Need help to make my production less retro sounding

[andersenstorm]

Hi, this is a call for a collaboration in getting out of the retro sounding production field.

I have a bunch of Singer/Songwriter songs with good critiques that throughout don't get the bar of sounding contemporary. I'm struggling to get aware of modern sounding sonics to produce it by myself. So I need help.
Any suggestions?

Example: https://www.taxi.com/members/oiYiE80uTn ... bU-jj4SmGg
Here's the song: https://www.taxi.com/members/oiYiE80uTn ... eplacement

[andersenstorm]

Its a common comment from folk that keep getting returns for 'dated sounds' that they don't like modern songs and don't listen to them, but that's the biggest reason why they turn out retro sounding music.

If you're wanting comments on your song, then from a quick listen I think its very pleasant and the vocal performance is good, but I hear some issues.

I hope there's something there that helps. Good luck with it .

Thanks a lot Telefunkin. I appreciate that.

[Casey H]

Hey Andersen
If you want to produce contemporary sounding singer-songwriter songs, two aspects need to be addressed: The songwriting and the production. As an older guy myself, I 'get' the struggle.

Regarding songwriting, you need to be listening to contemporary singer-songwriter songs. Simple Googling can point you to many artists and songs. What kind of chord patterns, melodies, lyrics do you hear? Check out the reference tracks in Taxi listings. They are a gold mine. BTW, if someone does nothing else but listen to reference tracks, they are getting one of the best educations out there. As far as more modern sounds, that's not my area as a non-producer. But Taxi TV, the rally, this forum, youtube videos, etc. can really help you up your game there. One good thing about the singer-songwriter genre is you can keep it simple- not a ton of instruments required.

Collaboration can be key. Work with folks who can help mold your songs into modern writing and production. You may have a great song idea and someone a lot of the rest. Between this forum and the rally, I've formed so many collaborative relationships over the past 15-20 years (yes, that many years!). Without these relationships, I probably would never had had a single TV placement. Now I have quite a few.

I only heard one of your singer-songwriter songs, the one you posted. On your Taxi page, I think there were only instrumentals. I'd love to hear more of your songs. Feel free to drop me a PM.

Best,
Casey

[cosmicdolphin]

Like the guys say, what you listen to is what you'll write so listen to current stuff and ditch the older listening habits and you'll soon come around.

[andersenstorm]

Feel free to drop me a PM.

I did.

[melodymessiah]

this isn't even retro, it' simply sounds dated (many don't seem to know the difference). the biggest issue here is the vocal (especially the SOUND of it), it makes me wonder if you even listen to contemporary stuff. your best bet would probably be to collab with people who's got contemporary in their blood. if you're not genuine, how do you think you can compete with those who are?

[andersenstorm]

this isn't even retro, it' simply sounds dated (many don't seem to know the difference). the biggest issue here is the vocal (especially the SOUND of it), it makes me wonder if you even listen to contemporary stuff. your best bet would probably be to collab with people who's got contemporary in their blood. if you're not genuine, how do you think you can compete with those who are?

Thank you so much for your message. I appreciate it.

I don't have the opportunity to collaborate locally because the scene here in this small northeast German town is not diverse enough in that direction. I've started to write and sing in English language in 2021 in the age of 57. I love it. I know I can't sound like a native speaking younger person. So I try to callab over the internet within a community of international musicians. And this is the collaboration corner, isn't it? Here I am.

I hope to find someone who appreciates my approaches and stuff and gives it a try to collaborate with me professionally.

[melodymessiah]

i too live in a small town with limited amounts of talent, and i use fiverr a lot for finding singers and producers. i'm amazed how great value for money you can find if you just take some time searching. and unlike other, similar sites (like airgigs and soundbetter) it also has a live chat.

[andersenstorm]

Thanx, melodymessiah. I'll give it a try.