Return on rock "Theme song" #U120903RK

[popbaby]

I thought this was probably going to be a shot in the dark because I know the music supervisor wasn't relying just on taxi for this. It was my first submission (recorded in 3 days), but I also felt the song hit on most of the points they were looking for. I even rewrote the 2nd verse as they could use that over the 1st verse if need be. I thought the brief reason they gave was a bit off, as I could probably think of at least 4 other reasons not to forward the song. My voice, the lyrics, style, and the overall production would all be valid, but I thought the chorus hook was pretty damn good. Am I crazy? The short critique is below, the listing, and the track "southern road."

http://www.taxi.com/jarrettrandazzo

"The music supervisor is looking for a stronger more immediate hook. Per this listing "Because this will be a THEME SONG, your song will need a super strong hook". Quoting the music supervisor again, "The song should grab you from the first downbeat and the hook should reel you in."

THEME SONG needed for a HIGHLY ANTICIPATED NEW MAJOR CABLE NETWORK SERIES. The network's Music Supervisor specifically asked us to find a "Greasy, Gritty, Contemporary ROCK SONG" in the following genres: ROADHOUSE, BLUES ROCK, EDGY CLASSIC ROCK, OUTLAW COUNTRY, CONTEMPORARY INDIE ROCK with an EDGE in a range from Hank Williams III, The Black Keys to ZZ Top, Gov't Mule, Kid Rock, etc.Ê Although stylistically this listing is similar to U120829RK, the network has asked us to run a separate listing because this is for the show's THEME SONG and the terms of the deal are different (and much sweeter!). Quoting the music supervisor, "We're looking for a GRITTY, INSTANTLY COMPELLING and DISTINCTIVELY EDGY SONG with UNIQUE, SMOKY, THROATY, MACHO, "WHISKEY-SOAKED" MALE VOCALS about being a BIKER, the OPEN ROAD, LIFE ON THE ROAD, ROAMING FREE, HIGHWAYS, RIDIN' WITH THE WIND, TAKING CARE OF BUSINESS, STEPPIN' UP, LIVING BY A CREED, WHAT IT TAKES TO BE A MAN, STICKING BY YOUR BROTHERS, any references to RISING LIKE A PHOENIX, SURVIVING, LIFE ON YOUR OWN TERMS, OUTLAWS, etc. Lyrics should be intriguing and not necessarily on-the-nose." They're not looking for "outdated 1980's hard rock," metal or punk. Tempos can vary but the song should have a visceral, muscular energy about it. Because this will be a THEME SONG, your song will need a super strong hook.Ê Songs should be a minimum of two minutes long and the network will edit it down to :10-:60 from there. Don't underestimate the audience -- tough-minded, no B.S. men -- and give them something that suits their very macho, living-on-the-edge lifestyles. Quoting the music supervisor again, "The song should grab you from the first downbeat and the hook should reel you in." If the network chooses your song as the theme song for this show, you will be paidÊ$5,000-8,000 for all media, worldwide in perpetuity. You will keep 100% of the publishing and writers share! NO SAMPLES of other songs or artists can be incorporated into your track. You must own or control 100% of the master and publishing. This is DIRECT TO THE NETWORK so you will keep 100% of the upfront fee, publishing and writer's share. Broadcast Quality is needed (super-excellent home recordings are fine.) Please submit one to three songs online or on CD and BE SURE TO include your lyrics. Please make sure your photos and bio are up to date and include them with your submission. ALL SUBMISSIONS WILL BE SCREENED ON A YES/NO BASIS by a screener hand-picked by the music supervisor. No full critiques from TAXI. Submissions must be received no later than Monday, September 3, 2012, 10:00AM (PDT). TAXI #U120903RK

[playagibson]

Great song.
My gut feeling is it not in the a la styles listed. The a la's are more roots and blues based. Your song had a more modern pop/punk flair, which doesn't fit a Biker image.
Your song would appeal more to a younger demographic.
Congrat's on all your success. It's nice to see.

Rich.

[popbaby]

Thanks Rich! I wouldn't exactly call this a "pop/punk" song by any means, however I get your point that it may not have fit exactly what they were looking for. When I saw contemporary rock and indie rock, I figured I'd give it a shot. Ironically enough, the reason they gave had nothing to do with the style of the song though, as the reviewer said it lacked an "immediate hook." I currently have a theme song to a TV series and know how much they chop up the song, so I figured if the verse wasn't catchy enough for them, they would go to the chorus, as they do with most themes. Either way, it was my first submission and first return. I'm not going to let it discourage me. I knew it was a complete shot in the dark and it proved I could have a solid product recorded in a couple days.

www.taxi.com/jarrettrandazzo

[fronzarp]

Cool song man, hooky. Even if it wasn't what they were after (yeah to current sounding I suppose, as Rich said)
Nice writing though. Awesome