Micro Talk
Alisa Mikael, from SoundOrbit.com and The Epoch Times, wrote a review of my latest album "Micro Talk". Also, I'm featured as Artist of the month.
Another good news is that the review will be published in the print edition of the New York edition of The Epoch Times this friday, 21/11/2008.
Another review of my album was made by William & the RadioIndy Review Team.
Check out Miguel Rodrigues's music on RadioIndy.com with link to purchase and links to popular sites
Another sites where you can read the review:
http://radioindyall.blogspot.com/
http://www.squidoo.com/jambase/radioindy
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Blue Ball reviewed by Taxi (The World's Leadin
My song Blue Ball was reviewed by Taxi (The World's Leading Independent A&R Company).
Style
This track is somewhere within the electronica scene but flirts with a subtle house feel while incorporating funk, jazz, and some addition percussion that surpasses any simple house beat.
Melody
There are layers that fulfill melodic space like the guitar and sax but they are more groove oriented rather than memorable melodies.
Structure
Structurally the track is free to move in whatever direction it chooses. The pace shifts from manic to more consistent but does return to thematic parts later on.
Overall Comments
Hi Miguel,
Firstly, thanks for submitting the song. I enjoyed listening as the the layering was provocative and engaging throughout. As far as production, I found it to be sonically very pleasing. There were some cool elements like the filtered guitar licks and later looped sax line that complimented the momentum of the song and acted as the familiar motifs. The structure is fairly loose and until later returning to some prior ambiguous themes, it almost feels like a DJ mix due to the fast pace thick arrangement. The first half of the song seems to shift gears rather quickly while is spaces things out a bit later on. I like being surprised but the repetition seems to work best for this style. I hear it being more of a setting for an energetic lounge although it could work in various settings including clubs and t.v. placements etc. I would definitely suggest making a condensed version that could be accessible for placements, where the different motifs are present without necessitating a music supervisor to sit through the entire piece before deciding it fits. Overall, I found the track to be really enjoyable and filled with flavor. I really liked the use of sounds and samples as there were musical attributes rather than solely synth sounds that tend to surface often in various electronica genres. I think there is a wide appeal to the track because of it's crossover into house, funk, jazz, etc. Very cool track, I'm a fan.
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Let it Groove reviwed by Taxi.com
Style:
There are so many sub genres within the realm of electronica it's easy to get overwhelmed. I think you should create your own description of the music by piecing together what you think it's comprised of... Electro/funk/disco/acid/house/lounge etc.
Melody:
There are a few different layers that establish some melodic motifs. All of the melodies work as repetitive loops rather that developing lines.
Structure:
The song has different waves of layers but for the most part builds off of a single theme. I believe the structure could be condensed to leave the listener wanting to play again rather than skip to the next.
Title:
The title is fairly vague and generic. Seeing that there is no lyrical content, you're free to title it whatever you desire. Something more intriguing and off the wall could grab a listeners attention.
Overall Comments:
Hi Miguel,
Thanks for submitting the song. I immediately liked what I was hearing from the get-go as the stabs sounded like they were created by a sample or an enticing patch. The track begins with an ambient tension and it's apparent there is some momentum building and waiting to surface. All of the sounds are tasteful throughout and placed well in the mix. I especially like the repetitive guitar funk/disco lines. The song has some close similarities to one of my favorite electronic composers entitled "Wagonchrist". Although there are some differences as well, the parallels seep through; I recommend you check it out for your listening pleasure and perhaps further inspiration. The track doesn't shift much and therefore believe it could be shortened by a fraction. You chose nice spots within the structure to break it down a bit and recreate the momentum once more. The song is certainly a groove as it's based off of a general tone and feel. You elaborated upon that motif and built some very cool layers that all mesh very well together. Well done.
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Chic's Road - reviwed by Taxi.com
Style:
In my opinion, this has definite elements of House and Jazz. I would agree with how your bio describes your style, as a mix of a number or influences.
Melody:
There are lots of tasty melodies executed by the various instruments. In particular, the sax and flute lines are fluid and emotively performed. The synth bass works well and plays some cool funky lines. To me it seems like you could perhaps use one main distinct melodic hook to give the overall song a touch more memorability.
Structure:
The arrangement has a smooth flow and you do a nice job of letting various sonic elements get "showcased" as the track progresses by breaking down the mix and adding and subtracting components. One thought is that you could consider adding a bit more chordal contrast between sections- in other words, have another part that is distinct from the chord changes now. For instance, you could create sort of a "bridge" section, where you take your listener pretty far out, and then bang them over the head with the main chord changes- just a thought!
Lyric:
Not applicable, but on that subject, I think this could make a cool bed of music for a rapper to put some flows overtop. Could make a nice remix.
Title:
Very unique title, and I feel it fits the song.
Overall Comments:
Miguel,
This is a really groovy track that creates a hypnotic effect. You sound like you've been honing your skills for a while- this is tight and well-crafted. Great danceable groove. My philosophy is that each instrument should be considered as part of the rhythm section (not just the bass and drums), and this track is a good example of that. One part that stands out to me as maybe not being quite as strong as the other components, is the electric guitar line that comes in (the more "lead" sounding part that happens in the last third of the track). It's a soulful line, but it feels to me like there might be an alternative to the note choices that might work slightly better. Also, the tone almost sounds too overly staccato, to my ears. I think that part works OK, but just not quite as well as the other elements.
The musicianship of the performances is impressive, and I love all of the subtle ear candy. Regarding my comment on the melodies, as well as the idea of considering another contrasting chord change- I think what you have here is appropriate to the genre of the track, where it's really more about the overall killer groove, as opposed to getting a hook stuck in your listener's head. That said, I do feel it is possible to achieve a balance where you're hypnotizing your listener with the groove, but where you also leave them with a memorable melody that gets driven home through plenty of repetition. In that sense, I do feel that you might add to the impact of the song with a bit more of a melodic theme that reoccurs. It can even be ultra simple. The same goes for an additional chord change- it's not necessary, but it might potentially make the song even more engaging.
Overall, very nice work here Miguel. You exhibit plenty of talent, and it sounds like you put your heart into what you do. I hope these comments and suggestions are helpful, and of course, ultimately go with what feels most "right" to you. Best, and keep listening, reading, and writing!
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May 24, 2008
eBooklet of Micro Talk
Check out the ebooklet of my album Micro Talk!!!
I hope you will enjoy it... click here
http://www.ebookcreator.net/microtalk/
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"Micro Talk" - Radioindy's GrIndie Award
Hello everyone,
This post is just to let you know That My CD "Micro Talk" was awarded with the Radioindy GrIndie Award.
Thank you all for the support.
Love,
Miguel Rodrigues
Miguel Rodrigues Olá a todos!! Gostava de partilhar com vocês esta versão de chic's Road (versão de radio) e gostava de receber os vossos sinceros comentários acerca da musica!! Obrigado, Miguel.
Hello everyone!! I would like to share with you a new version of Chic's Road (radio edit) and would like you to send me any feedback about the song!! Cheers, Miguel.
It is a wonderful feeling to have your music published not only on the web but also in newspapers all over the world as is the case with Miguel's review and The Epoch Times.
