Backstory:
Born in the bustling city of Seattle in 2004, Lanky Sword initially started as a garage band by three high school friends – Danny “Dee” Foster (vocals), Michael “Mickey” Douglas (drums), and Peter “Pete” Williams (guitar). Their love for music brought them together, and they found a unique chemistry when they jammed in their small garage. The name ‘Lanky Sword’ was chosen to represent their own oddball personalities and the fierce, hard-hitting musical style they aspired to achieve. Over the years, they added two more members, Sarah “Sassy” Mitchels (keyboard) and John “Johnny” Blackwood (bass), completing their line-up and forging a sound that was uniquely their own.

Their first major breakthrough came in 2008 when they won the local “Battle of the Bands” competition, catching the attention of a small indie record label. This was the start of Lanky Sword’s rise to becoming one of the most unconventional, yet loved rock bands in the country. Their intense, raw energy, audacious lyrics, and a unique blend of traditional rock elements with a modern twist have created a dedicated fanbase that continues to grow.

Genre:
Alternative Rock

Title:
“Shards of Us”

Full Song Lyrics:

Verse 1:
Am C
Wandering in the twilight, lost in the haze
G Dm
Looking for a lighthouse, in our daze
Am C
Picking up the pieces, of broken dreams
G Dm
Finding solace in, silent screams

Chorus:
F C G
We’re the shards of us
Dm Am
Broken but still tough
F C G
Piercing through the night
Dm Am
With our own light

Verse 2:
Am C
Walking on the edges, of shattered hope
G Dm
Clinging on, learning to cope
Am C
Weaving stories from, the fragments left
G Dm
Singing ballads of, a love bereft

(Repeat Chorus)

Bridge:
Em F
In the chaos, we find our voice
C G
In the silence, we make our choice

(Repeat Chorus x2)

Fan Testimonial:
I’m Bethany Clark, arguably the biggest Lanky Sword fan out there. Their music is raw, real and resonates with my experiences. Each song is a journey that takes you through every emotion – from joy to despair, hope to heartbreak. I’ve been to every concert they’ve played in Seattle since ’08, and their live performances are electrifying. Their song “Shards of Us” is my absolute favorite, as it encapsulates the human experience of love and loss in such a powerful way. Lanky Sword isn’t just a band to me, it’s a profound experience that has shaped me and my perspective on life.

Backstory:

Loathsome Machine, hailing from the gritty underbelly of Detroit’s music scene, was formed in the late 90s by childhood friends Christopher “Spike” Matthews and Michael “Buzz” Riley. As teenagers, they spent their days skipping school, creating music in their basements, and dreaming about a future filled with sold-out stadiums and platinum records. Their garage band status was swiftly upgraded when they were noticed by a local DJ during a spontaneous battle of the bands performance at a rundown dive bar. Their raw talent and unique sound caught the attention of A&R executive, who signed them to his indie label. Their rise to stardom was quick, with their debut album going platinum and catapulting them to international fame.

Despite their success, Loathsome Machine never lost their unique flavor and authenticity. They kept true to their roots, delivering electrifying performances, and producing music that resonated with their audience. They are known for their incredible resilience, bouncing back from various hurdles — including a brief break-up in 2005 — and continuing to produce groundbreaking music.

Genre:

Alternative Rock/Grunge

Title:

“Raw Steel Symphony”

Full Song Lyrics:

Verse 1:
[F#m] Dark alleyways, and bright city lights, [D]
[E] We owned the world, those wild teenage nights. [A]
[F#m] Raw steel rhythms, old guitar strings, [D]
[E] Echoes of a past, broken dreams on wings. [A]

Chorus:
[C#m] We are, we are, the raw steel symphony, [G#]
[A] Singing out loud, in perfect disharmony. [E]
[C#m] We are, we are, the loathsome machine, [G#]
[A] Living our dreams, and everything in between. [E]

Verse 2:
[F#m] Cracked walls whisper of forgotten songs, [D]
[E] We’ve been down, but we’ve never been gone. [A]
[F#m] Electric heartbeats, beneath moon’s icy glare, [D]
[E] In the city’s rhythm, we were born to dare. [A]

(Repeat Chorus)

Favorite Fan:

Their favorite fan, known as “Rusty”, has followed them from their early days, even through their brief hiatus. As a testament to his loyalty, he has every album, piece of merchandise, and has attended every show within a 300-mile radius.

Rusty says, “Loathsome Machine isn’t just a band to me, they are the soundtrack to my life. Their music has seen me through my best and worst times. The raw, gritty energy of their songs, the passion, the relentlessness – it’s intoxicating. Most importantly, they’ve stayed true to their roots and their fans. They are real, they are raw, they are Loathsome Machine.”

Backstory:
Subdued Psychology traces their roots back to a small town in Ohio in 2012. The group was formed by four college friends—Daniel Richards on vocals, Jonathan Simmons on guitar, Mark Peters on drums, and Neil Adams on bass—who all shared a passion for music and psychology. They were all psychology majors and would often discuss the human mind’s complexity and mystique. Eventually, they decided to channel their fascination into music, fusing thought-provoking lyrics with captivating melodies. The band started performing in local bars and quickly gained a reputation for their unique sound and captivating live performances. They later moved to Los Angeles to pursue their music career more earnestly, which paid off as they were eventually signed by a renowned record label.

Genre:
Subdued Psychology specializes in Alternative Rock, with a unique twist of incorporating psychologically-themed lyrics into their music.

Title:
“Dreams Within a Shadow”

Full Song Lyrics:
(Verse 1)
[Am] Waking life is just a [G] dream,
[Dm] Caught in the web of a [E] silent scream.
[Am] Shadows dancing on the [G] walls,
[Dm] Echoing the mind’s [E] ethereal halls.

(Chorus)
[F] Dreams within a [C] shadow,
[G] Thoughts too deep to [Am] fathom.
[F] Lost in the labyrinth of the [C] mind,
[G] Searching for what we can’t [Am] find.

(Verse 2)
[Am] Fear is just a [G] figment,
[Dm] Of the psyche’s intricate [E] segment.
[Am] Love is but a [G] complex code,
[Dm] Deciphered in the heart’s [E] humble abode.

(Chorus)
[F] Dreams within a [C] shadow,
[G] Emotions too wild to [Am] tame.
[F] Trapped in the theater of the [C] brain,
[G] Playing a never-ending [Am] game.

Bridge:
[D] Delving deep into [Am] subdued psychology,
[C] Unraveling the mystery of our [G] deep-seated ideology.

(Chorus)
[F] Dreams within a [C] shadow,
[G] A testament of the [Am] human saga.
[F] Wandering through realms [C] unseen,
[G] In the vast cosmos of the [Am] cognitive scene.

Fan Testimonial:
The band’s favorite fan is a die-hard follower named Amy Patterson. She discovered Subdued Psychology during their initial bar performances in Ohio and has been a loyal fan ever since. In her words, “Subdued Psychology isn’t just a band; it’s a journey into the intricacies of the human mind. Their music is a perfect blend of intellectual stimulation and soul-stirring melodies. ‘Dreams Within a Shadow’ is my personal favorite; it’s like a psychological exploration set to the tune of alternative rock. Their music has helped me during tough times, and I’ve found a deeper understanding of myself through their songs. Subdued Psychology is my favorite band because they’re true artists who can turn complex psychological concepts into beautiful, relatable music.”

Backstory:

French City is an Indie rock band that was formed in the heart of Paris, France in 2010. The four-member group is composed of childhood friends, Pierre on vocals and guitar, François on lead guitar, Julien on bass, and Jean on drums. The boys, initially unaware of their shared passion for music, discovered their common interest during a school talent show, where they first collaborated. Their performance was a hit among the students, and they decided to form a band. Named after their beloved city, they started playing at local gigs, gaining fame and appreciation over time. Their unique sound is inspired by a mix of French and English rock, incorporating their cultural roots with their contemporary influences.

Genre:
Indie Rock

Title:
“City Lights”

Lyrics:
Verse: [Am] Wandering [G] the city streets at [F] night [C]
[Am] Lost in the [G] shimmering [F] city lights [C]
[Am] I see your [G] face in every [F] passerby [C]
[Am] In the heart of [G] the French [F] city, you lie [C]

Chorus: [G] Underneath the city [Am] lights, I find [F] you
[G] In this French [Am] city’s heart, we’re [F] true
[G] The Eiffel tower as our [Am] witness, we unite [F]
[G] In this French [Am] city’s heart, under the [F] city lights

Verse: [Am] Cobblestones under [G] my weary feet [F] [C]
[Am] In the city, where [G] love and life [F] meet [C]
[Am] The echo of [G] our laughter fills the [F] Seine [C]
[Am] In the heart of [G] the French [F] city, we remain [C]

Chorus: [G] Underneath the city [Am] lights, we find love [F]
[G] In this French [Am] city’s heart, we rise above [F]
[G] The Eiffel tower as our [Am] witness, love takes flight [F]
[G] In this French [Am] city’s heart, under the [F] city lights

Fan Testimonial:

Our favorite fan, Sophie, says, “I’ve been a dedicated follower of French City since their early days. Their music resonates with me; it’s like a love letter to Paris, a city I’ve always dreamt of living in. Their song ‘City Lights’ is a beautiful blend of indie rock influences with the charm of Parisian culture. It’s as if every strum, every word, transports me to the heart of Paris. I feel a deep connection with their music, and it has been a constant companion in my life. French City is more than just a band to me, they’re my virtual tour guides to my dream city.”

Backstory:
Rundown French is a unique blend of childhood friends and experienced musicians hailing from the heart of Paris, France. The band was formed in early 2013, when lead singer Pierre Leclerc and guitarist Jean-Louis Dupuis bumped into each other at a local open mic night. The duo, who had always shared a deep passion for music, quickly noticed a shared harmony in their styles and decided to form a band. They were later joined by drummer François Moreau and bassist Nicolas Bernard, rounding out the band’s unique sound.

Genre:
Rundown French is known for their indie pop sound with a twist of French new wave and a dash of post-punk revival. Their music is characterized by catchy hooks, energetic performances, and a distinct blend of electronic and acoustic instruments, creating a unique soundscape that has won them fans across the globe.

Title:
“Underneath the Paris Rain”

Full Song Lyrics:
(V)
Em G
Underneath the Paris rain,
D A
We first met, you called my name,
Em G
Your smile was like a bright sunshine,
D A
I knew then, you had to be mine.

(Chorus)
C G D Em
In the streets of our city,
C G D Em
We danced wild, young and pretty,
C G D Em
Underneath the Paris rain,
C G D Em
We found love, amidst the pain.

(V)
Em G
Your eyes, like the Seine at night,
D A
Reflecting all of Paris’ light,
Em G
We fell in love, in this city fair,
D A
Our hearts beating in the cool, night air.

(Chorus)
C G D Em
In the streets of our city,
C G D Em
We danced wild, young and pretty,
C G D Em
Underneath the Paris rain,
C G D Em
We found love, amidst the pain.

Favorite Fan:
The band’s favorite fan is an inspiring individual named Sophie. Sophie, a music student from Lyon, fell in love with Rundown French after hearing “Underneath the Paris Rain” on a local radio station. She says, “Rundown French’s music speaks to me on a deep level. Their lyrics capture the essence of Paris, my favorite city, and their unique sound always leaves me wanting more. Their music has inspired me to pursue my own creative endeavors and for that, they will always be my favorite band.”

Backstory:
Passionate Flat was formed in East London in the cold winter of 2010. The founding members, George “Rusty” Harris (lead vocals), Tom “Slider” Jefferson (lead guitar), and Tom’s younger brother, Nick “Picks” Jefferson (bass), were childhood friends with a shared love for music. With a decision to make a difference in the music world, they retreated into George’s infamous flat, known as the ‘passionate flat’ among friends, for its vibrant energy and artistic atmosphere. The trio spent countless hours crafting their unique sound, and it was there that they decided to name their band Passionate Flat, as a tribute to their humble beginnings.

Two years later, they were joined by talented drummer, Emma “Beats” Lewis, whose inclusion added a whole new dynamic to the band. Passionate Flat was not just a band anymore, but a family that lived and breathed music.

Genre:
Alternative Rock

Title:
“In The Shadows”

Full Song Lyrics:

[Verse 1]
C G Am E
In the shadows, where we fell,
F G C C7
In the echoes of a thousand yells,
F G Em Am
We were young, we were wild,
Dm G C
In the shadows, we smiled.

[Chorus]
F G C Am
Oh, we danced like the dawn never comes,
F G C C7
In the shadows where our song was sung,
F G Am Em
Hand in hand, free and wild,
Dm G C
In the shadows, we smiled.

[Verse 2]
C G Am E
Under the moon, beneath the stars,
F G C C7
We painted dreams on our broken hearts,
F G Em Am
Our spirits intertwined, we were wild,
Dm G C
In the shadows, we smiled.

[Chorus]
F G C Am
Oh, we danced like the dawn never comes,
F G C C7
In the shadows where our song was sung,
F G Am Em
Hand in hand, free and wild,
Dm G C
In the shadows, we smiled.

Favorite Fan:
The band’s favorite fan is Billy “Bassline” Thompson. Billy claims Passionate Flat saved him with their music during a rough time in his life. His favorite song, “In The Shadows,” resonated with his feelings and helped him see the light at the end of the tunnel. He says, “Passionate Flat is not just a band to me. They’re like a lifeline, their music is a balm to my soul. The raw emotion and authenticity in their lyrics have helped me through some really tough times. They’re my favorite because they’re real, their music is real, and it feels like they’re speaking directly to me through their songs.”

Backstory:
Uneven Expense was born in the gritty streets of Chicago, Illinois, where four college dropouts found their calling, not within the confines of institutional education, but in the harmonious blend of discordant sound. The band comprises of lead vocalist and rhythm guitarist, Jake ‘Shredder’ Gibson, bassist and backing vocalist, Sam ‘Bassman’ Harrison, lead guitarist, Fred ‘The Fretmaster’ Cooper, and drummer and percussions, Tom ‘Thumper’ Johnson. Uneven Expense saw the light of the day in the basement of a dilapidated house in 2012. From there, their journey was anything but predictable. Their first album was a hit in the local music scene, which led them to open for more established acts. This exposure paved the way for their signing with a major record label, skyrocketing them into the mainstream.

Genre:
Uneven Expense’s music falls into the genre of Alternative Rock, with elements of Punk, Garage Rock, and Indie Rock. With their raw, energetic sound, and thought-provoking lyrics, they’ve captivated a broad audience who appreciate their authenticity and connect with their music on a personal level.

Title:
One of Uneven Expense’s most popular songs is “Broken Mirrors”.

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
[G]Saw myself in the [D]broken mirrors, [Em]Reflections of a [C]past unclear
[G]Broken dreams and [D]unspoken fears, [Em]Reality’s a [C]bit austere

(Chorus)
[G]But we keep on [D]marching, [Em]Through the glass and [C]pain
[G]In the shards of [D]broken mirrors, [Em]We’ll find ourselves [C]again

(Verse 2)
[G]Fractured smiles and [D]silent cries, [Em]Hidden behind [C]jester’s guise
[G]Through the veil of [D]endless lies, [Em]Truth will always [C]rise

(Chorus)
[G]So we keep on [D]laughing, [Em]In the face of [C]strain
[G]In the shards of [D]broken mirrors, [Em]We’ll reclaim our [C]name

Outro
[G]In uneven [D]expense we pay, [Em]With love and [C]loss, in disarray
[G]In the shards of [D]broken mirrors, [Em]We’ll find a better [C]day

Fan Testimonial:
The band’s favorite fan is Lisa ‘Punk Pixie’ Simmons. Lisa, an art teacher from Springfield, discovered Uneven Expense at a local gig and has been a staunch supporter ever since. “Uneven Expense isn’t just a band for me, they are a life-changing experience. Their music speaks to me on a profoundly personal level. I’ve been through some rough patches, and their songs, especially ‘Broken Mirrors’, became my solace and strength through it all. They aren’t just musicians, they’re poets, storytellers, and healers wrapped in one. Uneven Expense is more than my favorite band, they’re my beacon of hope in this mundane world.”

Backstory:

Born in the heart of the bustling city of London in 2012, Stale History emerged from the creative frustrations of three history teachers turned musicians, Ian Jeffrey, Roger Davies, and Neil Thompson. Named ‘Stale History’ as a tongue-in-cheek nod to their previous occupations, the trio aimed to infuse the past’s learnings into the modern day music scene. Inspired by the charm of vintage records, they sought to create music that was both familiar and fresh, reinterpreting the past to comment on the present, hence making history anything but stale.

The band’s breakout moment came in 2014 when they debuted at the infamous London live music venue, The Underworld. Their unique sound caught the attention of independent music producer, Oliver Cartwright, who immediately signed them to his label, Echo Records. Since then, Stale History has toured extensively, building a loyal fan base who appreciates their refreshing take on music and their unique lyrical insights into past and contemporary issues.

Genre:
Alternative Rock

Title:
“Bridge of Echoes”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
Am (C) Walking down the Bridge of Echoes,
F (G) Talking to the whispers in the wind,
Am (C) Catching pieces of our history,
F (G) Through stories that we have never seen.

(Chorus)
Dm (Am) Bridge of Echoes, bridge of dreams,
G (F) Tying up the past and the in-betweens,
Dm (Am) Can you hear the voices, can you see the scenes?
G (F) On the Bridge of Echoes, where history means.

(Verse 2)
Am (C) Shadows of forgotten heroes,
F (G) Painting pictures of what could have been,
Am (C) Underneath this Bridge of Echoes,
F (G) We’re just players in a play unseen.

(Chorus)
Dm (Am) Bridge of Echoes, bridge of time,
G (F) We’re just living in a dream that’s not mine,
Dm (Am) Can you touch the moments, can you draw the line?
G (F) On the Bridge of Echoes, where history shines.

Favorite Fan – Testimonial:

My name is Emily Johnson, and I’m probably the biggest Stale History fan out there! Their music has provided a soundtrack for my life, offering comfort, motivation, and understanding. The way they blend historical references with modern themes is just so unique. It’s like getting a history lesson with every song, but in the coolest way possible. They have a unique way of making you feel connected to the past and aware of the present simultaneously. For me, Stale History is not just a band; they are storytellers. And I can’t wait to see what stories they will tell next.

Backstory:

Busy Grape was born out of the bustling music scene of Austin, Texas. Comprised of high school friends, frontman Jamie Anderson, lead guitarist Sammy Lopez, bassist Mark Daniels and drummer Tom Baker, the group found a shared love for creating a unique sound that pushes the boundaries of what music can be. They started jamming in their parent’s garages, and it wasn’t long before they were playing local venues, impressing audiences with their raw energy and musical talent. Busy Grape’s journey from jamming in a garage to dominating the stage of some of Austin’s most famous music venues is a testament to their dedication and love for music.

Genre:

Busy Grape plays a fusion of rock and blues, with a hint of psychedelic influence. Their sound is a mix of soul-stirring riffs, lyrically charged songs and a distinct musicality that sets them apart from the rest.

Title:

“Velvet Shadows”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
Cmaj7
Underneath the velvet sky,
Em7
As the city lights begin to die.
Am7
Dreams start to dance, and time is slow,
Dmaj7
In the corners where the night winds blow.

(Chorus)
Gmaj7
Velvet shadows, whispering tales,
Cmaj7
Of love, loss, and lonely trails.
Em7
Under the star’s soft glow,
Am7
Where the heart finds a place to go.

(Verse 2)
Cmaj7
Wandering souls, in the darkness meet,
Em7
To the rhythm of the night’s quiet beat.
Am7
Stories are told in hushed tones,
Dmaj7
In the place where no light is shown.

(Chorus)
Gmaj7
Velvet shadows, hold their secrets tight,
Cmaj7
Shielded from the harsh daylight.
Em7
In the soft silence they reside,
Am7
Where the heart can no longer hide.

(Outro)
Gmaj7
So here we stay, where the shadows play,
Cmaj7
Till the dawn chases the dark away.
Em7
Underneath the velvet sky,
Am7
Where the heart finds a place to lie.

Favorite Fan:

Their most adored fan is Emily Hughes, a music journalist from Austin. Emily has been following the band since their early days and has written several articles about their journey. She says, “Busy Grape’s music speaks to the soul. It’s not just their unique sound that sets them apart, it’s the raw emotion and passion they pour into every performance. Each song tells a story, takes you on a journey. It’s rare to find a band that resonates so deeply with their audience. They are more than my favorite band, they are a musical revelation.”

Backstory:

Burly Opportunity was formed in the thriving underground music scene of Seattle in 2011. Four college friends – lead vocalist and guitarist Eddie Hayes, drummer Toby Pearson, bassist Luke Holloway, and rhythm guitarist and keyboardist Dylan Rhodes – decided to join forces, combining their love for music and unique talents. Despite their academic pursuits, the call of music was too strong to ignore. Their shared dorm room transformed into a bustling practice studio, filled with raw energy, creativity, and an insatiable drive to produce something distinctive.

Their journey wasn’t easy. Balancing studies and their passion posed a significant challenge. However, their collective perseverance made them stick together, and they poured their hearts into their music. Their first gig was at a small local pub, where they managed to draw the attention of a visiting record executive. From there, their career took off. Burly Opportunity quickly became a name recognized by music enthusiasts around the city, and soon, the country.

Genre:

Alternative Rock

Title:

“Against the Raging Tide”

Lyrics:

[Intro]
G D Em C

[Verse 1]
G
Underneath the city lights, we found our place.
D
Against the raging tide, we set our pace.
Em
Barefoot in the rain, we sang out loud,
C
Echoes of our voices, lost in the crowd.

[Chorus]
G
We stand tall, together we won’t fall,
D
This is our burly opportunity call.
Em
We are the dreamers, we are the loud,
C
Roaring like lions, standing proud.

[Verse 2]
G
We burn through the night, like a wild fire,
D
Fuelled by dreams and raw desire.
Em
In this concrete jungle, we found our song,
C
Singing it loud, singing it strong.

[Chorus]
G
We stand tall, together we won’t fall,
D
This is our burly opportunity call.
Em
We are the dreamers, we are the loud,
C
Roaring like lions, standing proud.

[Outro]
G
With our hearts ablaze, we seize the day,
D
Our echoes will never fade away.
Em
We are Burly Opportunity, hear our roar,
C
We’re here to stay, ready for more.

Fan Testimonial:

Fan Name: Drew Thompson

“I can’t even begin to express how much Burly Opportunity means to me. Their music is raw, real, and relatable. The lyrics speak directly to my soul. I discovered ‘Against the Raging Tide’ during a tough time in my life and it resonated with me on a spiritual level. Eddie, Toby, Luke, and Dylan aren’t just musicians to me, they are like friends who have been with me through thick and thin. They are my favorite band because they inspire me to follow my dreams, no matter how tough the going gets. They are a testament to the power of perseverance and the magic that lies in seizing one’s opportunities. Their music is a beacon of hope in a sometimes dark world. Long live Burly Opportunity!”