Backstory:
Knotty Engine started as a three-piece garage band in the heart of Seattle, Washington in the late 90s. The original lineup consisted of childhood friends, lead vocalist and guitarist, Jack Campbell, bassist, Mark Ritter, and drummer, Brian “Moose” Moseley. The trio became notorious for their impromptu jam sessions and DIY ethic, often inviting friends and fans to their rehearsals and home recording sessions. Over time, their sound matured, incorporating edgier tones and themes influenced by their life experiences.

In 2004, Knotty Engine was picked up by an indie record label, and their music reached a wider audience. The band’s raw energy, combined with their compelling lyrics, resonated with many who felt a kindred spirit in their music. The band members’ down-to-earth demeanor and unpretentious approach to their art have endeared them to their fans worldwide, who appreciate their authenticity and dedication to their craft.

Genre:
Alternative Rock

Title:
“Knots In My Veins”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
[G] I walk these [D/F#] empty streets alone, [Em]
[C] Carrying the [G] weight of a heart turned stone.
[G] I carry [D/F#] knots in my veins, [Em]
[C] Like the twisted [G] tracks of a runaway train.

(Chorus)
[Em] Knots in my veins, [C] pain in my soul,
[G] lost in the echoes of rock and roll.
[D] Fighting the present, haunted by the past,
[G] in the rhythm of life that’s fading fast.

(Verse 2)
[G] I strum my [D/F#] guitar under city lights, [Em]
[C] Singing songs of [G] love and endless nights.
[G] But beneath the [D/F#] chords, there lie the strains, [Em]
[C] Of these toxic [G] knots in my veins.

(Chorus Repeat)

(Bridge)
[Em] With every beat of my broken heart,
[C] I’m tearing these knotted veins apart.
[G] This music’s my therapy, my peace, my pain,
[D] Untangling the knots in this crazy brain.

(Chorus Repeat)

Outro:
[G] In this symphony of life, I yearn for release,
[D/F#] From these knotty engines that never cease. [Em]
The band’s favorite fan’s name:

Paul “Old Man” Rogers

Testimonial:
“I’ve been a fan of Knotty Engine since their early days. There’s a raw, emotional honesty in their music that you just don’t find in many bands these days. ‘Knots In My Veins’ is a track that I keep coming back to. It’s a song that speaks to me on so many levels. It’s about struggle, pain, but also about resilience and the healing power of music. Knotty Engine is my favorite band because they’re genuine, they’re relatable, and they truly care about their fans. Their music has been a constant companion through the ups and downs of my life.”

Backstory:
In 2015, a group of five childhood friends from the humble town of Winthrop, Massachusetts, decided to unite their musical passions to form a band they named Light Venture. The members; Jason ‘Jay’ Silverman, Philip ‘Phil’ Claire, Timothy ‘Tim’ Delaney, Andrew ‘Drew’ Thompson, and Sarah ‘Sally’ O’Connor all shared a common goal: to illuminate the world with their music. They met in their high school music club and quickly discovered their shared talent and love for music. Despite pursuing different college majors, they stayed committed to their band, practicing and performing at local venues whenever they could. Today, they have successfully carved out a unique space for themselves in the music world, fueled by their passion, friendship, and undeniable talent.

Genre: Alternative Rock

Title: “Shadows Dancing in the Light”

Full Song Lyrics:
(Verse 1) [G, Em, D, C]
G Em
In the silent break of dawn,
D C
we chase shadows on the lawn.
G Em
Dancing in the moonlight’s glow,
D C
letting our true colors show.

(Chorus) [C, G, D, Em]
C G D Em
Shadows dancing in the light,
C G D Em
Eclipsing the sun, outshining the night.
C G D Em
In the end, it’s you and I,
C G D Em
In the light, we learn to fly.

(Verse 2) [G, Em, D, C]
G Em
Through the opaque veil of time,
D C
our melodies begin to chime.
G Em
In the twilight of the day,
D C
we find our rhythm, lose our way.

(Repeat Chorus) [C, G, D, Em]

(Outro) [G, Em, D, C]
G Em D C
In the light, we find our grace,
G Em D C
In our music, we find our place,
G Em D C
With every note, every strum,
G Em D C
We are Light Venture, and then some.

Fan’s Favorite Testimonial:
“Hello! My name is Megan Lewis and I’m proud to say that I’m Light Venture’s biggest fan. As a fellow Winthrop local, I’ve watched them grow from their early garage band days to the incredible talent they’ve become today. Their music has always echoed with a sense of hope and positivity, which resonates deeply with me. Despite their success, they remain humble and loyal to their hometown, frequently giving back through local fundraisers and charity concerts. Their song, ‘Shadows Dancing in the Light,’ especially moves me. Its uplifting lyrics and powerful melody give me strength during my hardest days. For me, Light Venture isn’t just a band; they’re an inspiration.”

Backstory:

Common Toad is a band that was formed in the sleepy town of Elmsville, Ohio in 2012. The band members, childhood friends Luke (Lead Vocalist), Mason (Bassist), Alex (Guitarist), and Chris (Drummer), spent countless hours in Alex’s garage, honing their skills and dreaming of the day when their music would be heard by millions. Their chance came in 2015 when their basement recording of “Raining Frogs” got the attention of a local radio station. It was immediately apparent that Common Toad was anything but common, and their unique blend of old school rock with a contemporary twist caught the ear of music lovers nationwide.

Genre:

Common Toad falls under the rock genre, with a mix of classic rock and indie rock influences. Their music features hard-hitting guitar riffs, driving rhythms, and powerful vocals layered with introspective lyrics.

Song Title:

“Sage and Shadows”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
G C Em D
Lost in the rhythm, caught in the rhyme,
G D Em C
We’re all just prisoners of time.
G C Em D
Chasing the sunset, running from dawn,
G D Em C
In the land where the sage and the shadows are born.

(Chorus)
G D C Em
Sage and shadows, whispers in the wind,
G D Em C
Tales of glory, of love, of sin.
G D C Em
In the heart of darkness, in the light of day,
G D Em C
We find our truth in the sage and shadows’ play.

(Verse 2)
G C Em D
In the mirror of the moon, in the sun’s bright gaze,
G D Em C
We count our blessings, we number our days.
G C Em D
With hopes like rivers, dreams like seas,
G D Em C
We’re lost in the dance of the sage and the shadows’ breeze.

(Chorus)
G D C Em
Sage and shadows, whispers in the wind,
G D Em C
Tales of glory, of love, of sin.
G D C Em
In the heart of darkness, in the light of day,
G D Em C
We find our truth in the sage and shadows’ play.

Favorite Fan Testimonial:

Our favorite fan is definitely “Shirtless Mike” as the band affectionately calls him. An Elmsville local, Mike has been a die-hard fan of Common Toad since their garage days. He has travelled to every one of their gigs, even out of state, and is always there, front and center, shirtless and singing along.

“I’ve been a fan of Common Toad from the start, their music speaks to me on a deep level. Their song ‘Sage and Shadows’ has gotten me through some tough times. It’s not just the music, but the guys themselves. They’re genuine, down to earth, and they’ve never let fame change them. That’s why Common Toad is my favorite band.” – Shirtless Mike.

Backstory:

Cultivated Pocket is a band that was formed in the quiet corners of Austin, Texas. The group is comprised of five childhood friends – Jack, Harry, Eddie, George, and Hannah – who spent their afternoons exploring the music scene of their city, from the vibrant festivals to the intimate gigs in local pubs. Each of them brought their unique touch to the band, drawing inspiration from their shared love for music and their burning desire to create melodies that would speak to souls.

Their journey was not without hurdles, with each member juggling jobs to finance their passion, but their dedication never wavered. They continued to hone their skills, define their sound, and create music that they believed in. Their break came in the form of a local radio station that played their demo on air, propelling them into a whirlwind adventure of tours, albums, and a dedicated fanbase that resonates with their powerful lyrics and raw sound.

Genre:

Cultivated Pocket defines their genre as a unique blend of Folk Rock and Indie Pop, creating a distinctive sound that effortlessly combines the rawness of guitar riffs with the soothing melodies of folk and the catchy hooks of pop.

Song Title:

“Echoes in the Silence”

Full Song Lyrics:

Verse:
[G]Staring at the moonlight, [C]lost in the fray,
[D]Dreams tangled in starlight, [Em]miles away.
[G]Beneath the veiled secrets, [C]in shadows we play,
[D]In this world of whispers, [Em]where words gently sway.

Chorus:
[C]In the echoes of silence, [G]we find our way,
[D]With the rhythm of heartbeats, [Em]in melodies we lay,
[C]In the echoes of silence, [G]we learn to say,
[D]The unsaid stories, [Em]in colors of gray.

(Repeat Verse and Chorus)

The Bands Favorite Fan:

Cultivated Pocket’s favorite fan is a young woman named Emily. She has been with them since their early days, supporting them at every gig, no matter how small or big. Emily believes in their music, and their story resonates with her on a deep level.

Testimonial:

“Cultivated Pocket’s music feels like home. It’s raw, real, and speaks to my soul in ways that I can’t explain. I have been there since their first gig in a small pub in Austin, and seeing them grow has been an incredible journey. Their song ‘Echoes in the Silence’ is my anthem – it’s about finding oneself amidst the noise, and it’s a song that I hold close to my heart. Cultivated Pocket is not just a band for me, they are my solace, my joy, and my inspiration.” – Emily

Backstory:

Upright Poetry hails from the small, artistic town of Boulder, Colorado. With breathtaking views of the Rocky Mountains serving as their daily muse, the band formed in 2012, originally as a group of college friends seeking an outlet from their mundane university life. Initially, they were just playing at local bars and delivering heartfelt performances to small but passionate crowds. Word of their contagious energy quickly spread, and they gained a solid reputation for their soul-stirring music. Frontman Jake Thompson, with his talent for penning profound and resonating lyrics, was complemented perfectly by the brilliant instrumentals of Adrian Smith on guitar, Benny Clarke on bass, and Stella Jones on drums. Together, they cultivated a unique sound that continues to captivate audiences.

Genre:

Folk Rock

Title:

“Echoes of the Heart”

Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
G Em C D
In the corners of this old town, whispers dance in the air,
G Em C D
Memories painted on every street, echoes of hearts that dared.
G Em C D
Through the cobblestones and the moonlight, footsteps from days of yore,
G Em C D
I can hear the laughter, the cries, the sighs, the echoes of the heart once more.

(Chorus)
G Em C D
Echoes of the heart, etched upon the wind,
G Em C D
Songs of love and loss, of battles fought, and wins.
G Em C D
Weave through every word, every melody we start,
G Em C D
This is our story, our song, in echoes of the heart.

(Verse 2)
G Em C D
In the silence of the night, under stars that softly gleam,
G Em C D
I can hear the whispers of our dreams, carried on the stream.
G Em C D
In the rustle of the leaves, in the rhythm of the rain,
G Em C D
Are the stories we’ve shared, the bonds we’ve bared, the echoes of love’s refrain.

(Repeat Chorus)

Favorite Fan:

Their favorite fan is a woman named Mary Sullivan. Mary has been with Upright Poetry from the beginning, attending their very first gig at a local bar in Boulder. She’s followed them on every step of their journey, from their initial small bar gigs to sold-out concert tours. Mary says, “Upright Poetry has a compelling way of storytelling through their music. Their songs are filled with passion and profound messages that touch my soul on a deep level. I’ve never felt a connection to music like this before. Each song is like a journey, and I can’t wait to see where they take us next.”

Backstory:

Overcooked Stove draws its origins from the quaint coastal town of Carmel, California. The band was formed in a high school music class in 2006 by four friends – lead vocalist James, guitarist Derek, bassist Tommy, and drummer Ricky. The band name came about after a culinary mishap at a party the friends had thrown, where they accidentally left a stove on and overcooked their food. With their shared love for music, they decided to turn their unfortunate cooking incident into a band name.

For years, they played at local gigs and school events, building their reputation through their unique sound and stage presence. Their big break came in 2010 when they were spotted by a scout from a record label. Since then, Overcooked Stove has produced multiple chart-topping tracks and has been touring worldwide, while keeping their down-to-earth charm and passion for music.

Genre:
Indie Rock

Title:
“Smoky Room Serenade”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
[Am] In a smoky room, [G] beneath the neon glow, [Dm]
I see your silhouette [Am] dancing slow.
[Am] Your eyes, they sparkle, [G] brighter than the moon,
[Dm] In this crowded place, [Am] I only see you.

(Chorus)
[C] Dance with me, [G] in this smoky room,
[Am] Underneath the [Em] stars, under the [Dm] moon.
[C] Let the music [G] play, let the [Am] rhythm sway,
[Em] In this smoky room, [Dm] my serenade.

(Verse 2)
[Am] As the night unfolds, [G] and the band plays on,
[Dm] Our bodies sway [Am] to the rhythm of the song.
[Am] A stolen moment, [G] lost in time,
[Dm] In this smoky room, [Am] your hand in mine.

(Chorus)
[C] Dance with me, [G] in this smoky room,
[Am] Underneath the [Em] stars, under the [Dm] moon.
[C] Let the music [G] play, let the [Am] rhythm sway,
[Em] In this smoky room, [Dm] my serenade.

Fan Testimonial:

The band’s favorite fan is named Lily. She first discovered Overcooked Stove in their early days playing at her local bar and instantly fell in love with their unique sound. Since then, she has attended every one of their gigs in California and is known for bringing them homemade chocolate chip cookies.

Lily’s Testimonial: “Overcooked Stove is my favorite band for so many reasons. I love their sound, their energy, and their authenticity. But what makes them stand out the most is how genuine they are. They always take time to connect with their fans, and they’ve never let their success change them. Plus, their song ‘Smoky Room Serenade’ never fails to give me goosebumps!”

Backstory:
Soft Sum was born out of a crisp, sunlit basement in the heart of Portland, Oregon during the summer of 2010. The lead singer, Stacey Harris, an introverted barista with a passion for strumming her old guitar, met the drummer, Jason “Jay” Riddle, a high energy, charismatic street performer. The two were soon joined by Alex Carter, a laid-back bass player with a knack for crafting catchy hooks that worked at the same record store as Stacey. The trio discovered a unique musical chemistry that quickly turned their casual jam sessions into a serious pursuit. They began performing at local open mic nights, where their distinctive sound caught the attention of indie music promoter, Owen Lyle, who helped them record their first EP.

Genre:
Indie Pop

Title:
“Echoes in the Hallway”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
[Am] Walking through the [G] hallway
[F] Echoes of your [E] laughter, still play
[Am] Shadows of the [G] past, linger on
[F] I’m stuck in the [E] echoes, echoes in the hallway

(Chorus)
[C] Echoes in the [G] hallway, [F] whispers in my mind
[E] Our love story [Am] replaying, in the silence of the night
[C] Trying to let [G] go, but I’m holdin’ on so tight
[F] To the echoes, [E] echoes in the hallway

(Verse 2)
[Am] Empty frames and [G] faded memories
[F] Scratches on the [E] floor, where we used to be
[Am] Our love was a song, [G] now it’s a melody
[F] Lost in the [E] echoes, echoes in the hallway

(Chorus)
[C] Echoes in the [G] hallway, [F] whispers in my mind
[E] Our love story [Am] replaying, in the silence of the night
[C] Trying to let [G] go, but I’m holdin’ on so tight
[F] To the echoes, [E] echoes… [Am] echoes in the hallway

Band’s Favorite Fan:
Their favorite fan is a woman named Emily Baker. Emily discovered Soft Sum during a particularly difficult period in her life. Emily says, “Their music touched me on a deep, emotional level. ‘Echoes in the Hallway’ especially resonated with me because it was about letting go and moving forward, something I was struggling with at that time. Their music has been a source of comfort for me, and that’s why Soft Sum will always be my favorite band.”

Backstory:
Worse Creator was formed in the desolate heart of Manchester, England, during the summer of 2007. Childhood friends Noah Cunningham and Adrian Watkins fell in love with music at an early age, inspired by the punk rock revolution of the 70s and 80s. After years of playing in separate bands, they decided to join forces and create a sound that would combine their varied musical influences. The duo started as a garage band, practicing after school and during weekends, eventually adding drummer Ethan Black and bassist Zachary Thomas to their lineup. They took on the name “Worse Creator” as a nod to the imperfections and beauty that come with creating music.

Genre:
Alternative Rock/Punk

Title:
“Crumbling Castles”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1 – A, Bm, D, G)
A Bm
In the ruins of our dreams,
D G
We found a beat-up old guitar.
A Bm
We strummed the strings, making melodies,
D G
Underneath the fading stars.

(Chorus – C, G, D, Em)
C G
Crumbling castles in the sky,
D Em
We’re the kings of our demise.
C G
In the echoes of the night,
D Em
We’re the Worse Creator, alright.

(Verse 2 – A, Bm, D, G)
A Bm
In this kingdom of sound,
D G
We rule with a reckless roar.
A Bm
Through the highs and the lows,
D G
We’re in for an encore.

(Chorus – C, G, D, Em)
C G
Crumbling castles in the sky,
D Em
We’re the kings of our decline.
C G
In the echoes of the night,
D Em
We’re the Worse Creator, alright.

(Bridge – F, G, A, Bm)
F G
We won’t surrender, we won’t retreat,
A Bm
With every beat, we are complete.
F G
We are the kings, queens of the night.
A Bm
We’re the Worse Creator, yeah that’s right.

(Chorus – C, G, D, Em)
C G
Crumbling castles in the sky,
D Em
We’re the kings of our downfall.
C G
In the echoes of the night,
D Em
We’re the Worse Creator, standing tall.

Fan Testimonial:
“Hi, I’m Tessa Thompson from Manchester and Worse Creator is my favorite band. I was there during their first gig in a dingy pub, and I’ve watched them grow into the powerhouse they are today. Their music is raw, honest, and carries a message that resonates deeply with me. It’s not just the music though. They’ve created a community that I feel a part of. The imperfections, the struggles, the resilience; it’s all in their songs. They’re not just a band, they’re a movement. And I’m proud to be a part of it.”

Backstory:
Formed in a small kitchen in Austin, Texas in 2011, Tart Failure is the result of a fluke baking disaster that turned into an inspiring band name. The founding members, Chaz Lincoln and Benny Moore, were part-time bakers and full-time musicians who decided to quit their jobs and create music full-time after their disastrous attempt to bake a tart that ended up in a kitchen fire. Their ‘tart failure’ became a symbol of their dedication to music, and they formed a band that uses their unique talents and quirks to create music that resonates with people.

The duo recruited two more members, drummer Sally Thompson, an old college friend, and bassist Jim Buxton, a local record shop owner. Together, they embarked on a journey that transformed them from a small-town band into a sensation on the indie music scene. The band is known for their heartfelt lyrics, catchy melodies, and dynamic performances that take their audience on an emotional rollercoaster.

Genre:
Indie Rock

Title:
“Flames of Passion”

Full Song Lyrics:

Verse 1 [D, G, Bm, A]
(D) Lost in a kitchen, (G) trying to make it right.
(Bm) Our hands were fumbling, (A) under the dimmed light.
(D) A tart in the oven, (G) and hearts on the line,
(Bm) We started a fire, (A) but the flames were divine.

Chorus [G, D, A, D]
(G) Flames of passion, (D) burning so bright,
(A) From a tart failure, (D) to a musical flight.
(G) We found our rhythm, (D) in the midst of chaos,
(A) Now we’re singing, (D) without any loss.

Verse 2 [D, G, Bm, A]
(D) Mixed up ingredients, (G) turned into a song,
(Bm) In the heated moments, (A) we knew where we belong.
(D) Crumbled pastry, (G) and a burnt desire,
(Bm) We rose from the ashes, (A) like a Phoenix on fire.

Chorus [G, D, A, D]
(G) Flames of passion, (D) burning so bright,
(A) From a tart failure, (D) to a musical flight.
(G) We found our rhythm, (D) in the midst of chaos,
(A) Now we’re singing, (D) without any loss.

Favorite Fan:
Their favorite fan is Lisa Hartman, a graphic designer from Dallas. Lisa has been following Tart Failure since their early days and has designed several of their album covers and concert posters.

Lisa’s Testimonial:
“Tart Failure is more than just a band for me. Their music has been a source of comfort, inspiration, and joy in my life. I connect with their lyrics on a deep level and their tunes never fail to brighten my day. As a fan, I feel like I’ve been on this journey with them, from a tart failure to a musical flight. Their authenticity and dedication to their craft are what make them my favorite band. Their music is real, raw, and powerful, and I can’t wait to see what they do next.”

Backstory:

Simple Brick was formed in 2009, in a small suburban garage in Leeds, UK. The band’s founding members, Owen Clarke and Felix White, who were childhood friends, started the band as a hobby, fascinated by the power of music. Owen was a keyboardist with a knack for catchy melodies, while Felix was a self-taught guitarist with a passion for soulful lyrics. As they honed their skills, they soon realized they had a unique sound worth sharing. They recruited Ellie Rose, a powerful vocalist from their local school, and bassist Zac Hanson from a neighboring town. Thus, Simple Brick was born. The name was inspired by the idea that something so simple, like a brick, could build something so complex and beautiful, much like their music.

Genre:

Simple Brick identifies with Indie Pop.

Title:

“Walls of Yesterday”

Full song lyrics:

(Verse 1)
Em C
Sitting on the edge of our dreams,
G D
Looking back on walls of yesterday,
Em C
The road has been long, and the nights were cold,
G D
But we held on, waiting for the break of day.

(Chorus)
Am Em
We built these walls, so high and strong,
F C
Brick by brick, with a melody and song,
G D
Even when the world said we were wrong,
F Em
We kept building, all along.

(Verse 2)
Em C
Memories etched into every stone,
G D
Every note, a testament of our journey,
Em C
We wrote our love, our loss, our hope,
G D
In the walls of yesterday, our story.

(Chorus)
Am Em
We built these walls, so high and strong,
F C
Brick by brick, with a melody and song,
G D
Even when the world said we were wrong,
F Em
We kept building, all along.

(Bridge)
F C
And when the sun sets on our past,
G D
We’ll look at these walls, and we’ll laugh,
Em Am
Because we built something that will last,
F D
In the walls of yesterday, our past.

(Chorus)
Am Em
We built these walls, so high and strong,
F C
Brick by brick, with a melody and song,
G D
Even when the world said we were wrong,
F Em
We kept building, all along.

Outro:
Em C
In the walls of yesterday, we found our way,
G D
Brick by brick, we built our today.

Band’s favorite fan:

The band’s favorite fan is a young woman named Lucy Smith. Lucy became a fan of Simple Brick after discovering their music during a challenging time in her life. She was moved by their genuine lyrics and the warmth that radiated from their tunes. Lucy says, “Simple Brick’s music is a lifeline. Their songs, like ‘Walls of Yesterday’, remind me of resilience, of hope, and of the beauty of perseverance. They taught me that even the simplest of things, like a brick, can be part of something bigger. Their authenticity shines through their music, and that’s why they are my favorite band.”