Backstory:
Nervous Bear was originally formed in the bustling music scene of Austin, Texas in 2012 by a group of four friends — lead singer and rhythm guitarist Eddie “Bear” Stevens, lead guitarist Mike “Nervous” Lee, bassist Sam “The Claw” Edwards, and drummer Pete “Growl” Howard. The quartet found common ground in their shared love for music that was both heartfelt and rebellious, giving birth to a unique sound that stood as a testament to their shared vision. Their name “Nervous Bear” was inspired by Eddie’s anxiety issues, turning it into a symbol of courage and resilience. With a breakthrough performance at a local music festival, their raw and emotional music quickly captured the attention of a diverse audience.

Genre:
Indie Rock/Alt-Country

Title:
“Whiskey Lullaby”

Full Song Lyrics with Chord Progression:

(Verse 1 – A, E, D, A)
A E
In a dusty town, under a whiskey sky,
D A
I found a broken heart, trying to learn to fly.
A E
Her eyes were lost, in a sea of pain,
D A
And I was just a nervous bear, in a world of chains.

(Chorus – E, D, A, E)
E D
She sang me a whiskey lullaby,
A E
A tale of loss under the starry sky.
E D
Her pain echoed in the moonlit night,
A E
And in that moment, we took flight.

(Verse 2 – A, E, D, A)
A E
We danced with shadows, and chased the dawn,
D A
Our spirits free, but our hearts were torn.
A E
In the echoes of her sorrowful song,
D A
I found a place where I belong.

(Chorus – E, D, A, E)
E D
She sang me a whiskey lullaby,
A E
A tale of love that never dies.
E D
In her melody, I found my fight,
A E
Nervous bear under the moonlight.

Favorite Fan:
The band’s favorite fan is a woman named Jenny, a professional photographer from Austin. Jenny has been a fan of Nervous Bear since their early days, attending their small gigs and capturing their performances through her lenses. She has been with them every step of the way, documenting their journey from a local band to a national act.

Testimonial:
“Following Nervous Bear’s journey has been nothing short of magical. Their music resonates with everyone who’s had their fair share of struggles. The raw emotion in their songs, especially in ‘Whiskey Lullaby’, is so palpable that it creates an instant connection. They’ve turned their personal battles into a source of strength and inspiration, and that’s what makes them special to me. They remind us that it’s okay to be a nervous bear, as long as we keep going. Their music has been my safe haven through my toughest times and for that, they’ll always be my favorite band.” – Jenny.

Backstory:

Formed in the quiet seaside town of Newport, Rhode Island in 2012, Several Plan is an enchanting mix of childhood friends and college roommates. The four band members, Ben Harper (vocals/guitar), Mark Watson (bass), Eli Thompson (drums), and Danny O’Brien (keyboards), all shared a dream of channeling their love for music into something tangible and full of soul. They found their bond in their shared basement, where their first chords echoed against the rough concrete walls, slowly growing into a sound that would become their own.

Named after their often chaotic and unorthodox approach to life and music, Several Plan is an embodiment of the group’s shared belief that you don’t need a single plan to get where you want to go, but rather several pathways, each rich with possibilities and opportunities. The band spent their early years in the local music scene, playing gigs at small venues and dive bars, gradually cultivating a loyal fan base with their unique and heartfelt sound.

Genre:

Indie Pop

Title:

“Paper Boats on a Concrete Sea”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
C Em
Paper boats on a concrete sea,
Am G
We’re chasing dreams, you and me.
C Em
In the echoes of the dawn,
Am G
We find the strength to carry on.

(Chorus)
C Em
Oh, we are the vessels of our destiny,
Am G
Sailing on the tides of uncertainty.
C Em
With hope as our compass, love as our guide,
Am G
We’ll keep on sailing, side by side.

(Verse 2)
C Em
Under the starlight, we set sail,
Am G
Leaving no room for fear to dwell.
C Em
With every heartbeat, every breath,
Am G
We’ll journey together, no matter what’s left.

(Chorus)
C Em
Oh, we are the vessels of our destiny,
Am G
Navigating through life’s complexity.
C Em
With hope as our anchor, love as our sail,
Am G
We’ll keep on sailing, never to fail.

The band’s favorite fan’s name:

Favorite fan: Lisa Simmons

Lisa Simmons is a school teacher from Portland, Oregon, who discovered Several Plan in an indie music blog. She instantly connected with their lyrics and their raw, authentic sound. Lisa has been a dedicated fan for over six years, attending every concert the band played in her city, even traveling to neighboring states to see them perform. She says, “Several Plan’s music has this magical ability to touch your soul. Their lyrics are so relatable, and their music constantly provides comfort and understanding. They are more than just a band to me; they are a beacon of hope in a confusing world.”

Backstory:
Miserable Traffic was born out of the crowded subway stations and bustling streets of New York City in 2015. Its members, frontman Keith Levine, bassist Julie ‘Jules’ Simmons, drummer Adam ‘Arms’ Davis and guitarist Leo ‘Fingers’ Finnegan, were all individual buskers, each trying to make their music heard above the relentless chaos of the city. Their paths crossed one rainy afternoon in a downtown subway station, where they discovered, much to their mutual surprise, that their distinct soundscapes blended perfectly, forming a symphony of aching lyrics and poignant melodies. They decided to join forces, giving birth to an alternative rock band that echoed the heartbreak and hopeful resilience of the city they called home.

Genre:
Alternative Rock

Song title:
“Love in the Rearview”

Full song lyrics:

Verse 1:
[Em]Stuck in the [G] whirlwind of your [D] lies
[Em]Watching the [G]city sighs and [D] cries
[Em]In the [G] rearview, all I [D] see
[A] Is the love you [Bm] took from me.

Chorus:
[C] Love in the rearview, [G] facing the unknown
[D] Chasing the shadows, feeling all alone
[C] Love in the rearview, [G] broken dreams unfurled
[D] In the miserable traffic of the [Em] world.

Verse 2:
[Em] Countless faces [G] pass me by [D]
[Em] Each holding a [G] secret, a silent [D] cry
[Em] In the [G] rearview, what do I [D] see?
[A] The ghost of your [Bm] memory.

(Chorus repeats)

Bridge:
[A] Stoplights flicker, the [Bm] night’s embrace
[C] In the rearview, I still see your [D] face
[A] Echoes of laughter, [Bm] moments unsaid
[C] In the traffic of life, [D] where love is misread.

(Chorus repeats until the end)

Fan Testimonial:
Fan’s name: Danny “The Drummer” Danvers

“Miserable Traffic became my favorite band the moment I heard ‘Love in the Rearview’ resonating through the crowded subway station. Their music speaks to the soul, offering an unfiltered look at life in the city with its heartache, its hustle, and its hopeful resilience. They capture the essence of what it means to love, lose, and keep pushing forward. Every beat, every strum, every word pulls at your heartstrings. I’ve never felt so seen by a band before.”

Backstory:
Uneven Attempt is a band, born out of the picturesque town of Asheville, North Carolina. The band came together in 2016, formed by four childhood friends; Ethan Jones on lead guitar and vocals, Ben White on bass guitar, Sam Adams on drums, and Jake Turner on keyboard and backing vocals. Named after their shared philosophy that life is an uneven attempt at understanding and expressing oneself, the band sought to channel their collective experience and emotion into their music. They’ve been growing strong ever since, with their unique sound winning hearts across the country and internationally.

Genre:
Uneven Attempt’s music genre can be described as indie rock with a touch of folk, drawing inspiration from bands like The Lumineers and Mumford & Sons.

Title:
One of Uneven Attempt’s most popular song is titled “Patchwork Soul.”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
[C] Silent whispers through the [G] vine
[D] Broken hearts and patchwork [Em] minds
[C] We’ve loved, we’ve lost, we’ve [G] been refined
[D] In the furnace of this [Em] time

(Chorus)
[G] Oh, we are just a [D] patchwork soul
[Em] Torn and mended, [C] beautifully whole
[G] Built from pieces of [D] love and toll
[Em] Our uneven [C] attempt to console

(Verse 2)
[C] Shadows dance on [G] city walls
[D] Echoing life’s siren [Em] call
[C] Through pain, through joy, through [G] rise and fall
[D] We find meaning in it [Em] all

(Chorus)
[G] Yes, we are just a [D] patchwork soul
[Em] Torn and mended, [C] beautifully whole
[G] The story of life, [D] truth be told
[Em] Is an uneven [C] attempt to enfold

Fans Favorite:
A fan named Lily Thompson, from Portland, Oregon, claims Uneven Attempt as her favorite band. She says “Their music resonates with me on a deeper level. It’s not just about the songs, but the stories they tell. It’s raw, it’s real, it’s beautiful. Every song feels like an uneven attempt at life, just like mine. That’s why they are my favorite.”

Backstory:
Cheerful Hole emerged from the vibrant music scene of Austin, Texas, back in 2012, as a group of five friends who shared a love for creating a unique blend of music. The quintet, led by charismatic frontman Joe ‘Captain’ Kessel, includes guitar virtuoso Lee ‘Lightning’ Johnson, the dynamic duo of keyboardist Amy ‘Ginger’ Gonzales and bassist, Mark ‘Slowhand’ Simon, and the rhythmic powerhouse, drummer Pete ‘The Beat’ Thompson.

The band’s journey began in a garage, filled with junk and instruments, where the friends would jam late into the night, creating a sound that was not only infectious but also innovative. Their breakout hit, ‘Starlight Gypsy,’ catapulted them into the limelight almost overnight and has been their trademark ever since. Their music, filled with raw energy and soulful lyrics, resonates with fans across all ages, leading to sold-out concerts and festivals.

Genre:
Alternative Rock

Title:
“Shadow of Your Smile”

Full Song Lyrics:

Verse 1:
[G]Underneath the [C]starry sky,
[D]I still see the [Em]shadow of your smile.
[G]In the silence of the [C]night, your [D]echo still resounds so [Em]wild.

Verse 2:
[G]Remembering your [C]gentle touch,
[D]My heart beats a [Em]rhythmic dance.
[G]Your voice, a soft [C]whisper in the wind,
[D]Leaves me in a soulful [Em]trance.

Chorus:
[G]In the shadow of your [C]smile,
[D]I find myself [Em]again.
[G]Your memory still [C]lingers on,
[D]Like the scent after the [Em]rain.

Fan’s Testimonial:
“My name is Bethany, and I’m probably the biggest fan of Cheerful Hole. What makes them my favorite are their soulful lyrics that really speak to me, coupled with the raw energy they bring on stage – it’s nothing short of hypnotic. Their song ‘Shadow of Your Smile’ holds a special place in my heart, as it was the theme of my first dance at my wedding. Their music has been the soundtrack to many of my life’s significant moments, and I genuinely feel connected to their songs on a profound level.”

Backstory:
Angelic Factory was born out of the vibrant music scene of Austin, Texas, in the spring of 2011. The quartet, consisting of lead singer Lucy Turner, guitarist Jake Brock, drummer Tony Gonzalez, and bassist Mia Evans, were all childhood friends who grew up with a shared passion for music, and a dream to manifest their emotions and experiences into their own melodies. After finishing high school, they decided to form ‘Angelic Factory’, a nod to their belief that through music they could create their own little sanctuary, an ‘angelic’ getaway from the mundanity of everyday life.

The group spent their early years playing in various local bars and clubs, honing their craft and developing their unique sound. Their dedication and raw talent soon caught the attention of a local record label, and their career took off from there. Through the rollercoaster ride of music stardom, the members of Angelic Factory have always held onto the spirit of their humble beginnings and their shared love for music.

Genre:
Alternative Rock

Title:
“Silver Lining Shroud”

Full Song Lyrics:
(Verse 1)
[C] Underneath the [Am] city lights, [F] Dreaming with our [G] eyes wide open,
[C] Lost in the [Am] chaos of life, [F] Searching for the [G] unseen token.

[Am] We’re all just [F] lost souls, [C] trying to [G] find our way,
[Am] In the maze of [F] life, [C] where shadows [G] often sway.

(Chorus)
[C] We are the [G] angels in the factory,
[Am] Creating our [Em] own destiny,
[F] With every [C] tear and [G] every laugh,
[C] We weave our [G] silver lining [Am] shroud. [F]

(Verse 2)
[C] Walking down the [Am] memory lane, [F] Hearts heavy with [G] unspoken pain.
[C] The past might [Am] haunt, the future [F] scares, [G] But the present moment always cares.

[Am] In the grand scheme [F] of things, [C] We’re all just [G] passersby,
[Am] Trying to find [F] our tune, [C] In the universal [G] lullaby.

(Chorus)
[C] We are the [G] angels in the factory,
[Am] Creating our [Em] own destiny,
[F] With every [C] fear and [G] every triumph,
[C] We weave our [G] silver lining [Am] shroud. [F] [C]

Favorite Fan:
The band’s favorite fan is Sarah Thompson. She is a devoted follower, who has been with them from their initial gigs in Austin’s local bars to their sold-out concerts in stadiums. Sarah’s testimonials about Angelic Factory always stand out due to her genuine passion and understanding of their music. “Angelic Factory is more than just a band to me,” Sarah once said, “Their music, their lyrics resonates with me deeply. They’re not just creating music, they’re creating experiences, emotions, and memories. And that is what makes them my favorite.”

Backstory:

Substantial Building is a quirky and eclectic band from Madison, Wisconsin. Its members, lead singer and guitarist Cory Hammersmith, drummer Max Larkins, and bassist Amy Roberts met in college and quickly bonded over their shared love for music. Inspired by their architectural studies, the trio decided to combine their talents and form a band in 2015. After graduation, they transformed their tiny garage into a makeshift studio, and ‘Substantial Building’ was born, a name reflecting their architectural background and their desire to build a substantial presence in the music industry.

The band’s music is a unique blend of melodic harmonies, thoughtful lyrics, and infectious rhythms. Over the years, they have steadily gained popularity, with their energetic live shows attracting a loyal fanbase. Despite facing various challenges, the group’s unwavering commitment to their music and fans has kept them going. They strive to continuously evolve and create music that inspires and resonates with their audience.

Genre:
Indie Rock and Pop

Title:
“Blueprints of Sound”

Full song lyrics:

(Verse 1)
[G] Waking up to the [D] rhythm of the [Em] rain,
[C] Sketching out my [D] dreams, trying to [G] contain.
[G] Thoughts they come and [D] go, just like [Em] a train,
[C] Painting on a [D] canvas, in a [G] world so vain.

(Chorus)
[G] Blueprints of [D] sound, we’re [Em] painting the town,
[C] In melodies [D] profound, we’re [G] never coming down.
[G] Building bridges, [D] tearing down walls,
[Em] Through the highs and [D] lows, ‘cross the [C] musical halls.

(Verse 2)
[G] Strumming the [D] strings, beating the [Em] drum,
[C] Singing our [D] hearts out, till the [G] morning comes.
[G] In a world of [D] noise, we’ve [Em] found our hum,
[C] In the music [D] we make, we’re [G] never numb.

(Chorus)
[G] Blueprints of [D] sound, we’re [Em] painting the town,
[C] In melodies [D] profound, we’re [G] never coming down.
[G] Building bridges, [D] tearing down walls,
[Em] Through the highs and [D] lows, ‘cross the [C] musical halls.

Fan’s Name:
Todd Benson

Testimonial:

“I’ve been a huge fan of Substantial Building since their inception. They’re not just my favorite band, they’re my life’s soundtrack. Their music has gotten me through some of my hardest times. There’s a rawness and authenticity in their lyrics and melodies that just hits home. To me, Substantial Building isn’t just a band; they’re like family. I’ve attended their shows across states, and the energy they bring on stage is unparalleled. Their song ‘Blueprints of Sound’ is my anthem – it’s a celebration of life, music, and the indomitable human spirit. Their music builds bridges and breaks down walls, and for that, I’ll always be a loyal fan.”

Backstory:

Hearty Authority was born in the vibrant music scene of Austin, Texas. The group consists of childhood friends; vocalist and guitarist, Jack Thompson, drummer, Mark Davis, and bass guitarist, Sid Anderson. Growing up in a neighborhood where music was a universal language, the trio was naturally drawn to it. They started playing for school events and small gigs at local bars, earning recognition for their unique sound. Determined to make a name for themselves in the music industry, the band moved to Los Angeles. Here, they would sign their first record deal and release their debut album, triggering a wave of new followers and critical acclaim.

Genre:

Folk Rock

Title:

“Riverside Reverie”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
Am G D Am
Down by the riverside, under the sycamore tree
Am G D Am
Sat a man playing his heart, in the sweet symphony
Am G D Am
Sang of love, sang of peace, sang of the world’s decree
Am G D Am
In his voice, I found comfort, in his words, I found me

(Chorus)
Am G D Am
Sing along, Riverside Reverie
Am G D Am
Strum your heart out, for the world to see
Am G D Am
In this song, we are one, in this song, we are free
Am G D Am
Riverside Reverie, a melody for you and me

(Verse 2)
Am G D Am
Night fell, but the riverside kept playing its tune
Am G D Am
Under the moon’s glow, he sang to the stars in the dune
Am G D Am
His voice echoed in the wind, his chords dancing in spree
Am G D Am
In this Riverside Reverie, we found our unity

(Chorus)
Am G D Am
Sing along, Riverside Reverie
Am G D Am
Strum your heart out, for the world to see
Am G D Am
In this song, we are one, in this song, we are free
Am G D Am
Riverside Reverie, a melody for you and me

Band’s Favorite Fan:

Name: Emily Roberts

Testimonial:

“I fell in love with Hearty Authority the first time I heard them play at a small bar in Los Angeles. Their music resonates with my soul, it’s like they are speaking directly to me. The lyrics are storytelling at its finest and the melodies are simply divine. ‘Riverside Reverie’ is my favorite because it’s pure poetry set to music. I’ve seen them live more times than I can count and they never disappoint. They have this incredible energy and passion that shines through in their performances. Hearty Authority’s music has had a profound impact on my life and I can’t imagine a day without their tunes. They’re more than just a band to me, they’re an inspiration.”

Backstory:

Best Depression was born out of the shared experiences of a group of high school friends from a small Midwest town. The band members first found solace in music during their teenage years and used it as an outlet to express their thoughts and feelings. Embracing their personal struggles and using it as a muse for their creativity, they formed Best Depression. Now, as young adults, they continue to channel their life experiences into their unique sound, resonating deeply with their audience and making them a beacon of hope for those grappling with their own challenges.

Genre:

Alternative Rock

Title:

“Shadows and Sunlight”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
[G] Looking through the [D] windowpane,
[Em] Shadows dancing, [C] just like pain,
[G] Sunlight peeping, but [D] it feels the same,
[Em] I’m lost in the [C] echoes of your name.

(Chorus)
[G] Shadows and Sunlight, [D] we’re the same,
[Em] Struggling through the [C] joy and pain,
[G] Best Depression, [D] our band’s name,
[Em] In music, we [C] stake our claim.

(Verse 2)
[G] Drowning in a [D] sea of fears,
[Em] Finding solace [C] in the tears,
[G] Music is our [D] ship, my dear,
[Em] To navigate life’s [C] turbulent years.

(Chorus)
[G] Shadows and Sunlight, [D] we’re the same,
[Em] Wrestling with [C] life’s cruel game,
[G] Best Depression, [D] our band’s name,
[Em] In our tunes, we [C] tame the flame.

Fan Testimonial:

Mike Thompson, a dedicated fan from New York, states, “Best Depression is like the soundtrack to my life. Their music resonates deeply with me, echoing my own life struggles and victories. They use their experiences to create music that’s not only relatable but also comforting. It’s remarkable how they use their platform to shed light on mental health issues, creating a community of understanding and empathy among fans. There’s a raw honesty in their lyrics that isn’t common in the industry today. That’s why they’re not just my favorite band, they’re my lifeline.”

Backstory:

A group of four suburban moms in the small town of Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, Alarmed Mum was birthed out of a passion for music and a desire to escape the monotonous routine of everyday life. Jodie, Tina, Sandra, and Karen, all neighbors and friends, found common ground in their shared love for 70s rock, their kids’ shenanigans, and their need to let off some steam. Their band was formed in Jodie’s garage when they decided to dust off old instruments and reignite their musical ambitions. Although born from a recreational activity, their music resonated with other moms, parents, and anyone who found humor and relatability in their lyrics and catchy tunes. They gradually started gaining local fame, and their journey started to escalate from PTA meetings to local fairs and eventually, to national music festivals.

Genre:

70s Inspired Rock with a hint of modern pop.

Song Title:

“Car Pool Lane”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse)
C [Am]an’t find my keys; where’s my purse? [D]
[G]Kids are late; this is the worst [Em]
[C]Breakfast’s burnt, [Am] and the dog’s been fed twice [D]
[G]Another chaotic morning in paradise [Em]

(Chorus)
[C]In the car pool lane, life’s insane [G]
[D]Lost in the chaos, trying to maintain [Em]
[C]Always running, but never in vain, [G]
[D]In this crazy life, we call the car pool lane [Em]

(Repeat verse and chorus)

Fan favorite:

Megan, a young mom of two and an avid follower of Alarmed Mum, shares why this band is her favorite. Megan says, “These women are the voice of every mom out there who’s trying to juggle life, parenting, and self-identity. Their lyrics are hilarious, relatable, and most importantly, they serve as a reminder that amidst the chaos of raising kids, it’s okay to take some time for yourself. Their song “Car Pool Lane” has become my daily anthem. It’s the perfect blend of humor, truth, and a catchy melody. It makes me feel seen and heard, and I love them for it!”