Music is a fairly central thing in my life. I can barely go without the stuff. So it goes without saying that I do have a number of favourite pieces here on Newgrounds. Problem is, I never actually got around to favouriting any of them.
So as a sort of tribute to them, I picked out a selection of artists from my reviews whom I particularly enjoyed and who have shown an exception talent and musical prowess that is uniquely their own. If you happen to be one of these artists, I applaud your efforts and hope you continue to make music.
There are quite a few artists whom I do not think I included in that list because the reviews got deleted. There was one in particular that I lamented losing. It was a Swedish lullaby and had one of the most beautiful vocal parts on Newgrounds. I have no idea what happened to it, but that piece has stuck in my mind ever since.
There are a few I want to make note of, who didn't appear on that list for various reasons. MaestroRage, who has made a lot of music in the past, but I never found anything that truly made him stand out from the croud. This does not mean that he has not produced a lot of music, simply that his music does not carry the same feeling and clarity that, say, Edgen or DanMan87 do. It is this distinction that's important.
I will also point out that no matter how many times I listen to Liberi Lunerum, it never gets old. Go listen to it. You'll see what I mean. Then there's Beyond the Magic, and excellent song.
It is the defining quality of a music artist if they can capture something in their music. Not just reflect it. Everyone can reflect war, or sorrow, or pain, or happiness. But can you capture it. Can you grow it into something that cuts right to the heart. To really make us feel it. This is one of the things I look for when I review. And in an artist.

Oh, and by the way, if you ever want me to review your piece, I'm very happy to. It doesn't matter who you are, how new you are, or how much you know about music. I'm always happy to listen and tell you what I think.

Please understand though. I will tell you what I think, and in no uncertain terms. But I also tell you why I think that and how you can improve. As this is an important part of constructive crit. Right now, it is very difficult to get a 10/10 from me. I promise you, if there is something wrong with your song, I will find it. If I consider it to be perfect, despite flaws, then I will give it 10/10. But not before. You will not recieve preferential treatment because you may or may not be a good artist. I treat everyone the same when I review.

I poke your piece with a sharp stick and watch what happens.

Krayon