Steemit Open Mic Week 77
My Top 5 In Order
As one of the 6 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, 
1. 
Easily one of your most heartfelt and deeply touching performances. Music like this transcends the entertainment factor because it has meaninful intentions and an undeniable purpose. This powerfully profound song captivates the listeners with real, raw emotions, backed by a saddening experience of the loss of your dear friend Neil, and is also reminiscent of others who have also fallen victim to their own depressive mentalities. Suicide is by far one of the most devastating situations that can happen to our loved ones and those we care about, or anyone for that matter because we are all valued and connected. You raise the awareness tenfold to all those who come across this inspiring song, and I hope it continues to reach those who it can aid the most in their time of desperation, confusion and need for guidance and hope. The wailing crying you infuse within your long held notes of mourning make this a most haunting experience and awakens empathy immediately. Truly thank you for sharing such a deep song and gem. This is a timeless masterpiece. Looking forward to what you share with us next...
Another phenomenal performance from you and one of your extremely talented friends. Ella Nor was spot on with her conviction, great vocal control, instilled emotion and passionate display of musical skill how she effortlessly delivered those sweet and lamenting melodies of a broken heart. The lyrics were well written and the storyline is all too familiar for the shattered attempts of true love for individuals all around the world. I absolutely love all these originals you all are putting out and you have yet to be oversaturated or tiresome. Please keep up the same energy and continue to raise the high quality standard of the open mic contest. You motivate others to bring their A game and allow others to take risks and breach beyond the limitations they believe they once had. It is safe to say you are bringing copious amounts of talent for our enjoyment and growth, and you and your team of elite level musicians/performers are becoming a favorite to look forward to within our music community.
https://steemit.com/openmic/@pedromrmourato/steemit-openmic-week-77-bang-original-song
3. 
Your voice is as angelic and naturally beautiful as the scenery you have chosen for your background visuals. You rise to the occasion and sing always from the heart, making every entry highly satisfying. I found the lyrics quite poetic and although I may not agree with everything being said, the positive vibes and feel good frequencies are undeniable. Musically, you easily make every cover song your own and that shows your potential ability to make a great original song one day, and it will be a wonderful thing to witness when you share it with us all. There is not much more to say about this pleasant sounding gem, you continue to show you are a bonafide and talented singer/musician. Thanks for another consistent entry looking forward to your next one.
4. 
You have a great voice and play the guitar well. What struck me about this entry was your storytelling abilities and how you crafted such an approach to a wonderfully inspiring woman named Bonnie Doone. I do not know who she is but if I were to guess, I would think her to be a close loved one of yours, possibly a your mother, or a mother figure. You detail her harsh upbringing in the most subtle but effective ways and also describe your longing for salvation from the devouring flames that jeopardize your very soulful existence. It is quite the gripping story and poetically woven with suspense and hopefulness. Thank you for sharing this great original song and I look forward to your next artistic creation.
5. 
As I have stated before and as you know, we have watched you grow as an artist and you have given us some wonderful entries since you first joined the Open Mic Contest. I have to say that this is easily one of your top performances. Hardly any flaws can be heard in your 8 takes layered seamlessly over one another. Some young Steemians may not have been exposed to this genre or era of music but you, as a multi-genre artist, you prove you can do it all, from modern pop to oldschool soul and even alternative rock and more. This was such a fun entry, and it sounds so tight technically, and you delivered with the right amount of energy and the harmonies were on point as well as the background percussions. I felt like I was listening to the radio play some old classic jams with my grandmother. Thanks for these feel good vibes, your hard work definitely paid off. I know an entry like this isn't easy to say the least and your tonality and pitch were more than satisfactory. Looking forward to your next entry.
Honourable Mentions
My Top 7 In A Particular Order : )
1. 
Easily one of my most favorite songs of yours, one I have heard before from your sis 
https://steemit.com/openmic/@ed-the-songster/open-mic-week-77-original-song-meant-to-be-real
2. 
Welcome to the Steemit community and the open mic family. So glad you found us and joined in. Really nice entry, I was not expecting such a fresh and on point beatboxing alongside your smooth piano playing and chill vocals. You gave an all around great performance. Definitely looking forward to what you share with us next.
This is such a fun and catchy original song, but with a very important and deep message of appreciating the love someone gives you daily. It is too easy to take one's love for granted and receive the whole time without reciprocating it back, but as this wonderful song states, the opportunity is gone and someone else has taken your place, and now you cannot find another woman who loves as greatly as the one you lost. Great lyrics, your first verse was a bit slow but you picked up speed and momentum from the chorus til the end. Really nice
https://steemit.com/openmic/@yoi/steemit-openmic-week-77-original-song-y-ahora
4. 
You always bring to life any song you put your musical voice on and it is such a treat. We feel good about you being with us as well so often on this journey of growth and inspiration. Great cover choice, but it pales in comparison to some of your highly acclaimed originals. Yes I said it, lol no disrespect to Nina Simone's song writing, her singing is undeniable, but the relevance of your songs speak volumes to me personally on what you write about in this day and age and the issues we face and tackle individually and together.
https://steemit.com/openmic/@melavie/openmic-week-77-feeling-good-nina-simone-cover
5. 
You are a professional musician with the skills of many different instruments, you brought so much ancestral sounds of beauty with this flute. Much respect and it was a serene and captivating performance all the way through. I need to find a place of refuge in the mountains and forests now.
6. 
You are definitely not ignored this week, you gave us a really good, creative original song. The conviction definitely delivered the right tones and vibes. You played some nice guitar chords and displayed some skillful songwriting prowess. Keep it up and I look forward to what you share with us next.
https://steemit.com/openmic/@dr00min/steemit-open-mic-week-77-dr00min-original-song-being-ignored
7. 
This was a nice track and I appreciated the layering effects, the concept is great and the risk taking you did shows your versatility as an artist. Since you specifically asked us for honest opinions and feedback, I must say that your smooth background vocals and luring harmonies shined through throughout most of the track, but some sections of your main live vocals were slightly off pitch and when you belted some notes it was a bit forced which made me disconnect from the moments you were trying to create. It happens sometimes when we get caught up in the emotions of the song, something I can relate to. I hold you to a higher standard in a good way, because I know you're capable of delivering a more polished performance as you have shown before. I still recognise your efforts, and as I said to others, this style of an entry is not easy by any means, but with layering comes a difficult task of fine tuning even the slightest fluctuation of quality that may disrupt the experience and balance of many recordings. Definitely looking forward to your next one for sure and see what you bring out.
https://steemit.com/openmic/@lucybanks/steemit-open-mic-week-77-spanish-sahara-foals-cover
Special Mentions
I want to mention more people, but I keep my judging strict for a reason. Many of you inspire me and make an impact. There simply are too many wonderful artists here, which is why open mic continues to grow. Keep playing and sharing please.
Artist On My Radar From Week 77
Apparently a lot of people don't know that I, @Verbal-D, am a Hip Hop Emcee as much as I am a singer/songwriter/beat producer, so I will continue to showcase from now on the song that inspired @Luzcypher to create the Open Mic Contest that we are all apart of today. I hope it inspires you to write original music.
The Official Steemit Song By @Verbal-D, Feat. @Papa-Pepper & @EdgarStudio
A Must Read Rap Verse Of Why I Love Hip Hop
Creating & Sharing Positive, Conscious, & Inspiring Hip Hop To All
Click Green Title Above To Read
More original music from me coming very soon, stay tuned to my profile this week. I'll be releasing more live performances and professionally recorded tracks shortly.
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