Melodies on Instrumentals

[ShakeyDave]

Hey gang,
Question: I have a number of strong basic tracks for vocal songs that I have submitted to TAXI listings. However, for the listings that ask specifically asking for instrumentals (not necessarily cues but cues could be appropriate as well) is it smart to play a melody similar to the vocal melody that I used for the vocal song? Or, is it better to approach the instrumental more like a cue and do a simpler/different melody? Also, is it best to use one of the instruments (like guitar or keyboard/piano) I've used in the basic tracks for the instrumental melody or is it preferable to introduce a new instrument/sound to play a different melody?

I suspect there is no one answer to this but it would be helpful to hear what some of you folks are doing and have had success with.
Thanks much.

[superkons]

Yes, always have a melody on top of the arrangement, as it helps selling your track. After all, if the track gets signed, the library will ask for an alt mix without melody

[cosmicdolphin]

is it smart to play a melody similar to the vocal melody that I used for the vocal song?

I think the smartest thing to do is if it's written as a song keep it as a song and only pitch it to vocal opportunities ( unless you only ever plan to use it Non-Exclusively )

For instrumental listings I would just write new cues - the format is somewhat different anyway, but yes write some sort of melody- but less so than you would in a typical vocal track.

I know it's tempting to submit to as many things as you can , but songs are a more valuable commodity in sync licensing than cues. Songs take a lot more work, they're longer , you gotta write lyrics, record vocals etc. You could end up in a situation where you've signed the rights of a decent song away because someone gave you a deal on the instrumental...instead of signing it to a Library as a vocal song that can earn you more in sync fees and royalties down the line.

Mark

[ShakeyDave]

Excellent advice...thanks much.