DRIVING TENSION CUES: Starting to doubt myself and TAXI

[AlCompose]

Starting to doubt myself and TAXI, I had submitted this track for the listing below and I thought it was close to what they required
I have had quite a few forwards and nothing back from them.... Would love to hear what you guys think

https://soundcloud.com/alan-shelley/speed-of-light-1

Listener Comments:
"Percussion and string elements could stand to be updated to reflect a more contemporary sound". It's Spitfires Albion one! They asked for Orchestral

Listing says
Your instrumentation can be solely orchestral, or any other hybridized genre with orchestral elements, as long as your submissions have a distinct action-based, tension style and sound


S160828DT

DRIVING TENSION CUES are needed by a NON-Exclusive Film/TV Music Library supplying music directly to a very popular HBO TV Show. They're looking for rhythmically and melodically driving, Mid-to-Up-Tempo Tension Cues that you'd expect to hear in fast-paced chase scenes. Please listen to the following clips to get an idea of what could work for this pitch: Casino Royale: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iZxNbAwY_rk Terminator 3: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gIYd2aUEXfI Takers: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w5EQRIoHjQg Please submit rhythmic, tension-fueled Cues that deliver a high-impact vibe, similar to the references above. Your instrumentation can be solely orchestral, or any other hybridized genre with orchestral elements, as long as your submissions have a distinct action-based, tension style and sound. All submissions should be at least 2 minutes in length. Do NOT copy or rip off the referenced music in any way, shape, or form. Use it only as a general guide for tempo, tone, and vibe. Broadcast quality is needed (great sounding home recordings are fine). This company offers a NON-EXCLUSIVE, 50/50 split. You'll get 100% of the Writer's share. The Publisher will get 100% of the Publisher's share. You must own or control your Master and Copyright to submit for this pitch. Please submit one to three Instrumentals online or per CD. All submissions will be screened and critiqued by TAXI and must be received no later than 11:59PM (PDT), on Sunday, August 28th, 2016. TAXI #S160828DT

[Paulie]

Scratching my head here. This is a great track, I'm trying to figure out what the screener means by more contemporary sound. You've incorporated elements from all three of the a la's (horn swells, 16th note hybrid percussion, impact hits, etc.). I'm going to be really nitpicky in an effort to find something.

0:28 - The arco basses at 0:28 sound good, they might be a hair too loud, or need more reverb to give them distance. Are they the primary focus in those eight bars, or is it the horn swells?

0:47 - The 8th note strings that come in might sound "dated" to the screener since every one is using these sorts of patterns thanks to great action libraries out there.

1:10 - the Eb start to the melodic motif might also sound dated to a younger screener (slightly reminiscent of Peter Gunn).

Again, I'm being extremely specific/picky to find something here, I think this is a great track. There are several excellent orchestral/action composers in the forums, I defer to their experience as to mixing suggestions, etc. I've heard and read several times that you usually want to have one instrument or theme as the central focus at any given time. Perhaps lowing the 8th note strings to give more to the motif is an option, or something in the mix to highlight each element when needed.

Hope this helps. Definitely a keeper track for future use... remember, just because a track is not deemed right for a particular listing doesn't mean you can' use it again. A large percentage of my returns have been re-used and been forwarded later by Taxi, or accepted by other libraries.

Good luck!

Paul

[AlCompose]

Scratching my head here. This is a great track, I'm trying to figure out what the screener means by more contemporary sound. You've incorporated elements from all three of the a la's (horn swells, 16th note hybrid percussion, impact hits, etc.). I'm going to be really nitpicky in an effort to find something.

0:28 - The arco basses at 0:28 sound good, they might be a hair too loud, or need more reverb to give them distance. Are they the primary focus in those eight bars, or is it the horn swells?

0:47 - The 8th note strings that come in might sound "dated" to the screener since every one is using these sorts of patterns thanks to great action libraries out there.

1:10 - the Eb start to the melodic motif might also sound dated to a younger screener (slightly reminiscent of Peter Gunn).

Again, I'm being extremely specific/picky to find something here, I think this is a great track. There are several excellent orchestral/action composers in the forums, I defer to their experience as to mixing suggestions, etc. I've heard and read several times that you usually want to have one instrument or theme as the central focus at any given time. Perhaps lowing the 8th note strings to give more to the motif is an option, or something in the mix to highlight each element when needed.

Hope this helps. Definitely a keeper track for future use... remember, just because a track is not deemed right for a particular listing doesn't mean you can' use it again. A large percentage of my returns have been re-used and been forwarded later by Taxi, or accepted by other libraries.

Good luck!

Paul

Hey Paul thanks so much... Really starting to doubt myself here, Absolutely there are little things that could be better...
another track I had returned last week was the Swampy Instrumental Cues "too much emotional depth" https://soundcloud.com/alan-shelley/mary-jane-and-me-4

This really gets me thinking... if Taxi is for me, I've had about 9 forwards but nothing has come back from any of them

Thanks again Paul



SWAMPY INSTRUMENTAL CUES are needed by a top-notch Production Music Library that supplies lots of music to Network TV shows. They’re tracking down Swampy Cues in All Tempos that you would hear on shows like (but not limited to) American Hoggers, Swamp People, Duck Dynasty, etc., etc., etc. Please listen to the following references to get a good idea of what they’re looking for: American Hoggers (:32 to :53): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p5GPmHekCSQ Swamp People (:55 to 1:24): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5Y_et7iw5-0 Duck Dynasty (:20 to 1:20): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dOpOrPK05to Please give them swampy Instrumental Cues with a real-deal, backwoods vibe. Your arrangements should include authentic sounding instruments that you’d typically hear in the genre: Acoustic Guitar, Mandolin, Slide Dobro, Banjo, Fiddle, Harmonica, etc., etc., etc. Ensemble size can vary, anything from a duo to a full band sound. Build your Cue around a central melodic motif, while adding and subtracting layers of instrumentation to keep your Cue from sounding too repetitive. You’d be wise to avoid anything that’s frenetic or overly complex for this pitch. Imagine the music you’d hear while group of bearded friends kick back after a long day of hunting. That’s what they need! Your Instrumentals should be at least 2 minutes in length. Non-faded endings with a natural decay or ring out should work best for this pitch. Do NOT copy or rip off the referenced tracks in any way, shape, or form. Use them only as a general guide for tempo, tone, and overall vibe. Broadcast Quality is needed (great sounding home recordings are fine). This company offers an EXCLUSIVE deal. Sync fees will be negotiated on a Deal-By-Deal basis. The Publisher will get 100% of the Publisher’s share, and you’ll get 100% of the Writer’s share. You must own or control your Master and Copyright to pitch for this opportunity. Since this is an EXCLUSIVE deal, please be sure the material you submit to this pitch is NOT already signed with any other Libraries or Publishers. All submissions will be screened on a Yes/No basis - No full critiques. Please submit one to three Instrumental Cues online or per CD no later than 11:59 PM (PDT) on Thursday, August 18th, 2016. TAXI #U160818SC

[artturner]

Don't doubt yourself, I had my rear end handed to me on this one and I thought it was one of my best mixes.

Had the same comments about percussion and string samples, and mine included Metropolis Ark along with others.

Here's mine: https://soundcloud.com/artturnermusic/r ... ss-pursuit

I'll post more comments when I get home.

Art

[jonnybutter]

I've had about 9 forwards but nothing has come back from any of them

Nine forwards isn't very many. I can't comment usefully on this particular return, but I wouldn't base any major decision on not hearing back on only 9 forwards. Pretty sure it takes most people way more than that to get some action. Pretty competitive these days!

my 2c. good luck

[AlCompose]

Don't doubt yourself, I had my rear end handed to me on this one and I thought it was one of my best mixes.

Had the same comments about percussion and string samples, and mine included Metropolis Ark along with others.

Here's mine: https://soundcloud.com/artturnermusic/r ... ss-pursuit

I'll post more comments when I get home.

Art

Hi Art, That sounds great, I'm getting a bit of a 007 Bond vibe off it... I really don't know what the story is with some of these listeners.. I think sometimes its down to luck, as in the listener you get to review your track, How are you liking METROPOLIS ARK

Al

[AlCompose]

I've had about 9 forwards but nothing has come back from any of them

Nine forwards isn't very many. I can't comment usefully on this particular return, but I wouldn't base any major decision on not hearing back on only 9 forwards. Pretty sure it takes most people way more than that to get some action. Pretty competitive these days!

my 2c. good luck

Hi Jonny, Yeah I suppose your right.. It would be different if it was around the 30 mark... Thanks Al

[WeWillWriteUaSong]

It's definitely a ride. I think that's why they call it TAXI. I have my doubt'y days too trust me. I have 92 forwards in 8 months ...all my lib deals have come outside of taxi....but.....after 8 months (last week) I was contacted by a great library owner through dispatch. I believe my ball will start rolling very soon. I definitely have my "wtf" days... but I got to work with some amazing taxi members through collabs, and formed some great friendships from it. I'm very excited for the rally. I believe some big things are coming soon to a theater near me haha.

Lately I've been seeing taxi as a very good life lesson for me. Enjoy the ride. Most of us will certainly reach our musical destinations...wherever they may be. But how much fun we have along the way is up to us. Dinner is almost ready....in the meantime, have some beer and wings and cigars and hang out watching the game with your peeps... There is a reason its called taxi...let go of the wheel...sit back...enjoy the ride....

...at least that's what I've been telling myself

[AlCompose]

It's definitely a ride. I think that's why they call it TAXI. I have my doubt'y days too trust me. I have 92 forwards in 8 months ...all my lib deals have come outside of taxi....but.....after 8 months (last week) I was contacted by a great library owner through dispatch. I believe my ball will start rolling very soon. I definitely have my "wtf" days... but I got to work with some amazing taxi members through collabs, and formed some great friendships from it. I'm very excited for the rally. I believe some big things are coming soon to a theater near me haha.

Lately I've been seeing taxi as a very good life lesson for me. Enjoy the ride. Most of us will certainly reach our musical destinations...wherever they may be. But how much fun we have along the way is up to us. Dinner is almost ready....in the meantime, have some beer and wings and cigars and hang out watching the game with your peeps... There is a reason its called taxi...let go of the wheel...sit back...enjoy the ride....

...at least that's what I've been telling myself

Hey Marcus, Wow that's some going 92 forwards in 8 months Congrats... Thank for your positive perspective, Al

[Onaginoffegin]

I'm usually highly critical with orchestral stuff, but I liked your track.
Let me say something about Albion — when I bought it, it became my favorite orchestral library.
In fact, I became so enamored with it, that I submitted two pieces for piano and orchestra using just Albion.
Normally I find that combining different libraries produces better results because they sound different, just like real violinists sound different from each other.
But in this case I used just Albion strings.
Both pieces were returned. The screener's comments:

"The piano and violin work is very good. The strings' tones could be more realistic for the listing."
and
"More fine piano playing and tone. The strings are a little more convincing on this piece but I still believe they could be less strident and more smooth for this listing."

BTW, the "violin work is very good" comment is because I used a real violinist to play solo in the beginning and end of the piece.

So yeah, not sure how you can sound more contemporary, but I'd definitely give combining different sample libraries a shot and see if that gets you a forward.
Good luck.


Henry