Backstory:

Bustling Elbow is a story of five friends, Chris, Jenna, Alex, Ben, and Sam, who met at their high school’s music club. Sharing a mutual passion for creating unique music, they decided to form a band. They chose the name ‘Bustling Elbow’ as an inside joke, referencing an incident at their first jam session where Ben accidentally knocked over some equipment with his elbow in the rush to start playing. Their shared sense of humor and eclectic musical tastes set the precedent for their success.

After finishing school, they worked in various other fields. However, their passion for music remained unwavering. They decided to reunite in 2014, and since then, Bustling Elbow’s journey has been nothing short of a rollercoaster ride. They started performing at local gigs and small music festivals, slowly building up a dedicated fanbase. Their breakout came in 2017 with their hit single “Tidal Wave,” which quickly climbed the charts, firmly establishing Bustling Elbow in the music industry.

Genre:

Indie Rock, Alternative

Title:

“Into the Wild”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
[G] Wandering under the [C] open sky,
[G] Chasing the dreams that [D] never die,
[G] We’re caught in a moment, [C] just you and I,
[G] Riding the wind, [D] ready to fly.

(Chorus)
[G] Into the wild, [C] we’re running free,
[G] Beyond the echoes, [D] where we’re meant to be,
[G] Breaking the chains, [C] we’re the key,
[G] Into the wild, [D] just you and me.

(Verse 2)
[G] As stars ignite the [C] midnight blue,
[G] We’re writing stories [D] only we knew,
[G] Whispering secrets [C] in echoes true,
[G] Dancing in shadows, [D] our spirit grew.

(Chorus)
[G] Into the wild, [C] we’re finding peace,
[G] Beyond the horizon, [D] where worries cease,
[G] We’re the dreamers, [C] we won’t decease,
[G] Into the wild, [D] we release.

Favorite Fan:

The band’s favourite fan is a woman named Sarah. Sarah first discovered Bustling Elbow at a small festival in 2015 and has followed them passionately ever since. She says, “Bustling Elbow isn’t just a band for me, they’re an experience. Every time they strum their guitars or hit the drums, they create magic. Their uniqueness and authenticity in the Indie Rock genre are unparalleled. They’ve been a constant source of inspiration for me. Their song ‘Into the Wild’ speaks directly to my wanderlust soul. It’s like they’ve seen into my heart and put my feelings into words. I feel like I’m a part of their journey and it’s been incredible to witness their growth. They are, and will always be, my favorite band!”

Backstory:
Witty Error, a group of four talented musicians, first came together in the bustling college town of Austin, Texas. The band was formed in 2015, when lead guitarist and vocalist, Jake Reynolds, met drummer, Miles Sullivan, in a local coffee shop where they began discussing their mutual passion for music. They soon teamed up with bassist, Lily Carmichael, and keyboardist, Ryan Douglas, and began creating music that would soon catch the attention of the local music scene.

These four musicians, all students at the University of Texas, started playing at small gigs around the Austin area, quickly catching the attention of the local music lovers. Their unique combination of sharp lyrics, compelling melodies, and vibrant stage presence earned them a rapidly growing fan base. With the support and love of their fans, the band released their debut album in 2018, which further established them as one of Austin’s most exciting new bands.

Genre:
Alternative Rock

Title:
“Broken Compass”

Full Song Lyrics:
(Verse 1)
Am G F C
Lost in the city of forgotten dreams,
Am G F C
Found a broken compass and a pair of jeans.
Am G F C
Lit up the night with a paper sun,
Am G F C
Running out of time, but we’ve only just begun.

(Chorus)
G Am F C
Broken compass, guide me home,
G Am F C
In the chaos, I feel alone.
G Am F C
Stars are falling, and we’re lost at sea,
G Am F C
Broken compass, bring me back to me.

(Verse 2)
Am G F C
Miles of highway under moonlit skies,
Am G F C
Chasing the dawn with sleepless eyes.
Am G F C
We’re burning bridges, starting fires,
Am G F C
Witty Error singing to the night’s desires.

(Chorus)
G Am F C
Broken compass, guide me home,
G Am F C
In the chaos, I feel alone.
G Am F C
Stars are falling, and we’re lost at sea,
G Am F C
Broken compass, bring me back to me.

Fan’s Name, Testimonial:
Meet the band’s favorite fan, Tim Reynolds. “Witty Error is more than just a band to me, it’s a lifestyle. Their lyrics speak directly to my heart, resonating with my feelings and experiences. The raw emotion they put into their performances shows their authenticity and passion for music. I fell in love with their song ‘Broken Compass’ the first time I heard it. The haunting melody and evocative lyrics perfectly capture the feeling of being lost and trying to find your way. This band is my favorite because they remind me that even in the darkest times, there’s always a glimmer of hope.”

Backstory:

Disfigured Landing formed in the sultry heart of Austin, Texas back in 2006. The four members, childhood friends Phillip “Flip” Taylor (lead vocals, guitar), Ronnie “Lockjaw” Williams (bass, vocals), Christopher “Topher” Lane (drums, vocals), and Reginald “Reggie” Patton (keys, vocals) were brought together by their shared love of music and a strong desire to make a mark on the vibrant Austin music scene. They started their journey playing in local bars and small venues, honing their skills and developing their unique sound. As the years passed, Disfigured Landing gradually began to build a dedicated following, drawn to their raw energy and emotional depth.

In 2010, Disfigured Landing was signed to a local independent record label, Jumping Jack Records. This opportunity provided them with the resources to produce their debut album, “Constellations on the Concrete”. The album was an instant success, catapulting them to national prominence and setting them on a path to becoming one of the most influential bands of the past decade.

Genre:

Alternative Rock/Indie Pop

Title:

“Chasing Shadows”

Chord Progression:
(Verse) Em, C, G, D
(Chorus) G, D, Em, C

Full Song Lyrics:

[Verse 1]
(Em)Wander through the (C)night,
(G)I’m looking for a (D)light,
(Em)In a city that’s been (C)swallowed whole by (G)shadow.(D)

(Em)Can’t shake this feeling (C)that,
(G)Something’s about to (D)crack,
(Em)As I walk these empty (C)streets with (G)no one to (D)follow.

[Chorus]
(G)Chasing shadows, (D)running in the dark,
(Em)Searching for a (C)spark,
(G)In the corners of this (D)ache inside my (Em)heart.(C)

(G)Chasing shadows, (D)lost within these walls,
(Em)Waiting for the (C)fall,
(G)But the shadows keep on (D)slipping (Em)through my (C)fingers.

Fan’s name:

David “Davy” Thompson

Testimonial:

“Disfigured Landing has an uncanny ability to evoke something raw and real in their music, in a way that few bands can. Their songs have been a source of comfort and strength for me in some of the most challenging times of my life. The honesty in their lyrics, the passion in their performances, and the depth of their music has resonated with me on a level that no other band has. They’re not just a band to me – they’re a lifeline. My favorite song, “Chasing Shadows”, speaks to me on a profound level. It’s about searching for something, for hope, in the midst of darkness and uncertainty. That’s a sentiment I can relate to deeply. I will forever be a Disfigured Landing fan.”

Backstory:

Absolute Opinion was born in the heart of Austin, Texas, a city known for its live music scene. The band members met in a rundown garage in the early 2000s, brought together by their shared love of music and their desire to make a difference in the world. Frontman Randy Johnson, bassist Liam Walker, drummer Sam Williams, and guitarist Noah Davis spent countless hours jamming together, their shared dreams and passions fuelling their music.

Their big break came during SXSW in 2003, when a music producer, enchanted by their raw energy and heartfelt lyrics, offered them a record deal. Since then, Absolute Opinion has been a staple in the alternative rock scene, their songs resonating with fans worldwide. They continue to make music that challenges societal norms and encourages their listeners to question everything.

Genre:
Alternative Rock

Title:
“Echoes of Rebellion”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
[Em] Walking down these [D] empty streets, [C] reality’s a [G] bitter taste,
[Em] Our dreams are [D] fading, lost in [C] the city’s [G] fast-paced race.
[Em] We’re screaming [D] out for change, but [C] only echoes [G] answer back,
[Em] In this world [D] of absolutes, it’s [C] courage that we [G] lack.

(Chorus)
[Em] In the echoes [D] of rebellion, [C] we find our [G] truth,
[Em] We’re not just [D] dreamers, we’re the [C] misunderstood [G] youth.
[Em] We will rise [D], break these chains, [C] let our voices [G] soar,
[Em] We’re Absolute [D] Opinion, hear our [C] battle [G] roar.

(Verse 2)
[Em] With every [D] strum, every beat, [C] we’re sounding our [G] alarm,
[Em] We won’t be [D] silenced, won’t let [C] this world cause [G] harm.
[Em] We’re not your [D] puppets, not your [C] toys to [G] control,
[Em] We’re the voices [D] of tomorrow, we’re the [C] rock and [G] roll.

(Repeat Chorus)

Favorite Fan:

Our favorite fan has to be Emily Taylor. Emily has been with us since our early days playing in rundown bars. She’s traveled across states to see us play and constantly supports us on social media. In her words, “Absolute Opinion is more than just a band to me. They’re a beacon of truth in a world full of lies. Their music helped me through some tough times. They preach about rebellion, self-expression, and freedom, and it’s a message I think everyone needs to hear. I’m proud to be their fan.” Emily, we couldn’t be more thankful for your unwavering support.

Backstory:
Actual Act was born in the lively and eclectic streets of Seattle, Washington in 2005. The band members, childhood friends Jordan Hastings and Leo Sinclair, decided to form the band after they graduated from high school and started working part-time jobs. They realized they shared not only a love for music but also a profound yearning to do something meaningful with their lives. They started writing songs and performing in local bars, juggling their dream with their day jobs. They faced their fair share of struggles, but their passion for music kept them going. Today, Actual Act boasts an impressive fan following and a discography that resonates with real life experiences.

Genre:
Alternative Rock

Title:
“Days in Reverie”

Full Song Lyrics:

[Verse 1]
Am (x2) G (x2) D (x2) F (x2)
Lost in the pathway of our dreams,
We’re wandering souls in silent screams.
Life’s a puzzle, and we’re finding our piece,
In the chaos, we find our peace.

[Chorus]
C (x2) G (x2) Am (x2) F (x2)
Days in reverie, nights in disguise,
In the mirror, we see the sunrise.
Hold on to the melody, let it set us free,
In the rhythm, we find our decree.

[Verse 2]
Am (x2) G (x2) D (x2) F (x2)
Stripped of pretense and painted in hues,
We’re chasing shadows and paying our dues.
Through the heartaches, the love never dies,
In the music, our soul lies.

[Chorus]
C (x2) G (x2) Am (x2) F (x2)
Days in reverie, nights in disguise,
Underneath the starlit skies.
Hold on to the harmony, let it set us free,
In the music, we find our decree.

Favorite Fan:
The band’s favorite fan name is Emily. Emily, who works as a nurse, said, “Actual Act is more than just a band to me; they are a lifeline. Their music speaks to me on a level that nothing else can. The raw emotion and depth in their songs resonate with my experiences. ‘Days in Reverie,’ in particular, helps me unwind after long and stressful days at the hospital. Actual Act’s music is a balm for my soul, and I can’t thank them enough for creating such exceptional and heartfelt music.”

Backstory:
Formed in the eclectic mix of a college dormitory in 2014, Prize Liberation was born from a shared desire to make music that challenges, entertains, and liberates. The band’s original members, lead vocalist and songwriter Luke Marshall, drummer Dominic “Dom” Sanders, and bassist Mia Watson, met during their freshmen year at the University of California, Berkeley. Not long after, guitarist Sophia Martinez joined the group, completing the quartet. They bonded over their shared love for thought-provoking lyrics, unconventional melodies, and an insatiable desire to create something new and exciting.

Prize Liberation was initially a hobby, a way for these four friends to create and perform within the confines of their dorm rooms and the occasional college party. However, their unique sound quickly gained a following within the local scene and, before they knew it, they were being asked to open for established bands at local venues. Today, they remain committed to their roots, never forgetting the small college dorm where it all began.

Genre:
Alternative Rock / Indie Pop

Title:
“Vagrant Voices”

Full Song Lyrics:
(Verse 1)
(Em) On the streets that we used to roam,
(G) Underneath the moon’s silver comb,
(D) We found our stories, we found our home,
(A) In the heart of the vagrant voices.

(Verse 2)
(Em) Shadows dancing in the moonlit fray,
(G) Secrets whispered in the light of day,
(D) Lost in songs that we used to play,
(A) Echoing the vagrant voices.

(Chorus)
(C) We are the whispers on the (G) breeze,
(D) The rustling among the (A) trees,
(C) We are the echoes of the (G) seas,
(D) We are the (A) vagrant voices.

(Verse 3)
(Em) Tales etched into the walls of time,
(G) Fragments of truth wrapped in rhyme,
(D) A melody born of a distant chime,
(A) That’s the sound of vagrant voices.

(Chorus)
(C) We are the whispers on the (G) breeze,
(D) The rustling among the (A) trees,
(C) We are the echoes of the (G) seas,
(D) We are the (A) vagrant voices.

(Outro)
(Em) In the echoes of the city’s song,
(G) In the places where we belong,
(D) Hear the truth, raw and strong,
(A) We are the vagrant voices.

Fan Testimonial:
Fan’s Name: Sarah Johnson

Sarah’s Testimonial: “I’ve been a huge fan of Prize Liberation since their early days, playing at college parties. Their music resonates with me on a deep level. Their lyrics are poetic, and their melodies are unique, evoking a gamut of emotions. The song ‘Vagrant Voices’ in particular has been a real comfort to me. It’s a reminder that even though we may feel lost sometimes, we have a unique voice that deserves to be heard. Prize Liberation isn’t just a band to me, they’re a beacon of hope and freedom. It’s like they’ve managed to put my feelings into words and music. Their concerts aren’t just shows, they’re experiences and I wouldn’t trade them for anything. I’ll remain a dedicated fan for as long as they keep making such amazing music.”

Backstory:

Athletic Poet, an indie rock band hailing from the vibrant music scene of Portland, Oregon, has been crafting their unique sound since 2013. The band members, lead singer/poet Kevin Barnes, drummer and former athlete Katie Thompson, guitarist Dylan O’Connor, and bassist Samuel Parker, met while attending Reed College. Bonding over a shared love of both sport and poetry, they decided to combine their unique interests, hence the name, ‘Athletic Poet.’ The band members were drawn together by their shared belief in the power of music and words to inspire, provoke thought, and serve as a vehicle for social change.

Struggling to find a balance between studying and jamming late into the night, Athletic Poet managed to create a blend of music that left their audience both physically moved and intellectually stimulated. After graduation, the band decided to take their passion to the next level and began playing local gigs around Portland, slowly gaining recognition and building their fan base.

Genre:
Indie Rock

Song Title:
“Rhyme Runner”

Full Song Lyrics with Chord Progression:

(Verse 1: C- Am- Em-G)
C
Running through the verses of my mind,
Am
I find myself lost in a rhyme.
Em
Chasing metaphors and the setting sun,
G
This poetic journey has just begun.

(Chorus: F-C-G)
F
I’m a rhyme runner,
C
In a world, mundane and square.
G
Shaping words into a melody,
F
Inhaling rhythm, exhaling poetry.

(Verse 2: C-Am-Em-G)
C
Dodging stanzas, striking chords,
Am
Weaving dreams with lyrical words.
Em
In the race against the ticking clock,
G
I find my heart in the rhythm of rock.

(Chorus: F-C-G)
F
I’m a rhyme runner,
C
In a world full of noise and clutter.
G
Crafting songs out of thin air,
F
Breathing life into a sonnet, making people care.

(Bridge: Em-D-C)
Em
In the symphony of life,
D
We’re the unsung poets,
C
Carving out our path,
D
With every word, every beat, we own it.

(Chorus: F-C-G)
F
We’re the rhyme runners,
C
In a world, too fast, too fair,
G
Crafting stories out of silence,
F
With every note, with every glance, we dare.

Fan’s Testimonial:

Athletic Poet’s biggest fan is undoubtedly 22-year-old Lucy Harrington. She says, “Their music is an embodiment of my soul. In the chaos of the modern world, their words resonate deeper than any I have ever heard. Every lyric, every melody speaks volumes about who I am, and who I want to be. The first time I heard ‘Rhyme Runner,’ I felt seen and understood. I can’t help but feel a personal connection to Athletic Poet, they’re more than a band to me, they’re like the best friends I’ve never met. Their music is my therapy, my escape, my inspiration.”

Backstory:
Born from the grit and grime of the Seattle underground music scene, Snarling Palace is a band that speaks to the raw, unfiltered spirit of rock n’ roll. The band was formed in 2012 by lead vocalist, Max “Snarl” Jennings, a grizzled industry veteran with a voice akin to crumbled granite and a heart full of lyrics yearning to be heard. Max found like-minded musicians in a wandering drummer, Stella “Thundersticks” Carmichael, a blistering guitarist, Sam “Shred” Maddox, and a smooth, cool bassist, Leo “Bassmeister” Fernandez. Together, they transformed their shared disillusionment with mainstream music and passion for honest, gut-punching sound into Snarling Palace.

Genre:
Grunge Rock

Title:
“Echoes of Yesterday”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
[A] Gazing through the rearview mirror, [E] Lost in the ashes of yesterday
[D] Memories, clearer and clearer, [A] whispering the words we couldn’t say.

(Chorus)
[E] Echoes of yesterday, [A] haunt my every tomorrow,
[D] Lost in the fray, [A] drowning in the sorrow.
[E] Echoes of yesterday, [A] like a siren’s song,
[D] Pulling me away, [A] where I don’t belong.

(Verse 2)
[A] Drifting on a sea of silence, [E] riding on a wave of regret,
[D] Defiance against the violence, [A] of a love we’re doomed to forget.

(Chorus)
[E] Echoes of yesterday, [A] stir the winds of change,
[D] In the disarray, [A] amid the life estrange.
[E] Echoes of yesterday, [A] in every tear I bleed,
[D] They whisper you away, [A] from where my heart needs.

(Bridge)
[D] Caught in the echoes, [A] trapped in the sorrow,
[E] Yearning for tomorrow, [A] lost in the echoes,
[D] Of yesterday.

(Chorus)
[E] Echoes of yesterday, [A] haunt my every tomorrow,
[D] Lost in the fray, [A] drowning in the sorrow.
[E] Echoes of yesterday, [A] like a siren’s song,
[D] Pulling me away, [A] where I don’t belong.

(Outro)
[A] Echoes of yesterday, [E] forever they remain,
[D] Stirring the disarray, [A] in the echoes of my pain.

Fan Testimonial:
Hey, I’m Terry “Moshpit” O’Sullivan, and I’m a die-hard Snarling Palace fan. Their gritty sound, raw lyrics, and the unfiltered energy they bring to the stage captivates me like no other band. When I first heard “Echoes of Yesterday,” I was going through a rough patch. The lyrics resonated with me, and the music spoke to my soul. Max’s gravelly voice is the perfect vehicle for the intense emotion that Snarling Palace’s music carries. I’ve been to every local show since and have never been disappointed. They’re not just my favorite band; they’re a lifeline. They channel the harsh realities of life into their music that helps their fans, like me, to process and understand their own struggles. That’s the power of Snarling Palace.

Backstory:

Knotty Constable, hailing from the seedy underbelly of New York, was born out of a love for music, and a disdain for conventional musical norms. The band was formed in 2014 by childhood friends, Charlie ‘Knotty’ Nottingham, a classically trained guitarist, and Tony ‘Constable’ Connelly, a self-taught drummer, who bonded over their shared passion for music and desire to challenge the musical status quo. Their unique fusion of music genres, and their defining ethos of pushing boundaries, has given them a distinct identity in the music industry.

Genre:

Knotty Constable is classified as a progressive rock band, but their music often transcends genres, blending elements of blues, jazz, and punk. Their eclectic sound makes them a unique addition to the progressive rock scene.

Title:

One of their most popular song titles is “Twisted Blues Rebellion.”

Full Song Lyrics:

Verse 1:
(C-G-Am-E)
I was born in the mud, in the underbelly’s sludge,
Tangled dreams, and a heart that won’t budge.
I found my soul in the rhythm and the blues,
And a rebellion, that my spirit can’t refuse.

Chorus:
(F-C-G-Am)
Twisted Blues Rebellion, wake up, it’s time to play,
Under the moonlight, let’s dance the night away.
Twisted Blues Rebellion, come, sing your song,
In this twisted world, it’s where we belong.

Verse 2:
(C-G-Am-E)
I’ve seen the shadows, hidden in the light,
I’ve heard the silence, screaming in the night.
The world is a canvas, painted in shades so cruel,
But in this rebellion, we make our own rules.

Chorus:
(F-C-G-Am)
Twisted Blues Rebellion, wake up, it’s time to play,
Under the starlight, let’s chase the dawn away.
Twisted Blues Rebellion, come, sing your song,
In this twisted reality, it’s where we belong.

Favorite Fan:

Knotty Constable’s favorite fan is a woman named Jenny, who hails from their hometown of New York. Jenny has been following Knotty Constable since their inception and has attended every one of their concerts. Jenny says, “Knotty Constable is my favorite band because their music is an exploration of raw emotion and socially relevant themes. Their unique sound is fearless and their lyrics are filled with thought-provoking metaphors. They represent the voice of a generation, unafraid to question and challenge. In a world that seems increasingly chaotic, their music offers a sense of unity and understanding.”

Backstory:
Unsteady Milk was formed in the vibrant student town of Austin, Texas, back in 2011. The unique quartet came together in an unconventional way – they were all residents of the same dorm floor at the University of Texas. They were united by their shared passion for music, late-night jam sessions, and the love for a good old fashioned glass of milk, which due to their late-night practice sessions, was always unsteady in their hands, hence the name. The quartet consists of lead vocalist and guitar player, Jake Lancaster, bassist and backing vocalist, Ethan “Smooth” Rivers, drummer Oliver “Beatmaster” Turner, and keyboardist Trisha “Keys” Campbell.

The band started their journey by playing at local pubs and college events, and they quickly gained popularity due to their unique sound and irresistible energy. Their big break came when they were spotted by a talent scout at one of their pub gigs, and soon, they were signed by a major label. From then onwards, there was no looking back for Unsteady Milk.

Genre:
Unsteady Milk’s music falls under the Indie Rock genre.

Title:
“Spilled On The Dancefloor”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
G C Em D
I saw you standing there, on the dance floor,
G C Em D
In your black dress, I couldn’t ignore,
G C Em D
The way you moved just caught my attention,
G C Em D
In a crowded room, you were my only obsession.

(Chorus)
G C Em D
Just like an unsteady milk, I spilled my heart on the dance floor,
G C Em D
In the rhythm of the night, I found what I was looking for,
G C Em D
With every beat of the music, I felt a connection,
G C Em D
In your arms, under the disco lights, I found my direction.

(Verse 2)
G C Em D
The DJ was playing our favorite song,
G C Em D
With you in my arms, it’s where I belong,
G C Em D
The way you smiled, it was so enticing,
G C Em D
In the midnight hour, it was so damn exciting.

(Repeat Chorus)

Fan’s Favorite Testimonial:
“Hi! My name’s Jenny. Unsteady Milk has been my favorite band since I first heard them at our college event. Their music has got this raw and electric vibe that no other bands can match. They’ve got a way of connecting with their fans, and their lyrics echo the experiences of our generation. Each member brings a unique flavor, but it’s the combination of their talents that makes Unsteady Milk the perfect band. There’s just something about their music that speaks to my soul and lifts me up no matter how I’m feeling. I’ve seen them live multiple times, and trust me, there’s nothing like an Unsteady Milk performance.”