Backstory:

Sweltering Pen formed in the quiet, rustic town of Aiken, South Carolina in 2010. The band was made up of four childhood friends – Jerry ‘The Bard’ Burns, on lead vocals and guitar; Mickey ‘The Maestro’ McCallum, on the drums; Ronnie ‘The Riff’ Radcliff, on bass; and ‘Silent’ Sam Sterling, on keyboards. They’d spent their young lives dreaming up songs, honing their skills and saving every nickel and dime from local gigs to finally record their debut album in a tiny home studio.

Their first album was a commercial failure, but it did garner them a loyal following that appreciated their raw sound and heartfelt lyrics. They were known for their live performances, where they left everything on the stage. Eventually, they were discovered by a record label executive during one of these performances, and that’s when their career really took off.

Genre:

Alternative Rock

Song Title:

‘Burning Pages’

Full Song Lyrics:

Verse 1:
[G] I’ve been writing in the [C] firelight,
[Em] Burning pages, [D] chasing the night.
[G] In the embers and the [C] ash,
[Em] Is a tale that’s meant to [D] last.

Chorus:
[G] Oh, sweltering pen, [D] inspire me again,
[C] Light up my soul, [Em] make me whole.
[G] Oh, sweltering pen, [D] write until the end,
[C] Words that burn, and [D] pages that turn.

Verse 2:
[G] With every word I [C] etch in the flame,
[Em] I remember your [D] face, I whisper your name.
[G] Through the smoke and the [C] fire,
[Em] I find the notes of my [D] desire.

(Repeats Chorus)

Bridge:
[G] In the glow of the [C] fire’s dance,
[Em] I find my second [D] chance.
[G] With my sweltering [C] pen in hand,
[Em] I will make my final [D] stand.

(Repeats Chorus)

Fan Testimonial:

Name: Bethany ‘Beth’ Collins

“I’ve been a fan of Sweltering Pen since their early days. I was drawn to their raw energy and their ability to express deep emotions through their music. ‘Burning Pages’ is my all-time favorite song because it speaks to me about perseverance and hope. It’s about making something beautiful out of pain. This band has been with me through so many ups and downs in my life. Their music is a part of me. They’re not just my favorite band, they’re a part of who I am.”

Backstory:
Ruddy Bowl is a band that originated in the bustling city of Chicago, Illinois in the spring of 2010. The members, astounding vocalist and bassist Mark “Muddy” Kitchener, gifted guitarist duo, Brad “Red” Jennings and Alex “Ace” Landon, and the highly talented drummer, Dean “Beatman” Collins, found each other in a local tavern, each playing for different bands. Despite their diverse musical backgrounds, they connected over their shared passion for music and mutual admiration for the legends of the 60s and 70s. Over late-night jam sessions and numerous coffee shop gigs, Ruddy Bowl was born.

The band, after their self-titled debut album, faced a difficult time following the sudden passing of Ace. However, the band members decided to continue, to honor their fallen companion and keep the music alive. Today, the spirit of Ruddy Bowl is undying, a testament to their love for music and a tribute to their beloved member, Ace.

Genre:
Classic rock with a blend of blues.

Title:
“Rusted Chains”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
Am E G D
Woke up this morning, with the weight of the world,
Am E G D
Rusted Chains around my soul, so old and cold.

(Chorus)
C G Am E
Break these Rusted Chains, set my spirit free,
C G Am E
With music as my healer, I’ll still chase my dream.

(Verse 2)
Am E G D
Through the darkness, in the pouring rain,
Am E G D
I’ll keep playing my blues, to drown my pain.

(Chorus)
C G Am E
Break these Rusted Chains, and let my spirit fly,
C G Am E
With my guitar in my hands, under the open sky.

Favorite Fan:
The band’s favorite fan is a gentleman named Danny. Danny has been with them since their early tavern days and has never missed a single gig. He has stood by the band through thick and thin.

Testimonial:
“I’ve been a fan of music all my life, but there’s something about Ruddy Bowl that resonates with me on a deeper level. Maybe it’s their raw sound or the sincerity in their lyrics. Either way, their music has seen me through the best and worst times of my life. Ruddy Bowl isn’t just a band for me, it’s an emotion, a home.” – Danny

Backstory:

Decisive Dinner came together in the heart of New York City. The members were four starving artists – guitarist Amy, bassist Jake, drummer Mick, and vocalist Luca – all of whom worked different jobs in the restaurant industry. After discovering their shared love for music at a late-night jam session in a bar in Brooklyn, they decided to form a band.

The band’s name, Decisive Dinner, was inspired by a memorable night when they were torn between rehearsing and making rent. Instead of letting their financial struggles get in the way, they decided to hold a dinner where they played for their meal, impressing the restaurant owner enough to offer them a regular gig. From there, they quickly found their way into the city’s vibrant music scene, playing their unique brand of music to anyone who would listen.

Genre:

Alternative Rock

Title:

“Kitchen Sink Serenade”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
[G] In the city that never sleeps, [C]
[G] Four souls found a rhythm, a beat. [D]
[G] Strumming guitar strings and banging on pots, [C]
[G] Their melody echoed off the rooftops. [D]

(Chorus)
[G] Kitchen sink serenade, [C]
[G] Born from hunger, a sweet charade. [D]
[G] Playing for supper, they found their parade, [C]
[G] This is the Kitchen Sink Serenade. [D]

(Verse 2)
[G] Dreams as tall as skyscrapers, [C]
[G] They traded tips for paper. [D]
[G] In the heart of Brooklyn, by a diner’s glow, [C]
[G] They found their sound, they found their flow. [D]

(Chorus)
[G] Kitchen sink serenade, [C]
[G] Born from hunger, a sweet charade. [D]
[G] Playing for supper, they found their parade, [C]
[G] This is the Kitchen Sink Serenade. [D]

Favorite Fan:

Our favorite fan is Betty Johnson, a 60-year-old literature teacher who has been with us since our first gig at her favorite diner.

Betty’s testimonial:

“Decisive Dinner isn’t just a band to me, they’re family. I’ve seen them mature from playing for their dinner to playing in sold-out venues. Their music, especially my favorite, ‘Kitchen Sink Serenade,’ speaks to the heart and always takes me back to that first night I heard them. They’re a testament to the power of dreams, and I couldn’t be prouder to be their biggest fan.”

Backstory:
From their humble beginnings in the quaint town of Jackson, Mississippi, Cumbersome Talent has always been about authenticity and embracing their unique quirks. The band was formed in late 2002 when high school friends Mikey, Josh, and Alice came together over their shared love of music and their talent for turning everyday frustrations into catchy songs. From playing small gigs in their local community center to taking the stage at major music festivals, they never lost the down-to-earth charm that sets them apart.

Genre:
Alt-Rock/Pop-Punk

Title:
“Stitches in the Shadows”

Full song lyrics:

(Verse 1)
Em C
Waking up to another day, in this dusty old town,
G D
Racing against the clock, feeling worn down.
Em C
Trying to keep my footing, on this crazy ride,
G D
But my dreams are like shadows, always by my side.

(Chorus)
Em C
Stitches in the shadows, of my tattered heart,
G D
Holding it together, even when it falls apart.
Em C
Fixing what’s been broken, within the dark,
G D
With stitches in the shadows, where dreams start.

(Verse 2)
Em C
Tired eyes and bruised souls, we’re all the same,
G D
Caught in the rhythm of life’s cruel game.
Em C
But in the dead of the night, under the star’s glow,
G D
It’s the stitches in the shadows, that make us grow.

(Chorus)
Em C
Stitches in the shadows, of my tattered heart,
G D
Holding it together, even when it falls apart.
Em C
Fixing what’s been broken, within the dark,
G D
With stitches in the shadows, where dreams start.

(Bridge)
C G
We’re all just clumsy dancers,
D Em
Twirling in life’s grand design.
C G
But the shadows that we stitch,
D Em
Turn the ordinary into divine.

(Chorus)
Em C
Stitches in the shadows, of my tattered heart,
G D
Holding it together, even when it falls apart.
Em C
Fixing what’s been broken, within the dark,
G D
With stitches in the shadows, where dreams start.

(Outro)
Em C
So here’s to all the dreamers, and the lives we chart,
G D
With stitches in the shadows of our hearts.

Favorite Fan:
Jane Dawson is a loyal fan who has been following the band since their early performances in Jackson. She says, “Cumbersome Talent is my favorite band because their music speaks to me. Their lyrics are raw and real, reflecting the everyday challenges we all face. But amid those challenges, they always find a glimmer of hope. ‘Stitches in the Shadows’ is my anthem. It reminds me that even when life gets tough, we have the power to stitch our dreams back together. Their music has seen me through some of the toughest times of my life, and for that, I’ll always be grateful.”

Backstory:
Unwritten Haircut is a four-piece band hailing from a small suburb in Ohio, which came into existence in the late 90s. The band members, consisting of Tim on vocals, Greg on drums, Suzie on bass guitar and lead guitarist, Jake, were just a group of high school friends who found solace in creating music. They came up with the name ‘Unwritten Haircut’ as an ode to the unpredictable nature of life and music. Their journey began in their parents’ garages, playing for local gigs and small-scale festivals, moving on to producing their own self-inspired, raw, and stirring tracks. A series of EPs and albums later, Unwritten Haircut is now a household name among alternative rock enthusiasts.

Genre:
Alternative Rock

Title:
“Echoes in the Attic”

Full Song Lyrics:
(Verse 1)
Am G D Am
In the attic where I lost my mind,
G D F
among the echoes of our faded time,
Am G D Am
I found a picture of you and I,
G D F
It served a memory that refused to die.

(Chorus)
C G D Em
Oh, echoes in the attic won’t lie,
Am C D Em
They sing of love that still survives,
C G D Em
In our hearts, in our lives, underneath the skies,

(Verse 2)
Am G D Am
Stars are fading as the dawn breaks,
G D F
In the attic, I read our old mistakes,
Am G D Am
In every corner, whisper of your name,
G D F
In the silence, everything’s the same.

(Chorus)
C G D Em
Oh, echoes in the attic still shine,
Am C D Em
In the ruins of our love so divine,
C G D Em
In our hearts, in our lives, we’ll always intertwine.

Fan Profile:
The band’s favorite fan is Molly, a librarian from their hometown. Molly has been a fan of Unwritten Haircut since their inception and has attended every local gig. She loves the band for their authenticity and how they pour their emotions into their lyrics, creating a deep connection with the listeners. According to Molly, “The band feels like an extension of my own consciousness. Their lyrics speak to me on a level I can’t explain. The raw energy in their performances is contagious. Unwritten Haircut isn’t just a band to me, they are a part of who I am.”

Backstory:
Mundane Response originated in the bustling suburban city of Manchester in 2004. The band was formed by a group of four high school friends – Charlie, Thomas, Sarah, and Joe, each bringing a unique sound to the ensemble. Their initial popularity grew from the bedroom-recorded tracks they would upload onto their Myspace page, quickly amassing a dedicated online following. The band’s name originated from the group’s shared feeling of struggling to fit in with the ‘mundane’ routines of suburban life and their music was their ‘response’ to this monotony.

After graduation, they decided to take a leap of faith and pursue music full-time. Mundane Response’s talent was undeniable, and they were soon signed to an independent record label. Their sound continued to evolve as they matured, mixing their raw, suburban angst with a refined, professional quality that broadened their appeal.

Genre:
Indie Rock

Title:
“Suburban Symphony”

Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
Em C G D
In this suburban symphony, we write our melodies
Em C G D
Against the rhythm of a mundane reality
Em C G D
Crafting chords from our shared despair, harmonies in the air

(Chorus)
Em C G D
Our dreams, louder than the silence
Em C G D
Creating music amidst the violence
Em C G D
This is our mundane response, to the world’s nonchalance

(Verse 2)
Em C G D
Life’s concert plays, in the strum of everyday
Em C G D
Weaving lyrics from the threads of dismay
Em C G D
Bound together, we find our way

(Chorus)
Em C G D
Our dreams, louder than the silence
Em C G D
Creating music amidst the violence
Em C G D
This is our mundane response, to the world’s nonchalance

Favorite fan:
The band’s favorite fan is Emily. Emily is a college student from their hometown of Manchester who has supported them since their Myspace days. Her testimonial reads, “I fell in love with Mundane Response because their music speaks to my soul. Their unique blend of indie rock and raw emotion resonates with my experiences in a suburban town. The way they talk about the monotony of daily life through their music is both powerful and relatable. Their song ‘Suburban Symphony’ is my anthem – it perfectly captures the struggle and beauty of our shared experiences.”

Backstory:
Born from the eclectic and vibrant music scene of Austin, Texas, “Low Pizza” was created when roommates and pizza enthusiasts Davey Dylan and Sean Streatfield found common ground in their love for indie rock. The duo started jamming in their shared apartment, a place known for its low ceilings and constant aroma of pizza, hence the name “Low Pizza” was born. After adding bassist Lily Landon and drummer Mick McConnel, their unique sound started to create a buzz in the local scene. Their free-spirited, feel-good music often accompanied by humorous pizza-themed lyrics quickly gained them a devoted fanbase.

Genre:
Indie Rock

Title:
“Cheesy Romance”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
Em G D A
Out on the town on a Friday night,
Em G D A
Looking for some love, yeah, something just right.
Em G D A
There she was, under the neon light,
Em G D A
Like a slice of heaven, my appetite.

(Chorus)
C G D Em
Oh, a Cheesy Romance, on a dinner plate,
C G D Em
In the pizzeria of fate, we shared a cheesy date.

(Verse 2)
Em G D A
Crust so thin, sauce so ripe,
Em G D A
Under the moonlight, it’s a pizza type night.
Em G D A
She stole a pizza my heart, love at first bite,
Em G D A
In this Cheesy Romance, everything feels right.

(Chorus)
C G D Em
Oh, a Cheesy Romance, under the starry night,
C G D Em
In the slice of love, we found the perfect bite.

Favorite Fan:
Their favorite fan is a high school student named Tommy Thompson. Tommy discovered ‘Low Pizza’ during a tough time in his life and their music really helped him through. He claims, “Their upbeat music, combined with their bizarre yet endearing pizza-themed lyrics, just resonates with me. Even on my worst days, ‘Low Pizza’ can always make me smile. I feel like they’re not just a band, but a group of friends who are there for me. Plus, their concerts are the most fun I’ve ever had! Who doesn’t love headbanging to a song about pizza?”

Backstory:

Bronze Glove was conceived in a small Midwest town garage, where childhood friends Jack Bentley and Tom Martin started jamming out with their rusty instruments. At first, they were just having fun, making music to help them get through the long and bitter winters. As time passed, their shared love for music and innate talent began to evolve their garage jam sessions into something more profound, and eventually, Bronze Glove was molded. They began performing in local pubs and events, and their music soon caught the attention of a record label. From that point onwards, they began sharing their unique sound across the country, and their fan base grew exponentially.

Genre:

Alternative Rock

Title:

“Rusted Dreams”

Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
Em C D G
Walking down the old lonely road, carrying the weight of rusted dreams,
Em C D G
Looking for a sign, a hint of hope, nothing’s as it seems.

Em C D G
Broken hearts and shattered stars, a tale that’s all too common,
Em C D G
But with each step, we find our strength, from winter we blossom.

(Chorus)
Em C D G
Bronze glove, worn and torn, carries old promises,
Em C D G
Underneath the moonlit skies, we find what courage is.

(Verse 2)
Em C D G
Dark clouds may shadow us, try to steal our light,
Em C D G
But like the bronze glove, we endure, glowing strong and bright.

(Chorus)
Em C D G
Bronze glove, symbol of faith, cradles our hopes and dreams,
Em C D G
Even when the night is cold, we keep on flowing like streams.

Fan’s testimonial:

The band’s favorite fan is Lucy Johnson. Lucy is an avid music lover and has been following Bronze Glove since their early days performing in small pubs. She fell in love with their unique sound and their deeply touching lyrics. She says, “Bronze Glove’s music has been a source of comfort for me during difficult times. Their songs are not just music to my ears but therapy to my soul. Every word they write, every tune they play, resonates with my experiences and feelings. They’ve provided me with a musical sanctuary, a safe haven where I can escape and find solace. They’re not just my favorite band, they’re my refuge.”

Backstory:

Fearless Ground was born out of the ashes of several local garage bands in the small, quiet town of Bentley, Alberta, Canada. The quartet – Jeremy ‘Jem’ Doherty (lead vocals/guitar), Nick ‘Nix’ O’Rourke (lead guitar/backing vocals), Sam ‘Sammy’ Matthews (bass/backing vocals), and Ethan ‘E’ Harper (drums) – all attended the same high school, where they found a common love for music that not only rocked but also made a statement. They decided to form their own band in 2015, and Fearless Ground was the result, a band that isn’t afraid to tackle serious topics with their music while keeping their sound energetic and entertaining. Their journey from a high school garage band to a respected figure in the music industry has been a testament to their relentless effort and passion for music.

Genre: Alternative Rock

Title: “Beneath the Starless Sky”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
[G] Here we stand on this timeless [D] road,
[Am] Underneath the starless [C] sky.
[G] We’ve got a long way to [D] go,
[Am] But we’re fearless, we’re Fearless [C] Ground.

(Chorus)
[G] Beneath the starless [D] sky,
[Am] We find our courage, we find our [C] pride.
[G] As one, we rise, we [D] fly,
[Am] Echoing our battle cry, [C] under the starless sky.

(Verse 2)
[G] With dreams in our hearts, [D] and music in our soul,
[Am] We fight against the [C] tide.
[G] We are Fearless Ground, [D] and this is our role,
[Am] To sing until the morning [C] light.

(Chorus)
[G] Beneath the starless [D] sky,
[Am] We find our truth, we find our [C] fight.
[G] Together we rise, we [D] fly,
[Am] Echoing our battle cry, [C] under the starless sky.

Favorite Fan:

Our favorite fan is Sarah ‘Sar’ Williams. Her constant enthusiasm and energy at every show never fail to amp us up. She’s seen us play more shows than we can count and has been with us from the very beginning. Not only does she show us love, but she also spreads that love for Fearless Ground to others. Her support means the world to us, and we dedicate every album to her and fans like her.

Testimonial:

“I fell in love with Fearless Ground the first time I heard them play. Their music not only sounds amazing but also resonates with me on a personal level. Their songs talk about real issues and emotions, and that’s what makes them stand out. As a fan, I feel like I grow with them through their music. Fearless Ground isn’t just a band to me; they’re a huge part of my life.” – Sarah ‘Sar’ Williams.

Backstory:
Warped Crown, initially a group of three childhood friends from the small town of Belmont, Massachusetts, emerged onto the music scene in 2012. The trio, composed of lead vocalist and guitarist Alex Turner, drummer Nick O’Malley, and bassist Jamie Cook, were known for their passionate garage jam sessions, captivating the neighborhood with their eclectic sound and raw energy. Their big break came when a demo tape of their basement recordings found its way to a local radio DJ, who was instantly captivated by their unique sound. Warped Crown was signed to a record deal shortly after, solidifying their place on the musical landscape.

Genre:
Alternative Rock/Indie Pop

Title:
“Shadows in the Haze”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1 – C, Em, Am, F)
(C) We walk as shadows in the haze, (Em) under the neon cityscape,
(Am) Lost in the rhythm of the night, (F) chasing lucid dreams in sight.

(Chorus – G, Em, C, D)
(G) We are the Warped Crown, (Em) born in the heart of the town,
(C) Singing the songs of the lost, (D) paying the ultimate cost.

(Verse 2 – C, Em, Am, F)
(C) Strangers pass us by, (Em) under the starless city sky,
(Am) Mirrored in their vacant gaze, (F) we are shadows in the haze.

(Chorus – G, Em, C, D)
(G) We are the Warped Crown, (Em) lost but now we’re found,
(C) Echoing the city’s pulse, (D) we are the echoes in the hush.

(Bridge – Am, G, C, D)
(Am) Through the streets, we wander, (G) with starry eyes, we ponder,
(C) In the echo of the night, (D) we find our brilliant light.

(Chorus x 2 – G, Em, C, D)
(G) We are the Warped Crown, (Em) painting the town,
(C) With the melodies we make, (D) we’re the anthem of the awake.

Favorite Fan:
The band’s favorite fan is a girl named Lily, a Belmont local who has been a fervent supporter since their basement jamming days. Lily’s testimonial reads: “Warped Crown, for me, is not just a band; it’s an emotion, a movement. They capture the essence of our generation, the feeling of being lost yet wanting to make a difference. Their music is a clarion call, an anthem that speaks of our shared experiences and struggles. I’ve been with them from the start, and I’ll be there till the end. They’re more than my favorite band; they’re the soundtrack of my life.”