Still attempting Pop. Whadaya reckon?

[GuitarKit]

So, I'm still having a go at Pop listings. This is coming from an old-school, Rock, Blues, Jazz, Folk muso. Can I have some opinions on Production, sound choices and melody, please. Thanks everyone.


https://soundcloud.com/kit-grenon/pop-ups/s-CuNhA

ELECTRO-FUNK POP INSTRUMENTALS are needed by a European Music Library with lots and lots of great placements in Film and TV. This company has recently started running its first Listings seeking music from TAXI members, so it’s a good time to get in early!

They’re looking for Mid-to-Up-Tempo Instrumentals that have a similarly funky, retro vibe and sound as the following references:

“Jealous” by Chromeo: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RhmUnk454MA

“Get Lost” by Breakbot: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fz7D8u9mYGA

“Slide” by Calvin Harris feat. Frank Ocean & Migos: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8Ee4QjCEHHc

Although the references have vocals, please submit Instrumentals only for this pitch. Please submit super catchy, well-structured Instrumentals that have a cool retro appeal, but that are also current and innovative-sounding. Your submissions should have infectious grooves, danceable drum patterns, and funky bass parts. Your production can contain organic and/or electronic instrumentation, as long as it has as much Funk appeal as the referenced acts.

Your submissions should be at least 2 minutes in length. Non-Faded, Buttoned/Stinger endings will work best for this pitch. Do NOT copy the referenced music in any way, shape, or form. Use it only as a general guide for tempo, tone, and overall vibe. Broadcast Quality is needed.

[funsongs]

I don't know that this will help much - but as an Old-School guitar/Country fan - this duet by Keith Urban & Carrie Underwood is just one
example of how they pulled off this huge "Country radio" hit - that's more Pop/Dance...
pay attention to the drums/percussion/synths - yet KU keeps up his guitar riff/loop.
Wuddyathink?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GzT4p-OaJ5c

[SawtoothPorter]

Hey Kit!

What a fun track! You had me moving! However, I am afraid your gonna have to funk that s*** up on the low end to match up with those references. You will likely need some rich rhodes/voyager action, some nice piano (this is only a maybe...your acoustic might cover this), and some fat and funky bass layers (sub+standard). I would:

- round out your kicks and add an 808 that follows the kick on the bigger parts.
- add a funky bassline pretty much throughout (maybe even follow the acoustic and eq appropriately)
- layer in a bit of electric guitar... your acoustic give this track something really unique and great but I think you might need some electric hard panned and giving some sizzle in the upper register

I would like to hear others opinions on the synth lead on top. There is part of me that thinks its really cool but I am not sure if it fits the listing.

I think the acoustic guitar gives your track something that is great and authentic but it needs a little more down low.

You are off to a great start!

Best,
Elliott

[GuitarKit]

Thanks for the listen Elliot. I really appreciate it. Yeah, I was wondering if the arpeggiator on the top line might make it sound a bit dated.
So with the bass line, I have one in there that I quite like but, is it too in the background or does it need a different line altogether?
I spectrum analysed the ref kick and tried to E.Q it too that. Maybe my room is a bit bass light? I'll mix on cans as well to get rid of the room.
It's really hard to get a top line for pop because it's so vocally driven. It's hard to copy that instrumentally.

I'll give all these suggestions a crack. Thanks again.

[GuitarKit]

I don't know that this will help much - but as an Old-School guitar/Country fan - this duet by Keith Urban & Carrie Underwood is just one
example of how they pulled off this huge "Country radio" hit - that's more Pop/Dance...
pay attention to the drums/percussion/synths - yet KU keeps up his guitar riff/loop.
Wuddyathink?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GzT4p-OaJ5c

Thanks Peter. That's a cool track with some great pop exemplars. Sweet.

[GuitarKit]

O.K here is an updated version. I didn't put any piano or gat on it because it felt full enough, with enough interesting elements in it.
808 added in. Bass riff brought up and E.Q'ed with more bottom end. Voyager synth added to swells.

https://soundcloud.com/kit-grenon/pop-ups-1

[funsongs]

Good title befitting the piece. I know ZERO about modern video games - but the title & track had me thinking that way.
To Old-Guy ears, nice continuity with changes up & motion with good 'poppin' going on.
Your mileage may vary - as the saying goes.

[jonnycastle]

I think it sounds great! And I feel the progress from the first track to the second version which is awesome. That being said, I feel like there are a couple of instrumental choices that make it sound a bit dated. I believe the bass and top line arp make it feel like a 90's pop track. It's a jam tho, keep it up!