Hello, humans of the blockchain realms.
I've been admittedly quiet here (and on all related platforms) but that doesn't mean I haven't been actively engaged.
In fact, I've been workin' away creating the branding/graphic design for this awesome new contest. I'm deeply honored and humbled by the invitation to not only contribute visually, but also to be a judge. It's been such a delight to watch/listen to the awesome entries for our first week!
I've gotta say – choosing is a rather difficult thing. Regardless of talent, there's just so much heart and courage in these entries. So, before I list my choices, let me just say....you're all winners in my book.
Sharing oneself in this way is a decidedly vulnerable thing – I know because I've done it myself. You dared to put yourselves out there – to boldly broadcast your sounds and voices and let yourself be heard.
I applaud each and every one of you.
That said, my top 5 selections are as follows:
First
I suppose this comes as no surprise – the exceptional talents of 
This was just such a lovely, seemingly effortless performance. From brilliantly executed vocals to well-played accompaniment, it's obvious he's played this song many times before; he clearly feels it, and so closely approximates the original...had I not seen him playing, I might've mistaken him for Incubus!
Well done, Luis! I look forward to hearing more from you in weeks to come. :)
Second
What can I say? I'm a sucker for old-timey piano.
Perhaps it's the absolute rawness of this performance; the outright acceptance of the occasional, fumbling imperfections – the audible, mid-way 'workin' it out' hums – or maybe it's the underlying 'that's all, folks' sentiment that propels her fingers – but this kinda hit me in the feels. I found myself humming along, feeling nostalgic and even a lil' sad to imagine such an intriguing character leaving this grand, blockchain experiment...and we've only just 'met'.
I know we're not Open Mic (that contest was part of what first got me hooked on Steemit, so I understand), but we are trying to fill that significant gap. I can only hope you decide to stick around a lil' while longer, Miss Fabulous Fish – if for no other reason than to see how this SGL thing unfolds. ;) I'll keep my fingers crossed that we haven't heard the last from you...
Third
What an excellent cover! I hadn't heard this song in such a lonnng time. It really sent me back – felt like I was in my 20's again!
Needless to say...I'm impressed; this is no easy song to manage. Talk about a wide vocal range! Hitting those super high notes takes major skill and breath-support. Holding those tones while also quite capably playing guitar only makes it more note-worthy (pun-intended!)
Bravo, 
Fourth
Orlando, tu dulce voz es como un bálsamo encantador para mi corazón cansado. Tan suave, gentil y reconfortante: ¡podría escucharte cantar todo el día! ¡Gracias por compartir esta encantadora canción de cuna con nosotros!
translation
Orlando, your sweet voice is like a lovely balm for my tired heart. So soft and gentle and comforting – I could listen to you sing all day long! Thank you for sharing this beautiful lullaby with us!
Fifth
Querida, me ganaste con tu evidente pasión y hermosa voz. Me encanta el ambiente de baja fidelidad de este video ... como si estuviera sentado en tu cama contigo mientras cantas tu hermoso corazón. ¿Quién no disfrutaría de una actuación tan íntima? ;)
translation
My dear, you won me over with your obvious passion and gorgeous voice. I love the low-fi vibe of this video...like I'm sitting on your bed with you as you sing your beautiful heart out. Who wouldn't enjoy such an intimate performance?! ;)
That's it for this week!
Big thanks to all who participated in our inaugural contest. I'm hoping more people catch wind of this and begin filling our feeds with wonderfully surprising musical performances. Help us spread the word!
Until next week,
xo, zippy
