COMMENTS FROM THE RECORDING INDUSTRY EXPERTS:

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Scott Sylvester

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Kevin Briody

INSINU - good band.  they make good noise - which is always the goal.  their stage performance is creative and fun.  their songs rock.  you can tell they really like what they do.  

Down 2 Earth - keyboard player is terrific and i also liked the bass player and drummer.  bass player is very engaging and really compliments their act well.  the band has great stage presence.  keyboard player is versatile, comfortable and a good singer.

The Poster Boys - these guys were thoroughly entertaining.  their music is very accessible.  they are very tight and know who they are and what they want to do on stage.  drummer rocks.  bass player sings and performs really well.  lead guitarist is very charming.  but i feel like the beauty of this band is how they work together and make the whole greater than the sum of the parts.  i'm a fan.


Yu-Ting Lin

Where's Gino? - Influenced by fairly collegiate sounding acts. Creative rendition of R Kellys hit, very smart.  Good melodic ideas but the instrumental arrangements are less inspired. Currently sense its more twang and alt rock especially with similar guitar strumming patterns. As a result the arrangements restrict the melodic movement in the song.  Where a melody is creating tension or opening a door for dynamics the arrangement doesn't follow.  This is especially the case on uptempo cuts.  Bass needs to be the backbone in the band and insync with kick, not following the strumming pattern of guitars.  Singer needs to move more freely in his verse melodies.  Rather repetitive and after a couple of songs feel as if it’s more spoken word.  Sometimes pitchy as well but I like his attitude and confidence hence the rest of the band need to reflect this sentiment.  Continue writing and practice simplicity first as a band.  Trying to be individually flashy confuses the direction of both the repertoire and band as a whole.  And during this songwriting period, individually practice their instruments.  Listen to more music and mimic and from here you’ll develop chops and begin to feel your identity. 

Alf Landon - First track’s verse is in major key but vocals sounded like she was singing in minor.  Drummer is very metal leaning which is a bit overkill for certain areas in the song.  For example, use of the double kick – though intriguing and different which I like but needs to be done tastefully or it competes with the lead singer.  The drummer is never the showcase of the band, it’s the conductor, the tempo behind the scenes keeping the band together.  The lead guitar’s too far up in the mix.  Need more tones to work with parts of song.  Not everything is same distorted tone.  You remove dynamics when you’re simply pushing the envelope throughout the song.  Collectively they are very ambitious instrumentally speaking.  But lead singer has to step up and sing out.  This is a full fledged rock band and can't be dependent on music, general band to take lead.  Singer is the lead.  And from here the band will know how to fit themselves and surround the leader, not to poke out of the mix and want to be the shining star, that’s the lead singer’s job.  Repertoire is currently influenced by what they’re listening to which is absolutely ok but as a result not a distinct sound besides the fact the lead singer is a female.  Through time and more songs, writing will improve.  Good job with “There Goes My Hero”. 

Down 2 Earth - Interesting song writing and liked the lead vocals attitude plus courage to push the envelope with his vocals.  Drummer has the right idea but needs to practice simplicity.  He has a solid feel for the kit but needs to be precise, accurate and hold time.  The best drummers are those who can keep time, not how sophisticated your fills are.  Simplify the kit and learn how to play your drums as a melodic instrument, not just a beat a rhythm.  Because there's not much high or mid instrumentation the bass tone, it needs to have less bottom and tighter.  That said drummer should also play picallo snare to fill upper frequency if they choose to continue as three piece.  Kudos for lead singer replying “maybe next time” comment to crowd yelling “freebird”.  The delivery and response of that age old heckling was witty and requires someone with center and frankly, star appeal.  Love the quirkiness and creative spirit in this project.   Love how they engaged the crowd.  Because there's only 3 members its critical they focus on arrangement and tones to not only fill space but to also define their sound.  With a keyboard, to metal guitar tones to multi rhythmic drumming, can lose the focus of the song and sound. Believe because they are so creative, with more time, practice and experimentation they'll continue to develop.  Currently within four songs I'm hearing three different bands.  But is a good project and lead singer is a potential star.  This could be a Sublime, could a Beck, just needs direction and identity.  Write more songs and don’t get carried away with your individual instruments.  Chops take years to build, be patient and realize songs are what’s most important! 

Cast No Shadow - Love the drummer,  you are my hero.  By far the best drummer throughout the evening and a great deal of potential.  Your form is impeccable for your age and you clearly focus on the details, the fundamentals, not trying to over-do yourself or set up an oversized kit which is beyond your expertise.  You had an average sized kit, you kept near perfect time without a click track, and your playing is tasteful – not clouded by the need to play super hard, super fast or do fills that are fast but repetitive.  You made the drums sound like a melodic instrument while conducting the band, keeping time.  This sometimes we believe to be an innate skill, something that’s very hard to teach at a young age.  Please keep playing, please keep learning the fundamentals.  Those sophisticated drum solos, fills, poly-beats, etc. will come to you in time as long as you keep working on fundamentals.  Don’t ever get intimidated, you could be the next great rock drummer!   I dig the raw power in this band, much of it stemming from a rock solid drummer and aggressive guitar tone.  Focus on songwriting and get stronger melodies.  Be careful of the guitar lead intros sounding too similar.  Need variety.  Lead singer – I see where you’re going with your movements and attitude but sing out and be yourself.  Your band is so heavy, need to push harder.   

The Poster Boys - This project is the most together thus far.  Has a strong identity, sound, image and repertoire.  You guys look great and am impressed at how much you’ve thought about the importance of visual creation.  Bands sometimes have a very idealistic view of the music speaks for itself but you have to realize, if you look completely different from what your music sounds like, there’s no connection.  Imagine buying a book with a dark, mystery looking cover but the content, plot is actually a love story.  Same goes for a live show, if you’re a heavy rock project and the lead singer is passive aggressive, timid, it yields zero connection.  As a result I love the attitude on stage and only wish is lead singer get more into it.  Candidly at times feel the guitar player has more personality.  Or you both can switch roles, that could be interesting.  Love the drummers intensity, great presence.  “It's All Good” is a VERY well written song.  Can hear it on a movie soundtrack.  Last track you played in set -- you can't start out tune with such a strong guitar progression and build the anticipation but then start the first verse light.  Its a fun song and needs work on the arrangement to bring more cohesiveness and life to the song.  You have the whole package thus far:  great imaging, very very tight band, lots of face time with one another practicing, you obviously practice in front of mirrors, good songwriting, you listen to each other on stage and not stepping on each other.  I am extremely impressed and excited to see this happening at the high school level.  Continue writing and working on your arrangements.  I’m sure I’ll see your name in floating in the industry soon. 

Nestor - Piano arrangements and choice of chords are very ambitious.  Band overall needs better instrumental arrangement ideas.  Currently the bass is mostly following the rhythm guitar which flatlines the dynamics and deflates an opportunity for the song to breath.  Lead singer has the right ideas but needs better vocal execution, rather pitchy and needs to listen to tone, modulation, control of breath.  Listen to some of your favorite singers and focus on the detail.  Singing isn’t just about hitting the note, it’s about how you work with that specific note or link of melodies to bring out the best of that melody.  There are plenty of people who can sing on key but it’s how they do it that sets them apart.  Also great solos tell a story and speed isn't story.  Guitarist has a nice Santana tone but needs to learn how to be tasteful not careful on being too repetitive with solos.  Though they are in different key, notice your tendency to stick with one pattern/lick.  Tell a story with your solo.  I sense more practice time  will help the project be more concise.  A bit loose around the edges. 

Turbulent - The imaging doesn't quite flow and needs heavy thought.  Again, think about how your presentation matches your music.  As your songs state who your are and what you want to represent you need to make sure the image reflects your repertoire.  I would suggest the drummer pair down his kit.  The last time I saw a drum kit that complex was in 1985 with hair metal bands.  Bigger kit doesn’t mean better especially if fills are fairly similar through the show.  Slim it down and learn how to fill space, make musical notes with your drums.  Bassist has a good feel but is overplaying and loves the spot light.  Listen to your band, be in sync with your drummer and the spot light is the lead singer and your songs.  Until you get HUGE and people start to identify who you are, at that point in time then step outside the box for example - FLEA.  It would be far more interesting of a show if you maintained the fun personality you have but behind the lead singer.  Guitarist has a very strong understanding of his instrument.  I like your tone but you need to find your own, I like your stage presence but again develop your own.  Slash is awesome, one of my favorites but you’re also on your way to being awesome.  But that will only be road if you start developing your sense of self which I believe you definitely have that ability.  You have a wonderful ear for phrasing and melody and that’s very hard to teach.  You know you can shred but you also know that that’s not what makes a great guitarist.  Keep listening to yourself and meanwhile start transcribing solos (if not already) and transcribe ones that are tasteful.  Learn foundation first and from here shredding will come second nature.  As for vocals, need to have a better understanding of her tone and listen to herself more.  I enjoyed your enthusiasm, your presence on stage and that drive to involve the crowd.  But start honing in on your vocals, it’s not only about singing the right note but how you approach the note and end the note.  There’s also a skill behind knowing the microphone.  The better you know your voice and your control, you’ll then work with the microphone – should I come closer, stay far, should I push more breath to give it more atmosphere, should I push my throat harder to get more bite, etc.  Also give you guys credit for tightening up your show once you warmed up.  First song was a little hesitant but the show got better.  Beyond all of those notes above, I would suggest listening to each other on stage.  Do not compete and let the lead singer lead the band.  As for songs, you’re all talented players at your age.  Learn how to write songs and from here you’ll learn what your band is about and what you should sound like. 

INSINU - Lead singer has such a promising voice.  Very good control and amazing personality.  Love the attitude but needs to spend more time with mic and knowing how his voice pairs with an amplified sound.  Sometimes need not push the mic so hard.  Overall a great rock voice.  The drummer needs to simplify and be more accurate plus adding finesse.  Listen to the songs and help the tunes, don't compete against it because either you're trying to be flashy or play too loud.  Guitar tone is too metal and from the lead vocals tone would tweak the guitar tone.  Understand yourselves as a unit and know your place in each beat as the song goes.   Keep writing is the most important thing.  You need to find your sound, learn the art form of songwriting.  From here you'll know exactly what kind of band you'll lead, what band members to hire and how to inspire and engage the audience.  But this lead singer is one of the most impressive i’ve seen to date.  You could be the next Kurt Cobain. 

Party on the 3rd Floor - Singer has a pretty voice but not sure this is the right band for her.  She has a clean tone and is suited for a more pop driven act, not so heavy.  And when I say pop, it’s not Britney Spears, I’d say a more pop leaning rock band.  I would say Avril meets Flyleaf meets Paramore.  However given the project is just a mere three months old, it’s going to take far more time to see where the group leads.  There’s solid musicianship in this and three months simply isn’t enough time to gauge which direction they could head.  Best advice now is to practice and get a feel for one another and how each member influences the band as a whole.  Listen to yourselves while you practice.  Second is to write more songs, share ideas, learn how to critique each other and not take it personally.  Have more band meetings and share your heroes, who you want to be and not want to be.  This is an opportunity to build something great from scratch so keep the flow of communication open.  Keep an open mind, listen to each other’s music, even if it’s stuff you initially disliked.  The BEST musicians/bands are ones who don’t waste time purposely criticizing other bands, saying they're better than other musicians, etc.  Instead these musicians support each other and put their time, attention and focus on themselves, their instruments, their own bands.  Don’t waste time comparing yourself to other high school bands or saying so and so sucks or who got better remarks from the competition, just concentrate on what you’re doing and most of all HAVE FUN!!

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