High Tension/Drama

[teleblaster]

Trying to expand my compositional chops out a bit. I've never really written pieces with broad dynamic range. I'm trying to craft something for this post, and possibly several other similar ones. The dramatic stuff seems to pop up fairly frequently...NEW LISTING -- HIGH TENSION/SUSPENSE INSTRUMENTALS for various Film/TV placements are wanted by a very successful Production Music Library who has placements with ABC, CBS, NBC, WB, Disney, Discovery, Lifetime, Fox, USA and more. These instrumentals can be in a variety of styles, but they must sound current and contemporary. If you take an orchestral approach here, it's suggested that it be blended with current-sounding instruments with "edge" - Electronica or Rock elements could be a good choice. These tracks need to be compelling dynamically, without a lot of motive/melodic repetition. Variation and momentum/build will be key for this one! Be absolutely sure that the instrumentation sounds fantastic - this company really doesn't like "bad MIDI". Broadcast quality is necessary, though excellent home recordings should be fine. Please submit 1-3 Instrumentals online or per CD. All submissions will be screened on a YES/NO BASIS - NO CRITIQUES FROM TAXI - and must be received no later than January 14, 2009. TAXI # Y09114IN http://soundclick.com/share?songid=7198442This is really rough, just about everything will have to be retracked, and I'll probably re-arrange pretty significanlty. That said, what I'm wondering is if there's enough in here to re-factor into a legit submission for this listing? Do the different sections show enough compelling dynamic movement? Is there enough variation and momentum build?Interested in hearing comments about how well the music matches the listing, and ideas how I can make it fit better (if at all... Erich

[suzdoyle]

Hey Teleblaster;You have some great ideas here. The slower tempo makes it feel laid back more than high tension/ suspense. If you could speed up the tempo that might make it more effective for the suspense kind of listing.And perhaps a bid of edge (reverb/ delay/ some kind of FX) on the thin high instrument might make it more creepy and suspenseful -- more sharp, perhaps, ala the high violin part in Psycho?Just a thought! Would love to hear how you tinker with this !Best regards,Suz

[teleblaster]

Thanks for the great advice Suz. I agree that my telecaster is too thin for this track. I'd of never thought of the tempo issue though. I'll play around with ratcheting that up when I start re-tracking.Erich

[ideascapes]

Erich,You got some pretty cool sounds off your guitar on this. Honestly, if you kept it sparser and didn't use the Tele for chords, you might be closer to the listing. My guess is they usually pick orchestral pieces for this type of thing. I do see that they call for rock elements, so maybe you could vary the rocky sections with the other more experimental sounds. The drums were pretty seriously out of sync a few times, but I imagine that's what you were refering to by "really rough."Vince

[teleblaster]

Thanks Vince,I'm re-factoring this one. Maybe I'll pull out a funky old Farfisa patch or something for most of the chordal stuff. I'm also playing with the twisted kit expansion pack for EZ drummer; some seriously cool stuff in that kit.Cheers,Erich