#50SS 2018 Weekly Updates: State Finals, Entries
This is the second of the weekly updates for the 50 States of Song 2018, which is fastly approaching! Are you ready for April?
We're still a bit behind schedule, but we're better off than just one week ago. After most of the entries are announced we are launching right into the Semifinals. There are two semifinals of 25 entries (49 states + 1 territory, minus California - the hosting state automatically qualifies to the Final Round.) The order of the songs will be announced before the recap videos are posted and voting opens.
Before we get there, however...
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STATE SONG SELECTIONS
We have four state finals (selections) ongoing, but only for a few days more - the final date is the 1st, so click here to vote in those selections. Please vote!
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 was adjusted by a few days; it is March 24th through the 31st. The winners will be announced by April 1st.
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ENTRY ANNOUNCEMENTS
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.
Delaware
Mean Lady, "Darling"
Writers: Katie Dill & Sam Nobles
Delaware has been unlucky thus far with 50SS; they were a runner-up in 2017, and failed to make an impact in our inaugural contest.
Admittedly they are reaching into left field musically with the song, "Darling" - which was written and composed in 2013 by the indie-pop duo from Newark. The version you hear above was not released until 2017; there are no rules against submitting re-releases of original songs, which may be reconsidered in future editions.
But it is a declaration of devotion - of love! What are your thoughts? Have you ever considered interpretive dance-rolling around a ballet room?
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Indiana
Oferle, "Ghost of You"
Writer: Luke Offerle
Indiana was represented last year by country musician Clayton Anderson, who was unfortunately unable to replicate the success of 2016 and failed to qualify. But Indiana isn't down and out - Oferle has fronted for Anderson in the past, and this year represents the Hoosier State on their own terms with the song, "Ghost of You."
Oferle, a family trio from Fort Wayne, provides chilling lyrics regarding that "feeling" of someone who has long since left but your memories of them still linger.
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Missouri
Chappell Roan, "Good Hurt"
Writer: Chappell Roan
In contrast to the other announcements from today, Missouri has had plenty of success in 50 States of Song. For the first time they will be represented by a soloist, a 19-year-old girl from the Springfield area named Chappell Roan (pronounced like the church!)
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Virginia
His Dream of Lions, "Love Me Like I'm Sick"
Producer: Ben Green
Virginia is one of a handful of states yet to qualify for the Final Round, but they come in full-force this year with "Love Me Like I'm Sick," a pop-rock anthem from vocalist Seth Coggeshall and His Dream of Lions. Who's dreaming about lions? You... won't find out from listening to the song above, but I'm sure it was a great dream.
The band has been compared to other popular alternative pop groups like fun.,
West Virginia
Christian Lopez, "Swim the River"
Writers: Christian Lopez, Jordan Lawhead
Lopez has been interviewed by Rolling Stone Magazine, described as 'a lovesick kid cursed with a dream', and all at the age of 22 years old! From the small mountain city of Martinsburg, he emerges as one of the most prominent singers West Virginia has produced in several years.
Can the U.S. state return to the Final Round with "Swim the River"?
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More entry announcements to come in the next seven days - stay tuned!
