Steemit's Official Open Mic Judge @Verbal-D's Top 5 Entries For Week 69 (Original Blog)
Steemit Open Mic Week 69
My Top 5 In Order
As one of the 5 judges, and as an original artist also, I aim to represent the best original artists in this contest from our wonderful Steemit community. I am keeping my ears open for cover artists as well, don't worry but creating an original song is indeed impressive, especially if executed and performed well. Best of skill and performance to you all next week. This week was filled with so many wonderful artists, even amongst the high amount of entries, and there were still many talented performers who entered, so forgive me if I didn't list you, I definitely heard everyone's entries. Also, be sure to check out the other judges' top picks for the week, @krystle, @soundlegion, @passion-ground, and @luzcypher, who hosts the Open Mic Contest. See you next week! And don't forget to please vote for @Pfunk as witness, who is our biggest supporter and sponsor for this Open Mic Contest.
1. @etemi's "Impossible" By Shontelle Cover Song
You hoped we liked it? This was amazingly moving! This is an easy call for me. You have the gift to convey the raw emotions from your past experiences and tether them seamlessly with that blessing of a voice you have been given from God. The feelings you instill in this awe inspiring performance are riveting with profound tangibility. Us in the audience, as your listeners, respect and are attentive to your impacting lamentations. Your soul-filled vocals, your facial expressions, your guitar accompanying, your genuine conviction and the tunnel vision you experience towards the latter half of the video all encompass the passion and seriousness you take with sharing music. Even that slight pause in the middle, you recovered so well, and gained some serious momentum like a professional! Big kudos and appreciation, and thank you once again for another great entry. We look forward to what you do next.
https://steemit.com/openmic/@etemi/steemit-openmic-entry-week-69-shontelle-impossible-cover-by-etemi
2. @luisferchav's "Brighter Than Sunshine" By Aqualung Cover Song
Brighter than sunshine? Or Better than Aqualung? I might go with both on this one. You have provided so many quality entries it is getting pretty ridiculous bro lol People know you are super passionate and skilled within your vast limitations :) Many might be saying, "Ok, now this guy is just showing off lol" You truly do this cover song justice and then some. Almost like a radio ready live recording, I've always appreciated your attention to detail and concise precision that a perfectionist aims for in music. How can anyone not feel better after vibing out to the positive rays of brightness and serene frequencies this provides the soul? This definitely has a high replay value, and I shall be revisiting this one along with many of my other favourite top picks. Thanks for the good vibes and the awesome high standard entry once again. Keep them rolling out please.
https://steemit.com/openmic/@luisferchav/open-mic-week-69-aqualung-cover-brighter-than-sunshine
3. @zipporah's "Kaleidoscope Grey" Original Song
Your very first entry is quite compelling, and you have a very sweet songbird style of singing. Your guitar strumming and how your have structured this song is very intentional and effective to command my attention and compassion. Even without the revealing and inspiring explanation given on your post, this song definitely speaks volumes of the human perspective within the conditions of a encapsulating depression and limited mobility. The pain and the raw exposure of your experience and the vicious circle that seems to swirl about your beautiful soul is what makes this more gripping. I am truly humbled to see the strength you are showing to provide a bit of light on the situation you are currently dealing with. Lyrics are extremely important to me in my eyes as a songwriter, you have infused a self reflecting and vulnerable string of poetry that glimmer with a lining of hope. I pray God does have mercy upon you. Thank you for taking the leap to share this wonderful gem with us all. You have a community here on Steemit, and I wish you nothing but the best, and improved health in every aspect.
https://steemit.com/openmic/@zipporah/steemit-open-mic-week-69-kaleidoscope-grey-original-song
4. @outoftune's "Too Much Rope" Original Composition
I am really glad you have joined us here in the Steemit Open Mic Community. You have provided back to back Earworm jamming compositions and you created a really memorable piece here. Anyone reading this comment, give this entry a few listens, it really has a lot of dynamics and characteristics to offer as @outoftune is completely in tune and delivering a really entrancing performance. From slow build ups, to momentous runs and rapid finger strumming, scaling up and down like naturally instilled instincts, it is definitely a top contender in my humble opinion. I still can't get the main intro melody out of my head, you really pulled together the artistic puzzles pieces for this mastery here. Thank you for bringing to the forefront the high level skills of a professional guitarist such as yourself to give your fellow musicians and contestants inspiration and influence to strive for original greatness like this. If I am over saturating any of these comments, it is because I truly mean what I say, you make it easy to write such long rant-like compliments, and I am moved by music that connects with my spirit and soul. This is certainly no exception and entries like these make me super happy to be an official Steemit Open Mic Judge. I look forward to your next composition without a doubt.
https://steemit.com/openmic/@outoftune/steemit-open-mic-week-69-original-composition-too-much-rope
5. @marcusings' "Faithful" Original Song
Your entries are really a joy to the spirit. And you have such a powerfully soulful voice that can hold a listener to the edge of their seat. Your vibrato runs are naturally skilful and you put your all into your devoted praises to the Lord. This was a wonderful original song, and I was wondering how you would do with songwriting, and after this display, I can only say that I look forward to hearing more of your originals and what the Holy Spirit inspires out of you. My only complaint, as well as, @passion-grounds' was that it was a bit too short for me to fully enjoy it, because I felt you were just starting to really gain traction, and hopefully the sound quality of your future entries can be a bit more refined, at least up to par or higher than your first cover entry "You Raised Me Up" which absolutely wowed and floored me to give you first place on my Top 5 Judge's List Of Steemit Open Mic Week 67 just two weeks ago. Thanks again for sharing your great musical talents, and please keep sharing.
https://steemit.com/openmic/@marcusings/steemit-open-mic-week-69-original-music-faithful
Honourable Mentions
My Top 7 In No Particular Order
1. @melavie's "Collector Of Moments" Original Song
https://steemit.com/openmic/@melavie/steemit-open-mic-week-69-collector-of-moments-original-song
2. @lucybanks' "Black & Gold" Cover Song
https://steemit.com/openmic/@lucybanks/steemit-open-mic-week-69-black-and-gold
3. @mrprecious' "Let Me Love You" By Mario Cover Song
https://steemit.com/openmic/@mrprecious/steemit-open-mic-week-69-mario-s-let-me-love-you-cover
4. @kendramoriah's "Heartbeat" Original Song
https://steemit.com/openmic/@kendramoriah/steemit-open-mic-week-69-heartbeat-original-song
5. @justinzidi's "Too Good At Goodbyes" By Sam Smith Cover Song
https://steemit.com/openmic/@justinzidi/steemit-openmic-week-69-too-good-at-goodbyes
6. @orrslaw's "Faust's Wager" Original Song
https://steemit.com/openmic/@orrslaw/steemit-openmic-week-69-original-song-faust-s-wager
7. @mogatiexperiment's "Cambia La Vida" Original Composition
Thank you for viewing and reading this post in its entirety, I hope you enjoyed it for what it's worth.
All Gifs used from Giphy.com
Deep bows of humble gratitude @verbal-d. You've sincerely rendered me speechless with your compassionate reflection. I feel truly, gently seen in ways that are healing beyond explanation. Though sharing was unnerving, I suspected doing so was safe, that my vulnerable offering would land on kind ears. Daring to release it was therapeutic for me – I honestly wasn't thinking about winning or making my way into the judges top pics. I certainly didn't expect the heartfelt reception I've received – as though I've closed my eyes and fallen trustingly backwards and been caught by a hundred, gentle arms. • It is an absolute honor to find myself in your esteemed company.
Oh you are most welcome @zipporah. Nice username by the way. I am humbled by your kind response and reaction. Healing through music and human interaction is a profound effect of what life can offer, and I have found such often here within our Steemit Community. I am glad you have opened up to us all, so we can learn another depth to your self. The winning is just an added bonus and I am happy your post did amazing as well. It is an honour for us all indeed. I look forward to more of your original songs. I have one for you to listen to.
It is one I wrote for my son Marcello, pictures of him can be found on my daughter's page @happyharmonymay, which is managed by my wife Claudine.
The song is called
"Impact"
Please give it a listen, as you have been an impact to us as much as you feel we have been to you. It was the second song I ever released on Steemit.just left a comment on that post. You've got me smilin'... ;)
ps – Zipporah (Moses' wife in the old testament) is my given, first name. It means 'little bird in Hebrew. Fitting, right? I actually wrote a post about it on my first account.
Thanks again I saw it and replied. Glad to provide a smile when I can, that's a blessing. That is a wonderful biblical reference name. Thanks for jogging my memory and for the translation. I must revisit the OT, I am currently perusing in Revelation once again :) I shall check out your post.
Wow brother!, thank you so much for such kind words and for putting me on your top 5!!
I'm really happy you got to vibe on this, it is a truly great song :)
You're most welcome man, I definitely have been replaying it. Even my daughter and son were jamming out dancing to your entry today. It is a great song, and you covered it well like upholstery. thanks for sharing
Hahaha awesome, that's really great! Thank you so much!!
Friend that good that you support emerging talent. They are very talented that has a lot of motivation to grow and a true support helps them to continue believing in them and improve day. Regards!
Thank you very much, so glad you are able to have time to check out these talented Steemians in our community, Steem on!
I am truly honoured, thank you so much for your kind words - the encouragement I have received from the whole community has been very motivational but to feature among such talented musicians blows me away. Thank you.
You are most welcome, the community here has been great, especially to me as well, so it feels good to be able to give back, as you all share your talents and gifts with us. Thank you again
Thanks for all the hard work, and thoughtful feedback!
You are most welcome, and thank you for the kind appreciative comment. Steem on!
Great list of great musicians you got here! Thanks so much for the mention!
Thank you for the acknowledgements, I do the best I can, and you are most welcome, you are a top notch songwriter and giving in many musical ways from your heart.
It was a great post. In fact the your number one is my number one too. Waiting for the next round.
Awwwwwn are you serious.. Damn! Man Am my humbled...
:) You definitely deserved it with such a great performance
Thank you very much, yes it was fun putting this list together, next week brings more joy and inspiration, appreciate your insight
Wow week 69 ! Must be a good one this time :P
Yeah this week was really really good. Thanks for stopping by, be sure to check out week 70 which has just started on @luzcypher's page
that was really well presented and they all deserve it so much!! You see i dont have a talent in music, but I have one in food! i guess this is why the world is amazinG! thanks for sharing with us :)
Thank you very much my friend. Great to see you here stopping by, how are you and everything? The amazing talent here is quite inspiring, it makes every week on Steemit even better for our community to join in and get involved, be it as a participant or listener. You are most welcome, I am thankful to be in this position.
Most definitely your talents are as a bonafide chef master lol you and @gringalicious will always be Steemit's top chefs in my opinion. You both inspire the cooks around the world, me and my wife included.
i am good and you? heheh aww thanks so much!! we appreciate it :) !
I am doing quite well, thank you as well and you are most welcome.
I am indeed grateful @verbal-d, I have taken your Comments & I promise to work on them. So happy to be on your list. My week 70 coming up soon.
Thank you very much, I am happy to put you on my list, you deserved it. I look forward to it!