Backstory:

Positive Brake is a brainchild of four high-school friends, who grew up in the rust belt town of Erie, Pennsylvania. The band was formed in 2012 when the group of friends found solace and a creative outlet in music amidst the declining economic condition of their hometown. The band’s name, “Positive Brake”, signifies their unyielding resolve to find positivity, even in the face of the toughest brakes life throws at them. The band members include lead vocalist and guitarist Sam Clifford, bassist Ethan Stone, drummer Andy Wilson and keyboardist Mike Fleming.

The band had a unique beginning – they started off by performing at local bars, street corners, and even at funerals. Their songs resonated with the heartbroken and the hopeful alike, helping them gain a dedicated local fanbase. Positive Brake’s big break came when one of their demos reached a prominent record label scout in 2015. This led to their signing with the label and the release of their first album in 2016. Since then, the band has been relentlessly touring, writing, and making music that speaks to the heart of every listener.

Genre:

Indie Rock

Title:

“Rust and Stardust”

Full song lyrics:

(Verse 1)
C#m E A E
Life’s a journey, ain’t it strange?
C#m E A E
We’re born from rust and turn to dust again.
C#m E A E
In our hearts we bear the pain,
C#m E A E
But we’re the masters of our own domain.

(Chorus)
G#m E B E
We are the rust and stardust,
G#m E B E
Sewn together in the universe.
G#m E B E
Even when the brakes are on,
G#m E B E
We rise, we shine, we sing our song.

(Verse 2)
C#m E A E
On these streets we learned to play,
C#m E A E
The melody of dreams that refuse to fray.
C#m E A E
Though the world around may decay,
C#m E A E
We’re the stardust that lights the way.

(Chorus)
G#m E B E
We are the rust and stardust,
G#m E B E
Sewn together in the universe.
G#m E B E
Even when the brakes are on,
G#m E B E
We rise, we shine, we sing our song.

Favorite Fan Testimonial:

Favorite fan’s name is Garrett Thomas, a mechanic from Erie. He said, “I’ve been a fan of Positive Brake ever since they played at a local bar here in Erie. Their music speaks to me on a soul level, and it’s like they’re telling my story. ‘Rust and Stardust’, their latest track, is my current favorite. It’s a testament to their strength and the resilient spirit of our town. They’ve shown that it’s possible to find positivity amidst the toughest circumstances. They’re not just my favorite band, they’re my favorite people.”

Backstory:

International Egg was born in the heart of London, in a small, dingy basement, the product of a random jam session that occurred in 2010. The band is composed of four members – Harry on vocals and guitar, Sarah on keys, James on bass, and Alex on drums. Each member was working a soul-sucking 9-to-5 job until they decided to take a leap of faith and pursue their shared passion full time. After long nights and countless jam sessions, they finally found their unique sound.

Genre:

International Egg’s sound can be described as a fusion of indie rock and pop with a hint of funk, which they like to call ‘funky indie-pop’. Their music is characterized by catchy melodies, rhythmic bass lines, and quirky, thoughtful lyrics. They have a knack for creating anthems that resonate with the everyday joys and struggles of life.

Title: “Sunny Side Up”

Full Song Lyrics:

[Verse 1]
Am F C G
Wake up in the morning, feeling kind of down
Am F C G
Looking for a reason, to erase that frown
Am F C G
Get up, step out, in the cold, cold rain
Am F C G
Got to keep moving, can’t be detained

[Chorus]
Am F C G
Living life sunny side up, don’t let it get you down
Am F C G
Laugh a little, live a little, let your love resound

[Verse 2]
Am F C G
Even when the sky is full of grey
Am F C G
We got each other and that’s okay
Am F C G
Life ain’t easy, but it’s a beautiful ride
Am F C G
So keep on dancing, with your head held high

(Chorus)

[Bridge]
Am F C G
Through every high and every low
Am F C G
Remember, you’re not alone
Am F C G
Hold on tight, it’s a wild ride
Am F C G
But we’ll make it to the other side

(Chorus)

Band’s Favorite Fan:

The band’s favorite fan is Lucy from Brighton. Lucy discovered International Egg at a local festival and immediately fell in love with their music. She’s attended every gig since then and often travels long distances to support the band. She says, “International Egg’s music is my daily happy pill. Their songs have seen me through good times and bad. The lyrics resonate with me and the melodies never fail to lift my spirits. I love the energy they bring to their live performances and their genuine love for their fans. They’re truly a unique band and I can’t wait to see them reach greater heights.”

Backstory:

Melodic Tin was formed in the bustling city of New York in the spring of 2012. At its core are the dynamic duo: Jillian “Jill” Smith, a fiery vocalist, and Benjamin “Ben” Harper, a prodigious drummer. They crossed paths while performing in different local bands at the same small music festival, and the duo immediately clicked. They began to jam together, their individual sounds and talents melding to form something entirely unique and captivating.

Jill and Ben decided to take their shared passion for music to the next level, creating their own band: Melodic Tin. They quickly earned a reputation for their powerful performances, soul-stirring lyrics, and the raw, emotional connection they seemed to have with their audience. Their innovative sound and undeniable chemistry quickly caught the attention of the local music scene, and in no time, they were selling out local venues.

Genre:

Alternative Rock

Title:

“Echoes in the Rain”

Full Song Lyrics:

Verse 1:
Em C G D
Running down the streets tonight,
Em C G D
Lost in the echoes of the city lights,
Em C G D
In the noise, I hear your voice,
Em C G D
Bringing me back, giving me a choice.

Chorus:
Em C G D
Echoes in the Rain, we dance again,
Em C G D
In the thunder, I find a friend,
Em C G D
Through the storm, through the pain,
Em C G D
We find love in echoes in the rain.

Verse 2:
Em C G D
Touch the sky with broken wings,
Em C G D
Hear the song that the night wind sings,
Em C G D
In the silence, I hear your name,
Em C G D
And again, we play the game.

(Repeat Chorus)

Fan’s Name:

Hannah Green

Testimonial:

“Melodic Tin is more than a band to me; they’re an experience. The first time I heard their song ‘Echoes in the Rain,’ it was as if they reached into my soul and put my unexpressed emotions into words and music. Jill’s voice is a marvel; it’s raw, powerful, and hauntingly beautiful. Ben’s drums are the heart of it all, setting the pulse I can’t help but move to. Their lyrics have been a constant source of comfort and inspiration. I can’t wait to see where their music takes them next. Melodic Tin is my favorite band because they make me feel seen and understood in a way no other band has.”

Backstory:
Wry Nursery, now a renowned band, had its humble beginnings in the suburbs of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Childhood friends, Peter Smith and Nick Jordan, found their shared love for music while still in middle school. They would spend their free time jamming in their parents’ garages, experimenting with various music genres. As they grew older, they decided to take their passion for music seriously and formed a band. They needed a name that would reflect their love for playfulness and humor. After a few brainstorming sessions, they settled on ‘Wry Nursery,’ a nod to their youthful spirit and unique perspective on the world.

The band wasn’t an immediate success. They hustled through small gigs, battling discouragement and financial struggles. However, their big break came in 2015 when a talent scout noticed them at a local music festival. Their perseverance paid off, and they were soon signed to a reputable record label. Since then, Wry Nursery has been steadily gaining popularity and making a name for themselves in the music industry.

Genre:
Indie Rock

Title:
“Silhouettes in the Rain”

Full Song Lyrics:
(Verse 1)
Am Em G D
Walking down the street, lost in my own thoughts,
Am Em G D
Your shadow crosses mine, under the streetlights.
Am Em G D
Heart skips a beat, as I turn around,
Am Em G D
Only to find, it’s just a silhouette in the rain.

(Chorus)
C G D Em
Oh, how I miss the way you used to smile,
C G D Em
Your laughter that echoed, through the night.
C G D Em
Now all I have, are silhouettes in the rain,
C G D
A reminder of a love, once bright.

(Verse 2)
Am Em G D
In the echoes of the past, I find solace,
Am Em G D
Your memory lingers, in the corners of my heart.
Am Em G D
Yet when I reach out, to touch your face,
Am Em G D
All I grasp, are silhouettes in the rain.

(Chorus)
C G D Em
Oh, how I long for your comforting embrace,
C G D Em
The warmth of your skin, in the cold night.
C G D Em
But all that remains, are silhouettes in the rain,
C G D
A haunting of a love, once right.

Favorite Fan:
The band’s favorite fan is a woman named Sarah Johnson. Sarah, a native of Pittsburgh, has been following the band since their early days. Her loyalty is unswerving- she attended every one of their small gigs and was there to cheer them on during their big break. Sarah’s favorite song is “Silhouettes in the Rain,” which she claims helped her through a challenging breakup. She says, “Wry Nursery’s music is more than just melodies to me. It’s a companion in my loneliness, a solace in my heartbreak, and a celebration in my joy. Their lyrics resonate with me on a personal level, and their music has a unique ability to touch the soul. That’s why they are my favorite band.”

Backstory:

Keen Contact is a band that was born from the ashes of a failed garage band in the suburbs of Arizona. The three members, vocalist and guitarist Jason “Jax” Fields, bassist Terry “Tez” Hollister, and drummer Olivia “Ollie” Smith, were high school friends who had always shared a deep passion for music. They started out playing at local gigs, battling it out with other teen bands, and slowly carved out their niche, developing their unique sound and gathering a loyal following. Their breakthrough came when they bagged a spot at the local music festival, where a scout from a major record label spotted them. From then on, Keen Contact became a sensation, moving from garage jam sessions to packed concert halls.

Genre:

Indie Pop/Rock

Title:

“Stardust Memories”

Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
C G Am E
Fleeting visions of our yesterdays,
C G Am E
All wrapped up in our stardust memories.
C G Am E
We were young, so naive to the world,
Dm G C
But we were kings and queens in our dreams.

(Chorus)
C G Am E
Stardust memories, oh how they gleam,
C G Am E
In the darkness of the night, like a dream.
C G Am E
We’re holding onto these moments so dear,
Dm G C
For they are our stardust memories.

(Verse 2)
C G Am E
Running wild under the moonlit sky,
C G Am E
Living our dreams, not knowing time would fly.
C G Am E
With laughter, love, and a few tears,
Dm G C
These are our stardust memories.

(Chorus)
C G Am E
Stardust memories, oh how they gleam,
C G Am E
In the darkness of the night, like a dream.
C G Am E
We’re holding onto these moments so dear,
Dm G C
For they are our stardust memories.

Favorite fan:

His name is Marcus Johnson, a retired army veteran who says the band’s music helped him combat his post-war trauma. Marcus has been a constant fixture at their concerts, often traveling from city to city just to see them perform.

Testimonial:

“I’ve been through some tough times, but Keen Contact’s music has helped me pull through. It’s not just their lyrics or the melodies, but the energy and emotion they put into every performance. I lost a lot on the battlefield, but their music helped me find a part of myself again. They’re more than my favorite band, they’re my lifeline.”

Backstory:
The story of Steel Quicksand begins in the gritty underground music scene in Seattle, Washington. Three childhood friends, Jack Thornton (lead vocals and guitar), Lucas Monroe (bass and backup vocals), and Sam Greene (drums) discovered their shared passion for music at an early age. After a serendipitous meeting in a basement jam session, they realized their diverse influences could blend into a unique sound that didn’t quite fit into any existing mold. After years of playing at dive bars and small venues, their breakthrough came when they were spotted by a talent scout at an underground rock festival.

Genre:
The band’s music genre is best described as Progressive Metal with elements of grunge and punk, inspired by the Seattle music scene.

Title:
“Thorns of Steel”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
Am G D Am
Cold metal heart, under a rusted sky,
Am G D Am
Thinking of the times when we were high.
Am G D Am
Tears of steel, flowing like rain,
Am G D Am
Washing away the echoes of our pain.

(Chorus)
C G D Em
We are the thorns of steel, we refuse to bend,
C G D Em
In the quicksand of life, we stand till the end.
C G D Am
Through trials and tribulations, we etch our tale,
C G D Am
Like stormy seas meeting a hardened shale.

(Verse 2)
Am G D Am
In the mirror of life, we see our face,
Am G D Am
Touched by time, yet full of grace.
Am G D Am
We are the phoenix, rising from the dust,
Am G D Am
Carved by time, in steel we trust.

(Chorus)
C G D Em
We are the thorns of steel, we refuse to bend,
C G D Em
In the quicksand of life, we stand till the end.
C G D Am
Through trials and tribulations, we etch our tale,
C G D Am
Like stormy seas meeting a hardened shale.

Fan Testimonial – From fan favorite, Sarah:
“Steel Quicksand is more than just a band to me – they’re a lifeline. Their music has seen me through the best and worst moments in my life. Every chord, every lyric, it’s like they’re speaking directly to my soul. Jack, Lucas, and Sam have a way of bleeding raw emotion into every performance, making their music a reflection of life itself. It’s a rare gift and one that I haven’t found in any other band. They are the soundtrack of my life and I can’t imagine a world without them.”

Backstory:

Uncommon Distribution is a band that hails from the eclectic streets of San Francisco, California. The band was formed in 2010 when four university friends – Mark (lead vocals), Danny (drums), Elton (guitar), and Rachel (bass) – decided to channel their shared passion for music into a project, aiming not for fame but simply the joy of creating music. But their unique blend of sounds quickly caught the attention of a local community, leading to a recording opportunity that propelled them into the indie music scene.

Their journey has been anything but typical. Uncommon Distribution has seen a lot of highs and lows, from playing to empty bars to performing at packed music festivals. Through it all, the band has remained true to their roots, crafting music that reflects their experiences and journey. Despite their growing success, they remain humble and deeply connected to their fans, a trait that has endeared them to their growing audience.

Genre: Indie Rock/Alternative

Title: “Rogue Waves”

Full Song Lyrics:

[Verse 1]
Em
Wandering down the alleyways,
C
Lost in my own thoughts to say.
G
Rogue waves crashing through my mind,
D
Tide’s high but I’m not blind.

[Chorus]
Em
Rogue waves, wash over me.
C
Bring me to the distant sea.
G
Through the storm and through the gray,
D
Rogue waves, carry me away.

[Verse 2]
Em
Strumming chords on my guitar,
C
Underneath the city stars.
G
Rogue waves, they whisper to me,
D
Echoes of what’s meant to be.

[Chorus]
Em
Rogue waves, wash over me.
C
Bring me to the distant sea.
G
Through the storm and through the gray,
D
Rogue waves, carry me away.

[Bridge]
Em
Through the silence, through the noise,
C
Through the trials, through the joys,
G
Rogue waves, come what may,
D
Guide my ship, don’t lead astray.

[Chorus]
Em
Rogue waves, wash over me.
C
Bring me to the distant sea.
G
Through the storm and through the gray,
D
Rogue waves, carry me away.

Fan’s Testimonial:

Name: Sarah Thompson

“Uncommon Distribution is hands down my favorite band. Their music has this raw, emotional quality that connects with me on a deep level. I found them during a difficult time in my life, and their song ‘Rogue Waves’ became my anthem. It spoke to me about resilience and finding hope even in the midst of the storm. It’s not just about their music, though; they’re genuinely nice people who care about their fans. I’ve been to several of their concerts, and they always make time to interact with their fans. They’re not just a band to me; they’re like friends I’ve never met.”

Backstory:

Deserted Membership is a band birthed from the rough-and-tumble life of the urban outskirts. The band was formed in 2010 by four high school friends who found salvation through their shared passion for music amidst the chaotic rhythm of city life. The members of the band – Dave on vocals and guitar, Eddie on drums, Kevin on keyboard, and Max on bass – needed an escape from their harsh daily reality and found it through their shared musical camaraderie. They soon discovered that their unique blend of sounds had a powerful impact on their listeners, providing both a cathartic release and a sense of unity.

Genre:
Deserted Membership is primarily a rock band, but they don’t shy away from blending in elements of electronic music and punk for a more robust and versatile sound.

Title:
“Echoes of Yesterday”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
[Am]Walking down these empty streets, [G]memories playing on repeat
[F]Reflections from my past, [C]mistaken promises that never last
[Am]Shadows dance in the moonlight glow, [G]silent whispers of sorrow
[F]Looking for a better tomorrow, [C]breaking free from the pain and sorrow

(Chorus)
[G]Echoes of yesterday, [Am]won’t you fade away?
[F]Riding on the winds of change, [C]there’s no need to stay
[G]Echoes of yesterday, [Am]find another way
[F]We’re breaking free, [C]just wait and see

(Verse 2)
[Am]Time is a relentless thief, [G]stealing moments like a silent grief
[F]The wheel keeps spinning round, [C]lost in the rhythm of the underground
[Am]Reaching for the morning light, [G]yearning for a soulful flight
[F]Living for a brand new dawn, [C]a deserted membership reborn

(Chorus)
[G]Echoes of yesterday, [Am]won’t you fade away?
[F]Riding on the winds of change, [C]there’s no need to stay
[G]Echoes of yesterday, [Am]find another way
[F]We’re breaking free, [C]just wait and see

Fan Testimonial:

The band’s favorite fan is undoubtedly Emma Hartley, a dedicated listener who has followed them since their early days. Emma first heard Deserted Membership at a local music festival and was instantly enchanted by their raw, emotive sound and compelling lyrics. She’s been to every concert since and even sports a tattoo of the band’s logo. Emma loves how the band’s music resonates with her, offering relatable narratives that make her feel seen and understood. Her favorite song is “Echoes of Yesterday” because it reminds her of the importance of moving forward and embracing change. She says, “Deserted Membership’s music has a way of reaching into your soul, making you reflect and find hope even in the darkest corners. They’re not just a band; they’re a lifeline.”

Backstory:
Mild Stage began as a group of high school friends who shared a love for music and a dream of making it big. The band was formed in the small town of Plainfield, Vermont, in the basement of lead guitarist Liam. The group was composed of Liam on lead guitar, Rachel on vocals and rhythm guitar, Tom on drums, and Tim on bass. The four spent their high school years writing songs, playing gigs at local venues, and refining their sound. After high school, instead of heading off to different colleges, they decided to take their shot at making it in the music industry.

They moved to New York City, where they performed at every open mic night they could get into. Their big break came when they were discovered by a music producer who happened to be in the audience at one of their performances. Their debut album was a commercial success, thanks in part to their unique blend of indie rock and folk, and their fan base has only grown since then.

Genre:
Indie Rock / Folk

Title:
“Lost in the Echo”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
[G]I walk these streets alone, [D]lost in the echo
[Em]Of your laughter, of our [C]love
[G]We were invincible, [D]just two hearts beating
[Em]Against the world, [C]it wasn’t enough

(Chorus)
[G]Hold on to the memories, [D]they’re slipping away
[Em]Our love’s just an echo, [C]that’s starting to fade
[G]I hear your voice, [D]it’s calling my name
[Em]Lost in the echo, [C]nothing’s the same

(Verse 2)
[G]We danced in the moonlight, [D]under the stars
[Em]Promising forever, [C]but it seems so far
[G]Now our hearts are silent, [D]our dreams are broken
[Em]Lost in the echo, [C]your name remains unspoken

(Chorus)
[G]Hold on to the memories, [D]they’re slipping away
[Em]Our love’s just an echo, [C]that’s starting to fade
[G]I hear your voice, [D]it’s calling my name
[Em]Lost in the echo, [C]nothing’s the same

(Outro)
[G]One last dance, [D]in the echo of our love
[Em]Whispering promises, [C]we’re no longer part of
[G]Chasing shadows, [D]in the fading light
[Em]Lost in the echo, [C]of our goodbye

Fan Name: Emily Thompson

Emily Thompson, a college student from Boston, has been a die-hard fan of Mild Stage since their debut album. In her testimonial, she shares, “I fell in love with Mild Stage’s music the first time I heard them. Their blend of indie rock and folk is so unique and refreshing. Their lyrics are soulful and full of emotion, and their music has a way of speaking to the heart. Whether I’m feeling happy or sad, their songs always resonate with me. They’ve become the soundtrack of my life, and I can’t wait to hear what they come up with next.”

Backstory:
Scrawny Decline was born from the ashes of a small-town garage band in 2007. Frontman Jamie “Jazz” Turner and drummer Zach “Ziggy” Elliot were childhood friends from Wichita, Kansas. Tired of the slow pace of small-town life, they moved to Chicago to chase their dreams. After years of playing gigs in dingy bars, struggling with underemployment and nearly giving up, the duo met bassist Lena “Lenny” Bradley and guitarist Harry “Hank” Thompson at a local open mic night in 2013. The chemistry was instant, and Scrawny Decline was born.

Their music journey started with performing covers of their favorite bands at local bars and eventually creating their own music. They got their big break in 2016 when their track “Empty Streets” was picked up by a local radio station. From there, things snowballed, and Scrawny Decline started making waves in the indie music scene.

Genre:
Indie Rock

Title:
“Scars of Yesterday”

Full Song Lyrics:
(Verse 1)
Am
In the light of the morning, I see your face
Em
Fading memories in a quiet space
F
Old echoes whispering in my ear
G
Tales of love, tales of fear

(Verse 2)
Am
Beneath the scars of yesterday, we hide
Em
In the shadows, in the silence, we abide
F
Running from the ghosts that we used to be
G
Scrawny Decline, can’t you see?

(Chorus)
Am
Scars of yesterday, don’t fade away
Em
In the echo of our past, we sway
F
In the music, in the rhyme
G
We find our solace, just in time

(Verse 3)
Am
Walking down these empty streets we roam
Em
Scrawny Decline, we’re far from home
F
In the melody of a forgotten song
G
We find where our hearts belong

(Chorus)
Am
Scars of yesterday, don’t fade away
Em
In the echo of our past, we sway
F
In the music, in the rhyme
G
We find our solace, just in time

Fan’s Testimonial:
Hi, I’m Katie P., a huge fan of Scrawny Decline. One of the reasons why they’re my favorite band is because of their raw, honest, and relatable lyrics. “Scars of Yesterday” really resonates with me; it’s like they’ve translated my feelings into a song. Their music has been a comforting presence through some of my life’s toughest moments. Plus, their live performances are electrifying! The energy, the passion, the love for their craft – it’s all palpable. Scrawny Decline is more than just a band to me; they’re my emotional refuge.