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Hello all, and thank you for clicking.

This submission was for a listing for a Chicago Blues tune, ref. song being Howlin Wolf’s “Back Door Man”. This was the first time I wrote a song specifically for the brief and thought I had it nailed. I went with the rudimentary ensemble & recording style of the era with similar instrumentation, BPM, length, etc. But it was returned due to “Mood / Vibe is off target with the listing request.” Also, the reviewer thought it was “campy/comedic/quirky”. IMHO, I believe these same comments could be made about the ref song itself. So, what am I missing? As I try to identify what the reviewer is referring to, I keep coming back to “but the ref song….” Thus, why I’m reaching out for help/opinions. Thanks for your thoughts and, in the meantime, I’m off to write the next one! With your help, maybe I can get better!

Listing: https://www.taxi.com/listings/S240619BD

My submission: https://www.taxi.com/members/GXLOl77pR0 ... in-creeper

Feedback: https://www.taxi.com/members/GXLOl77pR0 ... 9l4KDcPNJQ

Vocal reminds me more of Kelsey Grammer doing the theme tune to Frasier than it does an authentic Howlin' Wolf vibe

Telefunkin wrote: ↑

Tue Jun 25, 2024 1:03 am

Hi,
The link to the listing takes us to the whole listings page rather than the specific one, and once the listing has expired it won't be there anyway.

The thing about Howlin' Wolf is the authentic blues feel and attitude his delivery imparts. The basic backing track for your submission is good but IMHO that authenticity is not there in the vocal. Also, the track is just 1-bar repeated over and over (so other than the vocal and the occasional lead guitar motif its the same all the way through), there are no dynamics or edit points so it offers no options for TV editors, and it has a faded ending rather than a button ending (a basic requirement for all submissions). Therefore, I think the track as it stands would struggle to get through on a number of points.

I hope that helps .

Hi Telefunkin,

Thanks for your input. Funny as the listing link works for me, but perhaps via a cache. I'll post the listing below. The song is for use in a Indie film where "Back Door Man" is a placeholder so I emulated it's production including the A only section and fade ending. While I thought about trying some kind of voice similar to Howlin Wolf I opted for my Baritone. I guess it was just too "whitebread" ...

CHICAGO-Style BLUES SONGS with MALE Vocals are needed for an (up to) $300 Direct-to-Filmmaker/Director Placement in an upcoming Indie Feature Film.

NOTE: This film's Director is BRAND NEW to requesting music from TAXI's members, so this is a great chance to make some money upfront while having the opportunity for this Director to get to know you and your music for future films he directs!

IMPORTANT: Because you'd be licensing directly to the film's Director and not going through a publisher, you’ll keep 100% ownership of your Copyright and Master Recordings, plus you’ll also get 100% of the License Fee and any applicable performance royalties.

The Director is looking for Songs that could work as a replacement for "Back Door Man" by Howlin' Wolf, which is currently temped in:

"Back Door Man" by Howlin' Wolf

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

Please submit well-crafted Chicago Blues Songs full of soulful, expressive energy and plenty of tasteful blues guitar licks! Your submissions should have engaging rhythms, powerful hooks, blues-inspired motifs, and well-crafted lyrics. Instrumentation that's in the general stylistic wheelhouse of the reference Song and others like it will work best, such as guitars, harmonica, piano, bass, drums, etc. Please make sure any virtual instruments or samples you use are high-quality and very realistic. Expressive Male vocals performed with conviction are the way to go!

NOTE: This Film Producer is open to 1) Recently-recorded Blues Songs with modern production 2) Recently-recorded Blues Songs that were made to sound old/vintage or 3) actual vintage Blues Songs that were recorded back in the day. Whichever approach you take, please ensure your submissions have the right sound, style, and vibe!

Lyrics that avoid references to specific names, dates, times, places, brands, and profanity could make your Songs easier to place. Please do NOT copy the referenced Songs or artists in any way, shape, or form. Use the reference only as a general guide for tempo, texture, and tone. Do NOT submit any material with unauthorized samples of any other artists’ music, sounds, or any other form of media. Broadcast Quality is needed.

cosmicdolphin wrote: ↑

Tue Jun 25, 2024 7:42 am

Vocal reminds me more of Kelsey Grammer doing the theme tune to Frasier than it does an authentic Howlin' Wolf vibe

Funny as I've had strangers come up to me to say I look like Kelsey Grammer. But your point gives me a chuckle (there's the humor the reviewer mentioned ) and I get what you mean; well put.

Thank you for your comments.