I think Ourstage gives good insight into how tough the task of an A&R person, music publisher or Taxi screener can be. Here are my 'average Joe' (or Steve) observations on the Ourstage submissions I've 'judged' or listened to:

- Most intros are too long
- More emphasis is placed on musicianship on most songs than the vocal
- Folks are using way too many effects - on the voice, on the instruments
- Not a lot of attention is being paid to recording quality by some submitting - I'm not saying a recording has to be studio quality, but the listener should be able to hear it clearly
- Really strong songs (lyrically) are few and far between

With that being said, I enjoy the Ourstage process and enjoy listening to the various songs and artists.

Steve V

Steve Vaclavik

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'You probably don't like what I'm saying, or the way that it's been said. But my only goal has been to awaken some thoughts in your head.'