SONGWRITING COMPETITION - SWC094 June 2025 - Voting until 01-JUN-2025 23:59 UTC+2/CEST

[Mister Fox]

Hello and welcome to the Songwriting Competition 094 - June 2025



BEFORE WE GET STARTED:

• Please consult the official and very simple "Rules and Guidelines" (TL;DR version) for the Songwriting Competition regarding principles of the game, it's engaging game mechanics (allowed editing/re-submission of your entry until the deadline has been reached) and upload/submission guidelines.
• The general idea of this game is to "...just make music", to also challenge yourself by stepping a bit out of your comfort zone, and take a dip at realms you've never worked in before. Instrumentals are just as welcome as productions with vocals.
• The Genre, "Premise" and Rules Summary for this months challenge can always be found in in post #002

Read more about this month's competition further down below. And if you got any question, please also reach out on Discord.



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SONGWRITING COMPETITION THREAD INDEX

Post #001 -- Introduction post and index for the various stages of the Songwriting Competition. Will be updated as we progress
Post #002 -- Submission Period: General Information, Source Material, Sponsors
Post #003 -- Cheat Sheet: A couple of examples / audio demos for this month's challenge (limited if genre is "free to select")
Post #025 -- Voting: Summarized entries and start of voting process
Post #000 -- Results: Results of the Songwriting Competition

[Mister Fox]

CURRENT CHALLENGE - GENERAL INFORMATION

Time Frame: Sunday, 01st June 2025 to Tuesday, 24th June 2025 (24 days)

Challenge submission will end on 24-JUN-2025, 23:59 UTC+2/CEST (Germany) - until further notice.

The current game deadlines can be found on the Global Countdown page and on the landing site. Short reminders will also be sent out via the newsletter, social media and Discord. Does the game time frame feel too long? Why not set yourself a personal shorter one of 5-7 days. Push yourself to focus on the essentials, then use the rest of the time to ask for feedback and possible refinements.



SONGWRITING THEME: "Colors and Street Art" (Picture Theme)
GENRE: free to select



Image Source: Pexels, photo by ShonEjai, released under Creative Commons CC0

Bonus Images (for inspiration): image pack for additional inspiration (standard ZIP file, 1,41MB, 11 images)
Updated: 01-JUN-2025 22:40 UTC+2/CEST



A few word about this month's theme:

We're having a "Picture Theme" this month.

The idea came to mind while walking around the city I live in, and the various random street art I saw.

There will be no extensive brief with twists and turns. Please have a look, get inspired by the image(s) and the theme. Let your mind wander for a bit. Then start writing.
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Your task for this Songwriting Competition:
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This month, you can create a production in any music genre you feel like.


A short explanation of the concept of this month's game: The general idea is to draw inspiration from the picture(s). However do not solely fixate on that particular photo or illustration and it's details alone. Rather focus on the "overarching concept". The picture and possible provided key words can have many different meanings. How you interpret it, is up to you.

You set your own parameters and limitations, e.g. style and genre, melodic questions and counter arguments. As long as you don't exceed 10 minutes of runtime, neither have endless padded out repetition. Please keep us listeners engaged. And as usual - vocals are optional. Don't feel pressured to provide any.


Just make music and have fun!

I'm curious about what you come up with!

Songwriting Rule Summary:

► Show Spoiler

Summary:

• create a production fitting to the given theme, genre and general premise
• you can use any tool that is at your disposal (samples, virtual instruments and/or real instruments), exceptions apply regarding vocal sample usage and certain songwriting tools)
• IMPORTANT: if you use non-licensed material (as in: non royalty free material from sample CDs, etc), give full credit to the source material
• for newcomers: no finished productions that have already been released outside of the time frame of the current Songwriting Competition (Spotify, iTunes, Bandcamp, etc), no cover versions or remixes of other artists, no ripped acapella's -- please only showcase your own new and original content (you are allowed to "remix yourself", recreate an old project, etc)
• do not go higher than -14,0 LUFS ILk/-1,00 dBTP in terms of perceived loudness (mastering). Music doesn't have to be squashed to bits in order to be impactful
• name your files properly prior to uploading and make the production downloadable. If you opt to present your entry through SoundCloud, the forum can also convert your links into a Soundcloud player through the [soundcloud] BBCode from the text editor (orange square with a white cloud in it)

Add-On Rules:

• <no (additional) add-on rules specified>

Filename Template: SWC094__ArtistName__TrackName.wav or .mp3

• example: SWC094__MisterFox__ColorOfTheSky.wav
• example: SWC094__Mister_Fox__Color_of_the_sky.wav

Please also try to provide only one file format (ideally the highest quality possible).


For a full set of rules, please consult the Official Rules and Guidelines (see Rule Book post #6). If you got any questions regarding the game mechanics or similar, please either utilize the global Gossip and Discussion thread, or reach out through Discord.

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LICENSE SPONSORS (Bonus Prizes):

A huge thank you goes to our very generous License Sponsors for this month's game. Those being (in alphabetical order):

Cherry Audio, Ghostwave Audio, Hollow Sun, Hornet Plugins, IK Multimedia, JRR Sounds, kv331 audio, Luftrum, Musiclab, Rekkerd Sounds, satyatunes - Sound / Graphic Design, and Tone2.


A detailed list of offerings can be found in the following information block.

► Show Spoiler

Available Bonus Prizes for Songwriting Challenge participants:

Note: All licenses are NFR (Not-For-Resale), except where noted.
Changes to available prices on short notice may be possible and will be announced separately.


RECURRING LICENSE SPONSORSHIP:


Cherry Audio is kind enough to give away one license of Voltage Modular Ignite, plus either a license of "Year One Collection" or "Year Two Collection"
Licenses will turn into NFR
More info on Cherry Audio: https://cherryaudio.com



IK Multimedia is kind enough to give away one license of MODO BASS 2 to the winner
License will turn into NFR
More info on IK Multimedia: https://www.ikmultimedia.com



Musiclab is kind enough to donate any 1 guitar of your choice to the winner
License will turn into NFR
More info on Musiclab: https://www.musiclab.com



Tone2 is kind enough to donate a license of Saurus4 to the winner
License will turn into NFR
More info on Tone2: https://tone2.com



kv331 audio is kind enough to either give away a SynthMaster 1+2 Bundle, or a freely selectable set of 3 SynthMaster Expansions
Licenses will not turn into NFR, you need to have a kv311 audio user account in order to pick up Expansions
More info on kv331 audio: https://www.kv331audio.com



JRR Sounds is kind enough to give away any-1 sound sets or sample set of winner's choice (exception: Bundles)
More info on JRR Sounds: https://www.jrrshop.com/jrr-sounds



Luftrum is kind enough to give away either a license of Lunaris 2, a license of Bioscape, or any two sound sets of winner's choice
License will turn into NFR
More info on Luftrum: https://www.luftrum.com/



Rekkerd Sounds is kind enough to give away 1 sound set of winners choice (exception: Krezie EDM and Neurofunk Vol. 1)
License will turn into NFR
More info on Rekkerd Sounds: https://sounds.rekkerd.org/



Ghostwave Audio (Vincent Bastiat) is kind enough to donate any 2 sound sets to the winner
License will turn into NFR
More info on Ghostwave Audio: https://ghostwaveaudio.com



Hollow Sun is kind to donate one license of "Music Laboratory Machines - The Suite I" to the winner
License will turn into NFR
More info on Hollow Sun: http://www.hollowsun.com



Hornet Plugins is kind enough to give away any one license of winner's choice, alternatively any-2 licenses "Custom Bundle" with a total value less than 20 EUR MSRP
License will turn into NFR
More info on Hornet Plugins: https://www.hornetplugins.com



Sound / Graphic Designer, and honorary Mix Challenge staff satYatunes is donating one commercial product of winner's choice (until further notice)
More info on satYatune's page: https://satyatunes.com/



THANKS FOR THE DONATIONS!
And also a thank you to all former contributors as well.

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Good luck to all participants.
And most importantly, have fun!

[Mister Fox]

AUDIO EXAMPLES:
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Articles and Info Pages:

A great starting point is the "Addendum"/Supplementary thread for the Songwriting Competition
Songwriting Competition - Addendum: Music Maps and BPM Charts

Since the genre this month is "free to select", there are no clear pointers




Music examples (selection for inspiration, 00 videos):

No music examples available this month. However, I can always recommend to enter random genre search words either on YouTube, Spotify or other music streaming services you prefer using.
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If you're new to songwriting, or you are in need for new helper tools, instruments, samples or presets -- please check out the following:

Songwriting Competition - Addendum: Tools to help with songwriting (outsourced megathread)


The thread is updated / expanded at irregular intervals.


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UPDATED: 31-MAY-2025 22:56 UTC+1, updated 00-JUN-2025 00:00 UTC+2

[EsteveCorbera]

Dear Mister Fox,

The images you have attached to the archive correspond to the images of the challenge 92.

Thanks
Esteve

[Mister Fox]

Thanks for pointing that out, @EsteveCorbera -- my mistake.

I just updated the link to the bonus material. You should now have access to the right ZIP file.

[Mister Fox]

A friendly reminder:
Including today, 14 days left to submit your production.

So far, we have 00 entries.



If you want to access the extended game mechanics of the Songwriting Competition (asking for feedback during production), please try to release your first edits within the next 7 days to have enough time to get possible feedback (if needed/wanted) and continue to work on your song.


To those sitting on the fence - please don't feel scared off and think "the bar is set too high, I will never make it" - set yourself a shorter private deadline. Just make music, submit your entry, join the conversation. See where this goes.

By joining, you're already a winner. The rest is bonus.

[EsteveCorbera]

Dear colleagues and Mister Fox,
I can't participate in the challenge this month because I'm in the hospital and I don't have my computer at hand.

Good luck.

[Mister Fox]

That's unfortunate to read - get well soon, and see you with the next game.

Let's hope other participants will step up and present their songs within the next days.

[Rick Finsta]

My entry for this month is called "False Gods"



Concept:

► Show Spoiler

I was hesitant to enter this piece due to the potentially contentious political nature of it (ironic for a punk rocker, I know) but I feel that the art stands on its own merits. This song is about the glorification of gangster culture via spray-painted murals of dead thugs, and the people who drive and benefit from the continuation of this destructive culture. I really tried to reshape this song to be about a picture I have of my lovely wife standing in front of a spectacular mural at a concert venue, but I was unable to capture the same energy as my initial reaction spurred.

I hope this composition is squarely within the spirit of the challenge, and that my interpretation is not too off-putting for other participants.

Production:

► Show Spoiler

I'll call this my "standard chain" as it is recorded that same as all my other rock songs. I should just start copying/pasting this section!

Guitars are layered using two mics hard panned, mixing one take into each side. I just click through combinations of takes until it jumps out at me. '79 Les Paul Artist, Rio Grande pickups, through my Mesa Boogie MkIV into an AT4080 and MD421. I also use my other guitarists' new Revv G20 and played with the imbedded Two Note Torpedo for the lead playing. I don't like it as much as a real cabinet in the room moving air but it would be more than suitable for most people to record near silently and/or without the influence of a poor recording space or what have you.

Bass is a Robin Ranger PJ through a GK1001RB direct out and then a little distortion from a Sansamp pedal and a little touch of the Pultec low-end trick.

Drums are programmed using Superior Drummer 3 cutting and pasting grooves. I didn't have time this month to go back and polish them up.

Vocals are me through an AT4080 and some reverb, then I used a Sansamp pedal for the distortion on the bridge section.

I didn't get a chance to do a second pass on vocals so while I changed some of the lyrics the song is being entered as-is.

Behringer UMC interface, Reaper DAW and anything that isn't a stock plugin is UAD or Tukan. Not much going on except compression here and there and normal effects. Nothing particularly fun or interesting.

Lyrics:

► Show Spoiler

PLACEHOLDER - I need to type these up this evening.

[Mister Fox]

A friendly reminder:
Including today, 07 days left to submit your production.

So far, we have 00 entries still.

We need 09 participants for a regular sized podium, and more than 15 for an extended one.
Although, considering the warm weather, Summer holiday season, etc - all good. Just please don't forget the time limit.



Now is the perfect time to post your entry!

If you want to access the extended game mechanics of the Songwriting Competition (asking for feedback during production), please try to release your first edits within the next 3 to 4 days to have enough time to get possible feedback (if wanted/needed) and continue to work on your song.

To those sitting on the fence - please don't feel scared off and think "the bar is set too high, I will never make it" - set yourself a shorter private deadline. Just make music, submit your entry, join the conversation. See where this goes.

By joining, you're already a winner. The rest is bonus.