Backstory:

Blushing Thing was born in the gloomy dorm rooms of Manchester College, UK, where four ambitious friends found solace in their shared passion for music. In 2017, Sara on vocals and guitar, Jake on bass, Lilly on drums, and Ben on keys, decided to kickstart their journey in the music industry and formed the band Blushing Thing. The band’s name was inspired by a poem Sara wrote, symbolizing the power of emotions and how they can make one blush, be it with love, anger, or excitement.

The journey wasn’t always rosy, but their shared passion, unified vision, and each one’s unique attributes led them to create a unique sound that quickly garnered attention from local gig-goers. Their perseverance and dedication paid off when they won a local Battle of the Bands contest, giving them their first taste of stardom and propelling them into the spotlight.

Genre:

Alternative Indie Pop

Title:

“Red in Reverie”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
Am – G
Every time, every rhyme, every line that you speak,
F – C
Makes my heart flutter, makes my knees go weak.
Am – G
In your presence, I shine, I stumble, I seek,
F – C
The courage to say what my crimson cheeks speak.

(Chorus)
G – C
Red in Reverie, lost in a dream,
Am – F
Where love is as radiant as a sunbeam.
G – C
Red in Reverie, under moon’s gleam,
Am – F
We dance in the shadow of love’s grand scheme.

(Verse 2)
Am – G
Your laughter, your gaze, in my soul, they seep,
F – C
As we dance in silence, as secrets we keep.
Am – G
In your arms, there’s a melody, a rhythm so deep,
F – C
I sway to its beat, in your love, I steep.

(Chorus)
G – C
Red in Reverie, in this sweet serenade,
Am – F
We’re entwined, enlivened, in this love we made.
G – C
Red in Reverie, as day starts to fade,
Am – F
In the canvas of dusk, our memories are laid.

Favorite Fan:

The band’s favorite fan is a young woman named Emily. Emily discovered Blushing Thing while coping with a personal tragedy and found comfort and connection in their music. Emily, in her testimonial, shares, “Blushing Thing’s music is like a balm to my soul. It’s raw, honest, and beautifully crafted. Their lyrics speak volumes, they reach out and touch your heart. ‘Red in Reverie’ is my go-to song, it fills me with positive vibes and a sense of tranquility. They’ve quickly become my favorite band and their music is now an integral part of my life.”

Backstory:
Immediate Border’s origin traces back to a small town in Kentucky where childhood friends, lead vocalist Nathan Fischer and lead guitarist, Neil Cramer, spent their afternoons jamming in an old barn turned into a makeshift studio. One night, their music attracted the attention of drummer, Scott Harris, who was passing through town. Captivated by their raw talent, Scott decided not to continue his journey and instead, joined the duo. The trio’s synergy was palpable, and this was the birth of Immediate Border. After years of performing in local bars and small town festivals, they were discovered by a talent scout at a county fair. Their journey from a barn to international tours is a testimony of their sheer talent and commitment.

Genre:
Immediate Border specializes in a unique blend of Country Rock with elements of Southern Blues.

Title:
“One Last Crossroad”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
[G] I’m standing at a crossroad, [C] nowhere else to go
[D] The shadows of my past, [G] lingering in tow
[G] The sun sets on the horizon, [C] as I hit the open road
[D] I’ll be driving till morning, [G] for one last crossroad.

(Chorus)
[C] One last crossroad, [G] under the midnight sky
[D] One last chance to make things right, [C] before we say goodbye
[G] One more song, [C] beneath the moon’s glow
[D] Here’s to the long ride, [G] and the last crossroad.

(Verse 2)
[G] The taste of freedom, [C] bitter yet sweet
[D] The echoes of your laughter,[G] in the empty passenger seat
[G] The wind whispers secrets, [C] in codes only we know
[D] As we seek redemption, [G] at one last crossroad.

(Repeat Chorus)

(Outro)
[C] One last crossroad, [G] under the pale dawn light
[D] It’s time to leave our ghosts behind, [C] as we drive into the night
[G] One more song, [C] for the love we’ve known
[D] Here’s to us, [G] and our last crossroad.

Fan Testimony:
“Immediate Border isn’t just a band for me, they are my life’s soundtrack. Their music has been my constant companion, right from my high school days till today. I am Bonnie, their self-proclaimed no.1 fan and I love them because their music has a soul. It speaks to me in ways no other band has. Their song ‘One Last Crossroad’, is my all-time favorite. It reminds me of the journey we all are on, filled with ups and downs, much like the band’s own story. Immediate Border’s music is raw, heartfelt, and absolutely beautiful.”

Backstory:

Unwritten Cabinet is a band that was formed in the heart of Poplar, East London back in 2013. The five members of the band, namely, Rick (vocals), Samantha (bass guitar), Jon (lead guitar), Matt (drums), and Billy (keyboard) were all former schoolmates who reconnected at a local pub, reminiscing about their shared love for music. In their early days, they were an underground band, performing at local gigs and small venues. Their unique sound eventually caught the attention of a music producer who was visiting the pub one night, leading to their breakthrough in the mainstream music industry.

Genre:

The band’s music genre is an eclectic mix of Indie Rock and Post-Punk Revival, with traces of Grunge and Psychedelic Rock. Their music is marked by its dynamic chord progressions, poetic lyrics, and a distinctive blend of vintage and modern elements.

Title: “Vagrant Echoes”

Full song lyrics:

[Intro]
Em – G – D – C

Verse:
(Em) “Along the alleyways of (G) time, we (D) wander, we (C) unwind,
(Em) Memories etched on (G) cobblestone, (D) hearts beat in (C) rhythm, not alone.

Chorus:
(G) Hear the Vagrant (D) Echoes, (Em) bouncing off the (C) stone,
(G) Lost conversations, (D) whispers of the (Em) unknown.”

Verse:
(Em) “Painted on the (G) canvas of the (D) night, (C) shadows dancing in moonlight,
(Em) Dreams peeking through (G) cracked windows, (D) breathing in the (C) city’s throes.”

Chorus:
(G) Hear the Vagrant (D) Echoes, (Em) tales of love and (C) woe,
(G) Draped in melancholy, (D) secrets no one (Em) knows.

[Outro]
Em – G – D – C

Favorite Fan:

The band’s favorite fan is a 27-year-old nurse named Lucy. Lucy has followed Unwritten Cabinet since their early pub gigs and proudly possesses all their album releases. She loves Unwritten Cabinet for their raw, evocative lyrics and the beautiful harmonies they create, which she says, “resonate with her soul.” In her testimonial, she writes, “Their music is a breath of fresh air in the industry, poetic yet relatable. It has been a remarkable journey watching them evolve as a band, maintaining their unique sound while consistently pushing their creative boundaries.”

Backstory:
Formed in 2012, Secret Novel is the brainchild of four college friends, Charlie, Tim, Amelia, and Megan, who met in their literature class. Sharing a mutual love for music and storytelling, they began writing songs inspired by their favorite novels, hidden narratives, and secret worlds. These imaginative themes quickly caught on, drawing in a wide audience who felt just as entranced by their inventive storytelling as they did their music. Over the years, Secret Novel has seen its fan base grow exponentially, becoming a staple in the indie rock scene.

Genre:
Indie Rock

Title:
“Pages of Time”

Song Lyrics:
(Verse 1)
Am F
Walking along the sandy shore,
C G
Finding ourselves forevermore.
Am F
Each step we take, another line,
C G
Written in the pages of time.

(Chorus)
Am F
We are the authors, we hold the pen,
C G
Writing our story through joy and pain.
Am F
Our life, a secret novel untold,
C G
The greatest story ever to unfold.

(Verse 2)
Am F
Beneath the stars, our tales collide,
C G
In every sunset, secrets hide.
Am F
Turn the page, let your heart find,
C G
Another chapter in the book of time.

(Chorus)
Am F
We are the authors, we hold the pen,
C G
Writing our story, again and again.
Am F
Our life, a secret novel unveiled,
C G
In words and melodies, our love is sealed.

(Bridge)
Am F
Every note, every lyric, every rhyme,
C G
Is a piece of our hearts, frozen in time.

(Chorus)
Am F
We are the authors, we make our own fate,
C G
In the secret novel of love and hate.
Am F
In the pages of time, our story’s told,
C G
A tale of love, of young and old.

The band’s favorite fan’s name:
Testimonial – Jess Townsend

“I’ve been a fan of Secret Novel since their early days. Their music is different, it’s like diving into a different world with each song. The lyrics are so beautifully written, they’re like poetry, and the melodies are so powerful and emotive. The band members themselves are also incredibly down-to-earth and kind. They truly appreciate their fans and make an effort to connect with us. Secret Novel is my favorite band for their originality, their passion, and their dedication to their music and their fans.”

Backstory:

Plastic Discount was birthed in the urban sprawl of New York City in 2010. Its founding members, lead singer Joey “Jawbreaker” Jenkins, guitarist Eddie “Eagle” Ellington, bassist Ricky “Rattler” Russo, and drummer Danny “Dynamite” D’Amico met at a local dive bar during an open mic night. Sharing a communal love for the raucous energy of punk rock and the sarcastic wit of the beatnik movement, they decided to join forces, creating a band that was as culturally insightful as it was audibly explosive.

After several chaotic house shows and a handful of self-released demos, Plastic Discount garnered a cult-like following. Their scathing societal commentaries wrapped in infectious punk anthems resonated with the disenfranchised youth. Their sophomore album, “Shrink-Wrapped Rebellion,” caught the attention of major labels, but the band held steadfast to their DIY ethos, opting to remain independent.

Genre:

Punk Rock

Title:

“Barcode Blues”

Full Song Lyrics:

[Verse 1]
Em G
Living in a world, made of plastic and pearls
D A
I got the barcode blues, wrapped in the daily news
Em G
Reality is a joke, the punchline makes us broke
D A
I got the barcode blues, can’t shake off these shopping shoes

[Chorus]
C D
Hey, hey, it’s a plastic discount life
G E
We’re buying lies with every swipe
C D
Hey, hey, it’s a plastic discount dream
G E
All that glitters is not what it seems

[Verse 2]
Em G
Our hearts are for sale, sanity growing stale
D A
I got the barcode blues, got nothing left to lose
Em G
The world’s a supermarket, and we’re all a target
D A
I got the barcode blues, can’t escape these consumer views

[Chorus]
C D
Hey, hey, it’s a plastic discount life
G E
We’re buying lies with every swipe
C D
Hey, hey, it’s a plastic discount dream
G E
All that glitters is not what it seems

[Outro]
Em G
Living in a world, made of plastic and pearls
D A
I got the barcode blues, wrapped in the daily news

The Band’s Favorite Fan:

Luna “Loony” Larkin

Testimonial:

“I’ve been a fan of Plastic Discount since their first underground show in Brooklyn. Their raw energy, unfiltered lyrics, and rebellious spirit hooked me instantly. ‘Barcode Blues’ is an anthem for our generation, highlighting the fallacy of consumerism with a catchy punk rock twist. They’re not just my favorite band; they’re the voice of a generation feeling the burden of capitalism. Plastic Discount is a symbol of rebellion in a world that desperately needs it.”

Backstory
Grumpy Contest was formed in the sleepy town of Freemont, Nebraska. Childhood friends, Jeff Miles (vocals) and Tim Benson (guitar), started the band during their sophomore year of high school after stumbling upon an old guitar in Jeff’s attic. After relentless practice in Tim’s garage, the duo realized they needed a fuller sound and recruited Sarah Miller (bass) and Luke Anderson (drums), classmates from their high school. They found their unique sound, an eclectic mix of their varied musical tastes, and started playing local gigs, quickly gaining a loyal fanbase. Their energetic performances and relatable lyrics helped them get noticed by a local record label. Grumpy Contest was signed within a year and has since been making waves in the music industry.

Genre
Alternative Rock

Title
“Never Enough Time”

Full Song Lyrics
(Verse 1)
[E] Picked up the pieces, [A] walked down the line,
[E] Searching for something, [A] never enough time.
[D] Drifting through memories, [G] lost in the night,
[D] Echoes of laughter, [G] out of sight.

(Chorus)
[C] Never enough time, [G] to say what we feel,
[A] Words left unspoken, [D] wounds that won’t heal.
[C] You’re always running, [G] trying to find,
[A] A moment of peace, [D] never enough time.

(Verse 2)
[E] Shadows are falling, [A] the day’s almost done,
[E] Chasing the moments, [A] lost and won.
[D] Through all the chaos, [G] you’re my lifeline,
[D] But in the grand scheme, [G] there’s never enough time.

(Chorus)
[C] Never enough time, [G] to do what we want,
[A] Dreams left unchased, [D] they continue to haunt.
[C] Always in motion, [G] in life’s uphill climb,
[A] Just remember, love, [D] there’s never enough time.

Band’s Favorite Fan
Our favorite fan is Jenny Matthews. Jenny has been with us since our first local gig in Freemont. She has attended every concert, bought every album, and has constantly shown her support through every step of our journey. She once said, “Grumpy Contest is more than a band to me; they’re the soundtrack to my life. Their music has seen me through heartache, joy, confusion, and growth. It’s honest, raw, and relatable. They’re not just making music; they’re telling stories, our stories. And that’s why they’re my favorite band.”

Backstory:

Careful Carpet started in the humble college dormitory of the University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign. Formed by four engineering students – lead singer and rhythm guitarist Chris Peterson, lead guitarist Josh Murphy, bassist Dave Wells, and drummer Sam Hamilton – who discovered that their shared passion for music was just as strong as their love for science and technology. They named their band ‘Careful Carpet’ to poke fun at their meticulous and sometimes obsessive approach to arranging their music and their general way of life. The band’s initial performances at local bars and college events soon transformed into more significant gigs, and in no time, they began to make a name in the local music scene.

Genre:

Alternative Rock

Song Title:

“Threadbare Heart”

Song Lyrics:

Verse 1:
[C] My heart is a rug, [G] worn and used,
[F] Trampled by lovers, [C] their affection abused.
[C] Stitches undone, [G] colours now faded,
[F] I’m a threadbare heart, [C] love, I’m jaded.

Chorus:
[C] Can you be my careful carpet,
[G] Walking gently, mending what’s torn?
[F] Can you bring back the colours,
[C] Make this threadbare heart reborn?

Verse 2:
[C] Love’s a tough gamble, [G] I’ve rolled the dice,
[F] Paid the price, [C] oh, not once but twice.
[C] Now I’m frayed at the edges, [G] damaged at the core,
[F] Look for a careful carpet, [C] to love me once more.

Chorus:
[C] Will you be my careful carpet,
[G] Walking gently, mending what’s torn?
[F] Can you bring back the colours,
[C] Make this threadbare heart reborn?

Fan Testimonial:

The band’s favourite fan is named Jenny Lancaster. She’s been following Careful Carpet since their early gigs at her local bar. Jenny says, “Their music is like a tapestry of emotions, woven together so beautifully. It speaks to me on so many levels. I especially love the song ‘Threadbare Heart’; it’s so raw and genuine. It’s like they’ve put my feelings into words. Careful Carpet is my favorite band because their music is not just about playing chords and words; it’s about conveying feelings and experiences, making us feel seen and heard. And that’s what makes them truly special.”

Backstory:

All Assistance was formed in the bustling city of Chicago in the summer of 2010. The band’s founding members, vocalist Alex Thompson, drummer Jake Murray, and guitarist Ben Mason, met while working as roadies for different bands touring the Midwest. Their shared passion for music and a dream to rise above their mundane jobs led to late-night jam sessions, which soon became a regular occurrence. One fateful night, while performing an impromptu session at a local bar, they were noticed by music producer Teddy Hall. Seeing their potential, Teddy offered them a chance to record their first album, and the rest, as they say, is history.

Genre:
Indie Rock

Title:
“Holding on to Shadows”

Full Song Lyrics:

[Verse 1]
Em C
Riding on the wings of a cold winter’s night,
G D
Lost in the rhythm, bathing in the moonlight.
Em C
Strumming on the strings of a heart worn thin,
G D
Holding on to shadows, where do we begin?

[Chorus]
Em C
Oh, we’re all assistance in this dance,
G D
Lost in the music, caught in the trance.
Em C
We’re holding on to shadows, slipping through our hands,
G D
Living in the echoes, drawn into the bands.

[Verse 2]
Em C
Cruising through the city, under neon lights,
G D
Playing our hearts out, every single night.
Em C
We’ve got each other, and that’s all we need,
G D
Strumming the chords of life, on this journey, we proceed.

[Chorus]
Em C
Oh, we’re all assistance in this dance,
G D
Lost in the music, caught in the trance.
Em C
We’re holding on to shadows, slipping through our hands,
G D
Living in the echoes, drawn into the bands.

Fan’s testimonial:
Fan’s Name: Lisa Grey

“All Assistance is my favorite band because their music speaks to my soul. It’s like they’ve put my thoughts, feelings, and experiences into their songs. Alex’s voice is just mesmerizing, Jake’s beats are spot on, and Ben’s guitar-playing is out of this world. Every song of theirs tells a story that I can relate to on a personal level. The connection I feel with their music is indescribable. Their song, ‘Holding on to Shadows’, in particular, has helped me through some tough times. Their music isn’t just entertainment for me, it’s a lifeline.”

Backstory:

Wooden Boy was formed in the small coastal town of Lighthouse Point, Maine. The band consists of childhood friends: lead vocalist and guitarist, Sam Parker, bassist, Mikey Walsh, and drummer, Alex “Mouse” Thompson. They spent their formative years practicing in Sam’s parents’ barn, writing songs influenced by their seaside surroundings, small-town life, and their shared love of folk and rock music. The band got its name from a well-loved childhood storybook of Sam’s, ‘The Adventures of the Wooden Boy,’ symbolizing their deep-rooted bond and shared history.

Genre:
Folk-Rock

Title:
“Seashell Whispers”

Full Song Lyrics (with chord progression):

Verse 1: C – G – Am – F
(C) I found a seashell by the (G) shore,
(Am) Whispering tales of love and (F) lore,
(C) Crashing waves and silent (G) cries,
(Am) Underneath the moonlit (F) skies.

Chorus: G – Em – Am – D
(G) Hear the seashell (Em) whispers,
(Am) Tales of love, tales of (D) whispers,
(G) In this small town by the (Em) sea,
(Am) You and I were meant to (D) be.

Verse 2: C – G – Am – F
(C) Wooden boy with a (G) heart of gold,
(Am) With you, our story will (F) unfold,
(C) In the sand, our names we (G) carve,
(Am) In this moment, love we (F) serve.

Repeat Chorus: G – Em – Am – D

Outro: C – G – Am – F
(C) Hear the seashell (G) whispers,
(Am) In the wind, love (F) lingers,
(C) Wooden boy and a girl (G) so free,
(Am) In this town, we’ll always (F) be.

Fan Testimonial:

The band’s favorite fan is a charming, elderly lady named Edna. Ever since Wooden Boy’s first impromptu performance at the local farmers market, Edna has been their most loyal supporter. She says, “Wooden Boy’s music brings me back to the good old days of folk-rock. It’s refreshing and nostalgic at the same time. Their song ‘Seashell Whispers’ perfectly captures the essence of our beautiful little seaside town. I feel like they’re singing the story of my younger years, of love found and lost on these shores. They’re simply my favorite, and I wouldn’t miss any of their shows for the world.”

Backstory:

Slim Cap originated in the small town of Montgomery, Alabama in 2007. The band was formed by childhood friends Jake Dawson, Timmy Knight, and Shawn O’Connell. Growing up, they bonded over a shared love for music, spending their high school years jamming in basements and garages, dreaming of making it big one day. Jake, the lead singer and guitarist, was the driving force of the band, with Timmy on the drums and Shawn on the bass. After high school, they decided to take their dream seriously and started playing at local bars and clubs, catching the attention of a local record label.

In 2010, they added a fourth member, Rachel Green, a keyboardist and songwriter, who added a unique flavor to their sound. Rachel was initially a fan who attended their local gigs regularly. The band noticed her passion for music and invited her to join them. With Rachel’s addition, the band made a significant breakthrough in their music career, and their popularity started to grow beyond their town. They released their debut album, “Slim Cap Rising,” which became a local sensation, and they haven’t looked back since.

Genre:

Alternative Rock

Title:

“Echoes of the Heart”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
Em C
Under the violet sky, we used to lie,
G D
Dreaming about the places, we’d someday fly,
Em C
Now those visions have faded, into the night,
G D
But your memory still lingers, in the soft twilight.

(Chorus)
Em C
Echoes of the heart, they never part,
G D
Remnants of our love, painted in the dark,
Em C
Your laughter still rings, in my ears,
G D
Your love, your love, dissipating my fears.

(Verse 2)
Em C
Staring at the old tree, where we carved our names,
G D
The world has changed, but our love remains,
Em C
In every whisper of the wind, every falling leaf,
G D
I find solace in the memory, however brief.

(Chorus)
Em C
Echoes of the heart, they never part,
G D
Remnants of our love, painted in the dark,
Em C
Every note I play, every song I sing,
G D
They are for you, my love, my everything.

Bands Favorite Fan’s Name:

Kenny Jackson

Testimonial:

“I’ve been a fan of Slim Cap since their early days. I remember hearing them at a local bar and thinking, ‘These guys are going to be huge.’ Their music moved me in a way nothing else ever had. Jake’s voice is raw and emotive, Timmy’s drumming is explosive, Shawn’s bass lines are strong and steady, and Rachel… her keyboard skills and songwriting added so much depth to their sound. Even though their music has evolved over the years, the soul of Slim Cap has remained consistent. They’ve stayed true to themselves, and that’s why they’ll always be my favorite band.”