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Heya All,

Welcome to 2016...and a new chapter in the challenges. Hopefully we can build on what Adrian did (so awesomely) in 2015!

Two things I thought that really worked last year were : Democracy...engaging everyone in topic choices and amending the format slightly to include simplified challenges.

This year, I'd like to try to get us interacting and learning a bit more. To this end I'm thinking of trying out two idea's :

1. Collaborative challenges : I've noticed that my entries really benefit when I've had someone have a listen to what I've done and give me some feedback before I enter it. So to this end, how about teaming up with a someone (GFSA'er, band member, family, friend) for a challenge? Perhaps they'll be a performer, co-composition, production (just having a listen and making objection comments as a layperson is far more useful than you'd think!)...

2. Other kinds of challenges : A modified mini challenge for jamming - two tracks, one percussion/metronome and one rhythm instrument (bass or guitar) - that is a loop for jamming to. This could lead to a 2nd challenge using the jam track as the basis? Or a sound design one, E.g. make a killer metal/blues/ambient/bass tone and share the process.

Don't fear : the mini 2 track challenges & full song challenges will remain!

Okay...now over to you. Any thoughts on the above AND most importantly what should our next challenge topic be?
    Hey Meron,
    Meron Rigas wrote: 1. Collaborative challenges : I've noticed that my entries really benefit when I've had someone have a listen to what I've done and give me some feedback before I enter it. So to this end, how about teaming up with a someone (GFSA'er, band member, family, friend) for a challenge? Perhaps they'll be a performer, co-composition, production (just having a listen and making objection comments as a layperson is far more useful than you'd think!)...
    Awesome idea!! Now my bassist friend will have something to do other than drinking and mumble things about him keeping the groove... ?
    Meron Rigas wrote: 2. Other kinds of challenges : A modified mini challenge for jamming - two tracks, one percussion/metronome and one rhythm instrument (bass or guitar) - that is a loop for jamming to. This could lead to a 2nd challenge using the jam track as the basis? Or a sound design one, E.g. make a killer metal/blues/ambient/bass tone and share the process.
    Great! It will help me develop new skills.

    January idea: Since January is back to school for the kids and students. Maybe we should all try and learn a new skill, whether it is in the DAW, a new playing style, an unfamiliar genre, bends and hammer-ons for noobs, etc. and do something with that new skill.

      Liking the ideas... I've taken a little break from music the last while (for various reasons). I picked up my guitar the other day again... man I missed it.

      Another idea would be to get a specific back track and get each person to compose a melody over it. I have seen this with various "solo" competitions.

      Another one could be to include video recording of your "performance" so people can see your guitar face ?

      =
        Great ideas gents!!
        I dont have anyone to colab with though...?

        I like Warren's idea of backing tracks!!
        My guitar face is too weird....lol
        What about different genres? (Just no flamenco please) haha
          I like the back track idea or solo competition, think it's really cool. I thought about a drum track competition ages ago but I haven't won in a very long time so I never got to suggest it ?

          Nice ideas so far though
            Hasie wrote: Awesome idea!! Now my bassist friend will have something to do other than drinking and mumble things about him keeping the groove...?
            I'm told that is exactly why many bassists are driven to drink - that and trying to help the drummer sound good ?
            warrenpridgeon wrote: Another one could be to include video recording of your "performance" so people can see your guitar face ?
            I was chatting to Graham (@ The Gear Junkie) about the nest sponsorship and that was exactly his idea too...I'm not convinced coz' not everyone has video editing software - though reaper 5.x video support is better than ever. One for the future?

            But, let's keep it simple with a quick one - shall we try a backing track mini challenge?

            Two tracks, one percussion/metronome, the other rhythm instrument (guitar/bass/etc...). You could choose to do a melody, but I'm reckoning a progression/riff would work better. One thing I do like about this challenge is that we can involve the bass players too (not that there are many 'round these parts...maybe they are still in the pub recovering from the last jam :?).
              Sounds like a good challenge that can develop further later on.
                Sounds interesting maybe a part 1 and (next month) part two where you have to fill in a lead, or whatever?

                All great ideas btw....just keep in mind beginners and newcomers!
                  5 days later
                  Soo....its the 10th.....are we gonna do this thing yet? ☺?
                    wern101 wrote: Soo....its the 10th.....are we gonna do this thing yet? ☺?
                    Yip! Was hoping to arrange something, but I can surprise us another time with it.

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