Feedback requested - Subtle Tension Cue

[douglasricketts]

Hello fellow musicians! I really wanna crack the code on subtle tension cues and think I'm close. Any suggestions regarding this one?

EDIT: Track deleted, updated link posted below...

Here's the related 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.

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 company offers an EXCLUSIVE deal. You’ll split any upfront sync fees 50/50. They’ll get 100% of the Publisher’s share, and you’ll get 100% of the Writer’s share. You must own or control your Master and Copyright to submit for this opportunity, and you need to be affiliated with a Performing Rights Organization for this company to include your music in their catalog. Since this is an EXCLUSIVE deal, please be sure the material you submit for this pitch is NOT already signed with other Libraries or Catalogs. Please submit as many Instrumental Cues as you’d like, online or per CD. Submissions must be received no later than 11:59 PM (PDT) on Thursday, March 13th, 2025. TAXI Dispatch # D250313US

[telefunkin]

Hi,
Can't link to the refs in your post and there's no chance of finding them from the titles.

From just listening to the track then my thoughts are...
- the first 50s are very nice, although there's a lot of low bass that you might want to ease back on.
- from 50s onwards the violins sound a bit dry which separates their sound from the rest.
- around 1:16 the middle violin note sounds slightly jarring.
- nice ending.

They're only my opinions though (and without comparison with the refs) so take what works for you and ignore the rest.
Good luck!

[douglasricketts]

Thanks Telefunkin! Will apply your advice.

I meant to link to the examples, here they are:

Selling Sunset (From 7:18 - 8:20)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AlUXy2Qw2Lg&t=438s

Below Deck (From 11:15 - 12:00)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=s ... uAf3zZeaeQ

Temptation Island (From 2:15 - 3:23)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=s ... 4vnf6RwpQs

[douglasricketts]

Updated cut if anyone wants to check it out. Still open to feedback, I wanna nail this sucker!

And now it has a cousin. Again, any feedback will be greatly appreciated.

EDIT: OneDrive tracks removed, see below for links to Taxi locations.

[BrentI]

Hey Douglas! I'm sorry...I'd love to hear your tracks, but the OneDrive links won't work for me. Are they up on SoundCloud or your TAXI profile?

[douglasricketts]

OneDrive is such a booger sometimes. Yes, they're on TAXI now! Thanks for asking.

"A Dark Secret is Revealed"
https://www.taxi.com/members/1xEs3OLTQV ... s-revealed

"Admitting a Hidden Truth"
https://www.taxi.com/members/1xEs3OLTQV ... dden-truth

[BrentI]

Thanks for the updated links! Sorry, I just realized the deadline passed. I think the tone is right on! I really like "A Dark Secret"!

Hope they both get forwarded!

[douglasricketts]

Thanks! They were both rejected.
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Feedback for "Admitting a Hidden Truth"
D250313US
Share Your Feedback
What I like most about this song
Nice low key approach.

I think you could improve this song by
Even in subtle tension we need to se an increase in the tension level as it moves forward. this is necessary to keep the listener engaged.

I returned or forwarded this song because
Even in shorter scenes we need to be able to sense a gradual increase in tension as the cue progresses.
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Feedback for "A Dark Secret is Revealed"
D250313US
Share Your Feedback
What I like most about this song
The idea of a pulse is a solid approach to this style.

I think you could improve this song by
The overall feel here is more eerie, fitting better with a dramatized serious scene rather than the lighter style we hear in Reality TV.

I returned or forwarded this song because
Based on the references we should be going for more of a Reality TV sound as our approach to subtle tension.

[Pvgeldrop]

Shame about the returns, it's definitely a tricky genre to get right.. buuuutttt.. on to the next listing!

[joe44850]

Updated cut if anyone wants to check it out. Still open to feedback, I wanna nail this sucker!

And now it has a cousin. Again, any feedback will be greatly appreciated.

EDIT: OneDrive tracks removed, see below for links to Taxi locations.

I'm not much help here, as this isn't my forte...and honestly, if they aren't forwarding your cues, i'm not even gonna try to get into the cue game heh.