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Which of these undiscovered musical acts should be crowned Queens’ best?

The Greene Space’s 2014 Battle of the Boroughs continued on Friday, March 7 with a showcase of the borough’s most exciting hidden musical talents. From electro-rock to hip-hop, 12 acts representing the energy and diversity of Queens’ music scene competed. Now, the votes are in. Here are the five finalists!

Watch their performances, then vote for your favorite by Sunday, March 16 at 11:59pm ET. The Queens winner will be announced Monday, March 17 at 12pm ET and go on to compete against the other borough winners in the Ultimate Battle on June 27.

UPDATE: Voting is now closed. Stay tuned for our noon announcement of the winner!

Video Favorite Award
Your favorite band didn’t make the finals? Help them win a produced behind-the-music video of their band. The video with the most YouTube views during their borough’s weeklong voting period wins!

Vote: Queens Finalists

Nick Moran
Text QN1 to 69866

Nick Moran and his ensemble opened the show with a funky blues performance that the judges praised for its high energy and the interplay between the musicians. “You definitely have a very signature sound in your voice,” said judge Alicia Olatuja, singer and Brooklyn Tabernacle soloist who performed at President Obama’s 2013 inauguration. “You sing like yourself – not like you’re trying to imitate anyone else.”

Annika
Text QN3 to 69866

At 16, singer/songwriter Annika was the night’s youngest performer. She began writing music at the age of 10 and her first experience playing guitar was at the Willie Mae Rock Camp for Girls. The judges lauded Annika for her voice, songwriting ability and the vulnerability displayed in her performance. “You grabbed the audience’s attention right away and when you let that voice go, it was really a surprise,” said judge Tamar-kali, Brooklyn-based hard-core soul singer and songwriter.

Born of Scars
Text QN7 to 69866

The band brought their hard-edged rock sound to the night’s Battle. Performing together since 2009, the group includes two classically trained musicians and is fronted by vocalist Victoria Parkin – whom, true story, they found singing karaoke. Judge Leital Molad, producer with WNYC’s Studio 360, said the band’s metal sound was refreshing in an age when more precious indie rock dominates. “It’s a powerful band,” she said.

Tati Ana
Text QN8 to 69866

Originally from Russia, singer Tati Ana has been writing and performing for almost 8 years. Her sound is influenced by jazz and rock, but arranged with a modern electronic sound. The judges praised the haunting, cinematic quality of her music. “I really enjoyed the clash of genres,” said judge Tamar-kali, “because it had that electronic quality but there was a very classical approach.”

Jessica Rowboat
Text QN 10 to 69866

Singer Jessica Rowboat describes her sound as acoustic folk rock, but says her music’s influence begins with her parents – Indian classical musicians. Judge Alicia Olatuja said the singer had an instant likability and enjoyed her voice. “It has that kind of haunting beauty like Norah Jones, but it still has that youthful pop sound that is very identifiable.”