Forwards, - What's your experience?

[mixopenta]

I'm curious to know what your experience is, - If you had songs that were on target for a listing, but where all were returned just because one of the songs fell short.I'm in the process of submitting 3 tracks for a listing. I think two of the songs are quite on target for what the listing asks for in terms of general criteria.The third is on target in terms of ala's, but might fall a bit short on other criteria.In the past I've seen e.g. one out of three songs getting a forward while the other two were returned. On the other hand I've also seen a song getting a forward because of the strengths of another. This occurence has made me a bit uncertain of what the procedure isI would like to think that they would forward those they think is on target and are good enough, and return those that aren't, but....

[Casey H]

My understanding is that each song is supposed to be evaluated on it's own merits unless the listing is asking for an artist, writer, or producer, etc. to demonstrate their overall talent.But it's been a long time since I was a member... I am sure an experienced, current member will chime in. Casey

[allends]

Quote:...In the past I've seen e.g. one out of three songs getting a forward while the other two were returned. On the other hand I've also seen a song getting a forward because of the strengths of another. This occurence has made me a bit uncertain of what the procedure isI hope the experts chime in for you , but my one and only forward so far was based on the strength of the one song out of three that was good enough. So my question would be a little different from yours: Does the client just get the good ones (I think so ) or is there a chance that the client would take a look at the others also because they were submitted together?-Allen

[bc]

Kinda' anecdotal stuff here for you, but here's my "experience." I've had film/tv forwards that were based simply on the fact that "one" element of the song was strong enough to justify giving a music producer a chance to decide. A Chicago based library recieved a song that the reviewer really didn't like, but was forwarded because it had "one" key phrase that serendipitously nailed the listing's query. I've not had many forwards for "high bar country" listings. The few have seemed to hit on all cylinders and get the nod. It's a double-edged sword (sometimes) for the reviewer to pour out their unfettered favorable gut reaction, then slice and dice on the tech nits that makes them nervous about forwarding. Been writing for a long time, but have learned much (via TAXI critiques) about the reality of the high bar's existence and what it takes to clear it. best,bc

[mazz]

I've had one out of two or three submitted forwarded. I'm sure they don't treat them as a group when deciding to forward or return, it seems each piece gets evaluated individually.Hope this helps,Mazz

[gitarrero]

Quote:I've had one out of two or three submitted forwarded. I'm sure they don't treat them as a group when deciding to forward or return, it seems each piece gets evaluated individually.Hope this helps,Mazzthis is also my experience, happened several times.

[davewalton]

I've gotten more comfortable with just submitting what's necessary to accomplish the main goal - getting a forward (and of course getting a deal. As a result my forward ratio has improved while my outlay for submissions has decreased. If I had two tracks that I knew were right on target and a third track that I had any doubts about, I would just submit the two tracks. After all, even when submitting only one track, if I get my foot in the door (of a music library or whatever), I can always submit more tracks to them directly. Once you're "in", you're less suspect in terms of an unknown product - you've got a good track in their library, they'll be interested in more.Good luck with your stuff, Dave

[mixopenta]

Thanks for all input, everybody!My doubts are straightened out. Quote:Does the client just get the good ones (I think so ) or is there a chance that the client would take a look at the others also because they were submitted together?My take on this is, if I understand your question correctly Allen; Once I had two songs forwarded to the listing party. They received and listened to both, but they only wanted to sign one. So I guess, what the taxi screener does is forwarding those tracks he believes comes close to what the listing party asks for, then it's up to them to select what they consider to be the gems.

[gitarrero]

Quote:I've gotten more comfortable with just submitting what's necessary to accomplish the main goal - getting a forward (and of course getting a deal. As a result my forward ratio has improved while my outlay for submissions has decreased. If I had two tracks that I knew were right on target and a third track that I had any doubts about, I would just submit the two tracks. After all, even when submitting only one track, if I get my foot in the door (of a music library or whatever), I can always submit more tracks to them directly. Once you're "in", you're less suspect in terms of an unknown product - you've got a good track in their library, they'll be interested in more.Good luck with your stuff, Davebeing selective and objective with our own material is in my opinion one of the key points in our position, since most of us are composer and publisher (the one who chooses the right songs for a particualr oppurtunity) in one person.

[thundercracker]

I think what has me baffled, is the fact that on one review the listing said "decent home recordings" are okay, and I was critiqued on the dynamics of my song. My home recordings are just that...decent. If I had a studio, I could get a ton more "oomph" out of a chorus.I'm curious if a singer/songwriter submits an acoustic version of a song alone with the guitar, if their dynamics are in question, or if they get reviewed as the "bare-bones" version of the tune. This would be Eye of the Beholder stuff. So I think in ways, as songwriters, this could apply to all genres.Take "Downtown Train" by Rod Stewart. Big hit, huge dynamics. But the original by Tom Waits is very subtle. Someone had a large vision for a basic song.I'm 3 of 9 on forwards so far, so I'm not exactly miffed or anything. I just think it plays a big role on our accounts to know how the songs are viewed as far as being a song with potential, or if its supposed to come across the board as a completed work ready for radio. That's not a possibility for me being a budget, home recording guy. But I think the songs are good as far as writing goes.I guess all the harsh rivalry in the hard rock/metal genre I fall within makes me paranoid, but I really do hope that these people reviewing my songs aren't expecting a masterpiece ready for print.All music is pretty much a roll of the dice, and this is another...so I would never get that angry about a bad review. I'm just wondering about the magnitude of the home demo.