Backstory:

Flippant County is the brainchild of four college mates who shared a common love for music and rebellious expression. The band was formed in the small, unassuming town of Edgewater, nestled in the heart of Texas, but the name ‘Flippant County’ came from their shared disdain for the unimaginative and stagnant mentality of their hometown. Austin, the lead vocalist and guitarist, came up with the name, and it clicked for the rest of the group. They played in local bars, school functions, and small festivals, gradually gaining popularity for their distinctive sound and spirited stage performances. While their journey to fame wasn’t rapid, it was unstoppable. Their persistence and passion eventually led to a record deal and their music started to resonate with people on a larger scale.

Genre:

Alternative Rock

Title:

“Roads of Regret”

Lyrics:

[Verse 1: Em-G-D-A]
Em
Under the crimson Edgewater sky,
G
We painted dreams with our youthful lie,
D
On the Roads of Regret, we ride,
A
With a broken smile, and a pride inside.

[Chorus: Em-C-G-D]
Em
No looking back, only forward,
C
With every beat, we’re growing bolder,
G
In the mirror of time, we see,
D
The shadow of what we used to be.

[Verse 2: Em-G-D-A]
Em
In the heart of Texas, we found our muse,
G
An echo of love, in the rhythm and blues,
D
On the Roads of Regret, we find,
A
A piece of ourselves, we left behind.

[Chorus: Em-C-G-D]
Em
No looking back, only forward,
C
With every beat, we’re growing bolder,
G
In the mirror of time, we see,
D
The shadow of what we used to be.

[Outro: Em-G-D-A]
Em
On the Roads of Regret, we roam,
G
Finding solace in the music, we call home,
D
We are Flippant County, hear our cry,
A
In the whispers of the wind, under the Edgewater sky.

Fan’s Name:

Liam Johnson

Testimonial:

“I’ve been a die-hard follower of Flippant County since their early days. Their music resonates with my spirit and evokes emotions that no other band has ever managed to. For me, it’s not just about the music, it’s about the message they convey and the stories they tell through their songs. ‘Roads of Regret’ has been my anthem, helping me reflect on my life and the decisions I’ve made. Flippant County is not just my favorite band, they’re my companions on this journey of life.”

Backstory:

Private Burst is a band that came together in the backstreets of Austin, Texas, in 2012. The four members, Jack, Ryan, Marcus, and Liam, were all working regular jobs during the day, but their shared love for music brought them together in the evenings to jam and create their tunes in a small, cramped garage. Their unique sound and experimental approach to music quickly gained attention in the local scene, leading to gigs in local clubs and bars.

The band’s breakthrough came when they were discovered by a local record producer during a live performance at the 2016 South by Southwest (SXSW) Music Festival. Their raw energy, emotive lyrics, and captivating performance mesmerized the audience, and Private Burst signed their first record deal shortly after. They’ve been on a meteoric rise ever since, thrilling fans with their signature sound and captivating performances.

Genre:
Alternative Rock

Title:
“Through the Midnight Rain”

Full song lyrics:

(Verse 1)
[C] Look out the window, [G] to the midnight rain,
[F] Falling down gently, [C] washing away the pain.
[C] Hear the thunder roar, [G] lightning lights the way,
[F] Lost in the echoes, [C] of the words we used to say.

(Chorus)
[G] Through the midnight rain, [F] we find our way,
[C] Shattered hearts seeking, [G] in the break of day.
[G] Through the midnight rain, [F] love’s cruel game,
[C] Broken dreams whispering, [G] your sweet name.

(Verse 2)
[C] Empty streets echo, [G] with the sound of our past,
[F] Dancing with shadows, [C] that were never meant to last.
[C] Night’s silent symphony, [G] plays our sad refrain,
[F] Mournful melodies, [C] in the midnight rain.

(Repeat Chorus)

Fan’s Name:

Sarah Jenkins

Testimonial:

“I’ve been a fan of Private Burst since their early days in Austin. Their music speaks to me on a soul-deep level. ‘Through the Midnight Rain’ is my all-time favorite; it helped me through some tough times. It’s like they’ve poured their hearts out in every song. The raw emotion and honesty in their music is what makes them stand out. Private Burst isn’t just my favorite band because of their incredible talent, but also because their music has a profound, personal resonance with me. They’re more than just a band to me; they’re like life’s soundtrack.”

Backstory:
Formed in the small town of Roper, North Carolina in 2014, Decent Bear is comprised of five childhood friends: lead vocalist Charlie Thompson, guitarists Dave Harris and Steve Wilson, bassist Max Collins, and drummer Bill Davis. The group, bonded by their shared love for music and an unyielding desire to escape the humdrum life of Roper, decided to combine their musical talents to form a band initially known as ‘The Roper Misfits.’ Their sound, full of raw passion, soon caught attention, and they were urged by a local music producer to rename their band to better reflect their style and potential. Thus, Decent Bear was born. Through years of hard work, relentless touring, and the occasional setback, the band has grown its brand and fanbase, staying true to their origins while refining their sound.

Genre: Indie Folk/Rock

Title: “Whispers in the Wind”

Full Song Lyrics (with chord progression):

Verse 1: [Am – F – C – G]

(Am)There’s a song in the (F)wind, can you hear it?
(C)It’s singing of love and (G)loss
(Am)A melody spun from (F)whispers,
(C)A symphony born from (G)chaos

Chorus: [F – C – G – Am]

(F)Can you hear the (C)whispers in the (G)wind?
(Am)They’re calling us (F)home, to where we (C)begin
(F)Every note, every (C)word is (G)etched within,
(Am)In the whispers, (F)in the (C)wind

Verse 2: [Am – F – C – G]

(Am)The stars overhead, they’re (F)dancing
(C)To the rhythm of the (G)night
(Am)In the silence, there’s a (F)story,
(C)In the darkness, there’s a (G)light

Repeat Chorus: [F – C – G – Am]

Bridge: [Em – F – C – G]

(Em)Through the highs, through the (F)lows,
(C)Through the laughter, through the (G)woes,
(Em)In every moment, the (F)wind still blows,
(C)Carrying the (G)echoes of those whispers

Repeat Chorus x2: [F – C – G – Am]

End with [Am – F – C – G]

Favorite Fan:
Their most cherished fan is a young woman named Annie Johnson. Annie found solace in Decent Bear’s music during a particularly difficult phase of her life. The band’s raw and honest lyrics resonated with her, and their music provided her the strength to overcome her trials. Annie is a constant presence at every Decent Bear concert within a hundred-mile radius of Roper. In her testimonial, she states, “Decent Bear’s music is like a comforting friend. Their songs are intimate conversations that dig deep into human emotions and experiences. Their music has been a constant companion and a source of strength. They are much more than just a ‘decent’ band – they are extraordinary.”

Backstory:

Unruly Hose is a group of misfits, each member hailing from a different corner of the globe. They first met in the bustling city of Berlin, where their respective careers had taken them. It was at a grimy, underground music event where they discovered their shared passion for creating music that defied traditional norms and boundaries. After jamming together for the first time, they all knew that something exceptional was forming. They decided to embrace their rebellious spirit and formed ‘Unruly Hose’ right there in the heart of Berlin’s vibrant music scene. Their eclectic backgrounds and unique musical tastes gave rise to a sound that was refreshingly unconventional and irresistibly catchy.

Genre: Psychedelic Punk Rock

Title: ‘Molten Lava’

Lyrics with Chord Progression:

Verse 1: (Em G D A)
In the city’s heart, we were born (Em G)
Played our music till the break of dawn (D A)
From different worlds, we found our place (Em G)
In the cacophony, we made our space (D A)

Chorus: (G D Em)
We are the Molten Lava, burning bright, (G D)
Flowing through the veins of the night (Em)
We are the Molten Lava, in this city’s soul, (G D)
Making it rock, making it roll (Em)

Verse 2: (Em G D A)
Our sound is raw, our spirit wild (Em G)
Like a symphony, perfectly compiled (D A)
We are the rebels, we are the noise (Em G)
We are the Unruly Hose boys (D A)

Chorus: (G D Em)
We are the Molten Lava, burning bright, (G D)
Flowing through the veins of the night (Em)
We are the Molten Lava, in this city’s soul, (G D)
Making it rock, making it roll (Em)

Fan’s Name: Lisa Schwartz

Testimonial:
“Unruly Hose isn’t just a band for me; it’s a state of mind. Their music resonates with the rebel inside me. The energy, the raw passion, it’s infectious! I remember the first time I heard ‘Molten Lava’; I felt this surge of energy, and I just knew I’d found my favorite band. Their groove is unmatchable and every concert is an experience in itself. You’re not just listening to their music; you’re living it. For me, there’s no band that compares to Unruly Hose.”

Backstory:
Formed in the obscure backstreets of Austin, Texas in 2007, Cultivated Joke came into existence when four college dropouts with a shared passion for music decided to take their basement jam sessions to the next level. Comprising of vocalist and guitarist Julian “Jules” O’Connor, bassist Peter “Pete” Thompson, drummer Mike “Mikey” Rogers, and keyboardist Alex “Lex” Bennett, the band started performing in local clubs, garnering a small but dedicated following with their unique sound and raw lyrics. Their penchant for making light of life’s struggles through their music caught the attention of indie record label ‘Saturn Records’, sealing their breakthrough in the music industry.

Genre:
Alternative Rock with a splash of Indie

Title:
“Lost in Suburbia”

Full song lyrics:

(Verse 1)
[Am] Walking down the same old streets, [G] stale on my feet
[F] Barely see the stars, [C] swallowed by the city’s heat
[G] Underneath the neon lights, [Am] buried in the urban tide
[F] Lost in the sea of faces, [C] where dreams collide

(Chorus)
[Am] Lost in suburbia, [G] where the wild hearts roam
[F] Dancing with shadows, [C] searching for a home
[G] We’re just echoes in the dark, [Am] chasing the unknown
[F] Lost in suburbia, [C] we write our own tome

(Verse 2)
[Am] Behind the picket fences, [G] forgotten tales unfold
[F] In the mirror of the night, [C] secrets are told
[G] Amid the concrete jungle, [Am] we rise and fall
[F] Against the ticking clock, [C] we heed the call

(Chorus)
[Am] Lost in suburbia, [G] where the wild hearts play
[F] Dancing with destiny, [C] breaking away
[G] We’re just whispers in the wind, [Am] shaping the clay
[F] Lost in suburbia, [C] we find our way

Fan’s Testimonial:
Fan’s name is Daisy Bennings. Daisy says, “I first discovered Cultivated Joke during a low point in my life. Their song ‘Lost in Suburbia’ resonated with me, as I felt lost and overwhelmed in my mundane life. Their music, full of wit, irony, and a splash of melancholy, helped me find humor and beauty in the most unexpected places. From their relatable lyrics to their raw performances, Cultivated Joke has a way of turning the ordinary into something extraordinary. They are more than just a band to me; they are a beacon of hope in a world that often feels too heavy.”

Backstory:
Rough Atmosphere was formed in the small midwestern town of Plainfield, Illinois in 2008 when high school friends, Joey Miller (vocals and guitar) and Tim Scott (drums), decided to turn their passion for music into something more serious than just a garage band. They soon added Claire Johnson (bass) and her younger brother, Jake Johnson (lead guitar), to the mix, rounding out the new band’s sound. Influenced by a mix of their parents’ classic rock albums and the alternative and indie sounds of their own generation, they started creating a unique blend of music that resonated with their peers and slowly began to gain traction beyond their local scene.

Drawing on their experiences of small-town life, love, loss, and dreams of more, Rough Atmosphere started to write songs that spoke to the heart of the American youth. Their big break came in 2012 when they won a Battle of the Bands competition in Chicago, earning them a recording contract and the chance to take their music to a wider audience.

Genre:
Indie Rock

Title:
“Echoes of Yesterday”

Full Song Lyrics:

Verse 1 (G, Em, C, D)
In the heart of this silent town, (G, Em)
Lights flicker but make no sound, (C, D)
Running fast on this old ground, (G, Em)
Can’t escape the echoes of yesterday. (C, D)

Verse 2 (G, Em, C, D)
See the past in the rearview mirror, (G, Em)
The future’s close but never clearer, (C, D)
Can’t tell if we’re in danger, (G, Em)
Just that we’re no strangers to yesterday. (C, D)

Chorus (Am, G, D, Em)
Echoes of yesterday, (Am, G)
Ring in my ears, (D, Em)
Whispers of dreams we used to chase, (Am, G)
Lost in the years, (D, Em)
Haunted by shadows, (Am, G)
Bathed in the light, (D, Em)
We’re just echoes of yesterday, (Am, G)
Living in the night. (D, Em)

Testimonial:
The band’s favorite fan is a woman named Emily Rose. Emily has been following Rough Atmosphere since their early days, traveling to countless shows, promoting their music online, and even organizing fan meetups. In her words:

“I’ve been a fan of Rough Atmosphere since day one. Their music speaks to me on a level that no other band can reach. Their lyrics capture the essence of my experiences, my struggles, my dreams. They’re not just a band to me; they’re like a soundtrack to my life. The song ‘Echoes of Yesterday’ in particular resonates with me deeply. It’s about nostalgia, about looking back but also moving forward, and that’s something I think we can all relate to.”

Backstory:
Enchanted Island is a group of five friends who met on the sun-soaked beaches of Ibiza. Their shared love for music, the ocean, and the laid-back island lifestyle led to impromptu jam sessions under the stars, which soon gathered a following of locals and tourists alike. Deciding to make their act official, they christened themselves ‘Enchanted Island’, a nod to their idyllic meeting place and the mesmerizing allure of their music. With Juan on vocals and guitar, Maria on the keyboard, Rafael on bass, Sofia on the violin, and Carlos on the drums, the band has a distinctive sound that’s hard to resist.

Genre:
Reggae Fusion

Title:
“Island Heartbeat”

Full song lyrics:

(Verse 1)
Em
Underneath the cherry blossom tree,
G
We found a rhythm all our own,
D
With sand beneath our feet,
A
Red sunset and the ocean’s heartbeat.

(Chorus)
Em
Oh, our island heartbeat,
G
As we sway in the gentle sea breeze,
D
With the moonlight dancing on your skin,
A
In this moment, we are free.

(Verse 2)
Em
In the whisper of the palm leaves,
G
There’s a melody that charms us,
D
An enchanted island song,
A
That pulls us along, and it’s where we belong.

(Chorus)
Em
Oh, our island heartbeat,
G
It’s the rhythm of our paradise,
D
Where the stars are our guide,
A
With each ebb and tide, we’re on an endless ride.

Fan Testimonial:
The band’s favorite fan is a woman named Isabella. She’s a local who’s been with them from their very first beach jam session. She never misses a performance and always brings a crowd. Isabella says, “Enchanted Island is more than just a favorite band for me. They capture the very essence of our island life — the love, freedom, and connection with nature. Their music is a celebration of our shared history and culture. Every song is like an ode to our paradise, and it always takes me back to the soft sand, warm nights, and the rhythm of the waves. They are the heartbeat of our island.”

REDLINE TO HELL

by RECTIFIED BINDER

[Intro — engine cranking, feedback screaming]

Rrrrrr—RRRRRR—VROOOOOM!

DRIVER:
CHECK ENGINE LIGHT?!

BAND:
IGNORE IT!!!

---

[Verse 1]

Six-point-two liters and a tank full of spite,
Bought it on Craigslist in the dead of night.
Previous owner said, “It runs real clean,”
There’s three quarts of oil where the driveway’s been.

Headers glowing like the gates of Hell,
Transmission’s making that expensive smell.
Mechanic said, “Son, you better shut her down—”

I CAN’T HEAR YOU!
THE EXHAUST’S TOO LOUD!

---

[Pre-Chorus]

Oil pressure falling!
Temperature climbs!
Warranty expired
THREE MILES AGO THIS TIME!

---

[Chorus]

RECTIFIED BINDER!
Torque it down tighter!

RECTIFIED BINDER!
Set the tires on fire!

Eight thousand RPM,
Pistons begging for their lives—

WE DON’T NEED RELIABILITY
IF THE CAR SURVIVES!

RECTIFIED!
BINDER!

BRAAAAAAAAHHHH!!!

---

[Verse 2]

Got a cold-air intake from a questionable site,
Twenty-seven horsepower—it said so, so it’s right.

Big-ass wing and a carbon hood,
Does it make it faster?

IT LOOKS LIKE IT SHOULD!

Then an XC60 rolls silently by,
Swedish leather, Thor’s Hammer lights.
Driver looks over, calm as can be—

HEATED SEATS?!
THAT AIN’T METAL TO ME!

But the Volvo launches, smooth and quick—

WAIT…
THAT THING’S ACTUALLY SICK.

---

[Breakdown]

DROP!

First gear!

CLUNK!

Second gear!

GRIND!

Third gear!

WHAT THE HELL WAS THAT?!

silence

…Was that the transmission?

drummer clicks sticks

YEP.

---

[VOLVO BREAKDOWN]

THOR!

HAMMER!

THOR!

HAMMER!

SWEDISH ENGINEERING!

THOR!

HAMMER!

THOR!

HAMMER!

WHY IS THE VOLVO PASSING ME?!

---

[MASSIVE BREAKDOWN]

HEAD!

GASKET!

HEAD!

GASKET!

COOLANT IN THE OIL!

HEAD!

GASKET!

HEAD!

GASKET!

NOW WE’RE FUCKING BOILED!

---

[Guitar Solo]

WEEEE-NEEE-NEEE-NEEE-NEEE—

VROOOOOOM!

SKRRRRRRRRT!

[sound of socket wrench hitting garage floor]

“WHO TOOK THE 10 MILLIMETER?!”

[distant Volvo door closes with an extremely satisfying THUNK]

silence

“Damn… that was a nice thunk.”

---

[Bridge — ominous clean guitar]

Black XC60 at the traffic light,
Quiet little bastard in the dead of night.

Leather seats.
Panoramic roof.

Driver sips coffee…

WITH NOTHING TO PROVE.

Our engine’s shaking,
Our brakes are fried—

The Volvo driver whispers:

“You boys need a ride?”

NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!

---

[Final Chorus]

RECTIFIED BINDER!
Born beneath the hood!

RECTIFIED BINDER!
Making bad ideas sound good!

No traction control!
No catalytic converter!

If something starts knocking—

JUST TURN THE MUSIC LOUDER!

RECTIFIED BINDER!

Gasoline!
Horsepower!
Questionable decisions!

RECTIFIED BINDER!

REDLINE!

REDLINE!

REDLIIIIIIIIIIIIINE!

---

[Outro — engine revs violently]

VROOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOM—

BANG!

silence

Singer:
“…That sounded expensive.”

[XC60 pulls up]

Volvo Driver:
“Need a tow?”

Singer:
“…Is that the Bowers & Wilkins system?”

Volvo Driver:
“Yep.”

long pause

Singer:
“…I call shotgun.”

Guitarist:
“SELL-OUT!”

Volvo stereo erupts into the final riff

RECTIFIED BINDER!!!

Backstory:

Irritating Case formed in a dimly lit basement in Akron, Ohio in 2011, when childhood friends Jack Ealing and Ronnie Bright decided to turn their obsession with punk rock into more than just a hobby. Jack, a talented drummer, and Ronnie, an eccentric singer and guitarist, started off as a duo, writing songs about their high school bullies, unrequited love, and their mundane suburban life. Their quirky, raw sound quickly caught the attention of their local music scene, and by 2013, they were joined by bassist Stella Marks, a music college dropout, who completed the musical puzzle.

Despite their humble beginnings, Irritating Case managed to create a unique sound that resonated with their generation. Their popularity quickly spread beyond Ohio, and before long, they were touring the country, delivering their high-energy performances to packed venues. Their rise to fame was not without its trials and tribulations, but their shared love for music and determination to succeed saw them through every challenge.

Genre:

Punk Rock

Title:

“Rotten Sneakers”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
[G] Rotten sneakers on the [D] floor,
[C] Momma’s yelling “No [G] more!”
[D] Packed my things, I’m out the [C] door,
[G] Can’t take this [D] anymore.

(Chorus)
[G] I’m just a [D] punk with a [C] case,
[G] In this irritating [D] world, I’m out of [C] place,
[G] Rocking my heart at a [D] frantic pace,
[C] And my rotten sneakers are my [D] saving grace.

(Verse 2)
[G] Broken strings and [D] shattered dreams,
[C] Life ain’t always what it [G] seems,
[D] Through the noise and all the [C] screams,
[G] We’ll find our [D] freedom in the extremes.

(Chorus)
[G] I’m just a [D] punk with a [C] case,
[G] In this irritating [D] world, I’m out of [C] place,
[G] Rocking my heart at a [D] frantic pace,
[C] And my rotten sneakers are my [D] saving grace.

(Bridge)
[C] Ripped jeans and [G] reckless youth,
[D] We’re the proof of the uncut [G] truth,
[C] We’ll keep fighting, [G] we’re the proof,
[D] Our rotten sneakers are our [G] roof.

(Chorus)
[G] I’m just a [D] punk with a [C] case,
[G] In this irritating [D] world, I’m out of [C] place,
[G] Rocking my heart at a [D] frantic pace,
[C] And my rotten sneakers are my [D] saving grace.

Fan Testimonial:

Fan’s name: Jenny McAdams

“Irritating Case isn’t just a band, it’s a lifestyle. Their music has helped me through some of the toughest times in my life. Their raw energy, authenticity, and the way they channel their own life experiences into their songs resonate with me on a deep level. I feel seen, heard, and most importantly, understood. That’s why Irritating Case will always be my favorite band.”

Backstory:
Born in the heart of the bustling city of New York, Lively Judgment was formed by four friends who shared a common passion for music. The group includes frontman Frederick ‘Freddy’ Thompson, guitarist Benjamin ‘Benji’ Simmons, drummer Elijah ‘Eli’ Matthews, and bassist Oliver ‘Ollie’ Henderson. Freddy, Benji, and Eli grew up in the same neighborhood, with Ollie joining their circle in high school. With a shared love for music and a dream to create something unique, the friends eventually decided to make their own band, Lively Judgment, in 2010. Starting as a local band performing in small pubs, their unique sound quickly caught the attention of the public and their popularity rapidly grew, leading them to a national tour and finally, global recognition.

Genre:
Lively Judgment is known for their revolutionary sounds of alternative rock combined with a dash of electronic music.

Title:
“One Last Chance”

Full Song Lyrics:
(Verse 1)
Am – F – C – G
Am F
Here I am, stumbling in the twilight,
C G
Searching for an echo of your sweet voice.
Am F
Underneath the pallor of moonlight,
C G
I recall the softness of your choice.

(Chorus)
Am – F – C – G
Am F
Give me one last chance, to hold you close,
C G
One last dance, under the stars we chose.
Am F
One last glance, at your fading silhouette,
C G
One last chance, a moment I’ll never forget.

(Verse 2)
Am – F – C – G
Am F
Your laughter, it resonates like a sweet melody,
C G
In the silence of the night, it’s my symphony.
Am F
One last chance, is all I’m asking for,
C G
Before you walk out through that door.

(Repeat Chorus)

(Outro)
Am – F – C – G
Am F
Here I stand, under the fading skyline,
C G
With one last chance, to make you mine.

Fan Testimonial:
Name: Jessica ‘Jessie’ Moore

“Lively Judgment has been a constant in my life since I first heard their music during my freshman year. Whether I’m happy, sad, or just need a break, their songs always seem to understand me. Their unique blend of alternative rock and electronic music is refreshing and addictive. I particularly love ‘One Last Chance’, it’s like they’ve put my feelings into words. Their music has a way of touching the soul, and I think that’s what makes them stand out. I can’t wait to see them live again!”