Please Critique - Children's Lullabye for TAXI Listing

[SuzanneSchnite]

Hey folks,

I've got a newly re-recorded song I wrote awhile back called "Treehouse". It is a candidate for a TAXI listing looking for an instrumental children's lullabye.

Could you please have a quick listen to the short tune and send some feeback my way. Your input is very valuable to me and would love to see what you think before I submit this.

Here's the link to "Treehouse" on SoundCloud
http://soundcloud.com/richmstudios/treehouse

Thanks so much!!

Suzanne

[burpo]

Good stuff!!

Here's my critique.

I'd add a rhythmic element on the ... 2, 3, beats, right off the bat.
It's a little heavy on the 1 beat.

I'd also introduce the countermelody earlier.

Nice job! I hope it's a forward.

(Also, I had to go look up the listing myself. You might want to paste it into your post. )

[RogerG]

Hi Suzanne,

I've tried this one a couple of times (it seems to run at least a once a year). What I can say is they really look for real sounds for this listing, or at least samples that sound very real and of course since it's going to CD, it has to be broadcast quality. I simply had an acoustic guitar and some strings samples the first time and it was returned because the string samples weren't real enough for them (second time I DI'ed my guitar which was just pure stupidity on my part. I know I should always use a mic ).

My first impression of your track was the background (horns?) are kind of odd. I'm not sure if the screeners will like that sound. The piano in my opinion was fine. And if you do add a rhythmic element like Burpo suggested, make sure it stays light (another mistake I made, I added bongos which I thought were light/quiet enough but they weren't).

Anyway I hope my experience helps you to nail this down. Of course my critique of your piece is just my personal subjective opinion. Others may disagree. Good luck! - Roger

[burpo]

Roger makes some really good points.

The rhythmic elements I suggest could just be a piano chord on the 2 and 3 beats,
not something brash like drums.

Good luck!

[feaker66]

Hi Suz

First off, I don't dnow much about this genre.

I do know that it is pretty.

Years back i could not tell if the sound was pure or not. I can now:)

Sounds like you just don't have the higher tech equipment to get this to sing?

Best news is that is something you can improve on.

Very calming to listen to.

good luck

Paul

[SuzanneSchnite]

Thanks to all of you for your comments. As usual, you are all so very helpful.

I'm going to try a mix without the sampled "clarinet" lead and leave the piano to solo the melody on it's own.
I think that would bring forth the authenticity a little better.

Wishing all of you the greatest of success!

Suzanne

[SuzanneSchnite]

OK, I took out the sampled "clarinet" and the track at least sounds a little more organic I think.

Didn't do anything regarding the rhythmic elements folks suggested with the deadline for this looming so I'm going give it a shot with what I've got.

It's only my second TAXI submission so I agree that there's still room for improvement. This is the year I'm really committing to this and I know I'll never get going unless I start submitting. Each completed song is another step at getting better at it!

Thanks again to all of you who helped.

Suzanne

[burpo]

I gave your track (all of your tracks actually )
another listen and I think it sounds just lovely.
Who knows if it'll scratch the itch of the screener,
but I like it!

[RogerG]

Hi Suzanne,

I believe this has a fighting chance. The more organic sound definitely helps in my opinion. I guess you'll see. Good luck! - Roger

[joshhowatt]

Hi Suzanne,
Can I ask what samples you are using for the strings? Those sound killer!
Best,
Josh