EDM cue structure vs song structure (based on a return)

[Paulie]

I've had issues in the past with cues of various genres being too busy and "getting in the way of potential scene dialogue." A recent return on an EDM track suggested that I start with what was my biggest section and then work up from that. I thought that with cues you want to start relatively calm and build to a drop, but while giving the editor varying levels to work with. It sounds like the screener wanted me to start big and keep it big throughout. Wouldn't that get in the way of dialogue?

Quality feedback from screener 347: "I think that you have all of the elements here but I worry that your mix isn't giving the track as much punch as it might otherwise have. I like the idea of dropping the melody way back like that at the very top to create interest and really make your listener lean in but I worry that it goes on for too long and risks causing the track to loose dynamic interest. I like where you go at 1:20 but I feel like that needs to be your starting place right after the intro as far as depth of sound rather than your highest point. i think you need to start there and go even further to really create that EDM energy and drive."

Track: Get In the Pool

ELECTRONIC DANCE INSTRUMENTAL CUES (aka EDM) are needed by a Music Supervisor-owned Music Library that’s beefing up their catalog for future Film/TV placements. Please submit engaging, Mid-to-Up-Tempo Instrumental Cues that you’d expect to hear on a playlist with artists like Tim Berg, Nicky Romero, Steve Aoki, etc., etc., etc. Take a listen to the following references to give you a great idea of the vibe they need: “Seek Bromance” by Tim Berg: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x4F6ksfBYmo “Novell” by Nicky Romero: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RZL8dVVdlBc “Back 2 U” by Steve Aoki: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QNkbw5h7pOQ Although some of the references have vocals, please submit instrumentals only for this pitch. Please submit energetic Instrumental Cues that deliver a believably authentic EDM sound, with plenty of great builds, and memorable melodic ear-candy throughout. Build your submissions around a catchy central melodic theme, and keep it interesting by layering electronic elements in and out as your piece progresses to keep it moving forward. You know the drill - build it up, break it down, build it up again, and give it a nice climactic finish! All submissions should be at least 2 to 3 minutes long. Short intros, good edit points, and non-faded, buttoned/stinger endings will work best for this pitch.

[TheElement]

Hey Paulie,

you could start with a rise then hit the drop. then just switch up the sounds in the drop as you go through the track. if you can hold it for 2 minutes then that is great or break it down and build back up at the end section and add even more elements to top off the end to a sting out. at 2:03 it sounds like a good start. I like from that section on sounds cool.

the drums are key to getting energy and impact in these edm tracks. always make sure you got a drum template that hits hard first. then you can use those drums for several cues. then just add the melodic parts.

[Paulie]

So you are of the mindset that high energy from the start is ideal for a cue instead of a calm build up for a few sections. I'm cool with that! Thanks Gavin!

Here's one I did last night: https://soundcloud.com/paulcroteau/prizm-glasses

[shorttonpro]

And to make things even more complicated, I work with two different libraries where one wants the cue to basically start in the chorus and then can break down and build back up from there, while another wants to start minimal and build up from there. Both non-exclusive so makes it tougher to send the same piece different places.

I suppose an editor might want to hear the biggest section first so they don't have to skip around while auditioning different tracks, and then can edit to their liking later.

So basically no standard, and eventually will do what the library prefers, but for listings it makes it more difficult to tell what will please the screener.

[mojobone]

You don't have too much melody, you have too many. I theenk the part beginning 1:18 to 1:48 is your 'chorus'; you need to go back to the chorus only bigger, at 2:19. Maybe add a half-time countermelody, when it comes back. I think you could probably afford to make the chorus melody more distinct; less covered up by delays. I know next to nothing about EDM, but I hear Skrillex made it OK to use song structure.

[orest]

Hi there!
I listened to the track before I read anything.

The thing is, I agree with the screener. At 01:20 the track starts to sound more like an EDM track. This should be the starting point and I feel the punch and all really starting to "pay off" here.

[Paulie]

Good feedback all. I started it out slowly thinking of tv scene use. No more of that... I'll be hitting it hard from the 'git go from now on.

[dgraham]

I have always heard put your best at the first... since most often they'll listen to maybe a minute to decide to some degree.... DG