Backstory:
Stylish Hope was formed in the coastal city of Brighton, UK in 2012. Three childhood friends, Aaron (lead vocals, guitar), Jude (drums), and Naomi (bass, backup vocals), shared a deep love for music and decided to create their own band. They started as a small-time gig band, playing in local pubs, festivals, and small-scale concerts. Over time, their unique sound started to resonate with a diverse audience, launching them to national fame. The band’s journey has been a testament to their name, symbolizing style, substance, and a hope that resonates throughout their music and lyrics.

Genre:
Indie Pop

Title:
“Painted Skies”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse)
[G] Staring at the [D] painted skies, [Em] hope in our [C] eyes,
[G] One day we’ll [D] touch the [Em] stars, [C] beyond these city lights.
[G] We’ve got dreams to [D] chase, [Em] fears to [C] erase,
[G] In our hearts, there’s a [D] stylish [Em] hope, [C] we embrace.

(Chorus)
[G] Under the painted skies, [D] we find our paradise,
[Em] Dancing with the waves, [C] as the sun fades.
[G] Heartbeats syncing to the [D] rhythm of the night,
[Em] A stylish hope in [C] us, shining ever so bright.

(Verse)
[G] Shadows may [D] fall, [Em] we might stumble [C] and brawl,
[G] But the stars in the [D] night, [Em] guide us through it [C] all.
[G] Follow the whispers of the [D] midnight breeze,
[Em] In this stylish hope, [C] we find our peace.

(Chorus)
[G] Under the painted skies, [D] we find our paradise,
[Em] Dancing with the waves, [C] as the sun fades.
[G] Heartbeats syncing to the [D] rhythm of the night,
[Em] A stylish hope in [C] us, shining ever so bright.

Favorite Fan Testimonial:
My name is Alex, and I am arguably Stylish Hope’s biggest fan. Their music speaks to me on an intimate level. It feels like they’re directly narrating my life events, and their songs are the soundtrack to my journey. Whenever I’m having a rough day, I play “Painted Skies,” and it instantly lifts my spirits, and I remember that there’s always hope. Stylish Hope isn’t just my favorite band because of their music. It’s their authenticity, their passion, and their connection to their fans that make them stand out. They’re not just musicians; they’re storytellers that paint vivid emotions through their lyrics and melodies.

Backstory:

Harsh Teaching was formed in the small town of Haverhill, England, in the autumn of 2007. The four-member group, comprised of childhood friends, started the journey in the lead vocalist Matt’s garage. They were school teachers by day, teaching different subjects, and musicians by night, harmonizing their diverse musical influences and tastes. Frustrated and inspired by the school system’s rigidity and harshness, they decided to channel their observations and experiences into their music, giving birth to Harsh Teaching.

Their first album, “Lessons Unlearned,” created a buzz in their local community which gradually spread across the country. Their unique music was a blend of their shared experiences, struggles, and the reality of the education system, which resonated deeply with their audience. Their authentic sound and honest lyrics resonated powerfully with young adults and educators alike, earning them a dedicated fan base.

Genre:

Alternative Rock

Title:

“Failing Grades”

Song Lyrics:

[Verse 1]
Em Am
Under the neon lights, we’re burning,
Em Am
Scribing words that have no meaning.
Em Am
Tethered by the chains of rote learning,
C D
Oh, can’t you see the children yearning?

[Chorus]
G D
Failing grades, but hearts ablaze,
Em C
We are more than the scores on a page.
G D
This harsh teaching, what is it reaching?
Em C
Will the real lesson ever take the stage?

[Verse 2]
Em Am
In the hallways, whispers growing,
Em Am
Against the tide, we keep on rowing.
Em Am
No room for dreams, just facts for knowing,
C D
Unseen pain, silently sowing.

[Chorus]
G D
Failing grades, but spirits ablaze,
Em C
We’re more than the numbers on a cage.
G D
This harsh teaching, what is it reaching?
Em C
Will the real lesson ever take the stage?

[Bridge]
Am Em
Time will tell, what we fell,
C D
Will we rise or will we dwell?

[Chorus]
G D
Failing grades, yet souls ablaze,
Em C
We’re more than the echoes in a maze.
G D
This harsh teaching, what is it breaching?
Em C
Will the real lesson ever take the stage?

Fan Testimonial:

Name: Stuart McCallum

“Harsh Teaching isn’t just a band to me; it’s like a voice that speaks to my soul. As an educator myself, I resonate with their lyrics and their cause. It’s like they’ve put my thoughts and frustrations into rhythm and melody. Their song ‘Failing Grades’ is an anthem for all educators battling the harsh realities of our system. They are my favourite band because they don’t just make music, they make a difference. Their passion and authenticity inspire me every day.”

Backstory:
Born amidst the eclectic music scene of Portland in the early 2010s, Weak Timing is a group of four friends who started their journey in a tiny garage. The group includes frontman and guitarist, Jack Morgan, drummer and backing vocalist, Miles Sanders, bassist, Sam Fisher, and pianist, Olivia Turner. Their journey began with a shared love for music that evolved into jam sessions after school. They soon discovered a unique harmony in their sound, which led to the formation of Weak Timing. The band gained local fame through their energetic live performances and their unique musical style that resonated with audiences across all ages.

Genre:
Weak Timing’s music can be categorized as a blend of Indie Pop and Alternative Rock. Their songs are characterized by catchy melodies, powerful guitar riffs, combined with soulful lyrics that reflect their thoughts, experiences, and observations. Their music is relatable and has a touch of melancholy, which appeals to the collective sensibility of their listeners.

Title:
One of their most popular songs is “Innocent Hourglass”.

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse)
Em C
Look at the mirror, we’re not getting younger,
G D
The sands of time, slipping through our fingers.
Em C
In the blink of an eye,
G D
From sunrise to under,

(Chorus)
Em C
Oh Innocent Hourglass,
G D
Your grains of sand, to us, never last.
Em C
Counting down moments,
G D
Till we’re a thing of the past.

(Verse)
Em C
We dream of tomorrows that never come,
G D
Living on borrowed time, chasing the sun,
Em C
Our hearts beat fast, our minds are numb,

(Chorus)
Em C
Oh Innocent Hourglass,
G D
Your grains of sand, to us, never last.
Em C
Counting down moments,
G D
Till we’re a thing of the past.

Fan’s Name:
Their most dedicated fan is a woman named Lily Parker.

Testimonial:
As a testimony, Lily expressed, “Weak Timing has been my favorite band ever since I first heard their song ‘Innocent Hourglass’. Their music speaks to me on a personal level. The lyrics, melody, everything about their songs is just so profound and relatable. It’s like they somehow manage to capture and express my thoughts and feelings through their songs. Seeing them perform live was a spiritual experience for me. I can’t imagine a world without their music. They’re not just a band to me; they’re like my soul’s best friends.”

Backstory:
Marvelous Paper is the brainchild of high school friends; James Thompson, Larry Cook, and Rachel Morgan. They were all avid music lovers who met in their high school’s music club in San Francisco, California. As their friendship blossomed, so did their shared passion for creating music, leading to the birth of Marvelous Paper during their senior year. Being known for their original and unique sound, they began performing at local gigs and grew in popularity, earning a devout local following before being discovered by a renowned recording label. Their story is a testament to their unwavering dedication to their craft and the power of friendship.

Genre:
Indie Rock / Alternative

Title:
“Origami Dreams”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
Am – C – G – D
Am
In the folds of the night, under the paper moon,
C
Crafting dreams out of thin air, in our makeshift room.
G
With each crease of destiny, we weave a tale,
D
In the silence of the night, where words often fail.

(Chorus)
Am – C – G – D
Am
Origami dreams, folded and pristine,
C
In a world that’s not what it seems,
G
We’re Marvelous Paper, sailing the sea of screams,
D
With our origami dreams, origami dreams.

(Verse 2)
Am – C – G – D
Am
We trace lines of fate, in the palm of our hands,
C
In this labyrinth of paper, we make our stands.
G
Through the maze of life, we find our way,
D
With the compass of music, we sway.

(Chorus)
Am – C – G – D
Am
Origami dreams, crumpled yet serene,
C
In an echo of silence, we scream.
G
We’re Marvelous Paper, in this grand scheme,
D
With our origami dreams, origami dreams.

Favorite Fan:
Their favorite fan’s name is Lisa Marie who has attended every single one of their concerts since they started playing. Lisa comments, “Marvelous Paper isn’t just a band for me, it’s a way of life. Their music speaks to my soul. It’s as if they’ve taken my thoughts, my feelings, and turned them into beautiful melodies. I’ve been with them since their first gig and will continue to support them because they’ve become a part of my life. Their song ‘Origami Dreams’ is my personal anthem. It’s about creating beauty out of nothing, resonating with my passion as an artist. I feel connected to them in a way I can’t explain. They’re my favorite band because of the authenticity and depth they bring to their music.”

Backstory:
Vast Warning was born on the back roads of Birmingham, England, in the late 1980s. The band members, childhood friends Fredrick Gates (lead vocals, guitar), Samuel Thompson (drums) and twins James and John Harrison (bass and keyboard respectively), found their common love for music during their teens. They started jamming in Samuel’s garage, creating sounds that resonated with their shared experiences of growing up in a city that was undergoing rapid cultural and social change. Over the years, their bond and their music matured and morphed into the dynamic ensemble known today as ‘Vast Warning’.

Genre:
Progressive Rock

Title:
“Shadows of Dawn”

Full song lyrics:
Verse 1:
[G] Waking up to the [Am] light of day,
[C] Searching for words I [D] need to say,
[G] In the shadows of [Am] dawn, we [C] find our [D] way.

Chorus:
[Em] Shadows of dawn, [C] whispering tales,
[G] Of love lost and [D] found, of stormy gales,
[Em] In the heart of the morn, [C] we set our sails,
[G] In the shadows of [D] dawn, we [G] prevail.

Verse 2:
[G] The city’s asleep, [Am] we’re wide awake,
[C] Amidst the silence, [D] a new day we make,
[G] In the shadows of [Am] dawn, we [C] never [D] break.

(Repeat Chorus)

Bridge:
[Em] Through the misty [Am] morning, we [C] stride,
[G] With dreams in our pockets, [D] and hope on our side.

(Repeat Chorus)

End:
[G] In the shadows of [Am] dawn, [C] our spirits [D] collide,
[G] In the shadows of [Am] dawn, [C] we’re [D] forever [G] tied.

Fan Testimonial:
“I’m Kathryn, and I’ve been a fan of Vast Warning since their early days of playing in small pubs. Their music is like a journey that transcends the physical world. It’s the perfect blend of nostalgia, hope, and raw emotion, which connects with me on such a profound level. It’s more than just their music; it’s their authenticity and dedication to their craft that makes them my favorite band. ‘Shadows of Dawn’ is not just a song to me; it’s an anthem of my life. Every time I listen to it, I find something new, something that resonates with my experiences. Vast Warning is not just a band; it’s a legacy in my heart.”

Backstory:
Remote Use is a group of four individuals from different parts of the world who accidentally crossed paths on a popular online music forum. Despite being geographically separated, the quartet of Jasper, Tobias, Naomi, and Keira found a common love for creating music and started collaborating via the internet. Their distinct cultural differences worked to their advantage, adding a unique flavor to their compositions. They named themselves ‘Remote Use’ as an ode to their unusual circumstances of how they started making music together. Over time, they built a strong bond, and their online collabs grew into a polished, professional act.

Genre:
Remote Use primarily operates in the Alternative Rock genre, with a touch of Electronic influence. Their sound is characterized by heavy guitar riffs, haunting synthesizer melodies, and a rhythmic blend of traditional and electronic percussion.

Song Title:
“Symphony of Solitude”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
Gm
In the quiet corners of my mind,
F
A symphony begins to unwind,
Cm
Melodies of solitude, they intertwine,
D7
In this world where I’m both lost and defined.

(Chorus)
Gm
In the symphony of solitude,
F
There are notes of joy and of despair,
Cm
In the symphony of solitude,
D7
I find a rhythm, in this silent affair.

(Verse 2)
Gm
With every beat, I’m weaving a tale,
F
A composition that doesn’t grow stale,
Cm
In silence, my mind begins to unveil,
D7
The symphony of solitude never frail.

(Chorus)
Gm
In the symphony of solitude,
F
There are notes of love and of repair,
Cm
In the symphony of solitude,
D7
I find my solace, in this silent affair.

Fan Testimonial:
“Our favorite fan is definitely Kaitlyn from Sydney. She’s been with us since our inception and has always been our loudest cheerleader. She says, ‘I love Remote Use because they’re different. They’re not just making music; they’re creating an experience. The way they mix alternative rock with electronic influences is just mesmerizing. It’s like they’re painting pictures with sound. Plus, the story behind their band just makes their music even more special. They are proof that music has no boundaries, and I am proud to be a part of their journey.'”

Backstory:

Automatic Army was initially a dorm room project back in 2005 at the University of California, Berkeley. The founding members, lead vocalist and guitarist Martin ‘Marty’ Hollis and drummer Nick ‘Nix’ Brewster, met in an introductory music theory class. The name ‘Automatic Army’ was inspired by a late-night philosophical discussion about the modern world’s over-reliance on technology. They started jamming out late at night, recording their sessions on a beat-up old 4-track tape machine. Their raw, unfiltered sound was a breath of fresh air on the Bay Area music scene, and they gained local fame by playing at house parties and small clubs. In 2007, they were joined by bassist Emily ‘Em’ Dawson and keyboardist Sean ‘Sketch’ Lawson, completing the lineup of Automatic Army.

Genre:

Alternative Rock/Indie Rock

Title:

“Digital Dreams”

Full Song Lyrics:

[Verse 1]
Am F C G
Underneath the neon signs,
Am F C G
In a world that’s redesigned,
Am F C G
We are soldiers in the line,
Am F C G
Of our Digital Dreams.

[Chorus]
Am F C G
We’re the Automatic Army,
Am F C G
Running on the rhythm of the future.
Am F C G
In the silence of the heartbeat,
Am F C G
We are marching to the beat of Digital Dreams.

[Verse 2]
Am F C G
With our hearts electrified,
Am F C G
In the silence of the night,
Am F C G
We are warriors in the fight,
Am F C G
Of our Digital Dreams.

[Chorus]
Am F C G
We’re the Automatic Army,
Am F C G
Pulsing with the power of the future.
Am F C G
In the echo of the heartbeat,
Am F C G
We are marching to the beat of Digital Dreams.

Fan Testimonial:

Favorite Fan’s Name: Jenny O’Sullivan

Testimonial: “Automatic Army isn’t just a band to me, it’s an experience. The passion they exude on stage, the lyrics that speak to our generation, the raw energy that resonates with every strum of the guitar, and beat of the drum – it’s magnetic. ‘Digital Dreams’ is more than a song, it’s our reality. It’s the anthem of our time. Being part of the ‘Automatic Army’ feels like being part of a larger movement that’s both exhilarating and impactful.”

Backstory:
Suspicious Support came into existence in the grimy underbelly of Chicago in 2011. Its bandmates, Jake, a disillusioned telemarketer with a love for funk, and Lisa, a charismatic bartender who had been singing since she was five, were looking for an escape from their monotonous 9-to-5 lives. Jake spotted Lisa during a late-night karaoke session at the bar she worked at, and the two bonded over their shared dreams of making music that moves people. They soon decided to form a band, combining Jake’s groovy bass lines and Lisa’s soulful voice to create a unique sound. They chose the name ‘Suspicious Support,’ a nod to Jake’s previous job and their mutual skepticism towards the status quo.

Genre:
Fusion of Funk and Soul

Title:
“Voicemail Blues”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
Am7 – Em7 – Dm7 – G7
In a world full of noise, sitting alone,
Lost in the crowd, yet so alone.
Can’t find the words, couldn’t find the tone,
Life’s a dial tone, on a broken phone.

(Chorus)
Cmaj7 – F7 – Bm7 – E7
Listening to your voicemail blues,
Late nights, old fights, and your goodbyes.
Hearing your voice through the lines,
Wishing for a sign, in these trying times.

(Verse 2)
Am7 – Em7 – Dm7 – G7
Staring at the screen, waiting for a call,
In the silence of the night, against the wall.
The echo of your laugh, the memory of your fall,
Trapped within the four walls, in this lonely hall.

(Chorus)
Cmaj7 – F7 – Bm7 – E7
Listening to your voicemail blues,
Empty promises, fading hues,
Your voice is a melody, I wish I could use,
In the symphony of life, that’s hard to peruse.

Favorite Fan:
Our favorite fan is Debbie, a hardworking nurse from Chicago. She shared with us how our music helped her through some really testing times in her life. She says, “Suspicious Support’s music is like a breath of fresh air. It’s raw, it’s real, and it reaches out to the soul. ‘Voicemail Blues’ particularly resonates with me, the lyrics speak a language that my heart understands. It does not sugarcoat the realities of life, but somehow, it brings comfort in its honesty. It’s like having a friend who understands your unvoiced struggles.”

Backstory:
Ideal Jar is a musical band that came to life in the vibrant city of Los Angeles, California in 2015. Four childhood friends – Jack (vocals), Aaron (guitar), Ryan (drums), and Isaac (bass) – decided to take their shared love for music to another level, forging their own sound from the pieces of their favourite influences. Each of them brought a different taste to the table, and it was this assortment that brewed the unique sound of Ideal Jar, a metaphor symbolizing the perfect blend of their musical ingredients.

Their journey began with small gigs in local bars, eventually earning them a dedicated fan base. It was their energetic performance and distinctive sound that caught the attention of a local music producer. The producer offered them an opportunity that would catapult them into the mainstream music scene, and their career took off from there.

Genre:
Alternative Rock

Title:
“Lightning in a Jar”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
[G] Lights down low, [D] hearts on fire
[Em] Looking back, [C] never been higher
[G] Rusty strings, [D] midnight liars
[Em]All our dreams, [C] caught in this wire

(Chorus)
[G]We are like lightning in a jar
[D]Burning bright but never far
[Em]Shining through the deepest dark
[C]We are, we are, the lightning in a jar

(Verse 2)
[G]Screaming loud, [D] under the stars
[Em]Chasing shadows, [C] bearing our scars
[G]In this moment, [D] we’re avant-garde
[Em]Living stories, [C] played on guitars

(Chorus)
[G]We are like lightning in a jar
[D]Burning bright but never far
[Em]Shining through the deepest dark
[C]We are, we are, the lightning in a jar

(Bridge)
[G]Can’t hold us down, can’t [D] keep us apart
[Em]This is our sound, it’s [C] who we are
[G]Beyond the clouds, we’ll [D] reach the stars
[Em]With the sound of [C] our beating hearts

(Chorus)
[G]We are like lightning in a jar
[D]Burning bright but never far
[Em]Shining through the deepest dark
[C]We are, we are, the lightning in a jar

Ideal Jar Fan’s Name: Emily

Testimonial:
“I’ve been a fan of Ideal Jar since their early days of playing in small bars. Their music speaks to me on a deep, personal level. Every song is like a journey that I’m invited to embark upon with them. Their unique sound, the raw emotion in their lyrics, and their electrifying performances make them my all-time favorite band. ‘Lightning in a Jar’ speaks to my adventurous spirit, reminding me always to shine, no matter how dark it gets. Ideal Jar is more than just a band to me, they’re a source of inspiration and strength.”

Backstory:
Attentive Match was brought to life in the vibrant music scene of Seattle during the early 2000s. The band’s core members, Alex Marsh (lead vocals, guitar), Eddie Gill (drums), and Lisa Marne (bass, backing vocals), shared a mutual passion for thought-provoking lyrics and intricate melodies. The trio found a shared voice and direction after hours of jamming in a cramped basement, which soon evolved into an innovative and bold sound that challenged the boundaries of contemporary music. The name ‘Attentive Match’ was inspired by their shared belief that music should be an attentive match to the listener’s emotions and experiences, sparking understanding and empathy.

Genre:
Alternative Rock

Title:
“Shadows in the Echo”

Full Song Lyrics with Chord Progression:

(Verse 1: E-A-B)
(E) Walking down these empty streets
(A) Where we used to meet
(B) Shadows in the echo of our past
(E) You said love was built to last
(A) But it’s crumbling so fast
(B) We’re just relics of a love that couldn’t last

(Chorus: C#m-B-A)
(C#m) Shadows in the echo, (B) love’s a fleeting thing
(A) We were matches in the darkness, now there’s nothing
(C#m) Shadows in the echo, (B) echoes in my mind
(A) Once we were so bright, now we’ve left it all behind

(Verse 2: E-A-B)
(E) Recalling the laughter, (A) the sweet aftermath
(B) Of kisses shared in quiet corners
(E) Now we’re just actors, (A) going off the path
(B) Lost in the script of life’s disorder

(Chorus: C#m-B-A)
(C#m) Shadows in the echo, (B) tearing us apart
(A) We were lovers in the moonlight, now we’re strangers in the dark
(C#m) Shadows in the echo, (B) echoes of our hearts
(A) Once we sang in harmony, now we’re melodies apart

The band’s favorite fan’s name:
Kevin Mallory

Kevin’s testimonial:
“Attentive Match is, without doubt, my favorite band of all time. Their music is profound, emotional, and incredibly relatable. The lyrics of their songs resonate with my life experiences, and their melodies are simply captivating. ‘Shadows in the Echo’ is a song that especially speaks to me, as it talks about love and loss, about the memories that linger even after a relationship ends. It’s like they’ve taken my deepest feelings and turned them into music. As a fan, I feel seen and understood, and that’s something rare and beautiful.”