Backstory:
Witty Matter originated in the heart of San Francisco’s bustling and eclectic music scene. It all started when lead vocalist and songwriter, Alex Raine, stumbled upon drummer, Jordan Sayer, performing a solo drumming act in a little known underground club. Intrigued by Sayer’s rhythm and energy, Raine introduced himself, and the pair instantly hit it off. They soon recruited bassist, Cammie St Claire, a music school dropout with a passion for experimental sounds, and guitarist, Damien Pierce, known for his impressive fingerstyle technique. Despite their diverse musical backgrounds, they found a unique common ground, leading to the formation of Witty Matter.

The band’s rise to fame was a slow burn. They spent their early days performing in small clubs, gradually building up a dedicated fan base drawn to their unique sound and compelling lyrics. Their breakthrough came with the release of their debut album “Paradox Echo”, which gained widespread critical acclaim for its innovative approach to music.

Genre:
Alternative Rock with a hint of Electronic Synth Pop.

Title:
“Stardust Lullaby”

Full Song Lyrics:
(Verse 1)
[G]Look into the cosmic sea, [Em] a universe in mystery.
[C] Floating in a stardust dream, [D] unraveling reality.
[G]We’re just a fragment of time, [Em] spun on a celestial line.
[C] Our existence so divine, [D] beautifully undefined.

(Chorus)
[G]Sing me a stardust lullaby, [Em] under the diamond-studded sky.
[C] Let your voice be my guide, [D] through the echoes of the night.
[G]We are but a grain of sand, [Em] in the palm of a grander hand.
[C] Let the music take command, [D] in the melody of our land.

(Verse 2)
[G]Blazing through the cosmic night, [Em] a journey beyond the human sight.
[C] In the echo of the twilight, [D] we find the meaning of our fight.
[G]We are whispers in the wind, [Em] a story yet to be penned.
[C] In the symphony of time, [D] we find our stardust blend.

(Chorus)
[G]Sing me a stardust lullaby, [Em] under the diamond-studded sky.
[C] Let your voice be my guide, [D] through the echoes of the night.
[G]We are but a grain of sand, [Em] in the palm of a grander hand.
[C] Let the music take command, [D] in the melody of our land.

Band’s Favorite Fan:
Our favorite fan is undoubtedly Molly Harper. A librarian by profession, Molly has been with us since our early club days. She’s not just a fan; she became a part of our journey, our music, and our story.

Testimonial:
“Witty Matter isn’t just a band to me; they’re a beacon of creativity, their music a tapestry of deep thoughts and emotions. Each song feels like a conversation, a doorway into the complexities of life and the universe. Their lyrics make you think, their music makes you feel, and together they create an experience that’s more than just a melody. They’ve become a part of my life’s soundtrack, a harmonic echo in my personal journey. They’re not just a band; they’re artists painting the canvas of sound with their musical colors.” – Molly Harper.

Backstory:

Brilliant Mine was born out of the dreams of four childhood friends from Tacoma, Washington. Evan Rivers on vocals and guitar, Daniel Starks on bass, Ronald “Ronny” Kemp on drums, and Maureen “Mo” Keller on keyboard and backing vocals, were brought together by their mutual love for music and a shared dream of making it big in the industry. Armed with garage-band musical prowess, they began performing in local venues and quickly gained a reputation for their unique sound. Their friendship, coupled with a shared passion for music, fueled their creativity and allowed them to produce songs that appealed to a wide range of music lovers.

Genre:
Indie Rock

Title:
“Shimmering Shadows”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
Em G
Lost in the echoes,
D A
Of our shimmering shadows,
Em G
In the faint moonlight,
D A
We’re dancing dynamite.

(Chorus)
C G
Shimmering shadows,
Am Em
In the night’s hollows,
C G
We paint the town red,
Am Em
With the songs we’ve bled.

(Verse 2)
Em G
Through the city’s veins,
D A
We chase our gains,
Em G
In the breaking dawn,
D A
Our youth is drawn.

(Chorus)
C G
Shimmering shadows,
Am Em
In the night’s hollows,
C G
We paint the town red,
Am Em
With the songs we’ve bled.

(Bridge)
F C G
In the whispers of the wind,
F C G
We find our hearts pinned,
F C G
To the rhythm of the streets,
F C G
Where our destiny greets.

(Chorus)
C G
Shimmering shadows,
Am Em
In the night’s hollows,
C G
We paint the town red,
Am Em
With the songs we’ve bled.

Outro:
Em G D A
In the shimmering shadows, we’re indefinitely wed.

Fan Favorite:

Jake Harrison – “Brilliant Mine is more than just a band to me. Their music speaks to me on a level no other band has ever reached. Every song feels like a piece of my own story that they’ve somehow put into words and melodies. Each lyric resonates with me; every chord progression moves me. From their raw energy to their relatable themes, Brilliant Mine is my favorite band because their music has not just shaped my taste, but also been a companion through various stages of my life. ‘Shimmering Shadows’ in particular saved me during a particularly tough time. It’s more than just music – it’s an emotional lifeline.”

Backstory:
Villainous Spark formed during the late winter of 2016 when five close friends from high school decided to transform their shared love for music into a concrete passion project. The band members – Smith, Raymond, Casey, Jenna, and Orville – found solace and escape in their basement jam sessions which later transformed into full-blown concerts over time. In the beginning, they were little more than a garage band, but they quickly gained a loyal following in their local community for their unique sound. The band’s name, Villainous Spark, was coined by Smith for its paradoxical representation of their bad-boy exterior coupled with the electrifying performances and soulful tunes they delivered.

Genre:
Alternatives Rock

Title:
“Shadows of the Night”

Full Song Lyrics:
(Verse 1)
(G)Underneath the (Em)pale moonlight,
(C)Falling stars (D)ignite the night,
(G)In the shadows, we’re (Em)hidden from sight,
(C)Playing our music, (D)starting the fight.

(Chorus)
(G)Shadows of the (Em)night, we’re not afraid,
(C)With the rhythm in our veins, the (D)world we invade,
(G)Echoes of rebellion, (Em)never to fade,
(C)With every wild chord, a (D)legacy is made.

(Verse 2)
(G)Against the tide, (Em)we begin to rise,
(C)In the heart of darkness, (D)we find the prize,
(G)With every beat, (Em)a new surprise,
(C)In the echoes of the night, (D)our music lies.

(Chorus)
(G)Shadows of the (Em)night, we’re not afraid,
(C)With the rhythm in our veins, the (D)world we invade,
(G)Echoes of rebellion, (Em)never to fade,
(C)With every wild chord, a (D)legacy is made.

Fan Name:
Lily

Testimonial:
“There’s something about Villainous Spark that really resonates with me. Their music has this electric energy that makes me feel alive. I’ve been a huge fan of alternative rock for years, but there’s something special about the way Villainous Spark blends grit and soul. The first time I heard ‘Shadows of the Night,’ I felt this incredible adrenaline rush. It’s like their music speaks to the rebel in me. I’ve seen them live and their performances are just as electrifying. They put their heart and soul into every song, and it’s evident in their music.”

Backstory:

Polished Survival is an eclectic fusion of five musicians who met while studying at the prestigious Julliard School of Music. The band was formed in 2013, when lead vocalist, Jackson “Jax” Harper, teamed up with guitarist, Lenny “Fingers” Davis, drummer, Stanley “Slam” Thompson, bassist, Oliver “Ollie” West, and keyboardist, Fiona “Feathers” Kim. From their first informal jam session in a small New York City apartment, they realized their shared love for music that pushes boundaries and breaks conventions. Since then, Polished Survival has been creating music that resonates with the struggles and triumphs of the human spirit.

The band gained prominence in 2015 with their debut album, ‘Born Again,’ which was critically acclaimed for its raw energy and emotional honesty. The band’s name, ‘Polished Survival,’ is a metaphor for their journey as artists and as individuals – a testament to their ability to survive and prosper amidst the challenges of the music industry and life in general.

Genre: Progressive Rock

Title: “Fractured Reflections”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
Em G
Mirrors on the wall, shadows start to fall,
D A
I see a face that’s not mine at all.
Em G
In this fractured reflection, I see my resurrection,
D A
I’m not the same, I’m a new creation.

(Chorus)
C G D
Fractured Reflections, tell me who you are,
Em A C
A silhouette of dreams, a shooting star.
C G D
In this broken mirror, I see clearer,
Em A C
Fractured Reflections, make me stronger.

(Verse 2)
Em G
Through shards of glass, I see the past,
D A
A ghost of me, fading fast.
Em G
In this cracked illusion, I find my resolution,
D A
I’m not the same, I’m evolution.

(Chorus)
C G D
Fractured Reflections, tell me who you are,
Em A C
A silhouette of dreams, a shooting star.
C G D
In this broken mirror, I see clearer,
Em A C
Fractured Reflections, make me stronger.

The band’s favorite fan’s name: Danny “Dee” Thompson

Testimonial: “As a lifelong fan of progressive rock, I’ve been following Polished Survival since their first album. Their music resonates with me on so many levels because it’s not just about intricate melodies and rhythms, it’s about raw human emotion. The band’s name perfectly encapsulates their attitude towards life and their music. ‘Fractured Reflections’ in particular, has become my anthem – it’s about finding strength and identity in the face of adversity. And that’s why Polished Survival is my favorite band – they make music that speaks to the heart and soul.”

Backstory:
Angry Crowd was formed in the dull suburbs of Manchester, England, in the late 1990s. It began as a quartet of high school buddies who shared a deep resentment for the mundane monotony of their daily lives and a mutual love for music. With Jack on vocals, Ronnie on drums, Lu on guitar, and Henry on the bass, they decided to channel their frustrations into music, and thus, Angry Crowd was born. They started out playing in their garages, school events, and local pubs, gradually gaining a local following before finally being discovered by a record label executive during one of their electrifying pub gigs.

Genre:
Angry Crowd is an energetic Punk Rock band with a fusion of grunge and garage rock elements. Their music is loud, raw, and filled with the angst and frustration of youth, resonating with their fans who are looking for an outlet for their own pent-up emotions.

Title:
Their hit single is titled “Rage Against Complacency”.

Full Song Lyrics:
(Verse 1)
[G] Late nights, [D] empty fights,
[A] Pushing through the city [C] lights
[G] Feel the pressure, [D] feel the heat,
[A] Our hearts are pounding to the [C] beat.

(Chorus)
[G] Rage against complacency, [D] fight the silent enemy,
[A] We are more than [C] just the crowd,
[G] Angry and [D] loud, we [A] won’t be [C] kept down!

(Verse 2)
[G] Dreams trapped, [D] wings wrapped,
[A] In a world that’s [C] overlapped.
[G] Time’s ticking, [D] we can’t wait,
[A] We won’t surrender to [C] this fate.

(Chorus)
[G] Rage against complacency, [D] fight the silent enemy,
[A] We are more than [C] just the crowd,
[G] Angry and [D] loud, we [A] won’t be [C] kept down!

Favorite Fan:
Their most ardent fan is called Molly. Molly first heard Angry Crowd during a local pub gig, and she was immediately captivated by their raw energy and truthful lyrics. In her testimonial, she states, “Angry Crowd has a way of capturing the trials of everyday life and transforming them into something that feels empowering. Their music is an anthem for anyone who’s ever felt trapped or frustrated, and it’s helped me through some of my toughest times. They’re more than just a band for me, they’re a lifeline.”

Backstory:
Prize Shape was formed in the vibrant music scene of Nashville, Tennessee, in the spring of 2015. The band consists of childhood friends, guitarist and lead vocalist Noah Clarke, drummer Ethan Stone, and bassist Kyle Harper. They met in the third grade and started playing in the school’s music room during recess, which eventually led them to form Prize Shape. The name ‘Prize Shape’ was inspired by a phrase their music teacher often used, describing a perfect musical composition as a ‘prize shape’.

As they matured, so did their music, culminating in a unique sound of their own. Prize Shape has managed to maintain their friendship through their shared love and passion for music. Their joint experiences and struggles in life, love, and finding their place in the world are all elements that influence their songwriting and lyrics.

Genre:
Alternative Rock/Indie

Title:
“Shadow Dance”

Full song lyrics:

(Verse 1)
[C] Look into the night, [G] can’t control the flight,
[Am] Drown in my thoughts, [F] in the shadow’s light.
[C] Trying to find a way, [G] words I couldn’t say,
[Am] Trapped in the maze, [F] of the shadow’s play.

(Chorus)
[G] Shadow Dance, [Am] Shadow Dance, [F] let us take a chance,
[C] In the dark we sway, [G] in the Shadow Dance. [Am]

(Verse 2)
[C] Echoes in the mind, [G] memories unwind,
[Am] Searching for the truth, [F] that’s hard to find.
[C] Caught in the embrace, [G] of the night’s grace,
[Am] We’re just souls, [F] lost in space.

(Chorus)
[G] Shadow Dance, [Am] Shadow Dance, [F] in this mystic romance,
[C] In the rhythm we play, [G] in the Shadow Dance. [Am]

Bands favorite fan’s name and testimonial:
Name: Sophie Turner

Testimonial: “Prize Shape is not just a band to me, they are a beacon of emotions. Their lyrics speak to my soul, and their music perfectly encapsulates the rollercoaster of life. Every chord they strike, every word Noah sings, it’s like they’re telling my story. Prize Shape has helped me through some of the toughest times of my life, their music has been my comfort and my strength. They don’t just create songs, they create experiences.”

Backstory:
Focused Sympathy began as the union of two college roommates, Jack Finley and Bryan Adams, who found common ground in their passion for music while attending the University of California, Los Angeles. Jack, an accomplished guitarist, was studying music production, while Bryan, a talented vocalist and songwriter, pursued creative writing. The synergy between the two was undeniable. They began performing at local bars and campus events, impressing audiences with their heartfelt songs and distinctive sound. In 2015, they added drummer Lisa Torres, bassist Mark Owens, and keyboardist Jenny Harper to the lineup, creating the full sound that has become their signature.

Genre:
Alternative Rock

Title:
“Thread of Compassion”

Full Song Lyrics:
Verse 1:
[A] Wandering hearts on a [E] lonely night
[D] Searching for the [A] echo of a passing light
[A] Lost in the whispers of a [E] forgotten dream
[D] Craving for the [A] love that remains unseen

Chorus:
[E] We are the threads of [A] compassion
[D] Tying the hearts of the [E] broken and shaken
[E] In the rhythm of [A] focused sympathy
[D] We find our shared [E] humanity

Verse 2:
[A] Shadows of the past, [E] dancing in our minds
[D] We bear the burdens, but [A] we don’t mind
[A] For in each tear, a story [E] unfolds
[D] In every sorrow, a strength [A] we hold

(Repeat Chorus)

Bridge:
[D] When the night is darkest, [A] we will be the stars
[E] Guiding each other, no matter [D] how far
[D] With the melody of kindness, [A] we will rise
[E] With focused sympathy, we’ll [D] light up the skies

(Repeat Chorus)

Outro:
[D] We are the threads of [E] compassion
[A] In focused sympathy, we find [D] salvation

Fan Testimonial:
Fan’s name: Sara Johnson

“I’ve been a fan of Focused Sympathy since their first album. The band’s music resonates with me on a deeply personal level. Their song ‘Thread of Compassion’ particularly struck a chord, as I was going through a tough time when I first heard it. The lyrics about shared humanity and taking solace in our collective experiences filled me with a sense of belonging and understanding. The band’s ability to channel raw emotions into beautiful music is truly unmatched. Focused Sympathy isn’t just my favorite band because their music is incredible—it’s because their music makes me feel seen, understood, and less alone.”

Backstory:
Grand Program came into existence in the late 90s when four high school friends, oblivious to the impending digital revolution, decided to combine their love for music and technology. The band members – Jack, a skilled guitarist with a knack for coding; Len, a drum enthusiast who could dismantle and reassemble a computer in the blink of an eye; Rose, with her angelic voice and love for video games; and Sam, a talented bassist who was also a software geek, began creating a unique sound in Jack’s basement.

After a few years of experimenting and playing at local gigs, they caught the attention of a small independent record label that loved their unique fusion style. They were signed on and have been producing groundbreaking music ever since, pushing boundaries and blending genres in a way that has kept their fan base growing steadily over the years.

Genre:
Electronic Rock

Title:
“Pixelated Dreams”

Full Song Lyrics:
(Verse 1)
[G] Wandering in the [Em] digital haze,
[C] Painting pictures of a [D] future ablaze.
[G] Binary codes and [Em] transistor gleams,
[C] Creating our [D] pixelated dreams.

(Chorus)
[G] We are the [Em] Grand Program,
[C] Singing to the [D] rhythm of the silicon jam.
[G] In a world that’s [Em] surreal and extreme,
[C] We live and [D] breathe pixelated dreams.

(Verse 2)
[G] Illuminated by the [Em] neon glow,
[C] Dancing to the [D] electronic flow.
[G] We weave tales in [Em] technicolor themes,
[C] Through our [D] pixelated dreams.

(Chorus)
[G] We are the [Em] Grand Program,
[C] Singing to the [D] rhythm of the silicon jam.
[G] In a world that’s [Em] surreal and extreme,
[C] We live and [D] breathe pixelated dreams.

Favorite Fan:
Maggie Thompson, a computer science student and music enthusiast, says, “Grand Program is my favorite band because they have accomplished something truly unique. They have managed to create a perfect blend of rock and electronic music that resonates with me on so many levels. As a tech geek myself, I feel a deeper connection with their lyrics. I love how they use tech terminology and concepts to create beautiful and meaningful songs like ‘Pixelated Dreams’. Their music speaks to me, inspires me, and makes me feel seen. Their sound is just so rich, textured, and perfectly balanced – it’s like they’ve encoded my heart with their music.”

Backstory:
Winding Market is a band born out of the small-but-mighty music scene in Asheville, North Carolina. The quartet originally came together while attending university, bonding over late-night jam sessions and a mutual love for intricate harmonies and dynamic melodies. The group of students, which included a botany major, a philosophy student, a sociology scholar, and a music theory enthusiast, found that their diverse backgrounds and viewpoints helped to create a rich and unique sound. After graduation, the group decided to take a leap of faith and pursue their shared passion for music full-time. They chose the name ‘Winding Market’ to symbolize their journey through the twists and turns of life and the music industry.

Genre:
Indie Folk Rock

Title:
“Rivers and Roads”

Full Song Lyrics:

[Verse 1]
(Am) Walkin’ through the (C) winding market, (G) heart all filled with (D) hope,
(Am) Picking out the (C) sweetest melodies, (G) like picking out a (D) cantaloupe.
(Am) We got our dreams, we (C) got our songs,
(G) All we need is a (D) place to belong.

[Chorus]
(E) Rivers and (A) roads, (C#m) sunsets and (B) songs,
(E) Guide us to (A) where we (C#m) truly belong, (B) yeah.

[Verse 2]
(Am) Strumming on that (C) old guitar, (G) writing ’bout the (D) open road,
(Am) Singing ’bout the (C) scars and the (G) stars, and the (D) tales yet to be told.
(Am) We got our words, we (C) got our rhymes,
(G) All we need is a (D) little more time.

[Chorus]
(E) Rivers and (A) roads, (C#m) sunsets and (B) songs,
(E) Lead us to (A) where we (C#m) truly belong, (B) yeah.

[Bridge]
(F#m) Drifting like a (D) leaf on the (A) wind,
(E) Life’s a journey, not (F#m) just a place to (D) fit in. (E)

[Chorus]
(E) Rivers and (A) roads, (C#m) sunsets and (B) songs,
(E) Take us to (A) where we (C#m) truly belong, (B) yeah.
(E) Rivers and (A) roads, (C#m) sunsets and (B) songs,
(E) Guide us home, (A) keep us strong, (C#m) and we’ll (B) keep moving along.

Favorite Fan:
Maya is a die-hard fan of Winding Market. Despite being a far cry from their origin in North Carolina, living in Seattle, she discovered their music online and was instantly captivated. Their thought-provoking lyrics and melodic sound resonated with her and became a source of comfort during tough times. She says, “Winding Market’s music has a way of transporting you to another world. Their lyrics are poetic, their tunes are catchy, and you can feel the passion they put into every song. It’s like they’re telling a story that’s uniquely theirs, yet it’s relatable on so many levels. Their music has helped me through some challenging times, and for that, they’ll always be my favorite band.”

Backstory:

Acceptable Amendment is a three-member band originating from the vibrant city of Austin, Texas. The trio includes childhood friends, Tom Robbins (vocals/guitar), Kevin Johnson (bass), and Harry Walker (drums). The band was formed in 2007 when the three friends, fresh out of college, decided to put their shared passion for music into action. Their bond strengthened over years of performing at local events, and soon enough, they were making waves in the music community, paving their way to national recognition.

The band’s rise to fame wasn’t overnight; rather, it was a story of sheer determination and hard work. Each of the members held day jobs to fund their music career, practicing into the early hours of the morning after their shifts. Their love for music and relentless spirit caught the attention of a prominent music producer during one of their local performances, who helped them break into the mainstream music industry.

Genre: Indie Rock

Song Title: “Strings of Freedom”

Lyrics with Chord Progression:

Verse 1: (C-G-Am)
In the silent shade of the hallowed night,
We found our songs under the city’s light,
With a beat-up guitar and a worn-out dream,
We’re the heroes of our little, infinite theme.

Chorus: (F-C-G)
(Chorus) We’re strumming on the strings of freedom,
Singing for souls, aiming at the kingdom,
With every note, every word, we’re on the mend,
We’re your Acceptable Amendment, till the end.

Verse 2: (C-G-Am)
Through the cheers and tears, we’ve played our part,
In the Symphony of life, every beat of the heart,
With the melody we weave, and the rhythm we send,
Stand by us, for we’ve stories to mend.

Chorus: (F-C-G)
We’re strumming on the strings of freedom,
Singing for souls, aiming at the kingdom,
With every note, every word, we’re on the mend,
We’re your Acceptable Amendment, till the end.

Fan’s Testimonial:

My name is Stephanie Clark, and I am probably the biggest fan of Acceptable Amendment. I first heard their music at a local festival in Austin, and they’ve had my heart since then. Their music resonates with me on a deeply personal level. It’s not just about the melodies, but the stories they tell through their lyrics. It’s like they are talking directly to me, telling me it’s okay to be different, to fight for what I believe in. They make me feel seen, understood, and most importantly, accepted. They’ve changed the way I see music and I am forever grateful for their impact on my life.