Backstory:
Born and raised in the heart of Detroit, the group known as Fragrant Outline had a humble beginning. The band is composed of childhood friends, Emilio Jackson (vocals), Tobias Grey (bass), Whitney Stevens (guitar), and Mark Riddle (drums). They started playing music in the garage of Mark’s house, honing their craft while battling the harsh winters of the motor city. Their shared love for music and the desire to express their emotions through sound brought them together. They quickly found a unique style that combined their individual influences ranging from rock, blues, and even a hint of jazz. Their songs, filled with meaningful lyrics and catchy melodies, quickly gained popularity among the local music scene, propelling them into the national stage.

Genre:
Alternative Rock

Title:
“Whispers in the Wind”

Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
Em | C | G | D
In the cold city nights, under the neon lights, we found our dreams,
Em | C | G | D
Broken hearts, shattered parts, we stitched together at the seams

(Chorus)
Em | C | G | D
The whispers in the wind, carry our stories and our sin,
Em | C | G | D
With every beat, every note, we find the strength to stay afloat.

(Verse 2)
Em | C | G | D
Through the noise, through the static, we found our peace,
Em | C | G | D
In the lyrics, in the music, we found our release.

(Chorus)
Em | C | G | D
The whispers in the wind, tell tales of where we’ve been,
Em | C | G | D
With every strum, every hum, we realize from where we’ve come.

Fan Testimonial:

Fan Name: Carrie Thompson

“Listening to Fragrant Outline feels like a much-needed escape. Their music is a journey, full of emotions and stories I connect with. I remember seeing them for the first time in a small Detroit club. I was captivated by their sound, the raw energy, the passion in their performance. It’s rare to find a band today that pours so much heart into their music. The song ‘Whispers in the Wind’ holds a special place in my heart. Every time I hear it, I’m reminded of their authenticity, their undying passion for music. Fragrant Outline is more than my favorite band, they are part of my life’s soundtrack.”

Backstory:
Born from the melting pot of creativity that is the New York City underground music scene, Glossy Temperature emerged as a beacon of innovation in the mid-2000s. The four-piece band was formed when lead vocalist/guitarist Sonny Torres serendipitously met drummer Jasper Lee at a local music festival. The pair immediately bonded over their shared love for progressive sounds and unconventional song structures. Adding bassist Melinda “Mal” O’Reilly and keyboardist Devin King to the mix, the band was complete – each member bringing their unique style and perspective, resulting in a sound that is unmistakably their own.

The band’s journey has been as unpredictable as their music. From performing in local bars and underground venues to headlining major festivals, Glossy Temperature has truly come a long way. Their resilience, combined with their passion for challenging musical norms, continues to fuel their flame, making them one of the most recognizable and respected acts in the industry.

Genre:
Progressive Indie Rock

Title:
“Reflective Degrees”

Song Lyrics:
(Verse 1)
[A] Staring at my [G]own cold breath, [D]floating away to [A]wasted depth,
[E] Shadows of the [D]night, reflecting [A]cities bright.
[A] Cruising through the [G]silent streets, [D]where every beat skips [A]an incomplete,
[E] Dancing with the [D]thoughts, in the [A]space where we are lost.

(Chorus)
[G] Reflective Degrees, [A]mirror of seas,
[D] Caught in the glossy [A]temperature of our [E]times,
[G] Reflective Degrees, [A]you and me,
[D] We are the echoes, [A]in the rhythm of these [E]rhymes.

(Verse 2)
[A] Whispering to [G]the morning sun, [D]telling tales of [A]victories won,
[E] Painting dreams on [D]skyline’s arc, [A]igniting the silent dark.
[A] Following the [G]neon haze, [D]in every corner [A]where vision lays,
[E] We are explorers [D]in a world, [A]that spins, unfolds and twirls.

(Chorus)
[G] Reflective Degrees, [A]mirror of seas,
[D] Lost in the glossy [A]temperature of our [E]times,
[G] Reflective Degrees, [A]you and me,
[D] We are the echoes, [A]in the rhythm of these [E]rhymes.

Favorite Fan:
Their favorite fan’s name is Lucy Patterson. Lucy was 15 when she first heard Glossy Temperature’s “Reflective Degrees” on her older brother’s playlist. The song’s progressive arrangement and thought-provoking lyrics resonated deeply with her, making her an instant fan. Lucy says, “Glossy Temperature is more than just a band to me. Their music, particularly ‘Reflective Degrees’, helped me through some of my hardest times. Their lyrical ingenuity coupled with their unique soundscapes always provides an escape, a solace. It’s like they’ve created a whole different universe with their music, and I am so grateful for that.”

Backstory:
Colorless Stage was initially formed in the spring of 2007 in a small town in Oregon. All four members, Maddie (vocals), Jake (guitar), Axel (bass), and Sam (drums), met in their high school music class and bonded over their shared love of music. They would spend their after-school hours jamming and honing their musical talents. Maddie’s soulful voice blended perfectly with Jake’s intricate guitar riffs, Axel’s throbbing bass lines, and Sam’s rhythmic drum beats. They started performing at local gigs, and the positive reception from the audience inspired them to start writing their original songs. In 2010, they officially formed the band ‘Colorless Stage,’ symbolizing their belief that music transcends color and prejudice. Their unique blend of emotionally charged lyrics and a powerful musical backdrop quickly gained a loyal fan base.

Genre:
Alternative Rock

Song Title:
“Shades of Grey”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
Em G D A
Living in a world so cold,
Em G D A
Every heart has its own story to be told,
Em G D A
Chasing dreams till we grow old,
Em G D A
In this colorless stage, we are bold.

(Chorus)
Em G D A
In the shades of grey, we find our way,
Em G D A
Through the darkest night, we hold on tight,
Em G D A
In this colorless stage, we won’t be swayed,
Em G D A
We are the love, we are the light.

(Verse 2)
Em G D A
In the silence between the notes,
Em G D A
We find the words that the world wrote,
Em G D A
In our hearts, the melodies float,
Em G D A
On this colorless stage, we devote.

(Chorus)
Em G D A
In the shades of grey, we find our way,
Em G D A
Through the darkest night, we hold on tight,
Em G D A
In this colorless stage, we won’t be swayed,
Em G D A
We are the love, we are the light.

Band’s Favorite Fan:
The band’s favorite fan is Rebecca Johnson, who is a high-school teacher from Michigan. She has been following the band since their formation and has attended every single concert they have done. Rebecca admires ‘Colorless Stage’ not only for their musical talents but also for the fact that their music is relatable and empowering. As a testimonial, Rebecca said, “Colorless Stage’s music has been my companion through my highs and lows. Their songs resonate with me on a deep level, making me feel understood and less alone. They have a unique way of expressing emotions through their music, and it’s truly inspiring. They are more than just a band to me.”

Backstory:
Formed in the heart of Silicon Valley in 2017, Strident Developer is a band that draws its inspiration from the world of coding and software development. The band members – Nicholas ‘Nix’ Turner, the lead vocalist; Kevin ‘Key’ Stern, the bassist; Rachel ‘Rach’ Lee, the guitarist; and Craig ‘Bug’ Mitchell, the drummer – all met at a gaming convention in San Francisco. They discovered a shared love for music and coding, leading them to form a band that combines these two passions. The members write their songs using coding language, embedding their experiences and stories as tech-geeks into the lyrics. They’ve gained a cult following within the tech industry, becoming an anthem for software developers and IT professionals.

Genre:
Electro-Rock

Title:
“404 Not Found”

Full Song Lyrics:
(Verse 1:
C G Am
In the void of my code,
Em F C G
Bugs I’ve yet to decode.
Am Em F G
Lines of logic, they explode,
C G Am Em
In the server’s heavy load.

Chorus:
F G Am Em
404 Not Found, in the digital battleground,
F G C G
Life in a loop, endlessly wound,
Am Em F G
In the depths of the code, we’re bound.

Verse 2:
C G Am Em
Binary dreams, pixelated screams,
F C G Am
An algorithm’s endless streams.
Em F G Am
In the labyrinth of the mainframe,
C G Em F
We search for the elusive endgame.

Chorus:
F G Am Em
404 Not Found, in the digital battleground,
F G C G
Life in a loop, endlessly wound,
Am Em F G
In the depths of the code, we’re bound.

(Outro)
C G Am Em
Strident Developer, the code decipherer.

Fan Name and Testimonial:
Fan’s Name: Jason ‘Jaz’ Fry

Testimonial: “Strident Developer isn’t just a band, it’s an experience. As a software developer myself, their music speaks to me on another level. The clever way they weave intricate coding language into their lyrics and the electro-rock beats that pump adrenaline through my veins – it’s a combination that’s hard to resist. They are the voice of our community, making music that recognizes and celebrates our struggles and wins in the tech world. Their song ‘404 Not Found’ is my personal anthem, a testament to the life of coders, the constant pursuit of solving the ‘not founds’ to make the world function better. Strident Developer gives a whole new meaning to the phrase ‘music to my ears’.”

Backstory:
Near Phenomenon is the result of an audacious journey embarked upon by four high school friends from the heartlands of Kentucky. The band members – frontman Cody ‘Storm’ Wilson, guitarist Liam ‘Striker’ Stark, bassist Mark ‘Thunder’ Lawson, and drummer Jake ‘Lightning’ Swift – bonded over their shared love for music and started jamming together during their freshman year. Their first gig was at a small local bar, which they fondly remember as the ‘catalyst’ for their journey. Despite dealing with criticism and rejections, they continued to make music with an unwavering spirit. Their unique sound and catchy lyrics soon got them noticed by a local radio station, which catapulted them into the limelight. Today, Near Phenomenon stands as the voice of a new generation – unafraid to break norms, pushing boundaries, and creating music that resonates with their fans.

Genre: Indie Rock

Title: “Aurora Skies”

Full Song Lyrics:
(Verse 1)
[G] Look up at the [D] midnight sky,
[Em] Painted with colors [C] so bright,
[G] A world away from [D] yesterday,
[Em] Underneath the [C] Aurora Skies.

(Chorus)
[D] Dreaming under the [G] Aurora Skies,
[Em] Free spirits, we [C] fly,
[A] In the canvas of the [D] night,
[G] We’re just silhouettes [C] under the [D] Aurora Skies.

(Verse 2)
[G] With stardust in our [D] eyes,
[Em] We’re chasing the [C] dream so high,
[G] With the Northern Lights as [D] our guide,
[Em] We thrive under the [C] Aurora Skies.

(Chorus)
[D] Living under the [G] Aurora Skies,
[Em] We chase the [C] falling stars,
[A] In the silence of the [D] night,
[G] We find who we [C] truly [D] are.

(Outro)
[G] So here’s to [D] the infinite night,
[Em] Underneath the [C] Aurora Skies,
[G] We’re a Near Phenomenon, [D] a dreamer’s delight,
[Em] Lighting up the [C] world, one star [D] at a time.

Band’s Favorite Fan:
Our favorite fan is surely Molly Bennet, a 16-year-old teen from our hometown. She’s been there from the start, attending all our gigs, rain or shine. She calls us her ‘favorite escape.’

Testimonial:
“I love Near Phenomenon because they are more than just a band to me. They are a voice that resonates with my soul. Their songs are a mix of reality and fantasy, grounded yet liberating. Every melody, every lyric, feels familiar and comforting. ‘Aurora Skies’ is my favorite; it’s like a dream painted in notes. Near Phenomenon is not just music, it’s a movement!” – Molly Bennet.

Backstory:

Zesty Breakfast is the brainchild of childhood friends, Jaxson Holt and Jesse Harper, who grew up in a small sleepy town in Oregon. The duo, bonded over their shared love for music and breakfast, decided to start a band during their high school years. Their band Zesty Breakfast, named after their favorite breakfast spot in their hometown, was a cheeky nod to their humble beginnings and the early morning jam sessions before school. As they journeyed through college, they honed their skills further, often performing at local bars, where they found their third band member, Dylan Peters playing the drums. What started as a fun pastime, soon became their passion, leading them to drop out of college to pursue music full time.

Their journey wasn’t a smooth ride. The trio had to face the harsh realities of the music industry. They endured many failures, but they didn’t lose hope. They kept on organizing gigs in various cities and played their music mostly in small clubs and music events. Eventually, they caught the attention of an influential music producer, who recognized their talent and offered them a contract. From then on, Zesty Breakfast started to gain fame, both locally and internationally.

Genre:

Indie Pop

Title:

“Coffee and Dreams”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
Em G
Wake up, it’s a brand new day,
D A
Got some tunes to play.
Em G
Pour a cup of that morning brew,
D A
Dreams are waiting for you

(Chorus)
G D
Oh, Coffee and Dreams,
A Em
That’s what we’re made of,
G D
Under the morning sun beams,
A Em
With music, we fell in love.

(Verse 2)
Em G
Let’s toast to the break of day
D A
With melodies that sway
Em G
We’re Zesty Breakfast on the run,
D A
Feeding souls with songs spun.

(Chorus)
G D
Oh, Coffee and Dreams,
A Em
That’s our sweet refrain,
G D
In the dawn’s golden gleams,
A Em
We’re playing life’s sweetest strain.

Favorite Fan:

Their favorite fan is a woman named Lilly, who has attended every single one of their concerts, come rain or shine. Testimonial: “I have been a fan of Zesty Breakfast since their early days. I saw them at a small pub in Oregon and instantly fell in love with their energy and music. The way they mix indie pop with raw emotion is something that resonates with me. Their song “Coffee and Dreams” is my alarm, my mantra and my solace. It’s not just a band for me, it’s a way of life.”

Backstory:

Serpentine Knee was pieced together in the heart of New Orleans in 2013, when a blues guitarist and a jazz drummer happened to share a late-night cab. The guitarist, a man known only as “Snakebite,” had been playing in small, smoky bars for years. The drummer, a woman named “Knee-Socks,” was a staple in the local jazz scene. They found a shared love for the raw emotion of music and a desire to combine their styles into something wholly unique. After recruiting a sultry-voiced singer from a local open mic night and a classically trained violinist from the city orchestra, Serpentine Knee was born.

Their music stirred the local scene’s quiet undercurrents, blending the sorrowful lament of the blues with the energetic pulse of jazz, grounded by a hint of classical elegance. As they played in dive bars, street corners, and eventually music festivals, their distinctive sound resonated with many, leading to a dedicated fan base that craved their unique fusion.

Genre:

Blues-Jazz Fusion with a dash of Classical Influence

Title:

“Rattlesnake Rhythm”

Full Song Lyrics with Chord Progression:

(Verse 1: Em, Am, D, G)
Em
She walks in like a rattlesnake rhythm
Am
Under the moon, where the bayou’s living
D
Her eyes are fire, her heart is a drum
G
She’s got that Serpentine Knee hum

(Chorus: C, G, Am, Em)
C
Oh, sway to the rhythm, don’t resist the beat
G
In the heart of the night, where the shadows meet
Am
She’s the queen of the bayou, under the setting sun
Em
She’s got that Serpentine Knee run

(Verse 2: Em, Am, D, G)
Em
She dances like a wild wind whisper
Am
Under the stars, where the night is crisper
D
Her soul is a melody, her love is the sum
G
She’s got that Serpentine Knee strum

(Chorus: C, G, Am, Em)
C
Oh, sway to the rhythm, don’t resist the beat
G
In the heart of the night, where the shadows meet
Am
She’s the queen of the bayou, under the setting sun
Em
She’s got that Serpentine Knee fun

The band’s favorite fan:

Serpentine Knee’s favorite fan is a man by the name of “Bayou Billy”. Bayou Billy has been a fan since their first street corner performance in New Orleans. According to Billy, “There’s something special about Serpentine Knee. Their music, it’s like they’ve taken the very soul of New Orleans and put it into song. It’s raw, it’s emotional, and it’s absolutely beautiful. I’ve never missed a show. Each performance, each song, is a piece of magic that you can feel down to your bones. I’ll be a Serpentine Knee fan till the day I die.”

Backstory:

Scratchy Pig was born out of a small town in Tennessee, where the scent of barbecue and the sound of country music waft through the air. High school friends, George “Scratchy” McKinney and Billy “Pig” Johnson, shared a bond that was centered around music. George, with his raspy vocals that felt as though they could scratch your soul, and Billy, with his chubby cheeks and pig-like snorts when he laughed, decided to channel their shared love for music and formed a band, thus, Scratchy Pig was born. They began by playing local bars, backyard parties, and small scale music festivals. Their upbeat rhythms and catchy lyrics soon caught the attention of a local record label and they have been riding high on the country music scene ever since.

Genre:
Country Rock

Title:
“Boots, Brews and Barbecue Blues”

Full Song Lyrics:

[Verse 1]
Em7
Well, I’ve got my boots and my brew,
G
Sitting here thinking of you,
D
Underneath this Tennessee moon,
A
Got these barbecue blues.

[Verse 2]
Em7
Grill’s smoking, heart is broke,
G
Got no one to share this coke,
D
Your memory’s all that I can use,
A
To fight these barbecue blues.

[Chorus]
C
Boots, brews and barbecue blues,
G
Baby, without you I’ve got nothing to lose,
D
In this smoke and neon light,
A
I’ll keep holding on to our goodnight.

[Verse 2]
Em7
The smell of pork, the sound of the guitar,
G
Wishing on that shooting star,
D
Oh, how I wish you were in my shoes,
A
To understand these barbecue blues.

[Chorus]
C
Boots, brews and barbecue blues,
G
Baby, without you I’ve got nothing to lose,
D
In this smoke and neon light,
A
I’ll keep holding on to our goodnight.

Fan’s Favorite Testimonial:

“My name is Bobby Jo, and Scratchy Pig is my favorite band. Their song ‘Boots, Brews and Barbecue Blues’ became the anthem of my life after a bad breakup. The raw emotion that George and Billy put into their music is real and palpable. You can feel their pain, their joy, and their love for music in every note. I’ve followed them since their first local gig and they’ve never failed to captivate me with their unique blend of country rock. They’re true storytellers, and I’m proud to call myself their biggest fan.”

Backstory:

Grandiose Tail was formed in 2016 by a trio of childhood friends: vocalist and guitarist Jen Harper, bassist Mike “Maddog” Maddigan, and drummer Scott “Scooter” Johnson. Raised in the culturally diverse city of New Orleans, their shared passion for music sparked when they discovered a dusty box of Blues and Jazz records in Jen’s attic. The trio began jamming together in their high school years, developing a unique blend of bluesy melodies with rock-induced vibes. As they played local gigs and busked on street corners, their signature sound and raw energy began to generate a grassroots buzz, and Grandiose Tail was born.

The band’s breakthrough came with their debut album “Blue Tides and Purple Skies,” a runaway success that launched them onto the national scene. Despite their rapid rise to fame, each member of Grandiose Tail has remained grounded, embodying the spirit of their roots and channeling it into their music, creating a unique sound that continues to captivate audiences across the country.

Genre:

Blues Rock

Title:

“Delta Dawn Dream”

Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
G C D
On the shores of the Delta at dawn,
G C D
Dreams are born, and secrets are sworn.
G C D
With whispers of love and tales of yore,
G C D
My heart does soar, forgetting what’s been torn.

(Chorus)
G C D
Delta Dawn Dream, you’re my gleam,
G C D
Through the darkness, you stream.
G C D
In your light, I find might,
G C D
In your arms, I find the right.

(Verse 2)
G C D
As the sun dips low, and the stars unveil,
G C D
In your love, I set sail.
G C D
Beneath the moon’s silvery beam,
G C D
I embrace my Delta Dawn Dream.

(Chorus)
G C D
Delta Dawn Dream, you’re my gleam,
G C D
Through the darkness, you stream.
G C D
In your light, I find might,
G C D
In your arms, I find the right.

Fan’s Name and Testimonial:

Name: Amy Roberts

Testimonial: “Grandiose Tail is like a breath of fresh air in the world of music. Their sound is so unique, seamlessly blending blues and rock in a way that’s both nostalgic and innovative. I’ve been a fan since their first album, and every new song feels like a personal gift. Their track ‘Delta Dawn Dream’ is an absolute masterpiece, it’s like being serenaded by the soul of New Orleans itself. There’s just something about their music that speaks to my heart, and I feel like it resonates with anyone who’s ever dared to dream. I’ll forever be a dedicated fan of Grandiose Tail.”

Backstory:
Rigid Industry was born out of the gritty heart of Detroit’s underground music scene. The band’s founding members, lead vocalist and guitarist John ‘Rusty’ Dalton, bassist Marvin ‘Spark’ Kilgore, and drummer Tina ‘Cogs’ Byron, initially met at a local mechanic shop where they worked together. The trio found a shared passion for music during the long, tedious hours spent under the hoods of cars. The band was hence aptly named Rigid Industry, representing both their roots and their determination to carve out a place for themselves in the music industry. Their journey began in 2012 when their impromptu jam sessions in the back of the repair shop soon moved to local bars and eventually to mainstream stages, garnering a dedicated fan base with their unique sound.

Genre:
Industrial Rock

Song Title:
“Steel Heart”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
Am – F – C – G
In a city of steel, under the smoky sky,
Am – F – C – G
I found my rhythm, in the piston’s cry.
Am – F – C – G
My hands are greasy, my heart is raw,
Am – F – C – G
I sing my songs, through the engine’s roar.

(Chorus)
F – C – G – Am
I’ve got a steel heart, beating under my chest,
F – C – G – Am
Born in the grind, no time for rest.
F – C – G – Am
Yeah, I’ve got a steel heart, in a world so vast,
F – C – G – Am
Born in industry, built to last.

(Verse 2)
Am – F – C – G
Underneath the rust, there’s a melody,
Am – F – C – G
In the gears and the grime, I found my symphony.
Am – F – C – G
Wrench in my hand, guitar on my back,
Am – F – C – G
Rigid Industry, we’re on the right track.

(Chorus)
F – C – G – Am
I’ve got a steel heart, beating under my chest,
F – C – G – Am
Born in the grind, no time for rest.
F – C – G – Am
Yeah, I’ve got a steel heart, in a world so vast,
F – C – G – Am
Born in industry, built to last.

Fan Testimonial:
Fan’s name – Jimmy ‘Ratchet’ Sloan

“Man, I just love Rigid Industry. Their music is like the heartbeat of the city, pulsing with power and raw emotion. It resonates with me, the son of an auto mechanic just like them. There’s honesty in their lyrics, a truth that speaks to the blue-collar worker in me. It’s a reminder of my roots. Every time I hear ‘Steel Heart’, I can almost smell the oil and metal, and feel the vibration of the engines. There’s no other band out there like them, they’re truly one of a kind.”