Summary
...Okay - so this is the very first week that we began to employ some filters and safeguards to the Open-Mic contest, and I must say that I am thrilled with the results of this week’s “See Who Played” lists.
Despite such efforts, and much to my surprise considering the general quality level of improvements seen, we still had nearly 400 entrants who made the grade into this week's “See Who Played List”!
At the end of this post I have included a very special mention. An EXCLUSIVE STEEMIT single release that I want to share with you from one of our most esteemed songwriters, @wilin’s. Check it out, you’re going to LOVE IT! Please give @wilin’s a lot of well-deserved and much-needed love by way of your massive up-votes, and do re-steem this exclusive Steemit drop if you like it as much as I did.
Do keep a lookout for a few exciting announcements in the coming weeks regarding the first completed season of the Songwriters Challenge. I’m sure you’re not going to want to miss the announcement of the winner along with a few other surprises we have in store for you. Now let’s get on with the immediate business at hand, shall we.
Steemit Open Mic Week 68
My Process
As one of the esteemed Open Mic judges, it is my job to come up with (or “curate” as it were) a short-list of my top 5 entrants each week. With all of the great talent here, that is by no means an easy task. Sure, tossing in another 5 honorable mentions helps, but not when my weekly list starts out with 30 or more of my favorite entries... You guy's rock - I'm tellin ya!
Yes, I am a Libra – so I have an inherent drive deep within me to be fair and balanced – good qualities for a “judge” if you ask me. That being said, I’m still human – filled with emotion and subjective feelings – just like you. So, in order to mitigate my subjective tendencies to the best extent possible, I’ve come up with a method by which to narrow down my selections in a more objective vs. arbitrary manner.
Here’s how I go about my personal judging process: I first start out with a list of 30 or more of my most favorite entries for the week, and score them (yes, subjectively) in six distinct categories via a spreadsheet. The categories I’ve selected for scoring are in general harmony with those explained by @luczypher in his post titled How We Pick The Top 3 Entries, referencing such.
To get a more in-depth perspective as to how I personally go about selecting my artists, please refer to What I go through as an Open-Mic Judge.
Even though it’s still a “subjective” process – diligently going through each scoring category to come up with a “total” score for each entrant helps to minimize any overzealous subjectivity that I may harbor with respect to any specific entrants.
Quite often, this exercise doesn’t give me the exact results I would personally prefer to see – but that only means that my system of judging is working as intended and designed. With all of that said, here are...
My Top-5 Picks in Order
Wow! Yet another accomplished musician, (and brand spanking new to Steemit), has just rocked the Open-Mic venue like nobody’s business with his maiden week 68 submission of an original song entitled, “My Dream!” Julian performs this rather engaging composition quite brilliantly, with incredible vocals and guitar skills that are top notch by any standard. Through his lyrics, he takes on a personal journey of chasing his dreams – something we all can very much relate to. As soon as I started listening to him, I knew that from my perspective anyway, that Julian was gonna be hard to top this week, and that’s exactly why his entry sits atop my list for week 68.
https://steemit.com/openmic/@julianroso/steemit-open-mic-week-68-original-song-my-dream
So, this vocal performance just really got the better of me every which way from Sunday! It wasn’t just @rial17’s vocals that got me, nor was it that I just really love this song. Rather in concert with all of these things, he had a rather outstanding star-quality to his performance and persona which I enjoyed immensely! The passion and charisma that he exuded here, with such grace and confidence, simply take his musical gifts to a whole different level. In my eyes, this guy could be a star, and that’s why he’s right here in my # 2 spot this week. Also, major props to the awesome guitarist who provided the steady backdrop from which @rial17 simply nailed this classic cover.
https://steemit.com/openmic/@rial17/steemit-open-mic-week-68-wild-world-mr-big-cover
Though Byron has been on Steemit for about three months, this is only his second entry into the Open-Mic contest. He certainly caught my attention with his first, and well, this time around his performance of “Lazy Day’s” just reeled me in! This pleasantly melodic, lyrically driven song of new friendships sounds like it could have been a smash summer hit single during my youth. His original composition and performance were truly impressive, and for that, he’s earned my #3 spot this week.
https://steemit.com/openmic/@byrongrant/steemit-open-mic-week-68-lazy-days-an-original-song
Kendra is also a relatively new member of Steemit. If I’m not mistaken, it is she, who inspired my 1st place entrant Julian to hop on board the Steem Train. Kendra is quickly proving to the Open-Mic community that she is a brilliantly gifted songwriter with a style that’s all her own. Her vocals are simply intoxicating! The total package of her lovely composition, presentation, and performance here in week 68 is what landed her here in my #4 spot this week.
https://steemit.com/openmic/@kendramoriah/steemit-open-mic-week-68-want-you-original-song
Firstly, Earth Wind and Fire is one of my favorite bands of all time. So, when I saw that our most esteemed Pechiche posted a cover entry of “September,” needless to say, I got super pumped to check it out! Pechiche moved out of his solo comfort zone here in the spirit of bringing new musicians to the platform. Here, he showcases Gabriel Garcia, who I can’t wait to start following once he gets his account up and running. Anyway, although they get off to a bit of a slow start, I just love Gabriel’s passion and energy! As the song progresses, he and Pechiche get tighter and tighter until I thought I was going to explode from the sheer joy of listening to them cover one of my favorite bands of all time! That and the rest of the above is why they made my top-5 this week, but there is another very important reason I chose them as well.
That other reason to which I referred, is the fact that their blooper reel made me laugh so hard, and for so long, that I literally fell off my chair! I think it is very important to stress that we are all here to have a lot of fun while doing all this, and there is no better example of such good fun as with Pechiche and Gabriel! You can check out their blooper reel outtake below.
https://steemit.com/openmic/@pechichemena/steemit-open-mic-week-68-september-earth-wind-and-fire-cover-song-feat-gabriel-garcia
Blooper Reel
My Top-5 Honorable Mentions in Order:
First: @kayclarity – “Sometimes” - (Original)
https://steemit.com/openmic/@kayclarity/open-mic-week-68-original-song-sometimes-by-kay-clarity
Second: @kjablonski - "Confession" - (Original Song)
https://steemit.com/openmic/@kjablonski/steemit-openmic-week-68-original-song-confession
Third: @claratymusic – “Play With Me” - (Original Song)
https://steemit.com/openmic/@claratymusic/steemit-openmic-week-68-claraty-original-play-with-me
Fourth: @pandamama – “Super Right” - (Original by Eden Michelle)
https://steemit.com/openmic/@pandamama/steemit-open-mic-week-67-secret-place-original-song-by-eden-michelle
Fifth: @yetxuni – “Yo sé que él vive / I Know He Lives” - (Cover)
https://steemit.com/openmic/@yetxuni/steemit-open-mic-week-68-yo-se-que-el-vive
Thank you for reviewing my selections for this week’s Open-Mic contest. If you find the content I curate entertaining and of value to you, then please consider up-voting and/or re-steeming it.
Peace, Love, and Justice for All
A very special shout-out to: The following artists who were very much on my radar, each within a splitting hair of making it into my overall top-10, and whose performances I loved, cherish, and respect most assuredly.
They are - in no particular order: @yourmercury, @vera.carla, @iamhbros, @tarotbyfergus, @jaybird, @wethepatsies, @coruscate, @art-mess, @raci, @thesimpson, @kiloindigo, @williamsreinoso, @stanhopeofficial, @innerdialogue, @edward-ong, @erpachon, @chimtivers96, @allanshrestha, @senzenfrenz, @mcmarian, @mogatiexperiment, @jesuszoliz, @sallyswitchblade, @melodeons, @denis.savisko3, @luisojedagc, @hokulor, @mightyjoenolan, @itsallasong, @chimtivers96, @bennettitalia, @jaredkhamanah, @scribblingwilly, @cheesom, @joetravels, @dreamrafa, @fax4u, @wilins. Much love and thanks to each and every one of you who have touched a part of my heart and soul - not only this week but forever!
SPECIAL MENTION
This is a truly awesome single and a fantastic production, which was born out of the struggle of the people of Venezuela. I have recently come to learn that in addition to being a musician-songwriter, @wilins is also a professional writer with many published books. Do open the link, and if need be, translate the page to English for a brief background story on this Steemit-Exclusive drop.
https://steemit.com/spanish/@wilins/estreno-exclusivo-para-steemit-sencillo-y-videoclip-gira-la-tierra-cancion-original-de-wilins-y-trabajo-visual-de-hectgranate
@pechichemena September was my favourite. They are all incredible but I love that song and his voice is soo.. Well lets just say he could melt butter with a voice like that!
So glad you thought so, man! Yeah, that voice, wow!
When you gonna give us another hit. I loved your buffalo Springfield. Is it time for some more music?
That's quite kind and flattering of you to request, my friend! I've got a few things up my sleeve, however, they've taken a backseat to all of my "Open-Mic" and "Songwriters Challenge" responsibilities. Sooner or later, however, I do hope to drop more of my musical efforts and collaborations into the "unofficial" mix. Thanks again, man!
You are such a blessing to have as an outstanding judge brother. We may often share a handful of picks here and there, but I love how different your selections are from mine, order also, as well because your wide ranged taste in music helps to shine light to unseen gems as well, and you pick entries that speak to the heart and soul, because from the ground up, these artists are indeed passionate as you are :) Keep up the positive reinforcement an encouragements. That earth wind and fire entry was a nice reminiscent reminder of the classic past, they have so many hits and the entry above was a fun one.
With our new refined tools, it is getting better each week.
Such gracious and flattering sentiments, @verbal-d – thank you, man! I too rather enjoy both the contrast and similarities of our collective curation efforts. Thank you for your friendship, support, and encouragement. To say that I am proud of standing shoulder-to-shoulder with you in this labor of love that we share, would be a considerable understatement, my brother.
You're most welcome bro. Wish you more success, good health and much inspiration here. Glad to support and encourage, we are leaders in this community and are upheld to a higher standard for role modeling. Keep it up, stay sharp, compassionate and loving. Let's keep moving forward bro :)
Wow... "Stay sharp, compassionate, and loving." That one simple "universal" quote could very well be perhaps one of the most profound I've encountered to date! It is most assuredly something that each of us should aspire to with every strand of our being.
Yes indeed bro, we all need reminders everyday, it is so easy to slip into a negative mind state and be ungrateful, or selfish. I always have to stay sharp. :)
Hermano! gracias por tanto. Te adoro. ENglish: https://steemit.com/music/@wilins/premiere-in-steemit-song-and-videoclip-the-earth-turns-gira-la-tierra-released-as-a-soloist-by-wilins
I would have liked to have known about your other "English" entry, brother. However, you are always most welcome, man!
Your support and encouraging words mean so much @passion-ground Thank you so much. :)
Your music means so much to us, Kendra. Thank you!
:) :) :)
Mi estimado, muchas gracias por el apoyo que semana a semana nos brindas. Son de inspiración para que sigamos adelante. Me encanta su iniciativa, les agradezco inmensamente.Seguire activa en el concurso de Openmic. Saludos y abrazos desde Venezuela.
You are quite welcome, @yetxuni. I am looking forward to hearing more from you. Your voice was so beautiful in this entry. Thank you!
Gracias @passion-ground, ya dentro de unos minutos colocaré mi participacion de la semana 69 en openmic. Saludos amigo.
Wow!! So happy to hear this announcement. Thank you so much @passion-ground for choosing my entry as your top 5, in 2nd place. My best efforts already paid by results today. This good news is also dedicated to @luzcypher & @pfunk I love this challenge.
You earned it, brother! Your performance was outstanding!
Yeah! I have given my best for this challenge. And I will always give the great effort for next entry. I'll try... Thank you @passion-ground
Increible!!! De mi parte agradezco mucho el apoyo que le brinda usted a @wilins. Es un artista que a mi parecer, ya debería estar en las grandes carpas del mundo... Ya se que somos mas lo que deseamos ese futuro para el... Nuevamente gracias @passion- ground xD
Thank you, Edward! I feel the same.
Great picks. Thanks for your hard work. With so much amazing talent here on Steemit I feel honored to have made it onto your radar.
Thank you, Art. I know the feeling... way back in the day before I became a judge, I made "honorable" mention one or two times and it felt great! However, it must feel even better nowadays because the talent level has spiked tremendously from when I was submitting weekly entries. As such, you definitely have a lot to be proud of.
Thanks. I'm trying to bring on some more talent. A friend and neighbor of mine is an amazing singer and I have been telling him of all the great work you are putting in here and trying to get him involved, but like most people I talk to about Steemit they don't seem to understand how important the platform is and what a great sense of community there is here. They think it is some type of scam. I'm hoping in time they will come around.
See you around @passion-ground
They'll get it eventually. Until then, it's their loss and our gain. :-)
Yaasss, you're selections are always so cool and nice, we're happy to participate in this openmic, hope u like it :) https://steemit.com/openmic/@brendahcaroline/para-que-sufrir-natalia-lafourcade-la-nina-ingravida-cover
Thank you, Brenda! We are delighted to have you here too! :-)
Waaoo. Cuanta gente talentosa. Para mi es un honor estar entre tanta gente con tanto talento. Gracias hermano @passion-ground
You did great, thank you!
Hey @passion-ground! I'm so happy to see Gabriel got to the top-5 ! this is going to get him excited and pumped up to join with his own entrys soon! I'll be sharing this with him :)! Thank you for your words and mention brother ! Gabriel and I were having a lot of fun doing this cover take , that's why I decided to include the blooper! In the end , this open mic contest is about having fun and sharing music! I'm always pumped to hear new performances here :) . Cheers my friend!
Congratz man
thank you @etemi :)
You always welcome my dear
So cool, brother! Just realized I had your final take in the same place as the "blooper reel." I fixed it now - and it's all good! Oh man, let me tell you - I want Gabriel to be very excited! I can't wait to follow him!
nice music.keep it on
Thank you!
wao nice jobs
Thanks!
Peace, how do i enter the next open mic?
Alright dear.. Just follow @luzcypher to get updates on the next post. But mainly tho you do a song either original or a cover accompanied by a music instrument of you playing or someone playing for you and then upload it on youtube, entries starts on Sundays and ends on fridays, the first tag must be openmic, you are to upvote and resteem the post as well.. Just follow @luzcypher the host and get updates on the next week entry and the rules..
Thank you much!
One more question.. Do i have to be backed by music? Or can i do spoken word / poetry without music?
You can read all of the rules here: https://steemit.com/openmic/@luzcypher/steemit-open-mic-week-69-record-your-performance-and-win-steem-sponsored-by-pfunk-and-luzcypher
I am inspired... I wish I can participate in this awesome competition!! @passion-ground
Sure you can its fun
He escuchado a cada uno de ellos, la tienen muy difícil :D
I love open mic. You have some awesome tunes this week!! Keeo it up.
Thank you!
Hola amigo @passion-ground, por que silenciaron la participación de mi amiga @nohelimedic24 ? En su participación no ha incumplido ninguna regla del openmic
Hello Alex. I just left a comment for @nohelimedic explaining that no one "silenced" his participation.
Rather it was likely an error or oversight that took place perhaps resulting from either inadvertently missing it among hundreds and hundreds of entries, or for some other platform related technical issues.
I have been telling everyone who has experienced this the following:
If this happens, which it does from time-to-time with so many entries, - just post a comment under the "See Who Played" post, and ask @luzcypher to please review it for you. He has already fixed two or three such entries this week that I am aware of.
Thank you for your question and concern, my friend. :-)
Great performing last week. @passion-ground I wanted to share this original song https://steemit.com/openmic/@psicologo/steemit-open-mic-week-69-original-song-lejos-del-olvido-english-far-from-oblivion