Backstory:

Tasty Dark was born in the eclectic heart of Birmingham, UK in 2016. The members – lead vocalist Mark “Moondust” Dalton, guitarist Jake “Jazz hands” Jenkins, bassist Amy “Arsenic” Anderson, and drummer Will “Warpaint” Whitaker – all hailing from diverse musical backgrounds, came together in a serendipitous encounter at a local record shop. Their shared love for music, particularly the darker, more brooding sounds, eventually led to the formation of the band. Since then, they’ve been churning out their unique brand of tunes, taking the UK music scene by storm.

Their journey to fame was not without its roadblocks. They started playing in small, dimly lit pubs, battling the usual challenges of inconsistent sound quality and disinterested audiences. But Tasty Dark’s relentless drive and shared vision eventually brought them to prominence. Their breakthrough came in 2019 when their self-titled debut album hit the top of the alternative music charts, and they have been ascending ever since.

Genre:

Alternative Rock

Title:

“Shadow Ballet”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1 – Am, G, F, C)
In the realm of absence and light, (Am)
Where the sun hides its face from sight, (G)
I dance alone with the echoes of the night, (F)
In this grand, shadow ballet. (C)

(Chorus – F, G, C, Am)
Drenched in darkness, soaked in sin, (F)
The world outside ceases to spin. (G)
In this dance, there’s no lose or win, (C)
Only the rhythm of the shadow ballet. (Am)

(Verse 2)
In the silence, echoes scream, (Am)
Reality fades like a forgotten dream. (G)
In this dance, things aren’t as they seem, (F)
In this haunting, shadow ballet. (C)

(Chorus)
Twirling under the moon’s cold gaze, (F)
Lost in the night’s mystic haze. (G)
In this dance, time decays, (C)
Lost in the rhythm of the shadow ballet. (Am)

(Bridge – Dm, Am)
I dance till the break of day, (Dm)
In the rhythm of the shadow ballet. (Am)

(Chorus – F, G, C, Am)
In the void, where desires fray, (F)
This is where my demons play. (G)
In the rhythm, fears sway, (C)
In the echoes of the shadow ballet. (Am)

Favorite Fan:

Name: Samantha “Sammie” Ryan

Testimonial:

“I’ve followed Tasty Dark since their pub-circuit days. Their lyrics resonate with me on a deeply personal level, and the raw, brooding energy of their music is unlike anything I’ve heard before. The song ‘Shadow Ballet’ particularly strikes a chord with me, and I’ve seen my share of life’s darker side. This band isn’t just my favorite, it’s a part of my healing and self-discovery journey.”

Backstory:

Steep Travel was born in the eclectic heart of San Francisco in 2013, formed by a group of college friends who discovered a shared passion for music and adventure. Their early days were spent traveling the country in an old school bus, playing in every dive bar, festival, and backyard party that would have them. This nomadic lifestyle provided the inspiration for their name – Steep Travel, echoing their journey through the ups and downs of life and music.

The band’s four members – lead vocalist and guitarist Hannah “Haze” Rodriguez, bassist Marcus “Mars” Bishop, drummer Ethan “Echo” Smith, and keyboardist Lily “Luna” Jones – brought together their diverse musical influences to create a unique sound. Despite the inevitable challenges and hardships faced by any young band on the road, Steep Travel always held onto their adventurous spirit, their deep friendship, and their shared love of music, which strengthened their bond and solidified their commitment to their art.

Genre:

Indie Folk Rock

Title:

“Highways and Byways”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
Em G
Sailing the highways and the byways, we roam,
D C
Chasing the horizon, we call it home.
Em G
Sunset in our rearview, dawn in our eyes,
D C
We’re living our dream under the open skies.

(Chorus)
G D
We are Steep Travel, forever on the move,
Em C
With a song in our hearts, we’ve got a point to prove.
G D
Through every steep ascent, every downhill ride,
Em C
We trust in our journey, with music as our guide.

(Verse 2)
Em G
From city lights to mountain heights, we tread,
D C
With hearts ablaze, by passion, we’re led.
Em G
The melody that binds us, the rhythm that drives,
D C
Together we wander, together we thrive.

(Chorus)
G D
We are Steep Travel, forever on the move,
Em C
With a song in our hearts, we’ve got nothing to lose.
G D
Through every twist and turn, every uncharted tide,
Em C
We trust in our journey, with music as our guide.

Favorite Fan Testimonial:

My name is Sam Buchanan, and I am Steep Travel’s biggest fan. I love them because their music is genuine, raw, and heartfelt. It speaks of experiences and emotions we’ve all felt at some point in our lives. Steep Travel’s lyrics resonate with me, and I can feel their energy and passion in every performance. Their songs, like “Highways and Byways,” inspire me to embrace my own journey, to see the beauty in every moment, and to keep exploring, keep dreaming, and keep moving. For me, Steep Travel is not just a band, but a reminder that life is a beautiful adventure worth living every day.

Backstory:

Several Opera is a five-member band that originated in a small town in Ontario, Canada. The band members were all part of the local opera community, and they found a shared love for the grandeur and theatrics of opera music. They decided to form a band in 2012, fusing their opera backgrounds with their love for modern sounds, creating a harmony that was both unique and revolutionary.

The band found their breakthrough in 2015 when their debut album caught the attention of music connoisseurs worldwide. Their songs, a blend of classic opera and contemporary elements, struck a chord with a large audience, giving this small-town band a growing international fan base.

Genre:
Alternative Opera

Title:
“Lights of the Opera”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
Am F C G
Underneath the chandeliers,
Am F C G
basking in the glow, we stand.
Am F C G
The spotlight finds us in the crowd,
Am F C G
our hearts play melodies unplanned.

(Chorus)
F C G Am
Lights of the opera, guide us home,
F C G Am
Paint us a memory in tones of chrome.
F C G Am
Silhouetted shadows, voices soar,
F C G Am
To the rhythm of the ovation, we implore.

(Verse 2)
Am F C G
On this stage, we bare our souls,
Am F C G
In harmonies that dance and twirl.
Am F C G
Each note a secret, each word a vow,
Am F C G
In this symphony, our dreams unfurl.

(Chorus)
F C G Am
Lights of the opera, guide us home,
F C G Am
Paint us a memory in tones of chrome.
F C G Am
Silhouetted shadows, voices soar,
F C G Am
To the rhythm of the ovation, we implore.

Band’s favorite fan testimonial:

Our favorite fan is Emma Fitzgerald, a music teacher from Dublin, Ireland. Emma’s love for Several Opera is deeply rooted in her passion for innovative music. She fell in love with the band after attending one of their concerts during a visit to Ontario. The fusion of opera and alternative music was a revelation to her, and she felt a connection with the band’s lyrics that transcends language and borders.

“The first time I heard Several Opera, it felt like a breath of fresh air,” says Emma. “Their music poured into my senses like a beautiful symphony, and I couldn’t help but fall in love with their sound. It’s a perfect blend of the old world and the new. Each song feels like a journey, with all the passion and drama of a grand opera, yet infused with a raw, contemporary energy that leaves you begging for more.”

Backstory:

Comfortable Health is a group that sprouted from the heart of Portland, Oregon, in the winter of 2012. Founding members, Toby Kinsley and Amy Davis, were both nursing students who shared a passion for music. They spent their free time creating melodies that both soothed their stressed minds and reflected their commitment to wellbeing. Their unique blend of music soon attracted Blake Thompson, a fellow student and keyboardist. Together, they formed Comfortable Health, a band that not only produced soulful tunes but also promoted mental health awareness.

Their music became a way to spread positivity, provide comfort, and address stigmatized mental health topics. As their popularity grew, so did their impact. They began performing at various music festivals, charity concerts, and even started their own annual event, “Music for the Mind,” which donates all proceeds to mental health charities. Comfortable Health continues to bring their music and message to the world, hoping that their songs could be a source of healing for those in need.

Genre:
Indie Pop/Alternative Rock

Title:
“Soothing Storm”

Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
[G] Look around, it’s [D] dark and cold,
[Em] We’re trapped in thoughts, [C] stories untold.
[G] Pain’s a reality, [D] hard to hold,
[Em] Let’s start a journey, [C] let it unfold.

(Chorus)
[G] We are the [D] soothing storm,
[Em] Healing hearts, [C] that are torn.
[G] Through our music, [D] let’s reform,
[Em] Let Comfortable Health, [C] keep you warm.

(Verse 2)
[G] Reach out, in the [D] darkest night,
[Em] We’re here to help, [C] carry your fight.
[G] Listen to our rhythm, [D] feel the light,
[Em] Together we’ll rise, [C] reach a new height.

(Chorus)
[G] We are the [D] soothing storm,
[Em] Healing hearts, [C] that are torn.
[G] Through our music, [D] let’s reform,
[Em] Let Comfortable Health, [C] keep you warm.

Favorite Fan:

Our favorite fan is Jolene Price. As a high school counselor, she always had a knack for connecting with students through music. When she learned about Comfortable Health’s mission, she was immediately drawn to their music. She says, “Their songs have become a therapy tool in my office; they create a safe space for my students to express their feelings. Their music has made a difference in so many lives. Comfortable Health is more than my favorite band; they’re the band the world needs.”

Backstory:

Harmful Balance was born in the vibrant city of New Orleans around 2011, when high school friends and amateur musicians – Luke “Lucky” O’Brien, Paul “Pacer” Callahan, and Norm “Notes” Russo – found themselves on the same college campus. Inspired by the city’s rich musical history and their shared love for edgy, boundary-pushing sounds, they began creating their music. The band’s name, Harmful Balance, reflects their philosophy of turning the chaos and imbalance of life into something beautiful through their music.

After years of playing in local gigs and small festivals, the group finally got their big break in 2015. They were discovered by a record label executive who happened to be in the audience during one of their performances. He was so impressed by their raw talent and unique sound that he signed them on the spot. Since then, Harmful Balance has been making waves in the music industry with their original sound and high-energy performances.

Genre: Alternative Rock

Title: “Echoes of Silence”

Full Song Lyrics:

[Verse 1: Dm – C – Bb – A]
In the heart of midnight’s lair, (Dm)
Where silence speaks and shadows stare, (C)
I search for you in the echoes there, (Bb)
Trailing stardust in the air. (A)

[Chorus: F – C – Dm – A]
(Echoes of Silence, echoes of you) (F)
In my heart, your memory brews, (C)
In my dreams, I am your muse, (Dm)
Lost in the Echoes of Silence, with you. (A)

[Verse 2: Dm – C – Bb – A]
Beneath the moon’s cold, silver glow, (Dm)
I trace your footsteps in the snow, (C)
In your absence, my tears flow, (Bb)
Echoes of Silence, the seeds I sow. (A)

[Chorus: F – C – Dm – A]
(Echoes of Silence, echoes of you) (F)
Your love, the only truth I knew, (C)
Now it’s me, and silence, in a rendezvous, (Dm)
Laughter lost in Echoes of Silence, without you. (A)

Favorite Fan:

Harmful Balance’s favorite fan is a vivacious young woman named Amy Thompson. Amy, who has been to every concert since their first album, has a deep appreciation for their music.

Testimonial by Amy: “Harmful Balance isn’t just a band to me; they’re a part of my life. Their music resonates with me at such a deep level, it’s like they’ve put my feelings into words and melodies. They’ve been there in my highs and lows, their songs wrapping around me like a comforting blanket. Their music, especially ‘Echoes of Silence’, helps me feel understood and less alone in the world. It’s an indescribable connection that I’ve felt with no other band. They’re more than just my favorite band; they’re my emotional lifeline.”

Backstory:
Untried Man is a group of four best friends from the small town of Asheville, North Carolina who dreamed of making it big in the music industry. The band consists of Eddie Mason (lead vocals and guitar), Jimmy Dale (drums), Darren Brook (bass), and Tommy Hill (keyboard). They started playing small gigs at local bars and restaurants, their raw talent and unique sound quickly garnering them a loyal fan base. After scoring a surprise hit on a local radio station, they were discovered by a record producer and their journey into stardom began. Still, they remain grounded, always remembering their roots and the small-town vibe that shaped their sound.

Genre:
Country Rock

Song Title:
“Whiskey Lullaby”

Song Lyrics:
(Verse 1)
Am G C G
Small town, neon lights
Am G C G
She’s dancing, a lonely sight
Am G C G
He’s sitting, nursing his pride
Am G C G
Remembering the night she cried

(Chorus)
Am G C G
Whiskey lullaby, burning so high
Am G C G
She left him alone, under the starry sky
Am G C G
A broken man, he can’t deny
Am G C G
The pain of love, and the whiskey lullaby

(Verse 2)
Am G C G
Cigarette smoke, and a jukebox tune
Am G C G
He’s thinking, she’ll be back soon
Am G C G
Empty bottle, a shattered heart
Am G C G
In the melody, he’s falling apart

(Chorus)
Am G C G
Whiskey lullaby, drowning the tears
Am G C G
In the silence, echoing fears
Am G C G
Lonely nights, through the years
Am G C G
The memory of love, and the whiskey lullaby

Fan Testimonial:
The band’s favorite fan is Lisa Matthews, a dedicated follower from their early days. Lisa says, “Untried Man’s music speaks directly to the heart. It’s not just about the rhythm or the melody. It’s about the stories they tell, the emotions they evoke. Their songs like ‘Whiskey Lullaby’ have seen me through some tough times. They’re more than just a band to me, they’re like close friends I’ve never met. Their music is raw, real and relatable, and I believe that’s what makes them stand out. I can’t wait to see what the future holds for them.”

Backstory:

“Amazing Way” came into existence in the vibrant city of New York in 2013. The band consists of four dynamic individuals – James on vocals, Eddie on the guitar, Max on the drums and Scott on the bass. All of them were already part of different local bands when they felt a pull towards a more harmonious and synchronized musical journey. In a serendipitous event at a local pub, they discovered their shared passion for music and decided to unite their talents in one direction resulting in the formation of “Amazing Way”.

The band gained rapid popularity with their fresh, energetic sound and heartwarming lyrics, earning them a dedicated fan base. Their journey was not without its challenges, but their love for music and their fans made them overcome every obstacle. Their story is a testament to the power of passion, creativity, and unity.

Genre:

“Amazing Way” is best known for producing soulful Indie Rock music.

Song Title:

“One Bright Star”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
Am G F C
Walking down the streets, under the city lights
Am G F C
Dreams in our hearts, guiding us through the night
Am G F C
Lost and found, in the echoes of time,
Am G F C
In search of truth, in the rhythm and rhyme

(Chorus)
Dm Am E F
One bright star, shining in the dark,
Dm Am E F
Guiding us home, leaving its mark,
Dm Am E F
We’ll find our way, through every twist and turn,
Dm Am E F
To the Amazing Way, where our hearts yearn.

(Verse 2)
Am G F C
Through the laughter and tears, through the joy and fears,
Am G F C
We’ll keep the faith, with the music in our ears,
Am G F C
With every beat, with every strum,
Am G F C
We’ll sing our song, till the morning sun.

(Chorus)
Dm Am E F
One bright star, shining in the dark,
Dm Am E F
Guiding us home, leaving its mark,
Dm Am E F
We’ll find our way, through every twist and turn,
Dm Am E F
To the Amazing Way, where our hearts yearn.

Favorite Fan:

The band’s favorite fan is a young girl named Emily. Emily, who has been following the band since their early days, has attended every concert and owns every album. She says, “Amazing Way is my favorite band because their music resonates with me deeply. They write songs about real-life experiences, joys, and struggles. They have a way of expressing emotions through their music that words alone can’t. Their authentic and passionate performances inspire me to pursue my dreams. They are not just a band to me; they are a part of my life, my journey.”

Backstory:
Prestigious Root is a remarkable story of four friends from the coastal town of Brighton, United Kingdom. The band was formed in 2011 when lead vocalist and guitarist, Jack Hodges, reunited with his high school buddies, drummer Tom Phillips, bassist Simon Grant, and keyboardist Ethan Webb, after they had all completed university and returned to their hometown. They started jamming in Simon’s basement, and soon realized that their shared passion for music could be something bigger. Jack’s father, who was a music producer in the ’70s, helped the boys record their first demo, which eventually led to their breakthrough.

Genre:
Prestigious Root is best known for their unique blend of Indie Rock and Folk, often incorporating the sounds of the sea and nature in their music. Their songs are characterized by poetic lyrics, powerful vocal harmonies, and intricate guitar work, creating a sound that is both nostalgic and contemporary.

Title:
“Saltwater Symphony”

Full Song Lyrics:
(Verse 1)
G Em C D
Born by the ocean, in a town with no name,
G Em C D
Life was a rhythm, every day felt the same.
G Em C D
Then you entered, like a spark in the rain,
G Em C D
Turning the mundane, into a grand parade.

(Chorus)
G Em C D
We’ll ride the tides of the ‘Saltwater Symphony’,
G Em C D
Beneath the moonlight, where the waves meet the sand.
G Em C D
This life will tide us over, till we’re lost at sea,
G Em C D
In our ‘Saltwater Symphony’, hand in hand.

(Verse 2)
G Em C D
We found our solace, in the whispers of the breeze,
G Em C D
Eternally restless, like the souls of the seas.
G Em C D
Boundless as the horizon, as wild as the sea,
G Em C D
Together we found, our Prestigious Root’s decree.

(Repeat Chorus)

Band’s Favorite Fan:
Their biggest fan is a young woman named Lily Morgan. Lily has been supporting Prestigious Root since their early days, attending every gig they performed in and around Brighton. She shares, “Prestigious Root isn’t just my favorite band because of their unique sound or their captivating lyrics. They are my favorite because they’ve created a community around their music. They’ve made me feel a part of something bigger than myself, made me feel seen and heard. Their music has been my companion through the highs and lows, and I can’t imagine my life without their enchanting ‘Saltwater Symphony’.”

Backstory:
Clear-Cut P, a band born out of the need for change and freedom, was formed in the heart of downtown Los Angeles in 2010. The four members, Jake (vocals), Peter (guitars), Danny (bass), and Sam (drums), were all working in a corporate environment, feeling the monotony of their lives and the stifling suppression of their musical souls. They started jamming in their basement after hours as a form of liberation, and soon realized the magic they were creating. They decided to quit their jobs and dedicate their lives to the band. They named their band Clear-Cut P, symbolizing their clear-cut perception of life and the world around them, with ‘P’ standing for ‘Perception’.

Genre:
Alternative Rock, with influences of Punk and Indie Rock

Title:
“Echoed Silence”

Full Song Lyrics:
(Verse 1)
[G] I walk alone, [Em] down this stony road
[C] Echoed silence, [D] it’s all I’ve ever known
[G] I hear the whispers, [Em] of the ghosts from my past
[C] In the echoed silence, [D] their voices will last

(Chorus)
[G] Echoed silence, [Em] it’s my only friend
[C] A companion in the darkness, [D] until the very end
[G] I embrace the quiet, [Em] it soothes my weary soul
[C] In the echoed silence, [D] I find my control.

(Verse 2)
[G] The city sleeps, [Em] beneath the moonlit sky
[C] Echoed silence, [D] is the lullaby
[G] It’s in the quiet, [Em] I find my peace
[C] Echoed silence, [D] it brings my release.

(Repeat Chorus)

Band’s favourite fan’s name and testimonial:
Name: Sarah Williams

Testimonial:
Clear-Cut P is my favorite band because they’re authentic and raw. Their music speaks volumes about the world around us and has been a constant companion through my ups and downs. The song “Echoed Silence” especially resonates with me. It beautifully captures the essence of solitude and the peace it brings. I have gone to every one of their concerts in California and each time, they blow me away with their talent and passion. It’s like they can translate the complexities of life and human emotions into their songs. I can’t wait to see what’s next for them. Clear-Cut P owns my heart!

Backstory:

International Smile is an indie pop band hailing from London, England. The band was formed in 2008 by four college friends – Ben, Josh, Lucas, and Alex. The guys shared a flat in the heart of London and bonded over their shared passion for music, ultimately deciding to pursue their dreams together. They spent their college years playing music in local pubs and cafes and eventually garnered a dedicated local fan base. After graduating, they started working on their debut album in a makeshift studio in their apartment, leading to their big break in 2011 after a producer heard their music and signed them to a record label. Over the years, International Smile has become known for their uplifting melodies and profound lyrics that resonate with listeners worldwide.

Genre: Indie Pop

Title: “Rainbow After the Rain”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
Am (C/E) F C G
Walking down the streets under a London sky,
Am (C/E) F C G
The echoes of your laughter in the back of my mind.
Am (C/E) F C G
The city lights are gleaming, but the stars are in your eyes,
Am (C/E) F C G
With every heartbeat, our dreams synchronize.

(Chorus)
F G C Am
We are the rainbow, after the rain,
F G C
We are the laughter, that cures the pain,
F G C Am
We are the dreamers, in this concrete game,
F G C
And with each other, we’ll always remain.

(Verse 2)
Am (C/E) F C G
The world may keep spinning, but we are standing still,
Am (C/E) F C G
Lost in the moment, on this London hill.
Am (C/E) F C G
We’ve got our peace in the chaos, our sanity in thrill,
Am (C/E) F C G
With every sunrise, we are living still.

(Chorus)

Fan’s favorite testimonial:

“Hi, I’m Melissa, a die-hard fan of International Smile. The raw emotion in their music, the realness of their lyrics, and their unique sound have drawn me in since I first heard them at a local café back in 2008. Their song ‘Rainbow After the Rain’ is my all-time favorite. It reminds me that even in the darkest times, something beautiful can emerge. It’s the song that got me through my toughest times. In my life, International Smile isn’t just a band; they’re a beacon of light, spreading positivity and hope with their songs.”