TAXI.com

I took a whack at a hip-hop dramedy cue. On my first draft, I can already hear some things that need tweaking but wondering what the community thinks. Thanks in advance!

My track:
https://www.taxi.com/members/N5SOUeh_Qe ... 1st-draft-



Here is the listing:
A BUNCH of HIP-HOP DRAMEDY INSTRUMENTALS and/or INSTRUMENTAL CUES are needed by an International Music Library with a great track record of placements!

This Library is searching high and low for lots and lots Mid-to-Up-Tempo Instrumentals (or Cues) that could fit on a playlist with the following references:

Real Housewives of Atlanta (from 1:25 to 2:08)

Vanderpump Rules (from 4:21 - 5:00)

Family Karma Highlights (from 2:38 to 3:00)

Send them well-composed Hip-Hop Dramedy Instrumentals (or Cues) that could be heard in the background of quirky and lightly dramatic scenes in shows like The Kardashians or The Real Housewives. Your submissions should have playful pizzicato motifs paired with slick Hip-Hop-style beats and sounds. Additional instrumentation will work, as well. Craft your pieces around a central motif and layer instrumentation in and out to create a sense of dynamics, interest, and forward motion. Your production and any virtual instruments or samples you use need to be high-quality and state-of-the-art.

TAXI TIP: There is room to get creative with this pitch since this Library is looking for a fresh, new take on Dramedy. Think of changing up the cadences, beats, instrumentation, etc., to help give your pieces an added edge.

Your submissions should be roughly 90 Seconds long for Cues, and about 2 to 4 minutes long for Instrumentals, give or take. Non-faded, buttoned/stinger endings will work best. Do NOT copy the referenced music in any way, shape, or form. Use it only as a general guide for tempo, texture, tone, and overall vibe. Do not submit any material with unauthorized samples of other artists’ Songs, sounds, or any other form of media. Broadcast Quality is needed.

Hey Brian, this isn't my area of expertise, but I'd say for a first draft you're off to a great start! Lots of nice melodic elements and rhythms going on and good edit points. Keep tweaking the mix, some of the percussion seems a bit loud at times. Best of luck with it! Doug

Lots of good stuff in here. I think it gets too busy, too soon. I'm also getting a strong Halloween vibe instead of a quirky dramedy vibe.

Hip Hop is largely focused around the drums, the kick drum is too low in the mix to me. The snare needs to be replaced, it is not right/current for the genre. Cymatics is an excellent source for current sounding drums. The cymbal swells are a little loud, as is the low marimba.

Another thing to consider is the instrumentation and melody during each phrase. Make sure that there is one instrument that is the primary focus at any time. Sometimes there are two instruments fighting for attention, for example, at 1:44, what is the lead voice, the marimba or the strings? My ear leans to the strings, but they are overpowered by the marimba.

I think you are close, you have all of the elements you need for a solid track. Just need to revisit the orchestration and mix.

Paulie wrote: ↑

Wed Oct 26, 2022 8:29 am

Lots of good stuff in here. I think it gets too busy, too soon. I'm also getting a strong Halloween vibe instead of a quirky dramedy vibe.

Hip Hop is largely focused around the drums, the kick drum is too low in the mix to me. The snare needs to be replaced, it is not right/current for the genre. Cymatics is an excellent source for current sounding drums. The cymbal swells are a little loud, as is the low marimba.

Another thing to consider is the instrumentation and melody during each phrase. Make sure that there is one instrument that is the primary focus at any time. Sometimes there are two instruments fighting for attention, for example, at 1:44, what is the lead voice, the marimba or the strings? My ear leans to the strings, but they are overpowered by the marimba.

I think you are close, you have all of the elements you need for a solid track. Just need to revisit the orchestration and mix.

This is really insightful. Thanks. I didn't notice the Halloween vibe but now that you've pointed it out, its all I hear. Thanks!

I really liked all the polyphony and for me as an avid music lover it's a treat. But I can also understand what Paulie is saying. For the purpose of being behind dialogue it's probably too busy.