What is PRAG 6?

The Pineapster Random Audio Generator is a continuing series of themed songwriting / recording challenges. For PRAG 6, we will be returning to the original concept of randomisation, only this time it will be TOTAL CHAOS... inspired by this thread.

Sounds fun! How do I get involved?

IMPORTANT: Please ensure you have the means, motivation and commitment to write and record a song of ANY STYLE and 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 before 2359 on 29 Sep 10, post in this thread with the following:

a. A random band name (optional). If you prefer to work under your own name / proper band name / other pseudonym, you may do so, but will that be as much fun? Generate your random band name by going HERE and hitting the 'Random Article' link on the left - whatever article title comes up... that is your band name. You can shorten it, if it is really cumbersome.

b. A random song title. Generate this by going HERE and look at the LAST quotation on the page. Choose the last three / four / five words of the quote for your song title.

c. A link to a picture. This picture will hopefully inform, inspire and set the mood for the song, as well as serving as artwork. Generate this by going HERE and clicking on the top right picture, whatever it is. It's possible that the picture owner has disabled linking / downloads. If this is the case, go back and try again. Once you have the picture, please include the full URL for the relevant page. At some point, you might want to make it into a cover by adding your band name & title.

The nature of chaos and integrity:

Please do not keep refreshing the random pages in an attempt to get something 'cool'. If you do that, it is no longer random and will be less of a challenge! Obviously, no-one can enforce this, but the Sky Pixie will send you to hell when you die. And I'll be very suspicious if anyone 'randomises' a lobster pic.

And then?

Please send me a PM entitled 'PRAG 6' with a link to your post in this thread... this is so I can keep track of everyone's projects. If you fail to do this before 2359 29 Sep 10, your submission will not be included on the compilation.

You can then start writing and recording your song, which must be submitted to the PRAGministrator before 2359 on the 29 Oct 10 (see FAQs below for how to do this).

When can we hear the songs?

All songs will be mastered, compiled and uploaded ready for public consumption by 7 Nov 10.

red_riviera

PRAGministrator

Modified 7 times, last modified by red_riviera on Sun 31st October, 2010 @ 5:25pm

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 an original song of ANY STYLE and ANY STANDARD in a month, 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 prizes or gold stars.

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 a few No.1 placings for Pineapster artists in the Soundclick charts and airplay on local radio. 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, real band name or random fictional band name. 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 / cover art will be assigned randomly.

3. Instrumentals, spoken word, rapping and brief vocal samples are permitted, but it's worth noting that the more memorable submissions have usually been songs with some sort of vocal melody (regardless of quality).

4. You are encouraged to use this thread to post progress updates, ask questions, request advice, appeal for help, speculate on other people's projects or spread malicious rumours. However, the posting of 'work in progress' audio files is NOT permitted.

5. By submitting lyrics and music, you agree to their 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.

6. If you sign up for PRAG, but fail to submit your song before the deadline, you go on the naughty step and are excluded from the next PRAG. If you do not comply with PRAG rules, you are likely to receive a verbal sledging tobogganing from fellow PRAG-ers.

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 (not separate tracks). It 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. If requested (and if time permits), the PRAGministrator will listen to your song and advise on how to get a better final mix.

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, please request this at the time of submission (eg. add reverb, fade in/out, widen stereo field, run it through an bit-crusher and utterly knacker it, etc).

How do I submit my song?

WAV or 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. You can also email mp3 files directly to PRAGmasterAThotmailDOTcoDOTuk. Physical submissions on CD, MiniDisc, compact cassette or micro-cassette are also accepted - PM the PRAGministrator for the mailing address.

red_riviera

PRAGministrator

Modified 5 times, last modified by red_riviera on Fri 5th November, 2010 @ 12:52am

And to kick us off, here's what I got:

Band name: Lords Of The Earth

Title: Sense Of Life

Cover: http://www.flickr.com/photos/ekizz/5002012957/

Modified once, last modified by red_riviera on Wed 22nd September, 2010 @ 11:07pm

Power Ups! wrote:

I am in. my honesty and integrity has given me the somewhat dry...

band name: 440BX

Song Title: Operate the trapdoor

Image: http://www.flickr.com/photos/hh96/5011044789/ (I cant seem to post this properly today - help anyone?)

Ah yes. Some of the pics on flickr can't be downloaded or linked - marked as 'The owner has disabled downloading of their photos'. We can't use these, so randomise again please. I'll amend the rules.

David Wilson Clarke wrote:

I've been trying to work out how you only pick Creative Commons pics, but I can't get any randomisation in it.

Trial and error? Keep randoming until you get a pic that is not Rights Reserved?

Modified once, last modified by red_riviera on Wed 22nd September, 2010 @ 1:13pm

Sean C. S. wrote:

Band name: Memecylon Cuneatum

Song Title: Who Didn't Tell You About It? (from "There's no secret about succes. Did you ever know a successful man who didn't tell you about it?" Kin Hubbard - I might change which words I take from this quote if that's alright once I start flowing lyrical.)

Picture: http://www.flickr.com/photos/brunoat/5009164093/

I'll have to trim your title to Didn't Tell You About It - 3-5 words only please. Owner of pic has disabled linking. If re-randomise, then right click on the pic you can open it up in ;large size. If you right click again, you should be able to copy (if it is unrestricted). you might have to do a few attempts to get one, buit please take the first.

Ditto Hux - trim your title please.

Remember folks, you can shorten your random band name to something more snappy if you think they are a bit unwieldy

Solid wrote:

Thicky question - how do I link to a specific post?

Post, then hit edit, then cancel... the URL automatically goes to your post - send that to me please.