Backstory:
Born from the vibrant and eclectic music scene of Austin, Texas, Charming Composition was formed in 2012. The band was started by childhood friends, lead vocalist Marc Davidson and drummer Kevin James, who began their musical journey together in their high school garage. They later recruited talented guitarist Lisa Michaels from their college music society and the band was complete. Their shared love for emotionally charged melodies and intricate song compositions led them to create a unique sound of their own. They spent the next few years honing their craft, performing at local gigs, and eventually got their big break when they won the ‘Austin Rising Stars’ band competition in 2016.

Genre:
Alternative Rock / Indie Pop

Title:
“Symphony of Shadows”

Song Lyrics:

[Verse]
Em G D
Underneath the silver moonlight’s glow,
A Em
Whispers of shadows start to grow.
Em G D
In your eyes, I found my solace,
A Em
Lost in the symphony, of this endless space.

[Chorus]
D G Em
Echoes of words, left unsaid,
C G D
Dancing around, inside my head.
D G Em
Symphony of shadows, our love’s masquerade,
C G D
In the quiet, your memory starts to fade.

[Repeat Verse and Chorus]

Fan’s Testimonial:

My name is Sarah Thompson, and I can proudly say that I am Charming Composition’s biggest fan. Their music resonates with me on a personal level, especially “Symphony of Shadows”. The poetic lyrics and emotional melodies manage to articulate feelings that I’ve always struggled to express. They’re not just a band to me, they’re a source of comfort and understanding. Their music has seen me through some of my most challenging times, and for that, I will always be grateful. Charming Composition isn’t just my favorite band — they’re my lifeline in the chaos of life.

Backstory:
“Unripe Ban” is an ensemble composed of five talented musicians who met in the bustling city of New York in the summer of 2010. The band members were each pursuing their individual careers – two were session musicians, one was a music teacher, one a struggling solo artist, and the last, a street performer. During a coincidental meet-up at a local jam night, they found a spontaneous harmony in their sounds, and their eclectic musical styles somehow clicked. From then on, they decided to band together, forming Unripe Ban. The name came from a humorous incident involving an unripe banana which was the first meal they shared, and the ban they received from the venue that night for performing past the curfew.

Genre:
Alternative Rock

Title:
“Undone Melodies”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
C G Am F
A city of color, a canvas of dreams
C G Am F
We met on a corner, the world at our seams
C G Am F
Divided by stories, yet bound by our love
C G Am F
We strummed our guitars under stars up above

(Chorus)
C G Am F
Through the Undone Melodies
C G Am F
We found our symphony, in echoes of the night
C G Am F
In the rhythm of our beating hearts, we took flight
C G Am F
Together we stand, under the moonlight, so bright

(Verse 2)
C G Am F
In the whispers of the wind, we heard our song
C G Am F
In the rhythm of the city, we found where we belong
C G Am F
Dipped in twilight, bathed in dawn’s glow
C G Am F
We became Unripe Ban, in music, we grow

(Chorus)
C G Am F
Through the Undone Melodies
C G Am F
We found our symphony, in echoes of the night
C G Am F
In the rhythm of our beating hearts, we took flight
C G Am F
Together we stand, under the moonlight, so bright

Favorite Fan’s Name and Testimonial:
Name: Sarah Jane
Testimonial: “I’ve followed Unripe Ban since their earliest days, even during their underground performances. There’s something incredibly raw and real about their music. It’s like they’ve managed to capture the essence of life in a city, the struggle, the beauty, the love, and the dreams. They’re my favorite band not just because of their music, but because of their journey. They remind me to keep going, to pursue my dreams, no matter the odds. They’ve inspired me in ways I can’t even begin to express.”

Backstory:
Adolescent Approach was formed in the middle of a high school garage in Reno, Nevada back in 2014. The members, all freshmen at the time, had the shared dream of writing, playing music, and expressing their overflowing teenage angst and aspirations through their songs. The band is composed of lead singer and rhythm guitarist Matt Dawson, lead guitarist and backup vocalist Charlie James, bassist Noah Parker, and drummer Amelia Clark. They quickly gained popularity in the local scene with their energetic performances and relatable lyricism. After winning a statewide band competition, they grabbed the attention of a small record label and have been professionally recording and performing since.

Genre:
Alternative Pop Rock

Title:
“Chasing Daydreams”

Full Song Lyrics:
[Verse 1]
C#m A E B
Running blind and chasing daydreams
A E B
On the road that we call youth
C#m A E B
Living moments like we’re infinite,
A E B
Believing lies and searching for truth.

[Chorus]
A E B
Oh, we’re just kids, lost in our daydreams
C#m A E B
Fighting battles and playing games
A E B
We’re the Adolescent Approach, we’re the untamed youth
C#m A E B
Chasing daydreams and living proof.

[Verse 2]
C#m A E B
We’re dancing with shadows, and kissing the stars
A E B
Living on chances and sweet candy bars.
C#m A E B
We’re writing stories in the language of scars,
A E B
With the ink of experience and the paper of hearts.

[Chorus]
A E B
Oh, we’re just kids, lost in our daydreams
C#m A E B
Fighting battles and playing games
A E B
We’re the Adolescent Approach, we’re the untamed youth
C#m A E B
Chasing daydreams and living proof.

[Outro]
A E B
We’re just kids, in an adult world
C#m A E B
Chasing daydreams, with our flags unfurled
A E B
We’re the Adolescent Approach, we’re the untamed youth
C#m A E B
Chasing daydreams and we are the truth.

Fan’s Name and Testimonial:
Fan’s name: Olivia Stevens.
“Adolescent Approach is my favorite band because their music speaks directly to my heart. Their songs express the feelings, hopes, fears, and dreams that live inside me but I can’t put into words. They make me feel understood and remind me that I’m not alone in my struggles. When I’m having a hard day, their music is like a friend who gets it. They make the chaos of growing up feel a little less chaotic. I’ve been a fan since their first garage concert, and I can’t wait to see where they go next!”

Backstory:

High Tenant came into existence as a group of high school friends from Dayton, Ohio. They were all living in a rundown apartment building, which most referred to as “high tenement”, that’s where they got the band’s name. At first, they were just a group of kids with a shared love for music, jamming in the basement of their building, creating a racket that often resulted in complaints from the other tenants. Over time, however, their sound began to take shape, and the complaints turned into genuine interest.

The band didn’t make it big overnight. They played in small gigs and underground clubs for years before finally catching the attention of a local radio station. From there, their popularity started to grow, and they released their first studio album. Despite their success, the band members have remained grounded, remembering their roots and the rundown apartment building where it all began.

Genre: Alternative Rock

Title: “Roof Above Our Heads”

Full song lyrics:

(Verse)
Em C G D
Just a couple of guys, in a rundown place
Em C G D
Strumming guitars, finding our pace
Em C G D
Music in our hearts, dreams in our heads
Em C G D
Living our lives, under the roof above our heads

(Chorus)
Em C G D
High tenant, we stand, worn out but free
Em C G D
Singing our hearts, in perfect harmony
Em C G D
We’re more than a band, we’re a family thread
Em C G D
Bound by the music, under the roof above our heads

(Verse)
Em C G D
Through the noise and the echoes, our dreams took flight
Em C G D
On a broken stage, under dimmed light
Em C G D
In the heart of the city, where our souls were fed
Em C G D
We found our home, under the roof above our heads

(Chorus)
Em C G D
High tenant, we’re here, letting music bleed
Em C G D
Reaching for stars, to satisfy our need
Em C G D
From the basement to the world, we’ve spread
Em C G D
All under the rhythm, of the roof above our heads

Fan’s Name: Jessica Reynolds

Testimonial:

“When I first heard High Tenant’s music on a local radio station, I was immediately hooked. Their sound is so unique, and their lyrics speak to me on a personal level. They’ve become my favorite band because they’re genuine, they’re real people who have worked hard for their success. They haven’t forgotten where they came from, and that resonates with me. Every song they release feels like a personal conversation, a shared experience. They’re not just a band to me, they’re a source of inspiration.”

Backstory:
Graceful Chapel was formed in the heart of Nashville in 2009, when its founding members – siblings Caroline and David Frost – decided to turn their mutual love for music into a reason for living. The two grew up in a household filled with diverse music, their father a renowned blues guitarist, and their mother a classical violinist. The siblings took the best elements from both worlds, harmonizing their musical preferences and skills to create a unique sound that would later define Graceful Chapel.

When they came together with childhood friends, drummer Mike Johnson and bassist Sally Bronson, the band was fully formed. Their shared history and close-knit bonds have been the fuel for their creativity. Graceful Chapel has since become a staple on the music scene, winning hearts with their honest lyrics, soulful melodies, and captivating live performances.

Genre:
Indie Folk Rock

Title:
“Riverside Reverie”

Full Song Lyrics:
(Verse 1)
G C D Em
Down by the riverside, under the sycamore tree
G C D Em
Playing our hearts out, free as can be
G C D Em
The sun is high and our spirits soaring
G C D Em
Down by the river, where love is pouring

(Chorus)
G C D Em
Riverside reverie, where dreams are born
G C D Em
In the heartland, amidst the corn
G C D Em
We strum our tunes under the moon
G C D Em
In our riverside reverie, we’ll be home soon

(Verse 2)
G C D Em
We’ve got the stars, we got the night
G C D Em
Our love for each other, burning bright
G C D Em
Under the sycamore, in the soft moonlit glow
G C D Em
Down by the river, letting life flow

(Chorus)
G C D Em
Riverside reverie, where we belong
G C D Em
With the river’s current, we sing our song
G C D Em
We strum our tunes under the moon
G C D Em
In our riverside reverie, we’ll be home soon

Fan Testimonial:
My name is Emma. I’ve been a devoted fan of Graceful Chapel since their inception. Their music resonates with me on a very personal level – it’s raw, it’s real, and it’s intensely emotional. What makes them my favorite band is not just their beautiful, soul-stirring music, but also their authenticity. They’ve stayed true to their roots and their music carries the essence of who they are. Every song is a piece of them, a piece of their story, and listening to them feels like being part of their journey. The song “Riverside Reverie” in particular takes me back to simpler times and stirs a sense of nostalgia. It’s a musical experience like no other. Graceful Chapel, you have my heart!

Backstory:

Cheap Critic burst onto the music scene in the early 2000s, formed by a group of high school friends hailing from the small town of Devonport, Tasmania. The band members, initially drawn together by their shared love for music and a shared disdain for mainstream culture, started playing in their parents’ garages, dreaming of a different future. They were outsiders – the critics who sat in the back of the class, commenting sarcastically about the world around them. This rebellious spirit carried over into their music, earning them a dedicated local following that eventually grew beyond their small town.

Their breakthrough came when a demo of their most popular local hit was picked up by an independent record label executive who was visiting Tasmania. The executive saw potential in their unique sound, raw energy, and unapologetic lyrics. Cheap Critic was signed to the label, and their journey to stardom began. Today, the band is recognized globally for their distinct sound and compelling performances, but they remain true to their roots – still the critics who aren’t afraid to make a statement.

Genre:

Alternative Rock

Title:

“Corner Booth Philosophy”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
C#m, E, A, B
In the corner booth, underneath the dimmed out light,
C#m, E, A, B
scribbling thoughts on napkins, we’re the voice of the night.
C#m, E, A, B
We see the world in shades of grey, in between the black and white,
C#m, E, A, B
In our corner booth philosophy, we’re always ready for a fight.

(Chorus)
E, B, C#m, A
We’re the Cheap Critic, yeah, that’s who we are,
E, B, C#m, A
Shouting from the rooftops, we’re gonna be a star.
E, B, C#m, A
In the whirlwind of the world, no matter near or far,
E, B, C#m, A
We’re the Cheap Critic, playing our truth on this broken guitar.

(Verse 2)
C#m, E, A, B
Life ain’t just about the fame, the money, or the gilded cage,
C#m, E, A, B
In our corner booth, we’re writing our own page.
C#m, E, A, B
We’re the echoes of the unheard, the spirit of the age,
C#m, E, A, B
In our corner booth philosophy, we’re the poets of the stage.

(Repeat Chorus)

Fan’s Testimonial:

“I’m Sarah, and I’ve been a loyal fan of Cheap Critic since their early days in Devonport. Their music speaks to me on a deeply personal level. It’s raw, it’s real, and it makes me feel seen. It’s not just about the music, but about the message behind it. They aren’t afraid to question society or to voice their opinions, which is something I deeply respect. They’re more than just a band to me – they’re a voice for people like me who often feel overlooked.”

Backstory:

Evil Ball was formed in the summer of 2006 by lead vocalist and guitarist, Matt “Madman” Madison, bassist, Daniel “Demon” Diaz, and drummer, Adam “Apocalypse” Anderson. The band came together in a dingy basement in Seattle, Washington, fueled by a shared love of heavy metal and a burning desire to disrupt the established music scene. Driven by their shared ambition, the band practiced and crafted their music relentlessly, until they finally caught the attention of indie record label, Hell’s Fire Records, who gave them their first recording contract in 2008.

Genre:

Heavy Metal

Title:

“Shadows of Despair”

Full song lyrics:

(Verse 1)
Em [Em] Deep within the shadows of despair, [D]
G [G] we found a light that wasn’t really there. [Em]
Em [Em] In a realm where the heartless dwell, [D]
G [G] we stumbled upon the gates of hell. [Em]

(Chorus)
C [C] In the silence, we can hear the call, [G]
Em [Em] of the darkened sphere, the wicked Evil Ball. [C]
C [C] Through the madness, through the endless night, [G]
Em [Em] we dance with demons, bathed in the moonlight. [C]

(Verse 2)
Em [Em] Chasing dreams through an endless maze, [D]
G [G] living our lives in a constant haze. [Em]
Em [Em] We are the lost, we are the damned, [D]
G [G] We are the children of the Evil Ball’s command. [Em]

(Repeat Chorus)
C [C] In the silence, we can hear the call, [G]
Em [Em] of the darkened sphere, the wicked Evil Ball. [C]
C [C] Through the madness, through the endless night, [G]
Em [Em] we dance with demons, bathed in the moonlight. [C]

Favorite fan:

The band’s favorite fan is a woman named Melissa. Melissa is a dedicated follower of the band since their inception. Every concert, every album release, Melissa is there, headbanging to the music. She sees Evil Ball as more than just a band; to her, they represent a rebellion against the norm, a voice for those who feel ignored by society. Here’s what she has to say:

“I fell in love with Evil Ball’s music the moment I first heard it. Their sound is raw, intense, and full of emotion. They have this unique ability to take dark themes and turn them into something you can’t help but headbang to. To me, they’re not just a band; they’re a force challenging the status quo and urging us to embrace our individuality. I wouldn’t trade the energy of their concerts for anything else. Being part of the crowd, feeling the music reverberate through my bones- it’s an experience unlike any other. They’re my favorite band not just because of their music, but because of what they stand for.”

Backstory:
Luxurious Proposal was birthed in the heart of downtown Chicago in the mid 2000s. The band’s four members, Mark ‘Jazz’ Jefferson, Nancy ‘Frost’ Foster, Liam ‘Rhythm’ Reynolds and Carl ‘C-Sharp’ Sharpe met in a small jazz café on a rainy Tuesday night. Each of them had come separately to perform at the café’s open mic night. After realizing they shared a mutual love for sophisticated melodies and intricate harmonies, they decided to form a band. Over time, they refined their sound, creating a unique fusion of jazz and pop music that is both nostalgic and fresh.

Genre:
Jazz-Pop Fusion

Title:
“Diamond Dreams”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
Am Em
Stars in the sky,
Dm Am
Shining so bright,
C G
I see them in your eyes,
F Am
Every single night.

(Chorus)
Dm F
Diamond dreams, oh,
C Am
Luxurious schemes,
G E
Underneath the moon’s beam,
F Am
With you, it seems.

(Verse 2)
Am Em
In your embrace,
Dm Am
Time leaves no trace,
C G
And our heart’s pace,
F Am
Wins every race.

(Chorus)
Dm F
Diamond dreams, oh,
C Am
Luxurious schemes,
G E
Underneath the moon’s beam,
F Am
With you, it seems.

(Bridge)
Dm F
Here’s my proposal,
C G
In words so vocal,
Am E
Let’s be bi-costal,
F Am
With love so colossal.

(Outro)
Dm F
Diamond dreams, oh,
C Am
Luxurious schemes,
G E
Your love redeems,
F Am
In life’s grand scheme.

Fan’s Name:
Mia Sanders

Testimonial:
“I’ve been a huge fan of Luxurious Proposal since their early days in Chicago. Their unique fusion of jazz and pop is simply captivating and refreshing. As an avid music lover, their sound truly resonates with me and takes me on a journey every time I listen. ‘Diamond Dreams’ is my favorite song; the lyrics speak to me on a personal level. There’s just something about the way they intertwine their melodies and harmonies into a beautiful sonic tapestry. In my book, Luxurious Proposal is the epitome of sophistication in music.”

Backstory:
Acidic Pope was born out of the ashes of the grunge scene in Seattle, Washington, in the late 90s. Founding members John “Rusty” Reilly, Vince “Vapor” Peterson, and Mike “Mongoose” Montrose were disillusioned with the way the music industry was heading, and wanted to create something that fused rebellion, raw energy, and a unique take on social commentary. With Rusty on vocals and guitar, Vapor on bass, and Mongoose on drums, Acidic Pope was formed in the basement of an old church, where Rusty was working as a janitor. The band’s name is a nod to their origins, mixing the grungy, corrosive nature of their music with the ironic twist of their sacred, albeit dilapidated, practice space.

Acidic Pope gained a cult following in the underground music scene. Their shows were known for being raucous, energetic, and almost religious experiences. They shunned commercial success, preferring to stay true to their roots and their fans. However, their unique sound and raw, passionate performances eventually caught the attention of indie label Subterranean Sounds, leading to their first album release, “Corroded Sermons” in 2005.

Genre:
Alternative Rock/Grunge

Title:
“Vitriol Vespers”

Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
[A] Rusted dreams on a dirty altar, [E] silence screams in the silent psalter
[D] Sacrament of the broken, [A] in the church of the unspoken
[E] Holding on to our graven images, [D] trading truth for a handful of mirages

(Chorus)
[A] Raise your voice for the Vitriol Vespers, [E] sing the song of the lost and the lepers
[D] We’re the choir in this broken chapel, [A] playing hymns on a barbed wire grapple
[E] In the echo of the Acidic Pope, [D] we find our collective hope

(Verse 2)
[A] Mandate of the masses, diluted, [E] in the echo of the love, polluted
[D] We seek solace in this desolation, [A] in the heart of our own creation
[E] Breaking bread in the belly of the beast, [D] toasting to the least and the last, not the least

(Repeat Chorus)

(Bridge)
[A] In the silence of the sacristy, [E] we find our shared complicity
[D] In the echoes of the Acidic Pope, [A] we find our collective hope

(Repeat Chorus)

Favorite Fan:
Name: Sarah “RockerChick” Johnson

Testimonial: “Acidic Pope is more than just a band, they’re a movement. They’re the voice for those of us who don’t fit into the neat little boxes society creates. Their music isn’t just sound, it’s a raw, primal scream that resonates with my soul. Their lyrics are powerful, thought-provoking, and beautifully written. Every time I listen to ‘Vitriol Vespers’, I feel like they’re singing my thoughts, my struggles, and my dreams. Acidic Pope isn’t just my favorite band, they’re the soundtrack to my life.”

Backstory:
Posh Pull is a band formed in 2011 in the heart of London. Its founding members, lead singer Max Cavendish and drummer Charlie Baldwin, met at the renowned BRIT School and bonded over their love for alternative rock. They recruited bassist Holly Turner and guitarist Ray Stewart from local pub gigs, and thus, Posh Pull was born. Their name, a tongue-in-cheek nod to their posh origins and their struggle to pull themselves into the spotlight, speaks to their sense of humor and determination.

Despite the challenges of breaking into the music industry, Posh Pull managed to release their debut EP in 2013, which gained positive reviews from both critics and fans alike. Their music, often seen as an experimental fusion of classic British rock and futuristic soundscapes, gave the band a unique edge in the industry. The band’s chemistry, along with their innovative sound, pushed them into the limelight, earning them a loyal fanbase and even a few award nominations.

Genre:
Alternative Rock/Indie Pop

Title:
“Galactic Heart”

Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
Em C
In the heart of the city, under neon lights,
G D
I found a girl with a galactic heart.
Em C
She dances with the stars, lost in the night,
G D
A cosmic queen, a work of art.

(Chorus)
Am E
She’s got a galactic heart, burning bright,
F C
A cosmic love, shooting through the night.
Am E
With a galactic heart, she takes flight,
F C
In her universe, she’s the light.

(Verse 2)
Em C
She dreams in constellations, sparkles in her eyes,
G D
The milky way’s got nothing on her glow.
Em C
In the celestial ballet, she gracefully flies,
G D
A mystic being, putting on a show.

(Chorus)
Am E
She’s got a galactic heart, burning bright,
F C
A cosmic love, shooting through the night.
Am E
With a galactic heart, she takes flight,
F C
In her universe, she’s the light.

(Bridge)
E
In her universe, she’s the light,
A
She’s the queen of the celestial night,
E
With her galactic heart, she ignites,
A
A love that burns, oh so right.

(Chorus)
Am E
She’s got a galactic heart, burning bright,
F C
A cosmic love, shooting through the night.
Am E
With a galactic heart, she takes flight,
F C
In her universe, she’s the light.

Outro:
E A
She’s got a galactic heart, and I’m in her orbit,
F C
Lost in her universe, I adore it.

Fan Testimonial:
Name: Ellie Turner

“Posh Pull isn’t just my favourite band, they are a part of my life. Their music has seen me through my highs and lows. Max’s voice is like a comforting friend, while Charlie’s drums give me strength. Holly’s bass lines are like the heartbeat of their music, and Ray’s guitar riffs are nothing short of magic. Their songs, especially ‘Galactic Heart’ are my escape, my sanctuary. It’s not just music, it’s an experience. I can’t imagine my life without their music!”