I've been watching Matt vander Boegh's Youtube-videos on producing cues this weekend, and I've gotta say; there were some definite eye-openers in there! I've tried applying his tips and tricks on creating a cue to the following Dispatch-listing:
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Lots of SUBTLE TENSION INSTRUMENTAL CUES are needed by the CEO of a great International Music Library with lots of success and tons of notable placements. They're currently searching for new material from TAXI members for Film and TV placements!
This Library is searching for Mid-Tempo Instrumental Cues that could be found on a playlist with the following references:
Selling Sunset (From 7:18 - 8:20)
Below Deck (From 11:15 - 12:00)
Temptation Island(From 2:15 - 3:23)
Please submit well-crafted Instrumental Cues with minimal compositions that could work great under dialogue! Your submissions should have subtle, tension-filled melodies and arrangements that develop gradually and consistently while maintaining a minimal approach overall. Please ensure your tracks stay on the sparse side of things, avoiding anything over the top, bombastic, or attention-grabbing. Your submissions should include tense motifs, minimalistic rhythms/pulses, and lots of mood-setting ambiance. Instrumentation in the general stylistic ballpark of the references will work best, such as synth pulses, piano, strings, synth pads, etc. Please be sure any virtual instruments you use are high quality and not dated-sounding.
TAXI TIP: If you struggle with keeping your Cue as simple as it should be, sometimes it’s helpful to hear it along with some dialogue! If it feels like it's creating a mood, then you could be on the right track. If it's drawing attention to itself, you might need to minimize it. (Do NOT include any actual dialogue in your submission. We're only suggesting that as a way to test its viability).
All submissions should be about 1.5 to 2.5 minutes long (give or take) with non-faded, buttoned/stinger endings. 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.
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I've tried following the same structure Matt advocates (King, Queen, Jack, Ace, with a stinger). I've also forced myself to keep it really, really simple (also in line with the listing itself, which calls for minimal compositions), but it does feel.. too simple?
I'd love to hear thoughts from more experienced cue-composers on this; have I oversimplified? Or is it a good level of simple, and am I merely battling with my inner composer who feels there should be more to this (with the risk of making it too busy and unusable?).
You can find the track here: STC1
Thanks in advance to anyone willing to take a listen and share their thoughts on this.
Best wishes,
Paul