Backstory:

Burdensome Digestion was born out of a chance meeting at a local pizzeria in Austin, Texas, between grunge guitarist Rocco “Rusty” Dixon and punk drummer Morgan “Mo” Farrow in 2007. Rusty was struggling with a large pizza that seemed to be fighting him from the inside, and Mo, observing this Herculean struggle, jokingly commented on his ‘burdensome digestion’. The comment led to a conversation and ultimately a jam session. They quickly realized their combined musical chemistry and decided to form a band. Recruiting bassist Billy “Buzz” Rodriguez and keyboardist Jules “Jet” St. Clair, the group adopted the name Burdensome Digestion as a nod to their unique origin story.

Over the next few years, the band worked their way up from the local Austin scene, playing at bars, house parties, and music festivals. Their unconventional blend of punk, grunge, and psychedelic rock caught the attention of indie label ‘Underground Echo’, leading to the release of their debut album, ‘Chewed Up and Spat Out’ in 2011. The band has since toured extensively, gaining a dedicated fan base and solidifying their place in the underground rock scene.

Genre:

Punk/Grunge/Psychedelic Rock

Title:

“Sour Stomach Symphony”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
[C] In the heart of Texas heat, [G] a pizzeria seat,
[Am] Rusty Dixon bore a heavy load. [F]
[C] Mo Farrow at his side, [G] with punk pride,
[Am] Together they hit the open road. [F]

(Chorus)
[G] Sour Stomach Symphony, [C] we’re playing our melody,
[Am] From Austin to the sea, [F] we won’t bow to agony.
[G] Grunge, punk, and psych collide, [C] in this musical ride,
[Am] Burdensome Digestion, [F] we won’t hide.

(Verse 2)
[C] Buzz Rodriguez on bass, [G] setting the pace,
[Am] Jules St. Clair, keys in hand. [F]
[C] A band born of pizza and pain, [G] no desire for fame,
[Am] Just spreading their sound across the land. [F]

(Chorus)
[G] Sour Stomach Symphony, [C] we’re playing our melody,
[Am] From Austin to the sea, [F] we won’t bow to agony.
[G] Where grunge, punk, and psych collide, [C] in this psychedelic tide,
[Am] Burdensome Digestion, [F] our pride.

Favorite Fan:

The band’s favorite fan is Sarah “Rockin’ Rarah” Olsen, a tattoo artist from San Francisco. She found the band during a particularly low point in her life and says their music helped her cope and even inspired many of her art pieces. She has seen them perform over thirty times and has every album on vinyl. Sarah also runs the most popular Burdensome Digestion fan page on social media.

“From their raw lyrics to their infectious energy, Burdensome Digestion is unlike any other band out there. Their music encapsulates the human experience, the good, the bad, and the ugly. It’s a cathartic release, a sonic journey that leaves you simultaneously exhausted and invigorated. They remind me that it’s okay to be different, to be raw, and to embrace your quirks. Burdensome Digestion is more than just a band to me; they’re a lifeline.” – Sarah “Rockin’ Rarah” Olsen.

Backstory:
Respectful Category is a band that was formed in the heart of Brooklyn, New York, in 2010. Comprised of three childhood friends – Adam “AJ” Johnson on vocals and guitar, Benny “Bass Man” Henderson on bass, and Lucy “Luci” Davis on drums – the band started off by jamming in AJ’s garage, playing cover songs from their favorite artists. The trio, bored with the contemporary music scene and inspired by the diversity and creativity of their hometown, decided to form a band that would break the mold of traditional genres, opening a respectful category of their own. They started writing original songs, infusing their eclectic taste into their music, and started performing at local bars. Their performances quickly earned them a loyal following due to their unique sound and energetic stage presence.

Genre:
Alternative Rock / Experimental

Title:
“Emerging from Shadows”

Full song lyrics:

Verse:
[Em] Drifting alone in the [G] crowded city streets,
[D] Trying to find a [A] place where the lost souls meet.
[Em] Neon lights and the [G] whispers of the night,
[D] Bouncing off the walls, [A] seeking what’s right.

Chorus:
[C] Emerging from shadows, [G] into the light,
[D] We’re Respectful Category, [Em] ready to fight.
[C] We play our music, [G] loud and free,
[D] Join us on this journey, [Em] Come and see.

Verse:
[Em] Strumming my guitar, [G] under the moonlight’s glow,
[D] With Bass Man and Luci, [A] We’re ready to show.
[Em] Our beats and rhythms, [G] They tell our tales,
[D] Of dreams and struggles, [A] Of winds and gales.

Chorus:
[C] Emerging from shadows, [G] into the light,
[D] We’re Respectful Category, [Em] ready to ignite.
[C] Our music flows, [G] wild like the sea,
[D] This is our anthem, [Em] This is our plea.

Fan’s name: Alex Rodriguez

Testimonial:

“Respectful Category is, hands down, my favorite band. Their music is a breath of fresh air in today’s music scene, full of originality and creativity. Each song tells a story, about life, dreams, struggles, and hope, in a way that I can relate to. I love the raw energy and passion they put into their performances, and how they always stay true to themselves, never succumbing to the pressures to fit into a certain genre or style. Their music inspires me to embrace my individuality and to strive for what I believe in, no matter what others say. They are not just a band to me, they are a symbol of authenticity and freedom.”

Backstory:
Formed in the eclectic college town of Athens, Georgia in 2012, Carefree Prose consists of four music majors who discovered and nurtured a common bond over their shared love of words and harmonies. Lead singer and guitarist, Sam Brogan, bassist, Theo Ryan, keyboardist, Anna-Lee Peterson, and drummer, Ethan Davis, found themselves in the same music theory class, which ultimately led them to form what is now known as Carefree Prose. They began their journey playing gigs at local coffee houses and bars, their harmonic melodies filling the heart of anyone listening. Over time, their fan base expanded, eventually reaching beyond the borders of Georgia, earning them a record deal.

Genre:
Indie Pop

Title:
“Melodies of You”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
Am – E – G – D
Here in the quiet, under the moonlight, I hear your voice,
In every whisper, in every night’s choice, I find your voice,
Your laughter a melody, I hold onto dearly,
In the symphony of life, your song plays so clearly.

(Chorus)
C – G – D – Em
In the melodies of you, in the rhythms we’ve been through,
In the harmony of love, in the verses of us two,
Dance with me, through this song that’s life,
In every refrain, every chorus, you are my strife.

(Verse 2)
Am – E – G – D
With every sunrise, and each sunset hue, I feel your touch,
In the morning dew, in the night’s clutch, I miss you so much,
Your love a rhythm, in my heart’s steady beat,
In this grand composition, our love’s feat.

(Chorus)
C – G – D – Em
In the melodies of you, in the rhythms we’ve been through,
In the harmony of love, in the verses of us two,
Dance with me, through this song that’s life,
In every refrain, every chorus, you are my strife.

Favorite Fan:
The band’s favorite fan is Zoey Sullivan. Zoey, a college student and aspiring music journalist, has followed Carefree Prose since their early days. She’s often found at the front row of all their shows, singing along to every song, and her dedication has not gone unnoticed by the band.

In her testimonial, Zoey said, “Carefree Prose’s music is the ultimate blend of lyrical wizardry and harmonious melodies. It’s like they’ve managed to articulate everything I’ve ever felt but couldn’t put into words. Their song ‘Melodies of You’ brings me to tears every single time. The lyrics, the melody, everything about it is just so beautiful and raw. I feel like it was written for me. They’re my favorite band because their music speaks to me in a way that no other does. It’s as if they’ve read my diary and turned my emotions into songs.”

Backstory:
Paltry Voice was formed in the small coastal town of Montauk, New York, in 2015. The band members, childhood friends, Francis ‘Frankie’ Parker, Leo Stafford, and sisters, Ruby and Serena Blackwell spent their youth exploring the beaches, forests and local music scene. While attending the same high school, they started jamming in Frankie’s garage, leading to the formation of Paltry Voice. Their chemistry was evident from the start, as they combined their different musical influences to create a unique sound. The band quickly gained popularity in their hometown, playing local gigs and eventually expanding to perform at larger venues across the state. Their music speaks about love, loss, and the joys and hardships of life in a small town.

Genre:
Indie Folk Rock

Title:
“Driftwood Melody”

Full Song Lyrics:
(Verse 1)
Am F C G
With a Paltry Voice, beneath the twilight sky,
Am F C G
We sang of love, with our hearts held high.
Am F C G
On Montauk shores, where we learnt to dream,
Am F C G
Life was simpler, or so it seemed.

(Chorus)
Am F C G
Driftwood Melody, plays in our heart,
Am F C G
Reminds us of a time, when we were never apart.
Am F C G
In the rhythm of waves, and the song of the sea,
Am F C G
We found our bond, we found our liberty.

(Verse 2)
Am F C G
Through laughter and tears, to the music we sway,
Am F C G
In the beat of our town, we found our way.
Am F C G
With each strum and beat, we tell our story,
Am F C G
In the sound of Paltry Voice, we found our glory.

(Chorus)
Am F C G
Driftwood Melody, plays in our heart,
Am F C G
Reminds us of a time, when we were never apart.
Am F C G
In the rhythm of waves, and the song of the sea,
Am F C G
We found our bond, we found our liberty.

Fan’s Name:
Samantha ‘Sam’ Greene

Testimonial:
“Paltry Voice is hands-down my favorite band. Their music has a raw and authentic feel that touches my soul. As someone who also grew up in a small town, their songs speak to me on a personal level. Every lyric, every chord progression, resonates with my own experiences. When I listen to ‘Driftwood Melody,’ I can close my eyes and almost feel the ocean breeze and the rhythm of the waves. Their music reminds me of home, it’s my comfort and my joy. This band is more than just a favorite, it’s a part of my identity.”

Backstory:

Truthful Motivation was formed in the heart of Tennessee’s bustling music scene in Nashville, back in 2012. Comprised of four friends – lead vocalist and guitarist Jackson, keyboardist Lily, bassist Mason, and drummer Sam – who shared a love for not only music but also the philosophy of living life with authenticity and drive. The band name, Truthful Motivation, was chosen to encapsulate this shared ethos and to serve as a reminder of the purpose with which they approach their music. They started out playing in small local bars, honing their skills and finding their sound, until their breakthrough came in 2015 when their song “On the Edge of Destiny” made waves on local radio stations.

Genre:

Truthful Motivation’s music can be best described as Indie Rock with a touch of Southern blues. Their sound is a blend of rhythmic beats and melodic guitar riffs, complemented by reflective lyrics that strike a chord with listeners.

Song Title:

“Chasing the Horizon”

Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
[G]I’ve been running, [D]on this road so long,
[Em]Chasing dreams, [C]singing my song,
[G]No matter the miles, [D]no matter the cost,
[Em]I’m seeking the truth, [C]whatever is lost.

(Chorus)
[G]I’m chasing the horizon, [D]underneath the setting sun,
[Em]A journey of a thousand miles, [C]I’ve only just begun,
[G]With every step I’m taking, [D]with every beat of my heart,
[Em]I’m finding my way, [C]making my start.

(Verse 2)
[G]Dark clouds may gather, [D]rain may pour,
[Em]But I won’t stop, [C]I’ll endure,
[G]With every struggle, [D]I grow strong,
[Em]Chasing the horizon, [C]where I belong.

(Chorus)
[G]I’m chasing the horizon, [D]underneath the midnight moon,
[Em]It’s not about the destination, [C]it will come soon,
[G]I’m not just surviving, [D]I’m learning to thrive,
[Em]Chasing the horizon, [C]feeling alive.

Fan’s Name and Testimonial:

Fan’s Name: Abby Thompson

Testimonial: “Truthful Motivation is my all-time favorite band. Their music isn’t just something you listen to; it’s something you feel. Their lyrics have a way of speaking to you, motivating you to chase your dreams and be true to yourself, much like their band name suggests. I’ve been to all their local concerts and there’s nothing quite like the energy and passion they bring to the stage. It’s not just their music, but their authenticity that truly makes them stand out. They are a constant reminder to me that no matter the struggles, we should keep moving forward, keep ‘Chasing the Horizon’. They’re not just a band to me, they’re an inspiration.”

Backstory:

Neat Able was formed in the bustling streets of Austin, Texas, in 2009. The band members, made up of five childhood friends – Rob, Stan, Carl, Tina, and Sean, were fresh out of high school with dreams bigger than the Texan sky. Having grown up together, they shared a love for music, football, and weekend barbecues. The band was born out of their shared garage where they would spend endless nights jamming, fueled by their passion for music and dreams of making it big.

Their big break came when they were spotted by a local radio DJ at a high school reunion gig. The DJ, impressed by their talent and energy, gave them a shot at his radio show. The response was overwhelming, and Neat Able quickly gained a local following. Their infectious energy, raw talent, and their unique blend of music genres set them apart from other bands in the scene.

Genre:

Their music is a fusion of Alternative Rock, Roots Rock, and a dash of Country.

Title:

“Shadows on the Dashboard”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse)
[C] Driving down a lonesome road, [Am] with the wind in my hair,
[G] The radio playing low, [F] but your voice is everywhere,
[C] The sun’s setting in the west, [Am] painting the sky with colors so bright,
[G] But all I see are shadows on the dashboard, [F] in the fading light.

(Chorus)
[C] Shadows on the dashboard, [G] memories of you and me,
[Am] Underneath the Texan sky, [G] wild, young, and free.
[F] Now all I have are these shadows, [C] and a heart that’s sore,
[G] Our love’s just a shadow on the dashboard, [F] it ain’t real no more.

(Verse)
[C] The road’s stretching out ahead, [Am] in this lonely Texas town,
[G] I see our favorite diner, [F] but I don’t dare to slow down,
[C] The jukebox playing our song, [Am] the echo of your laughter in the air,
[G] But all I see are shadows on the dashboard, [F] and it’s more than I can bear.

(Chorus)
[C] Shadows on the dashboard, [G] echoes of a love that’s lost,
[Am] I’m driving with a heavy heart, [G] paying the cost.
[F] I drive under the moonlight, [C] with tears that pour,
[G] Our love’s just a shadow on the dashboard, [F] it ain’t real no more.

Band’s Favorite Fan:

The band’s favorite fan is a young woman named Tabitha. She was one of the first fans to discover their music during their initial radio play and had been following their journey ever since. She’s seen every live show, bought every album, and even runs a fan page dedicated to Neat Able.

Testimonial:

“I’ve been a fan of Neat Able since their early days. There’s something about their music that just speaks to me, it feels raw, real, and relatable. The lyrics, the melody, the energy, it’s like they’re telling my story. They’re more than just a band to me, they’re like the soundtrack of my life.” – Tabitha.

Backstory:
Considerate AlleyAbbey was formed in the summer of 2002 in the bustling city of Chicago. The band, made up of frontman and lead guitarist Ben “Benny” Thompson, bassist Sarah “Sally” Mitchell, drummer Mike “Mickey” Donovan, and keyboardist Emma “Emmy” Green, named themselves after the alleyway behind Abbey Pub where they had their first impromptu jam session. The group found they had a remarkable chemistry and synergy, and their shared love for music and unique perspectives led to the creation of a truly unique sound. Over the years, they have managed to build a loyal fan base with their unique and eclectic style.

Genre:
Alternative Folk-Rock

Title:
“Rivers and Roads Untraveled”

Full Song Lyrics with Chord Progression:
(Verse 1: Am, F, C, G)
Am F C G
Rivers and roads, we’ve yet to see,
Am F C G
Dragons and gold, in our dreams,
Am F C G
Lost in the woods, we make our way,
Am F C G
Day by day, we play our play.

(Chorus: F, C, G, Am)
F C G Am
Oh, the stories we’ll tell,
F C G Am
Of our personal heavens and hells,
F C G Am
The rivers we’ll cross, the roads we’ll travel,
F C G Am
In our hearts, life’s mysteries unravel.

(Verse 2: Am, F, C, G)
Am F C G
Stars above, guide our way,
Am F C G
Moon’s soft glow, ends our day,
Am F C G
Through desert sands, we find our truth,
Am F C G
In our youth, we find our youth.

(Chorus: F, C, G, Am)
F C G Am
Oh, the tales we’ll create,
F C G Am
Of love and loss, of fate and fate,
F C G Am
The rivers we’ll cross, the roads we’ll travel,
F C G Am
In our hearts, life’s mysteries unravel.

Favorite Fan:
Their favorite fan is called Laura Smith. Laura has been following the band since their early days, often traveling cross-country to attend their concerts. She’s not only a fan but also a friend to the band members.

Testimonial:
Laura Smith says, “Considerate AlleyAbbey’s music isn’t just melodies and lyrics. It’s an experience, a journey. Their songs have helped me through tough times and celebrated with me during the good ones. The authenticity in their music, the raw emotion and the storytelling, it’s all so beautiful and refreshing. They’re my favorite for the unique connection their music has to my life.”

Backstory:

Weepy Passion was formed in the bustling heart of Seattle, Washington in 2011. The band’s origin story is a unique one. The lead vocalist, Samuel ‘Sammy’ Daniels, met guitarist, Parker ‘Pickles’ Jameson, at a karaoke night in a local dive bar. Sammy’s unique voice coupled with Pickles’ impressive guitar skills caught the attention of the crowd and the duo decided to take their talents further. After adding drummer, Madison ‘Maddie’ Bell and bassist, Liam ‘Larry’ Jenkins, Weepy Passion was born. Over the years, they saw a steady rise in popularity due to their unique sound and fantastic live performances.

Genre:

Alternative Rock

Title:

“Melancholy Mornings”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
Am C G D
Wake up to the sound of rain,
Am C G D
Pitter patter on my windowpane,
Am C G D
The taste of coffee, but the joy is missing,
Am C G D
Your silhouette in bed, that’s what I’m kissing.

(Chorus)
C G Am F
Melancholy mornings without you,
C G Am F
The sky above doesn’t seem so blue.
C G Am F
Empty sheets and the cold side of the bed,
C G Am F
Echoes of laughter, words unsaid.

(Verse 2)
Am C G D
I walk the streets we used to know,
Am C G D
Underneath the city’s fluorescent glow.
Am C G D
Your memory taunts me, it’s a cruel jest,
Am C G D
In this silent city, I find no rest.

(Chorus)
C G Am F
Melancholy mornings in this town,
C G Am F
Your absence weighs me down.
C G Am F
Shadows of you in every corner,
C G Am F
As the day grows warmer.

Fan’s name and Testimonial:

Name: Emily Harris

Testimonial:

“Weepy Passion is my favorite band because their music speaks to my heart. The raw emotions Sammy puts into his lyrics combined with the smooth alternative rock sounds make their music a refuge for me. I remember going through a tough breakup and ‘Melancholy Mornings’ was the song that helped me cope. It was like they knew exactly what I was feeling. It’s more than just music to me, it’s therapy. I love Weepy Passion!”

Backstory:
Overjoyed Pole was formed in the quiet town of Kalamazoo, Michigan in 2013. The band members, originally simple college friends, found that their shared love for music was their ticket out of their monotonous life. The band comprises of lead singer and guitarist Ben “Buzz” Mckinley, bassist Toby “Toblerone” Wilson, drummer Jamie “Jazz” Hansen, and keyboardist Matt “Mellow” Sanders. Despite initial struggles, the group’s unwavering belief in their music led them through a string of open mics and slowly paved the way to a significant fan base. Their name, Overjoyed Pole, came from a random phrase that Ben saw in a dream, which they found oddly charming and memorable.

Genre:
Overjoyed Pole is an indie folk-rock band, combining influences of traditional folk music with the modern edge of rock. They are known for their poetic lyrics, layered harmonies, and an upbeat sound that captivates listeners.

Title:
“A Tale of the Northern Wind”

Full Song Lyrics:

[Verse 1]
G C D
In the land where the sun sleeps cold,
G C D
A tale of the northern wind unfolds.
Em C G D
A drifter’s heart, on an endless roam,
G C D
In the silence, he calls it home.

[Verse 2]
G C D
The stars whisper secrets in the night,
G C D
Guiding his steps under the pale moonlight.
Em C G D
With a guitar in hand, he sings his truth,
G C D
His ballads echo, his song is the proof.

[Chorus]
G C D
Oh, the tales of the northern wind,
Em C G D
Of love, loss, and redemption within.
G C D
Sing with us, stand and sway,
G C D
Let the music take your pain away.

The band’s favorite fan:

Name: Lily Johnson

Testimonial: “I’ve been following Overjoyed Pole since their first open mic in a small café in Kalamazoo. Their music has always been my comfort, their lyrics like personal letters written just for me. They’re more than just a band to me, they’re a part of my life’s soundtrack. Their song, ‘A Tale of the Northern Wind’, specifically, speaks to my soul. It’s an anthem for all drifters out there, a beacon of home in the music they create. Overjoyed Pole is my favorite band because their music is authentic, heartwarming, and speaks volumes about life’s simple truths.”

Backstory:
Honest Symptom is the brainchild of four childhood friends – Jack, Danny, Sarah, and Leo, who grew up in the small town of Asheville, North Carolina. Their shared love for music led them to form a band in their high school years, performing at local gigs and school events. Despite their humble beginnings, they had big dreams. Their passion for music was fuelled by their collective experiences, making their songs a reflection of their personal journeys. They were known in their town for their soulful lyrics and electrifying performances, and as they grew older, so did their music.

After graduating from high school, the friends decided to pursue their dreams and moved to Los Angeles. Struggling with day jobs, they spent their nights writing songs and performing in small venues. After years of hard work, their break came when a local radio station played their song and it instantly became a hit. Taking their name from an idea that music should be an honest expression of emotions, they came to be known as Honest Symptom. Their journey has been a testament to their authenticity, resilience, and most importantly, their honesty.

Genre:
Alternative Rock

Title:
“Echoes of Silence”

Full Song Lyrics:

Verse 1:
Am G
Echoes of silence, fill up the room,
F C
Sorrowful melodies, under the moon,
Am G
Underneath the stars, we share our dreams,
F C
In this quiet night, nothing is as it seems.

Chorus:
Am G F C
We’re dancing with the shadows, chasing the light,
Am G F C
Lost in the echoes of silence, in the middle of the night.

Verse 2:
Am G
In the whispers of the wind, we find our song,
F C
In the echoes of silence, we find we belong,
Am G
We sing of love, we sing of pain,
F C
In every note, in every strain.

Chorus:
Am G F C
We’re dancing with the shadows, chasing the light,
Am G F C
Lost in the echoes of silence, in the middle of the night.

Favorite Fan:
The band’s favorite fan is named Emily. Emily has been a fan of Honest Symptom since their early days in Asheville. She was also from Asheville and found solace in their music during difficult times. Their honest lyrics resonated with her and provided comfort when she needed it most.

Testimonial:
Emily says, “Honest Symptom is more than just a band for me. Their music has been my safe haven, my comfort in the lonely nights. Their lyrics speak directly to my heart. They’ve grown and evolved, but they’ve stayed true to their roots. I’ve seen them perform in a small garage in Asheville, and now on big stages, but their honesty and passion have remained the same. They are my favorite band because they make music that touches souls.”