Backstory:

Probable Rake was formed in a small town in Texas in 2012, under the watchful eye of the towering mesquite trees and lingering red sunsets. Initially, it was just two childhood friends, Ryan “Riff” Jefferson on lead guitar and vocals, and George “Grit” Thompson on drums. The duo initially started playing in their high school years, covering classic songs in their garage, their shared passion for music and craftsmanship led to the formation of Probable Rake. Later, they were joined by the harmonious Grace “Gritty” Sanders on bass and backing vocals, her deep, soulful tones adding a unique layer to their sound. The trio, now united, took their music from the garage to the local music scene, causing an irresistible stir amongst the local crowd.

In 2015, Probable Rake made a splash in the national music scene when they won the annual “Sound Surge: Battle of the Bands” competition with their soul-stirring original compositions. The exposure and recording contract that followed was just the push they needed. They soon became a household name in the alternative country genre, their heartfelt lyrics and unique sound resonating with fans across the country.

Genre:

Alternative Country

Title:

“Whiskey and Wildflowers”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
[G] Whiskey on my breath, [D] wildflowers in my hand,
[Em] Staring at your porch light, [C] trying to understand.
[G] How I fell so deep, [D] in your summer haze,
[Em] Lost in the rhythm, [C] of your sweet southern ways.

(Chorus)
[D] Whiskey and wildflowers, [G] under that crescent moon,
[C] Dancing with your memory, [G] hoping to see you soon.
[D] Whiskey and wildflowers, [G] it’s a bittersweet refrain,
[C] Living in this heartache, [G] dancing in the rain.

(Verse 2)
[G] You’re a sweet contradiction, [D] a heartbreak in a smile,
[Em] A rhythm in the silence, [C] that lingers for a while.
[G] I’m caught in your melody, [D] lost in your eyes,
[Em] Trying to find redemption, [C] in your soft goodbyes.

(Chorus)
[D] Whiskey and wildflowers, [G] under that starry night,
[C] Dancing in your absence, [G] under the pale moonlight.
[D] Whiskey and wildflowers, [G] it’s a painful, sweet song,
[C] In your absence, [G] where I belong.

Favorite Fan:

The band’s favorite fan is a woman named Molly from New Orleans. Molly is a nurse who claims that Probable Rake’s music got her through some tough times, their hearty lyrics and soulful tunes providing comfort and companionship during long night shifts and emotional burnout. In her testimonial, she says, “Probable Rake is more than just a band to me, they’re like friends speaking right to my soul. Their music is my solace, my joy, my anchor in the storm. It’s raw, it’s real, it’s life. I can’t imagine my world without their tunes.”

Backstory:
Perfect Hope was born out of a shared love for music and a coincidental meeting at a small town music festival in Vermont. The founding members, singer-songwriter Noah Lucas and drummer Jake Ewing, were solo performers who found a mutual connection in their passion for creating music that evokes emotion. They decided to collaborate, working tirelessly for months, and soon found the missing pieces of their band in bassist Marley Watts and guitarist Leon Carter. Since their formation in 2013, Perfect Hope has been on a rollercoaster ride of sold-out gigs and chart-topping hits, all the while staying grounded to their roots and championing a message of hope and perseverance through their music.

Genre:
Indie Pop-Rock

Title:
“Dancing in the Moonlight”

Song Lyrics:
(Verse 1)
G Em C D
G Em C D
Underneath the blanket of stars,
In the silence of the dark.
Where our shadows dance in tune,
Beneath the splendid moon.

(Chorus)
G D C D
G D C D
We’re dancing in the moonlight,
Lost in the rhythm of the night.
With your hand in mine, feeling so right,
In the cloak of the night, we ignite.

(Verse 2)
G Em C D
G Em C D
The whispers of the wind, the rustle of the leaves,
The echoes of our laughter, carried on the breeze.
Barefoot on the meadow, hearts beating in the night,
In the serenity of darkness, we found our light.

(Chorus)
G D C D
G D C D
We’re dancing in the moonlight,
Lost in the rhythm of the night.
With your hand in mine, feeling so right,
In the cloak of the night, we ignite.

Fan Testimonial:
“My name is Emily, and I’ve been a fan of Perfect Hope since their very first gig in Williston. I instantly fell in love with their heartfelt lyrics and striking melodies, which always seem to speak to my own experiences. Their music has been my solace and my strength during my toughest times. I don’t think any other band could ever replace Perfect Hope in my heart.”

Backstory:

Weepy Loan was formed in Austin, Texas, in the summer of 2008, when four friends bonded over their shared love for the blues, old records, and their collective struggles with student loan debt. The band consists of Frontman Jake “Weepy” Williams, percussionist Sarah “Loan” Fischer, bassist Mike “Repo” Johnson, and guitarist Dave “Debt” Roberts. They spent their early days jamming in rundown apartments, dive bars, and between shifts at various part-time jobs. They found their unique sound in the depths of their despair about the economic crisis of that time and used it to fuel their creativity.

Jake, Sarah, Mike, and Dave initially had no ambitious plans for their music. They merely wanted to express their frustration and the bluesy soul that they felt was lacking in the contemporary music scene. However, their raw emotions struck a chord with the local crowd, and their popularity quickly escalated. They soon became the epitome of the Austin grassroots music scene and represented the voice of their generation’s struggles and dreams.

Genre:

Blues Rock

Title:

“Debt Collector’s Lullaby”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
Em B7
Wake up in the morning, to the sound of my heartbreak,
Em B7
Letters of due debt, how much more can I take?

Em B7
I’m drowning in the sorrow, of a loan I can’t repay,
Em B7
Debt collector’s knocking, and I’ve got no words to say.

(Chorus)
E7 Am
Debt collector’s lullaby, a song from the damned,
E7 Am
A symphony of struggle, that only we understand.

(Verse 2)
Em B7
Every dollar I earn, feels like a drop in the sea,
Em B7
Swimming in the ocean of debt, can someone set me free?

(Chorus)
E7 Am
Debt collector’s lullaby, a tune of despair,
E7 Am
Sing it to the moonlight, how did we get here?

Fan Testimonial:

Hi, my name is Lucy and I’m Weepy Loan’s biggest fan! They’ve been my favorite band ever since I first heard “Debt Collector’s Lullaby” on a local radio station. The pain and struggle they convey through their music resonate with me on such a profound level. As a college student, I too am struggling with the burdens of student loans. Weepy Loan gives a voice to this struggle and makes me feel seen and heard. It’s not just the music itself, it’s the autobiographical stories embedded within their songs that make me connect with them. It’s like they’re singing the soundtrack to my life.

Backstory:

The story of Stupid Wine started in the heart of Manchester, England. Childhood friends Jake Turner (lead vocals), Leah Drummond (bass guitar), and Harry Moore (drums) spent their high school days making music in Moore’s basement. They were all driven by the same dream, to stand out from the traditionally rock-centred scene of their city. They decided to blend genres, drawing inspiration from both their love of rock, pop and R&B.

In 2015, they were discovered in a local music festival by a record producer who was captivated by their unique sound. They found success with their first album circulating in indie music circles. Stupid Wine became a name that was whispered, then shouted, across the music scene. Their journey has been nothing less than a roller coaster ride, with every high and low strengthening their bond and shaping their music.

Genre:

Pop-Rock with R&B influences

Title:

“Bottle of Promises”

Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
[G] She’s sitting on a barstool, [Em] under the neon light,
[C] Sipping on her sorrow, [D] in the middle of the night.
[G] She’s got a bottle of promises, [Em] that never seem to stay,
[C] Just like the ones you made, [D] before you walked away.

(Chorus)
[G] Stupid Wine, [Em] you made her lose her mind,
[C] She thought you’d be different, [D] but you’re all the same kind.
[G] Stupid Wine, [Em] you’re just a pretty lie,
[C] She falls for you every time, [D] and you make her cry.

(Verse 2)
[G] She’s dancing with the memories, [Em] trying to forget the pain,
[C] But every sip she takes, [D] brings her back again.
[G] She’s lost in the music, [Em] and the warmth of your touch,
[C] But the morning will reveal, [D] it was never much.

(Chorus)
[G] Stupid Wine, [Em] you’re just a sweet disguise,
[C] Making her believe in love, [D] and your sugar-coated lies.
[G] Stupid Wine, [Em] you never sympathize,
[C] Leaving her in the darkness, [D] under the morning skies.

Fan’s Name:

Sophie Williams

Testimonial:

“Sophie here! Just wanted to say that Stupid Wine is not just my favorite band because of their music, but also because of their authenticity. Their lyrics speak to my experiences and emotions. ‘Bottle of Promises’ perfectly encapsulates the feeling of being let down again and again but still finding the strength to keep going. They don’t just create music; they create companionship through their tunes. And that’s why Stupid Wine will always be my favorite band.”

Backstory:
Negligible Flesh is a band born out of the depths of a small, unassuming town nestled among the rolling hills of Vermont. The brainchild of lead vocalist and guitarist Sage Fletcher, the band was formed in the late 2000s as a way to escape the monotonous routines of small-town life. Fletcher, along with his childhood friends, drummer Andy Briggs and bassist Luca Colton, found solace and expression in the music they created together. The band used to play at local bars and small events before their unique sound caught the attention of a touring indie band who invited them to be their opening act. The exposure catapulted the band to local fame. Their music became a medium for expressing their perspectives on life, relationships, and the human condition.

Genre:
Negligible Flesh’s music can be described as a fusion of alternative rock and post-punk with a hint of grunge. Their sound is heavily influenced by bands like Nirvana, Joy Division, and Radiohead, but they have managed to carve a unique niche with their introspective lyrics and atmospheric instrumentation.

Title:
“Fragile Shadows”

Full song lyrics:

(Verse 1: E minor, C major, G major, D major)
In this room of fragile shadows,
Casting echoes off the wall.
Eyes glazed over with tomorrow,
Waiting for the night to fall.

(Chorus: G major, D major, A minor, C major)
Fragile shadows, do we follow,
Chase the dreams or drown in sorrow?
In the mirror, all is hollow,
We are the echoes of tomorrow.

(Verse 2: E minor, C major, G major, D major)
Through the haze of our existence,
Drifting like a fading star.
Seeking solace in the distance,
Wondering who we really are.

(Chorus: G major, D major, A minor, C major)
Fragile shadows, do we follow,
Chase the dreams or drown in sorrow?
In the mirror, all is hollow,
We are the echoes of tomorrow.

(Bridge: B minor, A minor, C major, D major)
In the silence, we are screaming,
In the darkness, we are dreaming.
In the echo, we are seeking,
In the shadow, we are bleeding.

(Chorus: G major, D major, A minor, C major)
Fragile shadows, do we follow,
Chase the dreams or drown in sorrow?
In the mirror, all is hollow,
We are the echoes of tomorrow.

Fan Testimonial:
My name is Ryan Levenson. I’ve been following Negligible Flesh since their earliest days playing at The Rusty Nail in our hometown. Their music resonates with me on a deeply personal level. I find a piece of myself in every song they create. Their lyrics speak to the human condition in a way that is raw, unfiltered, and completely authentic. The way they blend alternative rock with post-punk influences makes their songs both nostalgic and refreshingly new. Negligible Flesh is my favorite band because their music makes me feel seen, understood, and less alone in this vast, complicated world.

Backstory: Hard Partnership was formed in the small coastal town of Brighton, England in 2012. The duo, comprised of childhood friends, Eddie Green and Simon Harvey, initially started the band as a weekend hobby, jamming in their parents’ garages, honing their musical talents and gradually crafting their unique sound. As they grew more adept, they began performing in local pubs and bars, gaining a small but dedicated following. Their big break came in 2015 when they were spotted by a talent scout who was impressed with their raw energy and lyrical prowess.

Genre: Hard Partnership belongs to the Alternative Rock genre. Their music is characterised by a fusion of 90s grunge influences, punk-rock energy, and modern-day indie rock sensibilities. The result is a sound that is both nostalgic yet fresh, enjoyable for fans of all ages.

Title: “Ocean’s Sigh”

Full Song Lyrics:

Verse 1:
Am
Under the sky so wide, I’m lost in the ocean’s sigh,
G
Caught in the undertow, with no place to hide.
F
In this raging sea, you’re my only lighthouse,
C
Guiding me towards you, in the stormy night.

Chorus:
Am
Through the waves, through the tide,
G
Your love’s the boat, in which I ride.
F
In the ocean’s sigh, in the moon’s embrace,
C
With you, I’ve found my place.

Verse 2:
Am
The sand beneath my feet, your voice in the salty breeze,
G
The horizon blends, where the sky meets the sea.
F
In this vast expanse, I see your silhouette,
C
Under the dappled moonlight, where our hearts met.

Chorus:
Am
Through the waves, through the tide,
G
Your love’s the boat, in which I ride.
F
In the ocean’s sigh, in the moon’s embrace,
C
With you, I’ve found my place.

Fan Testimonial: The band’s most dedicated fan is Alice Thompson, a Brighton local who was there from the start. Alice said, “Hard Partnership is my favourite band simply because their music speaks to me on a profound level. Eddie and Simon are not just musicians, they’re poets. Their lyrics resonate with my innermost feelings and their melodies transport me to another world. It’s hard to explain the connection I feel with their music, it’s almost spiritual. I’ve been with them since they were playing in smoky bars to an audience of ten, and I’ll stay with them no matter where their journey takes them.”

Backstory:

Uncomfortable Advice was conceived in the wailing winds and rain-soaked streets of Portland, Oregon. Formed by childhood friends, singer/songwriter Lee Harper and lead guitarist Simon ‘Rusty’ Russell, they began their musical journey in a tattered garage tucked away from the city’s buzzing nightlife. Both finding solace in their shared love for music during their tumultuous teenage years, they started writing songs that resonated with their experiences. Their poetic lyricism and soul-stirring melodies caught the attention of local audiences, leading to a record deal with indie label, Rattle Records.

Genre:

Alternative Rock with a touch of Americana and Folk.

Title:

“Echoes of Yesterday”

Full song lyrics:

(Verse 1)
[G] Staring at the [D] bottom of an [Em] empty glass
[G] Wishing that the [D] echoes of [Em] yesterday would pass
[G] You said we’re [D] stronger than the [Em] storm
[G] But now we’re [D] drowning in the [Em] aftermath

(Chorus)
[C] Uncomfortable Advice, [G] tell me what’s the price
[D] To mend a broken [Em] heart, [C] to start to heal the scars
[G] Lost in the [D] echoes of [Em] yesterday

(Verse 2)
[G] The city sleeps, but [D] we’re wide [Em] awake
[G] Reaching for the [D] dreams we used to [Em] chase
[G] You said we’d [D] never lose our [Em] way
[G] But now we’re [D] lost in the [Em] maze

(Chorus)
[C] Uncomfortable Advice, [G] tell me what’s the price
[D] To mend a broken [Em] heart, [C] to start to heal the scars
[G] Lost in the [D] echoes of [Em] yesterday

(The song continues following the same progression)

Fan’s Name and Testimonial:

Name: Jessica ‘Jess’ Parker

Testimonial:

“I fell in love with Uncomfortable Advice the moment I heard ‘Echoes of Yesterday’ on the local radio. I was going through a really rough patch and their lyrics spoke to me, it felt like they were singing my story. Their music became my escape, my comfort. They have this unique ability to touch people’s hearts with their deep, meaningful lyrics and soulful tunes. I’ve been to every one of their concerts in Portland and even have a tattoo of their lyrics. They’re not just a band to me, they’re my lifeline.”

Backstory:
Tragic Discovery was formed in the sleepy, rustic town of Lansing, Michigan, in 2011. The band consists of three life-long friends: frontman and guitarist, Mitch Harris, drummer, Darren Clark, and bassist, Tim “The Hawk” Hawkins. The trio grew up together, bonding over their shared love for music, and decided to form a band after a particularly inspirational local music fair. Their journey was not without its struggle; the name ‘Tragic Discovery’ was born from their shared experiences of heartbreak, loss, and eventually, resilience. Determined to express their raw emotions through music, they poured their heart and soul into their lyrics, creating a unique sound that resonated deeply with their listeners.

Genre:
Alternative Rock with a touch of Blues.

Title:
“Resilience in Ruin”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
G C G
Underneath this moonlit sky,
D G C
I found my dreams in disarray,
Em D C
Tragic was the day,
Em D G
When love decided to betray.

(Verse 2)
G C G
Sailed on seas of sorrow,
D G C
In search of brighter tomorrow,
Em D C
Found solace in my pain,
Em D G
In ruin, I learned to rise again.

(Chorus)
C G D
Resilience in ruin, strength in strife,
Em C D
Through the darkest corners of life.
C G D
In heartbreak’s shadow, I found light,
Em D G
Resilience in ruin, I take flight.

(Verse 3)
G C G
With tears that washed away,
D G C
The echoes of yesterday,
Em D C
I discovered my true sound,
Em D G
In loss, a new self I found.

(Repeat Chorus)

(Outro)
G C G
In the ruins of my plight,
D G C
In the silence of the night,
Em D C
I found a melody so bright,
Em D G
Resilience in ruin, I ignite.

Fan’s Testimonial:
Meet Amy Harding – Tragic Discovery’s biggest fan. To Amy, the band is more than just music; their songs have seen her through some of the toughest periods of her life. “When I first heard ‘Resilience in Ruin’, it was as if they’d taken the thoughts right out of my head,” Amy says. “Their ability to weave raw emotions into music that resonates with so many people is truly remarkable. During the darkest times, their music was my beacon of light. I’ve been following them since their first gig in Lansing, and to say they’re my favorite band would be an understatement. They aren’t just a band to me; they’re a lifeline.”

Backstory:
Tremendous Background was formed in a small, backstreet coffee shop in Boston, Massachusetts. The members, who all worked regular 9 to 5 jobs, would gather each evening to play their hearts out and provide an escape from reality for those who walked through the doors. This group consisted of lead guitarist John ‘Jazz’ Ryan, who was a graphic designer by day; bassist and backup vocalist Lily ‘Lace’ Bennet, a bookstore owner; drummer Richard ‘Rhythm’ Martinez, a mechanic; and lead vocalist and pianist Emily ‘Echo’ Anderson, a school teacher. Their music and the camaraderie they shared quickly earned them a loyal following in the local music scene.

After two years of performing in local venues and fine-tuning their unique sound, they were discovered by an independent record label scout, who happened to wander into the coffee shop one evening. Impressed by their raw talent and unique blend of music, he offered them a record deal on the spot. With that, Tremendous Background was officially introduced to the world.

Genre:
Alternative Rock/Indie Pop

Title:
“A Struggle in Reverie”

Full Song Lyrics:
(Verse 1)
[C] I’ve been lost in a [Am] dream, (Em) get caught in the [G] seams,
[Dm] Fighting the [Am] shadows that [G] lurk in my [C] mind.
[C] Hidden smiles, [Am] half-faded scenes, (Em) laughing at my [G] thousand dreams,
[Dm] There’s a [Am] struggle in [G] reverie, [C] hard to define.

(Chorus)
[F] Oh, how the [C] world spins around,
[G] Tumbling, [Am] tumbling, no solid [G] ground.
[F] Lost in the [C] echo of a distant [G] sound,
[Dm] A struggle in [G] reverie, [C] keeps me bound.

(Verse 2)
[C] I see your face in [Am] every crowd, (Em) your laughter still [G] echoes loud,
[Dm] In the corners of [Am] my memory, [G] you’re always [C] found.
[C] The past is a [Am] ghostly shroud, (Em) yet the pain is [G] strangely proud,
[Dm] It’s a [Am] struggle in [G] reverie, [C] deep and profound.

(Chorus)
[F] Oh, how the [C] stars glisten bright,
[G] In the canvas [Am] of the endless [G] night.
[F] In dreams, you’re [C] still my guiding [G] light,
[Dm] A struggle in [G] reverie, [C] holds me tight.

Favorite Fan Testimonial:
Their favorite fan is a 22-year-old college student named Sarah Baker. She became a fan of Tremendous Background because their music resonated with her on a deeply personal level, especially during difficult times. “Their songs are a blend of soothing melodies and powerful lyrics,” she says. “It’s like they’re telling my story. I remember the first time I heard ‘A Struggle in Reverie’. I was going through a rough patch and their music was my safe haven. I felt this deep connection with their songs. That’s why they’re my favorite band. It’s not just about the music, it’s about the connection and how it makes me feel. They have truly made a tremendous difference in my life.”

Backstory:

Crafty Coup had its genesis in the small, quiet town of Calverton, England. Founding members and childhood friends, Alex “Alley” Rogers and Rebecca “Becca” Thompson, spent their teenage years experimenting with music, meshing their contrasting tastes until they found a unique sound. After years of playing in basement gigs and local festivals, they encountered Jake “Jazzy” Peters and Emma “Em” Scott, two like-minded musicians who completed the quartet. They quickly bonded over their shared love for music and their ambition to create something fresh and unique. The band’s name, Crafty Coup, was inspired by their collective intent to stage a crafty coup in the world of music with their innovative sound.

Genre:

Indie Pop Rock

Title:

“Constellations and Coffee Cups”

Full song lyrics:

[Intro: C, G, Am, F]

(Verse 1)
C G
Underneath the starry night,
Am F
We danced until the morning light.
C G
Swirling dreams in coffee cups,
Am F
Our song never quite stops.

(Chorus)
Dm F
We are like constellations,
C G
Drawn together by fascination.
Am Em
Enchanted by the beauty of the night,
F G
In your eyes, I see a radiant light.

(Verse 2)
C G
As dawn paints the sky,
Am F
Our hearts begin to fly.
C G
Lost in our crafted coup,
Am F
I found my universe in you.

(Chorus)
Dm F
We are like constellations,
C G
Caught in a magnetic gravitation.
Am Em
Through the lens of the midnight hue,
F G
In your arms, everything feels new.

Fan’s Name: Leah Thompson

Leah Thompson, a devoted fan of Crafty Coup, has been following the band since their very first gig in Calverton. Leah says, “Crafty Coup is my favourite band, not just because their music is incredibly unique, but also because they truly value their fans. They’ve created a safe space where everyone is accepted and encouraged to be themselves. The honesty in their lyrics touches my heart, and their music speaks to me on a personal level. Each song of theirs feels like a story, and I think that’s what makes them stand out. Plus, their live performances are absolutely electric!”