Backstory:
Ironclad Abuse was formed in a small, run-down garage in the heart of downtown Pittsburgh in 2008. The band was comprised of four childhood friends – Jake “Jester” Johnson on vocals and rhythm guitar, Marcus “Mars” Richmond on lead guitar, Luke “Lucky” Daniels on bass, and Tommy “Titan” Johnson on drums. Jester and Titan being brothers provided an uncommon bond and understanding that was clearly heard in their music. Initially, they were bonded by their shared passion for heavy metal and punk rock, but as they grew older, they started incorporating elements of alternative and grunge in their music.

Their journey was not a smooth sail. They faced their fair share of ups and downs, from struggling to get gigs to losing their original bassist, but their resilience was as solid as iron. They managed to claw their way up from the bottom, eventually gaining local and regional recognition. Ironclad Abuse was not just a band; it was a brotherhood, a testament to their ironclad bond and shared history of struggles and triumphs.

Genre:
Alternative Metal

Song Title:
“Sirens of Steel”

Song Lyrics:
(Verse 1)
Em C G D
Walking through the fire, the flame is getting higher.
Em C G D
Smell the burning tire, in this world, we’re the outlier.

(Chorus)
Em C G D
Sirens of steel, they’re calling us real,
Em C G D
Bathed in the light, we’re ready to fight, ready for the night.

(Verse 2)
Em C G D
Through the smoke and haze, eyes filled with a craze.
Em C G D
In the steely blaze, we find our way, in the maze.

(Chorus)
Em C G D
Sirens of steel, they’re making us feel,
Em C G D
Fired up with might, we’re taking flight, into the night.

Testimonial:
The band’s favorite fan is Sarah “Sahara” Lewis. Sahara has been there from the beginning, attending every gig, rain, or shine. She’s also known for her incredible fan art, capturing the raw energy and passion of Ironclad Abuse. Sahara says, “Ironclad Abuse isn’t just my favorite band because of their incredible music. They’ve demonstrated time and time again that they’re about more than just putting on a great show. They’re about resilience, brotherhood, and defying the odds. Their music tells a story that resonates with me on a personal level, and I think that’s what makes them so special.”

Backstory:

Unusual Shade was born in the heart of Berlin’s bustling underground music scene. The band comprises four charismatic individuals: lead vocalist Lars, guitarist Heinrich, bassist Sven, and drummer Katja. They met while studying at the University of Arts in Berlin and their shared love for music and a desire to create something different led to the formation of the band in 2016. The band’s name – Unusual Shade – is derived from their approach towards their music, which they describe as a unique shade of sound, unconventional and unexpected, painted with the brush of their collective creativity.

Genre:

Unusual Shade primarily identifies with the genre of Indie Rock, but their music carries an eclectic mix of influences, from Alternative Rock to Post Punk and even a touch of Electronic Synth-Pop.

Title:

“One Last Look”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
G Amin D Emin
In the shadows of the night, under the city light,
G Amin D Emin
We found our love, and lost our fight.

(Chorus)
C G D Emin
One last look, one final touch,
C G D Emin
In your eyes, I found my crutch.

(Verse 2)
G Amin D Emin
We danced with stars, we kissed in rain,
G Amin D Emin
In your arms, I shared my pain.

(Chorus)
C G D Emin
One last look, one final touch,
C G D Emin
In your eyes, I lost so much.

(Bridge)
F C G D
Our love was an unusual shade,
F C G D
A beautiful mess that we had made.

(Chorus)
C G D Emin
One last look, one final touch,
C G D Emin
In your eyes, I loved too much.

Fan’s Name: Maria Schneider

Testimonial:

“I’ve been following Unusual Shade since their formation, and their music resonates with me like none other. Their songs are filled with raw emotion, and it’s this honesty that sets them apart. I love the unique, innovative sound they bring to Indie Rock. It’s fresh and exciting, it’s something you don’t hear every day. ‘One Last Look’ is my favorite song. The lyrics are so poignant, they speak to the heart and the guitar work is just extraordinary. It’s like a musical roller-coaster ride, filled with highs and lows that leave you breathless and yearning for more. Unusual Shade, to me, isn’t just a band, they’re an experience.”

Backstory:

Born in the cultural melting pot of Austin, Texas, Dry Seed is a band that was formed by a group of four childhood friends. The members, John Kimball (vocals and guitar), Maria Lopez (drums), Alex Smith (bass), and Kevin Jones (keyboard) were all born and raised in the same neighborhood, sharing a common bond of love for music and the desire to create something uniquely their own. The name ‘Dry Seed’ was chosen to symbolize their journey and growth as a band from a mere thought to a well-established musical entity.

The band started performing at local pubs and gained a steady fan base through their energetic performances and unique sound. Their journey to fame began when their demo tape was picked up by a local radio station and they were offered a record deal by a major label. Dry Seed hasn’t looked back since, and has been on a rollercoaster journey of music and memories.

Genre:

Alternative Rock

Title:

“Fractured Sky”

Full song lyrics:

[Versus]
Am [Em] I alone in this [C] fractured sky?
[D] Seeing dreams in the [G] galaxies passing by.
Am [Em] I a mystery to [C] myself?
[D] Finding answers in [G] silence, losing myself.

[Chorus]
G [C] Fractured sky, [G] don’t let me [D] cry,
Em [C] Hold me close, [G] beneath your [D] watchful eye.
Am [Em] I alone in this [C] fractured sky?
[D] In your reflection, [G] I find my reply.

[Versus]
Am [Em] I a wanderer, [C] lost in time?
[D] Searching for truth, [G] in every rhyme.
Am [Em] I a shadow, [C] lost in light?
[D] In your darkness, [G] I find my sight.

[Chorus]
G [C] Fractured sky, [G] don’t let me [D] cry,
Em [C] Hold me close, [G] beneath your [D] watchful eye.
Am [Em] I alone in this [C] fractured sky?
[D] In your reflection, [G] I find my reply.

Favorite Fan:

The band’s favorite fan is a woman named Kelly Johnson. Kelly has been following Dry Seed since their early days in Austin, attending all their shows and even following them on tour. She says, “Dry Seed is my favorite band because their music speaks to my soul. Their lyrics are wonderfully relatable, and their sound is like a breath of fresh air in the music industry. I feel a real connection with their music. It’s as if they’ve tapped into my thoughts and emotions and turned them into songs. They have a way of putting their heart and soul into their performances which is absolutely captivating.” Kelly’s dedication and support have not gone unnoticed by the band, who often feature her in their social media posts and have even dedicated a song to her during one of their concerts.

Backstory:
Funny Paper was born out of a shared love for music and comics by a group of high school friends from Austin, Texas. The band’s name was inspired by their favorite comic strip, which they read religiously. They began their journey playing local gigs and parties, gradually gaining a loyal following with their unique sound and thematic concept. Their big break came when a video of them performing at a local music festival went viral, catching the attention of a renowned music producer who offered them a recording deal. Since then, Funny Paper has released multiple albums, each a homage to their favorite comic strips and characters, and continue to engage their fans with their creativity and infectious music.

Genre:
Alternative Rock/Indie Pop

Title:
“Sketches on a Sunday Morning”

Full song lyrics:

Verse 1: [C, G, Am, E]
I wake up to the sound of your laugh, [C, G]
Comics spread all over the bed. [Am, E]
Your eyes, deep like ink on the paper, [C, G]
Sunday mornings we’re lost in our head. [Am, E]

Chorus: [F, C, G]
Sketches on a Sunday morning, [F, C]
Lost in the world we’re drawing, [G]
With you, every day’s a comic strip, [F, C]
In your laugh, I found my perfect script. [G]

Verse 2: [C, G, Am, E]
Sipping coffee, lost in your laughter, [C, G]
In your stories, I am the lead. [Am, E]
In the world of colors and paper, [C, G]
Our love, stronger than any ink bleed. [Am, E]

Chorus: [F, C, G]
Sketches on a Sunday morning, [F, C]
Lost in the world we’re drawing, [G]
With you, every day’s a comic strip, [F, C]
In your laugh, I found my perfect script. [G]

Fan’s Name:
Sarah Johnson

Testimonial:
“I’ve always been a huge fan of both comics and music, and Funny Paper blends these two worlds perfectly. Their lyrics are deep and beautiful, and their comic-themed concept is refreshing and unique. The song ‘Sketches on a Sunday Morning’ resonates strongly with me; it takes me back to my childhood days when I used to read comics with my brother. It’s like they’ve distilled my memories into a song. I’ve been to every one of their concerts in Texas, and their energy and passion on stage is unparalleled. Funny Paper isn’t just my favorite band, they’re a part of me.”

Backstory:
Faint Hip was born out of the eclectic music scene of Austin, Texas in the early 2000s. Founding members, Ray “Razor” Johnson on vocals and guitar and Billy “Bassline” Sanders on bass, met in high school where they bonded over their shared passion for music. After a few years of playing small local gigs and refining their sound, they brought in drummer Julie “Jet” Thompson and keyboardist Mark “Melody” Reed. Faint Hip’s music is marked by a deep understanding of different music styles and a desire to push beyond established boundaries, making their sound unique and captivating.

Genre:
Faint Hip’s music is best described as a fusion of Indie Pop and New Wave, blended with elements of synth-rock. Razor’s sharp guitar riffs, mixed with Bassline’s melodic bass, Jet’s rhythmic drumming, and Melody’s ethereal keyboard sounds, create a distinctive sonic landscape that captures both the energy of Indie Pop and the depth of New Wave.

Title:
“One More Night In Paradise”

Full Song Lyrics:
(Verse)
[G] I’ve been walking down these [C] desolate streets,
[G] Searching for the heart that [C] beats with mine,
[G] Seeing faces in the [C] crowd, oh so sweet,
[G] But none of them are [C] truly divine.

(Chorus)
[D] One more night in [G] paradise,
[D] Another chance to [G] roll the dice,
[D] Living on the [C] edge of nice,
[D] One more night in [G] paradise.

(Verse)
[G] The city lights are [C] shining so bright,
[G] Reflecting off the [C] tears in my eyes,
[G] I’m wondering if I’ll [C] ever see the light,
[G] Or if this is just another [C] of life’s lies.

(Chorus)
[D] One more night in [G] paradise,
[D] Yeah, love’s a difficult [G] compromise,
[D] Fighting against the [C] rising tide,
[D] One more night in [G] paradise.

Fan Testimonial:
The band’s favorite fan is a woman named Sarah, a librarian from Minneapolis. Sarah went from being a casual listener to their biggest fan after hearing “One More Night In Paradise”. She connects deeply with their music, feeling as though each song was written just for her. According to Sarah, “Faint Hip has this incredible ability to make you feel seen and understood. Their music speaks directly to my soul, and it has helped me through some tough times. I love how they blend different genres and create this sound that feels both new and familiar. They are my favorite band because they are authentic, and their music makes me feel alive.”

Backstory:

Violet Curve came into existence during the summer of 2009 in the bustling city of San Francisco. The band members, lead singer Ivy, guitarist Silas, bassist Theo and drummer Max, met at a local music festival. Bonded by their shared love for music and their individual experiences in the industry, they decided to join forces, and thus Violet Curve was born. Over time, they have managed to stay true to their original sound while simultaneously evolving and pushing the boundaries of their music.

The band’s initial struggle was real, they played for tiny audiences in dive bars and obscure venues. However, their persistence bore fruit when they were noticed by an indie record label during one of their performances. Since then, they have managed to build a loyal fan base and have released three critically acclaimed albums.

Genre:

Alternative Rock

Title:

“Shades of Shadow”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
[C] Walking down this [Am] lonely road
[F] Echoes of the past [G] unfold,
[C] Shadows of the [Am] heart, they [F] hide,
[G] In the corners of my mind.

(Chorus)
[C] In the shades of shadow, [Am] I find you,
[F] Amidst the silence, [G] your voice rings true,
[C] In the shades of shadow, [Am] I lose my fear,
[F] With every note, [G] you draw me near.

(Verse 2)
[C] Whispering winds, [Am] they seem to know,
[F] The tales of love [G] we never showed,
[C] Through the veil of [Am] time, we [F] gaze,
[G] Lost in the rhythm of our days.

(Chorus)
[C] In the shades of shadow, [Am] you’re always there,
[F] In the melody, [G] our souls bare,
[C] In the shades of shadow, [Am] we find our worth,
[F] With every beat, [G] we own this earth.

Fan Testimonial:

Fan’s name: Jackson Miller

Jackson Miller, a self-proclaimed music aficionado, has been a die-hard fan of Violet Curve since their initial days. He says, “I came across Violet Curve at a small gig in their early days. I was instantly hooked by their unique sound and raw energy. With captivating lyrics and haunting melodies, their music resonates on a deep, emotional level. I’ve followed their journey from being an obscure band to becoming popular in the alternative rock scene. Their song ‘Shades of Shadow’ is a masterpiece and my personal favorite. The band’s ability to evoke emotions through their music places Violet Curve on my all-time favorites list.”

Backstory:
Imaginary Salt was formed in the small coastal town of Newport, Rhode Island. The band comprised of childhood friend trio, Connor Swift on vocals and guitar, Mickey Donovan on bass, and Henry Jones on drums. The three spent their adolescence exploring the music scene, writing songs, and performing in local venues. They garnered the attention of a local record label, Atlantic Blue Records, with their refreshing sound and poignant lyrics. The band was christened ‘Imaginary Salt’ as a tribute to their love for the sea and their knack for creating music that is tantalizing and addictive, much like salt.

Genre:
Imaginary Salt is best known for their Indie Rock sound with a hint of folk and blues. Their music features catchy melodies, intricate bass lines, and rhythmic drum patterns that make their sound unique and captivating.

Title:
“One More Wave”

Full Song Lyrics:
[Verse 1]
Em C G D
“Down by the seaside, under the moonlight,
Em C G D
We shared dreams, lost in the starlight.
Em C G D
Your laughter echoing in the warm night,
Em C G D
Those memories still feel so right.”

[Chorus]
Em C G D
“One more wave, one more tide,
Em C G D
Our love story is but a wild ride.
Em C G D
With you by my side, in this life,
Em C G D
I’d brave every storm, survive every strife.”

[Verse 2]
Em C G D
“Through every high, and every low,
Em C G D
Our bond, my love, did only grow.
Em C G D
In your eyes, I found my home,
Em C G D
In your arms, I’ve never felt alone.”

[Chorus]
Em C G D
“One more wave, one more tide,
Em C G D
Our love story is but a wild ride.
Em C G D
With you by my side, in this life,
Em C G D
I’d brave every storm, survive every strife.”

Band’s Favorite Fan:
Imaginary Salt’s favorite fan is Emily Johnson. Emily has been following the band since their earliest gigs, even before they were signed by Atlantic Blue Records. Emily professes her love for the band saying, “Imaginary Salt’s music has a way of touching your soul. Their lyrics resonate, their tunes are infectious, and their passion is undeniable. It’s like they understand everything that you feel but can’t put into words. And the best part? They manage to make you dance while they do it. That’s the power of Imaginary Salt.”

Backstory:

Evil Student was formed in the grungy basements of Boston, Massachusetts in 2012. The band members – lead singer and guitarist Mickey “Mad Dog” McFinnigan, drummer Billy “Basher” O’Reardon, and bassist Danny “Devil Fingers” Donahue – originally met while studying at the Berklee College of Music. They quickly bonded over their shared love for rebellious rock and decided to drop out of college, in the pursuit of creating their own unique sound and revolutionizing the music scene. All through their journey, the band maintained their student-like demeanor – constantly learning, evolving, and challenging the norms, thus earning the name ‘Evil Student’. Over the years, they have become a thrilling live act, known for their raw energy and crowd-engaging performances.

Genre:
Alternative/Indie Rock

Title:
“Classroom Catastrophe”

Full song lyrics:

(Verse 1)
G D
Walking into the class, don’t know what’s in store,
Em C
Teacher’s got that look, wants to start a war.

G D
Caught with a guitar, instead of a book,
Em C
She gives a wicked smile, let’s give it a look.

(Chorus)
G D
Classroom catastrophe, we’re breaking all the rules,
Em C
Learning our own lessons, in our own school.

G D
Classroom catastrophe, we’re starting our own band,
Em C
With the music in our souls, and the picks in our hand.

(Verse 2)
G D
Late night jamming, instead of studying,
Em C
Living out loud, our hearts are thundering.

G D
We’re the evil students, we play by our own creed,
Em C
Chasing down our dreams, wherever they may lead.

(Chorus)
G D
Classroom catastrophe, we’re breaking all the rules,
Em C
Learning our own lessons, in our own school.

G D
Classroom catastrophe, we’re starting our own band,
Em C
With the music in our souls, and the picks in our hand.

The band’s favorite fan’s name:
Testimonial: Jack “The Maniac” Murphy

Jack has been following Evil Student since their earliest gigs at Boston’s underground bars. They’re his favorite band because their music resonates with his own rebellious spirit. “I love Evil Student because they’re not just musicians, they’re revolutionaries challenging the status quo. Their songs are anthems for us – the misfits, the rebels, the dreamers. I feel like they understand me, they speak to my soul. They’re more than a band to me, they’re my tribe. ‘Classroom Catastrophe’ is my anthem, it represents my own journey of living life on my own terms.”

Backstory:
Unsightly Spark was formed in the heart of New York City, during a particularly harsh winter in 2010. Childhood friends and co-founders, lead singer and guitarist, Tom Dexter and drummer, Evan Berry had spent countless nights holed up in their shared apartment, experimenting with melodies and rhythms while the city was blanketed in snow. It was during one of these sessions that they stumbled upon a sound that was distinct, raw, and electric—blending elements of grunge, punk, and indie-rock. Being obsessed with the paradoxical combination of the beautiful and grotesque, they named their band ‘Unsightly Spark’.

Through numerous gigs at local bars and clubs, they soon attracted the attention of bassist, Sarah Whitman, and keyboardist, Philip Hartman, both of whom had played in various bands and were looking for something different. The chemistry was almost instantaneous, and the band’s unique sound was born.

Genre:
Indie Rock/Punk

Title:
“Razor Edge Love”

Full song lyrics:

(Verse 1)
[A] I walk down the boulevard, into the [D] haze,
[A] You’re a firecracker heart with a [D] poker face,
[E] Deep in the city lights, where the [F#m] dreams are wide,
[E] I found a razor edge love, [F#m] and there’s nowhere to hide.

(Chorus)
[A] Razor edge love, [D] razor edge pain,
[A] Dancing in the moonlight, [D] lost in the rain,
[E] We’re the outcasts, [F#m] we are the spark,
[E] In an unsightly world, [F#m] we leave our mark.

(Verse 2)
[A] The whispers of the night, tell a [D] tale of us,
[A] A wild symphony, in a world of [D] hush,
[E] An unsightly spark, in an [F#m] endless night,
[E] Our razor edge love, [F#m] is our only fight.

(Chorus)
[A] Razor edge love, [D] razor edge pain,
[A] Dancing in the moonlight, [D] lost in the rain,
[E] We’re the outcasts, [F#m] we are the spark,
[E] In an unsightly world, [F#m] we leave our mark.

(Bridge)
[A] In the madness, [D] in the noise,
[E] We found our rhythm, [F#m] we found our voice,
[A] In the chaos, [D] in the glow,
[E] Our unsightly love, [F#m] is the only thing we know.

(Chorus)
[A] Razor edge love, [D] razor edge pain,
[A] Dancing in the moonlight, [D] lost in the rain,
[E] We’re the outcasts, [F#m] we are the spark,
[E] In an unsightly world, [F#m] we leave our mark.

Fan’s Testimonial:
My name is Lily Mason and I stumbled upon Unsightly Spark at a small gig in Brooklyn. Their raw energy, their rebellious spirit, and their heart-wrenching lyrics resonated with me. I was captivated by their paradoxical sound—a blend of harsh and tender, beautiful and grotesque. It was like they had given voice to the tumultuous emotions churning within me. I felt understood, I felt seen. I’ve followed them ever since, attending every concert within a hundred miles. Their music, for me, is more than just a collection of songs—it’s a lifeline, a beacon of hope in a world that can often feel chaotic and overwhelming.

Backstory:
The journey of Roasted Air began in the heart of the bustling city of Los Angeles. The band is comprised of four members: lead vocalist and rhythm guitarist, Jake Harper; Tom Holmes on bass guitar and backing vocals; lead guitarist, Charlie Stanton, and drummer, Matt Richards. The quartet met in college, bonding over a shared love of music and an eagerness to experiment with sounds that deviated from the mainstream. Roasted Air was birthed from countless jamming sessions in late-night dormitories and local dive bars. Their unique blend of music resonated with the local audience, leading to a record deal with IndieRev Records. They have since captured the hearts of fans worldwide with their heart wrenching lyrics and unconventional melodies.

Genre:
Alternative Rock / Indie

Title:
‘Lost in the Echo’

Full Song Lyrics:
[Verse 1]
(G)Another night, another dream, that’s (D)wasting away,
(Em)Underneath the city lights, where (C)memories tend to stray.
(G)In the echoes of the past, (D)we found where we belong,
(Em)But those echoes faded fast, now (C)all that’s left is song.

[Chorus]
(G)We’re lost in the echo, (D)our voices entwined,
(Em)In the silence that follows, (C)your whispers I find.
(G)The echoes are fading, (D)but they’re all that remain,
(Em)Of a love that was sacred, now (C)just a refrained refrain.

[Verse 2]
(G)The echoes of our laughter, (D)hidden in the wind,
(Em)Chasing after shadows, (C)of a love that couldn’t win.
(G)We danced in the moonlight, (D)to a song that never ends,
(Em)But the echoes they deceive us,(C) on them we can’t depend.

[Chorus]
(G)We’re lost in the echo, (D)our voices adhere,
(Em)In the silence that follows, (C)your absence is clear.
(G)The echoes are failing, (D)but they’re all we’ve got,
(Em)Of a love that was mighty, now (C)just a fleeting thought.

Favorite Fan:
The band’s favorite fan is a 24-year-old graphic designer named Emily Jensen. Emily has been a fan of Roasted Air since their early days and has been to every single one of their concerts in the state of California. She states, “Roasted Air is more than just a band to me. Their music speaks to my soul. It’s raw, it’s real, and it’s full of emotion. Every song tells a story that I can relate to on some level, and that’s what makes them my favorite. Roasted Air’s music has been there for me in my darkest times, and for that, I’ll always be a fan.” Emily’s dedication and love for the band are truly admirable and have earned her a special place in the hearts of the band members.