I could always host the files, but I'd have to come up with some guidelines beforehand (max file size, song length, file formats, etc). That's no problem. If we're really gonna do this, let me give it some thought over the next few days how best to handle it. But yeah, they can be sent to me when the time comes....

That might be good Geoff. You'd only be hosting them temporarily anyways, so you can delete them when we're done.

If we keep them in .mp3 format, it should keep the file size down so that dialup users won't be constrained (like myself) and the hosting won't be too taxing on the host.

Delete them? They're gonna go on a CD and put up for sale!

I'd buy it.

We'd still probably outsell anything by William Hung.

I just set up a site for my stuff. I have a 20 MB limit, I think. I could host mine and another persons, providing that the file is an .mp3 or a very small .wav file. I recorded Fleetwood Mac's "Sara" and I couldn't put it up on my site. That song is about 6 minutes long. So any song that is less than that could probably be put on my site.

Okay, well, let's wait and hear what Geoff has to say and then we can start singing!

I'm well up for it but someone is going to have to explain exactly what I'll need and how to record it.

For anybody who wants to participate, you'll need:

1.) a PC.
2.) an internet connection
3.) a PC microphone
4.) a voice
5.) audio recording software

1, 2, 3, and 4 should be easy enough to get ahold of. As for #5, you can use Window's Sound Recorder as well as a plethora of other free programs (Search - Download.com). Other non-free programs include Adobe Audition (which I use, formerly Cool Edit Pro), Soundforge, etc.

The only rules I think we should have is that you can't manipulate your voice to sound better, but maybe we should have that?

Well, using something like Auto-Tune to correct pitch kind of defeats the purpose, but a bit of reverb and perhaps double-tracking is acceptible, of course.

Here's what I did (which I think is within the rules, and should be a guideline for what we are looking for):

1.) Recorded my voice
2.) Recorded the backup track (because the song I did has that in a couple of parts
3.) Mixed down the tracks into one track
4.) Used Audition to remove any mouse clicks or key types or miscellaneous noises.
5.) Uploaded it to my website in a .zip format, to be opened in a .mp3 and waiting for submission to the contest.

Edit: Also mixed in the .MIDI of the original song. I think everybody should use a midi ( Free MIDI Search ) because it is a good guideline, and has no vocals.

Bah, Part, all you have to do is sing into your PC's microphone and save it. We can help you from there.

What happened to this thing, guys?

I've almost saved up enough money for the CD!

I wore out my voice last night at a 4th party... guess you can say, I'm a screamer!

That happens to me after Astros games... Well, the ones at Minute Maid. I yell at the TV, too, but not as loudly.

We're having a hard time figuring out what's going on because one of the judges has been banging a contestant, throwing the legitimacy of this vote into question.

Double-J\'s horrible impersonation of Sting and the Police

Mmm, it sucks, but for fun, let's all share how crappy we are!

(in Simon mode) That was absolutely terrible. I mean, my goodness. William Hung had more life than you did.

(normal mode) BTW, I might have to disqualify myself. My mic just broke and I can't find another place to buy one. I've done one song already but I can't get it on my site. Can anyone carry it?

[Randy] What's up, dawg? How'd you feel 'bout your performance, dude? I thought it was a'iiiight, a little pitchy here and there, but it was a'ight, dawg.

[Paula] Double-J, you brought down the house! That was fabulous! A little pitchy, but that was one of the best falsettos I've ever heard! And nice vibrato! You are gonna be a star!

[Simon] That was dreadful. Simply dreadful.

[Guest Judge: Don Corleone] Falsetto? You could act like a man! What's da matter with you?

Nice job, DJ!

I'm here 'till Thursday folks. Try the fish, it's delicious.

to re-word a "Stewy quote" for you "now sing the one that doesn't suck!" :p

Dot Easy gives you 100 MB free...I think maybe some of our members should sign up and put their stuff online there!