Is this considered Contemparary?? Roadway Horizon

[thokus]

Tom, you have the playing and production chops, no doubt! You could just keep on doing what you are doing, have fun, and see where it leads... My one suggestion if you want to grow a bit in the film/TV market, inside or outside of Taxi, is generate tracks that are somewhat consistent in ANY style or 'a la' so they can be classified and "tagged" easily. That comment is based on the one track I just listened to, I don't recall at all if that's an issue with the other ones of yours I listened to at other times. I'd have to go back. I know I always enjoy your music!

Thanks Casey .. There was a time last year when there seemed to be a lot of listing for rock tunes ,psychedelic, whatever . Back in my earlier days when I was gettimng 5&6 on production.. usually because of drums .. I'm sure those will come around again, then I'll havea batch to consider for that ..
Thanks to all you guys for the listen and comments ..
Tom

[cardell]

Nice sounding track Tom.

Stuart

[digital1]

Nice track, Tom. I was just a little disappointed that the slide guitar in the beginning didn't play a larger part in the track. It seemed to be setting up for it. Other than that, I think the track could have a place as a retro piece for TV/Ads.

Getting that Contemporary sound can be a challenge for us Vintage guys. Some of the things I try to do is listen to as much Top 40 radio stuff as I can. Also, I go to YouTube and iTunes in the various genres. I think that a lot of the radio stuff today is better and more interesting than a lot of that bubble-gum music we had on the radio in the old days.

That said, I don't think I've completely found the formula for creating a convincing Contemporary sound just yet. I find it comes easier when using soft synths than when I pick up my Strat and try to play some lines.

It's a process, but one that brings a smile to my face when I'm doing it (most of the time-LOL).

Jerry

[t4mh]

Hi Tom! Enjoyed the listen and read the thread! I hear your difficulties man... I fight it too... First suggestion I have for you is to put some edge on the rhythm guitar. Not a lot just a bit of edgy "huff" distortion. The clean rhythm and the clean lead( even though it has the wah) clash too much. They walk on each other. I hear Tom Petty-ish lite distortion tones all the time on contemporary radio. They think they've invented something new these days...

Next, its like the drums are hyper through several parts. Work that down to a groove and get your rhythm guitar really really tight with that groove. I'm having a hard time hearing the low end, kick and bass, so try to bring that up. Don't worry about the fills until you have that solid foundation going. Most drummers you hear these days don't seem to go crazy like they used to.

Right in the middle the rhythm changes and begins playing a line, sounds like, "Nugent-ish". Know what I mean? This sort of dates the track or makes it sound retro. Mangle the sound of that line somehow or don't make the change at all. You decide. Keep your wah throughout. They seem to be crazy about wah these days like its something new.

To tell you the truth I don't think its rocket science. You've just got to feel it, whatever "it" is. Today, they seem to be turned on by rhythm when we were always turned on by leads and melodies. Think rhythm way beyond the way we used to play them. A drum kit and different groove can make you play differently, thats all, just go with the rhythm.

You can play that guitar, you can do this!
I look forward to more!
Good Luck!

[thokus]

To tell you the truth I don't think its rocket science. You've just got to feel it, whatever "it" is. Today, they seem to be turned on by rhythm when we were always turned on by leads and melodies. Think rhythm way beyond the way we used to play them. A drum kit and different groove can make you play differently, thats all, just go with the rhythm.

Man you're right about that .. Guitar leads are almost unheard of now days . especially the long 10 - 20 minute ones we used to space out at .. Jimi Was the best . "Third Rock From The Sun" one of my faves... Ive been doing some tunes with no lead guitar.. They're pretty good ones too .. Just kinda waiting for a listing to match up with .. Thanks for the Listen and tips
Tom