Backstory:
Outlying Drawing began as the shared passion project of two high school friends, Max “Sketch” Harrington and Bailey “Shade” Sullivan in 2008 in their hometown of Asheville, North Carolina. Sketch, a gifted guitarist, and Shade, a talented drummer, spent their weekends honing their skills in a dilapidated old barn, gradually crafting a sound that was uniquely their own. After winning a local Battle of the Bands competition, they were discovered by an indie record label that helped them refine their raw talent into a polished act. The duo quickly earned a dedicated fan base with their catchy melodies, innovative lyrics and their electric live performances.

Genre:
Indie Rock with folk influences.

Title:
“Sketches of You”

Full song lyrics:

[Verse 1]
Em
Wandering streets, eyes on the pavement,
C
Drawing sketches of you in my mind,
G
Ink of my thoughts, paper my memory,
D
Each line a story unconfined.

[Chorus]
Em
Sketches of you, etched in my soul,
C
Picturesque moments in shades of charcoal,
G
Drenched in tears, or laughter’s hue,
D
Life’s a canvas, painted anew.

[Verse 2]
Em
Streetlamp shadows, echoes of laughter,
C
Memories of you dancing in the rain,
G
Each sketch of you, a captured moment,
D
A masterpiece of joy and pain.

[Chorus]
Em
Sketches of you, etched in my soul,
C
Picturesque moments in shades of charcoal,
G
Drowned in silence, or a lover’s rue,
D
In my heart, I’m sketching you.

[End]
Em
Through every line, each stroke of feeling,
C
Sketches of you are my healing,
G
In the gallery of my heart, you’re the view,
D
With every beat, I’m drawing you.

Favorite Fan:
Sarah Lyons, a graphic designer from Atlanta, Georgia. Sarah fell in love with Outlying Drawing after hearing them play at a local festival. She was drawn to their innovative sound, their heartfelt lyrics, and the way their music seemed to speak directly to her. She loved how their songs told stories that felt real and relatable. As a testament to her love for the band, she has attended over a dozen of their concerts and has created a series of illustrations inspired by their music. For Sarah, Outlying Drawing is not just a band, but a source of inspiration and a soundtrack to her life. “Their music is like a sketchbook,” she says, “each song is a drawing that captures a moment, a feeling, an experience. It’s raw, it’s real, and it’s absolutely beautiful.”

Backstory:

Once upon a time in the vibrant city of Austin, Texas, four high school friends shared a common fascination for the depths and complexities of music. They were Caleb – a guitar enthusiast, Jeremy – the one who found peace in bass, Isaac – the drummer, and Emma – the folk singer. Their paths crossed in the school music room, where they spent hours after school nourishing their shared passion. Over time, their friendship sailed beyond the confines of school to the dream of a shared musical journey. The result was the birth of ‘Trivial Deputy,’ a band that proved music, friendship, and dreams make a potent recipe for success.

Over the years, Trivial Deputy held fast to their pursuit of music, honing their skills and continuing their journey even after the high school chapter closed. They played in local bars, festivals, and any stage they could find, making their music echo across the city. Their journey gave them invaluable lessons and experiences, shaping them into a band whose music is as diverse and layered as their own personal stories.

Genre:
Indie folk-rock

Title:
“Rusty Heartstrings”

Full song lyrics:

Verse 1:
G C
In the town where secrets lie,
Em D
Underneath the crimson sky,
G C
We found music by the riverside,
Em D
Our hearts filled with dreams high and wide.

Chorus:
G C
Oh, Rusty Heartstrings, play your tune,
Em D
Underneath the Texan moon,
G C
Sing of love, sing of pain,
Em D
Sing until we meet again.

Verse 2:
G C
We’ve walked roads, both smooth and rough,
Em D
Realized dreams are not enough,
G C
But the music, it kept us tough,
Em D
And the journey, it made us tough.

Chorus:
G C
Oh, Rusty Heartstrings, play your tune,
Em D
Underneath the Texan moon,
G C
Sing of joy, sing of strife,
Em D
This is the song of our life.

Fan Testimonial:

Name: Abby Richards

Why Trivial Deputy is her favorite:

“The first time I heard ‘Trivial Deputy’ at a local festival, I was immediately drawn to their unique sound. It was like a breath of fresh air in a world filled with commercial music. Their song ‘Rusty Heartstrings’ has been my favorite since the day I heard it. It beautifully blends the essence of folk-rock with heartfelt lyrics that speak to my soul. They are not just a band; they are storytellers, musicians, dreamers, who have the power to touch hearts through their music. I’m proud to be a fan of Trivial Deputy.”

Backstory:

Bubbly Good is the brainchild of childhood friends Alex Marley, Liam Peters, and Jessi Swanson, who started out playing music together in their parents’ garages. The trio, who hail from the small town of Ashford, Oregon, combined their love of pop classics, indie vibes, and surf-rock energy to create a unique sound that quickly caught the attention of local music lovers. Their infectious energy and bright, uplifting lyrics brought a sense of joy and positivity to their small town and soon spread to a much larger audience. After being discovered by a talent scout at one of their energetic live shows, they signed with Indie-Rock label ‘Sound Waves,’ helping them reach a national audience.

Genre:

Bubbly Good’s sound can be best described as Indie Pop-Rock with a touch of Surf music.

Title:

“Chasing Joy”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
[C]Sitting on the [G]edge of the world, [Am]chasing a dream of a girl
[F]Flying kites on [C]summertime skies, [G]living without any ties

(Chorus)
[C]Chasing Joy, oh what a [G]feeling,
[Am]Life’s a song, and we’re the ones [F]singing,
[C]Running wild, under the [G]moon,
[Am]With you, oh Joy, I’m [F]over the moon.

(Verse 2)
[C]Riding waves on a [G]sunny day, [Am]blue horizons leading the way
[F]Caught in the [C]ebb and flow, [G]where we’ll end up, we don’t know.

(Chorus)
[C]Chasing Joy, oh what a [G]feeling,
[Am]Life’s a journey, and you’re the one I’m [F]seeking,
[C]In the sunset or under the [G]moon,
[Am]With you, oh Joy, I’m [F]over the moon.

Favorite Fan:

Ella Green is Bubbly Good’s favorite fan. She first heard them play at a local fair in Ashford and was immediately hooked. She followed them to every gig and even organized street team efforts to help them get signed.

Testimonial:

“Bubbly Good is more than just a band to me; they’re a beacon of positivity, a source of unadulterated joy. Their music has gotten me through some of the toughest times in my life. The infectious energy of their songs, their unmistakable indie-pop sound, and their heartfelt lyrics always manage to lift my spirits. The fact that they’re just genuine, down-to-earth people who love what they do only makes me love them even more. They’ve taken the spirit of Ashford and spread it to the rest of the world.” – Ella Green.

Backstory:
Numb Manner was formed in the bustling streets of Boston, Massachusetts in 2015. The founding members, vocalist and guitarist Noah Miller, bassist Derrick Stevens, and drummer Alex Ford, met at a local dive bar’s open mic night and bonded over their shared love for gritty and poignant music. Noah had been a busker on the streets of Boston, Derrick was a music school dropout, and Alex was formerly part of a rising punk band, but they all found common ground in their shared disillusionment with the music industry. They decided to break the mold, creating a band that spoke to the heart of the disillusioned youth, the ones who were fed up with the superficial glimmer of the world and craved music that was raw, real, and resonating.

Their first album, “Echoes from the Alleyways,” released in 2016, became a surprise hit, with the band’s gritty sound and honest lyrics resonating with a wide audience. Numb Manner quickly gained a reputation for their raw performances and their unflinching commitment to authenticity. They have since released three more albums, each one a testament to their unique blend of stark realism and poignant melodicism.

Genre:
Alternative Rock

Title:
“Bleeding Walls”

Full song lyrics:
(Verse 1)
Am – F – C – G
In these streets, we’ve made our stand,
In the echoes of the songs that we demand,
With hearts held high, beneath the pale moonlight,
In the rhythm of the battles we’ve planned.

(Chorus)
F – C – G – Am
In the bleeding walls, we carve our name,
In echoes loud and wild, we stake our claim,
With dreams in hand, we brave the chilling rain,
In the bleeding walls, we remain.

(Verse 2)
Am – F – C – G
In these walls, we’ve found our peace,
In the echoes of the wars that never cease,
With dreams held high, beneath the starry night,
In the rhythm of the heartbeats we release.

(Chorus)
F – C – G – Am
In the bleeding walls, we carve our name,
In echoes loud and wild, we stake our claim,
Against the grain, we play a different game,
In the bleeding walls, we remain.

(Bridge)
F – C – G – Am
Bleeding walls, speak our truth,
In the echoes of our shattered youth,
With hope in hand, we face the biting cold,
In the bleeding walls, we’ll grow old.

(Chorus)
F – C – G – Am
In the bleeding walls, we carve our name,
In echoes loud and wild, we stake our claim,
With dreams in hand, we brave the chilling rain,
In the bleeding walls, we remain.

Fan’s Name:
Jesse Rollins

Testimonial:
“Numb Manner is more than just a band to me; they’re a lifeline. Their music is raw, real, and it cuts right through the noise of everyday life. Their lyrics resonate so deeply, like they’ve somehow managed to put my own feelings and experiences into words. It’s a comfort to know that I’m not alone in what I’m feeling. “Bleeding Walls” is my personal anthem. Numb Manner, thank you for making music that matters.”

Backstory:

Born in the vibrant music scene of Austin, Texas, ‘Tubby Use’ is an eccentric fusion of four musically gifted individuals who met in college. The band members, Jake (lead vocals/guitar), Emma (drums), Neil (bassist), and Elijah (keyboard), all shared a common dormitory and found their unique chemistry during late-night jam sessions. An impromptu dorm room concert led to a viral video, which in turn led to several local gig opportunities and hence the birth of Tubby Use.

Their journey from a college band to a household name was not a walk in the park. It was a tumultuous road filled with struggles, but their unwavering camaraderie and shared love for music kept them together. Today, Tubby Use is considered one of the most influential bands in the Indie music scene, known for their eclectic sound and soulful lyrics that resonate with people across the borders.

Genre: Indie Rock / Indie Pop

Title: “Fragile Hearts Under Neon Lights”

Full Song Lyrics:

[Verse 1]
C Am
In the city lights, we lay our dreams,
F G
Under neon skies, hear our silent screams,
C Am
We are the dreamers, lost in the night,
F G
Fragile hearts under neon lights.

[Chorus]
Am G
We’re dancing in the shadows, lost in the crowd,
F C
Spinning in the echoes of the sound so loud.
Am G
We’re children of the night, chasing the light,
F G C
Fragile hearts under neon lights.

[Verse 2]
C Am
In the noise and chaos, we find our peace,
F G
In the solitude and silence, our souls release.
C Am
We are the poets, writing of the night,
F G
Fragile hearts under neon lights.

[Chorus]
Am G
We’re dancing in the shadows, lost in the crowd,
F C
Spinning in the echoes of the sounds so loud.
Am G
We’re children of the night, chasing the light,
F G C
Fragile hearts under neon lights.

Fan’s Name: Sandra Perez

Testimonial:

“I can’t express how much Tubby Use means to me. Their music was there for me in my darkest times, providing comfort and companionship. The way they craft their lyrics and tunes is truly a spectacle. It feels like they understand what I’m going through, and that’s a rare feeling. ‘Fragile Hearts Under Neon Lights’ especially resonates with me. It’s the melody of my life. The rhythm, the beat, the words – they all come together to create a magnificent masterpiece that is so close to my heart. Tubby Use is not just my favorite band – they’re like my trusted friends, always there for me through their music.”

Backstory:
Back Swing originated from the vibrant music scene in Portland, Oregon. The band was formed in 2011 by four college friends – Greg, Jesse, Lucas, and Max – who had a shared affinity for spirited, swinging music and a desire to bring back the old-school sounds into the modern music scene. They started performing in local pubs and quickly gained popularity for their unique sound and energetic live performances. Their breakthrough came in 2015 when they performed at the renowned Portland Music Festival and caught the attention of a music producer who signed them to a record deal.

Genre:
Back Swing is primarily a swing revival band that infuses elements of jazz and blues into their sound. They thrive on creating a nostalgic ambiance through their music, taking audiences back to the golden era of swing.

Title:
“Echoes of Swing”

Full Song Lyrics:
(Verse 1)
Am Dm G C
Jazz notes fill the air, in the spotlight’s glare,
Am Dm E A
Sweat drips from my brow, it’s our time now.

(Chorus)
F G C E7
Echoes of swing, in our souls, they ring,
F G C A7
To the rhythm, we cling, for the joy, it brings.

(Verse 2)
Am Dm G C
Twist of blues, with a dash of hues,
Am Dm E A
Catch the beat, in your dancing feet.

(Chorus)
F G C E7
Echoes of swing, from the strings, they spring,
F G C A7
Let the melody sing, in the kingdom of swing.

Favorite Fan’s Testimonial:
The band’s favorite fan is Sophie, a 28-year-old graphic designer, who never misses a Back Swing concert. She says, “Back Swing is more than just a band to me. Their music has charm, energy, and is a delightful blend of nostalgia and modernity. As a vintage enthusiast, I feel heard and represented in their music. It’s like a journey back in time with the comfort of contemporary beats. I can’t help but dance every time I hear their music. They have brought swing music back into my life, and for that, I am forever grateful.”

Backstory:
The Scented Counter began as a group of four college friends from Boston who shared a passion for music, an obsession for vinyl records, and an appreciation for unique scents. The name ‘Scented Counter’ came from their first meeting place, an old record store encased with the scent of vintage vinyl records, a mix of old wood, and incense. The founding members are Tom Hall (lead vocalist, guitar), Joey Adams (bass, backing vocals), Robert ‘Robbie’ Lewis (drums), and Amy Harrison (keyboard, backing vocals). The band was founded in 2010, and they quickly gained attention for their unique sound and energetic performances. Their fan base has grown steadily as they continue to tour and record, and they are known for their engaging live shows and dedicated fan interaction.

Genre:
Indie Rock/Alternative Pop

Title:
“Candlelight Shadows”

Full Song Lyrics:

[Verse 1]
Em
Burning at both ends,
G
like a candle in the wind,
D
I see my life in shadows,
A
flickering within.

Em
Memories of laughter,
G
the scent of a summer’s rain,
D
A counter full of stories,
A
lost in life’s game.

[Chorus]
C
But we dance in the candlelight,
G
where shadows are our song,
D
On this scented counter,
Em
where our hearts belong.

[Verse 2]
Em
Sifting through old records,
G
we find our favorite tune,
D
It’s a melody of friendship,
A
underneath the moon.

Em
As the needle finds its groove,
G
and the music starts to play,
D
We find our rhythm in the chaos,
A
and dance the night away.

[Chorus]
C
We dance in the candlelight,
G
where shadows are our song,
D
On this scented counter,
Em
where our hearts belong.

[Bridge]
F
In the glow of candlelight,
G
we find our truth,
Am
Surrounded by the scent,
G
of our untamed youth.

[Chorus]
C
We dance in the candlelight,
G
where shadows are our song,
D
On this scented counter,
Em
where our hearts belong.

Favorite Fan:
The band’s favorite fan is a woman named Laura Thompson, a dedicated follower from the band’s early years. Laura, a music enthusiast, was first drawn to their unique sound and lyrics that she says “resonate with her soul”. She has attended over fifty of their shows and considers the ‘Scented Counter’ more than just a band. In her words, “They are a soundtrack to my life. Their music carries me through the highs and lows. They’re my favorite because they’ve remained genuine and true to their sound, and each performance feels like a shared experience between them and us, the fans.”

Backstory:

Steel Anniversary was formed in 2012 in the heart of Manchester, a city known for its rich history in music and industrial heritage. The band was founded by childhood friends, Henry “Hank” Steel and Brian “Brick” Rodgers. Hank, a former steelworker with a burning passion for music, and Brian, a music school dropout, decided to combine their unique skills and create a band that would tell the stories of their city’s steel workers and their struggles.

They started out performing in local pubs to a small, but dedicated fan base. Their storytelling resonated with the local crowd, gradually spreading their music far beyond the city limits. The band soon caught the attention of a producer who was intrigued by their raw, authentic sound, leading to their meteoric rise in the music industry.

Genre:

The band identifies their music as Industrial Rock, a genre that combines elements of rock and industrial music, reflecting their roots in the steel city.

Title:

“Forged from Fire”

Full song lyrics:

(Verse 1)
G A
In the heart of the city, beneath the smoky sky,
D A
There’s a sound, a pounding rhythm, under the moonlight.
Em A
Men with hearts of steel, working day and night,
C D
Carving dreams from iron, in the city of twilight.

(Chorus)
G C
We are forged from fire, molded by desire,
D Em
In the city that never sleeps, where dreams never retire.
G C
We are the sons of steel, we are the daughters of the flame,
D Em
In the city that never sleeps, where every day’s the same.

(Verse 2)
G A
In the heart of the city, where the river runs red,
D A
Echoes of hammers, and words left unsaid.
Em A
Fighting for tomorrow, in the sweat and the grime,
C D
Carving out a life, one day at a time.

Repeat Chorus

Favorite Fan:

Their favorite fan is a woman named Sheila, who has been following them since their early days in Manchester. Sheila, a former steelworker herself, sees her own life reflected in their music.

Testimonial:

“I’ve been a fan of Steel Anniversary since they were playing in our local pubs. Their music, it’s raw and honest. It’s like they’re telling our stories, the stories of Manchester’s steel workers. It’s as tough and resilient as the men and women who work in the mills. Every time I listen to ‘Forged from Fire’, I’m reminded of my own struggles and triumphs. Steel Anniversary isn’t just a band to me, it’s a part of who I am.” – Sheila

Backstory:

Subtle Structure is an eclectic mix of four old college friends from Boston, Massachusetts, who bonded over their shared love of music during their years at the Berklee College of Music. The band members are Jake Robinson (vocalist and guitar), Liam Thompson (lead guitar), Mason Collins (bass), and Alex Johnson (drums). After graduating, the quartet decided to ditch their regular 9-to-5 jobs and pursue their passion for music full-time. They formed Subtle Structure in 2010, and the band has been making waves in the indie music scene ever since. The group’s sound is described as a seamless blend of alternative rock with a hint of folk, creating a unique sound that encapsulates their creative spirit.

Genre: Alternative Rock/Folk

Title: “Echoes of Yesterday”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
Am C G D
Dark alleys, moonlit skies,
Am C G D
Empty echoes, lullabies,
Am C G D
Infinite dreams, tales untold,
Am C G D
Courageous hearts, forever bold.

(Chorus)
Am C G D
Echoes of yesterday, sing to me,
Am C G D
In your melodic mystery,
Am C G D
In every note, in every rhyme,
Am C G D
I find pieces of another time.

(Verse 2)
Am C G D
Shadows dance, spirits roam,
Am C G D
In the quiet, I call it home,
Am C G D
Lost in memories, found in song,
Am C G D
Right where I’ve belonged all along.

(Chorus)
Am C G D
Echoes of yesterday, play your tune,
Am C G D
Underneath the haunted moon,
Am C G D
In your harmony, so divine,
Am C G D
I intertwine with the sands of time.

Fan Testimonial:

My name is Ruby, and I am a die-hard fan of Subtle Structure. Their music has been a beacon of comfort during my darkest times. The lyrics, the melody, the emotion emanating from each song is like a lifeline, pulling me out from the depths of despair. I love how their music isn’t just about surface level feelings; they dig deep, reaching into the crevices of the human soul. The song “Echoes of Yesterday” is particularly close to my heart. The way they’ve encapsulated the essence of nostalgia and longing is pure genius. They aren’t just musicians to me; they’re artists painting with notes and lyrics.

Backstory:

Quintessential Star was formed in the early 2000s in the heart of Kansas by a group of high school friends. Initially, they performed at small local events, gradually capturing the heart of their town with their unique musical style. The band members include frontman and lead vocalist Larry “Lightning” Thompson, guitarist Billy “Boomer” Jones, bassist Freddy “Fury” Edwards, drummer Harry “Hurricane” Smith, and keyboardist Danny “Dynamo” Davis. They’ve since grown to become one of the most widely recognized bands in the Midwest, known for their electrifying performances and lyrical depth.

The band rocketed to stardom after their charismatic performance at a regional music festival. Their musical style, a blend of classic rock and folk with a sprinkle of blues, resonated with the audience, and they soon found themselves with a rapidly growing fan base. Their journey from a small-town band to a widely recognized name in the music industry is a testament to their passion, dedication, and hard work.

Genre:

Rock/Folk/Blues

Title:

“Chasing Horizons”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
[C] Out on the [G] prairie, beneath the [Am] endless sky,
[F] Looking for [C] answers, asking [G] the reasons why.
[C] Our hearts are [G] pounding, to the beat of [Am] our dreams,
[F] Chasing horizons, [C] as far as the [G] eye sees.

(Chorus)
[Am] We are Quintessential [G] Star,
[F] Strumming chords on our [C] old guitars.
[Dm] Chasing dreams, [G] setting the bar,
[Am] We are Quintessential [G] Star.

(Verse 2)
[C] The road’s been [G] long, and the journey’s [Am] been rough,
[F] But we keep pushing [C] on, because love is [G] enough.
[C] We’ve got each [G] other, and our heart’s [Am] desire,
[F] To light up the world, [C] set the stage on [G] fire.

(Chorus)
[Am] We are Quintessential [G] Star,
[F] Singing songs from our [C] souls afar.
[Dm] Lighting up the [G] night, no matter where we [C] are,
[Am] We are Quintessential [G] Star.

(Outro)
[F] Here’s to the dreamers, [C] the believers, [G] the stars,
[Am] Keep shining bright, [F] no matter where you [C] are.
[G] We are Quintessential [Am] Star.

Favorite Fan:

Our favorite fan is Mary Ann, a Kansas native who’s been with us right from our early days. She says, “Quintessential Star is like a breath of fresh air in the music scene. Their down-to-earth lyrics and soulful tunes resonate with me. I’ve been to every single one of their concerts in the state. Their song, ‘Chasing Horizons’, is my all-time favorite. It speaks of hope, determination, and the endless pursuit of dreams. It’s inspiring! Their music stirs the soul, and I’m proud to be their fan.”