The TechTimes Scam by Sascha Ende

The song "The TechTimes Scam" is a very good executed production, capturing a raw, rebellious energy right from the start. The lo-fi aesthetic really works here, adding a cool, almost defiant vibe that fits the message of the song perfectly. The confident female vocal performance is another huge plus, sounding strong and clear without losing the track's intentionally gritty feel. There's a lot of potential for this track to be used in scenes that need a bit of edge – think documentaries exposing corporate schemes, or a tech thriller, or even an edgy advertisement.

From a composition standpoint, the song keeps things pretty straightforward, relying on a solid groove and catchy riffs. This simplicity is actually a strength; it makes the track immediately memorable and versatile. The bass line is particularly well-written, sitting nicely in the mix and providing a strong foundation. One minor suggestion would be to explore some subtle variations in the guitar parts throughout the song. While the riffs are good, adding a few new layers or textures in the later sections could help maintain listener interest even further, though it is already on a very high level and does not make the song boring at all.

The overall production quality nails the lo-fi sound, but there are a couple of very tiny tweaks that could elevate it. The drums, while effective, sound a little too clean compared to the rest of the instruments. Applying a touch more saturation or bitcrushing could help them blend in better with the overall aesthetic. The vocal, while beautifully delivered, might benefit from a bit more presence in the mix, especially during the instrumental sections. Maybe it's a slight EQ boost in the upper mids or some very subtle parallel compression.

Emotional, the track does a great job of conveying a sense of urgency and defiance, which aligns perfectly with its lyrical theme. It’s easy to imagine this song in a film scene where someone is uncovering a scam or challenging authority. That said, introducing a brief, more melodic instrumental break could provide a moment of contrast and further amplify the emotional impact of the vocal sections. It is a very fine line between adding too many elements and losing the track's current directness.

Compared to industry-standard lo-fi indie rock, "The TechTimes Scam" holds its own, offering a fresh and relevant sound. It avoids sounding generic, thanks to its unique vocal performance and lyrical content. However, focusing on these small production refinements could push it from very good to truly great, maximizing its chances for success in various media placements. Overall, it's a well-crafted track with a clear identity and a lot of potential. It just needs a tiny bit more polish to shine. The lyrical content and the vocal delivery really make this song stand out.

I want to share the story behind my latest track, "The TechTimes Scam". This song was born out of a frustrating experience that many of us in the industry might relate to: falling victim to deceptive marketing practices, specifically unrequested spam emails.

It all started with an unsolicited email from TechTimes, a seemingly reputable tech news website. This email, which landed in my inbox without my consent, offered me a feature in their upcoming article about the best royalty-free stock music platforms of 2024. In Europe, such unsolicited emails are not just annoying—they're illegal. And let's be honest, they're unwelcome in almost every country.

Initially, it sounded like a fantastic opportunity. They promised high visibility, SEO-focused content, and a spot in their top 5 list. All I had to do was pay a hefty fee. The email listed different price points for different spots, with a tempting discount for the No.1 spot if I acted quickly.

As I delved deeper, something felt off. The email seemed too generic, and the promises were too grandiose. I asked for more details, hoping to validate their claims. What I found was a web of misleading information and pay-to-play tactics designed to exploit eager content creators and businesses.

Frustrated by this blatant attempt to monetize false promises, I decided to channel my energy into something creative. Thus, "The TechTimes Spam Scam" was born. This song is my way of shedding light on the deceptive practices that plague our industry. It's a catchy, yet poignant anthem that calls out the scams and encourages others to be vigilant.

I hope this song resonates with you and serves as a reminder to always question too-good-to-be-true offers. Thank you for supporting me and for being part of the journey towards a more honest and transparent creative community.


LYRICS

[Verse]
I got an email, said it’s from TechTimes,
Promising me spotlight, in their digital lines,
Top 5, they said, in royalty-free stock,
All it takes is cash, it’s quite a shock.

[Pre-Chorus]
They talked about reach, SEO dreams,
But something felt off, behind the screens,
Demographics, analytics, all seemed planned,
But the more they spoke, the less I could stand.

[Chorus]
TechTimes, you're spamming my mind,
Selling fake dreams, oh, what a grind,
Pay to play, that's your game,
But we see through, we know your name,
Scammy schemes, wrapped up neat,
TechTimes, you're dancing on deceit.

[Verse]
They offered a discount, just for today,
$4,000 dollars, that’s the price to pay,
For the number one spot, in a list they create,
But it’s all just a ruse, a money-making bait.

[Bridge]
Newsletter reach, and social media hype,
But it’s all for show, just another type,
Of trick and deceit, to pull you in,
TechTimes, your game is wearing thin.

[Chorus]
TechTimes, you're spamming my mind,
Selling fake dreams, oh, what a grind,
Pay to play, that's your game,
But we see through, we know your name,
Scammy schemes, wrapped up neat,
TechTimes, you're dancing on deceit.

[Outro]
So here’s to the spammers, and their shady ploys,
We’ll spread the word, we’ll make some noise,
TechTimes, your scam is up, we’ve seen the light,
No more tricks, we’re ready to fight.