Judge Introduction
I'm Fefe
I like writing songs with specific details, tight rhythm, and some extended metaphor/motif. I won Season 5 of Platinum Hit (which is difficult to do; not everyone has that to their credit) and judged Season 6. I'm sure a few gurls were pressed I'm back to judge S7 since I can be known to nitpick a bit, but I think I just give thorough feedback. Although I tend to troll a bit by being hyper-critical and pretending I'm deducting points from everyone's score, I actually just really want everyone to improve and hope that I am somehow informed enough to help you do that. So feel free to reach out with any questions you have about my critiques throughout the season and remember not to take me too seriously.
My favorite songwriters are: Sara Bareilles, Mariah Carey, Taylor Swift, Joni Mitchell, Stevie Nicks, Leona Naess, Ed Sheeran
Favorite songs lyrically: Brand New's "Jesus Christ," Sara Bareilles' "Bright Lights and Cityscapes," Mariah Carey's "The Roof," Taylor Swift's "Dear John"
My judging pet peeves: Overwriting/using big words in nonsensical ways (i.e. "Floating diffidently in the effervescent dreamscape of nostalgia"); using too much familiar language; forced rhymes; plagiarism; messy rhythm. I'll reiterate the first point because it's probably the most important: when I read a line in your song, I want to be able to
know what you are communicating. I am admittedly a stickler re: word choice. If I can't follow what you're even saying because you cloud it with words you think look cool, I will very likely not judge you kindly. To me, music is very much about the experience of the listener feeling your lyrics, relating to them, etc. So I like lyrics best that I can make a connection to and that are
clear in meaning.
My judging advice: If you don't have a natural talent for rhythm, count syllables. Consider using slant rhymes, which sound natural and are often waaaaay less forced. Think of an overarching image/idea that connects your whole song and makes it unique. Even tired tropes like "the love song" can be great if you have a specific angle (i.e. This is a love song in which the lover feels like a teenager when she's with her boo; this is a love song using imagery of a hummingbird/flower; etc.). Make sure the second verse IS NOT REPEATING the first verse with different words. Show variation and thematic development in your verses. Don't complain about the judges' feedback; it makes you look like a bad sport and judges don't forget that kind of behavior. Have fun!
I like the song tho!
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