Return for Indie Rock track-need clarification please

[BradleyHagen]

Hey Folks!!
NOT complaining about the feedback, just trying to learn from it is all....
Feedback: https://www.taxi.com/members/DVGQpc37Tk ... v9uCDIkP5g
Track: https://www.taxi.com/members/DVGQpc37Tk ... -mongstad-

BRIEF:
A Bunch of INDIE/ALTERNATIVE ROCK SONGS with Male or Female Vocals are needed by the CEO of an EXCLUSIVE Music Licensing Company with credits on Major Motion Pictures, national TV Commercials, popular TV shows, and blockbuster Movie Trailers! They're currently in need of a bunch of new Songs for a variety of high-profile sync opportunities!

This Company is searching for Songs in the general wheelhouse of the following references:

"Teeth" by Mallrat

"All the Noise" by Spacey Jane

"Low Blow" by HONEYMOAN

Please submit Indie/Alternative Rock Songs with a raw, bold energy and a captivating sound! Your submissions should have unforgettable melodies, engaging rhythms, great musicianship, catchy choruses, solid arrangements, and well-written lyrics. Indie and Alternative Rock instrumentation in the general stylistic ballpark of the reference Songs will work best, such as electric guitars, bass, synth, drums, etc. Please ensure any virtual instruments or samples you use are high-quality and not dated-sounding. Excellent vocal performances (Male or Female) with lots of personality could help seal the deal!

Lyrics should avoid using specific names, places, dates, times, brands, and profanity. Do NOT copy the referenced acts or songs in any way, shape, or form. Use them only as a guide for tempo, tone, and vibe. Do NOT submit any material with unauthorized samples of any other artists’ music, sounds, or any other form of media. Broadcast Quality is needed.

AI ALERT: This company does not accept or sign music that has been lyrically or melodically composed using generative AI, nor does it accept backing tracks, full instrumental tracks, or vocal performances created with AI.

This company offers an EXCLUSIVE deal, and has a strong preference for signing material from songwriters who have worked for libraries and licensing companies in the past and understand how standard deals work. You'll split all upfront sync fees 50/50. The Publisher will get 100% of the Publisher's share, and you'll get 100% of the Writer's share. You must own or control your Master and Copyright to submit for this opportunity, and you need to be affiliated with a Performing Rights Organization for this company to include your music in their catalog. Since this is an Exclusive deal, please be sure your material is NOT already signed with any other Libraries or Catalogs. Please submit as many Songs as you’d like, online or per CD. Submissions must be received no later than 11:59 PM (PST) on Tuesday, February 25th, 2025. TAXI # S250225VH

THis part of the feedback is what I think is key, and I am not sure if I understand what they mean here.... "I'm just not hearing the polished current indie alt sounds they're searching for."POLISHED, CURRENT, INDIE, ALT SOUNDS" If anyone can educate me on what this means exacttly, I would appreciate it!

[eeoo]

To my ear the key phrase in the return is that it's too retro rock. Great track just leans more retro rock than current indie.

[BradleyHagen]

To my ear the key phrase in the return is that it's too retro rock. Great track just leans more retro rock than current indie.

Thank you for the feedback. I guess I need to dig into what "Current Indie" actually is some more! lol

[cosmicdolphin]

Quick listen..Wrong drums...track too busy....no sense of space or openess like the refs....sounds a lot more trad / throwback than refs.

[BradleyHagen]

Quick listen..Wrong drums...track too busy....no sense of space or openess like the refs....sounds a lot more trad / throwback than refs.

thanks Mark! - Much appreciated

[Casey H]

Love the track! But I agree that it's not what's being asked for per the reference tracks. I can't imagine this song not finding a home. It rocks!

Casey

[BradleyHagen]

Yeah I agree.... I really need to drill down on genre, and nomenclature relating to genre. Once I understand this better?? I think my forward rate will improve. Thanks for the feedback Casey

[WSAO]

Hi Brad,

I think the song might actually be stronger than the references—at least for an old rocker like me! That said, I have to agree with the feedback.

It leans more aggressive, and the sound choices—overdriven guitar, Deep Purple-style keyboards, and punchy drums—give it more of a rock feel than an indie one (whatever "indie" even means these days!).

Great song regardless!

[BradleyHagen]

Exactly.... Whatever "Indie" means these days...... I need to figure out what "it" means.... What is "IT" ???