S090227SS!

Congratulations Michael,Your songs, Losing Altitude, Satellite & Winged Bicycle, were forwarded to Big FM for listing # S090227SS!

S090227SS

SINGER-SONGWRITER ARTISTS in the range of Regina Spektor, Rachael Yamagata, Rufus Wainwright, Elliott Smith, Patrick Wolf, Bright Eyes, Sufjan Stevens, Iron & Wine, etc. are sought after by the host of an established Radio Show highlighting outstanding Indie Artists in the U.S. This show has already featured dozens of TAXI artists and they've all enjoyed exposure to over 10 million listeners and really solid promotion on the company website - each artist typically gets thousands of new hits, just from being featured on this popular show. This show is the #1 CHR (Current Hit Radio) Radio Broadcast Network in Europe and Germany. The music must be from U.S.-based artists/bands who write and perform their own music and the material must be radio-ready and current. You must also have a full-length, completed CD project and an active website, in order to submit. This opportunity is fantastic for an artist/band trying to get invaluable radio promotion and far-reaching exposure. This show ONLY accepts submissions via TAXI. You'll want to make sure you have your completed CD ready to send if/when the company contacts you to be featured on the show. All recordings need to be Broadcast Quality. Please submit 1-3 songs online or per CD, include a great PHOTO and detailed BIO. All submissions will be screened and critiqued by TAXI and must be received no later than February 27, 2009. TAXI #S090227SS

Name Michael Epstein Listing # S090227SS

Title: Satellite
N/A 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 (10=best)
9 Music
9 Lyrics
8 Marketability
9 Arrangement
8 Production
8 Engineering
8 Musicianship
8 Lead Vocal
I've always loved this song. The melody is impossibly memorable. Lyrics are creative and fun. Vocal has that whiney quality that kids who love indie rock react so favorably to. Love all those tasty fills the drummer plays throughout the songs' middle section. A pro producer might convince the drummer to play it straight, but I think that'd remove a bit of the charm. Faux horns and mellotron add cool musical coloration to the arrangement.
Status: Forward

Title: Losing Altitude
N/A 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 (10=best)
8 Music
9 Lyrics
8 Marketability
9 Arrangement
8 Production
8 Engineering
8 Musicianship
8 Lead Vocal
"Satellite", "Losing Altitude", "Winged Bicycle". You obviously have a fixation with flight. Love all the subtle nuances of this arrangement (strings, organ, etc.). Vocal sounds really engaging. Lyrical imagery is evocative. Great track.
Status: Forward

Title: Winged Bicycle
N/A 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 (10=best)
8 Music
9 Lyrics
8 Marketability
9 Arrangement
8 Production
8 Engineering
8 Musicianship
8 Lead Vocal
Love the title. So evocative. Really makes me want to hear the song. Using a trumpet during the intro is a really inspired idea, but I wonder if the little intro section goes on a bit too long. Feels like it might be a little more effective to get into the vocal sooner. That's a minor gripe, but I'm just being honest. Superb lyrical imagery throughout the song.
Status: Forward

Style
On target for this listing
Very distinctive sounding. Seems quite compatible with the artists mentioned in the listing.

Overall Comments
Hi Michael - It's been awhile since I've heard any of your material. Either I've been screening the wrong listings, or it's been a while since you last submitted. I'm more than happy to forward all three songs. Please keep putting more cool music out into the world! I'm a big fan.

Sound Quality
Well-recorded
A cool production aesthetic that mixes lo-fi sounds with a hi-fi attitude.

The main reasons you were forwarded for this listing is:
Really distinctive sounding material. Really distinctive sounding performances.

Listener ID # 79

S090210IR!

Congratulations Michael, Your songs: 30 Lives, Satellite & Winged Bicycle, were forwarded to EMI Music Publishing for listing # S090210IR!

S090210IR

INDIE ROCK BANDS a la Modest Mouse, The Flaming Lips, Death Cab for Cutie, etc. sought by Creative Director in the East Coast office of a Major Music Publisher. He said he is looking for really special stuff that is unique and transcendent. He wants songs that will be cool and commercial. He's not only aiming for radio airplay, but wants material that he will be able get licensed for Film/TV. Showing him that you have a solid background in terms of "doing it yourself" is helpful, but the real advantage is your uniqueness. Broadcast quality material needed (excellent home recordings are OK). Please submit two to three songs online or per CD, include photo and bio. All submissions will be screened and critiqued by TAXI and must be received no later than February 10, 2009. TAXI #S090210IR

Name Michael Epstein Listing # S090210IR


Title: Satellite
N/A 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 (10=best)
8 Music
9 Lyrics
8 Marketability
8 Arrangement
8 Production
8 Engineering
7 Musicianship
8 Lead Vocal

i really like this a lot. the woozy psychedelic vibe is way cool. melody works perfectly & i love the lyrics, as well. the keyboard parts add some nice texture and color to it all. i do find that drum fill that occurs in every single line of both verses a bit much, especially since it is essentially the same fill each time, give or take a cymbal or snare. but, in the end the song wins, and everyone goes home happy.
Status: Forward

Title: 30 Lives
N/A 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 (10=best)
8 Music
9 Lyrics
8 Marketability
9 Arrangement
8 Production
8 Engineering
8 Musicianship
8 Lead Vocal

i love this. very 60's. always a good thing. best opening line i've heard in a while. i love the unabashed Pop sensibility that pervades everything. this is right up my alley. no negatives here. good job, fellas.
Status: Forward

Title: Winged Bicycle
N/A 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 (10=best)
8 Music
8 Lyrics
8 Marketability
9 Arrangement
8 Production
8 Engineering
8 Musicianship
8 Lead Vocal

a bit long but still great. another terrific song. i really dig the trumpet. now, i'm wondering if the horns in SATELLITE were real or not. anyway, melody, lyrics, arrangement, performance all good.
Status: Forward


Style
On target for this listing
-right on target

Overall Comments
hey there michael -- this is the first thing i've listened to this morning and what a difference it makes to start off the day with something i really actually enjoy and would listen to on my own time. this sounds very timely to me considering the Garage Rock renaissance that is going on right now. this is perfect for LITTLE STEVEN'S UNDERGROUND GARAGE. it reminds me a bit of OUTRAGEOUS CHERRY who are mining a similar vein. also a great band. i just love the songs, the band, the whole deal. actually, i'm not crazy about the name of the band, but, hey. i am going to forward this along. considering that they reference FLAMING LIPS, this should work well, too. anyway, good luck from here out, it's been a real pleasure to hear this. makes me wanna quit work & drive too fast.

Bio Comments
bio is excellent, as is

The main reason(s) you were forwarded for this listing is:
i am forwarding this because all three songs are terrific, and on the money stylistically, for the listing.

Listener ID # 256

D090226MR!

Your song, 30 Lives (Up-Up-Down-Dance Mix), was forwarded to Houlihan
Film Music for Dispatch listing # D090226MR!

D090226MR

MODERN ROCK and POP SONGS are needed immediately by a Music Supervisor who is currently working on an Independent Film. The music supervisor requested that for this specific scene, the music needs to be something that you would normally hear on current hit Rock and Pop radio stations. These songs will be used during a house party scene, so think youthful, fun, and upbeat songs. Lyrics do not necessarily have to be about partying. Male and/or female vocals are fine, no instrumentals please. Broadcast quality needed [excellent 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 - and must be received no later than 10:00am (PST) Thursday, February 26, 2009. TAXI #D090226MR

Name: Michael Epstein
Listing # D090226MR
Song Title: 30 Lives (Up-Up-Down-Dance Mix) 

Status: Forward

Listener ID # 287

D090216AR

Your song, The Owls Are Not What They Seem, was forwarded to Hermanos
Films for Dispatch listing # D090216AR!

D090216AR

ALTERNATIVE ROCK SONGS in the full range of The Killers, All American Rejects, Muse, Deathcab for Cutie etc. are wanted by the music supervisor of an Independent Mexican film by an up and coming Mexican director who has already had some success in Mexico. The film is a romantic comedy and has distribution in Mexico and limited distribution in the U.S. The synch and master fees combined total is in the range of $100-$150 per song and they will just license the songs and not interested in owning any portion of your publishing and/or writer’s share. The compensation is small, but you will also receive a song credit on the film and therefore some exposure. The supervisor will directly be screening the material and he is looking for songs with great hooks that...rock! 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 - and must be received no later than 10:00am (PST) Monday, February 16, 2009. TAXI #D090216AR

Title: Satellite
Status: Return 
Reasons not Forwarded: Stylistically Off Target

Title: Winged Bicycle
Status: Return 
Reasons not Forwarded: Stylistically Off Target

Title: The Owls Are Not What They Seem
Status: Forward

Listener ID # 307

S090203MR

Your song(s), Satellite & Winged Bicycle, were forwarded to Red Bull
Records for listing # S090203MR!

S090203MR

Head of A&R at a prominent Independent record label looking for ALT ROCK/INDIE POP ARTISTS in the range of MGMT, Kings of Leon,The Black Kids, etc.. These artists are being referenced more to do with how these particular bands developed from the indie scene to the mainstream more than the sound of their music. This label is looking specifically for originality and personality that stands out, as well as strong songwriting. They would prefer that you have established an independent background of selling your own CDs, touring with the ability to draw a crowd and a strong work ethic that will ultimately take you to the next level. They are looking for that special quality that translates into longevity, so we will be very selective in what we forward on to them. Please submit 2-3 songs online or per CD, include PHOTO/BIO. All submissions will be screened and critiqued by TAXI and must be received no later than February 3, 2009. TAXI #S090203MR

Title: Satellite

Based on cleverness of the verse lyrics alone, I say bravo! I suppose the chorus could maybe pack a little more punch were it to lift us up just a little more "melodically", to contrast the content of the part. Still, memorable melodic choices for the most part - unusual "horn" part at the top of the 2nd verse (2nd chord).

Title: Winged Bicycle

Unusual, colorful and unique imagery in the verses. Without an attached lyric sheet I'm hard pressed to comment fully on the lyrics... still don't know what a "winged bicycle" is exactly. Strong vocal performances and memorable melodic hooks are key elements to be commended here.

Style: Right on the money with the type of AAA/Alternative/Modern Rock being sought here.

Overall Comments: Hey Michael -
Unusual and fun are just two words that rise to the top when listening to these two pieces - I guess the same could be said for Jello Wrestling as well?! I love the lyrical approach of both tracks, focusing more on track 1, I think you've done a fine job of taking a familiar theme of heartbreak and made it something completely unique and compelling, even though there are so, SOOO many songs that reference Marshall Stacks (I think you can get away with it here ;) I'd be curious to hear more of your work, based on these two tracks alone, I think you've got the makings of what this particular listing might find to be of interest - at least enough for a forward. Keep doing your thing, maintain that hooky edge and I think you'll get to where you want to be in good time.

Bio Comments: As impressive as all those accolades are, I'd still like to have read a bit more "biographical" info about the group and its members first.

The main reason(s) you were forwarded for this listing is:
Thanks for sharing your work here. I think there may be something of interest here to the parties associated with this listing and shall forward you on with the best of wishes! Thanks again Michael, all the best to the rest of "The Motion Sick" as well.

Listener ID # 234

#Y081231SS

Y081231SS

MALE AND FEMALE SINGER-SONGWRITER SONGS NEEDED in the wide range of Bright Eyes, Feist, Rachael Yamagata, Regina Spektor, Rufus Wainwright, Cat Power, Teitur, Kevin Devine,etc. are wanted by an established Independent Music Publisher who has signed dozens of TAXI writers and has secured tons of Film/TV placements. The President of the company will be screening these listings himself and will be open to hearing a great variety of stylistic approaches. He also really welcomes unique and innovative approaches that incorporate a variety of styles - a bit of Electro/Pop/Dance would be just fine or even SS songs that "rock" a bit more than usual. All tempos will be considered - this Publisher wants to hear something fresh, with lyrics that are compelling. Performances should be great and the recordings will need to be Broadcast Quality (excellent home recordings should be okay). He splits the license fee with you 40/60 [that 60% is for you] and doesn't take any publishing. Please submit one to three songs online or per CD. All submissions will be screened on a YES/NO BASIS - NO CRITIQUES FROM TAXI - and must be received by December 31, 2008. TAXI #Y081231SS

Name Michael Epstein Listing # Y081231SS


Title: 30 Lives (Up-Up-Down-Dance Mix) Status: Return 

Reasons not Forwarded:
 Stylistically Off Target:  Dance/Rock

Title: Losing Altitude Status: Return 

Reasons not Forward:

Stylistically Off Target: Rock arrangement and vocals

Title: Winged Bicycle Status: Return 

Reasons not Forwarded:

Stylistically Off Target: Very good Modern Rock though out of the Singer/songwriter listing request. 

Listener ID # 216

#Y081212AM

Y081212AM

AMERICANA/ALT COUNTRY/FOLK SONGS in the range of Jeff Tweedy, Gillian Welch, Steve Earle, Lucinda Williams, Neko Case, Uncle Tupelo, Old Crow Medicine Show, Townes Van Zandt, Emmylou Harris, The Jayhawks, Lucero, Mindy Smith, etc. are wanted by an established Independent Music Publisher who has signed dozens of TAXI writers and has secured tons of Film/TV placements. The President of the company will be screening these listings himself and will be open to hearing a great variety of stylistic approaches. Performances must be excellent and authentic in approach and tonality. The recording must be Broadcast Quality, though great home recordings should be just fine. He splits the license fee with you 40/60 [that 60% is for you] and doesn't take any publishing. Please submit one to three songs online or per CD. All submissions will be screened on a YES/NO BASIS - NO CRITIQUES FROM TAXI - and must be received by December 12, 2008. TAXI #Y081212AM

Name Michael Epstein Listing # Y081212AM

Song Title: Walk on Water 

Status: Return 
Listener ID # 216

D090105BR

Your song, The Owls Are Not What They Seem (Instrumental), wwas forwarded to ScoreKeepers Music for Dispatch listing # D090105BR!

D090105BR
BRIT ROCK/INDIE POP-ROCK INSTRUMENTALS NEEDED QUICKLY by a successful Production Music Library with tons of Major Network TV and Feature Film placements. This company would like the sound of the UK to come through on these instrumental tracks - though that reference might be vague, you could think in the range of Coldplay, Keane, Snow Patrol, Radiohead, Travis, etc. for some direction. You do NOT need to be from the UK - it’s only a general sound/tone preference. Alt Rock/Indie Pop-Rock approaches that stray away from these references a bit will also be considered - if it’s hip and current, send it in! These tracks need to sound like radio-ready songs with the vocals stripped away - in other words, NO VOCALS for this one please! The tracks should have a lot of dynamic variation and movement, excitement and cutting-edge forward momentum. The tracks can range from 1-4 minutes long and be sure the recordings are Broadcast Quality (great home recordings should be fine). Please submit 1-3 Instrumentals online or per CD. All submissions will be screened on a YES/NO BASIS - NO CRITIQUES FROM TAXI - and must be received no later than Noon PST on Monday, January 5, 2009. TAXI #D090105BR
//


Name Michael Epstein
Listing # D090105BR
Song Title The Owls Are Not What They Seem (Instrumental)
Status: Forward

Listener ID # 261

S081208AR

S081208AR

UNIQUE ALT ROCK/INDIE POP ARTISTS in the range of Clap Your Hands Say Yeah, Black Kids, Vampire Weekend, Broken Social Scene, Kaiser Chiefs, Arctic Monkeys, The Kooks, etc. are sought after by a successful Indie Label who specializes in securing Film/TV/Video Game placements in order to elevate the status/income of the Indie Artist. This company is also interested in bolstering their roster and is looking for bands/artists to sign to pub and record deals. You'll want to submit your best material for this one, along with a great photo and a detailed bio. Broadcast/Master quality is necessary, but excellent home recordings should suffice. Please submit 2-3 songs online or per CD, include PHOTO/BIO. All submissions will be screened and critiqued by TAXI and must be received no later than December 8, 2008. TAXI #S081208AR

Name Michael Epstein Listing # S081208AR


Title: Satellite N/A 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 (10=best)
8  Music
8  Lyrics
7  Marketability
8  Arrangement
8  Production
7  Engineering
7  Musicianship
8  Lead Vocal

Status: Return 

You obviously are making good ground on the college circuit however, I'm not hearing that this song is similar to the same "hits" of the bands that are mentioned in the listing. If you listen to "I Predict A Riot" (Kaiser Chiefs) or " I Bet You Look Good On The Dancefloor" (Arctic Monkeys) you will hear the songs that are closer to what this label is in search for.

Title: 30 Lives N/A 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
8  Lead Vocal

This song is also a good album track but I don't feel it has the same broad appeal as say Black Kids "I'm Not Going to Teach Your Boyfriend".

Status: Return 

Title: Winged Bicycle N/A 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 (10=best)
8  Music
8  Lyrics
6  Marketability
7  Arrangement
7  Production
6  Engineering
7  Musicianship
7  Lead Vocal

This is another nice song but again I felt it was more of an album track than a single. 

Status: Return 

Style
I didn't mark the box above because I feel that you have strong songs, however, it sounded more in the vein of Weezer & Ween than Kaiser Chiefs or Arctic Monkeys. 

Overall Comments
Michael,

Thanks for sending in these songs. I definitely enjoy what you are doing. These songs are quite quirky and have a character of their own but for this project in particular, perhaps once you've listened to the various artists and songs that I mentioned, you might incorporate some of those ideas with your own to make something more appealing and marketable.

Sound Quality
I like the low-fi aspect of you music and your vocals sound very strong and appealing.

The main reason(s) you were not forwarded for this listing is:
These tracks are strong album tracks but I didn't hear what the label is looking for and that is something similar to Kaiser Chiefs/Arctic Monkeys/ The Kooks.

Listener ID # 304