Are these sounds okay - i.e. not dated or of a lower quality

[MJLeeman]

Some of my submissions have be returned on the basis that the sounds were of a dated or sub-standard quality.

My response has been to get hold of and use what I have been led to believe were the latest sounds and samples, enrol in mixing courses, study YouTube videos, etc., etc.

Nevertheless, I am finding that the same comments persist so I accept that there is some important knowledge about making and using contemporary sounds which I have not yet acquired.

I would be grateful to receive feedback on whether, and if not, possibly why not, the sounds in the following backing track are acceptable (i.e. not dated or of a lower quality).

Of course, I welcome all suggestions, tips, etc. as I want to learn and improve.

Here is the backing track to a song. I have completed the lyrics and top line, and I am trying to get the backing up to as high a standard as possible before I get a singer to finalise the track.

https://www.taxi.com/members/nwRU7pygQr ... ing-track-

I might say that, as a relative newcomer, I am finding the assistance provided in the TAXI Forums to date way beyond what I would have reasonably expected. Thank you!

Cheers
Michael Leeman

[cassmcentee]

These sounds would be fine if the listing happened to be looking for the 1980's
Even then, the mix isn't up to the task, sorry

Suggestions:
I would have to guess that your monitoring system (speakers/headphones/room) is sub-optimal.
To improve quicker, load a contemporary tune into your DAW and then Create your Own Copy of it (recreate the sounds)
Re-Creating an already popular tune will force you to train your ears
We all have to put in the time and hard work to do this right!
Cheers
Cass

[MJLeeman]

Thanks Cass

I will give your suggestion a try.

Cheers
Michael

[DouglasKnight]

Hey Michael! I'm new to Taxi as well and have received some of the same feedback so I'm doing exactly what Cass suggested and studying the reference tracks closely to get my submissions up to par. Another suggestion is to listen to tracks that have been forwarded by screeners to hear exactly how high the bar is and get ideas and inspiration. Keep working, have fun, and don't quit!
Cheers, DK

[MJLeeman]

Thank you, Douglas

I will keep having a go, and I will certainly try to put your and Cass's suggestion into practice. Onward and upward, I always say.

Cheers
Michael

[smelterbox]

I have had several submissions that were returned for the same reason. I dropped a good sum of money (for me) into new gear and developed new patches - and still received the same feedback.

I like DK's suggestion as it means to me I have to train my ears to hear what exactly is going on in the reference tracks and consider what my perception of what I'm doing is up to par.

That said, there are listings that do come up with requests for 80's and 90's styles and sounds. That would put us in the thick of things.

Kevin

[hummingbird]

What genre were you aiming for with the track that you have linked?


I think the key to solving this is not necessarily to buy new VSTs (although that can be helpful), it's to use what you have in an optimal way...

It's a good idea as above to listen to the 'a las' and the 'forwards' so you can hear what is getting over the bar. What is behind the vocals these days in your genre.

Have you researched reviews of the VSTs to see what their strengths and weaknesses are?

Do you understand what is meant by 'contemporary' or 'up-to-date' in the genres in which you write? Is your composition and your arrangement contemporary? If it's a song are the vocals current sounding?

Are you layering sounds (perhaps doubling a line an octave up or down, or using an instrument with a different timbre or frequency to double the line) so that the sonic quality isn't 'out of the box'?

Assuming your composition and arrangement fits the brief, then the next thing to look at is mixing and production... are you producing tracks in current styles (ie, what effects are considered contemporary.. too much reverb may date you, for example)