Creative Diary

Backstory:

Creative Diary is an eclectic four-piece outfit from the heart of Los Angeles, California. Formed in 2011, the band comprises childhood friends Jack Marlowe (vocals/guitar), Ryan Brewer (lead guitar), Lisa Evans (bass), and Anthony “Ant” Davis (drums), who set out to express their love for music and shared experiences through melodies and words. They gained local attention for their passion-infused live performances and quickly found themselves signed to the indie label, BellaVista Records.

In 2013, Creative Diary released their debut album “Wanderlust Whispers”. Their heartfelt lyrics and distinctive sound struck a chord with listeners, who related to the band’s brand of music that explores a range of human emotions. From the loves and losses of their early twenties to the exhilarating journey of chasing dreams, the band’s music serves as an intimate look into their lives, thus the name ‘Creative Diary’.

Genre: Indie Folk Rock

Title: “Rivers of Sunrise”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
[Em] Woke up to the [C] sound of the [G] city,
[D] Lost in the [Em] rush, looking for [C] something pretty,
[G] Chasing dreams [D] on these worn-out streets,
[Em] Hearts beating [C] fast to our [G] restless beats.

(Chorus)
[G] Rivers of [D] sunrise,
[Em] Running through [C] this endless night,
[G] Guiding us [D] home, when we’ve [C] lost our sight,
[G] Rivers of [D] sunrise, [C] hold us tight.

(Verse 2)
[Em] We’ve got our [C] fears, we’ve got our [G] hopes,
[D] And a suitcase [Em] full of [C] dreams to cope,
[G] With the world [D] that’s sometimes unkind,
[Em] In the end, [C] love’s what we [G] find.

(Chorus)
[G] Rivers of [D] sunrise,
[Em] Through the darkest [C] night, we rise,
[G] Guiding us [D] home, to where our [C] heart lies,
[G] Rivers of [D] sunrise, [C] our sweet surprise.

Fan Testimonial:

Name: Samantha Ward

“Creative Diary is more than just a band to me, it’s a source of comfort and understanding. Their music resonates with so many of my personal experiences. They’ve been there for me through heartbreak and triumph, through the ordinary and extraordinary. I’ve never felt more connected to a band’s music and message. The song ‘Rivers of Sunrise’ has a special place in my heart, it feels like home. It’s about hope, love, journey and growth – the very essence of life. As a fan, it’s an honor to be a part of their musical journey.”

Altruistic Vegetable

Backstory:

Altruistic Vegetable was formed in the heart of Liverpool in 2008 when four vegan friends discovered their shared love for music and their passion to spread a message about environmental sustainability. Frontman Liam Doherty, guitarist Richie Collins, bassist Robert “Rob” McCormick, and drummer Andrew “Drew” Fletcher were all students at the University of Liverpool when they decided to start a band that mirrored their ideals. After several jam sessions in their shabby student accommodation, they fused their diverse musical influences into a unique sound that was both entertaining and thought-provoking.

Their first gig at a small local vegan festival was an instant hit, and word quickly spread about their unique blend of tunes and lyrics. Since then, Altruistic Vegetable has gained a dedicated fan base and is well-known for their energetic live performances, their compelling lyrics, and their commitment to promoting veganism and sustainability.

Genre:

Indie Rock/Alternative

Title:

“Compost Hearts”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
[C] We’re walking on a [Em] planet that is dying,
[Am] Can’t you see the [G] tears she’s crying?
[C] Just like us, she’s [Em] feeling, she’s alive,
[Am] It’s time we opened [G] up our eyes.

(Chorus)
[C] Compost hearts and [Em] recycling minds,
[Am] We can change the world, [G] one step at a time.
[C] Let’s plant a seed, [Em] let love unwind,
[Am] In this garden of [G] life, we’re intertwined.

(Verse 2)
[C] We’re all part of [Em] nature’s symphony,
[Am] Can you hear her [G] song in the whispering trees?
[C] It’s a call to [Em] action, it’s a plea,
[Am] For us to live [G] sustainably.

(Chorus)
[C] Compost hearts and [Em] recycling minds,
[Am] We can change the world, [G] one step at a time.
[C] Let’s be the change, [Em] let’s redefine,
[Am] What it means to [G] live, to love, to be kind.

Band’s Favorite Fan:

Our favorite fan is Molly Evans. Molly’s been there from the start, attending our first ever gig at the vegan festival. She’s been to every single show since, rain or shine, and her passion for our music is palpable. Molly says, “Altruistic Vegetable isn’t just a band to me; they’re a movement. Their music isn’t just catchy; it carries an important message. It’s a soundtrack to a more sustainable and compassionate lifestyle. I love how they use their platform to spread awareness about veganism and environmental issues. They’ve inspired me to make positive changes in my own life, and for that, I’m forever grateful.”

Loathsome Merchant

Backstory:
Loathsome Merchant originated from a chance meeting in 2007 at a small pub in Liverpool. Drummer Jake Sanders, and guitarist, Harry Wilson, both from different bands at the time, shared a profound connection over their love of rock and roll. They soon ventured into creating a unique sound, which was different from their previous bands. They added two more members, keyboardist Paul ‘Keys’ Thompson and bassist Richard ‘Richie’ Marsden. Together, they formed Loathsome Merchant, which became an embodiment of their united vision and shared passion.

In the first few years, they played several small gigs and pubs, honing their style and sound. Their breakout moment arrived when their single “Broken Chains” from their debut album “Disenchanted”, struck a chord with a wide audience. Amidst the sea of musical clichés, Loathsome Merchant’s music stood out with its raw, soulful energy and poignant lyrics, thereby creating a dedicated fanbase almost overnight.

Genre:
Rock/Alt-Rock

Song Title:
“Shadows of Yesterday”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
Am – Dm – G – C
I stand alone in the ruins of time,
Am – Dm – G – C
Trapped in this cage with all my rhymes.
Am – Dm – G – C
The echoes of the past ring in my ear,
Am – Dm – G – C
The shadows of yesterday, they’re still here.

(Chorus)
F – G – Am
Oh, the shadows of yesterday,
F – G – Am
How they dance in the candle’s glow.
F – G – Am
And all the dreams that came my way,
F – G – Am
Lost in the river’s flow.

(Verse 2)
Am – Dm – G – C
Can’t erase the marks etched on my soul,
Am – Dm – G – C
Can’t mend the heart that’s no longer whole.
Am – Dm – G – C
In the silence of the night, I hear you whisper,
Am – Dm – G – C
You’re just a shadow, an insistent whimper.

(Chorus)
F – G – Am
Oh, the shadows of yesterday,
F – G – Am
They lurk in every corner I know.
F – G – Am
All the promises that drifted away,
F – G – Am
Carried by the winds that blow.

Favorite Fan:
Loathsome Merchant’s favorite fan is Melissa Davis, a schoolteacher from Manchester. Melissa fell in love with their music after hearing “Broken Chains” on the radio. She says, “There’s an authenticity in their music that resonates with my soul. The raw emotion, the lyrics, the energy – it all adds up to a genuinely moving experience. It’s as if they’ve found a way to translate the very essence of life into music. I’ve been to every one of their concerts within a hundred-mile radius since then. Loathsome Merchant isn’t just a band for me, they’re a lifeline in a world that often feels too loud.”

Creepy Pack

Backstory:

Creepy Pack was formed on the dark streets of New York City in 2008, when former high school friends, frontman Max ‘Mad Max’ Donovan and bassist Alfie ‘The Phantom’ Simmons, met by chance in a rundown bar. They discovered their shared love for eerie melodies and spine-tingling chord progressions over a couple of beers, leading to an impromptu jam session that marked the genesis of their musical journey. They were later joined by drummer Sarah ‘Spooky’ Stevens and keyboardist Jamie ‘Goblin’ Green. Their name ‘Creepy Pack’ was a nod to the haunting, unique sound they aimed to create, something that had not been explored in mainstream music.

Genre:

Gothic Rock

Title:

“Shadow’s Lullaby”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
Am Em
Down the dark alley where the wild wind whines,
G D
Lies a tale of love that no sun ever shines.
Am Em
In the heart of the night, under a ghostly moon,
G D
We dance to the tune, of the shadow’s lullaby.

(Chorus)
Am Em
Beneath the starless sky, we echo our cry,
G D
Haunted hearts, secrets we deny.
Am Em
In this realm of despair, love’s not a lie,
G D
We sway in the dark, to the shadow’s lullaby.

(Verse 2)
Am Em
Through the veil of darkness, we’re bound by a thread,
G D
Whispered promises, words left unsaid.
Am Em
In the silence, where only echoes reside,
G D
We find solace, in the shadow’s lullaby.

(Chorus)
Am Em
Beneath the starless sky, our souls intertwine,
G D
In this eerie night, your pain is mine.
Am Em
In the arms of the abyss, we learn to fly,
G D
Swept away by the rhythm, of the shadow’s lullaby.

Favorite Fan’s Name:

Luna Blackwood

Testimonial:

“I’ve always loved the darker side of music, so when I discovered Creepy Pack, it was like finding my personal musical haven. Their haunting melodies, spine-chilling lyrics, and overall gothic aesthetic resonate with me on a deep level. The song “Shadow’s Lullaby” in particular, feels like an anthem for those of us who thrive in the darkness. Max’s voice is like a shadow enveloping you, while the rhythm section creates an atmosphere that is both eerie and comforting. Creepy Pack isn’t just a band to me, they’re a beacon in the night, a reminder that it’s okay to be different, to embrace the darkness.”

Deserted Squirrel

Backstory:
Deserted Squirrel is an enigma in the music industry. Formed in the arid landscapes of New Mexico, the four-member band is composed of childhood friends who shared a love for music and a peculiar fascination with squirrels. They were all born and raised in the same small town, and they dreamed of seeing the world, but they never wanted to leave their roots behind. Taking the name ‘Deserted Squirrel’, they sought to symbolize their desert home and the squirrels they would spot in their backyard as boys. Their mutual passion for music coupled with their unique camaraderie led them to form Deserted Squirrel, aiming to share their music with the world while staying true to their roots.

Genre:
Deserted Squirrel’s music can be categorized as Folk Rock with significant Blues influence.

Song Title:
“Dancing Shadows in the Sunset”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
[G] Underneath the [C] sunset colors, [Am] desert winds [D] blow,
[G] For our dreams, we [C] wander, where [Am] the cacti [D] grow.
[G] Chasing shadows [C] as they dance, [Am] feeling the sands [D] below,
[G] We’re the sons of the [C] desert, [Am] with nowhere [D] else to go.

(Chorus)
[G] Dancing Shadows in the [C] sunset, [Am] our dreams are [D] taking flight,
[G] Singing songs to the [C] desert night, [Am] under the star’s [D] gentle light,
[G] We’re Deserted Squirrel, [C] with an unwavering [Am] spirit bright,
[D] Lost in a [C] melody, [Am] strumming through the [D] night.

(Verse 2)
[G] We sing of [C] love, we sing of [Am] pain, [D] in this desert [G] lane,
[C] Our music echoes [Am] in the winds, [D] like gentle desert [G] rain,
[G] From the mountains [C] to the valleys, [Am] over the sunlit [D] plains,
[G] We’re the wandering [C] minstrels, [Am] breaking all the [D] chains.

(Chorus)
[G] Dancing Shadows in the [C] sunset, [Am] our dreams are [D] taking flight,
[G] Singing songs to the [C] desert night, [Am] under the star’s [D] gentle light,
[G] We’re Deserted Squirrel, [C] with an unwavering [Am] spirit bright,
[D] Lost in a [C] melody, [Am] strumming through the [D] night.

Favorite Fan Testimonial:
Our fan base is diverse and passionate, but one fan stands out—Maggie Thompson. She’s been a dedicated follower since our first underground gig at a local dive bar, and she’s traveled across states to attend our concerts. Maggie says, “Deserted Squirrel isn’t just a band; it’s a journey. Their music touches your soul, making you feel like you’re a part of their desert home. Their lyrics are poetry that speaks to you, and their rhythm is a heartbeat that echoes with your own. There’s something magical about them. They’re my favorite because their music is raw, real, and resonates with my spirit.”

Corrupt Tax

Backstory:
Corrupt Tax was formed in the lively heart of Austin, Texas in 2009 by four college friends – Jake Morrison (vocals), Leo Sanchez (guitar), Ryan Thompson (bass), and Mikey LaSalle (drums). The group was known for their thrilling impromptu street performances, until they were discovered by a local talent scout during a local music festival. Impressed by their raw energy and unique sound, the scout signed them to an independent record label within the year. Corrupt Tax earned a name for themselves by using their music to voice their opinions on societal issues, most notably tax corruption, from which they derived their band name.

Genre:
Punk Rock/Alternative Rock

Title:
“Loophole Lament”

Full song lyrics:

(Verse 1)
Am (Am7) E (E7) Dm (Dm7) Am (Am7)
Working nine to five, just to stay alive,
Dollar bills don’t seem to last.
Paycheck comes, it’s a fleeting sight,
The present’s haunted by the past.

(Chorus)
F (Fmaj7) C (Cmaj7) Dm (Dm7) Am (Am7)
Loophole Lament, it’s the song of the spent,
Crying out against the Corrupt Tax.
F (Fmaj7) C (Cmaj7) Dm (Dm7) Am (Am7)
We’re bleeding dry, beneath the lie,
Time to shatter the illusion with facts.

(Verse 2)
Am (Am7) E (E7) Dm (Dm7) Am (Am7)
Injustice rings in the halls of power,
Silence bought with golden gains.
Fat cats feast, while we devour crumbs,
Invisible shackles, unbroken chains.

(Chorus)
F (Fmaj7) C (Cmaj7) Dm (Dm7) Am (Am7)
Loophole Lament, it’s the anthem of dissent,
Echoing in the heart of the maxed.
F (Fmaj7) C (Cmaj7) Dm (Dm7) Am (Am7)
We won’t be silent, we’re the defiant,
Time to expose the Corrupt Tax.

Fan Testimonial:
Name: Emily Johnson

“Corrupt Tax isn’t just a band for me, they’re a revolution. Their music resonates with the truth that’s often swept under the carpet. It’s hard not to feel a sense of camaraderie when you’re singing along to their songs, especially ‘Loophole Lament’. I’ve been a fan since their street performance days and have seen them evolve into the voice of our generation. Their raw energy, enthralling performances, and the realness in their music make Corrupt Tax my absolute favorite.”

Kaleidoscopic Palm

Backstory:
Kaleidoscopic Palm was born from the psychedelic dreams and sun-drenched beaches of sunny California. The band members – Jake Silver on lead vocals and guitar, Susana Mars on bass, and Charlie ‘Drumbeat’ Freeman on drums – first crossed paths at the annual “Burning Man” festival. They immediately bonded over their mutual love for the peace-loving, free-spirited ethos and vibrant music scene of the 60s, and decided to form a band that would reflect these same values. With a shared dream, Kaleidoscopic Palm was born, spreading the magic of their music across the globe with a flare of modern sound and nostalgic vibes.

Genre:
Psychedelic Rock / Surf Pop

Title:
“Beached in Time”

Full Song Lyrics:

Verse 1:
[Am] Island in the sun, [G] colors on the run [F]
Playing with the waves, [Dm] lost in better days [E]
[Am] Footprints on the sand, [G] guitar in my hand [F]
Strumming sweet melodies, [Dm] lost in memories [E]

Chorus:
[A] Beached in time, [G] love so divine
[D] Living on a dream, [E] life’s a kaleidoscopic scene
[A] Catch the wave, [G] let your soul unwind
[D] Beached in time, [E] love that never declined

Verse 2:
[Am] Underneath the palm, [G] singing a calming psalm [F]
Moonlight serenading, [Dm] love perpetually cascading [E]
[Am] Echoes of laughter, [G] moments to capture [F]
Skies of endless blue, [Dm] in a world only we knew [E]

Chorus:
[A] Beached in time, [G] love so divine
[D] Swept by the tide, [E] in this journey, you’re my guide
[A] Catch the wave, [G] in this moment, intertwined
[D] Beached in time, [E] love that’s forever signed

Favorite Fan Testimonial:
Name: Lucy Starling

“Kaleidoscopic Palm is more than just a band to me, it’s a lifestyle. Their music has this incredible ability to transport you to a different time and place, while still resonating with the realities of today. There’s a tangible magic in their sound that echoes the vibrations of the 60s, yet it feels so fresh and unique. It’s like they’ve captured the essence of the past and beautifully weaved it into the present. The song ‘Beached in Time’ particularly resonates with me; it’s like a musical retreat, an escape from the hustle and bustle of life. I’ve been a diehard fan since their first gig and I am absolutely thrilled to go wherever their music takes me!”

Noteworthy Doctor

Backstory:
Formed in the bohemian streets of Greenwich Village, New York in 2007 by singer-songwriter Samuel Grant and drummer Casey Jackson, Noteworthy Doctor was initially an acoustic duo busking on street corners. After two years of playing small gigs and recording demos, the band was discovered by bassist Jeremy Parker and keyboardist Olivia Nelson. The chemistry was immediate, and the quartet soon found their unique sound, attracting the attention of indie record labels. Their first EP, “Hypodermic Melodies,” was a critical darling, launching the band into the realm of indie music stardom.

Genre:
Noteworthy Doctor’s sound falls under the vast umbrella of Indie Rock with a fusion of Alternative Folk. Their music is characterized by harmonious melodies, introspective lyrics, and intricate musical layering, which often incorporates unconventional instruments such as the harmonium and the vibraphone.

Title:
“One Last Prescription”

Full Song Lyrics:
(Verse 1)
G C Am
I’ve been lost in the pages, of a book I can’t comprehend,
Em D C
In the silence of the night, waiting for it to end.
G C Am
My mind’s a battlefield, where the memories collide,
Em D C
I need a Noteworthy Doctor, to heal me from inside.

(Chorus)
G D Em
One last prescription, to numb the pain,
C D G
A song to guide me, through the pouring rain.
G D Em
Noteworthy Doctor, hear my plea,
C D G
Your melody’s the medicine, that sets my spirit free.

(Verse 2)
G C Am
In the city of broken dreams, where shadows hide the light,
Em D C
I stumbled upon your music, in the depth of the night.
G C Am
With every chord you strum, you stitch my broken heart,
Em D C
Noteworthy Doctor, you’ve been my savior, right from the start.

(Chorus)
G D Em
One last prescription, for my weary soul,
C D G
Your rhythm’s the balm, that makes me whole.
G D Em
Noteworthy Doctor, with your healing touch,
C D G
You’re the remedy, I’ve been needing so much.

Favorite Fan:
The band’s favorite fan is a guy named Toby from Portland, Oregon. Toby says, “Discovering Noteworthy Doctor was like finding a light in the dark. Their music speaks to the soul, and it’s something I can’t explain. They’ve been my favorite band since their first single. Their songs, like ‘One Last Prescription,’ have helped me through really tough times. They make music that heals.”

Illiterate Snail

Backstory:

Illiterate Snail is a band that was formed in the bustling music scene of Austin, Texas in 2012. The band consists of four members: lead vocalist and guitarist Johnny ‘The Snail’ Martinez, bassist Sarah ‘Slow-read’ Schultz, drummer Gregory ‘Grit’ Anderson, and keyboardist Connor ‘Conch’ Mitchell. Their name, Illiterate Snail, is an ironic nod to their speedy rise in the local scene, despite the members’ lack of formal musical education. The band members met at a local jam night and felt an immediate connection, their collective sound felt unique and had an organic synergy. They went from busking on the streets of Austin to playing in some of the city’s most iconic venues like Antone’s Nightclub, and eventually touring nationally.

Genre:
Psychedelic Indie Rock

Title:
“Pages in the Rain”

Full song lyrics:

(Verse 1)
Em Bm
A dusty road, under my shoe
G D
I’m a snail with a tale left to prove
Em Bm
No letters learned, but I’ve earned my name
G D
A slow-paced life, in a fast-paced game

(Chorus)
C G
Just an illiterate snail,
D Em
Riding life’s slippery trail
C G
Reading pages in the rain,
D Em
In a world that’s all but sane

(Verse 2)
Em Bm
The world turns, but I stay the same
G D
A slow mover, in a quick-fire game
Em Bm
No words to read, in this endless book
G D
Just the feel of time, that the world mistook

(Chorus)
C G
Just an illiterate snail,
D Em
Riding life’s slippery trail
C G
Reading pages in the rain,
D Em
In a world that’s all but sane

(Outro)
C G
Just an illiterate snail, under the midnight veil
D Em
In this cosmic tale, we’re all but braille.

Fan Testimonial:

Their favorite fan is a woman named Claire Jefferson. Claire is a music journalist for a local Austin publication and has been following the band since their earliest performances. She says, “Illiterate Snail is my favorite band because their music speaks to the soul. Their psychedelic indie-rock tunes are like a journey, taking you through the highs and lows of life. Plus, their energy on stage is absolutely infectious. I’ve never missed a show!”

Stark Field

Backstory:
Stark Field was birthed in the heart of Texas by its founding members, brothers Carl and Roger Jenkins. Their love for music began at a young age, with Carl learning the guitar and Roger, the drums. As they grew older, they ventured into songwriting, merging their experiences of love, loss, and the raw, stark beauty of their rural upbringing into their music. The name ‘Stark Field’ is a nod to the endless, bare fields of their hometown, a symbol of their simple origins and the depth of their creative canvas. After years of performing at local bars and small-time gigs, their breakthrough came in 2005 with their debut album, “Beyond the Horizon,” that caught the attention of indie rock enthusiasts across the country.

Genre:
Indie Rock

Title:
“Harvest Moon”

Full Song Lyrics:
(Verse 1)
[G] Under the [D] harvest [Em] moon, I [C] see your [G] face,
[D] Shadows of [Em] love, in a [C] tranquil [G] embrace.
[D] Walking the [Em] line, between [C] darkness and [G] dawn,
[D] Love is the [Em] field, where [C] true hearts are [G] born.

(Chorus)
[G] Harvest Moon, [D] shine your light [Em] so bright,
[C] Illuminate our [G] dreams, in the [D] cold, still [Em] night.
[G] Unveil the [D] secrets, hidden [Em] in our hearts,
[C] In the stark [G] fields of [D] love, under the [Em] Harvest [C] Moon’s [G] arc.

(Verse 2)
[G]Whispers of [D] wheat, in the [Em] midnight [C] breeze,
[G] Echoing [D] tales, of [Em] forgotten [C] seas.
[G] Your touch, a [D] promise, in the [Em] moonlit [C] night,
[G] We dance, we [D] dream, under the [Em] Harvest [C] Moon’s [G] light.

(Chorus)
[G] Harvest Moon, [D] shine your light [Em] so bright,
[C] Illuminate our [G] dreams, in the [D] cold, still [Em] night.
[G] Unveil the [D] secrets, hidden [Em] in our hearts,
[C] In the stark [G] fields of [D] love, under the [Em] Harvest [C] Moon’s [G] arc.

Fan Profile:
The band’s favorite fan is Sarah Thompson, a baker from their hometown. Sarah has been following Stark Field since their very first gig at the local bar. To her, their music speaks of home and the quiet, unspoken beauty of rural life. She says, “Stark Field is my favorite band simply because their music is honest and raw. When I listen to their songs, I feel like I’m back home, staring at the endless fields and the clear night sky. It’s a feeling of nostalgia and comfort that no other music gives me. It’s the sound of my roots, my identity.”