S241229BE Minimalistic orchestral feedback

[JimOfferman]

Hey folks!

I have taken a stab at creating a minimalistic orchestral piece for listing S241229BE and would love to hear your feedback. Have a listen here:

Original version:
https://www.taxi.com/members/kMKYrIiITq ... -home-wip-

Revised version (after feedback on edit points):
https://www.taxi.com/members/kMKYrIiITq ... it-points-

Here is the listing in full:

Lots of MINIMALISTIC, NEO-CLASSICAL/ORCHESTRAL INSTRUMENTALS are needed by a very successful boutique Music Library that has tons of credits in Big Films, Countless TV Shows, and TV Commercials!

NOTE: We previously ran this request as TAXI Listing # D241203BU but the Company didn't find what they were looking for. If you submitted to listing # D241203BU please send different material this time around.

This is a catalog you most definitely want to be in! Please listen to the following references the listing company's CEO sent us to get yourself in the general wheelhouse of what they need:

Examples

Quoting the CEO of the Company: "We're looking for subtle, fragile, and sophisticated tracks with minimalist orchestration that could work well under a voice-over."

Please submit Orchestral instrumentals with an unintrusive, minimalistic approach that could work well under dialogue. These tracks need to be low-key in general, but they should still have a slowly building structure that finishes on a (relatively speaking) high point. Nothing too attention-grabbing or distracting will work. Aim for a sophisticated vibe with one central motif that conveys elegance, class, and timeless beauty. Instrumentation in the general stylistic ballpark of the references will work best, such as chamber strings, light percussion, piano, etc. Please make sure any virtual instruments or samples you use are very high quality, modern, and very realistic-sounding.

IMPORTANT NOTE FROM THE LIBRARY: "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 productions and textures." 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!

All submissions should be about 2 minutes long, give or take. 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. Do NOT submit any material with unauthorized samples of any other artists’ music, sounds, or any other form of media. Broadcast Quality is needed.

AI ALERT: This company does not accept or sign music that has been melodically composed using generative AI, nor does it accept backing tracks or full instrumental tracks created with AI.

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 Copyright. Please send 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 (PST) on Sunday, December 29th, 2024. TAXI # S241229BE

Any and all comments are greatly appreciated!

Cheers,
Jim.

[edmondredd]

Hi Jim,

I really enjoyed listening to your piece!

One thing that stood out to me is that the listing specifically asks for "Lots of MINIMALISTIC, NEO-CLASSICAL/ORCHESTRAL" elements, which usually suggests a sound featuring a smaller ensemble with a prominent solo stringed instrument. A piano as the lead instrument might not be what the listener expects.

I also took a listen to the references too, and none of them really highlight the piano as the main instrument. You might want to consider bringing the string ensemble more to the forefront while subtly supporting with the piano in the background. That could help align it more closely with the listing's request.

Hope that helps,

[JimOfferman]

Hi Edmond!

Thanks for taking a listen and for giving great feedback.

The listing does specifically mention piano is an appropriate instrument and I like to think that I have written something in the stylistic ballpark, but you are right that the listener might expect something with strings in the lead.

Changing the volume balance between strings and piano isn’t going to solve that. I’ll see if I can carve out some time to write a strings first piece in the same style. Otherwise, I’m going to just run with this and see where it leads.

Thanks!
Jim.

[edmondredd]

Sure and I'm curious to know the outcome of this piece as well!

[JimOfferman]

Sure and I'm curious to know the outcome of this piece as well!

Alas, I got a return because my orchestration was too minimal compared to the references:
https://www.taxi.com/members/kMKYrIiITq ... UFY-L8i7Dg

The track itself is getting a lot of love, so I’ll just have to wait for the right listing to come along.

[edmondredd]

I'm sure it'll find a home somewhere!

[edmondredd]

oh, and thanks for letting me know