Wednesday, October 1, 2008

AA/Alternative/Modern Rock 


TAXI # S060721IR 


INDIE/ALT. ROCK/POP BANDS with a distinct CLASSIC/GARAGE ROCK influence a la the Magic Number, the Greenhornes, the Brian Jonestown Massacre, The Mooney Suzuki, etc. are wanted by the Dir. of A&R at a Major Indie Label. Solid songwriting chops and unique vocals are key. Having a loyal regional following/touring experience is a bonus. She wants to find a cool, young band with obvious talent and the drive to do what it takes to succeed on the next level. 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 July 21, 2006. TAXI # S060721IR

Name: Michael Epstein Listing # S060721IR 


Title: Thundarr

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 (10=best) 
8 Music 
8 Lyrics 
7 Marketability 
7 Arrangement 
7 Production 
8 Engineering 
7 Musicianship 
8 Lead Vocal 

Unusual lyric imagery immediately captivates. Brass is an unexpected touch. I like the vocal sound. Arrange,ent could have more dynamic to differentiate chorus and verse but I appreciate the originality in the approach. 


Title: Grace Kelly

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 (10=best) 
8 Music 
8 Lyrics 
8 Marketability 
8 Arrangement 
8 Production 
8 Engineering 
8 Musicianship 
8 Lead Vocal 

I like your chorus and the verses, though wordy, show a keen sense of humour and an original perspective. The part that let's me down is the bridge - 'Because she wants to' section - the lyrics there don't sit comfortably - it sounds awkward. 


Title: Satellite

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 (10=best) 
8 Music 
8 Lyrics 
7 Marketability 
7 Arrangement 
7 Production 
7 Engineering 
7 Musicianship 
8 Lead Vocal 

Really captivating lyric imagery, a playful, absurd approach. Vocal delivery is kind of lazy, a bit monotone belying the droll lyrics. If you could somehow change it up for the chorus you would maintain interest. I like that 'bigger they are' section - makes for a good melodic change. 


Style 
On target for this listing 

Overall Comments: 
Michael. thanks for sending in your songs. I think you are definitely coming from the right place in the context of this listing. The absurd lyric imagery, the sultry, nonchalant vocal delivery (you could spice it up in some places to create interest), and the interesting arrangements seem to be in the ballpark here. Good luck. 

Bio Comments: 
Good presentation. 

The main reason you were forwarded for this listing is: 
On target. 

Status: Forward 

Listener ID # 147




AAA/Alternative/Modern Rock 
TAXI # S060719MR 


MODERN/ALTERNATIVE ROCK BANDS in the general vein of Weezer, the White Stripes, the Raconteurs, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Gomez, etc. are wanted by a NY-based Prod/Mgmt. Co. that’s owned by an Industry veteran. Not only is he seeking artists to represent himself, but he also consults for a very artist-friendly Major Label. Great songs, hooks, looks, vocals, over-all vibe -- he’s looking for that special package. Extensive touring experience a plus. 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 July 19, 2006. TAXI # S060719MR

Name: Michael Epstein Listing # S060719MR 


Title: Grace Kelly

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 (10=best) 
8 Music 
9 Lyrics 
7 Marketability 
7 Arrangement 
7 Production 
7 Engineering 
7 Musicianship 
7 Lead Vocal 

Excellent character development. You have created some powerful hooks from both the lyrical and musical side of things. There is some separation between the verse and chorus. The guitar and drums tend towards the same role within each section. Any way to bring in some slight distinctions so that those roles can be separate and, as a result, offer clear and defined deliveries.


Title: The Day After

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 (10=best) 
8 Music 
7 Lyrics 
7 Marketability 
7 Arrangement 
7 Production 
7 Engineering 
8 Musicianship 
8 Lead Vocal 

Another solid use of lyrical and musical hooks to capture the ears and minds of listeners. Lyrically, the story line is consistent and well laid out. The lyrics lean a little towards the literary. You have countered the literary verse by bringing in a repetitive chorus. My only suggestion would be to bring more understand and meaning into that repeated chorus lyrical hook. you may also want to offer more meaning towards the atonement that is mentioned in each verse.


Title: Satellite

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 (10=best) 
8 Music 
8 Lyrics 
7 Marketability 
8 Arrangement 
7 Production 
7 Engineering 
8 Musicianship 
8 Lead Vocal 

Great use of the fuzz guitar effect. It is a nice balance for the bounce and lightness within the arrangement and lyrics. You may want to offer that fuzz in moderation so that when it appears it will be more of a surprise. Constant use will take it out of an effect and bring it more into the realm of too repetitive and noticeable. 


Style 
Not close enough to what listing asked for 

Singer/songwriter




Overall Comments: 
Your songs are well crafted, Michael. With the exception of the minor suggestions that I made they seem ready to go. You have a strong sense of song structure. To my ears, the style leans more towards a singer/songwriter approach to the Rock/Pop genre in the vein of bands such as barenaked Ladies and Fountains of Wayne. Smart pop for thinking folks. your songs can cross that barrier into the mainstream fairly easily though be careful of your lyrics. They are very well designed though think about whose ears the words fall on. As I mentioned in "The Day After", your words can come across as too smart at times. This can be remedied by the well placed and repetitive choruses as long as a meaning of the lyrical hook is already embedded in the minds of listeners. 

Bio Comments: 
Very good bio. Consider bringing in more number to add further value. Fan base/ live shows per year? Are you associated with NACA for shows? 

The main reason you were not forwarded for this listing is: 
Songs need further development to bring in stronger separations between sections. 

Status: Return 

Listener ID # 216


Singer/Songwriter 
TAXI # Y060719SS 


Young and commercially-viable SINGER-SONGWRITER ARTISTS in the general range of Fiona Apple, Howie Day, KT Tunstall, Gavin DeGraw, Natasha Bedingfield, Conor Oberst, etc. are being sought by the VP of A&R at a Major Publishing Co. Possessing great commercial songs is key -- and displaying great/unique vocals. She’d love to find an artist that also has a strong local/regional following, but it’s not necessary. Are you a band that can move 100,000 units, place songs on Fox TV shows and still keep your cred? If so, apply here. Please submit two to three songs online or per CD, include lyrics/photo/bio. All submissions will be screened on a YES/NO BASIS ONLY - NO CRITIQUES FROM TAXI. For ground submissions, please enclose a S.A.S.E. if you would like a response. Submissions must be received no later than July 19, 2006. TAXI # Y060719SS

Name: Michael Epstein Listing # Y060719SS Status: Return 


Song Name: 
Thundarr 
Pre-Existing Condition 
Satellite



AA/Alternative/Modern Rock 

TAXI # D060718IP

An LA-based Movie Trailer Company needs INDIE POP SONGS with MALE VOCALS in the vein of Snow Patrol, the Shins, Iron & Wine, Coldplay, etc. for an upcoming feature film spot. Mid tempo songs are preferred, but they’ll consider all tempos right now. They want a song that has an organic sound [nothing too electronic] and incorporates mostly acoustic instruments. Electric instruments are OK, but they shouldn’t be the emphasis of the song -- no huge lead guitar riff, not much of a keyboard sound, etc. Think more of a Lo-Fi sound: acoustic guitar, piano, horns, marimba, etc. They want a full band sound. While the music should be melancholy, lyrically they’re seeking subtly-stated positive themes such as: redemption; moving forward in life; growing as an adult. Think of the movie “Garden State” -- they’re seeking that kind of wistful vibe. **PLEASE NOTE: They need material by noon-time this coming Tuesday the 18th, so if you wish to be considered for this project, your submission m
ust be rec’d by the deadline date & time. Songs must be Broadcast Quality (excellent sounding home recordings are OK). 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. For ground submissions, please enclose a S.A.S.E. if you would like a response. As always, we will notify everyone via e-mail, whether your submissions have been Forwarded or Returned. Submissions must be received no later than 10:00 AM Pacific Standard Time (California time), Tuesday, July 18, 2006. TAXI # D060718IP

Name: Michael Epstein Listing # D060718IP Song Title: Thundarr 
Status: Forward 
Company: Good Spot
Name: Michael Epstein Listing # D060718IP Song Title: The Day After 
Status: Forward 
Company: Good Spot
Name: Michael Epstein Listing # D060718IP Song Title: Satellite 
Status: Forward 
Company: Good Spot

AAA/Alternative/Modern Rock 
TAXI # S060707AL 


ALTERNATIVE ROCK ARTISTS in the general range of the Red Hot Chili Peppers, H.I.M., the Flaming Lips, Sleater-Kinney, the Arcade Fire, the Subways, etc. sought by Director of A&R of an Indie Label with major distribution. He is looking for unique rock bands - out of the ordinary, you don’t need to sound like what’s currently playing on the radio, but you must have obvious talent & great songs. A great image/live show is necessary & a substantial following at this stage is a bonus. Please submit two to three songs online or per CD/cassette, include photo/bio. All submissions will be screened and critiqued by TAXI and must be received no later than July 7, 2006. TAXI # S060707AL


Name: Michael Epstein Listing # S060707AL 


Title: Grace Kelly

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 (10=best) 
8 Music 
8 Lyrics 
8 Marketability 
8 Arrangement 
8 Production 
8 Engineering 
8 Musicianship 
8 Lead Vocal 

Very clever song! Really cool !


Title: The Day After

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 (10=best) 
8 Music 
8 Lyrics 
8 Marketability 
8 Arrangement 
8 Production 
8 Engineering 
8 Musicianship 
8 Lead Vocal 

Catchy song and very cute (hopefully you'll take that as a compliment). I personally, had a hard time connecting with your main message - that being The Day After. What I was connecting to best was My Lips Will Be Shrieking. I'm wondering if you could simply re title your song to that?


Title: Satellite

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 (10=best) 
8 Music 
7 Lyrics 
8 Marketability 
8 Arrangement 
8 Production 
8 Engineering 
8 Musicianship 
8 Lead Vocal 

GREAT LYRICS. Funyn lyrics! Very clever! I was not sure where the chorus was. I think it's:every depressing song rings so true every depressing song rings so true it'll never be the same without you - which I didn't think was as strong as your verses. Perhapds readdress your chorus section and see if you can write lyrics that are as clever and strong as your verse lyrics. You want something that is going to sum up the feeling you get from your verses (which I think is depression - but again - you want lyrics that are going to be stronger than your verses). Easy for me to say, huh! Stil, pretty great job and as compared to the ala artists' in this section and the singles that broke them I think this song still holds up and works.


Style 
On target for this listing 

Overall Comments: 
Hey Michael and the Motion Sick, Thanks so much for being taxi members and for submitting to this listing. I think you write such clever lyrics. You also write catchy melodies and use non-traditional instruments that like your lyrics, keep things clever and fresh. Nice job. I think there are some small issues in some of your songs (like in Satellite - see individual song box), but overall your tracks to me feel like they work for this listing. Your experiencec and success in your bio also influenced me. I wish you all the best with this listing! Good luck! 

Bio Comments: 
Bio looks good! Very impressive! 

The main reason you were forwarded for this listing is: 
Songs are catchy and you feel like both by your songs and your expereince you are ready for the level of this listing. 

Status: Forward 

Listener ID # 185


Singer/Songwriter 


TAXI # S060707SS 


Commercially-appealing SINGER-SONGWRITERS/AAA ARTISTS a la Howie Day, KT Tunstall, Pete Yorn, Aimee Mann, Dido, Rufus Wainwright, etc. sought by the Director of A&R at a Major Label. Amazing vocals/great songs/unique image/interesting story/loyal following -- he wants evidence of it all. Please submit two to three songs per CD/cassette/online, include lyrics/photo/bio. All submissions will be screened and critiqued by TAXI and must be received no later than July 7, 2006. TAXI # S060707SS

Name: Michael Epstein Listing # S060707SS 


Title: Thundarr

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 (10=best) 
8 Music 
9 Lyrics 
9 Marketability 
9 Arrangement 
8 Production 
8 Engineering 
9 Musicianship 
8 Lead Vocal 

very cool. 


Title: Grace Kelly

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 (10=best) 
9 Music 
9 Lyrics 
9 Marketability 
9 Arrangement 
9 Production 
9 Engineering 
9 Musicianship 
9 Lead Vocal 

Love it!


Title: Satellite

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 (10=best) 
9 Music 
9 Lyrics 
9 Marketability 
9 Arrangement 
9 Production 
9 Engineering 
9 Musicianship 
9 Lead Vocal 

Great melodies, great lyrics, creative arrangement and production. Brilliant hook, "Size doesn't matter". 


Style 
On target for this listing 


Overall Comments: 
Dear Michael, song # 1 Excellent twisted lyrics. Imaginative, poetic, clever and intelligent. The treatment and style is fresh and inventive. You are dangerous and true to yourself. and your artist vision is accessible. a pleasant listen for sure. song # 2 Great title. Great mood. Excellent story line. Hooky melody. Good job. song # 3 Once again excellent lyrics, great imagination here. "Every depressing song rings true". "Even with a flame thrower I could never start a fire" Great. "Size never matters at the end of it all" Brilliant!!!! I am sure we will be hearing about you in the future. 

Bio Comments: 
Great photo. Great artist vision which is obvious by the quick response to your music. 

The main reason you were forwarded for this listing is: 
Great undiscovered indie band. Solid artist identity. Deserves to be heard. Definite forward. Much potential.

Status: Forward 

Listener ID # 213


AAA/Alternative/Modern Rock 
TAXI # D060705AA 


SINGER-SONGWRITER/ADULT-ALTERNATIVE SONGS a la Keane, Daniel Powter, Gomez, John Mayer, Dave Matthews, Coldplay, James Blunt, etc. are needed for a young MALE ARTIST by the President a super-cool Indie Label with great distribution. This new artist is currently working on his debut release. Lyrically, he’s open -- he wants to hear various themes. That said, your lyrics must be cohesive and well-written. Musically, he wants songs with obvious hooks and great choruses. Demo quality is fine for this listing. 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. For ground submissions, please enclose a S.A.S.E. if you would like a response. As always, we will notify everyone via e-mail, whether your submissions have been Forwarded or Returned. Submissions must be received no later than 4:00 PM, Pacific Standard Time (California time), Wednesday, July 5, 2006. TAXI # D060705AA

Name: Michael Epstein Listing # D060705AA Song Title: Pre-Existing Condition Status: Return

Name: Michael Epstein Listing # D060705AA Song Title: Thundar Status: Return


Rock TAXI # D060627RK 


The Producer/Director of an independent feature film [a sci-fi thriller] needs great ROCK SONGS & INSTRUMENTALS from mainstream fare a la Creed, Nickelback, and 3 Doors Down to harder-edged material a la Audioslave and Linkin Park. She’s looking for a theme song as well as incidental/underscore music, so she’s up for hearing Rock ballads as well as up-tempo, hard-driving material. Male or female vocals are OK. She’s not particular about lyrics at this point, but she mentioned that general lyrical themes would work best -- nothing too specific. If she doesn’t find what she needs song-wise via these submissions, she mentioned that she may hire one or two of you to compose original material for this project [if she finds writers she really likes]. License fees are negotiable. Songs must be Broadcast Quality (excellent sounding home recordings are OK). 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. For ground submissions, please enclose a S.A.S.E. if you would like a response. As always, we will notify everyone via e-mail, whether your submissions have been Forwarded or Returned. Submissions must be received no later than 4:00 pm Pacific Standard Time (California time), Tuesday, June 27, 2006. TAXI # D060627RK

ame: Michael Epstein Listing # D060627RK Song Title: Satellite 


Status: Forward 
Company: 5k-Films



AAA/Alternative/Modern Rock


TAXI # Y060627MR 


Cutting-edge yet commercially-viable MODERN/ALTERNATIVE ROCK ARTISTS a la Radiohead, the White Stripes, PJ Harvey, Yeah Yeah Yeahs, the Strokes, etc. are being sought by the VP of A&R at a Major Publishing Co. Possessing great songs is key -- and displaying great/unique vocals. She’d love to find a band that also has a strong local/regional following, but it’s not necessary. Are you a band that can move 100,000 units, place songs on Fox TV shows and still keep your cred? If so, apply here. Please submit two to three songs online or per CD, include lyrics/photo/bio. All submissions will be screened on a YES/NO BASIS ONLY - NO CRITIQUES FROM TAXI. For ground submissions, please enclose a S.A.S.E. if you would like a response. Submissions must be received no later than June 27, 2006. TAXI # Y060627MR

Name: Michael Epstein Listing # Y060627MR Status Return 
Song Name 
Grace Kelly 
The Day After 
Satellite


Film/TV/Video Games


TAXI # Y06062760 


Original 1960s SONGS & INSTRUMENTALS IN ALL GENRES [either recorded in the 1960s or on the mark style-wise -- think Motown, the British Invasion, Folk-Rock, Psychadelic Rock, Pop, etc.] are needed by: Film, TV, and Advert. Music w/ 50/50 SPLIT + YOU KEEP ALL YOUR COPYRIGHTS with this NON-EXCLUSIVE Placement Company being started by veterans of that industry. The CEO of this company is a close friend of Michael Laskow's, and is very selective...so TAXI's bar is very high for this listing! They are looking for master quality songs; only the best will be selected...it's QUALITY not quantity, so this will be a huge opportunity for those who are chosen. 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. For ground submissions, please enclose a S.A.S.E. if you would like a response. Submissions must be received no later than June 27, 2006. TAXI # Y06062760

Name: Michael Epstein Listing # Y06062760 Status: Return Song Name: Satellite





AAA/Alternative/Modern Rock


TAXI # Y060627MR 


Cutting-edge yet commercially-viable MODERN/ALTERNATIVE ROCK ARTISTS a la Radiohead, the White Stripes, PJ Harvey, Yeah Yeah Yeahs, the Strokes, etc. are being sought by the VP of A&R at a Major Publishing Co. Possessing great songs is key -- and displaying great/unique vocals. She’d love to find a band that also has a strong local/regional following, but it’s not necessary. Are you a band that can move 100,000 units, place songs on Fox TV shows and still keep your cred? If so, apply here. Please submit two to three songs online or per CD, include lyrics/photo/bio. All submissions will be screened on a YES/NO BASIS ONLY - NO CRITIQUES FROM TAXI. For ground submissions, please enclose a S.A.S.E. if you would like a response. Submissions must be received no later than June 27, 2006. TAXI # Y060627MR


Name: Michael Epstein Listing # Y060627MR Status: Return 

Song Name: Grace Kelly The Day After Satellite




Film/TV/Video Games


TAXI # Y06062650 


Original 1950s SONGS & INSTRUMENTALS IN ALL GENRES [either recorded in the 1950s or on the mark style-wise -- think Pop Standards, Rockabilly, Country, early Rock, Chicago Blues, etc.] are needed by: Film, TV, and Advert. Music w/ 50/50 SPLIT + YOU KEEP ALL YOUR COPYRIGHTS with this NON-EXCLUSIVE Placement Company being started by veterans of that industry. The CEO of this company is a close friend of Michael Laskow's, and is very selective...so TAXI's bar is very high for this listing! They are looking for master quality songs; only the best will be selected...it's QUALITY not quantity, so this will be a huge opportunity for those who are chosen. 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. For ground submissions, please enclose a S.A.S.E. if you would like a response. Submissions must be received no later than June 26, 2006. TAXI # Y06062650

Name: Michael Epstein Listing # Y06062650 Status: Return Song Name: Thundarr

Pop 
TAXI # Y060621PR 


POP/ROCK SONGS along the lines of Michelle Branch, Kelly Clarkson, Daniel Powter, Natasha Bedingfield, etc. are needed for a young Female Artist [previously singed to a major label in Australia] for her upcoming CD project. She’s currently receiving tons of U.S. major label interest. She needs radio-friendly songs with undeniable hooks. Up-tempos are preferred, but will consider mid-tempos. No ballads. Lyrically, she wants story-driven songs that aren’t too young -- she’s not looking for Hilary Duff type material. The artist herself will screen the submissions. Please submit one to three songs online or per CD/cassette, include lyrics. All submissions will be screened on a YES/NO BASIS ONLY - NO CRITIQUES FROM TAXI. For ground submissions, please enclose a S.A.S.E. if you would like a response. Submissions must be received no later than June 21, 2006. TAXI # Y060621PR

Name: Michael Epstein Listing # Y060621PR Status: Return Song Name: Pre-Existing Condition

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