[davidp2007]

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

ACT IV AND THEPUMPKINS.NET PRESENT ‘SP: THE EARLY YEARS’ COVER SONG CONTEST

Four years ago, Act IV and ThePumpkins.net collaborated on the successful Zeitgest Cover Song Contest, where fans were asked to submit covers of their favorite Zeitgeist era tracks to win some cool Smashing Pumpkins-related prizes. Now, with the recent re-issues of the first two classic Smashing Pumpkins albums, Gish and Siamese Dream, Act IV and ThePumpkins.net are collaborating to once again bring the fans another special contest.

The SP: THE EARLY YEARS COVER SONG CONTEST will be along similar lines to the Zeitgeist cover song contest. But this time around, fans are asked to submit covers of their favorite Pumpkins originals spanning the early part of The Smashing Pumpkins’ career (1988-1994), from the earliest pre-Gish demos to Pisces Iscariot and Vieuphoria. In addition to winning some great Pumpkins-related merch, the winners of the contest will earn a spot on an extended version of Ghost Children/Machines of God, a digital EP being given away as a free incentive with the Ghost Children 2/Friends and Enemies charity compilation. Two spots are up for grabs, with the ‘Best Cover Song’ being awarded by selection committee, and the ‘Fan Favorite Cover’ being selected by you, the fans!

The winners of both the ‘Best Cover Song’ and ‘Fan Favorite Cover’ selections will receive:

1) A copy of the Deluxe CD/DVD re-issues of both Gish and Siamese Dream
2) A spot on the extended version of the Ghost Children/Machines of God digital EP.
3) A copy of the Ghost Children 2/Friends and Enemies charity CD, the Ghost Children/Machines of God digital EP, and a recently unearthed original CD copy of the Ghost Children compilation, not available to the public for nearly 10 years!

For the contest, organizers have reached to out all corners of The Smashing Pumpkins Fan Community for help. We are pleased to announce exciting partnerships with our Pumpkins fan site sponsors, Blamo.org/Siva, Crestfallen.com, Ozphoria, SPFreaks, and Starla.org, who will be celebrating their 15th anniversary in 2012. Act IV also would like to welcome back, Neil Main, the creator of the popular, original Ghost Children charity compilation, to the fold. Neil was also an integral participant and collaborator with the Act IV organizers during the two Act IV charity concerts at the legendary Metro in Chicago in 2001 and 2002. The organizers also welcome, Ashley Fahey, former webmaster of the Smashing Pumpkins UK fan group.

In addition, we have developed a special partnership with Tranquilizer Records, an online record store specializing in indie music and its sister organization, Tranquilizer Radio, an online radio station and fan community. All contest entrants are invited to join their fan community and contact Tranquilizer to explore the possibility of having your cover and your original music featured on the radio (where applicable), being interviewed on air, and much more!

Depending on the success of the contest, organizers will consider the possibility of future contests and digital releases. So keep CD quality versions of your covers available, just in case! Please note that covers of songs the Pumpkins covered themselves will not be accepted. Before uploading your cover, please carefully review the Contest Rules.

Submissions will be accepted starting on December 21, 2011 and the contest will run until February 21, 2012.

After the submission deadline passes, voting will commence. The winners are tentatively set to be announced on March 17, 2012.

For more information about the contest, please visit ThePumpkins.net. If you wish to know more about the Ghost Children 2 charity compilation and all things Act IV, please visit the Act IV website. Act IV is currently celebrating its 10th anniversary.

[davidp2007]

Just to let everyone know, we've got a our first two submissions. A cover of "She" and a cover of "Pulseczar", so be sure to check them out. Also, let everyone know if you are planning on submitting a cover!

FYI, the 'song preference' section of the rules is just a guideline to inspire creativity, not a strict rule. So please feel free to submit songs like "Siva" and "Geek USA" if you feel you can put your best foot forward with those songs.

[RottingApples]

davidp2007, on 28 December 2011 - 07:41 PM, said:

Just to let everyone know, we've got a our first two submissions. A cover of "She" and a cover of "Pulseczar", so be sure to check them out. Also, let everyone know if you are planning on submitting a cover!

FYI, the 'song preference' section of the rules is just a guideline to inspire creativity, not a strict rule. So please feel free to submit songs like "Siva" and "Geek USA" if you feel you can put your best foot forward with those songs.

Put me down for "I'll Never Change", sir. It may be a while till its finished, but it's getting there.

[V_____]

I'll submit a cover. I haven't selected a song yet.

[davidp2007]

RottingApples, on 28 December 2011 - 09:01 PM, said:

Put me down for "I'll Never Change", sir. It may be a while till its finished, but it's getting there.

Cool. I don't think I have ever heard that song covered. Welcome aboard :)/>.

V_____, on 28 December 2011 - 11:38 PM, said:

I'll submit a cover. I haven't selected a song yet.

Awesome. No problem, you have a couple of months to figure that out!

[Lunatic]

I really want to do Silverfuck. I've got a whole bunch of ideas for it.

[spaceboye]

The Search For The Yeti will give Hummer a shot...

[davidp2007]

Lunatic, on 31 December 2011 - 06:49 PM, said:

I really want to do Silverfuck. I've got a whole bunch of ideas for it.

Cool. So far we have only Gish era tracks, so it will be nice to hear some SD era tracks too.

spaceboye, on 01 January 2012 - 07:41 PM, said:

The Search For The Yeti will give Hummer a shot...

Looking forward to hearing it. It's been awhile since I heard a Hummer cover I think.

So far the tracks submitted have been:
She
Pulseczar
Daydream

Be sure to check them out everyone :)/>.

[paco5005]

me and my band are going to give it a try at I Am One, we don't expect to be really good, but we're gonna try

[davidp2007]

paco5005, on 03 January 2012 - 11:39 AM, said:

me and my band are going to give it a try at I Am One, we don't expect to be really good, but we're gonna try

That's cool. Good luck :)/>.

[MachinesOfLight]

I might record rocket

[davidp2007]

MachinesOfLight, on 06 January 2012 - 01:46 AM, said:

I might record rocket

Cool :)/>.

[FadedNite]

Are we able to download the Zeitgeist covers? Some of them are really cool.

[United States]

I'm going to do cherub rock if i can find the time. i just got a big muff pedal that would be perfect for it. haha.

[davidp2007]

FadedNite, on 09 January 2012 - 08:44 AM, said:

Are we able to download the Zeitgeist covers? Some of them are really cool.

Yes. There is a link on the artist name below the track. Click save link or save target as and it should work. We had restricted that option for this new contest, since one of the prizes for winning this time around was getting on the EP. Incidentally though, the "Ma Belle" cover from the Zeitgeist cover contest appears on the original version of the Machines of God EP.

In addition to extending the tracklisting of the EP, I am looking into getting the cover redesigned, since what I did was just modify Ghost Children 2's cover and add new text.

If people want to listen to streaming copies of some of the full Ghost Children 2 tracks, as well as one of the tracks from the first version of the EP, you can go to our Facebook page. There is also documentaries for the two Act IV shows on there for interests sake:
https://www.facebook...=app_4949752878

United States, on 09 January 2012 - 09:21 AM, said:

I'm going to do cherub rock if i can find the time. i just got a big muff pedal that would be perfect for it. haha.

Haha cool. Yes it would be perfect for it haha. I remember in my pop music class years ago, the teaching assistant for the class coming out with an electric guitar and big muff pedal. He demonstrated it by playing part of "Cherub Rock", I believe the solo.

We also have now a fifth submission, "Bury Me". Be sure to check that out too!

[FadedNite]

The cover of SHE is pretty good. Though the volume would be louder.

[V_____]

I think I am going to do a cover of something from Pisces. Still deciding exactly what, but I've got some ideas.

When I do covers I like to try and make them sound as different from the original as possible.

[davidp2007]

V_____, on 11 January 2012 - 02:42 AM, said:

I think I am going to do a cover of something from Pisces. Still deciding exactly what, but I've got some ideas.

When I do covers I like to try and make them sound as different from the original as possible.

Cool. I hear ya. I think everyone has a different approach to covers when making them. I think it really depends on the cover and both fairly original and fairly straight forward covers can both work, as long as they capture the spirit of the song. There is definitely something to be said for originality, although I have also heard covers that sound rather unique but they just don't capture the essence of the song (eg. the Today cover from Midnight in the Patch--it sounded like they just gave the artist the lyrics and told him to do whatever he wanted without ever listening to the song or even the band).

[scorpiopulse]

I was thinking of doing something nice and mellow/trippy... I might do Starla, but it could turn into a self indulgent beast if I'm not careful. Maybe Luna...I dunno. We'll see.

[davidp2007]

scorpiopulse, on 18 January 2012 - 02:01 PM, said:

I was thinking of doing something nice and mellow/trippy... I might do Starla, but it could turn into a self indulgent beast if I'm not careful. Maybe Luna...I dunno. We'll see.

Sounds cool.

We haven't had a submission in a little while. Anyone planning on submitting soon? Remember, you guys have just over a month to get in those covers!

[davidp2007]

Tranquilizer Records/Radio, one of our sponsors has undergone a change in management. So they have now evolved into Nameless Media Entity http://namelessentitymedia.com/

[soniclovenoize]

How did you get all these sponsors david? The covers compilation I just put out, Crestfallen wouldn't even mention it.

[davidp2007]

soniclovenoize, on 23 January 2012 - 05:27 PM, said:

How did you get all these sponsors david? The covers compilation I just put out, Crestfallen wouldn't even mention it.

Well I've known Aaron from Siva for awhile, and Starla.org (who haven't had a chance to promote it actively yet) had linked to Landslide (my old SP site) and Act IV in the past. Simon from Ozphoria did an article years ago for SP.com about Smashing Pumpkins Day which mentioned Act IV in it and Ozphoria did their own tribute shows, so I think that helped. I think this is actually the first Act IV related project that Crestfallen.com has posted about, so I was very appreciative that they posted about it.

I basically contacted a bunch of SP fan sites and explained to them what I was trying to do. I said it would be great if they could somehow be actively involved, that I wanted to bring the fan community involved. Fans would submit tracks like all the the Act IV projects and fans would get to vote on a 'fan favorite cover', while I wanted representatives made up of mainly webmasters from the community to be a part of the selection committee to help choose the 'best cover song'.

[sunilinus]

This sounds like fun, I've been doing a cover of "pissant" lately that I think I can throw down my pre-amp and forward it to you(s) guy(s). I should have some time this week or next to drum it out. Looking forward to hearing everyone elses though, can't say that I've heard many pumpkin covers. Good luck all.

[davidp2007]

sunilinus, on 24 January 2012 - 03:58 PM, said:

This sounds like fun, I've been doing a cover of "pissant" lately that I think I can throw down my pre-amp and forward it to you(s) guy(s). I should have some time this week or next to drum it out. Looking forward to hearing everyone elses though, can't say that I've heard many pumpkin covers. Good luck all.

Cool. Looking forward to it :)/>. I don't think I have heard many Pissant covers aside from a tease a band called UnderWeb Effect did during a Geek USA medley at the second Act IV concert.

[Kreatorkind]

I want to submit a song! How long do I have?

[davidp2007]

Kreatorkind, on 25 January 2012 - 05:53 PM, said:

I want to submit a song! How long do I have?

You have until February 21st.

[Kreatorkind]

davidp2007, on 25 January 2012 - 06:38 PM, said:

You have until February 21st.

Awesome! I want to do Spaceboy.

:cheers:/>

[davidp2007]

Kreatorkind, on 25 January 2012 - 06:46 PM, said:

Awesome! I want to do Spaceboy.

:cheers:/>

Awesome. Not sure if I have ever heard a cover of that before. But I could be just forgetting. There must have been somebody that submitted a Spaceboy cover for one of the Act IV or Ghost Children projects before.

Anyways, on another note, Nameless Entity Media our sponsor is currently trying to raise funds to get a new broadcasting license. If anyone can help them by donating, that would be greatly appreciated: http://www.kickstart...ke-chicago-home

[Kreatorkind]

davidp2007, on 25 January 2012 - 07:43 PM, said:

Awesome. Not sure if I have ever heard a cover of that before. But I could be just forgetting. There must have been somebody that submitted a Spaceboy cover for one of the Act IV or Ghost Children projects before.

Anyways, on another note, Nameless Entity Media our sponsor is currently trying to raise funds to get a new broadcasting license. If anyone can help them by donating, that would be greatly appreciated: www.kickstarter.com/projects/1020496397/...io-make-chicago-home

:lol:/> Time to break out the Mellotron!

[davidp2007]

davidp2007, on 25 January 2012 - 07:43 PM, said:

Awesome. Not sure if I have ever heard a cover of that before. But I could be just forgetting. There must have been somebody that submitted a Spaceboy cover for one of the Act IV or Ghost Children projects before.

Anyways, on another note, Nameless Entity Media our sponsor is currently trying to raise funds to get a new broadcasting license. If anyone can help them by donating, that would be greatly appreciated: http://www.kickstart...ke-chicago-home

Sorry that link should be http://www.kickstart...ke-chicago-home

If you love music and unsigned and underground artists, please keep helping Nameless Entity Radio (formally Tranquilizer Radio https://www.facebook...249101671824764) be able to interview, do PR, put on events, and showcase new artists by making a donation towards growing the company in their new home, Chicago.

Kreatorkind, on 25 January 2012 - 07:48 PM, said:

:lol:/> Time to break out the Mellotron!

Haha cool, if you really have a Mellotron that is ;)/>.

FYI, we have another submission. A cover of "Obscured", so be sure to check it out!

[soniclovenoize]

davidp2007, on 24 January 2012 - 01:14 PM, said:

Well I've known Aaron from Siva for awhile, and Starla.org (who haven't had a chance to promote it actively yet) had linked to Landslide (my old SP site) and Act IV in the past. Simon from Ozphoria did an article years ago for SP.com about Smashing Pumpkins Day which mentioned Act IV in it and Ozphoria did their own tribute shows, so I think that helped. I think this is actually the first Act IV related project that Crestfallen.com has posted about, so I was very appreciative that they posted about it.

I basically contacted a bunch of SP fan sites and explained to them what I was trying to do. I said it would be great if they could somehow be actively involved, that I wanted to bring the fan community involved. Fans would submit tracks like all the the Act IV projects and fans would get to vote on a 'fan favorite cover', while I wanted representatives made up of mainly webmasters from the community to be a part of the selection committee to help choose the 'best cover song'.

Oh, a popularity contest?

That's cool.

[davidp2007]

soniclovenoize, on 26 January 2012 - 05:02 PM, said:

Oh, a popularity contest?

That's cool.

If you see the amount of hits the Act IV site gets these days, we aren't very popular :p/>. The contest is just that a contest.

[Kreatorkind]

:lol:/> changed my mind... I'm doing Glynis.

[frednirv632]

i'm seriously digging that cover of obcured. how will the fan favorite cover be voted for?

[davidp2007]

Kreatorkind, on 02 February 2012 - 05:49 PM, said:

:lol:/> changed my mind... I'm doing Glynis.

Haha cool. I really hope they find the masters for Glynis and redo the mix for the Pisces re-issue!

frednirv632, on 02 February 2012 - 05:53 PM, said:

i'm seriously digging that cover of obcured. how will the fan favorite cover be voted for?

After the submissions are closed, a poll will be created on ThePumpkins.net for people to vote for their favorite cover. As an alternative to voting in the poll, I have also given people the option to list their favorite cover with band/artist name in the comments section when they purchase the Ghost Children 2 charity compilation--the digital EP that the winner will get on (in addition to other prizes) is being given away as a free incentive with Ghost Children 2.

There have been a few additions since I last posted. A Hummer cover (not sure if I mentioned that), a new Daydream and Jennifer Ever.

[V_____]

Hmm now that Spaceboy isn't being done that sounds kind of attractive, too.
I'm thinking I will probably do either La Dolly Vita or a more fully arranged version of Soothe, though.

[davidp2007]

V_____, on 05 February 2012 - 11:46 AM, said:

Hmm now that Spaceboy isn't being done that sounds kind of attractive, too.
I'm thinking I will probably do either La Dolly Vita or a more fully arranged version of Soothe, though.

All those sound like cool possibilities :)/>.

FYI, 13 more days until the deadline. So get those submissions in!

[Kreatorkind]

I uploaded my cover of Glynis last night... but it's not on the site. Does it take a while to be posted?

[RottingApples]

I have also submitted our cover of "I'll Never Change". Just waiting for it to show up.

[davidp2007]

Kreatorkind, on 12 February 2012 - 11:23 AM, said:

I uploaded my cover of Glynis last night... but it's not on the site. Does it take a while to be posted?

Yes, the webmaster at ThePumpkins.net has to individually approve the tracks. So it should be up in the next day or so.

RottingApples, on 12 February 2012 - 01:54 PM, said:

I have also submitted our cover of "I'll Never Change". Just waiting for it to show up.

Cool.

The latest covers that have been approved are a piano instrumental version of "Today" and a cover of "Luna". Keep 'em coming people, and good luck to everyone who has submitted and is planning on submitting!

Remember that if at all possible to keep good copies of your tracks for possible inclusion on the extended version of the Machines of God digital EP. On the original version, the tracks are 256 kbps mp3s (while the Ghost Children 2 tracks are mastered wav files in contrast), but if you have better quality than that, all the better.

[V_____]

Will be recording this week. I had to retrieve my insane guitar from connecticut, seen here:

http://s12.postimage.org/41niph5zh/CJMVenter_Stereo_Strat_Body.jpg

[Kreatorkind]

V_____, on 12 February 2012 - 06:29 PM, said:

Will be recording this week. I had to retrieve my insane guitar from connecticut, seen here:

That is indeed an insane looking guitar... what do all them switches do?

[V_____]

Kreatorkind, on 14 February 2012 - 07:58 AM, said:

That is indeed an insane looking guitar... what do all them switches do?

Well, basically it's wired like two guitars (4-way telecaster switches for bridge/humbucker and neck/middle) and then you have the option to either send the signals out in stereo or recombine them in mono in either series or parallel. There's more, but that's the gist of it.