Surf Return

[johnclavin]

I just had my song "Night Surf" returned with the Recording box checked.

There is also an Instrumental Performance box that wasn't checked so I was wondering what Recording means?

An old Telecaster sounds like an old Telecaster.

"Night Surf" on my Taxi homepage.

John

[eeoo]

Hey John - Don't know why the recording box was checked but the song sounded more surf influenced than authentic surf to me. The fade came at an awkward time too. Who knows?

eo

[johnclavin]

I just got another return for the 80's bank ad.

"Hillside Romp" This one was "Stylistically off Target" Maybe too much slap on the snare.

I think that wraps it up for me. 45 submissions in two years with only one forward.

I guess I am not Taxi material. I complained a lot so I am sure they will be glad to see me go.

[Casey H]

I just had my song "Night Surf" returned with the Recording box checked.

There is also an Instrumental Performance box that wasn't checked so I was wondering what Recording means?

An old Telecaster sounds like an old Telecaster.

"Night Surf" on my Taxi homepage.

John

Hi John
Regardless of recording and performance, this track doesn't sound enough like surf rock. It may have hints of surf rock influence but it's really not in the pocket, genre-wise.

The guitar lead melody line could definitely be stronger at times (e.g. 00:37-00:44)... a lot of repeat notes. When the keys take over the lead it sounds like a totally different genre. For surf rock, it's probably better to stick with the guitar lead.

For production music (music libraries, etc.) it's best to avoid fade out endings. Film/TV folks prefer a button ending so they can sync the ending with a point such as the end of a scene.

Best,
Casey

[johnclavin]

Thanks Casey,

Yes, I totally agree. It was a strange piece of music ("Night Surf") that came to me while I was trying to come up with a surf song, but I used to love the instrumentals from the 1960's where a surf type band would record a pop song, like the Ventures doing Lonely Bull. They would use different instruments along with the twang guitar.

The screener must have checked the wrong box because I guess it was off target.

John

[Casey H]

Thanks Casey,

Yes, I totally agree. It was a strange piece of music ("Night Surf") that came to me while I was trying to come up with a surf song, but I used to love the instrumentals from the 1960's where a surf type band would record a pop song, like the Ventures doing Lonely Bull. They would use different instruments along with the twang guitar.

The screener must have checked the wrong box because I guess it was off target.

John

Recording is not my area of expertise but I do think this recording didn't sound as good as expected for BQ in most situations. I can't give you specifics but many others here can. I'm better at knowing when something does or doesn't sound right than why-- there's a bit of "know it when I hear it"...

Sometimes screeners check the first box that's relevant. “Recording” wasn’t out of the question here.

If you want to continue with Taxi (and probably pitching your music commercially in general), the best thing you can do is embrace what you can learn here on the forum. Many successful Taxi members will give you tips and tricks to make your tracks sound better. It depends on how willing you are to keep an open mind and adapt to change. Obviously, it has to be important enough to you to do the work. It's all up to you. It would be easy to conclude that Taxi is the problem. There are folks who make great sounding, broadcast quality music that just doesn’t fit enough of Taxi’s opps. Please don’t be offended by my saying this but listening to a few of your tracks, I hear someone who HAS definite talent but needs to get to the next level if commercial success such as film/TV placements is the goal.

Also, consider collaborating with other Taxi members. Combining talents and strengths can work wonders.

Any chance you would come to the rally? Lots of great classes and panels on composing and making your tracks sound better!

Best of luck!
Casey

[johnclavin]

Thanks again Casey for spending the time.

My 45 or so Taxi submissions was a good education so I can't complain. Before Taxi I could never finish a piece of music. The 45 Taxi deadlines got me to at least to complete something.

I have been to 10 Taxi Road Rallies, but not this year. They are very good, but I had to move out of L.A. and don't have the resources.

John

[manninghollow]

Hey Man, Don't give up. I didn't make it through on my surf song either. One never fails until he quits trying. I have pitched, played on, and heard hundreds of tunes in Nashville for 16 yrs that have not been picked up. But: that doesn't mean that at the right time and place every single one of them would not be smash hit.