Here’s an illuminating tidbit. The A&R service, TAXI, has listings for what appears to be this year’s Idol alums. A&R execs and publishers label basically put a classified ad in the publication, looking for songs for their artist. Although they aren’t identified specifically, it looks like the hunt for songs is on for Phillip Phillips, Jessica Sanchez and Skylar Laine.
This one is likely for Phillip Phlllips. In the style of Paul McDonald sort of cracks me up. It seems that the label is looking for the usual Rock Lite songs for Phillip.
NEW LISTING — POP/ROCK SONGS with MALE VOCALS in the style of David Cook, Paul McDonald, with elements of John Mayer, Train, and Jason Mraz, etc., needed by an A&R Manager of a Major Label for an AMERICAN IDOL winner working on his debut album. They’re looking for FRESH, UPLIFTING, and RADIO-FRIENDLY songs that are stylistically within the range of the referenced artists while bringing something NEW and FRESH to the table. They’ll be looking for the Top-40 Radio side of Pop/Singer-Songwriter/Rock, nothing overly moody or introspective. Your songs should be FUN and CATCHY, with BIG sing-along CHORUSES. Vocal and demo presentation must be top-notch and really sell the song! MALE VOCALS ONLY! MID to UPTEMPO ONLY! 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 Thursday, August 16, 2012.
Nothing moody or introspective? FUN and CATCHY? Hm. I wonder if Phillip has seen this ad. Hopefully, the label is looking for one or two songs, maybe to release as the first single. Still, that would mean the tradition of releasing songs the Idol has not written as singles will continue.
Here’s Jessica Sanchez’s listing:
NEW LISTING — CONTEMPORARY POP SONGS with FEMALE VOCALS in the style Jessica Simpson, Jessica Sanchez, Kelly Clarkson, etc., needed by an A&R Exec for an AMERICAN IDOL runner up working on her debut album. QUOTING THE SOURCE: “We’re looking for Pop songs with meaning and substance, not bubblegum pop.” She is a still young artist, so be sure your lyrics are youthful but not too cute or cheeky. Songs MUST be RADIO-FRIENDLY, FULLY DEVELOPED, and grab the listener’s attention from start to finish. Lyrics must be HONEST, RELATABLE and AGE-APPROPRIATE. (No profanity.) Make sure both vocal and instrumental performances are top-notch and can really sell the song! All tempos are welcome, but BALLADS must sustain interest with transitions and dynamic builds! FEMALE vocals ONLY! 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 Monday, August 27, 2012.
“Lyrics must be HONEST, RELATABLE and AGE-APPROPRIATE.” Well, that rules out any comparisons to Rihanna! It’s weird that they name check Jessica as a “sounds like” but then leave the actual artist anonymous.
This listing could very well be for Skylar Laine.
NEW LISTING — CONTEMPORARY COUNTRY POP SONGS with FEMALE VOCALS in the range of Kellie Pickler to Carrie Underwood, needed by a boutique Music Publisher to pitch to an American Idol runner up working on her debut album. QUOTING THE SOURCE: “We’re looking uptempo hits with age appropriate lyrics. Not looking for themes about drinking or anything explicit.” Songs submitted should have STRONG melodies, MEMORABLE lyrics, and above all, share the Contemporary sound and style of the referenced artists. Your songs MUST also have a big, fresh CHORUS HOOK and a strong PAYOFF along with compelling, relatable lyric themes. UPTEMPO SONGS ONLY, NO Mids or Ballads. Radio-ready songs with HIT POTENTIAL are ESSENTIAL! Vocal and instrumental demo presentation must be top-notch! 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 Monday, August 20, 2012.
Skylar has said over and over in interviews that she ain’t country pop–old school all the way! So, this should be interesting.
