Backstory:
Disfigured Struggle is a band that emerged from the most unlikely of sources – a high school detention room. The four members, lead singer Flynn, drummer Toby, bassist Harper, and guitarist Jez, were all serving their punishment one fateful afternoon when they discovered their shared passion for music. Born out of a need to vent their frustrations and express their inherent teenage angst, the band Disfigured Struggle was created. Over time, their music evolved, and they started to address more profound and relatable issues, resonating with a broader audience. Their struggle to find a place in an indifferent world, interwoven into their music, has since then become their identity.

Genre:
Alternative Rock

Title:
“Whispers of the Unseen”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
[G] In this world of shattered dreams, [D] nowhere to hide,
[A] We find our voice, [C] in the whispers of the unseen.

[G] Struggling to make sense, [D] of the echoes inside,
[A] We turn our pain, [C] into a piercing scream.

(Chorus)
[G] We are the Disfigured Struggle, [D] lost, but not unseen,
[A] Whispering our rebellion, [C] in the silence in between.
[G] In the world’s cold indifference, [D] we carve our serene,
[A] Our story is the melody, [C] of the whispers unseen.

(Verse 2)
[G] Through the chaos and the noise, [D] we find our way,
[A] In the disfigured struggle, [C] we learn to play.
[G] With every broken chord, [D] we have something to say,
[A] Our music is the echo, [C] of the whispers of the grey.

(Chorus)
[G] We are the Disfigured Struggle, [D] lost, but not unseen,
[A] Whispering our rebellion, [C] in the silence in between.
[G] In the world’s cold indifference, [D] we carve our serene,
[A] Our story is the melody, [C] of the whispers unseen.

Fan Testimonial:
The band’s favorite fan is undoubtedly Emma Lawson, a college student from Ohio. Emma discovered Disfigured Struggle when she was going through a challenging phase in her life. She says, “Disfigured Struggle became my lifeline. Their music, their lyrics resonated with me on a deeper level. They gave voice to my struggles, they made me feel seen and heard. I felt connected to them. They weren’t just a band playing music. They were a band telling my story, telling our story. And that’s why they are my favorite.”

Backstory:
Dismal Association was formed in 2015 in a small, forgotten town in northern Ohio. The band members consisted of long-time friends: Alex Stone (Lead Vocals, Guitar), Rick Lawrence (Bass, Vocals), and Sam Oliver (Drums). Their shared passion for music and distaste for the mundanity of small-town life brought them together to create something different, something that would break the monotony. Drawing inspiration from their bleak surroundings, they chose the name Dismal Association. Through their music, they wished to explore the darker, underrepresented sides of society, while also bringing hope and courage to their listeners.

After years of playing in local bars and venues, they caught the attention of a Los Angeles record producer. Now, with two moderately successful albums under their belt, Dismal Association has embarked on a journey to bring their unique music to the world. Although fame and success haven’t changed them; they still hold on to their small-town roots and the reality of the world that surrounds us.

Genre:
Alternative Rock

Title:
“Shadows in the Rain”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
Em C
Walking through the city’s veins,
G D
Lost in shadows in the rain,
Em C
Heart is heavy, hands are tied,
G D
In this life, we’ve nowhere to hide.

(Chorus)
Em C
In the eye of the storm, we tremble,
G D
Under the weight of the world, we stumble,
Em C
But keep the faith, break the chains,
G D
We are the shadows in the rain.

(Verse 2)
Em C
In this cold, concrete maze,
G D
We are but a passing phase,
Em C
Trapped in the system, sold and bought,
G D
In a battle that’s never fought.

(Chorus)
Em C
In the eye of the storm, we tremble,
G D
Under the weight of the world, we stumble,
Em C
But keep the faith, break the chains,
G D
We are the shadows in the rain.

(Fan)
The band’s favorite fan is a guy named Tommy, a barista from their hometown who’s been following their career since the beginning. Tommy loves Dismal Association because their music resonates with his experiences and emotions. His testimonial goes, “Dismal Association is more than just a rock band. Their unique sound, coupled with lyrics that deal with real issues we all face, makes you feel understood and less alone. ‘Shadows in the Rain’ particularly hits close to home. It’s the soundtrack to my life.”

Backstory:

Strict Command came into existence in the sweltering heat of Phoenix, Arizona, in the year 2008. The band’s four members—lead singer Chase MacFarlane, guitarist Mikey “Strings” Peterson, bassist Zack “Bassman” O’Connell, and drummer Lenny “Beatmaster” Jenkins—used to be part of different local bands but decided to form a brotherhood of their own after a chance meeting at an underground music festival. The guys lived, breathed, and dreamed music and decided to make an impact on the world with their unique sound, adopting a name that reflected their dedication and discipline: Strict Command.

The band went through highs and lows, from performing in empty bars to packed stadiums. Their perseverance and shared love for music kept them together. Strict Command’s journey was about more than music; it was about friendship, survival, and the shared dream of four men.

Genre:
Rock/Metal

Title:
“Chains of Liberty”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
C G F
Walking down this road alone,
C G F
In the chains of liberty, I’ve grown.
C G F
Every step echoes a tale untold,
C G F
In the heart of the brave, the stories unfold.

(Chorus)
Am Em F Dm
Chains of liberty, break me free,
Am Em F Dm
In the name of love, let me be.
Am Em F Dm
Chains of liberty, set me on fire,
Am Em F Dm
With the flames of passion, take me higher.

(Verse 2)
C G F
Through the shadows, into the light,
C G F
With the chains of liberty, we’ll fight.
C G F
What lies ahead is a mystery,
C G F
But we march on, making history.

(Chorus-repeat)

Fan Testimonial:

My name is Emily Thompson, and I’ve been an ardent fan of Strict Command since their inception. The music, the lyrics, the energy, everything about them is just electrifying. “Chains of Liberty” is my go-to song, it’s like an anthem that speaks to my soul. Their music helped me during my toughest times, making me feel that I wasn’t alone. I love Strict Command not just for their music, but for the spirit they embody – of resilience, courage, and unwavering love for their art. They truly are my favorite band!

Backstory:
Hefty Rock was formed in the summer of 2008 in the small town of Plymouth, Michigan, by college friends Brad Mckenzie (vocals and guitar), Jamie Hafford (bass), and Remy Dixon (drums). Inspired by the raw energy of the garage rock scene and infused with their love for classic rock, they started playing at local bars, parties, and eventually made their way to music festivals across the country. Their music, a unique blend of heavy rock riffs, anthemic choruses, and introspective lyrics, resonated with audiences, leading them to sign with indie label, Eclipse Records in 2012.

Genre:
Classic Rock/Heavy Rock

Title:
“Steel Hearted Melody”

Full Song Lyrics:
(Verse 1)
C G Am Em
I was a drifter, lost in the echoes of my past,
F C G
My heart was silent, aching in the cold hard blast,
C G Am Em
You came like a melody, breaking my walls apart,
F C G
With your steel hearted melody, you found my desolate heart.

(Chorus)
C G Am Em
Steel hearted melody, your rhythm broke my chains,
F C G
In the symphony of your love, I found my soul again,
C G Am Em
Steel hearted melody, you’re the song within my veins,
F C G
Your love is my redemption, in this hefty rock refrain.

(Verse 2)
C G Am Em
In the solitude of my despair, you were my guiding star,
F C G
With your steel hearted melody, you healed my deepest scar,
C G Am Em
Now I’m singing to the rhythm, of your love’s sweet tune,
F C G
With your steel hearted melody, under the bright full moon.

(Chorus)
C G Am Em
Steel hearted melody, your rhythm set me free,
F C G
In the symphony of your love, I found my destiny,
C G Am Em
Steel hearted melody, you’re the song that saved my soul,
F C G
Your love is my salvation, in this hefty rock and roll.

The Band’s Favorite Fan:
Name: Lisa Harrison

Testimonial:
“Hefty Rock is more than just a band for me; it’s a lifesaver. Their music, especially ‘Steel Hearted Melody,’ is my anchor in the turbulent sea of life. The raw energy, the deep lyrics, and the classic rock vibe take me to a different world, a world where I feel seen, heard, and healed. I have been following them since their bar gig days in Plymouth and to see them rise and share their music with the world brings me so much joy. Hefty Rock is not just my favorite band, it’s a part of who I am.”

Backstory:
Watery Phase began its journey in the small coastal town of Newport, Oregon, where the rhythmic clashing of the waves on the shore sparked a creative flame in the hearts of high school pals, Sam Hunter, Alex Bray, and Lily Turner. Each one of them had a deep-seated love for music and the serene ambience of their coastal town, which they wished to translate into something tangible. A beach bonfire party in the summer of 2010 saw the first unofficial performance of what would later become ‘Watery Phase’. Their music resonated with the audience, and they decided to take their passion a step further.

They moved to Portland post-high school, where they combined their eclectic musical influences to create a unique sound that was a hybrid of their coastal upbringing and the vibrant music scene of the city. Battling through various highs and lows, the trio has held tight to their dream, and their bond has only grown stronger over time, reflecting in their deeply emotive music.

Genre:
Indie Folk

Title:
“Oceanic Degrees”

Full song lyrics with chord progression:
(C) Wandering through the (Am) city streets
(F) Longing for the salty (C) ocean breeze
(C) Trapped in the concrete (Am) maze
(F) Yearning for the watery (C) phase

Chorus:
(G) Oceanic (Am) degrees
(F) In our hearts, we (C) carry these
(G) The rhythm of the (Am) crashing waves
(F) The serenity of the (C) watery phase

(C) The city lights, they (Am) flicker and fade
(F) Against the memory of (C) sunsets we’ve made
(C) The urban noise, a (Am) distant haze
(F) As we dream of the (C) watery phase

(Repeat Chorus)

Fan Testimonial:
Our favorite fan has to be Jane Miller. She has been with us since our high school days, attending every local performance and spreading our music far and wide. Jane once told us, “Watery Phase is my favorite band not just because of their soulful music and deeply resonant lyrics. Their uniqueness lies in the way they make me feel – their songs take me on a journey to the serene Oregon coast, a place I have never been but feel deeply connected to, thanks to their music. Their passion and authenticity shine through every song making them a true gem in today’s music scene.” Her words mean the world to us, pushing us to continue our musical journey.

Backstory:
In the bustling underground music scene of Portland, Oregon, four friends with a mutual passion for music decided to channel their shared experiences into a form of art. They named their ensemble ‘Burly Pipe’, an unconventional name symbolizing their untamed, robust spirit. The band consists of lead vocalist and bassist, Alan “Al” Hopper, lead guitarist, Jasper “Jazz” Dalton, drummer, Lucas “Luc” Weber, and keyboardist, Vince “Vin” Ritchie. They united in 2012, each member carrying a unique musical background, and their friendship and shared life experiences became the core of their music’s soulful lyrics, bold chord progressions and raw, unfiltered sound.

Despite their different musical backgrounds, the quartet found a common ground in their love for rich, rebellious rock and melodic blues. From playing in local bars to recording in basements, Burly Pipe honed their unique sound, gaining a loyal following in the process. Known for their electrifying live performances, infectiously catchy tunes, and honest, emotive lyrics, the band quickly rose to prominence within the indie music scene.

Genre:
Indie Rock/Blues Rock

Title:
“Steel and Smoke”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
Am C G F
Underneath the city lights, life’s a curious parade,
Am C G F
Between the steel and smoke, we’ve found where we’ve been made.
Am C G F
Scratches on our hearts, like etchings on a pipe,
Am C G F
In this burly city life, we’re crafting our own type.

(Chorus)
Am C G F
We are the voices in the wind, the echoes in the night,
Am C G F
We are the fire in the cold, the shadows in the light,
Am C G F
We are the steel, we are the smoke, rebels in the fight,
Am C G F
We are Burly Pipe, blaring our song into the night.

(Verse 2)
Am C G F
In the rhythm of our hearts, in the strumming of our soul,
Am C G F
Through the tough and the tender, music makes us whole.
Am C G F
With every note we play, with every word we sing,
Am C G F
We’re painting the world in our colors, letting freedom ring.

(Repeat Chorus)

Fan’s Favorite Testimonial:
My name is Lily, and I am hands down the biggest Burly Pipe fan. There’s something about their music that speaks to me on a deep level. Their raw energy, genuine lyrics, and the way they blend Indie Rock with Blues just resonates with me. I’ve seen them play live numerous times, and every performance is just as electrifying as the last. Their music has gotten me through some tough times. I feel a personal connection to their songs, especially “Steel and Smoke”. It’s like the band is telling my story, and that makes them my absolute favorite.

Backstory:

Cultured Car was formed in a small town in the heart of Texas in 2011. The founding members of the band, childhood friends Mike Johnson (lead vocals, guitar) and Chris Thompson (drums), had been playing music together since they were in high school. With the addition of Grace Kelly on the bass guitar, they found their unique sound and started their journey performing at local bars and festivals. The band grew in popularity for their distinctive style and lyrics, which reflect their deep love for their hometown, their journey towards making it big, and their thoughts on life and love.

In 2015, Cultured Car received their breakthrough moment when they were discovered by a music producer at a local Texan music festival. Their unique sound, dubbed as “electric folk”, caught the attention of the music industry, and they were signed by a major record label. Now, they tour around the nation, but always make sure to return to their roots with a grand performance in their hometown.

Genre:

Electric Folk

Title:

‘Midnight Highways’

Full song lyrics:

(Verse 1)
G D C G
Just a small town boy, on these midnight highways,
G D C G
Chasing dreams, in my old blue Chevy,
G D C G
Underneath the stars, I sing my heart away,
G D C G
To the rhythm of the wheels, and this old country.

(Chorus)
G D C G
Oh, the night is young, and the road is old,
G D C G
The moon is my guide, the stars my story told,
G D C G
I’m on this ride, chasing tomorrow,
G D C G
On these midnight highways, where dreams ain’t borrowed.

(Verse 2)
G D C G
Passing by old towns, like ghosts in the night,
G D C G
The radio’s my company, on this lonesome drive,
G D C G
I’ve got my guitar, my dreams, and this open road,
G D C G
I’m just a bard in search, of a folk tale untold.

(Chorus)
G D C G
Oh, the night is young, and the road is old,
G D C G
The moon is my guide, the stars my story told,
G D C G
I’m on this ride, chasing tomorrow,
G D C G
On these midnight highways, where dreams ain’t borrowed.

Favorite fan’s name, reason, and testimonial:

Fan’s Name: Lily Thompson

Why: Lily has been a fan of Cultured Car since their early days. She loves the raw emotions in their lyrics, their unique electric folk sound, and most importantly, she feels connected to the band’s story of chasing their dream. As an aspiring artist herself, Cultured Car’s journey inspires her.

Testimonial: “I’ve been a fan of Cultured Car since they were just a local band. Their songs resonate with me. It’s like they’ve put my own journey and emotions into words. They’re not just a band to me, they’re a source of inspiration, a testament that dreams can come true if you have the courage to pursue them. I’m so proud to be part of the Cultured Car fanbase and can’t wait to see where their journey takes them next.”

Backstory:
Ignorant Cut was born out of the gritty, urban sprawl of New York City’s underground music scene in 2010. The band, originally a gritty duo of childhood friends, Johnny “Flash” Thompson, a self-taught guitarist with a love for punk rock, and Pete “Razor” Rodriguez, a classically trained drummer with a penchant for jazz, found a unique harmony in their discordant backgrounds. As they grew, they added two more members, Bella “Bassline” Johnson, a talented bassist from the Bronx, and Zack “Zero” Simmons, a charismatic frontman with a voice that could shake the foundations of the tallest skyscrapers. Together, they created a sound that was unlike anything the world had ever heard before.

Genre:
Ignorant Cut is best described as a fusion of punk rock, jazz, and post-hardcore, a genre they jokingly refer to as “post-punk jazzcore.”

Title:
“One Last Stand”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
Em C
We’ve been running on fumes, no destination,
G D
Ain’t got nothing to lose but our damnation,
Em C
City lights, they burn so bright, but they’re fading,
G D
And the music’s the only thing that’s saving.

(Chorus)
Em C
One last stand, in this no man’s land,
G D
We’ll fight with guitars in our hands,
Em C
Under the city’s neon glow,
G D
This is our time, this is our show.

(Verse 2)
Em C
We’re just renegades in a world that’s spinning,
G D
Laughing in the face of the fear that’s grinning,
Em C
Through the noise, we’ll find our voice, no pretending,
G D
This is our song, it’s our ending.

(Chorus)
Em C
One last stand, in this no man’s land,
G D
We’ll fight with guitars in our hands,
Em C
Under the city’s neon glow,
G D
This is our time, this is our show.

Fan’s Name and Testimonial:
The band’s favorite fan is a tattoo artist named Mikey. He’s been following Ignorant Cut since their early basement gigs. Mikey says, “Ignorant Cut isn’t just a band, they’re a revolution. Their music speaks to the outcasts, the rebels, the ones who dare to be different. They give a voice to those silenced by society. Every time I listen to ‘One Last Stand’, I get chills. It’s raw, it’s real, and it’s powerful. Ignorant Cut is the soundtrack to my life.”

Backstory:
Frail Colony was formed in the small, bustling city of Worcester, Massachusetts in 2008, when four childhood friends felt the calling to create music that would stir the soul. The band members, Josh Reynolds (lead vocalist), Mike Stone (drummer), Dan Fields (guitarist, back-up vocals) and Ethan Frost (bass guitar), met in high school and reconnected in college, deciding to combine their different musical influences and talents to form a band. They began creating music in Josh’s garage, spending countless hours crafting songs that represented their shared experiences, dreams, and hopes for the future. As their fanbase grew locally, they caught the attention of a talent scout at one of their gigs, which led them to sign a record deal with a major label.

Genre:
Indie Rock/Alternative

Title:
“Shattered Mirrors”

Full song lyrics:
(Verse 1)
[D] Looking at the [G] shattered mirrors,
[A] Reflecting our past, [D] filled with errors.
[G] Empty vessels [D] we became,
[A] Playing life like it’s just a game. [D]

(Chorus)
[G] Shattered mirrors, [D] broken dreams,
[Em] Nothing is really as it [A] seems.
[D] We’re the Frail Colony, [G] surviving the storms,
[A] Trying to find where we [D] belong.

(Verse 2)
[D] Trapped in the [G] labyrinth of our minds,
[A] Searching for the truth we [D] can’t find.
[G] We’re a colony, [D] frail and small,
[A] Against the world, we stand tall. [D]

(Chorus)
[G] Shattered mirrors, [D] broken dreams,
[Em] Nothing is really as it [A] seems.
[D] We’re the Frail Colony, [G] surviving the storms,
[A] Trying to find where we [D] belong.

(Outro)
[G] Shattered mirrors, [D] broken dreams,
[Em] We’re the Frail Colony, [A] standing tall,
[D] Against the world, [G] we won’t fall,
[A] For in our hearts, we [D] belong.

Fan Testimonial:
My name is Taylor Johnson, and I can confidently say that Frail Colony is my favorite band. Their music speaks to me on a personal level. It’s as if they’ve somehow unlocked the door to my soul and connected with my deepest emotions. “Shattered Mirrors” is my all-time favorite; I have it on replay. I believe it’s about acknowledging our flaws and realizing that it’s okay to be imperfect. Also, Josh, Mike, Dan, and Ethan are the most down-to-earth guys. They always take time to interact with fans at gigs, and that’s something that makes them unique. I couldn’t ask for a better band to be a fan of.

Backstory:

Snappy Thunder, the brainchild of high school buddies Max “Lightning” Lester and Charlie “Boom” Briggs, came to life in the sleepy town of Oceanside, California. The duo spent countless hours perfecting their sound in Max’s parents’ garage, weathering complaints from the neighbors about the “noise,” but never losing sight of their vision. After a chance encounter at a local music festival, they were joined by the talented Grace “Storm” Sullivan, who added her rhythmic bass and silky vocals to the mix. The trio quickly caught the attention of local indie record label, Tidal Wave Records, and have been making a splash in the music scene ever since.

Genre:
Alternative Rock

Title:
“Lightning in a Bottle”

Full Song Lyrics:

[Intro] Em, G, D, A (x2)

[Verse 1]
(Em) Thunder on the (G) horizon, (D) darkness starts to (A) fall,
(Em) My heart starts (G) beating, I hear the (D) lightning call. (A)

(Chorus)
(G) We’re just trying to catch (D) lightning in a (A) bottle,
(Em) Running wild, (G) uncontained, everything but (D) subtle. (A)
(G) Snappy like the thunder, (D) flash like the (A) lightning,
(Em) Baby, we’re a (G) storm, but isn’t it ex(D)citing? (A)

[Verse 2]
(Em) Dancing in the (G) rain, (D) feeling so a(A)live,
(Em) We’re Snappy Thunder, (G) baby, watch us (D) thrive. (A)

(Repeat Chorus)

[Outro] Em, G, D, A (x2)

Favorite Fan:

The band’s favorite fan is a bright-eyed teenager named Susie from their hometown. Susie has followed their journey from the time they were playing in Max’s garage, never missing a single show. Susie says, “Snappy Thunder is my favorite band because their music is raw and real, and it resonates with me on a whole other level. Their song ‘Lightning in a Bottle’ speaks to the wild and uncontained spirit in all of us. It’s like they’ve bottled up the energy of a thunderstorm and unleashed it in their music.”