Backstory:
Born out of the independent music scene of Brooklyn, New York, Svelte Stick found its roots in the diverse backgrounds and shared passion for music of its band members. Lead singer and guitarist Samuel “Sammy” Evans, a classically-trained musician, joined forces with bassist, Lisa “Lizzy” Thompson, an energetic punk rocker from the UK. The duo rapidly expanded their team with the addition of drummer Juan “Jay” Martinez, a salsa artist from Puerto Rico, and keyboardist, Akiko “Aki” Tanaka, a techno junkie from Japan. Together, they formed an unusual and intriguing fusion of sounds and styles, dubbing their creation Svelte Stick.

The band’s journey started when they all coincidentally landed in the same music production class in college. They began by playing small gigs around town, and quickly gathered a cult following. Their breakout moment came when their song “Hybrid Heart” went viral on a local radio station. Since then, they’ve been touring around the world, making music that blurs the lines between genres and generations.

Genre: Indie Rock Fusion

Title: “Shadow of the Dawn”

Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
Am/C/G/D
In the shadow of the dawn, amidst the neon lights,
We found a rhythm pure and raw, just as day meets night.
The city hums a silent song, as strangers pass us by,
In the hush before the storm, you’re the only one I spy.

(Chorus)
Em/F/C/G
We’re a symphony in silence, in the shadow of the dawn,
Like whispers in the wind, we’re here and then we’re gone.
We dance among the stars, to the beat of our own drum,
In the shadow of the dawn, we find where we come from.

(Verse 2)
Am/C/G/D
Caught in the crossfire of dreams, in the heart of the crowd,
Navigating streams of thoughts, that scream aloud.
Painting stories on the walls, with every step we trace,
In the shadow of the dawn, we find our secret space.

(Chorus)
Em/F/C/G
We’re a symphony in silence, in the shadow of the dawn,
Like whispers in the wind, we’re here and then we’re gone.
We dance among the stars, to the beat of our own drum,
In the shadow of the dawn, we find where we come from.

Fan’s Name: Melissa “Mel” Harper

Testimonial:
“Svelte Stick is my absolute favorite band because their music is like an adventure – it’s unpredictable, inspiring, and it resonates with my soul. I love how they blend so many different styles into their songs, it’s always a pleasant surprise. I was lucky enough to meet them at one of their gigs in Brooklyn, and their passion for the music was tangible. As a fan, I feel connected to their journey and their music. It’s more than just sound; it’s an experience that leaves a lasting impression.”

Backstory:
Untried Mother emerged from the underground scene of Portland in the mid-2000s. The band was formed by four childhood friends: Stan “The Man” Harris, Billy “The Kid” Jacobs, Benny “The Beast” Reynolds, and Rob “The Robot” Thompson. These four talented musicians shared a common love for music and a burning desire to shake up the music industry. They spent their days working mundane jobs and their nights creating music in a small garage. Their journey was not always smooth, as they faced numerous rejections and heartbreaks. Yet, they continued to stay true to their music, earning the name Untried Mother, symbolizing their undying spirit of experimenting with untested and new sounds.

Genre:
Untried Mother is known for producing a unique blend of Alternative Rock and Neo-Psychedelia.

Title:
“Lost Letters in the Attic”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
[C]Lost letters in the [G]attic,
[Am]Memories so [Em]static,
[C]Dreams that were [G]once so [D]dramatic.

(Chorus)
[G]We were young, we were [C]wild,
[Am]We were reckless, just a [Em]child,
[G]In the attic, the past [D]unfiled.

(Verse 2)
[C]Dusty diaries, [G]old guitars,
[Am]Starry nights and [Em]battle scars,
[C]Chasing dreams, reaching for the [G]stars, [D]so far.

(Chorus)
[G]We were brave, we were [C]bold,
[Am]In our hearts, stories [Em]untold,
[G]In the attic, memories we [D]hold.

Favorite Fan:
The band’s favourite fan is a woman named “Jessie”. Jessie has been a committed fan of Untried Mother since she stumbled upon their first gig in a small bar in Portland. She has attended all their concerts and owns all their albums. Jessie says, “Untried Mother’s music resonates with my soul. Their lyrics are so raw and relatable. They’ve been my favorite band ever since I heard their song ‘Lost Letters in the Attic’. Their music has been my constant companion through the ups and downs of my life.”

Backstory:
Pungent Grass was formed in a small town near Austin, Texas, when childhood friends Gabe and Liam began playing guitars in their garages. They were joined by high school classmate Jessie, who played the drums, and their music teacher, Mr. Thompson, who played the bass guitar. Gabe and Liam, while working part-time at a local coffee shop, started performing during open-mic nights. Their original songs, with nuances of country, folk, and rock, quickly gained popularity among the local audience. Soon, they were joined by Jessie and Mr. Thompson, cementing the quartet, and Pungent Grass was born. Their name, a nod to their Texan roots, comes from the specific smell of fresh Texan grass after a rainstorm, which they found profoundly inspiring.

Genre:
Country-Folk Rock

Title:
“Sunsets and Barbed Wires”

Full song lyrics with chord progression:

Verse 1:
Am
Waking up to the Texas dawn,
C
Sipping coffee, while the world’s reborn,
G
Whispers of the wind, through the pungent grass,
D
Sunsets and barbed wires, tales of a time that’s passed.

Chorus:
Am C
Oh, we’re just boys from a small town,
G D
Living under the wide sky’s crown,
Am C
With our guitars strumming, and our hearts drumming,
G D
To the rhythm of sunsets and barbed wires.

Verse 2:
Am
Wandering through fields of gold,
C
Listening to the stories old,
G
Dusty boots, and a hat of straw,
D
In the land of sunsets and barbed wires, we draw.

Repeat Chorus

Bridge:
G
Underneath the big Texan sky,
D
Where dreams are born, and never die,
Am C
We sing our song, with a burning fire,
G D
By the sunsets and the barbed wires.

Repeat Chorus

Favorite Fan:
Billy Joe, a truck driver from Austin, is the band’s favorite fan. Billy discovered them during an open-mic night at the coffee shop where Gabe and Liam worked. Their music resonated with him, reminding him of his own childhood in a small Texan town, the smell of the rain-soaked grass, and the sun setting behind barbed wires. Billy has been a dedicated fan since then, attending every gig and even organizing fan meet-ups. In his own words, “Pungent Grass is the voice of Texas, the voice of home. Their music takes me back to the heart of my roots. It’s a celebration of our culture, our land, and our people. I can’t imagine a day without their songs.”

Backstory:
Double Ship emerged from the bustling music scene of Toronto, Canada in 2011. Founding members, vocalist/guitarist Ben Harper and drummer Ashleigh Morgan, were both working at the same record store when they discovered a mutual love for 90s grunge and an uncanny musical chemistry. After a few successful jam sessions, they decided to form a band. Despite many lineup changes, the pair remained the mainstays of Double Ship, delivering soulful performances that captivated audiences throughout North America. Their breakout moment came in 2015 when they played at the Sound of Music Festival in Burlington, capturing the attention of indie labels and earning a loyal fan base with their electrifying performances and deep, thoughtful lyrics.

Genre:
Indie Rock

Title:
“Uncharted Waters”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1 – Am, F, C, G)
In the heart of the city, lost in the crowd,
(Am, F, C, G)
Found your face in a photograph, silent yet loud.
(Am, F, C, G)
We were young, we were careless, chasing the sun,
(Am, F, C, G)
Didn’t know what we had until it was all done.

(Chorus – F, C, G, Am)
Uncharted waters, we sail,
(F, C, G, Am)
In the search for a fairy tale.
(F, C, G, Am)
In the storm, we find our path,
(F, C, G, Am)
In the wreckage, we find our craft.

(Verse 2 – Am, F, C, G)
Days turned into nights, nights into years,
(Am, F, C, G)
Kept your memory close, drowned in my tears.
(Am, F, C, G)
In the chaos of life, I found my peace,
(Am, F, C, G)
In our tangled tales, I found my release.

(Chorus – F, C, G, Am)
Uncharted waters, we sail,
(F, C, G, Am)
In the search for a fairy tale.
(F, C, G, Am)
In the storm, we find our path,
(F, C, G, Am)
In the wreckage, we find our craft.

Band’s Favorite Fan:
Our favorite fan is undoubtedly Lana Lewis. Lana has been with us since our first gig in a small Toronto bar. She’s been to every concert, bought every album, and supported us through thick and thin. She even has our band logo tattooed on her arm.

Testimonial:
“I love Double Ship because their music speaks directly to my soul. It’s raw, real, and relatable. Every song tells a story that I connect with. They’ve been the soundtrack of my life for the last decade.” – Lana Lewis

Backstory:

Smart Aunt is a band that was formed in the summer of 2001 in the heart of Seattle by four childhood friends: John Martin (lead vocals), Andrew Lee (guitarist), Mike Shaw (bassist) and Steve Jackson (drummer). The group fondly derived its name from John’s eccentric, music-loving aunt, who was their initial inspiration and mentor in the music industry. Smart Aunt gained local fame in their early years playing in underground gigs and street festivals, where their unique sound and undeniable chemistry captivated audiences. Their breakthrough moment came in 2005 when they were discovered by a talent scout at a local music festival and since then, there has been no looking back for Smart Aunt.

Genre:

Smart Aunt is best known for their Indie Rock music, with a generous blend of alternative and punk influences. Their sound, while rooted in the classic Indie genre, has evolved over time, incorporating elements of Folk and Country, which makes their music appealing to a diverse audience.

Title:

“Echoes of Yesterday”

Full song lyrics (with chord progression):

[Verse 1: D, A, Bm, G]
Breaking through the haze of this city night
Every corner holds a piece of our shared light
Memories dancing like shadows out of sight
These are our echoes of yesterday

[Verse 2: D, A, Bm, G]
Streets we roamed, the stories we created
Laughter and tears, all beautifully narrated
In the canvas of our hearts, deeply painted
These are our echoes of yesterday

[Chorus: Em, A, D, G]
Echoes of yesterday, whispers in the wind
Fragile as a promise, strong as a sin
With every sunrise they begin
Our echoes, echoes of yesterday

[Verse 3: D, A, Bm, G]
In the rhythm of rain, in the autumn leaves
Between lines of old songs, in the silent eves
Everywhere we look, everywhere we grieve
We find our echoes of yesterday

[Chorus: Em, A, D, G]
Echoes of yesterday, timeless as the sky
Lost in the crowd, caught in the lullaby
Living in the moments as they fly
Our echoes, echoes of yesterday

Fan Testimonial:

Smart Aunt’s number one fan is undoubtedly Sarah Thompson. Sarah, a high school teacher, has followed the band since their first public performance. She’s not just a fan, but considers herself a part of the Smart Aunt family. Sarah states, “Smart Aunt isn’t just a band to me, they are a group of people who have been there through my highs and lows. Their music speaks directly to my soul and has a unique ability to uplift me no matter the circumstances. The authenticity of their lyrics and their unique sound makes them stand out from the rest. They aren’t just my favorite band, they are my musical family.”

Backstory:

Required Shirt was formed in 2010 in a small college dorm room in Oregon. The founding members, Josh Anderson, Mark Lee, Sandy Rivers, and Ethan Richards were studying different majors but shared a mutual love for music. The story behind the band’s name traces back to a funny incident that occurred during their freshman year. After an unforgettable night of frolicking and fun, Josh woke up at a stranger’s apartment only wearing a shirt, hence the name ‘Required Shirt’. This incident became a joke among them and when they finally decided to form a band, they didn’t have to think twice about the name. Over the years, they’ve endeared themselves to fans with their witty lyrics, energetic performances, and down-to-earth personalities.

Genre:

Alternative Rock

Title:

“Canvas of Night”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
C#m – A – E – B
Underneath the canvas of night,
we used to share our secrets tight.
Chasing shadows, dancing in the light,
feeling like everything was right.

(Pre-Chorus)
A – E – B – C#m
Oh, those were the days of innocence,
Chasing dreams over the fence,
Didn’t know where it would take us,
But the journey was worth the fuss.

(Chorus)
E – B – A – C#m
Canvas of night, we painted our dreams,
Starlight bright, we followed its beams,
And though the dawn has stolen the sight,
In my heart, you’re still the canvas of night.

(Verse 2)
C#m – A – E – B
Remember the laughter and the song,
The places where we did belong,
Now the echoes are the only traces,
Of those forgotten, familiar spaces.

(Chorus)
E – B – A – C#m
Canvas of night, with memories so clear,
In the silence, I still hear,
The echoes of our laughter and fight,
You are, forever, my canvas of night.

The band’s favorite fan’s name:

Timothy Mardon

Testimonial:

“Required Shirt is my favorite band, not just because of their music, which is amazing, but also because of their authenticity. They’re not afraid to be themselves and make music that genuinely means something to them, and that resonates with me. As someone who feels like an outsider sometimes, their songs speak volumes to me, especially ‘Canvas of Night’. It’s about cherishing the past while embracing the present, a message that really hits home. I’ve seen them live a few times, and their energy and passion are just infectious. For me, music is an escape, and Required Shirt provides the perfect soundtrack to my journey.”

Backstory:
Meaty Land, originated in the heart of Southern California’s punk scene, was founded by lead vocalist and guitarist, Dexter Jones, and drummer, Travis Davis, in 1992. The band rose to fame in the late 90s with their signature tongue-in-cheek humor, brash lyrics, and energetic performances. Despite their initial success, the band faced several obstacles including lineup changes and a brief hiatus in the mid-2000s. After a successful reunion in 2012, Meaty Land evolved from an underground punk band to a cultural phenomenon in the rock music scene.

Genre: Punk Rock

Title: “Bacon Rebellion”

Full Song Lyrics with Chord Progression:

Verse 1: (C – G – Am – F)
Hey, it’s a riot in the kitchen,
A rebellion led by bacon (C – G – Am – F)
Sausage links and ham are marching,
Our breakfast tradition is shaking (C – G – Am – F)

Chorus: (G – D – Em – C)
Bacon rebellion, sizzle and pop (G – D – Em – C)
We won’t stop till we’re on top (G – D – Em – C)
Bacon rebellion, meaty and loud (G – D – Em – C)
We’re the band that makes you proud (G – D – Em – C)

Verse 2: (C – G – Am – F)
The eggs are scrambling, the toast is rocking,
In this breakfast anarchy (C – G – Am – F)
The coffee is brewing, the juice is flowing,
Join the bacon’s victory (C – G – Am – F)

Chorus: (G – D – Em – C)
Bacon rebellion, sizzle and pop (G – D – Em – C)
We won’t stop till we’re on top (G – D – Em – C)
Bacon rebellion, meaty and loud (G – D – Em – C)
We’re the band that makes you proud (G – D – Em – C)

Band’s favorite fan:
Their favorite fan is named Danny “PunkRock” Henderson. Danny, an avid punk rock enthusiast since the late 80s, stumbled across a Meaty Land gig in a small bar in San Francisco in 1995. He was instantly captivated by their unique blend of humor, punk rock, and their unapologetic love for meat. Since then, Danny has attended every performance of Meaty Land, often seen at the front row, headbanging to their music.

Testimonial:
“I’ve been into punk rock since I was a kid, but Meaty Land, man, they changed everything for me. They’ve got the raw energy of punk, but their lyrics, they’re hilarious and thought-provoking at the same time. And the bacon theme, it’s just genius. I resonate with their rebellion against the norm. Meaty Land is not just a band, it’s a lifestyle.” – Danny “PunkRock” Henderson

Backstory:
Smug Carriage was formed in 2012 in the small town of Harrisonburg, Virginia. The original members, high school friends Sam Bowen (lead vocalist), Danny Mitchell (guitarist), and Teddy Gibson (drummer), had spent their free time jamming in Bowen’s garage, covering punk rock classics and experimenting with their own sound. After their first self-produced EP gained a surprising amount of local attention, the trio decided to take their music more seriously. They added Kira Johnson (bassist) to the lineup, solidifying the unique sound that would later make them famous. Smug Carriage quickly became known for their high-energy performances, clever lyrics, and unique blend of punk rock and indie folk.

Genre: Indie Folk-Punk

Title: “Spare Change Serenade”

Full Song Lyrics:
(Verse C-G-Am-F)
(C) I’ve been running through the city, (G) with nothing but a dream,
(Am) Tossing dimes in wishing wells, (F) life ain’t what it seems.
(C) I’ve got a pocket full of secrets, (G) and a heart full of song,
(Am) And I’ll sing until the morning, (F) whether it’s right or wrong.

(Chorus C-G-Am-F)
(C) So here’s my spare change serenade, (G) for the lonely and the brave,
(Am) For the hearts that are heavy, (F) and the souls that are saved.
(C) I’ll sing for the dreamers, (G) the lovers, and the liars,
(Am) With my spare change serenade, (F) I’ll set the world on fire.

Favorite Fan:
The band’s favorite fan is Lydia Cartwright, a librarian from their hometown. Lydia has been a fan of the band since their garage jamming days, often stopping by after work to listen to them practice. She was the one who suggested they record their first EP and helped them distribute it to local radio stations.

Testimonial:
“Smug Carriage isn’t just my favorite band because they’re from my hometown, or because I’ve known them since they were kids. It’s their music. Their songs speak to the rebel in all of us, the dreamer, the lover, the liar. It’s raw and passionate, yet thoughtful and introspective. Their music has carried me through highs and lows, and for that, they’ll always be my favorite.”

Backstory:

Hailing from the heart of rural Vermont, Warm Pound came together through a shared love for soul-touching music and a deep connection to the earth. The band consists of childhood friends, Jack O’Leary (vocals, guitar), Tommy Baker (drums), and sisters, Rachel and Claire McNally (keyboard, back vocals, and bass respectively). They stopped pursuing their individual careers in 2005, opting to invest all their energy into creating a musical identity that resonates with the warmth of humanity and the soothing pound of the earth.

Warm Pound’s journey started from singing at local bars and pubs to headlining at some of America’s most popular music festivals. Their music, although deeply rooted in the rural scenery of their hometown, touches upon the universal themes of love, loss, joy, and sorrow. Over the years, Warm Pound has managed to gather a dedicated fanbase who resonates with their unique blend of music and the authentic emotions that it encapsulates.

Genre:

Folk Rock

Song Title:

“Earthbound You and I”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse)
[G] Down the [Em] valley, where the [C] rivers intertwine,
[D] You and I, [G] lost in time.
[G] Beneath the [Em] willow, we [C] etched our sacred vow,
[D] Earthbound [G] you and I, even [D] now.

(Chorus)
[G] Running through the [Em] fields, under the [C] endless sky,
[D] Echoes of our [G] laughter, whispers of our [D] sigh.
[G] Holding on the [Em] promise, never asking [C] why,
[D] Earthbound [G] you and I, [D] till we die.

(Verse)
[G] Seasons change, but [Em] our love remains the [C] same,
[D] Burning like a [G] steady flame.
[G] Through the [Em] storms and sunshine, [C] our roots grow deep and strong,
[D] Earthbound [G] you and I, [D] life-long.

(Chorus)
[G] Dancing with the [Em] moonlight, basking in the [C] daylight’s glow,
[D] Timeless as the [G] rhythm of the river’s [D] flow.
[G] In this world of [Em] transient, we found where we [C] belong,
[D] Earthbound [G] you and I, [D] in our song.

(Bridge)
[Em] And when the [C] world spins fast, [G] we slow dance,
[D] Finding solace in [Em] each other’s glance.
[C] Whispering the [D] words, this is our chance,
[G] Earthbound [D] you and I, in [C] trance.

(Chorus)
[G] Embracing the [Em] morning dew, singing with the [C] nightingale’s cry,
[D] Living in a [G] rhythm, under the [D] vast sky.
[G] Bound by the [Em] promise, unveiled in [C] lover’s sigh,
[D] Earthbound [G] you and I, [D] till the day we die.

Band’s Favorite Fan:

Our favorite fan is Sarah Roberts, a warm soul from our hometown who’s been with us since the very beginning. Sarah has been at every local gig and has traveled across states to support us at festivals. She says, “Warm Pound’s music is a comforting balm to my soul. Their earthy tunes and heartfelt lyrics resonate with me on a profound level. It feels like they’ve put my own feelings into their songs. Their music is my safe haven, my joy, and my catharsis. There’s no other band like Warm Pound, and there will never be.”

Backstory:

The Gullible Criterion is a band that formed in the throes of the bustling music scene of Austin, Texas in 2013. Comprised of four high school buddies – frontman Jesse Clifton (vocals, guitar), Harry Mullen (bass), Mike Anderson (drums), and Richard Sanders (keyboard, vocals) – they were initially just a garage band, jamming away during weekends and holidays. The quartet caught a major break in 2015 when a local radio DJ heard their demo and started spinning it on air, sparking a loyal fanbase that continues to grow to this day.

Their music is heavily inspired by their own experiences and observations, using biting wit and social commentary wrapped in catchy melodies and potent lyrics. The Gullible Criterion’s journey to success has been marked by a series of trials and tribulations, evolving their sound and strengthening their bond as a band. The name ‘Gullible Criterion’ is an ironic nod to society’s tendency to be duped by standards not always worthy of trust, a concept they frequently explore in their music.

Genre:

Alternative Rock/Indie

Title:

“Unseen Strings”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
Am Dm G C
Walking down a road that’s fraying at the seams,
Am Dm G C
Chasing after dreams spun from unseen strings.
Am Dm G C
Always told we’re free, but are we really so?
Am Dm G C
Tied to gullible criteria we don’t even know.

(Chorus)
F C Dm Am
Who’s pulling the strings, who’s dictating the norms?
F C Dm Am
Are we just puppets dancing in a world of storms?
F C Dm Am
We’re the Gullible Criterion, lost and yet found,
F C Dm Am
In this mad, mad world, we make our own sound.

(Verse 2)
Am Dm G C
Can’t we break the chains, shatter these walls?
Am Dm G C
Unveil the unseen strings that cause our falls.
Am Dm G C
Question what we’re told, challenge the status quo,
Am Dm G C
We’re the Gullible Criterion, watch us grow.

(Repeat Chorus)

Favorite Fan’s Name:

Emily Richards

Testimonial:

“Gullible Criterion’s music is more than just catchy tunes, it’s a narrative that reflects the society we live in. Whether it’s their lyrics that make you rethink your beliefs or their melodies that resonate with your emotions, there’s always something profound to discover with each song. Their music has been a sanctuary for me during my toughest times, reminding me that it’s okay to question, and inspiring me to challenge the norms. That’s why Gullible Criterion is my favorite band – their music is a beacon of authenticity in an often manufactured industry.”