Backstory:

Formed in the heart of Seattle in 2008, Judicious Reward was created by a group of law students studying at Washington University – hence the name. The band started as a fun, stress-relieving hobby for them amidst their grueling academic schedule. With Alex (lead vocals and guitar), Jennifer (drums), Mike (bass), and Emma (keyboard and backing vocals), the band started to gain recognition around the campus after their performances at university fairs and local bars. It wasn’t long until their unique and catchy sound caught the attention of local radio stations and propelled them to the wider music scene.

By 2012, they had signed a contract with a well-known indie label and had balanced their professional legal careers with their passion for music. Each song they create has a unique touch of legal jargon or a nod to justice, making them beloved by both music and law enthusiasts alike.

Genre:

Alternative Rock/Punk.

Title:

“Legal Fiction”

Full song lyrics:

(Verse 1)
[Am] “I’m stuck in this [G] legal fiction, [D] lost in the [Am] maze,
[Am] Living through [G] your prescriptions, [D] counting the [Am] days.

(Chorus)
[F] Judicious reward, [C] come set us [G] free,
[F] From the chains of the law, [C] let our [G] spirits be,
[F] With every chord, [C] we plea, [G] we plea,
[F] For a judicious reward, [C] for you and [G] me.”

(Verse 2)
[Am] “In this courtroom [G] of existence, [D] where truth’s always [Am] grey,
[Am] We sing our [G] resistance, [D] till the break of [Am] day.”

(Chorus)
[F] “Judicious reward, [C] break these [G] walls,
[F] With every accord, [C] truth [G] calls,
[F] In this discord, [C] justice [G] falls,
[F] We need a judicious reward, [C] to end these [G] brawls.”

Favorite Fan:

The band’s favorite fan’s name is Aaron, a law student at their alma mater. Aaron claims that Judicious Reward is his favorite band because their music resonates with his dual love for rock music and law. He says, “Their music is like a breath of fresh air. It’s not just about the rhythm or the melody; it’s about the lyrics – the way they articulate the struggle for justice and righteousness. It’s Punk Rock with a cause. As a law student and a music enthusiast, I couldn’t ask for more.”

Backstory:

Hailing from the vibrant city of New Orleans, ‘Poised Language’ was formed in 2012 by a group of four college friends who shared an unwavering passion for music. The group consists of lead vocalist, Jack Ford, talented guitarist, Danny Miller, skilled bassist, Noah Thompson, and dynamic drummer, Jake Reed. They started their journey performing at local bars and quickly garnered a devoted local fan base with their soulful lyrics and unique musical arrangements. Their authentic sound and poetic lyrics give them an edge, making them stand out in the crowded music scene.

The band’s big break came in 2015 when they were spotted by a prominent music producer at one of their shows. He was captivated by their unique sound and quickly signed them to his label. Since then, ‘Poised Language’ has released three successful albums and toured globally, gaining fans from all corners of the world. Their music resonates with listeners, making them feel seen and heard.

Genre:

Indie Rock with a hint of Blues

Title:

‘Echoes of Heartbeat’

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)

Am G Dm Am
Lost in a maze of deceitful lies,
G Dm Am
Chasing shadows under midnight skies.
Am G Dm Am
A love, so pure, now a memory,
G Dm Am
Your echoes of heartbeat, still haunt me.

(Chorus)

F C G
Sing me a lullaby, silver moon,
Am F C G
Drown out sounds of a love marooned.
F C G
In your light, let me find peace,
Am F C G
Free me from echoes of heartbeat, please.

(Verse 2)

Am G Dm Am
Your whispers still linger in the wind,
G Dm Am
An unseen scar, under my skin.
Am G Dm Am
In every corner, in every street,
G Dm Am
I find your echoes of heartbeat.

(Chorus)

F C G
Sing me a lullaby, silver moon,
Am F C G
Drown out sounds of a love marooned.
F C G
In your light, let me find peace,
Am F C G
Free me from echoes of heartbeat, please.

Fan Testimonial:

Fan’s Name: Emily Hayes

“I’ve always been drawn to music with depth and soul, and I found that in ‘Poised Language’. Their lyrics are like a river, flowing with emotion, carrying you along with every note. I fell in love with their song, ‘Echoes of Heartbeat’. It was almost like they were singing my story. Their music has been my solace during tough times and my companion during the joyful moments. ‘Poised Language’ isn’t just my favorite band; they are a part of my life.”

Backstory:

Merry View was formed in the sleepy town of Ashton, a hidden gem of Oregon, breathing all the nature and serenity of the Pacific Northwest. It started with two friends, Max and Sam, who spent their summers together at a local summer camp. Max, a self-taught guitarist who learned his craft from old blues records and Sam, a drummer who found rhythm in everything he touched; they found a bond in their shared love for music. The duo was later joined by a childhood friend, Lisa, on the bass guitar, and Freddy, a charismatic vocalist with a knack for songwriting. Together, they created a fusion of sounds that painted a vibrant picture of their humble beginnings and the panoramic beauty of Ashton.

Merry View’s music became synonymous with the spirit of their town, slowly making waves in the local music scene before catching the attention of a big record label. Now, even though they’re touring and recording in big studios, their music still has that rustic charm, like a postcard sent from Ashton.

Genre:
Folk-Rock

Title:
“At the Break of Dawn”

Song Lyrics:

(Verse)
G D
At the break of dawn, when the rooster does crow,
Em C
I find my feet walking down that old Ashton road.
G D
Under the towering pines and the whispering wind,
Em C
I hear the echoes of our laughter, my friend.

(Chorus)
G D
So here’s to the good times, the sunsets and the rain,
Em C
To the love we shared, and the memories that remain.
G D
At the break of dawn, under the Ashton sky,
Em C
We’ll sing our songs, with Merry View in our eyes.

(Verse)
G D
The river flows gently, like the rhythm of your heart,
Em C
The mountains stand tall, much like your art.
G D
In the quiet of the night, under the twinkling stars,
Em C
I hold onto the melody, that heals all our scars.

(Chorus)
G D
So here’s to the good times, the sunsets and the rain,
Em C
To the love we shared, and the memories that remain.
G D
At the break of dawn, under the Ashton sky,
Em C
We’ll sing our songs, with Merry View in our eyes.

Fan Testimonial:

Becky, a 24-year-old nurse from Portland, has been a fan of Merry View from their early days. She articulates why they are her favorite band, “There’s an authenticity in Merry View’s music that speaks to me; it’s like a sweet reminiscence of a place I’ve never been, but I feel at home. Every lyric is like a narrative of my own emotions. Their music is the perfect blend of folk and rock, which resonates with my love for both genres. I find solace and joy in their music. It’s a reminder that even in the chaos of the world, there’s a Merry View waiting at the break of dawn.”

Backstory:

Regal Teaching is an unexpected blend of four artists who came together through their shared love of music and education. The band was formed in 2012 in Seattle, Washington, when lead singer and guitarist, Leo Kingsley, met drummer, Mark Emerson, at a teaching conference. Realizing their mutual passion for both teaching and playing music, they recruited bassist, Julia Stern, and keyboardist, Nathan Richards, who were both music teachers at a local school. Their shared dedication to education made their bond stronger, leading to the creation of music that carries a profound message about learning, growth, and knowledge.

Their journey to fame wasn’t an easy one. They initially struggled to get their music heard, performing at local events and schools. But they never gave up and continued to entrust in their talent and message. In 2015, their perseverance finally paid off when they were noticed by a record label executive at a school fundraiser concert. Since then, Regal Teaching has built a reputation for their unique blend of music and educational influence.

Genre:

Alternative Rock

Title:

“Chalk Dust Anthems”

Full song lyrics:

VERSE 1:
(Em) Walking down these familiar halls,
(G) Chalk dust in the air, lessons on the walls,
(D) Echoes of laughter, whispers of dreams,
(A) We’re just students in life, learning what it means.

CHORUS:
(Em) These are our chalk dust anthems,
(G) Notes on the board, words of wisdom,
(D) We’re learning, we’re growing, we’re standing tall,
(A) In this school of life, we won’t let us fall.

VERSE 2:
(Em) Pages turning, pens on the move,
(G) Scribbling down knowledge, finding our groove,
(D) Old desks, scratched with memories,
(A) We’re not just students, we’re the stories.

CHORUS:
(Em) Singing our chalk dust anthems,
(G) Lessons learned, finding our rhythm,
(D) We’re shining, we’re soaring, against all odds,
(A) In this classroom of life, we’re playing our cards.

Favorite fan:

Their favorite fan is a woman named Audrey who is a high school teacher in California. Audrey stumbled upon their music during a challenging time in her teaching career and found solace in their resonant lyrics and powerful melodies. She says, “Regal Teaching doesn’t just create music, they craft stories that reach your soul. They have reminded me why I became a teacher; to inspire and encourage, to learn and grow with my students. Every time I listen to their ‘Chalk Dust Anthems,’ it reignites my passion for teaching. They are, without a doubt, my favorite band.”

Backstory:

Compassionate Miss was formed in the small seaside town of Harbor Springs, Michigan. It all began when childhood friends and music enthusiasts, Madeline “Maddie” Wells and Sarah “Sarie” Stevenson, decided to take their love for music to the next level. Maddie, with her soulful voice, and Sarie, with her classical guitar prowess, began to create melodies that echoed their shared experiences, dreams, and compassion for the world. Over time, they were joined by Cassie Danson on bass, Jenny Thomas on drums, and Anthony “Tony” Bennett on keyboards. They quickly turned their garage jam sessions into powerful, captivating performances.

Their initial songs, which were mostly shared on social media platforms, caught the attention of local music enthusiasts. Their honesty and rawness struck a chord with listeners, and soon they were performing at local gigs, festivals, and eventually, they began touring the country, spreading their message of compassion and kindness through their music.

Genre: Indie Pop Rock

Title: “Lighthouse in the Storm”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
Em C G D
Lost in a storm, no direction home,
Em C G D
Under the sky’s capricious dome.
Em C G D
Lift up your eyes, don’t lose your hope,
Em C G D
In the darkest storm, we’ve learned to cope.

(Chorus)
Em C G D
We are the lighthouse in the storm,
Em C G D
Against the tide, against the norm.
Em C G D
Fear not the night, fear not the morn,
Em C G D
We are the lighthouse, we’ve sworn.

(Verse 2)
Em C G D
Winds may blow, waves may crash,
Em C G D
But we’ll light the way, in a single flash.
Em C G D
Hold on tight, don’t lose your sight,
Em C G D
Together we’ll fight, with all our might.

(Chorus)
Em C G D
We are the lighthouse in the storm,
Em C G D
Against the tide, against the norm.
Em C G D
Fear not the night, fear not the morn,
Em C G D
We are the lighthouse, we’ve sworn.

Favorite Fan:

Emily Zimmerman is Compassionate Miss’s favorite fan. Emily has travelled across state lines to attend their concerts, and always shows up in a handmade t-shirt with the band’s logo. Emily says, “Compassionate Miss has a way of singing what’s in my heart. Their songs are like a solace in my tough times. The lyrics are so powerful, they hit right where it matters. Maddie’s voice is like a warm hug on a cold day, and Sarie’s guitar solos are like a burst of sunshine. They are my favorite band because they make me feel seen, heard, and understood. They use their music to spread love and kindness, and in this world, we need more of that.”

Backstory:
Forsaken Pit was born out of the ashes of a small-town industrial factory in the heart of Kentucky. The four members; lead vocalist and guitarist, Adam Stone, bassist, Mick ‘The Wick’ Williams, drummer, Johnny ‘Rhythm Reaper’ Cassidy, and keyboardist, Danny ‘Keys’ Foster, all worked there until the factory was shut down due to financial issues. Struggling with the sudden job loss and the harsh reality of the world, they decided to channel their frustration, anger, and hopes into music, thus forming the band in the late 2000s. Their electrifying energy and unique sound quickly began to resonate with the masses, feeding the popularity of Forsaken Pit.

Genre:
Industrial Rock/Metal

Title:
“Chains of Liberty”

Full Song Lyrics:
[Verse 1]
Em Am
In the heart of the city, under the moonlight,
C G
We’re crafting our dreams with the sweat of the fight,
Em Am
Through the day, through the night, in this forsaken pit,
C G
We’re bound by chains, but our spirits won’t quit.

[Chorus]
G D
Chains of liberty, wrapped around our souls,
Em C
Burning with a fire, out of control,
G D
Born in the furnace, tempered in the grit,
Em C
We are the voice from the forsaken pit.

[Verse 2]
Em Am
The factory’s silent, the steel has grown cold,
C G
Dreams shattered, yet we are bold,
Em Am
With the power of music, we’re ready to hit,
C G
Breaking the chains, rising from the pit.

[Chorus]
G D
Chains of liberty, wrapped around our hearts,
Em C
In the face of adversity, our journey starts,
G D
Screaming for freedom, refusing to submit,
Em C
We are the sons of the forsaken pit.

Fan Testimonial:
The band’s favorite fan, Gary ‘G-Man’ Davidson, says, “Forsaken Pit isn’t just my favorite band, it’s a phenomenon that has changed my life. Their music, it speaks to me in a language no one else could ever understand. It’s like they’re giving voice to the struggle we face every day, the struggle to stay afloat, to let our voices be heard. Their song ‘Chains of Liberty’ brings me to tears every time I listen to it. It’s raw, it’s real, and it’s a testament to the never-say-die attitude of the working class. I’ve been to every concert, every gig they’ve played in the last 10 years. They’re not just musicians to me, they’re heroes.”

Backstory:
Vague Temperature was formed in 2004 in a small, unassuming garage in Kansas City, Missouri. The band’s four members – lead vocalist and rhythm guitarist Jake Dalton, lead guitarist Tyler Moore, bassist Nick Anderson, and drummer Alex Jenkins – were all childhood friends sharing a common love for music. They developed a unique sound inspired by their shared appreciation for classic rock, grunge, and blues. They spent their early days playing at local bars and college parties, slowly but steadily building a loyal fanbase. Their big break came in 2008 when they were spotted by a renowned music producer at a local rock festival. Recognizing their raw talent and potential, he offered them a recording contract. Since then, Vague Temperature has released five successful studio albums and performed at numerous sold-out shows worldwide.

Genre:
Classic Rock/Grunge/Blues

Title:
“Echoes of the Past”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
G Am C G
In the mirror of time, I see the echoes of the past,
G Am C G
Lost in the shadows, memories that last.
Em Am C G
Broken dreams and shattered hopes scattered on the floor,
Em Am C D
Echoes of the past keep knocking on my door.

(Chorus)
G C D G
Echoes of the past, can’t leave them behind,
G C D G
They’re etched on my soul and imprinted on my mind.
Em Am C G
Can’t erase them, can’t replace them, they’re always there,
Em Am C D
Echoes of the past, a weight I have to bear.

(Verse 2)
G Am C G
Through the years, faces fade but memories remain,
G Am C G
Bitter-sweet and haunting, like an old familiar strain.
Em Am C G
Echoes of the past keep replaying in my heart,
Em Am C D
They’re the music of my life, a song that never parts.

(Repeat Chorus)

Favorite Fan:
Vague Temperature’s favorite fan is a woman named Lisa Martin. Lisa has been following their journey since their early days. She has attended all their concerts within a 500-mile radius of her home, owns all their albums, and even runs a fan site dedicated to the band.

Lisa’s Testimonial:
“Vague Temperature isn’t just a band to me; it’s a part of my life. I love their combination of classic rock, grunge, and blues. It’s powerful, raw, and touches the soul. ‘Echoes of the Past’ is my favorite song. Its heartfelt lyrics and the band’s soulful performance always move me to tears. Their music has helped me navigate through some tough times. I’m a fan for life.”

Backstory:

The formation of Tough Record traces back to a hot summer in San Francisco, 2010 when four strangers found themselves stuck in a traffic jam. As fate would have it, impressive guitar riffs were drifting from an old, beaten-up car, catching the attention of a drummer, a bassist, and a vocalist stuck in their own separate vehicles. They came together as strangers but left as a band, bonded by the raw power of music and the absurdity of their meeting.

After honitoring their skills perfroming in local bars and clubs, Tough Record got their big break in 2015 when a music producer spotted their performance and was blown away by their unique sound. The band’s deep lyrics, combined with their powerful, yet melodic music won them a record deal, and they have been making waves in the music scene ever since.

Genre:

Rock (with elements of blues and punk)

Title:

“Highway of Dreams”

Full Song Lyrics with Chord Progression:

(Verse 1) Em, G, D, A
Em
On the highway of dreams, we met
G
Under the sun, our fates were set
D
Strangers in cars, our paths did cross
A
In the chaos, we found what was lost

(Chorus) C, G, D, Em
C
We are the Tough Record, we play our own game
G
In the world of music, we’re staking our claim
D
With each strum, each beat, each lyrical stream
Em
We journey on, on the highway of dreams

(Verse 2) Em, G, D, A
Em
Through smoky bars and loud cheers
G
We’ve been rocking the scene for years
D
Every chord, every note, every line
A
We pour our souls, in songs we design

(Chorus) C, G, D, Em
C
We are the Tough Record, we play our own game
G
In the world of music, we’re staking our claim
D
With each strum, each beat, each lyrical stream
Em
We journey on, on the highway of dreams

(Fan Testimonial):

Favorite Fan’s Name: Cindy

Cindy, a self-proclaimed music fanatic, has been following Tough Record from their inception. “I was at one of their first gigs in a crappy bar in San Francisco, and their raw energy was just infectious,” she recalls. “Their music, it’s more than just sounds. It’s pure emotion transformed into rhythm and lyrics, and that’s what makes them my favorite band. Tough Record’s ‘Highway of Dreams’ is my anthem, my go-to song for both good days and bad. I haven’t missed a single concert in the Bay Area. Their music has become a part of me.”

Backstory:

Weary Knife, the surprise hit from Texas, was formed in 2015 by lifelong friends, Josh Reynolds and Megan Baxter. As kids, they would sit by the road playing guitars, the music their only escape from the mundane life of the small town they grew up in. Over time, they added bassist Max Anderson and drummer Sarah Carter, two local musician friends, to add layers to their sound. Their shared experiences, love for music, and the desire to communicate their feelings form the essence of Weary Knife.

The band’s breakthrough moment came after winning a local talent competition. The exposure from the event landed them a deal with a local record label, and since then, they’ve been on a meteoric rise. Their emotionally charged lyrics coupled with their unique sound have resonated with audiences worldwide, turning Weary Knife into a name that music lovers recognize and enjoy.

Genre:

Alternative Rock

Song Title:

“Paper Town Lullaby”

Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1 – Am, G, F, C)
In this paper town, we were born and raised (Am, G)
Staring at the stars, dreaming of better days (F, C)
We found music in the silence, found love in the haze (Am, G)
Painted our dreams with every note we played (F, C)

(Chorus – F, G, Am, G)
Sing me a lullaby, our paper town lullaby (F, G)
Underneath the starry Texas night sky (Am, G)
We’re just kids with dreams too big to deny (F, G)
Sing it loud, our paper town lullaby (Am, G)

(Verse 2 – Am, G, F, C)
We played our songs to the rhythm of our heart (Am, G)
Every lyric, a confession, every chord, a piece of art (F, C)
We found ourselves in the music, a bond that won’t fall apart (Am, G)
In this paper town, we made a brand new start (F, C)

(Chorus – F, G, Am, G)
Sing me a lullaby, our paper town lullaby (F, G)
Underneath the starry Texas night sky (Am, G)
We’re just kids with dreams too big to deny (F, G)
Sing it loud, our paper town lullaby (Am, G)

Favorite Fan:

Emily Turner is Weary Knife’s favorite fan. Emily has followed the band since their early days, making it to almost all their local gigs. She admires the authenticity that bleeds through their music and lyrics, and identifies with the sentiments of small-town nostalgia and big dreams that are the core of their music.

Emily’s testimonial: “Weary Knife isn’t just a band for me; it’s the soundtrack of my life. Their music has been with me through highs and lows. I see myself in their songs, feel a connection with their stories. It’s like they’ve put my feelings into words and melodies. I can’t wait to see where their musical journey takes them, and I’m honored to be a part of it.”

Backstory:
Perfect Truck is a four-piece band hailing from the heart of Texas. The members, Tommy Riggins (lead vocals, guitars), Billy Hopkins (bass, backing vocals), Nicky “Drums” Drummond (drums, percussion), and Jack Preston (keyboards, backing vocals) were all childhood friends who shared a love for music and trucks. It was an old, battered pick-up truck that Tommy’s dad owned which they unanimously regarded as ‘perfect’- thus, earning the band its unique name. After years of jamming in the garage and mastering their skills, they stepped into the limelight and gained a foothold in the music scene, making a name for themselves as the band that writes songs about life, love, and trucks.

Genre:
Country Rock

Title:
“Rollin’ Down the Highway”

Full Song Lyrics:
(Verse 1)
[C] Parked my truck in the [Am] driveway
[F] Staring at her ‘neath the [G] moon’s grey
[C] Memories of the good old [Am] days
[F] Back when we were young and [G] unafraid

(Chorus)
[C] Rollin’ down the [Am] highway
[F] Love riding shotgun, no [G] freeway
[C] With you beside me, it’s a [Am] perfect day
[F] In our perfect truck, just [G] rollin’ away

(Verse 2)
[C] Dusty roads, our [Am] secret place
[F] Sunsets in your [G] embrace
[C] In this truck, we found our [Am] pace
[F] No other ride could ever [G] replace

(Chorus)
[C] Rollin’ down the [Am] highway
[F] Love riding shotgun, no [G] freeway
[C] With you beside me, it’s a [Am] perfect day
[F] In our perfect truck, just [G] rollin’ away

Outro:
[C] And as the night [Am] falls, under the stars
[F] We find our home in this [G] truck of ours
[C] Just you, me, and our [Am] perfect truck
[F] Life’s a ride, and we’re [G] in luck

Favorite Fan’s Name:
Harper Johnson

Testimonial:
“I’ve been a fan of Perfect Truck since their first gig at the local bar. There’s something so raw and honest about their music – it resonates deeply with me. Their songs are like tales from the heart, wrapped in the soulful strumming of guitars and the warm harmony of their voices. ‘Rollin’ Down the Highway’ is more than just a song to me; it’s a journey. It takes me back to the beautiful summer nights spent with my sweetheart, cruising down the old town roads. Perfect Truck isn’t just a band, they’re storytellers, and I’ll forever be their fan.”