Yet Another - very confusing return!

[onelight24]

Listener #275 re-listing: S091124LA

OUTSTANDING, AUTHENTIC AND UPBEAT LATIN INSTRUMENTALS wanted by a very established and respected World Music Label with 150+ Compilation CD releases and worldwide distribution. Styles ranging from Traditional to Contemporary are welcome. A unique and relevant sound is a must! Instrumental demo presentation must be top-notch! Please submit one to three songs online or per CD. All submissions will be screened and critiqued by TAXI and must be received no later than Tuesday, November 24, 2009. TAXI #S091124LA

Once again I am baffled by the comments! It has become abundantly clear, that getting a forward is simply the luck of the draw, as well as, an extremely inconsistent crap shoot!
I am certainly not suggesting, that there are not very talented people submitting music, I am more suggesting that the subjectivity of the listeners is off the wall! The human process I suppose? Needless to say I am rather perturbed about this return, as there were live musicians hired for the performances; professionally mastered; & I felt I had put in a really good effort to up my game. Irritating & confusing!

Lastly, the timing of recieving this return was absolutely atrocious & tremendously lacked tact on Taxis' part!

Have a listen if the spirit moves you!

http://www.taxi.com/vincentpace

"Longing for Bossa"
1. The guitar was "hard to follow because of the low mix".
2. The ensemble was not small & organic enough.
3. Production had distortion?
4. Drum loop too stiff for the genre?

"Turn Around"
1. Tracks serves as a nice rhythm demo?
2. melody is limited?
3. distortion?

Cheers,
Vincent!

[tris]

Hi, the listing states " authentic" Latin songs.
Both of the tracks you submitted sound very artificial and mechanical; the antithesis of "Authentic Latin" music.

[onelight24]

Hi Tris define 'authentic' to me; and if you can in your humble opinion, give me examples of your interpretation of authentic latin? Also, what do you find "artificial & mechanical". Mind you, these are very harsh words in describing one's music! So qualify your statement, otherwise just ignore the posting!

Cheers,
Vincent!

[tris]

the music sounds electronic/ fake/ artificial/ synthesized/ computer generated, etc., etc., etc.
"Authentic Latin music" would utilize real players playing real instruments.
You could use some samples if they are VERY realistic sounding but; obviously synthesized elements would not be at all appropriate for this listing.
If you don't want realistic feedback, then don't ask.

[tris]

By the way, 'longing for bossa' does not even have a 'Latin' rhythm. As you should know, Bossa Nova is not a Latin style, it's Brasilian. This alone would disqualify it for an Authentic Latin listing.
Try a Latin style and rhythm instead.
Salsa, Danzon, Mambo, Rhumba, etc. would all be cool.

[onelight24]

Tris, you are way out of line, and your being extremely insulting. I didn't ask you specifically for anything! You have your opinion, which clearly is extremely unprofessional, and at this point worth nothing to me! Most opinions here on this forum are useful because they are constructive & tact is used in the delivery! You lack both! Thanks for your definitions, I don't know what I would do without them! I feel educated....( big laugh!)

DO NOT RESPOND FURTHER!

[crs7string]

By the way, 'longing for bossa' does not even have a 'Latin' rhythm. As you should know, Bossa Nova is not a Latin style, it's Brasilian. This alone would disqualify it for an Authentic Latin listing.
Try a Latin style and rhythm instead.
Salsa, Danzon, Mambo, Rhumba, etc. would all be cool.

I believe "Latin Music" refers to the music of Latin America and Brazil is considered part of that region.

Hence, bossa nova is considered a Latin style. As is the samba which also finds it's origins in Brazil.

Chuck

[tris]

A common mistake; ask a Brasilian if they play Latin Music; then step back and watch him simmer!
This listing is looking for Latin music; not Brasilian. Read the listing description. Then ask why this guy isn't getting forwarded. Hmmmmmm. un- authentic music in the wrong style.

[Guest]

Tris, you are way out of line, and your being extremely insulting. I didn't ask you specifically for anything! You have your opinion, which clearly is extremely unprofessional, and at this point worth nothing to me! Most opinions here on this forum are useful because they are constructive & tact is used in the delivery! You lack both! Thanks for your definitions, I don't know what I would do without them! I feel educated....( big laugh!)

DO NOT RESPOND FURTHER!

do you want someone to tell you that "you're right, taxi sucks and you are the best Latin producer ever", or...some reality that if listened to, could provide a valuable perspective?

[mazz]

Vincent,

I wouldn't fret too much over the feedback you got from this person. Some people feel that giving "realistic" feedback means saying it sucks and leaving it at that. It's possible that they were treated the same way by someone and feel that the only way to learn is via "tough love". True constructive criticism has suggestions for improvement as a major component. There will always be trolls out there, just don't let them get to you.

I listened to your pieces and I think what mostly held them back is that the production didn't sound authentic to me. Most latin music I've heard is mixed much drier in the reverb department. Your pieces sounded a bit "swimmy" in reverb and I think that it muted the impact of the rhythms, which as you know are the heart and soul of latin music.

BTW: I think Afro/Cuban music could be folded under the big umbrella of "Latin" music. Some of the rhythms the other reviewer mentioned come from that part of the world as well, I think. I wonder if our colleague really knows what he/she is talking about?

Do a re-mix and keep these pieces around for other listings.

Cheers!

Mazz