Appreciate Review for Gritty Country Western Listing

[Stubee]

https://www.taxi.com/members/V2G7ZzSiTs ... ny-rowing-
https://www.taxi.com/industry#listing-S240522WS

The top link is the song for submission and the bottom link is the listing.

We would like opinions on the performance, mix, and fit for the listing.

Thank you .

-Stu

[funsongs]

Without yet reading the listing - it sounds more Americana, not Country-Western, nor Country nor Western... as in a 'good ole Cowboy' song;
based on the instrumentation, that is. It's got a haunting vibe, and the production sounds well-put-together.

[funsongs]

oops.

[eeoo]

I think you're getting the dark, gravelly vibe but I'm not hearing the memorable chorus or engaging rhythm that the listing asks for. The vocals almost sound more like an instrumental part, not hearing lyrics or forward momentum from them. I think if they were looking for more of a background, "drone-y" type sound this could work but it sounds like they're looking for more defined songs with sectional contrast and all that. Again, nailing the vibe but to my ear missing the hook. Tough assignment being dark and catchy at the same time.

[feaker66]

Needs some kinda lift at 52. If not a chorus, at least something like what you have at 1:43 (and thats a bit long) The vibe and singing is haunting to me. good luck

[Stubee]

Thank you everyone for your feedback. It's very helpful.

[VanderBoegh]

I'm a big fan of Johnny, so it's great to hear you working with him. The production on this song isn't doing it justice right now, but a few things could whip it into shape pretty quickly. First, it almost sounds over-compressed, like everything needs to come down 2-3 db's so you're not hitting the master compressor so hard. Right now, this sonic wall starts to grate on the ol' ears after a while.

I'm having a hard time understanding Johnny's lyrics. Right now, I hear the notes, but not the words. Maybe rolling off some of that low EQ could remove some mud from his voice so the diction comes out more.

Do you have a way to simplify the guitar part? It seems to be all-in, all the time, and results in a wall of sound that our ears never get a break from. It might be interesting to replace the guitar with song single note hits, or whole note strums. And like with his voice, I'd roll off some low EQ so the acoustic doesn't sound so bass heavy.

~~Matt

[deantaylor]

Agree with the above comments, you have a cool vibe. Get the melody, vocals, lyrics to be more of a song, more than just mood and you've got something. Good luck with this listing.

[Stubee]

I'm a big fan of Johnny, so it's great to hear you working with him. The production on this song isn't doing it justice right now, but a few things could whip it into shape pretty quickly. First, it almost sounds over-compressed, like everything needs to come down 2-3 db's so you're not hitting the master compressor so hard. Right now, this sonic wall starts to grate on the ol' ears after a while.

I'm having a hard time understanding Johnny's lyrics. Right now, I hear the notes, but not the words. Maybe rolling off some of that low EQ could remove some mud from his voice so the diction comes out more.

Do you have a way to simplify the guitar part? It seems to be all-in, all the time, and results in a wall of sound that our ears never get a break from. It might be interesting to replace the guitar with song single note hits, or whole note strums. And like with his voice, I'd roll off some low EQ so the acoustic doesn't sound so bass heavy.

~~Matt

Thank you Matt. Your advice is golden!! Johnny is away on vacation so I can't change the vocal but I will be able to adjust the mis better with your suggestions. Much appreciated.

[BradleyHagen]

I think this is really cool....but almost a "psychedlic americana" vibe...Not sure if it fits the brief, but I will certainly listen again, and really dug it!