20's style 4 to 6 instrument cue? Thoughts

[ballereau]

https://www.taxi.com/members/8khlvMr3S8 ... -sweet-tea


Hey all.

Got a return on this one and again the feedback is always a little confusing.
What I like most about this song
I like the clarinet playing and orchestrating on here. Nice ideas throughout. I like the "salt peanuts" type lick
I think you could improve this song by
I think the clarinet and tuba are great, but a little too synthetic sounding returned or forwarded this song because
This was a fun listen, but I think it needs more of a live sound. They were really specific about that in this listing.
From the listing:
Now I get some things but you are telling me you like the clarinet playing then you are saying it is a synth? Really?
any thoughts?

Thanks

Larry

[AlanHall]

My first reaction is that the screener liked the composition, but the production let it down. Why they couldn't just say that?

[cassmcentee]

Need to hear the tune...
It's all word salad until then...

[ballereau]

song is in the link

Thanks

[ballereau]

True about that!
The screeners seems to talk around things

[MBantle]

I think the playing/composition and level of realism are two different things - I don't think it is a contradiction. I like the tune but I think the ending is a good example where the instruments sound too midi and programmed in my personal opinion.
The reason for returning this track is certainly not about you doing a decent job at playing/composing. The issue is that there are guys out there who can actually play this stuff live (as in all instruments and they will submit their tracks) or guys who can program at a level where you think they played it live...
So the competition is the real issue here and this I am afraid will never change. Just to make up an example: If there is a dramedy listing chances are that you are competing with very, very experienced Taxi members who make a 6 figure income (and a substantial amount from that income may be coming from dramedy stuff). They are just at a different level and if you were the screener you would do the same: you would simply pick the best tracks and return the rest.
Just ask yourself what you could have done better. Forget about this return and the next time your submission will already be better by some degree and eventually you will nail these listings!
Cheers,
Matt

[mwb2]

FWIW I agree with previous comment - I took the feedback to mean the screener liked the general attitude and melody of the clarinet, but that it falls a bit short in realism production-wise.

My 2 cents,
Mike

[AlanHall]

I just listened to the track for the first time. I have to say, overall it sounds great to me! That said, to pick nits:

1. The tuba notes in the tag ending do sound a bit synthetic. What would fix that, a different articulation, a little less note-on volume? IDK
2. The overall ambience is a bit in your face for a 20s style recording. An ever-so-slight LPF on the clarinet and some convo reverb to give it a more realistic space might change the whole perception of the track. Little things. Tweaks. As ML would say, you're at an A- and need to get it to A+

[ballereau]

Thanks for the suggestions and thoughts

Larry

[cassmcentee]

Hey Larry, I apologize for missing the link.

This is a very nice piece!
This is what my ears are telling me:
I'm hearing a spatial problem with the mix
I can't tell what kind of Space/Room the players are in
When I close my eyes it feels like I am listening from the drummer's seat (almost Dry/no Reverb)
Yet it doesn't feel centered... the drums seem to be a bit Left-Leaning... maybe the Left side is empty?
For example: The Tuba (could use some more low end) seems to have a "Hall"-ish reverb
That Reverb is missing in the Left Channel
So that starts to add to the Midi-ish feel of the Tuba (un-natural)
Since the Clarinet is the "Star" of the show, I would bring it forward of the Kit
Or at the least put the band in the same reverb
Cheers!
Cass