I submitted to the 30-second lottery as well. ALL returned for being off-target, no issue with music. They are the 4NotesAd files on my TAXI page.
The first was returned because they worried the "ohs" would interfere with the dialogue, but I hear plenty of commercials with dialogue and "ohs" mixed beautifully. The returner also mentioned that listing asked for four notes...can they not count?
My second track was too "dramatic" as oppose to "fun", and while I can take that critique, I was going for the anthemic feel they also mentioned. "Fun" is also a completely subjective term. I really wish TAXI would give more instructions on the style and feel for these listings rather than speculate that a 5-4-1 progression might work. We are all composers, we don't need theory lessons, we need examples and lots of descriptive terms to isolate the true desires of the listing.
The third was returned because he worried the drums were too rhythmic? I admit they might be mixed a little loud, but that's not what the reviewer said...maybe they were too "fun" for him.
These returns get very frustrating. TAXI: stop being fluffy and trying to compliment me while you return my music. I would almost rather your reviews say "I don't like this..." If I am not on-target it is solely because your listings are too vague.
U130528IN
Leading NY Ad Agency needs a Mid-Tempo INSTRUMENTAL TRACK for a thirty-second TV spot. Here’s where it gets interesting! At the end of the spot (probably around 27 seconds into it), the instrumental track will have a vocal tag sung that will become the brand’s new sonic or musical branding piece that could very well end up tagging all future spots. The tag needs to be just 4 notes, and the accent should be on the last note. Some examples of sonic branding tags can be seen on these videos: Intel: http://bit.ly/16RtN36 State Farm: http://bit.ly/198Ft0F Kay Jewlers: http://bit.ly/1VNnwX Microsoft Windows: http://bit.ly/Z3Qpsp None of those examples are from the brand or company that this listing is for, and whatever four notes you come up with for this spot WILL have a lyric sung with them. Think: “State Farm is there!” Again, do NOT think that State Farm is the company or client for this… we’re just using it as an example! Your instrumental track should start out being somewhat light to mid with mostly acoustic instrumentation (guitars, piano), backed by bass and drums that join in a couple bars later. Clean electric guitars are okay to use early in the track as well. Nothing edgy or synthy sounding. No bass drops
At 14 seconds into the track, try adding some warmly distorted electric guitar or maybe some fuller piano chords to give it some beef, but don’t get too heavy! You’d be smart to make your track sound and feel positive and optimistic. Keep it building subtly, becoming almost anthemic (but not too big and bombastic) near the end, leading up to the part where the sonic branding kicks in with the 4-note signature (which needs to be a buttoned ending). Recommended BPM ballpark is 104-112. Here’s a quote from our source, “Musically, the track needs to be friendly, fun, medium energy… hip, but not Kanye, no soloing. The spot will have wall-to-wall dialogue, so whatever your people create, it needs to stay out of the way of the dialogue or voice over. And please, NO ukulele tracks! It needs to be fun Pop/Indie Rock… No R&B, Hip Hop, Jazz, or Electronica.” TAXI Tip: Do NOT try to prove what a music genius you are. Give them something REALLY simple. We’re NOT kidding when say that a whole note, 5-4-1 progression could work for this. It’s all about texture, mood, and feel, not about the music trying to be the star. It’s going to be mixed pretty far down under the dialog and voice over until the sonic branding notes kick in at the end. The music is only there to provide subtle support and forward movement. If your music is selected, the ad agency will ask you to sign a non-disclosure agreement, and that point you’ll be given the “secret lyric” that goes over the 4-note sonic branding piece at the end. The ESTIMATED fee if your piece gets picked is likely to be in the $15,000 to $25,000 range. You MUST own or control 100% of the Master and Composition rights to submit for this listing. This is DIRECT to the agency, so you’ll KEEP 100% of the income/fee. No publishing splits. Broadcast Quality is needed (great home recordings are fine). If you are chosen, the Ad Agency will contact you directly. Please submit one to three tracks online or on CD. All submissions will be screened on a Yes/No basis by a person hand-picked by the agency rep. No full critiques. Submissions must be received no later than TUESDAY, May 28th at NOON (PDT). TAXI # U130528IN
Casey