Feedback on this song I plan on submitting

[augietaylor]

Please go to my SoundCloud audio for this song: https://soundcloud.com/augie-taylor/lets-get-lucky

I'd like to hear your opinions about this song hitting the mark for this song request on TAXI:

"TRADITIONAL COUNTRY SONGS with Male Vocals are needed by a Nashville-based independent Music Publisher for a LEGENDARY, Multi-Platinum Country Superstar who’s working on a brand new album. They’re looking for top-notch, Mid-to-Up Tempo Songs that would appeal to the fans of acts and songs like (but not limited to):

“Fool Hearted Memory” by George Strait

“Down And Out” by George Strait

"Unwound " by George Strait

Please submit fresh, radio-friendly songs that are rooted in traditional Country, yet just modern enough to be competitive on major Country radio stations. Make sure your lyrics tell your song’s story with plenty of visual details and a conversational tone. Be sure your vocal performance is believable, with an honest Country-style vocal delivery.

TAXI Tip: The more authentic and believable your overall performance feels (sounds), the better your chances are of landing this pitch! This is high bar, but the Publisher looking for this material has one of the best pitching records in Country music!

All deals will be done on a case-by-case basis between the Publisher and you. We expect that the deals offered to be in the range of what is typical for one-off signings, with no surprises. This Publisher has a very positive reputation.

Please submit as many Songs as you’d like, online or per CD, include lyrics. All submissions will be screened on a Yes/No basis - with short critiques - by a Nashville-based TAXI A&R person that’s been handpicked by the Publisher! Submissions must be received no later than 11:59PM (PDT), on Tuesday, November 14th, 2017. TAXI #Y171114GS
"

Thanks for your consideration and feedback!

[johnlewitt]

Hi Augie,

In reading the listing this line jumps out at me...

Please submit fresh, radio-friendly songs that are rooted in traditional Country, yet just modern enough to be competitive on major Country radio stations.

Your song sounds more like a demo, as such I'd save the five dollars as I've discovered over the years that every single line in a listing courts!

[cassmcentee]

Hey Augie!
Fun Song but I do have to agree with John
It never hit me as Radio Friendly and didn't have the musical licks of a Traditional Country tune to my ears
Save the 5 and keep at it!
Although you will get a SHORT CRITIQUE if you do submit it that could well be worth the 5!?!
Sincerely,
Cass

[augietaylor]

Hi Augie,

In reading the listing this line jumps out at me...

Please submit fresh, radio-friendly songs that are rooted in traditional Country, yet just modern enough to be competitive on major Country radio stations.

Your song sounds more like a demo, as such I'd save the five dollars as I've discovered over the years that every single line in a listing courts!

Thanks John. (do you mean at the end of your line, ...in a listing counts?)

I'm trying to determine if a demo will do in a posting that does not not say something like, "needs to be Broadcast quality..."

Unless it says demos are acceptable, should I always expect that only a broadcast quality recording will be considered?

[augietaylor]

Hey Augie!
Fun Song but I do have to agree with John
It never hit me as Radio Friendly and didn't have the musical licks of a Traditional Country tune to my ears
Save the 5 and keep at it!
Although you will get a SHORT CRITIQUE if you do submit it that could well be worth the 5!?!
Sincerely,
Cass

Thanks, Cass, good info. And I do wonder if they'll only consider demos if they explicitly say so in the posting. Any help and pointers about this is really appreciated!

[cassmcentee]

Every song submitted will get considered by Taxi's chosen screener for the listing.
You have to get approved and forwarded by the screener first before it will land on the Publisher's desk for them to hear it.
That is the first bar your tune will have to jump.
I don't pitch country tunes but I know the competition is very High Bar and the well written songs that already feel "finished" and "authentic" are the ones that will get passed along to the Publisher.
Unless the screener wants to start taking risks, they won't pass along a demo unless it magically stands out as being a phenomenal song.
If the Fiver doesn't hurt you, submit and wait for the critique.
Also Taxi will post the list of tunes that get forwarded and you will be able to better judge where you will need to improve by comparing them with yours.
Keep in mind, this is just my opinion and I could be completely wrong, don't hold back!
Sincerely,
Cass

[augietaylor]

Every song submitted will get considered by Taxi's chosen screener for the listing.
You have to get approved and forwarded by the screener first before it will land on the Publisher's desk for them to hear it.
That is the first bar your tune will have to jump.
I don't pitch country tunes but I know the competition is very High Bar and the well written songs that already feel "finished" and "authentic" are the ones that will get passed along to the Publisher.
Unless the screener wants to start taking risks, they won't pass along a demo unless it magically stands out as being a phenomenal song.
If the Fiver doesn't hurt you, submit and wait for the critique.
Also Taxi will post the list of tunes that get forwarded and you will be able to better judge where you will need to improve by comparing them with yours.
Keep in mind, this is just my opinion and I could be completely wrong, don't hold back!
Sincerely,
Cass

Really helpful, Cass, thank you! What I hear from your reply here is that all submitted songs are considered but if it's really polished written-wise and recorded-wise, it stands a better chance of passing the screener's bar. I see how it can be really helpful to submit for the five bucks and see how it compares with the forwarded songs, if this one is not forwarded.

The postings that say broadcast quality I'll stay away from because I don't have a recording set up for that level, at least for now. I'm starting to learn how to differentiate what would be acceptable recording-wise and I think I'll submit it as is to start to see how that works, at least for this song. I'm excited, thanks!

[johnlewitt]

Hey Augie,

I find that Taxi is very specific when they are writing their listings. So when you examine a listing, you need to make sure that every adjective/adverb/noun/verb they use to describe a song applies to your song. Hitting 90% of them doesn't cut it and it's a waster of your $5.

BTW, if they are offering a full critique and the song is somewhat on target, it's a cheap way to get a full critique ($5 instead of $20!) and those are always handy to have.

John