Backstory:
Cautious Picture is an amalgamation of four childhood friends hailing from the small town of Millville, Ohio – Jake Henderson (vocals), Sam Clark (guitar), Max Thompson (bass), and Leo Miller (drums). Cautious Picture was formed during their high school years, as an outlet to channel their boredom and restlessness into something creative. They started by playing at local cafes and school functions, eventually gaining popularity in their town. Their big break came when they won a local Battle of the Bands contest, which led to a contract with an indie record label. Despite the new fame and attention, the guys never forgot their roots and stayed true to their sound and each other.

Genre:
Alternative Rock

Title:
“Shadows on the Wall”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
Em G
Caught in a daze, lost in a maze,
C D
Walking this path, in a haze.
Em G
Echoes of the past, shadows cast,
C D
Time moving so fast, holding steadfast.

(Chorus)
Em G
Shadows on the wall,
C D
Hear their silent call,
Em G
Stories they enthrall,
C D
Catch us when we fall.

(Verse 2)
Em G
Memories freeze, in the midnight breeze,
C D
Whispering secrets, among the trees.
Em G
Cautious pictures, in my mind,
C D
Seeking what we find, left behind.

(Chorus)
Em G
Shadows on the wall,
C D
Echoing their call,
Em G
In their depth, we enthrall,
C D
Catch us when we fall.

(Bridge)
Em G
Shadows and light, day and night,
C D
Keeping the fight, holding tight.

(Chorus)
Em G
Shadows on the wall,
C D
Hear their silent call,
Em G
Stories they enthrall,
C D
Catch us when we fall.

(Outro)
Em G
Through the shadows, we crawl,
C D
Cautious pictures, they install,
Em G
In the echoes, stand tall,
C D
In the end, we’ve seen it all.

Favorite Fan:
Their favorite fan is a young woman named Lucy. Lucy has been a fan since their very first gig at a local cafe. She has followed them to every show within a 100-mile radius and has all their merchandise. She says, “Cautious Picture is more than just a band for me. Their music has been there through the ups and downs of my life. Their lyrics speak to me, and the melodies are so captivating. It feels like they’re telling my story through their songs. Plus, they’re genuinely amazing people who truly appreciate their fans. I will always be their number one supporter!”

Backstory:
Firsthand Volcano was born from the ashes of a high school friendship in the suburbs of Seattle, Washington. The band consists of four members; lead vocalist and guitarist Jake Vincent, drummer Scott Hensley, bassist Taylor “TJ” Jordan, and keyboardist Casey Bell. They were all part of the school choir and shared a common passion for music. During their senior year, they decided to put their musical talents to good use and started jamming in Jake’s garage. They were inspired by the raw, unfiltered energy of volcanic eruptions, hence named themselves ‘Firsthand Volcano’ to symbolize their burning desire to bring something fresh and explosive to the music scene.

Genre:
Alternative Rock

Title:
“Embers of the Heart”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
[G] Smoky whispers on this [C] lonely night,
[D] Memories flicker in the [Em] dying light.
[G] Traces of you in every [C] corner of my mind,
[D] Lost in the embers, can’t [Em] leave it all behind.

(Chorus)
[G] We were just like that [D] firsthand volcano,
[Em] Burning, yearning, [C] ready to explode.
[G] Now all I’ve got are these [D] ashes and echoes,
[Em] Embers of the heart that [C] once glowed.

(Verse 2)
[G] I still feel the heat in your [C] lingering touch,
[D] Your voice, the melody I [Em] miss so much.
[G] We danced on the edge, lost in [C] time’s flow,
[D] Now all that’s left are the [Em] embers in the snow.

(Chorus)
[G] We were just like that [D] firsthand volcano,
[Em] Burning, yearning, [C] ready to explode.
[G] Now all I’ve got are these [D] ashes and echoes,
[Em] Embers of the heart that [C] once glowed.

(Outro)
[G] Embers of the heart, [D] remnants of the show,
[Em] Our love story, like a [C] firsthand volcano.

Favorite Fan Testimonial:
My name’s Emily Ross, and I’m arguably the biggest fan of Firsthand Volcano. Their songs resonate with me on such a deep level, it’s as if they understand my struggles and emotions. Every time I listen to “Embers of the Heart,” it takes me on a journey of self-reflection and emotional healing. Jake’s raw vocals combined with the band’s powerful instrumental prowess are the perfect blend. I appreciate how they aren’t afraid to express their vulnerabilities through their music. They remind me that it’s okay to feel, to hurt, and to heal. They aren’t just my favorite band, they’re my lifeline.

Backstory:
Unwieldy Poison found its roots in high school, where the four members: Lance (bass), Andy (vocals), Steve (drums), and Mike (guitar), were childhood friends from Boise, Idaho. Their shared passion for music brought them together, with each member bringing their own unique flair and influence to the band. Early on, they spent their days practicing in Steve’s garage, fueled by an insatiable hunger for making music that challenged the status quo. While they juggled part-time jobs and their schooling, their commitment to their music never wavered. After winning a local band competition, they attracted the attention of a record label executive who offered them their first contract. Since then, Unwieldy Poison has been gradually creating a name for themselves in the music industry.

Genre:
Alternative Rock with elements of Grunge and Punk

Title:
“Rogue Melody”

Full Song Lyrics:

Verse 1: [C-G-Am-F]
(C) She’s a haunting sight, (G) a rogue melody
(Am) Dancing in the night, (F) a symphony
(C) A rebel heart, (G) defying gravity
(Am) She’ll tear you apart, (F) inevitably

Chorus: [G-Am-F-C]
(G) Rogue Melody, (Am) why can’t I see
(F) Your charm is my (C) Unwieldy Poison
(G) Rogue Melody, (Am) set me free
(F) Your love is my (C) Unwieldy Poison

Verse 2: [C-G-Am-F]
(C) A broken verse, (G) a fractured rhyme
(Am) In the universe, (F) lost in time
(C) A wildfire, (G) consuming sanity
(Am) She’s a liar, (F) cloaked in vanity

Chorus: [G-Am-F-C]
(G) Rogue Melody, (Am) why can’t I see
(F) Your charm is my (C) Unwieldy Poison
(G) Rogue Melody, (Am) set me free
(F) Your love is my (C) Unwieldy Poison

Band’s Favorite Fan’s Name, Testimonial:
Unwieldy Poison’s favorite fan is a young woman named Sarah who has attended every one of their concerts since they started performing.

Sarah: “I’ve been following Unwieldy Poison since their first gig at our local bar. Their music has a rawness, a realness that has spoken to me in ways no other band has. It’s like they’ve taken the feelings and experiences we’ve all felt but couldn’t express, and translated them into these powerful, emotional songs. They don’t just play music, they narrate life. I’m not just a fan, but a believer in Unwieldy Poison.”

Backstory:
In the bustling creative hub of Austin, Texas, a unique sound emerged in the summer of 2005. Three high school friends, Zack (lead singer and guitarist), Lily (bassist and backup vocalist) and Oliver (drummer), decided to create music that would radiate positivity and promote sustainability. They were raised in eco-conscious households and shared a common passion for music as a medium to spread the message about reducing plastic waste. Together they formed the Happy Plastic, a band that sought to merge their love for music with their environmental consciousness. The band started playing small gigs at local bars, gradually gaining a devoted following for their contagious energy and catchy tunes which contain meaningful messages about plastic pollution and sustainability.

Genre:
Indie Pop/Rock

Title:
“Recycle your Heart”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1: C G Am F)
Every day, we throw away, so much of our lives, (C G Am F)
In plastic bags, and bottles, that never really die. (C G Am F)
But we can turn, the tide around, it starts with one small part, (C G Am F)
Just like the way, you recycle your heart. (C G Am F)

(Chorus: C G Am F)
Recycle your heart, let love start anew, (C G Am F)
Just like the paper, glass, and the plastic too. (C G Am F)
Don’t let it sit, don’t let it rust, don’t let it fall apart, (C G Am F)
Give it a second life, recycle your heart. (C G Am F)

(Verse 2: C G Am F)
We’ve got one world, let’s make it count, let’s cleanse it of our sin, (C G Am F)
Every piece of trash we throw, is a battle we can win. (C G Am F)
Make a change, make a start, with a single shopping cart, (C G Am F)
And just like the way, you recycle your heart. (C G Am F)

(Chorus: C G Am F)
Recycle your heart, let love start anew, (C G Am F)
Just like the paper, glass, and the plastic too. (C G Am F)
Don’t let it sit, don’t let it rust, don’t let it fall apart, (C G Am F)
Give it a second life, recycle your heart. (C G Am F)

The band’s favorite fan’s name: Emily Thompson

Testimonial:
“I’ve been following Happy Plastic since their early bar gigs. Their energy and passion for sustainability hits home for me. Their song ‘Recycle your Heart’ is more than just a catchy tune – it’s a call to action wrapped in a beautiful melody. Happy Plastic is my favorite because they’re not just creating music, they’re creating awareness and fostering change. They’re a testament that music can indeed advocate for important issues and still be incredibly fun and enjoyable.”

Backstory:
Big-Hearted Error was born as a rebellious thorn in the conservative heartland of a small Midwestern town. Its four members, childhood friends Charlie, Dylan, Austin, and Lily, used to practice in their school’s abandoned auditorium after hours, honing their raw talent and passion into a unique sonic blend. Their inspiration was drawn from their shared experience of growing up in a place that felt too small for their big dreams and the shared heartaches that come with adolescence. They released their first album in their senior year of high school, and it took the undercurrent of the indie rock scene by storm, catapulting Big-Hearted Error onto the national stage.

Genre:
Indie Rock

Title:
“Maroon Sunsets”

Full song lyrics:

Verse 1:
[G]Porch swing swaying in the [D]dusk,
[Em]Maroon sunsets, Midwest [C]musk.
[G]Small town dreams, big city [D]lust,
[Em]You and me, in love we [C]trust.

Chorus:
[G]Under the maroon [D]sunsets we [Em]fly,
[C]Dreaming big, reaching for the [G]sky.
[D]In our hearts, we’ll never [Em]die,
[C]Just a Big-Hearted Error, you and [G]I.

Verse 2:
[G]Rolling fields, endless and [D]free,
[Em]Echoing our hearts’ silent [C]plea.
[G]Bound by chains, yet longing to [D]be,
[Em]Under the maroon sunset, we’re [C]free.

(Repeat Chorus)

Bridge:
[G]Here we stand, ready to [D]soar,
[Em]Breaking chains, opening the [C]door.
[G]Big-Hearted Error, forever [D]more,
[Em]Under the maroon sunset, let’s [C]explore.

(Repeat Chorus)

The bands favorite fan’s name:

Testimonial – Emily:

Emily, a college student from their hometown, has been following Big-Hearted Error since their inception. “Their music,” she explains, “speaks to my experience growing up here. It’s like they take the emotions that bubble under the surface of this town and put them into words and melodies that make you feel less alone. They give voice to the dreams and frustrations that are often left unsaid in places like this. I have been their fan since their early days, playing in school talent shows, and now I couldn’t be prouder to see them on the big stage. They’ve made it big, but they’ve never forgotten their roots. That’s why Big-Hearted Error is, and always will be, my favorite band.”

Backstory:

Faint Graduate was born from the shared dreams and aspiration of five high school friends studying in a small town in Kentucky. The band’s members, who were initially just a bunch of adolescents, were brought together by their shared love for music and storytelling. They started off by performing at small local gigs, school functions, and at their neighborhood garage. The name ‘Faint Graduate’ was a nod to their high school days, signifying the faint dreams of every graduate to make it big in the world. Over the years, they moved from playing in their parents’ basements to selling out concerts all across the country, gaining a dedicated fan base along the way.

Their music carries a unique blend of their past experiences, personal stories, and their journey from a small town to national fame. Their lyrics are a powerful resonance of their resilience, their struggles, and the dreams that came true, making them a beacon of hope and inspiration for many young artists.

Genre:

Alternative Rock

Title:

“Anchor in the Storm”

Full song lyrics:

(Verse 1)
[G] I am a sailor, [D] lost at sea,
[C] You are the anchor, [G] a promise to keep.
[D] Amid the tempest, [Em] through the hail and sleet,
[C] I find my solace, [G] in your heartbeat.

(Chorus)
[G] You’re my anchor in the storm, [Em] my lighthouse on the shore,
[C] When all I see is darkness, [G] you’re the light that I implore.
[D] Through the roughest waves, [Em] and the thunder’s roar,
[C] You’re my anchor in the storm, [G] the love that I adore.

(Verse 2)
[G] Life’s a voyage, [D] with no known end,
[C] But with you, [G] every route I can comprehend.
[D] We navigate, [Em] past the bends and the breaks,
[C] With you as my anchor, [G] no storm can make me shake.

(Chorus)
[G] You’re my anchor in the storm, [Em] my lighthouse on the shore,
[C] When all I see is darkness, [G] you’re the light that I implore.
[D] Through the roughest waves, [Em] and the thunder’s roar,
[C] You’re my anchor in the storm, [G] the love that I adore. (x2)

Favorite Fan:

The band’s favorite fan is Billy Thompson, a fellow graduate from their hometown. Billy has been a dedicated supporter of the band since their inception and has attended almost every concert they’ve performed. He claims that Faint Graduate’s music has been a source of motivation and inspiration for him.

In a heartfelt testimonial, he said, “Faint Graduate isn’t just a band for me, they’re my heroes. Their music has been a constant companion during my ups and downs. Their songs, like “Anchor in the Storm,” talk about resilience and hope, things that resonate with me deeply. The way they’ve grown from a local band to national stars is truly inspiring. They’ve shown that with passion and hard work, even a faint graduate can achieve their dreams.”

Backstory:
Vague Funding was formed in the heart of Brooklyn, New York in 2014 by four friends – Alex (lead singer and guitarist), Rose (keyboards and backing vocals), Peter (drums), and Juan (bass guitar). All were working various corporate jobs and moonlighting as musicians in the bustling city. Their camaraderie and shared love for music led to the inception of Vague Funding. Originally, the band was created as a fun outlet to escape the monotonous 9-5 routine, but as their songs started to resonate with audiences, they realized they might just have something special on their hands, so they decided to take it seriously.

The band’s name, Vague Funding, was inspired by their struggle to fund their music in the early days, often busking in subway stations and playing at open mic nights. The members poured every cent they had into acquiring equipment and booking studio time. The name Vague Funding serves as a reminder of their humble beginnings and the uncertainty that comes with pursuing their passion.

Genre:
Alternative Rock

Title:
“Subway Sessions”

Full song lyrics:
(Verse 1)
Em C
A morning rush in Brooklyn’s heart,
G D
Bustling feet and lives apart.
Em C
To the rhythm of the city’s pulse,
G D
We found our dreams, but at what cost?

(Chorus)
Am C
Subway sessions under golden lights,
G D
Playing for pennies on cold nights.
Am C
The echoes of our laughter and song,
G D
In the subway’s heart, we belong.

(Verse 2)
Em C
The concrete jungle, our biggest fan,
G D
From unknown faces, our journey began.
Em C
In the wailing siren’s lullaby,
G D
We found our voice, under the city’s sky.

(Chorus)
Am C
Subway sessions, our dreams unfurl,
G D
Our music, a gift to the world.
Am C
Through the grind and the city’s throng,
G D
With our melodies, we belong.

Fan Testimonial:
Fan’s Name: Jessica Martinez

“As a native New Yorker, I’ve always been drawn to the raw energy of street performers. I stumbled upon Vague Funding during one of their subway performances and was instantly captivated. Their music speaks to the hustle of city life, but it also shows the tenderness and dreams that lie beneath. Their lyrics resonate with me on a personal level, making me feel seen and understood. Their journey from subway buskers to a recognized band is truly inspirational. Vague Funding isn’t just my favorite band because of their music; they’re my favorite because they represent the dreamers of this city.”

Backstory:

Adolescent Maker was founded by a trio of high school friends, Aaron Thompson, Charlie King, and Leah Simmons, in the small suburban town of Redlands, California in 2010. The trio began their musical journey playing covers in their parents’ garages, using every spare moment to create their unique sound, and recording crappy demos on their old smartphones. Their shared love for alternative music and the quest to voice the adolescent perspective of life became the driving force behind their music. After years of humble beginnings, they were discovered by a local talent scout during a Battle of the Bands contest in 2012. Since then, there’s been no looking back for Adolescent Maker.

Genre:
Alternative Rock

Song Title:
“Echoes of Our Youth”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
[G] Staring at the [C] mirror of the [Em] past,
[D] Trapped in our dreams, [G] too beautiful to [C] last.
[G] We ran through the [C] fields under the [Em] summer sun,
[D] In the echoes of our [G] youth, we were [C] forever young.

(Chorus)
[G] Can you hear the [C] echoes, can you [Em] feel the rush?
[D] Tales of our past, whispers in the [G] hush.
[G] We were kings and [C] queens in our teenage [Em] dream,
[D] In the echoes of our [G] youth, life was [C] but a gleam.

(Verse 2)
[G] We drew our dreams [C] on the sands of [Em] time,
[D] Lost in echoes, they’re hard to [G] find.
[G] The laughter, the tears, [C] the joy and the [Em] strife,
[D] In the echoes of our [G] youth, we found [C] life.

(Chorus)
[G] Can you hear the [C] echoes, the songs of our [Em] past?
[D] The symphony of youth, the memories that [G] last.
[G] We danced on the edge, [C] free from any [Em] scheme,
[D] In the echoes of our [G] youth, we dared to [C] dream.

The Band’s Favorite Fan:

Name: Jenna Hayes

Testimonial: “I’ve been a fan of Adolescent Maker since their early gigs in their parents’ garage. I have always loved their music because they manage to capture the essence of being a teenager so perfectly. Their lyrics talk about the struggles, dreams, and the raw emotions we all go through. It’s refreshing to see a band that talks about real things instead of the usual love songs. The song ‘Echoes of Our Youth’ is my personal favorite. It’s like they have taken the pages of my diary and turned them into a song. It’s more than just music for me, it’s therapy.”

Backstory:

Clumsy Crack is a group of four friends who formed the band after a spontaneous, late-night jam session in their college dorm room. They originally started as a cover band, playing hits from their favorite artists at local bars and college parties. But as they gained more experience and discovered their unique sound, they began writing and performing their own songs. The band name ‘Clumsy Crack’ symbolizes the imperfections and rawness they put into their music. They believe that the cracks in life, though clumsy, are what make it beautiful and worth living.

The four members, lead vocalist and guitarist Jax, drummer Luke, bassist Sam, and keyboardist Benny, all hail from different musical backgrounds. Their diverse influences, including punk rock, blues, pop, and country, blend seamlessly to create a sound that is uniquely their own.

Genre:

Alternative Rock

Song Title:

“Chasing Shadows”

Chords progression: (Am, G, F, E)

Verse 1:
(Am) Wandering through the streets at night,
(G) Just trying to find a ray of light,
(F) Walking alone, you and your silent fight,
(E) In a world that never seems right.

Chorus:
(Am) Chasing shadows, chasing dreams,
(G) Nothing is quite what it seems.
(F) Tearing at the seams,
(E) We’re just chasing shadows, it seems.

Verse 2:
(Am) Lost in thought, lost in time,
(G) Like a poet without a rhyme.
(F) Searching for a sign,
(E) In this life, that’s yours and mine.

Chorus:
(Am) Chasing shadows, chasing dreams,
(G) Nothing is quite what it seems.
(F) Tearing at the seams,
(E) We’re just chasing shadows, it seems.

Bridge:
(F) We’re broken, we’re scarred,
(G) Life’s been pretty hard.
(Am) But we keep going, we keep showing,
(E) That we’re just stars, waiting to start glowing.

Chorus:
(Am) Chasing shadows, chasing dreams,
(G) Nothing is quite what it seems.
(F) Tearing at the seams,
(E) We’re just chasing shadows, it seems.

Outro:
(Am) So here’s to us, and our endless fight,
(G) Walking alone, through the night.
(F) Chasing shadows, chasing light,
(E) We’re just stars, waiting to ignite.

Fan Testimonial:

My name is Lilly, and Clumsy Crack is my favorite band. I came across their music during a tough time in my life and their raw, honest lyrics resonated with me instantly. It’s like their songs speak directly to the cracks in my heart. I feel less alone when I listen to them. This band gives me hope and strength, and I’m eternally grateful for their music. They aren’t just musicians, they are poets – painting pictures with their words and melodies. I have never connected with a band on such a deep, personal level before. I will forever be a dedicated fan of Clumsy Crack.

Backstory:

Anguished Nature is a band that began in the heart of Portland, Oregon, a city known for its love of music and respect for the environment. The group was formed by four childhood friends who shared a passion for creating melodies that voice their concerns about the ongoing crisis of global warming. After high school, they decided to channel their musical talents and love for nature into a unique and expressive art form, thus Anguished Nature was born. They worked tirelessly in a wooden cabin located deep in the forests of Oregon where they could immerse themselves in the tranquillity of nature, drawing inspiration from their surroundings.

Genre:

Anguished Nature categorizes their music as Eco-rock – an inventive fusion of rock, indie folk, and environmental soundscapes.

Title:

“Echoes of The Canopy”

Song lyrics:

(Verse 1)
[G] An echo of the [C] canopy, [D] whispers through the [Em] trees,
[G] We play an elegy, [C] for a world in [D] dire need.
[Em] The forest weeps in [C] sorrow, [G] stripped of her green [D] gown,
[Am] In the silence of the [C] night, we hear her [D] heartbreaking sound.

(Chorus)
[G] Echoes of the [C] canopy, [D] songs of the wild [Em] free,
[G] Tell us what you [C] need, we’ll heed your [D] sacred plea.
[Em] With guitars in our [C] hands, [G] we make the [D] world understand,
[Am] Through our music, through our [C] song, we’ll help the [D] earth to stand.

(Verse 2)
[G] The rivers run [C] dry, [D] mountains stripped [Em] bare,
[G] In our anguished [C] cry, we express our [D] despair.
[Em] For all that we’ve [C] lost, [G] for all that we [D] take,
[Am] We strum out our [C] apologies in [D] every wake.

(Chorus)
[G] Echoes of the [C] canopy, [D] songs of the wild [Em] free,
[G] Tell us what you [C] need, we’ll heed your [D] sacred plea.
[Em] With guitars in our [C] hands, [G] we make the [D] world understand,
[Am] Through our music, through our [C] song, we’ll help the [D] earth to stand.

Fan Testimonial:

The band’s favorite fan is a girl named Emma who hails from Seattle. Emma’s testimony about the band goes, “Anguished Nature is my favorite band because their music isn’t just entertainment, it’s a wake-up call. Their lyrics, combined with the rich, earthy melodies, truly connect me to the natural world and highlight the urgency to protect it. Their commitment to the environment and the love for mother earth resonate with my own beliefs. Their song ‘Echoes of The Canopy’ moved me to tears and inspired me to do more to help our planet. Their music is more than just a melody to me, it’s a movement.”