Backstory:
Formed in 2015 in the bustling music scene of Austin, Texas, Forsaken Link is a group of four childhood friends who found their perfect escape from reality: music. The band consists of lead vocalist and guitarist, Tom Reynolds, bassist Danny Peterson, keyboardist Sarah Williams, and drummer Billy Thompson. They’ve faced their fair share of ups and downs, including a near disbandment in 2017 due to creative differences. However, their shared passion for music and their enduring friendship brought them back together stronger than ever, realizing that their link, however forsaken at times, could not be broken.

Genre:
Forsaken Link is primarily known for their unique blend of Alternative Rock and Indie Pop, with a touch of Psychedelic influences. Their music is defined by its emotive lyrics, dynamic chord progressions and characteristically raw, energetic performances.

Title:
“Chains Unbroken”

Full Song Lyrics:
(Verse 1)
C G Am E
Waking up to the sound of silence,
C G Am E
Watching as the dawn breaks in the sky.
C G Am E
I’m a thousand miles from yesterday,
C G Am E
Caught up in the dreams we left behind.

(Chorus)
F C G Am
But our chains are unbroken, our hearts still beat,
F C G Am
In the rhythm of the songs we used to sing.
F C G Am
We’re forsaken, but not forgotten,
F C G Am
Our link remains, in the echoes of our names.

(Verse 2)
C G Am E
We’ve walked on shadows, and danced in fire,
C G Am E
Tales of love and loss etched on our skin.
C G Am E
Through the dust and ashes of our desires,
C G Am E
We’ve found a way to let the light back in.

(Repeat Chorus)

Favorite Fan:
Their favorite fan is a 25-year-old graphic designer named Emily Dawson. Emily has been following Forsaken Link from their garage band days. She fell in love with their unique sound and the raw, emotional depth of their lyrics. “Their music is like a lifeline to me. It’s gotten me through some really tough times. Plus, they’re the nicest guys you’ll ever meet. They’ve never lost their humility despite their growing success. I will forever be a Forsaken Link fan!” Emily is equally loved by the band for her unwavering support and her creativity, as she designs most of their gig posters.

Backstory:

Boiling Norm is an eclectic mix of musicians hailing from the vibrant city of Austin, Texas. The band was formed in 2012, when lead vocalist, Norm “Boiling” McAllister, met drummer Jon “Grit” McGruder and guitarist Carlos “Heat” Henriquez at an open mic night in a downtown bar. The trio realized they shared a common vision of creating music that pushes past traditional boundaries and resonates with people’s raw, unchecked emotions. With the addition of bassist Emily “Melt” Melendez, Boiling Norm was born, and they’ve been lighting up the underground music scene ever since.

Their story is one of perseverance, unity, and a profound love for music. Boiling Norm has faced many challenges, including lineup changes, creative differences, and financial struggles. But they have always managed to pull through, thanks to their shared passion and dedication to their craft. They are a testament to the power of music and its ability to bring people together, regardless of their background or circumstances.

Genre:

Boiling Norm has carved out a genre of their own, fusing elements of alternative rock, blues, and indie pop. They have a unique sound that’s both gritty and melodic, characterized by Norm’s raw, soulful vocals, Carlos’ fiery guitar licks, Grit’s driving drum beats, and Melt’s pulsating bass lines.

Title:

“Scorching Solitude”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
G D
In the burning haze of the summer’s twilight,
Em C
Loneliness wraps me in its chilling bite,
G D
Lost in the echo of your laugh, your light,
Em C
In the scorching solitude of the night,

(Chorus)
G D
Oh, the flames, they lick and dance,
Em C
Burning my heart at every chance,
G D
In your absence, I’m in a trance,
Em C
In the scorching solitude, I find romance,

(Verse 2)
G D
Bitter memories of your sweet smile,
Em C
Haunt me every lonely mile,
G D
Living in the heat, in denial,
Em C
In the scorching solitude, I’m in trial,

(Chorus)
G D
Fire of love, a cruel, cruel dance,
Em C
Burning my dreams, left no chance,
G D
In your absence, my soul’s expanse,
Em C
In the scorching solitude, life’s cruel romance,

Favorite Fan:

The band’s favorite fan is a woman named Lisa, a devoted follower since their early days. Lisa has attended every show, purchased all their music, and is known for her tireless efforts to promote the band. Lisa says, “Boiling Norm isn’t just a band to me, they are a lifeline. Their music has held me through some of my darkest times and helped me celebrate my brightest. The raw emotion they pour into every note, every lyric, resonates with me on a deeply personal level. They’re not just musicians, they’re poets, storytellers, and most importantly, they’re real. They aren’t afraid to bare their souls, and that’s what makes them my favorite.”

Backstory:

Trusty Laborer was formed in the gritty heart of Manchester, England in the late 2000s. The band members, childhood friends Alex Thompson (vocals), Brian ‘Buzz’ Fenton (guitar), Rick Masters (bass), and Eddie ‘Sticks’ Nickson (drums), were all working blue-collar jobs, dreaming of a life beyond the factory floor. One fateful evening, at a neighborhood pub, they found themselves in a jam session that sparked something magical. The band was born from the ashes of their struggles, channeled into a hauntingly beautiful harmony. They began playing local gigs, then regional music festivals, and slowly their reputation spread far beyond their industrial hometown.

Genre:

Indie Folk/Rock

Title:

‘Blest the Chains that Bind’

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse)
[G] Down the path of hallowed [C] halls,
[D] Echoes of our past work [G] calls.
[G] Hands once rough, now softly [C] tend,
[D] To the tune, our hearts [G] mend.

(Chorus)
[G] Blest the chains that [C] bind,
[D] The labor of love, we [G] find.
[G] With sweat and soul, we’ve [C] scribed,
[D] In the song of life, we’re [G] described.

(Verse)
[G] The hammer stroke, the furnace [C] roar,
[D] A symphony we don’t ignore, [G]
[G] The rhythm of our beating [C] hearts,
[D] Is where every great song [G] starts.

(Chorus)
[G] Blest the chains that [C] bind,
[D] The labor of love, we [G] find.
[G] With sweat and soul, we’ve [C] scribed,
[D] In the song of life, we’re [G] described.

(Outro)
[G] We are the trusty [C] laborers,
[D] Our song will be our [G] saviors.
[G] For in every note and [C] rhyme,
[D] Lives the spirit of our [G] time.

Favorite Fan Testimonial:

“I’m Molly from Manchester, and Trusty Laborer is my absolute favorite band. Their music resonates with the soul of the working class, like ours. It’s the voice of the silent, the tired, the hopeful. When I listen to ‘Blest the Chains that Bind’, it feels like they’re narrating our story – our struggles and dreams. Trusty Laborer’s songs are raw, honest, and beautifully poignant. The band’s humble beginnings and their journey to success is an inspiration to all of us. They remind us that even in the hardest of times, we can find beauty and make art.”

Backstory:
Aromatic Pile, often referred to as the underdogs of the music scene, emerged from the heart of New York City in 2008. The band members, Tom (lead guitar), Ricky (drums), and Sally (vocals), were childhood friends who found their passion for music while attending the same high school. What began as a hobby soon turned into a lifelong journey. They practiced in their parents’ basements, honing their eclectic sound, which eventually resulted in their unique blend of punk-rock and folk music.

Aromatic Pile was a hit at local shows and underground clubs, capturing the hearts of audiences with their raw energy and unapologetic lyrics. Their breakthrough came in 2010 after their performance at the renowned New York Music Festival, which led to a recording contract with an independent label. Since then, the band has released three albums, including their critically acclaimed debut, “Scent of Rebellion.”

Genre:
Punk-Rock / Folk Fusion

Title:
“Daisy Chains and Leather Jackets”

Full song lyrics:

(Verse 1) [Em, C, G, D]
Em C
On city streets, a tale untold,
G D
Under the neon lights, so bold.
Em C
The scent of rebellion in the air,
G D
With daisy chains in her hair.

(Chorus) [G, D, Em, C]
G D
She’s a blend of soft and tough,
Em C
Her world is raw and rough.
G D
In daisy chains and leather jackets,
Em C
She fights the world’s brackets.

(Verse 2)
Em C
She strums the chords of freedom,
G D
In every beat, she finds her kingdom.
Em C
Her voice, a melody so rare,
G D
With daisy chains in her hair.

(Chorus)
G D
She’s a blend of love and rage,
Em C
Her life’s a beautiful cage.
G D
In daisy chains and leather jackets,
Em C
She’s the queen of all brackets.

(Bridge)
Am Em
She stands tall, she won’t fall,
D C
Her spirit echoing in the hall.
Am Em
She dances on, free and fair,
D C
With daisy chains in her hair.

(Chorus)
G D
She’s a blend of dreams and tears,
Em C
Her courage conquering her fears.
G D
In daisy chains and leather jackets,
Em C
She’s larger than life’s brackets.

Fan’s Name and Testimonial:
Name: Amy Johnson

“Aromatic Pile is my favorite band because their music resonates with me on a deeply personal level. Their unique blend of punk-rock and folk fusion mirrors the paradox of my own life – the blend of soft and hard, love and rebellion. The lyrics of ‘Daisy Chains and Leather Jackets’ are an anthem for all of us who feel like we’re walking the line between two worlds. Their music is a celebration of individuality and the power of being genuinely yourself, no matter how unconventional that is. Aromatic Pile’s music isn’t just songs – it’s a lifeline.”

Backstory:

Simple French came together in the heart of Paris in 2013, with its members originally working in different areas of the artistic world. Lead vocalist, guitarist, and songwriter, Édouard, was a painter; bassist, Henri, was a sculptor; and drummer, René, was a writer. They decided to blend their talents and express their artistry through music. They began playing in small venues, charming audiences with their creative blend of music and storytelling. Their style is a nod to their backgrounds, using soundscapes, visual lyrics, and emotional narratives to create an immersive musical experience.

Genre:

Simple French’s genre is a unique fusion of alternative rock and French pop, with some elements of folk and indie. Their sound is characterized by evocative lyrics, melodic bass lines, rhythmic guitar-strumming, and the steady beat of the drums. They use their music to paint a picture, taking listeners on a journey that’s as visually stimulating as it is audibly pleasing.

Title:

“Une nuit à Montmartre” (“A Night in Montmartre”)

Full song lyrics:

(Verse 1)
[G]Walking along the cobblestone, [C] under the Paris moon,
[D]Lost in the rhythms of our [Em] hearts, in the [C] middle of June.
[C]Paintings of life spilled on the [G] streets, [D] secrets hidden in the air,
[Em]Laughter echoing [C] through the night, [D]In Montmartre, we [G] share.

(Chorus)
[C]Oh, a night in [G] Montmartre, [D] under the twinkling stars,
[Em]We dance, we sing, we [C] dream, in this city of [G] arts.
[C]Stories etched on the [G] canvas of [D] time, love flowing like fine wine,
[Em]In Montmartre, we [C] live, in Montmartre, we [G] shine.

(Verse 2)
[G]Sketching memories with our [C] words, [D] sculpting moments with our touch,
[Em]Under the shadow of the [C] Sacré-Cœur, this [G] city gives us much.
[D]In the heart of Paris, under the [G] moonlight’s glow,
[Em]We’re painting our [C] love in simple French, letting [G] the world know.

(Chorus)
[C]Oh, a night in [G] Montmartre, [D] a love story unfolds,
[Em]Hand in hand, heart to [C] heart, a tale never to [G] grow old.
[C]Lost in the rhythm of the [G] night, [D] under the Parisian skyline,
[Em]In Montmartre, we [C] love, in Montmartre, we [G] shine.

Favorite fan:

Our favorite fan is Sophie, a Parisian art student who discovered Simple French during one of their early performances at a local café. Sophie says, “Their music is not just music, it’s poetry, it’s art, it’s life. It’s like they’re painting Paris with their lyrics, sculpting emotions with their voices. Simple French is my favorite because they bring together all my passions – art, Paris, and music – in a beautifully harmonious way. Plus, ‘Une nuit à Montmartre’ perfectly encapsulates the magic of Parisian nights. Whenever I listen to it, I feel as if I’m wandering the streets of Montmartre, lost in the heart of Paris.”

Backstory:

Formed in the heart of New York City’s vibrant music scene, Obvious Rumour began as a chance meeting between four struggling musicians in a dingy bar in 2014. Lead vocalist, Eddie Kellerman, and drummer, Sam Benson, were playing an open-mic night when they were approached by guitarist, Max Turner, and bassist, Dave Carlson. United by a shared passion for music that pushed boundaries, the quartet began jamming together, discovering a unique chemistry. They spent the next year honing their sound, playing in dives and on the street, anywhere they could. Their raw talent and relentless dedication finally paid off when they were discovered by an indie record label scout during one of their impromptu street performances.

With a sound that challenges the mainstream, Obvious Rumour quickly rose in the underground music scene. Their compelling blend of punk, rock, and indie pop resonated with fans who were looking for something different. Their lyrics, driven by Kellerman’s poetic sensibility, told stories of love, rebellion, and urban existence. The band’s rise to fame was no accident, but the result of years of struggle, perseverance, and an unwavering belief in their music.

Genre:

Indie Punk Rock

Title:

“Echoes of Yesterday”

Full Song Lyrics:

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

[E] Walking down these empty streets [B]
Tired of the same old beats [C#m]
The city’s rhythm, lost in the fray [A]

[E] The echoes of yesterday [B]
They seem so far away [C#m]
In the heart of the city, we learn to sway [A]

(Chorus: E, B, C#m, A)

[E] Echoes of yesterday [B]
Won’t you take me away? [C#m]
To a place where the music [A]
doesn’t play [E]

[E] Echoes of yesterday [B]
In the shadows, we lay [C#m]
In the city of dreams, we lost our way [A]

(Second verse, same chord progression)

In the city lights, we lose our sight
Chasing dreams in the neon night
The music’s loud, but I can’t hear a sound

Echoes of yesterday
I feel them slip away
In the heart of the city, we begin to decay

(Chorus)

(Outro: E, B, C#m, A)

Echoes of yesterday
In the city’s disarray
We find our rhythm in a different way

Fan:

Obvious Rumour’s biggest fan hails from their hometown, New York City. Rachel Thompson, a graphic designer by day and a music enthusiast by night, has followed the band since their early days performing in local dive bars. She considers the band not just her favorite, but a part of her life.

Testimonial:

“Obvious Rumour is not just music; it’s a revolution. Their raw energy and soulful lyrics have a way of resonating deep down. The band is like the soundtrack to my life – their songs are the backdrop to my victories, my struggles, my everyday. I’ve watched them grow from playing on the streets to rocking packed venues, and they’ve never lost their authenticity. Every time I listen to ‘Echoes of Yesterday,’ I’m reminded of why I fell in love with their music in the first place. They aren’t just a band to me; they’re a part of who I am.”

Backstory:
Blank Seller started as an unexpected duo formed in the heart of London, England. Initially brought together simply because they were neighbors, high-school friends, and co-workers at a local record store, Dave Thompson, a multi-instrumentalist and songwriter, and Sarah Woods, a gifted singer with a love for lyric writing, discovered their shared passion for music. They started composing songs during their breaks, and it didn’t take long for them to realise that they had a unique chemistry. With their combined talents and musical affinity, they decided to create a band and named it Blank Seller, inspired by their record store experiences.

Genre:
Their music falls squarely within the Indie Folk genre, characterized by their unique blend of melodic vocals, intimate lyrics, and acoustic guitar riffs. Blank Seller’s sound is deeply influenced by folk tradition but re-imagined in a modern, indie lens.

Title:
“Midnight Rambler”

Full song lyrics with chord progression:

Verse 1: (Em, D, C, G)
Em
Underneath the city lights,
D
There’s a rambler in the night,
C G
Searching for a haven, far from sight.

Verse 2: (Em, D, C, G)
Em
The echoes of the past,
D
Like shadows they are cast,
C G
In the heart of the rambler, holding fast.

Chorus: (G, D, Em, C)
G
Oh, midnight rambler, where do you roam?
D
In the heart of the city, or the places unknown?
Em
Your journey is a mystery, your story untold,
C
In the quiet of the night, your secrets unfold.

Verse 3: (Em, D, C, G)
Em
The whispers of the wind,
D
Carry tales of where he’s been,
C G
A midnight rambler, lost within.

Repeat Chorus: (G, D, Em, C)
G
Oh, midnight rambler, where do you roam?
D
In the heart of the city, or the places unknown?
Em
Your journey is a mystery, your story untold,
C
In the quiet of the night, your secrets unfold.

Favorite Fan:
The band’s favorite fan is a man named Oliver Platt. Oliver is a 30-year-old architect who has been following Blank Seller since their very beginning. He describes the band as his favorite, saying, “Blank Seller’s music is like a sanctuary for me. Their intimate lyrics combined with their melodic tunes resonate deeply within me. It’s like they’re singing the soundtrack of my life. I’ve travelled the UK to see them perform. To me, they’re not just a band; they’re a part of who I am.”

Backstory:
Narrow Expert originated from the small town of Evergreen, Oregon in 2007. The band consists of five members; lead vocalist Jonah Armstrong, lead guitarist Eli Brandt, drummer Owen Harper, bassist Holden Graves, and keyboardist Ian Spencer. The band was initially formed during their high school years, where their shared love for music led to the formation of the group. Despite all coming from different musical backgrounds, the band quickly established a particular sound that was uniquely theirs.

The band struggled in its early years, playing gigs in local bars and recording demos in Armstrong’s garage. However, things took a turn when their self-released EP caught the attention of a prominent music producer in 2009. Since then, Narrow Expert has released three studio albums, each more successful than the last. They’ve toured the country, playing at some of the biggest music festivals, and have become renowned for their electrifying live performances.

Genre:
Alternative Rock

Title:
“Dancing Shadows”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
[C] I see your [G] ghost in the [Em] morning light,
[D] Dancing shadows in my [C] sight.
[C] I reach out, but [G] you’re not [Em] there,
[D] Empty echoes, it’s just [C] not fair.

(Verse 2)
[C] The memories [G] of you are [Em] all I have,
[D] A silent movie, a [C] broken laugh.
[C] I wish I could [G] turn back [Em] time,
[D] So your hand could be in [C] mine.

(Chorus)
[G] Dancing shadows on the [D] wall,
[Em] It’s like you’re not gone [C] at all.
[G] In the silence of the [D] night,
[Em] I hold on to your [C] light.

(Verse 3)
[C] I carry [G] your love in [Em] my heart,
[D] Even though we’re worlds [C] apart.
[C] Every sunrise, [G] every [Em] dusk,
[D] Your absence is a [C] silent hush.

(Chorus)
[G] Dancing shadows on the [D] wall,
[Em] It’s like you’re not gone [C] at all.
[G] In the silence of the [D] night,
[Em] I hold on to your [C] light.

Favorite Fan’s Name: Jessica Evans

Testimonial:
“I’ve been a fan of Narrow Expert since their first EP in 2009. Their lyrics speak to my soul and the music just takes me to another place. I’ve seen them live countless times and each time, it’s like seeing them for the first time. Their energy and dedication to their craft is truly inspiring. As a fan, I appreciate their authenticity and how they’ve stayed true to their roots. They’ve been my favorite band since high school and I can’t wait to see where their journey takes them next.”

Backstory:
Standard Coach is a four-piece band from the sleepy town of Carson, Nevada. The band members – Charlie on lead vocals and guitar, Jason on drums, Rosie on bass, and Daniel on keys, found each other in high school where they shared a mutual love for classic rock and blues. They started jamming together after school in Charlie’s garage and quickly discovered their synergy. After winning a local battle of the bands, they decided to take their music seriously and formed Standard Coach. The name is a playful nod to their school days, coming from an old coach they used to hang out in during breaks.

Genre:
Standard Coach falls under the genre of Alternative Rock with a strong influence from blues and classic rock.

Title:
“Riding the Rails”

Full Song Lyrics:

Verse 1 (Em C G D):
(Em) Under the moonlight, we (C) met at the crossroads,
(G) On the old dusty tracks, where (D) our stories unfold.
(Em) I looked in your eyes, you (C) had that spark,
(G) And I knew right then, we’d (D) leave our mark.

Chorus (G D Am C):
(G) Riding the rails, (D) chasing the sun,
(Am) With you by my side, (C) the journey’s begun.
(G) Through tunnels of doubt, (D) over bridges of fears,
(Am) We’re riding the rails, (C) shifting gears.

Verse 2 (Em C G D):
(Em) We’re strangers no more, (C) sharing our dreams,
(G) Underneath the stars, (D) by the old stream.
(Em) You play the melody, (C) I’ll sing the blues,
(G) We’re on this journey, (D) with nothing to lose.

[Repeat Chorus]

The bands favorite fan’s name:
Standard Coach’s favourite fan is a woman named Lucy who has followed them from the very beginning.

Testimonial:
“Standard Coach is, without a doubt, my favourite band for a myriad of reasons. The raw honesty in their lyrics combined with the soulful blend of their music speaks directly to my heart. Their songs are like beautiful stories that take you on a journey. I’ve been to countless gigs, and their live performances are electrifying. Each member brings their unique style, and together they create this incredible energy on stage. I remember the first time I saw them perform “Riding the Rails,” I was moved to tears. I’ve had the honour of getting to know them personally, and they’re as genuine as their music. They’ve created a community around their music that feels like home to me. I will always be a proud Standard Coach fan.”

Backstory:
Bold Leg was conceived in the back room of a rusty, old garage in the outskirts of Memphis, Tennessee, in the winter of 2008. The band was formed by a group of childhood friends: Ben Graham on lead vocals, Eddie Pearson on guitar, Greg Miller on drums, and Luke Stanton on the bass. The quartet shared a passion for music and an extraordinary ability to create distinctive tunes that border on the extraordinary. Taking inspiration from their everyday lives, they began crafting songs that resonated with the common man, the working class, the dreamers, and the fighters.

Bold Leg’s breakthrough came in 2010 when a local radio station picked up their music. Soon, their sound echoed through the radios of Tennessee, and eventually, they were the talk of the nation. The boys had an uncanny ability to connect with their audience through their music, and this authentic connection was what made them a hit among their fans.

Genre:
Bold Leg’s music can be best described as a blend of Blues, Rock and Punk – a genre they proudly call “BluePunk”.

Title:
“One More Night on the Road”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
[A] Riding down this lonesome highway, [E] feeling the cold wind blow,
[D] The lights of the city fading, [A] heading where the free birds go.
[E] No destination, no map, [D] just the road under my feet,
[A] I got my soul by my side, [E] and a rhythm in my heartbeat.

(Chorus)
[D] One more night on the road, [A] under the shimmering moonlight,
[E] Gonna chase that horizon, [D] till the break of daylight.
[A] With my guitar strings humming, [E] and my heart singing loud,
[D] I’m a vagabond dreamer, [A] lost in the melody of the cloud.

(Verse 2)
[A] The road is my home, [E] the stars my canopy,
[D] Every city, every town, [A] adds a verse to my symphony.
[E] The world is my stage, [D] my song the universal language,
[A] With every strum, every beat, [E] I write a new passage.

(Chorus)
[D] One more night on the road, [A] under the vast open sky,
[E] I got my dreams as my compass, [D] and the wind as my ally.
[A] With my Bold Leg tapping, [E] to the rhythm of the wheel,
[D] I’m just a simple storyteller, [A] with a love for the surreal.

The Band’s Favorite Fan – Testimonial:
Our favorite fan is a guy named “Curly Joe”. Joe has been with us from our very first gig in a small tavern in Memphis. He loved our music when we were nobody, and his faith in us never wavered. He once said, “Bold Leg is more than a band to me, they’re like the soundtrack of my life. Each song touches my soul and speaks to me like no other music does. It’s raw, it’s real, and it’s incredibly powerful. Their music resonates with my spirit, and I can’t imagine a day without their tunes. They are, and always will be, my favorite band.”