Backstory:
Born in the heart of the bustling city of Austin, Texas, in 2012, Austere Horn began as a group of childhood friends who shared a common bond over their love for music. They started playing in local bars and festivals, winning the hearts of listeners with their unique blend of genres and undeniable chemistry. Over time, the band developed a strong following due to their powerful lyrics and energetic performances. Their music was a reflection of their experiences, dreams, and the essence of their city, displaying a mix of resilience, love, and an enduring spirit of creativity.

Genre:
Blues Rock

Title:
“Midnight Mirage”

Lyrics:

(Verse 1: G – Bm – Em – C)
Underneath the starry sky, (G – Bm)
Where the city lights collide, (Em – C)
That’s where I find my midnight mirage, (G – Bm – Em – C)

A mystery veiled in a fog, (G – Bm)
Running through the shadows I jog, (Em – C)
Chasing my elusive midnight mirage. (G – Bm – Em – C)

(Chorus: D – C – G)
Midnight mirage, (D)
Oh, you’re a beautiful sabotage, (C – G)
You’re a dream, a facade. (D)
You’re my midnight mirage, (C – G)

(Verse 2: G – Bm – Em – C)
In the whispers of the wind, (G – Bm)
In the echoes of a sin, (Em – C)
I hear the call of my midnight mirage. (G – Bm – Em – C)

With each step, I am drawn, (G – Bm)
To the enigma of the dawn, (Em – C)
Will I ever catch my midnight mirage? (G – Bm – Em – C)

(Chorus: D – C – G)
Midnight mirage, (D)
Oh, you’re a beautiful sabotage, (C – G)
You’re a dream, a facade. (D)
You’re my midnight mirage, (C – G)

(Bridge: Am – Bm – C)
One day I will reach you, (Am)
At the edge of the blue, (Bm – C)
I’ll hold you, my midnight mirage, (Am – Bm – C)
In the breaking of the new. (Am – Bm – C)

(Chorus: D – C – G)
Midnight mirage, (D)
Oh, you’re a beautiful sabotage, (C – G)
You’re a dream, a facade. (D)
You’re my midnight mirage, (C – G)

Fan Testimonial:
The band’s favorite fan is Ella Thompson. A local Austin gal, Ella has followed Austere Horn since their first gig at a small neighborhood bar. She claims that what drew her to the band was their authenticity and the soulfulness of their music. In her words, “Austere Horn isn’t just a band. They’re a feeling. Their music resonates with me on a personal level. It’s like they’ve taken every emotion I’ve ever experienced and put it into a song. They’re more than my favorite band, they’re a part of my life.”

Backstory:
Blind Swim was formed in the hustle and bustle of Brooklyn, New York, during the summer of 2010. It originated as a jam session between five college friends who shared a passion for music and a drive for something different. Comprised of lead vocalist and guitarist Danny ‘Dee’ Johnson, bassist Adam ‘A-Train’ Trainor, keyboardist Sarah ‘Surf’ Mitchell, drummer Mark ‘Maverick’ Black, and backing vocalist and percussionist Lucy ‘Luna’ Armstrong, they soon began making waves in the local music scene with their unique sound.

After some initial gigs at local pubs and small venues, they were discovered by music producer Jason Klein, who was captivated by their distinctive style and raw potential. Under his guidance, Blind Swim has released two albums, both of which have been critically acclaimed for their originality and creativity. They’ve garnered a significant following, with music lovers drawn to their fresh approach and powerful performances.

Genre:
Alternative Rock

Title:
“Riptide Romance”

Full Song Lyrics:

(V1)
[C] She’s a splash of heaven, [G] My tide of desire,
[Am] Rolling like a riptide, [F] Setting my heart on fire,
[C] We danced under moonlight, [G] Shared secrets in the sand,
[Am] Lost in a riptide romance, [F] In our seaside wonderland.

(Chorus)
[G] Riptide Romance, [C] Oceans apart,
[Am] You’ve got the current, [F] That pulls at my heart,
[G] Riptide Romance, [C] Lost in the sea,
[Am] Drifting in your love, [F] Is where I want to be.

(V2)
[C] Waves crashed around us, [G] Underneath the starlit sky,
[Am] Your touch was electric, [F] No need to wonder why,
[C] We swayed to the rhythm, [G] Of the endless sea,
[Am] Caught up in a riptide romance, [F] Just you and me.

(Chorus)
[G] Riptide Romance, [C] Oceans apart,
[Am] You’ve got the current, [F] That pulls at my heart,
[G] Riptide Romance, [C] Lost in the sea,
[Am] Drifting in your love, [F] Is where I want to be.

Favorite Fan Testimonial:
Melinda ‘Mel’ Stevens has followed Blind Swim since their first gig at an underground Brooklyn bar. She’s been an avid fan, attending every concert and even runs a fan blog dedicated to the band. ‘Blind Swim is my favorite because they’re not like your traditional alternative rock band. Their lyrics tell a story, their music makes you feel something profound. “Riptide Romance” is my favorite song because it speaks of a love that is as intense and unpredictable as the ocean. Their music is a journey, and I’m more than willing to ride the tide with them.’

Backstory:
Medical Content was born out of a medical school’s anatomy lab in Boston, Massachusetts, when four ambitious students discovered their shared love for music while dissecting cadavers. The band was born in 2010, after they ironically named themselves Medical Content due to their shared educational background and their seemingly unquenchable thirst for creating musical content. Each member brought their varying musical tastes to the table, resulting in a unique sound that quickly resonated with listeners around the campus, then with the city, and eventually went viral on several online platforms.

By day, they were ambitious medical students, by night, they were passionate musicians. The four band members, lead vocalist and pianist Dr. David “Dave” Thompson, guitarist Dr. Sarah “Sassy” Mitchell, bassist Dr. Benjamin “Ben” Lee, and drummer Dr. Michael “Mike” Johnson, have managed to balance their medical careers with their musical aspirations, creating an inspiring blend of dedication, discipline, and creativity.

Genre:
Alternative Rock/Pop Punk

Title:
“Anatomy of the Heart”

Full song lyrics:

Verse 1 (Em – G – D – A):
In the cold, sterile room, where we met (Em – G)
Underneath the bright, fluorescent light’s net (D – A)
We learned about the arteries and veins (Em – G)
And you stole my heart, adding love to my brains (D – A)

Chorus (C – G – D – Em):
Anatomy of the heart, it’s more than just a chart (C – G)
You showed me love is an art, tearing me apart (D – Em)
Anatomy of the heart, we’re more than body parts (C – G)
In this world that’s so tart, you’re my sweetheart (D – Em)

Verse 2:
In the halls of the school, where we walked side by side (Em – G)
Learning lessons of life, in love we confide (D – A)
We stitched up our dreams, with sutures so fine (Em – G)
With you, I learned the rhythm, the perfect life line (D – A)

Repeat Chorus

Bridge (Bm – A – G):
Here in this world of scalpels and scrubs (Bm – A)
We found a melody, in the midst of medical clubs (G)

Outro:
Anatomy of the heart, it’s more than just a chart (C – G)
You showed me love is an art, from the start (D – Em)
Anatomy of the heart, we’re more than body parts (C – G)
In this world, you’re my sweetheart (D – Em)

Fan Testimonial:
Fan’s name: Amy Wilson
“I literally can’t describe how much I love Medical Content. As a medical student, it feels like they speak my language. Their songs are not just catchy, they feel personal. ‘Anatomy of the Heart’ is my favorite, it perfectly depicts the struggle of balancing passion and profession. Medical Content is my stress reliever after long hours of studying and they inspire me every day. They are a unique blend of intellect and rhythm, making them my favorite band of all time.”

Backstory:
Quixotic Assurance came together in 2018, in the bustling city of Austin, Texas. The band members met in a local bar during an open mic night, when they recognized in each other a shared love for music that was unique, eclectic, and a bit out of the ordinary. Lead vocalist, Catrina, was a blues singer with a knack for storytelling, while guitarist, Jake, was a jazz enthusiast. Bassist, Mose, had roots in bluegrass, and drummer, Finn, was steeped in classic rock. Despite their different backgrounds, they found common ground in their collective desire to create something new and exciting. The band quickly became a fixture in the Austin music scene, drawing in crowds with their unique blend of genres and their undeniable chemistry on stage.

Genre:
Quixotic Assurance’s sound is a distinct fusion of blues, jazz, bluegrass, and rock. Their music is characterized by their innovative songwriting, soulful vocals, and intricate, layered instrumentals.

Title:
“Reality’s Mirage”

Full Song Lyrics:

[Verse 1]
E A
In the silence of the evening,
B7 E
Underneath the moon’s soft glow.
E A
I find myself just dreaming,
B7 E
Of a place I used to know.

[Chorus]
A E
Reality’s mirage, a distant collage,
B7 E
Of faces, places, lost in time.
A E
Underneath the stars, with these old guitars,
B7 E
We’ll make it ours, line by line.

[Verse 2]
E A
The city lights, they flicker,
B7 E
While the night begins to wane.
E A
In the quiet, I can picture,
B7 E
A past I can’t regain.

[Chorus]
A E
Reality’s mirage, a distant collage,
B7 E
Of faces, places, lost in time.
A E
Underneath the stars, with these old guitars,
B7 E
We’ll make it ours, line by line.

Favorite Fan:

Sarah McCallister is a devoted fan of Quixotic Assurance. “Their music is like nothing I’ve ever heard before,” she says. “There’s something so fresh about it, and yet it feels familiar, too. It’s like they’ve managed to capture the essence of all my favorite genres and blend it into something entirely new. Plus, their live performances are absolutely mesmerizing. I’ve been to every one of their shows in Austin. Quixotic Assurance isn’t just a band to me; they’re a source of inspiration and a reminder of the power of music to bring people together. I can’t wait to see where their journey takes them next.”

Backstory:
Flustered Accident is the product of a serendipitous meeting between five university dropouts. The band, a brainchild of lead vocalist and guitarist Nick Larson and drummer David “Dino” Green, was formed in the basement of a dingy downtown apartment in Austin, Texas. They had a shared passion for creating music that pushed boundaries, and both had stories to tell. Two years after their meeting, they were joined by bassist Joe Hart, keyboardist Lilly Van and lead guitarist Mike Harlow. This group of talented misfits bonded over their shared struggles, dreams, and above all, their love for music, resulting in a unique sound and a bond that is evident in their performances.

Genre:
Alternative Rock

Title:
“Chaos in Serenity”

Full Song Lyrics:
(Verse 1)
[G] Walked down the [D] alley, drowned in the [Em] rain,
[C] Chasing the [G] shadows, ignoring the [Am] pain.
[G] Found a lost [D] melody, in the [Em] heart of the city,
[C] In the midst of [G] chaos, found my [Am] serenity.

(Chorus)
[G] Chaos in [D] serenity, [Em] Lost but now I’m free,
[C] In this confusion, [G] found my [D] melody,
[G] Chaos in [D] serenity, [Em] Love’s sweet felony,
[C] In this illusion, [G] you’re my [D] reality.

(Verse 2)
[G] Painted the [D] skyline, with shades of [Em] grey,
[C] Drifted on [G] music, as night stole the [Am] day.
[G] Amidst the [D] noise, heard a [Em] silent plea,
[C] Found my [G] peace in the [Am] heart of the city.

(Chorus)
[G] Chaos in [D] serenity, [Em] Broken yet so free,
[C] In this delusion, [G] found my [D] symphony,
[G] Chaos in [D] serenity, [Em] Life’s sweet irony,
[C] In this confusion, [G] you’re my [D] destiny.

The Band’s favorite fan:
Flustered Accident’s favorite fan is a lady named Sarah Thompson. Sarah discovered Flustered Accident during one of their early gigs in a small Austin bar. She instantly fell in love with their raw energy and authentic, heartfelt music. Sarah has been their most consistent supporter, attending every concert since that fateful night.

Sarah’s Testimonial:
“Flustered Accident isn’t just a band; it’s a movement, a voice for those who struggle to express themselves. Their songs resonate with my life experiences, making me feel understood and less alone. They’ve cheered me up on my worst days and have been the soundtrack to some of the best moments of my life. They are, without a doubt, my favorite band. Their music speaks to my soul and for that, I will always be their number one fan.”

Backstory:
Defiant Afternoon was born out of a desire for expression, rebellion, and the raw passion of youth. The band was founded in the late 1990s by front man, Liam Stewart, and his high school friends, drummer, Josh Greene, and bassist, Sammy King. They started out playing in their parents’ garages, driven by a shared love of music and a desire to escape from the monotony of their suburban lives. They gained popularity in the local scene with their energetic live performances and mouthwatering punk rock aesthetics. As they honed their craft, they attracted the attention of indie record label, Amplify Records, and began their journey to stardom. Defiant Afternoon is known for their edgy sound, poetic lyrics, and unapologetic stage presence.

Genre:
Punk Rock

Title:
“Shadows in the Sunlight”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
[G] Underneath the [D] sun painted [Em] sky,
[C] We find our [G] hearts and [D] let them fly.
[G] Tangled up in [D] youth’s sweet [Em] lie,
[C] In the defiant [G] afternoon, we [D] sigh.

(Chorus)
[C] Shadows in the [G] sunlight, [D] dreams held tight.
[Em] Singing out our [C] hearts, lost in the [D] night.
[C] We are the [G] lost, we are the [D] found,
[Em] In the defiant [C] afternoon, we [D] are unbound.

(Verse 2)
[G] Echoes of our [D] laughter fill [Em] the air,
[C] In this moment, [G] we’re without a [D] care.
[G] With the setting [D] sun, we [Em] declare,
[C] The defiant [G] afternoon, our [D] dare.

(Chorus)
[C] Shadows in the [G] sunlight, [D] lives ignite.
[Em] Underneath the [C] stars, we find our [D] fight.
[C] We are the [G] wild, we are the [D] sound,
[Em] In the defiant [C] afternoon, we [D] are found.

Favorite Fan:
Defiant Afternoon’s favorite fan is a girl named Emily Thompson. Emily has been an avid supporter of the band since their garage band days. Her testimony reveals her deep connection to the band’s music. “I’ve loved Defiant Afternoon since the first time I heard them play at our local venue. Their music, their energy, and their authenticity… it all speaks to me on a personal level. It’s like they’re putting words and chords to the whirlwind of feelings I myself can’t explain. They’re not just a band to me, they’re a lifeline. Each song feels like a defiant act of rebellion against all the things that hold us back. They keep me feeling brave, hopeful, and understood. Defiant Afternoon isn’t just my favorite band, they’re a part of who I am.”

Backstory:
Mundane Tax was formed in a basement in Seattle, Washington, during the winter of 2014. The original members, college roommates named Harrison Barker and Seth Tiller, had a mutual love for music and a shared disdain for the mundanity of their accounting classes. With Tiller on the drums and Barker on the guitar and vocals, they began creating songs exploring themes of everyday life, bureaucracy, and the human condition. The band’s unique name was inspired by their thought that paying taxes was one of the most mundane, yet inevitable aspects of life. After the addition of bassist Elle Sanderson and keyboardist Greg Philips in 2016, Mundane Tax was ready to take their unique sound and thought-provoking lyrics to the world.

Genre:
Alternative Rock/ Indie Rock

Title:
“Pencil Pusher’s Lament”

Song Lyrics:
Verse 1: [C G Am F]
Pencil pusher’s lament, in a world that’s bent,
Stuck in a cubicle, dreams of the incredible,
Siftin’ through numbers all day, Oh, there’s got to be a better way.

Chorus: [F G C Am]
Oh, mundane tax, you’ve got our backs,
In a world so complex, you give us context,
Oh, mundane tax, you’ve got our backs,
From nine to five, you keep us alive.

Verse 2: [C G Am F]
Staring at the screen, wonderin’ what it all means,
Days turn into years, drowning in this sea of fears,
Lost in the digits and the facts, yearning for the joy that lacks.

Chorus: [F G C Am]
Oh, mundane tax, you’ve got our backs,
In a world so complex, you give us context,
Oh, mundane tax, you’ve got our backs,
From nine to five, you keep us alive.

Bridge: [Em Am Dm G]
Life’s more than numbers, more than a grind,
Need to break free, need to unwind,
Oh, won’t somebody please, please unwind.

Chorus: [F G C Am]
Oh, mundane tax, you’ve got our backs,
In a world so complex, you give us context,
Oh, mundane tax, you’ve got our backs,
From nine to five, you keep us alive.

Fan Testimonial:
Mundane Tax’s favorite fan is Sarah Thompson. An office worker from their hometown of Seattle, Sarah identified deeply with their music, especially “Pencil Pusher’s Lament”. She says, “I’ve never found a band that understands the monotony and existential dread of everyday office work like Mundane Tax does. They’ve taken this shared experience and turned it into something that’s not only relatable but also beautifully artistic. Their music is a much-needed escape from the daily grind.”

Backstory:

Silver Funeral was born in the heart of the Manchester music scene during the late 90s. The band members, frontman Leo Gray, guitarist Jax Stone, bassist Martin “Marv” Green, and drummer Ronny “Rusty” Smith, lived together in a decrepit old house on the outskirts of the city. They were all outcasts, misfits, and dreamers, drawn together by a shared love of music and a burning desire to escape their mundane lives. Their band name, Silver Funeral, was a reflection of their paradoxical view of life – finding beauty in sadness and turning pain into art.

In the early days, Silver Funeral focused on writing and rehearsing their own songs in their makeshift garage studio. They played in any local pubs and clubs that would have them, earning a reputation for their intense, emotive performances. Their big break came when they were spotted by a record company talent scout at one of their gigs. Since then, they’ve released three critically acclaimed albums and toured all over the world.

Genre:

Silver Funeral’s music can be best described as melancholic alternative rock with a dash of gothic undertones.

Title:

“Echoes of Yesterday”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1: Aminor Eminor Cmajor Dmajor)
In the shadows of the night, beneath the silver moon,
Walking down the narrow path, tracing echoes of yesterday.
Seas of memories wash ashore, whispers of a tune,
The melody of our love, now a lullaby in decay.

(Chorus: Gmajor Dmajor Cmajor Aminor)
Oh, echoes of yesterday, won’t you fade away?
Leave me in my solitude, let me face the brand-new day.
Oh, echoes of yesterday, haunting in a cruel ballet,
Dancing in my mind, a silver funeral on display.

(Verse 2: Aminor Eminor Cmajor Dmajor)
Through the looking glass of time, I see your ghostly smile,
In every corner of this room, in every tear I’ve cried.
A portrait painted in despair, a love lost in exile,
Your silver funeral in my heart, a void so vast and wide.

(Repeat Chorus)

(Outro: Aminor Eminor Cmajor)
Oh, echoes of yesterday, a haunting serenade,
In this silver funeral, I find myself betrayed.

Fan’s Favorite Testimonial:

“I’m Lydia, and Silver Funeral is my lifeline. Their music speaks directly to my soul. Their haunting melodies and profound lyrics perfectly encapsulate the human experience. Whether I’m feeling ecstatic or down in the dumps, I always turn to Silver Funeral. Their song, ‘Echoes of Yesterday,’ in particular, is my anthem. It’s like they’ve taken my deepest emotions and translated them into a song. I saw them live last year, and it was the best night of my life. I felt connected to them and everyone there. It’s a feeling I’ll never forget. Long live Silver Funeral!”

Backstory:

Hilarious Team, an unexpected blend of misfits, came together in the bustling city of New York after a chance meeting at a local comedy club. The band consists of former accountant turned bassist, Leonard “Len” Darling; stand-up comedian and lead guitarist, Mike “Mikey” O’Donnell; barista and vivacious vocalist, Jane “Janie” Rogers, and quiet bookstore owner and drummer, Sam “Sammy” Lawson. They formed the band originally as a joke, a way to blow off steam and kill time but soon recognized they had a chemistry that was impossible to ignore, and music that audiences loved.

The band’s performances stood out due to their unique blend of humor infused within their songs. In a short span of time, they gained immense popularity in the local scene, breaking down the barriers between comedy and music, bringing their audience a unique experience that keeps them laughing and grooving all night.

Genre:

Comedy Rock

Title:

“Laugh Track”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
[C] I was walking down the [G] street,
[A] Tripped on my own two [F] feet.
[C] People started to [G] stare,
[A] I pretended not to [F] care.

(Chorus)
[G] Oh, life is a [C] laugh track,
[D] Even when you fall flat.
[G] Pick yourself up, [C] dust away,
[A] Laugh it off, it’s just [D] another day.

(Verse 2)
[C] I tried to make some [G] toast,
[A] Ended up with charcoal [F] roast.
[C] Smoke alarm starts to [G] ring,
[A] I start to [F] laugh and sing.

(Chorus)
[G] Because life is a [C] laugh track,
[D] Even when you’re off track.
[G] Keep your head up, [C] don’t dismay,
[A] Laugh it off, it’s just [D] another day.

(Bridge)
[F] Find the humor in the [C] chaos,
[D] It’s the only way to [G] play us.
[F] Keep the blues at [C] bay,
[D] With a laugh track, we’ll [G] find our way.

(Chorus)
[G] Yes, life is a [C] laugh track,
[D] Even when you’re under attack.
[G] Stand tall and [C] say,
[A] Laugh it off, it’s just [D] another day.

(Outro)
[C] So keep laughing in the [G] rain,
[A] Through the joy and the [F] pain.
[C] Because life is a [G] comedy,
[A] And we’re the Hilarious [F] Team.

Favorite Fan:

Sarah Briggs, a New Yorker, has been their most ardent fan from day one. She describes Hilarious Team as, “A tonic for the soul, a refuge from the mundane. Their music makes me laugh, dance, and forget about my worries. It’s like being invited to the most fun party where everyone is real and relatable. Their songs have become my daily anthems, and I wouldn’t have it any other way. Hilarious Team isn’t just a band for me; they are family.”

Backstory:
Helpless Tour is a band born out of the shared love of music by four friends – Jack, Oliver, Leo, and Ethan. They met at an open mic night in their hometown of San Francisco in 2010 and discovered their mutual passion for creating music that’s raw, emotional, and authentic. They decided to form a band and spent countless hours in their garage, rehearsing tirelessly to perfect their sound. After several years of performing at local venues, they got their breakthrough in 2015 when they were spotted by a record executive who loved their unique sound and offered them a record deal. Since then, they’ve been touring worldwide, bringing their music to fans all over the globe.

Genre:
Alternative Rock

Title:
“Lost in the Echo”

Song Lyrics:

[Verse 1]
Am G F
Walking the edge of time,
C G Am
Caught in the echoes of my mind,
F G C Am
Can’t shake the feeling, don’t know why,
D F G
I’m lost in the echoes of our goodbye.

[Chorus]
G Am F C
Through the smoke, I see your face,
D G Am
A memory I can’t erase,
F G C Am
I’m just a ghost in this old place,
D F G
Lost in the echoes, lost in the space.

[Verse 2]
Am G F
Turn the page, a silent sigh,
C G Am
In the echoes, your voice resides,
F G C Am
A shattered mirror, a broken rhyme,
D F G
I’m lost in the echoes, lost in time.

(Repeat Chorus)

[Bridge]
Dm Am G
In the echoes, I find,
F G Am
Pieces of you left behind,
Dm Am G
In the silence, I hear,
F G Am
Your voice, so crystal clear.

(Repeat Chorus)

[Bridge]
Dm Am G
In the echoes, I roam,
F G Am
A wanderer, without a home,
Dm Am G
In the echoes, I’m forever bound,
F G Am
In the echoes, I’m forever found.

(Repeat Chorus)

Fan Name:
Emily Johnson

Testimonial:
“Helpless Tour is more than just a band to me. Their music speaks to me on a personal level, resonating with my emotions at every turn. ‘Lost in the Echo’ particularly hits home for me. It’s a melodic reflection of lost love and longing that I connected with instantly. The raw emotion in their voice, the lyrics, the melody, everything about this band just feels so authentic and genuine. Helpless Tour isn’t just my favorite band; it’s a part of who I am.”