Shoctopus Remix Project

In 2012 Shoctopus will be releasing their long awaited debut album. An initial run of 100 limited edition albums will be made which will feature a bonus DVD containing the videos for 'King of the Mountain' and 'Independance Day', as well as some acoustic versions and remixes of songs from the King of the Mountain EP and the album. There will be some versions on the bonus disc that feature extra instruments such as cello and trumpet, as well as remixes done by professional remix artists in the UK and Ireland, as well as, wait for it, a remix by YOU. 

That's right, you too can be a part of the rock and roll steamroller that is Shoctopus. So, how can you be part of this? These are the simple steps on your attempt to be part of rock history.

1) Go to the website http://soundcloud.com and register for a free account.

2) Download the stems from the track "One for the Road" (http://soundcloud.com/groups/shoctopus-remix-project-one-for-the-road/dropbox) to your computer.

3) Load the tracks into your music program and remix. Your remix can consist of cutting up the song into a different arrangement, adding instruments, either physical or programmed, adding effects, samples and, if you think you can sing, some extra vocals.

But, I hear you cry, you don't own a music program that can do this great thing. Don't despair, because we at Shoctopus love you and want you to be a part of this, so here is a list of programs that can help you along.

Firstly, there are the professional programs that for some or other reason you are expected to pay for:

1) Pro Tools - http://www.avid.com/US/products/family/pro-tools

2) Cubase - http://www.steinberg.net/en/home.html

3) FL Studio - http://flstudio.image-line.com/

There are loads of others a simple google search will help you to find.

Secondly, there are the free programs:

1) Reaper (http://www.reaper.fm/) - This is totally free for a limited time period of 30 days, which should be more than enough time for you to make a remix. This program features all of the functionality you will find in professional software with hundreds of free downloadable effects and electronic instruments.

2) Ableton (http://www.ableton.com) - A fully functional 30 day trial period of this professional studio package is available from their site.

Thirdly, you may not know how to use the music software. Don't despair. You can also use video editing software for a quick and dirty way of remixing. Most PC's and MAC's come with some sort of video software already installed, and these are more than capable of making simple remixes. Windows Movie Maker is bundled with most PC's and some MAC's even include Garageband, a capable program for making remixes. A Googe search will find you many more audio programs of various kinds that can perform the function of remixing.

So, once you have made your remix, what then? Simple, upload your remix to the Soundcloud group with the download function disabled, so that we, and everyone else, can have a listen to your creation. Those that people love, that the band likes, or those that you bribe us with large amounts of cash, will then be chosen and included on the album bonus disc. These are what your settings on Souncloud should look like for the track you submit:

Now, there are a few small legal issues to clarify. The first is that this is a way for Shoctopus to give their fans a chance to be part of something, not a great money making scheme, so we are NOT paying you for your remix if we include it on the disc. All you will get is bragging rights, your name on the release, and the satisfaction of creating something and a free copy of the limited edition disc and T-shirt. If you don't like this, please don't take part in the project.

Also, by taking part in the competition you agree to the terms and conditions, and one of these is that you will not download the parts, compile the song, and make it available for free download somewhere on the internet. That will just be nasty.

You will own the copyright on your remix, which means we cannot use it without crediting you, but by taking part in the competition you are giving us permission, if we choose your remix, to include it on the bonus disc. But, just because you own the copyright on your remix, it does not give you permission to make your remix available for download anywhere on the net or to distribute it in any way.

A more detailed explanation of the terms and conditions can be found below.

So, have fun, mash it up, mix it down, rip it apart and glue it back together and let's see what you can do! We are dying to hear your efforts and to see what our fans are capable of.

Closing Date - The album is due for release in May 2012, so it would be advisable to get your entries in by March 2012, which should give you loads of time to get something done. But... don't wait until the last minute.

Terms and Conditions - Shoctopus Remix Project

1. As many entries per person as you wish, but preferably just upload your best one.

2. All entrants must be aged 13+.

3. All entries must be of entrant's own creation.

4. An entry may not violate the intellectual property or proprietary rights of other parties (In other words, don't use music or parts of other songs that you do not own the rights for).

5. An entry may not be offensive or defamatory (We will remove any entries that break this rule).

6. When you submit a contest entry, you acknowledge that you are allowing Shoctopus to use the entry for inclusion on a bonus disc to be released with their debut album and to publish and use the name under which you uploaded the remix.

7. We can change these rules at anytime.

8. You can not hold Shoctopus responsible for any losses.

9. The included remix will be chosen from all entries and only the creators of the chosen track/s will be contacted personally.

10. You may not make the parts of the song, or a compiled song, or your own remix available in any form to be downloaded or distributed in any way.

11. There is no payment of royalties or monetary reward of any kind. If your song is accepted, you will receive a free copy of the limited edition album and a T-shirt. Your name will be included on the disc.

12. Shoctopus does not accept any responsibility for any inability to submit entries as a result of computer service, systems and or server failure, error, interruption, defect or delay or any other technical malfunction.

13. No responsibility is accepted for ineligible entries or entries made fraudulently. Deeming an entry void is at our absolute discretion.

14. The decision by Shoctopus of which tracks will be used is final and binding in every situation including any not covered in these rules and no correspondence will be entered into.

15. Shoctopus reserves the right to cancel or change this competition at any stage, if deemed necessary in our opinion.

16. Entrants will be deemed to have accepted these rules and to agree to be bound by them when entering this competition.

17. This project and the rules of the project are governed by the laws of Ireland. This competition is void where prohibited by local law.