Hi,
I have follwed this debate regularly, and it seems to have become a debate over song critiquing rather than TAXI. I have to admit, I share alot of the same sentiments as Frank regarding the music industry. I think Frank's point is that while he may not care to hear someone's opinion of his material at TAXI, if he's under the impression that he's supposed to get a fair and honest critique for his $300 plus $5.00 per song, he should get one. And I think Frank believes if there isn't going to be a critique of all submissions, TAXI should exercise truth in advertising and tell the consumer this info. Now back to the subject of song critiquing; I again agree with Frank on this one as well. I take issue with anyone calling me a "wannabe" when it comes to music. I have played as a professional bassist for most of my career including stints with several signed bands, on indie labels and one on a major label. I have an Associate's Degree in Music, Music theory and Performance, Major in Electric Bass, Minor Voice/Piano from Villa Maria College of Buffalo. I am both a writer and publisher member of ASCAP. I perform as a solo artist regularly in coffeehouses and other venues throughout my region. I have released two CD's on my own label. And although it's not alot of money, I do receive a royalty check from ASCAP based on my performances of my material. Song critiqing to me is nothing more than opinion. When someone writes a song, it's that individual's take on an event that occurred in their life experience. If that person's way of expressing it doesn't fit a particular rhyme scheme, too bad. By critiquing a person's lyrics in particular, one is saying that their experience has no validation by the rules of professional songwriting. Everyone wants the "quick hit", make the money and run. Who cares if we ever hear from you again. Not me. It's all a great journey, and I grow and learn with every song that I write. I want to write songs that are going to be as valid in 50 years from now as they are now. While I am happy to see singer/songwriter's that actually play an instrument making a bit of a comeback (ie, Vanessa Carlton, John Mayer, Michelle Branch) it saddens me to know that when CD #2 comes out next year and it only sells 2 million units versus them 5-6 million of the debut CD, they'll be considered a disappointment and dropped, and the opportunity to grow and develop will be missed. In the most recent issue of Guitar Player, there is a wonderful, but brief article with Michelle Shocked on songwriting. For those who don't know, Michelle was signed about a decade ago solely on the strength of her demo that was done on a ghetto blaster. Any way, I can't agree more with statements like these; "Tricks and rules steal all the magic and mystery from songwriting. Those things are just designed to turn songs into cash machines." Now, one might say who the hell is she? She doesn't have a song in the Top 40. Exactly, and she probably doesn't want to either. She is an artist. Not a recording artist, like Tim McGraw, Kenney Chesney or Faith Hill. Those people will sell a trillion more records that Michelle Shocked ever will. A trillion more records of completely forgettable, formulated music. As I look at the cover of this magazine I see Alex Lifeson, the guitarist for my favorite band, Rush. Being a bassist, I was strongly influenced by this band. But my thoughts were these; imagine if some of the songs of Rush were to be put before a song crititue. Or imagine the lyrics for "Stairway To Heaven" being critiqued? I could hear it now..."Now , um, Robert, just what exactly is a bustle in your hedgerow?" Go with your gut. Take the high road. Write from your heart. Be willing to struggle. And in the long run, you'll be a better writer, and a better human being, with a honest, unfabricated view on life. Bottom line is, at the end of the day, only one person has to live with your songs...YOU!!!!!!
All The Best,
davey O.
davey O. music (ASCAP)
http://daveyomusic.freehosting.net

[This message has been edited by 3daveyO3 (edited 07-04-2002).]

[This message has been edited by 3daveyO3 (edited 07-04-2002).]

Davey O. Music (ASCAP)
http://www.daveyomusic.freehosting.net
http://www.sonicbids.com/DaveyO