Backstory:
Untried Captain is a powerhouse alternative rock band born out of a college town in the midwest. A group of five talented musicians, they came together in the early 2000s, all drawn by their shared love for creatively fusing punk’s raw energy, blues’ emotional intensity, and rock’s wild spirit. The band members consist of lead vocalist and rhythm guitarist Barry, lead guitarist Jake, bass guitar player Mason, drummer Alex, and keyboardist Christie. Their connection was instantaneous, as was their musical chemistry. After playing for a few years in local pubs and getting a loyal fanbase, their rise to fame came after a record producer heard their unique sound at a small-town music festival.

Genre:
Alternative Rock

Song Title:
“Waves of the Unknown”

Full Song Lyrics:

Verse 1:
[Em] In the [G] sea of our [C] dreams, we’re [G] floating,
[Em] Guided by the [G] stars, unbo[C]ken,
[G] No map in our [Em] hands, just [G] hearts wide [C] open.

Chorus:
[Em] We are the [G] Untried Captain, [C] testing the [G] tide,
[Em] On the waves [G] of the unknown, [C] we ride.
[G] Fear is just a [Em] compass, [G] love is our [C] guide,
[Em] We are the [G] Untried Captain, [C] testing the [G] tide.

Verse 2:
[Em] On this boat [G] of life, we’re [C] sailing,
[G] Against the wind, [Em] no path un[G]vailing,
[C] We’ve got the [G] world in our [Em] sights, [G] passion never [C] failing.

(Repeat Chorus)

Bridge:
[Am] Every night, we [C] steer by the [G] starlight,
[Am] We sail on, [C] until the [G] daylight,
[Am] On the horizon [C] lies our [G] fight,
[Am] We’ll conquer it [C] with all our [G] might.

(Repeat Chorus)

Ending:
[Em] We are the [G] Untried Captain, [C] on the sea so [G] wide,
[Em] Through the waves [G] of the unknown, [C] we’ll continue [G] to ride.

Fan Testimonial:
Name: Stacy Levine

“Untried Captain is more than just a band to me; they’re a way of life. I’ve followed them since their early pub gig days. Their music, their lyrics, they touch your soul. The song ‘Waves of the Unknown’ is my favorite. It’s about journeying into the unknown with bravery, just like they did as a band. To me, they represent hope, courage, love, and discovery. They’ve helped me through some of the darkest days of my life, and I can’t imagine a world without their music. They’re raw, they’re real, they’re Untried Captain.”

Backstory:

Powerful Ambition is an eclectic mix of four individuals hailing from diverse backgrounds. They met while attending the same university in San Francisco, California. The band was formed in 2010 when lead vocalist and guitarist, Samuel Smith, connected with drummer, Emily Mitchell, through a mutual love for creating a unique blend of music. Later, they were joined by bassist, Peter Wilson, and keyboardist, Jessica Brown. Fueled by their shared passion for music and songwriting, they started out playing in small local venues and gradually gained recognition for their distinctive sound.

The band’s career ascended to the next level when they won the highly competitive Battle of the Bands in Los Angeles. This victory paved the way for their first record deal and a chance to share their unique music with a global audience. Despite their growing fame, Powerful Ambition remains true to their values, using their music as a platform to discuss prevalent social issues and motivate their listeners to strive for their dreams.

Genre:

Alternative Rock

Title:

“Chasing Echoes”

Full Song Lyrics:

[Verse 1]
Am – G – F – C
(AM)In the midst of the (G)crowd, I stand (F)alone,
(C)Chasing echoes, through the (AM)unknown.
(G)Voices whispering, (F)weaving tales,
(C)Leaving footprints on my (AM)trails.

[Chorus]
F – G – C – Am
(F)Running through the shadows, (G)searching for the light,
(C)Our dreams are our armor, (Am)in the darkest night.
(F)Chasing echoes, (G)we soar high,
(C)With Powerful Ambition, (Am)we touch the sky.

[Verse 2]
Am – G – F – C
(AM)Stripped of fear, we (G)embrace the fight,
(F)Ambition in our hearts, burning (C)bright.
(AM)In the mirror of the (G)world, we see our fate,
(F)On the canvas of dreams, we (C)create.

[Chorus]
F – G – C – Am
(F)Running through the shadows, (G)searching for the truth,
(C)Our dreams are our compass, (Am)guiding our youth.
(F)Chasing echoes, (G)we aim for the stars,
(C)With Powerful Ambition, (Am)we break all bars.

Fan’s Testimonial:

Fan’s Name – Oliver Harris

“Powerful Ambition is more than just a band to me; they are a source of inspiration. Their music resonates with my personal experiences, makes me feel understood, and gives me the strength to chase my dreams. The lyrics are profoundly relatable and thought-provoking, and the melodies are enchanting. My favorite song, ‘Chasing Echoes’ has helped me through some tough times. It’s the anthem for anyone who dares to dream and aspire. Powerful Ambition’s music is a beacon of hope and ambition for me.”

Backstory:

Sparse Steel is an enigmatic quartet hailing from the industrial town of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. The band formed in 2014 when frontman, Jack Hammer, met drummer, Calvin Wrench, in a steel factory where they were both employed. Recognizing a shared love for music, they decided to form a band, later recruiting bassist, Allen Key, and guitarist, Phillip Screwdriver. The foursome played in local venues for a while, developing their unique sound and cultivating a loyal following, before being discovered by a record producer during a performance at a local festival.

The band’s songs are inspired by their working-class roots and life in the steel town. Their lyrics often delve into the struggles of the working man, the strength and resilience of their community, and the beauty to be found in the grit and grime of their industrial surroundings. Their music, characterized by a fusion of heavy rock elements and melodic lines, resonates deeply with their fans, earning them a dedicated fan base that continues to grow with each new release.

Genre:
Heavy Rock/Melodic Industrial

Title:
“Chains of Iron”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
Am (C) From the steel town, we rise,
G (D) Through the smoke and the grime, we soar,
Am (C) World on our shoulders, eyes to the skies,
G (D) Chains of iron, they roar.

(Chorus)
F (G) Chains of iron, we wear,
C (D) But our spirits, they cannot break,
F (G) In the face of despair,
C (D) It’s our destiny we will stake.

(Verse 2)
Am (C) Born of fire, forged in pain,
G (D) We find strength in the heat,
Am (C) In the echoes of the train,
G (D) We find rhythm in the beat.

(Chorus)
F (G) Chains of iron, we bear,
C (D) But our dreams, they cannot shackle,
F (G) With a defiant stare,
C (D) It’s our will they’ll never tackle.

(Bridge)
Em (F) In the heart of the steel town,
G (A) We carve our tale,
Em (F) With every dawn’s crown,
G (A) We set sail.

(Chorus)
F (G) Chains of iron, we wear,
C (D) But our hopes, they remain free,
F (G) With courage to dare,
C (D) It’s our future we decree.

Favorite Fan:

The band’s favorite fan is a woman named Anita Spanner. Anita was one of the earliest fans of the band, always present at their local gigs, and has followed their journey relentlessly. She loves the band, not just for their music, but for how they represent their community. She sees herself in their lyrics – the hard work, the struggle, the resilience. As a testimony to her love for the band, she says, “Sparse Steel is more than a band for me. They’re the voice of our town – raw, real, and relatable. Their music speaks to my soul, reminding me of my roots and inspiring me to keep pushing forward. I can’t wait to see where their journey takes them next.”

Backstory:

Unwitting Detail was formed in a small town garage in Vermont in the spring of 2007. The group consists of four friends, Sarah Jennings (vocals, guitar), Mike Peterson (drums), Julie Davis (bass), and Tom Wilson (lead guitar). They were high school friends who shared a love for music and a desire to create something unique. While working day jobs, they spent nights and weekends in Mike’s garage, honing their sound and merging their eclectic tastes.

Despite their humble beginnings, Unwitting Detail’s music soon reached a larger audience. They self-released their first album, “Revealed in the Shadows,” in 2009, which caught the attention of local radio stations and music critics. Their unexpected blend of indie rock and folk, coupled with Sarah’s poetic lyrics, quickly gained them a loyal following. In 2012, they were signed by independent record label ‘Mountaintop Records’ and have since released three more studio albums, maintaining their trademark sound and continuing to cultivate their fan base.

Genre: Indie Rock/Folk

Title: “Invisible Threads”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
[Am] Out on the edge of a [D] silent town,
[F] Wandering souls in the [C] lost and found.
[Am] We are the echo of [D] stories untold,
[F] The laughter, the tears, the [C] young and the old.

(Chorus)
[G] Invisible threads [C] tie us together,
[Am] Stories and songs in [D] stormy weather.
[G] We are the Unseen, [C] the Unwitting Detail,
[Am] Singing our truths as [D] life sets sail.

(Verse 2)
[Am] In every whisper of [D] an autumn breeze,
[F] In every footstep on the [C] fallen leaves.
[Am] We are the heartbeat in [D] the quiet night,
[F] Our melodies dancing in the [C] pale moonlight.

(Repeat Chorus)

(Bridge)
[Em] Our voices intertwining, [D] through sorrow and cheer,
[Am] Singing the ballad of [C] a love so dear.

(Repeat Chorus)

The band’s favorite fan’s name: Emily Thompson

Emily Thompson is a self-proclaimed, dedicated fan of Unwitting Detail. She says, “Unwitting Detail isn’t just my favorite band – they’re a part of my life. Their music has seen me through some of the best and worst times, offering solace and celebration in equal measure. Their lyrics resonate with me, reminding me that, like the ‘Invisible Threads’ they sing about, we’re all connected on a deeper level. I’ve been to every one of their concerts in the Northeast and even had the chance to meet them. They’re as authentic and sincere in person as they are in their music. In a world of manufactured pop, they’re a breath of fresh air.”

Backstory:
Single Search is a band that first came together at a local community college in Austin, Texas. The four members, Leo, Alex, Riley, and Sam, were all part of the school’s music program and shared a common dorm room. Their initial jamming sessions in the dorm room sparked a musical connection that was so strong, they decided to take it to the next level.

The band members tirelessly worked on their music while balancing their studies, and soon enough, they had a small but passionate following in the local scene. Their music gained enough traction to catch the attention of local radio stations and music festivals. From there, Single Search’s career took off, and they’ve been creating and performing their unique blend of music ever since.

Genre:
Single Search’s music is a blend of Indie Pop and Rock with a touch of Folk.

Title:
“Lost in a Moment”

Full Song Lyrics:
(Verse 1)
[C] I was walking on the [G] sidewalk, lost in my [Am] thoughts
[C] Underneath the city [G] lights, I found what I had [Am] sought
[C] A moment of peace in the [G] chaos, a moment that was [Am] caught
[C] In the madness of the [G] world, a moment that [Am] fought

(Chorus)
[F] I’m lost in a [C] moment, a [G] moment with [Am] you
[F] Underneath the sky so [C] wide and [G] blue
[F] In the middle of the [C] night, when the [G] world is [Am] still
[F] I’m lost in a [C] moment, a [G] moment so [Am] real

(Verse 2)
[C] We’re dancing on the [G] rooftop, the city lights our [Am] stage
[C] The world spins around us, but it’s [G] you who takes the [Am] age
[C] A moment of magic in the [G] noise, a moment off the [Am] cage
[C] In the vastness of the [G] universe, our moment takes the [Am] page

(Chorus)
[F] I’m lost in a [C] moment, a [G] moment with [Am] you
[F] Underneath the stars so [C] bright and [G] true
[F] In the middle of the [C] night, when the [G] world is [Am] asleep
[F] I’m lost in a [C] moment, a [G] moment so [Am] deep

Favorite Fan:
Emily, from Austin, Texas, is the band’s favorite fan. She has been with Single Search from the very beginning, even before they caught their big break. Emily says, “Their music resonates with me on a personal level. It’s like they’ve managed to capture real, raw human emotions and translate them into beautiful melodies. Every single song feels like a personal letter written just for me. I’ve been a fan since their first gig at our college and I’ll follow them wherever they go. They’re more than just a band to me, they’re like a group of friends sharing their story in the most beautiful way possible.”

Backstory:

Born out of the coastal town of Santa Cruz, California, ‘Salty Left’ is the brainchild of childhood friends, Tyler Johnson and Sam Davis. Both raised by families of musicians and surfers, their unique upbringing reflects on the band’s music and lyrics. After high school, they made the decision to chase their shared dream and passion for music, leading to the formation of ‘Salty Left.’ They took their name from their shared love of surfing and music, where ‘Salty’ represents the sea, and ‘Left’ denotes the left-handed guitar playing style of both members.

As their popularity grew in their local community, so did the band’s ambition. They started traveling across the United States, playing gigs in small venues and festivals, getting their foot in the door of the music industry. Their harmonious blend of personal lyrics, catchy melodies, combined with their charismatic stage presence, quickly captivated audience hearts nationwide.

Genre:

‘Salty Left’ can be best categorized under the genre of Indie Rock with strong influences from Surf Rock and Folk music.

Song Title:

“Wave Chaser”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
Em C G
Riding high on the crest of a wave,
D Em
Chasing dreams, feeling so brave.
Em C G
Waters deep, the ocean’s melody,
D Em
Salty air, it sets us free.

(Chorus)
G C D Em
Wave chaser, tide racer, under the sun,
G C D Em
Endless runner, beach strummer, our journey’s begun.

(Verse 2)
Em C G
Shimmering horizon, surf’s our call,
D Em
We won’t stumble, we won’t fall.
Em C G
With sandy toes and sea-touched hair,
D Em
Find our rhythm, without a care.

(Chorus)
G C D Em
Wave chaser, tide racer, under the moon,
G C D Em
Star gazer, melody phraser, playing our tune.

The Band’s Favorite Fan:

Our favorite fan has to be Jenny Clark. Jenny attended our very first show in Santa Cruz, and she hasn’t missed a single one since. She’s the embodiment of our music – free-spirited, adventurous, and passionate.

Testimonial:

Jenny Clark: “Salty Left is more than just a band to me. Their music is my sanctuary. It’s the wave I ride when I’m high, and the shore I seek when I’m low. Their songs have a way of speaking directly to me, and I’ve found comfort, strength, and inspiration through their music. Whether it’s a small gig in our hometown or a massive concert in the city, I’m there, singing along to every word. Salty Left isn’t just my favorite band; they’re a part of who I am.”

Backstory:
Doting Envelope was born in the tiny coastal town of Crestwick, Maine in 2010, where childhood friends James “Jimbo” Roberts and Thatcher “Thatch” Hughes began their musical journey in a leaky, old boathouse. Jimbo, the lead vocalist and rhythm guitarist, and Thatch, the drummer, started playing together in high school, where they would perform at school functions and small-town festivals. Their unique sound caught the attention of bassist, Lorena “Lo” Moreno and lead guitarist, Deacon “Deac” Parnell, who were drawn in by their music while passing through town. Impressed by the duo’s raw talent and unique sound, Lo and Deac decided to join the band and thus, Doting Envelope was formed.

The quirky name of the band, Doting Envelope, was inspired by an inside joke between the band members. They found an old, weathered envelope filled with love letters, in the boathouse where they first started jamming. The envelope, much like their music, encapsulated warmth, love, and nostalgia, and hence became the moniker for their group.

Genre:
Indie Rock with a touch of Folk.

Title:
“Rain Soaked Secrets”

Full Song Lyrics:
(Verse 1)
G – D – Em – C
In a sleepy coastal town, under a cloudy sky.
G – D – Em – C
Two hearts beat in rhythm, beneath the lighthouse light.
G – D – Em – C
Dancing on the cobblestone, lost in each other’s eyes,
G – D – Em – C
They exchanged rain-soaked secrets, under the moon’s disguise.

(Chorus)
G – D – C – D
Rain-soaked secrets, whispers in the wind,
G – D – C – D
Burning like a beacon, where their love begins.
G – D – C – D
In the arms of the night, they found their sweet escape,
G – D – C – D
In the traces of their love, was born the Doting Envelope.

(Verse 2)
G – D – Em – C
As the sun began to rise, they held each other tight,
G – D – Em – C
Promising a forever, as they kissed the night goodbye.
G – D – Em – C
Their love story sealed within, an envelope so worn,
G – D – Em – C
Echoes through the music, in a melody reborn.

(Repeat Chorus)
G – D – C – D
Rain-soaked secrets, whispers in the wind,
G – D – C – D
Burning like a beacon, where their love begins.
G – D – C – D
In the arms of the night, they found their sweet escape,
G – D – C – D
In the traces of their love, was born the Doting Envelope.

Favorite Fan:
Their favorite fan is Lucy Johnson from Portland, Oregon. Lucy has attended every concert in the Pacific Northwest and boasts an impressive collection of Doting Envelope merch. She runs a dedicated fan blog, where she shares her interpretations of their lyrics and her experiences at their shows.

Testimonial:
“Doting Envelope is a band that resonates with my soul. Their music is like a comfort blanket on a cold rainy day, it just warms you from the inside out. The poignant lyrics of ‘Rain Soaked Secrets’ tugs at the heartstrings and transports me to a beautiful, nostalgic place. My love for this band runs deep, they aren’t just musicians to me, they’re storytellers weaving their magic through music.”

Backstory:

Worthless Data is an ensemble of renegade hackers who had an unquenchable thirst for music. The band members spent their days working in hidden corners of the digital world, masterfully navigating through myriad codes and algorithms. But when the sun set, they came together to form ‘Worthless Data’, an amalgamation of their technical expertise and musical passion. The band was cemented on the night of a blackout; they found themselves without the hum of computers, immersing themselves instead in the raw sound of their instruments. Their shared love for music and their unique understanding of the digital world sparked the formation of a band that would soon create waves in the music industry.

Genre:

Electronic Rock

Title:

“Silicon Echoes”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
[E] In a world made of [A] ones and zeros,
[F#]We found a rhythm, we found a [B] beat
[E] Binary codes on the [A] run,
[F#] With a melody, so [B] sweet.

(Chorus)
[G] Hear the silicon [D] echoes,
[A] Rhythm in the data we [E] delete.
[G] We’re the worthless data, [D] no one could [A] defeat,
[E] Listen to our silicon [A] beat.

(Verse 2)
[E] Night falls, but the [A] screens still glow,
[F#] We’re crafting codes and [B] tunes you know.
[E] No firewall can [A] stop our flow,
[F#] With each strum, we [B] steal the show.

(Chorus)
[G] Hear the silicon [D] echoes,
[A] Rhythm in the data we [E] delete.
[G] We’re the worthless data, [D] no one could [A] defeat,
[E] Listen to our silicon [A] beat.

Fan Testimonial:

My name is Liam, and I am, without a doubt, Worthless Data’s biggest fan. As an IT professional, their unique blend of tech inspiration and musical talent instantly drew me in. The way they incorporate their digital knowledge into their lyrics really resonates with me. I remember the first time I heard “Silicon Echoes,” I felt seen and understood. For every system analyst, coder, or digital enthusiast out there who also has a passion for music, this band is a godsend. Their songs are not only catchy but also relatable on a level that no other band has achieved before. Worthless Data isn’t just a band for me; it’s a representation of my world, my life.

Backstory:

Acceptable Smile came together during the hot summer of 2012 in a tiny garage in the heart of Birmingham, Alabama. Four friends, Jason (lead vocalist), Mark (guitarist), Benny (bassist), and Liam (drummer) were all involved in different local bands before they decided to combine their musical talents and form a unique sound of their own. They had a vision to bring a fresh perspective to the music scene and through countless jamming sessions, their vision became a reality.

The name ‘Acceptable Smile’ was inspired by a random encounter with a passerby one day while they were busking in the streets of Birmingham. The stranger, impressed with their music, said that their harmonies brought an “acceptable smile” to his face. They loved the phrase so much that they decided to name their band after it, embodying the spirit of spreading positivity and happiness through music.

Genre:

Alternative Rock

Song Title:

“Shadows of Yesterday”

Full Song Lyrics:

Verse 1: (C G Am F)
Through the shadows of yesterday (C G)
I found my way to you (Am F)
You light up the darkest corners (C G)
With a love pure and true (Am F)

Chorus: (F G C Am)
And with every beat of my heart, (F G)
I feel something new (C Am)
In the shadows of yesterday, (F G)
I found a love that’s true (C Am)

Verse 2: (C G Am F)
We’ve walked through the fire (C G)
Our love, a testament of time (Am F)
In the shadows of yesterday, (C G)
I found a love so divine (Am F)

(Repeat Chorus)

Bridge: (Em Am F C)
In the depths of despair, (Em Am)
In the height of joy, (F C)
In the shadows of yesterday, (Em Am)
I found my boy (F C)

(Repeat Chorus twice)

The band’s favorite fan’s name:

Abigail Williams

Testimonial:

“Acceptable Smile is my favorite band for so many reasons. The energy they bring on stage is electrifying, their lyrics resonate with me on a personal level, and the dedication they have for their fans is unparalleled. As someone who has been following them since their earliest gigs, it’s been an absolute joy to watch them grow and evolve as a band. They make music that truly makes you smile. ‘Shadows of Yesterday’ is my favorite song as it speaks of finding love amidst darkness. It gives me hope and I can’t wait to see where their journey takes them next. Thank you, Acceptable Smile, for the music and the memories.”

Backstory:
‘Horrible Truck’ formed in the small town of Maple Ridge, British Columbia, in 2007, with four friends who shared a passion for music. The name ‘Horrible Truck’ was an inside joke from their childhood, referring to an old, rusty pickup truck that the band’s lead singer, Mike, inherited from his grandfather. Despite its worn-out condition, Mike and his friends spent countless hours in that truck, dreaming about forming their own band. When they finally did, naming it ‘Horrible Truck’ seemed only fitting.

Over the years, the band’s sound has evolved, but their roots remain firmly planted in the soil of their small-town upbringing. Their lyrics, often poignant and introspective, reflect on the highs and lows of life in a small town, while their music captures the raw, untamed energy of their live performances. In 2013, they released their debut album, which became an instant hit locally and started earning them recognition on the national level.

Genre:
Alt-Country

Title:
“Rusty Dreams”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
[Am] Down by the dusty road, I [G] found my heart,
[F] In the bed of a rusted truck, [C] torn apart.
[Am] Young and wild, we’d [G] sit and sing,
[F] In that old truck, we [C] were kings.

(Chorus)
[Am] Rusty dreams in a [G] horrible truck,
[F] We were chasing stars, [C] pushing our luck.
[Am] On the road less travelled, [G] we made our mark,
[F] Riding through life, [C] lighting the dark.

(Verse 2)
[Am] Underneath the sky so [G] wide,
[F] In the old truck, we’d [C] ride.
[Am] With each mile, we’d [G] laugh and grow,
[F] Lost in time, [C] with nowhere to go.

(Chorus)
[Am] Rusty dreams in a [G] horrible truck,
[F] We were chasing stars, [C] pushing our luck.
[Am] On the road less travelled, [G] we made our mark,
[F] Riding through life, [C] lighting the dark.

Fan’s Name:
Sarah Thompson

Testimonial:
Sarah Thompson, a dedicated follower and fan of ‘Horrible Truck’, shares, “I fell in love with ‘Horrible Truck’ the moment I heard ‘Rusty Dreams’. Their music speaks to the soul and tells the story of every small-town kid with dreams bigger than their town. Mike’s voice resonates with a raw honesty that just pulls you in. I’ve been to every local show they’ve performed, and each performance is more captivating than the last. ‘Horrible Truck’ is not just a band to me; they’re a reminder of where I come from and the dreams I carry in me.”