Backstory:

Clear Writing is a band that was formed in the city of dreams, Los Angeles, in 2015 as a group of friends who shared a common love for music and literature. The band’s unique name originated from their desire to produce music that communicates complex feelings and thoughts in a clear, straightforward manner. They believed that the most profound messages are often delivered in the simplest words. As a group of musicians who were also avid readers, they picked up the name ‘Clear Writing’ as an homage to their love for literature and the art of storytelling.

The band lived together in a small apartment, spending all their time composing music and lyrics. They performed at local bars and small gigs, gradually gaining popularity through their distinct style. As they garnered a significant following, they began to work on their first album, which was released two years after their formation and instantly became a hit.

Genre:

Clear Writing is a band that resonates strongly with the Indie pop and alternative rock genre. Their music is characterized by catchy melodies, introspective lyrics, and a raw, unfiltered sound that sets them apart in the music industry.

Title:

“Echoes of Silence”

Full song lyrics:

(Verse 1)
C G Am
In the echoes of silence, I found my voice,
Em F C G
Restless whispers, making so much noise,
C G Am
Lost in memories, I dare not drown,
Em F C G
Holding onto echoes, as the sun goes down.

(Chorus)
Am Em F C
Echoes of silence, in my mind,
G Am Em F
Speak louder than words, I find,
C G Am Em F
In the quiet, I hear your song,
C G Am
Echoes of silence, all night long.

(Verse 2)
C G Am
In the rhythm of the rain, I feel your touch,
Em F C G
Every drop, a memory, I miss so much,
C G Am
In the silence, I hear your laughter,
Em F C G
Aching for the echoes, of our ever after.

(Repeat Chorus)

Fan’s Name:

Sarah Thompson

Testimonial:

“Clear Writing has been my favorite band since their first album. Their music is like a breath of fresh air in an industry that often lacks depth. Their lyrics are so beautifully crafted; they make me feel seen and understood. I’ve made it to every concert and own every album. I love the band not only for their amazing talent but also for their wonderful personalities and how they’ve stayed true to their roots. Their song ‘Echoes of Silence’ is my personal favorite. It’s a perfect blend of catchy melody and profound lyrics. To me, Clear Writing’s music is like poetry set to a melody, an experience that always leaves me longing for more.”

Backstory:
Real Quill formed in 2008 in a garage in suburban Wellington, New Zealand, when high-school mates and keen musicians, Liam Finn (vocals/guitar), Elroy Finn (drums), and Jesse Sheehan (bass) decided to put their shared love for rock music into action. The three friends spent countless hours jamming, writing songs, and honing their sound. The name ‘Real Quill’ came from their interest in literature and their pursuit of genuine, authentic music.

After winning a local Battle of the Bands in 2010, Real Quill began to gain attention. They self-released an EP that caught the ear of a local label, and soon they were touring New Zealand, and eventually, internationally. Their unique blend of alternative rock with thoughtful, poetic lyrics has captured the hearts of fans around the world, leading to their steadily growing popularity.

Genre:
Alternative Rock

Title:
“Flicker in the Wind”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse)
Am G F C
In the heart of the city, under the neon light,
Am G F C
We found our beat, we took flight,
Am G F C
Against the grain, never bending to the norm,
Am G F C
In music’s embrace, we found our form.

(Chorus)
G D Am C
We’re the flicker in the wind, we’re the real quill’s ink,
G D Am C
Writing our story, on the brink,
G D Am C
Of something big, something grand,
G D Am C
With our music, we take our stand.

(Verse)
Am G F C
Through the noise, through the clamor,
Am G F C
In rhythm and rhyme, we hammer,
Am G F C
Our dreams, our hopes, into every note,
Am G F C
In every song, we wrote.

(Chorus)
G D Am C
We’re the flicker in the wind, we’re the real quill’s ink,
G D Am C
Writing our story, on the brink,
G D Am C
Of something big, something grand,
G D Am C
With our music, we take our stand.

Favorite Fan Testimonial:
Our biggest fan, according to us, is Anna Thompson, a Literature professor from Christchurch. Anna first discovered our music while browsing local artists online. She fell in love with our lyrical depth and our authentic sound. Here’s what she had to say:

“Real Quill is my favorite band because they are more than just musicians. They are poets, philosophers, and storytellers. Their songs resonate with me. They sing about the human experience, the highs, and the lows, with such raw honesty. When I listen to Real Quill, I feel seen, I feel understood. Their song ‘Flicker in the Wind’ is a reminder that we all have a story to tell, and it’s up to us to make it known. It’s empowering and inspiring, and I love it!”

Backstory:
Serene Investor emerged from a diverse group of friends who found common ground in their love for music and their shared experiences in the financial industry. The band members include former investment bankers, stock traders, and financial advisors. After a series of turbulent market events, they found solace in creating music that resonated with their experiences. They saw music as a cathartic release from the high-stress world of finance, hence the name ‘Serene Investor’.

Their music journey started in a rundown garage in Wall Street, where they spent their weekends creating songs that beautifully connected their professional lives with their emotional realities. Their songs often reference market trends, trading and investment strategies but embedded within relatable narratives of love, loss, success, and failure. They made a niche for themselves in the music industry, and their fan base grew from within the financial industry and eventually spread to the general public.

Genre:
Alternative Rock

Title:
‘Bull and Bear’

Full Song Lyrics:

Verse 1:
[Em] Walking down the street, I see the [C] highs and lows
[Am] Like the market trends, we [B] shared in joy and woes
[Em] You were my bull when my world was [C] bear
[Am] Gave me returns even when life was [B] unfair

Chorus:
[G] Bull and bear, love and despair
[D] Ups and downs that we dared to [Em] share
[C] Investments of the heart, nothing can [B] compare
[G] You were my bull in this life’s [D] financial fair

Verse 2:
[Em] In the trading floor of my heart, you had the [C] highest bid
[Am] In the portfolio of my life, you were [B] never amid
[Em] I gambled on you, took my [C] calculated risk
[Am] Our love, the greatest asset, [B] sealed with a kiss

Chorus:
[G] Bull and bear, truth or dare
[D] Love’s market that made us [Em] bare
[C] Investments of the heart, in you, I [B] swear
[G] You were my bull, and I was your [D] bear

Band’s Favorite Fan:
Our favorite fan is Jenny Sterling. She is a seasoned stock trader and has followed us since our first gig at a small coffee shop near the NYSE. She says, “Serene Investor holds a special place in my heart. Their music resonates with my professional life, and it’s as if they’ve captured the essence of my daily experiences and emotions in their songs. ‘Bull and Bear’ has become my personal anthem. Their unique blend of finance and feelings hits home for me. It’s not just music; it’s therapy.”

Backstory:
The Self-Reliant Drum’s story began in a basement in Philadelphia in 2010, where four high school friends discovered their shared passion for music. The lead singer, Max, with his powerful and moving voice, joined forces with Sam, a bass wizard; Lily, a keyboard prodigy; and Ethan, a drumming sensation. They started playing at local gigs, instantly capturing the hearts of spectators with their unique sound. Over the years, the band’s following grew, and so did their sound. They released their debut album in 2015, which was an instant hit, catapulting them to the national stage.

Genre:
Self-Reliant Drum plays a unique blend of Alternative Rock and Indie Pop, with a touch of Electronic vibes. Their music is characterized by powerful vocals, deep basslines, intricate keyboard melodies, and prominent drumming.

Title:
“One Beat at a Time”

Full Song Lyrics:
(VERSE 1)
[C]I’m just a drummer, [Am]beating my own drum,
[F]Lost in the rhythm, [G]where my freedom comes.
[C]Striving for stardom, [Am]through the underground,
[F]A beat for the broken, [G]a voice for the unfound.

(CHORUS)
[C]One beat at a time, [Am]we’re making our climb,
[F]With every rhyme, [G]we’re crossing the line.
[C]Through chaos and grime, [Am]we’re creating prime,
[F]One beat at a time, [G]one beat at a time.

(VERSE 2)
[C]In the crowded city, [Am]our music flows,
[F]Like a hidden river, [G]where no one else goes.
[C]Strumming the stories, [Am]of the silent screams,
[F]Echoing our glories, [G]in the city of dreams.

(CHORUS)
[C]One beat at a time, [Am]we’re making our climb,
[F]With every rhyme, [G]we’re crossing the line.
[C]Through chaos and grime, [Am]we’re creating prime,
[F]One beat at a time, [G]one beat at a time.

(BRIDGE)
[C]Here in the spotlight, [Am]we’re not alone,
[F]With each beat, [G]we’re carving our own throne.
[C]In the heart of the night, [Am]our music has grown,
[F]One beat at a time, [G]we’ve found our own tone.

(CHORUS)
[C]One beat at a time, [Am]we’re making our climb,
[F]With every rhyme, [G]we’re crossing the line.
[C]Through chaos and grime, [Am]we’re creating prime,
[F]One beat at a time, [G]one beat at a time.

Favorite Fan’s Testimonial:
The band’s favorite fan is a man named Jared. He’s attended every concert since the band’s inception and owns every album they’ve released.

“There’s a raw, honest power in their music that resonates with me. Self-Reliant Drum has been with me through my highs and lows. Their songs have been the soundtrack to my life. Each beat, each word, carries a part of my story. They’re not just a band to me, they’re family. Every time I see them live, it’s like coming home. I love these guys!”

Backstory:
Difficult Working was formed in the small town of Natchez, Mississippi, by three childhood friends who shared a passion for music and a disdain for the monotony of the 9 to 5 grind. Lead singer and guitarist, Jimmy “Bones” Higgins, bassist, Bobby “Quiet Storm” Rivers, and drummer, Tommy “The Machine” Gray, spent their early years working dead-end jobs, using their free evenings to jam in Higgins’ garage. In 2012, the trio decided to quit their jobs and pursue music full time, taking their name from the harsh reality of their blue-collar beginnings.

Difficult Working’s sound is deeply rooted in classic rock, with influences from blues and southern rock. Their lyrics often reflect their working-class roots, filled with tales of struggle, resilience, and the occasional hint of rebellion. Despite the hardship inherent in their music, their songs have a defiantly optimistic tone, providing solace and inspiration to their listeners.

Genre:
Classic Rock with Blues and Southern Rock influences.

Song Title:
“Breaking Chains”

Full Song Lyrics:
(Verse 1)
[G] Life in a small town, [D] dreams stuck in the ground, [Em] we were just three boys, [C] lost then found.
[G] Working 9 to 5, [D] just barely alive, [Em] then we picked up guitars, [C] and started to thrive.

(Chorus)
[D] Breaking chains, [Em] ain’t no easy game, [C] but we’re Difficult Working, [G]
and we’ll rise up in flames.
[D] Breaking chains, [Em] ain’t no simple claim, [C] but we’re Difficult Working, [G] and we’ll never be the same.

(Verse 2)
[G] Left behind the grind, [D] put our pasts behind, [Em] with strings under our fingers, [C] and a future to find.
[G] Played our hearts out loud, [D] in front of every crowd, [Em] we’re Difficult Working, [C] and we’re standing proud.

(Chorus)
[D] Breaking chains, [Em] ain’t no easy game, [C] but we’re Difficult Working, [G] and we’ll rise up in flames.
[D] Breaking chains, [Em] ain’t no simple claim, [C] but we’re Difficult Working, [G] and we’ll never be the same.

Fan Testimonial:
Fan Name: Sarah “Rocking Rose” Johnson

“Difficult Working is more than just a band; they’re the voice of every small-town dreamer who’s ever felt stuck under the weight of the world. Their songs are anthems for the hard-working, the underestimated, and those who dare to defy the status quo. They remind us that it’s okay to break away from what’s expected of us and chase our true passions. I’ve been a fan since their garage band days, and they’ve never failed to inspire me with their music and their story.”

Backstory:

Excitable Apple is a spirited group formed in the heart of Oklahoma’s dynamic music scene. The band was conceived out of an impromptu jam session at the annual “Apple Harvest Festival” in 2010, where three apple farmers discovered a shared passion for music, storytelling, and their rural lifestyle. The band members – Pete, Aiden, and Sean – each contribute their unique musical backgrounds to create a distinctive sound that’s as rustic and authentic as the apple orchards where they work.

Over the years, Excitable Apple has evolved from performing at local county fairs to touring nationwide, always staying true to their roots. Their music captures the heart and soul of rural America with a lively and infectious style that leaves audiences tapping their toes and singing along. Their journey from the apple orchards to the national stage has inspired their fans, earning them a dedicated and passionate following.

Genre:

Folk-Rock Fusion

Title:

“Underneath the Apple Tree”

Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
[G] Underneath the apple tree, [D] we found our harmony
[Em] In the golden afternoon, [C] playing our folksy tune
[G] Strings strumming, hearts humming, [D] under the summer’s glee
[Em] Let’s sing a song, won’t you [C] come along, underneath the apple tree

(Chorus)
[G] We’re Excitable Apple, [D] no tale’s too scrabble
[Em] In our music, you’ll find [C] pieces of the heartland
[G] Join us now, take a bow, [D] under the apple bough
[Em] Dance to the fervor, [C] let the music take you over

(Verse 2)
[G] Night falls, the hoot owl calls, [D] we’re playing our final spree
[Em] Underneath the stars’ glow, [C] sharing stories of the meadow
[G] Songs of love, hope and sorrow, [D] echoing the morrow
[Em] Come along, sing our song, [C] underneath the apple tree

(Chorus)
[G] We’re Excitable Apple, [D] no tale’s too scrabble
[Em] In our music, you’ll find [C] pieces of the heartland
[G] Join us now, take a bow, [D] under the apple bough
[Em] Dance to the fervor, [C] let the music take you over

Fan Testimonial:

Excitable Apple’s biggest fan is a local school teacher named Jenny. For Jenny, the band encapsulates the essence of her rural upbringing and the simplicity of life in the countryside. She says, “Excitable Apple’s music resonates with me on a very personal level. The band’s love for the heartland and the community spirit comes alive in their music. It’s like they took pieces of my childhood, my experiences, and my passion for rural life and turned them into soul-stirring songs. Their music is a testament to the beauty of our shared experiences and I couldn’t be prouder to be a lifelong fan of Excitable Apple.”

Backstory:

Hailing from the eclectic streets of Austin, Texas, Probable Burden started as a group of childhood friends who shared a common love for music. They all came from different musical backgrounds, but their shared passion for poignant lyrics and raw, emotive melodies brought them together. The name ‘Probable Burden’ originated from the group’s desire to express the hardships and burdens of life through their music, making their listeners feel understood and less alone in their struggles. Over the years, they’ve transformed their love for music into a strong bond that translates powerfully onto the stage, captivating audiences across the country.

Genre:

Probable Burden’s music is a fusion of Alternative Rock and Folk, creating a unique blend of emotive melodies and powerful, raw lyrics.

Title:

“Shadows of Yesterday”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
[G] Looking back on a faded memory, [C]
[D] Shadows of yesterday whispering to me, [G]
[G] The echoes of laughter, the ghost of a smile, [C]
[D] Long forgotten dreams stacked in a pile. [G]

(Chorus)
[Em] Shadows of yesterday, [C] haunting my dreams,
[G] A tapestry of hope unravelled at the seams.
[Em] Dancing in the moonlight, [C] lost in the past,
[G] These shadows of yesterday, [D] they’re all that last.

(Verse 2)
[G] The scent of the rain on a summer’s day, [C]
[D] The touch of your hand as it slipped away. [G]
[G] The sound of your voice on a winter’s night, [C]
[D] The echo of a promise that didn’t take flight. [G]

(Chorus)
[Em] Shadows of yesterday, [C] lingering on,
[G] Memories of love that has come and gone.
[Em] Trapped in the twilight, [C] of love’s last kiss,
[G] These shadows of yesterday, [D] are what I miss.

Band’s Favorite Fan:

Our favorite fan is a woman named Clara Bennett. Clara has been with us since our earliest gig in a small Austin bar. She’s not just a fan; she’s a part of our journey. Clara once told us, “Probable Burden isn’t just a band to me. Their music has seen me through the highest highs and lowest lows of my life. The raw emotion in their lyrics and melodies makes me feel seen and understood. They’re my favorite because their music is my refuge, and they’ve given me a community I cherish.” Clara’s commitment to us and our music gives us the motivation to continue creating and growing as artists.

Backstory:

Zigzag Editor formed under the most unexpected circumstances in the artistic hub of Brighton, England. The motley crew of four, consisting of Charlie “Chuckles” Dunlap, the keyboardist, Sam “Stringman” Smith, the bassist, Kate “Kat” Morland, the vocalist, and Jake “Jitterbug” Jones, the drummer, came together initially for a local Battle of the Bands competition. Each of them was a solo performer in various pubs across the city, but found a unique synergy when they combined their talents. Their shared love for music and a mutual respect for each other’s individual flair led to the creation of Zigzag Editor. The name is a metaphor for their collective creative process which is often nonlinear, zigzagging through various influences and perspectives.

Genre:

Fusion Pop

Title:

“Chasing Shadows”

Full song lyrics:

(Verse 1)
[Em] Under the city lights, we [G] used to roam,
[A] Laughing in the rain, making the [Em] streets our home.
[Em] Heartbeats racing wild, echoing [G] in the night,
[A] We were chasing shadows, lost in [Em] endless flight.

(Chorus)
[C] Chasing shadows, [G] can’t let go,
[D] Dancing with the echoes of our [Em] hearts aglow.
[C] Chasing shadows, [G] through time’s flow,
[D] In love with the memories, in the [Em] city’s glow.

(Verse 2)
[Em] Wandering through the alleys, lost in [G] time,
[A] Your laughter was my melody, your smile [Em] my rhyme.
[Em] Our footprints washed away, with the [G] morning light,
[A] But we kept on chasing shadows, through the [Em] endless night.

(Chorus)
[C] Chasing shadows, [G] can’t let go,
[D] Lost in the echoes of a love [Em] we used to know.
[C] Chasing shadows, [G] in the afterglow,
[D] Still dancing with the memories, under the [Em] city’s glow.

Testimonial:

The band’s favorite fan is a fireman named Dave Thompson. Dave says, “Listening to Zigzag Editor is like a breath of fresh air after a long shift. Their unique blend of Fusion Pop sends waves of harmony, lifting the weight of the day off my shoulders. I particularly love ‘Chasing Shadows’, it reminds me of my youthful days, full of adventure and freedom. The band’s creativity, their zigzagging through different musical influences, and the way they tell a story through their songs is why they are my favorite. Their music speaks to my soul, it’s as simple as that.”

Backstory:
Formed in the summer of 2014, Distant Appendix is an eclectic trio of musicians who found one another while studying sound engineering in Melbourne, Australia. The band comprises of Cal “Cider” Sydney, a virtuoso guitarist with a penchant for sonic experimentation; Jade “Fretless” Fraser, a classically trained pianist turned bass mage; and Max “Beatnik” Melbourne, a drummer who infuses tribal beats with contemporary rhythm structures. Their unusual band name was inspired by a bizarre in-joke about the human appendix and the cosmic connections it might hide – a testament to their quirky sense of humor that often seeps into their lyrical work.

Genre:
Progressive Rock

Title:
“Echoes in the Cosmic Vent”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
Am
Spinning around in the cosmic vent,
G
Searchin’ for signs of some divine intent,
F
Lost in a spiral of stardust spent,
Am
In the realm of indifferent stars, we lament.

(Chorus)
G
Echoes in the cosmic vent,
C
Whispers from the firmament,
Em
Are we just an accident,
D
Or a paradise lost, then Heaven sent?

(Verse 2)
Am
In the void, we etch our tales,
G
In the ether, we cast our scales,
F
Measure the universe in cosmic braille,
Am
In the sea of infinity, we set our sails.

(Chorus)
G
Echoes in the cosmic vent,
C
Pulses from some distant event,
Em
Are we just an experiment,
D
Or a symphony played with divine intent?

(Outro)
Am
In the cosmic vent, we seek,
G
For the voice of the meek,
F
In the silence, the truth we eke,
Am
In the heart of the cosmos, we reach our peak.

Fan’s Name and Testimonial:
Fan Name: Tim “Stellar” Saunders

“Distant Appendix has been my favorite band since their debut album. They have this way of combining thought-provoking lyrics about the universe and existence with complex musical compositions that always leaves me wanting more. They are, to me, more than just a progressive rock band. They are poets, philosophers, and musicians all rolled into one. ‘Echoes in the Cosmic Vent’ is my absolute favorite song – it’s like a journey through the cosmos, riding on waves of compelling melodies and profound lyrics.”

Backstory:
Frugal Horse was formed in the small Midwestern town of Ashburg, Illinois in 2010, by childhood friends, lead vocalist and guitarist, John ‘Copper’ Kirby, and drummer, Ray ‘Outlaw’ Henn. The name ‘Frugal Horse’ was inspired by a peculiarly frugal horse they saw at a local fair, which they felt symbolized their own minimalist, authentic approach to music.

In 2012, they recruited bassist Lisa ‘Peach’ Johnson and keyboardist Bill ‘Kaleidoscope’ McIntosh to complete their line-up. Their journey began by playing at local bars and evolved into sold-out stadium performances, with their music resonating with fans around the world. The band attributes their success to their raw energy, unique sound, and lyrical storytelling.

Genre:
Frugal Horse primarily plays Indie Folk Rock, with elements of Americana and Blues.

Title:
“Riding the Sunset”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
[C] I see you, dear [G] in the rearview mirror,
[Am] Heading West, [C] where the sun hides better
[F] Look for the gold [C] at the end of the weather,
[G] Riding the sunset [C] on a frugal horse tether.

(Chorus)
[F] Riding, we’re [C] riding,
[G] Down the highway [C] with our dreams unspoken,
[F] The sun’s setting, [C] but we’re just waking,
[G] With the sunset [C] our hearts are woven.

(Verse 2)
[C] Rustic roads, [G] and the prairie winds,
[Am] Echo tales, [C] of our forgotten sins,
[F] The sun dips low, [C] beneath the horizon,
[G] Riding the sunset, [C] our spirits arise in.

(Chorus)
[F] Riding, we’re [C] riding,
[G] On a journey [C] that’s forever open,
[F] Night’s falling, [C] but we’ve just begun,
[G] With the sunset, [C] our souls are one.

Fan Testimonial:
The band’s favorite fan is Pete ‘Harmonica’ Ellis. Pete, a retired truck driver from Ashburg, has been supporting Frugal Horse since their bar days and never misses a show. He says, “I’ve seen a lot of bands in my lifetime, but none have captured the American spirit quite like Frugal Horse. Their songs make you feel like you’re riding alongside them on their journey. If there’s one thing I know, it’s the open road, and their music is the perfect soundtrack to that freedom. That’s why they’re my favorite band.”