A&R Demo???

[BlacklineMusic]

Although this is an audio group, I've come to realize that there are a great
deal of fine musicians and music lovers here and as an active participater
here, I was hoping some of you can help me out in a slightly off topic issue.
My band Blackline is now making A&R promo demos and we are debating on what
order our four songs should go. If you go to my webpage www.blacklinerock.com
, you'll find the four songs. Please take a listen to them and help me with an
order, obviously with the FIRST song on the demo being the quickest, catchiest,
most A&R friendly tune. Thanks a LOT, this will be a great help.
Steve
www.bangrecording.com
www.blacklinerock.com

[Raymond]

Steve wrote
>Although this is an audio group, I've come to realize that there are a great
>deal of fine musicians and music lovers here and as an active participater
>here, I was hoping some of you can help me out in a slightly off topic issue.
>
>My band Blackline is now making A&R promo demos and we are debating on what
>order our four songs should go. If you go to my webpage
>www.blacklinerock.com
>, you'll find the four songs. Please take a listen to them and help me with
>an
>order, obviously with the FIRST song on the demo being the quickest,
>catchiest,
>most A&R friendly tune. Thanks a LOT, this will be a great help.

I would only send out 2 or 3 songs tops, the chances of anyone listening to any
more than the first song or two are very low. Keeping this in mind I'd make
sure the first song is your strongest and reflects what you want to convey.

[Raymond]

Steve wrote
>Although this is an audio group, I've come to realize that there are a great
>deal of fine musicians and music lovers here and as an active participater
>here, I was hoping some of you can help me out in a slightly off topic issue.
>
>My band Blackline is now making A&R promo demos and we are debating on what
>order our four songs should go. If you go to my webpage
>www.blacklinerock.com
>, you'll find the four songs. Please take a listen to them and help me with
>an
>order, obviously with the FIRST song on the demo being the quickest,
>catchiest,
>most A&R friendly tune. Thanks a LOT, this will be a great help.

I would only send out 2 or 3 songs tops, the chances of anyone listening to any
more than the first song or two are very low. Keeping this in mind I'd make
sure the first song is your strongest and reflects what you want to convey.

[BlacklineMusic]

>I would only send out 2 or 3 songs tops, the chances of anyone listening to
>any
>more than the first song or two are very low. Keeping this in mind I'd make
>sure the first song is your strongest and reflects what you want to convey.
>

We've actually been asked for four songs so thats what we're doing. Today
labels want to hear that you have more then just one catchy hit. Having said
that, please take a listen and tell me which song you'd put first.
www.blacklinerock.com
Steve
www.bangrecording.com
www.blacklinerock.com

[BlacklineMusic]

>I would only send out 2 or 3 songs tops, the chances of anyone listening to
>any
>more than the first song or two are very low. Keeping this in mind I'd make
>sure the first song is your strongest and reflects what you want to convey.
>

We've actually been asked for four songs so thats what we're doing. Today
labels want to hear that you have more then just one catchy hit. Having said
that, please take a listen and tell me which song you'd put first.
www.blacklinerock.com
Steve
www.bangrecording.com
www.blacklinerock.com

[EggHd]

<< We've actually been asked for four songs so thats what we're doing. >>

That's a good number. Who is asking?

<< Today labels want to hear that you have more then just one catchy hit. >>

This is different then when? labels are also going to what to see that you
have star power.



---------------------------------------
"I know enough to know I don't know enough"

[EggHd]

<< We've actually been asked for four songs so thats what we're doing. >>

That's a good number. Who is asking?

<< Today labels want to hear that you have more then just one catchy hit. >>

This is different then when? labels are also going to what to see that you
have star power.



---------------------------------------
"I know enough to know I don't know enough"

[BlacklineMusic]

><< Today labels want to hear that you have more then just one catchy hit. >>
>
>This is different then when? labels are also going to what to see that you
>have star power.

I think for a while labels were signing bands who would throw out one hit per
record and then the rest would be crap. Now I'm hearing more and more good
songs on albums again. At least thats what I hear. As for your second
comment, come to a show and you tell me what you think about the star power
issue. Did you get a chance to listen to the tunes?
Steve
www.bangrecording.com
www.blacklinerock.com

[BlacklineMusic]

><< Today labels want to hear that you have more then just one catchy hit. >>
>
>This is different then when? labels are also going to what to see that you
>have star power.

I think for a while labels were signing bands who would throw out one hit per
record and then the rest would be crap. Now I'm hearing more and more good
songs on albums again. At least thats what I hear. As for your second
comment, come to a show and you tell me what you think about the star power
issue. Did you get a chance to listen to the tunes?
Steve
www.bangrecording.com
www.blacklinerock.com

[EggHd]

<< I think for a while labels were signing bands who would throw out one hit
per
record and then the rest would be crap. >>

Of course not. They don't sit around in a meeting and say "even though the
records that sell the most have multiple singles, let's just put one good song
on and then a bunch of crap". "That way we will be sure to fail."

<< Now I'm hearing more and more good songs on albums again. >>

That's subjective. Labels are always looking for bands that can sell records.
But nobody knows, they go on gut or what is happening in a certain market.
Some A&R people are good many suck like anything else.

<< As for your second comment, come to a show and you tell me what you think
about the star power
issue. >>

It's not up to me. I was just adding to what I believe labels are looking for.
I'm giving you advice, not trying to challenge you.

Don't get hung up on "radio" singles. What is on radio today may not be
relevant in 6 months. There are bands getting signed today that may not sound
like hits but a year from now may very well be. remember when Warrent and
Winger were big hits, Nirvana, Pearl Jam, Sound Garden etc were getting signed
not more Wingers poisons and Warrants. Send your best music that makes your
band stand out among the 75 demos that are in the good pile that *week*.

Simply to believe you have a catchy radio song won't get you signed. It's the
entire package and I don't mean the package you send.

<< Did you get a chance to listen to the tunes? >>

I did.



---------------------------------------
"I know enough to know I don't know enough"

[EggHd]

<< I think for a while labels were signing bands who would throw out one hit
per
record and then the rest would be crap. >>

Of course not. They don't sit around in a meeting and say "even though the
records that sell the most have multiple singles, let's just put one good song
on and then a bunch of crap". "That way we will be sure to fail."

<< Now I'm hearing more and more good songs on albums again. >>

That's subjective. Labels are always looking for bands that can sell records.
But nobody knows, they go on gut or what is happening in a certain market.
Some A&R people are good many suck like anything else.

<< As for your second comment, come to a show and you tell me what you think
about the star power
issue. >>

It's not up to me. I was just adding to what I believe labels are looking for.
I'm giving you advice, not trying to challenge you.

Don't get hung up on "radio" singles. What is on radio today may not be
relevant in 6 months. There are bands getting signed today that may not sound
like hits but a year from now may very well be. remember when Warrent and
Winger were big hits, Nirvana, Pearl Jam, Sound Garden etc were getting signed
not more Wingers poisons and Warrants. Send your best music that makes your
band stand out among the 75 demos that are in the good pile that *week*.

Simply to believe you have a catchy radio song won't get you signed. It's the
entire package and I don't mean the package you send.

<< Did you get a chance to listen to the tunes? >>

I did.



---------------------------------------
"I know enough to know I don't know enough"

[Mondoslug1]

egghd wrote:

> remember when Warrent and
>Winger were big hits, Nirvana, Pearl Jam, Sound Garden etc were getting
>signed
>not more Wingers poisons and Warrants.

Excellent insight guy.





Me at:
http://www.soundclick.com/bands/5/andymostmusic.htm

[Mondoslug1]

egghd wrote:

> remember when Warrent and
>Winger were big hits, Nirvana, Pearl Jam, Sound Garden etc were getting
>signed
>not more Wingers poisons and Warrants.

Excellent insight guy.





Me at:
http://www.soundclick.com/bands/5/andymostmusic.htm

[Laurence Payne]

On 23 May 2004 16:09:21 GMT, (BlacklineMusic)
wrote:

>Although this is an audio group, I've come to realize that there are a great
>deal of fine musicians and music lovers here and as an active participater
>here, I was hoping some of you can help me out in a slightly off topic issue.
>My band Blackline is now making A&R promo demos and we are debating on what
>order our four songs should go. If you go to my webpage www.blacklinerock.com
>, you'll find the four songs. Please take a listen to them and help me with an
>order, obviously with the FIRST song on the demo being the quickest, catchiest,
>most A&R friendly tune. Thanks a LOT, this will be a great help.
>Steve
>www.bangrecording.com
>www.blacklinerock.com


I thought I'd break the trend and actually attempt an answer to the
question :-)

Start with "Super One"
Then "Knees". But cut the guitar intro.
"Run". Again, rethink the long intro. Lose at least half of it.
I'm sorry, but "Battlecase" just made me cringe.

CubaseFAQ www.laurencepayne.co.uk/CubaseFAQ.htm
"Possibly the world's least impressive web site": George Perfect

[Laurence Payne]

On 23 May 2004 16:09:21 GMT, (BlacklineMusic)
wrote:

>Although this is an audio group, I've come to realize that there are a great
>deal of fine musicians and music lovers here and as an active participater
>here, I was hoping some of you can help me out in a slightly off topic issue.
>My band Blackline is now making A&R promo demos and we are debating on what
>order our four songs should go. If you go to my webpage www.blacklinerock.com
>, you'll find the four songs. Please take a listen to them and help me with an
>order, obviously with the FIRST song on the demo being the quickest, catchiest,
>most A&R friendly tune. Thanks a LOT, this will be a great help.
>Steve
>www.bangrecording.com
>www.blacklinerock.com


I thought I'd break the trend and actually attempt an answer to the
question :-)

Start with "Super One"
Then "Knees". But cut the guitar intro.
"Run". Again, rethink the long intro. Lose at least half of it.
I'm sorry, but "Battlecase" just made me cringe.

CubaseFAQ www.laurencepayne.co.uk/CubaseFAQ.htm
"Possibly the world's least impressive web site": George Perfect

[hank alrich]

Laurence Payne wrote:

> Then "Knees". But cut the guitar intro.
> "Run". Again, rethink the long intro. Lose at least half of it.

What did Johnny V .sig? "Don't bore us; get to the chorus"

--
ha

[hank alrich]

Laurence Payne wrote:

> Then "Knees". But cut the guitar intro.
> "Run". Again, rethink the long intro. Lose at least half of it.

What did Johnny V .sig? "Don't bore us; get to the chorus"

--
ha

[Kevin Krell]

I found them all too slow in starting to generate enough interest for
me to want to keep going. I think jumping right into the tunes is
more likely to get you listened to. Your demo also might consider a
wider variety of songs with more dynamics - these are very much alike
in rhythm, tonal quality, etc. Cut the intros and flip a coin.

Kevin Krell

BlacklineMusic wrote:
> Although this is an audio group, I've come to realize that there are a great
> deal of fine musicians and music lovers here and as an active participater
> here, I was hoping some of you can help me out in a slightly off topic issue.
> My band Blackline is now making A&R promo demos and we are debating on what
> order our four songs should go. If you go to my webpage www.blacklinerock.com
> , you'll find the four songs. Please take a listen to them and help me with an
> order, obviously with the FIRST song on the demo being the quickest, catchiest,
> most A&R friendly tune. Thanks a LOT, this will be a great help.
> Steve
> www.bangrecording.com
> www.blacklinerock.com

[Kevin Krell]

I found them all too slow in starting to generate enough interest for
me to want to keep going. I think jumping right into the tunes is
more likely to get you listened to. Your demo also might consider a
wider variety of songs with more dynamics - these are very much alike
in rhythm, tonal quality, etc. Cut the intros and flip a coin.

Kevin Krell

BlacklineMusic wrote:
> Although this is an audio group, I've come to realize that there are a great
> deal of fine musicians and music lovers here and as an active participater
> here, I was hoping some of you can help me out in a slightly off topic issue.
> My band Blackline is now making A&R promo demos and we are debating on what
> order our four songs should go. If you go to my webpage www.blacklinerock.com
> , you'll find the four songs. Please take a listen to them and help me with an
> order, obviously with the FIRST song on the demo being the quickest, catchiest,
> most A&R friendly tune. Thanks a LOT, this will be a great help.
> Steve
> www.bangrecording.com
> www.blacklinerock.com

[Ben Bradley]

On Mon, 24 May 2004 21:57:06 GMT, (hank alrich)
wrote:

>Laurence Payne wrote:
>
>> Then "Knees". But cut the guitar intro.
>> "Run". Again, rethink the long intro. Lose at least half of it.
>
>What did Johnny V .sig? "Don't bore us; get to the chorus"

That's Guido, looking for the next Beatles, but maybe "JnyVee "
said it too.
So what happened to him? I recall his actions to get rid of the
crossposting flamethreads - he'd post a response to each group
(instead of all groups at once) saying "Knock it off, guys" and when
others would respond to him (with the usual obscenities) it would stay
in that group and not show up here anymore. Looks like we should do
something like that with the Penguin guys.

-----
http://mindspring.com/~benbradley

[Ben Bradley]

On Mon, 24 May 2004 21:57:06 GMT, (hank alrich)
wrote:

>Laurence Payne wrote:
>
>> Then "Knees". But cut the guitar intro.
>> "Run". Again, rethink the long intro. Lose at least half of it.
>
>What did Johnny V .sig? "Don't bore us; get to the chorus"

That's Guido, looking for the next Beatles, but maybe "JnyVee "
said it too.
So what happened to him? I recall his actions to get rid of the
crossposting flamethreads - he'd post a response to each group
(instead of all groups at once) saying "Knock it off, guys" and when
others would respond to him (with the usual obscenities) it would stay
in that group and not show up here anymore. Looks like we should do
something like that with the Penguin guys.

-----
http://mindspring.com/~benbradley

[Raymond]

Steve wrote
>> Although this is an audio group, I've come to realize that there are a
>great
>> deal of fine musicians and music lovers here and as an active participater
>> here, I was hoping some of you can help me out in a slightly off topic
>issue.
>> My band Blackline is now making A&R promo demos and we are debating on what
>> order our four songs should go. If you go to my webpage
>www.blacklinerock.com
>> , you'll find the four songs. Please take a listen to them and help me
>with an
>> order, obviously with the FIRST song on the demo being the quickest,
>catchiest,
>> most A&R friendly tune. Thanks a LOT, this will be a great help.
>> Steve

It seems that your thread was lost for a day and I can't get the last reply I
made but I think that Run and Knees are good kick off tunes. I don't think that
Super One is something that should be in there at all (it needs some major
work).

[Raymond]

Steve wrote
>> Although this is an audio group, I've come to realize that there are a
>great
>> deal of fine musicians and music lovers here and as an active participater
>> here, I was hoping some of you can help me out in a slightly off topic
>issue.
>> My band Blackline is now making A&R promo demos and we are debating on what
>> order our four songs should go. If you go to my webpage
>www.blacklinerock.com
>> , you'll find the four songs. Please take a listen to them and help me
>with an
>> order, obviously with the FIRST song on the demo being the quickest,
>catchiest,
>> most A&R friendly tune. Thanks a LOT, this will be a great help.
>> Steve

It seems that your thread was lost for a day and I can't get the last reply I
made but I think that Run and Knees are good kick off tunes. I don't think that
Super One is something that should be in there at all (it needs some major
work).

[BlacklineMusic]

thanks for the review. what didn't you like about SuperOne... in our latest
fan poll it was voted the catchiest most radio ready tune and we were going to
put it first. How about Battlecase? You can reply to me privately to my
email, I'd email you this off the group but I wasn't sure if your email was
real. Thanks man,
Steve
www.bangrecording.com
www.blacklinerock.com

[BlacklineMusic]

thanks for the review. what didn't you like about SuperOne... in our latest
fan poll it was voted the catchiest most radio ready tune and we were going to
put it first. How about Battlecase? You can reply to me privately to my
email, I'd email you this off the group but I wasn't sure if your email was
real. Thanks man,
Steve
www.bangrecording.com
www.blacklinerock.com

[BlacklineMusic]

>I found them all too slow in starting to generate enough interest for
>me to want to keep going

I'm halfing the intro on Run. We've been fortunate enough to have some labels
request the demo so I hope that means that each song will get listened to
rather then given a fifteen second shot. The feedback has been GREAT so far,
thanks a lot. I'd especially like to hear from guys who are into the new alt
rock scene, Godsmack, Nickelback, Staind, Audioslave, etc.. Thanks
Steve
www.bangrecording.com
www.blacklinerock.com

[BlacklineMusic]

>I found them all too slow in starting to generate enough interest for
>me to want to keep going

I'm halfing the intro on Run. We've been fortunate enough to have some labels
request the demo so I hope that means that each song will get listened to
rather then given a fifteen second shot. The feedback has been GREAT so far,
thanks a lot. I'd especially like to hear from guys who are into the new alt
rock scene, Godsmack, Nickelback, Staind, Audioslave, etc.. Thanks
Steve
www.bangrecording.com
www.blacklinerock.com

[FrankDebro1]

>Start with "Super One"
>Then "Knees". But cut the guitar intro.
>"Run". Again, rethink the long intro. Lose at least half of it.
>I'm sorry, but "Battlecase" just made me cringe

Besides cutting some of the intros for the demo (not for the album) this thread
is not going to help you Steve, because music is way too subjective. Also, you
need to only get reviews from people who are "in" to your kind of music because
those are the reviews that count.

I am into your band and into hard rock and for what its worth, I'd go:

Battlecase -- raw and powerful vocal, good hooks, and the whole ending gives me
the chills.

Run-- great chorus and song, as others have said, cut the intro in half for
this demo.

Knees-- its the hardest of the four tunes and the vocals are great.

SuperOne-- its too poppy for my taste, sure its catchy as hell but it lacks
the rawness and power that your other songs have.

So then, you'll see that my review puts Battlecase first and Superone last, the
opposite of the prior poster. What you should get from this is that you should
just go with your gut feeling and not concentrate too hard on what people say
because it'll drive you mad. I'd also say that you should poll on more rock
oriented forums rather then this audio forum.

Lets catch a drink again next time I'm in Boston. Any shows coming up?
Frank

[FrankDebro1]

>Start with "Super One"
>Then "Knees". But cut the guitar intro.
>"Run". Again, rethink the long intro. Lose at least half of it.
>I'm sorry, but "Battlecase" just made me cringe

Besides cutting some of the intros for the demo (not for the album) this thread
is not going to help you Steve, because music is way too subjective. Also, you
need to only get reviews from people who are "in" to your kind of music because
those are the reviews that count.

I am into your band and into hard rock and for what its worth, I'd go:

Battlecase -- raw and powerful vocal, good hooks, and the whole ending gives me
the chills.

Run-- great chorus and song, as others have said, cut the intro in half for
this demo.

Knees-- its the hardest of the four tunes and the vocals are great.

SuperOne-- its too poppy for my taste, sure its catchy as hell but it lacks
the rawness and power that your other songs have.

So then, you'll see that my review puts Battlecase first and Superone last, the
opposite of the prior poster. What you should get from this is that you should
just go with your gut feeling and not concentrate too hard on what people say
because it'll drive you mad. I'd also say that you should poll on more rock
oriented forums rather then this audio forum.

Lets catch a drink again next time I'm in Boston. Any shows coming up?
Frank

[Bob Singleton]

(BlacklineMusic) wrote in message >...
> >I found them all too slow in starting to generate enough interest for
> >me to want to keep going
>
> I'm halfing the intro on Run. We've been fortunate enough to have some labels
> request the demo so I hope that means that each song will get listened to
> rather then given a fifteen second shot. The feedback has been GREAT so far,
> thanks a lot. I'd especially like to hear from guys who are into the new alt
> rock scene, Godsmack, Nickelback, Staind, Audioslave, etc.. Thanks
> Steve
> www.bangrecording.com
> www.blacklinerock.com

EVERY label I've taken stuff to only gives it a fifteen second shot.
They might be polite and listen all the way through in your presence,
but they have to give it the "fifteen second test." That's because
that is all the listening public will do-- fifteen seconds, and then
BAM! hit the button for the next station.

I was at a NARAS panel with some Columbia Records artists and
producers once. They talked about a company that will survey the
public to see how a song might fare. They pay something like $45,000
per song to get statistically accurate survey results, and they only
play 15 seconds of the song. Why? Because it only takes 15 seconds for
someone to form an opinion, and after that, they rarely change their
impression of the song.

So make the first 15 seconds count if you're presenting songs that
must compete on radio. Don't save your best vocals for the last
chorus; don't save your coolest groove for a minute into the song.
Work the front of your song harder than the back.

They sound pretty mainstream now, but Linkin Park has some of the
tightest structured songs of anybody out there. They are very
effective at having interesting intros, and short effective songs.
Most of them are right around 3:00. Radio promoters and A&R people
will love you if you can couple a great song with a short production.

Bob Singleton
Singleton Productions, Inc.

[Bob Singleton]

(BlacklineMusic) wrote in message >...
> >I found them all too slow in starting to generate enough interest for
> >me to want to keep going
>
> I'm halfing the intro on Run. We've been fortunate enough to have some labels
> request the demo so I hope that means that each song will get listened to
> rather then given a fifteen second shot. The feedback has been GREAT so far,
> thanks a lot. I'd especially like to hear from guys who are into the new alt
> rock scene, Godsmack, Nickelback, Staind, Audioslave, etc.. Thanks
> Steve
> www.bangrecording.com
> www.blacklinerock.com

EVERY label I've taken stuff to only gives it a fifteen second shot.
They might be polite and listen all the way through in your presence,
but they have to give it the "fifteen second test." That's because
that is all the listening public will do-- fifteen seconds, and then
BAM! hit the button for the next station.

I was at a NARAS panel with some Columbia Records artists and
producers once. They talked about a company that will survey the
public to see how a song might fare. They pay something like $45,000
per song to get statistically accurate survey results, and they only
play 15 seconds of the song. Why? Because it only takes 15 seconds for
someone to form an opinion, and after that, they rarely change their
impression of the song.

So make the first 15 seconds count if you're presenting songs that
must compete on radio. Don't save your best vocals for the last
chorus; don't save your coolest groove for a minute into the song.
Work the front of your song harder than the back.

They sound pretty mainstream now, but Linkin Park has some of the
tightest structured songs of anybody out there. They are very
effective at having interesting intros, and short effective songs.
Most of them are right around 3:00. Radio promoters and A&R people
will love you if you can couple a great song with a short production.

Bob Singleton
Singleton Productions, Inc.

[Bob Singleton]

(BlacklineMusic) wrote in message >...
> >I found them all too slow in starting to generate enough interest for
> >me to want to keep going
>
> I'm halfing the intro on Run. We've been fortunate enough to have some labels
> request the demo so I hope that means that each song will get listened to
> rather then given a fifteen second shot. The feedback has been GREAT so far,
> thanks a lot. I'd especially like to hear from guys who are into the new alt
> rock scene, Godsmack, Nickelback, Staind, Audioslave, etc.. Thanks
> Steve
> www.bangrecording.com
> www.blacklinerock.com

EVERY label I've taken stuff to only gives it a fifteen second shot.
They might be polite and listen all the way through in your presence,
but they have to give it the "fifteen second test." That's because
that is all the listening public will do-- fifteen seconds, and then
BAM! hit the button for the next station.

I was at a NARAS panel with some Columbia Records artists and
producers once. They talked about a company that will survey the
public to see how a song might fare. They pay something like $45,000
per song to get statistically accurate survey results, and they only
play 15 seconds of the song. Why? Because it only takes 15 seconds for
someone to form an opinion, and after that, they rarely change their
impression of the song.

So make the first 15 seconds count if you're presenting songs that
must compete on radio. Don't save your best vocals for the last
chorus; don't save your coolest groove for a minute into the song.
Work the front of your song harder than the back.

They sound pretty mainstream now, but Linkin Park has some of the
tightest structured songs of anybody out there. They are very
effective at having interesting intros, and short effective songs.
Most of them are right around 3:00. Radio promoters and A&R people
will love you if you can couple a great song with a short production.

Bob Singleton
Singleton Productions, Inc.

[Raymond]

I agree with Bobs post, that's just the way it is, there used to drop the
needle on a record for 15-30 seconds and if they like it they'll look into if
that band can make them some money or not.
Inde label's have there own rules though, but they have so much less power than
the majors.
That's why I said that your best and tightest song needs to up front, it's also
good to make it an upbeat song to.

[Raymond]

I agree with Bobs post, that's just the way it is, there used to drop the
needle on a record for 15-30 seconds and if they like it they'll look into if
that band can make them some money or not.
Inde label's have there own rules though, but they have so much less power than
the majors.
That's why I said that your best and tightest song needs to up front, it's also
good to make it an upbeat song to.

[Raymond]

I agree with Bobs post, that's just the way it is, there used to drop the
needle on a record for 15-30 seconds and if they like it they'll look into if
that band can make them some money or not.
Inde label's have there own rules though, but they have so much less power than
the majors.
That's why I said that your best and tightest song needs to up front, it's also
good to make it an upbeat song to.

[BlacklineMusic]

>EVERY label I've taken stuff to only gives it a fifteen second shot.
>They might be polite and listen all the way through in your presence,
>but they have to give it the "fifteen second test." That's because
>that is all the listening public will do-- fifteen seconds

Thanks very much Bob for this info. I'm lucky enough to have some A&R request
my demo so I am confident that they'll at least listen to more then fifteen
seconds... BUT I agree that my intros could easily be cut in half and not have
any effect on the song so I'm doing that.

>They sound pretty mainstream now, but Linkin Park has some of the
>tightest structured songs of anybody out there

>They sound pretty mainstream now, but Linkin Park has some of the
>tightest structured songs of anybody out there

Some of their hits do have pretty long intros, but their choruses often START
the song and I think that is a very cool thing. Thanks very much Bob, assuming
that I cut the intros and that you are a fan of hard rock, what would your
first song be for me?
Steve
www.bangrecording.com
www.blacklinerock.com

[BlacklineMusic]

>EVERY label I've taken stuff to only gives it a fifteen second shot.
>They might be polite and listen all the way through in your presence,
>but they have to give it the "fifteen second test." That's because
>that is all the listening public will do-- fifteen seconds

Thanks very much Bob for this info. I'm lucky enough to have some A&R request
my demo so I am confident that they'll at least listen to more then fifteen
seconds... BUT I agree that my intros could easily be cut in half and not have
any effect on the song so I'm doing that.

>They sound pretty mainstream now, but Linkin Park has some of the
>tightest structured songs of anybody out there

>They sound pretty mainstream now, but Linkin Park has some of the
>tightest structured songs of anybody out there

Some of their hits do have pretty long intros, but their choruses often START
the song and I think that is a very cool thing. Thanks very much Bob, assuming
that I cut the intros and that you are a fan of hard rock, what would your
first song be for me?
Steve
www.bangrecording.com
www.blacklinerock.com

[BlacklineMusic]

>EVERY label I've taken stuff to only gives it a fifteen second shot.
>They might be polite and listen all the way through in your presence,
>but they have to give it the "fifteen second test." That's because
>that is all the listening public will do-- fifteen seconds

Thanks very much Bob for this info. I'm lucky enough to have some A&R request
my demo so I am confident that they'll at least listen to more then fifteen
seconds... BUT I agree that my intros could easily be cut in half and not have
any effect on the song so I'm doing that.

>They sound pretty mainstream now, but Linkin Park has some of the
>tightest structured songs of anybody out there

>They sound pretty mainstream now, but Linkin Park has some of the
>tightest structured songs of anybody out there

Some of their hits do have pretty long intros, but their choruses often START
the song and I think that is a very cool thing. Thanks very much Bob, assuming
that I cut the intros and that you are a fan of hard rock, what would your
first song be for me?
Steve
www.bangrecording.com
www.blacklinerock.com

[EggHd]

<< I agree with Bobs post, that's just the way it is, there used to drop the
needle on a record for 15-30 seconds and if they like it they'll look into if
that band can make them some money or not. >>

I don't think there is a 15 second time limit - most cases people wait for the
chorus.

UNLESS it's a song that sounds like every other band that is being pitched or
the band is just awful... Again subjective.





---------------------------------------
"I know enough to know I don't know enough"

[EggHd]

<< I agree with Bobs post, that's just the way it is, there used to drop the
needle on a record for 15-30 seconds and if they like it they'll look into if
that band can make them some money or not. >>

I don't think there is a 15 second time limit - most cases people wait for the
chorus.

UNLESS it's a song that sounds like every other band that is being pitched or
the band is just awful... Again subjective.





---------------------------------------
"I know enough to know I don't know enough"

[EggHd]

<< I agree with Bobs post, that's just the way it is, there used to drop the
needle on a record for 15-30 seconds and if they like it they'll look into if
that band can make them some money or not. >>

I don't think there is a 15 second time limit - most cases people wait for the
chorus.

UNLESS it's a song that sounds like every other band that is being pitched or
the band is just awful... Again subjective.





---------------------------------------
"I know enough to know I don't know enough"

[Bob Singleton]

(BlacklineMusic) wrote in message >...
> >EVERY label I've taken stuff to only gives it a fifteen second shot.
> >They might be polite and listen all the way through in your presence,
> >but they have to give it the "fifteen second test." That's because
> >that is all the listening public will do-- fifteen seconds
>
> Thanks very much Bob for this info. I'm lucky enough to have some A&R request
> my demo so I am confident that they'll at least listen to more then fifteen
> seconds... BUT I agree that my intros could easily be cut in half and not have
> any effect on the song so I'm doing that.
>
> >They sound pretty mainstream now, but Linkin Park has some of the
> >tightest structured songs of anybody out there
>
> Some of their hits do have pretty long intros, but their choruses often START
> the song and I think that is a very cool thing.

Their intros sound very intresting; they set up the vocal entrance and
draw you in. That's the main object: capture people's attention and
hold it. Add a great, memorable hook and strong structure... and it's
a hit. There ain't nothin' to it. ;-)

>Thanks very much Bob, assuming
> that I cut the intros and that you are a fan of hard rock, what would your
> first song be for me?

My gut reaction is that "SuperOne" has the strongest hook, so I'd
probably go with that. For my taste, "Run" was the only song that had
an intro that was too long for me.

Let me suggest another strategy that's worked for me: since you have
an invitation with an A&R rep, you'll probably get all four songs
heard. Ask him/her to rate the songs in order of strength. This will
do 3 things for you:

1. He/she will probably feel flattered that you asked, and would be
more personally invested in you and your band. That's a good thing.

2. You'll get an industry opinion of a good song order. That's another
good thing.

3. You'll be able to contact other A&R reps and say, "We were playing
our stuff for Ted Schmelzer at Round Up Records, and he said that our
strongest song is 'Blender Puppy.' I thought you might have an
interest in hearing it too." That's an appropriate way to name drop
and build credibility. If Ted thinks you're good enough to sit down
with, plus voice an opinion about your stuff, you're helping other A&R
people to know you have enough credibility to merit a review. Good
information for them, and honestly presented from you.

Best wishes in your quest.

Bob Singleton
Singleton Productions, Inc.

[Bob Singleton]

(BlacklineMusic) wrote in message >...
> >EVERY label I've taken stuff to only gives it a fifteen second shot.
> >They might be polite and listen all the way through in your presence,
> >but they have to give it the "fifteen second test." That's because
> >that is all the listening public will do-- fifteen seconds
>
> Thanks very much Bob for this info. I'm lucky enough to have some A&R request
> my demo so I am confident that they'll at least listen to more then fifteen
> seconds... BUT I agree that my intros could easily be cut in half and not have
> any effect on the song so I'm doing that.
>
> >They sound pretty mainstream now, but Linkin Park has some of the
> >tightest structured songs of anybody out there
>
> Some of their hits do have pretty long intros, but their choruses often START
> the song and I think that is a very cool thing.

Their intros sound very intresting; they set up the vocal entrance and
draw you in. That's the main object: capture people's attention and
hold it. Add a great, memorable hook and strong structure... and it's
a hit. There ain't nothin' to it. ;-)

>Thanks very much Bob, assuming
> that I cut the intros and that you are a fan of hard rock, what would your
> first song be for me?

My gut reaction is that "SuperOne" has the strongest hook, so I'd
probably go with that. For my taste, "Run" was the only song that had
an intro that was too long for me.

Let me suggest another strategy that's worked for me: since you have
an invitation with an A&R rep, you'll probably get all four songs
heard. Ask him/her to rate the songs in order of strength. This will
do 3 things for you:

1. He/she will probably feel flattered that you asked, and would be
more personally invested in you and your band. That's a good thing.

2. You'll get an industry opinion of a good song order. That's another
good thing.

3. You'll be able to contact other A&R reps and say, "We were playing
our stuff for Ted Schmelzer at Round Up Records, and he said that our
strongest song is 'Blender Puppy.' I thought you might have an
interest in hearing it too." That's an appropriate way to name drop
and build credibility. If Ted thinks you're good enough to sit down
with, plus voice an opinion about your stuff, you're helping other A&R
people to know you have enough credibility to merit a review. Good
information for them, and honestly presented from you.

Best wishes in your quest.

Bob Singleton
Singleton Productions, Inc.

[Bob Singleton]

(BlacklineMusic) wrote in message >...
> >EVERY label I've taken stuff to only gives it a fifteen second shot.
> >They might be polite and listen all the way through in your presence,
> >but they have to give it the "fifteen second test." That's because
> >that is all the listening public will do-- fifteen seconds
>
> Thanks very much Bob for this info. I'm lucky enough to have some A&R request
> my demo so I am confident that they'll at least listen to more then fifteen
> seconds... BUT I agree that my intros could easily be cut in half and not have
> any effect on the song so I'm doing that.
>
> >They sound pretty mainstream now, but Linkin Park has some of the
> >tightest structured songs of anybody out there
>
> Some of their hits do have pretty long intros, but their choruses often START
> the song and I think that is a very cool thing.

Their intros sound very intresting; they set up the vocal entrance and
draw you in. That's the main object: capture people's attention and
hold it. Add a great, memorable hook and strong structure... and it's
a hit. There ain't nothin' to it. ;-)

>Thanks very much Bob, assuming
> that I cut the intros and that you are a fan of hard rock, what would your
> first song be for me?

My gut reaction is that "SuperOne" has the strongest hook, so I'd
probably go with that. For my taste, "Run" was the only song that had
an intro that was too long for me.

Let me suggest another strategy that's worked for me: since you have
an invitation with an A&R rep, you'll probably get all four songs
heard. Ask him/her to rate the songs in order of strength. This will
do 3 things for you:

1. He/she will probably feel flattered that you asked, and would be
more personally invested in you and your band. That's a good thing.

2. You'll get an industry opinion of a good song order. That's another
good thing.

3. You'll be able to contact other A&R reps and say, "We were playing
our stuff for Ted Schmelzer at Round Up Records, and he said that our
strongest song is 'Blender Puppy.' I thought you might have an
interest in hearing it too." That's an appropriate way to name drop
and build credibility. If Ted thinks you're good enough to sit down
with, plus voice an opinion about your stuff, you're helping other A&R
people to know you have enough credibility to merit a review. Good
information for them, and honestly presented from you.

Best wishes in your quest.

Bob Singleton
Singleton Productions, Inc.

[BlacklineMusic]

>My gut reaction is that "SuperOne" has the strongest hook, so I'd
>probably go with that. For my taste, "Run" was the only song that had
>an intro that was too long for me.

Thanks Bob. Superone is the catchiest hook to my ears, but I fear its not as
upbeat and strong like RUN is (with a halfed intro). Our current lineup is
going to be:
RUN
SUPERONE
KNEES
BATTLECASE

>Let me suggest another strategy that's worked for me: since you have
>an invitation with an A&R rep,

Very cool advice. Thanks a million.
Steve
www.bangrecording.com
www.blacklinerock.com

[BlacklineMusic]

>My gut reaction is that "SuperOne" has the strongest hook, so I'd
>probably go with that. For my taste, "Run" was the only song that had
>an intro that was too long for me.

Thanks Bob. Superone is the catchiest hook to my ears, but I fear its not as
upbeat and strong like RUN is (with a halfed intro). Our current lineup is
going to be:
RUN
SUPERONE
KNEES
BATTLECASE

>Let me suggest another strategy that's worked for me: since you have
>an invitation with an A&R rep,

Very cool advice. Thanks a million.
Steve
www.bangrecording.com
www.blacklinerock.com

[BlacklineMusic]

>My gut reaction is that "SuperOne" has the strongest hook, so I'd
>probably go with that. For my taste, "Run" was the only song that had
>an intro that was too long for me.

Thanks Bob. Superone is the catchiest hook to my ears, but I fear its not as
upbeat and strong like RUN is (with a halfed intro). Our current lineup is
going to be:
RUN
SUPERONE
KNEES
BATTLECASE

>Let me suggest another strategy that's worked for me: since you have
>an invitation with an A&R rep,

Very cool advice. Thanks a million.
Steve
www.bangrecording.com
www.blacklinerock.com

[Higgs]

Personally, I like all four songs. I've been listening to your stuff
for quite a while now (listened to it everyday since I first
downloaded Run actually) and am always checking for new songs posted
at your site. I would purchase your CD, and am into that style of
music in general... All that being said I would place Knees or Run
first, then Superone and finally Battlecase.

It sounds like you already have their attention, but when making a
cold contact its not a bad idea to jazz up the packaging, and/or send
little promotional gifts (t-shirt, key-rings etc.) Anything to help
stick out from the mountain of others packages.

Keep up the great work, and Good luck!!!

[Higgs]

Personally, I like all four songs. I've been listening to your stuff
for quite a while now (listened to it everyday since I first
downloaded Run actually) and am always checking for new songs posted
at your site. I would purchase your CD, and am into that style of
music in general... All that being said I would place Knees or Run
first, then Superone and finally Battlecase.

It sounds like you already have their attention, but when making a
cold contact its not a bad idea to jazz up the packaging, and/or send
little promotional gifts (t-shirt, key-rings etc.) Anything to help
stick out from the mountain of others packages.

Keep up the great work, and Good luck!!!

[Higgs]

Personally, I like all four songs. I've been listening to your stuff
for quite a while now (listened to it everyday since I first
downloaded Run actually) and am always checking for new songs posted
at your site. I would purchase your CD, and am into that style of
music in general... All that being said I would place Knees or Run
first, then Superone and finally Battlecase.

It sounds like you already have their attention, but when making a
cold contact its not a bad idea to jazz up the packaging, and/or send
little promotional gifts (t-shirt, key-rings etc.) Anything to help
stick out from the mountain of others packages.

Keep up the great work, and Good luck!!!

"BlacklineMusic" > wrote in message
...
> >My gut reaction is that "SuperOne" has the strongest hook, so I'd
> >probably go with that. For my taste, "Run" was the only song that had
> >an intro that was too long for me.
>
> Thanks Bob. Superone is the catchiest hook to my ears, but I fear its
not as
> upbeat and strong like RUN is (with a halfed intro). Our current lineup
is
> going to be:
> RUN
> SUPERONE
> KNEES
> BATTLECASE

Hey Steve, "Superone" is the one that did it for me, FWIW. Nice-sounding
tracks, too, BTW! Since you're into this genre of music,what do you think
of this stuff?:

http://www.saqqararecords.com/html/Abinormal%20Home.htm

http://www.saqqararecords.com/html/Abinormal Home.htm

(whichever of those link variations work with your browser)

This is not my music, BTW, mine's also on that site, but these guys are a
different genre from my own stuff.
--


Neil Henderson
Progressive Rock
http://www.saqqararecords.com

"BlacklineMusic" > wrote in message
...
> >My gut reaction is that "SuperOne" has the strongest hook, so I'd
> >probably go with that. For my taste, "Run" was the only song that had
> >an intro that was too long for me.
>
> Thanks Bob. Superone is the catchiest hook to my ears, but I fear its
not as
> upbeat and strong like RUN is (with a halfed intro). Our current lineup
is
> going to be:
> RUN
> SUPERONE
> KNEES
> BATTLECASE

Hey Steve, "Superone" is the one that did it for me, FWIW. Nice-sounding
tracks, too, BTW! Since you're into this genre of music,what do you think
of this stuff?:

http://www.saqqararecords.com/html/Abinormal%20Home.htm

http://www.saqqararecords.com/html/Abinormal Home.htm

(whichever of those link variations work with your browser)

This is not my music, BTW, mine's also on that site, but these guys are a
different genre from my own stuff.
--


Neil Henderson
Progressive Rock
http://www.saqqararecords.com

"BlacklineMusic" > wrote in message
...
> >My gut reaction is that "SuperOne" has the strongest hook, so I'd
> >probably go with that. For my taste, "Run" was the only song that had
> >an intro that was too long for me.
>
> Thanks Bob. Superone is the catchiest hook to my ears, but I fear its
not as
> upbeat and strong like RUN is (with a halfed intro). Our current lineup
is
> going to be:
> RUN
> SUPERONE
> KNEES
> BATTLECASE

Hey Steve, "Superone" is the one that did it for me, FWIW. Nice-sounding
tracks, too, BTW! Since you're into this genre of music,what do you think
of this stuff?:

http://www.saqqararecords.com/html/Abinormal%20Home.htm

http://www.saqqararecords.com/html/Abinormal Home.htm

(whichever of those link variations work with your browser)

This is not my music, BTW, mine's also on that site, but these guys are a
different genre from my own stuff.
--


Neil Henderson
Progressive Rock
http://www.saqqararecords.com

[BlacklineMusic]

>Hey Steve, "Superone" is the one that did it for me, FWIW. Nice-sounding
>tracks, too, BTW

Thanks Neil. Whats your opinion on RUN assuming I cut the intro in half?

> Since you're into this genre of music,what do you think
>of this stuff?:

I listened to them and liked both the band and the recording a lot. Very nice
work.
Steve
www.bangrecording.com
www.blacklinerock.com

[BlacklineMusic]

>Hey Steve, "Superone" is the one that did it for me, FWIW. Nice-sounding
>tracks, too, BTW

Thanks Neil. Whats your opinion on RUN assuming I cut the intro in half?

> Since you're into this genre of music,what do you think
>of this stuff?:

I listened to them and liked both the band and the recording a lot. Very nice
work.
Steve
www.bangrecording.com
www.blacklinerock.com

[BlacklineMusic]

>Hey Steve, "Superone" is the one that did it for me, FWIW. Nice-sounding
>tracks, too, BTW

Thanks Neil. Whats your opinion on RUN assuming I cut the intro in half?

> Since you're into this genre of music,what do you think
>of this stuff?:

I listened to them and liked both the band and the recording a lot. Very nice
work.
Steve
www.bangrecording.com
www.blacklinerock.com

Steve, I PM'ed you a response on this.
--


Neil Henderson
Progressive Rock
http://www.saqqararecords.com


"BlacklineMusic" > wrote in message
...
> >Hey Steve, "Superone" is the one that did it for me, FWIW. Nice-sounding
> >tracks, too, BTW
>
> Thanks Neil. Whats your opinion on RUN assuming I cut the intro in half?
>
> > Since you're into this genre of music,what do you think
> >of this stuff?:
>
> I listened to them and liked both the band and the recording a lot. Very
nice
> work.
> Steve
> www.bangrecording.com
> www.blacklinerock.com

Steve, I PM'ed you a response on this.
--


Neil Henderson
Progressive Rock
http://www.saqqararecords.com


"BlacklineMusic" > wrote in message
...
> >Hey Steve, "Superone" is the one that did it for me, FWIW. Nice-sounding
> >tracks, too, BTW
>
> Thanks Neil. Whats your opinion on RUN assuming I cut the intro in half?
>
> > Since you're into this genre of music,what do you think
> >of this stuff?:
>
> I listened to them and liked both the band and the recording a lot. Very
nice
> work.
> Steve
> www.bangrecording.com
> www.blacklinerock.com

Steve, I PM'ed you a response on this.
--


Neil Henderson
Progressive Rock
http://www.saqqararecords.com


"BlacklineMusic" > wrote in message
...
> >Hey Steve, "Superone" is the one that did it for me, FWIW. Nice-sounding
> >tracks, too, BTW
>
> Thanks Neil. Whats your opinion on RUN assuming I cut the intro in half?
>
> > Since you're into this genre of music,what do you think
> >of this stuff?:
>
> I listened to them and liked both the band and the recording a lot. Very
nice
> work.
> Steve
> www.bangrecording.com
> www.blacklinerock.com