Music Nation is a Music Video Competition for Independent Artists

LoVE SeX n DeATH says

SpotLight Salute:
First of all, thank you all for being YOU. In one of my first comments here @ MN in the beginning of this competition, I said that I had first thought this competition was going to be one of ego and cut throat, and how I was so wrong about that. How I was surprised at how different I found this site to be, because what I found was the support and love from artists, for other artists. For the absolute most part, this still stands with me, as I know it stands for you. Thank you for showing me another way. Todays spotlights are slightly different from my norm. These consist of solo artists, as well as an artist from another competition (Virginia Sepanak: GAC), which just goes right along with the whole idea of this being about the "Nation", and not just about the "Spin". Here they are........ 2-Stroke: "Something Hidden" http://musicnation.com/music/damianshelton/something-hidden Hard hitting in every fashion, this song is felt! Not just the music, but the message as well. Damian Shelton delivered to me, a song that was very very likable from the get go. If I had to compare for description sake, I would say it had the catchy hooks and power of the band, Staind. Words that come to mind while I'm listening at this very moment are heavy, committed, honest, raw, natural, and rememberable! I could go on but I'll leave the rest up to you, cuz I'm already super impressed. Amber-Rose: "Powerless (2004) Home Video" http://musicnation.com/music/amberrosekelly/powerless-2004-home-video-nc17 Will somebody, fucking sign this girl already! Let me just get her great looks out of the way, so I can get to the main point here. In the beginning of this competition, I heard her stuff and was blown away. But I picked this video for these reasons. Ready? It's a home video of her, at age 17 (almost 4 years ago), performing a song that she had just written. This tells you everything that you need to know as far as being a natural star. Her writing skills while undeniable, are uncanny in the way of maturity. I'm talking musically and lyrically. Then, even more so, you'll definitely see, that this girl HAS NO FEAR! She is so confident and natural, that you soon forget that she's still only 17 here. Now around 20-21, can you imagine? Better than Avril (way better), I'd put her in the timeless category of Joan Jett. Brian Springer: "Disheveled" http://musicnation.com/music/bcspring/disheveled I didn't know what to expect, being that I haven't heard this artists music before. I have to say, that I was quite surprised. This song contained an edge that I was not expecting, in the form of hard acoustic rock. Sort of like if the Smashing Pumpkins did an acoustic cover of a Violent Femmes song. Melody with edge, always make for a great song, and this was no exception. Simply a great song. Virginia Sepanak: "All Gods people come together" http://musicnation.com/music/virginiasepanak/all-gods-people-come-together A beautiful song, a beautiful thought, a beautiful message, a beautiful voice, a beautiful appearance, and a beautiful soul. Click the link and go to her song, and you'll find that there's no way to put any of what I just said, in any particular order. You'll just find yourself wanting to support the artist, as well as the cause. The coolest thing about it is, either way, supporting just one of the two, supports the both. I find her to be very real. Lisa Donnelly: "Naturally" http://musicnation.com/music/lisadonnelly/naturally I have a question. Why isn't this artist a bigger part of this competition or site? Sure, we've all seen her from time to time in the higher ranks of this competition, but she should have more comments and more plays, because she is absolutely without a doubt wonderfully AMAZING. A perfect "one take" type of voice, with very memorable tones and hooks. One of the best female artists to come of recent is Sara Bareilles, and she reminded me a lot of her, by the way she sings and because of the greatness of her song. Go listen to her! You'll be doing yourself the favor. Promise! Michelle Hotaling: "Porcelain Doll" http://musicnation.com/music/michellehotaling/porcelain-doll I found this track to be interesting, because of the variety of styles that gracefully blends. Starting out sort of ambient, with a little bit of electro, moving on to a little funk, and then to my fav..... rock. This is not just another track, and the vocals are superbly done. I know that any and everyone will enjoy this, and appreciate it as well. That's my view, and my word. Peace. Elli$$ D33