Backstory:
Positive Lizard, originally formed in 2013, is an eccentric ensemble of five passionate musicians who first met at a music festival in Austin, Texas. The group was drawn together by a shared love for vibrant and uplifting music and a desire to create a distinctive sound that spoke to the heart. Their name, Positive Lizard, was inspired by a vivid, almost psychedelic animation they saw at the festival, featuring a dancing lizard radiating positivity and joy – they saw it as a perfect reflection of their spirit and the music they wanted to create.

The band’s initial rehearsals were held in a small, worn-down garage, but their dreams were anything but small. They worked hard, stayed dedicated, and after numerous late-night jam sessions and countless cups of coffee, they released their first EP in 2015. It was well-received and soon garnered a following of fans who connected deeply with the band’s refreshing outlook on life and music.

Genre:
Indie Pop/Alternative

Title:
“Sunshine Chasers”

Full song lyrics:

(Verse 1)
Am – F – C – G
Underneath the sapphire sky, we’re chasing the sun away,
Running with the wind, on an open highway,
Dancing through the day, like there’s no other way,
Just living in the moment, in a Positive Lizard play.

(Chorus)
Dm – G – C – Am
We’re the Sunshine Chasers, in a world that’s sometimes grey,
We’re the beam of light, in the quiet of the day,
We’re the hope that stays, when everything fades away,
We’re the Sunshine Chasers, and we’re here to stay.

(Verse 2)
Am – F – C – G
Stars are peeking through the night, but we’re not slowing down,
Humming to the rhythm, of our vibrant sound,
Shadows may surround us, but we wear the crown,
Cause we’re the Sunshine Chasers, and we won’t back down.

(Chorus)
Dm – G – C – Am
We’re the Sunshine Chasers, in a world that’s sometimes blue,
We’re the burst of colors, in a monochrome view,
We’re the dream that’s true, when everything else is askew,
We’re the Sunshine Chasers, and we’re singing for you.

Fan’s Name:
Melissa Jennings

Testimonial:
“Positive Lizard has been my favorite band since the day I discovered them. Their music is a ray of sunshine in my life. The lyrics are mindful, and the rhythm is catchy. They always manage to put a smile on my face and lift my spirits, no matter how hard the day has been. Their song ‘Sunshine Chasers’ is my anthem. It’s a reminder to chase the light, the positive, the good things in life. In a world full of chaos, Positive Lizard is my serenity.”

Backstory:
Smoggy Archbishop first came to life in the underbelly of Manchester’s thriving indie scene back in 2004. The brainchild of two childhood friends, Pete ‘Smoggy’ Thompson, and Benny ‘The Bishop’ Bishop, their creation was a fusion of their diverse musical influences and talents. As they honed their sound, they found their third core member, Harvey ‘The Hammer’ Hammersmith, a classically trained violinist turned punk bass player. With a common desire for authenticity, dabbling in poetic, noir-ish lyrics, unrestrained gusto, and stage theatrics, they quickly amassed a dedicated following who appreciated their unique sound.

Genre:
Post-Punk/Alternative Rock

Title:
“Cathedral Ashes”

Full song lyrics:

(Verse 1)
Em C G D
In the heart of the city, where the sky turns grey,
Em C G D
Beneath the smoky veil, where the sinners pray,
Em C G D
Stand the crumbling walls, of Cathedral Ashes,
Em C G D
Where Smoggy Archbishop, plays and thrashes.

(Chorus)
C G D Em
Cathedral Ashes, your truths we find,
C G D Em
In the echoes of the sinner’s requiem, we’re intertwined.

(Verse 2)
Em C G D
The echoes of the past, in the strum of the strings,
Em C G D
In the Bishop’s sermon, a melancholic hymn sings,
Em C G D
In the smoggy twilight, we dance and crash,
Em C G D
In the ruins of our love, amid Cathedral Ashes.

(Chorus)
C G D Em
Cathedral Ashes, your hymns we’ve bind,
C G D Em
In the twilight of the heart’s requiem, we’re intertwined.

Fan Testimonial:
The band’s favorite fan is a die-hard devotee named Sally ‘The Scribe’ Middleton. Sally has been following the band since their gritty garage days, documenting their journey and growth in her hand-stitched journals. Here is what she has to say about her favorite band:

“Smoggy Archbishop isn’t just a band; it’s a movement, a philosophy. Their music speaks to the darkness in all of us, a raw and unfiltered look at our own vulnerabilities. It’s like they’re able to take the indescribable emotions we all feel and set them to a soundtrack. ‘Cathedral Ashes’ particularly resonates with me; it’s a haunting melody that never fails to stir something deep within. They’re not just musicians, they’re poets, philosophers, and fearless explorers of the human conditions. I don’t just listen to Smoggy Archbishop; I feel them.”

Backstory:

Plastic Strain was born in 2010 in the heart of Austin, Texas. The band consists of four members: lead singer and rhythm guitarist, Mick Thompson; lead guitarist, Jenny “Jinx” Parker; bassist, Liam “Loopy” Jones; and drummer, Tommy “Thunder” Davis. The band members crossed paths at a dive bar where they were performing as part of different local bands. Realizing their shared passion for music and the undeniable chemistry between them, they decided to form Plastic Strain.

After years of playing small gigs and writing songs in their shared apartment, they released their debut album in 2013. The album, with its blend of biting lyrics and blistering instrumentals, was an instant hit and catapulted Plastic Strain to local fame. Their sound has since evolved, but they’ve retained their raw energy and passion, which continues to resonate with their fans.

Genre:

Alternative Rock

Title:

“Faded Echoes”

Full song lyrics:

(Verse 1)
Am – F – C – G
Through the worn-out streets, we’re walking,
Dreams in our pockets, hearts talking,
In the faded echoes of our past,
In the shadows that our memories cast.

(Chorus)
C – G – Am – F
Faded echoes, whispering winds,
Time’s fleeting, where do we begin?
In the echoes, under the moon’s glow,
We find the pieces of us we used to know.

(Verse 2)
Am – F – C – G
Under the city lights, we’re dancing,
Lost in the rhythm, hearts romancing,
Faded echoes, calling our names,
We’re just playing life’s twisted games.

(Chorus)
C – G – Am – F
Faded echoes, breaking the silent night,
In your eyes, I found my guiding light.
In the echoes, where our stories blend,
We find beginnings at every end.

(Bridge)
Em – F – C – G
In faded echoes, we find our truth,
In the remnants of our wasted youth.
In every echo, in every strain,
We find love, we find pain.

(Chorus)
C – G – Am – F
Faded echoes, they never lie,
Underneath the star-streaked sky.
In the echoes, we’re born anew,
In the echoes, I find you.

Band’s favorite fan:

The band’s favorite fan is Stephanie Johnson. Stephanie discovered Plastic Strain during a difficult period in her life and their music helped her to cope. She loves their authenticity and the raw emotion that’s evident in every song. She believes that their music speaks to her on a deep level and has attended every one of their concerts since she became a fan. In her testimonial, Stephanie states, “Plastic Strain isn’t just a band for me, they’re a lifeline. Their music reminds me that it’s okay to feel, to be human. They’ve been with me through my darkest times and for that, they will forever be my favorite band. Their music is the ultimate form of comfort and strength for me.”

Backstory:
Fluffy Gold is an eccentric group of musicians who found each other in the bustling city of Los Angeles, California. The band was formed in 2010, when its members met at a local thrift store. Lead vocalist, Sally ‘Fluffy’ McAllister, was shopping for vintage clothing when she noticed Jason ‘Gold’ Matthews, who was sifting through old records. After a brief conversation, they discovered a shared passion for music and decided to create a band. They were later joined by drummer Daniel ‘Rusty’ Thompson, bassist Lisa ‘Sparkles’ Johnson, and keyboardist Mike ‘Fuzzy’ Harrison.

The group began playing at local bars and clubs, developing a unique sound that caught the attention of indie record label, “Moonlight Grooves.” After signing a deal, Fluffy Gold released their debut album, which received positive reviews for its vibrant fusion of genres. The band has since toured extensively, developing a devoted fan base along the way.

Genre:
Indie Pop

Title:
“Chasing Rainbows”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
[G]Let’s run away, [C]just you and I, [D]to where the river meets the sky.
[G]Where dreams are real, [C]and hearts don’t lie, [D]underneath the starry night.

(Chorus)
[G]We’re chasing rainbows, [C]in the dark
[D]Finding treasures, [G]leaving marks.
[C]In this journey, [D]we embark,
[G]It’s just the start, [C]it’s just the start. [D]

(Verse 2)
[G]Hold my hand, [C]and don’t let go,
[D]In this world, we’re all we know.
[G]With the wind, we’ll [C]ebb and flow,
[D]Through the high and the low.

(Chorus)
[G]We’re chasing rainbows, [C]in the dark,
[D]Finding treasures, [G]leaving marks.
[C]In this journey, [D]we embark,
[G]It’s just the start, [C]it’s just the start. [D]

(Bridge)
[G]Look around, [C]see the gold,
[D]In the stories [G]we’ve been told.
[C]In our hearts, [D]brave and bold,
[G]Love is the rainbow, [C]we behold. [D]

(Chorus x2)

Fan’s Name:
Lucas Johnson

Testimonial:
“Fluffy Gold has been my favorite band for years. Their music is truly unique, blending so many elements into a harmonious mix. I love the passion and energy they bring to each performance. The band members are so genuine and down-to-earth, always taking the time to connect with their fans. ‘Chasing Rainbows’ is my favorite song, it’s such an inspiring and uplifting tune. It reminds me to keep pursuing my dreams no matter the obstacles. I can’t wait to see what Fluffy Gold does next!”

Backstory:
Born amidst the creative and vibrant music scene of Austin, Texas, Self-Reliant Toe emerged in 2015. The band is made up of five childhood friends – John ‘JJ’ Dawson (lead vocals), Marcus ‘Markey’ Jennings (lead guitar), Austin ‘Ace’ Klien (bass), Thomas ‘Tommy Gun’ Gunnerson (drums), and Adam ‘The Brain’ Brainard (keyboards). They started jamming together in high school, then took a hiatus to attend different colleges, only to reunite and form Self-Reliant Toe after graduation. Their name is a nod to their independent spirit and their dogged determination to make music on their own terms.

Genre:
Alternative Rock

Title:
“Succulent Mirage”

Full Song Lyrics:
(Verse 1)
[G] Wandering the desert of my [D] heart,
[Em] Seeking an oasis in this [C] parched part,
[G] Met a succulent mirage on my [D] way,
[Em] That’s when I knew I’d found my [C] place to stay.

(Chorus)
[G] Oh, the succulent mirage, [D] It’s an illusion,
[Em] Painted by my mind, In vivid [C] confusion,
[G] It’s the sweetest deception, [D] a desirable invention,
[Em] I’m lost in this desert, with my [C] succulent mirage.

(Verse 2)
[G] Trapped in the sands of time, [D] waiting for rain,
[Em] The succulent mirage, [C] eases the pain,
[G] It’s unreal, it’s untrue, [D] but it’s my salvation,
[Em] In the emptiness, it’s my [C] imagination.

(Chorus)
[G] Oh, the succulent mirage, [D] It’s an illusion,
[Em] Painted by my mind, In vivid [C] confusion,
[G] It’s the sweetest deception, [D] a desirable invention,
[Em] I’m lost in this desert, with my [C] succulent mirage.

Favorite Fan:
Their favorite fan is Lisa ‘Loudmouth’ Armstrong, a high school teacher from their hometown. In her own words, “Self-Reliant Toe is more than just a band to me. Their music has seen me through the darkest and brightest days of my life. Their raw, energetic sound mixed with thought-provoking lyrics speaks to my soul. When I listen to ‘Succulent Mirage’, I feel understood, I feel seen. It’s like they’ve put my deepest feelings to music. They are truly the voice of our generation.” Lisa has been known to follow the band on tour during her summer breaks, and she is a familiar and much-loved figure at their gigs.

Backstory:
Born out of the vibrant and diverse London music scene, Lovely Hair was formed in 2010 by frontman and songwriter Jacob Lennon and his childhood friend and drummer, Sam Pollock. The duo’s sound, initially rooted in punk, morphed into a fusion of punk-pop and indie rock as they experimented with their musical style. The band got their break when they were spotted at a local underground gig by a talent scout who was captivated by their electrifying performance and distinctive style. The band’s name ‘Lovely Hair’ was inspired by a compliment Lennon received on his mop of curly hair at one of their earliest performances.

Genre:
Punk-pop/Indie Rock

Title:
“Underground Stars”

Full Song Lyrics:
(Verse 1)
G D Em C
In the heart of the city, where the lights shine so pretty,
We were born in the underground, our hearts beating to the city’s sound,
Riding the tube, our dreams in our backpacks,
We strummed our guitars, seeking life’s elusive artifacts.

(Chorus)
G D Em C
We are the underground stars, chasing dreams in crowded bars,
Our music echoes in the city’s veins,
In the sun, the rain, and the city’s pains.

(Verse 2)
G D Em C
Through the buskers’ tunes, and the full moon’s glow,
We found our rhythm, we found our flow,
In the grit, in the hustle, our music began to rustle,
Resonating through the city’s concrete jungle.

(Chorus)
G D Em C
We are the underground stars, strumming chords in graffiti-clad cars,
Under the city’s gleaming towers,
In our hands lies the unseen power.

Fan Testimonial:
Name: Amelia Johnson
Amelia’s love for Lovely Hair began when she found them playing in a dingy bar in Soho six years ago. She was instantly drawn to their raw energy and unique sound that blended punk-pop with indie rock. Since then, she has followed them to every gig, proudly wearing the band’s merchandise, and singing along to every word. Amelia says, “Lovely Hair isn’t just a band, they’re a movement. Their music speaks to my soul, their lyrics are poetry that depicts life in the city like no other. There’s something incredibly authentic about them that just draws you in. They are, without a doubt, my favorite band.”

Backstory:
Hailing from the small town of Newfield, Maine, Double Timing had a humble beginning. Childhood friends, Jimmy Ritter and Terry Thorpe, started the band just as a fun after school activity, experimenting with their sound in Jimmy’s family’s barn. Jimmy’s melodic guitar riffs and Terry’s heartfelt lyric writing quickly gained local popularity, leading them to add drummer Sarah “Smokey” Burns and bassist Ben “The Bear” Watkins to their lineup, thus cementing the band’s signature sound.

After winning a regional battle of the bands competition, Double Timing was signed by a major record label and thrusted into the national spotlight. Their music, a blend of southern rock and blues, quickly found an audience with fans of both genres. Despite their newfound fame and constant touring, the band has stayed true to their roots, often returning to Newfield to play free concerts in the local park.

Genre: Southern Rock/Blues

Title: “Riverside Reverie”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1: C G Am F)
Down by the riverside, where the willow weeps, (C G Am F)
I found my solitude, where my secrets keep. (C G Am F)
I strummed my six-string, as the freight trains rolled, (C G Am F)
In the echoes of the night, I bared my soul. (C G Am F)

(Chorus: G F C Am)
Riverside Reverie, in the cool of night, (G F C Am)
Strumming stories under the pale moonlight. (G F C Am)
I got my guitar, and the river’s song, (G F C Am)
In my Riverside Reverie, I belong. (G F C Am)

(Verse 2: C G Am F)
Under a canvas of stars, in the still of the night, (C G Am F)
I found my melody, hid away from sight. (C G Am F)
My world was silent, but for the river’s flow, (C G Am F)
In this Riverside Reverie, where I let go. (C G Am F)

(Repeat Chorus)

(Bridge: Em Am G F)
Oh, the night is my canvas, the river my muse, (Em Am G F)
Riverside Reverie, where I play the blues. (Em Am G F)

(Repeat Chorus)

(Outro: C G Am F)
Down by the riverside, as the dawn breaks free, (C G Am F)
I leave my Riverside Reverie, wild and free. (C G Am F)

Fan Testimonial:
“My name is Sarah MacIntyre, but the band calls me ‘Sunny Sarah’. I’ve been a fan of Double Timing since their early days. Their music resonates with me on a deep level. ‘Riverside Reverie’ is my absolute favorite; it speaks to my soul, makes me feel seen. The band puts so much heart into what they do, and you can feel it in every song. They’ve also remained humble and genuine, never forgetting their roots. That’s why Double Timing will always be my favorite band.”

Backstory:
Liquid Bible was born in the heart of Los Angeles in the summer of 2003. The brainchild of frontman Caleb Newman and drummer Jasper Sullivan, the band was initially formed as an antidote to the burgeoning pop scene that was dominating the airwaves at the time. Newman and Sullivan, lifelong friends and roommates at the time, decided to bring back the authenticity of raw, passionate music, drawing inspiration from their shared love for classic rock legends, blues, and alternative grunge.

The band struggled in its early years, playing in small bars and for every street festival that would have them. Their big break came in 2007, when they were discovered by producer Jack Crossfield in a tiny bar in downtown LA. Since then, Liquid Bible has been making waves in the music industry, becoming a mainstay on alternative radio and amassing a loyal fan base.

Genre:
Alternative Rock

Title:
“Echoes in the Rain”

Full Song Lyrics:

Verse 1:
G Am C D
Underneath the neon lights, we found our paradise,
G Am C D
In the rhythm of the night, we let our spirits rise.
G Am C D
Barefoot on the city streets, lost in our secret beats,
G Am C D
In the echoes of the rain, we found where love completes.

Chorus:
Em D C G
Echoes in the rain, washing away our pain,
Em D C G
Underneath the moonlight, our hearts ignite again.
Em D C G
Turn the music loud, lose ourselves in the crowd,
Em D C G
In the echoes of the rain, we’re free and unbound.

Verse 2:
G Am C D
Under silver skies, we let our dreams unfurl,
G Am C D
In the heart of the city, we found our secret world.
G Am C D
Through the laughter and the tears, through the hopes and fears,
G Am C D
In the echoes of the rain, we find our years.

Repeat Chorus.

Band’s Favorite Fan:
Name: Lisa Summers

Testimonial:
“I can’t put into words how much Liquid Bible means to me. Their music speaks to my soul. It’s raw, it’s real, and it’s filled with passion. ‘Echoes in the Rain’ helped me through some of the darkest times in my life and for that, I am forever grateful. Caleb and Jasper have a unique way of expressing what we all feel but can’t articulate. There’s a sincerity in their music that you don’t find with many bands these days. Liquid Bible isn’t just my favorite band, they’ve become a part of who I am. Their music is my safe haven, my source of strength, my liquid bible.”

Backstory:

Spanish Exchange was formed in the bustling college town of Charlottesville, Virginia during the fall semester of 2010. Zac Simmons, a traveling student from Spain, met locals Mike Thompson, Kate Wilkes, and Sara Lyle in a music theory class. Bonding over their shared love of music and diverse cultural backgrounds, the students decided to form a band, with Zac on lead vocals and guitar, Mike on drums, Kate on bass, and Sara on keyboard and backup vocals. They named their band ‘Spanish Exchange’ as an ode to their combined cultural experiences and the exchange program that brought them together.

The band gained local popularity very quickly, playing at college festivals, local bars and even charity events. Their unique sound, drawing from a mix of cultures and genres, was an instant hit. They have used their platform to promote cultural exchange, urging listeners to appreciate and explore different cultures through music.

Genre:

Indie Pop with Spanish Flamenco influences.

Title:

“Riding the Flamenco Waves.”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
[Am] Wandering through the streets of Granada,
[G] Lights reflecting off the cobblestone,
[Am] Spanish guitar strumming in the background,
[G] Feeling foreign, yet not alone.

(Chorus)
[Am] We’re riding the Flamenco waves,
[G] Dancing in the Spanish sunrays,
[Am] Across the miles, across the days,
[G] We’re Spanish Exchange, here to amaze.

(Verse 2)
[Am] The rhythm of life, quickening heartbeats,
[G] Passionate nights, where cultures meet,
[Am] In every note, in every beat,
[G] We find a world that’s incomplete.

(Chorus)
[Am] We’re riding the Flamenco waves,
[G] Dancing in the Spanish sunrays,
[Am] Across the miles, across the days,
[G] We’re Spanish Exchange, here to amaze.

(Bridge)
[F] United by music, divided by land,
[E] We’re singing loud, guitar in hand,
[F] Across the sea, across the sand,
[E] This Spanish Exchange, it’s something grand.

(Chorus)
[Am] We’re riding the Flamenco waves,
[G] Dancing in the Spanish sunrays,
[Am] Across the miles, across the days,
[G] We’re Spanish Exchange, here to amaze.

Favorite Fan’s Testimonial:

Name: Emily Johnson

“I discovered Spanish Exchange during a local festival and have been a fan ever since. Their music is such a unique blend, it’s like they’re telling a story of their own personal journey. As a Spanish language student, I appreciate the combination of cultures in their sound. Their song ‘Riding the Flamenco Waves’ is my personal favorite. It embodies their spirit perfectly – a fusion of the new and the traditional, of America and Spain. Spanish Exchange isn’t just a band to me; they’re an experience, a complete cultural journey.”

Backstory:
Artistic Century is a legendary band that emerged from the heart of Seattle, Washington during the late 1980s. The band consists of four members; lead vocalist and guitarist, James Darren, drummer, Mark ‘Thunder’ Bentley, bassist, Richard ‘Rich’ Pennington, and keyboardist, Emily ‘Melody’ Bennett. Their collective love for music sparked when they cross paths at a local music festival. Inspired by their shared dream of bringing a fresh wave in the music industry, the quartet decided to form a band that would redefine the artistic era – hence the name, Artistic Century. With their raw talent and unwavering commitment, they quickly gained popularity in the local circuit, which eventually led to a nationwide fan base and several successful albums.

Genre:
Artistic Century is primarily an Alternative Rock band with a significant influence of Indie Pop. They successfully blend the high-energy, distortion-filled sounds of rock with the catchy, melodic hooks of indie pop to create a unique sonic experience that feels both familiar and brand new.

Title:
“One Last Summer”

Full song lyrics:

(Verse 1)
[C] Underneath the [G] twilight sky,
[Am] We found love that [Em] never dies.
[F] Lost in the [C] rhythm of your [G] eyes,
[Am] One Last Summer [G] under moonlit skies.

(Chorus)
[F] One Last Summer, [C] under the stars,
[G] Dancing in rhythm with our [Am] beating hearts.
[F] One Last Summer, [C] let’s make it ours,
[G] Under the moonlight, [Am] let’s make a new start.

(Verse 2)
[C] Dancing barefoot [G] on the sand,
[Am] Holding onto [Em] your warm hand.
[F] The cool breeze [C] and the [G] band,
[Am] One Last Summer [G], in a far-off land.

(Chorus)
[F] One Last Summer, [C] under the stars,
[G] Dancing in rhythm with our [Am] beating hearts.
[F] One Last Summer, [C] let’s make it ours,
[G] Under the moonlight, [Am] let’s make a new start.

Fan’s Testimonial:
The band’s favorite fan is Jessica Thompson, a dedicated fan since their first local gig. Jessica says, “Artistic Century isn’t just a band for me, it’s an emotion. Their music resonates with the rhythm of my life. ‘One Last Summer’ is a masterpiece; the lyrics speak to my soul. It’s like they put my feelings into words. They are my favorite band, not just for their incredible talent and music, but for the love and connection they share with their fans. Artistic Century isn’t just about music; it’s about celebrating love, life, and art.”