"Single Motif" - Requirement or Suggestion?

[jdstamper]

I've been seeing a lot of listings that contain words like "stick to a single motif" such as the listing below.

Okay, I think that's often a good idea, I agree with keeping it simple. But I also have quite a few tracks that are built on 2 simple motifs (ABABAB form) and otherwise are a good fit for a listing.

So my question is, do you think a screener will return a track solely for 'using more than 1 motif'? Has anyone gotten this type of return?

Here's a recent example of such a listing, this one from Dispatch ...

"ACOUSTIC-BASED, INDIE FOLK ROCK INSTRUMENTAL CUES are needed quickly by a great Film and TV Music Licensing Company with a long list of high-end placements in Film and TV. They're hunting for Instrumental Cues in the stylistic ballpark of bands like Great Lake Swimmers, Horse Feathers, The Wooden Sky, etc., etc. etc. They're not looking for sound-a-likes, just Instrumental Cues that sound like they'd be loved by the same fans of those bands - Just with NO vocals All-Tempos are welcome for this pitch! Give them Cues that have a rustic, authentic feel with Folk-based, natural, and organic sounding instrumentation like Acoustic Guitar, Banjo, Mandolin, Fiddle, Standup Bass, Drums, etc. Your Cues can range from moody to emotionally upbeat, as long as you stick to a singular melodic motif, and add interest and dynamics by adding and subtracting different layers of instruments. Broadcast Quality is needed (great sounding home recordings are fine). This company offers a NON-EXCLUSIVE deal. You'll split the sync fee 50/50. You'll retain 100% of the Master rights, and the Library will keep 100% of the Publishing for any placements they generate. You must own 100% of your Master and Copyright in order to submit for this opportunity. All music will be screened on a Yes/No basis. No full critiques. Please submit 1-3 Instrumentals no later than THURSDAY, August 21st, by 3pm (PDT).
TAXI #D140821FR"

[andygabrys]

i can't say for sure cause the only proof is in a forward / return.....

but I would say if its spelled out in the listing that the screeners would return anything that doesn't fit with the 1 melodic theme idea.

[jdstamper]

Thanks Andy,

Yeah, that's my guess too. I just have a hard time passing up a good listing, or spending time changing a track that I think is already good to go. I suppose it will only cost me a few Starbucks coffees to find out

Jim

[Russell Landwehr]

are the A's and B's so different that they are obviously two motifs or are they close enough to sound like AB is the motif?

[Casey H]

I agree with Andy but I think it's worth a couple of Starbucks coffees just in case. Though it did sound like a requirement, not a suggestion.

I've found that how totally strict the listing description is followed can vary from screener to screener and listing to listing.

Good luck!
Casey

PS Can you post the track?

[jdstamper]

Thanks everyone!

Casey, the tracks are on my Taxi page. So for the listing above, I just now submitted Bad Seed, and Sour Mash. Maybe these are closer to single motif and matching the examples given in the listing.

I decided not to submit Whiskey River, Wheels In Motion and River Road.

Outside of the listing above, I keep seeing the "single motif" language in lots of other Taxi listings.

Jim