DRAMEDY feedback!

[BrentI]

Asking for a bit of input on this new dramedy track. My last dramedy submissions got returned because the music interfered with the dialogue. I don't think I have a clear idea for how to remedy that, so if anyone has suggestions, I'm all ears. Thanks so much!

https://www.taxi.com/members/KWQ2l_pFSJ ... ults-waltz

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Lots of DRAMEDY INSTRUMENTALS are needed by a very busy British Music Library that's constantly landing tons of placements in Film, TV, and other Media.

This Library is looking for a range of Instrumentals that could fit on a playlist with the following references:

Real Housewives of Beverly Hills (from 0:59 - 1:55) - https://youtu.be/x4XWN5cohTY

"Dark Comedy Central" by Jim Ellis - https://youtu.be/LQyNOyO-yis

Real Housewives of Atlanta (from 1:25 to 2:08) - https://youtu.be/7aFnQpSWiEc

"Quirky Waltz" by Gabriel Saban & Anne-Sophie Elizabeth Versnaeyen - https://youtu.be/rHbY-zRcgHo

"Frenemy of the People" by Bleeding Fingers - https://youtu.be/WME00QPm3Yc

Please submit well-produced Dramedy Instrumentals that could help set the tone in Film, TV, and other media placements. Your submissions can range from sparse and quirky to dark and sombre – to anywhere in between! Your submissions should have memorable motifs, solid arrangements, and polished production. Orchestral-based instrumentation that is generally similar to the references will suit your submissions best. You can incorporate some additional elements (like Hip-Hop beats), as long as the orchestral elements stay the focal element. Craft your pieces around a central motif, and create a sense of forward dynamics and movement by layering instrumentation in and out as they progress. We recommend avoiding anything that sounds overly busy as it could distract from a scene’s dialogue. Please be sure any virtual sounds or instruments you use are high-quality and modern.

Your submissions should be about 2 to 3 minutes long, give or take. Non-faded, buttoned endings with good edit points are needed for this pitch. Do NOT copy the referenced example in any way shape or form. Use it only as a general guide for tempo, tone, texture, and overall vibe. Broadcast Quality is needed.

[jlopez]

Maybe just me but the tracks doesn't play?

[BrentI]

Maybe just me but the tracks doesn't play?

Hmmm, sorry about that. Everything seems to be working when I test it.

[AlanHall]

Is that a 'cello or a double bass solo that runs through the piece? In either case, I suggest matching the soundstage of the pizz section that comes in. The solo line is way up front and is almost too much when it enters. Back a little bit, in the same room as the rest of the orchestra might help glue it together. JM2C

[jlopez]

Link worked - I like it and thought it was well composed- I agree that the bass/cello is really out in front a bit to much but overall I thought it worked.

[BrentI]

Hi Brent, the track plays OK for me.
I like everything except the cello. If you keep it in then I might suggest sitting it back in the mix a touch more, checking its tuning between 1:00 to 1:10, avoiding a clash with the trill at 1:24, and also trying to make it feel more like its in the same space as the other instruments. However, IMHO the cello attracts a little too attention at present, and whereas everything else is nicely sneaky and playful in a dark way, the cello seems to slightly detract from that mood for me (but maybe its just me). The rest works great, so perhaps you could try another instrument or pizzicato cello to provide the counter melody.

My take on the general problem of interfering with dialogue is that its caused mainly by masking in the mid-high frequencies that lend intelligibility to speech. To avoid it I try not to have too much going on around the the 1-4kHz range, either by careful choice of instrumentation or by dipping those frequencies a little on the mixbus (dynamic eq can be helpful) to make sure they don't dominate. I'm also careful not to overdo it though and end up with a dull mix. You can test your tracks by playing them beneath a Youtube video (or any other source of unaccompanied dialogue).

Hey Graham, thanks so much for the input. When I listen back, I agree with what you're saying about the cello. I think I'll try swapping it with a clarinet to see if it fits the vibe better. Thanks again. This was helpful!

[BrentI]

Is that a 'cello or a double bass solo that runs through the piece? In either case, I suggest matching the soundstage of the pizz section that comes in. The solo line is way up front and is almost too much when it enters. Back a little bit, in the same room as the rest of the orchestra might help glue it together. JM2C

Thanks for listening Alan! It is a cello. After re-listening, I think you're definitely right. I'm gonna work on the mix/instrumentation before submitting. Thanks again!

[BrentI]

Link worked - I like it and thought it was well composed- I agree that the bass/cello is really out in front a bit to much but overall I thought it worked.

Glad the link worked for you! Thanks a bunch for listening and offering input. It's really helpful when everyone seems to be in agreement about the cello. I'm gonna see what I can do about that.

[AlonMarcus]

Maybe I'm writing too late and the listing expired, but I listened to your composition and enjoyed it.
Totally agree about the cello being the most suitable candidate for distraction. I actually think you may eliminate it, at least the first time it enters with the castanets. Enough things are happening at 0:37.
The part itself is great, I just think it's not needed there if the purpose of the track is being under dialogue.