Returned but not exactly sure why?

[thepianoman14]

This submission was for a 60 second or less Action, High Tension cue. I had never done one before and really thought this was good...everyone I played it for liked it as well, but it didn't get forwarded. Screener said it sounded like it was under water.

I have to say some of the references do not support the requests, especially when they want Instrumentals and all the references are with vocals!
Anyway, your thoughts would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks

Here is a link to Cue: https://soundcloud.com/eddiekeysallen/c ... ercial-cue


Here is the original request:
ACTION-TENSION INSTRUMENTAL CUES are needed for several $375, NON-Exclusive, Direct-to-Music-Supervisor placements in a Popular TV Show on a Big Cable Network. They’re looking for Mid-to-Up-Tempo Instrumental Cues that would fall within the general stylistic ballpark of the following references: Captain America: Civil War- Black Panther Chase Scene https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xx7afHUuREY The Fast & The Furious OST - Enter the Eclipse https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yX1OTt332O8 The Bourne Supremacy - Car Chase in Moscow https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B67yQmg8xVE Please send in heart-pounding Cues that have a distinct action-based, tension style and sound. Your instrumentation can contain orchestral elements, electronic elements, or a hybrid of both as long as it makes your heart race and tests the heck out of your antiperspirant. Be sure to craft your Cue around a simple, yet engaging melodic theme, while gradually adding elements as it progresses to create growing tension, increasing excitement, and an epic build. Imagine what you would hear in a thrilling, high-intensity chase scene - that’s exactly what they’re looking for! Your submissions should be NO LONGER than 60 seconds long. Non-faded, Buttoned/Stinger endings are strongly recommended. Please do NOT copy the referenced examples in any way, shape, or form. Use them only as a general guide for tempo, texture, tone, and overall vibe. Broadcast quality is needed.


Here's the Screener's review:
Status: Return

Reasons not Forwarded:
Stylistically Off Target
Music

Hi Eddie,
I like the retro vibe of this track and the use of the brass. However, this does not meet the requirements of the listing. Consider listening to the references given for ideas on how tension is created with harmonic choices and driving patterns. You may want check your MP3 conversions to make sure the output does not sound like it's underwater.
Listener ID # 403

[Paulie]

Perhaps you checked out the wrong references? The references in the listing you posted above have no vocals, they are all action music scores. They are largely percussion and orchestral instrument based: strings, energetic drums, etc.

Your cue is musically interesting, it reminds of NFL films music, or a 70s cop show. But, it also sounds like you put a microphone up to a clock radio to record this. If you listen to this directly next to one of the references, you should hear a huge difference in the audio quality. Stereo imaging, brightness of EQ, fullness of bass, stereo imaging, etc.

Did you record this yourself recently, or is this a recording you have from the past that you submitted? If you recorded it yourself, what is your setup, especially regarding your monitor speakers? There is a pretty substantial difference in audio quality between your track and the level expected for submissions.

[thepianoman14]

Thank you CWTF and Paulie for taking the time to listen and leave feedback.

I have only been a member since the beginning of May 2018 not knowing what the requests would expect. I have studio recorded full production files since 1989 which I have been submitting...no forwards yet, but hoping soon. As for Cut and Run and a few others, I have been using a Samsung Galaxy 8 app Super Voice Recorder and record the keyboard placed between the 2 keyboard speakers. The app automatically records MP3's. Unfortunately, I'm doing this just to get things recorded until I get set up with a direct box to the computer in my new home. I've never done my own computer recording as I was old school and used to record Analog, 8 & 16 track Reel to Reel then mixed to DAT. Two other songs posted to Soundcloud, "Concrete Jungle" and "Skeletons" were recorded by phone "hot" pushing the VU meter and previously submitted and reviewed, not forwarded but given very positive feedback with no comment made about the Broadcast Quality...so I thought I was on the right track with this Cue ....but apparently not.

I currently record on the phone, download to NCH WavePad to Edit the track, use effects, noise gates etc..to clean things up, adjust volume if needed...I also have NCH MixPad to do Track recording when I'm set up.

Thank you again for the very helpful and informative feedback!

Eddie