Backstory:

Failing Guy was formed in the heart of bustling Chicago in 2011. The band was born out of a garage jam session between high school friends, the charismatic lead singer, Mason Brooks, the electrifying guitarist, Dex Mitchell, the thunderous drummer, Ollie Grayson, and the smooth bassist, Zeke Raymond. With a shared passion for music and a shared feeling of being the underdogs in their hometown, they started to write songs and perform at local pubs and events. The band’s name, Failing Guy, is derived from their collective experiences of hardship and failure, which they viewed as stepping stones to success.

Genre:

Alternative Rock

Title:

“Mistaken Shadows”

Full song lyrics:

Verse 1:
[C] Looking at your [Am] face in the mirror
[G] Laughing at your [F] own shadow
[C] Trying to shake off [Am] the fear
[G] Ignoring the [F] pain that follows

Chorus:
[C] You’re just a [G] failing guy
[Am] In a world, full of [F] mistaken shadows
[C] But don’t you [G] cry
[Am] There’s a brighter [F] tomorrow

Verse 2:
[C] The night is [Am] long, and the road is winding
[G] But hold on [F] to your faith, keep finding
[C] The strength to [Am] fight, in every sunrise
[G] Leave the [F] dark behind, reach for the skies.

Chorus:
[C] You’re just a [G] failing guy
[Am] In a world, full of [F] mistaken shadows
[C] But don’t you [G] cry
[Am] There’s a brighter [F] tomorrow

Bridge:
[Am] Remember the [G] days when you fell
[F] How you rose, only [C] time can tell
[Am] With each [G] strike, you became stronger
[F] In this fight, you will [C] falter no longer

Chorus:
[C] You’re just a [G] failing guy
[Am] In a world, full of [F] mistaken shadows
[C] But don’t you [G] cry
[Am] There’s a brighter [F] tomorrow

Outro:
[C] You’re just a [G] failing guy
[Am] In a world, full of [F] mistaken shadows
[C] Today you [G] might cry
[Am] But remember, there’s a [F] brighter tomorrow.

Fan Testimonial:

Peter Harding, a passionate Failing Guy fan from Seattle, discovered the band during a rough period in his life. Their song “Mistaken Shadows” became his anthem for resilience. Peter says, “Failing Guy’s music speaks to my soul. Their lyrics are a reminder that it’s okay to fail, and every failure is just a stepping stone to success. They’ve been with me through the ups and downs. To me, their music is much more than just songs; it’s a lifeline.”

Backstory:
Formed in the rainy outskirts of Seattle, Washington in 2005, ‘Impure Licence’ began as a group of high-school friends who wanted nothing more than to make music their life. The initial group consisted of Clark, the angsty lead vocalist and rhythm guitarist, Reuben, the quirky bespectacled drummer with a knack for complex beats, Mike, the brooding lead guitarist, and Jenny, the enigmatic bassist with a hauntingly beautiful voice. United by a shared passion for music and an insatiable desire to break the norms of society, they began writing songs that mirrored their own experiences and thoughts, slowly carving a niche for themselves in the local music scene. The name ‘Impure Licence’ was chosen to reflect their belief in the beauty of imperfections and the freedom to be true to oneself.

Genre:
Alternative Rock

Title:
‘Unseen Mirrors’

Full Song Lyrics:

[Verse 1]
G D Em C
Underneath the city lights we roam,
G D C
Living lives that aren’t our own,
G D Em C
Chasing dreams that we borrowed from unseen mirrors.

[Verse 2]
G D Em C
We hide behind smiles that deceive,
G D C
In truths that we ourselves don’t believe,
G D Em C
In the echoes of the voices from unseen mirrors.

[Chorus]
G D Em C
Impure licence in our hands, we make our stand,
G D C
Against the world’s demands,
G D Em C
We are reflections of unseen mirrors.

[Chorus Repeat]
G D Em C
Impure licence in our souls, we fill the roles,
G D C
Of the ones who lost control,
G D Em C
We are reflections of unseen mirrors.

Testimonial:
Fan’s name: Sarah Thompson

“Impure Licence has been my absolute favourite band since high school. Their lyrics speak to me on a personal level, like they’ve somehow managed to siphon out my thoughts and emotions and put them into words, further enhancing them with their soul-stirring music. It’s like they understand the struggle of trying to fit in while trying to embrace our uniqueness, our ‘Impure Licence’, if you will. Their song ‘Unseen Mirrors’ resonates with me the most, it’s like an anthem for all of us who’ve felt lost and unsure of our identity. It’s my go-to song whenever I’m feeling down. There’s something raw and real about their music that you don’t often see these days.”

Backstory:
Formed in 2002, Hideous Field is a band of four friends hailing from the small town of Eldridge, Iowa. The band members – lead vocalist Troy, guitarist Parker, bassist Andy, and drummer Owen – were childhood friends who found their shared love for music in their high school’s marching band. They began by playing at local gigs and school events, and their unique, raw, and passionate sound quickly gained them a following. After being discovered at a local battle of the bands competition, Hideous Field embarked on their journey to become a nationally acclaimed band. Known for their emotive lyrics and diverse sound, the band has forged a special connection with their fans, turning their shared love for music into a powerful force.

Genre: Alternative Rock

Title: Shadows on the Horizon

Song Lyrics:
(Verse 1)
[G]Dark clouds gather, [D]closing in,
[Em]Shadows on the horizon, [C]hopes grow thin.
[G]A storm is coming, [D]echoes of the wind,
[Em]We stand defiant, [C]within this hideous field we’re in.

(Chorus)
[D]But we won’t be broken, [G]not tonight,
[C]We’ll stand together, [D]beneath the moonlight.
[G]We’ll scream to the heavens, [D]with all our might,
[Em]In the face of despair, [C]we will ignite.

(Verse 2)
[G]Roaring thunder, [D]blinding flash,
[Em]In this hideous field, [C]we make our clash.
[G]We may stumble, [D]we may crash,
[Em]But the love for our music, [C]it’s our unabashed.

(Chorus)
[D]We won’t be silenced, [G]we won’t be tamed,
[C]In this hideous field, [D]we’ve staked our claim.
[G]With every beating heart, [D]and burning flame,
[Em]We’ll sing our song, [C]free of shame.

Fan Name: Jennifer

Testimonial: “Hideous Field has been my favorite band for years. Their music speaks to me on a deeply personal level, and I feel an indescribable connection to their songs. They pour so much emotion into their music, and it’s evident in every lyric that they genuinely care about their fans. I absolutely adore their alternative rock sound because it’s raw, powerful, and profoundly moving. Plus, the guys are just the most down-to-earth people you could meet. Their performances are incredible, and they always make time to interact with their fans. To me, they’re not just a band, they’re like family.”

Backstory:
“Glittering Role” was born in the heart of Austin, Texas in 2009 when four friends decided to turn their shared love for music into a full-time endeavor. After meeting at a local open mic night, they quickly found a common connection in their distinctive musical tastes and began jamming together in their spare time. As their music grew more cohesive, so did their friendship, and it wasn’t long before they had formed Glittering Role. The band consists of lead vocalist and guitarist, Jake, bassist, Max, drummer, Ricky, and keyboardist, Ray. Their journey has been a story of self-discovery, with each member bringing their unique influences to forge a sound unlike any other.

Genre:
Alternative Rock

Title:
“Stardust Shadows”

Full song lyrics:

(Verse 1)
Em G
Underneath the twilight,
D A
We found our golden sight,
Em G
Deep within the city lights,
D A
Lies our glittering role, so bright.

(Chorus)
C G
Stardust shadows, In our heart,
D A
Telling stories, making its mark,
C G
In the echoes of the dark,
D A
We find our glittering role, a spark.

(Verse 2)
Em G
Through the whispers of the breeze,
D A
And the rustle of the leaves,
Em G
We strum our dreams into these,
D A
Chords of hope, on our knees.

(Chorus)
C G
Stardust Shadows, in our soul,
D A
Painting music, making us whole,
C G
In the echoes of the Rock n’ Roll,
D A
We find our glittering role, a goal.

Favorite Fan’s Name: Molly Johnson

Testimonial:
I’ve been a fan of ‘Glittering Role’ since their first gig at a local bar in Austin. Their music touches the soul, it’s raw and real. And their song “Stardust Shadows,” just speaks volumes to me. It’s like they poured my thoughts into a song. I’ve always felt a deep connection to their music – it encourages me, comforts me, and makes me feel understood. Their passion for their craft is evident in every performance. To me, ‘Glittering Role’ is more than just a band. They are a beacon of hope, a source of inspiration, and the soundtrack to my life.

Backstory:
Formed in the bleak winter of 2008 in the industrial outskirts of Detroit, Nasty Tendency began their journey as a garage band with four friends dying for a chance to escape the monotony of their mundane lives. The band consists of lead vocalist and guitarist Max ‘Mad Max’ Stevens, bassist Johnny ‘Bass Beast’ Miller, drummer Tommy ‘Thunder’ Reed, and keyboardist Billy ‘Melody Man’ Watson. Their shared love for music, rebellion, and the desire to make a mark in the world helped them forge a compelling alliance. They began their journey playing in local bars and cafes, eventually landing their first major gig in 2011. Their electrifying performances and daring lyrics made them a sensation in the underground music scene, leading them to their first record deal in 2014.

Genre:
Hard Rock/Heavy Metal

Title:
‘Steel and Thunder’

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
Em
In the belly of the beast, where the iron heart lies,
C
Smoky breath of steel, under the neon skies,
G
The roar of the engines, the clash of the chains,
D
We ride through the night, feeling no pains.

(Chorus)
Em
Steel and Thunder, wheels on fire,
C
Driven by desire, reaching higher and higher,
G
Through the storm and the rain, lit by the moon’s glow,
D
We are Nasty Tendency, ready to steal the show.

(Verse 2)
Em
With the pedal to the metal, in the heart of the night,
C
Burning rubber on asphalt, in the pale moonlight,
G
Riding free as the wind, in a world that’s so cold,
D
We are the story, that’s yet to be told.

(Chorus)
Em
Steel and Thunder, born to rule the night,
C
With dirty hands and hearts so light,
G
In the echo of our music, in the rhythm of our souls,
D
We are Nasty Tendency, the rock n roll heroes.

Favorite Fan:
Their most devoted fan, affectionately known as ‘Headbanger Hank’, is a staple at every concert. He has followed the band since their early days, his love for the band stemming from their unapologetic energy and raw power. Sharing his testimonial, Hank said, “There’s something about Nasty Tendency that speaks to the rebel in all of us. Their music is a perfect blend of power, melody, and emotion. It’s like a thunderbolt straight to the heart. I’ve seen them evolve as a band, but their essence has never changed. They are the soundtrack to my life, and I can’t imagine a world without their music. Rock on, Nasty Tendency!”

Backstory:

Agitated Reaction is a fusion of four college friends, hailing from the small town of Redwood, California. The band was formed in 2012 when Davey (lead vocalist/guitarist), Freddie (drummer), Michael (bassist), and Chris (keyboardist) found a shared passion for music while studying at the University of California, Santa Cruz. They were renowned for their impromptu gigs during college fests and local pubs, which eventually led to a record deal with a local independent label. Despite their academic pursuits, the band’s love for music knows no bounds, and they have been performing and creating music since their college days.

Genre:

Alternative Rock

Title:

“Lost in Reality”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
Em G D A
I’m walking down this empty street,
Em G D A
With shadows dancing at my feet,
Em G D A
Can’t shake this feeling, it’s hard to beat,
Em G D A
I’m lost in reality, can’t find my seat.

(Chorus)
Em G D A
I’m just a pawn in this cruel game,
Em G D A
In a world that forgets your name,
Em G D A
But I won’t let it be my claim,
Em G D A
I’m lost in reality, not in fame.

(Verse 2)
Em G D A
The city lights are dimming down,
Em G D A
Smiles are replaced with a frown,
Em G D A
I’m searching for my lost crown,
Em G D A
I’m lost in reality, in this town.

(Chorus)
Em G D A
Life’s a puzzle, hard to complete,
Em G D A
With pieces that never seem to meet,
Em G D A
But we all dance to our own beat,
Em G D A
I’m lost in reality, not in defeat.

Fan’s Testimonial:

My name is Lucy, and I’ve been a fan of Agitated Reaction since their early days. I stumbled upon their gig at a college fest, and their music resonated with me instantly. It’s raw, real, and it speaks to the soul. Davey, Freddie, Michael, and Chris are not just musicians but storytellers who weave magic with their lyrics and melody. Their song “Lost in Reality” is a testament to their talent. It’s my favorite because it’s a reflection of life itself, the highs, the lows, and everything in between. It’s a reminder that it’s okay to be lost sometimes, and that’s what makes them my favorite band.

Backstory:

Unhealthy Trace was formed in the gritty, underground scene of Brooklyn in 2010, when lead guitarist Jamie “Razor” Rigg and drummer Benny “Thunder” Stokes discovered a common love for grunge and hard-hitting rock. They soon found a musical soulmate in bassist Lily “Lush” Moreno, an enigmatic artist who added depth and a unique edge to their sound. The final piece of the puzzle was added when sultry vocalist, Gina “Whiskey” Davis, joined the group, her voice blending flawlessly with the raw energy of the band. Together, they took the local music scene by storm, their dynamic performances and distinctive sound garnering them a dedicated following.

Unhealthy Trace’s music is defined by the exploration of life’s darker elements, a reflection of the personal struggles each member has faced. Their name symbolizes the deep emotional scars they carry, which they transform into poignant, powerful music that resonates with their fans. Over the years, their music has evolved, with elements of alternative rock and indie infused into their grunge roots, creating a unique sound that sets them apart.

Genre:
Grunge/Alternative Rock.

Title:
“Echoes of Silence.”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
Em C
In the echoes of silence, we lie,
G D
Amongst the shadows, under the midnight sky.
Em C
The world is noise, a relentless cry,
G D
But in the echoes of silence, we fly.

(Chorus)
Em C
Oh, let the echoes fill our minds,
G D
With memories of forgotten times.
Em C
In the echoes of silence, we find,
G D
The remnants of love we left behind.

(Verse 2)
Em C
In the echoes of silence, we scream,
G D
Seeking solace in a shattered dream.
Em C
In the hush, things aren’t what they seem,
G D
In the echoes of silence, we dream.

(Chorus)
Em C
Let the echoes resonate,
G D
As we dance with destiny and fate.
Em C
In the echoes of silence, we create,
G D
A world untouched by love or hate.

Favorite Fan:

“Unhealthy Trace is the soundtrack of my life. Their music speaks to the parts of me that I didn’t even know needed a voice. I’ve been through some dark times, and their raw, honest lyrics have been a source of catharsis for me. They may be ‘Unhealthy Trace,’ but they’ve been a crucial part of my healing journey. They’re more than just a band to me, they’re my lifeline,” says Tommy “Riff” Matthews, a devoted fan who has been following the band since their first gig.

Backstory:

Setting off their musical journey in the vibrant landscapes of Seattle, ‘Modest Fork’ came into existence in the summer of 2005. The band was initially composed of four high school friends – Oliver ‘Ollie’ Black on vocals and rhythm guitar, Zachary ‘Zach’ Jordan on lead guitar, Nathan ‘Nate’ Wells on bass, and William ‘Will’ Thompson on drums. They started from the humble beginnings of jamming in their parents’ garages to becoming one of the most beloved bands in the local music scene.

Their bond strengthened over years of friendship, shared experiences, and a mutual love for music. With intense dedication and the shared ambition to break new grounds in the music industry, they wrote and performed music that resonated with the youth. Their songs, often infused with lyrical depth and catchy melodies, spoke of personal experiences and observations, making Modest Fork an icon of the Seattle music scene.

Genre:
Indie Rock

Title:
“Lost in Echoes”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
[G] I see a picture, [D] painted in the stars,
[Em] Reflections of who we [C] really are.
[G] Shadows dancing, [D] in the corners of my mind,
[Em] Looking for answers, [C] that we never find.

(Chorus)
[G] We are lost in echoes, [D] chasing the past,
[Em] Living in memories, [C] that never last.
[G] Driven by dreams, [D] that’s torn at the seams,
[Em] We are lost in echoes, [C] lost in dreams.

(Verse 2)
[G] Broken promises, [D] scattered on the floor,
[Em] Searching for a love, [C] that is no more.
[G] Running in circles, [D] haunted by the night,
[Em] Lost in the echoes, [C] of our fading light.

(Repeat chorus x2)

(Fan Name and Testimonial)

Fan Name: Jenny Miller

Testimonial:

Modest Fork is not just a band for me; it’s my sanctuary. Their music resonates deeply with my experiences, making me feel understood and less alone. The song “Lost in Echoes” especially strikes a chord within me. It perfectly encapsulates the feeling of being stuck in the past and longing for what once was. Ollie’s soulful vocals combined with Zach’s guitar, Nate’s bass, and Will’s drums create a musical experience that is truly unparalleled. The raw emotion and sincerity in their music are what make Modest Fork my absolute favorite band.

Backstory:
Weary Raid, based in small-town Vermont, was founded in 2010 by the childhood friends – Joe on vocals and guitar, Kyle on bass guitar, and Ben behind the drums. The trio grew up together and share their love for music, started out playing in their parents’ garages before stepping up onto local stages. They gained recognition for their raw and unfiltered sound that resonates with the ups and downs of everyday life. After years of playing in local clubs and bars, they were noticed by a record label executive, leading to the release of their debut album in 2015.

Genre:
The band identifies their music as Indie Rock with elements of Punk and Grunge.

Title:
“Empty Streets”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
G Em
Walking down these empty streets,
C D
Where our dreams used to meet.
G Em
Memories swept under the concrete,
C D
Like fallen leaves beneath our feet.

(Chorus)
G D Em C
Empty streets, empty hearts,
G D Em C
Where did we lose our spark?
G D Em C
Empty streets, empty lives,
G D Em C
Lost in this endless night.

(Verse 2)
G Em
Underneath the cold moonlight,
C D
We used to set the night alight.
G Em
Now it’s just empty streetlights,
C D
Shading old stories in their light.

(Chorus)
G D Em C
Empty streets, empty hearts,
G D Em C
Where did we lose our spark?
G D Em C
Empty streets, empty lives,
G D Em C
Lost in this endless night.

Favorite Fan:
Weary Raid’s favorite fan is a woman named Rosie, hailing from their hometown in Vermont. Rosie has been with them since their garage days and has attended every single concert within a 100-mile radius. Rosie says, “Weary Raid’s music hits home. Their lyrics express what I feel but can’t articulate. Their music has been a constant companion through my struggles and victories. They’re not just a band – they’re a voice for people like me.”

Backstory:
Guilty Penalty was founded in a garage in the heart of downtown Kansas City in 2008. The band was formed by a group of high school friends who were looking to create something different from the pop music they felt was becoming too common. They started off as a cover band, playing at local bars and clubs before they began writing their own music. The band is composed of lead vocalist and bassist Hugo Blackwood, guitarist and backup vocalist Eli Summers, drummer Mike ‘Mad Mike’ Maddox, and pianist Lisa ‘Keys’ Kingston.

The band faced its fair share of ups and downs, including the loss of their original drummer and a near breakup due to creative differences. However, the formation of the current lineup in 2011 and the release of their first original song brought them new energy and cohesion. Since then, Guilty Penalty has worked to build a solid fan base, both locally and nationally, and continues to write and perform music that challenges the norm and pushes boundaries.

Genre:
Hard Rock

Title:
“Breaking the Chains”

Full song lyrics:

Verses:
[Am] Locked in the shadows, [G] drowned in the rain
[F] Trying to escape from [E] all my pain
[Am] Echoes of laughter, [G] whispers of the blame
[F] I’m stuck in this game, [E] this endless game

Chorus:
[Am] I’m breaking the chains, [G] let me be free
[F] Stop playing your games, [E] I refuse to be
[Am] The pawn in your hand, [G] your marionette
[F] I’m breaking away, [E] escaping your net

Verses:
[Am] Shadows are lifting, [G] lights shining in
[F] Letting the battle [E] finally begin
[Am] No more blind pretense, [G] no more disguise
[F] I’m stepping into the light, [E] dispelling the lies

Chorus:
[Am] I’m breaking the chains, [G] let me be free
[F] Stop playing your games, [E] I refuse to be
[Am] The pawn in your hand, [G] your marionette
[F] I’m breaking away, [E] escaping your net

Fan Testimonial:

The band’s favorite fan’s name is Lisa Andrews. Lisa discovered Guilty Penalty during a difficult time in her life and found solace in their music. She says, “Guilty Penalty’s music has a depth and rawness that resonates with me. Their lyrics aren’t just words, they’re lifelines. I’ve attended every concert they’ve had within a 500-mile radius of my hometown for the last five years. There’s just something about the energy they bring to their performance, the passion in their music, you can tell they pour their heart and soul into it. They’re not just a band to me, they’re like family. Their song ‘Breaking the Chains’ is my anthem. It’s about struggle, about breaking free, it’s about being yourself despite everything. That’s what Guilty Penalty stands for, and that’s why they’re my favorite band.”