Need help interpreting a review

[roguenoisemachine]

Hi all,

I usually have a "yep, you're right" feeling when I get a return, but in this case I was really surprised! I would love some help figuring out what the track is lacking and what I can do to improve it. Is it just too indie chill? Any thoughts would be appreciated! Here's the listing:

PUBLIC DOMAIN CHRISTMAS SONGS with Male or Female Vocals are needed by a Film/TV Music Publisher for several $2,500 - $5,000 placements in a Christmas Special on a Major Cable Network!

Contemporary recordings, recently recorded/Retro-sounding recordings, AND legitimate Vintage recordings are all fair game for this request! They’re simply looking for great Songs in All Tempos that fit the general stylistic ballpark and range of acts and Songs like:

“O Holy Night” by Celine Dion

"The First Noel” by Josh Groban ft. Faith Hill

"Silent Night” by Bing Crosby

Songs should be in one of the following genres:
• Adult Contemporary
• Singer/Songwriter
• Operatic
• Classical Crossover/Easy Listening
• Jazz
• Old School, Classic Soul/R&B

Please submit Covers of Public Domain Christmas Songs that will resonate emotionally with listeners getting into the Holiday Spirit! Your production styles can vary, but the Client is mainly interested in hearing Songs with more organic instrumentation, NOT Songs that are particularly Pop-driven or trendy-sounding.

TAXI Tip: Please stick to the original melodies and lyrics of the Songs you choose to cover so that they are familiar to listeners. If you stray from the original melodies, your Covers may not be as appealing or usable.

[highlight]I pitched my version of Joy To The World, which can be found on my hosting page - https://www.taximusic.com/hosting/home. ... isemachine[/highlight]

Here's the feedback: "Your song didn't showcase a strong enough emotion, vibe, or hook appeal. Adding more character and distinctiveness to your arrangement and style would stand out more."

Thanks!

[cassmcentee]

Very pretty rendition!

From my ears...
The guitar intro is nice but didn't set the Christmas mood
I bet you could start with you vocal dry and let the acoustic in afterwards (just a thought)

Your vocal is not in the same "room" (reverb/effects) as the instruments so it feels too affected and doesn't give the listener the full emotive.
Sounds like you sang it very well, let the listener hear it as if you were whispering it into their ear. (another thought)
Some easy enough tweaks...

Just my interpretation of the Screener's thoughts...
The tune is very nice!
Cass

[roguenoisemachine]

Very pretty rendition!

From my ears...
The guitar intro is nice but didn't set the Christmas mood
I bet you could start with you vocal dry and let the acoustic in afterwards (just a thought)

Your vocal is not in the same "room" (reverb/effects) as the instruments so it feels too affected and doesn't give the listener the full emotive.
Sounds like you sang it very well, let the listener hear it as if you were whispering it into their ear. (another thought)
Some easy enough tweaks...

Just my interpretation of the Screener's thoughts...
The tune is very nice!
Cass

Thank you Cass, those are all great points I'll be taking into a rework. I appreciate you taking the time!

[Ted]

Maybe for whatever reason, the screener can't picture some aspect of the song fitting into the context of the specific TV show stylistically-- but this is a really nice arrangement/performance. It's a bummer that this one got a return because I really like it.

[roguenoisemachine]

Maybe for whatever reason, the screener can't picture some aspect of the song fitting into the context of the specific TV show stylistically-- but this is a really nice arrangement/performance. It's a bummer that this one got a return because I really like it.

Thanks, Ted! I was also wondering if it maybe didn't fit the brief. Thanks for the kind words. No worries, I can rework and keep pitching

Take care

[cosmicdolphin]

Well the song was way better than I expected after reading the review. I honestly don't hear a lot wrong with it. Nicely produced, good vocals, broadcast quality mix.

I could use it being a bit more Christmassy ...I don't actually know the song and I wouldn't guess it was a Christmas track until around the 40s mark when the bell type sounds come in, so I could use something straight off the bat to clue me in ...sleigh bells anyone ? ( don't shoot me ) ...bells in right away maybe ? ..a brass part of some sort as a bit of a hook .

My overall impression is it's quite etheral and floaty so it would be good as background music in a scene, perhaps the screener was looking for something that is more engaging and direct.

Mark

[MBantle]

I really like the track and have a general preference for Xmas songs/instrumentals that are less 'cliche'/on the nose. But I think in this case the client was looking for something that instantly checks all those boxes that we heard a zillion times... I really hope your track will find a home soon.
All the best.
Cheers,
Matt

[roguenoisemachine]

Well the song was way better than I expected after reading the review. I honestly don't hear a lot wrong with it. Nicely produced, good vocals, broadcast quality mix.

I could use it being a bit more Christmassy ...I don't actually know the song and I wouldn't guess it was a Christmas track until around the 40s mark when the bell type sounds come in, so I could use something straight off the bat to clue me in ...sleigh bells anyone ? ( don't shoot me ) ...bells in right away maybe ? ..a brass part of some sort as a bit of a hook .

My overall impression is it's quite etheral and floaty so it would be good as background music in a scene, perhaps the screener was looking for something that is more engaging and direct.

Mark

Thank you very much! I don't blame you, sleigh bells or tubular bells are pretty much what makes a track Christmassy I think I'll try being a little more obvious about it. Thanks for all the helpful thoughts!

[roguenoisemachine]

I really like the track and have a general preference for Xmas songs/instrumentals that are less 'cliche'/on the nose. But I think in this case the client was looking for something that instantly checks all those boxes that we heard a zillion times... I really hope your track will find a home soon.
All the best.
Cheers,
Matt

Thanks Matt, much appreciated. I think you're right and this probably didn't fit the bill. I'll keep pitching it, thanks for the encouragement!

[ricschmitz]

Returned ?
I think this version is excellent. Great production.
Handel would approve it.


Ricardo