Backstory:

Hailing from the Midwestern heartland of Ames, Iowa, Disfigured Sheep is a band that embraces their oddity. Founded by childhood friends, lead singer Benjamin “Benny” McManus and drummer Daniel “Danny” Langley, the band was born out of their shared love for music and their penchant for the peculiar. Benny and Danny named their band after an incident involving a misadventure with a can of fluorescent spray paint and an unsuspecting barnyard animal. As they evolved, Disfigured Sheep embraced this spirit of the bizarre, pouring it into their music and performances.

The band skyrocketed to fame after their single, “Neon Pasture,” went viral on YouTube. Their quirky yet insightful lyrics, coupled with their memorable stage presence, quickly garnered them a dedicated fanbase. With the addition of guitarist Ronnie “Rabbit” Smith and bassist Frederick “Freddy” Dale, Disfigured Sheep solidified their iconic sound and image, cementing their place in the annals of eccentric music history.

Genre:
Alternative Rock / Indie

Title:
“Cornfield Cosmos”

Full Song Lyrics with Chord Progression:

(Verse 1)
[G] Underneath the Midwest sky, [D] where the cornfields grow so high,
[Em] Came across a sight so queer, [C] a neon sheep in the clear.
[G] A can of paint in my hand, [D] an idea, oh so grand,
[Em] In the quiet Iowa night, [C] we set the barnyard alight.

(Chorus)
[G] In our cornfield cosmos, [D] where the neon sheep roams,
[Em] Sprayed against the canvas of the night, [C] an otherworldly light.
[G] In our cornfield cosmos, [D] beneath the stars’ grand dome,
[Em] We find our rhythm, our home, [C] in the glow of our neon tome.

(Verse 2)
[G] Came to life under starlight, [D] bathed in the neon-radiant light,
[Em] Disfigured sheep, our emblem bright, [C] a beacon in the endless night.
[G] With our music, loud and clear, [D] we let go of all our fear,
[Em] In this cosmic tableau, [C] we found our sound, our glow.

(Chorus)
[G] In our cornfield cosmos, [D] where the neon sheep roams,
[Em] Our melody is the wind’s sighs, [C] our drumbeat, the earth’s cries.
[G] In our cornfield cosmos, [D] under the moon’s soft glow,
[Em] We etch our tune, our ode, [C] in the heart of the open road.

Favorite Fan:

Her name is Jenny, a bookstore owner from Ames. Jenny says, “Disfigured Sheep isn’t just a band, it’s a movement. Their music speaks to the oddball in all of us, celebrating our quirks and eccentricities. I’ve never felt more at home than I do at their concerts. It’s as if they’ve painted a neon sheep in the heart of every fan. Their lyrics resonate with me, and their melody is the soundtrack of my life. Their song ‘Cornfield Cosmos’ is my anthem. It’s a testament to their genius, a symphony of the strange, and I wouldn’t have it any other way.”

Backstory:
Born in the icy landscapes of Anchorage, Alaska, ‘Frigid Size’ formed in 2009 when childhood friends Carl ‘Frostbite’ Jackson (lead vocalist and rhythm guitarist) and Jimmy ‘Glacier’ Adams (lead guitarist) bumped into each other at a local music festival. Rekindling their shared love for music, they decided to form a band with two other locals: Eric ‘Blizzard’ Patterson (bassist) and Tommy ‘Iceberg’ Anderson (drummer). The foursome’s shared experiences of harsh Alaskan winters became the core essence of their music, as they fused their frostbitten surroundings with their love for rock and roll.

The band’s meteoric rise to fame began when their first EP ‘Alaskan Echoes’ caught the attention of a prominent local radio station. The sudden blast of popularity that Frigid Size garnered was just the nudge they needed to take their music global. Their music, just like the Alaskan winters they grew up in, is raw and captivates listeners with their unique, frigid soundscapes.

Genre:
Post-Hardcore / Alternative Rock

Song Title:
Arctic Shadows

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1 – Am, G, F, C)
Am G
In a land where the sun never rises,
F C
Love keeps us warm in the surprises.
Am G
Underneath the Aurora’s dances,
F C
We found our chances.

(Chorus – G, D, Em, C)
G D
Arctic Shadows, in our heart it glows,
Em C
This is our scene, beneath the frosty sheen.
G D
Through the icy gales, our love never fails,
Em C
In the Arctic Shadows, our story unfolds.

(Verse 2 – Am, G, F, C)
Am G
Glacier whispers, tell me your secrets,
F C
In your depth, our love projects.
Am G
Frozen lakes, mirror of our soul,
F C
In your reflection, we become whole.

(Repeat Chorus)

(Outro – G, D, Em, C)
G D
In the Arctic Shadows we roam,
Em C
Alaska, our frigid home.
G D
Though the winter bites, love ignites,
Em C
In the Arctic Shadows, we seek our lights.

Fan’s Testimonial:
Name: Alex ‘Polar’ Peters
“Being born and raised in Alaska, Frigid Size’s music resonates deeply with me. Their songs are more than just catchy tunes; they tell stories of our homeland, our struggles, and our triumphs. ‘Arctic Shadows,’ in particular, really encapsulates the harsh yet beautiful life here in Alaska. I’ve been to every local gig they’ve played and have all their merch. Frigid Size is my favorite simply because they represent our Alaskan spirit in every strum and beat. They’re not just a band; they’re a symbol of our resilience and unity.”

Backstory:

Well-Groomed Level was formed in the vibrant arts scene of San Francisco in 2012. The members, lead vocalist Jason “Jay” Peters, guitarist Scott “Scotty” Reynolds, bassist Colin “CJ” James, and drummer Marco “Mars” Sanchez, met while studying at the Berkeley School of Music. They bonded over their shared love for classic rock, indie pop, and a shared dream of having their music heard by the world. Starting from humble beginnings playing small gigs in local cafes and bars, their unique sound quickly caught the attention of record labels and before long, they had signed their first record deal.

Genre:

Indie Pop/Rock

Title:

“Cafe Corner”

Full Song Lyrics:

[Verse 1]
Em C
Ain’t it funny how life goes,
G D
We were just kids with big dreams.
Em C
Lost in books and Echoes,
G D
Now we’re making our own scenes

[Chorus]
Em C G
On the cafe corner, under the city lights,
D Em
We found our rhythm, found our fight.
Em C G
Strumming chords, and spinning tales,
D Em
We’re the ship that finally sails.

[Verse 2]
Em C
We’ve come from far, made our mark,
G D
On the canvas of the city.
Em C
Our notes, a spark,
G D
In the heart of the gritty.

[Chorus]
Em C G
On the cafe corner, chasing the moonlight,
D Em
We found our melody, found our flight.
Em C G
In the rhythm of the night,
D Em
We’re the stars that shine so bright.

Fan’s Testimonial:

Fan’s name: Lisa Chen

Lisa says, “I’ve been a fan of Well-Groomed Level since their early Berkeley days. Their unique blend of indie pop/rock instantly resonated with me. Their lyrics have a way of speaking directly to my experiences, making me feel understood. Music has always been my escape, and their songs provide the perfect soundtrack to my life. ‘Cafe Corner’ especially, is an anthem that reminds me of my own dreams and ambitions. They’re my favorite band because they inspire me with their music and their journey.”

Backstory:

Apt Faith started as a group of college friends from the University of Washington, all majoring in different fields, yet bound by their shared love for music. Comprised of lead vocalist and acoustic guitarist Evan Hamilton, bass guitarist Kurt Bryce, drummer Mark Sanders, and lead guitarist and vocalist Ryan Anderson, the band formed in the fall of 2010. Their first gig was at a local bar in Seattle, a performance that initially began as a one-time thing became the start of their musical journey. The magic happened when they started writing and performing their own songs, earning local fame and later signing a record deal with an indie label.

Genre:

Apt Faith creates music in the Contemporary Christian genre, fusing elements of rock, folk, and gospel in their songs. They are known for their heartfelt lyrics and a unique sound that resonates with their audience.

Title:

One of their most popular songs is titled “Guiding Light”

Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
[G] In the depths of the [C] darkest night, [D] when hope seems out of [Em] sight,
[G] I call upon your [C] name, [D] you’re my guiding [Em] light.
[G] In the chaos of the [C] storm, [D] when I feel lost and [Em] worn,
[G] Your love, it keeps me [C] warm, [D] you’re my guiding [Em] light.

(Chorus)
[D] You’re the beacon in the [G] night, [C] The star that shines so [D] bright,
[G] In you, I take [C] flight, [D] you’re my guiding [Em] light.
[D] When I can’t find my [G] way, [C] Your love will never [D] stray,
[G] In you, I am [C] okay, [D] you’re my guiding [Em] light.

(Verse 2)
[G] In the quiet of the [C] dawn, [D] when I’m feeling weak and [Em] drawn,
[G] Your words, they spur me [C] on, [D] you’re my guiding [Em] light.
[G] In the echo of my [C] fears, [D] you wipe away my [Em] tears,
[G] In you, I have no [C] fears, [D] you’re my guiding [Em] light.

(Chorus)
[D] You’re the beacon in the [G] night, [C] The star that shines so [D] bright,
[G] In you, I take [C] flight, [D] you’re my guiding [Em] light.
[D] When I can’t find my [G] way, [C] Your love will never [D] stray,
[G] In you, I am [C] okay, [D] you’re my guiding [Em] light.

Fan Testimonial:

Apt Faith’s biggest fan is a woman named Lucy. She says, “Apt Faith is my favorite band because their music genuinely uplifts me. Their lyrics have depth, and I feel a sense of connection with each song. I’ve been through tough times, and their music has always been a source of comfort and strength for me. Their song ‘Guiding Light’ is my personal anthem. I feel like it’s written for me. It’s about faith, hope, and love – the things that Apt Faith embodies in their music and their interaction with fans. They are not just musicians; they are a blessing.”

Backstory:
Upset Chapter was formed in the sultry heat of Atlanta, Georgia in the basement of a vintage record shop. The band consists of four members: lead vocalist Lily Hamilton, guitarist Jake O’Connor, bassist Mike Simmons, and drummer Casey Green. They first met each other during an open mic night, each performing independently but drawing inspiration from each other’s unique styles. They decided to combine their individual talents and formed a band that would soon capture the hearts of many, calling themselves “Upset Chapter” to signify the trials they’ve had to overcome in their lives.

Genre:
Alternative Rock

Title:
“Unwritten Pages”

Full Song Lyrics:
[Verse 1]
Em C
Caught in the shadows of yesterday’s lies,
G D
Tangled in memories we can’t deny.
Em C
We’re the Upset Chapter, turning the page,
G D
Unwritten future for a brand new age.

[Chorus]
Em C G D
Can’t you see, we’re born to be,
Em C G D
Wild and free, just you and me.
Em C G D
Unwritten pages, untamed stages,
Em C G D
In this book, let’s take a look.

[Verse 2]
Em C
In the glow of moonlight, we play our sound,
G D
Echoing heartbeats, they surround.
Em C
We’re the Upset Chapter, with lyrics so raw,
G D
Strumming the chords that defy the law.

[Chorus]
Em C G D
Can’t you see, we’re meant to be,
Em C G D,
Wild and free, in harmony.
Em C G D
Unwritten pages, unchained ages,
Em C G D
In this book, let’s take a look.

[Outro]
Em C G D
We are the Upset Chapter, in a world so rife,
Em C G D
Penning the tales of our strife,
Em C G D
But in these unwritten pages, we find our life.

Favorite Fan:
The band’s favorite fan is Emily Thompson. Emily was the first person to ever buy their EP at their debut gig. She’s been at every single one of their concerts, knows the lyrics to all their songs, and even runs an online fan club for them. Emily believes that Upset Chapter is her favorite band because their music resonates with her own life struggles. The band’s raw, emotion-driven lyrics and powerful chord progressions give her a sense of comfort and understanding. She says, “When I listen to Upset Chapter, I feel seen. Their music tells my story. It gets me through rough days and makes good ones even better. They’re more than just a band to me – they’re my lifeline.”

Backstory:

Tender Coil was born out of the melancholy heartland of Akron, Ohio in the mid-2000s. It was formed by childhood friends and self-taught musicians, Mike Anderson and Joe Baker. They were two guys who spent their teenage years holed up in their bedrooms, learning to play guitar and write songs under the influence of alternative rock and folk legends. Tired of the monotony of their small-town life, they decided to chase their musical dreams, thus Tender Coil was born. Going through the highs and lows together, they’ve managed to hold onto their passion for music, creating soulful and introspective songs that resonate deeply with their growing audience.

Genre:

Alt-folk / Indie Rock

Title:

“Shadows of the Sunrise”

Full song lyrics:

(Verse 1)
[Am] Shadows of the sunrise, [G] dancing on my wall
[F] Waking up to emptiness, [Em] feeling so small
[Dm] Longing for your touch, [Am] lost in the fall
[G] Trying to find myself, [F] lost in your thrall

(Chorus)
[C] Oh, Shadows of the sunrise, [G] why do you haunt me so?
[Am] Reminding me of love, [Em] that was never meant to grow
[F] I’m living in your echo, [C] beneath the afterglow
[Dm] In the shadows of the sunrise, [G] where did you go?

(Verse 2)
[Am] Stories of the past, [G] keeping me awake
[F] In the silence of the night, [Em] feeling the ache
[Dm] Whispering your name, [Am] my heartbreak’s stake
[G] Drowning in my tears, [F] in the lake of heartache

(Chorus)
[C] Oh, Shadows of the sunrise, [G] why do you haunt me so?
[Am] Reminding me of love, [Em] that was never meant to grow
[F] I’m living in your echo, [C] beneath the afterglow
[Dm] In the shadows of the sunrise, [G] where did you go?

(Bridge)
[Dm] Love is just a memory, [Am] fading with the dawn
[C] I’m a ghost in the mirror, [G] wondering where I belong

(Chorus)
[C] Oh, Shadows of the sunrise, [G] why do you haunt me so?
[Am] Reminding me of love, [Em] that was never meant to grow
[F] I’m living in your echo, [C] beneath the afterglow
[Dm] In the shadows of the sunrise, [G] where did you go?

Testimonial (Fan’s Name: Jenny Thompson):

“Hi, I’m Jenny Thompson. Why do I love Tender Coil? It’s simple. They saved me. Their music, with its raw lyrics and haunting melodies, came to me during a difficult time in my life. It was as if they were singing my thoughts, expressing my feelings in a way I couldn’t. Their song ‘Shadows of the Sunrise’ became my anthem. Listening to it was like therapy. It helped me through the darkness and guided me towards the light. Tender Coil’s music feels real, it feels genuine. I feel seen and heard, and that has made all the difference.”

Backstory:
Extra-Small Parent began as a trio of high school friends from the suburbs of New York City. Lead singer and guitarist Luke ‘Shrimp’ Romano, bassist Toby ‘Tadpole’ Johnson, and drummer Kyle ‘Kid’ Stevens bonded over their shared love for music, being the shortest members in their respective families, and their uncanny ability to bring laughter into any situation. After graduation, they decided to put their differences aside and create a band that was an eclectic mix of their personalities and musical tastes. Despite their small stature, Extra-Small Parent boasts a stage presence that belies their size, packing a powerful punch with their high-energy performances.

Their journey has been a roller coaster ride, from playing at local bars to eventually getting a break at the famous SXSW festival where their quirky name and electrifying performance caught the attention of a major label. The band maintains their early charm by engaging their audience with humble humor, making them a hit amongst fans of all ages.

Genre:
Pop Punk

Title:
“Battle of the Giants”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
[G]Woke up this morning [Em]feeling kinda small
[Am]Looking at the mirror on my [D]bedroom wall
[G]Thinking to myself, [Em]“I got something to say”
[Am]But the words get lost in [D]a major way

(Chorus)
[G]I’m an extra-small parent in [Em]a giant’s world
[Am]Throwing stones at dragons with [D]my courage unfurled
[G]Yeah, I may be tiny but [Em]I got a giant’s soul
[Am]In the battle of the giants, [D]I’m gonna take control

(Verse 2)
[G]Stepped out in the city, [Em]the lights are too bright
[Am]Got a pocket full of dreams in the [D]dead of the night
[G]Shadows may be daunting, [Em]but I’m ready to fight,
[Am]With my heart on my sleeve and [D]the stars in sight.

(Chorus)
[G]I’m an extra-small parent in [Em]a giant’s world
[Am]Throwing stones at dragons with [D]my courage unfurled
[G]Yeah, I may be tiny but [Em]I got a giant’s soul
[Am]In the battle of the giants, [D]I’m gonna take control

(Outro)
[G]So here’s to the small ones, [Em]the brave and the bold
[Am]May your stories forever be [D]told
[G]Remember the smallest can [Em]still stand tall,
[Am]In the end, size doesn’t matter [D]at all.

Fan’s Name:
Sarah Turner

Testimonial:
Sarah Turner, a die-hard fan of Extra-Small Parent, shares her perspective: “I was instantly drawn to their relatable lyrics and energetic performances. They have a refreshing, raw honesty about them that’s rare in today’s music industry. As a petite person, their songs, especially ‘Battle of the Giants’, resonates with me on a personal level, reminding me that size isn’t a measure of worth or ability. Their music fuels me with courage and confidence. They may be Extra-Small Parents, but they have an extra-large impact on my life.”

Backstory:

Inborn Crew is a band of childhood friends, born and raised in the southern city of Nashville, who took their love for music from the streets to the starlight. The crew comprises of lead vocalist and guitarist, Rory Thompson, bassist, Landon Mitchell, drummer, Kyle Sanders, and keyboardist, Kevin Peterson. They all grew up in the same neighborhood, sharing the same school bus, the same dreams, and an unending passion for music. They started out as a garage band, playing in local gigs and school events until one fateful night at a charity concert where they were discovered by a renowned music producer. The rest, as they say, is history.

Genre:

Inborn Crew’s music belongs to the genre of Alternative Rock, with a sprinkle of country influences, reflecting their roots.

Title:

“One Way Street”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
C G Am F
Walking down a one-way street,
C G F
Under the moon’s gentle beat,
Am G F
Chasing dreams, both bitter and sweet,
C G Am
Just trying to make our ends meet.

(Chorus)
F C G Am
In this life, it’s a one-way street,
F C G
With no rewind, no retreat,
Am F C G
Just a rhythm, a heart’s beat,
F C G
On this one-way street.

(Verse 2)
C G Am F
Friends and lovers, come and go,
C G F
Memories, in shadows they glow,
Am G F
On this road, as we grow,
C G Am
Only the brave, the journey know.

(Repeat Chorus)

(Final Chorus)
F C G Am
Down this long, one-way street,
F C G
You and I, we chance to meet,
Am F C G
Bound by rhythm, by heart’s beat,
F C G
On this one-way street.

Testimonial:

“My name is Jenny Hart, Inborn Crew’s most fervent fan. Their music speaks to my soul in a way that no other music has done before. The raw emotions in their lyrics, the harmony of their melody; it’s as if they’ve seen into my heart and are singing my life back to me. They are my favorite band because they make me feel seen, understood, and a part of something bigger. Their music has been my rock during tough times, inspiring me and giving me hope. They’re not just a band to me; they’re a lifeline.”

Backstory:

Hailing from the gritty underbelly of Seattle, Washington, Violent Campaign was born in the dingy garages and hidden basement gigs of the city’s alternative rock scene. Founded in 2012 by childhood friends Jake ‘Blitz’ Blackwood (vocals/guitar) and Karen ‘Kaos’ O’Reilly (drums), the group emerged as an unapologetic protest against the sanitized sound dominating mainstream radio. Their electrifying performances in local venues attracted the attention of bassist Leo ‘Loudmouth’ Larkin, who joined the duo in 2013, solidifying the band’s iconic lineup.

Their path to the top was far from straightforward, but their relentless dedication to their craft, combined with their raw, unfiltered delivery, catapulted them to the forefront of the alternative rock scene. Their explosive rise was followed by a series of chart-topping albums, setting the stage for Violent Campaign to etch their name in the annals of rock music history.

Genre:

Alternative Rock

Title:

“Dystopian Dream”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
Em C
On the streets of a broken city
G D
I found my heart and soul
Em C
In the echoes of the forgotten
G D
Lies a story yet untold

(Chorus)
Em C G
In a Dystopian Dream, we scream
D Em
Fight for what we know
C G
In the night’s cold gleam, we dream
D Em
Of a world that we can own

(Verse 2)
Em C
Through the smoke of a thousand battles
G D
I see a light that shines
Em C
In the heart of the forsaken
G D
A hope that never dies

(Chorus)
Em C G
In a Dystopian Dream, we scream
D Em
Stand against the tide
C G
In the night’s dark scheme, we dream
D Em
Of a dawn on the other side

(Favorite Fan’s name: Charlie)

Testimonial:

“Charlie here! Man, Violent Campaign just strikes a chord in me, you know? Their music isn’t just sound – it’s raw emotion, a protest against conformity and a call to arms for anyone who’s ever felt like they don’t quite fit. I’ve followed them from their humble beginnings in the Seattle underground to their current status as alternative rock royalty. There’s something about the raw, powerful lyrics of their songs and the unapologetic way they deliver them that just speaks to me. Every time I listen to “Dystopian Dream,” I feel like I’m part of something bigger. They don’t just make music; they start revolutions.”

Backstory:
“That Memory” is the brainchild of four friends – Alex, Billy, Carl, and Daniel – who started their journey in a university dorm room. Strumming their guitars and scribbling lyrics on napkins, they turned late-night jam sessions into a musical pursuit that would eventually transform their lives. Their music resonated with their peers, and word of mouth spread, leading to their first gig at a local bar. The gig turned into a series of performances, and the band’s popularity grew exponentially. Known for their poignant lyrics and soulful melodies, “That Memory” has become a symbol of lost love, nostalgia, and the power of memory in shaping our lives.

Genre:
Indie Pop

Title:
“Echoes of Yesterday”

Full Song Lyrics:

[Verse]
C G Am F
Walking down the streets where we used to roam,
C G Am F
Silent whispers echoing, bringing us home.
C G Am F
Shadows dance, a familiar sight,
C G Am F
In the echoes of yesterday, under the moonlight.

[Chorus]
Dm Em F G
In the echoes of yesterday, we find our way,
Dm Em F G
Through the paths of love, where memories lay.
Dm Em F G
The laughter, the tears, they’re here to stay,
Dm Em F G
In the echoes of yesterday, we sway.

[Verse]
C G Am F
Nostalgic winds, they softly blow,
C G Am F
In the alleys of our hearts, making memories glow.
C G Am F
The songs we sang, the dreams we shared,
C G Am F
In the echoes of yesterday, we dared.

[Chorus]
Dm Em F G
In the echoes of yesterday, we find our truth,
Dm Em F G
In the timeless love of our unspent youth.
Dm Em F G
The sights, the sounds, they never fray,
Dm Em F G
In the echoes of yesterday, we play.

Favorite Fan:
Their most dedicated fan is a young woman named Lily, who fell in love with their music at their very first gig. She felt that “That Memory” was able to capture her own experiences with love and memory so accurately that their music became a solace for her. Lily states, “Their music is like a comforting hand, soothing the ache of the past and painting a hopeful picture of the future. Each song from ‘That Memory’ is a journey in itself, taking me through memories I thought I had forgotten. The raw emotions, the soulful tunes, and the sheer honesty in their lyrics make them my favorite band.”