Backstory:

Emerging from the lively music scene of Montreal, Small Protest is a four-piece band that was formed in the winter of 2013. The band members, comprising of old college friends Alex, Jean, Nate, and Sophie, found a common interest in using music as a tool to express their views on societal issues. Inspired by the massive protests against tuition fee hikes that were rocking the city that year, the band decided to call themselves Small Protest, believing that every small act can contribute to a larger change.

Although the band began by performing at local gigs, their unique blend of intelligent lyrics and impactful music soon gained them followers beyond their local community. They were signed on by an independent label in 2015, and have since released three critically acclaimed albums, each telling a different story of the human experience.

Genre: Indie Rock

Title: “Echoes in the Concrete”

Full Song Lyrics:

Verse:
Am Em
We paint our dreams on city walls,
F C
Hoping they won’t fade away.
Am Em
Our voices rise in the night,
F C
Echoing throughout the day.

Chorus:
G Em
We are the sound,
Am Em
The echoes in the concrete,
F C
A small protest,
G Em
In a world incomplete.

Verse:
Am Em
We march on, hand in hand,
F C
Against the tides of time.
Am Em
Resilient, we make a stand,
F C
Our unity, the perfect rhyme.

Chorus:
G Em
We are the voices,
Am Em
The echoes in the concrete,
F C
A small protest,
G Em
In a world that we’ll complete.

Bridge:
Am Em
With every song, we share our truth,
F C
In every note, there’s a piece of our youth.

Chorus:
G Em
We are the change,
Am Em
The echoes in the concrete,
F C
A small protest,
G Em
In a world that we’ll complete.

Favorite Fan:

Our favorite fan’s name is Lily. She has been following us since our early days. She calls us her favorite band because, as she says, “Small Protest’s music is not just about the melody. It’s about the message. They remind me that every voice matters. Their songs motivate me and make me feel seen. They are the band of my generation.”

Backstory:
Second Dress was formed in the fall of 2006 in the vibrant music scene of Austin, Texas. The band’s four members, Natalie Rhodes (lead vocals, guitar), Emily Harrow (drums), David Samson (bass), and Jake McAllister (lead guitar), all met while attending the University of Texas. Sharing a passion for music, they quickly bonded over late-night jam sessions in their dorm rooms. As they polished their sound, they started performing at local pubs, quickly gaining a devoted following with their energetic performances and sincere lyrics.

The band’s name, Second Dress, was inspired by Natalie’s grandmother who was a seamstress and always stressed the importance of a ‘second dress’ as a chance to make a striking impression. Their music, akin to the concept of a ‘second dress’, resonates with the listeners by offering a refreshing take on the ordinary.

Genre:
Indie Rock

Title:
“Stitches and Seams”

Full song lyrics:
(Verse 1)
[G]She walks down with a [C]second dress, [G] Fading light upon [D]her chest
[G]Underneath the [C]willow tree, [G]She’s waiting there [D]for me

(Chorus)
[G]Stitches and Seams, [C]Tears at the hems,
[D]Our lives tied together, [G]like a delicate thread.
[G]Just you and I, [C]Under the night sky,
[D]In our second dresses, [G]we’ll never forget.

(Verse 2)
[G]Echoes of laughter [C]fill the air, [G] Drifts away with [D]night’s despair
[G]Under the same [C]old willow tree, [G]She’s dancing there [D]with me

(Chorus)
[G]Stitches and Seams, [C]Tears at the hems,
[D] Our dreams unfolding, [G]like a beautiful spread.
[G]Just you and I, [C]Under the moon’s sigh,
[D]In our second dresses, [G]we’ll never regret.

Favorite Fan:
The band’s favorite fan is a young woman named Clara. Clara was there at one of Second Dress’s first performances, and she hasn’t missed a show since. She describes Second Dress as her favorite band because, “They capture the essence of youth and the bittersweet tang of growing up. Their lyrics resonate with me on a deep level, reminding me of my own journey. Every song feels like a personal conversation, like they’re singing just for me. They’re not just a band to me; they’re a part of who I am.” Clara is known for always wearing a handmade second dress to their concerts, making her a beloved member of the Second Dress family.

Backstory:
Sure-Footed Wood was born out of the bohemian trails of a deep forest village nestled in Northern Canada. The core members, Jon “Crooked” Willow and Sari “Windy” Pine met at a local music festival where their mutual love for nature and music had them jamming away under a starlit sky. Crooked, a wandering guitarist, was mesmerized by Windy’s unique, earthy voice and her ability to play a hauntingly beautiful melody on her flute. They soon realised that their music had the power to create an enchanting harmony, one that resonated with the rhythm of the forest. In 2014, after a few more impromptu gigs, they decided to officially form the band – Sure-Footed Wood, a tribute to the wilderness that brought them together.

Genre: Folk Rock / Indie Folk

Title: “Roots Deep Under”

Full song lyrics:

[Intro]
Gm / F / Eb / D

[Verse 1]
Gm
Underneath the veil of the pine,
F
Where the roots run deep and intertwine,
Eb
There we found our rhythm, our rhyme,
D
In the song of the forest, so divine.

[Chorus]
Gm
Oh, our roots run deep under,
F
In the heart of the wild, we discover,
Eb
In the echo of the thunder,
D
We’re the melody, the forest’s lover.

[Verse 2]
Gm
Crooked paths and the Windy trails,
F
Singing tales of the moon and the nightingale,
Eb
In the whispers of the gale,
D
We found music, beyond the veil.

[Chorus]
Gm
Oh, our roots run deep under,
F
In the heart of the wild, we discover,
Eb
In the echo of the thunder,
D
We’re the melody, the forest’s lover.

[Outro]
Gm / F / Eb / D
Oh, we are the Sure-Footed Wood, the nature’s brother.

Fan’s testimonial:
Fan Name: Luna Moth

“Sure-Footed Wood is so much more than just a band to me. Their music is the rhythm of my life, a harmony that connects me to Mother Nature. I’ve been a fan since I first heard them play at a local festival. It was the song ‘Roots Deep Under’ that first struck a chord in my heart. The way they weave the serenity of nature into their music is simply enchanting. I feel like I’m walking through a forest each time I listen to them. They don’t just create music, they create an experience… an experience that transcends the mundane and immerses you into the magical wilderness.”

Backstory:

Gruesome Lake was formed in the grimy backstreets of New York City in the early 2010s. Its members: charismatic and brooding frontman, Vincent, bassist Dexter, drummer Max, and guitarist Julian, were all misfits in their own right who found solace in the raw, emotional language of music. After a chance meeting at an open mic event, they combined their unique talents to create a sound that was both haunting and hypnotic, a musical reflection of their shared experiences, struggles, and survival in a city that never sleeps.

Their debut album, “Echoes in the Dark,” was an overnight success, catapulting them into stardom with a swift momentum that left them both thrilled and slightly disoriented. Despite the sudden fame, they’ve managed to keep their feet on the ground, their music as raw and real as it was in their early days. Despite the success and the endless touring, they still consider themselves just four friends making music, a bond that comes through in all of their songs.

Genre:
Alternative Rock

Title:
“Underneath the Surface”

Full Song Lyrics:

[Verse 1]
Em
Underneath the surface,
C
Where our shadows intertwine,
G
We found a gruesome lake, darling,
D
Reflecting our twisted minds.

[Chorus]
Am
Underneath the surface,
Em
In the realm of the unseen,
C
We swam in gruesome lake, darling,
G
In waters so obscene.

[Verse 2]
Em
In the heart of the city,
C
Where secrets dare to hide,
G
We found our breathless solace, darling,
D
In the depths where we confide.

[Chorus]
Am
Underneath the surface,
Em
In the realm of forgotten dreams,
C
We sank in gruesome lake, darling,
G
Swept away by silent screams.

Fan Testimonial:

“I’m Jane Doe, and I’m the biggest fan of Gruesome Lake, hands down. Why? Because their music isn’t just something to pass the time. It’s raw, it’s real, and it speaks to me on a level that no other band has managed to reach. Every lyric, every chord, seems to echo thoughts and feelings that I didn’t even know I had. Their song ‘Underneath the Surface’ is my personal anthem – a haunting melody that resonates deep within. Gruesome Lake, you rock!”

Backstory:

Idolized World is a band that was formed in the dimly lit basements of small town Ohio in the late 2000s. The four members, childhood friends who shared a love for music, spent endless nights writing songs and dreaming of making it big. Their name, Idolized World, came from their collective vision – to create music that could resonate with and inspire people around the globe.

They started off performing at local bars and small town festivals, but their break came in 2015, when they were discovered by a talent scout while performing at a regional music competition. The scout was instantly swept away by their raw talent and powerful performances, leading to their signing with a renowned record label. Despite their newfound fame and success, they stayed true to their roots, creating music that speaks to the heart and soul of their audience.

Genre:

Alternative Rock

Title:

“Echoes of Yesterday”

Song Lyrics:

[Verses]
Em C
Walking down the streets of my hometown,
G D
Memories flood back without a sound.
Em C
Lost youth and love that’s been cast away,
G D
All captured in the echoes of yesterday.

Chorus:
Em C
Oh, the echoes of yesterday,
G D
They whisper in my ear.
Em C
Through laughter, love, and silent tears,
G D
They’re drawing me near.

[Verses]
Em C
The old diner, where we used to play,
G D
Now stands deserted, in shades of gray.
Em C
Reminds me of a time, far and away,
G D
Caught in the echoes of yesterday.

Chorus:
Em C
Oh, the echoes of yesterday,
G D
They call me home, they won’t stray.
Em C
Through joy, sorrow, and disarray,
G D
They’re here to stay.

[Ending]
Em C
Whispering softly, they never betray,
G D
The beautiful echoes of yesterday.

Fan Testimonial:

“My name is Lisa O’Connor and I’m a massive fan of Idolized World. Their music has helped me through some of the toughest times in my life. Their song ‘Echoes of Yesterday’ in particular, it speaks so much to my heart. It’s like they’ve managed to capture the essence of nostalgia, of longing for simpler times, and put it into words and music. Their songs have a way of touching you deep inside, and that’s why they are my favorite band.”

Backstory:
Tan Notice, formed in the heart of Seattle in 2014, was birthed from the shared passion for music and storytelling. The band members include Terry Thompson (lead vocals), Nancy Swanson (drums), and Oliver Clarke (guitar). The trio met in a seedy dive bar during an open mic night, each of them stepping on stage to perform their own solo pieces. Struck by each other’s talent and creativity, the three decided to join forces, creating a unique sound that would soon be recognized as Tan Notice.

Their first album was a gritty exploration of the highs and lows of city living, and it found modest success in the local music scene. But it wasn’t until the release of their sophomore effort, “Wave of Echoes,” that they started to gain national attention. Today, they continue to captivate audiences with their raw and intelligent lyrics, grounding beats, and thoughtful guitar solos.

Genre:
Alternative Rock

Title:
“Chasing Shadows”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
Am – D – G – E
Lost in a city that never sleeps,
Am – D – G – E
Roaming the streets while everyone else dreams.
Am – D – G – E
Got a pocket full of dreams and a heart full of pain,
Am – D – G – E
Chasing shadows in the rain.

(Chorus)
C – Em – Am – F
Chasing shadows, chasing shadows,
C – Em – Am – F
In the city’s night, under the neon lights.
C – Em – Am – F
Chasing shadows, chasing shadows,
C – Em – Am – F
Running from the past, hoping to find peace at last.

(Verse 2)
Am – D – G – E
Whispers of secrets carried by the wind,
Am – D – G – E
In this city of sin, where do I even begin?
Am – D – G – E
Looking for a sign, for a ray of light,
Am – D – G – E
Chasing shadows all through the night.

(Chorus)
C – Em – Am – F
Chasing shadows, chasing shadows,
C – Em – Am – F
In the city’s maze, lost in this endless haze.
C – Em – Am – F
Chasing shadows, chasing shadows,
C – Em – Am – F
Searching for a chance, for a sweet, fleeting romance.

Favorite Fan:
Their favorite fan’s name is Emily Peterson. Emily first heard Tan Notice at a local music festival and was immediately drawn to their evocative lyrics and dynamic sound. As their biggest supporter, Emily has traveled across the country to see Tan Notice perform and has even started her own fan club for the band. In Emily’s words, “Tan Notice speaks to my soul. Their music is a therapeutic blend of raw emotion and hard-hitting truths that resonate with me. I feel seen and understood as I lose myself in their songs. They’re not just a band to me, they’re like my lifeline.”

Backstory:
Distorted Tv is a group of four guys who met in a small town in Ohio. They all shared a common love for music and the arts, and one day, they decided to create a band. The name ‘Distorted Tv’ was inspired by their shared perception of the world; a reality that isn’t always what it seems, just like a distorted image on a television screen. Though they all had different backgrounds and interests, they found a common ground in music, which eventually led them to their shared dream of creating music that resonates with their listeners’ hearts. Their journey was far from easy, with many ups and downs, but their shared passion for music kept them together and helped them to overcome the struggles they faced.

Genre:
Alternative Rock

Title:
“Static Filled Dreams”

Full song lyrics:
(Verse 1)
[Am] Television screens filled with static [G]
[D] Dreams of ours that turned so tragic [E]
[Am] Echoes of laughter now only noise [G]
[D] Lost among life’s broken toys [E]

(Chorus)
[Am] We are the Distorted Tv [G]
[D] Giving voice to the forgotten glee [E]
[Am] In the static and the noise, we’ll be [G]
[D] The melody that sets you free [E]

(Verse 2)
[Am] Once were dreamers, now the dream [G]
[D] Through the static, our voices scream [E]
[Am] Lost in the echo, yet so clear [G]
[D] In the chaos, we are the cheer [E]

(Chorus)
[Am] We are the Distorted Tv [G]
[D] Breaking through the monotony [E]
[Am] In the static and the noise, we’ll be [G]
[D] The harmony that lets you see [E]

Fan’s Name:
David Brady

Testimonial:
“I’ve been a fan of Distorted Tv ever since they released their first album. Their unique sound, the raw emotions they convey through their music, is something that deeply resonates with me. Their song, ‘Static Filled Dreams,’ in particular, speaks to me on a personal level. It’s like they’ve taken the chaos of life and turned it into a melody that makes sense. That’s why they are my favorite band. Their music is not just something you listen to; it’s something you feel and experience.”

Backstory:

Scared Seed sprouted from humble beginnings in the small midwestern town of Keota, Iowa, where farming was the norm, and music was an escape. The band was initially a trio of high school friends – lead vocalist and guitarist Layne Carver, bassist Ethan Powers, and drummer Luke Powell – who would jam out in their parents’ barns after the day’s chores were done. Their passion for music grew along with their friendship, and after a spontaneous performance at a local county fair, they realized their synergy on stage was something special.

Upon graduating high school, the trio was faced with a choice – to follow the conventional path of farming or pursue their shared passion for music. They chose the latter and moved to the bustling city of Chicago. After busking and playing small gigs, they were discovered by a local radio DJ, who helped them get their first record deal. Despite their success, Scared Seed has always stayed true to their roots, often integrating themes of rural life and personal growth in their music.

Genre:

Alternative Country / Folk Rock

Title:

“Rye Whiskey Lullaby”

Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1: C, Am, F, G)
In the heart of the heartland, under blue prairie sky
(C, Am, F, G)
You’ll find me at the crossroads, where the cornfields lie
(C, Am, F, G)
In my hands, a guitar, in my heart, a song
(C, Am, F, G)
And in my flask, a rye whiskey, to help me along

(Chorus: F, G, C, Am)
Sing me a rye whiskey lullaby
(F, G, C, Am)
Beneath that old Iowa moon so high
(F, G, C, Am)
We’ve grown from Scared Seeds, into mighty trees
(F, G, C, Am)
Singing our truth for all to see

(Verse 2: C, Am, F, G)
We traded ploughs for melodies, and tractors for guitars
(C, Am, F, G)
Left the cornfields behind us, chasing city stars
(C, Am, F, G)
But memories of roots, run deep in our veins
(C, Am, F, G)
In every note we play, you can hear the plains

(Repeat Chorus)

Favourite Fan:

Their best-loved fan is a young woman named Molly Malone. Molly first encountered Scared Seed during their early busking days in Chicago. She was captivated by their heartfelt lyrics and unique blend of country and folk rock. Since then, she has followed them to every concert, come rain or shine.

Testimonial:

“Scared Seed is my absolute favorite band, for so many reasons. From their raw, unfiltered lyrics to their authentic, soulful sound, they connect with my spirit like no other. They remind me of my own roots, growing up in a small town and dreaming big. Despite their growth, they’ve kept their humility, often giving back to their community and staying connected with their fans. Their music resonates with me in a way that’s more than just sound – it’s like a rye whiskey lullaby for my soul.”

Backstory:

Jaded Hope emerged from the damp basements of the Pacific Northwest in the late ’90s, initially formed as a refuge from the grim realities of millennial angst and apathy. The band consists of lead vocalist and guitarist, Michael “Mickey” Thompson, drummer Derek “Del” Campbell, and bassist Lucy “Lu” Harper. After meeting in a local record shop, the trio was united by their shared frustration with the world around them and their desire to express themselves through music. Their raw, hard-hitting sound soon caught the attention of the local scene, propelling them on an unexpected journey that would see them playing shows across the country.

Genre:

Alternative Rock/Grunge

Title:

“Faded Echo”

Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
[G] There’s a faded echo in the [D] back of my mind,
[C] Old melodies drowned in the [G] sands of time.
Distant [G] voices and the [D] laughter so clear,
[C] Lost in the echoes, yet [G] I still hear.

(Chorus)
[G] Faded echoes, [D] whispering low,
[C] Telling me things I [G] no longer know.
[G] Haunting my dreams, [D] stealing my sleep,
[C] These are the secrets [G] we buried so deep.

(Verse 2)
[G] Time moves on, but the [D] echoes remain,
[C] Ghost of the past, sing your [G] haunting refrain.
[G] Shadows dance to the [D] rhythm of night,
[C] Held in their grip, till [G] morning’s first light.

(Chorus)
[G] Faded echoes, [D] whispering low,
[C] Telling me things I [G] no longer know.
[G] Haunting my dreams, [D] stealing my sleep,
[C] These are the secrets [G] we keep.

Fan Testimonial:

Name: Ethan “E” Tanner
“I’ve been a fan of Jaded Hope since their first basement gig. Their music resonates with me on a personal level. The rawness, the honesty, the grit, it’s like they’ve taken my own thoughts and feelings and given them a voice. Specifically, “Faded Echo” is more than just a song to me, it’s an anthem. It speaks to the struggle of moving past old memories and the haunting echoes they leave behind. Jaded Hope is my favorite band because they aren’t afraid to dig deep and reveal the unadorned truth.”

Backstory:
Formed in the heart of Boston in 2011, Unripe Scene began as a shared passion among four college friends: lead vocalist/guitarist Chris Kent, drummer Miles Turner, bassist Jake Reynolds, and keyboardist Sophie Miller. United by their shared love for music, they started jamming in their dorm rooms, where their talent quickly became apparent. Over time, they started playing in small local venues, building a fan base with their infectious energy and unique sound. After graduation, they decided to take a leap of faith, touring the country and playing to larger crowds. They’ve worked hard to maintain their indie integrity, constantly evolving their sound while staying true to their roots.

Genre:
Indie Rock/Alternative Pop

Title:
“Stardust Melancholy”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
[C]Underneath the [G]city lights, [Am]lost in the [Em]crowd,
[D]Searching for a [G]little peace, where [C]silence is loud.
[C]We are just [G]dreamers, [Am]chasing the [Em]sun,
[D]Caught up in a [G]reverie, that’s [C]only begun.

(Chorus)
[Em]Stardust [G]melancholy, [C]painting the [D]sky,
[Em]We are [G]unripe scenes in the [C]world’s dreaming [D]eye.
[Em]Keep on [G]chasing shadows, [C]under the [D]moon,
[Em]We are [G]unripe scenes, but we’ll [C]ripen [D]soon.

(Verse 2)
[C]In the midst of [G]chaos, [Am]we seek the [Em]divine,
[D]Strangers in this [G]world, but [C]your hand in mine.
[C]We are just [G]travelers, [Am]on the road [Em]less trod,
[D]Finding our [G]way, with a [C]faith in God.

(Chorus)
[Em]Stardust [G]melancholy, [C]painting the [D]sky,
[Em]We are [G]unripe scenes in the [C]world’s dreaming [D]eye.
[Em]Keep on [G]chasing shadows, [C]under the [D]moon,
[Em]We are [G]unripe scenes, but we’ll [C]ripen [D]soon.

Fan’s Name and Testimonial:
Fan’s name: Lucy Donovan
Testimonial: “Unripe Scene is more than just a band to me. Their music has been a constant source of inspiration and comfort during some of the most challenging times of my life. Their unique blend of indie rock and alternative pop creates an incredibly moving, soul-stirring sound that’s impossible not to love. I especially connect with their song ‘Stardust Melancholy.’ The lyrics are profoundly relatable and always remind me of the importance of perseverance and hope. Unripe Scene will forever be my favorite band, not just for their music, but for the love and passion they put into it.”