Feedback On Two Funk/Soul Instrumentals

[themarkalanproject]

Hi All,

So I have been reworking a funk song I had submitted a few weeks ago. Changed a lot of stuff around to give it more space like a screener suggested. I know began writing some new leads on it and overall restructured the entire arrangement. I am now wondering if either of these would work for two of the following listings I will paste belwo. One is modern funk/soul instrumental that just came up today funny thing, and the other is funky, soulful pop instrumental which I feel with the right rework might work still, but needs a lot of work. I struggle to identify what separates soul from funk, I know it seems to usually be slower BPM. So I have two edits now, and will probably change the drums and leads up a bit, but I Am just wondering if either would be in the ballpark for the two listings. As always appreciate any feedback. Getting better everyday here thanks to you all.

108 BPM The Boogie Bounce Groove, Sucka!
https://www.taxi.com/members/Er9Iix4ATp ... -bpm_pop-

102 BPM The Boogie Bounce Groove, Sucka!
https://www.taxi.com/members/Er9Iix4AT ... bpm_soul- --

Lots of MODERN FUNK/SOUL INSTRUMENTALS are needed by a Successful Publisher with an awesome track record of really BIG placements!

This Publisher is on the lookout for Mid-Tempo Instrumentals that are in the general stylistic ballpark of the following references:

"1612" by VULFPECK

"Adrienne and Adrianne" by the Fearless Flyers

"Smooth Move" by Cory Wong ft. Tom Misch

IMPORTANT: They're NOT looking for clones or soundalikes! Similar tempo, style, and overall vibe? Yes. Clones? No!

Although some of the references have vocals, please submit Instrumentals only.

Please submit Modern Funk/Soul Instrumentals with throwback motifs from the '60s and '70s, but with a contemporary sound! Your submissions should have soulful grooves, catchy melodies, funky bass lines, tight musicianship, danceable rhythms, emotionally upbeat energy, modern and high-quality production, and dynamic arrangements with plenty of forward movement and interest building throughout. Funk instrumentation that's in the general stylistic ballpark of the references will work best (think organ, funky guitar, drums, bass, etc.).

QUOTING THE COMPANY: "We are looking for well-crafted Instrumentals with high-production quality."

All submissions should be about 2 to 4 minutes long, give or take. Non-faded, buttoned/stinger endings will work best for this request. Please do NOT copy the references in any way, shape, or form. Use the references only as a general guide for tempo, tone, and overall vibe. Do NOT submit any material with unauthorized samples of any other artists’ music, sounds, or any other form of media. Broadcast Quality is needed.

This company offers an EXCLUSIVE, 50/50 deal with a 1-year reversion. Any sync licensing fees are split 50/50. You’ll get 100% of the Writer’s share, and the Publisher will get 100% of the Publisher’s share. Since this company offers an EXCLUSIVE deal, please be sure the material you submit for this pitch is NOT already signed to any other Libraries or Catalogs. You must own or control your Masters and Copyright. Please submit as many Instrumentals 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 (PDT) on Wednesday, March 27th, 2024. TAXI Dispatch # D240327VL

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OTHER LISTING:



Lots of FUNKY, SOULFUL POP INSTRUMENTALS are needed by a great Publisher with an awesome track record of LOTS of really big placements in TV Commercials!

This Publisher is on the hunt for lots of Mid-to-Up-Tempo Instrumentals that could fit on a playlist with the following references:

“Say Cheese” by Paul Russell

“Break My Heart” by Dua Lipa

“Take Me Higher” by Robin Thicke

Although the references have vocals, please submit Instrumentals only for this pitch.

Please submit well-crafted Pop Instrumentals with a funky, soulful, and emotionally upbeat sound that could work well in advertising / TV commercials. Your submissions should have fun and catchy motifs, engaging rhythms, and dynamic arrangements with lots of forward motion and interest throughout. Instrumentation that's in the general stylistic ballpark of the references will work best for this pitch.

Submissions should be about 2 minutes long, give or take. Non-faded, buttoned/stinger endings will work best for this pitch. Do NOT copy the referenced material in any way, shape, or form. Use it only as a guide for tempo, tone, and overall vibe. Do NOT submit any material with unauthorized samples of any other artists’ music, sounds, or any other form of media. Broadcast Quality is needed.

The specific deal points will be handled on a case-by-case basis. You must own or control your Master and Copyright to submit to this opportunity. Please submit as many Instrumentals as you’d like, online or per CD. All submissions will be screened by TAXI. Submissions must be received no later than 11:59 PM (PST) on Saturday, March 9th, 2024. TAXI Dispatch # D240309MQ

[cosmicdolphin]

In addition to Graham's comment I wuold also add that the tonal balance of the mix seems somewhat off kilter. There's hardly any bass if you compare to the references and it's quite harsh in the upper mid-range. I find it quite difficult to listen to if I am being honest ( sensitive ears )

This would lead me to ask how you are mixing as you should be able to get closer even with a sub-optimal setup. All I can reccommend is to use one of the A/B plugins on the market so you can directly A/B compare your tracks Vs what they are asking for. This should really highlight any differences when judging stuff like bass levels, and where you need to sculpt the EQ.

Mark

[macomposer]

Over the years, I've learned that the study of music styles and genres are one of the keys to writing media music. This track doesn't strike me as funk or soul - it strikes me as fusion. (And i know that that word is often controversial, but sometimes it's the closest we have). It sounds to me like a mash of rock and jazz with some rhythm & blues influences. And there's nothing wrong with that style - I grew up on it. But it's a difficult thing to do well.

As mentioned by Funk and the other Mark , there are some major issues with this one... For me, a lot of the mixing issues will automatically be cleared up with a better musical structure. It kinda sounds like you're confused. I'm not trying to insult you, but it does SOUND like you're trying to figure out the style. And the off-kilting thing is the biggest distraction.

Real quick: for me, differences between funk and soul

(and be mindful that this may not imply to listings that use those terms - people throw around words all the time and then you listen to the references and you realize that what they're calling something may not be what you think it is. The references rule - whatever they think it is, that's what it is, at least for that listing.)

Soul is usually a bit slower, has generally more gospel influences (in the vocals), can use rhythm guitar, but the licks are less aggressive, more likely to include strings, less aggressive basslines, and the drums don't usually hit as hard. See: Al Green, Isaac Hayes (particularly Hot Buttered Soul but he does do both funk and soul, so be careful)... And of course there are others.. Today, it's harder to identify soul because of the cross pollination. Everything's a mash... And also be aware that there are different types of soul: Philly Soul is a distinct style, and there are other soul artists doing soul that don't really fit Philly Soul.

Funk is (Yes) generally faster, hits harder because there's more rock influence (and blues), has more aggressive guitar licks, funkier (more active) bass lines, generally less straight up singing (like gospel) and more almost scat, talk, rap thing, or group vocals. And the biggest factor is usually the horns. The horn section was one of the distinct ways that the genre established itself in the 70s. Fast lines, and/or staccato blats. Again different styles within the same genre: Rick James (punk funk), Parliament/Funkadelic (different), Brick (one of my favs. - underrated - Southern funk), Stax (funk and soul more southern), Motown (more soul, but a little funk later, but not influenced as much by the south..)

You can make a college course out of any style of music (I've actually made a couple) so figure out what it is you're after - is it funk OR soul - then listen to some of your favorite stuff (not the references) and try to distill it down what you love, and see if you can bring that to your music.

This track may not work, give it a go, but if it doesn't, just start fresh . It may be easier with a fresh set of ideas.

All the best - (the third) Mark

[themarkalanproject]

Appreciate the feedback. Good points. Yes I am very confused. lol

[themarkalanproject]

In addition to Graham's comment I wold also add that the tonal balance of the mix seems somewhat off kilter. There's hardly any bass if you compare to the references and it's quite harsh in the upper mid-range. I find it quite difficult to listen to if I am being honest ( sensitive ears )

This would lead me to ask how you are mixing as you should be able to get closer even with a sub-optimal setup. All I can reccommend is to use one of the A/B plugins on the market so you can directly A/B compare your tracks Vs what they are asking for. This should really highlight any differences when judging stuff like bass levels, and where you need to sculpt the EQ.

Mark

Real good. I will clean it up this weekend. And I’ve been meaning to check out Metric AB. I’ve heard good things about, Thanks Mark.

[cosmicdolphin]

And I’ve been meaning to check out Metric AB. I’ve heard good things about, Thanks Mark.

Yeah that's the one I use, great plugin

[themarkalanproject]

And I’ve been meaning to check out Metric AB. I’ve heard good things about, Thanks Mark.

Yeah that's the one I use, great plugin

Checking it out right now! Very cool! I will make the bass pop, and less mid and the arrangement less crowded. You might be getting coffee here Mark! This is so friggin' cool.

So, unrelated, but I recently found out I need to get my ears syringed cleaned. My instructor from school helped me realize this. I have no hearing loss what so ever, but I cannot pop them like you are suppose to be able to. Too many long hours with headphones on, I worked corporate IT for a decade + as well wearing them 12 hours a day. I guess it makes incredible amount of ear wax build up. Lol I know its gross and embarrassing, but probably why I struggle with mixing phase so much. Next month it happens. I've tried all sorts of home remedies with hydrogen peroxide, olive oil etc . Nothing! Makes me wonder if there is a post on here regarding care etc.

[cosmicdolphin]

I've tried all sorts of home remedies with hydrogen peroxide, olive oil etc . Nothing! Makes me wonder if there is a post on here regarding care etc.

I have it too, the only thing that worked was going to the clinic where they have the proper machine that fires a jet of warm water inside your ear until the wax goes soft and comes out

Then someone I know reccommnded a janky ass piece of crap off of Amazon...basicaly a squirty bottle with a tube for your ear...and I gave it a shot for £15 as it was £50 to go to the clinc each time

Surprisingly it works ! You just fill it with the warm water and sit there for ages over teh ide of the bath squirting it inside until eventually after a few refills and a stiff hand the wax starts coming out.

[themarkalanproject]

I've tried all sorts of home remedies with hydrogen peroxide, olive oil etc . Nothing! Makes me wonder if there is a post on here regarding care etc.

I have it too, the only thing that worked was going to the clinic where they have the proper machine that fires a jet of warm water inside your ear until the wax goes soft and comes out

Then someone I know reccommnded a janky ass piece of crap off of Amazon...basicaly a squirty bottle with a tube for your ear...and I gave it a shot for £15 as it was £50 to go to the clinc each time

Surprisingly it works ! You just fill it with the warm water and sit there for ages over teh ide of the bath squirting it inside until eventually after a few refills and a stiff hand the wax starts coming out.

Sadly they have tried that for me with the warm water. Still couldn't pop them! I am seeing an ERT specialist. They believe I had a pea size ball of wax blockage. It happens and is more common then you think. Don't use q-tips, was using them majority of my life. Will be interesting how much better it makes me. My instructor likes to joke that I will be able to hear a bird land on a feather afterwards. lol.