What is PRAG?

The Pineapster Random Audio Generator is a continuing series of songwriting / recording challenges. For PRAG 4, Pineapster artists will be challenged to create the highest form of art known to man... a Christmas song! This is your chance to be part of an alternative festive soundtrack and prove that Simon Cowell does not have a monopoly on Christmas music. And we expect this to be the most successful in terms of exposure via syndicated Pineapster & iTunes podcasts, as well as Soundclick.com.

But this time... instead of YOU providing song titles and the PRAGministrator providing the challenge, we're going to do it the other way round!

In the PRAGsack are 32 freshly minted song titles... some are festive, some are seasonal. Some are frivolous, some are sentimental. Some are cheesy, some are crackers.

How do I get involved?

If you want to get involved, please ensure you have the means, motivation and commitment to write and record a song (of ANY standard) within a month. Please be honest about this... if you sign up for PRAG, but don't deliver a song, you will have denied someone else the opportunity. Sure you're up to it? Then send me a PM before 1700 GMT on Friday 13 November, entitled 'PRAG 4' with the following:

a. Your band name / artist name / pseudonym. Collaborations with other Pineapstrians are very welcome.

b. A songwriting / recording challenge to go 'into the hat'. This can be something like 'Record using only four tracks', 'Lyrics from someone else's perspective', 'No stringed instruments', etc, etc. Nothing too difficult or too easy please... the PRAGministrator reserves the right to reject or amend any unsuitable challenges as necessary.

c. Whether or not you are willing to act as a reserve, in the event of someone dropping out.

Do not delay... PRAG is limited to 16 places and usually fills up in 2-3 days.

And then?

You will then receive a random song title from the PRAGsack. In the best tradition of Christmas, you can:

a. Keep it... smile sweetly and say 'thankyou, it's lovely, just what I always wanted' (even if it's not)

b. Return it... you will receive another random title from the PRAGsack. This can only be done ONCE.

c. Swap it... trade your title with another participant. All swap offers & negotiations must be made in this thread. Once agreed, both parties must PM me to confirm the trade. You may swap as often as you like before entries close.

All entries / returns / swaps must be complete by 1700 GMT on Friday 13 Nov, at which point you are stuck with the title you have!

By midnight on 13 Nov, the final list of participants (with their song titles and randomly-assigned challenges) will be published. You will then have exactly four weeks to write, record and submit your song. The deadline is 2359 on Friday 11 December 09.

If for any reason, you are unable to complete your project before the deadline, you must inform me IMMEDIATELY, so a reserve can take your place. Remember: Dropping out of PRAG means you will not be eligible for the next one.

When can we hear the songs?

All songs will be mastered, compiled and uploaded ready for public consumption by 19 Dec.

Good luck!

red_riviera

PRAGministrator

Modified 5 times, last modified by red_riviera on Sun 13th December, 2009 @ 2:00pm

PRAG FAQs

What is The Pineapster Random Audio Generator?

It is a continuing series of themed songwriting / recording challenges, each of which has a random element. As long as you have the motivation, means and commitment to record a song of ANY STYLE and ANY STANDARD in four weeks, you can join in!

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 to write something NEW. It's about getting a creative kick up the backside in the form of random chance, an unforeseen limitation and a relentless deadline.

It isn't a competition and there are no 'marks-out-of-ten'.

It isn't an opportunity for fame and riches, although everyone who submits a song will receive a some degree of positive exposure. For example, previous PRAGs have generated many 'Top 10' placings for Pineapster artists in the Soundclick charts. The songs are also syndicated as a podcast on the Pineapster front page and iTunes. More importantly, you get an opportunity to flex your song-writing muscles, collaborate with others, learn how to overcome recording limitations or simply have fun embracing chance as an artistic tool.

What are the Rules / Etiquette for the PRAG:

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

2. Song titles and challenges will be assigned randomly.

3. Once you have submitted a challenge, your involvement with it ends there. You may not interfere in the songwriting process once it is assigned to someone else.

4. It being the season of goodwill, instrumentals, vocal samples, spoken word and even sub-Merryn rapping WILL be permitted this time. But it's worth noting that the more memorable submissions have usually been songs with an original lyric and some sort of vocal melody (regardless of quality).

5. You are encouraged to use this thread to post updates, questions, advice, appeals for help and malicious rumours. However, the posting of 'work in progress' audio files is NOT permitted. Suggestions / designs for PRAG 4 Artwork are also welcome... this is open to all Pineapstrians, not just PRAG participants.

6. By submitting a track, you agree to its use as part of a PRAG compilation, as a free download and for promotional use for Pineapster. As the artist, you will of course retain copyright.

7. 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 will challenge you to justify the link. If you do not comply with your assigned challenge, you are likely to receive a verbal sledging tobogganing from fellow PRAG-ers, roughly equivalent to being hurled naked down the Cresta Run.

What format should my song be?

The maximum track length must not exceed 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) or .mp3 (preferably at least 128Kbps bit-rate). Before submitting your song it is worth checking that the audio file has no dropouts and does not clip (hit or exceed 0 dB). If badly clipped or unusable files are submitted, the PRAGministrator may request you to remix and resubmit... so if you are not sure, you are advised to submit your recording well ahead of the deadline.

Do I need to get my song mastered before submission?

No, an uncompressed stereo mix is best. Due to the anticipated range of recording methods and standards, all tracks will be mastered so that nothing sounds too out of place on the compilation. You may master your own track if you wish, but this is not recommended, as the overall quality of the compilation could suffer. If you have any specific requirements for the mastering process (eg. add reverb, fade in/out, widen stereo field, etc), please request this at the time of submission.

How do I submit my song?

WAV and MP3 files should be uploaded to a file-host such as Fileden / drop.io and the link sent the PRAGministrator via PM before the deadline. Physical submissions on CD, MiniDisc, compact cassette or micro-cassette are also accepted but must arrive before the deadline (PM PRAGministrator for the mailing address).

Song Assignments & Challenges:

1. Solid - Match Report From No-Man's Land

- Lyrics must not contain the words: Christmas, Snow, Bells, Holly, Mistletoe, Jesus, Santa, Chestnuts, Noel

2. Distant Guns - Arson Attack On A Christmas Tree

- Song must feature a key change (with vocals before and after the key change)

3. Chelsea Clinton - Hip-Hop Hannukah

- Song must have some kind of percussion solo (but not drums) i.e. bongos, milk bottles, monkey skulls

4. DrumAliens - Angels From The Realms Of Groby

- BPM of no less than 160

5. Postkogeko Vs The God Egg AJ & The 81s- Sayonara, Santa-san

- Must have three part harmonies

6. Garden Of Digits - The First Snowflake Of The Season

- Song must feature two recognizably different styles / genres.

7. Doctor Skinner - Caga Tió De Nadal

- Song must feature at least two samples of animals from Nativity

8. Gizz And The Headkicks - The Best Christmas Since 0 AD

- The song must use the words "sprout(s)" and use sleigh bells at some point

9. Darko - Brass Monkeys On Black Ice

- All sounds must be produced by one voice and one instrument (FX & processing allowed)

10. Pseudonyx - Mistletoe And Rohypnol

- Bassline must have three notes (no more, no less)

11. Telling Christmas Tales - Do Not Travel (Unless Your Journey Is Necessary)

- Song must have an acrostic lyric (with the song title reading down the page)

12. Little Baby Jesus - Hey! Corporate Scrooge

- The lyrics must contain some alliteration

13. Paul Carden - A Prayer For Jdimytai Damour

- No more than two takes when recording (but as much as rehearsal as you like)

14. red_riviera - A Christmas Message From Far Away

- Song must noticeably feature an instrument that you haven't recorded with before

15. The Kafinjers - An Office Party Without Alcohol Is Like An Office Party Without Alcohol

- Song must feature 4 solos, 3 verses, 2 bridges but only 1 chorus (in any order)

Modified once, last modified by red_riviera on Sat 12th December, 2009 @ 7:46pm

DrumAliens wrote:

PM'ed yah

And back!

Half full! Book your place early to avoid disappointment.

Power ups! wrote:

whatever happens - beings as i hate christmas so much - mine with be an Anti christmas anthem. just need to work out how i can shoehorn in figgy pudding to my atheist / anti consumerist views.

Don't forget you can return your figgy pudding, providing it is unopened.

Nothing so tacky. All titles are lovingly hand-carved by elves and go through 37 rigorous quality tests.

Even so, I'm fairly stunned no-one wants to exchange a title yet.

Power ups! wrote:

i think I will stick with mine in the true spirit of the oldschool pragonaut: buy the ticket - take the ride.

Very commendable. But a lot like bottling out on 'Deal Or No Deal'.