Backstory:
Curly Crate is a band that was formed in the vibrant art scene of Portland, Oregon in 2007. The band members, Adam “Curly” Jones (lead vocals and guitar), Lila “Crate” Burnett (bass and backing vocals), and Sam “The Hammer” Doyle (drums), met while attending a local music festival. Inspired by their shared love of music and a desire to create something fresh and innovative, they began jamming together in Adam’s garage, which was filled with curly wooden crates – hence the name Curly Crate.

Their first album was recorded in that same garage and self-released, creating a local buzz that led to them being picked up by a small independent label. Despite changes in the music industry and ups and downs over the years, Curly Crate has remained true to their quirky, creative roots and passionate about the music they create.

Genre:
Indie Rock / Folk Rock.

Song Title:
“We Painted Moonlight”

Full Song Lyrics:
(Verse 1)
[G] We painted moonlight [D] on the walls of our [Em] hearts, [C]
[G] Dreamed in colors as the [D] world fell apart. [Em] [C]
[G] Whispered wishes into [D] cool summer nights, [Em] [C]
[G] Under the canvas of [D] stars shining bright. [Em] [C]

(Chorus)
[D] We painted moonlight, [Em] we wrote the stars,
[C] Sketched our dreams on the [G] night’s memoirs.
[D] In the silence, we found our [Em] tune,
[C] Forever dancing [D] ‘neath the [G] painted moon.

(Verse 2)
[G] We found love in [D] melodies soft and [Em] low, [C]
[G] In the rhythm of the [D] river’s gentle flow. [Em] [C]
[G] We strummed heartstrings [D] under the evening glow, [Em] [C]
[G] Anchored by the [D] music and the love we know. [Em] [C]

(Repeat Chorus)

Band’s Favorite Fan:
Our favorite fan’s name is Maddie Springs. Maddie has been with us since our first garage jamming session. She’s always front row at every gig, and her energy and enthusiasm are infectious – they fuel our performances.

Maddie’s Testimonial:
“I fell in love with Curly Crate the first time I heard their music at a local coffee shop. Their lyrics speak to me on a deep level, and their melodies are enchanting. The raw authenticity of their music is a breath of fresh air in today’s overly produced music. Being a Curly Crate fan isn’t just about loving their music – it’s about embracing the passion and creativity they pour into every note.”

Backstory:
Formed in the heart of New York’s bustling music scene, ‘Venerated Soil’ is the result of four college friends – Ethan Thompson (lead vocals), Jake Silverstein (guitar), Derek Mitchell (bass), and Sam Friedman (drums) – who shared a common love for music and environmental causes. They started playing together in the basement of their college dormitory in 2012. Their music soon caught the attention of a local record label who offered them a chance to record an EP. Since then, they have been a rising name in the indie music scene, using their platform to promote environmental sustainability and conservation.

Genre:
Indie Rock/Folk

Title:
“Whispers of the Wind”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
[C] Down the valley where the [G] willows weep,
[Am] Underneath the stars that [Em] hardly sleep,
[C] Silent whispers of the [G] wind begin,
[Am] Telling tales of what [Em] lies within. [G]

(Chorus)
[C] Oh, the whispers of the [G] wind,
[Am] They’re calling us [G] again,
[C] To the venerated [G] soil,
[Am] The sacred earth we [G] toil. [C]

(Verse 2)
[C] Beneath the sky of [G] endless blue,
[Am] There’s a world that’s [Em] waiting to be viewed,
[C] The rustling leaves, the [G] humming bees,
[Am] A symphony of [Em] nature’s melodies. [G]

(Chorus)
[C] Oh, the whispers of the [G] wind,
[Am] They’re calling us [G] again,
[C] To the venerated [G] soil,
[Am] The sacred earth we [G] toil. [C]

Favorite Fan:
Kimberly Watts, a biology teacher from New Jersey, is their favorite fan. She shares, “Venerated Soil’s music isn’t just music to my ears; it’s a call to action. Every song is a poignant reminder of our duty towards Mother Earth. Their music has inspired me to start an environmental club in my school. I love the way they blend indie rock with a touch of folk, creating something unique and beautiful. I even use their song ‘Whispers of the Wind’ as a ringtone. I feel like I’m not just a fan, but a part of their mission.”

Backstory:
Burly Doorway, a rock quartet from the heart of Seattle, was born in the winter of 2007. The band, comprised of former high school buddies, was a motley crew of raw talent and unfiltered passion for music. Their name, inspired by a conversation about robust American architecture, symbolized their goal to create music that was as solid, enduring, and soulful as a well-crafted doorway. Over time, they found their unique voice, weaving together a tapestry of powerful guitar riffs, rhythmic percussion, and soul-stirring vocals.

The band’s journey has been one of relentless dedication and continuous evolution. From playing in cramped garages and house parties to headlining local music festivals, Burly Doorway’s unwavering commitment to their craft has been met with nationwide recognition. Today, they stand as one of the most promising and exciting acts in the American rock scene.

Genre:
Rock

Title:
“Echoes in the Hallway”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
[C] Down the hallway, [Am] through the noise,
[F] Echoes of your laughter, [G] your unforgettable voice.
[C] It’s hard to move on, [Am] when your memory embraces,
[F] Under the weight of silence, [G] in these empty spaces.

(Chorus)
[F] Echoes in the hallway, [C] the walls speak your name,
[G] Pictures on the mantle, [Am] remind me of our game.
[F] I can hear you whispering, [C] in the rhythm of the rain,
[G] Though I can’t see you, [Am] I feel you in every frame.

(Verse 2)
[C] Curtains dance to the wind’s tune, [Am] in the echoes of your laughter,
[F] Here in the hallway, [G] it’s you I am after.
[C] The rooms feel colder, [Am] without your warming glow,
[F] In the echoes of the hallway, [G] our story continues to grow.

(Chorus)
[F] Echoes in the hallway, [C] the past is not at bay,
[G] The love we left behind, [Am] is here to stay.
[F] I can hear you in the echoes, [C] your presence in every ray,
[G] Here in the hallway, [Am] I feel you everyday.

The band’s favorite fan’s name:
Jenny Summers

Why and how Burly Doorway is Jenny’s favorite band:
Jenny Summers, a die-hard fan since their first album, lives by Burly Doorway’s music. The authenticity and raw emotion in their lyrics resonate with her own life experiences, making the band her emotional sanctuary. “Burly Doorway’s music isn’t just a collection of sounds, it’s the auditory embodiment of passion and raw human emotion,” Jenny states. “Every song feels like a personal letter, filled with strength, love, and resilience. Their music is my lifeline, my solace, and my joy. To say Burly Doorway is my favorite band would be an understatement; they’re a part of my soul.”

Backstory:
Foolhardy Recess was born in the back alleys of Manchester in the UK, in the fall of 2014. Comprising four childhood friends – Ben, Pete, Sam, and Mike – who all shared a common love for music, this unassuming garage band started on a whim. They were bored with their nine-to-five jobs and decided to tap into their shared passion for music, despite knowing that the road ahead wasn’t going to be easy. Each member brought a unique musical influence to the band, ranging from classic rock to punk, which ultimately helped shape their versatile sound.

Genre:
Punk Rock / Grunge

Song Title:
“Lost in Oblivion”

Full song lyrics:

(Verse)
C G D E C
Wake up in the morning, sun’s already high
C G D E C
Lost in the oblivion, time just passing by
C G D E C
Look in the mirror, who do I see?
C G D E C
A stranger staring back, can’t be me

(Chorus)
Am7 D7 Gmaj7
Lost in oblivion, where’s the guiding light
Am7 D7 Gmaj7
Scream out my name, in the dead of night
Am7 D7 Gmaj7
Fallen so deep, can’t seem to climb
Am7 D7 Gmaj7
Lost in oblivion, losing track of time

(Verse)
C G D E C
Drowning in a sea of faces, all looking the same
C G D E C
Shouting for attention, it’s a lonely game
C G D E C
Chasing shadows, can’t catch the light
C G D E C
Lost in oblivion, out of sight

(Chorus)
Am7 D7 Gmaj7
Lost in oblivion, no stars to guide
Am7 D7 Gmaj7
Trapped within myself, nowhere to hide
Am7 D7 Gmaj7
Drifting in the darkness, lost in time
Am7 D7 Gmaj7
Lost in oblivion, can’t find the rhyme

Fan’s Name: Sarah Williams

Fan Testimonial:
“Sarah here! From the moment I heard Foolhardy Recess, I knew I had found my favorite band. Their raw energy, the authenticity of their lyrics, and their unique blend of punk and grunge, it just spoke to me. ‘Lost in Oblivion’ in particular, resonates with me on a whole different level. It’s my go-to song when I’m feeling down and it also pumps me up before a big day. They’re not just musicians, they’re poets of our generation. I’m proud to be part of the Foolhardy Family!”

Backstory:

Sick Tunnel was formed in the gritty streets of Detroit in 2012. All four members, childhood friends, bonded over their shared love for music, particularly hard rock and alternative metal. They started out small, performing at local bars and street festivals, and with their raw talent and infectious energy, the band quickly gained a local following. Their real breakthrough came in 2015 when they won the Battle of the Bands contest at a renowned Detroit rock festival. This launched them onto the national stage and they’ve been steadily gaining fans and making waves in the music industry ever since.

Genre:

Alternative Metal/Hard Rock

Title:

“Shadows of the Past”

Full Song Lyrics with Chord Progression:

(Verse 1)
[G] Down in the depths, where the [Em] sun don’t shine
[C] We’re digging tunnels, in the [D] caverns of our minds
[G] The echoes ring out, as the [Em] pickaxes cast
[C] Unearthing the [D] shadows of the past

(Chorus)
[G] But we won’t be [Em] buried, we won’t be [C] confined
[D] In this sick tunnel, we’re leaving behind
[G] With the weight of the [Em] world, on our [C] shoulders so vast
[D] We’re breaking free from the [G] shadows of the past

(Verse 2)
[G] The darkness creeps in, as the [Em] memories resurface
[C] The ghosts of yesterday, [D] haunting our purpose
[G] But we’ll light the path, with our [Em] courage so vast
[C] Chasing away the [D] shadows of the past

(Chorus)
[G] We won’t be [Em] silenced, we won’t be [C] outclassed
[D] In this sick tunnel, we’re making our stand
[G] With the strength of the [Em] future, in our [C] hearts so vast
[D] We’re breaking free from the [G] shadows of the past

Fan Testimonial:

I’m Mark, and I can say without a doubt that Sick Tunnel is my favorite band. Their music just resonates with me on such a deep level. The raw emotion and energy they bring in every song, especially “Shadows of the Past,” is utterly astounding. The lyrics hit close to home for me. They remind me of my personal struggles and how I managed to overcome them. Sick Tunnel’s music is a constant reminder that no matter how difficult things get, there’s always a way out, and I think that’s a message we all need to hear.

Backstory:
Somber Radio was born in the bustling, creative chaos of Austin, Texas during the early 2000s. The band was formed by high school friends and music enthusiasts – lead vocalist and guitarist, Aaron Hoffman, drummer, Vincent Riddle, and bassist, Lucy Jenson. They began as a garage band, spending countless hours refining their sound, writing songs late into the night, and playing at local bars and music festivals. With a shared love for melancholic melodies and reflective lyricism, the trio decided on the name ‘Somber Radio’ to perfectly encapsulate their unique sound.

Their breakthrough came in 2005 when they were spotted by a talent scout at the iconic South by Southwest Music Festival. Their performance there led to a recording contract, and they’ve been steadily rising in the indie music scene ever since. Despite their growing popularity, Somber Radio remains true to their roots, delivering soulful, introspective music that resonates with their listeners.

Genre:
Indie Rock/Alternative

Title:
“Echoes in the Silence”

Full Song Lyrics with Chord Progression:

[Verse 1]
(C) Walking down the (Am) empty streets at midnight,
(Dm) Underneath the (G) shimmering city lights.
(C) Silence filled the (Am) air, only broken by my footsteps,
(Dm) Echoing like (G) memories in my mind.

[Verse 2]
(C) The city sleeps, but (Am) I’m awake, chasing shadows.
(Dm) Every step I take (G) feels like I’m falling behind.
(C) I’m just a voice on the (Am) radio, lost in the static,
(Dm) Searching for a (G) signal that I can’t find.

[Chorus]
(C) Echoes in the silence, (Am) voices in the dark,
(Dm) I’m tuning into (G) frequencies of a broken heart.
(C) I’m singing out loud, (Am) lost in the crowd,
(Dm) Won’t you hear my (G) echoes in the silence?

Fan’s Name:
Emily Thompson

Testimonial:
“Somber Radio is the soundtrack to my life. Their lyrics somehow put into words the feelings I can’t express, and their melodies resonate with my soul on a profound level. I first discovered them at a local music festival and was immediately captivated. They were just three people on a small stage, but their music filled the air with such emotion that it felt like they were playing just for me. I’ve been hooked ever since, attending every concert I can, and their album ‘Echoes in the Silence’ never leaves my turntable. Somber Radio is not just my favorite band; they’re a part of who I am.”

Backstory:
Queasy Deer was born from the pulsing heart of Seattle’s underground music scene, a city known for churning out genre-defining bands. The band was formed by four friends, lead vocalist/guitarist Jake Freeman, lead guitarist/background vocalist Samantha ‘Sam’ Lawrence, bassist Mike Dayton, and drummer Ronnie Bridges. They were just four dreamers stuck in dead-end jobs, longing to make their voices heard through music. Their unique bond and shared passion for music led them to create Queasy Deer in 2003. Through the years, they’ve been known for their raw energy, soul-baring lyrics, and eclectic blend of musical influences, which have helped them carve out a unique niche in the music world.

Genre:
Alternative Rock / Indie Pop

Title:
“Starry Night Lullaby”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
Em C G D
Beneath the starry night,
Em C G D
You and I take flight,
Em C G D
Basking in the moonlight,
Em C G D
Everything feels so right.

(Chorus)
C G D
This is our starry night lullaby,
Em C G D
A song for you and I,
C G D
Underneath the moon’s twilight,
Em C G D
We’ll dance until daylight.

(Verse 2)
Em C G D
In your eyes, I see a universe,
Em C G D
Our love could break any curse,
Em C G D
In your arms, there’s no rehearse,
Em C G D
Just the melody of our hearts’ converse.

(Chorus)
C G D
This is our starry night lullaby,
Em C G D
A song for love that won’t die,
C G D
Underneath the sapphire sky,
Em C G D
We’ll dance until the sun’s high.

Favorite Fan:
The band’s favorite fan is a woman named Amy Thompson. She was there during Queasy Deer’s first-ever gig in a small dive bar in Seattle, and she has been following their journey ever since. Amy has attended every single show, purchased every album, and has even started an online fan club to help spread the love for Queasy Deer.

Amy’s Testimonial:
“Queasy Deer’s music is my lifeline. Their lyrics resonate with me on a deep, personal level and the melodies never fail to lift my spirits. I’ve seen them evolve as musicians, from their humble beginnings to the hit-making band they are today. I’m proud to be their fan because they’ve never strayed from their original path – to create music that’s raw, genuine, and deeply moving.”

Backstory:

Born from the industrial heart of Chicago, Boiling Stomach grew out of the sizzling steam of the city’s subway tunnels and gritty streets. The founding members, Jeff “Jazzy” Jefferson and Billy “Bitter” Baxter, were childhood friends who found their footing in the music scene as rebellious teens. They spent their formative years in underground punk clubs before deciding to form their own band. Boiling Stomach was an expression of their fraught experiences, their visceral emotion, and their artistic vision to create music that challenges the status quo and resonates with the complex human gut feeling.

The band’s first big break came during a wildly successful gig at a local festival where their raw and powerful performance captured the crowd’s attention. Music insiders were also taken aback by their unique sound, and a contract was soon on the table. They’ve been boiling the music industry’s stomach ever since, melting genres and stirring up a solid fan base.

Genre:

Post-Industrial Punk Rock

Title:

“Acidic Love”

Full Song Lyrics:

(VERSE 1: Em – G – D – A)
In the heart of this concrete maze, (Em)
Lost in the smoke and the steam, (G)
I found you, my Acidic Love, (D)
In the glow of the neon dream. (A)

(VERSE 2: Em – G – D – A)
Your eyes, they burn like the city lights, (Em)
Your touch, as cold as steel, (G)
Yet in your arms, my Acidic Love, (D)
I’ve found a love that’s real. (A)

(CHORUS: C – G – D – Em)
Acidic Love, you’re all I need, (C)
Our hearts pounding to the industrial beat. (G)
In the chaos, you’re my sweet relief, (D)
Acidic Love, you set me free. (Em)

(VERSE 3: Em – G – D – A)
We dance to the rhythm of the restless night, (Em)
The city breathes in tune, (G)
With you, my Acidic Love, (D)
Under the rusty moon. (A)

(REPEAT CHORUS)

(END: C – G – D – Em)
Acidic Love, in your embrace, (C)
I’ve found my place. (G)
In the heart of the city, with your acid kiss, (D)
Acidic Love, it’s you I miss. (Em)

Fan Testimonial:

Boiling Stomach’s biggest fan is undoubtedly Susan “Screaming Sue” Smith from Cleveland, OH. A self-proclaimed ‘Stomach-ite’, Susan has been to every single one of their shows since the band broke into the mainstream. She claims that their music, specifically the song “Acidic Love”, resonates with her deeply, reminding her of her own youthful rebellion and lost love amidst the steel factories of her hometown.

“Their sound is raw, visceral, and unapologetically authentic,” says Susan. “Boiling Stomach is my favorite band because they don’t sugarcoat reality. They tell it like it is, they stir up emotions you didn’t realize you had, and they rock the hell out of any stage they step on. Plus, any band that can make a song about love sound like a fight for survival is a winner in my book.”

Backstory:
Unfinished Myth started as a shared dream between college roommates, Theo and Liam, in the small town of Elysium, Oregon. They spent their nights jamming in their cramped dorm room, drawing inspiration from their shared background of folklore, mythology, and a deep love for their hauntingly beautiful surroundings. Upon graduating, they decided to pursue this passion and invited two more members, Grace and Ash, to their ensemble. This is how ‘Unfinished Myth’ was born, a band that merges the lines between reality and fantasy, weaving tales of mystical lands and legendary creatures into their music.

Genre:
Folk Rock

Title:
“Whispers in the Wind”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
C G
Lost in the echoes of a tale half spun,
Am Em
Drawn by the whispers of the setting sun.
F C
In the realms unseen, yet felt within,
G C
The story of our souls, it begins.

(Verse 2)
C G
The moonlight paints the shadows on the wall,
Am Em
Guiding us through the ancient hall.
F C
With trembling hearts, we heed the call,
G C
The Unfinished Myth, it enthralls.

(Chorus)
F C
We are the keepers of the forgotten lore,
G Am
Sailing past the realms of yore.
F C
In the symphony of the wind, we soar,
G C
The Unfinished Myth, forever more.

(Verse 3)
C G
We chase the echoes through the sylvan grove,
Am Em
Guided by the stars above.
F C
Inscribed in our hearts, a timeless love,
G C
The Unfinished Myth, we’re made of.

(Chorus)
F C
We are the weavers of the silken tale,
G Am
Against the storm, we set the sail.
F C
In the twilight’s glow, we never fail,
G C
The Unfinished Myth, will prevail.

Repeat Chorus

Favorite Fan:
The band’s favorite fan is a young artist named Lily, who has attended every one of their live performances to date. Lily’s testimonial reveals her deep connection with the band, “Unfinished Myth is not just a band to me, they’re the soundtrack to my life. Their music is my muse. The blend of folklore and rock sends chills down my spine every time. The stories they tell with their lyrics make me feel like I’m part of an epic saga, and their passion resonates so deeply with me. I can’t imagine a world without their music.”

Backstory:

Unsightly Park was born out of the shared love for unconventional music and the camaraderie of four best friends from Seattle. Ethan “Echo” Connor, Noah “Nerd” Hawkins, Gabe “Grim” Marshall, and Jesse “Jazz” Lewis, all hailed from different musical backgrounds which made the coming together of their unique styles an unsightly but beautiful mishmash. Their first meeting occurred in a not-so-pleasant park where they were all individually trying to find some peace and quiet, hence the name ‘Unsightly Park’. The quartet found common ground in their shared love for music, and began busking, capturing the attention of passerby with their eclectic sound. After gaining fame in the local scene, they caught the attention of an indie record producer, who decided to give them a chance at the big leagues.

Genre:

Indie Rock with a touch of Punk and Grunge.

Title:

“Suburban Graffiti”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
C#m B
Wake up to the sound of the city’s groan,
A E
In the heart of the suburb, we’ve known.
C#m B
Skyscrapers, they don’t reach us here,
A E
Only the echo of our dreams, so clear.

(Chorus)
D A
We’re just a suburban graffiti, can’t you see?
E F#m
Scrawled on the walls of eternity.
D A
A splash of color in a world so grey,
E F#m
In the unsightly park, we play.

(Verse 2)
C#m B
Strangers pass us by, their hearts in a rush,
A E
Leaving a trail of dreams turned to dust.
C#m B
In the shadows of the city, we breathe,
A E
Carving our stories on the canvas beneath.

(Chorus)
D A
We’re just a suburban graffiti, lost in a sea,
E F#m
Fighting the silence with our melody.
D A
Against the monochrome, we dare to sway,
E F#m
In the unsightly park, we stay.

Fan’s Testimonial:

Fan’s name is Liam Thompson. Testimonial from Liam: “I’ve been following Unsightly Park since their busking days in Seattle. Their raw, yet polished sound is something you can’t find in today’s commercialized music scene. The diversity in their backgrounds creates a fusion of genres that just….works. Their song ‘Suburban Graffiti’ paints the picture of everyday suburban life with such poignant accuracy, it almost feels like they are singing about my life. Their music brings color to my mundane routine, and it’s why they are, and always will be, my favorite band.”