Brielle is absolutely fantastic and maybe even my favourite Cor Lupus entry :heart: (It's that or Savages!)

Statistics show that "Ghosts" is your fave though :P

Statistics show that "Ghosts" is your fave though :P

Oh I had a little mindslip about Ghosts then, that probably is my favourite entry of yours :lol:

http://49.media.tumblr.com/d21da02862345ce39225767a9090dcd0/tumblr_nvw4rrvxzp1tky6ogo2_500.gif

 

New Beacon New Year: Year In Review - BJSC 75

 

 

It's a horrible thing to push love away...

 

BEGAN: May 2015

ENTRY: A-Trak f/Andrew Wyatt - "Push"

PLACING: 13th - 211 points

 

The first of two Canadian entries on this year's roster, it was a nice change of pace to see A-Trak's recent dip into melodic future house get through to the final. Seeing all the odds and predictions, it seemed like a safe qualifier at best but wouldn't really get that far in the end. Proving them wrong was a delight. This ended up being a massive improvement from our debut and made us think that this contest wasn't so cut throat after all. In fact, I think this is the contest when we started getting serious.

 

Highlights include Unovia getting vetoed with someone who got sent twice then sending a song that ended up getting to the top 5 in Australia about a week later, the start of the Lost Kings domination, and somehow getting no 18's and reaching so high in the competition. Not to mention the history Kylienips win. Hope the Mikey scandal doesn't make him turn his back on Buzzjack completely, because he's been on a roll.

 

-

 

Most Undeserved DNQ's: Don Diablo f/Maluca - "My Window" & Alessia Cara - "Here"

 

 

"My Window" was the true standout of Semi 2 that contest, so I don't know what the voters were smoking to get it so far behind. I also thought that Alessia Cara would get through by the skin of its teeth, only to drop pretty low in the semis. Then it started smashing in Canada and later the US, and everyone, including me, became so gung-ho about it we all forgot it was a DNQ.

 

-

 

Songs That Could Get Pointed Now:

 

Daniella Mason - "Shade Of You" (Hushkanukia)

 

 

This was more of the same old same old from Hushkanukia, known for female empowerment anthems (aside from Haris and the other dudes in PVRIS), so it never really captured my attention until I found a few ballads for my potentials for 76. I did give this a commiseration, so Cameron didn't really leave empty-handed that contest. 10/10 would recommend.

 

Halsey - "Ghost (Lost Kings Remix)" (Triangledonia)

 

 

Im searching for something that I can't reach...

 

I had never heard something so slow and lush since Selena Gomez released "Write Your Name" and it ended up gaining a commiseration from me as well. Fast forward to the release of BADLANDS. Everyone on Tumblr was raving about Halsey. So I revisited this, and I gotta admit, I might actually like it more than some other songs that I pointed during said contest.

 

Etienne de Crécy & Madeline Folin - "You" (Espen)

 

 

This was another song that I decided to give a try when I went to Paris. It escaped me during the final, despite it being a decent song in the first place. I think if Cal had sent it in a later contest, it would have been one of two instances where I supported Espen. The other time? Well, we'll just have to wait until the countdown.

 

-

 

Final thoughts: I would like to send A-Trak again, now that he's released more songs and I've been given access to more of his artists in his record label (through YouTube no less). Andrew Wyatt is a phenomenal vocalist and with Miike Snow attempting a comeback, that might be a choice as well.

Don Diablo and Alessia Cara :heart:

There is a guy in Anavae too :kink:

There is a guy in Anavae too :kink:

See I never notice these things :P

 

Fun fact: Despite not being my favorite entry, "Push" is my most played on my iPhone with 29 and counting.

http://49.media.tumblr.com/e5181a409ad8fa7e75089340ddce0ad1/tumblr_nv629eifU41uh9scoo1_500.gif

 

New Beacon New Year: Year In Review - BJSC 76

 

 

We're just some kids from the west end...

 

BEGAN: July 2015

ENTRY: New Politics - "West End Kids"

PLACING: 7th - 219 points

 

Sending New Politics was definitely a game changer. It was the first time we've sent an alternative song on the brink of an alternative win, and it was another established act elsewhere. Their mission, should they choose to accept it, was to redeem the country from a poor showing during BJFestivalen. And redeem they did. This received three 18's, the most out of all of the Lupine entries thus far. For a song that came out just five weeks before confirmations. Special thanks to Taahino, Aeroche, and Aquafina for those 18's.

 

The biggest highlight was Aquafina's record-breaking win - you know, the one that wasn't a giant Buzzjack scandal - and the song's subsequent rise to #1 in the UK.

 

-

 

Most Undeserved DNQ: Morgan Page f/Lissie - "Open Heart" (Harmonica)

 

 

Harmonica ended up getting another breakthrough with Jocelyn Alice (whom we were happy to give points to) but this was the best of their output by far. This was one of those songs that also worked well with the acoustic version, which could have appealed to the pop hoes more. Luckily, Morgan Page has a chance to redeem himself in Rejects, but this was a pretty questionable DNQ.

 

-

 

Songs That Could Get Pointed Now:

 

Kove f/Moko - "Hurts" (Aeroche)

 

 

I did give this a commiseration. I thought the final was too strong to fit it in. Then it slowly wormed its way into my head and then won my heart. This was kinda helped by me associating Kove's other song "Way We Are" to Season 5 of Teen Wolf. Go figure. Anyway, it eventually got third, so it's not like it needed my help anyway.

 

Jai Wolf - "Indian Summer" (Florina)

 

 

Now this actually took me by surprise! I was actually present for part of the final listenthrough of that contest, and at the time I didn't really think it was all that special, so it completely passed me by. A few weeks later, I went to this farmer's market and decided to pop this song into my SoundCloud because it fit the theme. That was when it won my heart. Apologies Froot.

 

Sandra Lyng - "Play My Drum" (Tinnmark)

 

 

Well, clearly I wasn't paying attention because this was getting hyped to no end! It also passed me by in the semi, not even getting a commiseration from me. I bet you all thought I was crazy. Now I think I might be going crazy because this song has finally won me over. I did get the opportunity to point Tinnmark later in the year, but we'll save that commentary for later.

 

AURORA - "Running With The Wolves" (Daehun)

 

 

Followers of the Teen Wolf thread (hi Yu) will remember when I completely lost my sh*t due to this featuring in a scene between Ryan Kelley and Holland Roden. In Yu's words, "You should've, you never ever point Daehun :(" At least I'm admitting that this could bet points now! I did, however, point this in the semi, probably due to it being a mellow rock song with the word "wolves" in it. I guess that's why it was featured in Teen Wolf?

 

-

 

Final thoughts: Game changer. Our first top 10 and a sign that bigger things were on the horizon. We'll save that for the next contest's commentary, though.

Appreciate the Ghost mention Cody :heart: I may send something like it next year seeing as it became my 2nd highest peaking entry so far :P

Kove and Jai wolf :heart:

 

New Beacon New Year: Year In Review - BJSC 77

 

 

We kiss, we lie, we fight for our lives...

 

BEGAN: August 2015

ENTRY: Five Knives - "Savages"

PLACING: 4th - 338 points

 

Like we couldn't make a recap of this year without mentioning our biggest hit to date! I love finding a guitar-based track and thinking, "Wow." That was the reaction I got when first hearing "Savages". Given, it was late at night in Vegas after an extra long road trip, it was hella amazing. To see it get recognition from several US radio stations and other forums? I was pretty stoked. Both "Push" and "West End Kids" were sent to BJSC while gaining airplay in their respective formats, but "Savages" was entirely new, so to see it take off slowly but surely was like watching one of your kids grow up.

 

Now I know how Ramrynia feels most of the time.

 

-

 

Most Undeserved DNQ: Dimension f/Raphaella - "Pull Me Under" (Terra di Campioni)

 

 

CALLUM IF ONLY YOU PAID ATTENTION TO BJSC THIS MONTH. This was a brilliant example of the kind of "rhythm-based video game type of music" that I love. Of course "Get This Right" was pretty good, and I was able to point something like this with Jadakissnia's cyber D'n'B joint, but this was absolutely godly.

 

-

 

Songs That Could Get Pointed Now:

 

I would honestly list 75% of this list, but here are the true highlights:

 

Kesh You - "Ризамын" (New Lexico)

 

 

When I first listened to it, it didn't quite register with me, and I was kinda confused about the added extra hype of a Kazakh girl band possibly doing well in BJSC. It ended up getting 14th, so I listened to it again. It sounds straight out of Cirque du Soleil - the production, the harmonies, the atmosphere of the entire song, it makes you feel like you're in another world.

 

GFOTY - "Friday Night" (Hendinia)

 

 

Where's the Bentley at? We've been waiting for, like, 20 minutes!

 

I have to admit that I wasn't totally into PC music back in the early days of my BJSC career, and while "HEARTSKIP" was whimsical (which was expected with nightcore songs), this was completely chaotic and I was kinda confused. Listen to this in a casino to get the full effect - that's my advice. I'm so sorry Rob that I wasn't able to recognize the brilliance of this song during the contest!

 

Jillette Johnson - "Torpedo" (Hushkanukia)

 

 

The second Hushkanukian act to get a commiseration in the previous contest and a mention here, and I would still point them now. Jillette was one of those songs that wasn't much of a discovery for me - actually, like Brielle, I discovered her while I was working out. Yeah, my gym had a weird playlist. This nearly missed out on my votes (you can blame Altyr for that because "Get This Right" is amazing), but its brilliance still shows.

 

NIIA - "Body" (Yehesi)

 

 

This was another one of Yehesi's ventures into the subtle R&B type of songs, and this kinda reminded me of something Rihanna should have done for her comeback. It was both sexy and dark, while at the same time uplifting, which is a rare combination. To see it get knocked down from my votes in such a strong final was a bit heartbreaking to say the least.

 

Wrathschild - "Mars" (Avalonia)

 

 

I was able to give points to Avalonia when SVË was sent to the contest (truly their best entry), but this was when I started to notice them as true fighters and contenders. Don't get me wrong, Lifehouse was a pretty nice entry, but it seemed like DNQ fodder. This, however, was one of my contenders to win. To see is only scrape top 30 was criminal.

 

Raye - "Bet U Wish" (Jukianië)

 

 

Totto is probably the only person who's really gotten R&B during his entire BJSC career and nothing would get past this song in terms of quality (except Kehlani and maybe EAD3N). It also pained me to cut this out of my votes because it ended up growing on me into something that would play in a few US radio stations. Don't give up hope on those though - just look at The Internet's "Under Control".

 

Sicko Mobb - "Kool-Aid" (Trifoski)

 

 

This was a song that I expected to hate, actually. I was surprised to be treated to one of the best hipster rap experiences outside of Tumblr. Only on Buzzjack. This received a commiseration as well, but if ONLY this had managed to get through the semis in possibly 78, I would have definitely pointed it. I eventually did throw Trifoski a bone later in the year, but this was pretty sick.

 

-

 

Final thoughts: This is one of my favorite contests EVER, let alone this year. The contest was incredibly strong in terms of quality and cutting songs out of my top 20 was just a chore.

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New Beacon New Year: Year In Review - BJSC 78

 

 

We're like rivers in the night, I go left and you go right...

 

BEGAN: September 2015

ENTRY: Thomas Jack - "Rivers (Original Mix)"

PLACING: 21st - 171 points

 

Our first hosting gig. I would like to give a special thanks to Aquafina for making it all possible. Unfortunately, the entire contest has been soiled with controversy that it doesn't seem right to look back into it. But I'll do it anyway.

 

This month marked a significant change in dynamic as we went from the hard-hitting "Savages" to the chill and laid-back "Rivers", just as summer is about to end. Two other potentials in "Rush" and "R U Mine" were also sent. We now know how it feels to be in Cadelicia's shoes - to realize that you could have gone top 10 with an entry that you considered is kinda painful. I will say this, however: co-hosting was such an amazing experience and I'm thankful that I was able to obtain this opportunity. Thanks to everyone for all the support.

 

Thankfully, Thomas Jack might get some real-life revenge, as "Rivers" was re-recorded with the assistance of Nico & Vinz, and now the video has been put up. Maybe now it can smash?

 

-

 

Most Undeserved DNQ: Christina Novelli - "Same Stars" (Danaelanda)

 

 

As most will remember, I had a mini meltdown over this DNQ'ing in the semi I had hosted. WHAT THE HELL WERE YOU ALL THINKING. Thankfully, the song now has a chance to smash in Rejects, and hopefully it will get the justice it deserves. It's also good that this qualified as it's a feel-good track to lighten up anyone's mood in such an era of negativity and discrimination. We are one race, looking at one sky, surrounded by the same stars. It's a brilliant message.

 

-

 

Songs That Could Get Pointed Now:

 

Sweet Suspense - "Gibberish" (Yehesi)

 

 

I support Sweet Suspense fully - I have since their stint on X Factor. For them and MAX to record the same song and then release it at different times kinda confused me when it came to confirmations, especially since I went along knowing the MAX version was the first released (it was one of my potentials). This ended up getting a commiseration from me, but now I actually think I could have thrown it a bone. My top 20 was pretty strong anyway.

 

Pawl - "Set My Heart On Fire" (Syndare)

 

 

I was genuinely surprised by how good this song was considering Syndare had repeatedly dropped the ball over the summer. It has grown on me little by little, but unfortunately back then it didn't get any points from me. Sorry David.

 

-

 

Final thoughts: I pretty much said all that there was in the initial commentary. To Lew and Bray, thank you for helping with MP3 packs, and thanks to all who made this possible. It was such a delight.

AURORA, Daehun's only mainstream crossover smash artist *.*

 

(you STILL should've pointed it, you hoe)

I gave it two points in the semis :D It started to grow on me because Marrish

 

 

I point you more often now, you know K-pop is my weakness

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New Beacon New Year: Year In Review - BJSC 79

 

 

Spinning round, I go dancing with ghosts...

 

BEGAN: October 2015

ENTRY: Charlie - "Ghosts"

PLACING: 14th - 204 points

 

Our youngest act through comes in the form of 15-year-old Canadian Next Star veteran Melissa Storwick, more commonly known by her middle name Charlie. This was her first single in three years since her days at Next Star, a show that has produced Canadian singers by the likes of Alyssa Reid and Victoria Duffield. So to think that three years and an acting career would get in the way of her talent as a singer? Not likely. It's because she's that young and has garnered that much success already that made us pay attention to her, so that when she released "Ghosts", it was a clear impact. Let me tell you: that type of pop perfection should not be locked up in a small radio format.

 

-

 

Most Undeserved DNQ: Friction f/Josh Barry - "Freak" (Varakë)

 

 

Varakë is a country that rarely gets the appreciation it deserves whenever their entries garner it. "Luxury" went over my head and the other DNQ's I could either take or leave. This one... I just can't bear to see it fail so much. It didn't even get the justice it deserved. Like, hello? This is another Chase & Status-like song, and if Koven could get through, I thought this would stand just as much of a chance.

 

-

 

Songs That Could Get Pointed Now:

 

Avec Sans - "Resonate" (Quintessa)

 

 

This has indeed... for lack of a better term, resonated with me now. It was quirky, at the time it was pretty tricky to follow your position, and this completely passed my by despite doing both the semi final and final Dubtrack listening parties. Luckily you were close to points the next final around, Leo. I just wish the contests weren't so strong now.

 

JOYRYDE - "GIVE MY LOVE" (Vulkyria)

 

 

I think right now, this would have been the song I would repay the favor of you giving "Catch A Star For You" points for. I also believe you gave some more points to Thomas Jack? Lemme check for a bit. Anyway, this reminded me of another artist whom I considered a few contests back and this was a subgenre of dance that I could really get into. This is DJ fodder for the hipster's soul.

 

DiA - "Egeya" (Terra Avium)

 

 

Oh Chez :cry: I feel really bad for The Six edging this out now because this was the one song that really made you IMO. It was the blend of seriousness in the beat and the "H Καμήλα"-esque feel that really drew me in - it was so hypnotic that I couldn't just listen to it once, and that was what made me grow into it. Of course by the time I sent in my votes, you just missed out. Once again, I'm so sorry :cry:

 

Son Lux - "You Don't Know Me" (Tartford)

 

 

Like I said somewhere in the BJSC forum, Tartford is a country that can surprise me at any time. See Cigarettes After Sex, an entry I thought would be good for Unknown Pleasures but would be the type to crash and burn in a regular BJSC affair - that ended up qualifying. Dusty O was pretty much the same thing except it didn't qualify. So this was a complete wrench in the spammer for the most part. It really did show that the country had potential aside from sending Maria Hazell songs and defying predictions of bottom three in the semi final. It was your most successful hit, which I'm proud of, it was featured in Quantico, which was a nice surprise, and overall, the strong contest kinda held you back, but it was nice to see you succeed for a change, AH Gold.

 

-

 

Final thoughts: Overall, I think I'm pretty proud of sending Charlie and the success and praise she received, not just because she had a quirky blogpop song that could easily translate anywhere, but because I love discovering young talent and I really do think there is a future for her.

Backstage Access Episode 7: Come On, Christmas Spin-Off!

 

 

Artist: Alaska, Courtney Act & Willam

Track: "Dear Santa, Bring Me A Man"

 

Come on Santa Claus!

Come on reindeers!

Come on flying through the sky delivering presents to all the good boys and girls around the world in one night OKRRRRRRRRRR!!!!!

 

 

Hieeeeeee.

 

It's time to return to our trashy pop roots as three RuPaul's Drag Race alums get their ho ho ho on for Cor Lupus this holiday special. We have the illustrious trio of Alaska Thunderfuck (Season 5), Courtney Act (Season 6), and Willam (Season 3) bringing their cover of The Weather Girls' "Dear Santa", appropriately titled, "Dear Santa, Bring Me A Man". With Willam's raw attitude, Alaska's comedic presence, and Courtney's phenomenal voice (she was on a season of Australian Idol after all), we're ready to serve that naughtiness and bring the fire to the stage. Or at least the fireplace. Come on, let's not get last.

 

Now tell me, who wants a man this Christmas? We're making our list and checking it twice, and who the hell cares if you've been naughty or nice!

http://45.media.tumblr.com/676ab000e0da3db4648a16105ffd4ee5/tumblr_nrucgcK48o1trsn9io1_500.gif

 

New Beacon New Year: Year In Review - BJSC 80

 

 

Lost in the moment, if the feeling's right...

 

BEGAN: November 2015

ENTRY: Wave Racer (feat. B▲by) - "Flash Drive"

PLACING: 27th - 157 points

 

So we ended the year on a low. "Flash Drive" was our lowest-scoring song of the contest after predictions of being a hit similar to "Rock U Tonite". It was a time to go experimental with a cutesy future bass song that wasn't the usual anthemic jam that we put up, to show that we can still switch it up even after exhausting most genres in past contests. So what should be my commentary to this? I've already exhausted much of what I said after the results were over... and I received so much backlash for that. This may be the last time we go experimental. Until it somehow draws us back in. Only you can decide that.

 

-

 

Most Undeserved DNQ: f(x) - "4 Walls" (Daehun)

 

 

Well, Yu. You know I would have given this full points if I was in the other semi, let alone given it an 18 if it qualified. You just know my weakness. Of course AOA was pretty good and only my love for "Same Stars" eclipsed that, but this was one of the K-pop songs that I expected through, out of I think five sent? This was the one that also got the most hype. It was a return to form for Daehun and y'all made it look like it wasn't. Luckily it made it through to the Rejects final so it wasn't all in vain.

 

-

 

Songs That Could Get Pointed Now:

 

Owsey, Jernalism & Resotone - "I've Been Secretly Falling Apart" (Terra Avium)

 

 

Oh, Chez :cry: :cry: :cry: Always so close and yet so far. Like DiA the contest before, this has been growing on me like a RASH. While I really liked "Ferrari" and have praised "Egeya" in the contest write-up before, I've noticed why this was the one Terra Avium moment for the masses. After much inspiration and some failures along the way, you've finally done it. Underdogs ftw.

 

HyunA - "Red" (Frandoot)

 

 

K-Pop is normally a hit for me so to end up cutting this and "Awoo" from my points was pretty painful. Any song that takes inspiration from Miley Cyrus is a win for me. LOVE how she paid homage to "We Can't Stop" as that is one of my favorite videos of 2015. That small "Dark Horse" homage was also pretty good.

 

Lim Kim - "Awoo" (Republic Of Adonia)

 

 

SPEAKING OF WHICH! Once again, K-Pop is my weakness but considering this was more on the typical K-Pop side (don't get me wrong, it was the same thing with "Red" and "Crazy"), it ended up getting kicked out by the many strong songs of the contest.

 

Mirror Talk - "1/M/T" (Quintessa)

 

 

This was all kinda of unfortunate. It was one of the songs I liked the best and it was between this and Chelsea Lankes. Now I really like "Home", and I hold Beaverdonia entries to a pretty high standard (at least after "Η Καμήλα"), and this was unfortunately knocked out by a hair. I'm so sorry :cry: :cry:

 

-

 

Final thoughts: I honestly have no idea what my next step is. I have my darkest potential yet and a few songs that I already wanna save for next contest. Maybe Iz is right. Maybe I do have too many potentials for my own good.

Well, I'm very happy you came round to them both, even if they were unfortunate enough to just miss out both months :P I was thrilled to see Owsey do so well and also DIA defy the odds a bit, both were real risks which I've sent most of the year so it was even better, I will try and get those Cor Lupus points next year~ (and repay you a few more as well!)

Well, I'm very happy you came round to them both, even if they were unfortunate enough to just miss out both months :P I was thrilled to see Owsey do so well and also DIA defy the odds a bit, both were real risks which I've sent most of the year so it was even better, I will try and get those Cor Lupus points next year~ (and repay you a few more as well!)

Send more glitch hop and maybe that will happen (Coyote Kisses :heart: :heart:) :P

 

No but really, "Egeya" was both random and amazing - it was one of those songs that was so bizarre in a good way that I just couldn't play it once :P Then I checked out Owsey and it almost made me cry. It's a bit hypnotic to say the least.

Twas the week before Christmas, and all through the land,

It was TBO season, 70 qualifiers the mods would hand,

This country celebrated with joy and with glee,

For not just one qualifier - no, we got three.

 

We were given a shock second chance with Brielle, maybe this time she can do well?

 

 

Rock got us to #1 in the mids, so maybe it will repeat for "West End Kids"?

 

 

And then came the most obvious one of the day - we for sure know Five Knives will slay:

 

 

The semis were organized with loads of care in the hope that I won't flop in despair.

So before I wrap up this post for the night...

Happy TBO to you all, and you better vote right. ^_^

 

-

 

Thanks for getting us three qualifiers for TBO season! We for sure won't disappoint!

Top 150 coming soon... Will you be the true alpha?

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