Backstory:

Born in the alleyways of Cleveland, Ohio, the four-piece band Valid Control has been creating a name for themselves since 2011. Initially, band members Carson (vocals), Myles (guitar), Jaxon (bass), and Finn (drums) were just highly talented friends who shared a mutual love for music. Their combined passion and talent brought them together, and they found a unique harmony in their diversity. They drew inspiration from the lively culture of their hometown, the stories they have lived, and the dreams they share. Through the years, they have successfully imprinted their music in the hearts of fans, gaining recognition not just in the local scene but also on the national platform.

Genre:

Alternative Rock/Indie Pop

Title:

“Shadows in the Light”

Full song lyrics:

(Verse 1)
[G] Wandering through the city lights, [D] hoping for a spark,
[Em] Tell me, do you remember [C] when we ignited in the dark?
[G] Our dreams painted on the alleyways, [D] wrapped in neon signs,
[Em] In the chaos and the noise, [C] we found our rhymes.

(Chorus)
[G] We’re shadows in the light, [D] standing on the edge of time,
[Em] Dancing in the twilight, [C] lost in a rhythm so divine.
[G] We are the echoes of the night, [D] bringing stories to life,
[Em] We’re shadows in the light, [C] drawing constellations so bright.

(Verse 2)
[G] With every beat of this city’s heart, [D] we discover something new,
[Em] Memories born under the starlight [C] etched in hues of blue.
[G] Our journey etched in chords and rhythms, [D] resonates in the air,
[Em] We’re breathing life into dreams, [C] awakening everywhere.

(Chorus)
[G] We’re shadows in the light, [D] standing on the edge of time,
[Em] Dancing in the twilight, [C] lost in a rhythm so divine.
[G] We are the echoes of the night, [D] bringing stories to life,
[Em] We’re shadows in the light, [C] drawing constellations so bright.

Fan’s name: Derek Thompson

Testimonial:

“Valid Control is more than just a band to me; they’re my inspiration, my escape. Their music speaks to me in a way nothing else does. I remember the first time I heard ‘Shadows in the Light.’ I was at a rough point in my life, and their lyrics seemed to narrate my struggle and offer solace. To this day, every time I hear that song, it reminds me of how far I’ve come. Watching Valid Control on stage is an experience in itself. The energy, the passion, it’s palpable. Their concerts are not just about the music, but about the community they’ve built, and I’m proud to be a part of that.”

Backstory:
Handmade Silver is a band that came together on the historic cobblestone streets of New Orleans. The band consists of four lifelong friends: lead vocalist and guitarist Boone, bassist Finn, drummer Kit, and keyboardist Ozzy. They all had a shared love for music but pursued different paths until a chance reunion at their high school’s 10-year reunion rekindled their shared passion. Inspired by their shared love of music and creativity, they decided to form Handmade Silver. The name was inspired by their shared belief that anything crafted with love and care, like their music, is valuable and beautiful like handmade silver. Their music reflects their shared journey, the twists and turns of life, love, and the pursuit of dreams.

Genre:
Handmade Silver’s genre is Indie Folk Rock. Their sound is a mix of smooth melodies, earthy tones and heartfelt lyrics, offering a touch of nostalgia with a modern twist.

Title:
Their most popular song is “Walk By The River”.

Full Song Lyrics:
(Verse 1)
[G] Walk by the [D] river, [Em] under the [C] willow tree,
[G] Moonlight is [D] dancing, [Em] just you and [C] me.
[G] The night’s [D] whispering secrets, [Em] we’re learning to [C] believe,
[G] In the power of [D] dreams and [Em] love’s sweet [C] reprieve.

(Chorus)
[G] Just a walk by the [D] river, [Em] under the [C] starry sky,
[G] Hand in hand, [D] watching the [Em] world go [C] by.
[G] With the rhythm of [D] life, and the [Em] music we [C] deliver,
[G] We are stronger, [D] we are [Em] Handmade [C] Silver.

(Verse 2)
[G] Echoes of [D] laughter, [Em] under the [C] open sky,
[G] Chasing the [D] moments, [Em] don’t let them [C] pass us by.
[G] Here in the [D] silence, [Em] we’re starting to [C] thrive,
[G] In the rhythm of [D] love, we’re [Em] truly [C] alive.

(Chorus)
[G] Just a walk by the [D] river, [Em] under the [C] moon’s soft glow,
[G] Breath by breath, [D] letting the [Em] worries [C] go.
[G] With the rhythm of [D] life, and the [Em] music we [C] deliver,
[G] We are stronger, [D] we are [Em] Handmade [C] Silver.

The Band’s Favorite Fan’s name:
Handmade Silver’s favorite fan is a woman named Lily.

Testimonial: Lily has been following the band since their inception. She has attended every concert, always front and center, and even sports a handmade silver necklace to each show. “Handmade Silver isn’t just a band for me, they’re a comfort, a lifeline. Their music speaks to the soul. It’s like they’ve somehow captured life’s essence in their lyrics. Every song is a journey, and I feel like I’m walking that journey with them. They are truly one of a kind, and I will always be their number one fan.”

Backstory:

Ancient Protein was formed in the heart of the Atlanta underground music scene in the early 2000s. The band consists of four members: lead vocalist Gene Strands, guitarist Codon Blues, bassist Helena Double-Helix, and drummer Max Exon. The band got its unusual name from their shared fascination with anthropology and biology, and a mutual respect for the antiquity and necessity of proteins in human evolution.

Their first gig was in a dimly lit, grimy local bar named The DNA Lounge, and slowly but surely, they started to gain a loyal following with their unusual sound and profound lyrics. Despite having faced numerous challenges, the band has remained strong, with their shared passion for music and science acting as the glue that holds them together.

Genre:

Alternative Rock with elements of Experimental and Progressive Rock.

Song Title:

“Evolution’s Melody”

Full Song Lyrics:

[Verse]
Am Em
Once upon a time in the ancient sea,
F C
Life began, a mystery unexplained.
G Em
Where did we come from, where will we be,
F C
In the grand scheme of things, we’re just a grain.

[Chorus]
G Em
Evolution’s melody, sung in minor key,
F C
Tells a tale of cells and DNA.
G Em
Unfolding rhythm of the galaxy,
F C
In our veins flows the ancient protein’s way.

[Verse]
Am Em
From the primordial soup, life took a leap,
F C
Trillions of cells, all in a coordinated heap.
G Em
From the dust of stars, we came to be,
F C
A cosmic dance, a miracle to see.

[Chorus]
G Em
Evolution’s melody, echoes eternally,
F C
In our hearts, we carry the cosmic flame.
G Em
Under the microscope, in the vast sea,
F C
We are but stardust, playing the universe’s game.

Bands Favorite Fan:

The band’s favorite fan is a high school biology teacher, Laura Molecule. She found Ancient Protein while searching for ways to make her biology class more engaging for her students. Laura says, “Their music not only motivates my students but also helps them understand complex biological concepts. Songs like ‘Evolution’s Melody’ are not just songs, they are audio-infused lessons. Ancient Protein is not just my favorite band because they make my job more fun, but they are also contributing to education in a unique and impactful way.”

Backstory:

Arid Inflation, a brainchild of childhood friends, Jake and Sam, started in the bustling city of Chicago. Growing up in the suburbs, they spent countless hours in their parents’ garages, honing their musical skills and writing songs that spoke of their adolescent experiences. After high school, they decided to take their passion a step further by forming a band. The name ‘Arid Inflation’ was inspired by their shared sentiment of feeling ‘dried up’ in their creativity and ‘inflated’ in their dreams and ambitions, much like the paradox of the desert wind. Armed with their guitars and vision, they moved to the city center and began performing at local gigs, gaining a faithful following.

Genre:

Arid Inflation is the epitome of alternative rock. Their music, a blend of melancholic lyrics and energetic guitar riffs, encapsulates the genre’s essence. Their style exhibits influences from classic rock, punk, and indie, creating a unique soundscape that resonates with a wide audience.

Title:

“One Last Dance in the Wasteland”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
Am – D – G
Here in the wasteland, under the broken sky,
We’re dancing with shadows, as the world passes by.
Lost in the desert, our dreams turned to sand,
We’re holding on tight with a trembling hand.

(Chorus)
C – G – Am – Em
One last dance in the wasteland,
With the stars as our only band.
Burning bright in the moonlight,
We’ll make our final stand.

(Verse 2)
Am – D – G
Echoes of laughter, still ring in my ears,
A symphony of memories, laced with our fears.
In the arid inflation, our hearts a barren land,
We dance like we have the world in our hand.

(Chorus)
C – G – Am – Em
One last dance in the wasteland,
In the shadows, hand in hand.
With the night as our tapestry,
We’ll leave footprints in the sand.

Favorite Fan Testimonial:

My name is Emily, and Arid Inflation has been my favorite band since I first heard their music at a local gig in Chicago. The raw emotions their songs evoke, coupled with their powerful performances, makes their music relatable and captivating. ‘One Last Dance in the Wasteland’ particularly resonates with me. Its melancholic lyrics, complemented by its energetic melody, encapsulates the struggle of holding onto hope amidst adversity. As a fan, I feel seen and heard through their music, and that’s what makes them my favorite band.

Backstory:

Fearful Shareholder was born in the grungy basements and cluttered dorm rooms of a group of college friends at the University of Pennsylvania’s Wharton School. Initially just a creative outlet amidst their finance and economics studies, the band soon realized that their unique sound, mixed with their insightful lyrics about the modern economic climate, resonated with a wider audience. Fueled by their shared passion for music and a mutual understanding of the volatile world of investments, they decided to take their garage band to the next level. They started performing at local pubs and soon enough, their reputation as a band that fuses rock with economic commentary began to grow.

Genre:

Alternative Rock with elements of Blues

Song Title:

“Capital Gains, Emotional Losses”

Lyrics:

Verse 1 (C – G – Am – F):
In the glaring lights of Wall Street, (C)
A place where dreams and nightmares meet, (G)
We trade our hopes, we sell our fears, (Am)
Just praying for another year. (F)

Chorus (Am – G – F):
Capital gains, emotional losses, (Am)
Chasing fortune, ignoring the costs. (G)
In the end, what do we really earn? (F)
When the market’s up, but our hearts yearn? (Am)

Verse 2 (C – G – Am – F):
The ticker tape, it never sleeps, (C)
In its rhythm, a fearful shareholder weeps. (G)
Losing more than just the green, (Am)
In a world that’s cold and mean. (F)

Chorus (Am – G – F):
Capital gains, emotional losses, (Am)
In this game, we’re all just bosses. (G)
But at night, beneath the neon glow, (F)
Are we richer, or just alone? (Am)

Fan Testimonial:

Fan’s Name: Jessica Howard

Jessica Howard, a day trader from Michigan, has been a dedicated follower of Fearful Shareholder since their early performances. In her own words, “Fearful Shareholder provides a soundtrack to my daily life. Their music isn’t just entertainment, it’s an empathetic voice amidst the chaos of the financial world. It’s like they understand the struggle, the gamble, and the emotional turmoil that is so often overlooked in our profession. It’s raw, it’s real, and it resonates. They have become my favorite band because they tell our story, they sing our song, and they make me feel seen in a way no other band does.”

Backstory:
Quintessential Bishop began as an ambitious project of childhood friends, Jake Evanson and Freddy Rayburn, in the whimsical town of Bakersfield, Vermont. Jake, a self-taught guitarist with a knack for creating evocative melodies, and Freddy, a poet who found solace in his words, decided to amalgamate their talents and thus the Quintessential Bishop was born. The band was initially a platform for the duo to express their ideas and experiment with music, but fascinatingly, it took an unexpected turn. Their raw, emotional sound resonated with the local populace, propelling them to stardom in the town’s underground music scene. Their popularity grew as they continued to push boundaries, incorporating different elements of music from various genres that made their sound unique and appealing.

Genre:
Quintessential Bishop’s music is a unique blend of Folk Rock fused with elements of Indie Pop.

Title:
“Whispers of the Wind”

Full song lyrics:

(Verse 1)
[G]Underneath the willow tree,
[D]I found a letter from me to me,
[Em]Words left unsaid, dreams left unseen,
[C]Echoes of a love, that could have been.

(Chorus)
[G]Whispers of the wind, [D]tell me where to go,
[Em]Lost in the echoes of [C]our sweet hello,
[G]Carry me to the days, [D]when love was blind,
[Em]On the wings of memories, [C]that we left behind.

(Verse 2)
[G]Scribbled on the parchment, stained with time,
[D]Are the tales of a love, that was once mine,
[Em]The ashes of the past can’t douse the flame,
[C]Every echo of your name, brings back the same.

(Chorus)
[G]Whispers of the wind, [D]tell me where to go,
[Em]Lost in the echoes of [C]our sweet hello,
[G]Carry me to the days, [D]when love was blind,
[Em]On the wings of memories, [C]that we left behind.

Band’s Favorite Fan:
Amy Patterson is a die-hard fan of Quintessential Bishop who hasn’t missed a single performance since their inception. She absolutely adores their unique music style and deep, thoughtful lyrics, which intensely resonate with her.

Amy Patterson Testimonial:
“For me, Quintessential Bishop is more than just music; it’s a powerful narrative that touches the soul. Their music has been a constant companion through my highs and lows, echoing my emotions and thoughts in a way I could never express. The blend of Jake’s stirring melodies and Freddy’s profound lyrics creates a captivating aura that is both soothing and reviving. They’re not just my favorite band – they’re a part of my life. With every performance, they manage to capture the essence of human emotions and experiences. In a world full of noise, they are my serenity.”

Backstory:

Tremendous Finger was formed in the sunny neighborhoods of San Diego in 2010. The band is comprised of four high school best friends: John ‘Rusty’ Russel on vocals and guitar, Mike ‘Magic’ Morton on bass, Jimmy ‘Fire’ Fox on drums, and Tim ‘Tumbleweed’ Thompson on keyboard. Originally, the quartet played in their parents’ garages, covering songs from their favorite bands. After a couple of years, they began writing their own music and started performing at local bars, quickly gaining a small but loyal following. Their music is inspired by life, love, and the pursuit of the ultimate surfing wave.

Genre:

Tremendous Finger plays a unique blend of surf rock and indie pop.

Title:

“Sunset Serenade”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
Am Dm G C
Watch the sun go down, feel the wind’s cool touch,
Am Dm G C
Painted skies above, never loved this much.
Am Dm G C
Surf’s up, heart’s riding, on the calming sea,
Am Dm G C
Life’s a wave, we’re gliding, set the spirits free.

(Chorus)
F C G Am
Sunset serenade, under the twilight’s glow,
F C G Am
Waves whisper melodies only we know.
F C G Am
Barefoot on the sand, chasing eternity,
F C G Am
In our beachside wonderland, we find serenity.

(Verse 2)
Am Dm G C
Moonlight guides our way, stars join our song,
Am Dm G C
Night is our day, where we belong.
Am Dm G C
In the tidal rhythm, we find our beat,
Am Dm G C
With the ocean’s hymn, our song’s complete.

(Chorus)
F C G Am
Sunset serenade, under the twilight’s glow,
F C G Am
Waves whisper melodies only we know.
F C G Am
Barefoot on the sand, chasing eternity,
F C G Am
In our beachside wonderland, we find serenity.

Fan Testimonial:

The band’s favorite fan is Emily ‘Surf Queen’ Quinn. Emily has been a fan of Tremendous Finger since their garage days. She loves their music because it makes her feel connected to the ocean, even when she’s far from the beach. As per Emily, “Tremendous Finger’s music is like the soundtrack to my life. Their songs make me feel like I’m surfing even when I’m just sitting in traffic. It’s a daily dose of saltwater for my soul.”

Backstory:
Favorite Spark was born in the heart of Portland, Oregon, a city known for its vibrant music scene. The four members, frontman Jesse, guitarist Richard, bassist Logan, and drummer Sasha, met in a dimly lit dive bar, each one longing to make their mark in the world of music. They bonded over shared musical tastes, complementary skills, and a yearning for something more than just being background noise in a crowded room. With a shared vision in sight, they started jamming in Logan’s garage, and Favorite Spark was ignited.

Over time, they’ve garnered a loyal fan base that resonates with their powerful lyrics and genre-blending tunes. Favorite Spark’s journey has been marked by perseverance, late-night rehearsals, never-ending tours, and the relentless pursuit of their creative passion.

Genre:
Alternative Rock

Title:
“Chasing Shadows”

Full Song Lyrics:
(Verse 1)
[G] Underneath the [C] city lights, we’re [Em] chasing shadows, [D] lost in time.
[G] Driven by a [C] spark within, we’re [Em] scribbling dreams [D] on our skin.

(Chorus)
[G] We’re chasing shadows, [C] into the night,
[Em] Fuelled by the rhythm, [D] lost in the spotlight.
[G] With every strum, [C] every beat, every line,
[Em] We’re chasing shadows, [D] we’re making them shine.

(Verse 2)
[G] Strumming chords on [C] empty streets, [Em] playing with fire, [D] feeling the heat.
[G] With the rhythm [C] in our hearts, we’re [Em] tearing the silence [D] apart.

(Chorus)
[G] We’re chasing shadows, [C] into the night,
[Em] Fuelled by the rhythm, [D] lost in the spotlight.
[G] We’re the dreamers, [C] the rebels, the divine,
[Em] We’re chasing shadows, [D] we’re making them shine.

Favorite Fan:
The band’s favorite fan is a girl named Lily.

Testimonial:
“I’ve been a fan of Favorite Spark since their first gig in a dingy bar in downtown Portland. Their music speaks to me on a deeper level, it’s like they’ve put my innermost thoughts and emotions into words and melodies. ‘Chasing Shadows’, in particular, is a song that I hold close to my heart. It’s about not being afraid to chase your dreams, no matter how elusive or intangible they may seem. Favorite Spark’s music has given me the courage to chase my own shadows, and for that, they’re definitely my favorite.”

Backstory:

Political Cough originated from the small town of Elmsville, located in the heart of Texas. The band started as a group of high school friends, namely Jeremy “Jem” Rodgers, Andrew “Drew” Peterson, Lilly “Lil” Johnson, and Matthew “Matty” Ford. They spent their summer afternoons in Jem’s garage, venting out their teenage frustrations through music. Their songwriting often revolved around the socio-political climate of their town which was marred by various issues like unemployment, racism, and educational inequality. The name ‘Political Cough’ was chosen to symbolize their attempt to voice out against the societal illness, much like a cough being a symptom of an underlying disease.

Post-high school, the band members pursued their individual paths but their passion for music and commitment to societal change brought them back together. They moved to Austin, the live music capital of the world, and started performing at local music festivals. Their music resonated with the audience, leading to a steady growth in their fanbase and eventually landing them a record deal.

Genre:
Political Cough is best known for their Folk Punk genre.

Title:
“Our Town’s Tale”

Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
[G] Down by the river, [D] underneath the pale moonlight, [Em]
[C] Kids are dreaming of a future, [G] out of sight.
[D] Unemployment’s a shadow, [Am] cast on our town’s tale, [C]
[G] Hear our song, [D] let’s turn the page, [Em] let our voices prevail.

(Chorus)
[C] We are the [G] voice, the political [D] cough,
[Em] Rising against the wind, [C] we’ve had enough.
[G] Our town’s tale, [D] we will rewrite,
[Em] With our music, [C] we ignite, [G] we ignite.

(Verse 2)
[G] Racism’s an ogre, [D] lurking in our streets, [Em]
[C] Education’s a luxury, [G] only few can meet.
[D] Our town’s tale is [Am] written in shades of grey, [C]
[G] Hear our song, [D] we’ll paint it in colors, [Em] we’ll lead the way.

(Chorus)
[C] We are the [G] voice, the political [D] cough,
[Em] Rising against the dust, [C] we’ve had enough.
[G] Our town’s tale, [D] we will redefine,
[Em] With our lyrics, [C] we’ll intertwine, [G] we’ll intertwine.

Favorite Fan’s Testimonial:

“I’m Sarah, a college student from Austin. I believe in music’s power to catalyze change and that’s why Political Cough is my favorite band. Their songs are more than just music; they’re anthems of resistance. Their lyrics speak volumes about the societal issues we face and they’ve inspired me to take action. For instance, ‘Our Town’s Tale’ prompted me to start a campaign against racial discrimination in my college. Their music gives me hope that change is possible. I’m proud to be a fan of Political Cough.”

Backstory:

Modest Step is a band that was formed in the vibrant city of San Francisco, California back in 2012. The band comprises four members – lead vocalist and guitarist Ethan Smith, bassist Matthew ‘Matty’ Harvey, keyboardist Sophie Hopkins, and drummer Alex ‘AJ’ Jones. All four members were once part of different bands performing at local venues around town. On a fateful evening, at the city’s annual Battle of the Bands event, they crossed paths and felt an immediate musical connection. They decided to take a ‘modest step’ towards a new musical journey, hence the name of the band.

Modest Step’s music has always been about the subtleties of life. They believe in the power of simple messages delivered through soul-stirring tunes. Their lyrics are deep, relatable, and always inspire listeners to take a modest step to bring about change in their lives. The band’s harmonious blend of various musical styles and thought-provoking lyrics has earned them a dedicated fan base over the years.

Genre:

Modest Step’s music predominantly falls under the Alternative Rock genre, with a mix of Indie Pop.

Title:

“Footprints in Sand”

Full Song Lyrics:

[Intro] G – D – Em – C

(Verse 1)
G D
Every morning as the sun does rise,
Em C
I walk the shore where your memory lies.
G D
See the footprints we left in the sand,
Em C
Fading into the time’s grand stand.

(Chorus)
G D Em C
Oh, our footprints in the sand,
G D Em C
Hold stories of a time so grand,
G D Em C
Though they may fade with the tide,
G D Em C
In my heart, they forever reside.

(Verse 2)
G D
The whisper of waves, the seagull’s song,
Em C
Remind me of a love that was strong.
G D
As I gaze at the endless sea,
Em C
Your echoes of laughter live within me.

(Repeat Chorus)

Favorite Fan:

Their favorite fan is a woman named Leah Thompson. Leah has followed Modest Step since their initial days, attending every concert they’ve performed in and around San Francisco. Leah claims that their music helped her through a difficult time in her life.

Leah’s Testimonial:

“I stumbled upon Modest Step in a small basement gig back in 2014. Their music just hit me right in the feels. The raw emotions, the authenticity, and the simplicity of their lyrics connected with me on a deep level. They’ve become a part of my life. Their song ‘Footprints in Sand’ specifically helped me cope with loss and heal. To me, Modest Step is more than just a band.”