What is PRAG?

The Pineapster Random Audio Generator is a continuing series of themed songwriting / recording challenges. If you want to know more about past PRAGs take a look in here.

PRAG 9

For this PRAG we're going for an ambient / instrumental / chill-out vibe. The overall aim is to assemble a collection of original tracks into a viable soundtrack for late night, wind-down, chilling and drifting.

Cool - Can I join in?

You can. All you need are the means, motivation and commitment to write and record an original track which, in your opinion, fits the ambient / chill-out / instrumental remit. You'll have approximately a month to do it. If you sign up for PRAG, but don't deliver a song, we'll have one less song than we would've done if you'd sent it in.

To help steer us towards a suitable late-night feel the album will take on the overall theme of Dreams.

Sure you're up to it? Then before 2359 on Friday 28th October 2011, send me a Private Message entitled 'PRAG 9', with your artist / band name. You can work under your own name / proper band name / user name or other pseudonym, but whatever name you use, that's who will get the credit.

In addition, I'd like you to provide a track title that evokes the idea of dreams, drifting, chilling, late nights etc - you get the idea. All submitted titles will be randomly issued to the contributors and used as their track title. Whether or not these titles are used as inspiration is not important.

What's random about it?

Ah, there's the rub and no mistake. For this PRAG I'm hoping that the random element comes from your interpretation of the challenge and, more to the point, your take on what constitutes Ambient / Instrumental / Chill-out. As the speculation thread showed, opinions are many and varied on this. Indeed, a panicked trawl around Spotify, in my own attempt to find out, exposed me to a broad range of styles sitting amidst the genre.

Can I use voices?

Absolutely - however, the voice should be used as an instrument, rather than a centre piece. Lyrics, whilst allowed, should be limited to the occasional hook that adds to the ambient feel.

OK - when do I start?

All assignments will be issued by 2359 Sunday 30th October 2011. You then have approximately a month to compose and record your track. All finished tracks to be submitted by 2359hrs on Friday 2nd December 2011.

Modified 13 times, last modified by Solid on Thu 22nd December, 2011 @ 7:52pm

red_riviera sort of wrote:

PRAG FAQs ( updated for PRAG 9 )

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 track of 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 or cover 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 track 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 hosted Reverbnation, Bandcamp and Myspace. More importantly, you get 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.

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. Post suggestions for artwork / covers in this thread and we will use the best as the official cover.

3. You are encouraged to use this thread to post progress updates, ask questions, request advice, appeal for technical help, lend / borrow equipment, spread malicious rumours and misinformation, engage in sabotage and ruminate on what makes a good recording. However, the posting of 'work in progress' audio files is NOT permitted.

4. By submitting lyrics / 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.

What format should my song be submitted as?

The maximum track length should not exceed 6 minutes. 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).

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. Note - The logistics of mastering of this collection have yet to be established. More posts to follow on this. However, rest assured that something will be sorted.

How do I submit my song?

WAV or mp3 files should be uploaded to an online file-host and the link sent to Solid via PM before the deadline. You can also email mp3 files - PM for an email addy on this. Physical submissions on CD, compact cassette or micro-cassette are also accepted - PM me for the mailing address.

When can we hear the songs?

To be confirmed - Early December is the target.

Modified 3 times, last modified by Solid on Thu 20th October, 2011 @ 11:20pm

Red - check it out for me, see if I've missed anything. Ta.

Power Ups! wrote:

this prag isnt going to include the "pragmaster solid sets a key for each submission" concept then?

That's right, no key limitations - just go for it.

7 entrants already - sweet.

jackbomb wrote:

So, ambient......

If I entered whilst Solids very kind offer of amnesty stands, and submitted a pumping rock/house style track... maybe it's street ambience?

Ja?

But it's hardly chill-out, which is the other part of the brief.

Modified once, last modified by Solid on Fri 21st October, 2011 @ 12:08pm

Looks like we're in to double figures. This makes me warm all over.