1 Forward and 2 Returns (Inconsistent reviews?)

[Horacemix]

Hello Everybody:
I've just got the reviews for 3 submissions I've made to "RELAXING" NEW AGE COMPOSERS TAXI # S200317NA
The case is that I've made one new relaxing theme, and I took two old meditation tracks I've made a while ago.
The new and one of the oldies got returned.

The new one is this


The review says:

What I like most about this song
Hi Horacio,
I like the use of the sustains and the development of this relaxing new age instrumental.

I think you could improve this song by
Consider the use of the synth instrumentation and the mix. Try an alt-mix and utilize current compression techniques to match the overall output sound as heard on the first reference in the listing.

I returned or forwarded this song because
The track has mix issues and veers from the listing's criteria.

Listener ID: 403

The old one is this:

The review says:

What I like most about this song
Hi Horacio,
I like the consistency of the arrangement and the use of the string instrument for ethnic flavor on this contemporary instrumental.

I think you could improve this song by
Consider listening to the references and notice the compositional devices along with how the arrangements are portrayed. Listen for developed melody and a structure to capture the listeners imagination.

I returned or forwarded this song because
The style veers from the listing's request as referenced.

Listener ID: 403

And finally, the one that got forwarded was this:

The review says:

What I like most about this song
Hi Horacio,
I like the use of the instrumentation and how the lead wind is cradled in the mix on this Relaxing New Age instrumental.

I think you could improve this song by
This works, nice job.

I returned or forwarded this song because
This meets the listing's criteria.

Listener ID: 403

As you can see, the listener is the same. The three tracks were made with the same technique. Different instruments, but none of them, even the forwarded, have the same instruments you hear in the references. I haven't used a modern compression technique for any of the tracks because I wanted to sound smooth and natural. Is not Pop or Rock, but the point is that only for "The inner beauty" the listener mentioned the mix issues. But I don't get what those issues are.
Also, the listing asks for more than one track "We recommend submitting THREE Instrumentals per submission, so they can see if you’ve got depth in your material. Not a requirement – just a good idea!"
I think the client is looking for artists that can create music with variations and not a bunch of similar tracks as if they were one large loop sliced into pieces. In fact, the references are quite different between them.
OK. I'm glad I got one forwarded, but it's confusing since the three tracks are coherent and the reviews are not. Or I'm wrong and I'm missing something...Maybe I misunderstood the listing.

OK. Thank you for your time reading, listening and commenting!
I really appreciate your opinions.

Regards!
Happy quarantine!

"RELAXING" NEW AGE COMPOSERS are needed by an eclectic Independent Record Label for their next series of NEW AGE INSTRUMENTAL compilations. If the material is really strong, the Label might want to sign you as an Artist as well!
Please listen to the references below to get an idea of what might get this really cool Record Label interested:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1a8f4awQCr0
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D4BZshNWJMc
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nv5PXAAxzyE
Give them top-notch, New Age Compositions that could be used to relax and inspire! Your arrangements can be based on organic or electronic instruments, or you can submit hybrids that use both! Think of the type of music that could be used by listeners for yoga, massage, and meditation to bring about a relaxing state of ecstasy!
NOTE: If you plan to use sampled/virtual versions of "organic" Instruments (guitars, pianos, etc.), please be sure that they sound like the real thing! Anything that’s obviously synthetic or MIDI-driven won’t work for this pitch.
We recommend submitting THREE Instrumentals per submission, so they can see if you’ve got depth in your material. Not a requirement – just a good idea!
Your productions and recording quality must be clean, clear, well-balanced, and good enough to represent your Instrumentals well. You’d be wise to highlight any touring/live show experience, fanbase, or impressive sales/streaming figures you may have. If you’re a new artist or band and don’t have much of a story or track record yet, but you do have an amazing sound and the Instrumentals to back it up, they’d still like to hear you!
Please submit as many Instrumentals as you’d like, online or per CD, with photos and bio. All submissions will be screened on a Yes/No basis – No full critiques. Submissions must be received no later than 11:59 PM (PDT) on Tuesday, March 17th, 2020. TAXI # S200317NA

[ResonantTone]

I’m not able to listen to the tracks at the moment, but the immediate upside I see is that if one track is forwarded, it’s probably the best one. Your chance of getting a deal doesn’t really diminish all that much by not having all three forwarded in my opinion.

It could even be argued that this is better for you, since your best track will be the first impression the lister gets to hear, as opposed to possibly hearing a weaker track and skipping over the others because they are from the same composer.

And of course if it’s something you get contacted about, then you can offer them the other two!

Andrew

[Horacemix]

I’m not able to listen to the tracks at the moment, but the immediate upside I see is that if one track is forwarded, it’s probably the best one. Your chance of getting a deal doesn’t really diminish all that much by not having all three forwarded in my opinion.

It could even be argued that this is better for you, since your best track will be the first impression the lister gets to hear, as opposed to possibly hearing a weaker track and skipping over the others because they are from the same composer.

And of course if it’s something you get contacted about, then you can offer them the other two!

Andrew

Hi Andrew! Thanks a lot for your words!
I understand. To be honest, I wasn't thinking about my chances to get a deal because I'm more concerned about learning from the listener's critiques. That's why I'm still stuck in the state of "feeling insecure" about my capabilities of "reading and understanding well the listings and references" if you know what I mean.
I tend to suppose that many people here pass through that stage too.

Ok, thank you very much again for your comment. It clarifies a lot about how listeners do their jobs, and that's useful to me!
Regards!
Horace

[ResonantTone]

Hey Horace,

I just listened to all three tracks, and I definitely think the one that was forwarded is the strongest. It has the most polished and even sound of all three.

In regards to the mix issues/compression comments, here's my take. "The Inner Beauty" has some great musicality to it, but the transients of your lead synths (and even some of the arpeggiated stuff) "poke" out of the mix, creating something that doesn't sound as cohesive as it could be. I'd try something with a fast attack (like an 1176 style compressor) to grab those transients and push them down into the mix a bit. That should help even it all out.

The track that was forwarded doesn't need that kind of compression because of the instrumentation you're using doesn't need it. It already sounds glued together and cohesive.

Hope that helps some!

Andrew

[AlanHall]

Congratulations, Horace!
You have strong pieces there, my best wishes for you to make a connection with the library

My three tracks for this listing were all returned (by the same screener you had) for the same "veered from the listing's request" reason. I'm confused, considering the ref tracks had quite a bit of latitude to veer around and stay inside.

[Horacemix]

Hey Horace,

I just listened to all three tracks, and I definitely think the one that was forwarded is the strongest. It has the most polished and even sound of all three.

In regards to the mix issues/compression comments, here's my take. "The Inner Beauty" has some great musicality to it, but the transients of your lead synths (and even some of the arpeggiated stuff) "poke" out of the mix, creating something that doesn't sound as cohesive as it could be. I'd try something with a fast attack (like an 1176 style compressor) to grab those transients and push them down into the mix a bit. That should help even it all out.

The track that was forwarded doesn't need that kind of compression because of the instrumentation you're using doesn't need it. It already sounds glued together and cohesive.

Hope that helps some!

Andrew

Hi Andrew! Thank you for taking the time to listen to all the tracks! And again, thank you for your words!
I'll correct those issues in my mix!
Kind Regards!

[Horacemix]

Congratulations, Horace!
You have strong pieces there, my best wishes for you to make a connection with the library

My three tracks for this listing were all returned (by the same screener you had) for the same "veered from the listing's request" reason. I'm confused, considering the ref tracks had quite a bit of latitude to veer around and stay inside.

Hi! Thank you for your comment!
I'm curious about your tracks, so would be great if you share your tracks here.
Also, you might get some help from experienced members, you know, for your next shot!

Have a great day!
Horace

[Horacemix]

I'm curious about your tracks, so would be great if you share your tracks here.

Hi Horace,

check out Andrew's signatures for his tracks!

Tom

Hi Tom. I'll do!
Although I was curious about AllanHall's tracks!

Regards!

[AlanHall]

Although I was curious about AllanHall's tracks!

Oops, sorry! Tom

We can all benefit from checking out Andrew's tracks!

[Horacemix]

Although I was curious about AllanHall's tracks!

Oops, sorry! Tom

We can all benefit from checking out Andrew's tracks!

Yes! You are right!
I'm checking