I'm scratching my head on this one

[crs7string]

I just recieved a return on this listing:CIRCUS/CAROUSEL/CALLIOPE MUSIC INSTRUMENTALS (no vocals) are sought by the Music Supervisor of a major cable TV sports network. They need great tracks that will make it feel like you're actually a carnival or circus. Broadcast quality needed [excellent home recordings are OK]. Please submit one to three songs online or per CD. All submissions will be screened on a YES/NO BASIS ONLY - NO CRITIQUES FROM TAXI. For ground submissions, please enclose a S.A.S.E. if you would like a response. Submissions must be received no later than Sept. 17, 2007. TAXI # Y070917CSThis is the piece I submitted:http://www.taximusic.com/song.php?song_ ... &stream=1I think I may call Taxi to get a little more insight on this, there was no critique.Any comments or insights would be helpful.Chuck

[sgs4u]

I got a forward for this listing, my selection is called, Baroomphcall Taxi, find out why yours didn'tQuote:I just recieved a return on this listing:CIRCUS/CAROUSEL/CALLIOPE MUSIC INSTRUMENTALS (no vocals) are sought by the Music Supervisor of a major cable TV sports network. They need great tracks that will make it feel like you're actually a carnival or circus. Broadcast quality needed [excellent home recordings are OK]. Please submit one to three songs online or per CD. All submissions will be screened on a YES/NO BASIS ONLY - NO CRITIQUES FROM TAXI. For ground submissions, please enclose a S.A.S.E. if you would like a response. Submissions must be received no later than Sept. 17, 2007. TAXI # Y070917CSThis is the piece I submitted:http://www.taximusic.com/song.php?song_ ... &stream=1I think I may call Taxi to get a little more insight on this, there was no critique.Any comments or insights would be helpful.Chuck

[hummingbird]

I think calling Taxi is a good idea. I listened to your submission and I think it is cute. I'm not sure if it sounds 'just like' being at a circus or carnival though. You've mixed a calliope sound with cymbols, and maybe that's the issue. OTOH I may know nothing I worked on a piece for this but I ended up not submitting because I felt it wasn't ready. HEdit - I was thinking when I heard this that it might be suitable for kids programming or perhaps even, with a little tweaking, Christmas. It definitely has a spirit of fun.

[matto]

Chuck,I think it's a bit slow and halting...normally the clown type calliope stuff is more uptempo and the carousel stuff more "flowing"...at least that's how I remembered it...and I also found the same when researching. It also seems to me that all the crashes you have are a bit disruptive and the calliope isn't really very featured nor is it playing a particularly "calliope like" part.I had three forwarded to this and the two with the calliope were pretty upbeat and more of a calliope feature; the carousel one was a sort of typical carousel waltz.FWIW,matto

[aubreyz]

Chuck. First, I like the piece. It's fun, light and interesting. I'm no screener, but here's my thoughts. Overall, the impression I get from this is more kid land than circus. I can definitely see it being used in some of the shows I see on Sprout and PBS. Melodically it sounds circus, but it is lacking the big "i'm at the circus" sound. I hate to say it, because it's such a cliche' but it sounds a bit midi, both rhythmically and a few of the sounds. When I think circus/carnival -- it's bigger sound to me. From a mix standpoint the cymbals sound very up front and the bass drum too distant. Granted, I'm being picky -- but when the listing says "great tracks" they will be picky too. Like I said, the track is good, but may not be right on target for this listing because of both the listing description and the fact that it's a sports network.My two cents, for a kids show, this would probably get some forwards-- for a sports network-- not so sure.Aub

[ncc1701]

I came to this board because I had lost my copy of the carousel/calliope listing and needed it for keeping track of my forwards/returns. So thanks cr7string for posting it.I was returned on this too! I'm bummed because I thought I had a lock on it for sure. Anybody want to give a suggestion on what might have kept this from being forwarded?http://www.taximusic.com/song.php?song_ ... ream=trueI was going for the feel of a real carousel ride, not a circus act.

[ljweber70]

Kelysian,I thought you're piece was definately online for the carousel ride sound. The Wurlitzer with a "flutey" pipe organ in the background was right on for "merry go round" music. The only thing I can see that was lacking was perhaps percussion and maybe a little more up tempo. That's my two cents... I gave it a shot as well, but didn't submit because I don't have an authentic Wurlitzer organ patch.Chuck,I agree with the others - you're piece made me feel more like I was watching "Kid's Sprout" rather than being at the circus or carnival. I don't think it was bad, but maybe not close enough to the authentic sound.Anyway, good job -- Larry

[hummingbird]

Quote:I came to this board because I had lost my copy of the carousel/calliope listing and needed it for keeping track of my forwards/returns. So thanks cr7string for posting it.I was returned on this too! I'm bummed because I thought I had a lock on it for sure. Anybody want to give a suggestion on what might have kept this from being forwarded?http://www.taximusic.com/song.php?song_ ... ream=trueI was going for the feel of a real carousel ride, not a circus act.This has a nice melody. I think this does sound something like a carousel ride. I just wonder if they wanted more variety in textures and instrumentation. Something... a little more uptempo?? funner? Something that would fit a sports network? I'm just guessing. As we listen to those who were forwarded... perhaps we will glean some wisdom...

[crs7string]

Thanks everyone for listening and your feedback. Matto, your comment about doing research resonated with me. For the somewhat bizarre listings like the "Armenian electronica" I always do some research. (What instruments, scales, etc.) I did not listen to any circus/calliope music.I was envisioning one of the old calliopes you see on occasion at like a county fair where there are drums and cymbals and mariba etc along with the calliope sound.The other thing that slipped by me was the sports network thing. This should have tipped me off to have more energy in the piece. Much like I've already found, there will most likely be a listing pop up for "playful circus-type music for a children's show" and based on some of your feedback I'll be all tee'd up for a forward.Chuck

[matto]

Quote:Matto, your comment about doing research resonated with me. For the somewhat bizarre listings like the "Armenian electronica" I always do some research. (What instruments, scales, etc.) I did not listen to any circus/calliope music.Chuck, I almost always do research unless it's a style I've done a lot and am very familiar with. Just to make sure the target really is what I think it is . I find it always helps, certainly did in this case.Kathleen, I think yours is very close. It just sounds a little stiff to my ears, not quite that smooth carnival ride sensation. Perhaps it's a little slow. Also, when I listened to some carousel music on Amazon I noticed that the Wurlitzers they use often have a fairly complex sound, including some metallic percussive sound that often kicks in in some sections. This is something I didn't remember from my carnival experiences , and just another example of why it's always a good idea to do a little research...matto