I need help

[diogenes]

I hate to do this, but I don't know where else to turn, and after a phone call to Taxi they thought this was the best bet. I've been a member since April (this go around, was also a member in the mid 90's) and have never been forwarded. The reason is always "Not close enough to what listing asked for". The thing is, when I read the listings, I know I don't sound like these artists but it's either that, or don't submit. So for anyone out there with a little time on your hands, especially you members that have been forwarded, please have a listen and see what you think. I generally receive good scores, and more often than not agree with the critique. So I think the quality is there (although I could be mistaken), it's just bad targeting. Any thoughts you have would be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance for your time...I know it's valuable and sometimes in short supply.-Daxhttp://www.taximusic.com/song.php?song_id=7414 ... tream=true

[anne]

Hi Dax - I'm listening to your tunes now. Can you post some of the listings you submitted for? That would help us see what may be going on. It would also help me, especially, as I hear different influences in your music. Anne

[sgs4u]

Chagrin - I think would be a singer/songwriter artist pitch, or a song pitch to those kinds of listings, but though it's well recorded, there isn't a great tune there, yet. I would suggest adding some bass, percussion, and unfortunately, delete the kids (even tho they're pretty darned cute) vocals aren't really exciting, but accurate and very listenablethe Deep End - is much more a song structure that could get used. there are lots of great programming ideas and guitars in there, but to me, your vocal track is kind of dark, and maybe the band track could reflect that a little more. The title, the Deep End, must have gone by without me hearing. Vocals are a little pitchy in places. There was an Australian group years ago, who's name I've forgotten. Really tall bald guy was the lead singer. They also had band arrangements that seemed to sound like the singer. Your singing is really interesting, but the band track are a little safe sounding, to me, compared to the sound of your voice.Memorize My Love - interesting title (don't know if Taxi screeners like the chorus happening at the beginning of tunes, that much. Drums are a little less than exciting, especially in the verses compared to the all the great programming. Is that real violin, or samples? cause it's quite wonderful to hear it. But this tune, doesn't have a great music bed, to fit the vocals. The harmony guitars, tho well thought out, seem inappropriate. Last chorus, pizzicato string stuff seems to small for that last chorus of a song.Perhaps, you could enlist a forum pal, to help produce a track. Your recordings are all VERY GOOD, but somehow, they don't seem to mirror the emotions of the songs, or singer. When a screener sees multiple problems with a song's potential, it can become very difficult to describe all the necessary changes, in one short critiqueAs so many great thinkers will tell us repeatedly, if you keep doing the same things, you will get the same results. I know this must SUCK, but i can guarantee you if you stay focused on this, your music will GROW into the shapes & colors you need.And just so you know, I have many tracks in exactly the same shape you have. ie: really good songs, that are produced in styles that don't work for Taxi screeners. We have to be able to make music that sounds like what is being asked for. That's the catch...To me it's all about removing my ego from the evaluating process, and making sure that i clearly understand the critiques i get. To use the information, I have to be able to understand what they're talking about. I don't usually understand anything, when my ego is bruised, or fighting mad.steve Quote:I hate to do this, but I don't know where else to turn, and after a phone call to Taxi they thought this was the best bet. I've been a member since April (this go around, was also a member in the mid 90's) and have never been forwarded. The reason is always "Not close enough to what listing asked for". The thing is, when I read the listings, I know I don't sound like these artists but it's either that, or don't submit. So for anyone out there with a little time on your hands, especially you members that have been forwarded, please have a listen and see what you think. I generally receive good scores, and more often than not agree with the critique. So I think the quality is there (although I could be mistaken), it's just bad targeting. Any thoughts you have would be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance for your time...I know it's valuable and sometimes in short supply.-Daxhttp://www.taximusic.com/song.php?song_id=7414 ... tream=true

[diogenes]

Hey Anne, here's my most recent submission/return.An Indie Record Label with national distribution is looking for SINGER-SONGWRITERS from the “Nick Drake school” -- think along the lines of JoseGonzalez, PJ Harvey, Alexi Murdoch, Beth Orton, Iron & Wine, Cat Power, Ray LaMontagne, KT Tunstall, etc. They’re seeking individual artists that stand out- amazing, unique vocals; great, marketable image; tremendous musicianship; songs that actually have something to say. The label, based in the Midwest, is one of the most respected in the Indie world and has been one of the true purveyors of great musical taste for 15 years. Please submit two to three songs online or per CD, include lyrics/photo/bio. All submissions will be screened and critiqued by TAXI and must be received by Nov. 20, 2007. TAXI # S071120SS I submitted to this one because of the "unique vocals" and "songs that actually have something to say" part.Here another I have submitted to, though I have yet to hear back from it so I guess it doesn't count yet.COVER SONGS & INSTRUMENTALS in ANY GENRE are sought by the Pres. of an LA-based Publishing Co. for film/TV placement. "Outside the box" cover versions are preferred -- think an Electronica version of a folk-ish Bob Dylan song as an example, or Dynamite Hack's Alt.-Pop cover version of "Boyz In The Hood" by Eazy-E. Any covers are acceptable -- not just hit/very popular songs. Album "deep cuts" are OK. =-) If you haven't copywritten your cover song's arrangement yet, at the very least make sure you do have it registered with your PRO (ASCAP, BMI, PRS, etc.). You must own the master rights to your cover, of course. The owner of the company splits the license fee with you 40/60 [that 60% is for you] and doesn't take any publishing on placements. This company's owner will screen your submissions. Broadcast quality needed [excellent home recordings are OK]. Please submit one to three songs online or per CD, include lyrics. All submissions will be screened on a YES/NO BASIS ONLY -- NO CRITIQUES FROM TAXI. For ground submissions, please enclose a S.A.S.E. if you would like a response. Submissions must be received no later than Dec. 3, 2007.TAXI # Y071203CV and heres the tune I submitted http://www.taximusic.com/song.php?song_ ... am=trueThe above three are brand new and in my opinion my best songs, so I've only submitted them to the above listing so far. My other material is basically of the same ilk and has been submitted to listings for "Singer-songwriter/Americana/Folk/AAA songs ala Jack Johnson, Cheryl Wheeler, John Mayer, Damien Rice, etc." That one was a Film/TV listing.Another example would be "Commercial yet unique Traditional Rock-Pop/AAA artists in the vein of Augastana, Sheryl Crow, John Mayer, The Fray, The Black Crowes. Etc" That listing was for a successful industry mogul that formed a new music group.I've always thought my music fell into a AAA/singer-songwriter sort of thing. Sometimes I do recieve feeback to that effect, it's the "ala's" that get me.

[diogenes]

Thanks for listening Anne and Steve. Hey Steve, do you remember meeting me at the Rally? Thanks for your detailed reply. And yep, that violin is real in "memorize" as are all the instruments in every song except for the drum machine, also in "memorize". By the way, I think that australian band is "Midnight Oil".

[sgs4u]

Dax, We both met a lot of people, sorry, and I was a little scattered all weekend. But if you put a picture in your avatar, it'll jog my old smoke-filled memory... Yes that band i was talking about was indeed Midnight Oil.Great recordings, but again, the sound of the backing tracks don't match the vocals, yet IMHO. If you farm out some of the drum programming, or mixing, you might get a whole new world of musical choices delivered to your hard-drive. That might be all you need.Quote:Thanks for listening Anne and Steve. Hey Steve, do you remember meeting me at the Rally? Thanks for your detailed reply. And yep, that violin is real in "memorize" as are all the instruments in every song except for the drum machine, also in "memorize".

[diogenes]

Hey Steve, thanks again for your great input. I totally agree with you about farming out some parts. I vowed that "memorize" was my last tune where I did everything. On my more recent stuff like "The Deep End" I had Chet McCracken do drums and on "Chagrin" Andre Mayeaux does B3, he also did horns for me on my version of "Closer" (which also features Chet on drums), though the version I posted earlier doesn't have the horns in it yet, that was a quick mix to meet the deadline. Anyhow, I sent you a friend request on myspace...I'm not smart enough to figure out how to post the avatar...lol

[sgs4u]

To post an avatar, go to your TaxiCommunity Forum profile page, hit edit/modify and scroll down to where you are supposed to type in your avatar location(where it can be found on the internet), just to familiarize yourself with where & how to do it.Then upload your desired avatar/picture to your myspace page. Once it's loaded, click on the picture so it opens up a single page with your desired avatar/picture. Then right click (I'm on a Mac, I hope it's the same for PCs). When you right lick on the pic you want, you'll be able to copy the http... location of your new avatar. Then paste that address into your Taxi Forum profile. It's pretty easy, but it took me a long time to figure it out too. Your work is really good Dax, you just have to get the backing tracks to mirror the same emotion that your lyrics, and voice do. Good luck!!Quote:Hey Steve, thanks again for your great input. I totally agree with you about farming out some parts. I vowed that "memorize" was my last tune where I did everything. On my more recent stuff like "The Deep End" I had Chet McCracken do drums and on "Chagrin" Andre Mayeaux does B3, he also did horns for me on my version of "Closer" (which also features Chet on drums), though the version I posted earlier doesn't have the horns in it yet, that was a quick mix to meet the deadline. Anyhow, I sent you a friend request on myspace...I'm not smart enough to figure out how to post the avatar...lol

[twilsbach]

Quote: There was an Australian group years ago, who's name I've forgotten. Really tall bald guy was the lead singer.Midnight Oil*edit* Oops, didn't read far enough yet...

[diogenes]

Steve, you are proving to be a source of all sorts of valuable information. I can't believe I managed to upload the avatar (that it actually worked is the surprising part). Thank you. And I will keep in mind about keeping my music in line with the lyrics. Thats very insightful advice.-Dax