Backstory:

Acceptable Smile came together during the hot summer of 2012 in a tiny garage in the heart of Birmingham, Alabama. Four friends, Jason (lead vocalist), Mark (guitarist), Benny (bassist), and Liam (drummer) were all involved in different local bands before they decided to combine their musical talents and form a unique sound of their own. They had a vision to bring a fresh perspective to the music scene and through countless jamming sessions, their vision became a reality.

The name ‘Acceptable Smile’ was inspired by a random encounter with a passerby one day while they were busking in the streets of Birmingham. The stranger, impressed with their music, said that their harmonies brought an “acceptable smile” to his face. They loved the phrase so much that they decided to name their band after it, embodying the spirit of spreading positivity and happiness through music.

Genre:

Alternative Rock

Song Title:

“Shadows of Yesterday”

Full Song Lyrics:

Verse 1: (C G Am F)
Through the shadows of yesterday (C G)
I found my way to you (Am F)
You light up the darkest corners (C G)
With a love pure and true (Am F)

Chorus: (F G C Am)
And with every beat of my heart, (F G)
I feel something new (C Am)
In the shadows of yesterday, (F G)
I found a love that’s true (C Am)

Verse 2: (C G Am F)
We’ve walked through the fire (C G)
Our love, a testament of time (Am F)
In the shadows of yesterday, (C G)
I found a love so divine (Am F)

(Repeat Chorus)

Bridge: (Em Am F C)
In the depths of despair, (Em Am)
In the height of joy, (F C)
In the shadows of yesterday, (Em Am)
I found my boy (F C)

(Repeat Chorus twice)

The band’s favorite fan’s name:

Abigail Williams

Testimonial:

“Acceptable Smile is my favorite band for so many reasons. The energy they bring on stage is electrifying, their lyrics resonate with me on a personal level, and the dedication they have for their fans is unparalleled. As someone who has been following them since their earliest gigs, it’s been an absolute joy to watch them grow and evolve as a band. They make music that truly makes you smile. ‘Shadows of Yesterday’ is my favorite song as it speaks of finding love amidst darkness. It gives me hope and I can’t wait to see where their journey takes them next. Thank you, Acceptable Smile, for the music and the memories.”

Backstory:
‘Horrible Truck’ formed in the small town of Maple Ridge, British Columbia, in 2007, with four friends who shared a passion for music. The name ‘Horrible Truck’ was an inside joke from their childhood, referring to an old, rusty pickup truck that the band’s lead singer, Mike, inherited from his grandfather. Despite its worn-out condition, Mike and his friends spent countless hours in that truck, dreaming about forming their own band. When they finally did, naming it ‘Horrible Truck’ seemed only fitting.

Over the years, the band’s sound has evolved, but their roots remain firmly planted in the soil of their small-town upbringing. Their lyrics, often poignant and introspective, reflect on the highs and lows of life in a small town, while their music captures the raw, untamed energy of their live performances. In 2013, they released their debut album, which became an instant hit locally and started earning them recognition on the national level.

Genre:
Alt-Country

Title:
“Rusty Dreams”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
[Am] Down by the dusty road, I [G] found my heart,
[F] In the bed of a rusted truck, [C] torn apart.
[Am] Young and wild, we’d [G] sit and sing,
[F] In that old truck, we [C] were kings.

(Chorus)
[Am] Rusty dreams in a [G] horrible truck,
[F] We were chasing stars, [C] pushing our luck.
[Am] On the road less travelled, [G] we made our mark,
[F] Riding through life, [C] lighting the dark.

(Verse 2)
[Am] Underneath the sky so [G] wide,
[F] In the old truck, we’d [C] ride.
[Am] With each mile, we’d [G] laugh and grow,
[F] Lost in time, [C] with nowhere to go.

(Chorus)
[Am] Rusty dreams in a [G] horrible truck,
[F] We were chasing stars, [C] pushing our luck.
[Am] On the road less travelled, [G] we made our mark,
[F] Riding through life, [C] lighting the dark.

Fan’s Name:
Sarah Thompson

Testimonial:
Sarah Thompson, a dedicated follower and fan of ‘Horrible Truck’, shares, “I fell in love with ‘Horrible Truck’ the moment I heard ‘Rusty Dreams’. Their music speaks to the soul and tells the story of every small-town kid with dreams bigger than their town. Mike’s voice resonates with a raw honesty that just pulls you in. I’ve been to every local show they’ve performed, and each performance is more captivating than the last. ‘Horrible Truck’ is not just a band to me; they’re a reminder of where I come from and the dreams I carry in me.”

Backstory:
Intrepid Care was formed in the bustling heart of Boston, Massachusetts, in 2009. The band was brought together by schoolmates turned best friends, Lexi Johansson and Noah Roberts, whose shared passion for music and songwriting became the catalyst for their musical journey. Their college days were spent in hazy rooms filled with the hum of guitars and the soft glow of inspiration. Despite the hurdles, they prevailed, adding drummer Alex White and bassist Miranda Lewis to the mix, officially forming ‘Intrepid Care.’ The band’s dedication to their craft and determination to bring their music to the world led to their rapid rise in the music industry.

Genre:
Alternative Rock

Title:
“Edges of Eternity”

Full Song Lyrics:
(Verse 1)
Am Em G D
Just like a match struck against the night,
Am Em G D
We’re burning through our days, blinded by light.
Am Em G D
We’ve got our hopes tangled in a string,
Am Em G D
Each memory an echo, as the angels sing.

(Chorus)
C G Am Em
On the edges of eternity, we dance,
C G Am Em
Life’s a fleeting melody, in trance.
C G Am Em
In the silence between heartbeats, we find,
C G D
Our love is the rhythm, the perfect rhyme.

(Verse 2)
Am Em G D
Our dreams stretched out, a canvas of stars,
Am Em G D
We paint with passion, healing all scars.
Am Em G D
Lost in the music, we find our truth,
Am Em G D
With every note, we reclaim our youth.

(Chorus)
C G Am Em
On the edges of eternity, we sway,
C G Am Em
In the symphony of existence, we play.
C G Am Em
In the spaces between moments, we see,
C G D
Our love is the song, setting us free.

Fan Testimonial:
Name: Emily Stevens

“Intrepid Care has been my favorite band ever since I heard their debut album during my first year of college. Their music spoke to me; it felt like they knew exactly what I was going through. Their lyrics have a depth and emotion that resonates with me. ‘Edges of Eternity’ is my absolute favorite, a song that reminds me of the beauty and brevity of life. The band’s commitment to creating authentic and powerful music is what makes them my favorite. They’ve been the soundtrack to so many of my life’s milestones, and for that, I will always be a dedicated fan.”

Backstory:
Born in the heart of Cincinnati, Ohio, ‘Bad Collection’ is a musical band that was not a product of a weekend garage meet-up, but rather a university project. The band members, Jamie, Bruce, and Kyle, were all students at the University of Cincinnati, studying different branches of music and sound engineering. Their paths crossed during a project where they had to create an original composition. Their chemistry was undeniable, and they decided to stick together even after the project was over. Naming their band ‘Bad Collection,’ they wanted to challenge the norm and question the definition of ‘bad’ music, attempting to collect and transform it into something fresh and innovative.

Genre:
‘Bad Collection’ falls into the genre of Alternative Rock with a hint of Indie Pop. Their music is a unique blend of guitar-driven sounds, atmospheric synthesizers, and powerful vocal harmonies.

Title:
“Lucid Dreams in Monochrome”

Full Song Lyrics:

[Verse 1: G – Em – C – D]
In a world that’s black and white, (G)
I found my rainbow in the night. (Em)
Your love, it’s like a painted sky, (C)
Oh, I see it when I close my eyes. (D)

[Chorus: G – D – Em – C]
Lucid dreams in monochrome, (G)
You are the color I’ve never known. (D)
In the grayscale of my mind, (Em)
Your love, it’s the color kind. (C)

[Verse 2: G – Em – C – D]
In a portrait of the past, (G)
Our love, it’s meant to last. (Em)
In the hues of gray and blue, (C)
All I see is me and you. (D)

[Chorus: G – D – Em – C]
Lucid dreams in monochrome, (G)
You, the spectrum, my heart has grown. (D)
In these dreams, we’re intertwined, (Em)
Your love, it’s the color in my mind. (C)

The band’s favorite fan’s name:
Their favorite fan is Lisa Peterson.

Testimonial (Lisa Peterson):
“I’m a huge fan of ‘Bad Collection.’ Their music is a breath of fresh air in the crowded world of rock. Their lyrics resonate with me on a personal level, and I feel a deep connection with every chord they play. The uniqueness of their sound, the depth of their lyrics, and their dedication to their craft make ‘Bad Collection’ stand out in the crowd. I’ve been to every one of their concerts within a 200-mile radius and own all their merchandise – they’re my favorite band, hands down.”

Backstory:

Victorious Criticism was born in the bustling heart of New York City in 2011, an amalgamation of four passionate artists who wanted to create music that resonated with the world’s despair and hope. As they dealt with personal struggles, the band members, John “Joker” Carver (lead vocals, guitar), Mike “Mickey” Harris (bass, vocals), Alex “Al” Thompson (drums), and Sam “Sammy” Stewart (keyboard, vocals), found solace in their collective creativity. Their music became their catharsis, and they aimed to provide the same relief to their listeners.

Their journey wasn’t easy, though, as they faced intense criticism from industry experts who attempted to stifle their unique sound. However, they decided to embrace these critiques, using them as stepping stones to refine their music, hence the name ‘Victorious Criticism.’ They now have a massive cult following who appreciate their raw and emotive music.

Genre:

Alternative Rock

Title:

“Shadows in the Spotlight”

Full Song Lyrics:

[Verse 1]
(C – Em – Am – F)
C Em
In the darkest night, we learnt to fight,
Am F
Shadows of our past, clinging too tight.
C Em
Underneath the stars, laced with city light,
Am F
We erased our scars, took our flight.

[Chorus]
(G – Am – F)
G Am
Shadows in the spotlight,
F
We dance the pain away.
G Am
Dreams held too tight,
F
Fade at the break of day.

[Verse 2]
C Em
With the city’s hum, as our guiding hymn,
Am F
We refused to succumb, to life’s grim whims.
C Em
Through the critics’ drums, we found our rhythm,
Am F
Turned their venomous hums, into our anthem.

[Chorus]
G Am
Shadows in the spotlight,
F
We dance the pain away.
G Am
Dreams held too tight,
F
Fade at the break of day.

[Bridge]
(Em – Am – Dm – G)
Em Am
Lost in the music’s embrace,
Dm G
We found our saving grace.

[Chorus]
G Am
Shadows in the spotlight,
F
We dance the pain away.
G Am
Dreams held too tight,
F
Fade at the break of day.

[Outro]
C – Em – Am – F
We became victorious, in our unique way.

Favorite Fan Testimonial:

Meet Frankie Turner, a veteran music journalist from Brooklyn, and the band’s favorite fan. “Victorious Criticism isn’t just a band, it’s a movement, a beacon of hope,” says Turner. “Their music is a reflection of their struggles, their dreams, and their victories. It’s raw and real. It’s not just their talent that amazes me, but their resilience. Every critique thrown at them fuels their fire. They’ve taught me that criticism isn’t a setback, but a stepping stone to success. That’s why they’re my favorite.”

Backstory:

Bony Researcher was formed in the vibrant, diverse streets of New Orleans in 2015. The band was initially composed of three college friends: lead singer and songwriter, Dusty Hammer, bass guitarist, Colt ‘Bony’ Nolan, and drummer, Arlo ‘Researcher’ Kingsley. They were all studying at the Tulane University, sharing a passion for music as well as their majors in Anthropology. Inspired by the sounds of legendary bands such as The Grateful Dead and The Doors, they started jamming out in their university dorm rooms. They soon found their unique sound after incorporating elements of their academic studies into their music, hence the name ‘Bony Researcher’.

Genre:

Bony Researcher falls under the eclectic genre of Psychedelic Rock with a hint of Indie Folk. They are known for their hypnotic rhythms, mind-bending guitar solos, and profound lyrical themes that delve into human evolution, culture, and anthropology.

Title:

“Tribe of the Timeless Tune”

Full Song Lyrics:

Verse 1:
[Am] In the heart of the [G] wilderness, beneath the [Dm] ancient moon,
[Am] We dance around the [G] fire, to the [Dm] tribe of the timeless tune.
[Am] Our spirits are [G] intertwined, as the [Dm] rhythm takes the room,
[Am] We are the echoes [G] of the past, we are the [Dm] tribe of the timeless tune.

Chorus:
[F] Oh, we are the [G] tribe,
[C] Bound by the [Am] rhythm of the [G] timeless tune.
[F] Oh, we are the [G] tribe,
[C] Living, breathing [Am] verses of a [G] cosmic rune.

Verse 2:
[Am] Ancestral voices [G] whisper, in the [Dm] silence of the dune,
[Am] We carry forth the [G] legacy, of the [Dm] tribe of the timeless tune.
[Am] The song of our [G] existence, vibrant as the [Dm] bloom,
[Am] Resounding through the [G] ages, we are the [Dm] tribe of the timeless tune.

(Repeat Chorus)

Fan Testimonial:

Favorite Fan’s Name: Suzie Thompson

“Bony Researcher is my favorite band because their music is both intellectually stimulating and emotionally resonant. The way they blend psychedelic rock with indie folk creates a sound that is uniquely their own. As an anthropology major myself, I appreciate their exploration of human culture and history through their songs. There’s always a new layer of meaning to uncover in every listen. Their song ‘Tribe of the Timeless Tune’ is my personal anthem. It’s a beautiful reminder of our collective human journey – it gives me goosebumps every time. Bony Researcher isn’t just a band; they’re a life-changing experience.”

Backstory:

Vigorous Beetle was formed in the heart of Manchester, United Kingdom in 2012. The five-piece met in high school and immediately bonded over their mutual love for rock music and their passion for creating original sounds. After years of practicing in garages, performing at local gigs, and writing their own music, they caught the attention of a local record label who took a chance on their fresh sound. Ever since their debut album ‘Metamorphosis’, they have been making waves on the UK rock scene and capturing the hearts of fans across the globe.

Genre:

Alternative Rock

Title:

“Underneath the Shell”

Full song lyrics:

(Verse 1)
Am – Dm
Underneath the shell, I see your weary eyes,
G – C
Battling the storm, yet with a heart that flies.
Am – Dm
You’re a fighter, a survivor, burning so bright,
G – C
In the darkness of the night, you’re my guiding light.

(Chorus)
F – Am
Underneath the shell, you’re more than you seem,
Dm – G
A force to reckon, a living dream.
F – Am
Like a vigorous beetle, you strive, you thrive,
Dm – G
In the face of adversity, you come alive.

(Verse 2)
Am – Dm
Under the shell, there’s a story untold,
G – C
Of courage, of resilience, of a spirit bold.
Am – Dm
Pushing boundaries, reaching new heights,
G – C
In the face of despair, you ignite the lights.

(Chorus)
F – Am
Underneath the shell, you’re more than you seem,
Dm – G
A force to reckon, a living dream.
F – Am
Like a vigorous beetle, you strive, you thrive,
Dm – G
In the face of adversity, you come alive.

The band’s favorite fan’s name:

Rosie Thompson

Testimonial:

“I love Vigorous Beetle because their music speaks to me on a personal level. Their lyrics are so raw and honest, it feels like they’ve put into words exactly what I’ve been feeling but couldn’t express. Their song “Underneath the Shell” particularly resonates with me. It’s a powerful anthem of resilience and perseverance that I listen to whenever I need a boost of inspiration. It’s the kind of music that stays with you long after the song ends. I’ve been to their concerts a few times and the energy they bring to the stage is simply electric. Vigorous Beetle isn’t just a band to me, they’re a source of strength and motivation.”

Backstory:

Capital Demonstration is a group of four close-knit friends from Washington D.C. who grew up sharing a passion for music and social justice. They started their journey in the realm of music during their college days in 2010, honing their craft in small gigs across the city. The band got its breakthrough in 2013, when their song “Protest of Love” caught the attention of a major music label, signing them up for their first album. The band’s name symbolizes their home city and their commitment to advocating for social change through their music.

Genre:

The band primarily plays a combination of alternative rock and punk, often fused with elements of folk and blues.

Title:

“One Voice in the Crowd”

Full song lyrics:

(Verse 1)
Am (x2), F (x1), G (x1)
Oh, here we stand, in the heart of the city,
Gathered as one, ’cause we ain’t so pretty,
Voices so loud, yet drowned by the sound,
A soul in the crowd, where freedom is found.

(Chorus)
C (x1), G (x1), Am (x1), F (x1)
We’re one voice in the crowd, shouting loud,
Won’t be crushed, won’t be bowed,
One voice in the crowd, standing proud,
In this city, on this ground.

(Verse 2)
Am (x2), F (x1), G (x1)
Through smoky haze, under neon lights,
We fight our battles, through cold, dark nights,
With melodies strong, and lyrics that bite,
One voice in the crowd, hold on tight.

(Chorus)
C (x1), G (x1), Am (x1), F (x1)
We’re one voice in the crowd, shouting loud,
Won’t be silenced, won’t be cowed,
One voice in the crowd, breaking the shroud,
In this city, in this crowd.

The band’s favorite fan’s name:

Emily Thompson

Emily’s Testimonial:

“I’ve been a die-hard fan of Capital Demonstration since their early days. Their music is more than just strings and beats; it’s an articulation of what we all feel but struggle to express. Their song “One Voice in the Crowd” is my personal anthem. It reminds me that I am not alone in my beliefs and struggles. I identify with their raw energy, their politicized lyrics, and their commitment to social change. For me, Capital Demonstration is not just a band; they are a beacon of hope, a reminder that we have the power to drive change through our voices, just as they do through their music.”

Backstory:
Born in the grungy garages of Portland, Oregon in the late 90s, Vain Chapel was formed by a group of bored, disgruntled college dropouts. The band members, led by charismatic frontman, Nick Fury, found their solace and purpose in music, rebelling against the mainstream pop culture that dominated the era. Inspired by the likes of The Cure, Radiohead, and Nirvana, Vain Chapel started experimenting with their own unique sound, a blend of alternative rock and post-punk, tinged with melancholic undertones and raw, rebellious energy. Over two decades, Vain Chapel has carved a niche for itself in the industry and is now lauded as one of the pioneers of Portland’s indie music scene.

Genre: Alternative Rock

Song Title: “Perished Parades”

Full song lyrics:
[Intro]

Am Em G D

[Verse 1]
Am Em
Lost in the perished parades,
G D
Chasing shadows and broken charades.
Am Em
Left with a heart that’s serrated,
G D
In lands where the love has made it.

[Chorus]
Am Em
We’re not the saints, we’re not the sinners,
G D
Just lost boys sailing in winter.
Am Em
Dancing in the vain chapel,
G D
Our love is the only gospel.

[Verse 2]
Am Em
In the fight against the time,
G D
We lost ourselves in the grind.
Am Em
With every heartache, every wrinkle,
G D
We wrote our stories in the twinkle.

[Chorus]
Am Em
We’re not the saints, we’re not the sinners,
G D
Just lost boys sailing in winter.
Am Em
Dancing in the vain chapel,
G D
Our love is the only gospel.

[Bridge]
Am Em
We exist in echoes,
G D
In the silence that follows.
Am Em
Our love, our pain,
G D
We’re all just stars in vain.

[Chorus]
Am Em
We’re not the saints, we’re not the sinners,
G D
Just lost boys sailing in winter.
Am Em
Dancing in the vain chapel,
G D
Our love is the only gospel.

[Outro]
Am Em G D

Favorite fan testimonial:
Name: Lucy Hargrove
Testimonial: “Vain Chapel has been my favorite band since I first heard Perished Parades on the radio. Their music speaks to the rebel in me; it’s raw, honest, and unapologetic. The lyrics hold a depth that triggers emotions you’d forgotten you could feel. Nick Fury’s raspy voice combined with their edgy alternative rock sound has given a voice to our generation’s disquiet. Vain Chapel isn’t just a band for me, it’s a way of life.”

Backstory:
Previous Tactic is an alternative rock band that was originally formed in 2011 in Asheville, North Carolina. The band consists of frontman and guitarist, Eddie Landon, bassist Mark Peterson, drummer Tim Keller, and keyboardist, Sarah Jones. The four of them met at Appalachian State University where they were all studying music technology and bonded over their shared loved for music, specifically alternative rock. After years of practicing in basements and garages, the band finally got their big break in 2015 when they won a local Battle of the Bands competition. This lead to their first record deal and they have been growing in popularity ever since.

Genre:
Alternative Rock

Title:
“Echoes of Yesterday”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
[G] Stepping through the [D] shadows of our [Em] yesterday
[C] Searching for the [G] light in the [D] disarray
[G] Memories they [D] echo, but the [Em] sound is grey
[C] Lost in the [G] silence, we [D] found our way

(Chorus)
[G] Echoes of [D] yesterday, are [Em] bouncing off the walls
[C] Whispering [G] secrets, [D] answering the calls
[G] Trapped in the [D] mirror, [Em] time stands tall
[C] Echoes of [G] yesterday, [D] we’ve seen it all

(Verse 2)
[G] The path we’ve [D] walked is [Em] paved with scars
[C] A million miles [G] under the [D] stars
[G] Looking back, [D] we see how [Em] far
[C] From the [G] echoes of [D] yesterday we are

(Chorus)
[G] Echoes of [D] yesterday, they [Em] never really fade
[C] Through the [G] noise, the [D] past is played
[G] In our hearts, [D] the memories [Em] stay
[C] Echoes of [G] yesterday, [D] in the shadows they wade

Favorite Fan:
The band’s favorite fan, Vanessa, has been there since their very first show. She’s seen every performance, owns every album, and even runs the fan club. Vanessa states, “I love Previous Tactic because their music speaks to me. The lyrics have depth and meaning that I can relate to. Each song tells a story that pulls me in. Plus, the band members themselves are genuinely kind and humble. They appreciate their fans and always make time for us. I’ve supported many bands over the years, but Previous Tactic is special. They make music that speaks to the soul, and for that, they will always be my favorite band.”