In preparation for the August 21 release of our record, the band that I am in - The Austerity Program - is running a contest. You can answer the goofy questions we ask or not, but all e-mails sent to

contest at austerityprogram dot com

will be considered entries. Even if they say "fuck off". Especially if they say "fuck off".

Here's what you can win -

3rd prize: A care package - CD, T-shirt, poster.

2nd prize: First two demo CD-rs with handmade packaging.

1st prize (NY Metro): We'll come and play a show for you wherever you want. Note that we have a drum machine and could fit the whole band into a medium sized bathroom.

1st prize (Rest of the world): 1/4" mixdown of the new record. Pristine and unmastered. Your choice of equalization! 7.5 ips.

Grand prize: Your own song. You tell us what you want and 30 days later, we'll deliver you a tracking master, mixdown master and .aiff CD-R for you to do what you want.

Details available here (in .pdf format).

Deadline is midnight, 8/21/07 (the record release date).

= Justin

I would very much like you to write a song about my moped gang, The Flooze, called "The Flooze is Good News."

That's funny. I just checked the inbox and I didn't see your entry. As for the subject matter, the Flooze is fair game.

If you win.

= Justin

I am bumping this.

= Justin

I have entered your contest on behalf of The Flooze.

So who won?

[fanboy]
Black Madonna is Aquarius Records record of the week.

As if it weren't already painfully obvious, absolutely essential, totally recommended, one of our favorite new records, and a no brainer for record of the week!

Congratulations fellers - I can't wait to hear it.
Hopefully on 1/4", but CD will suffice if it has to.
[/fanboy]

after reading the aquarius page, i napped and dreamt that the austerity program's new album featured a female singer and jon brion on piano and a clarinet and a dylan cover.

holy balls, i just watched that valnott clip the other day.

pretty good.

Was that an actual walnut inside, when you opened up the case?

Very funny shit.