Backstory:
Alive Passenger is a band formed in the rainy city of Seattle, Washington, in 2010. They met in a local coffee shop, where their shared love for music and the desire to create something unique brought them together. The lead singer, Sam, and guitar player, Alex, were both working as baristas, crafting lattes during the day, and melodies during the night. They began jamming together, and soon invited Emily, a classically-trained cellist, and Jake, a drummer who used to play in a punk band, to join them. Their eclectic backgrounds and shared passion for music led to the creation of Alive Passenger, a band that refuses to conform to a single genre and embraces the emotions and experiences of life in their music.

Genre:
Indie Folk Rock

Title:
“Remnants of the Rain”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
Am Em G D
Underneath the city lights,
Am Em G D
We found ourselves one starry night,
Am Em G D
Lost in dreams and drifting tides,
Am Em G D
In the echo of our whispered goodbyes.

(Chorus)
C G D Em
Can you hear the remnants of the rain,
C G D Em
As they trickle down the window pane?
C G D Em
The memory of our love remains,
C G D Em
In the remnants of the rain.

(Verse 2)
Am Em G D
We danced in the moon’s pale glow,
Am Em G D
With the city sleeping down below,
Am Em G D
Our hearts beat in a silent vow,
Am Em G D
In the silence, love spoke out loud.

(Chorus)
C G D Em
Can you feel the remnants of the rain,
C G D Em
As they gather in our hearts’ terrain?
C G D Em
The echo of our love sustains,
C G D Em
In the remnants of the rain.

(Outro)
Am Em G D
In the remnants of the rain,
Am Em G D
Love’s echo will always remain.

Favorite Fan Testimonial:
The band’s favorite fan is Lisa, a 25-year-old graphic designer from Portland. Lisa has been a fan since their early days when they played in small coffee shops and has attended every concert within a 200-mile radius. She says, “Alive Passenger is my favorite band because their music resonates with me in a way no other music does. Their songs are raw, powerful, and evoke emotions I didn’t know I could feel. ‘Remnants of the Rain’ in particular is a song that has helped me through some tough times. It’s as if Alive Passenger has managed to capture the very essence of what it means to be human in their music, and it’s simply beautiful.”

Backstory:

Full Nail was conceived in the bustling musical hub of Austin, Texas, during the summer of 2007. The band was formed by college roommates, vocalist and guitarist, Josh Nolan and drummer, Steve Parsons. After a chance meeting at a local record shop, the duo picked up bassist Alex Granger, who added a unique element to their sound. From playing in their garage to performing at local gigs, the band’s relentless energy and captivating performances quickly won the hearts of music lovers.

In the years that followed, Full Nail honed their musical style, influenced heavily by the rock and blues of their home state. They eventually signed with an independent record label in 2012 and released their debut studio album, which was critically acclaimed for its raw, authentic sound and compelling lyricism.

Genre: Alt-Rock/Blues

Title: “Rusted Chains”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
Em C
Wake up with rusted chains,
Am B7
Tired hearts filled with pain.
Em C
Head is filled with haze,
Am B7
Living in yesterday’s daze.

(Chorus)
G D
Break free, shed your rusted chains,
Em C
Let’s defy these hearts in pain.
G D
With a rebel yell and a righteous gain,
Em C
Break free, lose your rusted chains.

(Verse 2)
Em C
Dusk falls, we remain,
Am B7
In the echo of a forgotten refrain.
Em C
A song sung in vain,
Am B7
Trapped within these rusted chains.

(Chorus)
G D
Break free, shed your rusted chains,
Em C
Let’s defy these hearts in pain.
G D
With a rebel yell and a righteous gain,
Em C
Break free, lose your rusted chains.

Favorite Fan:

The band’s favorite fan is a woman named Megan Taylor. An Austin native, Megan has been following Full Nail since their humble beginnings. She was captivated by their raw energy, mesmerizing performances, and their unique blend of alt-rock and blues. Megan says, “Full Nail isn’t just a band, they’re a lifeline, their music hits me in places I didn’t even know still existed. From ‘Rusted Chains’ to their latest tracks, they’ve always managed to capture the raw human spirit in their music. I can’t imagine my life without their sound.”

Backstory:

Black Reward originated in the heart of Seattle’s grunge scene in the late 90’s. The band, composed of lead vocalist and guitarist Jack Morrison, drummer Nick Riddle, and bassist Sarah Lambert, all shared a deeply rooted passion for the raw and edgy sounds of grunge, blending it with their unique take on alternative rock. Coming together in a dingy basement, their shared love for music and the bustling underground scene resulted in a band that would soon take the city, and eventually, the world by storm. The band’s name, ‘Black Reward,’ was inspired by the idea that the struggles they faced gave birth to something beautiful: their music.

Genre:
Alternative Grunge Rock

Title:
“Shadow’s Embrace”

Full Song Lyrics:

Chorus:
Am C G D
In the Shadow’s Embrace, we find our place,
Am C G D
Amid the echoes of our past mistakes,
Am C G D
In the Shadow’s Embrace, we bear the weight,
Am C G D
Of dreams we chase, and hearts that break.

Verse 1:
Am C G D
Beneath the city lights, we find our fight,
Am C G D
In the rhythm of the night, we ignite,
Am C G D
In the shroud of the dusk, we trust,
Am C G D
In the Shadow’s Embrace, we combust.

(Repeat Chorus)

Verse 2:
Am C G D
Through the cracks of the dawn, we’re reborn,
Am C G D
In the furnace of life, we’re torn,
Am C G D
In the searing heat of the day, we fray,
Am C G D
In the Shadow’s Embrace, we stay.

(Repeat Chorus)

Fan Testimonial:
Name: Bailey Thompson

“Black Reward has been my favorite band since I stumbled upon them in a small club downtown. Their sound is raw, unfiltered, and forces you to confront your innermost feelings. Their lyrics resonate with me on a profound level; every word is a poignant reflection of life and the human condition. ‘Shadow’s Embrace’ in particular, is a song I hold dear to my heart. It feels like their music was written just for me. As an artist, their creativity and genuineness inspire me every day. I owe my artistic growth to them, and that’s why Black Reward will always be my number one band.”

Backstory:

Impolite Canal found its genesis in a small, unassuming suburb of Manchester in the United Kingdom. Band members Andrew “Drew” Thomson (lead vocals, guitar), Rachel “Rach” Harrison (drums, backing vocals), and Simon “Si” McLeary (bass, backing vocals) crossed paths at a local music festival in 2010. Drew, a bartender with a knack for playing guitar, and Rach and Si, two childhood friends who were locally known for their impromptu drum and bass performances at house parties, found a common thread in their shared love for music that was unconventional and unabashedly raw. They decided to form a band, and true to their offbeat spirit, they named it ‘Impolite Canal’ after a local urban legend.

Over the next few years, Impolite Canal found a unique voice in the indie-rock scene. Their music blended the grit and honesty of punk with the soulful melodies of indie rock, creating a sound that was fresh, fearless, and unapologetically them. Their journey from performing at local pubs to commanding the stage at music festivals around the country is an inspiring tale of passion, perseverance, and the power of music.

Genre:

Indie Rock/ Punk

Title:

“Riverside Rebellion”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1 – G, Em, C, D)
[G] Down by the riverside, [Em] beneath the city’s glow,
[C] We found a sense of pride, [D] a place where rebels go.
[G] Shouting at the quiet night, [Em] with dreams as loud as sin,
[C] We danced on the edge of right, [D] let the rebellion begin.

(Chorus – Am, C, G, D)
[Am] Riverside Rebellion, [C] echo in the night,
[G] In our hearts, the insurrection, [D] in our eyes, the fight.
[Am] Riverside Rebellion, [C] under the starlight dome,
[G] This is our love, our war, [D] our indie-punk home.

(Verse 2)
[G] Broken strings and drumbeats raw, [Em] under the neon rain,
[C] We sang the songs of the outlaw, [D] to the rhythm of disdain.
[G] Amidst the noise and the unrest, [Em] we found our sweet refrain,
[C] In the heart of the riot, we professed, [D] our unchained domain.

(Chorus)
[Am] Riverside Rebellion, [C] a symphony of noise,
[G] This is our sanctum, [D] our sanctuary of choice.
[Am] Riverside Rebellion, [C] in the heart’s throb and hum,
[G] This is our music, [D] this is where we come from.

Fan Testimonial:

Fan’s Name: Melissa “Mel” Blackburn

Melissa, known as Mel among her peers, has been a diehard fan of Impolite Canal since their early pub gig days. She proudly proclaims that her life has a soundtrack, and it’s composed entirely of Impolite Canal songs. “Their music isn’t just noise – it’s raw, real, and it resonates,” says Mel. She appreciates the band’s sincerity and fearlessness in expressing themselves. For Mel, Impolite Canal is more than just her favorite band – they’re the narrators of her life. She once said, “Impolite Canal’s music has been with me through highs and lows, they’ve been my ‘Riverside Rebellion’.” Their authenticity and passion have deeply inspired Mel, making them her all-time favorite band.

Backstory:

Formed in the vibrant music scene of Austin, Texas in 2015, Composed Worth is a four-piece band whose roots began in the hallowed halls of the city’s music conservatory. The band members – frontman and guitarist Luke Reed, bassist Abby Philips, keyboardist Max Stone, and drummer Ben Harper – initially came together for a school project, but their combined musical prowess and shared vision quickly solidified their union. With an eclectic blend of musical influences from classical to grunge, they began crafting their unique sound, creating a blend of music that quickly gained a local following and eventually caught the attention of indie record label, Sonic Bloom.

Genre:

Indie Rock with Classical Influence

Title:

“Symphony in Silence”

Full song lyrics with chord progression:

(Verse 1: Dm – G – Dm – G)
On a canvas of quiet, under the moon’s soft glow
We paint our dreams in whispers, secrets only we know
In the stillness, we find our song, between the lines where we belong
In the symphony in silence, we compose our worth

(Chorus: F – C – G – Bm)
Symphony in silence, in the echoes of the heart
Our song is written in the spaces, where words fall apart
In the language of the unspoken, where the truth is often heard
In our symphony in silence, we find our worth

(Verse 2: Dm – G – Dm – G)
In the quiet corners of the night, we find our harmony
In the silence between the stars, there’s a melody
In the hush of the night, under a canvas so bright
In the symphony in silence, we compose our worth

(Chorus: F – C – G – Bm)
Symphony in silence, in the whispers of the soul
Our story unfolds in the quiet, where the heart takes control
In the absence of the noise, where love is the loudest voice
In our symphony in silence, we find our worth

Fan Testimonial:

“My name is Parker Hughes, and Composed Worth is my favorite band, without question. Their unique blend of indie rock and classical elements is nothing short of amazing. Each song feels like a journey, a story told through the beautiful language of music. They’ve managed to capture the depth of human emotion in a way that feels authentic and relatable. Every time I listen to ‘Symphony in Silence’, I feel a strong connection to their music. It’s like they’re translating my feelings into this beautiful symphony. Composed Worth isn’t just a band to me, they’re the soundtrack of my life.”

Backstory:

Complicated Lip were born out of the hazy, neon-lit backstreets of Austin, Texas. The band of four – frontman and lead guitarist Jesse Parsons, drummer Luke ‘Sticks’ Griffin, bassist ‘Silent’ Tim Baker and keyboardist Hannah ‘Wild Card’ Chambers – found each other in the city’s bustling music scene. They were all individually involved in different projects but were seeking something different, something more genuine. They wanted to break away from the commercialized sound and create music that was raw, experimental, and truthful – hence, Complicated Lip was formed.

The quartet locked themselves away in a makeshift studio, where they spent night after night experimenting with sounds and crafting their unique musical identity. After months of hard work and an incredible journey of self-discovery, Complicated Lip was ready to share their music with the world. Their debut gig at a local bar was a resounding success, and they haven’t looked back since.

Genre:
Alternative Rock

Title:
“Quicksilver Echo”

Full Song Lyrics:

[Verse 1]
Em C
Running through the corridors of time,
G D
Chasing shadows, seeking signs,
Em C
In the corners of my restless mind,
G D
Quicksilver echoes I find.

[Chorus]
Am C
Quicksilver echo, whispering dreams,
G D
Lost in a dance, or so it seems,
Am C
Carry me on your silver wings,
G D
To the place where eternity sings.

[Verse 2]
Em C
In the silence of the night,
G D
Under the star’s soft light,
Em C
I hear your voice taking flight,
G D
Quicksilver echo, burning bright.

[Chorus]
Am C
Quicksilver echo, whispering dreams,
G D
Lost in a dance, or so it seems,
Am C
Carry me on your silver wings,
G D
To the place where eternity sings.

Fan Testimonial:

Fan’s Name: Donna Mitchell

Donna Mitchell has been a diehard fan of Complicated Lip since their first gig at the local bar in Austin. Her love for the band is deeply rooted in their authentic and raw sound, something she believes is rare in today’s music industry. She says, “Complicated Lip isn’t just a band, they’re an experience. Every song reaches into your soul and leaves a mark. Their music is real, it’s emotional, and it’s raw. No other band speaks to me the way Complicated Lip does. ‘Quicksilver Echo’ is my anthem, my comfort song, my battle cry. I’ve seen them live so many times, and each time feels like the first. They’re not just my favorite band, they’re a part of who I am.”

Backstory:
Sparse Tree, a band that sprung from the serene hills of Asheville, North Carolina, found their roots in a shared love for both music and nature. The band’s core members, Jason Grant, Olivia Keane, and Tom Wynn, were music students at the University of North Carolina Asheville. They bonded over late-night jam sessions, impromptu gigs at local venues, and hiking trips in the surrounding Blue Ridge Mountains. Their unique fusion of sounds began to take shape around campfires, under the stars, and among the sparse trees that lent their name to the group. With Jason on lead vocals and guitar, Olivia on the bass and backing vocals, and Tom on the drums, they began to develop a unique blend of folk and indie rock.

Genre:
Folk/Indie Rock

Title:
“Underneath the Starlit Canopy”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
[G] Underneath the starlit canopy,
[C] Among the whispers of the trees,
[Am] We found a rhythm, found a melody,
[D] Nature’s song, set us free.

(Chorus)
[G] We are Sparse Tree, born in the wild,
[C] Music flowing like a river, gentle and mild,
[Am] Our hearts are tuned to the mountains high,
[D] Underneath the starlit canopy, we learn to fly.

(Verse 2)
[G] The moonlight dances on the creek,
[C] In our songs, it’s peace we seek,
[Am] Through the valleys, over the peak,
[D] Our love for music, it’s never weak.

(Chorus)
[G] We are Sparse Tree, singing the night away,
[C] In harmony with nature, in its gentle sway,
[Am] We strum, we drum, we begin to play,
[D] Underneath the starlit canopy, we find our way.

Fan testimonial:
Our biggest fan is none other than Sarah Gibson. Sarah, an Asheville native, has been following us since our first gigs in small, local venues. Her testimonial: “Sparse Tree’s music is like a breath of fresh mountain air. They capture the beauty and tranquility of nature in a way that speaks to my heart. I feel transported to the mountaintops every time I hear ‘Underneath the Starlit Canopy’. The band has this magical ability to blend folk and indie rock that creates a completely unique and mesmerizing sound. They’re my favorite because they are genuine, down-to-earth, and their music reflects their love for both music and nature. I couldn’t ask for a better band to represent the spirit of Asheville.”

Backstory:
Positive Attempt was born out of a garage in suburban Portland, Oregon back in 2012. Four childhood friends – Mike (vocals), Ryan (guitar), Sam (bass), and Jake (drums) – decided to channel their shared love for music into something more tangible. They started out playing at local bars and eventually caught the attention of a local radio station that played one of their demo tracks during an unsigned bands segment. Their unique sound resonated with people, and soon they had a growing fan base. The band’s name reflects their shared philosophy – always staying positive and constantly learning from every attempt they make in life.

Genre:
Positive Attempt has a distinctive sound that blends Alternative Rock with elements of Folk and Country music.

Title:
“Chasing the Horizon”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
[G] Running down this endless road, [D] chasing dreams that we hold,
[Em] The sun is setting but we’re still [C] going strong,
[G] The wind is whispering our song, [D] the journey seems so long,
[Em] But with every mile, we find where we [C] belong.

(Chorus)
[G] Chasing the Horizon, [D] under the setting sun,
[Em] In every struggle, every joy, every [C] victory won,
[G] We’ll keep moving forward, [D] until our days are done,
[Em] And with every sunrise, a new journey [C] has begun.

(Verse 2)
[G] With a map in our hearts and [D] stars as our guide,
[Em] We’ll conquer every mountain, cross the [C] ocean’s tide,
[G] No matter what comes our way, [D] we’ll take it in stride,
[Em] ‘Cause in this game of life, there’s nowhere to [C] hide.

(Chorus)
[G] Chasing the Horizon, [D] under the setting sun,
[Em] In every struggle, every joy, every [C] victory won,
[G] We’ll keep moving forward, [D] until our days are done,
[Em] And with every sunrise, a new journey [C] has begun.

Favorite Fan:
The band’s favorite fan is a guy called Tim. He’s been with them since their early days, attending their first gig in a small pub in Portland. He’s followed their journey ever since, attending every show he possibly can. Tim says, “What draws me to Positive Attempt is their raw, honest music and their positive outlook. Their songs have gotten me through some tough times and inspired me in so many ways. The song ‘Chasing the Horizon’ is my go-to anthem – a reminder to keep moving forward no matter what. Positive Attempt is more than just a band to me, they’re a beacon of hope.”

Backstory:
Formed in the eclectic music scene of Portland, Oregon, in 2013, Second Bank is a unique blend of old school friends and chance encounters. The lead singer, Leo Sullivan, and drummer, Bill “Bam Bam” Baxter, were high school buddies who shared a passion for music and dreamed of forming their own rock band. They found their missing pieces in a local bar when they heard a bass solo that stopped them in their tracks. The man behind the bass was Mitch “Stitch” Reynolds, a seasoned musician who had toured with several bands before deciding to settle down in Portland. Together with Molly Holmes, a classically trained violinist who adds a unique flavor to the band, they formed Second Bank.

Genre:
Second Bank is an Indie Rock band with influences of Folk and Blues.

Title:
“One More Whiskey”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
G
The night’s young and the bar is old,
D
I’m sittin’ here, stories untold,
Em
With my thoughts, my dreams, my fears,
C
And this old folk song ringing in my ears.

(Chorus)
G
One more whiskey, and a song,
D
In this old bar, we all belong,
Em
With the echoes of the night,
C
We’ll find our way towards the light.

(Verse 2)
G
To the dreams that got away,
D
To the hopes of a brighter day,
Em
Here’s to you and me,
C
And to what will never be.

(Chorus)
G
One more whiskey, and a song,
D
In this old bar, we all belong,
Em
With the echoes of the night,
C
We’ll find our way towards the light.

(Bridge)
Em
In the shadows, we find light,
C
In the wrongs, we find the right,
G
In the silence, we find the sound,
D
In the lost, we find the found.

(Chorus)
G
One more whiskey, and a song,
D
In this old bar, we all belong,
Em
With the echoes of the night,
C
We’ll find our way towards the light.

Favorite Fan:
Second Bank’s favorite fan is Jenny Anderson. Jenny got to know about the band through a friend’s recommendation and she’s been a fan since the band’s early days.

Testimonial:
“I love Second Bank because their music speaks to me. Their lyrics, their sound, everything about them feels so genuine and raw. It’s like they’re not just playing music; they’re sharing their stories, their experiences. And in doing so, they’re helping me understand my own feelings and experiences better. They’re more than just a band to me. They’re a part of my life.” – Jenny Anderson

Backstory:

Smug Witness is a band that was built on the foundations of friendship and a shared love for creative expression. The band members, Jaden Smithson (vocals), Kyle Mitchell (guitar), Tony Hunter (drums), and Liam Gordon (bass), were childhood friends who grew up in the suburbs of Pittsburgh. The band started as a fun pastime in their high school years, playing in their garage, but their raw talent and unique sound couldn’t go unnoticed for long. After winning a local band competition and getting featured in a local newspaper, they started gaining recognition, leading to their first record deal.

Their journey was not without struggles. Jaden’s fight with depression and Kyle’s battle with addiction became the inspiration for many of their songs. Their music became a testament to their struggles and victories, resonating with a lot of fans around the world.

Genre:

Rock/Alternative

Title:

“Shattered Mirrors”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
Am Em G D
Lost in the shadows of the forgotten lies,
Am Em G D
Broken shards reflecting the unanswered cries,
Am Em G D
Shattered mirrors of a thousand tries,
Am Em G D
In the chaos, our hope never dies.

(Chorus)
C G Am F
We’re the forgotten, we’re the survivors,
C G Am F
Born in the fire, raised in the wild,
C G Am F
In our reflections, see the fighters,
C G Am F
In shattered mirrors, we stand united.

(Verse 2)
Am Em G D
In the ashes, we find our light,
Am Em G D
In the darkness, we continue to fight,
Am Em G D
Our reflections may not always be right,
Am Em G D
But in shattered mirrors, we find our might.

(Repeat Chorus)

(End)
C G Am F
In the shattered, we’re the brightest,
C G Am F
In the lost, we find the rightest,
C G Am F
In the chaos, we stand the firmest,
C G Am F
In shattered mirrors, we’re the truest.

Favorite Fan:

Their favorite fan is a girl named Mia Thompson. Mia first came across Smug Witness when she was dealing with her own struggles with depression and addiction. She felt connected to their music and found strength in their lyrics. She has attended every concert since then and even started a fan page to connect other fans of the band.

Testimonial:

“I never thought I could find solace in music until I found Smug Witness. Their songs speak to me on a level that nothing else can. They tell my story, they tell everyone’s story who’s been through struggles and come out stronger. I appreciate the band not only for their amazing music but also for being so open about their own struggles. It’s the raw honesty that sets them apart. I am proud to be a fan of Smug Witness.” – Mia Thompson