Seeking feedback for an instrumental cue_synth pop style

[MJLeeman]

I am trying to learn as much as I can about composing music for use by clients of TAXI. I have noticed that some of the listings purport to disqualify inexperienced TAXI members (in terms of signing deals with music libraries) from submitting their music in response to particular listings. I don't have an issue with that. So as I have not yet received any offers through TAXI to sign a deal, and as I also consider that I still have much to learn, I will most probably not submit to this particular listing. However, if I can pretend that I had already made deals, then I would submit the following track to the listing, details of which I have included below. Any feedback, tips etc. would be gratefully received.

Here's a link to my track:

https://www.taxi.com/members/nwRU7pygQr ... he-catwalk

And here's a copy of the listing:


FRESH, YOUTHFUL POP INSTRUMENTAL CUES are needed by a very successful boutique Music Library that's distributed by Universal for placements in Commercials, Advertisements, and TV Programming aimed at a younger audience.

NOTE: We previously ran this request as TAXI Dispatch Listing #D211029FY, but the Library didn't find what they were looking for. If you submitted to listing #D211029FY, please send different material this time around.

TIPS FROM THE LIBRARY TO HELP YOU NAIL THIS PITCH: "Many composers throw in way too many ideas and are not focused on ONE CENTRAL MOTIF: they try to keep things interesting by adding new harmonic lines and elements (melodies, even improvisations, etc) instead of focusing on the production and textures. What I'm looking for is basically: obvious production music (in form and structure), that sounds like commercial music (production style)." Put simply, keep it SIMPLE! We know that other Libraries like to receive music with complementary A and B sections, but this Library is NOT one of them – stick with ONE CENTRAL MOTIF per submission, please!

This is a catalog you want to be in! Please listen to the following examples the Library gave us to get yourself in the ballpark of what they need:

Instrumental Examples

Quoting the Library: "We're looking for upbeat, young, fresh, and current-sounding Pop Cues. Your pieces can have some funky influences, but they should be clearly current pop – positive, young, and fresh. Basically, take the sounds, ideas, and motifs of current Pop songs on the charts and put them into the production music format."

Please send fun, fresh Pop Instrumental Cues with polished production and cutting-edge virtual instruments and samples. Craft your Cues around ONE CENTRAL MOTIF and mood, and create a sense of forward momentum and dynamics by layering instrumentation in and out as they progress. Modern Pop instrumentation that's generally similar to the references will suit your submissions best. Some non-lyric vocal parts like "oohs," "ahhs," etc. could help add some extra energy to your tracks. They're not a requirement, but some of the references they gave have them, so listen to see how they've used them!

TAXI Tip: Although this Library is looking for youthful music, they do NOT want Cues that are childish. Think fun, fresh, and upbeat – not nursery rhymes!

All submissions should be about 2 minutes long, give or take. Good edit points and non-faded, buttoned/stinger endings are required. Do NOT copy the references in any way, shape, or form. Use them only as a general guide for tempo, tone, texture, and overall vibe. Broadcast Quality is needed.

NOTE: This company has a strong preference for composers who understand music licensing companies and how typical music library deals are structured. If that's not you, they politely ask that you don't submit to this request. Also, if you're an experienced producer that can deliver the goods in this genre, they're especially interested in hearing what you can do!

This Music Library offers an EXCLUSIVE deal with a cool twist. You’ll keep 50% of all gross income generated by your music, plus you’ll get 100% of the Writer’s share income generated by your PRO. In other words, if the company licenses your music under a blanket deal, you’ll get income. If they license it for a YouTube video, you’ll get income. Not all music libraries pay you for things like that! The Publisher will get 100% of the Publisher’s share.

Because this is an Exclusive deal, the music you submit for this pitch cannot already be signed with other Libraries or Publishers. You must own or control 100% of your Master and Composition rights. Please send as many Instrumental Cues as you’d like, online or per CD. All submissions will be screened and critiqued by TAXI. Submissions must be received no later than 11:59 PM (PST) on Tuesday, November 30th, 2021. TAXI # S211130ES

TAXI # S211130ES


Cheers
Michael

[SteveBaruah]

Hi Michael,

If you're just starting out, you're not doing too bad.
The two big thing that stood out to me were:

Dated sounds. These sounds really need to be updated as they are more of a 80s cheesy sound (and not done in a modern retro way).

Cue structure. Your track sounded like an instrumental version of a song. This is not what a cue is supposed to be. It needs to be shorter and punchier, more builds/drops, instrumentation coming in/out.
There's some good Taxi TV episodes on this on YouTube.

Regards.
Steve