TAXI # S160704S5

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wendylanders
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TAXI # S160704S5

Post by wendylanders » Sun Jul 03, 2016 12:07 pm

Hi all,

If you can help, I'd appreciate it. Something tells me I sound more like a theater song than Joshua Radin or Meiko.

But this is my first attempt at side-chaining vocals, so I feel quite accomplished anyway.

https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/259 ... 20Song.mp3


Best!

Wendy Landers
Last edited by wendylanders on Sun Jul 03, 2016 1:40 pm, edited 1 time in total.

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burpo
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Re: TAXI # S160704S5

Post by burpo » Sun Jul 03, 2016 12:27 pm

Hi there, Wendy.

It would be easier to give helpful comments if you posted the listing
so we could see what you're shooting for.

: )

-b
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Stephen Debonrepos
"Flufferpuff" on TAXI TV
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Re: TAXI # S160704S5

Post by wendylanders » Sun Jul 03, 2016 1:06 pm

Thanks Burpo,

Here's the listing:

Singer / Songwriter
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EMOTIONALLY UPLIFTING, ACOUSTIC-Based (Piano and/or Guitar) SINGER/SONGWRITER SONGS with Male or Female Vocals are needed by a top-notch Music Licensing Company with an aggressive pitch person at the helm. They've got a really long and impressive list of placements in Film and TV. They're looking for Songs in All-Tempos that would be on a playlist with artists like (but not limited to): 



Joshua Radin: 


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aAJfhZamFmo



Tristan Prettyman: 


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J_tb_WJmLXY



Brett Dennen: 


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mtLKlB6XcC4



Meiko: 


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zDMPQ6hKB04



Give them positive, uplifting songs with an honest, believable and sincere vocal delivery. Your instrumentation can range from fairly stripped-down to productions featuring a full band. If you lean toward the more stripped-down side of things, your song and vocal delivery will need to be really strong. An awesome melody, super catchy chorus, and a vocal that makes listeners feel what the song is talking about will help you get this company's attention. 

Lyrics about life, love, feeling great, having a great day, friendship, family, etc. are all in the range of ideas that could work well for this pitch, but don't limit yourself to those concepts! This Library is really a stickler for universal lyrics, so please be sure your lyrics are general enough that they won't conflict with the storylines of the films or TV shows they could be licensed in. Please avoid references to specific names, dates, times, places, brands, and profanity. 

Do NOT copy or rip off the referenced artists or songs in any way, shape, or form. Use them only as a guide for tempo, texture, and tone. This Music Library splits ALL sync fees 50/50 with you. They'll get 100% of the Publisher's share, and you'll get 100% of the Writer's share. 

This is an EXCLUSIVE deal, so please be sure the material you submit for this pitch is NOT already signed to any other Libraries or Catalogs. You must own or control the Master Recording and Copyright. Broadcast Quality is needed (great sounding home recordings are fine). 

Please submit one to three Songs online or per CD, include lyrics. All submissions will be screened and critiqued by TAXI and must be received no later than 11:59PM (PST), on Monday, July 4th, 2016. TAXI #S160704SS

Best,

Wendy Landers

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Re: TAXI # S160704S5

Post by burpo » Sun Jul 03, 2016 1:35 pm

Hi again Wendy!

Okay. To my ear, you sound like you're singing to an audience, not to a person.
Get more intimate, personal... confessional.

Technically, there are some timing and pitch issues. The vocal could be turned up a notch.

A really good start. Keep a-goin'!

-b
burpo
Stephen Debonrepos
"Flufferpuff" on TAXI TV
http://www.taxi.com/burpo

Long-time hobby musician

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Re: TAXI # S160704S5

Post by wendylanders » Sun Jul 03, 2016 1:39 pm

Hi Flufferpuff,

I know, I listened to it again and the vocals are not nearly as loud as I remembered them being from a couple of hours ago!

:)

Wendy

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Re: TAXI # S160704S5

Post by wendylanders » Mon Jul 04, 2016 3:10 pm

Hi all,

This is where it landed after changes. I thought I had done my side-chaining correctly, but now I'm not so sure.

https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/259 ... 20Song.mp3

Thanks for listening.

Best,

Wendy Landers

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Re: TAXI # S160704S5

Post by DanLuedke » Mon Jul 04, 2016 7:44 pm

Hi Wendy,

I really like your song but I wouldn't submit it to this listing. Although I think the subject matter of the lyrics are in the correct vein, I'm pretty sure this listing is looking for something more upbeat and contemporary sounding.

Based on the chord progression, vocal delivery and instrumentation, I think this song would have a better shot at a classic rock singer-songwriter listing with references such as The Beatles, Elton John, Joni Mitchell, etc.

If you want to write for listings like this one, I highly recommend listening to a lot of contemporary pop singer-songwriters and learning to play and sing their songs. You will start to internalize contemporary pop chord progressions and rhythms which will make it easier to write in their style. Also, read some songwriting books by the incredible author Robin Frederick and check out her website: http://robinfrederick.com/ I don't write a lot of songs but have learned much from her.

One last note: I think your track could benefit from some added reverb to give it more depth and space. Listen to this and notice how much more reverb there is? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W9_nXlvY6Io

I hope this helps!
Dan Luedke
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Re: TAXI # S160704S5

Post by wendylanders » Mon Jul 04, 2016 9:21 pm

Thanks, Dan.

I was worried about the reverb. Part of me wanted to add it, but part of me held back since I was using a sample library. I didn't want to change much of how the samples were recorded.

I will hang on to this song and resubmit it per your recommendation.

I was listening to the suggested artists. I was listening to playlists generated from their songs, but I didn't try playing the songs, I just listened to them. I think you're right about playing them as well as listening.

I love Robin's book too! :) I haven't finished reading it yet though.

Best,

Wendy Landers

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Re: TAXI # S160704S5

Post by wendylanders » Mon Jul 04, 2016 10:31 pm

I think the song needed more drums on the chorus as well, in retrospect.

Wendy

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Re: TAXI # S160704S5

Post by wendylanders » Tue Jul 05, 2016 12:45 pm

When I get a chance to make some final changes (maybe this weekend) I will repost the song. I will also let you guys know what the screener thinks, eventually.

Thanks so much for listening and for the constructive criticism.

BEST!

Wendy

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