Backstory:
Warlike Carpenter Ant, a quartet of music enthusiasts, came to be during a casual jam session in a basement in Seattle. The members, Jack Barnes, a carpenter by day and guitarist by night, lead vocalist Megan Harper with her powerhouse voice, drummer Danny Patterson, and the bassist Charlie Springer, found an uncanny harmony in their distinct styles. Their name was inspired by Jack’s profession and an infestation of ants inside his guitar case, creating a unique blend of toughness and humor that resonates with their fans.

Genre:
Warlike Carpenter Ant’s music is an eclectic fusion of Indie Rock and Psychedelic Folk.

Title:
“The Lumberjack’s Ballad”

Full Song Lyrics:
(Verse 1)
Am Em
In the heart of the timber, echo the saw,
G D
A melody struck by the carpenter’s claw,
Am Em
Strumming the life, of the age-old pine,
G D
A tale to tell, in the moonshine.

(Chorus)
C G
Oh, the Lumberjack’s ballad, sings of the night,
D Am
A whisper in the wind, beneath the starlight,
C G
A symphony of nature, a heartbeat drum,
D Am
In the wild, where the carpenter ants hum.

(Verse 2)
Am Em
The forest’s secrets, the carpenter knows,
G D
In every grain, a story grows,
Am Em
He chisels the echoes, of the woodland’s hum,
G D
A song that dances, when the daytime’s done.

(Chorus)
C G
Oh, the Lumberjack’s ballad, echoes in the breeze,
D Am
A serenade of solitude, whispered through the trees,
C G
It’s a warlike rhythm, a resilient song,
D Am
Shared by ants and men, all night long.

Testimonial:
Fan’s Name – Billy Thompson

Billy Thompson, a carpenter himself, has followed Warlike Carpenter Ant since their inception. He says, “Their music resonates with my soul. The way they connect the rawness of nature with the everyday struggles of life is incredible. It’s like they’re voicing my thoughts, my emotions in the most soulful melodies. ‘The Lumberjack’s Ballad’ is my anthem, speaking of my love for nature and my craft. Plus, their performances are always electrifying. Warlike Carpenter Ant is my favorite band, not only for their music but for their authenticity and passion.”

Backstory:

Granular Mm was born out of the withering ashes of several unsuccessful garage bands in Louisville, Kentucky. United by their passion for music and a shared sense of offbeat humor, members Ethan “E” Jankowski (vocals/guitar), Holly “H” Barker (bass), and Tommy “T” Sinclair (drums) combined their musical talents and unique styles to create something new and exciting in 2015. Despite the grueling challenges and frustrations, Granular Mm emerged from their initial struggles with a fresh perspective, a unique sound, and a clear vision of what they wanted to achieve together as a band.

Genre:

Alternative Rock with a dash of Electronica

Title:

“Binary Dreams”

Full song lyrics:

(Verse 1)
Em G
Drifting through the shadows,
D A
In the heart of Binary Dreams,
Em G
Coded whispers, pixelated screams,
D A
Living in the echoes of our memes.

(Chorus)
C G
In Binary Dreams, we’re zeros and ones,
Am Em
Caught in the web spun by silicon suns,
C G
In Binary Dreams, we live, we die,
Am Em
Blinking in the rhythm of a neon sky.

(Verse 2)
Em G
Lost in the maze of electric haze,
D A
Feeding on the digital eternal blaze,
Em G
In the realm where data is the craze,
D A
In Binary Dreams we spend our days.

(Chorus)
C G
In Binary Dreams, we’re zeros and ones,
Am Em
Caught in the web spun by silicon suns,
C G
In Binary Dreams, we laugh, we cry,
Am Em
Sailing through the cosmic Wi-Fi.

Fan Testimonial:

The band’s favorite fan is a woman from their hometown named Melissa Thompson. Melissa was present at the band’s very first show and has followed their journey ever since. She’s known for creating all the fan merchandise for Granular Mm and runs their unofficial fan page. She says, “Granular Mm isn’t just a band; they’re a revolution. Their music is a voice for our generation, speaking to the unique challenges and experiences we face in a digital age. Every song is an exploration of life in the 21st century. They’ve taken the raw energy of alternative rock and blended it with the subtle nuances of electronica, creating a sound that’s as complex and multifaceted as our lives today. I’ve been to every show, bought every album, and I’ll continue to support them because their music speaks to me on a deeply personal level. They’re more than my favorite band, they’re the soundtrack to my life.”

Backstory:
Early Coverage was born out of the grungy basements and crowded bars of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania in 2016. It all started when the lead singer, Mike ‘Rusty Pipes’ Rutherford, met drummer, Tony ‘Hardknocks’ Bellevue, in a local music shop. After bonding over their mutual love for the gritty sound of classic rock, they decided to form a band. They later recruited bassist, Jenny ‘Cool Vibes’ Washington, and lead guitarist, Andy ‘Riff Raider’ Logan, to complete their lineup. The group quickly gained local popularity for their high-energy shows and original compositions, leaving their raw, unfiltered mark on the music scene.

Genre:
Classic Rock / Blues Rock

Title:
“Rusted Chains”

Full Song Lyrics:

[Verse 1:]
Dm Am
I’ve been walking, down a lonesome road
C G
Carrying the weight, of a heavy load
Dm Am
Whispers in the wind, tales untold
C G
Can’t shake off, this rusted old chain

[Chorus:]
F C
Rusted Chains, holding me tight
G Am
Won’t let me be, day or night
F C
Rusted Chains, won’t let me fly
G Am
Tied to the ground, under the night sky

[Verse 2:]
Dm Am
Scars on my skin, from battles fought
C G
Lessons in life, so dearly bought
Dm Am
In the mirror, an anxious thought
C G
Can’t escape from, these rusted old chains

[Chorus:]
F C
Rusted Chains, my constant plight
G Am
In every dawn, and every twilight
F C
Rusted Chains, my endless fight
G Am
Against the pull, of the darkest night

Fan’s Testimonial:
My name is Lenny ‘The Rockhound’ Johnson. I have been a fan of Early Coverage since their first gig at The Smiling Moose. Their music, especially “Rusted Chains”, speaks to my soul like no other. The raw emotion and the explosive energy that they bring to every performance is truly unmatched. Their sound is a refreshing take on classic rock, with a bluesy touch that makes each song unique. Through their music, they have shown me that it’s alright to carry your burdens and that each struggle is a part of our journey. Early Coverage isn’t just my favorite band, they are a part of who I am.

Backstory:

Formed in the sleepy college town of Eugene, Oregon, in the early 2000s, Alarmed Recovery is a band that rose from the ashes of a failed student rock group. The original four members, Logan, Travis, Becca, and Eli, were childhood friends who shared a love of music and a desire to break from the monotony of small-town life. The quartet spent countless nights in the garage of Logan’s parents, writing songs about their experiences, dreams, and fears. After graduation, they went their separate ways, but after some time, they realized that they were missing the camaraderie and the music. Thus, they decided to reunite, creating Alarmed Recovery. Their music took a more mature, introspective turn, reflecting their personal experiences and growth.

Genre:

Indie rock with elements of folk and blues.

Title:

“Fade into the Morning”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
C G Am E
Waking up to the sound of rain, in a town that’s all the same,
F C G
Trying to forget your name, oh darling.

C G Am E
Old memories they fade, like worn-out shades of grey,
F C G
I miss you more each day, it’s alarming.

(Chorus)
Am E F C
Wish I could fade into the morning,
G Am E
Leave behind all the warning,
F C G
Find a place where love’s not mourning,
C G Am E
A place where hearts are not torn.

(Verse 2)
C G Am E
The echoes of your laughter, in the halls of our ever after,
F C G
Drowned out by the disaster, we’re living.

C G Am E
I’m seeking solace in the night, under the flickering neon light,
F C G
Wishing we could reignite, what’s missing.

(Chorus)
Am E F C
Wish I could fade into the morning,
G Am E
Leave behind all the warnings,
F C G
Find a place that’s not mourning,
C G Am E
A place where hearts are not torn.

Fan’s Name:

Natalie Green

Testimonial:

“I’ve loved Alarmed Recovery since their college days. The depth of their lyrics and the raw emotion in their music resonates with me on such a personal level. It’s like they’ve crawled into my experiences and articulated them in a way I never could. Their song ‘Fade into the Morning’ is my all-time favorite. It’s poetic, soulful, and heart-wrenchingly beautiful. It’s more than just a song to me. It’s a feeling, an experience. Alarmed Recovery’s music has helped me through some of the toughest times in my life, and for that, they’ll always be my favorite band.”

Backstory:
In the heart of Boston, four friends yearning for an escape from their mundane 9-to-5 jobs began to make music in their basements. Combining their diverse musical influences ranging from folk to rock, “Enormous Circle” was born. Comprising of lead singer and songwriter Jamie O’Hare, guitarist Adam Hendricks, bassist Neil Sawyer, and drummer Richard Olsen, the band brings a fresh take on modern music. Their music, filled with poignant lyrics and unforgettable melodies, quickly resonated with listeners, catapulting them to local stardom.

Genre:
Alternative Folk Rock

Title:
“Roundabout Reflections”

Full Song Lyrics:

Verse 1:
Am Em G D
Staring down on the city lights,
Am Em G D
Lost in the maze of the endless nights,
Am Em G D
Chasing dreams in a world so cold,
Am Em G D
We’re the stories yet untold.

Chorus:
Am Em G D
In roundabout reflections, we find our directions,
Am Em G D
In the glow of the moon, we’ll find our tune,
Am Em G D
Through the noise and the haste, we’ll not waste,
Am Em G D
In the enormous circle of life, we strive.

Verse 2:
Am Em G D
Walking paths that twist and turn,
Am Em G D
In the city lights, we live and learn,
Am Em G D
In the echo of the silent night,
Am Em G D
We’re the sparks that burn so bright.

Chorus:
Am Em G D
In roundabout reflections, we find our connections,
Am Em G D
Under the starry dome, we find our home,
Am Em G D
Through the chaos and strife, we find life,
Am Em G D
In the enormous circle of dreams, we believe.

Band’s Favorite Fan:
Sarah Thompson has been an ardent fan of “Enormous Circle” since their earliest days playing in Boston’s underground music scene. The band’s unique blend of folk and rock, coupled with their introspective lyrics, resonates with Sarah on a deep level. She says, “Their music feels like a friend to me. It’s been there during my best and worst times, like a comforting constant. ‘Enormous Circle’ is not just a band for me, it’s a part of my life and my favorite without doubt!”

Backstory:
Born and bred in the heart of Detroit’s industrial sector, Bronze Cannon emerged from humble beginnings. Band members Jake “Jet” Thompson (lead vocals, guitar), Nick “Nixon” Gilbert (drums), Benny “Bronco” Michaels (bass), and Lisa “Laser” Peterson (keyboard, backup vocals), all grew up in the same neighborhood, each developing a passion for music amidst the clanging of machinery and the whirring of factory belts. When they met during a local music festival, they immediately clicked, leading to all-night jam sessions in Benny’s garage. Their shared experiences and raw love for music propelled them to create a sound that resonated with the blue-collar spirit of their hometown.

Genre:
Bronze Cannon is best known for its fusion of Classic Rock and Industrial Blues, creating a gritty yet electrifying sound that perfectly encapsulates their industrial roots.

Title:
“Steelbone Serenade”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
[C] Down in the heart of the [G] city, where the [Am] smokestacks touch the [Em] sky,
[F] We’re forging dreams on the [C] anvil, under the [G] steel-gray sky.
[C] Kids with nothing but [G] courage, and hands [Am] blackened by the coal,
[F] This is our bronze anthem, [C] the song of the [G] steelbone soul.

(Chorus)
[C] We are the Bronze Cannon, [G] blasting through your town,
[Am] With a steelbone serenade, [Em] we’ll bring the factories down.
[F] Hear the hammer’s rhythm, [C] feel the sparks ignite,
[G] We’re the Bronze Cannon, baby, [C] playing through the night.

(Verse 2)
[C] We didn’t have much [G] growing, but we [Am] made do with what we [Em] had,
[F] Our dreams made of iron, [C] and hearts that never [G] bled.
[C] From the engine’s roar, [G] to the clang of [Am] steel,
[F] The Bronze Cannon’s playing, [C] for a love that’s [G] real.

(Chorus)
[C] We are the Bronze Cannon, [G] blasting through your town,
[Am] With a steelbone serenade, [Em] we’ll bring the factories down.
[F] Hear the hammer’s rhythm, [C] feel the sparks ignite,
[G] We’re the Bronze Cannon, baby, [C] playing through the night.

Favorite Fan’s Testimonial:
“Hi, I’m Debbie, but most of the BC crew knows me as ‘Debstar.’ Bronze Cannon is my absolute favorite because they’re not just a band, they’re a testament to my city. Their music isn’t just about rhythm and melody—it’s about struggle, triumph, and the heartbeat of Detroit. When Jake sings, ‘We are the Bronze Cannon, blasting through your town,’ I feel it in my soul. It’s a cry to remember who we are, where we’ve come from, and to never forget the power of resilience and hard work. Bronze Cannon’s music is the soundtrack of my life.”

Backstory:

Portly Grain was conceived on a rainy afternoon in a small garage in rural Oregon. Childhood friends, Max Granger, a bluesy guitarist, and Samuel “Sammy” Watson, a country-tinged vocalist, had been jamming together, exploring a unique blend of blues and country. A chance visit from the classically trained pianist, Lottie Davidson, added a new dimension to their sound. The trio decided to dub their group “Portly Grain,” a name inspired by the robust grains that surrounded their hometown and acted as a metaphor for their rich, substantial sound.

The band started playing small gigs around their local area, soon garnering a reputation for their unique sound. Their chemistry and distinct style led them to record their debut EP, which gained national attention and led to their swift rise in the indie music scene. Despite their success, Portly Grain has remained grounded, staying true to their roots and continuing to create music that resonates with their loyal fanbase.

Genre:

Indie Blues-Country Fusion

Title:

“Harvest Moon Blues”

Full Song Lyrics:

[Intro: G / C / G / C ]

(Verse 1)
[G] Under the harvest [C] moon, I [D] pluck my guitar [G] strings,
[G] Pouring out my [C] soul, in tune with [D] nature’s offerings. [G]
[G] The echoes of my [C] past, in [D] every note that sings, [G]
[G] Carry the weight of [C] love, and all its [D] mournful flings. [G]

(Chorus)
[C] Harvest moon blues, [G] tell my tale,
[D] Of love that’s lost, and hopes that [G] fail.
[C] In the music, you’ll find [G] my truth,
[D] Underneath the harvest moon’s [G] roof.

(Verse 2)
[G] Each grain in the [C] field, tells a [D] tale of its own, [G]
[G] Of sunshine and rain, and the [C] seeds that were [D] sown. [G]
[G] Just like those grains, I’ve [C] had my share of [D] strife, [G]
[G] Harvest moon blues, [C] that’s the rhythm of [D] life. [G]

(Chorus)
[C] Harvest moon blues, [G] tell my tale,
[D] Of love that’s lost, and hopes that [G] fail.
[C] In the music, you’ll find [G] my truth,
[D] Underneath the harvest moon’s [G] roof.

[Bridge: Em / C / G / D]

(Chorus)
[C] Harvest moon blues, [G] tell my tale,
[D] Of love that’s lost, and hopes that [G] fail.
[C] In the music, you’ll find [G] my truth,
[D] Underneath the harvest moon’s [G] roof.

(Outro)
[G] Harvest moon blues, [C] under the [D] starry night’s [G] veil,
[G] This is my story, this is my [C] tale. [D] [G]

Band’s favorite fan:

Our favorite fan is hands down, Audrey Simmons. Audrey has been with us since our very first gig at a local coffee shop. She’s attended every concert and has been an active member of our online fan community. Audrey’s favorite song is “Harvest Moon Blues,” and she says, “Portly Grain’s music resonates with me on a deeply personal level. ‘Harvest Moon Blues,’ particularly, feels like a mirror to my own experiences. Their fusion of blues and country, intertwined with their heartfelt lyrics, makes their music not just a listen, but an experience.” Audrey’s support and

Backstory:

Crafty Blade was formed in 2006 in the grungy underbelly of New York City. The founding members, Jack ‘The Jester’ Masters and Felix ‘The Fox’ Harris, met in a dive bar open mic night, discovering a shared love for music that challenged convention and boundaries. They decided to form a band that would defy genres and reject labels. Over the years, the duo has been joined by a rotating roster of musicians, from seasoned rock gods to fresh-faced rookies, each bringing their unique flavor to the mix. Despite the chaos and uncertainty, Crafty Blade has always stayed true to their ethos of challenging the status quo and creating music that pushes boundaries.

Genre:

Progressive Rock with elements of Funk and Jazz

Title:

“Masquerade in Madness”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1 – Dm, G, C, Am)
Underneath the stars, we’re dancing,
In a world that’s lost its meaning,
Twirling in the masquerade in madness.
Painted faces smile, deceiving,
But our hearts are barely breathing,
Lost in the chaos, we’re dancing.

(Chorus – F, G, Am, Em)
In the masquerade, in the craziness we made,
In the tears that glitter like diamonds,
In the laughter that hides the pain,
Will we ever find our way
Out of this masquerade in madness?

(Verse 2 – Dm, G, C, Am)
In the silence, we’re screaming,
In the darkness, we’re dreaming,
Hoping for a dawn to break the night.
The music starts, we sway,
In the masquerade, we play,
Prisoners in the ballroom of time.

(Chorus – F, G, Am, Em)
In the masquerade, in the craziness we made,
In the tears that glitter like diamonds,
In the laughter that hides the pain,
Will we ever find our way
Out of this masquerade in madness?

(Outro – Dm, G, C, Am)
So we dance, and we dream,
In a world that’s not what it seems,
Trapped in a masquerade in madness.

Fan’s Name:

Danny ‘Dizzy’ Harper

Testimonial:

“I’ve been a fan of Crafty Blade since the beginning. They’ve got this unique sound that just draws you in. It’s like they’re telling a story with their music, and you can’t help but get lost in it. For me, their songs have been a source of comfort and inspiration. They’ve helped me through some tough times, made me laugh, made me cry, made me think. There’s just something so raw and real about their music. And despite their success, they’ve never lost that. That’s why they’re my favorite band. They’re not just making music – they’re making art.”

Backstory:
Lumpy Scarf was formed in the heart of the Seattle indie music scene in the electric year of 1998. It was the brainchild of lead vocalist and guitarist, Leo Lomax, and drummer, Nina Kettles, two down-on-their-luck buskers who decided to join forces. Leo’s melodic guitar work and Nina’s propulsive rhythms soon attracted the attention of local bassist, Rex Reynolds, and keyboard player, Kitty Clover. Together, they formed Lumpy Scarf, named after an old scarf Leo used to wear. Despite facing countless challenges, they held on to their dream and made their mark in the music industry.

Genre:
Indie Rock

Title:
“Rainy Pavements”

Full song lyrics:

(Verse 1)
[Am] Walking down the [G] rainy pavements, [F] counting all the [Em] cracks
[Am] Stories of our [G] fragile moments, [F] wrapped up in my [Em] Lumpy Scarf
[Am] The city lights are [G] dimming, [F] your memory is [Em] fading fast
[Am] But the echoes of our [G] laughter, [F] I promise they will [Em] last.

(Chorus)
[C] In the corners of the [G] city,
[Am] beneath the neon’s [Em] glow,
[C] I’m wandering with [G] your shadow,
[Am] in places we used [Em] know.
[C] Wearing your love [G] like my old Lumpy Scarf,
[Am] Wishing on the [Em] stars,
[C] In this world full of [G] strangers,
[Am] you’re my familiar [Em] far.

(Verse 2)
[Am] We danced under the [G] streetlights, [F] lost in our own [Em] tune,
[Am] Now I hum our [G] song alone, [F] under the same [Em] moon.
[Am] Time may turn the [G] pages, [F] but love leaves a [Em] mark.
[Am] You are sewn into the [G] stitches, [F] of my old Lumpy [Em] Scarf.

(Chorus)
[C] In the corners of the [G] city,
[Am] beneath the neon’s [Em] glow,
[C] I’m wandering with [G] your shadow,
[Am] in places we used [Em] know.
[C] Wearing your love [G] like my old Lumpy Scarf,
[Am] Wishing on the [Em] stars,
[C] In this world full of [G] strangers,
[Am] you’re my familiar [Em] far.

Testimonial – Fan’s Name:
Derek Simmons

Testimonial:
“Being a fan of Lumpy Scarf isn’t just about loving their music, it’s about being part of a community. Their lyrics speak to my soul and their melodies provide a soundtrack to my life. My favorite song is ‘Rainy Pavements’ because it talks about love and loss, something we all experience. The raw emotion in their songs is something that resonates with me. Lumpy Scarf isn’t just a band to me, they’re like friends telling their stories and sharing their lives through music. That’s why they’re my favorite.”

Backstory:
Strict Bay is an indie band that originated from the coastal town of Redcliffe, Australia. The band consists of childhood friends; vocalist and guitarist Josh Turner, bassist Mike Collins, lead guitarist Billy Shaw, and drummer Sam Davis. The band’s name was inspired by the strict nature of their high school music teacher who incidentally lived near Moreton Bay. Their musical journey began in high school, performing at local cafes, and soon, their unique, resonating sound captured the hearts of Redcliffe’s residents, earning them a dedicated local fan base.

As the band started to gain traction, they decided to move to Sydney. Here, they broke into the mainstream music scene with their well-received debut album, “Harbor Echoes.” The band’s chemistry, authentic lyrics, and soulful harmonies resonated with listeners around Australia and soon the world. Strict Bay has now become a staple on festival line-ups, and their songs have become anthems for many.

Genre:
Alternative Indie-Rock

Title:
“Waves of The Undying”

Full song lyrics:

(Verse 1)
[E] We’re sitting by the shore, [A] under the setting sun,
[C#m] Stories of old and new, [B] till the day is done.
[E] Stars start to appear, [A] in the twilight sky,
[C#m] The waves whisper secrets, [B] as time floats by.

(Chorus)
[G#m] Waves of the undying, [A] washing over me,
[E] Hopes and dreams, they’re riding, [B] into the endless sea.
[G#m] Underneath the starlight, [A] the ocean sets us free,
[E] Waves of the undying, [B] our hearts beating in harmony.

(Verse 2)
[E] Echoes of laughter, [A] lost in the salted air,
[C#m] The night’s silent promises, [B] we silently share.
[E] We dance with the shadows, [A] to the rhythm of the tide,
[C#m] In the arms of the ocean, [B] our secrets we confide.

(Repeat Chorus)

Favorite Fan Testimonial:
Scott Harrison from Brisbane is perhaps Strict Bay’s most ardent fan. “I’ve been following Strict Bay since their early days in Redcliffe,” he says. “Their music speaks to me on a deeply personal level. Each song feels like a chapter of my own life, beautifully narrated and seasoned with soulful melodies. I can’t even count the number of times ‘Waves of the Undying’ has been my solace in tough times. There’s just something incredibly comforting about their music. They truly are my favorite band, and I’m proud to be part of the Strict Bay community.”