TAXI.com

Hey gang,
Question: I have a number of strong basic tracks for vocal songs that I have submitted to TAXI listings. However, for the listings that ask specifically asking for instrumentals (not necessarily cues but cues could be appropriate as well) is it smart to play a melody similar to the vocal melody that I used for the vocal song? Or, is it better to approach the instrumental more like a cue and do a simpler/different melody? Also, is it best to use one of the instruments (like guitar or keyboard/piano) I've used in the basic tracks for the instrumental melody or is it preferable to introduce a new instrument/sound to play a different melody?

I suspect there is no one answer to this but it would be helpful to hear what some of you folks are doing and have had success with.
Thanks much.

Yes, always have a melody on top of the arrangement, as it helps selling your track. After all, if the track gets signed, the library will ask for an alt mix without melody

ShakeyDave wrote: ↑

Mon Aug 31, 2020 3:43 pm

is it smart to play a melody similar to the vocal melody that I used for the vocal song?

I think the smartest thing to do is if it's written as a song keep it as a song and only pitch it to vocal opportunities ( unless you only ever plan to use it Non-Exclusively )

For instrumental listings I would just write new cues - the format is somewhat different anyway, but yes write some sort of melody- but less so than you would in a typical vocal track.

I know it's tempting to submit to as many things as you can , but songs are a more valuable commodity in sync licensing than cues. Songs take a lot more work, they're longer , you gotta write lyrics, record vocals etc. You could end up in a situation where you've signed the rights of a decent song away because someone gave you a deal on the instrumental...instead of signing it to a Library as a vocal song that can earn you more in sync fees and royalties down the line.

Mark

Excellent advice...thanks much.