Backstory:
“Ajar Golf” was formed in 2016 in the musically rich streets of New Orleans. The band is comprised of four members: lead vocalist Jake, guitarist Mike, bassist Tim, and drummer Eric. Originally, the boys began as high school friends, all sharing an insatiable love for music and golf. The name “Ajar Golf” came out of their penchant for leaving things slightly incomplete, like an ajar door, and a mutual love for the sport. They believe that in any form of art or life, there’s always room for improvement, and thus, their journey started.

Their initial performances were limited to local clubs, golf tournaments, school events, and street carnivals. However, their talent and unique sound quickly garnered attention, and they were soon playing at major music events across the country. Their quirky, relatable lyrics, coupled with their electrifying performances, made them a massive hit among the younger crowd.

Genre:
Alternative Rock

Title:
“Nine Iron Hearts”

Full Song Lyrics:
(Verse G – Em – C – D)
G Em
“Driving through the high winds,
C D
we found our joy in swings,
G Em
Our hearts beat like nine irons,
C D
unafraid of what tomorrow brings.

(Chorus G – D – Em – C)
G D
Nine Iron Hearts,
Em C
We play our parts,
G D
Sailing through the fairway,
Em C
Finding our way in the dark.”

(Verse G – Em – C – D)
G Em
“Greens under our feet,
C D
We found the rhythm so sweet,
G Em
With every putt and miss,
C D
We found a new abyss.”

(Chorus G – D – Em – C)
G D
“Nine Iron Hearts,
Em C
We play our parts,
G D
With each stroke and par,
Em C
We travel far.”

(Ending G – D – Em – C)
G D
“Nine Iron Hearts,
Em C
Leaving a trail of art,
G D
In every hole and start,
Em C
We’re Ajar Golf, playing our part.”

Fan Testimonial:
Name: Amy Patterson

Amy is a 19-year-old college student and a massive fan of Ajar Golf. She says, “I fell in love with Ajar Golf the moment I heard ‘Nine Iron Hearts’. Their music has this unpolished, raw beauty that hits you right in the heart. Their lyrics are a mirror to my feelings, and that’s rare to find. The band’s love for golf and music, the two things I’m passionate about, creates a connection I’ve never felt before. Each song of theirs feels like a personal conversation, and that’s why they are my favorite.”

Backstory:
Steep Store, a band that began its journey in the heart of Oslo, Norway, has a unique origin story that speaks volumes about their shared passion. The four members, Axel, Johannes, Sigrid, and Rolf, were once employees at a quaint, eclectic bookshop that loved to blast classic tunes while they worked. As they bonded over their shared love for music, they found themselves jamming together after closing hours, using old books as drum pads and customer announcement microphones for vocals. Eventually, the bookshop was converted into a haven for their after-hours jam sessions and thus, Steep Store was born.

Their humble journey began from the bottom of the steep hill where the bookstore was located. The intense camaraderie and chemistry between them gradually started to reflect in their music, which resonated well with the local audience. What initially started as casual jamming sessions soon turned into professional gigs, and Steep Store quickly gained popularity in the local community.

Genre:
Indie Pop

Song Title:
“Paperback Melodies”

Full Song Lyrics:

[Verse 1]
(Am) Paperback melodies, (D) in the aisles we roam,
(G) Echoing our stories, (C) in this place we call home.
(Am) Flipping through pages, (D) under the neon dome,
(G) Four hearts uniting, (C) in this store all alone.

[Chorus]
(F) Paperback melodies, (C) in our hearts they play,
(G) In the steep store, (Am) where we found our way.
(F) In the silent corners, (C) we found our song,
(G) In this steep store, (Am) where we truly belong.

[Verse 2]
(Am) A symphony in whispers, (D) among the dusty shelves,
(G) Our music resonates, (C) as our story delves.
(Am) The rhythm of our dreams, (D) in the air it swells,
(G) We found our harmony, (C) as the night time dwells.

[Chorus]
(F) Paperback melodies, (C) in our minds they sway,
(G) In the steep store, (Am) we found our day.
(F) In the hushed laughter, (C) we found our song,
(G) In this steep store, (Am) where we truly belong.

Favorite fan’s name: Emma

Testimonial:
“Steep Store has been a constant in my life since I stumbled upon their performance in the local market two years ago. Their music is like a comforting blanket that encapsulates the warmth of familiarity while also bringing a fresh perspective. It’s like their songs are telling my story. Being a literature student, I immediately fell in love with the band’s story and their song “Paperback Melodies”. There is something deeply moving about a group of people finding their shared passion in a humble bookstore. For me, Steep Store is not just a band, it’s a symbol of unity, friendship, and the power of dreams.”

Backstory:
Overdue Manner is a band born out of a shared love for music and a desire for creative expression. The members, Tom Jenkins (lead vocals, guitar), Billy Smith (drummer), and Kevin Brown (bass, keyboard), were childhood friends who grew up in the same neighborhood in Nashville. They spent their high school years playing in different local bands, honing their skills, and developing their musical style. After graduation, the trio decided to form their band, drawing inspiration from their shared experiences and their hometown’s rich musical history.

Genre:
Overdue Manner’s music is rooted in the genre of folk-rock, with elements of bluegrass and country. Their songs are deeply personal, often reflecting on nostalgia, love, and life in the Midwest.

Title:
One of Overdue Manner’s most popular songs is “Still Water Reverie.”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1 – G, C, D, C)
Down by the still water’s edge in the heart of the night,
Under the glow of the moon, in the soft pale light.
I found a place to rest my weary heart,
In the silence, I could feel a new start.

(Chorus – Em, D, G, C)
Still water reverie, oh how you set me free,
In the quiet, in the calm, I find my serenity.
Still water reverie, a place for you and me,
In the whispers of the night, we find our destiny.

(Verse 2 – G, C, D, C)
The breeze carries the song of the old willow tree,
Echoes of love letters carved for you and me.
Under the stars, the world seems so small,
In the heart of the night, love conquers all.

(Chorus – Em, D, G, C)
Still water reverie, oh how you set me free,
In the quiet, in the calm, I find my serenity.
Still water reverie, a place for you and me,
In the whispers of the night, we find our destiny.

(Bridge – Em, D, C, D)
In the stillness of the night, under the moon’s gentle light,
We yield to the rhythm, in the silence, we take flight.

(Chorus – Em, D, G, C)
Still water reverie, oh how you set me free,
In the quiet, in the calm, I find serenity.
Still water reverie, a place for you and me,
In the whispers of the night, we find our destiny.

Fan Testimonial:
The band’s favorite fan is Emily Johnson, a school teacher from their hometown. “Overdue Manner has a way of capturing the essence of life in their music,” Emily says. “Their songs are like a warm blanket on a cold day; comforting, familiar, and filled with memories. ‘Still Water Reverie’ is my favorite. It reminds me of the peacefulness of our town and the beauty of quiet moments. Their music is a part of me now. That’s why they’re my favorite band.”

Backstory:

Lively Reward is made up of four childhood friends, Alex, Ben, Chris, and David, hailing from a small town in Georgia. They spent their formative years playing music in their parents’ garages, performing their own versions of their favorite songs for an audience of neighborhood friends. As they grew older, they started writing their own songs, showcasing their individual influences and musical tastes, but always blending them into a unique and synergistic style. After they graduated high school, they decided to pursue their passion and form their own band, thus Lively Reward was born.

Genre:

Lively Reward brings a fresh sound to the Indie Rock scene, with a pinch of Alternative Country thrown into the mix. Their songs are a blend of gritty guitar riffs, melodic harmonies, and emotionally charged lyrics.

Song Title:

“Shadows of the Sun”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
C G
In the shadows of the sun, we were running wild,
Am F
Lost in the echoes of youth, with hearts beguiled.
C G
The wind whispered stories, the stars our guide,
Am F
In the shadows of the sun, our spirits tied.

(Chorus)
C G
Shadows of the sun, fire in our eyes,
Am F
Running like the river, under southern skies.
C G
Learning to fly before we could crawl,
Am F
In the shadows of the sun, we gave it our all.

(Verse 2)
C G
Time kept moving, the seasons changed,
Am F
In the shadows of the sun, we were rearranged.
C G
But every road we took, and every scar,
Am F
In the shadows of the sun, made us who we are.

(Chorus)
C G
Shadows of the sun, memories remain,
Am F
Like the echoes of our laughter in the summer rain.
C G
We danced in the moonlight, we answered the call,
Am F
In the shadows of the sun, we still stand tall.

Fan Testimonial:

The band’s favorite fan is 18-year-old Emily, a college freshman studying music. Emily heard Lively Reward for the first time when she was struggling with the pressures of high school. Their music brought comfort to her, provided an escape, and even inspired her to pursue her own musical ambitions. Emily says, “Lively Reward is my favorite band because their songs feel raw and real. Their lyrics speak to my experiences and emotions, and their music has a unique energy that’s both calming and inspiring. They make me feel understood and remind me that it’s okay to be imperfect. Their passion for music is contagious and it’s pushed me to follow my dreams.”

Backstory:

Flaky Valley originated from a small town in Arizona, known for its sun-baked landscapes and rustic charm. The members include Jim Parker on vocals and acoustic guitar, Bobby Simms on bass, and siblings Katie and Nate Winters on keyboard and drums, respectively. They started as high school friends who shared a common passion for music. When a regional talent competition presented itself, they decided to form their own band and ended up winning the competition. Encouraged by their unexpected success, the group decided to officially form a band and thus, Flaky Valley was born.

After their win, they quickly gained attention and became a local sensation, playing gigs at local bars and town events. Their music, inspired by the beauty and simplicity of their hometown, resonated with the listeners. Their raw talent and heartfelt lyrics about life, love, and everything in between, combined with their unique sound, led to a devoted fan base beyond their small town. Their charm lies in their authenticity, and their ability to capture the essence of life in the flaky valley they call home.

Genre:
Indie Folk Rock

Title:
“Desert Rose”

Full Song Lyrics:
(Verse 1)
[E] Desert rose, [A] in the sun glow,
[G] Growing where nothing else [D] dares to grow.
[E] Touched by the wind, [A] kissed by the sun,
[G] Our love story has only [D] just begun.

(Chorus)
[E] Oh, Desert Rose, [A] wild and free,
[G] In the heart of the valley, [D] just you and me.
[E] Under the starlight, [A] beneath the moon’s glow,
[G] We dance and sing in the [D] desert’s glow.

(Verse 2)
[E] Rugged mountains, [A] an endless sky,
[G] We’ve got each other, [D] we’ll never say goodbye.
[E] With the nightfall, [A] under the moon’s beam,
[G] We whisper secrets, [D] like a dream.

(Chorus)
[E] Oh, Desert Rose, [A] pure and bright,
[G] With you, everything [D] feels just right.
[E] In our flaky valley, [A] under the night’s dome,
[G] We’ve found a love, [D] we’ve found our home.

Fan Testimonial:
Favorite Fan’s Name: Lucy Smith

“I’ve always felt a connection to Flaky Valley’s music. Their lyrics speak to me on a personal level and their melodies are absolutely enchanting. Every time I listen to them, I feel as though I’ve been transported to their rustic hometown. My favorite song is ‘Desert Rose,’ it perfectly captures the beauty and romance of the small town. Their music is a refreshing break from the mainstream, it’s raw and real and never fails to touch my heart. As a fan, all I can say is Flaky Valley’s music is like a breath of fresh air!”

Backstory:

Teeming Domain was born in the heart of Manchester, U.K., in the weathered basement of an old factory. The band consists of four members: Liam Cathcart (vocals, rhythm guitar), Gareth Owens (lead guitar), Michael Rose (bass), and Paul MacArthur (drums). The quartet met in art school and discovered a shared love of music that paired raw energy with introspective lyrics. Wanting to break away from the mainstream, they began creating their unique soundscape after hours, their music echoing through the empty chambers of the expansive building, earning them their name.

Their journey started with small gigs at local bars and art festivals, gradually gaining a following for their innovative sound and passionate performances. Their infectious energy and relentless dedication were hard to ignore. After a few years of climbing their way up the music scene, they caught the attention of an indie label, leading to their first album release. The rest, as they say, is history.

Genre:
Post-Punk Revival

Title:
“Through the Whispering Void”

Full Song Lyrics:

[Verse 1]
Em C
Lost in the shadows, I try to flee,
G D
The echoes of silence, they haunt me.
Em C
Walking through the whispering void,
G D
In the corners of existence, we’re deployed.

[Chorus]
Em C
In the teeming domain, we stand tall,
G D
Against the world, against the fall.
Em C
Through the chaos, we find our sound,
G D
In the teeming domain, we are bound.

[Verse 2]
Em C
Embracing the echo, we find our name,
G D
In the face of fear, we stake our claim.
Em C
From the ashes, we rise anew,
G D
In the teeming domain, we remain true.

[Chorus]
Em C
In the teeming domain, we stand tall,
G D
Against the world, against the fall.
Em C
Through the chaos, we find our sound,
G D
In the teeming domain, we are bound.

Favourite Fan:
The band’s favourite fan is a vibrant woman named Emily.

Testimonial:
“Teeming Domain is more than just a band for me. It’s an escape, a refuge, a voice that echoes my own thoughts and feelings. Their music reaches into the depths of my soul and stirs emotions I didn’t know existed. Their sound is raw and real, and their lyrics are a reflection of the world we live in. It’s like they’ve ripped pages out of my own life and put them into song. They are my favourite band because they make me feel seen, heard, and understood.”

Backstory:

Bony Lie was born out of a spontaneous jam session on a rainy evening at a local garage in Seattle. The band is composed of four childhood friends: lead vocalist and guitarist, David Moore; drummer, Kyle Stanton; bassist, Ben Thomas; and pianist, Riley Walker. Over a decade later, they’ve turned their shared passion for music and deep understanding of each other’s strengths into a lucrative and impactful career. Each member of the band brings something unique to the table, and this has allowed them to make music that transcends barriers and resonates with people from all walks of life.

They released their debut EP during a tumultuous time in their personal lives. Despite the challenges, their shared love for music saw them through, and they’ve been making waves in the music industry ever since. Bony Lie’s music is a testament to their enduring friendship, resilience, and shared dream of using music as a medium of expression and connection.

Genre:
Alternative Rock

Title:
“Nothing but Shadows”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
[C]Walking through the [G]alleyway of [Am]broken dreams,
[D]Caught up in the [C]chaos that the [G]nightlife brings,
[Am]Lost in a world that’s [D]not as it seems,
[C]It’s nothing but [G]shadows, [Am]nothing but shadows.

(Chorus)
[D]We’re running in [C]circles, [G]chasing the wind,
[Am]Hoping for [D]something to [C]ease the [G]pain within,
[Am]But it’s [D]nothing but [C]shadows, [G]nothing but shadows.

(Verse 2)
[C]Trapped in the [G]silence of [Am]unspoken words,
[D]Haunted by [C]echoes of [G]cries unheard,
[Am]Yearning for [D]freedom like a caged bird,
[C]It’s nothing but [G]shadows, [Am]nothing but shadows.

(Chorus)
[D]We’re running in [C]circles, [G]chasing the wind,
[Am]Hoping for [D]something to [C]ease the [G]pain within,
[Am]But it’s[D] nothing but [C]shadows, [G]nothing but shadows.

Fan Testimonial:

My name is Samantha Hayes, and I’m a diehard Bony Lie enthusiast. I stumbled upon their debut EP during one of the darkest phases of my life. Their music has been my go-to ever since. It’s raw, real, and resonates with me on so many levels. Bony Lie is my favorite band because their music isn’t just about creating catchy tunes. It’s about connecting with their audience, expressing shared experiences, and fostering unity through music. It offers a safe space, a form of solace, and, most importantly, a sense of understanding that sometimes, words fail to provide. For me, Bony Lie is more than just a band. It’s a lifeline.

Backstory:
The formation of ‘Popular Health’ traces back to a quaint high school in Seattle during the late nineties; a time when grunge was gradually morphing into alternative rock. Four friends – Josh, Adam, Steve, and Mike – connected by their shared passion for music, found themselves forming a band after a series of impromptu jam sessions. They named their band ‘Popular Health’, a quirky take on their collective lack of interest in gym class but their intense zeal for music instead. The name stuck, and they spent the next several years honing their craft, playing at local gigs, and building a loyal fanbase.

Their breakthrough came when they were discovered by a talent scout at a bar, leading to their signing with a major record label. Ever since then, they’ve been delivering their unique blend of music that combines introspective lyrics with catchy melodies, making them a favorite among indie music lovers worldwide.

Genre:
Indie Rock/Alternative

Title:
“Echoes in the Rain”

Full song lyrics:

(Verse)
Am – Em – G – D – F
In the quiet of the night, under the blurry city lights,
We found our dreams washed away, like echoes in the rain.
On the rooftop we sat, with our hearts heavy and flat,
Memories fade in the haze, like echoes in the rain.

(Chorus)
C – G – Am – F
Echoes in the rain, chasing what remains,
Life running like a drain, leaving just pain.
Echoes in the rain, love’s sweet refrain,
In the end, it’s all the same, we’re just echoes in the rain.

(Verse)
Am – Em – G – D – F
We danced in the moonlight, lost in the moment’s flight,
Hopes seemed all in vain, like echoes in the rain.
With the city as our canvas, painting stories so grand,
Now they seem to wane, like echoes in the rain.

(Chorus)
C – G – Am – F
Echoes in the rain, our silent campaign,
Moments caught in the frame, love’s enduring flame.
Echoes in the rain, of joy and pain,
In the end, we’re all the same, just echoes in the rain.

Favorite Fan:
Their favorite fan is a young writer named Lily. She first heard Popular Health at a local show in her city and was instantly drawn to their raw energy and honest lyrics. She has been following their journey ever since, attending every concert possible and creating a blog dedicated to their music.

Testimonial:
“Popular Health’s music speaks to me on so many levels. Their songs feel like a personal letter, written just for me. They have a way of encapsulating emotions that cannot be put into words. They’re not just a band to me; they’re a soundtrack to my life, a beacon of hope in the darkest times. Their music has given me strength, made me believe in myself, and has shown me the beauty in vulnerability. I can’t imagine a world without their music.”

Backstory:

Oblong Task is a band born out of the small, rustic town of Millville, Pennsylvania. The band was formed in 2008 by a group of high school friends: Jacob “Jake” Adams (lead vocals, guitar), Tony McCabe (drums), and siblings Laura (keyboard, vocals) and Michael “Mike” Wilson (bass). The band’s name was inspired by an inside joke about the peculiar tasks they had to accomplish while working their part-time jobs. Later, the band members came to appreciate the deeper meaning it signified, the odd, oblong tasks each one of us faces in life.

The quartet initially performed at local venues, covering songs from their favorite bands. Jake’s unique vocal range, combined with their shared passion for music, grabbed the attention of a local producer who helped them record their first demo. Fast forward to a decade later, Oblong Task is now a well-respected name in the indie music scene, known for their emotive lyrics and eclectic sound.

Genre:
Indie Rock

Title:
“Crescent Moon Conversations”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
[G] Under the blanket of the [D] night,
[Em] We talk in whispers, sharing [C] light,
[G] Secrets unravel, dreams take [D] flight,
[Em] In our crescent moon [C] conversations.

(Chorus)
[D] Oh, how the stars seem to [G] listen,
[Em] As we paint our visions [C] bright,
[D] In the canvas of the night, we [G] glisten,
[Em] Lost in our crescent moon [C] conversations.

(Verse 2)
[G] We trace the constellations [D] high,
[Em] Hearts beating to the night owl’s [C] cry,
[G] Time, a silent passerby,
[Em] In our crescent moon [C] conversations.

(Chorus)
[D] Oh, how the universe seems [G] smaller,
[Em] As we weave tales of love and [C] fright,
[D] To the rhythm of the night, we [G] falter,
[Em] Lost in our crescent moon [C] conversations.

(Bridge)
[Am] Under the watchful eyes of [Em] Orion,
[D] We find solace in shared [C] silence,
[G] Souls intertwined in quiet [D] defiance,
[Em] In our crescent moon [C] conversations.

(Chorus)
[D] Oh, how the night sky seems [G] kinder,
[Em] As we exchange vows, hearts [C] alight,
[D] In the glow of the moon, we [G] linger,
[Em] Lost in our crescent moon [C] conversations.

The band’s Favorite Fan:

Samantha “Sam” Carter is a dedicated fan who has been with Oblong Task since the beginning. Sam was first drawn to the band during a local gig where she was captivated by the depth and sincerity in their music. She has since followed their journey, attending every concert she could. She fondly says, “The band’s music has been the soundtrack to my life. Their songs have a way of reaching inside you, weaving stories that are at once unique yet familiar. Oblong Task isn’t just my favorite band; they’re like family to me.”

Backstory:
In the bustling aural landscape of Vancouver, Canada, four friends found their common interest in music a fascinating canvas to express their societal concerns. Ignorant Oil was thus formed in 2014, with Ben Hawkins on vocals/guitar, Jessica Collins on bass, Travis Knight on drums, and Sarah Thomas on keyboards. Inspired by the turmoil created by the fossil fuel industry, the band decided to use music as a medium to inspire people to ponder on the environmental issues and the role of an individual in it. The members, all having different musical influences, fuse elements from their favorite genres to form the unique sound that is Ignorant Oil.

Genre:
Alternative Rock/Indie

Title:
“Chasing Shadows”

Full song lyrics:

(Verse 1)
C G D Em
Look around you, can’t you see the change,
C G D Em
In the air we breathe, in the land we claim.
C G D Em
We’ve been chasing shadows, ignoring the truth,
C G D Em
While the world around us just loses its youth.

(Chorus)
G D Em C
Chasing shadows in the burning sun,
G D Em C
Can’t we see what we have done?
G D Em C
We are the ignorant oil, the silent gun,
G D Em C
It’s time to undo what can’t be undone.

(Verse 2)
C G D Em
The oceans rise, the forests fall,
C G D Em
We’re blind to the echoes, the nature’s call.
C G D Em
We’re chasing shadows while the earth’s on fire,
C G D Em
Got to wake up before we expire.

(Chorus)

Fan Testimonial:

Fan’s name – Ethan
Ethan has been a die-hard fan of Ignorant Oil since their first gig. He testifies: “Ignorant Oil is more than a band to me, it’s a movement. Their music resonates not just with my ears but with my heart. It’s their call to action, their refusal to be silent about the environmental crisis that sets them apart. Each song is a wakeup call. ‘Chasing Shadows’ is my anthem. It’s like they put the words to my fears and my hopes. Their passion is contagious, and I am proud to be part of their journey.”