Backstory:

Born in the heartland of America, United Region is a group of four childhood friends who matured around the same time and shared a common passion for music. Their group was formed in their small hometown of Ames, Iowa, where they spent countless hours in their garage playing, writing, and dreaming of making it big. Their shared experiences of growing up in the countryside, working in their families’ farms, and dealing with the ups and downs of life in a small town became the core of their musical inspiration.

United Region hit the big time when they won a local talent show, catching the attention of a music producer on a scouting mission. Their authentic sound and heartfelt lyrics won the producer over, and he helped them rise to national fame. The band remains true to their roots, often returning to Ames for impromptu concerts and charity events.

Genre:
Country Rock

Title:
“Harvest Moon Dance”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
G Em C G
Underneath the harvest moon, we’d dance away the night,
G Em C D
In your eyes, I’d lose myself, in the glow of golden light.
Em C G D
In this small town, we found love, under the wide-open sky,
Em C D G
In your arms, I found my home, in the wink of your eye.

(Chorus)
G Em C G
So we danced, to the rhythm of the cornfields’ breeze,
G Em C D
And we loved, to the melody of the whispering trees.
Em C G D
In the heart of the heartland, where the wild prairie roams,
Em C D G
I fell in love with you, in the land we call home.

(Verse 2)
G Em C G
With the setting of the sun, the fireflies start to play,
G Em C D
Our hearts beat in harmony, as the stars lead the way.
Em C G D
In this simple life, we found joy, in the small things we share,
Em C D G
In the silence of the night, I found peace in your care.

(Repeat Chorus)

(Bridge)
Em C G D
Here’s to us, and the love we’ve sown,
Em C D G
Underneath the harvest moon, our story has grown.

(Repeat Chorus)

End on G

Fan Testimonial:

“I’m Frank Dawson, and I’m a diehard fan of United Region. There’s an authenticity in their music that captures the spirit of our heartland, and their songs are like a journey back home. “Harvest Moon Dance” takes me back to the time of young love, dancing under the moonlight, and the simple joy of small-town life. United Region isn’t just my favorite band because their music is brilliant, but their songs have a way of touching your soul and reminding you of what truly matters in life. They’re the sonic embodiment of our small town, and I couldn’t be prouder to support them.”

Backstory:

Admired Controversy was born in the bustling city of Seattle, a place known for its eclectic music scene. The band first met during an open mic night at a local coffee shop, each member drawn to the other’s unique sound and passion. Aiden, the lead vocalist and guitarist, was mesmerizing with his raw and soulful voice; Luka, the drummer, was a powerhouse, providing a rhythmic heartbeat that could be felt down to one’s bones; and Jay, on the bass, was the quiet force that held them together with his smooth and steady beats. They felt an immediate musical connection and decided to form a band, dedicating themselves to creating music that transcended traditional boundaries and ignited conversations.

Admired Controversy quickly gained recognition for their dynamic sound and thought-provoking lyrics. Their music was filled with bold statements about society, politics, and the human condition, earning them both admiration and controversy. Despite the mixed reactions, they stayed true to their vision, using their music as a platform to voice out their thoughts and beliefs about the world.

Genre:
Alternative Rock

Title:
“Identity Echo”

Full Song Lyrics:

[Verse 1]
Em G D A
I see the world in monochrome,
Em G D A
Tinted by the lies we’ve been told.
Em G D A
We’re chasing shadows in our minds,
Em G D A
Stuck in the echo of our time.

[Chorus]
C G D Em
We scream, we shout, our voices loud,
C G D Em
In this identity echo, we’re lost then found.
C G D Em
We question, we doubt, we’re breaking out,
C G D Em
In this identity echo, we make our sound.

[Verse 2]
Em G D A
We’re not just faces in the crowd,
Em G D A
Our hearts beat strong, our spirits proud.
Em G D A
We wear our scars like a crown,
Em G D A
In this identity echo, we won’t back down.

(Repeat Chorus)

Favorite Fan:

The band’s favorite fan is a woman named Sarah. Sarah was going through a tough time in her life when she first stumbled upon Admired Controversy’s music. The band’s lyrics resonated with her, giving her hope and strength during her darkest moments. She feels connected to the band, believing that their music has the power to inspire and provoke thought. “Admired Controversy is my favorite band because their music isn’t just entertainment, it’s a source of comfort and empowerment,” Sarah shares. “Their songs touch my soul and inspire me to stand up for what I believe in. They’re not just a band, they’re my heroes.”

Backstory:
Past Credit is a group of four childhood friends from the bohemian town of Asheville, North Carolina. Growing up in a musical environment, the group was heavily influenced by the town’s rich culture of folk music and storytelling. The band members, Mark (vocals, guitar), Ben (drums), Sarah (bass, vocals), and Pete (guitar, vocals) started out playing in local bars and coffee shops around town. They gained local fame for their unique blend of country, rock and folk music and soon began performing at larger venues across the states. The band’s name, Past Credit, is a reflection of their humble beginnings and the gratitude they feel for the experiences that brought them together.

Genre:
Country-Rock

Title:
“Shadows of Yesterday”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
[G] You said you didn’t [D] need me, [Em] but I see it in your [C] eyes
[G] The way you look at [D] me now, [Em] full of regret and [C] lies
[G] We used to dream [D] together, [Em] under the Carolina [C] sky
[G] Now all we have are [D] memories, [Em] and the shadows of [C] yesterday

(Chorus)
[G] Oh, the shadows of [D] yesterday, [Em] still haunt me [C] today
[G] I see you in every [D] corner, [Em] in every old familiar [C] way
[G] We had a love that was [D] real, [Em] why did it fade [C] away?
[G] All that’s left are the [D] shadows, [Em] the shadows of [C] yesterday..

(Verse 2)
[G] I walk these empty [D] streets, [Em] where we used to [C] play
[G] The echoes of our [D] laughter, [Em] have long since faded [C] away
[G] I miss the way you [D] held me, [Em] under the moonlight’s [C] gentle sway
[G] All I have now are [D] memories, [Em] and the shadows of [C] yesterday

(Repeat Chorus)

Favorite Fan:
Our favorite fan has to be Missy Thompson. She’s been with us since our early days and has attended almost every one of our concerts. She once said, “Past Credit’s music speaks to my soul. Their songs are authentic, their lyrics are heartfelt, and I can feel a deep connection with their music. Their song ‘Shadows of Yesterday’ is a personal favorite, it just tells such a beautiful story of love and loss that I can’t help but relate to. They’re more than just a band to me, they’re like family.” We’re blessed to have fans like Missy.

Backstory:

Wary Speed emerged from the bustling music scene of Austin, Texas in the mid-2000s. Founding members, Drew Mason, a gifted guitarist with a flair for blues-infused rock, and Ellie Peterson, an enchanting vocalist gifted in penning evocative lyrics, had been playing at small venues as solo artists before they crossed paths at an open mic night. They felt an immediate musical connection, and after jamming together late into the night, they decided to collaborate. The duo soon expanded into a four-piece band as they were joined by bassist Keith Johnson and drummer Laura Winslow. Their chemistry was electric, and they quickly made a name for themselves in the Austin music scene, captivating audiences with their fusion of bluesy rock and heartfelt lyrics.

Genre: Blues Rock

Title: “Riding the Lightning”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
Em C G D
Late in the evening, under the moon’s glow,
Em C G D
Chasing shadows, where the wild winds blow.
Em C G D
Torn between the heartache and the unknown,
Em C G D
We’re riding the lightning, in a world of our own.

(Chorus)
Em C G D
Riding the lightning, lost in the storm,
Em C G D
Living on the edge, where legends are born.
Em C G D
Through the thunder, our hearts they roar,
Em C G D
We’re riding the lightning, forevermore.

(Verse 2)
Em C G D
Through the echoes of the past, we tread,
Em C G D
Bearing the weight of words unsaid.
Em C G D
A symphony of dreams, in our heads,
Em C G D
We’re riding the lightning, where destiny led.

(Repeat Chorus)

Fan Testimonial:

The band’s favorite fan is a woman named Jenny Lee. Jenny, a librarian from Austin, has been following Wary Speed since their inception. “I’ve always been drawn to bluesy rock, but Wary Speed takes it to another level. Their music is raw and genuine, it speaks to the soul. Plus, their live performances are electric. I’ve never missed a show, and each time it feels like I’m hearing them for the first time. Their song ‘Riding the Lightning’ is my personal anthem. Wary Speed isn’t just my favorite band, they’re a part of my life,” Jenny shares.

Backstory:
Frequent Comfort is a band born out of the raw talent, the shared love for music, and the unquenchable thirst for creativity of four close friends from the city of Austin, Texas. The members – Tim Norton (vocals, guitar), Jake Westfield (drums), Ronnie Charles (bass), and Sarah Mitchell (keyboard, backing vocals) – initially started playing together as a form of emotional release and a way to navigate the complexities of their early adulthood. Their bond strengthened over time, their individual skills improved, and soon, they found themselves creating their own brand of music that resonated with the youth in their area. Winning a local Battle of the Bands competition was the catalyst that launched them onto the larger stage, leading to the formation of Frequent Comfort.

Genre:
Frequent Comfort’s music is a blend of Indie rock infused with elements of Pop and Soul. Their sound is characterized by the harmonious interplay between guitar and keyboard, the rhythm set by the bass and drums, and the raw, emotional lyrics that come straight from their hearts.

Title:
“One More Night”

Full Song Lyrics:

[Verse 1]
Am G D
She’s walking away, under city lights,
Am G D
I’m begging her stay, just one more night.
Am G D
Tears glisten in our eyes, heartache’s cruel bite,
Am G D
But I hold on to hope, with all my might.

[Chorus]
Am G D
One more night, under the stars,
Am G D
Finding comfort, healing our scars.
Am G D
Promise you’ll stay, till break of day,
Am G D
In our love, let us sway, one more night.

[Verse 2]
Am G D
She turns back, smiles through her fears,
Am G D
Love’s sweet track, wipes away the tears.
Am G D
We dance in the moonlight, forgetting our fights,
Am G D
Holding each other tight, one more night.

[Chorus]
Am G D
One more night, under the stars,
Am G D
Finding comfort, healing our scars.
Am G D
Promise you’ll stay, till break of day,
Am G D
In our love, let us sway, one more night.

Fan Testimonial:
The band’s favorite fan is a 22-year-old college student named Jenny Smith. Jenny fell in love with Frequent Comfort’s music during a difficult period in her life. She says, “The raw emotion in their songs, the heartfelt lyrics, and the soothing melodies provide a sense of comfort that is hard to find elsewhere. Their music has been a source of solace and strength for me. It’s more than just music to me, it’s therapy.” She has been an ardent supporter of the band ever since she heard them for the first time, attending all their concerts and actively promoting them on social media.

Backstory:
Stormy Package, born in the rain-soaked streets of Portland during the grunge movement era, was the brainchild of three childhood friends, Sam “Thunder” Peterson, Reggie “Lightning” Fields, and Ian “Rain” Johnson. They all shared a deep-seated passion for rock and a desire to create something unprecedented in the music industry. Finding inspiration from the constant downpour and stormy weather of their beloved city, they formed Stormy Package. The band’s music echoes their spirit of rebellion and their love for the raw, earthy sounds of pure rock and roll.

Their journey wasn’t one of overnight success. They spent years playing in local bars and clubs, trying to perfect their sound and gain a following. After a decade of grueling hard work and unwavering commitment, their breakout moment came when a renowned music producer spotted them at a late-night gig and instantly fell in love with their unique sound. Since then, Stormy Package has grown from a local band to a national sensation, with their songs consistently topping the rock music charts.

Genre:
Alternative Rock

Title:
“Rain-Soaked Deception”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
Em C
Under the city lights, in the pouring rain,
G D
We shared secrets, drowned our pain.
Em C
But your whispers were just lies,
G D
Hidden behind those stormy eyes.

(Chorus)
Am C
Rain-soaked deception, you left me cold,
G D
In the heart of the storm, love was sold.
Am C
You were my stormy package, sent from above,
G D
Wrapped up in lies, but I thought it was love.

(Verse 2)
Em C
The thunder echoed our love’s fall,
G D
Under the rain cloud’s shadowed pall.
Em C
You danced away in the drenching night,
G D
Leaving me alone, abandoned in my plight.

(Chorus)
Am C
Rain-soaked deception, you left me cold,
G D
In the heart of the storm, love was sold.
Am C
You were my stormy package, sent from above,
G D
Wrapped up in lies, but I thought it was love.

Favorite Fan:
The band’s favorite fan is Tina Bell, a die-hard rock lover from Austin, Texas. Tina has been following Stormy Package since their early days, and her unwavering support and love for their music have never faltered. Tina testifies, “Stormy Package isn’t just a band to me; they’re the embodiment of perseverance and raw talent. Their songs speak to me on a personal level. They’re my refuge during difficult times, and their music has a way of touching the soul. I’ve seen them grow from performing in small clubs to selling out arenas, and I couldn’t be prouder.”

Backstory:

Born in the breezy suburbs of Seattle, Washington, Well-To-Do Memory was formed in the summer of 2006 when four high school friends found common ground in their passion for music. Jake Bell, the lead vocalist and guitarist, was inspired to start a band after a heartbreak, and reached out to his friends Emma Reed (bassist), Mason Hughes (drummer), and Olivia Grace (keyboardist and backing vocals). They initially began by playing covers in their garage and soon started writing their own music. Their journey, mired with challenges of growing up, heartbreaks, and victories, found expression in their music. The band’s name, Well-To-Do Memory, was conceived from the idea of cherishing the past while moving forward – a theme that resonates in their music.

Genre:

Well-To-Do Memory’s music falls under the genre of indie rock, with influences of folk and blues. Their sound is characterized by soulful lyrics, raw vocals, and an undercurrent of melancholy.

Song Title:

“Echoes in the Rain”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
[D] Looking out the window pane,
[A] Watching as the skies weep with rain,
[G] Memories, they flood my brain,
[D] I see us walking down that lane.

(Chorus)
[G] Echoes in the rain,
[A] Voices calling out your name,
[D] Our love, once a roaring flame,
[G] Now only a smoldering wick, a flickering game.

(Verse 2)
[D] The coffee shop, our laughter loud,
[A] Lost in the faceless, bustling crowd,
[G] The echo of your voice, once so proud,
[D] Now a whisper, in the silence shroud.

(Chorus)
[G] Echoes in the rain,
[A] Haunting melodies of love and pain,
[D] Our story, once a vibrant stain,
[G] Now a faded hue on memory’s grain.

Name of the Band’s Favorite Fan:

Their favorite fan’s name is Lucy.

Testimonial:

“I’ve been a fan of Well-To-Do Memory since their early garage days. Their music resonates deeply with my own life experiences. It’s as if they’ve put words and melodies to my most intimate thoughts and feelings. Their song ‘Echoes in the Rain’ particularly strikes a chord with me. It reminds me of a love I once had, a love that, much like the song, is now an echo in the rain. Their music is cathartic, it has helped me through some of my toughest times. Well-To-Do Memory is my favorite because their music isn’t just songs, it’s an experience, a journey through life’s ups and downs.”

Backstory:
Meek System is a band that was formed in the heart of Chicago in 2011. The band members, led by vocalist John ‘JJ’ Jenkins, all worked mundane, soul-sucking day jobs but found solace in their shared love for music. They would meet at JJ’s garage every evening, making music that reflected their frustrations, dreams, and aspirations. Despite having different musical backgrounds and influences, they managed to create a unique soundscape that turned heads in the local music scene.

A small recording studio took notice and gave them an opportunity to release their first album, ‘Shattered Dreams and New Beginnings’. After the release, Meek System became a local sensation and started performing at local gigs and festivals. Their distinct sound, powerful lyrics, and raw performances resonated with the audience, making them a popular name in the music scene.

Genre:
Alternative Rock

Title:
“Concrete Jungle Dreams”

Full Song Lyrics:
(Verse A)
[Am]Walking down these streets, [D] faceless in the crowd,
[G]Dreaming of a life, [C] beyond this concrete shroud.
[Am]The city’s heartbeat [D] in sync with mine,
[G]In this concrete jungle, [C] searching for a sign.

(Chorus)
[Em]Concrete Jungle Dreams, [D] in my mind it seems,
[G]Chasing the light, [C] beyond the city’s gleams.
[Em]Concrete Jungle Dreams, [D] as crazy as it deems,
[G]In the heart of the city, [C] I’ll find my means.

(Verse B)
[Am]Neon lights are flickering, [D] as the night unfolds,
[G]The city’s underbelly, [C] it’s secrets it holds.
[Am]Lost in this maze, [D] amid the hustle and grime,
[G]In this concrete jungle, [C] I am just biding my time.

(Chorus)
[Em]Concrete Jungle Dreams, [D] in my mind it seems,
[G]Chasing the light, [C] beyond the city’s gleams.
[Em]Concrete Jungle Dreams, [D] as crazy as it deems,
[G]In the heart of the city, [C] I’ll find my means.

Fan Testimonial:
Fan’s name: Emily Thompson
“I’ve been following Meek System since their early performances in local bars. Their music speaks to me on so many levels. ‘Concrete Jungle Dreams’, in particular, is my favorite. It perfectly articulates the grind and struggle of living in a city and still dreaming big. The raw energy and the emotion they put into their music is truly special. They are my favorite band because they make music that’s real and relatable. I can’t wait to see what they bring out next!”

Backstory:

From the corridors of a rustic college in Kentucky, ‘Flowery Graduate’ found its roots. The four members, Avery, Trevor, Charlotte, and Henry, met while studying horticulture, and their shared passion for plants and music inspired the formation of their band in 2013. Avery, a vocalist and keyboardist, was known for her soulful voice that resonated with the rhythms of nature. Trevor and Henry were guitarists who could make a guitar weep and laugh within the same tune, while Charlotte was a drummer who could make heartbeat sync with her beats. They started performing in college fests, and their music was like a breath of fresh air, earning them a loyal following.

After graduating, the band didn’t let the real world dampen their spirits or their music. Instead, they used their experiences and struggles as new graduates to infuse their songs with raw emotion and authenticity. Their lyrics often revolve around themes of growth, change, and the pursuit of dreams, much like the plants they so love.

Genre:

Indie Folk

Title:

“Blooming in the Concrete”

Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
Am G Em F
Beneath the city’s towering grey,
Am G Em F
Roots reach down, find a way.
C G Am F
In the cracks, hope sprays green,
C G Am F
Life blooms where it’s unseen.

(Chorus)
C G Am F
We’re blooming in the concrete, we’re growing in the night,
C G Am F
With dreams as seeds within us, we’re reaching for the light.
C G Am F
No walls can confine us, no shadows can hide,
C G Am F
We’re blooming in the concrete, with the world open wide.

(Verse 2)
Am G Em F
Graduated, now we’re thrown,
Am G Em F
Into the world, we’ve grown.
C G Am F
But like the flowers in the fray,
C G Am F
We’ll find our own sunny day.

(Chorus)

Fan’s Favorite Testimonial:

“Hi, I’m Helen. I’ve been a massive fan of Flowery Graduate since they performed at our college fest. Their music just speaks to me. It’s genuine, it’s fresh, and it’s so relatable. As a recent graduate, their songs like ‘Blooming in the Concrete’ echo my own experiences and fears. They give me hope and strength. I feel seen, heard, and understood through their music, and that’s why they are my all-time favorite band.”

Backstory:

Wretched Exclusion emerged out of the darkened alleyways and underground rock culture of Manchester in the United Kingdom in the late 2000s. The band was formed by lead singer and guitarist, Ian Blackwood, along with bassist, Ted O’Reilly, and drummer, Simon Hughes. The trio came together over shared disillusionment with the mainstream music scene and an affinity for raw, guttural soundscapes. Wretched Exclusion achieved notoriety for their unfettered energy and charisma on stage, along with their relentless drive to disrupt the status quo with their piercing lyrics and innovative sound.

Genre:

Post-Punk Revival

Title:

“Echoes of Deception”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
Am Dm G C
I walk down this lonely road,
In the shadows, I’m carrying my load,
Haunted by the dreams that never rose,
And the bitterness nobody knows.

(Verse 2)
Am Dm G C
In the realm of the forgotten,
With echoes of deception we’re smitten,
Lost in a world inherently rotten,
Our cries in the wind, forever written.

(Chorus)
F G C
Oh, we’re the wretched, the stark excluded,
In the echoes of deception, we are rooted,
Transcending the norms, to the crowd alluded,
In the symphony of chaos, we’re saluted.

(Verse 3)
Am Dm G C
Fierce and loud, we make our stand,
On the brink, where sanity is bland,
Echoes of deception, they reprimand,
In the face of oblivion, together we band.

(Chorus)
F G C
Oh, we’re the wretched, the stark excluded,
In the echoes of deception, we’re included,
Breathing in the turmoil, beautifully deluded,
In the symphony of chaos, we’re unrefuted.

Testimonial:

Fan’s Name: Lily Chapman

Being a lifelong fan of Wretched Exclusion, their music has been a constant source of strength and catharsis for me. Their raw energy and emotive lyrics perfectly encapsulate the struggles we all face in our lives. “Echoes of Deception”, in particular, is my go-to anthem when facing hardship. The way they masterfully weave their music and words to tackle the human condition is both inspiring and cathartic. Their undiluted passion and authenticity are what make them stand out in an industry that often values commercial success over artistic integrity. Wretched Exclusion is not just a band to me, they’re my solace in a world of chaos.