Backstory:
Gullible Shoulder was formed in the boisterous college town of Austin, Texas, by four college friends in the fall of 2006. They were all students at the University of Texas, with varying majors, but shared an immense love for music and the city’s vibrant live music scene. Initially, they would perform in local gigs and small festivals, covering their favorite bands. Their performances were raw and energetic, and they quickly gained local fame.

Their big break came in early 2010 when they were spotted by a small record label during one of their performances at a local bar. Their unique sound and the band’s chemistry were undeniable. The record deal offered them the chance to record their original music and they released their debut album later that year. The band members – lead vocalist and guitarist, Ryan, drummer, Nathan, bassist, Alex, and keyboardist, Jake – have been inseparable since, producing melodic and evocative music.

Genre:
Gullible Shoulder is best characterized as an Indie Rock band with a unique mix of folk and alternative influences.

Song Title:
“Beneath the Amber Sky”

Full Song Lyrics:
Chords progression: G-C-Am-D.

(Verse 1)
G C
Underneath the amber sky,
Am D
You and I, we learned to fly.
G C
Chasing shadows in the night,
Am D
With dreams, we ignite.

(Chorus)
G C
In the glow of the morning light,
Am D
We dance, beneath the amber sky.
G C
With the whispers in the wind,
Am D
Our tale begins, beneath the amber sky.

(Verse 2)
G C
With the stars as our guide,
Am D
We break the chains that bind.
G C
In our hearts, the music plays,
Am D
In our dreams, we sway.

(Chorus)
G C
In the glow of the morning light,
Am D
We dance, beneath the amber sky.
G C
With the whispers in the wind,
Am D
Our tale begins, beneath the amber sky.

(Bridge)
G C
The echoes of our laughter,
Am D
Fade into the after.
G C
Beneath the stars, we recall,
Am D
The beauty of it all.

Fan’s Name and Testimonial:
Fan’s Name: Lucy Hart

Lucy Hart: “I’ve been a huge fan of Gullible Shoulder since their early days. Their music is so sincere and heartfelt, always touching my soul. I feel a deep connection with their lyrics, as if they’re whispering my life’s stories. Every single song is a journey through emotions, and their performances are nothing less than mesmerizing. For me, “Beneath the Amber Sky” is not just a song, it’s an anthem of my life. Gullible Shoulder is not just a band to me, they’re a part of my life.”

Backstory:
The journey of Athletic Oil began in the heart of Chicago during the early 2000s. The founding members, Tony Michaels on vocals and bass, Kyle Eddington on guitar, and Billy “Bongo” Bradford on drums, were high school friends who shared a common love for music and sports. They decided to combine their passions, creating a unique blend of melodies that captured the essence of their interests. The name “Athletic Oil” was inspired by their shared belief that music, like oil, is essential to smooth functioning, and life’s athletics would be incomplete without it.

Tony, Kyle, and Billy began performing at local bars and events, instantly gaining popularity for their unique sound. Their powerful performances, charged with high energy and infectious rhythms, made them a favorite in the local scene. Their journey from school friends to local stars wasn’t easy, but their shared dreams and determination kept them moving forward.

Genre:
Alternative Rock

Title:
“Marathon of Dreams”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
[C] Running down a [G] road, chasing [Am] dreams we sow
[D] Stakes are higher, [F] the fight won’t slow
[C] Like a marathon, [G] we just keep on [Am] going
[D] Don’t know where the [F] road is flowing

(Chorus)
[C] Athletic oil, [G] keep our gears from [Am] rust
[D] In this marathon of [F] dreams, in this [C] love, we trust
[G] Pushing past the [Am] pain, enduring the [D] rain
[F] Cross the finish line, [C] feel no strain

(Verse 2)
[C] Strumming our [G] hopes on a [Am] guitar string
[D] Singing out loud, [F] let the dream bell ring
[C] Like a marathon, [G] we just keep on [Am] moving
[D] With every step, [F] we’re improving

(Chorus)
[C] Athletic oil, [G] keep our gears from [Am] rust
[D] In this marathon of [F] dreams, in this [C] love, we trust
[G] Pushing past the [Am] pain, enduring the [D] rain
[F] Cross the finish line, [C] feel no strain

Testimonial:
Fan’s Name: Rebecca Green

“I’ve been a fan of Athletic Oil since they started playing in local bars. Their unique blend of Alternative Rock tunes with such a powerful and energetic vibe has always captivated me. But what makes them my favorite is their ability to weave stories through their lyrics. Songs like ‘Marathon of Dreams’ resonate with me on a deep level. It’s all about pushing through and enduring, just like running a marathon. Their music has been my ‘Athletic Oil,’ helping me get through my life’s marathons.”

Backstory:
Unsteady Distance was formed in 2003 in the suburban neighborhoods of Charlotte, North Carolina, by childhood friends, lead guitarist Jack ‘Muddy’ Rivers and drummer Lucas ‘Boom’ Simmons. The two had been jamming in their garage since their early teens, fusing their love for classic rock and indie rhythms. They were later joined by vocalist Stella ‘Star’ Moore, a local coffee house performer with a raw, soulful voice that perfectly complemented their music. Their shared passion for music and their unique synergy soon culminated in the creation of Unsteady Distance, a band that would go on to redefine the rock and indie music scene.

While working day jobs to fund their true passion, the trio spent nights recording and rehearsing in their makeshift garage studio. Their early struggles were marked by numerous rejections from music labels, but their determination and belief in their sound saw them through. In 2008, they finally caught their big break when their demo was played on a local radio station, earning them a cult following in their hometown. Unsteady Distance has since performed in numerous music festivals around the world, never forgetting their garage-band roots and their journey from obscurity to widespread acclaim.

Genre:
Indie Rock

Title:
“Stars in Suburbia”

Full Song Lyrics:

Verse:
[D] We were just kids in the [G] suburban night,
[A] Dreaming under the garage [D] light.
[D] Strumming chords and beating [G] drums,
[A] In a world where music was our [D] only sun.

Chorus:
[G] Stars in Suburbia, [A] shining so bright,
[D] We are the voices of the [G] silent night.
[A] Underneath the moon, with our [D] dreams in sight,
[G] We are the Stars in [A] Suburbia, [D] tonight.

Verse:
[D] We painted our dreams on the [G] city walls,
[A] Strumming strings, breaking all [D] laws.
[D] The garage was our stage, the [G] world our crowd,
[A] We played our music, loud and [D] proud.

Chorus:
[G] Stars in Suburbia, [A] lighting up the night,
[D] We sang our hearts out in the [G] moonlight.
[A] Underneath the stars, with our [D] desires in flight,
[G] We are the Stars in [A] Suburbia, [D] tonight.

Band’s favorite fan Testimonial:
Our favorite fan’s name is Emily Johnson. Emily has been a solid supporter from day one, showing up to all our local gigs, even before we had any sort of acclaim. She’s been with us, riding the rollercoaster of our journey, always standing in the front row, singing along to every word. We’re her favorite band because, in her own words, “Unsteady Distance’s music is the perfect blend of raw, resonant, and heartfelt. Their journey is one of passion and perseverance, and their songs resonate with the spirit of dreamers. They’ve given a voice to the Stars in Suburbia.”

Backstory:
Attached Brake was formed in the bustling music scene of Seattle in 2010. It all started when childhood friends, lead vocalist and guitarist, Sam Buxton and drummer, Mike Fielding, met bassist, Kerry Thompson, at a local open mic night. Realizing the chemistry between them and a shared passion for creating a unique blend of music, Attached Brake was born. Over the years, the band garnered a loyal following and gained recognition for their refreshing sound infused with raw emotions. They’ve toured extensively across the US, with their electrifying and immersive live performances winning hearts wherever they go.

Genre:
Attached Brake is primarily an alternative rock band, but their sound incorporates elements of grunge and indie rock.

Title:
“Highways of Yesterday”

Full song lyrics:

[Verse 1]
Em G D A
Driving down the highways of yesterday,
Em G D A
Chasing dreams that have long faded away,
Em G D A
With a broken compass and a torn map,
Em G D A
We’re just trying to fill the ever-growing gap.

[Chorus]
Em G D A
Oh, Attached Brake, we won’t break,
Em G D A
On the highways of yesterday.
Em G D A
Our journey’s long, but our spirits are strong,
Em G D A
With your music, we can’t go wrong.

[Verse 2]
Em G D A
The rearview mirror shows a trail of tears,
Em G D A
But your music drowns out our fears,
Em G D A
With every chord and every verse,
Em G D A
You help us navigate this universe.

[Chorus]
Em G D A
Oh, Attached Brake, we won’t break,
Em G D A
On the highways of yesterday.
Em G D A
Our journey’s long, but our spirits are strong,
Em G D A
With your music, we can’t go wrong.

Favorite fan’s name: Lucy Mitchell

Lucy Mitchell, Attached Brake’s biggest fan, has followed the band from the very beginning. She loves them for their authentic sound and the way their songs resonate with her life experiences. Lucy shares, “Attached Brake isn’t just a band for me, their music is like a trusted friend, always there in every high and low. I relate to their songs on such a deep level, it feels like they’ve been written just for me. The way they seamlessly combine different genres and put their soul into each performance is truly commendable. They’ve got a fan for life in me!”

Backstory:

Rare Database was formed in the artsy corridors of Pennsylvania State University back in 2008 when a group of five computer science students found solace in creating music as a way to pull themselves away from the humdrum of their programming assignments. They started off with small jam sessions in their dorm rooms, leading to grand performances at university events. Charlie on vocals, Mason on lead guitar, Oliver on drums, Rosa on keyboards, and Amanda on bass guitar quickly gained popularity not only for their distinct sound but also their shared passion for music and coding.

They decided to name their band ‘Rare Database’, a term commonly used in their field of study, to keep a part of their original identity intact while they explored their musical journey. Their music resonates with the ups and downs of university life, with lyrics often containing codewords and phrases from their programming world. The blend of their academic background and their love for music gave birth to a unique sound that made them stand out in the campus and beyond.

Genre:

Alternative Rock / Electronic Rock

Song Title:

“Binary Heartbeat”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
[G] Running lines of code, in the [D] dead of night,
[E] Underneath the glow, of the [C] pale screen light,
[G] Lost in algorithms, but I [D] found a beat,
[E] It’s the pulse of a binary [C] heartbeat.

(Chorus)
[G] Binary heartbeat, [D] rhythm in the wires,
[E] Sparking connections, [C] fueling our desires,
[G] Every 0 and 1, is a [D] piece of the art,
[E] We’re just coders in love, with a [C] binary heart.

(Verse 2)
[G] Recursion and loops, in a [D] digital dream,
[E] Coding our love, in an [C] endless stream,
[G] With every function and array, [D] we’re never apart,
[E] Lost in the rhythm, of a [C] binary heart.

(Repeat Chorus)

(Outro)
[G] Binary heartbeat, [D] it’s a new form of art,
[E] It’s the soundtrack of our lives, [C] from the very start,
[G] Our love is the code, [D] and music the chart,
[E] We’re just coders in love, with a [C] binary heart.

Band’s Favorite Fan:

Rare Database’s favorite fan is undoubtedly, Emily Donovan. While Emily is not a computer science student herself, she resonates with the band’s music and often claims that no other band has ever managed to capture the essence of an unconventional love story as Rare Database does. She first heard their song “Binary Heartbeat” during a campus event and has been a staunch supporter ever since. She says, “Rare Database isn’t just about music, it’s about telling a story that’s often overlooked. Their lyrics are genuine, raw, and incredibly relatable. They’re not just my favorite band, they’re a part of my life.”

Backstory:
Worrisome Modification was born in the heart of the city of Atlanta, Georgia, in 2012, out of a shared love of music and a mutual desire for innovation. Four friends – Ryan (vocals/guitar), Dave (bass), Tom (drums), and Matt (keyboard) – were living together in a cramped apartment while they were attending Georgia State University, and it was there that they started jamming together and discovered their mutual synergy. They’d spend countless nights creating tunes that resonated with their shared experiences, producing music that would eventually turn into a unique sound. Their name was inspired by the band’s constant desire to evolve and reinvent their music, always striving for a better, more refined sound.

Genre:
Alternative Rock/Electronica

Title:
“Evolving Inertia”

Full song lyrics:

(Verse 1)
Em Am
Life, like a circle, keeps spinning around
G D
In the heart of the city, we found our sound
Em Am
Through ups and downs, and all in between
G D
Our music, our passion, our dream it’s been

(Chorus)
Em Am
Evolving Inertia, don’t you see
G D
In constant motion, we found our key
Em Am
In every note and every chord
G D
Our souls, our spirits, freely poured

(Verse 2)
Em Am
From the depths of the night to the break of dawn
G D
Our melodies rise, our fears are gone
Em Am
We let the rhythm take control
G D
Music, the language of the soul

(Chorus)
Em Am
Evolving Inertia, don’t you see
G D
In constant motion, we found our key
Em Am
In every note and every chord
G D
Our souls, our spirits, freely poured

Outro
Em Am
And so we play, and so we strive
G D
With every beat, we feel alive
Em Am
Worrisome Modification, our name, our creed
G D
Evolving, creating, that’s our deed

Fan’s Testimonial:
“I’m Jessica, a die-hard fan of Worrisome Modification. There’s something so raw and real about the band’s music that it resonates with me on a deep level. Their song ‘Evolving Inertia’ is a testament to their musical prowess and their unmatched ability to weave profound meaning into captivating tunes. Their music gives me strength during tough times and fills me with joy when I’m happy. They aren’t just a band to me, but the soundtrack of my life.”

Backstory:
Born out of the heartland of rural Alabama, “Rural Tomatoe” is an eclectic trio that grew up working on their parent’s tomato farms. The band members, Johnny B, Zeke, and Ellie, found solace and inspiration in the rhythmic sounds of their everyday rural life – the hum of the tractor, the whisper of the wind through the tomato vines, and the beat of their hearts longing for something more. They banded together in high school, initially as a way to escape the monotony of farm life, but soon discovered a shared passion for music. Together, they embarked on an unexpected journey to transform their experiences into soulful tunes, painting a vivid picture of rural America.

Genre:
Rural Tomatoe’s music is a unique blend of Country, Folk and Americana, peppered with a hint of Bluegrass. Their sound is grounded in acoustic melodies, with Johnny on guitar, Zeke on banjo, and Ellie’s hauntingly beautiful voice tying it all together.

Title:
“Under the Tomato Moon”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
[G]Underneath the tomato moon, [C]where our dreams began to bloom,
[D]We found a rhythm just for us, in [G]the quiet country hush.
[G]Picking fruit under the sun, [C]our hearts beating like a drum,
[D]We knew our journey had begun, [G]under the tomato moon.

(Chorus)
[C]Tomato moon, guide us through, [G]our dreams are painted in your hue,
[D]In the silence, we find our tune, [G]underneath the tomato moon.

(Verse 2)
[G]In the fields, we sowed our dreams, [C]stitched them into our blue jeans,
[D]From the heartland, we drew our themes, [G]under the tomato moon.
[G]With our hands in the dirt, [C]we discovered our worth,
[D]Our music began to emerge, [G]beneath the tomato moon.

(Chorus)
[C]Tomato moon, guide us through, [G]our dreams are painted in your hue,
[D]In the silence, we find our tune, [G]underneath the tomato moon.

Fan’s Name:

Meet Billy Jo, Rural Tomatoe’s most dedicated fan.

Testimonial:

“I reckon I’ve been listening to Rural Tomatoe since I was just a young’un. Their music takes me back to my roots and reminds me of the simple beauty of life back on the farm. It’s honest, raw and speaks to my soul. When I hear ‘Under the Tomato Moon’, it’s like I’m right back there, under the open sky, feeling the cool earth beneath my feet. There ain’t nothing quite like it. Rural Tomatoe’s got a fan for life in me.”

Backstory:

Gleaming Sky came into existence in the vibrant music scene of Portland, Oregon. The trio, led by songwriter and vocalist, Jason “Jace” McDonald, along with drummer, Sarah “Sunny” Hudson, and bassist, Lucas “Luke” Jefferson, were childhood friends who discovered their shared passion for music in their teenage years. Coming from families with diverse musical backgrounds – Jace’s father was a folk singer, Sunny’s mother was a classical pianist, and Luke’s grandparents toured with a jazz band – their unique blend of musical influences coalesced into a sound that would become Gleaming Sky.

The band started by performing in local bars and clubs, gaining appreciation for their potent lyrical content and immersive melodies. After a serendipitous encounter with a record producer who happened to catch one of their gigs, they signed a recording deal. It didn’t take long for the word to spread out about their talent and passion, and they quickly gained a loyal fan base that stretched beyond the borders of Portland.

Genre:

Indie Rock with elements of Folk and Jazz

Title:

“Chasing Constellations”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
[G] Underneath the city lights, [Em] we found our freedom
[C] Dancing on the edge of night, [D] chasing constellations
[G] In your eyes, I found my home, [Em] In your arms, my salvation
[C] In this city of million dreams, [D] You are my revelation

(Chorus)
[G] Chasing constellations, [Em] embracing the unknown
[C] Underneath the stars, [D] we carve out our own
[G] The sky’s our canvas, [Em] the night our song
[C] In this universe of love, [D] this is where we belong

(Verse 2)
[G] The rhythm of your heartbeat, [Em] syncs with my own
[C] In this dance of shadows, [D] love is what we’ve shown
[G] Our story painted in the stars, [Em] In the gleaming sky, it’s known
[C] Together, we’re unstoppable, [D] Together, we’ve grown

(Chorus)
[G] Chasing constellations, [Em] embracing the unknown
[C] Underneath the stars, [D] we carve out our own
[G] The sky’s our canvas, [Em] the night our song
[C] In this universe of love, [D] this is where we belong

Favorite Fan Testimonial:

My name is Emily Watson, and I am Gleaming Sky’s biggest fan. The first time I heard their music, I felt an instant connection. Their lyrics resonated with me, telling stories about life, love, and dreams that I could identify with. Their music is not just about beautiful melodies but also about spreading positivity and love. Every time I listen to “Chasing Constellations,” I feel inspired to chase my dreams, just like they are. They are not just musicians; they are storytellers, dreamers, and change-makers. And that’s why Gleaming Sky is my favorite band.

Backstory:
Bland Employee started as a group of discontent office workers from different parts of a large multinational corporation. After meeting at a company retreat, they discovered a shared passion for music and a need for an expressive outlet. What began as an after-work hobby soon became a full-blown pursuit, with the band members using their shared experiences of corporate monotony as inspiration. They decided to call themselves “Bland Employee” as a tongue-in-cheek representation of their daily realities, yet their music is anything but bland.

Genre:
Alternative Rock

Title:
“Copy-Paste Days”

Verse 1:
[Am] Wake up, dressed in [G] grey,
[Dm] Corporate robots [E] in the fray,
[Am] Cubicles in unison, [G] coffee stains and TPS [E] reports,
[Dm] We’re the white-collared [E] cohort.

Chorus:
[Am] Copy-paste [G] days, and [Dm] PowerPoint [E] haze,
[Am] Living for the [G] weekends, the only [Dm] laze, oh the [E] laze,
[Am] Bland employee in the [G] maze, caught in the [Dm] corporate [E] craze,
[Am] Searching for the [G] escape, from these [Dm] copy-paste [E] days.

Verse 2:
[Am] Meeting after [G] meeting, in the [Dm] race that’s always [E] fleeting,
[Am] Dreaming of a life, [G] far from this corporate [E] strife,
[Dm] We’re just numbers, [E] lost in files.

Chorus:
[Am] Copy-paste [G] days, and [Dm] Excel sheet [E] plays,
[Am] Clocking in and [G] clocking out, that’s what it’s [Dm] all [E] about,
[Am] Bland employee in the [G] daze, caught in the [Dm] corporate [E] haze,
[Am] Yearning for the [G] break, from these [Dm] copy-paste [E] days.

Fan’s Name:
Jessica Thompson

Testimonial:
“As a corporate employee myself, Bland Employee’s music resonates with me on a deeply personal level. Their lyrics aptly express the feelings of being trapped in a monotonous cycle. Their song, “Copy-Paste Days,” feels like my life’s anthem. It’s not just the relatability, but also the energy and raw emotion in their music that makes them my favorite band. I feel seen, understood, and less alone when I listen to Bland Employee. They’re an everyday office worker’s rock and roll dream!”

Backstory:

The origin story of ‘Noisy Month’ starts in a sleepy town of Somerset, England, where four childhood friends found a common passion for music. The band comprises Jack Hooper, the charismatic lead vocalist and keyboardist; Alan Thompson, the eclectic guitarist; Ted Marshall, the dynamic drummer; and Danny Watkins, an enigmatic bassist and backup vocalist. They had an innate ability to create music that echoed the rest of the town, full of life, yet somewhat turbulent. Their name, ‘Noisy Month,’ was born out of the month-long music festival they held in their town, where they played their heart out every single night, and the townsfolk couldn’t get enough.

Their rise to fame was as loud as their name, from playing in local pubs to headlining major music festivals; their journey has been an inspirational roller-coaster ride. Their music, filled with raw emotion and soulful melodies, resonated with audiences of all ages and backgrounds. They were the voice for those who couldn’t express their feelings and became a beacon of hope for many.

Genre: Indie Rock

Title: “Rains of Reverie”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
G C
Walked through the streets, in the cool of the night,
Am D
Found a rhythm in the silence, oh what a sight,
G C
The moon was our spotlight, stars the audience,
Am D
We sang our hearts out in pure innocence.

(Chorus)
G C
Under the rains of reverie, we found our melody,
Am D
Strumming the chords of destiny, in perfect harmony,
G C
Our dreams echo in every song, as we sing along,
Am D
In this noisy month, we find where we belong.

(Verse 2)
G C
The echoes of laughter, harmony in the air,
Am D
Waves of emotion, music everywhere,
G C
Our hearts on the strings, as we play the tune,
Am D
Underneath the Somerset moon.

(Chorus)
G C
Under the rains of reverie, we found our harmony,
Am D
Strumming the chords of destiny, in perfect unity,
G C
Our dreams echo in every song, as we sing along,
Am D
In this noisy month, we find where we belong.

The band’s favorite fan’s name: Lucy Harrison

Lucy Harrison, a local from Somerset, has been following Noisy Month from their inception. She says, “I’ve watched these boys grow from a small town band into international sensations, and it’s been a surreal experience. Their music is like a breath of fresh air, and every song feels like a personal narrative. Noisy Month is my favorite band because they put their heart and soul into every performance. Their music resonates with my emotions, and I feel a deep connection with their songs. They are not only great musicians but also incredible storytellers. Seeing them live is a transcendent experience, and I can’t wait to see what they do next.”