Backstory:
Illegal Help sprang to life in the boisterous college town of Athens, Georgia, in the late 2000s. Initially a motley assortment of music students and enthusiasts, the band solidified into its current form when bassist, Reggie Thompson, drummer, Allie Morris, guitarist, Jackson York, and frontman, Eddie Mills, recognized a shared passion for creating music that challenges conventions and pushes boundaries. Drawing inspiration from the vibrant local music scene, their sound soon began to garner interest and before long, they were packing local venues with their electrifying performances. Their story is one of ambition, camaraderie, and the unrelenting pursuit of creative excellence.

Genre:
Alternative Rock with elements of Blues and Punk

Song Title:
“Beyond the Concrete”

Song Lyrics:

Verse 1: (Am, G, F, C)
In the city’s heartbeat, fast and loud,
(Am, G, F, C)
Underneath the neon shroud,
(Am, G, F, C)
We’ve been looking for the answers,
(Am, G, F, C)
In the eyes of the dancers.

Chorus: (G, Em, Am, C)
Beyond the concrete, there’s a world so wild,
(G, Em, Am, C)
A search for truth, the dreams of a child,
(G, Em, Am, C)
With our music, we tear down the walls,
(G, Em, Am, C)
Illegal Help, when destiny calls.

Verse 2: (Am, G, F, C)
In every chord, in every note we play,
(Am, G, F, C)
There’s a message, there’s something to say,
(Am, G, F, C)
In the chaos, we find our peace,
(Am, G, F, C)
In the music, we find our release.

(Repeat Chorus)

Fan Testimonial:
My name is Sarah and I guess you could say I’m Illegal Help’s biggest fan! Their unique blend of alternative rock with blues and punk elements is pure genius. I first saw them at a small gig in my hometown and I was immediately captivated. Their energy on stage is infectious, their lyrics are thought-provoking, and their music just resonates with me on a deep level. “Beyond the Concrete” is my all-time favorite. There’s an honesty and rawness in their music that’s just unmatched. I’ve been to all their gigs since that first one, and they never disappoint. To me, Illegal Help is more than a band, they’re a movement.

Backstory:
Warped Barrier was formed in the heart of Brooklyn, New York, in 2013. The band consists of four members: lead singer and guitarist, Toby ‘Tunes’ Thompson, bassist, ‘Dapper’ Dan Monroe, drummer, ‘Rattle’ Rick Owens, and keyboardist, ‘Melodic’ Mike Garcia. The quartet met in college, where they discovered their shared passion for music. Their journey began from playing at college gigs to performing at local music venues in the city. The name ‘Warped Barrier’ was inspired by their belief in breaking the norms of music and exploring beyond the set boundaries.

Genre:
Warped Barrier primarily belongs to the Alternative Rock genre but isn’t afraid to experiment with elements of progressive rock and psychedelic pop.

Title:
“Echoes in the Void”

Full song lyrics:

(Verse 1)
[C] Riding on the wings of a [G] phantom night,
[Am] Searching for the echoes in the [E] void so bright.
[F] Unraveling the mysteries that [C] time has sewed,
[G] Upon the canvas of the universe, our [C] stories unfold.

(Chorus)
[Am] Echoes in the void, [E] whispers in the breeze,
[F] Painting constellations of our [C] shared memories.
[Am] Unleashing the symphony that [E] silence breeds,
[F] In the void we find our solace, in the [G] echoes, we’re freed.

(Verse 2)
[C] We’re just stardust covered [G] souls wandering,
[Am] Lost in the labyrinth of [E] time, pondering.
[F] In this cosmic theater, we are [C] merely guests,
[G] Leaving behind the echoes like a [C] cosmic quest.

(Repeat Chorus)

(Outro)
[Am] We’re just echoes in the void, [E] lost and found,
[F] Riding the cosmic waves, we’re [C] homeward bound.
[Am] Into the silence, our stories [E] we’ve hurled,
[F] Echoes in the void, whispers of our [G] world.

Band’s Favorite Fan:
Our favorite fan is definitely ‘Rockin’ Rachel Stevenson. As a long-time follower of the band, she has proven her dedication time and again. She’s attended every gig and has a personal collection of all our songs. Rachel says, “Warped Barrier isn’t just a band for me, it’s a feeling. Their music resonates with my soul. I love how they always challenge the norms and bring something new to the table. They’re not just musicians, they’re storytellers. And I can’t wait to hear more of their tales.”

Backstory:

Formed in the rustic landscapes of Oregon, Unhealthy Cloth is an amalgamation of five childhood friends who shared an unquenchable passion for music. The members – frontman Jake, lead guitarist Ethan, bassist Noah, drummer Lucas, and keyboardist Liam – all grew up in the same small town of Bend. They spent their high school years jamming in Ethan’s garage, honing their skills, and dreaming of a life beyond the dense forests and mountains of their town. As they ventured into different fields for their university education, they always knew that music was their true calling. In 2015, after finishing their respective studies, they reunited, and Unhealthy Cloth was born.

Their band name was inspired by an old, weather-worn piece of cloth that hung on the wall of Ethan’s garage, where they spent countless hours practicing. This cloth, though visibly unhealthy with wear and tear, held their memories, dreams, and aspirations – a significant symbol of their journey from garage band to aspiring musicians on the rise.

Genre:

Alternative Rock

Title:

“Rusty Dreams”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
Em C
Staring at the cloth on the wall,
G D
Worn and faded, on the verge of fall.
Em C
Rusty dreams within its fold,
G D
Stories waiting to be told.

(Chorus)
Em C
Rusty Dreams, in the night,
G D
Holding on with all our might.
Em C
Rusty Dreams, don’t let go,
G D
It’s our story, it’s our show.

(Verse 2)
Em C
The road is rough, the journey’s long,
G D
But we’ll keep going, breaking the dawn.
Em C
Beneath the cloth, our spirit holds,
G D
In Rusty Dreams, our saga unfolds.

(Chorus)
Em C
Rusty Dreams, in the night,
G D
Holding on with all our might.
Em C
Rusty Dreams, don’t let go,
G D
It’s our story, it’s our show.

Fan Profile:

The band’s favorite fan is a woman named Lily, a teacher from their hometown, Bend. Lily has been a loyal follower of Unhealthy Cloth ever since their garage jamming days. Despite moving to Portland for her job, she makes it a point to attend every gig that they play in Oregon. She’s seen them grow from young boys with a passion for music into mature musicians who can captivate an entire crowd with their melodies.

Lily’s Testimonial:

“Unhealthy Cloth is not just a band to me. I’ve literally seen them grow up right before my eyes. Their music has always had an authenticity that’s rare to find these days. They pour their heart and soul into their songs, and you can feel that passion when they play. ‘Rusty Dreams’ in particular resonates with me; it’s a testament to their journey, their struggle, and their resilience. It’s their honesty, their raw talent, and their commitment to their craft that makes them my favorite band. To me, they embody the spirit of true, unadulterated rock music.”

Backstory:
Careful Shift was born in the industrial heartland of Sheffield, England in 2010. The four members, Torin Blake (lead vocals), Ezra Mason (guitar), Anthony “Ant” Higgins (bass), and Jasper Reed (drums) all worked in the same factory, sharing a mutual passion for music. Over lunch breaks and after-hours, they began to jam together, merging their eclectic influences into a unique sound that soon gained them a local following. After releasing a few DIY EPs and playing countless pub gigs, they were discovered by a record executive who happened to be in the audience for one of their shows.

Their journey wasn’t without its trials and tribulations. Shortly after signing with a record label, the factory they all worked at closed down. The economic struggle that their city faced became a key element in their music, which resonated with their local fans. Careful Shift’s music gave voice to the struggles and hopes of the working class, their authenticity and raw emotion drawing an ever-growing fanbase.

Genre:
Careful Shift is known for their unique fusion of Indie Rock and Folk, with a touch of Blues.

Title:
“Steel and Smoke”

Song Lyrics:

[Verse]
Em C
In this city of steel and smoke,
G D
We’re the dreamers, the fighters broke,
Em C
We’re the echoes of the lost hope,
G D
In the city of steel and smoke.

[Chorus]
G D
Oh, the lights may fade,
Em C
But our hearts don’t break,
G D
We’re the fire in the cold,
Em C
In the city of steel and smoke.

[Verse]
Em C
Factories closed, streets are bare,
G D
Hope seems lost in the cold night air,
Em C
But we’re the heart, we’re the flare,
G D
In the city of steel and smoke.

[Chorus]
G D
Oh, the times are tough,
Em C
But we’re made of rough,
G D
We’re the melody and the note,
Em C
In the city of steel and smoke.

Their Favorite Fan:
Their favorite fan is a woman named Darcy Evans. Darcy is known not only for attending every concert but also for running a fan blog that has become a hub for the Careful Shift community. She claims, “What sets Careful Shift apart for me is their authenticity. Their music speaks to the heart of the working class. It’s raw, it’s real, and it resonates with me in a way that no other band has. I believe in their message, and I believe in them.”

Backstory:
“Acrobatic Satisfaction” was born out of a shared love for music and unique talents. Five college friends – Jon, Michael, Jenny, Lisa, and Ben, who were all part of their university’s gymnastics team, discovered their mutual love for music during their downtime between training sessions. Encouraged by their coach, they started experimenting with their instruments and voices, incorporating elements of their acrobatic training into their performances. Thus, “Acrobatic Satisfaction” was born. Their music soon gained popularity with its fresh take on rock and roll, making waves both within and outside their university. Their high-energy concerts, featuring not just music but also impressive acrobatics, won them a loyal fan following.

Genre:
Acrobatic Satisfaction’s music can best be defined as Acrobatic Rock, a genre they pioneered combining traditional rock and roll with elements from their gymnastics background.

Title:
Their most popular track is “Sky High Rhythm”

Full song lyrics:

(Verse 1)
Am Dm
On this narrow tightrope, we balance our dreams,
G C
Through the highs and lows, we weave our themes.
Am Dm
With every jump and flip, our music screams,
G C
Fueling our souls, in powerful streams.

(Chorus)
F C
Sky High Rhythm, that’s our beat,
G Am
With our acrobatic feet, we don’t know defeat.
F C
Sky High Rhythm, it’s our song,
G Am
In the world of music, this is where we belong.

(Verse 2)
Am Dm
In the spotlight, under the stars,
G C
We strum our stories on our guitars.
Am Dm
In our harmony, there are no bars,
G C
We play our truth, showcasing our scars.

(Chorus)
F C
Sky High Rhythm, that’s our beat,
G Am
With our acrobatic feet, we don’t know defeat.
F C
Sky High Rhythm, it’s our song,
G Am
In the world of music, this is where we belong.

Fan’s Name and Testimonial:
Their favorite fan’s name is Tim Johnson. He says, “I’ve been a fan of Acrobatic Satisfaction from their early university days. Their innovative blend of rock and acrobatic performances held a unique appeal for me. It’s not just their music; it’s their energy, their dedication, and their unconventional approach to creating art that has made me their lifelong fan. They take me on a roller coaster ride of emotions with their music. And those live performances! They are nothing short of spectacular. They somehow managed to combine the coolness of rock and roll with the thrill of acrobatics, and I think that’s just brilliant.”

Backstory:
Lovable Availability began as two childhood friends, Jack and Jill, from the bustling city of Chicago. Both were talented musicians who shared a passion for writing songs about love, life, and everything in between. They soon realized they had a unique musical chemistry that was too powerful to ignore. They started performing at local coffee shops, open mics, and eventually graduated to larger venues. Their unpretentious, accessible approach to music quickly won over audiences, earning them a dedicated fan base that continues to grow. What sets Lovable Availability apart is their authenticity; they create music from the heart, for the heart.

Genre:
Lovable Availability identifies as a pop/indie band. Their sound is characterized by catchy melodies, introspective lyrics, and a hint of folk influences. Their style is influenced by the likes of The Lumineers, Imagine Dragons, and Passenger.

Title:
One of their hit songs is called “Uncharted Hearts.”

Full Song Lyrics:
(Verse 1)
G – D – Em – C
In the city of uncharted hearts, we find ourselves,
Lost in the commonality of love, yet unique as shells.
Look at the lights, they dance and sway,
In your eyes, I find my way.

(Chorus)
Em – C – G – D
Uncharted hearts, oh how they beat,
In rhythm with love, so sweet.
Through ups and downs, we will sail,
In the ocean of love, we’ll never fail.

(Verse 2)
G – D – Em – C
Whispers of the wind speak of our tale,
In the city of love, we’re never frail.
Hand in hand, we walk through the maze,
In the map of your heart, I find my place.

(Chorus)
Em – C – G – D
Uncharted hearts, oh how they glow,
In the city of love, they grow.
Through smiles and tears, we’ll find our way,
In the city of uncharted hearts, we’ll stay.

Fan Testimonial:
Lovable Availability’s biggest fan is a woman named Bethany. She says, “I’ve followed Lovable Availability since their early days at the local coffee shops. Their music isn’t just pleasing to the ears, it speaks right to your soul. They sing about love and life in a way that’s so real and so raw. Their song ‘Uncharted Hearts’ specifically resonates with me because it’s about finding someone who understands you in a world that often feels chaotic and overwhelming. Every time I listen to it, I’m reminded of the beauty of genuine connection. Lovable Availability isn’t just my favourite band; their music is a source of comfort, joy, and inspiration.”

Backstory:
Extroverted Glory, an American rock band hailing from Los Angeles, California, was formed in the year 2010 by high school friends, Liam Turner (vocals), Jason Smith (lead guitar), Isaac Parker (bass), and Mark Ryan (drums). The quartet began their journey in Liam’s garage and spent hours after school refining their sound and crafting original songs. Their unique blend of rock and grunge quickly caught the attention of local music venues and talent agents. Extroverted Glory signed their first record deal in 2013, and they have been a rising sensation in the rock scene ever since.

The band is known for their energetic performances, and their raw, genuine lyrics that resonate with their audience. Liam’s intense vocals complemented by Jason’s electrifying guitar solos, Isaac’s heavy basslines and Mark’s thunderous beats have made Extroverted Glory a must-see act in the world of rock music.

Genre:
Rock

Title:
“Eclipsed Shadows”

Full song lyrics:

(Intro) E | Am | D | G

(Verse 1)
[E] When the night falls, I see your face,
[Am] Amidst the shadows, in its quiet grace.
[D] I’m lost in a world, where you’re not mine,
[G] An eclipsed shadow, in the pale moonshine.

(Chorus)
[E] Eclipsed Shadows, in the silent night,
[Am] Our love was wrong, but it felt so right.
[D] You’re my pain, and you’re my delight,
[G] Eclipsed Shadows, lost in the twilight.

(Verse 2)
[E] Dreams are shattered, like glass so thin,
[Am] Your love is a battle, I’ll never win.
[D] I’m falling deeper, into this abyss,
[G] Eclipsed Shadows, your love I miss.

(Chorus)
[E] Eclipsed Shadows, in the silent night,
[Am] Your love was wrong, but it felt so right.
[D] You’re my pain, and you’re my delight,
[G] Eclipsed Shadows, lost in the twilight.

(Outro)
[E] I’m chasing Shadows, until the dawn,
[Am] Your love is a ghost, forever gone.
[D] In the mirror of the night, under the starlight,
[G] Eclipsed Shadows, you are my never-ending fight.

Fan’s name:
Rebecca Richards

Testimonial:
“I remember the first time I heard Extroverted Glory, it was at a local bar in LA. Being a native to LA, I’ve seen plenty of bands come and go, but there was something different about Extroverted Glory. Their music spoke to me, it wasn’t just the way they played, but the way they emoted. Each song felt like a story, a raw, emotional journey. It was like they were putting their heart and soul into every note. That’s when I knew that this wasn’t just another band. They became my favorite, not just because of how great their music is, but because of the connection I felt when listening to them. “Eclipsed Shadows” still gives me chills every time I listen to it. I guess that’s the power of real, genuine music.”

Backstory:
Royal Profession is an electric ensemble that initially began as a garage band in the year 2005, in the small town of Kingsbridge, England. The founding members, lead singer Alex Marcus, guitarist Tom Pickens, and drummer Mark Garrison, were all childhood friends who shared a deep passion for music. With a shared dream and a shared basement, they began their journey, fusing their eclectic tastes in music to create a sound that was uniquely their own. In 2008, they were joined by pianist and backup vocalist, Lisa Park, whose beautiful voice and haunting melodies completed their sound and solidified their status as Royal Profession.

Genre:
Alternative Rock

Title:
“Throne of Passion”

Full Song Lyrics:
(Verse 1)
[G] I’m standing in the [D] shadows, [Am] reflecting on our [C] yesterdays,
[G] Lost in the [D] echoes, [Am] of the love we used to [C] praise.
[G] You said we were [D] regal, [Am] born to rule the world of [C] passion,
[G] Now I’m left [D] wondering, [Am] was it all just a [C] fashion?

(Chorus)
[G] Throne of passion, [D] where we used to [Am] reign,
[C] Now lies empty, [G] filled with nothing but [D] pain,
[G] In the kingdom of [D] love, we’ve lost our [Am] profession,
[C] Turned into peasants, in our own [G] succession, [D] in our own [Am] succession [C]

(Verse 2)
[G] The crown lies [D] heavy, [Am] on a heart that’s [C] broken,
[G] Words left [D] unsaid, [Am] and promises [C] unspoken,
[G] We were Kings and [D] Queens, [Am] now just prisoners of [C] passion,
[G] Drifting apart, [D] in the most royal [Am] fashion [C]

(Chorus)
[G] Throne of passion, [D] where we used to [Am] reign,
[C] Now lies empty, [G] filled with nothing but [D] pain,
[G] In the kingdom of [D] love, we’ve lost our [Am] profession,
[C] Turned into peasants, in our own [G] succession, [D] in our own [Am] succession [C]

Fan’s Name: Ellie Thompson

Testimonial:
“I’ve been a die-hard fan of Royal Profession since their early days. Their unique sound and insightful lyrics just speak to me on a level that no other band does. Music for me is a form of escape, a way to lose myself in another world, and Royal Profession’s music is the perfect vehicle for that. Alex’s powerful voice coupled with Tom and Mark’s amazing instrumentals, and Lisa’s soothing backup vocals create a perfect harmony that just hits you right in the feels. Their latest song ‘Throne of Passion’ is so emotionally charged, it’s a masterpiece. It’s not just the music, but the raw emotion and the story behind the lyrics that make Royal Profession my favorite band.”

Backstory:
Born from the gritty underbelly of Detroit’s grunge scene, Both Brake is the brainchild of long-time friends, Ian Walker and Jesse Moore. Both men, hailing from blue-collar backgrounds, found solace and connection in the raw energy of rock during their formative years. As teenagers, they would sneak into local dive bars, absorbing the seismic vibrations of live performances that would later shape their music. Combining their skills – Ian as a self-taught guitarist and Jesse, a college dropout with a soulful voice – they formed Both Brake in 2015. The band was christened after a late-night conversation about life’s compulsions to pause and reflect – a theme that would come to pervade their evocative lyrics and soul-shaking melodies.

Genre:
Both Brake is a Grunge Rock band with a sprinkle of blues and punk influences.

Title:
“Steel City Lullaby”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
Dm Am
In this steel city silhouette,
G C
We stand like rusting monuments.
Dm Am
Falling dreams, broken promises,
G C
Echoes of our innocence.

(Chorus)
F C
Sing me your Steel City Lullaby,
G Am
In its beats, our hopes still lie.
F C
Through the clamor and the smoke we rise,
G Am
Bathed in your Steel City Lullaby.

(Verse 2)
Dm Am
The foundry’s flame, our guiding light,
G C
Shines through the darkest winter night.
Dm Am
In every line and every sigh,
G C
We hear your Steel City Lullaby.

(Chorus)
F C
Sing me your Steel City Lullaby,
G Am
In its rhythm we live, we die.
F C
Through the noise, we find our battle cry,
G Am
In your Steel City Lullaby.

(Outro)
F C G Am
And as the day folds into night,
F C G Am
We’ll carry on, we’ll hold the fight.
F C G Am
Our hearts beat with the city’s might,
F C G Am
To the tune of your Steel City Lullaby.

Favorite Fan:
Tammy Wilson, a Detroit nurse, says “Both Brake is my favorite band because their music is real. It speaks to the emotions and experiences of the working class. The track ‘Steel City Lullaby’ is more than just a song to me; it’s the story of my life, our city, our struggle. Every time I listen to it, I feel seen, heard, and most importantly, understood.”

Backstory:

Required Exclusion is an eccentric group of four musicians who met at a music therapy retreat in the mountains of Colorado. The members, all coming from vastly different backgrounds – a former classical pianist, a punk rock guitarist, a jazz drummer, and a folk singer, found solace and common ground in music. They began creating their unique sound during impromptu late-night jam sessions at the retreat, exploring diverse genres and influences. Their name, Required Exclusion, is a reflection of their journey of finding peace and creativity in isolation.

Genre:

Their music is best described as progressive rock blended with elements of jazz, punk, and folk, creating a sound that is both energetic and soulful, melancholic yet uplifting.

Title:

A fan-favorite song from their discography is titled “The Echoing Silence”.

Full Song Lyrics:

[Verse 1]
Em C
In the echoing silence, I find my truth,
G D
In the darkness, I see the light,
Em C
In the chaos, I find the rhythm,
G D
In the wrong, I seek the right.

[Chorus]
Em C G D
Echoing silence, you’re my midnight sun,
Em C G D
In your quiet whispers, my journey’s begun.

[Verse 2]
Em C
In the spaces between words, I hear the melody,
G D
In solitude, I feel the crowd,
Em C
In the noise, I find the harmony,
G D
In silence, the music is loud.

[Chorus]
Em C G D
Echoing silence, you’re my guiding star,
Em C G D
In your serene echoes, I find who we are.

Band’s Favorite Fan’s Testimonial:

The band’s favorite fan is Julie, a music teacher from California. She has shown unparalleled dedication to Required Exclusion, attending all their digital and physical concerts, and runs a fan blog dedicated to the band. She said, “Required Exclusion is more than just a band to me. Their innovative fusion of genres and profound lyrics touch my soul. Their music brought me solace in my loneliest times and has been my companion in my happiest moments. Their song, ‘The Echoing Silence,’ speaks volumes about their sheer talent and ability to connect with the audience. It’s a musical masterpiece.”