Middle Eastern Instrumental

[utremifa]

Hi guys,

I've been working up this piece for the listing:

TAXI # Y101117WO

WELL-PRODUCED, WORLD MUSIC INSTRUMENTALS and SONGS with VOCALS in a variety of styles from MIDDLE EASTERN, CELTIC and BULGARIAN CHOIR wanted by global TV/Film Publisher servicing a broad spectrum of media including TV, film, games, advertising and trailers. Publisher is looking for both indigenous-sounding recordings that are true to the genre as well as world hybrids incorporating elements of western rock and pop. We know this is a very broad listing. The important thing to note is that your music should have a distinctive ethnic flavor reminiscent of a particular country and that the production should be professional, elegant and warm and feature real or real-sounding instruments. All moods welcome from high-energy, percussive grooves to down tempo chillout so long as there is a distinctive, dominant world flavor.

I haven't done any real mixing or producing of the piece and haven't polished the mockup yet, but I'm interested to know (since I'm still very new to the whole library scene) whether you think the piece is on the mark and would have a chance of getting forwarded.


You can hear the music at: http://taxi.com/vincentrusso

Many thanks,

Vince

[orest]

Excellent piece! I think you nailed that Eastern sound extremely good!
I listened through my laptop speakers and it sounded good on them, everything was clear in the sound image!

[mhazani]

Hey Vince,

I don't feel THAT qualified to comment on this type of music (despite being Israeli myself:), but from a western ear perspective, it definitely sounds like it's in the ballpark (great themes and orchestration!). Couple of things which stood out, at least to me:


1. Around 0:56 the Bass does a strange fill which, IMO, doesn't sit well rhythmically with the percussion and the Oud (is that what the VI is?)
2. Personally, I'd give the strings more prominence, especially in their soli part (1:39). Either loudness or a wider stereo image, perhaps.
3. Again, maybe it's just me, but something with the dumbek's beat doesn't always work - I wish I could explain what exactly (it has to do with the 4th beat of every bar, not every time but often), but that's as specific as I can get without resorting to transcribing:)


It's pretty nitpicky, and I don't have a degree in Middle Eastern music, so take everything with a grain of salt - but I hope this helps a little.

Best,

Michael

[utremifa]

Thanks Michael and Orest,

It's easy to lose perspective when you've spent hours locked away in a little room working on a piece of music.

Michael, good ear, you picked up on two things that I'm going to address tonight: mix issues and the bass part (for which I still need to iron out and put in the keyswitches). I'm not sure what you mean about the dumbek part, but I'll take a very close listen. I'm using a few Middle Eastern drumbeats from a collection that I have over which I've layered some of my own parts over. If I hear what you're talking about, I'll try to correct it.

The stringed instrument that you're hearing is the qanun or kanun. It is basically a middle eastern zither.

Thanks again for the comments and for listening.

Vince

[ottlukk]

I'd say it's right on target. Very well done!
Ott

[Casey H]

Very nice track! I see belly dancers...

I'm listening with cheap headphones but from what I hear you did a great job! I see a forward along with the belly dancers...

Good luck!
Casey

[utremifa]

Thanks Casey and Ott for listening and for the encouragement. I'm moving to the final stages of production and then it will be ready for submission.

[k o star]

I agree that it's right on target yea..
It's positively Middle Eastern & all the elements seem to work very well to my ears..
Good work!

KO

[nick.moxsom]

Hey, Vincent, sounds pretty convincing to me. Love your stuff, btw – sounds like it's always been there.

[mdorren]

Hi Vincent,
Great job! My only thought is that a room ambiance on the master buss may give it a more organic vibe. It sounds weird but I think it may be "too" perfect. You went out of your way to purposefully make certain parts subtly out of tune in order to gain that authenticity (kudos). I think a convolution reverb could do wonders for the vibe if place on slightly everything.

Just my $0.02

Big fan of your work. Nice that you went to the Eastman (since I live in Rochester).

Best Regards,
Marty