HARD ROCK w/MALE VOCALS: Your Criticism??

[djdeweese]

Greetings All: Just got a rejection for D071126RK: Hard Rock songs w/ Male Vocals http://www.taximusic.com/listings_popup ... 071126RKIt was a yes/no review, so there was no critique. I've already gotten some mixed reviews from fellow local musicians, but I wanted to throw it out there for any input you may have. "Mind to Fly"http://www.taximusic.com/song.php?song_ ... am=trueThe vocal is intentionally stylized to give the song an edgy vibe. I'm usually more on the acoustic side of rock, so I don't know if this is even really a viable rocker, but I'd appreciate any thoughts you may have. Is it worth re-working, or do I hit "delete"?

[ciskokidd]

Alright DJ,Here are my comments:I'll start with why I don't think you met the bar. 1. The mix is not quite there. Drums and bass not quite defined in the mix.2. The song didn't quite pay off into a catchy chorus.3. The vocal treatment is a little dated. This kind of vocal treatment was popular in early to mid 90's, but now it hinders the production. In essence I have no idea what you are saying.4. This is a pretty high bar listing for a music library. As I read the "ala's" you really need either a contemporary rock sound (daughtry -hinder-vines) or knock em dead hooks (AC/DC, Jet)Now lets go to the songwriting itself:1. I think you have a great groove and vibe that with the right production elements will make this a good fit for these listings in the future. I like the riffs and attitude especially in the verses.2. You are in need of a change a little earlier or a better change of pace. The verse is kicking forward pretty nicely, but it stalls in what is either a pre-chorus or an extended verse. I suggest you drop that section and go straight to a kick-ass hooky chorus.3. The chorus currently does not have enough contrast to the verses.A couple of production ideas:Study the artists above especially in the drum sound and guitar sound. Remember these are varied artists with distinct styles and you can't be all of them in one song.Use a different singer if you don't think you can pull off that heavy rock sound without going into your production tricks. This is by far the most critical component in production because this is what sells a song. I wish I could sing everything I write, but that just ain't gonna happen. I have a forte as a singer and beyond that I go for the singer that will best represent my tune.In closing, I would not give up on this tune, don't hit delete just yet. Take a crack at reworking it and best of luck.I think I gave more than my alloted two cents here. Cheers,Cisco

[djdeweese]

Cisco-- many thanks. You said some similar things to my other cohorts. Namely, I may not have the vocal chops to pull this off without a crafty re-write. As you said, you have a forte, and outside of that you need to get a performer who can really perform what you write. That's probably my situation here. At least it is good to know it isn't a total wash. It can be so hard to really hear your own work.Thanks again for the thoughtful comments.

[Pinkstar]

That link doesn't work for me. Would like to give you my feedback.Can you send me the link?Quote:Greetings All: Just got a rejection for D071126RK: Hard Rock songs w/ Male Vocals http://www.taximusic.com/listings_popup ... 071126RKIt was a yes/no review, so there was no critique. I've already gotten some mixed reviews from fellow local musicians, but I wanted to throw it out there for any input you may have. "Mind to Fly"http://www.taximusic.com/song.php?song_ ... am=trueThe vocal is intentionally stylized to give the song an edgy vibe. I'm usually more on the acoustic side of rock, so I don't know if this is even really a viable rocker, but I'd appreciate any thoughts you may have. Is it worth re-working, or do I hit "delete"?