My Taxi Profile and Your Input :) Help a Fellow Taxi Rider

[SALT]

Hello all,
Hope this message finds you being blessed beyond your wildest dreams!
I was hoping some of you long time Taxi Members would take a few to listen to the songs I have uploaded so far here on Taxi and offer any advice you may have on it. I have no musical edcuation and play everything I do by ear. Started out writting songs about 6-7 years ago by accident at a party and it has grown into an addiction. I probably write 2-4 songs a week most of the time. I have built a home recording studio in my home and with the help of a few band mates I have began producing and recording these songs. More to come. I really hope some of you MUCH MORE TALENTED Artist will take the time to listen. I have only 7 uploaded so far. I really appreciate the brotherly/sisterly love among everyone here and the opportunity to learn from you all.

Respectfully Yours,
Singer/Songwriter for The Band SALT
Kevin Mason.

http://www.taxi.com/soundsbysalt

[Len911]

Well Kevin, I don't meet the prerequisites, and only have a comment and no particular advice, but the first song "Alone in the Dark" sounds heavily influenced by Roxy Music. Very similar to the song, "Dance Away". The vocal style is also reminiscent of Bryan Ferry.

[jdstamper]

Hi Kevin,

First, I'd never claim to be "much more talented" than anyone. But long time Taxi member, I am. Your songs are cool and unique. Vocally, in spots you remind me of Darius Rucker for one ... very nice. For what it's worth, I think you have lots of potential. My recommendation is everything needs to tighten up a little, it shouldn't take much. A little more attention to tuning the instruments, getting them all to groove together more in the pocket, maybe a little more polish on some lyrics, make sure the productions sound full (more bottom end possibly), a little more polish on the solos, more dynamics when singing ... take it down a notch sometimes in the verses then cut loose more on the chorus. Maybe less reverb on the vocal track.

I'm not trying to sound critical, I think your tracks are almost where they need to be, you've got all the ingredients.

Just my opinion. Thanks for putting it out there.

Jim

[mojobone]

My opinion, you're Meatloaf, minus Jim Steinman; not in the sense that you need an outside writer, so much as maybe a producer. I think your songs are there, but you'll need a more cohesive recorded performance, to get them over, and the arrangements could better showcase your talents. I think those talents lean more towards the timeless than the contemporary; some will see that as a knock rather than an advantage, but I'm a sucker for song structure and vocal charisma. I like what you're putting down.

[SALT]

@mojobone, @jdstamper,

Both of you, thank you SO much. I truly look for the honesty and I do not take it as either of you being critical by any means of the word. I am so humbled that you would even take the time to help me by giving me the advice you did. I am actually amazed by the fact that fellow Taxi members are helping eachother rather than just focusing on their own success.

I will study every single word, point and idea you put out there for me and will work my but off to make the corrections.
Being new to the mixing, mastering and producing has been a MAJOR challenge. I am trying hard but that is some of the most technical stuff ever for me with my lack of education. (Just an ole country boy contractor ha-ha)
Your input means a ton to me and I cannot thank you enough for not pulling any punches. I get tired of hearing "Oh this is awesome or fantastic" I hear issues myself in almost each song so I know the more trained and educated ears pick up even more than that.
Stay tuned for a better me Thanks a million guys.

[mazey]

@mojobone, @jdstamper,

I get tired of hearing "Oh this is awesome or fantastic"
Thanks a million guys.

Yeah I hate that... "You're brilliant", is another one, inconsiderate bastards.

Listened to ya stuff SALT, and ya gonna hate me, but I thought it was excellent. Just a couple unnecessary notes from the lead guitar here and there that could have been made smoother with just letting a note sit and exhale.

[cardell]

I like your sound/vibe!! I was immediately drawn in by your catchy melodies.

Here are my honest thoughts: Your vocal tone is impressive but I can hear some pitch problems that could easily be fixed with Melodyne/Autotune (not a big deal).

I'm personally not wild about your drum sounds...sorry. But, I do like your guitar playing.

Stuart

[Kolstad]

I hear your stuff a la Blues Traveller and Hootie & the Blowfish. The productions sounds somewhat 90'ies, and I would perhaps look to Dave Matthews Band or even Nickelback for fresh reference tracks. Great style, I like it!