"Masters of the Underground" sponsored by Genelec

***Draft Competition - subject to change and update!***

"Masters of the Underground"

sponsored by

We've got something special for you guys, something that every recording artist will be interested in! Genelec, creators of critically acclaimed studio monitors have put a set of home studio speakers up for grabs.


The Competition
We’re calling this competition "Masters of the Underground" - the theme being simply... "underground". This is a very loose theme and can apply to the genre or sub genre, the lyrical content, track title or anything else you can connect with “underground”.

MP3unsigned has never been about commercial radio music; the site was originally created to provide an alternative for people who were sick of the over-played commercial mainstream. This competition is about REAL music created by REAL people. It’s about passion, creativity and originality. Wikipedia define Undergound Music as “a range of different musical genres, they can typically share common values, such as the valuing of sincerity and intimacy; an emphasis on freedom of creative expression; an appreciation of artistic creativity”.

This competition is open to ALL genres and styles (rock, metal, pop, rnb, pop, techno, trance, dnb, breakbeat, soundtrack, modern composers etc etc). There is only one exception… no Pop Idol wannabes or Eurovision knock-offs please!



The Prize:
The 6010A is a compact two way active loudspeaker specifically designed for computers and other close proximity music players - these are ideal for home studios and portable setups. Their small size and amazing sound quality make the 6010A an ideal sound system for both professional and home users. Not only are they ideal for home studio setups but they are the perfect choice for professionals working of laptops etc from various locations.

Check out this Review of the 6010A

Runners up will receive additional Genelec prizes such as laptop bags, t-shirts and caps etc. More info on these prizes to follow.


The Time Frame
Open for submissions from May through to June 30th


Judging
Winners will be chosen by Genelec based on a combination of enjoyment, interest, track composition, mix and production etc.


Promotion
All entrants are encouraged to actively promote their entry and the number of votes through the MP3unsigned forums and through Facebook ‘likes’. The more interest a track receives the more it is likely to catch the judges eyes… and ears!


How to Enter
We are currently putting together an upload facility for entries and will publish more information on this soon. In the mean time get recording!
To register for further information on this competition please subscribe to this forum thread or ‘like’ our Facebook page at facebook.com/mp3unsigned


The Rules

• One entry per artist only
• All entries much be original works
• Unauthorised samples are not allowed
• Covers are not allowed
• If you enter a collaborative effort you must have the permission of your co-writers to do so. The prize will be awarded to the person who enters so it is up to you to agree who gets the prize if your entry wins!
• You are encouraged to leave comments/feedback and constructive criticism on any of the tracks entered but be aware that hate campaigns will not be tolerated and will result in disqualification
• The judges decision will be final

[TonyMiller]

The description of what constitutes 'underground' seems contradictory. I believe underground music to be
that which is not mainstream, plain and simple. The comp remit on one hand says any reference to "underground" is ok in title, lyrics, genre or mood but then excludes "pop - idol" type stuff. Can this be clarified please? Not that I'm writing a pop idol song but would like to compete on a level playing field with others who have a similar understanding of what constitutes 'Underground' for the purposes of the comp. Otherwise, how could the songs be judged?

[Snidcyco]

I agree with your definition of 'underground' Tony. To my understanding, everything on mp3u is underground in a way. So perhaps the comp is just a celebration of that. Maybe the powers-that-be just thought that the title "Masters of the Underground" sounded kind of cooler than "Write another Song Please"?

[TonyMiller]

lol you could be right!
So "Underground overground wombling free" is in with a chance?

[Disfunktional-DJs]

I don't agree, that everything is underground on here...far from it... pop no matter what way you look @ it, can't be classed as underground music...the artist can but not the style.

I think it needs to be made clear, what "underground" means...as in music. because for me underground music is metal,punk,breakbeat,drum & bass,techno

not classical or pop

[James Oakwood]

What about pop songs about ketchup (or even mayo)? Maybe ketchup's too mainstream. Sorry, didn't an earlier thread talk about self-promoting or summat?

[Snidcyco]

Ricky,

OK, I take it back. Pop music is obviously 'wannabe mainstream', but I guess what I was getting at is that until they get noticed, they are kind of 'underground', or at least off the radar.

But it doesn't feel natural to describe pop as underground in any way, and I agree totally with the typical genres you suggested (metal, punk, techno, etc).

In any case, the original post says "There is only one exception… no Pop Idol wannabes or Eurovision knock-offs please!*" so it is kind of precluding the pop genre and banal easy-listening radio-friendly muzak by default anyway.

I suppose when I posted the over-generalization above, it was a reaction to Hydro's comment that "if there are any Masters of the Underground, they won't be on this piss ant site", which almost seemed to imply that mp3u has nothing to do with real underground music and/or there is no talent here, which is false IMHO.

[Disfunktional-DJs]

it's cool dude

I was thinking on the same lines as Tony "compete on a level playing field"

say someone uploaded a drum & bass track and the winner was a pretty, radio friendly, pop song or mainstream...then it's not gonna go down well.

same with Metal/Hard rock... it won't go down well, if they enter a kick ass rock track and some classical piece with a pretty,mainstream melody wins.

it's a top prize and I'm sure there are lots of people wanting in on this... I just feel a more clearer message is needed, so artists can enter appropriately.

Don't worry to much about what Hydro says...he's probably only messing around
I know I say stuff like that just to tease a few people.

[LIQUID]

Seems pretty simple to me - Enter a track and if you win then Well done if not get over it and move on. All this ramble ablout clarifying what is underground and what isnt is quite pointless unless its qualified by the people who will be judging it.
The irony of this comp surely hasnt escaped anyone that were supposed to be celebrating the non commercial underground music scene then happily accepting a prize offered by an established mainstream commercial organisation.

Just do what you think fits your integrity as a musician/producer and let the judges be the judge.

[Disfunktional-DJs]

totally missed my point.

a "clearer" explanation & "compete on a level playing field"

I think a top prize like this, it needs to be made clear, what is required.

some artists may take it a bit more seriously, with it been a top prize.

I don't think people are asking much...even Tony is unsure
I'm pretty sure there will be others too.

[LIQUID]

My comment is basically to say unless the sponsors feels the need to specifically comment on the boundaries to be applied to the genre selection then its not our place to individually speculate on whats legitimate and what isnt - it may be a great prize but its still a comp amongst like minded amateurs taking a low risk punt and maybe creating something lasting in the process. Bring em on in all shapes and sizes the more the merrier. I recall the last decent comp we had was the Classical comp and that realised a dozen or more half decent tunes...and mine.