Quirky, fun song - I strongly feel this was an unfair return

[simonaradu]

Hi guys,

I need your opinion on this... I submitted my song LLA for the listing Y140115QS and it was returned. This is the song: https://soundcloud.com/simonaradu/simon ... la-english

The listing was asking for "QUIRKY and HOOK-DRIVEN SONGS with CONTEMPORARY APPEAL are needed by a Major Producer who's in the studio working with a hot new international Girl Group. He's anxiously waiting to hear the right song that he can record as the group's next single. Quoting the source: "I'm looking for something that's really creative, fun, and out of left field. I need songs with eccentric lyrics and addictively simple hooks. Something like 'Itsy Bitsy Teenie Weenie Yellow Polka Dot Bikini' by Brian Hyland, or 'Do Wah Diddy' by Manfred Mann. Those songs have big, simple, singable hooks, and that's what I want." Songs with super repetitive hooks and fun, inventive melodies will work best. You can submit fully produced songs OR stripped-down demos."

The song was returned with the box "Others" marked, with the following commentary:

"Simona, I'm a fan of your originality! Great vocal execution, as well! For this specific listing, they're looking for songs with a bit more Contemporary flare, melodically. As is, your Chorus isn't quite hooky enough to be compared to songs such as "Teenie Weenie Yellow Polka Dot Bikini". Thank you so much for submitting, Simona. I genuinely look forward to hearing more from you soon. "

If you ask me, my song has everything that it was requested: it's quirky, funny, contemporary, creative, eccentric lyrics and has a simple, addictive, repetitive chorus. How can it not be contemporary enough, when the listing is referencing a song written in the 60's?! If anything, I was afraid it was too contemporary...

Anyway, I would appreciate any feedback... I've been with Taxi for more than 2 years and this is the first time I strongly feel this should have been a forward. Is there anything I can do about it?

Thanks,
Simona

[Casey H]

The listing was asking for "QUIRKY and HOOK-DRIVEN SONGS with CONTEMPORARY APPEAL are needed by a Major Producer who's in the studio working with a hot new international Girl Group. He's anxiously waiting to hear the right song that he can record as the group's next single. Quoting the source: "I'm looking for something that's really creative, fun, and out of left field. I need songs with eccentric lyrics and addictively simple hooks. Something like 'Itsy Bitsy Teenie Weenie Yellow Polka Dot Bikini' by Brian Hyland, or 'Do Wah Diddy' by Manfred Mann. Those songs have big, simple, singable hooks, and that's what I want." Songs with super repetitive hooks and fun, inventive melodies will work best. You can submit fully produced songs OR stripped-down demos."

Hi Simona!

Really nice song! But the bottom line is it doesn't have that "addictively simple hook" like 'Itsy Bitsy Teenie Weenie Yellow Polka Dot Bikini' by Brian Hyland, or 'Do Wah Diddy' by Manfred Mann. As much as I liked your song, I couldn't remember what the hook was after I listened. Contrast that to these reference songs. One listen and you can be singing the hook all day. That's what **THIS** listing was after as I read it.

HTH
Warmest,
Casey

[simonaradu]

Hey Casey,

Thanks for taking the time to listen and give feedback.
I guess I love my song too much to see what you're saying, since I consider the chorus very catchy and memorable (and the same positive feedback I got every time I played it live). But it's good to know that not everybody thinks the same... music is a subjective experience, after all.
I just hoped the screener would see it as I do... along with the rest of the world, ha ha!

Thanks and take care,
Simona

[Piewackit1]

Your song is fantastic and the performance is top notch!

I am forced to agree with Casey and the screener on this one. Your song has everything they are looking for but I feel the chorus needs a larger(more memorable) hook to keep the listener engaged. Not sure how to tell you to do that.

I don't get a lot of forwards so take what I say with a grain of salt.

[simonaradu]

Hi Piewackit (sorry, I don't know your real name ),

Thanks for the feedback, I'm glad you like the song!
As about the chorus... don't worry, I always keep some salt (and pepper ) nearby, just in case. As you said, I don't know how to make it more memorable either.
Maybe I'll take this to Peer to Peer at some point, get a fresh input on the song... cause I'm already biased about it.

Cheers,
Simona