Tag Archive for You Be The Judge

Our Judge this week is UK New Age artist Wharmton Rise. He’s no stranger to OurStage, and after this week you will no longer be a stranger to these awesome picks.

Stats: 9 Judging Excellence awards as a Fan, 7 Top Ten finishes and 2 Channel wins as an Artist.

Judge’s Statement:

“Hi everyone!

My turn to pick 3. As you might know if you have ever listened to my music I’m all about the emotion within sound. I love a well turned lyric as much as anyone but just turn on your favourite movie and fast forward to the part which most engages your emotions; be it anything from anger through excitement to longing, chances are it would not have anywhere the same impact without the musical score. Also being a New Age/Ambient artist and being mostly a fan of those overlooked genres, it’s no surprise to what my picks will ‘sound’ like.

Thanks to Ourstage for the opportunity to feature terrific artists who operate in the backwater of the site and might not otherwise be heard outside their genres. Here then are my three picks in no particular order:“

1. Cold Star by Muzarks for Ambient/Chill
“I believe this was Russian ambient master Muzarks’ inaugural track to the site and it blew me away and the feeling was apparently mutual amongst Ambient fans since it ran away with the channel win for July 2009, it’s first month in competition. From the stellar sound choices and simple yet inspiring string/synth string melody over an ever-rising chord succession to the beauty of production; everything blended together to produce a brilliant work of art within the genre. Try his World tracks too!”

2. RUSH by Michael Horsphol for Ambient/Chill
“Possibly my very favourite artist on Ourstage (it’s a close call) is Michael Horsphol. Picking one of his tracks was extremely difficult but this, his latest upload, will hopefully lead you into an exploration of his magnificent talent. Every track tells a story and that’s what oftentimes moves me. Music is often like a journey and as such doesn’t necessarily end in the same place as it began. Also much of Michael’s music is a great showcase for our World/World beat music genre.
Having the access to extremely high quality tools is, as in many areas of life, no guarantee of a quality product. Not so with Michael. Track for track, I firmly believe that Michael is the most gifted composer on Ourstage and it’s a shame there isn’t yet a channel which can truly showcase his music. Words do not do justice to Michael’s music but then that’s not the proper order of things. Music goes where words never can. Just listen……….”

3. “Broken” by Emeria for Pop
“Two fine artists come together to prove that the whole is greater than the sum of the parts and searching the two individual artists (Lori Cunningham and Adam Amos) on Ourstage will quickly show that the parts are pretty good too! Ok… yes…. yours truly mastered this track for its entry into the Independent Music Awards. But that’s how I know it’s a terrific track! And … yes… it has words, a great lyric…. so shoot me! But just listen to the sound too. Lori adds another weapon to her voice arsenal here; previously ethereal, operatic and now dynamically powerful. Adam meanwhile continues to operate from a different planet to the majority. Enjoy!”

Think YOU should be the Judge? Tell us why! Send an E-Mail to rainy@ourstage.com.

We looked to Taste Buds to add some flavor to our weekly installment of  “You Be The Judge.” Check out these great picks!

Stats: 1 Connector badge as a Fan

Bio: [From Taste Buds' profile] Tasty has traveled the globe, and has had an eclectic variety of influences. Having spent many years performing hard rock, Tasty has changed his style to a more, funky, groove oriented pop music. He is serious enough to make good music, but lighthearted enough to bring smiles to the faces of his friends and fans. Tasty hopes to have success with his new style of music, but he also believes that making the music is most of the fun, and will keep making it till he no longer can!

1. How it Should by Rosella for Alternative
“‘How It Should’ is a tremendous song. Smooth delivery with that professional radio friendly sound we love to come across. The vocals are perfect for this ‘Alternative’ style of music. Well put together and delivered in a top of the line quality. This could be a huge hit, and I would like to see that happen.

I chose this song as I was judging because it was so good, It just wowed me. I enjoy songs that are radio friendly and this song was that and more!”

2. Do WhAt YoU WaNt by LiSa DeE for Electronica
“This song offers a ‘Prodigy’ feel with female vocals. It has that nice basey electronica sound, and made me want to break open a few glow sticks. I love the female vocals on this track, as it adds a different feel to that solid electronica sound. Give me a smokey neon lit room and Lisa Dae on stage booming this tune and I am there!

I came across this song as I was listening to a variety of channels and it kind of took me by surprise.”

3. Utopia by Europe’s Most Wanted for Ambient/Chill
“‘Utopia’ is an unusual but enjoyable sound. I was a little shocked to find this tune in the Ambient/Chill Channel, but after listening to it a few times, I understand well how it fits. This song offers a smooth almost “floating in space” ambient feel. I actually turned it up and kicked back on the couch and really enjoyed this tune. Electronic Ambient is in the house. The beat is soothing and the effects make you drift off into another place. Europes Most Wanted, is no doubt ‘Wanted’ in my collection!”

Think you should get to be the judge? Leave us a comment and tell us WHY! Don’t forget to make sure we have your e-mail address.

We’re honored to bring you this week’s “You Be The Judge,” featuring Knife River Cowboys and the arsenal of Fan accolades they’ve collected over the past year.

Stats: 6 Judging Excellence awards, 2 Connector badges including one Super, 4 Predictor Awards including one Gold

Bio: Knife River Cowboys are childhood friends from Oslo, Norway; land of vikings and apparently awesome OurStage judging stats. They are a country duo-turned-trio with the addition of their female vocalist, Hanne. The cowboys are currently working on finishing up their first album to be released this year. KRC’s Stein Holstad shared these great picks with us:

The Road I’m On by ChickenGrease for Traditional Country
“This is a great song with good arrangement. Top storyline lyrics. The vocals are great, and the harmonies is delivered with feeling. Love it!”

Streets of Asheville by The Weathered Road for Country
“The sound of crispy clear fingerpickin’ guitar combined with beautiful harmonies and right arrangement  gives a fantastic ’feel good’ experience. This is original in our ears! Wonderful!”

Kinda Late by Crissi Cochrane for Singer-Songwriter (female)
“A lovely tune sung in a fantastic way. The voice is kind of special and suits the song perfectly. Love the finger-picked guitar. This is a beautiful song!”

A special request was made to give props to a killer video from last month’s competition. It definitely won over a heart on top of winning its channel.

Ocean Song by Jessica McLean for Country Videos [August]
“I have to pick this one, because this is the first time I ever been ‘falling in love’ by watching a music-video. This is a fantastic song, and Jessica is singing like a goddess! Her voice grabbed my heart, and still holds it. Yes, I’m a huge fan!”

Do you want to be the Judge? Contact rainy@ourstage.com and tell us why you think you should be featured!

WhiteWolf of SilverWolf is sharing his three favorite tracks currently on OurStage for this week’s “You Be The Judge” feature. Think you’d like to share yours? Leave us a comment here and let us know why you should get to be the judge!

Stats: 2 Silver Predictor badges, 4 Bronze Predictor badges, and 6 Judging Excellence awards as a Fan; 6 Top Ten finishes as an Artist (as part of SilverWolf) .

Bio: WhiteWolf has been involved with engineering and music in one form or another for the bulk of his adult life. His work involved both performing and audio/technicial engineering. After a few years of working in the music industry as a sound tech and a special effects and circuit designer, he switched to industrial systems and was involved with heavy industrial automation until 2001 when he became disabled. Since then, he has reestablished his working knowledge of audio operations and combined that with his musical inclinations to help form the Native American music group SilverWolf.

1. amiti ve coev by tzili yanko for World

This song has a very moving melody and backing. The artist, Tzili Yanko, sings it wonderfully and the lyrics being in Hebrew add a bit of a mysterious quality to the song. The production work makes this song fit across many genres. All in all a real three thumbs up production.

2. I Need A Man by Jennifer Dixon for Southern Rock

This song can only be described as smoking hot. It has the classic southern rock/blues beat and instrumentation with a vocalist who can sing as well, if not better, than the current stars in that genre. The artist, Jennifer Dixon, has the right sultry sound to make this one jump out at the listener. In short, this one kicks some serious booty.

3. Surrender by SilverWolf for Ambient/Chill

This one, though one of the works by WhiteWolf of SilverWolf, has been included because it was a total surprise. This was one of those that just sort of resulted from pieces that together ended up being far more than the sum of the parts. Of all the songs WhiteWolf has ever written, this one has been requested the most. I am humbled to have been involved with it at all.

We talked to Jenny of She SaiD/ Australia to get her fan picks for this week’s “You Be The Judge” feature.  She picked some wonderful and diverse tracks that we’re excited to share!

Stats: 5 Judging Excellence awards, 1 Connector and 1 Super Connector badge as a Fan, 2 Top Ten finishes and 2 Channel wins as an Artist.

Bio: Jenny has been involved in the music industry since 1979. She supported tons of major Aussie bands with her cover band Kool Change back in the day. After taking a break to have her two children, she was back as part of Hillbilly Dix and now She SaiD. Jenny has a strong presence on OurStage and was thrilled when we asked her to pick some tracks to feature this week.

“I’ve decided to choose 3 of my fave songs from brand new artists here @ OurStage, in the view to maybe helping these songs and artists to get more established here. I know how hard it is when you’re a new member, to get your material heard and to build a fan base. So I hope this helps them out a little…”

The Way You Say My Name by Draz for Singer-Songwriter (Male)

“Right from the intro of this song, I was hooked by the drum pattern and knew I was going to love it !!! Kind of unpredictable throughout the song, but has a lilting flow, taking you to different feels and emotions…I really love the space, warmth and how it builds and pulls back…
‘The Way You say My Name’ is cleverly written and performed beautifully along with Draz’s infectious voice.”

Budapest by David Rome for Experimental

“The distant but evident sound of a trumpet is the introduction to this interesting and creative track, leading to a Middle Eastern feel and vocal style. I love this track particularly of David’s, because each listen, I’m hearing something different, new and exciting. I feel this is a true example of ‘experimental’ with the blending and use of different styles and instrumentation… Exciting and Unique…”

American Spirit by Crosstide for Folk

“‘American Spirit’ speaks for itself really….Very deep, beautifully constructed piece of music with the use of string instruments & horns at its best..Incredibly expressive, moving and somewhat mesmorizing lyrically, vocally and musically..Flows effortlessly, emotionally taking you along for the ride…This song lifts you high and then gently places you back down to a safe, peaceful place. I know I will be listening to ‘American Spirit’ very often. Really love it!!!!”