Backstory:

Formed in the bustling music scene of Brooklyn, NY, in 2012, Damaged Bird was the creation of four college friends with a shared love for both the raucous energy of punk rock and the nuanced emotion of folk music. Initially playing in small basement shows across the city, their unique sound quickly caught attention, leading to a record deal that has since seen them touring across the country and overseas. Despite their rapid rise to success, the band has stayed true to their roots, maintaining a raw authenticity in their sound that resonates with fans worldwide.

The name ‘Damaged Bird’ was inspired by their lead vocalist, Emily, who despite her stunning voice, struggled with the crippling anxiety that often left her feeling vulnerable and exposed, like a damaged bird. Through her journey, the band has always sought to capture the beauty found within brokenness, creating music that speaks to the human experience in all its complexity.

Genre:
Folk Punk

Title:
“Flight of the Fallen”

Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
[G]Look at the sky, [C]do you see her there,
[G]A damaged bird, [C]with wings so bare,
[D]She’s lost her song, [Em]she’s lost her way,
[C]But still, she fights [D]to see another day.

(Chorus)
[G]Fly on, Damaged Bird, [C]through the stormy night,
[D]Your broken wings, [Em]still have the might.
[G]To reach the sun, [C]to touch the blue,
[D]Broken but beautiful, [Em]we’re all just like you.

(Verse 2)
[G]She’s fallen down, [C]more times than most,
[G]But in her eyes, [C]you see no ghost,
[D]A will so strong, [Em]with a heart so wild,
[C]She’s the song of the storm, [D]nature’s defiant child.

(Chorus)
[G]Fly on, Damaged Bird, [C]through the winds that blow,
[D]With every beat, [Em]your strength will grow.
[G]Your journey’s hard, [C]but it’s also true,
[D]Broken but beautiful, [Em]we’re all just like you.

(Fan Testimonial)

Fan’s Name: Terry

Why Damaged Bird is his favorite:

From the first time I heard Damaged Bird’s music, it felt like they were singing my story. Their songs resonate with my own experiences of struggle and resilience, making me feel understood in a way that few bands ever have. As someone who has battled mental health issues for most of my life, the raw authenticity in songs like “Flight of the Fallen” has been incredibly healing. Damaged Bird is more than just a band to me – they’re a beacon of hope in a world that can often feel overwhelming.

Backstory:
Cooked Blow, a band that emerged from the underground music scene of Manhattan’s Lower East Side in the late ’90s, was formed by a group of ambitious culinary students who shared an intense passion for music and food. The members, all of whom were studying at the Culinary Institute of America, would host late-night jam sessions in their cramped apartment kitchen after long shifts in the school’s training kitchens. Their unique fusion of musical styles, coupled with lyrics that often doubled as recipes, quickly caught the attention of the local music scene.

With the lead vocalist, Sam “Sizzle” Williams, who also doubled as a promising saucier; the drummer, Benny “Beat” Russo, who had a knack for pastry arts; Mike “Mixer” Johnson on the bass, who was an aspiring sommelier; and last but not least, “Jimmy ‘Jams’ Thompson,” who strummed the electric guitar while dabbling in food preservation, the band Cooked Blow was born. Their music and stage performances were as eclectic and vibrant as the dishes they created in the kitchen, making them a sensation that was hard to ignore.

Genre:
Rock & Roll / Culinary

Title:
“Simmer Down Blues”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
Am C
Sizzling pans under the neon light,
Dm E
Playing the guitars, cooking through the night.
Am C
A pinch of salt, a touch of spice,
Dm E
Let’s simmer down blues, make everything nice.

(Chorus)
Am C
Ohh, Simmer down, simmer down blues,
Dm E
Let the heat of the night, let the rhythm choose.
Am C
Simmer down, simmer down blues,
Dm E
Cooking up a storm with nothing to lose.

(Verse 2)
Am C
Stir the pot, keep the beat alive,
Dm E
With a splash of wine, watch the flavors dive.
Am C
In the kitchen or on the stage,
Dm E
We’re Cooked Blow, ready to engage.

(Chorus)
Am C
Ohh, Simmer down, simmer down blues,
Dm E
Let the heat of the night, let the rhythm choose.
Am C
Simmer down, simmer down blues,
Dm E
Cooking up a storm with nothing to lose.

Fan’s Name and Testimonial:
Fan’s name – Pete “Pizza” Jones.

“I’ve been a fan of Cooked Blow since their first local gig at the Dive Bar. I remember being instantly taken by their raw energy and their food-inspired lyrics. As a food truck owner, I could relate to their passion for food and the culinary arts. Their music is my kitchen soundtrack. The lyrics to ‘Simmer Down Blues’ even inspired a dish on my menu – the ‘Simmer Down Seafood Gumbo’. Cooked Blow isn’t just a band to me, they’re an inspiration, a reminder to always mix your passions, no matter how contrasting they might seem to be. It’s why they’re my favorite band, hands down.”

Backstory:

High-Level Summer is a band that was formed during the summer of 2012 in the heart of Los Angeles, California. The group is made up of four childhood friends – lead vocalist and guitarist Jake Sullivan, bassist Sean Rodriguez, drummer Brad Mitchell and keyboardist Emily Thompson. They started as a garage band, playing local gigs and small music festivals, drawing inspiration from their personal experiences and the vibrant, eclectic L.A. music scene. After some time playing together, they finally found their sound and started recording and performing original songs. Their passion for music and dedication to their craft eventually led to their signing with a major record label in 2015.

Genre:

Indie Pop/Rock

Title:

“Patterns in the Sand”

Lyrics (with chord progression):

Verse 1 (C, G, Am, F)
In a place where the sun always kissed our skin,
And the waves would wash away our sin.
Memories of you and me, lost in the sea,
Just like patterns in the sand.

Chorus (F, G, Am, G)
Patterns in the sand, taken by the sea,
Our love story that was never meant to be.
You and me, we’re just like patterns in the sand,
Erased by time, washed away and left behind.

Verse 2 (C, G, Am, F)
In the summer heat, we danced in the night,
Underneath the stars, everything felt right.
But as the seasons changed, so did we,
Just like patterns in the sand.

Chorus (F, G, Am, G)
Patterns in the sand, taken by the sea,
Our love story that was never meant to be.
You and me, we’re just like patterns in the sand,
Erased by time, washed away and left behind.

Bridge (Am, G, F, G)
We were just a moment, a fleeting summer breeze,
A beautiful memory, now lost in the sea.

Chorus (F, G, Am, G)
Patterns in the sand, taken by the sea,
Our love story that was never meant to be.
You and me, we’re just like patterns in the sand,
Erased by time, washed away and left behind.

Favorite Fan:

High-Level Summer’s favorite fan is a guy named Alex. Alex discovered their music during a tough time in his life and found solace in their lyrics. He has since followed them to various gigs around the country and is known by the band for his unwavering support. Alex says, “High-Level Summer’s music has gotten me through some incredibly challenging times. Their lyrics resonate with me on a deep level, and they put on an amazing live performance. They are not just my favorite band because of their music, but because they genuinely care about their fans.”

Backstory:
Dry Army is an indie rock band that was formed in 2011 in the small town of Creston, British Columbia, Canada. The four founding members, Anton (Vocals and Guitar), Dale (Bass), Gary (Drums), and Eric (Keyboard), were childhood friends who shared a common love for music and a dream of one day forming a band. They started playing in their parents’ garages and local pubs before breaking into the mainstream music industry. They named the band Dry Army as a reference to their dry humor and their tight-knit brotherhood that resembled a small army.

Genre:
Indie Rock

Title:
“Circling the Sun”

Full song lyrics with chord progression:

Verse 1 (C-G-Am-F):
C G Am F
In a town that never sleeps,
C G Am F
with a heart that only weeps.
C G Am F
We were just kids with dreams in our eyes,
C G Am F
Circling the sun, under the endless skies.

Chorus (F-C-G-Am):
F C G Am
Circling the Sun, we’ll never run,
F C G Am
Lost but free, that’s our decree.

Verse 2 (C-G-Am-F):
C G Am F
The wind and the road,
C G Am F
Our story to be told.
C G Am F
With every passing town,
C G Am F
We’d paint the world, with our sound.

Chorus (F-C-G-Am):
F C G Am
Circling the Sun, we’ve just begun,
F C G Am
With every beat, there’s no defeat.

Fan’s Favorite:
The band’s favorite fan is named Leah. Leah has been following the band since their early days, even before they became mainstream. She cherishes their music for its lyrical depth and the raw emotion it invokes. Leah comments, “Dry Army’s music has been like a friend to me in my loneliest times. Their songs are real, they talk about life, dreams, and the pursuit of freedom. ‘Circling the Sun’ in particular, is my anthem. It makes me feel understood and gives me strength. I can’t thank them enough for their music.”

Backstory:

Definitive Rain was formed in the balmy heart of New Orleans, Louisiana in the year 2007. The group started as a trio of high school friends – Luke Harrison (vocals/guitar), Andrew Jones (bass), and Matt Taylor (drums) who shared a love for music and a desire to express themselves through their melodies and lyrics. With their deep-rooted passion in blues and jazz, the group began performing in local clubs and bars, with their performances quickly gaining traction. Their unique sound and captivating stage presence caught the attention of a local record label and before they knew it, they were rising stars in the music industry.

Genre:

Blues Rock

Title:

“Drenched in Rhythm”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
Em G
Underneath the city lights, we found our sound,
D A
Where the jazz and blues, in our veins it’s profound.
Em G
Colored by our dreams, and the soul of the night,
D A
Our song takes flight, in the soft moonlight.

(Chorus)
C G
Drenched in rhythm, soaked in the blues,
Em D
We’re Definitive Rain, singing our truths.
C G
Through every storm, we play our tune,
Em D
Under the crescent moon, to the break of noon.

(Verse 2)
Em G
Strumming the strings, beating the drum,
D A
We play our hearts out until the morning comes.
Em G
Our music flows, like the Mississippi’s course,
D A
Driven by a force, that’s so raw and coarse.

(Chorus)
C G
Drenched in rhythm, soaked in the blues,
Em D
We’re Definitive Rain, singing our truths.
C G
Through every storm, we play our tune,
Em D
Under the crescent moon, to the break of noon.

Bands Favorite Fan:

Our favorite fan is a woman named Betty Lou. Betty has been with us from the start, always front and center at our local gigs around New Orleans. She’s not just a fan, she’s family.

Betty Lou’s Testimonial:

“Definitive Rain, they’re my boys. Their music reminds me of home, of the soul and spirit of New Orleans. It’s like they’ve captured the essence of this place – the rhythm, the blues, the joy, the heartache – and poured it into their songs. Every time they play, I’m reminded of why I love music and why I love this city. They’re more than just a band to me, they’re the heart and soul of New Orleans.”

Backstory:
Dismal Drama is a band that was formed in 2012 in Boston, Massachusetts. The quartet consists of frontman and lead singer, Robby Sykes, guitarist Sammy Moore, bassist Jeff Clark, and drummer Alex Riley. They bonded over their shared love of brooding, atmospheric music and a shared distaste for the complacency of mainstream rock. After initially struggling with establishing their identity and finding their audience, they finally hit their breakthrough in 2015 with their debut album ‘Shadowed Thoughts’ which was highly praised for its authenticity and raw emotion.

The band is known for their powerful performances and a unique sound that encapsulates the emotional turbulence of their lives. They channel their struggles, heartbreak, and existential questions into a musical journey that resonates with their audience. Striking a balance between their dark, melancholic themes and their undeniable passion for music, Dismal Drama has carved out a niche in the industry and garnered a devoted following.

Genre:
Alternative Rock/Emo

Title:
“Underneath the Chaos”

Full Song Lyrics:
[Verses]
Em Am
Staring at the ceiling,
G D
Underneath the chaos, is a feeling,
Em Am
Broken promises, shattered dreams,
G D
Nothing in life is what it seems.

Em Am
Walking on the edge, feeling hollow,
G D
Chasing shadows, with no tomorrow,
Em Am
In the abyss of the soul’s sorrow,
G D
Underneath the chaos, there’s no tomorrow.

[Chorus]
G D
Underneath the chaos, we feel,
Em C
The wounds that never heal,
G D
Amidst the pain, amid the strife,
Em C
Underneath the chaos, is life.

Fan’s Name:
Jessica Martin

Testimonial:
“Dismal Drama is my absolute favorite band. Their music speaks directly to my heart. It’s like they’re voicing every emotion I’ve ever felt but couldn’t articulate. Their song ‘Underneath the Chaos’ truly opened my eyes to the beauty of their music. The rawness, the emotion, the angst, it all resonates with me so deeply. I’ve been to every concert of theirs in the tri-state area and their performances are simply electrifying. They make you feel seen, heard, and understood. That’s why they’re my favorite.”

Backstory:
“Unkempt Cost” was originally formed in 2009 in a small garage in Austin, Texas by high school friends Jeremy Ballad, Owen Wilson, and Zachary Walker. United by their shared love for music and a desire to create something unique, they started experimenting with different sounds and musical elements. The band was later joined by vocalist and keyboardist, Marina Thompson, who added a whole new depth to their music. Over the years, Unkempt Cost has managed to carve out a niche for themselves.

Unkempt Cost hit the mainstream music scene in 2013 with their debut album “Discord and Harmony”. The album was a huge success and was highly praised for its originality and the raw emotions it conveyed. They have since released three more albums, each raking in more fans and fame to the band. Amidst their rising stardom, the band has always stayed true to their roots – creating music that speaks to the soul.

Genre:
Alternative Rock and Indie Pop

Title:
“Shadows in the Sunlight”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
Am F C G
Walking down the streets of an old town,
Am F C G
Shadows in the sunlight, don’t let me down.
Am F C G
Lurking beneath the truth that we once found,
Am F C G
Unraveling the mysteries that were tightly wound.

(Chorus)
Am F C G
Shadows in the sunlight, shining just for you,
Am F C G
Can’t you see the darkness that’s painted so true?
Am F C G
Our hearts beating in rhythm, a melancholic hue,
Am F C G
Shadows in the sunlight, reveal a love that’s new.

(Verse 2)
Am F C G
In the silence of the night, we shared our dreams,
Am F C G
Underneath the starlight, or so it seems.
Am F C G
Bound by the echoes of our silent screams,
Am F C G
Torn apart by reality, sewn together by seams.

(Chorus)
Am F C G
Shadows in the sunlight, casting our fate,
Am F C G
Caught in this love, a beautiful bait.
Am F C G
With every heartache, every agonizing wait,
Am F C G
Shadows in the sunlight, love’s sweet advocate.

Fan’s Testimonial:
Favorite Fan: Samantha Diaz

“Unkempt Cost has always been my favorite band. I’ve been a fan since their first album because their music speaks to me at a personal level. It’s as if they’ve put into words the emotions and thoughts I couldn’t express. Their song ‘Shadows in the Sunlight’ helped me get through a tumultuous time in my life. The lead singer, Marina, has an amazing voice that gives me chills. The guitar riffs by Jeremy are always spot on, and Owen’s drumming just ties the whole thing together. Zach’s bass brings depth to their music. They are truly an amazing band and I can’t wait to see what they create next.”

Backstory:

Palatable Heritage was formed in the quaint town of Charleston, Virginia, in the late winter of 2007. Childhood friends, singer and rhythm guitarist, Hector Morgan, drummer, Freddy Botwin, bassist, Charlie Kennedy, and lead guitarist, Lenny Thackery, decided to combine their passion for music and their deep-rooted love for their southern heritage. The boys, having grown up on a steady diet of blues, bluegrass, and folk music, sought to fuse these genres while also incorporating a modern edge, creating a unique sound that would set them apart from other bands.

Years before, as teenagers, they would gather in Charlie’s parent’s garage, experimenting with different tunes and lyrics. As young adults, the band found themselves playing in local bars and music festivals, gathering a loyal fanbase. Their music, which they affectionately referred to as ‘southern fusion,’ spoke of love, heartbreak, southern pride, and the nostalgia of an era they were too young to remember but felt deeply connected to.

Genre:

Southern Fusion

Title:

“Whiskey Lullaby”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse)
Em G
Whiskey in my hand, as the sun goes down,
C D
Heart heavy with the weight of this old town.
Em G
Memories flood in, as the jukebox plays,
C D
Songs that remind me of better days.

(Chorus)
G D
Oh, sing me a whiskey lullaby,
Em C
A song of love, under the southern sky.
G D
I’ll raise my glass, to the moon so high,
Em C
And drink to the memories, in the blink of an eye.

(Verse)
Em G
The sweet smell of magnolias, on a summer night,
C D
Underneath the blanket of the starlight.
Em G
Her laughter echoing, in the midnight air,
C D
Her absence, is more than I can bear.

(Chorus)
G D
Oh, sing me a whiskey lullaby,
Em C
A tale of heartache, under the southern sky.
G D
I’ll raise my glass, to the stars so bright,
Em C
And drink to a love, that took flight.

Fan’s Name:

Linda Thompson

Testimonial:

Palatable Heritage isn’t just my favorite band, they are a part of my soul. I was introduced to their music during a difficult time in my life and their songs spoke to me on another level. For me, it’s not just about the melodies, it’s about the stories they tell, the emotions they capture, and the way they make the past seem so vivid and real. As a southerner, I connect with their music, their lyrics; it’s like they’ve put into words what I’ve felt my whole life. They’ve given a voice to my experiences, my joys, my sorrows, my heritage. They’re not just a band to me, they’re a lifeline.

Backstory:
Infatuated Whole began in the small town of Brimley, Michigan, where five high school friends discovered they shared a passion for music. Brad Mitchell (drums), Sam Evans (lead guitar), Tim Patterson (bass), Lisa Martin (keyboard), and Katy Johnson (lead vocals) were all students at Brimley High when they decided to form a band. The group spent countless after-school hours in Brad’s garage, honing their skills and crafting their unique sound. Their name, Infatuated Whole, came from their shared love and obsession for music, viewing it as an integral part of their lives that made them whole.

After high school, the band members decided to take a leap of faith and moved to Los Angeles to follow their dream. Their hard work paid off when they were spotted at a small gig by a record executive, who was captivated by their raw talent and unique sound. This led to their first record deal, the start of their successful journey in the music industry.

Genre:
Electronic Pop Rock

Title:
“Twisted Paradigms”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
Am(A) Em(G)
Crashing through the silence, burning bright
Am(A) Em(G)
Thoughts collide in the stillness of the night
Am(A) Em(G)
In our hearts, we’re just chasing dreams
Am(A) Em(G)
We’re Infatuated Whole, it seems

(Chorus)
C(D) G(E)
In this Twisted Paradigm,
C(D) G(E)
Find a rhythm, find a rhyme
C(D) G(E)
Breaking free, we’ll never stop
C(D) G(E)
We’re Infatuated Whole, non-stop

(Verse 2)
Am(A) Em(G)
Lost in echoes of melodies untold
Am(A) Em(G)
Binding stories, in our songs they unfold
Am(A) Em(G)
See our music, it’s our lifeline
Am(A) Em(G)
Infatuated Whole, in every line

(Repeat Chorus)

(Bridge)
F(C) G(D) Am(A) Em(G)
Twisted Paradigm, we’re chasing time
F(C) G(D) Am(A) Em(G)
We’re Infatuated Whole, it’s our prime

(Repeat Chorus)

Favorite Fan’s Name:
Simon Morris

Testimonial:
“Infatuated Whole is more than just a band to me. Their music captures emotions that words alone can’t express. I remember when I first heard ‘Twisted Paradigms’ – I felt like they were singing my life story. The way they combine electronic pop-rock with heartfelt lyrics resonates deeply with me. Every album they release feels like they’re reaching out, connecting with their fans on a personal level. To say they are my favorite band would be an understatement. Infatuated Whole is a part of me, their music is the soundtrack of my life.”

Backstory:

Insignificant Parent was formed in the summer of 2002, by high school friends Rob MacMillan (lead vocals, guitar) and Chris O’Connell (drums, backing vocals). The two met in their school’s music club, bonding over their shared love for alternative rock and grunge. They started writing songs in their basement, inspired by the mundanity and struggles of suburban life. After years of performing in local pubs and tiny music festivals, they caught the attention of indie label ‘Raincheck Records’ in 2006. They then added bassist Jenny Adams to the lineup, and the rest, as they say, is history.

The band gained a dedicated fan base with their honest lyrics, raw sounds, and a keen sense of humor that always reminded people not to take life too seriously. Their quirky name, Insignificant Parent, speaks volumes about their philosophy – recognizing the humor and insignificance in the grand scheme of things, a subtle nod to the insecurities and uncertainties that come with adulthood.

Genre:

Insignificant Parent primarily plays alternative rock, with elements of grunge and indie pop.

Title:

“Apathetic Afternoons”

Full Song Lyrics with Chord Progressions:

(Verse 1: E – B – C#m – A)
E
Here I am again, on this apathetic afternoon,
B
Watching the clouds go by, wondering if I’ll see you soon.
C#m
The grass stains on my jeans are a reminder,
A
Of the time we spent together, becoming blinder.

(Chorus: E – B – A)
E
To the world outside, we were insignificant,
B
But in our little universe, we were effulgent.
A
Now I’m just another insignificant parent,
E
Living in apathetic afternoons, longing for a hint of sentiment.

(Verse 2)
E
Remember when we thought we could conquer the world,
B
With our second-hand guitars and dreams unfurled.
C#m
Now all we have are bills and aching backs,
A
And the echoes of our laughter, fading into tracks.

(Chorus)

(Bridge: C#m – B – A)
C#m
Time has a way of stealing our vigor,
B
Replacing our dreams with a grim rigor.
A
Yet, in my heart, I’m still that dreamer,
E
Hoping for another chance to be a redeemer.

(Chorus x2)

Fan Testimonial:

“My name is Matt, but my friends call me ‘Insignificant Matt’ because of my love for this band. Insignificant Parent is my favorite because their music speaks directly to my soul. It’s like they’ve seen the inside of my mind and turned my thoughts and feelings into songs. Their raw energy, honest lyrics, and relatable themes of struggle and hope in everyday life are the things I live for. Their music has been my companion through the toughest times. It’s as if they’re reminding us all that even though life sometimes feels insignificant, what we feel and experience is uniquely ours, and that’s something to embrace.”