50SS 2019 Entry Announcements Begin!
For the next few weeks, we will be (slowly) announcing the songs that have been chosen for this year's contest, and the first announcement is today! Yes, you finally made it. First things first: Thank you to everyone who submitted songs! We received SO. MANY. Like, wow. We're gonna try our best to share the love between submitters, but it's not a guarantee. Some of you shared brilliant songs, but due to a small issue or previous chart history, they cannot participate. A big, heartfelt thanks to our 2019 song committee, who took song-searching to the next level and found something for each state. You will see their names come up quite a bit. Finally, we are starting with Semifinal 1 announcements. Semifinal 2 songs will be announced throughout the month of March. Don't forget that we have three state song selections (California, New York, and Tennessee) still ongoing, where you get to vote on which song represents the state. If you haven't voted yet, DO IT NOW! You have one more week; voting closes on February 28. So let's get on with it! Here are the first three entries that have been selected:
Hawaii : Kuwada ft. Nate Brown – “Starlight”
Hawaii was one of the first entries announced in 2018, and in 2019 we keep the tradition alive by announcing sibling duo Kuwada as our first artist with the groovy “Starlight”! This artist has amassed a strong following on SoundCloud and YouTube with a sound described as “tropical soul”. It’s an interesting, low-key flavor that certainly will find fans.
Artist suggested by Amanda Vermont : A2VT – “Faas Waa”
Vermont has gained notoriety in 50SS for bringing outlandish, odd-ball entries. We’re not letting you down this year; the dance-troupe/performance band named A2VT stands for “Africa 2 Vermont” – which, if you can’t figure out on your own, is a group made of African-American immigrants. They each have unique backgrounds but found their way to the Green Mountain State. The video was filmed in Burlington, where the majority of the members currently live, so … why not? They will be the first act ever to perform in an African language on the #50SS stage.
Song submitted by Derek Maine : Kalie Shorr – “Awake (Country Mix)”
Shorr has tried previously to represent Maine, but due to a variety of circumstances, it just didn’t come to fruition. Now, squeaking in by the literal final strum of the guitar in “Awake” is the 25-year old country singer from Portland. (While the video date is in 2019, the song was released in 2018.) Now living in Nashville (of course), we welcome her to the contest with open arms!
Song submitted by Derek
What do you think of these first three songs? Do you have a favorite already? The real "show and tell" has begun, so stay tuned!
