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.

Backstory:
Formed in the heart of New York City back in 2012, Giant Bait was the result of an accidental jam session between four friends at a campus party. Mike Dalton (lead vocals and guitar), Kieran Hill (drums), James Peters (bass), and Bella Stewart (keyboard and backup vocals) were all studying different subjects, but they shared one common passion – music. Inspired by their impromptu performance, the friends decided to form a band, naming it ‘Giant Bait’ as a tongue-in-cheek nod to their ambitions of attracting a massive audience.

Giant Bait started performing at local bars and college events, slowly gaining recognition for their unique songwriting and energetic performances. Their breakthrough came in 2015 with the single “Catch This Rhythm,” which quickly climbed the charts and became a viral sensation. Since then, Giant Bait has become a prominent name in the indie music scene, known for their eclectic mix of genres and engaging performances.

Genre:
Indie Rock

Title:
“Chasing Shadows”

Full song lyrics:
[Intro: Am, G, F, C]
Am G
Waking up to the break of dawn
F C
Chasing shadows till they’re gone

[Verse 1: Am, G, F, C]
Am G
In the city that never sleeps,
F C
We’re running in circles, in too deep

Am G
Looking for answers in neon lights,
F C
Dreaming in colors, lost in the night

[Chorus: Am, G, F, C]
Am G
With every heartbeat, we’re chasing shadows,
F C
In every moment, searching for the unknown

Am G
In the silence of the night, we find echoes,
F C
Of dreams that felt so close, now just shadows

[Verse 2: Am, G, F, C]
Am G
Under the city’s twinkling stars,
F C
We’ve found stories in the bars

Am G
Lost in music, found in sound,
F C
In the rhythm, we’re homeward bound

[Chorus: Am, G, F, C]
Am G
With every heartbeat, we’re chasing shadows,
F C
In every moment, searching for the unknown

Am G
In the silence of the night, we find echoes,
F C
Of dreams that felt so close, now just shadows

[Outro: Am, G, F, C]
Am G
With every beat, we’re chasing, we’re chasing,
F C
Chasing shadows that fade in the dawning

Favorite Fan:
Giant Bait’s favorite fan is a dedicated follower named Jenna, a graphic designer from Los Angeles. Jenna claims the band’s lyrics resonate deeply with her, and she appreciates the authenticity in their performances. She follows them on every tour, even creating personalized artwork for each concert. In her words, “Giant Bait isn’t just a band—it’s a community. Their music spoke to me in ways I didn’t think possible. The lyrics, the energy, the emotion—it’s the soundtrack to my life.”

Backstory:
Inferior Winter began as an idea in the cold, isolated landscape of Fairbanks, Alaska. Childhood friends, guitarist Jake “Frostbite” Johnson and drummer Eddie “Blizzard” Baker formed the band in 2005, drawing inspiration from the harsh, unforgiving winters of their hometown. The duo quickly gained popularity in the local music scene, known for their haunting melodies and emotionally charged lyrics. In 2010, they added Helena “Storm” Swanson on bass, whose melodic skills further enhanced their sound. The band’s big break came when their 2013 album, ‘The Frostbite Sessions’, caught the attention of a major record label.

Genre:
Alternative Rock

Title:
“Frostbitten Heart”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
[G] Trapped in this cold, [Em] cloaked in white,
[C] Our hearts still beat in the [D] pale moonlight.
[G] This winter storm, [Em] it cuts like a knife,
[C] Carving lines in the [D] landscape of life.

(Chorus)
[G] Frostbitten heart, [Em] it’s too cold to mend,
[C] Chasing shadows in the [D] winter’s end.
[G] Snowflakes fall, [Em] as we pretend,
[C] That this inferior winter [D] will never end.

(Verse 2)
[G] Ice-veined rivers, [Em] flowing fast,
[C] Memories of a [D] frozen past.
[G] The northern lights, [Em] they dance and sway,
[C] As we lose ourselves in the [D] winter’s gray.

(Repeat Chorus)

Bridge:
[Am] Love is a flame, [Em] burning bright,
[C] In the heart of this [D] endless night.
[Am] But the frostbite stings, [Em] and the cold winds blow,
[C] And we’re trapped in this [D] endless snow.

(Repeat Chorus)

Fan Testimonial:
My name’s Lily, a die-hard fan from their early days. I fell in love with Inferior Winter when I first heard them at a local gig a decade ago. Their music resonates with my soul; it’s like they’ve captured the essence of winter in Alaska – the beauty, the desolation, the struggle, all in their songs. “Frostbitten Heart,” is my all-time favorite; it speaks to the heartache and resilience that come with enduring a long, harsh winter. This band is special to me, it’s more than just music; it’s a piece of home that I carry with me wherever I go.

Backstory:
Sneaky Bench is an indie-rock band that was formed in the tranquil town of Stratford-upon-Avon, England, in 2013. Its founding members, Jack Harrison (lead vocalist), Neil Cooper (lead guitarist), and brothers Adam and Oliver Smith (on bass and drums respectively), were all childhood friends who shared a deep passion for music. The story goes that they got their quirky name ‘Sneaky Bench’ one night when they found an old bench mysteriously placed in their rehearsal studio, a bench which no one knew how got there, and they decided to use it as part of their set-up. Their musical journey started from gigging in small local bars to eventually landing a record deal in 2014 after their performance at the Glastonbury festival was spotted by a talent scout from a major label.

Genre:
Indie Rock

Title:
“The Silent Echo”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
[G] Looking out of my old [D] windowpane, [C]
[G] Watching the world spin [D] in the rain,
[G] Trapped in a moment, [D] lost in time, [C]
[G] Waiting for your voice, [D] that silent echo of [C] mine.

(Chorus)
[Em] In the stillness, [C] I can hear your whisper,
[G] In the darkness, [D] your light shines brighter,
[Em] And with every beat of [C] my heart,
[G] I feel you, [D] The Silent Echo, [G] start.

(Verse 2)
[G] Walking down the [D] memory lane, [C]
[G] Drenched in love, soaked [D] in pain,
[G] Your laughter, your tears, [D] everything feels near, [C]
[G] But it’s your voice, [D] that silent echo I [C] fear.

(Repeat Chorus)

(Bridge)
[Am] Caught in the echoes [D] of forgotten dreams,
[G] You’re a silhouette [C] of all that’s been,
[Am] I’ll hold on to [D] your echo,
[G] Until I find my [C] tomorrow.

(Ending Chorus)
[Em] In the silence, [C] your voice grows stronger,
[G] In the darkness, [D] your light lingers,
[Em] And with every beat of [C] my heart,
[G] I feel you, [D] The Silent Echo, [G] depart.

Favorite Fan’s Name: Jessica Nolan

Testimonial:
“I’ve been a die-hard fan of Sneaky Bench ever since I heard their song, ‘The Silent Echo.’ Their lyrics resonate with me at a deep emotional level, and I always feel a profound connection with their music. It’s more than just indie-rock; it’s storytelling at its finest. Their songs bear a raw sense of authenticity that moves me every single time. The band’s journey, from playing at local bars to becoming an international sensation, is truly inspiring. Their music has been a comforting presence in my life, and I can’t wait to see where their musical journey takes them next.”

Backstory:

Circular Midnight was formed during the early hours of an impromptu university jam session in Boston, Massachusetts. The band’s original members, Dylan Grant (lead vocals, rhythm guitar), Emma Adams (lead guitar), Leon Smith (bass), and Josh Carpenter (drums), were brought together by a shared love of late-night conversations and caffeine-induced creativity. They found common ground in their love for music that was not only melodic but also rich in lyrical depth and philosophical undertones. Their first breakthrough was their winning performance at a local Battle of the Bands competition, which led to a record deal and catapulted Circular Midnight into the limelight.

The band’s name, Circular Midnight, refers to the profound conversations that would take place in their shared dorm room, often extending into the early hours of the morning. Their music reflects the sentiments of those youthful dialogues – the exploration of self, the search for truth, and the pursuit of connections in our shared human experience.

Genre:

Alternative Rock

Title:

“Shadows of Dawn”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse)
Em C G D
Wake up to the echoes of the night,
Em C G D
Lost in the corners of your mind.
Em C G D
We’re chasing shadows, can’t you see?
Em C G D
Dancing on the edge of make-believe.

(Chorus)
G C Em D
In the Shadows of Dawn, we find our song,
G C Em D
In the echoes of night, we find our light.

(Verse)
Em C G D
Look beyond, the stars can tell,
Em C G D
In the silence, we learn to dwell.
Em C G D
Tales of love, tales of pain,
Em C G D
In our hearts, they will remain.

(Chorus)
G C Em D
In the Shadows of Dawn, we find our song,
G C Em D
In the echoes of night, we find our light,
Em C G D
Tales of love, tales of sorrow,
Em C G D
In their echoes, we borrow.

Band’s Favorite Fan:

Our favorite fan is Jenny Davis. Jenny has been our avid supporter since our early days when we were playing for pocket change at local bars. She’s been to every single one of our shows, always standing front row, singing along to every lyric. Jenny once mentioned in an interview, “Circular Midnight isn’t just my favorite band because of their music, but because their lyrics speak to the very core of my being. They are the soundtrack to my life’s highs, lows and everything in between. Their music is a life companion, feeding my soul and challenging my thoughts. They are profound, they are real, and I couldn’t imagine my life without their music.”

Backstory:

Powerful Hand was born in the bustling city of Detroit, Michigan in 2010. The group was comprised of four close friends: lead vocalist and guitarist, Max Sterling, drummer, Jake Dillard, bassist, Tom Watson, and keyboardist, Leo Turner. Each had been involved in various local bands, but felt they were misaligned with their previous bandmates musically. They sought to create music that resonated with both their gritty, rock-infused roots and their love for contemporary sounds. Hence, they formed Powerful Hand, with a mission to create music that was not just heard, but felt in the hearts of their listeners.

The band’s journey to prominence was a slow burn. They began by playing in local bars and small music venues, slowly building a loyal fanbase. Their breakthrough came in 2013, when they won a local battle of the bands competition, catching the eye of a major record label. Today, Powerful Hand is a household name, known for their passionate performances, and emotionally charged music.

Genre:
Rock / Indie Rock

Title:
“Rising Storm”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
[C] She was a [G] wild, summer [Am] breeze [Em]
[C] I was a [G] boy lost at [Am] sea [Em]
She had a [F] smile like a [C] rising [G] storm
[F] I had a [C] heart ready [G] to transform

(Chorus)
[C] In the eye of the [G] storm, there’s a [Dm] calm, oh so [Am] warm
[F] It’s a love that [C] can weather any [G] form
[C] With you, I feel [G] I can soar
[F] You’re my [C] Rising [G] Storm

(Verse 2)
[C] Her laugh was [G] thunder, loud and [Am] clear [Em]
[C] Her touch was [G] lightning, drawing [Am] me near [Em]
We danced under [F] rain clouds, [C] lost in [G] time
Under her [F] spell, I found [C] the rhythm to [G] my rhyme

Chorus:
[C] In the eye of the [G] storm, there’s a [Dm] calm, oh so [Am] warm
[F] It’s a love that [C] can weather any [G] form
[C] With you, I feel [G] I can soar
[F] You’re my [C] Rising [G] Storm

Favorite fan:

The band’s favorite fan is a woman named Abby Johnson. Abby has been there from the very beginning, attending their local gigs when Powerful Hand was an unknown band playing in small bars. Abby’s testimonial: “Powerful Hand’s music is like a beacon in the night, guiding me through life’s ups and downs. Their lyrics speak to my soul and their melodies stir emotions deep within me. I’ve watched them grow and evolve, and I couldn’t be prouder of the band they’ve become. They are my favorite band because their music is not just entertainment, it’s a lifeline.”

Backstory:

Agonizing Suspicion was born in the underground rock scene of Austin, Texas in 2011. The band was formed by four college friends, Jake Martinez (lead vocals and guitar), Luke Harper (drums), Alex Turner (bass guitar), and Ava Adams (keyboard and backing vocals). As a group, they shared a mutual sense of disillusionment and frustration with society’s conventions, using music as an outlet to express their perspectives. Their sound was honed in the basements of local punk houses and dive bars, where their introspective lyrics and raw, aggressive sound quickly attracted a dedicated following.

Over the course of a decade, the band has faced their share of trials and triumphs. From lineup changes to record label disputes, the quartet has managed to maintain their unique sound and uncompromising vision. Today, Agonizing Suspicion is known for their intense live shows and thought-provoking lyrics, steadily building a fervent fanbase that spans the globe.

Genre:

Alternative Rock / Post-Punk

Title:

“Shadows in the Rearview”

Full song lyrics:

(Verse 1)
Em
Driving down this broken road,
Am
memories begin to unfold.
Em
In the rearview, I see shadows,
D
of a past I can’t let go.

(Chorus)
G D
Shadows in the rearview,
Em C
haunting every mile.
G D
A past that’s always chasing,
Am C
can’t outrun denial.

(Verse 2)
Em
Long nights and longer days,
Am
the echo of your love decays.
Em
In the silence, I hear whispers,
D
of promises we couldn’t make.

(Chorus)
G D
Shadows in the rearview,
Em C
haunting every mile.
G D
A past that’s always chasing,
Am C
can’t outrun denial.

(Bridge)
Em D
I keep driving,
G C
trying to escape.
Em D
But these shadows,
Am C
they won’t abate.

(Chorus)
G D
Shadows in the rearview,
Em C
haunting every mile.
G D
A past that’s always chasing,
Am C
can’t outrun denial.

Fan’s Name:

Caroline Morgan

Testimonial:

“‘Agonizing Suspicion’ is much more than just a band to me. It’s an emotion, a voice that resonates with my soul. Their music has seen me through my darkest times and celebrated with me in my brightest moments. The raw honesty in their lyrics, the passion in their performances, it all speaks to me in a way that no other band does. ‘Shadows in the Rearview’ is my personal favorite – it’s a blend of anguished sentiment and hopefulness that really defines what ‘Agonizing Suspicion’ stands for. I am, and will forever be, a proud fan.”