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.

Backstory:

Immediate Crook is a pop rock band that originates from the bustling city of Portland, Oregon. The band was formed in 2013 when the four members met at a local open mic night. Each had come to perform solo, but by the end of the night, they realized that their unique styles blended together in a magical way not often achieved. They named themselves Immediate Crook as a nod to their abrupt decision to form a band and the twists and turns of their musical journey.

The band worked tirelessly over the next three years, honing their sound and building a local following. Their big break came in 2016, when a video of their performance at a local music festival went viral. From there, Immediate Crook released their debut album and began touring nationally, earning them a growing fan base and solidifying their place in the pop rock scene.

Genre:

Pop Rock

Title:

“Twisted Echoes”

Full Song Lyrics:

Verse 1:
[C] Down the alleyway, [G] under the city lights,
[Am] We found our hearts and [F] lost our minds,
[C] Chasing shadows, [G] dancing in the moonlight,
[Am] And the twisted echoes [F] of our life.

Chorus:
[G] We are the Immediate Crooks,
[D] Stealing the spotlight, [Em] breaking the hooks,
[C] Singing our hearts out, till the [G] dawn takes us back,
[Am] To the place we belong, [F] off the beaten track.

Verse 2:
[C] We sang of love, [G] we sang of dreams,
[Am] Our voices echoing [F] in the night,
[C] Through the laughter, [G] through the screams,
[Am] We found our rhythm, [F] found our fight.

(Chorus)

Bridge:
[Dm] So here’s to the crooked paths, [Em] and the twisted turns,
[F] For in the chaos, [G] a star burns.

(Chorus)

Favorite Fan:

Our favorite fan’s name is Jenny Rutherford. Jenny has been with us since our early days performing in Portland, and has attended every one of our concerts since then. She even traveled with us on our national tour, documenting our journey through photos and posts on her blog.

Testimonial from Jenny:

“Immediate Crook isn’t just a band to me, they’re family. Their music is raw, real, and resonates with me on so many levels. It’s like they’ve put my feelings into words and set them to a beat. I’ve watched them grow from playing at local pubs to now selling out arenas, and I couldn’t be prouder. Their authenticity and passion for music is what makes them my favorite band, and will keep me coming back for more.”

Backstory:

Sniveling Production emerged from the gritty backstreets of East London, formed by a group of childhood friends bonded by a passion for creating music that resonates. The band’s members – lead vocalist and guitarist Johnny ‘Rat’ Rodgers, bassist Mikey ‘Pike’ Pickett, drummer Nick ‘Nails’ Naylor, and keyboardist Ian ‘Itch’ Ickes – were initially inspired by the raw and rebellious sounds of 80s punk, but their musical journey has taken them through various genres, sculpting their unique sound. Their name, ‘Sniveling Production’, is a tongue-in-cheek nod to their humble beginnings, producing songs in their tattered practice space, a dilapidated old factory.

The band’s rise to fame started when their breakout hit, ‘Punk’d Pathos’, caught the attention of renowned music producer, Eddie ‘Earwig’ Edwards. Eddie took the band under his wing, leading them to a record deal with the influential indie label, Scruffy Dog Records. Despite their success, Sniveling Production has stayed true to their roots, often returning to their hometown for secret gigs and impromptu jam sessions in their beloved local pub.

Genre:

Indie-rock with punk influences

Title:

“Under the Streetlight Glow”

Lyrics:

(Verse 1) Am C G D
In the heart of the midnight, under the streetlight glow,
Boys with ragged jeans, nowhere else to go,
Echoes of laughter, and whispers in the wind,
The tales of lost innocence, and the sins we’re drenched in.

(Chorus) F C G
Under the streetlight glow, where our dreams were born,
We strummed out our hearts, till our fingers were worn.
In the heart of the midnight, under the streetlight glow,
We found our rhythm, in the world of the unknown.

(Verse 2) Am C G D
As the city sleeps, we paint it with our sound,
In the fading echo, our hopes and fears are found.
The music is our haven, the rhythm our guide,
Under the streetlight glow, we take it all in stride.

(Chorus) F C G
Under the streetlight glow, where we learned to fight,
The world may be dark, but the music’s our light.
In the heart of the midnight, under the streetlight glow,
We found our purpose, in the rhythm and the flow.

Favorite fan’s name:

Ella Hopkins

Testimonial:

“I’ve followed Sniveling Production since their early days, playing in dingy bars and dodgy basement parties. Their music speaks to me on a deep, personal level. It’s raw, it’s real, it’s about the struggles we go through and how we find a way to rise above. No matter how successful they’ve become, they’ve stayed true to their roots, their sound, and their fans. They’ve never lost their authenticity, and that’s why they’re my favorite band.”

Backstory:

Fat Throne was formed in the summer of 2008, in the suburbs of San Francisco, California. The band was initially a garage project of childhood friends – lead vocalist and guitarist Jake ‘JJ’ Johnson, drummer Kenny ‘K2’ Kowalski, bassist Mikey ‘Mongoose’ Monroe and keyboardist Lily ‘Liquid’ Lockhart. The band’s unique name was inspired by their favorite show, Game of Thrones, and their shared love of cheesy pizza. After years of playing in their garage and local venues, they garnered the attention of a renowned music producer at one of their gigs who signed them to an indie record label.

The band had a humble beginning but quickly rose to fame with their debut album ‘Beneath the Cheesy Crust,’ which hit the billboard charts. The band was known for their high energy performances, intricate melodies, and relatable lyrics. Their honest and raw musical narratives resonated with many listeners, quickly turning them into a household name in the rock world.

Genre:
Indie Rock

Song Title:
“Pepperoni Sunrise”

Full Song Lyrics:

[Verse 1]
(Em) Waking up to a (G) pepperoni sunrise,
(D) Slices of dreams (A) lying by my side.
(Em) Cold box of reality, (G) cheesy delight,
(D) Taste of yesterday’s (A) wild, wild night.

[Chorus]
(C) Pepperoni sunrise, (G) you’re my sweet surprise,
(D) Leftovers from a moment, (A) frozen in time.
(C) With each bite I take, (G) memories awake,
(D) Oh, pepperoni sunrise, (A) you’re my lifeline.

[Verse 2]
(Em) Crispy edges of (G) our broken vows,
(D) Melted promises (A) under the cloudy shroud.
(Em) Savoring the moments, (G) till the last bite,
(D) Of this pepperoni (A) morning light.

[Chorus]
(C) Pepperoni sunrise, (G) you’re my sweet surprise,
(D) Leftovers from a moment, (A) frozen in time.
(C) With each bite I take, (G) memories awake,
(D) Oh, pepperoni sunrise, (A) you’re my lifeline.

[Outro]
(Em) So here’s to the nights, (G) and our pizza fights,
(D) Under the pepperoni (A) sunrise light.

The Band’s Favorite Fan:

Our favorite fan’s name is Rosie. Rosie has been with us since our first gig in a small dive bar in San Francisco. She has attended every single concert and owns all our merchandise. Rosie says, “Fat Throne is the soundtrack to my life. I’ve laughed, cried, and rocked out to their music. The authenticity in their lyrics and the energy in their performances are unparalleled. Their song ‘Pepperoni Sunrise’ got me through a tough break-up. Music has a way of healing, and Fat Throne’s music heals me every day.”

Backstory:

Formed in 2005, “Wasteful Look” is the brainchild of four college misfits who found solace in their shared musical interests at a small liberal arts college in Vermont. Lead vocalist and lyricist, Remy Sanders, teamed up with bassist Max Thompson, drummer Jesse Kline, and guitarist Luke Parker. What started as late-night jam sessions in their shared dorm room gradually morphed into the creation of a unique punk rock band that would soon catch the attention of the local music scene. In 2007, after gaining a substantial following from their energetic live shows and raw, emotive music, Wasteful Look recorded their debut album, earning them their first taste of national attention.

Genre:

Punk Rock

Title:

“Chasing Shadows”

Full song lyrics:

(Verse) [Am-G-F-G]
She’s a rebel girl in a corporate world, (Am)
Down the rabbit hole and back again, (G)
Battles scars, we wear them well, (F)
Time will tell, we’re just Chasing Shadows. (G)

(Chorus) [C-G-Am-F]
Chasing Shadows in the dark, (C)
Fighting battles with broken hearts, (G)
Lost souls, we make our start, (Am)
In the echo of love, we find our spark. (F)

(Verse) [Am-G-F-G]
Late-night dreams, neon screams, (Am)
Runaway girl, she’s living in a dream, (G)
Whiskey shots, the night is ours, (F)
In the realm of dreams, we’re just Chasing Shadows. (G)

(Chorus) [C-G-Am-F]
Chasing Shadows in the night, (C)
With the fears we’ve held so tight, (G)
In the wilderness of the heart, (Am)
Love’s the only light in the dark. (F)

Favorite Fan’s Name:

Sammy Thompson

Sammy’s Testimonial:

“Wasteful Look isn’t just a band, they’re a lifeline. Their music speaks to the parts of us that are lost, confused, and looking for meaning. Remy’s lyrics are like a roadmap through the difficulties of life. They’re raw, honest, and beautifully profound. I’ve been following them since their early days in Vermont and their evolution is astounding. They’re not just my favorite band because of their music, but because of the community they’ve built, the causes they stand for, and the genuine love they have for their fans. I can’t wait to see where they go next.”

Backstory:

Old Action is a band of five seasoned musicians, born from the ashes of several disbanded rock groups of the late ’90s. Each member, having a rich history in music and performing, brought their own unique style and background to the band, birthing a new and distinct sound. The band was formed in 2003, in the bustling music hotbed of Nashville, Tennessee. Their name, ‘Old Action’, is a nod to their collective experience and a playful jab at the fact that they’re not as young as they once were, but still ready for action.

Genre:

Old Action’s music falls under the broad category of Alternative Country Rock. Their sound is a blend of raw classic rock, heartfelt country, with a touch of grunge influence. This amalgamation of genres creates a unique sound that is both gritty and soulful.

Title:

“One Last Rodeo”

Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
[C] Been down this road before, [G] dust and the grime
[F] Lost in the rhythm of the [C] passing time
[G] Seen the best, survived the [C] worst,
[F] Driven by an unquenchable [G] thirst

(Chorus)
[C] It’s One Last Rodeo, [G] under the setting sun
[F] We’re Old Action, baby, and [C] we’re not done
[G] The music’s in our blood, [C] it’s our life’s show
[F] And we’ll keep rocking till [G] we’ve got no more to sow

(Verse 2)
[C] In every town, on every [G] stage
[F] We pour out our hearts, [C] page by page
[G] We’re older now, but our [C] spirit’s young
[F] Singing the songs that [G] are yet unsung

(Repeat Chorus)

Fan’s Testimonial:

“My name is Jenny Simmons. Old Action is my all-time favorite band. Their music, it’s raw and emotional, and it speaks to the heart in a way that no other music does. They’re real people, singing about real life. And even as they’ve aged, they haven’t lost their passion. That’s what makes them so special. They’re not just playing music, they’re living it. And as a fan, you get to live it with them. There’s nothing quite like it.”

Backstory:
Born in the heart of Seattle’s music scene, Loose Crown emerged from the ashes of a former punk rock band, ‘Chaos Theory’, in the early 2000s. The four members, lead vocalist Anna ‘Anarchy’ Michaels, guitarist Asher ‘Axe’ Davis, bassist Peter ‘Pulse’ Rodriguez and drummer Luke ‘Lightning’ Thompson, all had varied musical influences, but shared a common vision of creating music that was raw, real and resonant. After their first gig in a grimy underground club, they knew they had something special.

By fusing their punk roots with blues, folk and rock influences, Loose Crown created a sound that was unique and captivating. Their first album, ‘Riot’s Lullaby’, struck a chord with listeners worldwide, and they quickly gained a loyal fan base. Their music became an outlet for their shared frustrations and dreams, making their performances a cathartic experience for themselves and their audience.

Genre:
Punk Rock/Blues/Folk Fusion

Title:
“King of Shadows”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
Em G D A
Underneath the city lights, he wears his dreams,

Em G D A
Wrapped in shadows, hidden from the world’s schemes.

Em G D A
A crown of sorrows, worn with a defiant gleam,

Em G D A
He’s the king in the alleyways, ruling unseen.

(Chorus)
C G D Em
He’s the king of shadows,

C G D Em
In the land that no one knows,

C G D Em
Where the forgotten ones go,

C G D Em
There his kingdom grows.

(Verse 2)
Em G D A
In the heart of the city, he finds his throne,

Em G D A
In the echoes of the streets, he’s not alone.

Em G D A
His kingdom may be hidden, but it’s his own,

Em G D A
He’s the king of shadows, in the concrete and stone.

(Chorus)
C G D Em
He’s the king of shadows,

C G D Em
In the land that no one knows,

C G D Em
Where the forgotten ones go,

C G D Em
There his kingdom grows.

Fan Testimonial (Name: Mike ‘Mad Dog’ Donovan):

“Loose Crown isn’t just a band, it’s an experience. It’s raw, it’s real, and it’s freaking awesome. The music just gets under your skin and stays there. The energy at their gigs is like nothing else. It’s like being part of a wild, beautiful riot. And ‘King of Shadows’? Man, that song takes me places. It’s a reminder that even in the darkest corners, there’s power, there’s dignity. To me, Loose Crown isn’t just my favorite band, it’s a life philosophy.”

Backstory:

Excellent Corner is a band that took shape in the enigmatic alleys of Seattle, Washington in 2005. The founding members, lead singer and guitarist, Davis Thompson, and drummer, Jimmy Mitchells, were childhood buddies who shared a profound passion for music. They explored every genre, every rhythm, and every melody until they discovered a sound that resonated with their souls. Bassist, Emma Johnson, and keyboardist, Leo Richards, joined them in 2007, completing the band’s lineup. They started off by performing in local pubs and, gradually, their unique sound started winning hearts, leading them to a record deal in 2010.

Despite a few bumps along the way, the band stayed true to their music and their fans. Excellent Corner became a household name in Seattle before expanding their horizons to the rest of the world. Their soul-stirring lyrics and unique sound continue to captivate audiences worldwide, turning into an anthem for those in search of meaning and solace.

Genre:

Alternative Rock

Title:

“Whispers in the Wind”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
Em G D A
Through the lanes of time, we wander on,
Em G D A
Seeking solace in the echoes of the dawn,
Em G D A
In the whispers of the wind, we find a song,
Em G D A
A melody that keeps us moving along.

(Chorus)
C G D Em
In every whisper, in every sigh,
C G D Em
We find the courage to reach the sky,
C G D Em
In the wind’s lullaby, we find our way,
C G D Em
To the promise of a brand new day.

(Verse 2)
Em G D A
Chasing shadows, chasing dreams,
Em G D A
Nothing is ever as it seems,
Em G D A
In the whispers of the wind, we find a home,
Em G D A
A refuge where our hearts freely roam.

(Repeat Chorus)

The bands favorite fan’s name:

Samuel Parker

Testimonial:

“I’ve been a hardcore fan of Excellent Corner since their early days playing in local pubs. Their music has a raw, emotive edge that speaks directly to the soul. It’s like they’ve found a way to articulate feelings you don’t even know you’re experiencing until you hear their songs. “Whispers in the Wind” is my anthem, a song I turn to in times of joy, sadness, or introspection. Excellent Corner’s music is more than just a sound; it’s an experience, a journey, a solace. They are, without a doubt, my favorite band.”