S100106AM
ALT COUNTRY/AMERICANA SONGS in the range from Gram Parsons to Uncle Tupelo to the Jayhawks to Lucinda Williams to Wilco to the Drive-By Truckers, etc., are wanted by a West Coast-based Music Library whose clients include Xbox, Microsoft, Visa, Clorox, Adidas, and more. Male or female vocals are fine. Vocal and instrumental presentation must be top-notch! They offer a standard non-exclusive, 50/50 deal and they don't acquire your song's copyright. Songs must be broadcast quality (great sounding home recordings are OK). You must control the publishing and master rights to your songs - no samples that require clearance, please. Please submit one to three songs online or per CD, include lyrics. All submissions will be screened and critiqued by TAXI and must be received no later than Wednesday, January 6, 2010. TAXI #S100106AM
Name Michael Epstein Listing # S100106AM
Title: Walk on Water
N/A 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 (10=best)
8 Melody
8 Lyrics
8 Marketability
8 Song Structure
6 Production
7 Engineering
7 Musicianship
8 Lead Vocal
You have a fun melody here and a catchy chorus. Your voice has a quirkiness to it that will make you stand out from the crowd and be remembered. I'd like to hear more of a dynamic shift between your verses and choruses. Sonically, you have most of the action going on in the same frequency range - voice, guitars etc. and they all seem to be turned up at the same level. It becomes a bit tiring to the ears after a while - a bit of an assault.
Status: Return
Style
On target for this listing
Overall Comments
Hello Michael, thank you for submitting your material for this listing. I have enjoyed listening to your song - catchy chorus, fun feel to it, reminiscent of The Violent Femmes. Now I need to hear a slightly better recording for a listing such as this. You're off to a great start hear. Now I'd like to hear you think about separation of instruments, frequency-wise, with panning, with varying volumes. make sure the voice stands out from the instruments more - investigate using space, rather than filling it all up. Try using more space in your verses and then building in your chorus.
Sound Quality
Not great, but clean enough for this listing
The sound is 'clean' enough but I hear a lack of frequency range and you could make more choices in your mixing - dynamic, panning - and previous to that - arranging.
The main reason(s) you were not forwarded for this listing is:
I really like the song. Now I just need to hear a little more dynamic and use of space in the recording.
Listener ID # 147
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Showing posts with label return. Show all posts
Showing posts with label return. Show all posts
Wednesday, February 10, 2010
Tuesday, January 19, 2010
Y091230HR, DNFMOMD
We listened carefully to your song(s) listed below, but unfortunately,
it wasn't right on target for listing #Y091230HR:
Episode 1 - Arrival & Episode 3 - Checkmate
Y091230HR
CURRENT SOUNDING HARD ROCK BANDS a la "anything and everything Hard Rock related" sought by a highly successful clothing brand to use as backing tracks for their online webisode series. No covers please and you must own your own masters. Vocal and demo presentation must be top-notch! Broadcast quality is needed (great sounding home recordings are OK). Please submit one to three songs online or per CD, include lyrics. All submissions will be screened and critiqued by TAXI and must be received no later than Wednesday, December 30, 2009. TAXI #Y091230HR
Name Michael Epstein Listing # Y091230HR
Title: Episode 1 - Arrival
Status: Return
Reasons not Forwarded:
Vocal Performance
Instrumental Performance
Recording
Music
Title: Episode 3 - Checkmate
Status: Return
Reasons not Forwarded:
Vocal Performance
Instrumental Performance
Recording
Music
Listener ID # 316
it wasn't right on target for listing #Y091230HR:
Episode 1 - Arrival & Episode 3 - Checkmate
Y091230HR
CURRENT SOUNDING HARD ROCK BANDS a la "anything and everything Hard Rock related" sought by a highly successful clothing brand to use as backing tracks for their online webisode series. No covers please and you must own your own masters. Vocal and demo presentation must be top-notch! Broadcast quality is needed (great sounding home recordings are OK). Please submit one to three songs online or per CD, include lyrics. All submissions will be screened and critiqued by TAXI and must be received no later than Wednesday, December 30, 2009. TAXI #Y091230HR
Name Michael Epstein Listing # Y091230HR
Title: Episode 1 - Arrival
Status: Return
Reasons not Forwarded:
Vocal Performance
Instrumental Performance
Recording
Music
Title: Episode 3 - Checkmate
Status: Return
Reasons not Forwarded:
Vocal Performance
Instrumental Performance
Recording
Music
Listener ID # 316
Friday, January 8, 2010
#D091228IR (DNFMOMD)
We listened carefully to your song(s) listed below, but unfortunately, it wasn't right on target for Dispatch listing #D091228IR: Episode 1 - Arrival
D091228IR
INDIE/ALTERNATIVE ROCK SONGS a la Sonic Youth, Pavement, Mars Volta, etc., needed by the Music Supervisor of an established Production Company that is a major player specializing in the Extreme Sports Film industry. No instrumentals please. Male or female vocals are okay, but female vocals are preferred. Vocal performances must be top notch. Broadcast quality is needed (excellent home recordings are fine). Please submit one to three songs online or per CD, include lyrics. All submissions will be screened on a YES/NO BASIS - NO CRITIQUES FROM TAXI - and must be received no later than 4:00pm (PST) on Monday, December 28, 2009. TAXI #D091228IR
Name Michael Epstein Listing # D091228IR
Song Title Episode 1 - Arrival
Status: Return
Reasons not Forwarded:
Stylistically Off Target
Listener ID # 19
D091228IR
INDIE/ALTERNATIVE ROCK SONGS a la Sonic Youth, Pavement, Mars Volta, etc., needed by the Music Supervisor of an established Production Company that is a major player specializing in the Extreme Sports Film industry. No instrumentals please. Male or female vocals are okay, but female vocals are preferred. Vocal performances must be top notch. Broadcast quality is needed (excellent home recordings are fine). Please submit one to three songs online or per CD, include lyrics. All submissions will be screened on a YES/NO BASIS - NO CRITIQUES FROM TAXI - and must be received no later than 4:00pm (PST) on Monday, December 28, 2009. TAXI #D091228IR
Name Michael Epstein Listing # D091228IR
Song Title Episode 1 - Arrival
Status: Return
Reasons not Forwarded:
Stylistically Off Target
Listener ID # 19
#D091210IN
We listened carefully to your song(s) listed below, but unfortunately, it wasn't right on target for Dispatch listing #D091210IN: 30 Lives (Instrumental)
D091210IN
INDIE POP INSTRUMENTALS in the wide stylistic range of Margot & The Nuclear So and So’s, Jeff Buckley, Belle & Sebastian, etc., needed immediately by a Music Production Company producing a Reality Show on a Major Television Network. Instrumentals need to be light-hearted and upbeat. Broadcast quality needed (excellent home recordings are okay). Please submit one to three 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 4:00pm (PST) on Thursday, December 10, 2009. TAXI #D091210IN
Name Michael Epstein Listing # D091210IN
Song Title 30 Lives (Instrumental)
Status: Return
Reasons not Forwarded:
Not Master/Broadcast Quality
Other
I love this track - but there are some vocals here, and the listing specifies that only instrumentals can be used for this project.
Listener ID # 287
D091210IN
INDIE POP INSTRUMENTALS in the wide stylistic range of Margot & The Nuclear So and So’s, Jeff Buckley, Belle & Sebastian, etc., needed immediately by a Music Production Company producing a Reality Show on a Major Television Network. Instrumentals need to be light-hearted and upbeat. Broadcast quality needed (excellent home recordings are okay). Please submit one to three 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 4:00pm (PST) on Thursday, December 10, 2009. TAXI #D091210IN
Name Michael Epstein Listing # D091210IN
Song Title 30 Lives (Instrumental)
Status: Return
Reasons not Forwarded:
Not Master/Broadcast Quality
Other
I love this track - but there are some vocals here, and the listing specifies that only instrumentals can be used for this project.
Listener ID # 287
#D091204PR
We listened carefully to your song(s) listed below, but unfortunately, it wasn't right on target for Dispatch listing #D091204PR: Losing Altitude (Instrumental) & Winged Bicycle
D091204PR
MODERN POP/ROCK SONGS and INSTRUMENTALS needed immediately by a Music Supervision/Production Company who is currently working on a major motion picture. The scenes for this request are friends talking in a restaurant, then later, men are talking about marital problems in a bar. Music for these particular scenes need to be modern sounding, uptempo, and fun. Dialogue during scenes are often wordy and serious, so songs with open instrumentation is ideal. They also mention that anything too wordy, frantic, loud, clubby, etc., will not work. Broadcast quality needed (excellent home recordings are okay). Please submit one to three songs or instrumentals online or per CD, include lyrics (if applicable). All submissions will be screened on a YES/NO BASIS - NO CRITIQUES FROM TAXI - and must be received no later than 9:00am (PST) on Friday, December 4, 2009. TAXI #D091204PR
Name Michael Epstein Listing # D091204PR
Title: Losing Altitude (Instrumental)
Status: Return
Reasons not Forwarded:
Not Master/Broadcast Quality
Stylistically Off Target
Music
Title: Winged Bicycle
Status: Return
Reasons not Forwarded:
Stylistically Off Target
Music
Listener ID # 288
D091204PR
MODERN POP/ROCK SONGS and INSTRUMENTALS needed immediately by a Music Supervision/Production Company who is currently working on a major motion picture. The scenes for this request are friends talking in a restaurant, then later, men are talking about marital problems in a bar. Music for these particular scenes need to be modern sounding, uptempo, and fun. Dialogue during scenes are often wordy and serious, so songs with open instrumentation is ideal. They also mention that anything too wordy, frantic, loud, clubby, etc., will not work. Broadcast quality needed (excellent home recordings are okay). Please submit one to three songs or instrumentals online or per CD, include lyrics (if applicable). All submissions will be screened on a YES/NO BASIS - NO CRITIQUES FROM TAXI - and must be received no later than 9:00am (PST) on Friday, December 4, 2009. TAXI #D091204PR
Name Michael Epstein Listing # D091204PR
Title: Losing Altitude (Instrumental)
Status: Return
Reasons not Forwarded:
Not Master/Broadcast Quality
Stylistically Off Target
Music
Title: Winged Bicycle
Status: Return
Reasons not Forwarded:
Stylistically Off Target
Music
Listener ID # 288
#D091030IN (DNFMOMD)
We listened carefully to your song(s) listed below, but unfortunately, it wasn't right on target for Dispatch listing #D091030IN: Episode 1 - Arrival (Instrumental)
D091030IN
ROCK and HARD ROCK INSTRUMENTALS a la White Zombie, Ministry, Muse, Stormtroopers of Death, etc., needed by the Producer of an Extreme Sports Reality TV Show. He needs fast/uptempo instrumentals for the opening/closing theme. Emphasis on guitar is ideal. Instrumentals need to be within 45-60 seconds in length, and should have a catchy melodic hook. Instrumentals used will receive credits during airplay, end credits, and your web site link posted on show. Recordings need to be Broadcast Quality (great home recordings should be fine). Please submit one to three instrumentals 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 Noon (PST) on Friday, October 30, 2009. TAXI #D091030IN
Name Michael Epstein Listing # D091030IN
Song Title Episode 1 - Arrival (Instrumental)
Status: Return
Reasons not Forwarded:
Not Master/Broadcast Quality
Stylistically Off Target
Other
There is an element of Rock working in this track...but it has a feel that is closer to Classic Rock (or retro) versus the bands listed (White Zombie, Ministry, Muse, Stormtroopers of Death). Also, length here is 2:58.... listing asks for 60 seconds max as this is for an opening title.
Listener ID # 169
D091030IN
ROCK and HARD ROCK INSTRUMENTALS a la White Zombie, Ministry, Muse, Stormtroopers of Death, etc., needed by the Producer of an Extreme Sports Reality TV Show. He needs fast/uptempo instrumentals for the opening/closing theme. Emphasis on guitar is ideal. Instrumentals need to be within 45-60 seconds in length, and should have a catchy melodic hook. Instrumentals used will receive credits during airplay, end credits, and your web site link posted on show. Recordings need to be Broadcast Quality (great home recordings should be fine). Please submit one to three instrumentals 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 Noon (PST) on Friday, October 30, 2009. TAXI #D091030IN
Name Michael Epstein Listing # D091030IN
Song Title Episode 1 - Arrival (Instrumental)
Status: Return
Reasons not Forwarded:
Not Master/Broadcast Quality
Stylistically Off Target
Other
There is an element of Rock working in this track...but it has a feel that is closer to Classic Rock (or retro) versus the bands listed (White Zombie, Ministry, Muse, Stormtroopers of Death). Also, length here is 2:58.... listing asks for 60 seconds max as this is for an opening title.
Listener ID # 169
#D090930AR
We listened carefully to your song(s) listed below, but unfortunately, it wasn't right on target for Dispatch listing #D090930AR: 30 Lives & Winged Bicycle
D090930AR
ALTERNATIVE/MODERN/INDIE ROCK BANDS/ARTISTS in the wide stylistic range of Modest Mouse, Coldplay, Weezer, Muse, and Tool are sought by the Sr. VP of A&R at one of the most historic and celebrated Major Labels. This executive is one of the most respected and toughest to impress in the business. Therefore, you need to have strong display of musicianship, musical integrity & credible vibe, appealing & formed image, online presence, and evidence of sales & touring history. He is a stickler for an act that knows who and what they are, as well as have a timely/timeless statement to make. Demo presentation of vocal & instrumentation should be very strong (excellent sounding home recordings are fine). Please submit two to three songs online or per CD, include lyrics, picture, and bio. All submissions will be screened on a YES/NO BASIS ONLY - NO CRITIQUES FROM TAXI - and must be received no later than 2:00pm (PST) on Wednesday, September 30, 2009. TAXI #D090930AR
Name Michael Epstein Listing # D090930AR
Title: 30 Lives
Status: Return
Reasons not Forwarded:
Vocal Performance
Music
A very infectious band energy and overall quality presentation, however I don't feel I'm hearing a
break thru vocal signature or CH melody - to warrant a forward. This executive has super high level criteria -
Title: Winged Bicycle
Status: Return
Reasons not Forwarded:
Music
Other
I connected with this vocal take a bit more, yet I still
don't hear the timeless melody or arrangement this
exec is demanding in forwarded materials.... Keep
up all the DIY accomplishments, evidenced in your
BIO -
Listener ID # 95
D090930AR
ALTERNATIVE/MODERN/INDIE ROCK BANDS/ARTISTS in the wide stylistic range of Modest Mouse, Coldplay, Weezer, Muse, and Tool are sought by the Sr. VP of A&R at one of the most historic and celebrated Major Labels. This executive is one of the most respected and toughest to impress in the business. Therefore, you need to have strong display of musicianship, musical integrity & credible vibe, appealing & formed image, online presence, and evidence of sales & touring history. He is a stickler for an act that knows who and what they are, as well as have a timely/timeless statement to make. Demo presentation of vocal & instrumentation should be very strong (excellent sounding home recordings are fine). Please submit two to three songs online or per CD, include lyrics, picture, and bio. All submissions will be screened on a YES/NO BASIS ONLY - NO CRITIQUES FROM TAXI - and must be received no later than 2:00pm (PST) on Wednesday, September 30, 2009. TAXI #D090930AR
Name Michael Epstein Listing # D090930AR
Title: 30 Lives
Status: Return
Reasons not Forwarded:
Vocal Performance
Music
A very infectious band energy and overall quality presentation, however I don't feel I'm hearing a
break thru vocal signature or CH melody - to warrant a forward. This executive has super high level criteria -
Title: Winged Bicycle
Status: Return
Reasons not Forwarded:
Music
Other
I connected with this vocal take a bit more, yet I still
don't hear the timeless melody or arrangement this
exec is demanding in forwarded materials.... Keep
up all the DIY accomplishments, evidenced in your
BIO -
Listener ID # 95
# S090630IP
S090630IP
INDIE POP SONGS in the variety of Vampire Weekend, The Decemberists, The Shins, etc., are needed by the Executive VP of Music at a Major Film Studio for a new romantic/comedy film that is currently in production and stars two well-known actors that just also starred together in He's Just Not That Into You. Male or Female vocals are okay. They want to hear intelligent songwriting with clever lyrics and melodies that immediately capture your interest. Vocal presentation and instrumentation must be top-notch! Broadcast quality is needed (excellent sounding home recordings are fine). Please submit one to three songs online or per CD, include lyrics. All submissions will be screened and critiqued by TAXI and must be received no later than Tuesday, June 30, 2009. TAXI #S090630IP
Name Michael Epstein
Listing # S090630IP
Title: Winged Bicycle
N/A 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 (10=best)
7 Melody
7 Lyrics
6 Marketability
7 Song Structure
7 Production
8 Engineering
7 Musicianship
7 Lead Vocal
A colorful sound with some appealing parts and elements. The vocal has a current tone but could be a little more solid and compelling for the listing and the hook needs to be that much more immediately catchy I feel.
Status: Return
Style
On target for this listing
Alt Rock Pop.
Overall Comments
Michael, this piece has a musicality and flavor in its instrumentation and playing that brings the song across to a listener with a unique and quirky appeal. The trumpet does goes just a little off key in the intro, but probably not enough to bother most listeners. The vocal hook melody could be a little more captivating for this listing though, as I feel it doesn't quite reach out from the song and grab immediate attention as the listing wants. Have a listen to the songs of the artists given as examples and hear how they present their hooks and choruses. Best of luck.
Sound Quality
Well-recorded
The sound quality is good.
The main reason(s) you were not forwarded for this listing is:
The song has character and charm but isn't as catchy in an immediate enough way for this listing, in my opinion.
Listener ID # 261
INDIE POP SONGS in the variety of Vampire Weekend, The Decemberists, The Shins, etc., are needed by the Executive VP of Music at a Major Film Studio for a new romantic/comedy film that is currently in production and stars two well-known actors that just also starred together in He's Just Not That Into You. Male or Female vocals are okay. They want to hear intelligent songwriting with clever lyrics and melodies that immediately capture your interest. Vocal presentation and instrumentation must be top-notch! Broadcast quality is needed (excellent sounding home recordings are fine). Please submit one to three songs online or per CD, include lyrics. All submissions will be screened and critiqued by TAXI and must be received no later than Tuesday, June 30, 2009. TAXI #S090630IP
Name Michael Epstein
Listing # S090630IP
Title: Winged Bicycle
N/A 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 (10=best)
7 Melody
7 Lyrics
6 Marketability
7 Song Structure
7 Production
8 Engineering
7 Musicianship
7 Lead Vocal
A colorful sound with some appealing parts and elements. The vocal has a current tone but could be a little more solid and compelling for the listing and the hook needs to be that much more immediately catchy I feel.
Status: Return
Style
On target for this listing
Alt Rock Pop.
Overall Comments
Michael, this piece has a musicality and flavor in its instrumentation and playing that brings the song across to a listener with a unique and quirky appeal. The trumpet does goes just a little off key in the intro, but probably not enough to bother most listeners. The vocal hook melody could be a little more captivating for this listing though, as I feel it doesn't quite reach out from the song and grab immediate attention as the listing wants. Have a listen to the songs of the artists given as examples and hear how they present their hooks and choruses. Best of luck.
Sound Quality
Well-recorded
The sound quality is good.
The main reason(s) you were not forwarded for this listing is:
The song has character and charm but isn't as catchy in an immediate enough way for this listing, in my opinion.
Listener ID # 261
#Y090706IR
We listened carefully to your song(s) listed below, but unfortunately, it wasn't right on target for listing #Y090706IR: 30 Lives, Satellite & Winged Bicycle
Y090706IR
ALTERNATIVE ROCK/INDIE ROCK SONGS in the full variety of Death Cab for Cutie, Kings of Leon, Modest Mouse, The Decemberists, etc. are needed by an LA-based Music Publisher with tons of Film/TV placements, including a lot of TAXI material signed and placed. The styles can be pretty diverse but excellent performances along with lyrics that are universal are essential. No instrumentals please - only songs with vocals! Male or female vocals are just fine. They offer a non-exclusive, 50/50 split deal - you keep your original copyrights. Broadcast quality needed (great home recordings are fine). 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 Monday, July 6, 2009. TAXI #Y090706IR
Name Michael Epstein Listing # Y090706IR
Title: Satellite
Status: Return
Reasons not Forwarded:
Recording
Title: 30 Lives
Status: Return
Reasons not Forwarded:
Vocal Performance
Title: Winged Bicycle
Status: Return
Reasons not Forwarded:
Vocal Performance
Listener ID # 294
Y090706IR
ALTERNATIVE ROCK/INDIE ROCK SONGS in the full variety of Death Cab for Cutie, Kings of Leon, Modest Mouse, The Decemberists, etc. are needed by an LA-based Music Publisher with tons of Film/TV placements, including a lot of TAXI material signed and placed. The styles can be pretty diverse but excellent performances along with lyrics that are universal are essential. No instrumentals please - only songs with vocals! Male or female vocals are just fine. They offer a non-exclusive, 50/50 split deal - you keep your original copyrights. Broadcast quality needed (great home recordings are fine). 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 Monday, July 6, 2009. TAXI #Y090706IR
Name Michael Epstein Listing # Y090706IR
Title: Satellite
Status: Return
Reasons not Forwarded:
Recording
Title: 30 Lives
Status: Return
Reasons not Forwarded:
Vocal Performance
Title: Winged Bicycle
Status: Return
Reasons not Forwarded:
Vocal Performance
Listener ID # 294
#S090619IR!
Your song(s), 30 Lives, were forwarded to Parasol Records for listing #S090619IR!
S090619IR
INDIE ROCK ARTISTS/BANDS in the wide variety of Arctic Monkeys, Pavement, Rilo Kiley, Brian Jonestown Massacre, the Pixies, Sleater-Kinney, Sonic Youth, Deathcab for Cutie, etc.. are sought after by a very credible and well-respected Indie label with solid distribution both nationally and internationally. They are looking for edgy and compelling acts who have strong songwriting skills and a great vocal sound. They are looking for songs for compilation CDs of unsigned artists, as well as exceptional artists to sign to their label, and are always interested in distributing CDs that are already mastered and ready to go. Please note: if you are submitting your CD for distribution, it has to be Master Quality. If you are submitting it for consideration of being put on the compilation CD or to be signed to the label, your demo presentation must sound great with top-notch instrumental and vocal performances. Please submit two to three songs online or per CD, include lyrics, photo and bio. On your bio, please make sure to include any fanbase or touring history that you have experienced. All submissions will be screened and critiqued by TAXI and must be received no later than Friday, June 19, 2009. TAXI #S090619IR
Name Michael Epstein Listing # S090619IR
Title: 30 Lives
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 (10=best)
9 Melody
10 Lyrics
9 Marketability
9 Song Structure
9 Production
9 Engineering
9 Musicianship
9 Lead Vocal
These lyrics are witty, and so relevant to the Nintendo generation. The melody blends modern with retro, and the drums are full and live sounding, especially with that tambourine, great work!
Status: Forward
Title: Winged Bicycle
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 (10=best)
9 Melody
9 Lyrics
8 Marketability
8 Song Structure
8 Production
8 Engineering
9 Musicianship
8 Lead Vocal
These harmonies really add to the song and the horns are an interesting choice of accompaniment. Your vocal delivery on the line "Starts to fly away" has a great touch of grit. The hook could use a little more definition. You say "She cries as she calls out his name", maybe it would have more of an impact if you showed more about who those two people are. Remember to include lyrics with your submission.
Status: Return
Style
On target for this listing
These tunes are in the Indie Rock style that this listing is looking for.
Overall Comments
Hi Micheal, thanks for submitting these songs. You have a really cool vibe and a nice way of keeping your melodies fresh without having to rely on range alone. The lyrics are intricate and original and your voice has a conversational vibe. One thing you might want to do is make sure the hook lyrics are set up so that your listener knows what you're getting at by the time you get there.
Sound Quality
Well-recorded
The recording quality is high on these songs.
The main reason(s) you were or were not forwarded for this listing is:
The music and lyrics on "30 Lives" are great, "Winged Bicycle" could use a little more lyrical refining.
Listener ID # 310
S090619IR
INDIE ROCK ARTISTS/BANDS in the wide variety of Arctic Monkeys, Pavement, Rilo Kiley, Brian Jonestown Massacre, the Pixies, Sleater-Kinney, Sonic Youth, Deathcab for Cutie, etc.. are sought after by a very credible and well-respected Indie label with solid distribution both nationally and internationally. They are looking for edgy and compelling acts who have strong songwriting skills and a great vocal sound. They are looking for songs for compilation CDs of unsigned artists, as well as exceptional artists to sign to their label, and are always interested in distributing CDs that are already mastered and ready to go. Please note: if you are submitting your CD for distribution, it has to be Master Quality. If you are submitting it for consideration of being put on the compilation CD or to be signed to the label, your demo presentation must sound great with top-notch instrumental and vocal performances. Please submit two to three songs online or per CD, include lyrics, photo and bio. On your bio, please make sure to include any fanbase or touring history that you have experienced. All submissions will be screened and critiqued by TAXI and must be received no later than Friday, June 19, 2009. TAXI #S090619IR
Name Michael Epstein Listing # S090619IR
Title: 30 Lives
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 (10=best)
9 Melody
10 Lyrics
9 Marketability
9 Song Structure
9 Production
9 Engineering
9 Musicianship
9 Lead Vocal
These lyrics are witty, and so relevant to the Nintendo generation. The melody blends modern with retro, and the drums are full and live sounding, especially with that tambourine, great work!
Status: Forward
Title: Winged Bicycle
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 (10=best)
9 Melody
9 Lyrics
8 Marketability
8 Song Structure
8 Production
8 Engineering
9 Musicianship
8 Lead Vocal
These harmonies really add to the song and the horns are an interesting choice of accompaniment. Your vocal delivery on the line "Starts to fly away" has a great touch of grit. The hook could use a little more definition. You say "She cries as she calls out his name", maybe it would have more of an impact if you showed more about who those two people are. Remember to include lyrics with your submission.
Status: Return
Style
On target for this listing
These tunes are in the Indie Rock style that this listing is looking for.
Overall Comments
Hi Micheal, thanks for submitting these songs. You have a really cool vibe and a nice way of keeping your melodies fresh without having to rely on range alone. The lyrics are intricate and original and your voice has a conversational vibe. One thing you might want to do is make sure the hook lyrics are set up so that your listener knows what you're getting at by the time you get there.
Sound Quality
Well-recorded
The recording quality is high on these songs.
The main reason(s) you were or were not forwarded for this listing is:
The music and lyrics on "30 Lives" are great, "Winged Bicycle" could use a little more lyrical refining.
Listener ID # 310
# S090303IR
S090303IR
Innovative ALTERNATIVE/INDIE ROCK BANDS in the full range of Radiohead, The Killers, Snow Patrol, etc., that have skillful songwriting, and solid instrumental chops are wanted by the Director of A&R at a Major Label. He's not seeking some derivative band that sounds like everyone else but that being said, you must show obvious commercial potential. 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 March 3, 2009. TAXI # S090303IR
Name Michael Epstein Listing # S090303IR
Title: Satellite
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
7 Lead Vocal
I like the mellotron in the mix. There are some cool elements in the arrangement but think some additional dynamic contrast will also lend to sectional contrast.
Status: Return
Title: Losing Altitude
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 (10=best)
7 Music
8 Lyrics
8 Marketability
7 Arrangement
7 Production
7 Engineering
8 Musicianship
7 Lead Vocal
I higher vocal range during the chorus could pop out some more. Similar to the last, this is an excellent foundation but can be strengthened with adjustments in the arrangement and vocal performance.
Status: Return
Title: Winged Bicycle
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
7 Lead Vocal
Cool trumpet. Layering the trumpet could also make it more present. I think the structure can be condensed as it's almost 5mins and fells fairly consistent.
Status: Return
Style
On target for this listing
Hard to classify
These songs are a bit more eclectic than the referenced bands but would still classify in the broad alt/indie genre.
Overall Comments
Hi Michael,
Thanks for submitting your songs for this listing. You have a quirky tone that's welcoming and accessible. Currently, I believe the songs are still in a developmental stage but have a lot of eclectic influences, leaving further interpretation open for endless arrangement possibilities. Most importantly, the vocals have room to solidify. There's a lackadaisical tone and timbre to the vocals, giving more leeway to performance expectations but regardless, the performances can be more captivating with variation and additional risk. Overall, I like what I hear so far and look forward to seeing how it continues to evolve.
Bio Comments
Short and sweet bio. Like the list approach to credits etc. as it's much easier to read than some.
The main reason(s) you were not forwarded for this listing is:
I enjoyed listening but don't believe it's ready for major label solicitation at the moment. Although finished masters are not necessary, continuing to strive for the best recording and performance is encouraged.
Listener ID # 270
Innovative ALTERNATIVE/INDIE ROCK BANDS in the full range of Radiohead, The Killers, Snow Patrol, etc., that have skillful songwriting, and solid instrumental chops are wanted by the Director of A&R at a Major Label. He's not seeking some derivative band that sounds like everyone else but that being said, you must show obvious commercial potential. 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 March 3, 2009. TAXI # S090303IR
Name Michael Epstein Listing # S090303IR
Title: Satellite
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
7 Lead Vocal
I like the mellotron in the mix. There are some cool elements in the arrangement but think some additional dynamic contrast will also lend to sectional contrast.
Status: Return
Title: Losing Altitude
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 (10=best)
7 Music
8 Lyrics
8 Marketability
7 Arrangement
7 Production
7 Engineering
8 Musicianship
7 Lead Vocal
I higher vocal range during the chorus could pop out some more. Similar to the last, this is an excellent foundation but can be strengthened with adjustments in the arrangement and vocal performance.
Status: Return
Title: Winged Bicycle
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
7 Lead Vocal
Cool trumpet. Layering the trumpet could also make it more present. I think the structure can be condensed as it's almost 5mins and fells fairly consistent.
Status: Return
Style
On target for this listing
Hard to classify
These songs are a bit more eclectic than the referenced bands but would still classify in the broad alt/indie genre.
Overall Comments
Hi Michael,
Thanks for submitting your songs for this listing. You have a quirky tone that's welcoming and accessible. Currently, I believe the songs are still in a developmental stage but have a lot of eclectic influences, leaving further interpretation open for endless arrangement possibilities. Most importantly, the vocals have room to solidify. There's a lackadaisical tone and timbre to the vocals, giving more leeway to performance expectations but regardless, the performances can be more captivating with variation and additional risk. Overall, I like what I hear so far and look forward to seeing how it continues to evolve.
Bio Comments
Short and sweet bio. Like the list approach to credits etc. as it's much easier to read than some.
The main reason(s) you were not forwarded for this listing is:
I enjoyed listening but don't believe it's ready for major label solicitation at the moment. Although finished masters are not necessary, continuing to strive for the best recording and performance is encouraged.
Listener ID # 270
Thursday, February 26, 2009
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
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
Saturday, January 17, 2009
#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
Saturday, January 10, 2009
#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
Saturday, January 3, 2009
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
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