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…

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).

So what was the first Challenge?

ROUND 1 CHALLENGE

Write a song that is about (or at least has key to the central narrative) RAIN (the meteorological phenomena). At some point (or throughout) the song, you must utilize an instrument (or vocals) that represent the rain. You are free to write your song in any style that you choose.

That’s it. The only other directive is that your song must run no shorter than 1 minute 30 seconds.

And then our Challengers were given their Round 2 Challenge…

ROUND 2 CHALLENGE

Write a song that does not rhyme.

CLARIFICATION: Your song can be in any style, but must not contain any rhymes of 2 dissimilar words within a traditional verse structure. Exact repetition of a phrase or word is permitted. Your song must run no shorter than 1 minute 30 seconds..

If you want some inspiration, here’s a number song from The Muppets…
[audio:http://asitecalledfred.com/songfu/rhymingsong.mp3]

And then came the Round 3 Challenge…

ROUND 3 CHALLENGE

Write a song that involves a recipe for something.

This recipe can be for anything – not just food. Your song must run no shorter than 1 minute 30 seconds..

If you want some inspiration, here’s a recipe song by Queen Ida…
[audio:http://asitecalledfred.com/songfu/queen_ida-zydeco_taco.mp3]

And now, the votes from all 3 Rounds have been tabulated, and you’ll find the TOP 2 VOTE-GETTERS below, who must now go head-to-head in the Final Round Challenge. The winner of that battle will be declared this edition’s MASTER OF SONG FU. Scroll down for the Challengers and the Final Challenge reveal…

THE FINAL CHALLENGERS

MIKE LOMBARDO

Mike Lombardo is a piano-playing geek-pop-rock singer-songwriter who likes to use hyphens when describing his occupation. He has been known to write songs about just about anything, including rocks and SAW 4. When not banging on a piano, Mike spends most of his time playing way too many video games or teaching small children how to bang on pianos. A graduate of Berklee College of Music, Mike is currently finishing up his second album with his piano rock band, the Mike Lombardo Trio.
Official Website: www.mikelombardomusic.com
Twitter: twitter.com/mikelombardo
ROUND 1 SONG: “Sit And Watch The Rain”
[audio:http://asitecalledfred.com/songfu/06song1/mike_lombardo-sit_and_watch_the_rain.mp3]
ROUND 2 SONG: “I Found You”
[audio:http://asitecalledfred.com/songfu/06song2/mike_lombardo-i_found_you.mp3]
ROUND 3 SONG: “We Don’t Have Any Eggs (from Man In Kitchen – The Musical)”
[audio:http://asitecalledfred.com/songfu/06song3/mike_lombardo-we_dont_have_any_eggs.mp3]

LEIGH & HOOVER

Dave & William have been writing songs together for decades, yet have still managed to avoid finding a clever name for themselves. William writes the words; Dave the music… which is good because it doesn’t really work the other way ’round.

Official Website: www.cratchit.org/music
ROUND 1 SONG: “Summer Rain”
[audio:http://asitecalledfred.com/songfu/06song1/leigh_and_hoover-summer_rain.mp3]
ROUND 2 SONG: “We Do What We Do”
[audio:http://asitecalledfred.com/songfu/06song2/leigh_and_hoover-we_do_what_we_do.mp3]
ROUND 3 SONG: “Primordial Soup (Traditional Recipe)”
[audio:http://asitecalledfred.com/songfu/06song3/leigh_and_hoover-primordial_soup.mp3]

To download a ZIP FILE containing all of the ROUND 3 songs, CLICK HERE.

To download a ZIP FILE containing all of the ROUND 2 songs, CLICK HERE.

To download a ZIP FILE containing all of the ROUND 1 songs, CLICK HERE.

FINAL CHALLENGE

Let’s call this one Challenge & Victory

Your task is to write a single tune that is actually comprised of two individual songs – the first half details a problem to be conquered or a battle to be fought, and the second half is a victorious, triumphant resolution. Both of these halves must feel independent of the other, but may contain an element that bridges the two. Your song must run no shorter than 3 minutes..

Your song must be submitted in mp3 form (128-192kbps) either via e-mail (to songfu @ asitecalledfred.com – remember to remove the spaces) or a file upload service (like RapidShare or YouSendIt). Deadline for submission is 11:59pm EST on Sunday, March 21st, 2010.

There will be a Final Challenge Listening Party at 8:30pm EST on Monday, March 22nd HERE. Voting on the Final Challenge will commence immediately after the listening party.

If you want some inspiration, here’s Queen…
[audio:http://asitecalledfred.com/songfu/queenrock.mp3]

FINAL VOTE TALLY FOR ALL 3 ROUNDS

* Mike Lombardo – 444 Votes
* Leigh & Hoover – 301 Votes
* Denise Hudson – 276 Votes
* Edric Haleen – 228 Votes
* Gorbzilla – 223 Votes
* Godz Poodlz – 190 Votes
* Caleb Hines – 187 Votes
* Inverse T. Clown – 170 Votes
* Kylie Petto – 166 Votes
* Jeff MacDougall – 151 Votes
* Governing Dynamics – 135 Votes
* Buckethat Bobby Matheson – 132 Votes
* Glen Raphael – 131 Votes
* Ian “Two Shades” Johnson – 120 Votes
* Common Lisp – 103 Votes
* Zer0guy – 98 Votes
* Jutze Schult – 93 Votes
* Boffo Yux Dudes – 88 Votes
* Taryn Miller – 84 Votes
* Spencer Sokol – 76 Votes

ROUND 3 VOTING RESULTS

View Results

ROUND 2 VOTING RESULTS

View Results

ROUND 1 VOTING RESULTS

View Results

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.

Good luck, and bring on the Fu.

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Comments: 4 Comments

4 Responses to “Masters Of Song Fu #6: Final Challenge Revealed!” Spintown Says: March 14th, 2010 at 11:23 pm You never post the totals… *goes to look for a different topic for tonights blog post* #kenstolemethunder :p HelenMirrensMerkin Says: March 15th, 2010 at 8:07 am Best of luck, Mike and Leigh & Hoover. I hope there will be some Final Challenge shadow entries as well. Thank you, all participants, for another great season of Song Fu. You all made picking top fives for each round very tough, most times I wished I could vote for top sevens or eights. Spencer Sokol » The Quick Thank You Says: March 15th, 2010 at 11:24 pm […] another Song Fu has almost finished. It’s down to the final two. I have yet to decide whether or not I will submit a shadow entry for this […] Kylie Petto Says: March 16th, 2010 at 1:43 pm Good luck Mike and Leigh & Hoover. I can’t wait to see what you guys put out for this challenge. Leave a Reply Name (required) Mail (will not be published) (required) Website Δ