Backstory:

Giving Bag started life as four college friends who had an unshakeable bond and a deep-rooted love for music. The members – lead vocalist and guitar player Max Turner, drummer Sam Neill, bassist Jason Clarke, and keyboardist Mike Hoffman – initially played at college parties and local bars, gaining a small but loyal fan base. Their music was unconventional, a blend of philosophical lyrics with a unique musical style that quickly caught the attention of a local record label. They were signed almost immediately after their graduation, and the rest, as they say, is history.

Genre:
Giving Bag’s music is a hybrid of Indie Rock and Folk music, with a smattering of Blues for good measure. Their style is distinctive, marked by emotionally-charged lyrics, soaring guitar riffs, and melodic keyboard arrangements.

Title:
“Carousel of Thoughts”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
G – C – Em – D
In the still of the night, under a sky so clear,
The carousel of thoughts, whispering in my ear.
In the cage of my mind, where shadows dance,
I’m caught in a web, entrapped in a trance.

(Chorus)
Am – C – G – D
On the carousel of thoughts, it goes round and round,
In the silence of the night, there’s a haunting sound.
In the labyrinth of dreams, where reality is lost,
I’m a marionette, paying the cost.

(Verse 2)
G – C – Em – D
In the theatre of stars, where stories unfold,
Each secret whispered, each truth untold.
In the gallery of memories, painted in gold,
The carousel spins, bold and untold.

(Chorus)
Am – C – G – D
On the carousel of thoughts, spinning out of control,
In the dungeon of despair, where shadows take a toll.
In the carnival of life, where dreams are bought and sold,
I’m just a passenger, in stories yet to be told.

The Band’s Favorite Fan:

Our favorite fan is undoubtedly Jenny Reynolds. Jenny has been with us since our first gig at a small college party. She has not missed a single concert and always stands in the front row, encouraging us with her infectious enthusiasm. Jenny says, “I love Giving Bag because their music speaks to me. It’s as if every song is a mirror to my soul. Their melodies are soothing and their lyrics profound. They are not just a band to me, they are my companions in this journey called life.”

Backstory:
Open Texture was born on the cobbled streets of Portland, Oregon, where John “Spike” Miller and Sarah “Rhapsody” Jameson connected over their shared love for music. Spike, a versatile guitarist with a knack for composing, and Rhapsody, a classically-trained pianist with an angelic voice, met at a local jazz bar’s open mic night. An impromptu duet of an old blues song sealed their camaraderie and artistic chemistry. The duo started creating their unique sound, blending elements of rock, blues, and folk, and soon, Open Texture was born. Their music resonates with the spirit of the city, carrying stories of love, loss, and the beauty of life’s simplest moments, resonating deeply with their listeners.

Genre:
Blues-infused Folk Rock

Title:
“Shades of Blue”

Song Lyrics:

Verse 1 (Am, F, C, G):
(Am) Wandering through streets so cold, (F)
(C) Looking for a hand to hold, (G)
(Am) In this city of stories untold, (F)
(C) We find our hearts turning old. (G)

Chorus (F, C, G, Am):
(F) But there’s a shade of blue, (C)
(G) That reminds me of you, (Am)
(F) In the twilight so true, (C)
(G) I find my refuge, in you. (Am)

Verse 2 (Am, F, C, G):
(Am) Shadows dance, as the sun hides, (F)
(C) The moon’s our guide, through the high tides. (G)
(Am) Through the heartache, and the goodbyes, (F)
(C) We learn to soar, we learn to fly. (G)

Chorus (F, C, G, Am):
(F) But there’s a shade of blue, (C)
(G) That takes me back to you, (Am)
(F) In the echoes of the night so true, (C)
(G) I find my strength, I find you. (Am)

Favorite Fan:
Our biggest fan is a lovely lady named Emily. She has attended every show, from our humble beginnings at Portland’s open mic nights to our sold-out concerts at city music festivals. She connects with our music on a spiritual level and claims that our song “Shades of Blue” helped her through a tough time. In her words, “Open Texture’s music is the soundtrack of my life. Each song speaks directly to my heart and comforts me in ways words can’t do justice. It’s as if Spike and Rhapsody have composed a melody for every emotion I’ve ever felt. I couldn’t imagine my life without their music.”

Backstory:
Downright French is a soulful, alternative pop band that hails from the colorful and vibrant streets of Montreal, Canada. Formed in 2009 by four high school friends, the quartet, comprised of frontman Antoine LeClaire, guitarist Louis Bertrand, bassist Julien Sorel, and drummer André Moreau, found an instant bond over their shared passion for music. They named their band Downright French to celebrate their French-Canadian origins and their upfront, unapologetic attitude towards their music and life. Over the past decade, they’ve managed to cultivate a signature sound that seamlessly blends traditional French music elements with modern pop sensibilities.

Genre:
Alternative Pop

Title:
“Underneath the Montreal Moon”

Full Song Lyrics:

[Verse 1]
(Am) Underneath the Montreal moon,
(G) Walking on the cobblestones,
(Dm) I found a piece of you,
(E) Frozen in the winter’s snow.

[Chorus]
(F) Underneath the Montreal moon,
(G) I’ll find the melody,
(C) That unites you and me,
(Am) In a song that ends too soon.

[Verse 2]
(Am) In the café on St. Catherine,
(G) Where the jazz notes softly swing,
(Dm) I hear the words you used to say,
(E) Echo in the music play.

[Chorus]
(F) Underneath the Montreal moon,
(G) I’ll write a symphony,
(C) In the key of our history,
(Am) Humming the tune.

[Bridge]
(Dm) Underneath the stars above,
(G) We shared our secret love,
(C) In the language of the city,
(Am) Whispered soft and oh so pretty.

[Chorus]
(F) Underneath the Montreal moon,
(G) I’ll play our memories,
(C) On the strings of my guitar,
(Am) Underneath the Montreal moon.

Fan Testimonial:
Mallory Davis, a 29-year-old graphic designer from Vancouver, has followed Downright French since their inception. “I’ve been a fan of Downright French for over a decade now. I saw them at a small venue in Vancouver back in 2010, and I was immediately drawn to their authentic sound and heartfelt lyrics,” Davis gushes. “Their music resonates with me on a deep level, and they’ve been the soundtrack to so many significant moments in my life. ‘Underneath the Montreal Moon’ is my favorite song – it makes me feel like I’m back in Montreal, walking under the moonlight. Their music is a true love letter to Canada, and I can’t get enough of it.”

Backstory:

Buzzing Nation was formed in the heat of a sweltering summer in Brisbane, Australia in 2007. The band members, led by vocalist and songwriter Andy ‘Buzz’ Thompson, met at a local open-mic night at the town’s most loved pub. Sharing a mutual love for music and a longing for something beyond the humdrum of everyday life, they decided to form a band, giving birth to the creation of ‘Buzzing Nation’. They spent several years honing their sound in their basements before breaking out into the local music scene. Their music journeyed from local gigs to national tours and today, they’re one of the most recognized names in the Australian music industry.

Genre:

Buzzing Nation is primarily an Indie Rock band, with strong elements of Folk and Alternative Rock.

Title:

“Under the Outback Sky”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
[C] Sitting on the porch, [G] under the outback sky,
[D] Counting the stars, [Em] as the night flies by.
[C] With my old guitar, [G] singing a lonesome tune,
[D] Longing for the dawn, [Em] under the outback moon.

(Chorus)
[C] Under the outback sky, [G] dreaming of you and I,
[D] Wrapped in a love, [Em] as deep as the night.
[C] Under the outback sky, [G] where the wild winds sigh,
[D] Our hearts beat in rhythm, [Em] strong and bright.

(Verse 2)
[C] In the heart of the desert, [G] where the spirits roam,
[D] I found my heart’s echo, [Em] I found my home.
[C] With every strum, [G] and every tale untold,
[D] We’re painting our dreams, [Em] in hues of gold.

(Chorus)
[C] Under the outback sky, [G] dreaming of you and I,
[D] Wrapped in a love, [Em] as deep as the night.
[C] Under the outback sky, [G] where the wild winds sigh,
[D] Our hearts beat in rhythm, [Em] echoing the night’s rhyme.

Fan’s Testimonial:

Fan’s Name: Lily Patterson

“I’ve been a huge fan of Buzzing Nation since their early days. Their music has been a soundtrack to the significant moments in my life. The raw emotion in their lyrics combined with their authentic sound never fails to touch my soul. ‘Under the Outback Sky’ is my absolute favorite. It reminds me of my roots and the irresistible charm of the Australian outback. Buzzing Nation is my favorite band because their music is a true reflection of their journey and life in Australia. Their songs are relatable, and they have a knack for making you feel like you’re part of their story. Their music is more than just entertainment; it’s an experience.”

Backstory:

Formed in the heart of Chicago in 2015, ‘Admirable Crook’ was born from an unlikely friendship between a blues guitarist from the South and an indie drummer from the Midwest. Both were seeking to break the molds of their music styles and desired something different, something that could change the game. This shared ambition led to an alliance, uniting their unique sounds into one cohesive, groundbreaking whole. They found an old garage and spent countless hours experimenting with various sounds and crafting their unique musical style.

After a year, they were joined by a classically trained keyboardist and a jazz bassist. Together, they evolved into ‘Admirable Crook’, a band with a distinctive sound that pushes the boundaries of conventional music genres. Their music resonates with people across the globe, and the band continues to captivate audiences with their innovative fusion of styles.

Genre:

Admirable Crook’s music genre is a unique fusion of Blues, Indie, Jazz and Classical, which they’ve dubbed “Indie Jazz-Blues.”

Title:

“One More Dime”

Full song lyrics:

(V)
[C] Used to walk [Am] down the line
[G] One more dime, [F] one more time

[C] She left me [Am] hanging dry
[G] No reason why, [F] no goodbye

(Chorus)
[G] Now I’m searching [F] for a sign,
[C] One more dime, [Am] one more time

[V]
[C] Beneath the city [Am] lights so bright
[G] I lost sight, [F] of the night

[C] Not a word, [Am] not a rhyme
[G] Just one dime, [F] to call her mine

(Chorus)
[G] Now I’m lost in [F] this design,
[C] One more dime, [Am] one more time

[Bridge]
[Am] Just a crook, [G] with a dream
[F] Running from, [C] what I’ve been

(Chorus)
[G] Need a chance to [F] realign,
[C] One more dime, [Am] one more time

(Outro)
[C] Used to walk [Am] down the line
[G] One last dime, [F] for the last time

Fan’s Testimonial:

My name is Patricia Meyers, and I am a 54-year-old music lover from Chicago. Admirable Crook is my absolute favorite band for many reasons. The fusion of genres they’ve created is something I’ve never heard before. Their music breaks conventional boundaries and has a level of depth and creativity that is truly admirable. “One More Dime” is a song that has a special place in my heart. It’s so raw and relatable. It’s a perfect blend of soulful blues and energetic indie, with a touch of jazz and classic influence. Admirable Crook’s music has been a constant in my life, providing comfort, joy, and inspiration.

Backstory:
“That Prince” was born from the need to break boundaries. Its members – Robby on vocals/guitar, Tommy on drums, and Jimmy on bass – met in a small town in Nebraska, where their distinct sound was almost alien to the country and rock music dominating their local scene. Against the odds and the conventional, they relentlessly pursued their unique sound, which would end up defining their identity.

The band’s name, “That Prince,” was inspired by an eccentric old man in their town known as Prince. Prince was a music lover who owned an old record store and introduced the boys to a variety of music, from funk to reggae, punk to blues. He would always tell them, “Music isn’t about fitting in, it’s about standing out.” They named the band in his honor, vowing to stand out with their music just like Prince himself.

Genre:
Indie Pop / Alternative Rock

Title:
“Echoes in the Shadows”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
[G] Walking down the [D] street, beneath the [Em] neon lights [C]
[G] Shadows dancing [D] as we’re chasing [Em] the night [C]
[G] Memories of us, [D] they’re playing in my [Em] mind [C]
[G] Your laughter’s echoing, [D] in the corners of the [Em] time [C]

(Chorus)
[D] Echoes in the shadows, [G] whispers in the wind
[Em] You’re the song, the rhythm, [C] under my skin
[D] Dance with me darling, [G] until the light begins
[Em] We’re nothing but echoes, [C] in the shadows of the sin

(Verse 2)
[G] City sleeps but [D] we’re awake, lost in [Em] our secret place [C]
[G] Talking about dreams and [D] fantasies, in our own [Em] space [C]
[G] Your touch lingers on, [D] as the dawn breaks [Em] the night [C]
[G] Leaving me with echoes, [D] of a love that felt so [Em] right [C]

(Chorus)
[D] Echoes in the shadows, [G] whispers in the wind
[Em] You’re the song, the rhythm, [C] under my skin
[D] Dance with me darling, [G] until the light begins
[Em] We’re nothing but echoes, [C] in the shadows of the sin

Fan Testimonial:
Name: Sarah Thompson

“I fell in love with That Prince the first time I heard ‘Echoes in the Shadows’. Their music hits you right in the feels. It’s raw, it’s real, and it’s different. It’s like they’re not just playing the music, they’re living it. Robby’s voice is so hauntingly beautiful, it sends shivers down my spine every time. And the lyrics… they speak to my soul. I’ve never connected with a band this way before. They’re my favorite because they’re not afraid to be different, to stand out, just like the Prince they were named after.”

Backstory:

Carefree Shake was born in the heart of Nashville in 2012 when a bunch of high school friends decided to take their shared love for music a step further. The group consists of lead vocalist and guitarist Sam Healy, drummer Joe Taylor, bassist Pete Andrews, and keyboardist Lily Clark. The quartet began by playing at small local events and school functions, gaining a steady fan base with their infectious energy and unique sound.

Their breakout moment came in 2015 when they were discovered by a talent scout at a local music festival. Since then, they’ve been creating waves in the music industry with their captivating blend of rootsy rock and poignant lyrics. In spite of their quick rise to fame, they’ve managed to stay grounded, often reminiscing about their early days playing for friends in their school auditorium.

Genre:

Alternative Country-Rock

Title:

“Fireflies and Moonshine”

Full Song Lyrics:

[Verse 1]
C G Am F
Under a blanket of stars
C G Am F
With our old beat-up guitars
C G Am F
We’d sing the night away
C G Am F
In our carefree, reckless way

[Chorus]
C G Am F
Fireflies and moonshine, our innocent crime
C G Am F
Lost in the rhythm, lost track of time
C G Am F
A melody of memories, a harmony so fine
C G Am F
Fireflies and moonshine, those days were prime

[Verse 2]
C G Am F
We danced in the pale moonlight
C G Am F
Our hearts wild and bright
C G Am F
Chasing dreams, chasing life
C G Am F
Oh, those endless summer nights

[Chorus]
C G Am F
Fireflies and moonshine, our innocent crime
C G Am F
Lost in the rhythm, lost track of time
C G Am F
A melody of memories, a harmony so fine
C G Am F
Fireflies and moonshine, those days were prime.

Favorite Fan:

Our favorite fan is Emily Johnson. Emily’s been with us since our very first gig at the school auditorium. She’s been with us through thick and thin, braving all the small dive bars and crowded music festivals. Emily said, “Carefree Shake is my favorite band because they’ve stayed true to their roots. Their music speaks of simple times, youth, and the beauty of life. It’s easy to lose yourself in the melody and feel a sense of comfort and nostalgia. I can’t wait to see where their journey takes them.”

Backstory:
Metallic Sex was formed in the heart of New York City’s underground rock scene in the late 80s. Its members, all of whom came from different walks of life, found common ground in their shared love for music that was both electrifying and provocative. Lead vocalist, Spike Hellion, was a former construction worker with a voice that could rattle buildings; guitarist, Johnny ‘Blade’ Sabre was a classically trained musician gone rogue; drummer, Axel Crash, was a street performer who beat rhythms on trash cans and bassist, Maxx Steel, was a quiet tech genius. They began playing in dingy bars and underground clubs, their unique sound slowly but surely attracting a dedicated following. Their music is a blend of raw energy, unbridled passion, and a touch of the uncanny, reflecting the grit and glamour of the city they call home.

Genre:
Heavy Metal/Glam Rock

Title:
“Electric Desire”

Full Song Lyrics:
Verse: [Am, G, D, E]
In the city lights, where the shadows dance,
A siren’s song, lures me in her trance.
Her eyes of fire, and lips of sin,
Pull me deeper, in the chaos within.

Chorus: [C, G, D, E]
Electric Desire, burns like a wire,
In the heart of the city, fuels my fire.
Metallic Sex, in neon lights,
Living for the rush, in the endless nights.

Verse: [Am, G, D, E]
She’s a mystery, in the urban maze,
A goddess of neon, in the smoky haze.
Her touch is toxic, her love’s a hex,
In her electric arms, I’m lost in Metallic Sex.

Chorus: [C, G, D, E]
Electric Desire, burns like a wire,
With a heart on fire, I dance on the pyre.
Metallic Sex, under the moon’s flex,
Lost in the rhythm, of the night’s reflex.

Fan’s Name:
Billy ‘Banger’ Thompson

Testimonial:
“I’ve been a die-hard fan of Metallic Sex since their first gig in a dingy bar in Brooklyn. The raw energy, the pure passion in their music, it’s like nothing I’ve ever heard before. From Spike’s thunderous vocals to Blade’s ripping guitar solos, from Crash’s explosive drum beats to Steel’s thumping bass lines – it’s a sonic assault that leaves you begging for more. They’re not just a band, they’re a movement, a rebellion against the ordinary. I’ve seen them play over a hundred times and each show is a new experience. Metallic Sex isn’t just music, it’s a lifestyle!”

Backstory:
Burdensome Mum is a British band that originated in the small town of Blackpool, England in the late 1990s. The group’s four members, vocalist and guitarist Jason Crowley, bassist Tim Reynolds, drummer Dave Hancock, and keyboardist Sarah Mitchell, met at a local pub’s open mic night and bonded over their shared love of music and dissatisfaction with routine life. The name ‘Burdensome Mum’ was chosen as an ironic nod to the group members’ collective realization that their mothers, while loving and supportive, sometimes offered life advice that felt more like a burden. Their music became a form of rebellion and escape from the expectations their families had for them, and this emotion has resonated deeply with their fans.

Genre:
Alternative Rock

Title:
“Halfway to Nowhere”

Full song lyrics:
(Verse 1)
[G] Woke up this morning, [D] to the same old scene,
[Am] Dreams of rebellion, [C] lost in routine,
[G] Mum’s got advice, [D] she’s keen to share,
[Am] But her words are heavy [C], like a cross to bear.

(Chorus)
[D] Burdensome Mum, [C] you’re driving me wild,
[G] Your love is a cage, [D] I’m still your child.
[Am] I’m halfway to nowhere, [C] fighting the tide,
[G] With your burdensome love, [D] there’s nowhere to hide.

(Verse 2)
[G] Lost in the city, [D] trying to break free,
[Am] From the chains of the past, [C] that won’t let me be,
[G] Your words echo, [D] in the back of my mind,
[Am] They’re heavy and hollow, [C] and I’m done being kind.

(Chorus)
[D] Burdensome Mum, [C] you’re driving me mad,
[G] Your love is a weight, [D] that’s making me sad.
[Am] I’m halfway to nowhere, [C] chasing a dream,
[G] With your burdensome love, [D] I just want to scream.

Fan’s name: Sophie Turner
Testimonial:
“I’ve been a fan of Burdensome Mum since their debut album. Their music speaks directly to my experiences growing up in a small town and feeling the pressure to conform to societal expectations. The song ‘Halfway to Nowhere’ especially resonates with me. The band’s raw emotion, thought-provoking lyrics, and powerful tunes have helped me navigate through my own struggles. They are more than a band to me; they are like a friend who understands.”

Backstory:
Hailing from the urban outskirts of Chicago, Stable Invasion began their journey in a small garage. The band comprises of five childhood friends – Max (Lead Vocals), Simon (Lead Guitar), Jake (Keyboard), Adam (Bass Guitar), and Nick (Drums). Their shared love for music led to the creation of the band during their high school days. They became popular in the local music scene through their electrifying performances at school events and local pubs. After years of performances and honing their skills, they were signed by a major music label, catapulting them into the mainstream music scene.

Genre:
Stable Invasion specializes in Alternative Rock, blending elements of punk, hard rock, and indie music. Their sound is characterized by heavy guitar riffs, powerful vocals, and deeply emotional lyrics that resonate with fans across all walks of life.

Title:
One of their most popular songs is titled “Shadows in the Light”.

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
C#m – A – E – B
In the corners of the night, we’re dancing with the fright,
Haunted by the ghosts of past, Shadows in the light.
Walls keep closing in, the world’s wrapped up so tight,
Wish I could rewrite the script, put up a better fight.

(Chorus)
E – B – C#m – A
Shadows in the light, we’re chasing through the night,
Lost within our minds, in an endless fight.
Shadows in the light, where wrong feels so right,
Are we just shadows, forever lost in the light?

(Verse 2)
E – B – C#m – A
Lines are getting blurred, can’t tell the black from white,
Caught up in this whirlwind, this endless flight.
I see you standing there, a beacon burning bright,
Can we be more than just, Shadows in the light?

(Chorus)
C#m – A – E – B
Shadows in the light, we’re chasing through the night,
Lost within our dreams, in this endless fight.
Shadows in the light, where love is out of sight,
Are we just shadows, forever lost in the light?

Fan Testimonial:
The band’s favorite fan is undoubtedly Emily Clark. She’s been with them since their high school days, attending every local performance they gave. Here’s what she has to say, “Stable Invasion is more than just a band for me. Their music has helped me through some of the toughest times in my life. The raw energy and emotion they put into their performances are truly moving. I feel seen and understood through their lyrics. They have a unique style that sets them apart from anyone else in the industry. They are my favorite because they are real, they are raw, and they are unapologetically themselves.”