Backstory:
“Excellent Anxiety” was born out of the tempestuous spirit of four college roommates with a shared love for edgy, thought-provoking music. The band was formed in Boston where they all attended Berklee College of Music. They began by playing small gigs at local bars, immersing themselves in the vibrant music scene of the city, and honing their skills. Their music quickly resonated with audiences, leading to the creation of their first self-financed album. The band’s journey has been a roller coaster ride of highs and lows, but the four friends, now brothers, have always found solace and strength in their music.

Genre:
Alternative Rock

Title:
“Shadows of the Mind”

Full song lyrics:

(Verse 1)
[Em] Walking down the street, [G] lost in my thoughts
[A] Shadows of the mind, [C] deep and fraught
[Em] A sea of faces, [G] yet I feel so alone
[A] I wear a smile, [C] but inside I moan

(Chorus)
[Em] Excellent Anxiety, [G] you’re my bitter friend
[A] You and I, [C] till the bitter end
[Em] Dancing in the shadows, [G] playing with the light
[A] Excellent Anxiety, [C] you’re my endless night

(Verse 2)
[Em] Behind the laughter, [G] beneath the cheer
[A] In the silence, [C] lies the fear
[Em] In the corners of my mind, [G] where secrets reside
[A] Excellent Anxiety, [C] you’re my constant guide

(Chorus)
[Em] Excellent Anxiety, [G] you’re my bitter friend
[A] You and I, [C] till the bitter end
[Em] Dancing in the shadows, [G] playing with the light
[A] Excellent Anxiety, [C] you’re my endless night

Favorite fan:
The band’s favorite fan is named Emily. She was there at their first gig and has been following them ever since. To Emily, Excellent Anxiety is more than a band; their music is the soundtrack to her life. In her words, “Their songs understand me, even when no one else does. They put into words what I can’t express – the chaos, the confusion, the beauty. Listening to Excellent Anxiety is like finding a friend in my solitude. Their music is raw, real, and resonates with my soul. I’m not just a fan, I’m a part of the Excellent Anxiety family.”

Backstory:
Tattered Care emerged from a quaint little river town in the late 1990s when four high school friends started jamming in their parents’ basements. The band, made up of lead vocalist Ryan Roberts, guitarist Jeff Stenson, bassist Alex Duncan, and drummer Tim Martin, found their unique sound in the crossroads of their shared love for 90s grunge, punk, and folk music. They earned their name, Tattered Care, after an all-night recording session that ended in a sunrise jam on a tattered old couch in Alex’s basement, cementing their commitment to their music.

Genre:
Tattered Care’s music is a fusion of grunge, punk, and folk, often described as ‘folk grunge’.

Title: “River Echoes”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
Am Em
Sitting on the banks, of a lonely river,
G D
Watching our dreams, in the water shiver.

Am Em
Strumming out tunes, under a sycamore,
G D
The echoes of our youth, we do adore.

(Chorus)
C G
River echoes, under the moon’s glow,
Am Em
We’ll keep playing our heart’s show.
C G
Our tattered care, our souls bare,
Am Em
In the river echoes, we find our share.

(Verse 2)
Am Em
The chords of life, we strum with flair,
G D
Our music, in the wind, we declare.

Am Em
In the rhythm of the river, our hearts beat,
G D
Under the starry sky, our dreams we meet.

(Chorus)
C G
River echoes, under the moon’s glow,
Am Em
We’ll keep playing our heart’s show.
C G
Our tattered care, our souls bare,
Am Em
In the river echoes, we find our share.

Fan Testimonial from Emily Sanders:
“I first heard Tattered Care at a local pub in our hometown. Their unique fusion of grunge and folk instantly connected with me. Their music feels raw, real, and unpretentious. The lyrics are soulful and their live shows are absolutely electrifying. Every song tells a story, and every performance is an experience. They’re not just my favorite band, they’re an integral part of my life.”

Backstory:

“Anguished Whisky” had an unconventional beginning. The band was formed in 2007, in the vibrant city of Austin, Texas. Childhood friends, Jake Thompson and Eli Miller, who had been playing in local bars and honky-tonks, decided to combine their talents and form a group that would redefine the boundaries of country music. They then recruited Lily Heart, a soulful singer and fiddle player, and Caleb Green, a talented drummer who had been playing in a rock band. With Jake on guitar, Eli on the banjo, Lily on the fiddle, and Caleb on drums, the band “Anguished Whisky” was born. They took their name from a shared love of good whisky and the belief that the best country music comes from personal stories of love, loss, and hardship.

Genre:

Alternative Country

Title:

“Broken Bottles and Lost Souls”

Full Song Lyrics:

Verse 1:
[G] Listen to the [D] sound of the [Em] lonely highway,
[C] Broken bottles and [G] lost souls on the [D] run.
[G] Chasing after [D] dreams in the [Em] moonlight,
[C] Underneath the [G] Texas sun.

Chorus:
[G] With every sip of [D] anguished whisky,
[Em] We’re playing for the [C] hearts that are torn.
[G] Singing songs of [D] love and hardship,
[Em] From the day that [C] we were born.

Verse 2:
[G] Midnight shadows [D] dance on the [Em] dashboard,
[C] As we play our [G] music under the [D] neon sky.
[G] Lost in the rhythm, [D] caught in the [Em] moment,
[C] This is where we [G] learn to fly.

Chorus:
[G] With every sip of [D] anguished whisky,
[Em] We’re playing for the [C] hearts that have bled.
[G] Singing songs of [D] love and loss,
[Em] And the words that [C] were left unsaid.

The Band’s Favorite Fan:

Our favorite fan is Sarah Jones. Sarah has been with us from the start, attending every single show we’ve played in Austin. Despite her hectic work schedule as a teacher, she always finds time to support us. Sarah has even been known to drive for hours just to see us perform. When asked why she loves “Anguished Whisky” so much, she said, “Their music speaks directly to my soul. It’s raw, real, and it tells stories that resonate with my life. No matter what mood I’m in, their songs have a way of comforting me. I feel like they understand me and that is priceless.”

Backstory: Tender Duck is a band that was formed in the bustling city of Seattle. The band is composed of five members, who met while attending college. They quickly became friends and realized they all shared a love for music. Their friendship grew stronger over jam sessions, musical discussions, and eventually, they decided to form a band. They started off playing small gigs and house parties, gradually gaining recognition and popularity within the local music scene. The name ‘Tender Duck’ was derived from a joke within the group about a rubber duck one member had kept since childhood.

Genre: Tender Duck is widely recognized for their unique sound, which is a blend of Indie Rock and Pop, with a splash of Punk. They draw their inspiration from the everyday experiences, creating relatable lyrics and catchy tunes that have a tendency to stay with you.

Title: “Rainy City Lights”

Full Song Lyrics:
(Chords: G, C, D)

(Verse 1)
[G] Walking through the [C] rainy city [D] lights,
[G] Feeling like a [C] ship lost in the [D] night.
[G] My heart beats to the [C] rhythm of the [D] city,
[G] My mind’s caught up in a [C] whirlwind of [D] pretty.

(Chorus)
[G] Oh, Rainy City [C] Lights,
[D] You’ve got me wrapped up in your [G] sights.
[G] Oh, Rainy City [C] Lights,
[D] You make my broken heart feel [G] right.

(Verse 2)
[G] Streets glistening with [C] tears from the sky, [D]
[G] Lost in the crowd, but I [C] feel like I can [D] fly.
[G] The city’s heartbeat [C] echoes in my [D] soul,
[G] It’s here in this chaos, I [C] find myself [D] whole.

(Chorus)
[G] Oh, Rainy City [C] Lights,
[D] You’re my beacon on lonely [G] nights.
[G] Oh, Rainy City [C] Lights,
[D] With you, everything just [G] feels right.

Favorite Fan: The band’s favorite fan is a woman named Bernadette, who has been supporting them since their early days. Bernadette says, “Tender Duck’s music speaks to the soul. Their lyrics resonate with my own experiences and feelings. Their unique blend of genres has a refreshing sound, and their energy on stage is absolutely contagious. I’ve been to countless concerts, and there’s nothing quite like a Tender Duck show. They are, without a doubt, my favorite band.”

Backstory:

Shrill Night is a captivating blend of four friends who found solivagant solace through their melodious synchronization. Originating from the quiet city of Asheville, North Carolina in 2010, the bandmates – Ethan, Jason, Liam, and Riley – were high school misfits with a shared fascination for music. Ethan, the lead vocalist, and Jason, the brain behind the enchanting guitar tunes, were childhood friends who later met the talented drummer, Liam, in high school. Riley, the bassist, joined them after a spontaneous jam session in a local music festival. They started their journey by playing in local bars and small gigs, slowly building their audience through their unique and intriguing musical style.

Their rise to fame was not meteoric. However, after their first album “Luna’s Lullaby” released in 2015, they gained a substantial following. The album was a beautiful blend of melancholy and euphoria, reflecting the band’s journey from being unnoticed to chart-topping artists. The band name ‘Shrill Night’ reflects their struggle, their music being the ‘shrill’ call breaking the silence of ‘night.’

Genre:

Alternative Rock

Title:

“Ode to the Midnight Sun”

Full song lyrics:

(V1)
[Am] At the midnight sun, we [G] sing our sorrow,
[Dm] Through the deafening silence, yet [E] nothing to borrow.
[Am] In the endless darkness, we [G] find our way,
[Dm] Struggling, yet thriving, till the [E] break of day.

(Chorus)
[Am] Shrill Night, [G] our battle cry,
[Dm] A beacon, a [E] lighthouse in the sky.
[Am] Our music, [G] piercing the veil,
[Dm] Engulfing the silence, [E] like a gale.

(V2)
[Am] Underneath the moonlight, [G] we find our peace,
[Dm] Our music, our solace, [E] where worries cease.
[Am] Breaking through the quiet, [G] we find our sound,
[Dm] Here we stand, [E] our feet on the ground.

(Chorus)
[Am] Shrill Night, [G] our battle cry,
[Dm] A beacon, a [E] lighthouse in the sky.
[Am] Our music, [G] piercing the veil,
[Dm] Engulfing the silence, [E] like a gale.

Fan Testimonial:

“Hi, I’m Lily, and I’m a huge Shrill Night fan! I discovered their music during a rough patch in my life. I was immediately captivated by their soulful lyrics and unique sound. Their songs are a perfect blend of emotions – a portrayal of life’s highs and lows. I feel as if their music speaks directly to my soul, providing comfort during my darkest times. Shrill Night is my favorite band because their music isn’t just sounds and words – it’s an experience, a journey that helps me face life’s challenges head-on. It feels like they’re my personal cheerleaders, pushing me forward with every chord and verse. With Shrill Night, every night is a little less shrill.”

Backstory:

Difficult Kitten is an eccentric ensemble that traces its roots back to a small garage in West Virginia, where it was formed in the sweltering summer of 2008. The band includes three childhood friends, Anthony (lead vocals/guitar), Justin (drums), and Emily (bass/vocals). They were known for their raucous backyard performances, often attracting all the neighborhood cats with their peculiar sound, thus inspiring their unique band name. After a chance encounter at a local festival with a music producer, their talent was recognized and they were given an opportunity to make their mark on a larger scale. Inspired by their journey and the life experiences they’ve encountered, Difficult Kitten continues to create music that resonates with their fans.

Genre:

Indie Alternative rock

Title:

“Velvet Shadows”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
[G] Step into the [Em] memory, where love was still a [C] mystery,
[D] Underneath the velvet shadows, [G] past and present [C] interweave.
[G] Ghost of a [Em] lullaby, whispering so [C] softly,
[D] Haunting in the velvet shadows, [G] corners of reality. [C]

(Chorus)
[G] Velvet Shadows [Em] won’t you dance with [C] me,
[D] In the silent echoes of what [G] used to be?
[G] Velvet Shadows [Em] hold me through the [C] night,
[D] In your embrace, everything feels [G] right.

(Verse 2)
[G] Trace our dreams in [Em] stardust, where time seems to [C] adjust,
[D] Hidden in the velvet shadows, [G] love can never [C] rust.
[G] Echoes of [Em] laughter, lingering ever [C] after,
[D] Living in the velvet shadows, [G] love is all we’re [C] after.

(Repeat Chorus)

(Bridge)
[Em] In the hush of twilight, [C] under the quiet moon,
[D] We’ll waltz in our velvet shadows, [G] to the universe’s tune.

(Repeat Chorus)

Ending
[G] Velvet shadows, [Em] our secret symphony,
[D] In your embrace, we’ll [G] write our history.

Favorite Fan:

Mike “Mad Cat” Stevens is Difficult Kitten’s most beloved fan. He’s been following the band since their garage days, showing up at every local performance, rain or shine. He says, “Difficult Kitten is my favorite band because their music paints vivid pictures in my mind. The lyrics are poetic and profound, reflecting so much of my own life experiences. Whether they’re rocking out or slowing it down, every note strikes a chord within my soul. Through their music, I’ve found companionship in loneliness, solace in pain, and celebration in joy. They’re not just a band to me, they’re a lifeline.”

Backstory:

Glossy Illness was formed in the cramped backroom of a dingy, smoke-filled bar in downtown Seattle. The year was 1998, and the grunge era was on its last legs. Four young and rebellious musicians, tired of the over-commercialization of their beloved rock genre, decided to create something new, something raw, and something that would change the face of music forever. Hence, ‘Glossy Illness’ was born.

The band consisted of frontman and poet, Johnny ‘The Wraith’ McCall, lead guitarist and sonic wizard, Tommy ‘Steel Strings’ O’Rourke, bassist and brooding philosopher, Richie ‘The Edge’ Hart, and drummer and heartbeat, Joey ‘Thundersticks’ Russo. Their music was personal, their shows were chaotic, and their message was simple – question everything.

Genre:

Post-Grunge/Alternative Rock

Title:

“Shattered Mirrors”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
[G]Shattered mirrors on the floor
[C]Reflections of a life no more
[G]Haunted faces, silent screams
[C]Lost in the web of shattered dreams

(Chorus)
[D]Broken, [Em]Bleeding
[C]In the wreckage of our being
[D]Falling, [Em]Feeling
[C]The pain of unhealed healing

(Verse 2)
[G]Walls whisper our endless sins
[C]We’re much more than our broken grins
[G]In the echoes of our silent song
[C]We realize where we truly belong

(Chorus)
[D]Broken, [Em]Bleeding
[C]In the wreckage of our being
[D]Falling, [Em]Feeling
[C]The pain of unhealed healing

(Outro)
[G]In the chaos, we find peace
[C]In the illness, we find release

Favorite Fan:

Our favorite fan is a twenty-year-old college student named Abby McPherson. She first saw us play in a small venue in Portland and has been following us ever since. She has described our music as “a lifeline in the midst of a stormy sea, a voice in the wilderness.”

Abby’s Testimonial:

“Glossy Illness is more than just a band to me. They’re a beacon of truth in an ocean of lies. Their music speaks directly to my soul and gives voice to emotions I can’t always express. There’s an honesty and rawness in their songs that’s almost therapeutic. Their lyrics are profound and, in a bizarre way, comforting. You can feel the pain, the turmoil, and the hope in every chord and verse. They’re my favorite band because they make me feel seen, heard, and less alone in this chaotic world.”

Backstory:
Treasured Score was conceived in the heart of Los Angeles in late 2013 when lead singer and songwriter, Anthony “Tony” Miller, met bassist, Ella Daniels, at the popular Rainbow Bar and Grill on the Sunset Strip. Both were pursuing their individual music careers, but had hit a creative wall. After a spontaneous jam session, they realized that their respective musical styles were not only compatible but also uniquely complementary. Hence, they decided to collaborate, and Treasured Score was born. They were later joined by drummer Pete O’Conner and guitarist Larry Smith. Their passionate performances and emotionally charged lyrics quickly garnered them a dedicated fanbase and a reputation as one of the rising stars in the Los Angeles music scene.

Genre:
Alternative Rock/Indie Pop

Title:
“Lost in Echoes”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
Am-G-Em-F
I found my way in the city lights,
Drowned my pain in the echoes’ fight,
Lost myself, in your eyes’ blue tide,
And in your arms, I learnt to hide.

(Chorus)
C-G-D-Em
In the echoes, we are lost,
In your smile, I found the most.
In the echoes, of your silent whispers,
I found my home, I found my sisters.

(Verse 2)
Am-G-Em-F
In the dark alleys of my mind,
Your laughter, my only kind,
Beneath the stars, our souls aligned,
In your love, I am confined.

(Chorus)
C-G-D-Em
In the echoes, we are lost,
In your touch, I bear the cost.
In the echoes, of your silent voice,
In your love, I made my choice.

(Outro)
Am-G-Em-F
I will stay in the echoes’ call,
With your love, I will never fall,
In the echoes, I see your face,
In your love, I found my place.

Fan’s Name:
Emily

Testimonial:
Emily has been a fan of Treasured Score since she first heard their song “Lost in Echoes” at a small gig in a warehouse in Downtown LA. She says, “Treasured Score speaks to my soul, their music is truth, it’s raw and it’s real. It’s like they’ve crawled into my mind and put my deepest emotions into words. Tony’s voice is hauntingly beautiful, and their music has this uncanny ability to transport me to another world. I’ve been to every one of their concerts since that night. They’re more than just a band to me, they’re a part of who I am.”

Backstory:

Incredible Playground is a band that started out in the lively, spirited town of New Haven, Connecticut in 2013. Originally members of different rock bands in their local scene, lead singer Jordan “Jay” Madison and drummer Zack Turner decided to join forces and create something entirely new. They wanted to break free from their respective bands’ limitations and explore uncharted territory in the music world. Thus, Incredible Playground came into existence.

With the addition of guitarist Jesse Peters and bassist Andy Lewis, Incredible Playground quickly gained a name for themselves as an innovative force to be reckoned with. Their music, a fusion of alternative rock and electronic, is known for its catchy hooks, powerful vocals, and intricate rhythms. Their explosive energy and magnetic performance style has made them a must-see act in the local music scene.

Genre:

Alternative Rock/Electronic

Title:

“Cosmic Carousel”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
Am – G – F – C
Am
On this Cosmic Carousel, we’re spinning endlessly,
G
Lost in the stardust, floating so carelessly,
F
We’re astronauts in playgrounds, we’re children of the sky,
C
With galaxies for dreams, we’re learning how to fly.

(Chorus)
Dm – G – C – F
Dm
Spinning round and round on this incredible ride,
G
Starry-eyed dreamers, nothing left to hide,
C
On this Cosmic Carousel, we’re dancing in the night,
F
In this Incredible Playground, we’re free and feeling light.

(Verse 2)
Am – G – F – C
Am
In this universe of ours, where comets are our toys,
G
We’re painting constellations, drowned in cosmic noise,
F
In our Incredible Playground, every star’s a song,
C
In the arms of the Milky Way, is where we belong.

(Repeat Chorus)

(Outro)
Dm – G – C – F
Dm
On this Cosmic Carousel, we’re spinning endlessly,
G
With the universe as our playground, we’re truly free,
C
We’re astronauts, we’re dreamers, we’re children of the night,
F
In this Incredible Playground, we’ve found our true light.

Band Favorite Fan:

Our favorite fan’s name is Sophie Turner. Sophie claims that “Incredible Playground’s music helped me through some of the toughest times in my life. Their songs are not just catchy, they carry deep, profound meanings that resonate with me. They are the soundtrack to my life. There’s something magical about their music, it has a way of making you feel understood, empowered, and free. Cosmic Carousel, in particular, is my anthem. I can’t wait to see what they come up with next. They are truly an incredible band.”

Backstory:

Born in the humble garage of a suburban neighborhood in Austin, Texas, Muffled Roll was formed by four high school friends with a shared passion for music. The friends – Joe Dawson on vocals, Tim Richards on guitar, Sam Hall on drums, and Mike Carter on bass – started jamming together in their senior year, playing covers of their favorite rock bands. After high school, they decided to take their music seriously, writing original songs, playing local gigs, and eventually recording an EP that caught the attention of an independent label. With their unique sound that combined elements of rock, blues, and punk, Muffled Roll has since been a sensation within the Austin music scene and has begun to make waves on a national level.

Genre:
Alternative Rock

Song Title:
“Echoes of Yesterday”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
[Am] Woke up this morning, [G] feeling low,
[Dm] Pictures of you in my mind, [Am] don’t know where to go.
[Am] Every corner of this town, [G] reminds me of the past,
[Dm] A broken record playing, [Am] Seems nothing ever last.

(Chorus)
[Em] Echoes of yesterday, [G] haunt my dreams,
[Dm] In the silence of the night, [Am] I hear your screams.
[Em] Walking through the shadows, [G] of what used to be,
[Dm] Wish I could rewind, [Am] to the times you were with me.

(Verse 2)
[Am] Lost in empty streets, [G] under the pouring rain,
[Dm] Trying to wash away, [Am] the traces of your pain.
[Am] Your laughter, your smile, [G] a memory that’s fading,
[Dm] I’m left with the echoes, [Am] of yesterday’s serenading.

(Repeat Chorus)

Favorite Fan’s Name:
Ellie Thompson

Testimonial:

“Muffled Roll isn’t just my favorite band because of their music, they hold a special place in my heart because their songs have seen me through some of the most challenging times in my life. I remember hearing ‘Echoes of Yesterday’ when I was going through a tough break up. The lyrics resonated with the pain I was feeling and it felt like the band was speaking directly to me. It was a strange comfort knowing someone else understood that pain. Now, their music serves as a sort of healing anthem for me. Their soulful, raw energy combined with their lyrical depth truly sets them apart. I feel a deep connection every time I listen to their songs and it’s a bond I don’t share with any other band.”