Backstory:

Black Reward originated in the heart of Seattle’s grunge scene in the late 90’s. The band, composed of lead vocalist and guitarist Jack Morrison, drummer Nick Riddle, and bassist Sarah Lambert, all shared a deeply rooted passion for the raw and edgy sounds of grunge, blending it with their unique take on alternative rock. Coming together in a dingy basement, their shared love for music and the bustling underground scene resulted in a band that would soon take the city, and eventually, the world by storm. The band’s name, ‘Black Reward,’ was inspired by the idea that the struggles they faced gave birth to something beautiful: their music.

Genre:
Alternative Grunge Rock

Title:
“Shadow’s Embrace”

Full Song Lyrics:

Chorus:
Am C G D
In the Shadow’s Embrace, we find our place,
Am C G D
Amid the echoes of our past mistakes,
Am C G D
In the Shadow’s Embrace, we bear the weight,
Am C G D
Of dreams we chase, and hearts that break.

Verse 1:
Am C G D
Beneath the city lights, we find our fight,
Am C G D
In the rhythm of the night, we ignite,
Am C G D
In the shroud of the dusk, we trust,
Am C G D
In the Shadow’s Embrace, we combust.

(Repeat Chorus)

Verse 2:
Am C G D
Through the cracks of the dawn, we’re reborn,
Am C G D
In the furnace of life, we’re torn,
Am C G D
In the searing heat of the day, we fray,
Am C G D
In the Shadow’s Embrace, we stay.

(Repeat Chorus)

Fan Testimonial:
Name: Bailey Thompson

“Black Reward has been my favorite band since I stumbled upon them in a small club downtown. Their sound is raw, unfiltered, and forces you to confront your innermost feelings. Their lyrics resonate with me on a profound level; every word is a poignant reflection of life and the human condition. ‘Shadow’s Embrace’ in particular, is a song I hold dear to my heart. It feels like their music was written just for me. As an artist, their creativity and genuineness inspire me every day. I owe my artistic growth to them, and that’s why Black Reward will always be my number one band.”

Backstory:

Impolite Canal found its genesis in a small, unassuming suburb of Manchester in the United Kingdom. Band members Andrew “Drew” Thomson (lead vocals, guitar), Rachel “Rach” Harrison (drums, backing vocals), and Simon “Si” McLeary (bass, backing vocals) crossed paths at a local music festival in 2010. Drew, a bartender with a knack for playing guitar, and Rach and Si, two childhood friends who were locally known for their impromptu drum and bass performances at house parties, found a common thread in their shared love for music that was unconventional and unabashedly raw. They decided to form a band, and true to their offbeat spirit, they named it ‘Impolite Canal’ after a local urban legend.

Over the next few years, Impolite Canal found a unique voice in the indie-rock scene. Their music blended the grit and honesty of punk with the soulful melodies of indie rock, creating a sound that was fresh, fearless, and unapologetically them. Their journey from performing at local pubs to commanding the stage at music festivals around the country is an inspiring tale of passion, perseverance, and the power of music.

Genre:

Indie Rock/ Punk

Title:

“Riverside Rebellion”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1 – G, Em, C, D)
[G] Down by the riverside, [Em] beneath the city’s glow,
[C] We found a sense of pride, [D] a place where rebels go.
[G] Shouting at the quiet night, [Em] with dreams as loud as sin,
[C] We danced on the edge of right, [D] let the rebellion begin.

(Chorus – Am, C, G, D)
[Am] Riverside Rebellion, [C] echo in the night,
[G] In our hearts, the insurrection, [D] in our eyes, the fight.
[Am] Riverside Rebellion, [C] under the starlight dome,
[G] This is our love, our war, [D] our indie-punk home.

(Verse 2)
[G] Broken strings and drumbeats raw, [Em] under the neon rain,
[C] We sang the songs of the outlaw, [D] to the rhythm of disdain.
[G] Amidst the noise and the unrest, [Em] we found our sweet refrain,
[C] In the heart of the riot, we professed, [D] our unchained domain.

(Chorus)
[Am] Riverside Rebellion, [C] a symphony of noise,
[G] This is our sanctum, [D] our sanctuary of choice.
[Am] Riverside Rebellion, [C] in the heart’s throb and hum,
[G] This is our music, [D] this is where we come from.

Fan Testimonial:

Fan’s Name: Melissa “Mel” Blackburn

Melissa, known as Mel among her peers, has been a diehard fan of Impolite Canal since their early pub gig days. She proudly proclaims that her life has a soundtrack, and it’s composed entirely of Impolite Canal songs. “Their music isn’t just noise – it’s raw, real, and it resonates,” says Mel. She appreciates the band’s sincerity and fearlessness in expressing themselves. For Mel, Impolite Canal is more than just her favorite band – they’re the narrators of her life. She once said, “Impolite Canal’s music has been with me through highs and lows, they’ve been my ‘Riverside Rebellion’.” Their authenticity and passion have deeply inspired Mel, making them her all-time favorite band.

Backstory:

Formed in the vibrant music scene of Austin, Texas in 2015, Composed Worth is a four-piece band whose roots began in the hallowed halls of the city’s music conservatory. The band members – frontman and guitarist Luke Reed, bassist Abby Philips, keyboardist Max Stone, and drummer Ben Harper – initially came together for a school project, but their combined musical prowess and shared vision quickly solidified their union. With an eclectic blend of musical influences from classical to grunge, they began crafting their unique sound, creating a blend of music that quickly gained a local following and eventually caught the attention of indie record label, Sonic Bloom.

Genre:

Indie Rock with Classical Influence

Title:

“Symphony in Silence”

Full song lyrics with chord progression:

(Verse 1: Dm – G – Dm – G)
On a canvas of quiet, under the moon’s soft glow
We paint our dreams in whispers, secrets only we know
In the stillness, we find our song, between the lines where we belong
In the symphony in silence, we compose our worth

(Chorus: F – C – G – Bm)
Symphony in silence, in the echoes of the heart
Our song is written in the spaces, where words fall apart
In the language of the unspoken, where the truth is often heard
In our symphony in silence, we find our worth

(Verse 2: Dm – G – Dm – G)
In the quiet corners of the night, we find our harmony
In the silence between the stars, there’s a melody
In the hush of the night, under a canvas so bright
In the symphony in silence, we compose our worth

(Chorus: F – C – G – Bm)
Symphony in silence, in the whispers of the soul
Our story unfolds in the quiet, where the heart takes control
In the absence of the noise, where love is the loudest voice
In our symphony in silence, we find our worth

Fan Testimonial:

“My name is Parker Hughes, and Composed Worth is my favorite band, without question. Their unique blend of indie rock and classical elements is nothing short of amazing. Each song feels like a journey, a story told through the beautiful language of music. They’ve managed to capture the depth of human emotion in a way that feels authentic and relatable. Every time I listen to ‘Symphony in Silence’, I feel a strong connection to their music. It’s like they’re translating my feelings into this beautiful symphony. Composed Worth isn’t just a band to me, they’re the soundtrack of my life.”

Backstory:

Complicated Lip were born out of the hazy, neon-lit backstreets of Austin, Texas. The band of four – frontman and lead guitarist Jesse Parsons, drummer Luke ‘Sticks’ Griffin, bassist ‘Silent’ Tim Baker and keyboardist Hannah ‘Wild Card’ Chambers – found each other in the city’s bustling music scene. They were all individually involved in different projects but were seeking something different, something more genuine. They wanted to break away from the commercialized sound and create music that was raw, experimental, and truthful – hence, Complicated Lip was formed.

The quartet locked themselves away in a makeshift studio, where they spent night after night experimenting with sounds and crafting their unique musical identity. After months of hard work and an incredible journey of self-discovery, Complicated Lip was ready to share their music with the world. Their debut gig at a local bar was a resounding success, and they haven’t looked back since.

Genre:
Alternative Rock

Title:
“Quicksilver Echo”

Full Song Lyrics:

[Verse 1]
Em C
Running through the corridors of time,
G D
Chasing shadows, seeking signs,
Em C
In the corners of my restless mind,
G D
Quicksilver echoes I find.

[Chorus]
Am C
Quicksilver echo, whispering dreams,
G D
Lost in a dance, or so it seems,
Am C
Carry me on your silver wings,
G D
To the place where eternity sings.

[Verse 2]
Em C
In the silence of the night,
G D
Under the star’s soft light,
Em C
I hear your voice taking flight,
G D
Quicksilver echo, burning bright.

[Chorus]
Am C
Quicksilver echo, whispering dreams,
G D
Lost in a dance, or so it seems,
Am C
Carry me on your silver wings,
G D
To the place where eternity sings.

Fan Testimonial:

Fan’s Name: Donna Mitchell

Donna Mitchell has been a diehard fan of Complicated Lip since their first gig at the local bar in Austin. Her love for the band is deeply rooted in their authentic and raw sound, something she believes is rare in today’s music industry. She says, “Complicated Lip isn’t just a band, they’re an experience. Every song reaches into your soul and leaves a mark. Their music is real, it’s emotional, and it’s raw. No other band speaks to me the way Complicated Lip does. ‘Quicksilver Echo’ is my anthem, my comfort song, my battle cry. I’ve seen them live so many times, and each time feels like the first. They’re not just my favorite band, they’re a part of who I am.”

Backstory:
Sparse Tree, a band that sprung from the serene hills of Asheville, North Carolina, found their roots in a shared love for both music and nature. The band’s core members, Jason Grant, Olivia Keane, and Tom Wynn, were music students at the University of North Carolina Asheville. They bonded over late-night jam sessions, impromptu gigs at local venues, and hiking trips in the surrounding Blue Ridge Mountains. Their unique fusion of sounds began to take shape around campfires, under the stars, and among the sparse trees that lent their name to the group. With Jason on lead vocals and guitar, Olivia on the bass and backing vocals, and Tom on the drums, they began to develop a unique blend of folk and indie rock.

Genre:
Folk/Indie Rock

Title:
“Underneath the Starlit Canopy”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
[G] Underneath the starlit canopy,
[C] Among the whispers of the trees,
[Am] We found a rhythm, found a melody,
[D] Nature’s song, set us free.

(Chorus)
[G] We are Sparse Tree, born in the wild,
[C] Music flowing like a river, gentle and mild,
[Am] Our hearts are tuned to the mountains high,
[D] Underneath the starlit canopy, we learn to fly.

(Verse 2)
[G] The moonlight dances on the creek,
[C] In our songs, it’s peace we seek,
[Am] Through the valleys, over the peak,
[D] Our love for music, it’s never weak.

(Chorus)
[G] We are Sparse Tree, singing the night away,
[C] In harmony with nature, in its gentle sway,
[Am] We strum, we drum, we begin to play,
[D] Underneath the starlit canopy, we find our way.

Fan testimonial:
Our biggest fan is none other than Sarah Gibson. Sarah, an Asheville native, has been following us since our first gigs in small, local venues. Her testimonial: “Sparse Tree’s music is like a breath of fresh mountain air. They capture the beauty and tranquility of nature in a way that speaks to my heart. I feel transported to the mountaintops every time I hear ‘Underneath the Starlit Canopy’. The band has this magical ability to blend folk and indie rock that creates a completely unique and mesmerizing sound. They’re my favorite because they are genuine, down-to-earth, and their music reflects their love for both music and nature. I couldn’t ask for a better band to represent the spirit of Asheville.”

Backstory:
Positive Attempt was born out of a garage in suburban Portland, Oregon back in 2012. Four childhood friends – Mike (vocals), Ryan (guitar), Sam (bass), and Jake (drums) – decided to channel their shared love for music into something more tangible. They started out playing at local bars and eventually caught the attention of a local radio station that played one of their demo tracks during an unsigned bands segment. Their unique sound resonated with people, and soon they had a growing fan base. The band’s name reflects their shared philosophy – always staying positive and constantly learning from every attempt they make in life.

Genre:
Positive Attempt has a distinctive sound that blends Alternative Rock with elements of Folk and Country music.

Title:
“Chasing the Horizon”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
[G] Running down this endless road, [D] chasing dreams that we hold,
[Em] The sun is setting but we’re still [C] going strong,
[G] The wind is whispering our song, [D] the journey seems so long,
[Em] But with every mile, we find where we [C] belong.

(Chorus)
[G] Chasing the Horizon, [D] under the setting sun,
[Em] In every struggle, every joy, every [C] victory won,
[G] We’ll keep moving forward, [D] until our days are done,
[Em] And with every sunrise, a new journey [C] has begun.

(Verse 2)
[G] With a map in our hearts and [D] stars as our guide,
[Em] We’ll conquer every mountain, cross the [C] ocean’s tide,
[G] No matter what comes our way, [D] we’ll take it in stride,
[Em] ‘Cause in this game of life, there’s nowhere to [C] hide.

(Chorus)
[G] Chasing the Horizon, [D] under the setting sun,
[Em] In every struggle, every joy, every [C] victory won,
[G] We’ll keep moving forward, [D] until our days are done,
[Em] And with every sunrise, a new journey [C] has begun.

Favorite Fan:
The band’s favorite fan is a guy called Tim. He’s been with them since their early days, attending their first gig in a small pub in Portland. He’s followed their journey ever since, attending every show he possibly can. Tim says, “What draws me to Positive Attempt is their raw, honest music and their positive outlook. Their songs have gotten me through some tough times and inspired me in so many ways. The song ‘Chasing the Horizon’ is my go-to anthem – a reminder to keep moving forward no matter what. Positive Attempt is more than just a band to me, they’re a beacon of hope.”

Backstory:
Formed in the eclectic music scene of Portland, Oregon, in 2013, Second Bank is a unique blend of old school friends and chance encounters. The lead singer, Leo Sullivan, and drummer, Bill “Bam Bam” Baxter, were high school buddies who shared a passion for music and dreamed of forming their own rock band. They found their missing pieces in a local bar when they heard a bass solo that stopped them in their tracks. The man behind the bass was Mitch “Stitch” Reynolds, a seasoned musician who had toured with several bands before deciding to settle down in Portland. Together with Molly Holmes, a classically trained violinist who adds a unique flavor to the band, they formed Second Bank.

Genre:
Second Bank is an Indie Rock band with influences of Folk and Blues.

Title:
“One More Whiskey”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
G
The night’s young and the bar is old,
D
I’m sittin’ here, stories untold,
Em
With my thoughts, my dreams, my fears,
C
And this old folk song ringing in my ears.

(Chorus)
G
One more whiskey, and a song,
D
In this old bar, we all belong,
Em
With the echoes of the night,
C
We’ll find our way towards the light.

(Verse 2)
G
To the dreams that got away,
D
To the hopes of a brighter day,
Em
Here’s to you and me,
C
And to what will never be.

(Chorus)
G
One more whiskey, and a song,
D
In this old bar, we all belong,
Em
With the echoes of the night,
C
We’ll find our way towards the light.

(Bridge)
Em
In the shadows, we find light,
C
In the wrongs, we find the right,
G
In the silence, we find the sound,
D
In the lost, we find the found.

(Chorus)
G
One more whiskey, and a song,
D
In this old bar, we all belong,
Em
With the echoes of the night,
C
We’ll find our way towards the light.

Favorite Fan:
Second Bank’s favorite fan is Jenny Anderson. Jenny got to know about the band through a friend’s recommendation and she’s been a fan since the band’s early days.

Testimonial:
“I love Second Bank because their music speaks to me. Their lyrics, their sound, everything about them feels so genuine and raw. It’s like they’re not just playing music; they’re sharing their stories, their experiences. And in doing so, they’re helping me understand my own feelings and experiences better. They’re more than just a band to me. They’re a part of my life.” – Jenny Anderson

Backstory:

Smug Witness is a band that was built on the foundations of friendship and a shared love for creative expression. The band members, Jaden Smithson (vocals), Kyle Mitchell (guitar), Tony Hunter (drums), and Liam Gordon (bass), were childhood friends who grew up in the suburbs of Pittsburgh. The band started as a fun pastime in their high school years, playing in their garage, but their raw talent and unique sound couldn’t go unnoticed for long. After winning a local band competition and getting featured in a local newspaper, they started gaining recognition, leading to their first record deal.

Their journey was not without struggles. Jaden’s fight with depression and Kyle’s battle with addiction became the inspiration for many of their songs. Their music became a testament to their struggles and victories, resonating with a lot of fans around the world.

Genre:

Rock/Alternative

Title:

“Shattered Mirrors”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
Am Em G D
Lost in the shadows of the forgotten lies,
Am Em G D
Broken shards reflecting the unanswered cries,
Am Em G D
Shattered mirrors of a thousand tries,
Am Em G D
In the chaos, our hope never dies.

(Chorus)
C G Am F
We’re the forgotten, we’re the survivors,
C G Am F
Born in the fire, raised in the wild,
C G Am F
In our reflections, see the fighters,
C G Am F
In shattered mirrors, we stand united.

(Verse 2)
Am Em G D
In the ashes, we find our light,
Am Em G D
In the darkness, we continue to fight,
Am Em G D
Our reflections may not always be right,
Am Em G D
But in shattered mirrors, we find our might.

(Repeat Chorus)

(End)
C G Am F
In the shattered, we’re the brightest,
C G Am F
In the lost, we find the rightest,
C G Am F
In the chaos, we stand the firmest,
C G Am F
In shattered mirrors, we’re the truest.

Favorite Fan:

Their favorite fan is a girl named Mia Thompson. Mia first came across Smug Witness when she was dealing with her own struggles with depression and addiction. She felt connected to their music and found strength in their lyrics. She has attended every concert since then and even started a fan page to connect other fans of the band.

Testimonial:

“I never thought I could find solace in music until I found Smug Witness. Their songs speak to me on a level that nothing else can. They tell my story, they tell everyone’s story who’s been through struggles and come out stronger. I appreciate the band not only for their amazing music but also for being so open about their own struggles. It’s the raw honesty that sets them apart. I am proud to be a fan of Smug Witness.” – Mia Thompson

Backstory:

Grandiose Chest formed in the suburbs of Austin, Texas, in 2012. The band was initially composed of high school friends, lead vocalist/guitarist Jeff Harris, drummer Anna Perkins, bassist Mikey Ross and keyboardist Rachel ‘Rae’ Owens. They spent their early days jamming in Jeff’s basement after school. Their music reflects their shared passion for storytelling, blending their everyday experiences with the glistening charm of grand folk tales. Grandiose Chest landed their first gig at a local bar, and the positive response from the crowd gave them the confidence to believe in their potential. They recorded their first album in 2015, and it was more successful than they had ever imagined.

Genre:

Indie Folk-Rock

Title:

“Desert Dreams”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
G C
Underneath the Texas sky,
Am D
Dreams are burning, burning bright,
G C
Just a band of misfits, casting shadows in the night.

(Chorus)
G C
Grandiose chest, we’re beating,
Am D
Down the highway, we’re streaking,
G C
With our desert dreams, and our hearts alight.

(Verse 2)
G C
Our songs echo through the canyons,
Am D
Like whispers of forgotten anthems,
G C
Underneath the starlight, we carve our own enchantments.

(Chorus)
G C
Grandiose chest, we’re beating,
Am D
Down the highway, we’re streaking,
G C
With our desert dreams, and our hearts alight.

(End)
G C
Desert dreams, they keep us moving,
Am D
Under the moon, our souls are swooning,
G C
Grandiose chest, we’re beating, to the rhythm of the night.

Favorite Fan:

The band’s favorite fan is 22-year-old Sarah Thompson. She’s been following Grandiose Chest since their early days and has been to every concert within a hundred-mile radius. In her testimonial, she says, “I stumbled upon Grandiose Chest when they were just starting. Their music resonates with me in a way nothing else does. It’s raw, real, and heartfelt. I feel like they tell my story, and that’s why they are my favorite band. They weave magic with their music, and to me, they are more than a band, they are my safe haven.”

Backstory:

Wide Bean emerged from the rustic heartlands of Tennessee in the early 2000s, a time when the music scene was teetering between the old and the new. The band members, consisting of lead singer and guitarist Charlie “Red” Thompson, drummer Lucas “Spike” Anderson, bassist John “Banks” Bankson, and keyboardist Sarah “Sunny” Miller, met at a local dive bar during a music festival. Sharing a love for music that transcends boundaries and a penchant for unorthodox sounds, the four decided to form their own band – thus, Wide Bean was born.

Their unique blend of rootsy, soulful music touched with a hint of contemporary sounds quickly caught the ears of music enthusiasts. With Thompson’s raw and passionate vocals, Anderson’s rhythmic beats, Bankson’s groovy bass lines, and Miller’s magical keys, Wide Bean took the local music scene by storm. Their performances echoed the nostalgia of the past, the energy of the present, and the promise of the future.

Genre:

Alternative Folk Rock

Song Title:

“Thunderbird Whispers”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
Am G C F
Riding on a thunderbird, whispers in the wind
Am G C F
Tales of love and longing, where do I begin?
Dm Am G F
Sky’s painted with a sunset, stars just out of sight
Dm Am G F
In my heart, a melody, carries through the night.

(Chorus)
C G Am F
Thunderbird whispers, oh they’re calling me
C G Am F
Under moonlit rivers, that’s where I’ll be
Dm Am G F
Singing songs of freedom, love’s sweet harmony
Dm Am G F
With the thunderbird whispers, I’m truly free.

(Verse 2)
Am G C F
Saddlebags of memories, carried on this flight
Am G C F
Through the mountains and the valleys, in the soft moonlight.
Dm Am G F
Catch a dream, let it ride, on the wings so wide
Dm Am G F
With the thunderbird whispers, there’s no place to hide.

(Chorus)

Band’s Favorite Fan:

Our favorite fan is a humble truck driver named Joe Thompson. No relation to our lead singer, Joe has been a Wide Bean fan since our earliest gigs. His testimonial reads, “Wide Bean isn’t just a band to me, they’re like family. Their music is an escape, a comfort, and a joy. It reminds me of home when I’m on the road. The rich lyrics and soulful tunes of songs like ‘Thunderbird Whispers’ are just pure magic. They bring a unique vibe to the folk-rock scene and I’m proud to be their number one fan.”