too obviously synthetic?

[bobsongsmusic]

I originally posted this in "Screener shoutouts!" but think this may be a more appropriate section.....Y090128INDRAMATIC 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. There are no arrangement or instrumentation restrictions, but the overall tone must be compelling/dynamic and engaging. High drama, emotional pull and climactic build will all be key factors. 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 January 28, 2009. TAXI #Y090128INI submitted the following 2 tracks for the above listing.Legionnairehttp://www.taximusic.com/song.php?song_id=9536 ... eandMenace at workhttp://www.taximusic.com/song.php?song_id=9537 ... m=trueThey were both returned with the following remarks.Not Master/Broadcast Quality"the listing party is looking for a very high standard of production ... unfortunately, the samples that you're using sound a little bit too obviously synthetic in order to meet their criteriasame comment as for "Legionnaire""Whilst I would happily confess that I did not hire the London symphony orchestra to play my compositions in my home studio, I would dispute the remark that they sound "a little bit too obviously synthetic" (whatever that means - are they too synthetic or a little bit synthetic? and is it obvious to anyone or just to people who are employed to spend all day with their head wrapped up in headphones listening to music submissions??), especially for use in T.V. or radio advertising.If I am using the wrong kind of software/hardware perhaps you or any of the Taxi members could advise, after all I pay for this service, and whilst I fully appreciate that you have to employ some kind of "gatekeeper" system to prevent these library owners from being flooded with 1000's of unnecessary submissions, I think that in this case screener 277 is being a little over zealous.P.S. If the above links don't work please go to my Taxi pagehttp://www.taxi.com/bob_chambers

[rld]

Hi Bob,I hope I can be helpful for you.Let me first say that I've had loads of returns and they are never easy, so I feel your frustration.I've also had loads of forwards, so I must be doing something right... We're all using sample libraries for these type listings, don't know what you are using but some are better than others.IMO, successful songs for these type pitches will hold the listeners attention and keep the illusion alive as long as possible that they are listening to a real orchestra performing. As soon as that illusion is gone the song probably fails to get a forward.I'll say that there are certain parts in your songs that work, and others where the illusion is not working.Some of it is due to the sample choice and the way it's played, some is due to the space or reverb you use.I don't have time at the moment to pick out parts in a time line, but I will at a later date if you want.Don't get too discouraged.Listen to some of the forwards and see if that helps.

[lboogie77]

Hey Bob,The screener could have done a better job and been more direct.IMHO the sounds do sound synthy. What libraries are you using?

[bobsongsmusic]

Hi RLD & Iboogoe,Thanks for your comments.I've also posted this in "Screener shoutouts" (#277) and it would seem that the general consensus of opinion is that I should be using East/West Orchestra samples. I've taken that onboard and after some research it looks like I'm going to have to spend something in the region of £2,000 ($3,000) to achieve the required "illusion". I'm more than happy to do this, although I find it slightly irritating, considering that I'm submitting my music for possible inclusion in a T.V./Radio advert - not the latest Spielberg multi-million dollar film production.If you watch T.V. you'll find that the quality of library music used is not particularly high, and 98% of it sounds synthetic - the viewers verdict "who cares - it's an advert for shampoo!"So, I'll knuckle down and get the new PC and software and give it another go!

[partyofone]

Hey Bob.. yeah I think you have it right with the EWQL samples. Although to purchase the Gold library of orchestral samples it's under $700 I believe. I assume you mean you'll have to buy other modules to get all the instruments?I think that will get you were you need to be sonics wise. Good luck!