Backstory:
Born in the rural outskirts of Birmingham, Alabama, Gaseous Scarecrow emerged from the ashes of an old bluegrass quartet. The band’s origin is linked to a local legend about a haunted, mysterious scarecrow that cryptically would appear to scare off intruders. The band found inspiration in this spectral figure, combining gothic undertones with their bluegrass roots to create a unique sound. The band is comprised of four members: Jack Hawthorne (lead vocals, banjo), Billy ‘Coon’ Thompson (bass, backing vocals), Lillian ‘Lil’ Bloom (fiddle, backing vocals) and Jimmy ‘Sticks’ McGraw (drums, percussion).

Genre:
Dark Bluegrass Fusion

Title:
“Straw-man’s Waltz”

Full song lyrics:
(Verse)
Em C
Underneath the moonlight glow,
G D
A scarecrow sways to and fro.
Em C
With eyes that burn like fiery coal,
G D
He guards the crossroads of the soul.

(Chorus)
Em C
Oh, beware the gaseous scarecrow,
G D
His gaze can chill your heart of gold.
Em C
Dancing in the midnight meadow,
G D
His story is in whispers told.

(Verse)
Em C
He’s the keeper of the field,
G D
Where secrets deep are revealed.
Em C
In the stillness of the night,
G D
He waltzes till the morning light.

(Chorus)
Em C
Oh, beware the gaseous scarecrow,
G D
His dance is mesmerizing bold.
Em C
In the shadows of the willow,
G D
He guards the secrets he holds.

Fan’s Name:
Bethany Roberts

Testimonial:
“I’ve been a fan of Gaseous Scarecrow since their early days, and I just love the haunting, yet richly textured sound they’ve developed. Their song, “Straw-man’s Waltz”, sends chills down my spine every time I hear it. Their fusion of bluegrass and gothic elements creates a musical journey that’s both eerie and deeply captivating. Their music goes beyond just entertainment – it’s storytelling at its finest. The band’s talent, combined with their creativity and connection to their local roots, makes them my absolute favorite.”

Backstory:

Reflecting Raid was formed in a small town of New Hampshire in mid-2013. The band was initially made up of four childhood friends, Zack (lead vocals and guitar), Paul (drums), Rachel (keyboard and backing vocals), and Mike (bass guitar), all of whom found solace and unity in music. They lived a few blocks away from each other and, as teenagers, they would often hang out in each other’s garages, playing music and dreaming of making it big someday. Reflecting Raid started off by performing in local bars and pubs. They gradually built a dedicated fan base with their captivating live performances and original compositions.

By 2017, Reflecting Raid had become a household name in their hometown. Their popularity started to expand beyond local boundaries when they got a big break to perform at a renowned music festival in New York. This performance opened the door for them to the wider world, and they have never looked back since.

Genre:

Alternative Rock / Indie Pop

Title:

“Shards of Yesterday”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
Em G D A
Morning sun, breaking in the new day,
Em G D A
Look at me, I’m lost in my old ways,
Em G D A
Broken hearts, scattered like the glass,
Em G D A
In the mirror, reflecting my past.

(Chorus)
C G D Em
Shards of yesterday, piercing through,
C G D Em
Reminding me of what I once knew,
C G D Em
In the mirror, I see my own face,
C G D Em
Reflecting Raid, lost in time’s embrace.

(Verse 2)
Em G D A
Nights so long, filled with silent screams,
Em G D A
Echoes of the forgotten dreams,
Em G D A
Crystal clear, yet so hard to see,
Em G D A
In the mirror, the person I used to be.

Repeat Chorus

The Band’s Favorite Fan:

Name: Charlie Thompson

Testimonial:

“There’s always something magical about Reflecting Raid’s music. It’s not just their superb melodies, the rawness in Zack’s voice, or the emotion in Rachel’s keys, it’s the emotional connection that their music creates. Their songs resonate with my life and my struggles. ‘Shards of Yesterday’ particularly helped me through a tough time. Every lyric, every beat, felt like it was written just for me. Reflecting Raid is not just a band to me, they’ve become a part of my life, my solace in solitude.”

Backstory:

Formed in the bustling metropolis of Chicago in 2013, ‘Familiar Planet’ was born from the shared dreams of childhood friends, bassist Jake “Jet” Evans, and guitarist and lead vocalist, Max “Mars” Sullivan. Their mutual love for music saw them spending countless hours jamming in Max’s mom’s basement, cultivating a unique sound that would later define their band. They were later joined by drummer Sarah “Saturn” Lewis, a high school friend who shared their passion for creating music that transcends the ordinary.

The trio, inspired by the cosmos, began to weave their shared experiences and observations of life, love, and the universe into their music, creating an ethereal and unique blend that stood out in the local music scene. They quickly gained a loyal following through their energetic performances and deeply resonant lyrics, encapsulating the depth and mystery of our universe while grounding their audience in the familiarity of shared human experiences.

Genre:

Alternative Rock/ Indie

Title:

“Galaxy of Hearts”

Lyrics:
(Verse 1)
Am C G D
Out here in the silence, under a velvet sky
Am C G D
You and I dancing in the shadows, beneath the moon’s soft cry
Am C G D
Our hearts beat like comets, skipping across the night
Am C G D
In this galaxy of hearts, we’re starlight taking flight

(Chorus)
F C G Am
We are stardust, we are golden
F C G Am
In a universe, love has chosen
F C G Am
Galaxy of hearts, we’re unbroken
F C G Am
In our cosmic dance, love’s the token

(Verse 2)
Am C G D
Gravity pulls us closer, in this cosmos wide
Am C G D
Orbiting in this ether, there’s no place to hide
Am C G D
In the constellation of our love, we are stars that brightly glow
Am C G D
In this galaxy of hearts, our love continues to grow

(Chorus)
F C G Am
We are stardust, we are golden
F C G Am
In a universe, love has chosen
F C G Am
Galaxy of hearts, we’re unbroken
F C G Am
In our cosmic dance, love’s the token

Fan Testimonial:

My name is Alex Thompson, and I’ve been a fan of ‘Familiar Planet’ from their early days of playing at local bars in Chicago. Their unique blend of indie and alternative rock, infused with their cosmic themes and profound lyrics, have always resonated deeply with me. It’s like they’re telling my story, weaving tales of love, loss, and growth with the backdrop of the cosmos. Their song, ‘Galaxy of Hearts’, is my anthem, a beautiful reminder of our shared human experience and our connection to the universe. ‘Familiar Planet’ isn’t just a band for me, it’s a journey through the universe, grounded in the familiarity of our shared emotions and experiences.

Backstory:
Positive Spokesman is a band that originated from a small town in Northern California, a group of four friends who found solace and connection through music. The band members, consisting of lead vocalist and guitarist Ethan, bassist Noah, percussionist Liam, and keyboardist Lucas, all met in high school. Their shared love of music became an escape from their small-town mundane routine. Their perspectives on life, the world, and human emotions became the foundation of their band, Positive Spokesman. Garnering a small following in California, the band began to receive recognition worldwide after their first EP’s release.

Genre:
Positive Spokesman’s sound is best described as a blend of Indie Rock and Alternative Pop. Their music is characterized by rich vocal harmonies, intricate guitar riffs, and thought-provoking lyrics, which have gained them a dedicated fan base.

Title:
“One Way Street”

Full song lyrics:

(Verse 1)
[G] Walking down this [D] one-way street, [Em] feeling so damn [C] incomplete.
[G] Your memory dances in my [D] mind, [Em] to a song that’s [C] hard to find.
[G] Searching for an [D] exit sign, [Em] hoping for a [C] glimpse of sunshine.

(Chorus)
[D] It’s a one-way street, [G] no turning back,
[C] We’ve painted our dreams, [Em] in shades of black.
[D] But I’ll keep walking, [G] for you and me,
[C] down this one-way street, [Em] of our memory.

(Verse 2)
[G] City lights, they [D] flicker low, [Em] casting shadows [C] on this road.
[G] Your laughter still [D] echoes here, [Em] in the silence, [C] loud and clear.
[G] I’m stranded on this [D] lonely path, [Em] chasing echoes [C] of our past.

(Chorus)
[D] It’s a one-way street, [G] no turning back,
[C] We’ve painted our dreams, [Em] in shades of black.
[D] But I’ll keep walking, [G] for you and me,
[C] down this one-way street, [Em] of our memory.

The band’s favorite fan’s name and testimony:
Positive Spokesman’s favorite fan is Amelia. Amelia first discovered their music when she was going through a difficult time in her life. Their song “One Way Street” resonated with her deeply and became her anthem. She says, “Positive Spokesman has a way of making you feel understood through their music. Their songs capture the raw emotion of life and love. I’ve never felt such a connection with a band before. Their music has helped me through some tough times, and for that, they’ll always be my favorite.”

Backstory:

Unfolded Hunting is a vibrant, off-the-beaten-path band that came together in the summer of 2009 in the eclectic city of Portland, Oregon. Band members Joey ‘Wildcat’ Walker, Ellie ‘Dusk’ Dove, and Hank ‘The Bow’ Ryan met at an open mic night, each with their own unique style. An instant connection was formed, leading to late-night jam sessions and ultimately the creation of their band, Unfolded Hunting. The name was inspired by their shared love for the outdoors and their common belief in unearthing and exploring the hidden, untamed corners of life and music.

The trio spent their early years honing their skills and developing their own distinct sound. Their music is a blend of their individual influences and styles, from Wildcat’s punk-rock roots, Dusk’s soulful blues, to The Bow’s love for folk and country. Their albums have consistently gained positive reviews, not just for their distinctive sound, but also for their lyrical depth and emotional resonance.

Genre:

Alternative Folk-Rock

Title:

“Shadows in the Silence”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
[G] Through the wind and [D] whispers of the night,
[Em] We run with ghosts, [C] cloaked in pale moonlight.
[G] Shadows form, [D] secrets in our sight,
[Em] Unfolded hunting, [C] searching for what’s right.

(Chorus)
[D] Shadows in the silence, [G] whispers in the wind,
[Em] We are the hunters, [C] and the hunted within.
[D] Echoes of our triumphs, [G] scars of our sin,
[Em] We are the melody, [C] let the symphony begin.

(Verse 2)
[G] Through the woods and [D] wild we roam,
[Em] Searching for a [C] place that feels like home.
[G] In harmony, [D] our hearts intone,
[Em] Unfolded hunting, [C] we are not alone.

(Chorus)

(Bridge)
[D] And we’ll hunt and [Em] we’ll seek, under [G] moon’s silver sheen,
[C] Unfolded mysteries, in [D] places unseen.

(Chorus)
[D] Shadows in the silence, [G] whispers in the wind,
[Em] We are the hunters, [C] and the hunted within.

Favorite Fan:

The band’s favorite fan is a vibrant, music-loving woman named Lindsay. Lindsay first discovered Unfolded Hunting at one of their earliest gigs in a small, local bar. She was instantly hooked by their unique sound, blending folk, rock, and a touch of blues. Lindsay has been a dedicated fan ever since, attending nearly every concert and promoting them to anyone who would listen. She feels a deep connection with their music and lyrics, finding comfort and inspiration in their songs. Her testimonial reads:

“I stumbled upon Unfolded Hunting by chance and immediately fell in love with their music. There’s something so raw and real about it, something innately powerful that just draws you in. Their lyrics speak to me on a personal level, and their sound is unlike anything I’ve heard before. I’m proud to be their number one fan. They aren’t just a band for me; they’re an experience, a journey into the heart of music.”

Backstory:

Sturdy Marble was birthed in the heart of Seattle’s ever-raging music scene. The band was formed in 2017 when lead vocalist, Benny Mills, bumped into a bassist, Rickie ‘Fingers’ Delgado, at a local record store. They found a common ground in their shared love for classic rock and blues. The duo soon roped in drummer, Toby ‘Machinegun’ Conroy, and lead guitarist, ‘Slick’ Pete Jensen, to complete the quartet. Despite their diverse musical backgrounds, the band quickly found its unique sound and began to create music that resonated with the masses.

Sweating it out in Benny’s garage, the band blended their love for traditional blues, classic rock, and modern alternative sound to create a unique blend of music that is both raw and sophisticated. Their rise to fame was rapid, thanks to their unforgettable live performances that left the audience enthralled and asking for more. Through hard work and talent, Sturdy Marble etched their name in the rock music history.

Genre:

Blues-Rock

Title:

“Marble Strong”

Full Song Lyrics:

[Verse 1]
Cmaj7// Em// Dm7// G7//
In the city of rain, where the music plays,
We found our rhythm, and our bluesy ways,
From a record store meet, to the garage days,
Here we stand, Marble Strong, in the neon haze.

[Chorus]
Em// Am// Dm// G//
Marble Strong, we won’t shatter,
Playin’ our hearts out, that’s all that matter,
Through stormy weather, or the cheering clatter,
We’re Sturdy Marble, we just keep getting better.

[Verse 2]
F// C// G// Am//
Four souls, with a single dream,
Making music, living the rock scene,
We strum, we drum, we scream,
In our world, under the spotlight beam.

[Chorus]
Marble Strong, we’re here to stay,
Playin’ our blues, in our own way,
In the rhythm of life, we sway,
We’re Sturdy Marble, come what may.

The Band’s Favorite Fan Testimonial:

Name: Linda Morris

Linda says, “I’ve been a fan of Sturdy Marble since their garage band days. The raw energy they bring to their performances is intoxicating. Their music is a perfect blend of classic rock and blues, with a hint of modern alternative sound, which makes it unique and irresistible. The lyrics are profound and delivered with such passion! Every song they play resonates within me. They are real, they are raw, and they are absolutely rocking. Sturdy Marble isn’t just my favorite band, they’re a part of my life.”

Backstory:
Virtuous Alarm was formed in the small coastal town of Moss Point, Mississippi, where the four members of the band met in high school. A shared love for music and a mutual desire to break out of their small town led them to start jamming together in their garages. Over time, their chemistry and synergy grew stronger, leading them to create music that resonated with their struggles, dreams, and experiences. With their unique sound and riveting performances, Virtuous Alarm quickly gained a loyal local following, and they soon started touring around the southeastern United States.

When tragedy struck in the form of a devastating hurricane, Virtuous Alarm did not shy away but decided to use their music to raise funds and provide aid to their community. Their altruistic efforts not only endeared them to their fans but also attracted the attention of record producers. The band has since released two successful albums, and their music continues to be a beacon of hope and resilience for many.

Genre:
Alternative Rock

Title:
“Resilience Rises”

Full Song lyrics:
Verse 1:
[G] Out in the wild, the [D] storm is [Em] raging, [C]
[G] There’s a fire in our [D] hearts, it’s [Em] unchanging. [C]

Chorus:
[G] We are the storm, we are the [D] calm,
[Em] We are Virtuous [C] Alarm.
[G] With every fall, with every [D] crisis,
[Em] Resilience, [C] it rises.

Verse 2:
[G] Under the grey skies, [D] in the chaos, [Em]
[G] We find a rhythm, we find a [D] purpose. [Em]

Chorus:
[G] We are the storm, we are the [D] calm,
[Em] We are Virtuous [C] Alarm.
[G] With every fall, with every [D] crisis,
[Em] Resilience, [C] it rises.

Bridge:
[F] We won’t back down, we won’t [C] surrender,
[G] Our spirits rise like the [D] embers.

Chorus:
[G] We are the storm, we are the [D] calm,
[Em] We are Virtuous [C] Alarm.
[G] With every fall, with every [D] crisis,
[Em] Resilience, [C] it rises.

Favorite Fan’s Name:
Sandra Thompson

Testimonial:
“Ever since I first heard Virtuous Alarm at a local festival, I knew that their music was special. As a Hurricane Katrina survivor, their songs like ‘Resilience Rises’ speak directly to my heart and experiences. It’s not just their catchy tunes that make me a fan, it’s the stories they tell and the hope they inspire. In times of despair, their music serves as a reminder that we are not alone and that we can rise above any adversity. Virtuous Alarm is more than just my favorite band; they are my beacon, my support system, and my inspiration.”

Backstory:
Sweltering Bowl formed in a small, nondescript town in the heart of Texas. Four childhood friends, Billy, Mitch, Joey, and Tom, known for their unyielding passion for music, found themselves discontent with the routine lives that the small town offered. Their shared dream of creating soul-stirring music served as the catalyst that gave birth to Sweltering Bowl, a band that reflects their love for the sweltering Texan heat and the vibrancy of life. With Billy on vocals and guitar, Mitch on drums, Joey on bass, and Tom on the keyboard, Sweltering Bowl soon became a local sensation, eventually making their way onto the national stage.

Genre:
Alternative Country Rock

Title:
“Dusty Road Blues”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
G D
On this dusty road, underneath the scorching sun,
Em C
I found my heart beating, like it’s on the run.
G D Em C
We’re running away, we’re running awry,
G D Em C
Chasing dreams, under the Texas sky.

(Chorus)
G D
Dusty Road Blues, we sing in harmony,
Em C
In the land of the free, where we long to be.
G D Em C
Through the fights and the fears, under the moon’s gentle glow,
G D Em C
We find our strength, letting the music flow.

(Verse 2)
G D
With the sun setting low, and the stars gazing bright,
Em C
Our hearts pulse to the rhythm, of the tranquil night.
G D Em C
On this journey together, we’ve nothing to lose,
G D Em C
Just a couple of fellas, singing the Dusty Road Blues.

(Chorus)
G D
Dusty Road Blues, echoing across the plain,
Em C
In our hearts, it will forever remain.
G D Em C
Through the struggles and strife, with a song, we always choose,
G D Em C
To push on forward, with our Dusty Road Blues.

Fan’s Testimonial:
My name is Lucy, and I’ve been following Sweltering Bowl since their early days performing at the local bar. I can’t put into words how much their music has impacted my life. “Dusty Road Blues” has become my anthem, helping me persevere through my darkest days. The raw emotion and authenticity in their lyrics resonate with me on a deep level. Their music gives me courage and hope, inspiring me to chase my dreams despite the obstacles that come my way. Sweltering Bowl is more than just a band to me; they are a beacon of hope and strength.

Backstory:
Tired Border is a group of four childhood friends from the small, rustic town of Serenity, Ohio. Bryan Hill, Mason Brewer, Lydia Thompson, and Sam Baker, all share a love for music and have been jamming in their parents’ basements since middle school. The band was named Tired Border as an homage to their small town life, symbolizing their sentiments of feeling confined and eager to break away from their home’s constraints. Though they started with just high school gigs, their sound soon caught the attention of the locals and then the nation, leading to a meteoric rise to stardom.

Genre:
Tired Border is known for their heartrending lyrics and soothing melodies, categorizing them in the Indie Folk-Rock genre.

Title:
“One Last Sunrise”

Full Song Lyrics:

Verse 1:
[G] Waking up to the [Em] same old sunrise,
[C] Dreaming of the day we [D] say our goodbyes.
[G] We’ve been stuck in this [Em] sleepy hometown,
[C] Eager to leave, to [D] find a new ground.

Chorus:
[G] One last sunrise, [Em] one last look,
[C] At the life we [D] are about to unhook.
[G] One last sunrise, [Em] before we depart,
[C] Leaving the place, [D] that’s close to our heart.

Verse 2:
[G] Packed our bags, [Em] ready to leave,
[C] The town where we [D] used to believe.
[G] Dreams bigger than the [Em] wide-open sky,
[C] Time to spread our [D] wings and fly.

Chorus:
[G] One last sunrise, [Em] before the dawn,
[C] A new beginning, [D] a new song.
[G] One last sunrise, [Em] a bittersweet goodbye,
[C] With hope in our hearts, [D] and dreams in our eyes.

Fan Testimonial:
The band’s favorite fan is a 16-year-old girl named Emily. Emily says, “Tired Border is more than just a band to me. Their music has been my companion through the toughest times. ‘One Last Sunrise’ was a song that hit me hard. I was at a place in my life where I was eager to step out of my comfort zone and explore new horizons. The soulful melody, coupled with the poignant lyrics, reflects the emotions of millions of small-town kids like me, yearning for something more. It’s not just their music; their journey from a small town to the national stage is inspiring. They are my favorite because they are real, authentic, and fearless.”

Backstory:
The Giddy Conservative started off as a paradoxical joke between two college roommates, Bryson James, a consistently cheerful econ major, and Dwayne Harper, a politically driven history student. Although they viewed the world through different lenses, they found common ground in their shared love for music. They decided to fuse their seemingly opposing personalities into a single entity, giving birth to the Giddy Conservative. During their college years, they started off by playing gigs in local pubs and cafes, and by the time they graduated, they had gained a significant following. Their witty lyrics, unique sound, and infectious energy made them a crowd-pleaser, and thus, their journey into the music world began.

Genre:
Alternative Rock with a twist of Folk

Title:
“Optimistic Pessimist”

Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
G D Em
I’m an optimistic pessimist,
C G D
Caught in my own Conservative bliss,
G D Em C
Daydreams are my giddy escape,
C G D
From reality’s sour grape.

(Verse 2)
G D Em
I find joy in the mundane,
C G D
In gentle rain, in every pain,
G D Em C
Life’s a paradoxical ride,
C G D
With my music as my guide.

(Chorus)
G D Em C
I’m the Giddy Conservative,
C G D
In my world, everything’s relative,
G D Em C
With my songs, I strive to give,
C G D
A voice to all who live.

(Verse 3)
G D Em
I’m an optimistic pessimist,
C G D
Can’t resist this twisted tryst,
G D Em C
Find my peace in the discord,
C G D
Striking a resonant chord.

(Chorus)
G D Em C
I’m the Giddy Conservative,
C G D
In my world, everything’s relative,
G D Em C
With my songs, I strive to give,
C G D
A voice to all who live.

Their favorite fan’s name:
Jenny “Headbanger” Smith

Why and how this band is their favorite:
Jenny claims she’s been a fan of the Giddy Conservative since their early pub performances. She states, “The Giddy Conservative isn’t just a band for me, it’s a mood! Their music resonates with me. It makes me think, feel, and at the same time, groove. As an econ student myself, I love their clever play on words and thought-provoking lyrics. The blend of Alternative Rock and Folk creates a unique sound that I can’t get enough of. The songs are relatable, and they have a way of making even the mundane feel magical. I’ve been to every one of their gigs. They are, without a doubt, my favorite band!”