Backstory:

Poised Witness was formed in the summer of 2009, in the heart of New York City by four childhood friends: Caleb, Marcus, Liam, and Nate. Each of them had a passion for music and wanted to express their feelings, ideas, and experiences through this art. Caleb, the lead vocalist, drew from his life’s trials and tribulations bringing an emotional depth to their songs. Marcus, a virtuoso guitarist, added his intricate melodies and guitar lines while Liam, the bassist, and Nate, the drummer, provided the rhythmic backbone of the band.

They played their first gig at a local bar, which quickly led to them becoming a fixture in the New York music scene. Their music resonated with audiences, combining an engaging stage presence with heartfelt lyrics and a unique sound. While they started off playing covers, they soon began writing and performing their own songs. Their success on the local scene led to them being signed by a record label and their debut album was met with critical acclaim and commercial success.

Genre:

Alternative Rock

Title:

“Dancing Shadows”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
Em C
In the heart of the city where lights don’t sleep,
G D
I stumbled upon dreams buried so deep.
Em C
Underneath this concrete jungle,
G D
There’s a rhythm in echoes, soft and humble.

(Chorus)
Am Em
We are dancing shadows in the night,
C G
Finding solace in the moonlight.
Am Em
A symphony of whispers in the wind,
C G
In this world, we roam unseen, undimmed.

(Verse 2)
Em C
In the mirrors of skyscrapers, a subtle truth,
G D
A quest for freedom, in age and in youth.
Em C
The sun sets, the city breathes,
G D
And we play our hearts under the starlit eaves.

(Chorus)
Am Em
We are dancing shadows in the night,
C G
Finding solace in the moonlight.
Am Em
A symphony of whispers in the wind,
C G
In this world, we roam unseen, undimmed.

Bridge
C Am C G
We are the unheard, we are the unseen,
C Am D
The echoes of a dream.

(Chorus)
Am Em
We are dancing shadows in the night,
C G
Finding solace in the moonlight.
Am Em
A symphony of whispers in the wind,
C G
In this world, we roam unseen, undimmed.

Favorite Fan:

Poised Witness’s most dedicated fan is Emily Stevens. She discovered the band at their first gig and has been following them ever since. For Emily, Poised Witness’s music speaks directly to her soul. Their songs, especially “Dancing Shadows”, have helped her through some tough times in her life. She says, “Their music is like a friend, always there when I need it most. Their lyrics tell a story that I can relate to, and their performances always leave me spellbound. Poised Witness is more than just a band to me, they’re a beacon of hope and resilience.”

Backstory:
Phony Competition was formed in the early 2000s in the heart of New York City. The band members, all college dropouts, met at a local music event and quickly bonded over their shared love of music and their disdain for the mainstream music industry, which they felt was filled with artifice. Hence they named their band ‘Phony Competition’ as a way to mock the industry that they felt had lost its authenticity. The band consists of lead vocalist and guitarist, Dean Thompson; bassist, Jake Murphy; drummer, Travis Sanchez, and keyboardist, Lily Evans.

They spent years performing in small clubs throughout the city, gaining a dedicated fanbase who appreciated their raw, gritty sound and honest lyrics. Their big break came when a music producer heard one of their late-night performances. Since then, they’ve been creating music that stays true to their roots, with a touch of mainstream appeal to reach a wider audience.

Genre: Indie Rock

Title: “Facade Parade”

Full Song Lyrics:

[Verse 1]
Em Am Em Am
Walking down this lonely road, every story untold,
Em Am D G
Seeing through the glimmer, feeling so much colder.

[Chorus]
C G Am Em
We’re not part of your facade parade,
C G D
We won’t be your phony competition,
C G Am Em
We’re here to make our own decision,
C G D
We won’t be your phony competition.

[Verse 2]
Em Am Em Am
Underneath the city lights, trying to make it right,
Em Am D G
Breaking the barriers, finding our own fighters.

[Chorus]
C G Am Em
We’re not part of your facade parade,
C G D
We won’t be your phony competition,
C G Am Em
We’re here to make our own decision,
C G D
We won’t be your phony competition.

[Outro]
Em Am D G
In this phony competition, we’ve found our mission,
Em Am D G
To break free, just wait and see.

The band’s favorite fan’s name: Ryan Thompson

Testimonial: “I’ve been following Phony Competition since their earliest gigs. Their music has always resonated with me because of its authenticity. Each song tells a story that is both unique and universal. Their track ‘Facade Parade’ is my favorite. It’s a critique of the music industry’s artificiality, a theme that comes up frequently in their music. They’re not just musicians; they’re storytellers, and their ability to convey such raw and honest emotion through their music is unparalleled. Phony Competition is, without a doubt, my favorite band.”

Backstory:
Substantial Value is a unique ensemble that came together under unexpected circumstances. The band’s founding members, lead vocalist/guitarist Jake Harrison and drummer Tom Lawson, met during a college philosophy seminar in the mid-90s. Inspired by their shared passion for music and their keen interest in existential dialectics, they decided to form a band to express their philosophical musings through music. After enlisting bassist Diane Matthews and keyboard player Alex Kim, Substantial Value was born. They spent countless hours in their university’s music room, combining their diverse musical influences and distinct lyrical vision to create a sound that was both thought-provoking and catchy.

Genre:
Substantial Value’s music can be best described as Indie rock with a tinge of post-punk revival. They incorporate indie sensibilities with thought-provoking lyrics and undeniable melodic hooks. Their music can be as driving and unrelenting as it is introspective and sensitive.

Title: “Layers of Existence”

Full Song Lyrics:
(Verse 1, G-A-D)
Where do we find our place, in this vast cosmic space?
Is there a trace of grace, or just an empty chase?
I see your face, lost in the human race,
Looking for a case, to escape this place.

(Chorus, Em-Bm-C-D)
Layers of existence, peeling away,
What’s the distance, between the night and the day?
Are we mere resistance, to all that may sway,
In these layers of existence, we lose and find our way.

(Verse 2, G-A-D)
Is this a test or a quest, and who’s the guest?
Are we blessed, or just pressed and stressed?
In our chest, lies the zest, unexpressed,
In these layers of existence, we search for rest.

(Chorus, Em-Bm-C-D)
Layers of existence, unfolding in stride,
Where’s the persistence, when dreams have died?
Are we mere subsistence, in the world outside,
In these layers of existence, we hide and confide.

Fan Testimonial:
The band’s favorite fan is a young woman named Emily. She discovered Substantial Value’s music during a challenging period in her life and claims their philosophical lyrics and soulful melodies helped her navigate through her existential crisis. Emily shares, “Substantial Value isn’t just a band to me, they’re a beacon of hope. Their music has a way of making you feel seen and understood even in your most vulnerable moments. They’ve found a way to encapsulate feelings we often struggle to express, and for that, I will forever be a fan.”

Backstory:
Comfortable Scope was established in the year 2005, by high school buddies Jake Swanson (lead vocalist and guitarist) and Liam Wilson (drummer). Right from their garage days in the suburbs of New Jersey, music was always their escape, a scope to express their thoughts and emotions comfortably. With the addition of their college friend, Bella Martinez (bassist and backing vocals), Comfortable Scope started to gain traction locally.

Their breakthrough came in 2010, when a demo of their song caught the attention of a renowned music producer. Though they have evolved since their early days, Comfortable Scope maintains its raw, expressive lyrics and energetic sound, drawing fans from all walks of life. These three friends have found solace in their music and are dedicated to providing the same comfort to their listeners.

Genre: Alternative Rock

Title: “Starlit Echoes”

Full Song Lyrics:
(Verse 1: Am, G, D, Em)
Am G
In the middle of the night,
D Em
Underneath the starry sky,
Am G
I find my thoughts circling,
D Em
Like echoes of a lullaby.

(Chorus: C, G, Am, F)
C G
Starlit echoes, guide us home,
Am F
Whisper secrets only the night knows,
C G
In this vast universe, we’re not alone,
Am F
Just lost in the rhythm of starlit echoes.

(Verse 2: Am, G, D, Em)
Am G
Drifting on a cosmic tide,
D Em
Words unspoken, feelings hide,
Am G
In the silence, our hearts collide,
D Em
Caught in the dance of the moon and the night.

(Repeat Chorus)

(Bridge: F, G, Am, G)
F G
Underneath the galaxy’s veil,
Am G
Carried on the midnight gale,
F G
We find comfort in each trail,
Am G
Left by the comet’s starry tail.

(Repeat Chorus)

The band’s favorite fan’s name:

Testimonial— Mike Jones: “Comfortable Scope is more than just a band to me; they are like the soundtrack to my life. Their raw energy, combined with expressive and relatable lyrics, has gotten me through some of the toughest times. Whether it’s a break-up, a difficult day at work, or just life getting me down, Comfortable Scope’s music is there to lift me up. Each song feels like a friend reminding me I’m not alone, and for that, they’ll always be my favorite band.”

Backstory:
Extra-Large Uncle was first assembled in the small town of Bakersfield, Vermont in 2008, when 3 high school friends discovered their shared love for music. The band’s unique moniker, Extra-Large Uncle, was inspired by their quirky, larger-than-life school principal, who the trio fondly referred to as their ‘extra-large uncle’. This eccentric personality became the spirit of their band, as they focused on creating music that embodied their own version of life’s absurdity and charm.

Being out-of-box thinkers, Extra-Large Uncle created a buzz with their zany performances at local events. Their claim to fame was their first self-produced album, ‘Elephants in the Room’ which got them national recognition. The band’s humorous yet insightful lyrics coupled with their vibrant stage presence and outlandish wardrobe paved the way for their success.

Genre:
Alternative Rock with a touch of Funk.

Song Title:
“Dancing in the Rain with My Socks On”

Full Song Lyrics:

Verse:
G Em
Woke up late, missed the bus again,
C D
But there’s no rush in my little den.
G Em
Tied my shoes, found a hole in one,
C D
Guess it’s time to have some fun.

Chorus:
G Em
I’m dancing in the rain with my socks on,
C D
Living life like a free electron.
G Em
Got no worries, no regrets,
C D
Life’s a game of Russian roulette.

Verse:
G Em
Skipped my breakfast, just had some tea,
C D
The world’s my canvas, as free as a bee.
G Em
Got drenched in rain, caught a chill,
C D
Guess it’s time for another thrill.

Chorus:
G Em
I’m dancing in the rain with my socks on,
C D
Living life like a free electron.
G Em
Got no worries, no regrets,
C D
Life’s a game of Russian roulette.

Fan Testimonial:

Fan’s name: Molly Hastings

Molly loves Extra-Large Uncle because their music resonates with her own approach towards life. She says, “Their songs are like a breath of fresh air in the world that’s sometimes too serious. They make you feel alive, reminding you of the fun side of life. ‘Dancing in the Rain with My Socks On’ is my anthem. It’s about living a carefree life, taking risks and enjoying the present. This band is my favorite because they dare to be different and their love for life is infectious.”

Backstory:
Moral Household was formed in the small town of Sutton, West Virginia in 2017. Childhood friends, Billy Webb (vocals and guitar), Chester Lee (bass), and Travis Jones (drums), came together to create a band that would not only entertain but also inspire their listeners. Their shared love for music and the need to convey messages of positivity, resilience, and moral values set the foundation for this band. The band’s initial years were spent playing in local bars, school festivals, and charity events, slowly building a solid local fan base. Their breakthrough came in 2019 when their debut album ‘Ethical Frequencies’ caught the attention of a major record label.

Genre:
Moral Household’s music is a unique blend of Folk Rock and Indie Pop.

Title:
“Wholesome Harmony”

Lyrics:
(Verse 1)
[G] Walkin’ down the [C] old town road, [D] life’s lessons in my [G] load
[C] Gazing at the [D] setting sun, [Em] reminiscing battles [D] won
[G] Whispered secrets [C] of the trees, [D] echoes of the [G] silent breeze
[C] Weaving tales of [D] courage and [Em] love, under the [D] infinite sky above

(Chorus)
[G] Singing out the [D] Wholesome Harmony, [C] painting dreams in [D] our melody
[G] Standing tall in [D] life’s grand symphony, [C] spreading love [D] in unity
[G] With every note, [D] we set free, [C] we live our truth [D] in Moral Household’s [G] spree

(Verse 2)
[G] Amidst the chaos, [C] we found peace, [D] In our music, [G] a sweet release
[C] Stories of pain, [D] tales of joy, [Em] our songs are but a [D] conduit’s ploy
[G] Together we traverse, [C] the path unknown, [D] with our music, [G] we’ve grown
[C] In every heart, [D] we’ve sowed a seed, [Em] of love, courage, [D] and good deed

(Chorus)
[G] Singing out the [D] Wholesome Harmony, [C] painting dreams in [D] our melody
[G] Standing tall in [D] life’s grand symphony, [C] spreading love [D] in unity
[G] With every note, [D] we set free, [C] we live our truth [D] in Moral Household’s [G] spree

Fan Testimonial:
My name is Jenny Simmons and Moral Household is my favorite band. Their music resonates with me on an emotional level. Every song they create tells a story, and the story almost always reflects the everyday struggles we face, the choices we make, and the consequences we bear. It’s like they understand the very essence of life and translate it into music. It’s not just about the beautiful melodies, but the words that strike a chord with my heart. They are not merely musicians, but storytellers, and I think that’s what sets them apart.

Backstory:
Infamous Sink is an eclectic band that originated from the vivid imagination and shared passion of a group of high school friends from Charleston, South Carolina. The friends, fascinated by music and the enigma surrounding it, formed the band during their sophomore year and named it Infamous Sink. The name, they claimed, was a cheeky tribute to a legendary, rather grotesque sink in the school’s boys’ bathroom that was notorious for its peculiar sounds and continuous malfunctions.

Throughout high school, the band honed their skills by performing at school functions, local bars, and eventually landed a chance to perform at the city’s annual music festival. The festival proved to be a turning point; the band’s natural talent and authentic sound were recognized by a talent scout, which led to the signing of their first recording contract. Now, Infamous Sink is one of the rising names in the U.S. music industry, gaining attention and praise with each new track release.

Genre:
Alternative Rock

Title:
“Echoes from the Porcelain”

Full Song Lyrics:

[Intro – E,A,D,G]

[Verse 1 – C,G,Am,E]
In the hollow halls of high school days,
Where young minds wander in a daze,
Echoes from the porcelain, our sound,
In the infamous sink, our souls we found.

[Chorus – F,C,G,Am]
Echoes from the porcelain, the siren’s call,
We heard the rhythm, answered the brawl.

[Verse 2 – C,G,Am,E]
In the shadows, we strummed our song,
The infamous sink, our muse, our throng,
Splattered paint and broken tiles,
A stuck drain, no water for miles.

[Chorus – F,C,G,Am]
Echoes from the porcelain, a haunting strain,
In the infamous sink, we found our refrain,
With every drip, drip, drop, we found our fame,
The Infamous Sink – that’s our name.

[Outro – E,A,D,G]
Now we’re singing our song, for the world to hear,
The echoes from the porcelain, loud and clear.

Favorite Fan:
Our favorite fan is a woman named Lucy. She discovered our band during our performance at the city music festival and has been following us since. Lucy is a high school music teacher and resonates with our backstory. She believes our music is genuine and our story is inspirational for her students.

Testimonial:
Lucy says, “Infamous Sink is not just a band for me; they represent the raw power of creativity and passion stemming from the most unexpected places. Their music, their story, it’s all an enigma, but it’s real. I use their journey as a lesson for my students – that art is all around us; we just need to perceive it.”

Backstory:

Coordinated Driving was born out of the vibrant local music scene of Denver, Colorado, in the early 2000s. The band consists of four high-school friends: lead vocalist Alex “Drake” Drakovitch, guitarist Henry “Spin” Spencer, bassist Samuel “Skids” Skinner, and drummer Lucas “Shifter” Schaefer. These guys were known around town for their passion for cars, always seen at the local drag races, car shows, and tuning their rides late into the night. However, their love for music proved to be just as strong, and soon they were using their auto-inspired creativity to write and perform songs.

The band had a knack for creating infectious tracks that embodied the spirit of their city’s thriving car culture. They quickly rose to local fame, gaining a dedicated following who loved their unique auto-themed sound. With the release of their first album, “Accelerate,” Coordinated Driving had successfully merged their love for cars and music, creating a new kind of soundtrack for the road.

Genre:
Rock / Indie Rock

Title:
“Fuel Injected Dreams”

Full Song Lyrics:

Verse 1:
[G] She’s got a [C] V8 heart, burning [D] with desire
[G] Chrome-plated dreams, [C] fueled by [D] the fire
[G] Racing through the [C] night, under [D] neon lights
[G] She’s my fuel-injected [C] queen, [D] taking flight

Chorus:
[G] Fuel injected dreams, [C] burning up the [D] highway
[G] Racing through the [C] night, not caring [D] what they say
[G] She’s my high-octane [C] love, revving in the [D] moonlight
[G] Together we ride, [C] under these [D] starry nights

Verse 2:
[G] Turbocharged love, [C] speeding down the [D] lane
[G] With her by my side, [C] there’s no [D] fear or pain
[G] Her pistons pumping, [C] engine’s [D] hot and loud
[G] She’s my fuel-injected [C] dream, [D] breaking the sound

(Repeat Chorus)

Favorite Fan:

Name: Jamie Hall

Testimonial: Coordinated Driving is, without a doubt, my favorite band. I’ve always been a car enthusiast, and their music speaks to me on a personal level. The lyrics, the energy, the passion – it all resonates. Their songs are like the soundtrack to my life – every track feels like a road trip with friends, every beat a heartbeat under a hood. The feeling when I heard “Fuel Injected Dreams” for the first time was indescribable. It was like they took my passion for cars and turned it into a melody. I can’t wait to see where the road takes them next!

Backstory:
Bare Show is a riveting four-piece music machine born and bred in the heart of Boston. The group’s members, lead vocalist and guitarist Adam Craig, bassist Jeff Peters, drummer Barry Newman, and keyboardist Sara Miles met while studying at Berklee College of Music. They quickly discovered a shared love for raw, unfiltered music and a desire to share their own unique sounds with the world. Bare Show was officially formed in 2014, starting out with small gigs at local bars and college events, gradually earning a dedicated fan base through their emotive performances and personal interactions with the audience.

Genre:
Bare Show’s music can best be labeled as indie rock, tinged with elements of grunge and a sprinkle of blues. Their sound is characterized by raw and gritty vocals, innovative guitar work, intricate drum beats, and haunting keyboard melodies, all of which converge into a cohesive, audacious, and deeply emotive sonic experience.

Song Title:
“Shadows in the Rain”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
Em C G D
Walking down the alleyway, it’s midnight in the rain,
Em C G D
Broken hearts and shattered dreams, wrapped up in my pain.
Em C G D
Looking at my reflection, in puddles on the ground,
Em C G D
In the shadows, I find peace, where my thoughts can’t be found.

(Chorus)
Em C G D
Shadows in the rain, hiding all my pain,
Em C G D
Lost within myself, in silence I remain.
Em C G D
Shadows in the rain, love’s cruel, bitter stain,
Em C G D
In the echoes of my heart, your memory still remains.

(Verse 2)
Em C G D
City lights and neon signs, flicker in the mist,
Em C G D
Your laughter echoes in my mind, your lips, I’ve missed.
Em C G D
Tears mix with the falling rain, as I walk alone,
Em C G D
In the shadows of this city, that once felt like home.

(Chorus)
Em C G D
Shadows in the rain, can’t escape the pain,
Em C G D
Bound by chains of yesterday, in my heart, you remain.
Em C G D
Shadows in the rain, love’s bitter, cruel stain,
Em C G D
In the echoes of my heart, your memory still remains.

(Testimonial)

Fan’s Name:
Linda Williams

Linda has been a dedicated fan of Bare Show since their early days, drawn to their raw lyrics and emotive performances. For her, Bare Show’s music provides a form of catharsis, helping her navigate through different phases of life. She says, “Bare Show’s music feels like a friend sitting beside you, sharing your pain and joy. It’s raw, it’s real, it’s relatable. Every song, every lyric, resonates with my life experiences. Their music has seen me through heartbreak, joy, and everything in between. It’s not just a band to me; it’s a lifeline.”

Backstory:
The band ‘Previous Arrest’ was formed in a small town in the heart of Pennsylvania in 2010. The formation was led by high school friends Billy Turner, Mike Johnson and Steve Collins, who were notoriously known for their rebellious nature and frequent encounters with the law. The trio found solace in music and began their journey as garage musicians. After a few years, they were joined by drummer, Ellen Grant, a former music professor who was impressed by their raw talent and passion for music. Together, they decided to embrace their past, hence the name ‘Previous Arrest’. The band’s music is a reflection of their journey, from their troubled past to their path of redemption through music.

Genre:
‘Previous Arrest’ would best be described as a punk rock band with a unique blend of grunge and alternative metal influences.

Title:
‘Running from Yesterday’

Full Song Lyrics:
(Verse 1)
[G]Out in the cold streets, we used to play,
[D]Fighting the wrongs, lost in the fray,
[Em]Innocence buried, beneath the fears,
[C]Living the nights, drowned in tears.

(Chorus)
[G]Running from yesterday, caught in the haze,
[D]Longing for freedom, in our rebel days.
[Em]Finding redemption, in the strings we strum,
[C]In the beat of the drum, to the songs we hum.

(Verse 2)
[G]The cop car lights, flashing in the night,
[D]A reminder of our, never-ending fight.
[Em]But we found a haven, in the rhythm and rhyme,
[C]In the melody, we found our time.

(Chorus)
[G]Running from yesterday, embracing the new,
[D]In the loud echoes, our hope we renew.
[Em]Breaking the chains, with the chords we play,
[C]In the lyric’s sway, we find our way.

(Final Chorus)
[G]No longer running from yesterday, we’ve made our stand,
[D]With the music loud, across the land.
[Em]From the ashes of our past, we rise above,
[C]United by the power, the power of love.

The Band’s Favorite Fan:
Their favorite fan is a woman named Lisa, a middle-aged nurse who has been following the band since their early days. Lisa shares, “Previous Arrest is more than a band to me. Their music isn’t just about the sound, but the journey it represents. I’ve been there with them, from their troubled beginnings to their path of redemption. Their song ‘Running from Yesterday’ particularly resonates with me as it reminds me of my own struggles and how I strive to overcome them. Their music gives me strength and reminds me that it’s okay to carry past mistakes as long as you’re working your way towards a better tomorrow.”