Backstory:
Unwritten Budget was formed in the bustling town of Austin, Texas in 2005. The four-piece outfit was an unlikely gathering of artists who were initially just trying to pay the bills. Frontman and guitarist, Jake Thompson, a high school dropout, joined forces with bassist, Maria Sanchez, a former music teacher, drummer, Tony “The Bear” Barnes, an ex-Marine, and the classically trained pianist, Emily Wong, to create what is now an iconic rock band. Over time, they found common ground in their shared love for music, and the quartet began writing songs that reflected their unique backgrounds and life experiences.
They garnered attention quite early in their career with their raw lyrics and infectious sound. Unwritten Budget’s journey has seen them play in dilapidated bars, grand theaters, and even some of the biggest music festivals. Despite the fluctuations in their journey, their commitment to their craft and their fans has never dwindled. The band’s unique blend of rock and folk elements with relatable lyrics has propelled them into the hearts of fans worldwide.
Genre:
Alternative Rock with Folk Influences
Title:
“Loose Change”
Full Song Lyrics:
(Verse 1)
[C] Pockets full of dreams, [G] a heart filled with song
[Am] Running on the loose change, [F] we’ve been counting on.
[C] Streets of Austin under our feet, [G] Texas stars our only light
[Am] We’ve got an unwritten budget, [F] and a will to fight.
(Chorus)
[G] We’re the band with [C] no plan,
[Am] Strumming chords in a [F] beat up van.
[G] Living on hope and [C] coffee cans,
[Am] Lost in music, we’re [F] Unwritten Budget’s fans.
(Verse 2)
[C] Maria on the bass, [G] Tony on the drums,
[Am] Emily’s keys weave magic, [F] Jake’s voice overcomes.
[C] We’re more than misfits, [G] we’re a paradox,
[Am] Turning life into melodies, [F] outside the orthodox.
(Chorus)
[G] We’re the band with [C] no plan,
[Am] Strumming chords in a [F] beat up van.
[G] Living on hope and [C] coffee cans,
[Am] Lost in music, we’re [F] Unwritten Budget’s fans.
(Bridge)
[Dm] We’ve got no roadmap, [G] no strategy,
[C] But we’ve got a song, [Am] and that’s the key.
(Chorus)
[G] We’re the band with [C] no plan,
[Am] Strumming chords in a [F] beat up van.
[G] Living on hope and [C] coffee cans,
[Am] Lost in music, we’re [F] Unwritten Budget’s fans.
Outro:
[G] Yes, we’re the band with [C] no plan,
[Am] But we’ve got music, [F] yes we can.
Favorite Fan:
The band’s favorite fan is a woman named Kathy. A school teacher from Miami, Kathy discovered Unwritten Budget during a tough time in her life and their music became her solace. The lyrics of their songs resonated with her, and their music became a beacon of hope. Kathy’s testimonial reflects her love for the band: “Unwritten Budget’s music is raw, honest, and full of life. It’s like they’ve taken pieces of my own story and woven it into their songs. I feel a connection to their music that I haven’t with any other band. It’s as if every song was written for me.”