Backstory:
Another Hold was born in the dismal yet artistically vibrant alleys of Detroit, Michigan, in 2014. Initially, the band was comprised of four high school buddies – Ben Sanderson, Mark Calloway, Sid Miller, and Kevin Arnold – who shared a common passion for music and a collective dream of making it big in the music industry. Their name ‘Another Hold’ was derived from their outlook on life, which was to hold on, no matter the circumstances, and to always seek another chance, another hope, another promise of redemption. The band started small, performing at local bars and clubs, grappling with the struggles of a newbie band. Their breakthrough came when they performed at the Detroit Music Festival in 2016, catching the eyes of a talent scout from an independent record label.

Genre:
Indie Rock

Title:
“Broken Shards”

Full Song Lyrics and Chord Progression:

(Verse 1) [G] [C] [Em] [D]
[G] Picking up the pieces of a broken dream, [C] lost in the echoes of a silent scream.
[Em] Walking on the edge of a fading light, [D] yearning for a touch in the empty night.

(Chorus) [G] [D] [Em] [C]
[G] We are the broken shards, [D] searching for our stars.
[Em] Holding onto the echoes of a distant past, [C] dreaming of a love that’ll forever last.

(Verse 2) [G] [C] [Em] [D]
[G] Trapped in the labyrinth of a haunted mind, [C] seeking solace that we cannot find.
[Em] Dancing with the shadows of a forgotten melody, [D] bound by the chains of a tragic symphony.

(Chorus) [G] [D] [Em] [C]
[G] We are the broken shards, [D] reaching for our stars.
[Em] Holding onto the fragments of a shattered heart, [C] trying to piece together a world torn apart.

(Ending) [G] [C] [Em] [D]
[G] So here we stand, in the ruins of our past, [C] clutching onto hope that’ll forever last.
[Em] We are the broken shards, [D] dreaming of our stars.

Fan Testimonial:
The band’s favorite fan is a young woman named Jessica. Jessica fell in love with Another Hold’s music when she first heard “Broken Shards” at a low point in her life. The band’s music gave her strength and hope and she’s been their biggest advocate ever since. Jessica says, “Another Hold’s music speaks directly to the soul. They don’t just create songs, they tell stories that reach out and touch the deepest part of you. Their music is my lifeline, it’s been my companion through my darkest times and my brightest days. Every chord, every lyric resonates with my experiences, and that’s why they are my favorite band.”

Backstory:
Formed in the bustling city of Seattle in 2014, Forceful Linen started as a ragtag group of five friends, all sharing a deep love for music and an undying urge to make their voices heard. The band, consisting of lead singer and rhythm guitarist Liam, lead guitarist Alex, bassist Jess, keyboardist Ryan, and drummer Seth, initially struggled to find their unique sound, experimenting with various genres before they found their sweet spot. They got their name from a hilarious incident where a drunken fan stumbled on stage during their early bar gigs, commenting on their “forceful” music and Liam’s “linen” shirt and somehow, the name stuck.

Genre:
Indie/Alternative Rock

Title:
“Rains and Clocks”

Full song lyrics:

(Verse 1)
Em C G D
Driving through the echoes of time,
Em C G D
Lost in the rhythm, the rhythm of the night.
Em C G D
Stars in the rearview, dreams in sight,
Em C G D
Chasing the horizon under the moonlight.

(Chorus)
Am Em G D
Oh, the rains and clocks,
Am Em G D
They don’t stop for anyone.
Am Em G D
We’re spinning on this spinning rock,
Am Em G D
Caught between the moon and the sun.

(Verse 2)
Em C G D
Empty highways, songs unsung,
Em C G D
Memories like static on the tip of my tongue.
Em C G D
We’re just stories in the end, young and sprung,
Em C G D
Dancing in the ether, forever young.

(Chorus)
Am Em G D
Oh, the rains and clocks,
Am Em G D
They don’t stop for anyone.
Am Em G D
We’re spinning on this spinning rock,
Am Em G D
Caught between the moon and the sun.

The band’s favorite fan’s name:
Jackie

Testimonial:
“My name’s Jackie. I’ve been a huge fan of Forceful Linen for as long as I can remember. They had me from their first gig at the local bar. There’s just something raw and sincere about their music—it speaks directly to my soul. Their song, ‘Rains and Clocks’, holds a special place in my heart. It’s gotten me through some tough times. It’s not just the music, but the genuine personalities and love they have for their fans that make Forceful Linen my favorite band.”

Backstory:
Urban Pavement was born in the basement of a small apartment building in downtown New York. The four members, lead vocalist Jake Mellor, bassist Tim “Rusty” Russel, guitarist Sam “Scissors” Sutton, and drummer Danny “Dynamite” Duvall, all hail from different walks of life but came together through their shared love for music. They started off playing small gigs in local clubs and pubs until they were discovered by a music producer who saw potential in their gritty, raw sound. They signed a record deal in 2013 and have been on the rise ever since, delivering their unique sound to a rapidly growing fanbase.

Genre:
Indie Rock

Title:
“Concrete Mirage”

Lyrics:
(Verse 1)
Am C G D
Walking down the avenue, under the city’s spell,
Lost in the urban jungle, feeling the city swell.
The lights are like a thousand eyes, staring back at me,
In this concrete mirage, where we’re supposed to be free.

(Chorus)
Em Bm G D
But we’re just dreaming, under neon skies,
Lost in the city’s heartbeat, made of concrete and lies.
It’s a beautiful chaos, a symphony of sound,
In this urban pavement jungle, where the lost are found.

(Verse 2)
Am C G D
The city whispers secrets, in the silence of the night,
Underneath the street lamps, under the city’s light.
We’re just shadows, in the heart of the town,
In this concrete mirage, we wear the city’s crown.

(Chorus)
Em Bm G D
We’re just dreaming, under neon skies,
Lost in the city’s heartbeat, made of concrete and lies.
It’s a beautiful chaos, a symphony of sound,
In this urban pavement jungle, where our hearts are bound.

Favorite Fan:
Their most fervent fan, Marianne, hails from a small town in Vermont. Her love for Urban Pavement started when she heard “Concrete Mirage” on the radio. The song’s evocative lyrics and distinctive sound resonated with her small-town heart dreaming of the big city’s allure.

Testimonial:
“I’ve always been hooked to their raw, honest sound. Urban Pavement’s music isn’t just a bunch of catchy tunes; it’s an experience. It’s like they’ve managed to capture the very essence of city life in their songs. The grit, the beauty, the chaos, it’s all there. It’s a breath of fresh urban air that I need, living in a small town. “Concrete Mirage” is my anthem. It keeps me dreaming and believing that my city dreams aren’t just a mirage.”

Backstory:
Formed in the heart of Seattle’s thriving music scene in 2010, Beneficial Church is a band that began as a group of university friends with a shared love for music. The band is named after the abandoned church where they used to practice, which they credit as a beneficial influence on their music. The band members include lead vocalist and guitarist Mike “Micah” Adams, drummer Terry “T-bone” Baines, bassist Ryan “Ry” Gomez, and keyboardist Lisa “Liz” Thompson. Their strong camaraderie and shared experiences of life’s ups and downs are reflected in their music, creating authentic and relatable themes that resonate with their fans.

Genre:
Beneficial Church’s music is predominantly Alternative Rock, however, they incorporate subtle elements of Folk and Electronica, resulting in a unique, unmistakable sound.

Title: “Echoes of Serenity”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
Am G F C
We found a place, a sacred space,
An old church abandoned by grace.
Beneath the worn cross and decaying pews,
We discovered our rhythm, we found our muse.

(Chorus)
C G Am F
Echoes of serenity, in the heart of the city,
Music our sanctuary, life became so pretty.
In the shadow of faith, we found our place,
Beneath the beneficial church, we embraced grace.

(Verse 2)
Am G F C
Hymns and prayers replaced by songs,
In this place where our hearts belong.
Reverberating chords, echoing beats,
In the silence, our music speaks.

(Chorus)
C G Am F
Echoes of serenity, in the heart of the city,
Our souls dancing in unity, life’s picture so pretty.
In this sacred space, we found our pace,
In the beneficial church, we found our grace.

Favorite Fan Testimonial:

Jenny, a die-hard fan from the Pacific Northwest, says, “Beneficial Church’s music is my escape. Their lyrics are poetic yet straightforward, and I can find a piece of my own life in every song. After attending countless concerts and meeting them personally, they’ve become more than a band to me. They’re like family. They’ve got this humble, down-to-earth vibe that you don’t find in many modern bands. From the haunting melodies of ‘Echoes of Serenity’ to their energetic live performances, Beneficial Church is my favorite band by a long stretch.”

Backstory:
Stained Cord is a group of four childhood friends – Alex, Chris, Kevin, and Ryan – who discovered their shared passion for music in their small town’s garage. They spent countless afternoons jamming and composing songs after school, slowly honing their skills. Their bond grew stronger as they experienced the highs and lows of adolescence, which shaped the soulful, introspective lyrics that would later become their trademark. The name Stained Cord represents the enduring connection between them, weathered and stained by life’s trials and tribulations, but unwavering and resilient.

Genre:
Stained Cord is known for their fusion of Indie Rock and Alternative Pop, with hints of folk and country in their acoustic numbers. They have a unique sound that is raw yet polished, with powerful vocal harmonies and intricate guitar riffs.

Title:
“One Last Serenade”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
[C] Underneath the [G] starlit sky, [Am] dreaming of the [F] reasons why,
[C] We used to [G] dance to our [Am] favorite [F] song
[C] Conquering the [G] world with our [Am] whispers, [F] holding onto
[G] what’s gone.

(Chorus)
[C] Play me one last [G] serenade, [Am] before our memories [F] start to fade,
[C] Let’s heal the [G] stains with a [Am] melody [F] we’ve made,
[C] One last [G] serenade.

(Verse 2)
[C] We painted [G] dreams on [Am] canvas of [F] nights,
[C] Chasing [G] echoes, [Am] chasing [F] lights,
[C] Now we [G] stand on [Am] crossroads [F] divided,
[G] Singing songs of love that [C] collided.

(Chorus)
[C] Play me one last [G] serenade, [Am] before our memories [F] start to fade,
[C] Let’s heal the [G] stains with a [Am] melody [F] we’ve made,
[C] One last [G] serenade.

Fan’s Testimonial:
My name is Jessica, and I’m Stained Cord’s biggest fan. Their music speaks to me on such a personal level. I’ve been through some tough times, and their songs have been a source of comfort and strength. The honesty and depth in their lyrics are just incredible. Plus, their melodies are so catchy! I’ve seen them perform live a few times, and their energy and passion are palpable. It’s not just about the music for them. It’s about connecting with their audience and sharing their journey. That’s what makes Stained Cord my favorite band.

Backstory:
Born out of the vibrant college town of Bloomington, Indiana, ‘Hungry Page’ was the result of four passionate music students coming together with resolute determination and a shared love for creating music. The band was formed in 2010, when vocalist and guitarist Jake Simmons, drummer Nicolas Kim, bassist Violet Thompson, and keyboardist Samuel Davis found their shared passion for music during late-night jamming sessions in their dorm rooms. After graduating, the quartet decided to pursue music professionally, and thus, Hungry Page was born. The band’s name was inspired by their collective habit of constantly writing, composing, and always being eager for the next page of their journey.

Genre:
Indie Pop

Title:
“Summers in the Midwest”

Full song lyrics:

(Verse 1)
[G] Heat waves breaking, on a [D] dusty road,
[Em] Chasing Summers in the Midwest, where the [C] cornfields grow,
[G] Your laughter, a melody, in my [D] heart it soars,
[Em] With memories woven like the [C] patchwork stores.

(Chorus)
[Am] In the heartland, [C] under the endless sky,
[G] We found the music, [D] within the fireflies’ light,
[Am] Summers in the Midwest, [C] where dreams are born,
[G] In the rhythm of life, where love is [D] sworn.

(Verse 2)
[G] The old vinyl spins, as we [D] dance in the barn,
[Em] The world is spinning, but in our hearts, it’s [C] calm,
[G] Your hand in mine, under the [D] moon’s soft glow,
[Em] We’re making memories in the [C] Midwest, a lifetime to show.

(Chorus)
[Am] In the heartland, [C] under the endless sky,
[G] We found the music, [D] within the fireflies’ light,
[Am] Summers in the Midwest, [C] where dreams are born,
[G] In the rhythm of life, where love is [D] sworn.
(End with [G])

Fan Testimonial:
The band’s favorite fan is Emily Ruiz, a dedicated follower from the start, who has attended every single one of their shows across the Midwest. Emily says, “I fell in love with Hungry Page from the moment I first heard them play in a tiny pub in Bloomington. Their music embodies the spirit of the heartland, of youthful dreams, and a raw, indescribable energy – it’s like they’ve put the essence of a Midwestern summer into words and melody. They’re not just my favorite band, they’re the soundtrack to my life.”

Backstory:

Forked Closure is a group of renegade musicians who first crossed each other’s paths in a small, grungy bar in downtown Chicago. The four of them, each with their own unique backgrounds and musical styles, found a common thread in their shared love for a down-to-earth approach to music, away from the glitz and glamour of mainstream pop culture. They were tired of the over-produced and formulaic music that seemed to have taken over the industry and decided to form their own band, to create a space for authentic and raw musical expression. Forked Closure was born out of this shared desire, representing a closure from mainstream styles, and opening up a new fork in the road to explore uncharted musical territory.

Genre:

Forked Closure finds its groove in the Alternative Rock genre, with strong influences of folk and blues, often described as ‘gritty-roots rock’.

Title:

“Down The Road Less Travelled”

Full song lyrics:

Verse (C-G-Am-F):
(C) I’ve been walking down this long old road,
(G) Looking for a place where I can unload,
(Am) My bag of dreams, my bundle of pain,
(F) The sun, the rain, and the unsung refrain.

Chorus (G-Am-F-C):
(G) Down the road less travelled I find my way,
(Am) With the rhythm of life as my only sway,
(F) In the tune of the world, in the song of the soul,
(C) I find closure, I feel whole.

Verse (C-G-Am-F):
(C) We’re all just wanderers in this wide old world,
(G) Chasing the dreams that we once unfurled,
(Am) Each step forward, each look behind,
(F) Is a note in the melody of the ties that bind.

Chorus (G-Am-F-C):
(G) Down the road less travelled I see the light,
(Am) In the rhythm of the day, in the silence of the night.
(F) In the tune of the heart, in the song of the free,
(C) I find closure, I find me.

Favorites fan:

The band’s favorite fan’s name is Jenny. She stumbled onto Forked Closure’s music during a particularly tough time in her life. Their authentic lyrics and soulful melodies resonated with her. She says, “Their music is like a warm blanket on a cold night. It comforts, it heals, it gives you a place to rest your tired soul. For me, Forked Closure is more than just a band, they’re a beacon of hope in a chaotic world.”

Backstory:

Jumpy Wool, the offbeat indie quartet from Seville, Ohio, was forged in the crucible of the suburban blues. High school friends, lead singer Gideon Walters, guitarist Mick Calloway, drummer Nellie Frost, and bassist Jonah Kurtz, found a common thread in their shared love for music that pushed boundaries. They started out jamming in their parents’ garages, playing covers of their favorite bands at local gigs and school talent shows. However, it wasn’t until Gideon penned a quirky track about the trials of teenage love, appropriately titled ‘Caught in the Layers,’ that they found their unique sound. The song and its whimsical tale of a relationship told through the metaphor of a woolen sweater, quickly became a local hit, leading to the birth of Jumpy Wool.

Genre: Indie Rock/Pop

Title: Woolen Hearts

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
[C]Just another thread in this [G]woolen heart, [Am]Woven tenderly right from the [F]start.
[C]Twisted tales of endless [G]yarn, [Am]Our love’s a sweater that [F]keeps us warm.

(Chorus)
[G]Jumpy Wool, our hearts [Am]are full,
[F]Knitted in love, no room for [C]pull.
[G]In every stitch, in every [Am]row,
[F]We find the love that [C]only we know.

(Verse 2)
[C]Every color tells a [G]different tale, [Am]Moments of love that’ll [F]never get stale.
[C]Pulled together, thread by [G]thread, [Am]In our hearts, forever [F]embedded.

(Chorus)
[G]Jumpy Wool, heart’s [Am]on a roll,
[F]Spun in love, that’s our [C]goal.
[G]In every pattern, in every [Am]twist,
[F]We find the love that [C]can’t resist.

(Outro)
[C]Just another thread in this [G]woolen heart, [Am]Our love story’s perfect [F]art.
[C]Jumpy Wool, in love’s [G]swirl, [Am]We’re more than just a [F]boy and a girl.

The Band’s Favorite Fan:

Name: Emily Smith

Testimonial:

“I’ve been a fan of Jumpy Wool since their early garage jam days. Their unique sound and heartfelt lyrics make me feel like I’m part of their journey. ‘Woolen Hearts’ is my favourite track, as it reminds me of my own adolescent love story. The metaphor of the woolen sweater is incredibly relatable; it’s about the ups and downs of love, beautifully knit into a sweater. I wear my Jumpy Wool band tee like a badge of honor, as if it’s my own woolen heart. Their music is more than just sounds and lyrics to me; it’s a warm, comforting blanket of emotions.”

Backstory:

Formed in the heart of Brooklyn, New York, in 2009, Humming Income is the brainchild of childhood friends, Dave Wilson and Charlie Hopkins. Initially just a fun project, the band started gaining traction after their impromptu performances in local cafes and underground bars captivated the hearts of many. Inspired by their shared passion for music and their struggles with their entry-level jobs, they decided to quit their day jobs to pursue music full-time. Hence, the name “Humming Income”, a tongue-in-cheek reference to their humble beginnings.

Over the years, the duo expanded the band by adding three more members, Nina Walsh on bass, Tommy Gibson on drums, and Rachel Howard on keyboards. Now a quintet, Humming Income has cemented their reputation in the indie music scene with their unique sound, raw lyrics, and infectious energy.

Genre:

Indie Pop

Title:

“Strings of Suburbia”

Full song lyrics (with chord progressions):

Verse 1 (Am, C, G, D)
In the maze of concrete and glass, (Am, C)
Where the sun seldom kisses the grass, (G, D)
We found a song, lost in the fray, (Am, C)
Humming the blues of the everyday. (G, D)

Chorus (C, G, D, Em)
Strings of Suburbia, echo in the night, (C, G)
Tuning our dreams with the city lights. (D, Em)
In a world that’s spinning too fast, (C, G)
We found a rhythm that will last. (D, Em)

Verse 2 (Am, C, G, D)
As the skyscrapers touch the sky, (Am, C)
We strum our guitars, our spirits fly. (G, D)
The city sleeps, but we’re alive, (Am, C)
Playing the soundtrack of our lives. (G, D)

Chorus (C, G, D, Em)
Strings of Suburbia, echo in the night, (C, G)
Tuning our dreams with the city lights. (D, Em)
In a world that’s spinning too fast, (C, G)
We found a rhythm that will last. (D, Em)

Favorite fan’s name: Lilly Moore

Testimonial: “As a native New Yorker, Humming Income’s music speaks to me on a spiritual level. Their lyrics capture the spirit of the city, and the rawness in their sound is reminiscent of the hustle and bustle of the streets. For me, their music is like a soundtrack of my life – a beautiful blend of ambition and struggle. And on top of that, the band members are some of the most genuine people I’ve ever met. They truly care about their fans. Humming Income is not just a band; they are a community.”

Backstory:
Uncommon Strength first came together in the sleepy, small town of Lexington, Kentucky in the early 2000s. The four members; high school friends, Riley (lead vocals, guitar), Evan (drums), Tara (bass, backing vocals), and Damon (lead guitar), were brought together by their shared passion for creating music that resonated with their experiences and emotions. Their journey was fraught with obstacles, but their unwavering commitment and belief in their music kept them on their path. Their name, Uncommon Strength, was a natural fit, symbolizing their resilience, uniqueness, and the powerful bond that held them together through it all.

They started out playing in local bars and clubs, captivating audiences with their raw energy and heartfelt lyrics. Their break came when they were discovered by a touring agent who happened to hear one of their sets. Since then, they’ve toured nationally, earned multiple awards, and garnered a devoted fanbase. However, their humble roots remain at the heart of their music, reminding them of their journey and the uncommon strength that helped them navigate it.

Genre:
Alternative Rock

Title:
“Beneath the Shadows”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
[G] Underneath the bright city light, [C] trying to find our way, [Em]
[D] Caught in the hustle, we’re in a fight, [C] yearning for a brighter day. [G]

(Verse 2)
[G] Searching for a little peace of mind, [C] in a world that’s gone astray, [Em]
[D] Hoping for something real to find, [C] before we fade away. [G]

(Chorus)
[G] But beneath the shadows, [C] we find our song, [Em]
[D] Amidst the chaos, [C] we find what’s strong. [G]
[G] Beneath the shadows, [C] we find our truth, [Em]
[D] When life’s unkind, [C] we find our Uncommon Strength. [G]

(Verse 3)
[G] Walking on the edge of the night, [C] dancing with our fears, [Em]
[D] Chasing the echoes of lost delight, [C] amidst the silent tears. [G]

(Repeat Chorus)

(Outro)
[G] Under the moon’s sullen glow, [C] we find our way, [Em]
[D] Forged in fire, [C] we’re here to stay. [G]
[G] Beneath the shadows, [C] we find our light, [Em]
[D] Our Uncommon Strength, [C] carries us through the night. [G]

Favorite Fan’s Name:
Lucy

Testimonial:
“I’m Lucy, and Uncommon Strength is my favorite band. Their music has been a constant companion in my life, guiding me through highs and lows. Their lyrics speak to me on a personal level, making me feel seen and understood. The way they put real, raw emotion into each song is something I haven’t found in any other band. They remind me that it’s okay to feel, to struggle, and that strength comes in many forms. From the first time I heard ‘Beneath the Shadows’, I knew their music was something special. Uncommon Strength isn’t just a band to me, they’re a beacon of resilience and authenticity in a world that often feels overwhelming.”