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When I composed my first instrumental album in 2004/2005 I was playing with Middle Eastern influences. Although what I ended up composing was surprisingly simplistic, it was clearly inspired by the "Gladiator" soundtrack and Peter Gabriel's work for "Passion." And here we are, almost twenty years later, and I REALLY want to nail this demo. The listing:


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Lots of ACTION/DRAMA INSTRUMENTALS with MIDDLE-EASTERN FLAVOR are needed by a leading Music Licensing Company with an excellent track record of placements outside of the U.S. market. This Company is distributed internationally by Multiple World-Class Publishers that work with shows that air virtually everywhere in the world.

Notable: TAXI members are continually reporting tons of placements through this company!

TAXI Tip: If you nail this pitch and land in this company's catalog, you might not have a lot of competition (in the catalog) when supervisors and editors are searching for this genre. This is a great chance to be a standout in a potentially under-populated genre. Zig when everybody else zags.

This Company is looking for a wide range of Instrumentals in the general stylistic ballpark of the references below:

"Bayek of Siwa" by Sarah Schachner

"Bastet Music Theme" by Sebastien Angel

"Son of Sheikh" by Gilad Benamram

NOTE: We think this Company would be open to Instrumentals with some Middle Eastern-flavored vocal FX, as long as they do not dominate or overpower the track. They are definitely NOT required though, and please do NOT submit full vocal Songs for this opportunity.

Please submit original Instrumentals with a powerful, dramatic, or exciting arrangements that feature authentic-sounding instrumentation and motifs from the Middle East! Your submissions should have captivating compositions, engaging rhythms, culturally rich melodies, and solid arrangements with lots of forward development and building dynamics that create interest throughout. Instrumentation in the general stylistic wheelhouse of the references will work best. Some potential instruments to feature are Oud, Ney, Darbuka, Qanun, Riq, etc. Please make sure that any virtual instruments or samples you use are high-quality and very realistic sounding.

TAXI Tip: Playing some of the instruments/overdubs "by-hand" could create a less MIDI-driven and more "human" feel, adding to your track's authenticity factor.

Your submissions should be around 3-4 minutes in length, give or take, and definitely no shorter than 2 minutes and 30 seconds. Non-faded, buttoned/stinger endings will work best. Do NOT copy the references in any way, shape, or form. Use them only as a general guide for tempo, tone, and overall vibe. Do NOT submit any material with unauthorized samples of any other artists’ music, sounds, or any other form of media. Broadcast Quality is needed.

AI ALERT: This company does not accept or sign music that has been melodically composed using generative AI, nor does it accept backing tracks or full instrumental tracks created with AI.

This Company offers an EXCLUSIVE deal, so please be sure the music you pitch for this opportunity is NOT already signed with other Companies or Catalogs. Specific deal points will be handled directly between you and the Company. You must own or control your Master and Copyright to submit. Please submit as many Instrumentals as you'd like, online or per CD. All submissions will be screened by TAXI. Submissions must be received no later than 11:59 PM (PST) on Saturday, February 1st, 2025. TAXI Dispatch # D250201DD


My demo as of today:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/15jYyvh ... sp=sharing


Please beat me up as necessary! I really want to turn this into a FORWARD. Thanks for your time!

Nice sound and very evocative!

The first things that jumped out at me were the synth sounds at 58s, 1:34, and 3:05 that are quite prominent and sound out of character to me. Perhaps you might consider losing those and maybe trying other sounds that are more consistent with the rest of the soundscape.

The main thing for me though is that the listing asks for "Lots of forward development and building dynamics that create interest throughout", and I can hear that in the ref tracks. By comparison, this track has a gentle lift but then continues at a similar level until it sits back towards the end. By the time we're half way through it feels like we've heard it all and it isn't going anywhere else. Therefore, my suggestion would be to study all the refs closely, noting how they build, subside and rebuild, and how they incorporate dynamics to maintain interest. If you can tweak your arrangement to achieve that I think it will definitely strengthen your already good submission. Best of luck!

Thanks telefunkin, I'm definitely going to apply your recommendations.

Hello Douglas - and 'Howdy" from a lurker in the TAXI TV chat and these forums,
while now listening to the track... just for fun.
First time hearing one of your productions - sounds solid and interesting;
but will leave the listing critique to more competent ears for this genre.
Cheers from The Peanut Gallery;
Peter

Some of the samples are really great, Douglas—especially the oud and the vocals, which stand out beautifully. However, I feel like it takes a bit too long to establish the Middle Eastern vibe. Maybe bringing in those elements earlier could enhance the overall impact.

AlonMarcus wrote: ↑

Wed Jan 29, 2025 11:41 am

Some of the samples are really great, Douglas—especially the oud and the vocals, which stand out beautifully. However, I feel like it takes a bit too long to establish the Middle Eastern vibe. Maybe bringing in those elements earlier could enhance the overall impact.

Thanks! I appreciate that and will apply your suggestions.

funsongs wrote: ↑

Tue Jan 28, 2025 1:40 pm

Cheers from The Peanut Gallery

Thanks Peter!

I think I'm closer friends, still a couple days to deadline. Any feedback appreciated!

1/31 - Now with edit points:
https://1drv.ms/u/c/a71b8fb4a16c77b5/EU ... Q?e=OQ2O0i

AlonMarcus wrote: ↑

Wed Jan 29, 2025 11:41 am

I feel like it takes a bit too long to establish the Middle Eastern vibe. Maybe bringing in those elements earlier could enhance the overall impact.

You got that right! Looking for your feedback forever moving forward.

From the screener:

"What I like most about this song
I like the Arabic violin and how it sets up the theme and feel of the piece."