Quick advice on A&R rep correspondence!

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Re: Quick advice on A&R rep correspondence!

Post by tedsingingfox » Thu Nov 29, 2007 7:17 pm

Quote:Cisco, Aub, Ted, all,Just taking a needed break from reworking the vocals on that third song I was going to include. The song needs work, the vocals more emotion, bigger chorus, better intonation, "drums" need work, etc. etc. I realize all this now. The only strong part of the song is at the very end, in my newfound opinion. Problem is, after the smoky bar performance I did last night, my voice isn't going to let me re-track all those parts tonight. Aub, I think I will take that pickle after all. Actually, I'll take the whole jar. I hope people are paying attention because you guys have given some really solid advice. The bottom line is that these songs need work - all of my remaining singer/songwriter material, in fact, needs work. Like Cisco says, the tracks need to be undeniable, and right now, they aren't. If I'd been honest with myself up front, I would have realized that these are really just demos that don't compete with the broadcast quality recording required by film & TV. I would have been able to craft a response to the A&R query based on real reflection, rather than "critical-juncture glee." I wouldn't be staying up all night destroying my voice tweaking songs that should have been polished long ago. I also wouldn't be trying to figure out the best way to do damage control right now with someone who may have had the potential to change my life. You guys are right - I don't want to submit material that's not at least as good as the stuff they've already got from me, so at this point I just need to bite the bullet, swallow my pride, or whatever you want to call it, and just be honest. I think if I were in the A&R shoes I'd appreciate that at the very least, but that's just me. I can only hope that a quick honest note will buy me some time, and not get me thrown out the window!So - lesson learned on my end. Honesty with respect to one's music is a powerful thing. Of course, don't forget to listen to the music that the successful Taxi members make! Michael Laskow says it all the time, and guess what - he's right!Thanks as always for the support. Hope everyone got something out of this.-ARP.S. Here's that third song, pre-tweak, in all it's demo glory. It's called "Where You Are." http://www.taximusic.com/song.php?song_ ... am=trueHey, AR.Your intelligent, thoughtful response is proof enough to me that you are going to be fine, when all is said and done...no matter WHAT the final outcome of this particular situation. No one as gifted, as open to growth, as smart as you've shown yourself to be, as big-hearted, and as willing to keep working on the process is going to fail in the bigger scheme of things.As if I didn't already have respect for you, it is cemented now.Ted
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Re: Quick advice on A&R rep correspondence!

Post by matto » Thu Nov 29, 2007 7:28 pm

AR DON'T beat yourself up over this. You've got some great material there, and a nice contemporary sound. Great voice too.Send the company an email and tell them, that after listening to the songs you were going to send them, you're not happy with them and feel they need some more work. Tell them they're not as well produced as the two they've heard and that you want to bring them up to that same level. That you don't want to waste their time by sending them something that's not up to par.Chances are excellent that they'll respect you for it and will gladly give you some more time. Music libraries are usually not in an immediate rush to get stuff. IMPORTANT: make an honest assessment for yourself as to how long this is gonna take you and give them a timeframe as to when you'll be ready. Then STICK TO IT.I think there's a small chance, but it's only small, that they won't be as interested in your stuff anymore by the time you're ready, but remember this is just one company, there are plenty more out there and if you have quality material you'll find other outlets.As a final thought, I would encourage everybody to take advantage of the fact that most of today's initial communication with music companies is via email. This gives you a great opportunity to take a deep breath, assess the situation and ask for advice if needed before you blurt out...."YEAH I got more material" or something like that. Email is a great friend to the inexperienced music business novice, so take advantage of it.matto

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Re: Quick advice on A&R rep correspondence!

Post by ciskokidd » Thu Nov 29, 2007 8:00 pm

AR,As Matt says don't sweat it. After reading his post I think you're going to be fine here. As you can tell, you have some great folks pulling for you. Kudos to Aub for getting me to chill a bit. That's the great thing about this forum you get to pick the best nuggets of advice and learn through the process.By the way "Where You Are" is really good!! I would definitely consider that one to do a little more polished production on. It's by far my favorite of the three you posted.We're behind you the whole way buddy!!Go for it!!!!!Cisco

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Re: Quick advice on A&R rep correspondence!

Post by ciskokidd » Thu Nov 29, 2007 8:12 pm

Quote:Quote:Cisco, Aub, Ted, all,Just taking a needed break from reworking the vocals on that third song I was going to include. The song needs work, the vocals more emotion, bigger chorus, better intonation, "drums" need work, etc. etc. I realize all this now. The only strong part of the song is at the very end, in my newfound opinion. Problem is, after the smoky bar performance I did last night, my voice isn't going to let me re-track all those parts tonight. Aub, I think I will take that pickle after all. Actually, I'll take the whole jar. I hope people are paying attention because you guys have given some really solid advice. The bottom line is that these songs need work - all of my remaining singer/songwriter material, in fact, needs work. Like Cisco says, the tracks need to be undeniable, and right now, they aren't. If I'd been honest with myself up front, I would have realized that these are really just demos that don't compete with the broadcast quality recording required by film & TV. I would have been able to craft a response to the A&R query based on real reflection, rather than "critical-juncture glee." I wouldn't be staying up all night destroying my voice tweaking songs that should have been polished long ago. I also wouldn't be trying to figure out the best way to do damage control right now with someone who may have had the potential to change my life. You guys are right - I don't want to submit material that's not at least as good as the stuff they've already got from me, so at this point I just need to bite the bullet, swallow my pride, or whatever you want to call it, and just be honest. I think if I were in the A&R shoes I'd appreciate that at the very least, but that's just me. I can only hope that a quick honest note will buy me some time, and not get me thrown out the window!So - lesson learned on my end. Honesty with respect to one's music is a powerful thing. Of course, don't forget to listen to the music that the successful Taxi members make! Michael Laskow says it all the time, and guess what - he's right!Thanks as always for the support. Hope everyone got something out of this.-ARP.S. Here's that third song, pre-tweak, in all it's demo glory. It's called "Where You Are." http://www.taximusic.com/song.php?song_ ... am=trueHey, AR.Your intelligent, thoughtful response is proof enough to me that you are going to be fine, when all is said and done...no matter WHAT the final outcome of this particular situation. No one as gifted, as open to growth, as smart as you've shown yourself to be, as big-hearted, and as willing to keep working on the process is going to fail in the bigger scheme of things.As if I didn't already have respect for you, it is cemented now.Ted Well put Ted! I agree wholeheartedly. AR has the best attitude for success. I wish I had you guys around when I was trying to get my foot in the door!Cisco

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Re: Quick advice on A&R rep correspondence!

Post by audiorayne » Fri Nov 30, 2007 5:30 am

I know it’s only 7:30am pacific time and far too early for this, but I’d like to propose a toast to this forum. The outpouring of support and great advice here is overwhelming to say the least, and I can't tell you how much I appreciate what you've all given me. I just hope I can give the same in return. Forum love. Rally love. Taxi love.*insert wine glass emoticon here*Quote:As if I didn't already have respect for you, it is cemented now.Ted,The feeling is mutual my friend. The sheer quality of material being produced by Taxi folks knocks me out of my seat and kicks my butt at the same time, and yours is right up there. Speaking of which…Quote:DON'T beat yourself up over this. You've got some great material there, and a nice contemporary sound. Great voice too.…I would encourage everybody to take advantage of the fact that most of today's initial communication with music companies is via email. This gives you a great opportunity to take a deep breath, assess the situation and ask for advice if needed before you blurt out....”YEAH I got more material” or something like that.Matt,I’m really glad you gave your $0.02. Thanks so much for the comments and most importantly, thanks for driving home what I believe is one of the most important points here – take a deep breath before you blurt! Cisco,So many great points – where do I start? I’d like to go back for a second to your advice about the song “Leave Alone.” You’re right - the music needs to be tailored to the application, and even if the song WERE great, if they can’t place it, it ain’t going to get very far – something that was said many times at the Rally. With that in mind, maybe I should choose another more appropriate song to revise. I hate asking you folks to keep doing this cause you’ve already done so much and your time is valuable too, but if you get a chance, how bout one of these? Can’t say that there’s much here in the way of “system-government-authority rage,” but these are the best that I have left.“Hit The Ground” http://www.taximusic.com/song.php?song_ ... true“World Of Expression” http://www.taximusic.com/song.php?song_ ... tream=true “Without You” (probably the saddest song I’ve ever written, and hopefully the saddest I’ll ever write… ) http://www.taximusic.com/song.php?song_ ... am=trueHow long would it take to tweak a couple of existing tracks AND have some new material ready? Well, in response to Rayzer’s inspiring thread from a couple weeks back about “Being Deliberate,” I had made the goal to finish a new song I’ve been working on, and to have another brand new song written, by December 15th. Throw in the tweaks to existing stuff, Christmas trip back to Newfieland Canada, cursing at my Digi hardware, and of course, day job… If I’m being honest, all of it probably won’t be ready until sometime in January. Rayzer and KG are going to kick my a$$! I’ll do a bit more pondering on that to see if I can cut some fat before I get back to the A&R person, but if Matt’s right (and I’m inclined to believe that he is), they won’t be in an immediate rush, and I should give myself some breathing room. My voice will definitely thank me for it!Deep breaths!-Audiorayne

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Re: Quick advice on A&R rep correspondence!

Post by audiorayne » Sat Dec 01, 2007 7:46 am

Holy crap! UPDATE!So, I did some more thinking about my timeframe, and finally sent the following:Hi [name removed],After reevaluating the additional material I was about to send you, Idecided that while the songs are strong, the production is not quiteready. I realize your time is important and I don't want to waste it bysending material that is not up to par.I am definitely committed to creating and submitting the best materialpossible. I would like to take some time to improve the existing tracks,and to complete a new song that I am currently working on - I have made agoal to have all of this completed by January 15, and I will send you a CDat that time. I truly appreciate your consideration and your time, and Ihope that this is acceptable.Sincerely,LoganNot really expecting a reply, I avoided my email for the rest of the day. Well I checked this morning, and found that I had gotten a reply within TWO minutes! It said:Hi Logan,Just get in touch when you are ready to submit and we can take it from there.Best,[name removed]Whew!! That's a bit of a relief! You guys were right! Just thought I'd let ya'll know. Cheers!-AR

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Re: Quick advice on A&R rep correspondence!

Post by ciskokidd » Sat Dec 01, 2007 10:38 am

Hey AR,That's great news! Now you have some breathing room and time to get those songs polished.Best of luck moving forward!!Let us know if you need any feedback.Cisco

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Re: Quick advice on A&R rep correspondence!

Post by ragani » Sat Dec 01, 2007 10:41 am

Bravo! That clearly took some guts, and it's all working out in a manner that will allow you to present your best material. Nicely done. Keep us posted how it unfolds in the future-- I'm sniffing the beginning of some potential ongoing connections!
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Re: Quick advice on A&R rep correspondence!

Post by audiorayne » Mon Dec 03, 2007 6:30 am

Thanks so much guys! I'm definitely thankful for this opportunity (and for A&R people who are understanding ). Really hope this will be an ongoing connection... I've got my fingers crossed (and toes, and individual hair strands)... I'll certainly keep everyone posted. Time to get to work! Cheers-AR

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Re: Quick advice on A&R rep correspondence!

Post by avillaronga » Mon Dec 03, 2007 7:01 am

Hi audiorayne,First of all, congratulations on developing this relationship with this A&R person. I just wanted to mention a couple of things that came to mind while reading this thread: 1) This forum is a great resource; 2) TAXI works; and 3) TAXI works for people who not only have talent but also have the proper attitude and conduct themselves professionally. I was just reading another thread on the forwards section about a guy complaining of "nothing happening" and having an attitude about it. And here's the completely opposite. Someone who obviously has the talent but also the right attitude and cared enough about their music to carefully plan and seek advice before moving forward with a good opportunity. I think you have done the right thing in this situation by conducting yourself professionally, seeking the advice of more experienced members when you weren't sure how to proceed and moving forward with all that good advice in mind. Dave W. posted on the "best things about the rally" thread that one thing he has learned was to be yourself, in this instance, audiorayne, you did just that and I think it may pay off in the end. Hats off to you. I think this is a great example of "gently pushing yourself forward" as Travelling Ed said. Antonio

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