Backstory:
High Innovation was formed in the up-and-coming music scene of Austin, Texas in 2012. The band consists of four members: lead singer and guitarist Alex Ross, drummer Riley Hayes, bassist Jesse Carter, and keyboardist Harper Reed. They met while studying at the University of Texas, bonded over their shared love for experimental sounds and a commitment to push the boundaries of music. High Innovation was born out of late-night jam sessions, fueled by a desire to create something fresh and invigorating.

The band spent the next few years honing their sound, playing in local bars, and gathering a solid fan base. Their breakthrough came in 2016 when they won a local battle of the bands competition and caught the attention of indie label, Moonlit Records. Since then, they’ve released three critically acclaimed albums and toured extensively throughout the country.

Genre:
Indie Electronic

Title:
“Celestial Echoes”

Full Song Lyrics:
[Intro]
Am Em D G

[Verse 1]
Am Em
Walking on the edge of time
D G
Feeding off the celestial rhymes
Am Em
Innovation is our game,
D G
High on dreams, we’re never the same.

[Chorus]
C G
We’re High Innovation, we’re the sound of the stars,
Am Em
Crafting melodies from Venus to Mars.
C G
In the echo of the universe, we find our way,
Am Em
In the rhythm of the cosmos, we sway.

[Verse 2]
Am Em
Through the dust of nebulae, we stride,
D G
In the silence of space, we confide.
Am Em
Through the heart of a supernova, we burst,
D G
In the echoes of the cosmos, we’re immersed.

[Chorus]
C G
We’re High Innovation, lighting up the night,
Am Em
With a symphony of stars, we ignite.
C G
In the echo of the universe, we blaze,
Am Em
In the rhythm of the cosmos, we amaze.

[Bridge]
F D
Innovation’s high, as we reach the sky,
Em C
In the echo of the universe, we fly.

[Chorus]
C G
We’re High Innovation, we’re the sound of the stars,
Am Em
Crafting melodies from Venus to Mars.
C G
In the echo of the universe, we find our way,
Am Em
In the rhythm of the cosmos, we sway.

Fan Testimonial:
Our favorite fan is Sarah Thompson, a college student from Austin, who has been with us since our early days. Sarah says, “I was drawn to High Innovation’s unique sound and creative energy. Their music is experimental yet accessible, and always leaves me feeling inspired. They’re not just a band to me, they’re a source of motivation to embrace originality and break boundaries. Their song ‘Celestial Echoes’ specifically speaks to my spirit. The way they blend electronic beats with poetic lyrics is truly groundbreaking.”

Backstory:
Neighboring Afternoon was born from the shared passion for music in a quiet suburban neighborhood in Ontario, Canada. The band’s founding members, Emily (vocals) and Ryan (guitar), were next-door neighbors who spent countless afternoons jamming on their porches, their music blending with the sounds of life going on around them. Soon enough, they were joined by fellow neighbors, Adam (bass) and Sarah (drums), and the band was complete. They started performing in local bars and community events, and their unique sound quickly gained traction, leading to recording deals and sell-out concerts.

Genre:
Neighboring Afternoon specializes in Indie Pop, incorporating elements of folk and rock into their music. Their sound is characterized by Emily’s soft but powerful vocals, Ryan’s melodic guitar riffs, Adam’s rhythmic bass, and Sarah’s steady drum beats, creating a relaxing, evocative, and distinct music experience.

Title:
“One Porch, Two Hearts”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
[G] Sitting on this porch, [C] under the soft afternoon glow,
[Am] Our hearts are beating in a rhythm, [D] only we know.
[G] Between sips of lemonade and [C] whispers in the wind,
[Am] We are writing our story, [D] where love begins.

(Chorus)
[G] One porch, [C] two hearts,
[Am] Lost in the rhythm of the [D] afternoon’s arts.
[G] With every strum, [C] every rhyme,
[Am] We are creating a love, [D] that transcends time.

(Verse 2)
[G] As the sun dips low, [C] painting the sky with hues,
[Am] We sing our hearts out, [D] with nothing to lose.
[G] Our music fills the air, [C] reaching where words cannot.
[Am] This neighboring afternoon, [D] is all we’ve got.

(Chorus Repeat)
[G] One porch, [C] two hearts,
[Am] Lost in the rhythm of the [D] afternoon’s arts.
[G] With every strum, [C] every rhyme,
[Am] We are creating a love, [D] that transcends time.

Fan Testimonial:
Fan’s Name: Josh Thompson

Josh is a longtime fan who has been with Neighboring Afternoon since their early porch jamming days. In his words, “I’ve seen a lot of bands come and go, but there’s something special about Neighboring Afternoon. Their music takes me to a place where everything feels okay. It’s not just the unique tunes or the soulful lyrics, but it’s their authenticity. It’s like they’ve bottled up the essence of all those easy, lazy, neighboring afternoons and transformed it into music. I can’t imagine a day without their songs. They are, without a doubt, my favorite band.”

Backstory:
Formed in 2013, Delectable Servant is an intriguing blend of childhood buddies and strangers who met through a local jam session. The band’s formation was spurred by an impromptu performance at a neighborhood block party in Seattle, where they instantly bonded over their shared love for music and the urge to redefine the existing music scene. The eclectic group consists of lead vocalist, Martin “Marty” Reynolds, guitarist, Jake Freeman, bassist, Sophia Clark, and drummer, Luke Johnson. Over the years, their experimental approach to music, coupled with their charismatic performances, have led them to gain a cult following, making them one of the most dynamic forces in the music landscape.

Genre:
Psychedelic Rock

Title:
“Elixir of Time”

Full Song Lyrics:

VERSE:
Am Em
Flowing rivers and soaring skies,
F C
Through the elixir of time, we ride.
G D
What once was lost now is found,
Em Am
In the melody of our sound.

CHORUS:
C G
Wake up, it’s not the end,
Am Em
We’ll cross the bend.
F C
With the elixir of time,
G D
We’ll make this journey divine.

VERSE:
Am Em
Gazing stars, whispering wind,
F C
In the elixir of time, we’re pinned.
G D
Seeking answers in the rhythm and rhyme,
Em Am
We’re servants to the sublime.

CHORUS:
C G
Wake up, see the sign,
Am Em
We’re doing fine.
F C
With the elixir of time,
G D
We’ll make this journey divine.

The band’s favorite fan’s name:
Tommy “Rockhound” Mitchell

Why and how this band is their favorite:
Tommy fondly remembers hearing “Elixir of Time” for the first time at a local pub and being instantly hooked by the band’s unique sound and lyrical depth. He recalls, “Delectable Servant isn’t just a band. They are a group of artists weaving stories with their music. Their songs make you think, feel, and experience emotions on a profound level. The raw energy they bring to their performances is electric. There’s no other band that can compare to them in my book. They’ve been my favorite since day one and that’s never going to change.”

Backstory:

Born from the ashes of the disillusioned post-grunge era, Dead Withdrawal emerged from the underground music scene of Seattle in 2002. The band was originally composed of four friends: frontman Eddie Barnes, guitarist Mikey ‘Riff’ Johnson, bassist Liam ‘Thunder’ Thompson, and drummer Carl ‘Beatmaster’ Harris. Dead Withdrawal was initially just a regular garage band, playing in local bars and clubs. As they refined their unique sound and message, their popularity grew. They started to receive recognition from the local radio stations and record labels, eventually signing with Maverick Records in 2004.

Dead Withdrawal’s music is influenced by a combination of grunge, punk, and heavy metal, but they have never been afraid to experiment and push the boundaries of their sound. Each member brings their individual influences to the band, resulting in a powerful blend of raw energy, haunting melodies, and thought-provoking lyrics. Their fanbase has remained fiercely loyal over the years, captivated by their authenticity and dedication to their craft.

Genre:

Alternative Rock/Grunge

Title:

“Echoes of Silence”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
(Am) Walking down this lonely road, (G) I’m carrying a heavy load,
(Dm) Echoes of silence fill my mind, (E) A past I’m trying to leave behind.

(Chorus)
(Am) Echoes of Silence, (G) Can’t escape the violence,
(Dm) Lost in the chaos, (E) I’m trying to find my solace.

(Verse 2)
(Am) Shadows whisper in my ear, (G) Feeding on my deepest fear,
(Dm) I’m searching for a sign, (E) In this world that’s no longer mine.

(Chorus)
(Am) Echoes of Silence, (G) Drowned in the violence,
(Dm) Amidst the chaos, (E) I’m yearning for some solace.

(Bridge)
(F) Breaking through the (G) madness, (Dm) Struggling for the (E) brightness,
(F) Hear the echoes (G) fading, (Dm) A new dawn is (E) waiting.

(Chorus)
(Am) Echoes of Silence, (G) Rising from the violence,
(Dm) Out of the chaos, (E) I found my solace.

(Fade Out)
(Am)Echoes of Silence, (G) Echoes of Silence, (Dm) Echoes of Silence, (E) Echoes…

Fan Testimonial:

The band’s favorite fan is Wendy Thompson from Portland, Oregon. In her own words, “Dead Withdrawal is much more than just a band to me. They’re like a lifeline. Their music speaks to me on a deeply personal level, connecting with my struggles, hopes, and fears. Eddie’s voice has this raw, emotive quality that hits me right in the chest every time. And the musicianship of the rest of the band is just phenomenal. Their song ‘Echoes of Silence’ literally saved my life. I’ve seen them live seven times and I never miss a chance to see them play. Dead Withdrawal isn’t just my favorite band, they’re a part of my identity.”

Backstory:
Exotic Investigation started as an eclectic ensemble of college friends from the sunny beaches of Miami, Florida. The founding members, Lenny Marshall on guitar and lead vocals, Sarah Thompson on drums, and Jasper Hill on bass, met during their freshman year at the University of Miami. They started playing together as a way to enjoy their shared passion for music and to escape from the pressures of their rigorous academic pursuits. Their unique sound quickly caught attention on campus, leading to regular gigs in local bars and eventually, a record deal offer from a well-known label.

Genre:
Exotic Investigation defines their music genre as Tropical Noir, a fusion of dark synth-pop and sultry tropical beats.

Song Title:
“Moonlit Conspiracy”

Full Song Lyrics:
(Verse)
Am7 Em7
Under the stars we dance tonight,
Dm7 G13
Shadows blending, out of sight.
Am7 Em7
A secret whispered in the breeze,
Dm7 G13
Caught in the rhythm, set at ease.

(Chorus)
Cmaj7 Fmaj7
Moonlit conspiracy, you and me,
E7 Am7
Lost in a tropical reverie.
Cmaj7 Fmaj7
Silhouettes sway, secrets to relay,
E7 Am7
In this moonlit conspiracy, we play.

(Verse)
Am7 Em7
A clandestine meet on a silent shore,
Dm7 G13
Echoes of a love song, forevermore.
Am7 Em7
Mystery shrouded, in the night’s veil,
Dm7 G13
An exotic tale, set to set sail.

(Chorus)
Cmaj7 Fmaj7
Moonlit conspiracy, under the palm tree,
E7 Am7
In the dance of shadows, we’re free.
Cmaj7 Fmaj7
In the whispers of the night, we find delight,
E7 Am7
In this moonlit conspiracy, our flight.

Fan Testimonial:
“Hi, I’m Rachel and I’ve been a die-hard fan of Exotic Investigation since their very first campus gig. Their music is refreshing, like a sultry summer night after a grueling day. It’s the perfect blend of enigmatic lyrics, tropical rhythms, and synth-pop melodies that resonates with my love for mystery, dance, and nostalgia. Their songs transport me to a different world, a moonlit beach where stories unfold in hushed whispers, under a star-studded sky. They are my favorite band because their music has been my haven, my escape, my dance in the dark.”

Backstory:
Puzzled Nut was born in a garage in the heart of Portland, Oregon, in 1999. The band’s founders, lead guitarist Bob “Bobby Nuts” Nutter and drummer Jason “Jigsaw” Puzzler, met in high school and quickly discovered their shared passion for music—specifically, the grungy sounds of the late ’90s. They decided to form a band, and, over the next few years, they recruited bassist Lisa “Loopy” Loopson and lead vocalist Ricky “Riddle” Riddler. Together, they spent their days working odd jobs and their nights crafting their unique sound, fumbling through chords, and writing lyrics until their hands cramped and their voices were hoarse. Their struggles paid off when they were discovered by a local radio DJ during one of their backyard performances and quickly went from unknowns to local legends.

Genre:
Alternative Rock

Title:
“Shell of Mystery”

Full Song Lyrics:
(Verse 1)
Em
I’m a shell of mystery,
C
Hiding in your backyard tree,
G
Lost among the leaves,
D
Cracked open by your key.

Chorus:
Em
Can’t you see, can’t you see,
C
The truth inside this puzzled nut?
G
Cracked open, set free,
D
The secret of the world, it’s us.

(Verse 2)
Em
Underneath the midnight sky,
C
You whispered secrets, told me why,
G
Beneath the moon’s soft glow,
D
We let our true colors show.

Chorus:
Em
Can’t you see, can’t you see,
C
The truth inside this puzzled nut?
G
Cracked open, set free,
D
The mystery of us, it’s love.

(The song continues, alternating between verses and choruses, ending with an epic solo from Bobby Nuts and a haunting final chorus from Riddle.)

Fan’s Name:
Samantha “Sam” Hastings

Testimonial:
“Ever since I first heard ‘Shell of Mystery’ on the radio, I knew Puzzled Nut was something special. Their music, it’s raw, it’s real, and it speaks to me in a way that no other band ever has. The lyrics are like poetry, and the music just gets under your skin and stays there. I’ve been to every single one of their shows in Portland, and each one is better than the last. They’re not just a band to me, they’re my lifeline. Puzzled Nut, you guys rock!”

Backstory:

Striped Mortgage is the creative brainchild of three high school friends: Steve “the Riff” Rafferty, Tommy “Bassmaster” Baxter and Jerry “Thumper” Thompson. They formed the group in their parents’ garages in the small New Hampshire town of Benton. Initially, they were making music as a way to pass the time and express their feelings about the world around them. However, as time went by, they found that their music began to resonate with their peers and they started to gather a local following. This was the starting point of their musical journey which eventually took them far beyond the boundaries of Benton. Their band name, Striped Mortgage, was drawn from a line in a local newspaper article about property foreclosures. They felt it embodied their collective struggle to make sense of the complexities of the adult world whilst still being young and carefree.

Genre:

Striped Mortgage is primarily known for its unique fusion of Alternative rock with elements of folk and a touch of blues.

Title:

“Rust on the Tin”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
[Am]Wake up in the [G]morning, sun begins to [C]shine
[Em]In the rusted mirror, see the [Am]ticking time
[Am]The old man working the [G]nine-to-five
[Em]Chasing dreams that [Am]never arrive

(Chorus)
[F]Rust on the tin, [C]can’t keep the rain out
[Am]Holdin’ on fast, but still filled with [G]doubt
[F]Striped mortgage standing, [C]weathered and worn
[Am]In the land where we were [G]born

(Verse 2)
[Am]Fields once green, now [G]faded to grey
[Em]In the wake of progress, they [Am]withered away
[Am]We’re left with tokens of [G]yesteryear’s charm
[Em]In the heartland that’s been [Am]harmed

(Chorus)
[F]Rust on the tin, [C]can’t keep the dreams in
[Am]Standing tall, but feeling [G]thin
[F]Striped mortgage standing, [C]weathered and worn
[Am]In the land where we’ve been [G]torn

Fan Testimonial:

The band’s favorite fan is a woman named Molly O’Brien. Molly has followed Striped Mortgage since their early days, attending every local show and even traveling to see them in neighboring states. According to Molly, “Striped Mortgage isn’t just a band, they’re the articulation of the struggle, the joy, the fear and the dreams of our generation. Their songs aren’t just tunes but stories that reflect our lives. From ‘Rust on the Tin’ to their other songs, every chord strummed, every beat of the drum, every lyric sung, resonates with my experiences. They’ve grown and evolved with their music, and as a fan, I’ve grown with them. To me, they’re not just musicians; they’re poets, storytellers, and above all, friends.”

Backstory:

Formed in the bustling metropolis of Tokyo in 2011, Whispered Computer quickly established itself as a unique and innovative presence in the music scene. The three key members, Hiroshi, Aiko, and Toshi, were originally software engineers with an immense love for music. They all worked in the same tech company where they bonded over after work jam sessions. Eventually, they decided to use their technical skills to create their own genre of music, integrating digital beats and computer-generated sounds with traditional instruments and catchy melodies.

The name ‘Whispered Computer’ was inspired by their vision of subtly blending digital and analog, much like a computer whispering beautiful tunes to the world. Within a short period of time, their innovative sound and creative approach resonated widely, garnering them a rapidly growing fanbase. Their distinctive sound is a testament to the harmonious fusion of technology with music.

Genre: Electronic Rock

Title: “Binary Heartbeat”

Full Song Lyrics:

[Verse 1]
(Dm)Caught in the web of (Am) zeroes and ones,
(Gm)Heart beats in codes, (Dm)underneath the neon sun.
(F)Transcending the space where (C) reality runs,
(Bb)In the digital world, (Gm)we’ve just begun.

[Chorus]
(Am)Binary heartbeat, (Dm)pulses in the night,
(Gm)Composing a melody (C)in the satellite’s light.
(Am)Whispered Computer, (Dm)sing us your song,
(Gm)In this digital world, (C)we belong.

[Verse 2]
(Dm)Encoded dreams in the (Am) silicon veins,
(Gm)Feel the rhythm in the (Dm) data lanes.
(F)Synthetic emotions (C) but the love remains,
(Bb)In the digital landscape, (Gm)no one complains.

[Chorus]
(Am)Binary heartbeat, (Dm)echoing wide,
(Gm)Casting a signal (C)on the high tide.
(Am)Whispered Computer, (Dm)carry us along,
(Gm)In this digital world, (C)we’re strong.

Fan’s Name: Sakura Yumeno

Testimonial:

“The first time I heard Whispered Computer, I was absolutely mesmerized. Their unique blend of electronic rock and computer-generated sound is like nothing I’ve ever heard before. You can hear the love and passion they have for music, and at the same time, you can feel their respect for technology. Their song ‘Binary Heartbeat’ is my favorite. Its lyrics reveal a deep understanding of how technology intertwines with our lives. Whispered Computer is my favorite band because they’re not just musicians; they’re pioneers, innovators. They are creating a new sound for a new world, and I’m thrilled to be part of that journey.”

Backstory:

Well-To-Do Conversation was born in the bustling city of New York, a quartet of high-school friends who shared a passion for music and storytelling. Weaving the narratives of their lives with the rhythms of the city, they found themselves creating songs that connected with a broader audience. The band was formed in 2005, with Isaac Morrison on vocals and rhythm guitar, David Johnson on lead guitar, Ethan Scott on drums, and Henry Lewis on bass. Their refreshing sound and poetic lyrics quickly garnered local attention, leading to their first record deal in 2007.

The band’s journey has been a constant uphill battle, from performing in small local pubs to gracing the stages of major music festivals. Their music, deeply rooted in their shared experiences, speaks of love, heartbreak, social injustice, and the human condition. Despite the hurdles and setbacks, Well-To-Do Conversation continues to share their stories, their tunes echoing in the hearts of their listeners.

Genre:

Indie Folk

Title:

“City of Forgotten Dreams”

Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
Am G C
Under the city lights, we found our way,
C Em D
Through the cobbled streets, where shadows play,
Am G C
We sang our dreams into the night,
C Em D
Only to watch them take flight.

(Chorus)
G D Am C
Oh, the city of forgotten dreams,
C Em D
Where nothing is as it seems,
G D Am C
In this labyrinth of stone and steel,
C Em D
We seek what is real.

(Verse 2)
Am G C
A symphony of sirens, a sea of faces,
C Em D
Lost in the echoes of these spaces,
Am G C
But we find solace in the rhythm and the rhyme,
C Em D
In the beating heart of time.

(Chorus)
G D Am C
Oh, the city of forgotten dreams,
C Em D
Where love fades and hope gleams,
G D Am C
In this dance of faith and fear,
C Em D
Our song is all you’ll hear.

Band’s Favorite Fan:

Our favorite fan is Naomi Clark. Naomi has been with us from the very beginning. She attended our first performance in a small pub and has followed us throughout our journey. She’s not just a fan, she’s a friend. It’s testimonies like Naomi’s that make every struggle worthwhile. Here’s what she has to say:

“I fell in love with Well-To-Do Conversation the moment I heard their first song. Their music speaks to me on a level I can’t explain. It’s raw, honest, and refreshingly original. I’ve seen them grow over the years, and every new song they release becomes my new favorite. Their music has been my companion through good times and bad, and I can’t imagine my life without their heartfelt anthems. They are more than a band to me, they are storytellers who know how to touch souls with their music.”

Backstory:

Giant Bid formed in the vibrant streets of San Francisco, California, during the summer of 2006. The band members – lead vocalist and guitarist, Daniel Kline, drummer, Jonny Lee, and bassist, Jeremy Finch – met at a local dive bar where they got into a discussion about their shared passion for music and the lack of originality they perceived in the industry. With their backgrounds in various genres, from rock and blues to jazz and folk, they decided to come together to create something they felt was missing in the music scene. They founded Giant Bid with a bid to create a giant impact in the music industry.

Genre:

Blues-Rock Fusion

Title:

“Midnight Alley”

Full song lyrics:

(Verse 1)
[G] Down the midnight alley, [C] under the neon lights,
[G] My heart’s a one-way ticket, [D] lost in the city’s sights.
[G] Hear the voices echo, [C] in the concrete maze,
[G] I’m just a shadow dancing, [D] in the urban haze.

(Chorus)
[G] Midnight alley, [C] where dreams and reality intertwine,
[G] I’m just a melody, [D] in your symphony so fine.
[G] Midnight alley, [C] the city’s secrets you unfurl,
[G] Come find me in the shadows, [D] in this neon-lit world.

(Verse 2)
[G] Painted faces passing, [C] stories yet untold,
[G] In the midnight alley, [D] where silence is gold.
[G] Seeking truth in whispers, [C] beneath the city’s skin,
[G] I’m but a verse, [D] in your city’s hymn.

(Chorus)
[G] Midnight alley, [C] where dreams and reality intertwine,
[G] I’m just a melody, [D] in your symphony so fine.
[G] Midnight alley, [C] the city’s secrets you unfurl,
[G] Come find me in the shadows, [D] in this neon-lit world.

Fan Profile:

The band’s favorite fan is a woman named Ruby Thompson. Ruby has been following Giant Bid since their first gig at that same dive bar where they first met, supporting them through thick and thin. She’s seen every one of their shows in the Bay Area, proudly wearing the band’s merchandise and singing along to every lyric.

Testimonial:

“There’s something real about Giant Bid,” Ruby says. “Their lyrics speak truth, their music resonates with raw emotion, and their live performances are nothing short of electrifying. They’ve created a sound that’s unique yet familiar, something that’s missing in today’s music scene. I’m not just a fan, I’m a part of the Giant Bid family. Their music isn’t just heard, it’s felt; and that’s why they’re my favorite band.”