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Simple Instrumental for ad
Posted: Sun Aug 25, 2013 9:34 pm
by remmet
A-List NY AD AGENCY needs a Light, Whimsical INSTRUMENTAL TRACK for a Web Commercial that could migrate to TV.
They need a really simple, fairly stripped-down track that could either be keyboard OR acoustic guitar-based. Arpeggiated, MID-to-Up-Tempo (but not TOO Up-Tempo) Tracks that feel hopeful, intelligent, and slightly dreamy or whimsical are the order of the day.
Check out Bach's Cello Suite #1 to get yourself in the tempo and stylistic ballpark:
http://bit.ly/19CDjWM
Now, imagine that done with a keyboard sound that's a hybrid of a kid's toy piano and mid-octave bells or a vibraphone. You could also do it with an acoustic guitar... maybe a classic guitar? They need Instrumentals that are at LEAST two-minutes long with a buttoned ending. If you track is longer (which might be a good idea), they will edit it down. NOTE: At 43 seconds into the spot, there's a little bit of an emotional lift, and we think introducing a very simple cello part could work nicely for that. If you've got another idea for a second instrument, go for it! That part doesn't necessarily have to remain in the whole rest of the track.
As we listened to the temp track, there was something that reminded us of what you'd hear coming out of a music box with a ballerina twirling on top, or possibly what you might hear coming from a cuckoo clock as the doors swing open and those little people pop out every hour on the hour.
Obviously, they are NOT looking for rip-offs of Bach's Cello Suite #1! That's just a good example of the tempo and arpeggiation. Keep it hopeful and a tad whimsical!
I think this one is on the mark, but I almost always think that, and I'm constantly surprised by what gets the thumbs up and what doesn't. So if you listen and something jumps out that sounds wrong, please let me know. (This is due on Tuesday.)
Thanks!
Richard
Labyrinth of Wishes
http://soundcloud.com/richard-emmet/labyrinth_of_wishes
Re: Simple Instrumental for ad
Posted: Sun Aug 25, 2013 9:44 pm
by andygabrys
nice Richard.
only comment - perhaps some of the modulations test the ear of somebody not listening closely - the part where the cello comes in. the main theme is cool.
but then again, its likely a 0:60 spot so they are going to hack and slash to fit the parts in that they like.
good luck!
Re: Simple Instrumental for ad
Posted: Sun Aug 25, 2013 11:06 pm
by cassmcentee
Richard,
That was a Sweet Listen!
Thank You!
Cass
Re: Simple Instrumental for ad
Posted: Mon Aug 26, 2013 12:35 am
by Len911
remmet wrote:A-List NY AD AGENCY needs a Light, Whimsical INSTRUMENTAL TRACK for a Web Commercial that could migrate to TV.
They need a really simple, fairly stripped-down track that could either be keyboard OR acoustic guitar-based. Arpeggiated, MID-to-Up-Tempo (but not TOO Up-Tempo) Tracks that feel hopeful, intelligent, and slightly dreamy or whimsical are the order of the day.
Check out Bach's Cello Suite #1 to get yourself in the tempo and stylistic ballpark:
http://bit.ly/19CDjWM
Now, imagine that done with a keyboard sound that's a hybrid of a kid's toy piano and mid-octave bells or a vibraphone. You could also do it with an acoustic guitar... maybe a classic guitar? They need Instrumentals that are at LEAST two-minutes long with a buttoned ending. If you track is longer (which might be a good idea), they will edit it down. NOTE: At 43 seconds into the spot, there's a little bit of an emotional lift, and we think introducing a very simple cello part could work nicely for that. If you've got another idea for a second instrument, go for it! That part doesn't necessarily have to remain in the whole rest of the track.
As we listened to the temp track, there was something that reminded us of what you'd hear coming out of a music box with a ballerina twirling on top, or possibly what you might hear coming from a cuckoo clock as the doors swing open and those little people pop out every hour on the hour.
Obviously, they are NOT looking for rip-offs of Bach's Cello Suite #1! That's just a good example of the tempo and arpeggiation. Keep it hopeful and a tad whimsical!
I think this one is on the mark, but I almost always think that, and I'm constantly surprised by what gets the thumbs up and what doesn't. So if you listen and something jumps out that sounds wrong, please let me know. (This is due on Tuesday.)
Thanks!
Richard
Labyrinth of Wishes
http://soundcloud.com/richard-emmet/labyrinth_of_wishes
First of all I guess the "Bird" song wouldn't be 'simple' enough,
I really love what you've done with the ending, @ about 1:53 on.
I'm a little baffled by the listing.
The Bach's cello suite example, and then the mention of a toy piano, ballerina music box and a cuckoo clock!
Simple, and yet intelligent, I'm thinking more simple and elegant or classy maybe?
I'm picturing more of a slower tempo with faster notes to soften it up and a soft tinkly sound more in the background than in the forefront. I'm thinking by simple they are meaning simple arrangement with only two or three sounds. I'm thinking that a slower tempo might give more of an emotional uplift at the :43 mark also?
Is your piece too repetitive to be whimsical, and is there too much tinkly? Those would be my concerns. At the same time though I don't feel comfortable enough with my interpretation of the listing to be much confident in my critique. The ending with the pizzicato is really cool, I'd love to hear it developed in one of the other sections, maybe just before the cello at :43 in the emotional uplift section? Here I am making suggestions while the suggestions that were made were what I think was baffling to me, and their suggestions should be closer to the mark.
Re: Simple Instrumental for ad
Posted: Mon Aug 26, 2013 3:58 am
by HectorRContreras
Hello Dear Richard,
Well done ! We wish you good luck.
I myself have just worked on that same Listing for three days now.
I found it exciting when I read it, because I love the word WHIMSICAL, and because I am a great adept of Classical Music, and this BACH Cello Suite is .... ooooh ! 
And the Music Box idea is so cool.
And big money !! 
Next, it was so hard to achieve !! 
Because it had to be all at the same time :
- Simple (so not in the least too busy or complicated)
- Toy Music like (but also somewhat dreamy)
- Jean Sebastien Bach like (what a tall order)
- Whimsical (so definitively not boring)
- Hopeful (so not a tone that would sound melancholic)
- and, ... with a passage that evokes an uplifting emotion !
- Arpeggio
- mid to up Tempo, etc ...
I tried, and tried, and erased and tried again ... at first, it sounded too mechanic, too repetitive, and how could I introduce an emotional passage in something that sounded like coming from a Muisc Box ? 
... and all the time keeping it simple ?!
I chose C Major , (trying to simplify the hard task, smile) and Tempo 110.
Finally, the Instrumental came out a wee bit ABSTRACT, and somehow followed the orders or requirements of the Listing, .... I hope.
But, oh gosh, it was hard work. I am tired today. Smile.
If you want to hear the Instrumental, it is called "I imagine SIMPLICITY" 
I have submitted it yesterday.
Blessings, Hector
PS: I have composed a new Version of my Instrumental, I called it :
"I should have imagined SIMPLICITY "
http://www.taxi.com/E-2013-1844
I am pleased with that new Version, what do you think ?
Re: Simple Instrumental for ad
Posted: Mon Aug 26, 2013 4:05 am
by HectorRContreras
Dear Richard,
I really love your "Labyrinth of Wishes". It is very pretty, light, tender, sweet, lovely, ... perfect !
Blessings, Hector
Re: Simple Instrumental for ad
Posted: Mon Aug 26, 2013 4:08 am
by HectorRContreras
Dear Andy,
"its likely a 0:60 spot so they are going to hack and slash to fit the parts in that they like."
Ah thank you for this information.
Blessings, Hector
Re: Simple Instrumental for ad
Posted: Mon Aug 26, 2013 4:40 am
by HectorRContreras
PS : how can I put my Photo on the left here ? Thanks. Hector
Re: Simple Instrumental for ad
Posted: Mon Aug 26, 2013 12:53 pm
by daveydad
Very nice! Yours is definitely more complex than mine. I guess I tend to equate "simple" with childlike but may be off the mark. Still have 24 hrs to tweak mine but here's what I've come up with so far. If nothing else, my grandkids will like it!
HAPPILY EVER AFTER
https://soundcloud.com/davidhollandswor ... mo/s-WWpSy
