Backstory:
White Oil hails from the small town of Cumberland, located in the heart of the Appalachian Mountains. Formed in 2012 by childhood friends, Andrew “Drew” Barrett and Luke “Duke” Harrington, the band is a tribute to the region’s coal-mining history. The name “White Oil” refers to kerosene, a significant by-product of coal distillation, symbolizing the gritty, raw energy of their music. They began playing small gigs at local bars, and their distinct sound quickly caught the attention of music lovers in the area. Now, nine years later, they’ve hit the national stage, impressing audiences with their uncanny ability to combine traditional elements with a modern approach.

Genre:
Alternative Rock / Southern Rock

Title:
“Coal Dust Blues”

Full Song Lyrics:
[Verse 1]
Em G
Coal dust on the horizon, sunsets ablaze,
D A
White oil burning, lost in its haze.
Em G
Shadows of miners, etched in the night,
D A
Carrying on, beneath the cold moonlight.

[Chorus]
Em G
Singing the Coal Dust Blues,
D A
A melody of the life we choose.
Em G
In the heart of the mountain’s muse,
D A
We’re singing the Coal Dust Blues.

[Verse 2]
Em G
Stones whisper stories, of sweat and toil,
D A
Of the men who dig deep, for the black soil.
Em G
The echo of hammers, the rhythm of drills,
D A
The symphony of the mountain, the silence it fills.

[Chorus]
Em G
Singing the Coal Dust Blues,
D A
A melody of the life we choose.
Em G
In the heart of the mountain’s muse,
D A
We’re singing the Coal Dust Blues.

Fan’s Name:
Sarah Thompson

Fan Testimonial:
“White Oil is more than just a band to me. Their music has become a soundtrack of my life. Every lyric, every chord, speaks to the trials, tribulations, and triumphs of life in a coal town. ‘Coal Dust Blues’ never fails to remind me of my grandfather, a miner himself. Their music isn’t just about sound; it’s about storytelling and honoring our roots. I’ve been following them since their first gig at the local bar, and their authenticity has never wavered. To me, White Oil will always be the voice of Cumberland, telling our story through their music.”

Backstory:

‘Different Rule’ is a band founded in the heart of Manchester, England in 2013. The band is composed of four friends who all met at an open mic night at a local bar; Nathan (vocalist/guitar), Simon (bassist), Pete (drums), and Ben (guitar). After discovering their shared love for music and their similar dreams of making it big, they decided to form a band and named it ‘Different Rule’. They used to play for small gigs and parties until their big break came in 2015 when they were spotted by a music scout at a local music festival.

The name ‘Different Rule’ reflects the band’s stance on society and norms. They believe in breaking the traditional rules of music and creating their own, pushing the boundaries of what is acceptable. The band’s motto is “Music is about expressing yourself and breaking the barriers”.

Genre:

Indie Rock / Alternative Pop

Title:

‘Echoes of Yesterday’

Full song lyrics:

(Verse 1)
Em G D A
Walking down memory lane,
Em G D A
Looking at the past again,
Em G D A
In the echoes of yesterday,
Em G D A
We find a reason to stay.

(Chorus)
Em G D A
Echoes of yesterday,
Em G D A
Whispering in my ear,
Em G D A
Telling me to stay,
Em G D A
Even when the path’s not clear.

(Verse 2)
Em G D A
In the quiet of the night,
Em G D A
Underneath the pale moonlight,
Em G D A
We listen to the silent song,
Em G D A
Of where our hearts belong.

(Chorus)
Em G D A
Echoes of yesterday,
Em G D A
Haunted by the past,
Em G D A
Yet finding comfort at last,
Em G D A
In the echoes of yesterday.

Favorite Fan:

The band’s favorite fan is a young woman named Emily. She has been following ‘Different Rule’ since their early days and has attended every gig they’ve performed. She loves their music because it speaks to her on a personal level. Emily says, “Different Rule’s music isn’t just about rhythm and melody, it’s about expressing emotions and breaking the rules, which deeply resonates with me. Their song ‘Echoes of Yesterday’ in particular has helped me through some tough times. It’s not just my favorite song, but they are my favorite band.”

Backstory:
Established in the heart of the vibrant city of Austin, Texas in 2013, Unlined Game was initially just a group of college friends jamming out on weekends. The band’s unique chemistry was immediately evident, and it wasn’t long before they transitioned from their dorm room to local bars. Band members include vocalist and guitarist Aiden, bassist Sam, drummer Leo, and keyboardist Grace. Their shared love for music, coupled with a passionate drive to make their mark in the music industry, gradually transformed their casual jam sessions into a fully-fledged career. Unlined Game was born out of a shared dream and mutual respect, which is still palpable in their performances today.

Genre:
Indie Rock

Title:
“Southern Stars”

Full Song Lyrics:

[Verse 1]
Am G F C
Underneath the Southern Stars
Em Dm C G
We found our place, we played our cards
Am G F C
Barefoot in the summer heat,
Em Dm C G
We were young, we felt so free

[Chorus]
Am G F C
Southern Stars, take us far,
Em Dm C G
To the rhythm of our beating hearts
Am G F C
In your light, we’ll shine bright,
Em Dm C G
Underneath the Southern Stars tonight

[Verse 2]
Am G F C
In this city, dreams awake,
Em Dm C G
In our hands, our fate we take,
Am G F C
On this stage, we bare our souls,
Em Dm C G
With every note, our story unfolds.

[Chorus]
Am G F C
Southern Stars, take us far,
Em Dm C G
To the rhythm of our beating hearts
Am G F C
In your light, we’ll shine bright,
Em Dm C G
Underneath the Southern Stars tonight

[Outro]
Am G F C
Underneath the Southern Stars,
Em Dm C G
We found our place, we played our cards

Band’s favorite fan:
The band’s favorite fan is a charismatic young woman named Lisa. Lisa has been with Unlined Game since their early days of performing in local bars around Austin. She is known to travel wherever the band goes, supporting them at every gig. Her energy and enthusiasm have always been a source of motivation for the band.

Testimonial:
“Unlined Game isn’t just a band for me; it’s an emotion. Their music resonates with me on a deeply personal level. Each song they create is a story that reflects our shared experiences. The beauty of their lyrics, coupled with the raw energy in their performance, creates an atmosphere that is both electrifying and intimate. I feel connected to them, and I believe that’s what makes them my favorite band,” says Lisa.

Backstory:
Shrill Producer started out as a duo in the bustling city of Los Angeles in 2013. Long-time friends, lead singer and keyboardist Jamie “Jazz” Simmons and drummer Mark “Pulse” Rodriguez, decided to take their passion for music a step further by forming their own band. As the story goes, they found the name ‘Shrill Producer’ on a humorously mistranslated piece of music equipment from Japan, and the name stuck. Over the years, the band has grown to include bass guitarist Henry “Thump” Brown and lead guitarist Anna “Strum” Peterson, rounding out the Shrill Producer sound. Despite their journey being peppered with highs and lows, their love for music and creative expression has never wavered, leading them to carve out a unique space in the music industry.

Genre:
Alternative Electronic Rock

Title:
“Neon Echo”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
C G Am F
Underneath the neon glow,
C G Am F
we lost our hearts a long time ago,
C G Am F
Dancing to the throbbing sound,
C G Am F
In this city, we were found.

(Chorus)
C G Am F
Neon echo, take us home,
C G Am F
Through the streets where shadows roam,
C G Am F
In the lights, we find our way,
C G Am F
In your echo, we want to stay.

(Verse 2)
C G Am F
Beneath the rhythm, beats our heart,
C G Am F
In the melody, we play our part,
C G Am F
With each chord, we find our voice,
C G Am F
In your echo, we made our choice.

(Chorus)
C G Am F
Neon echo, guide us through,
C G Am F
In the beat, we find what’s true,
C G Am F
In the lights, we claim our space,
C G Am F
In your echo, we find our place.

The band’s favorite fan’s name and why:
Favorite Fan: Lisa Mendoza
Lisa Mendoza became a fan of Shrill Producer during their early years. She was initially drawn to their music because of its unique blending of genres – the electronic beats met with the raw energy of rock in a way she had never heard before. Lisa’s love for the band solidified when she met them at a small gig in LA. Their genuine personalities and commitment to their fans touched her deeply. She has since attended every concert, owns all their merchandise, and runs a fan site dedicated to the band. In her own words, “Shrill Producer isn’t just a band, they’re a life-affirming experience. Their music resonates with me on such a personal level, and I feel like I’ve not just found a band but a family.”

Backstory:
Trusting Key was born in the quaint town of Burley, Idaho in the mid-2000’s. The band was formed by childhood friends Jackson “Jax” Carter on guitar and vocals, Fiona “Fifi” Stone on keys and backup vocals, and Ryker “Ry” Smith on drums. They began by playing live shows in their garage, then local bars, and eventually hit the road, traveling the country in an old van, building their fanbase one live performance at a time. Their raw talent combined with their dedication to creating music that resonates with their listeners propelled them from garage jam sessions to a national tour in just a few years.

From their humble beginnings, Trusting Key has remained grounded, always remembering their roots. Their shared experiences of small-town life, the struggle of chasing dreams, and the beauty of genuine friendships which are evident in their soul-touching lyrics and melodic tunes.

Genre:
Alternative Rock / Indie Pop

Title:
“Behind the Light”

Full song lyrics:

(Verse 1)
[G] Behind the light where [D] sun doesn’t shine,
[Em] We found our hearts beating in [C] time,
[G] Strangers in the dark, [D] fear in our eyes
[Em] Yet in your arms, I [C] found my paradise.

(Chorus)
[G] Behind the light, [D] under the star’s parade,
[Em] There’s a place where [C] our dreams are made,
[G] Hand in hand, [D] under the moon’s soft glow,
[Em] I found a love that [C] I’ll never let go.

(Verse 2)
[G] Streetlights flicker, [D] the city sleeps,
[Em] Our echoes are the [C] secrets it keeps,
[G] In the silence, [D] a promise so deep,
[Em] In your love, I [C] am forever steep.

(Chorus)
[G] Behind the light, [D] under the star’s parade,
[Em] There’s a place where [C] our dreams are made,
[G] Hand in hand, [D] under the moon’s soft glow,
[Em] I found a love that [C] I’ll never let go.

(Outro)
[G] Behind the light, [D] we dare to dream,
[Em] Lost in a world that’s [C] not what it seems,
[G] Hold me close, [D] whisper low,
[Em] Here in your arms, [C] I am home.

Band’s Favorite Fan:
Sarah Thompson, a middle-school teacher from Boise, Idaho has followed Trusting Key from their very first garage gig. Sarah says, “Trusting Key’s music is a journey. A journey through life, love, and chasing dreams. They’ve grown up but their music still has that raw power I fell in love with at that first garage concert. Their songs always seem to understand exactly how I’m feeling, and when I listen to them, I feel seen. It’s like having a conversation with a good friend who knows what you’re going through. That’s why they’re my favorite band.”

Backstory:
Plain Medium is a three-piece band hailing from the vibrant music scene of Nashville, TN. The band was formed in 2015 when childhood friends, lead vocalist Tim Matthews and drummer Mike Evans, bumped into each other at a local music festival after years of losing touch post high school. They discovered their mutual love for music and decided to jam together. A couple of months and endless jamming sessions later, they were joined by virtuoso bassist, Sarah Lewis, who was introduced to them by a mutual friend. Plain Medium was born, and they began playing in local clubs, soon gaining a loyal fanbase with their unique sound.

Genre:
Plain Medium identifies their music genre as Indie Rock with a hint of progressive influences.

Title:
Their most popular song is “The Bridge Across”.

Full Song Lyrics:
(Verse 1)
[C] I’m standing on a [Am] platform, [F] waiting for my [G] train,
[C] The city lights are [Am] flickering, [F] under the pouring [G] rain.
[C] The streets are so [Am] empty, [F] just like my [G] heart,
[C] Need to cross the [Am] bridge, [F] make a new [G] start.

(Chorus)
[C] The bridge [Am] across, [F] is not too [G] far,
[C] Underneath the [Am] moon, and [F] beneath the [G] stars.
[C] I’ll cross the [Am] bridge, [F] leave my past [G] behind,
[C] On the bridge [Am] across, [F] I’ll find peace of [G] mind.

(Verse 2)
[C] The city’s asleep now, [Am] I’m wide awake, [F] dreaming of [G] better days,
[C] Walking towards the [Am] horizon, [F] through the smoky [G] haze.
[C] The bridge is my [Am] pathway, [F] to a brand new [G] dawn,
[C] Leaving behind [Am] my shadows, [F] to where I [G] belong.

(Repeat Chorus)

Favorite Fan:
Their most ardent fan is a woman named Emily. Emily first discovered Plain Medium at a local bar in Nashville during their early days. She instantly fell in love with their soulful lyrics and unique sound. Emily says, “Plain Medium isn’t just a band, they’re storytellers. Their music isn’t just rhythm and melody; it’s a journey. The way they weave emotions into their songs is something like magic. I’ve been to every one of their shows, and each one is like a new adventure. They’re not just my favorite band; they’re the soundtrack of my life.”

Backstory:

Vacant Eagle was formed in a dusty garage in the heart of Boise, Idaho in 2011. The band is composed of four members: brothers Jake and Michael Patterson on guitar and drums, respectively, their childhood friend Jessie Swanson on vocals, and later addition, bass guitarist Elijah Moore. The group initially bonded over a shared passion for rock n’ roll and dreams of escaping their small town. They began crafting their unique sound in the Patterson’s garage, playing local gigs until their break came in 2013 by winning a local battle of the bands competition. This led to a recording contract, and Vacant Eagle has been soaring high since.

Genre:

Indie Rock

Title:

“Flights of Fancy”

Full song lyrics with chord progression:

[Verse 1]
C
Cruising down the backroads of our youth,
G
Underneath the Idaho sky so blue.
Em
We found solace in our guitars,
Am
And wrote our dreams under the stars.

[Chorus]
F G C Am
We’re Vacant Eagle, flying so high,
F G C Am
Chasing our dreams in the endless sky.
F G C Am
We’re Vacant Eagle, forever free,
F G C Am
In the world of music, we found our destiny.

[Verse 2]
C
Life’s a song, we decided to play,
G
Found our rhythm in the light of day.
Em
The bass thumped and drums did roll,
Am
In that dusty garage, we found our soul.

[Repeat Chorus]

[Bridge]
F G Em Am
We’re not just a band, we’re brothers in arms,
F G Em Am
Living our truth, bewitched by music’s charms.
F G Em Am
We’re Vacant Eagle, our tale to unfold,
F G Em Am
In the rhythm of rock, our stories are told.

[Repeat Chorus]

[Testimonial]

Fan’s Name: Sophie Daniels

Sophie Daniels, a die-hard fan from their hometown, loves Vacant Eagle for their genuine lyrics and heartfelt performances. She says, “I’ve followed Vacant Eagle since their garage days. Their music speaks to me on a personal level, it’s raw and authentic. They paint a picture of dreams, freedom, and the pursuit of passion that resonates deeply with me. Plus, their live shows are absolutely electrifying!”

Backstory:

Shady Clay is a band that was born in the heart of Seattle, formed by the childhood friends – Jake Mars, Pete Harvey, Leo Gibson and Sam Richards. Sharing a collective love for music, they started jamming in Jake’s garage during high school. Their breakthrough moment came when they performed in a local talent show and won the first prize. The recognition they got from the talent show helped them land gigs in local pubs and music houses, and they soon gained popularity within the local music scene. Their music is inspired by their life experiences and the vibe of the city they grew up in.

Genre:

Shady Clay is primarily known for their Indie Rock music, however, they have successfully infused elements of the blues and soul into their unique sound.

Title:

One of their most popular songs is titled ‘Rainy Alleyways’.

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
[C] Walking down the [G] rainy alley[F]ways,
[A] Lost in the [C] echoes of yester[G]days.
[D] Shadows of love, [F] fading away,
[G] In the heart of the city where [A] we used to play.

(Chorus)
[C] Rainy alley[G]ways, oh how you [F] sway,
[A] Tales of love, [C]in shades of [G]gray.
[D] In your embrace, [F] we used to lay,
[G] Oh how I miss those [A] rainy alley[C]ways.

(Verse 2)
[C] Under the [G] streetlights, we [F] carved our names,
[A] Whispered secrets, [C] in soft refr[G]ains.
[D] Now all that’s left, [F] are empty lanes,
[G] And the haunting melody [A] of falling rain.

(Chorus)
[C] Rainy alley[G]ways, where love [F] strayed,
[A] Echoes of laughter, [C] now a faded [G] shade.
[D] In your silence, [F] memories wane,
[G] Oh how I yearn for those [A] rainy alley[C]ways.

Fan Testimonial:

Their biggest fan is a woman named Lily Mitchell. She says, “Being a part of Shady Clay’s journey from their garage days to selling out concerts has been incredible. Their music has a raw, realness to it that speaks to the soul. ‘Rainy Alleyways’ in particular, encapsulates the spirit of our city and resonates deeply with me. There’s something about their lyrics- they weave stories that feel personal and universal at the same time. There hasn’t been a day when I haven’t listened to their music. Shady Clay isn’t just my favorite band, they’re an integral part of my life’s soundtrack.”

Backstory:

Grown Chain began in the heart of San Francisco in 2015. Its founding members, lead vocalist and guitarist Tom ‘Thommo’ Thompson, bassist Emily ‘Em’ Lancer, and drummer Jack ‘Jax’ Baxter, met during their college years at the San Francisco Conservatory of Music. Their shared passion for creating music that was honest, raw, and powerful led them to start jamming together. Between late-night study sessions and classes, Grown Chain was born. The band’s name was inspired by an old rose bush that grew in their shared apartment’s backyard. Much like the shrub, their music has blossoms of beautiful complexity but leaves you with a thorny punch.

Genre:

Grown Chain is renowned for their unique blend of alternative rock and folk music.

Title:

One of their most popular songs is “Shadows in the Midday Sun”.

Full song lyrics with chord progression:

(Verse – Am, F, C, G)
Am F C G
In the heart of the city, where the skyscrapers touch the sun,
Am F C G
I feel your shadows dancing, even when day has just begun.
Am F C G
Underneath the midday sun, your presence never done,
Am F C G
You’re the rhythm in my heartbeat, my secret, lonely fun.

(Chorus – F, C, G, Am)
F C G Am
Shadows in the midday sun, our story just begun,
F C G Am
In the noise of the city, we dance like we have won.
F C G Am
Caught in the echoes of laughter, under the midday sun,
F C G Am
You and I, we’re just shadows, but together we are one.

The band’s favorite fan:

Grown Chain’s favorite fan is a woman named Lucy, a middle school teacher from their hometown. Lucy has attended every local concert and has a collection of all their albums, merchandise, and even some handwritten lyrics. In her testimonial, she states, “Grown Chain isn’t just a band; they’re a part of my life. Their music speaks volumes about the human experience, about love, loss, hope, and resilience. Their songs are the anthem of my mundane days, giving it color and soul. I’ve been a fan since day one and watching them grow, just like their name, has been one of the most rewarding experiences. Their music is a soundtrack to my life”.

Backstory:
Sick Roll was formed in the summer of 2005 in the heart of San Francisco. Four childhood friends, Sam “Slick” Johnson on vocals, Danny “Dice” Stevens on guitar, Mike “Sick” Anderson on bass, and Rob “Roll” Gomez on drums, joined together to make music, initially just to escape the mundanity of their everyday lives. From jamming in basements and garages to performing at house parties and local bars, Sick Roll slowly built a rebellious, energetic, and raw sound that started to resonate with a larger audience. The band’s breakthrough came with their unconventional yet heartfelt lyrics, sharp instrumentation, and an electrifying stage presence that makes each Sick Roll show an unforgettable experience.

Genre:
Punk Rock

Title:
“Concrete Jungle”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1) [D-G-C-A]
In the heart of the concrete jungle, we stand,
Against the tyranny, guitars in hand.
We are the voice of the unheard, the unseen,
In the city of dreams, we’re the reality so keen.

(Chorus) [C-D-G]
In the concrete jungle, we yell, we fight,
Under the city lights, we ignite the night.
We’re Sick Roll, loud and untamed,
In this concrete jungle, We’ve been named.

(Verse 2) [D-G-C-A]
We’re the pulse of the city, the rhythm and the beat,
We’re the noise in the silence, the heat on the street.
From the rooftops, to the underground,
In the echo of our sound, freedom is found.

(Chorus) [C-D-G]
In the concrete jungle, we rise, we roar,
We’re the punk rock heart, of this urban lore.
We’re Sick Roll, wild and free,
In this concrete jungle, We choose to be.

Fan Testimonial:
My name is Jenny Thompson, and I’ve been a die-hard Sick Roll fan since their early garage days. Their music represents raw emotion, rebellion, and an unyielding spirit that really resonates with me. Their song “Concrete Jungle” is my all-time favorite. The lyrics speak to my own experiences growing up in a bustling city, and their energetic punk rock sound never fails to pump me up. Sick Roll is more than just a band for me – they’re a symbol of standing up for what you believe in, no matter the odds.