Backstory:
Hailing from the vibrant city of Liverpool, England, Cheery Stick was formed in the summer of 2010 by four friends: lead vocalist Oliver Reed, guitarist Jamie Taylor, bassist Drake Brighton, and drummer Luke Henshaw. Oliver and Jamie were childhood friends who found a shared passion for music in their teenage years and decided to form their own band in college, recruiting Drake and Luke through auditions. With their unique sound and infectious energy, Cheery Stick quickly gained a local following, performing in small venues and college fests, and eventually landed a record deal in 2013.

Cheery Stick is known for their lively performances, engaging stage presence, and the tight-knit bond evident both on and off stage. Their music often resonates with themes of friendship, love, and the joys and sorrows of everyday life. They continue to charm audiences all over the globe with their music, wit, and undeniable charm.

Genre: Indie Pop-Rock

Title: “Candy-Coated Dreams”

Full Song Lyrics with Chord Progression:

Verse 1:
[Am] In this city of lights, [G] lost in the crowd,
[F] You and I, we’re just [C] dreamers aloud.
[Am] With a pocket full of dreams, [G] and a heart that beats,
[F] In the rhythm of the city’s [C] streets.

Chorus:
[Am] Here’s to the candy-coated [G] dreams,
[F] The joy, the laughter, and [C] tears it seems.
[Am] Here’s to the night’s sparkling [G] gleam,
[F] To the love, to the life, to the [C] candy-coated dreams.

Verse 2:
[Am] As the city sleeps, [G] under the moon’s glow,
[F] We dance, we sing, we [C] let ourselves go.
[Am] With a song in our hearts, [G] and stars in our eyes,
[F] We’re living in a dreamer’s [C] disguise.

(Repeat Chorus:)

Favorite Fan’s Name: Emily

Testimonial:
Emily, a self-acclaimed superfan of Cheery Stick, says, “I’ve loved Cheery Stick since their early days. Their music is not just catchy and fun, but it’s also incredibly relatable. It’s like they’ve managed to capture the essence of life, love, and friendship in their songs. Their song ‘Candy-Coated Dreams’ is my anthem; it reminds me that it’s okay to dream and to keep pursuing my passions. I feel like I’ve grown up with them, and their music has been a comforting constant in my life. Cheery Stick isn’t just a band for me, they’re like friends telling me their stories through music.”

Backstory:
Slippery Page began as a late-night hobby of childhood friends, Jonny Hart and Tommy Turner. The duo started experimenting with tunes and lyrics in Jonny’s parent’s garage while they were still in high school. The name Slippery Page was inspired by their struggles with writing songs on paper, which would often slip off their music stand, a name they found fitting for their unpredictable and ever-evolving sound. Their music steadily began to resonate with their peers, and their acoustic jams at local coffee shops soon turned into larger gigs. After high school, they decided to pursue their passion and dedicated their time to creating music that fuelled the soul. Their music is a testament to their friendship and a reflection of their shared experiences.

Genre:
Alternative Rock

Song Title:
“Under the Whispering Skies”

Full Song Lyrics:

Verse:
[Am] Under the whispering skies,
[G] We found our rhythm, our highs,
[F] The cold wind brought us dreams,
[C] Woven in threads of moonbeams.

[Am] Our melodies rode the night,
[G] Singing stories of love and fight,
[F] The echoes danced in the breeze,
[C] In the music of the rustling trees.

Chorus:
[Em] Whispers of the skies,
[D] Flowing through our veins,
[Am] Telling tales of the ties,
[C] That hold us in life’s lanes.

[Em] Under the starry guise,
[D] We lost and found our claims,
[Am] Echoing in our harmonious cries,
[C] In the symphony of life’s games.

Repeat Verse & Chorus

Fan’s Testimonial:
Our biggest fan is a 22-year-old nursing student named Abby Reynolds. Abby stumbled upon Slippery Page’s music during a difficult time in her life. She was dealing with the pressures of nursing school and personal issues. One day, while seeking solace in a nearby coffee shop, she heard Slippery Page performing their song “Under the Whispering Skies”. The lyrics spoke to her, and she felt a deep connection with the song. She says, “The song felt like a friend, understanding my struggles and echoing my feelings in ways words never could. Slippery Page isn’t just a band to me; they’re a lifeline. Their music has been a constant source of comfort and strength for me. They have a unique way of conveying emotions, making you feel understood and validated. I am forever grateful to Jonny and Tommy for their music. They’ll forever be my favorite band.”

Backstory:
Impressionable Attempt is a band that originated from the small but spirited town of Stillwater, Oklahoma. High school friends – Luke Davis (vocals), Brian Cohen (lead guitar), Tim Jordan (bass), and Jeff Simmons (drums) – found a common thread in their shared love for music. They spent their afternoons in Luke’s garage, jamming after school, their music, a form of rebellion against the humdrum of their small-town life. Their shared dream of breaking out of their monotonous lives and making it big in the world of music led them to form Impressionable Attempt in 2010.

Their first performance was at a local bar, which caused a small stir in their town. Their music resonated with the townsfolk, and they quickly grew a close-knit fan base that followed them on their journey from a garage band to a locally recognized name. Their songs, embodying a sense of yearning and an earnest desire to break free, became anthems for those who’ve ever felt stuck in life.

Genre:
Impressionable Attempt’s music can be best described as Indie Rock with hints of folk influences. They have a unique way of blending profound lyrics with catchy melodies that evoke a sense of nostalgia and longing.

Title:
One of their most popular songs is titled, “Beneath the Willow”.

Full Song Lyrics:
(Verse)
C Am
Beneath the willow, we carved our name,
F G
In the throbbing heart of the old town’s fame.
C Am
Sketched dreams in the warm summer haze,
F G
Oh, those were the golden days.

(Chorus)
Am G
We were wild, we were free,
F C
Chasing shadows, you and me.
Am G
In our hearts, we knew,
F C
Beneath the willow, our dreams would come true.

(Verse)
C Am
The years rolled by, we moved away,
F G
In the hustle of life, lost our way.
C Am
But beneath the willow, those dreams stay,
F G
Calling us back, whispering our names.

(Chorus)
Am G
We were bold, we were young,
F C
Beneath the willow, our song was sung.
Am G
Even now, under the moon’s soft glow,
F C
Beneath the willow, our hearts still echo.

Favorite Fan’s Name and Testimonial:
The band’s favourite fan is Katie Sullivan. Katie has been a fan since their early days and has attended every show. “Impressionable Attempt’s music speaks to me on a personal level,” Katie says. “Their song, ‘Beneath the Willow’, is more than just music to my ears. It’s a journey, a fresh perspective, a comforting friend when I’m alone. The unique blend of indie rock and folk influences creates a raw and authentic sound that is both refreshing and relatable. Their music is like a beacon to all us small-town dreamers, a reminder that it’s okay to yearn for more. They’ve grown from our local garage band to a name known by all, but their music remains as personal and heartfelt as ever. That’s what makes them my favorite band.”

Backstory:

Blushing Thing was born in the gloomy dorm rooms of Manchester College, UK, where four ambitious friends found solace in their shared passion for music. In 2017, Sara on vocals and guitar, Jake on bass, Lilly on drums, and Ben on keys, decided to kickstart their journey in the music industry and formed the band Blushing Thing. The band’s name was inspired by a poem Sara wrote, symbolizing the power of emotions and how they can make one blush, be it with love, anger, or excitement.

The journey wasn’t always rosy, but their shared passion, unified vision, and each one’s unique attributes led them to create a unique sound that quickly garnered attention from local gig-goers. Their perseverance and dedication paid off when they won a local Battle of the Bands contest, giving them their first taste of stardom and propelling them into the spotlight.

Genre:

Alternative Indie Pop

Title:

“Red in Reverie”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
Am – G
Every time, every rhyme, every line that you speak,
F – C
Makes my heart flutter, makes my knees go weak.
Am – G
In your presence, I shine, I stumble, I seek,
F – C
The courage to say what my crimson cheeks speak.

(Chorus)
G – C
Red in Reverie, lost in a dream,
Am – F
Where love is as radiant as a sunbeam.
G – C
Red in Reverie, under moon’s gleam,
Am – F
We dance in the shadow of love’s grand scheme.

(Verse 2)
Am – G
Your laughter, your gaze, in my soul, they seep,
F – C
As we dance in silence, as secrets we keep.
Am – G
In your arms, there’s a melody, a rhythm so deep,
F – C
I sway to its beat, in your love, I steep.

(Chorus)
G – C
Red in Reverie, in this sweet serenade,
Am – F
We’re entwined, enlivened, in this love we made.
G – C
Red in Reverie, as day starts to fade,
Am – F
In the canvas of dusk, our memories are laid.

Favorite Fan:

The band’s favorite fan is a young woman named Emily. Emily discovered Blushing Thing while coping with a personal tragedy and found comfort and connection in their music. Emily, in her testimonial, shares, “Blushing Thing’s music is like a balm to my soul. It’s raw, honest, and beautifully crafted. Their lyrics speak volumes, they reach out and touch your heart. ‘Red in Reverie’ is my go-to song, it fills me with positive vibes and a sense of tranquility. They’ve quickly become my favorite band and their music is now an integral part of my life.”

Backstory:
Immediate Border’s origin traces back to a small town in Kentucky where childhood friends, lead vocalist Nathan Fischer and lead guitarist, Neil Cramer, spent their afternoons jamming in an old barn turned into a makeshift studio. One night, their music attracted the attention of drummer, Scott Harris, who was passing through town. Captivated by their raw talent, Scott decided not to continue his journey and instead, joined the duo. The trio’s synergy was palpable, and this was the birth of Immediate Border. After years of performing in local bars and small town festivals, they were discovered by a talent scout at a county fair. Their journey from a barn to international tours is a testimony of their sheer talent and commitment.

Genre:
Immediate Border specializes in a unique blend of Country Rock with elements of Southern Blues.

Title:
“One Last Crossroad”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
[G] I’m standing at a crossroad, [C] nowhere else to go
[D] The shadows of my past, [G] lingering in tow
[G] The sun sets on the horizon, [C] as I hit the open road
[D] I’ll be driving till morning, [G] for one last crossroad.

(Chorus)
[C] One last crossroad, [G] under the midnight sky
[D] One last chance to make things right, [C] before we say goodbye
[G] One more song, [C] beneath the moon’s glow
[D] Here’s to the long ride, [G] and the last crossroad.

(Verse 2)
[G] The taste of freedom, [C] bitter yet sweet
[D] The echoes of your laughter,[G] in the empty passenger seat
[G] The wind whispers secrets, [C] in codes only we know
[D] As we seek redemption, [G] at one last crossroad.

(Repeat Chorus)

(Outro)
[C] One last crossroad, [G] under the pale dawn light
[D] It’s time to leave our ghosts behind, [C] as we drive into the night
[G] One more song, [C] for the love we’ve known
[D] Here’s to us, [G] and our last crossroad.

Fan Testimony:
“Immediate Border isn’t just a band for me, they are my life’s soundtrack. Their music has been my constant companion, right from my high school days till today. I am Bonnie, their self-proclaimed no.1 fan and I love them because their music has a soul. It speaks to me in ways no other band has. Their song ‘One Last Crossroad’, is my all-time favorite. It reminds me of the journey we all are on, filled with ups and downs, much like the band’s own story. Immediate Border’s music is raw, heartfelt, and absolutely beautiful.”

Backstory:

Unwritten Cabinet is a band that was formed in the heart of Poplar, East London back in 2013. The five members of the band, namely, Rick (vocals), Samantha (bass guitar), Jon (lead guitar), Matt (drums), and Billy (keyboard) were all former schoolmates who reconnected at a local pub, reminiscing about their shared love for music. In their early days, they were an underground band, performing at local gigs and small venues. Their unique sound eventually caught the attention of a music producer who was visiting the pub one night, leading to their breakthrough in the mainstream music industry.

Genre:

The band’s music genre is an eclectic mix of Indie Rock and Post-Punk Revival, with traces of Grunge and Psychedelic Rock. Their music is marked by its dynamic chord progressions, poetic lyrics, and a distinctive blend of vintage and modern elements.

Title: “Vagrant Echoes”

Full song lyrics:

[Intro]
Em – G – D – C

Verse:
(Em) “Along the alleyways of (G) time, we (D) wander, we (C) unwind,
(Em) Memories etched on (G) cobblestone, (D) hearts beat in (C) rhythm, not alone.

Chorus:
(G) Hear the Vagrant (D) Echoes, (Em) bouncing off the (C) stone,
(G) Lost conversations, (D) whispers of the (Em) unknown.”

Verse:
(Em) “Painted on the (G) canvas of the (D) night, (C) shadows dancing in moonlight,
(Em) Dreams peeking through (G) cracked windows, (D) breathing in the (C) city’s throes.”

Chorus:
(G) Hear the Vagrant (D) Echoes, (Em) tales of love and (C) woe,
(G) Draped in melancholy, (D) secrets no one (Em) knows.

[Outro]
Em – G – D – C

Favorite Fan:

The band’s favorite fan is a 27-year-old nurse named Lucy. Lucy has followed Unwritten Cabinet since their early pub gigs and proudly possesses all their album releases. She loves Unwritten Cabinet for their raw, evocative lyrics and the beautiful harmonies they create, which she says, “resonate with her soul.” In her testimonial, she writes, “Their music is a breath of fresh air in the industry, poetic yet relatable. It has been a remarkable journey watching them evolve as a band, maintaining their unique sound while consistently pushing their creative boundaries.”

Backstory:
Formed in 2012, Secret Novel is the brainchild of four college friends, Charlie, Tim, Amelia, and Megan, who met in their literature class. Sharing a mutual love for music and storytelling, they began writing songs inspired by their favorite novels, hidden narratives, and secret worlds. These imaginative themes quickly caught on, drawing in a wide audience who felt just as entranced by their inventive storytelling as they did their music. Over the years, Secret Novel has seen its fan base grow exponentially, becoming a staple in the indie rock scene.

Genre:
Indie Rock

Title:
“Pages of Time”

Song Lyrics:
(Verse 1)
Am F
Walking along the sandy shore,
C G
Finding ourselves forevermore.
Am F
Each step we take, another line,
C G
Written in the pages of time.

(Chorus)
Am F
We are the authors, we hold the pen,
C G
Writing our story through joy and pain.
Am F
Our life, a secret novel untold,
C G
The greatest story ever to unfold.

(Verse 2)
Am F
Beneath the stars, our tales collide,
C G
In every sunset, secrets hide.
Am F
Turn the page, let your heart find,
C G
Another chapter in the book of time.

(Chorus)
Am F
We are the authors, we hold the pen,
C G
Writing our story, again and again.
Am F
Our life, a secret novel unveiled,
C G
In words and melodies, our love is sealed.

(Bridge)
Am F
Every note, every lyric, every rhyme,
C G
Is a piece of our hearts, frozen in time.

(Chorus)
Am F
We are the authors, we make our own fate,
C G
In the secret novel of love and hate.
Am F
In the pages of time, our story’s told,
C G
A tale of love, of young and old.

The band’s favorite fan’s name:
Testimonial – Jess Townsend

“I’ve been a fan of Secret Novel since their early days. Their music is different, it’s like diving into a different world with each song. The lyrics are so beautifully written, they’re like poetry, and the melodies are so powerful and emotive. The band members themselves are also incredibly down-to-earth and kind. They truly appreciate their fans and make an effort to connect with us. Secret Novel is my favorite band for their originality, their passion, and their dedication to their music and their fans.”

Backstory:

Plastic Discount was birthed in the urban sprawl of New York City in 2010. Its founding members, lead singer Joey “Jawbreaker” Jenkins, guitarist Eddie “Eagle” Ellington, bassist Ricky “Rattler” Russo, and drummer Danny “Dynamite” D’Amico met at a local dive bar during an open mic night. Sharing a communal love for the raucous energy of punk rock and the sarcastic wit of the beatnik movement, they decided to join forces, creating a band that was as culturally insightful as it was audibly explosive.

After several chaotic house shows and a handful of self-released demos, Plastic Discount garnered a cult-like following. Their scathing societal commentaries wrapped in infectious punk anthems resonated with the disenfranchised youth. Their sophomore album, “Shrink-Wrapped Rebellion,” caught the attention of major labels, but the band held steadfast to their DIY ethos, opting to remain independent.

Genre:

Punk Rock

Title:

“Barcode Blues”

Full Song Lyrics:

[Verse 1]
Em G
Living in a world, made of plastic and pearls
D A
I got the barcode blues, wrapped in the daily news
Em G
Reality is a joke, the punchline makes us broke
D A
I got the barcode blues, can’t shake off these shopping shoes

[Chorus]
C D
Hey, hey, it’s a plastic discount life
G E
We’re buying lies with every swipe
C D
Hey, hey, it’s a plastic discount dream
G E
All that glitters is not what it seems

[Verse 2]
Em G
Our hearts are for sale, sanity growing stale
D A
I got the barcode blues, got nothing left to lose
Em G
The world’s a supermarket, and we’re all a target
D A
I got the barcode blues, can’t escape these consumer views

[Chorus]
C D
Hey, hey, it’s a plastic discount life
G E
We’re buying lies with every swipe
C D
Hey, hey, it’s a plastic discount dream
G E
All that glitters is not what it seems

[Outro]
Em G
Living in a world, made of plastic and pearls
D A
I got the barcode blues, wrapped in the daily news

The Band’s Favorite Fan:

Luna “Loony” Larkin

Testimonial:

“I’ve been a fan of Plastic Discount since their first underground show in Brooklyn. Their raw energy, unfiltered lyrics, and rebellious spirit hooked me instantly. ‘Barcode Blues’ is an anthem for our generation, highlighting the fallacy of consumerism with a catchy punk rock twist. They’re not just my favorite band; they’re the voice of a generation feeling the burden of capitalism. Plastic Discount is a symbol of rebellion in a world that desperately needs it.”

Backstory
Grumpy Contest was formed in the sleepy town of Freemont, Nebraska. Childhood friends, Jeff Miles (vocals) and Tim Benson (guitar), started the band during their sophomore year of high school after stumbling upon an old guitar in Jeff’s attic. After relentless practice in Tim’s garage, the duo realized they needed a fuller sound and recruited Sarah Miller (bass) and Luke Anderson (drums), classmates from their high school. They found their unique sound, an eclectic mix of their varied musical tastes, and started playing local gigs, quickly gaining a loyal fanbase. Their energetic performances and relatable lyrics helped them get noticed by a local record label. Grumpy Contest was signed within a year and has since been making waves in the music industry.

Genre
Alternative Rock

Title
“Never Enough Time”

Full Song Lyrics
(Verse 1)
[E] Picked up the pieces, [A] walked down the line,
[E] Searching for something, [A] never enough time.
[D] Drifting through memories, [G] lost in the night,
[D] Echoes of laughter, [G] out of sight.

(Chorus)
[C] Never enough time, [G] to say what we feel,
[A] Words left unspoken, [D] wounds that won’t heal.
[C] You’re always running, [G] trying to find,
[A] A moment of peace, [D] never enough time.

(Verse 2)
[E] Shadows are falling, [A] the day’s almost done,
[E] Chasing the moments, [A] lost and won.
[D] Through all the chaos, [G] you’re my lifeline,
[D] But in the grand scheme, [G] there’s never enough time.

(Chorus)
[C] Never enough time, [G] to do what we want,
[A] Dreams left unchased, [D] they continue to haunt.
[C] Always in motion, [G] in life’s uphill climb,
[A] Just remember, love, [D] there’s never enough time.

Band’s Favorite Fan
Our favorite fan is Jenny Matthews. Jenny has been with us since our first local gig in Freemont. She has attended every concert, bought every album, and has constantly shown her support through every step of our journey. She once said, “Grumpy Contest is more than a band to me; they’re the soundtrack to my life. Their music has seen me through heartache, joy, confusion, and growth. It’s honest, raw, and relatable. They’re not just making music; they’re telling stories, our stories. And that’s why they’re my favorite band.”

Backstory:

Careful Carpet started in the humble college dormitory of the University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign. Formed by four engineering students – lead singer and rhythm guitarist Chris Peterson, lead guitarist Josh Murphy, bassist Dave Wells, and drummer Sam Hamilton – who discovered that their shared passion for music was just as strong as their love for science and technology. They named their band ‘Careful Carpet’ to poke fun at their meticulous and sometimes obsessive approach to arranging their music and their general way of life. The band’s initial performances at local bars and college events soon transformed into more significant gigs, and in no time, they began to make a name in the local music scene.

Genre:

Alternative Rock

Song Title:

“Threadbare Heart”

Song Lyrics:

Verse 1:
[C] My heart is a rug, [G] worn and used,
[F] Trampled by lovers, [C] their affection abused.
[C] Stitches undone, [G] colours now faded,
[F] I’m a threadbare heart, [C] love, I’m jaded.

Chorus:
[C] Can you be my careful carpet,
[G] Walking gently, mending what’s torn?
[F] Can you bring back the colours,
[C] Make this threadbare heart reborn?

Verse 2:
[C] Love’s a tough gamble, [G] I’ve rolled the dice,
[F] Paid the price, [C] oh, not once but twice.
[C] Now I’m frayed at the edges, [G] damaged at the core,
[F] Look for a careful carpet, [C] to love me once more.

Chorus:
[C] Will you be my careful carpet,
[G] Walking gently, mending what’s torn?
[F] Can you bring back the colours,
[C] Make this threadbare heart reborn?

Fan Testimonial:

The band’s favourite fan is named Jenny Lancaster. She’s been following Careful Carpet since their early gigs at her local bar. Jenny says, “Their music is like a tapestry of emotions, woven together so beautifully. It speaks to me on so many levels. I especially love the song ‘Threadbare Heart’; it’s so raw and genuine. It’s like they’ve put my feelings into words. Careful Carpet is my favorite band because their music is not just about playing chords and words; it’s about conveying feelings and experiences, making us feel seen and heard. And that’s what makes them truly special.”