Backstory:

Apprehensive Silence is a unique blend of four music enthusiasts who met in Tacoma, Washington, in 2009. The band members include lead vocalist and guitarist Jake Davis, bassist Andrew Thompson, drummer Mitch Reynolds, and keyboardist Carrie Smalls. Their journey began in a small garage, where they would spend countless hours creating musical masterpieces that perfectly capture the human condition. Each member brought their unique flavor of music, creating a fusion that culminated in the birth of Apprehensive Silence.

The band went through several stages of evolution before they found their unique sound. Despite the struggles, their passion for music and their bond as friends kept them going. Throughout their musical journey, they’ve stayed true to their roots, maintaining the authenticity that their fans have come to love. The band believes in the power of music to convey profound emotions and spark meaningful conversations, and this belief is reflected in their music.

Genre: Indie Alternative Rock

Title: “Echoes in the Abyss”

Full song lyrics:

(Verse 1)
Em [C] – Gone are the days, where we’d [G] dream and play,
[B7] – In fields of gold, now turned [Em] gray.
[C] – Absence of sound, in the [G] vacant space,
[B7] – Echoes in the abyss, lost without [Em] trace.

(Chorus)
[Em] – Echoes in the abyss, [G] silent cries,
[C] – Apprehensive silence, [D] truth in disguise.
[Em] – Are we just shadows, [G] passing by?
[C] – In the silent abyss, [D] echoes our goodbye.

(Verse 2)
[Em] [C]- Under the stars, in the [G] quiet night,
[B7] – Lost in thoughts, under the [Em] moonlight.
[C] – We’re just wanderers, in this [G] vast expanse,
[B7] – Searching for answers, in this silent [Em] dance.

(Repeat Chorus)

(Outro)
[Em] – Echoes in the abyss, [G] silent and deep,
[C] – In the apprehensive silence, [D] secrets we keep.
[Em] – As we journey on, [G] under the sky so wide,
[C] – In the silent abyss, [D] we confide.

Band’s Favorite Fan:

Our favorite fan is Sarah Jennings, an art teacher from Seattle. Sarah has been with us since our first gig in a local bar. She has traveled with us to concerts, always there in the front row, cheering us on. Sarah also creates incredible fan art inspired by our music, which we proudly display in our studio.

Sarah’s testimonial: “Apprehensive Silence has been my favorite band since I first heard them play in a small bar in Tacoma. Their music resonates deeply with me. It’s raw, real, and profound. It’s like they’ve put into words what we can’t say. Their music is my refuge, my solace. They’re not just a band to me; they’re my friends, my family.”

Backstory:

Oblong Green is a curious blend of five musicians who all met during their time studying at the University of Southern California. Despite their diverse backgrounds and musical preferences, they found themselves drawn together by their shared love of experimental sounds and the color green. They took the name Oblong Green, not just because it describes their favorite shape and color but also because they wanted their music to be as distinctive as their band’s name. The band members, Andy (vocals), Ben (guitar), Carlos (drums), Doug (bass) and Ethan (keyboard), all hail from different parts of the US, each bringing their unique regional influences to the band’s eclectic sound.

They spent their early years jamming in dorm rooms and small gigs at local bars. Their big break came when they were spotted by a talent scout at a music festival, who immediately recognized their unique sound and signed them to a major record label. Since then, Oblong Green has been gaining a steady fan base and stirring up the music scene with their out-of-the-box approach to music.

Genre:
Psychedelic Rock

Title:
“Fields of Verdant Hues”

Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
Am7 Em
Whispering winds of change,
F C
Dancing in the fields of verdant hues,
Am7 Em
Underneath the moon’s strange phase,
F C
Searching for a glimpse of truth.

(Chorus)
Dm Am
Oblong Green, our hearts serene,
F C
In the fields of verdant hues, we’ve seen,
Dm Am
Lost in dreams, in life’s great scheme,
F C
In Oblong Green, we find the means.

(Verse 2)
Am7 Em
In the corners of our wandering minds,
F C
Echoes of laughter, remnants of time,
Am7 Em
In the quest of love’s divine,
F C
In Oblong Green, we intertwine.

(Chorus)
Dm Am
Oblong Green, our hearts serene,
F C
In the fields of verdant hues, we’ve seen,
Dm Am
Lost in dreams, in life’s great scheme,
F C
In Oblong Green, we find the means.

The band’s favorite fan:
Name: Lily Martinez

Testimonial:
“I’ve been a fan of Oblong Green since their first dorm room jam session. Their music is like nothing I’ve ever heard before – it’s daring, soulful, and just a little bit strange. But that’s what I love about it. It’s not just background noise, it’s music that demands your attention. Their song ‘Fields of Verdant Hues’ is my absolute favorite. It’s like a sonic journey through a world that’s both familiar and wonderfully bizarre. I can’t wait to see where Oblong Green takes us next.”

Backstory:

Outstanding Motivation came together in a small Midwestern town, where each member was looking for an escape from their typical mundane lives. The band consists of lead singer and guitarist, Ryder Thompson, drummer, Max Fields, and bassist, Emily Hudson. Ryder and Max were high school buddies who spent their leisure time jamming in Max’s garage. Emily was an online friend they met through a music forum. She decided to take the plunge and move from NYC to join the band. They quickly discovered they had a chemistry that allowed them to create distinctive music, resonating with fans around the world.

The group’s journey wasn’t easy, though. They faced countless rejections and setbacks, but their shared passion and unwavering dedication helped them rise. Each hurdle only fueled their music, becoming a source of inspiration for their fans. As they started playing at local venues, their power-packed performances and heartfelt lyrics gained them a loyal fan base. Their story is a testament to their band name – an ‘Outstanding Motivation’ that no obstacle could dampen.

Genre:

Indie Rock

Title:

“Shadow and Sunbeam”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
Am Em G D
Shadow and sunbeam, fighting for a place in our dreams,
Am Em G D
In our hearts, we count the parts, that make us who we are.

(Chorus)
Am Em G D
Outstanding motivation, pushing through the fear,
Am Em G D
Riding on the rhythm, whispering in our ear.

(Verse 2)
Am Em G D
With every beat, we find our feet, dancing on the edge,
Am Em G D
A melody wrapped in harmony, a promise in a pledge.

(Chorus)
Am Em G D
Outstanding motivation, igniting the dark,
Am Em G D
Burning like a comet, leaving its mark.

(Bridge)
Am Em G D
Between the shadow and the sunbeam, we carve our name,
Am Em G D
In the book of dreams, where nothing stays the same.

(Chorus)
Am Em G D
Outstanding motivation, pulsing in our vein,
Am Em G D
Through every note, we stay afloat, in music’s sweet refrain.

Fan Testimonial:

Our favorite fan is a young man named Benny. He has been with us from our humble beginnings, attending every show, and energetically singing along every time. Benny says, “Outstanding Motivation isn’t just a band to me; they are my lifeline. Their music gives me strength and hope. The raw energy of their performances and the deep, personal lyrics reflect my life struggles. They remind me to keep going, no matter how tough the road gets. That’s why they are my favorite.”

Backstory:
Sweltering Disorder was born out of the sweltering heat of a summer garage jam session in Fort Worth, Texas back in 2011. The band initially comprised of high school buddies, lead vocalist and guitarist Ben “Benny” Rivers, drummer Sam “The Hammer” O’Donnell, and bassist Johnny “Bassmaster” Fielding. They were soon joined by classically trained pianist Lucia “Fingers” Martinez, who brought an eclectic twist to their sound. The band, originally just experimenting with their instruments for fun, found a unique musical chemistry brewing among them. Inspired by the disorderly and chaotic nature of their initial jam sessions, they named their band Sweltering Disorder. The music they created was as unpredictable and diverse as the Texas weather, representing the vibrancy of their collectively eclectic influences and styles.

Genre:
Sweltering Disorder fuses rock, blues, and a hint of indie pop, creating a unique blend that resonates with a broad spectrum of listeners.

Title:
“One Last Stand on Memory Lane”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
Em G D A
Remember when we were kings and queens,
Em G D A
Ruling our castle of abandoned dreams,
Em G D A
Laughing at the storm, dancing in the rain,
Em G D A
Lost in the magic of Memory Lane.

(Chorus)
C G D Em
Here’s to one last stand, my dear,
C G D Em
In the palace of the yesteryears,
C G D Em
Revel in the joy, drown out the pain,
C G D Em
One last stand on Memory Lane.

(Verse 2)
Em G D A
Nights were young, days were wild,
Em G D A
We were reckless, free, just a child,
Em G D A
In the embers of the past, let’s stake our claim,
Em G D A
For a fiery dance on Memory Lane.

(Chorus)
C G D Em
Here’s to one last stand, my friend,
C G D Em
In the shadows of the love we penned,
C G D Em
Toast to the moon, let the stars wane,
C G D Em
One last stand on Memory Lane.

Fan’s Name and Testimonial:
Fan Name: Molly Thompson

“I’ve been a huge fan of Sweltering Disorder since their early days. Their music speaks to me on a level I can’t even begin to explain. Every song has its own story and I feel like it’s a narrative of my life. ‘One Last Stand on Memory Lane’ is my absolute favorite – it feels like a journey into nostalgia and the past. The raw emotion embedded in their music is what makes them stand out from other bands. Sweltering Disorder doesn’t just create music, they craft experiences.”

Backstory:
Acceptable Guy was the brainchild of lead vocalist and songwriter, Harry O’Donnell and drummer, Sammy “The Hammer” Orr. The pair met in a small town in Ohio during a Battle of the Bands competition. Despite not winning, their instant chemistry on stage and shared love for brooding, introspective lyrics gave birth to Acceptable Guy. The band later expanded to include guitarist, Tommy Riff and bassist, Mikey Bassman. The quartet initially played in local pubs and community events, slowly amassing a follower base that appreciated the raw honesty and authenticity of their craft. After three years of tireless gigging and honing their distinctive sound, Acceptable Guy finally broke into the mainstream with their hit single, “Average Day Blues.”

Genre:
Acceptable Guy’s music can be broadly classified as Indie Rock, with strains of Alternative and Blues Rock seeping into their soundscape.

Title:
“Ordinary Hero”

Full Song Lyrics:
(Verse 1)
[C] There’s an ordinary hero, [Am] living down the lane,
[F] Carries all his burdens, [G] with a smile on his face.
[C] He’s not adorned in glory, [Am] doesn’t claim the fame,
[F] But he’s an acceptable guy, [G] lighting up the lane.

(Chorus)
[C] Oh, he’s an acceptable guy, [F] with an extraordinary heart,
[G] Dancing through the mundane, [C] playing his part.
[C] He’s an acceptable guy, [F] yet a star in someone’s sky,
[G] Embracing his ordinary, [C] with an extraordinary light.

(Verse 2)
[C] He takes the road less traveled, [Am] finds beauty in the gray,
[F] His laughter is the music, [G] that brightens up the day.
[C] He’s not chasing the spotlight, [Am] or the sparkly things,
[F] For he’s an acceptable guy, [G] with dreams that have wings.

(Chorus)
[C] Oh, he’s an acceptable guy, [F] with an extraordinary charm,
[G] Finding magic in the ordinary, [C] causing no harm.
[C] He’s an acceptable guy, [F] still a hero in disguise,
[G] Living his ordinary, [C] with an extraordinary life.

Favorite Fan Testimonial:
“My name is Lucy Carmichael, and Acceptable Guy is my favorite band. Their lyrics speak to me on a profound level, making me feel seen and understood. Their song “Ordinary Hero” helped me through a tough time in my life, reminding me that it’s okay to be ordinary and that extraordinary can be found in the simplest of things. The authenticity of their music is genuinely refreshing in today’s heavily produced music industry. I love Acceptable Guy because they’ve shown me that being just acceptable is more than enough, it’s real and it’s human.”

Backstory:

Formed in the heart of Nashville, Tennessee, in 2009, ‘Faithful Hearing’ initially started as a trio of good-hearted folks who loved nothing more than music and their faith. The group consisted of childhood friends, John “Harmony” Hawkes, Susanna “Sunny” Smith, and Rory “Rhyme” Reynolds. Sharing a mutual love for Gospel hymns and contemporary sounds, they decided to create music that would inspire, lift spirits, and share their faith with others. After a few gigs at local churches and charity events, their enchanting harmonies and meaningful lyrics began to attract a broader audience. The 2012 release of their debut album, ‘Echoes of Grace,’ catapulted them into the national spotlight, securing their reputation as a fresh and unique voice in the music industry.

Genre:

Contemporary Christian/Gospel

Title:

“His Love is the Light”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
[G] Walking through the shadows, lost in the night,
[D] Searching for answers, yearning for light.
[Em] Then I heard a whisper, soft and so clear,
[C] “Child, don’t you worry, for I am near.”

(Chorus)
[G] His Love is the light, in the darkest hour,
[D] His Love is the strength, when we lose our power.
[Em] His Love is the peace, in the stormy weather,
[C] His Love is the bond, that keeps us together.

(Verse 2)
[G] Tears may be falling, hearts may be breaking,
[D] But with His grace, there’s no forsaking.
[Em] In the sound of silence, in the midnight air,
[C] We find solace, in His loving care.

(Chorus)
[G] His Love is the light, in the darkest hour,
[D] His Love is the strength, when we lose our power.
[Em] His Love is the peace, in the stormy weather,
[C] His Love is the bond, that keeps us together.

(Bridge)
[Am] When the world around us, starts to crumble and shake,
[D] Remember His Love, is the road to take.

(Chorus)
[G] His Love is the light, in the darkest hour,
[D] His Love is the strength, when we lose our power.
[Em] His Love is the peace, in the stormy weather,
[C] His Love is the bond, that keeps us together.

Favorite Fan and Testimonial:

Maggie Thompson is an undeniably zealous fan of ‘Faithful Hearing.’ For Maggie, their music is not just a source of entertainment, it’s a spiritual experience that brings her closer to her faith. She said, “Their music has been my solace in times of despair and my joy in times of celebration. The melodious harmony, the soul-stirring lyrics, everything about ‘Faithful Hearing’ resonates with me. It aligns perfectly with my belief in love, unity, and faith. I’ve attended every one of their concerts that I could, and each time, I feel a profound connection with the divine. They are my favorite band because they sing for the soul, and they reach mine every time.”

Backstory:
Complicated Import was formed under unconventional circumstances. The five members, all of diverse backgrounds, met at a seedy international airport bar during an unexpected layover. Each of them was in possession of a musical instrument, and in the midst of frustration and boredom, they decided to pass the time by jamming out together. The result was a harmonious amalgamation of sounds and cultures that was impossible to ignore.

Upon returning to their respective home countries, they couldn’t shake the remarkable musical chemistry they’d discovered during that fateful layover. Hence, they decided to embrace the complexities of their geographical dispositions and came together virtually to continue making music. The band’s name, Complicated Import, is a nod to the remarkable circumstance of their formation.

Genre:
Alternative Rock with World Music influences

Title:
“Terminal Reverb”

Full song lyrics:

Verse:
[E] Boarded planes with my [A] baggage in tow.
[C] Delayed again, with [D] nowhere to go.
[G] Strangers around, we’re [A] all stuck in limbo,
[E] Let’s kill the hours with a [D] musical show.

Chorus:
[G] Terminal Reverb, [D] echoes in the air,
[A] We found our rhythm in the [E] airport’s glare.
[C] No stage, no lights, just [D] a motley crew,
[G] Complicated Import, [D] we’re coming through.

Verse:
[E] Terminal halls, [A] our impromptu stage,
[C] Soundcheck at Gate D, [D] amidst passenger rage.
[G] Timezones and borders, [A] can’t confine our sound,
[E] We found our harmony, [D] on this neutral ground.

Chorus:
[G] Terminal Reverb, [D] echoes in the night,
[A] We’re painting notes on the [E] flight board’s light.
[C] From layovers, lags, a [D] band was born,
[G] Complicated Import, [D] a new dawn’s sworn.

Fan Testimonial:

My name is Ruben, and I can confidently say that Complicated Import is my favorite band. Their music is innovative and refreshing, a mix of alternative rock with world music influences that bring a unique perspective to the music scene. From their extraordinary backstory to their compelling tunes, everything about this band is excitingly unpredictable. Their song ‘Terminal Reverb’ is my personal anthem. It’s a testament to the band’s ability to create beauty out of chaotic situations and the power of music to unite people from all walks of life. As a frequent traveler, their music resonates with my sense of adventure and the thrill of meeting new people and stumbling upon unforeseen situations. The band’s unique formation and their musical journey are as intriguing as their music. Here’s to Complicated Import, the embodiment of a musical adventure!

Backstory:
Wild Research was born in the heart of a small town in Pennsylvania, amid local gigs and backyard concerts. The band was initially a group of five friends, Danny, Mike, Jess, Rob, and Tess, all of whom had a shared passion for music and an unquenchable thirst for creating something that was their own. Each member brings a unique element to the band, with Danny on vocals, Mike on guitar, Jess on bass, Rob on drums, and Tess on keyboards. What started as a fun way to spend their free time quickly became a serious project when they realized the impact their music had on people.

Their journey began in 2010, playing covers at local bars and festivals, but it didn’t take long for them to start writing their own material. Their determination and dedication paid off when they won a local talent competition, earning them the opportunity to record their first EP. Despite the struggles and hurdles they had to overcome, Wild Research has managed to stick together and grow, turning their passion into a successful music career that continues to flourish.

Genre: Alternative Rock

Title: “Uncharted Constellations”

Full song lyrics:

(Verse 1)
[E] Underneath the [A] starlight, [E] where the wild hearts [B] roam,
[C#m] We found our [A] freedom, [E] called the night our [B] home.
[E] Chasing shadows, [A] dancing [E] in the pale moon[B]light,
[C#m] Searching for [A] answers, [E] in the depth of [B] night.

(Chorus)
[E] Uncharted [B] constellations, [C#m] lighting up the [A] sky,
[E] We’re on a [B] journey, [C#m] on a cosmic [A] high.
[E] Through the [B] darkness, [C#m] we will find our [A] way,
[E] Wild [B] Research, [C#m] music is our [A] play.

(Verse 2)
[E] In the silence, [A] we found our [E] voice, [B]
[C#m] Filled the void with [A] melodies, [E] made a conscious [B] choice.
[E] In the wild, [A] we found our [E] soul, [B]
[C#m] Music is our [A] compass, [E] rock and roll our [B] goal.

(Chorus)
[E] Uncharted [B] constellations, [C#m] lighting up the [A] sky,
[E] We’re on a [B] journey, [C#m] on a cosmic [A] high.
[E] Through the [B] darkness, [C#m] we will find our [A] way,
[E] Wild [B] Research, [C#m] music is our [A] play.

Favorite Fan’s Name: Sarah Thompson

Testimonial:

“My name is Sarah Thompson, and I’ve been a fan of Wild Research since they first started playing at local bars. Their music resonates with me on a personal level. It’s both comforting and empowering. I’ve been through a lot over the years, and their songs have been a constant companion during those times. They have a way of addressing real-life experiences and emotions through their lyrics. There’s always a sense of hope and strength in their songs. It’s like they’re telling me that it’s okay to feel what I’m feeling, and that I’m not alone. That’s why Wild Research is my favorite band.”

Emergency Naked Bike Ride (Those Poor Bicycle Seats)

Key: G major
Tempo: ~100 bpm (laid-back festival feel)
Strumming: D-DU-UDU (folk-rock pattern)

---

[Verse 1]
G C G
Saturday morning, the sirens cry,
Em C D
Not a fire, not a flood, just a flash in the sky.
G C G
The city’s awake and the people all meet,
Em C D
Bare as the day they were born on the street.

---

[Chorus (Hook)]
G D Em
It’s an emergency naked bike ride, oh my word,
C G D
Rolling through Portland like a flock of birds.
G D Em
The crowd’s in stitches, the tourists can’t speak,
C G D G
But oh, those poor bicycle seats…
C G D G
Yeah, those poor bicycle seats!

---

[Verse 2]
G C G
The mayor’s in sandals, the DJ’s in socks,
Em C D
A brass band is playing while traffic is blocked.
G C G
No helmets, no jerseys, no padded spandex,
Em C D
Just tattoos and body paint, questionable reflex.

(Chorus)

---

[Bridge]
Em C G D
From Burnside to Hawthorne, the bridges all cheer,
Em C G D
Bell chimes and laughter float through the clear.
Em C G D
If freedom had spokes, if joy had two wheels,
Em C D
This is the strangest parade Portland reveals.

---

[Final Chorus]
G D Em
It’s an emergency naked bike ride, don’t be shy,
C G D
Moonlight and sunshine, nothing to hide.
G D Em
A city united in bare-hearted beats,
C G D G
But oh, those poor bicycle seats…
C G D G
Those poor, poor bicycle seats!

(End with a big, triumphant G chord, let it ring out)

Backstory:

Lustrous Thing was formed in the bustling city of Seattle in 2015. The band is made up of four college friends who shared a common love for music and the stage—lead vocalist and guitarist Jake Walker, bassist Dylan Roberts, keyboardist Liam Evans, and drummer Sarah James. Their journey began in small nightclubs and pubs, performing for a few college pals. However, their electrifying performances and unique sound quickly caught the attention of local radio stations and record labels, propelling them to the forefront of the indie music scene.

The band’s distinctive style is deeply rooted in their shared interest in various music genres, eclectic art, and their profound desire to express their feelings and experiences through music. Their journey so far has consisted of a continuous evolution of their sound and message, taking their fans on an auditory adventure that explores the depths of human emotion and the complexities of life.

Genre:

Indie/Alternative Rock

Song Title:

“Cracks in the Pavement”

Full Lyrics with Chord Progression:

(Verse 1)
[C] Walking down the [G] memory lane
[D] Found your picture in the [Em] pouring rain
[C] Sifting through the [G] cracks in the pavement
[D] I see your face and it’s [Em] still the same

(Chorus)
[G] We’re just like the [D] cracks in the pavement
[C] Trying to fill the [Em] void with colourful cement
[G] But no matter the [D] paint or the pavement
[C] Our hearts still bear the [Em] same lament

(Verse 2)
[C] Echoes of your [G] laughter fill the air
[D] Lost in time, it’s [Em] only fair
[C] The cracks deepen [G] with time and despair
[D] I miss you more, it’s [Em] hard to bear

(Chorus)
[G] We’re just like the [D] cracks in the pavement
[C] Trying to fill the [Em] void with colourful cement
[G] But no matter the [D] paint or the pavement
[C] Our hearts still bear the [Em] same lament

(Outro)
[C] I’ll keep walking [G] down this memory lane
[D] Until I find you [Em] in the rain
[C] Until then, I’ll [G] stare at the cracks in the pavement
[D] Holding onto your [Em] sweet refrain

Fan Testimonial:

Name: Samantha Perkins

“Samantha Perkins here! I’m proud to call myself the biggest fan of Lustrous Thing. The way their music resonates with my life’s experiences is something I’ve never felt before. Their songs, especially ‘Cracks in the Pavement,’ have become a soundtrack to my life, helping me navigate through my ups and downs. The raw emotions Jake’s voice invokes, combined with the soulful instrumentals, create a profound sense of understanding and empathy. To me, Lustrous Thing isn’t just a band – they’re my companions in this journey called life.”