FanimeCon 2024 Forums

FanimeCon Events and Discussionmentarianism => Live Programming and Events => Topic started by: Ska on April 18, 2015, 05:48:48 PM

Title: FANIMECON 2015 KARAOKE: Events and Info!
Post by: Ska on April 18, 2015, 05:48:48 PM
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. New for FanimeCon 2015, winners of the Karaoke Contest will be offered a chance to give an encore performance during the Masquerade!
Prelims: Friday at 6pm
Finals: Friday at 9pm


KARAOKE CONTEST ONLINE SIGNUPS ARE CLOSED
All 35 entries have been filled for the online signups. Please show up bright and early at the karaoke room if you would still like to sign up. First come, first serve!

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!

KARAOKE CONTEST RULES AND INFO
FanimeCon Karaoke Contest Rules and Info can be found at The Google Doc (https://docs.google.com/document/d/1LIyGMrSz0llaryhLynRjoffnmOO5RXdH4MpAh3rgE20/edit?usp=sharing)

Acoustikaraoke
Acoustikaraoke Signup Form:FanimeCon 2015 Acoustikaraoke Signup Form (https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1Op7whXRxvnij4XQ5m4gueL1NaTdlEFbKbmXZ_YVY28Q/viewform)
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 2015 Gong Show Signup Form (https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1Pf5U0kfwVO1UOoH7CBt3cYzaIVTLJ9eGAYpIWLE2cDE/viewform)
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 2015!
Title: Re: FANIMECON 2015 KARAOKE: Events and Info!
Post by: Jupeboxgal on April 18, 2015, 10:58:49 PM
Hi Ska! Thanks for getting The Official Post up! :D I do have a couple of questions about this year's karaoke contest.

1) Are the song time limits still 2:00 for the first round and 5:00 for the finals?
2) Is it still okay to add a note or two and a few moments of silence to the beginning of a karaoke track where the singing starts before the instrumentals?
3) Are we allowed to bring and or use props while on stage?
And, lastly, 4) It's still illegal to record your own harmonies to a karaoke track, right?

Thanks for taking up the mantle this year. Really looking forward to another excellent weekend of karaoke!
Title: Re: FANIMECON 2015 KARAOKE: Events and Info!
Post by: Alexie828 on April 20, 2015, 02:19:11 AM
Where's the link to the list of songs that are already available in the karaoke library? :) And can we request new songs to be added like in previous years?
Title: Re: FANIMECON 2015 KARAOKE: Events and Info!
Post by: princesskitty18 on April 20, 2015, 08:57:53 AM
yay for the official post and stuffs! thanks ska :D
Title: Re: FANIMECON 2015 KARAOKE: Events and Info!
Post by: Ska on April 20, 2015, 12:35:56 PM
I'll be posting full contest rules after I get them double-checked for inconsistencies, but all these questions are super important, FAQ-level ones so I'm happy to answer them!

Quote from: Jupeboxgal on April 18, 2015, 10:58:49 PM
1) Are the song time limits still 2:00 for the first round and 5:00 for the finals?
Our preliminary song limit actually changed a couple years ago. In the rules it's now stated as:


Quote from: KKD Contest Rules
Preliminary/Qualifying Round
1.5 minute OR verse/chorus
The timing starts from when singing starts. These rules will allow you to perform a song that is edited for a TV opening or ending. For more unorthodox songs, a minute will give you plenty of time to show your stuff. These are soft limits and you are faded out gradually depending on where you are in your performance and other factors. You're always welcome to start your song at a certain point, or fade out after a limit you set for yourself though! Just talk to me about it at the tech desk and we'll make it work.


Quote from: Jupeboxgal on April 18, 2015, 10:58:49 PM
2) Is it still okay to add a note or two and a few moments of silence to the beginning of a karaoke track where the singing starts before the instrumentals?
Yes, this is allowed. Please reference the full rules when they are posted for more specific info on what is and is not allowed as far as Count-offs and pitch-centering additions.


Quote from: Jupeboxgal on April 18, 2015, 10:58:49 PM
3) Are we allowed to bring and or use props while on stage?
This is actually a new rule we've recently added to our contest rules. As such, I'll list it here in its entirety rather than try to explain it :3c


Quote from: KKD Contest 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.
Good Example: A staff that matches your costume which you incorporate into a light dance routine.
Bad Example: A prop that spews confetti on the stage and audience, or adds a laser light beam/fog machine effect.



Quote from: Jupeboxgal on April 18, 2015, 10:58:49 PM
4) It's still illegal to record your own harmonies to a karaoke track, right?
This is correct. We don't want the best producer to win, we want it to be based purely on the singer.



Quote from: Alexie828 on April 20, 2015, 02:19:11 AM
Where's the link to the list of songs that are already available in the karaoke library? :) And can we request new songs to be added like in previous years?
Our song list is located at http://www.anime-karaoke.com (http://www.anime-karaoke.com)
I'll start a thread for new song requests if there isn't already one/no one makes one before me. As always, we can't promise we will get all of the songs you want, but we will definitely try!

Title: Re: FANIMECON 2015 KARAOKE: Events and Info!
Post by: princesskitty18 on April 20, 2015, 12:44:08 PM
Quote from: Ska on April 20, 2015, 12:35:56 PM
I'll be posting full contest rules after I get them double-checked for inconsistencies, but all these questions are super important, FAQ-level ones so I'm happy to answer them!

Quote from: Jupeboxgal on April 18, 2015, 10:58:49 PM
1) Are the song time limits still 2:00 for the first round and 5:00 for the finals?
Our preliminary song limit actually changed a couple years ago. In the rules it's now stated as:

Quote from: KKD Contest Rules
Preliminary/Qualifying Round
1 minute OR verse/chorus (individual category)
2.5 minutes or less OR 2verse/chorus (group category)
The timing starts from when singing starts. These rules will allow you to perform a song that is edited for a TV opening or ending. For more unorthodox songs, a minute will give you plenty of time to show your stuff. These are soft limits and you are faded out gradually depending on where you are in your performance and other factors. You're always welcome to start your song at a certain point, or fade out after a limit you set for yourself though! Just talk to me about it at the tech desk and we'll make it work.

what? O.o since when did the preliminary time alloted changed? cuz last year it was still 2mins
Title: Re: FANIMECON 2015 KARAOKE: Events and Info!
Post by: Enkai on April 21, 2015, 06:12:48 AM
Quote from: princesskitty18 on April 20, 2015, 12:44:08 PM

what? O.o since when did the preliminary time alloted changed? cuz last year it was still 2mins

Ditto this.  I competed 2 years ago, and it was definitely 2 minutes then (as somebody who does the unorthodox songs, I would have been caught up in that change).  That really screws with my song choice - are you allowing us now to start in the middle of the song, because a lot of songs don't really start getting showy until at least a minute in.

Edit to add: just looked up the 2014 rule thread; it was 2 minutes last year.
http://forums.fanime.com/index.php/topic,19346.0.html
Quote from: Hank-KKD on May 06, 2014, 10:13:05 PM
Song Selection

Songs must be from the following categories: anime, vocaloid, video game, or J-rock/J-pop. K-pop is allowed in the preliminary round only. Although our karaoke database has songs from other categories, only songs from the aforementioned categories may be used. Signups with songs not in these categories will be rejected.

Songs limits: 2:00 (preliminary), 5:00 (finals). Songs longer than these limits will be faded out when the limit is reached.
Title: Re: FANIMECON 2015 KARAOKE: Events and Info!
Post by: Ska on April 21, 2015, 03:05:12 PM
Sorry, you're right, it seems the rules for 2014 on the forums say it was 2 minutes. I thought FanimeCon had been running the current format for longer, but I must have been confused with one of our other shows. If that's the case, I suppose this ruling is new for 2015. I've already double-checked with Tommy and he confirmed that we'll be using this format.

There are three reasons for this change:
1) We want to let as many people into the contest as possible
2) We want everyone to be judged fairly, which mean we need to keep the judges' impressions fresh
3) A single verse/chorus structure is an acceptable preliminary measure of what you have to display in the contest

We absolutely encourage you to start wherever you want in the song. Also remember that this limit begins where you first start singing, not when we first hit play. We want you to get to that showy bit, and we want for you to impress us! Our intent is not to stifle your creativity or make you feel rushed. We just want to ensure that everyone gives their best performance. If you have any other specific questions about this rule, I'm glad to answer more questions about it, or ask Tommy to give his expert opinion.

[Edit]: In the previous post, I said that groups had a different time than individuals. This is false. Apologies. Groups have the same time limit as individuals.
[Edit 2]: After putting together the full rulelist specifically for fanime, we opted to change the Preliminary times to "1.5minutes or verse/chrous" to prevent any confusion or anxiety over song choice. While the previous limit worked in past cons, we don't want to give the impression that you couldn't even perform a TV Size song to completion. Apologies for giving out information before it had been finalized.
[Edit 3]: Contest Rules and Info have been added to the main post! just follow the link provided.
Title: Re: FANIMECON 2015 KARAOKE: Events and Info!
Post by: Enkai on April 21, 2015, 08:04:37 PM
Thanks for the update.  Still changes my song (it was a perfect 2 minutes, but doesn't really work any other way), but being allowed to start later helps a lot with my final choice.

2 more questions -
IIRC, 2 years ago, we were able to apply our vocal dampening ourselves.  Is that still acceptable?
Since we can start wherever, how would you prefer we do that?  Do you want us to just say, start at :45 or something like that, or is it okay if we crop our file where we want to start?

I use audacity for all of that.  Nothing fancy, but it works.
Title: Re: FANIMECON 2015 KARAOKE: Events and Info!
Post by: Ska on April 22, 2015, 06:20:38 PM
Applying your own vocal dampening is allowed.

Feel free to crop the song exactly to where you want to start and finish. Otherwise, just telling me what time to start or stop is fine. But giving me less work is always appreciated! You never know if I'll get distracted by someone asking a question or another technical issue.
Title: Re: FANIMECON 2015 KARAOKE: Events and Info!
Post by: Moogleborg on April 22, 2015, 10:18:23 PM
I'll be ready! :D My karaoke skills are ready to HENSHIN! :D
Title: Re: FANIMECON 2015 KARAOKE: Events and Info!
Post by: pantsu on April 24, 2015, 06:46:19 PM
Quote from: Ska on April 22, 2015, 06:20:38 PM
Feel free to crop the song exactly to where you want to start and finish.

So, just to clarify....we can now sing whichever section of a song we like?  Previously, we HAD to start at the beginning of the song.

Also, one of our songs now MUST be from an anime (this is in the googledoc)?  We can't do 2 JPop songs?

Thanks.  Really looking forward to this year!!
Title: Re: FANIMECON 2015 KARAOKE: Events and Info!
Post by: Ska on April 25, 2015, 09:04:22 AM
For preliminaries, you may sing whatever portion of the song you'd like. For Finals, you have five minutes so you'll most likely be singing the entire song regardless.

Yes, one song choice must be from an anime. It is an anime convention, after all! It's your choice whether you want it to be your preliminary or finals song though.

I'm glad to see everyone getting so excited for the contest! Keep those questions coming. Remember, I can answer questions about the other contests too! Or open mic in general! Don't forget to ask about them!
Title: Re: FANIMECON 2015 KARAOKE: Events and Info!
Post by: Enkai on April 25, 2015, 09:47:53 AM
All the questions! I do like the rules modifications by the way-even with a shorter length we have a lot more freedom to do what will really work for our voice.

In the portion about pitch shifting, what do you mean by "provided no other excluded alterations are made?"
Title: Re: FANIMECON 2015 KARAOKE: Events and Info!
Post by: Nina Star 9 on April 25, 2015, 10:01:51 AM
Hey Ska! thanks for answering questions. :]

I have a couple of things I'd like to clarify about the new rules.
First, when you say that it's 1 minute of singing OR a verse/chorus, which is the or contingent upon? It is based on whichever is longer, or whichever is shorter?

For reference, this is the song I am considering: https://youtu.be/k8TPhQjZe1A
The singing starts about 15 seconds in, and the end of the first chorus is at about 1:53. Would I be able to sing to the end of the chorus, or would I be cut off before then?


Second, you said it is okay to start a song wherever, but is it okay to chop out a long instrumental in the middle? Or, at least, shorten that instrumental?
Or I can just ask about my specific song, because there are multiple versions. Do you know if the version of Adieu (from Cowboy Bebop) in the database is the long version (6+ minutes) or the shorter version (5.5 mins)? (though, even the shorter version (https://youtu.be/XalMIYYgHt0) would need to be faded out around 5:18 to catch all the singing...) If I can chop out 18 seconds of the instrumental in the middle, that would be fantastic.

Thanks. :]
Title: Re: FANIMECON 2015 KARAOKE: Events and Info!
Post by: Ska on April 25, 2015, 11:59:12 AM
Quote from: Enkai on April 25, 2015, 09:47:53 AM
In the portion about pitch shifting, what do you mean by "provided no other excluded alterations are made?"
Meaning section g - prohibited alterations, or any other alterations that are not specifically mentioned as being allowed. For example, "changing the pitch" by playing with the speed of a song is not allowed. I know, it may seem silly given the other rules we have in place, but there ya go.

Quote from: Nina Star 9 on April 25, 2015, 10:01:51 AM
I have a couple of things I'd like to clarify about the new rules.
First, when you say that it's 1 minute of singing OR a verse/chorus, which is the or contingent upon? It is based on whichever is longer, or whichever is shorter?
For reference, this is the song I am considering: https://youtu.be/k8TPhQjZe1A
The singing starts about 15 seconds in, and the end of the first chorus is at about 1:53. Would I be able to sing to the end of the chorus, or would I be cut off before then?
It's based on whatever fits better, to be honest. Do a verse/chorus but still have thirty seconds left somehow? You can do more singing if you choose to keep going, but you'll be faded out once you hit 1:30. Performed a verse and you're halfways through the chorus just as we hit 1:30? I'll usually let you finish it if we're running on-time and it makes sense to me. As long as you let me know either during warmups or when you're in the on-deck area of any shenanigans with your song, we should be able to work it out.

With your reference case - We're shooting for 90 seconds. Your verse/chorus is 113. Removing the 15 seconds since you haven't started singing yet, you're at 98. If there was any pause past the 90s mark I'd probably start fading you out, but if you're still singing you'd be able to squeeze in the last bit of the chorus before I'd start to fade you. You don't have to do this, but I would suggest that you find a fade-in point somewhere closer to when you start singing, either by letting me know what time to start you at, or just editing your song down yourself.



Quote from: Nina Star 9 on April 25, 2015, 10:01:51 AM
Second, you said it is okay to start a song wherever, but is it okay to chop out a long instrumental in the middle? Or, at least, shorten that instrumental?
Or I can just ask about my specific song, because there are multiple versions. Do you know if the version of Adieu (from Cowboy Bebop) in the database is the long version (6+ minutes) or the shorter version (5.5 mins)? (though, even the shorter version (https://youtu.be/XalMIYYgHt0) would need to be faded out around 5:18 to catch all the singing...) If I can chop out 18 seconds of the instrumental in the middle, that would be fantastic.

I don't believe editing out the instrumentals from the middle of a song is allowed. At that point it's editing the song's composition, not just fading it in or out or making other small adjustments. That being said, the final's song time limits are not put under as much scrutiny as preliminaries so I would suggest against making any changes and sing it all the way through.

Talking specifically about adieu - First of all, our database version is 5:40(though it is not a karaoke track! just a reminder.) The vocals do end around 5:18. This is still within an acceptable time for a finals song and we would let you sing it to completion. If the song was 6-7 minutes we'd have to discuss alternatives.
Title: Re: FANIMECON 2015 KARAOKE: Events and Info!
Post by: pantsu on April 26, 2015, 12:21:50 AM
Quote from: Ska on April 25, 2015, 09:04:22 AM
Yes, one song choice must be from an anime. It is an anime convention, after all! It's your choice whether you want it to be your preliminary or finals song though.

Thanks for this clarification Ska, as this is a big change from before.  Can I suggest that you make this point clear at the beginning of the rules googledoc?  It was kind of hidden in the "which songs qualify" section and might not be obvious to someone just skimming the rules.

As for open mic karaoke, can we bring mp3 players to use for that?  I find it easier to just dump all my karaoke tracks into a playlist on my ipod rather than burning a CD and having to keep a written list of which song is which.

Thanks for answering all our questions!!
Title: Re: FANIMECON 2015 KARAOKE: Events and Info!
Post by: Enkai on April 26, 2015, 06:55:00 AM
Quote from: Ska on April 25, 2015, 11:59:12 AM
Meaning section g - prohibited alterations, or any other alterations that are not specifically mentioned as being allowed. For example, "changing the pitch" by playing with the speed of a song is not allowed. I know, it may seem silly given the other rules we have in place, but there ya go.

Okay, perfect! Thanks for all the quick responses!
Title: Re: FANIMECON 2015 KARAOKE: Events and Info!
Post by: Ska on April 26, 2015, 12:04:40 PM
Quote from: pantsu on April 26, 2015, 12:21:50 AM
As for open mic karaoke, can we bring mp3 players to use for that?  I find it easier to just dump all my karaoke tracks into a playlist on my ipod rather than burning a CD and having to keep a written list of which song is which.

For open mic, we allow any format that you can plug in using a 3.5mm jack, with one exception: We do not allow devices that are attempting to play streaming media sources (Youtube, Spotify, etc.) because the user experience is typically horrible inside the convention center. You might think you have five bars and can download at 25mbps but I guarantee the second you get on stage your song is going to buffer and it'll make for an awkward time all around.

Other notable things about open mic -

If you have any other specific use cases just let me know and i'll tell you if we can handle it or not. ex: I have a portable record player that outputs 1/4" (Yes we probably can but what in the world are you doing with that please tell i'm curious??)
Title: Re: FANIMECON 2015 KARAOKE: Events and Info!
Post by: marisuga on April 28, 2015, 12:49:44 AM
So what are the prizes? (Just curious!) Does first place still get to sing in the masquerade?
Title: Re: FANIMECON 2015 KARAOKE: Events and Info!
Post by: tianyan on April 28, 2015, 10:13:59 AM
Hello!

Frequented the karaoke room last year, and by frequented I mean listened to singers! 
Missed the actual contest though, but I'm debating on giving this a shot!

A couple questions:

Are both the individual and group entries combined in the same karaoke contest?  Or are they separate contests?
And if they're part of the same contest, are individual and group entries judged differently?

Thanks a bunch!
Title: Re: FANIMECON 2015 KARAOKE: Events and Info!
Post by: princesskitty18 on April 28, 2015, 10:15:14 AM
Quote from: tianyan on April 28, 2015, 10:13:59 AM
Hello!

Frequented the karaoke room last year, and by frequented I mean listened to singers! 
Missed the actual contest though, but I'm debating on giving this a shot!

A couple questions:

Are both the individual and group entries combined in the same karaoke contest?  Or are they separate contests?
And if they're part of the same contest, are individual and group entries judged differently?

Thanks a bunch!

can't answer the question about being judged differently although i doubt the differences are significant.
but yes both individuals and groups sing in the same contest.
Title: Re: FANIMECON 2015 KARAOKE: Events and Info!
Post by: tianyan on April 28, 2015, 11:02:05 AM
Thanks for the response!

Follow-up Question:
If I'm reading the rules correctly, it state that a contestant can sign up for both the individual and group category.
Theoretically, does that mean a contestant can pass the preliminary round twice and appear twice in the finals? Or is there some sort of exception if this is the case?

Thanks again!
Title: Re: FANIMECON 2015 KARAOKE: Events and Info!
Post by: princesskitty18 on April 28, 2015, 11:07:20 AM
Quote from: tianyan on April 28, 2015, 11:02:05 AM
Thanks for the response!

Follow-up Question:
If I'm reading the rules correctly, it state that a contestant can sign up for both the individual and group category.
Theoretically, does that mean a contestant can pass the preliminary round twice and appear twice in the finals? Or is there some sort of exception if this is the case?

Thanks again!
huh...
i just read the rules and that is definitely something new imo
because in my years of participating, that has never been the case or no one has done something like that
.....
SKAAAAAAA!!! HALPPPPPPPP
Title: Re: FANIMECON 2015 KARAOKE: Events and Info!
Post by: Ska on April 28, 2015, 12:13:32 PM
Quote from: marisuga on April 28, 2015, 12:49:44 AM
So what are the prizes? (Just curious!) Does first place still get to sing in the masquerade?
Prizes haven't been decided on yet, but it should be pretty decent. All I can say about that.

Quote from: tianyan on April 28, 2015, 10:13:59 AM
Are both the individual and group entries combined in the same karaoke contest?  Or are they separate contests?
And if they're part of the same contest, are individual and group entries judged differently?
Both groups and individuals are combined in the same contest. The top ten entries in the preliminaries will move on to the finals.

Quote from: tianyan on April 28, 2015, 11:02:05 AM
If I'm reading the rules correctly, it state that a contestant can sign up for both the individual and group category.
Theoretically, does that mean a contestant can pass the preliminary round twice and appear twice in the finals? Or is there some sort of exception if this is the case?
This was a mistake, Apologies for the oversight. Because of Fanime's contest format, we only allow a person to sign up for one category.
Title: Re: FANIMECON 2015 KARAOKE: Events and Info!
Post by: tianyan on April 28, 2015, 04:46:58 PM
Awesome!

Thank you for the clarification!
Title: Re: FANIMECON 2015 KARAOKE: Events and Info!
Post by: Enkai on April 28, 2015, 09:41:26 PM
Quote from: Ska on April 28, 2015, 12:13:32 PM
Quote from: marisuga on April 28, 2015, 12:49:44 AM
So what are the prizes? (Just curious!) Does first place still get to sing in the masquerade?
Prizes haven't been decided on yet, but it should be pretty decent. All I can say about that.

I'm a little surprised at this response, actually.  I was considering entering masquerade as well, and considering a skit with some level of singing at the focus.  The head of masquerade is telling people that the winner of karaoke will be at masquerade here: (link: http://forums.fanime.com/index.php/topic,19906.msg483183.html#msg483183)

Quote from: Erik_anderson on March 22, 2015, 10:03:48 PM

Quote3. Will the karaoke winner be singing in masquerade this year?

Yes, the winner is the opening act after the introductions, to get us kicked off.


I don't really care one way or another (especially now that I decided to drop masquerade), but I am confused by the inconsistency.
Title: Re: FANIMECON 2015 KARAOKE: Events and Info!
Post by: Ska on April 28, 2015, 10:18:53 PM
There's no need to be confused. If Erik confirmed the contest winner performs in masquerade, then that's what happens. It's their show, not ours! I was just trying to double-check to make sure that agreement is still in place before I confirmed it. Can't blame me considering how many other silly mistakes I keep making, can you? :3c
Title: Re: FANIMECON 2015 KARAOKE: Events and Info!
Post by: ZeroBudgetGamer on April 28, 2015, 10:24:31 PM
Quote from: Ska on April 20, 2015, 12:35:56 PM
Quote from: Jupeboxgal on April 18, 2015, 10:58:49 PM
1) Are the song time limits still 2:00 for the first round and 5:00 for the finals?
Our preliminary song limit actually changed a couple years ago. In the rules it's now stated as:

Quote from: KKD Contest Rules
Preliminary/Qualifying Round
1.5 minute OR verse/chorus
The timing starts from when singing starts. These rules will allow you to perform a song that is edited for a TV opening or ending. For more unorthodox songs, a minute will give you plenty of time to show your stuff. These are soft limits and you are faded out gradually depending on where you are in your performance and other factors. You're always welcome to start your song at a certain point, or fade out after a limit you set for yourself though! Just talk to me about it at the tech desk and we'll make it work.

Oh no!  I was hoping to sing Bink's Sake from One Piece as my opening run.  During Winter's Sac-Anime, the guys running that one let another person sing that song from beginning to end, I guess because the only valid stopping point (EDIT: Break in the singing) is around 1:15 in, 1:05 when you cut the no-singing beginning.  I love that song, but until then I never considered singing it because it was too long for a round one entry and too short (IMO) for a round two entry, so I got hyped when I thought I could sing it the whole way through as a round one.  There's not really a good point to cut into it midway, either.  Do I have to find another choice now?

...or, as a second thought, am I allowed to keep singing after you fade me out?  At least until I get to a valid stopping point in the song?  I certainly wouldn't want to get cut-off mid-verse.
Title: Re: FANIMECON 2015 KARAOKE: Events and Info!
Post by: Enkai on April 28, 2015, 10:52:57 PM
Quote from: Ska on April 28, 2015, 10:18:53 PM
There's no need to be confused. If Erik confirmed the contest winner performs in masquerade, then that's what happens. It's their show, not ours! I was just trying to double-check to make sure that agreement is still in place before I confirmed it. Can't blame me considering how many other silly mistakes I keep making, can you? :3c

Oh don't worry, I wasn't blaming you at all! :-) Not assuming something is confirmed is a good policy!  I've gotten more aware of indirect communication lately, and it read like there was a firm yes missing, but I likewise didn't want to assume.
Title: Re: FANIMECON 2015 KARAOKE: Events and Info!
Post by: Ska on April 29, 2015, 12:12:48 PM
Quote from: ZeroBudgetGamer on April 28, 2015, 10:24:31 PM
Oh no!  I was hoping to sing Bink's Sake from One Piece as my opening run. .... Do I have to find another choice now?

...or, as a second thought, am I allowed to keep singing after you fade me out?  At least until I get to a valid stopping point in the song?  I certainly wouldn't want to get cut-off mid-verse.

I can't comment on what we've done for other shows (I didn't get to go to the specific show in question this year, boo) So I don't know what was allowed or why. Can only tell ya what we're doing for Fanime right now.

The time limit is one and a half minutes, so you could stop yourself at the 1:15 time and be fine. Remember, you aren't penalized for cutting your performance shorter than 1:30, so do what feels natural as far as that goes. Do you have to find another choice? I can't help there, that's ultimately your decision.

You are not allowed to continue singing after being faded out. Sorry, it would be unfair to other performers. Instead, when you practice take note of how long the song has been going and how long you have been singing, and stop yourself when you get close to the limit, so when you're on stage you can simply take a bow and say thank you, and you won't leave it up to me to fade you out.

That's a good note for everyone, honestly: Be proactive about things like your time limit. Don't depend on me to do what you think is right, because I might hear it a completely different way and fade you out ten seconds before you think I should have. Learn your limit and stick to it. If you practiced but are still worried about being faded out on, tell me during warm-ups. We'll figure it out to make sure it's a valid timing and that we're both on board with what will happen. Then remind me when it's time for your performance (I got a lot to remember!) Cool? Cool.
Title: Re: FANIMECON 2015 KARAOKE: Events and Info!
Post by: coriechan on April 30, 2015, 03:13:33 PM
Question!
If we've done the contest before but it was YEARS ago, are we allowed to pick the same songs as before? Or at least one? I know it'd be shooting it back to do it, but just for kicks is it allowed?
Title: Re: FANIMECON 2015 KARAOKE: Events and Info!
Post by: jedisurvivor on April 30, 2015, 05:11:25 PM
Pardon me if this question was already asked, but would I be allowed to sing the same song for both the prelim and final rounds?

Thanks!
Title: Re: FANIMECON 2015 KARAOKE: Events and Info!
Post by: Ska on April 30, 2015, 05:40:11 PM
Quote from: coriechan on April 30, 2015, 03:13:33 PM
Question!
If we've done the contest before but it was YEARS ago, are we allowed to pick the same songs as before? Or at least one? I know it'd be shooting it back to do it, but just for kicks is it allowed?

Your song choice is your decision entirely. I've never heard of a restriction on song choice due to what you've sang in a previous year, even if you've placed using the song before. Of course, if the judges remember your performance then you will have the extra pressure of topping your own performance as well as competing with the other contestants. Just a thought.

Quote from: jedisurvivor on April 30, 2015, 05:11:25 PM
Pardon me if this question was already asked, but would I be allowed to sing the same song for both the prelim and final rounds?
No, they must be two different songs.
Title: Re: FANIMECON 2015 KARAOKE: Events and Info!
Post by: Nina Star 9 on April 30, 2015, 08:13:33 PM
Thanks for the reply, Ska! :] I'll either change my prelims song or do a different part (both the second verse + chorus and the bridge + final chorus fit the time limits pretty well, so I could just do that).

Glad to know the version of Adieu is the shorter one, and that it would be acceptable to sing to the end. not that I see myself making it far enough lol
Title: Re: FANIMECON 2015 KARAOKE: Events and Info!
Post by: coriechan on May 01, 2015, 01:59:20 PM
Last quick question!

If I have a backing/karaoke track of my own that is different from the original (like an acoustic version or a dubstep version etc) is that allowed or do we have to have the original track?

Thank you~!
Title: Re: FANIMECON 2015 KARAOKE: Events and Info!
Post by: Ska on May 01, 2015, 03:00:22 PM
Quote from: coriechan on May 01, 2015, 01:59:20 PM
If I have a backing/karaoke track of my own that is different from the original (like an acoustic version or a dubstep version etc) is that allowed or do we have to have the original track?

This is a difficult question to answer without knowing more about the source material. At first glance it falls under an unacceptable fan-made work (Especially if you were the one who created it.) To check if your song choice is actually valid, you would have to contact me or another senior karaoke staff member about the specific song in question, the source material, who created it, and your reasons for using it. We would review the info, determine if the song adapts the source material adequately, see if the creator falls within our 'well-established' criteria, and ultimately say if it's a legitimate reason to use it over other sources.

This is the proper way to include a doujin song in the contest. If you fail to notify us about its inclusion you may be asked to change your song before performing, or possibly disqualified, so take a minute or two and pm me if you insist on going this route!

[Edit]: Contest Forms are now live! Check the original post for links!
Title: Re: FANIMECON 2015 KARAOKE: Events and Info!
Post by: Jupeboxgal on May 01, 2015, 03:16:23 PM
Yay! Sent in my group submission. Hopefully I didn't get any information wrong :3 Looking forward to another great karaoke contest with lots of talented performers!
Title: Re: FANIMECON 2015 KARAOKE: Events and Info!
Post by: Moogleborg on May 01, 2015, 11:37:47 PM
Just sent in my entry! :D I will be ready! :D
Title: Re: FANIMECON 2015 KARAOKE: Events and Info!
Post by: ZeroBudgetGamer on May 05, 2015, 05:13:36 AM
I'm back, with another unique question regarding the prelims.  I may have come up with a different (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9zRLySWfCAU) (possibly better) song for the prelims, but it doesn't have a legitimate karaoke version.  It DOES, however, have an Instrumental version that has a wind instrument playing in lieu of lyrics.  It's a game song, and both versions can be found within the source game (yet strangely NOT withing the game's OST).  I already know I can make changes to my chosen songs at the con, but I'm wondering if the...uniqueness of this song is allowed.  Time-wise, it fits nearly perfectly, going only a couple seconds over the 1:30 bar if singing the first verse/chorus, and I can actually find a version that stops shortly after said verse/chorus.  If I were to use this song, would I be able to use the Instrumental version without penalty, or would I have to find a means to create my own karaoke version (I've heard people talking about Audacity, but I know nothing about it)?
Title: Re: FANIMECON 2015 KARAOKE: Events and Info!
Post by: tianyan on May 05, 2015, 07:40:17 AM
Question regarding acoustikaraoke!

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

Thanks again!
Title: Re: FANIMECON 2015 KARAOKE: Events and Info!
Post by: Shogi on May 05, 2015, 12:28:59 PM
Quote from: Ska on April 20, 2015, 12:35:56 PM
Our song list is located at http://www.anime-karaoke.com (http://www.anime-karaoke.com)

Super excited for this!!

Just a quick question! For the contest, 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? (if we've made it into the contest that is)

I really am looking forward to this! Can't wait!  ;D
Title: Re: FANIMECON 2015 KARAOKE: Events and Info!
Post by: marisuga on May 06, 2015, 01:22:25 AM
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?
Title: Re: FANIMECON 2015 KARAOKE: Events and Info!
Post by: coolasplastic on May 06, 2015, 07:31:16 PM
Quote from: Ska on April 20, 2015, 12:35:56 PM
Quote from: Alexie828 on April 20, 2015, 02:19:11 AM
Where's the link to the list of songs that are already available in the karaoke library? :) And can we request new songs to be added like in previous years?
Our song list is located at http://www.anime-karaoke.com (http://www.anime-karaoke.com)
I'll start a thread for new song requests if there isn't already one/no one makes one before me. As always, we can't promise we will get all of the songs you want, but we will definitely try!

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!
Title: Re: FANIMECON 2015 KARAOKE: Events and Info!
Post by: Ska on May 06, 2015, 10:42:37 PM
Quote from: ZeroBudgetGamer on May 05, 2015, 05:13:36 AM
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.

Quote from: tianyan on May 05, 2015, 07:40:17 AM
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.

Quote from: Shogi on May 05, 2015, 12:28:59 PM
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.

Quote from: marisuga on May 06, 2015, 01:22:25 AM
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'

Quote from: coolasplastic on May 06, 2015, 07:31:16 PM
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!
Title: Re: FANIMECON 2015 KARAOKE: Events and Info!
Post by: coolasplastic on May 08, 2015, 08:48:07 AM
Quote from: Ska on May 06, 2015, 10:42:37 PM

Quote from: coolasplastic on May 06, 2015, 07:31:16 PM
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!

thx bae
Title: Re: FANIMECON 2015 KARAOKE: Events and Info!
Post by: diligentsesame on May 12, 2015, 02:49:11 PM
Hi there! If we have an exhibitor's badge, are we eligible to participate?
Title: Re: FANIMECON 2015 KARAOKE: Events and Info!
Post by: Dreamanimeworks1994 on May 12, 2015, 10:17:22 PM
I have a question, can you sing the songs in English ?
Title: Re: FANIMECON 2015 KARAOKE: Events and Info!
Post by: Hiyuki Hime on May 12, 2015, 11:16:57 PM
Quote from: Dreamanimeworks1994 on May 12, 2015, 10:17:22 PM
I have a question, can you sing the songs in English ?

I think the rules say that if its an english adaption of a japanese song for the series it comes from then its ok. if its fanmade then its not allowed
Title: Re: FANIMECON 2015 KARAOKE: Events and Info!
Post by: okitasemi on May 13, 2015, 02:04:01 PM
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?
Title: Re: FANIMECON 2015 KARAOKE: Events and Info!
Post by: Ska on May 13, 2015, 03:38:32 PM
Quote from: diligentsesame on May 12, 2015, 02:49:11 PM
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!

Quote from: Dreamanimeworks1994 on May 12, 2015, 10:17:22 PM
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!

Quote from: okitasemi on May 13, 2015, 02:04:01 PM
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

Title: Re: FANIMECON 2015 KARAOKE: Events and Info!
Post by: Alexie828 on May 17, 2015, 02:17:51 PM
Will the order of contestants be posted online? :o
Title: Re: FANIMECON 2015 KARAOKE: Events and Info!
Post by: RoyalSlothCos on May 17, 2015, 08:24:06 PM
Is it too late to sign up for the gong show? And are MP3/phones okay if the song is on there?
Title: Re: FANIMECON 2015 KARAOKE: Events and Info!
Post by: princesskitty18 on May 17, 2015, 11:11:48 PM
Quote from: queeniesloth on May 17, 2015, 08:24:06 PM
Is it too late to sign up for the gong show? And are MP3/phones okay if the song is on there?

phones are a no-go for sure. but a regular mp3/ipod should be fine.
Title: Re: FANIMECON 2015 KARAOKE: Events and Info!
Post by: Ska on May 19, 2015, 11:46:24 AM
Alright, this is my last update before it's time to dive into the show, so here goes.

Quote from: Alexie828 on May 17, 2015, 02:17:51 PM
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.

Quote from: queeniesloth on May 17, 2015, 08:24:06 PM
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!