The Machine Folk Session is a community website, inspired by The Session, dedicated to the “folk music” generated by machines, or co-created with them.
If you need any help that is not in the Q&A, please let us know.
Be civil
Contributions should be constructive and polite, not mean-spirited or contributed with the intention of causing trouble.
Foul language or aggressive behaviour will not be tolerated. While machine folk may be experimental in nature, the community norms we require are no different to those at The Session. Try to remember these kinds of online communities consist of people of all ages and cultural backgrounds.
Please stay on topic
Please keep your contributions relevant to music generated by, or co-created with, machines.
No spamming
Please don’t submit the same thing more than once.
Why should I become a member?
As a member you will be able to post tune settings, comments, and build tunebooks.
How do I become a member?
Just go here and provide an email address, username and choose a password. You'll then be sent an activation link via email.
You can then use your email address and password to log in to The Machine Folk Session. You can change your name, email and password at any time.beta - edit account coming soon!
Can I change my name, password or email address?
Sure. Just log in and go to your member profile. You will see options there for changing any of your details. (beta - coming soon!)
I’ve forgotten my password!
To have a password reset link sent to you, go to the log-in page and click on the forgotten your password? link. Enter the email address you used to sign up with. (beta - coming soon!)
Do I have to provide an email address?
Yes. Your email address will NOT be displayed anywhere on The Machine Folk Session, and will NOT be given or sold to any third party.
How do I submit a tune?
Log in and click 'submit' from the menu across the top of each page. Then follow the on-screen instructions. You’ll need to submit the tune in ABC notation.
What’s ABC notation?
ABC is a great way of passing on tunes by writing the notes out in plain text.
It's very straightforward and easy to learn. You can find out more on the ABC notation site.
Can I submit an alternate setting of a tune that’s already listed?
Yes. Log in. Go to the tune and click on the “Add a setting” button.
What is my tunebook?
The Machine Folk Session allows you to collect tunes and add them to a virtual tunebook. It provides an easy way to recall the tunes you like.
The tunebook is really just a list of tunes that you have selected. You can download the entire tunebook as a single ABC file.
To add or remove a tune to your tunebook, log in, go to the tune in question and tick or untick the “In your tunebook” checkbox.