#50SS 2018 Weekly Updates: Scheduled State Finals, Entry Announcements
Hello there! Pardon the theoretical dust; it's been nearly a month of behind-the-scenes intensity, determination, and hard work. But for all of you watching, it may have felt like a ghost town!
After the Song Entry Submission deadline passed, the song selection crew began the crazy deed of listening to all entries and making decisions. This process takes much longer than it used to! Which is a good thing ;)
It is my responsibility to post weekly updates (and perhaps a few in-between notes) about the decisions that have been made, events, the scheduled voting periods, and more. We aim for our biggest year yet, with "professional" and "fan" voting selections deciding this year's winner.
This is the first of the weekly updates! While we cannot yet confirm the official dates for the semifinal voting period, expect a lot of progress leading up to an April voting period.
STATE SONG SELECTIONS
Before we go there, however, we are having four short state selections. This is a test-run for future contests: to see what works, what does not, how to improve, etc. Essentially we want to know how feasible it is to do a song selection for a particular state, and what the turn-out would be.
The four states selected are Colorado, New York, Oregon, and Tennessee. These four states had the highest number of songs submitted. Each state will have 4-6 songs to choose from. The voting period will be short; from March 20th through the 27th. The winners will be announced by March 30th.
ENTRIES SELECTED THUS FAR
Most states are still in the process of selecting their song internally. Some, such as Wisconsin, have elected to choose their 2018 song from one of the nominated artists of the WAMI Awards. Minnesota usually opts to send an artist and/or song from The Current's Top 89 of the Year music list. Massachusetts, Delaware, Illinois, and Utah have annual award shows that are considered, as well.
However! We officially begin the 50 States of Song 2018 season with our first two entry announcements! Washington and Hawaii are ready to join us in San Diego with two solid entries.
Washington
The Sweeplings, "Fool"
Writers: Cami Bradley, Whitney Dean
Although Whitney Dean (the man) is an Alabama native, Cami Bradley (the woman) is from Spokane. The duo, who blend Folk and Americana music vibes with pop music structures, have been collaborating for over five years; Bradley tried out for America's Got Talent in 2013. The lyrics of "Fool" state, "Fool - you don’t know what I’ve done - You can’t see what I’ve seen - You don’t know where I’ve been." A slew of intricate instrumentation accompanies the majestic voices and creates an unforgettable, unsettling atmosphere.
Washington is one of several states with a perfect qualification record. Do you think that The Sweeplings can keep the record going?
Hawaii
KAYE, "Cheshire Kitten"
Writers: Elliot Jacobson, Charlene Kaye
31-year old Charlene Kaye is originally from Hawaii, but now resides in New York City. She has been the frontwoman for several bands, and is in recent years breaking out on her own. Last year, the song "UUU" was entered but deemed too long - 50SS entries must be under 3 minutes and 30 seconds in length. The music she makes tends to walk its own path (much like a cat would!) The song explores that there are two sides to everyone - feminine and masculine - and that embracing both sides is "vital to being whole."
Hawaii's got a perfect qualification record, as well - do you think they can keep it going with this jam? Do you like the funky sound, or are you left yearning for tropical vibes?
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Certainly you will see more entry announcements in the coming weeks - so stay tuned!
