Feedback needed on Orchestral track

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StevesMusic
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Feedback needed on Orchestral track

Post by StevesMusic » Tue Sep 07, 2021 1:58 pm

Hi,
I made this track planning to submit it to the recent listing for epic trailer instrumentals.
I was wondering if it sounds up to par or could do with any edits before I submit it?
Below is a link to my website where you can hear the track "Hell's Army".
Thanks so much for your time.

https://stephendevlinmusic.com/track/28 ... orchestral

darkbluerooms
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Re: Feedback needed on Orchestral track

Post by darkbluerooms » Tue Sep 07, 2021 7:28 pm

Hi Steve, it's pretty common for posters to include a link/and or description of the listing with reference tracks to make it easier for people to compare. With that said, I think your piece is awesome. I don't know if it's right for the listing because I'm not familiar with the listing, but the production is top notch, and it works for me. Keep up the good work.

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irthlingz
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Re: Feedback needed on Orchestral track

Post by irthlingz » Tue Sep 07, 2021 8:21 pm

I'm no expert, but I think it could benefit from more of a feeling of build-and-release. For example, there is a clear break/release around 1:24, but I don't feel any real build for the ten seconds or so before that.

Looking forward to learning from what others say.

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Michael

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Re: Feedback needed on Orchestral track

Post by Telefunkin » Wed Sep 08, 2021 1:40 am

Hi Steve, without the original listing its not easy to tell exactly what was being asked for (and that is important), but I have a few general comments that may or may not be appropriate:
- Generally, I think the sounds are good, as is the mix.
- There's something in the horns that is unclear so I can't tell whether its following the 2-note motif. Maybe better use of articulations would help that.
- The 2-note motif gets a bit wearing through the whole track, and I suspect the screeners (and library) would be looking for a bit more musical content.
- Usually, trailers are constructed using the 3-act formula (if you've not heard of that its well worth researching and has been discussed on these forums if you search for it), whereas all I hear are variations on the same 2-note motif here.
-All sync music ought to include edit points, and the 3-act formula forces a couple, but you could include more to off more user possibilities.
- Previous comments have mentioned tension and release, and I agree that's an important feature, but missing here.

I hope some of that helps, but I'd also be interested to see more feedback from those who specialise in orchestral trailer tracks.
Graham (UK). Still composing a little faster than decomposing, and 100% HI.

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Re: Feedback needed on Orchestral track

Post by cosmicdolphin » Wed Sep 08, 2021 4:50 am

Hey Steve

I think you have a lot right here, the sounds , the mix and production are all good and the general idea is there. Where it's letting itself down a bit is more to do with the structure of the cue and the developmental arc.

As Graham mentioned if you can construct this within the 3 Act formula which is commonly used in the Trailer world it will be a much stronger contender. My other thought was it's a little on the repetitive side int terms of the actual musical motif - I feel like it needs to develop a bit more and not just repeat the same 2 bar idea.

Mark

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Re: Feedback needed on Orchestral track

Post by StevesMusic » Wed Sep 08, 2021 10:05 am

Thanks so much for all your feedback.
I'll definitely look into the 3 act/section thing a bit more. Before now I've been making mainly melodic sorta orchestral music, and trailer music is a bit new to me.
I think you're probably correct about the slightly repetitive 2 note progression. I'll have to just get doing more research on the structure of these types of tracks.
Again, I really appreciate you all taking the time to listen and drop in some feedback. It means a lot.
Thanks,
Stephen

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irthlingz
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Re: Feedback needed on Orchestral track

Post by irthlingz » Wed Sep 08, 2021 11:55 pm

Chances are the listing says something like this:

"The structure of your submissions should follow a standard film-trailer model, with 3 distinct "acts" that crescendo to big, climactic, stinger-style endings."

I believe this was linked from a TAXI listing for epic trailers:

https://www.derek-lieu.com/blog/2017/9/ ... tors-dream

HTH

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Michael

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Re: Feedback needed on Orchestral track

Post by StevesMusic » Thu Sep 09, 2021 7:44 am

Thank you for the link Michael.
Yes, you are correct the listing mentions the 3 act structure.
It's a very informative video. I have it bookmarked now for reference again while making more tracks.
Really appreciate the help.

Stephen

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