WORDS (rock) (taxi collab w/Panos Kolias)

[orest]

Nice song and words!! I would like to hear more power in the chorus. The rap part is very interesting, but I don't feel any strong hook though. Sometimes it can be very helpful if you add backing vox, or maybe a lead instrument following the chorus melody.

[teleblaster]

Nice track. I'd like to hear the drums and bass punchier and push the song harder. I agree that some 'heavy' guitars would be appropriate for this too. Right now it feels a bit techno, which is fine, but I think the lyric content and delivery might sit better on a bed of rock instruments. Thanks for posting thisErich

[heinsite]

nice lyrics, interesting idea/concept on the vocal.one problem i have may not be a problem at all--this sounds because of the accent in the vocal, like it would work in europe better, and AS A TECHO PIECE! first thing i thought of, and i know Erich just said the opposite.. as i understand, you're gunna get another singer? that would be a good idea IMHO, and no offense at all.only other comments is it seems a bit long, i think it would have more impact if shorter, more concise. good effort overallthe best,warren

[Casey H]

Hi DeanIt's cool that you are branching out to other styles. Some interesting stuff going on but I think there are hurdles to get past.The repetitive short phrases, same rhymes, and the chorus and verse virtually the same, musically and lyrically, are a problem. I don't think you'll get past 1 minute with an A&R person as it is now-- they want something with change that "goes somewhere". (I'm talking writing, not production). That wasn't said to be harsh-- you and I have been around long enough to know that you either wow them in 30-60 seconds or it's click and next track.While embracing a new style and thinking film/TV, do you have a particular artist style, genre and/or era in mind? You really have to nail that down before going too far here. It might work best as late 60's psycheledic... That was a much more free-form era. After fixes, I'd say pick something and go as authentic as possible to that when producing.Best of luck, Casey

[deantaylor]

Orest, thanks. I am sure Panos will have the singer do backing vox for chorus lift. Just didn't do any for this rough draft.Erich, we know where you are coming from with your thoughts. Thanks.Warren, thanks. No offense, Panos knows he doesn't sing this song very well. It sounds like people hear several different ways the production could go on this. Probably all of you are 'right', I can hear it going in all these directions. Up to Panos, I trust him to produce it. I know he'll consider all your ideas. Casey, the rap/rock combo is new for me. I've written many rock songs, but haven't had composers compose too many of them. I know where you are coming from on your comments. I like the repetetive A chorus rhyming scheme in this song for this lyric. But I have tried a number of things to break it up, to see if it could be even better, and I always end up liking it as is ... we are trying another idea as we speak. But I am not gonna be dissappointed if it stays as is. Actually Panos and I wrote this song for an artist, but she is 'unknown'. She liked it, agreed to sing it, but we couldn't work out the details. Dean

[Casey H]

Hi DeanOpinions are a funny thing... "Right" and "wrong" don't always apply. There ARE general things that most consider more "right" but if you decide to go with your gut, that's OK too. My feeling is if you decide to go against "the grain" (for lack of a better word), the only thing that isn't useful is to then blame the rest of the world if the track doesn't succeed (not talking about you personally). And that doesn't at all mean I'm right here!! I hope you blow me away with how wrong I am! Great that an artist had interest! I can relate. I had a song cut by an artist (made a few hundred dollars and it fizzled). The song, by most industry definitions of a "good song", is not one at all. This artist and her manager fell in love with it. If now I pitch that same song for film/TV, I most likely will get no bites at all. The challenge here is to make your track the most film/TV pitchable you can. Film/TV folks may not be as picky as far as a drop-dead, killer hooks but they still listen with similar standards in many ways. I've had film/TV folks tell me my chorus wasn't differentiated and strong enough just like other A&R types. Key factors:How will the busy music library or film/TV supervisor react within 30-45 seconds? Imagine you were at the rally and your CD was picked by the A&R panel for a listen in front of hundreds of people. What might they say? (Most of our tracks won't pass that test, but it's the goal & get as close as possible)Broadcast quality production.What is the "a la"? ... era, genre, artists, etc... This is even more important if it is not very current sounding.Oh... one more funny thing on opinions. A taxi friend showed me a song of his the other day. There were two lines in it that I said got my "cliche-dar" up and I said needed change. He ended up pitching it and the person who received it specifically loved those two lines-- they were perfect for his need. Best Casey

[heinsite]

"cliche-dar"now THAT is a good one!hey dean, i listened again, and i can absolutely hear a techno vibe with this, but hey, i know $ is $, but why not a couple versions of it? and i apologize, i read too quickly on the intro by you on the vocal--but actually pano's vocal gave me the idea of it being a euro-techno splash--and there is a market over there for that i am told! and just one more comment on the library thing from a rookie, thoug i'm in several--i've been continually turned down with very good tunes, but have been told repeated by this library (even though accepted by 3 others, same songs...) that THEY need to hear something IN THE FIRST 15 SECONDS! hell, they never got to the 30, let alone 1 minute mark. so there you go...depends on the customer, like most things.all the best,wh

[panos]

Chits and Paul, thanks for your kind words. I am glad you like our collab with dean, cause I enjoy it myself so much.Kel, we will get back to you I hope you will like the final version.Orest, thanks for your feedback. Do you mean doubling the voice in the chorus or a "typical" second voice (3rds and stuff) - or even something else? Erich... yes the plan is to give more bass and drums in the mix (as also try some more guitars on that)Warren another singer should sing this one not me . Interesting thought about the length and the several versions/styles. However we need to finish one before starting the others Thanks for the comments Chasey, good to be reminded on stuff one tends to forget. Thanks,Panos