Question for screener #396...

[coxnvox]

I know the screeners rarely (never?) browse here, and I totally get that, so how would you fine folks explain this? Looking to learn here! Thanks!

“Consistency in tone is crucial for this style.” - screener

One thing I have learned about trailers is that they are often made up of more than one piece of music. Sometimes to the point you wouldn’t notice, sometimes to the point where a trained ear only would notice, and sometimes obviously, as when it goes from an orchestral track to a simple acoustic pop song within the same trailer (which I heard recently…I’ll have to try to find it…could be hard!).

With that in mind, I was really surprised to have these returned for that reason. Each section certainly has its own variation, but I usually keep the chord progression consistent when I change meter, for example, or use other techniques to make sure it section is tied to the previous. In the 2nd one, I even used the same simple 4-note melody in all 3 sections…how can that feel like a new idea? I don’t get it.


Here are the full comments and links to the trailers. Thx!

https://soundcloud.com/kerry-cox-9/the- ... f-twilight
Nice opening, but the energy really takes a downward turn around :20. With trailers/action we need to keep the intensity going without letting up. Also at 1:16 the shift in feel in not very 'trailer-esque'. After a drop out it's more effective to come slamming back in with something closer to the feel that you just left. Consistency in tone is crucial for this style.


https://soundcloud.com/kerry-cox-9/the- ... ty-of-fate
“This one is getting closer for sure, but we've still got a consistency issue with the last section. The mixed meters can be really effective, but matched with the big jump in bpms it feels too much like a new idea rather than a continuation of the same vibe.”



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[ttully]

Hi Coxnvox,

Very nice work!!!

Yes....as you know, trailers are many times made up of different tracks put together.....
BUT, I think the screener is not looking for YOUR track to be like that.
I think they want a cohesive track. Your track seems like it was already composed to picture.

I will agree with the screener about the 1:16 part on the 1st track.
You have this great suspenseful part building from 1:07 to 1:16 and I was expecting it to come back in with a BANG..... but it goes into a kind of unexpected driving kind of thing, losing the intensity.

Notice how the Avengers comes back slammin after the quiet part from :54 to 1:03.

As for the 2nd track.... again..you have this great suspenseful quiet part fro 1:21 to 1:29...as in the 1st track, it goes into something totally unexpected.
Yes...it feels like a different idea starting....

You are very close...with some very good ideas.
Just try to not let the parts change too much (have a central theme that can really build)...if that makes any sense!

My 2 1/2 cents,
Tim

[coxnvox]

Thanks, Tim.

[ttully]

Hey Coxnvox,

I know, it's easy for me to say..change it to be like this or that....
If it was a tension or drone or hip hop cue.....no problem...
With those, there may be 10 tracks or less.

But I know the TONS of work that go into these type of instrumentals and the amount of tracks you need! 50 - 100 sometimes more!
It's not easy to change them once they are done. I know all about it!

I know how frustrating it is to have these type of instrumentals returned!!!!
Just thought I'd let you know...that I know!!!

Tim

[coxnvox]

Hey Coxnvox,

I know, it's easy for me to say..change it to be like this or that....
If it was a tension or drone or hip hop cue.....no problem...
With those, there may be 10 tracks or less.

But I know the TONS of work that go into these type of instrumentals and the amount of tracks you need! 50 - 100 sometimes more!
It's not easy to change them once they are done. I know all about it!

I know how frustrating it is to have these type of instrumentals returned!!!!
Just thought I'd let you know...that I know!!!

Tim

Appreciate it. I had the first trailer track I ever created forwarded several times. Now several tracks later, I'm doing things that I believe are far better, yet are getting returned for various reasons. THAT'S what's frustrating...I guess I get to decide when the frustration starts to outweigh the joy...

Peace,
kerry

[ttully]

I hear ya!!!
I have done a few of these type of tracks and every time when one is 'finished' I always look back and think.....how did I ever do that?!?!?
and How can I possibly do another one!!!
I don't even know where any of it comes from...it just slowly evolves...as you probably know!
It s SO much easier to do other genres.....but they do not have the level of satisfaction of a BIG trailer or movie soundtrack type of track!

Keep going man!!!

My 3 cents,
Tim