Backstory:
Born in the heart of Austin, Texas in 2013, Upright Carpenter Ant is a quartet composed of childhood friends who spent their formative years exploring different musical genres and instruments, eventually settling into their unique sound. Members Bobby “Bass” Jenson, Tommy “Thumbs” Michaels, Eddie “Echo” Harrison, and Sam “Sticks” Johnson lived within a few blocks of each other and shared a common love for music and backyard ant colonies. Their shared fascination with the industrious nature of the carpenter ant led them to the peculiar band name. Their journey from playing in garages to gracing festival stages around the world is a testament to the same tenacity and teamwork those ants exemplified.

Genre:
Upright Carpenter Ant’s music is a unique fusion of Indie Rock with a subtle blend of Psychedelic Folk, allowing them to stand out in the crowded music scene with their signature sound.

Title:
“Through the Woodwork”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
[D] Look beyond what the [A] eye can see,
[G] Secrets hidden in [D] nature’s spree.
[D] Beneath the bark and [A] under the leaf,
[G] lie a tale of [D] joy, and sometimes grief.

(Chorus)
[G]Through the woodwork, [D]we find our way,
[A]Carving our path, come [G]what may.
[G]With hearts of steel and [D]hands that mend,
[A]We’re Upright Ants till the [G]very end.

(Verse 2)
[D] Underneath the [A] moon’s soft light,
[G]We are the ants that [D] walk upright.
[D] With love, we build and [A] with hope, we stand,
[G]In this wild, beautiful [D] land.

(Chorus)
[G]Through the woodwork, [D]we find our way,
[A]Creating a symphony, day [G]by day.
[G]With dreams aflame and [D]passions high,
[A]We’re Upright Ants reaching for the [G]sky.

Favorite Fan:
A die-hard fan, Sarah “Ant Whisperer” Gibson, has followed Upright Carpenter Ant since their first backyard jam. She says, “I fell in love with Upright Carpenter Ant because they’re not just a band that produces great music, but they’re storytellers who transport you to a different realm. Their music has depth and layers that resonate with me on a personal level – it’s raw, inspiring, and it speaks about resilience, teamwork, and the beauty of nature. They always remind me that no matter how hard things get, just like the carpenter ant, I can carve my own path and get through the toughest woodwork.”

Backstory:
Descriptive Tv is a four-piece band formed in 2012 in the small town of Selma, Arkansas. The members, all childhood friends, had a shared love for music and a unique vision for what they wanted to create. They started playing in local bars and clubs and quickly gained a following for their genre-blending sound and thought-provoking lyrics. The band name ‘Descriptive Tv’ was coined in a spur-of-the-moment decision during their first gig when they had to give a name to the announcer. The name stuck and now represents their mission to illustrate vivid narratives through music.

Genre:
Descriptive Tv’s music falls primarily within the realm of Indie Rock, with elements of Alternative and Psychedelic Rock. Their sound is characterized by atmospheric layers of guitar and synth, steady drum beats, and the hauntingly beautiful voice of lead singer, James Sullivan.

Title:
“One Fleeting Moment”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
Em C G D
In one fleeting moment, under the crimson sky,
Em C G D
We traced our dreams in the sands of time.

Chorus:
Em C G D
One fleeting moment, as lucid as the dawn,
Em C G D
A memory etched in stone, forever drawn.

(Verse 2)
Em C G D
Two hearts entwined, in a dance so divine,
Em C G D
Lost in the rhythm, of an age-old rhyme.

Chorus:
Em C G D
One fleeting moment, in the still of the night,
Em C G D
A love that burns so fiercely, pure and bright.

Outro:
Em C G D
In one fleeting moment, we found our solace,
Em C G D
In a world full of chaos, a moment of grace.

Fan Testimonial:
The band’s favorite fan is a woman named Lily Thompson. Lily was there in their first gig and has been a constant presence in every performance since then. She says, “Descriptive Tv isn’t just my favorite band because they make incredible music, but because they’ve created an entire universe with their songs. Every track is a story waiting to be unraveled, a journey to be embarked upon. Their music has been a source of comfort and inspiration for me, and I can’t imagine my life without it.”

Backstory:

Delayed Tramp, a four-member band from the heart of Liverpool, England, set their roots in the early 2000s. The group, comprised of childhood friends Liam Nolan (Lead vocals and Guitar), Oliver “Ollie” Walsh (Drums), Ethan Kennedy (Bass), and Charlie Smith (Lead Guitar), first started jamming in their parents’ garages. Their shared love for music and camaraderie fueled their passion, leading them to produce music that tells stories about their personal adventures, life challenges, and coming of age. They owe their band name to a shared memory of a tramp their small town loved, who always showed up late for everything.

Genre:

Their music is a unique fusion of Indie Rock and Alternative Folk, sprinkled with elements of Blues.

Title:

“One Way Ticket to Yesterday”

Full Song Lyrics:

[Verse 1]
Am F C G
Living on the edge of a dream, chasing shadows of a memory,
Am F C G
Our hearts were young, wild, and free, not knowing where we’d be.

[Chorus]
Am F C G
One way ticket to yesterday, oh we’d fly,
Am F C G
Through the winds of time, under the moon’s watchful eye.

[Verse 2]
Am F C G
Through the laughter and the tears, we battled our own fears,
Am F C G
Found solace in the rhythm, strumming notes so clear.

[Chorus]
Am F C G
One way ticket to yesterday, let’s take a ride,
Am F C G
Back to the place where our dreams and hopes reside.

[Bridge]
F G
In the echoes of the past,
Am Em
We found a love that lasts,
F G
In the melody of our hearts,
Am Em
We are never truly apart.

[Chorus]
Am F C G
One way ticket to yesterday, oh we’d fly,
Am F C G
Through the winds of time, under the moon’s watchful eye.

The band’s favorite fan:

Delayed Tramp’s favorite fan is Susan Marks, a librarian from Manchester. She has been a fan since their early days, discovering them at a local pub gig. She fell in love with their music, as it resonated with her own journey of life, growth, and acceptance. As a testimonial, she said, “Delayed Tramp’s music is a beautiful escape, a journey back in time. It’s raw, honest, and wonderfully nostalgic. Their music has been a constant companion through my highs and lows. I can’t imagine a world without their soul-stirring melodies!”

Backstory:

“Hilarious Recovery” was born out of the serendipitous meeting of four high-school friends, Josh Riggs, Matt Donovan, Abby Peterson, and Rachel Walters, at a mental health awareness event. Each of them had faced their own battles with mental health, and the event served as a turning point, inspiring them to turn their struggles into music. They formed the band as a medium to share stories of resilience and recovery, hoping to inspire their listeners to overcome challenges and embrace life’s hilarious twists and turns.

Their unique approach to music, combining humor with heartfelt stories, soon garnered the attention of local communities, eventually catapulting them to national fame. Their journey hasn’t been without its ups and downs, but just like their name suggests, they always find a hilarious way to recover and turn it into music.

Genre:
Alternative Rock/Pop

Title:
“Laugh Lines”

Lyrics:

[Verse 1]
G D Em C
Woke up today, feeling kinda grey,
G D C
Tripped over my untied shoelace
G D Em C
Had a real bad day, but hey, what can I say?
G D C
I’m just running this crazy race

[Chorus]
G D Em C
Life’s a joke, we’re all broke
G D C
Got no hope, but we cope
G D Em C
With laugh lines, and fine wine
G D C
In this hilarious recovery of mine

[Verse 2]
G D Em C
Bills to pay, and endless days
G D C
In this confusing, amazing maze
G D Em C
But we play, and find our way
G D C
In this hilarious recovery, we sway

[Chorus]
G D Em C
Life’s a joke, we’re all broke
G D C
Got no hope, but we cope
G D Em C
With laugh lines, and fine wine
G D C
In this hilarious recovery of mine

Favorite Fan:

Our biggest fan would be Sarah Mitchell. This 25-year-old social worker from Seattle has been following our journey since our first local gig. Sarah says, “Hilarious Recovery is not just a band for me. Their music has been a source of strength at times when I felt the least strong. It reminds me to laugh at my problems and see the light at the end of the tunnel. Their song ‘Laugh Lines’ is my personal anthem, and I always play it when I need a pick-me-up. To me, they are more than just musicians; they are lifesavers.”

Backstory:

Mellow Explosion was formed in a small garage in Austin, Texas in 2005. Four friends, Jamie, a drummer with a knack for keeping time; Reggie, a bassist with a soulful groove; Lisa, a guitarist with soaring melodies; and Grace, a vocalist with a voice that could shake the heavens, decided to pool their talents together after graduating from high school. Deeply inspired by the vibrant music scene in Austin, they started playing at local bars, earning a reputation for their unique blend of music styles. Their breakthrough came in 2010 when their demo tape was discovered by a local radio station DJ, who instantly fell in love with their sound and gave them regular airtime, leading to the band being signed by a national record label.

Genre:
Alternative Rock

Title:
“Dance of the Starlight”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
Em C G
Under the sky of midnight blue, shadows start to dance,
D Em C
With the starlight in your eyes, you take my hand,
G D Em
And we spin with the universe, lost in the romance,
C G D
With every heartbeat, we’re making a chance.

(Chorus)
Em C G
Dance, dance, dance of the starlight,
D Em C
In your arms, everything feels right,
G D Em
Under the canopy of night, we’re shrouded in the moonlight,
C G D
Just you and me, in the dance of the starlight.

(Verse 2)
Em C G
With the rhythm of the night, we sway and twirl,
D Em C
Lost in a dream, in our own little world,
G D Em
With the stars as our audience, we dance in the swirl,
C G D
In this dance of the starlight, love unfurls.

(Chorus)
Em C G
Dance, dance, dance of the starlight,
D Em C
In your arms, everything feels right,
G D Em
Under the canopy of night, we’re shrouded in the moonlight,
C G D
Just you and me, in the dance of the starlight.

Favorite Fan:

Our favorite fan’s name is Amy. She’s been with us since our first bar gig and has followed us religiously to every show, rain or shine. Here’s what she says about us, “Mellow Explosion is more than a band; they’re a movement. Their music speaks to my soul. As a fan, I feel seen and heard in a way that no other band has managed to do. Their lyrics have a depth that touches on universal experiences and emotions. The energy at their live shows is electric, and I’ve made lifelong friendships in the crowd. Their song ‘Dance of the Starlight’ is my anthem. I feel an indescribable connection to their music and the magic they create on stage.”

Backstory:
Weekly Rate is composed of five childhood friends, who grew up in the vibrant city of Austin, Texas. Sharing a common love for music, they often found themselves strumming instruments and singing tunes in their suburban garage. Their music was initially just an escape from the monotony of everyday life, but soon enough, it became a shared passion that they wanted to pursue. They decided on the name ‘Weekly Rate’ as a tribute to their humble beginnings, practicing every week in the garage, while also encapsulating their belief in the power of gradual, consistent progress.

Despite facing numerous ups and downs, their commitment to their shared dream kept them going. They started performing at local venues and soon gained a cult following. Their music resonated with the youth, who identified with the raw emotions and real-life experiences their songs portrayed. Their journey, just like their name, was a testament to steady progress, and they soon found themselves signing their first record deal.

Genre:
Indie Rock

Title:
“Chasing Shadows”

Song Lyrics:
(Verse 1)
[G]Running down the [D]alleyways, [Em]chasing after [C]shadows,
[G]Moments lost in [D]time, they’re [Em]just too hard to [C]follow.
[G]Searching for the [D]answers, in the [Em]echoes of the [C]morrow,
[G]Life’s a bitter [D]symphony, it’s [Em]sweetness we must [C]borrow.

(Chorus)
[G]But we’re [D]chasing shadows, [Em]chasing shadows in the [C]night,
[G]And in the [D]morning’s light, we’ll [Em]find our way [C]right.
[G]We’re just [D]chasing shadows, [Em]yet we’re chasing for the [C]light,
[G]In the [D]song of life, we’ll [Em]find our strength to [C]fight.

(Verse 2)
[G]Underneath the [D]starlit sky, [Em]dreams begin to [C]glow,
[G]Bouncing off the [D]city lights, [Em]where does the time [C]go?
[G]We’re painting on the [D]canvas, with our [Em]hopes and fears in [C]tow,
[G]In the rhythm of the [D]heartbeat, we [Em]find our love to [C]show.

(Chorus)
[G]And we’re [D]chasing shadows, [Em]chasing shadows in the [C]night,
[G]And in the [D]morning’s light, we’ll [Em]find our way [C]right.
[G]We’re just [D]chasing shadows, [Em]yet we’re chasing for the [C]light,
[G]In the [D]song of life, we’ll [Em]find our strength to [C]fight.

Favorite Fan’s Name: Jessie Martin

Testimonial:
“My name is Jessie Martin, and I’m without a doubt, Weekly Rate’s biggest fan. Their music speaks to me in a way that no other band does. Their melodies are catchy, their lyrics are profound, and their songs are full of raw emotions that hit close to home. The way they narrate life’s simple truths through their music is simply beautiful. I love how they stick to their roots and continue to produce music that resonates with people’s lives. Weekly Rate isn’t just a band to me; they’re an inspiration and a testament to the power of dreams and perseverance. Their music is a part of the soundtrack of my life, and I can’t wait to see where their journey takes them next.”

Backstory:
Belated Target was formed from the ashes of several local indie bands in the bustling music scene of Austin, Texas in 2012. The band members, lead vocalist and guitarist Carter Thomas, bassist Josie Ramirez, drummer Aiden Brooks, and keyboardist Julianne Sullivan met at various open-mic events and music festivals. Over shared beers and music influences ranging from rock to folk to blues, they found common ground and decided to form a band. Having experienced their share of late starts and missed opportunities in their previous ventures, they named their group ‘Belated Target’, a reminder of the challenges that had shaped them.

Genre:
The band’s unique blend of indie rock with elements of folk and blues has been coined as ‘Folk-Blues-Indie Rock’.

Title:
“On the Edge of Yesterday”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
C Am G F
We’re standing on the edge of yesterday,
C Am G F
Caught in the echoes of words we couldn’t say,
C Am G F
The horizon’s calling, but we’re looking back,
C Am G F
Lost in the shadows of a love that we lack.

(Chorus)
C Am G F
On the edge of yesterday, we’ll find our way,
C Am G F
Through the echoes and the shadows, we will sway,
C Am G F
Hand in hand, under the moonlight’s soft glow,
C Am G F
On the edge of yesterday, we’ll let love flow.

(Verse 2)
C Am G F
Our feet dangle off the cliff of regret,
C Am G F
In the sea of memories, our eyes are wet,
C Am G F
But the winds of tomorrow whisper in our ear,
C Am G F
Promising a future where love is clear.

(Repeat Chorus)

Band’s favorite fan:
Their favorite fan is a young woman from their hometown named Lucy. Lucy has seen Belated Target grow from their early open-mic nights to the successful band they are today.

Testimonial:
“I love Belated Target for their raw emotion and relatable lyrics. Their music speaks to me on a personal level and has helped me through some tough times. They’re not just a band to me, they’re like friends who’ve never met me. Plus, their live shows are always electrifying!” – Lucy.

Backstory:
Live Spot is the brainchild of a group of talented musicians who came together on the bustling streets of Nashville. The members met while playing gigs on Broadway, each a part of a different band. They found a unique camaraderie and a shared love for creating music that resonates with the soul. The eclectic mix of their musical backgrounds lead to the formation of Live Spot in 2015. The band, consisting of lead singer and guitarist, Alex Donahue, drummer Andy Rodriguez, bassist Ben Harper, and keyboardist Lily Thompson, quickly gained a reputation for their immersive live performances and captivating lyrics, carving out a special place in the hearts of their growing fanbase.

Genre:
Alternative Rock

Title:
“Single Shot of Yesterday”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
Em G
Just another single shot of yesterday,
C Am
Bouncing off the walls in this lonely place.
Em G
Memories like echoes calling my name,
C Am
I’m just a sucker for the taste.

(Chorus)
Em G
I’m caught in the rhythm of the rain,
C Am
Dancing with shadows, playing their game.
Em G
With every beat, I drown the pain,
C Am
In a single shot of yesterday.

(Verse 2)
Em G
Crazy dreams and half-forgotten melodies,
C Am
In every corner of my twisted mind.
Em G
There’s a ticket to the past in every sigh,
C Am
Searching for what we left behind.

(Chorus)
Em G
I’m caught in the rhythm of the rain,
C Am
Dancing with shadows, playing their game.
Em G
With every beat, I drown the pain,
C Am
In a single shot of yesterday.

(Bridge)
Em G
Do you remember the sound, remember the taste?
C Am
Of a world that was ours, now just a trace.
Em G
We’re just echoes in an empty case,
C Am
Served in a single shot of yesterday

(Chorus)
Em G
I’m caught in the rhythm of the rain,
C Am
Dancing with shadows, playing their game.
Em G
With every beat, I drown the pain,
C Am
In a single shot of yesterday.

Fan’s Name, Testimonial:
The band’s favorite fan’s name is Chris Jefferson. Chris has been a devoted follower of the band since their early days of performing in small venues. He has attended every single one of their concerts and is known for his wild enthusiasm and unwavering support. Chris was quoted saying, “Live Spot is my favorite because their music tells a story. It’s raw, real, and it speaks to me on a level no other band does. Their songs are the soundtrack of my life, and it’s like they know exactly what I’m feeling. They’ve got a fan for life in me.”

Backstory:

Rotten Desire emerged from the grimy basements and dimly lit dive bars of Seattle, Washington in the late 1990s. The band was formed by childhood friends, guitarist Aidan “Spike” Riley and drummer, Mason “Mad Dog” Mitchell, who shared a mutual love for punk rock and an irrepressible distaste for societal norms. The duo recruited vocalist, Lara “Lethal” Landon, known for her hauntingly sultry voice, and bassist, Tommy “Thrasher” Thompson, the brooding, silent genius behind their lyricism.

Their rise to fame was not an overnight success; their persistent grit and determination led them through countless unsuccessful gigs and rejections. Their break came from an unexpected invitation to perform at a local music festival. The band’s electric and raw performance stole the show, leading to their discovery and subsequent record deal with indie label, “Resonance Records”. They’ve been creating musical mayhem ever since, refusing to compromise their authentic sound in favor of commercial success.

Genre:

Alternative Punk Rock

Title:

“Chains of Deception”

Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
Em G
Beneath the neon city lights,
D A
We find our souls in endless fight,
Em G
Lost in the wreckage of our dreams,
D A
Lulled by lies and silent screams.

(Chorus)
Em G
Break the chains of deception,
D A
Find the truth in reflection,
Em G
There’s no room for regret,
D A
In this life, we’ve met.

(Verse 2)
Em G
With every breath, we taste despair,
D A
In every moment, we’re aware,
Em G
That life’s a game, we play to lose,
D A
But it’s a game, we didn’t choose.

(Chorus)
Em G
Break the chains of deception,
D A
Find the truth in reflection,
Em G
There’s no room for regret,
D A
In this life, we’ve met.

Fan’s Testimonial:

My name is Pete “Pitbull” Sanders, and I’m the biggest fan of Rotten Desire. Their music resonates with my rebellious spirit and their raw, unfiltered lyrics speak volumes about the world we live in. As a teenager, I felt outcast and misunderstood, but Rotten Desire’s music made me feel seen and heard. Their song “Chains of Deception” became my anthem, a beacon of hope in a world filled with hypocrisy and lies. Rotten Desire is more than just my favorite band; they’re my lifeline in a chaotic world.

Backstory:
Third Monkey was formed in the heart of Brooklyn, New York in the late 2000s by three college friends who shared a passion for music. The trio—lead vocalist and guitarist, Jack Harlow, bassist, Sam Richards, and drummer, Lucas O’Reilly—started off playing gigs in small, local bars and at college parties. Eventually, their unique sound was discovered by a record label executive who happened to hear them playing at one of their late-night gigs. Since then, they’ve toured nationally and internationally, attracting more fans with each soulful performance. With their raw talent and genuine passion for music, Third Monkey has carved a niche for themselves in the music industry.

Genre:
Alternative Rock

Title:
“Silver Linings”

Full song lyrics:

(Verse 1)
G#m E B F#
Every dawn is a new chance to rise,
G#m E B F#
Every night we’ve got stars in our eyes.
G#m E B F#
Where you stumble, there you’ll find your treasure,
G#m E B F#
In the darkest clouds, there’s a silver lining.

(Chorus)
G#m E B F#
Oh, we’re riding on the wings of change,
G#m E B F#
Through the storms and the raging waves.
G#m E B F#
Keep your head high, don’t you ever waver,
G#m E B F#
In the end, you’ll find your silver lining.

(Verse 2)
G#m E B F#
There’s a hope that keeps us moving,
G#m E B F#
In this dance, in this song we’re singing.
G#m E B F#
Every heartache is a step to the future,
G#m E B F#
Look for the light, there’s a silver lining.

(Chorus)
G#m E B F#
We’re sailing on the winds of faith,
G#m E B F#
Finding strength in the darkest days.
G#m E B F#
Hold on tight, the sun’s still shining,
G#m E B F#
Soon you’ll touch your silver lining.

Favorite Fan:
The band’s favorite fan is a young lady named Amy. Amy, a Brooklyn native and art school student, has been with Third Monkey since their early days of playing at dive bars. She’s attended almost every one of their concerts and often creates beautiful fan art inspired by their music and lyrics. For Amy, Third Monkey is more than just her favorite band. “Their music speaks to me on a personal level,” she says. “Their songs have helped me through some of the toughest times in my life. Listening to them is like hearing my own thoughts and feelings put into words and melodies. To me, they’re not just musicians, they’re like friends speaking directly to my heart.”