Distant Storm - Acoustic Guitar Underscore

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LamarPecorino
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Distant Storm - Acoustic Guitar Underscore

Post by LamarPecorino » Sun Jul 25, 2021 6:24 pm

This is my first attempt at creating an acoustic guitar underscore. If you have time, give it a listen and let me know how I did. The intended listing is below the link. Thanks in advance!

https://soundcloud.com/user-155785959/d ... 5C3rhgxTNm

ACOUSTIC GUITAR-Based UNDERSCORE INSTRUMENTAL CUES are needed by a very successful boutique Music Library that's distributed by Universal and has tons of credits in Big Films, Countless TV Shows, and Commercials!

NOTE: We previously ran this request as TAXI Dispatch Listing #D210710AG, but the Library didn't find what they were looking for. If you submitted to listing #D210710AG, please send different material this time around.

This is a catalog you want to be in! Please listen to the following examples the Library gave us to get yourself in the ballpark of what they need:

Instrumental Examples

Quoting the Library: "We're looking for filigree pattern-based Cues featuring acoustic guitar/stringed instruments that are underscore-friendly. Ideal for storytelling on daily TV and advertisements."

Please send well-produced, underscore-friendly Cues that feature well-played, finger-picked Acoustic Guitar as their focal point. Light percussion, synth pads, soft strings, etc. could be nice touches, as well! Craft your Cues around on clear pattern/motif, and create a sense of forward momentum and dynamics by layering instrumentation in and out as they progress. Your production should be competitive with the references. Please be sure that any virtual instruments or samples you use are modern and high-quality.

TAXI Tip: Although this Company wants pattern-based instrumentals, please keep those patterns on the simple side. Remember, you're not trying to show off what an amazing guitar player you are, so much as creating a vibe, feeling, and emotion, while leaving plenty of room for dialogue to be the focus.

All submissions should be about 2 minutes long, give or take. Good edit points and non-faded, buttoned/stinger endings are required. Do NOT copy the references in any way, shape, or form. Use them only as a general guide for tempo, tone, texture, and overall vibe. Broadcast Quality is needed.

NOTE: This company has a strong preference for composers who understand music licensing companies and how typical music library deals are structured. If that's not you, they politely ask that you don't submit to this request.

This Music Library offers an EXCLUSIVE deal with a cool twist. You’ll keep 50% of all gross income generated by your music, plus you’ll get 100% of the Writer’s share income generated by your PRO. In other words, if the company licenses your music under a blanket deal, you’ll get income. If they license it for a YouTube video, you’ll get income. Not all music libraries pay you for things like that! The Publisher will get 100% of the Publisher’s share.

Because this is an Exclusive deal, the music you submit for this pitch cannot already be signed with other Libraries or Publishers. You must own or control 100% of your Master and Composition rights. Please send as many Instrumental Cues as you’d like, online or per CD. All submissions will be screened and critiqued by TAXI. Submissions must be received no later than 11:59 PM (PDT) on Sunday, August 1st, 2021. TAXI # S210801AG
Onward and upward!
Lamar

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Re: Distant Storm - Acoustic Guitar Underscore

Post by jdkotaska » Sun Jul 25, 2021 10:24 pm

Hello, Lamar.

Not too bad for a first attempt. Some things I noticed:

In your track there are two distinct guitar parts panned left and right. It is a bit distracting hearing them ping-pong back and forth. Two of the references have just one guitar, panned right up the middle, and the other one uses two guitars panned left and right, but it is one doubled part -- not two separate parts. My recommendation is to stick with one guitar up the middle for this track.

In the beginning, your notes seem to cut off too early, rather than ringing out fully until the end of the measure. You may want to let them ring out.

Last, I'm not sure if you want to include the rain effects in the track. There were a little distracting and, if desired, the end-user can add effects later.

Hope this helps!

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Re: Distant Storm - Acoustic Guitar Underscore

Post by LamarPecorino » Mon Jul 26, 2021 5:23 pm

jdkotaska wrote:
Sun Jul 25, 2021 10:24 pm
Hello, Lamar.

Not too bad for a first attempt. Some things I noticed:

In your track there are two distinct guitar parts panned left and right. It is a bit distracting hearing them ping-pong back and forth. Two of the references have just one guitar, panned right up the middle, and the other one uses two guitars panned left and right, but it is one doubled part -- not two separate parts. My recommendation is to stick with one guitar up the middle for this track.

In the beginning, your notes seem to cut off too early, rather than ringing out fully until the end of the measure. You may want to let them ring out.

Last, I'm not sure if you want to include the rain effects in the track. There were a little distracting and, if desired, the end-user can add effects later.

Hope this helps!
Hi Dean,

Thanks for listening and writing. As per your suggestions, I will recut the guitar tracks more legato and pan them dead center. I'll also remove the rain sound effects. Thanks for your help!
Onward and upward!
Lamar

“We set sail on this new sea because there is new knowledge to be gained" JFK

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Re: Distant Storm - Acoustic Guitar Underscore

Post by irthlingz » Tue Jul 27, 2021 1:26 am

Hi Lamar - Very nice piece!

I would bring in a more rhythmic, energetic section earlier on. I realize there is a significant change in your piece at around 0:19, and maybe that's enough, but to my ear, your piece doesn't really "pick up" until around 1:15 - sixty percent of the way through the piece.

In the references, "Deep Down" - which is 2:41 in length - brings in a more rhythmic, energetic section around 0:50 - i.e. about a third of the way into the piece. "Awakening," a two and a half minute cue, brings in a more energetic section at around 0:20, and "Foggy Hills" is pretty energetic throughout.

Perhaps more experienced folks than I can comment - again, maybe the change at 0:19 is enough, but my sense is that it would be better to bring in more rhythm and energy earlier in the piece - no later than a third of the way in - which would mean about 0:40.

JM2C

===
Michael

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Re: Distant Storm - Acoustic Guitar Underscore

Post by LamarPecorino » Tue Jul 27, 2021 9:38 am

irthlingz wrote:
Tue Jul 27, 2021 1:26 am
Hi Lamar - Very nice piece!

I would bring in a more rhythmic, energetic section earlier on. I realize there is a significant change in your piece at around 0:19, and maybe that's enough, but to my ear, your piece doesn't really "pick up" until around 1:15 - sixty percent of the way through the piece.

In the references, "Deep Down" - which is 2:41 in length - brings in a more rhythmic, energetic section around 0:50 - i.e. about a third of the way into the piece. "Awakening," a two and a half minute cue, brings in a more energetic section at around 0:20, and "Foggy Hills" is pretty energetic throughout.

Perhaps more experienced folks than I can comment - again, maybe the change at 0:19 is enough, but my sense is that it would be better to bring in more rhythm and energy earlier in the piece - no later than a third of the way in - which would mean about 0:40.

JM2C

===
Michael
Hi Michael - Thanks for listening and writing. I have reworked the track to give it a more rhythmic vibe.
Onward and upward!
Lamar

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Re: Distant Storm - Acoustic Guitar Underscore

Post by LamarPecorino » Tue Jul 27, 2021 9:43 am

Here is a reworked version of Distant Storm. Thanks to everyone that has taken the time to listen. This version features alternate picking (my wife, Sabrina's idea) as well as a more syncopated rhythm. It seems to be moving in the right direction. (I hope) Let me know what you think.

https://soundcloud.com/user-155785959/d ... jkJ52cpjMv
Onward and upward!
Lamar

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Re: Distant Storm - Acoustic Guitar Underscore

Post by Peterg » Tue Jul 27, 2021 10:22 am

I think its a really nice vibe and the guitar sound is great. Once the full 12/8 riff comes in there are a few occasions where the picking sounds a bit hesitant which is a shame as it detracts from the mood. Maybe its just me, I'm so used to hearing quantised music. But because the guitar is so exposed and is providing the groove (until the drums come in) I think it needs to be more in the pocket.
Good luck

Peter

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Re: Distant Storm - Acoustic Guitar Underscore

Post by gitanosoy » Tue Jul 27, 2021 10:45 am

Hi Lamar,

The vibe is nice but the guitar sounds you played the part and looped it, whether you did or not. The finger picking of the notes are not as smooth and you can hear it in the last bar of the whole riff with a slight pause therefore when the drums come in at 1:17 it sounds a little bit out of time.

good luck.

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Re: Distant Storm - Acoustic Guitar Underscore

Post by LamarPecorino » Tue Jul 27, 2021 11:16 am

I noticed the delay after posting. I think that this version fixes the problem. Although I must admit, I'm not sure what caused the hesitancy. It did not show up in the waveforms.

https://soundcloud.com/user-155785959/d ... yFPojTKmUJ
Onward and upward!
Lamar

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Re: Distant Storm - Acoustic Guitar Underscore

Post by LamarPecorino » Tue Jul 27, 2021 12:02 pm

Peterg wrote:
Tue Jul 27, 2021 10:22 am
I think its a really nice vibe and the guitar sound is great. Once the full 12/8 riff comes in there are a few occasions where the picking sounds a bit hesitant which is a shame as it detracts from the mood. Maybe its just me, I'm so used to hearing quantised music. But because the guitar is so exposed and is providing the groove (until the drums come in) I think it needs to be more in the pocket.
Good luck

Peter
Thanks for listening and writing, Peter. I have corrected the timing issues to the best of my abilities. Check out Mix 8. Hopefully, it is more in the pocket.

https://soundcloud.com/user-155785959/d ... yFPojTKmUJ
Onward and upward!
Lamar

“We set sail on this new sea because there is new knowledge to be gained" JFK

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