Should instrumentals always have edit points?

[irthlingz]

We were looking at the listing for yacht rock instrumentals and noticed it doesn't say anything about edit points. Would it be better to have some strong edit points anyway, or is it fine to have no edit points in a case like this?

Thanks!
Michael & Sharon
Rockin' in the Boat

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Lots of '70s and '80s Style YACHT ROCK INSTRUMENTALS are needed by a Film/TV Music Publisher for (up to) $7,500 placements in an upcoming feature film!

This Publisher is on the hunt for Mid-Tempo Instrumentals in the general stylistic wheelhouse of the following references we got directly from our contact at the company.

"Baby Come Back" by Player
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tjBs4pK ... ayer-Topic

"Heart to Heart" by Kenny Loggins
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_MLxCgy ... ogginsVEVO

"Summer Breeze" by Seals and Crofts
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GQQbjpo ... nnel=RHINO

Although the references have vocals, please submit Instrumentals only for this request.

NOTE: The Company would prefer to hear vintage recordings from '70s or '80s, but if you have more recently produced recordings in the general production style of the references that convincingly sound like they were recorded in those eras, they'd love to hear those as well!

Please submit '70s or '80s Soft Rock/Yacht Rock Instrumentals with a smooth, laid-back sound and a distinct '70s or '80s flavor. Retro motifs, engaging rhythms, and solid arrangements with plenty of dynamics and forward motion are all needed here. Era-appropriate instrumentation that falls within the general stylistic ballpark of the references will work best.

Important: This company is not looking for modern productions with a '70s or '80s spin or motif. Please make sure your tracks sound convincingly vintage!

All submissions should be roughly 2 to 4 minutes in length (give or take). Non-faded, Button/Stinger endings will work best. Please do NOT copy the referenced material in any way, shape, or form. Use them only as a general guide for tempo, texture, tone, and overall vibe. Do NOT submit any material with unauthorized samples of any other artists’ music, sounds, or any other form of media. Era appropriate Broadcast Quality is needed.

NOTE: The sync fee we were quoted was up to $7,500; however, our experience tells us that number is probably based on them licensing an Instrumental from a well-known act through a big publisher like Sony or Universal. We think the sync fee could be lower (in the $2,000 to $3,500 range) for an unknown, independent act or music licensed from a music library. It could go higher – we’re just being cautious and conservative.

This Publisher offers a NON-EXCLUSIVE, 50/50 deal. You’ll split any applicable sync fees 50/50. You’ll keep 100% of the Master rights and the Writer’s share, and the Publisher will get 100% of the Publisher's Share for any placements they generate. You must own or control your Masters and Copyright to submit for this opportunity. Please submit as many Instrumentals as you’d like, online or per CD. All submissions will be screened and critiqued by a TAXI screener that was handpicked by the Music Publisher. Submissions must be received no later than 11:59 PM (PDT) on Monday, March 18th, 2024. TAXI # S240318MH

[Casey H]

I wouldn't get too overly concerned about edit points here as they are looking for a song-like instrumental. I think it's the least of the challenges we face with listing. It's an extremely high bar listing with a large sync fee. The track has to be great in every way and also a distinct 70s sound. A tough one for anyone.

Are you writing new for this listing or trying to go with something you already have?

Casey

[irthlingz]

Thanks, Casey!

Last June, we submitted this:

"Shangri-La"

and got this feedback:

• What I like most about this song
  Very fun, positive and upbeat Singer-Songwriter / Folk tune with retro Yacht Rock vibe.

• I think you could improve this song by
  This is not "Current-sounding Singer/Songwriter instrumentation" or Production a la the example. I'd save this for retro style requests. The backing vocals during the change around 1:38 - 2:02 / 3:45 - 4:07 etc could be stronger. Consider revamping the vocals for more contemporary style requests. The "Shangri-La" lyrics are also too specific and will be out-of-context for any productions taking place in any other places. Also try sticking with broader / more universal lyrical themes for sync.

• I returned or forwarded this song because
  Too dated and a bit too demo sounding.

So given the "yacht rock vibe", "save for retro style requests", and most of the rest of the critique being about the lyrics and vocals, we thought maybe we could rework this for this listing? Maybe something like this: Rockin' in the Boat. What do you think?