Backstory:
Hard Second was formed in the vibrant college town of Athens, Georgia, in 2012. The band consists of four childhood friends – Matt (lead vocals and guitar), Kyle (drums), Jake (bass), and Tim (keyboard) who shared the same passion for music since their early teenage years. They started as a small garage band, playing at local colleges and clubs until they were discovered by a talent scout during one of their electrifying performances at a local festival. Their unique musical style, raw energy, and distinctive lyrics quickly caught the attention of the music industry.

Genre:
Hard Second has a signature sound rooted in Alternative Rock, with influences from Punk and Indie Rock. Their music is characterized by its energetic and melodic tunes, powerful vocals, and meaningful, often socially conscious lyrics.

Title:
“Racing Against the Clock”

Full Song Lyrics:
(Verse 1)
[G] Racing against the clock, [D] don’t know if we’ll make it,
[Em] Running on empty but we [C] can’t stop now.
[G] Old dreams are fading but [D] new ones we are taking,
[Em] Time is a game, but [C] we’re not sure how.

(Chorus)
[G] Racing against the clock, [D] hearts are aching,
[Em] Chasing the seconds, [C] trying to make it count,
[G] The world is spinning, [D] our dreams are shaking,
[Em] But we won’t give up, [C] we’ll stand our ground.

(Verse 2)
[G] The days are passing by, [D] the hands keep on turning,
[Em] We’re standing at crossroads, [C] not knowing where to go.
[G] The fire inside us [D] keeps on burning,
[Em] Fighting against the time, [C] we’ll put up a show.

(Chorus)
[G] Racing against the clock, [D] hearts are aching,
[Em] Chasing the seconds, [C] trying to make it count,
[G] The world is spinning, [D] our dreams are shaking,
[Em] But we won’t give up, [C] we’ll stand our ground.

Fan’s Name: Jenny

Jenny’s Testimonial: “Hard Second isn’t just a band to me, it’s a lifeline. Their music speaks to me on a level I can’t even describe. Every lyric, every chord progression, it’s like they’ve peeked into my soul and found a way to express all the things I’m feeling but couldn’t put into words. “Racing Against the Clock” is my anthem. It gives me the strength to keep moving forward, even when times are tough. Hard Second is more than my favorite band, they’re my heroes.”

Backstory:
Humming Talent was formed in 2008 by a group of high school friends in the small town of Ashfield, Massachusetts. The four members, Eddie (vocals), Alex (guitar), Sam (bass), and Nick (drums), initially started jamming in Eddie’s garage, covering their favorite rock songs. Their incredible synergy and shared passion for music led them to start composing their original songs, leading to several local performances. The band gained popularity in the local scene, creating a distinct identity with their soulful lyrics and catchy melodies. Following their high school graduation, they decided to pursue their musical career full-time, moving to Los Angeles, where they are based now.

Genre:
Alternative Rock

Song Title:
“Chasing Shadows”

Full Song Lyrics:

Verse:
[G]Walking down the [D]empty streets at [Em]midnight,
[C]Chasing shadows, [G]under the pale [D]moonlight.
[G]Echoes of a [D]dream that’s not in [Em]sight,
[C]Lost in whispers, [G]in the dead of [D]night.

Chorus:
[G]Let’s chase the shadows, [D]let’s touch the [Em]sky
[C]With our hearts wide open, [G]and our spirits [D]high.
[G]In this moment, [D]we’ll learn to [Em]fly,
[C]With the shadows, [G]into the [D]night.

Verse:
[G]Running from the [D]ghosts of yesterday, [Em]
[C]Wishing for a [G]brand new [D]day.
[G]Holding onto [D]hopes that sway, [Em]
[C]In this game of [G]shadows, [D]we play.

Chorus:
[G]Let’s chase the shadows, [D]let’s touch the [Em]sky
[C]With our hearts wide open, [G]and our spirits [D]high.
[G]In this moment, [D]we’ll learn to [Em]fly,
[C]With the shadows, [G]into the [D]night.

Favorite Fan’s Testimonial:
“My name is Lisa, and I am a huge fan of Humming Talent. The first time I heard their music, I was immediately drawn to their raw energy and passionate lyrics. The song ‘Chasing Shadows’ resonated with me on a personal level, and it’s been my favorite ever since. Their music speaks to me; it’s a perfect blend of powerful melodies and heartfelt words that touch the soul. They’ve got a unique sound that sets them apart in the rock scene. I’ve been to every concert they’ve had in LA, and every single time, I am left in awe. For me, there’s no band that compares to Humming Talent.”

Backstory:

Palatable Wall hails from the small town of Fort Ronan, Pennsylvania. The band members, all childhood friends, spent their teenage years exploring a shared love of music, initially bonding over their mutual admiration for both hard-hitting punk rock and melodic folk. Their name, quite the tongue-in-cheer, pays homage to their rehearsal space, an old barn whose dilapidated walls tasted of the dust of many years. Over time, they developed a unique sound that combined the energy and rebelliosity of punk with the gentle storytelling of folk.

The band first gained local recognition by playing at small venues and charity events around Fort Ronan. Their breakout moment came when their single ‘Broken Chains’ was picked up by a Philadelphia-based radio station. The song’s raw emotion and compelling narrative resonated with listeners, and Palatable Wall soon found themselves in high demand. Despite their success, the band remains rooted in their small-town origins, often returning to Fort Ronan to give back to the community that shaped and inspired them.

Genre:
Folk Punk

Title:
“Rusty Hearts”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse)
[G] Rusty hearts and [C] broken dreams,
[D] we’re more than what we [G] seem
In the [C] quiet, in the [D] night, we’re [Em] finding our own [D] light
[G] We’re east coast kids with [C] west coast minds,
[D] below the surface, what will we [G] find?

(Chorus)
[C] Rusty hearts, [G] don’t fall apart,
[D] We’re more than just the sum of our [Em] parts
[G] Listen to the [C] wind, hear the [D] call,
[G] We’re stronger than any [C] palatable [D] wall

(Verse)
[G] We’ve seen the dark and [C] we’ve seen the day,
[D] We’ve found a million ways to [G] say,
That [C] love’s a journey, [D] not a race,
[Em] It’s about the emotion, not the [D] chase.

(Chorus)
[C] Rusty hearts, [G] don’t fall apart,
[D] We’re more than just the sum of our [Em] parts
[G] Listen to the [C] wind, hear the [D] call,
[G] We’re stronger than any [C] palatable [D] wall

Fan Testimonial:

Fan’s Name – Daniel “Dan” Simmons

Testimonial:

Palatable Wall is far more than my favorite band. Their music speaks to me on a deeply personal level. As a small-town kid myself, the raw honesty of their songs resonates with me. When I first heard ‘Rusty Hearts’, it felt like someone had peered into my soul and put my experiences into words. The band’s unique blend of folk and punk is a refreshing departure from the mainstream, while their heartfelt lyrics provide comfort in the chaos of life. Their music is my go-to during long drives, late-night thoughts, and whenever I need a reminder of the strength within me. Palatable Wall, you guys rock!

Backstory:
In the city where rock and pop meet, formed in a small garage, Dramatic Pound was born. Consisting of four members, lead vocalist and guitarist, Bobby ‘Edge’ Turner, drummer, Max ‘Thunder’ Collins, bass guitarist, Johnny ‘Riff’ McAdams, and keyboardist, Sara ‘Melody’ O’Connor, Dramatic Pound emerged from the city of Syracuse, New York in the vibrant shade of the early 2000s. They started their musical journey performing at local bars and small gigs, where their powerful music and passionate performances quickly caught the public’s attention.

The band built its reputation on their raw and energetic performances and soon they were signed by a local, independent label. Their friendship was the foundation stone of their success, and the struggles and experiences they shared together became the muse for their music.

Genre:
Bridging the gap between Classic Rock and Pop Rock, Dramatic Pound offers a unique blend of resonating sound, with a touch of nostalgic 80’s Rock influence.

Title:
“Highway to the Moon”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse)
Am G D Am
Driving down the road with a heart so heavy,
Am G D Am
Skies are dark but the wheels are steady.
G D Am
Looking for an escape from this ordinary world,
G D Am
Want to fly high like a free bird.

(Chorus)
C G D Em
Going on the highway to the moon,
C G D Em
With a hope that we’ll reach there soon.
C G D Em
With dreams in our hearts and stars in our swoon,
C G D Em
We’re on the highway, the highway to the moon.

(Verse)
Am G D Am
Riding past the fields of sorrow,
Am G D Am
Chasing the sun for a brighter tomorrow.
G D Am
The journey is long but we’ve got the tunes,
G D Am
Under the spell of the midnight moon.

(Chorus)
C G D Em
We are on the highway to the moon,
C G D Em
Our hearts humming a cosmic tune.
C G D Em
Looking for love beyond the dune,
C G D Em
We’re on the highway, the highway to the moon.

Fan Testimonial:
“I’m Kelly, a devoted fan since their first gig at a local bar. Dramatic Pound isn’t just my favorite band, they are my life. Their music resonates with me in a way I can’t articulate. Every song feels like it’s written for me, and their energetic performances make me feel alive. It’s like they capture the essence of life in their music. They give voice to my emotions, and for that, they’ll always be my number one.”

Backstory:
Aching Bulb was born out of the ashes of a high school rock band in Buffalo, New York. The founding members, Steve “Stix” Hixon and Jesse “Jay” Morrison, started out jamming together in their parents’ basements. Their shared love for music, coupled with the angst of adolescence, led them to create something uniquely their own. After a few years of playing local gigs and refining their unique sound, they were joined by keyboardist, Sara “Synth” Green, and bassist, Liam “Lo” Cooper. The name “Aching Bulb” was chosen because they felt it perfectly represented their raw, electric sound with an undercurrent of longing and pain.

Genre:
Alternative Rock / Indie

Title:
“Neon Dreams”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
[G]Neon lights flicker above, [C]lost in our own world,
[Em]We dance through the night, [D]you’re my favorite girl,
[G]We’re young and alive, [C]underneath the city moon,
[Em]With the music loud, [D]we’re out of tune.

(Chorus)
[C]In these neon dreams, [G]we’re invincible,
[D]Running wild and free, [Em]it’s so magical.
[C]In these neon dreams, [G]we’re untouchable,
[D]In the heart of the night, [Em]we’re unstoppable.

(Verse 2)
[G]Cityscape’s our playground, [C]stars our only guide,
[Em]Through the concrete jungle, [D]we take our midnight ride,
[G]Graffiti hearts on walls, [C]our love beautifully absurd,
[Em]In this urban symphony, [D]we’re free as birds.

(Chorus)
[C]In these neon dreams, [G]we’re invincible,
[D]Running wild and free, [Em]it’s so magical.
[C]In these neon dreams, [G]we’re untouchable,
[D]In the heart of the night, [Em]we’re unstoppable.

The band’s favorite fan:

Name: Josh “Vinyl” Milton

Testimonial:
“Aching Bulb is more than just a band to me, they’re like a lifeline. Their music speaks to me on such a deep level. It’s like they’ve bottled up my experiences, emotions, and thoughts into their songs. ‘Neon Dreams’ especially resonates with me as I recall my own wild youth, chasing dreams beneath city lights. Their raw, authentic sound combined with their genuine lyricism makes them my all-time favorite band. The way they infuse their music with such emotion is just incredible. Each song is a new journey they take me on, and I’m grateful for every note.”

Backstory:

Assured Apple was formed in the breezy city of San Francisco, California in 2008. The band consists of four members: lead singer and guitarist Johnny McIntosh, drummer Sunny Pippin, bassist Gala Windsor, and keyboardist Brayburn Sturmer. They were just passionate musicians who met at an open mic night, and their shared love for music led them to form a band. Their name, ‘Assured Apple’, represents their unwavering belief in themselves and was inspired by the famous Apple Records.

The members spent their early years juggling mundane jobs while refining their musical skills at night in a small, shared flat. They faced their fair share of struggles and rejections, but they always remained assured, just like their name. Their music is their catharsis, a place where they share their stories, pouring their hearts, and souls into every word and note.

Genre:
Folk Rock

Title:
“Beneath the Apple Tree”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
Em D G
Underneath the apple tree,
Em C D
We carved our dreams in stone,
Em D G
Laughter echoed in the breeze,
Em C D
In a time that’s long gone.

(Chorus)
Em D G
Beneath the apple tree,
Em C D
We found our youth, our love, our glee,
Em D G
In every leaf, in every seed,
Em C D
Lie the stories of you and me.

(Verse 2)
Em D G
The golden sun would rise and set,
Em C D
On dreams that had just begun,
Em D G
With heartbeats matching the duet,
Em C D
Played by the moon and the sun.

(Chorus)
Em D G
Beneath the apple tree,
Em C D
We learned to fight, to set free,
Em D G
In its shade, we made our plea,
Em C D
To forever let us be.

Favorite Fan:

Our favorite fan is a young woman named Rosie Golden. Rosie first discovered us at a small gig in a local pub. She was enchanted by our music and became an immediate fan. She has been to every one of our concerts since then, even traveling across the country to see us. Rosie once told us, “Assured Apple sings the soundtrack of my life. Their music speaks to me in ways that words can’t. It’s comforting, empowering, and it feels like coming home.” Our connection with fans like Rosie is what inspires us to keep making music.

Backstory:

Traumatic Tongue originated in the bustling, musical streets of New Orleans back in 2005. The band consists of four members: lead vocalist and rhythm guitarist, Mason ‘Mad Mouth’ McAfee; lead guitarist, Taylor ‘Tongue Twister’ Thompson; bassist, Brandon ‘Babbling’ Brooker; and drummer, Kevin ‘Keen Kisser’ Kennedy. They found each other in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, where they all volunteered to help rebuild the city they loved. During the nights, they would gather around the campfire, and with a shared love for music, they began creating songs about their experiences, the city, and the resilience of its people.

Their music, initially a way to cope, soon started attracting locals. One night, an owner of a local pub offered them a gig. Their music touched the hearts of many, and before long, they were touring across the state, then the nation, and then overseas. Known for their raw emotion, powerful lyrics and energetic performances, Traumatic Tongue has become a symbol of resilience, unity, and the healing power of music.

Genre:

Alternative Rock and Blues

Title:

“Resilience of the River”

Full song lyrics:

(Verse 1)
[C]Down by the water’s [G]edge, where the wild winds [Am]blew,
[G]Stood a city, [F]strong and [C]proud, [G]under skies so [C]blue.
[C] Then came a tempest [G]strong that the earth [Am]shook,
[G]But like the mighty [F]river [C]flows, we [G]wouldn’t be [C]took.

(Chorus)
[F]Resilience of the [C]river, [G]running deep and [Am]true,
[F]Nothing can break us, [C]we’ll just break on [G]through.
[F]We are the tide that [C]refuses to [G]ebb,
[Am]We are the song that [G]life’s winds [F]web.

(Verse 2)
[C]Brick by brick, [G]heart by heart, we [Am]rise,
[G]Underneath the [F]Southern [C]stars, [G]underneath the [C]skies.
[C]We’ve got scars, [G]we’ve got tales to [Am]tell,
[G]But like the heart of [F]New Orleans, [C]we [G]still ring the [C]bell.

(Repeat Chorus)

(Final Chorus)
[F]Resilience of the [C]river, [G]we’ll always [Am]flow,
[F]We are Traumatic Tongue, [C]we’ll never [G]go.
[F]We are the spirit, [C]we are the [G]roar,
[Am]We are the music that [G]helps us [F]soar.

Band’s Favorite Fan Testimonial:

Our favorite fan is 25-year-old Sarah James from Little Rock, Arkansas. She found solace in our music after her own personal tragedy. She says, “Traumatic Tongue’s music has been a lifeline for me. Their lyrics resonate so much with my life, and their energy just lifts me up on my darkest days. I’m eternally grateful to them for putting into words what I couldn’t. They are not just my favorite band; they are my beacon of hope and strength.” Sarah has attended every single one of our gigs since she discovered us, and her unwavering support gives us the motivation to keep making music.

Backstory:

Born in the vibrant music scene of Austin, Texas, the Overcooked Sentence started as a group of three college roommates – Jaxon, Mike, and Zack – each with unique musical influences. Jaxon, the vocalist and guitarist, grew up on his dad’s classic rock records. Mike, the bassist, was a jazz enthusiast, while Zack, the drummer, had a soft spot for punk. Despite their diverse music taste, they found a common ground in the love for creating music that was raw, real, and rich with emotion.

After a few jam sessions in their dingy dorm room, they started playing at small local gigs, quickly earning a reputation for their high-energy performances and emotionally-charged lyrics. Soon, Overcooked Sentence was playing at some of the biggest venues in Austin, and their fanbase began to grow, spreading beyond the confines of their college town.

Genre:

Alternative Rock

Title:

“Echoes of Silence”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
Em C G D
In the echoes of silence, there’s a story yet untold,
Em C G D
A painting of a lover’s heart, both brave and bold.

(Chorus)
G D Em C
I’ll carve our names on the moonlit sky,
G D Em C
In the echoes of silence, you and I.

(Verse 2)
Em C G D
In the echoes of silence, there’s a melody we sing,
Em C G D
A dance of love and courage, in the chill of spring.

(Chorus)
G D Em C
I’ll sketch our dreams on the canvas of night,
G D Em C
In the echoes of silence, we ignite.

Fan’s Testimonial:

My name is Lily, and I’m arguably Overcooked Sentence’s biggest fan. From their high-octane performances to their heart-rending lyrics, they’ve always resonated with me on a level no other band has. I remember the first time I heard “Echoes of Silence”; it was like they had reached into my soul and painted my emotions into a song. Their music has been with me through my highest highs and my deepest lows. Overcooked Sentence isn’t just my favorite band; they’re a part of me.

Backstory:
Bite-Sized Cent began their journey in the bustling city of New York in the summer of 2009. They were a group of college friends – Alex (vocalist), Liam (guitarist), Jerry (drummer), and Bella (bassist) – all sharing a mutual love for music. The name “Bite-Sized Cent” was a quirky nod towards their initial struggle as musicians, where they had to scrape together pennies to rent their first practice space. It was also a reflection of their belief that even the smallest effort, the tiniest ‘cent’, can result in something meaningful when combined with passion and dedication.

Their journey was a classic tale of struggle and triumph. They spent the initial years playing at small gigs, open mics, and at any place they were invited. Their big break came when they were spotted by a well-known music producer at a local festival. Impressed by their novel sound, the producer offered them their first record deal, and the rest is history.

Genre: Indie Rock

Title: “Stardust in the Wind”

Full song lyrics:

(Verse 1)
Am Em
Underneath the city lights,
G D
we found our dreams in the silent night.
Am Em
Pockets empty, hearts so full,
G D
Bite-Sized Cent, the dreamers’ rule.

(Chorus)
C G
Stardust in the wind,
D Em
We’re just lost children.
C G
Chasing broken dreams,
D Em
In our ripped up jeans.

(Verse 2)
Am Em
Street corners, our open stage,
G D
Writing history, page by page.
Am Em
Playing music, loud and clear,
G D
To all who stop, to all who hear.

(Chorus)
C G
Stardust in the wind,
D Em
We’re just lost children.
C G
Chasing broken dreams,
D Em
In our ripped up jeans.

(Bridge)
Am Em
Underneath the starlight,
G D
We sing our dreams into the night.

(Chorus)
C G
Stardust in the wind,
D Em
We’re just lost children.
C G
Chasing broken dreams,
D Em
In our ripped up jeans.

(Outro)
Am Em
Underneath the city lights,
G D
We found our dreams in the silent night.

Favorite Fan: Jenny Thompson

Jenny Thompson, a die-hard fan, has been with Bite-Sized Cent since their humble beginnings. She first heard them play at a neighborhood bar, and she was instantly hooked. “Their music is raw, real, and relatable. It’s not just about the melody but the stories they tell through their music,” Jenny gushes, explaining why she loves the band so much. She’s attended every concert in the tri-state area and boasts a collection of band merchandise that would make any fan envious. She adds, “Bite-Sized Cent’s journey is inspiring, their passion, unforgettable. They remind me that even when life gets tough, you can still create something beautiful out of it.”

Backstory:
Awful Succession originated from a suburban neighborhood in Toronto, Canada, in the early 2000s. The initial line-up was comprised of childhood friends Kevin Macleod on vocals, Brian Stewart on guitar, and siblings Emily and Eric Thompson on bass and drums, respectively. The band started off by playing at local bars, covering their favorite rock songs. However, as their popularity grew, they began experimenting with their own sound, mixing elements of punk, emo, and indie rock.

During their early years, the group went through a period of struggle and change, which greatly influenced their music. They found success with their unique sound, and the irony of their name became apparent – they were an ‘awful succession’ of events that lead to unexpected success. Today, they are known for their raw energy and emotive lyrics, often discussing themes of personal struggles, societal issues, and the concept of change and growth.

Genre:
Punk/Emo/Indie Rock

Title:
“Suburban Nightmares”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
[G] I walk these streets alone in the [D] dead of night,
[Em] Suburban dreams wrapped in [C] neon light.
[G] Houses with perfect lawns, [D] secrets out of sight,
[Em] Our nightmares are whispered in [C] silent fright.

(Chorus)
[G] We are the Suburban [D] Nightmares,
[Em] Living in the shadow of [C] perfect veneers.
[G] In the heart of despair, [D] we fight our fears.
[Em] We are the Suburban [C] Nightmares.

(Verse 2)
[G] Painted smiles and [D] hollow eyes,
[Em] Behind closed doors, [C] truth belies.
[G] Our hearts beat the rhythm of [D] untold lies,
[Em] In this perfect town, [C] hope often dies.

(Chorus)
[G] We are the Suburban [D] Nightmares,
[Em] Dancing with ghosts of [C] our past, unawares.
[G] We fight, we scream, [D] no one cares,
[Em] We are the Suburban [C] Nightmares.

Favorite Fan:
Sarah Thompson, has been following Awful Succession since their very beginnings in local bars. She says, “Their music resonates with me on a deeply personal level. Their lyrics are raw and real, speaking of struggles that are relatable, and the ups and downs of life. Awful Succession isn’t just a band, it’s a voice for the unheard, an anthem for the underdogs, and an emotional voyage for all who listen. Their punk-infused sound, combined with emotive lyrics, has a captivating charm, making them my favorite band of all time.”