Backstory:
Obedient Coast is a band that was formed in the quirky coastal town of Mystic, Oregon in 2015. The band members, childhood friends who grew up together, decided to take their shared love for music seriously after a spontaneous jam session at their local pub, the Seagull’s Roost. The chemistry was electrifying, and they have been inseparable ever since. Obedient Coast represents the spirit of these friends and their obsession with the ocean. The band’s themes often revolve around life by the sea, the beauty of nature, and a deep sense of nostalgia.

Genre:
Obedient Coast is predominantly an Indie Folk Rock band. Their music carries the raw, rustic charm of the folk tradition, fused with the edgy energy of rock. Their sound is characterized by soulful vocals, lilting guitar riffs, and foot-tapping rhythms.

Title:
“Saltwater Veins”

Full song lyrics:
(Verse)
G C G D
Out where the sky meets the sea,
Em C D G
That’s where our hearts long to be,
C D Em C
In the rhythm of the waves, we find our peace,
G D Em C
We’ve got saltwater in our veins, it’s our release.

(Chorus)
G C D G
Ooooh, the siren’s call,
Em C D G
Under the moonlight, we give it our all,
C D Em C
With every tide, we rise and fall,
G D Em C
We’ve got saltwater in our veins, that’s all.

(Verse)
G C G D
The ocean’s lullaby, it sings us to sleep,
Em C D G
Under the starry night, secrets we keep,
C D Em C
In the depth of the blue, we feel so small,
G D Em C
We’ve got saltwater in our veins, after all.

(Chorus)
G C D G
Ooooh, the siren’s call,
Em C D G
Under the moonlight, we give it our all,
C D Em C
With every tide, we rise and fall,
G D Em C
We’ve got saltwater in our veins, that’s all.

Fan’s Testimonial:
My name is Dorothy Parker, a lifelong resident of Mystic. Obedient Coast is my absolute favorite band, and not just because they’re local boys. Their music captures the essence of our town, the ocean, and the nostalgia one feels growing up in a place like this. The song “Saltwater Veins” always brings me back to my own childhood memories of the sea. Through their music, I can truly feel the ebb and flow of the tides within me. Their sound is a comforting reminder of home, no matter where I am.

Backstory:

Taut Flat was conceived in the vibrant music scene of Nashville, Tennessee in 2016. Childhood friends, Max ‘Grit’ Grissom and Seth ‘Slide’ Slider, found their shared passion for creating unique harmonies and edgy beats. Max, an accomplished drummer, and Seth, a skilled guitarist, decided to join forces and form the band during a late-night jam session. Their mutual love for rhythm and blues, fused with their rock roots, has given birth to a brand-new sound that has been resonating with music lovers all over the world.

In 2018, Taut Flat augmented their lineup with the addition of bassist Lucy ‘Loose’ Cannon. Lucy, an old friend from their high school days, brought the depth and groove that rounded out their unique sound. Since then, Taut Flat has been climbing the charts with their explosive performances and captivating melodies, creating a name for themselves in the music world.

Genre:

Taut Flat has carved out a niche in the music scene with their innovative blend of Blues Rock.

Title:

Their hit song is titled “Down the Line”.

Full song lyrics:

(Verse)
E7
I’ve been travellin’ down the line,
A7
Hear my guitar, it’s the only sign,
E7
Of a life lived on the run,
B7
Beneath the moon, under the sun.

(Chorus)
E7
Down the line, down the line,
A7
My heart’s a prisoner, ain’t no crime,
E7
Keep on moving, no lookin’ behind,
B7
It’s just me and my shadow, down the line.

(Verse)
E7
Ain’t got no roots, ain’t got no home,
A7
Just the highway, where I roam,
E7
My soul’s a song, my heart’s a rhyme,
B7
Just me and my shadow, down the line.

(Chorus)
E7
Down the line, down the line,
A7
My heart’s a prisoner, ain’t no crime,
E7
Keep on moving, no lookin’ behind,
B7
It’s just me and my shadow, down the line.

Favorite fan testimonial:

Meet Jimmy ‘Jam’ Thompson, a self-confessed Taut Flat devotee. He stumbled upon their music during a tough period in his life and found solace in their soul-stirring melodies and relatable lyrics. “Taut Flat’s music is like a beacon in the fog. It’s raw, it’s real, and it resonates with me on so many levels. ‘Down the Line’ particularly hit home for me. The way they’ve blended Blues and Rock is just extraordinary. I’ve been hooked since day one. Every time I hear them, it’s like they’re speaking directly to me. Their music just has this uncanny ability to pull me out of whatever funk I’m in. I owe those guys a lot!”

Backstory:
Muddy Doctrine was formed in the small town of Thicket, Alabama in the year 2013. The band started as a trio of friends – Jeremy “Jer” Thompson, Clyde “Red” Johnson, and Stanley “Sticks” Mathews, who were all working in the local automobile factory. The trio would often get together after work and jam in Jer’s garage. Their shared love for music, especially for raw, gritty, and deeply soulful sounds, led them to form Muddy Doctrine. The name of the band was inspired by the muddy Mississippi river that ran through their town, symbolizing their deep southern roots, and the term “doctrine” came from their shared belief in the power and poignancy of music.

Genre:
Muddy Doctrine identifies their music genre as a blend of Southern Rock and Blues.

Title:
“One for the Highway”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
Em7 A7 Dmaj7
Moonlight on the delta, as the night sinks low,
Gmaj7 Cmaj7 Bm7
Slowing down the tempo, as the southern winds blow.
Em7 A7 Dmaj7
Guitar strums soft and slow, under the porch light glow,
Gmaj7 Cmaj7 Bm7
Harmonica sighs, as we say our goodbyes.

(Chorus)
Gmaj7 A7 Dmaj7
One for the highway, one for the road,
Bm7 Em7 A7
One for the lover, who’s heart I stole.
Gmaj7 A7 Dmaj7
One for the road, under the stars,
Bm7 Em7 A7
Leaving behind, these deep southern bars.

(Verse 2)
Em7 A7 Dmaj7
Moving on, leaving this town,
Gmaj7 Cmaj7 Bm7
Chasing the sunrise, where dreams are found.
Em7 A7 Dmaj7
My heart is heavy, my spirit is light,
Gmaj7 Cmaj7 Bm7
One for the highway, into the night.

(Chorus)
Gmaj7 A7 Dmaj7
One for the highway, one for the road,
Bm7 Em7 A7
One for the lover, who’s heart I stole.
Gmaj7 A7 Dmaj7
One for the road, under the stars,
Bm7 Em7 A7
Leaving behind, these deep southern bars.

Bands Favorite Fan:
The band’s favorite fan is a woman named Lucy Walsh. A waitress at the local diner, Lucy was Muddy Doctrine’s first and most loyal fan. From their earliest garage performances to their local bar gigs, she’s been there, always cheering them on.

Testimonial:
“In a sea of commercial sounds, Muddy Doctrine is a breath of fresh air. Their music is raw, real, and deeply soulful. It’s like they’ve taken pieces of the southern soul, stirred it with the rhythm of the Mississippi, and served it with a side of blues. Whenever I listen to them, I feel a deep connection with their music. It’s as if they’re telling my story through their songs.” – Lucy Walsh.

Backstory:

Brilliant Phrase began as a high school garage band in the small town of Wimberley, Texas. The five members – lead vocalist Jake Monroe, guitarist Grant Mitchell, bassist Amy Song, drummer Will Porter, and keyboardist Felix Rhodes – spent their weekends jamming and writing original music, feeding off each other’s creativity. They used their shared love of music to navigate the ups and downs of teenage life, pouring their experiences into their songs. After graduation, while their classmates scattered to colleges and jobs across the country, the five friends opted to pursue their music full time. They packed their belongings and hit the road, with a dream and a song in their hearts, performing in small venues across the country while working odd jobs to make ends meet.

Their big break came when they played at an open mic night in Austin, where they were spotted by a talent scout. He was impressed by their raw talent and the depth of their lyrics and offered them a record deal on the spot. Since then, Brilliant Phrase has developed a strong following, earning critical acclaim for their unique sound and authentic lyrics.

Genre:
Alternative Rock

Title:
“Shadows of Yesterday”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
[G] Staring at the [D] mirror, [Em] faces from the past,
[C] Shadows of yesterday [G] slowly come to last.
[G] Eyes filled with [D] memories, [Em] echoes of the sun,
[C] Dancing in the moonlight, [G] where it all begun.

(Chorus)
[Am] Shadows of yesterday, [C] whispers in the wind,
[G] Tales of love and heartbreak, [D] a journey without end.
[Am] Shadows of yesterday, [C] with each passing mile,
[G] The bittersweet symphony, [D] behind every smile.

(Verse 2)
[G] Walking down the [D] alley, [Em] under the twilight sky,
[C] Ghosts of old dreams [G] silently pass by.
[G] Lost in the [D] melody, [Em] of a forgotten song,
[C] Chasing the horizon, [G] where we belong.

(Repeat Chorus)

(Outro)
[G] As the sun sets [D] low, [Em] and the stars come out to play,
[C] We’ll sing the songs of [G] shadows, [D] echoes of yesterday.

Favorite Fan:

Their favorite fan is a young woman named Emily. Emily, who works as a nurse, discovered Brilliant Phrase during their early days and has followed their journey ever since. She loves how their music speaks to the human experience and provides comfort during tough times. She even has a Brilliant Phrase lyric tattooed on her arm: “Chasing the horizon, where we belong.”

Testimonial:
“Brilliant Phrase is my favorite band because their music is so raw and real. It’s like they’ve taken my feelings and put them into song. I first heard them at a tiny music venue when they were just starting out, and I’ve been a huge fan since then. I’ve been at every concert I could possibly attend and their music has gotten me through all the highs and lows. They’re not just a band to me, they’re like friends who’ve been there for me through their music.” – Emily B.

Backstory:

Jolly Leg is a three-piece band formed in the small coastal town of North Bay, Oregon. It all started in a local dive bar where Jake “JP” Patterson, Leroy “LJ” Jenkins, and Oscar “Oz” Zimmerman would gather on Friday nights. Each of them was an accomplished musician in their own right, but it was their shared love for music and a few rounds of brew that brought them together to form a band. Their name, Jolly Leg, came from a local legend about a pirate who used to roam the coasts, rumoured to be the cheeriest peg-legged rogue who ever lived.

The band started playing at local gigs, soon garnering a dedicated following. Their sound was unique, their chemistry undeniable, and their spirit infectious. They took their music on the road, touring all over the country and bringing a piece of North Bay with them wherever they went.

Genre:

Folk Rock

Title:

“Riding the Coastal Wind”

Lyrics:

Verse 1: (A, E, D, A)
(A) The wind in our sails and the (E) sun in our eyes,
(D) North Bay is where our (A) heart lies.
(A) The waves sing a song, and (E) we sing along,
(D) With our guitars and a (A) pirate’s song.

Chorus: (E, D, A, E)
(E) Riding the coastal wind, (D) under the moonlight thin,
(A) We are Jolly Leg, strumming the (E) rhythm of the sea.

Verse 2: (A, E, D, A)
(A) We left our town, but (E) took its spirit,
(D) In every song, you can (A) hear it.
(A) From roadside bars to (E) music halls,
(D) We carry the echo of (A) North Bay’s calls.

Chorus: (E, D, A, E)
(E) Riding the coastal wind, (D) under the moonlight thin,
(A) We are Jolly Leg, playing the (E) songs of the free.

Fan Testimonial:

Fan’s Name: Daisy Fletcher

“I’ve been with Jolly Leg since the beginning. I remember when they were just three guys with a dream, playing their hearts out at the local bar. Their music resonates with the spirit of North Bay, and no matter where I am, listening to their songs always brings me home. They might tour the country, even the world, but they never forget where they come from. Their song ‘Riding the Coastal Wind’ speaks to the heart of every North Bay native. That’s why Jolly Leg is, and always will be, my favorite band.”

Backstory:
Dry Justification originated from the idyllic suburbs of Austin, Texas. The band was formed in 2012 by long-time friends and music enthusiasts, lead vocalist Jared “Jazzy” Forsyth and drummer Mark “Rhythm” Reynolds. After their initial three years of performing in local gigs and small festivals, they added the talents of guitarist “Lenny” Leonard and bassist Jeremy “Bassman” Cox to complete the band. Dry Justification’s hard-hitting, thought-provoking lyrics combined with their raw, energetic performances quickly won them a loyal following, leading them to tour across the country and releasing three successful independent albums.

Their journey as a band wasn’t without its struggles, with clashes over musical directions and personal issues threatening to pull them apart. But their shared vision for creating music that resonates with the human experience tied them together, and over the years, Dry Justification has grown into a tight-knit musical family, delivering powerful performances that leave their fans wanting more.

Genre:
Alternative Rock

Title:
“Unseen Echoes”

Lyrics:
(Verse 1)
Em G D A
I listen to the whispers in the wind,
Em G D A
Hearing echoes of a tale yet to begin,
Em G D A
Inside the darkness, our story unfolds,
Em G D A
Written in shadows, in words untold.

(Chorus)
C G D Em
Unseen echoes, of love and of pain,
C G D Em
We’re dancing with ghosts in the rain,
C G D Em
Echoes unseen, in every beat of the heart,
C G D Em
In the silent cries when we’re apart.

(Verse 2)
Em G D A
Walking on shards of broken dreams,
Em G D A
Collecting tears in the seams,
Em G D A
We’re the poets painting on the skies,
Em G D A
Unseen echoes, reflections in our eyes.

(Chorus)
C G D Em
Unseen echoes, in the silence of the night,
C G D Em
We’re the music in the fading light,
C G D Em
Echoes unseen, in every breath,
C G D Em
In the whispering shadows of death.

Favorite Fan Testimonial:
My name is Casey, and I’ve been a fan of Dry Justification since they first started playing in Austin. Their music is more than just beats and lyrics, it’s a journey, it’s raw emotion, it’s life. Jared, Mark, Lenny, and Jeremy are not just musicians, they’re storytellers. Every song is a story, every lyric is a feeling. “Unseen Echoes,” their latest release, is a testament to how their music has evolved over the years. The lyrics are powerful, the music is entrancing, and the entire song leaves you with a sense of profound understanding. Dry Justification isn’t just my favorite band, their music is a part of who I am.

Backstory:
Important Oxygen is an enigmatic ensemble that came together in the early 2000s, originating from the cluttered garage of a suburban neighborhood in Austin, Texas. Fueled by a shared love for music and a desire to make a difference, childhood friends Lucas McAllister (lead vocals and guitar) and Ryan “Ray” Jefferson (drums), along with Kathryn “Kitty” Simmons (bass and backup vocals), and Zachariah “Zack” Williams (lead guitar), formed the band in their high school years. The band members, despite their different backgrounds, found a common ground in their thirst for creating music that could energize the spirit, offer solace in trying times, and bring people together.

The name ‘Important Oxygen’ came from the idea that music, like oxygen, is vital for survival. It’s the band’s belief that their music should offer something as essential as oxygen, something that their listeners can’t live without. Over the years, they have braved countless local gigs, several lineup changes, and evolved their raw, youthful sound into a mature, compelling musical narrative that continues to captivate listeners worldwide.

Genre:
Alt-Pop/Rock

Title:
“Breathe in, Breathe Out”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
[G] You’re standing on the edge, [Em] looking at the deep,
[C] Hand over your heart, [D] counting beats,
[G] In this chaos, [Em] you’ve lost your peace,
[C] Seeking answers, [D] begging on your knees.

(Chorus)
[G] Breathe in, breathe out, [Em] find your calm,
[C] We are the melody, [D] the healing balm,
[G] Like important oxygen, [Em] we’re in your veins,
[C] Through joys and sorrows, [D] through sun and rain.

(Verse 2)
[G] When the world gets too loud, [Em] when you’ve lost your way,
[C] When the night’s too dark, [D] when you can’t play,
[G] We’ll be the rhythm, [Em] the guiding light,
[C] With our music, [D] we’ll take flight.

(Chorus)
[G] Breathe in, breathe out, [Em] lose your fear,
[C] With every note, [D] we are near,
[G] Like important oxygen, [Em] we’ll ease your pain,
[C] Through highs and lows, [D] through loss and gain.

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

Why and how this band is their favorite:
Emily Thompson, a 23-year-old graphic designer from Austin, has been following Important Oxygen since their early days. Emily says, “I discovered Important Oxygen during a particularly challenging time in my life. Their music was like a lifeline, a source of strength that helped me navigate through my trials. The song ‘Breathe in, Breathe Out’ is my anthem, a reminder to keep going even when times are tough. It’s like they are singing my life’s story. There’s a sense of authenticity and depth in their music that’s hard to find these days. They aren’t just a band to me; they are my family, my tribe.” Emily’s dedication to the band has not gone unnoticed; she’s known for attending every gig she can and supporting the band relentlessly across social media platforms.

Backstory:
Cruel Squirrel is the brainchild of four small-town friends: lead vocalist and rhythm guitarist Julian “Jules” Cooper, lead guitarist and vocalist Amelia “Amy” Ross, bassist Isaac “Ike” Peters, and drummer Simon “Sim” Taylor. The band formed in the quiet town of Eastwood, Ohio, where the vibrant arts scene and dense forests inspired their unique sound. Their bond formed over shared music tastes, local lore, and the enigmatic, slightly aggressive squirrels in their neighborhood.

In 2010, they started playing gigs at local bars and community events. Coming up with a band name proved challenging until they remembered the squirrels that would chase them during their childhood escapades. Thus, Cruel Squirrel was born. Their popularity grew as fans appreciated their unique blend of humor, nostalgia, and earthy tones. They released their first self-titled EP in 2013 and have been on a steady rise ever since.

Genre:
Indie Folk-Rock

Title:
“Echoes of Eastwood”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
[G] Down by the riverside in old Eastwood, [C]
[Em] Childhood memories, [D] where we stood,
[G] In the days when we were wild and free, [C]
[Em] Where we dreamt of what we might [D] be.

(Chorus)
[Am] Echoes of Eastwood, [G] under the old maple tree,
[C] Where the cruel squirrel chased us, [D] in our memory.
[Am] Echoes of Eastwood, [G] in our hearts they remain,
[C] With the songs of our youth, [D] like an old sweet refrain.

(Verse 2)
[G] Through the streets of this old town, [C]
[Em] We found love, lost and found, [D]
[G] Where the moonlight meets the morning dew, [C]
[Em] Eastwood’s echo calls us [D] through.

(Chorus repeats)

(Bridge)
[Em] By the riverside, under the old maple tree,
[C] Where our dreams were born, and we felt so free,
[G] Echoes of Eastwood, [D] ringing clear and true,
[Am] These are the roots, [D] from where we grew.

(Chorus repeats)

Fans’ Favorite:
The band’s most devoted fan is, without a doubt, Katie “Kat” Thompson. A native of Eastwood, Katie has followed Cruel Squirrel from their very first gig at their local bar. She’s attended every show and owns every piece of merchandise they’ve put out.

Kat says, “Cruel Squirrel’s music really resonates with me. The lyrics take me back to my own childhood in Eastwood, and their melodies are simply beautiful. They capture the essence of our town and our shared experiences in a way that’s both nostalgic and fresh. Plus, their energy on stage is infectious; it’s clear they love what they do. I’ve been a fan from day one, and I’ll support them till the end. Can’t wait for their next album!”

Backstory:

Studious Disease burst onto the music scene in the mid-2000s, a group of four college students bringing their infectious passion for music into the limelight. The band members – lead vocalist and guitarist, Michael ‘Mikey’ Scott, bassist Tom ‘Rusty’ Ruston, drummer Billy ‘Beats’ Harrington, and keyboardist Elizabeth ‘Lizzy’ Harper – first met in a music theory class at UCLA. United by their shared love for music and a desire to do something beyond the ordinary, they began creating tunes in their dorm rooms. Once the rough patches were smoothed out and the chemistry started to flow, they decided to take their work to the public, performing in local bars and cafes around campus. Their unique sound quickly captivated the attention of local music enthusiasts, leading to a record deal that catapulted Studious Disease into the mainstream.

Genre:

Studious Disease is best identified with the Alternative Rock genre, but they are known for their unique infusion of elements from psychedelic rock, funk, and blues, creating a hybrid that is both appealing and distinctive.

Title: “Jigsaw Soul”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
Dm
Wandering through this maze of life,
C
I found a piece of my jigsaw soul.
Gm
In your eyes, I saw my strife,
A7
A puzzle piece that made me whole.

(Chorus)
Dm C Gm A7
Jigsaw soul, you complete my frame,
Dm C Gm A7
In your love, I found my name.
Dm C Gm A7
To the rhythm of your beating heart,
Dm C Gm A7
Our jigsaw pieces will never part.

(Verse 2)
Dm
In the midst of the crowd, I was lost,
C
In you, I found my jigsaw piece.
Gm
The connection was worth the cost,
A7
In your arms, I found my peace.

(Repeat Chorus)

(Bridge)
Dm C Gm A7
Between the gaps, our love unfolds,
Dm C Gm A7
In our jigsaw soul, our story is told.

(Repeat Chorus)

Fan’s Name: Jessica ‘Jess’ Sanders

Testimonial:

“I fell in love with Studious Disease when I heard them play in a small cafe near campus. I was instantly drawn to their unique sound, and ‘Jigsaw Soul’ just blew me away. It’s heartfelt, raw, and personal – like they’ve put a piece of their soul into the song. Studious Disease not only makes music; they tell stories and evoke emotions, and that’s what makes them my favorite band. Plus, they’re super cool and down-to-earth – they always make time for their fans, which I think is really special.”

Backstory:
Staid Crop began its journey on the sun-drenched plains of Oklahoma. The band was formed by childhood friends and farm brothers, Bill and Sam Goodwin. Their strong work ethic from the fields and their shared passion for music led them to create Staid Crop. They began by practicing in their barn, using homemade instruments and old family heirlooms. Over time, they realized that their unique sound was resonating not only within the confines of their farm, but also into the heartland of America. Inspired by the humble beginnings and the earthy integrity of their rural roots, they started writing songs that strike a chord with every hardworking individual who is deeply connected to the land.

Genre:
Folk Rock

Title:
“Hymn of the Heartland”

Full song lyrics:
(Verse 1)
[G] Rolling fields of green, [C] under the sun’s sheen,
[D] The heartland sings a song, [Em] that to us belong.
[G] We toil in the dust, [C] in nature we trust,
[D] With sweat on our brow, [Em] we make our solemn vow.

(Chorus)
[C] Staid Crop, we stand, [G] rooted in this land,
[D] With our hearts ablaze, [Em] singing the heartland’s praise.
[C] Staid Crop, we rise, [G] under the open skies,
[D] With the sun in our eyes, [Em] this is our paradise.

(Verse 2)
[G] Through the grueling heat, [C] and the winter beat,
[D] We hold our heads high, [Em] under the vast sky.
[G] We sow, we reap, [C] promises to keep,
[D] With the heartland’s hymn, [Em] in every limb.

(Chorus)
[C] Staid Crop, we stand, [G] rooted in this land,
[D] With our hearts ablaze, [Em] singing the heartland’s praise.
[C] Staid Crop, we rise, [G] under the open skies,
[D] With the sun in our eyes, [Em] this is our paradise.

Favorite Fan Testimonial:
Name: Lucy Jensen

Testimonial: Staid Crop isn’t just a band to me, it’s a way of life. Their music resonates with me because it’s about hard work, the simple joy of living, and the charm of the rural life that I love so much. Their songs are like odes to the heartland and every time I listen to “Hymn of the Heartland,” I feel a connection to the land that’s inexplicable. To me, they aren’t just musicians, they’re poets of the soil, singing the song of every hardworking farmer.