A Little help figuring out two listing please...

[Restless]

Hi guys.

I just came across two listing that I would like to submit two different songs for them, but I'm not so sure on a couple of factors... Would appreciate any help by the lovely members around here!

Listing # S110818PR : "MALE CONTEMPORARY POP/ROCK SONGS a la ADAM LAMBERT needed by the Manager of a former American Idol runner-up. THEATRICAL POP/ROCK songs in the style of this artist's recent success with "Whataya Want From Me" and "Aftermath" are what they want to hear. Mid to uptempos are preferred. Songs that showcase POWERFUL VOCALS are a must!! HUGE HOOKS and engaging melodies with a very current RADIO-FRIENDLY sound will help you get considered for this very high-bar opportunity. Vocal and instrumental demo presentations must be top-notch! Please submit one to three songs online or per CD, include lyrics. All submissions will be screened and critiqued by TAXI and must be received no later than Thursday, August 18, 2011. "
While it doesn't say specifically, I was wondering if I can submit a female vocal demo to this listing? They didn't specify "Male vocals only" but it still feels strange to submit a woman singing to a guy. I worked with a really great singer in the past and I want to work with her again, but I wanted to make sure it was fine.

Listing # S110831PR : "CONTEMPORARY FEMALE POP/ROCK SONGS a la KELLY CLARKSON needed by Sr. VP of A&R at a Major label for very successful Female artist. They tell us they're looking for "Sheryl Crow type lyrics meet mid-era Prince" (think Raspberry Beret) - absolutely NO GENERIC RELATIONSHIP lyrics! Tracks shouldn't be "too busy!" Vocal and instrumental demo presentation must be top-notch! Please submit one to three songs online or per CD, include lyrics. All submissions will be screened and critiqued by TAXI "
I have a ballad that could suit this listing, but they didn't say if they're looking for uptempo/midtemp/etc... So is it fine to submit all tempos?

Thank you very much! Any help is appreciated.

[jh]

"While it doesn't say specifically, I was wondering if I can submit a female vocal demo to this listing?
They didn't specify "Male vocals only" but it still feels strange to submit a woman singing to a guy.
I worked with a really great singer in the past and I want to work with her again, but I wanted to
make sure it was fine."

I remember asking this once, and the answer was that if the song is great (and fits the listing), it doesn't
matter. However, it's hard to say what the client will think.. But if the female singer is better than any
male singers you know, it's always a good idea to use the best singer (for the song).

"I have a ballad that could suit this listing, but they didn't say if they're looking for uptempo/midtemp/etc...
So is it fine to submit all tempos?"

My guess is that they aren't looking for ballads, but you can always give it a shot. They seem to be looking
for songs with strong lyrics, so the lyrics should REALLY kick butt.

HTH

- JH

[Restless]

Hi JH,

Thank you for your help! Very appreciated.

I think i'll submit to the first one only, it's good to know that I can keep working with the same singer on this one.

Thanks again!

[jh]

No prob. Glad I could help.

- JH

[Restless]

Oh no. I just got an email from Taxi where it's said that because it's a MALE artist, the singer should also be a male. Thing is, the FEMALE session singer today sent me her recordings
They said I can still submit it but it is highly preffered that a male would sing it. Well, since I have nothing to lose...

[Casey H]

Hi guys.

I just came across two listing that I would like to submit two different songs for them, but I'm not so sure on a couple of factors... Would appreciate any help by the lovely members around here!

Listing # S110818PR : "MALE CONTEMPORARY POP/ROCK SONGS a la ADAM LAMBERT needed by the Manager of a former American Idol runner-up. THEATRICAL POP/ROCK songs in the style of this artist's recent success with "Whataya Want From Me" and "Aftermath" are what they want to hear. Mid to uptempos are preferred. Songs that showcase POWERFUL VOCALS are a must!! HUGE HOOKS and engaging melodies with a very current RADIO-FRIENDLY sound will help you get considered for this very high-bar opportunity. Vocal and instrumental demo presentations must be top-notch! Please submit one to three songs online or per CD, include lyrics. All submissions will be screened and critiqued by TAXI and must be received no later than Thursday, August 18, 2011. "
While it doesn't say specifically, I was wondering if I can submit a female vocal demo to this listing? They didn't specify "Male vocals only" but it still feels strange to submit a woman singing to a guy. I worked with a really great singer in the past and I want to work with her again, but I wanted to make sure it was fine.

Listing # S110831PR : "CONTEMPORARY FEMALE POP/ROCK SONGS a la KELLY CLARKSON needed by Sr. VP of A&R at a Major label for very successful Female artist. They tell us they're looking for "Sheryl Crow type lyrics meet mid-era Prince" (think Raspberry Beret) - absolutely NO GENERIC RELATIONSHIP lyrics! Tracks shouldn't be "too busy!" Vocal and instrumental demo presentation must be top-notch! Please submit one to three songs online or per CD, include lyrics. All submissions will be screened and critiqued by TAXI "
I have a ballad that could suit this listing, but they didn't say if they're looking for uptempo/midtemp/etc... So is it fine to submit all tempos?

Thank you very much! Any help is appreciated.

For the first one, you almost definitely need a male vocal. They want to hear something with powerful vocals in the style of the targeted artist—something that he can hear and instantly visualize himself singing. Is it POSSIBLE that a female vocal would get forwarded? Yes, but your odds of forward and placement are dramatically less. It’s so competitive out there. You need every advantage on your side. The good news is it’s an “S” listing, so at the minimum, you’ll get a song critique which I expect will be very helpful.

On the second one, I’d go by whatever Kelly Clarkson’s most popular recent songs (radio hits) have been. If none of them are ballads, I wouldn’t submit a ballad. Also, when pitching for artists IN GENERAL as an outside writer, up-tempos seem to do better. I’d suggest something upbeat with an incredibly hook-y pop chorus. Don’t forget the comments in the listing about lyrical themes.

Best of luck!
Casey