Director Kevin Smith’s Quick Stop Entertainment came up with a brilliant idea to give quirky, fun, and below-the-radar musicians some time in the spotlight, to help give them more exposure. How? By hosting a competition, of course.

Masters Of Song Fu is a weekly song competition, described as “a songwriting version of Iron Chef.” The participating musicians are giving songwriting challenges that must contain specific lyrical … ingredients. They’re given one week to complete their song. Th challenge posed to contestants in Week One? To write a the song must be about the moon, that couldn’t be shorter than 1 minute 45 seconds.

Of course, you control Song Fu destiny by listening to — and voting for — your favorites. Voting is open now on the website.

How voting works is simple. There are two categories, the Masters and the Challengers, and you can vote for your favorite song from each.  The Masters’ songs are tough to choose from, since they contain some from well known favorites like RiffTrax, and Mystery Science Theater 3000 alumni, The RiffTones and Jonathan Coulton.  Doc Hammer of Venture Bros. is also competing, but unfortunately had to drop out this week.  I would have loved to hear what he came up with, and hear what voice he sang in.

The Challengers are just that — challengers to the Masters.  Once a finalist is determined in each categories, the top Challenger takes on the Master.  The first competition ended with Jonathan Coulton taking home the prize, so we’ll see if he will reign again. He’s got the “song a week” thing down, you know.

To add to the the coolness factor, each song is available for a free, MP3 download!  It’s a great way to listen to new bands, and get some free music. And if you really like what they have to offer, each band’s website is just one click away.  Let them know you like their music, and if you can, support them even more by purchasing some tunes.

Voting for this week’s contest ends on August 28th, and MINE will be checking this website next week for the results and for the next round of songs!

Mined by: Jessika “I Have Good Song Fu” Heleene