"Too much on the demo execution level"

[AnthonyCeseri]

I submitted a song for a listing and it was returned for being "too much on the demo execution level" and that "a more contemporary production value would have made this more of a contender for this listing."

Another comment stated "more instrumentation and more of a groove later in the tune would also help." Here's the track:

https://www.taxi.com/members/u3Iw_bkDRq ... er-by-love

Per the recommendations on another similar post in this forum, I've put together a playlist of contemporary singer/songwriter songs to get me more in that headspace.

That aside, moving forward with this track I'd like to rework the mix as much as I could to get it up to speed -- so if you have any suggestions for that based on the comments I received above, please let me know.

Thank you!

Listing is here:

ACOUSTIC-Based SINGER/SONGWRITER SONGS with Male or Female Vocals are needed for an (up to) $500, Direct-to-Music Supervisor placement in an upcoming Independent Feature Film that is currently in post-production!

NOTABLE: This film's Producer used a bunch of TAXI member's music in his last (few) films, and loved what he found so much that he has come back for more!

This Music Supervisor is looking high and low for Down-to-Mid-Tempo Songs that could work as a replacement for "I Won't Give Up" by Jason Mraz which is currently temped in.

"I Won't Give Up" by Jason Mraz

They're NOT looking for clones or soundalikes! Similar tempo, style, and overall vibe? Yes. Clones? No!

Quoting the Music Supervisor: "We need a slow and melancholy singer/songwriter track. Acoustic instrumentation with male or female vocals. Lyrics need to be about love – how a person can truly be our redemption when they're the right one."

Please submit top-notch Singer/Songwriter Songs with engaging melodies, easily memorable choruses, and an overall slow and melancholy vibe and feel. Well-crafted lyrics centered around the theme mentioned above, acoustic-based instrumentation in the general wheelhouse of the example, emotional, well-performed vocals, and solid arrangements are all needed for this request, as well. Please be sure your production is polished and any virtual sounds or samples you use are not dated-sounding and high-quality. If you have tracks that could pull at listener's heartstrings, send them in!

Lyrics that avoid references to specific names, dates, times, brands, and places will make your Songs easier to place. Please do NOT copy the referenced artist or song in any way, shape, or form. Use it as a general guide for tempo, tone, and overall 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.

The license fee for this placement is (up to) $500, depending on the ultimate use. This is a Non-Exclusive, Direct-to-Music Supervisor placement, so you’ll keep 100% ownership of your Copyright and Master Recording, plus you’ll also get 100% of the License Fee and any applicable performance royalties. You must own or control your Copyright and Master Recording to pitch for this opportunity. Please submit as many Songs as you’d like, online or per CD. All submissions will be screened and critiqued by TAXI. Submissions must be received no later than 11:59 PM (PDT) on Friday June 16th, 2023. TAXI # S230616GV

[funsongs]

With the positive aspects & potential for the song, why not post it up on the Collaboration Corner, and see about getting production help from another perspective -
mostly - someone who KNOWS CONTEMPORARY for this track.
OR - if you already know someone who's had success & placements in this genre - seek them out for a collaboration.
HTH; good luck.

[AnthonyCeseri]

thanks for the idea

[davidagates]

It's a nice song, and you've got some good pipes on you. Which is half the battle. I had quite a spell of writing in a particular "style", that didn't work out for me within these types of circles. I spent a good day listening to modern ballads, pop etc. and made notes. In the end now I can turn out a fairly good job at that sort of thing, only because I spent quite some time finding as many contemporary examples as possible.

If you've still got the stems feel free to bounce them over and I can always give them a bit of spit and polish for you when I find some time, I'll give you a break down about what I did as well, that way you'll be able to emulate it in future.

[AnthonyCeseri]

It's a nice song, and you've got some good pipes on you. Which is half the battle. I had quite a spell of writing in a particular "style", that didn't work out for me within these types of circles. I spent a good day listening to modern ballads, pop etc. and made notes. In the end now I can turn out a fairly good job at that sort of thing, only because I spent quite some time finding as many contemporary examples as possible.

Thank you, and good to know -- I appreciate the ideas

If you've still got the stems feel free to bounce them over and I can always give them a bit of spit and polish for you when I find some time, I'll give you a break down about what I did as well, that way you'll be able to emulate it in future.

Oh, that would be awesome -- thank you. How would you want me to get them to you?

[davidagates]

It's a nice song, and you've got some good pipes on you. Which is half the battle. I had quite a spell of writing in a particular "style", that didn't work out for me within these types of circles. I spent a good day listening to modern ballads, pop etc. and made notes. In the end now I can turn out a fairly good job at that sort of thing, only because I spent quite some time finding as many contemporary examples as possible.

Thank you, and good to know -- I appreciate the ideas

If you've still got the stems feel free to bounce them over and I can always give them a bit of spit and polish for you when I find some time, I'll give you a break down about what I did as well, that way you'll be able to emulate it in future.

Oh, that would be awesome -- thank you. How would you want me to get them to you?

Hiya mate,

Just get the stems on a Google drive (or similar) and send me a link.

I'm taking a very brief sabbatical as I've got a new job and training ATM (boring Water related malarkey) but I'll have a look as soon as I'm free, if that works for you?

Dave

[AnthonyCeseri]

Hiya mate,

Just get the stems on a Google drive (or similar) and send me a link.

I'm taking a very brief sabbatical as I've got a new job and training ATM (boring Water related malarkey) but I'll have a look as soon as I'm free, if that works for you?

Okay -- awesome. Gonna take me a minute before I have the chance to prep those stems anyway, so all good. Thanks again!

[AnthonyCeseri]

Hiya mate,

Just get the stems on a Google drive (or similar) and send me a link.

I'm taking a very brief sabbatical as I've got a new job and training ATM (boring Water related malarkey) but I'll have a look as soon as I'm free, if that works for you?
Dave

Sent the link to you in a pm -- thanks!