Backstory:

“Limping Proceeding” was born on the banks of the Mississippi, as four college students stumbled upon their shared passion for music in an old, run-down basement. They were drawn together by their mutual love for punk rock music and a desire to vent their angst through lyrics, chords, and energetic performances. Lead vocalist, Freddy “Rough” Ruffin, grungy bassist, Randy “Ravager” Rey, nimble-fingered guitarist, Jimmy “Jigsaw” Jones, and hyperactive drummer, Danny “Dynamo” Duffield, found their solace in music amidst academic pressure, heartbreak, and the challenges of youth. Their band, ‘Limping Proceeding’, became a symbol of their struggle and perseverance, drawing a deep connection between their music and their fans.

Genre:
Punk Rock

Title:
“Broken Not Busted”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
[G] Broken hearts and [D] shattered dreams,
[Em] Waking up in [C] silent screams,
[G] Lost in life’s [D] relentless streams,
[Em] Yet we keep [C] moving on.

(Chorus)
Am] We are [G] broken not busted,
[C] Torn but [D] never rusted,
[Am] We are [G] limping proceeding,
[C] And our [D] spirit’s never ending.

(Verse 2)
[G] No surrender, [D] no retreat,
[Em] Feel the rhythm, [C] feel the beat,
[G] With every [D] challenge, we meet,
[Em] Our resolve [C] only grows strong.

(Chorus)
[Am] We are [G] broken not busted,
[C] Torn but [D] never rusted,
[Am] We are [G] limping proceeding,
[C] And our [D] spirit’s never ending.

(Bridge)
[F] In the darkness, [C] we find light,
[G] In our weakness, [D] we find might,
[F] In our struggles, [C] shines our fight,
[G] We’re limping proceeding, [D] into the night.

(Chorus)
[Am] We are [G] broken not busted,
[C] Torn but [D] never rusted,
[Am] We are [G] limping proceeding,
[C] And our [D] spirit’s never ending.

Fan Testimonial:

“Limping Proceeding’s number one fan, Tina “Tunes” Thompson, has attended every show, rain or shine. Tina found solace in their music during her toughest times. As she testifies, “Their raw energy, powerful lyrics, and electrifying performance helped me through my darkest days. They wear their hearts on their sleeves, and that authenticity resonates with me. They remind me that it’s okay to be broken, to limp and yet to keep proceeding. To me, they’re more than just a band; they’re a beacon of hope.”

Backstory:
Salty Decision emerged from the breezy coastal town of Montauk, New York. Childhood friends, Douglas ‘Doug’ Parker and William ‘Billy’ Stroud, found a common love for music while surfing the long Atlantic waves. Their shared passion led them to form a band, initially performing in local bars and eventually taking their sound to the national stage. Their music encapsulates the spirit of the ocean, their hometown, and their adventures, with a distinct flavor that has won the hearts of many.

Genre:
Salty Decision’s music falls under the genre of Beach Rock, a fusion of rock, reggae, and surf music, with a touch of folk.

Song Title:
“Wave Of Love”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
[Am] By the crashing waves, [D] under the golden sun,
[Am] We played our strings, [D] our journey had begun.
[G] Strumming chords with salty fingers, [C] singing a melody,
[G] The rhythm of the sea, [C] was our harmony.

(Chorus)
[Em] Wave of love, [G] take us far,
[C] To every dream, [D] every shining star.
[Em] Wave of love, [G] in your tide,
[C] We find our rhythm, [D] we find our pride.

(Verse 2)
[Am] The ocean’s whisper, [D] a lullaby to our ears,
[Am] Her salty tears, [D] washing away our fears.
[G] With sandy feet and sun-kissed faces, [C] we strummed our tales,
[G] The music in the wind, [C] filling our sails.

(Chorus)
[Em] Wave of love, [G] in your embrace,
[C] We found our sound, [D] we found our space.
[Em] Wave of love, [G] our song’s refrain,
[C] In every low, [D] in every gain.

(Bridge)
[Am] In the rhythm of the waves, [G] In the melody of the sea,
[C] We found our music, [D] We found our glee.

(Chorus)
[Em] Wave of love, [G] take us far,
[C] To every dream, [D] every shining star.
[Em] Wave of love, [G] in your tide,
[C] We find our rhythm, [D] we find our pride.

Fans’ Favorite:

The band’s favorite fan is a lively woman named Lucy who discovered Salty Decision during a rough time in her life. As she puts it,
“The music of Salty Decision is like the ocean – at times it’s calm and soothing, and at other times, it’s wild and refreshing. It has a rhythm that resonates with my soul. It’s more than just music; it’s therapy. Their songs, especially ‘Wave Of Love,’ remind me that life, like the ocean, has its high and low tides, but no matter what, we keep surfing. I feel connected to them, and that’s why Salty Decision is my favorite band.”

Backstory:

Ill-Informed Mouth, a ragtag group of music enthusiasts, came together in the bustling underground music scene of Seattle in the early 2010s. The four members, consisting of lead vocalist Warren Wells, guitarist Mack Thompson, drummer Benny Rowley, and bassist Lexi Dalton, were initially part of different bands with varying musical styles. One fateful night at a local bar’s open-mic night, they decided to perform together on a whim, and the chemistry was undeniable. They quickly became a mainstay on the local scene and started writing their own music, blending their diverse musical influences into a unique sound that caught the attention of both audiences and record labels.

Genre:

Alternative Rock

Title:

“Riot of Words”

Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
[G] Much to say [D] but not enough to speak,
[Em] Tangled words, [C] in silence, we leak.
[G] Raised voices [D] and lowered heads,
[Em] We are the living, [C] we are the dead.

(Chorus)
[Am] It’s a riot of words, [G] a storm in our mouths,
[Em] Ill-informed, [C] yet we shout it out.
[Am] We are the noise, [G] the misunderstood sound,
[Em] The echoes of silence, [C] lost and found.

(Verse 2)
[G] Spin the tales, [D] of love and regret,
[Em] Half-truths, [C] in whispers, we forget.
[G] Broken promises, [D] and mended hearts,
[Em] We are the finish, [C] we are the start.

(Chorus)
[Am] It’s a riot of words, [G] a storm in our mouths,
[Em] Ill-informed, [C] yet we shout it out.
[Am] We are the noise, [G] the misunderstood sound,
[Em] The echoes of silence, [C] lost and found.

(Bridge)
[G] In the end, [D] what’s left to say?
[Em] We are the night, [C] we are the day.

(Chorus)
[Am] It’s a riot of words, [G] a storm in our mouths,
[Em] Ill-informed, [C] yet we shout it out.
[Am] We are the noise, [G] the misunderstood sound,
[Em] The echoes of silence, [C] lost and found.

(Outro)
[G] Much to say [D] but not enough to speak,
[Em] Tangled words, [C] in silence, we leak.

Fan Testimonial:

The band’s favorite fan, Jessie Greene, has been a loyal follower since their first show at that local bar. “There’s just something special about Ill-Informed Mouth,” Jessie says. “Their raw energy, the authenticity of their lyrics, and the way they’ve merged their different influences into a unique sound. It’s powerful. They’ve given a voice to our generation’s disillusionment and hopes, all wrapped up in thunderous guitar riffs and heart-pounding drum beats. That’s why they’re my favorite band. They’re not just musicians; they’re poets, storytellers, revolutionaries.”

Backstory:

Trustworthy Body originated in the bustling music scene of Chicago, Illinois in 2012. Band members Bill “Billy” Donahue (lead vocalist and guitarist), Eric “Slowhand” Jenkins (bass guitarist), and Jake “The Snake” Thomas (drummer) had known each other since high school, but it was not until many years later, after they had pursued individual musical endeavors, that they decided to join forces and form a band. With a shared love for the fusion of punk undertones and indie melodies, Trustworthy Body was born.

Believing that music should be an experience that connects people, they played at local venues, sharing their intense, raw energy with the crowds. Their following grew steadily, and by 2015 they released their first self-titled album. Trustworthy Body’s sound, a blend of dynamic stage presence and heart-rending lyrics, resonated with a broad audience, leading to their break in the mainstream music industry.

Genre:
Indie Punk Rock

Song Title:
“Out of the Dark”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1 – Am | Em | G | D)
Am Em
In the darkness, I stumble,
G D
With a broken heart, I mumble,
Am Em
Your name, babe, it echoes,
G D
In this lonely hallway of shadows.

(Chorus – C | G | Am | F)
C G
I’m coming out of the dark,
Am F
With a rekindled spark,
C G
Shouting your name,
Am F
Against the winds of blame.

(Verse 2 – Am | Em | G | D)
Am Em
With the dawn, I find solace,
G D
In this life’s chaotic palace,
Am Em
Your love, babe, it guides me,
G D
To the light, where I want to be.

(Chorus – C | G | Am | F)
C G
I’m stepping out of the dark,
Am F
With a beating heart,
C G
Calling out your name,
Am F
In this life’s tricky game.

Favorite Fan’s Name, Testimonial:
“My name is Jennifer. Trustworthy Body is my favorite band for many reasons. Their lyrics speak to me on a personal level and their indie punk rock sound is energizing. Every time I listen to songs like ‘Out of the Dark,’ I feel a rush of emotions. Their music makes me feel understood and less alone. Their live performances are also something to behold, the energy they bring to the stage is infectious! I’ll forever be a fan.”

Backstory:

Unruly Table started in a small garage in Philadelphia back in 2010, when four childhood friends found an old drum kit, a forgotten guitar, and a passion for music. The members, Jake (vocals and guitar), Max (bass), Ryan (keyboard), and Dylan (drums) were inseparable since kindergarten, and had always shared an affinity for creative expression. Ironically, the band’s name was inspired by the rickety, misaligned table in Jake’s garage where they held their practice sessions and wrote their first songs. Unruly Table started as a local sensation, playing at neighborhood events and open mic nights, before their fierce talent and irresistible charm catapulted them into global stardom.

Genre:

Unruly Table’s music is best described as alternative rock with tinges of blues and indie pop.

Title:

Their most popular song is “Graffiti on the Wall.”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
[G]Graffiti on the wall, [D]Penned down stories of us all
[Em]Look how far we’ve come, [C]Unruly Table’s song has begun

[D]From the days in Jake’s garage, [G]We’ve now taken charge
[Em]Playing our tunes under the moon, [C]Life has given us a boon

(Chorus)
[G]We are Unruly Table, [D]Singing our fable
[Em]With every strum, every beat, [C]We’ve got the world at our feet
[G]We are Unruly Table, [D]Strong and stable
[Em]With our music, we unite, [C]In the darkness, we are the light

(Verse 2)
[G]Started with an old drum kit, [D]Now we’re a worldwide hit
[Em]Playing our dreams, singing our themes, [C]Life’s more than what it seems

[D]We’ve come a long way, [G]With our music, we sway
[Em]In every town, every city, [C]We play our melody pretty

(Chorus)
[G]We are Unruly Table, [D]Singing our fable
[Em]With every strum, every beat, [C]We’ve got the world at our feet
[G]We are Unruly Table, [D]Strong and stable
[Em]With our music, we unite, [C]In the darkness, we are the light

Fan Testimonial:

Their biggest fan is a woman named Olivia. She has been following the band since their early days playing local gigs in Philadelphia. Olivia says, “Unruly Table’s music speaks to me on such a personal level. ‘Graffiti on the Wall’ isn’t just a song to me, it’s my anthem. Their lyrics are insightful, and their music, it’s like a lifeline. They’ve seen me through hard times and have been the soundtrack to my best moments. I can’t imagine a world without Unruly Table’s music!”

Backstory:
Big-Hearted Finding is a heartfelt journey of four friends – Jeremy, Tom, Mia, and Lisa. The band originated in a small town in Ohio, where they spent their early years jamming in Jeremy’s garage. Over time, they honed their unique sound, intertwining their diverse musical influences and personal experiences into a harmonious blend. They took their time building their repertoire, focusing on authenticity and emotional depth rather than commercial appeal. In 2015, they took the big leap and moved to New York, taking their heartfelt tunes to the urban landscape. Their name, Big-Hearted Finding, reflects their belief in the power of music to help find and connect with one’s true self.

Genre: Folk Rock

Title: “Beneath the Stars”

Song Lyrics:
Verse 1:
Em C G D
Underneath the broad night sky, we found our truth,
Em C G D
On the roads we used to roam, in our youth.
Em C G D
We shared stories and dreams, beneath the moon,
Em C G D
And in the cool night air, we found our tune.

Chorus:
G C D Em
So here we are, singing beneath the stars,
G C D Em
Our hearts open wide, playing our guitars.
G C D Em
With each strum, we share a piece of us,
G C D Em
In our big-hearted finding, it’s all about trust.

Verse 2:
Em C G D
We’ve walked different paths, we’ve seen the rain,
Em C G D
But through it all, music was our main.
Em C G D
It healed our wounds, it soothed our souls,
Em C G D
In the rhythm and the chords, we found our roles.

(Repeat Chorus)

Fan’s Name: Jackie Rutherford

Testimonial: My name is Jackie and I’m a huge fan of Big-Hearted Finding. Their music speaks to me on a level that no other band has managed to do. The raw emotion in their lyrics, the authenticity in their sound, and their genuine passion for music is truly inspiring. Their song “Beneath the Stars” is a beautiful representation of their talent and storytelling abilities. It takes me back to simpler times, reminding me of the beauty in shared experiences and dreams. Big-Hearted Finding is my favorite band because they touch my heart and soul with every note and word.

Backstory:
Watchful Isolation is an indie-rock band comprised of four college friends who found a unique bond through their shared love for music. The band members, Alex (vocals and guitar), Mike (bass), Scott (drums), and Lisa (keyboard and backing vocals), met during their freshman year at Berkeley College of Music. The name Watchful Isolation represents their collective experience of observing the world from their unique lens while feeling isolated from it. They started jamming in their college dorm rooms, creating a unique blend of thought-provoking lyrics and mesmerizing tunes. Their music stems from topics such as introspection, society’s expectations, and the existential questions that plague the minds of the millennial generation.

The band’s big break came when they won a local battle of the bands competition in 2018. The win led to a record deal, and since then, Watchful Isolation has released three critically acclaimed albums. Their music is loved for its rawness, honesty, and the emotional journey it takes the listeners on.

Genre:
Indie Rock

Title:
“Echoes of the Mind”

Full Song Lyrics:
(Verse 1) [Am, G, F, C]
Am
I’m staring at the ceiling, caught in my feelings,
G
In a world that’s spinning, are we losing or winning?
F
Chasing shadows of yesterday,
C
In a game that we never wanted to play.

(Chorus) [Am, F, C, G]
Am
Echoes of the mind, reflections hard to find,
F
We’re all in this together, yet alone,
C
Can’t escape the pull, feeling the push and pull,
G
In the echoes of the mind, we find our home.

(Verse 2) [Am, G, F, C]
Am
Look around, we’re in the race, trying to keep the pace,
G
Is it worth the chase, in this endless space?
F
We’re all looking for validation,
C
In the noise, seeking quiet contemplation.

(Chorus) [Am, F, C, G]
Am
Echoes of the mind, it’s a path we’ve designed,
F
Walking on a tightrope, holding on the lifeline,
C
Reality’s a blur, in the echoes we concur,
G
In the echoes of the mind, we find our home.

Band’s Favorite Fan:

The band’s favorite fan is Sarah, a university student, who has been following Watchful Isolation since their college jamming days. She was the first one to buy their debut album and has attended every concert since. She admires the band for their authentic approach to music and their ability to express complex emotions through their lyrics. Her favorite song is “Echoes of the Mind” as it speaks to her personal journey of self-discovery.

Testimonial:

Sarah says, “Watchful Isolation’s music resonates deeply with me. Their lyrics are like poetry that translates my thoughts into melodies. ‘Echoes of the Mind’ is my go-to song whenever I feel overwhelmed. It reminds me that it’s okay to feel lost and reassures me that we’re all on our unique paths. Their music has been a constant companion in my journey, providing comfort and understanding. Watchful Isolation is not just a band to me; they are storytellers who give voice to my innermost feelings.”

Backstory:

Second-Hand Incentive is a band that came into existence during the vibrant and chaotic music scene of the early 2000s in Birmingham, England. The band was formed by school friends, Adam Jones (lead vocals, guitar), Sarah Thompson (bass, vocals), and Jason Murphy (drums). They shared a common love of music and wanted to create something that was a true reflection of their emotions and experiences growing up in the bustling city.

They started off playing gigs in local pubs and bars, eventually grabbing the attention of a small-time record label that saw potential in their unique sound and lyrical prowess. After years of hard work, late-night rehearsals, and gig after gig, Second-Hand Incentive has solidified their unique sound and charismatic stage presence, making them a staple in the UK’s indie rock scene.

Genre:
Indie Rock

Title:
“Sundown Reverie”

Full song lyrics:

[Verse 1: G-Em-C-D]
G
Through the smoke-filled room, I find my way,
Em
Under the dim lights, where we used to sway,
C
Memories and melodies start to play,
D
In this Sundown Reverie, every single day.

[Chorus: G-D-Em-C]
G
When the sun goes down, and stars fill the sky,
D
I think of your smile, and the times we were high,
Em
In this Sundown Reverie, I continue to lie,
C
Hoping one day, you might just pass by.

[Verse 2: G-Em-C-D]
G
In the darkened corners of this old town,
Em
I still feel your presence all around,
C
I wear your memory like a crown,
D
In this Sundown Reverie, where love was found.

[Chorus: G-D-Em-C]
G
When the night is quiet, and I’m all alone,
D
I remember your laugh, and your sweet tone,
Em
In this Sundown Reverie, where shadows are thrown,
C
I realize that it’s your love I’ve outgrown.

[Bridge: Em-C-G-D]
Em
So, I’ll sing about you, until the dawn,
C
About the love we had, that is now gone,
G
In this Sundown Reverie, I’ll carry on,
D
With the hope that someday, I’ll be strong.

[Chorus: G-D-Em-C]
G
When the sun goes down, and stars fill the sky,
D
I think of your smile, and the times we were high,
Em
In this Sundown Reverie, I continue to lie,
C
Hoping one day, you might just pass by.

[Outro: G-Em-C-D]
G
In this Sundown Reverie, I’ll say goodbye,
Em
To the love we had, and the tears we cried,
C
With every beat and every sigh,
D
In this Sundown Reverie, love never dies.

Favorite Fan:

The band’s favorite fan is a woman named Emily, who has been attending their gigs since they were playing in small pubs and bars. Emily says, “Second-Hand Incentive is more than just a band to me, they’re like a soundtrack to my life. Their songs resonate with me on so many levels and have seen me through some of the hardest times. Their unique sound, their honest lyrics, it all makes me feel understood and less alone. They’re my favorite band because they’re real and raw, and they put their heart and soul into every performance.”

Backstory:
Disfigured Product was born out of a shared dissatisfaction with the state of commercial music and a mutual love for grunge and old school punk. Founders Max “Riot” Riley and Danny “The Duke” Duchene met in a dive bar in the heart of New York’s East Village in 2012. From their shared disdain for the status quo and passion for edgy melodies, the duo began playing in local bars and clubs, gaining a cult following for their raw performances and disturbed lyrical content. In 2014, they added drummer Beth ‘Thunder’ McMahon and bassist Jake ‘The Snake’ Donovan to the lineup, solidifying the band’s signature sound that blends punk, grunge, and hints of heavy metal.

Genre:
Punk/Grunge

Title:
“Concrete Jungle”

Lyrics:

(Verse 1 – C G Am E)
Crawling through the concrete jungle,
G // Am // E //
A product of the system, yet so humble.
C // G // Am // E //
Lost souls, misfit toys, we all stumble,
C // G // Am // E //
In this gray world, our hearts rumble.

(Chorus – F C G)
F // C // G //
In the heart of the concrete jungle,
F // C // G //
We’re just a disfigured product, in a world so subtle.
F // C // G //
Our voices roar, yet they crumble,
F // C // G //
In the heart of the concrete jungle.

(Verse 2 – C G Am E)
Tossed by the waves, yet we don’t tumble,
C // G // Am // E //
In the concrete jungle, we find our humble.
C // G // Am // E //
The system tries to make us crumble,
C // G // Am // E //
But our spirit remains, it won’t mumble.

(Chorus – F C G)
F // C // G //
In the heart of the concrete jungle,
F // C // G //
We’re just a disfigured product, in a world so subtle.
F // C // G //
Our voices roar, yet they crumble,
F // C // G //
In the heart of the concrete jungle.

Fan Testimonial:
Favorite fan’s name: Luke “The Maverick” Maddison. “Disfigured Product is more than just a band to me, they’re a movement. Their music speaks of a raw, unfiltered reality that most of us are too afraid to face. It fuels my rebellion, my desire to be different, to be real, and not just a product of a plastic society. I’ve seen them live more times than I can count, and each time, their energy is contagious, their message, inspiring. They’re my favorite because they’re not scared to go against the grain and they encourage us, their fans, to do the same.”

Backstory:
Critical Grain emerged from the heart of Chicago, when four college friends decided to turn their shared passion for music into a tangible reality. Spearheaded by charismatic lead vocalist Antonio “Tony” Evans, guitarist Leo Madison, bassist Jack Rhys, and drummer Oliver “Ollie” Hart in 2007, the band started their journey playing at local bars and college festivals. Their distinctive sound and original lyrics quickly gained attention and by 2010, they had signed their first record deal with an Indie label, ‘Highway Records’.

The band’s journey has been a roller coaster ride, filled with epic highs and challenging lows. Throughout the years, their music has evolved and matured, but their core values remained intact – to create music that resonates with the soul. Their deep-rooted connection with their fans has been one of the most fulfilling aspects of their career. No matter where their journey takes them next, Critical Grain remains dedicated to crafting music that is both profound and relatable.

Genre:
Indie Rock/Alternative

Title:
“Unseen Echoes”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
G Em C G
Walking down the same old road,
Em C G
In search of something bold.
D Em C G
I’m tracing paths that shadows tread,
Em C G
Drawing lines in the sand unsaid.

(Chorus)
D Em G
Unseen echoes in my mind,
Em C G
Lost in the realms of time.
D Em C G
In the silence of the night,
Em C G
I find my soul’s pure light.

(Verse 2)
G Em C G
Beneath the stars, I stand alone,
Em C G
With stories yet unknown.
D Em C G
The constellations guide my way,
Em C G
In this cosmic play.

(Chorus)
D Em G
Unseen echoes fill the air,
Em C G
Whispers of love and despair.
D Em C G
In the echoes, we confide,
Em C G
Our heart’s deepest divide.

Testimonial:
Fan’s Name: Emily Saunders

Emily Saunders has been a die-hard fan of Critical Grain since she first heard their demo EP in the local record store. She fell in love with the heartfelt lyrics and the striking rhythm that sets the band apart. As a testimonial, Emily says, “Critical Grain’s music speaks to me on a deep, personal level. It’s raw, real, and full of emotion. Each song feels like a new journey, an insight into the band’s soul. Their music has helped me through some of the toughest times in my life, and for that, I will forever be grateful. They’re not just a band to me, they’re a lifeline.”