Question about interpreting the brief, S230603FE

[DolfoMan]

So in respecting the prime TAXI advise of read the brief I have a question about this new listing this morning. They're looking for a song to replace this Oingo Boingo track, they're looking for uptempo 80s style rock (this track sounds a little more punk to me but I digress), the music supervisor specifically asked for tracks with drums, bass, guitar, and horns BUT does not mention synths. The original temp track has synth, synths are a common and appropriate part of just about everything 80s yet no mention of it in the specific instrument requests leaves me to beg the question. Would it be appropriate for the listing to include synth in my original track I write for this listing, or since the music supervisor did not ask for it specifically (it what seems like a relatively specific list of instruments) would it be smarter to not include any synth in the composition?

Here's the brief

UPTEMPO '80s Style ROCK INSTRUMENTALS are needed for an (up to) $500, Direct-to-Music Supervisor placement in an upcoming Independent Feature Film!

NOTABLE: This film's Producer used a bunch of TAXI member's music in his last (few) films, and loved what he found so much that he came back for more!!

This Music Supervisor is searching for Uptempo Instrumentals that could work as a replacement for "Ain't This The Life Live" by Oingo Boingo which is currently temped in.

"Ain't This The Life Live" by Oingo Boingo

Although the reference has vocals, please submit Instrumentals only for this request.

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

NOTE: The Filmmakers are open to hearing both high-quality vintage recordings (recorded back in the day), OR recently recorded Songs in the general production style of the reference.

Quoting the Music Supervisor: "We need an UPTEMPO Rock Instrumental with drums, bass, guitar, and horns. Can be synthetic instrumentation. [We need Instrumentals that] match the tempo of the reference track. Lots of ENERGY. Would accept ska or punk tracks as well."

Please submit '80s style Rock Instrumentals bursting with tons of great energy! Your submissions should have catchy motifs, energizing grooves, solid arrangements, and '80s Rock instrumentation in the general wheelhouse of the references. Please be sure your production is well-balanced and any virtual sounds or samples you may choose to use are high-quality and era-appropriate.

Your submissions should be about 2 to 3 minutes in length, give or take. Please do NOT copy the referenced artist or song in any way, shape, or form. Use it 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. Era-appropriate Broadcast Quality will work for vintage recordings.

The license fee for this placement is (up to) $500, depending on the ultimate use. This is a Non-Exclusive, Direct-to-Music Supervisor placement, so you’ll keep 100% ownership of your Copyright and Master Recording, plus you’ll also get 100% of the License Fee and any applicable performance royalties. You must own or control your Copyright and Master Recording to pitch for this opportunity. 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 Saturday, June 3rd, 2023. TAXI # S230603FE

[CTWF]

The original temp track has synth, ...

I only skipped through it, but I could not hear any synths in the ref track. This is not Van Halen's Jump. I would not use any. Just my gut feeling.

Tom

[DolfoMan]

It’s easier to hear on the non live recording, but you can also see his set up on the right side of the screen. Seems to mostly be doubling/adding to the lead guitar line.

[superblonde]

uptempo 80s style rock


"Ain't This The Life Live" by Oingo Boingo
# S230603FE

My slightly informed opinion on this style/genre says keyboard pad and/or monophonic keyboard doubling of melodic lead line would be necessary. Besides if they dont like the addition they would omit that with the stems anyway.
And i would question the taste of a director who inserts that bands music as their temp track and asks for a sound-alike, but whatever.

[Casey H]

And i would question the taste of a director who inserts that bands music as their temp track and asks for a sound-alike, but whatever.

You do realize that this is the way things are done very frequently in our industry? Probably more often than not for mid-higher end placements. In fact, in many cases the whole reason we exist is production companies can't afford music by name acts so the go to production music libraries for much less expensive options.

They do have to be very careful, not taking music that sounds too much like the temp track which could get them sued. So it's tempo, vibe, groove, subject matter, etc.