Requesting ears- dancy modern synthpop (like Dr. Luke etc)

[mikeandcody]

Hey everyone!

We've been sending out for some of the CONTEMPORARY POP/DANCE artists tracks and haven't had much luck getting forwards. Anyone who has a moment to listen and give some thoughts on our songs we'd really appreciate it!

http://mikeandcody.bandcamp.com/album/lets-go You can listen and download our songs for free here!

I'm Gonna Steal Your Date, Let's Go, and Party Machine are the tracks we think fit into this category best....some of the others are less dance-club and a bit more indie-ish. Any thoughts are much appreciated!

[burpo]

Hey guys!

First off let me say that I like what you do and am something of a fan of Dr. Luke
so please take what I say as coming from a guy who's on your side.

After listening to two of your tracks, I feel that my comments breakdown
into two categories.

#1- Songwriting- You have the vocabulary, but not the message.
According to Robin F., commercial songs have to promote or evoke a clear
emotion or feeling. Even if you hear the words "going to the club" or
"Your boyfriend sees you dancing," it's in support of a theme like
"Life's awesome! We're young and we party!" or jealousy.
Every song is an anthem. What is your message?

#2- Production- Dr. Luke is a tough act to follow, but... Your arrangements and sounds
are a little thin. Thicken them up with some texture, digital crunch, etc ... and some
countermelodies. Gimme a big fat greasy bass!

You're off to a great start!

Just my opinion of course.

edit- I think a couple of Taxi Custom Crits might be the best money y'ever spent.

[rnrmachine]

I think Burpo nailed it...

One thing I notice about these styles is the quality of the production.... it's usually the most impressive thing about them.

A bit more high quality modern production moves needed. Not saying these aren't already quite good. You're closer to what you're after then ya may think after the returns. BUT you are missing a few things here and there. Such as, "I'm gonna take your date", it should have some things in the back ground to really spice it up in a "wow" sort of way. When I started the song, I found myself thinking.. something's missing. Maybe some more "ghetto" tones, noises, sirens, etc... stuff like that. BUT done in a new and fresh way.

Maybe, Try adding some more hidden, not so obvious elements too... like harmony strings WAY subdued and far back, counter melodies like Burpo mentioned, more quality breakdowns, focal points that embellish what you are already doing. Because what you are already doing IS most of the way there... imho. You just need that little more extra to truly separate yourselves from the pack.

Good Luck in all you do!!! You guys ARE quite good, don't get disheartened!!

John

EDIT: Let me give you a specific example... I read an article/interview from the guy who worked on The Black Eyed Peas and he talked about all this work he did on this one little vocal spot. He used waves enigma, processed the take in place so he'd get exactly what he wanted then did all sorts of EQ changes to it as he repeated the same take BUT it sounded different each repeat because of all he did. He must have spent at least an hour, at least, on one little vocal line, 2 words... CRAZY but that stuff makes the song.

Remember, these guys are getting paid TOP $$$ so they don't mind cleaning the whole bathroom with a toothbrush... if ya follow me.