50SS 2019 Entries - Florida, New Jersey, Michigan, West Virginia
As you may or may not be aware, Semifinal 1 is closed! We’ve got a good chunk of songs left to announce, and we’ll do so quickly over the next week or so. Here’s another four great entries that we think you’ll enjoy, as they all are based in but explore different styles of pop.
Florida
Amara La Negra – “What a Bam Bam”
We start with a state that could be up for consideration in the future for its own state song contest round. Although the state is in the south, it’s the northern half of the state that is much more ‘rural’ and ‘country’ influenced, while the south includes the Miami beach scene, with Spanish-influenced beats and the leftover 1980’s freestyle scene. Amara La Negra combines her Spanish language roots (specifically Dominican) with English words in “What a Bam Bam,” and we fell in love with its tropical vibe.
New Jersey
Donna Missal – “Jupiter”
New Jersey is perhaps the most surprising state to have not yet qualified, with its close proximity to the Big Apple. Can Donna Missal do it for Jersey in 2019? This is a hybrid suggestion: we had two other songs suggested for this artist but due to their explicit lyrical content we went with the third option. In other words, if you like what you’re hearing, check the rest of her 2018 stuff out! Donna opened up as bisexual after she was criticized of faking her LGBT themes in the videos and despite having a real-life boyfriend. We don’t care what she is; she’s got great music, and that’s what counts.
Michigan
CYN – “Believer”
Songs submitted for Michigan ranged from redneck anthems to drum-and-bass, to a song that actually was meant for another state that we fell in love with and which you’ll see later. Anyways, it was a chance encounter with Katy Perry that launched the career of CYN (Cynthia Nabozny), who hails from just outside Detroit. The vibe to this song is an interesting blend of dream pop and maybe Malta 2019? We’re still waiting for her EP or LP to drop; until then, enjoy!
West Virginia
Qiet – “Mannequin”
From Reverbnation: “For those with eclectic music tastes to those who can’t taste anything, there is Qiet. Unclassifiable as a musical act, Qiet defies the bounds of traditional music, taking from every culture on the planet and orchestrating the sound, feel and spirit into a high-energy pop package. It is as fun is it is unique with its blend of rock, jazz, gypsy, funk and beyond. Notorious for moving even the most stoic to dance, Qiet’s chemistry resonates with the audience to create an experience for you to remember as well as a whole new perspective on music performance.”
