Backstory:
Defiant Mortgage is a quirky, unconventional band that emerged out of the suburban maze of Austin, Texas in late 2013. Its members, lead vocalist Fred “Fret” McKinnon, guitarist Daisy “Dynamo” Davis, bassist Calvin “Cool Cat” Moreno, and drummer Ethan “Echo” Harrison, all worked in various capacities in the real estate industry before hitting it off at a local open mic night. Realizing their shared passion for music and the monotony of their daily lives, they decided to combine their experiences, frustrations, and dreams into songs, forming the band Defiant Mortgage. They dreamt of breaking free from the shackles of their monotonous, corporate lives, hoping to channel their defiance into their music.

Their music is a reflection of their dual lives, exploring themes of daily grind, financial struggles, dreams deferred, and the yearning for freedom. Despite the seemingly somber themes, Defiant Mortgage infuses their music with a playful, satirical edge, making them a hit among those who enjoy their music with a side of social commentary.

Genre:
Alternative Rock with a hint of Blues

Title:
“Brick and Mortar Blues”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
[G]Living in this paper house, [D]feeling like a mouse,
[Em] Trapped in a wheel, [C]chasing the deals.
[G]Hustle and bustle, [D]in this concrete jungle,
[Em]Caught in the grind, [C]losing my mind.

(Chorus)
[G]I got the brick and mortar blues, [D]can’t shake off these office shoes,
[Em]Tied down by the chains, [C]of the mortgage pains.
[G]Give me a guitar and a tune, [D]underneath the pale moon,
[Em]To sing away, [C]my brick and mortar blues.

(Verse 2)
[G]Stuck in this cage of glass and steel, [D]forgetting how to feel,
[Em]Yearning for a song, [C]to help me belong.
[G]Swap the spreadsheet for the stage, [D]unleash the hidden rage,
[Em]Break free from the ties, [C]under the starry skies.

(Repeat Chorus)

Fan’s Name:
Joshua “Jukebox” Jenkins

Testimonial:
“Defiant Mortgage is more than just a band for me; they’re a voice for all of us stuck in the humdrum routine of life. Their lyrics hit home, their melodies are infectious, and the way they blend alternative rock with blues is nothing short of genius. It’s like they took my life, turned it into a song, and gave it a killer guitar solo. No other band resonates with me like Defiant Mortgage does, and their track ‘Brick and Mortar Blues’ is practically my life anthem. I can’t wait to see where their journey takes them next!”

Backstory:

Formed in 2015, Sick Message is a band that originated from the gritty, underground music scene of Seattle. The band consists of four members: lead vocalist, Danny “Dusk” Sheperd, guitarist, Jaxon “Jax” Clary, bass player, Leo “Blackjack” Bailey, and drummer, Mickey “Mick” Cruz. Sick Message was born out of their shared appreciation for rebellious, progressive music and a desire to voice out the often overlooked societal issues. Their songs, full of raw emotions and untamed energy, soon caught the attention of the local music scene and eventually led them to sign a major deal with Indie Vision Records in 2017.

Despite their sudden rise to fame, Sick Message never lost their core identity. They remained true to their roots, using their music as an avenue to relay their observations about society, creating a unique blend of introspection and social commentary. Their music is a testament to their journey, filled with stories of struggle, triumph, and everything in between.

Genre:
Alternative Rock / Punk

Title:
“Echoes of Rebellion”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse)
Am [Em] I just a pawn in this twisted game?
Fighting [D] shadows, no face, no name
Their [C] lies are spreading like a wildfire
Gonna [B7] break these chains, feed our desire

(Chorus)
Hear the [G] echoes of rebellion, rising in the night
We’re the [D] voice of the forgotten, ready for the fight
In this [Em] world of false promises, we won’t be deceived
With the [B7] echoes of rebellion, we believe

(Verse)
Caught in [Em] a system that’s designed to fail
But our [D] spirit is strong, we won’t derail
We won’t [C] be silenced, we won’t be controlled
In the [B7] echoes of rebellion, find our role

(Chorus)
Hear the [G] echoes of rebellion, drowning out the lies
We’re the [D] dreamers, the believers, with fire in our eyes
In a [Em] world that’s suffocating, we will breathe
With the [B7] echoes of rebellion, we’re set free

Bands Favorite Fan’s Name:
Sophie Dawson

Testimonial:

“Sick Message is more than just a band to me; they’re a movement, a voice I can resonate with. Their music speaks to my soul. It’s raw, it’s real, and it’s full of passion. ‘Echoes of Rebellion’ is my anthem, and every time I hear it, I feel empowered. They’ve taken their own struggles and transformed them into a universal message of rebellion and resilience. Their music has been the soundtrack of my own fight against societal norms and expectations. For me, Sick Message isn’t just a favorite band; they’re a beacon of hope in a world that often seems too dark.”

Backstory:
‘Acrobatic Substance’ is a band formed in the wistful hills of Vermont in the locale of Burlington. The band members, comprising of high school buddies, Caleb (vocals and guitar), Liam (drums), Ezra (bass guitar), and Owen (keyboard), united in their shared love for music that transcends the traditional boundaries. They started off as a garage band, performing at small gigs, local festivals, and school events. Their flair for mixing genres and creating a unique sound attracted a local producer who helped them launch their first album. Over the years, ‘Acrobatic Substance’ has managed to stay true to their unique sound while continually evolving, ensuring they remain fresh and relevant.

Genre:
Acrobatic Substance’s music can best be classified as Indie Folk-Rock with a twinge of Psychedelic Pop.

Title:
‘Carousel of Echoes’

Full Song Lyrics:
(Verse 1)
[C] I stand on the [G] edge of the [Am] evening,
[E] Dancing with the [F] shadows of [C] old,
[C] Lost in the [G] carousel of [Am] echoes,
[E] Each one a [F] story untold. [C]

(Chorus)
[F] Woah, [C] Carousel of [G] Echoes,
[Am] Round and [E] round we [F] go,
[F] Trapped in a [C] whirl of [G] reflections,
[Am] In the [E] heart of the [F] afterglow. [C]

(Verse 2)
[C] I hear the [G] whispers of [Am] yesteryears,
[E] Riding on the [F] winds of [C] change,
[C] Spinning in the [G] carousel of [Am] echoes,
[E] Life’s beautiful, [F] strange exchange. [C]

(Chorus)
[F] Woah, [C] Carousel of [G] Echoes,
[Am] Time’s [E] merry [F] show,
[F] We’re just [C] echoes in the [G] carousel,
[Am] Lost in the [E] ebb and [F] flow. [C]

Band’s Favorite Fan:
The band’s favorite fan is a woman named Lucy. Lucy is a librarian in her early thirties, and she fell in love with Acrobatic Substance when she heard ‘Carousel of Echoes’ play in a coffee shop during a rough patch in her life. The band’s music resonated with her, and she felt a deeply personal connection to their lyrics. She considers their music as her solace, an escape that helps her navigate through the highs and lows of life.

Testimonial:
“Acrobatic Substance isn’t just a band for me, they are my therapy. Their songs have seen me through heartbreaks, joys, and the mundane. Their unique blend of folk-rock with a touch of psychedelic pop feels like a breath of fresh air in today’s music scene. Each song is a journey, and I’m more than happy to be a part of it. ‘Carousel of Echoes’ has a special place in my heart, it feels like a conversation with an old friend, comforting and profound. Acrobatic Substance, to me, is more than just a band. They are my beacon.” – Lucy.

Backstory:

Small Rail hails from the quaint, sleepy town of Lexington, North Carolina. Born in 2010, the band consists of four childhood friends – Jake Romero (lead vocals, guitar), Samuel Tucker (bass, backing vocals), Oliver Strauss (drums), and Ethan Hayes (keyboard, backing vocals). They grew up together, sharing a profound love for music and a dream of making it big. United by their shared passion, they formed Small Rail in their high school’s music room. Their journey has seen them go from playing at small town gigs to performing at major music festivals nationwide. Their rise to fame has been a testament to their hard work and dedication, their bond as friends, and their undeniable talent.

Genre:

Alternative Rock

Title:

“Midnight Rails”

Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
[C] Staring out at the [G] midnight sky,
[D] Wondering where the [Em] time did fly,
[C] Lost in thoughts and [G] old dreams,
[D] On this silent [Em] night it seems.

(Chorus)
[G] Riding on the midnight rails,
[D] Leaving behind our old tales,
[Em] Moving forward, no looking back,
[C] On this endless, timeless track.

(Verse 2)
[C] Whispered words and [G] unspoken fears,
[D] Laughter echoed through [Em] the years,
[C] Memories etched in [G] our hearts,
[D] And from them, we [Em] can’t part.

(Chorus)
[G] Riding on the midnight rails,
[D] Letting the wind fill our sails,
[Em] Bound by stories, tied by the past,
[C] This friendship, destined to last.

(End)
[G] On these midnight rails we ride,
[D] With dreams and hopes at our side,
[Em] We are Small Rail, we stand tall,
[C] Through it all, through it all.

Favorite Fan:

Small Rail’s favorite fan is a woman named Bridget Harper. An English teacher from their hometown, Bridget has attended every one of their performances since their high school days. She’s not just a fan, but also an inspiration. Her belief in their talent has been a driving force behind their success. Bridget says, “Small Rail is my favorite band because their music is not just about melody and rhythm. It’s about friendship, courage, and the journey of life. Their lyrics have depth, their music touches the soul. They’re the voice of our generation.”

Backstory:

Stained Nerve was formed in late 2015 in the heart of Nashville, Tennessee. The band started out as a group of high school friends jamming together in their parents’ basements, featuring childhood friends Tom Summers (vocals/guitar), Jack Marshall (bass), and brothers Brandon and Liam Hawkins (lead guitar and drums, respectively). Their shared love for melody-driven rock and raw, emotive lyrics quickly saw them create a unique sound that set them apart from their peers. After winning a local Battle of the Bands competition, the group was spotted by a producer who offered them a chance to record their debut album.

It didn’t take long for Stained Nerve to make waves in the music scene. They released their debut album in 2017, a self-titled work that gained them a substantial fanbase. Their sound, a mix of hard-hitting riffs and emotive lyrics, quickly garnered recognition and a faithful fanbase. As they continue to evolve, Stained Nerve remains grounded in their humble beginnings, with a clear focus on creating music that not only moves but holds a mirror to the world around them.

Genre:

Alternative Rock

Title:

“Echoes of Yesterday”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1: Am, C, G, D)
Am C G D
“Dusty roads, we walked on, back in the day,
Am C G D
Memories echo, in shades of gray.
Am C G D
Shattered dreams, broken hearts, we’d mend,
Am C G D
Promised to stick, till the very end.”

(Chorus: F, C, G)
F C G
“Echoes of yesterday, haunt me,
F C G
Ghosts of our past, they taunt me,
F C G
Tomorrow’s a dream, let’s be,
F C G
In the echoes of yesterday, set free.”

(Verse 2: Am, C, G, D)
Am C G D
“Stolen kisses, under the pale moonlight,
Am C G D
Hopes and fears, in the dead of night.
Am C G D
Time moved on, took you away from me,
Am C G D
In my heart, you’ll forever be.”

(Chorus: F, C, G)
F C G
“Echoes of yesterday, haunt me,
F C G
Ghosts of our past, they taunt me,
F C G
Tomorrow’s a dream, let’s be,
F C G
In the echoes of yesterday, set free.”

Bands Favorite Fan:

Stained Nerve’s favorite fan is Sarah Thompson. She’s been a fan since the band’s early days, consistently showing up at even their smallest gigs and sharing their music with everyone she knows. Sarah says, “Stained Nerve is more than just a band to me. Their music has gotten me through some of the toughest times in my life. Their raw, emotive lyrics resonate with me on a deep level, and I feel like they truly express the feelings that I often struggle to put into words. Every album they release feels like a personal journey, and I can’t wait to see where they take us next.”

Backstory:

Raw Office was formed in 2002 in the heart of Brooklyn, New York. The band members, four disillusioned office workers, met while working overtime at a failing software startup. They started jamming together in their free time, their mutual dissatisfaction with their 9-to-5 jobs proving to be the perfect catalyst for some truly inspiring tunes. Their music became an outlet for their frustrations, an escape from their mundane corporate lives. Soon, they realized that they had something unique to offer. Thus, Raw Office was born, a reflection of their raw emotions and their office cubicle beginnings.

Genre:
Raw Office is known for their unique sound, a fusion of indie rock and alternative punk with a sprinkling of blues. Their music is characterized by energetic guitar riffs, deep bass lines, and introspective lyrics that often touch upon the themes of existential crisis, corporate disillusionment, and the struggle to break free from societal norms.

Title:
“Overtime Blues”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
[Am] Stuck in a cubicle, [D] caught in a routine,
[G] Chasing deadlines, [Em] living in a dream.
[Am] Coffee’s my savior, [D] and my foe,
[G] I’ve got the [Em] overtime blues, [Am] with nowhere to go.

(Chorus)
[D] Overtime blues, [G] got me down,
[Em] Drowning in a sea of [Am] paper, bout to drown.
[D] Working nine to nine, [G] no time for fun,
[Em] Trying to break free, [Am] but the work’s never done.

(Verse 2)
[Am] Office politics, [D] empty promises,
[G] Tied to a desk, [Em] life’s full of compromises.
[Am] Trying to climb, [D] but the ladder’s too steep,
[G] I’ve got the [Em] overtime blues, [Am] even in my sleep.

(Chorus)
[D] Overtime blues, [G] can’t escape the grind,
[Em] Trading my sanity [Am] for a dollar sign.
[D] Stuck in this rat race, [G] can’t see the sun,
[Em] Working round the clock, [Am] but the work’s never done.

(Fan’s Testimonial)
Name: Lucy Johnson

As a fan, I fell in love with Raw Office during a particularly difficult phase of my life. I was stuck in a dead-end job and their music resonated with my struggles. Their song “Overtime Blues” became my anthem, a reminder that I was not alone in my feelings of frustration and disenchantment. I have been following Raw Office since their first gig in a dingy bar in Brooklyn, and their music has been my constant companion on this journey of life. Their authenticity, their raw emotions, and their unfiltered approach to music make them my favorite band.

Backstory:

Tense Theatre came to life in the vibrant, eccentric heart of Austin, Texas. The band was formed by four college friends who all shared a love for theater, music, and performance art. They decided to bring their passion to the stage, creating a unique fusion of theatrical storytelling and musical talent. Over time, Tense Theatre has gathered a strong cult following mesmerized by their peculiar style, narrative-driven performances, and layered, complex soundscapes. Each band member brings a distinct flavor to the group – John’s soulful vocals, Liam’s melodic guitar, Adrian’s rhythmic drums, and Sarah’s enchanting violin and keys.

Genre:

Progressive Rock, Art Rock

Song Title:

“Curtain Call Confessions”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
Am – Dm – G – C
Hear the whispers ‘neath the moonlight,
Dm – G – E7
Of actors lost in time,
Am – Dm – G – C
In the world of Tense Theatre,
Dm – E7 – Am
Each word becomes a rhyme.

(Chorus)
F – Dm – E7
Curtain Call Confessions,
Am – G – F
Echo through the night,
Dm – G – C
In the glow of the spotlights,
E7 – Am
We find our inner light.

(Verse 2)
Am – Dm – G – C
We dance on threads of story,
Dm – G – E7
Bare our souls for you,
Am – Dm – G – C
In this Tense Theatre,
Dm – E7 – Am
Where the unreal becomes true.

(Chorus)
F – Dm – E7
Curtain Call Confessions,
Am – G – F
Ring out in perfect tune,
Dm – G – C
In the heart of the stage lights,
E7 – Am
We bask under the moon.

Band’s Favorite Fan:

The band’s favorite fan is a woman named Isabelle who discovered their music while studying theatre herself. She says, “Tense Theatre isn’t just a band for me. They represent a unique blend of my two passions – theatre and music. Their performances are not just concerts; they are stories, they are plays, they are magic. I am eternally captivated by their lyricism and the way they blend musical and narrative elements. I attend every show I can, and each one is a fresh, new experience. I can’t imagine my life without Tense Theatre’s music. They’ve truly redefined the concert experience for me.”

Backstory:

Elderly Figure is an indie rock band that rose to fame from the humble beginnings of a local community center in Portland, Oregon. The band was born out of the shared love for music and the desire to break from the monotony of their regular day jobs. The lead vocalist, Jake, was working as a librarian, while guitarist Alex was a school teacher, bassist Liam was a postal worker, and drummer Rob had a job at a local brewery. They began jamming together on weekends, and their transcendent music soon started to echo through the local music scene, leading to their rise in popularity and the formation of Elderly Figure.

The band’s name, Elderly Figure, was inspired by a communal garden’s statue near their practice space, a figure of an old man who, according to local folklore, was said to be a wise musician. The band felt connected to the tale and found the name fitting to their music style, which was often reflective and insightful, with a touch of wisdom and experience.

Genre:
Indie Rock

Title:
“Dancing Shadows”

Full song lyrics:

(Verse 1)
[G] Dancing shadows [D] on the wall, [Em]
In the stillness [C] of the fall, [G]
[G] A solemn tune [D] we recall, [Em]
In the echoes [C] of the hall. [G]

(Chorus)
[D] We are the Elderly [G] Figure,
[C] Tunes of old we [D] rigor,
[G] In sounds that [D] trigger,
The [Em] hearts to [C] be bigger. [G]

(Verse 2)
[G] Hear the whispers [D] of the wind, [Em]
In the stories [C] left behind, [G]
[G] Look for the truth [D] we intend, [Em]
In the melody, [C] you’ll find. [G]

(Chorus)
[D] We are the Elderly [G] Figure,
[C] Songs of life we [D] deliver,
[G] In rhythms that [D] shiver,
The [Em] souls to [C] quiver. [G]

Fan testimonial:

Elderly Figure’s biggest fan is undoubtedly Sarah Williams, a school teacher from their hometown. Sarah was introduced to Elderly Figure’s music during one of their earliest gigs at a local bar, and it was love at first sound. The band’s introspective lyrics resonated with Sarah, who found solace in their music amidst the hustle of her daily life. Sarah says, “Elderly Figure’s music is like a healing balm. Their insightful lyrics accompanied by their powerful melodies make me feel seen and understood. Their music has helped me through some tough times, and I’m forever grateful for their existence. My favorite track is ‘Dancing Shadows’. It’s a song that perfectly encapsulates the beauty in the mundane, the extraordinary in the everyday, and the wisdom that comes with age and experience.”

Backstory:

Definitive Tail consists of four musicians who were classmates at the Berklee College of Music. The band’s inception began in a dimly lit dorm room where they shared their mutual interest in unconventional songwriting and intricate harmonies. Lead vocalist and bassist, Riley Jensen, drummer Paul Sanchez, and guitarists Matt O’Leary and Daniel Stanford found a unique bond over their shared love of music. Amidst this amalgamation of passion and talent, Definitive Tail was born. The band quickly gained a following in the Boston underground music scene, known for their exhilarating live performances and profound lyrics. After graduation, they moved to Nashville, where they’ve been slowly but steadily making their mark in the music industry.

Genre:

Definitive Tail delves into the realm of Alternative Rock with a touch of Progressive elements.

Title:

“Echoes in the Hollow”

Full Song Lyrics with Chord Progression:

(Verse 1)
Em C G D
Wandering through this empty maze, lost in a hazy daze
Em C G D
Our whispers bounce off the stone cold walls, like an old-time play

(Chorus)
Am Em D
Echoes in the hollow, shadows in the hall
G C D
Remembering the echoes of our fall

(Verse 2)
Em C G D
Underneath the broken sky, we exchange our last goodbye
Em C G D
Your silhouette fades into the night; leaves me questioning why

(Chorus)
Am Em D
Echoes in the hollow, tears in the rain
G C D
Rekindling the remnants of our pain

(Bridge)
Am C G D
In the echoes, in the hollow, we find the strength to face tomorrow

(Chorus)
Am Em D
Echoes in the hollow, now we must part
G C D
Carrying echoes of you in my heart

The Band’s Favorite Fan:

Definitive Tail’s favorite fan goes by the name of Ella Hawkins. Ella has been with them since their humble beginnings in Boston. She’s followed and supported the band as they’ve grown, even making the move to Nashville herself. Ella first came to Definitive Tail’s shows for the music, but stayed for the community that the band created. As she puts it, “Their music is more than just melodies and rhythms, it’s a narrative that speaks to my soul. Each song is like a chapter of a book I never want to end. The lyrics are thought-provoking, and the tunes are infectious. Their live shows are, quite simply, a mesmerizing experience, filled with energy and passion. Definitive Tail is more than just my favorite band, they’re a significant part of my life’s soundtrack.”

Backstory:

Profuse Availability is an eclectic group of four members – Rafe, Maddy, Zane, and Tessa – who initially met in a small town in England named Bracknell. Rafe, the lead vocalist and guitarist, was a local music teacher, while Maddy, the drummer, worked at a record store. Zane, the bassist, was an engineer by profession but had an indomitable passion for music. Lastly, Tessa, the keyboardist, was a talented music student of Rafe.

One day, Rafe decided to bring them together for a jam session in his old barn, and that’s where the magic happened. The chemistry was undeniable, and they realized they had a unique sound that needed to be shared with the world. They named their band Profuse Availability to reflect their abundant talents and the vast array of music styles they could effortlessly blend into their songs.

Genre:
Alternative Rock

Song Title:
“Unseen Conversations”

Full Song Lyrics:

Verse 1:
[Am] Wandering through the [G] quiet lanes,
[F] Breathing in the [Em] sweet remains,
[Dm] Of a world that’s [Am] lost its [G] chains.

Chorus:
[Am] Unseen conversations, [G] hidden in the breeze,
[F] Whispered declarations, [Em] rustling through the trees.
[Dm] Lost in translations, [Am] secrets of the [G] seas.

Verse 2:
[Am] Shadows dancing [G] through the night,
[F] In the moon’s soft [Em] silver light,
[Dm] Painting tales of [Am] dark and [G] bright.

Chorus:
[Am] Unseen conversations, [G] under the star’s design,
[F] Echoed vibrations, [Em] in the space and time.
[Dm] Pulsing sensations, [Am] through the [G] cosmic line.

Favorite Fan:

The band’s favorite fan is a woman named Lilly. Lilly was there at their first unofficial gig at a local bar in Bracknell, and she has been an ardent follower ever since. She resonates deeply with the band’s music, finding it therapeutic and uplifting. As she says: “Profuse Availability’s music is like a lifeline to me. It’s not just about the melody, but the lyrics. They touch upon things that are often left unsaid, unacknowledged. Their song, ‘Unseen Conversations’, helped me through some of the darkest times of my life. I feel like they’re not just a band, but a bunch of friends singing my life back to me.”