Backstory:

Insidious Flame was formed in the heart of Austin, Texas in 2014, by a group of high school friends who shared a passion for music. The band comprises of five members: lead vocalist Carson Thompson, lead guitarist Mike Reynolds, rhythm guitarist Alex Gibson, bassist Ryan Howard, and drummer Lucy Silver. The band started off by playing in small gigs around town garnering a solid local fanbase with their unique sound, and raw, unfiltered lyrics that resonated with their listeners. They were soon discovered by a local recording studio owner who gave them their first big break.

Despite their humble beginnings, Insidious Flame has always been about rebellion and challenging the status quo. Each member brought something unique to the table, and together, they have created a sound that is all their own.

Genre:

Insidious Flame is a Hard Rock band with a hint of Alternative Metal undertones.

Song Title:

“Burning Shadows”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1 – Am, G, F, C)
In the haze of the forgotten, under the crimson sky,
Lost in the echoes of the silent scream, where the fallen angels lie.
Through the mist of the shattered dreams, we rise from the ashes,
We’re the warriors in the realm of the unknown, bearing the world’s lashes.

(Chorus – Dm, C, G, Am)
We’re the burning shadows, in the heart of the night,
Fighting the darkness, with our insidious light.
Through the storm and chaos, we claim our domain,
We’re the Insidious Flame, rising amidst the pain.

(Verse 2 – Am, G, F, C)
In the depth of the despair, where the sun never shines,
We’ve found our anthem in the sound of the silent cries.
In the labyrinth of lies, we found the truth,
We’re the echoes of the unheard, the defiant youth.

(Chorus – Dm, C, G, Am)
We’re the burning shadows, in the heart of the night,
Battling the obscurity, with our insidious light.
Against the turmoil and bedlam, we stake our claim,
We’re the Insidious Flame, thriving amidst the strain.

Bridge – F, G, Am, C
We’re the voice of the voiceless, the strength in the strife,
We’re the flame in the darkness, the melody in the life.

(Chorus – Dm, C, G, Am)
We’re the burning shadows, in the essence of the night,
Defying the gloom, with our insidious light.
Against the odds and anarchy, we rise from the flame,
We’re the Insidious Flame, unbroken, untamed.

Band’s Favorite Fan:

The band’s favorite fan is Samantha Baker, a school teacher from their hometown, Austin. Samantha became endeared to the band with her unwavering support from their early days, often attending their local gigs, purchasing their merchandise, and promoting them on social media. She has even used their music to connect with and inspire her students. Samantha says, “Insidious Flame’s music is a beacon of light in the darkness. Their lyrics speak to the rebel in us all, encouraging us to stand up against injustice and to keep fighting, no matter how hard life gets. They’ve become the soundtrack to my life, and I couldn’t be prouder of these boys from Austin.”

Backstory:
Frank Institution was born under the starry skies of Austin, Texas, in the summer of 2002. The band was formed by four high school friends; Joey ‘Ink’ McCallister on vocals and rhythm guitar, Tommy ‘Duke’ Delaney on lead guitar, Lars ‘The Viking’ Jensen on drums, and Benjamin ‘Benny’ Fitzgerald on bass. They were all inspired by the raw energy and rebelliveness of 90s grunge, which they felt was missing from the contemporary music scene. They decided to take matters into their own hands and started jamming in Joey’s parent’s garage. From there, they started gigging around town, building a loyal following with their energetic performances and relatable lyrics.

The name ‘Frank Institution’ was coined after a local music critic described one of their early shows as ‘an honest institution of grunge revival’. The band loved the description so much that they adopted it as their name. They’ve since released four studio albums and toured extensively, winning over fans with their uncompromising rock sound and their commitment to keeping the spirit of grunge alive.

Genre:
Alternative Rock / Grunge Revival

Title:
“Razor’s Edge”

Full song lyrics:

(Verse 1)
[G] Waking up to a [D] sky of grey,
[Em] Broken dreams are [C] just a breath away,
[G] On the edge of [D] sanity I [Em] stand,
[C] With a razor in my [G] hand.

(Chorus)
[G] Living on the [D] Razor’s Edge,
[Em] Dancing with the [C] ghosts in my head,
[G] On the path where [D] angels fear to tread,
[Em] I’m living on the [C] Razor’s Edge.

(Verse 2)
[G] Shadows whisper [D] tales untold,
[Em] Of a spirit [C] young yet old,
[G] I’m a wanderer [D] in my own land,
[Em] With a razor in my [C] hand.

(Chorus)
[G] Living on the [D] Razor’s Edge,
[Em] Lost in the [C] darkness I’ve bled,
[G] On the path where [D] angels fear to tread,
[Em] I’m living on the [C] Razor’s Edge.

(Bridge)
[G] The struggle, the [D] strife,
[Em] The chaos, the [C] life,
[G] The journey to [D] where we belong,
[Em] Is a dance to a [C] razor’s song.

(Chorus)
[G] Living on the [D] Razor’s Edge,
[Em] I’m more than the [C] words I’ve said,
[G] On the path where [D] angels fear to tread,
[Em] I’m living on the [C] Razor’s Edge.

Favorite Fan:
The band’s favorite fan is a woman named Emily. She’s been with the band since their first gig in Austin and has followed them on every tour. Emily loves the band’s raw energy and the honesty in their lyrics. She says, “Frank Institution is my favorite band because their music speaks to me on a personal level. It’s like they’ve taken the chaos in my head and turned it into a beautiful symphony. Their songs have helped me through some tough times and for that, they’ll always have a special place in my heart.”

Backstory:
The band ‘Vacant Administration’ was formed in 2015 in the heart of the bustling city of Chicago. The five members, all coming from different walks of life, met during a city-wide music festival and their shared passion for music paved the way for the creation of the band. Johnny, the lead vocalist, was a poet at heart who found his true calling in music, while Isaac, the drummer, brought a unique, rhythmic style. The three guitarists, Adam, Sam, and Alex were childhood friends who had always dreamt of performing on a big stage. Their diverse backgrounds and common love for music blended together to create a distinct sound and a dynamic stage presence.

Genre:
The music of ‘Vacant Administration’ falls under the broad umbrella of Alt-Rock with a distinct influence of Blues and Folk music. The band’s unique fusion often reminds the audiences of the raw and unfiltered music of the past while maintaining a modern vibe.

Title:
“Silent Echoes”

Full Song Lyrics with Chord Progression:

(Verse 1)
Am – F – C – G
In the diminished light of the city night,
G – Dm – E – Am
We sing our tales, through the silent echoes.
Am – F – C – G
Our hearts wear scars, each telling its part,
G – Dm – E – Am
Under the starry night, in the silent echoes.

(Chorus)
F – C – G – Am
Listen, listen closely, to the silent echoes,
Am – F – C – G
The story of our lives, in the silent echoes.
F – C – G – Am
We’re more than vacant shells, we’re the silent echoes,
Am – F – C – G
Listen, listen closely, to our silent echoes.

(Verse 2)
Am – F – C – G
In the crowded streets, where the heartbeats meet,
G – Dm – E – Am
We find the rhythm, in the silent echoes.
Am – F – C – G
Through the highs and lows, in the shadows,
G – Dm – E – Am
Our story unfolds, in the silent echoes.

(Chorus)
F – C – G – Am
Listen, listen closely, to the silent echoes,
Am – F – C – G
The story of our lives, in the silent echoes.
F – C – G – Am
We’re more than vacant shells, we’re the silent echoes,
Am – F – C – G
Listen, listen closely, to our silent echoes.

Bands favorite fan’s name and testimonial:
Our favorite fan’s name is Wendy. She has been following us since our first gig in a local pub and her support has been unwavering. Here’s what she has to say, “Vacant Administration has a unique sound that is both nostalgic and fresh. It’s like they have revived the raw and vintage sound of the past. Their music speaks to me on a profound level. Especially, ‘Silent Echoes,’ it’s an anthem of us all, reminding us that our stories echo even if we feel they are silent. They are my favorite band because they not only make great music, but they make me feel seen and heard.”

Backstory:

Zesty Able, an experimental indie band, initially formed in the vibrant city of New Orleans in 2015. The band’s members, Ethan (lead vocals), Nate (bass guitar), and Jack (drums) met at a local music festival, bonding over their shared love for music that pushes boundaries and defies genres. The trio decided to create a band that would showcase their unique talents and pay homage to their beloved city’s music scene. The name ‘Zesty Able’ was chosen to reflect their lively sounds and their ability to adapt to different music styles.

Genre: Experimental Indie

Title: “Twilight Echoes”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
[G]Walking down the empty streets, [D]in the city’s soothing beats,
[Em]Our shadows dance along, to the [C]midnight rhythm’s song.
[G]Underneath the neon lights, [D]we find solace in the night,
[Em]Lost in the twilight’s haze, [C]caught up in its mystic gaze.

(Chorus)
[D]Twilight echoes in our hearts, [G]as we’re piecing together the parts,
[Em]Of a mystery unsolved, in [C]this world, we’ve evolved.
[D]We dance to the city’s beat, [G]feeling the ground beneath our feet,
[Em]In the city’s twilight glow, [C]we find a place to grow.

(Verse 2)
[G]Riding on the night’s cool breeze, [D]we soar above the city’s seas,
[Em]Conversing with the starry sky, [C]under the moon’s watchful eye.
[G]Lost in the echo of the night, [D]we dance until the morning light,
[Em]In the twilight’s tender care, [C]we find solace in its stare.

(Chorus)
[D]Twilight echoes, a siren’s call, [G]in this city, we stand tall,
[Em]Navigating the urban maze, [C]caught up in its enchanting blaze.
[D]In the city’s twilight hue, [G]we discover something true,
[Em]In the twilight’s gentle glow, [C]we find a place to grow.

Testimonial:

Fan Name: Jenny McCormick

Jenny McCormick, a freelance writer from New Orleans, first discovered Zesty Able at a local music festival. Since then, she became one of the band’s most dedicated fans, following their musical journey and attending all their gigs. Jenny regards Zesty Able as her favorite band, not only for their unique sound but also for their ability to capture the essence of their city in their music. As an avid music enthusiast, she appreciates the band’s experimental style and their commitment to pushing the boundaries of the indie genre. According to Jenny, “Zesty Able’s music is a breath of fresh air in today’s music scene. Their unique blend of sounds, coupled with their heartfelt lyrics, truly represents the spirit of New Orleans. Each song is a journey that transports you to the mystical city at twilight, making you feel a part of its rhythm and heartbeat.”

Backstory:

Born in the heart of Washington D.C.’s bustling music scene, Pesky Absence was formed by four college friends Tim Mckinley (lead vocals), Jake Collins (lead guitar), Alex Hinson (drums), and Conor McMillan (bass). They were all studying at George Washington University and found a shared passion for music and a vision to create something unique. Inspired by the independent spirit of D.C.’s punk scene and the rhythmic roots of the local go-go movement, Pesky Absence was born out of a wish to encapsulate the energy and ethos of the city.

Their music journey started by performing at local open mic nights and small venues, where they quickly gained traction due to their innovative sound and engaging live performances. The band’s name, Pesky Absence, is a reflection of their initial struggle to meet up and jam due to their demanding college schedules, hence their absence was a pesky issue they had to overcome in their early days.

Genre:
Alternative Rock

Title:
“Absence of the Mind”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
[Am] I walked down these [F] familiar streets,
[G] Trying to outrun my [C] own defeat.
[Am] Your name’s still etched on [F] every corner,
[G] In the absence of my [C] mind, you’re the mourner.

(Chorus)
[Am] Screaming at the [F] void I’ve become,
[G] Echoes in the [C] dark, beating like a drum.
[Am] Lost in the [F] rhythm, drowning in the rhyme,
[G] In the absence of my [C] mind.

(Verse 2)
[Am] Shadows dance on [F] empty walls,
[G] Silent whispers in [C] abandoned halls.
[Am] Each echo a memory, [F] each silence a sign,
[G] Of the absence in my [C] mind.

(Chorus)
[Am] Screaming at the [F] void I’ve become,
[G] Echoes in the [C] dark, beating like a drum.
[Am] Lost in the [F] rhythm, drowning in the rhyme,
[G] In the absence of my [C] mind.

Fan Testimonial:

My name is Sarah Thompson, and I’m Pesky Absence’s biggest fan. There’s something so raw and captivating about their music that I haven’t found in any other band. Their lyrics speak to me on a personal level. It’s like they’ve taken the emotions from my own life and put them into song. Plus, their live performances are electrifying! For me, Pesky Absence is more than just a band, they’ve become a part of my life.

Backstory:
Thorough Death was formed in the crucible of New York’s underground music scene in 2003. Comprising of five members namely: lead vocalist, Max ‘Vortex’ Mitchell, guitarist, Gary ‘Shred’ Olsen, bassist, Eddie ‘Rumble’ Rodriguez, drummer, Sam ‘Thump’ McNeil, and keyboardist, Lisa ‘Sonic’ Murphy, each bringing varied influences to the band, they quickly rose to prominence. Their music, a unique blend of genres and styles, found its footing in the hearts of audiences tired of monotony and eager for something different.

The band’s songwriting process is just as unique as their sound. They work as a collective, bouncing ideas off each other until they have something that resonates with their roots, their bond, and their shared experiences. Their lyrics often touch on existential themes with a sprinkle of dark humour.

Genre:
Alternative Metal/Progressive Rock

Song Title:
“Chasing Shadows”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
Am C G
In the twilight of your soul, where secrets lie,
Dm Am
Haunted by the ghosts of a past left behind,
F C G
Eyes wide open, yet blind.

(Verse 2)
Am C G
Walking on the edge, yet you feel so hollow,
Dm Am
Every echo of laughter, every tear of sorrow,
F C G
Washed away by tomorrow.

(Chorus)
Dm Am
Chasing shadows, lost in time,
F C G
In the rhythm of your heart, in the verses of your rhyme,
Am C G
A prisoner of your mind,
Dm Am
In the silence, you’ll find.

(Verse 3)
Am C G
Among the ruins of dreams, where shadows dance,
Dm Am
In the fragments of hope, and the echoes of a broken romance,
F C G
In the dark, you’ll find your chance.

(Verse 4)
Am C G
In the echoes of your heart, as the night falls,
Dm Am
Chasing shadows, as the soul calls,
F C G
To stand tall through it all.

(Chorus)
Dm Am
Chasing shadows, lost in time,
F C G
In the rhythm of your heart, in the verses of your rhyme,
Am C G
A prisoner of your mind,
Dm Am
In the silence, you’ll find.

Fan Testimonial:
“Hi, I’m Joe. I’ve seen Thorough Death perform in countless gigs, and every single time, they leave me amazed. There’s something incredibly raw and honest about their music, it resonates deep within me. The lyrics, the melodies, the sheer energy they bring to each performance – it’s like a punch to the gut, in the best way possible. To me, they’re not just a band, they’re storytellers, and their music is the soundtrack of my life.”

Backstory:
Born out of a tiny garage in the heart of Boston, Well-Worn Glue is a melting pot of four passionate musicians who refused to be restricted by one single genre. The band’s formation story is as colorful as their music, a striking blend of their individual influences, backgrounds, and musical prowess. John ‘Red’ Rennard, the bassist and vocalist, used to play at local bars, while Danny ‘Bear’ Sullivan smacked the drums like a powerhouse. Emma ‘Eagle Eye’ Thompson was a classical violinist, and Charlie ‘Shred’ Anderson was an upcoming guitarist. One night, at an impromptu jam, these four souls discovered a unique synergy, and Well-Worn Glue was formed, named after the glue that held their lives together, despite all odds.

Well-Worn Glue has been known for their electrifying live performances and their ability to transform any event into a musical extravaganza. Their journey, from playing at dingy bars to gracing grand stadiums, has been nothing short of a rollercoaster ride. Yet, the bond that brought them together continues to be the unshakeable foundation that keeps them grounded, stitched together by the threads of their shared passion, just like well-worn glue.

Genre:
Indie Rock with an infusion of Folk and Blues.

Title:
“Pieces of Me”

Full song lyrics:
(Verse)
C G Am Em
“Lost in a sea of faces, drowned in a thousand places,
F C G
I found a tune that sings to me.
C G Am Em
In every note and rhythm, I found a hidden prism,
F C G
Shining pieces of me.

(Chorus)
Am Em F C
Now, I sing with a voice that’s free,
G Am F G
To the beat of a heart that sees,
Am Em F C
In every song, in every key,
G Am F G C
I find the shining pieces of me.

(Verse)
C G Am Em
In sorrow and in laughter, before and ever after,
F C G
Music, you have been my guide.
C G Am Em
Through the noise, through the silence, in defiance of the violence,
F C G
You helped me turn the tide.”

(Repeat Chorus)

Favorite Fan Testimonial:
My name is Lily, and I’m an unabashed, unapologetic mega-fan of Well-Worn Glue. Their music resonates with me on a level that few things can. It’s raw, it’s visceral, and it’s unabashedly them. It’s like they’ve reached into my soul, found the emotions I couldn’t put into words, and laid them out in compelling melodies and powerful lyrics. Every song is a journey, and I am always willing to be taken along. Well-Worn Glue isn’t just a band to me; they are like a soundtrack to my life, and I wouldn’t have it any other way.

Backstory:

Every Device was born from the eclectic blend of an old school punk drummer, a classically trained flutist, and a passionate indie singer/songwriter. They met at a small music festival in their hometown of Asheville, North Carolina, each playing in separate bands. Their individual performances were cut short by a sudden downpour, but instead of running for cover, they huddled under the stage to jam and keep the music alive. That spontaneous session under the pouring rain sparked the unique collaboration that would become Every Device.

The trio, comprised of drummer Steve “Sticks” Dunbar, flutist Emily Marks, and singer/guitarist Jason Reed, started meeting for regular jam sessions in Steve’s basement. The fusion of their diverse backgrounds resulted in a sound that couldn’t be neatly categorized. They started playing small clubs and private parties, garnering a dedicated local following before their unique sound started attracting attention beyond the Asheville music scene.

Genre:
Indie-Alternative Rock with a touch of classical influence.

Title:
“Whispers in the Rain”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1 – Em, C, G, D)
Em C G D
The rain’s falling down, the noise all around,
Em C G D
In this little town, where secrets abound.
Em C G D
We’re hiding in sight, under the night,
Em C G D
Lost in the light, a whisper takes flight.

(Chorus – G, D, Em, C)
G D Em C
Whispers in the rain, echoes of our pain,
G D Em C
In love’s refrain, we find ourselves again.

(Verse 2 – Em, C, G, D)
Em C G D
The raindrops hide tears, the laughter, the fears,
Em C G D
In the silence, it clears, in the chaos, it steers.
Em C G D
We’re dancing on dreams, in love’s extremes,
Em C G D
In the moon’s gleams, as surreal as it seems.

(Chorus – G, D, Em, C)
G D Em C
Whispers in the rain, echoes of our pain,
G D Em C
In love’s refrain, we find ourselves again.

(Bridge – A, Bm, C, D)
A Bm C D
In the rain’s lullaby, we learn to fly,
A Bm C D
In the thunder’s cry, we say goodbye.

(Chorus – G, D, Em, C)
G D Em C
Whispers in the rain, echoes of our pain,
G D Em C
In love’s refrain, we find ourselves again.

(Outro – Em, C, G, D)
Em C G D
As the rain subsides, in the morning tides,
Em C G D
Love abides, where the whisper resides.

Favorite Fan:

Samantha, also known as “Rainy Sam,” is Every Device’s favourite fan. She was there during their first spontaneous jam under the rain and followed their progress since then. According to Sam, Every Device has a unique, refreshing sound that resonates with her. She said: “Their music speaks to me on a personal level. It’s like they’ve translated my life experiences into lyrics and melodies. I’m not just a fan, I feel like a part of their journey. Their song ‘Whispers in the Rain’ always brings me back to that magical night when we all huddled under the stage in the pouring rain. It was the birth of something special.”

Backstory:

Attentive Product formed in the bustling heart of New York City in 2015, founded by three friends who shared a mutual love for music and the creative arts. The band members, lead vocalist Sam Cliff, guitarist Jess Tyler, and drummer Alex Reed, met in college while studying music and theatre. Their bond over shared influences and a passion to create something different led to the formation of Attentive Product. They began playing gigs in small venues across the city, and their unique sound quickly gained traction. Their dedication to their craft, along with their innovative and unconventional approach to music, has allowed them to establish a strong presence in the indie music scene.

Genre:
Indie Rock

Title:
“Neon Dreams of Concrete”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
Am – C – G – D
Under city lights, we found our beat, (Am – C)
Lost in a rhythm, in a concrete sea. (G – D)
Chasing the echoes, of our heartbeats, (Am – C)
In this jungle of glass, we found our feat. (G – D)

(Chorus)
Am – C – G – D
In the neon dreams of concrete, (Am – C)
We lost and found our discreet, (G – D)
In the chaos, in the heat, (Am – C)
We found a love that is, bittersweet. (G – D)

(Verse 2)
Am – C – G – D
Flickering lights, guiding the way, (Am – C)
Through the labyrinth of emotions, we sway. (G – D)
In the shadows of skyscrapers, we play, (Am – C)
Our melody in sync, with the city’s ballet. (G – D)

(Chorus)
Am – C – G – D
In the neon dreams of concrete, (Am – C)
We dance to the city’s beat, (G – D)
In the chaos, in the heat, (Am – C)
We found a love that is, bittersweet. (G – D)

Band’s Favorite Fan:

Our favorite fan is undoubtedly Emma Peterson. Emma has been following us since our very first gig at a small pub in Brooklyn. She’s at every show, right at the front, singing our lyrics back to us. It is fans like her that remind us why we do what we do.

Testimonial:

“Attentive Product has been my favorite band from the moment I heard their music. There’s something so raw and real about their sound, it’s like they’ve managed to capture the essence of life in their songs. They’re not just musicians, they’re storytellers, and every song is a journey. It’s powerful, it’s emotional, and it’s incredibly moving. They’ve soundtracked my life and I can’t imagine a world without their music.” – Emma Peterson.

Backstory:
Interesting Exchange is a unique blend of four college buddies who discovered their love for music during late-night jam sessions in their dormitory. Lead guitarist and vocalist, Jason “Jazzy” Bowman, Kenny “Kicks” Henderson on drums, Peter “Pipes” Malone on the bass, and Alex “Axle” Rogers on the keyboard are the dynamic quartet behind the band. The group started playing gigs at local bars and festivals in 2015, and their popularity quickly soared as they began captivating audiences with their electrifying performances and soulful harmonies. Their musical journey has been characterized by a sense of camaraderie, love for music, and, most importantly, their intriguing exchanges of ideas and inspirations that have shaped their signature sound.

Genre:
Indie Pop/Alternative Rock.

Title:
“Whispers in the Wind”

Full Song Lyrics:
[Verse 1]
C G Am Em
“Through the silent streets, we roam,
F C G
Our hearts beating like a metronome.
C G Am Em
Underneath the starry dome,
F C G
In whispers, we find our home.

[Chorus]
Am Em F C
Oh, whispers in the wind,
G Am F
Tell me where we’ve been.
Am Em F C
And in the morning light,
G Am F
We’ll find our fight.

[Verse 2]
C G Am Em
Carrying dreams in our eyes,
F C G
Against all the world’s lies.
C G Am Em
In the echoes of the night,
F C G
We find our might and flight.

[Chorus]
Am Em F C
The whispers in the wind,
G Am F
Guide us through the din.
Am Em F C
Underneath the moonlight,
G Am F
We’ll take our flight.”

Favorite Fan’s Name:
Tara Donovan

Testimonial:
In Tara’s words, “Interesting Exchange is more than just a band to me. Their music has been a companion through some of the best and worst times of my life. I remember discovering their song ‘Whispers in the Wind’ during a tough period and it immediately resonated with me. It was like they had put my emotions into words and music. Since then, I’ve attended every local concert and followed their journey. Their growth as a band, the depth in their lyrics, and their undying passion for music is truly inspiring. They’ve made me believe in the power of music all over again.”