Backstory:

Capital Demonstration is a group of four close-knit friends from Washington D.C. who grew up sharing a passion for music and social justice. They started their journey in the realm of music during their college days in 2010, honing their craft in small gigs across the city. The band got its breakthrough in 2013, when their song “Protest of Love” caught the attention of a major music label, signing them up for their first album. The band’s name symbolizes their home city and their commitment to advocating for social change through their music.

Genre:

The band primarily plays a combination of alternative rock and punk, often fused with elements of folk and blues.

Title:

“One Voice in the Crowd”

Full song lyrics:

(Verse 1)
Am (x2), F (x1), G (x1)
Oh, here we stand, in the heart of the city,
Gathered as one, ’cause we ain’t so pretty,
Voices so loud, yet drowned by the sound,
A soul in the crowd, where freedom is found.

(Chorus)
C (x1), G (x1), Am (x1), F (x1)
We’re one voice in the crowd, shouting loud,
Won’t be crushed, won’t be bowed,
One voice in the crowd, standing proud,
In this city, on this ground.

(Verse 2)
Am (x2), F (x1), G (x1)
Through smoky haze, under neon lights,
We fight our battles, through cold, dark nights,
With melodies strong, and lyrics that bite,
One voice in the crowd, hold on tight.

(Chorus)
C (x1), G (x1), Am (x1), F (x1)
We’re one voice in the crowd, shouting loud,
Won’t be silenced, won’t be cowed,
One voice in the crowd, breaking the shroud,
In this city, in this crowd.

The band’s favorite fan’s name:

Emily Thompson

Emily’s Testimonial:

“I’ve been a die-hard fan of Capital Demonstration since their early days. Their music is more than just strings and beats; it’s an articulation of what we all feel but struggle to express. Their song “One Voice in the Crowd” is my personal anthem. It reminds me that I am not alone in my beliefs and struggles. I identify with their raw energy, their politicized lyrics, and their commitment to social change. For me, Capital Demonstration is not just a band; they are a beacon of hope, a reminder that we have the power to drive change through our voices, just as they do through their music.”

Backstory:
Born in the grungy garages of Portland, Oregon in the late 90s, Vain Chapel was formed by a group of bored, disgruntled college dropouts. The band members, led by charismatic frontman, Nick Fury, found their solace and purpose in music, rebelling against the mainstream pop culture that dominated the era. Inspired by the likes of The Cure, Radiohead, and Nirvana, Vain Chapel started experimenting with their own unique sound, a blend of alternative rock and post-punk, tinged with melancholic undertones and raw, rebellious energy. Over two decades, Vain Chapel has carved a niche for itself in the industry and is now lauded as one of the pioneers of Portland’s indie music scene.

Genre: Alternative Rock

Song Title: “Perished Parades”

Full song lyrics:
[Intro]

Am Em G D

[Verse 1]
Am Em
Lost in the perished parades,
G D
Chasing shadows and broken charades.
Am Em
Left with a heart that’s serrated,
G D
In lands where the love has made it.

[Chorus]
Am Em
We’re not the saints, we’re not the sinners,
G D
Just lost boys sailing in winter.
Am Em
Dancing in the vain chapel,
G D
Our love is the only gospel.

[Verse 2]
Am Em
In the fight against the time,
G D
We lost ourselves in the grind.
Am Em
With every heartache, every wrinkle,
G D
We wrote our stories in the twinkle.

[Chorus]
Am Em
We’re not the saints, we’re not the sinners,
G D
Just lost boys sailing in winter.
Am Em
Dancing in the vain chapel,
G D
Our love is the only gospel.

[Bridge]
Am Em
We exist in echoes,
G D
In the silence that follows.
Am Em
Our love, our pain,
G D
We’re all just stars in vain.

[Chorus]
Am Em
We’re not the saints, we’re not the sinners,
G D
Just lost boys sailing in winter.
Am Em
Dancing in the vain chapel,
G D
Our love is the only gospel.

[Outro]
Am Em G D

Favorite fan testimonial:
Name: Lucy Hargrove
Testimonial: “Vain Chapel has been my favorite band since I first heard Perished Parades on the radio. Their music speaks to the rebel in me; it’s raw, honest, and unapologetic. The lyrics hold a depth that triggers emotions you’d forgotten you could feel. Nick Fury’s raspy voice combined with their edgy alternative rock sound has given a voice to our generation’s disquiet. Vain Chapel isn’t just a band for me, it’s a way of life.”

Backstory:
Previous Tactic is an alternative rock band that was originally formed in 2011 in Asheville, North Carolina. The band consists of frontman and guitarist, Eddie Landon, bassist Mark Peterson, drummer Tim Keller, and keyboardist, Sarah Jones. The four of them met at Appalachian State University where they were all studying music technology and bonded over their shared loved for music, specifically alternative rock. After years of practicing in basements and garages, the band finally got their big break in 2015 when they won a local Battle of the Bands competition. This lead to their first record deal and they have been growing in popularity ever since.

Genre:
Alternative Rock

Title:
“Echoes of Yesterday”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
[G] Stepping through the [D] shadows of our [Em] yesterday
[C] Searching for the [G] light in the [D] disarray
[G] Memories they [D] echo, but the [Em] sound is grey
[C] Lost in the [G] silence, we [D] found our way

(Chorus)
[G] Echoes of [D] yesterday, are [Em] bouncing off the walls
[C] Whispering [G] secrets, [D] answering the calls
[G] Trapped in the [D] mirror, [Em] time stands tall
[C] Echoes of [G] yesterday, [D] we’ve seen it all

(Verse 2)
[G] The path we’ve [D] walked is [Em] paved with scars
[C] A million miles [G] under the [D] stars
[G] Looking back, [D] we see how [Em] far
[C] From the [G] echoes of [D] yesterday we are

(Chorus)
[G] Echoes of [D] yesterday, they [Em] never really fade
[C] Through the [G] noise, the [D] past is played
[G] In our hearts, [D] the memories [Em] stay
[C] Echoes of [G] yesterday, [D] in the shadows they wade

Favorite Fan:
The band’s favorite fan, Vanessa, has been there since their very first show. She’s seen every performance, owns every album, and even runs the fan club. Vanessa states, “I love Previous Tactic because their music speaks to me. The lyrics have depth and meaning that I can relate to. Each song tells a story that pulls me in. Plus, the band members themselves are genuinely kind and humble. They appreciate their fans and always make time for us. I’ve supported many bands over the years, but Previous Tactic is special. They make music that speaks to the soul, and for that, they will always be my favorite band.”

Backstory:
Secondary Faith materialized from a random jam session amidst the humdrum of a small-town high school in Northern England. The five members, Caleb, Isaac, Nate, Hannah, and Rose, were completely different individuals with distinct music tastes. However, when they struck their first chord together, they found a unique balance between their different styles. Caleb and Isaac’s grungy guitars, Nate’s bluesy bass, Hannah’s jazzy keys, and Rose’s folksy vocals somehow blended into something beautiful and raw. Secondary Faith played their first gig at a school assembly and stole the show. Word spread rapidly about this distinctive band, and they soon packed local pubs and even managed to catch the attention of a record label scout. Now, they’re on the cusp of breaking out onto the international music scene, offering something fresh and unique to the world of music.

Genre:
Alternative/Indie Rock with elements of Folk, Blues, and Jazz.

Title:
“Chasing Shadows”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
[C] In a town that’s lost in [G] time,
[Am] Dreaming under the neon [F] skies.
[C] We found love on those [G] lonely nights,
[Am] Dancing with the ghosts under the [F] city lights.

(Chorus)
[G] Chasing shadows, losing [Am] faith,
[F] Finding solace in this [C] lonely place.
[G] We are dreamers, we are [Am] brave,
[F] In this world, we have our [C] own space.

(Verse 2)
[C] The days bleed into [G] nights,
[Am] As we keep our dreams [F] alive.
[C] We are warriors in our [G] own right,
[Am] Holding onto faith every [F] single night.

(Chorus)
[G] Chasing shadows, losing [Am] faith,
[F] Finding solace in this [C] lonely place.
[G] We are dreamers, we are [Am] brave,
[F] In this world, we have our [C] own space.

(Bridge)
[Am] We are the wayward souls, [G] lost at sea,
[F] Chasing dreams and [C] secondary faith.
[Am] We are the dreamers, [G] we are free,
[F] In this world, we have our [C] own space.

(Chorus)
[G] Chasing shadows, losing [Am] faith,
[F] Finding solace in this [C] lonely place.
[G] We are dreamers, we are [Am] brave,
[F] In this world, we have our [C] own space.

Outro:
[C] In a town that’s lost in [G] time,
[Am] We found love under the neon [F] lights…

Fan Testimonial:
Meet Liam, an ardent fan of Secondary Faith.

“I’ve been a fan of Secondary Faith since their first gig at the local pub. Their music is an eclectic blend of different styles, giving it a unique flavor that’s distinct and refreshing. It’s not just their music that’s captivating but also the raw emotions they pour into every performance. They’ve become my favorite band because their songs resonate with me on a deep level. ‘Chasing Shadows,’ for instance, has become my anthem; it’s about chasing dreams and holding onto faith even in the most challenging times. And that’s what connects me to Secondary Faith – their music isn’t just entertainment, it’s a companion, a beacon of hope.”

Backstory:

In the bustling cityscape of London, England, four bookworms – James, Mark, Kirsty, and Paul – came together, drawn by their shared love for music and literature. In conversation, they found that they all had one peculiar thing in common – they had all, at one time or another, tried to read the dictionary from cover to cover! From this singular discovery, “Even Dictionary” was born in the heart of 2008, a band that sought to blend their love for words and music into a joyous, melodious celebration.

Despite their seemingly incompatible backgrounds – a librarian, a literary critic, a bookstore owner, and an English teacher – their common passions led them to develop a unique vocabulary of their own, creating a distinctively harmonious sound. Their journey was not without its struggles – wrestling with creative differences, financial instability, and the challenge of making their unique concept appealing to a broader audience. However, their determination prevailed, and they soon found their niche, becoming the beloved band they are today.

Genre:

Indie Pop/Rock

Title:

“Lost in Lexicon”

Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
Am G
Walked these pages, line by line,
F G
Ink-stained fingers, thoughts entwine.
Am G
In a world of black and white,
F G
Searching for a word so bright.

(Chorus)
C G
Lost in lexicon, weaving dreams,
Am F
Between the margins, in silent screams.
C G
In alphabets, where we belong,
Am F
A symphony in every song.

(Verse 2)
Am G
Syllables whisper, letters shout,
F G
In the silence, words ring out.
Am G
In nocturnal libraries, we unite,
F G
A constellation of verses, our shared flight.

(Chorus)
C G
Lost in lexicon, weaving dreams,
Am F
Between the margins, in silent screams.
C G
In alphabets, where we belong,
Am F
A symphony in every song.

(Bridge)
Dm E
In every noun, and each verb,
F E
A story unheard, a voice undisturbed.
Dm E
In the web of words we spin,
F E
We find where we end, where you begin.

(Chorus)
C G
Lost in lexicon, weaving dreams,
Am F
Between the margins, in silent screams.
C G
In alphabets, where we belong,
Am F
A symphony in every song.

Fan:

The band’s favorite fan is Grace Thompson, a 17-year-old high-school student who says, “Even Dictionary isn’t just a band to me, they’re my safe haven. They’ve turned language into a soundscape, a magical world I can escape to when reality gets too loud. Their songs aren’t just melodies; they’re stories that touch the heart. They’ve made me fall in love with words in a way I never thought I could. Their music is the rhythm to my life.”

Backstory:

Talkative Development was born out of love for music and unique storytelling. The band members, Jamie on vocals, Adam on bass, Dave on drums and Mike on keys, met at a local open mic night in their hometown of Portland, Oregon, where they were all pursuing solo careers. They quickly realized their shared passion for music that crosses boundaries and genres, and decided to form a band. The distinctive name “Talkative Development” came from their philosophy of evolving their music through constant conversation and experimentation. Their journey began in 2018, and since then, the band has been making waves in the indie music scene.

Genre:

Talkative Development’s music can be best described as Indie Rock with elements of Folk and Blues.

Title:

“Chasing Echoes”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
Am F C G
Living in the shadows, feeling quite hollow,
Am F C G
Clearing my mind, but it’s a tough swallow.
Am F C G
Hearing whispers from the past,
Am F C G
In this life, nothing seems to last.

(Chorus)
Am F C G
We’re just chasing echoes, in the night,
Am F C G
Hoping for a future, that’s bright.
Am F C G
Tangled in the web, of our dreams,
Am F C G
Life is not, always as it seems.

(Verse 2)
Am F C G
Running from shadows, that chase,
Am F C G
In this never-ending, life’s race.
Am F C G
Seeking solace, in our song,
Am F C G
With music, we can never go wrong.

(Chorus)
Am F C G
We’re just chasing echoes, in the night,
Am F C G
Yearning for a love, that feels right.
Am F C G
In the silence, we find our voice,
Am F C G
In music, we find our choice.

Fan’s Name:

Jennifer Smith

Testimonial:

“Talkative Development’s music speaks to me on a personal level, like they’re narrating my life through their songs. As a lover of indie rock, I find their unique blend of folk and blues refreshing in today’s music scene. Each song has layers of emotion and storytelling that makes their music relatable. I’ve been a fan since their first show in Portland and have been following their journey ever since. They’re not just a band, they’re a musical experience.”

Backstory:

Square Size was formed in the bustling city of San Francisco in 2007 by four childhood friends: Alex Thompson (lead vocals, guitar), Ryan Mulberry (bass), Oliver Rogers (drums), and Grace Kim (keyboards). All four members grew up on the same block and spent countless hours playing in garages, dreaming of making it big in the music industry. They named their band ‘Square Size’ as a nod to their humble beginnings, rehearsing in a cramped, square-sized garage. In their early days, they played in local venues and bars before they were discovered by a talent scout at a battle-of-the-bands competition in 2009. Their journey from a garage band to achieving national acclaim is a testament to their talent, resilience, and comradery.

Genre:
Indie Rock

Title:
“Corner of Memories”

Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
C G Am F
In the square size garage, where we used to play,
C G Am F
On the corner of memories, from those golden days.

(Chorus)
C G Am F
Oh, the echoes of laughter, the dreams we spun,
C G Am F
In the corner of memories, under the setting sun.

(Verse 2)
C G Am F
We strummed on the strings, to the beat of our heart,
C G Am F
In the corner of memories, where we got our start.

(Chorus)
C G Am F
From a square size garage, to the shining stage,
C G Am F
In the corner of memories, we came of age.

(Outro)
C G Am F
We remember every echo, every beat, every line,
C G Am F
In the corner of memories, where we shine.

Fan’s Testimonial:

My name is Sarah James and I’ve been a hardcore fan of Square Size since their days playing at local bars. Their music has seen me through my toughest times, it’s like a solace in the storm. I admire them for their authentic lyrics and raw sound, which, I believe, beautifully captures the essence of the human experience. Their song “Corner of Memories” is my absolute favorite. Every time I listen to it, I am transported back to my own cherished memories. For me, Square Size is not just a band, they are my companions through life’s journey.

Backstory:

Late Receiver started their journey in the small town of Texarkana, Texas. The band members – Dale McAllister (vocals), Paul Givens (guitar), Mark Willis (drums), and Carl Jennings (bass) – were childhood friends who grew up exploring their mutual love for music in their garages and basements. A fateful night at a local talent show, they discovered their synchrony and potential and decided to form Late Receiver. They moved to Austin, chasing their dreams, braving countless gigs in dive bars, and surviving on ramen and passion. After years of perseverance, Late Receiver finally got their break when an indie record label noted their distinctive sound during a festival performance.

Genre:

Alternative Rock

Title:

“Chasing Shadows”

Full Song Lyrics:

(V1)
[G] Lost in the maze, [D] staring at the stars,
[Em] We were young, [C] dreaming of guitars.
[G] Running wild, [D] in the city lights,
[Em] Not knowing where we’d go, [C] on those long Texarkana nights.

(Chorus)
[G] Chasing shadows, [D] in the moonlit haze,
[Em] Strumming chords, [C] and setting our hearts ablaze.
[G] We’re Late Receiver, [D] echoing our battle cries,
[Em] Through the music, [C] we truly come alive.

(V2)
[G] Austin nights, [D] playing in the bars,
[Em] Struggling days, [C] healing our scars.
[G] Our dreams were alive, [D] in every strum,
[Em] We knew our time, [C] would surely come.

(Chorus)
[G] Chasing shadows, [D] in the moonlit haze,
[Em] Strumming chords, [C] and setting our hearts ablaze.
[G] We’re Late Receiver, [D] echoing our battle cries,
[Em] Through the music, [C] we truly come alive.

Bands Favorite Fan Testimonial:

Our favorite fan is Sarah Mitchell. Sarah has been there since our initial days, attending our shows, cheering us on when the crowd was thin, and spreading the word about our music. She once said, “Late Receiver isn’t just a band; it’s a journey. Their music resonates deeply with me, it’s like they’re voicing out my emotions, my struggles, and my dreams. Their song “Chasing Shadows” is my anthem. It tells me to keep going, keep fighting, and keep dreaming. To me, that’s the power of Late Receiver.” Sarah, you’re a part of our journey, and we’re grateful for your unwavering support.

Backstory:
Hideous Adjustment was born in the garages of suburban Seattle back in 2010. The band was originally formed by a group of high school mates who shared an enthusiasm for music that deviated from the mainstream. Max Stewart (vocals), Leon Parks (lead guitar), Andy Clarke (drums), and Ben Richards (bass), initially started off as an experimental group, but as they navigated through their shared love for music, they began to discover their unique sound. Their music resonated with their audience, enabling them to establish a strong underground following which eventually led to the signing of their first record deal in 2012.

Genre:
Alternative Rock and Grunge

Title:
“Howling Nightmares”

Full Song Lyrics with Chord Progression:
(Verse 1 – Em-C-G-D)
Em
In the heart of the city, under the glaring lights,
C
We’ve found solace in the shadows, blurring wrongs and rights,
G
Through the concrete jungle, in the darkest of nights,
D
We’re the howling nightmares, taking flight.

(Chorus – Am-Em-G-D)
Am
Can you hear us? Can you feel this?
Em
We’re the voice of the forgotten, singing for bliss,
G
In the corners of despair, we ignite a fight,
D
We are the howling nightmares, your beacon of light.

(Verse 2 – Em-C-G-D)
Em
Drowning in the silence, swallowed by the crowd,
C
Our voices echo, defiant and loud,
G
In the realm of the lost, where we’re unbound,
D
We’re the howling nightmares, standing our ground.

(Chorus – Am-Em-G-D)
Am
Can you hear us? Can you feel this?
Em
We’re the melody of the misfits, in chaos we coexist,
G
We’re the screaming truth, in your world of lies,
D
We are the howling nightmares, your unforeseen allies.

Favorite Fan’s Name:
Billy Harper

Billy Harper’s Testimonial:
Hideous Adjustment isn’t just a band to me. They’re my escape, my solace, my inspiration. Their raw energy and passion for going against the grain resonate with me on levels no other music does. As someone who has always felt like an outsider, their music gives me a sense of belonging. Their songs like “Howling Nightmares” encapsulate the raw emotions of struggle, defiance, and hope. This band is my favorite because they remind me every day that it’s okay to be different and that our voices matter, no matter how hideous the adjustment.

Backstory:
Hailing from the quirky art scene of Portland, Oregon, Uniform Horse is a band that evolved out of a shared appreciation for the offbeat and the unconventional. Its founding members, guitarist Paul “Pixie” Higgs and drummer Seb “The Beat Maestro” Wilson, were childhood friends who grew up playing music together in their basements. When they discovered vocalist Kat “Nightbird” Norris at a local coffee shop open mic night, they knew they had found the missing piece to their musical puzzle. Bassist Liam “Low Note” Donovan joined the band shortly after, rounding out the group and solidifying the unique sound of Uniform Horse.

The band has grown from their humble beginnings playing in local bars to rocking out on the stages of major music festivals across the country. Their infectious energy, distinctive sound, and occasional audience interaction (throwing stuffed toy horses into the crowd) have made them a favorite with fans and critics alike.

Genre:
Indie Rock / Experimental Pop

Title:
“Carousel Breakdown”

Full Song Lyrics:
(V) [Em] Looking at the [C] merry-go-round [G] going round and [D] round,
[Em] Spinning horses [C] up and down in [G] suspended animation. [D]
(V) [Em] You in your uniform [C] standing tall, [G] beneath the carnival [D] lights,
[Em] A carousel horse [C] in the midst of the [G] thrumming night. [D]

(Chorus) [G] Carousel Breakdown, [D] spinning around,
[Em] Fast then slow, [C] high then low,
[G] Uniform horse [D] keep holding on,
[Em] Through the breakdown, [C] till dawn.

(V) [Em] Lost in the rhythm, [C] the neon glow, [G] I forget to [D] blink,
[Em] Uniform horse, [C] what do you see, [G] on the edge of the [D] brink?

(Chorus) [G] Carousel Breakdown, [D] spinning around,
[Em] Fast then slow, [C] high then low,
[G] Uniform horse [D] keep holding on,
[Em] Through the breakdown, [C] till dawn.

(Outro) [Em] As the music fades, [C] the lights dim low, [G] the horses slow [D] down,
[Em] You’re still there, [C] the uniform horse, [G] the king without a [D] crown.

Fan’s Name and Testimonial:
Sara Jameson – “Uniform Horse is, without a doubt, my favorite band. Their music feels like it reaches into the very core of my soul, pulling out emotions I didn’t even know I had. Their song “Carousel Breakdown” is a metaphorical masterpiece that resonates with me on so many levels. But it’s not just their music, it’s also their quirky personalities, their onstage antics, and their deep connection with their fans that make them unique. I once caught one of their thrown toy horses at a show, and now it sits on my desk as a reminder of that amazing night. Long live Uniform Horse!”