Singer/Songwriter 


TAXI # S060621SS 


SINGER-SONGWRITER/AAA ARTISTS in the vein of Neko Case, Sufjan Stevens, KT Tunstall, Jeff Tweedy, Ryan Adams, Fiona Apple, 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 June 21, 2006. TAXI # S060621SS

Name: Michael Epstein Listing # S060621SS 


Title: Thundarr

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

"that way I know she's who she claims"-how does a photo prove this?


Title: Grace Kelly

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

Wonderful development of arrangements. Structurally sound.


Title: Satellite

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 (10=best) 
6 Music 
7 Lyrics 
6 Marketability 
8 Arrangement 
7 Production 
7 Engineering 
7 Musicianship 
7 Lead Vocal 
It'll never be the same without you-was singer once with them? It's not clear-give us the full story.


Style 
On target for this listing 


Overall Comments: 
Dear Michael: Good quirkiness and structurally your melodic hook pays off. Lyrically it's a little convoluted feeling. Why is song called Thundarr? A title is usually best as a summarizing concept of the song. How does this relate? What is the theme here, it's not clear. In Grace Kelly you have some wonderful interesting visuals. But they get so abstract that it's hard to get your point clearly. What exactly are you trying to say here about her? Make this clear and you will have made a song that works, because musically it's strong. Satellite is a clever idea. Lyrically why is this person so distant and why do you care exactly-this would fill out story. 

Bio Comments: 
Winning image. Bio is good but I would avoid negative references. "manages to rise above the current recycled-rock trend" this makes you sound uppity. Until you're U2 no one wants to hear this. 

The main reason you were not forwarded for this listing is: 
Lyrics could be more cohesive for this very high bar pitch.




Singer/Songwriter 
TAXI # S060616SS 


A Canadian-based Indie Label is seeking great, cool, hip SINGER-SONGWRITER ARTISTS in the vein of Sufjan Stevens, Michelle Branch, Elliott Smith, Nelly Furtado, etc. Great songs & distinctive vocals are a must. 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 June 16, 2006. TAXI # S060616SS

Name: Michael Epstein Listing # S060616SS 


Title: Thundarr

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

Of course, this title doesn't seem to have any meaning, but that's prob OK for college radio : ) Vox ALMOST exhibit a droning quality ... not sure the doubling works as you'd like. But this sounds VERY marketable at college radio to me, esp w/the kinda kooky, surreal lyrics. 


Title: Grace Kelly

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

Another great story, but even more compelling (even if the listener doesn't know the title subject) due to its linear approach AND the clear & succinct focus in the CH. 


Title: Satellite

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 (10=best) 
7 Music 
8 Lyrics 
7 Marketability 
6 Arrangement 
7 Production 
7 Engineering 
7 Musicianship 
6 Lead Vocal 
What's the CH and/or HK here? To me, it's the very last section. It seems there might be a way (if you revisit this someday, or maybe for a live show), to make the 'depressing' section a preCH maybe? Then the 'bigger they are' section could be a more exciting CH. Or maybe that section could be a BR a bit sooner in the song. 


Style 

Not close enough to what listing asked for 


Actually, I think this band submitted for the listing we ran for this label (the indie pop one) & I think they were a close fit there. 



Overall Comments: 
Michael, I'm pretty sure you submitted for the other listing we ran for this label (the indie pop one) as I recognize the picture (!! : ) as well as the music. I also remember thinking you sound a lot like Cardinal. I don't remember if I forwarded you or not, but I brought the listing in, so it kinda boils down to my taste & discretion. And your artistry, as much as I feel it's deserving & can totally imagine it doing VERY well at college radio & on the CMJ charts, it's not really what I seek for this label's current needs. I've listened to everything on their roster so that's what I'm basing my decision on, too. They're small & focused, at least for now, & what you're doing is a bit outside of their current style. And that's a big part of who we chose to reference in the listing. Your sound & style is somewhat close to that tho, as it relates to thir roster : ) 

Bio Comments: 
Great bio !! Very well written (esp for your musicla style) w/lots of accomplishments, esp for a band without label support or marketing. Your sense of humor shows thru, too : ) I missed that SPIN article; I've gotta see if I've still got that copy at home. 

The main reason you were not forwarded for this listing is: 
I'm very impressed with this band; they've accomplished a LOT on their own to date. I just wish this label was an appropriate fit for them : ( Unfortunately, I don't think it is having heard their current roster (I brought the listing in), altho it's somewhat close. But I can think of a lot of U.S. indies that would appreciate their talents. 

Status: Return 

Listener ID # 111



Country 
TAXI # Y060612CO 


A wide variety of COUNTRY/ALT. COUNTRY SONGS [male or female vocals OK]: 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 12, 2006. TAXI # Y060612CO

Name: Michael Epstein Listing # Y060612CO Status: Return Song Name: The Most Beautiful Dead Girl


AA/Alternative/Modern Rock 


TAXI # S060609AL 


The President of an established Publishing Co. is looking for outstanding ALT./INDIE ROCK ARTISTS along the lines of Sleater-Kinney, Modest Mouse, Yeah Yeah Yeahs, Death Cab For Cutie, etc. for Film/TV opportunities & possible shopping to labels. Great vocals and tremendous song writing are needed. A big plus if you have a finished CD. Broadcast quality needed [great-sounding home demos are OK]. 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 June 9, 2006. TAXI # S060609AL


Name: Michael Epstein Listing # S060609AL 


Title: Thundarr

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

I think there are some interesting moments to this one musically and in arrangement. I felt that the melody is a little too linear and isn't really carrying the strongest of dynamics which also make this song sort of "feel" like it's dragging along. 


Title: Grace Kelly

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

One of the most important things that a songwriter must think about it WHAT to exactly write about. Topic is somewhat key when trying to create a universal appeal. I'm not really getting a clear enough connection between the verses and choruses here. I mean... I get the references to the subjects life and not really understanding the significance of it all. Try to bring out more of what is actually motivating the song.


Title: Satellite

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

There is some cool stuff going on in the musically. However, lyrically... I felt that the verse even though worded differently aren't really going into enough of what is motivating the song and are both sort of giving off the same thing. Try to bring out a little bit more of what motivates the overall topic of your songs through verses that are continually expanding on the overall topic from one to the other.


Style 
in the genre of "indie"


Overall Comments: 
Michael... I think you've got some interesting moments going on in all three of these songs yet I also felt that they all need a little honing in... in order to create stronger sectional contrast between the various sections of the songs in order to help bring out more dynamics. Lyrically... try and be forever expanding on the topics and make sure that they carry a strong relationship with the choruses. Maybe in the next batch of songs that you write you'll think about some of my comments... that is only if you see merit in them. And if you don't? That's cool as well. 

Sound Quality: 
recording is okay 



The main reason you were not forwarded for this listing is: 
overall not quite ready for this very very high bar listing for all of the reasons in my thoughts and comments given. 

Status: Return 

Listener ID # 41


Singer/Songwriter TAXI # D060607SS 


The Music Supervisor for a cable TV show needs cool, young-sounding SINGER/SONGWRITER SONGS & INSTRUMENTALS in the vein of Jack Johnson, Fiona Apple, Rhett Miller, Sufjan Stevens, Liz Phair, Conor Oberst, etc. The show is a combo of Absolutely Fabulous, Curb Your Enthusiasm, and Entourage. It’s about a single 30-something scriptwriter struggling to complete her first script and break into the Hollywood scene. Great performances [musically & vocally] are a must. This is this cable network’s first scripted series [they typically show indie films], so there’s a lot of buzz about the project -- the network is planning a major promo campaign [it premieres this summer]. They ran this listing earlier this year, so if you were forwarded for D060322SS, don’t submit the same material. License fees are negotiable. Broadcast quality needed [great sounding home recordings are OK]. Please submit one to three songs online or per CD. 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, June 7, 2006. TAXI # D060607SS

Name: Michael Epstein Listing # D060607SS Song Title: Thundarr Status: Return

Name: Michael Epstein Listing # D060607SS Song Title: Grace Kelly Status: Return

Name: Michael Epstein Listing # D060607SS Song Title: Satellite Status: Return


AAA/Alternative/Modern Rock TAXI # S060601IP 


A Canadian-based Indie Label is seeking great, cool, hip INDIE POP ARTISTS in the vein of Stars, the Arcade Fire, Spoon, Yo La Tengo, Rilo Kiley, etc. 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 June 1, 2006. TAXI # S060601IP

Name: Michael Epstein Listing # S060601IP 


Title: Thundarr

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


Really love some of your instr choices (reminds me of Cardinal at times, e.g.). Song's all about the unusual lyrical choices, in my opinion. But, with such heady wordplay, I think it'd also be nice if there was some simple, memorable theme in the CH, just to give the listener some focus, esp on a first listen (I've listened 3x now & nothing is resonating with me beyond the horns).

Title: Grace Kelly

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


More interesting instr choices here; nice range : ) And, I'm happy to say, you DO have a distinct & memorable focus in the CH here !! Also, this melodic range (from VS to CH) allows vox to sound a bit more confident & assured (I'd rate them a 6.5 here ; ) An exciting ending, too.

Title: Satellite

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


What a great, profound expression of longing via an 'indie rock' voice; I'd highly recommend you pitch this for film/TV opportunities. The only negative I hear in this arrangement is a lack of more melodic contrast between the VS & CH sections. Otherwise, this is a really strong structure in general. 

Style
On target for this listing
altho perhaps a bit closer to The Postal Service than what I seek for this label ...


Overall Comments:
Michael, after hearing these 3 songs it's easy to understand all of The Motion Sick's accolades to date. While this isn't music I typically listen to, I AM aware of it & know that it's a very strong sub-genre right now, what with the advent of Saddle Creek, etc. However, this particular indy label currently seeks and releases music that has a much sweeter & stronger vocal presence, which is the main reason I don't feel I can forward your submission to them today. I brought this listing in & have spent quite a bit of time studying their current roster so I speak from that experience. However, I feel strongly that there IS a good label home out there for you, esp considering I saw We Are Scientists @ SXSW in '05 & they're now touring behind their major label debut. In the meantime, I hope you're pitching these for appropriate film/TV opportunities. And I hope you submitted for CMJ as I think you'd be a perfect fit for that conference. 

Bio Comments:
Really well written bio !! And chock full of great, great accomplishments, too, as well as very memorable pic ; ) Only thing that's NOT mentioned is live shows ... 

The main reason you were not forwarded for this listing is:
This band's Cardinal meets The Postal Service style is very well done for the genre it is, 'indie rock', in my opinion. Unfortunately, however, this current indy label seeks and releases a somewhat sweeter & stronger vocal style than what I heard on these 3 songs, which is why we put 'indie pop' for the genre. It was a close call tho as they show a very consistent & marketable artistry in the genre. 

Status: Return 

Listener ID # 111




Country TAXI # D060531CO 


A U.K.-based Music Publisher is seeking a wide variety of COUNTRY/AMERICANA/ALT. COUNTRY/COUNTRY ROCK SONGS & INSTRUMENTALS for placement in film/TV/media projects. Think along the lines of Dolly Parton to Gretchen Wilson; The Eagles to Wilco; Gram Parsons to Ryan Adams. All tempos are OK. They work with BMG USA and are in the process of opening a New York office. They offer various types of deals -- exclusive, single song, and straight licensing -- and are very well connected in the international market. Great musical and vocal performances are a must! Broadcast quality needed [excellent-sounding home recordings are OK]. Please submit one to three songs online or per CD. 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 Daylight Time (California time), Wednesday, May 31, 2006. TAXI # D060531CO

Name: Michael Epstein Listing # D060531CO Song Title: The Most Beautiful Dead Girl Status: Return


AAA/Alternative/Modern Rock TAXI # S060524IR 


A Major Management Firm that represents one of the world’s biggest acts is looking for great, young, original INDIE ROCK/POP ARTISTS ranging from the Stills to Mars Volta to Death Cab For Cutie to Radiohead. Touring experience a huge bonus. The company has strong ties with all major labels and many indies like Vice, Astralwerks, Wind Up, etc. Please submit two to three songs online or per CD/cassette, include lyrics/photo/bio. All submissions will be screened and critiqued by TAXI and must be received no later than May 24, 2006. TAXI # S060524IR

Name: Michael Epstein Listing # S060524IR 


Title: Grace Kelly

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


Interesting vibe. Good chorus. You could keep the momentum of the song moving forward more by shortening the 2nd and 3rd verse. The listener could be engaged more by changing the chords underneath the bridge, which, in turn, could make the last chorus stand out even more.

Title: The Day After

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


Great verse melody. Interesting lyrics. You could make the chorus stand out more by taking the vocal melody a little higher, either for the whole of the chorus or just for the answer vocals "but my lips...". The song could be strengthened by a shortened 3rd verse and by adding a bridge, which could briefly take us away from the established chord progressions.

Title: Satellite

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


Great intro, lyrically and musically - right in, very immediate. You could bring the chorus out more by varying the vocal melody (take it higher?), especially in the last line "it'll never be the same without you" - could you repeat it also? The ending is great.

Style
On target for this listing
Indie rock/pop - on the mark.



Overall Comments:
Hey Michael, all your songs have a very unique vibe (especially lyrically), which is a very important thing. The vocal delivery suits the material well, but sometimes you could maybe take a chance and come out of the mid-register, e.g. to make particular lines stand out more. The musicianship and the production work well together. Some of the arrangements could be amended and tightened up in places to keep the momentum moving forward more and to keep the listener engaged more (please see comments underneath the individual songs). Congrats on the Spin win - saw you in the magazine one morning. Hope it will help you guys. I wish you good luck with everything. 

Bio Comments:
You could flesh out the bio by adding more info about live gigs (present/past/highlights), especially for this listing ("...touring experience a huge bonus"). Apart from that, the bio is informative and reads well. 

The main reason you were not forwarded for this listing is:
The material needs a little more work. 

Status: Return 

Listener ID # 226

AAA/Alternative/Modern Rock

TAXI # S060522IP 


Incredibly talented INDIE POP-ROCK ARTISTS in the general vein of Rilo Kiley, the Arcade Fire, Modest Mouse, the New Pornographers, the Shins, etc. are wanted by the VP of A&R at a Major Int’l Label/Management Co. Vocal/writing talents must be 2nd to none -- they’re seeking that someone unique and special. We’ve been asked to be quite selective in who we forward, so submit your very best songs. 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 May 22, 2006. TAXI # S060522IP

Name: Michael Epstein Listing # S060522IP 

Title: Thundarr

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


Nice intro. Good lyrics - they grab the listeners attention. You could bring out the chorus more if you were to change the 1st chord away from the already established root note. The last lines of the chorus " I make up a.." are really hooky - could you repeat them and add backing vocals and/or double-track the lead vocals to bring it out more.

Title: Grace Kelly

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


Interesting verse. Good chorus. You could shorten the second verse and add a short bridge (taking us away from the established chord structures) to the song to keep the listener engaged and focused more. Nice epic ending.

Title: Satellite

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


Great beginning - lyrically and musically. The verses work really well. The chorus melody is strong also. The word choice ("depressing song") might not be so fortunate. By mentioning the word "depressing" you are in danger of suggesting to the listener that the song and your vocal delivery might be just that. Apart from that the lyrics and the arrangement work very well.

Style
On target for this listing
Indie rock/pop - on the mark.


Overall Comments:
Hey Michael, good work overall. The musical production and the lyrics paint a unique, interesting and cohesive picture. The whole vibe is different, which is a very good thing. Some of the songs could be strengthened by bridges and by tightening up the arrangements to keep the momentum moving forward more and to keep the listener engaged more (you accomplish both in "Satellite"). Your vocal delivery suits the material well. You have a unique style, which is recognizable - both good qualities. Sometimes it seems like you could vary the melodies somewhat and take them to a either higher or lower register (the ending of "Satellite" could use a slightly higher register, for example). I wish you good luck with everything. 

Bio Comments:
The picture is interesting and unique, but could you include a picture where we see a little more of you? Congrats on the Spin band of the month - saw you in there. You could add press cuttings and info about live gigs to the bio. 

The main reason you were not forwarded for this listing is:
The material needs a little more work. 

Status: Return 

Listener ID # 226



Rock 


TAXI # Y060515RK 


NEW LISTING - ROCK/ALT. ROCK/INDUSTRIAL ROCK/CLASSIC ROCK SONGS [w/ vocals -- no instrumentals]: 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 HIT 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. As always, we will notify everyone via e-mail, whether your submissions have been Forwarded or Returned. Submissions must be received no later than May 15, 2006. TAXI # Y060515RK

Name: Michael Epstein Listing # Y060515RK Song: Thundarr Status: Return 


Name: Michael Epstein Listing # Y060515RK Song: Satellite Status: Forward 




Singer/Songwriter


TAXI # S060509SS 


Unique yet commerically appealing SINGER SONGWRITERS in the range of Aimee Mann, Elliott Smith, Fiona Apple, Jack Johnson, Cat Power, Michael Penn, etc. are being sought after by the Director of A&R at Major L.A. label. Extraordinary hooks, visual lyrics, and tremendous vocals is the main criteria. You have to show that you’re a major label artist in the making. Needless to say, we’ll be quite selective with this one. Please submit two to three songs online or per CD/cassette, include lyrics/photo/bio. All submissions will be screened and critiqued by TAXI and must be received no later than May 9, 2006. TAXI # S060509SS

Name: Michael Epstein Listing # S060509SS 


Title: Thundarr

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

"that way I know, that way I know this won't happen again "-what won't happen??-,try not to be vague in an opening. Give us a clear setting.


Title: Satellite

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 (10=best) 
Music 
Lyrics 
Marketability 
Arrangement 
Production 
Engineering 
Musicianship 
Lead Vocal 
I would try and pick a title you repeat and rhyme so it's hammered home to listener.




Style 
On target for this listing 


Overall Comments: 
Dear Michael: You have a good quirky sound, feel and interesting way of describing things. But for a song lyric the listener wants to connect with the singer and all of the various images and thoughts are hard to follow. I would try to connect them a bit more under a unifying title, so there is a clear theme. Satellite is a lot more cohesive and the concept is clever, the imagery, etc. The last verse is a little vague but the others are interesting. More polish and you will be on your way. Melodic hook could build a bit more to really carry the song. 


The main reason you were not forwarded for this listing is: 
Main melodic hooks could be a bit stronger and the lyrics a little more cohesive.




AAA/Alternative/Modern Rock 
TAXI # S060426MR 


The President of an established Publishing Co. is looking for outstanding EMO/MODERN ROCK ARTISTS along the lines of Weezer, All American Rejects, Fall Out Boy, Jimmy Eat World, etc. for Film/TV opportunities & shopping to labels. Great vocals and tremendous song writing are needed. A big plus if you have a finished CD. Broadcast quality needed [great-sounding home demos are OK]. 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 April 26, 2006. TAXI # S060426MR

Name: Michael Epstein Listing # S060426MR 


Title: Grace Kelly

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

I don't totally understand the lyric, yet it really challenged me and has a lot of vivid imagery....


Title: The Day After

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

This cut has a really substantial hook, to it's melody line.....a strong drive to the rhythm section, too -


Title: Satellite

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

I absolutely love the line about, "even if I had a Marshall stack, I couldn't amplify your name" - that's character ! 


Style 

Not close enough to what listing asked for 


The submitted material is a bit more eclectic in the vein of Arcade Fire & Flaming Lips, rather than the Emo / Modern Rock of the listed criteria -




Overall Comments: 
Greetings Michael, Thanks for sending us a shot of The Motion Sick. You have certainly been nailing down some fantastic press coverage, that beats the best efforts of many signed acts ! Great work ethic, that shows you seeking any opportunity that comes along - I just wish that the submitted material was a closer fit to the specific Emo / Modern Rock artists, specified by the listing's executve. I hear some really cool Alternative influences, yet none that are as edgey and rocking as the parameters of Jimmy Eat World, Fall Out Boy, Weezer, All American Rejects, etc....Please keep up this fantastic and individual work....Best of luck w/ your musical pursuits - 

Sound Quality: 

Not great, but clean enough for this listing 

The sonic quality allows for the performances and material to come across ....



The main reason you were not forwarded for this listing is: 
There is a much more left of center Alternative take ala Arcade Fire to Nada Surf, to this material - than the specific Emo / Modern Rock vein of acts ranging from Weezer, All American Rejects, Fall Out by, Jimmy Eat World, etc....


AA/Alternative/Modern Rock 
TAXI # D060425MR 


The Music Coordinator for a number of shows on the biggest Cable Music Network on the planet needs a wide range of MODERN ROCK SONGS & INSTRUMENTALS in the vein of the White Stripes, Killers, Weezer, Coldplay, Nine Inch Nails, etc. He currently works on 7 different shows, so while he does have a lot of opportunities for indie music, he did ask us to be quite selective in what we send to him -- he’s really looking for outstanding material. Male or female vocals are OK, all tempos are OK as well. Broadcast quality needed [excellent sounding home recordings are OK]. Please submit one to three songs online or per CD. 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 2:00 pm, Pacific Standard Time (California time), Tuesday, 
April 25, 2006. TAXI # D060425MR


Name: Michael Epstein Listing # D060425MR Song Title: Grace Kelly Status: Return

Name: Michael Epstein Listing # D060425MR Song Title: Satellite Status: Return

Singer/Songwriter 
TAXI # S060424SS 


Incredibly talented SINGER-SONGWRITERS in the general vein of Sarah McLachlan, Elliott Smith, Dido, Rhett Miller, Mary Lou Lord, Sufjan Stevens, Mark Lanegan, etc. are wanted by the VP of A&R at a Major Int’l Label/Management Co. Vocal/writing talents must be 2nd to none -- they’re seeking that someone unique and special. We’ve been asked to be quite selective in who we forward, so submit your very best songs. 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 April 24, 2006. TAXI # S060424SS

Name: Michael Epstein Listing # S060424SS 


Title: Thundarr

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

"I keep in my stomach, an ulcer of hope dripping with rage"-strong visual!


Title: Grace Kelly

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

"watching midgets and madmen rush onto the scene"-great visuals.


Title: Satellite

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 (10=best) 
Music 
Lyrics 
Marketability 
Arrangement 
Production 
Engineering 
Musicianship 
Lead Vocal 
I would check out Bob Wiseman (Canadian)-you might enjoy his quirky but commercial qualities.


Style 
On target for this listing 



Overall Comments: 
Dear Michael: You have a strong quirky appeal. The lyrics might work almost work better for a poem where someone can digest what you are saying. In a 3 minute song there is a lot here to digest and to tell you the truth by the end of the song I am still not sure what you are singing about. A title should be used in a recurring hook which hammers home a summary of your theme. In Grace Kelly you have developed a better song structure here, you open and paint the scene well so the listener is orientated to the setting of the song. You use the title in the hook, it is a little repetitious but it's the right idea. Some excellent descriptions, but what is the main theme, it needs to be a little clearer... Is the character a sorry dreamer, a star in the making, what, I'm not sure by the end?!! Satellite is a clever concept. Musically the hook could contrast a little more melodically with verse to make it catchier. 

Bio Comments: 
Great creative eye catching photo which suits quirky vibe of songs. Very informative and impressive bio, lean and mean like it should be. 

The main reason you were not forwarded for this listing is: 
The songwriting could be a bit stronger for this very high bar pitch.



AAA/Alternative/Modern Rock TAXI # S060421MR 


Melodic MODERN ROCK BANDS a la U2, Weezer, the Smashing Pumpkins, Bush, Foo Fighters, etc. are sought by the Director of a Producer Management Co. One of his producer/clients, who has worked with artists such as Ari Hest, Patty Griffin, and Rufus Wainwright, is seeking a new band/artist for collaboration and development. The Producer and his team of management & attorney will help shop finished demos for record, publishing, and film/TV deals. A full production studio is provided for recording. Please submit two to three songs online or per CD/cassette, include lyrics/photo/bio. All submissions will be screened and critiqued by TAXI and must be received no later than April 21, 2006. TAXI # S060421MR

Name: Michael Epstein Listing # S060421MR 


Title: Thundarr

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


Some of the vocal doubles sound a little pitchy. Other than that DAMN GOOD! I'm a big fan. The drumming gets a little stiff at times.

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
7 Lead Vocal


I thought that you could experiment with a slightly faster tempo on this track. Great melodies. The vocals get a little off with the beat.

Title: Satellite

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


Another very well written song. Solid drumming on this one.

Style
On target for this listing



Overall Comments:
Hey Michael, I really enjoy listening to your stuff. I love your lyrics and melodies. The only things I think that could be improved on is the vocal pitch and the drumming. I think that the production ideas are solid just that the performances could be strengthened. I am more than happy to forward you along. You guys kick ass. GOOD LUCK. 

Bio Comments:
Excellent photo and bio. 

The main reason you were forwarded for this listing is:
Great words, melodies. Very cool vibe.



AAA/Alternative/Modern Rock TAXI # S060419IR 


INDIE ROCK/POP ARTISTS a la Broken Social Scene, Death Cab For Cutie, Rilo Kiley, Arcade Fire, Modest Mouse, Sleater-Kinney, etc. are wanted by a NY-based Prod/Mgmt. Co. that’s owned by an Industry veteran. Not only is he seeking bands 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 April 19, 2006. TAXI # S060419IR

Name: Michael Epstein Listing # S060419IR 


Title: Grace Kelly

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


Good setting description. You might try a lower note on the word "down" in the first verse. Awesome imagery. You might want to pay closer attention to precise rhythmic phrasing in the vocal.

Title: The Day After

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


I like that these lyrics seem to have flexible meaning depending on the listeners' filter of perception. You might want to try a more assertive vocal tone in the chorus.

Title: Satellite

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


Great drumming. You might want to use fewer drum fills. Consider trying a higher or lower starting note in the last phrase of the chorus.

Style

Not close enough to what listing asked for

I think this might be more in the vein of Pavement and Weezer etc...




Overall Comments:
Michael, i really like a lot of your lyrical images. I think you use some really good sounds too. I like the brass and the drum kit sound. I think you should focus on melodic hooks and melodies in general. consider using more variation in your melodies. Don't settle for suitable melodies. Ask yourself what would sound REALLY neat! Try starting with a really catchy little rhythmic idea with some shape and repetition and adding lyrics second. Consider investigating books on the subject. Most songwriting books have really useful perspective and speak plainly. 

Bio Comments:
There's some exciting news in there. You should be riding on that for a while, unless things get way bigger. You bio (in THIS context) should just describe your sound and your career goals and accomplishments in THIS incarnation only. 

The main reason you were not forwarded for this listing is:
Needs hookier melodies.