What is The Pineapster Random Audio Generator?

It is a songwriting / recording challenge, where each participant submits a song title. These are then drawn at random and assigned to the other participants.

The person receiving the song title then has to use it as a starting point for a NEW song or composition, which has to be recorded and submitted before the deadline.

All the songs will then be compiled onto a CD and also uploaded for public consumption.

What it isn't:

It isn't an opportunity to rename and submit one of your old demos, nor is it a remix project. This is all about being inspired towrite something NEW. It's about getting a creative kick up the backside in the form of random chance and about having to work (relatively) quickly.

It isn't a competition. As long as you have the motivation and means to record a song of ANY TYPE and ANY STANDARD... you're in!

It isn't an opportunity for fame and riches, although it is hoped that everyone who submits a song will get some degree of positive exposure.

Rules / Etiquette for the PRAG:

1. Participants can work solo / as a band / as a collaboration. You can go by your real names, user name, band name or any other assumed name / secret identity. But whatever name you choose to participate under at the start is who your song will be credited to. The number of participants will be limited to SIXTEEN.

2. Song titles will be assigned randomly and anonymously. For obvious reasons, offensive, insulting or ridiculously long titles will NOT be accepted.

3. Once you have submitted a title, your involvement with it ends there. Since titles cannot be copyrighted, you relinquish all ownership and you may not interfere in the songwriting process once it is assigned to someone else.

4. By submitting a track, you agree to it's use as part of a PRAG compilation and as a free download.

5. The track you record can bear as little, or as much relevance, to the title as you see fit. However, if you ignore it completely, your fellow Pineapstrians may well challenge you to justify the link.

6. The maximum track length will be FIVE minutes (16 x 5 equals one 80 minute CD). Your recording should be a stereo mix and may be submitted as a .wav file (preferably 16-bit 44.1 kHz), .mp3 (preferably at least 128Kbps bit-rate) or on MiniDisc, compact cassetteor micro-cassette.

7. Due to the anticipated range of recording methods and standards, I intend to master all tracks so that nothing sounds too out of place on the compilation. If you have any specific requirements for the mastering process, or have already had your track mastered, be sure to let me know at the time of submission.

What happens next?

If you want to get involved, please ensure you have the means and motivation to write and record a song within a month. You do? Then send me a private message with:

a. the name that you (or your band / collaboration) will be operating under. If you wish to keep your identity secret, be sure to let me know.

b. a song title to go 'into the hat'.

Submissions will be on a first come, first served basis and if there are less than 16 takers,the deadline will be 2359 on 17 Nov 08.

Titles will then be drawn at random, assigned and published in this thread within 48 hours.

You then have ONE MONTH to write, record and submit a track that has the title you are assigned.

All songs will be mastered and compiled over the Christmas break and will be available for download early in the New Year.

OK... GO FOR IT!!!

Also... let's have your ideas and suggestions for artwork / promotion / distribution of the PRAG compilation please!

Simon wrote:

its a lovely idea.

does the "songwriting" infer it has to be a song with lyrics and vocals... or could it be an instrumental piece - or instrumental with spoken word poetry? (like TO LIVE IS TO DIE from And justice for all, which is a 5 minute song with a short poem in the middle....)

Anything goes really... songs / instrumentals / compositions / found sounds / etc.

It's filling up quickly... only 12 places left!!!

Just 7 places left now.

I am THE Cary Elwes wrote:

I will be excited to see the final listings.

Guy - will you publish a preliminary band / track listing to whet the appetites?

Oh yes, the list of artists and their assigned titles will be published in this thread.

Everyone may not know who everyone is, but everyone will knowevery song that everyone is doing. That actually makes sense if you read it carefully.

Just four slots left now.

We've got a few 'lurkers' throwing their hat in the ring for this, which is great!

However, there are some Pineapster songwriting / noisemaking heavyweights who are conspicuous by their absence. You know who you are... don't be shy, step right up!

Hi Scorpia wrote:

Are you going to do anything to ensure that people don't draw their own song titles or is that part of the fun?

Well the idea is that everyone gets something new to spark them off... if you got your own title back, it would rather defeat the purpose. So, in the unlikely event that it happens, there will be a re-draw.

However, there is a 153844043300 to 1 chance of everyone getting their own song back. If that happens, I will cancel the PRAG, because the universe is obviously playing silly buggers with us.

Still a couple of places left, btw!