Hello my friends, as you can see from the fact that I'm making this post, I've survived the seas. I did make it last night on a decent time back home, but my ISP was not collaborating so I simply had to wait for morning to come around.
Without further delay, here we go.
First Place
@breakoutthecrazy - Down by the River (original)
What a song, What a performance to me this is one of those special treats, those gems that make this competition so special. The vocals are really top notch, the buildup and the intensity leave you wanting more and hitting replay out of sheer frustration because its over.
The lyrics were brilliantly crafted as well, this reminds me somewhat of VAST and their style of approaching religious, spiritual subjects. You can't help but to think, re read and see if you missed a message between the lines.
Second Place
@nathankaye - Stop and Thinkg (original)
Open Mic's very own Nathan Kaye delivers again, as you can see from that first line I've officially claimed him in the name of our community. Aside from this performance being absolutely amazing, one of those "leave nothing for later" performances the message of the song is what is most powerful to me.
I've believed for quite a long time that its really up to us, musicians to bring a better message to this planet, to counter all the negativity the world seems to fiend for. I think Nathan does not only get it, but embraces the mission and like many of his song this one invites reflection and promotes positive change. What's not to love about it?
Third Place
This performance robbed me of a few tears, I have to admit it. I mean, I know I'm supposed to be biased about it, but I don't think I'm wrong when I say that @silentscreamer killed it big time. The vocal exploration left me wanting to not only sing along but maybe even attempt some of these things myself.
Thank you @pechichemena and @silentscreamer for working on this, for reminding me how music can move my soul once again.
Fourth Place
@pedromrmourato - Desfado (cover)
What a brilliant performance, what a beautiful song. Of course its not like this is the first time @pedromrmourato submits a performance worthy of praise, but he seems to have a stash of talented musicians that join him in his musical ventures of a level that the most of successful of music producers would envy.
Fifth Place
@paintingangels - left alone (original song)
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I'm not sure Serena knows how talented she is, I mean.... I'm not sure, I've become such a huge fan of her music and writings. She is not one to shy away from speaking of her heritage and the emotional landscape that it brings with it. This song to me speaks not only with the tones of her original intentions, but it manages to surpass them and speak to the heart.
I would love nothing more than to see this song as part of a movie's soundtrack. It would be perfect, I got the whole thing in my head already. Directed by Tarantino of course.
Honorable Mentions
In no particular order...
@lifetipsbysn - The edge (original song)
@thomashofficial - here with me (original)
@darrenclaxton - Was it right (original song)
@pechichemena - Las cosas tienen movimiento (cover)
But hey friend, before you leave my post musical brother or musical sister, please know that despite the fact that we call this a competition, even though my post says first, second, third place, that is not what matters about the #openmic. In the end of the day the judges are just as human, as flawed and beautiful as everyone else on this planet. The ethos of this contest, of this community, is simply for us to have special place to share our passion for music, for us to laugh together, to cry together and explore emotions that everyday life seems to neglect in one way or another.
Every single one of you is valuable to me, so thank you for being part of my musical family...
Much love
