Another ambiguous return.

[wings]

Taxi has got to start meaning what they write with these descriptions.-----SERIOUS INSTRUMENTAL COMPOSERS NEEDED by a Music Producer who is creating a new independent music library and already has several TAXI composers under his roof. He is looking for composers IN ALL GENRES and said no stone will be left unturned in that respect. Although he is the provider of music for a huge daytime television talk show, he wants to make it clear that the composers he is looking to sign to the library will focus on other projects he is working on and will not compete with the composers working on the talk show. You must be able to work as a team player, take direction and deliver on time. ÊHe needs someone who uses high quality samples and has state-of-the-art equipment. ÊHe's definitely looking for a "pro" and not someone who works during the day, as he'll need you to be available for quick turnaround assignments and same day edits when necessary. He'd like someone with experience with syncing to tape. His deal offer is non-exclusive (except with other libraries) and you keep 100% of the writer's share. ÊAll submissions need to be Broadcast Quality. ÊPlease submit two to three instrumentals online or per CD, include Bio. ÊAll submissions will be screened on a YES/NO BASIS - NO CRITIQUES FROM TAXI - and must be received no later than Monday, August 17, 2009. TAXI #Y090817IN----------Three comments for the returns:1. Could have more impact, in general. Took a while to get going.2. Once again, nice writing but the performance could have more energy and fire.3. Pleasant, but could have a more fully developed ensemble.----------This is not fair. The listing didn't talk about impact, but "for composers IN ALL GENRES "If you want impact-SAY WHAT YOU MEAN FOR A CHANGE.If you want more energy and fire "SAY WHAT YOU MEAN FOR A CHANGE"If you want a full orchestral score "SAY WHAT YOU MEAN AND DON'T SAY FOR ALL GENRES"

[Casey H]

Hi WingsThat damn bug avatar still gets me!!Which comments went with which track? That would help. These are really good tracks. The fact that they got signed elsewhere is testament to that. However, not everyone has the same wants or standards. The party that ran this listing has a long standing relationship with taxi so I would think he either does his own screening or has someone at taxi very much in sync with how he thinks.I really don't think the listing description is at issue here. When asking for serious instrumental composers for TV, you really don't have to spell out things like "impact", "energy", etc... If a listing asks for great songs, it doesn't have to say, "no crap lyrics that make no sense" (an exaggeration to make a point).I do see how "all genres" can be confusing but it's in the context of the entirety of the listing.That doesn't mean this tracks might not get forwarded for other listings. Here, as I said, this party works closely with taxi, has tons of film/TV experience for daytime TV, and knows what works for him and what doesn't.BTW, don't feel ragged on but part of his requirement to "be a pro" is to take feedback and rejection constructively and learn from it. Imagine you were working for him, and said "You didn't tell me it had to have impact and energy!" You'd be out on your ass in a second.You have really good tracks. They very well might be placed as they already have been signed.Good luck! And kill that damn bug! Casey

[wings]

Aug 27, 2009, 5:55am, Horowitz wrote:Hi WingsThat damn bug avatar still gets me!!Which comments went with which track? That would help. These are really good tracks. The fact that they got signed elsewhere is testament to that. However, not everyone has the same wants or standards. The party that ran this listing has a long standing relationship with taxi so I would think he either does his own screening or has someone at taxi very much in sync with how he thinks.I really don't think the listing description is at issue here. When asking for serious instrumental composers for TV, you really don't have to spell out things like "impact", "energy", etc... If a listing asks for great songs, it doesn't have to say, "no crap lyrics that make no sense" (an exaggeration to make a point).I do see how "all genres" can be confusing but it's in the context of the entirety of the listing.That doesn't mean this tracks might not get forwarded for other listings. Here, as I said, this party works closely with taxi, has tons of film/TV experience for daytime TV, and knows what works for him and what doesn't.BTW, don't feel ragged on but part of his requirement to "be a pro" is to take feedback and rejection constructively and learn from it. Imagine you were working for him, and said "You didn't tell me it had to have impact and energy!" You'd be out on your ass in a second.You have really good tracks. They very well might be placed as they already have been signed.Good luck! And kill that damn bug! CaseyThanks Casey. Sorry about the bug. I can take criticism - provided that it's on target. And believe me, I WILL correct it. I don't have a problem with that. The issue though is that the listing is ambiguous as to what they want. I understand some songs don't work for certain listings - but the PURPOSE for the listing (or at least the way I took it) was to show flexibility in writing styles. I think I did that. I gave an New Age, orchestral, and a light instrument piece to show how SERIOUS I was. At this point, I feel like Taxi took my 15 bucks and moved on.And quite honestly, if someone was that ambiguous to me about work - to the point that they'd kick me out on my ass- then take the damn job and go elsewhere, because my attention to detail would be much greater than that.I currently own 4 companies and this music stuff is - by far - the CHEESIEST way to do business.The three comments:Alient world1. Could have more impact, in general. Took a while to get going.Departure2. Once again, nice writing but the performance could have more energy and fire.We are ants3. Pleasant, but could have a more fully developed ensemble.Sorry- but I get fired up about crap when Taxi tells me to "Bring it" - and when I do - they don't stand up.You can make money in this business, but you have to blow past the Dream Stoppers. Clearly this is one of those instances.

[Casey H]

Hey JohnTaxi's not perfect, listings aren't perfect, and screeners aren't either. It's not that kind of world in any aspect of life. I don't think this listing was anywhere near as unclear as you do- so we'll agree to disagree there.Some things to consider:1) It's very possible that the actual listing party wrote that description and screened the material himself. 2) Part of our responsibility as serious music professionals is to read requests (from any source) and do our homework before submitting. I started typing this before Vikki's last post but she was right on the mark. The listing mentioned quite a few things which was all you needed to do some research. You have the benefit of this forum where samples of what HAS been forwarded are provided all the time.A classic example is what Vikki said with the "short and to the point" thing. That came from learning the industry by asking questions, submitting and getting rejected, making changes, etc. She didn't expect taxi to spell out every detail as to what makes a good film/TV track. She put in tons of hours to learn it.3) A better approach other than venting about the LISTING being the problem would be (once you got past the venting stage) would be to ask successful composers here what they would do to make those tracks work better for film/TV and listings like that one.It's up to you. You can conclude that taxi and their listings are bad or you can use the resources of successful people here (mazz, matto, crs7string, dave walton and others) who give freely of their time and maybe make money with music through taxi and other sources.You are talented and have very good tracks. So the good news is any adjustments needed for listings like this one may not be that difficult-- you are light years ahead of many. Wishing you the best, Casey

[wings]

Thanks Casey, The purpose of this thread was to fulfill this request:"Liked your review? Hated it? Let us know...."I let them know.

[Casey H]

Hi again JohnJust a note to say that I spent more time this evening listening to your tracks and I really enjoyed them. Clearly they are well composed and produced, regardless of whether or not they fit this listing. "We Are Ants" is my favorite-- a beaut!I don't have expertise in the fine details of these types of tracks (the production & engineering side) but I expect you will find success with tracks like these. Best, Casey

[wings]

Aug 27, 2009, 5:37pm, hurowitz wrote:Hi again JohnJust a note to say that I spent more time this evening listening to your tracks and I really enjoyed them. Clearly they are well composed and produced, regardless of whether or not they fit this listing. "We Are Ants" is my favorite-- a beaut!I don't have expertise in the fine details of these types of tracks (the production & engineering side) but I expect you will find success with tracks like these. Best, CaseyThanks Casey! And thanks for your time with regard to this thread. It's appreciated.~wings~

[Casey H]

Aug 28, 2009, 12:57am, markjsmith wrote:I am sorry to disagree about the research. How are we to know which library? How are we to know who is signed to this UNSAID library? I'd love to do research, but who are they? I'm kinda sick of the cryptic listings! It really pisses me off to get feedback that has nothing to do with what the listing is asking for such as this! I sent in a bunch of tunes to this one (cause it was just a big "?" to me). You would think they would at least write "ONE" sentence describing what they are looking for music wise! I actually got atune forwarded for this, and it was the one I thought least likely to get through!How hard is it to write "ONE" sentence describing what they are looking for! I'm sorry but ALL GENRES does not cut it! I think they should pick the screener in advance, and let them describe what he or she is wanting to hear in detail for the listing! There would be no confusion a lot of us would be less pissed off (well at least I'd be happy)!That said; I LOVE Taxi, it is an awesome motivator! Regarding the research, I agree that most people would have no idea who the library is, who has signed with them, etc. The research that can be done is into daytime TV talk show background music, in general-- watch some shows and observe, ask questions here, etc. Casey

[wings]

Aug 28, 2009, 9:22am, hurowitz wrote:Aug 28, 2009, 12:57am, markjsmith wrote:I am sorry to disagree about the research. How are we to know which library? How are we to know who is signed to this UNSAID library? I'd love to do research, but who are they? I'm kinda sick of the cryptic listings! It really pisses me off to get feedback that has nothing to do with what the listing is asking for such as this! I sent in a bunch of tunes to this one (cause it was just a big "?" to me). You would think they would at least write "ONE" sentence describing what they are looking for music wise! I actually got atune forwarded for this, and it was the one I thought least likely to get through!How hard is it to write "ONE" sentence describing what they are looking for! I'm sorry but ALL GENRES does not cut it! I think they should pick the screener in advance, and let them describe what he or she is wanting to hear in detail for the listing! There would be no confusion a lot of us would be less pissed off (well at least I'd be happy)!That said; I LOVE Taxi, it is an awesome motivator! Regarding the research, I agree that most people would have no idea who the library is, who has signed with them, etc. The research that can be done is into daytime TV talk show background music, in general-- watch some shows and observe, ask questions here, etc. CaseyHe does bring up a good point though - had I known about how prestigious this guy was and who was currently writing for him, I most definitely would have put the question out there.I most likely woudn't have left "a stone unturned" on this end either. ~wings~

[wings]

Chuck - while I don't disagree, being straight up goes a long way in a relationship. I'm as straight up as they come. And I'm going to call a spade a spade. If you don't want to work with me because I'm straight up - that's fine. But those who do work with me know exactly how I operate and I have long term relationships with my clients and they can certainly attest to that. ~wings~