November 25, 2005

NaSoAlMo

You've heard of National Novel Writing Month, right? Now comes National Solo Album Month, NaSoAlMo for short. Yup, compose and record a solo album within a thirty-day period. The guy who thought it up insists it's not a competition, but a challenge. There's no need to release your album to a larger audience if you don't want to. You've got till November 30 to do this, although it's too late to sign up for this year's event. I can think of at least one of you (Hey, Commish!) who shouldn't have any trouble doing it at all.

The rules are simple: record with what you've got around the house/apartment. Ambient noise, washboards, spoons, actual musical instruments, whatever. It must be

An album of music you have written, played and recorded entirely by yourself*. The shortest inarguably awesome album that a lot of people have heard** is the first Ramones album, which is 29:09 long, so your solo album must be at least that long. Beyond that, its form and content are up to you.

*Since Ramones includes a cover of "Let's Dance," your NaSoAlMo album may, if you wish, include one cover of somebody else's song.

**It has been pointed out to the administrators that Slayer's Reign In Blood is 29:03 and that Nick Drake's Pink Moon--which actually is a solo album--is a mere 28:22. You may set your personal goals accordingly, if you wish. You're welcome.

Sounds like an amusing project, no?

Posted by Linkmeister at November 25, 2005 01:11 PM | TrackBack
Comments

Ha. Fifteen songs under two minutes apiece.

Posted by: The Heretik at November 25, 2005 03:40 PM

Or seven versions of John Cages 4'33", with one instrument per segment.

Posted by: Linkmeister at November 25, 2005 03:46 PM