Messenger Down is the stage name and musical outlet of Charlotte, NC based alternative-pop artist Garrett Foster. Pairing raw instrumentation and soaring melodies with electronic soundscapes and pop sensibility, Foster creates a diverse and eclectic sound that seamlessly dances between synthpop, indie rock, alternative r&b, emo, and hip-hop.

Throughout the 2010's, Messenger Down was a staple of the southeast touring up and down the east coast, releasing multiple EP's and singles, and even scoring a spot on the Charlotte date of Warped Tour for three consecutive years and a feature in Alternative Press's AP&R section. This growing success was capped off in 2018 with the release of Highlight, an upbeat synthpop track that became his most played song of all time in a matter of weeks.

Then, unexpectedly, he disappeared.

Now, 5 years later and seemingly out of nowhere, Messenger Down returned with the release of the brooding single Disappear (Pt. I: The Pledge) in October 2023, a collaboration with SC emo rock outfit When I Say Jump in February 2024, and the announcement of a digital release series called "Lost Dog" beginning with Lost Dog vol. I in April.

Only time will tell where this lost dog will wander...

See you soon // 🪦

Fantømex is an indie punk / post-harcore band from Western North Carolina. Influenced by bands like mewithoutYou and At the Drive-In, Fantømex’s music is fast, loud and full of angsty femme empowerment. Fantømex’s live shows are a hypnotic and high energy performance that borders on theatrical. They are a performance not to be missed. 

Jiu-Jitsu is a hardcore band from Charlotte, NC dedicated to creating hard riffs and rowdy pits. These young lads have one goal - get you to move!

https://linktr.ee/jiu_jitsu_hxc 

Feel Something is an emo/indie band from Kernersville, NC, who — given their age — should be playing alt-country. But they’re used to making bad decisions, so why change now? 

Ready yourself for some Sad. Dad. Rock. 

Small Doses is a post-hardcore/noise rock band from Western North Carolina. Their first self-titled EP was released last year on Let’s Pretend Records. They have recorded new material for release later this year. Small Doses doesn’t have any time for bullshit as they are all getting older and have real problems. 

https://linktr.ee/smalldoses 

Formed in 2022, these Morganton natives honed their craft in a spare bedroom and continue to build on that momentum today. Blending post rock, punk, hardcore, and even the occasional cover or swing tune, Deep Rest offers a little something for everyone. Their mantra, you ask? Just check with Hercules himself - “Jung said that the shadow is the source of flow. The secret of anything intimate is from the shadow.” - Kevin Sorbo

https://linktr.ee/deep.rest.nc 

Fault Reset is a metal band from Shelby, NC. By combining nu-metal and deathcore influences, they've created a sound characterized by catchy riffs and grooves.

Come In, Travis!

Originating out of Western NC, ‘Come in, Travis!’ is what happens when you mix a person’s love for June Carter Cash with The Descendents - with the results being not quite as cool as they’d hoped. Their name comes from The Clash’s song “Red Angel Dragnet” which references the film Taxi Driver - yet another cool thing that did not turn out as cool as they’d hoped (the name of the band, that is, not the movie… that’s a classic). If all of the above entices you, come check out our oddly-named band. We will likely not be as cool as you hope, but our songs are short so it’ll be over before you know it.

Based out of Gastonia, NC, The Menders have been blending influences such as the Beatles, The White Stripes, The Doors, and Black Sabbath into a harmony laced garage rock sound. Since 2011, they've been honing their craft around NC, SC, GA, TN and FL at venues such as Neighborhood Theatre, The Visulite, The Royal American, The Hideaway, Burns Alley and The Cave. The Menders seek to offer their fans and listeners a music experience that is sure to leave a lasting impression.

Home For The Day is a decade old disaster that blends early, nostalgic 2000’s pop punk vibes with new age technique paired with a hint of dad rock. From high energy performances to crowd participation, HFTD puts on a show you hopefully won’t forget

Kozmazuul is an Indie Space Rock band formed in the hostile wastelands of Crouse, NC; bringing together elements of Rock, Funk, Pop, Punk, and Soul to create timeless music that sounds both Nostalgic and New.