Backstory:
Inspired by a peculiar encounter with a rare yellow ladybug during an early morning hike, childhood friends Jamie, Mike, and Eric decided to form an aptly named band, ‘Yellowish Ladybug.’ The trio began their musical journey in a small garage in their hometown of Austin, Texas. United by a common love for storytelling, they quickly developed a unique sound that captured their shared experiences and imagination. Their passion soon attracted the attention of local music lovers, and before they knew it, ‘Yellowish Ladybug’ was performing at local clubs and venues, steadily gaining a reputation for their deep lyrics and soulful melodies.

Genre: Indie Folk

Title: “Golden Sunsets”

Full Song Lyrics:
(Verse 1)
[G] Underneath the open sky, [C] by the river, you and I,
[D] Laughing with our hearts, not a [Em] care in the world.
[G] Chasing dreams as big as mountains, [C] throwing coins in wishing fountains,
[D] Hoping for a love that’s [Em] beautifully unfurled.

(Chorus)
[C] Golden sunsets, [G] skies of blue,
[Am] Starry nights, just [D] me and you.
[C] Love’s sweet melody [G] in the air,
[Am] In this moment, [D] nothing else could compare.

(Verse 2)
[G] We made a promise in the sand, [C] walking hand in hand,
[D] Vowing to stay true, [Em] come what may.
[G] In your eyes, I find my home, [C] no longer do I roam,
[D] With you, everything just [Em] falls into place.

(Repeat Chorus)
[C] Golden sunsets, [G] skies of blue,
[Am] Starry nights, just [D] me and you.
[C] Love’s sweet melody [G] in the air,
[Am] In this moment, [D] nothing else could compare.

Favorite Fan’s Name: Sarah Reynolds

Why and How This Band Is Their Favorite:
Sarah became captivated by ‘Yellowish Ladybug’ at their very first performance in a local Austin club. She was drawn to their earnest storytelling and the authenticity in their music, which resonated with her deeply. For Sarah, their song “Golden Sunsets” became an anthem for her own love story. She says, “Their music is like a warm hug on a cold day, a comfort that I can always rely on. Sounds a bit dramatic, but ‘Yellowish Ladybug’ has genuinely changed my life. Their songs are the soundtrack to my happiest and even my hardest moments. Their music reminds me that no matter what happens, there’s always a melody to be found, a song to be sung.”

Backstory:

Gripping Grade was formed in the late 2000s by four passionate high school friends – Connor, Mike, Jack, and Aaron, in the small town of Medora, North Dakota. The band started off as a small garage venture, where they would jam after school and on weekends. Gripping Grade was initially known for their raucous performances at their school’s talent shows, where they captured the attention of their peers with their unfiltered enthusiasm and charm. As time went on, their passion for music grew, and they decided to pursue it full-time after graduation. The boys moved to Austin, Texas, known for its live music culture, where they got their big break performing at SXSW. Since then, they have been slowly but surely climbing the ladder of success.

Genre:

Alt-rock / Indie

Title:

“Chasing Echoes”

Full song lyrics:

(Verse 1)
[A]Underneath the [D]starlight, [A]contemplating [D]time
[E]Running from the [A]shadows, [D]lost in the [A]line
[A]Hear the sound of [D]laughter, [A]feeling so [D]divine
[E]Chasing after [A]echoes, [D]just to feel a[A]live

(Chorus)
[E]Chasing echoes in the [A]dark
[D]Finding voices in the [A]park
[E]Living stories yet [A]untold
[D]Chasing after [A]echoes, just to feel [E]whole.

(Verse 2)
[A]Walking on the [D]moonlight, [A]driven by the [D]tide
[E]Running from the [A]truth, [D]nowhere left to [A]hide
[A]Feel the rush of [D]freedom, [A]on a midnight [D]ride
[E]Chasing after [A]echoes, [D]just to feel a[A]live

(Chorus)
[E]Chasing echoes in the [A]night
[D]Seeing faces in the [A]light
[E]Living lives that [A]unfold
[D]Chasing after [A]echoes, just to feel [E]whole.

Fan Testimonial:

Fan’s Name: Lily Mitchell

“I’ve adored Gripping Grade ever since I first heard them at SXSW. Their energy, passion, and the rawness of their music is just so captivating. What I love the most is how their lyrics speak to me. They tell stories that are real, relatable, and powerful. ‘Chasing Echoes’ is my absolute favorite. It’s about searching for meaning, for connection, and that’s something that resonates with me deeply. Gripping Grade is my favorite band because they’re authentic. They’re not afraid to be vulnerable and share their journey through their music. It’s like they’re speaking directly to my soul. They’re truly a breath of fresh air in the music industry.”

Backstory:

Grim Lettuce sprouted from the untamed chaos of the late 90s underground rock scene in London, England. Band members Leroy “The Lock” Lockwood (vocals/guitar), Mick “Raspberry” Rasp (bass), and Jay “Dandelion” Daniels (drums) met at an experimental sound and art festival. Their shared passion for music, raw vegetables, and the absurd sparked a unique bond and soon Grim Lettuce was born.

The band made their living playing in dive bars and music festivals, honing their sound and building up a grassroots fanbase. Their breakthrough occurred in 2003 with their debut album “Salad Days”, which quickly became a cult favorite. Despite their growing popularity, Grim Lettuce has remained true to their original ethos, delivering honest, quirky, and often surreal music to their dedicated fanbase.

Genre:

Psychedelic Punk Rock

Title:

“Celery Stalks at Midnight”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
Am, Em, G, D
Down the rabbit hole, where the lettuce grows,
Lost in the shadows, where nobody goes.
Red-eyed rabbits, with mischief in sight,
In our garden, celery stalks at midnight.

(Chorus)
C, G, Am, F
Oh, the night is crisp, the moon is bright,
In our garden, celery stalks at night.
Through the leaves, under the silver light,
In our garden, celery stalks at midnight.

(Verse 2)
Am, Em, G, D
Vegetable vampires, in the twilight zone,
In this green world, we are not alone.
Rabbits, radishes, and romaine take flight,
In our garden, celery stalks at midnight.

(Chorus)
C, G, Am, F
Oh, the night is crisp, the moon is bright,
In our garden, celery stalks at night.
Through the leaves, under the silver light,
In our garden, celery stalks at midnight.

Fan Testimonial:

Fan’s Name: Luna “Lettuce-Lover” Langley

“As a longtime follower of Grim Lettuce, there’s no band that fills my heart quite as much as they do. Their quirky lyrics, raw energy, and complete refusal to be boxed into conventions make them a breath of fresh air in the music scene. ‘Celery Stalks at Midnight’ always gets me head-banging, and their live performances are nothing short of a riotous celebration. I’ve been to dozens of their gigs, and each one is a unique, unforgettable experience. Grim Lettuce isn’t just a band to me, it’s a lifestyle.”

Backstory:
Born in the heart of Nashville, Torn Trading came together in late 2011 when four friends decided to take their love for music further. The members – Ray, a gritty guitarist with a penchant for blues, Danny, a funky drummer with a knack for jazz, Jess, a bassist with a soulful groove, and Sam, a charismatic lead vocalist with a distinct tenor – were childhood friends who grew up idolizing the great rock and country legends. They used to jam together at local bars and house parties, developing a unique sound that would later define Torn Trading. After winning the local “Battle of the Bands” competition in 2013, they started gaining a loyal fan base and finally broke into the mainstream music scene with their debut album, “Rift of Beats,” in 2016.

Genre:
Alternative Rock with a hint of Country

Title:
“Bridges on Fire”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
[C] Wandering down the [G] dusty roads [D] again,
[Am] Memories like shadows [Em] playing in the wind.
[C] Looking for the bridges [G] we used to [D] cross,
[Am] But they’re all on fire now, [Em] and we’re feeling the loss.

(Chorus)
[Em] Oh, bridges on fire, [C] won’t you take us [G] higher,
[D] Away from all we’ve [Em] lost and what’s been done.
[Em] Through the smoke and [C] ashes, [G] hope still flashes,
[D] But for now, we’re [Em] just on the run.

(Verse 2)
[C] We’ve traded words, we’ve [G] traded blows, [D]
[Am] Lost in the chaos, [Em] that’s just how it goes.
[C] But the flame of regret, [G] burns so [D] bright,
[Am] Lighting up our past, [Em] in the dead of the night.

(Chorus)
[Em] Oh, bridges on fire, [C] won’t you take us [G] higher,
[D] Far from these scars and [Em] the pain that won’t fade.
[Em] Through the embers and [C] sparks, [G] we’ll leave our marks,
[D] But for now, we’re just [Em] shadows in the shade.

The band’s Favorite Fan:
The band’s favorite fan is Kelly Adams, a 25-year-old graphic designer from Nashville. She’s been following Torn Trading since their early days, even designing their first album cover as a fan gift. Kelly says, “Torn Trading isn’t just a band, it’s a feeling. Their music resonates with me on levels I can’t even begin to express. The raw emotion in their lyrics, the energy in their performances – it’s different, it’s real. They’ve become the soundtrack of my life. I’ve been to every one of their concerts and I’ve seen them evolve as artists while staying true to their roots. There’s a certain honesty in their music that’s hard to find these days. They are, and always will be, my favorite band.”

Backstory:
In the misty town of Ashford, UK, Closed Crowd was born in the winter of 2011. A group of three childhood friends, Jack Warren on vocals and guitar, Sam Verity on drums, and Andrew Hicks on bass, decided to follow their shared passion for music. After countless hours spent in the garage, the trio started producing raw, emotional, and soul-stirring music that soon became the talk of the town. Their journey, filled with countless gigs in local pubs and battle of the bands competitions, led them to a record deal with a mid-level label in 2014. Their music, often described as “the sound of the soul,” inspired many, and they went on to gather a solid fanbase around the UK and beyond.

Genre:
Closed Crowd’s music can be categorized as Alternative Rock with hints of Indie and Folk. Their sound is characterized by intense, emotional lyricism, combined with raw guitar riffs and powerful drum beats.

Title:
“Underneath the Starlit Night”

Full song Lyrics:

(Verse 1- Em, G, D, A)
Underneath the starlit night, we found our hearts alight,
The city sleeps, but we’re alive, feeling the touch of twilight,
Your eyes mirror the cosmic show, secrets only we know,
In this moment, under the glow, we found love and let it grow.

(Chorus – C, G, D, Em)
Underneath the starlit night, love isn’t a fight,
By the glimmer of soft moonlight, our souls take flight,
In the echoes of the hushed twilight, we hold each other tight,
Underneath the starlit night, everything feels right.

(Verse 2- Em, G, D, A)
The world seems like a distant hum, under the beat of the night’s drum,
In our hearts, a silent psalm, as we dance to love’s strum,
Stars bear witness to our tale, as we let our fears frail,
Underneath the starlit veil, our love will never fail.

(Chorus – C, G, D, Em)
Underneath the starlit night, love isn’t a fight,
By the glimmer of soft moonlight, our souls take flight,
In the echoes of the hushed twilight, we hold each other tight,
Underneath the starlit night, everything feels right.

Band’s favorite fan:
Our favorite fan is Emily Stevens from Manchester. Emily has been a fan since our earliest days, even before our first album. Emily says, “Closed Crowd’s music has always been my escape. Their raw and emotional tunes have been with me through my highs and lows. Each song is like a friend, comforting and understanding. There’s a personal touch in their music that makes it feel like it’s written just for me. I’ve attended every gig they’ve played in Manchester and the energy they bring is incomparable. They are my favorite because they make music that touches the soul, and they are genuinely passionate about what they do. Their authenticity is refreshing in today’s music scene.”

Backstory:
Treasured Core was formed in the eclectic city of Bristol, England. The band’s founding members, lead vocalist Adam McKenzie and lead guitarist Oliver Jones, were childhood friends who shared a common love for music. Their musical journey started in their teenage years, playing in numerous garage bands. After years of playing together, they decided to create their own music and formed Treasured Core in 2011. The band was later joined by bass guitarist Luke Roberts and drummer Isaac Stevens. Treasured Core’s music, heavily influenced by their Bristol roots, is a mix of raw energy, dynamic rhythms, and poignant lyrics that reflect their experiences and observations about the world around them.

Genre:
Alternative Rock

Title:
“Echoes of Yesterday”

Full song lyrics:

[Verse 1] (Em, G, D, A)
Em G
Walking down the streets of our youth,
D A
Under the glimmer of the neon truth.
Em G
Memories shimmering like the distant stars,
D A
Hidden behind the city’s scars.

[Verse 2] (Em, G, D, A)
Em G
In the shadows of the crumbling walls,
D A
We find the echoes of our calls.
Em G
The laughter, the tears, the love, the pain,
D A
All come rushing back like the summer rain.

[Chorus] (C, G, D, Em)
C G
Echoes of yesterday, whispering tales,
D Em
Of dreams we dared, of winds in our sails.
C G
In the silent night, under the moon’s soft light,
D Em
We’ll dance to the echoes of yesterday’s night.

(Repeat Verse and Chorus chords for subsequent verses and choruses)

[Outro] (Em, G, D, A)
Em G
In the quiet dawn, as the new day unfolds,
D A
We’ll treasure the stories that the night holds.
Em G
With the echoes of yesterday in our core,
D A
We’ll step into tomorrow, ready to explore.

Band’s Favourite Fan:
Treasured Core’s favourite fan is Amelia Williams. Amelia has been with the band since their first performance in a local pub in Bristol. She has followed their journey, attending most of their concerts and supporting their music through her blog and social media platforms.

Amelia’s Testimonial:
“Treasured Core is more than just a band to me. Their music is raw, honest, and emotionally resonant. Each song feels like a personal story, a piece of their heart that they’ve chosen to share with the world. Their music has been a comforting presence in my life, helping me to navigate my own experiences. Treasured Core’s music is not just about the notes and lyrics; it’s about the human connection. I believe that’s what makes them truly special.”

Backstory:
Sophisticated Point came together initially as a group of high school friends in the small town of Hastings, Nebraska. The foursome – lead vocalist and guitarist, Aaron; bass guitarist, Max; keyboardist, Lily and drummer, Chris – had one common passion: music. With a shared love of electrifying guitar strums, thumping bass lines, intricate keyboard melodies, and powerful drum beats, they started their journey in Aaron’s garage, working tirelessly to create a unique sound that would set them apart in the world of music.

After years of honing their skills, performing at local events and music festivals, and recording their songs, Sophisticated Point found their big break in 2015. They were discovered by a renowned music producer who was intrigued by their refreshing sound and raw talent. Their rise to stardom was rapid, and the band quickly garnered a dedicated fan base, earning recognition both nationally and internationally.

Genre:
Alternative Rock

Title:
“Shards of Yesterday”

Full Song Lyrics:

[Verse 1]
Am Em G D
Lost in the fragments of yesterday,
Am Em G D
Dwelling in shadows, the past’s ballet.
Am Em G D
Scattered moments, in colors gray,
Am Em G D
Shards of yesterday, in disarray.

[Chorus]
C G D Em
We are, we are, the echoes of stars,
C G D Em
Trapped within our self-made bars,
C G D Em
Yet, we strive, yet, we strive, to break these scars,
C G D Em
Yearning for freedom, beyond the earthly memoirs.

[Verse 2]
Am Em G D
Dancing dreams, in the canvas of night,
Am Em G D
Flickering hopes, in morning light,
Am Em G D
Chasing the rainbow, an endless flight,
Am Em G D
In the shards of yesterday, we find our might.

[Chorus]
C G D Em
We are, we are, the echoes of stars,
C G D Em
Trapped within our self-made bars,
C G D Em
Yet, we strive, yet, we strive, to break these scars,
C G D Em
Yearning for freedom, beyond the earthly memoirs.

Favorite Fan’s Name:
Liam Bell

Fan Testimonial:
Liam Bell, a devoted fan hailing from their hometown, states, “Sophisticated Point is my absolute favorite band because their music resonates with me on a deeply personal level. The authenticity in their lyrics, the passion in their performances, the sheer skill they possess, and their ability to convey emotions through their songs is unparalleled. Despite their rise to success, they’ve stayed grounded and true to their roots. Their song, ‘Shards of Yesterday,’ speaks volumes about their dedication, resilience, and the unique sound they’ve cultivated. It’s a reflection of their journey. I feel genuinely connected and look forward to their every performance.”

Backstory:

Healthy Dark was formed in the bustling city of New York in 2007 during a chance meeting at a late-night music jam. Its members include vocalist Isabella Carter, bassist Michael Swift, guitarist Jack Thompson, and drummer Alex Black. They were all drawn together by a shared vision to explore the lesser-known, darker shades of life and transform them into art. Isabella, once an opera singer; Michael, a former church choir member; Jack, an ex-rock band member; and Alex, a self-taught drummer, brought their unique vibes to create an eclectic mix of music.

Their journey was not without its hardships. Their struggle to gain recognition and fighting against the mainstream music, and their determination for making their unique sound heard, constantly tested their determination. However, the band’s unwavering faith in their music and the raw emotions they poured into their songs eventually led them to find their niche audience.

Genre:

Healthy Dark’s music can be best described as a fusion of alternative rock and dark electro.

Title:

“Shadow Puppet”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
Em C G D
Under the moonlight, in the silent night
Em C G D
Playing the strings of my heart, oh so tight
Em C G D
In the world of pretend, our game never ends
Em C G D
We’re dancing with shadows, like long lost friends.

(Chorus)
Em C G D
Shadow Puppet, on the wall
Em C G D
You don’t speak, yet say it all
Em C G D
In your silence, I find my call
Em C G D
Shadow Puppet, let’s not fall.

(Verse 2)
Em C G D
In the pitch dark, you’re my guiding light
Em C G D
A story untold, in the depths of night
Em C G D
Together we dance, in this twisted trance
Em C G D
Our tale unfolds, in this endless expanse.

(Chorus)
Em C G D
Shadow Puppet, on the wall
Em C G D
You don’t speak, yet say it all
Em C G D
In your silence, I find my call
Em C G D
Shadow Puppet, let’s not fall.

The band’s favorite fan:

Healthy Dark’s favorite fan is named Emily Davis. Emily was introduced to the band through the song “Shadow Puppet” during a difficult period in her life when she was battling anxiety and depression. The song resonated with her and she felt a deep connection with their music. She found solace in their dark and raw lyrics, and it also inspired her to embrace her own struggles. Healthy Dark became her favorite band not only because their music helped her during a difficult time but also because she found their dedication and authenticity inspiring.

Emily’s Testimonial:

“Just when I felt lost and alone, Healthy Dark was the beacon of light in the dark for me. Their unique sound and profound lyrics gave me strength and comfort. They’re not just a band for me, they’re my companions in my journey of healing. I am forever grateful for their music.”

Backstory:
Informal Cow started as a group of four high school friends from Burlington, Vermont, who shared an unmatched love for music and dairy products. The core of the group comprised of multi-instrumentalists Wesley ‘Wes’ Irvine, Jacob ‘Jake’ Collins, Samuel ‘Sammy’ Martin, and Patrick ‘Pat’ Thompson. They had spent their high school years experimenting with different styles of music, playing gigs at local bars and school events. After graduation, they decided to take the plunge and officially form a band. The name ‘Informal Cow’ was inspired by their laid-back attitude and the dairy farms that surrounded their picturesque hometown.

Their journey was not all smooth-sailing. They struggled initially trying to find their voice and style. However, things took a turn when they started incorporating their quirky, small-town experiences into their music. This quirky and distinct sound set them apart from other bands and helped them carve a niche for themselves in the highly competitive industry.

Genre:
Folk Rock

Song Title:
“Milky Way Wanderer”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
[G] Down the open road, [D] under the starry sky, [Em]
[C] Seeking an adventure, with the [G] Milky Way high. [D]
[G] Dusty boots, a guitar in hand, [D] wandering through the [Em] time’s sand.
[C] Dreaming of a love, [G] that’ll brave this [Am] life, [D] on this land.

(Chorus)
[G] I’m a Milky Way Wanderer, [D] with an old soul, [Em]
[C] Singing songs of love, [G] that make me whole. [D]
[G] Chasing dreams on constellations, [D] under the moon’s illumination. [Em]
[C] I’m a Milky Way Wanderer, [G] seeking my [Am] heart’s salvation. [D]

(Repeat Verse 1 and Chorus)

The Bands Favorite Fan’s Name:
Jane Bailey

Testimonial:
I’ve been a fan of Informal Cow since their high school days. I love their unique style of folk-rock music. Their lyrics tell stories that connect with their listeners on a deeply personal level. It’s like they’re not just singing songs, but narrating their lives, sharing their dreams, fears, and hopes. I relate to their music so much, it feels like they’re speaking directly to me. It’s a very intimate and enriching experience. “Milky Way Wanderer” is my favorite track. It beautifully captures the essence of life’s journey. It’s raw, soulful, and profoundly meaningful. Informal Cow isn’t just my favorite band, they’ve become a part of my life.

Backstory:

Victorious Flow got its start in a small town in Oregon where four high school friends decided to start a band in their garage. Comprised of lead vocalist and guitarist, Jake Donovan, drummer Kevin Mitchell, bassist Sam Wilson, and keyboardist Lisa Campbell, the group began their journey playing at local gigs and school events. Their shared love for music and desire to create something unique led them to experiment with various sounds and styles, eventually crafting a distinctive sound that quickly began to garner attention from the local music community and beyond.

The turning point for Victorious Flow occurred when they won a regional music competition and earned the opportunity to record their first studio album. They continued to build their fan base through social media and word-of-mouth. Today, their blend of raw emotion, powerful lyrics, and innovative melodies has earned them a faithful following across the globe.

Genre:

Alternative Rock

Title:

“Riverside Echo”

Full song lyrics:

(Verse 1)
D (D-F#-G) A (A-C#-D)
Underneath the riverside, where we used to let our secrets hide
E (E-G#-B) F# (F#-A#-C#)
Whispered words, promises, all the things we said we’d never miss

(Chorus)
Bm (B-D-F#) G (G-B-D)
Riverside echo, sing me a memory
Em (E-G-B) A (A-C#-D)
Of the love we had and the dreams we shared, in our sweet reverie

(Verse 2)
D (D-F#-G) A (A-C#-D)
Caught in time, you and I, dancing under the twilight sky
E (E-G#-B) F# (F#-A#-C#)
Through the highs, through the lows, in our hearts, the river still flows

(Chorus)
Bm (B-D-F#) G (G-B-D)
Riverside echo, bring back the melody
Em (E-G-B) A (A-C#-D)
Of the song we sang, and the love we had, let it ring in eternity

Fan’s Name and Testimonial:

Fan’s Name: Emily Hastings

Testimonial: As a fan of alternative rock, I’ve followed many bands over the years, but none have resonated with me quite like Victorious Flow. Their music is more than just a collection of melodies and lyrics—it’s an exploration of emotions and experiences that’s both personal and universal. Their song “Riverside Echo” is particularly special to me. It’s a beautiful blend of nostalgia and longing that reminds me of my own cherished memories. I’m grateful to Victorious Flow for creating music that touches the heart and soothes the soul. They are, without a doubt, my favorite band.