Fresh Ears on Emotional Trailer Needed

[edmondredd]

So I'm thinking of submitting to this listing:

EMOTIONAL TRAILER-Style INSTRUMENTALS are needed for an (up to) $4,000 placement in an Indie Movie Trailer! This new NON-EXCLUSIVE Music Licensing Company is rapidly gaining recognition and securing major opportunities with high-profile clients!

This Company is searching for Instrumentals in the general stylistic ballpark of the following references:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rucccluzpxs

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZfR-5ul64fQ

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5JOj-Rl4IB4

Quoting the Company's CEO: "The film is an epic drama set in the 1930s, and the music should convey emotional intensity and sweeping grandeur. It should build gradually with a sense of tension and darkness, and evoke big emotions while hinting at mystery or a hidden secret that's central to the storyline."

Please submit well-composed Trailer Instrumentals with an epic, larger-than-life sound and a growing sense of tension! This Company is looking for emotionally captivating tracks that help the listener get swept up in the narrative while feeling the weight of a growing darkness. Epic motifs, heart-pounding rhythms, excellent compositions, solid production, and dynamic arrangements that build in intensity as it progresses are all needed. Orchestral Instrumentation in the general ballpark of the references will work best. Please ensure any virtual instruments or samples you use are high-quality, very realistic, and not dated sounding.

Your submissions should be between 2 and 2.5 minutes long, give or take. Tracks need to have non-faded, buttoned/stinger endings. Do NOT copy the referenced examples in any way, shape, or form. Use them only as a general guide for tempo, tone, and overall vibe.

I need some fresh ears on this one regarding overall mix, and if you hear something off, or if you have any tips that would be welcomed
You can have a listen to it here

Thank you for your time and your comments!

[AlonMarcus]

Hi Edmond,
Since I was the one learning from you, I’m not really in a position to teach or critique.

I think your choice of instrumentation and chord progression is flawless—the music truly swept me away emotionally.
I'm just curious about the "1930s" mentioned on the brief. I’m not sure what it means or how it should be implemented, if at all.

[telefunkin]

Hi Edmond,
I hope you're well. Its always great to hear your impressive work.

As I've said elsewhere this is certainly not my genre so I know nothing - but I can't help having opinions even though they might mean nothing. My first thought is that perhaps some of the impacts are a little sharp, upfront and dry whereas I imagine them being slightly darker, further back in the mix and with more reverb. My second is a concern that the inclusion of synth sounds might work against the 1930's requirement for this particular listing, but I'm really unsure about that.

However, its a wonderful piece and I've no doubt that it will be picked up.
Best of luck to you.

[RealPickle]

Hey Edmond,

I saw you post somewhere else that this is a tricky brief. I think you nailed it, especially the beginning--that subtle synth line totally "hints at a mystery or secret"

I actually agree with telefunkin that some of your impacts are a bit dry. The initial swoosh you use starting at :38, and then the high, punchy drum you use during the climax, all could be a bit wetter so they sit in the mix a bit more naturally. The best way I can describe it is they sound more industrial rock than cinematic right now.

Otherwise, this is really excellent. Good luck with it!

[edmondredd]

Hi Edmond,
Since I was the one learning from you, I’m not really in a position to teach or critique.

I think your choice of instrumentation and chord progression is flawless—the music truly swept me away emotionally.
I'm just curious about the "1930s" mentioned on the brief. I’m not sure what it means or how it should be implemented, if at all.

Alway learning Alon, and all comments are always welcomed. Thank you for your time listening

[edmondredd]

Hi Edmond,
I hope you're well. Its always great to hear your impressive work.

As I've said elsewhere this is certainly not my genre so I know nothing - but I can't help having opinions even though they might mean nothing. My first thought is that perhaps some of the impacts are a little sharp, upfront and dry whereas I imagine them being slightly darker, further back in the mix and with more reverb. My second is a concern that the inclusion of synth sounds might work against the 1930's requirement for this particular listing, but I'm really unsure about that.

However, its a wonderful piece and I've no doubt that it will be picked up.
Best of luck to you.

Always a pleasure reading your comments Graham! And all your opinions are well noted, especially coming from an experienced musician, I do take them seriously. Thank you so much for this!

[edmondredd]

Hey Edmond,

I saw you post somewhere else that this is a tricky brief. I think you nailed it, especially the beginning--that subtle synth line totally "hints at a mystery or secret"

I actually agree with telefunkin that some of your impacts are a bit dry. The initial swoosh you use starting at :38, and then the high, punchy drum you use during the climax, all could be a bit wetter so they sit in the mix a bit more naturally. The best way I can describe it is they sound more industrial rock than cinematic right now.

Otherwise, this is really excellent. Good luck with it!

Thank you Geoff for your comments. I do agree with you both now that I had a "fresher" listen to it that the hits are way to upfront and bright! Thank you for taking the time listening and chiming in, I really appreciate it!

[edmondredd]

Just a quick update on the topic. The track has been replaced by the version that I'll be submitting soon. Thank you all for your comments and feedback!
Greatly appreciated!

[douglasricketts]

Love the strings! Which library are you using?

[edmondredd]

Thanks Douglas! If memory serves well, a mix of Spitfire's Albion I (an old library) and Cinesamples Strings.