Backstory:

Unselfish Joy sprouted in the small college town of Bloomington, Indiana, amidst the bustling music scene of local pubs, cafes, and college fests. The band’s founding members, Ryan and Angela, two childhood friends, found their musical calling while attending Indiana University. It was in their shared philosophy class that they discovered more than just their common love for music. They shared a singular vision to create music that didn’t just entertain, but also inspired listeners to find joy in giving and living for others.

Their humble beginnings saw them playing in local gigs, college fests, and even busking on the streets. Over time, they welcomed more friends and fellow musicians into their ensemble. Today, Unselfish Joy is a six-piece band that has garnered a significant following across the Midwest and beyond. Their music, just like their name, is a pure, radiant beacon of positivity, hope, and love.

Genre:

Alternative Folk Rock

Title:

“Give More Than You Take”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
G Cadd2 D
Wake up to the morning light,
Em7 Cadd2 G
A new day to make things right.
G Cadd2 D
Pour a cup of coffee, look outside,
Em7 Cadd2 G
Feel the love that’s in the air, don’t hide.

(Chorus)
D Cadd2 G
Give more than you take,
Em7 Cadd2 G
Fill the world with joy, for heaven’s sake.
G D Cadd2
With each unselfish act, hearts awake,
Em7 Cadd2 G
In the end, it’s love we make.

(Verse 2)
G Cadd2 D
Walk the path less treaded on,
Em7 Cadd2 G
Sing a different kind of song.
G Cadd2 D
With a heart that’s brave, and hands that make,
Em7 Cadd2 G
Make this world a better place, no mistake.

(Chorus)
D Cadd2 G
Give more than you take,
Em7 Cadd2 G
Fill the world with joy, for heaven’s sake.
G D Cadd2
With each unselfish act, hearts awake,
Em7 Cadd2 G
In the end, it’s love we make.

Bands Favorite Fan:

The band’s favorite fan is named Annie. She is a long-time supporter who has been there from the very beginning, from their days of busking on the streets to their first sold-out concert. Her favorite song is “Give More Than You Take.” It was during a period of personal struggle when she first heard Unselfish Joy, and their music helped her find strength and hope.

Annie’s Testimonial:

“Unselfish Joy is not just a band to me; they’re like family. Their music speaks to my soul and somehow always knows what I need to hear. ‘Give More Than You Take’ became my life philosophy, it kept me going during tough times. Their music reminds me to spread love and positivity wherever I go. I am proud to be a fan and will always support them!”

Backstory:
Green Leadership was born from a shared passion for music and Mother Earth. Childhood friends Jake, a masterful guitarist, and Andy, a phenomenal drummer, grew up next to a lush forest in Portland, Oregon. Watching the landscape change around them over the years, they found themselves deeply concerned about the environment, and they decided to channel this concern into their love for music.

Their dedication to ecological causes quickly attracted like-minded individuals. Fiona, a charismatic vocalist with a powerful timbre, and Max, a bass player with a soulful touch, joined the band in 2015. Green Leadership quickly gained a reputation in the indie music scene, not just for their unique sound, but also for their dedication to environmental causes. They donate a large portion of their earnings from album sales and concerts to various environmental charities.

Genre:
Indie Rock with elements of Folk

Title:
“Emerald Guardians”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
[C] Walking through a [G] forest green, [Am] Sights like I’ve never [F] seen,
[C] Wonders of the [G] world, [Am] where are they [F] now?
[C] The air that we [G] breathe, [Am] the water we [F] drink,
[C] Is it not time [G] to [Am] think, [F] What are we doing [G] now?

(Chorus)
[C] Emerald [G] Guardians, [Am] unite, [F] Our world is in [G] need,
[C] Nature’s [G] soldiers, [Am] in the night, [F] It’s time to [G] lead.
[C] We are the [G] Green Leadership, [Am] standing tall, [F] Fighting for [G] all,
[C] Emerald [G] Guardians, [Am] hear our call, [F] before we [G] fall.

(Verse 2)
[C] The whispers in the [G] wind, [Am] Speak of a [F] sin,
[C] Ravaging the [G] land, [Am] with a careless [F] hand.
[C] On a mission, [G] we stand, [Am] With a guitar, a [F] mic in hand,
[C] Singing for the [G] trees, [Am] And the buzzing [F] bees.

(Chorus)
[C] Emerald [G] Guardians, [Am] unite, [F] Our world is in [G] need,
[C] Nature’s [G] soldiers, [Am] in the night, [F] It’s time to [G] lead.
[C] We are the [G] Green Leadership, [Am] standing tall, [F] Fighting for [G] all,
[C] Emerald [G] Guardians, [Am] hear our call, [F] before we [G] fall.

Fan Profile:
Name: Madison Collins

Testimonial:
“Green Leadership isn’t just my favorite band because of their amazing music, it’s also because of their commitment to the environment. Their song ‘Emerald Guardians’ opened my eyes to the need for environmental conservation and made me more conscious about my choices. Their melodies are haunting, their lyrics are compelling, and their cause is just. What’s not to love?”

Backstory:
Wretched Purpose was conceived in the grimy basement of an old Victorian house in the heart of Boston in late 2010. The band’s lead singer, Ethan “Ez” Corbel, was a disenchanted philosophy student, and bassist Jason “Jazz” Malone was a down-on-his-luck mechanic. The two met at a local dive bar’s open mic night, bonding over shared disillusionment with their lives and a mutual love for dark, progressive music. Along with drummer Kit “K” Thompson, a former marching band star with a flair for the dramatic, and guitarist Dylan “D” Grey, a quiet prodigy with a knack for haunting melodies, they formed Wretched Purpose, a band that would become synonymous with the underground music scene of Boston.

Genre:
Wretched Purpose is an alternative post-punk band, known for its gritty-yet-melodic sound, complex lyrical themes, and high-energy performances.

Title:
“Empty Echoes”

Full Song Lyrics:
[Verse 1]
G D Em D
Turn off the lights, let it swallow me whole,
C G D
In the shadows, I find my role.
Em C G D
Paper thin promises tearing at the seams,
Em D C
In the silence, I hear my screams.

[Chorus]
G D Em C
Empty echoes, in the hallways of my mind,
G D C
Bouncing off walls, reality unkind.
G D Em C
Empty echoes, ringing loud and clear,
G D C
A haunting melody only I can hear.

[Verse 2]
G D Em D
Lost in translation, thoughts to words,
C G D
Falling on deaf ears, my pleas unheard.
Em C G D
A displaced soul in a world without reprieve,
Em D C
In the chaos, I find my leave.

[Chorus]
G D Em C
Empty echoes, in the corridors of my past,
G D C
Fading memories, shadows ever cast.
G D Em C
Empty echoes, the soundtrack of my pain,
G D C
A symphony of sorrow, in every refrain.

Fan Testimonial:
Name: Sarah “Sarz” Winchester
Sarah, a college student studying philosophy, discovered Wretched Purpose during a difficult period in her life. The band’s raw, emotional lyrics and intense performances quickly resonated with her, providing a cathartic outlet for her struggles. Sarah states, “Wretched Purpose isn’t just a band for me, it’s a lifeline. Their music speaks to me on a personal level, and helps me navigate through my own existential crises. I feel understood and seen when I listen to their songs. I can’t imagine my life without them.”

Backstory:
Warm Formation has its roots in the bucolic landscapes of Vermont, where its four members, lead singer Brian Jones, drummer Tom Anderson, bassist Marc Davis and guitarist Dan Miller, grew up listening to the soulful tunes of folk and country music. Separately, they each pursued their own musical paths: Brian as a solo folk singer, Tom and Marc as a rhythm section in a local punk band, and Dan as a guitar teacher. Fate brought them together in 2015 when they were all booked to play the same small festival. Recognizing the electrifying spark of their combined talents, the four friends decided to create Warm Formation. Their music is a rich blend of folk, country, and rock, underscored by raw, emotional lyrics inspired by their shared experiences and individual journeys.

Genre:
Folk Rock

Title:
“Under the Vermont Sky”

Full song lyrics:
(Verse 1)
C G Am F
Under the Vermont sky, where our hearts lie,
C G Am F
We dreamed our dreams, and let them fly,
C G Am F
With the wind, over the rolling hills,
C G Am F
Where we used to play, and have our thrills.

(Chorus)
C G Am F
Oh, under the Vermont sky, we learned to fly,
C G Am F
Under the stars, we learned about life’s scars,
C G Am F
And in the glow of the setting sun,
C G Am F
We knew our journey had just begun.

(Verse 2)
C G Am F
Under the Vermont sky, we said goodbye,
C G Am F
To childhood days, and innocence’s guise,
C G Am F
But the memories, they remain,
C G Am F
Like the sweet refrain, of that old country lane.

(Repeat Chorus x2)

Band’s Favorite Fan:
Warm Formation’s favorite fan is a woman named Claire Jenkins. Claire first discovered their music while going through a difficult time in her life. She was drawn by the depth and honesty of their lyrics and the comforting melodies. Their music became her solace, helping her to face her challenges with newfound strength. She has been to every one of their shows, always standing in the front row, singing along to every song. Claire says, “Warm Formation’s music is soothing and inspiring. Their soulful lyrics resonate with my experiences and help me feel understood. Their shows make me feel like I’m part of something bigger. They’re not just my favorite band, they’re my lifeline.”

Backstory:
Hailing from the eclectic music scene of Nashville, Tennessee, Far Display was born in 2012. The four-member band consists of childhood friends Alex Thompson (lead vocals, guitar), Daniel Shultz (drums), and siblings Sarah (keyboard, backing vocals) and Adam Jones (bass). Growing up in the suburbs of Nashville, they spent their formative years exploring various music genres and styles. It was the amalgamation of these influences and their shared passion that led to the formation of Far Display. The band slowly built their reputation playing at local bars, college festivals, and eventually made their way onto bigger stages, carving their unique voice in the modern music scene.

Genre:
Alternative Rock / Electronic

Title:
“Lights and Echoes”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
Am | G | F | C
Under the city’s glow, on these empty streets,
We found our hearts entwined, in its rhythmic beats,
Chasing dreams, running free, lost in time,
Our spirits danced, in the neon lights divine.

(Chorus)
Dm | G | Am | F
Shining brighter than the stars, under the night’s embrace,
In the world of lights and echoes, we found our sacred space,
In your eyes, I found my dreams, in your words my solace,
In the world of lights and echoes, we found our grace.

(Verse 2)
Am | G | F | C
In the alleys of our past, lies our shared memories,
In the echoes of our laughter, in the whispers of the breeze,
We journeyed through the night, to the break of dawn,
In the world of lights and echoes, our love was born.

(Chorus)
Dm | G | Am | F
Shining brighter than the stars, under the night’s embrace,
In the world of lights and echoes, we found our sacred space,
In your eyes, I found my dreams, in your words my solace,
In the world of lights and echoes, our love found its grace.

Favorite Fan’s Name:
Emily Parker

Testimonial:
“I’ve always loved music, but Far Display has a unique way of making their sound very personal and relatable. Their melodies are immersive, their lyrics profound, and their energy is infectious. Going to their live shows feels like being part of a shared experience, a community. ‘Lights and Echoes’ is my all-time favorite, it’s a journey through nostalgia, love, and self-discovery. As a fan, you feel seen, heard, and valued. Far Display is more than just a band to me – they’re a source of inspiration, a beacon of creativity, and a testament to the power of music.”

Backstory:

Unhappy Expense was formed in the damp basement of an old apartment building in Chicago, Illinois, in the year 2015. The band consists of four members; lead vocalist and guitarist, Jamie Taylor, bass guitarist, Alex Starks, keyboardist, Michelle Fields, and drummer, Casey Long. They were all university mates, attending different courses but sharing a unified passion for music. As they spent their after-school hours jamming together, they realized their musical chemistry was too potent to ignore, birthing the idea of Unhappy Expense.

Their name was inspired by their financial struggles during their university days. Despite the hardships, they found happiness in their music. They used their experiences as an impetus, pouring their emotions into their music, giving birth to a unique blend of deep melancholia and surreal joy that resonated with audiences all around.

Genre:
Alternative Rock

Title:
“Silver Tears”

Full song lyrics:

(Verse 1)
[G] Silver tears fall from [D] her eyes,
[Em] Reflecting the pain of [Bm] all her goodbyes,
[C] She’s been hurt, she’s been [G] betrayed,
[D] The price of love, she’s [A] overpaid.

(Chorus)
[C] Silver tears, [G] falling rain,
[D] A symbol of her [Em] unending pain,
[C] But in her heart, she [G] knows it’s true,
[D] She’ll find love, [A] someone new.

(Verse 2)
[G] Life can be an [D] unhappy expense,
[Em] But she’s got courage, she’s got [Bm] defense,
[C] She’ll rise above, she’ll [G] carry on,
[D] To the rhythm of her [A] heart’s song.

(Chorus)
[C] Silver tears, [G] falling rain,
[D] A tale of [Em] love and pain,
[C] But in her heart, she [G] knows it’s true,
[D] She’ll find love, [A] someone new.

(Bridge)
[Em] Pain is only [Bm] temporary,
[C] Love is [D] evolutionary,
[G] She knows there’s [D] more to life than [A] what she’s known.

(Chorus)
[C] Silver tears, [G] falling rain,
[D] A story of [Em] loss and gain,
[C] But in her heart, she [G] knows it’s true,
[D] She’ll find love, [A] someone new.

Fan Testimonial:

“I’m Stacy and I’ve been a big fan of Unhappy Expense ever since their first album. Listening to their music feels like stepping into their shoes, experiencing their ups and downs, and coming out stronger. Their song ‘Silver Tears’ helped me through a tough breakup and made me believe in love again. They are raw, authentic, and incredibly relatable. They’re more than just a band to me, they’re my saving grace.”

Backstory:
Nervous Church was formed in the bustling city of Seattle during the winter of 2013. The band comprised of four members, vocalist and lead guitarist Thomas ‘Tommy’ Greene, bassist Mike ‘Mikey’ Philips, drummer and backup vocalist Jason ‘Jay’ Baker, and keyboardist Wesley ‘Wes’ Ford. The band met in a local coffee shop during an open mic night, where each band member was performing as a solo act. Drawn together by their shared passion for music and a mutual desire to break away from the mainstream, they decided to form Nervous Church.

Over the years, Nervous Church has worked its way up from playing gigs in small bars to performing in major music festivals, earning a dedicated fan base in the process. They gained fame for their thought-provoking lyrics, the chemistry between band members, and their electrifying live performances. Their unique sound has helped them carve a niche for themselves in the music industry, a testament to their individual talents and collective synergy.

Genre: Indie Rock/Alternative

Title: “Midnight Conversations”

Full song lyrics:

(Verse 1)
Am (C)
Underneath the city lights, passion burning bright
E (D)
Midnight conversations, revealing our plights

Am (C)
We’re counting all our dreams, on the back of cigarette boxes
E (D)
In the silence of the night, under our worn-out leather jackets

(Chorus)
Am (C)
We’re the Nervous Church, singing till our voices hurt
E (D)
In the sanctuary of sound, our emotions are unbound

(Verse 2)
Am (C)
We’re painting stories on the canvas of the night
E (D)
With melodies and lyrics, under the pale moonlight

Am (C)
We’ve got our hearts on our sleeves, and our heads in the clouds
E (D)
In the symphony of life, we’re playing loud

(Chorus)
Am (C)
We’re the Nervous Church, singing till our voices hurt
E (D)
In the sanctuary of sound, our emotions are unbound

Favorite Fan’s Name: Emily Anderson

Testimonial:
Emily Anderson has been a dedicated fan of Nervous Church since their first open mic night. She says, “Nervous Church is my favorite band because their music speaks to my soul. Their lyrics resonate with my experiences and emotions. I feel a deep connection with their songs, as if they’ve been written just for me. Each performance is a unique experience, a journey of emotions and thoughts. I’ve followed them through their journey, and it’s been amazing to see them grow and evolve while staying true to their roots.”

Backstory:
Proud Knife emerged from the grungy underground music scene of Tacoma, Washington in 1993. The band, consisting of lead vocalist and guitarist, Dylan McKenzie, bassist Jenny Carter, drummer Charlie “Chip” Thompson, and keyboardist Jordan Finch, was known for their electrifying live performances and the raw, emotional depth of their lyrics. Plucked from obscurity by an indie record label scout during a gig at a local dive bar, Proud Knife’s music began to resonate with a generation of listeners who recognized their own struggles and triumphs in the band’s songs.

Despite achieving mainstream success, the band never lost their original spirit. They continued to stay true to their roots, frequently returning to play at local venues and always finding ways to connect with their fan base. Over the years, Proud Knife has faced their fair share of trials and tribulations, but their music has remained a constant – a testament to their resilience, talent, and unwavering dedication to their craft.

Genre:
Alternative Rock

Title:
“Shattered Glass”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1) [Em – G – D – A]
Shattered glass on an empty street, [Em]
Pictures of you that I just can’t delete [G]
Echoes of laughter and words unspoken [D]
I’m just a mirror that you’ve broken [A]

(Chorus) [C – D – G – Em]
We’re dancing on shattered glass [C]
Our hearts beating fast, oh so fast [D]
In this love that wasn’t meant to last [G]
We’re just shadows from the past [Em]

(Verse 2) [Em – G – D – A]
The moonlight dances on our old dreams [Em]
Reflecting memories in its silver beams [G]
Your voice, your touch, your lying eyes [D]
Fade into the night like lost goodbyes [A]

(Chorus) [C – D – G – Em]
We’re dancing on shattered glass [C]
Our hearts beating fast, oh so fast [D]
In this love that wasn’t meant to last [G]
We’re just shadows from the past [Em]

Fan Testimony:
The band’s favorite fan is Lily Reynolds. Lily, a music blogger and lifelong Tacoman, has been following Proud Knife since their very first gig. She says, “Their music has always been a beacon for me. They channel the raw, gritty beauty of Tacoma – its struggles, its heart, its resilience. I’ve cried, laughed, and found solace in their songs. Proud Knife isn’t just a band, they’re a lifeline. They remain my favorite band because they’ve always stayed true to themselves and their fans, and their music resonates with me on a deeply personal level.”

Backstory:
Costly Applicant was formed in the bohemian heart of San Francisco during the summer of 2008. The band started out as a duo consisting of childhood friends turned roommates, Liam “Lyric” Harlow and Cody “Cadence” Turner. They began by making music in their shared, tight loft space above a nostalgic vinyl store, blending their unique influences and styles to create something refreshingly different. Their popularity surged when they performed at a local music festival, captivating the crowd with their evocative lyrics and eclectic beats. The band later expanded to include drummer, Jade Moon, and bassist, Ray “Riff” Barnes. Together they’ve created a unique sound and energy that have kept audiences both curious and captivated.

Genre:
Alternative Rock with a touch of Electronica

Title:
“Dancing Shadows”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
Am (C) Dancing shadows on the (G) walls,
(Dm) Memories of your (E) call,
(Am) Scenes from a forgotten (G) past,
(Dm) Echoes that seem to (E) last.

(Chorus)
(Am) We are the dancers, we are the (G) dream,
(Dm) Lost in the melody, caught in the (E) seam.
(Am) We are the whispers in the (G) wind,
(Dm) In this dance with shadows, we (E) begin.

(Verse 2)
(Am) Shadows growing, shadows (G) tall,
(Dm) Trying not to let them (E) fall.
(Am) In the echoes of the (G) night,
(Dm) We dance until the (E) light.

(Chorus)
(Am) We are the dancers, we are the (G) dream,
(Dm) Lost in the melody, caught in the (E) seam.
(Am) We are the whispers in the (G) wind,
(Dm) In this dance with shadows, we (E) begin.

The band’s favorite fan’s name:
Tessa Thompson

Testimonial:
“Costly Applicant isn’t just a band to me, they are an experience. Their music has this uncanny ability to pull you into a new world. The vivid lyricism combined with alternative rock and electronic beats creates a unique soundscape that speaks to my soul. ‘Dancing Shadows’ was the first song I heard, and I was instantly hooked. There’s something about their music that resonates with you on a deep level. They’ve helped me through some rough patches, and for that, they’ll always hold a special place in my heart.”

Backstory:
Spry Truck was formed in the heart of the bustling city of Seattle in 2010 by childhood friends Jake Riley and Tom Flynn. Jake, a self-taught guitarist, and Tom, a talented drummer, were always seen hanging out in local clubs, jamming out and soaking up the melodies of the city. When they came across Paula Martin, a charismatic rocker at an open mic night, they found the missing piece to their band. Paula’s sultry vocals were the perfect match for Jake’s tenacious guitar riffs and Tom’s steady drum beats. Spry Truck soon developed a reputation for their energetic performances and unique sound, magnetizing audiences across the state and gradually earning a national reputation.

Genre:
Alt-Country Rock

Title:
“Midnight Highway Run”

Full Song Lyrics:
[Verse 1]
G C G D
Underneath that starry shroud, engine hums out loud,
G C D
A thousand miles from the city crowd, midnight highway run.
G C G D
Motel signs flash by, as our dreams touch the sky,
G C D
We’re chasing the moon, you and I, on a midnight highway run.

[Chorus]
G C G D
Midnight highway run, beneath the moon, beneath the sun,
G C D
The journey’s long, but we’ve just begun, oh, midnight highway run.

[Verse 2]
G C G D
The radio playing our song, as the road stretches long,
G C D
We’re right where we belong, on this midnight highway run.
G C G D
Catch the fire in your eyes, as we cross the state lines,
G C D
Freedom was never a lie, in our midnight highway run.

[Chorus]
G C G D
Midnight highway run, beneath the moon, beneath the sun,
G C D
Our story’s told, our song is sung, on this midnight highway run.

[Outro]
G C G D
Midnight highway, midnight highway, midnight highway run,
G C D
Take us home, take us far, under the moon, beneath the stars.

Fan’s Name and Testimonial:
Fan’s Name: Emily Hollister

Testimonial: I’ve been a fan of Spry Truck since their inception. Each song feels like an adventure, a journey where you don’t know where you’ll end up, but you’re excited for the ride. Their music, especially “Midnight Highway Run”, resonates with anyone who’s ever longed for freedom and the open road. Jake’s guitar solos are electrifying, Tom’s drums thump through your heart, and Paula’s voice narrates each song like a beautiful story. Seeing them perform live has always been an experience. The energy they exude is contagious, the crowd always ends up singing along, feeling every note. Spry Truck isn’t just my favorite band; they represent a spirit of adventure and the limitless joy that music can bring.