Feedback Desired - Country Listing

[johnnyrowing]

Hello everyone,
I am hoping for some feedback on this track. Whatever you want to comment on would be appreciated.

Here is the listing - which seems to want something still contemporary but with some throwback in it too.
https://www.taxi.com/industry#listing-S240606CK

Here is my track
https://www.taxi.com/members/Ef77nz5GSm ... ain-t-gone

Here are the lyrics
She Ain't Gone
If there’s a photograph, I want it
I’ll take anything that keeps me hanging on
One single strand of hair in a barrette that she lost somewhere
Can find a home here in my pocket

I know there’s some that say, a man that does behave this way . . . needs help
But I refuse to keep any deep felt tortured pain to myself

Yea, she might have left . . . but she ain’t gone
She ain’t gone
Yea, she left behind her fingerprints - she ain’t gone, no

I know that words may fail to put wind in every sail
But where there’s sun there has got to be hope
If you see her - and I hope you do, just tell her of the things I do and
That there’s a man that has not quit yet

I know there’s some that say, you best move on and think about your health
But I refuse to think that her promises are in doubt

Yea, she might have left . . . but she ain’t gone
She ain’t gone
Yes, she left behind her fingerprints

[And this entanglement ain’t something love can soon forget
Some bonds don’t break in a storm]

Yea, she might have left . . . her . . . fading scent
But she ain’t gone
She ain’t gone
She left behind her fingerprints and this song

She ain’t gone
She ain’t gone

[funsongs]

Hey Johnny - I reckon, since you're asking - this aint a final mix; with that in mind, I mention:
1) the distracting sound at 0:19 (part of the drum track/cymbals);
2) the distorted guitar at 1:34, and tuning issues throughout.
I'm sure you'll clean all that up.

Cool vibe; the tonality of the production and instrumentation reminds me of Burnett's brilliant "Raising Sand" album (Robert Plant & Alison Krauss);
so that works really well, IMHO. You might even consider listening to that for some inspiration ideas... or just for ear-candy fun.

One lyric note - if "she" is gone, and has left... "may" seems like the grammatically-correct word, in place of "might";
but either way - "might" as artistic license sounds good ol' Country... and works fine.

HTH/TMI?

[VanderBoegh]

Wassup Johnny! Another great song, dude. I tell ya what, you're really coming into a good stride with all your music lately.

I really like this one. My only concern is that the listing says this pitch is for an artist in his 20's, and this song has more 70's - 80's country nostalgia in it, which might outdate the artist. Then again, the ref tracks also share this same approach, and make full use of the root / 5th bassline, which I don't really hear in country anymore. And the first ref track specifically has that cross-stick snare in a dusty saloon sound, so you DO seem to be in line with the refs stylistically. Makes me wonder what new up-and-coming artist would be willing to embrace the retro feel..... but hey, Meghan Traitor built a career off that very thing, so what the heck do I know, lol.

Anyway, it's a solid submission for a listing that is willing to listen to more stripped-down demos for potential artist cuts, rather than something seeking broadcast quality ready-for-radio productions.

You're due for a home run, my friend. Let's hope this is the one that gets knocked out of the park - or at least puts you on base so you're in a position to seal 2nd!

~~Matt

[johnnyrowing]

Hey Johnny - I reckon, since you're asking - this aint a final mix; with that in mind, I mention:
1) the distracting sound at 0:19 (part of the drum track/cymbals);
2) the distorted guitar at 1:34, and tuning issues throughout.
I'm sure you'll clean all that up.

Cool vibe; the tonality of the production and instrumentation reminds me of Burnett's brilliant "Raising Sand" album (Robert Plant & Alison Krauss);
so that works really well, IMHO. You might even consider listening to that for some inspiration ideas... or just for ear-candy fun.

One lyric note - if "she" is gone, and has left... "may" seems like the grammatically-correct word, in place of "might";
but either way - "might" as artistic license sounds good ol' Country... and works fine.

HTH/TMI?

Hi Funsongs/Peter,
Thanks so much for the listen and feedback. Definitely NOT final. I try to seek some feedback/fresh ears and then to as much a degree as my skills and time allow apply that feedback. So, I appreciate you sharing. With that said, I did NOT hear the things you found. So, your time was put to good use.

1. Sound - I think I found it (open hi-hat rather than closed) at around 19.
2a. Guitar Tuning - What I had was "awfully" close but there were a few spots that were a tad "off". So, I went ahead and got those more precise. What I am hearing is what I intended. I do a couple of slow slide ups and some subtle bends. So, that "might" be what you are hearing. My wife, by the way, HATES bends from a guitar or from vocals.
2b. Guitar at 1:34. I really hit the volume pedal hard around this time to get the sustain more audible in the tails. I automated that swell down now. So, "maybe" that'll make the 1:34 section a bit more likeable to your ears?

You going to the rally this year?

Johnny

[johnnyrowing]

Wassup Johnny! Another great song, dude. I tell ya what, you're really coming into a good stride with all your music lately.

I really like this one. My only concern is that the listing says this pitch is for an artist in his 20's, and this song has more 70's - 80's country nostalgia in it, which might outdate the artist. Then again, the ref tracks also share this same approach, and make full use of the root / 5th bassline, which I don't really hear in country anymore. And the first ref track specifically has that cross-stick snare in a dusty saloon sound, so you DO seem to be in line with the refs stylistically. Makes me wonder what new up-and-coming artist would be willing to embrace the retro feel..... but hey, Meghan Traitor built a career off that very thing, so what the heck do I know, lol.

Anyway, it's a solid submission for a listing that is willing to listen to more stripped-down demos for potential artist cuts, rather than something seeking broadcast quality ready-for-radio productions.

You're due for a home run, my friend. Let's hope this is the one that gets knocked out of the park - or at least puts you on base so you're in a position to seal 2nd!

~~Matt

Thanks for giving the track a listen Matt.

The references definitely allow this kind of throwback approach but, yet, it's clear that some "modern" elements are desired. I tried to avoid square phrasing in the topline . . . but . . . it might not be enough. Reference 1, by the way . . . DANG what a killer voice!!!!!

Thanks for the encouragement and friendship Matt. It means the world. I'm trying to write, write, write until I get it right. And, at this juncture, I am like "Put me in coach". I just want to get on the field. Ha!

Johnny

[funsongs]

Just got in from Irish Trad Session/jam...
fun playing tenor banjo

[funsongs]

what happen to my other post -
not sure about rally. those limited funds might be better spent making music.

[funsongs]

Hi Funsongs/Peter,
Thanks so much for the listen and feedback. Definitely NOT final. I try to seek some feedback/fresh ears and then to as much a degree as my skills and time allow apply that feedback. So, I appreciate you sharing. With that said, I did NOT hear the things you found. So, your time was put to good use.

1. Sound - I think I found it (open hi-hat rather than closed) at around 19.
2a. Guitar Tuning - What I had was "awfully" close but there were a few spots that were a tad "off". So, I went ahead and got those more precise. What I am hearing is what I intended. I do a couple of slow slide ups and some subtle bends. So, that "might" be what you are hearing. My wife, by the way, HATES bends from a guitar or from vocals.
2b. Guitar at 1:34. I really hit the volume pedal hard around this time to get the sustain more audible in the tails. I automated that swell down now. So, "maybe" that'll make the 1:34 section a bit more likeable to your ears?

You going to the rally this year?

Johnny
[/quote]
Would like seeing all the PEEPS.

[funsongs]

Cheers, Amigo -
looking forward to your polished master of this one.
Good bones, Bro!

[funsongs]

I "may" go to the rally, using a guest pass from one of my collaborators (already been offered);
But, I "might" NOT go to the rally, due to the dig to limited funds.