Backstory:

Born in the heart of indie-rock haven, Austin, Texas, Guilty Miss is a band that formed in the summer of 2008. The band consists of four childhood friends, who shared a common passion for music and sheer boredom from their day jobs. Karen Carter (vocals and guitar), Sam Walker (lead guitar), Mike Ross (bass), and Lily Anderson (drums) turned their garage jam sessions into a full-blown band, and they never looked back. They took their name from a childhood game they played, where they pretended to be detectives solving imaginary crimes, often blaming a fictional character they named ‘Guilty Miss’.

In a few years, their local gigs gained traction, and they soon found themselves performing at various popular music festivals across the country. They credit their success to their unique sound, a blend of raw emotion and hard-hitting rock, and their dedicated fanbase who have been with them through their journey.”

Genre:

Alternative Indie Rock

Song Title:

“Empty Promises on Sunset Boulevard”

Full Song Lyrics:

(V) [Em] Empty promises on [C] Sunset Boulevard,
[G] Lights flickering, it’s [D] getting hard
[Em] To believe in what’s [C] not in sight
[G] Catching dreams in the [D] middle of the night

(Chorus)
[Em] Guilty Miss, oh [C] Guilty Miss
[G] We’re chasing shadows in the [D] abyss
[Em] Broken hopes and [C] shattered dreams
[G] Life’s not always what it [D] seems

(V) [Em] Whiskey shots and [C] cigarette burns
[G] Playing with fire, [D] never learn
[Em] Empty bottles on [C] the floor
[G] Can’t ignore the [D] closing door

(Chorus)
[Em] Guilty Miss, oh [C] Guilty Miss
[G] We’re chasing shadows in the [D] abyss
[Em] Broken hopes and [C] shattered dreams
[G] Life’s not always what it [D] seems

The band’s favorite fan’s name:

Danielle Hartman

Testimonial:

“I’ve been following Guilty Miss since their early days in Austin. Their music speaks to me on a personal level. It’s raw, it’s real, and it’s reflective of life itself. There’s something about Karen’s voice, the way she sings about love, loss, and everything in-between, it’s like she’s telling my story. And the band’s energy on stage is just phenomenal. They genuinely love what they do, and it is infectious. Guilty Miss is not just a band to me, they are my escape, my solace, and my joy.”

Backstory:
Low Appeal got its start in the small, rustic town of Monroe, Oregon where five close-knit friends decided to transform their shared passion for music into a band. The friends, namely Tom (vocals), Polly (drums), Josh (bass), Dylan (guitar), and Lily (keyboard), all worked mundane day jobs but found solace and excitement in creating music during their free time. Tired of the humdrum, they started practicing in Tom’s garage with nothing more than pure talent and a dream to make it big. It was the music that gave them a way to connect with their feelings, their realities, and ultimately, their listeners. Their unique sound quickly gained local attention and soon, Low Appeal began performing at local events and pubs.

Genre:
Alternative Rock

Title:
“Evening Shadows”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
[G] Looking out of my [D] window,
[Am] Evening shadows are [C] creeping in.
[G] Here I am with my [D] thoughts,
[Am] Alone, sipping on [C] gin.

(Chorus)
[G] In the fall of the [D] night,
[Am] we stumble and we [C] fight.
[G] But in the evening [D] shadows,
[Am] We find our light, oh [C] right.

(Verse 2)
[G] The world’s a spinning [D] carousel,
[Am] Heart beats fast, can’t [C] quell.
[G] In the midst of the [D] chaos,
[Am] Your smile is my peace [C] bell.

(Chorus)
[G] In the fall of the [D] night,
[Am] we stumble and we [C] fight.
[G] But in the evening [D] shadows,
[Am] We find our light, oh [C] right.

(Bridge)
[G] Here we are, lost in the [D] darkness,
[Am] Finding solace in the [C] madness.
[G] In the evening [D] shadows,
[Am] We find our way, oh [C] yes.

(Chorus)
[G] In the fall of the [D] night,
[Am] we stumble and we [C] fight.
[G] But in the evening [D] shadows,
[Am] We find our light, oh [C] right.

Fan Testimonial:
Our favorite fan is undoubtedly Hannah Baker from Eugene, Oregon. Hannah became a fan of ours from the very start – when we were just playing in Tom’s garage. She has always been there, supporting and cheering us on from the sidelines. She loves our music because, in her own words, “Low Appeal’s music speaks to me on a different level. It’s raw, emotional, and incredibly relatable. They aren’t just making music, they’re telling stories – stories that resonate with me and many others. For me, they’re not just a band, they’re storytellers with a rock-and-roll edge.”

Backstory:

Emerging from the misty valleys of the Pacific Northwest in 2008, Gorgeous Left began as a group of high school friends with a shared passion for music. With lead singer, Aaron “Red” Shale, delivering raw, emotional vocals, Gina “Gigi” Knox on electric guitar, Beatrice “Bea” Zane on bass, and Patrick “Patt” Smith on drums, they were a quartet to be reckoned with. They honed their craft in various garage sessions and local gigs, quickly gathering a dedicated following who were drawn to their unfiltered sound and honest lyrics. They rose to fame after winning a local battle of the bands competition and scoring a record deal, and have been captivating audiences ever since.

Genre:

Indie Rock

Title:

“Crimson Echoes”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
Am – C – G – D
We walk these streets in search of peace, (Am)
Casting shadows in the midnight haze, (C)
With every heartbeat and every scar, (G)
We paint a picture of who we are. (D)

(Chorus)
Em – G – D – C
In the crimson echoes of our past, (Em)
We find the strength to make this moment last, (G)
And through the struggle, we learn to grow, (D)
We are Gorgeous Left, this is our show. (C)

(Verse 2)
Am – C – G – D
In every whisper, in every scream, (Am)
We translate the language of our dreams, (C)
For every sunrise, for every fall, (G)
We find the courage to risk it all. (D)

(Chorus)
Em – G – D – C
In the crimson echoes of our truths, (Em)
We find the beauty in our youth, (G)
With every note, we share our soul, (D)
We are Gorgeous Left, rock n’ roll. (C)

Fan Testimonial:

Fan’s Name: Lucy Hawthorne

“Seeing Gorgeous Left live was an experience I’ll never forget. Their sound has a raw intensity that’s hard to find these days. Their lyrics resonate with me on a personal level, and it’s like they’re putting words to emotions I’ve felt but never had the courage to express. “Crimson Echoes” is my favorite song because it speaks to the strength within each of us. Gorgeous Left is my favorite band because they make me feel seen and understood. Their music is more than just entertainment; it’s a form of therapy.”

Backstory:

Flippant County is the brainchild of four college mates who shared a common love for music and rebellious expression. The band was formed in the small, unassuming town of Edgewater, nestled in the heart of Texas, but the name ‘Flippant County’ came from their shared disdain for the unimaginative and stagnant mentality of their hometown. Austin, the lead vocalist and guitarist, came up with the name, and it clicked for the rest of the group. They played in local bars, school functions, and small festivals, gradually gaining popularity for their distinctive sound and spirited stage performances. While their journey to fame wasn’t rapid, it was unstoppable. Their persistence and passion eventually led to a record deal and their music started to resonate with people on a larger scale.

Genre:

Alternative Rock

Title:

“Roads of Regret”

Lyrics:

[Verse 1: Em-G-D-A]
Em
Under the crimson Edgewater sky,
G
We painted dreams with our youthful lie,
D
On the Roads of Regret, we ride,
A
With a broken smile, and a pride inside.

[Chorus: Em-C-G-D]
Em
No looking back, only forward,
C
With every beat, we’re growing bolder,
G
In the mirror of time, we see,
D
The shadow of what we used to be.

[Verse 2: Em-G-D-A]
Em
In the heart of Texas, we found our muse,
G
An echo of love, in the rhythm and blues,
D
On the Roads of Regret, we find,
A
A piece of ourselves, we left behind.

[Chorus: Em-C-G-D]
Em
No looking back, only forward,
C
With every beat, we’re growing bolder,
G
In the mirror of time, we see,
D
The shadow of what we used to be.

[Outro: Em-G-D-A]
Em
On the Roads of Regret, we roam,
G
Finding solace in the music, we call home,
D
We are Flippant County, hear our cry,
A
In the whispers of the wind, under the Edgewater sky.

Fan’s Name:

Liam Johnson

Testimonial:

“I’ve been a die-hard follower of Flippant County since their early days. Their music resonates with my spirit and evokes emotions that no other band has ever managed to. For me, it’s not just about the music, it’s about the message they convey and the stories they tell through their songs. ‘Roads of Regret’ has been my anthem, helping me reflect on my life and the decisions I’ve made. Flippant County is not just my favorite band, they’re my companions on this journey of life.”

Backstory:

Private Burst is a band that came together in the backstreets of Austin, Texas, in 2012. The four members, Jack, Ryan, Marcus, and Liam, were all working regular jobs during the day, but their shared love for music brought them together in the evenings to jam and create their tunes in a small, cramped garage. Their unique sound and experimental approach to music quickly gained attention in the local scene, leading to gigs in local clubs and bars.

The band’s breakthrough came when they were discovered by a local record producer during a live performance at the 2016 South by Southwest (SXSW) Music Festival. Their raw energy, emotive lyrics, and captivating performance mesmerized the audience, and Private Burst signed their first record deal shortly after. They’ve been on a meteoric rise ever since, thrilling fans with their signature sound and captivating performances.

Genre:
Alternative Rock

Title:
“Through the Midnight Rain”

Full song lyrics:

(Verse 1)
[C] Look out the window, [G] to the midnight rain,
[F] Falling down gently, [C] washing away the pain.
[C] Hear the thunder roar, [G] lightning lights the way,
[F] Lost in the echoes, [C] of the words we used to say.

(Chorus)
[G] Through the midnight rain, [F] we find our way,
[C] Shattered hearts seeking, [G] in the break of day.
[G] Through the midnight rain, [F] love’s cruel game,
[C] Broken dreams whispering, [G] your sweet name.

(Verse 2)
[C] Empty streets echo, [G] with the sound of our past,
[F] Dancing with shadows, [C] that were never meant to last.
[C] Night’s silent symphony, [G] plays our sad refrain,
[F] Mournful melodies, [C] in the midnight rain.

(Repeat Chorus)

Fan’s Name:

Sarah Jenkins

Testimonial:

“I’ve been a fan of Private Burst since their early days in Austin. Their music speaks to me on a soul-deep level. ‘Through the Midnight Rain’ is my all-time favorite; it helped me through some tough times. It’s like they’ve poured their hearts out in every song. The raw emotion and honesty in their music is what makes them stand out. Private Burst isn’t just my favorite band because of their incredible talent, but also because their music has a profound, personal resonance with me. They’re more than just a band to me; they’re like life’s soundtrack.”

Backstory:
Formed in the small town of Roper, North Carolina in 2014, Decent Bear is comprised of five childhood friends: lead vocalist Charlie Thompson, guitarists Dave Harris and Steve Wilson, bassist Max Collins, and drummer Bill Davis. The group, bonded by their shared love for music and an unyielding desire to escape the humdrum life of Roper, decided to combine their musical talents to form a band initially known as ‘The Roper Misfits.’ Their sound, full of raw passion, soon caught attention, and they were urged by a local music producer to rename their band to better reflect their style and potential. Thus, Decent Bear was born. Through years of hard work, relentless touring, and the occasional setback, the band has grown its brand and fanbase, staying true to their origins while refining their sound.

Genre: Indie Folk/Rock

Title: “Whispers in the Wind”

Full Song Lyrics (with chord progression):

Verse 1: [Am – F – C – G]

(Am)There’s a song in the (F)wind, can you hear it?
(C)It’s singing of love and (G)loss
(Am)A melody spun from (F)whispers,
(C)A symphony born from (G)chaos

Chorus: [F – C – G – Am]

(F)Can you hear the (C)whispers in the (G)wind?
(Am)They’re calling us (F)home, to where we (C)begin
(F)Every note, every (C)word is (G)etched within,
(Am)In the whispers, (F)in the (C)wind

Verse 2: [Am – F – C – G]

(Am)The stars overhead, they’re (F)dancing
(C)To the rhythm of the (G)night
(Am)In the silence, there’s a (F)story,
(C)In the darkness, there’s a (G)light

Repeat Chorus: [F – C – G – Am]

Bridge: [Em – F – C – G]

(Em)Through the highs, through the (F)lows,
(C)Through the laughter, through the (G)woes,
(Em)In every moment, the (F)wind still blows,
(C)Carrying the (G)echoes of those whispers

Repeat Chorus x2: [F – C – G – Am]

End with [Am – F – C – G]

Favorite Fan:
Their most cherished fan is a young woman named Annie Johnson. Annie found solace in Decent Bear’s music during a particularly difficult phase of her life. The band’s raw and honest lyrics resonated with her, and their music provided her the strength to overcome her trials. Annie is a constant presence at every Decent Bear concert within a hundred-mile radius of Roper. In her testimonial, she states, “Decent Bear’s music is like a comforting friend. Their songs are intimate conversations that dig deep into human emotions and experiences. Their music has been a constant companion and a source of strength. They are much more than just a ‘decent’ band – they are extraordinary.”

Backstory:

Unruly Hose is a group of misfits, each member hailing from a different corner of the globe. They first met in the bustling city of Berlin, where their respective careers had taken them. It was at a grimy, underground music event where they discovered their shared passion for creating music that defied traditional norms and boundaries. After jamming together for the first time, they all knew that something exceptional was forming. They decided to embrace their rebellious spirit and formed ‘Unruly Hose’ right there in the heart of Berlin’s vibrant music scene. Their eclectic backgrounds and unique musical tastes gave rise to a sound that was refreshingly unconventional and irresistibly catchy.

Genre: Psychedelic Punk Rock

Title: ‘Molten Lava’

Lyrics with Chord Progression:

Verse 1: (Em G D A)
In the city’s heart, we were born (Em G)
Played our music till the break of dawn (D A)
From different worlds, we found our place (Em G)
In the cacophony, we made our space (D A)

Chorus: (G D Em)
We are the Molten Lava, burning bright, (G D)
Flowing through the veins of the night (Em)
We are the Molten Lava, in this city’s soul, (G D)
Making it rock, making it roll (Em)

Verse 2: (Em G D A)
Our sound is raw, our spirit wild (Em G)
Like a symphony, perfectly compiled (D A)
We are the rebels, we are the noise (Em G)
We are the Unruly Hose boys (D A)

Chorus: (G D Em)
We are the Molten Lava, burning bright, (G D)
Flowing through the veins of the night (Em)
We are the Molten Lava, in this city’s soul, (G D)
Making it rock, making it roll (Em)

Fan’s Name: Lisa Schwartz

Testimonial:
“Unruly Hose isn’t just a band for me; it’s a state of mind. Their music resonates with the rebel inside me. The energy, the raw passion, it’s infectious! I remember the first time I heard ‘Molten Lava’; I felt this surge of energy, and I just knew I’d found my favorite band. Their groove is unmatchable and every concert is an experience in itself. You’re not just listening to their music; you’re living it. For me, there’s no band that compares to Unruly Hose.”

Backstory:
Formed in the obscure backstreets of Austin, Texas in 2007, Cultivated Joke came into existence when four college dropouts with a shared passion for music decided to take their basement jam sessions to the next level. Comprising of vocalist and guitarist Julian “Jules” O’Connor, bassist Peter “Pete” Thompson, drummer Mike “Mikey” Rogers, and keyboardist Alex “Lex” Bennett, the band started performing in local clubs, garnering a small but dedicated following with their unique sound and raw lyrics. Their penchant for making light of life’s struggles through their music caught the attention of indie record label ‘Saturn Records’, sealing their breakthrough in the music industry.

Genre:
Alternative Rock with a splash of Indie

Title:
“Lost in Suburbia”

Full song lyrics:

(Verse 1)
[Am] Walking down the same old streets, [G] stale on my feet
[F] Barely see the stars, [C] swallowed by the city’s heat
[G] Underneath the neon lights, [Am] buried in the urban tide
[F] Lost in the sea of faces, [C] where dreams collide

(Chorus)
[Am] Lost in suburbia, [G] where the wild hearts roam
[F] Dancing with shadows, [C] searching for a home
[G] We’re just echoes in the dark, [Am] chasing the unknown
[F] Lost in suburbia, [C] we write our own tome

(Verse 2)
[Am] Behind the picket fences, [G] forgotten tales unfold
[F] In the mirror of the night, [C] secrets are told
[G] Amid the concrete jungle, [Am] we rise and fall
[F] Against the ticking clock, [C] we heed the call

(Chorus)
[Am] Lost in suburbia, [G] where the wild hearts play
[F] Dancing with destiny, [C] breaking away
[G] We’re just whispers in the wind, [Am] shaping the clay
[F] Lost in suburbia, [C] we find our way

Fan’s Testimonial:
Fan’s name is Daisy Bennings. Daisy says, “I first discovered Cultivated Joke during a low point in my life. Their song ‘Lost in Suburbia’ resonated with me, as I felt lost and overwhelmed in my mundane life. Their music, full of wit, irony, and a splash of melancholy, helped me find humor and beauty in the most unexpected places. From their relatable lyrics to their raw performances, Cultivated Joke has a way of turning the ordinary into something extraordinary. They are more than just a band to me; they are a beacon of hope in a world that often feels too heavy.”

Backstory:
Rough Atmosphere was formed in the small midwestern town of Plainfield, Illinois in 2008 when high school friends, Joey Miller (vocals and guitar) and Tim Scott (drums), decided to turn their passion for music into something more serious than just a garage band. They soon added Claire Johnson (bass) and her younger brother, Jake Johnson (lead guitar), to the mix, rounding out the new band’s sound. Influenced by a mix of their parents’ classic rock albums and the alternative and indie sounds of their own generation, they started creating a unique blend of music that resonated with their peers and slowly began to gain traction beyond their local scene.

Drawing on their experiences of small-town life, love, loss, and dreams of more, Rough Atmosphere started to write songs that spoke to the heart of the American youth. Their big break came in 2012 when they won a Battle of the Bands competition in Chicago, earning them a recording contract and the chance to take their music to a wider audience.

Genre:
Indie Rock

Title:
“Echoes of Yesterday”

Full Song Lyrics:

Verse 1 (G, Em, C, D)
In the heart of this silent town, (G, Em)
Lights flicker but make no sound, (C, D)
Running fast on this old ground, (G, Em)
Can’t escape the echoes of yesterday. (C, D)

Verse 2 (G, Em, C, D)
See the past in the rearview mirror, (G, Em)
The future’s close but never clearer, (C, D)
Can’t tell if we’re in danger, (G, Em)
Just that we’re no strangers to yesterday. (C, D)

Chorus (Am, G, D, Em)
Echoes of yesterday, (Am, G)
Ring in my ears, (D, Em)
Whispers of dreams we used to chase, (Am, G)
Lost in the years, (D, Em)
Haunted by shadows, (Am, G)
Bathed in the light, (D, Em)
We’re just echoes of yesterday, (Am, G)
Living in the night. (D, Em)

Testimonial:
The band’s favorite fan is a woman named Emily Rose. Emily has been following Rough Atmosphere since their early days, traveling to countless shows, promoting their music online, and even organizing fan meetups. In her words:

“I’ve been a fan of Rough Atmosphere since day one. Their music speaks to me on a level that no other band can reach. Their lyrics capture the essence of my experiences, my struggles, my dreams. They’re not just a band to me; they’re like a soundtrack to my life. The song ‘Echoes of Yesterday’ in particular resonates with me deeply. It’s about nostalgia, about looking back but also moving forward, and that’s something I think we can all relate to.”

Backstory:
Enchanted Island is a group of five friends who met on the sun-soaked beaches of Ibiza. Their shared love for music, the ocean, and the laid-back island lifestyle led to impromptu jam sessions under the stars, which soon gathered a following of locals and tourists alike. Deciding to make their act official, they christened themselves ‘Enchanted Island’, a nod to their idyllic meeting place and the mesmerizing allure of their music. With Juan on vocals and guitar, Maria on the keyboard, Rafael on bass, Sofia on the violin, and Carlos on the drums, the band has a distinctive sound that’s hard to resist.

Genre:
Reggae Fusion

Title:
“Island Heartbeat”

Full song lyrics:

(Verse 1)
Em
Underneath the cherry blossom tree,
G
We found a rhythm all our own,
D
With sand beneath our feet,
A
Red sunset and the ocean’s heartbeat.

(Chorus)
Em
Oh, our island heartbeat,
G
As we sway in the gentle sea breeze,
D
With the moonlight dancing on your skin,
A
In this moment, we are free.

(Verse 2)
Em
In the whisper of the palm leaves,
G
There’s a melody that charms us,
D
An enchanted island song,
A
That pulls us along, and it’s where we belong.

(Chorus)
Em
Oh, our island heartbeat,
G
It’s the rhythm of our paradise,
D
Where the stars are our guide,
A
With each ebb and tide, we’re on an endless ride.

Fan Testimonial:
The band’s favorite fan is a woman named Isabella. She’s a local who’s been with them from their very first beach jam session. She never misses a performance and always brings a crowd. Isabella says, “Enchanted Island is more than just a favorite band for me. They capture the very essence of our island life — the love, freedom, and connection with nature. Their music is a celebration of our shared history and culture. Every song is like an ode to our paradise, and it always takes me back to the soft sand, warm nights, and the rhythm of the waves. They are the heartbeat of our island.”