Backstory:

Formed in the late-night bars of downtown Nashville in 2012, Limited Ride was born from the ashes of several local bands who had disbanded. The band members had a shared belief that music should not be bound by labels and categories, and so, they embarked on a journey to create music that transcended genre boundaries. The band consists of frontman John “Johnny” Donahue, lead guitarist Sam “Strings” McCallister, bassist Mark “Bassman” Calloway, and drummer Tommy “Sticks” Johnson. Each of them brought their unique style and flair to the band, creating a musical fusion that was both fresh and familiar. After countless jamming sessions and gigs at local bars, Limited Ride was ready to take their music to the world.

Genre:

Alternative Country

Title:

“Along the Dusty Road”

Full Song Lyrics:

[Verse 1]
D (strum twice) A (strum twice)
Rollin’ down the highway, beneath the sapphire sky,
G (strum twice) D (strum twice)
Wonderin’ where the wind will blow us by.
D (strum twice) A (strum twice)
Past the fields of golden grain, where the sunflowers sway,
G (strum twice) D (strum once) A (strum once)
Wonderin’ if we’ll ever find our way.

[Chorus]
D (strum twice) A (strum twice)
We’re ridin’ along the dusty road, through the day and night,
G (strum twice) D (strum twice)
Seekin’ for the stories that are hidden in the light.
D (strum twice) A (strum twice)
Our ride may be limited, but our dreams fly far and wide,
G (strum twice) D (strum once) A (strum once)
On this journey, together we’ll ride.

[Repeat Verse 1 and Chorus with variations as desired]

Fan’s Name: Jessica Martin

Testimonial:

Jessica Martin, a die-hard fan since Limited Ride’s early days, has this to say about the band – “There’s something deeply moving about their music. It’s like they’re telling my story through their songs, and I can’t help but feel connected. Every song is a journey, and Limited Ride always takes me somewhere new. The raw honesty, the captivating melodies, and the unusual fusion of sounds turn their music into an unforgettable experience. They’ve become the soundtrack of my life, and I can’t imagine a day without them.”

Backstory:

Hot Benefit is a band that was born amidst the neon lights and bustling sounds of the late-night New York City music scene in 2012. The band members, all hailing from different corners of the United States, found their shared love for music while working at a famous record store in the Big Apple. Their conversations about music evolved into impromptu jam sessions, and before they knew it, they had formed Hot Benefit. The name is a nod to their shared belief in the transformative and healing power of music.

Hot Benefit is a melting pot of their diverse backgrounds and influences, creating a sound that is unique, intriguing, and hard to categorize. From performing at small, underground gigs to headlining some of the city’s most iconic venues, Hot Benefit has come a long way. Their journey has been about chasing their passion and sharing their music with the world, and they continue to do so with an unwavering dedication.

Genre:
Alternative Rock

Song Title:
“Lights in the Distance”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
[C] Standing on the edge, [Am] city’s night in view,
[G] Dreams beneath our feet, [Em] stars within our reach.
[C] Hearts beating fast, [Am] drowning in the blue,
[G] Lights in the distance, [Em] promises to keep.

(Chorus)
[D] We’re chasing shadows, [A] under the neon glow,
[Bm] Walking on a path, [G] only we know.
[D] In the face of the storm, [A] we won’t let go,
[Bm] Lights in the distance, [G] guide us home.

(Verse 2)
[C] Echoes of laughter, [Am] ringing in the night,
[G] We’re a band of dreamers, [Em] dancing in the light.
[C] This city’s a symphony, [Am] we’re the melody,
[G] Lights in the distance, [Em] this is our destiny.

(Chorus)
[D] We’re chasing shadows, [A] under the neon glow,
[Bm] Walking on a path, [G] only we know.
[D] In the face of the storm, [A] we won’t let go,
[Bm] Lights in the distance, [G] guide us home.

Favorite Fan’s Name:
Molly

Testimonial:

“I’ve been a fan of Hot Benefit since their early days when they were performing at small bars in the city. Their music has been a refuge for me during my darkest days, and a soundtrack for my happiest moments. I love how they blend different genres and create a sound that is unique yet familiar. The passion and sincerity in their music is palpable. Every song feels like a friend, a comfort, a celebration of life. Hot Benefit is more than just a band to me, they’re my inspiration.”

Backstory:
Adept Roof originated in the bustling heart of Austin, Texas, where four roommates living in a cramped loft discovered their shared passion for music over nightly jam sessions. The band name came out of a running joke, referring to the precarious loft roof they would climb onto to escape the Texas heat and play their music into the wee hours of the night. The members include charismatic frontman Riley, brooding guitarist Jasper, amiable bassist Aidan, and energetic drummer Flynn. The band was officially formed in 2010, and the boys quickly made a name for themselves in the local music scene with their refreshing sound and energetic performances.

Genre:
Alternative Rock

Title:
“Midnight on the Tiles”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
[G] Underneath the [Em] Texas stars, [C] we found a rhythm [D] hard and fast,
[G] Four souls bound by [Em] dreams and laughter, [C] a bond that’s [D] built to last.
[Em] Strumming chords on our [D] makeshift stage, [C] the city’s heart beating [D] below,
[G] Our music echoed through the [Em] streets, a song only [C] we could [D] know.

(Chorus)
[G] Midnight on the tiles, we’re [Em] singing it loud,
[C] Our words taking flight, [D] lost in the crowd.
[G] The world is our stage, the [Em] stars our spotlight,
[C] Living our dream on this [D] endless night.

(Verse 2)
[G] We’ve seen our share of [Em] highs and lows, [C] but our music [D] keeps us strong,
[G] The city sleeps as [Em] we play on, [C] lost in our [D] own song.
[Em] The roof beneath us [D] might be shaky, [C] but our resolve is [D] never weak,
[G] We are ‘Adept Roof’, we’re [Em] here to stay, [C] this is the [D] peak we seek.

(Chorus)
[G] Midnight on the tiles, we’re [Em] playing our tune,
[C] Under the moonlight, [D] we’re reaching the moon.
[G] The world is our stage, the [Em] stars our spotlight,
[C] Living our dream on this [D] endless night.

Favorite Fan:
Kristen, a local Austin resident. Kristen first stumbled upon Adept Roof during one of their impromptu rooftop concerts. The music resonated with her, and she’s been a faithful follower ever since. She’s attended every official gig and even some of their practice sessions. “Their music is raw and real. It speaks to me on a level I can’t explain. Every song has a story that touches the heart. Adept Roof is more than just a band to me; they’re a part of my life.” She even has a tattoo of the band’s logo, an illustration of a rooftop under a starry sky, cementing her status as their biggest fan.

Backstory:

Formed in the heart of Seattle in 2011, Fluid Bag emerged from a shared love for alternative rock and a passion for pushing musical boundaries. The band members, Timothy Clarke (vocals and guitar), Samuel Peters (bass), Andrew Elliot (drums), and Elizabeth Harper (keyboard and vocals), met while attending the University of Washington. Fueled by late-night jam sessions and aspirations to challenge the status quo, Fluid Bag cultivated a unique sound that quickly garnered attention in the Seattle music scene. Through tireless gigging, the band’s raw energy and compelling performances earned them a dedicated fan base, eventually leading to a record deal with indie label, Rain City Records.

Genre:

Alternative Rock

Title:

“Rollercoaster Reverie”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1 – Em, G, D, A)
Em G D A
Roaring through the midnight ride, nothing’s quite as it seems,
Em G D A
Streetlights fading out of sight, caught in rollercoaster dreams.
Em G D A
Drunk on the rhythm, lost in the sound,
Em G D A
In this reverie, we are unbound.

(Chorus – C, G, D)
C G D
On this rollercoaster reverie,
C G D
We’re free, in the heart of the city’s symphony.

(Verse 2 – Em, G, D, A)
Em G D A
Chasing shadows, embracing the night, we’re painting stars in the sky,
Em G D A
In the echo of silence, under neon light, we let the world pass us by.
Em G D A
A moment of freedom, an eternity found,
Em G D A
In this rollercoaster reverie, we’re unbound.

(Chorus – C, G, D)
C G D
On this rollercoaster reverie,
C G D
We’re free, in the heart of the city’s symphony.

(Outro – Em, G, D, A)
Em G D A
In this rollercoaster reverie, we are, we are free.

Fan’s Testimonial:

My name is Lisa Mitchell, and as a lifelong fan of alternative rock, Fluid Bag holds a special place in my heart. Their music is raw, real, and resonates with me on a deep level. The unique blend of their electric guitar riffs, compelling drum beats, and emotive lyrics, particularly in “Rollercoaster Reverie,” never fails to leave me awestruck. Fluid Bag is my favorite because they’re not just a band to me; their music is the soundtrack of my life. I’ve been to every one of their Seattle shows, and I plan to continue supporting them. They are truly one of a kind, and their music is a beacon of authenticity in the often manufactured world of music.

Backstory:
Honest Muscle is a dynamic trio born and raised in the urban jungle of Chicago, Illinois. Initially, childhood friends, the group consists of lead singer and guitarist Abby Thompson, bassist Kevin “Kev” Daniels, and drummer Chris Norton. The trio first came together in high school, united by their shared passion for music and a desire to express the raw, gritty, and unfiltered reality of urban life. After years of playing in local bars and small venues, they were finally discovered by a talent agent at an open mic night and swiftly soared to fame, maintaining their roots and authenticity along the way.

Genre:
Their music can be described as a unique blend of Punk Rock and Indie Pop.

Song Title:
“Concrete Jungle Beat”

Full Song Lyrics (with chord progression):

[Verse 1]
(Am) Wandering through the (Em) streets at night,
(G) Life’s a battle, (D) ready for the fight.
(Am) Concrete jungle (Em) under our feet,
(G) Our hearts are racing with (D) every beat.

[Chorus]
(G) Concrete Jungle Beat, (D) it’s our own drum,
(Am) Striding through the city where we’re (C) from.
(G) Our hearts are playin’ the (D) concrete jungle beat,
(Am) Walking tall, never accepting (C) defeat.

[Verse 2]
(Am) Graffiti walls tell (Em) untold tales,
(G) In the city that never (D) sleeps nor fails.
(Am) Echoes of laughter, (Em) whispers of dreams,
(G) Beneath the stars, and (D) neon beams.

[Chorus]
(G) Concrete Jungle Beat, (D) it’s our own drum,
(Am) Striding through the city where we’re (C) from.
(G) Our hearts are playin’ the (D) concrete jungle beat,
(Am) Walking tall, never accepting (C) defeat.

Fan Testimonial:
As the band’s favorite fan, Lily Martinez, recounts, “Honest Muscle is my favorite band because they sing about real experiences, real struggles. Their songs resonate with my own experiences growing up in Chicago. Their song ‘Concrete Jungle Beat’ particularly moves me. It’s like a tribute to our city, our home. The raw energy, the genuine lyrics, and the powerful music – it’s just so real and so relatable. It’s like they are giving a voice to our community, our stories, and our dreams.”

Backstory:
Tense Flower originated in the small town of Waynesville, North Carolina, where the four band members met in high school. The band consists of lead vocalist and bassist, Sam McGuire, twins Jake and Matt Sanders on guitar and drums respectively, and Diana Johnson on the keyboard. The group, which started as a garage band, found their sound experimenting with various genres and instruments. They worked part-time jobs to save up for music equipment and studio time, often collaborating late into the night and on weekends, passionately driven by their shared love of music.

Their big break came when their demo tape landed in the hands of a music producer vacationing in the nearby Asheville. Impressed by their unique blend of sounds, he offered them a record deal. Their journey from a garage band to a nationally recognized group has been a roller coaster ride of determination, passion, and a little bit of luck.

Genre:
Alternative Rock

Title:
“Anthem of the Unseen”

Lyrics:
(Verse 1- Am, G, D, Am)
There are shadows in the silence, (Am)
Winds whispering in the night, (G)
Invisible warriors, fight battles unseen, (D)
Underneath the cold moonlight. (Am)

(Chorus- C, G, Am, F)
Here’s to the anthem of the unseen, (C)
For those who fight, yet remain unheard. (G)
In the silence, in the shadows, they are seen, (Am)
Their voice carried by this song, word by word. (F)

(Verse 2- Am, G, D, Am)
They stand tall amid the turmoil, (Am)
In the chaos, they find their might. (G)
Their battles rage in the depths of darkness, (D)
Yet they rise with the morning light. (Am)

(Chorus- C, G, Am, F)
Here’s to the anthem of the unseen, (C)
Their battles fought but never told. (G)
In the silence, in the shadows, they are seen, (Am)
Their tale through this song, we uphold. (F)

(Bridge- Em, D, C)
In the shadows we find strength, (Em)
In silence, we find our voice. (D)
In the unseen, we are seen, (C)
In the unheard, we rejoice. (Em)

(Chorus- C, G, Am, F)
Here’s to the anthem of the unseen, (C)
To the warriors fighting their own wars. (G)
In the silence, in the shadows, they are seen, (Am)
This song sings for them, it soars. (F)

Favorite Fan Testimonial:
“I’m Lily Adams, a die-hard fan of Tense Flower. Their music speaks to me on a personal level, resonating with my life’s experiences and emotions. Their song ‘Anthem of the Unseen’ has become my personal anthem. I love how they blend the ruggedness of rock with a poetic depth in their lyrics, creating profoundly moving pieces that touch the heart. Their passion is palpable in every performance. I’ve followed them since their garage days, and their growth has been inspirational. Tense Flower is my favorite band because their music isn’t just sound, it’s an experience and a solace.”

Backstory:
Clumsy Cause was born in the vibrant city of Austin, Texas, back in 2010. An unlikely quartet made up of a former accountant, a high school teacher, a tech startup whiz, and a barista, they originally turned to music as a form of stress relief but soon realised their eclectic mix of backgrounds brought a unique sound and perspective to the city’s thriving music scene. United by their love for music and a desire to voice their opinions on societal quirks, the band started creating thoughtful, raw tunes that resonated with many, eventually leading to a record deal in 2015.

Their name, Clumsy Cause, is a nod to their unorthodox journey into the music industry and their candid, sometimes clumsy, approach to addressing societal issues through their music. Despite their initial lack of musical training, their passion and dedication have seen them rise in the ranks of indie rock, winning fans with their authenticity and relatability.

Genre:
Indie Rock

Title:
“Paper Boat Dreams”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
[G]Sailin’ on a paper boat, [C]dreams penned down in prose
[Em]Life ain’t always what it seems, [D]caught in highs and lows
[G]Written in the coffee stains, [C]stories yet untold
[Em]Bittersweet and full of pain, [D]secrets that we hold

(Chorus)
[G]Paper boat dreams, [D]floatin’ downstream
[Em]Reality ain’t always [C]what it seems
[G]Find your truth in [D]the in-between
[Em]Paper boat dreams, [C]life’s unseen themes

(Verse 2)
[G]Chasing shadows in the dark, [C]lost in silent screams
[Em]Searching for that tiny spark, [D]in our paper boat dreams

(Chorus)
[G]Paper boat dreams, [D]ripped at the seams
[Em]Life is more than [C]just extremes
[G]Find your heart in [D]the in-between
[Em]Paper boat dreams, [C]life’s unseen themes

Favorite Fan:
Their favorite fan is a graphic designer named Rachel, who has followed the band since their early days playing local gigs in Austin.

Rachel’s Testimonial:
“Clumsy Cause is more than just a band to me – they’re my source of comfort, inspiration, and sometimes, even therapy. Their lyrics resonate with my life experiences and help me navigate my way through tough times. I love how authentic they are, not only in their music but also in the way they interact with their fans. I’ve had the chance to meet them a few times, and each time, they’ve been incredibly kind and down-to-earth. Their journey to success, despite their unconventional beginnings, gives me hope and motivation in my own career. Clumsy Cause isn’t just my favorite band, they’re a significant part of my life’s soundtrack.”

Backstory:
Aggravating Kitten is a unique band that formed in the small town of Bismarck, North Dakota. The four members, lead singer Macy, guitarist Tom, the drummer Josh, and bassist Greg, were all childhood friends who grew up in the same neighborhood. They started playing music together in high school, and their shared love for punk rock music and a rebellious spirit led to the creation of their band “Aggravating Kitten.” The name was inspired by Macy’s pet cat, who was notorious around town for being incredibly mischievous and, frankly, quite aggravating. The group took the name as a reminder to embrace their quirks, and remain true to themselves.

After winning a local talent show with their raw, energetic performances, they decided to make their shared passion a full-time endeavor. They have since released two successful albums and have garnered a significant following due to their quirky name and unconventional punk rock sound.

Genre:
Punk Rock

Title:
“Nine Lives Gone Awry”

Full Song Lyrics:

(V1)
[C] Feelin’ like a [G] stray, lost in the [Am] night
[Em] Finding my way, under the [F] city’s [C] lights
[C] A misfit [G] soul, just like a [Am] kitten,
[Em] roaming wild [F] and [C] free

(Chorus)
[G] Nine lives gone [C] awry,
[G] Just a punk cat [C] under the sky
[G] Scratching the world, [Am] living a lie
[Em] You and I, [F] under the [C] city’s lights

(V2)
[C] Scratched up [G] sofas, and [Am] broken dreams
[Em] all we’ve got, ain’t [F] always what it [C] seems
[C] We got this [G] freedom, we got this [Am] fight
In the [Em] dead of the [F] night [C]

(Chorus)
[G] Nine lives gone [C] awry,
[G] Just a punk cat [C] under the sky
[G] Scratching the world, [Am] living a lie
[Em] You and I, [F] under the [C] city’s lights

Favorite Fan:
Their favorite fan is named Lucy, a 16-year-old girl who lives in their hometown. Her testimonial goes as follows: “Aggravating Kitten is more than just a band to me, they’re a lifeline. Their music speaks volumes about being true to ourselves and embracing our unique identities. As a teenager navigating through life, their lyrics resonate with me on a very personal level. They give me strength, and inspire me to be my unapologetic self. That’s why Aggravating Kitten is my favorite band. Their passion for music is contagious, and their story is a reminder that no dream is too big to chase.”

Backstory:
Born from the dense mists of Seattle’s grunge scene, Haunting Notion is the brainchild of childhood friends, Oliver “Oli” Johnson (Lead vocals/guitar) and Jasper “Jazz” Thompson (Drums). Having grown up with the constant hum of the city’s underground music scene and the pervasive influence of greats like Nirvana and Pearl Jam, the duo decided to create something that echoed the city’s soulful past while pushing the envelope for the future. They were later joined by Stella “Star” Bailey (Bass/backing vocals) and Zach “Z” Matthews (Lead Guitar), who not only complemented their sound but added depth and dynamism. They played their first gig at a local dive bar to a crowd of 30, which quickly snowballed into a fan base of thousands as their haunting melodies and profound lyrics spread like wildfire.

Genre:
Indie Rock/Alternative

Title:
“Shadows in Daylight”

Full song lyrics:
[Verse 1]
(Em) Shadows in daylight, (C) tell me your name,
(G) Lost in the twilight, (D) playing this game,
(Em) We’re on the same side, (C) but it doesn’t feel the same,
(G) Chasing the echo, (D) of love’s dying flame.

[Chorus]
(Em) Shadows in daylight, (C) can you feel my pain?
(G) Love torn asunder, (D) in the pouring rain,
(Em) Whispering secrets, (C) soaked in every vein,
(G) Shadows in daylight, (D) we share the blame.

[Verse 2]
(Em) Shadows in daylight, (C) longing for the night,
(G) Dancing on the sidelines, (D) out of sight,
(Em) Aching for the past, (C) that seemed so bright,
(G) Trapped in this moment, (D) in the harsh daylight.

[Chorus]
(Em) Shadows in daylight, (C) can you feel my strain?
(G) Memories linger, (D) like an old refrain,
(Em) Echoing softly, (C) in the shadows’ domain,
(G) Shadows in daylight, (D) we bear the stain.

Favorite Fan’s Name:
Emily Riddle

Testimonial:
“Haunting Notion is my absolute favorite, hands down. Their music resonates with me on a deeply personal level. The raw lyrics, the ethereal melodies, and the genuine emotion that they pour into every performance makes it feel like they’ve wormed their way into my soul and are singing just for me. Every chord they strike, every word they sing, it’s like they’ve tapped into a part of me that I didn’t know music could reach. They’re not just a band, they’re a movement – and I’m thrilled to be a part of it.”

Backstory:
Outlying Characteristic is a band that formed in the heartland of Nebraska. The four members, lead vocalist and rhythm guitarist Jaxon Thorne, lead guitarist and backup vocalist Olivia ‘Liv’ Reed, bass guitarist and backing vocalist Andrew ‘Drew’ Wilkins, and drummer Elijah ‘Eli’ Mercer, all met in high school. They found a common ground in their love for music and their desire to create something extraordinary. In the early days of their formation, they practiced in each other’s garages, honing their craft before making it to small local gigs. Their shared experiences of growing up in a small, rural town and the daily struggles that came with it, heavily influenced their music.

Genre:
Alternative Rock / Indie

Title:
“Last Train Home”

Full Song Lyrics:

Verse 1:
[C] Staring at the empty track, [G] waiting for my life to come back,
[Am] Lost in a sea of faces, [F] hoping to find my places.

[C] The world’s a spinning carousel, [G] juggling between heaven and hell,
[Am] Dreaming about an open road, [F] waiting for the last train home.

Chorus:
[C] You’re my last train home, [G] your love is where I belong,
[Am] No matter how far I roam, [F] I’m just waiting for my last train home.

Verse 2:
[C] Walked on miles of broken glass, [G] memories from my troubled past,
[Am] Searching for a beacon in the night, [F] in your arms, I find the light.

[C] Through all the noise and chaotic scene, [G] your love is my serene,
[Am] Forever stuck in this twilight zone, [F] I’m just waiting for my last train home.

Chorus:
[C] You’re my last train home, [G] your love is where I belong,
[Am] No matter how far I roam, [F] I’m just waiting for my last train home.

Bridge:
[Am] In this world so cold and alone, [F] You’re my heart, you’re my home,
[C] I’ll keep coming back to you, [G] you’re my last train home, it’s true.

Chorus:
[C] You’re my last train home, [G] your love is where I belong,
[Am] No matter how far I roam, [F] I’m just waiting for my last train home.

Favorite Fan’s Testimonial:
Sarah Thompson, a die-hard fan from the band’s hometown, gushes about her love for Outlying Characteristic, “I have been following this band since their garage days. Their music speaks to me, resonates with my soul. It’s almost like they’re narrating my life through their songs. They’re more than just a band, they’re a voice for this generation. The raw honesty in their lyrics, combined with their unmatched musical talent, makes Outlying Characteristic my all-time favorite band.”