How would you improve the production on this song?

[AnthonyCeseri]

I submitted this song for a sync listing and it was returned for its lyrics and melodies:

https://www.taxi.com/members/u3Iw_bkDRq ... ur-friends

However, in the "additional things I noticed" section, it had the following boxes checked off:

-there are rhythm issues
-there are dissonance issues
-song instrument sounds or samples sound dated or of a lower quality
-recording/mix need improvement

Moving forward with this track, I would like to rework the mix in regard to the performance and recording/production based issues mentioned above.

I probably won't rewrite melody or lyrics -- BUT any notes in regard to those items I will consider for upcoming songs.

I've seen the recording quality comment come up before, so if there's a specific direction you could point me in in terms of what I can do to improve those items, I'd appreciate it. For example (in regard to the checked boxes) -- what sounds in the track sounded dated or of a lower quality? And where were there dissonance issues?

These are clearly important things I don't want to let slip by, but they're just not obvious to me at the moment.

Thank you!

[cosmicdolphin]

Link = No Work

[AnthonyCeseri]

Sorry about the song link -- there was an extra box to click on my profile. The link for the song in my original post above should work now.

Also, here's the listing (it seems you have to be logged in to Taxi for that original listing link I posted to work):

Lots of SONGS in ALL GENRES about "TOGETHERNESS" with Male or Female Vocals are needed by a Successful Publisher with an awesome track record of really BIG placements in TV Commercials!

We purposely avoided putting references in this request as we felt they could potentially be more misleading or limiting, than helpful. This Company is searching for platonic, non-sexual Songs with Lyrics about "TOGETHERNESS" in most of the popular/commercially viable genres, including (but not limited to): Pop, Country, Rock, EDM, Singer-Songwriter, Folk, R&B/Soul, Rap/Hip-Hop, etc. We recommend that you avoid submitting anything in genres that don't have a lot of mainstream appeal.

Quoting the Client: "We want Songs that are upbeat — not sad, slow songs. Sad songs are not really good for ads."

Please send in top-notch Songs with well-crafted lyrics about "togetherness"! As mentioned above, this Company is NOT looking for romantic love Songs — so be sure to steer clear of any romantic themes. Your submissions should have solid productions, memorable melodies, super-catchy hooks, and great arrangements. If you plan on using any virtual instruments or samples, they need to be high-quality, modern, and genre-appropriate (in the context of the genre you choose to submit). Heartfelt, well-performed vocals could be the last touch to put your submissions over the edge!

Lyrics that avoid references to specific names, dates, times, places, brands, and profanity could make your Songs more appealing to this Music Publisher. Please do NOT copy the references in any way, shape, or form. Use the references only as a general guide for tempo, tone, and overall vibe. Do NOT submit any material with unauthorized samples of any other artists’ music, sounds, or any other form of media. Broadcast Quality is needed.

This company offers an EXCLUSIVE, 1-year, Sync-Only agreement. You'll split any sync fees 60/40 – you get 60%. You will also KEEP 100% of the Writer's Share, 100% of the Publisher's share, and 100% of the Master Recordings! Sweet deal!!

Since this company offers an EXCLUSIVE deal, please be sure the material you submit for this pitch is NOT already signed to any other Libraries or Catalogs. You must own or control your Masters and Copyright. Please submit as many Songs as you’d like, online or per CD. All submissions will be screened and critiqued by TAXI. Submissions must be received no later than 11:59 PM (PDT) on Thursday, July 13th, 2023. TAXI # S230713GH

[Patrick]

This track is wonderful. Fuck the feedback from the screener. You're going places my man!

[DouglasKnight]

Hey Anthony, thanks for posting your song! It's a really cute melody and the singing is pretty on-point. My advice is to keep working on your performing and recording/production to better emulate tracks that are getting forwarded. Here's the link to the Taxi forwards site, if needed: https://blog.taxi.com/forward/?_ga=2.14 ... 1684704484. You're on the right track, keep it up!

[AnthonyCeseri]

Thanks, guys!

Douglas -- thanks for the forwards link. I didn't know that existed and should be useful. As a point of clarification, when you mentioned working on my performing, did you have something specific in mind? Vocals? guitar? groove? The "band" as a whole? I'd appreciate the clarification. Thanks.

Hey Anthony, thanks for posting your song! It's a really cute melody and the singing is pretty on-point. My advice is to keep working on your performing and recording/production to better emulate tracks that are getting forwarded. Here's the link to the Taxi forwards site, if needed: https://blog.taxi.com/forward/?_ga=2.14 ... 1684704484. You're on the right track, keep it up!

[cosmicdolphin]

-there are rhythm issues

On the whole I don't hear any, apart from maybe the guitar in the chorus that appears in the LH speaker, it sounds like it has a delay and the rhythm of it is not the same as everything else so it sounds kinda off

-there are dissonance issues

I don't hear that ..I could possibly say that little effect you have around 2:04 but it comes and goes so quickly it wouldn't be a deal breaker . Telefunkin has great ears for this type of thing hopefully he will chime in

-song instrument sounds or samples sound dated or of a lower quality

Not really hearing that either - the piano is possibly a little underproduced sounding but I though it sounded like a live piano and that is maybe done on purpose...you might seek claification via the headscreener

-recording/mix need improvement

I think it's fine, maybe not the best bass sound I've head and I feel like i'm missing a little of that low end depth but overall it hits that Broadcast Quality bar for me.

Overall I think it's a decent track and certainly good enough apart from that chorus delay guitar.

Mark

[DouglasKnight]

Thanks, guys!

Douglas -- thanks for the forwards link. I didn't know that existed and should be useful. As a point of clarification, when you mentioned working on my performing, did you have something specific in mind? Vocals? guitar? groove? The "band" as a whole? I'd appreciate the clarification. Thanks.

Hey Anthony, thanks for posting your song! It's a really cute melody and the singing is pretty on-point. My advice is to keep working on your performing and recording/production to better emulate tracks that are getting forwarded. Here's the link to the Taxi forwards site, if needed: https://blog.taxi.com/forward/?_ga=2.14 ... 1684704484. You're on the right track, keep it up!

Hey Anthony glad the link was helpful! With this track, the performances aren't bad at all. I'm just saying don't sweat the returns, keep cranking out the best music you can, and more forwards will come. Good luck my friend!

[AnthonyCeseri]

Overall I think it's a decent track and certainly good enough apart from that chorus delay guitar.
Mark

Thanks for all the detailed comments, Mark -- I appreciate that, and will take a look at them

[AnthonyCeseri]

Hey Anthony glad the link was helpful! With this track, the performances aren't bad at all. I'm just saying don't sweat the returns, keep cranking out the best music you can, and more forwards will come. Good luck my friend!

Gotcha -- thanks for clarifying. I appreciate your input.