Backstory:
Formed in the vibrant and eclectic music scene of Austin, Texas in 2012, Self-Assured Formation was the brainchild of vocalist and guitarist, Mark Stevens, and drummer, Tyler Jensen. Both were fresh college graduates, disillusioned with the monotony of 9 to 5 jobs, and decided to explore their shared passion for music. They were soon joined by the talented bassist, Lisa Roberts, and keyboardist, Adam Cooper. Together, they started creating music in Stevens’ garage, their sound echoing down the narrow streets of their neighborhood. Their unapologetic lyrics and innovative sound soon garnered a local following and within a year, they were performing at local venues and music festivals.

Genre:
Indie Rock

Title:
“Chasing Shadows”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
[Em] Driving down [C] these city lights, [G] I’m lost in thoughts [D] of you tonight,
[Em] Wondering if [C] you also think [G] of me [D] in the fading light.
[Em] The radio [C] plays our favorite [G] song, [D] stirring up feelings strong,
[Em] I’m chasing [C] shadows, in the [G] rear-view mirror, [D] longing where we belong.

(Chorus)
[G] Chasing shadows, [D] in the dead of night,
[Em] Holding on to memories, [C] of when we felt so right.
[G] We were wild and free, [D] with nothing to lose,
[Em] Chasing shadows, [C] drowning in the blues.

(Verse 2)
[Em] The neon signs [C] cast a ghostly glow, [G] on the empty streets [D] below,
[Em] I’m haunted by [C] the echo of your [G] laughter, [D] the memory I can’t let go.
[Em] As the night [C] gives way to dawn, [G] I’m still driving [D] on,
[Em] Chasing [C] shadows, [G] till the pain is [D] gone.

(Repeat Chorus)

The band’s favorite fan’s name:
Jessie Clarke

Testimonial:
“I’ve been a fan of Self-Assured Formation since their early garage band days. Their music resonates with me on so many levels. The way they blend powerful lyrics with their unique Indie Rock sound is just mesmerizing. Mark’s voice has this raw, gritty quality that gives their music an edge. And their song, ‘Chasing Shadows’ speaks to me on a personal level. It’s about love, loss and the struggle to let go, which I think is something everyone can relate to. I have seen them perform live multiple times, and their energy and passion is truly infectious. Self-Assured Formation is not just a band to me, they’re a part of my life.”

Backstory:
Infamous Quiver was born out of a shared passion for music and storytelling in the suburbs of Boston, Massachusetts. The band members, Nathan, Simon, Lydia, and Jared, all former members of various high school garage bands, came together during their college years. United by a shared disillusionment at the state of the world, they channeled their frustration and hopes into music that resonates with the youth audience. The name ‘Infamous Quiver’ was sparked by Simon’s fascination with mythology. In many legends, the quiver was a symbol of readiness and potential; infamous because they chose to wield their art against the mainstream, challenging conventions.

Genre:
Alternative Rock

Title:
“Undefeated Echoes”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
Em G
In the shadows, we’re standing tall,
D A
Our voices are the call.
Em G
Through the silence, we break the wall,
D A
With undefeated echoes, we fall.

(Chorus)
C G
Undefeated echoes, we’re never going to break,
D Em
Through the noise, we make our stake.
C G
In the chaos, we find our peace,
D Em
In the madness, we find release.

(Verse 2)
Em G
Songs of rebellion, in the night,
D A
Guiding us with their light.
Em G
Against adversity, we will fight,
D A
With undefeated echoes, we ignite.

(Chorus)
C G
Undefeated echoes, we’re never going to bend,
D Em
In this journey, there’s no end.
C G
We’re the dream, we’re the belief,
D Em
In the echo, we find relief.

Fan Testimonial:
Fan’s name: Ethan

Ethan has been a dedicated follower of Infamous Quiver since their very first gig at a local college festival. He says, “I’ve never been so captured by a band before. The raw energy and rebellion in their music speak volumes. I feel like they’re voicing the thoughts and emotions that I couldn’t express myself. They’re not just a band to me; they’re a symbol of resilience and hope, particularly in these trying times. Infamous Quiver has become a part of my identity.” Ethan has attended every single concert they’ve held in the region and is well-known amongst the band and fan community for his unwavering support.

Backstory:
Sparse Goal was born from the ashes of a previous band named ‘Thick Hurdle’. The two remaining members, Ken Rios, the self-taught guitarist, and Pat Murphy, who owned a voice that could soothe even the wildest beasts, decided to continue the journey in the world of music. They started from scratch, and in their search for a new sound and identity, ‘Sparse Goal’ was born, reflecting their objective of keeping their music raw, simple and uncluttered while achieving big things.

Their journey was not all roses. They primarily played in empty bars and coffee shops, often to an audience of none. But they were persistent, and slowly but surely, they started gaining recognition. The turning point came when they won the ‘Best Newcomer’ award at the local music festival. From then on, their popularity started climbing, and the rest, as they say, is history.

Genre:
Sparse Goal mainly plays Indie Rock with elements of Folk and Alternative Rock.

Title:
“Waves of Time”

Full Song Lyrics:
[Verse]
G C
Walking down memory lane,
D G
Encircled by the waves of time.
G C
Yearning for the days,
D G
When your smile was all mine.

[Chorus]
C D
In the ocean of life,
G Em
We’re just ships passing by.
C D
Can’t erase the waves of time,
G Em
But I’ll remember your eyes.

[Verse]
G C
The echo of your laughter,
D G
Still resonates in my mind.
G C
Our moments, now mere shadows,
D G
In the fading afternoon sunshine.

[Chorus]
C D
In the ocean of life,
G Em
We’re just ships passing by.
C D
Can’t stop the waves of time,
G Em
But I won’t forget your sigh.

Fan Testimonial:
Name: Jessica Martin
“I have been a die-hard fan of Sparse Goal ever since I first heard them at a local music festival. The raw emotions and honesty in their lyrics really resonate with me. And there’s something about their music that feels so familiar, yet so unique. It’s like they’ve taken the complexity of life, and distilled it into something simple, beautiful, and relatable. Sparse Goal is my favorite band because their music feels genuine and heartfelt, which is quite rare these days.”

Backstory:

Jealous Department came into existence on a cold winter night in New York City back in 2008. The founding members, Jack Hardy and Keith Madison, were both working day jobs at the same advertising company, designing catchy taglines and impressive logos. However, their real passion always laid in music. Jack, a self-taught guitarist and Keith, a prodigious drummer, started experimenting with their music after work. They soon discovered a distinct and well-blended sound and decided to form the band “Jealous Department”. The name was inspired by their work environment where jealousy and competition were rife. They vowed that their music would always be a product of pure love and collaboration, and wouldn’t fall victim to the jealousy that pervaded their day jobs.

Over the years, Jealous Department has grown to a four-member band, with the addition of bassist Lily Thompson and keyboardist Ryan McNeil. They have played at a multitude of local gigs, established a large fan base and released two critically acclaimed albums.

Genre:
Indie Rock

Title:
“Underneath the City Lights”

Full Song Lyrics:

[Verse 1]
G C G C
Underneath the city lights, we found our freedom,
Em D C G
Lost in our dreams, we found our kingdom.
G C G D
Living on the edge, ready to take flight,
Em D G C
We’re just fireflies, dancing in the night.

[Chorus]
G D Em C
Underneath the city lights, we are alive,
G D C G
With every beat of the night, we thrive.
G D Em C
Chasing dreams, chasing that high,
G D C G
Underneath the city lights, we touch the sky.

[Verse 2]
G C G D
Running wild, through the concrete maze,
Em D C G
We’re stardust, in the urban haze.
G C G D
With every note, we sing our song,
Em D G C
In this city of dreams, we belong.

[Chorus Repeat]

Fan’s Name: Amanda Roberts

Fan Testimonial:

Amanda Roberts, a die-hard fan from their early days, says “Jealous Department has always been my favorite band. Their music resonates with me, it’s raw, it’s real and it’s relatable. Their song ‘Underneath the City Lights’ is my anthem. The chords are powerful and the lyrics are so profound that they stir up emotions I didn’t even know existed. Despite their growing popularity, they remain humble and connected with their fans. I love how their music is devoid of jealousy and competition, it’s all about love, dreams, and freedom. That’s why Jealous Department will always be my favorite.”

Backstory: Different Talk is a four-piece band from the sleepily serene town of Paducah, Kentucky. Comprised of childhood friends, Liam Braxton (lead vocals/guitar), Daisy Carson (bass/vocals), Jake Williams (drums), and Ethan Chambers (lead guitar), the band was born in the sultry summer of 2009. They quickly discovered a shared affinity for creating explosive, energetic music that mirrored their personal experiences of navigating life, love, and the turbulent journey of young adulthood. Their dynamic sound was honed in local gigs, where they built a strong following before hitting the national touring circuit.

Different Talk’s ascent was far from effortless. Weekends spent playing for small crowds gradually gave way to packed out venues and festival slots. A turning point came in 2013 when their EP ‘Nature of the Beast’ started getting airplay on college radio stations. From that moment, Different Talk become synonymous with raw, unfiltered emotion, and their earnest, often autobiographical songwriting resonated with fans worldwide.

Genre: Indie Rock

Title: “Waves of Yesterday”

Full Song Lyrics:

Verse 1: (G, D, Em, C)
In the old town, where we ran around, (G, D)
Chasing sunsets, and feeling so profound. (Em, C)
Your laugh danced in the wind, (G, D)
And in your eyes, I found a friend. (Em, C)

Chorus: (G, D, Em, C)
Oh, how we rode the waves of yesterday, (G, D)
In dreams that felt so real, yet so far away. (Em, C)
With the sand beneath our feet, and hearts astray, (G, D)
We swam in the deep, chasing the day. (Em, C)

Verse 2: (G, D, Em, C)
With your hand in mine, and stars align, (G, D)
We made a promise, ‘neath the moonshine. (Em, C)
But seasons change, and so did we, (G, D)
Yet, in my heart, you’ll always be. (Em, C)

Chorus: (G, D, Em, C)
Oh, how we rode the waves of yesterday, (G, D)
In dreams that felt so real, yet so far away. (Em, C)
With the sand beneath our feet, and hearts astray, (G, D)
We swam in the deep, chasing the day. (Em, C)

Band’s Favorite Fan: Different Talk’s favorite fan is Samantha “Sammy” Clark, a college student from their hometown. Sammy has been a dedicated follower since their early garage band days, attending every local gig, and even traveling to neighboring cities for their shows.

In Sammy’s words: “Different Talk isn’t just a band for me, it’s an emotion. Their music has been my solace through the toughest times. They manage to capture the essence of my own feelings in their lyrics, almost as if they’re hollering my truths. From the first beat to the last echo, their songs are a roller coaster ride that I never want to end. Their music is raw, real, and relentlessly honest – it’s like they’re narrating my life’s story. Different Talk is not just my favorite band; they are a part of me.”

Backstory:

Failing Guy was formed in the heart of bustling Chicago in 2011. The band was born out of a garage jam session between high school friends, the charismatic lead singer, Mason Brooks, the electrifying guitarist, Dex Mitchell, the thunderous drummer, Ollie Grayson, and the smooth bassist, Zeke Raymond. With a shared passion for music and a shared feeling of being the underdogs in their hometown, they started to write songs and perform at local pubs and events. The band’s name, Failing Guy, is derived from their collective experiences of hardship and failure, which they viewed as stepping stones to success.

Genre:

Alternative Rock

Title:

“Mistaken Shadows”

Full song lyrics:

Verse 1:
[C] Looking at your [Am] face in the mirror
[G] Laughing at your [F] own shadow
[C] Trying to shake off [Am] the fear
[G] Ignoring the [F] pain that follows

Chorus:
[C] You’re just a [G] failing guy
[Am] In a world, full of [F] mistaken shadows
[C] But don’t you [G] cry
[Am] There’s a brighter [F] tomorrow

Verse 2:
[C] The night is [Am] long, and the road is winding
[G] But hold on [F] to your faith, keep finding
[C] The strength to [Am] fight, in every sunrise
[G] Leave the [F] dark behind, reach for the skies.

Chorus:
[C] You’re just a [G] failing guy
[Am] In a world, full of [F] mistaken shadows
[C] But don’t you [G] cry
[Am] There’s a brighter [F] tomorrow

Bridge:
[Am] Remember the [G] days when you fell
[F] How you rose, only [C] time can tell
[Am] With each [G] strike, you became stronger
[F] In this fight, you will [C] falter no longer

Chorus:
[C] You’re just a [G] failing guy
[Am] In a world, full of [F] mistaken shadows
[C] But don’t you [G] cry
[Am] There’s a brighter [F] tomorrow

Outro:
[C] You’re just a [G] failing guy
[Am] In a world, full of [F] mistaken shadows
[C] Today you [G] might cry
[Am] But remember, there’s a [F] brighter tomorrow.

Fan Testimonial:

Peter Harding, a passionate Failing Guy fan from Seattle, discovered the band during a rough period in his life. Their song “Mistaken Shadows” became his anthem for resilience. Peter says, “Failing Guy’s music speaks to my soul. Their lyrics are a reminder that it’s okay to fail, and every failure is just a stepping stone to success. They’ve been with me through the ups and downs. To me, their music is much more than just songs; it’s a lifeline.”

Backstory:
Formed in the rainy outskirts of Seattle, Washington in 2005, ‘Impure Licence’ began as a group of high-school friends who wanted nothing more than to make music their life. The initial group consisted of Clark, the angsty lead vocalist and rhythm guitarist, Reuben, the quirky bespectacled drummer with a knack for complex beats, Mike, the brooding lead guitarist, and Jenny, the enigmatic bassist with a hauntingly beautiful voice. United by a shared passion for music and an insatiable desire to break the norms of society, they began writing songs that mirrored their own experiences and thoughts, slowly carving a niche for themselves in the local music scene. The name ‘Impure Licence’ was chosen to reflect their belief in the beauty of imperfections and the freedom to be true to oneself.

Genre:
Alternative Rock

Title:
‘Unseen Mirrors’

Full Song Lyrics:

[Verse 1]
G D Em C
Underneath the city lights we roam,
G D C
Living lives that aren’t our own,
G D Em C
Chasing dreams that we borrowed from unseen mirrors.

[Verse 2]
G D Em C
We hide behind smiles that deceive,
G D C
In truths that we ourselves don’t believe,
G D Em C
In the echoes of the voices from unseen mirrors.

[Chorus]
G D Em C
Impure licence in our hands, we make our stand,
G D C
Against the world’s demands,
G D Em C
We are reflections of unseen mirrors.

[Chorus Repeat]
G D Em C
Impure licence in our souls, we fill the roles,
G D C
Of the ones who lost control,
G D Em C
We are reflections of unseen mirrors.

Testimonial:
Fan’s name: Sarah Thompson

“Impure Licence has been my absolute favourite band since high school. Their lyrics speak to me on a personal level, like they’ve somehow managed to siphon out my thoughts and emotions and put them into words, further enhancing them with their soul-stirring music. It’s like they understand the struggle of trying to fit in while trying to embrace our uniqueness, our ‘Impure Licence’, if you will. Their song ‘Unseen Mirrors’ resonates with me the most, it’s like an anthem for all of us who’ve felt lost and unsure of our identity. It’s my go-to song whenever I’m feeling down. There’s something raw and real about their music that you don’t often see these days.”

Backstory:
Formed in 2002, Hideous Field is a band of four friends hailing from the small town of Eldridge, Iowa. The band members – lead vocalist Troy, guitarist Parker, bassist Andy, and drummer Owen – were childhood friends who found their shared love for music in their high school’s marching band. They began by playing at local gigs and school events, and their unique, raw, and passionate sound quickly gained them a following. After being discovered at a local battle of the bands competition, Hideous Field embarked on their journey to become a nationally acclaimed band. Known for their emotive lyrics and diverse sound, the band has forged a special connection with their fans, turning their shared love for music into a powerful force.

Genre: Alternative Rock

Title: Shadows on the Horizon

Song Lyrics:
(Verse 1)
[G]Dark clouds gather, [D]closing in,
[Em]Shadows on the horizon, [C]hopes grow thin.
[G]A storm is coming, [D]echoes of the wind,
[Em]We stand defiant, [C]within this hideous field we’re in.

(Chorus)
[D]But we won’t be broken, [G]not tonight,
[C]We’ll stand together, [D]beneath the moonlight.
[G]We’ll scream to the heavens, [D]with all our might,
[Em]In the face of despair, [C]we will ignite.

(Verse 2)
[G]Roaring thunder, [D]blinding flash,
[Em]In this hideous field, [C]we make our clash.
[G]We may stumble, [D]we may crash,
[Em]But the love for our music, [C]it’s our unabashed.

(Chorus)
[D]We won’t be silenced, [G]we won’t be tamed,
[C]In this hideous field, [D]we’ve staked our claim.
[G]With every beating heart, [D]and burning flame,
[Em]We’ll sing our song, [C]free of shame.

Fan Name: Jennifer

Testimonial: “Hideous Field has been my favorite band for years. Their music speaks to me on a deeply personal level, and I feel an indescribable connection to their songs. They pour so much emotion into their music, and it’s evident in every lyric that they genuinely care about their fans. I absolutely adore their alternative rock sound because it’s raw, powerful, and profoundly moving. Plus, the guys are just the most down-to-earth people you could meet. Their performances are incredible, and they always make time to interact with their fans. To me, they’re not just a band, they’re like family.”

Backstory:
“Glittering Role” was born in the heart of Austin, Texas in 2009 when four friends decided to turn their shared love for music into a full-time endeavor. After meeting at a local open mic night, they quickly found a common connection in their distinctive musical tastes and began jamming together in their spare time. As their music grew more cohesive, so did their friendship, and it wasn’t long before they had formed Glittering Role. The band consists of lead vocalist and guitarist, Jake, bassist, Max, drummer, Ricky, and keyboardist, Ray. Their journey has been a story of self-discovery, with each member bringing their unique influences to forge a sound unlike any other.

Genre:
Alternative Rock

Title:
“Stardust Shadows”

Full song lyrics:

(Verse 1)
Em G
Underneath the twilight,
D A
We found our golden sight,
Em G
Deep within the city lights,
D A
Lies our glittering role, so bright.

(Chorus)
C G
Stardust shadows, In our heart,
D A
Telling stories, making its mark,
C G
In the echoes of the dark,
D A
We find our glittering role, a spark.

(Verse 2)
Em G
Through the whispers of the breeze,
D A
And the rustle of the leaves,
Em G
We strum our dreams into these,
D A
Chords of hope, on our knees.

(Chorus)
C G
Stardust Shadows, in our soul,
D A
Painting music, making us whole,
C G
In the echoes of the Rock n’ Roll,
D A
We find our glittering role, a goal.

Favorite Fan’s Name: Molly Johnson

Testimonial:
I’ve been a fan of ‘Glittering Role’ since their first gig at a local bar in Austin. Their music touches the soul, it’s raw and real. And their song “Stardust Shadows,” just speaks volumes to me. It’s like they poured my thoughts into a song. I’ve always felt a deep connection to their music – it encourages me, comforts me, and makes me feel understood. Their passion for their craft is evident in every performance. To me, ‘Glittering Role’ is more than just a band. They are a beacon of hope, a source of inspiration, and the soundtrack to my life.

Backstory:
Formed in the bleak winter of 2008 in the industrial outskirts of Detroit, Nasty Tendency began their journey as a garage band with four friends dying for a chance to escape the monotony of their mundane lives. The band consists of lead vocalist and guitarist Max ‘Mad Max’ Stevens, bassist Johnny ‘Bass Beast’ Miller, drummer Tommy ‘Thunder’ Reed, and keyboardist Billy ‘Melody Man’ Watson. Their shared love for music, rebellion, and the desire to make a mark in the world helped them forge a compelling alliance. They began their journey playing in local bars and cafes, eventually landing their first major gig in 2011. Their electrifying performances and daring lyrics made them a sensation in the underground music scene, leading them to their first record deal in 2014.

Genre:
Hard Rock/Heavy Metal

Title:
‘Steel and Thunder’

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
Em
In the belly of the beast, where the iron heart lies,
C
Smoky breath of steel, under the neon skies,
G
The roar of the engines, the clash of the chains,
D
We ride through the night, feeling no pains.

(Chorus)
Em
Steel and Thunder, wheels on fire,
C
Driven by desire, reaching higher and higher,
G
Through the storm and the rain, lit by the moon’s glow,
D
We are Nasty Tendency, ready to steal the show.

(Verse 2)
Em
With the pedal to the metal, in the heart of the night,
C
Burning rubber on asphalt, in the pale moonlight,
G
Riding free as the wind, in a world that’s so cold,
D
We are the story, that’s yet to be told.

(Chorus)
Em
Steel and Thunder, born to rule the night,
C
With dirty hands and hearts so light,
G
In the echo of our music, in the rhythm of our souls,
D
We are Nasty Tendency, the rock n roll heroes.

Favorite Fan:
Their most devoted fan, affectionately known as ‘Headbanger Hank’, is a staple at every concert. He has followed the band since their early days, his love for the band stemming from their unapologetic energy and raw power. Sharing his testimonial, Hank said, “There’s something about Nasty Tendency that speaks to the rebel in all of us. Their music is a perfect blend of power, melody, and emotion. It’s like a thunderbolt straight to the heart. I’ve seen them evolve as a band, but their essence has never changed. They are the soundtrack to my life, and I can’t imagine a world without their music. Rock on, Nasty Tendency!”