Two Forwards on S231115UC: COUNTRY/BLUEGRASS/AMERICANA SONGS

[RPaul]

It's been quite a while since I've gotten any TAXI forwards, but I got two of them (out of five submissions) from the recent listing looking for country/bluegrass/Americana songs for a Nashville producer/publisher. I see the Forwards blog entry for this one (https://blog.taxi.com/forward/121423/) shows I'm far from alone, but I particularly liked this listing because of the request for stripped down demos, preferably sung by the writer, and the orientation toward ongoing relationships with the writer. (While 4 of the 5 songs I submitted were finished recordings, and the other one was a full production still in progress, as I didn't have time to write anything new, or make new demos, for the listing, the idea that the stripped down demos would be preferred if an ongoing relationship developed is very appealing as I can make piano/vocal demos quickly but take a lot of time for more fleshed out recordings.)

Both of the songs that were forwarded (and I think all but one of the others) were ones I'd initially written to target other TAXI listings (no forwards on those). The songs that got forwarded were:

* My Reason (https://www.taxi.com/members/2RucHBvoSL ... -my-reason)
* Steel (https://www.taxi.com/members/2RucHBvoSL ... Y8Hw-steel)

If anyone's curious on the ones that weren't those songs were:

* Ghosts (https://www.taxi.com/members/2RucHBvoSL ... Nug-ghosts)
* More Than a Little (https://www.taxi.com/members/2RucHBvoSL ... n-a-little)
* Whole Lotta Crazy (https://www.taxi.com/members/2RucHBvoSL ... -work-mix-)

On "Ghosts" in particular, the reviewer seemed to really like the song, but said it was too long. (That now has me thinking of making a "radio edit" version of it when I get a chance.)

Coincidentally, I'd recently been debating on whether to renew my TAXI membership or not. I haven't been very active this year, mostly due to time constraints while prioritizing live gigs, but partly because I haven't found as many listings lately that feel up my alley. I did renew, and it turned out I got the notification of the pitch results and the receipt for my renewal on the exact same day.

Here's the full text of the listing:

COUNTRY/BLUEGRASS/AMERICANA SONGS with Male or Female Vocals are needed by a Nashville Producer/Publisher who's pitching and working on Music Row!

They're searching for unique, hit-worthy Songs in all tempos that could sound at home on a playlist with the following references:

"Let's Burn It Down" by Tawnya Reynolds
"Carnival Song" by Jeff Black
"Where Can I Surrender" by Randy Travis
"What If She's An Angel" by Tommy Shane Steiner

Quoting the Client: "I am only interested in Songs with a single, solo writer (no co-writers). I would love to hear the writer singing them, but it is certainly not required. Guitar/vocal only demos are preferred."

They're not as much looking for polished, perfect productions, as much as they're looking for talented Songwriters with great, chart-worthy Songs! Your productions and recording quality still need to be clean, clear, well-balanced, and good enough to represent your Songs well. Mid-to-Up-tempo Songs are typically the most desirable in the Country market, but if you’ve got an awesome, career-making ballads, this Producer/Publisher wants to hear them!

Please submit top-tier Country/Bluegrass/Americana Songs with an authentic, charming sound and style! Your submissions should have catchy melodies, unforgettable choruses, and well-crafted lyrics. Guitar/Vocal demos are preferred, but more filled-out productions are also acceptable. Live instrumentation is suggested, but if you choose to use virtual instruments or samples, please make sure they are high quality and realistic-sounding. Confident and well-performed Male or Female vocals are the way to go.

Stripped-down demos and full productions are both okay to submit, as long as your Songs are great and your recordings are clean, clear, and well-balanced! Do NOT copy the references in any way, shape, or form. Use them only as a general guide for tempo, tone, texture, and overall vibe.

IMPORTANT: This company is not just looking for a song or two from you. They’re looking to build professional, ongoing relationships with songwriters who are highly committed to working hard, and have the drive and ability to deliver a lot of super strong material.

The specific deal points will be handled on a case-by-case basis between you and the Producer/Publisher. You must own or control the Masters and Copyright to pitch for this opportunity. Please submit as many Songs as you’d like, online or per CD. Time permitting, an associate of the Producer/Publisher (who was hand picked by the Publisher and has been trained as a TAXI screener) will screen some or all of the submissions. Submissions must be received no later than 11:59 PM (PST) on Wednesday, November 15th, 2023. TAXI # S231115UC