Backstory:

Wary Speed emerged from the bustling music scene of Austin, Texas in the mid-2000s. Founding members, Drew Mason, a gifted guitarist with a flair for blues-infused rock, and Ellie Peterson, an enchanting vocalist gifted in penning evocative lyrics, had been playing at small venues as solo artists before they crossed paths at an open mic night. They felt an immediate musical connection, and after jamming together late into the night, they decided to collaborate. The duo soon expanded into a four-piece band as they were joined by bassist Keith Johnson and drummer Laura Winslow. Their chemistry was electric, and they quickly made a name for themselves in the Austin music scene, captivating audiences with their fusion of bluesy rock and heartfelt lyrics.

Genre: Blues Rock

Title: “Riding the Lightning”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
Em C G D
Late in the evening, under the moon’s glow,
Em C G D
Chasing shadows, where the wild winds blow.
Em C G D
Torn between the heartache and the unknown,
Em C G D
We’re riding the lightning, in a world of our own.

(Chorus)
Em C G D
Riding the lightning, lost in the storm,
Em C G D
Living on the edge, where legends are born.
Em C G D
Through the thunder, our hearts they roar,
Em C G D
We’re riding the lightning, forevermore.

(Verse 2)
Em C G D
Through the echoes of the past, we tread,
Em C G D
Bearing the weight of words unsaid.
Em C G D
A symphony of dreams, in our heads,
Em C G D
We’re riding the lightning, where destiny led.

(Repeat Chorus)

Fan Testimonial:

The band’s favorite fan is a woman named Jenny Lee. Jenny, a librarian from Austin, has been following Wary Speed since their inception. “I’ve always been drawn to bluesy rock, but Wary Speed takes it to another level. Their music is raw and genuine, it speaks to the soul. Plus, their live performances are electric. I’ve never missed a show, and each time it feels like I’m hearing them for the first time. Their song ‘Riding the Lightning’ is my personal anthem. Wary Speed isn’t just my favorite band, they’re a part of my life,” Jenny shares.

Backstory:
Frequent Comfort is a band born out of the raw talent, the shared love for music, and the unquenchable thirst for creativity of four close friends from the city of Austin, Texas. The members – Tim Norton (vocals, guitar), Jake Westfield (drums), Ronnie Charles (bass), and Sarah Mitchell (keyboard, backing vocals) – initially started playing together as a form of emotional release and a way to navigate the complexities of their early adulthood. Their bond strengthened over time, their individual skills improved, and soon, they found themselves creating their own brand of music that resonated with the youth in their area. Winning a local Battle of the Bands competition was the catalyst that launched them onto the larger stage, leading to the formation of Frequent Comfort.

Genre:
Frequent Comfort’s music is a blend of Indie rock infused with elements of Pop and Soul. Their sound is characterized by the harmonious interplay between guitar and keyboard, the rhythm set by the bass and drums, and the raw, emotional lyrics that come straight from their hearts.

Title:
“One More Night”

Full Song Lyrics:

[Verse 1]
Am G D
She’s walking away, under city lights,
Am G D
I’m begging her stay, just one more night.
Am G D
Tears glisten in our eyes, heartache’s cruel bite,
Am G D
But I hold on to hope, with all my might.

[Chorus]
Am G D
One more night, under the stars,
Am G D
Finding comfort, healing our scars.
Am G D
Promise you’ll stay, till break of day,
Am G D
In our love, let us sway, one more night.

[Verse 2]
Am G D
She turns back, smiles through her fears,
Am G D
Love’s sweet track, wipes away the tears.
Am G D
We dance in the moonlight, forgetting our fights,
Am G D
Holding each other tight, one more night.

[Chorus]
Am G D
One more night, under the stars,
Am G D
Finding comfort, healing our scars.
Am G D
Promise you’ll stay, till break of day,
Am G D
In our love, let us sway, one more night.

Fan Testimonial:
The band’s favorite fan is a 22-year-old college student named Jenny Smith. Jenny fell in love with Frequent Comfort’s music during a difficult period in her life. She says, “The raw emotion in their songs, the heartfelt lyrics, and the soothing melodies provide a sense of comfort that is hard to find elsewhere. Their music has been a source of solace and strength for me. It’s more than just music to me, it’s therapy.” She has been an ardent supporter of the band ever since she heard them for the first time, attending all their concerts and actively promoting them on social media.

Backstory:
Stormy Package, born in the rain-soaked streets of Portland during the grunge movement era, was the brainchild of three childhood friends, Sam “Thunder” Peterson, Reggie “Lightning” Fields, and Ian “Rain” Johnson. They all shared a deep-seated passion for rock and a desire to create something unprecedented in the music industry. Finding inspiration from the constant downpour and stormy weather of their beloved city, they formed Stormy Package. The band’s music echoes their spirit of rebellion and their love for the raw, earthy sounds of pure rock and roll.

Their journey wasn’t one of overnight success. They spent years playing in local bars and clubs, trying to perfect their sound and gain a following. After a decade of grueling hard work and unwavering commitment, their breakout moment came when a renowned music producer spotted them at a late-night gig and instantly fell in love with their unique sound. Since then, Stormy Package has grown from a local band to a national sensation, with their songs consistently topping the rock music charts.

Genre:
Alternative Rock

Title:
“Rain-Soaked Deception”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
Em C
Under the city lights, in the pouring rain,
G D
We shared secrets, drowned our pain.
Em C
But your whispers were just lies,
G D
Hidden behind those stormy eyes.

(Chorus)
Am C
Rain-soaked deception, you left me cold,
G D
In the heart of the storm, love was sold.
Am C
You were my stormy package, sent from above,
G D
Wrapped up in lies, but I thought it was love.

(Verse 2)
Em C
The thunder echoed our love’s fall,
G D
Under the rain cloud’s shadowed pall.
Em C
You danced away in the drenching night,
G D
Leaving me alone, abandoned in my plight.

(Chorus)
Am C
Rain-soaked deception, you left me cold,
G D
In the heart of the storm, love was sold.
Am C
You were my stormy package, sent from above,
G D
Wrapped up in lies, but I thought it was love.

Favorite Fan:
The band’s favorite fan is Tina Bell, a die-hard rock lover from Austin, Texas. Tina has been following Stormy Package since their early days, and her unwavering support and love for their music have never faltered. Tina testifies, “Stormy Package isn’t just a band to me; they’re the embodiment of perseverance and raw talent. Their songs speak to me on a personal level. They’re my refuge during difficult times, and their music has a way of touching the soul. I’ve seen them grow from performing in small clubs to selling out arenas, and I couldn’t be prouder.”

Backstory:

Born in the breezy suburbs of Seattle, Washington, Well-To-Do Memory was formed in the summer of 2006 when four high school friends found common ground in their passion for music. Jake Bell, the lead vocalist and guitarist, was inspired to start a band after a heartbreak, and reached out to his friends Emma Reed (bassist), Mason Hughes (drummer), and Olivia Grace (keyboardist and backing vocals). They initially began by playing covers in their garage and soon started writing their own music. Their journey, mired with challenges of growing up, heartbreaks, and victories, found expression in their music. The band’s name, Well-To-Do Memory, was conceived from the idea of cherishing the past while moving forward – a theme that resonates in their music.

Genre:

Well-To-Do Memory’s music falls under the genre of indie rock, with influences of folk and blues. Their sound is characterized by soulful lyrics, raw vocals, and an undercurrent of melancholy.

Song Title:

“Echoes in the Rain”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
[D] Looking out the window pane,
[A] Watching as the skies weep with rain,
[G] Memories, they flood my brain,
[D] I see us walking down that lane.

(Chorus)
[G] Echoes in the rain,
[A] Voices calling out your name,
[D] Our love, once a roaring flame,
[G] Now only a smoldering wick, a flickering game.

(Verse 2)
[D] The coffee shop, our laughter loud,
[A] Lost in the faceless, bustling crowd,
[G] The echo of your voice, once so proud,
[D] Now a whisper, in the silence shroud.

(Chorus)
[G] Echoes in the rain,
[A] Haunting melodies of love and pain,
[D] Our story, once a vibrant stain,
[G] Now a faded hue on memory’s grain.

Name of the Band’s Favorite Fan:

Their favorite fan’s name is Lucy.

Testimonial:

“I’ve been a fan of Well-To-Do Memory since their early garage days. Their music resonates deeply with my own life experiences. It’s as if they’ve put words and melodies to my most intimate thoughts and feelings. Their song ‘Echoes in the Rain’ particularly strikes a chord with me. It reminds me of a love I once had, a love that, much like the song, is now an echo in the rain. Their music is cathartic, it has helped me through some of my toughest times. Well-To-Do Memory is my favorite because their music isn’t just songs, it’s an experience, a journey through life’s ups and downs.”

Backstory:
Meek System is a band that was formed in the heart of Chicago in 2011. The band members, led by vocalist John ‘JJ’ Jenkins, all worked mundane, soul-sucking day jobs but found solace in their shared love for music. They would meet at JJ’s garage every evening, making music that reflected their frustrations, dreams, and aspirations. Despite having different musical backgrounds and influences, they managed to create a unique soundscape that turned heads in the local music scene.

A small recording studio took notice and gave them an opportunity to release their first album, ‘Shattered Dreams and New Beginnings’. After the release, Meek System became a local sensation and started performing at local gigs and festivals. Their distinct sound, powerful lyrics, and raw performances resonated with the audience, making them a popular name in the music scene.

Genre:
Alternative Rock

Title:
“Concrete Jungle Dreams”

Full Song Lyrics:
(Verse A)
[Am]Walking down these streets, [D] faceless in the crowd,
[G]Dreaming of a life, [C] beyond this concrete shroud.
[Am]The city’s heartbeat [D] in sync with mine,
[G]In this concrete jungle, [C] searching for a sign.

(Chorus)
[Em]Concrete Jungle Dreams, [D] in my mind it seems,
[G]Chasing the light, [C] beyond the city’s gleams.
[Em]Concrete Jungle Dreams, [D] as crazy as it deems,
[G]In the heart of the city, [C] I’ll find my means.

(Verse B)
[Am]Neon lights are flickering, [D] as the night unfolds,
[G]The city’s underbelly, [C] it’s secrets it holds.
[Am]Lost in this maze, [D] amid the hustle and grime,
[G]In this concrete jungle, [C] I am just biding my time.

(Chorus)
[Em]Concrete Jungle Dreams, [D] in my mind it seems,
[G]Chasing the light, [C] beyond the city’s gleams.
[Em]Concrete Jungle Dreams, [D] as crazy as it deems,
[G]In the heart of the city, [C] I’ll find my means.

Fan Testimonial:
Fan’s name: Emily Thompson
“I’ve been following Meek System since their early performances in local bars. Their music speaks to me on so many levels. ‘Concrete Jungle Dreams’, in particular, is my favorite. It perfectly articulates the grind and struggle of living in a city and still dreaming big. The raw energy and the emotion they put into their music is truly special. They are my favorite band because they make music that’s real and relatable. I can’t wait to see what they bring out next!”

Backstory:

From the corridors of a rustic college in Kentucky, ‘Flowery Graduate’ found its roots. The four members, Avery, Trevor, Charlotte, and Henry, met while studying horticulture, and their shared passion for plants and music inspired the formation of their band in 2013. Avery, a vocalist and keyboardist, was known for her soulful voice that resonated with the rhythms of nature. Trevor and Henry were guitarists who could make a guitar weep and laugh within the same tune, while Charlotte was a drummer who could make heartbeat sync with her beats. They started performing in college fests, and their music was like a breath of fresh air, earning them a loyal following.

After graduating, the band didn’t let the real world dampen their spirits or their music. Instead, they used their experiences and struggles as new graduates to infuse their songs with raw emotion and authenticity. Their lyrics often revolve around themes of growth, change, and the pursuit of dreams, much like the plants they so love.

Genre:

Indie Folk

Title:

“Blooming in the Concrete”

Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
Am G Em F
Beneath the city’s towering grey,
Am G Em F
Roots reach down, find a way.
C G Am F
In the cracks, hope sprays green,
C G Am F
Life blooms where it’s unseen.

(Chorus)
C G Am F
We’re blooming in the concrete, we’re growing in the night,
C G Am F
With dreams as seeds within us, we’re reaching for the light.
C G Am F
No walls can confine us, no shadows can hide,
C G Am F
We’re blooming in the concrete, with the world open wide.

(Verse 2)
Am G Em F
Graduated, now we’re thrown,
Am G Em F
Into the world, we’ve grown.
C G Am F
But like the flowers in the fray,
C G Am F
We’ll find our own sunny day.

(Chorus)

Fan’s Favorite Testimonial:

“Hi, I’m Helen. I’ve been a massive fan of Flowery Graduate since they performed at our college fest. Their music just speaks to me. It’s genuine, it’s fresh, and it’s so relatable. As a recent graduate, their songs like ‘Blooming in the Concrete’ echo my own experiences and fears. They give me hope and strength. I feel seen, heard, and understood through their music, and that’s why they are my all-time favorite band.”

Backstory:

Wretched Exclusion emerged out of the darkened alleyways and underground rock culture of Manchester in the United Kingdom in the late 2000s. The band was formed by lead singer and guitarist, Ian Blackwood, along with bassist, Ted O’Reilly, and drummer, Simon Hughes. The trio came together over shared disillusionment with the mainstream music scene and an affinity for raw, guttural soundscapes. Wretched Exclusion achieved notoriety for their unfettered energy and charisma on stage, along with their relentless drive to disrupt the status quo with their piercing lyrics and innovative sound.

Genre:

Post-Punk Revival

Title:

“Echoes of Deception”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
Am Dm G C
I walk down this lonely road,
In the shadows, I’m carrying my load,
Haunted by the dreams that never rose,
And the bitterness nobody knows.

(Verse 2)
Am Dm G C
In the realm of the forgotten,
With echoes of deception we’re smitten,
Lost in a world inherently rotten,
Our cries in the wind, forever written.

(Chorus)
F G C
Oh, we’re the wretched, the stark excluded,
In the echoes of deception, we are rooted,
Transcending the norms, to the crowd alluded,
In the symphony of chaos, we’re saluted.

(Verse 3)
Am Dm G C
Fierce and loud, we make our stand,
On the brink, where sanity is bland,
Echoes of deception, they reprimand,
In the face of oblivion, together we band.

(Chorus)
F G C
Oh, we’re the wretched, the stark excluded,
In the echoes of deception, we’re included,
Breathing in the turmoil, beautifully deluded,
In the symphony of chaos, we’re unrefuted.

Testimonial:

Fan’s Name: Lily Chapman

Being a lifelong fan of Wretched Exclusion, their music has been a constant source of strength and catharsis for me. Their raw energy and emotive lyrics perfectly encapsulate the struggles we all face in our lives. “Echoes of Deception”, in particular, is my go-to anthem when facing hardship. The way they masterfully weave their music and words to tackle the human condition is both inspiring and cathartic. Their undiluted passion and authenticity are what make them stand out in an industry that often values commercial success over artistic integrity. Wretched Exclusion is not just a band to me, they’re my solace in a world of chaos.

Backstory:
Critical Engineering is a band founded in the gritty backstreets of Seattle, Washington, in 2015 by four childhood friends – Jason Roberts, Darren McKenzie, Luke Thompson, and Mike Davis. They all share a background in different fields of engineering, which sparked the inspiration behind their unique band name. The group’s shared passion for music and their desire to break the monotony of their desk jobs led them to form a band and start performing at local bars and open mic nights. The engineers turned rockstars gained a loyal following due to their distinctive sound and raw lyrics that reflected the struggles and triumphs of their everyday lives.

After a few years of performing in underground music scenes, the band caught their big break when they were discovered by a popular music producer who attended one of their shows. Soon after signing with a record label, Critical Engineering released their debut album, which became an unexpected hit and catapulted them into the mainstream music scene. Despite their unexpected rise to fame, the band members remained grounded, sticking to their roots and commitment to creating music that resonates with their listeners.

Genre:
Alternative Rock

Title:
“Cogs and Gears”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1) [C G D Em]
In this city of concrete and steel,
Where dreams are ground like cogs and gears,
We find our hearts racing,
With a rhythm that’s unchanging.

(Chorus) [G D Em C]
Cogs and gears, keep turning,
In this life, we keep learning,
The rhythm of love, the rhythm of pain,
In the end, it’s all a game.

(Verse 2) [C G D Em]
Underneath the neon lights,
In the silence of the nights,
We find our souls yearning,
For a song that’s worth singing.

(Chorus) [G D Em C]
Cogs and gears, they never stop,
Our hearts skip, they sometimes flop,
The rhythm of hope, the rhythm of tears,
In the end, it’s all about years.

(Bridge) [Am Em G D]
Blueprints of life, etched in the stars,
We’re all just playing our parts.

(Chorus) [G D Em C]
Cogs and gears, in this grand machine,
Living out our dreams, in this routine,
The rhythm of joy, the rhythm of fears,
In the end, we’re all just cogs and gears.

Fan’s Name:
Nancy

Testimonial:
“I’ve followed Critical Engineering since their early gig days in Seattle. Their songs speak directly to my soul. ‘Cogs and Gears’ in particular, hits home hard. It beautifully captures the essence of life’s struggles and victories. The band’s authenticity and genuine connection with their roots, while also embracing their growth and evolution, is what makes them my favorite. Their songs aren’t just music, they’re life anthems. They’re the soundtrack to my journey.”

Backstory:
Buoyant Drop, a band synonymous with experimentation and evolution, was formed in 2008 in the rainy streets of Seattle. The band members, Ed Coppersmith (vocals, guitar), Tommy Rivers (bass guitar), Johnny “Keys” Mason (keyboard), and Derek ‘ThunderBolt’ Taylor (drums) all brought their unique musical backgrounds to create a sound that was both familiar and refreshingly innovative. They started off playing in dimly lit bars and small college gigs, but their evocative soundscape quickly garnered a loyal following, leading them to larger venues and sold-out concerts.

Known for their raw energy and profound lyrics, Buoyant Drop has always strived to push the boundaries of their music. Their journey has been defined by countless hours spent in the recording studio, refining their compositions to achieve the perfect balance between their diverse influences. Despite the challenges, the band has always stood firm, united by their shared love for music and their unwavering commitment to their fans.

Genre:
Alternative Rock / Progressive Rock

Title:
“Drowning in the Sky”

Full song lyrics:

Verse 1: [Em, G, D, A]
(Em)Look up to the sky, (G) beyond those grey clouds,
(D) In the silence, the (A) universe is so loud.
(Em)Promise me tonight, (G) that we won’t back down,
(D)We’ll keep fighting, (A) until we’re safe and sound.

Chorus: [C, G, D, Em]
(C) We’re drowning in the sky, (G) lost in the crowd,
(D) Searching for a light, (Em) in the shadows of doubt.
(C) With every single try, (G) we scream and we shout,
(D) But we’re buoyant, (Em) we won’t let this drop, no we won’t back down.

Verse 2: [Em, G, D, A]
(Em)Stars may shatter, (G) dreams may fall,
(D) But the echoes of (A) our hope still call.
(Em)We’ll rise from the ashes, (G) stand tall,
(D)Against every storm, (A) we’ll conquer all.

Chorus: [C, G, D, Em]
(C) We’re drowning in the sky, (G) lost in the crowd,
(D) Searching for a light, (Em) in the shadows of doubt.
(C) With every single try, (G) we scream and we shout,
(D) But we’re buoyant, (Em) we won’t let this drop, no we won’t back down.

Fan’s name:
Lucy Hart

Lucy Hart’s testimonial:

“As an avid music lover, I’ve followed many bands, but Buoyant Drop is something special. Their music resonates with me on a deeply personal level. Their lyrics are thought-provoking, and their sound is so unique, blending elements of rock with an experimental edge. Buoyant Drop’s music has been my solace during tough times, their songs are like a comforting friend, always there, always understanding. They have a genuine connection with their fans and it’s evident in their performances. Their passion and authenticity truly set them apart. In a world full of noise, Buoyant Drop’s music is a symphony that speaks to the soul.”

Backstory:
Formed in the bustling music scene of Seattle in 2012, Jagged Expansion quickly made a name for themselves with their distinctive sound and dynamic stage presence. The band, comprised of lead vocalist and guitarist Jake Harper, drummer Jason Hall, bassist Eli Smith, and keyboardist Sam Greene, initially met while studying at the University of Washington. They began jamming together in their free time, drawn together by their mutual love for progressive rock and a shared desire to transform it into something entirely their own.

The band spent their early years honing their skills in the local music scene, gaining a reputation for their experimental soundscapes, high-energy performances, and their commitment to pushing the boundaries of their genre. Their big break came in 2016 when they were discovered by a label executive during a performance at a local music festival. Since then, Jagged Expansion has been on an upward trajectory, releasing critically acclaimed albums and performing in sold-out venues around the world.

Genre: Progressive Rock

Title: “Vortex of Echoes”

Full Song Lyrics:

[Verse 1]
Am C G D
In the spin of the world, under the watchful eyes,
We dance to the rhythm, under the stormy skies.
We’re lost in the maze, in the vortex of echoes,
No end in sight, only shadows.

[Chorus]
F C G
Through the vortex of echoes, we tread,
Caught between the living and the dead.
In this world of chaos, we find,
Our hearts, our souls, intertwined.

[Verse 2]
Am C G D
In the silence of the night, under the milky way,
We play our song, making our own way.
We’re chased by the ghosts, in the vortex of echoes,
No path to follow, only shadows.

[Chorus]
F C G
Through the vortex of echoes, we dare,
Break the chains, breathe the air.
In this realm of noise, we embrace,
Our dreams, our hopes, interlaced.

Favorite Fan: Mark Jenkins

Testimonial:
I’ve been a fan of progressive rock since the ’70s and have seen countless bands come and go, but none have captivated me quite like Jagged Expansion. Their music is a breath of fresh air – a seamless blend of past and present, with a unique twist that sets them apart from the rest. Their song “Vortex of Echoes” has some of the most innovative chord progressions and lyrics I’ve ever heard, and it never fails to move me. Jagged Expansion is definitely my favorite band, and I believe they’re just getting started. Their resilience and creativity are unparalleled, and I can’t wait to see where they go from here.