TAXI.com

Hey guys,

I ran across the listing for 1980s-inspired instros (U150708NW) and remembered some stuff I worked on a while back that might fit the bill. I think I have three floating around the studio somewhere that could stand a chance. Here's the first I've dug up.

https://soundcloud.com/cpricemusic/rhin ... or/s-3gM54

The bad news is that I don't have the individual tracks anymore, but I think the mix might be passable.

Besides "what do you think" in regards to this listing, I also have a couple of generic questions for the experts out there among us. This track was originally made as a "song", so it's pretty long and has distinct sections to it. I know with cues in general, it's good to get straight to the point. Is there a fundamental difference between cue vs. instrumental? I am fully aware there are long drawn out "song" parts to this track, and I'm willing to edit (as best I can with a single mix file). In my mind, more options for the producer in editing together a piece for a scene is good since they may want to change it up as they see fit. In reality, though, I have been wrong about that, especially with cues.

So, I'd like to know anyones general thoughts on this and maybe how it could be a fit for this listing, and also whether or not you may think it's in dire need of editing down to a more manageable length in order to stand a chance. Again, though there's only so much I'll be able to do with just a single mix unfortunately.

Thanks a bunch in advance for any feedback.

Here is the referenced listing from TAXI:

I980’s Inspired NEW WAVE INSTRUMENTALS are needed by an A-List Music Licensing Company with tons of high-end placements in Film, TV, and Commercials. Give them slick, Mid-to-Up-Tempo Instrumentals in the general stylistic wheelhouse of acts like Kavinsky, Miami Nights 1984, Mitch Murder, etc., etc., etc. Please listen to the following references to get yourself acquainted with the type of Instrumentals they need:

“Wayfarer” by Kavinsky:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ArtophI2ORg

“Ocean Drive” by Miami Nights 1984:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nLzjm9E1hwg

“Breeze” by Mitch Murder:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_hF5_o-lYDA

This is a Listing where you’re actually encouraged to use those oldie but goodie synth sounds that came out of your DX7, Oberheim, or Prophet 5! Enjoy the moment

Give them compelling Instrumentals that have a believable 1980’s vibe, but with modern recording quality. In other words, they’re not looking for vintage tracks that were done back in the day for this pitch. Your Instrumentals should be full-length (at least 2 minutes long), and can be done as either typical song arrangements or linear arrangements that stick to one motif, but use addition and subtraction of instrumental layers to keep it dynamically interesting from beginning to end.

Submissions should have memorable synth melodies, and tight, electronic, four-on-the-floor beats. Imagine what you’d hear while cruising along Pacific Coast Highway in your DeLorean! Vroooom, Michael J. Fox, Vroooooom!

Do NOT copy or rip off the referenced artists or music in any way, shape, or form. Use them only as a general guide for feel, texture, tone, and that cheesy 1980’s vibe. Broadcast quality is needed (great sounding home recordings are fine).

This company offers an EXCLUSIVE deal, so please be sure the Instrumentals you submit to this opportunity are NOT already signed with any other Libraries or Catalogs. Any sync fees will be split 50/50 with the Company. As the writer, you’ll keep 100% of the Writer’s share, and the Publisher will get 100% of the Publisher’s share. You must own or control your Master and Copyright to submit. Please submit one to three Instrumentals online or per CD. No full critiques. Please submit 1-3 Instrumentals no later than 11:59PM (PDT), on Wednesday, July 8th, 2015. TAXI #U150708NW

Cool track but my first thought was, yeah, at 5+ mins... maybe editing it down to 2 mins or so would help. Also... the main rimshot kind of gets a little annoying. Can you tone that down somehow? Oh... and it appears to be in mono; not sure if that would be a negative, too.

In a nutshell:

"Song" means the structure of a song with Intro, verse, chorus, verse, chorus, bridge, chorus, chorus, outro.

"Cue' is a less structured yet still organized track usually in a single mood that builds over time. The Taxi listings will specify a minimum length (30, 60, 90 seconds, two minutes, etc.). Never submit anything less than the minimum requirement. A cue usually starts out at one level and builds over time, adding elements to increase interest and move the scene forward. Cue's often require simple edit points where the end user can easily slice up the music to fit their needs.

Another way to think about it is like this: Songs are written for singers to be singing out front of the stage, cues are written for use in the background or under dialogue, etc. Since joining Taxi my television watching experience is completely distracted because I am listening for every background track I can hear.

Tip #1: Buy successful Taxi member Dean Krippaehne's book "Demystifhying The Cue" to better understand the differences.

Hope this was helpful.

Paulie,

Thanks for the information. I'm finding my TV watching experience going along the same lines as yours as I continue to dabble in, and try to get better at, cue/instrumental writing (as opposed to song writing). When a music call specifies "instrumental" in lieu of using the term "cue", does it generally mean the same thing? This listing in particular seems to be more lenient in terms of looking for a unique sound and open to song structured instrumentals as well.

Best,
Chris

David,

Thanks for taking the time to comment. I'm in total agreement about the length. I spent some time chiseling away at some sections and have reduced it to ~3:50 or so now. I think there may be even more I decide to shorten, but it's getting closer.

Good advice about the rim shot sound. This mix is ancient. I don't think I even panned anything back then (I didn't have much of a clue what I was doing), which may explain why it seems like a mono mix. Heck, I may have dumped it in mono -- who knows how I even managed to keep this thing around. That said, I'm surprised the mix is even half way decent sounding. I took a shot at reeling in the overall sound and in particular isolating that rim shot frequency to reduce it somewhat. It's kind of a PITA since I'm dealing with a single file, but what can you do.

Thanks again for the suggestions.

They do mention four on the floor drum beats, so maybe get rid of the syncopated kick.

-Joseph

Hi Joseph,

Good point indeed. Unfortunately, I'm stuck with this one mix down and no individual tracks so I don't think there's much I can do on that front.

I did find another option for this listing that has a 4/4 kick and 1980's sound. Perhaps I will post it this weekend.

Thanks for the feedback.
Chris

Fun listing!

I loved this line (in the listing):
"This is a Listing where you’re actually encouraged to use those oldie but goodie synth sounds that came out of your DX7, Oberheim, or Prophet 5! Enjoy the moment "



Stuart