Backstory:

Exemplary Freedom was born in the heart of New York City in 2008, when four college friends decided they wanted to make a difference through music. Comprised of lead singer and bassist Jenna Golding, guitarist Jack “Jax” Turner, keyboardist and backing vocalist Emily Norton, and drummer Mike “Mikey” Ferris, the band started as an experiment in their college dorm rooms. They spent countless nights writing and practicing, their shared passion for music and social justice forming the backbone of their band.

Living in one of the most culturally diverse cities in the world, they found their inspiration in the vibrant surroundings, in the stories of the common people, the struggles, the joys, and the spirit of undying hope. Their music soon garnered local attention and they started performing in local bars and community events. In 2010, they landed a record deal with indie music label, ‘Raw Echoes’, releasing their debut album ‘Awakening’ which saw a meteoric rise in popularity, making Exemplary Freedom a household name in the indie music scene.

Genre:

Indie Rock with a touch of Soul

Title:

“Chains of Liberty”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
[G] Wandering through the streets of the [C] city,
[G] Listening to the silent cries of the [D] nitty-gritty.
[G] The hushed whispers of the [C] oppressed,
[D] Paint a picture of freedom, undressed.

(Chorus)
[G] Chains of Liberty, [C] bind us together,
[G] Wrapped in love, we [D] will never sever.
[G] Through the storm, through the [C] weather,
[D] Chains of Liberty, we’ll [G] stand forever.

(Verse 2)
[G] The rich man’s power, the [C] poor man’s dream,
[G] The world’s not always [D] what it seems.
[G] Between the lines of [C] black and white,
[D] Lie the colors of the fight.

(Chorus)
[G] Chains of Liberty, [C] bind us together,
[G] United in song, we [D] echo forever.
[G] In the face of hate, we [C] shall never waver,
[D] Chains of Liberty, our [G] eternal savior.

Favorite Fan’s Testimonial:

Name: Mia Thompson

“I’ve been a fan of Exemplary Freedom since their first gig at a local pub in Manhattan. Their music speaks to my soul, articulating the feelings and emotions I struggle to express. In today’s world, where there’s so much chaos and inequality, their songs like ‘Chains of Liberty’ encourage us to stand together, to fight for what’s right. They make me believe that music can change the world. It’s not just their music that I love. It’s their spirit, their integrity, their commitment to social justice. They make me proud to be a fan.”

Backstory:
Overdue Smoke was born out of the heart of Austin, Texas, in the summer of 2012. Lead singer and rhythm guitarist Josh Steele was a bartender at the local watering hole, “The Dirty Dog”, while lead guitarist Brandon “Boots” Walker was a recently discharged Marine looking for a new path. Their paths crossed one fateful night when Boots walked into the bar and the two started talking music. Their tastes were so alike, they decided to jam together. With the addition of bassist Mickey “the Shadow” Thompson and drummer Hank “Bulldog” Brown, Overdue Smoke was complete. Their passion for music led them to practice tirelessly for hours in a small garage, honing their craft and creating a unique sound that soon had a local following.

Genre:
Southern Rock/Blues Rock

Title:
“Cinder and Ash”

Full song lyrics:

Verse – C / G / Am / Em
( C ) Down in the valley where the ( G ) whispers grow,
( Am ) I found a love that was ( Em ) bound to flow.
( C ) She was a flame, burning ( G ) bright and fast,
( Am ) We danced together in the ( Em ) cinder and ash.

Chorus – D / Em / C / G
( D ) Cinder and ash, ( Em ) love’s fiery crash,
( C ) She was a spark in the ( G ) midnight’s hush.
( D ) Cinder and ash, ( Em ) lost in the flash,
( C ) We were a tale of the ( G ) cinder and ash.

Verse
( C ) Her love like fire, my heart ( G ) made of wood,
( Am ) Burning brighter than I ( Em ) thought it could.
( C ) Flames of passion, they don’t ( G ) last I knew,
( Am ) But I danced with her in the ( Em ) cinder and ash.

Chorus
( D ) Cinder and ash, ( Em ) love’s fiery crash,
( C ) She was a spark in the ( G ) midnight’s hush.
( D ) Cinder and ash, ( Em ) lost in the flash,
( C ) We were a tale of the ( G ) cinder and ash.

Fan’s Name:
Sarah Thompson

Testimonial:
“I’ve been a fan of Overdue Smoke since their first performance at the Dirty Dog. Their music resonates with me on a personal level. It’s raw, emotional, and unapologetic, just like life. The song “Cinder and Ash” in particular, helped me through a rough patch in my life. It’s my favorite because it tells a story of love, loss, and the beauty of fleeting moments, but also the pain they can cause. Each of their songs is filled with this kind of authenticity, that’s why Overdue Smoke is and will always be my favorite band.”

Backstory:
Buoyant Sheet, a music band that was born from the heart of Austin, Texas, is the epitome of serendipity. The band was formed when four friends, who were initially working on individual music projects, found themselves jamming together in a garage on a lazy summer evening. Jake and Harrison were childhood friends who had a shared love for indie rock. On the other hand, Martha, an enchanting singer, was a new addition to their group, and Tim, a percussion prodigy, was someone they had bumped into at a local music festival. What started as an impromptu jam session soon turned into a serious project when the four realized that they had a unique sound that deserved to be heard by more than just the walls of their garage.

Their journey was not without its fair share of challenges and setbacks, but every hurdle they faced only brought them closer together. The band’s name, Buoyant Sheet, was inspired by their shared belief in the power of music to lift spirits and keep them afloat even in the most trying times. Music was their buoyant sheet, and they wished to extend the same solace to their listeners.

Genre:
Indie Rock

Title:
“Runaway Echo”

Full Song Lyrics:

[Verse 1]
C G
Here in the silence, under the grey,
Am Em
We search for the colors, in the array.
C G
Holding the whispers, catching the rain,
Am Em
Our hearts beat in rhythm, bearing the pain.

[Chorus]
C G
Runaway echo, where do you fly?
Am Em
In the realm of dreams or the morning sky?
C G
Find us a melody, pure and bright,
Am Em
Make our hearts buoyant, in the moonlight.

[Verse 2]
C G
Through the shadows, under the stars,
Am Em
We trace our journey, carrying our scars.
C G
Finding our harmony, in the silent night,
Am Em
We play until dawn, in the pale moonlight.

[Chorus]
C G
Runaway echo, where do you soar?
Am Em
Over the mountains, or the distant shore?
C G
Bring us a song, that sets us free,
Am Em
Fill our hearts buoyant, with your melody.

Favorite Fan:
The band’s favorite fan is Sarah Coleman. She has been following Buoyant Sheet since their garage days and has been an ardent supporter, attending every gig, purchasing their music and merchandise, and even promoting them on social media. Sarah loves Buoyant Sheet’s music for its authenticity and the raw emotions it evokes. She says, “Their music speaks to me on a personal level. It is as if every song was written just for me. The band members are also down-to-earth and genuinely care for their fans. To me, Buoyant Sheet is not just a band; they are a family.”

Backstory:
Formed in 2015, Remarkable Female is an all-female band hailing from the eclectic city of Austin, Texas. The band was formed by lead vocalist Jane “JJ” Johnson and drummer Amelia “Amy” Hart, who met while studying music at the University of Texas. They quickly bonded over their shared love of music and their frustration over the lack of representation of women in the music industry. They began writing songs together, and Remarkable Female was born. The band slowly expanded, adding bassist Lily Sanchez and guitarist Rachel Gibson to their lineup. Their music has become a platform for them to voice their thoughts, ideas, and experiences as women, making them a popular choice among various age groups.

Genre:
Remarkable Female is primarily an Indie Pop band, with influences of Rock and Folk. Their music features empowered lyrics, catchy melodies, and a unique blend of contemporary sounds and vintage vibes.

Title:
The band’s most popular song to date is “Journey of the Phoenix.”

Full Song Lyrics:
(Verse 1)
C G Am E
I rise, I fall, but I stand tall,
F C G
In the face of it all.
C G Am E
My journey, like the phoenix in flight,
F C G
Brighter than the darkest night.

(Chorus)
F C G Am
I am the spark, I am the flame,
F C G
I am the wind, wild and untamed.
F C G Am
I am the storm, I am the calm,
F C G
I am remarkable, I am strong.

(Verse 2)
C G Am E
I’ve known hurt, I’ve known pain,
F C G
But I will rise again.
C G Am E
Like the phoenix, from the ashes I emerge,
F C G
On a path where my passions surge.

(Chorus repeats)
F C G Am
I am the spark, I am the flame,
F C G
I am the wind, wild and untamed.
F C G Am
I am the storm, I am the calm,
F C G
I am remarkable, I am strong.

Fan Testimonial:
Remarkable Female’s biggest fan is Lisa Thompson. Lisa says, “Remarkable Female is my favorite band because their music always empowers and uplifts me. Their song ‘Journey of the Phoenix’ especially resonates with me. I’ve had my own struggles and hearing their lyrics, knowing that they’ve been through similar experiences, gives me strength. It’s more than just music for me; it’s a source of strength and a reminder of my own resilience. Plus, seeing these incredible women take the stage and own it is just so inspiring. They truly are remarkable females.”

Backstory:
Weekly Bar is an offbeat group of four friends hailing from the grungy streets of downtown Brooklyn. The band was born in 2011 when the quartet, all working at the neighborhood pub, discovered their shared love for music during a spontaneous jam session after closing hours. What started as a whimsical pastime soon turned into a serious endeavor as the group began writing their own songs, inspired by their experiences serving patrons at the bar. Their unique sound and deep-rooted camaraderie quickly resonated with locals, turning their late-night jam sessions into a weekly event, hence the name ‘Weekly Bar’.

Genre:
Weekly Bar specializes in a blend of Rock, Indie, and Blues, with a touch of heartfelt ballads reflecting their mundane lives and shared dreams.

Title:
“Pour Another Round”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
[D]Beneath the neon lights, [G] we pour our hearts tonight,
[A]Stained with whiskey tales, [E] and stories that we write.
[D]From the bitter hops, [G] to the heartbreak on the rocks,
[A]The rhythm of our lives, [E] syncs with the old jukebox.

(Chorus)
[G]Pour another round, [D] on this sacred ground,
[A]Where dreams are lost and found, [E] in the music’s sound.
[G]Pour another round, [D] let the chords resound,
[A]In this pub, we are bound, [E] where our solace is found.

(Verse 2)
[D]The clock strikes midnight’s chime, [G] lost in the rhythm and rhyme,
[A]The bar is our stage, [E] and the patrons, our prime.
[D]In the smoky haze, [G] we sing of our days,
[A]Each chord, a promise, [E] in the Weekly Bar’s phrase.

(Chorus)
[G]Pour another round, [D] let the music pound,
[A]In this sanctuary we found, [E] let our voices resound.
[G]Pour another round, [D] where our souls are unbound,
[A]In the Weekly Bar’s sound, [E] we’re eternally crowned.

Favorite Fan Testimonial:
Our biggest fan is undoubtedly Danny “The Jukebox” Johnson. Danny has been a regular at the bar since before the band’s inception and has enthusiastically attended every single performance. He says, “Weekly Bar is more than just a band to me. They’re a group of ordinary guys, just like me, who manage to turn the everyday grind into these magical, relatable tunes. Their music is raw, real, and it resonates within me. They’re not just serving drinks, they’re serving stories, emotions, dreams… all wrapped up in beautiful melodies. There’s truly nothing like a Weekly Bar night!”

Backstory:
Born in the heart of Portland, Oregon’s thriving indie music scene, Irritating Satisfaction is a band like no other. The group was coalesced in 2011 by the lead vocalist, Susan “Sue” Ambrose, and her long-time friend, the enigmatic guitarist, Terry “T-Rex” Harrington. A chance encounter at a local dive bar brought them together with Jared “Jazz” Fergusson, a jazz-trained drummer, and the trio quickly realized the unique chemistry they shared. Initially performing in small local venues, their music rapidly caught on, due to its unique blend of old-school rock and punk, with a hint of jazz, making them local favorites.

Genre:
Indie Rock-Punk Jazz Fusion

Song Title:
“Shattered Rainbows”

Full Song Lyrics:
(Verse 1)
[C] Shattered rainbows on the [G] horizon,
[Am] Pieces of dreams, we [Em] left behind.
[F] Under the weight of [C] world, our shoulders [G] bend,
[Dm] But in our hearts, we [E] still find the strength to stand.

(Chorus)
[F] Broken but not bent, [C] we rise again,
[G] In the face of the storm, we [Am] learn to dance.
[F] Shattered rainbows, [C] Colorful pain,
[G] This is our journey, not our [E] end.

(Verse 2)
[C] Shadows creeping in, [G] it’s getting dark,
[Am] Playing hide and seek with [Em] our hearts.
[F] But in the whispers of the [C] wind, we find [G] our song,
[Dm] Echoing our courage, [E] loud and long.

(Repeat Chorus)

(Outro)
[F] Shattered rainbows, [C] yet we shine,
[G] In the face of it all, we [Am] still rise.
[F] Shattered rainbows, [C] our defiant sign,
[G] This is our journey, not our [E] end.

Fan’s Testimonial:
My name is Sarah Thompson, and I’m without a doubt Irritating Satisfaction’s biggest fan. Their music resonates with my soul, portraying the raw emotions of life that we all experience. Each song takes me on a journey, makes me feel seen and heard. “Shattered Rainbows”, my all-time favorite, instills courage, and reminds me that even in the hardest times, it’s not the end. The fusion of rock, punk, and jazz gives their music a unique edge that’s as refreshing as it is captivating. I’ve never missed a show, and every time, it feels like the first – simply exhilarating. For me, there’s no other band like Irritating Satisfaction.

Backstory:
Jovial Education started in the eclectic music scene of Austin, TX, in 2011 when four college friends decided to combine their musical talents for a charity gig. The band members, Jamie Hoffman, the lead vocalist, Oliver Mathews on drums, Vincent Paige on bass, and Ian Turner on guitar, initially bonded over their mutual love of classic rock and blues, and a shared dream of changing the world through their music. After the success of their first gig, they decided to stick together and create music that is not only entertaining but also enlightening – thus, ‘Jovial Education’ was born. Today, they are an established band, known for their thought-provoking lyrics and contagious energy on stage.

Genre:
Indie Rock

Title:
“Lessons in Laughter”

Full song lyrics:

(Verse 1)
[G] I see your smile, it’s like a [D] glowing sun,
[Em] Painting colors on my [C] monochrome run.
[G] You’re a book of joy, a [D] heartfelt tale,
[Em] A jovial education, never [C] bound to fail.

(Chorus)
[C] Teach me, [G] darling, all about your [D] laughter,
[Em] Show me the chapters of your [C] happily ever after.
[G] Write me into your [D] story,
[Em] Let’s make our own history, no [C] worry.

(Verse 2)
[G] Your laughter rings, like a [D] melody in the air,
[Em] It’s a song, a poem, a [C] moment that we share.
[G] Every giggle, every [D] chuckle, every roar,
[Em] Is a lesson I want more and [C] more.

(Chorus)
[C] Teach me, [G] darling, all about your [D] laughter,
[Em] Let’s live the moments of [C] before and after.
[G] Write me into your [D] joy,
[Em] Let’s be two kids, with the world as our [C] toy.

(Outro)
[G] You, my darling, are my [D] jovial education,
[Em] Love, laughter, life, our [C] soulful dissertation.
[G] In this world of ours, [D] let’s keep the cheer,
[Em] For every lesson in laughter, I’ll [C] keep you near.

Favorite Fan’s name:
Lisa Henley

Testimonial:
“I’ve been a fan of Jovial Education since their very first gig. Their music has a magical quality to it, blending infectious melodies with insightful lyrics. The song ‘Lessons in Laughter’ is particularly close to my heart. It’s so unique and meaningful, and it always lifts my spirits. As a teacher, I appreciate their clever use of ‘education’ in their band name and lyrics. It’s like they’re teaching us about life through their music, and they do it with such joy and passion. This band has a special place in my heart, and I can’t wait to see what they come up with next!”

Backstory:
Formed in 2018 in the heart of New York City, Complicated Afterthought is a group of four friends who met in a music shop. The group members, Daniel (vocals and guitar), Rachel (bass), Ben (drums), and Sophia (keyboard and backing vocals), were all working odd jobs and struggling to find their place in the world. All they shared was a passion for music and an inexplicable connection that ultimately laid the foundation for their band. Despite the ups and downs they faced, the group stayed together, playing music in every basement and bar that would let them in. They write their songs to capture the essence of the complex emotions they often felt but found hard to articulate, hence the name Complicated Afterthought.

Genre:
Complicated Afterthought’s music is a unique blend of Alternative Rock and Indie Pop.

Title:
“Silhouettes of Yesterday”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
Em G D A
Drowning in the echoes of a misguided past,
Em G D A
Chasing the silhouettes of yesterday.
Em G D A
In the depth of night, under city lights,
Em G D A
Looking for answers that always seemed to evade.

(Chorus)
C G D Em
Silhouettes of yesterday, haunting us today,
C G D
Eternal shadows, never fading away,
C G D Em
Our hearts entwined, broken and betrayed,
C G D
By the silhouettes of yesterday.

(Verse 2)
Em G D A
We lived, we loved, we lost, we learned,
Em G D A
Caught in the whirlwind, in the chaos, we burned.
Em G D A
In the ashes of our dreams, we find a new day,
Em G D A
But the silhouettes of yesterday, they still sway.

(Repeat Chorus)
C G D Em
Silhouettes of yesterday, haunting us today,
C G D
Eternal shadows, never fading away,
C G D Em
Our hearts entwined, broken and betrayed,
C G D
By the silhouettes of yesterday.

Fan Testimonial:
Fan’s Name: Timmy Russo

“As a huge music enthusiast, I’ve always loved the raw emotion that music can convey. Complicated Afterthought does just that. Their music resonates with me on a level I’ve never experienced before. Every lyric, every melody, every rhythm speaks to my soul. I’ve been through some rough patches and their song ‘Silhouettes of Yesterday’ became my salvation. It’s like they were telling my story. Their music became my escape, my strength, and my solace. That’s why Complicated Afterthought is my favorite band. Their music is not just a simple melody but a beautiful complication of emotions and experiences, much like life itself.”

Backstory:

Delirious Kettle began as a group of college friends from the University of Maine who shared a passion for music and an insatiable desire for creativity. The band was named in tribute to a peculiar college tradition, in which a rusty old kettle was passed down among students, becoming the symbol of many wild and delirious nights. The band members, Dave Matthews (vocals, keyboard), Rachel Turner (bass guitar, backing vocals), Liam Shaw (lead guitar) and Vincent “Vinnie” Marsh (drums), took their experiences and transformed them into a unique brand of music that resonated with their generation and beyond.

The band members were known for their eccentric and quirky style, often incorporating unusual instruments, like kazoos and ukuleles, and even found objects, like that emblematic kettle, into their performances. Their music, a blend of their shared influences and unique sounds, quickly caught on in their local music scene, leading to a record deal and a steadily growing fan base.

Genre: Indie Rock

Title: “Unraveled Threads”

Full Song Lyrics:
(Verse 1)
[G] Waking up to a [D] world undone,
[Em] Chasing shadows, [C] away from the sun.
[G] Mirror reflecting [D] a thousand lies,
[Em] Echoes of laughter, [C] silent cries.

(Chorus)
[G] Unraveled threads, [D] lost in time,
[Em] Broken hearts, [C] words unsaid.
[G] We’re spinning around, [D] just trying to find
[Em] A way back, [C] to the start, to the threads [G] we left behind.

(Verse 2)
[G] Fragments of memories, [D] faded and worn,
[Em] Empty whispers, [C] of love that’s torn.
[G] Searching for answers, [D] in the crowd,
[Em] Screaming silently, [C] but it’s too loud.

(Chorus)
[G] Unraveled threads, [D] lost in time,
[Em] Broken hearts, [C] words unsaid.
[G] We’re spinning around, [D] just trying to find
[Em] A way back, [C] to the start, to the threads [G] we left behind.

(Bridge)
[Em] In this chaos, [C] we’re dancing alone,
[G] But the rhythm, [D] it feels like home.
[Em] In the shadows, [C] we find our song,
[G] Holding on, [D] staying strong.

(Chorus)
[G] Unraveled threads, [D] lost in time,
[Em] Broken hearts, [C] words unsaid.
[G] We’re spinning around, [D] just trying to find
[Em] A way back, [C] to the start, to the threads [G] we left behind.

(Outro)
[G] Unraveled threads, [D] echoing the past,
[Em] We’ll find our way, [C] we’ll find our path.
[G] In this chaos, [D] we’ve found our song,
[Em] Holding on, [C] staying strong, [G] to the threads we left behind.

Fan Testimonial:
“My name is Tammy, and I’ve been a fan of Delirious Kettle since their first gig at the local college bar. Their music speaks to me on a personal level. It’s as if they’ve taken every human emotion and spun it into a melody. Each song is a journey that resonates with my own experiences. Delirious Kettle is more than just a band. They’re like the soundtrack to my life.”

Backstory:
Formed in a small garage in Sedona, Arizona, Shallow Cloud evolved from a ragtag group of high school friends with a shared passion for music into a band with a fiercely loyal following. It was in this garage where vocalist and lead guitarist, Jesse Sullivan, bassist Alex Moore, and drummer Ethan Halloway first started experimenting with their sound, each bringing their influences and styles to the table. After a few years of playing small local gigs and refining their music, they added a fourth member, keyboardist and backup vocalist, Riley Shaw, who rounded out their sound and pushed them to a new level. Shallow Cloud’s breakthrough came in the form of a viral video of a live performance at a local bar, leading to a record deal and a rise to prominence in the indie music scene.

Genre:
Indie Rock/Alt-Pop

Title:
“Runaway Skies”

Full Song Lyrics:
(Verse 1)
[G] Look up to the [D] clouds, they’re [Em] shallow and they’re [C] grey,
[G] Light’s fading out, it’s the [D] end of the [Em] day,
[G] Take this broken [D] heart, and let it [Em] fly away,
[C] Under the [G] runaway [D] skies.

(Chorus)
[G] Runaway skies, [D] take me where the [Em] sun always shines,
[C] Far from the [G] lies, [D] tears that I’ve [Em] cried,
[G] I want to [D] live, I don’t just [Em] want to survive,
[C] Under the [G] runaway [D] skies.

(Verse 2)
[G] Whispering [D] winds carry [Em] my dreams [C] tonight,
[G] Stars shining [D] bright, guide me [Em] to the light,
[G] A new dawn [D] waits, beyond the [Em] twilight,
[C] Under the [G] runaway [D] skies.

(Chorus)
[G] Runaway skies, [D] take me where the [Em] sun always shines,
[C] Far from the [G] lies, [D] tears that I’ve [Em] cried,
[G] I want to [D] live, I don’t just [Em] want to survive,
[C] Under the [G] runaway [D] skies.

The band’s favorite fan’s name – Testimonial:
Amy Henderson – “I’ve seen a lot of bands in my time, but none of them have touched me the way Shallow Cloud does. Their lyrics feel like they’re speaking directly to me, expressing emotions and experiences so relatable, it’s almost spooky. And their performances? Absolutely electrifying. There’s this tangible energy at their shows that hits you right in the chest. I’ve seen them live seven times now, and each time it’s a whole new experience. I’m not just a fan, I’m a Cloudie for life!”