Feedback Request: Swamp Rock Instrumental

[DouglasKnight]

Hey guys --

Would really like your feedback on this track for the listing below: https://www.taxi.com/members/Gjdf7sdFR ... in-the-mud

I've had a long string of returns recently, so any and all constructive feedback is welcome.

Thank you!
Doug



SWAMP ROCK INSTRUMENTALS and/or INSTRUMENTAL CUES are needed by a Top-Notch British Music Licensing Company with lots of great placements in Film and TV.

This Company is on the hunt for Mid-to-Up-Tempo Instrumentals (or Cues) that could fit on a playlist with the following references:

Moonshiners (from 24:13 - 24:58) https://youtu.be/tlolU-NKic0?t=1453

Swamp People (from 0:10 to 0:30) https://youtu.be/1UQz_JJnzYQ?t=9

"Moonshine & Gasoline" by Blues Saraceno https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=74lqoqUMhec

Duck Dynasty (from 16:18 - 16:33) https://youtu.be/e3qBJ9vhfpk?t=978

Although one of the references has vocals, please submit Instrumentals Only for this request.

Send them top-notch Swamp Rock Instrumentals (or Cues) with gritty guitars, solid rhythms, and a plenty of Southern charm that could work well for Reality TV shows. Your submissions should have memorable motifs, polished production, and typical Southern Rock-band instrumentation – think twangy banjos, electric guitars, harmonicas, etc. We recommend using real, organic instruments to add that authenticity factor that's needed for these kinds of Instrumentals. However, if you're planning on using any virtual instruments or samples, they should be high-quality and not dated. Craft your pieces around a singular motif and mood, and create a sense of forward momentum and dynamics by layering instrumentation in and out as they progress.

TAXI Tip: We think it would be wise to avoid guitar solos (especially in the higher registers) because they tend to be distracting or overpowering when placed under dialogue.

Your submissions should be roughly 90 Seconds long for Cues, and about 2 to 4 minutes long for Instrumentals, give or take.

[funsongs]

Just on its own (didn't check the ref tracks) the composition, choice of instruments, and production - all sound good...
from up here in The Peanut Gallery

[DouglasKnight]

Just on its own (didn't check the ref tracks) the composition, choice of instruments, and production - all sound good...
from up here in The Peanut Gallery

Hi Peter, and thanks a lot for listening and for your encouragement. I tried not to over-play on the lead guitar, per the listing tip, so hopefully it wasn't too much? It sounds a bit empty to me in places, but I know it's to be used under dialog, so that's what's called for.

Thanks again,
DK

[funsongs]

Just on its own (didn't check the ref tracks) the composition, choice of instruments, and production - all sound good...
from up here in The Peanut Gallery

Hi Peter, and thanks a lot for listening and for your encouragement. I tried not to over-play on the lead guitar, per the listing tip, so hopefully it wasn't too much? It sounds a bit empty to me in places, but I know it's to be used under dialog, so that's what's called for.

Thanks again,
DK

Might seem terribly simplistic - but you might test your concern by playing back the track at low volume - even a mono mix - and talk over it.
Then ask yourself - "...does any one element still cut through?" - if "yes" - then adjust your mix accordingly: reduce the level, or mute that one thing.
HTH

[Casey H]

I think this sounds really good! Good luck with the submission!

Best,
Casey

[DouglasKnight]

Just on its own (didn't check the ref tracks) the composition, choice of instruments, and production - all sound good...
from up here in The Peanut Gallery

Hi Peter, and thanks a lot for listening and for your encouragement. I tried not to over-play on the lead guitar, per the listing tip, so hopefully it wasn't too much? It sounds a bit empty to me in places, but I know it's to be used under dialog, so that's what's called for.

Thanks again,
DK

Might seem terribly simplistic - but you might test your concern by playing back the track at low volume - even a mono mix - and talk over it.
Then ask yourself - "...does any one element still cut through?" - if "yes" - then adjust your mix accordingly: reduce the level, or mute that one thing.
HTH

Good advice! That slide guitar does stand out in a few spots, so may need to bring that down, assuming everything else sounds okay.... Thanks again!

[DouglasKnight]

I think this sounds really good! Good luck with the submission!

Best,
Casey

Awesome! Thanks for listening, Casey! I really appreciate it!

[OwenGrech]

Hey Douglas,

Love this one!
I know how it feels re leads - we guitar players want to keep playing hehe but I think you did the right choice here, besides, the notes chosen sound top notch as they are played with the right feel.

Best of luck!
Owen

[DouglasKnight]

Hey Douglas,

Love this one!
I know how it feels re leads - we guitar players want to keep playing hehe but I think you did the right choice here, besides, the notes chosen sound top notch as they are played with the right feel.

Best of luck!
Owen

Fantastic, Owen -- I really appreciate the positive feedback! Yes, it's very difficult for us guitarists not to go crazy with the soloing!

Many thanks, Doug

[LamarPecorino]

Sounds great, Doug! Best of luck with it!