Backstory:
Elaborate Horse was formed in the winter of 2007 in the lively city of San Francisco. The band was born from the ashes of several local punk groups, when lead vocalist Jay “Rider” Thornton and drummer Max “Clydesdale” Reynolds decided to experiment with a new sound. They recruited bassist Lila “Mustang” Sanchez and guitarist Ryan “Stallion” Mitchell to their cause. Together, they found a style that was distinct and innovative, a fresh take on classic rock ‘n’ roll with a twist of modern alternative. The band’s name, Elaborate Horse, was an inside joke that stuck, which they feel embodies their playful yet intricate approach to music.

Genre: Alternative Rock

Title: “Running Wild”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
[C] Out in the open, [G] under the stars,
[F] We found our rhythm, [C] strumming these guitars,
[C] The city’s sleeping, [G] while we ignite,
[F] A wildfire of music [C] in the dead of night.

(Chorus)
[G] Running wild, [F] we’re a force unfettered,
[C] An elaborate horse, [G] our spirits untethered,
[G] In this symphony, [F] we are untamed,
[C] We are Elaborate Horse, [G] forever unnamed.

(Verse 2)
[C] With melodies flowing, [G] like a river’s course,
[F] We find our freedom, [C] as an Elaborate Horse,
[C] Chasing the horizon, [G] where the sun will rise,
[F] On a new day of music, [C] under clear blue skies.

(Chorus)
[G] Running wild, [F] we’re a force unfettered,
[C] An elaborate horse, [G] our spirits untethered,
[G] In this symphony, [F] we are untamed,
[C] We are Elaborate Horse, [G] forever unnamed.

Fan Testimonial:

Our favorite fan is a dedicated follower named Lucy. She discovered us during one of our earliest gigs in a small San Francisco bar. Lucy has attended nearly every one of our shows since then, always right at the front, singing our lyrics back to us. In her own words, “Elaborate Horse is more than just a band, they are the soundtrack to my life. Their unique blend of alternative rock always hits right at the heart. Whether it’s a slow ballad or a rock anthem, their music always speaks to me. Their energy is infectious, and their passion for what they do is evident in every performance.”

Backstory:

Anxious Blood was formed in the winter of 2011 in the eclectic city of Seattle. The band members–vocalist and guitarist Jerry Blake, bassist Nathan Cook, drummer Sarah Bennet, and keyboardist Max Hoover–met in a local coffee shop where they often took solace in the middle of their mundane jobs. United by their shared passion for music and dissatisfaction with their regular 9-5 routines, they decided to form a band and pour their collective anxieties into their craft.

Despite having different musical influences, they seamlessly blended their styles to create a sound unique to Anxious Blood. They started by performing at various local bars and soon gained recognition for their raw and relatable music. Their journey wasn’t smooth, but their relentless spirit and their bond strengthened with each obstacle, fueling their music and adding depth to their songs.

Genre:
Alternative Rock

Title:
“Shattered Mirrors”

Song lyrics:

(Verse 1)
Am C
In the mirror of lies, we’re all the same
G D
Chasing shadows, lost in the game
Am C
Under the weight of the world, we break and bend
G D
In the silence, we try to mend

(Chorus)
Am C
Shattered mirrors, reflecting fears
G D
In the echo of our silent tears
Am C
Shattered mirrors, void of light
G D
In the abyss, we learn to fight

(Verse 2)
Am C
In the darkness, we find our path
G D
In the ruins, we learn to laugh
Am C
In the face of despair, we rise and fall
G D
In the wreckage, we find our call

(Chorus)
Am C
Shattered mirrors, reflecting fears
G D
In the echo of our silent tears
Am C
Shattered mirrors, void of light
G D
In the abyss, we learn to fight

Outro
Am C
Shattered mirrors, we’ve come this far
G D
In our scars, we find who we are

Fan’s Testimonial:

Name: Emily Davis

Emily Davis, a graphic artist from Portland, has been an ardent fan of Anxious Blood since their early days. “I found Anxious Blood at a time when I was dealing with a lot of anxiety and self-doubt. Their music spoke to me on so many levels,” Emily expresses. She adds, “The rawness, the honesty, and the resilience in their songs gave me strength. They helped me realize that it’s okay to feel anxious, it’s okay to be scared. Their song ‘Shattered Mirrors’ particularly resonates with me. It’s like an anthem for anyone who’s trying to find themselves amidst chaos. Anxious Blood isn’t just a band for me, they’re my beacon of hope in the darkness.”

Backstory:
Born out of the vibrant indie scene of Portland, Oregon, the Unselfish Club is a group of friends brought together by their shared passion for music, sustainability, and giving back to their community. The band was formed in 2015 when lead vocalist and rhythm guitarist, Jake Peterson, met bassist, Kim Fraiser, through a local food co-op. Soon, drummer Max Owens and lead guitarist, Lilly Greene, joined the mix, united by the pursuit of making music that would resonate with a generation yearning for change. The name ‘Unselfish Club’ was chosen to reflect their ethos of using their music to promote altruism and collective action.

Genre:
Indie Folk Rock

Title:
“Seasons of Selflessness”

Full song lyrics:

(Verse 1)
Am G C
Woke up early today, under the city’s grey hue,
Am G C
Thoughts of you and me, and our dreams coming true.
F C G
In our small corner, we sow seeds of love,
Am G C
In the heart of the concrete, under the sky above.

(Chorus)
F C G
Through seasons of selflessness, we find our home,
Am G C
In the melody of kindness, in the chords we strum.
F C G
Our hearts resonate, in the rhythm, we create,
Am G C
Our song is our call, it’s never too late.

(Verse 2)
Am G C
We march forward, with our spirits held high,
Am G C
Leaving footprints, under the starry sky.
F C G
Strumming the strings, drumming the beats,
Am G C
Creating a symphony, in the busy streets.

(Chorus)
F C G
Through seasons of selflessness, we find our truth,
Am G C
In every strain, in every note, we look for proof.
F C G
We are the Unselfish Club, we sing for change,
Am G C
Our music is our mission, and it’s our range.

The band’s favorite fan’s name:
Sarah Johnson

Testimonial:
Sarah Johnson, a high school music teacher from Portland, has been a fan since the very beginning. “The Unselfish Club’s music is a beacon of hope for me and my students. Their songs inspire us to be better, to give more, and to seek truth in everything we do. The lyrics to ‘Seasons of Selflessness’ have become a sort of mantra in our classroom, reminding us of the power of unity and selflessness in the face of adversity. I’ve never met musicians who are so committed to not only their craft but also their community. Their music is not just a soundtrack to my life, it’s a call to action.”

Backstory:
Caring Monkey is a band that came to life in the mid-90s, in the heart of the Seattle grunge scene. The members – lead vocalist Johnny ‘Sticks’ McAdams, guitarist Lola ‘Lobster’ McAdams, bassist Max ‘Maxwell’ Simmons, and drummer Harold ‘Harry’ Jones – met in a rundown coffee shop, each trying to escape the rainy Seattle weather. Johnny was scribbling lyrics on a napkin, Lola was tuning her guitar, Max was fiddling with a bass line on his headphones, and Harry was tapping out a rhythm on the table with his drumsticks. Their shared passion for music drew them together, and they began jamming in the back of the store. That’s when they formed Caring Monkey, a name inspired by a pet monkey owned by the coffee shop owner, who would often be seen cuddling customers’ puppies.

Genre:
Alternative Rock/ Grunge

Title:
“Unchained Melody of the Rain”

Full song lyrics:

[Verse 1]
Em G D A
Walking on the edge, in the pouring rain,
Em G D A
Faces pass by, filled with unnamed pain,
Em G D A
Lost in the crowd, feeling all alone,
Em G D A
Looking for a sign, a way to atone.

[Chorus]
C G Am Em
Unchained melody of the rain, wash away my deepest stain,
C G Am Em
Hold me close, don’t let me drift, in the end, we all just sift.

[Verse 2]
Em G D A
Empty streets, filled with silent cries,
Em G D A
Staring at the stars, in the clouded skies,
Em G D A
The heart screams, but the voice is mute,
Em G D A
Plucking life’s strings, in a resolute.

[Chorus]
C G Am Em
Unchained melody of the rain, heal my soul, numb the pain,
C G Am Em
In your arms, I want to lay, till the break of another day.

Fan’s Testimonial:
Fan Name: Peter ‘Pete’ Carlson

“I’ve been following Caring Monkey since their inception. Their music speaks to me on a cellular level. It’s raw, it’s honest, and it’s unfiltered. They don’t sugarcoat life but present it as it is – messy, beautiful, and full of contradictions. The lead singer, Johnny ‘Sticks’ McAdams, has a voice that can make your heart weep and rejoice at the same time. Their song ‘Unchained Melody of the Rain’ particularly resonates with me. It’s like they’ve put my feelings into words and music. Caring Monkey is not just a band for me, they are my companions through life’s ups and downs.”

Backstory:

Best Pitch is a group of childhood friends who found solace in music amidst the cacophony of a bustling city life. They grew up in the heart of New York City, surrounded by the vibrant nightlife and eclectic music scene. The members, Ryan (vocals), Jeremy (guitar), Samantha (bass), and Max (drums), came together in high school and started jamming together, creating a bond over their love for music. They started playing small shows at local clubs and cafes, slowly but surely captivating the hearts of many with their unique sound. Their big break came when they got noticed by a music producer at one of these gigs, offering them a record deal that catapulted them into the limelight.

Genre:

Indie Rock

Title:

“Chasing Echoes”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1: G – Em – C – D)
G Em
Lost in the city lights, we’re trying,
C D
Chasing echoes in the night, we’re flying,
G Em
In the faces that we see, we’re hiding,
C D
In the rhythm of the beat, we’re diving.

(Chorus: D – C – G – D)
D C G
We’re just chasing echoes, echoes,
D C G
Living in the shadows, shadows,
D C G
Chasing echoes, echoes,
D C G
We’re just chasing echoes, echoes.

(Verse 2: G – Em – C – D)
G Em
Streets are empty, the city sleeps,
C D
Memories etched in these concrete,
G Em
Our dreams are the whispers on these streets,
C D
In the silence, our heartbeats.

(Repeat Chorus)

(Bridge: Em – C – G – D)
Em C
Running through these city veins,
G D
We’re chasing echoes in the rain,
Em C
Living on the edge, no chains,
G D
In this rhythm, we remain.

(Repeat Chorus)

(Outro: G – Em – C – D)
G Em
As the dawn breaks, we’ll keep chasing,
C D
Echoes of our dreams, never fading,
G Em
In this city that’s forever ours,
C D
Underneath these endless stars.

Fan’s Name:

Madison

Testimonial:

“Best Pitch has been a big part of my life. I love how their songs encapsulate the essence of city life and youthful dreams. Their music somehow resonates with me on such a personal level. It’s like they’re voicing my thoughts and feelings through their songs. Especially ‘Chasing Echoes’, it’s my go-to song whenever I feel lost. The raw energy they bring to their performances is mind-blowing. You can feel the passion and emotion they pour into every word, every note. Best Pitch is more than just a band to me, they’re my safe haven in this chaotic world.”

Backstory:
Misguided Candidate was formed in the bustling heart of Seattle in 2010. The original band members, frontman Eddie Harkness, drummer Pete Malmquist, and bassist Sarah O’Neill, were all originally solo artists searching for their place in the ever-competitive music world. Their unique backgrounds and individual musical journeys led them to a shared appreciation for raw, soulful music. Eddie, with his background in blues and folk, brought the emotion; Pete, with his hard rock leanings, added the pulse; and Sarah, with her roots in classical music, infused a layer of complexity. Together, they found their groove and formed Misguided Candidate.

Over the decade, they’ve released four studio albums, toured nationally, and gathered a dedicated following of fans. Despite their success, they’ve remained true to their original mission: to make music that speaks to the human experience, full of passion and authenticity. It’s this dedication to their craft that has solidified Misguided Candidate’s place in the hearts of their fans and in the music industry.

Genre:
Alternative Rock

Title:
“Rust and Stardust”

Full Song Lyrics:

[Verse 1]
[C]She’s all rust, [G]he’s all stardust,
[Am]Found each other in this [G]city’s dust,
[C]One’s lost, [G]one just found,
[Am]In love’s maze they’re [G]bound.

[Chorus]
[F]Rust and stardust, [C]love’s old contrast,
[G]Broken dreams and [Am]promises that last,
[F]In the chaos, they [C]found their trust,
[G]Between rust and [Am]stardust.

[Verse 2]
[C]He’s all dreams, [G]she’s reality,
[Am]Together they create [G]their own galaxy,
[C]One’s falling, [G]one’s the ground,
[Am]In each other, they’re [G]profound.

[Chorus]
[F]Rust and stardust, [C]love’s old contrast,
[G]Broken dreams and [Am]promises that last,
[F]In the chaos, they [C]found their trust,
[G]Between rust and [Am]stardust.

[Bridge]
[F]In the labyrinth of life, [C]they’ve found their way,
[G]Stumbling, rising, [Am]against the fray,
[F]Hand in hand, in this [C]dance so just,
[G]They are rust and [Am]stardust.

[Chorus]
[F]Rust and stardust, [C]love’s old contrast,
[G]Broken dreams and [Am]promises that last,
[F]In the chaos, they [C]found their trust,
[G]Between rust and [Am]stardust.

Fan Testimonial:
My name is Anna and I’ve been a fan of Misguided Candidate since their first album. Their music speaks to me on a personal level, every lyric feels like a piece of my own story. I’ve attended every concert they’ve held in my city and every time I see them live, I feel like I’m part of something bigger than myself. They are real, raw, and relatable. It’s not just the music, it’s the message. I believe in them because they believe in the power of music to change lives. Misguided Candidate is, without a doubt, my favorite band.

Backstory:

Striking Tune was formed in a small town in Kentucky in the year 2007. It was a meeting of minds between high school friends, Jake Mulligan, a self-taught drummer with an uncanny sense of rhythm, and Charlie McAdams, an enigmatic frontman with a voice that has been likened to a huskier Bruce Springsteen. After experimenting with different sounds in Jake’s garage, they roped in the talented guitarist, Noah Summers, and the prodigious bassist, Liam Jenkins. Together, they began crafting songs that fused traditional country music with a rock and roll edge, creating a sound that was instantly recognizable and uniquely their own.

Through tireless gigging around the local circuit, Striking Tune began to earn a reputation for their high-energy performances and heartfelt lyrics. Their breakthrough came in 2010 when their demo was picked up by a local radio station, propelling them to regional fame. Since then, they have released four albums, each one more successful than the last, and have become one of the most respected names on the country-rock scene.

Genre:

Country Rock

Title:

“Riding Down Sunset”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
[G] Riding down sunset, [D] guitar in the backseat,
[Em] Passing through the town where we [C] learned to dream.
[G] Wind in our hair, [D] freedom in the air,
[Em] Life was simple then, [C] just you and me.

(Chorus)
[G] Riding down sunset, [D] chasing the horizon,
[Em] We had the world at our feet, [C] had it all on a string.
[G] With the radio playing, [D] our favorite song,
[Em] We were young and wild, [C] with a tune to sing.

(Verse 2)
[G] Looking back now, [D] those were golden days,
[Em] We were invincible, [C] we were unafraid.
[G] With the sun on our faces, [D] and the road ahead,
[Em] Those memories will never [C] fade.

(Chorus)
[G] Riding down sunset, [D] chasing the horizon,
[Em] We were two lost souls, [C] finding our way.
[G] With the music playing, [D] and the open road,
[Em] We were living for the [C] day.

Favorite Fan:

Our biggest fan is undeniably Sarah Jacobs. She’s been with us from the start, attending our earliest gigs in the smallest of venues. She once said, “Striking Tune isn’t just a band to me, they’re a soundtrack to my life. Their music speaks to me on a personal level, each song a chapter in my own story. They’ve been with me through my highs and lows. That’s why they’re my favorite band.”

Backstory:
Corrupt Control was founded in the gritty underground music scene of Detroit, Michigan in 2013 by lead singer and guitarist, Rick “Razor” Reynolds and drummer, Johnny “Juggernaut” Jenkins. They were roommates at the time, sharing a love for music and a deep-rooted desire for genuine, raw expression. They recruited bassist, Sally “Scorch” Sanders and keyboardist, Kenny “Kraken” Kruger to complete their lineup. Over the years, Corrupt Control has evolved from a garage band playing local dive bars to one of the most influential voices of their genre, gaining a substantial international following.

Genre:
Corrupt Control’s genre of music can be classified as Hard Rock with strong Punk influences, a touch of grunge, and a splash of metal. Their powerful guitar riffs, aggressive drumming, provocative lyrics, and raw, unrestrained vocals make their sound unique and resonant.

Song Title:
“Chains of the System”

Full Song Lyrics:

[Intro: Em-D-C-G]
(Verse 1)
Em D
In the heart of the city, under neon lights,
C G
Life’s a bitter pill, we swallow every night.
Em D
Drowning in noise, in a world colored grey,
C G
Praying for salvation, to drown out the pain.

[Chorus: Em-C-G-D]
Em C
Chains of the system, binding us tight,
G D
Lost in a rhythm, of endless night.
Em C
Screaming for freedom, but voices ignored,
G D
In the chains of the system, we’re all just floored.

(Verse 2)
Em D
Through the smoke and mirrors, we see the lies,
C G
But the truth’s a ghost, in this world of spies.
Em D
In the shadow of the powers, we make our stand,
C G
In the name of justice, with open hands.

[Chorus: Em-C-G-D]
Em C
Chains of the system, binding us tight,
G D
Lost in a rhythm, of endless night.
Em C
Screaming for freedom, but voices ignored,
G D
In the chains of the system, we’re all just floored.

[Bridge: Em-D-C-G]
Em D
Break the chains, the silence roar,
C G
Fight the system, start the war.

(Repeat Chorus)

The bands favorite fan’s name and why and how this band is their favorite as a testimonial:
Name: Lisa “Loud” Landon

Testimonial: “I’ve been following Corrupt Control since they played in smoky bars to audiences of twenty. Their music speaks to me on a visceral level, combining the aggression and rebellion of punk with the raw emotion of grunge. The track ‘Chains of the System’ is my personal anthem, a mirror to my spirit of defiance. It’s not just about the music, it’s about the message and Corrupt Control has never compromised on that. They’re not just a band to me, they’re a movement. They’re the voice of our generation”.

Backstory:
Colorful Bottle was formed in the vibrant heart of Portland, Oregon in 2015 by a group of friends who bonded over a shared love for music and a desire to express their thoughts on life, love, and the world around them. The group consists of lead singer and lyricist, Evan Riley, bassist, Mia Johnson, guitarist, Dan Holloway, and drummer, Rachel O’Connor. They named their band ‘Colorful Bottle’ as a symbol of diversity and inclusion, and the bottle signifying their mission of encapsulating a myriad of human emotions inside their music.

They started playing in local bars and rapidly gained recognition due to their eclectic sound and thought-provoking lyrics. Their breakout moment came in 2017 when their live performance at a popular music festival was uploaded online and went viral, catching the attention of several record labels. After signing with IndieGo Records, they embarked on a national tour and have been captivating audiences everywhere with their music ever since.

Genre:
Indie Rock/Pop

Title:
“Rainbow Reflections”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
Em G D
Waking up to the morning light,
Em G D
lost in a world that doesn’t feel right,
Em G D
Look in the mirror, see a face,
Em G D
Searching for a familiar trace.

(Chorus)
Am C G D
Rainbow Reflections, colors so bright,
Am C G D
Echoing our dreams in the moonlight,
Am C G D
We’re all just fragments of light,
Am C G D
In this Colorful Bottle we unite.

(Verse 2)
Em G D
In our hearts, a silent scream,
Em G D
Buried hopes, a forgotten dream,
Em G D
Striving forward, breaking free,
Em G D
In our souls, we hold the key.

(Chorus)
Am C G D
Rainbow Reflections, colors so deep,
Am C G D
In our minds, these memories we keep,
Am C G D
We’re caught in this cosmic flight,
Am C G D
In this Colorful Bottle, we ignite.

Fan’s Testimonial:
My name is Lisa Stevens and I am a huge fan of Colorful Bottle. I first heard their song “Rainbow Reflections” at a time when I was going through a tough period in my life and their music resonated with me deeply. The lyrics speak about the struggle and the beauty of life in such a unique way and their sound is incredibly soothing. I love how each of their songs tells a story, and how they are not afraid to address real, raw emotions. The energy they bring to their live performances is amazing, it feels like they genuinely love what they do and it’s incredibly infectious. They’re more than just a band to me, they’re a source of inspiration and comfort.

Backstory:
Neighboring Switch was formed in the heart of Boston, Massachusetts in 2010. Each band member, brought together by a common love for music, was a neighbor in the same apartment complex. After countless nights of impromptu jam sessions, they decided to take their shared passion to the next level. The band name ‘Neighboring Switch’ was inspired by their living situation and represents the switch in their lives from being mere neighbors to bandmates.

Genre:
Neighboring Switch’s music genre is a unique fusion of alternative rock and blues, with a touch of electronica. Their electrifying performances often leave audiences entranced, and their music resonates with people from all walks of life.

Title:
One of their most popular song titles is “Rooftop Serenade”.

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
[C] Underneath the [Am] starlit sky, on the [Em] rooftop, we [G] lie.
[F] Dreams in our minds, [C] secrets we [G] hide.
[C] Lost in the [Am] city’s glow, [Em] where our hearts [G] freely flow,
[F] We find our truth, [C] in this rooftop [G] serenade.

(Chorus)
[C] Oh, the beauty of the [Am] night,
[Em] In your eyes, it shines so [G] bright.
[F] Here we are, with [C] nothing to [G] trade,
[C] Just a simple rooftop [Am] serenade.

(Verse 2)
[C] As the city [Am] sleeps below, [Em] our love begins to [G] grow,
[F] With every strum, [C] with every [G] note,
[C] We are not [Am] lost, we’re not [Em] alone, [G] In this symphony we’ve [F] known,
[C] A serenade on the [G] rooftop unfolds.

(Chorus)
[C] Oh, the magic of the [Am] night,
[Em] In your eyes, it feels so [G] right.
[F] Here we are, with [C] nothing to [G] trade,
[C] Just a simple rooftop [Am] serenade.

The band’s favorite fan’s name:
Neighboring Switch’s favorite fan is Lily Thompson.

Testimonial:
“I’ve been a fan of Neighboring Switch since their first street performance back in 2010. Their music speaks to me on a personal level. It’s like they’ve found a way to translate the human experience into sound. Their lyrics are thought-provoking and deeply emotional, and the way they blend different genres together is just phenomenal. Every performance is an experience. I feel so connected to their music that it’s almost spiritual. Neighboring Switch isn’t just my favorite band; it’s an essential part of my life.” – Lily Thompson.