Backstory:
Formed in 2009 in the vibrant music scene of Austin, Texas, Absolute Victim is a band that has made a name for themselves by pushing the limits of creativity and authenticity. The band was born from a common passion for music among four childhood friends; Isaac Johnson on vocals, Aidan Miller on lead guitar, Samuel Morrison on bass, and Luke Peterson on drums. Having grown up together, their shared affinity for music led them to spend their high school years playing in various local bands, before ultimately uniting to form Absolute Victim. Their music journey is characterized by a unique blend of personal experiences, a shared love for rock ‘n roll, and a profound desire to communicate their thoughts and feelings through music.

Genre:
Absolute Victim is best known for their avant-garde approach to alternative rock. Their sound often blends traditional rock aesthetics with experimental elements, making them stand out in the crowd. Their music is characterized by powerful vocals, intricate guitar riffs, pulsating bass lines, and hard-hitting drum beats.

Title:
“Fallen Angel”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
Am (x2), F (x2), C (x2), G (x2)
I saw her standing there, under the neon light,
Whispering secrets, in the deep dark of the night,
She had wings of a raven, and a heart so cruel,
Living on the edge, she was nobody’s fool.

(Chorus)
F (x2), G (x2), Am (x2), C (x2)
She is a fallen angel, dancing in the rain,
In the shadow of the night, drowning in the pain,
She is a fallen angel, with a broken wing,
But in the silence of her heart, she found a song to sing.

(Verse 2)
Am (x2), F (x2), C (x2), G (x2)
She was a dreamer, lost in the city of lights,
Chasing illusions, in the lonely nights.
With the moon as her guide, she owned the world,
A free spirit, in a universe unfurled.

(Chorus)
F (x2), G (x2), Am (x2), C (x2)
She is a fallen angel, dancing in the rain,
In the shadow of the night, drowning in the pain,
She is a fallen angel, with a broken wing,
But in the silence of her heart, she found a song to sing.

Favorite Fan:
Haley Gibson, a loyal fan from their hometown of Austin, loves Absolute Victim for their originality, authenticity, and their ability to touch people with their music. Haley stated, “What drew me to Absolute Victim was their unique sound and their heartfelt lyrics. Each song tells a story that feels real and raw. It’s like they’ve found a way to articulate the feelings we struggle to express. They’re not just a band to me; they’re a lifeline.”

Backstory:

Unnatural Novel was born in the vibrant city of Austin, Texas, in the summer of 2010. The members, lead vocalist and guitarist Alex Parker, bassist Simon Wright, drummer Kevin Moore, and keyboardist Jenny Smith met in a local coffee shop during an open mic night. Each of them was an independent artist with their unique music style. Their shared love for music and appreciation for each other’s talent brought them together to form the band.

Unnatural Novel was initially a local band that performed in small gigs around Austin. But their energetic performances, coupled with their unique blend of sounds, quickly gathered attention. They gained fame initially through their self-released EPs, which managed to get airplay on local radio stations, leading to their first major label deal in 2013. Despite their success, the band maintains their humble beginnings and still performs in local venues to honor their roots.

Genre: Alternative Rock

Title: “Echoes in the Rain”

Full song lyrics:

(Verse 1)
Gmaj7
Underneath the grey painted sky,
Em7
Lost in the noise, I hear your lullaby,
Cmaj7
The thunder roars, but it’s your voice in the rain,
Am7
Echoes of love, easing the pain.

(Chorus)
Dmaj7
Echoes in the rain, echoes in my heart,
Am7
Shadows of a love, that’s fallen apart,
Gmaj7
Yet, in every drop, in every strain,
Cmaj7
I find you there, in the echoes in the rain.

(Verse 2)
Gmaj7
Raindrops fall, like tears from the sky,
Em7
Each one a memory, of our last goodbye,
Cmaj7
The world’s asleep, but I’m awake in the rain,
Am7
Listening for you, in every refrain.

(Repeat Chorus)

Favorite fan’s name: Emily Jackson

Testimonial:

Emily Jackson has been a die-hard fan of Unnatural Novel since their first gig in Austin. In her own words, “Unnatural Novel isn’t just a band, it’s an experience. Each song they play resonates with me on a deep level. Their lyrics are heartfelt, their melodies are beautiful, and their energy is infectious. They have a unique talent for crafting songs that are both emotionally powerful and incredibly catchy. It’s hard to put into words exactly what makes them so special, but once you’ve seen them live, you’ll understand. There’s something magical about the way their music makes you feel, and I wouldn’t trade those experiences for anything.”

Backstory:

In the small, quiet town of Ashville, Ohio, a group of childhood friends discovered their shared interest in music. As sons of farmers, they knew the sacrifice, dedication, and love for the land that farming required. They chose the name ‘Dreary Farmer’ to honor their roots, and to reflect the raw, unfiltered emotion they aim to convey through their music. The band consists of Luke Brown on vocals and guitar, Jake Thompson on drums, and Caleb Mason on the bass.

Their music was born from the moments they shared together, the struggles they witnessed their families endure, and their own personal experiences. From performing at local bars to now touring across the country, Dreary Farmer has come a long way. They’ve struck a chord with their audiences, often leaving them drawn to the band’s authenticity and their ability to articulate ordinary life in such a profound way.

Genre:
Folk Rock

Title:
“Harvest Moon Blues”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
[C] Underneath the [G] harvest moon,
[Am] I’m singing [Em] just for you.
[F] Of the dreams we [C] had, and [G] the love so true.
[C] Hours in the [G] field, hands in the soil,
[Am] We sowed the [Em] seeds, reaped the toil.
[F] Love and labor, [C] our life’s [G] coil.

(Chorus)
[F] Underneath the [C] harvest moon,
[G] Love blooms like the [Am] flowers in June.
[F] This dreary farmer’s [C] heart, sings a [G] rustic tune.
[F] Oh, the Harvest [C] Moon Blues,
[G] There’s nothing more to [Am] lose.
[F] Only the echo of [C] our love’s [G] residues.

(Verse 2)
[C] The sun sets [G] down, it’s the end of the day,
[Am] We’ve said our [Em] prayers, for the hay.
[F] The harvest moon, [C] in its mystic [G] array.
[C] Our love was [G] like the crops,
[Am] Grown, then [Em] taken by a single drop,
[F] A bitter sweet [C] love, that [G] never stops.

(Chorus)
[F] Underneath the [C] harvest moon,
[G] Love blooms like the [Am] flowers in June.
[F] This dreary farmer’s [C] heart, sings a [G] rustic tune.
[F] Oh, the Harvest [C] Moon Blues,
[G] There’s nothing more to [Am] lose.
[F] Only the echo of [C] our love’s [G] residues.

Favorite Fan:

Sophie James is Dreary Farmer’s favorite fan. Sophie, a native of Ashville, has been following the band since their earliest performances at local bars. She is drawn to their music because it resonates with her own experiences growing up in a farming community. Sophie testifies, “Dreary Farmer has a way of capturing the essence of our small-town life. Their music is a mirror to our existence – the struggle, the joy, the love, the heartbreak. It’s raw and real, and I am absolutely in love with it. They’ve got a lifelong fan in me.”

Backstory:
The Honorable Wave was formed in 2014 by four childhood friends, Dylan, Max, Rose, and James, who hailed from the coastal town of Sausalito, California. Sharing a love for their local surf culture and music, it was inevitable that their paths would cross to create something truly unique. The band took its name from a local surf spot that was known for its consistent and ‘honorable’ waves. Their music, much like their beloved surf, reflected the ebb and flow of life’s highs and lows, creating a resonance that drew people in.

They started off by playing at local bars and surf festivals, their music becoming the soundtrack of the local surf scene. Their big break came when a scout for a major record label happened to be vacationing in Sausalito and heard them play. He was blown away by their sound and signed them immediately. Their fame quickly spread from coastal town to big cities, and their music has now become synonymous with the Californian surf culture.

Genre:
Alternative Rock/Indie Pop

Title:
“Crest of a Dream”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
G D Em C
Gazing at the sun, feet in the sand
D Em C
Waves lapping at my feet, guitar in my hand
G D Em C
I strum to the rhythm of the sea, it’s all I understand

(Chorus)
D G Em C
Riding on the crest of a dream, dancing with the tide
D G Em C
Life’s just like the ocean it seems, a wild, beautiful ride

(Verse 2)
G D Em C
Basking in the glow, of the setting sun
D Em C
This is our time, our journey has just begun
G D Em C
Honorable wave, under California’s golden run

(Chorus)
D G Em C
Riding on the crest of a dream, dancing with the tide
D G Em C
Life’s just like the ocean it seems, a wild, beautiful ride

Favorite Fan:
The band’s favorite fan is a surf shop owner named Tommy. Tommy heard Honorable Wave before they made it big, when they were just playing local gigs. He saw how their music resonated with the surf culture and knew they were something special. He started playing their music in his shop, which helped increase their local fan base. Even now, as they’ve grown more famous, he always has their music playing in his shop, and he’s never missed a local show.

Tommy’s Testimonial:
“Honorable Wave is my favorite band because their music is the heart and soul of our local surf scene. It’s like they’ve put the feeling of riding a wave into song. They’ve stayed true to their roots even as they’ve gained popularity. They’re the sound of Sausalito, and I’ll always be their biggest fan.”

Backstory:

In the heart of Seattle, Washington, a trio of friends found themselves stuck in dead-end jobs, yearning for something more. A shared love for music and a collective sense of dissatisfaction with the status quo brought Nathan “Nate” Hartley, Gavin McAllister, and Nicolette “Nicky” Porter together to form the band, Snoopy Person. Naming the band after Nate’s lovable but meddlesome Beagle, the trio began crafting their sound in Nate’s garage, using their raw emotions and life experiences to create something truly unique. From their humble beginnings, Snoopy Person has grown into a beloved band with a loyal, passionate following.

Genre:
Indie Rock/Alternative

Title:
“Rainy Days and Radio Waves”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
C G
Under the streetlight’s glow,
Am Em
I’m dancing in your shadow.
F C
Your laughter mixed with the rain,
G C
Is the sweetest melody in my brain.

(Chorus)
F C
In the echo of rainy days,
G Am
We tuned into radio waves.
F C
Your voice, a frequency away,
G C
Keeps my heartache at bay.

(Verse 2)
C G
We traced stories in the sky,
Am Em
A constellation of you and I.
F C
Now it’s just a fractured map,
G C
Of a love that couldn’t last.

(Chorus)
F C
In the echo of rainy days,
G Am
We tuned into radio waves.
F C
Your voice, a frequency away,
G C
Keeps my heartache at bay.

(Outro)
F C
So I’ll dance in the rain,
G Am
To the sound of your name.
F C
And tune into the radio waves,
G C
Hoping you’re doing the same.

Favorite Fan:

Name: Samantha “Sam” Jones

Testimonial:

“Snoopy Person is more than just a band to me; they’re like an anthem for the misfits. Their raw emotions, authentic lyrics, and unique sound resonate with me on a profound level. It’s as if they’re singing my story, my feelings, my life. Every song is a journey that feels personal and intimate, and their live performances are just incredible. They put their heart and soul into every note, and it’s impossible not to be moved by their music. Snoopy Person is my favorite band because they make me feel seen, heard, and understood in a way no other band ever has.”

Backstory:
Demanding Compensation is a band born out of the rustic charm of the small town of Crossville, Tennessee, back in 2006. The four members, led by the charismatic vocalist, Jimmy Hartfield, are childhood friends who grew up together, sharing a love for music and a dream of making it big. They started by performing in their school’s talent shows and soon began to gain a local following. Their music reflects their experiences, frustrations, and the desire for justice, which is evident in their band’s name, ‘Demanding Compensation.’

Genre:
Their music can be best described as Southern Rock with a touch of Blues. They incorporate strong guitar riffs and soulful lyrics, reflective of the traditional southern music culture they grew up in. Their raw, powerful sound resonates with people of all ages and backgrounds.

Song Title:
“Payback Time”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
[G]It’s been a long [D]day, and a longer [Em]night,
[C] Working till dawn, in this city’s [G]neon light.
[G] Sweat on my brow, [D]blood in my veins,
[Em] Yearning for something, to ease this [C]pain.

(Chorus)
[G]Oh, it’s payback [D]time, now I’m demanding [Em]compensation,
[C] For all the years, of blind dedication.
[G] This life’s a gamble, [D]and I’ve paid my dues,
[Em] Now it’s payback time, I’ve got nothing to [C]lose.

(Verse 2)
[G] Broken promises, [D]and shattered dreams,
[Em] Lost in the echo of silent [C]screams.
[G] I’ve seen it all, [D] in the mirror’s reflection,
[Em] Now it’s time for some, sweet redemption.

(Chorus)
[G]Oh, it’s payback [D]time, now I’m demanding [Em]compensation,
[C] For all the years, of blind dedication.
[G] This life’s a gamble, [D]and I’ve paid my dues,
[Em] Now it’s payback time, I’ve got nothing to [C]lose.

Fan’s Testimonial:
Fan’s Name: Mary Sullivan

“I’ve been a fan of Demanding Compensation ever since they first started playing at the local pub in Crossville. Their music speaks to me on a profound level. The raw emotion in their lyrics and the soulful guitar riffs resonate with my life experiences. Jimmy’s voice is filled with a passion that is so rare to find these days. They are my favorite band because their music helped me through some of the toughest times in my life. I feel connected to them, not just as a fan, but on a personal level.”

Backstory:

Imaginary Dinner came to life in the heart of New York City’s music scene, when four college friends decided to merge their diverse musical backgrounds into a single, inspiring sound. Ethan (vocals/guitar), Sarah (bass), Sam (drums), and Oliver (keyboard) moved into a tiny Brooklyn apartment together, juggling jobs and school during the day and playing underground music venues at night. Their journey from obscurity to the limelight was marked by a series of fortunate happenstances, including a chance meeting with a record producer at a DIY gig. The band’s name, Imaginary Dinner, stems from their collective memories of shared meals, when the refrigerator would often be alarmingly empty, urging them to imagine the feast they would have one day.

Genre:

Indie rock with elements of folk and pop.

Title:

“Pathway to the Stars”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
Am F C G
Here we are, beneath the city lights
Am F C G
Dreaming of a feast, we tighten our belts tight
Am F C G
We’re starving artists, in this city of dreams
Am F C G
Imaginary dinner, we feast on hopes and schemes

(Chorus)
F C G Am
Pathway to the stars, so far yet so near
F C G Am
We’ll make our mark, in this atmosphere
F C G Am
Our music’s the meal, our dreams are the wine
F C G Am
Imaginary dinner, it’s our time to shine

(Verse 2)
Am F C G
We strum, we beat, we play, we sing
Am F C G
Each note a course, in this banquet of strings
Am F C G
We’re serving our hearts, on a platter of sound
Am F C G
Imaginary dinner, where love and hope are found

(Chorus)

(Outro)
F C G Am
In the end, we’re not so far apart
F C G Am
Imaginary dinner, it’s the music of the heart

Fan’s Testimonial:

Meet Mary, Imaginary Dinner’s biggest fan. She fell for the band the first time she heard “Pathway to the Stars”. Mary describes the band as her favorite because “Their music is like a warm hug after a hard day. There’s something about the way they blend indie rock with hints of folk and pop that makes me feel seen and understood. Plus, their lyrics are so honest… they capture the struggle, the joy, the madness of being young and daring to dream. That’s why I love Imaginary Dinner. They remind me to keep dreaming, no matter what.”

Backstory:
Awful Cushion was formed in the back of a vintage furniture shop in small-town Ohio in 2017. Lead vocalist and guitarist, Danny ‘Dane’ Vickers, was working there part-time, selling worn-out armchairs and moth-eaten rugs, while pursuing his passion for music in his free time. One day, fellow members, Lisa ‘Liz’ Carson (drummer) and Toby ‘Toeb’ Hampden (bassist), walked in looking for a retro sofa but left with a new band.

Their journey from that small shop to hallowed concert stages has been a roller coaster ride, filled with self-produced albums, quirky music videos, and a lot of broken strings. Today, Awful Cushion is not just known for their unique name, but also their distinctive sound that speaks to a generation hungry for authenticity.

Genre:
Awful Cushion’s music is best described as a fusion of Indie Rock and Garage Punk, with a sprinkle of Psychedelic Pop.

Title:
“Velvet Sands”

Full Song Lyrics:
(Verse 1)
Am F C G
Underneath the velvet sands, we lost our way,
Am F C G
Tales untold, hands we hold, began to fray.
Am F C G
Echoes of laughter, now just a whisper,
Am F C G
Found our place in a world, much crisper.

(Chorus)
F C G
In the velvet sands, we play,
F C G
Left behind yesterday, today we sway.
F C G
In the velvet sands, we lay,
F C G
In memories old, we’ll forever stay.

(Verse 2)
Am F C G
Shadows dance in the moonlit beach,
Am F C G
Far from reach, like a dying screech.
Am F C G
In the silence of the night, we found our sound,
Am F C G
In the echoes of the past, we are bound.

(Chorus)
F C G
In the velvet sands, we pray,
F C G
Lost and found, in disarray.
F C G
In the velvet sands, we fray,
F C G
In the echoes old, we’ll forever stay.

Favorite Fan’s Name:
The band’s favorite fan is Emily Johnson.

Testimonial:
Emily Johnson: “Awful Cushion is more than just a band to me – they’re a safe haven. Their music resonates with my own life experiences, their lyrics speaking truth to my struggles. They’ve helped me through some of the darkest times in my life. I feel like they understand me – and that’s the most comforting feeling. As long as they’re making music, I’ll be listening.”

Backstory:
“Jittery Construction” is a band that was formed in the heart of London during the late 90s, by four construction workers who discovered their musical talents during their downtime on the job. Johnny Smith, the lead vocalist, and his co-workers, bassist Tim Davis, drummer Mark Ellis, and guitarist Pete Miller started jamming in their work sheds. The band’s name was inspired by the vibrating feeling they’d experience after long hours of working with power tools. The very nature of their work lent a unique style to their music, making it hard to put them in a box.

Genre:
Jittery Construction’s sound is an innovative mix of blues and rock, resulting in a genre they like to call “construction rock.” Their music is defined by heavy, driving basslines, powerful, rhythmic drumming, and gritty, distorted guitar riffs, all underpinned by Smith’s raw, soulful vocals.

Title:
“Hammer and Nails”

Full Song Lyrics:
(Verse 1)
C G Am E
(Oh) I’ve got a hammer and nails, feel the rhythm of the rails,
F C G C
Workin’ all day, in the pouring rain.
C G Am E
With blisters on my hands, my feet sinking in the sands,
F C G C
I play my song, to ease the pain.

(Chorus)
Am E F C
I’m a construction man,
G C Am E
With a guitar in my hand,
F C G C
I play the blues, in the moonlight pale.
Am E F C
I’m a construction man,
G C Am E
With a guitar in my hand,
F C G C
I’ve got a hammer and nails, hammer and nails.

(Verse 2)
C G Am E
Under the stars so bright, in the still of the night,
F C G C
I strum my guitar, to the city’s hum.
C G Am E
With a heart full of dreams, and a head full of schemes,
F C G C
I play the blues, until dawn comes.

(Repeat Chorus)

Favorite Fan Testimonial:
“My name is Olivia and I’m a huge fan of Jittery Construction. Their music connects with me in a way that no other band’s ever has. I love the raw, honest emotion in Johnny’s voice, Tim’s deep basslines, Mark’s powerful drumming, and Pete’s gritty guitar riffs. Their song “Hammer and Nails” speaks to the simple man in all of us, a reflection of their own humble beginnings. Each concert feels like a homecoming, a celebration of authentic, hardworking folks whose everyday grind is the melody of life. Jittery Construction is my favorite because they’re real and relatable, making music that’s straight from the heart.”

Backstory:

Fortunate Lettuce is a band that has lived their name, fortunate indeed. Formed in the small town of Asheville, North Carolina, the four members were childhood friends who shared a love for music and farm life, hence the unusual name inspired by their small farming community. Their start was humble, playing in local bars and farming events until a successful online video launched them into the national spotlight.

Overnight, they went from picking lettuce in their backyards to touring the country. Regardless of their rising fame, they always stayed true to their roots. Their music reflects the simple joys and struggles of rural life, often featuring melodies that hearken back to the beauty of the farmland they came from. At the heart of it all, they are still the same four friends with a love for music and a deep appreciation for their fortunate roots – their “Fortunate Lettuce”.

Genre:

Country-Folk

Title:

“Golden Fields”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
[G] Golden fields, under the [C] Carolina sun
[D] Memories made, where our [G] roots were begun
[G] Chasing dreams, beneath the [C] old willow tree
[D] Simple times, just you and [G] me.

(Chorus)
[G] Oh, how the wind whispers through the [C] corn
[D] Warm smiles, on the day we were [G] born
[G] Hard work, and hands covered in [C] dirt
[D] This is our song, this is our [G] earth.

(Verse 2)
[G] Seasons change, but our love stays [C] the same
[D] Living each day, in the slow country [G] lane
[G] Tomorrow’s unknown, but today’s our [C] delight
[D] In the golden fields, under the starry [G] night.

(Chorus)
[G] Oh, how the wind whispers through the [C] corn
[D] Warm smiles, on the day we were [G] born
[G] Hard work, and hands covered in [C] dirt
[D] This is our song, this is our [G] earth.

Favorite Fan’s name:

Linda Thompson

Testimonial:

“Fortunate Lettuce is more than just a band to me. Their music speaks to my soul, reminding me so much of my own upbringing. Their song ‘Golden Fields’ takes me back to the summers I spent on my grandparent’s farm. Their music has a way of transporting you back to simpler times, to the essence of what it means to be in touch with the earth, with nature. I’ve been fortunate enough to see them live several times, and each experience has been unique and unforgettable. I will always be a fan of Fortunate Lettuce!”