AI

If you do want to use AI tools, please do disclose what you used it for when your shanty leader submits your entry! There are so many different things that it can be used for these days, from completely generating video or audio, to writing song lyrics for you, or for research and exploration, and we are just a bunch of old folks who aren't used to this shiny new technology.

Let's talk about specifics, though. This competition requires recording video and audio of your own real performance, so the judges would prefer very minimal video editing and preferably no audio editing (we actually really like the rough edges). What we most want is to see a bunch of people having a good time singing songs. If you want to do something flashy and cool, make sure it doesn't obscure your faces.

If you're worried about the quality of your singing, don't be.  We are not looking for a machine-perfect performance. Folk singing is all about engaging with real, living history and yes, you are part of that history!