Backstory:

Defiant French originated in the heart of Paris, France in 2005 when vocalist Marc Dumas and guitarist Vincent Lagrange met at a local open mic night. Sharing a love for progressive rock and jazz fusion, the two quickly formed an unbreakable musical bond. They were soon joined by bassist Jean Dupont and drummer Claude Monet, both veterans of the Parisian music scene, and the lineup was cemented. Since then, they have been on a relentless pursuit to redefine music with their unique sound and often politically charged lyrics.

Genre:
Progressive Rock/Jazz Fusion

Title:
“City of Shadows”

Full Song Lyrics:

Verse 1 (Fm / Db / Ab / Eb):
In the city of shadows, we learn to survive (Fm)
Under the skyline’s glow, we’re barely alive (Db)
Every corner a story, every face in a mask (Ab)
We walk in this labyrinth, with past in our flask (Eb)

Chorus (Bbm / Ab / Db / Eb):
City of shadows, city of light (Bbm)
We’re dreaming in color, yet living in black and white (Ab)
In the heart of the night, lies a silent plea (Db)
City of shadows, set us free (Eb)

Verse 2 (Fm / Db / Ab / Eb):
Through the whispers of dreams, and the secrets we keep (Fm)
In the city of shadows, where the river runs deep (Db)
We’re creatures of habit, dancing on the edge (Ab)
Where love is a gamble, and trust is a pledge (Eb)

Chorus (Bbm / Ab / Db / Eb):
City of shadows, city of light (Bbm)
We’re dreaming in color, yet living in black and white (Ab)
In the heart of the night, lies a silent plea (Db)
City of shadows, set us free (Eb)

Fan’s Name: Sophie Leroux

Testimonial:
“I’ve been a fan of Defiant French from their early days. Their music is a remarkable blend of progressive rock with jazz elements, which perfectly resonates with my taste. Marc’s soulful voice, Vincent’s intense guitar, Jean’s groovy bass, and Claude’s rhythmic drums create a unique symphony that never fails to move me. Their lyrics are deep and thought-provoking, especially ‘City of Shadows’, which metaphorically speaks about our struggle in the modern world. Defiant French isn’t just a band for me; it’s a form of expression, a voice that narrates our hopes and fears. They’ve trudged the path less taken, and that has made all the difference!”

Backstory:
Awesome Drop was conceived in a small garage in Portland, Oregon by three childhood friends, Jason “Jay” Malone, Brandon “Bran” Thompson, and Kyle “Kai” Greenwood, in 2010. Armed with an insatiable passion for music and a deep-seated desire to break away from the mundane, the trio began their musical journey. They shared a common enthusiasm for energetic rhythms coupled with deep, thought-provoking lyrics. Over time, they honed their skills, braved countless jamming sessions, and finally emerged into the light, ready to share their sound with the world. Known for their electrifying live performances and dynamic rapport, Awesome Drop quickly gained an avid following in the vibrant Northwest music scene.

Genre:
Alternative Rock

Title:
“Riding the Storm”

Full song lyrics with chord progression:

Verse 1: (G, D, Em, C)
(G) Waking up to a world that’s (D) sinking
(Em) We’ve got to rise and (C) stand our ground
(G) No more time for (D) second guessing
(Em) It’s time to turn this (C) ship around

Chorus: (C, G, D)
(C) Riding the storm, (G) chasing the dawn
(D) We’ll keep on moving, we won’t back down
(C) Through waves that crash, (G) through thunder’s roar
(D) We are Awesome Drop, hear our sound

Verse 2: (G, D, Em, C)
(G) Dreams of peace are (D) never easy
(Em) But it’s the fight that (C) makes us strong
(G) We’ll sing our song, (D) break the silence
(Em) With Awesome Drop, you’ll (C) never feel alone

Chorus: (C, G, D)
(C) Riding the storm, (G) chasing the dawn
(D) We’ll keep on moving, we won’t back down
(C) Through waves that crash, (G) through thunder’s roar
(D) We are Awesome Drop, hear our sound

Band’s Favorite Fan:
Awesome Drop’s favorite fan is Lisa “Liz” Morrison, a college student from Seattle. In Liz’s words:

“I’ve been following Awesome Drop since their first gig at a local bar in Portland. Their music connects with my soul in a way nothing else does. The energy, the raw emotion, the power of their lyrics – it all resonates so deeply with me. ‘Riding the Storm’ got me through some really tough times. Its message of resilience and hope is incredibly inspiring. I can’t imagine my life without Awesome Drop’s music. They’re more than just a band to me – they’re my lifeline.”

Backstory:
Nocturnal Illness hails from the grungy underbelly of Chicago’s indie scene. Established in 2008, the band is composed of four childhood friends: lead vocalist and guitarist, Harlan Jones, drummer, Dewitt ‘Dee’ Miller, bassist, Nina Collins, and keyboardist, Orville ‘Ozzy’ Bennett. Their band name was chosen to reflect the night-owl nature of their creative process, as well as the healing properties they believe music holds. Nocturnal Illness started out by playing small gigs at local bars and slowly amassed a cult-like following due to their unique sound and deep, introspective lyrics.

Genre:
Alternative Rock

Title:
“Eclipse of the Heart”

Song Lyrics:
(Verse 1)
[G] Staring into the sky [C] at midnight, [D] feeling the pull of the dark,
[G] Chasing the phantom [C] echoes, [D] of our love torn apart.
[Em] Your laughter still [C] lingers, [D] in the corners of my mind,
[Em] And I’m caught in the [C] shadows, [D] where the sun no longer shines.

(Chorus)
[G] Eclipse of the heart, [D] you’ve blacked out my sun,
[Em] Torn apart, [C] what we’ve just begun.
[G] You’re my moon, [D] I’m your distant star,
[Em] In the void, [C] wishing from afar.
(Repeat Chorus)

(Verse 2)
[G] Underneath the galaxy [C] of shattered dreams, [D] I lay me down to sleep,
[G] With your memory [C] as my blanket, [D] in the wounds that run so deep.
[Em] I speak to you [C] in silence, [D] a language of the soul,
[Em] And I’m sinking [C] in this sea of night, [D] you’ve left a gaping hole.

(Repeat Chorus)

Fan’s Name:
Fan’s name is Lucy Matthews.

Testimonial:
“Nocturnal Illness is my favorite band because their music speaks directly to my soul. Their lyrics are not just words but feelings etched into melodies. As someone who struggles with insomnia, I often find solace in their songs, which seem to understand the struggle of enduring the night. Their song ‘Eclipse of the Heart’ is my personal anthem. It perfectly captures the pain of love lost and the hope of love renewed. In the darkest of nights, Nocturnal Illness has been my guide and companion, helping me face my deepest fears and embrace life’s uncertainties.”

Backstory:
Warlike Piece, a band of five lifelong friends from the small town of Reedsville, Pennsylvania, emerged in the music scene in 2017. The band members, Jason, the lead vocalist, Scott, the drummer and backup vocalist, Ryan, the lead guitarist, Adam, the rhythm guitarist, and Chris, the bassist, have always been drawn to music. They began their journey as a simple garage band, playing at local bars and festivals. Warlike Piece quickly gained a robust local following due to their unique and captivating sound. Their big break came when a talent scout from a major record label discovered them playing at a charity event.

The band is known for its deeply emotional lyrics and compelling melodies, often drawing inspiration from their shared experiences and the world around them. Warlike Piece has a distinctive style that resonates with their listeners, making their music both relatable and authentic.

Genre:
Alternative Rock

Title:
“Echoes of Yesterday”

Full song lyrics:

[Intro: E, B, C#m, A]

[Verse 1]
(E) Look around, do you see?
(B) The echoes of yesterday,
(C#m) Reflections of memories,
(A) Fading slowly into gray.

(Verse 2)
(E) Words left unsaid,
(B) In the silence of the night,
(C#m) Thoughts running wild,
(A) In the glow of the fading light.

[Chorus]
(E) Echoes of yesterday,
(B) Whispering tales untold,
(C#m) Haunting our dreams,
(A) As the future unfolds.

(Verse 3)
(E) We’re trapped in the past,
(B) Chasing shadows in the dark,
(C#m) Trying to outrun,
(A) The echoes that leave a mark.

[Chorus]
(E) Echoes of yesterday,
(B) Play like a broken record,
(C#m) Etching the pain,
(A) In the heart’s hidden corner.

[Outro]
(E) These are the echoes,
(B) Echoes of yesterday,
(C#m) A melody of the past,
(A) That refuses to fade away.

Fan Testimonial:
Name: Jenny Hartman

“As a long-time fan of Warlike Piece, their music has always had a profound impact on me. Their lyrics speak to me on a personal level, giving voice to the emotions that otherwise stay bottled up inside. Every song resonates with a piece of my own story, making me feel understood and less alone. Seeing them perform live is an exhilarating experience, as their passion for music is palpable. The band’s authenticity is refreshing in an industry that often feels artificial. Warlike Piece is more than just a band to me; they are a beacon of hope and solace in a tumultuous world.”

Backstory:
Formed in the late 2010s in the small town of Keene, New Hampshire, Brave Discretion began as a group of childhood friends who found common ground through their love for music and storytelling. The band, composed of lead vocalist and guitarist, Thomas “Tommy” Hardy, drummer Ethan Reed, bassist Ryan Burke, and keyboardist Emily Sullivan, spent their early days practicing in Burke’s garage, honing their craft and creating a sound that was uniquely their own. Despite their diverse musical tastes, ranging from classic rock to contemporary indie, they managed to find a sound that was uniquely their own. Their breakthrough came in 2019 when they won a local battle of the bands competition, capturing the attention of a regional independent record label.

Genre:
Alternative Indie Rock

Title:
“Cautious Fire”

Full Song Lyrics:

[Verse 1]
Cmaj7
Waking up to the sound of rain,
Em7
Remembering your smile, chasing the pain,
Am7
The cautious fire in your eyes,
Dmaj7
Under the cold, winter skies.

[Verse 2]
Cmaj7
We danced on the edge of discretion,
Em7
Lost in the moment, ignoring the tension,
Am7
In the quiet whispers of the night,
Dmaj7
You held me close, everything felt right.

[Chorus]
Gmaj7
But darling, in our brave discretion,
Em7
We found a love that needs no question,
Cmaj7
In your arms, I found my peace,
Dmaj7
In this silent war, we found release.

[repeat Verse 1 and 2, then Chorus]

[Bridge]
Am7
And when the dawn breaks,
Em7
We’ll hold onto our mistakes,
Cmaj7
Kissing them goodbye, with the rising sun,
Dmaj7
Our brave discretion, has just begun.

[repeat Chorus, then Bridge]

Fan Testimonial:
The band’s favorite fan, Maggie Johnson, is a high school English teacher who discovered Brave Discretion during their early garage days. As a lover of poetry and storytelling, she was drawn to the band’s lyricism and the strong narratives in their songs. She says, “Brave Discretion speaks to my heart. They capture the complexity of human emotions in such a raw and authentic way. It’s like they’ve written the soundtrack to my life. Each song feels like an intimate conversation, a shared secret between the band and me. I’ve been to every one of their local shows, and I’ll continue to support them as they gain the recognition they deserve.”

Backstory:
Formed in the heart of Edmonton, Alberta, Chilly Prosecution came to life during a snowy winter in 2010. The band members, initially university students, found a shared passion for music during a late-night study session, leading to impromptu jam sessions. Flipping through a law textbook, they came across the term ‘chilly prosecution,’ which they found intriguing enough to name their band after it. With charismatic lead singer and guitarist Leon Redwood, talented drummer Tommy Jenkins, dynamic bassist Owen Clarke, and the versatile pianist Jenna Roberts, the band quickly generated a local buzz with their unique music and profound lyrics.

Genre:
Indie Rock/Alternative

Title:
“Snowfall Serenade”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
C#m A E B
In the ember of a winter night,
C#m A E B
Beneath the stars’ icy light,
C#m A E B
Your eyes, they gleam so bright,
C#m A E B
In the heart of a snowfall serenade.

(Chorus)
F#m D A E
Snowfall, snowfall serenade,
F#m D A E
Under the moon’s cool jade,
F#m D A E
In your love, I won’t fade,
F#m D A E
Lost in this snowfall serenade.

(Verse 2)
C#m A E B
In the silence of the falling snow,
C#m A E B
Where cold winds gently blow,
C#m A E B
Our love will only grow,
C#m A E B
In rhythm with the snowfall serenade.

(Chorus)
F#m D A E
Snowfall, snowfall serenade,
F#m D A E
Wrapped in winter’s cool shade,
F#m D A E
In your arms, I’m unafraid,
F#m D A E
Lost in this snowfall serenade.

Favorite Fan:
The band’s favorite fan is Emily Johnson. Emily has been a loyal supporter since the band’s inception. Her dedication is evident as she makes it to every gig, always front and center. Emily’s testimonial for the band reflects her affection, “Chilly Prosecution’s music resonates deeply with me, each lyric feels like a piece of my story. They’ve created a unique sound that’s raw, real, and relatable. Their song, ‘Snowfall Serenade’ is something I turn to when I need a soothing melody. Their music is my sanctuary, and for that, they’ll always be my favorite band.”

Backstory:
Formed in the dingy basements of a software company in Seattle, Washington, Pricey Developer is a band that marries the worlds of music and tech like never before. The band members, all software developers by day and rockstars by night, first found their common musical interests during a late-night coding session. What started as a small jam session to relieve the stress of a tough project soon turned into a full-blown band. The band’s name, ‘Pricey Developer’, is a tongue-in-cheek nod to their daytime professions, often perceived as lucrative.

Genre:
Pricey Developer’s music can best be described as Indie Rock infused with elements of Electro-pop. Their sound is characterized by strong guitar riffs, catchy synth melodies, and lyrics that tell stories of code, algorithms, and the highs and lows of tech life.

Title: “Glitch in the System”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
G Em C D
In a world of code, we find our peace,
G Em C D
Bits and bytes, our release.
G Em C D
Lines of logic, an endless maze,
G Em C D
In this digital world, we find our place.

(Chorus)
Em C G D
There’s a glitch in the system,
Em C G D
Where our hearts beat in rhythm.
Em C G D
In the code, we find our dreams,
Em C G D
In the screen’s glow, our spirits gleam.

(Verse 2)
G Em C D
With every key, a story unfolds,
G Em C D
In the hardware, passion holds.
G Em C D
Through the firewall, past the gate,
G Em C D
In this binary world, we resonate.

(Chorus)
Em C G D
There’s a glitch in the system,
Em C G D
Where our souls find their wisdom.
Em C G D
In the code, we find our truth,
Em C G D
In the data, our youth.

(Bridge)
Am Bm C D
In a world of zeroes and ones,
Am Bm C D
We find our setting suns.
Am Bm C D
In the code, we break the norm,
Am Bm C D
In the software, we find our storm.

(Chorus)
Em C G D
There’s a glitch in the system,
Em C G D
Where our lives find their rhythm.
Em C G D
In the code, we find our song,
Em C G D
In this digital world, we belong.

Fan Profile:
Pricey Developer’s biggest fan is undoubtedly Jenny Sanders, a computer science student from New York. For Jenny, the band’s music is not just enjoyable but also relatable. She says, “Pricey Developer’s songs speak to my experience as a coder. Their music, their lyrics, it all resonates with me. It’s like they’re singing my life’s soundtrack.” Jenny’s favorite song is ‘Glitch in the System’ as she believes it perfectly encapsulates the highs and lows of a developer’s life while also being a catchy rock anthem. She has attended all their local shows and plans to continue to do so.

Backstory:

Long Gaze was formed in the bustling city of San Francisco back in 2010. The band comprises four members: lead vocalist and guitarist Brian Harvey, drummer James “Jimmy” Rossi, bassist Lily Adams, and keyboardist Oliver “Ollie” Spencer. The band met in their college days when they were all studying various subjects, but their shared love for music brought them together. They began practicing together in their dorm rooms, creating a unique sound that swiftly caught the attention of locals. They worked their way up from performing in small local cafes to eventually being able to perform at large scale venues.

After winning a local battle of the bands competition, they caught the eye of a record producer who offered them a deal. Their first album, ‘A Moment’s Breath’, was released in 2013 and reached the top charts in the indie music scene. Long Gaze continued to grow and evolve their sound, never shying away from the opportunity to experiment.

Genre: Indie Rock/Alternative

Title: “Rising Suns”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
Em C
Wake up to the break of dawn,
G D
Fingers tracing the lines of a new song,
Em C
Eyes wide open, with dreams still on the run,
G D
Under the spell of the rising sun.

(Chorus)
C G D
Rising suns and setting hearts,
Em C G
Chasing dreams, tearing us apart,
D Em C
Long gaze into the distant haze,
G D Em
Finding our way through life’s maze.

(Verse 2)
Em C
Echoes of laughter in empty hallways,
G D
Memories gathered in yesterday’s maze,
Em C
In the mirror of time, everything fades,
G D
Except the promise of the rising sun’s blaze.

(Chorus)
C G D
Rising suns and setting hearts,
Em C G
Chasing dreams, tearing us apart,
D Em C
Long gaze into the distant haze,
G D Em
Finding our way through life’s maze.

Fan’s Name and Testimonial:

Name: Sarah Thompson

Testimonial:

Long Gaze is my favorite band for so many reasons. Their music resonates with me on a level that I’ve never experienced before. Every song feels like it was written just for me, touching on emotions and experiences that I thought were unique to me. Their unique indie rock sound, combined with thoughtful and deep lyrics, make for a perfect blend of music that soothes the soul. It feels like they’ve created a whole new language of melody and rhythm that speaks directly to the heart. I’ve been to every concert they’ve had in my city, and it’s like an evening of medicine for my soul. I love Long Gaze, and I wouldn’t trade their music for anything!

Backstory:
Timely Fleet was formed in the bustling city of Seattle during a time when grunge was the reigning sound. Lead vocalist, Tommy “timepiece” Morrison met guitarist, Frankie “fleet-foot” Stewart at an open mic night in a rundown dive bar. Both were there to perform their own solo work but ended up jamming together after a few drinks. The chemistry between the two was palpable, and they decided to form a band, with the name ‘Timely Fleet’ deriving from their respective nicknames. The duo soon expanded to a quartet with the addition of drummer, Benny “beatbox” Simmons, and bassist, Ricky “rhythm” Reed. Their shared love for blues, rock, and a touch of grunge brought them together, creating a sound that was unique and captivating.

Genre:
Blues Rock with a Grunge influence

Title:
“Clockwork Heart”

Full Song Lyrics:

[Verse 1]
Em A D
Caught in the tick-tock of a clockwork heart,
G Bm A Em
Lost in the rhythm, just waiting for it to start.
Em A D
Echoes of time, in every beat,
G Bm A Em
Every pulse is a moment we can’t repeat.

[Chorus]
G D A Em
Clockwork heart, don’t let me down,
G D A Bm
Keep the rhythm, keep the sound.
G D A Em
Clockwork heart, don’t skip a beat,
G D A Em
With every pulse, our lives we meet.

[Verse 2]
Em A D
The hands of time, they never rest,
G Bm A Em
Forever moving, always doing their best.
Em A D
Seconds turn to minutes, hours to days,
G Bm A Em
In the clockwork heart, time always pays.

[Chorus]
G D A Em
Clockwork heart, don’t let me down,
G D A Bm
Keep the rhythm, keep the sound.
G D A Em
Clockwork heart, don’t skip a beat,
G D A Em
With every pulse, our lives we meet.

Band’s Favorite Fan:
Our favorite fan is a guy named Danny “Dynamo” Davis. He’s been with us since our very first gig at the dive bar. He’s seen us evolve from a couple of guys jamming for fun to a band that’s toured nationwide. Danny has been there for our highs and lows, and his unwavering support has meant the world to us.

Testimonial:
Danny Dynamo says, “I was there the night it all began. The raw energy of Timely Fleet was electrifying. I’ve watched them grow and refine their sound while staying true to their roots. The lyrics are deep, the music is rich and full of emotion. Each song tells a story, and no two stories are the same. They have a unique ability to take you on a journey, and I’m always ready for the ride. Timely Fleet isn’t just my favorite band – they’re a part of my life’s soundtrack.”

Backstory:

Blissful Park is an indie folk band that was formed in the small town of Glenmoore, Pennsylvania in 2011. The band is composed of four friends – Eliot (lead vocals), Jenna (bass guitar), Max (lead guitar), and Sam (drums). They all went to the same high school, and their bond was strengthened by their shared love of music. Their band name came from a local park where they spent a lot of their time practicing and writing songs, dreaming of making it big someday. Their humble beginnings are an essential part of their narrative, as they strive to infuse small-town charm in the more urban-centric music industry.

Genre:
Indie Folk

Title:
“Sunset Hues”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
Em C G D
Driving down the old town road, under the sunset hues,
Em C G D
Laughing about old memories, in our worn-out shoes.
Em C G D
The world is big and we are small, that’s alright with me,
Em C G D
As long as I’ve got you by my side, that’s all I really need.

(Chorus)
Em C G D
In the glow of the setting sun,
Em C G D
Life feels lighter, full of fun,
Em C G D
Together we are, together we’ll be,
Em C G D
Blissful Park, you and me.

(Verse 2)
Em C G D
Walking through the fields of gold, hand in hand,
Em C G D
Talking about our dreams, making future plans.
Em C G D
Every breath we take, every step we make,
Em C G D
Singing our song, for heaven’s sake.

(Chorus)
Em C G D
In the glow of the setting sun,
Em C G D
Life feels lighter, full of fun,
Em C G D
Together we are, together we’ll be,
Em C G D
Blissful Park, you and me.

Fan Testimonial:

My name is Sarah and Blissful Park is my favorite band. From the moment I heard their song, “Sunset Hues”, I was captivated by their harmonious melodies and poignant lyrics. As someone who has grown up in a small town, I connect deeply with their songs that beautifully capture the charm and simplicity of small-town life. Plus, their music has this calming effect that instantly puts me at ease after a hectic day. Through their music, Blissful Park taught me to cherish the simplicity of life and the beauty of every sunset. I can’t wait to see them reach bigger heights.