Hello my lovely musos and music lovers, this week we have some absolute banger's - I fell in love with some new songs and found some appreciation for some older classics. 

You guys have a great show in store this week, with some truly gifted musicians - but before I get underway, I'm going to do something I have really done here before. 

<center>![](https://steemitimages.com/DQme1k5n4Jx7th7mJJJnqmtaayZQmgaU9AHzVYYXwszLYTH/image.png)</center>

I wanted to take a moment of your time to mention one of Open Mic's major supporters, the witness and my partner @ausbitbank - he not only donates 100 steem each and every week to the Open Mic prize pool, but he also votes on every single validated entry.

He is a massive supporter of the Open Mic contest and has been super helpful behind the scenes as well, developing apps to make our job of collating and curating - valid posts for the Open Mic contest into a more manageable task, donating countless hours to creating and maintaining them so things keep running as smooth as possible.

He is one of the top 20 Steem Witnesses, so all of this time he has donated to us at Open Mic - on top of his already busy schedule as a top 20 Witness.

Why am I telling you all this well, I have noticed that some people still don't realise all he has done to support the musicians on the platform - when I look over posts I often see mentions of the judges and of course @luzcypher and @pfunk (rightly so :D ), but I've also noticed people not mentioning him (I'm assuming it's because we haven't got the word out there that well yet).

So I figured as he isn't one to push himself with self promotion, I thought I'd give it a go on his behalf - as we should all be thankful for his contributions, both financial and physical.

So if you have a <a href="https://steemconnect.com/sign/account-witness-vote?witness=ausbitbank&approve=1">free vote available for your witness selections</a>, I would like you all to consider <a href="https://steemconnect.com/sign/account-witness-vote?witness=ausbitbank&approve=1">giving a vote to @ausbitbank </a>- he has been an amazing support for the musicians on the platform (especially Open Mic) and I think it's just one of the many reasons he makes a fantastic Steem witness.

Now that I've done my part to raise awareness of one of our largest supporters, without further delay - here is this weeks top 5 judges selection.

<h4>This week's top 5:</h4>

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TtyHGiBfw-I

<h4>1st Place - @kayclarity - <a href="https://steemit.com/openmic/@kayclarity/steemit-open-mic-week-125-to-the-moon-and-back-by-savage-garden">To the Moon & Back</a></h4>

Firstly I just have to say a massive thank you for reminding me of my childhood, as an Aussie Savage Garden was a huge part of my teen years - hell they grew up near me so it was massive when they reached massive fame, but soon were mostly forgotten.

Secondly I absolutely adore what you have done with this song, it's amazing how small changes can make a big impact - your staccato styling on the guitar and vocals really changed it so much for me, I'm used to Darren's long held power notes. 

You managed to maintain the emotion throughout the song, it even feels like the song has been sped up a little bit - which again can negatively impact emotion conversion, but not in this case it was just sublime.

I love the vocal choices you made in this piece, as someone who adores power vocals I was so delighted to hear the - amazing effect your stylistic choices made on this track, how you reworked this classic into something new and filled with raw emotional power.

This was an amazing rendition lovely, I always love your music and your covers - you make the song yours completely and it is truly stunning to behold, as always I can't wait for more!

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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AmnJ6XxsUKU

<h4>2nd Place - @tarotbyfergus  - <a href="https://steemit.com/openmic/@tarotbyfergus/steemit-open-mic-week-125-can-t-complain-ballad-of-the-mars-rover-original">Can't Complain</a></h4>

Oh my man Fergus, you just kick ass when you create your own music mate - you have such a unique and amazing sound, I just can't get enough it's brilliant.

When you tailor the song so perfectly as you do, there is something to it that makes it feel almost old - not in a bad way, more stood up to the test of time and still kicked ass.

Your playing and composition is just brilliant for this song, you manage to continue the melancholy tone of the lyrics right through to the tune - it's a brilliant way to set a mood, and keep the listener hooked.

Then you just smashed it outta the park with those phenomenal vocals, you have a beautifully haunting tone that just hits the spot perfectly - you really have me loving this song so damned much, I've listened to it countless times.

Lastly I want to touch on the lyrics and the inspiration behind the song, it was such a powerful voice you offered - an acceptance of the inevitable and being grateful for what you have, just an amazingly beautiful and powerful song.

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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8GsaT04gYq0

<h4>3rd Place - @K0WSK1 - <a href="https://steemit.com/dtube/@k0wsk1/w5rz47av">Under Control</a></h4>

Mate each time I hear you it's always bloody awesome, you have some serious skills - and it is clear to see and hear, you have such skill in captivating your audiences attention.

Your playing as always is sublime, your music is always beautifully presented - the mix always just perfect, it takes such skill not to overpower your own vocal.

But you have real skill in mastering you levels, I never struggle to focus on any one layer - then there's your vocals, just always kick ass.

You have an amazingly clear tonal quality, there's a purity to the sound you create and it's just beautiful to the ear - you have fantastic vocal control and I just always love hearing you perform!

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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2r3iAhy1d4o

<h4>4th Place - @danieldedosd2 - <a href="https://steemit.com/openmic/@danieldedosd2/steemit-openmic-week-125-cover-de-con-hijo-incluido-de-la-agrupacion-buena-fe-by-danieldedosd2">Con hijo Incluido</a></h4>

Wow I had no idea you guys knew each other, what a brilliant collaboration - I just loved every second of this performance, no choice needed it had to be in my top 5!

Firstly I love the dual playing, it added so much depth to the performance - but never once overstepped the boundaries, or impacted on the ability to hear the vocals.

Next I have to say absolutely stunning harmonies guys, you absolutely smashed it - this was so varied and complex, yet performed so well it came together beautifully.

You guys are all super talented, I just adored this performance - hearing you altogether was such an awesome treat, you are all amazing musicians and I can't wait for more. 

<hr>

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qCD2arnDBUM

<h4>5th Place - @roman.musica - <a href="https://steemit.com/openmic/@roman.musica/steemit-open-mic-semana-125-alli-estara-tu-abrazo-por-roman-musica-cover">Allí estará tu abrazo</a></h4>

This was just so calming and beautiful, I couldn't get enough - this really was a stunning performance, showing a great amount of grace and control.

The playing is sublime, subtle and gentle - always adding to the calming effect of the song, perfectly complimenting the vocals.

As for the vocals they were just brilliant, I love that the warmth of your tone was conveyed beautifully throughout - just an amazing performance, I really hope to hear more soon.

<hr>

<h4>Honourable Mentions:</h4>

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H9g64YzDdrA

<h4>@davidcentenor - <a href="https://steemit.com/openmic/@davidcentenor/steemit-openmic-week-125-cover-de-ya-lo-pasado-pasado-de-jose-jose-interpretado-por-davidcentenor">Ya lo pasado pasado</a></h4>

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=67FPvjpjQrA

<h4>@montanacellist - <a href="https://steemit.com/openmic/@montanacellist/steemit-open-mic-week-125-fly-me-to-the-moon-cover-cello-and-guitar">Fly me to the Moon</a></h4>

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9F53KswFuBs

<h4>@alfredmusic - <a href="https://steemit.com/openmic/@alfredmusic/steemit-open-mic-semana-125-my-entry-intrumental-yesterday-the-beatles">YESTERDAY</a></h4>

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zQjPncbkU08

<h4>@mariajruizb - <a href="https://steemit.com/openmic/@mariajruizb/steemit-open-mic-week-125-angel-para-un-final-cover-por-mariajruizb">ANGEL PARA UN FINAL</a></h4>

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P2ADcOwS9O0

<h4>@rodrigo98 - <a href="https://steemit.com/dtube/@rodrigo98/qkpjl1xp">Turkish March</a></h4>

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v9BOO4nToRk

<h4>@siomarasalmeron - <a href="https://steemit.com/openmic/@siomarasalmeron/steemit-open-mic-semana-125-or-busca-un-problema-natalia-y-la-fourquetina-por-siomara-salmeron-or-subtitles">BUSCA UN PROBLEMA</a></h4>

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ub0fNwneol0

<h4>@thesimpson  - <a href="https://steemit.com/openmic/@thesimpson/steemit-openmic-week-125-where-is-my-mind">Where is my mind</a></h4>

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7li6RqrMPWE

<h4>@lynnm - <a href="ttps://steemit.com/openmic/@lynnm/steemit-open-mic-semana-125-el-gabo-version-con-mandolina"> El Gaboh</a></h4>

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nSJGQEnK-wk

<h4>@wilins - <a href="https://steemit.com/dtube/@wilins/njqsbxtk"> I am my shore</a></h4>

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<center><h4>Master Shortlist:</h4> 

@NANCYBMP, @dreamrafa, @edwardstobia, @jumpmaster, @ylich, @elisonr13, @zeitli, @juanmolina, @Mayneth, @fishyculture, @derekrichardson, @Maycorjerjes18, @sayury, @lk666, @rogeviolinista. </center>

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So guys as I said another killer week was had at Open Mic, I absolutely adore you all - thank you so much for participating each week, you guys make this competition possible!

Also don't forget <a href="https://steemconnect.com/sign/account-witness-vote?witness=ausbitbank&approve=1"> if you guys can spare a witness vote, please consider one of Open Mic's major supporters - and give @ausbitbank a vote to show your support for all he does as a top 20 Steem witness!</a>

<hr>

<h4>Open Mic's New Discord Server:</h4>

I'd like to officially welcome you all to the new <a href="https://discord.gg/crax3e">Open Mic Discord server</a>, we have been open a little while now - with many of you having already joined. 

But it's still a little quiet and I blame myself partly (I didn't know the world of crazy would set in just after opening it up and I just haven't been there to engage with everyone properly or promptly), I hope to remedy this in the coming weeks and months with some big plans we have in the works.

For now it's very hush hush, as plans are finalised and things evolve - you a can be sure you guys will hear all about it.

In the meantime however, there are heaps of amazing musicians already on there - it's a tool and you guys need to use it to get full advantage. 

Ask a question, request a collaboration the world is yours - hell even just go in there and play around listening to some tunes in the jukebox room!

I will be trying to make myself more available on the server as time continues, so feel free to drop by even just for a chat. 

<hr>

Again a big thanks to @soundlegion, @meno and @verbal-d for all they do as judges, please remember to go and check out their top five selections each week and to @luzcypher and @pfunk thank you so much for making all of this possible - until next week.

<h4><center>Which was your favourite entry this week?</center></h4>

<center>http://imgur.com/1rTOMBf.png</center>

<center>**Like what you've read so far?**<br /><strong>Check out <a href="https://steemit.com/fiction/@krystle/welcome-to-the-world-of-keltorin-the-keltorin-series-so-far">my story</a></strong><br><a href="https://steemit.com/@krystle"><img src="http://imgur.com/MuQYMot.png"> <img src="https://www.steemimg.com/images/2016/08/30/krystle8a9f5.png"></a> <br/><strong>or follow me on twitter <a href="https://twitter.com/Krystlehaines">@krystlehaines</a></strong><br><strong>Please consider voting @ausbitbank for witness <a href="http://steemit.com/~witnesses">here</a></strong></center>