Backstory:

Prickly Guide is a band that was born from the ashes of a high school friendship in the small town of Boulder, Colorado. Founding members, lead vocalist and guitarist, Harry Baxter, and drummer, Jim ‘Twiggy’ Twiggins, met in their freshmen year, bonding over a shared love of music that was different from the mainstream. Joined by bassist, Sarah Jackson, a year later, they started creating music in Harry’s garage, their sound echoing off the Rocky Mountains. After winning a local battle of the bands and gaining a small, but loyal following, the trio decided to pursue their passion full time, dropping out of college and dedicating themselves to their music.

Genre:

Prickly Guide’s music can be characterized as indie rock with a hint of folk and a heavy dose of poignant lyrics. Their sound is a blend of meaningful and deep lyrics, rustic guitar strumming, and dynamic drumming, creating a musical landscape that is at once melancholic, but also hopeful.

Title:

“Thorny Path”

Full Song Lyrics (Verse, Chorus):

(Verse 1)
[E] Walking on a thorny path, [A] life feels like a aftermath
[C] Trying to find my own way, [G] in this big world, come what may
[E] Broken dreams and shattered hearts, [A] no end and no starts
[C] But I keep going on, [G] with a hope that’s not yet gone

(Chorus)
[D] On this thorny path we tread, [A] every step, filled with dread
[E] But we’ve got our songs to sing, [G] each note a healing sting
[D] On this road of twists and turns, [A] with every fall we learn
[E] To keep going on, [G] till the break of dawn

Band’s Favorite Fan:

Their favorite fan is a woman named Emily, a barista from their hometown, Boulder. Emily has been their supporter since their garage band days, often bringing them homemade cookies and coffee during their long practice sessions. She’s been to every local gig they’ve had and was the first person to buy their merch when it came out.

Emily’s Testimonial:

“For me, Prickly Guide is more than just a band. Their songs speak to me on a deep level and have been a source of comfort during my toughest times. Their music is raw, honest, and filled with emotion, something that’s hard to find these days. I love how they’re not afraid to show their vulnerabilities through their lyrics. I feel a connection with them, and their music is a source of constant inspiration for me.”

Backstory:
Formed amidst the hustle and bustle of Chicago’s thriving indie scene in 2011, Left Repair is a brainchild of childhood friends and voracious music consumers, Ben Clarke and Jordan Scott. Ben, the charismatic and dynamically talented lead vocalist and Jordan, the elusive yet extraordinary guitarist, wanted to create a sound that resonates with the unheard voices of the city. They found their missing pieces in the rhythm section of the band, Hudson and Miles, who brought the thundering drums and thumping bass lines respectively. The band’s quirky name was a result of a late-night jam session in their makeshift garage, “repairing” the void “left” by uninspired mainstream music.

Genre:
Indie Rock/Alternative

Title:
“Beneath The City Lights”

Lyrics:
[Intro – Am G F]

Verse 1 – Am G F
(Am)In the heart of the city, (G)underneath the neon lights, (F)
(Am)Our songs come to life, (G)together we ignite, (F)

Chorus – C G Am F
(C)Beneath the city lights, (G)we create our own paradise, (Am)
(Bridge the gap between dreams and reality, (F)
(C)In the echo of the city, (G)find our own melody. (Am F)

Verse 2 – Am G F
(Am)Strumming strings in rhythm, (G)dancing in the moonlit night, (F)
(Am)We’re poets of the twilight, (G)painting stories in the sky. (F)

Chorus – C G Am F
(C)Beneath the city lights, (G)we fuel our starry flight, (Am)
(C)We’re Left Repair in the night, (G)chasing echoes of delight. (Am F)

Outro – Am G F
(Am)And when the city sleeps, (G)our music softly creeps, (F)
(Am)We’re the heart, the soul, the secret (G)the city keeps. (F)

Fan Testimonial:
Our biggest fan is a 20-year-old music lover named Sarah Thompson. Sarah first discovered Left Repair at a small local gig and has been an ardent supporter ever since. “I was immediately drawn to their raw energy and authenticity,” she shares. “Their music speaks to me on a personal level and I feel connected to the city I live in because of them. They’re not just a band, they’re a movement. An anthem for the unheard and unseen. Left Repair is my favorite, they’ve filled the void in my heart and in music today.”

Backstory:
Yearly Friend formed in the heart of Austin, Texas in 2013. The group of four close friends – lead singer Casey Marks, guitarists Jonny Freeman and Laura Brent, and drummer Matt Nielson – found solace in the power of music amidst the hustle and bustle of daily life. The band began as a fun way for the friends to unwind, but after their impromptu jam sessions at local bars started drawing crowds, they realized they might have something special.

Yearly Friend, in a nod to their enduring friendship, committed to creating music that encapsulates their shared experiences and reflects the ups and downs of life. They believe in the power of music to connect, to heal, and to inspire, and their hope is to share that with their listeners.

Genre:
Indie Rock

Title:
“Chasing Suns”

Full song lyrics:

(Verse 1)
Em C G
Every sunrise, we were chasing suns,
D Em C
Chasing dreams that were yet undone,
G D Em
Every sunset, colors in our eyes,
C G D
Memories etched in the twilight skies.

(Chorus)
C G D Em
Chasing suns, in the wake of the dawn,
G D C
Under the stars, where the dreams are drawn,
G D Em
Chasing suns, till the day is gone,
C G D
This is our song, as we journey on.

(Verse 2)
Em C G
Every moonrise, shadows on our path,
D Em C
Lessons learned, in the aftermath,
G D Em
Every starlight, whispers in the night,
C G D
Guiding us, with its ancient light.

(Chorus)
C G D Em
Chasing suns, in the wake of the dawn,
G D C
Under the stars, where the dreams are drawn,
G D Em
Chasing suns, till the day is gone,
C G D
This is our song, as we journey on.

The bands favorite fan’s name:
The band’s favorite fan is Sarah Thompson.

Why and how this band is their favorite as a testimonial:
Sarah says, “Yearly Friend is more than just a band to me. Their music speaks to me, it’s like they’ve taken my life experiences and put them into song. I’ve been following them since their first gig at a local bar in Austin. Their authenticity shines through in their performances, and the connection they create with their music is powerful. ‘Chasing Suns’ is my favorite song – it’s a reminder to keep chasing dreams no matter what. Yearly Friend is the soundtrack to my life, and I can’t imagine a day without their music.”

Backstory:

Weary Discussion was conceived on a chilly winter evening in a small coffee shop in downtown Portland, Oregon. The founding members, Gabriel ‘Gabe’ Thompson and Amelia ‘Amy’ Stevens, were attending a local acoustic night when they were drawn together by their mutual appreciation for thought-provoking lyrics and soul-stirring melodies. Over several cups of coffee and countless jamming sessions, they discovered their shared vision of creating a sound that encapsulates the raw and profound conversations that often occur in life. Weary Discussion was born from these late-night musings, and the desire to craft music that would serve as a soundtrack to these conversations.

The duo later expanded to a quintet with the addition of drummer Louisa ‘Lou’ Martinez, bassist Ethan ‘E’ Richardson, and violinist Benjamin ‘Ben’ Harper. The group’s diverse musical backgrounds led to a unique fusion of styles, which helped them to carve out their own niche in the music world. They developed a loyal following by playing in local venues and gradually built their reputation through word-of-mouth and social media engagement.

Genre:

Indie Folk Rock

Title:

“Cracks in the Coffee Cup”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse)
[G] Watching the steam rise from my [D] coffee,
[Em] I see your face in the [C] ripples
[G] Your laughter echoes in the corners,
[D] And I can taste it in every [C] sip

(Chorus)
[G] We’re just cracks in the coffee [D] cup,
[Em] Tiny fractures, barely [C] holding up
[G] Our weary discussions in the [D] night
[Em] Are the stitches that keep us [C] tight

(Verse)
[G] The smell of the grounds, the [D] whispers,
[Em] Bring me back to all our [C] shared dreams
[G] The caffeine keeps the memories [D] rushing,
[Em] Like a river that never [C] sleeps

(Chorus)
[G] We’re just cracks in the coffee [D] cup,
[Em] Tiny fractures, barely [C] holding up
[G] Our weary discussions in the [D] night
[Em] Are the stitches that keep us [C] tight

(Bridge)
[G] Some things are better left un[D]said,
[Em] But the silence is louder in [C] bed
[G] Our words are fragile, our hearts [D] tired,
[Em] But in the end, it’s you I [C] desire

(Chorus)
[G] We’re just cracks in the coffee [D] cup,
[Em] Tiny fractures, barely [C] holding up
[G] Our weary discussions in the [D] night
[Em] Are the stitches that keep us [C] tight

Fan Testimonial:

Fan’s name: Lucy Miller

“I’ve never missed a Weary Discussion gig. Their music speaks volumes to me. Those raw, emotional lyrics intertwined with that distinctive folk rock sound, it’s like they’ve put my thoughts and emotions into their songs. ‘Cracks in the Coffee Cup’ is my all-time favorite, it’s a beautiful blend of melody and lyrics that paints a vivid picture of late-night conversations and the beauty of vulnerability. It’s as if they’ve captured the essence of my own weary discussions. They just get it, and that’s why they’re my favorite.”

Backstory:
Graceful Index was formed in the small coastal town of Rockport, Massachusetts. The three original members – Finn, Alex, and Rosie – met while attending Rockport High School. They had a shared love of music and an ambition to create something unique that would resonate with people. They began performing at open mic nights at a local café, and quickly gained a local following. When their performance of an original song went viral on social media, they were spotted by a talent scout who offered them a record deal. With the addition of two more members, Jazz on the drums and Micah on the keyboard, Graceful Index was officially born. Armed with their unique sound and heartfelt lyrics, they are now ready to take the world of music by storm.

Genre:
Indie Pop/Rock

Title:
“Chasing Echoes”

Song Lyrics:
(Verse 1)
[C] Looking at [G] the mirror of [Am] time, [Em]
[C] Trying to touch the [G] echoes of [Am] you and [Em] I,
[C] We painted dreams [G] on the canvas of [Am] sky, [Em]
[C] Now it’s all a [G] memory fading [Am] into the [Em] night.

(Chorus)
[F] Chasing echoes, [C] lost in the shadows,
[G] Trying to hold on, but [Am] can’t let go.
[F] We were once a masterpiece, [C] now a broken tapestry,
[G] Time has rewritten our [Am] story, yet I keep chasing [F] echoes.

(Verse 2)
[C] Beneath the [G] stars we made a [Am] promise, [Em]
[C] A bond that was [G] supposed to be [Am] timeless, [Em]
[C] But now we’re [G] strangers with [Am] familiar faces, [Em]
[C] Lost in the [G] labyrinth of [Am] time’s embraces. [Em]

(Chorus)
[F] Chasing echoes, [C] lost in the shadows,
[G] Trying to hold on, but [Am] can’t let go.
[F] We were once a masterpiece, [C] now a broken tapestry,
[G] Time has rewritten our [Am] story, yet I keep chasing [F] echoes.

(Outro)
[C] Chasing echoes of [G] us, [Am] in the silence, [Em]
[C] The laughter and the [G] tears, the [Am] love, the [Em] defiance,
[C] All just echoes now, [G] a fading resonance, [Am]
[C] Yet, in my heart, I’ll forever be [G] chasing [Am] echoes. [Em]

Favorite Fan:
Graceful Index’s favorite fan is a young woman named Emma. She is a college student from their hometown who followed their journey from the beginning. She was at every open mic night, cheering them on, and was their first fan to travel to see them play outside of their home town. Emma is their favorite fan because she believes in them and their music, even when they were just starting out. She’s not just a fan, but a friend and a supporter.

Testimonial:
“I fell in love with the raw emotion and authenticity that Graceful Index put into their music. Their lyrics are heartfelt and relatable, and their performances are always packed with energy. Each song tells a story that resonates with me. I’ve been with them since their first performance at our local café, and I have watched them grow as a band. Their music has been a constant companion through the good times and the tough times. I can’t wait to see where their journey takes them next.” – Emma

Backstory:
When four architecture students from the University of Michigan (Eric, Paul, Emily, and Ben) found themselves bonding over more than just blueprints and designs, they discovered a shared love for music. They started busking around the campus, calling themselves “Complete Home” – a name inspired by their shared passion for creating perfect spaces. Their music became a respite from their demanding lives as architecture students. Over the years, Complete Home evolved from being a fun pastime to a serious pursuit, winning local music competitions and eventually, recording their debut album.

Genre:
Indie Folk-Rock

Title:
“Building Bridges”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
Em C
Underneath the sunny sky,
G D
We’re working night and day.
Em C
Pencil in hand, dreams in mind,
G D
Blueprints lead the way.

(Chorus)
C G
Building bridges, raising homes,
D Em
In our hearts, and in our songs.
C G
Framing love, in steel and stone,
D Em
Complete Home, it’s where we belong.

(Verse 2)
Em C
Every brick we lay, every note we play,
G D
Is a testament of our journey.
Em C
Through the highs and lows, on and off the shows,
G D
We stand strong, we are in no hurry.

(Chorus)
C G
Building bridges, raising homes,
D Em
In our hearts, and in our songs.
C G
Crafting tales, in rhythm and tone,
D Em
Complete Home, it’s where we belong.

Favorite Fan:
Complete Home’s favorite fan is a young woman named Lily. Lily, an architecture student herself, first heard the band perform at a college festival. Overwhelmed by the emotion and depth in their music, she felt a strong connection with their songs as they echoed her own experiences.

Testimonial:
“For me, Complete Home isn’t just a band, it’s an experience. Their songs are like the perfect blueprint, each note meticulously designed and carefully placed to build a beautiful structure of sound and emotion. Their music has been a constant companion throughout my journey as an architecture student. I feel seen, understood, and comforted knowing there’s a band that shares my passion and struggles. Complete Home is more than my favorite band, they’re my home away from home.”

Backstory:

In the heart of New Orleans, amidst the vibrancy of the music scene, a group of law students from Loyola University found themselves united by a passion for music that transcended their academic pursuits, giving birth to the formation of Salty Law. This band of law enthusiasts reached a mutual agreement in 2016 to abandon their courtrooms dreams and dedicate their efforts full-time to their shared love of music. Their unique blend of blues and rock, with a touch of the legal jargon they couldn’t entirely leave behind, formed the unique sound of Salty Law.

Salty Law’s journey has been a rollercoaster ride, from late-night jam sessions in their cramped dorm rooms to sold-out concerts in some of New Orleans’ most famed venues. Their musical narratives are inspired by their law studies, showcasing a profound understanding of justice, ethics, and the human condition combined with the soulful and gritty sound of Louisiana music.

Genre:

Blues Rock with a Legal Twist

Title:

“Justice Served Cold”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
Am G
Walking down Bourbon Street, with a case in my hand.
F Am
Lost in the city, trying to take a stand.
Am G
My client’s innocent, but the system is blind.
F Am
Ain’t no justice here, just the grinding grind.

(Chorus)
Am G
Justice served cold, under the southern sky.
F Am
In the heart of the city, where the truth often lies.
Am G
Salty Law’s here, singing the blues so bold,
F Am
Telling tales of justice, but it’s served so cold.

(Verse 2)
Am G
Evidence in my pocket, whiskey on my breath,
F Am
Fighting for the voiceless, right up until death.
Am G
My guitar strums the verdict, in this midnight court,
F Am
Salty Law’s rhythm, is my last resort.

(Repeat Chorus)

Bands Favorite Fan’s Testimonial:

“My name is Sophie, and I’ve been a fan of Salty Law since their first gig at a local bar. The raw emotion and depth in their lyrics, combined with the unique genre and the authenticity in their performance, make them my favorite band. I connect with their music on a personal level, it’s like they’re singing about my life, and the stories they tell with their bluesy rock tunes resonate with me. They have a way of making you feel the struggles and triumphs of their journey. Each song is a lesson in law, life, and love. Salty Law is, without a doubt, the voice of the voiceless.”

Backstory:
Formed in the quaint town of Asheville, North Carolina, Occasional Garden began as a whimsical project among four college friends who shared a mutual love for music and the great outdoors. The members – Nathan (vocals), Emily (guitar), Jake (bass), and Jordan (drums) – first began jamming together in their shared garden during their sophomore year at university, hence the name Occasional Garden. They were drawn together by their shared passion for creating music that resonated with their love for nature, their own personal journeys, and the inherent beauty of human existence.

Their recognition came after winning a local talent competition which led to a record deal with a small independent label. Their music, filled with enchanting melodies, captivating lyrics, and a unique blend of instruments, quickly gained a loyal following. Their journey has been a testament to their bond as friends, their dedication to their craft, and their shared vision of creating music that touches people’s lives in the most profound ways.

Genre:
Indie Folk

Title:
“Harvest Moon”

Lyrics:
(Verse 1)
Am G C
Under the harvest moon, we dance
F G C
In the shimmering glow, in trance
Am G C
Whispers of wind in our ear
F G C
Saying the dawn is near

(Chorus)
F G C
Harvest moon, guide our way
Am G F
As we dance, as we sway
F G C
Don’t let the night fade away

(Verse 2)
Am G C
Stars hiding in the velvet sky
F G C
Illuminated by your radiant light
Am G C
We sing a song of love and peace
F G C
Under your watch, our spirits release

(Chorus)
F G C
Harvest moon, guide our way
Am G F
As we dance, as we sway
F G C
Don’t let the night fade away

Fan:
The band’s favorite fan is a woman named Aubrey who hails from their hometown. Aubrey has been a prominent supporter of Occasional Garden right from their early days, attending almost every show and promoting their music on social media platforms.

Testimonial:
Aubrey says, “Occasional Garden’s songs have a way of speaking directly to my soul. Their music is raw and authentic, brimming with emotion. Their song ‘Harvest Moon’, always takes me back to my childhood days in Asheville. It’s as if they’ve captured the essence of our little town and imbued it in their music. They are not just a band to me, they’re an embodiment of home, of love, and of life’s beautiful moments.”

Backstory:
Strong Worry was born out of the tumultuous times of 2009, in the midst of the global financial crisis. The band’s members, four Brooklyn-based friends – Sam, Pete, Danny, and Max, found themselves disillusioned with their corporate jobs and decided to channel their worries and anxieties into music. They began jamming together in Sam’s garage, crafting songs that resonated with the struggle and uncertainty of their generation. Their unique sound and raw, honest lyrics quickly gained them a local following, and they began playing venues around New York City. As their fanbase grew, so did their ambitions, leading to the release of their debut album “Recession Blues” in 2013.

Genre:
Strong Worry’s music is a unique blend of Alternate Rock and Blues, with a touch of Folk, embodying the sense of frustration and desperation of their generation while also offering hope and resilience.

Title:
“Edge of Tomorrow”

Full Song Lyrics:

Verse 1:
(Am) Wake up in the morning, (G) with a heavy heart,
(Dm) Bills on the table, (Em) life falling apart,
(Am) Walking down the street, (G) with empty hands,
(Dm) Dreams on the sidewalk, (Em) life’s shifting sands.

Chorus:
(C) But we’re standing on the (G) edge of tomorrow,
(Am) With our fears and our (Em) strong worry.
(C) We’re standing on the (G) edge of tomorrow,
(Am) Holding on to our (Em) hope, not our sorrow.

Verse 2:
(Am) Shadows of the city, (G) falling on our skin,
(Dm) Lost in the hustle, (Em) in the deafening din,
(Am) But we’ve got our voices, (G) and we’ve got our song,
(Dm) We’ll keep singing, (Em) however long.

(Repeat Chorus)

Bridge:
(F) Gonna rise up, (G) gonna break free,
(Am) From the chains of (Em) our reality.
(F) Gonna fight on, (G) gonna hold strong,
(Am) In the face of (Em) all that’s wrong.

(Repeat Chorus twice)

Fan’s Name and Testimonial:
Name: Jessica Thompson

“Strong Worry has been my favorite band ever since I first heard them play at a dive bar in Brooklyn in 2011. Their music speaks to my soul, to the struggles and worries, but also the hopes and dreams I have as a young person trying to navigate this complex world. Their song “Edge of Tomorrow” is a rallying cry for my generation. It’s raw and emotional, but above all, it’s hopeful. And that’s why I love Strong Worry, they’re not afraid to confront the hard truths but they never fail to offer a beacon of hope.”

Backstory:

Smug Wedding is a group of six childhood friends from the humble town of Marquette, Michigan. Originally formed as a joke during a laidback summer evening, the band took an unexpected turn when they realized the chemistry and synergy they had while jamming together. The band’s name, a term coined in their favorite comic book series, was chosen because it was quirky, and it perfectly captured their spirit of not taking themselves too seriously.

The band initially performed in local bars and at college events, but their big break arrived when they won a statewide music competition, allowing them to record their first album. Their popularity grew rapidly, not only in their hometown but across the state. Soon enough, their music started getting airplay in neighboring states, and they started touring nationally.

Genre:
Indie Pop/Rock

Title:
“Marquette Sundown”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
[G]Driving through the roads, of our [C]Marquette town,
[Am]Our laughter echoed, while the [D]sun went down.
[G] Six friends, an old van, [C]unseen stars we found,
[Am]Underneath the Marquette sundown, [D]love was all around.

(Chorus)
[G]Smug Wedding, we’re the [C]band of the year,
[Am]Playing indie tunes that [D]make you cheer.
[G]From the lakes of Michigan, to the [C]coasts so clear,
[Am]We’re just chasing dreams, in the [D]atmosphere.

(Verse 2)
[G]Summer nights, and the [C]music we played,
[Am]Echoes of melodies that [D]never fade.
[G]We found love, in every [C]chord we swayed,
[Am]Underneath the Marquette sundown, [D]memories were made.

(Chorus)
[G]Smug Wedding, we’re the [C]band of the year,
[Am]Dancing to the rhythm [D]that’s so sincere.
[G]From the streets of our town, to the [C]sky’s frontier,
[Am]We’re just chasing dreams, with [D]no fear.

Favorite Fan’s Name:
Sarah Jacobs

Testimonial:
Sarah Jacobs, a college student from Marquette, has been a fan of Smug Wedding since their early days. She says, “I was at their first gig in our local bar. I was just a teenager then, but their music resonated with me on a deep level. It was like they were speaking my language, expressing feelings I could never articulate. Following their journey, from local heroes to national sensations, has been inspiring. They’ve remained humble and dedicated to their music. Their success gives all of us a message to keep dreaming, keep chasing, and to never stop believing in ourselves. Smug Wedding is more than a band, they’re a movement.”