Happy Upbeat etc.

[billg]

Here's another instrumental I worked up for the Happy, Upbeat, instrumental listing. Do you think I should "clean up" all of the harmonica notes or leave them kind of sloppy? I think I have enough to work with to cut and paste a perfect performance. I like it the way it is but I'm not sure . . .It's called Doodlebughttp://www.billgaunce.com/song/105here's the listing-NEW LISTING -- HAPPY/UPBEAT/FUN INSTRUMENTALS are needed by a successful Production Music Library/Publisher that has signed and placed tons of TAXI writers/songs over the years. This company will be looking for material that would be great for Feature Films and TV/Radio/Commercials. The tone can be quirky and comedic, light and airy, bouncy and silly, etc. Primarily, the focus will be on spare instrumentation that features clever dynamics and melodic moments". The range is wide here stylistically, with the focus being on the overall tone. Nothing dark, dramatic or moody for this one - only happy and fun. There are no arrangement restrictions here, but be sure the instrumentation isn't too thick or lush. The performances/production must be excellent and the recordings need to be Broadcast Quality (great home recordings should be fine). Pieces should not exceed 4 min. in length and they need to have clear endings - no fades. Please submit one to three pieces 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 February 6, 2009. TAXI # Y090206IN

[zoom]

Bill!Very nice track! It's very island-y without the island. A couple of quick production notes, but nothing too much as I think this one is very close to not just a forward, but to a deal. IMO, the bass is a little muddy for all the movement it has, so pulling back the EQ under 100Hz might help... and the rain stick might play better back further in the mix. You also might want to have another mix ready without the rain stick just to have it when the client dials you up.But the percussion, doubling of the lead, bassline, etc. all clicks together to create a great scene. This one will be forwarded without a doubt in my mind.Cheers, and Happy New Year!

[billg]

Thanks Pat, yup I think that rainstick needs to be eliminated. My wife ( who wouldn't know a rainstick from a dipstick) informed me that whatever was making that "awful rattle sound" had to go. It's from a percussion loop construction kit & what I used was the full loop. I'm gonna have to dig into it & see what the components are & do some tweaking.Good call on the bass too, I was wondering if it wasn't a tad too muddy.

[bigbluebarry]

hey Bill... I'm listening with iPod earbuds right now so I can't really comment on the production quality but as far as the overall feel of the track, I think you nailed it. I agree with zoom and think I'd push the rainstick way back in the mix. Great job and I think you'll be getting a forward out of this one for sure.- Big Blue

[ideascapes]

Bill,Great to see/hear you busy cranking out the tunes! Nice ditty (not diddy) and I think you got the happy/upbeat vibe. Aren't harps supposed to be played sloppily? Sounds good to me. There maybe have been a few times while carrying the melody (instead of just grooving) that it sounded very slightly off, but nothing to change I don't think.I didn't focus too much on the rain/thunderstick, cuz to me all the percussion was pretty loud. I think you can get away with it, since they're panned hard left and right. You might just expirement with some volume changes for each section so that different instruments stand out. Right now everything sounds loud throughout. Still, it works.Vince

[devin]

Fun track Bill...post up your v2 when you get it tweaked!P.S. Love the late triangle hit at the end. Perfect!

[billg]

Daggone Devin, you made it all the way to the "late triangle" . . . I'm impressed!

[heinsite]

hey bill--this sounds very well done even on the crappy speakers i'm listening on--it is happy, it is upbeat, and immediately it reminded me of a commercial, but for what i have no idea--or a kids show entry, let sesame street (which i havent' watched for many years...so manybe they're playing heavy metal now on them shows...) but it seems to fit the "bill"--he just got that, quoted around it, sure it aint the first time you've heard that...good luck with it, it should fly someplace...warrenoh, ps, yeah i search my entire repetoire, and surprisingly, had NOTHING for this...LOL...but true, probably should try one...