Looking for feedback on Epic melodic Theme.

[Wilburson]

Hello everyone. I am working on the following brief. Is it possible that a few of you can listen to the track Victorious and give me some feedback as to the criteria given in the brief & whether or not you believe it has been met, before I submit. This is not quite the final version. Also up for suggestions as to whether the title is correct for the piece of music itself? Many thanks.

https://soundcloud.com/user-847161896/v ... -1/s-CHqbn

DRIVING STRING ORCHESTRAL INSTRUMENTAL CUES are needed by a really large media company for placements in several projects, including hit cable TV shows, other shows on their own network, and online media. This rapidly growing industry giant is building its own In-House Music Library and will pay an initial buyout fee of $250 for 100% of the Composition and Master rights (more deal info below). They’re looking for Down-To-Mid-Tempo Orchestral Cues in the general stylistic range of these references we got from our source:

“House of Cards Intro Credits” by Jeff Beal:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zREOQuaqSVk

“Downton Abbey” The Suite:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n7ULKKJ5UpI

“Game of Thrones Extended Theme” by Ramin Djawadi:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J9d9UrK0Jsw

Give them Cues with high-energy string arrangements, and include some percussive elements that give your Cues some forward momentum. Your Cue should have an epic, grand melodic theme that’s engaging, “visually” vivid, and could work nicely as the perfect intro for one of their shows. Use of other Orchestral instrumentation such as horns, woodwinds, piano, and even non-lyrical vocal/choral samples could work well for this pitch. Your endings can be a dramatic crescendo or a simple resolution that sounds like it would lead nicely into a show’s opening scene. Passionate and/or possibly even heroic Orchestral Cues that sound realistic (great use of virtual instruments) and not too “synth-y,” stiff or obviously MIDI-driven will work well. Please avoid dated sounding samples or virtual instruments. Melody, emotion, and forward movement are the secret to success for this pitch.

Your Cues should be at least 2 to 3 minutes in length. Non-faded endings with a natural decay or ring out should work best for this pitch. Broadcast Quality is needed (great sounding home recordings are fine).

https://soundcloud.com/user-847161896/v ... -1/s-CHqbn

[burpo]

Nicely written and arranged, but a bit MIDI sounding to my ears.

HTH

-b

: )

[ElMiguel]

The style could fit nicely, though it sounds a bit Midi driven.

One thing that comes to mind is a tip I got from a Peter Schwartz tutorial (link: https://www.askvideo.com/course/orchest ... ng-realism )

about having 2 or more different tracks with different vst expressions for the same instrument.
So you can have one vst instance/track that has short notes and one for long notes, but here's the thing:

Even though you want a long note, let the short track/articulation play at the start of the long note, so the beginning of the note sounds more articulated. So 2 tracks/vst's are playing, but they are simulating one instrument playing one note.

This has helped me getting rid of those "mushy" attacks and helped to create a clearer sound for the start of each note.

Check the link for other great tips about craeting realistic orchestra : https://www.askvideo.com/course/orchest ... ng-realism


Keep working on it, the song could do well.

[Wilburson]

Thankyou for the feedback guys. Much appreciated.

[IComposer]

Overall Good! The drum sounds too metronome, might need a bit of reverb, could replace with tympani rhythm-supportive notes.

Good luck!

[Wilburson]

Hi guys,

https://soundcloud.com/user-847161896/v ... -1/s-e5rGi

this is one of the versions I submitted in the end. The percussion was always going to be the sticking point because the drums had to be full on, or not at all for this piece. The brief said strings driven and the drums would have dominated, and so the dilemmas. Thanks for your input! I hope you like what I did to it in the end. I will post a full drum version on soundcloud shortly. Kind regards!

[IComposer]

I hope you like what I did to it in the end.

Honestly, the drum ending didn't mesh, felt like a forced button ending.
The GOT & HOC samples should be your guide... drums throughout, just enough (not overpowering) to drive the cue forward, soft enough (reverb), rhythmic but not metronome-like.
IMO - The drums should not stand out; but are essential wallpaper to add cinematic depth and interest. If you can't come up with a stinger drum & strings ending, just let the strings ring out. Again,,, just my opinion & hope it helps.

[Onaginoffegin]

To me this seems more pastoral and relaxing than driving.


Henry

[Wilburson]

Thanks again guys,

With the drums and percussion I have tried with the piece, it really is transformed and sounds really great. i just have to find the best ones