Backstory:

Formed in the gritty underbelly of Portland, Oregon, in 2009, the band ‘Faithful Opening’ was the brainchild of high-school friends, Blake Morrison (lead vocals) and Cody Wheeler (guitar). They were later joined by Travis Boone (drums) and Nick Foster (bass). The group started out playing in local dives, high school talent shows, and house parties. Their passion for music and their unbreakable bond created a unique sound that quickly started to generate a local following.

In 2012, while performing at a renowned local club, they were discovered by a talent scout who helped them to secure a recording contract. Their debut album, ‘Emergence,’ was released in 2014, revealing a well-crafted mix of melodies and lyrical depth that brought the band to national attention. From that point, ‘Faithful Opening’ were no longer a local sensation, but a band on the rise, leaving an indelible mark on the music industry.

Genre:

Alternative Rock

Title:

“Chasing Shadows”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
[Em] Wandering through the [C] city, [G] looking for an [D] echo
[Em] Of your laughter in the [C] streets, [G] thinking about to-[D]-morrow.
[Em] You left without a [C] word, [G] like a thief in the [D] night.
[Em] Now I’m in the [C] darkness, [G] chasing your [D] light.

(Chorus)
[Am] Chasing shadows in the [Em] dark,
[C] Searching for the spark, that was [G] you and [D] me.
[Am] The echoes of our love, [Em] they’re all I have now,
[C] I’m lost in the crowd, [G] can’t you [D] see?

(Verse 2)
[Em] Our love was like a [C] wildfire, [G] burning so [D] bright,
[Em] But when the flames went [C] out, [G] all left was [D] night.
[Em] Now I’m just a [C] ghost, [G] caught in the [D] past,
[Em] Chasing shadows [C] of a love, [G] that was too wild to [D] last.

(Chorus)
[Am] Chasing shadows in the [Em] dark,
[C] Searching for the spark, that was [G] you and [D] me.
[Am] The echoes of our love, [Em] they’re all I have now,
[C] I’m lost in the crowd, [G] can’t you [D] see?

Band’s favorite fan:

Jeremy Long has been a die-hard fan of ‘Faithful Opening’ since their early days. He was present at their very first gig and owns every single one of their albums. Over the years, he has attended more than 50 of their concerts and even traveled across states to see them perform. He claims that their music speaks to him on a deeply personal level and he appreciates the authenticity in their lyrics. “Faithful Opening’s music has been the soundtrack to my life. Their songs have gotten me through some rough times. I feel a deep connection with their lyrics. They’re like friends who’ve never met me, but still understand me,” Jeremy elaborates. “I’ll forever be a loyal fan.”

Backstory:

Established in San Francisco in 2015, Authentic Song was born out of the shared passion of five high school friends who found solace in music during their turbulent teenage years. The founding members, namely Alex (vocals), Brian (drums), Charlie (bass), Dan (lead guitar), and Eddie (keyboard), grew up in a diverse cultural background, each bringing their unique musical influences to the table. What started as jam sessions in garages and school fests soon turned into a local phenomenon as they started performing in local bars and clubs, catching the attention of music enthusiasts across the city.

Their distinct blend of classic and modern sound, coupled with thought-provoking lyrics, struck a chord in the hearts of many. Their first break came in 2017 when they were spotted by a well-known music producer during a live performance. Since then, there has been no turning back for Authentic Song as they’ve been making waves in the music industry, gaining popularity for their soul-stirring melodies and relatable lyrics.

Genre:

Alternative Rock

Title:

‘Strumming the Strings of Life’

Full Song Lyrics:

[Verse 1] (G – Em – C – D)
G
Beneath the starry sky, we play our song
Em
In the quiet of the night, where we belong
C
We’re strumming the strings of life, in every chord
D
Chasing dreams, making memories, on our own accord

[Chorus] (G – Am – C – D)
G
With every beat, with every rhyme,
Am
We’re weaving tales of love and time,
C
Strumming the strings of life, we stand tall,
D
In this song of ours, we give our all.

[Verse 2] (G – Em – C – D)
G
When life’s a twisted road, music’s our guide,
Em
In the chaos and the noise, it’s our quiet ride,
C
We strum the strings of life, echoing our soul,
D
Healing hearts, touching lives, making us whole.

[Repeat Chorus]

Favorite Fan’s Testimonial:

“I’m Emma, a die-hard fan of Authentic Song. I’ve been following their journey right from their garage jamming days. Their music speaks to me on a personal level. Every lyric, every chord, resonates with my life’s ups and downs, making me feel understood and less alone. The way they play with words, the emotions they pour into their music, it’s simply magical. Their song ‘Strumming the Strings of Life’ has helped me through some extremely tough times. Authentic Song is not just my favorite band, they are my therapy, my support system through their music.”

Backstory:

Warped Presentation was formed in 2012 when a group of four college friends discovered their shared love for music. They started as an amateurish garage band, practicing in the sheds and basements of their parents’ homes. Over the years, they honed their skills, developed their unique sound, and gradually evolved into a professional band. They rose to fame with their distinct sound, never before heard lyrics, and high-energy performances. Comprising of lead vocalist and guitarist, Asher, drummer, Beckett, bass guitarist, Cassius, and keyboardist, Dorian, Warped Presentation is known for its eccentric style and exhilarating stage presence.

Genre:

Alternative Rock

Title:

“Echoes From the Past”

Full song lyrics:

(Verse 1)
[G] Staring at the [D] mirror, [Em] reflections of a [C] ghost,
[G] Trapped in frames of [D] yesterday, [Em] that I miss the [C] most.
[G] The laughter and the [D] tears, [Em] the joys we used to [C] toast,
[G] All they are now [D] are echoes, [Em] echoes from the [C] past.

(Chorus)
[D] Echoes from the [G] past, [C] keep haunting [G] me,
[D] The memories that [G] last, [C] bind and set me [G] free.
[D] Echoes from the [G] past, [C] they’re all I [G] see,
[D] Driving me [G] towards a future, [C] that’s yet to [D] be.

(Verse 2)
[G] Old songs on the [D] radio, [Em] bring back all the [C] smiles,
[G] The reckless youth, [D] the untamed truth, [Em] lost across the [C] miles.
[G] Each passing moment [D] whispers, [Em] in its unique [C] style,
[G] That all we have are [D] echoes, [Em] echoes from the [C] past.

(Chorus)
[D] Echoes from the [G] past, [C] they’re my symphony,
[D] In the sands of time [G] they’re cast, [C] etched in eternity.
[D] Echoes from the [G] past, [C] are my destiny,
[D] They are the [G] shadows, [C] that help me [D] see.

Favorite Fan:

Their most ardent fan, Emily, has been following Warped Presentation since their early garage band days. Emily says, “It’s their authenticity that sets them apart. Their music speaks to me on a personal level; it feels like they’ve bottled up my feelings and turned them into lyrics. The vibrant energy they bring to the stage is infectious. Every time they perform, it’s a unique and intoxicating experience. Their song ‘Echoes From the Past’ is a masterpiece that beautifully encapsulates the sweet pain of nostalgia. Warped Presentation isn’t just a band to me; they’re a part of my life.”

Backstory:
Comprised of four childhood friends, Palatable Verse is an amalgam of shared dreams and wild talent. The band members hail from the surprisingly musically diverse city of Asheville, North Carolina. The group, consisting of lead singer and guitarist, Ben; bassist, Rick; drummer, Sam; and keyboardist, Liam; started off as a garage band, playing at local gigs and slowly rising through the ranks of the Asheville music scene. Their unique blend of soul-baring lyrics and infectious rhythms quickly caught the attention of a local record producer, and the rest, as they say, is history.

Genre:
Folk-Rock

Title:
“Beneath the Cottonwoods”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
G Em7 C D
Underneath the cottonwoods, just me and my old guitar
G Em7 C D
Singing to the moon and stars, hoping they’d sing back someday
G Em7 C D
As the night gets colder, my heart grows bolder
G Em7 C D
And the tunes keep flowing, my soul keeps glowing

(Chorus)
G Em7 C D
Beneath the cottonwoods, dreams are made, and life’s understood
G Em7 C D
In the quiet, in the night, beneath the old cottonwoods

(Verse 2)
G Em7 C D
Nights turn into days, but the music never fades
G Em7 C D
In the heart of the cottonwood’s shade, where we would always play
G Em7 C D
As the sun gets brighter, my spirit feels lighter
G Em7 C D
And the songs keep growing, my heart keeps showing

(Chorus)
G Em7 C D
Beneath the cottonwoods, dreams come alive, just as they should
G Em7 C D
In the sunlight, in the day, beneath the old cottonwoods

Testimonial:
The band’s favorite fan is a lovely woman named Maggie. Maggie, a music teacher, first saw Palatable Verse at a small pub in Asheville. She was immediately taken in by their soulful lyrics and the authentic, raw passion in their performance. “The thing I love most about Palatable Verse is their ability to put emotions into words and melodies that resound in your heart. Their music isn’t just something you listen to; it’s something you feel deep down. ‘Beneath the Cottonwoods’ is my absolute favorite. It’s like a soothing balm for the soul. Every time I listen to it, I feel transported to a place of tranquility and peace. They are, without a doubt, my favorite band,” Maggie often happily shares.

Backstory:

Icky Government was born amidst the turbulence of the early 2000s political landscape, a band of misfit friends from a small town in Idaho, united by their shared discontent with the prevailing socio-political status quo. The founder and lead vocalist, Rusty Thompson, was an outspoken Political Science major, known for his fiery speeches in the university corridors. Rusty, along with childhood friends, drum enthusiast Kevin ‘Kick’ Murphy and bassist Mason ‘Mellow’ Johnson, put their feelings of frustration into music, hence birthing the band. Their songs quickly resonated with the youth, gaining them local and then national popularity, a testament to the power of their honest and rebellious lyrics.

Genre:

Icky Government is a Punk Rock band with a hint of indie and alternative influences.

Title:

“Bureaucratic Puppet”

Full song lyrics:

(Verse 1)
E G D A
Politicians preening, power and wealth are gleaming,
E G D A
Can’t you see your people are dreaming?
E G D A
Of a world where fairness is screaming,
E G D A
But all you care for are your scheming.

(Chorus)
E G D A
Bureaucratic puppet on the string,
E G D A
Your lies, oh how they sting.
E G D A
Our freedom you continue to fling,
E G D A
But we won’t stop till liberty’s ring.

(Verse 2)
E G D A
Your silver tongues, sly and slippery,
E G D A
Spewing words, oh so trickery.
E G D A
In your suits, prim and perky,
E G D A
Your promises, always murky.

(Chorus)
E G D A
Bureaucratic puppet on the string,
E G D A
Your lies, oh how they sting.
E G D A
Our freedom you continue to fling,
E G D A
But we won’t stop till liberty’s ring.

Fan’s Name and Testimonial:

Name: Jenny ‘Punky’ Adams

Testimonial: “Icky Government is more than just a band to me, they’re like the voice of our generation. They don’t shy away from speaking the truth, no matter how grim or harsh it may be. My favorite song has to be “Bureaucratic Puppet” – it sums up my frustration towards the system perfectly. They’ve helped me, and many others, feel seen, heard, and represented. Their music empowers me to question, challenge, and not accept things as they are. Cheers to Icky Government for keeping the spirit of punk rock alive!”

Backstory:
Quick Cold was formed in the winter of 2008 when childhood friends Alex Rhodes, a guitar enthusiast from the age of eight, and Jim Stanton, a school choir standout who turned his sights on drums, reunited in their hometown of Austin, Texas. They shared their musical aspirations, built a makeshift studio in Alex’s garage, and spent countless hours creating music that reflected their shared love for alternative rock with a touch of blues. After a year of performing in local bars and festivals, they were joined by bassist Ria Foster, a Berklee College of Music graduate, who brought a fresh perspective to their sound.

Genre:
Quick Cold’s music is best described as Alt-Blues Rock, with powerful guitar riffs, haunting drum beats, and melodic bass lines, which are beautifully wrapped in compelling lyrics.

Title: “Smoke and Mirrors”

Full Song Lyrics:

[Verse 1]
Am – Em – G – D
Look into the eyes of the city, it’s a game of smoke and mirrors, (Am, Em)
The streets whisper secrets, the walls tell tales of fears. (G, D)
I’m drowning in the chaos, lost in the crowd, (Am, Em)
But when I play my guitar, my music rings loud. (G, D)

[Chorus]
C – G – Am – F
In this world of smoke and mirrors, (C, G)
Our music cuts through, loud and clear. (Am, F)
We’re Quick Cold, with a heart that sings, (C, G)
In the face of chaos, our music is our wings. (Am, F)

[Verse 2]
Am – Em – G – D
The moonlight’s a spotlight, the stage is all ours, (Am, Em)
With every strum, every beat, we’re reaching for the stars. (G, D)
We’re dreamers, we’re fighters, we’re the voices of the night, (Am, Em)
In the world of smoke and mirrors, our music is the light. (G, D)

[Chorus]
C – G – Am – F
In this world of smoke and mirrors, (C, G)
Our music cuts through, loud and clear. (Am, F)
We’re Quick Cold, with a heart that sings, (C, G)
In the face of chaos, our music is our wings. (Am, F)

Favorite Fan:
The band’s favorite fan is a woman named Emily who discovered Quick Cold during a dark time in her life. She has followed them since their early days, attending every concert and buying every album. She’s even known to have their lyrics tattooed on her arm. Emily admires not just their music but their journey as well, stating, “Quick Cold’s music is raw, real, and heart-touchingly beautiful. Their songs speak to me on so many levels. In their music, I found strength, solace, and inspiration. They are more than just a band to me; they’ve been a beacon of hope during my darkest times.”

Backstory:
Formed in the bustling backstreets of New York City in 2012, Mortified Colour is a confluence of four incredibly diverse and talented musicians, each a powerhouse in their own right. The band consists of lead vocalist and bassist Ethan Hart, drummer Jasper Black, guitarist Harry Walsh, and pianist Isabelle Turner. The band’s inception story is as unconventional as their music, having met at an underground art exhibition, they discovered a shared passion for music that was distinct, experimental, and unapologetically honest. Mortified Colour was born out of this mutual desire to create music that resonated with their collective experiences.

With a fiercely independent spirit, Mortified Colour’s journey was not an overnight success. The band started by playing in obscure venues and creating raw, powerful music that gradually began to attract a following. Their breakthrough came when they were discovered by an agent at a local gig, who was drawn to their unique sound and raw energy. Despite now having a significant following, Mortified Colour remains true to their roots, creating music that challenges, provokes, and connects.

Genre:
Mortified Colour’s genre is best described as Alternative Rock with a touch of Psychedelic. Their music is a fusion of powerful guitar riffs, dynamic drum beats, strong bass lines, and hauntingly beautiful piano melodies, creating a sonic landscape that is both immersive and evocative.

Title:
“One More Shade of Grey”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
Am – E – G – D
Wandering through the streets at midnight,
D – Am – E – G
Looking for a place to hide,
C – G – D – Am
From your shadow that haunts my mind,
E – G – Am – D
In this city of one more shade of grey.

(Chorus)
G – D – Am – C
One more shade of grey, one more sleepless night,
E – G – D – Am
In this city that bears your name,
C – G – D – Am
One more shade of grey, one more endless fight,
E – G – D – C
To forget the love we couldn’t retain.

(Verse)
Am – E – G – D
Underneath the neon lights, I see,
D – Am – E – G
Your reflection in every passing car,
C – G – D – Am
In this city of one more shade of grey,
E – G – Am – D
I’m still healing from the scars.

(Chorus)
G – D – Am – C
One more shade of grey, one more haunted sky,
E – G – D – Am
In this city that doesn’t know your name,
C – G – D – Am
One more shade of grey, one more tear-streaked cry,
E – G – D – C
In the quest of this relentless game.

The band’s favorite fan’s name:
The band’s favorite fan is a young woman named Amelia.

Testimonial:
“I’ve been following Mortified Colour since their early days. Their music has been a constant in my life, always there to provide comfort, inspiration, and understanding. The raw emotion and honesty in their songs resonate with me on a personal level. The band’s commitment to staying true to their roots and their authentic, unfiltered sound is why Mortified Colour is my favorite band. They’re more than just musicians to me, they’re storytellers, artists, and pioneers in the world of alternative rock.”

Backstory:
Formed in the vibrant city of New Orleans in 2014, ‘Daring Heritage’ came to life when four high school friends decided to take their shared love for music to the next level. The band is composed of lead vocalist and guitarist, Ben ‘Benny’ Thompson; drummer, Marcus ‘Shred’ Williams; bassist, Sam ‘Bassman’ Turner; and keyboardist, Lucy ‘Piano Girl’ Morgan. The quartet’s shared roots in the city’s rich jazz and blues culture were key to their unique sound, and they soon found themselves gaining a following in the local music scene. After winning a local Battle of the Bands against seasoned musicians, Daring Heritage knew they were onto something special. They’ve since dedicated their lives to making music that not only entertains but also holds a mirror to society.

Genre:
Alternative Rock with a Bluesy twist

Title:
“Spectrum of Shadows”

Full Song Lyrics:

[Verse 1: G-D-A]
G D
Underneath the city lights, we danced,
A G
Lost in the spectrum of shadows.
G D
Didn’t care about the world, entranced,
A G
Alive in the spectrum of shadows.

[Chorus: C-G-D]
C G
Spectrum of shadows, burning bright,
D G
In your arms, we owned the night.
C G
Spectrum of shadows, fearless flight,
D G
We were young, wild and free of spite.

[Verse 2: G-D-A]
G D
Tangled dreams and whispered promises,
A G
Lost in the spectrum of shadows.
G D
We were rebels without a cause,
A G
Thriving in the spectrum of shadows.

[Chorus: C-G-D]
C G
Spectrum of shadows, where we’d hide,
D G
Secrets shared on the midnight tide.
C G
Spectrum of shadows, love’s sweet ride,
D G
Our hearts beat in sync, side by side.

Fan’s Name & Testimonial:
Jessica Smith – “I’ve been in love with Daring Heritage since their inception. Their music is raw, honest, filled with passion, and it resonates with me on a deeply personal level. The way they blend alternative rock and blues is simply magic. Their lyrics, especially in my favorite song “Spectrum of Shadows”, convey a beautiful narrative that’s both nostalgic and liberating. They paint a picture of youth, rebellion, and love that makes my heart ache and sing simultaneously. Daring Heritage isn’t just my favorite band, they’re a part of my life’s soundtrack.”

Backstory:

Formed in the bohemian boroughs of Brooklyn in 2010, ‘Twin Departure’ is a result of the vibrant and diverse jamming sessions between childhood friends, Miles ‘Echo’ Johnson and Noah ‘Nix’ Hartley. Their unique bond, having both been born on the same day and in the same hospital, added a curious charm to their musical collaboration. They spent their teenage years exploring various music genres and instruments, but it was a random impromptu garage performance that solidified their musical direction and gave birth to Twin Departure.

Genre:

Twin Departure’s sound is a sublime blend of Indie Rock and Psychedelic Pop. They have carved their unique niche within the music industry through their mesmerizing guitar riffs, hypnotic drum patterns, and their knack for weaving narratives into their lyrics.

Song Title:

“Parallel Journeys”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
Em G
We took off at the break of dawn,
Em G
Leaving footprints on a path long gone,
Am D
Two different roads under the same sun,
Am D
Our parallel journeys, have just begun.

(Chorus)
G D
Twin souls burning, fire in the night
Am Em
Guided by the stars, bathed in moonlight,
C G
Our hearts beat in rhythm, echoing the same fight,
D Em
Twin Departure, through the twilight.

(Verse 2)
Em G
An echo of laughter, a ghost of a smile,
Am G
We’ve walked together, mile after mile,
Am D
Seeking solace in melodies’ sweet guile,
Am D
Our parallel journeys, across space and time.

(Chorus)
G D
Twin souls burning, fire in the night
Am Em
Guided by the stars, bathed in moonlight,
C G
Our hearts beat in rhythm, echoing the same fight,
D Em
Twin Departure, into the endless night.

Fan’s Name:

Sammy ‘Skywalker’ Evans

Testimonial:

Sammy claims to have witnessed Twin Departure’s genesis during their first public performance in a small Brooklyn pub. He’s followed their journey and has attended every single concert since then. “There’s something about their music that speaks to my soul,” Sammy says. “It’s raw, it’s real, and it’s as if they’re telling my life’s story through their lyrics. Twin Departure is my heart’s band, my soul’s band. Their music is the soundtrack of my life.”

Backstory:

Major Stick is a band that was formed when four high school friends – Pete, Jimmy, Mason, and Rob – discovered their shared passion for music in the quiet town of Sandusky, Ohio. They started as a garage band playing at local gigs and functions, creating an enthusiastic local fanbase. Their breakthrough came when music producer, Mike Derek, who was on vacation in Sandusky, heard their performance at a local bar. He was so impressed by their talent and energy that he decided to sign them on to his label, introducing them to the national music scene.

Genre:

Major Stick is an alternative rock band that also incorporates elements of folk rock and punk. Their music is known for its raw energy, emotional lyrics, and dynamic performances.

Title:

“Chasing Shadows”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
Am G D
Wandering through the city lights,
Am G D
Memories fading into the night.
Am G D
Looking for something I can’t find,
Am G D
Living on borrowed time.

(Chorus)
C G D
Chasing shadows, chasing dreams,
C G D
Hoping life is more than it seems.
C G D
Lost in a maze of endless lies,
C G D
Waiting for the sun to rise.

(Verse 2)
Am G D
Bitter sweet symphony plays,
Am G D
Echoes of the good old days.
Am G D
Broken hearts, twisted smiles,
Am G D
Walking down the lonely miles.

(Chorus)
C G D
Chasing shadows, chasing dreams,
C G D
Running from the silent screams.
C G D
Lost in a world of endless cries,
C G D
Waiting for the sun to rise.

(Outro)
Am G D
Chasing shadows, no more,
Am G D
We’ll find what we’re looking for.

Favorite Fan:

Their favorite fan is a woman named Lisa. Lisa discovered Major Stick in her late teens and has been a dedicated fan ever since. She says, “Major Stick is more than just a band to me, they are an inspiration. Their music has been the soundtrack to my life, helping me navigate through the ups and downs. They’ve got a raw, honest sound that resonates deeply with me. I love their energy, their lyrics, and the emotion they pour into their performances. No other band comes close to them for me.”