Backstory:
Plain Guitar is a band that was formed in the heart of Tennessee in 2012, by two childhood friends, Jason “Jay” Hall and Aaron “Ronnie” Johnson. Both shared a deep love for music and a passion for storytelling through it. Jay, a gifted rhythm guitarist, and Ronnie, an accomplished vocalist and lyricist, started their musical journey by performing at local bars and county fairs. Their raw talent and down-to-earth melodies quickly gained them a following. To complete their lineup, they brought in Emma “Emmy” Thompson on bass guitar and Tom “Sticks” Walter on drums, both of whom shared the same passion for music. The band was finally complete, and Plain Guitar was born.

Genre:
Country Rock

Title:
“Whiskey Lullaby”

Full song lyrics:
(Verse 1)
[G]She danced in the moonlight, [D]underneath the stars,
[Em]Her laugh echoed in the wind, [C]as we played our guitars,
[G]She tasted like bourbon, [D]sweet as summer rain,
[Em]I knew I’d never forget her, [C]even through my pain.

(Chorus)
[G]Pour me a whiskey lullaby, [D]to drown these memories,
[Em]Of her smile, her touch, her scent, [C]carried by the breeze.
[G]I’ll drink till I forget her, [D]or till I see the day,
[Em]When she comes back to me, [C]and no longer does she stray.

(Verse 2)
[G]Her eyes sparkled like the river, [D]on a warm afternoon,
[Em]Her voice was like a melody, [C]to a haunting tune,
[G]She lived wild and free, [D]like a bird in the sky,
[Em]A spirit untamed, [C]and I was her guy.

(Repeat chorus)

Favorite fan:
Our favorite fan is Sarah Mitchell from Knoxville, Tennessee. She’s been with us since our first gig at the local county fair. “Plain Guitar isn’t just a band to me, they’re a family,” says Sarah. “Their songs resonate with real life experiences and emotions, making me feel connected to them in a way no other band has done before. ‘Whiskey Lullaby’ speaks to my soul and reminds me of a love lost. When I listen to their music, I feel seen, heard, and understood. They’re more than just musicians, they’re storytellers, and they’re the best at what they do.”

Backstory:

Gorgeous Shoe is a band that came together in a most unexpected way. The four band members, guitarist and vocalist Peter Cross, drummer Jake Matthews, bassist Harry Owens and keyboardist Tim Sanders, all worked at the same shoe store in a small town in Wisconsin. After hours, they would routinely jam in the backroom, using shoe boxes as drum kits and measuring tapes as guitar strings. One day, a customer heard them playing and instantly recognized their potential. This customer happened to be a successful music producer, who signed them on the spot.

After years of performing at local venues and fine-tuning their sound, Gorgeous Shoe has evolved into a well-respected name in the indie music scene. They’ve released three critically acclaimed albums and have a reputation for their energetic, intimate live performances. Their unique backstory continues to attract fans worldwide, and their relatable lyrics have connected with fans from all walks of life.

Genre:
Indie Rock

Title:
“Velvet Laces”

Full song lyrics:

(Verse 1)
[Am] Tell me of your dreams, [G] under the silver moon,
[C] Walking down the street, [F] in your velvet shoes.
[Am] Your heart is on your sleeve, [G] painting the town blue,
[C] You walk a lonely mile, [F] in those velvet laces, too.

(Chorus)
[G] Velvet laces, [Am] walking down these places,
[C] Trying to erase the [F] echoes of those faces.
[G] Velvet laces, [Am] can’t you see the traces,
[C] Of lost love and [F] forgotten embraces.

(Verse 1)
[Am] Remember the days, [G] when we used to play,
[C] In the pouring rain, [F] we’d dance the day away.
[Am] Now you’re all alone, [G] in these cold stone alleys,
[C] Tracing the steps of love, [F] in your velvet reality.

(Chorus)
[G] Velvet laces, [Am] walking down these places,
[C] Trying to erase the [F] echoes of those faces.
[G] Velvet laces, [Am] can’t you see the traces,
[C] Of lost love and [F] forgotten embraces.

Fan Testimonial:

My name is Megan and I am possibly Gorgeous Shoe’s biggest fan. I first discovered them back in college when a friend played their debut album for me. I was instantly drawn to the raw emotion in their music and their unique perspective on life. Their music has been with me through ups and downs, break-ups and make-ups. It’s like they’re singing directly to me, their lyrics resonating with my experiences. The song “Velvet Laces” in particular, holds a special place in my heart. Gorgeous Shoe isn’t just my favorite band, it’s a part of me.

Backstory:

Back Risk was formed in 2003 in the bustling city of Chicago by childhood friends Ethan Blake and Jordan Mitchell. They were born on the same street and had shared a love for music from an early age. Ethan, with his passion for guitar, and Jordan, with his love for drumming and lyric writing, created a unique sound influenced by their shared love for classic rock. They spent countless hours in Jordan’s garage, jamming and creating a fusion of unique, yet familiar sounds. In 2005, they were joined by bassist Lucy Wyatt, who added her own element to the band’s music with her background in funk and soul.

Genre:

Alternative Rock

Title:

“Vanishing Streetlights”

Full Song Lyrics:

[Verse 1]
Am F C G
Vanishing streetlights, fading away,
Am F C G
In the rear view, as we hit the highway.
Am F C G
Guitar on my back, dreams in our eyes,
Am F C G
We chase the dawn, under the starlit skies.

[Chorus]
F G Am C
We are the echoes, we are the night,
F G Am C
We are the dreams, set in neon light.
F G Am C
We are back risks, we are the drive,
F G Am C
We are alive, we are alive.

[Verse 2]
Am F C G
Cityscapes change, people come and go,
Am F C G
But the melody, it continues to flow.
Am F C G
Through every town, every blinking light,
Am F C G
We find our song, in the heart of the night.

[Chorus]
F G Am C
We are the echoes, we are the night,
F G Am C
We are the dreams, set in neon light.
F G Am C
We are back risks, we are the drive,
F G Am C
We are alive, we are alive.

Favorite Fan:

Name: Tommy Sullivan
Tommy Sullivan, their biggest fan, has followed Back Risk since their early days in Chicago. Tommy states, “The raw energy of Back Risk’s music resonated with me from the first chord. Their songs speak of the freedom, the dreams, and the risks we all take in life. I’ve been to every concert in my state. Back Risk isn’t just my favorite band because their music is extraordinary, it’s because they’re pure, real, and never afraid to take risks.”

Backstory:
Feminine Closure is a dynamite quartet hailing from the eclectic city of Austin, Texas. Legend has it that they came together during a spontaneous jam session at a local dive bar, where each member was performing solo. An unexpected connection was formed on stage, a chemistry so palpable that it sparked the birth of a distinctive new band. Their name, ‘Feminine Closure’, was inspired by their shared commitment to breaking the silence on women’s issues, closing a chapter of disregarding feminine perspectives in the music industry.

Genre:
Feminine Closure operates within the realm of Indie Rock with a touch of Alternative Pop, delivering poignant messages via their emotionally charged lyrics and melodically rich soundscape.

Title:
Their breakthrough single is entitled “Whispers in the Wind”.

Lyrics:
(Verse 1) [Cmaj7 – G – Am – F]
Laying here under the moonlit sky, (Cmaj7)
Can’t shake off your love, no matter how I try (G)
Painted dreams of us are fading to grey, (Am)
In the silence of the night, your ghost refuses to stay. (F)

(Chorus) [G – Em – Am – D]
Whispers in the Wind, your voice is calling, (G)
Lost in memories, I keep falling, (Em)
Is this love or just the echo of a sigh? (Am)
Whispers in the Wind, our love is stalling… (D)

(Verse 2)
Caught between the ruins of our past, (Cmaj7)
The shadow of your smile seems to be fading fast. (G)
In the echoes of the night, our love is just a sin, (Am)
All that’s left are whispering winds. (F)

(Chorus)
Whispers in the Wind, our hearts keep yearning, (G)
For a love that once was, now it’s burning. (Em)
In the echoes of the sighs, our love feels like a lie, (Am)
Just Whispers in the Wind, it’s our final goodbye. (D)

Testimonial:

Fan Name: Megan Thompson
Megan Thompson, an Austin-based graphic artist, is the band’s favorite fan. She has attended every concert, designed several of their gig posters, and even has a tattoo of their logo on her arm.

Megan says, “I fell in love with Feminine Closure the moment I heard the opening chords of ‘Whispers in the Wind’. Their music speaks to me on a deeply personal level, and their commitment to giving voice to women’s issues is awe-inspiring. I feel seen, heard, and validated every time I listen to their songs. They are more than just a band to me, they’re a movement.”

Backstory:
Granular Speculation is a band that was born in the vibrant music scene of Austin, Texas, in the late 2000s. The founding members, lead vocalist and guitarist Jake Simmons, drummer Max Collins, and keyboardist Sarah Thompson, were college friends who shared a mutual love for music and an adventurous spirit. The three started playing small gigs at local bars and open mic nights, quickly gaining a reputation for their unique sound and engaging performances. As their fan base grew, so did their ambition, leading to the release of their debut album in 2013.

The band’s distinct sound is a rich blend of Simmons’ heartfelt lyrics, Collins’ dynamic rhythms, and Thompson’s innovative synth arrangements. Their music has been known to explore a wide range of themes, often delving into philosophical and existential concepts, which provide a unique depth to their songs. Despite the complexity of their music, Granular Speculation has never lost sight of their roots in the music-filled bars of Austin, ensuring their tracks always carry a down-to-earth vibe.

Genre:
Granular Speculation is best described as an Experimental Indie Rock band.

Title:
“Particles of Possibility”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
[G]Looking at the stars, [Em]thinking about the future
[C]Wondering where we are, [D]caught up in the suture
[G]Spiraling thoughts, [Em]circles in the sand
[C]Endless possibilities, [D]yet nothing goes as planned

(Chorus)
[G]We are but [D]particles of possibility
[Em]Swimming in the [C]ocean of uncertainty
[G]In the grand scheme, [D]we are just a speculation
[Em]Yet within us lies the [C]essence of creation

(Verse 2)
[G]Wading through the noise, [Em]chasing after silence
[C]Caught up in the void, [D]resisting the violence
[G]Of time ticking by, [Em]like grains of sand
[C]Dancing on the edge, [D]the future in our hand

(Chorus)
[G]We are but [D]particles of possibility
[Em]Swimming in the [C]ocean of uncertainty
[G]In the grand scheme, [D]we are just a speculation
[Em]Yet within us lies the [C]essence of creation

Fan Testimonial:
The band’s favorite fan is a dedicated follower named Emily Wilson. Emily has been a fan since she first heard Granular Speculation at a local Austin bar. For Emily, this band stands out because of their unique sound and thought-provoking lyrics. She says, “Granular Speculation is not just a band to me; they’re a journey. Their music challenges the listener to think deeper about themselves and the world around them. I’m always left in a contemplative mood after listening to their songs, which is a testament to their lyrical genius and musical prowess. They truly are my favorite band!”

Backstory:
In the humble town of Boulder, Colorado, a collection of musical souls found each other amidst the sweet scent of crisp mountain air and the thrill of downhill skiing. The group, composed of former ski instructors turned musicians, made the decision to lend their shared passion for slopes and tunes a more tangible form. Thus, ‘Large Slope’ was born.

Jim, the charismatic lead singer, and Mike, the soulful lead guitarist, first started jamming together at ski resort after-parties. They were soon joined by Pete, the bassist, who used to play groovy tunes on his bass guitar by the fireside, and Ryan, the drummer, who was known for drumming on the ski gear. The band started getting noticed for their fresh sound and energetic performances, gaining a dedicated following in the local ski community before eventually breaking out into the mainstream music scene.

Genre:
Indie Rock

Title:
“Mountain High”

Full Song Lyrics:
(Verse)
[G]Waking up to the cold [D]morning light,
[Em]Strapping on the skis, preparing for the [C]flight.

[G]Riding up the lift, [D]touching the sky,
[Em]Heartbeats in rhythm, as the [C]valley goes by.

(Chorus)
[G]Mountain high, [D]valley low,
[Em]Riding down the slope, [C]letting go.
[G]Mountain high, [D]feel the thrill,
[Em]In this snowy paradise, time stands [C] still.

(Verse)
[G]Carving through the snow, [D]feeling the breeze,
[Em]The world beneath our feet, [C]brings us to our knees.

[G]The sun dips low, [D]painting the sky,
[Em]In the heart of winter, [C]we learn to fly.

(Chorus)
[G]Mountain high, [D]valley low,
[Em]Riding down the slope, [C]letting go.
[G]Mountain high, [D]feel the thrill,
[Em]In this snowy paradise, time stands [C] still.

The Band’s Favourite Fan:
Their favorite fan is a snowboarder named Sam. Sam has been a loyal fan since their very first gig.

Testimonial:
“I remember stumbling upon Large Slope at a ski resort after-party. Their infectious energy and passion were impossible to ignore. Their music is like a rush of adrenaline you get on the first run down the slope. They’ve become my go-to band for high-energy music that gets my heart pounding. I’ve been to countless gigs since then and have even traveled to their out-of-town performances. ‘Mountain High’ is my favorite track. It’s a perfect anthem for anyone who loves the thrill and freedom of the mountains.”

Backstory:
Traumatic Fireman is a four-member rock band that was formed in 2010 in the heart of Austin, Texas. The players, all former firefighters, met during their service at the local fire department, bonding over the traumatizing experiences they sometimes encountered at work and their shared love for music. Their shared experiences soon turned into jamming sessions after shifts, and it was not long before they decided to form a band, choosing the name ‘Traumatic Fireman’ as a nod to their shared past.

The band’s music is deeply rooted in their experiences as firefighters, often touching on themes of heroism, community, loss, resilience, and the indomitable human spirit. Their raw, genuine, and emotional performances quickly gained them a loyal fanbase, making them one of the most sought-after local bands in Austin. In 2015, they released their first full-length album, which received an overwhelming response from critics and fans alike.

Genre:
Alternative Rock

Title:
“Smoke and Ashes”

Full Song Lyrics:

[Verse 1]
Em G D A
Beneath the tower of smoke and flame,
Em G D A
We stand tall, in the pouring rain.
Em G D A
With fear in our hearts, courage in our veins,
Em G D A
Oh, the fireman’s game.

[Chorus]
C G D E
Through the smoke and ashes, we rise,
C G D E
In the face of danger, we don’t compromise.
C G D E
For we are the fireman, in the night,
C G D E
Burning through the darkness, with our light.

[Verse 2]
Em G D A
Scarred hands, hearts of gold,
Em G D A
We carry on, brave and bold.
Em G D A
Through the fire and the blazing heat,
Em G D A
We won’t admit defeat.

[Chorus]
C G D E
Through the smoke and ashes, we rise,
C G D E
In the face of danger, we don’t compromise.
C G D E
For we are the fireman, in the night,
C G D E
Burning through the darkness, with our light.

The band’s favorite fan’s name:
Testimonial – Mike Lawson

“Being a firefighter myself, I connect with Traumatic Fireman’s music on a deep, personal level. Their songs perfectly capture the triumphs, the challenges, and the sheer intensity of what we do. It’s as if they’ve taken our shared experiences and turned them into this raw, beautiful music that resonates with so many people. Their song, ‘Smoke and Ashes’, has become somewhat of an anthem for us at the firehouse. It’s a reminder of what we’ve been through and the strength we possess. Traumatic Fireman isn’t just my favorite band, they’re like my brothers in arms.”

Backstory:
Anguished Leaflet is a haunting yet melodious concoction that stems from the heart of Melbourne, Australia. The band was formed in 2010 by four friends who had a shared passion for music and a deep desire to convey their unforeseen sentiments through their own unique sound. Marcus, the lead vocalist, was always intrigued by the intricacies of human emotions and how they could be expressed through music. Teaming up with his childhood friends, Liam, the drummer, and the twin brothers, Ethan and Aiden on bass and guitar respectively, they set forth on a journey to translate the complexity of human sentiments into music. Their name, Anguished Leaflet, symbolizes an open book of human emotions, with each song representing a page of diverse and profound feelings, often left unsaid.

Genre:
The band is best known for their groundbreaking contributions to the Indie rock and Emo genre, creating a sound that is both timeless and deeply personal.

Song Title:
“A Whisper in the Wind”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse)
Am (G) Em
The world’s quiet tonight, under the moonlight,
C (Am) G
In the silence, I hear your voice so bright.
Am (G) Em
Our love’s tale, lost in the passing gale,
C (Am) G
A sweet sorrow, like a whisper in the wind.

(Chorus)
C (G) Am
Oh, darling, where do the whispers go?
F (Am) G
Do they get lost in the winds that blow?
C (G) Am
Our love was once a roaring fire,
F (Am) G
Now just a whisper in the wind, our hearts’ desire.

(Verse)
Am (G) Em
In the echoes of the night, your laughter takes flight,
C (Am) G
A memory fading, swallowed by the twilight.
Am (G) Em
Our love’s tale, a sea set to sail,
C (Am) G
Gone with the wind, like a whisper in the wind.

(Chorus)
C (G) Am
Oh, darling, where do the whispers go?
F (Am) G
Do they get lost in the winds that blow?
C (G) Am
Our love was once a roaring fire,
F (Am) G
Now just a whisper in the wind, our hearts’ desire.

Favorite Fan Testimonial:
“I’m Jessica, a music enthusiast from Brisbane. Anguished Leaflet isn’t just a band for me, it’s an emotion. Their songs resonate with me, be it happiness, sadness, love, or despair; they have a song for every feeling. Marcus’s soothing voice combined with the harmonious blend of the instruments takes me to a different world, a world where I can be myself without any judgement. Their song ‘A Whisper in the Wind’ is my anthem, portraying my unspoken feelings. The Anguished Leaflet isn’t just my favorite band, it’s my silent companion through the highs and lows of life.”

Backstory:

Wrong Past was born in the heart of Detroit, Michigan in 2013. The band members, lead vocalist Blake Morrison, guitarist Tony Hastings, bassist Rick Grimes, and drummer Dylan Rhodes, originally met in high-school and bonded over their shared love of music. They began jamming together in Blake’s garage, and after a time, they realized that they had something special. They decided to name their band “Wrong Past,” as a symbol of their shared experiences of overcoming personal struggles and turning adversity into strength.

After gaining a local reputation for their energetic performances and raw, emotive lyrics, they were discovered by a talent scout at one of their live gigs. Since then, they have been steadily climbing the music charts, and despite their sudden rise to fame, they remain as humble, passionate, and true to their roots as ever.

Genre:

Wrong Past’s music can be best described as Alternative Rock, with a touch of Blues and Punk influences.

Title:

“One Last Ride”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1 – Em / G / D / A)
Em
Packed up my dreams in a rusty old case,
G
Left behind the shadows of this lonely place,
D
I’m searching for the light,
A
In the darkness of the night.

(Chorus – C / G / D)
C
Gonna take one last ride, under the midnight sky,
G
We’ll leave our wrong past right behind
D
In the rearview mirror, reflecting black and white,
Em
There’s nothing in this world, that could hold us tight.

(Verse 2 – Em / G / D / A)
Em
Running from our fears, chasing the unknown,
G
We’re vagabonds, wild hearts, searching for a home,
D
Through the broken glass,
A
We’ll carve our own path.

(Repeat Chorus)

(Bridge – Bm / A / G)
Bm
With every mile we cross,
A
Every dream we chase,
G
We’re rewriting our story,
Em
In the sands of time and space.

(Repeat Chorus)

Fan Testimonial:

The band’s favorite fan is a young woman named Amy. Amy has been a massive supporter of Wrong Past since their early days, often traveling hours to see their live performances. She says, “Wrong Past isn’t just a band to me. Their music has been a source of comfort during my hardest times, and their personal journeys of overcoming their past resonate deeply with me. ‘One Last Ride’ is particularly special to me – it’s about breaking free from your past and daring to chase your dreams, no matter the cost. It’s a message of hope that I hold dear to my heart.”

Backstory:
Originating from the heart of Texas, Normal Wedding formed in early 2010, when college pals Lucas Hemmings (vocals) and David Parker (guitar) found themselves captivated by the rhythm of everyday life. With the addition of Parker’s younger brother, Jordan (drums), and long-time friend, Ethan (Bass), the band was complete. The name ‘Normal Wedding’ was inspired by a conversation about the American dream and the desire to challenge societal norms. Their shared love for music and their knack for storytelling quickly created a buzz in the local music scene, and the band gained a loyal following.

Despite the members going their separate ways for a few years due to personal commitments, they reassembled in 2016, and their bond and passion for music were stronger than ever. They discovered that their life experiences had only deepened their songwriting, and they were ready to share their new vision with the world. This comeback marked a new chapter in Normal Wedding’s musical journey.

Genre: Indie Rock

Title: “Yesterday’s Blues”

Full Song Lyrics:
(Verse 1)
G C D Em
Living in a town that’s holding me down,
G C D Em
Got yesterday’s blues in a modern crowd.
G C D Em
Looking for a sign, in the neon lights,
G C D Em
Trying to find my way through the urban nights.

(Chorus)
C G D Em
But I’ve got dreams, bigger than these city streets,
C G D Em
And I’ve got hope, that tomorrow won’t be so bleak,
C G D Em
I’ll pack up my yesterday’s blues,
C G D Em
and play them in a song, for me and you.

(Verse 2)
G C D Em
Waking up to the same old view,
G C D Em
Yet every day feels brand new.
G C D Em
Chasing shadows to the break of dawn,
G C D Em
Lost in a rhythm, that keeps me strong.

(Chorus)
C G D Em
I’ve got dreams, bigger than these city streets,
C G D Em
And I’ve got hope, that tomorrow won’t be so bleak,
C G D Em
I’ll pack up my yesterday’s blues,
C G D Em
and play them in a song, for me and you.

Favorite Fan:
The band’s favorite fan is Emily Woods. She began following Normal Wedding when they first started their journey. She attended every gig, bought every album, and has been a consistent source of support even during their hiatus. Emily loves Normal Wedding because their lyrics resonate with her, making her feel seen and understood. She says, “No other band makes me feel like I’m a part of their journey, like Normal Wedding does. Their music has a beautiful way of capturing everyday emotions and turning them into art. Their songs are my companions through all life’s highs and lows.”