Return for instrumental performance - Y110822MX ??

[Casey H]

My submission (co-written with my very talented friends Allen DeSomer and Suz Doyle) was returned for "instrumental performance". That has me scratching my head a bit.

The track is "Spanish Nights" at www.taxi.com/caseyh

This one's had lots of forwards and even got signed recently to a Taxi client. As far as I can tell, Allen's guitar work on it is fantastic.

Any thoughts?

Casey

TRADITIONAL MEXICAN SONGS and/or INSTRUMENTALS a la Mariachi, Ranchera, Banda, Mex Cumbia, Huapango, Bolero, Norteno/Corrido, Huasteco, Jarocho, etc., needed by an A-List Music Supervisor who provides music for a gritty drama series. He said, send "anything Traditional Mexican!" so the playing field is open! Just make sure your songs and/or instrumentals sound AUTHENTIC to the regional style you're submitting. Include translations for Spanish language lyrics (if applicable.) Broadcast quality needed (excellent home recordings are fine). Please submit one to three songs or instrumentals online or per CD, include lyrics (if submitting songs). All submissions will be screened on a YES/NO BASIS - NO CRITIQUES FROM TAXI - and must be received no later than Monday, August 22, 2011. TAXI #Y110822MX

[Len911]

Casey, I loved the song!!! Kudos. The only difference I could tell from the more conventional type of songs I've heard like this was maybe the pace was a little slower, and mic'd a little closer or maybe steel strings instead of nylon, your song had a closer, slightly more jangly fuller sound, perhaps the combo steel/upclose? So I think it was probably performed a little different than I would have expected, but it didn't take anything away from the song except the context.

[remmet]

Casey, Allen, and Suz -- Beautiful piece, and the performance was quite elegant. Other than what Len said, I can't think of any performance issues that would account for the return. And you'd think a good music editor or mixer could certainly change the perceived micing distance if they wanted to. (Do they ever do that? I don't know.)

In any case, it's a lovely piece that shouldn't have a problem finding a good home.

Richard

[Casey H]

Casey, Allen, and Suz -- Beautiful piece, and the performance was quite elegant. Other than what Len said, I can't think of any performance issues that would account for the return. And you'd think a good music editor or mixer could certainly change the perceived micing distance if they wanted to. (Do they ever do that? I don't know.)

In any case, it's a lovely piece that shouldn't have a problem finding a good home.

Richard

Richard
Thanks! I'm honestly pretty confused about this return if the reason was "instrumental performance". The response this track gets on other pitches, both inside and outside of Taxi is very strong and that includes Taxi forwards and a recent deal. I do recognize that the listing was very high bar but it still seems strange to me. Screener 53, we'll just have to disagree (Hey, that rhymes! )

Casey

[playagibson]

The performance is fine.
I think the screeners must get burned out after listening for hours on end. I got some returns recently with the same critique and I've played them over trying to hear what they hear and I can't hear anything wrong performance wise.
If it's the arrangement or a lack of dynamics, I would rather they say so and I can work on that.
Some of the musical examples they give as guidelines have performances that are abysmal at best, so it can get a little silly at times.
Funny enough, my first submission got forwarded and all my following submissions have been returned so I'm starting to relate to everyone else who has had a puzzling return.
Thankfully, I have thick skin and I'll try to learn and read the postings a little more carefully in the future.
Cheers !
Playagibson.

[Casey H]

I know Taxi works hard to avoid screener burnout. They can only work a max of 4 hours a day, a few days a week. And screener #53, though a tough cookie, is one of their more experienced screeners. He/she has been around since mojo was in diapers (the first time).

Yes, thick skin is needed, but not just with Taxi submissions--- with all submissions in this biz.

The only think I can chalk this up to (other than the screener having a fight with his/her spouse) is the very high bar nature of the listing. Most likely, they were being extra, extra picky.

Disappointed, but moving on.

Casey