What happens after I submit my fluxwork?
We’ll be in touch by email after the deadline (April 1st) to let all entrants know about next steps.

When will you announce the finalists and Circuit Selects?
We’ll be in touch with our fifteen finalists by mid-April, and will inform our four Circuit Select entrants by the end of April, latest. We’ll announce our finalists publicly in early May, and then reveal our Circuit Selects at our live event at the end of May, and then online and across social channels soon after.

How strict is this 3-minute prompt?
We encourage you to embrace the challenge of landing right at 3:00, but we can be a bit (dare we say) fluxible. That said, we recommend not pushing it shorter than 2:55 or longer than 3:05.

What is this Midcentury Stereopanorama project I keep seeing links to?
Midcentury Stereopanorama is “The one-of-a-kind retro-tech time-travel experience you have to see to believe.” And we're not just quoting the website... we have experienced the magic, ourselves! More specifically: MCSP is a traveling, salon-type show that features 3D imagery chock full of 1950’s Americana, which a dozen or so people enjoy through vintage viewing devices. It's curated and winningly hosted by Eric Drysdale, who pulls from his massive collection of 3D photographs (30,000+) to organize a cornucopia of visual delights for each event.  Read this NYT feature to learn more.

What do you mean by “Immerse listeners in a place through sound (stereo, spatial, binaural recordings encouraged!)”?
In talking about 3D photography, Eric describes how the 3D effect pulls us deeper into the image, which keeps us engaged longer, and helps us pay closer attention to background and peripheral details. We love the parallel between this and what can be done with audio production!

Think of how a stereo recording of a scene differs from a mono recording… the way we are suddenly enveloped in the world we’re documenting. And the spatial possibilities are even greater with the advent of VR mics, affordable binaural mics, and the ability to mix in Dolby Atmos. 

But, you might ask, what if I don’t have a stereo recorder or any of that other fancy stuff? You might consider borrowing a stereo recorder. Or you could explore the panning function in your DAW to create some spatial relationships in sound. Or you might just decide to stay in mono and find a way to immerse us in a place without stereo information. 

All are valid ways to approach your fluxwork. The bottom line is: have fun experimenting with and thinking about the spatial capabilities of sound!

Can I work with a partner or team on my fluxwork?
Absolutely, you’re welcome to partner up. However, should your fluxwork be chosen as a Circuit Select, you’ll only receive 1x the honorarium of $750.

Can I submit a non-English fluxwork?
Yes! If you do, we’ll ask that you also send us an English transcript, or even better — a video version of your submission with English subtitles.

Can I submit a fluxwork from outside the US?
Yes! We hope to hear fluxworks from all over the world.

Do I have to commit to being present for the live debut?
No, if your fluxwork is chosen as a Circuit Select you will not be obligated to attend the debut event, tentatively scheduled for late May, 2025, in Washington DC. But we hope you can make it, and also hope to offer a small travel stipend to help you get there.

Can I adapt a previously-produced story for Audio Flux?
Not if this previously-produced story has been published anywhere. Your fluxwork should by and large be an original piece, crafted in response to the Circuit prompts.

Will Audio Flux offer any editorial support?
Given the expected volume of submissions, we’re not able to offer editorial support. But we always encourage people to share their work with colleagues or peers for feedback, before submitting.

How do you decide on your Circuit Selects?
The Audio Flux team will listen to every submission and decide on a list of finalists, which will then be shared with a small panel of guest judges. who will pick Circuit Selects based on originality, story choice, use of prompts, use of sound, and overall impression.

Can I post my fluxwork on my website or another podcast?
If your submission is chosen as a Circuit Select it will be featured on this website, and you’ll be welcome/encouraged to share the work far and wide. We will ask that you wait until 6 months after your fluxwork is presented in The Audio Flux Podcast before sharing it in another podcast feed or on the radio. We will also ask that you credit Audio Flux wherever your work shows up publicly, à la "This piece was originally produced for Audio Flux."

Do I have to pay or sign anything to submit a fluxwork?
No, it’s 100% free to submit your work! As part of our entry process, we do ask you to acknowledge reading our Official Rules, which includes an additional agreement relevant for submisisons chosen as Circuit Selects. This producer agreement gives Audio Flux permission to feature your fluxwork on our website, at AF events and related opportunities, and in our podcast. Please note that we have done our best to tailor our agreement to be creator-friendly.

Will I own my fluxwork after submitting it?
Yes, you retain ownership of your fluxwork whether or not it’s chosen as a Circuit Select. Terms outlining permission and usage can be found in our Circuit 05 Official Rules.

Can I develop a longer piece, series or show from my fluxwork?
We hope that your fluxwork inspires you toward more production, for sure! If it’s chosen as a Circuit Select,  we’ll ask you to agree to some parameters around timing and crediting, and will cheer you on, loudly, from the sidelines.

What’s this free, three-month trial membership to AIR all about?
AIR is an invaluable resource for independent audio producers all over the world. They host events (like Audio Flux listening parties!) and training webinars, organize email forums, list job opportunities, and do so much more. Our AIR-friends have kindly offered this trial membership to everyone who submits a fluxwork, and we highly recommend you take advantage of the offer!