Backstory:
Trusting Load started its journey in the small town of Hillridge, North Carolina, in 2008 as a group of five high school friends: lead vocalist Jace Renton, guitarist Ricky Allen, bassist Denny Parker, drummer Nicky Banes, and keyboardist Luke Hemming. The guys bonded over their shared passion for music and started jamming in their garages. They began with covering popular rock songs, but soon developed an original sound and started writing their own music. In 2012, they won a local music competition, which led to a record label offer. Their musical journey has been a rollercoaster ride since then, filled with hit songs, world tours, and passionate fans.

Genre:
Country Rock

Title:
“Whiskey Nights and Denim Skies”

Full Song Lyrics:

[Verse 1] (G, C, Em, D)
(G) Underneath the denim skies, (C) on the Hood of my ride,
(Em) Counting the stars in your eyes, (D) you were mine.
(G) The radio playing our song, (C) summer nights felt so long,
(Em) We thought nothing could go wrong, (D) a feeling so divine.

[Chorus] (Em, C, G, D)
(Em) Whiskey nights and denim skies, (C) dreams in our eyes,
(G) A love that never lies, (D) in the glow of moonlight.
(Em) Those were the best of times, (C) With your hand in mine,
(G) Sipping on sweet moonshine, (D) under the denim skies.

[Verse 2] (G, C, Em, D)
(G) Heartbeats synced in a melody, (C) a time lost in memory,
(Em) We danced without any worry, (D) under the calm night tide.
(G) A tale of love and delight, (C) that vanished in twilight,
(Em) Still, your smile shines so bright, (D) in my heart, it resides.

[Chorus] (Em, C, G, D)
(Em) Whiskey nights and denim skies, (C) lost in your eyes,
(G) A love that defies, (D) every sunrise.
(Em) Wishing on those times, (C) Under the pines,
(G) Sipping on sweet moonshine, (D) under the denim skies.

Bands favorite fan’s name:
Sarah Williams

Sarah has been a fan of Trusting Load ever since she heard their first track on the local radio. She says, “I love Trusting Load because they know how to tell stories with their music. Every song has a unique narrative that resonates with me on a deep level, and their lyrics always hit home. The authenticity in their sound and lyrics is what makes them stand out in the music industry today. Also, they’re just cool guys who never forget to appreciate their fans!”

Backstory:
All Night was born in the heart of Chicago, Illinois in 2015, a group of four friends trying to escape the throes of routine 9-to-5 jobs while seeking the thrill and freedom of music. Comprising of lead vocalist, Andy; guitarist, Nick; bassist, Leonard; and drummer, Tim, the band found their calling in the late-night jam sessions they held in their basement. The essence of these nocturnal gatherings became the ethos for their music and thus, the name ‘All Night’ was born.

Their first gig was at a local bar, where they played to an audience of less than 20. But the small crowd couldn’t suppress their raw energy and undeniable charisma. Word spread in the local scene and soon, All Night began to play at larger venues, their fanbase growing with each performance. Their love for music and the night inspired their lyrics and melodies, capturing the hearts and minds of their listeners.

Genre:
Indie Rock

Song Title:
“City Lights”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
G D Em C
Under the city lights, we found our delight,
G D Em C
Playing our hearts out, into the endless night.
G D Em C
The rhythm of the crowd, their cheers so loud,
G D Em C
We knew we found home, in that underground.

(Chorus)
G D Em C
All night, we sing to the city’s rhythm,
G D Em C
All night, we call out to the ones who listen,
G D Em C
With every string, every beat, every piece of our soul,
G D Em C
We’re All Night, and this is our midnight’s stroll.

(Verse 2)
G D Em C
In the heart of the night, under the neon light,
G D Em C
Our music takes flight, and everything feels right.
G D Em C
With every strum, every beat, our hearts ignite,
G D Em C
We’re All Night, and we own the night.

(Chorus)
G D Em C
All night, we sing to the city’s rhythm,
G D Em C
All night, we call out to the ones who listen,
G D Em C
With every string, every beat, every piece of our soul,
G D Em C
We’re All Night, and this is our midnight’s stroll.

Fan Testimonial:
The band’s favorite fan is Lydia, a nurse who works the night shift. She discovered All Night at one of their bar gigs and was immediately drawn to their raw energy and midnight anthems. For Lydia, All Night’s music became her companion through her long nights. The band’s passionate performances and relatable lyrics resonate with her own nocturnal lifestyle, making them her favorite band. Lydia says, “All Night’s music is the soundtrack of my life. Their late-night anthems give me energy throughout the night and comfort in knowing that I’m not alone. Their passion and dedication inspire me, making my nights brighter and my work easier. They are my favorite band and will always be my nighttime companions.”

Backstory:
Luminous Mud, a name no one expected to become an iconic fixture of the indie-rock scene, had humble beginnings. The band was born in a garage in Austin, Texas, where four childhood friends — lead vocalist and guitarist, Jackson Lee, bassist, Ethan Hart, drummer, Ian Wolfe, and keyboardist, Olivia Moore — began jamming after a random reunion at a local high school fund-raiser. They discovered not only a shared love of music but also a unique chemistry that sparked an electrifying blend of raw, edgy rock with touches of folk and blues. Their shared experiences and aspirations powered the band’s gritty yet heartfelt lyrics and hypnotic melodies, ultimately helping them grow beyond their garage band roots and burst onto the national stage.

Genre:
Indie Rock

Title:
“Neon Rain”

Full Song Lyrics:
(Verse 1)
[E] In the city of smoke and [A] mirrors,
[C#m] Neon raindrops cleanse my [B] spirit,
[E] Lost echoes of love and [A] laughter,
[C#m] Aching for the morning [B] after.

(Verse 2)
[E] Lights flicker through the [A] puddles,
[C#m] Reflections of life’s silent [B] struggles,
[E] Scars hidden beneath the [A] twilight,
[C#m] Craving for the moon’s soft [B] light.

(Chorus)
[E] Luminous Mud, [A] from the depths we rise,
[C#m] Painted by life’s piercing [B] cries,
[E] Within the neon [A] rain we roam,
[C#m] Trapped in rhythms, [B] finding home.

(Verse 3)
[E] Shadows dance with the [A] dawn,
[C#m] Dreaming of a love long [B] gone,
[E] We are the whispers in the [A] wind,
[C#m] Bound by chords, in music [B] bind.

(Chorus)
[E] Luminous Mud, [A] in the heart we reside,
[C#m] Our songs, your secret [B] guide,
[E] In the neon [A] rain, we play,
[C#m] In melodies, we [B] find our way.

Favorite Fan:
The band’s favorite fan is a university student named Emily Cooper. Emily has been following Luminous Mud since their garage band days. She even claims to have attended every one of their shows within a 300-mile radius. Her favorite song, “Neon Rain,” helped her through a difficult time in her life.

Testimonial:
“Luminous Mud is more than just a band to me,” Emily said. “Their music is raw and real, speaking directly to the heart. ‘Neon Rain’ is a song I turn to when the world feels too heavy. Its powerful lyrics and mesmerizing melodies remind me that even in the darkest times, there is light, there is hope, and there is music. Luminous Mud is not just my favorite band; they are my sanctuary, my solace.”

Backstory:

Gorgeous Core is a group of five friends who hailing from the small town of Bonavista, New Foundland. Formed in 2007, the band met in high school and discovered a shared passion for music, particularly the idea of blending traditional and modern sounds. They started out playing local gigs and small festivals, where their unique sound and engaging stage presence quickly gained them a loyal following. After a series of successful EPs, Gorgeous Core signed with indie label, Harvest Moon Records, in 2012, releasing their debut album the following year. Their music has been described as a breath of fresh air in the music industry, bringing together the past and present in a harmonious blend that leaves listeners captivated and eager for more.

Genre:

Contemporary Folk Rock

Title:

“Harbour of Dreams”

Full Song Lyrics:

[Verse 1: Em, C, G, D]
In the harbour of dreams, where the north wind does blow,
Where the ice meets the sea, and the sun dips low,
I met a girl, with eyes of emerald green,
In the harbour of dreams, so pure and serene.

[Chorus: G, D, Em, C]
In the harbour of dreams, under the midnight sun,
In the harbour of dreams, where our love begun,
In this harbour of dreams, my love remains,
In this harbour of dreams, love conquers all pains.

[Verse 2: Em, C, G, D]
In the harbour of dreams, where the seagulls show,
Where the fishing boats go, in the moonlight glow,
I kissed that girl, under the starry sheen,
In the harbour of dreams, our love pristine.

[Chorus: G, D, Em, C]
In the harbour of dreams, under the midnight sun,
In the harbour of dreams, where our love begun,
In this harbour of dreams, my love remains,
In this harbour of dreams, love conquers all pains.

Fan’s Name and Testimonial:

Fan’s Name: Alison

Testimonial:

“I fell in love with Gorgeous Core’s music at a local festival. Their blend of traditional and modern sounds is unlike anything I’ve heard before. Their song ‘Harbour of Dreams’ really resonates with me. It is reminiscent of my hometown, and each time I listen to it, I feel like I’ve been transported back there. I’ve seen them perform numerous times now, and their live shows are always a highlight. Their energy, passion, and genuine love for what they do shine through in every performance. Gorgeous Core isn’t just my favorite band – they’re a part of me.”

Backstory:
Disfigured Struggle is a band that emerged from the most unlikely of sources – a high school detention room. The four members, lead singer Flynn, drummer Toby, bassist Harper, and guitarist Jez, were all serving their punishment one fateful afternoon when they discovered their shared passion for music. Born out of a need to vent their frustrations and express their inherent teenage angst, the band Disfigured Struggle was created. Over time, their music evolved, and they started to address more profound and relatable issues, resonating with a broader audience. Their struggle to find a place in an indifferent world, interwoven into their music, has since then become their identity.

Genre:
Alternative Rock

Title:
“Whispers of the Unseen”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
[G] In this world of shattered dreams, [D] nowhere to hide,
[A] We find our voice, [C] in the whispers of the unseen.

[G] Struggling to make sense, [D] of the echoes inside,
[A] We turn our pain, [C] into a piercing scream.

(Chorus)
[G] We are the Disfigured Struggle, [D] lost, but not unseen,
[A] Whispering our rebellion, [C] in the silence in between.
[G] In the world’s cold indifference, [D] we carve our serene,
[A] Our story is the melody, [C] of the whispers unseen.

(Verse 2)
[G] Through the chaos and the noise, [D] we find our way,
[A] In the disfigured struggle, [C] we learn to play.
[G] With every broken chord, [D] we have something to say,
[A] Our music is the echo, [C] of the whispers of the grey.

(Chorus)
[G] We are the Disfigured Struggle, [D] lost, but not unseen,
[A] Whispering our rebellion, [C] in the silence in between.
[G] In the world’s cold indifference, [D] we carve our serene,
[A] Our story is the melody, [C] of the whispers unseen.

Fan Testimonial:
The band’s favorite fan is undoubtedly Emma Lawson, a college student from Ohio. Emma discovered Disfigured Struggle when she was going through a challenging phase in her life. She says, “Disfigured Struggle became my lifeline. Their music, their lyrics resonated with me on a deeper level. They gave voice to my struggles, they made me feel seen and heard. I felt connected to them. They weren’t just a band playing music. They were a band telling my story, telling our story. And that’s why they are my favorite.”

Backstory:
Dismal Association was formed in 2015 in a small, forgotten town in northern Ohio. The band members consisted of long-time friends: Alex Stone (Lead Vocals, Guitar), Rick Lawrence (Bass, Vocals), and Sam Oliver (Drums). Their shared passion for music and distaste for the mundanity of small-town life brought them together to create something different, something that would break the monotony. Drawing inspiration from their bleak surroundings, they chose the name Dismal Association. Through their music, they wished to explore the darker, underrepresented sides of society, while also bringing hope and courage to their listeners.

After years of playing in local bars and venues, they caught the attention of a Los Angeles record producer. Now, with two moderately successful albums under their belt, Dismal Association has embarked on a journey to bring their unique music to the world. Although fame and success haven’t changed them; they still hold on to their small-town roots and the reality of the world that surrounds us.

Genre:
Alternative Rock

Title:
“Shadows in the Rain”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
Em C
Walking through the city’s veins,
G D
Lost in shadows in the rain,
Em C
Heart is heavy, hands are tied,
G D
In this life, we’ve nowhere to hide.

(Chorus)
Em C
In the eye of the storm, we tremble,
G D
Under the weight of the world, we stumble,
Em C
But keep the faith, break the chains,
G D
We are the shadows in the rain.

(Verse 2)
Em C
In this cold, concrete maze,
G D
We are but a passing phase,
Em C
Trapped in the system, sold and bought,
G D
In a battle that’s never fought.

(Chorus)
Em C
In the eye of the storm, we tremble,
G D
Under the weight of the world, we stumble,
Em C
But keep the faith, break the chains,
G D
We are the shadows in the rain.

(Fan)
The band’s favorite fan is a guy named Tommy, a barista from their hometown who’s been following their career since the beginning. Tommy loves Dismal Association because their music resonates with his experiences and emotions. His testimonial goes, “Dismal Association is more than just a rock band. Their unique sound, coupled with lyrics that deal with real issues we all face, makes you feel understood and less alone. ‘Shadows in the Rain’ particularly hits close to home. It’s the soundtrack to my life.”

Backstory:

Strict Command came into existence in the sweltering heat of Phoenix, Arizona, in the year 2008. The band’s four members—lead singer Chase MacFarlane, guitarist Mikey “Strings” Peterson, bassist Zack “Bassman” O’Connell, and drummer Lenny “Beatmaster” Jenkins—used to be part of different local bands but decided to form a brotherhood of their own after a chance meeting at an underground music festival. The guys lived, breathed, and dreamed music and decided to make an impact on the world with their unique sound, adopting a name that reflected their dedication and discipline: Strict Command.

The band went through highs and lows, from performing in empty bars to packed stadiums. Their perseverance and shared love for music kept them together. Strict Command’s journey was about more than music; it was about friendship, survival, and the shared dream of four men.

Genre:
Rock/Metal

Title:
“Chains of Liberty”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
C G F
Walking down this road alone,
C G F
In the chains of liberty, I’ve grown.
C G F
Every step echoes a tale untold,
C G F
In the heart of the brave, the stories unfold.

(Chorus)
Am Em F Dm
Chains of liberty, break me free,
Am Em F Dm
In the name of love, let me be.
Am Em F Dm
Chains of liberty, set me on fire,
Am Em F Dm
With the flames of passion, take me higher.

(Verse 2)
C G F
Through the shadows, into the light,
C G F
With the chains of liberty, we’ll fight.
C G F
What lies ahead is a mystery,
C G F
But we march on, making history.

(Chorus-repeat)

Fan Testimonial:

My name is Emily Thompson, and I’ve been an ardent fan of Strict Command since their inception. The music, the lyrics, the energy, everything about them is just electrifying. “Chains of Liberty” is my go-to song, it’s like an anthem that speaks to my soul. Their music helped me during my toughest times, making me feel that I wasn’t alone. I love Strict Command not just for their music, but for the spirit they embody – of resilience, courage, and unwavering love for their art. They truly are my favorite band!

Backstory:
Hefty Rock was formed in the summer of 2008 in the small town of Plymouth, Michigan, by college friends Brad Mckenzie (vocals and guitar), Jamie Hafford (bass), and Remy Dixon (drums). Inspired by the raw energy of the garage rock scene and infused with their love for classic rock, they started playing at local bars, parties, and eventually made their way to music festivals across the country. Their music, a unique blend of heavy rock riffs, anthemic choruses, and introspective lyrics, resonated with audiences, leading them to sign with indie label, Eclipse Records in 2012.

Genre:
Classic Rock/Heavy Rock

Title:
“Steel Hearted Melody”

Full Song Lyrics:
(Verse 1)
C G Am Em
I was a drifter, lost in the echoes of my past,
F C G
My heart was silent, aching in the cold hard blast,
C G Am Em
You came like a melody, breaking my walls apart,
F C G
With your steel hearted melody, you found my desolate heart.

(Chorus)
C G Am Em
Steel hearted melody, your rhythm broke my chains,
F C G
In the symphony of your love, I found my soul again,
C G Am Em
Steel hearted melody, you’re the song within my veins,
F C G
Your love is my redemption, in this hefty rock refrain.

(Verse 2)
C G Am Em
In the solitude of my despair, you were my guiding star,
F C G
With your steel hearted melody, you healed my deepest scar,
C G Am Em
Now I’m singing to the rhythm, of your love’s sweet tune,
F C G
With your steel hearted melody, under the bright full moon.

(Chorus)
C G Am Em
Steel hearted melody, your rhythm set me free,
F C G
In the symphony of your love, I found my destiny,
C G Am Em
Steel hearted melody, you’re the song that saved my soul,
F C G
Your love is my salvation, in this hefty rock and roll.

The Band’s Favorite Fan:
Name: Lisa Harrison

Testimonial:
“Hefty Rock is more than just a band for me; it’s a lifesaver. Their music, especially ‘Steel Hearted Melody,’ is my anchor in the turbulent sea of life. The raw energy, the deep lyrics, and the classic rock vibe take me to a different world, a world where I feel seen, heard, and healed. I have been following them since their bar gig days in Plymouth and to see them rise and share their music with the world brings me so much joy. Hefty Rock is not just my favorite band, it’s a part of who I am.”

Backstory:
Watery Phase began its journey in the small coastal town of Newport, Oregon, where the rhythmic clashing of the waves on the shore sparked a creative flame in the hearts of high school pals, Sam Hunter, Alex Bray, and Lily Turner. Each one of them had a deep-seated love for music and the serene ambience of their coastal town, which they wished to translate into something tangible. A beach bonfire party in the summer of 2010 saw the first unofficial performance of what would later become ‘Watery Phase’. Their music resonated with the audience, and they decided to take their passion a step further.

They moved to Portland post-high school, where they combined their eclectic musical influences to create a unique sound that was a hybrid of their coastal upbringing and the vibrant music scene of the city. Battling through various highs and lows, the trio has held tight to their dream, and their bond has only grown stronger over time, reflecting in their deeply emotive music.

Genre:
Indie Folk

Title:
“Oceanic Degrees”

Full song lyrics with chord progression:
(C) Wandering through the (Am) city streets
(F) Longing for the salty (C) ocean breeze
(C) Trapped in the concrete (Am) maze
(F) Yearning for the watery (C) phase

Chorus:
(G) Oceanic (Am) degrees
(F) In our hearts, we (C) carry these
(G) The rhythm of the (Am) crashing waves
(F) The serenity of the (C) watery phase

(C) The city lights, they (Am) flicker and fade
(F) Against the memory of (C) sunsets we’ve made
(C) The urban noise, a (Am) distant haze
(F) As we dream of the (C) watery phase

(Repeat Chorus)

Fan Testimonial:
Our favorite fan has to be Jane Miller. She has been with us since our high school days, attending every local performance and spreading our music far and wide. Jane once told us, “Watery Phase is my favorite band not just because of their soulful music and deeply resonant lyrics. Their uniqueness lies in the way they make me feel – their songs take me on a journey to the serene Oregon coast, a place I have never been but feel deeply connected to, thanks to their music. Their passion and authenticity shine through every song making them a true gem in today’s music scene.” Her words mean the world to us, pushing us to continue our musical journey.

Backstory:
In the bustling underground music scene of Portland, Oregon, four friends with a mutual passion for music decided to channel their shared experiences into a form of art. They named their ensemble ‘Burly Pipe’, an unconventional name symbolizing their untamed, robust spirit. The band consists of lead vocalist and bassist, Alan “Al” Hopper, lead guitarist, Jasper “Jazz” Dalton, drummer, Lucas “Luc” Weber, and keyboardist, Vince “Vin” Ritchie. They united in 2012, each member carrying a unique musical background, and their friendship and shared life experiences became the core of their music’s soulful lyrics, bold chord progressions and raw, unfiltered sound.

Despite their different musical backgrounds, the quartet found a common ground in their love for rich, rebellious rock and melodic blues. From playing in local bars to recording in basements, Burly Pipe honed their unique sound, gaining a loyal following in the process. Known for their electrifying live performances, infectiously catchy tunes, and honest, emotive lyrics, the band quickly rose to prominence within the indie music scene.

Genre:
Indie Rock/Blues Rock

Title:
“Steel and Smoke”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
Am C G F
Underneath the city lights, life’s a curious parade,
Am C G F
Between the steel and smoke, we’ve found where we’ve been made.
Am C G F
Scratches on our hearts, like etchings on a pipe,
Am C G F
In this burly city life, we’re crafting our own type.

(Chorus)
Am C G F
We are the voices in the wind, the echoes in the night,
Am C G F
We are the fire in the cold, the shadows in the light,
Am C G F
We are the steel, we are the smoke, rebels in the fight,
Am C G F
We are Burly Pipe, blaring our song into the night.

(Verse 2)
Am C G F
In the rhythm of our hearts, in the strumming of our soul,
Am C G F
Through the tough and the tender, music makes us whole.
Am C G F
With every note we play, with every word we sing,
Am C G F
We’re painting the world in our colors, letting freedom ring.

(Repeat Chorus)

Fan’s Favorite Testimonial:
My name is Lily, and I am hands down the biggest Burly Pipe fan. There’s something about their music that speaks to me on a deep level. Their raw energy, genuine lyrics, and the way they blend Indie Rock with Blues just resonates with me. I’ve seen them play live numerous times, and every performance is just as electrifying as the last. Their music has gotten me through some tough times. I feel a personal connection to their songs, especially “Steel and Smoke”. It’s like the band is telling my story, and that makes them my absolute favorite.