What the %!? do TAXI screeners want?

[Esther]

I'm starting to get frustrated. Since I registered, I've submitted 8 songs to different listings. They were all returned. That's ok, I understand if they are not good enough, that's not the problem. The REASONS are the problem.

Before I signed up for TAXI, I read the following on their website:
"It's hard to imagine an A&R person saying, "Gee, I really love this music, but this demo was only done on a four-track, I think I'll pass." They're looking for hit songs and unique artists, not great engineers! One of the most successful songs to come through TAXI was recorded on an 8-track in a bedroom."

When I read this, I was relieved because I knew I wouldn't be able to afford a professional studio and I'd have to do all the recording at home by myself. And still, I could get a chance? That sounded amazing. (And now I realize, too good to be true.)

What I don't understand is that in the majority of cases the screeners write things like "Congrats for coming up with a topic and treatment that set your song apart from the pack" and "Your melody structure is very nice and catchy", etc. Still, what they criticize most is either my singing voice (I'm definitely not a professional, I know I will never be, but I've been going to a singing teacher for almost 8 years so it can't sound that impossible especially if the song is as good as they say). The other thing they like to criticize is the production. I'd like to quote the website again: "They're looking for hit songs… not great engineers!". Interesting.
And the latest: I had to attach a bio to a listing. In this bio, I also mentioned that I'm not a native English speaker. They'd never had a problem with my English before but now that the screener knew about this fact, he/she wrote that I should consider co-writing lyrics with a native speaker because (suddenly) I have a "language issue".

Thanks for reading my grievances. I know that this situation probably won't change no matter what I do. I just wanted to let everybody know that I'm not fully satisfied to say the least. But since I live in a place which is definitely not a "music center" and I have no industry connections, I see no other option but to keep trying to make it with the help of TAXI.

[fusilierb]

That is frustrating. If you post the song(s) and the listing(s), we might be able to help.

[Esther]

That is frustrating. If you post the song(s) and the listing(s), we might be able to help.

I know that they are at least partly right about my songs. I'm unhappy because of the difference between what was written on the website before I signed up and what the reality is. As I wrote, I should've known it was too good to be true. You can't help with that but thanks for the offer
I just wanted to let off steam created by the critique.

[fusilierb]

I guess my point was that some listing are for songs that are to be broadcast, as is. Ie, they aren't looking for material for others to record so much as they are looking for things that are broadcast ready to go. In fact, I think those are more the norm. In those cases, they just have to be ready to go.

But feel free to vent. It does help!

[Esther]

I sent most of them to label listings because I knew I probably couldn't make broadcast quality recordings that were good enough to go into a film/tv directly. But I was hoping that since songs cut by labels have to be re-recorded at least partly, I would get away with less than perfect production.

[davewalton]

That is frustrating. If you post the song(s) and the listing(s), we might be able to help.

I know that they are at least partly right about my songs. I'm unhappy because of the difference between what was written on the website before I signed up and what the reality is. As I wrote, I should've known it was too good to be true. You can't help with that but thanks for the offer
I just wanted to let off steam created by the critique.

FWIW... any submission for film/tv *has* be be broadcast quality. It's what they'll be using "as is". Music pitched for labels and artists will obviously be re-recorded but regardless of that... for label/artist pitches your recording has the sell the song and I mean REALLY sell the song. In Nashville, Taxi played the "demo" recording of a track that eventually got cut by one of the more popular Country bands (I can't remember which or what off hand). The demo was just piano and vocal but let me tell you... that vocal was SO good and SO passionate and both the singing the piano playing had SO much emotion... it just sent chills up everyone. The record execs from that label said that when they heard that demo for the first time, they knew immediately that they had a hit.

So in one sense, yes a simple 4-track recording can "get the gig" but the song has to be SOLD not only in the quality of the writing but in the passion of the performance as well. Unless the producer is your brother-in-law of course... then you can get away with just about any old thing. But as an unknown trying to get your song in the position of "one out of a million", to pass up and be in front of award winning writers like Kara DioGuardi, Diane Warren and Jeff Steele... if you're going to submit a simple demo, that simple demo had better leave people speechless. It's just an unbelievably high bar.

[onelight24]

Hi Esther, I am sorry to hear of your experience to date! Sometimes things are never as they seem, one must read between the lines in all matters. Having said that, Dave Walton has offered you great wisdom here! Keep doing what you love, its the process you've chosen. Its taken me a long while to realize that Taxi is a tool for me towards betterment of what I love to do!

Good luck!

Cheers,
Vincent!

[Casey H]

Esther
Dave explained it well.

One thing you might consider is collaboration (co-write) with other Taxi members you meet on this forum. If you collaborate with someone who has the production & engineering chops, you may get the best of all worlds. It's done here all the time. Some Taxi members have songs signed with very successful music libraries because they went this route.

Best of luck!
Casey

[Esther]

Thanks to all of you

[guitarhacker]

I do have to agree with the comments above.

At the Taxi rally year before last, we were told in MULTIPLE sessions by different teachers, there is NO such thing as a demo anymore. Every aspect of the record has to be professionally done. This does NOT mean you have to spend a fortune, but it does mean weak instrumentation and pitchy vocals won't cut it. Your song, although it might be excellent.... if the production is not up to par, will get turned down in favor of a nicely produced "good" song.

The screeners try to be encouraging while truthful at the same time. I have had 20+ songs returned before I stated getting forwards. You almost have to kinda figure out exactly what they are looking for in a song. Several of my returns were the result of the song simply being off target.

BTW: that is the number one reason for a return. It doesn't fit the need properly. Michael even pointed that out in the panels.

Now.... how to get your stuff up to and above the high bar. As was said above, in TV & movie listings they are not going to re-record your music.... it has to be broadcast quality so it can be used AS-IS. If your instrumentation is super..... you're fine, if the singing is not.... find a singer. Collaborate with people here, find a friend in your town, church, group of friends, local music scene, who CAN sing and get them to record the vocal part.... get a signed release from them , and you're set to go. If you are not proficient on an instrument, get someone who is and have them play it. Again, get the release. You can often find decent players who will record or sing for almost nothing.

Just my humble 2 cents worth.