It’s been a Hard Week’s Work…
Not only was it another tough week to judge all of the incredible entries, but I’ve also begun to work rather intensely on a mega Open-Mic collaboration!
On Saturday, I spent the entire day and half the night tweaking my custom mash-up reference tracks and laying down some rhythm guitar parts. I ain’t no Quincy Jones, trust me, but I’m kinda happy with the genesis thus far. Next on tap is to get a drummer and bass player on board to complete the balance of the rhythm section before selecting one or two lead singers to begin leveling up.
I am quite happy with the positive response I got from the community and all of the incredibly talented people who are interested in participating. I’ve started the ball rolling and I can really use some help in moving the project along. So if you can, I going to ask everyone for a small favor before we continue.
Please help me find a Bass Player and Drummer
Those are the two key spots I need to fill right now to complete the rhythm section and keep the project moving. You can find the two songs along with individual performance references here!
Thanks, guys!
Next Up, a few words about our Sponsors
Please, VOTE for These WITNESSES...
IMPORTANT: Before we move on, please don't forget to vote for @Pfunk as witnesses! @pfunk is our biggest supporter, and plays a major role in helping to fund, the Open Mic contest each week.
In addition to @pfunk, I am also adding @curie, @ausbitbank, and @aggroed to my short list of “must-vote-for” witnesses who support the Open-Mic venue.
You can vote for each of these witnesses right now by going directly to this link: https://steemit.com/~witnesses
With all of that said, following some further insights as to how I judge entries, let’s get on with it, shall we?
Steemit Open Mic Week 91
My Process
As one of the esteemed Open Mic judges, it is my job to come up with (or “curate” as it were) a short-list of my top 5 entrants each week. With all of the great talent here, that is by no means an easy task. Sure, tossing in another 5 honorable mentions helps, but not when my weekly list starts out with 100 or more of my favorite entries... You guy's rock - I'm tellin ya!
Yes, I am a Libra – so I have an inherent drive deep within me to be fair and balanced – good qualities for a “judge” if you ask me. That being said, I’m still human – filled with emotion and subjective feelings – just like you. So, in order to mitigate my subjective tendencies to the best extent possible, I’ve come up with a method by which to narrow down my selections in a more objective vs. arbitrary manner.
Here’s how I go about my personal judging process: I first start out with a list of 100 or more of my most favorite entries for the week, and score them (yes, subjectively) in six distinct categories via a spreadsheet. The categories I’ve selected for scoring are in general harmony with those explained by @luzcypher in his post titled How We Pick The Top 3 Entries, referencing such.
To get a more in-depth perspective as to how I personally go about selecting my artists, please refer to What I go through as an Open-Mic Judge.
Even though it’s still a “subjective” process – diligently going through each scoring category to come up with a “total” score for each entrant helps to minimize any overzealous subjectivity that I may harbor with respect to any specific entrants.
Quite often, this exercise doesn’t give me the exact results I would personally prefer to see – but that only means that my system of judging is working as intended and designed. With all of that said, here are...
My Top-5 Picks in Order
So this is what comes out when Darren tries to squeeze in some songwriting after a long day at work. I suspect such extraordinary talent must escape when given the least opportunity. “Chapters Just Begun” is a touching composition that most of us can relate to. Darren’s performance is brilliant, his song moving, and his persona ever pleasant!
https://steemit.com/openmic/@darrenclaxton/ahzbtkml
Inspiration is a most beautiful thing, especially when one acts upon it and turns that inspiration into reality! Well, that’s exactly what @soundlegion did after being moved and inspired by one of Sami’s performances. Bonnie penned some beautiful lyrics and set her melodic voice to this song in a most brilliant collaborative performance here with Sami, together rendering this inspired version of “Remember Old Places.”
https://steemit.com/openmic/@samidbarid/steemit-openmic-week-91-sami-d-barid-feat-shavon-bonnie-legion-remember-old-places
Though it would have been awesome to see the entire band playing this, Michael’s live “play-through” was rockin’ hard - and the next best thing! “Follow The Sun” is a well-composed hard-driving metal tune replete with great guitar chops, transitions, and classic metal flavors. Rock-On, Brother!
https://steemit.com/openmic/@michaeldietrich/steemit-open-mic-week-91-follow-the-sun-original-song
@ilazramusic never fails to impress me! From his comprehensive (dual language) posts to the richness of his productions, he is one of the most talented artists I’ve encountered. I sure look forward to his participation in our upcoming mega-collab! “Mia” is an engaging and entertaining song about when love/lust slips away from us and leaves us wanting. Not only must you check out his song, but you must also check out the work that he has put into the accompanying post! Bravo!
https://steemit.com/openmic/@ilazramusic/wxl0oo9x
Intense, deep, and with great clarity, “slow” is love. This is such a wonderful theme and composition. Siomara takes us on a short journey to remind us of such wonders. Her melodies and performance are soothing, sultry, and sensational!
https://steemit.com/openmic/@siomarasalmeron/ctm7bc5u
My Top-5 Honorable Mentions in Order:
First: @pechichemena – Lejos - (Original)
https://steemit.com/openmic/@pechichemena/steemit-open-mic-week-91-lejos-original-song
Second: @thisisjordan – Strong – (Cover)
https://steemit.com/openmic/@thisisjordan/steemit-open-mic-week-91-london-grammar-strong-cover
Third: @wilins – Stand By Me - (Cover)
https://steemit.com/openmic/@wilins/cba2bj93
Fourth: @johannesburghart – Same Spell - (Original)
https://steemit.com/openmic/@johannesburghart/steemit-open-mic-week-91-or-johannes-burghart-same-spell-original
Fifth: @drewsmusic – Love Never Felt So Good - (Cover)
https://steemit.com/openmic/@drewsmusic/steemit-openmic-week-91-love-never-felt-so-good-michael-jackson
Thank you for reviewing my selections for this week’s Open-Mic contest. If you find this content I’ve curated entertaining and of value to you, then please consider up-voting and/or re-steeming it.
Peace, Love, and Justice for All
A Very Special Shout Out To:
The following 20 artists who were very much on my radar, each within a splitting hair of making it into my overall top-10, and whose performances I loved, cherish, and respect most assuredly. This special list is very much an extension of my most honorable mentions.
They are - in no particular order:
@addiesworld, @tribedownsouth, @cezanne, @edward-ong, @honeymoon-1611, @moccamonica, @carljohn, @samjgonz, @dominiqueguitars, @shaktisun, @gibber, @edenmichelle, @carlosvidal, @orlandogonzalez, @camporr, @lk666, @shookriya, @klynic, @k0wsk1, and @leomolina!
Another Special Shout Out To:
The following artists whose performances I very much enjoyed this week. They are - in no particular order:
@juanhobos, @dustinseth, @minuetoacademy, @chrisgoans, @melodyrussell, @novumorganon, @katrina-ariel, @acousticsteveo, @mupsikotico, @dianakyv, @kantos, @carlosgu, @armoniritmia, @graceleon, @dreamrafa, @williansjmm, @lostgalaxy, @tcpolymath, @smollrecord, @salvadorhr18, @fernando.lubezki, @palmidrummer, @aidarojaswriter, @exzorltg, @juanmolina, @elisonr13, @danne10, @duocover, @thesimpson, @wethepatsies, @lozanocarmen, @nurhalima, @itslobianco, @davidcentenor, @beto14, @enriquemarval, @abrahampe3, @rodrigo98, @nadabrahmasounds, @digitalopus, @angelali, @jembee, @nestorchacin, @senzenfrenz, @steevc, @claratymusic, @drewley, @luismarcanoxd, @shephard, @valtmusic, @mariajruizb, and @coruscate!
Much love and thanks to each and every one of you who have touched a part of my heart and soul - not only this week but forever!
Yeah, 3rd place! Thanks so much brother! This is better than Germany will perform in this year's world cup ;)
Ha-ha! :-) You got it, Michael! Good luck with the release!
Gracias amigo @passion-ground por tu comentario en mi post y por mencionarme en el tuyo.
My pleasure, friend! Thank you for your music!
*
It's all true too, just ask my lady and kids! 'Mummy, daddy's in the garden singing a new song' That is music to my ears. I want to thank you for making me COTC and your top pick this week!
I absolutely love : @pechichemena – Lejos - (Original) It's so delicate and musical!
PS. I'm a drummer (first instrument) and bassist!
If I had 2 mins free time I'd love to get involved with your little collab project mate!
Have a great week and thanks again!
Darren*
Ha-ha-ha-haaaa! I might have been better off going that route! :-) You are most welcome, Darren - always, brother! And if you happen to hit the lottery or something like that, and find yourself with a boatload of extra time on your hands, you bet I'd love to have you on board drumming and thumping away on the mega-mashup!
Thank you so much for mention!🙏🏽
You got it, Sam! Thank you for your music!
Thank you sir @passion-ground for the honourable mention
Can't wait to lend my talent for the success of the collaboration
Awesome! Me too, Dominque! Thank you for your music, brother!
😊😊😊
Hey Brother,
really really honored to be here once more!
Honestly I thought I wouldnt make it on any Score again, after my last Weeks Entry didnt matched any Taste - wich was my personal favourite of my Songs "Bond over Distance"
All the more Im happy someone actually liked "Same Spell" !
Thanks for all your Effort Brother,
Best Wishes and Greetings,
Johannes
Sure thing, Johannes! Yeah, it's kinda strange how it all works sometimes... Ya just never know how things are going to pan out from one week to the next... Thank you for all of the great music!
Its just a matter of taste what makes Music so wonderful :))
Muy buenas elecciones amigo @passion-ground, muy buen criterio musical... saludos un abrazo
Thank you... hugs...
Hi passion, I recommend you as a bassist at Oscar Velasquez @racso he has play with me before and is greeeaaaat
Awesome! That would be great @moccamonica! Have you spoken to him about it? Do you think he would enjoy playing Bass for the two songs that we plan on mashing up? I love the way he plays! If he is interested, let me know or have him contact me via discord – I would love to have him on board! Thank you!!! @passion-ground#5524
I alredy told him. He is going to write you ❤ you are welcome
He is interested but is having troubles with the internet. He call me about five minutes ago and told me that he's in.
That's a beautiful thing, Monica... Thank you! Can't wait to connect with everyone... .x :-)
I just left Oscar a comment on his intro page. I am hoping to hear back from him... I am quite excited at the prospect of him playing Bass for the mash-up project. Thank you again, @moccamonica!
Thanks for the support friend, regards :)
You are very welcome, Carlos! Thank for all the good music, friend!
Solid list and great reviews bro. You truly are a hard worker and we appreciate you. I got my eyes and ears open for the progression of that collab you are working on, it is a wonderful movement
Thank you, brother D! Yes, I'm stoked as are so many others!
I've already got my rhythm guitar tracks down along with a general reference track to send out, which @soundlegion thought was kinda dope for a basic scratch...
Now, all we need is a drummer, (hoping on @steemmatt) and a bass player (@racso) to lay down and return some tracks so that we can then level up to lead singers - and then BAM we are off to the races!
Thank you for the mention @passion-ground! 😊
You are most welcome, Jordan! "Strong" was epic! I look forward to seeing and hearing more from you!
Thanks for the shout out. You rock. I'm a Libra too. 😎
You got it, Steve! Libra's rock man and you're solid proof of that! Thanks for sharing your music, bro!
@darrenclaxton is amazing!! falling completely in love with him. huge you put the @samidbarid collab in your tops, honestly fantasticly gifted individual... will be back in on judging next week always hate when I have to miss a week. solid picks and thoughts my friend as always.
Sami and Darren are indeed quite talented! Thank you @soundlegion, and thanks for your participation, help, and guidance with mega-collab too! Much love. .x
Hey! Thanks for the 😍
Thank you for the 2nd place of your choice! I also think it's super nice what bonnie wrote on it. Have a wonderful week, my friend!!!
You are most welcome, Sami! Thank you, brother!
I habr samid and bonnie duet in my head. So pretty. Pechis Lejosis a song I almost know by heart.
Awesome! Thank you, @passion-ground! Thanks for all you say about my song, and for that fifth place. You're awesome!
You are quite welcome @siomarsalameron! Your performance was awesome this week, thank you!
Cool! Greetings, @passion-ground!
Sorry for the delay in posting winner's this week. Steemit was having some technical difficulties but seems to be working fine now.
Thanks again @passion-ground for your continued support and love.
Click here to see who won Open Mic this week:
Steemit Open Mic Week 91 Winners See Who Won Open Mic And Join Us This Week --- by @luzcypher
Thank you, Luz... Now we gotta catch up with week 92! :-) Welcome back my friend to the show that never ends!
I'm so glad you could attend. Come inside! Come inside!
@passion-ground HELLO! Great friend, thank you very much for everything, I am very happy that you enjoyed my presentation this week, a pleasure and that I enjoy participating! regards
You are very welcome @lozanocarmen! Your music just keeps getting better and better - thank you!
No había visto que yo estaba aquí! Muchísimas gracias por el apoyo! No me lo creo, era la primera vez que subía un video a Open Mic cantando!
You are very welcome, Carlos... Keep singing!
Greetings and a big hug to passion-ground and all the chosen ones in this 91st week!
Saludos y un fuerte abrazo a passion-ground y a todos los escojido en est semana 91!