FEEL-GOOD, ACOUSTIC-Based INSTRUMENTAL CUE

[DouglasKnight]

Hey All ! Looking for your constructive feedback on this piece for the listing below: https://www.taxi.com/members/Gjdf7sdFR5 ... in-berries


FEEL-GOOD, ACOUSTIC-Based INSTRUMENTAL CUES are needed by a very successful boutique Music Library that's distributed by Universal for placements in Commercials, Advertisements, and Promotions.

NOTE: We previously ran this request as TAXI Listing #S210729FG, but the Library didn't find what they were looking for. If you submitted to listing #S210729FG, please send different material this time around.

NEW TIPS FROM THE LIBRARY TO HELP YOU NAIL THIS PITCH: "Many composers throw in way too many ideas and are not focused on ONE CENTRAL MOTIF: they try to keep things interesting by adding new harmonic lines and elements (melodies, even improvisations, etc) instead of focusing on the production and textures. What I'm looking for is basically: obvious production music (in form and structure), that sounds like commercial music (production style)." Put simply, keep it SIMPLE! We know that other Libraries like to receive music with complementary A and B sections, but this Library is NOT one of them – stick with ONE CENTRAL MOTIF per submission, please!

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: https://www.dropbox.com/sh/5jerwwibk7pu ... N1jwa?dl=0

Quoting the Library: "We’re looking for cues that have a clear light-hearted and feel-good mood: Warm, positive, and somewhat easy-going. We want to hear pieces with organic/acoustic instrumentation that have a human touch."

Please send top-notch Instrumental Cues with an overall feel-good vibe and sound. Craft your Cues around one clear motif, and create a sense of forward momentum and dynamics by layering instrumentation in and out as they progress. Acoustic-based instrumentation that's generally similar to the references will suit your submissions best – think acoustic guitar, ukulele, handclaps, glockenspiel, whistling, etc. Please be sure that your production and any virtual instruments or samples you do use are high-quality, modern, and don't sound stiff or synthetic. The more your submissions sound like they're being performed by real musicians playing real instruments, the better.

TAXI Tip: Some non-lyric vocal parts like "oohs," "ahhs," etc. could help add some extra care-free energy to your tracks. They're not a requirement, but the references they gave have them, so listen to see how they've used them!

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.

[myk247365]

the examples have a definite structure of A(build texture, add melody, swap melody to another instrument), B drop out Bass and backing instro track, just perc and melody, A' bring everything back and finish it. Your track does this twice, which might be ok, but I suggest removing the backing synth/rhythm guitar(?) in the B sections and stick with just melody and light perc, the BD might be a bit heavy-handed/boomy.

But you nailed the feel and general instrumentation, I think this track would work well for the listing.

myk

[DennisPMusic]

Hi Douglas

I really like your song, good work.
One thing I have noticed:
1. Your mix is sounding really thin, compared to the reference tracks. It sounds like you have muted the bass. Maybe it's a mistake, but try to compare your mix against the other tracks.
Some of the reference tracks have too much low end(50-80 hz) to my taste, but your mix needs more low end.
I can recommend a plugin called Tonal Balance 2 from Izotope. It's a great tool for balancing your frequency spectrum.

All the best

Dennis

[DouglasKnight]

the examples have a definite structure of A(build texture, add melody, swap melody to another instrument), B drop out Bass and backing instro track, just perc and melody, A' bring everything back and finish it. Your track does this twice, which might be ok, but I suggest removing the backing synth/rhythm guitar(?) in the B sections and stick with just melody and light perc, the BD might be a bit heavy-handed/boomy.

But you nailed the feel and general instrumentation, I think this track would work well for the listing.

myk

Thanks for the suggestions, Myk -- definitely taking them into account as I continue working on it. Much appreciated!
Doug

[DouglasKnight]

Hi Douglas

I really like your song, good work.
One thing I have noticed:
1. Your mix is sounding really thin, compared to the reference tracks. It sounds like you have muted the bass. Maybe it's a mistake, but try to compare your mix against the other tracks.
Some of the reference tracks have too much low end(50-80 hz) to my taste, but your mix needs more low end.
I can recommend a plugin called Tonal Balance 2 from Izotope. It's a great tool for balancing your frequency spectrum.

All the best

Dennis

Hey Dennis, yes, I agree on the low-end, and will fix that asap. Thank you for your help! DK

[Bruce4M]

To my ears, and based on the examples they gave I think you've done a good job of putting together the type of music they are looking for. Ii sounds upbeat and has some movement and solid construction. wish you good luck BruceM

[DouglasKnight]

To my ears, and based on the examples they gave I think you've done a good job of putting together the type of music they are looking for. Ii sounds upbeat and has some movement and solid construction. wish you good luck BruceM

Appreciate your feedback and encouragement, Bruce -- much appreciated!
Doug

[DBarnett]

Good job Doug!
I'm submitting to this listing also, I hope we both get the FW!!
The only thing that caught my ear was the acoustic guitar in the beginning, is that a synth guitar? If so you might grab a real one and track that, if I'm wrong no worries
Great composition I really like it and think it fits

[DouglasKnight]

Good job Doug!
I'm submitting to this listing also, I hope we both get the FW!!
The only thing that caught my ear was the acoustic guitar in the beginning, is that a synth guitar? If so you might grab a real one and track that, if I'm wrong no worries
Great composition I really like it and think it fits

Thanks for the feedback! Didn't use any synth guitars, though! Much appreciated...
Doug

[teleblaster]

I like this a lot. Great composition that checks the boxes in the brief. Great job staying with one main theme, but keeping it mixed up and interesting; spot on from my read of the listing.

One thing to consider. I think that this type of track would benefit from having the limiter on the 2 buss backed off. I think that would allow the arrangement to breathe a bit.

Best of luck with this.
Erich