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We'd appreciate any feedback on this piano and string-based cue. Does it work for sync? Do the edit points and ending work? Does the name fit the feeling of the cue? We're thinking of calling it "Oh Those Times" instead. Is that better? Our intention is to evoke a nostalgic feeling. Does that succeed? Thanks! === Sharon & Michael ===

https://s.disco.ac/nbxmgchbhyep

Hi there, I think the cue is on a good way. My 2 major issues are not the title, ending or editpoints but no1 the harmonic change at 9 sec (it comes also at 31 sec and so on) is kinda weird for this type of cue. No 2 the strings programming and sound is too Midi! Nowadays the bar for strings programming is massively high. Watch tutorials from Marc Jovani on YT! He’s the master good luck

melodea wrote: ↑

Thu Sep 22, 2022 8:38 am

Hi there, I think the cue is on a good way. My 2 major issues are not the title, ending or edit points but no1 the harmonic change at 9 sec (it comes also at 31 sec and so on) is kinda weird for this type of cue. No 2 the strings programming and sound is too Midi! Nowadays the bar for strings programming is massively high. Watch tutorials from Marc Jovani on YT! He’s the master good luck

Thank you, melodea! We will work on the points you mention. === Michael & Sharon ===

Thank you, Graham. We really appreciate your time, attention and effort both to listen and to comment. We wouldn't put these things up if we didn't want to improve, and that's not going to happen unless we get constructive criticism. === Michael & Sharon ===

I get a rather disjointed feel from the whole thing , it's almost like 3 AI's in 3 separate virtual studios came up with something that was almost but entirely in the same key and mixed them together.

Graham has given some sage advice which I would echo, it feels like you've been at this quite a while now and you always accept feedback very graciously but I would hope for greater improvement from you at this stage.

Something in your process must not be right as you seem to keep trying over and over but with similar end results which I generally feel are not library ready or broadcast quality. In my work life I spent some years troubleshooting and rewriting company processes for a 100+ employee business. One of the techniques I learned was the 5 whys ( Google it ) which is a way to uncover root causes of faulty processes.

I suggest giving it a try ( it's free after all ..and can be quite revealing ) and see if you can get to the root of why the tracks are coming out the way they are because unless you understand why you can never do anything to remedy it.

Mark

cosmicdolphin wrote: ↑

Thu Sep 22, 2022 4:28 pm

One of the techniques I learned was the 5 whys ...

Thank you for all this, Mark. I actually just happened across a video that demonstrated the five whys. Trying to remember where that was on youtube ...

=== Michael ===

irthlingz wrote: ↑

Thu Sep 22, 2022 6:38 pm

cosmicdolphin wrote: ↑

Thu Sep 22, 2022 4:28 pm

One of the techniques I learned was the 5 whys ...

Thank you for all this, Mark. I actually just happened across a video that demonstrated the five whys. Trying to remember where that was on youtube ...

=== Michael ===

There's probably tons of them floating around, but all you really need to do write down the issue and ask why around 5 times to get to the root cause.

Hey Michael
You know everything I say is in good spirit. Sometimes it's best to take stock of what you are good at and what you're not, and while old dogs can learn new tricks, some people have a knack for certain things, others just don't.

For example, while I know my way around Cubase for the things I need, I know my ear sucks for pitch, mixes, etc. When I mess with plug-ins, I look at all the controls and both my eyes and ears glaze over. I can barely tell if a virtual instrument sounds realistic (unless it's really bad then I know). I understand how EQ works but ask me if I can discern when I've "carved out space" for something, and you'll get a blank stare. I've autotuned my own vocals, and tuned a word to the wrong note, and didn't realize it. I've heard mixes that I thought sounded great and others will point out that the instruments aren't really in time with each other. And so on. As they say, it's not the gear it's the ear. When you can't hear for yourself what's wrong with a mix, you can't get it right.

But I am good at lyrics and song construction, what is a hook, etc. And also, networking with others for collaboration.

Are you interested in getting back to writing songs as I know you have talent for that? Ignore this if not... Write a song, keep the lyrics fairly universal for Film/TV. Use Robin Frederick's books as a guide for hook and lyrics. Record ONLY a quick, non-produced, guitar or piano and vocal. An iPhone recording is fine. Keep your hands off those dials! If you get a song that has potential, I think you'll find collaborators who will do the production side (No promises, of course). You might have to pay for a vocalist, if you and your collaborator can't sing it well.

Have a great weekend.

Best,
Casey

Casey H wrote: ↑

Sat Sep 24, 2022 6:13 am

You know everything I say is in good spirit.

I like that about you!

Casey H wrote: ↑

Sat Sep 24, 2022 6:13 am

Are you interested in getting back to writing songs as I know you have talent for that?

We have totally absolutely not stopped writing songs!

Casey H wrote: ↑

Sat Sep 24, 2022 6:13 am

Write a song, keep the lyrics fairly universal for Film/TV. Use Robin Frederick's books as a guide for hook and lyrics. Record ONLY a quick, non-produced, guitar or piano and vocal. An iPhone recording is fine. Keep your hands off those dials! If you get a song that has potential, I think you'll find collaborators who will do the production side (No promises, of course). You might have to pay for a vocalist, if you and your collaborator can't sing it well.

Yes, yes, yes and yes. (Did I mention yes?)

Casey H wrote: ↑

Sat Sep 24, 2022 6:13 am

Have a great weekend.

And yourself as well. BTW, hope to see you at the Road Rally! Both Sharon and I are planning to be there.

=== Michael ===