Backstory:

Trustworthy Body originated in the bustling music scene of Chicago, Illinois in 2012. Band members Bill “Billy” Donahue (lead vocalist and guitarist), Eric “Slowhand” Jenkins (bass guitarist), and Jake “The Snake” Thomas (drummer) had known each other since high school, but it was not until many years later, after they had pursued individual musical endeavors, that they decided to join forces and form a band. With a shared love for the fusion of punk undertones and indie melodies, Trustworthy Body was born.

Believing that music should be an experience that connects people, they played at local venues, sharing their intense, raw energy with the crowds. Their following grew steadily, and by 2015 they released their first self-titled album. Trustworthy Body’s sound, a blend of dynamic stage presence and heart-rending lyrics, resonated with a broad audience, leading to their break in the mainstream music industry.

Genre:
Indie Punk Rock

Song Title:
“Out of the Dark”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1 – Am | Em | G | D)
Am Em
In the darkness, I stumble,
G D
With a broken heart, I mumble,
Am Em
Your name, babe, it echoes,
G D
In this lonely hallway of shadows.

(Chorus – C | G | Am | F)
C G
I’m coming out of the dark,
Am F
With a rekindled spark,
C G
Shouting your name,
Am F
Against the winds of blame.

(Verse 2 – Am | Em | G | D)
Am Em
With the dawn, I find solace,
G D
In this life’s chaotic palace,
Am Em
Your love, babe, it guides me,
G D
To the light, where I want to be.

(Chorus – C | G | Am | F)
C G
I’m stepping out of the dark,
Am F
With a beating heart,
C G
Calling out your name,
Am F
In this life’s tricky game.

Favorite Fan’s Name, Testimonial:
“My name is Jennifer. Trustworthy Body is my favorite band for many reasons. Their lyrics speak to me on a personal level and their indie punk rock sound is energizing. Every time I listen to songs like ‘Out of the Dark,’ I feel a rush of emotions. Their music makes me feel understood and less alone. Their live performances are also something to behold, the energy they bring to the stage is infectious! I’ll forever be a fan.”

Backstory:

Unruly Table started in a small garage in Philadelphia back in 2010, when four childhood friends found an old drum kit, a forgotten guitar, and a passion for music. The members, Jake (vocals and guitar), Max (bass), Ryan (keyboard), and Dylan (drums) were inseparable since kindergarten, and had always shared an affinity for creative expression. Ironically, the band’s name was inspired by the rickety, misaligned table in Jake’s garage where they held their practice sessions and wrote their first songs. Unruly Table started as a local sensation, playing at neighborhood events and open mic nights, before their fierce talent and irresistible charm catapulted them into global stardom.

Genre:

Unruly Table’s music is best described as alternative rock with tinges of blues and indie pop.

Title:

Their most popular song is “Graffiti on the Wall.”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
[G]Graffiti on the wall, [D]Penned down stories of us all
[Em]Look how far we’ve come, [C]Unruly Table’s song has begun

[D]From the days in Jake’s garage, [G]We’ve now taken charge
[Em]Playing our tunes under the moon, [C]Life has given us a boon

(Chorus)
[G]We are Unruly Table, [D]Singing our fable
[Em]With every strum, every beat, [C]We’ve got the world at our feet
[G]We are Unruly Table, [D]Strong and stable
[Em]With our music, we unite, [C]In the darkness, we are the light

(Verse 2)
[G]Started with an old drum kit, [D]Now we’re a worldwide hit
[Em]Playing our dreams, singing our themes, [C]Life’s more than what it seems

[D]We’ve come a long way, [G]With our music, we sway
[Em]In every town, every city, [C]We play our melody pretty

(Chorus)
[G]We are Unruly Table, [D]Singing our fable
[Em]With every strum, every beat, [C]We’ve got the world at our feet
[G]We are Unruly Table, [D]Strong and stable
[Em]With our music, we unite, [C]In the darkness, we are the light

Fan Testimonial:

Their biggest fan is a woman named Olivia. She has been following the band since their early days playing local gigs in Philadelphia. Olivia says, “Unruly Table’s music speaks to me on such a personal level. ‘Graffiti on the Wall’ isn’t just a song to me, it’s my anthem. Their lyrics are insightful, and their music, it’s like a lifeline. They’ve seen me through hard times and have been the soundtrack to my best moments. I can’t imagine a world without Unruly Table’s music!”

Backstory:
Big-Hearted Finding is a heartfelt journey of four friends – Jeremy, Tom, Mia, and Lisa. The band originated in a small town in Ohio, where they spent their early years jamming in Jeremy’s garage. Over time, they honed their unique sound, intertwining their diverse musical influences and personal experiences into a harmonious blend. They took their time building their repertoire, focusing on authenticity and emotional depth rather than commercial appeal. In 2015, they took the big leap and moved to New York, taking their heartfelt tunes to the urban landscape. Their name, Big-Hearted Finding, reflects their belief in the power of music to help find and connect with one’s true self.

Genre: Folk Rock

Title: “Beneath the Stars”

Song Lyrics:
Verse 1:
Em C G D
Underneath the broad night sky, we found our truth,
Em C G D
On the roads we used to roam, in our youth.
Em C G D
We shared stories and dreams, beneath the moon,
Em C G D
And in the cool night air, we found our tune.

Chorus:
G C D Em
So here we are, singing beneath the stars,
G C D Em
Our hearts open wide, playing our guitars.
G C D Em
With each strum, we share a piece of us,
G C D Em
In our big-hearted finding, it’s all about trust.

Verse 2:
Em C G D
We’ve walked different paths, we’ve seen the rain,
Em C G D
But through it all, music was our main.
Em C G D
It healed our wounds, it soothed our souls,
Em C G D
In the rhythm and the chords, we found our roles.

(Repeat Chorus)

Fan’s Name: Jackie Rutherford

Testimonial: My name is Jackie and I’m a huge fan of Big-Hearted Finding. Their music speaks to me on a level that no other band has managed to do. The raw emotion in their lyrics, the authenticity in their sound, and their genuine passion for music is truly inspiring. Their song “Beneath the Stars” is a beautiful representation of their talent and storytelling abilities. It takes me back to simpler times, reminding me of the beauty in shared experiences and dreams. Big-Hearted Finding is my favorite band because they touch my heart and soul with every note and word.

Backstory:
Watchful Isolation is an indie-rock band comprised of four college friends who found a unique bond through their shared love for music. The band members, Alex (vocals and guitar), Mike (bass), Scott (drums), and Lisa (keyboard and backing vocals), met during their freshman year at Berkeley College of Music. The name Watchful Isolation represents their collective experience of observing the world from their unique lens while feeling isolated from it. They started jamming in their college dorm rooms, creating a unique blend of thought-provoking lyrics and mesmerizing tunes. Their music stems from topics such as introspection, society’s expectations, and the existential questions that plague the minds of the millennial generation.

The band’s big break came when they won a local battle of the bands competition in 2018. The win led to a record deal, and since then, Watchful Isolation has released three critically acclaimed albums. Their music is loved for its rawness, honesty, and the emotional journey it takes the listeners on.

Genre:
Indie Rock

Title:
“Echoes of the Mind”

Full Song Lyrics:
(Verse 1) [Am, G, F, C]
Am
I’m staring at the ceiling, caught in my feelings,
G
In a world that’s spinning, are we losing or winning?
F
Chasing shadows of yesterday,
C
In a game that we never wanted to play.

(Chorus) [Am, F, C, G]
Am
Echoes of the mind, reflections hard to find,
F
We’re all in this together, yet alone,
C
Can’t escape the pull, feeling the push and pull,
G
In the echoes of the mind, we find our home.

(Verse 2) [Am, G, F, C]
Am
Look around, we’re in the race, trying to keep the pace,
G
Is it worth the chase, in this endless space?
F
We’re all looking for validation,
C
In the noise, seeking quiet contemplation.

(Chorus) [Am, F, C, G]
Am
Echoes of the mind, it’s a path we’ve designed,
F
Walking on a tightrope, holding on the lifeline,
C
Reality’s a blur, in the echoes we concur,
G
In the echoes of the mind, we find our home.

Band’s Favorite Fan:

The band’s favorite fan is Sarah, a university student, who has been following Watchful Isolation since their college jamming days. She was the first one to buy their debut album and has attended every concert since. She admires the band for their authentic approach to music and their ability to express complex emotions through their lyrics. Her favorite song is “Echoes of the Mind” as it speaks to her personal journey of self-discovery.

Testimonial:

Sarah says, “Watchful Isolation’s music resonates deeply with me. Their lyrics are like poetry that translates my thoughts into melodies. ‘Echoes of the Mind’ is my go-to song whenever I feel overwhelmed. It reminds me that it’s okay to feel lost and reassures me that we’re all on our unique paths. Their music has been a constant companion in my journey, providing comfort and understanding. Watchful Isolation is not just a band to me; they are storytellers who give voice to my innermost feelings.”

Backstory:

Second-Hand Incentive is a band that came into existence during the vibrant and chaotic music scene of the early 2000s in Birmingham, England. The band was formed by school friends, Adam Jones (lead vocals, guitar), Sarah Thompson (bass, vocals), and Jason Murphy (drums). They shared a common love of music and wanted to create something that was a true reflection of their emotions and experiences growing up in the bustling city.

They started off playing gigs in local pubs and bars, eventually grabbing the attention of a small-time record label that saw potential in their unique sound and lyrical prowess. After years of hard work, late-night rehearsals, and gig after gig, Second-Hand Incentive has solidified their unique sound and charismatic stage presence, making them a staple in the UK’s indie rock scene.

Genre:
Indie Rock

Title:
“Sundown Reverie”

Full song lyrics:

[Verse 1: G-Em-C-D]
G
Through the smoke-filled room, I find my way,
Em
Under the dim lights, where we used to sway,
C
Memories and melodies start to play,
D
In this Sundown Reverie, every single day.

[Chorus: G-D-Em-C]
G
When the sun goes down, and stars fill the sky,
D
I think of your smile, and the times we were high,
Em
In this Sundown Reverie, I continue to lie,
C
Hoping one day, you might just pass by.

[Verse 2: G-Em-C-D]
G
In the darkened corners of this old town,
Em
I still feel your presence all around,
C
I wear your memory like a crown,
D
In this Sundown Reverie, where love was found.

[Chorus: G-D-Em-C]
G
When the night is quiet, and I’m all alone,
D
I remember your laugh, and your sweet tone,
Em
In this Sundown Reverie, where shadows are thrown,
C
I realize that it’s your love I’ve outgrown.

[Bridge: Em-C-G-D]
Em
So, I’ll sing about you, until the dawn,
C
About the love we had, that is now gone,
G
In this Sundown Reverie, I’ll carry on,
D
With the hope that someday, I’ll be strong.

[Chorus: G-D-Em-C]
G
When the sun goes down, and stars fill the sky,
D
I think of your smile, and the times we were high,
Em
In this Sundown Reverie, I continue to lie,
C
Hoping one day, you might just pass by.

[Outro: G-Em-C-D]
G
In this Sundown Reverie, I’ll say goodbye,
Em
To the love we had, and the tears we cried,
C
With every beat and every sigh,
D
In this Sundown Reverie, love never dies.

Favorite Fan:

The band’s favorite fan is a woman named Emily, who has been attending their gigs since they were playing in small pubs and bars. Emily says, “Second-Hand Incentive is more than just a band to me, they’re like a soundtrack to my life. Their songs resonate with me on so many levels and have seen me through some of the hardest times. Their unique sound, their honest lyrics, it all makes me feel understood and less alone. They’re my favorite band because they’re real and raw, and they put their heart and soul into every performance.”

Backstory:
Disfigured Product was born out of a shared dissatisfaction with the state of commercial music and a mutual love for grunge and old school punk. Founders Max “Riot” Riley and Danny “The Duke” Duchene met in a dive bar in the heart of New York’s East Village in 2012. From their shared disdain for the status quo and passion for edgy melodies, the duo began playing in local bars and clubs, gaining a cult following for their raw performances and disturbed lyrical content. In 2014, they added drummer Beth ‘Thunder’ McMahon and bassist Jake ‘The Snake’ Donovan to the lineup, solidifying the band’s signature sound that blends punk, grunge, and hints of heavy metal.

Genre:
Punk/Grunge

Title:
“Concrete Jungle”

Lyrics:

(Verse 1 – C G Am E)
Crawling through the concrete jungle,
G // Am // E //
A product of the system, yet so humble.
C // G // Am // E //
Lost souls, misfit toys, we all stumble,
C // G // Am // E //
In this gray world, our hearts rumble.

(Chorus – F C G)
F // C // G //
In the heart of the concrete jungle,
F // C // G //
We’re just a disfigured product, in a world so subtle.
F // C // G //
Our voices roar, yet they crumble,
F // C // G //
In the heart of the concrete jungle.

(Verse 2 – C G Am E)
Tossed by the waves, yet we don’t tumble,
C // G // Am // E //
In the concrete jungle, we find our humble.
C // G // Am // E //
The system tries to make us crumble,
C // G // Am // E //
But our spirit remains, it won’t mumble.

(Chorus – F C G)
F // C // G //
In the heart of the concrete jungle,
F // C // G //
We’re just a disfigured product, in a world so subtle.
F // C // G //
Our voices roar, yet they crumble,
F // C // G //
In the heart of the concrete jungle.

Fan Testimonial:
Favorite fan’s name: Luke “The Maverick” Maddison. “Disfigured Product is more than just a band to me, they’re a movement. Their music speaks of a raw, unfiltered reality that most of us are too afraid to face. It fuels my rebellion, my desire to be different, to be real, and not just a product of a plastic society. I’ve seen them live more times than I can count, and each time, their energy is contagious, their message, inspiring. They’re my favorite because they’re not scared to go against the grain and they encourage us, their fans, to do the same.”

Backstory:
Critical Grain emerged from the heart of Chicago, when four college friends decided to turn their shared passion for music into a tangible reality. Spearheaded by charismatic lead vocalist Antonio “Tony” Evans, guitarist Leo Madison, bassist Jack Rhys, and drummer Oliver “Ollie” Hart in 2007, the band started their journey playing at local bars and college festivals. Their distinctive sound and original lyrics quickly gained attention and by 2010, they had signed their first record deal with an Indie label, ‘Highway Records’.

The band’s journey has been a roller coaster ride, filled with epic highs and challenging lows. Throughout the years, their music has evolved and matured, but their core values remained intact – to create music that resonates with the soul. Their deep-rooted connection with their fans has been one of the most fulfilling aspects of their career. No matter where their journey takes them next, Critical Grain remains dedicated to crafting music that is both profound and relatable.

Genre:
Indie Rock/Alternative

Title:
“Unseen Echoes”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
G Em C G
Walking down the same old road,
Em C G
In search of something bold.
D Em C G
I’m tracing paths that shadows tread,
Em C G
Drawing lines in the sand unsaid.

(Chorus)
D Em G
Unseen echoes in my mind,
Em C G
Lost in the realms of time.
D Em C G
In the silence of the night,
Em C G
I find my soul’s pure light.

(Verse 2)
G Em C G
Beneath the stars, I stand alone,
Em C G
With stories yet unknown.
D Em C G
The constellations guide my way,
Em C G
In this cosmic play.

(Chorus)
D Em G
Unseen echoes fill the air,
Em C G
Whispers of love and despair.
D Em C G
In the echoes, we confide,
Em C G
Our heart’s deepest divide.

Testimonial:
Fan’s Name: Emily Saunders

Emily Saunders has been a die-hard fan of Critical Grain since she first heard their demo EP in the local record store. She fell in love with the heartfelt lyrics and the striking rhythm that sets the band apart. As a testimonial, Emily says, “Critical Grain’s music speaks to me on a deep, personal level. It’s raw, real, and full of emotion. Each song feels like a new journey, an insight into the band’s soul. Their music has helped me through some of the toughest times in my life, and for that, I will forever be grateful. They’re not just a band to me, they’re a lifeline.”

Backstory:

Dazzling Throne burst onto the music scene in 2014, a trio of college friends from New York, who shared a love for music and an aspiration to create melodies that transcend traditional genres. With lead singer and guitarist, Alex Stone, bass guitarist, Leo Harper, and drummer, Tim McAllister, the band began by playing in small venues, open mic nights, and local concerts. Their journey took a dramatic turn when their song was noticed by a notable record label executive, catapulting them into the limelight.

The band’s music revolves around themes of love, life and social justice. Each member brings their unique influences to the band’s sound. Stone’s love for indie rock, Harper’s fascination for folk, and McAllister’s passion for blues all come together to create a unique and electrifying music experience that has captivated audiences worldwide.

Genre:

Indie Rock with Folk and Blues influence

Song title:

“Under the Sapphire Sky”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
C G Am Em
Under the sapphire sky, I met you, darling
C G Dm Am
In the heart of the city, lights twinkling, shining
C G Am Em
Your eyes held a world, mysterious and alluring
C G Dm Am
And in that moment, my heart, you were owning

(Chorus)
F C G Am
In the sapphire sky, we found our home, darling
F C G Am
Underneath the stars, our love forever sparkling

(Verse 2)
C G Am Em
We danced through the nights, to the rhythm of the city
C G Dm Am
Lost in the music, in our world so pretty
C G Am Em
In your arms, I found a love so satisfying
C G Dm Am
Under the sapphire sky, our love story, undying

(Chorus)
F C G Am
In the sapphire sky, we found our home, darling
F C G Am
Underneath the stars, our love forever sparkling

Fan’s Name:

Emma Rutherford

Fan’s Testimonial:

“I can’t express enough how much I love Dazzling Throne! Their music has been a constant companion through my highs and lows. The song ‘Under the Sapphire Sky’ always makes me feel like I’m on top of the world. There’s something soothing yet electrifying about their music. It’s hard to explain, but it resonates with me on a deeply personal level. I’ve been to all their concerts in my city, and each experience is unique and unforgettable. Dazzling Throne isn’t just my favorite band, they’re a part of my life.”

Backstory:
Hoarse Receiver was born on the underground scene of Portland, Oregon in 2011, started by two high school friends, Jake Bentley and Ethan Ford. They bonded over a shared love of alternative music and a desire to break out of their mundane suburban lives. Bentley, an electric guitarist who had been strumming since the age of six, and Ford, a self-taught drummer with a relentless passion for rhythm, started rehearsing in Bentley’s garage, eventually adding bassist Sarah Alvarez and keyboardist Max Marshall to their lineup. The band began to develop a unique sound, receiving its name from Bentley’s raspy voice and the group’s mutual love for poignant and abstract songwriting.

Genre:
Alternative Rock

Title:
“Echoes of Yesterday”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
C#m E B A
In the haze of the night, under city light’s glow,
E B C#m A
I hear the echoes of yesterday’s sorrow.
C#m E B A
Lost in the maze, where no compass can guide,
E B C#m A
I seek solace in the music, my trusted confide.

(Chorus)
E B A A
Hoarse Receiver, oh believer,
E B C#m A
Turn the dial and let it play.
E B A A
In the echoes of yesterday,
E B C#m A
Find the path, lead the way.

(Verse 2)
C#m E B A
Through the static and noise, a melody clear,
E B C#m A
A beacon of hope overcoming fear.
C#m E B A
Strumming the strings, beating the heart’s drum,
E B C#m A
In the echoes of yesterday, we become.

(Chorus)
E B A A
Hoarse Receiver, oh believer,
E B C#m A
Tune in to the rhythm of the day.
E B A A
In the echoes of yesterday,
E B C#m A
Find the words, sing what you may.

Favorite fan’s name:
Tommy ‘the Tuner’ Jacobs

Testimonial:
Tommy ‘the Tuner’ Jacobs, a local radio host in Portland, was one of the first to recognize Hoarse Receiver’s unique sound and potential. “Their music is not just sound, it’s a language that speaks directly to my soul,” says Jacobs. “Every song is like an echo carrying the raw emotion of yesterday into the reality of today. It’s both a refuge and a revelation. Hoarse Receiver is my favorite band because they have this uncanny ability to channel the unspoken complexities of human experience into their music, making me feel seen, heard, and understood.”

Backstory:
Tan Machine was born on a balmy summer night in Austin, Texas, as a trio of childhood friends – Sal, Danny, and Mitch – got together to create music after college. Originally intended as a way to pass the time while they figured out their post-graduation plans, the group found undeniable chemistry as a band. Their shared history, combined with their individual musical inclinations, resulted in a unique blend of styles that was both refreshing and nostalgic.

As they quickly gained local fame, their fanbase grew beyond Texas. Their following was fueled not only by their catchy tunes but also by their down-to-earth personalities and commitment to their music. Tan Machine stayed true to their roots, ensuring that their music always possessed a warmth and genuineness that mirrored their own friendships and journeys.

Genre:
Indie Pop/Rock

Title:
“Golden Dreams”

Lyrics:

Verse 1: (G, D, Am, C)
Underneath the Texas stars, (G, D)
In our old beat-up cars, (Am, C)
We promised we’d chase after our golden dreams. (G, D, Am, C)

Chorus: (G, D, Am, C)
Golden dreams, like the summer sun, (G, D)
Promise of all the battles won. (Am, C)
In our hearts, they forever gleam, (G, D)
In the midst of life’s raging stream. (Am, C)

Verse 2: (G, D, Am, C)
We’ve faced the storm, held each other tight, (G, D)
In the darkest days and the longest nights. (Am, C)
With hope in our hearts, we continue to believe, (G, D)
In our ever-shining golden dreams. (Am, C)

Chorus: (G, D, Am, C)
Golden dreams, like the summer sun, (G, D)
Promise of all the battles won. (Am, C)
In our hearts, they forever gleam, (G, D)
In the midst of life’s raging stream. (Am, C)

Favorite Fan:
Name: Emily Hughes. Emily, a native Texan herself, discovered Tan Machine during a transitional phase in her life. She identified with the authenticity in their music and felt a sense of connection with the band. In her words, “Tan Machine is more than just a band for me, they have been the soundtrack to my life, helping me navigate through my ups and downs. Their songs are my refuge, and their journeys echo mine. They remind me that it’s okay to dream, and it’s okay to fight for those dreams. They are my favorite not just for their music, but for the genuine warmth and connection they share with us, their fans.”