State Selections 2019: New York

Yes, we are continuing the official beginning of this year's 50 States of Song contest with another post; the second of three state selections. New York may be mostly known for the big city, but there's more to it than that! From the beautiful Catskill region, to the bustling cities of Buffalo and Rochester, to the Finger Lakes, New York state has plenty to offer.

The New York State Selection 2019 features 10 artists from around the state, with varying backgrounds and visions for their music.

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1. YOKE LORE - Fake You

Starting off this selection is an indie pop master named Andrew Galvin. He started as a songwriter for Walk The Moon but went solo in 2013, and has stayed on the scene ever since.

Sent in by Yoav.

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2. BROOKE FORMAN - Uncharted

Forman isn't widely known for the type of music and dance featured in this video, citing it as a real challenge for her - she's had minor success previously as a vocalist for some EDM and pop singles. But we found this song very beautiful and we wish her the best in her future.

Sent in by Selvin.

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3. CARRIE MANOLAKOS - Take Me Down

Carrie is from Syracuse and has been writing her own songs for over a decade, and first found success on the Broadway stage, touring with Mamma Mia!. She released her first solo album in 2012, and has stayed involved in various musical realms since.

Go listen to her viral rendition of "Creep" by Radiohead!

Sent in by Tufkai.

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4. DARWIN DEEZ - The World's Best Kisser

Known mostly in the United Kindgom for their 2010 indie success, Darwin Deez are still looking to break through in America and released this kinda-out-there song on the album, "10 Songs That Happened When You Left Me with My Stupid Heart." So are they saying the world's best kisser is out there somewhere? Gasp!!

Sent in by Yoav.

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5. TOMI - Every Morning I Feel Like Running Away

Pam Autuori is based in Brooklyn and previously of the group XNY. She's got a unique voice and style, and although the lyrics contrast the bouncy mood of the single, you'll find that the hook gets stuck in your head quite quickly!

Sent in by Derek.

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6. JULIETTA - Hard Love

A bit of dream-pop, mixed with a rather melty pop-art music video from NYC native Julia Libani, who has gained inspiration from a variety of people and places. Since 2017 she's released a few singles and her first EP this past year.

Sent in by Selvin.

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7. FLY BY MIDNIGHT - All The Feels

This NYC-based retro-pop duo is the only returning band in this year's selection, and they're determined to break through with their 2018 discs. If you like their sound, there's plenty more to check out. Smooth groove won out in 2018's selection; can it work for New York again?

Sent in by Derek.

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8. AMBER MARK - Love Is Stronger Than Pride

Amber calls her music a "mix of alternative R&B mixed with a little tribal and topped off with a little soul" - which gives some rhythmic flavor to this year's selection, given her worldly roots. She recently collaborated with Billboard-charting rapper DRAM on "Put You On," a song we would've loved to include!

Artist suggestion by Yoav.

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9. ARIANA & THE ROSE - Lonely Star

The striking visuals of this music video hit as hard as the impact of that drum machine! Not to be confused with the other Ariana, of course - we think this one deserves an equal chance.

Sent in by Derek.

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10. MALINDA - Running

You may recognize Malinda Reese more for her Google Translate Fail videos, which caught on fast across the world - but as a legitimate artist, Malinda's still looking for that breakthrough. "Running" is a great start, and it brings a different pop flavor to this year's selection. She was born in NYC but splits her time between there and Washington DC.

Sent in by Amanda.