My First Complaint in 4 Years

[jaredlutes]

I have really been avoiding ranting, since I love what TAXI does and what they stand for. But while one screener absolutely loves a song - another is totally unimpressed. And even when it turns out to be perfect for the listing - there always seems to be something minor holding a song back. Here are some recent examples concerning my new material (the link to my new stuff is below). Am I crazy? Am I no longer a right fit for TAXI?

Just today; one screener told me that my voice "has what it takes to compete at the highest level", while another reviewer said that I need "vocal improvement" and should "work with a coach". I know the screeners are a diverse group, but I don't know what to think about my voice anymore!

'I Belong with You' has received big praise from objective producers, and even Michael himself, but I can't seem to get a forward. All the screeners have loved the lyrics, vocal, production and mood, but apparently the chorus is not strong enough, as there's no big hook or emotional explosion. But I wrote it to be moody and understated - letting the instrumentation build the energy around a stark message and imagery. I know it's not a radio hit, but that's not film&TV typically ask for in this genre. Some of the "moody" reference tracks don't have obvious choruses at all! After a dozen returns for one of my favourite songs, I am doubting my career choice.

'Feel Your Love' has been highly praised too, but the lyrical theme has not. I know it has been sung about before - but hasn't every human sentiment been done to death already? I don't think the theme of even-when-I'm-not-there-I-can-feel-your-love is irrelevant anymore. I wrote about that because that's how i feel when I'm on the road. I'm sure many experience the same thing; I hear from audiences all the time that they really connect with this song. Just because a sentiment is cliche doesn't mean people don't continue to experience it! And again, I was encouraged to record this tune because the Custom Critique suggested that the chorus in my demo version was "so memorable that it actually sounds like I'm covering a hit song". Yet, I have not earned a forward for the highly polished Country-Rock studio production.

Sorry about the rant. I haven't done this before. I do respect the screeners and the difficult job they have. I could not do what they do. Thanks for reading this. I love TAXI, refer it to my friends, watch TAXI TV religiously, and have received many encouraging comments (even from Michael personally). But it is starting to dawn on me that my music is not suited to what they are pitching. Recently, I heard Michael say that they might be pushing through more songs than ever. But in all humility, if these songs are not getting pushed through, I want to hear what is:

https://soundcloud.com/jaredlutes/sets/ ... sessions-1

[rdance]

well your music is definitely strong! (btw, love the verby harmonica at the end of 'i belong with you').

i guess sometimes there are no answers to frustrating non-forwards/tough screeners. don't apologize for the rant, better to get it out here. otherwise you might go off on a walgreens cashier.

plenty of sympathetic ears on the forum.

excellent songwriting and performance jared.

[cassmcentee]

Jared,
I get how hard the returns must hit you because you are truly a gifted singer, artist, songwriter, producer!!!
Have you had any forwards? Have you had any placements?
I joined Taxi firstly for a couple of reasons...
1. To look for inspiration. Almost like taking a college class and having asignments to do.
2. To seek production help on my album that I just wrapped up... I can't thank the Peer to Peer crew enough for all of the help!
3. To see if the Song Super's Door would even be open for the music I create.

My feeling for myself at this moment re: getting music to the Supers, is that I will have to stop getting distracted by how I like my music to sound vs. creating what a Supervisor is really asking for.
To me it seems that to be succesful with Taxi isn't about being discovered as an artist as much as being some hybrid of a Musical Parrot.
Just a thought...
By the way...
The descending Mando at 1:17 in "I am Overcome" is sooooo beautiful!
Looking forward to more of your tunes!!!!
Sincerely,
Cass

[jaredlutes]

Thanks rDance. I should have slept on it before I ranted. The screeners are just doing their job. Sometimes I just get exasperated and myopic working here in my basement day after day!

Thank you, Cass. I've been thinking about TAXI in the same way - more like an education than anything else. The member fee is worth that, at least. My biggest weakness is that I'm trying to be an artist - trying to be myself, telling stories through the lyrics and sounds that mean something to me and a few others in the same situations. In the flim/TV world you really need to be more adaptable than that i guess.

I appreciate the compliments. I actually posted a new mix of a new tune, 'Where You Are', today, and i was going to ask for some critique from forum members. You're welcome to take a listen and offer any kind of advice:

https://soundcloud.com/jaredlutes/sets/ ... sessions-1

[funsongs]

J wrote:
Just because a sentiment is cliche doesn't mean people don't continue to experience it!


Here's my reply (in agreement) to that:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2_9QooYDYtU

fun

[themichaelscott]

100% making up numbers here because I have no idea. But let's say a listing has 200 songs submitted. I can't imagine Taxi sending more than 20 to 40 songs to the client. These people list with Taxi so they don't have to scan through a lot of songs. Then the screener has to write a critique. I remember having to critique other people's papers in English class and I could never think of things to write.

My point being your songs are great, but there has to be that certain something that makes the screener feel like he has an exact match for the listing. That feeling is hard to put in to words for a critique. I have a feeling that Taxi screeners are harder to get through than the people looking for the music. The sup just doesn't have time to listen to it all.

Michael

[ottlukk]

Liked your tunes, and share your frustration. Ott

[Len911]

Jared, this is just my two cents, what I hear. I think the backing band is excellent, sort of Alison Krauss and Union Station bluegrass/country. Your singing is rock, Bob Seger, Dave Mason, Steve Winwood, John Cougar Mellencamp. So, yes I would say that makes the genre country/rock technically, but most country/rock seems to be rock band and country voice, an opposite contrast, and rather unique. Unique in a good way.

To sum it up, I think you are blending two different styles in a unique way. Sure you might say, well, Alison Krauss and Robert Plant did it, yes but there were changes made on both sides, and a little left in from each side. For a couple, no bluegrass and no led zeppelin vocals. I think if you were to ask me what adjustments you might make, I might suggest looking at some of the verses in some of the places. I'll call it wordy, pushing, driving, tense, totally rock verses, ie. John Cougar Mellencampish.
I don't think it's necessary to make any adjustments, I only think it might make your style more palatable to the "country" type crowd, though I also think they would become more accommodating the more they hear and get accustomed.

Bottom line: I like your style very much! It's different than the typical country/rock I am accustomed to listening to, but if you are looking for things to beat up on yourself about, it isn't the vocals, music, lyrics... Just my opinion.

[BruceBrown]

Water off a ducks back. No one knows your music better than you. Follow your instincts. Write what moves you. I think your good.

[pitterpatter]

Jared,
To me it seems that to be succesful with Taxi isn't about being discovered as an artist as much as being some hybrid of a Musical Parrot.
Just a thought...

Sincerely,
Cass

Good one! I find that what I write is just not being asked for. I wrote one song in the style of Billy Holiday. It was demoed in a more current style because that's what you are generally supposed to do, right? Make your stuff sound more current. Finally, there was a listing looking for exactly what I had written, a song in the Billy Holiday style. It did get forwarded but I think the modern style of the demo killed the deal. If I had been quicker on my feet, I could have paid for yet another demo in the original style and maybe my forward would have amounted to something. My point is that the listings are very specific and then the screeners have their own ideas and it might take just the tiniest thing to stop a forward. So, I have to agree to a certain extent, that we might have to write as some hybrids of Musical Parrots to produce the flavours of the day that are being asked for. That doesn't mean that you can't still be creative but if you would like to get paid, and who wouldn't, you have to produce what they want and even with the best of intentions, that's still very hard to pin point.

Jared: Your songs are really great. I think the two songs you mentioned could be used in scenes in a movie or commercials. I have no idea why you aren't getting forwards. It's a mystery to me. When these kinds of things happen to me, I think that God is out to get me, like Mr. Bill from Saturday Night Live. Remember him? But, then I can be quite paranoid at times. Good luck! I hope you get some forwards soon.