Backstory:
Friendly Transport was formed in the eclectic city of Portland, Oregon in the early 2000s. The band members, college friends who shared a quirky love for music and vintage Volkswagen buses, found their inspiration from late-night jam sessions in their refurbished bus they affectionately named “Geraldine.” The group’s creative energy was fueled by their shared experiences, road trips and their passion for environmental conservation. The band’s name, Friendly Transport, is a homage to their beloved vehicle and the friendly, upbeat vibes they wish to convey through their music.

Genre:
Friendly Transport’s style is an engaging mix of Indie Pop, Folk, and Classic Rock influences.

Title:
“Roadtrip Reverie”

Full song lyrics:

(Verse 1)
(Dm) Waking up to the (G) sunrise, (C) feeling the cool (Am) morning breeze
(Dm) Unfolding maps and (G) planning the (C) day, (Am) with a cup of coffee in ease
(Dm) Moving on down the (G) road, (C) with Geraldine we ride
(Dm) Every mile a (G) new story, (C) every turn a (Am) new sight.

(Chorus)
(Dm) Roadtrip (G) reverie, (C) on this endless (Am) highway
(Dm) With you and (G) me and (C) Geraldine, (Am) we’ll find our way
(Dm) To the heart of (G) nature, (C) to the soul of (Am) the free
(Dm) In our friendly (G) transport, (C) we find our (Am) harmony.

(Verse 2)
(Dm) Stopping by at a (G) small town, (C) hearing their local (Am) tale
(Dm) Making friends and (G) memories, (C) with every mile we (Am) sail
(Dm) Beneath the stars we (G) sleep, (C) feeling the earth’s (Am) embrace
(Dm) With the morning (G) dew, (C) we start a (Am) new day’s chase.

(Chorus)
(Dm) Roadtrip (G) reverie, (C) on this endless (Am) highway
(Dm) With you and (G) me and (C) Geraldine, (Am) we’ll find our way
(Dm) To the heart of (G) nature, (C) to the soul of (Am) the free
(Dm) In our friendly (G) transport, (C) we find our (Am) harmony.

Favorite Fan:
Friendly Transport’s favorite fan is Maggie, a retired librarian from their hometown. Maggie has been a fan since their very first gig at a local café and has attended every single one of their shows within a hundred-mile radius. She says, “Friendly Transport’s music is like a warm cup of tea on a rainy day – comforting, soothing, and filled with love. Their lyrics take me on a journey, and I feel like I’m part of their adventures. I guess what I love most about them is their authenticity and their passion for preserving the environment, which resonates deeply with me.”

Backstory:
Composed Birth got its start in the hazy backrooms of grungy cafes in Toronto, Canada. Early on, they were just a couple of art school dropouts – Jack Morrison, a lanky, intense vocalist with a knack for linguistics, and Matthew Vardan, a prodigious multi-instrumentalist with an unquenchable thirst for exploration. Drawing inspiration from diverse musical landscapes and their own experiences, they began to craft a unique, soulful sound that challenged the conventional boundaries of music. As they shared their creations with friends and family, their audience grew, and it wasn’t long before they were performing at larger venues and getting the attention of record labels.

Three years after their formation, Composed Birth released their debut album. The band was praised for their daring fusion of genres and their honest, introspective lyrics. They were no longer just a couple of guys with a guitar and a dream – they were a force to be reckoned with in the music scene. Their journey has had its share of struggles and triumphs, but beyond the glitz and glamour, they have remained true to their roots – making music that moves, challenges, and heals.

Genre:
Progressive Folk Rock

Title:
“Amidst the Chaos”

Full song lyrics:

[Verse 1]
Em C
Wandering through the city lights,
G D
With the weight of the world on my shoulders.
Em C
In the silence of the midnight hour,
G D
I find solace amidst the chaos.

[Chorus]
C G
Amidst the chaos, I find my peace,
D Em
In the madness, I find relief.
C G
In the noise, I find my silence,
D Em
In the darkness, I find brilliance.

[Verse 2]
Em C
Running through the hollow lanes,
G D
With the echoes of my past chasing me.
Em C
In the stillness of the moonlit night,
G D
I find courage amidst the chaos.

[Chorus]
C G
Amidst the chaos, I find my strength,
D Em
In the turmoil, I find my length.
C G
In the storm, I find my calm,
D Em
In the despair, I find my psalm.

[Outro]
Em C
Amidst the chaos, I am reborn,
G D
In the ashes of the past, a new me is born.
Em C
With every dawn, I rise anew,
G D
Stronger, wiser, and true.

Fan:
Composed Birth’s biggest fan is a young woman named Maya. Maya was first introduced to the band’s music through a friend in college and instantly fell in love with their raw, evocative sound and heartfelt lyrics. To Maya, Composed Birth isn’t just a band – they’re a lifeline. She says, “Their music has this amazing ability to touch your soul. It’s like they’re speaking directly to you, and they understand what you’re going through. Their songs have helped me through some of the toughest times in my life, and I am so grateful for their existence. They’re not just my favorite band, they’re a part of who I am.”

Backstory:
In the heart of Brooklyn, behind the faded neon signs and shabby billboards, Pitiful Advertisement was born. The band members consist of lead singer and guitarist, Ronnie “Rusty” Johnson, bassist, Leo “Lucky” Sinclair, and drummer, Jack “Joker” McMillan. They were old high school friends who spent their time jamming in their garage, composing melodies influenced by the city’s chaos. One day, they stumbled upon a torn, weather-beaten billboard advertising a long-forgotten product. The irony of the forgotten advertisement’s pitiful state sparked an idea, and the band “Pitiful Advertisement” was born. The band has been creating music that resonates with the forgotten, overlooked, and underestimated aspects of life ever since.

Genre:
Alternative Rock

Title:
“Echoes of the Concrete Jungle”

Full song lyrics:

[Verse 1]
Em G D A
Here in the city’s grimy heart,
Em G D A
We found our voice, we found our art.
Em G D A
Old billboards tell forgotten tales,
Em G D A
And our music rides the city gales.

[Chorus]
C G D Em
Echoes of the concrete jungle,
C G D Em
We play our tunes amidst the rubble.
C G D Em
For every soul that feels the struggle,
C G D Em
Pitiful Advertisement’s your huddle.

[Verse 2]
Em G D A
Streetlights flicker to our beat,
Em G D A
In every alley, we repeat.
Em G D A
With rusty strings and broken drums,
Em G D A
To the city’s rhythm, our music hums.

[Chorus]
C G D Em
Echoes of the concrete jungle,
C G D Em
We play our tunes amidst the rubble.
C G D Em
For every soul that feels the struggle,
C G D Em
Pitiful Advertisement’s your huddle.

Fan’s Name:
Danny “Diehard” Thompson

Testimonial:
“Pitiful Advertisement isn’t just a band to me; they’re a language for my emotions. Their music speaks to me in a way nothing else can. It’s raw, real, and resonates with my soul. Their song ‘Echoes of the Concrete Jungle’ is my anthem. It helps me embrace the struggle, the grit, and the raw beauty of life. I can’t wait to see where their musical journey takes them, and I’m just grateful to be a part of it.”

Backstory:
Kindly Companion was born in the small town of Willamette, Oregon. The band comprises childhood friends Samuel “Sam” Harper, Lucas “Luke” Bentley, and twins Rebecca and Rachel Arnold. They were drawn together by their shared love for music and storytelling, often gathering around the fire pit in Sam’s backyard to share songs and stories. After high school, they decided to turn their passion into their profession and set off on a musical journey, performing at local bars, community festivals, and eventually, national stages.

The band’s music style is a blend of their unique personalities, drawing influences from their shared experiences, the beauty of the Pacific Northwest, and the rhythm of small-town life. Their lyrics are a testament to their enduring friendship, life’s simple pleasures and the trials and tribulations of growing up. Through their music, Kindly Companion shares their story, hoping to resonate with the hearts of listeners.

Genre:
Folk Rock

Title:
“Chasing Shadows”

Full Song Lyrics:
(Verse 1)
C Am G F
In the heart of Willamette, we found our song,
Showing up to life, just trying to belong,
Underneath the stars, singing our truth,
Chasing shadows, in the dusk of our youth.

(Chorus)
Dm F C G
Chasing Shadows, through the echoes of our time,
With the rhythm of our heartbeats, in every rhyme,
In every laughter, every tear that falls,
In our kindly companionship, we found it all.

(Verse 2)
C Am G F
Through open roads, and winding trails,
With each other, we set our sails,
Under the canvas of the clear blue sky,
Chasing Shadows, with dreams in our eyes.

(Chorus)
Dm F C G
Chasing Shadows, in the melody of the night,
In the harmony of our souls, we found our light,
In the music of memories, and tales untold,
In our kindly companionship, we found our gold.

Favorite Fan:
Their favorite fan is a woman named Lois Thompson. Lois first saw Kindly Companion perform at a community festival in a neighboring town. She was moved by the authenticity of their lyrics and the captivating harmony of their music. Lois has since followed their journey, attending almost every local performance.

Lois’s Testimonial:
“Kindly Companion is a band that’s truly one of a kind. Their music speaks directly to my soul. It’s almost like they’ve lived my life, felt my feelings. Every song they sing is a story that I can relate to. They have a way of transforming ordinary life into extraordinary music. And this is why they’re my favorite band; they make me feel seen, heard, and most importantly, understood.”

Backstory:
The musical phenomenon known as ‘Sizzling Expansion’ was formed in the summer of 2012 within the depths of a grungy garage in the heart of Brooklyn, New York. The band, comprised of lead vocalist/guitarist Sam ‘Sizzling’ Sterling, bassist Eddie ‘Expansion’ Edmonds, and drummer Zack ‘Zigzag’ Zephyr, initially bonded over their shared love for experimenting with music and their mutual appreciation for classic rock and electro music. Their unique blend of these genres soon caught the attention of local music enthusiasts, propelling the band into an exciting journey of music-making and vibrant performances.

Genre:
Electro-Rock Fusion

Title:
“Electric Echoes”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
[G] Underneath the [Em] city lights, I found my [C] heart tonight,
[D] Sizzling with [Em] colors, in the shadows we [C] ignite,
[G] Echoes of our [Em] laughter, dancing in the [C] neon light,
[D] Expansion of our [Em] dreams, baby, we’re taking [C] flight.

(Chorus)
[G] Electric [D] echoes, in the [Em] rhythm of the [C] night,
[G] Heartbeats [D] racing, in the [Em] flashing neon [C] light,
[G] Sizzling [D] expansion, love [Em] taking its [C] flight,
[G] With electric [D] echoes, we’re [Em] soaring through the [C] night.

(Verse 2)
[G] Racing through the [Em] streets, sparks of [C] love ignite,
[D] Echoes bouncing [Em] off the walls, in this [C] endless night.
[G] We’re a sizzling [Em] expansion, in this worldly [C] fight,
[D] With our electric [Em] echoes, we’ll make it [C] oh, so right.

(Chorus)
[G] Electric [D] echoes, in the [Em] rhythm of the [C] night,
[G] Heartbeats [D] racing, in the [Em] flashing neon [C] light,
[G] Sizzling [D] expansion, love [Em] taking its [C] flight,
[G] With electric [D] echoes, we’re [Em] soaring through the [C] night.

Fan’s Testimonial:
“As a die-hard fan and follower, my name is Lucy Langley. Sizzling Expansion is my favorite band because they blend electro and rock so seamlessly that it hits right at the core of my music-loving heart. Their lyrics are profound and strike a chord with my experiences; it’s as though they’re speaking directly to me. ‘Electric Echoes’ is more than just a song, it defines my youth, my rebellion, and my dreams. Sizzling Expansion isn’t just a band – they’re a lifestyle for me.”

Backstory:
Rigid Curve is a tale of four childhood buddies from the heart of Brooklyn, New York. Growing up in the vibrant and multicultural neighborhood, their lives were a colorful mosaic of experiences that translated into their unique musical journey. The band was formed in their high school years when they discovered their shared passion for music, with each member bringing a unique instrumental talent to the table. Together, they turned their garage into a mini-studio, where they spent hours jamming and blending their diverse influences into a distinct sound.

The band’s journey wasn’t without its share of trial and tribulations. They went through line-up changes, struggled with their early gigs, and faced the inevitable creative differences. However, their bond remained unbroken, strengthening their dedication to their craft. Their story is a testament to persistence and the unshakable belief in the power of music.

Genre:
Rigid Curve specializes in Alternative Rock, with a notable blend of bluesy undertones and psychedelic elements.

Title:
“Riding on the Edge”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
Am Em G D
On the crowded streets of Brooklyn, we found our sound,
Am Em G D
In the heartbeats of the night, our dreams were bound.
Am Em G D
With a worn-out guitar and a drum that’s beat,
Am Em G D
We rose from the ashes, refused to admit defeat.

(Chorus)
C G D Em
Riding on the edge, under the city lights,
C G D Em
Singing our songs, on countless starry nights.
C G D Em
We’re Rigid Curve, playing our life’s tune,
C G D Em
In the hope that our melodies will reach the moon.

(Verse 2)
Am Em G D
From the concrete jungle, our music took flight,
Am Em G D
Breaking the silence, cutting through the night.
Am Em G D
With every chord, every beat, every word we’d weave,
Am Em G D
We found our rhythm, in our dreams, we believe.

(Chorus)
C G D Em
Riding on the edge, under the city lights,
C G D Em
Singing our songs, on countless starry nights.
C G D Em
We’re Rigid Curve, playing our life’s tune,
C G D Em
In the hope that our melodies will reach the moon.

Fan Testimonial – Favorite Fan Name: Jimmy “The Jukebox” Stevens
“I’ve been following Rigid Curve since their earliest gigs in Brooklyn, and I’ve watched them grow into a band that’s capable of captivating audiences with their raw energy and authentic sound. Their music is a reflection of the city they come from – diverse, vibrant, and full of life. And you can’t help but feel a connection to their lyrics. It’s like they’ve taken snippets of their lives, their struggles, and triumphs, and turned them into songs we can all relate to. For me, they’re not just a band; they’re a symbol of resilience and the power of friendship. That’s why Rigid Curve will always be my favorite.”

Backstory:
Born from the ashes of a failed rock band, Compassionate Aftermath came into existence during a time of intense personal trials for its members. The band is composed of four members: lead vocalist, Johnny “Riff” Hardwell; drummer, Samuel “Pulse” Thompson; bass guitarist, Arnold “Bass Master” Collins; and lead guitarist, David “Strings” Davis. Each member, struggling with their personal losses, found solace in music, using it as a vehicle to express their pain, resilience, and hope. This unity in adversity formed a bond between the members, making Compassionate Aftermath not just a band, but a brotherhood.

Their music started as a form of therapy for them, playing in small bars and clubs around their hometown of Portland, Oregon. However, their raw, soulful performances quickly caught the attention of music lovers in the local scene. The four men have since dedicated themselves to creating music that connects with others who are dealing with their own emotional crises, offering a sense of understanding, compassion, and hope through their music.

Genre:
Alternative Rock

Title:
“Solace in Silence”

Full song lyrics:

(Verse 1)
Am | C | G | F
In the shadows of my remorse, I find my light,
In the echoes of my pain, I find my fight,
No one knows the battles, I wage every night,
Solace in silence, my only respite.

(Chorus)
Am | F | C | G
Solace in silence, when tears fall like rain,
In the quiet, I soothe my pain,
In the calm of the night, my heart takes flight,
Solace in silence, my soul’s delight.

(Verse 2)
Am | C | G | F
In the whispers of my hope, I find my strength,
In the rustling of despair, I find my length,
No one knows the dreams, I have dreamt,
Solace in silence, my thoughts are spent.

(Chorus)
Am | F | C | G
Solace in silence, where stars lend their light,
In the hush, my fears take flight,
In the murmur of the wind, my spirit’s ignite,
Solace in silence, my precious night.

Fan’s testimonial:
“My name is Sarah, and I am possibly the biggest Compassionate Aftermath fan out there. Their music speaks to me on levels I can’t even begin to explain. After losing my mom, I was in a very dark place, but ‘Solace in Silence’ became my anthem. The lyrics, the melody, everything about it connected with me. It felt like they were speaking directly to me, offering comfort in my time of need. I can honestly say that their music helped me cope, and for that, Compassionate Aftermath will always be my favorite band.”

Backstory:

Anchored Teaching came to life in the quirky, vibrant backdrop of Austin, Texas, where a group of four educators decided to combine their shared passion for music and teaching. The band members – lead singer, James Kaplan, bassist, Patrick Rivers, drummer, Emilie Norris, and guitarist, Jacob Freeman – met in a teachers’ conference and found themselves jamming to Beatles’ classics after a long day of lectures and discussions. They soon discovered a unique connection, a shared vision that allowed them to create music that would resonate with people not just in their city, but around the world.

Their journey began from local school performances and small music cafes, eventually leading them to big music festivals. Despite their mainstream success, Anchored Teaching never lost sight of their roots. They continued to work in the education field, using their music as an avenue to inspire their students and fans alike.

Genre:

Anchored Teaching’s music can be classified as Indie Rock, with a touch of Folk and a sprinkle of Blues. Their songs depict powerful narratives that reflect their experiences as educators, making their music a unique blend of reality and creativity.

Title:

“One Classroom Tale”

Full Song Lyrics:

[Verse 1 – C G Am F]
In the middle of this concrete town,
Lies a place where dreams are found,
Chalk dust dancing in the air,
Tales of hope and love we share.

[Chorus – G Em Am D]
One classroom tale, one world to change,
Through our voices, let’s rearrange,
This chaotic world, in notes and words,
Let this be the song that’s heard.

[Verse 2 – C G Am F]
Lessons learnt under the crimson sun,
Stories of battles fought and won,
In every heart, a seed we sow,
In their minds, a world we grow.

[Chorus – G Em Am D]
One classroom tale, one world to see,
Through our music, let them be,
The change they wish, in notes and words,
Let this be the song that’s heard.

[Bridge – Em Am F C]
In this world of black and white,
We will be their guiding light,
One classroom tale, one song to sing,
This is what our love will bring.

[Outro – C G Am F]
One Classroom Tale, our hearts unfold,
In every child, a story told,
Through the echoes of time, in notes and words,
We are Anchored Teaching, let our song be heard.

Fan Testimonial:

“I’m Laura Stephens, a 9th grade student from Austin. I stumbled upon Anchored Teaching during a school performance and was immediately hooked. Their music isn’t just melodious, it’s meaningful. It’s like they put my thoughts and feelings into songs. They remind me of the power of education and the importance of dreaming big. Talking about them in my school newspaper was just my small way of saying thank you. They are more than just a band to me, they’re my heroes.”

Backstory:
Overcooked Region was formed in the year 2010 by a group of friends from a small town in Arizona. As high school buddies, they shared an insatiable passion for rock and roll, and a common dream of making music that would capture the heart and soul of their desolate desert town. The band is made up of lead vocalist and guitarist, Jake ‘Spoon’ Spooner, drummer, Calvin ‘CJ’ Johnson, and bassist, Riley ‘Riff’ Jeffers. They began their journey by performing in local bars and at county fairs, gradually earning a loyal fan base. Their big break came when they were discovered by a record producer who happened to be vacationing in their town. Since then, the boys of Overcooked Region have been rocking stages all over the country with their distinct blend of hard rock and desert blues.

Genre:
Hard Rock/Desert Blues

Title:
“Dusty Sundown”

Lyrics:

[Verse 1]
(Am) Driving down this old dirt road, (C) sun setting low
(G) Got my guitar playing, (D) radio blasting our song
(Am) Heart’s burning like a summer flame, (C) won’t say her name
(G) Got this desert sky, (D) and the road to keep me strong

[Chorus]
(Am) It’s another dusty sundown, (C) and I’m on my own
(G) In this overcooked region, (D) where the wild winds have blown
(Am) Got the moon for company, (C) and the stars as my crown
(G) Yes, it’s another dusty sundown, (D) in this rock and roll town

[Verse 2]
(Am) Her love was a desert rose, (C) now it’s just a ghost
(G) Fading memories, (D) like footprints in the sand
(Am) The chords are my only truth, (C) in this endless route
(G) With the rhythm of my heart, (D) and the guitar in my hand

[Chorus]
(Am) It’s another dusty sundown, (C) and I’m on my own
(G) In this overcooked region, (D) where the wild winds have blown
(Am) Got the moon for company, (C) and the stars as my crown
(G) Yes, it’s another dusty sundown, (D) in this rock and roll town

[Bridge]
(F) Got the scent of sagebrush, (C) and the heat of the sun
(G) In this overcooked region, (D) where our story begun
(F) In every lonely sunset, (C) in every lonesome sound
(G) I find my peace, (D) in this dusty sundown

[Chorus]
(Am) It’s another dusty sundown, (C) and I’m on my own
(G) In this overcooked region, (D) where the wild winds have blown
(Am) Got the moon for company, (C) and the stars as my crown
(G) Yes, it’s another dusty sundown, (D) in this rock and roll town

Favorite Fan:
The band’s favorite fan is a woman named Sarah. Sarah has been following Overcooked Region since their humble beginnings at the local bars of their hometown. Sarah says, “Overcooked Region isn’t just my favorite band because their music speaks to me – it’s because they represent home. They’ve put our little desert town on the map with their hard-hitting desert blues. And every time I hear ‘Dusty Sundown’, it reminds me of the sunsets back home, of the freedom of the open road, of the wild beauty of our overcooked region. Their music is a piece of my heart.”

Backstory:
Peppery Classroom was formed in the autumn of 2008, in the artsy town of Rosendale, New York. Childhood friends, Matthew Steele (lead vocals), Calvin Fox (guitar), Eleanor Raven (bass), and Marley Pike (drums) found themselves in the same music class, studying under the eccentric and inspiring professor, Jackson ‘Pepper’ Peterson. They formed a bond over their shared appreciation for unconventional music and a desire to create something uniquely their own. One sweltering afternoon after hours in their classroom, while jamming together, they experienced a spontaneous burst of creativity. This resulted in their first song, which eventually led to the formation of ‘Peppery Classroom’.

Genre:
Alternative Rock/Pop-Punk

Title:
“Notes on a Blackboard”

Song Lyrics:
(Verse)
[A] Writing notes on a blackboard, [D] shadows of our thoughts,
[G] Scribbles of a love song, [A] dreams that we forgot.
[D] Lost in the rhythm of the rain, [G] fighting against the clock,
[A] In the peppery classroom, [D] where our hearts were locked.

(Chorus)
[G] Singing to the moonlight, [A] dancing in the sun,
[D] Voices of our youth, [G] the journey just begun.
[A] Notes on a blackboard, [D] tales of love and loss,
[G] In the peppery classroom, [A] we found our chaos.

(Verse)
[A] Chasing shadows down the hallway, [D] echoes of our past,
[G] Laughter in the silence, [A] memories that will last.
[D] Strumming on the heartstrings, [G] under the ticking clock,
[A] In the peppery classroom, [D] we found our rock.

(Chorus)
[G] Singing to the moonlight, [A] dancing in the sun,
[D] Voices of our youth, [G] the journey just begun.
[A] Notes on a blackboard, [D] tales of love and loss,
[G] In the peppery classroom, [A] we found our chaos.

Favorite Fan’s Name:
Oliver “Ollie” Bennett

Testimonial:
I’ve been a fan of Peppery Classroom since their early days, back when they were just performing in local pubs in Rosendale. Their unique sound, the passion they put into their performances, and the raw emotion in their lyrics drew me in. As an art student, their music inspires me and stirs my creative juices. They’ve stayed true to their music and haven’t changed their style to fit into mainstream music. This authenticity is why Peppery Classroom is my favorite band. Their song “Notes on a Blackboard” is a testament to their journey, it’s a lyrical masterpiece and is the soundtrack to my life.