Backstory:
Outgoing Pen was formed in the bustling streets of Chicago in 2006. The band members, Jason White (lead vocalist and guitarist), Eddie Collins (bassist), and Mike Stone (drummer), were college friends who used to spend their spare time in a small garage, harmonizing their tunes and trying to create music that spoke directly to the heart. They all held regular jobs but their shared passion for music made them decide to pursue their shared dream. They named their band ‘Outgoing Pen’, a nod to their shared love of literature and song-writing.

One night, during a small gig at a local bar, they were discovered by a renowned music producer who was in town for a convention. Impressed by their raw talent and authentic sound, he offered them their first record deal. Now, Outgoing Pen has an ardent fan base worldwide, their music resonating with many because of its raw, honest lyrics paired with a sound that’s both nostalgic and fresh.

Genre:
Indie Rock

Title:
“Pages of Yesterday”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
[G] The city lights are [D] fading,
[Em] As the dawn is [C] breaking,
[G] I’m in this room with [D] memories,
[Em] Of love that’s slowly [C] shaking.

(Chorus)
[G] The pages of [D] yesterday,
[Em] Hold stories that [C] won’t fade away,
[G] In the ink of our [D] love we lay,
[Em] In the pages of [C] yesterday.

(Verse 2)
[G] The whispers of your [D] laughter,
[Em] Still echo in this [C] after,
[G] The scent of you is [D] lingering,
[Em] In the silence I am [C] capturing.

(Chorus)
[G] The pages of [D] yesterday,
[Em] Hold stories that [C] won’t fade away,
[G] In the ink of our [D] love we lay,
[Em] In the pages of [C] yesterday.

(Bridge)
[G] These fading moments [D] we replay,
[Em] In the pages of [C] yesterday.

(Chorus)
[G] The pages of [D] yesterday,
[Em] Hold stories that [C] won’t fade away,
[G] In the ink of our [D] love we lay,
[Em] In the pages of [C] yesterday.

Fan’s Name:
Erica Jones

Fan Testimonial:
“Outgoing Pen has been my favorite band since I first heard their debut album. I connect with their lyrics on a level I can’t even put into words. They pour their heart and soul into every song and it’s so incredibly raw and real. Their music is my comfort, my joy, and my inspiration. I can’t wait to see what they come up with next!”

Backstory:

Expensive Currency was formed in the bustling city of Atlanta, Georgia, in 2010. The band members, Chris (vocals/guitar), Jake (drums), and Gina (bass), had all met while studying at the University of Georgia. United by their shared interest in world economics, they began writing songs about the financial crises and wealth disparity, using music as a medium to voice their concerns. Their music became a unique blend of commentary on socioeconomic issues and an escape from them.

By 2012, Expensive Currency had built a significant underground following, and their debut album “Inflation of Affection” caught the attention of indie rock lovers across the nation. Their songs cultivated a sense of unity among listeners, giving them a niche in the music industry that truly set them apart.

Genre:

Indie Rock

Title:

“Diamonds & Rust”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
Am – F – C – G
In a world where paper reigns,
Am – F – C – G
And gold is just a memory,
Am – F – C – G
We’re pushing daisies for diamond chains,
Am – F – C – G
Lost in the rust of luxury.

(Chorus)
F – C – G – Am
Diamonds and rust, we’re made of stardust,
F – C – G – Am
In a world that’s lost, we’re bankrupt of trust.
F – C – G – Am
Underneath the crown, it’s all just dust,
F – C – G – Am
Diamonds and rust, diamonds and rust.

(Verse 2)
Am – F – C – G
In the kingdom of the blind,
Am – F – C – G
The one-eyed man is king,
Am – F – C – G
In the palace of the mind,
Am – F – C – G
We’re paupers to our own being.

(Chorus)
F – C – G – Am
Diamonds and rust, we’re made of stardust,
F – C – G – Am
In a world that’s lost, we’re bankrupt of trust.
F – C – G – Am
Underneath the crown, it’s all just dust,
F – C – G – Am
Diamonds and rust, diamonds and rust.

Bands Favorite Fan:

The band’s favorite fan is a young man named Timothy. For Timothy, Expensive Currency is more than just a band; they are a voice that resonates with his very core. In his own words, “Expensive Currency isn’t just about music. They weave tales about our contemporary struggles, economic disparities, and make you feel seen. Their song ‘Diamonds & Rust’ encapsulates the reality of our society. I feel like they’re singing my thoughts aloud, and that’s why they’re more than just my favorite band, they’re my heroes.”

TRASH JUICE

Key: E
Tempo: ~128 BPM
Feel: Dirty garage rock / blues
Main progression: E – G – A – E

Intro

E G A E
E G A B7

(Spoken)
Don’t touch the bottom of the bag.

---

Verse 1

E
Black plastic bag in the summer sun
G
Been sittin’ there since quarter to one
A
Chicken bones, coffee grounds, something turned green
E
And a paper plate from last week’s cuisine

E
Temperature’s pushing ninety-nine
G
Something in that bag has come alive
A
I grabbed both handles, started walking away
B7
Then something warm dripped down my leg…

(STOP)

Oh no.

---

Chorus

E
TRASH JUICE!
G
Drippin’ from the bottom!
A
TRASH JUICE!
E
Good God, something’s rotten!

E
One little smell and your stomach says NO!
G
Your face turns white and your breakfast says GO!
A
Baking in the heat like the Devil’s fondue—
B7
If you smell that stink…

E
YOU’RE GONNA PUKE!

G A E

---

Verse 2

E
Watermelon rind and a hamburger bun
G
Fermenting together at a hundred and one
A
Old baked beans and a mystery meat
E
Making biological weapons in the summer heat

E
Flies overhead doing figure eights
G
Even the raccoons won’t investigate
A
Neighbor came over, said, “What’s that smell?”
B7
I said, “Take one more breath and I’ll see you in hell.”

---

Chorus

E
TRASH JUICE!
G
Drippin’ from the bottom!
A
TRASH JUICE!
E
Every molecule is rotten!

E
Hits your nose and your knees get weak
G
You can’t breathe, you can’t even speak
A
Your belly starts making that glug-glug-glug
B7
Then you’re fertilizing…

E
THE NEIGHBOR’S SHRUB!

G A E

---

Bridge — Half Time

C
You can run…
G
You can hide…
D
But that smell gets deep inside

C
Through the window
G
Through the door
B7
WHAT THE HELL IS LEAKING ON THE FLOOR?!

(Band stops.)

(Quietly)
Trash juice.

(One guitar: E)

---

Verse 3 — Build It Up

E
Now the garbage truck is coming down the street
G
Hydraulics groaning in the August heat
A
He lifts that barrel, I hear it pour
E
Like Satan making gravy at my front door

E
Driver jumps out, says, “Man, that’s rough.”
G
I said, “Buddy, you ain’t getting paid enough.”
A
He takes one sniff and turns around—
B7
And paints his breakfast on the ground!

---

FINAL CHORUS

E
TRASH JUICE!
G
HOT! HOT! HOT!
A
TRASH JUICE!
E
EVERYTHING’S ROT!

E
MAGGOTS DANCING!
G
FLIES ON PARADE!
A
SOMETHING IN THERE USED TO BE POTATO SALAD!

E
NINETY-EIGHT DEGREES!
G
NOT A CLOUD IN SIGHT!
A
THAT BAG’S BEEN COOKING
B7
SINCE TUESDAY NIGHT!

E
TRASH JUICE!
G
DON’T BREATHE IN!
A
TRASH JUICE!
E
HERE IT COMES AGAIN!

E
You can plug your nose
G
You can hold your breath
A
But one good whiff
B7
SMELLS WORSE THAN DEATH!

E
TRAAAAAASH—

G
JUUUUUUUICE—

A
I THINK I’M GONNA—

E
BLEEEEUUURRGGHHH!

(Band hits E and stops.)

(Three seconds of silence.)

(Quiet voice)
“…bag ripped.”

E

Backstory:
Formal Avenue was formed in the summer of 2005 in the heart of Seattle, Washington. The group members, high school friends, used to gather at a local park every weekend, bringing their guitars, drums and poetry books. They bonded over their shared love for music and their desire to add their own unique flair to the industry. They started off by playing at school events and local bars, but after their first album was picked up by an indie record label, they began touring regionally, developing a dedicated fan base along the way.

In 2010, a major record label recognized their talent and offered them a deal. Formal Avenue faced a tough choice; they had to decide whether to stay indie and keep their raw authenticity, or sign the deal and reach a bigger audience. After much discussions, they decided to go big, a decision they never regretted. Today, Formal Avenue is a household name, known for their heartfelt lyrics, authentic performances, and their unique blend of music.

Genre:
Rock/Alternative

Title:
“Sidewalk Symphony”

Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
Em G D A
Walking down the avenue, under city lights
Em G D A
Our dreams are playing cat & mouse, in the starless night
Em G D A
I see your face in every shadow, every passerby
Em G D A
In the whispers of the wind, I hear your lullaby

(Chorus)
Em G D A
Sidewalk Symphony, play on, play on
Em G D A
While we chase our dreams, ’til the break of dawn
Em G D A
We’ll keep the rhythm, through joy and pain
Em G D A
On the Formal Avenue, love will always reign

(Verse 2)
Em G D A
In the mirror of a puddle, I see your smile
Em G D A
Our memories are a melody, playing all the while
Em G D A
Through the hustle and the bustle, your rhythm I find
Em G D A
In the echoes of your love, I’ve left my fears behind

(Chorus)
Em G D A
Sidewalk Symphony, play on, play on
Em G D A
While we chase our dreams, ’til the break of dawn
Em G D A
We’ll keep the rhythm, through joy and pain
Em G D A
On the Formal Avenue, love will always reign

Favorite Fan:
Name: Alex Thompson
Testimonial:
“I’ve been a fan of Formal Avenue since their early days. I remember hearing them play at a local bar in Seattle, and I was blown away by their authenticity and passion. Their music has been a fixture in my life, providing a soundtrack to my highs and lows. Their song ‘Sidewalk Symphony’ is my favorite. It resonates with me and always lifts my spirit. For me, Formal Avenue isn’t just a band; they’re a source of inspiration and a beacon of hope in tough times. Their music reminds me that even on the busiest avenues of life, love will always reign.”

Backstory:
Flawless Locket is a music band of five friends who hail from the vibrant city of Austin, Texas. The group was formed on a sultry summer day, when the quintet, who were then just college buddies, found an old locket in their campus. It was flawless, and it became their symbol, leading to the birth of ‘Flawless Locket.’ The band includes frontman Jake Owens on lead vocals, Phil Simmons on drums, Sarah Jane on keyboard, Dan Fisher on bass guitar, and Tommy Bishop on lead guitar. They all shared a common love for music and a dream to create something that could touch people’s hearts and leave an everlasting impact.

The band started by performing at local college fests and soon captured the attention of the Austin music scene with their unique sound. After winning the local ‘Battle of the Bands,’ they were discovered by music producer Ted Turner who helped them record their first album, ‘Timeless.’ The band has grown from strength to strength, making waves in the music industry with their heartfelt lyrics and passionate performances.

Genre:
Indie Rock

Title:
“Rusted Chains”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
G#m – E – B – F#
In the city of rusted chains, where hearts are bound,
Tales of love lost and new beginnings found.
The streets echo with stories untold,
In whispers of the old, young and bold.

(Chorus)
D#m – C# – F#
Ooh, in the rusted chains we’re free,
In the echoes of the city, we’ll always be.
Ooh, in the stories that we share,
In the locket we wear, our love’s no mystery.

(Verse 2)
G#m – E – B – F#
In the city of rusted chains, dreams take flight,
From the struggling dawn to the peaceful night.
The sky, a canvas painted with our hopes,
In this city of rusted chains, we learn to cope.

(Chorus)
D#m – C# – F#
Ooh, in the rusted chains we’re free,
In the echoes of the city, we’ll always be.
Ooh, in the stories that we share,
In the locket we wear, our love’s no mystery.

Favorite Fan:
The band’s favorite fan is Emily Thompson who has been supporting Flawless Locket from the very start. Emily has attended each of their concerts in Austin and is known for her dedicated presence at their meet-and-greets. Emily explains why Flawless Locket is her favorite band, “Their music resonates with me in a way that no other band’s does. The songs are profound and strike a chord deep within. Some make me dance, some make me ponder, some simply make me feel alive. The band’s camaraderie and their love for what they do is infectious. I’ve been on this journey with them since the beginning and I’m proud to be part of the Flawless family.”

Backstory:
Strong Vegetable was born in the vibrant indie scene of Portland, Oregon in the summer of 2005. Childhood friends, drummer Ben “Beets” McGrath and bassist Tony “Turnip” Rinaldi, were looking for a break from their mundane jobs and a chance to rock. They enticed their musically gifted buddies, guitarist/vocalist Sarah “Spinach” Lawson and keyboardist Jesse “Jalapeño” Jefferson, to join the band. Their shared love for music, combined with their peculiar fascination for gardening, inspired the name ‘Strong Vegetable’.

The band began by playing in small, local venues, gathering a loyal fan base with their unique sound. Their music was invigorating, weaving tales of life, love, heartbreak and, of course, vegetables. Their humble beginnings, relatable lyrics, and earthy vibes proved to be a recipe for success.

Genre:
Indie Rock with a hint of Folk and Blues

Title:
“Rooted in Rhythm”

Full Song Lyrics:
(Verse 1)
G C G C
I’m a wandering soul, lost in the garden of life,
Em Am D G
Searching for hope, under the moon’s gentle light,
C G Em D
I find solace in the soil, it’s a friend, it’s a guide,
G C Am D
Like a strong vegetable, I’m rooted deep inside.

(Chorus)
G C G D
Underneath the earth, I lay my fears and my worth,
Em Am D G
Rooted in rhythm, nurtured by the sun’s mirth.
G C G D
Strong like a vegetable, I sprout from the ground,
Em Am D G
My heart beats in rhythm, where love is profound.

(Verse 2)
G C G C
Life’s a maze of vines, twisted, tangled and wild,
Em Am D G
I find strength in the roots, like a resilient child.
C G Em D
Storms may come, and winds may blow,
G C Am D
But like a strong vegetable, I continue to grow.

(Repeat Chorus)

(Outro)
G C G D
I’m a strong vegetable, in life’s vast field,
Em Am D G
Rooted in rhythm, with a spirit unyielded.

Band’s Favorite Fan:
Our favorite fan is Lily “Lettuce” Lee. She has been with us since our first gig at The Greenhouse, a small venue in downtown Portland.

“Lily’s Testimonial”:
Strong Vegetable is not just a band for me, it’s a symbol of resilience, strength, and growth. Their music resonates with my soul. It’s like they put my thoughts, my struggles, my victories into their songs. Plus, I’ve always been a garden enthusiast, so their name and garden-themed songs make them even more special to me. Their song “Rooted in Rhythm” has been my anthem through my toughest times. I just can’t imagine my life without their music.

Backstory:
Watery Equivalent first came into existence in the bustling music scene of Austin, Texas. It started with childhood friends, bassist Leo Dexter and drummer Kieran Lawley, jamming in garages and small venues. They were later joined by gifted vocalist, Jess O’Connor and the versatile guitarist, Nate Bennett. Their shared love of music and unique perspectives merged to create a fusion of sounds that captivated audiences. Their bond was further strengthened when they barely survived a hurricane together while on a camping trip. The intensity of the experience and the metaphorical allusion to their music led them to the name ‘Watery Equivalent’. Since then, they have been making waves in the music industry, their music encapsulating the ebb and flow of life, love, and loss.

Genre:
Alternative Rock / Indie Pop

Title:
“Drowning in Silence”

Full Song Lyrics:

[Verse 1]
Am C G D
Under the moonlight, we found our place,
Drowning in silence, lost in space.
On an island of hope, we made our stand,
With words unspoken, heart in hand.

[Chorus]
Em D G C
Drowning in silence, no sound to hear,
Only the beating of hearts drawing near.
In the wordless void, find the echo of love,
Under the moonlight, under the stars above.

[Verse 2]
Am C G D
Shadows of memories, cascade like rain,
In the silence, we bear our pain.
Drenched in past, floating in now,
Discovering ourselves, we make our vow.

[Chorus]
Em D G C
Drowning in silence, untold and free,
In the currents of life, we choose to be.
In the wordless void, find the echo of truth,
In the silence, we find our youth.

[End]
Am C G D
Under the moonlight, we found our place,
Drowning in silence, we found grace.

Favourite Fan:
The band’s favorite fan is a lady named Madeleine. She discovered Watery Equivalent during a difficult period in her life and their music became her solace. She’s attended every concert since and even has a tattoo of their logo. Her testimonial reads, “Watery Equivalent takes me on a journey through my emotions with every song. Their music resonates so deeply with me that it feels like they’ve written it just for me. This band saved me during a dark time and I will forever be their biggest fan.”

Backstory:

Selfish Shore is a post-punk band originating from the coastal town of Brighton, England. The band was formed in 2014 by frontman Leo Price, guitarist Evan Hughes, bassist Oliver King, and drummer Isaac Turner. The name ‘Selfish Shore’ comes from their native Brighton’s rocky coastline and their critics’ early dismissive labels about their introspective, emotional lyrics. Despite a rocky start, they used this criticism to strengthen their resolve, leading them to create a unique sound that resonated with many around the globe.

Their rise to glory was a slow burn, with their music gradually gaining traction and earning them a loyal fanbase. Their raw, emotional lyrics combined with their punk-inspired music made them a standout in the British music scene. Their debut album released in 2015, “Tides of the Mind,” was a commercial success, catapulting them into the limelight and making them a household name in the UK rock scene.

Genre:

Post-Punk

Title:

“Echoes in the Sand”

Song lyrics:

(Verse 1)
Em (Em7) C (Cadd9) G (G6) D (Dsus4)
I’ve been walking on this selfish shore,
Screaming out your name once more.
In the echoes in the sand,
I reach out for your hand.

(Chorus)
G (G6) D (Dsus4) Em (Em7) C (Cadd9)
But it’s just echoes in the sand,
Your love slipping through my hand.
In the rhythm of the waves,
I find the courage to behave.

(Verse 2)
Em (Em7) C (Cadd9) G (G6) D (Dsus4)
Underneath the moon’s pale light,
I whisper promises into the night.
But the tide sweeps them away,
Just like you, they never stay.

(Chorus)
G (G6) D (Dsus4) Em (Em7) C (Cadd9)
It’s just echoes in the sand,
You’re just slipping through my hand.
In the rhythm of the waves,
I’m learning how to be brave.

Fan:

Name: Emma Thompson

Testimonial:
“Selfish Shore saved my life. Their music has been a constant companion through some of the hardest times in my life. The raw emotions in their lyrics speak directly to my soul, making me feel understood and less alone. ‘Echoes in the Sand’ is particularly special to me. It’s a song that talks about loss and loneliness, but also about resilience and courage. It’s a song that tells me it’s okay to be vulnerable, to feel, to hurt. I tattooed some of its lyrics on my arm as a daily reminder. Selfish Shore is not just a band for me, it’s a lifeline.”

Backstory:
Defiant Achieve formed in the bustling city of Chicago in 2005. The band members, Joshua “Josh” Anderson (lead vocals, rhythm guitar), Dean “Dino” Russell (lead guitar, backing vocals), Benjamin “Benjie” Goldstein (bass, backing vocals), and Samuel “Sam” McNair (drums, percussion), met in a dive bar during an open mic night. They instantly connected over shared musical tastes, a passion for creating meaningful lyrics and a desire to break free of traditional music norms. They named themselves ‘Defiant Achieve’ to embody their rebellious spirit and their relentless drive to succeed in the notoriously difficult music industry.

Genre:
Defiant Achieve plays a unique blend of Rock and Electronic music, often referred to as Electronic Rock. They draw inspiration from bands like Muse and Radiohead, but they also incorporate unique electronic elements that set them apart and establish their distinct sound.

Title:
Defiant Achieve’s signature song is “Echoes In The Dark.”

Full Song Lyrics:
[Intro]
[Am] [G] [F] [C]

[Verse 1]
[Am] I’m a stray child, lost in the chaos of the world
[G] Looking for the light, but all I found was the cold
[F] Every silent whisper, every secret in the dark
[C] It’s all just echoes, echoes in my heart

[Chorus]
[Am] Echoes in the dark, they’re tearing me apart
[G] Silence is an art, but it’s breaking my heart
[F] I’m lost and I’m found, I’m up and I’m down
[C] But I’ll keep on fighting, with the echoes in the dark

[Verse 2]
[Am] I’m a survivor, haunted by the ghosts of my past
[G] Running from my shadows, but they’re catching up fast
[F] Every closed door, every broken piece of art
[C] It’s all just echoes, echoes in my heart

[Chorus]
[Am] Echoes in the dark, they’re tearing me apart
[G] Silence is an art, but it’s breaking my heart
[F] I’m lost and I’m found, I’m up and I’m down
[C] But I’ll keep on fighting, with the echoes in the dark

[Outro]
[Am] [G] [F] [C]

Band’s Favorite Fan:
Evelyn Stewart, a graphic designer from New York, is the band’s favorite fan. Evelyn has attended every one of their concerts and has even designed some of their album covers. In a testimonial, she said, “I’ve never connected with a band’s music like I have with Defiant Achieve. Their lyrics are deep, their music is original, and their performances are always electrifying. Listening to them makes me feel understood and seen. They’re not just a band to me, they’re a lifeline.”

Backstory:

Long Idea began as a humble garage band in the small town of Ashfield, Oregon. The band members, consisting of childhood friends Jonah, Marcus, Rachel, and Felix, were high school misfits with a shared passion for music. They spent countless afternoons after school jamming in Jonah’s garage, their haven from the world. Although they had different musical influences, ranging from classic rock to indie folk, they found a way to amalgamate their styles into a unique sound that could only be described as Long Idea. The band was officially formed in 2008, and they began playing at local events and pubs. Their charisma, combined with their distinctive sound, quickly earned them a growing fan base.

Despite the challenges that come with small-town fame, Long Idea always stays true to their roots. Their music reflects their experiences growing up in Ashfield, and their tight-knit bond as lifelong friends. They continue to create music not for the glitz and glamour, but for the pure love of it, and their authenticity resonates with listeners.

Genre:

Indie Rock/Folk

Title:

“This Town’s Infinite Sky”

Song Lyrics:

Verse 1:
[G] Underneath this town’s infinite sky, [D] we found our sound,
[Em] Heartbeats in rhythm, [C] lost and then found.
[G] In the dusty garage where [D] we learned to fly,
[Em] We discovered the music [C] that made time lie.

Chorus:
[D] The melodies echo, [G] the rhythm is home,
[Em] This is our journey, [C] no matter where we roam.
[D] Through notes and chords, [G] we continue to try,
[Em] We are Long Idea, [C] under this town’s infinite sky.

Verse 2:
[G] Shadows might fall, [D] the spotlight may fade,
[Em] But in our hearts, [C] the music we’ve made,
[G] Will live on forever, [D] in the echoes of time,
[Em] We’re just dreamers, [C] lost in the rhyme.

Chorus:

Repeat Chorus

Fan’s Testimonial:

My name is Ellie and I’ve been a fan of Long Idea since their first gig at the local fair. Their authenticity is what sets them apart. The realness of their lyrics, the way they pour their hearts into every note – it’s something you don’t often see. Their song “This Town’s Infinite Sky” speaks to me on a personal level. I have lived in Ashfield all my life, and I see my own experiences reflected in their music. It’s as if they are telling my story, our story. Whether they are playing at our local pub or at a larger venue, they always give their all. Long Idea is my favorite band because they make music that resonates, music that speaks to the soul.