I have submitted the 2009 Karaoke Contest rules to the Fanime web site. For reference, I have also posted them here. In the unlikely event the two versions are different, the version on the Fanime web site takes precedence.
Fanime Con 2009 Karaoke Contest Rules
Contest Overview
The Fanime Con 2009 Karaoke Contest will take place on Friday, May 22. 35 Individuals and Groups will vie for the right to be crowned the best singing act of Fanime Con!
The Preliminary (qualifying) round will be in the late afternoon/early evening, and those who qualify will sing in the finals which are at 9PM. Contestants do not need to be present for the entire Preliminary round.
Eligibility
You must have a valid Fanime Con badge for Friday.
Fanime Con Karaoke staff, Guests of Honor, and Industry members are ineligible to compete in the contest.
If you compete as a group, all members of the group must perform in both rounds to be eligible for a prize. You may not add or change group members between rounds. All members of the group must sing during both songs, either as lead or as backup.
Signing Up/Checking In
Online contest signups will start on Sunday, May 2. Stay tuned to the Fanime Con Live Programming forum for the most current information on online signups for the Karaoke Contest.
To keep the length of the contest reasonable, the number of acts is limited to 35. Signups are first come, first served.
We will accept up to 25 spots before the convention. An additional ten spots will be reserved for at-con sign-ups. Online sign-ups close once we receive 25 valid entries. Any at-con sign-ups in excess of the ten allotted spots will be placed on a waiting list.
Contestants who pre-register for the convention must check in no later than 30 minutes before the start of the qualifying round. Failure to check-in could result in loss of your spot in the contest. Once the contest starts, the MC will only call the names of those who have checked in. To check-in for the contest, you will need your Fanime Con badge and your contest music.
Check-in and at-con sign-ups for the contest will be taken in the Karaoke room (Hall C in the San Jose Convention Center), starting when the Karaoke room opens on Friday.
Selecting Your Songs
Songs must be from the following categories: Anime, video game, or J-rock/J-pop.
Songs are limited to two and a half minutes (TV version, or one verse and chorus) for the Preliminary round, and five minutes for final round songs. Songs longer than these limits will be faded out when the limit is reached.
You may not use the same song in both rounds of the contest.
English songs which were not originally created for an anime series or video game, or straight covers of such songs (for example, Fly Me To The Moon) are not allowed.
Original English or other non-Japanese songs created for the dubbed version of an anime series or game are okay. (For example, the American version of Sailor Moon, or songs from Robotech.)
No a cappella singing. a cappella singers are invited to join our Acoustikaraoke! Contest on Saturday afternoon.
You should follow the song's original lyrics- this is not a "filk" contest.
If contestants bring their own music, they must provide their own songs on an audio CD. No MDs, mp3s CDs, cassettes, or mp3 players.
If you are making a CD especially just for the contest, please make Track 1 your preliminary song and Track 2 your Final song. Also, write your real name on the CD.
We will make a reasonable effort to return your CD to you, but are ultimately not responsible for lost or forgotten CDs. It is the responsibility of the contestant to claim their CD after the contest. Unclaimed CDs may be disposed of at our discretion after the convention. If your CD is hard to replace, we strongly suggest you claim it immediately or use a backup.
Contestants who sign up at the convention may choose songs from our open mic library. However, this is done at the contestant's own risk. We are not responsible if the song sounds different from what the contestant was expecting, and we do not guarantee the availability of any particular song.
Contestants must provide their own song lyrics, if needed, except for contestants who use our song open mic library.
Songs must be in their original format as on the released CD and may not be rearranged by the contestant or other party in any way. Remixes which have appeared on an official released CD are okay.
All contestants who do not use karaoke versions of their songs must perform with vocal dampening turned on. We want to hear you, not the original singer.
Note: Vocal dampening has been known to have unexpected effects with some songs, so if you plan to use vocal dampening, we strongly suggest that you test out your song before you sign up.
Scoring and Judging
Each contestant will be scored by each judge on a scale of 1 to 10 in the following categories:
• Vocal: musical quality of performance, song selection, breath control, pitch and tone
• Visual Performance: stage presence; overall entertainment value; style and poise
Vocal counts for two-thirds of the total score, and Visual Performance counts one-third.
The top 10 scores advance to the Finals. Preliminary scores are carried over to the Finals.
In the Finals, the winners will be determined by the sum of their preliminary round score and their final round score.
In case of a tie in the preliminary round, the tied acts will advance to the final round. In the event of a tie in the finals, the final round score is the tiebreaker. If the final round scores are the same between the tied contestants, then a vote of the judges will determine final placement.
All decisions made by the judges are final.
Conduct
As a convention for anime fans of all ages, Fanime Con has certain standards of behavior which all convention attendees should abide by at all times. Karaoke is no exception.
All aspects of the act, including, but not limited to: costume, conduct on stage, and song lyrics, are to abide by no worse than a PG-13 standard. If you re in doubt as to whether something is suitable, just ask yourself: Would you do this in front of your mother? If you're still in doubt, please email or post and tell us what you have in mind, and we'll make a decision.
If any violations of this policy occur, Fanime Con Karaoke staff reserves the right to disqualify offenders from the contest and/or terminate the act in mid-song. In extreme cases, offenders may also be subject to convention penalties including loss of badge and removal from the convention.
During the contest, no interaction with the judges or the MC is allowed. Contestants may not touch or approach the judge's table. Contestants may not go into the audience or use an audience member in their act. Actions that encourage general audience participation as a whole (such as asking the crowd to sing along) are okay.
The only persons allowed in the performing area are the MC, Fanime Con Karaoke staff and guests, judges, and contestants.
I had a question regarding the song that I would like to sing for the preliminaries:
This song has a minute long intro; I've discovered that if you start the song at :55, it doesn't cut off too strangely, and it comes in at 2:30 minutes (the full song is just under 3:30). Would it be possible to request that the song be started at that point?
Thanks! ^.^
are there any age restrictions?
I'm also wondering about the age restrictions ^^
Aww so this year, groups and individuals are still lumped together?? I hope eventually you guys will be able to separate the two. I know it's a lot of work though, so no worries ^^ See you next month!
Quote from: Enkai on April 10, 2009, 06:22:53 PM
I had a question regarding the song that I would like to sing for the preliminaries:
This song has a minute long intro; I've discovered that if you start the song at :55, it doesn't cut off too strangely, and it comes in at 2:30 minutes (the full song is just under 3:30). Would it be possible to request that the song be started at that point?
If the intro is all instrumental, this is okay, just tell us when you check in and confirm again with the our tech staff when you're about to go on stage. If however there is singing in the intro, you can't skip it.
Quote
are there any age restrictions?
As mentioned in another post, basically there is no limit as long as you are able to perform by yourself without another person assisting you.
Quote
Aww so this year, groups and individuals are still lumped together?? I hope eventually you guys will be able to separate the two. I know it's a lot of work though, so no worries ^^ See you next month!
Yes, it's still one competition for both groups and individuals. We would need at least 8-10 groups on a regular basis to consider a separate competition.
Quote from: GaleWolf on April 14, 2009, 02:14:36 AM
If the intro is all instrumental, this is okay, just tell us when you check in and confirm again with the our tech staff when you're about to go on stage. If however there is singing in the intro, you can't skip it.
Nope, no singing. Sounds good, thanks! ^.^
Is Vocaloid songs allow in the contest?
There is one that I want to sing and of course its in Japanese.
Quote from: GaleWolf on April 14, 2009, 02:14:36 AM
Yes, it's still one competition for both groups and individuals. We would need at least 8-10 groups on a regular basis to consider a separate competition.
Ah I see, that makes perfect sense then. Thank you.
Quote from: GaleWolf on April 14, 2009, 02:14:36 AM
As mentioned in another post, basically there is no limit as long as you are able to perform by yourself without another person assisting you.
ok, yes I can perform without any assistance though I will have my group supporting me but I wouldn't call that personnal assistance... <3
and thanks! =)
Quote from: xXunyuuXx on April 14, 2009, 02:37:20 PM
Is Vocaloid songs allow in the contest?
There is one that I want to sing and of course its in Japanese.
you mean that finnish song that the anime world has taken over? Just like the swedish song carameldansen.
I also have a question. Should I apply through email? or just wait until the day of. I want to do it through email cause I'm afraid I won't be able to sign up. But I don't want to end up going first either.
Quote from: PrincessCake on April 16, 2009, 08:15:13 AM
Quote from: xXunyuuXx on April 14, 2009, 02:37:20 PM
Is Vocaloid songs allow in the contest?
There is one that I want to sing and of course its in Japanese.
you mean that finnish song that the anime world has taken over? Just like the swedish song carameldansen.
o.O
Vocaloid had over hundreds of songs sung by different vocaloid character. Yes Ievan Polkka the Finnish song is one of them but it's not the one I wanted to sing.
just to clearify, is the english version of 1,000 words ok? cause I really want to sing it for the contest :3
and another thing, when u say remix, to get the 2:30 time, are you allowed to "remix" it so it fits in the limit?
Quote from: xXunyuuXx on April 16, 2009, 03:12:51 PM
Quote from: PrincessCake on April 16, 2009, 08:15:13 AM
Quote from: xXunyuuXx on April 14, 2009, 02:37:20 PM
Is Vocaloid songs allow in the contest?
There is one that I want to sing and of course its in Japanese.
you mean that finnish song that the anime world has taken over? Just like the swedish song carameldansen.
o.O
Vocaloid had over hundreds of songs sung by different vocaloid character. Yes Ievan Polkka the Finnish song is one of them but it's not the one I wanted to sing.
lol okay cause that song is absolutely annoying!!!!!
Quote from: PrincessCake on April 17, 2009, 08:04:41 AM
Quote from: xXunyuuXx on April 16, 2009, 03:12:51 PM
Quote from: PrincessCake on April 16, 2009, 08:15:13 AM
Quote from: xXunyuuXx on April 14, 2009, 02:37:20 PM
Is Vocaloid songs allow in the contest?
There is one that I want to sing and of course its in Japanese.
you mean that finnish song that the anime world has taken over? Just like the swedish song carameldansen.
o.O
Vocaloid had over hundreds of songs sung by different vocaloid character. Yes Ievan Polkka the Finnish song is one of them but it's not the one I wanted to sing.
lol okay cause that song is absolutely annoying!!!!!
LOL ^o^
When its over play then I guess it can be quite a nuisance. But it never happen to me. 8P
By videogame, are you refering to specifically Japanese-developed videogames, or are any games allowed? Such as Guitar Hero, Rockband, etc. Just asking for some clarification. Since the majority of said songs are actually covers, they're not really elligible anyway, and I've no intention of singing songs from either game. I have a friend who would be interested in doing Bark At The Moon and Holy Diver if permitted though. :P
Quote from: arcadiapandora on April 17, 2009, 11:45:45 PM
By videogame, are you refering to specifically Japanese-developed videogames, or are any games allowed? Such as Guitar Hero, Rockband, etc. Just asking for some clarification. Since the majority of said songs are actually covers, they're not really elligible anyway, and I've no intention of singing songs from either game. I have a friend who would be interested in doing Bark At The Moon and Holy Diver if permitted though. :P
i think they mean like final fantasy things like that.
About songs in English:
What about songs by Japanese artists, originally written an performed by them (not covers), that are in English? By Japanese artists, I mean artists that live in/work in Japan exclusively and 98% of their releases are entirely/mostly in Japanese.
Also, songs that are about 66% in English and 33% in Japanese by an artist fitting the above the description would be allowed, correct?
I'm not sure if I will do Amano Tsukiko's Jam Tommorrow (doubtful, more likely for open mic) or Kitchen (more likely), but if a song like this is not allowed, even if it is by a Japanese artist, then it will aid me in deciding. :D
Songs entirely in English but by Japanese artists seem to be somewhat of a rarity and it isn't clear in the rules, so I thought I would ask.
I'm also wondering the same thing since I wanted to sing Life is like a boat D:
Alright I'll try and cover all the answers in one post:
Registration: That will start about two weeks from now. It's not done by email- There will be a web page to handle the registration. The link will be posted to these forums on Sunday, May 3.
Vocaloid songs: Not for this contest, you can sing it in the Gong Show though!
Video games: yes, the spirit of that rule is for Japanese video games.
Remixes: By remixes, we mean official remix versions of a song. You can't remix a song yourself.
English songs: English versions of Japanese songs (for example, 1000 Words) are fine. Original dub versions of anime themes (for example, the North American Sailor Moon theme songs) are fine. Original songs by Japanese artists in English are fine. What we don't want are covers of well-known English songs (such as stuff from Guitar Hero). This isn't American Idol ;-)
Quote from: konataFTW on April 19, 2009, 01:02:05 AM
I'm also wondering the same thing since I wanted to sing Life is like a boat D:
isn't that from bleach? I think she sings in both japanese and english. correct me if i'm wrong.
Awesome, thanks. :D
I might end up doing Jam Tomorrow after all~
Quote from: PrincessCake on April 20, 2009, 08:10:11 AM
Quote from: konataFTW on April 19, 2009, 01:02:05 AM
I'm also wondering the same thing since I wanted to sing Life is like a boat D:
isn't that from bleach? I think she sings in both japanese and english. correct me if i'm wrong.
yea it is, I was kinda wondering and now it is answered /lol off topic I'm still wearing my Nunnally cosplay XD
I'm sorry if this is a stupid question, but I am just bustling with excitement and can't wait to sign up for this contest. It says on another page that May 2nd is when registration starts, but May 3rd is what another post said. Can you verify what the correct date is for me?
Also, about how quickly do the spots fill up? I'm concerned that for some reason I won't be able to get to the computer.
And one last question. If a song originally has harmonies, but the karaoke version does not, is it okay if I record them in advance and mix them into the track I give to you guys? Certain songs just don't sound as full if you don't add in the harmonies.
Thanks in advance. :3
ack my friend suddenly changed his mind and want to do a duet with me! that is ok right?
to fit out cosplays, we are doing a Kagamine Duet (undecided song yet) from Vocaloids... Imean voca's are ok right? >///<V sooo excited XD
Quote from: konataFTW on April 23, 2009, 09:05:01 PM
ack my friend suddenly changed his mind and want to do a duet with me! that is ok right?
to fit out cosplays, we are doing a Kagamine Duet (undecided song yet) from Vocaloids... Imean voca's are ok right? >///<V sooo excited XD
You can't sing vocaloid in this contest. I already asked since there was something I wanted to sing as well by the Vocaloid. But you are welcome to sing it at the Gong Show.
oh lol ok...
i wonder if they have karaoke versions of
No More Words by Ayumi Hamasaki
Sore ga, Ai Deshou by Mikuni Shimokawa
Kesenai Tsumi by Nana Kitade
Glaring Dream from Gravitation
Super Drive from Gravitation
Sakura Kiss by Chieco Kawabe
cause those are the songs I want to choose from
Quote from: PrincessCake on April 25, 2009, 11:14:01 AM
i wonder if they have karaoke versions of
No More Words by Ayumi Hamasaki
Sore ga, Ai Deshou by Mikuni Shimokawa
Kesenai Tsumi by Nana Kitade
Glaring Dream from Gravitation
Super Drive from Gravitation
Sakura Kiss by Chieco Kawabe
cause those are the songs I want to choose from
I have the karaoke for Kesenai Tsumi and Sakura Kiss, so if you give me your email address I can send them to you. *nods*
Quote from: PrincessCake on April 25, 2009, 11:14:01 AM
i wonder if they have karaoke versions of
No More Words by Ayumi Hamasaki
Sore ga, Ai Deshou by Mikuni Shimokawa
Kesenai Tsumi by Nana Kitade
Glaring Dream from Gravitation
Super Drive from Gravitation
Sakura Kiss by Chieco Kawabe
cause those are the songs I want to choose from
If you have an account for Gendou.com you can check there too. Great site full of nice people. ^-^
This presents a dilemma... I'm the guy that's always done the Eurobeat/Initial D stuff. The songs weren't made JUST for Initial D (with a few exceptions), and they're in English, but... they're still considered integral to the original Initial D experience (I'm gleefully forcing the Tokyopop failure-at-life rap soundtrack out of the picture here, only Eurobeat). They're widely considered THE "Initial D Soundtrack".
Does this still qualify? I'm considering singing songs from Niko and Dave Rodgers for my entries.
if the song starts with singer or at the same time, what kind of sign is best to have the song start at when the contestant want it to start?
Another round of replies:
Signups start on the night of Sunday, May 3. I'll announce the exact hour by Thursday. The time for online signups to fill up varies by year. Last year, I think it was a few days.
Duets and groups are fine- however you may not change your lineup once the contest starts. Also, everyone in the group must sing- no "backup dancers".
Initial D songs are fine. We've allowed them in the past.
Our songs are listed on anime-karaoke.net (http://'http://www.anime-karaoke.net/songLists.php')- if the "Karaoke" column is marked, then we have the Karaoke version.
You may not mix in your own harmonies- you must either use the karaoke version or the full vocal version.
For songs where the vocal part starts immediately, usually we'll do a "3-2-1-PLAY". However, there can be a lag between the instant Play is pressed and the instant the audio actually starts. Thus, don't worry too much if you don't hit it on the exact millisecond, the judges will be instructed not to penalize for that.
Quote from: Super Sheba on April 25, 2009, 08:57:58 PM
Quote from: PrincessCake on April 25, 2009, 11:14:01 AM
i wonder if they have karaoke versions of
No More Words by Ayumi Hamasaki
Sore ga, Ai Deshou by Mikuni Shimokawa
Kesenai Tsumi by Nana Kitade
Glaring Dream from Gravitation
Super Drive from Gravitation
Sakura Kiss by Chieco Kawabe
cause those are the songs I want to choose from
I have the karaoke for Kesenai Tsumi and Sakura Kiss, so if you give me your email address I can send them to you. *nods*
oh okay lol
[email protected]
Quote from: GaleWolf on April 28, 2009, 12:05:57 AM
Another round of replies:
Signups start on the night of Sunday, May 3. I'll announce the exact hour by Thursday. The time for online signups to fill up varies by year. Last year, I think it was a few days.
Duets and groups are fine- however you may not change your lineup once the contest starts. Also, everyone in the group must sing- no "backup dancers".
Initial D songs are fine. We've allowed them in the past.
Our songs are listed on anime-karaoke.net (http://'http://www.anime-karaoke.net/songLists.php')- if the "Karaoke" column is marked, then we have the Karaoke version.
You may not mix in your own harmonies- you must either use the karaoke version or the full vocal version.
For songs where the vocal part starts immediately, usually we'll do a "3-2-1-PLAY". However, there can be a lag between the instant Play is pressed and the instant the audio actually starts. Thus, don't worry too much if you don't hit it on the exact millisecond, the judges will be instructed not to penalize for that.
Just a question I'm not sure If I saw it on the first page. But if we can't find a karaoke version, can we sing over the vocals?
Quote from: Loco:Neko on April 25, 2009, 11:31:40 PM
Quote from: PrincessCake on April 25, 2009, 11:14:01 AM
i wonder if they have karaoke versions of
No More Words by Ayumi Hamasaki
Sore ga, Ai Deshou by Mikuni Shimokawa
Kesenai Tsumi by Nana Kitade
Glaring Dream from Gravitation
Super Drive from Gravitation
Sakura Kiss by Chieco Kawabe
cause those are the songs I want to choose from
If you have an account for Gendou.com you can check there too. Great site full of nice people. ^-^
yes I have an accounty with them already, but don't you have to buy it? I don't have money or credit card.
Unless they've changed it recently, I've never needed to pay to download from Gendou.
i wonder if they have karaoke versions of
No More Words by Ayumi Hamasaki
Sore ga, Ai Deshou by Mikuni Shimokawa
Kesenai Tsumi by Nana Kitade
Glaring Dream from Gravitation
Super Drive from Gravitation
Sakura Kiss by Chieco Kawabe
Come by Amuro Namie
cause those are the songs I want to choose from
So I checked their website, the people are doing the karaoke contest, and a found some songs that they have that are on my list and I shall bold them!!!! I even added new ones lol
But I'll probably end up singing No More Words anyways lol.
I have a couple questions.
1. are we allowed to cut a song so it fits 2:30 sec? cause i want to sing Suteki da ne and if i kept it it cuts off about 4 seconds of the last note. am i allowed to cut those off the beginning (which is just the small piano intro) or is there somthing else i can do?
2. lyrics, we are allowed to have them or no? because i'm still a little sketchy on suteki without them ^^;
3. what do you guys think?
I really want to sing 1,000 words for this contest, but since you are not allowed to sing the same song I don't know what to do... because if I go ahead and sing Suteki in the first round and don't get in the finals then i will be sad cause i wanna sing 1,000 words D: but on the other hand, if i do 1,000 for the first round and acctually make it in the second one...I'm not quite as good with the ful version of suteki ^^; what do u think would be better?
We're not allowed to mess with the song at all. But you can let them know when you turn in your music what your cut-off point is.
As for lyrics, you can have them, but it's better NOT to have them in terms of judging, but I've seen plenty of people that bring lyrics up there, so it's fine.
Quote from: GaleWolf on April 20, 2009, 12:32:55 AMVocaloid songs: Not for this contest, you can sing it in the Gong Show though!
Wait, not even original songs written SPECIFICALLY and ONLY for specific Vocaloid characters? Not already-existing songs that got dumped into the system and made into horrible web fads (THOSE would be worthy of the Gong Show). For example, KOKORO (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xRZINtbNXb0) and MELTDOWN (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0Ox5-fEH4Ww) were made by the creators solely for specific Vocaloid characters. Wouldn't those fit under "original songs created for a video game"?
Now for a different question: I'm considering playing guitar to one of my songs, will that be okay? I'm not worthy of Acoustikaraoke, and I still want to be judged by vocals, but I'd like to use the guitar just for awesome~
I'd like to see group category come back sometime. I would really like to see people who are professionally trained have their own category. Too many times someone who majors in some sort of singing and have had some sort of training dominates the scene by winning over and over again. Not only at Fanime but other local conventions that have karaoke as well. Many people are too kind to step foward and say so. I think that Novice intermediate and veteran should be reinstated. ;)
I'm sorry for one last question, bit of we want to do the tv size version and have made one using the original karaoke (i.e. parts were cut out to make it tv length) is that ok to use? Or do we have to suffer through using vocal removal? I can post a clip so you know what I'm talking about.
From my understanding, you cannot use files that you yourself have altered in any way. However, if you want it to be the TV length, you can tell the folks running it where you want it to cut off. Or just bow when the first verse and chorus is completed.
In any regards, vocal removal isn't *always* horrible. Download a free trial of Goldwave (I think the newest Audacity downloads have it too) and give it a shot on the song you want to sing. It can work depending on your singing and the song. I'm doing a vocal removal one for my prelim song because I REALLY REALLY REALLY want to sing that particular song and there's no karaoke version. It's a song where I can power sing though, so I can pretty easily drown out the wonky-ness. If you're a soft singer, it may not be the best choice.
So basically....we have to sing by outselves instead of with a group?
question..when's the earliest that the first round would be? like it says "later afternoon/early evening"...exactly what time is that do u think?
Quote from: hellangel on April 29, 2009, 02:19:28 AM
Quote from: GaleWolf on April 20, 2009, 12:32:55 AMVocaloid songs: Not for this contest, you can sing it in the Gong Show though!
Wait, not even original songs written SPECIFICALLY and ONLY for specific Vocaloid characters? Not already-existing songs that got dumped into the system and made into horrible web fads (THOSE would be worthy of the Gong Show). For example, KOKORO (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xRZINtbNXb0) and MELTDOWN (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0Ox5-fEH4Ww) were made by the creators solely for specific Vocaloid characters. Wouldn't those fit under "original songs created for a video game"?
Now for a different question: I'm considering playing guitar to one of my songs, will that be okay? I'm not worthy of Acoustikaraoke, and I still want to be judged by vocals, but I'd like to use the guitar just for awesome~
I also wanna sing Adolscence since my friend and I have been practicing until I heard tht Vocaloid songs aren't allowed =(
omgosh! I hope I can sign up on saturday for the karaoke contest. This saturday is my senior ball and I'm going to be busy. Hopefully i'll get to a computer! I want to be in the first 25 people to sign up!
Enkai: I use Adobe Audition to do it, but I'm really picky about sound quality. The problem is that most tv size versions of songs, especially older ones, are poor quality in the first place, so vocal cutting them only makes it worse.
And I am a very strong singer, so I don't have to worry about not singing loud enough as long as the music isn't deafeningly loud, which I don't think will be a problem.
Either way, assuming I sign up in time, I can't wait to hear everyone's singing voices. :3
Quote from: (GG)Nami_Misaki on April 29, 2009, 06:57:59 PM
So basically....we have to sing by outselves instead of with a group?
You can sing in a group. There just isn't a separate group category since there was only 1 group entry last year, I think. And they signed up at the con.
Quote from: princesskitty18 on April 29, 2009, 09:56:31 PM
question..when's the earliest that the first round would be? like it says "later afternoon/early evening"...exactly what time is that do u think?
Last year, the Karaoke prelims started at 7 I think. And the finals were at about 9-ish. I would expect a similar time slot this year.
Quote from: Super Sheba on April 29, 2009, 11:31:19 AM
I'm sorry for one last question, bit of we want to do the tv size version and have made one using the original karaoke (i.e. parts were cut out to make it tv length) is that ok to use? Or do we have to suffer through using vocal removal? I can post a clip so you know what I'm talking about.
You are allotted 2 and a half minutes for the 1st round. That should be plenty of time to finish the first verse and chorus of the song which is what most tv-sizes are. Take a bow and walk off stage after you are done and the sound techs will fade out the music.
Oh I see. Hm...so the group has to all sing? Or can they just be dancers? Just wondering...is that allowed? Wouldn't that be based on the performance and entertainment?
@(GG)Nami_Misaki
it was mentioned that groups all must sing no back-up dancers ^_^v
Quote from: konataFTW on April 30, 2009, 04:26:50 PM
@(GG)Nami_Misaki
it was mentioned that groups all must sing no back-up dancers ^_^v
Oh I see xD my bad. I guess I must of missed reading that part. Alright then. Everyone must sing right? Got it. Thanks.
Quote from: hellangel on April 29, 2009, 02:19:28 AM
Wait, not even original songs written SPECIFICALLY and ONLY for specific Vocaloid characters? Not already-existing songs that got dumped into the system and made into horrible web fads (THOSE would be worthy of the Gong Show). For example, KOKORO (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xRZINtbNXb0) and MELTDOWN (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0Ox5-fEH4Ww) were made by the creators solely for specific Vocaloid characters. Wouldn't those fit under "original songs created for a video game"?
Vocaloid is not a video game, it is a software synthesizer application for singing.
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Now for a different question: I'm considering playing guitar to one of my songs, will that be okay? I'm not worthy of Acoustikaraoke, and I still want to be judged by vocals, but I'd like to use the guitar just for awesome~
You can have and play the guitar as a prop, but you cannot plug it into anything. Also, we would still need to play the CD track. Otherwise, If you want to sing with your guitar as the only source of music, it would be an Acoustikaraoke entry. We want more entries in Acoustikaraoke!
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I'd like to see group category come back sometime. I would really like to see people who are professionally trained have their own category. Too many times someone who majors in some sort of singing and have had some sort of training dominates the scene by winning over and over again. Not only at Fanime but other local conventions that have karaoke as well. Many people are too kind to step foward and say so. I think that Novice intermediate and veteran should be reinstated.
We have never had Novice, Intermediate, and Veteran categories (perhaps this post is confusing the karaoke contest with Cosplay), and I am pretty sure nobody has ever won the contest more than once although we have had people as finalists multiple times.
We do run an "All Stars" event at another convention, but that is more of an exhibition and Fanime is not quite at that level...yet. Perhaps in a year or two.
Other answers:
You have to use an official TV version. You can't make your own.
If your song is over the limit by a few seconds, don't worry about it. It's a slow fade out, not a sudden cut off. If your song has a long intro, let us know and we can arrange to start it partway into the song.
You need either a karaoke version, or perform with vocal dampening. Can't sing over the vocals.
Everything else I think people have covered (Thanks!). Also, see my other post for contest signup time and karaoke schedule.
Alright, so if I wanted to sing the tv size of Lilium for prelims, I'd bring you the tv size version of Lilium and you'd dampen the vocals for me?
Ok, so I want to sing Tobira no Mukoe from FMA. That's not much a problem, 'cause I can get the karaoke on itunes. But I also want to sing Tsuioku+Love Letter by Hitomi Shimatani. Does anyone know where we can get J-pop songs that are not very mainstream. Or even if not that song, I'd like a karaoke version of Angelus from Inuyasha.
If not, then I guess I'll have to figure out the vocal dampening thing. Or just choose another song. They really have a lot of good stuff on Gendou. Most of the songs I like have a karaoke version. FUN!!
Alright so a set of questions so yeah I have a song that goes 2:38 for possibly the first round so is that all good?
Second is for one of my songs there is no karaoke version, so how can I test if it will work will with the Vocal Dampening? Also to add on with that, if I signed up for two songs and I came to "contest warmup" time before the contest starts. If it seems the vocal dampening really gets in the way for me could I change one of my songs then?
so if i wanted to sing no more words by ayumi hamasaki from the first Inuyasha movie where can i find a karaoke version or a dampening voice version of it? Cause there aren't any on gendou.
Quote from: Super Sheba on May 01, 2009, 05:55:16 PM
Alright, so if I wanted to sing the tv size of Lilium for prelims, I'd bring you the tv size version of Lilium and you'd dampen the vocals for me?
Pretty much!
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Alright so a set of questions so yeah I have a song that goes 2:38 for possibly the first round so is that all good?
We'll start fading at 2:30, so you'll miss mabye 5 seconds of it at the most.
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Second is for one of my songs there is no karaoke version, so how can I test if it will work will with the Vocal Dampening? Also to add on with that, if I signed up for two songs and I came to "contest warmup" time before the contest starts. If it seems the vocal dampening really gets in the way for me could I change one of my songs then?
Here's what you can do: When the room opens up on Friday, come and try the song out first
before you check in for the contest. If you then need to change it, check in and tell us you're changing songs.
Once you check in and give us your CD, you cannot change your song.
Or better yet, download a vocal dampening plug-in and try it at home first (read some of the other posts or search on Google for 'karaoke vocal dampening').
I have a question. I want to do the performance version of Bolero for the first round. However, I can't find an mp3 where I can take out the vocals, much less a karaoke version (of a live version. yeah...) would it be possible to cut the Karaoke of the full version of the song down to the performance version? I know we're not supposed to edit songs, but if the versions I find don't allow for vocal dampening...
Quote from: hoshiko_hime on May 03, 2009, 03:33:51 PM
I have a question. I want to do the performance version of Bolero for the first round. However, I can't find an mp3 where I can take out the vocals, much less a karaoke version (of a live version. yeah...) would it be possible to cut the Karaoke of the full version of the song down to the performance version? I know we're not supposed to edit songs, but if the versions I find don't allow for vocal dampening...
We can start the song when the vocals start, if it has a long introduction. Just tell our tech person.
another question >__<~!
uhmm I found a video of the song's instrumental... is that ok or smt? (it;s te only tv ver I could find u_u)
I am very sorry but I also have a question for Vocaloid songs...
(I've already read the 2 former questions).
I understand that Vocaloid is not a game, and most of the songs are for web only.
But how about the songs / composers that have made to major debut CD?
Like supercell/ryo's CD:
http://supercell.jp/ (http://supercell.jp/)
http://www.sonymusicshop.jp/detail.asp?goods=MHCL-1493 (http://www.sonymusicshop.jp/detail.asp?goods=MHCL-1493)
http://www.oricon.co.jp/music/release/d/804088/1/ (http://www.oricon.co.jp/music/release/d/804088/1/)
The CD is released in all the CD shops in Japan,
so I thought that was kinda like J-Pop music (although the singer is an virtual idol).
I originally picked my songs from this CD album.
Is it possible for this CD to be the exception for Vocaloid songs?
One question about cutting off intros.
My song has a 30 sec intro with a short repeating melody of "la la"s which are not sung by backups, not the main vocalist. Would I have to sing those anyways?
Thank you!
Quote from: konataFTW on May 03, 2009, 06:41:56 PM
another question >__<~!
uhmm I found a video of the song's instrumental... is that ok or smt? (it;s te only tv ver I could find u_u)
If there's a video for the song's instrumental, I would imagine that the actual song itself should exist somewhere.
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But how about the songs / composers that have made to major debut CD?
The entire concept of Vocaloid brings up some very good questions that challenge the pre-existing notions of what an allowable song for the contest is. Are songs by "virtual" artists considered real? At what point is a fan or non-official creation considered okay? A strict ruling would say that these songs are not from anime/manga/video games. We will look at those links further and determine if they affect the ruling in any way.
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My song has a 30 sec intro with a short repeating melody of "la la"s which are not sung by backups, not the main vocalist. Would I have to sing those anyways?
Nah, you can skip this part.
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But how about the songs / composers that have made to major debut CD?
The entire concept of Vocaloid brings up some very good questions that challenge the pre-existing notions of what an allowable song for the contest is. Are songs by "virtual" artists considered real? At what point is a fan or non-official creation considered okay? A strict ruling would say that these songs are not from anime/manga/video games. We will look at those links further and determine if they affect the ruling in any way.
Thank you very much for answering my question! :D
(Sorry for being so annoying ><)
I understand that a fan or non-official creation is kind of shady, so I am not trying to challenge that.
I thought the CD I mentioned was an exception because it was officially released as "major debut" of the group Supercell,
and it sold pretty well accroding to Oricon ranking...(so I thought it was under J-Pop genre, not anime/manga/video games).
No matter what determination you make,
I still thank you very much for looking at those links further! :)
Sorry to bother you at such a busy day ><
Quote from: GaleWolf on May 03, 2009, 11:16:11 PM
Quote from: konataFTW on May 03, 2009, 06:41:56 PM
another question >__<~!
uhmm I found a video of the song's instrumental... is that ok or smt? (it;s te only tv ver I could find u_u)
If there's a video for the song's instrumental, I would imagine that the actual song itself should exist somewhere.
well found one of my songs' instrumental.. hopefully I'll fin the other as well >_<
I have one question about the Preliminary Round.
My song is pretty much 2:30 minutes, and there are a couple verses and choruses. Would it have to be cut off short?
Thanks
I have the opposite intro problem that a lot of people seem to have. xD A song I'd like to sing has the vocals start a couple of seconds before the karaoke track does. Should we try to coordinate when to start the karaoke track, should I have the track start a little further in and just skip the intro, or should I pick a different song entirely?
Thank you. :)
oh GaleWolf! I cannot find the instrumental for "Life is like a boat".... is it alright to choose a different song to replace it? (and yes I love it and I have the instrumental) is that ok? :x
Quote from: konataFTW on May 16, 2009, 11:44:34 AM
oh GaleWolf! I cannot find the instrumental for "Life is like a boat".... is it alright to choose a different song to replace it? (and yes I love it and I have the instrumental) is that ok? :x
Yes, you can change songs at check-in.
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My song is pretty much 2:30 minutes, and there are a couple verses and choruses. Would it have to be cut off short?
I would think not, as our limit is 2:30.
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A song I'd like to sing has the vocals start a couple of seconds before the karaoke track does. Should we try to coordinate when to start the karaoke track, should I have the track start a little further in and just skip the intro, or should I pick a different song entirely?
It's okay if the karaoke track has some backup vocals on it- many do. We would just start this song from the beginning.
Gale, may I clarify what Jupe means? I know her and we were discussing this problem. The issue here is that she has to start singing a bit before the music starts. Is it ok if she adds 2 seconds of silence at the beginning of the track so it's easier for her? She is aware that if she is singing a song where the vocals either start before the music starts or right when the music starts that she won't be penalized for small mistakes, but as a performer she'd prefer to avoid that at all costs.
Also: Is there any chance that I could bring my own vocal removed version of a song so that if it doesn't work out right for you guys, I still can? I can send you the mp3 in advance to show you that it is perfectly legitimate? I just want it so that you can hear the harmonies of the original singer in the background. I know you could do it for me, but I'm not sure how it's going to turn out if you do. I know I'm asking a lot, but I don't really understand why I can't just remove the vocals for myself ahead of time... Thanks for your time and sorry if I'm being a pain.
Quote from: Super Sheba on May 18, 2009, 10:23:58 AM
Gale, may I clarify what Jupe means? I know her and we were discussing this problem. The issue here is that she has to start singing a bit before the music starts. Is it ok if she adds 2 seconds of silence at the beginning of the track so it's easier for her? She is aware that if she is singing a song where the vocals either start before the music starts or right when the music starts that she won't be penalized for small mistakes, but as a performer she'd prefer to avoid that at all costs.
The instant between when we press "Play" and when the music actually starts can vary due to the whims of the computer. Therefore, the judges do not actually start judging until you've begun singing in earnest (in general, about 5-10 seconds into the song). So don't worry about nailing the "entry vocal" perfectly.
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Also: Is there any chance that I could bring my own vocal removed version of a song so that if it doesn't work out right for you guys, I still can? I can send you the mp3 in advance to show you that it is perfectly legitimate? I just want it so that you can hear the harmonies of the original singer in the background. I know you could do it for me, but I'm not sure how it's going to turn out if you do. I know I'm asking a lot, but I don't really understand why I can't just remove the vocals for myself ahead of time... Thanks for your time and sorry if I'm being a pain.
We don't want singers to edit their songs in any way. The reason is because we don't want any singer to potentially gain an advantage over another singer who might not have the knowledge or equipment to do the same. After all, this is a singing contest, not a song editing contest. Also, if we let you edit a song, then we have to let everyone do it, and we simply don't have the resources to check every single mp3 that's in the contest. Everybody should start on the same level playing field, and that's with an official track, whether vocal or karaoke version.
Can you tell me what program you're going to be removing vocals with? I'm curious because if I know then I can get it as close as possible to how it will sound in the competition so I won't be surprised.
I asked this on another part of the forums and didn't get any response so I hope it's ok to ask this here.
I'm competing for a second time in the karaoke contest, I've noticed that people film and upload some videos from this event. I'd love to have my performance recorded and put up on youtube so I can see it for myself and show to family/friends. I would record myself, but I don't have a camera. Just a thought if it isn't too bothersome a request.
Quote from: Super Sheba on May 19, 2009, 09:27:24 PM
Can you tell me what program you're going to be removing vocals with? I'm curious because if I know then I can get it as close as possible to how it will sound in the competition so I won't be surprised.
We use Audio Hijack Pro. If you don't have a Mac, another good one (that we used to use and has similar results) is DeFx. Both should be findable via web search.