50SS 2019 Entries: Washington, Illinois, New Hamsphire, Idaho
Today we announce (multiple days late, so expect another announcement tomorrow) four more entries selected for the 1st Semifinal. While Washington (the state, not the capital) has always qualified, the other three have never made it to the Final Round. Do you think any of these entries can do it for them this year?
Washington
Joy Autumn – "Go"
It’s not so common anymore for songs, especially from people who haven’t achieved stardom, to grab a full orchestra off the street and “go” with it. She’s originally from Olympia (south of Seattle) but moved to Hollywood in search for stardom – not an uncommon story at all. But the album “Midnight” was inspired by her discontent with the ‘afterparty culture’ of the city, in which she feels women looking for a break into the business are susceptible to ‘trust-fund babies and celebrity offspring’. Read into it what you will; she made the first-round cut for Grammy discussions. So she’s definitely getting somewhere now!
Song submitted by Selvin
Illinois
Emily Blue – "Microscope"
Miss Blue is from Wilmette (a suburb of Chicago) whose music is described as “glitchy, sophisticated, and infectiously catchy.” Your interpretation is valid, too – in fact, it’s a good measure of an artist when you get a strong feeling about who they are through their music. Emily’s “bubblegum acid” pop will either rope you in or leave you hanging to dry.
Artist suggested by Derek
New Hampshire
Our Last Night – "Soul Speak"
Admittedly this is “hardcore” for 50 States of Song, but after submitting this for South Dakota in 2017 and Hungary’s ESC entry last year, I think the table is opening wider for hard rock entries to squeeze in. Our Last Night celebrates its fifteenth year together – their sound has been described as a mixture of post-hardcore and alternative rock with some elements of metalcore. So if that’s your kind of thing, New Hampshire’s got the supply.
Song submitted by Niall
Idaho
Trevor Powers – "Clad In Skin"
If you’ve ever heard of the ultra-indie group Youth Lagoon, then you know of Trevor Powers. He recently “quit” on that name and now makes music under his own moniker. He calls Boise home, which was surprising for everyone, I think. This song serves as not only a departure for Powers’ earlier music, but from the music Idaho has sent previously to 50SS.
Song suggestion from Greg
