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I have a couple questions

1) Let's say I'm doing a song that's originally in Japanese but there's an unofficial fanmade version with English lyrics. Am I allowed to sing it with the unofficial English lyrics, or would that be against the rules?

2) Also, I found a karaoke version of one of my songs on Youtube created through vocal dampening, and most of the background vocals are removed or barely audible. But there are still a few audible traces of the original vocals which you can hear in some parts like the chorus. Would this be a violation of the no backup vocals policy? Here's the instrumental: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-QwUnDtZx6A

1) Against the rules.
2) As an example, that linked song is fine. When a song is vocally dampened we understand not everything can be removed, our only goal is that we can hear your voice clearly and distinctly. Our backup vocal policy is more to discourage people adding in their own(or other) background vocals to confuse the judges and hide their actual singing ability.

I'm doing the Acoustikaraoke thing, Ska. I didn't see a time option on there.

Yeah, I'm dumb, sorry. we'll try to get you up asap, just ask us maybe 10min before showtime so we know/remember.

I was wondering, since you can bring lyrics along, will there be a stand to put your lyrics?

I don't think we'll have a proper stand, but we might be able to make something work. Check with us during the warm-up period and we'll see what we can do.

No requests from me this year, but I do have a question:

"3124   Bara wa utsukushiku   Ogata Megumi   Rose of Versailles   Y   Japanese   Original TV OP"

Does that mean it's the TV size version, or is it the full version? It isn't specified, and "Original TV OP" is ambiguous as to whether its the TV size version or if that's a note to distinguish it from the Animetal version (also in the database).

Thanks! :]

(Also, not a request since I'm probably the only person crazy enough to attempt singing it, but I would like to let the record show that there is a severe lack of the second ED from Utena in the database. ;])

Sorry for that ambiguity, it is the full length version of the original TV opening.

Also unfffffff don't get me started tommy has been on an utena kick for the past I don't know how long so he's added a bunch of utena songs and all types of different versions of them like the bossa version of zettai unmei mokushiroku and making them scroll and do all types of crazy stuff BUT he hasn't added the 2nd ed so maybe i'll bug him about it and utilize his obsession for good

Any chance of getting some Steven Universe songs on there? :0

The website might not show it yet but we've had a LOT of steven universe for about a year now. Dare I say, all of it? If it's not every song then it's enough of them. I mean, we have Li'l Butler. I don't know the significance of that but I'm sure that will mean something to you.

I filled out the form with a song that I changed my mind about. Can I choose a different one at the con?

You're allowed to change/rearrange your song choices at check-in, just let the person helping you know what you're changing.

Anyone who does intend to do this, make sure your new selection still falls within our rules! Especially the 'One song from an anime' one. it'd be silly to have to disqualify someone cause of an oversight like that.

One request, though--can I have a relatively early slot, if it works that way? I have an event at 8 that night.

If/when you fill out the form, there is an option to go early/late as possible, or no preference. If you missed this or something has come up and you need it changed, just inform the person checking you in at con and they'll fix it for you. Remember we'll be starting finals around 9pm, and we'll be announcing who moves on to the finals around 8:30-8:45(however long it takes us to finish and tabulate)

Hey Ska, a quick question since I can't remember from last year....the 1:30 time limit for the prelim round, is that 1:30 from when the singing begins or total time?  My 1st song has like a 30 second instrumental intro, so 1:30 would cut off in the middle of the chorus unless I trim the intro.  I'm putting a fade out at the end, but I need to know if I need to clip the beginning to fit (total run time is ~1:40 with the whole intro left in)

So, the way we've been running it is that you should get either 1:30 of singing time, or a verse and chorus of the song. We generally err on the side of the shorter option. If it's a solid 1:30 of singing and they have at least started the chorus of the song by 1:30, we will let them finish unless that stretches on into the 2minute mark. In your case and cases like it, if you left the intro unedited, we would fade you out after the end of the chorus(basically where you are adding your own fade.) It's your choice to edit the beginning, ask me to start you at a specific time in the song, to think of a routine to fill the time (that fits within our rules,) or do nothing. hope that helps jog your memory!



and gosh, we're getting close to time. This is a last call for online signups. We still have a few slots left so if you haven't signed up yet, please do so! I'll be closing them sometime tomorrow so I can pack it all up and start the trek north. If you are reading this after it's been closed, we will still have at-con signups! They are first come, first serve and will be available when we open for check-in and warmups.

I don't think we've ever posted the contestant list on the forums. Our contest list usually isn't organized until we've closed the at-con registration. If it helps, prelims run from 6-8 plus runover from delays or other problems. going as late as possible would have you somewhere after 7pm. Can't really give any other info besides that right now.

For anyone that's worried, we still haven't hit cap yet.

If I'm singing a song that has well known officially used versions in both Japanese and English, can I switch between the two languages between verses? If not that's totally cool, just wondering!

As long as the song allows for it, I have no problem with it. For your specific case, I'm sure the judges will have fun with it.

but can i actually change that to 'as late as possible'?

Fixed that for ya.

We're not having semifinals this year, so it wasn't applicable. I've went ahead and edited that part so it only says prelims and finals, bringing it in line with the rest of the rules. Thanks for pointing that out.

Lyrics should be in whatever format you are most comfortable with. Phone, Sheet of paper, hand-held whiteboard, etch-a-sketch, as long as it doesn't violate any other rules you should be fine.

If you have submitted a version of a song that we have in the database, you can ask us to display our database lyrics for that song.

If submitting songs via usb, it may be possible to have your lyrics on your usb device in a text file and for us to display it on our lyrics screen, but it is something that must be OK'd at con by tommy and myself, and I can make no promises as to if it will be legible at all. I highly suggest to anyone who may have thought about this idea to have a backup plan in case we can't or won't allow this to be done.

Hope this clears everything up!

do you think it'll still be today or maybe pushed out to tomorrow?

It's out right now! Go check it out if you haven't yet
I'll get it stickied as soon as I can, but until then at least there's a link in a safe place.

I have a question! The rules state that convention staff are not allowed to join the competition - do I count as staff if I'm participating in Fanimaid?

I answered this question in private already but to clear it up for anyone else who might be grappling with this - If you paid for an attendee badge, you can participate in the contest. If you were given a staff badge, you can't. If you somehow have both, then you definitely need to talk to us directly and explain your situation.

[Events:]

Whether you sing in the shower or on the radio, you're welcome to FanimeCon's Karaoke room! Open from 2pm to 2am on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, you are welcome to sign up for open mic Karaoke, participate in one of our amazing contests, or just come and listen to all the great singers! With our jaw-dropping catalog of over 9,000 anime, video game, J-Pop, K-Pop, and Disney songs (most with lyrics in both their native language and English) as well as a full American karaoke system, our database likely contains every song you have ever heard in your entire life.

Be sure to check out our enticing contests, too! With some great prizes and unique formats, your voice may win you big!


Events:
Karaoke Contest
How good is your singing, really? Can you hit the highest highs and the lowest lows? Can you carry a tune, or will you just be dragging it through the mud? FanimeCon's Karaoke Contest is the place to find out how good you really are. Friday night, with Preliminary Rounds starting at 6pm and Final Rounds at 9pm, be at the Karaoke Room to have your chance for the sweet, sweet sound of victory.
Prelims: Friday at 6pm
Finals: Friday at 9pm

KARAOKE CONTEST RULES AND INFO

KARAOKE CONTEST ONLINE SIGNUPS

We will only accept the first 35 valid entries for pre-con signups. We do have at-con signups but they are first come, first serve. These at-con slots fill up quickly, so if you're serious about participating make sure to sign up early!


Acoustikaraoke
Acoustikaraoke Signup Form:FanimeCon 2016 Acoustikaraoke Signup Form
Do you play a musical instrument? Show off your own original work or special arrangement of your favorite anime or video game song on stage at our Acoustikaraoke contest! Both (small) groups and solo acts are welcome to compete their talents against one another. Do not miss this amazing collection of FanimeCon's most unique performances!
Saturday at 7pm

Karaoke Gong Show
Gong Show Signup Form:FanimeCon 2016 Gong Show Signup Form
Sunday at 10pm begins the most foul Karaoke journey ever attempted on stage -- the Karaoke Gong Show! If your skin is thick enough and your mind twisted enough then you've got a fighting chance at being the dreaded Worst of Show! Yes that's right, these performers have what it takes to entertain, to amuse and amaze our audience (and judges) with such unique and outlandish acts of comedy that they might completely defy any and all explanation. Due to how terrible these novelty acts (and the judges) are, this is an 18+ event.
Sunday at 10pm


More specific contest rules and info will be posted in the coming days, so please look forward to that. Feel free to use this thread to discuss our events, ask questions about our contests, or just to ask how karaoke at FanimeCon works. I'll try my best to answer any questions you may have. Thank you for reading, and let's get excited for Karaoke at FanimeCon 2016!

[here]

do you mean here here as in this specific thread, or just in the 'live programming and events' section?
will you be making an original and separate karaoke 2016 thread?

Both. All of the above. Yes. We'll have a main post (that I'll try to get sticky) for contest rules and online registration but I'll also point it out in this thread when it's ready.

Please note, I know it's after 3 but I actually have to rebuild one of our forms from scratch here at the last second. I'm sorry for those of you who are diligent and ready to go, I'll try to have it up by 4pm at the latest.

i need to know if i can just use the database or if i need to burn my songs onto a CD or USB

When in doubt, USB it out, especially when it comes to contests. I can't guarantee everything you want will be there, or that it'll be a format you're comfortable with, or so on.

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So I've checked through most of the requests so far. A few of them we already had in the database, and there's only been a couple I'm not sure if we will be able to get in time. I just wanted to take a second to note a specific request --

Birth of a New Witch - Umineko no Naku Koro ni (game)

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Thank you so much for the updates!! Looking forward to it. Will contest signups be announced on the Fanime Twitter/FB? Or should I just refresh the forums tomorrow afternoon?

Just refresh here, I can't guarantee announcements elsewhere but I can guarantee them here =)

I am here! Sorry if I took too long for you guys. I'll get a couple things out of the way and then try to address any questions that were in this thread.

First, the thread for song requests for 2016 are open, post anything and everything you can think of. We can't always find it but we try to keep a record of it just in case.

Next, Contests signups will be coming within the next couple of days. I'm going to aim for the 5th, with opening time around 3pm. I should also have the rules up by then as well, though I don't think we've changed much from last year so if you want a refresher and can find them, the 2015 rules are a good guideline.

Actually there weren't that many questions, other than where I was. Come on, I usually don't wake up until may 1st! I've been working on improving our system and giving it a lot of extra little fun things. For example, our lyric system now supports kanji lyrics for our native speakers, along with yomigana. Only for select songs so far, but we're improving our selection slowly. I know that if I get enough time between now and con, I want to add a Jäger function. You can guess what that will do.

We're sticking with a minute and a half or verse/chorus for prelims. I have to get back to you on the final number of entrants, because it certainly isn't 25 but I'm not sure if we're going with the number we used last year.

Anyway, hope that clears up a few things. More discussion! More questions! More singing preparations! Heck, if you even have suggestions for things, I can't make any promises but I can at least hear what you have to say! Just have fun!

We are in the process of doing our annual update of the karaoke library. Want to request a particular song be added to our song library? Here's the procedure:

1. Look at our Current Song List to see if it's already added. http://www.anime-karaoke.com

2. If you don't see it there, then post your requests in this topic!

Please post your requests ASAP. Note that our website is a few months behind what we have as well. Either way, if you don't see it, ask for it anyway! Especially if it's from a newer animated series that you think is awesome but might not have hit our brainwaves yet, or an older series we may have overlooked.

Some extra tips to help us out - Please list the Title of the song, the Artist name, and if it has one, the source of the material. The more information you can give us about the specific song, the better. If it's relatively obscure or is a special version of the song (Piano version, Nashville ver, Monkey Party Mix) make sure to state that.

Examples:
Cutie Honey - Koda Kumi - Cutie Honey
Go My Way! - Yayoi Takatsuki - The Idolm@ster
Netsuai Hakkakuchuu - Shiina Ringo + Yasutaka Nakata - J-Pop
Po Pi Po - Hatsune Miku - Vocaloid / Internet Meme

I'll even get us started, since I already know Princesskitty18 is looking for Make Me Complete - BoA :3c Hope to hear from all of you soon!

Alright, this is my last update before it's time to dive into the show, so here goes.

Will the order of contestants be posted online? :o

Contestant order is handled at the show, due to things like people dropping out, people having a preference of if they'd like to go earlier or later, and so on.

Is it too late to sign up for the gong show? And are MP3/phones okay if the song is on there?

As far as I know, both Gong Show and Acoustikaraoke are still open, and will remain so until we close it down :3c

Phones: During open mic, you may play mp3's that are saved to your phone, though if someone calls you during your performance it may be broadcast to the entire room. Just saying.
No youtube or other streaming services though, I guarantee it will drop your song part of the way through.

Ok, can't wait to see you all at the show!

Hi there! If we have an exhibitor's badge, are we eligible to participate?

Exhibitors are allowed according to our rules.

Our rules about eligibility are as follows:
The contest is open to all registered convention attendees. You must have a valid badge for the day(s) of the contest.
Convention Staff and Guests of Honor are not eligible for the contest.

So, have fun entering the contest!

I have a question, can you sing the songs in English ?

A good question, one which Hiyuki Hime is correct on, but there are some nuances to this rule.

First of all, for your general song, the rules state that you are restricted to a few different categories - anime, video game, jpop, and a few others. This is a very broad song selection, and clever people will sing to their strengths.

However, the other song choice MUST be from an anime (as defined in our rules.) This limits choices considerably. In addition there's this -
Popular western songs that are used in an anime are not valid. For example, Roundabout is not valid even though it was used in Jojo, since it's been around about 40 years.
There is a flipside, though.
Songs that have been commercially dubbed(not fandubs) for the anime are valid. This doesn't just apply to english, but other languages as well. Moonlight Densetsu in english or Cha-la head cha-la in spanish are good references for songs that are eligible.
Also, as long as the song is done specifically for the anime(or released within the same year, enough so that it's associated with the anime) it should be valid. Ask DNA from Cowboy Bebop is an example of one of these songs, and there are quite a few others if you look around. ;)

Speaking as a concerned citizen (Remember I'm just tech and have nothing to do with the judging process) - Be careful if you go this route. Many have done so before you and many will in the future. Make sure the song highlights your singing abilities. Make sure the song gives you a chance to show them off, don't choose it only because it's in english. It will mean nothing if your song choice doesn't let you shine. In addition, some of these songs are very well known and well traveled - If you want to impress the judges at these songs, you're going to have to blow it out of the park!

Just some friendly advice. I hope it helps!

I think when I signed up there's a message saying the entry list will be available 2 weeks prior to the con. So...is it available now?

We are closing the submissions... well, now, in fact! we just got 35 so signups are closed for the main contest. We have to go through them and validate all the entries, make sure aren't any problems, then we'll let everyone know that they are in the contest! stay tuned for that

On a related note because I had a moment of not being sure - stage musical adaptations of anime count as being along the same lines of live action adaptations, right? That's how I had interpreted that anyway.

An official stage musical adaptation is live live-action, and fits within our rules.

...I'm not terribly salty, don't worry. :]... look forward to it!

Good!

We are in the process of doing our annual update of the karaoke library. Want to request a particular song be added to our song library? Here's the procedure:

1. Look at our Current Song List to see if it's already added.

2. If you don't see it there, then post your requests in this topic!

Please post your requests by this Friday if possible. Any requests after that could still be added, but is unlikely that it will show up in our physical song books.

Some extra tips to help us out - Please list the Title of the song, the Artist name, and if it has one, the source of the material. The more information you can give us about the specific song, the better. If it's relatively obscure or is a special version of the song (Piano version, Nashville ver, Monkey Party Mix) make sure to state that.

Examples:
Cutie Honey - Koda Kumi - Cutie Honey
Go My Way! - Yayoi Takatsuki - The Idolm@ster
Netsuai Hakkakuchuu - Shiina Ringo + Yasutaka Nakata - J-Pop
Po Pi Po - Hatsune Miku - Vocaloid / Internet Meme

If I were to use this song, would I be able to use the Instrumental version without penalty...

It's within the game itself, therefore OK. We'll be able to hear your voice cleanly and it doesn't violate any rules so it's desirable to have it done that way.

Question regarding acoustikaraoke! What defines a small group?  If we have 5 people (combination of guitarists/vocalists), would that be too many?

A small group would be 'one that can comfortably fit on our stage'. 5 should be fine. I won't say a max number because we may or may not be able to accommodate more depending on what you're doing, what instruments you'll be using(if any), and so on.

if we chose a song from the list you guys have available, then do we just let the tech team know as we're walking up to the stage? Or do we still need to bring in our own copy of that music?

When you check in, you'll verify you're going to use the song from our database. You'll be reminded if it's not a karaoke track that it'll be vocally dampened. At that point I should have the number to enter it in for you when it's your turn to sing, and I'll double-check with you before you take the stage that everything is correct.

If my costume involves an electric guitar can I bring it on stage with me? I don't actually know how to play so I wouldn't be using it (except for performance effect aka pretending to play chords possibly but as I said before, I really don't know how to at all) Would this be allowed?

From the rules:
Any props carried on stage must be relevant to your costume or outfit and not impact or disrupt your performance in any way. Props that alter the lighting or staging of your performance are not allowed. You must clear all prop usage with staff before your performance. Cosplay prop usage may be considered as a minimal factor in your overall stage presence/performance but will not impact your score.

So, yes you can bring an electric guitar on stage if the prop is part of your costume. This isn't acoustikaraoke so playing it isn't something we're concerned with. You'll still have to clear it for use at con when you check in to the contest, but that's mainly just to let say 'here i have this, i'll be using it, i need to have it cleared for use as per your rules' and we'll look it over, make sure it isn't some dangerous lost artifact that will rain blood on us, then say 'ok sure'

Hi Ska! I haven't seen a song request thread yet so I'm wondering what the status on that is. There's just a few J-rock pieces I'd really like to see available. Thanks for all your hard work!

I forgot!! I'll make that RIGHT NOW! AAAA! Thanks for reminding me. If you have those requests get them ready! we don't have much time to try to find them!

Just out of curiosity: why are video games excluded from the "must be anime" requirement?

It's a singing competition at an anime convention, we just want to make sure there's some anime to it. The popularity of video game music, vocaloids, and internet memes have increased so much lately that it's beginning to encompass everything. Keeping one song based on an anime is a way to keep people centered around one common source, just like having the other more open lets people's true likes and interests shine through.

I'm sorry you feel that way! It's not anyone's intent to make you salty. I mean, you know we enjoy your song choices at open mic. Most of them are songs and bands we love too! I'm sure you'll find something great if you haven't already.


Keep practicing, everyone!