Backstory:

Visible Lecture was formed in the heart of the bustling city of Chicago in the summer of 2011. The band consists of four members: lead vocalist and guitarist, James Rutherford, drummer, Simon Peters, bassist, Daniel O’Reilly, and keyboardist, Andrew Marshall. The quartet met at a local music festival and found a shared passion for creating original music. From their humble beginnings in a garage to their rise to recording in professional studios, the band’s journey has been anything but easy. Overcoming adversities and strengthening their resolve through their shared love of music, Visible Lecture has developed a unique sound and fan base.

Genre:

Alternative Rock with a touch of Indie Pop.

Song Title:

“Melody in Monochrome”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
C Em Am G
Lost in the city lights, the shadows chase our minds,
C Em Am G
Beneath the concrete sky, our dreams are colorblind,
C Em Am G
In a world that’s painted gray, we find a different way,
C Em Am G
Our hearts beat to the rhythm, as our souls begin to play.

(Chorus)
F G Am G
Melody in monochrome, a symphony in the unknown,
F G C G
We are the artists, we are the cure, painting our dreams in literature.

(Verse 2)
C Em Am G
Streetlights flicker as the night begins to fall,
C Em Am G
In the silence of the city, we hear our music call,
C Em Am G
Through the static and the noise, we find our distinct voice,
C Em Am G
In the echoes of the alleyways, we make our own choice.

(Chorus)
F G Am G
Melody in monochrome, a symphony in the unknown,
F G C G
We are the artists, we are the cure, painting our dreams in literature.

Favorite Fan:

Our favorite fan’s name is Lucy. Lucy is a 16-year-old high school student who stumbled upon Visible Lecture’s music during a tough time in her life. To her, the band’s lyrics are poetic, and their melodies are soothing; their songs have helped her face and overcome various personal challenges. She says, “Visible Lecture isn’t just a band to me, they’re my lifeline. Their music gives me strength, and I’ve never felt a connection like this with any other band. Their distinctive sound is like a beacon of light in the dark for me.”

Backstory:
Slow Necessity emerged in the underground music scene of Portland, Oregon during the late 2000s. The band consists of four friends; Lucas on lead vocals and guitar, Jake on drums, Zoe on bass and backing vocals, and Eli on keyboards. They started their journey jamming in Lucas’ basement, bonding over their shared love for classic rock and 90s grunge. Their eclectic mix of influences eventually led them to create a sound uniquely their own. After years of performing in small venues and battling the odds, their raw talent and commitment were noticed by independent label ‘Submerge Records’. With this newfound platform, Slow Necessity began to reach a larger audience and their cult following grew exponentially.

Genre:
Alternative Rock

Title:
“Dusk’s Dawn”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
[G] Underneath the [C] city lights, [D] we found our freedom,
[Em] Lost in time, [C] under the [G] cover of the night.
[G] Dreams in our [C] pockets, love on our [D] tongues,
[Em] We danced like [C] nobody was watching, [G] under the setting sun.

(Chorus)
[D] And oh, [Em] in the dusk’s dawn,
[C] We found a love that [G] outshines the sun.
[D] And oh, [Em] caught in the twilight’s yawn,
[C] We became one, [G] in the dusk’s dawn.

(Verse 2)
[G] Chasing shadows [C] through the alleyways, [D] laughter echoing,
[Em] Midnight secrets, [C] whispered promises [G] taking wing.
[G] Stars our compass, [C] moon our guide, [D] we danced till morning light,
[Em] Hearts beating [C] like drums, in the [G] quiet of the night.

(Chorus)
[D] And oh, [Em] in the dusk’s dawn,
[C] We found a love that [G] outshines the sun.
[D] And oh, [Em] caught in the twilight’s yawn,
[C] We became one, [G] in the dusk’s dawn.

Fan Testimonial:

“My name’s Maddie, and Slow Necessity is my favorite band for all the right reasons. Their music transcends the ordinary; it’s raw, it’s real, and it’s relatable. The way they blend their influences into a sound that’s so uniquely theirs is truly inspiring. And their lyrics? They resonate with me on a deeply personal level. ‘Dusk’s Dawn’ is my anthem. It’s about finding beauty and love in the most unexpected places. And that’s what Slow Necessity does – they create beauty out of the ordinary, and they’ve found a special place in my heart because of it.”

Backstory:

Stained Cough was formed in the bustling heart of Seattle, Washington in 2002. The band members, childhood friends Soren Jacobsen (vocals, guitar), Keith Henderson (drums), and Fiona Rainey (bass, backing vocals), found their shared love for music while jamming in their high school’s music room, often skipping classes to perfect their craft. The trio explored different genres, but it was the raw emotion and energy in grunge and alternative rock that truly resonated with them. The band name ‘Stained Cough’ was inspired by an inside joke about a coffee spill on a sheet of music during a particularly long rehearsal, symbolizing their struggles and shared experiences.

Genre:

Alternative Rock/Grunge

Title:

“Shattered Frames”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
G#m
Staring at the mirror, can’t recognize my face
E
Caught in the illusion of a time-ridden space
B
Broken dreams scatter like shattered frames,
F#
Yet we’re still playing the same old games

(Chorus)
G#m
Dancing in the echoes of our past
E
We’re just shadow puppets, will we last?
B
Through the stain of time, we’re still the same
F#
In this picture-perfect, shattered frame

(Verse 2)
G#m
The clock ticks faster, but we’re losing the race
E
In the flicker of moments, find a saving grace
B
In the ashes of memories, find the flame
F#
In this picture-perfect, shattered frame

(Chorus)
G#m
Dancing in the echoes of our past
E
We’re just shadow puppets, will we last?
B
Through the stain of time, we’re still the same
F#
In this picture-perfect, shattered frame

The band’s favorite fan:

Name: Lucy Owens
Testimonial:
“I’ve been an avid fan of Stained Cough since their inception. Their music, a beautiful blend of grunge and alternative rock, speaks directly to my soul, with lyrics that reverberate with raw emotion and energy. Each song feels like a personal letter, a chronicle of struggle, resilience, and the human condition. Stained Cough is my favorite band because they create music that is authentic, gritty, and profound. Their songs ‘Shattered Frames’ is my personal anthem. It perfectly captures the feeling of time slipping away and the need to hold onto the essence of who we are. Stained Cough’s music is timeless, and I am grateful to be part of their journey.”

Backstory:
Wonderful Direction was formed in the small town of Rison, Arkansas, in 2012. The high school friends- John Morris (lead vocalist), Pete Kinnaman (lead guitarist), and brothers Mike and Rob Canton (drummer and bassist respectively), found a common passion in music and began jamming in their school’s music room. After winning a local talent show, they decided to take their hobby to the next level and thus Wonderful Direction was born. Over the years, their unique sound and heartfelt lyrics have gained a loyal fan base, affirming their decision to pursue their music dreams.

Genre:
Pop Rock

Title:
“Road Less Traveled”

Full song lyrics:

(Verse 1)
[G] The sun dips down, [D] the stars take flight,
[Em] We’re on the road less traveled, [C] chasing the night.
[G] A thousand miles, [D] a million dreams,
[Em] We’re the lost boys, [C] the wayward teens.

(Chorus)
[G] We’re Wonderful Direction, [D] the voice of your heart,
[Em] Traveling roads less taken, [C] making our mark.
[G] We’re the echoes of the starlight, [D] the whispers of the wind,
[Em] We’re the voice in your silence, [C] the song that never ends.

(Verse 2)
[G] Day by day, [D] night by night,
[Em] We’re on the road less traveled, [C] embracing the light.
[G] With every chord, [D] with every rhyme,
[Em] We’re telling your stories, [C] one song at a time.

(Chorus)
[G] We’re Wonderful Direction, [D] the beat in your soul,
[Em] Dancing on the edge of dreams, [C] making you whole.
[G] We’re the whispers in the shadows, [D] the laughter in the rain,
[Em] We’re the rhythm in your heartache, [C] the balm for your pain.

Fan Testimonial:
The band’s favorite fan is Lucy Adams, a young woman from their hometown. She’s followed them since their early days and seen every live performance. Lucy says, “Wonderful Direction isn’t just a band to me, they’re like a soundtrack to my life. Their music has been there for me through the highs and lows. They’re not just musicians; they’re storytellers, and their stories resonate with me on a deep level. The band’s favorite song, ‘Road Less Traveled’, speaks to me about the courage to follow your own path, even when it’s not the easiest one. Wonderful Direction isn’t just my favorite band – they’re my inspiration.”

Backstory:

Born in the heart of Nashville, Chief New is the brainchild of four childhood friends who decided to put their shared musical passion to the test. Growing up in the country music capital of the world, Cody (vocals), Nate (drums), Eli (bass guitar), and Sam (guitar) were exposed to a wide range of music from a very young age. Each member dove deep into their craft, until one day, they decided to combine their talents, creating something bigger than themselves. They named their band Chief New, an homage to their shared love for Native American culture and their constant pursuit of creating something new and groundbreaking.

After a few years of playing small gigs and honing their style, Chief New started gaining recognition for their unique sound and heartfelt lyrics. Their concerts are packed with energy, raw emotion, and a sense of unity that makes every audience member feel like part of the band’s journey. Their dedication and love for music are what make Chief New a standout in today’s music scene.

Genre:
Alternative Country-Rock

Title:
“Underneath the Willow Tree”

Full song lyrics:

Verse 1:
[C] Underneath the willow tree, [G] where you first said you loved me,
[Am] I found a piece of you, I [F] could never see.
[C] The way the wind would whisper, [G] and the sun would softly glimmer,
[Am] It’s there I came to know, [F] the depth of you and me.

Chorus:
[G] Underneath the willow tree, [C] that’s where we’ll always be,
[Am] Lost in time, in a love that’s [F] wild and free.
[G] Even when the sun sets low, [C] and shadows start to grow,
[Am] I’ll meet you there, [F] underneath the willow tree.

Verse 2:
[C] As seasons changed around us, [G] our love proved to be boundless,
[Am] We held on tight, through stormy [F] nights and sunny days.
[C] Your laughter was my song, [G] with you I felt so strong,
[Am] As we carved our initials, [F] in that old willow’s face.

Chorus:
[G] Underneath the willow tree, [C] that’s where we’ll always be,
[Am] Lost in time, in a love that’s [F] wild and free.
[G] Even when life takes its toll, [C] and time begins to roll,
[Am] I’ll meet you there, [F] underneath the willow tree.

Fan Testimonial:

Fan’s name: Alice

“I’ve been listening to music for a long time, and I’ve never been as moved as I am by Chief New. Their music is raw, powerful and compelling. It speaks to me on a level that no other band has managed to reach. I can relate to their lyrics, and the music just sweeps me off my feet. I’ve been to their concerts a few times, and the energy and unity there are just magical. It’s like being part of a family. For me, Chief New is not just a band, it’s an experience. Their song ‘Underneath the Willow Tree’ is my absolute favorite. It reminds me of my first love and all the beautiful moments we shared. I can’t thank these guys enough for the joy their music brings to my life.”

Backstory:

Shrill Concentration formed in the heart of Seattle, Washington in 2003. Lead singer and guitarist, Devon Harrison, bassist Jake Reynolds, drummer Alex Long, and keyboardist Leah Watson came together with a shared love for off-kilter melodies and introspective lyrics. The band started out playing small local bars and clubs, using these intimate venues to hone in on their distinctive sound. Despite the ups and downs of the music industry, their passion for music has kept them together, allowing them to create a unique bond that translates into their performances.

Genre: Indie Rock

Title: “Spectral Echo”

Full song lyrics:

Verse 1: [C – Em – Dm – G]
In the shadowed corners of my mind, [C]
Walking on the echoes left behind [Em]
Every sound, a spectral image cast, [Dm]
Memories of the future and the past [G]

Chorus: [F – C – Dm – G]
Spectral echo, don’t you fade away, [F]
Haunting rhythm, in my ears you play [C]
Can you hear the music from my soul? [Dm]
In its resonance, I am whole [G]

Verse 2: [C – Em – Dm – G]
Through the silence, chords of life ring clear, [C]
Every note a testament of fear. [Em]
In the cacophony, I find my peace, [Dm]
Let the shrill concentration never cease. [G]

Chorus: [F – C – Dm – G]
Spectral echo, don’t you fade away, [F]
Haunting rhythm, in my ears you play [C]
Can you hear the music from my soul? [Dm]
In its resonance, I am whole [G]

Outro: [C – Em – Dm – G]
In the quiet, hear the song replay, [C]
Spectral echo, please don’t fade away. [Em – Dm – G]

Favorite Fan’s Testimonial:

Sandra, an ardent fan of Shrill Concentration from Ohio, says, “I stumbled upon Shrill Concentration during a particularly tumultuous time in my life. Their soulful lyrics and resonating melodies were precisely what I needed. They are not just a band to me; they are a sanctuary, an emotional outlet that understands and echoes my feelings. Their songs, especially ‘Spectral Echo,’ resonate with the uncertainties and fears I often grapple with. The raw, emotional honesty and the beautiful harmony make them my favorite band. Their music has seen me through some of my darkest times and continues to be a significant part of my life.”

Backstory:
Virtuous Beginning is an ensemble of four friends, Mark (lead vocalist and guitarist), Kate (drummer), Paul (bassist), and Luke (keyboardist), who came together in a suburban neighborhood of Chicago. They all shared a passion for music and began performing at local venues in 2015. Their charisma and infectious energy quickly won the hearts of the local crowd and they became a popular name in the underground music scene. After three years of performing live, they decided to put their musical prowess into an album. Their music, filled with themes of hope, love, resilience, and new beginnings resonated with the audience, gaining them a dedicated fanbase.

Genre:
Indie Pop

Song Title:
“Rising Sun”

Full Song Lyrics:
[Verse 1]
(G) Waking up to the (C) morning light, (Em)
(D) Another chance to (G) make it right.
(G) A new day, a (C) brand-new start, (Em)
(D) Letting go of the (G) broken part.

[Chorus]
(Am) Here comes the (D) rising sun, (G)
(C) A day of hope has just (Em) begun. (D)
(Am) Embrace the (D) morning dew, (G)
(C) A virtuous beginning, (Em) brand new. (D)

[Verse 2]
(G) Let’s walk down the (C) open road, (Em)
(D) With open hearts, let our (G) stories unfold.
(G) We’ll face the highs, we’ll (C) face the lows, (Em)
(D) Embark on journeys, (G) only the heart knows.

[Chorus]
(Am) Here comes the (D) rising sun, (G)
(C) A day of hope has just (Em) begun. (D)
(Am) Embrace the (D) morning dew, (G)
(C) A virtuous beginning, (Em) brand new. (D)

[Bridge]
(Em) In the golden (D) rays, we (C) find our way, (G)
(Em) Paint a canvas with (D) colors so (C) gay. (G)

[Chorus]
(Am) Here comes the (D) rising sun, (G)
(C) A day of hope has just (Em) begun. (D)
(Am) Embrace the (D) morning dew, (G)
(C) A virtuous beginning, (Em) brand new. (D)

[Outro]
(G) With the rising sun, (C) our story’s begun,
(Em) A virtuous (D) beginning, under the (G) sun.

Favorite Fan:
The band’s favorite fan is a young girl named Lila Johnson. In a heartfelt testimonial, she writes, “I have been following Virtuous Beginning since their early days. Their music has been a beacon of hope in my life. There’s so much positivity in their songs, it’s like a new beginning every time I listen to them. Their song ‘Rising Sun’ became my anthem during a difficult time. Their music is more than just melodies and lyrics for me, it’s an inspiration to embrace each new day with hope and a positive spirit. They are my favorite band because they taught me how to find beauty and hope, even in the darkest days.”

Backstory:
Acceptable Soil was formed in 2011, in a small town in Vermont, where life was as mundane as it could possibly get. The band was initially a teenage escape plan for four high school friends – lead vocalist Austin ‘Rex’ Johnson, lead guitarist ‘Mad Mike’ Hamilton, bassist Joey ‘The Wall’ Simmons, and drummer Sam ‘Cyclone’ Frank. It started with the teens jamming in their garages, basements, and at local gigs. Overflowing with raw energy and a desire to push the boundary of their music, they soon found their rhythm and created a unique sound that resonated with their listeners. Their shared love and passion for music helped them rise from the ordinary to create something extraordinary.

Genre:
Progressive Rock

Title:
‘Eternal Echoes’

Full Song Lyrics:
Verse 1:
[Am] Staring at the [G] reflections of [F] yesterday,
[Am]The silent road [G] whispers a sweet [F] serenade.
[Am] Running from the [G] shadows, towards [F] the unknown,
[Am] Seeking the peace, [G] in the chaos [F] they’ve sown.

Chorus:
[C] Eternal echoes [G] in the hallway of [Dm] our minds,
[Am] Remnants of the past [F] we’ve left behind.
[C] Look ahead, [G] let go, let your [Dm] spirit free,
[Am] In the Acceptable Soil, [F] we will forever be.

Verse 2:
[Am] In dreams we [G] wander, between [F] hope and despair,
[Am] Holding onto [G] moments, the world [F] can’t share.
[Am] With hearts on [G] fire, we paint [F] our destiny,
[Am] Our songs, our stories, [G] our legacy [F] in eternity.

Chorus:
[C] Eternal echoes [G] in the hallway of [Dm] our minds,
[Am] Remnants of the past [F] we’ve left behind.
[C] Look ahead, [G] let go, let your [Dm] spirit free,
[Am] In the Acceptable Soil, [F] we will forever be.

Fan’s Name:
Sarah Williams

Testimonial:
“Acceptable Soil isn’t just a band to me, it’s an emotion. Their music has been my solace in the storm, my joy in the mundane, my courage in moments of fear. The rawness of their lyrics, the depth in their music, it’s like they’re speaking right to my soul. I’ve been to every one of their concerts in and around Vermont, and each one feels like the first time. ‘Eternal Echoes’ particularly speaks to me on a personal level, it’s like an anthem for life. The more I listen, the deeper it resonates. Acceptable Soil isn’t just my favorite band, they’re a part of who I am.”

Backstory:

Heavy Receipt originated in the eclectic music scene of Portland, Oregon, in 2016. The band comprises five members: Adrian ‘Throttle’ Johnson on lead vocals, twins Bill ‘Buzz’ and Bob ‘Flash’ McAlister on guitars, Marty ‘Boom’ O’Neil on drums, and ‘Longshot’ Larry Rodgers on bass. Buzz and Flash ran a small record store in downtown Portland, where they met Johnson, who was a regular customer. Bonding over their shared love for music, they decided to start their own band, recruiting O’Neil, a local drumming prodigy, and Rodgers, a longtime friend and talented bassist. Their name, Heavy Receipt, was inspired by the hefty invoice they had to pay for their first batch of band equipment.

Genre:
Heavy Receipt specializes in a unique blend of grunge rock and blues, with hints of punk and indie vibe.

Title:
“One More Echo”

Full Song Lyrics:

[Verse 1: E-A-D-G]
E
I’ve been down the darkest alleys,
A
Seen the shadows of the past,
D
Got one foot in tomorrow,
G
One in moments that don’t last.

[Chorus: C-D-G]
C
I hear one more echo of a yesterday,
D
I see one more ghost, in this haunted fray,
G
I’ve got one more echo, keeping me astray.

[Verse 2: E-A-D-G]
E
I’m just a man on a mission,
A
With silence as my guide,
D
Lost in endless transition,
G
Where secrets coincide.

[Chorus: C-D-G]
C
I hear one more echo of a yesterday,
D
I see one more ghost, in this haunted fray,
G
I’ve got one more echo, pulling me away.

[Bridge: Bm-Em]
Bm
In the echoes I’m living,
Em
In the echoes I’m giving.

[Chorus: C-D-G]
C
I hear one more echo of a yesterday,
D
I see one more ghost, in this haunted fray,
G
I’ve got one more echo, leading me astray.

Fan’s Name:
Timothy ‘Tim’ Hanson.

Testimonial:

“Heavy Receipt is my all-time favorite because they’ve managed to blend grunge and blues in a way that speaks to my soul. Their music takes me places, from the depths of introspection to the heights of liberation. ‘One More Echo’ is my anthem – it’s raw, it’s real, and it’s incredibly poignant. As a music buff, I’ve seen many bands come and go, but Heavy Receipt is here to stay. And I’ll always be here, cheering them on.” – Timothy ‘Tim’ Hanson.

Backstory:

Early Tonne is a unique blend of childhood friends and college roommates who all found a common love for music in a small coastal town in England. The band’s name originates from their shared affinity for early morning jam sessions, often beginning at dawn, when the world was still quiet, and their creativity was at its peak. They started their journey playing at local cafés and pub gigs, quickly gaining recognition for their captivating harmonies and evocative lyrics. Their breakthrough came when a talent scout happened to catch one of their performances during a late-night pub gig and offered them a chance to record their first EP. The band grabbed the opportunity with both hands and hasn’t looked back since.

Genre:
Alternative Rock

Song Title:
“Moments in the Sun”

Full Song Lyrics:

Verse 1:
[G] Waking up at dawn, [D] streets are still and calm, [Em] the world is ours alone, [C] we play our morning song.
[G] The air is crisp and cool, [D] the sea reflects the moon, [Em] chilling in our living room, [C] feeling invincible in our cocoon.

Chorus:
[G] Moments in the sun, [D] we’ve only just begun, [Em] we’ll keep playing till the day is done, [C] with the rhythm of our hearts, we run.

Verse 2:
[G] Walking down these familiar lanes, [D] faces aglow in soft window panes, [Em] in the silence, our music reigns, [C] whispering secrets, relieving pains.

Chorus:
[G] Moments in the sun, [D] caught in the strings of our songs unsung, [Em] echoes of laughter, forever young, [C] in the symphony of life, we’re strung.

Bridge:
[Am] Through the highs and the lows, [C] the ebb and flow, [G] we’ll keep chasing dreams, wherever we go, [D] in the early morning glow.

Chorus:
[G] Moments in the sun, [D] under the stars, we’ve come undone, [Em] we’re not afraid to jump the gun, [C] with you, it feels like we’ve already won.

(Final Chorus Outro)

Fan Testimonial:

My name is Lily, and I can earnestly say Early Tonne is my favorite band. There’s something magical about their music that resonates with me. Perhaps, it’s the raw emotion in their lyrics, or the way their songs make me feel seen and understood. They have a unique ability to capture the beauty of everyday moments, making the mundane feel significant. The first time I heard “Moments in the Sun,” I was at a crossroad in my life, and it was like they were singing my story. It gave me strength, hope, and the courage to chase my dreams. Early Tonne isn’t just a band to me; they’re like a friend who’s always there, comforting, inspiring, and pushing me forward.