feedback on dramedy instrumental

[AlanHall]

I read some of the other reviews use the word 'variety'. From a different viewpoint, I'll say the piece is a bit too 'predictable' (esp. for dramedy!) and could benefit from minor changes to instrumental entrances, pitch choice, rhythm or dynamics. A little chaos is what allows dramedy to underline the surprise, the (light) tension of the scene. JM2C

[Skylarvj]

I'm classically trained (don't shoot me)

We would never shoot a classically trained individual, even though it's not required in this industry I think it helps a lot, especially on the composition side on things. Production side maybe not so much.

Although, I'm classically trained too sooo ... don't shoot me.

[gitanosoy]

Just a snare in the middle and sounds way in the back, all the pizzicato strings are 80% to the right side, the left is kind of empty.

As far as the piece, you need to develop it, it's not going anywhere, try adding more layers , a bit more percussive stuff as the track progresses, very repetitive

The idea is there just needs more production.


good luck.

[Margaret]

I'm classically trained (don't shoot me)

We would never shoot a classically trained individual, even though it's not required in this industry I think it helps a lot, especially on the composition side on things. Production side maybe not so much.

Although, I'm classically trained too sooo ... don't shoot me.

I find it super helpful on the composition end of things. Production-- NADA! I have a kid who records/mixes/produces for a living, and all the formal theory he knows would fit one side of a small piece of paper. On the other hand, everything I know about recording/mixing/producing/etc. would fit on a much, much smaller piece of paper.

[mwb2]

Hi Kaz,

The opening ~17 seconds kind of throws me off. Then it seems like you get into a new theme which for me sounds more solidly "Dramedy". I wouldn't do much by way of introductions etc. since that's not really what the references do. Also they're often only going to use 15-20 seconds of an instrumental cue so I think it's about doing 1 thing, not too busy so that dialog can go over it, and add variety/present hte idea a few different ways with a subtle build so that they can have as much "arc" as they want to.

Cheers,
Mike

[kazaraki]

Hi Kaz,

The opening ~17 seconds kind of throws me off. Then it seems like you get into a new theme which for me sounds more solidly "Dramedy". I wouldn't do much by way of introductions etc. since that's not really what the references do. Also they're often only going to use 15-20 seconds of an instrumental cue so I think it's about doing 1 thing, not too busy so that dialog can go over it, and add variety/present hte idea a few different ways with a subtle build so that they can have as much "arc" as they want to.

Cheers,
Mike

Hi Mike,

Thanks for the feedback! I was actually on the fence about having that section in the beginning since it is a pretty different theme from the rest of the song. I guess I was trying to make sure that there is enough variety in the song with that extra section in the beginning since I didn't want it to come across as too repetitive. I'm glad that the new theme comes off as sounding more solidly dramedy. I'll probably re-arrange the track and take out that opening.

Much appreciated,

Kaz

[kazaraki]

Just a snare in the middle and sounds way in the back, all the pizzicato strings are 80% to the right side, the left is kind of empty.

As far as the piece, you need to develop it, it's not going anywhere, try adding more layers , a bit more percussive stuff as the track progresses, very repetitive

The idea is there just needs more production.


good luck.

Hi Gitanosoy,

Thanks for the feedback! I'm glad to hear your take on the mix because the track felt "unbalanced" and I wasn't exactly sure why. I'm going to go back and fill in the left side or spread the instruments out so that the panning feels more balanced.

Someone else mentioned that the track is repetitive so I'm definitely going to develop it more and add more percussive layers.

Much appreciated!!

Kaz

[kazaraki]

I read some of the other reviews use the word 'variety'. From a different viewpoint, I'll say the piece is a bit too 'predictable' (esp. for dramedy!) and could benefit from minor changes to instrumental entrances, pitch choice, rhythm or dynamics. A little chaos is what allows dramedy to underline the surprise, the (light) tension of the scene. JM2C

Hi AlanHall,

Thanks for your feedback! You're right about dramedy sounding a little chatoic. I've heard elements of that in the reference tracks before. Good way of describing it! I'm going to try tweaking some things to make it a little less predictable.

Much appreciated,

Kaz

[kazaraki]

Howdy!

I'm new here so take this with a massive grain of salt.

I'm classically trained (don't shoot me) so I'm having a little bit of trouble "following" the harmonies, if you know what I mean. They aren't bad or dissonant, just a little confusing.

I think the instrumentation throughout is catchy and captures the mood described in the brief. Possibly a little more variety would be helpful. My only complaint is I don't think the snare drum contributes in a positive way to the sound. Something slightly pitcher like a bongo might blend in better, and also be more reminiscent of the first example track provided.

I'm definitely still trying to wrap my head around the whole art of mixing, but to my ears I thought it sounded nice and lush.

Best of luck,

Margaret

HI Margaret,

Thanks for your feedback!! I'm glad I got your take on the harmonies and instrumentation. I don't have a classical background but I do think having one would be helpful especially for this genre which involves classical instrumention and heavily influenced by melodic and harmonic approach of classical music.

I like the bongo suggestion and will definitely take you up on that (hopefully I can find a good bongo sample to use). That snare never fully sounded good to me on this track and everyone's suggestion here has only confirmed that.

I'm glad the mix came across as nice and lush to your ears! I've gotten a lot of feedback on my past submissions regarding the mix so hopefully I'm learning from past mistakes.

Much appreciated,

Kaz