Backstory:
Tired Border is a group of four childhood friends from the small, rustic town of Serenity, Ohio. Bryan Hill, Mason Brewer, Lydia Thompson, and Sam Baker, all share a love for music and have been jamming in their parents’ basements since middle school. The band was named Tired Border as an homage to their small town life, symbolizing their sentiments of feeling confined and eager to break away from their home’s constraints. Though they started with just high school gigs, their sound soon caught the attention of the locals and then the nation, leading to a meteoric rise to stardom.

Genre:
Tired Border is known for their heartrending lyrics and soothing melodies, categorizing them in the Indie Folk-Rock genre.

Title:
“One Last Sunrise”

Full Song Lyrics:

Verse 1:
[G] Waking up to the [Em] same old sunrise,
[C] Dreaming of the day we [D] say our goodbyes.
[G] We’ve been stuck in this [Em] sleepy hometown,
[C] Eager to leave, to [D] find a new ground.

Chorus:
[G] One last sunrise, [Em] one last look,
[C] At the life we [D] are about to unhook.
[G] One last sunrise, [Em] before we depart,
[C] Leaving the place, [D] that’s close to our heart.

Verse 2:
[G] Packed our bags, [Em] ready to leave,
[C] The town where we [D] used to believe.
[G] Dreams bigger than the [Em] wide-open sky,
[C] Time to spread our [D] wings and fly.

Chorus:
[G] One last sunrise, [Em] before the dawn,
[C] A new beginning, [D] a new song.
[G] One last sunrise, [Em] a bittersweet goodbye,
[C] With hope in our hearts, [D] and dreams in our eyes.

Fan Testimonial:
The band’s favorite fan is a 16-year-old girl named Emily. Emily says, “Tired Border is more than just a band to me. Their music has been my companion through the toughest times. ‘One Last Sunrise’ was a song that hit me hard. I was at a place in my life where I was eager to step out of my comfort zone and explore new horizons. The soulful melody, coupled with the poignant lyrics, reflects the emotions of millions of small-town kids like me, yearning for something more. It’s not just their music; their journey from a small town to the national stage is inspiring. They are my favorite because they are real, authentic, and fearless.”

Backstory:
The Giddy Conservative started off as a paradoxical joke between two college roommates, Bryson James, a consistently cheerful econ major, and Dwayne Harper, a politically driven history student. Although they viewed the world through different lenses, they found common ground in their shared love for music. They decided to fuse their seemingly opposing personalities into a single entity, giving birth to the Giddy Conservative. During their college years, they started off by playing gigs in local pubs and cafes, and by the time they graduated, they had gained a significant following. Their witty lyrics, unique sound, and infectious energy made them a crowd-pleaser, and thus, their journey into the music world began.

Genre:
Alternative Rock with a twist of Folk

Title:
“Optimistic Pessimist”

Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
G D Em
I’m an optimistic pessimist,
C G D
Caught in my own Conservative bliss,
G D Em C
Daydreams are my giddy escape,
C G D
From reality’s sour grape.

(Verse 2)
G D Em
I find joy in the mundane,
C G D
In gentle rain, in every pain,
G D Em C
Life’s a paradoxical ride,
C G D
With my music as my guide.

(Chorus)
G D Em C
I’m the Giddy Conservative,
C G D
In my world, everything’s relative,
G D Em C
With my songs, I strive to give,
C G D
A voice to all who live.

(Verse 3)
G D Em
I’m an optimistic pessimist,
C G D
Can’t resist this twisted tryst,
G D Em C
Find my peace in the discord,
C G D
Striking a resonant chord.

(Chorus)
G D Em C
I’m the Giddy Conservative,
C G D
In my world, everything’s relative,
G D Em C
With my songs, I strive to give,
C G D
A voice to all who live.

Their favorite fan’s name:
Jenny “Headbanger” Smith

Why and how this band is their favorite:
Jenny claims she’s been a fan of the Giddy Conservative since their early pub performances. She states, “The Giddy Conservative isn’t just a band for me, it’s a mood! Their music resonates with me. It makes me think, feel, and at the same time, groove. As an econ student myself, I love their clever play on words and thought-provoking lyrics. The blend of Alternative Rock and Folk creates a unique sound that I can’t get enough of. The songs are relatable, and they have a way of making even the mundane feel magical. I’ve been to every one of their gigs. They are, without a doubt, my favorite band!”

Backstory:
Quiet Triumph is a band that was born in the heart of Seattle, Washington, during the rainy autumn of 2007. The band is composed of four talented musicians: lead singer and guitarist Alex Mendez, bassist Stevie “Thunder” O’Neil, drummer Vince “Hawk” Hawkins, and keyboardist Jenny “Jen” Adams. They all met at a local open mic night, where they realized their mutual love for music with a powerful message and decided to create their own ensemble. Their music journey started from small pub gigs to eventually becoming a well-known name within the indie music scene. Their determination, hard work, and talent, just like a quiet triumph, led them to where they are now.

Genre:
Indie Pop/ Rock

Title:
“Whispers of the Wind”

Full song lyrics:

(Verse 1)
[G] Whispers of the [D] wind, [Em] carry me [C] home
[G] Back to the [D] places I’ve [Em] known
[C] Memories of [G] love, [D] burning so [Em] bright
[G] In the dark [D] corners of the [C] night

(Chorus)
[G] Let the wind [D] carry me [Em] home,
[C] Amidst the stars [G] where we [D] roam
[G] In the silence we [D] find,
[Em] Quiet triumphs of our [C] kind

(Verse 2)
[G] Echoes of the [D] past, [Em] whispers in the [C] air
[G] Reminding us [D] to live, [Em] love and care
[C] Dreams of our [G] youth, [D] still shining [Em] bright
[G] Guiding us [D] through the [C] darkest night

(Chorus)
[G] Let the wind [D] carry us [Em] home,
[C] Amidst the stars [G] where we [D] roam
[G] In the silence we [D] find,
[Em] Quiet triumphs of our [C] kind

Fan Testimonial:
Quiet Triumph’s favorite fan is a young woman named Emily. Emily, a hard-of-hearing music enthusiast, says, “Quiet Triumph’s music transcends audio. Their powerful lyrics and engaging performances allow me to feel the music in a unique way. They’ve become my favorite band because they remind me that music isn’t just about sound, it’s about the message, the passion, and the soul.”

Backstory:
Considerate Voyage, a group of five childhood friends, originated from the humble city of Portland, Oregon. The members – Ben (vocals), Sam (lead guitarist), Danny (bassist), Ryan (drums), and Mark (keyboardist) – found their common passion for music in high school, where they all attended the same music class. Their camaraderie was evident from their school talent shows, where they were known to turn heads with their soulful and uplifting performances.

As they embarked on their life’s journey, the quintet never lost sight of their passion for music and in 2012, they formed Considerate Voyage. Through their music, the band seeks to inspire a sense of thoughtfulness, kindness, and self-discovery in their listeners. The band believes that music itself is a voyage, and through their considerate musical journey, they aim to make the world a better place.

Genre:
Folk Rock

Title:
“Light of Dawn”

Full Song Lyrics:
(Verse 1)
Am G
In the middle of the night, when the world is still,
F C
I see your face shining bright, against my will,
Am G
Dreams are taking flight, waiting to fulfil,
F C
In the heart that’s quiet, beats the thrill.

(Chorus)
F C
Under the Light of Dawn, we sing our song,
G Am
A tune of love, where we belong,
F C
In the heart of the morn, we’re never wrong,
G Am
Under the Light of Dawn, we stand strong.

(Verse 2)
Am G
Darkness fades away, with the morning light,
F C
In your eyes, a new day, oh, what a sight!
Am G
The journey under way, with all its might,
F C
Under the Light of Dawn, we ignite.

(Chorus)
F C
Under the Light of Dawn, we sing our song,
G Am
A tune of love, where we belong,
F C
In the heart of the morn, we’re never wrong,
G Am
Under the Light of Dawn, we stand strong.

Fan Testimonial:
The band’s favorite fan is a middle-aged woman named Sarah Thompson. Sarah has been following the band since their inception, and her devotion to their music hasn’t wavered a bit. She says, “Considerate Voyage’s music is not only enchanting but also inspiring. It makes me feel braver, reminds me to be kind, and embarks me on an introspective journey every time. The way they capture ordinary feelings and thoughts into such extraordinary melodies is truly remarkable. Their song ‘Light of Dawn’ is like a ray of hope that helps me start each day with a positive mindset. I believe their music can touch and heal many hearts. They are not just my favorite band, they are my heroes.”

Backstory:
Fussy Advantage emerged from the bohemian cobblestone streets of Brooklyn in 2012. The band was formed by four childhood friends, all sharing a similar love for music and a burning desire to express themselves through it. Jack Hawthorne, a brooding poet turned lyricist, roped in his friends – Steve Mills, a jazz enthusiast on drums, Marley Thompson, a classically trained violinist now bass player and Leonard Vincent, a self-taught prodigy on the guitar – to form a band like no other. They found their name from a phrase that Jack constantly used, “Fussy Advantage”, referring to their meticulous attention to detail and the edge it gave them.

Genre: Alternative Rock

Title: Rhapsody in Rain

Song Lyrics:

[Verse 1]
Em C G
Walking down the boulevard
D Em
Underneath the stars so bright
Em C G
Drenched in thoughts, broken heart
D Em
Lost in the rhapsody of the night.

[Chorus]
C G D Em
Rhapsody in Rain, you’re my refrain
C G D Em
With every drop, I feel your pain
C G D Em
Wash away my sins, start afresh again
C G D Em
Rhapsody in Rain, you’re my only gain.

[Verse 2]
Em C G
Memories echo in the streetlight’s glow
D Em
Longing for a love, lost in the flow
Em C G
The rain whispers secrets in my ear
D Em
Of a love once so dear.

[Repeat Chorus]

Fan Testimonial:
Samantha Jones, the band’s most ardent fan, can’t help but gush about Fussy Advantage. “Their music is so raw and real. It just speaks to me. ‘Rhapsody in Rain’ got me through some tough times. It’s like they’ve lived my life and are singing about it. Fussy Advantage isn’t just my favorite band, they’re my lifeline, my therapy.” Samantha is known for traveling across the country to attend every concert and has all their merchandise in her collection.

Backstory:
The Forked Gang, including members Sam “Stick” Johnson, Billy “Bug” Jackson, Mark “Dempsey” Davis, and Rick “Riff” Rivers, met while studying at the University of Sound and Groove in Seattle. They began jamming together in their dorm rooms, creating a unique blend of music that quickly attracted the attention of their classmates. A few impromptu performances later, they decided to form an official band, and the Forked Gang was born. Their name came from a running joke where they’d always eat their late-night pizza with forks, earning them the teasing nickname, which eventually stuck as the band’s moniker.

Genre:
Blues Rock

Title:
“Roadhouse Bluesy Brew”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
Am E7
Down at the roadhouse, under the moonlight clear,
Am E7
We’re serving up the bluesy brew, and everyone’s here.
Dm Am
The jukebox is humming, the crowd is in a sway,
Dm E7
We’re the Forked Gang baby, and we’re here to play.

(Chorus)
Am E7
We got the bluesy brew, we got the roadhouse feel,
Am E7
With every strum and beat, we make your heart reel.
Dm Am
We’re the Forked Gang darlin’, breaking through the night,
Dm E7
Ain’t nothing ever felt so dang right.

(Verse 2)
Am E7
Our guitars are wailing, and the drums are tight,
Am E7
We’re stirring up a storm, in the soft moonlight.
Dm Am
The crowd is moving, in rhythm with our tune,
Dm E7
We’re the Forked Gang baby, we’ll make you swoon.

(Chorus)
Am E7
We got the bluesy brew, we got the roadhouse feel,
Am E7
With every strum and beat, we make your heart reel.
Dm Am
We’re the Forked Gang darlin’, breaking through the night,
Dm E7
Ain’t nothing ever felt so dang right.

The band’s favorite fan’s name and testimonial:

Name: Lisa “Loudmouth” Lawrence

Testimonial:
“I’ve been following the Forked Gang since their dorm room days! Their unique blend of blues rock really resonates with me. The raw emotion they pour into their music is just so captivating. It’s like they’ve found a way to put life into lyrics and chords. Every performance is electrifying. Their song ‘Roadhouse Bluesy Brew’ never fails to get me on my feet and dancing. There’s just something about the Forked Gang that you can’t find anywhere else. They are without a doubt, my favorite band of all time!”

Backstory:

Sad Daughter was formed in a small town in Northern California in 2005. The lead singer, Kate Collins, and her guitarist friend, Matt Jones, were both nursing broken hearts and found solace in writing music together. Their experiences and emotions formed the core of their early work, leading to the band’s name ‘Sad Daughter’. As time went on, they recruited drummer, Ben Mitchell, and bassist, Lisa Owens, completing their lineup. The band’s evolution saw them exploring various themes of love, loss, and growing up, their music becoming a beacon for those who felt misunderstood and alone.

Genre:

Sad Daughter is primarily categorized as an Alternative Rock band with a flair for emotive lyricism and haunting melodies. They also incorporate elements of Indie Pop and Folk, creating a unique blend of sounds that sets them apart.

Title:

“One More Time”

Full song lyrics:

(Verse 1)
[C] Slow as a sunset, [G] fast as a tear,
[Am] Your voice echoes, [D] I can still hear.
[C] You said you loved me, [G] but you had to go,
[Am] I’m left in pieces, [D] with nothing to show.

(Chorus)
[G] One more time, [C] I’ll play our song,
[Am] Dreaming of the place, [D] where we belong.
[G] One more time, [C] I’ll say your name,
[Am] Knowing that my life, [D] will never be the same.

(Verse 2)
[C] Underneath the stars, [G] where we used to lie,
[Am] I remember your touch, [D] your whispered goodbye.
[C] I still smell your perfume, [G] on our empty bed,
[Am] A lingering memory, [D] of words left unsaid.

(Chorus)
[G] One more time, [C] I’ll play our song,
[Am] Dreaming of the place, [D] where we belong.
[G] One more time, [C] I’ll say your name,
[Am] Knowing that my life, [D] will never be the same.

Favorite Fan:

Sad Daughter’s biggest fan is a young woman named Emily. Emily found Sad Daughter during a rough time in her life and their music became her solace. Their raw emotional lyrics resonated with her deeply, helping her feel understood and less alone. To Emily, Sad Daughter is not just a band – they’re her lifeline, a beacon of hope in a sometimes dark world. She’s been to every one of their concerts in her area and even has a tattoo of the band’s logo.

Testimonial:

“I stumbled upon Sad Daughter’s music at a time when I felt like I was drowning. Their deep, heartfelt lyrics and haunting melodies spoke to me on a level I had never experienced before. It’s like they were singing my life. They comforted me when I was at my lowest and their music became my refuge. Sad Daughter isn’t just my favorite band – they’re my lifeline.” – Emily

Backstory:
Free Sofa was formed in 2013 in a college dorm room in Portland, Oregon. The founding members, singer-guitarist Johnny Savage and drummer Sam ‘The Hammer’ Haines, found a discarded sofa on the side of the road, which they promptly claimed as their own. From this ‘free sofa,’ the duo began to jam, write songs, and create a sound that felt true to their own eclectic tastes. Eventually joined by bassist Fiona ‘Fizz’ DeWitt and keyboardist Alex ‘Keys’ Keyes, Free Sofa evolved from a fun side project to a full-blown musical endeavor. Their debut album, “Cushioned Chronicles”, caught the attention of an indie label and since then, the band’s unique sound has resonated with fans across the country.

Genre:
Indie Rock / Alternative Pop

Title:
“Coffee Stains”

Full song lyrics:

(Verse 1: Em, G, D, A)
(Em) Woke up this morning, (G) found you gone
(D) Left behind the echo of our favorite song
(Em) Picked up my guitar, (G) started to play
(D) But the room felt empty in a peculiar way

(Chorus: C, G, D, Em)
(C) Now all I’ve got are (G) coffee stains
(D) And your sweet memory (Em) playing in refrains
(C) Our love’s a melody, (G) now it’s just refrains
(D) Echoing around this room, (Em) like coffee stains

(Verse 2: Em, G, D, A)
(Em) Remembered how you’d (G) laugh and sing
(D) How the joy in your voice made my heartstrings ring
(Em) So I strummed and hummed, (G) tried to recreate
(D) The euphoria of us, before it got late

(Repeat Chorus)

(Bridge: Am, Bm, C, D)
(Am) I’m lost in the rhythm, (Bm) drowned in the sound
(C) Trying to find the harmony (D) that’s no longer around
(Am) It’s a haunting symphony, (Bm) a bittersweet refrain
(C) Caught between the love and loss, (D) like coffee stains

(Repeat Chorus)

Fan’s Testimonial:
Jane Peterson has been a proud supporter of Free Sofa since their dorm room days. She comes from a small town in Washington, and the band’s indie rock sound resonated with her. Jane says, “Free Sofa isn’t just a band, they are a soundtrack to my life. Their lyrics tell stories I relate to, their music moves me. I can feel their passion in every song. I’ve seen them perform live five times, and each time, it’s like they’re playing just for me. Johnny, Sam, Fiona, and Alex are not just musicians, they’re poets, storytellers. Their songs like ‘Coffee Stains’ resonate with me, and I’m sure with many others. They are my favorite band because they’re raw, real, and they genuinely care about their music and fans.”

Backstory:

Big Health was born from the ashes of a failed musical experiment. The four members – Martin “Marty” Kline, Jessie Bingham, Percy St. Clair, and Ethan Cameron – found themselves at a crossroads after their previous band, The Ailing Hearts, disbanded following a tumultuous tour. Each of them took a sabbatical to recharge and reassess their musical careers. During this time, they gravitated towards the idea of creating music that not only entertained but also promoted positivity and well-being. Thus, Big Health was formed in the summer of 2015 in the heart of New York City.

The band adopted a mission to inspire their listeners to live healthier and happier lives through their music. Their lyrical content and live shows often carry messages of mental health awareness, physical fitness, and body positivity. Over time, they have developed a dedicated fan base that resonates with their unique blend of positive vibes and catchy tunes.

Genre:

Indie Pop/ Rock

Title:

“Stronger Every Day”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
Am / F / C / G
In the morning when I rise, I see the sun in the skies
I know I’ve got a chance to change, to rearrange
I start my day with the will, to have my dreams fulfilled
I know I’m stronger every day, come what may

(Chorus)
C / G / Am / F
Stronger every day, in every single way
No matter what they say, I’ll make my own way
Stronger every day, got no time for dismay
Because every single day, I’m getting stronger

(Verse 2)
Am / F / C / G
I look in the mirror and see, a person who is free
Free to dream, free to be, just what they want to be
I hit the gym, I hit the road, shedding off the load
I know I’m stronger every day, come what may

(Chorus)
C / G / Am / F
Stronger every day, in every single way
No matter what they say, I’ll make my own way
Stronger every day, got no time for dismay
Because every single day, I’m getting stronger

(Bridge)
Em / F / C / G
Can’t stop, won’t stop, not gonna drop
I’m going to the top, gonna make the world pop
Won’t let the haters say, that I can’t make a way
Because every single day, I’m getting stronger

(Chorus)
C / G / Am / F
Stronger every day, in every single way
No matter what they say, I’ll make my own way
Stronger every day, got no time for dismay
Because every single day, I’m getting stronger

Fan’s Name and Testimonial:

Fan’s Name: Lucy Hammond

Testimonial: As a huge fan of Big Health, I can’t articulate how much their music means to me. The first time I heard “Stronger Every Day” I was going through a tough time both mentally and physically. Their music not only entertained me but also encouraged me to take care of my health. Their positive messages have helped me reclaim my life and well-being. I’ve seen them live thrice now, and their performances are filled with energy and positivity. Their dedication to promoting health and happiness through their music is truly commendable. Big Health is not just my favorite band, they’re also my biggest sources of inspiration.

Backstory:

Noisy Commander is a four-piece band that was formed in the city of noise itself, New York, in 2012. Childhood friends and band members Tony “Rooster” Russo (lead vocals and guitar), Dennis “Buzz” Foster (drums), Marvin “Static” Jones (bass), and Benny “Echo” Parker (lead guitar) shared a common passion for music and a desire to break free from the constraints of the corporate world. The band’s name, Noisy Commander, was born out of their shared defiance against the silence of conformity and a symbolic representation of their command over the chaos and noise in the world of music.

The band began by playing in local bars, clubs, and underground music festivals. Their energetic performances, coupled with Rooster’s raw, raspy vocals, and their unique blend of sounds soon began to attract a significant following. In 2013, they released their debut album ‘Riot of Sound’, which was a major success, catapulting them to national fame. The rest, as they say, is history.

Genre:

Noisy Commander plays a unique blend of Alternative Rock and Punk with undertones of Grunge.

Song Title:

“Walls of Freedom”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
[C] Strolling down the [Em] alley with a [F] song in my heart
[G] Paint drenched [C] hands, ready to [Em] play my part
[Dm] Walls of the city, [G] canvas of my dream
[C] I’m gonna paint ’em [Em] with colors [F] unseen

(Chorus)
[G] Walls of freedom, [C] tell my story
[Em] Break the silence, [F] showcase my glory
[Dm] Let the echoes [G] reveal my name
[C] On these walls of [Em] freedom, [F] I stake my claim

(Verse 2)
[C] Underneath the [Em] moonlight, [F] with my rebel cry
[G] I’m painting [C] my resistance [Em] up high
[Dm] Every stroke, every [G] line,
[C] Is a part of [Em] me, it’s [F] my design

(Chorus)
[G] Walls of freedom, [C] tell my story
[Em] Shout my rebellion, [F] in all its glory
[Dm] Let the world [G] hear my fame
[C] On these walls of [Em] freedom, [F] I stake my claim

Outro:
[C] I’m the Noisy [Em] Commander, [F] hear my roar
[G] I’ll keep painting [C] till there’s [Em] no wall [F] anymore…

Band’s favorite fan:

The band’s favorite fan is Alice Harper. Alice, a graphic designer from Brooklyn, has been following Noisy Commander since their first gig at a local bar. She became an instant fan after hearing ‘Walls of Freedom’, citing that the song resonated deeply with her own rebellious spirit. Alice loves the band for their raw, unfiltered sound and their bold, rebellious lyrics, which she feels is a refreshing change from the usual mainstream music. She’s been to every single one of their concerts and even has a tattoo of the band’s logo on her arm. As a die-hard fan, Alice says, “Noisy Commander is not just a band, it’s a movement, a voice for those who dare to defy the norm, just like their song ‘Walls of Freedom’ embodies. Their music is a powerful expression of freedom and rebellion, and I absolutely love it!”