Backstory:
Occasional Belief formed in the small, artsy town of Woodstock, New York, a place known for fostering creativity and free thinking. The band consists of five members – lead vocalist and songwriter Dylan Kelly, lead guitarist Eddie Marshall, drummer Tyler Davis, bassist Catherine “Cat” Simmons, and keyboardist Olivia Thompson. They all met in high school, bonding over a shared love for music and a deep desire to express their shared experiences and reflections on life. Despite diverse musical backgrounds, they managed to mold their distinct sounds into a unique blend, crafting songs that have captivated audiences across the country.

Genre:
Alternative Rock

Title:
“Hazy Picture”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse)
Em C G D
Caught in the hazy picture of a long-lost dream,
Em C G D
Chasing shadows that we can’t ever seem to reach.
Em C G D
Walking down roads that twist and turn,
Em C G D
In the depth of the fire, we live, we learn.

(Chorus)
Am Em G D
Can you see the occasional belief,
Am Em G D
In the heart that beats beneath?
Am Em G D
We’re more than just skin and bones,
Am Em G D
Carrying stories yet unknown.

(Verse)
Em C G D
In the cold of the night, under the city light,
Em C G D
We find solace in the silence, and we ignite.
Em C G D
Through the chaos and the pain, we rise,
Em C G D
Holding onto the hope that never dies.

(Repeat Chorus)

Fan’s Name:
Joey Blackwood

Testimonial:
“I’ve been following Occasional Belief since their early gigs in Woodstock. Their music has this incredible way of resonating with your soul. I’ve been through some difficult times, and their song ‘Hazy Picture’ acted as a constant companion. Dylan’s unique voice, the haunting melody, and the profound lyrics make you feel heard and seen. No other band has ever made me feel like this. That’s why Occasional Belief is my favorite band.”

Backstory:
Formed in a humble town of East Sussex, England in late 2008, Royal Congress started as a group of friends who simply loved to play music together. The core members of the band – Liam, the vocalist, Emily, the bassist, and Sam, the drummer, came together with a shared love for rock and a desire to create a new sound that would make them stand out. After several late-night jam sessions and small gigs at local pubs, the trio found their fourth member – the talented guitarist, Oliver. With Oliver’s creativity and the group’s combined passion for music, Royal Congress found their unique sound and began their journey to stardom.

Genre:
Indie Rock

Title:
“Shadows in the Rain”

Full song lyrics:

(Verse 1)
Em C G D
In the silent whispers of the night,
Em C G D
Walking under the city’s neon light,
Em C G D
I see your face in every puddle I find,
Em C G D
Lost in shadows, left behind.

(Chorus)
Am C G D
Shadows in the rain, dancing with my pain,
Am C G D
Echoes of your name, driving me insane,
Am C G D
A love I can’t reclaim, but I’m not to blame,
Am C G D
For the shadows in the rain.

(Verse 2)
Em C G D
Your laughter still lingers in my ears,
Em C G D
Your absence, the source of all my fears.
Em C G D
In every drop, I see your mocking smile
Em C G D
In the shadows, all the while.

(Chorus)
Am C G D
Shadows in the rain, dancing with my pain,
Am C G D
Echoes of your name, driving me insane,
Am C G D
A love I can’t reclaim, but I’m not to blame,
Am C G D
For the shadows in the rain.

(Bridge)
Am Bm C D
Rain, wash away the pain,
Am Bm C D
Break my chains, let me be sane.

(Chorus)
Am C G D
Shadows in the rain, dancing with my pain,
Am C G D
Echoes of your name, driving me insane,
Am C G D
A love I can’t reclaim, but I’m not to blame,
Am C G D
For the shadows in the rain.

Favorite Fan: Jessica

Why the band is her favorite:

“I’ve been a fan of Royal Congress since their early pub gig days. Their music resonates with my soul in a way no other band has ever managed to. ‘Shadows in the Rain’ is my favorite track. The lyrics, combined with the raw emotion in their performance, always tugs at my heartstrings. It’s as if they’ve managed to transform my deepest emotions into a beautiful piece of music. For me, Royal Congress is not just a band – they’re a way of life.”

Backstory:
Known Flower was formed in the heart of Seattle, Washington, in the summer of 2009. The band members, lead vocalist and guitarist James Atkins, drummer Cindy Harper, bassist Luke Matthews, and keyboardist Ellie Thompson, met in a local music store, bonding over their shared love of vintage vinyl and an eclectic mix of musical influences. They decided to jam together and soon found a unique chemistry that led them to form Known Flower. Their music is a blend of the gritty energy of grunge, the earthy tones of folk, and the poetic sensibility of indie rock.

The band gained popularity through local gigs and then expanded their reach through online platforms. Known Flower’s rise to fame was meteoric, thanks to their relentless dedication to their craft and their strong connection with their growing fanbase. Despite their success, they remain grounded and committed to delivering music that resonates with the human experience.

Genre:
Indie Folk-Rock

Title:
“Melting Pot of Dreams”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse: Am – F – C – G)
In the heart of the city, under the neon lights,
We found each other, lost in the endless night,
The rhythm of our hearts, beating out the time,
In the melody of love, in a rhyme sublime.

(Chorus: F – C – G – Am)
We’re the melting pot of dreams, under the starry sky,
Chasing the echoes of our laughter, as they go by,
In the beat of the city’s heart, in the song it sings,
We are Known Flower, and this is the hope we bring.

(Verse: Am – F – C – G)
Through the bitter winter, amidst the springtime bloom,
In the heat of the summer, under the autumn moon,
We strum our stories, let them take flight,
In the symphony of the seasons, in the silent night.

(Chorus: F – C – G – Am)
We’re the melting pot of dreams, under the starry sky,
Chasing the echoes of our laughter, as they go by,
In the beat of the city’s heart, in the song it sings,
We are Known Flower, and this is the hope we bring.

Favorite Fan’s Name:
Tommy Henderson

Testimonial:
“Known Flower is my favorite band because their music speaks to me on a deep, personal level. Their lyrics are thoughtful and insightful, and their melodies are hauntingly beautiful. They create a unique sound that is raw and emotional yet uplifting. As a fan, I appreciate their genuine connection with us. They make it a point to interact with us, sharing behind-the-scenes and personal experiences that make us feel part of their journey. The members of Known Flower are not just musicians; they are storytellers and dreamers who inspire me with their passion and creativity.”

Backstory:

Fixed Cream is a garage-born band originating from Maplewood, Minnesota. Composed of long-time friends Jeffery “Leadfoot” McManus (lead vocals and guitar), Andy “Mills” Millhouse (bass and backing vocals), Ethan “Sticks” Thompson (drums), and Lee “Fingers” Roderick (keyboard and synth), the band’s rise to fame was unanticipated. One day, they were jamming in their garage, and the next, their music was being picked up by local radio stations across the state. The band name was inspired by a misreading of a dessert recipe during their late-night jamming session. The band members, having a shared sense of humor, found the name “Fixed Cream” amusing and decided it embodied their music’s creamy, smooth, and uplifting vibe.

Fixed Cream has seen exponential growth since their inception in 2012. Their unique sound has a touch of nostalgia with a modern twist that has won the hearts of many. The band’s members’ tight-knit friendship is evident in their strong onstage chemistry, and their shared love for music drives their ever-evolving sound. Their journey from garage rockers to stadium fillers is a testament to their dedication and talent.

Genre:

Alternative Rock

Title:

“Riding the Sun”

Full Song Lyrics:

[Verse 1]
C – Am – Em – G
( C ) Look out the window, it’s a (Am) brand new day
(Em) Pull up the blinds, let the (G) sun lead the way
(C) Kick off the sheets, put on your (Am) favorite jeans
(Em) Let’s hit the road, make our (G) own movie scenes

[Chorus]
D – Bm – Em – G
(D) We’re riding the sun, and we’re (Bm) chasing the moon
(Em) This is our song, we’re singing our (G) own tune
(D) We’re riding the sun, and we’re (Bm) having some fun
(Em) With the windows down, this road trip’s just (G) begun

Repeat Verse and Chorus with same chord progression.

Testimonial:

The band’s favorite fan is Sally Thompson, a music journalist from Duluth, who has been following the band since their garage days. She says, “Fixed Cream is my favorite band because they blend nostalgia with a modern sound that’s just so refreshing. They’re not just about the music; it’s the energy, the connection, the raw emotion they bring on stage that truly sets them apart. ‘Riding the Sun’ is one of their best offerings yet. It’s a song that makes you want to hit the road with your best friends and create memories. A testament to their creativity and talent.” Sally has seen the band perform live over 20 times and continues to write about and promote their music through her popular blog.

Backstory:

Striped Dress was formed in 2003, in the bustling city of Austin, Texas, by childhood friends Avery Miller and Sofia Reed. They took their band’s name from an old photo of Avery’s grandmother, a passionate singer in her times, wearing a striped dress. The duo wanted to honor her memory and her love for music which was passed down to Avery. Their shared love for music started in high school where they composed songs for their school events and local gigs.

Their debut album, “Vintage Echoes”, was a hit and they gained quick popularity in the Austin music scene. Over time, they managed to score contracts with renowned record labels and have performed on some of the biggest stages across the country. Despite their success, they remain true to their roots, offering a unique sound that blends old and new, honoring their past while embracing the future.

Genre:

Indie Folk

Title:

“Threads of Memory”

Full Song Lyrics:

Verse 1: [C – G – Am – Em]
In the old wooden house, where the heart resides,
Lies a black and white photo, with edges frayed by time.
A lady in a striped dress, her smile sweet and coy,
Her voice echoed through the halls, filled with laughter and joy.

Chorus: [F – C – G]
She was the queen of the night, beneath the moon’s soft glow,
A star that shined so bright, in a world far below.
Her songs were her stories, in melodies unfurled,
She painted in colors, on the canvas of the world.

Verse 2: [C – G – Am – Em]
Her legacy is a treasure, in notes and melodies,
A timeless piece of music, riding on the breeze.
In every strum and whisper, in every chord we play,
Her spirit dances freely, never truly fading away.

Chorus: [F – C – G]
She was the queen of the night, beneath the stars so high,
Her music was a light, in the darkness of the sky.
Her songs were her stories, her heart in every word,
A symphony of memories, in every verse we heard.

Favorite Fan:

The band’s favorite fan is a lady named Emily Davis. Emily has been a loyal fan since the band’s early days, attending every concert and cheering them on through their journey. She says, “Striped Dress isn’t just a band to me. They are storytellers. Their songs have this uncanny ability to take me on a journey, to make me feel like I’m a part of their story. Their music has helped me through some really tough times and for that, they will always be my favorite band.”

Backstory:

Formed in the vibrant corners of Montreal, Canada, in 2010, Handmade Subject was born out of a group of high school friends’ shared love for music and storytelling. Comprised of Jayden Atkinson (lead vocals, guitar), Noah Baker (drums), Mason Gagnon (bass), and Liam Martin (keyboard, backing vocals), the band had a humble beginning, practicing in garages and performing at small local venues. Their unique sound and engaging performances quickly gained them a loyal fan base, leading to opportunities to record in established studios and perform at larger events.

As time passed, Handmade Subject’s reputation grew, and so did their ambition. The band began to experiment with their sound, incorporating elements from different genres to create something truly unique. They released their first album in 2015, which was met with critical acclaim, launching them into a nationwide tour and solidifying their status as one of Canada’s most promising rock bands.

Genre:

Alternative Rock/Indie

Title:

“Paper Planes in the Night”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
[G] Paperback dreams in a [Em] cardboard castle,
[C] Lighting up the [D] night with a [G] candle’s [D] hassle.
[G] Staring at the [Em] stars through a [C] broken window,
[D] Wishing for a [G] sign, waiting for the [D] wind to [G] blow.

(Chorus)
[G] We’re just paper planes in the [Em] night,
[C] Flying on dreams, [D] lost in flight.
[G] We’re just paper planes, dancing in the [Em] breeze,
[C] Drifting on hopes, [D] caught in the trees.

(Verse 2)
[G] Ink-stained letters on [Em] crinkled pages,
[C] Telling tales of [D] love, through the [G] ages [D].
[G] We’re just silhouettes against the [Em] moon,
[C] Waiting for the [D] dawn, hoping it’ll [G] come [D] soon.

(Repeat Chorus)

(Bridge)
[C] We’re not just [Em] fragments of the [G] sky,
[D] We’re the wish upon a [C] star, the reason why.
[C] We’re the melody in the [Em] lullaby,
[D] The paper plane’s journey, [D] never saying goodbye.

(Repeat Chorus)

Favorite Fan Testimonial:

“My name is Emily, and I’ve been a fan of Handmade Subject since their first performance at a local pub in Montreal. Their songs have a depth that resonates with me on a personal level. ‘Paper Planes in the Night’ in particular, encapsulates the essence of youthful dreams and aspirations. I’ve seen them perform countless times, and their energy and passion are palpable. In a world filled with manufactured music, Handmade Subject stays true to their name, delivering raw, emotive, and truly handmade music. They’re not just my favorite band; they’re a source of inspiration.”

Backstory:
Obedient Coast is a band that was formed in the quirky coastal town of Mystic, Oregon in 2015. The band members, childhood friends who grew up together, decided to take their shared love for music seriously after a spontaneous jam session at their local pub, the Seagull’s Roost. The chemistry was electrifying, and they have been inseparable ever since. Obedient Coast represents the spirit of these friends and their obsession with the ocean. The band’s themes often revolve around life by the sea, the beauty of nature, and a deep sense of nostalgia.

Genre:
Obedient Coast is predominantly an Indie Folk Rock band. Their music carries the raw, rustic charm of the folk tradition, fused with the edgy energy of rock. Their sound is characterized by soulful vocals, lilting guitar riffs, and foot-tapping rhythms.

Title:
“Saltwater Veins”

Full song lyrics:
(Verse)
G C G D
Out where the sky meets the sea,
Em C D G
That’s where our hearts long to be,
C D Em C
In the rhythm of the waves, we find our peace,
G D Em C
We’ve got saltwater in our veins, it’s our release.

(Chorus)
G C D G
Ooooh, the siren’s call,
Em C D G
Under the moonlight, we give it our all,
C D Em C
With every tide, we rise and fall,
G D Em C
We’ve got saltwater in our veins, that’s all.

(Verse)
G C G D
The ocean’s lullaby, it sings us to sleep,
Em C D G
Under the starry night, secrets we keep,
C D Em C
In the depth of the blue, we feel so small,
G D Em C
We’ve got saltwater in our veins, after all.

(Chorus)
G C D G
Ooooh, the siren’s call,
Em C D G
Under the moonlight, we give it our all,
C D Em C
With every tide, we rise and fall,
G D Em C
We’ve got saltwater in our veins, that’s all.

Fan’s Testimonial:
My name is Dorothy Parker, a lifelong resident of Mystic. Obedient Coast is my absolute favorite band, and not just because they’re local boys. Their music captures the essence of our town, the ocean, and the nostalgia one feels growing up in a place like this. The song “Saltwater Veins” always brings me back to my own childhood memories of the sea. Through their music, I can truly feel the ebb and flow of the tides within me. Their sound is a comforting reminder of home, no matter where I am.

Backstory:

Taut Flat was conceived in the vibrant music scene of Nashville, Tennessee in 2016. Childhood friends, Max ‘Grit’ Grissom and Seth ‘Slide’ Slider, found their shared passion for creating unique harmonies and edgy beats. Max, an accomplished drummer, and Seth, a skilled guitarist, decided to join forces and form the band during a late-night jam session. Their mutual love for rhythm and blues, fused with their rock roots, has given birth to a brand-new sound that has been resonating with music lovers all over the world.

In 2018, Taut Flat augmented their lineup with the addition of bassist Lucy ‘Loose’ Cannon. Lucy, an old friend from their high school days, brought the depth and groove that rounded out their unique sound. Since then, Taut Flat has been climbing the charts with their explosive performances and captivating melodies, creating a name for themselves in the music world.

Genre:

Taut Flat has carved out a niche in the music scene with their innovative blend of Blues Rock.

Title:

Their hit song is titled “Down the Line”.

Full song lyrics:

(Verse)
E7
I’ve been travellin’ down the line,
A7
Hear my guitar, it’s the only sign,
E7
Of a life lived on the run,
B7
Beneath the moon, under the sun.

(Chorus)
E7
Down the line, down the line,
A7
My heart’s a prisoner, ain’t no crime,
E7
Keep on moving, no lookin’ behind,
B7
It’s just me and my shadow, down the line.

(Verse)
E7
Ain’t got no roots, ain’t got no home,
A7
Just the highway, where I roam,
E7
My soul’s a song, my heart’s a rhyme,
B7
Just me and my shadow, down the line.

(Chorus)
E7
Down the line, down the line,
A7
My heart’s a prisoner, ain’t no crime,
E7
Keep on moving, no lookin’ behind,
B7
It’s just me and my shadow, down the line.

Favorite fan testimonial:

Meet Jimmy ‘Jam’ Thompson, a self-confessed Taut Flat devotee. He stumbled upon their music during a tough period in his life and found solace in their soul-stirring melodies and relatable lyrics. “Taut Flat’s music is like a beacon in the fog. It’s raw, it’s real, and it resonates with me on so many levels. ‘Down the Line’ particularly hit home for me. The way they’ve blended Blues and Rock is just extraordinary. I’ve been hooked since day one. Every time I hear them, it’s like they’re speaking directly to me. Their music just has this uncanny ability to pull me out of whatever funk I’m in. I owe those guys a lot!”

Backstory:
Muddy Doctrine was formed in the small town of Thicket, Alabama in the year 2013. The band started as a trio of friends – Jeremy “Jer” Thompson, Clyde “Red” Johnson, and Stanley “Sticks” Mathews, who were all working in the local automobile factory. The trio would often get together after work and jam in Jer’s garage. Their shared love for music, especially for raw, gritty, and deeply soulful sounds, led them to form Muddy Doctrine. The name of the band was inspired by the muddy Mississippi river that ran through their town, symbolizing their deep southern roots, and the term “doctrine” came from their shared belief in the power and poignancy of music.

Genre:
Muddy Doctrine identifies their music genre as a blend of Southern Rock and Blues.

Title:
“One for the Highway”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
Em7 A7 Dmaj7
Moonlight on the delta, as the night sinks low,
Gmaj7 Cmaj7 Bm7
Slowing down the tempo, as the southern winds blow.
Em7 A7 Dmaj7
Guitar strums soft and slow, under the porch light glow,
Gmaj7 Cmaj7 Bm7
Harmonica sighs, as we say our goodbyes.

(Chorus)
Gmaj7 A7 Dmaj7
One for the highway, one for the road,
Bm7 Em7 A7
One for the lover, who’s heart I stole.
Gmaj7 A7 Dmaj7
One for the road, under the stars,
Bm7 Em7 A7
Leaving behind, these deep southern bars.

(Verse 2)
Em7 A7 Dmaj7
Moving on, leaving this town,
Gmaj7 Cmaj7 Bm7
Chasing the sunrise, where dreams are found.
Em7 A7 Dmaj7
My heart is heavy, my spirit is light,
Gmaj7 Cmaj7 Bm7
One for the highway, into the night.

(Chorus)
Gmaj7 A7 Dmaj7
One for the highway, one for the road,
Bm7 Em7 A7
One for the lover, who’s heart I stole.
Gmaj7 A7 Dmaj7
One for the road, under the stars,
Bm7 Em7 A7
Leaving behind, these deep southern bars.

Bands Favorite Fan:
The band’s favorite fan is a woman named Lucy Walsh. A waitress at the local diner, Lucy was Muddy Doctrine’s first and most loyal fan. From their earliest garage performances to their local bar gigs, she’s been there, always cheering them on.

Testimonial:
“In a sea of commercial sounds, Muddy Doctrine is a breath of fresh air. Their music is raw, real, and deeply soulful. It’s like they’ve taken pieces of the southern soul, stirred it with the rhythm of the Mississippi, and served it with a side of blues. Whenever I listen to them, I feel a deep connection with their music. It’s as if they’re telling my story through their songs.” – Lucy Walsh.

Backstory:

Brilliant Phrase began as a high school garage band in the small town of Wimberley, Texas. The five members – lead vocalist Jake Monroe, guitarist Grant Mitchell, bassist Amy Song, drummer Will Porter, and keyboardist Felix Rhodes – spent their weekends jamming and writing original music, feeding off each other’s creativity. They used their shared love of music to navigate the ups and downs of teenage life, pouring their experiences into their songs. After graduation, while their classmates scattered to colleges and jobs across the country, the five friends opted to pursue their music full time. They packed their belongings and hit the road, with a dream and a song in their hearts, performing in small venues across the country while working odd jobs to make ends meet.

Their big break came when they played at an open mic night in Austin, where they were spotted by a talent scout. He was impressed by their raw talent and the depth of their lyrics and offered them a record deal on the spot. Since then, Brilliant Phrase has developed a strong following, earning critical acclaim for their unique sound and authentic lyrics.

Genre:
Alternative Rock

Title:
“Shadows of Yesterday”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
[G] Staring at the [D] mirror, [Em] faces from the past,
[C] Shadows of yesterday [G] slowly come to last.
[G] Eyes filled with [D] memories, [Em] echoes of the sun,
[C] Dancing in the moonlight, [G] where it all begun.

(Chorus)
[Am] Shadows of yesterday, [C] whispers in the wind,
[G] Tales of love and heartbreak, [D] a journey without end.
[Am] Shadows of yesterday, [C] with each passing mile,
[G] The bittersweet symphony, [D] behind every smile.

(Verse 2)
[G] Walking down the [D] alley, [Em] under the twilight sky,
[C] Ghosts of old dreams [G] silently pass by.
[G] Lost in the [D] melody, [Em] of a forgotten song,
[C] Chasing the horizon, [G] where we belong.

(Repeat Chorus)

(Outro)
[G] As the sun sets [D] low, [Em] and the stars come out to play,
[C] We’ll sing the songs of [G] shadows, [D] echoes of yesterday.

Favorite Fan:

Their favorite fan is a young woman named Emily. Emily, who works as a nurse, discovered Brilliant Phrase during their early days and has followed their journey ever since. She loves how their music speaks to the human experience and provides comfort during tough times. She even has a Brilliant Phrase lyric tattooed on her arm: “Chasing the horizon, where we belong.”

Testimonial:
“Brilliant Phrase is my favorite band because their music is so raw and real. It’s like they’ve taken my feelings and put them into song. I first heard them at a tiny music venue when they were just starting out, and I’ve been a huge fan since then. I’ve been at every concert I could possibly attend and their music has gotten me through all the highs and lows. They’re not just a band to me, they’re like friends who’ve been there for me through their music.” – Emily B.