TAXI.com

Reference 1
[url="Stay Out" by half.cool]Reference 2[/url]
Reference 3

My Track

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I think you could improve this song by
This track has some cool parts to it, but the drums do not fit this track well; it needs more contemporary sound samples. Additionally, the arrangement needs more variety, particularly toward the end. Also, this track should have a more impactful ending, and I would end it at the 1:49 mark on the downbeat.

I returned or forwarded this song because
This track needs a more developed arrangement, and it also requires updated drum samples to sound more modern.

I was trying really hard to get my drums to sound like Reference 1. Any thoughts?

I need to break this streak of returns. It's getting harder to motivate myself to show up and compose.

Hey Mike,

So, the only link that works is yours - the other two don't...

In terms of what I heard right now without uh... referencing the references, yeah, the drums need some work. For one, they don't sound as polished as the rest of the production, which is really good! (Love the Unthinkable - I'm Ready vibe.)

I've done the A section thing with the change being the breakdown like what you have here... and have gotten those song returns from doing that... So, I'm working to actually either write real B sections or really tighten up the breakdowns.

And the note about the ending is spot on..

Hang in there brother. Just have to keep showing up, and know that success will come. It's just super-slow.. You've had success so you know what it is...

Lately, I've been motivating myself by not thinking about the whole process of the business, but by just really digging into the music itself, whatever it is. Making sure that I continue to nurture what I love about it all.. Mind you, I still have to research the hell out of everything to get even close, but I am remembering lately to continue to listen and play. It seems to be helping a little.

All the best,
Mark

Hi Mike,

Yeah, the reference links don't work but I found the first one and listened to it. I see what you mean about trying to match your drums to the Half Cool track--the overall vibe is the same, but your kick and snare sound way different. Yours sound like an old school boom bap acoustic drum set in someone's basement--which is a really cool sound!--but that's not at all the same as the tight kick and snare of the reference. I don't know what the listing asked for but I agree with Mark that your production sounds slick and modern but the drums stick out as being much more analog/old school in comparison.

As far as arrangement, i also agree that it kind of flags at the end. Some little melodic flourish or percussive element in the last 8 or 16 bars would do the trick, plus end it like the screener said.

I feel your pain. I hit my year mark with Taxi back in March and up to that point had been on a roll, but since then have had a number of frustrating returns (not to mention crickets from all the forwards). I've also talked to a number of folks who have said that library responses are particularly slow to non-existent right now.

I'm in the same boat as Mark--just trying to keep focused on making music I like and feel good about, and not worrying about the stuff I can't control.

Keep going! You write cool stuff and you'll get back on the forward train soon enough I'm sure.


Geoff