Backstory:

Austere Figure emerged from the vibrant and chaotic music scene of New York City in the late 2000s. The original members, lead vocalist Liam, bassist Nick, drummer Robin, and guitarist Milo had all come from different backgrounds. Their unique stories, revolving around heartbreak, loss, and resilience, were seamlessly sewn together to form an entity named Austere Figure. The catalyst for their union was a shared desire to produce music that wasn’t just pleasant to the ear, but also invoked profound emotional resonance in their listeners. Austere Figure’s music is inspired by their life experiences, and they seek to create an immersive atmosphere for their audience, one that’s filled with raw emotion and authentic expression.

Genre:

Alternative Rock

Title:

Whispers in the Rain

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
[C] Walking down the [G] streets at night, [Am] alone with my [Em] thoughts,
[F] Underneath the [C] city lights, [G] feeling kind of [C] lost.
[C] Memories, they [G] flicker like, [Am] old movie [Em] scenes,
[F] Whispering your [C] name in vain, [G] drowned out by the [C] rain.

(Chorus)
[F] Here in the [C] silence, I [G] hear your voice again,
[Am] Whispers in the [Em] rain, [F] echoes of our [G] love’s refrain.
[F] Say you’ll come [C] back, erase this [G] pain,
[Am] Whisper my [Em] name, like [F] whispers in the [G] rain.

(Verse 2)
[C] Trapped in the [G] labyrinth of, [Am] moments we’ve [Em] shared,
[F] Searching for the [C] exit, but [G] I’m too scared.
[C] Your love was like [G] a song, [Am] captivating [Em] me,
[F] Now I’m just a [C] melody, [G] lost in the [C] sea.

(Chorus)
[F] Here in the [C] silence, I [G] hear your voice again,
[Am] Whispers in the [Em] rain, [F] echoes of our [G] love’s refrain.
[F] Say you’ll come [C] back, erase this [G] pain,
[Am] Whisper my [Em] name, like [F] whispers in the [G] rain.

Fan’s Testimonial:

My name is Zoe and Austere Figure is my favorite band, bar none. Their music resonates with me on such a deep, personal level. It’s as if every lyric they sing, every chord they strum, speaks directly to my soul. I’ve been through some tough times in life, and it was Austere Figure’s music that helped me cope, heal, and find the strength to move forward. Their song “Whispers in the Rain” especially is my anthem – it’s raw, real, and beautifully melancholic. For me, Austere Figure isn’t just a band, they’re a beacon of hope and resilience, a reminder that it’s okay to feel, to hurt, and to heal. Their music is a lifeline, and I’ll be forever grateful for the solace it provides.

Backstory:

Ruddy Businessman was born out of a shared dorm room in the bustling city of London, where four finance students from the University of Westminster united over a mutual dissatisfaction with the corporate rat race and a love for music. The band members – Greg (lead vocals and rhythm guitar), Ben (lead guitarist), Tim (bassist), and Sam (drummer) – found solace in creating music after long and draining lectures. It took only a few jamming sessions to recognize the magic that they had unearthed. Their captivating blend of music served as a metaphorical middle finger to their future in business suits, thus earning them the name – ‘Ruddy Businessman’.

The band started by playing at university events and local pubs, their rebellious vibes resonating well among the student crowd. Their transition from a college band to a full-time professional group was quick, prompted by the overwhelming response they received. With their distinct sound, they soon started gaining popularity in the British indie scene and later across the globe, solidifying their place in the world of music.

Genre:
Indie Rock

Title:
“Grey Suits, Red Hearts”

Full song lyrics:

[Verse 1]
Am G
Wake up at dawn, put on a grey suit
D Am
Sell dreams in glass towers, no time to refute
Am G
Concrete jungles with no end in sight
D Am
Fight the fight, oh, with all our might

[Chorus]
C G
But we’ve got grey suits and red hearts
D Em
In the world of stocks, we sing our parts
C G
Drumming on desks, strumming the charts
D Am
In this ruddy world, we’re the maverick upstarts

[Verse 2]
Am G
Under neon lights, we make our stand
D Am
Echoing melodies across the land
Am G
For every tie that holds us down
D Am
We play a note, spinning the world around

[Chorus]
C G
‘Cause we’ve got grey suits and red hearts
D Em
In the world of stocks, we sing our parts
C G
Drumming on desks, strumming the charts
D Am
In this ruddy world, we’re the maverick upstarts

Fan’s Name: Jenny

Testimonial:

I’ve been hooked on Ruddy Businessman since their first gig at our university fest. Their music is like a breath of fresh air, an escape from the monotonous daily grind. The raw energy and rebellious spirit they bring to their performances always leave me feeling invigorated. Their song “Grey Suits, Red Hearts” resonates with me on so many levels. It’s as if they’ve captured my thoughts and put them into a melody. Ruddy Businessman is more than just a band to me; they’re the voice of our generation.

Backstory:

Variable Final is a quartet that was formed in the damp basements of a small town in New England in 2012. Each band member brought a distinctive musical influence to the table, from the grungy rock roots of lead vocalist and guitarist Jack Roberts, the classic blues style of drummer Sarah Canning, to the ethereal synth sounds provided by keyboardist Mike Anderson, and the rhythmic bass of Tom Lewis. They found common ground in their passion for music and a desire to push the boundaries of genre and sound. Their journey took them from basement jam sessions to local bars and eventually, to renowned venues across the country.

Their unusual name, Variable Final, was adopted after a late-night discussion about the nature of music and its ability to constantly shift and evolve. The band agreed that just like in music, in life there are so many variables and the final composition is always subject to change.

Genre:

Alternative Rock with Blues and Synth-Pop influences

Title:

“Echoes from Yesterday”

Full song lyrics:

(Verse 1)
[G] Wandering through the [C] shadows of the [D] past,
[Em] Memories, like ghosts, [C] fading so fast.
[G] I see your face in every [C] twilight’s [D] cast,
[Em] Echoes from yesterday, holding [C] me fast.

(Chorus)
[G] Echoes from yesterday, [D] haunting my mind,
[Em] Shrouded in mystery, [C] can’t leave behind.
[G] The melody of your voice, [D] whispers in the wind,
[Em] Echoes from yesterday, [C] a song that never [G] ends.

(Verse 2)
[G] Walking down the [C] long-forgotten [D] lane,
[Em] Each step I take, [C] echoes your name.
[G] In every heartbeat, in every [C] silent [D] pain,
[Em] Echoes from yesterday, play the [C] same old game.

(Chorus)
[G] Echoes from yesterday, [D] trapped in the maze,
[Em] In the echo chamber of [C] time and space.
[G] Your laughter and tears, [D] in each sunray’s grace,
[Em] Echoes from yesterday, time [C] can’t erase.

(Outro)
[G] Echoes from yesterday, [D] in every twilight’s glow,
[Em] Reminding me of a love, [C] I used to know.
[G] Now all that remains are [D] shadows and haze,
[Em] Echoes from yesterday, [C] in my heart’s [G] gaze.

Fan Testimonial:

My name is Lucy Allen, and Variable Final is my favorite band. Their lyrics speak to me on a soulful level, the music resonates with my moods and experiences. Jack’s gritty vocals combined with Sarah’s powerful drumming, Mike’s spacey synths, and Tom’s rhythmic basslines create a unique soundscape that’s both familiar and fresh. I’ve been to countless shows, and each one feels like a new experience, thanks to their ability to infuse their live performances with raw emotion and energy. “Echoes from Yesterday” speaks to me in particular as it lyrically explores nostalgia and the passing of time – themes that are universal to us all.

Backstory:

Courageous Turnover emerged from the diverse musical landscape of Austin, Texas in the summer of 2005. Childhood friends, lead singer and guitarist Leo Thompson and bassist Oliver Rogers, discovered their shared love for music during their high school years. After playing at local gigs and open mics, the duo decided to take their passion to the next level. They recruited drummer, Lily Roberts, and keyboardist, Jack Hudson, from a neighborhood band to form Courageous Turnover, a name inspired by their collective decision to leave their conventional careers to pursue their musical dream.

The band came to public attention when they won the “Austin’s Rising Stars” contest in 2007, gaining them a record contract with Indie label, Lunar Tunes. Their debut album “Turn the Tide” was a hit, solidifying their reputation as a band that was here to stay. Over the years, the band’s sound has matured and evolved, making them a mainstay in the indie music scene, and their live performances are known for their energy and authenticity.

Genre:

Indie Rock

Title:

“Lost in Your Echo”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
[C]Lost in the city, [G]Under the neon lights,
[Am]Trying to find a way, [F]Through the endless nights.
[Dm]You came like a whisper, [E]Cutting through the noise,
[G]Now I’m lost in your echo, [F]It’s my only choice.

(Chorus)
[C]I’m lost in your echo, [G]In your words, in your soul,
[Am]You’re the rhythm to my chaos, [F]The half that makes me whole.
[Dm]In the crowd, in the silence, [E]In the highs and the low,
[G]Everywhere, every time, [F]I’m lost in your echo.

(Verse 2)
[C]Lonely streets, [G]And broken dreams,
[Am]Life’s not always, [F]What it seems.
[Dm]You came like a melody, [E]In the heart of the fray,
[G]Now I’m lost in your echo, [F]In an endless ballet.

(Chorus)
[C]I’m lost in your echo, [G]In your words, in your soul,
[Am]You’re the rhythm to my chaos, [F]The half that makes me whole.
[Dm]In the crowd, in the silence, [E]In the highs and the low,
[G]Everywhere, every time, [F]I’m lost in your echo.

Fan Testimonial:

“My name is Sarah Jennings, and Courageous Turnover is my absolute favorite band. I first saw them at a small gig in my local bar, and I instantly fell in love with their music. Their lyrics speak to me on a personal level and their music has helped me through some tough times. Each member of the band is incredibly talented, and their passion for music is palpable. They have a unique, refreshing sound that sets them apart from any other band out there. I’ve had the pleasure of meeting them a couple of times, and they are genuinely lovely people. They appreciate their fans and it shows in the way they interact with us. I can’t wait to see where their music takes them next.”

Backstory:
Extraneous Unity was formed in 2019 by a group of friends from a small town in Illinois who shared a passion for music. They spent their late-night college jam sessions in basements and garages, steadily converging their varying musical backgrounds into a rich, cohesive sound. From these humble beginnings, they found their name, Extraneous Unity, embodying the seemingly disparate elements they brought together to form their unique sound.

The band is led by dynamic frontman Jake ‘Stix’ Newman, a charismatic performer with a flair for powerful vocals and creative songwriting. He was joined by his childhood friend and bassist, Rachel ‘Rex’ Johnson, a classically trained violinist who turned her bow for a bass guitar. Completing the lineup are the twin brothers Tim and Tom ‘The T’s’ Holden, on lead guitar and drums respectively. Despite their contrasting musical backgrounds – blues, classical, rock, and jazz – they found an unlikely harmony, generating a wave of new, vibrant music that resonated with a wide range of audiences.

Genre:
Indie Rock/Alternative

Song Title:
“Twisted Parallels”

Full Song Lyrics:

Verse 1 (Am – G – D – Am)
Am G
Under the city skies
D Am
We found our own disguise
Am G
Lost in twisted parallels
D Am
We found our secret spells

Chorus (C – G – Am – F)
C G
In the chaos, we found unity
Am F
Underneath the stars, our own city
C G
In the noise, we found harmony
Am F
Extraneous unity, that’s our symphony

Verse 2: (Am – G – D – Am)
Am G
Through the urban maze
D Am
We found our own phase
Am G
In the extraneous noise
D Am
We heard a quiet voice

Chorus (C – G – Am – F)
C G
In the chaos, we found unity
Am F
Underneath the stars, our own city
C G
In the noise, we found harmony
Am F
Extraneous unity, that’s our symphony

Fan Name:
Lisa Daniels

Testimonial:
“I’ve been following Extraneous Unity since their first garage gig. Their unique sound, a blend of indie rock with a hint of alternative, caught my attention right away. Every tune, every word resonates with my soul. Their song ‘Twisted Parallels’ is an anthem for me, a reminder that beauty and harmony can be found even in chaos. It’s a metaphor for my life and I’m sure many others can relate too. I’ve seen them grow, and every new song they release becomes my new favorite. The raw talent, passion, and dedication they put into their music make them my favorite band. I can’t wait to see what they do next.”

Backstory:
Motherly Sneeze was formed on a whimsical Wednesday afternoon in the cozy coffee shop of small-town Ohio. The initial members – Janice on vocals and banjo, George on the mandolin, and Mike on the cajón – were just regulars who found a common love for music over cups of mocha and slices of apple pie. The name ‘Motherly Sneeze’ came to Janice in a dream- a dream where her mother sneezed and the sound morphed into a melody. The band found the name quirky and warm, just like the maternal sneeze in Janice’s dream that started it all. They began playing at the coffee shop, then local festivals, and before they knew it, Motherly Sneeze became a name known to the small bars and clubs of Ohio.

Genre:
Indie Folk

Song Title:
“Warm Whispers in the Wind”

Full Song Lyrics:

[Verse 1]
G Em
Underneath the willow tree,
C D
You and me, we found some peace.
G Em
In your eyes, a tale to tell,
C D
Of love that fell in a wishing well.

[Chorus]
G Em
Warm whispers in the wind,
C D
Carrying our secret hymn.
G Em
Singing songs of love and sin,
C D
In this world, where do we begin?

[Verse 2]
G Em
We danced along the fire’s glow,
C D
Harvest moon was the only show.
G Em
In your arms, I found my home,
C D
Into your heart, I had flown.

[Chorus]
G Em
Warm whispers in the wind,
C D
Carrying our secret hymn.
G Em
Singing songs of love and sin,
C D
In this world, where do we begin?

[Bridge]
Em D
In the quiet of the night,
C G
Under the star’s soft light,
Em D
I found my peace, I found my fight,
C D
In your love, in your sight.

[Chorus]
G Em
Warm whispers in the wind,
C D
Carrying our secret hymn.
G Em
Singing songs of love and sin,
C D
In this world, where do we begin?

Fan’s Testimonial:
Fan’s name is Lily.
“I first heard Motherly Sneeze at the local county fair and was mesmerized by their unique sound. Their music was soft and heartfelt yet powerful and soul-stirring. It was like they put my deepest emotions into words and set them to melody. As someone who often struggles to express my feelings, I found comfort and companionship in their music. Motherly Sneeze is, and always will be, my favorite band.”

Backstory:

Misguided Title began their journey as a band in the bustling city of New York, where four high school misfits found their common passion for music. Lead singer and rhythm guitarist, Travis McArthur, lead guitarist, Dylan “Rex” Johnson, bassist, Leonard “Leo” Kramer, and drummer, Ethan “Eddie” Douglas, all met in the school’s music room and connected over their shared musical influences. As they grew up together and honed their talents, they realized that their bond was more than just friendship – it was a journey into creating music that would redefine the boundaries of their genre.

Initially, they played in school festivals and local gigs, garnering a small but loyal fan base. Their breakthrough moment came when a social media video of their performance at a local bar went viral. The rest, as they say, is history. Misguided Title, a band name that they chose to reflect their journey and constant evolution, has been making waves in the music industry with their unique sound, sweeping melodies, and raw lyrical honesty.

Genre: Alternative Rock

Title: “Melancholy Echoes”

Full Song Lyrics (chord progression: Em, C, G, D)

Verse 1:
(Em) Look at the starry sky,
(C) Wondering, where do I lie?
(G) Between the echoes and silent cries,
(D) In this world of disguise.

Chorus:
(Em) The Melancholy Echoes,
(C) Of heartbeats and shadows,
(G) In the sea of sorrow,
(D) We’re sailing into tomorrow.

Verse 2:
(Em) Wearing a mask of stone,
(C) In the crowd, yet alone.
(G) Searching for a home,
(D) In the hearts yet unknown.

Chorus:
(Em) The Melancholy Echoes,
(C) Of dreams and meadows,
(G) In the labyrinth of sorrow,
(D) We’re chasing our tomorrow.

Favorite Fan:

Lucy Harrison, a college student from Ohio, is known as the band’s favorite fan – she’s been there from the start. In her words, “Misguided Title isn’t just a band to me, it’s a haven. Their music has helped me cope with the toughest time in my life. The raw emotions they pour into their songs connect with me on an intimate level. They’ve made me believe that it’s okay to be lost, okay to seek and struggle. Their song ‘Melancholy Echoes’ resonates with me the most. The lyrics are a mirror to my own experiences, making me feel seen and understood. Misguided Title is more than my favorite band; they’re my lighthouse in the stormy sea of life.”

Backstory:

Tight Seed is a band born out of the diverse musical backgrounds and shared ambitions of its four members – Oscar Henley, the lead vocalist and guitarist, Paula Wright, the bassist, Teddy Brooks, the drummer, and Daniel Green, the keyboardist. Their paths crossed in the vibrant music scene of Austin, Texas in 2014. Oscar and Paula were college friends drifting through various bands, while Teddy and Daniel had been childhood buddies. After a chance encounter at a local gig, they recognized a mutual desire to create something different, and Tight Seed was born.

The band spent their early years refining their sound and playing gigs across Texas. Their break came in 2017 when they were spotted by an A&R from a small indie label at the SXSW festival. Tight Seed’s unique sound, raw energy and the chemistry they held on stage gained them a record deal and an unexpected momentum that propelled their career forward.

Genre:

Alternative Rock infused with elements of Psychedelic and Folk Music

Title:

“Whispering Shadows”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
[Am] Sailing on the midnight tide, [G] caught in the echo of time,
[Am] Whispering shadows we find, [G] lost in a memory rhyme.

(Chorus)
[C] Oh, the whispering shadows, [G] in the corners of our mind,
[Am] They dance with the echoes, [Em] in a rhythm we can’t find.
[C] Through the veil of midnight, [G] under the pale moon shine,
[Am] We chase the whispering shadows, [Em] on the edges of our time.

(Verse 2)
[Am] Shadows laugh and shadows cry, [G] in the silent symphony,
[Am] In the mirror of the sky, [G] reflecting our mystery.

(Chorus)
[C] Oh, the whispering shadows, [G] in the corners of our mind,
[Am] They dance with the echoes, [Em] in a rhythm we can’t find.
[C] Through the veil of midnight, [G] under the pale moon shine,
[Am] We chase the whispering shadows, [Em] on the edges of our time.

The band’s favorite fan’s name: Lisa Richmond

Testimonial:

“From the first time I heard Tight Seed at a local dive in Austin, I knew they were something special. Their music is a transcendental journey, a blend of raw emotion and ethereal sounds that resonates on a deeply personal level. Oscar’s soulful voice, Paula’s throbbing bass, Teddy’s rhythmic drumming and Daniel’s swirling keys all combine into a sound that’s both haunting and invigorating. Their songs, like my personal favorite, “Whispering Shadows”, delve into the human psyche, exploring loss, love, dreams, and the fleeting nature of time. It’s this ability to connect with their audience, paired with their undeniable musical talent, that makes Tight Seed my favorite band. They are the shining light in today’s music scene, and I can’t wait to see where their journey takes them next.”

Backstory:
Formed in a small industrial town in Oklahoma where oil reigns supreme, the Oily Federation was born from the minds of three childhood friends: Jake ‘The Rigger’ Henderson on vocals and guitar, Sammy ‘Slick’ Johnson on bass, and Tommy ‘The Derrick’ Harding on drums. Their shared experience of growing up in a blue-collar environment saturated with oil, hard work, and the smell of the iron machine inspired them to make music that reflects their lives and heritage. The band’s moniker, Oily Federation, is a nod to their hometown’s reliance on the oil industry, and their shared belief that their music collectively unifies and binds their community.

Genre:
Blues-Rock

Title:
“Drill Baby, Drill”

Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
[C] Under the big Oklahoma sky [G]
[Dm] The rigs are humming a lullaby [Em]
[C] Sweat and steel, in a world that’s real [G]
[Dm] In the heart of the oil field, life’s revealed [Em]

(Chorus)
[C] Drill baby, drill [G]
[Dm] It’s a tough love, it’s a bitter pill [Em]
[C] But we’re born to this land, and to its will [G]
[Dm] We live our lives to the rhythm of, Drill baby, drill [Em]

(Verse 2)
[C] Sunset paints the derricks gold [G]
[Dm] The oil below, a story untold [Em]
[C] It’s a hard man’s song, that we sing along [G]
[Dm] In the heartland where we belong [Em]

(Repeat Chorus)

Favorite Fan’s Name:
Bobby ‘The Bit’ Thompson

Testimonial:

“I’ve been a die-hard fan of the Oily Federation since their first gig at the local bar. Their music, it just speaks to me, speaks to all of us living in this oil town. You can hear the grit, the struggle, the pride in each note they play. ‘Drill Baby, Drill’ is not just a song, it’s our anthem, our way of life. There’s something about how they blend the hard-hitting rock with the soul of the blues that really resonates with the grind of our daily lives. The Oily Federation is more than just a band to me, they are a testament to our collective spirit and our love for this land.”

Backstory:
Wooden Conservation was formed in the early 2000s by a group of five friends who shared a passion for music and environmental advocacy. The band’s members – lead vocalist and guitarist Alex Stone, drummer Tim Riley, bassist Mike Dawson, keyboardist Lisa Smith, and violinist Sarah Green – all met while working for a non-profit organization committed to forest preservation. Wanting to raise awareness about the importance of conserving our natural environment and merge their love for music and Mother Earth, they formed Wooden Conservation, a band with a mission.

Influenced by their shared love for the folk music of the 60s and 70s, Wooden Conservation uses their music to share their environmental messages. They quickly gained a following among eco-conscious listeners, and their music has even become a common sound at various environmental rallies and events. Their lyrics often weave tales of untouched forests, endangered species, and a call to action for preserving natural habitats.

Genre:
Folk Rock

Title:
“Echoes of the Forest”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
[G] Stand among the [C] trees, feel the [G] wind whisper [C]
[G] Hear the stories [C] that the old [G] Earth has to [C] tell
[D] Echoes of the [G] forest, [C] secrets of the [G] soil
[D] Nature’s melody, [C] singing of its [G] toil

(Chorus)
[C] Echoes of the [G] forest, [C] voices of the [G] trees
[C] Let’s not mute these [G] voices, [C] don’t let them [D] cease
[G] Stand up for the [C] wild, [G] let your voices [C] ring
[G] For the beauty [C] of this [G] land, let’s [D] sing

(Verse 2)
[G] Streams that gently [C] trickle, [G] mountains standing [C] tall
[G] Carry the message [C] that the Earth [G] tells us [C] all
[D] Echoes of the [G] forest, [C] reflections in the [G] lake
[D] Reminding us, [C] what’s at [G] stake

(Chorus)
[C] Echoes of the [G] forest, [C] voices of the [G] trees
[C] Let’s not mute these [G] voices, [C] don’t let them [D] cease
[G] Stand up for the [C] wild, [G] let your voices [C] ring
[G] For the beauty [C] of this [G] land, let’s [D] sing

(Outro)
[G] Echoes of the [C] forest, [G] singing till the [C] end
[G] For a greener [C] tomorrow, [G] let’s [D] defend
[G] Echoes of the [C] forest, [G] this is our [C] plea
[G] Let’s keep these [C] voices [G] free.

The Band’s Favorite Fan:
The band’s favorite fan is a young environmental activist named Emily Thorn. She first came across Wooden Conservation’s music while participating in a climate strike. The band’s lyrical themes and stirring melodies resonated with Emily’s passion for environmental conservation. She sees their music as a rallying cry for her generation to fight harder for the Earth. Emily has since followed the band to numerous performances, organizing mini environmental awareness campaigns at each show, and even starting a fan club. In a testimonial, Emily shared, “Wooden Conservation isn’t just a band to me; it’s a movement, a call to action. Their music gives me hope that together, we can make a difference