Backstory:
Prize Shape was formed in the vibrant music scene of Nashville, Tennessee, in the spring of 2015. The band consists of childhood friends, guitarist and lead vocalist Noah Clarke, drummer Ethan Stone, and bassist Kyle Harper. They met in the third grade and started playing in the school’s music room during recess, which eventually led them to form Prize Shape. The name ‘Prize Shape’ was inspired by a phrase their music teacher often used, describing a perfect musical composition as a ‘prize shape’.

As they matured, so did their music, culminating in a unique sound of their own. Prize Shape has managed to maintain their friendship through their shared love and passion for music. Their joint experiences and struggles in life, love, and finding their place in the world are all elements that influence their songwriting and lyrics.

Genre:
Alternative Rock/Indie

Title:
“Shadow Dance”

Full song lyrics:

(Verse 1)
[C] Look into the night, [G] can’t control the flight,
[Am] Drown in my thoughts, [F] in the shadow’s light.
[C] Trying to find a way, [G] words I couldn’t say,
[Am] Trapped in the maze, [F] of the shadow’s play.

(Chorus)
[G] Shadow Dance, [Am] Shadow Dance, [F] let us take a chance,
[C] In the dark we sway, [G] in the Shadow Dance. [Am]

(Verse 2)
[C] Echoes in the mind, [G] memories unwind,
[Am] Searching for the truth, [F] that’s hard to find.
[C] Caught in the embrace, [G] of the night’s grace,
[Am] We’re just souls, [F] lost in space.

(Chorus)
[G] Shadow Dance, [Am] Shadow Dance, [F] in this mystic romance,
[C] In the rhythm we play, [G] in the Shadow Dance. [Am]

Bands favorite fan’s name and testimonial:
Name: Sophie Turner

Testimonial: “Prize Shape is not just a band to me, they are a beacon of emotions. Their lyrics speak to my soul, and their music perfectly encapsulates the rollercoaster of life. Every chord they strike, every word Noah sings, it’s like they’re telling my story. Prize Shape has helped me through some of the toughest times of my life, their music has been my comfort and my strength. They don’t just create songs, they create experiences.”

Backstory:
Focused Sympathy began as the union of two college roommates, Jack Finley and Bryan Adams, who found common ground in their passion for music while attending the University of California, Los Angeles. Jack, an accomplished guitarist, was studying music production, while Bryan, a talented vocalist and songwriter, pursued creative writing. The synergy between the two was undeniable. They began performing at local bars and campus events, impressing audiences with their heartfelt songs and distinctive sound. In 2015, they added drummer Lisa Torres, bassist Mark Owens, and keyboardist Jenny Harper to the lineup, creating the full sound that has become their signature.

Genre:
Alternative Rock

Title:
“Thread of Compassion”

Full Song Lyrics:
Verse 1:
[A] Wandering hearts on a [E] lonely night
[D] Searching for the [A] echo of a passing light
[A] Lost in the whispers of a [E] forgotten dream
[D] Craving for the [A] love that remains unseen

Chorus:
[E] We are the threads of [A] compassion
[D] Tying the hearts of the [E] broken and shaken
[E] In the rhythm of [A] focused sympathy
[D] We find our shared [E] humanity

Verse 2:
[A] Shadows of the past, [E] dancing in our minds
[D] We bear the burdens, but [A] we don’t mind
[A] For in each tear, a story [E] unfolds
[D] In every sorrow, a strength [A] we hold

(Repeat Chorus)

Bridge:
[D] When the night is darkest, [A] we will be the stars
[E] Guiding each other, no matter [D] how far
[D] With the melody of kindness, [A] we will rise
[E] With focused sympathy, we’ll [D] light up the skies

(Repeat Chorus)

Outro:
[D] We are the threads of [E] compassion
[A] In focused sympathy, we find [D] salvation

Fan Testimonial:
Fan’s name: Sara Johnson

“I’ve been a fan of Focused Sympathy since their first album. The band’s music resonates with me on a deeply personal level. Their song ‘Thread of Compassion’ particularly struck a chord, as I was going through a tough time when I first heard it. The lyrics about shared humanity and taking solace in our collective experiences filled me with a sense of belonging and understanding. The band’s ability to channel raw emotions into beautiful music is truly unmatched. Focused Sympathy isn’t just my favorite band because their music is incredible—it’s because their music makes me feel seen, understood, and less alone.”

Backstory:
Grand Program came into existence in the late 90s when four high school friends, oblivious to the impending digital revolution, decided to combine their love for music and technology. The band members – Jack, a skilled guitarist with a knack for coding; Len, a drum enthusiast who could dismantle and reassemble a computer in the blink of an eye; Rose, with her angelic voice and love for video games; and Sam, a talented bassist who was also a software geek, began creating a unique sound in Jack’s basement.

After a few years of experimenting and playing at local gigs, they caught the attention of a small independent record label that loved their unique fusion style. They were signed on and have been producing groundbreaking music ever since, pushing boundaries and blending genres in a way that has kept their fan base growing steadily over the years.

Genre:
Electronic Rock

Title:
“Pixelated Dreams”

Full Song Lyrics:
(Verse 1)
[G] Wandering in the [Em] digital haze,
[C] Painting pictures of a [D] future ablaze.
[G] Binary codes and [Em] transistor gleams,
[C] Creating our [D] pixelated dreams.

(Chorus)
[G] We are the [Em] Grand Program,
[C] Singing to the [D] rhythm of the silicon jam.
[G] In a world that’s [Em] surreal and extreme,
[C] We live and [D] breathe pixelated dreams.

(Verse 2)
[G] Illuminated by the [Em] neon glow,
[C] Dancing to the [D] electronic flow.
[G] We weave tales in [Em] technicolor themes,
[C] Through our [D] pixelated dreams.

(Chorus)
[G] We are the [Em] Grand Program,
[C] Singing to the [D] rhythm of the silicon jam.
[G] In a world that’s [Em] surreal and extreme,
[C] We live and [D] breathe pixelated dreams.

Favorite Fan:
Maggie Thompson, a computer science student and music enthusiast, says, “Grand Program is my favorite band because they have accomplished something truly unique. They have managed to create a perfect blend of rock and electronic music that resonates with me on so many levels. As a tech geek myself, I feel a deeper connection with their lyrics. I love how they use tech terminology and concepts to create beautiful and meaningful songs like ‘Pixelated Dreams’. Their music speaks to me, inspires me, and makes me feel seen. Their sound is just so rich, textured, and perfectly balanced – it’s like they’ve encoded my heart with their music.”

Backstory:
Winding Market is a band born out of the small-but-mighty music scene in Asheville, North Carolina. The quartet originally came together while attending university, bonding over late-night jam sessions and a mutual love for intricate harmonies and dynamic melodies. The group of students, which included a botany major, a philosophy student, a sociology scholar, and a music theory enthusiast, found that their diverse backgrounds and viewpoints helped to create a rich and unique sound. After graduation, the group decided to take a leap of faith and pursue their shared passion for music full-time. They chose the name ‘Winding Market’ to symbolize their journey through the twists and turns of life and the music industry.

Genre:
Indie Folk Rock

Title:
“Rivers and Roads”

Full Song Lyrics:

[Verse 1]
(Am) Walkin’ through the (C) winding market, (G) heart all filled with (D) hope,
(Am) Picking out the (C) sweetest melodies, (G) like picking out a (D) cantaloupe.
(Am) We got our dreams, we (C) got our songs,
(G) All we need is a (D) place to belong.

[Chorus]
(E) Rivers and (A) roads, (C#m) sunsets and (B) songs,
(E) Guide us to (A) where we (C#m) truly belong, (B) yeah.

[Verse 2]
(Am) Strumming on that (C) old guitar, (G) writing ’bout the (D) open road,
(Am) Singing ’bout the (C) scars and the (G) stars, and the (D) tales yet to be told.
(Am) We got our words, we (C) got our rhymes,
(G) All we need is a (D) little more time.

[Chorus]
(E) Rivers and (A) roads, (C#m) sunsets and (B) songs,
(E) Lead us to (A) where we (C#m) truly belong, (B) yeah.

[Bridge]
(F#m) Drifting like a (D) leaf on the (A) wind,
(E) Life’s a journey, not (F#m) just a place to (D) fit in. (E)

[Chorus]
(E) Rivers and (A) roads, (C#m) sunsets and (B) songs,
(E) Take us to (A) where we (C#m) truly belong, (B) yeah.
(E) Rivers and (A) roads, (C#m) sunsets and (B) songs,
(E) Guide us home, (A) keep us strong, (C#m) and we’ll (B) keep moving along.

Favorite Fan:
Maya is a die-hard fan of Winding Market. Despite being a far cry from their origin in North Carolina, living in Seattle, she discovered their music online and was instantly captivated. Their thought-provoking lyrics and melodic sound resonated with her and became a source of comfort during tough times. She says, “Winding Market’s music has a way of transporting you to another world. Their lyrics are poetic, their tunes are catchy, and you can feel the passion they put into every song. It’s like they’re telling a story that’s uniquely theirs, yet it’s relatable on so many levels. Their music has helped me through some challenging times, and for that, they’ll always be my favorite band.”

Backstory:

Acceptable Amendment is a three-member band originating from the vibrant city of Austin, Texas. The trio includes childhood friends, Tom Robbins (vocals/guitar), Kevin Johnson (bass), and Harry Walker (drums). The band was formed in 2007 when the three friends, fresh out of college, decided to put their shared passion for music into action. Their bond strengthened over years of performing at local events, and soon enough, they were making waves in the music community, paving their way to national recognition.

The band’s rise to fame wasn’t overnight; rather, it was a story of sheer determination and hard work. Each of the members held day jobs to fund their music career, practicing into the early hours of the morning after their shifts. Their love for music and relentless spirit caught the attention of a prominent music producer during one of their local performances, who helped them break into the mainstream music industry.

Genre: Indie Rock

Song Title: “Strings of Freedom”

Lyrics with Chord Progression:

Verse 1: (C-G-Am)
In the silent shade of the hallowed night,
We found our songs under the city’s light,
With a beat-up guitar and a worn-out dream,
We’re the heroes of our little, infinite theme.

Chorus: (F-C-G)
(Chorus) We’re strumming on the strings of freedom,
Singing for souls, aiming at the kingdom,
With every note, every word, we’re on the mend,
We’re your Acceptable Amendment, till the end.

Verse 2: (C-G-Am)
Through the cheers and tears, we’ve played our part,
In the Symphony of life, every beat of the heart,
With the melody we weave, and the rhythm we send,
Stand by us, for we’ve stories to mend.

Chorus: (F-C-G)
We’re strumming on the strings of freedom,
Singing for souls, aiming at the kingdom,
With every note, every word, we’re on the mend,
We’re your Acceptable Amendment, till the end.

Fan’s Testimonial:

My name is Stephanie Clark, and I am probably the biggest fan of Acceptable Amendment. I first heard their music at a local festival in Austin, and they’ve had my heart since then. Their music resonates with me on a deeply personal level. It’s not just about the melodies, but the stories they tell through their lyrics. It’s like they are talking directly to me, telling me it’s okay to be different, to fight for what I believe in. They make me feel seen, understood, and most importantly, accepted. They’ve changed the way I see music and I am forever grateful for their impact on my life.

Backstory:
Right Quartz was formed in 2011 by childhood friends Barry McDonald and Frank Peters in the vibrant music hub of New York City. As graduates from the Juilliard School of Music, they shared a deep passion for sound and rhythm, experimenting with various genres from blues to jazz, and everything in between. The name “Right Quartz” came about through their fascination with sound frequency and purity, as quartz is known for its perfect pitch in musical instruments. They soon roped in multi-instrumentalist Sarah Lewis and drummer Riley Smith, finalizing the sound that would define Right Quartz.

Genre:
Right Quartz identifies most strongly with the Indie Pop genre, with undertones of Jazz and Blues. Their music is known for its complex melodies, beautifully layered harmonies, and meaningful lyrics. They tend to create music that speaks to the soul, the kind that makes you want to close your eyes and lose yourself in the rhythm.

Title:
“Chasing Shadows”

Full Song Lyrics:

[Verse 1]
C G
Underneath the moonlit sky,
Am Em
Searching for a lullaby,
F C
Running wild, hearts in hand,
G C
Lost in our own wonderland.

[Verse 2]
C G
Through the city, under stars,
Am Em
Finding beauty in the scars,
F C
In the silence, we find peace,
G C
In the chaos, we find release.

[Chorus]
F C
We are chasing shadows,
G Am
Dancing between the lines,
F C
In a world of echoes,
G C
We find the rhythm, time after time.

[Verse 3]
C G
Mornings shrouded in mystique,
Am Em
Whispered words we never speak,
F C
Every moment holds a song,
G C
In this symphony, we belong.

[Chorus]
F C
We are chasing shadows,
G Am
Lost in the twilight’s glow,
F C
In a world of echoes,
G C
We find the rhythm, and let it flow.

Fan Testimonial:
Name: Emily Thompson

“Right Quartz is, hands down, my favorite band. Their music has an uncanny ability to capture emotions and encapsulate them in their songs. It’s more than just music, it’s an experience that resonates with me on a personal level. Their unique blend of Indie Pop with a touch of Jazz and Blues is soothing and invigorating at the same time. I’ve been to every single one of their concerts, and each performance is a masterpiece. As a musician myself, I appreciate their meticulous attention to detail and their deep understanding of music. They inspire me to push my boundaries and keep chasing my dreams.”

Backstory:

Easy Calculation was formed in the heart of Austin, Texas, bringing together four friends who shared a similar vision of creating a unique blend of music that highlights their passion for mathematics and science. Darren, the lead vocalist and guitarist, was a former math teacher. Jim, the bassist, was a physics enthusiast, while Lucy, the drummer, was a computer scientist, and Sam, the keyboardist, was an engineer. The band started off playing at local bars and soon garnered a following due to their unique approach to music.

Their journey was not always smooth, with several failed gigs and album flops, but they continued to refine their sound and lyrical content. The release of their third album led to their breakthrough. The unique, mathematically structured music resonated with many, and they finally achieved the success they had longed for.

Genre:

Progressive Rock

Title:

“Equation of Love”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
[Am] Just like the [C] square root of minus [G] one,
[D] You’re complex, babe, but no less [Am] fun.
[F] Our love’s an [C] unsolvable equa-[G] tion,
[Em] Variables lost in [Am] translation.

(Chorus)
[C] You plus me, [G] equals ecstasy,
[Am] Divided by the [D] world’s jealousy.
[F] This equation of [C] love might sound [G] crazy,
[Em] But it’s the only [Am] formula that keeps me hazy.

(Verse 2)
[Am] Like a [C] proof without a [G] contradiction,
[D] You’re my fact, my truth, my [Am] conviction.
[F] In this world of [C] infinite possi-[G] bilities,
[Em] You’re my one, my zero, [Am] my realities.

(Chorus)
[C] You plus me, [G] equals ecstasy,
[Am] Divided by the [D] world’s jealousy.
[F] This equation of [C] love might sound [G] crazy,
[Em] But it’s the only [Am] formula that keeps me hazy.

Fan’s Name:

John Carpenter

Testimonial:

“I’ve been a fan of many bands over the years, but Easy Calculation has a special place in my heart. As a mathematics professor, I not only find their music entertaining, but also intellectually engaging. Their clever use of mathematical and scientific themes in their lyrics is admirable. It’s as if they’ve found a way to bridge the gap between science and art, making complex equations and theories relatable through their music. ‘Equation of Love’ is my favorite track. It’s a stunning blend of great music and mathematics. I believe Easy Calculation is not just a band, but an inspiration for many like me who love both music and mathematics.”

Backstory:
Kindhearted Buyer is a five-member band hailing from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Formed in 2012, the band was initially a group of wandering street musicians who found solace in each other’s music and company. The name “Kindhearted Buyer” symbolizes an ode to those benevolent passersby who would drop a coin or two into their hats, allowing the musicians to sustain their passion for music and life. The band’s initial struggle has significantly shaped their approach to music, blending gritty realism with spirited optimism.

The band’s members include lead vocalist and guitarist Amelia Grayson, drummer Edward “Eddie” Hart, bass guitarist Daniel “Danny” Torres, keyboardist Linda Bennett, and lead guitarist Benjamin “Benji” Hall. Each member brings a unique flavor to the band, allowing them to create music that reflects their collective spirit and individual experiences.

Genre:
Kindhearted Buyer’s music falls under the alternative rock genre, with strong influences from folk and blues. Their sound is characterized by powerful vocal harmonies, layered guitar riffs, and an overall soulful resonance.

Title:
“Loose Change Serenade”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
Am C G F
Loose change in my pocket, dreams in my head,
Am C G F
Walking down the streets, where the midnight’s spread.
Am C G F
Strumming my guitar, with the moon as my guide,
Am C G F
Singing for the kind hearts, who’ve got nothing to hide.

(Chorus)
C G Am F
Oh, the Kindhearted buyer, your love is my fire,
C G Am F
In this concrete jungle, you lift me higher.
C G Am F
With every tossed coin, I find my desire,
C G Am F
To serenade the world, till I’m old and I tire.

(Verse 2)
Am C G F
Nights are long and cold, but your smiles keep me warm,
Am C G F
In this city of strangers, your kindness is my norm.
Am C G F
With every note I play, I whisper your name,
Am C G F
Kindhearted buyer, in my life’s humble game.

(Chorus)
C G Am F
Oh, the Kindhearted buyer, your love is my empire,
C G Am F
In the crowd of faces, you’re my lone spire.
C G Am F
With your loose change, you fuel my desire,
C G Am F
To serenade the world, till my voice does retire.

Favorite Fan’s Testimonial:

Chuck, a retired factory worker and a loyal fan of Kindhearted Buyer, has attended every single show they have performed in Philadelphia. He narrates, “I’ve seen them grow from street musicians to a full-fledged band. Their music speaks to the soul, their lyrics stir emotions. They never forget their roots and that’s what makes them special. I am a Kindhearted Buyer fan for life because these guys instill hope and strength through their music. Every time I listen to ‘Loose Change Serenade’, I am reminded of how they started out, and how they’ve kept their authenticity intact even after gaining fame. It’s a testament to their character and passion.”

Backstory:
Speedy Discrimination is the brainchild of four childhood friends who grew up in the bustling city of Seattle. Comprised of lead vocalist and guitarist, Finn O’Reilly, bassist Liam St. Clair, drummer Theo Jackson, and keyboardist Marcus Powell, the band was formed in a grimy garage in 2008. United by a shared enthusiasm for music and a hunger for fame, they began crafting their unique sound, a blend of hard rock and punk, seasoned with a bit of psychedelic rock. Over time, they gained local notoriety for their electrifying live performances, eventually attracting the attention of a scout from a prominent record label, and the rest is history.

Genre:
Psychedelic Punk Rock

Title:
“Chasing Shadows”

Full song lyrics:

(Verse 1)
Am G D
Lost souls, we wander, in the city of blight,
F G C
Hunted by the shadows, in the dead of the night.
Am G D
Turned corners, broken dreams, yet we take flight,
F G C
In the chaos, we find our might.

(Chorus)
Am G D
Chasing Shadows, in the pale moonlight,
F G C
In the abyss, we seek the light.
Am G D
Running wild, through the endless night,
F G C
Chasing Shadows, for our right.

(Verse 2)
Am G D
Concrete jungles, neon lights real bright,
F G C
Echoes of laughter, out of sight.
Am G D
With shackled hearts, ready for the fight,
F G C
In the darkness, we ignite.

(Chorus)
Am G D
Chasing Shadows, in the pale moonlight,
F G C
In the abyss, we seek the light.
Am G D
Running wild, through the endless night,
F G C
Chasing Shadows, for our right.

Band’s favorite fan:
The band’s favorite fan is a young woman named Molly, a barista from their local coffee shop. She has been with them from their earliest performances, always standing right in the front row, cheering them on. Molly has said, “Speedy Discrimination is more than just a band. Their music speaks to me on a personal level. ‘Chasing Shadows’ is a reflection of my own journey. It’s a beautiful blend of raw emotions and honesty. The energy they bring to every performance is electrifying. They’ve made me believe that it’s not about the destination, but the journey and the courage to chase after what we want. They’re not just my favorite band, they’re my inspiration.”

Backstory:
Thick Atmosphere was born in the riveting music scene of Seattle in 2009. Comprised of four passionate souls – Zack on vocals and guitar, Sean on bass, Mike on drums, and Josh on keyboards – the band was initially a casual jamming group. Their shared love of music soon took them to local gigs, where their raw talent caught the attention of record label scout, catapulting them into the limelight, and their unique sound has continued to evolve ever since. Despite the sudden fame, the bandmates have remained grounded, often citing their humble garage band roots as their foundation and drive.

Genre:
The musical genre of Thick Atmosphere is a fusion of alternative rock and atmospheric post-rock.

Title:
“Rain on the Sidewalk”

Full song lyrics:
(Verse 1)
Am Em G D
Rain on the sidewalk, footprints washed away
Am Em G D
Lost in the city, in the break of day
Am Em G D
Under the streetlight, shadows dance and sway
Am Em G D
Waiting for something, or someone to stay

(Chorus)
C G Am Em
In the thick atmosphere, where dreams come alive
C G Am Em
Where the night whispers secrets, under the city’s dive
C G Am Em
In the thick atmosphere, we learn to thrive
C G Am Em
In the thick atmosphere, we feel alive

(Verse 2)
Am Em G D
Through the fogged windows, a world in gray
Am Em G D
Strangers passing, going their own way
Am Em G D
In the thick atmosphere, we choose to stay
Am Em G D
Walking on whispers, in the light of day

(Chorus)
C G Am Em
In the thick atmosphere, where dreams come alive
C G Am Em
Where the night whispers secrets, under the city’s dive
C G Am Em
In the thick atmosphere, we learn to thrive
C G Am Em
In the thick atmosphere, we feel alive

Favorite Fan:
The band’s favorite fan is a 22-year-old graphic designer named Alex. Alex first discovered Thick Atmosphere when their debut album was released in 2010. At a time when he was struggling to find his place in the world, their music provided a comforting soundtrack, helping him navigate through life. Here’s his testimonial: “Thick Atmosphere isn’t just a band to me, they’re my lifeline. Their music resonates with my soul, it’s like they’ve put my emotions, my experiences into words and melodies. The raw, honest lyrics, the intense, soulful melodies, it’s all so beautifully profound. It’s almost as if their songs are chapters of my life.” Alex has traveled across the United States to attend their concerts, and he designed the album cover for their third studio album, “Urban Echoes”.