Backstory:
Dry Fiction came into existence in the small town of Bakersfield, California, born from the collective dreams and passion of four childhood friends – Lucas (vocals), Jake (guitar), Mason (bass), and Dylan (drums). Growing up together, they shared two common loves, the enchanting allure of classic rock and the breathtaking beauty of their dry desert town. These elements would form the bedrock of their band.

Their musical journey started in their high school years, practicing in garages and performing at local gigs. After finishing school, the band decided to take a year off before college to fully dedicate their time to music. This gap year turned into a full-blown musical career when their first EP, ‘Desert Chronicles’, caught the attention of a renowned music producer in Los Angeles. With this, Dry Fiction was no longer a hometown band; they were now on the path to stardom.

Genre:
Rock/Alternative Rock

Title:
“Mirage”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse)
C#m – E – B – A – G#m

In a desert town, beneath the burning sun,
Lost in a dream, our story has just begun,
Through the haze, a mirage in sight,
A mirage of you, under the starry night.

(Chorus)
E – B – G#m – A

Mirage, Mirage, oh, you’re so far,
In the desert town, under the stars,
Mirage, Mirage, in the night so blue,
In this lonely desert, I’ll keep searching for you.

(Verse)
C#m – E – B – A – G#m

This thirst for you, in my heart, it burns,
Through the shifting sands, for you, my heart yearns,
Your memory, like a mirage so rare,
In the desert of my heart, nothing else could compare.

(Chorus)
E – B – G#m – A

Mirage, Mirage, you’re my guiding star,
In this desert path, no matter how far,
Mirage, Mirage, in the night’s cold hue,
In this barren desert, I’ll keep longing for you.

Favorite Fan:

Name: Emily Taylor

Testimonial:

“Dry Fiction isn’t just my favorite band; it’s a part of me. Their music resonates with my soul. ‘Mirage’ takes me to uncharted emotional terrains, making me feel things I never knew I could. It’s not only their music, but their journey as well. Coming from a small town and turning their dreams into reality, Dry Fiction is a testament to the power of passion and friendship. They inspire me to dream big.”

Backstory:
Extra-Small Talk was formed in early 2010 in the heart of New Orleans, Louisiana. The unique blend of personalities hails from a variety of backgrounds, which fuels their creativity and shapes their distinctive sound. Frontman, Oliver ‘Ollie’ Davis, was a solo cafe performer known for his sultry voice and his intimate, stripped-down renditions of popular songs. He was joined by twins Jake and Jordan Russo, who brought a bluesy edge with their guitar and bass skills, and Daisy ‘Dee’ Thompson, a classically trained pianist with a penchant for jazz.

Despite their diverse musical backgrounds, they all shared a common love for authentic, honest music and a passion for storytelling. Their paths crossed at an open mic night where their shared passion sparked the idea of forming a band. From that moment, Extra-Small Talk was born, and the quartet set off on a journey of exploring raw emotions and personal narratives through their music.

Genre:
Indie Pop/Blues

Title:
“Coffee Cup Conversations”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
[G]Waking up to a [D]broken dawn,
[Em]Missing you when the [C]night is gone.
[G]Empty bed and a [D]silent phone,
[Em]In our [C]old coffee shop, I [G]sit alone.

(Chorus)
[D]Coffee cup conversations,
[Em]Us lost in each other’s eyes.
[C]That’s where we found our salvation,
[G]In the morning light, and [D]sweet lullabies.

(Verse 2)
[G]Scribbled notes and [D]worn out pages,
[Em]Our love story [C]never ages.
[G]Echoes of laughter, [D]forgotten fights,
[Em]In the [C]heart of the city, we found our [G]lights.

(Chorus)
[D]Coffee cup conversations,
[Em]Trading dreams and little lies.
[C]That’s where we found our elation,
[G]In the morning mist, and [D]endless goodbyes.

(Outro)
[G]Maybe one day we’ll [D]meet again,
[Em]In that old coffee shop, [C]we’ll begin,
[G]Another chapter, [D]another tale,
[Em]Of coffee cup [C]conversations, [G]of love that never fails.

The band’s favorite fan:
The band’s favorite fan is Molly Harper. Molly has been with Extra-Small talk from the very beginning, never missing a single performance, be it at an open mic night or a sold-out concert. As a lifelong lover of indie pop/blues, Molly has always been drawn to the band’s raw emotion and authentic storytelling.

Molly’s Testimonial:
“Extra-Small Talk has a real knack for capturing the intimate, little moments of life and love in their songs. Their music touches your soul and makes you feel less alone. From their playful melodies to their heart-rending lyrics, every song is a journey. In a world full of noise, Extra-Small Talk truly knows how to make a moment last.”

Backstory:

Frightening Mood came together in 2013, first envisioned as an eccentric, avant-garde project by childhood friends and music enthusiasts, Liam Marley and Will O’Donnell. The duo developed a unique sound, drawing influence from an unlikely blend of genres, from the soulful blues to the aggressive punk rock they grew up listening to. Liam, an adept guitarist, and Will, with his rasp and resonant vocals, decided to take their basement jam sessions to the next level. They recruited drummer Daisy Quirk and bassist Jimi ‘Rook’ Carson, completing the quartet. Soon, Frightening Mood started making waves in the underground music scene, known for their passionate performances, introspective lyrics, and a distinct sound that defied genre limitations.

Genre:

Alternative Rock/Blues

Title:

“Whispers in the Dark”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
Em G
I hear the whispers in the dark,
D A
Calling my name, leaving a mark.
Em G
Ghosts of yesterday’s sorrow,
D A
Echoes of a stolen tomorrow.

(Chorus)
C D
In the night, can’t see the light,
G D
Chasing shadows, lost in fright.
C D
Voices rise, as the moon cries,
G D
In the dark, where my heart lies.

(Verse 2)
Em G
Underneath the starless sky,
D A
Where dreams crash and hopes fly.
Em G
I’m a ship lost in the night,
D A
Broken compass, no end in sight.

(Chorus)
C D
In the night, no will to fight,
G D
Barely breathing, holding tight.
C D
Echoing silence, lonely cries,
G D
In the dark, where my soul lies.

Favorite Fan:

The band’s favorite fan is 19-year-old, Sarah Hughes. Sarah recalls, “I stumbled across Frightening Mood at a local music festival and was instantly captivated by their raw energy and soul-stirring lyrics. Their song ‘Whispers in the Dark’ struck a chord with me and I’ve been their ardent supporter ever since. The authenticity of their music is a rare gem in today’s music industry, and watching them perform live is a cathartic experience. Their music has been a companion on my darkest days, reminding me that I’m not alone. Frightening Mood is more than just a band to me, they’re the soundtrack of my life.”

Backstory:

The journey of Vital Prisoner began in the dingy basements of London’s underground music scene in the late 1990s. The band’s founding members, lead vocalist Drew “Phoenix” O’Conner, guitarist Atlas Greene, bassist Cain “Voodoo” Blackwell, and drummer Orion “The Beast” Murray, were drawn together by a shared vision to create music that defies convention and challenges the status quo. Their songs, often charged with socio-political themes and a gritty realism, quickly resonated with a growing fan base that appreciated the band’s raw energy and uncompromising honesty.

Despite the usual band disagreements, breakups, and reunions, the band stayed true to their ethos and continued to push boundaries. Their sound evolved with the times, but their signature intensity and passion remained a constant. Through the years, Vital Prisoner made music that is as enduring as it is rebellious, earning them a devoted legion of fans, critical acclaim, and a permanent place in the annals of rock music.

Genre:
Rock

Title:
“Rise from the Ashes”

Full Song Lyrics with Chord Progression:

Verse 1: (Em, G, D, A)
In the shadows of this life, we’re searching for the light,
Broken chains on the ground, we’re no longer bound,
The echoes of the past, we let them sing,
For in our hearts, we’ve become kings.

Chorus: (C, G, D)
Rise from the ashes, break your chains!
Stand tall, free yourself from these pains.
Rise from the ashes, feel the fire,
Let your soul soar higher and higher.

Verse 2: (Em, G, D, A)
Through the storm and the rain, we’ve tasted the pain,
But we’ve always found the strength to rise again,
We’ll keep fighting, keep pushing, keep reaching for the stars,
For we’ve come to understand who we truly are.

Chorus: (C, G, D)
Rise from the ashes, break your chains!
Stand tall, free yourself from these pains.
Rise from the ashes, feel the fire,
Let your soul soar higher and higher.

Fan’s Name:
Lisa Bedford

Testimonial:
“Vital Prisoner has been my favorite band since I first heard them during their early days. Their music has carried me through some of the toughest moments in my life. The raw emotion in their lyrics and the power in their melodies make me feel seen, heard, and understood. They’re not just a band to me, they’re a lifeline. ‘Rise from the Ashes’ embodies their spirit of resilience, and every time I listen to it, I feel the strength to face any challenge. Their music is not just songs to my ears, but an empowering anthem to my soul.”

Backstory:

Unripe Feeling was formed in the balmy summer of 2008, in the bustling city of Austin, Texas. The band consists of four childhood friends; Leo, Jake, Sam, and Max, who all shared an insatiable passion for music and a dream to transform the world with their melodies. What began as impromptu jam sessions in their garage, slowly evolved into something much greater than they had ever imagined. Their journey wasn’t all smooth sailing, though. The band had to face numerous challenges, but their shared determination and undying love for music kept them going.

In 2010, they got their big break. Unripe Feeling was discovered by a talent scout at Texas’s annual “Battle of the Bands” competition. They charmed the audience with their unique sound, raw energy, and the compelling stories they told through their songs. Since then, they have been touring all over the country, captivating hearts and creating a devout fan following.

Genre:

Alternative Rock

Title:

“Melancholy Sunrise”

Lyrics:

Verse 1:
[A] Woke up to a [E] melancholy sunrise,
[D] Bitter coffee in an [F] empty bed.
[A] City lights still [E] twinkling outside,
[D] Your words replaying in my [F] head.

Chorus:
[G] Melancholy sunrise, [D] why’d you come so soon?
[E] You took away the moon, and [A] my love, too.
[G] Wish I could rewind, [D] stay lost in the night.
[E] With you by my side, under [A] the starlight.

Verse 2:
[A] Drifting in the [E] echoes of your laughter,
[D] Trapped in the memory of [F] your touch.
[A] Now you’re just a [E] ghost in my mirror,
[D] Oh, I miss you so [F] much.

(Repeat Chorus)

Bridge:
[C] The night has its own [G] tales,
[D] Love, laughter, and some [A] bittersweet ales.
[C] But dawn brings reality [G] back,
[D] Feelings unripe, emotions [A] off track.

(Repeat Chorus)

Testimonial:

Name: Cassidy Miller

“Unripe Feeling is hands down my favorite band. Their music speaks to me on a personal level. It’s like they’ve taken my thoughts, my hopes, and my fears, and translated them into a beautiful symphony. Each song tells a story, a story that resonates with my life experiences. Their passion and dedication to their craft are palpable in every note. But the thing I love most about them is their authenticity. They’ve faced adversity and come out stronger, and that’s evident in their music. There’s a rawness, a certain vulnerability in their songs that hits home. I’ve been a fan since their early days, and I’m excited to see what the future holds for them.”

Backstory:
Ordinary Reading was formed in the dorm rooms of Berkeley University in 2009 when the roommates discovered their shared passion for music. Samuel Graves, a literature major, and Josephine “Jo” Baxter, a philosophy student, began writing songs together during their study breaks. Drawing from their academic backgrounds, they crafted lyrics that told stories and provoked thought, setting them to music that was a blend of their diverse influences. The band’s name, Ordinary Reading, was inspired by their love for literature and their belief in turning the mundane into something beautiful.

Genre:
Indie Folk-Rock

Title:
“Paper Wings”

Full Song Lyrics:
(Verse 1: G-C-D)
My heart was a book, dusty and unread,
Gathering thoughts, a story unsaid,
She came around, with a smile so bright,
Opened me up, gave me flight.

(Chorus: Em-D-C-G)
She gave me paper wings and a poet’s heart,
Bound in a tale, she was my art,
In the rhythm of words, we began to sing,
With love as the wind beneath my paper wings.

(Verse 2: G-C-D)
Beneath her gaze, my chapters unfurled,
In the whispers of love, our own world,
In the rustle of pages, our stories blend,
Bound in the ink, our love won’t end.

(Chorus: Em-D-C-G)
She gave me paper wings and a poet’s heart,
Bound in a tale, she was my art,
In the rhythm of words, we began to sing,
With love as the wind beneath my paper wings.

(Bridge: A-C-A-C)
With every word, with every stroke,
In every line, in the love we evoke,
With paper wings, in the sky we soar,
In our tale, forevermore.

(Chorus: Em-D-C-G)
She gave me paper wings and a poet’s heart,
Bound in a tale, she was my art,
In the rhythm of words, we began to sing,
With love as the wind beneath my paper wings.

(Finale: G-C-D-G)
With words as our wings, in the sky we dance,
In the ordinary reading, we found our chance,
Bound in a tale, she was my art,
She gave me paper wings and a poet’s heart.

Bands Favorite Fan:
The band’s favorite fan is a woman named Emily Lawrence. Emily is a librarian who stumbled upon Ordinary Reading when she was looking for music to play during a reading event at her library. She instantly fell in love with their music and began following their journey. As a testimonial, Emily says, “Ordinary Reading’s music is like a good book. It’s a comforting escape, filled with beautiful stories and emotions. Their music has this unique ability to touch your soul and make you feel understood.”

Backstory:

Even Survey originated from the suburbs of Melbourne, Australia, forming in the backyards of their homes during their high school years. Initially composed of school friends, the band started performing at small neighborhood gigs, impressing listeners with their unique sound. Eventually catching the attention of a local record label, they broke into the mainstream in 2018 with their debut album and have since been captivating audiences globally.

The band members include lead singer and rhythm guitarist Finn, bassist Leo, lead guitarist Ruby, and drummer Ashton. Each member contributes to the band’s distinctive sound, with Finn’s powerful vocals, Ruby’s intricate guitar solos, Leo’s driving bass lines, and Ashton’s dynamic drumming. The band’s camaraderie and collective creativity has allowed them to continually evolve their music and connect with audiences in a way that feels genuine and affecting.

Genre:

Progressive Alternative Rock

Title:

“Shadows in the Horizon”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
[G] Shadows in the horizon, [Em] calling out my name
[C] Trapped in this moment, [D] playing life’s twisted game
[G] Walking on a tightrope, [Em] balanced on a dream
[C] Caught between the sunrise, [D] and the moon’s silver gleam

(Chorus)
[G] Shadows in the horizon, [Em] whispering my fate
[C] Carrying the echoes, [D] of love, hope, and hate
[G] I’ll dance with the shadows, [Em] until the break of dawn,
[C] And when the sun rises, [D] the shadows will be gone.

(Verse 2)
[G] The world spins in silence, [Em] beneath the starry veil
[C] Secrets unfurling, [D] on the winds sweeping gale
[G] Shadows stretch and lengthen, [Em] as the night takes hold
[C] Stories untold in the darkness, [D] in whispers of the old.

(Chorus)
[G] Shadows in the horizon, [Em] whispering my fate
[C] Carrying the echoes, [D] of love, hope, and hate
[G] I’ll dance with the shadows, [Em] until the break of dawn,
[C] And when the sun rises, [D] the shadows will be gone.

Favorite Fan:

Their favorite fan is Sarah, a die-hard follower of Even Survey since their early days. Sarah discovered the band at one of their initial backyard gigs and has been a dedicated fan ever since. She appreciates their raw talent, unique sound, and authenticity, which she believes sets them apart from other bands.

Sarah’s Testimonial:

“Even Survey’s music speaks to me on a deeply personal level. Their lyrics resonate with my experiences and emotions, and their sound creates an atmosphere that captivates you entirely. Their music is not just sound; it’s a feeling – a moment encapsulated in a song. And that’s why they’re my favorite band – they transcend the boundaries of what music can be.”

Backstory:
Formed during a spark of inspiration in a dimly lit basement in Denver, Colorado in 2009, ‘Light Dividend’ is the brainchild of childhood friends, Adam Keller and Charlie Smith. The two spent countless nights enveloped in the faint glow of a solitary light bulb, their shared dream of creating music that transcends the boundaries of time and space fueled their creativity. They recruited a talented drummer, Sam Winslow, and a versatile keyboardist, Zoe Matthews, from their high-school marching band, and thus the band was officially born.

Genre:
Light Dividend identifies their music as a blend of Indie Rock and Neo-Psychedelic.

Title:
“Shadow’s End”

Full Song Lyrics:

[Verse 1]
C Am
In the corners of a mind, where shadows blend,
Em G
Lies a tale, of a forgotten friend,
C Am
Echoes of laughter, whispers of the past,
Em G
Caught in the twilight, a love that didn’t last.

[Chorus]
C G
In the Shadow’s End, we’ll start again,
Am Em
In the light of the dawn, we’ll carry on,
C G
In the Shadow’s End, we’ll find a friend,
Am Em
In the echo of the night, we’ll find the light.

[Verse 2]
C Am
Mysteries untold, beneath the moon’s gaze,
Em G
We were just players, lost in the maze,
C Am
Silhouettes dancing, in the moonlit sand,
Em G
Tales of tomorrow, held in the Shadow’s End.

[Chorus]
C G
In the Shadow’s End, we’ll start again,
Am Em
In the light of the dawn, we’ll carry on,
C G
In the Shadow’s End, we’ll find a friend,
Am Em
In the echo of the night, we’ll find the light.

Favorite Fan:
The band’s favorite fan is a dedicated young woman named Lily. A music student from the University of Colorado, Lily has been following ‘Light Dividend’ since their early days in the Denver music scene. She feels a deep connection with their music which, in her own words, “touches the soul and paints vivid pictures of life’s intricacies”. Lily’s favorite song is “Shadow’s End,” which she says captures the essence of loss, hope, and resilience with such honesty and depth that it moves her every time she listens to it.

Backstory:
Delicious Root was formed in a small town in Kentucky in 2013 by a group of high school friends – Ben White, an energetic drummer; Jack Harris, a passionate bassist; and Charlie Martin, a gifted singer and lyricist. Initially, they played their music in local cafes, college festivals, and open mic nights. Their soulful music began to resonate with the audience, and they soon started gaining attention from the local music scene. Their breakthrough came when they won a regional music competition, after which they were signed by a small independent record label. Despite their growing popularity, Delicious Root remains grounded and connected to their roots, often returning to their hometown for impromptu street performances.

Genre:
Folk Rock

Title:
“Whiskey on the Porch”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
G C
Sitting on the porch, as the sun sets low,
D G
With a glass of whiskey, and the radio.
C
Watching as the stars, begin their show,
D G
In the quiet of the night, with a gentle glow.

(Chorus)
C
Whiskey on the porch, underneath the moon,
D G
Playing our songs, to an old sweet tune.
C
Living life slow, hope it doesn’t go soon,
D G
With my whiskey on the porch, in the afternoon.

(Verse 2)
G C
Stories shared, under the twinkling light,
D G
Chasing dreams, into the silent night.
C
A sweet melody, taking flight,
D G
With the rhythm of our hearts, holding tight.

(Chorus)
C
Whiskey on the porch, underneath the sky,
D G
Singing our hearts out, with a content sigh.
C
These are the moments, money can’t buy,
D G
With my whiskey on the porch, as time goes by.

Favorite Fan’s Testimonial:
My name is Sarah Thompson, and I am a huge fan of Delicious Root. Their music speaks to the soul. It’s raw, real, and beautifully crafted. I’ve been following them since their early days performing at local venues, and I’ve watched them grow into the successful band they are today. “Whiskey on the Porch” is my personal favorite; it just encapsulates the essence of quiet, simple living, something that’s very close to my heart. There’s not a day that goes by that I don’t listen to their music. It brings me comfort and joy in a way that nothing else can. They are, without a doubt, my favorite band.

Backstory:

Grim Bastard was born in the heart of the rough-and-tumble streets of Seattle, Washington. Founded by lead vocalist, Frankie ‘Razor’ Gustavo, and drummer, Jimmy ‘Hammer’ Sanchez, who were both high school friends that shared a common interest in music and rebellion. They spent their early years working tireless jobs and turning their frustrations into music in dimly lit garages. Eventually, bassist Stella ‘Riff’ Maddox and guitarist Leroy ‘Screech’ Davis joined the band, completing the Grim Bastard ensemble. Through the years, they’ve garnered a cult following for their raw and unfiltered sound, a testament to their roots and the struggles they faced growing up.

Genre:

Grim Bastard is known for their heavy-hitting, high-energy Punk Rock sound, mixed with influences of Grunge and Hardcore music.

Title:

“Concrete Jungle Rhapsody”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
[C] Walkin’ down the [Am] grimy side, [Em] eyes wide open, [G] heart collide,
[F] We’re just shadows on the [C] wall, [G] here in our concrete jungle.

[C] Caged up dreams got [Am] nowhere to run, [Em] under the city’s [G] setting sun,
[F] We scream out loud but [C] nothin’ said, [G] just echoes of the undead.

(Chorus)
[F] Oh, oh, oh, it’s a [C] Concrete Jungle Rhapsody,
[G] Fight to survive, it’s a [Am] twisted symphony,
[F] Shattered dreams and [C] hearts of stone,
[G] In this concrete jungle, we [C] call home.

(Verse 2)
[C] Neon lights, [Am] shattered hopes, [Em] tied in chains and [G] hangman’s ropes,
[F] We’re just figments of the [C] city’s dream, [G] lost in an urban stream.

[C] Skyscrapers high, [Am] spirits low, [Em] in the city’s [G] heart we glow,
[F] We’re the voice of the [C] unheard, [G] in this concrete jungle’s world.

(Chorus)
[F] Oh, oh, oh, it’s a [C] Concrete Jungle Rhapsody,
[G] Fight to survive, it’s a [Am] twisted symphony,
[F] Shattered dreams and [C] hearts of stone,
[G] In this concrete jungle, we [C] call home.

Favorite Fan:

One of Grim Bastard’s favorite fans is a woman named Lisa ‘Spikes’ Johnson. Lisa has been a fan since their early garage days and is a staple at all their local concerts. Lisa loves Grim Bastard because their music resonates with her own life experiences.

Testimonial:

“Grim Bastard isn’t just a band, they’re a lifeline. Their music speaks to me on so many levels. It’s about struggle, rebellion, and survival. Every time I hear ‘Concrete Jungle Rhapsody,’ it reminds me of my own battle growing up in NYC. Grim Bastard doesn’t sugar coat life, they tell it as it is, and that’s why I love them.” – Lisa ‘Spikes’ Johnson.