Hi, New here! Need some advice

[grammar]

Quick intro- My day job is playing guitar for various pop singers. Some really successful, some just starting out. I love my job but it's not something I feel can support me forever. I want more for myself. Writing and producing music is where my future lies so the sooner I can get productive the sooner I can figure out my path. I just need a bit of guidance on where to start!


Is it possible to get placements for pop instrumentals? This is what I like to make, I just don't know if I'm ready to put myself out there.


I'd love some advice on how I can tweak my music+arrangements to work in a library context. I usually write leaving space for a singer but that means a lot of the time the cool parts don't come in for a while. I imagine that isn't the best way.


Here's some stuff let me know what your thoughts are. Thanks!

http://soundcloud.com/gadgetjones/sets/potentials2

[BruceBrown]

Grammer,
I can tell you what I do and it's been working for me.
1. I print out the listings that come out every two weeks.
2. Highlight the ones I feel I can do a good job on.
3. Check the date they need to be submitted by.
4. Start working on them in order of which is due first.
5. Finish one, submit it, move on to the next.
If I get forwarded great, if not I watch the forums to see who did. I listen to their tracks. That helps me see where I went wrong and how they got it right.
That's the best advice I can give.
That's my approach.
I listened to a few of your tracks and see no reason why you can't do this.
Pick something from the list and start submitting.
Welcome and good luck with your music.
Bruce

[T&V Marino]

Hi Grammar,

Absolutely! If you listen to TV shows like "The Bachelor," "American Idol," "Undercover Boss," "The Amazing Race," and many of the shows on the popular cables, you'll hear wall-to-wall music, including pop instrumentals. They're in constant demand by Music Supervisors and Production Music Libraries. The key is to model the tracks after current artists like Adele, Katy Perry, Lady Gaga, etc., so they don't sound "dated" (from the '80s, '90s, etc.).

Some of our TAXI composer friends have gotten tons of placements writing in this genre, so go for it!

By the way, we enjoyed listening to your music on SoundCloud.

Good luck,

~ Tracey & Vance Marino

[mojobone]

Asked and answered, but I particularly like Bruce's methodical approach. Welcome to the forum, Grammar!

[cardell]

Welcome Grammar, following you on SoundCloud now.

Stuart

[kclements]

Welcome Grammar -

I'll check you out on Soundcloud as well. There is a lot of great info here. I would take some time and look over past posts - should help you find your way.

Cheers -
kc

[orest]

Hi there Grammar!

And, if a listing says: A la Katy Perry, Lady Gaga and similar.
Don't send a song that doesn't have a similar feel.

[mojobone]

FYI, Gaga is pretty firm, Katy Perry is slightly squishier.

[ottlukk]

Mojo: Is your opinion personal experience, or just conjecture? Ott

[mojobone]

Based solely on cup size...