Opinions needed

[JohnnyG]

4 1/2 years in and however many forwards later I have yet to make a dime in film/tv. I really just need to know if what I am doing is good enough for this business. If anyone has any honest opinion on my work I'd greatly appreciate it!
It might just be time to get out while I'm behind

https://soundcloud.com/johnnypg

Thanks!

[lesmac]

Johnny I am new to this game and learning. Like you I haven't made a dime yet either after one year.

I listened to about six tracks on your sound cloud page.

I got the feeling that you are coming from the past with your feel and vibe.

That has been my problem too.

The remedy is to fill your ears with current material usually in one genre.

I am amazed at the amount of music out there that I was not aware of till joining TAXI and checking out alas gave me a reality check.

I would say take what you have learned thus far. You must have increased your skills in certain ares even though "success" didn't come your way.

Pick a genre and study the construction of the arrangements and the sound. Sit down and write when instruments come in and out etc

You are a competent musician, it's just about re educating yourself. IMHO

As this is your first post I would add that P2P is worthwhile too. Don't be afraid about putting your material up for feedback.

Having someone steal your song and make money with it would be very affirming IMO

I say don't give up!

[SteveJCurtis]

Johnny.
You have an awesome talent!
Keep making great music and take on board what Les has said.
Never give up.Ever.
Cheers/SJC

[JohnnyG]

Thanks so much for your time and reply!!
So quick question, many of the tunes were written for listings asking for a retro vibe. For example "80s Miami Style" was for a listing that wanted the 80's retro synth thing, I had no idea at the time that there's a whole scene dedicated to that style just like chip tune music which I had no idea existed! Then for "Seattle in chains" it was a listing for 90s grunge rock, "back again in black" was for a listing asking for 70s hard rock. Where as "Dark Dreams" and "The nightmare" we're for a listing that called for more contemporary sounds. All the tunes I write are for listings, I enjoy many styles of music along with the challenge of trying to figure out what makes it tick.
So knowing that, do you think my retro is to retro and not contemporary enough, or are my comteparary tracks missing the mark and is the quality (sound/writing) up to par?

Thanks again for the input and positive and encouraging words!!

[Len911]

Johnny G I'll give you my honest opinion, it doesn't mean it's right.

I agree with the others, you're talented and competent!

Imo your very strong in the hard rock/southern rock/Scottish Highland Skys. the guitar areas, the "sports" genre?

As far as the "epic" pieces, my guess is that it's a crowded field, far more composers than opportunities. The use of choir material imo, makes it even more epical and less useful.

Less complex arrangements might have a better shot at tv placements, but I am no expert.

If I could pick one piece of your catalog that I could imagine getting the most placements, it would probably be "Scottish Highland Skys", it's not overpowering, nice vibe, unique enough not to have a lot of competition.

[Fullertime]

Johnny

I listened to a bunch of your tracks. Dude you are good man!

All of your stuff has a pro edge to it. Sometimes, life just takes its time! Hang in there bro.

One piece of advice I can offer is this... You obviously can write In a lot of genres, which is great but can also be your worst enemy. I would suggest taking a season of time and devoting all of your time and energy into 1 or 2 genres you love and become really really great! I mean emerse yourself in it, study it, read about it, listen to it and pitch to the listings for it. Eventually you will become the best at it and then you can branch out from there.

Keep rocking man! It's gonna happen.

Peace
Fuller

[SteveJCurtis]

Johnny

I listened to a bunch of your tracks. Dude you are good man!

All of your stuff has a pro edge to it. Sometimes, life just takes its time! Hang in there bro.

One piece of advice I can offer is this... You obviously can write In a lot of genres, which is great but can also be your worst enemy. I would suggest taking a season of time and devoting all of your time and energy into 1 or 2 genres you love and become really really great! I mean emerse yourself in it, study it, read about it, listen to it and pitch to the listings for it. Eventually you will become the best at it and then you can branch out from there.

Keep rocking man! It's gonna happen.

Peace
Fuller

Totally agree.

[lesmac]

Drilled down your sound cloud page a bit more and yeah you've got it all happening with your rock stuff no doubt. The mixes sound good, the playing is good, nice banjo too.

I'm sure you can crack it soon. Maybe it's the darkest hour before the dawn.

Play to your strengths and keep pumping them out.

…and don't forget to use peer to peer it's invaluable for helping to mould your tracks towards being forward material and it's supportive in general.

Did you see this recent thread about retro?

http://forums.taxi.com/topic135300.html

Looking forward to hearing more tracks

[Joseph]

Don't forget about collaboration. There is a reason the most successful taxi members recommend it so highly.

-Joseph

[JohnnyG]

Thanks so much to you all!! For you honesty and good advice. I will take all the advice and keep moving forward.

And I'll have to make sure to use the forums!