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when to take advice from critics

Posted: Thu Jan 10, 2008 8:02 am
by ping
Hey there song writers just wanted to drop a note on this whole forward thing.I have had two forwards out of 5 songs and one song I listened to what the screener said and I went back and re cut the song with some changes. You don't always have to follow the advice if your gut instincs tell you otherwise.Experienced song writers should submit their material to several listings and get a variety of oppinions. I'ts amasing the contrast between different critics, so don't be too quick to change!I also think it is very important to produce your music, if you really believe in it show the screener the finished product.No matter what people say they are impressed with production.Dave Pingel

Re: when to take advice from critics

Posted: Thu Jan 10, 2008 8:06 am
by sgs4u
Nice first post Dave. I agree completely, with every word.Quote:Hey there song writers just wanted to drop a note on this whole forward thing.I have had two forwards out of 5 songs and one song I listened to what the screener said and I went back and re cut the song with some changes. You don't always have to follow the advice if your gut instincs tell you otherwise.Experienced song writers should submit their material to several listings and get a variety of oppinions. I'ts amasing the contrast between different critics, so don't be too quick to change!I also think it is very important to produce your music, if you really believe in it show the screener the finished product.No matter what people say they are impressed with production.Dave Pingel

Re: when to take advice from critics

Posted: Thu Jan 10, 2008 10:15 am
by hummingbird
Quote:Hey there song writers just wanted to drop a note on this whole forward thing.I have had two forwards out of 5 songs and one song I listened to what the screener said and I went back and re cut the song with some changes. You don't always have to follow the advice if your gut instincs tell you otherwise.Experienced song writers should submit their material to several listings and get a variety of oppinions. I'ts amasing the contrast between different critics, so don't be too quick to change!I also think it is very important to produce your music, if you really believe in it show the screener the finished product.No matter what people say they are impressed with production.Dave PingelThis is excellent advice. You may get comments from a screener and not feel ready to change your work... but you can take what you learned from that return and put it into the next piece of music you create. OTOH, if several screeners say a piece needs work, then IMO you need to listen. Sometimes their advice may vary, because they each are trying, within their circle of expertise, to help you improve the song so that it might make the grade.Production does matter - whether it's a guitar/vocal or piano/vocal or fully fledged back-up - the playing and singing has to be top notch & the demo has to be clean & clear & well mixed.And welcome aboard -- look forward to hearing more from youcheersHummin'bird

Re: when to take advice from critics

Posted: Sun Jan 13, 2008 2:13 pm
by reggiesnd1
Foe sho playboi well said!

Re: when to take advice from critics

Posted: Sat Jan 19, 2008 3:36 pm
by dabresk
I agree with Hummingbird. I had a song that was returned because they felt the instrumentation could be different. I took their advice, rearranged the song (to my liking and with a touch of their advice) and bingo, it was forwarded on the next try. Sometimes when I get a return on a song that I really believed hit the mark, i get a bit angry. Then I play the tune over and over andtry to put myself in their shoes. Most of the time, they are correct. Not always though. Remember, their goal is to get your song forwarded. The same goal that you have.The advice I have received has been extremely good, not only from the screeners, but from the folks in these forums (the ones who have been around here for awhile). I always check out their material (if they have a web page or they post their Taxi hosting site). I have spent a lot of time listening to Hummingbird's, Gitarrero, Dave Walton, Andre...etc etc etc., and I learn from each of them. Their all great people out there. Ad, as a result, my forward rate has increased dramatically!Welcome, my friend!