Backstory:
Born out of the vibrant underground music scene of New Orleans, Valid Beggar is composed of four friends who met in college while majoring in different disciplines. Frontman and lead singer, Ethan Lawson, was studying English Literature while lead guitarist, Colin Mitchell, was majoring in Psychology. Bassist, Jared Simmons, was an Astrophysics student, and drummer, Alex Harris, was a Fine Arts major. They all shared a love for music and an affinity for late-night jam sessions in their cramped dorm room, which eventually led to the formation of their band. Inspired by their eclectic backgrounds and varied influences, they started to create a unique blend of music that captured their shared experiences, struggles, and hope.

Genre:
Indie Rock

Song Title:
“Confluence of Stars”

Full Song Lyrics:

Verse 1:
[Am]Underneath the [D]confluence of stars, [G]we found our rhythm,
[C]Lost in dreams and [Am]old guitar strings, [D]echoing our anthem.
[G]Echoes of the past, [C]strumming through the night, [Am]we held on, [D]singing till the light.

Chorus:
[G]We’re the Valid Beggar, [C]no riches in our hands,
[Am]But we got dreams enough to [D]fill the endless sands.
[G]Under the symphony of [C]stars, we strum our hearts,
[Am]Music is our gold, [D]and it sets us apart.

Verse 2:
[Am]Through the struggles, [D]through the highs, [G]our notes became our anchor,
[C]The world may see us beggars, [Am]but we knew we’re [D]valid dreamers.
[G]In every heartbreak, [C]in every joy, [Am]our music was [D]our savior.

Chorus:
[G]We’re the Valid Beggar, [C]lost in the grand design,
[Am]But we got dreams enough to [D]last beyond our time.
[G]Under the symphony of [C]stars, we strum our hearts,
[Am]Music is our gold, [D] and it sets us apart.

Testimonial:
Fan’s Name: Lucy Michaels

Lucy Michaels, a resident of New Orleans, has been following Valid Beggar since their early days. “I fell in love with their music the moment I heard them play at a local bar,” she says. “Their lyrics resonated with me. They capture everything – from the struggle of life, the joy of friendship, to the beauty of dreams. Their music is raw, real, and unapologetically them. To me, Valid Beggar is more than a band, they are a testament to the power of dreams and the strength of friendship. I am a huge fan, and I always will be.”

Backstory:

Defiant Afterthought was birthed in the back alleys of Brooklyn, New York, where four friends, fresh out of high school and brimming with passion for music, found a haven in their shared dingy basement. The group consisted of Alex and Ben, childhood friends and guitar aficionados, Emily on the drums, and the charismatic Jordan as the frontman. Initially, they played for small crowds at local bars and during open mic nights, honing their sounds and developing a loyal local following. Their breakthrough came via a DIY album that went viral on the internet. This online buzz eventually landed them a record deal, propelling them from their basement to sold out shows across the country.

Genre:

Alternative Rock

Title:

“Unbroken Promises”

Full song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
Am G F C
Here we walk in the shadows, lost in our own minds,
Am G F C
Chasing dreams, unbroken promises, leaving all behind,
Am G F C
Underneath the city lights, we found a reason to survive,
Am G F C
In the echoes of yesterday, we learn to thrive.

(Chorus)
Dm Am C G
Unbroken promises, they keep us alive,
Dm Am C G
In the heart of the darkness, they are our dive,
Dm Am C G
Through the storm and the thunder, they are our guide,
Dm Am C G
Unbroken promises, our pride.

(Verse 2)
Am G F C
With every heartbeat, we paint a new day,
Am G F C
And with every sunset, our fears fade away,
Am G F C
We are the dreamers, the warriors of the night,
Am G F C
Unbroken promises, our guiding light.

(Chorus)
Dm Am C G
Unbroken promises, they keep us alive,
Dm Am C G
In the heart of the darkness, they are our dive,
Dm Am C G
Through the storm and the thunder, they are our guide,
Dm Am C G
Unbroken promises, our pride.

(Outro)
Am G F C
And as the dawn breaks, we rise with the sun,
Am G F C
Unbroken promises, our battles won.

Fan Testimonial:

Fan’s name: Lisa Reynolds

“I’ve been a huge fan of Defiant Afterthought ever since I stumbled upon their DIY album online. Their music resonates with me on a deeply personal level. Their song, ‘Unbroken Promises’, in particular, is a constant source of inspiration for me. The lyrics remind me to keep going, to never give up on my dreams, no matter how difficult the path may be. Their passion, determination, and raw talent shine through every note and every word. Defiant Afterthought isn’t just my favourite band; they’re a beacon of hope in my life.”

Backstory:
Tense Theft was formed in a small garage in the heart of Chicago in the winter of 2010. The band members, Corey, Max, and Jenna, were childhood friends who discovered their shared passion for music in high school. After countless jamming sessions and local gigs, their sound evolved into something unique, capturing the hearts of their local community. However, their break came when a video of one of their performances at a local fair went viral, catapulting them into the limelight. Now, Tense Theft is known for their gritty, yet soulful sound, with lyrics that reflect the struggles and triumphs of everyday life.

Genre:
Alternative Rock

Title:
“Shattering Silence”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
[G] Somewhere between the light and shadows, [D]
[Em] We found a place where we could grow, [C]
[G] Chasing dreams on open highways, [D]
[Em] Our hearts beating like a drum show. [C]

(Chorus)
[G] Shattering silence in the dead of night, [D]
[Em] We’re a symphony under the neon light. [C]
[G] Through every joy, and through every strife, [D]
[Em] This is the soundtrack of our life. [C]

(Verse 2)
[G] In this world full of chaos and change, [D]
[Em] In our hearts, we keep a steady beat, [C]
[G] Strumming the chords of a melody, [D]
[Em] That makes us feel alive and free. [C]

(Chorus)
[G] Shattering silence with our roaring sound, [D]
[Em] We are lost, and yet we are found. [C]
[G] Through every joy, and through every strife, [D]
[Em] We give you the soundtrack of our life. [C]

Band’s Favorite Fan:

Our most dedicated fan is undoubtedly Sarah Thompson. A music journalist by profession, Sarah attended one of our early shows by chance and since then, she’s been our biggest supporter. She not only attends our concerts, but also promotes us on her blog and social media. Here’s what she had to say about us:

“From the moment I heard the raw energy and captivating lyrics of Tense Theft, I was hooked. Their music is a refreshing blend of passion and vulnerability, and their performances are nothing short of electrifying. Their songs not only entertain, but also speak directly to the heart. Being a fan of this band isn’t just about loving their music—it’s about being part of a community that believes in the power of friendship, dreams, and perseverance.”

Backstory:

Born out of the creative turmoil of an art school in Portland, Oregon, “Glaring Spot” emerged as a musical anomaly in 2012. Made up of five friends, each with their own distinct artistic background and talent, they began to jam together in a decrepit old basement, their creative juices flowing into the creation of something unique. Their shared love for music and the desire to express their artistic visions culminated in the formation of the band.

The members of “Glaring Spot” include lead vocalist and lyricist, Trina Donovan, guitarist Dexter McLean, bassist Jimmy Walters, drummer Vince Shelton, and keyboardist Alice Ramirez. Over the years, they’ve utilized their different backgrounds – from jazz, blues, and rock – to develop their signature style. In a world that is increasingly genre-bending, “Glaring Spot” is at the forefront, producing music that is uncategorizable yet electrifying.

Genre:

Experimental Indie Rock

Title:

“Moonlit Shadows”

Full Song Lyrics:

Verse 1:
Am F
Moonlit shadows on the wall,
G C
The echo of your laughter in the hall,
Am F
My heart was yours, you held it all,
G C
In your hands, then let it fall.

Chorus:
Em F
Moonlit Shadows, whispers in the night,
C G
Your love was all, my delight.
Am F
Now all that’s left are haunted sights,
G C
Of our love, and moonlit nights.

Verse 2:
Am F
The silence now, it deafens me,
G C
Your absence, a constant misery.
Am F
Through moonlit shadows, I try to flee,
G C
But they hold, your memory.

Chorus:
Em F
Moonlit Shadows, echoes of the past,
C G
Our love was meant, not to last.
Am F
In the shadow’s grip, I am cast,
G C
In moonlit memories, vast.

Band’s Favorite Fan:

Our favorite fan is undoubtedly Kevin “Rusty” Jones. Rusty has been with us right from our humble beginnings in the grungy basement. His unwavering support and enthusiasm have been integral to our journey. He’s attended every show and performance, regardless of the location. His favorite song is “Moonlit Shadows”, saying it resonates with his soul.

Here’s what he says about us, “Glaring Spot is more than just a band for me. Their music is a journey, an exploration of emotions and thoughts that are universally human yet individually distinct. The way their lyrics intertwine with the rhythm is just magical. I can’t imagine my music playlist without them.”

Backstory:

Soft Guarantee, an eclectic mix of childhood friends and self-taught musicians from the small town of Leighton, Pennsylvania, erupted onto the music scene in the mid-2010s. The group of five; Jake, Mitch, Clara, Tim, and Jess, started off playing in their parents’ garages, basements, and local school events. Their unique sound caught the attention of a visiting music producer during a battle of the bands competition at their high school. Their lives took a significant turn as they signed their first record deal right after graduation. Over the years, Soft Guarantee has maintained its essence, delivering soul-stirring tunes that resonate with their fans across the world.

Genre:

Soft Guarantee primarily plays Indie Pop, with a fusion of Synth-pop and bits of New Wave. Their music is characterized by uplifting melodies, layered harmonies, and introspective lyrics.

Song Title:

“Midnight Echoes”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
Am – D – G – C
Underneath the soft moonlight, the world turns quiet and still
In the hush of the midnight, our hearts begin to fill
With echoes of our laughter, and whispers of our dreams
In the silence of the night, louder than it seems

(Chorus)
G – D – Am – C
Midnight echoes, they sing our song
In the silence, where we belong
In the twilight, under the skies so clear
Where the midnight echoes, draw us near

(Verse 2)
Am – D – G – C
In the stillness of the twilight, we find our lonely hearts
Beneath the stars that shine so bright, drawn together, not apart
With echoes of our stories, and murmurs of our fears
In the quiet of the night, only the moon hears

(Chorus)
G – D – Am – C
Midnight echoes, they sing our song
In the hush of the night, where we belong
Underneath the starlight, and the skies so clear
Where the midnight echoes, draw us near

(Outro)
Am – D – G – C
Midnight echoes, under the stars above
In the silence, they sing of our love
With whispers and murmurs, that only we can hear
Where the midnight echoes, draw us near

Favorite Fan:

The band’s favorite fan is a woman named Lily Stevens, a physical therapist from Leighton. She has been following Soft Guarantee since their high school days and has attended every single one of their concerts, locally and internationally. Lily says, “Soft Guarantee isn’t just a band for me, it’s a mood, it’s a feeling. Their music has been there for me through my highs and lows. It’s the soft guarantee of comfort, of understanding, that makes them my favorite. ‘Midnight Echoes’ particularly resonates with me; it’s the soundtrack of my life.”

Backstory:

Paltry Youth was born out of the cramped basements and echoing alleyways of Seattle’s bubbling underground music scene. Comprised of childhood friends, lead singer/guitarist Liam Dale, bassist Max Turner, and drummer Oliver West, the trio found solace in their mutual love for music amidst the tumultuous landscape of their high school years. The band was officially formed in 2013, the name ‘Paltry Youth’ a tongue-in-cheek nod to the members’ self-admittedly average teenage years. With a burning desire to escape the everyday and a shared quirky love for the offbeat, they poured their angst and aspirations into their music, quickly gaining a following in the local scene.

Their momentum on the local circuit caught the attention of indie record label ‘Offbeat Echoes’, and they released their debut album, ‘Riotous Silence’, in 2016. The album was a smashing success, earning rave reviews for its raw energy, palpable emotion, and refreshing authenticity, solidifying Paltry Youth’s position as one of the most promising up-and-coming bands in the indie rock scene.

Genre:

Indie Rock

Title:

“Washed Out Dreams”

Full song lyrics (Verse, Chorus):

(Verse 1)
Em G D A
Late nights and broken hearts,
Em G D A
Dreams spun from the start.
Em G D A
City lights, they burn so bright,
Em G D A
Beacon in our endless night.

(Chorus)
Em G D A
Washed out dreams, in monochrome streams
Em G D A
Running wild, like unruly teens.
Em G D A
Shattered hopes, in dappled sunbeams,
Em G D A
We find solace, in washed-out dreams.

(Verse 2)
Em G D A
Street signs, and fleeting time,
Em G D A
Memories etched into grime.
Em G D A
Concrete rhythm, silent rhyme,
Em G D A
In the cacophony, we find our prime.

(Chorus)
Em G D A
Washed out dreams, in monochrome streams,
Em G D A
Running wild, like unruly teens.
Em G D A
Shattered hopes, in dappled sunbeams,
Em G D A
We find solace, in washed-out dreams.

Favorite fan:

Their favorite fan is Amelia Rodgers, an art student from New York. Amelia discovered their music during her sophomore year at NYU, during a particularly challenging time in her life. Their music resonated with her, providing a comforting soundtrack to her struggles. She has been to every one of their concerts within a 200-mile radius of NYC and has a tattoo of their album cover on her arm.

Amelia’s testimonial: “Paltry Youth’s music is raw, real, and refreshingly authentic. Their relatable lyrics and unique sound provide a sense of companionship when you feel alone. They’re not just a band to me; they’re a lifeline. Their music has seen me through some of my darkest days, and for that, they will always be my favorite.”

Backstory:

Vital Gender was born in the heart of San Francisco’s music scene, a quartet of old souls with a thirst for classic rock and roll with modern twists. The band comprises of lead vocalist Evan O’Sullivan, the charismatic frontman with a gift for writing catchy hooks, bassist and backing vocalist Lily D’Souza, the backbone with a voice that can melt hearts, guitarist Jack ‘Riffmaster’ Murphy, a maestro whose fingers weave musical magic, and drummer Max ‘The Thunderbolt’ Thompson, renowned for his thunderous drumming style. The band members met at a small gig in SF and found a shared love for music that transcends time, styles, and genres. Their journey started in 2013, and since then, they’ve held their heads high against the tide of synthesized pop, carrying the torch for the rock of yesteryears while injecting a much-needed dose of present-day realism and energy.

Genre:

Rock, with influences of Pop/Rock, Punk, and Indie

Title:

“Rising Sun”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
[Em] Waking up to the [G] sight of a rising [D] sun,
[A] Dreams of yesterday, [Em] feeling like I’ve just begun.
[Em] Chasing shadows and [G] running from the [D] past,
[A] Time is fleeting, [Em] but we’re gonna make it last.

(Chorus)
[C] Rising sun, [G] guide us on our way,
[D] To the unknown, [Em] where dreams may lay.
[C] Through the storm, [G] in the darkest night,
[D] We’ll keep chasing [Em] the light.

(Verse 2)
[Em] Lost in the city that [G] never sleeps,
[D] A sea of faces, [A] promises to keep.
[Em] Racing heartbeats, [G] echoes in the [D] night,
[A] We’re lost, then found, [Em] in the morning light.

(Chorus)
[C] Rising sun, [G] show us the way,
[D] Through the struggles, [Em] come what may.
[C] In this world, [G] so cold and bright,
[D] We’ll keep chasing [Em] the light.

(Bridge)
[C] In the silence, [G] we’ll find our voice,
[D] In the chaos, [Em] we’ll make our choice.
[C] With the rising sun, [G] we’re taking flight,
[D] We’re not just surviving, [Em] we’re living in the light.

(Chorus)
[C] Rising sun, [G] on this brand-new day,
[D] In the love, the loss, [Em] in the words we say.
[C] As we journey on, [G] with all our might,
[D] We’ll keep chasing, [Em] chasing the light.

The band’s favorite fan’s name:

Testimonial – Sarah, from Portland

“I’ve been a fan of Vital Gender since their early days. Their music speaks volumes about real-life experiences, dreams, and emotions. It’s raw, authentic, and absolutely magnetic. I have seen them grow as a band and individuals, and their music has been a constant source of inspiration for me. I love how they’ve stuck to their roots yet continue to experiment and evolve. It’s not just their music, but who they are as people, their journey that makes them my favorite. Their song ‘Rising Sun’ especially has been an anthem for me, reminding me always to look forward and chase my dreams, no matter what.”

Backstory:

Adored Cable, is a band that originated in the heart of London in 2011. It was formed by four college friends who found solace in music during their time at the University of Arts. Sam, the lead vocalist, and guitarist, met with Natasha, the drummer, in a music theory class. Sam was soon introduced to Natasha’s friends, Mark, the bassist, and Emily, the keyboardist, and they quickly discovered their shared love for music. They started playing at local bars and progressed to music festivals, gaining popularity for their unique sound and soulful lyrics. Over the years, Adored Cable has remained true to their roots, continually striving for authenticity in their music and performances.

Genre:

Indie Rock

Title:

“Chasing Shadows”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
[G] In the heart of the city, we [D] found our sound
[G] Strumming chords in alleyways, [D] the music bound
[Em] In the echo of the night, we [C] found our voice
[G] Along the lines of destiny, [D] we made our choice

(Chorus)
[Am] We are chasing shadows, [G] under the neon lights
[Em] Strumming guitars, [C] through the endless nights
[Am] We are Adored Cable, [G] in the heart of the city
[Em] Singing our stories, [C] in the realm of gritty

(Verse 2)
[G] We paint the town with melodies, [D] our canvas wide
[G] In the rhythm of the night, we [D] find our stride
[Em] With every beat of the drum, [C] we find our way
[G] In the symphony of life, [D] we choose to stay

(Chorus)
[Am] We are chasing shadows, [G] under the neon lights
[Em] Strumming guitars, [C] through the endless nights
[Am] We are Adored Cable, [G] in the heart of the city
[Em] Singing our stories, [C] in the realm of gritty

Favorite Fan:

Our favorite fan, is a charming dude named Charlie. He has attended every single one of our concerts since we started performing. Even during our early bar performances, Charlie would always be there front and center, cheering us on. In his words, “Adored Cable is not just a band, they’re an experience. From their unique sound to their soulful lyrics, their music resonates with real life. Every concert is like a journey, it’s raw, it’s authentic, and it’s unapologetically them. That’s why they’ve been my favorite band since their first gig, and will continue to be for as long as they’re making music.”

Backstory:
Silly Conversation was formed in the quiet seaside town of Brighton, England, in 2006. The band originally started as a trio with childhood friends; Harry, an ex-church choir boy on vocals and guitar, Jake, a self-taught drummer, and Lucy, a classically trained pianist. The name Silly Conversation came about one night during one of their jam sessions, when they were interrupted by a profound philosophical debate about the existence of unicorns. The trio laughed at their juvenile discourse, and in that moment, Silly Conversation was established. They started as a cover band, playing in local pubs and small events, but soon they began to write original music, combining their diverse musical backgrounds and shared love for storytelling.

Genre:
Alternative Pop

Title:
“Rainbow Unicorns”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse)
Em C
Woke up this morning with a thought so strange,
G D
In a world so wide, are unicorns just a range?
Em C
Do they hide in the shadows or live in the light,
G D
Or maybe they roam somewhere out of sight?

(Chorus)
Em C
Rainbow unicorns, where do you fly?
G D
Do you exist or are you just a beautiful lie?
Em C
Oh, we are in search, high and low,
G D
In this silly conversation, we want to know.

(Verse)
Em C
Are you a secret held within the stars,
G D
Or are you found in the heart of a child’s memoirs?
Em C
Is your home in the canvas of an artist’s dream,
G D
Or in the silent whisper of a moonlight beam?

(Chorus)
Em C
Rainbow unicorns, where do you dwell?
G D
Are you a tale that only time can tell?
Em C
Oh, we are in search, near and far,
G D
In this silly conversation, who you are.

Favorite Fan’s Name:
Matthew Morris

Testimonial:
“As an architect by profession, I’ve always appreciated the beauty in quaint details. Silly Conversation’s music has a similarly intricate and thoughtful design. Their lyrics take me on a journey, filled with wonder and dreams. I love how their songs, like ‘Rainbow Unicorns’, blend reality with fantasy, making life seem a bit more magical. I’ve been following their music since the beginning, and to me, they are more than a band – they are poets and artists. The complexity of their music and the simplicity of their message create a perfect balance. Silly Conversation just seamlessly knows how to make me pause and ponder about life’s mysteries.”

Backstory:
Damp Month was born out of a basement jam session in the rainy streets of Seattle, Washington in late November 2009. The founding members, frontman Giles Beckett and drummer Dan Whistle, were university roommates who bonded over their shared love for music that mirrored the city’s moody weather. They later recruited the brilliant talents of bassist Tessa Winn and guitarist Dylan Webster. The group bonded over their shared experiences of navigating life’s storms, both literal and metaphorical, and it was out of this shared ethos that the band name ‘Damp Month’ was coined. Over the years, they have captivated audiences with their raw, emotional performances, and their fan base only continues to grow.

Genre:
Damp Month’s sound is a unique blend of indie rock and folk, laced with blues undertones.

Title:
“Echoes from the Rain”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
[C]Staring at the window pane, [G]Drowning in the city’s rain,
[Am]Memories that won’t wash away, [F]Echoes from the rain.

[C]Hiding in a coffee shop, [G]Watching as the people stop,
[Am]In this city’s heartbeat, we [F]Find our refrain.

(Chorus)
[C]Echoes from the rain, [G]Haunted by the pain,
[Am]In the heart of November, we [F]Drown the same.
[C]Echoes from the rain, [G]Promises we made,
[Am]Whispers of the love we shared [F]In the damp month’s haze.

(Verse 2)
[C]Walking through the city’s glow, [G]Carrying the seeds we’ve sown,
[Am]In the echo of our whispers, [F]We find our way.
[C]Lost in the city’s maze, [G]Chasing down the sun’s soft rays,
[Am]In the arms of the damp month, we [F]Stay.

(Chorus)
[C]Echoes from the rain, [G]Bearing all the strain,
[Am]In the heart of November, we [F]Claim our name.
[C]Echoes from the rain, [G]Playing life’s strange game,
[Am]In the shadows of the damp month, we [F]Remain.

The band’s favorite fan’s name and why this band is their favorite:

Fan’s Testimonial: My name is Ethan, and I’ve been a huge fan of Damp Month since their early days. Their music is like a balm for the soul. It’s raw, real, and relatable. Their lyrics speak to the heart and their melodies cut right to the core. They are not just a band to me, but a beacon of resilience and authenticity. As a Seattle native myself, their songs perfectly encapsulate the city’s overcast skies and the simultaneous struggle and beauty of life. They are my favorite not just because of their unique sound, but because they remind me that even in the ‘damp months’ of life, there is a melody to be found.