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what makes something the C word? LOL seems its all been done and being recycled . why is it now contemporary if so and so uses it? I hear things from the 60's 70's 80's etc. being use in "contemporary music" .. rock , country etc.... but when I use it its dated .. if your a kid and use it its contemporary... I am frustrated and need some advise on that. I have all the Robin Fredricks books ( I use all her tips when possible) and I have been writing my whole life... Suddenly contemporary is really confusing me hahah

Good Question! I'd like to know that too.

From my limited time with Taxi, I've come to make a few assertions:
1. mash up something old with something new = C
2. have an essential component of a production meet modern tastes (drums & bass, or vocals?) = C

It'll be interesting to read the thoughts of others

ps.. I been with Taxi 3yrs. why does it say "newbie" ??

Gillihan wrote: ↑

Thu Feb 23, 2023 9:41 am

ps.. I been with Taxi 3yrs. why does it say "newbie" ??

The words located adjacent to your avatar photo have nothing to do with how long you've been a TAXI member, or one who participates on these forums;
(you don't have to be a TAXI member to use this very public platform) -
the "Newbie", in your case, is connected with the number of comments you have posted. The more time you post a comment, that designation will change, 'upscale'.
"Total Pro" only means that person has posted MANY comments here.

Hope that helps.

To this old guy, Contemporary, too many times - means a computer program has taken the place of a live drummer = major bummer.
What used to require some level of competent musicianship skill has mostly been replaced by computer-programming skills.
Fine for sending rockets into space, and being able to retrieve them, but pretty stoic and sterile for 'feel-good', real music - whether it's old, new, or a combination.
If it's Country: it's gonna have fiddle and pedal-steel guitar.

Your Mileage May Vary.

THANKS Funsongs!! This is already cool. I like knowing I am not alone here.

There's a lot of factors including melody, lyrics, phrasing, and engineering/production. And yes, some contemporary sound retro but not all.

Listen to what's on the Billboard charts in the genre you write in. Pay attention to the factors above. Singer's phrasing? Instrumentation? Drums? Mixing techniques- compression, panning, amount of reverb, and all those techie things. Youthful vocal (doesn't sound like an older guy singing) helps. A/B listen between your song and one on the charts. Watch Taxi TV as this is discussed often.

https://robinfrederick.com/how-to-write ... temporary/

Casey

Thanks Casey H, I am grateful for your advise. I try to soak up all the taxi TV stuff etc. it just seems certain things make it sound cookie cutter to me. I get what you are saying though and I do that stuff a lot when I write for contemporary listings... I've even made "ghost songs" from radio hits and the listing examples. I really do get it for the most part. just a little hit and miss still. I have gotten "its too contemporary for classic country" then I send it for Contemporary and it's "not contemporary enough". then I get forwarded on something I think is neither. Then I do a retro 80's rock tune I get "great tune too 80's to be retro" That's why I got on here. I wanna learn all I can and collaborate with other people that get it. I gotta make this work. I know I can/ GOD IS GOOD!

Gillihan wrote: ↑

Thu Feb 23, 2023 3:33 pm

Thanks Casey H, I am grateful for your advise. I try to soak up all the taxi TV stuff etc. it just seems certain things make it sound cookie cutter to me. I get what you are saying though and I do that stuff a lot when I write for contemporary listings... I've even made "ghost songs" from radio hits and the listing examples. I really do get it for the most part. just a little hit and miss still. I have gotten "its too contemporary for classic country" then I send it for Contemporary and it's "not contemporary enough". then I get forwarded on something I think is neither. Then I do a retro 80's rock tune I get "great tune too 80's to be retro" That's why I got on here. I wanna learn all I can and collaborate with other people that get it. I gotta make this work. I know I can/ GOD IS GOOD!

It sounds like you are doing all the right things though I haven't listened to your songs along with reading the listing text and feedback. Keep in mind that Taxi listings are fairly specific requests and Taxi returns do not always reflect on how marketable your track might be for other listings or other library opportunities. If you don't see a pattern of feedback that there are problems with performance, engineering, production, mix, etc. you are on a good track. If there is such a pattern, definitely use the feedback to become better at what you do.

I've seen members get return after return for months on end and then suddenly a forward and a deal. Keep on doing! Write, Submit, Forget, Repeat.

Casey

Short answer: if it is "Billie Eilish" it's contemporary, if it's "Billie Holiday". It's not. I think

songmaster wrote: ↑

Fri Feb 24, 2023 6:43 am

Short answer: if it is "Billie Eilish" it's contemporary, if it's "Billie Holiday". It's not. I think

There ya go.