The Gift of Music began in 2003 over at SONGFIGHT
Songfighter Niveous had this cool idea for a "Super Secret-Santa Holiday Cover-Song Festival". He announced the concept on the Songfight forums: Anyone wishing to participate simply posts 4 of their favorite songs that they'd like to hear covered by a fellow songfighter. All the participants' names are tossed into a hat and paired off by Niveous at a hidden bunker under a cloak of secrecy. Each participant is then privately notified who they'll be giving the gift of music to, as well as the 4 songs that person chose. The participant then proceeds to record a cover of one of the 4 songs, and submits it by a predetermined deadline. The songs are then posted and everyone enjoys listening to their Gift of Music, as well as everyone else's.
Over the years some variations and modifications have been made. One that seems to have stuck is the addition of CASH PRIZES to the best covers as voted on by their peers. The rules regarding the prizes are simple and few. The entry must be in on time to be eligible. Late entries will be posted, but will flagged as ineligible for prizes. The winner is chosen through an email vote open only to participants.
The songs posted on this myspace page are the winners- they were voted the best songs of the most recent GOM, BUT there are tons of other great covers by some great indie artists waiting to be discovered- so CHECK OUT THE GOM