My demo CD for the Rally

[adrienne]

It's me again with more questions I hope this is the right place to post this.I was hoping to get everyone's advice on my CD for the Rally. The main purpose of my CD will be from a songwriting perspective, pitching my songs to get cut by other artists or for staff writing or songwriting contacts. I think I've decided on 3 of the 4 songs to put on my CD but need help with the 4th. The songs I'm considering are:1) Don't Mind Me (up-tempo)2) Brandy (up-tempo)3) Rest in Peace (ballad)4) Country Song...or....What You're Doing To Me (both up-tempo)(I like the lyrics better in Country Song, and the melody and demo quality better in What You're Doing To Me)I'd appreciate advice on which song to choose for my 4th song. If you think a different song altogether, please let me know that too. As well, I'm debating about which song to put first on the CD - Don't Mind Me or Brandy. I'm thinking Don't Mind Me because I've had the most success with it (and the bonus is it's me singing) but the other songs are newer so I haven't had as much feedback on them yet. Thoughts?Finally, can I get your input on which song I should submit for the listening panels? Again, I'm thinking Don't Mind Me but not sure if Brandy is a better choice. I also think Rest in Peace is a strong song but it's a ballad so I think I should choose an upbeat song instead. We only get to submit one song right? Do we put it on a CD by itself?All my songs can be heard at this link (scroll down a bit to the music player and it streams the songs): http://www.adrienneleopold.com/music.htmlSorry for all the questions, but I really want to try to make the most out of this experience. And who better to help me out, then my fellow TAXI buds. Thanks all!!Adrienne

[tedsingingfox]

Hey, Adrienne.Not that my opinion matters one iota, BUT...A wise man and fellow TAXI member made a point of telling me before last year's Rally his own philosophy about how to approach this thing called "Road Rally", and it still fits."Go Big, or Go Home."Hit 'em hard and fast with the very best you got. You need to grab 'em by the cluster as quickly as possible. (Sorry for the rather graphic image, but you get my drift...) Put your best, strongest foot forward...first.clink, clink(those were my two cents' worth hitting the pavement...)Ted

[adrienne]

Thanks Ted! I agree completely. I guess I'm stuck on what's my best stuff. I like different things about different songs and it's hard to judge when it's your own songs and you're close to it. It's nice to get others opinions, especially when they are involved in music too. So any opinions are welcome

[tedsingingfox]

Yeah, I know, kiddo.I'd say that, without pro critiques to change your mind, go with the song you already love the most...or the one that has received the best reviews and the most attention...Then follow that up with the NEW piece you're the most excited about...Your stuff is solid and consistent, so the good news is that you actually DO have choices here.I promise to give another listen to remind myself which ones I like BEST (which ain't going to be an easy call...), and I'll chime in again, later (IF everybody else hasn't already).Looking forward to meeting you there.Ted

[adrienne]

Thanks Ted for your kind words of support. It means a lot!! Look forward to meeting you too

[ottlukk]

Adrienne: I listened to all five songs. "Don't Mind Me" is definitely #1. I give it a "10". "Country Song" comes in #2, it gets a "9.5". I would have killed to come up with the line "my dog ran off with the mailman". "What You're Doin' To Me" is #3, rating "9.0". "Rest In Peace" gets a "9.0" -- reminds me of "Traveling Soldier" (Is that the correct title?), putting it at #4."Brandy" comes in at #5, and I give the tune an "8.75", maybe 'cause you weren't singing it. Keep in mind that this is on a scale where 8.5 is the highest possible. I love your stuff, it's no wonder you've got all those forwards. Keep it up; fate will be kind to you.Ott

[adrienne]

Thanks Ott. I'm actually only singing on Don't Mind Me, the rest are sung by demo singers. Thanks for your feedback. I'm glad you liked my music

[mazz]

Hi Adreinne,I haven't had a chance to listen yet but I did notice your little white dog in some pictures on your site. I like little white dogs too!!Looking forward to hearing your music!!Mazz

[adrienne]

Hi Mazz! I like all dogs, but am partial to our little white one! That's Billy. Sadly, he passed away this year but he definitely was (and I'm sure still is) the angel in our family. You may want to listen to my song Boy and His Dog which is about him. Dogs are certainly one of god's greatest gifts!

[hazineju]

Hey Adrienne, they're all great tunes!!! it's just my 2 cents but i strongly favor "country song" for your 4th song, and perhaps moving it up the rank. i didn't listen to the songs in their entirety (which your mentor might do also) - just the first verse and chorus and a little after (did get to the dog and mailman line, ha!), but that song had me laughing out loud and saying "clever!" i tend to listen more to melody and music than lyrics upon first listen so the fact that those lyrics grabbed me says something to me. great job, and see you there!