Ever wanted to compose a James Bond theme song?

trinityTue 29/01/08 09:54

Well here's your chance!

Musicians and James Bond fans across Britain have the rare chance to be a part of 007's iconic history...as Penguin announces its search for the theme tune to Devil May Care - the eagerly awaited new Bond novel written by Sebastian Faulks.

From today visitors to uk.myspace.com/devilmaycarebook have the chance to create an original piece of music for the new Bond book which is published on 28th May, the centenary of Ian Fleming's birth. What a way to commemorate a birthday..eh? :)

The winning track will become the book's official theme tune and will be featured on the Devil May Care audio book, which will also be published on the same day. This will be the first theme tune to accompany a James Bond book and will later be available as a free digital download!


So how will the competition take place? Well...a shortlist of five entries will be selected by a high-profile judging panel, which includes the book's author, Sebastian Faulks along with respected figures from the world of literature and music, including cult music producer Jazzie B and Matthew Fleming, great nephew of original Bond author Ian Fleming. Dom Cook, Director of Marketing and Content for MySpace UK and Alex Clarke, Penguin Editor of Devil May Care will also judge.

The competition is open to ALL musicians – both amateur and established artists – with the deadline for entries on 25th February. All entry criteria, including guidance on the style required, can be found on the Devil May Care MySpace page. As well as the exposure, the winner will also pick up the overall prize of £1,000 worth of music equipment.

Once the shortlist is chosen, the final vote will be opened to the public on Monday 3rd March, with the winner announced on Monday 17th March!

Speaking about the launch, Dom Cook, Director of Marketing and Content at MySpace UK said:

"With more than eight million artists and bands on MySpace it's the best place to discover exciting new talent.
We hope the passion and creativity that fuels our site will be reflected in the high quality of entries that Penguin receive."


Alex Clarke, Penguin Editor of Devil May Care added:

"I hope that this is a dream brief - create your own Bond theme tune - it doesn't get much better than that. We're really pleased to be able to reach out to all the millions of Myspacers - and hope that loads of people will be inspired to rise to the challenge. It's an amazing novel - so it'll need some really good music!"


As well as the competition, the Devil May Care MySpace profile will be a hub of information and news in the build up to the publication of the book. It will contain downloadable wallpapers and counters and will be regularly updated with blog posts, videos and new writing from Bond aficionados and authors.

Following the release of the audio book, the theme tune will be made available for free download via Penguin (penguin.co.uk) and iTunes.


So how about that eh? The chance for you musicians out there to get your thinking caps on for this unique competition! However..as with any competition there are rules...and here they are:

To enter each entrant must create an original music track of no more than five minutes duration (the 'Entry') on the basis of the brief and the information set out on uk.myspace.com/devilmaycarebook.
Entries can be submitted by uploading an MP3 of the final version of your music track via the Website or alternatively by posting a CD to:

Devil May Care Competition,
Penguin Books Limited,
80 Strand,
London,
WC2R 0RL

The track must be original and may not contain any material of any type from any James Bond film - most important!

For full terms and conditions, log on to uk.myspace.com/devilmaycarebook

philc777Tue 29/01/08 10:01

I always thought that the old James Barrie themes were very classy.

My personal favourite was 'You only live twice'.

trinityTue 29/01/08 10:07

quoting > "I always thought that the old James Barrie themes were very classy.

My personal favourite was 'You only live twice'."

I love the brassy numbers, so i'm hoping someone will come up with a competition entry which is along these lines.

Unfortunately i'm not very gifted at composing or singing..so I'll leave it up to those who can :)