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Hello! This is my first time posting on the board. I was hoping I borrow from the collective wisdom of the taxi forum.

I'm considering submitting 3 songs: "Let It Go", "Find You", and "Home" to two upcoming listings. (You can listen to the songs here.)

I'm hoping for your thoughts/advice on whether these songs are on target for the listings and if they would have a real shot at being forwarded. Thanks for your time and help!

Here are the summaries for the listings I'm looking at submitting to:

ARTSY FEMALE SINGER-SONGWRITERS a la Regina Spektor, Kate Nash, Rachel Yamagata, etc., needed by A&R Exec at a Major Label. He isn't looking for a Colbie Callait style here - you must have an eclectic and credible vibe while also maintaining obvious commercial appeal. You'll be at a high level of exposure if you are able to catch the ear of this label Exec so vocal and instrumental demo performances must be top-notch! Please submit two to three songs online or per CD, include lyrics/photo/bio. All submissions will be screened and critiqued by TAXI and must be received no later than Wednesday, March 23, 2011.
TAXI # S110323SS

YOUTHFUL FEMALE SINGER-SONGWRITERS a la Sara Bareilles, Nelly McKay, Regina Spektor, Imogen Heap, Ingrid Michaelson, Kate Nash, etc., needed by the VP of A&R at a major Independent label. They're looking for artists who are commercially competitive at college and mainstream radio with the artists listed. A well-developed, personal style, strong, evocative songs that capture the listener's attention, and a compelling vocal sound are a must! This company wants artists that are proactive about their careers, so be sure to include the highlights and latest news in your bio (CD sales, radio, touring). They want the whole package - great look and style, distinctive vocals, solid musicianship and songs that are ready to showcase. Please submit two to three songs online or per CD, include lyrics, photo and bio. All submissions will be screened and critiqued by TAXI and must be received no later than Friday, March 25, 2011.
TAXI # S110325SS

Hi Kelci,
Listened to your songs and found them really impressive. Really liked Let it Go and Home, great arrangements and dynamics. My only critique would be that the intro for Find You is quite long, vocal starts at 30 seconds. Maybe wait to bring in the drums later to make a dynamic change.
I'm not too familiar with the artists in the listings but your recordings sound great so best of luck!

Sincerely,

Hi there - Really nice work here, I'm impressed! My only quibble, and this has been gone over extensively on these forums, is the auto tune issue. I realize it's a popular sound now but i would encourage you, if you haven't already, to get mixes of these tunes without the auto tune or at least without the obvious, effected auto tune sound. Just in case ...

Nice work!

eo

Hi eo,

Thanks for your thoughts. I'm curious though, which song are you referring to having an auto-tune effect? If you're looking the verses of "Find You" it's actually not an effect done with anything but Brianna's voice. She really is changing notes pretty rapidly/distinctly, similar to a vocal style that Regina Spektor uses in a few of her songs.

Kelcy

I hear the auto tune artifacts most distinctly on "Let It Go". I realize she's singing all those notes on "Find You" but I still hear the auto tune, unless I don't and there is no auto tune on that song? It's just that she's obviously a great singer and I'd love to hear a more natural mix, but that's just me, as is it's still very well done!

eo

Eo,

Ah, I see what your saying. Thanks for the input/advice!

Kelcy

Hey Kelcy, I listened to the tracks and I think they are right on target for these listings. I didn't hear any audible auto-tune artifacts on the vocals and you're voice sounds great. I agree about the intro being a touch too long on "Find You". It would be good for the album, but not pitching. I think an 8 bar intro would be perfect there...just my opinion, of course. Good luck with these listings! You certainly have the talent. --Brooke