TAXI.com

OK here is the brief:

MODERN BLUES ROCK SONGS with Male Vocals are needed by the CEO of a very active Music Licensing Company whose placements include everything from Hollywood films to binge-worthy TV series and more!

This Company would love to find Mid-To-Uptempo Songs that could be found on a playlist with the following references, which we got directly from the client:

“Maktub” by Gary Clark Jr.

“Poor Boy a Long Way From Home” by The Black Keys

“Don't Owe You A Thang” by Gary Clark Jr.

“Lonely Boy” by The Black Keys

Quoting the Company's CEO: "We're currently searching for Songs with great Blues Rock energy. Great vocals are a must, and submissions should include a bluesy, affecting electric guitar, like those of the references."

Please submit Modern Blues Rock Songs with a gritty, soulful sound and plenty of power! This Company is on the hunt for Songs that blend vintage Blues-inspired grit with a modern edge. Submissions should feature strong melodic hooks, dynamic arrangements, well-written lyrics, and vocals with conviction, attitude, and authenticity. Blues-rooted instrumentation with tasteful modern elements could work well (some instrumentation to consider could be overdriven guitars, punchy drum grooves, groovy bass lines, etc.). Expressive MALE VOCALS are essential for this opportunity!

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

AI ALERT: This company can't accept or sign music that has been lyrically or melodically composed using generative AI, nor will they accept backing tracks, full instrumental tracks, or vocal performances created with AI.

This Company offers both EXCLUSIVE and NON-EXCLUSIVE deals. The specific deal points will be handled on a case-by-case basis. If you’re inclined to do an Exclusive deal, please don’t submit material for this pitch that you've already signed with other libraries or publishers. You must own or control your Master and Copyright to submit for this opportunity, and you need to be affiliated with a Performing Rights Organization for this company to include your music in their catalog. Time permitting, someone from the Music Licensing Company (who has been trained as a TAXI Screener) may screen some or all of the submissions. Please submit as many Songs as you'd like, online or per CD. Submissions must be received no later than 11:59 PM (PST) on Saturday, June 28th, 2025. TAXI # S250628BR

I have submitted to stuff like this in the past, a few forwards, a few returns, no deals yet however..... However, I usually I miss the "Modern" mark on these types of briefs. I am about to get started on this one, so what does that mean exactly?? For me, the Blues are the Blues..... Nothing "Modern" about Blues..... Just because the Black Keys record a blues track, does not make it "modern" to my ears... Same with Gary Clark Jr..... I understand that the references are higher energy, higher tempo, so a "Stormy Monday" or "Thrill is Gone" type of vibe is not going to work here, but "Modern?" If anyone can chime in on this, it would be greatly helpful - Thanks!

Brad, just my two cents.
I think a lot of it comes down to the guitar tone—if it leans too much toward hard rock or traditional blues, it won’t feel modern.
Try listening to the guitar tone in songs by The Black Keys and see if you can shape yours in a similar direction.

A modern melody and a youthful, slightly saturated vocal can also make a big difference.
I bring this up because I had a song returned last year with similar feedback—the guitar sounded too hard rock and not contemporary enough.

Good luck!

WSAO wrote: ↑

Fri Jun 13, 2025 4:55 am

Brad, just my two cents.
I think a lot of it comes down to the guitar tone—if it leans too much toward hard rock or traditional blues, it won’t feel modern.
Try listening to the guitar tone in songs by The Black Keys and see if you can shape yours in a similar direction.

A modern melody and a youthful, slightly saturated vocal can also make a big difference.
I bring this up because I had a song returned last year with similar feedback—the guitar sounded too hard rock and not contemporary enough.

Good luck!

Great points Andre! Yeah I hear ya Dude...I have had returns because of "not modern enough, too traditional" (slower tempo, heavy resonator/dobro), as well as using my usual heavy compressed rock drums and big guitars..... Will def pay attention to this, and thanks as always!

I hear indie blues/rock as being descended more from 60s garage rock and 70s/80s punk than from classic rock/blues ala Hendrix/Clapton etc. No emphasis on guitar virtuosity, if there's a guitar solo it's about attitude, avoid slickness. Distorted vocals, roomy sounding drums, allow for some character sloppiness, avoid being too tied to the grid. They're generally not using strats/les pauls/Fenders/Marshalls/Vox. Farfisa over B3.

Just a few random thoughts, good luck!

EO

Lurker following this interesting thread; reading what appear to be 'seasoned & experienced' suggestions & comments.
Now anxious to hear & read about THEM CHANGES (pardon the Band of Gypsys ref - Hendrix fan here) you make to get
The Blues to sound 'modern' enough for the screener & client ears to respond:
"I'd like a copy of that!" (ala RR panelists).

Good luck, Amigo Bradley;
from Peter in The Peanut Gallery.