Backstory:
Hailing from the heart of Manchester, England, four childhood friends share a passion for music and poetry, which eventually gave birth to the band “Long Defeat”. The name resonated with their belief that one’s greatest failures are often a prelude to their most resounding successes, a perspective that they reflect in their music. The members, Harry Owens (vocalist), Alex Rutherford (guitarist), Sam Davenport (bassist), and Liam Walsh (drummer), met in high school and bonded over their shared love for rock, punk, and poetic lyrics. Their journey started in their shared dormitory room, where they would stay up late, writing lyrics and composing music. Their music journey has been a long defeat, battling numerous rejections, heartbreaks, and struggles, yet they continue to bravely march on.

Genre:
Alternative Rock/Punk Rock

Title:
“Line of Shadows”

Full song lyrics:
(Verse 1)
G Em C D
Through the line of shadows, we walk on shards,
Bearing the weight of the world, we carry on,
In the echoes of the night, we find our hearts,
Bound by the chains of love, we stand strong.

(Chorus)
C D G Em
In the long defeat, we find our strength,
In the depths of despair, we find our faith,
In the echoes of silence, we find our song,
In the line of shadows, we carry on.

(Verse 2)
G Em C D
In the ashes of dreams, we find our hope,
In the ruins of the past, we build our home,
In the surges of time, we learn to cope,
In the line of shadows, we find our own.

(Chorus)
C D G Em
In the long defeat, we find our light,
In the abyss of fear, we learn to fight,
In the echoes of darkness, we find our dawn,
In the line of shadows, we carry on.

Fan Testimonial:
“My name is Emily. I’ve been a huge fan of Long Defeat since their early days. Their lyrics resonate deeply with me, reminding me that it’s okay to fail, as long as I never give up. Their music helped me during my darkest days, gave me strength when I was about to crumble. Every beat, every word, every tune just hits differently. They are more than just a band to me, they are the voice in my head, telling me to keep going, no matter how hard life hits. Long Defeat isn’t just my favorite band, they are my lifeline.”

Backstory:

Untidy Bulb was born in the garage of a small house in Portland, Oregon, in 2015. The band is composed of lead vocalist and guitarist, Alex “Razor” Reynolds, drummer Sam “Turbo” Thompson, and bassist Mike “Jazz” Jenkins. The trio of lifelong friends found their passion for music during their high school years, jamming in their parents’ basements and later in local bars and clubs. In their early years, they experimented with various sounds and genres until they found their unique style. The name ‘Untidy Bulb’ is an ode to the chaotic and sometimes messy process of creativity and innovation but also symbolizes the bright light of their music in the world of rock and roll.

Genre:

Untidy Bulb’s music falls under the umbrella of Garage Rock, a raw and energetic style of rock and roll that came to prominence in the mid-1960s.

Title:

“Neon Burn”

Full song lyrics:

(Verse 1)
E – E – A – A
In the city of the night, under the neon burn,
She was a fast-paced comet, no time to return.
His heart was a junkyard, rusted and torn,
But in her eyes, he found a new dawn.

(Chorus)
G – D – E – E
Neon burn, in your light we yearn,
In the echo of the streets, our hearts will learn.
Neon burn, where love takes a turn,
In your luminescent glow, our souls return.

(Verse 2)
E – E – A – A
They danced in the shadows, lost in the groove,
In the rhythm of the night, they found their move.
Their love was a wildfire, raging and bright,
Under the neon burn, they lit up the night.

(Repeat Chorus)
G – D – E – E
Neon burn, in your light we yearn,
In the echo of the streets, our hearts will learn.
Neon burn, where love takes a turn,
In your luminescent glow, our souls return.

Favorite Fan:

The band’s favorite fan is Jenny Collins. Her testimonial reads, “I’ve followed Untidy Bulb since their first gig in a shabby bar down the street. Their raw energy and passion for music resonated with me. Their songs are like stories that speak directly to my soul. I’ve been to every concert, bought every album, and even have an Untidy Bulb tattoo. This band is my favorite because their music isn’t just songs; it’s raw emotion and experience packaged into melodies that never fail to touch my heart.”

Backstory:
Remote Revenue was born in a small town in Indiana where four friends, Mike, Steve, Ryan, and Tim, bonded over their shared love of music and their shared disdain for their desk jobs. Their name, Remote Revenue, came about as an ironic nod to their dream of being able to make music from anywhere and still make a living. In 2005, they quit their jobs, sold their belongings, and hit the road in a small tour van, playing in every bar, club, and college campus that would have them.

The path to success wasn’t always easy, but Remote Revenue remained determined. They slept in their van, recorded demos in cheap motels, and survived on a meager diet of fast food and energy drinks. But their perseverance paid off when they were discovered by a music producer during an impromptu performance in a Nashville coffee shop. Their raw passion, undeniable talent, and unique sound made them a hit, and they have been rising stars in the music industry ever since.

Genre:
Alternative Rock

Title:
“Highway Harmonics”

Full Song Lyrics:
(Verse 1)
C G Am F
On the road, under a neon sky,
C G Am F
Our dreams, no longer denied.
C G Am F
Four hearts beating to the rhythm of the road,
C G Am F
In our van, we found our abode.

(Chorus)
C G Am F
Highway Harmonics, our song of freedom,
C G Am F
Sacrifices made, we don’t need ‘em.
C G Am F
Our guitars strumming, voices in tune,
C G Am F
Underneath the same moon.

(Verse 2)
C G Am F
In cheap motels, we found our sound,
C G Am F
In every city, every town.
C G Am F
This lifestyle, not everyone’s cup of tea,
C G Am F
But for us, it’s a symphony.

(Chorus)
C G Am F
Highway Harmonics, the melody of our lives,
C G Am F
In our music, our spirit thrives.
C G Am F
Our drums beating, bass in groove,
C G Am F
This is how we choose to move.

Fan Testimonial:
Name: Jessica Lawson

Jessica Lawson has been a fan of Remote Revenue since their early days. As a music student, she was captivated by their unique sound and raw talent. Despite their humble beginnings, she saw the spark in their music that she knew would ignite. In her words, “Remote Revenue isn’t just a band, they are a testament to the power of dreams and the magic of music. Their music has been a soundtrack to my own journey, and I couldn’t be happier to see them succeed.”

Backstory:

Excitable Loan came into existence in the vibrant indie music scene of Portland, Oregon in 2012. It was formed by two childhood friends, Jack “Jumper” Harlow, a quirky and brilliant drummer, and Lynn “Lynx” Silver, the profound lyricist and charismatic lead vocalist. Both shared a mutual passion for music and the desire to express their unique perspective on the world through a fusion of rock and indie soundscapes. After playing a series of small gigs in local artist bars and underground events, their dynamic combination of deep lyrics and energetic beats soon grabbed the attention of music lovers. Known for their onstage fervor and unpredictability, Excitable Loan is frequently the talk of the town for their exhilarating performances.

Genre: Indie-Rock

Title: “Stray Rhythms”

Full song lyrics and chord progression:

(Verse 1 – Am, F, C, G)
I’m chasing stray rhythms down an empty street, (Am)
An amplified heartbeat, under the city beat, (F)
Scribbled notes on napkins, tales of us unfurl, (C)
We’re dancing in the chaos of this reckless world. (G)

(Pre-chorus – Dm, E)
Dreamers that we are, (Dm)
Chasing after stars. (E)

(Chorus – F, C, G, A)
Oh, stray rhythms guide us home, (F)
Through the chaos that we roam. (C)
With every pulse, every tone, (G)
We find a place where we belong. (A)

(Verse 2 – Am, F, C, G)
Underneath the moonlight, under the sun’s glow, (Am)
We carve our path, through the high and low. (F)
With a melody in our soul, and rhythm in our heart, (C)
No matter where we wander, we’re never truly apart. (G)

(Repeat Pre-chorus and Chorus)

(Outro – Am, F, C, G)
So here’s to the stray rhythms that set us free, (Am)
To the amplified heartbeat of our symphony. (F)
Through the chaos and the noise, we’ll always find our way, (C)
Because we are Excitable Loan, and we’re here to play. (G)

Favorite fan:

The band’s favorite fan is Emily “Em” Patterson. Em discovered Excitable Loan at one of their early gigs and has been a devoted follower ever since. For her, Excitable Loan’s music is the soundtrack to her life, a comfort in tough times, and a celebration during the good ones. She says, “Excitable Loan isn’t just a band; they’re a community. Their music speaks to the heart and moves the soul. Every song feels like a personal conversation, like they’ve somehow captured the essence of the human experience in their melodies. They make me feel seen, heard, and most importantly, understood. And that’s why they’ll always be my favorite band.”

Backstory:
Super Discovery was formed in the bustling heart of New York City in 2014. Four individuals – Jake (vocals and guitar), Sofia (bass), Freddie (drums), and Dante (keyboard) – decided to combine their differing musical backgrounds and create a sound unique to them. They met during their time at New York University, bonding over their shared love for music, late-night jam sessions, and their shared dreams of making it big in the music industry. Their journey has been a rollercoaster of ups and downs. From playing in small cafes and local festivals to recording in famous studios and performing in sold-out arenas, Super Discovery has never forgotten their roots, always incorporating the essence of NYC in their music.

Genre:
Their sound can most accurately be described as a vibrant blend of Indie Pop and Alternative Rock.

Title:
“One More Night in Brooklyn”

Full song lyrics:

(Verse 1)
G Am C G
Walking down the streets of Brooklyn past midnight,
G Am C G
Under the city lights, it’s a beautiful sight.
G Am C G
Can’t let go of this feeling, this city’s our home,
G Am C G
Where we discovered dreams, where our love has grown.

(Chorus)
D Em C G
One more night in Brooklyn, underneath the starry sky,
D Em C G
Feeling the rhythm of the city, where our dreams lie.
D Em C G
We’ll keep on playing, through the night, till the break of day,
D Em C G
This is our song, for Brooklyn, we’re here to stay.

(Verse 2)
G Am C G
Basking in the echo of our melodies,
G Am C G
In this city of dreams, lost in fantasies.
G Am C G
Writing our story in music, this city’s our muse,
G Am C G
In the heart of Brooklyn, we’ve got nothing to lose.

(Chorus)
D Em C G
One more night in Brooklyn, as we play our hearts out,
D Em C G
In the city that never sleeps, we’ve found our route.
D Em C G
Chasing the dawn, with our song, we’ll light the way,
D Em C G
This is our journey, in Brooklyn, we choose to stay.

Favorite Fan Testimonial:
The band’s favorite fan is a young woman named Lily. Lily has been there for Super Discovery from the start. She was there at their first small café gig, and she was there at their most recent sold-out arena concert. She loves Super Discovery for their authenticity and their unique blend of indie pop and alternative rock.

Lily says, “Super Discovery is more than just a band to me. It’s like they’re narrating my life through their music. Their songs speak to me, and I feel a connection that I’ve never felt with any other band. Plus, their blend of genres is unlike anything I’ve ever heard. They’re truly a musical ‘discovery’, and I can’t wait to see where their journey takes them next.”

Backstory:
“Spherical Operator” was formed in the winter of 2010 in Seattle, Washington. The band’s founding members, twin brothers Jake and Matt Lyons, were Physics students at the University of Washington, and thus they named their band after a complex physics term. Jake played rhythm guitar and sang lead vocals, while Matt took up the drums. Soon, they were joined by their high school friends, bassist Tommy Mitchell and lead guitarist Chris Harper. The band members bonded over their shared love of music and their desire to use it as a medium of expressing the intricacies of life and human emotions.

The band’s journey wasn’t exactly smooth sailing. They faced the usual barrage of rejections and disappointments that most nascent bands experience. But, bolstered by a mutual passion and a never-give-up attitude, the band members remained undeterred. They played in local clubs and college festivals, which helped them build a solid fan base. Their breakthrough came when their track “Einstein’s Lament” went viral on social media platforms, propelling them into the limelight.

Genre:
Indie Rock

Title:
“Quantum Love”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
Am Em
In this vast space,
G D
Between you and me,
Am Em
Our hearts beat in time,
G D
Creating our own symphony.

(Chorus)
C G Am Em
Quantum love, it’s a mystery,
C G Am Em
But baby, we’re making history,
C G Am Em
With every touch, every shared laugh,
C G Am F
We’re diving deep into the quantum path.

(Verse 2)
Am Em
Stars align,
G D
As our eyes meet,
Am Em
With every shared secret,
G D
Our connection is complete.

(Chorus)
C G Am Em
Quantum love, it’s a mystery,
C G Am Em
But baby, we’re diving into the galaxy,
C G Am Em
With every touch, every shared dream,
C G Am F
We’re lost in our own cosmic theme.

(Outro)
C G Am F
Quantum Love, Quantum Love
C G Am F
We’re entwined stars from above.

Favorite Fan:
Sarah Peterson is an ardent fan of Spherical Operator. She first discovered them during a college festival and was immediately drawn to their scientific metaphors and soulful music. For her testimonial, Sarah says, “Spherical Operator’s music is an amalgamation of sublime melodies and thought-provoking lyrics. It’s not just music; it’s a spiritual journey of sorts. Their song ‘Quantum Love’ is my favorite. The song talks about love in a way that’s so unique and beautiful, it’s almost transcendental. It’s not often you come across a band that can marry science and music so seamlessly. That’s what makes them my favorite band.”

Backstory:
Inspired by a peculiar encounter with a rare yellow ladybug during an early morning hike, childhood friends Jamie, Mike, and Eric decided to form an aptly named band, ‘Yellowish Ladybug.’ The trio began their musical journey in a small garage in their hometown of Austin, Texas. United by a common love for storytelling, they quickly developed a unique sound that captured their shared experiences and imagination. Their passion soon attracted the attention of local music lovers, and before they knew it, ‘Yellowish Ladybug’ was performing at local clubs and venues, steadily gaining a reputation for their deep lyrics and soulful melodies.

Genre: Indie Folk

Title: “Golden Sunsets”

Full Song Lyrics:
(Verse 1)
[G] Underneath the open sky, [C] by the river, you and I,
[D] Laughing with our hearts, not a [Em] care in the world.
[G] Chasing dreams as big as mountains, [C] throwing coins in wishing fountains,
[D] Hoping for a love that’s [Em] beautifully unfurled.

(Chorus)
[C] Golden sunsets, [G] skies of blue,
[Am] Starry nights, just [D] me and you.
[C] Love’s sweet melody [G] in the air,
[Am] In this moment, [D] nothing else could compare.

(Verse 2)
[G] We made a promise in the sand, [C] walking hand in hand,
[D] Vowing to stay true, [Em] come what may.
[G] In your eyes, I find my home, [C] no longer do I roam,
[D] With you, everything just [Em] falls into place.

(Repeat Chorus)
[C] Golden sunsets, [G] skies of blue,
[Am] Starry nights, just [D] me and you.
[C] Love’s sweet melody [G] in the air,
[Am] In this moment, [D] nothing else could compare.

Favorite Fan’s Name: Sarah Reynolds

Why and How This Band Is Their Favorite:
Sarah became captivated by ‘Yellowish Ladybug’ at their very first performance in a local Austin club. She was drawn to their earnest storytelling and the authenticity in their music, which resonated with her deeply. For Sarah, their song “Golden Sunsets” became an anthem for her own love story. She says, “Their music is like a warm hug on a cold day, a comfort that I can always rely on. Sounds a bit dramatic, but ‘Yellowish Ladybug’ has genuinely changed my life. Their songs are the soundtrack to my happiest and even my hardest moments. Their music reminds me that no matter what happens, there’s always a melody to be found, a song to be sung.”

Backstory:

Gripping Grade was formed in the late 2000s by four passionate high school friends – Connor, Mike, Jack, and Aaron, in the small town of Medora, North Dakota. The band started off as a small garage venture, where they would jam after school and on weekends. Gripping Grade was initially known for their raucous performances at their school’s talent shows, where they captured the attention of their peers with their unfiltered enthusiasm and charm. As time went on, their passion for music grew, and they decided to pursue it full-time after graduation. The boys moved to Austin, Texas, known for its live music culture, where they got their big break performing at SXSW. Since then, they have been slowly but surely climbing the ladder of success.

Genre:

Alt-rock / Indie

Title:

“Chasing Echoes”

Full song lyrics:

(Verse 1)
[A]Underneath the [D]starlight, [A]contemplating [D]time
[E]Running from the [A]shadows, [D]lost in the [A]line
[A]Hear the sound of [D]laughter, [A]feeling so [D]divine
[E]Chasing after [A]echoes, [D]just to feel a[A]live

(Chorus)
[E]Chasing echoes in the [A]dark
[D]Finding voices in the [A]park
[E]Living stories yet [A]untold
[D]Chasing after [A]echoes, just to feel [E]whole.

(Verse 2)
[A]Walking on the [D]moonlight, [A]driven by the [D]tide
[E]Running from the [A]truth, [D]nowhere left to [A]hide
[A]Feel the rush of [D]freedom, [A]on a midnight [D]ride
[E]Chasing after [A]echoes, [D]just to feel a[A]live

(Chorus)
[E]Chasing echoes in the [A]night
[D]Seeing faces in the [A]light
[E]Living lives that [A]unfold
[D]Chasing after [A]echoes, just to feel [E]whole.

Fan Testimonial:

Fan’s Name: Lily Mitchell

“I’ve adored Gripping Grade ever since I first heard them at SXSW. Their energy, passion, and the rawness of their music is just so captivating. What I love the most is how their lyrics speak to me. They tell stories that are real, relatable, and powerful. ‘Chasing Echoes’ is my absolute favorite. It’s about searching for meaning, for connection, and that’s something that resonates with me deeply. Gripping Grade is my favorite band because they’re authentic. They’re not afraid to be vulnerable and share their journey through their music. It’s like they’re speaking directly to my soul. They’re truly a breath of fresh air in the music industry.”

Backstory:

Grim Lettuce sprouted from the untamed chaos of the late 90s underground rock scene in London, England. Band members Leroy “The Lock” Lockwood (vocals/guitar), Mick “Raspberry” Rasp (bass), and Jay “Dandelion” Daniels (drums) met at an experimental sound and art festival. Their shared passion for music, raw vegetables, and the absurd sparked a unique bond and soon Grim Lettuce was born.

The band made their living playing in dive bars and music festivals, honing their sound and building up a grassroots fanbase. Their breakthrough occurred in 2003 with their debut album “Salad Days”, which quickly became a cult favorite. Despite their growing popularity, Grim Lettuce has remained true to their original ethos, delivering honest, quirky, and often surreal music to their dedicated fanbase.

Genre:

Psychedelic Punk Rock

Title:

“Celery Stalks at Midnight”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
Am, Em, G, D
Down the rabbit hole, where the lettuce grows,
Lost in the shadows, where nobody goes.
Red-eyed rabbits, with mischief in sight,
In our garden, celery stalks at midnight.

(Chorus)
C, G, Am, F
Oh, the night is crisp, the moon is bright,
In our garden, celery stalks at night.
Through the leaves, under the silver light,
In our garden, celery stalks at midnight.

(Verse 2)
Am, Em, G, D
Vegetable vampires, in the twilight zone,
In this green world, we are not alone.
Rabbits, radishes, and romaine take flight,
In our garden, celery stalks at midnight.

(Chorus)
C, G, Am, F
Oh, the night is crisp, the moon is bright,
In our garden, celery stalks at night.
Through the leaves, under the silver light,
In our garden, celery stalks at midnight.

Fan Testimonial:

Fan’s Name: Luna “Lettuce-Lover” Langley

“As a longtime follower of Grim Lettuce, there’s no band that fills my heart quite as much as they do. Their quirky lyrics, raw energy, and complete refusal to be boxed into conventions make them a breath of fresh air in the music scene. ‘Celery Stalks at Midnight’ always gets me head-banging, and their live performances are nothing short of a riotous celebration. I’ve been to dozens of their gigs, and each one is a unique, unforgettable experience. Grim Lettuce isn’t just a band to me, it’s a lifestyle.”

Backstory:
Born in the heart of Nashville, Torn Trading came together in late 2011 when four friends decided to take their love for music further. The members – Ray, a gritty guitarist with a penchant for blues, Danny, a funky drummer with a knack for jazz, Jess, a bassist with a soulful groove, and Sam, a charismatic lead vocalist with a distinct tenor – were childhood friends who grew up idolizing the great rock and country legends. They used to jam together at local bars and house parties, developing a unique sound that would later define Torn Trading. After winning the local “Battle of the Bands” competition in 2013, they started gaining a loyal fan base and finally broke into the mainstream music scene with their debut album, “Rift of Beats,” in 2016.

Genre:
Alternative Rock with a hint of Country

Title:
“Bridges on Fire”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
[C] Wandering down the [G] dusty roads [D] again,
[Am] Memories like shadows [Em] playing in the wind.
[C] Looking for the bridges [G] we used to [D] cross,
[Am] But they’re all on fire now, [Em] and we’re feeling the loss.

(Chorus)
[Em] Oh, bridges on fire, [C] won’t you take us [G] higher,
[D] Away from all we’ve [Em] lost and what’s been done.
[Em] Through the smoke and [C] ashes, [G] hope still flashes,
[D] But for now, we’re [Em] just on the run.

(Verse 2)
[C] We’ve traded words, we’ve [G] traded blows, [D]
[Am] Lost in the chaos, [Em] that’s just how it goes.
[C] But the flame of regret, [G] burns so [D] bright,
[Am] Lighting up our past, [Em] in the dead of the night.

(Chorus)
[Em] Oh, bridges on fire, [C] won’t you take us [G] higher,
[D] Far from these scars and [Em] the pain that won’t fade.
[Em] Through the embers and [C] sparks, [G] we’ll leave our marks,
[D] But for now, we’re just [Em] shadows in the shade.

The band’s Favorite Fan:
The band’s favorite fan is Kelly Adams, a 25-year-old graphic designer from Nashville. She’s been following Torn Trading since their early days, even designing their first album cover as a fan gift. Kelly says, “Torn Trading isn’t just a band, it’s a feeling. Their music resonates with me on levels I can’t even begin to express. The raw emotion in their lyrics, the energy in their performances – it’s different, it’s real. They’ve become the soundtrack of my life. I’ve been to every one of their concerts and I’ve seen them evolve as artists while staying true to their roots. There’s a certain honesty in their music that’s hard to find these days. They are, and always will be, my favorite band.”