TAXI.com

Do you guys think this is a country song? do you have any constructive feedback? i know the live version may not be ideal, but i have a studio version that is the same structure-wise. i'm more interested in any thoughts about the song itself, lyrics, basically the taxi form, what would the screeners say? (if they were critiquing it, which they arent).heres the listing:CONTEMPORARY COUNTRY SONGS that lean more toward Traditional than Pop are needed by the Director of A&R at Major Nashville Label for a Pop/Rock artist making his first Country CD. Think along the lines of Brad Paisley and Kenny Chesney. All tempos are OK. Lyrically, he's open light-hearted stories as well as serious, deep topics. Nothing silly, though. Great hooks, melodies, and conversational lyrics needed. This company sought songs earlier in the year and now are in "we need a hit song now" mode, so if you were forwarded for S070727CO, please do not submit the same material. They're looking for new, fresh HITS. Please submit one to three songs online or per CD, include lyrics. All submissions will be screened on a YES/NO BASIS ONLY - NO CRITIQUES FROM TAXI. etc...and my song: Virginiahttp://www.taximusic.com/hosting/home.php?user ... Virginia”I walk down Boylston and it feels like you are there.Like a ghost from when we used to talk, from a time when we both cared.We go by all the places you would take me to at night,And other places where I’d meet you in the daylight.I feel like we built this city, there’s a memory for every place.In a window-mirror reflection I swear I see your face.We’d talk of dreams and where we’d move to if the money came.I don’t know if you made it, but I’m going all the same.I don’t think you ever made it to Virginia. Maybe if I go there I could start again. It’s not New York or Paris, or other places that I’ve been, But I could see me hitching a ride down there.Maybe in Virginia I’d have a prayer.I walk past the first place that I kissed you.The wind suddenly moves, this is something that I try to see through.There’s a park bench where we used to sit to see the swans,And the wings of birds make me feel like moving on.And like a long and winding road I’m rolling on.Wherever you are I hope that you are happy.I’d always thought we’d meet again.Maybe if the wind blows right you’ll feel me.Maybe the wind is you touching my skin.

Sorry Chris, the link to your song does not work.Cisco

Quote:Sorry Chris, the link to your song does not work.CiscoDittoI'm asked to log in. I think the link should be different -- somebody with more experience should be able to help. I use Soundclick for uploading my music, so I'm sorry I'm not more help.Larry

fixed the link up there. i cant figure out how to make a song strem from here and a search was inconclusive. thanks in advance for the help...http://www.taximusic.com/hosting/home.php?userid=11515

Hey Chris,I took a listen and this really isn't a country song. I think this is more of a folk song or somewhat singer songwriter. It might work as an alternative country song, but the instrumentation needs to be changed to take it there.for that I would listen to some recent Steve Earle to get an idea of what alt-country sounds like.Hope this helps.Cisco

Chris, There are some good ideas there, one thing to keep in mind is this is an extremely high bar listing. (It's not easy being a screener, I'd prefer to forward everything )One thing that has changed, the old adage about the quality of a song demo not being important has changed. with so many people able to make great sounding music in there homes now, a live demo like this will be at a serious disadvantage.I also don't feel the song itself misses the listing on a few fronts. I agree with Cisco, that it doesn't feel like a contemporary country song.I feel it also misses these points:Great hooks, melodies, and conversational lyrics needed"we need a hit song now"the melody is good, not great. the hook is not nearly strong enough for this type of listing.There are forum members here (sorry I forgot who it was) who buy a lottery ticket for every high bar country listing they submit too, since the odds are better that you hit the lottery then to place this type of listings.I'm not saying you shouldn't try, just that you have more to do (we all do)Do a search on High bar listings/ Nashville and you should find some good info on what these listings are looking for.Keep going, you are on the right track.Rob

Hey Chris,Rob makes some excellent points.These are some of the highest of the high bar listings. You have to realize that any song submitted to this listing has to be on par or better than what any of the Nashville writers are doing.And those guys are some of the best songwriters on the planet so that gives you an idea to what you are aiming for here.I agree with Rob, it doesn't mean you shouldn't try. Stay tuned to this forum and pick up some excellent tips and advice.Best,Cisco

thank you both for your feedback, your posts been most helpful. i think the hardest thing for me is figuring out the genre of some of these songs. the problem is that i was actually trying to write a contry song when i worte this, so that is obviously problematic for me. i definitely dont think i would submit this particular version, i have a studio version, but i am thinking this isnt even the type of song theyre looking for. do you think the structure works overall? do the lyrics seem good? i have a lot of work to do, thanks again guys...

this genre thing is tough to figure out. i think ill buy a lottery ticket instead. THANKS EVERYONE!