I'm a little confused about what they're looking for.
1st part: throwback feel, then 2nd part: remix feel
References: De La Soul/Tribe Called Quest/DJ Shadow
So does it start off with a De La Soul type sound and then evolve into a modern sounding remix?
Or does it start off with something even more throwback-y and then evolve into a De La Soul sound?
The Listing:
NEW LISTING -- FUNKY, URBAN INSTRUMENTALS are needed for a $150,000 placement in a new Ad Campaign for a global beverage brand. We’ve got permission to give you the exact description given to us, which we think will give you what you need to know. Some musical references are near the bottom of this listing.
Quoting the source: “Have a last-minute rush search. We’re working with a beverage brand for a new product launch spot. The product is all about being natural so the music has to reflect that. They tend to lean on the organic side with regards to instrumentation. The new product will be a more health-conscious version of the original product.
Track-wise, what they’re planning to do is have a song play for the first half of the spot and then for the second half of the spot, the song should be remixed (alternatively, it can be one track which has a definite ‘change’ in it where it goes from a simpler sound to a bigger one). They’re looking for a song that starts out with something that is or feels like a throwback song then breaks into a ‘remix’ (i.e. beats added etc.). It doesn't necessarily have to be an actual remix but needs to have a ‘remix’ type of feeling.
This spot is part of a series of 15 second spots - great product shots and some text that reflects the message. For this one it says, ‘Like your favorite song. Remixed with a tasty breakdown,’ so the music has to reflect this idea. It needs to be more on the organic side of things, feel ‘natural,’ but have that ‘remix’ feeling too. This could include record scratches or something to give it that feeling.
Some of the references we have are in the world of De La Soul/Tribe Called Quest/DJ Shadow. These artists tend to use organic sounds, have that funky vibe, but also feel more positive than some more abrasive electronic remixes. They’ve asked for tracks, which are potentially recognizable, but we want to get them some indie artists as well in case there’s something you have that is totally on point. As a quick heads up, the target is males/dads, 18-49 (mid 30s is sweet spot) - college educated, makes healthy choices, not perfect but tries hard, doesn’t take himself too seriously, real, relatable.
Need instrumental-only at this point.
Things to stay away from: anything that feels overly electronic/dance and anything too abrasive.‎
Rights-wise, here’s what we’re looking at: Term: 6 weeks
Media: TV (limited to national cable), Internet, Industrial/cinema, archival, PR
Territory: US and outlying territories (internet technically worldwide)
Budget: approx. $75K per side (potentially a little more if client loves a recognizable track), most likely a bit less for unknown artists
Exclusivity: non-alcoholic beverages As the client was supposed to ship yesterday, if you could get us your best stuff (quality much better than quantity!) as downloadable mp3s as soon as possible that would be aweeesome!
Also, since time is so short, please don’t send any tracks which have more than 2 – 3 rights holders attached.”
Everything you just read is a direct quote, with only a couple of commas added by us for readability!
TAXI Tip: When they say, “approx. $75K per side (potentially a little more if client loves a recognizable track), most likely a bit less for unknown artists,” that means $75,000 will be paid to license the composition, and another $75,000 will be paid to license the master recording, which equals $150,000 in total!
Our experience is that unknown, indie artists will often get less than a well-known artist, but no matter how you slice it, this looks like it will have a really nice payout! This request came from a publisher, so they’ll get 100% of the Publisher’s share, and you’ll get 100% of the Writer’s share. The upfront creative fee will be split 50/50.
Take a listen to the references below to get a general idea of what they’re looking for:
“Electric Relaxation” by A Tribe Called Quest: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WHRnvjCkTsw
“It’s Like That” by De La Soul: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jcsd5llxaPI
“This Time (I’m Gonna Try It My Way)” by DJ Shadow: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E5iF9J5eu0I
NOTE: Although the references have vocals, they’re ONLY looking for Instrumentals for this pitch!
Full-length Instrumentals are fine for this pitch. Tracks with easy edit points will work best. Faded endings are okay for this pitch. Do NOT copy or rip off the referenced songs or artists in any way, shape, or form. Use them only as a general guide for tempo, tone, and overall vibe. Also, please do NOT submit any material with unauthorized samples of other artists’ music, sounds, or any other form of media. Broadcast Quality is needed (great sounding home recordings are fine). You must own or control your Master and Copyright to submit. Please submit one to three Instrumentals online or per CD. All submissions will be screened on a Yes/No basis by a TAXI screener handpicked by the listing company - No full critiques. All submissions must be received no later than NOON (PST), on Monday, December 7th, 2015. TAXI #U151207UI
