Feedback required for a greenhorn!

[davidagates]

Hi guys,

Just had a submission not forwarded, not going to complain, just wany to try and get better and get results. This was the feedback I received:

What I like most about this song

This is a good start. The japanese instruments are present which is great for the listing.
I think you could improve this song by

The title could be better translated to "Song of Darkness". I think we can also develop the song more and change the last hit of percussion at the end (or remove it).
I returned or forwarded this song because

Could be developed more and be less repetitive.

Now, title and ending notwithstanding as that's fairly straightforward, the music is repetitive as I felt that's often how Eastern music is, has an intentional droning, meditative element, also I'm not sure if that's what "developed further" specifically relates to. I've got autism so I struggle a lot with linguistic subtleties.

I've included a link below, please be utterly honest, I want to make a career from music so want to be the best I can be.

Thanks in advance,

Dave

Listen to Yami No Kyoku (闇の曲) - Dark Melody by Crowbar Soundscapes on #SoundCloud
https://on.soundcloud.com/mfcTK

[Casey H]

Hey Dave
The repetitiveness is that one motif/riff repeats over and over (which is OK for a cue) but there is no real build or change around it so if feels like an endless loop of that one thing. Build on it with layers and instruments or add a B section or both. You didn't post the listing text but this one seems pretty obvious. Taxi has a blog where they share what tracks were forwarded so listen to the ones that got the nod.

Yea, that last hit is cheesy and loud. Not needed, you could just end with a ring out chord.

HTH
Best,
Casey

[Paulie]

Can you post the listing so we can see the description and references provided?

The Taiko sounds a bit muddy to me, I suggest cutting off the lowest EQ, anything below 100Hz, then bring it down in the mix. While this is a short track, you still might consider changing up the Taiko rhythm in the middle section to give the listener some variety.

The koto music is good, but it stays that the same volume the entire track, which gives you the “repetitive” characteristic. At 30 seconds when the shaku comes in you should bring the koto down in volume so it doesn’t bury the shaku.

Personally, I like the gong ending, it is quite traditional. But it might be a just a little loud… maybe. I’m being picky.

Good track IMHO, but I agree that it is a little repetitive. It comes down to what the listing asked for.

[davidagates]

Hiya guys,

Thanks for the feedback, I'm at work ATM so can't reply properly and I want to as it's incredibly kind of you to comment.

The listing was this one, https://www.taxi.com/listings/S230411JA.

Thanks again.

Dave

[Casey H]

Hiya guys,

Thanks for the feedback, I'm at work ATM so can't reply properly and I want to as it's incredibly kind of you to comment.

The listing was this one, https://www.taxi.com/listings/S230411JA.

Thanks again.

Dave

Listing links don't work for others once the listing is expired. So you'd have to copy/paste the actual listing text.

[davidagates]

Ah, apologies. Still learning:

TRADITIONAL JAPANESE INSTRUMENTALS are needed by a very busy Music Library with a great track record of placements in Films and TV shows!

NOTE: We previously ran this request as Dispatch Listing #D230326PN, but the Company is looking for more material, so they asked us to try again. If you submitted to listing #D230326PN, please send different material this time around.

This Library is looking for Mid-to-Up-Tempo Instrumentals that could be heard on a playlist with the following references:

"Kamimu" by Hozan Yamamoto & Tomoko Sunazaki

"Four Seasons in Kyoto" by Chikatoyo Tsujimoto

"3 Ballads in Memory of Hida: No. 2, Tachitsubura" by Yamato Ensemble

Quoting the Library: "We are looking for Traditional Japanese Instrumentals. It would be cool if some of them had a sinister character to them."

Please send well-composed, original Japanese Instrumentals that could instantly transport listeners to Japan! Engaging rhythms, top-notch performances, and authentic-sounding melodies, instrumentation, and arrangements are all needed for this pitch. We strongly recommend incorporating traditional Japanese instruments like the Koto, Shamisen, Shakuhachi, or Taiko to increase the authenticity of your pieces. Leaning into darker, more moody melodies and instrumentation to give your pieces a sinister vibe is encouraged, as well.

Your productions need to be strong, and we don’t recommend using any virtual instruments or samples for this pitch unless you are extremely masterful and your virtual instruments sound indistinguishable from the real thing – nothing obviously MIDI-driven, looped, or low-quality will work for this request.

All submissions should be about 90 seconds to 2 minutes long, give or take. Non-faded, button/stinger endings will work best. Do NOT copy the references in any way, shape, or form. Use them only as a guide for tempo, texture, and tone. Do not submit any material with unauthorized samples of other artists’ Songs, sounds, or any other form of media. Broadcast Quality is needed.

This company offers an EXCLUSIVE deal in perpetuity. You’ll split any applicable sync fees 50/50 with the company. You’ll keep 100% of the Writer’s share and the Library will get 100% of the Publisher's share. You must own or control your Master and Copyright to submit for this opportunity. Please submit as many Instrumentals as you'd like, online or per CD. NO DEADLINE EXTENSIONS for this request. Sorry folks, but we're on an extremely tight deadline, so please don't ask! All submissions will be screened and critiqued by TAXI. Submissions must be received no later than 11:59 PM (PDT) on Tuesday, April 11th, 2023. TAXI # S230411JA

[davidagates]

Got some time to answer to your very kind feedback. Genuinely very helpful all round, I'll remaster and remix with the suggested changes, maybe remove the crash and have a bit of variety in there, I'll have a good listen to some other examples and then implement them. It never even occurred to me to have the volume levels at various points to give it variety, it makes complete sense as it would prevent someone from fatiguing from identical sounds at the same level.

Thanks again for the feedback guys, here's hoping with a bit more of your very kind help I'll actually get good at it, haha.

[Paulie]

Yes, volume of individual instruments matters. I actually learned this in music college while playing in a big band. There are 15 or so instruments in a big band, and most of the time they are not all playing at the same volume. If you are playing long notes, you are not the focus, so quiet down and let the melody be heard. That sort of thing.