Huh??

[ComposerLDG]

Ok, this one threw me for a loop. Returns don't bother me because more often than not, there's something to learn from them that is helps us hone our craft. But the reason for this one, according to the screener, is that it "sounds too uplifting."

So I"m wondering, am I missing something? I guess I just never considered anything in a minor key to be uplifting. Ideas?

Here's the track: https://soundcloud.com/ldigiorgi/dubstep-piano-2

This was the listing:

SOMBER, PIANO-BASED DUBSTEP INSTRUMENTAL CUES are needed by a Boutique Music Licensing Company that gets a lot of TV placements. They’re looking hard to find well-crafted Instrumentals that could be found on the same playlist as artists like DJ UkAAb, SamT, Keyminor, etc., etc., etc. Please listen to the following references to get in the ballpark of what they need: “Epic Sad Dubstep Beat” by DJ UkAAB: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=arOFw-wwP8c “Piano-Dubstep” by SamT: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aIXWYNS4K54 “Sad Emotional Dubstep” by Keyminor: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0CC_Cb2vcbo Give them melancholy, Piano-Based Cues that combine emotionally expressive Dubstep elements like builds and drops to help create a compelling sound and vibe. Contemporary synth sounds, with short to no intro, a catchy, simple melodic motif throughout, and the addition and subtraction of instruments as the Cue progresses will keep it interesting from beginning to end. Please avoid submitting anything that’s so chaotic or bombastic that it could distract from the dialog in the scenes it’s placed in. All submissions should be at least 2 minutes long, with Easy Edit Points and Button/Stinger endings. Do NOT copy or rip off the referenced artists or music in any way shape or form. Use them only as a general guide for tempo, texture, and tone. Please do not submit any material with unauthorized samples of other artists’ songs, sounds, or any other form of media. Broadcast Quality is needed (great sounding home recordings are fine). This Company offers an EXCLUSIVE agreement with a 50/50 split. The specific terms of the agreement will be determined directly between you and the Library. You must own or control 100% of your Master and Composition rights to pitch for this. Because this is an Exclusive deal, please submit music for this pitch that is not already signed to any other Libraries or Publishers. Please do not copy, or rip off the referenced artists or songs in any way, shape, or form. Use them only as a general guide for tempo, tone, and overall vibe. Please submit one to three Instrumental Cues online or per CD. All submissions will be screened on a Yes/No basis and must be received no later than 11:59 PM (PST), on Thursday, November 19th, 2015. TAXI #U151119EA

[HenriettaAtkin]

Loren,

This is a great track.

I would consider the "feel" of the piece to be "contemplative", "pensive" and "wide open spaces". That's how it struck me.

I'm sure it will find a home soon!

Henrietta

[hummingbird]

Beautifully done. To me the mood it sets is comtemplative. I suppose it might be considered 'hopeful' in a small degree, but I don't hear 'uplifting' IMO.

[ComposerLDG]

Thanks for the listens and feedback, Henrietta and Vikki. Well, it seems like the emotion I missed was "somber," which the listing clearly called for. Oh well, back to the drawing board.

Thanks, you two!

-Loren

[edmondredd]

That's a really good one, and I do agree with h'bird, on the fact that is more contemplative rather than somber..
I am just experiencing Taxi listings, and I am still not use to their terminology.. but I guess this will come with experience *hopefully*

[stevebarden]

Loren, I don't hear uplifting, but like others are hearing it's more contemplative than somber. The Taxi listings can be challenging trying to decipher what their descriptions really mean. It doesn't really convey what the emotion is they're looking for. It's very vague.

I'm curious, do you ever write to picture? I don't necessarily mean like a movie, but even just a still image. This sometimes helps me be inspired to set a mood.

Steve

[hummingbird]

+1 Steve, that's a great idea!

[beesea]

Cool track Loren! Just an observation in comparing yours to the reference tracks: your drum parts seem pushed more into the background. It sounds good that way, but maybe a little less "dubstep"? Not sure if that has anything to do with "uplifting", but it's really the only major difference I hear, FWIW. Nice work!

cheers,
Bob