PHOTO BY NICOLE GOODHUE BOYD
Finalist Matt Minigell sings an original song he wrote while watching people at a motel.
By GAYLA CAWLEY
LYNN — Eight singer-songwriters competed in T Max’s White Rose Mic-O-Thon Finals at the coffeehouse Sunday afternoon, but only one artist could come out on top and receive $500 for his efforts.
Patrons made their way to White Rose Coffeehouse to listen to original material from the eight artists, while sipping coffee and cocktails. Each singer played two songs, and afterward, three judges deliberated.
At the end, a playoff wasn’t needed and Zion Rodman, 25, of Brookline, was literally crowned the winner, when he was adorned with the headpiece. The finals were the third round of the competition, and the finalists had advanced twice already over six weeks coming into Sunday.
Rodman said the competition was the first time he ever won something for his music. He characterized himself as having an Indie Rock, folk sound. He sang two songs, “The Storm” and “Photograph of the Future,” while playing the guitar.
“It feels great,” Rodman said. “It’s a nice, pleasant surprise. I guess it’s very reaffirming to know that people like what I’m doing and want to hear more.”
Rodman said his debut album “You’re Invited” is out on June 3 and the prize money will go toward getting some of the CD’s made.
The other finalists were Matt Minigell, Prateek Poddar, Alec Hutson, Rachel Marie, Nick Zaino, Fiona Corinne and Sway.
The organizer of the competition, who goes by the name of T Max, of Salem, is a singer-songwriter and the publisher of “The Noise,” a magazine that covers New England local music. He said Rodman stood out because he has super talent, but also has a calmness about him, where he doesn’t physically react to the pressure of being in the finals of a competition.
T Max said the competition was about bringing out the talent and having that one special person go on and do something in the future. The other finalists may not get the $500 prize, but he said they will still get something out of the contest.
“They’re seeing who their peers are, who are all excellent songwriters, and I think they’re going to take this into the future with them, in terms of networking,” T Max said.
Kato Mele, owner of White Rose, said when the place opened, the focus was on having a venue for arts and culture downtown. She said the coffeehouse is expanding what it can do in the way of live music and showcasing talent.
Gayla Cawley can be reached at [email protected]. Follow her on Twitter @GaylaCawley.