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Hey all, I'm trying to figure out if this is any good (the mix especially) and if it fits with this listing:MODERN, HYBRID ELECTRONIC/ORCHESTRAL INSTRUMENTALS are needed by an established Music Licensing company who provides content for major clients including Toyota, AOL, Google, Visa, Xbox, Adidas and more. They'll want to hear mid to uptempos for this one - no ambient or chill-out tracks, please! High energy and an engaging blend of Electronica and Orchestral elements will be crucial for this one. Solid performances/production and excellent recordings will be necessary - recordings need to be Broadcast Quality. Please submit 1-3 original instrumentals online or per CD. All submissions will be screened on a YES/NO BASIS - NO CRITIQUES FROM TAXI - and must be received no later than January 19, 2009. TAXI #Y090119INThe track is called "Alive" and it's on my page at www.taxi.com/dandiazI know I haven't been around here too much lately, but any thoughts are much appreciated!Thanks,Dan

Dan, I really dig this track. I think you've delivered what they're asking for. Your tracks are always so polished sounding. I'm impressed.Steve

Thanks Steve, I always feel like my orchestral mixes have a lot of room for improvement, but I'm glad you feel like it fits. I guess we'll have to see what the screeners think!Thanks again,Dan

Dan,I like this track. The mix sounds good but the low percussion sounds a bit distant to me. For high energy (which the listing asks for), I'd like to hear those punches much more, well, "punchy" As it stands, the energy feels more medium to me. It's a nice percolating piece but it doesn't get my adrenaline pumping. At around 37 seconds when you bring in the lower strings, you have the opportunity to kick it up a notch but the energy stays in pretty much the same groove.Of course, it's just my opinion.Always nice to hear your work!Mazz

Thanks Mazz, that's something I keep having trouble with, getting those big, low percussion hits to be forward in the mix without sounding muddy. I compress them enough to where the sounds are pretty even, but they do always end up feeling kind of distant. I'm gonna go back and see what I can do about that. I also agree that the energy may not be high enough, but I'll see if getting those hits to be more intense will help.Thanks again!

Jan 16, 2009, 10:52pm, mazz wrote: ... For high energy (which the listing asks for), I'd like to hear those punches much more, well, "punchy" As it stands, the energy feels more medium to me. It's a nice percolating piece but it doesn't get my adrenaline pumping. I think Mazz's suggestions regarding the low percussion is right on. What confuses me is how the listing asks for "high energy" but the tempo can be from "mid to up tempo". How high can the energy be at a "mid" tempo? Dan's track is definitely not a chill-out track.Steve

Good point Steve, it's the never ending mystery of how the listings are worded I took your guys advice and just uploaded a new version. I brought the low percussion up and brought in a drum kit groove at 37 seconds to take the energy up a bit more at that point. Does this seem like it's working better?

Dan,I'm showing up late here, so only heard the updated version. I think you hit the energy and hybrid sound well and the drums feel punchy to me. Only thing I heard was the violins/violas panned rightish sounded a little synthy to me--I think you need a more legato articulation or more wetness to make the releases and note transitions truer.Vince

Dan, Good fit, Jack Bauer would have liked this. What instruments are you using?ThanksPete Mattax

Vince - Thanks man. I'll check those violins out again. I tried to smooth them out and make them as expressive as possible already, but I'll see if I can do more!Mattax - Thanks as well! I'm using EWQL Symphony Orchestra Gold, Stylus RMX, Omnisphere, Stormdrum 2, and EZ Drummer in this one, along with the new Pro Tools 8 Mini Grand Piano.