Need your $0.02 Please

[mdorren]

Hi Guys (and gals),
Upon listening to Agatsuma, I realized that he's a little more western than traditional so I put more of a New Age vibe here.

NEW LISTING -- RELAXING, PEACEFUL, TRADITIONAL-STYLE JAPANESE INSTRUMENTALS in the style of Agatsuma Hiromitsu and Saburo Tanooka wanted by global Music Publisher servicing ambient environments (malls, spas, retail spaces, restaurants, etc.). The music can incorporate contemporary elements (synth pads, gently propulsive loops, acoustic guitar, etc.) so long as the predominant instrument is traditional Japanese (Shakuhachi, Koto, Shamisen, etc.) and the overall impact is soothing. Moods can vary on a short sliding scale from Zen/Spa to New Age/World. Broadcast Quality is needed (great sounding home recordings are fine). We recently ran this as listing #Y101011IN but the publisher is requesting more, so if you submitted to the referenced listing, send in new material this time around. Please submit one to three instrumentals online or via CD. Make sure your instrumentals can stand alone and are not missing a melodic lead line! All submissions will be screened on a YES/NO BASIS - NO CRITIQUES FROM TAXI - and must be received no later than Thursday, February 10, 2011.
TAXI # Y110210IN

The song is Koto Grace.

http://www.taximusic.com/hosting/home.p ... -1710-8682

Thanks in advance

[Casey H]

Nice track!

Take my comments with a HUGE grain of salt here as I know zilch about the genre and instrumentation.

It's very nicely done. Here's some questions, mainly for others...

Is the lead string instrument that comes in at aroud 00:49 a little hot and/or harsh? Should it be softened to keep that very relaxing feel?

The track has a bit of an uptempo, inspirational, lifting feel. Is it relaxing enough? If you went for a massage and this was playing in the background, would it lull you into a peaceful, relaxed state? That's one way to look at it.

I love the track. Is it right for this listing? It's at least close, but I'm not 100% sure. The fact that you used genuine traditional Japenese instrumentation (I assume that's true) is a big plus.

Good luck!!
Casey

PS I haven't a clue about the 'a la' acts. If this sounds like their work, it might negate everything I said!

[mdorren]

Thanks Casey,
Very good questions. It's hard to be objective with these things (thus this thread). I'll be anxious to hear some more opinions.

Marty

[Cruciform]

Marty, it's a beautiful piece but I know zip about the genre so can't offer anything.

[mdorren]

Thanks Rob

[Cruciform]

Ps. I don't feel competent to critique this, but I will add how it made me feel, if that's of any use. The melodic lines and pads were relaxing and ambient. However, the drums/percussion made it feel as though there was a different current. It gave it a kind of pulsing intensity. There is a lot of low-end on the drums which was hitting me in the chest and making me feel anxious. Try muting the percussion entirely, lie back with your eyes closed and feel how it sounds like that.

[davewalton]

Ps. I don't feel competent to critique this, but I will add how it made me feel, if that's of any use. The melodic lines and pads were relaxing and ambient. However, the drums/percussion made it feel as though there was a different current. It gave it a kind of pulsing intensity. There is a lot of low-end on the drums which was hitting me in the chest and making me feel anxious. Try muting the percussion entirely, lie back with your eyes closed and feel how it sounds like that.

Yes, I'd agree with that. My first impression was that the percussion took it out of the realm of "soothing". I think they're really wanting very mellow, flowing pieces. I'd definitely do a non-percussion version. Also, the koto was played really hard at times and I'm even hearing some distortion. I think if you reduce the overall velocity on your koto instrument by, say, 70% (or maybe even 60%) that the overall feel would be much mellower, closer to what I read in the listing (reading between the lines, so to speak).

Nice track

[mdorren]

Thanks Dave and Rob. I'll give that a try and repost.

[mdorren]

OK,
I've loaded a new version called "Koto Grace sans Taiko" (duh). It's at:
http://www.taximusic.com/hosting/home.p ... -1710-8682

After muting the Taikos, the pads seem somehow louder (or at least deeper) I'm thinking that it could be my buss compressor but want an objective ear. Also after lowering the velocity on the Koto, (great suggestion by the way) I'm wondering if I should take a little high end off of the EQ. Again, I need your ears.

Thanks all for your "$0.02"

Marty

[fret17]

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