Backstory:

Amused Needle is a group of childhood friends turned rock stars, hailing from the small town of Ferris, North Dakota. Consisting of lead vocalist and guitarist, Joey Morgen, bassist, Luke Stevenson, drummer, Max ‘The Hammer’ Hendrik, and keyboardist, Ivy Knight, the band was formed in their high school music room. Their journey started by playing at local events, covering songs from their favorite artists and eventually creating their own unique sound. The band’s quirky name, “Amused Needle,” was inspired by the town’s iconic landmark, a giant hay needle statue, which they found ironically amusing.

Genre:

Amused Needle plays a combination of Indie Rock and Blues, creating an engaging blend of infectious riffs, powerful bass lines, and poignant lyrics. Their sound is raw, emotive, and deeply connected to their small-town roots.

Title:

“Whiskey on a Sunday Morning”

Full song lyrics:

Verse 1:
[G] Woke up this morning to the [C] sound of the rain,
[D] Whiskey on my breath, I’m [G] lost in the pain.
[G] Echoes of your laughter fill [C] this empty room,
[D] I’m missing you, darling, like a [G] sunflower misses the bloom.

Chorus:
[C] Whiskey on a Sunday morning, [G] tears falling down like rain,
[D] I’m dancing with your memory, lost in the [G] refrain.
[C] Whiskey on a Sunday morning, [G] empty bed and a lonely night,
[D] Only your whispers in the wind, taking [G] flight.

Verse 2:
[G] The town seems so quiet, just [C] like your goodbye,
[D] Whiskey on a Sunday morning, [G] trying not to cry.
[G] Pictures on the wall, just [C] reminders of the past,
[D] Our love story ended, it [G] happened so fast.

Chorus:
[C] Whiskey on a Sunday morning, [G] drowning in the past,
[D] In this old house, echoes of our [G] love, so vast.
[C] Whiskey on a Sunday morning, [G] the world’s a colder place,
[D] Without your smile, your touch, your [G] grace.

The band’s favorite fan’s name:

Billy Porter

Testimonial:

“Amused Needle is my favorite band for many reasons, but primarily because their music speaks to me on a personal level. Their lyrics are deep and meaningful, and the melodies are just incredible. Also, they’re from my hometown, Ferris. Seeing them go from playing cover songs at the local fair to creating their own music and achieving success is truly inspiring. Every time I listen to their song, ‘Whiskey on a Sunday Morning,’ I feel a strong connection to their journey and roots. They’re not just a band to me, they’re the voice of our town.”

Backstory:
Wordy Hotel – a band that originated from the depths of artistic obscurity in the bustling city of Austin, Texas. The band was formed by a group of college friends who shared a common love for the literary arts, music, and deep philosophical discussions. Fueled by their shared passion, they started writing songs that embodied their unique creative spirit. Their music, filled with metaphors and literary references, caught the attention of a local fanbase and their fame began to slowly snowball. With each performance, Wordy Hotel continued to prove that their music was a labyrinth of words waiting to be explored.

Genre:
Indie Folkrock

Title:
“Paperback Kingdom”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
Am [C] I just a story, [G] lost within your pages, [Dm]
Am [E] I just a memory, [Am] fading through the ages? [F]

(Chorus)
In this [C] paperback kingdom, [G] we write our own fates,
Inked our [Dm] dreams in the margin, [E] sealed them with heartaches.
We are [Am] princes of prose, [F] queens of the quatrain,
In this [C] paperback kingdom, [G] we’ll always remain. [Dm]

(Verse 2)
Am [C] I just a chapter, [G] bound in your verses, [Dm]
Am [E] I just a whisper, [Am] trapped in your stanzas? [F]

(Chorus)
In this [C] paperback kingdom, [G] we etch our desires,
Lit our [Dm] hopes like a candle, [E] fanned them into fires.
We are [Am] rulers of rhyme, [F] lords of the sonnet,
In this [C] paperback kingdom, [G] we’re forever upon it. [Dm]

(Final chorus)
In this [C] paperback kingdom, [G] we spin tales of old,
We are [Dm] bards of the ballad, [E] our stories unfold.
We are [Am] masters of metaphor, [F] scribes of the scene,
In this [C] paperback kingdom, [G] we’re the word and the dream. [Dm]

Favorite Fan:
The band’s favorite fan is a literature professor named Rebecca Smith. Rebecca has been with Wordy Hotel since their earliest gigs. She claims that their music is “a beautiful confluence of thought-provoking poetry and soulful harmonies that transcends generic boundaries. It’s like stepping into a literary world that dances with melodies and rhythm.” She’s not just an ardent supporter but has also written several academic papers on the band’s lyrical depth and thematic coherence. To Rebecca, Wordy Hotel isn’t just a band, they’re a testament to the power of words and music.

Backstory:
“Precious Inch” forged their path into the music scene in the small town of Brighton, England. The band came together in 2005, when lead singer and guitarist Oliver Price met drummer Anthony Brooks at a local open mic night. Price’s soulful lyrics and Brooks’ innovative beats resonated with each other, and they decided to collaborate, eventually adding bassist Emily Walters and keyboardist Derek Smith to the lineup. “Precious Inch” was born out of a mutual desire to create music that would “touch an inch of everyone’s soul”, hence the name. Over time, they’ve faced their share of ups and downs, including basement gigs, failed auditions, but eventually, their breakthrough came in 2010 when one of their demos was picked up by a local radio station.

Genre:
“Precious Inch” creates a unique blend of Indie Rock and Folk, featuring soulful lyrics, intricate guitar riffs, and melodic keyboard sequences. Their style is characterized by introspective songwriting, and a distinct sound that can be both melancholy and uplifting.

Title:
One of their most popular song titles is “Shadows in the Sunrise”.

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1, C, G, Am, Em)
In the early morning light, I see the shadows dance,
The sun is on the rise, but I’m lost in a trance,
Your love is like a melody that’s playing in my heart,
I’m trying to hold on, I don’t want to fall apart.

(Chorus, F, C, G)
Shadows in the sunrise, echoes in the dawn,
I’m searching for you, babe, but you’re long gone,
In the silent whispers of the wind, I hear your name,
Love’s like a fire, and I’m just a moth to the flame.

(Verse 2, C, G, Am, Em)
The day’s breaking, but my heart’s already broken,
Your words were just lies, or so it’s often spoken,
I’m standing at the crossroads of what’s real and what’s pretend,
Our story might be over, but this ain’t the end.

(Chorus, F, C, G)
Shadows in the sunrise, echoes in the dawn,
I’m still dreaming of you, even though you’re gone,
In the quiet hum of the morning, I still feel the same,
Love’s like a river, and I’m just lost in the game.

(Bridge, Am, Em, F, C, G)
In the silent moments before the dawn,
I’m still holding on,
Shadows in the sunrise, echoes in the dawn,
Love’s like a mystery, and I’m just a pawn.

(Outro Chorus, F, C, G)
Shadows in the sunrise, echoes in the dawn,
I’m still longing for you, even though you’re gone,
In the quiet rustling of the leaves, I hear your name,
Love’s like a journey, and I’m still in the frame.

Fan Testimonial:
“I’m Hannah, and I’ve been a fan of “Precious Inch” since their early days. What I love about them is that their music is raw and full of emotion. Every song speaks to me on a personal level. “Shadows in the Sunrise” is my all-time favorite because it encapsulates feelings of love and loss in such an honest way. They’re not just a band; they’re storytellers weaving lyrical tales that resonate with your soul.”

Backstory:

Shocking Lesson was born in the basements and garages of a small Midwestern town, where the loud echoes of their music practice sessions would disturb the quiet neighborhood. The band members, consisting of high school friends – Jaxon (vocalist), Benny (lead guitarist), Kenny (drummer), and Terry (bass guitarist) – combined their shared love for music and their rebellious spirits to establish a band that eventually won the hearts of many. Named after a peculiar incident in high school when the band members received an electric shock from touching their music instruments simultaneously, Shocking Lesson quickly became a local sensation. Their music journey started from a high school talent show, leading them to big stages and giant music festivals, leaving their audiences enthralled and wanting more.

Genre:
Alternative Rock

Title:
“Chasing Midnight Shadows”

Full Song Lyrics:

Verse 1:
[G]Underneath the [D]starry sky, [Em]we’re caught up in the [C]midnight ride
[G]Chasing shadows [D]in the dark, [Em]carrying the [C]wildfire spark

Chorus:
[Am]Shadows grow and [G]echoes fade, [D]but our dreams will never [C]abrade
[Am]Chasing midnight [G]shadows, we’ll [D]run till the dawn [C]breaks

Verse 2:
[G]Through city lights [D]and empty roads, [Em]carrying our [C]unspoken odes
[G]Lost in the rhythm, [D]found in the sound, [Em]we’re chasing shadows [C]that can’t be found

Chorus:
[Am]Shadows twist and [G]lights collide, [D]but our hope will never [C]subside
[Am]Chasing midnight [G]shadows, under the [D]moon’s silver [C]tide

Bridge:
[G]We’re chasing dreams and [D]shadows alike
[Em]In the melody of the [C]night, we’ll take flight

Chorus:
[Am]Chasing midnight [G]shadows, under the [D]star’s silver [C]light
[Am]In the shadow’s [G]dance, we’ll [D]find our respite [C]tonight

Fan’s Testimonial:

Our favorite fan’s name is Liz, a fiery redhead with a spirit as rebellious as our music. Liz discovered Shocking Lesson during one of our early garage sessions. Ever since, she has become an integral part of our journey, showing up at every gig, rain or shine. Liz once said, “Shocking Lesson is more than just a band for me. It’s an anthem for my life. Their music resonates with my soul, giving voice to my thoughts and emotions. Their song ‘Chasing Midnight Shadows’ is my anthem, it’s like they’ve peered into my soul and put my feelings into words. Their music is raw, real, and rebellious. It’s a shocking lesson indeed, teaching me to embrace my individuality and live life on my own terms.” We are honored to have Liz as our biggest supporter.

Backstory:
Unwelcome Dress was formed in the heart of Austin’s underground music scene in 2011. The band’s founding members, singer-songwriter Gabe Sullivan and drummer Marissa “Riz” Rutherford, were both disenchanted with the mainstream music industry and sought to create a space for more experimental and thought-provoking music. After recruiting bassist Mikey “Fingers” Franklin and lead guitarist Jenna “Jett” Stone, Unwelcome Dress was born. The band’s name comes from a shared experience the band members had in their pre-fame days, where they were unwelcome in many establishments due to their alternative style. They chose to claim this rejection as a representative symbol of their alternative, non-conforming sound.

Genre:
Indie/Alternative Rock

Title:
“Suburban Mirage”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
C G Am F
Watching the sun set on a picket fence,
C G Am F
Reality fades into pretense,
C G Am F
Tangled in the suburban mirage,
C G Am F
Searching for meaning in the garage.

(Chorus)
F G C A#
We’re not just numbers on a door,
F G C A#
We’re all looking for something more,
F G C A#
Behind the manicured lawns and lies,
F G C A#
We’re living in a suburban disguise.

(Verse 2)
C G Am F
Neon lights flicker in the night,
C G Am F
In the darkness, we find our light,
C G Am F
In the silence, we find our roar,
C G Am F
We’re not just numbers on a door.

(Chorus)
F G C A#
We’re not just numbers on a door,
F G C A#
We’re all looking for something more,
F G C A#
Behind the manicured lawns and lies,
F G C A#
We’re living in a suburban disguise.

Fan’s Name and Testimonial:
Fan’s Name: Sarah Mitchell

“Unwelcome Dress is more than just a band to me, they’re a movement. Their music speaks to the part of me that’s always felt like an outsider. I remember the first time I heard ‘Suburban Mirage’ – it was like they were singing my life. Their lyrics are poignant and their sound is unique. They’re not afraid to push boundaries, and I love that about them. When they play, it’s not just about the music, it’s about connection, about understanding. Unwelcome Dress isn’t just my favourite band, they’re a lifeline.”

Backstory:

Green Base was founded by a group of high school friends in the small coastal town of Stone Harbor, New Jersey. The band members, Jeremy Davis (drums), Simon Greene (bass), Max Carter (guitar), and Luke Vincent (vocals) spent countless hours in their parents’ basements, making noise and dreaming big. Their shared love for rock and blues, combined with their passion for environmental causes, led them to form Green Base, a band that uses their music as a medium to address environmental issues and advocate for a greener world.

The band members worked odd jobs for several years to support their music, playing gigs in small clubs and bars in their spare time. Their dedication paid off when they caught the attention of a talent scout from an independent record label during a music festival. This opportunity transformed the band from local heroes to a nationally recognized act, inspiring young people across the country with their heartfelt lyrics and energetic performances.

Genre: Rock/Blues

Title: “Rooftops and Rainforests”

Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
C E Am G
Under the roof of the world we gather,
C E Am G
In the heart of the rainforest, we sing.
C E Am G
With the voices of the wind, we whisper,
C E Am G
To the rhythm of the river, we swing.

(Chorus)
D G Em C
Oh, rooftops and rainforests,
D G Em C
Where our dreams take flight.
D G Em C
We are the guardians of green,
D G Em C
Guided by the moonlight.

(Verse 2)
C E Am G
In the shadow of the mountains, we echo,
C E Am G
With the sun, we radiate the heat.
C E Am G
With the ocean’s ebb and flow, we surrender,
C E Am G
In the wild, we feel the heartbeat.

(Chorus)
D G Em C
Oh, rooftops and rainforests,
D G Em C
Where we learn to fight.
D G Em C
We are the voices of green,
D G Em C
Shining in the night.

Favorite Fan:

Name: Katie Thompson

Testimonial: Green Base is my all-time favorite band. Their music isn’t just entertaining; it’s inspiring. It motivates me to do my part in saving our planet. I’ve been a fan since their early days, playing in small clubs. I’ve seen them grow into a national phenomenon without losing sight of their roots or their mission. Their song “Rooftops and Rainforests” is a complete anthem for the environmental movement, and it’s my personal favorite. I admire how they use their platform to raise awareness about important issues. Their dedication to their artistry and their cause is truly noteworthy. I am proud to be part of the Green Base family.

Backstory:

Lighthearted Counterpart is a band born out of the vibrant city of Austin, Texas. The band consists of high school friends turned passionate musicians, who spent their early days jamming out in parent’s basements and putting on impromptu performances at local cafes. The group is made up of lead vocalist and guitarist Jamie Thompson, bassist Riley Matthews, drummer Charlie Davis, and keyboardist Alex Potter. Their shared love for music and the dream of sharing their voice brought them together, and their unique blend of sounds and emotions was what named them Lighthearted Counterpart.

The band spent years honing their skills, playing at local bars and small music festivals around Texas. Slowly but surely, their fan base began to grow, and their music started to gain recognition. Their dedication and resilience were rewarded when they were signed by an independent music label based in Austin. Since then, their journey has been one of growth, inspiration, and spreading light through their music.

Genre:

Indie Pop-Alternative Rock

Title:

“Sunrise Serenade”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
Am G
Waking up to the morning dew,
F C
An echo of a dream that once we knew,
Am G
Smiles and laughter, tears and pain,
F C
Life’s a rhythm, it’s a beautiful refrain.

(Chorus)
Am G
Sing with me, this sunrise serenade,
F C
Dance in the light, let worries fade,
Am G
In this moment, we’ve got it made,
F C
With you, I’m in this sunrise serenade.

(Verse 2)
Am G
Through the whispers of the dawn,
F C
We find strength, we can carry on,
Am G
Life’s a melody, bittersweet,
F C
In every moment, make your heart beat.

(Chorus)
Am G
Sing with me, this sunrise serenade,
F C
Dance in the light, let worries fade,
Am G
In this moment, we’ve got it made,
F C
With you, I’m in this sunrise serenade.

Fan Testimonial:

My name is Lily Sanders and Lighthearted Counterpart is my favorite band without a doubt. Their music has seen me through my toughest times and their lyrics always seem to speak to me when I need it the most. Their songs like “Sunrise Serenade” have a way of instilling hope and reminding you that there’s always light after the dark. Not to mention, their live performances are nothing short of spectacular. They bring so much energy and passion to the stage that it’s infectious. Being part of their journey has been a privilege and I can’t wait to see where they go!

Backstory:

Sure-Footed Path is a band that found its roots in the bohemian corners of Santa Cruz, California. The group started its journey in 2012 when vocalist Max Thompson and guitarist Jake Woods, both students at UC Santa Cruz, began jamming in their dorm rooms, letting their music reverberate into the hallways and the hearts of fellow students. Their music caught the attention of drummer Serena Keller and bassist Walt Mckinley, who soon joined forces to form a group whose music would later leave a significant mark on the indie folk scene – Sure-Footed Path was born.

The band’s unique sound is a blend of their diverse interests: Max’s love for folk, Jake’s fascination with blues, Serena’s passion for rock, and Walt’s obsession with jazz. They quickly gained traction in Santa Cruz, playing at local festivals and bars. The rest of California, the nation, and eventually the world, could not resist the magnetic pull of their music. Today, Sure-Footed Path is a symbol of unity, diversity, and the power of music to bring people together.

Genre:
Indie Folk

Title:
“Whispers of the Wind”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
[C] Whispers of the [G] wind, take me [Am] home,
[F] Down the roads, I used to [C] roam.
[G] Memories flood, in the [Am] soft moonlight,
[F] Take me back, to that [G] magical night.

(Chorus)
[C] Singing songs, under the [G] starry sky,
[Am] Of love and dreams, [F] never saying goodbye.
[C] We danced, lost in [G] time’s flow,
[Am] Never thought, we’d have to [F] let go.

(Verse 2)
[C] Shadows of the [G] past, still [Am] linger,
[F] Touch of your love, on my [C] finger.
[G] Laughter echoes, in the [Am] silent prayer,
[F] Wish you were still [G] here, my dear.

(Chorus)
[C] Singing songs, under the [G] starry sky,
[Am] Of love and dreams, [F] never saying goodbye.
[C] We danced, lost in [G] time’s flow,
[Am] Never knew, we’d have to [F] let go.

(Outro)
[C] Whispers of the [G] wind, take me [Am] home,
[F] To the place, where I [C] belong.

Favorite Fan Testimonial:

The band’s favorite fan is 24-year-old Lily Martinez from San Francisco. She says, “To say that I love Sure-Footed Path is an understatement. Their music is therapy; it’s a friend when you’re lonely, a light in the dark. It’s the embodiment of human emotions in melodies. Max’s soulful voice, Jake’s bluesy guitar, Serena’s thundering drums, and Walt’s groovy bass create a symphony that speaks to the heart. I have followed them since their early days in Santa Cruz. They are not just my favorite band because of their music, but because of their integrity, kindness, and the connection they maintain with their fans. They’re not just making music, they’re making a difference.”

Backstory:
Woeful Bat was formed in the dingy back alleys of a tiny coastal city named Seashell Town by three friends – Tommy “Guitar” Jones, Mickey “Drums” Smith, and Johnny “Bass” Evans. Each one was working a dead-end job and seeking solace in their shared passion for music. After countless jam sessions in Tommy’s garage, they realized they had something special. Inspired by the mystique of their town, the melancholy of their lives, and the natural beauty that surrounded them, they decided to form Woeful Bat, a name inspired by the endangered bat species that inhabited the caves by the sea in their town. Their music was their rebellion, their solace, and their tribute to the life they led.

Genre: Indie Rock

Song Title: “In the Echoes of Twilight”

Full Song Lyrics:
Verse 1: [Am] I walk alone, [F] under the moon’s shadow, [C] chasing the sunset, [G] searching for tomorrow.
[Am] In the echoes of twilight, [F] where the day meets the night, [C] that’s where I’ll find, [G] truth in the light.

Chorus: [F] Soaring high, like a Woeful Bat in flight, [C] under the veil of the endless night.
[G] In the echoes of twilight, [Am] we’ll dance till morning light.
[F] We are the voices in the wind, [C] we are the echoes of twilight.

Verse 2: [Am] Shadows whisper secrets, [F] under the star’s glow, [C] tangled in the night breeze, [G] tales of joy and sorrow.
[Am] In the echoes of twilight, [F] hear the silent cries, [C] lost dreams take flight, [G] under the midnight skies.

(Repeat Chorus)

The band’s favorite fan: Megan Harper

Megan’s testimony:
Woeful Bat is my favorite band because their music speaks to my soul. The lyrics are poetic and the melodies are hauntingly beautiful. Their song “In the Echoes of Twilight” helped me through a tough time in my life. I felt like they understood my struggles and were speaking directly to me. There’s something incredibly powerful about their music, it makes you feel like you’re not alone. Every time I see them live, I get lost in their music. It’s a truly magical experience. I’m a proud ‘Bat Fan’!

Backstory:
Formed in the small town of Redwood Springs, Texas, the band ‘Outlying Hammer’ has been on a rollercoaster journey from obscurity to stardom. Friends since high school, the quartet of Bobby ‘Blaze’ Johnson (lead guitar and vocals), Tim ‘Thunder’ Davis (drummer), Steve ‘Slick’ Mitchell (bassist), and Pete ‘Pulse’ Anderson (keyboardist) individually dabbled in different music genres before eventually deciding to pool their talents together. They named their band ‘Outlying Hammer’, a nod to their shared love for metalworking and a metaphor for their unique music approach that was considered an ‘outlier’ in their rural surroundings.

Genre:
Outlying Hammer plays a blend of Southern rock and progressive metal, with traces of grunge and blues, creating a unique sound that has won them a substantial fan base across the country.

Title:
“Forged in Fire”

Full Song Lyrics:
[Verse 1]
(Am) Rising from the ashes, (D) under a crimson sky,
(G) crafting our destiny, we (Am) let the sparks fly.
(F) Hammer and anvil, (C) under the sun’s glare,
(G) Shaping our tomorrow, with (Am) strength beyond compare.

[Chorus]
(G) Forged in fire, (D) tempered in pain,
(Am) We are the Outlying Hammer, (C) breaking the chain.
(F) We won’t back down, (C) won’t let the spirit tire,
(G) We are the Outlying Hammer, (Am) Forged in Fire.

[Verse 2]
(Am) Sweating in the heat, (D) the molten heart beats,
(G) Singing the song of metal, (Am) on the anvil’s seat.
(F) Pounding out a rhythm, (C) in the burning light,
(G) We’re the Outlying Hammer, (Am) ready for the fight.

[Repeat Chorus]

Favorite Fan:
Their favorite fan is Emily ‘Em’ Sanchez, a high school teacher from San Antonio, Texas. Emily explains her devotion to the band, saying, “I’ve been an avid fan of Outlying Hammer ever since their first local gig. Their unique blend of southern rock and progressive metal seems to resonate with my soul. Their lyrics, especially in the song ‘Forged in Fire’, are deeply meaningful and uplifting. It’s like they’re speaking directly to me, giving me the strength to face each day with determination and hope. I can’t imagine my life without their music.”