Songs Submitted For Blues Listing

[TimWalter]

Hello all...

A traditional blues song listing is fairly rare in the roughly 13 months I've been a member. To that end, I put aside my day job and worked all day Thursday on finalizing two songs I had written about 4 years ago. I had actual drum tracks played by an actual drummer for these two songs, so the format was pretty fixed because of that. I've learned alot about songwriting in the last year (from Taxi resources, Robin's book, etc). Its kind of interesting to revisit a couple of songs that I hadnt thought of or played in years. Got both songs finished by the deadline (although it was a rush, and I was submitting my songs on the Taxi website at 5:29pm Californa time..lol).

What am I hoping to get from fellow Taxi riders? any constructive comments that might help me in any area: production, songwriting, arrangement, etc.

I know these songs are pretty repetitive by today's standards, but if they really want a Howlin' Wolf, or Muddy Water's etc type song, thats the type of songs they had back then, with a ton of breaks, etc. I am missing the blues harp, tho. Wolf and Muddy were excellent harp players.. but then SRV rarely if ever had harp on his songs... so its a wide gamut of a la's. (oh that's right, a la is passe, now its "wheelhouse". LOL!)

Historically, my critiques have been not bluesy enough for the blues listings, or too bluesy for the rock listings...lol. Hope this is bluesy enough for this blues listing.

https://soundcloud.com/bluzmannn/sweet-sweet-love-rev
https://soundcloud.com/bluzmannn/nobody-to-thrill

Seriously, any and all comments welcomed.

Thanks kindly for your time.

LEADING PUBLISHING/MUSIC SUPERVISION COMPANY needs your ORIGINAL, CLASSIC BLUES, or BLUES-ROCK SONGS, with Male or Female vocals. This A-List Publisher works directly with in-house (and out-of-house) Music Supervisors and Music Editors on tons of really cool Film & TV projects.

Stylistically, stick to the Classics. They're NOT looking for anything that sounds like contemporary Blues-inspired Indie Rock. Think: Howlin' Wolf and Muddy Waters, to Eric Clapton and The Rolling Stones, all the way to Stevie Ray Vaughan. Be careful not to go too "Rock N' Roll" though... (Although, that did seem to work for the Stones). Keep in mind that this request is for the BLUES.

Universal, and PG-Rated lyrics are needed. This Publisher must have the type of songs and lyrics that are general enough to play in a number of different scenes and storylines. Please avoid specific references to names, places, dates, times, brands, etc. Your vocal performance must be really great and authentically Blues-y, with a unique, soulful, and inspired character.

If selected for this opportunity, the terms of your agreement will be negotiated directly with the Publishing Company. You must own or control 100% of your Master and Copyright to submit for this pitch. Please DO NOT copy or rip off the referenced artists in any way, shape, or form. Use them ONLY as a guide for style and vibe. Broadcast Quality is needed (great sounding home recordings are okay). Do not submit songs that contain any samples of other artists' work. ALL tempos will be considered! All songs will be screened on a Yes/No basis. No full critiques. Please submit 1-3 songs online, or per CD, no later than Thursday, June 20th, at 5:30 pm, PDT. TAXI #U130620BL

[TimWalter]

Any chance for any comments from anybody on either song?
Thanks.
TIm

[rdance]

hey bluzmannn, good effort! on the first tune, band mix is lo-fi, vocal is a bit too crystal clear and hot by comparison. a more gutbucket blues vocal would work better on this tune (drinking some malt liquor beforehand helps). drop the vocal down in the same eq space as the band, so the whole thing sounds closer to an old analog record.

second tune is mixed better and your vocal blends in better with the instrumentation. reminds me of billy swan's 'i can help'. to me your voice is rockabilly/crooner style and emotion, so if that's where you naturally land, i would push your music in that direction. use verby, tremolo guitar tones, big live room drums, etc., to augment your singing style. you could develop your own niche and be a go-to guy for this type of music. here's a link to a friend of mine's band, who demonstrates how a rockabilly sound can cover even modern music, in this case, radiohead.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NuGnjnVmS64

well i didn't mean to over-produce you, but i always in believe is pushing your native talents and strengths. gets you ahead quicker.

[TimWalter]

RIchard, thanks so much for listening and giving detailed critiques. I really really appreciate it.
Tim

[andygabrys]

hey bluzmannn, good effort! on the first tune, band mix is lo-fi, vocal is a bit too crystal clear and hot by comparison. a more gutbucket blues vocal would work better on this tune (drinking some malt liquor beforehand helps). drop the vocal down in the same eq space as the band, so the whole thing sounds closer to an old analog record.

second tune is mixed better and your vocal blends in better with the instrumentation. reminds me of billy swan's 'i can help'. to me your voice is rockabilly/crooner style and emotion, so if that's where you naturally land, i would push your music in that direction. use verby, tremolo guitar tones, big live room drums, etc., to augment your singing style. you could develop your own niche and be a go-to guy for this type of music. here's a link to a friend of mine's band, who demonstrates how a rockabilly sound can cover even modern music, in this case, radiohead.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NuGnjnVmS64

well i didn't mean to over-produce you, but i always in believe is pushing your native talents and strengths. gets you ahead quicker.

that is way cool that radiohead-a-billy. good find!

[feaker66]

Tim

I don't know much about blues, but I love anything with that live sound.

The first song threw me off with you stopping in the verse.

The second song was my fav.

Like to see a couple things that may not be easily accomplished:)

-a version slowed down a bit

-a version in a lower key

-delaying the vox slightly so it lags a little bit (spot on pitch if that is you) Like you are half in the bag. Ha ha

-the vox in general being as dirty as the guitars

We used to play a song Kansas City that reminded me of your song. I played the bass on that one for kicks. Love those runs

Can't really tell you if this was good. bad, or in-between.

It was however a fun ride

Good luck

sincerely

Paul

[TimWalter]

Feaker Thanks so much for the comments.
Tim