Backstory:

Second-Hand Incentive is a band that came into existence during the vibrant and chaotic music scene of the early 2000s in Birmingham, England. The band was formed by school friends, Adam Jones (lead vocals, guitar), Sarah Thompson (bass, vocals), and Jason Murphy (drums). They shared a common love of music and wanted to create something that was a true reflection of their emotions and experiences growing up in the bustling city.

They started off playing gigs in local pubs and bars, eventually grabbing the attention of a small-time record label that saw potential in their unique sound and lyrical prowess. After years of hard work, late-night rehearsals, and gig after gig, Second-Hand Incentive has solidified their unique sound and charismatic stage presence, making them a staple in the UK’s indie rock scene.

Genre:
Indie Rock

Title:
“Sundown Reverie”

Full song lyrics:

[Verse 1: G-Em-C-D]
G
Through the smoke-filled room, I find my way,
Em
Under the dim lights, where we used to sway,
C
Memories and melodies start to play,
D
In this Sundown Reverie, every single day.

[Chorus: G-D-Em-C]
G
When the sun goes down, and stars fill the sky,
D
I think of your smile, and the times we were high,
Em
In this Sundown Reverie, I continue to lie,
C
Hoping one day, you might just pass by.

[Verse 2: G-Em-C-D]
G
In the darkened corners of this old town,
Em
I still feel your presence all around,
C
I wear your memory like a crown,
D
In this Sundown Reverie, where love was found.

[Chorus: G-D-Em-C]
G
When the night is quiet, and I’m all alone,
D
I remember your laugh, and your sweet tone,
Em
In this Sundown Reverie, where shadows are thrown,
C
I realize that it’s your love I’ve outgrown.

[Bridge: Em-C-G-D]
Em
So, I’ll sing about you, until the dawn,
C
About the love we had, that is now gone,
G
In this Sundown Reverie, I’ll carry on,
D
With the hope that someday, I’ll be strong.

[Chorus: G-D-Em-C]
G
When the sun goes down, and stars fill the sky,
D
I think of your smile, and the times we were high,
Em
In this Sundown Reverie, I continue to lie,
C
Hoping one day, you might just pass by.

[Outro: G-Em-C-D]
G
In this Sundown Reverie, I’ll say goodbye,
Em
To the love we had, and the tears we cried,
C
With every beat and every sigh,
D
In this Sundown Reverie, love never dies.

Favorite Fan:

The band’s favorite fan is a woman named Emily, who has been attending their gigs since they were playing in small pubs and bars. Emily says, “Second-Hand Incentive is more than just a band to me, they’re like a soundtrack to my life. Their songs resonate with me on so many levels and have seen me through some of the hardest times. Their unique sound, their honest lyrics, it all makes me feel understood and less alone. They’re my favorite band because they’re real and raw, and they put their heart and soul into every performance.”

Backstory:
Disfigured Product was born out of a shared dissatisfaction with the state of commercial music and a mutual love for grunge and old school punk. Founders Max “Riot” Riley and Danny “The Duke” Duchene met in a dive bar in the heart of New York’s East Village in 2012. From their shared disdain for the status quo and passion for edgy melodies, the duo began playing in local bars and clubs, gaining a cult following for their raw performances and disturbed lyrical content. In 2014, they added drummer Beth ‘Thunder’ McMahon and bassist Jake ‘The Snake’ Donovan to the lineup, solidifying the band’s signature sound that blends punk, grunge, and hints of heavy metal.

Genre:
Punk/Grunge

Title:
“Concrete Jungle”

Lyrics:

(Verse 1 – C G Am E)
Crawling through the concrete jungle,
G // Am // E //
A product of the system, yet so humble.
C // G // Am // E //
Lost souls, misfit toys, we all stumble,
C // G // Am // E //
In this gray world, our hearts rumble.

(Chorus – F C G)
F // C // G //
In the heart of the concrete jungle,
F // C // G //
We’re just a disfigured product, in a world so subtle.
F // C // G //
Our voices roar, yet they crumble,
F // C // G //
In the heart of the concrete jungle.

(Verse 2 – C G Am E)
Tossed by the waves, yet we don’t tumble,
C // G // Am // E //
In the concrete jungle, we find our humble.
C // G // Am // E //
The system tries to make us crumble,
C // G // Am // E //
But our spirit remains, it won’t mumble.

(Chorus – F C G)
F // C // G //
In the heart of the concrete jungle,
F // C // G //
We’re just a disfigured product, in a world so subtle.
F // C // G //
Our voices roar, yet they crumble,
F // C // G //
In the heart of the concrete jungle.

Fan Testimonial:
Favorite fan’s name: Luke “The Maverick” Maddison. “Disfigured Product is more than just a band to me, they’re a movement. Their music speaks of a raw, unfiltered reality that most of us are too afraid to face. It fuels my rebellion, my desire to be different, to be real, and not just a product of a plastic society. I’ve seen them live more times than I can count, and each time, their energy is contagious, their message, inspiring. They’re my favorite because they’re not scared to go against the grain and they encourage us, their fans, to do the same.”

Backstory:
Critical Grain emerged from the heart of Chicago, when four college friends decided to turn their shared passion for music into a tangible reality. Spearheaded by charismatic lead vocalist Antonio “Tony” Evans, guitarist Leo Madison, bassist Jack Rhys, and drummer Oliver “Ollie” Hart in 2007, the band started their journey playing at local bars and college festivals. Their distinctive sound and original lyrics quickly gained attention and by 2010, they had signed their first record deal with an Indie label, ‘Highway Records’.

The band’s journey has been a roller coaster ride, filled with epic highs and challenging lows. Throughout the years, their music has evolved and matured, but their core values remained intact – to create music that resonates with the soul. Their deep-rooted connection with their fans has been one of the most fulfilling aspects of their career. No matter where their journey takes them next, Critical Grain remains dedicated to crafting music that is both profound and relatable.

Genre:
Indie Rock/Alternative

Title:
“Unseen Echoes”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
G Em C G
Walking down the same old road,
Em C G
In search of something bold.
D Em C G
I’m tracing paths that shadows tread,
Em C G
Drawing lines in the sand unsaid.

(Chorus)
D Em G
Unseen echoes in my mind,
Em C G
Lost in the realms of time.
D Em C G
In the silence of the night,
Em C G
I find my soul’s pure light.

(Verse 2)
G Em C G
Beneath the stars, I stand alone,
Em C G
With stories yet unknown.
D Em C G
The constellations guide my way,
Em C G
In this cosmic play.

(Chorus)
D Em G
Unseen echoes fill the air,
Em C G
Whispers of love and despair.
D Em C G
In the echoes, we confide,
Em C G
Our heart’s deepest divide.

Testimonial:
Fan’s Name: Emily Saunders

Emily Saunders has been a die-hard fan of Critical Grain since she first heard their demo EP in the local record store. She fell in love with the heartfelt lyrics and the striking rhythm that sets the band apart. As a testimonial, Emily says, “Critical Grain’s music speaks to me on a deep, personal level. It’s raw, real, and full of emotion. Each song feels like a new journey, an insight into the band’s soul. Their music has helped me through some of the toughest times in my life, and for that, I will forever be grateful. They’re not just a band to me, they’re a lifeline.”

Backstory:

Dazzling Throne burst onto the music scene in 2014, a trio of college friends from New York, who shared a love for music and an aspiration to create melodies that transcend traditional genres. With lead singer and guitarist, Alex Stone, bass guitarist, Leo Harper, and drummer, Tim McAllister, the band began by playing in small venues, open mic nights, and local concerts. Their journey took a dramatic turn when their song was noticed by a notable record label executive, catapulting them into the limelight.

The band’s music revolves around themes of love, life and social justice. Each member brings their unique influences to the band’s sound. Stone’s love for indie rock, Harper’s fascination for folk, and McAllister’s passion for blues all come together to create a unique and electrifying music experience that has captivated audiences worldwide.

Genre:

Indie Rock with Folk and Blues influence

Song title:

“Under the Sapphire Sky”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
C G Am Em
Under the sapphire sky, I met you, darling
C G Dm Am
In the heart of the city, lights twinkling, shining
C G Am Em
Your eyes held a world, mysterious and alluring
C G Dm Am
And in that moment, my heart, you were owning

(Chorus)
F C G Am
In the sapphire sky, we found our home, darling
F C G Am
Underneath the stars, our love forever sparkling

(Verse 2)
C G Am Em
We danced through the nights, to the rhythm of the city
C G Dm Am
Lost in the music, in our world so pretty
C G Am Em
In your arms, I found a love so satisfying
C G Dm Am
Under the sapphire sky, our love story, undying

(Chorus)
F C G Am
In the sapphire sky, we found our home, darling
F C G Am
Underneath the stars, our love forever sparkling

Fan’s Name:

Emma Rutherford

Fan’s Testimonial:

“I can’t express enough how much I love Dazzling Throne! Their music has been a constant companion through my highs and lows. The song ‘Under the Sapphire Sky’ always makes me feel like I’m on top of the world. There’s something soothing yet electrifying about their music. It’s hard to explain, but it resonates with me on a deeply personal level. I’ve been to all their concerts in my city, and each experience is unique and unforgettable. Dazzling Throne isn’t just my favorite band, they’re a part of my life.”

Backstory:
Hoarse Receiver was born on the underground scene of Portland, Oregon in 2011, started by two high school friends, Jake Bentley and Ethan Ford. They bonded over a shared love of alternative music and a desire to break out of their mundane suburban lives. Bentley, an electric guitarist who had been strumming since the age of six, and Ford, a self-taught drummer with a relentless passion for rhythm, started rehearsing in Bentley’s garage, eventually adding bassist Sarah Alvarez and keyboardist Max Marshall to their lineup. The band began to develop a unique sound, receiving its name from Bentley’s raspy voice and the group’s mutual love for poignant and abstract songwriting.

Genre:
Alternative Rock

Title:
“Echoes of Yesterday”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
C#m E B A
In the haze of the night, under city light’s glow,
E B C#m A
I hear the echoes of yesterday’s sorrow.
C#m E B A
Lost in the maze, where no compass can guide,
E B C#m A
I seek solace in the music, my trusted confide.

(Chorus)
E B A A
Hoarse Receiver, oh believer,
E B C#m A
Turn the dial and let it play.
E B A A
In the echoes of yesterday,
E B C#m A
Find the path, lead the way.

(Verse 2)
C#m E B A
Through the static and noise, a melody clear,
E B C#m A
A beacon of hope overcoming fear.
C#m E B A
Strumming the strings, beating the heart’s drum,
E B C#m A
In the echoes of yesterday, we become.

(Chorus)
E B A A
Hoarse Receiver, oh believer,
E B C#m A
Tune in to the rhythm of the day.
E B A A
In the echoes of yesterday,
E B C#m A
Find the words, sing what you may.

Favorite fan’s name:
Tommy ‘the Tuner’ Jacobs

Testimonial:
Tommy ‘the Tuner’ Jacobs, a local radio host in Portland, was one of the first to recognize Hoarse Receiver’s unique sound and potential. “Their music is not just sound, it’s a language that speaks directly to my soul,” says Jacobs. “Every song is like an echo carrying the raw emotion of yesterday into the reality of today. It’s both a refuge and a revelation. Hoarse Receiver is my favorite band because they have this uncanny ability to channel the unspoken complexities of human experience into their music, making me feel seen, heard, and understood.”

Backstory:
Tan Machine was born on a balmy summer night in Austin, Texas, as a trio of childhood friends – Sal, Danny, and Mitch – got together to create music after college. Originally intended as a way to pass the time while they figured out their post-graduation plans, the group found undeniable chemistry as a band. Their shared history, combined with their individual musical inclinations, resulted in a unique blend of styles that was both refreshing and nostalgic.

As they quickly gained local fame, their fanbase grew beyond Texas. Their following was fueled not only by their catchy tunes but also by their down-to-earth personalities and commitment to their music. Tan Machine stayed true to their roots, ensuring that their music always possessed a warmth and genuineness that mirrored their own friendships and journeys.

Genre:
Indie Pop/Rock

Title:
“Golden Dreams”

Lyrics:

Verse 1: (G, D, Am, C)
Underneath the Texas stars, (G, D)
In our old beat-up cars, (Am, C)
We promised we’d chase after our golden dreams. (G, D, Am, C)

Chorus: (G, D, Am, C)
Golden dreams, like the summer sun, (G, D)
Promise of all the battles won. (Am, C)
In our hearts, they forever gleam, (G, D)
In the midst of life’s raging stream. (Am, C)

Verse 2: (G, D, Am, C)
We’ve faced the storm, held each other tight, (G, D)
In the darkest days and the longest nights. (Am, C)
With hope in our hearts, we continue to believe, (G, D)
In our ever-shining golden dreams. (Am, C)

Chorus: (G, D, Am, C)
Golden dreams, like the summer sun, (G, D)
Promise of all the battles won. (Am, C)
In our hearts, they forever gleam, (G, D)
In the midst of life’s raging stream. (Am, C)

Favorite Fan:
Name: Emily Hughes. Emily, a native Texan herself, discovered Tan Machine during a transitional phase in her life. She identified with the authenticity in their music and felt a sense of connection with the band. In her words, “Tan Machine is more than just a band for me, they have been the soundtrack to my life, helping me navigate through my ups and downs. Their songs are my refuge, and their journeys echo mine. They remind me that it’s okay to dream, and it’s okay to fight for those dreams. They are my favorite not just for their music, but for the genuine warmth and connection they share with us, their fans.”

Backstory:
Scornful Ban materialized in the sleepy town of Hemlock, Oregon. Once merely high school nerds with dreams larger than their suburban town, they started as an after-school escape, providing solace from the monotony of their lives. Comprising of lead vocalist and guitarist, Ben “Screaming” Harper, bassist, Mike “Madfingers” McLougherty, drummer, Steve “Thunderfoot” Thompson, and the charismatic keyboardist, Jane “Jazzhands” Johnson, the band’s chemistry was undeniable.

Years later, the band took the local music scene by storm, drawing crowds with their intense emotional performances. They began touring across the Pacific Northwest, earning a dedicated fan base that loved their raw, unfiltered sound. Despite their ascendant fame, they remain grounded, often returning to Hemlock for impromptu gigs.

Genre:
Alternative Rock

Title:
“Embittered Echoes”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse) [Am]Echoes of the [G]past, [F]haunting my [E7]soul
[Am]Can’t let go of the [G]scars, they’re taking [F]control
[Em]Memories, they [Am]cast, a [G]darkened [F]mold
[Em]In the mirror, I [Am]ask, [G]”Who’s the face I [F]hold?”

(Chorus) [Dm]Embittered [C]echoes, [G]call my [Am]name
[Dm]Voices from the [C]past, stoke the [G]flame
[Am]Can’t escape the [G]sound, it’s [F]all the [E7]same
[Dm]Caught in the [C]cycle, of [G]life’s cruel [Am]game.

(Verse) [Am]Shadows of the [G]night, [F]creep into [E7]light
[Am]Fighting till the [G]dawn, to claim the [F]right
[Em]Dreams within my [Am]sight, [G]fade out of [F]sight
[Em]In the silence, I [Am]fight, [G]against the [F]plight.

(Chorus) [Dm]Embittered [C]echoes, [G]talk of [Am]pain
[Dm]Laughter turned to [C]tears, gone down the [G]drain
[Am]Can’t outrun the [G]past, it’s [F]set in [E7]stain
[Dm]Living in the [C]echo, of an old [G]refrain. [Am]

Fan Testimonial:
“My name’s Cody, and I’ve been a fan of Scornful Ban since their early days. Their music hits me more than anything else I’ve ever listened to. It’s raw, real and speaks to the soul, it’s like they’ve put my feelings and experiences into songs. Their track, ‘Embittered Echoes’, resonates with me on so many levels. I’ve followed them all over Oregon and each performance is a unique experience. It’s not just music, it’s a movement, and I’m proud to be part of it.”

Backstory:
Scientific Human formed in the vibrant city of Manchester, England, in 2015. They are a group of four neuroscientists, drawn together not only by their shared profession but also their innate love of music. After many late-night jam sessions at university labs, they decided to form a band that would perfectly merge their passions for both science and music. The band members include vocalist and synthesizer guru, Albert Graham, guitarist and bassist, Leo Thompson, percussionist and keyboardist, Max Williams, and drummer, Neil Carter.

Their music seeks to explore the complexities of human nature through a scientific lens, presenting thought-provoking concepts about identity, consciousness, and existence. Their first album, “The Quantum Paradox,” quickly became a sleeper hit in the indie community, catapulting them to unexpected fame.

Genre:
Indie Electronic Rock

Title:
“Neural Symphony”

Full song lyrics:
(Verse)
Am G
In the labyrinth of thoughts, lost in cerebral reality,
F C
We dance to the rhythm of our neural symphony.
Am G
Decoding dreams, tracing our identity,
F C
In the grand orchestra of our complexity.

(Chorus)
Am F
We are Scientific Human, unraveling the mystery,
C G
In the sacred space between neurons and history.
Am F
Our music is a journey, through layers of reality,
C G
We sing the songs of existence, in harmonic synchrony.

(Verse)
Am G
As synapses fire, emotions come alive,
F C
In the twilight of consciousness, perceptions strive.
Am G
Connections form and fade, in this cosmic dance,
F C
Crafting the narrative of existence by chance.

(Chorus)
Am F
We are Scientific Human, composing the biology,
C G
Weaving the symphony of life, with passion and audacity.
Am F
Our music echoes in the void, echoes in the infinity,
C G
In our neural symphony, we celebrate the eccentricity.

Band’s Favorite Fan:
Our favorite fan is a young woman named Sarah. Sarah is a music student, who stumbled upon our music while studying neurology. In her words, “Scientific Human’s music is not just about the rhythm and the melody. It’s a poetic journey through the human mind. The way they blend complex scientific concepts with soulful music is just incomparable. The lyrics are layered with profound thought, and the music resonates with the essence of being human. It’s a beautiful paradox, where science meets art. Their music has inspired me to explore the deep connections between music, the brain, and our shared human experience.”

Backstory:
The band ‘Sweaty Newspaper’ was born in the heart of New York City in 2013. They started as a group of four friends who shared a love for music and a mutual disdain for the corporate rat race. The name ‘Sweaty Newspaper’ was coined after they found an abandoned, rain-soaked newspaper in a grungy alleyway, which they took as a sign of their struggle and determination. For them, it symbolized the grit and resilience of the city life— imperfect, yet filled with stories and potential.

The band gained a local following with their unusual music, eventually getting noticed by a record label scout during a gig in a local bar. They were signed on, and have since then been performing and recording, quickly gaining a larger fan base with their unique sound and relatability.

Genre:
Alternative Rock

Title:
“Crumpled Dreams”

Full song Lyrics:
Intro: [C – G – Am – F]

Verse 1:
[C] Found a paper, all [G] crumpled and lost,
[Am] Full of words that [F] came at a cost.
[C] Life’s a gamble, [G] we’re all in the toss,
[Am] We’re the dreamers, [F] bearing the cross.

Chorus:
[C] Crumpled dreams and [G] sweated fears,
[Am] We’re all fighting, [F] drowning in tears.
[C] In the city of [G] lights, beyond all years,
[Am] We’ll rise above, [F] conquer our fears.

Verse 2:
[C] A sweaty newspaper, [G] abandoned, alone,
[Am] Echoing stories, [F] in a silent moan.
[C] In the heart of the [G] city, a world unknown,
[Am] We’re the voices, [F] making it our own.

Chorus:
[C] Crumpled dreams and [G] sweated fears,
[Am] We’re all fighting, [F] drowning in tears.
[C] In the city of [G] lights, beyond all years,
[Am] We’ll rise above, [F] conquer our fears.

Ending:
[C] The city sleeps, [G] but we’re awake,
[Am] Crafting dreams, [F] for our own sake.
[C] We’re the band, [G] no mistake,
[Am] We’re ‘Sweaty Newspaper’, [F] a song in every ache.

Favorite Fan:
Mike ‘The Music Man’ Malone is an ardent fan of ‘Sweaty Newspaper’. He loves the band for their originality and the rawness in their music. Mike’s testimonial reads, “Their music speaks to me on a personal level. It’s like they’ve put the intensity of city life, the struggle and the hope, into words and music. ‘Sweaty Newspaper’ is real, they’re the voice of the city. I’ve followed them from their first gig in the local bar to their sold-out concerts, and their music has always been the soundtrack of my life.”

Backstory:

Red Presence, a band born out of the ashes of a small-town garage band in the heartland of America. It began when childhood friends, lead singer Mark Stevens and drummer Sam Mills, decided to move to Los Angeles in pursuit of their music dreams. In the City of Angels, they were joined by guitarist Lisa Riddle and bassist Jonny Kline, and that’s when Red Presence came into existence. Their name, inspired by the vibrant Californian sunsets, signifies the raw and passionate energy they bring to their music.

Genre:

Rock/Alternative

Title:

“Shadows in the Sunlight”

Full Song Lyrics:

Verse 1:
[C] Standing on this [G] road again, [Am] waiting for the [Em] sun to descend,
[F] Shadows of our [C] past, [G] lingering around,
[C] Memories that [G] never fade, [Am] promises we [Em] never made,
[F] In the corners of [C] our hearts, [G] where they are found.

Chorus:
[F] Shadows in the [C] sunlight, [Am] echoes in the [G] wind,
[F] Chasing the [C] dreams, [G] where we’ve never been.
[F] Shadows in the [C] sunlight, [Am] captured in a [G] song,
[F] That’s where our [C] hearts, [G] have belonged all along.

Verse 2:
[C] Laughter and the [G] tears we shared, [Am] moments when we [Em] truly cared,
[F] Captured in the [C] melody, [G] and the words unsaid,
[C] Here we are [G] under the stars, [Am] strumming on our [Em] old guitars,
[F] Writing the lyrics, [C] in the silences, [G] we often dread.

Chorus:
[F] Shadows in the [C] sunlight, [Am] whispers in the [G] breeze,
[F] We keep on [C] singing, [G] we keep on chasing these.
[F] Shadows in the [C] sunlight, [Am] trapped within a [G] rhyme,
[F] That’s where our [C] souls, [G] have been hiding all this time.

Fan’s Testimonial:

My name is Jennifer and I am arguably the biggest fan of Red Presence. Their music speaks to me on an indescribable level. It’s like every song they create is a chapter of my life, filled with raw emotion and untamed energy. Their lyrics are authentic and touch the soul, while their melodies leave you swaying in rhythm. Every concert is an experience of a lifetime, an incredible journey that leaves you wanting for more. Their love for music is infectious, and as a fan, it’s inspiring to see a band that’s so passionate about what they do. Red Presence isn’t just my favorite band, they’re the soundtrack of my life.