Backstory:

Present Festival first came together in the summer of 2009, in the vibrant music scene of Austin, Texas. The core members, lead vocalist and guitarist Sam Whitaker, drummer Jason Holloway, and bassist Rachel King, were disillusioned with their previous projects and looking for something fresh. They decided to create music that was both meaningful and emotionally resonant, yet still carried an air of celebration. Over the years, their dedication to their craft and their distinctive sound has earned them a loyal fan base and critical acclaim.

Genre: Indie Pop/Rock

Title: “Paper Lanterns in the Sky”

Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
Am F C G
Underneath the hazel moon, we danced, we laughed, we cried,
Am F C G
The night was ours, the world was quiet, beneath the starry sky.
Am F C G
We were young, we were free, hearts as light as a feather,
Am F C G
Chasing dreams, like paper lanterns, floating off together.

(Chorus)
Dm E F C
Paper lanterns in the sky, love written in the stars,
Dm E F C
A promise of forever, no matter where we are.
Dm E F C
Like a song that never ends, a story yet untold,
Dm E F C
We’re paper lanterns in the wind, a tale of love unfold.

(Verse 2)
Am F C G
We’ve come so far, we’ve seen so much, yet our hearts stay the same,
Am F C G
Like those paper lanterns, our love is an eternal flame.
Am F C G
Through the highs, through the lows, through every twist and turn,
Am F C G
Our lanterns keep on glowing, with a love that ever burns.

(Repeat Chorus)

Fan Name: Emily Thompson

Emily Thompson, a music blogger from Chicago, has been a fan of Present Festival since their early days. In her own words: “I fell in love with Present Festival the moment I heard ‘Paper Lanterns in the Sky.’ Their music is honest, raw, and incredibly touching. Every song they create feels like a gift, a present, if you will. It’s as if they’re sharing a part of their soul with their listeners. Their music has gotten me through some tough times and for that, I am forever grateful. They’re not just a band to me, they’re a beacon of light in the sometimes dark world of music.”