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
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Friday, January 8, 2010
#P090226AR
We listened carefully to your song(s) listed below, but unfortunately, it wasn't right on target for listing #P090226AR: 30 Lives, Satellite & Winged Bicycle
P090226AR
ARTISTS AND BANDS that could be signed to a Major Label or a prominent Indie Label with Major Distribution are sought after by TAXI for our new program, TAXI Push! All genres can be submitted, but genres and styles that are typically heard on current hit radio stations and listed in the Billboard charts will have the best shot. These submissions will be screened by the TAXI A&R team and the selected artists will be played for a panel of TAXI's A&R people in a "cabinet meeting" setting. Any of the panel members will be able to shop music they choose to their industry contacts. This is an experimental approach that we have high hopes for, but no promises can be made. The bar will be EXTREMELY HIGH for this listing and we can make no promises that, if your music makes it through both levels and is shopped, that it will result in a deal being offered. Please refer to the Push! description here www.TAXI.com/push/ for additional information. Please submit 3 songs online or per CD, include PHOTO/BIO. All submissions will be screened on a YES/NO BASIS - NO CRITIQUES FROM TAXI - and must be received no later than February 26, 2009. TAXI #P090226AR
Name Michael Epstein Listing # P090226AR
Title: Satellite
Status: Return
Reasons not Forwarded:
Material Not Compelling/Distinctive Enough
Title: 30 Lives
Status: Return
Reasons not Forwarded:
Material Not Compelling/Distinctive Enough
Title: Winged Bicycle
Status: Return
Reasons not Forwarded:
Material Not Compelling/Distinctive Enough
Listener ID # 301
P090226AR
ARTISTS AND BANDS that could be signed to a Major Label or a prominent Indie Label with Major Distribution are sought after by TAXI for our new program, TAXI Push! All genres can be submitted, but genres and styles that are typically heard on current hit radio stations and listed in the Billboard charts will have the best shot. These submissions will be screened by the TAXI A&R team and the selected artists will be played for a panel of TAXI's A&R people in a "cabinet meeting" setting. Any of the panel members will be able to shop music they choose to their industry contacts. This is an experimental approach that we have high hopes for, but no promises can be made. The bar will be EXTREMELY HIGH for this listing and we can make no promises that, if your music makes it through both levels and is shopped, that it will result in a deal being offered. Please refer to the Push! description here www.TAXI.com/push/ for additional information. Please submit 3 songs online or per CD, include PHOTO/BIO. All submissions will be screened on a YES/NO BASIS - NO CRITIQUES FROM TAXI - and must be received no later than February 26, 2009. TAXI #P090226AR
Name Michael Epstein Listing # P090226AR
Title: Satellite
Status: Return
Reasons not Forwarded:
Material Not Compelling/Distinctive Enough
Title: 30 Lives
Status: Return
Reasons not Forwarded:
Material Not Compelling/Distinctive Enough
Title: Winged Bicycle
Status: Return
Reasons not Forwarded:
Material Not Compelling/Distinctive Enough
Listener ID # 301
#D090317AR
We listened carefully to your song(s) listed below, but unfortunately, it wasn't right on target for Dispatch listing #D090317AR: 30 Lives
D090317AR
ALTERNATIVE ROCK/POP SONGS in the range of Kings of Leon, The Flaming Lips, Audioslave, The Killers, etc. are wanted by an Independent Film Producer who is working on a new comedy film project. The film producer wants cool, hip, modern songs that must include hooks with big payoffs. The theme of the film is along the lines of "American Pie" or "Road Trip" and the scenes are basic "guys meet girls and party," "fun times" and "as the relationship develops." So lyrical content should try to reflect these types of scenes and not be too heavy. They will license your synch and master for a total of $500 and give you a screen credit. This is a non-exclusive deal, so you will keep your publishing. 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 Noon (PST) on Tuesday, March 17, 2009. TAXI #D090317AR
Name Michael Epstein Listing # D090317AR Song Title 30 Lives
Status: Return
Reasons not Forwarded:
Stylistically Off Target
Material Not Compelling/Distinctive Enough
The feel here does have a retro '50's feel, mixed with Pop/Rock.. but it's not quite Alt Modern. Hook is OK, but as a payoff it can be stronger.
Listener ID # 169
D090317AR
ALTERNATIVE ROCK/POP SONGS in the range of Kings of Leon, The Flaming Lips, Audioslave, The Killers, etc. are wanted by an Independent Film Producer who is working on a new comedy film project. The film producer wants cool, hip, modern songs that must include hooks with big payoffs. The theme of the film is along the lines of "American Pie" or "Road Trip" and the scenes are basic "guys meet girls and party," "fun times" and "as the relationship develops." So lyrical content should try to reflect these types of scenes and not be too heavy. They will license your synch and master for a total of $500 and give you a screen credit. This is a non-exclusive deal, so you will keep your publishing. 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 Noon (PST) on Tuesday, March 17, 2009. TAXI #D090317AR
Name Michael Epstein Listing # D090317AR Song Title 30 Lives
Status: Return
Reasons not Forwarded:
Stylistically Off Target
Material Not Compelling/Distinctive Enough
The feel here does have a retro '50's feel, mixed with Pop/Rock.. but it's not quite Alt Modern. Hook is OK, but as a payoff it can be stronger.
Listener ID # 169
Monday, March 9, 2009
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
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
Sunday, March 8, 2009
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
Sunday, March 1, 2009
D090226MR!
Your song, 30 Lives (Up-Up-Down-Dance Mix), was forwarded to Houlihan
Film Music for Dispatch listing # D090226MR!
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
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
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