We here at FRED are true lovers of music, in all its forms. We’re also quite keen on the spirit of competition, and of spurring creativity through said competition.
To that end, we launched a unique form of creative combat.
In this age of manufactured and painfully earnest talent contests, we’ve decided to instead shine a light on the quirky, quixotic underworld of musicians that don’t get nearly the attention they deserve.
Ah, but I did mention that there was a competition involved…
From now until 11:59pm EST on SATURDAY, JANUARY 30th, we’ll be accepting sign-ups from any and all musicians across this here internet. We have 20 slots open – All you have to do is be one of the first 20 to apply via the form below, and you’re in. THE LIST OF CHALLENGERS AND THE FIRST TASK WILL BE ANNOUNCED ON MONDAY, FEBRUARY 1st, 2010.
Once those participants have been announced, the showdown will commence.
Like a songwriting version of Iron Chef, the competitors will be presented with a very specific songwriting challenge. They’ll be given one week to complete their songs – however they see fit, within the parameters set forth – after which time the entries will be uploaded to FRED to be voted on by you, the audience.
At the end of the 3rd Challenge, the two Challengers with the most votes will face off, mano a mano for the title of…
MASTER OF SONG FU
However, there may yet be one final challenge for this newly crowned Master – for they very well might (if the stars align and schedules permit) face off against one of the LEGENDARY MASTERS – artists like Jonathan Coulton, Paul & Storm, Neil Innes, Doc Hammer, & The RiffTones. Think of them as the iron chefs of Song Fu – one of which may or may not be revealed as your ultimate challenge. Only the wheel of uncertainty can predict (and even then, not).
And if you triumph, not only will you win remarkable (and potentially off-putting) bragging rights and a clutch of fantastic mystery prizes, you will also become the proud owner of the magnificent, one-of-a-kind MASTER OF SONG FU TROPHY.
Remember, you must be able to realize a song both lyrically and musically. This competition is open to both singer/songwriters and bands – but since space is limited, only enter if you truly accept the challenge. As stated above, we’ll be accepting the first 20 valid applications we receive.
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Are you ready to bring your Fu? If so, fill out the form below:
SIGN-UP FOR THIS ROUND HAS CLOSED. CHALLENGERS WILL BE NOTIFIED VIA E-MAIL BY THURSDAY, JANUARY 28th, & THE FIRST CHALLENGE WILL BE REVEALED ON MONDAY, FEBRUARY 1st. PLEASE NOTE: EVEN IF YOU DID NOT MAKE IT IN AS A FORMAL CHALLENGER FOR THIS EDITION, SHADOW ENTRIES ARE ALWAYS WELCOME.
Note: Competitors will be notified via e-mail of their selection.
If you have any problems submitting your entry via the form above, you can also e-mail the entry information to mail @ asitecalledfred.com (taking out the spaces, naturally) with the subject line “Song Fu”.
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WooHoo!!!
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Song Fu! Song Fu! Song Fu! Song Fu!
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🙂
Comment by Edric Haleen — January 25, 2010 @ 6:26 am
Godz Poodlz are excited to have signed up for another Song Fu! Thanks to Ken and FRED. Rock on!
Comment by Russ Rogers (of Godz Poodlz) — January 25, 2010 @ 8:39 am
Is this “first 20 to apply” anything like “Paul and Storm talk about some stuff for five to ten minutes, on average”?
Comment by mtgordon — January 25, 2010 @ 12:32 pm
Strict 20 this time.
Comment by UncaScroogeMcD — January 25, 2010 @ 1:31 pm
I look forward to being pummelled by the best the ‘Net can offer. Huzzah!
Comment by Inverse T. Clown — January 25, 2010 @ 2:13 pm
Just got done signing up! Can’t wait for the fun to start!
Comment by Kylie Petto — January 25, 2010 @ 6:11 pm
If you’re going to be strict with the 20 person limit, might I suggest you being a little picky about who gets in. I mean if someone has a history of dropping out…maybe allow someone who’s more reliable in.
Comment by Spintown — January 25, 2010 @ 6:28 pm
Let’s me out. I have no history at all.
Comment by Dave Leigh — January 25, 2010 @ 11:14 pm
Since we’re adhering to the strict twenty, why don’t we just announce the challenge once all twenty are signed up (if the challenge and everything is ready to go)? Just a thought.
Comment by Ian Johnsonn — January 26, 2010 @ 5:06 pm
I got a form back saying thanks for signing up. Hopefully I got in. Now I feel a bit paranoid. I suppose if I’m not I’m not.
Comment by Denise Hudson — January 27, 2010 @ 1:05 am
I signed up the first day and got a thank for signing up page. I had expected a confirmation email–I thought I got one last time just for trying to sign up. I make stuff up sometimes though.
I hope I get in.
crossFingers();
Comment by Spencer — January 28, 2010 @ 1:09 am
Doing a quick headcount. Edric, Godz Poodlz, Inverse T, Kylie Petto, Dave Leigh, Ian “Two Shades” Johnson, Denise and Spencer. That’s NINE. I think Joe’s in, but he should compete in the Master Class. I would love to see Molly and Berg & Jerry compete in the Master Class too! Sara Parsons is too busy with school to compete in Song Fu #6. Who else is in and who is out? I know we will find out for certain on February 1st, but the suspense is killing me.
Feel free to come speculate, commiserate, quibble, gossip or share your profound insights about Song Fu on facebook. There is a facebook group for Masters of Song Fu at: http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=99943309099
Wait, I just remembered, Boffo Yux Dudes are in. That’s TEN.
Comment by Russ Rogers (of Godz Poodlz) — January 28, 2010 @ 3:10 pm
Here’s to hoping to see Lex Vader in the competition again…
Comment by HelenMirrensMerkin — January 28, 2010 @ 6:00 pm
I did the same as Spencer, and was worried about the lack of a confirmation email. I hope I’m in as well. This fool wants to Fu!
Comment by Gorbzilla — January 28, 2010 @ 6:17 pm
I also signed up the first day. Glad to hear I’m not the only one who hasn’t received anything.
Comment by Chris Perkins — January 28, 2010 @ 7:11 pm
I signed up on the morning of the first day, and now I’m glad I did. IIRC, the confirmation e-mails don’t go out until about the same time as the challenge goes up (or shortly there-before) so I’m not worried about not having one (yet). After the last two rounds, 20 will feel small.
Comment by Caleb Hines — January 28, 2010 @ 9:08 pm
Hey all!
No – Rumours of my inclusion are unfounded.
I thought I was going to be away from home a little longer than I was-I did too many *first take* recordings to be needed for the entire 7-8 days!
And as I am just back I’m MORE than sure the 20 places are taken!
;’ )
All my VERY best to everyone involved in this one!
(I may shadow! I’ll see how things go!)
GO FU !!!
Comment by Joe 'Covenant' Lamb — January 29, 2010 @ 4:34 pm
DAMNIT! I always see this too late…actually, this time,literally an hour and a half too late…checked at 1:30 am on Sunday morning…the 31st.
Two in a row that i’ve missed. DAMN THE LUCK!
-Insane Ian
Comment by Insane Ian — January 31, 2010 @ 2:20 am
Ian, it’s not luck. Follow @KenPlume. He tweets the announcements. I wouldn’t have seen the notice if Joe hadn’t gotten me onto Twitter.
Thanks, Joe!
Comment by Dave Leigh — January 31, 2010 @ 10:10 pm
i *do* follow Ken on Twitter…hadn’t seen anything from him n days! Damn…
Comment by Insane Ian — February 6, 2010 @ 9:29 pm