50 States of Song 2019 - State Selections
Feb 11, 2019 7:03:37 GMT 1
Tufkai, basil, and 4 more like this
Post by Gregory (inactive) on Feb 11, 2019 7:03:37 GMT 1
50 States of Song 2019 - State Selections
We're happy to finally, officially begin the 50SS 2019 voting season with three state song selections! In addition to New York and Tennessee having state selections again, we welcome California to the mix. We received so many songs from people, that it was only fair to have a few selections decide these entrants. I'm only a day late with this post, which is better than usual tbh @_@
To vote, watch the playlists and recap videos below, then send your Top 6 of each selection to Gregory (inactive) . The song with the most points at the completion of the voting period is the winner, and 2nd place is the backup entry. The person who submitted the winning song will receive critical acclaim on this forum and many, many pats on the back from their comrades
VOTING DEADLINE: February 28, 2019 @ 11:59 PM (US Pacific)
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CALIFORNIA
Song Playlist: www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLVxnborIVMJyKW2jm7RMEfNOl_CNHk7eq
Artist/Song review: Click the spoiler below
NEW YORK
Song Playlist: www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLVxnborIVMJwjJlzDQxIPI8lKe74dg0oN
Artist/Song review (view Spoiler):
TENNESSEE
Song Playlist: www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLVxnborIVMJwrsZOEpc-l9_7D8_tAOrpI
Artist/Song review:
-------------
Thank you for everyone's interest, and may the best song win!
We're happy to finally, officially begin the 50SS 2019 voting season with three state song selections! In addition to New York and Tennessee having state selections again, we welcome California to the mix. We received so many songs from people, that it was only fair to have a few selections decide these entrants. I'm only a day late with this post, which is better than usual tbh @_@
To vote, watch the playlists and recap videos below, then send your Top 6 of each selection to Gregory (inactive) . The song with the most points at the completion of the voting period is the winner, and 2nd place is the backup entry. The person who submitted the winning song will receive critical acclaim on this forum and many, many pats on the back from their comrades
VOTING DEADLINE: February 28, 2019 @ 11:59 PM (US Pacific)
------------
CALIFORNIA
Song Playlist: www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLVxnborIVMJyKW2jm7RMEfNOl_CNHk7eq
Artist/Song review: Click the spoiler below
01. CLARA-NOVA - Echo
Splitting time between New York and Los Angeles (livin' the starz life!), Wayser recreated herself
(and CLARA-NOVA was born). She's been on the scene since the late 2000s and offers the mobile film
"Echo" as a welcome introduction to her sound.
Song submitted by Selvin.
02. Nerv - Bad Habits
Perhaps the most-viewed video, Nerv strike a -ahem- chord with their audience for solid, strong rock
that commands an early 2000's throwback. Nerv are relatively new to the scene, but the polished sound
and lyrics are more typical of well-seasoned veterans.
Song submitted by Tufkai.
03. Kitten - I Did It!
With a face like Cyndi and a voice like Belinda, Kitten's shout-out to the 1980s and 1990s is vintage yet
cool in "I Did It!". But the question remains: what did she do? Well, sometimes things are best left to
mystery Nevertheless, we think you'll like this one.
Song submitted by Derek.
04. Saint Mesa - Murky
If you're looking for something out of the box to send to Anchorage, look no further than Chilean American
Danny McCook and his collective, Saint Mesa. "Murky" is dark, challenging, yet mysterious as well. Certainly a
must-listen if you aspire to be Pop's controversial cousin.
Song submitted by Selvin.
05. Smoke Season - Hot Damn
Achieving points for the most groovy song of this bunch is Smoke Season (aka Gabrielle Wortman), whose name you
may recognize if you were a TEMP3ST fan. She'll turn 30 before this contest begins, but brings forth a youthful
vibe - down to the Hot Damns and the trumpet flares.
Song submitted by Yoav.
06. Miya Folick - Stock Image
Dancing and prancing around Chinatown may feel like an adventure, but this song's message says more about
feeling trapped within the humanity you're bound to - and Miya's main philosophy is anything but. She's a
native of Santa Ana and has been on the scene since 2015.
Song submitted by Derek & Yoav.
07. Disco Shrine - Up In The Air
There is a very strong multicultural population in southern California, and Jessica Delijani's Persian roots
contribute to this song; it's based around her flight journey to America from Iran. Aside from that, it's just
solidly good electro-pop.
Song submitted by Greg.
08. KARMIC - Wisdom Pie
Futurism is big in music right now, so get ready to go on an animated trip with Laura, Kylee, Peter, and Sam.
This electro-pop band combines guitars, stripped-back synths, and retrograde eclecticness to build its overall
sound. It's about as hipster as you can get.
Song submitted by Yoav.
09. Parade of Lights - Tidal Waves
After a few successful EPs and discs, Parade Of Lights are back with a new EP and an extended continuation to their
library of feel-good pop-rock tunes. A song about tidal waves is probably the most Californian thing you've heard so
far, yes?
Song submitted by Derek.
10. Tammy Byerly - Be There in 5
Ending this inaugural selection for California is a calm ballad from San Francisco native Tammy Byerly, who finds
herself in the crazy position of making the Final 10 with her debut single. Focused on acoustic pop, she is best known
for performing live on the streaming platform Twitch.TV.
Song submitted by BestBeats
Splitting time between New York and Los Angeles (livin' the starz life!), Wayser recreated herself
(and CLARA-NOVA was born). She's been on the scene since the late 2000s and offers the mobile film
"Echo" as a welcome introduction to her sound.
Song submitted by Selvin.
02. Nerv - Bad Habits
Perhaps the most-viewed video, Nerv strike a -ahem- chord with their audience for solid, strong rock
that commands an early 2000's throwback. Nerv are relatively new to the scene, but the polished sound
and lyrics are more typical of well-seasoned veterans.
Song submitted by Tufkai.
03. Kitten - I Did It!
With a face like Cyndi and a voice like Belinda, Kitten's shout-out to the 1980s and 1990s is vintage yet
cool in "I Did It!". But the question remains: what did she do? Well, sometimes things are best left to
mystery Nevertheless, we think you'll like this one.
Song submitted by Derek.
04. Saint Mesa - Murky
If you're looking for something out of the box to send to Anchorage, look no further than Chilean American
Danny McCook and his collective, Saint Mesa. "Murky" is dark, challenging, yet mysterious as well. Certainly a
must-listen if you aspire to be Pop's controversial cousin.
Song submitted by Selvin.
05. Smoke Season - Hot Damn
Achieving points for the most groovy song of this bunch is Smoke Season (aka Gabrielle Wortman), whose name you
may recognize if you were a TEMP3ST fan. She'll turn 30 before this contest begins, but brings forth a youthful
vibe - down to the Hot Damns and the trumpet flares.
Song submitted by Yoav.
06. Miya Folick - Stock Image
Dancing and prancing around Chinatown may feel like an adventure, but this song's message says more about
feeling trapped within the humanity you're bound to - and Miya's main philosophy is anything but. She's a
native of Santa Ana and has been on the scene since 2015.
Song submitted by Derek & Yoav.
07. Disco Shrine - Up In The Air
There is a very strong multicultural population in southern California, and Jessica Delijani's Persian roots
contribute to this song; it's based around her flight journey to America from Iran. Aside from that, it's just
solidly good electro-pop.
Song submitted by Greg.
08. KARMIC - Wisdom Pie
Futurism is big in music right now, so get ready to go on an animated trip with Laura, Kylee, Peter, and Sam.
This electro-pop band combines guitars, stripped-back synths, and retrograde eclecticness to build its overall
sound. It's about as hipster as you can get.
Song submitted by Yoav.
09. Parade of Lights - Tidal Waves
After a few successful EPs and discs, Parade Of Lights are back with a new EP and an extended continuation to their
library of feel-good pop-rock tunes. A song about tidal waves is probably the most Californian thing you've heard so
far, yes?
Song submitted by Derek.
10. Tammy Byerly - Be There in 5
Ending this inaugural selection for California is a calm ballad from San Francisco native Tammy Byerly, who finds
herself in the crazy position of making the Final 10 with her debut single. Focused on acoustic pop, she is best known
for performing live on the streaming platform Twitch.TV.
Song submitted by BestBeats
NEW YORK
Song Playlist: www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLVxnborIVMJwjJlzDQxIPI8lKe74dg0oN
Artist/Song review (view Spoiler):
The New York State Selection 2019 features 10 artists from around the state, with varying backgrounds and visions for
success.
01. YOKE LORE - Fake You
Starting off this selection is an indie pop master named Andrew Galvin. He started as a songwriter for Walk The Moon
but went solo in 2013, and has stayed on the scene ever since.
Sent in by Yoav.
02. BROOKE FORMAN - Uncharted
Forman isn't widely known for the type of music and dance featured in this video, citing it as a real challenge for her - s
she's had minor success previously as a vocalist for some EDM and pop singles. But we found this song very beautiful and we
wish her the best in her future.
Sent in by Selvin.
03. CARRIE MANOLAKOS - Take Me Down
Carrie is from Syracuse and has been writing her own songs for over a decade, and first found success on the Broadway stage, touring
with Mamma Mia!. She released her first solo album in 2012, and has stayed involved in various musical realms since.
Go listen to her viral rendition of "Creep" by Radiohead!
Sent in by Tufkai.
04. DARWIN DEEZ - The World's Best Kisser
Known mostly in the United Kindgom for their 2010 indie success, Darwin Deez are still looking to break through in America
and released this kinda-out-there song on the album, "10 Songs That Happened When You Left Me with My Stupid Heart." So are they
saying the world's best kisser is out there somewhere? Gasp!!
Sent in by Yoav.
05. TOMI - Every Morning I Feel Like Running Away
Pam Autuori is based in Brooklyn and previously of the group XNY. She's got a unique voice and style, and although the lyrics
contrast the bouncy mood of the single, you'll find that the hook gets stuck in your head quite quickly!
Sent in by Derek.
06. JULIETTA - Hard Love
A bit of dream-pop, mixed with a rather melty pop-art music video from NYC native Julia Libani, who has gained inspiration from
a variety of people and places. Since 2017 she's released a few singles and her first EP this past year.
Sent in by Selvin.
07. FLY BY MIDNIGHT - All The Feels
This NYC-based retro-pop duo is the only returning band in this year's selection, and they're determined to break through
with their 2018 discs. If you like their sound, there's plenty more to check out. Smooth groove won out in 2018's selection; can it
work for New York again?
Sent in by Derek.
08. AMBER MARK - Love Is Stronger Than Pride
Amber calls her music a "mix of alternative R&B mixed with a little tribal and topped off with a little soul" - which
gives some rhythmic flavor to this year's selection, given her worldly roots. She recently collaborated with Billboard-charting
rapper DRAM on "Put You On," a song we would've loved to include!
Artist suggestion by Yoav.
09. ARIANA & THE ROSE - Lonely Star
The striking visuals of this music video hit as hard as the impact of that drum machine! Not to be confused with the other Ariana,
of course - we think this one deserves an equal chance.
Sent in by Derek.
10. MALINDA - Running
You may recognize Malinda Reese more for her Google Translate Fail videos, which caught on fast across the world - but as a legitimate
artist, Malinda's still looking for that breakthrough. "Running" is a great start, and it brings a different pop flavor to this
year's selection. She was born in NYC but splits her time between there and Washington DC.
Sent in by Amanda.
success.
01. YOKE LORE - Fake You
Starting off this selection is an indie pop master named Andrew Galvin. He started as a songwriter for Walk The Moon
but went solo in 2013, and has stayed on the scene ever since.
Sent in by Yoav.
02. BROOKE FORMAN - Uncharted
Forman isn't widely known for the type of music and dance featured in this video, citing it as a real challenge for her - s
she's had minor success previously as a vocalist for some EDM and pop singles. But we found this song very beautiful and we
wish her the best in her future.
Sent in by Selvin.
03. CARRIE MANOLAKOS - Take Me Down
Carrie is from Syracuse and has been writing her own songs for over a decade, and first found success on the Broadway stage, touring
with Mamma Mia!. She released her first solo album in 2012, and has stayed involved in various musical realms since.
Go listen to her viral rendition of "Creep" by Radiohead!
Sent in by Tufkai.
04. DARWIN DEEZ - The World's Best Kisser
Known mostly in the United Kindgom for their 2010 indie success, Darwin Deez are still looking to break through in America
and released this kinda-out-there song on the album, "10 Songs That Happened When You Left Me with My Stupid Heart." So are they
saying the world's best kisser is out there somewhere? Gasp!!
Sent in by Yoav.
05. TOMI - Every Morning I Feel Like Running Away
Pam Autuori is based in Brooklyn and previously of the group XNY. She's got a unique voice and style, and although the lyrics
contrast the bouncy mood of the single, you'll find that the hook gets stuck in your head quite quickly!
Sent in by Derek.
06. JULIETTA - Hard Love
A bit of dream-pop, mixed with a rather melty pop-art music video from NYC native Julia Libani, who has gained inspiration from
a variety of people and places. Since 2017 she's released a few singles and her first EP this past year.
Sent in by Selvin.
07. FLY BY MIDNIGHT - All The Feels
This NYC-based retro-pop duo is the only returning band in this year's selection, and they're determined to break through
with their 2018 discs. If you like their sound, there's plenty more to check out. Smooth groove won out in 2018's selection; can it
work for New York again?
Sent in by Derek.
08. AMBER MARK - Love Is Stronger Than Pride
Amber calls her music a "mix of alternative R&B mixed with a little tribal and topped off with a little soul" - which
gives some rhythmic flavor to this year's selection, given her worldly roots. She recently collaborated with Billboard-charting
rapper DRAM on "Put You On," a song we would've loved to include!
Artist suggestion by Yoav.
09. ARIANA & THE ROSE - Lonely Star
The striking visuals of this music video hit as hard as the impact of that drum machine! Not to be confused with the other Ariana,
of course - we think this one deserves an equal chance.
Sent in by Derek.
10. MALINDA - Running
You may recognize Malinda Reese more for her Google Translate Fail videos, which caught on fast across the world - but as a legitimate
artist, Malinda's still looking for that breakthrough. "Running" is a great start, and it brings a different pop flavor to this
year's selection. She was born in NYC but splits her time between there and Washington DC.
Sent in by Amanda.
TENNESSEE
Song Playlist: www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLVxnborIVMJwrsZOEpc-l9_7D8_tAOrpI
Artist/Song review:
It is going to become 50 States of Song tradition to hold a Tennessean song selection, because
while Tennessee is definitely renowned for their country music (which you'll see refletced in this
edition), there's some great pop and blues music from Memphis, Nashville, and other cities. In honor
of its contributions to American music in general, we deliver you the 2nd edition.
01. Zayde Wolf - Gladiator
It takes a powerful voice to release a song titled 'Gladiator'. Zayde (also known as Dustin Burnett) was born in Kentucky but has been working in Tennessee for over 10 years in music production, and only now is he dipping his feet into his own career ambitions.
Submitted by Pablo.
02. Lisa Mac - Change Your Mind
Sultry and sweet describe Lisa Mac well - this Memphis-born musician released her debut album in 2016. Her sophomore effort features this single, "Change Your Mind" along with
Submitted by Greg.
03. PHANGS - Good Now
If you're all about the more simplistic, low-key pop scene these days, then this song from PHANGS is your best bet. Jake Germany's biggest inspiration is Michael Jackson (certainly everyone in the pop industry has MJ to thank), but PHANGS brings the aesthetic for everyone.
Submitted by Derek.
04. Jenny Tolman - Rock & Roll to my Country Soul
Tennessee is the home of Country music; you should expect nothing less! Jenny Tolman has made it onto 10 Country Artists to Watch lists, Tolman emerged in Nashville at the age of 18 and brings a bit of dancy flare to an otherwise classic country sound. This is your cowboy girl of the year, guys!
Submitted by Derek.
05. Roanoke - Tennessee Stone
From their website: "Meeting at a junction of Americana, indie rock, and folk, Roanoke first began their journey in 2014. Taking on Nashville’s music scene like many pilgrims before them." They've toured and played in quite a few places, but "Tennessee Stone" rings true: there's no place quite like home.
Submitted by Derek.
06. VEAUX - Help Me Help You
Although this band is also from Nashville, VEAUX carry a different sound than some of the other entries on this list. Originally from Colorado, this band has also established itself amongst the great underground indie pop scene existing around the country greats of the city.
Submitted by Greg.
07. The Wild Feathers - Big Sky
This throwback to southern rock and country music will get your foot tapping, big time! They've been around for about a decade and really bring the best to an otherwise hard-to-find genre in 2019. (In case you're wondering, their MV kept getting the recap video blocked. There is one in the playlist if you're interested.)
Submitted by Derek.
08. ELEL - Early in the Morning
From AllMusic: "Formed in Nashville, Tennessee in 2013 behind lead singer Ben Elkins, ELEL is an indie pop group that balances world music influences, vibrant arrangements, and a large membership with Elkins' contemplative songwriting." Their 2018 singles include this song and the upbeat sounds of "Be Yeah".
Recommendation by Niall.
09. Adam Sanders - Over Did It
There's manufactured, high-brow country-pop a la Taylor Swift, then there's pure country like Adam Sanders (not Sandler, people.) Sanders' career in music took off when he penned a couple widely popular country songs in 2015, and now he's getting a shot at a career of his own.
Submitted by Niall.
10. The Black Lillies - Midnight Stranger
Perhaps the most well-known group on this list, The Black Lillies have had their own kind of success in the Americana genre, with two albums appearing in the Top 40 Country Album sales charts on Billboard. The lyrics of "Midnight Stranger" are self-explanatory, so I'm certain you can appreciate the musicianry here.
Submitted by Greg.
while Tennessee is definitely renowned for their country music (which you'll see refletced in this
edition), there's some great pop and blues music from Memphis, Nashville, and other cities. In honor
of its contributions to American music in general, we deliver you the 2nd edition.
01. Zayde Wolf - Gladiator
It takes a powerful voice to release a song titled 'Gladiator'. Zayde (also known as Dustin Burnett) was born in Kentucky but has been working in Tennessee for over 10 years in music production, and only now is he dipping his feet into his own career ambitions.
Submitted by Pablo.
02. Lisa Mac - Change Your Mind
Sultry and sweet describe Lisa Mac well - this Memphis-born musician released her debut album in 2016. Her sophomore effort features this single, "Change Your Mind" along with
Submitted by Greg.
03. PHANGS - Good Now
If you're all about the more simplistic, low-key pop scene these days, then this song from PHANGS is your best bet. Jake Germany's biggest inspiration is Michael Jackson (certainly everyone in the pop industry has MJ to thank), but PHANGS brings the aesthetic for everyone.
Submitted by Derek.
04. Jenny Tolman - Rock & Roll to my Country Soul
Tennessee is the home of Country music; you should expect nothing less! Jenny Tolman has made it onto 10 Country Artists to Watch lists, Tolman emerged in Nashville at the age of 18 and brings a bit of dancy flare to an otherwise classic country sound. This is your cowboy girl of the year, guys!
Submitted by Derek.
05. Roanoke - Tennessee Stone
From their website: "Meeting at a junction of Americana, indie rock, and folk, Roanoke first began their journey in 2014. Taking on Nashville’s music scene like many pilgrims before them." They've toured and played in quite a few places, but "Tennessee Stone" rings true: there's no place quite like home.
Submitted by Derek.
06. VEAUX - Help Me Help You
Although this band is also from Nashville, VEAUX carry a different sound than some of the other entries on this list. Originally from Colorado, this band has also established itself amongst the great underground indie pop scene existing around the country greats of the city.
Submitted by Greg.
07. The Wild Feathers - Big Sky
This throwback to southern rock and country music will get your foot tapping, big time! They've been around for about a decade and really bring the best to an otherwise hard-to-find genre in 2019. (In case you're wondering, their MV kept getting the recap video blocked. There is one in the playlist if you're interested.)
Submitted by Derek.
08. ELEL - Early in the Morning
From AllMusic: "Formed in Nashville, Tennessee in 2013 behind lead singer Ben Elkins, ELEL is an indie pop group that balances world music influences, vibrant arrangements, and a large membership with Elkins' contemplative songwriting." Their 2018 singles include this song and the upbeat sounds of "Be Yeah".
Recommendation by Niall.
09. Adam Sanders - Over Did It
There's manufactured, high-brow country-pop a la Taylor Swift, then there's pure country like Adam Sanders (not Sandler, people.) Sanders' career in music took off when he penned a couple widely popular country songs in 2015, and now he's getting a shot at a career of his own.
Submitted by Niall.
10. The Black Lillies - Midnight Stranger
Perhaps the most well-known group on this list, The Black Lillies have had their own kind of success in the Americana genre, with two albums appearing in the Top 40 Country Album sales charts on Billboard. The lyrics of "Midnight Stranger" are self-explanatory, so I'm certain you can appreciate the musicianry here.
Submitted by Greg.
-------------
Thank you for everyone's interest, and may the best song win!
MaRtIn Tufkai Derek Amanda terabyteofpuppypics tonykuko Jakub Sel HATÅRI eurovisionfan23 Argüello basil Matilda Aless