Backstory:
Kindly Companion was born in the small town of Willamette, Oregon. The band comprises childhood friends Samuel “Sam” Harper, Lucas “Luke” Bentley, and twins Rebecca and Rachel Arnold. They were drawn together by their shared love for music and storytelling, often gathering around the fire pit in Sam’s backyard to share songs and stories. After high school, they decided to turn their passion into their profession and set off on a musical journey, performing at local bars, community festivals, and eventually, national stages.

The band’s music style is a blend of their unique personalities, drawing influences from their shared experiences, the beauty of the Pacific Northwest, and the rhythm of small-town life. Their lyrics are a testament to their enduring friendship, life’s simple pleasures and the trials and tribulations of growing up. Through their music, Kindly Companion shares their story, hoping to resonate with the hearts of listeners.

Genre:
Folk Rock

Title:
“Chasing Shadows”

Full Song Lyrics:
(Verse 1)
C Am G F
In the heart of Willamette, we found our song,
Showing up to life, just trying to belong,
Underneath the stars, singing our truth,
Chasing shadows, in the dusk of our youth.

(Chorus)
Dm F C G
Chasing Shadows, through the echoes of our time,
With the rhythm of our heartbeats, in every rhyme,
In every laughter, every tear that falls,
In our kindly companionship, we found it all.

(Verse 2)
C Am G F
Through open roads, and winding trails,
With each other, we set our sails,
Under the canvas of the clear blue sky,
Chasing Shadows, with dreams in our eyes.

(Chorus)
Dm F C G
Chasing Shadows, in the melody of the night,
In the harmony of our souls, we found our light,
In the music of memories, and tales untold,
In our kindly companionship, we found our gold.

Favorite Fan:
Their favorite fan is a woman named Lois Thompson. Lois first saw Kindly Companion perform at a community festival in a neighboring town. She was moved by the authenticity of their lyrics and the captivating harmony of their music. Lois has since followed their journey, attending almost every local performance.

Lois’s Testimonial:
“Kindly Companion is a band that’s truly one of a kind. Their music speaks directly to my soul. It’s almost like they’ve lived my life, felt my feelings. Every song they sing is a story that I can relate to. They have a way of transforming ordinary life into extraordinary music. And this is why they’re my favorite band; they make me feel seen, heard, and most importantly, understood.”

Backstory:
The musical phenomenon known as ‘Sizzling Expansion’ was formed in the summer of 2012 within the depths of a grungy garage in the heart of Brooklyn, New York. The band, comprised of lead vocalist/guitarist Sam ‘Sizzling’ Sterling, bassist Eddie ‘Expansion’ Edmonds, and drummer Zack ‘Zigzag’ Zephyr, initially bonded over their shared love for experimenting with music and their mutual appreciation for classic rock and electro music. Their unique blend of these genres soon caught the attention of local music enthusiasts, propelling the band into an exciting journey of music-making and vibrant performances.

Genre:
Electro-Rock Fusion

Title:
“Electric Echoes”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
[G] Underneath the [Em] city lights, I found my [C] heart tonight,
[D] Sizzling with [Em] colors, in the shadows we [C] ignite,
[G] Echoes of our [Em] laughter, dancing in the [C] neon light,
[D] Expansion of our [Em] dreams, baby, we’re taking [C] flight.

(Chorus)
[G] Electric [D] echoes, in the [Em] rhythm of the [C] night,
[G] Heartbeats [D] racing, in the [Em] flashing neon [C] light,
[G] Sizzling [D] expansion, love [Em] taking its [C] flight,
[G] With electric [D] echoes, we’re [Em] soaring through the [C] night.

(Verse 2)
[G] Racing through the [Em] streets, sparks of [C] love ignite,
[D] Echoes bouncing [Em] off the walls, in this [C] endless night.
[G] We’re a sizzling [Em] expansion, in this worldly [C] fight,
[D] With our electric [Em] echoes, we’ll make it [C] oh, so right.

(Chorus)
[G] Electric [D] echoes, in the [Em] rhythm of the [C] night,
[G] Heartbeats [D] racing, in the [Em] flashing neon [C] light,
[G] Sizzling [D] expansion, love [Em] taking its [C] flight,
[G] With electric [D] echoes, we’re [Em] soaring through the [C] night.

Fan’s Testimonial:
“As a die-hard fan and follower, my name is Lucy Langley. Sizzling Expansion is my favorite band because they blend electro and rock so seamlessly that it hits right at the core of my music-loving heart. Their lyrics are profound and strike a chord with my experiences; it’s as though they’re speaking directly to me. ‘Electric Echoes’ is more than just a song, it defines my youth, my rebellion, and my dreams. Sizzling Expansion isn’t just a band – they’re a lifestyle for me.”

Backstory:
Rigid Curve is a tale of four childhood buddies from the heart of Brooklyn, New York. Growing up in the vibrant and multicultural neighborhood, their lives were a colorful mosaic of experiences that translated into their unique musical journey. The band was formed in their high school years when they discovered their shared passion for music, with each member bringing a unique instrumental talent to the table. Together, they turned their garage into a mini-studio, where they spent hours jamming and blending their diverse influences into a distinct sound.

The band’s journey wasn’t without its share of trial and tribulations. They went through line-up changes, struggled with their early gigs, and faced the inevitable creative differences. However, their bond remained unbroken, strengthening their dedication to their craft. Their story is a testament to persistence and the unshakable belief in the power of music.

Genre:
Rigid Curve specializes in Alternative Rock, with a notable blend of bluesy undertones and psychedelic elements.

Title:
“Riding on the Edge”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
Am Em G D
On the crowded streets of Brooklyn, we found our sound,
Am Em G D
In the heartbeats of the night, our dreams were bound.
Am Em G D
With a worn-out guitar and a drum that’s beat,
Am Em G D
We rose from the ashes, refused to admit defeat.

(Chorus)
C G D Em
Riding on the edge, under the city lights,
C G D Em
Singing our songs, on countless starry nights.
C G D Em
We’re Rigid Curve, playing our life’s tune,
C G D Em
In the hope that our melodies will reach the moon.

(Verse 2)
Am Em G D
From the concrete jungle, our music took flight,
Am Em G D
Breaking the silence, cutting through the night.
Am Em G D
With every chord, every beat, every word we’d weave,
Am Em G D
We found our rhythm, in our dreams, we believe.

(Chorus)
C G D Em
Riding on the edge, under the city lights,
C G D Em
Singing our songs, on countless starry nights.
C G D Em
We’re Rigid Curve, playing our life’s tune,
C G D Em
In the hope that our melodies will reach the moon.

Fan Testimonial – Favorite Fan Name: Jimmy “The Jukebox” Stevens
“I’ve been following Rigid Curve since their earliest gigs in Brooklyn, and I’ve watched them grow into a band that’s capable of captivating audiences with their raw energy and authentic sound. Their music is a reflection of the city they come from – diverse, vibrant, and full of life. And you can’t help but feel a connection to their lyrics. It’s like they’ve taken snippets of their lives, their struggles, and triumphs, and turned them into songs we can all relate to. For me, they’re not just a band; they’re a symbol of resilience and the power of friendship. That’s why Rigid Curve will always be my favorite.”

Backstory:
Born from the ashes of a failed rock band, Compassionate Aftermath came into existence during a time of intense personal trials for its members. The band is composed of four members: lead vocalist, Johnny “Riff” Hardwell; drummer, Samuel “Pulse” Thompson; bass guitarist, Arnold “Bass Master” Collins; and lead guitarist, David “Strings” Davis. Each member, struggling with their personal losses, found solace in music, using it as a vehicle to express their pain, resilience, and hope. This unity in adversity formed a bond between the members, making Compassionate Aftermath not just a band, but a brotherhood.

Their music started as a form of therapy for them, playing in small bars and clubs around their hometown of Portland, Oregon. However, their raw, soulful performances quickly caught the attention of music lovers in the local scene. The four men have since dedicated themselves to creating music that connects with others who are dealing with their own emotional crises, offering a sense of understanding, compassion, and hope through their music.

Genre:
Alternative Rock

Title:
“Solace in Silence”

Full song lyrics:

(Verse 1)
Am | C | G | F
In the shadows of my remorse, I find my light,
In the echoes of my pain, I find my fight,
No one knows the battles, I wage every night,
Solace in silence, my only respite.

(Chorus)
Am | F | C | G
Solace in silence, when tears fall like rain,
In the quiet, I soothe my pain,
In the calm of the night, my heart takes flight,
Solace in silence, my soul’s delight.

(Verse 2)
Am | C | G | F
In the whispers of my hope, I find my strength,
In the rustling of despair, I find my length,
No one knows the dreams, I have dreamt,
Solace in silence, my thoughts are spent.

(Chorus)
Am | F | C | G
Solace in silence, where stars lend their light,
In the hush, my fears take flight,
In the murmur of the wind, my spirit’s ignite,
Solace in silence, my precious night.

Fan’s testimonial:
“My name is Sarah, and I am possibly the biggest Compassionate Aftermath fan out there. Their music speaks to me on levels I can’t even begin to explain. After losing my mom, I was in a very dark place, but ‘Solace in Silence’ became my anthem. The lyrics, the melody, everything about it connected with me. It felt like they were speaking directly to me, offering comfort in my time of need. I can honestly say that their music helped me cope, and for that, Compassionate Aftermath will always be my favorite band.”

Backstory:

Anchored Teaching came to life in the quirky, vibrant backdrop of Austin, Texas, where a group of four educators decided to combine their shared passion for music and teaching. The band members – lead singer, James Kaplan, bassist, Patrick Rivers, drummer, Emilie Norris, and guitarist, Jacob Freeman – met in a teachers’ conference and found themselves jamming to Beatles’ classics after a long day of lectures and discussions. They soon discovered a unique connection, a shared vision that allowed them to create music that would resonate with people not just in their city, but around the world.

Their journey began from local school performances and small music cafes, eventually leading them to big music festivals. Despite their mainstream success, Anchored Teaching never lost sight of their roots. They continued to work in the education field, using their music as an avenue to inspire their students and fans alike.

Genre:

Anchored Teaching’s music can be classified as Indie Rock, with a touch of Folk and a sprinkle of Blues. Their songs depict powerful narratives that reflect their experiences as educators, making their music a unique blend of reality and creativity.

Title:

“One Classroom Tale”

Full Song Lyrics:

[Verse 1 – C G Am F]
In the middle of this concrete town,
Lies a place where dreams are found,
Chalk dust dancing in the air,
Tales of hope and love we share.

[Chorus – G Em Am D]
One classroom tale, one world to change,
Through our voices, let’s rearrange,
This chaotic world, in notes and words,
Let this be the song that’s heard.

[Verse 2 – C G Am F]
Lessons learnt under the crimson sun,
Stories of battles fought and won,
In every heart, a seed we sow,
In their minds, a world we grow.

[Chorus – G Em Am D]
One classroom tale, one world to see,
Through our music, let them be,
The change they wish, in notes and words,
Let this be the song that’s heard.

[Bridge – Em Am F C]
In this world of black and white,
We will be their guiding light,
One classroom tale, one song to sing,
This is what our love will bring.

[Outro – C G Am F]
One Classroom Tale, our hearts unfold,
In every child, a story told,
Through the echoes of time, in notes and words,
We are Anchored Teaching, let our song be heard.

Fan Testimonial:

“I’m Laura Stephens, a 9th grade student from Austin. I stumbled upon Anchored Teaching during a school performance and was immediately hooked. Their music isn’t just melodious, it’s meaningful. It’s like they put my thoughts and feelings into songs. They remind me of the power of education and the importance of dreaming big. Talking about them in my school newspaper was just my small way of saying thank you. They are more than just a band to me, they’re my heroes.”

Backstory:
Overcooked Region was formed in the year 2010 by a group of friends from a small town in Arizona. As high school buddies, they shared an insatiable passion for rock and roll, and a common dream of making music that would capture the heart and soul of their desolate desert town. The band is made up of lead vocalist and guitarist, Jake ‘Spoon’ Spooner, drummer, Calvin ‘CJ’ Johnson, and bassist, Riley ‘Riff’ Jeffers. They began their journey by performing in local bars and at county fairs, gradually earning a loyal fan base. Their big break came when they were discovered by a record producer who happened to be vacationing in their town. Since then, the boys of Overcooked Region have been rocking stages all over the country with their distinct blend of hard rock and desert blues.

Genre:
Hard Rock/Desert Blues

Title:
“Dusty Sundown”

Lyrics:

[Verse 1]
(Am) Driving down this old dirt road, (C) sun setting low
(G) Got my guitar playing, (D) radio blasting our song
(Am) Heart’s burning like a summer flame, (C) won’t say her name
(G) Got this desert sky, (D) and the road to keep me strong

[Chorus]
(Am) It’s another dusty sundown, (C) and I’m on my own
(G) In this overcooked region, (D) where the wild winds have blown
(Am) Got the moon for company, (C) and the stars as my crown
(G) Yes, it’s another dusty sundown, (D) in this rock and roll town

[Verse 2]
(Am) Her love was a desert rose, (C) now it’s just a ghost
(G) Fading memories, (D) like footprints in the sand
(Am) The chords are my only truth, (C) in this endless route
(G) With the rhythm of my heart, (D) and the guitar in my hand

[Chorus]
(Am) It’s another dusty sundown, (C) and I’m on my own
(G) In this overcooked region, (D) where the wild winds have blown
(Am) Got the moon for company, (C) and the stars as my crown
(G) Yes, it’s another dusty sundown, (D) in this rock and roll town

[Bridge]
(F) Got the scent of sagebrush, (C) and the heat of the sun
(G) In this overcooked region, (D) where our story begun
(F) In every lonely sunset, (C) in every lonesome sound
(G) I find my peace, (D) in this dusty sundown

[Chorus]
(Am) It’s another dusty sundown, (C) and I’m on my own
(G) In this overcooked region, (D) where the wild winds have blown
(Am) Got the moon for company, (C) and the stars as my crown
(G) Yes, it’s another dusty sundown, (D) in this rock and roll town

Favorite Fan:
The band’s favorite fan is a woman named Sarah. Sarah has been following Overcooked Region since their humble beginnings at the local bars of their hometown. Sarah says, “Overcooked Region isn’t just my favorite band because their music speaks to me – it’s because they represent home. They’ve put our little desert town on the map with their hard-hitting desert blues. And every time I hear ‘Dusty Sundown’, it reminds me of the sunsets back home, of the freedom of the open road, of the wild beauty of our overcooked region. Their music is a piece of my heart.”

Backstory:
Peppery Classroom was formed in the autumn of 2008, in the artsy town of Rosendale, New York. Childhood friends, Matthew Steele (lead vocals), Calvin Fox (guitar), Eleanor Raven (bass), and Marley Pike (drums) found themselves in the same music class, studying under the eccentric and inspiring professor, Jackson ‘Pepper’ Peterson. They formed a bond over their shared appreciation for unconventional music and a desire to create something uniquely their own. One sweltering afternoon after hours in their classroom, while jamming together, they experienced a spontaneous burst of creativity. This resulted in their first song, which eventually led to the formation of ‘Peppery Classroom’.

Genre:
Alternative Rock/Pop-Punk

Title:
“Notes on a Blackboard”

Song Lyrics:
(Verse)
[A] Writing notes on a blackboard, [D] shadows of our thoughts,
[G] Scribbles of a love song, [A] dreams that we forgot.
[D] Lost in the rhythm of the rain, [G] fighting against the clock,
[A] In the peppery classroom, [D] where our hearts were locked.

(Chorus)
[G] Singing to the moonlight, [A] dancing in the sun,
[D] Voices of our youth, [G] the journey just begun.
[A] Notes on a blackboard, [D] tales of love and loss,
[G] In the peppery classroom, [A] we found our chaos.

(Verse)
[A] Chasing shadows down the hallway, [D] echoes of our past,
[G] Laughter in the silence, [A] memories that will last.
[D] Strumming on the heartstrings, [G] under the ticking clock,
[A] In the peppery classroom, [D] we found our rock.

(Chorus)
[G] Singing to the moonlight, [A] dancing in the sun,
[D] Voices of our youth, [G] the journey just begun.
[A] Notes on a blackboard, [D] tales of love and loss,
[G] In the peppery classroom, [A] we found our chaos.

Favorite Fan’s Name:
Oliver “Ollie” Bennett

Testimonial:
I’ve been a fan of Peppery Classroom since their early days, back when they were just performing in local pubs in Rosendale. Their unique sound, the passion they put into their performances, and the raw emotion in their lyrics drew me in. As an art student, their music inspires me and stirs my creative juices. They’ve stayed true to their music and haven’t changed their style to fit into mainstream music. This authenticity is why Peppery Classroom is my favorite band. Their song “Notes on a Blackboard” is a testament to their journey, it’s a lyrical masterpiece and is the soundtrack to my life.

Backstory:

Immediate Crook is a pop rock band that originates from the bustling city of Portland, Oregon. The band was formed in 2013 when the four members met at a local open mic night. Each had come to perform solo, but by the end of the night, they realized that their unique styles blended together in a magical way not often achieved. They named themselves Immediate Crook as a nod to their abrupt decision to form a band and the twists and turns of their musical journey.

The band worked tirelessly over the next three years, honing their sound and building a local following. Their big break came in 2016, when a video of their performance at a local music festival went viral. From there, Immediate Crook released their debut album and began touring nationally, earning them a growing fan base and solidifying their place in the pop rock scene.

Genre:

Pop Rock

Title:

“Twisted Echoes”

Full Song Lyrics:

Verse 1:
[C] Down the alleyway, [G] under the city lights,
[Am] We found our hearts and [F] lost our minds,
[C] Chasing shadows, [G] dancing in the moonlight,
[Am] And the twisted echoes [F] of our life.

Chorus:
[G] We are the Immediate Crooks,
[D] Stealing the spotlight, [Em] breaking the hooks,
[C] Singing our hearts out, till the [G] dawn takes us back,
[Am] To the place we belong, [F] off the beaten track.

Verse 2:
[C] We sang of love, [G] we sang of dreams,
[Am] Our voices echoing [F] in the night,
[C] Through the laughter, [G] through the screams,
[Am] We found our rhythm, [F] found our fight.

(Chorus)

Bridge:
[Dm] So here’s to the crooked paths, [Em] and the twisted turns,
[F] For in the chaos, [G] a star burns.

(Chorus)

Favorite Fan:

Our favorite fan’s name is Jenny Rutherford. Jenny has been with us since our early days performing in Portland, and has attended every one of our concerts since then. She even traveled with us on our national tour, documenting our journey through photos and posts on her blog.

Testimonial from Jenny:

“Immediate Crook isn’t just a band to me, they’re family. Their music is raw, real, and resonates with me on so many levels. It’s like they’ve put my feelings into words and set them to a beat. I’ve watched them grow from playing at local pubs to now selling out arenas, and I couldn’t be prouder. Their authenticity and passion for music is what makes them my favorite band, and will keep me coming back for more.”

Backstory:

Sniveling Production emerged from the gritty backstreets of East London, formed by a group of childhood friends bonded by a passion for creating music that resonates. The band’s members – lead vocalist and guitarist Johnny ‘Rat’ Rodgers, bassist Mikey ‘Pike’ Pickett, drummer Nick ‘Nails’ Naylor, and keyboardist Ian ‘Itch’ Ickes – were initially inspired by the raw and rebellious sounds of 80s punk, but their musical journey has taken them through various genres, sculpting their unique sound. Their name, ‘Sniveling Production’, is a tongue-in-cheek nod to their humble beginnings, producing songs in their tattered practice space, a dilapidated old factory.

The band’s rise to fame started when their breakout hit, ‘Punk’d Pathos’, caught the attention of renowned music producer, Eddie ‘Earwig’ Edwards. Eddie took the band under his wing, leading them to a record deal with the influential indie label, Scruffy Dog Records. Despite their success, Sniveling Production has stayed true to their roots, often returning to their hometown for secret gigs and impromptu jam sessions in their beloved local pub.

Genre:

Indie-rock with punk influences

Title:

“Under the Streetlight Glow”

Lyrics:

(Verse 1) Am C G D
In the heart of the midnight, under the streetlight glow,
Boys with ragged jeans, nowhere else to go,
Echoes of laughter, and whispers in the wind,
The tales of lost innocence, and the sins we’re drenched in.

(Chorus) F C G
Under the streetlight glow, where our dreams were born,
We strummed out our hearts, till our fingers were worn.
In the heart of the midnight, under the streetlight glow,
We found our rhythm, in the world of the unknown.

(Verse 2) Am C G D
As the city sleeps, we paint it with our sound,
In the fading echo, our hopes and fears are found.
The music is our haven, the rhythm our guide,
Under the streetlight glow, we take it all in stride.

(Chorus) F C G
Under the streetlight glow, where we learned to fight,
The world may be dark, but the music’s our light.
In the heart of the midnight, under the streetlight glow,
We found our purpose, in the rhythm and the flow.

Favorite fan’s name:

Ella Hopkins

Testimonial:

“I’ve followed Sniveling Production since their early days, playing in dingy bars and dodgy basement parties. Their music speaks to me on a deep, personal level. It’s raw, it’s real, it’s about the struggles we go through and how we find a way to rise above. No matter how successful they’ve become, they’ve stayed true to their roots, their sound, and their fans. They’ve never lost their authenticity, and that’s why they’re my favorite band.”

Backstory:

Fat Throne was formed in the summer of 2008, in the suburbs of San Francisco, California. The band was initially a garage project of childhood friends – lead vocalist and guitarist Jake ‘JJ’ Johnson, drummer Kenny ‘K2’ Kowalski, bassist Mikey ‘Mongoose’ Monroe and keyboardist Lily ‘Liquid’ Lockhart. The band’s unique name was inspired by their favorite show, Game of Thrones, and their shared love of cheesy pizza. After years of playing in their garage and local venues, they garnered the attention of a renowned music producer at one of their gigs who signed them to an indie record label.

The band had a humble beginning but quickly rose to fame with their debut album ‘Beneath the Cheesy Crust,’ which hit the billboard charts. The band was known for their high energy performances, intricate melodies, and relatable lyrics. Their honest and raw musical narratives resonated with many listeners, quickly turning them into a household name in the rock world.

Genre:
Indie Rock

Song Title:
“Pepperoni Sunrise”

Full Song Lyrics:

[Verse 1]
(Em) Waking up to a (G) pepperoni sunrise,
(D) Slices of dreams (A) lying by my side.
(Em) Cold box of reality, (G) cheesy delight,
(D) Taste of yesterday’s (A) wild, wild night.

[Chorus]
(C) Pepperoni sunrise, (G) you’re my sweet surprise,
(D) Leftovers from a moment, (A) frozen in time.
(C) With each bite I take, (G) memories awake,
(D) Oh, pepperoni sunrise, (A) you’re my lifeline.

[Verse 2]
(Em) Crispy edges of (G) our broken vows,
(D) Melted promises (A) under the cloudy shroud.
(Em) Savoring the moments, (G) till the last bite,
(D) Of this pepperoni (A) morning light.

[Chorus]
(C) Pepperoni sunrise, (G) you’re my sweet surprise,
(D) Leftovers from a moment, (A) frozen in time.
(C) With each bite I take, (G) memories awake,
(D) Oh, pepperoni sunrise, (A) you’re my lifeline.

[Outro]
(Em) So here’s to the nights, (G) and our pizza fights,
(D) Under the pepperoni (A) sunrise light.

The Band’s Favorite Fan:

Our favorite fan’s name is Rosie. Rosie has been with us since our first gig in a small dive bar in San Francisco. She has attended every single concert and owns all our merchandise. Rosie says, “Fat Throne is the soundtrack to my life. I’ve laughed, cried, and rocked out to their music. The authenticity in their lyrics and the energy in their performances are unparalleled. Their song ‘Pepperoni Sunrise’ got me through a tough break-up. Music has a way of healing, and Fat Throne’s music heals me every day.”