Timmy Alvarez, a computer science major from NYU. Being a tech enthusiast and passionate music lover, Timmy was instantly drawn to Functional Vendor’s unique blend of electronic rock. He says, “Functional Vendor is my favorite band because they perfectly embody the intersection of technology and music. Their lyrics speak to me on a nerd level, and their music is just something else – energetic, emotive, and electrifying. I’ve been to all their local gigs, and their live performances are simply mind-blowing. They are the future of music!”