State Selections 2019: Tennessee
Hey there! The third and final state song selection of this year's 50 States of Song contest is the grand ol' state of Tennessee! We love Tennessee for its contribution to music, specifically Nashville country music and Memphis blues. But is there more to the Volunteer State than this?
It is going to become 50 States of Song tradition to hold a Tennessean song selection, because while Tennessee is definitely renowned for their country and blues (which you'll see reflected in this edition), there is much, much more!
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01. Zayde Wolf - Gladiator
It takes a powerful voice to release a song titled 'Gladiator'. Zayde (also known as Dustin Burnett) was born in Kentucky but has been working in Tennessee for over 10 years in music production, and only now is he dipping his feet into his own career ambitions.
Submitted by Pablo.
02. Lisa Mac - Change Your Mind
Sultry and sweet describe Lisa Mac well - this Memphis-born musician released her debut album in 2016. Her sophomore effort features this single, "Change Your Mind" along with
Submitted by Greg.
03. PHANGS - Good Now
If you're all about the more simplistic, low-key pop scene these days, then this song from PHANGS is your best bet. Jake Germany's biggest inspiration is Michael Jackson (certainly everyone in the pop industry has MJ to thank), but PHANGS brings the aesthetic for everyone.
Submitted by Derek.
04. Jenny Tolman - Rock & Roll to my Country Soul
Tennessee is the home of Country music; you should expect nothing less! Jenny Tolman has made it onto 10 Country Artists to Watch lists, Tolman emerged in Nashville at the age of 18 and brings a bit of fancy flare to an otherwise classic country sound. This is your cowboy girl of the year, guys!
Submitted by Derek.
05. Roanoke - Tennessee Stone
From their website: "Meeting at a junction of Americana, indie rock, and folk, Roanoke first began their journey in 2014. Taking on Nashville’s music scene like many pilgrims before them." They've toured and played in quite a few places, but "Tennessee Stone" rings true: there's no place quite like home.
Submitted by Derek.
06. VEAUX - Help Me Help You
Although this band is also from Nashville, VEAUX carry a different sound than some of the other entries on this list. Originally from Colorado, this band has also established itself among the great underground indie pop scene existing around the country greats of the city.
Submitted by Greg.
07. The Wild Feathers - Big Sky
This throwback to southern rock and country music will get your foot tapping, big time! They've been around for about a decade and really bring the best to an otherwise hard-to-find genre in 2019. (In case you're wondering, their MV kept getting the recap video blocked. There is one in the playlist if you're interested.)
Submitted by Derek.
08. ELEL - Early in the Morning
From AllMusic: "Formed in Nashville, Tennessee in 2013 behind lead singer Ben Elkins, ELEL is an indie pop group that balances world music influences, vibrant arrangements, and a large membership with Elkins' contemplative songwriting." Their 2018 singles include this song and the upbeat sounds of "Be Yeah".
Recommendation by Niall.
09. Adam Sanders - Over Did It
There's manufactured, high-brow country-pop a la Taylor Swift, then there's pure country like Adam Sanders (not Sandler, people.) Sanders' career in music took off when he penned a couple widely popular country songs in 2015, and now he's getting a shot at a career of his own.
Submitted by Niall.
10. The Black Lillies - Midnight Stranger
Perhaps the most well-known group on this list, The Black Lillies have had their own kind of success in the Americana genre, with two albums appearing in the Top 40 Country Album sales charts on Billboard. The lyrics of "Midnight Stranger" are self-explanatory, so I'm certain you can appreciate the musicianship here.
Submitted by Greg.
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Now that we've posted about all three semifinals, you gotta go and vote! The easiest way to do this is to email the 50 States of Song team with your votes (as instructed in the video, send your top 6 favorite songs). Send this to fiftystatesofsong AT gmail DOT com.
Take care, and good luck to the artists!
