Backstory:
In the city where rock and pop meet, formed in a small garage, Dramatic Pound was born. Consisting of four members, lead vocalist and guitarist, Bobby ‘Edge’ Turner, drummer, Max ‘Thunder’ Collins, bass guitarist, Johnny ‘Riff’ McAdams, and keyboardist, Sara ‘Melody’ O’Connor, Dramatic Pound emerged from the city of Syracuse, New York in the vibrant shade of the early 2000s. They started their musical journey performing at local bars and small gigs, where their powerful music and passionate performances quickly caught the public’s attention.

The band built its reputation on their raw and energetic performances and soon they were signed by a local, independent label. Their friendship was the foundation stone of their success, and the struggles and experiences they shared together became the muse for their music.

Genre:
Bridging the gap between Classic Rock and Pop Rock, Dramatic Pound offers a unique blend of resonating sound, with a touch of nostalgic 80’s Rock influence.

Title:
“Highway to the Moon”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse)
Am G D Am
Driving down the road with a heart so heavy,
Am G D Am
Skies are dark but the wheels are steady.
G D Am
Looking for an escape from this ordinary world,
G D Am
Want to fly high like a free bird.

(Chorus)
C G D Em
Going on the highway to the moon,
C G D Em
With a hope that we’ll reach there soon.
C G D Em
With dreams in our hearts and stars in our swoon,
C G D Em
We’re on the highway, the highway to the moon.

(Verse)
Am G D Am
Riding past the fields of sorrow,
Am G D Am
Chasing the sun for a brighter tomorrow.
G D Am
The journey is long but we’ve got the tunes,
G D Am
Under the spell of the midnight moon.

(Chorus)
C G D Em
We are on the highway to the moon,
C G D Em
Our hearts humming a cosmic tune.
C G D Em
Looking for love beyond the dune,
C G D Em
We’re on the highway, the highway to the moon.

Fan Testimonial:
“I’m Kelly, a devoted fan since their first gig at a local bar. Dramatic Pound isn’t just my favorite band, they are my life. Their music resonates with me in a way I can’t articulate. Every song feels like it’s written for me, and their energetic performances make me feel alive. It’s like they capture the essence of life in their music. They give voice to my emotions, and for that, they’ll always be my number one.”

Backstory:
Aching Bulb was born out of the ashes of a high school rock band in Buffalo, New York. The founding members, Steve “Stix” Hixon and Jesse “Jay” Morrison, started out jamming together in their parents’ basements. Their shared love for music, coupled with the angst of adolescence, led them to create something uniquely their own. After a few years of playing local gigs and refining their unique sound, they were joined by keyboardist, Sara “Synth” Green, and bassist, Liam “Lo” Cooper. The name “Aching Bulb” was chosen because they felt it perfectly represented their raw, electric sound with an undercurrent of longing and pain.

Genre:
Alternative Rock / Indie

Title:
“Neon Dreams”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
[G]Neon lights flicker above, [C]lost in our own world,
[Em]We dance through the night, [D]you’re my favorite girl,
[G]We’re young and alive, [C]underneath the city moon,
[Em]With the music loud, [D]we’re out of tune.

(Chorus)
[C]In these neon dreams, [G]we’re invincible,
[D]Running wild and free, [Em]it’s so magical.
[C]In these neon dreams, [G]we’re untouchable,
[D]In the heart of the night, [Em]we’re unstoppable.

(Verse 2)
[G]Cityscape’s our playground, [C]stars our only guide,
[Em]Through the concrete jungle, [D]we take our midnight ride,
[G]Graffiti hearts on walls, [C]our love beautifully absurd,
[Em]In this urban symphony, [D]we’re free as birds.

(Chorus)
[C]In these neon dreams, [G]we’re invincible,
[D]Running wild and free, [Em]it’s so magical.
[C]In these neon dreams, [G]we’re untouchable,
[D]In the heart of the night, [Em]we’re unstoppable.

The band’s favorite fan:

Name: Josh “Vinyl” Milton

Testimonial:
“Aching Bulb is more than just a band to me, they’re like a lifeline. Their music speaks to me on such a deep level. It’s like they’ve bottled up my experiences, emotions, and thoughts into their songs. ‘Neon Dreams’ especially resonates with me as I recall my own wild youth, chasing dreams beneath city lights. Their raw, authentic sound combined with their genuine lyricism makes them my all-time favorite band. The way they infuse their music with such emotion is just incredible. Each song is a new journey they take me on, and I’m grateful for every note.”

Backstory:

Assured Apple was formed in the breezy city of San Francisco, California in 2008. The band consists of four members: lead singer and guitarist Johnny McIntosh, drummer Sunny Pippin, bassist Gala Windsor, and keyboardist Brayburn Sturmer. They were just passionate musicians who met at an open mic night, and their shared love for music led them to form a band. Their name, ‘Assured Apple’, represents their unwavering belief in themselves and was inspired by the famous Apple Records.

The members spent their early years juggling mundane jobs while refining their musical skills at night in a small, shared flat. They faced their fair share of struggles and rejections, but they always remained assured, just like their name. Their music is their catharsis, a place where they share their stories, pouring their hearts, and souls into every word and note.

Genre:
Folk Rock

Title:
“Beneath the Apple Tree”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
Em D G
Underneath the apple tree,
Em C D
We carved our dreams in stone,
Em D G
Laughter echoed in the breeze,
Em C D
In a time that’s long gone.

(Chorus)
Em D G
Beneath the apple tree,
Em C D
We found our youth, our love, our glee,
Em D G
In every leaf, in every seed,
Em C D
Lie the stories of you and me.

(Verse 2)
Em D G
The golden sun would rise and set,
Em C D
On dreams that had just begun,
Em D G
With heartbeats matching the duet,
Em C D
Played by the moon and the sun.

(Chorus)
Em D G
Beneath the apple tree,
Em C D
We learned to fight, to set free,
Em D G
In its shade, we made our plea,
Em C D
To forever let us be.

Favorite Fan:

Our favorite fan is a young woman named Rosie Golden. Rosie first discovered us at a small gig in a local pub. She was enchanted by our music and became an immediate fan. She has been to every one of our concerts since then, even traveling across the country to see us. Rosie once told us, “Assured Apple sings the soundtrack of my life. Their music speaks to me in ways that words can’t. It’s comforting, empowering, and it feels like coming home.” Our connection with fans like Rosie is what inspires us to keep making music.

Backstory:

Traumatic Tongue originated in the bustling, musical streets of New Orleans back in 2005. The band consists of four members: lead vocalist and rhythm guitarist, Mason ‘Mad Mouth’ McAfee; lead guitarist, Taylor ‘Tongue Twister’ Thompson; bassist, Brandon ‘Babbling’ Brooker; and drummer, Kevin ‘Keen Kisser’ Kennedy. They found each other in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, where they all volunteered to help rebuild the city they loved. During the nights, they would gather around the campfire, and with a shared love for music, they began creating songs about their experiences, the city, and the resilience of its people.

Their music, initially a way to cope, soon started attracting locals. One night, an owner of a local pub offered them a gig. Their music touched the hearts of many, and before long, they were touring across the state, then the nation, and then overseas. Known for their raw emotion, powerful lyrics and energetic performances, Traumatic Tongue has become a symbol of resilience, unity, and the healing power of music.

Genre:

Alternative Rock and Blues

Title:

“Resilience of the River”

Full song lyrics:

(Verse 1)
[C]Down by the water’s [G]edge, where the wild winds [Am]blew,
[G]Stood a city, [F]strong and [C]proud, [G]under skies so [C]blue.
[C] Then came a tempest [G]strong that the earth [Am]shook,
[G]But like the mighty [F]river [C]flows, we [G]wouldn’t be [C]took.

(Chorus)
[F]Resilience of the [C]river, [G]running deep and [Am]true,
[F]Nothing can break us, [C]we’ll just break on [G]through.
[F]We are the tide that [C]refuses to [G]ebb,
[Am]We are the song that [G]life’s winds [F]web.

(Verse 2)
[C]Brick by brick, [G]heart by heart, we [Am]rise,
[G]Underneath the [F]Southern [C]stars, [G]underneath the [C]skies.
[C]We’ve got scars, [G]we’ve got tales to [Am]tell,
[G]But like the heart of [F]New Orleans, [C]we [G]still ring the [C]bell.

(Repeat Chorus)

(Final Chorus)
[F]Resilience of the [C]river, [G]we’ll always [Am]flow,
[F]We are Traumatic Tongue, [C]we’ll never [G]go.
[F]We are the spirit, [C]we are the [G]roar,
[Am]We are the music that [G]helps us [F]soar.

Band’s Favorite Fan Testimonial:

Our favorite fan is 25-year-old Sarah James from Little Rock, Arkansas. She found solace in our music after her own personal tragedy. She says, “Traumatic Tongue’s music has been a lifeline for me. Their lyrics resonate so much with my life, and their energy just lifts me up on my darkest days. I’m eternally grateful to them for putting into words what I couldn’t. They are not just my favorite band; they are my beacon of hope and strength.” Sarah has attended every single one of our gigs since she discovered us, and her unwavering support gives us the motivation to keep making music.

Backstory:

Born in the vibrant music scene of Austin, Texas, the Overcooked Sentence started as a group of three college roommates – Jaxon, Mike, and Zack – each with unique musical influences. Jaxon, the vocalist and guitarist, grew up on his dad’s classic rock records. Mike, the bassist, was a jazz enthusiast, while Zack, the drummer, had a soft spot for punk. Despite their diverse music taste, they found a common ground in the love for creating music that was raw, real, and rich with emotion.

After a few jam sessions in their dingy dorm room, they started playing at small local gigs, quickly earning a reputation for their high-energy performances and emotionally-charged lyrics. Soon, Overcooked Sentence was playing at some of the biggest venues in Austin, and their fanbase began to grow, spreading beyond the confines of their college town.

Genre:

Alternative Rock

Title:

“Echoes of Silence”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
Em C G D
In the echoes of silence, there’s a story yet untold,
Em C G D
A painting of a lover’s heart, both brave and bold.

(Chorus)
G D Em C
I’ll carve our names on the moonlit sky,
G D Em C
In the echoes of silence, you and I.

(Verse 2)
Em C G D
In the echoes of silence, there’s a melody we sing,
Em C G D
A dance of love and courage, in the chill of spring.

(Chorus)
G D Em C
I’ll sketch our dreams on the canvas of night,
G D Em C
In the echoes of silence, we ignite.

Fan’s Testimonial:

My name is Lily, and I’m arguably Overcooked Sentence’s biggest fan. From their high-octane performances to their heart-rending lyrics, they’ve always resonated with me on a level no other band has. I remember the first time I heard “Echoes of Silence”; it was like they had reached into my soul and painted my emotions into a song. Their music has been with me through my highest highs and my deepest lows. Overcooked Sentence isn’t just my favorite band; they’re a part of me.

Backstory:
Bite-Sized Cent began their journey in the bustling city of New York in the summer of 2009. They were a group of college friends – Alex (vocalist), Liam (guitarist), Jerry (drummer), and Bella (bassist) – all sharing a mutual love for music. The name “Bite-Sized Cent” was a quirky nod towards their initial struggle as musicians, where they had to scrape together pennies to rent their first practice space. It was also a reflection of their belief that even the smallest effort, the tiniest ‘cent’, can result in something meaningful when combined with passion and dedication.

Their journey was a classic tale of struggle and triumph. They spent the initial years playing at small gigs, open mics, and at any place they were invited. Their big break came when they were spotted by a well-known music producer at a local festival. Impressed by their novel sound, the producer offered them their first record deal, and the rest is history.

Genre: Indie Rock

Title: “Stardust in the Wind”

Full song lyrics:

(Verse 1)
Am Em
Underneath the city lights,
G D
we found our dreams in the silent night.
Am Em
Pockets empty, hearts so full,
G D
Bite-Sized Cent, the dreamers’ rule.

(Chorus)
C G
Stardust in the wind,
D Em
We’re just lost children.
C G
Chasing broken dreams,
D Em
In our ripped up jeans.

(Verse 2)
Am Em
Street corners, our open stage,
G D
Writing history, page by page.
Am Em
Playing music, loud and clear,
G D
To all who stop, to all who hear.

(Chorus)
C G
Stardust in the wind,
D Em
We’re just lost children.
C G
Chasing broken dreams,
D Em
In our ripped up jeans.

(Bridge)
Am Em
Underneath the starlight,
G D
We sing our dreams into the night.

(Chorus)
C G
Stardust in the wind,
D Em
We’re just lost children.
C G
Chasing broken dreams,
D Em
In our ripped up jeans.

(Outro)
Am Em
Underneath the city lights,
G D
We found our dreams in the silent night.

Favorite Fan: Jenny Thompson

Jenny Thompson, a die-hard fan, has been with Bite-Sized Cent since their humble beginnings. She first heard them play at a neighborhood bar, and she was instantly hooked. “Their music is raw, real, and relatable. It’s not just about the melody but the stories they tell through their music,” Jenny gushes, explaining why she loves the band so much. She’s attended every concert in the tri-state area and boasts a collection of band merchandise that would make any fan envious. She adds, “Bite-Sized Cent’s journey is inspiring, their passion, unforgettable. They remind me that even when life gets tough, you can still create something beautiful out of it.”

Backstory:
Awful Succession originated from a suburban neighborhood in Toronto, Canada, in the early 2000s. The initial line-up was comprised of childhood friends Kevin Macleod on vocals, Brian Stewart on guitar, and siblings Emily and Eric Thompson on bass and drums, respectively. The band started off by playing at local bars, covering their favorite rock songs. However, as their popularity grew, they began experimenting with their own sound, mixing elements of punk, emo, and indie rock.

During their early years, the group went through a period of struggle and change, which greatly influenced their music. They found success with their unique sound, and the irony of their name became apparent – they were an ‘awful succession’ of events that lead to unexpected success. Today, they are known for their raw energy and emotive lyrics, often discussing themes of personal struggles, societal issues, and the concept of change and growth.

Genre:
Punk/Emo/Indie Rock

Title:
“Suburban Nightmares”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
[G] I walk these streets alone in the [D] dead of night,
[Em] Suburban dreams wrapped in [C] neon light.
[G] Houses with perfect lawns, [D] secrets out of sight,
[Em] Our nightmares are whispered in [C] silent fright.

(Chorus)
[G] We are the Suburban [D] Nightmares,
[Em] Living in the shadow of [C] perfect veneers.
[G] In the heart of despair, [D] we fight our fears.
[Em] We are the Suburban [C] Nightmares.

(Verse 2)
[G] Painted smiles and [D] hollow eyes,
[Em] Behind closed doors, [C] truth belies.
[G] Our hearts beat the rhythm of [D] untold lies,
[Em] In this perfect town, [C] hope often dies.

(Chorus)
[G] We are the Suburban [D] Nightmares,
[Em] Dancing with ghosts of [C] our past, unawares.
[G] We fight, we scream, [D] no one cares,
[Em] We are the Suburban [C] Nightmares.

Favorite Fan:
Sarah Thompson, has been following Awful Succession since their very beginnings in local bars. She says, “Their music resonates with me on a deeply personal level. Their lyrics are raw and real, speaking of struggles that are relatable, and the ups and downs of life. Awful Succession isn’t just a band, it’s a voice for the unheard, an anthem for the underdogs, and an emotional voyage for all who listen. Their punk-infused sound, combined with emotive lyrics, has a captivating charm, making them my favorite band of all time.”

Backstory:
‘Apt Midnight’ was born out of the friendship between two high school friends, Leo Jennings and Ray Carter, hailing from the small town of Montrose, Colorado. They discovered their shared passion for music in their school band and decided to pursue it beyond school boundaries. Their garage band, initially named ‘The Montrose Duo’, began gaining local fame before they rebranded themselves as ‘Apt Midnight’. The name was a nod to their late-night jamming sessions, which they believed was the perfect time for creating their unique style of music.

Genre:
‘Apt Midnight’ leans into the world of Alternative Rock with a magnetism towards Indie Pop. Their music is a mix of blazing guitar riffs, punchy rhythms, and impassioned vocals, which they’ve managed to blend with emotive storytelling.

Title:
One of their most popular songs is “Echoes in the Shadows”.

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
Am
Under the midnight moon, and the starlight glow,
Dm
We danced to the rhythm, swaying slow.
F
Whispered secrets, only the night would know,
E
Kept within us, as our own echo.

(Chorus)
Am
Echoes in the shadows, memories in the dark,
Dm
They play in our minds, like a forgotten lark.
F
In the silent night, they leave their mark,
E
We’re a canvas, they’re the spark.

(Verse 2)
Am
Under the veil of the night, we shared a kiss,
Dm
A moment captured in time, pure bliss.
F
The memory lingers, it’s hard to dismiss,
E
An echo in the shadow, you can’t resist.

(Chorus)
Am
Echoes in the shadows, whispers of the heart,
Dm
They speak in the silence, tearing us apart.
F
In the hush of the night, they play their part,
E
We’re a story, they’re the start.

(Final Chorus)
Am
Echoes in the shadows, etched in our skin,
Dm
They’re the song of our souls, the melody within.
F
In the quiet of the night, they begin,
E
We’re the symphony, they’re the violin.

Fan Testimonial:

Fan’s Name: Amy Thompson

Amy, a die-hard fan from the band’s early days says, “I’ve always felt a deep connection with ‘Apt Midnight’. Their music has this honest rawness that resonates with me. Each song tells a story – one which I often find myself in. From their local gigs to their big concerts, I’ve seen them grow and evolve. Despite their rising fame, they’ve maintained their authenticity. ‘Echoes in the Shadows’ is my all-time favorite. It encapsulates the mystery and beauty of the night, which is enchanting. ‘Apt Midnight’ is hands down my favorite band.”

Backstory:
Near Planet captured the music scene’s attention in 2012, originating from the vibrant and diverse streets of Toronto, Canada. The band consists of four childhood friends – James Hartley on vocals and rhythm guitar, Benny “Bassman” Jones on bass, keyboardist Sarah Leigh, and drummer Danny O’Sullivan. Their story began in a basement, practicing tirelessly after school hours, transmuting their dreams into music. From playing at local bars to selling out concert arenas, Near Planet has evolved from an underground sensation to a global phenomenon.

Genre:
Near Planet’s music style is a unique mix of Alternative Rock and Synth Pop, combining the rebellious spirit of rock with the modern, electronic tones of synth music. Their sound is characterized by catchy hooks, synthesizer-driven melodies, and Hartley’s distinctive, poignant lyrics.

Title:
“Satellite Dreams”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
[C] Floating in the [G] vast expanse, [Am] infinitely [F] bright,
[C] Lost in the [G] cosmic dance, [Am] under the star’s [F] light.

(Chorus)
[G] Satellite Dreams, [D] in the ink-black sea,
[Em] Echoing the [C] songs of the mysteries.
[G] Satellite Dreams, [D] in the celestial sphere,
[Em] We are but stardust [C] lost in the stratosphere.

(Verse 2)
[C] Distant galaxies [G] whisper tales unknown, [Am] painting the [F] night.
[C] Amid the cosmic [G] noise, we find our [Am] own twilight. [F]

(Chorus)
[G] Satellite Dreams, [D] in the quiet night,
[Em] We dance with the [C] comets, lost in flight.
[G] Satellite Dreams, [D] beyond what it seems,
[Em] We are but [C] voyagers in the starlight dreams.

The band’s favorite fan’s name:
Liam

In his testimonial, Liam states, “Near Planet resonates with my soul like no other. Their music is a perfect blend of raw emotion and celestial beauty, mirroring the chaos and tranquility of the universe. I’ve been with them since their basement gig days, and their evolution has been extraordinary. ‘Satellite Dreams’ holds a special place in my heart – it’s like a cosmic journey that takes me to places I’ve never been, yet feel strangely familiar. Near Planet is not just my favorite band; they’re my escape, my solace.”

Backstory:

Able Opportunity is a band that was formed in the small town of Pinewood, Michigan in the mid-2000s. Five childhood friends – Niall, Jamie, Bethany, Alex, and Peter – found a common interest in music during their high school years. They started out by playing at local community centers and school events, slowly honing their skills and developing their unique sound. As time passed, their popularity grew. They were no longer just a small town band – they began playing in larger venues and even music festivals, gaining a substantial following and signing with a well-known music label.

The band’s journey wasn’t always smooth, though. They faced numerous challenges along the way, including changing music trends and personal conflicts. However, they were always able to overcome these issues, viewing each obstacle as an ‘Able Opportunity’ to grow and improve. This unwavering mindset and resilience is what sets the band apart and is a significant influence on their music.

Genre: Indie Rock

Song Title: “Chasing Shadows”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)

[C] In the midst of the [G] crowd,
[Am] I see your silhouette [F] fading,
[C] Chasing shadows in the [G] night,
[Am] In your eyes, hope is [F] wading.

(Chorus)

[C] Chasing shadows, [G] Never let go,
[Am] In the darkness, we’ll find our [F] glow.
[C] We are warriors, [G] brave and bold,
[Am] With stories yet to be [F] told.

(Verse 2)

[C] Underneath the starlit [G] sky,
[Am] We’re dancing with our dreams [F] tonight.
[C] In the echoes of our [G] laughter,
[Am] We’ll find our happily ever [F] after.

(Chorus)

[C] Chasing shadows, [G] Never let go,
[Am] We’re more than just the stars’ [F] glow.
[C] We are warriors, [G] brave and bold,
[Am] With stories yet to be [F] told.

Testimonial – Fan’s Name: Sarah Thompson.

Sarah’s Testimonial:

“Able Opportunity isn’t just a band to me, they’re like a lifeline. Their music has been my constant companion during the ups and downs of my life. It’s like they understand exactly what I’m going through, and they’re there for me in the form of their music. The song ‘Chasing Shadows’ is especially close to my heart. It reminds me that even when things are tough, there’s always a silver lining. I can’t wait to see where Able Opportunity’s journey takes them next. They’re not just my favorite band, they’re a part of who I am.”