Backstory:
Solid Panic was formed in 2013 by four childhood friends, Max Hartley (lead vocals), Jake Gibson (guitar), Ethan Morris (bass), and Aaron Paul (drums). The group had been jamming in their parents’ garages since they were in high school, bonding over their shared love of punk rock and their dreams of making it big. It wasn’t until they graduated from college that they decided to take their music seriously and try to turn their passion into a career. Their name, Solid Panic, was chosen to represent their solid bond as friends and the panic they felt as they took the leap into the unknown world of professional music.

Genre:
Punk Rock

Title:
“Burn, Babylon, Burn”

Full Song Lyrics:
(Verse)
C#m, E, A, B
(Woke up this morning in a world so cold)
(Seeing all the chaos as the stories unfold)
(Looking for a way to make it, don’t know where to turn)
(Now we’re standing at the edge watching Babylon burn)

(Chorus)
G#m, E, B, F#
(Burn, Babylon, Burn)
(The wheels are turning, there’s no return)
(We’re just spectators in this game, waiting for our turn)
(So Burn, Babylon, Burn)

(Verse)
C#m, E, A, B
(Living in a world where the truth is a lie)
(And the innocent suffer while the guilty get by)
(Our eyes are open, it’s time we learn)
(We’re the generation watching Babylon burn)

(Chorus)
G#m, E, B, F#
(Burn, Babylon, Burn)
(The tides are shifting, the winds have turned)
(We’re the soldiers in this fight, waiting for our turn)
(So Burn, Babylon, Burn)

Favorite Fan Testimonial:
Name: Lucy Harper

“I’m a huge fan of Solid Panic because their music has a raw, rebellious nature that speaks to my own values and experiences. Their song, ‘Burn, Babylon, Burn’, is such a powerful anthem for our generation, who are witnessing a world in turmoil. As young people, we’re often made to feel powerless, but Solid Panic’s music gives me hope and makes me feel like I can make a difference. I’ve followed them since their garage band days, and it’s been an amazing journey watching them grow as a band and as individuals. Their dedication to their craft and their fans is truly inspiring!”

Backstory:

Formed in the vibrant music scene of Austin, Texas in 2016, Oval Easter is the brainchild of childhood friends Alex Sheridan and Neil Donovan. After spending their formative years experimenting with different sounds and styles, they found their sonic identity in a blend of indie folk and alternative rock. The band’s name, Oval Easter, was inspired by Sheridan’s fascination with the idiosyncrasies of language and the way words can evoke unique sensations and memories.

In 2018, they added multi-instrumentalist Jenny Peters to their lineup, adding a new dimension to their music. Their unique blend of soulful lyrics, intricate melodies, and playful experiments with rhythm and harmony quickly garnered them a dedicated following in the Austin music scene. They have since released two full-length albums, with numerous performances at local clubs and music festivals, which have only served to cement their status as a rising star in the indie music scene.

Genre:

Indie Folk/Alternative Rock

Title:

“Whispers in the Wind”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
Am G D Am
Beneath the sky, where the wildflowers bloom,
Am G D Am
I hear your voice, under the pale moon.
C G D Am
Your shadow lingers, like a sweet perfume,
C G D Am
In this empty field, in the silent gloom.

(Chorus)
F C G Am
Whispers in the wind, secrets we’ve confined,
F C G Am
In the echoes of our hearts, in the corners of our minds.

(Verse 2)
Am G D Am
Through the rustling leaves, through the crackling fire,
Am G D Am
Your laughter rings, like a choir.
C G D Am
Your memory dances, never to retire,
C G D Am
In this lonely place, your presence I aspire.

(Chorus)
F C G Am
Whispers in the wind, tales of love we’ve bind,
F C G Am
In the depth of our souls, in the labyrinth of time.

(Outro)
Am G D Am
In this silent night, in the whispers in the wind,
F C G Am
I find your love, in the echoes that you’ve pinned.

Fan Testimonial:

Name: Sarah Thompson

“Oval Easter is hands down my favorite band. They have this uncanny ability to blend sounds and lyrics into something that is not just music, but an experience. Every song they produce is like a journey into the soul, with each note and word resonating within you. They’re not just making music, they’re creating stories, painting pictures, and sharing a part of themselves with their listeners. I’ve been a fan since their early days and I am yet to find another band that touches my heart the way Oval Easter does.”

Backstory:

Born and raised in the eclectic city of Austin, Texas, Personal Troop is a band infused with passion and a love for music that transcends genres. It was the brainchild of long-time friends and college roommates, Jake Pendleton (lead vocals), Henry Lawson (guitar), Alex Mead (bass), and Liam Hart (drums). They began jamming together in their dorm room, gradually receiving recognition from their peers and eventually drawing larger crowds at local college gigs. An unforeseen break came when a music producer happened to hear them play at a local bar, leading to a recording contract that skyrocketed their careers. Since then, they have been tirelessly writing, recording, and touring, sharing their music with audiences all over the world.

Genre:

Indie Rock with a hint of Folk and Blues

Title:

“Echoes of The Past”

Full Song Lyrics:

[Verse 1]
Cmaj
Under the hollow skies, where our dreams used to play,
Am
We’d sit by the river, losing track of the day.
F
We had nothing but time, and our hearts on our sleeve,
G
Now all we’ve got are these echoes to grieve.

[Chorus]
Cmaj
Echoes of the past, whispers in the wind,
Am
Pictures in the dust, of where we’ve once been.
F
Echoes of our youth, that time can’t erase,
G
Forever carved in the canyons of space.

[Verse 2]
Cmaj
Looking back on the years, oh, how they’ve flown,
Am
Through the laughter and tears, how we’ve grown.
F
In the mirror of time, we see our reflection,
G
Haunting us with its sweet imperfection.

[Chorus]
Cmaj
Echoes of the past, whispers in the wind,
Am
Pictures in the dust, of where we’ve once been.
F
Echoes of our youth, that time can’t erase,
G
Forever carved in the canyons of space.

Fan Testimonial:

My name is Sarah Thompson, and I am unapologetically the biggest Personal Troop fan. There’s something incredibly genuine about their music, it resonates with my soul on so many levels. Their lyrics are insightful and raw, speaking not only to my heart but my experiences. It’s as if every song is a chapter from my own storybook. Personal Troop has this uncanny ability to connect with their fans on a deeply personal level through their music. Most importantly, they make me feel seen and heard, and I believe that’s the true power of music. They’re not just a band to me, they’re a source of comfort, joy, and introspection. And for that, Personal Troop will always be my favorite.

Backstory:
Sinful Painting was formed in the charming town of Waco, Texas, in 2012 by childhood friends, Timothy ‘T.J.’ Johnson, an accomplished yet unfulfilled painter, and Isaiah ‘Ike’ Kline, a talented but struggling songwriter. The two came together during a low point in their respective careers, hoping to blend their creative energies to form something new and exciting. They picked up the name ‘Sinful Painting’ as a tribute to T.J.’s eccentric and rebellious art style, which often pushed boundaries and questioned societal norms, much like their music.

They started out performing in small clubs and bars around Texas, slowly building a cult following with their innovative sound and thought-provoking lyrics. Their big break came in 2015, when they were noticed by a record label executive while performing at the famed SXSW festival. Since then, Sinful Painting has released three successful albums, toured the country, and solidified their place in the music industry.

Genre:
Alternative Rock

Title:
“Bleeding Colors”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1) – [Dm, Am, Bb, C]
In a world, painted black and white, [Dm]
We find solace in the neon lights. [Am]
Running from our shadows, trying to break free, [Bb]
Hoping for a chance, to rewrite our story. [C]

(Chorus) – [F, C, Dm, Bb]
We are bleeding colors, in the dark, [F]
Breaking the silence, making our mark. [C]
In a world left cold and stark, [Dm]
We’re the sinners, lighting the spark. [Bb]

(Verse 2) – [Dm, Am, Bb, C]
Caught in the crossfire, between right and wrong, [Dm]
We find strength, in our siren song. [Am]
With every stroke of the brush, we break the chains, [Bb]
Leaving behind, nothing but colorful stains. [C]

(Chorus) – [F, C, Dm, Bb]
We are bleeding colors, into the void, [F]
In a world, we once enjoyed. [C]
Turning the pages, of our past, [Dm]
We’re the sinners, making the contrast. [Bb]

Fan’s Name and Testimonial:

Fan’s Name: Alex Thompson

Testimonial: I’ve been a fan of Sinful Painting since their early days. Their music isn’t just music; it’s a rebellion, a statement, a cry for change. Their song “Bleeding Colors” became my personal anthem during a difficult time in my life. I feel their music speaks directly to me, and I’m sure many others feel the same. It’s raw, truthful, and beautifully chaotic. They’re not just my favorite band; they’re my lifeline.

Backstory:
Gruesome Conduct, from the gritty streets of Detroit, Michigan, was formed in the summer of 2008. The band began as a duo, with frontman Jason “Grave” Gravely and lead guitarist, Vince “Viper” Vaughn, who bonded over a shared love for powerful, raw, and intense music. The two met at a late-night open mic event in a dark Detroit dive bar. Their chemistry was undeniable, and soon they decided to start their own band, bringing in bass player, Dave “Doom” Davis and drummer, Aaron “Ace” Ellington to complete the lineup. Gruesome Conduct has been making noise in the underground scene ever since, with their thrashing riffs, hard-hitting rhythms, and poignant lyrics.

Genre:
Gruesome Conduct falls under the category of Hardcore Punk with a touch of Heavy Metal.

Title:
A popular song title from Gruesome Conduct is “Eternal Nightmare”.

Full Song Lyrics:
(Verse 1: Em – G – D – A)
Em
In this world of chaos, where dreams are lost,
G
We fight to survive, no matter the cost.
D
We’re trapped in an eternal nightmare,
A
No one warned us, life isn’t fair.

(Chorus: Em – C – G – D)
Em
Eternal Nightmare, we’re living in fear,
C
Our voices unheard, though we scream so clear.
G
In the dark, alone we stand,
D
With our fate written by a cold, cruel hand.

(Verse 2: Em – G – D – A)
Em
We’re the forsaken, we’re the damned,
G
In this barren wasteland, we make our stand.
D
The promise of dawn, a distant lie,
A
In this eternal nightmare, we live to die.

(Chorus: Em – C – G – D)
Em
Eternal Nightmare, we’re living in despair,
C
Our hearts are blackened, beyond repair.
G
In the shadows, we make our plea,
D
Bound by chains, yearning to be free.

Bands Favorite Fan:
Gruesome Conduct’s favorite fan is a woman named Sarah Mitchell. Sarah has followed the band since their inception and is known for traveling across states to catch their live shows. In her testimonial, she states, “Gruesome Conduct isn’t just a band to me, it’s a way of life. Their music speaks to me on a deep level, resonating with my own struggles and fears. Their ‘Eternal Nightmare’ is a testament to the human spirit’s resilience, and it gives me strength every time I listen to it. They are raw, real, and unapologetically themselves – a rarity in today’s music scene.”

Backstory:
Cumbersome Flock was formed in the small coastal town of Tiverton, Rhode Island, in the late 2000s. Bringing together five friends who shared a common love of music and the desire to express their thoughts through their melodies, they started jamming in their backyards, soon capturing the attention of their neighborhood. The band consists of lead singer and guitarist Ellen ‘Ell’ Masters, drummer Ted ‘The Stick’ Harlow, bass guitarist Sam ‘Bassy’ Green, keyboardist and backup vocalist Rob ‘Keys’ Miller, and their newest member, violinist Lisa ‘Strings’ Sanders.

The band started playing at local pubs and cafes, gaining recognition for their unique sound and soulful lyrics. Their breakthrough came when a music producer happened to be in the crowd at one of their gigs, who was instantly captivated by their riveting performance and offered them a record deal. Over the years, the band has evolved, incorporating a variety of influences into their music, but they’ve always stayed true to their roots.

Genre:
Indie Folk-Rock

Song Title:
“Wings of the Weary”

Song Lyrics:
(Verse 1)
Am G F C
Here we stand, on the edge of the night.
Em F C G
Tales untold, beneath the pale moonlight.
Am G F C
Oh, we are the Cumbersome Flock,
Em F C G
Flying against the tick of the clock.

(Chorus)
Am G F C
Wings of the weary, carry us home,
Em F C G
Through the gusts of the wild, wherever we roam.
Am G F C
In the heart of the storm, we find our song,
Em F C G
Wings of the weary, keep us strong.

(Verse 2)
Am G F C
Tossed by the wind, lost in the haze,
Em F C G
We sing our songs in a defiant blaze.
Am G F C
We are the voices in the night,
Em F C G
Carved out of hope, born from the fight.

(Chorus)
Am G F C
Wings of the weary, guide our way,
Em F C G
In the labyrinth of life, we sway.
Am G F C
In the echo of our dreams, we find our dawn,
Em F C G
Wings of the weary, lead us on.

Fan Testimonial:
Name: Sarah Thompson
“I’ve been a fan of Cumbersome Flock ever since I first heard them at a local café. Their music resonates with me on a personal level, reflecting my thoughts and emotions as if they were my own. The band’s unique blend of folk-rock and their heartfelt lyrics are like a beacon of light in the storm. I admire their authenticity and the way they pour their souls into their music. They’re not just a band to me, they’re storytellers whose stories I connect with. You can feel the passion, the joy, the sorrow in every note they play. Every time I listen to ‘Wings of the Weary’, it feels like a journey. Their music has gotten me through some tough times. That’s why Cumbersome Flock is my favorite band.”

Backstory:
Outgoing Pen was formed in the bustling streets of Chicago in 2006. The band members, Jason White (lead vocalist and guitarist), Eddie Collins (bassist), and Mike Stone (drummer), were college friends who used to spend their spare time in a small garage, harmonizing their tunes and trying to create music that spoke directly to the heart. They all held regular jobs but their shared passion for music made them decide to pursue their shared dream. They named their band ‘Outgoing Pen’, a nod to their shared love of literature and song-writing.

One night, during a small gig at a local bar, they were discovered by a renowned music producer who was in town for a convention. Impressed by their raw talent and authentic sound, he offered them their first record deal. Now, Outgoing Pen has an ardent fan base worldwide, their music resonating with many because of its raw, honest lyrics paired with a sound that’s both nostalgic and fresh.

Genre:
Indie Rock

Title:
“Pages of Yesterday”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
[G] The city lights are [D] fading,
[Em] As the dawn is [C] breaking,
[G] I’m in this room with [D] memories,
[Em] Of love that’s slowly [C] shaking.

(Chorus)
[G] The pages of [D] yesterday,
[Em] Hold stories that [C] won’t fade away,
[G] In the ink of our [D] love we lay,
[Em] In the pages of [C] yesterday.

(Verse 2)
[G] The whispers of your [D] laughter,
[Em] Still echo in this [C] after,
[G] The scent of you is [D] lingering,
[Em] In the silence I am [C] capturing.

(Chorus)
[G] The pages of [D] yesterday,
[Em] Hold stories that [C] won’t fade away,
[G] In the ink of our [D] love we lay,
[Em] In the pages of [C] yesterday.

(Bridge)
[G] These fading moments [D] we replay,
[Em] In the pages of [C] yesterday.

(Chorus)
[G] The pages of [D] yesterday,
[Em] Hold stories that [C] won’t fade away,
[G] In the ink of our [D] love we lay,
[Em] In the pages of [C] yesterday.

Fan’s Name:
Erica Jones

Fan Testimonial:
“Outgoing Pen has been my favorite band since I first heard their debut album. I connect with their lyrics on a level I can’t even put into words. They pour their heart and soul into every song and it’s so incredibly raw and real. Their music is my comfort, my joy, and my inspiration. I can’t wait to see what they come up with next!”

Backstory:

Expensive Currency was formed in the bustling city of Atlanta, Georgia, in 2010. The band members, Chris (vocals/guitar), Jake (drums), and Gina (bass), had all met while studying at the University of Georgia. United by their shared interest in world economics, they began writing songs about the financial crises and wealth disparity, using music as a medium to voice their concerns. Their music became a unique blend of commentary on socioeconomic issues and an escape from them.

By 2012, Expensive Currency had built a significant underground following, and their debut album “Inflation of Affection” caught the attention of indie rock lovers across the nation. Their songs cultivated a sense of unity among listeners, giving them a niche in the music industry that truly set them apart.

Genre:

Indie Rock

Title:

“Diamonds & Rust”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
Am – F – C – G
In a world where paper reigns,
Am – F – C – G
And gold is just a memory,
Am – F – C – G
We’re pushing daisies for diamond chains,
Am – F – C – G
Lost in the rust of luxury.

(Chorus)
F – C – G – Am
Diamonds and rust, we’re made of stardust,
F – C – G – Am
In a world that’s lost, we’re bankrupt of trust.
F – C – G – Am
Underneath the crown, it’s all just dust,
F – C – G – Am
Diamonds and rust, diamonds and rust.

(Verse 2)
Am – F – C – G
In the kingdom of the blind,
Am – F – C – G
The one-eyed man is king,
Am – F – C – G
In the palace of the mind,
Am – F – C – G
We’re paupers to our own being.

(Chorus)
F – C – G – Am
Diamonds and rust, we’re made of stardust,
F – C – G – Am
In a world that’s lost, we’re bankrupt of trust.
F – C – G – Am
Underneath the crown, it’s all just dust,
F – C – G – Am
Diamonds and rust, diamonds and rust.

Bands Favorite Fan:

The band’s favorite fan is a young man named Timothy. For Timothy, Expensive Currency is more than just a band; they are a voice that resonates with his very core. In his own words, “Expensive Currency isn’t just about music. They weave tales about our contemporary struggles, economic disparities, and make you feel seen. Their song ‘Diamonds & Rust’ encapsulates the reality of our society. I feel like they’re singing my thoughts aloud, and that’s why they’re more than just my favorite band, they’re my heroes.”

TRASH JUICE

Key: E
Tempo: ~128 BPM
Feel: Dirty garage rock / blues
Main progression: E – G – A – E

Intro

E G A E
E G A B7

(Spoken)
Don’t touch the bottom of the bag.

---

Verse 1

E
Black plastic bag in the summer sun
G
Been sittin’ there since quarter to one
A
Chicken bones, coffee grounds, something turned green
E
And a paper plate from last week’s cuisine

E
Temperature’s pushing ninety-nine
G
Something in that bag has come alive
A
I grabbed both handles, started walking away
B7
Then something warm dripped down my leg…

(STOP)

Oh no.

---

Chorus

E
TRASH JUICE!
G
Drippin’ from the bottom!
A
TRASH JUICE!
E
Good God, something’s rotten!

E
One little smell and your stomach says NO!
G
Your face turns white and your breakfast says GO!
A
Baking in the heat like the Devil’s fondue—
B7
If you smell that stink…

E
YOU’RE GONNA PUKE!

G A E

---

Verse 2

E
Watermelon rind and a hamburger bun
G
Fermenting together at a hundred and one
A
Old baked beans and a mystery meat
E
Making biological weapons in the summer heat

E
Flies overhead doing figure eights
G
Even the raccoons won’t investigate
A
Neighbor came over, said, “What’s that smell?”
B7
I said, “Take one more breath and I’ll see you in hell.”

---

Chorus

E
TRASH JUICE!
G
Drippin’ from the bottom!
A
TRASH JUICE!
E
Every molecule is rotten!

E
Hits your nose and your knees get weak
G
You can’t breathe, you can’t even speak
A
Your belly starts making that glug-glug-glug
B7
Then you’re fertilizing…

E
THE NEIGHBOR’S SHRUB!

G A E

---

Bridge — Half Time

C
You can run…
G
You can hide…
D
But that smell gets deep inside

C
Through the window
G
Through the door
B7
WHAT THE HELL IS LEAKING ON THE FLOOR?!

(Band stops.)

(Quietly)
Trash juice.

(One guitar: E)

---

Verse 3 — Build It Up

E
Now the garbage truck is coming down the street
G
Hydraulics groaning in the August heat
A
He lifts that barrel, I hear it pour
E
Like Satan making gravy at my front door

E
Driver jumps out, says, “Man, that’s rough.”
G
I said, “Buddy, you ain’t getting paid enough.”
A
He takes one sniff and turns around—
B7
And paints his breakfast on the ground!

---

FINAL CHORUS

E
TRASH JUICE!
G
HOT! HOT! HOT!
A
TRASH JUICE!
E
EVERYTHING’S ROT!

E
MAGGOTS DANCING!
G
FLIES ON PARADE!
A
SOMETHING IN THERE USED TO BE POTATO SALAD!

E
NINETY-EIGHT DEGREES!
G
NOT A CLOUD IN SIGHT!
A
THAT BAG’S BEEN COOKING
B7
SINCE TUESDAY NIGHT!

E
TRASH JUICE!
G
DON’T BREATHE IN!
A
TRASH JUICE!
E
HERE IT COMES AGAIN!

E
You can plug your nose
G
You can hold your breath
A
But one good whiff
B7
SMELLS WORSE THAN DEATH!

E
TRAAAAAASH—

G
JUUUUUUUICE—

A
I THINK I’M GONNA—

E
BLEEEEUUURRGGHHH!

(Band hits E and stops.)

(Three seconds of silence.)

(Quiet voice)
“…bag ripped.”

E

Backstory:
Formal Avenue was formed in the summer of 2005 in the heart of Seattle, Washington. The group members, high school friends, used to gather at a local park every weekend, bringing their guitars, drums and poetry books. They bonded over their shared love for music and their desire to add their own unique flair to the industry. They started off by playing at school events and local bars, but after their first album was picked up by an indie record label, they began touring regionally, developing a dedicated fan base along the way.

In 2010, a major record label recognized their talent and offered them a deal. Formal Avenue faced a tough choice; they had to decide whether to stay indie and keep their raw authenticity, or sign the deal and reach a bigger audience. After much discussions, they decided to go big, a decision they never regretted. Today, Formal Avenue is a household name, known for their heartfelt lyrics, authentic performances, and their unique blend of music.

Genre:
Rock/Alternative

Title:
“Sidewalk Symphony”

Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
Em G D A
Walking down the avenue, under city lights
Em G D A
Our dreams are playing cat & mouse, in the starless night
Em G D A
I see your face in every shadow, every passerby
Em G D A
In the whispers of the wind, I hear your lullaby

(Chorus)
Em G D A
Sidewalk Symphony, play on, play on
Em G D A
While we chase our dreams, ’til the break of dawn
Em G D A
We’ll keep the rhythm, through joy and pain
Em G D A
On the Formal Avenue, love will always reign

(Verse 2)
Em G D A
In the mirror of a puddle, I see your smile
Em G D A
Our memories are a melody, playing all the while
Em G D A
Through the hustle and the bustle, your rhythm I find
Em G D A
In the echoes of your love, I’ve left my fears behind

(Chorus)
Em G D A
Sidewalk Symphony, play on, play on
Em G D A
While we chase our dreams, ’til the break of dawn
Em G D A
We’ll keep the rhythm, through joy and pain
Em G D A
On the Formal Avenue, love will always reign

Favorite Fan:
Name: Alex Thompson
Testimonial:
“I’ve been a fan of Formal Avenue since their early days. I remember hearing them play at a local bar in Seattle, and I was blown away by their authenticity and passion. Their music has been a fixture in my life, providing a soundtrack to my highs and lows. Their song ‘Sidewalk Symphony’ is my favorite. It resonates with me and always lifts my spirit. For me, Formal Avenue isn’t just a band; they’re a source of inspiration and a beacon of hope in tough times. Their music reminds me that even on the busiest avenues of life, love will always reign.”