The USoS 2020 Class: Oklahoma, New Jersey, Kentucky, Louisiana, Washington

Greg Lehner
Apr 25, 2020
2 min read

Good evening! We're back this week after another minor delay, but we'll get to posting all the Semifinal One entries before this month is over - promise! Here are five brand new songs to share, all of which are competing in Semifinal One.

Oklahoma Greyson Chance - Yours Submitted by Derek

If you know anything about early viral videos, then you are probably familiar with Greyson Chance. He performed Lady Gaga’s “Paparazzi” at a primary school talent show and the video recording went viral. This was around that special time around 2010 where you could get signed to a label because of that! So he was, but didn’t manage much success, and faded away despite the notoriety. This past year he finally recorded a second studio album, after which he’s grown up and ready to tackle more mature song topics.

Washington Jaymes Young - Paradox Submitted by Pablo

Young grew up in Seattle and signed with Atlantic Records in the early 2010s, releasing his debut album in 2013. His alternative rock sound over the years slowly transitioned to an indie rock and pop vibe (working with David Guetta will do that to you), which may have been against his best wishes and he nearly quit his career in 2018. Thankfully he returned with new music, and continued to go on tour through the winter.

Louisiana Kylie Frey - One Night in Tulsa

Submitted by Derek

This Louisiana songstress is crossing state borders in hopes of gaining nearby support! Well, maybe? Although Kylie Frey is an all-American farm girl from the small town of Opelousas, her real dream was to sing in Nashville. Early radio success in Texas led her to working with legends Shania Twain and Paul Worley, and has collaborated with acts like Randy Rogers.

Kentucky Picturesque - Crimes

Submitted by Greg

They may be just north of the Country capital of the world, but Kentucky has more to offer than country music. And the timing couldn’t be more perfect - Picturesque launched their album today! You can stream “Do You Feel OK”, which includes the single “Crimes,” at your own leisure. They formed in Lexington and mix rock with pop flows and melodies. Now: what are their crimes, you ask? You’ll have to listen and find out!

New Jersey Best Ex - Bad Love

Submitted by Greg

Another group that is sharing their album with us really soon! Alternative group Bad Ex is led by Mariel Loveland, formerly of the punk band Candy Hearts. They released lead single “Bad Love” back in September. Loveland says the upcoming EP is ‘a middle finger from a woman who’s over it and finds happiness regardless of the things that constantly try to knock us down.’ If that sounds like you, then maybe Best Ex is the music you need?

After this we have nine more songs to announce from Semifinal 1. Have we heard our winner yet? Do you think any of these states stand a better chance of getting out of their semifinal than the songs that won their selections? Only time will tell!