$150k return (such lovely feedback, feel like I still won!)

[MattCurious]

Hi guys

Normally, I post returns in P2P or the Review Station to get some clarity, perspective, or advice on how to implement the feedback. This time, I'm so pleased with the return feedback that I came away from the rejection feeling like I'd won something.

I'm assuming the bar on this one was pretty high ($150k, 50/50 high), so I was delighted to learn that my submission actually passed muster in terms of composition and production(!) - it just wasn't right for this brief. And that kind of hard cheese is a valuable lesson in itself - to borrow a phrase from screenwriting: "It's a great scene. Just not in this picture."

Cheers, 309 - made my day.

Here's the track: https://soundcloud.com/matt_curious/leap

Here's the critique:

This is a really strong track, as well the production jumps out. However the style isn't close enough to the mood our listing is targeting. I like the energy, as well the four on the floor works, but it has to evolve rhythmically as opposed to a slow tempo break. Energy and emotion is key to keeping the track appealing to this listing.

I like the tracks style, as well your arrangement sounds hooky and fresh, but your beat has room to be a little more inventive rhythmically. Track style needs to be a little more on the unpredictable end of the spectrum and exciting rhythmically.

Your sound presentation is strong.

Your track didn't stand out enough rhythmically or convey a mood or emotion that appealed to the listing.

ANTHEMIC EDM INSTRUMENTALS are needed by a Publisher for a $150,000 (the creative fee will be split 50/50) TV Commercial for a Major Soft Drink brand. The commercial will air during the 2016 Summer Olympics. They’re searching for Up-Tempo, EDM Instrumentals that you’d hear on playlists with artists like (but not limited to) Avicii, Zed, Kaskade, etc., etc., etc. Please listen to the following references to get in the stylistic ballpark of what they’re looking for: “Levels” by Avicii https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_ovdm2yX4MA “Straight Into The Fire” by Zed https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LuZm2-Gcegs “Disarm You” by Kaskade https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ILK0RcnKp3M Quoting the source: “They’re looking for Instrumentals with an EDM, Anthem type of sound. Instrumentals should have an intro that builds the hype of the track, and have strong, contagious dance style beats with an animated, styled arrangement that makes people feel good and free. Capturing that emotion that you hear in Levels by Avicii is what they're going after.” Please submit well-crafted, upbeat, carefree, and fun EDM Instrumentals that really set the party on fire! Your Instrumental should sound like a real-deal EDM act, making use of all the latest production techniques, like buildups/risers, drops, current sounding synth leads and pads, etc., etc., etc. Begin your Instrumental with an intro that can serve as ground zero for your build before releasing a trademark EDM riser that bursts into a huge, anthemic style chorus that would make anyone listening want to throw their hands into the air. Your submissions should be at least 2 minutes long, and be easy-to-edit into shorter versions (like a :30 or :60) with a faded or a button/stinger ending! Either or will work! DO NOT copy or rip off the referenced songs in any way, shape or form. Use them ONLY as a guide for tempo, tone, and overall vibe. They’re not looking for music that sounds like a jingle! They want something that sounds more like a record, and darn good one to boot! Broadcast Quality is needed (great sounding home recordings are fine). The Creative Fee for this Commercial is $150,000, and it’s in perpetuity, across all media with no residuals. The Publisher will take 50% of the creative fee and the composer (that’s you!) will get the other 50%. That means they’ll buy the track completely, and will own the Master and Copyright. To submit for this, you need to currently own or control the Master and Copyright. Please do not submit tracks that are already in any other catalogs or libraries. All submissions will be screened on a Yes/No basis by a person selected by the Publisher. No full critiques. Please submit 1-3 Instrumentals online or per CD, no later than 11:59PM (PST), on Monday, May 23rd, 2016. TAXI #U160523ED

[Kolstad]

Guess you'll have to do with a 100k listing, then

Thanks for posting, I read the feedback also as an invitation to experiment and be creative, which is very inspiring.

[edmondredd]

Matt! such a coincidence.
I was thinking to myself while driving this morning that I should post about the return I got, for the same listing, and I was wondering in which section to post it.
I had the same feeling though. A return of my first ever trial at EDM, while having a good structure, and good production, well recorded etc.. the main reason I was not forwarded for this listing is: "Not energetic enough and leans too Dance/Pop."
I'll take that, and kudos to screener 309

Didn't mean to hijack your thread Matt

[TheElement]

Congrats! Great review. this means you are getting closer. Keep making the edm!

I also submitted to this listing and got a return. Would be good to see someone get the forward. I keep watching this page: http://blog.taxi.com/forward/?platform=hootsuite

Also when the track airs on tv for the 2016 olympics we can see what they chose and how we can improve to move towards that. All in all a great learning experience.

[cosmicdolphin]

Matt, I think your track is really good but we don't have any idea what sort of picture it needs to work with.

We also had our submission returned with the following feedback.

"You're in the ballpark of our listing, but the style of your track needs to have the same character traits as the song references. Showcasing more energy, as well developing your arrangement so that it resonates emotionally is key to keeping the track viable to the listing."

https://soundcloud.com/cosmicdolphin/st ... ed/s-3eVN9

Would love to hear a forward, like many I've learned quite a bit from this one.

Mark

[TheElement]

Good point Mark. yeah this would be good place to post the feedbacks. we all can learn something and improve on our submission. heres mine..

"I love this track idea, the style rhythmically is amazing, as well the energy connect with the song references. You're missing that infectiousness in your arrangement though. Your track needs to resonate emotionally as well stand and stand out rhythmically."

"This is a very hot track, the style rhythmically is beyond amazing, but it doesn't go anywhere melodically fresh, of have a feel good mood that appeals to the listing. Connecting emotionally as well rhythmically is key here."

The main reason(s) you were or were not forwarded for this listing is:
"Your song didn't resonate with the emotion the listing is looking for."

[HenriettaAtkin]

Hey Matt, Edmond, Cosmic,

Thanks for having the courage to post your encouraging returns! I think that helps us all stay in the game. It's also the beauty of TAXI!

P.S. Matt, you seem to have a natural talent for EDM. Congratulations!

[cacerra]

Great thread and thank you for sharing.
Love the comments and songs, great work.

Since your sharing returns on this one....maybe you guys have some notes for me ?

http://www.taximusic.com/hosting/home.p ... udiaacerra (Go For Gold)

I had one of the 3 I submitted for this listing forwarded on another EDM listing, but missed the cut on this one .

Not disappointed, having fun writing in all the different styles. Thank you Taxi and Taxi members. Keep sharing folks.

[WeWillWriteUaSong]

I really dig your track Matt. Nice work. Only 4 songs got a forward for this listing. Tough. Great tracks posted all around...

Marcus

[Danny]

Hey Matt,

I don't care what they say. That track rocked!