Ambient underscore returns.... hmmm

[daveydad]

Trying to learn from these returns but am not quite seeing what the screener means... thoughts?

https://soundcloud.com/davidhollandsworth/fluid "Could have better top line tones. Could be more emotionally compelling."

https://soundcloud.com/davidhollandsworth/liquid-air "Could be a better tone meld in general and more engaging overall."

AMBIENT SOUNDSCAPE UNDERSCORE INSTRUMENTAL CUES (in various moods) are needed by a Music Library that’s landing lots of placements in a bunch of TV shows. Give them emotionally compelling and engaging Underscore Instrumental Cues that are in the general musical range of what you’d hear from composers/acts like Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross, Explosions In The Sky, Mogawi, etc., etc., etc. Take a listen to the following references to get an idea of what they’re looking for: “Technically, Missing” by Trent Reznor & Atticus Ross: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ocx2wwxHQFE “Waking Up” by Explosions In The Sky: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kMCHzUPIkQc “Jaguar” by Mogwai: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EIxgn_-lmlo Provide them with simple but lush soundscapes with great sonic textures and emotionally compelling “vibe.” We suggest you stick to a singular mood throughout the entire Cue so your submission is cohesive from start to finish. Moods can range from wondrous and mysterious to peaceful and calming, to darkly foreboding. Keep it simple so your Cue won’t distract from a scene’s dialog. Just remember the KISS writing method, “Keep it simple, stupid”! All submissions can be anywhere from :60 Seconds to 2 minutes in length. Non-faded endings with a natural decay/ring out are recommended. Do NOT copy or rip off the referenced music in any way, shape, or form. Use them only as a guide for texture, tone, and vibe. Broadcast Quality is needed (Great sounding home recordings are fine). This Company offers an EXCLUSIVE agreement with a 50/50 split. The specific terms of this agreement will be determined directly between you and the Library. Because this is an Exclusive deal, please submit music for this pitch that is not already signed to any other Libraries or Publishers. You must own or control your Copyright and Master recording. All submissions will be screened on a Yes/No basis. No full critiques. Please submit 1-3 Versions online or per CD no later than 11:59pm (PDT), on Tuesday, August 9th, 2016. TAXI #D160809AI

[Paulie]

I'm with you my friend. Wondering if anyone got a forward for this one. I got two returns...

https://soundcloud.com/paulcroteau/equanimity
"Nice ideas but could be more sonically cohesive at the bottom end."

https://soundcloud.com/paulcroteau/converged
"Good opening sequence but some of the top line tones could be better I believe."

[Paulie]

Vagueness like this is why we need some basic musical training or at a minimum a standard vocabulary for the screeners to work with. Does "top line tones" mean a more prevalent melodic motif, or is the screener referring to the type or timbre of the lead patches themselves?

Does "sonically cohesive" refer to a mixing situation with overlapping frequencies, or is it an ask for melodic or pattern movement from a bass patch?

I actually emailed the head screener on this listing. NOT asking for a forward, but asking for a better understanding of my feedback, whether or not the A La or the listing text is more important, and whether or not the screener listened to the A La's. (some have admitted to not listening to A La's if they know the artist or genre). RED FLAG for me.

I hope to hear back, good feedback is so helpful. Vague feedback makes me want to stop submitting.

[daveydad]

Glad you wrote the head screener cuz I'd sure like to know, too!

[artturner]

Similar feedback on my 2 returns...elements in one needed to be more "sonically focused" and the other cue was "not quite cohesive and compelling enough." On the plus side, there were positive comments on my piano playing .

[WeWillWriteUaSong]

It seems like there were 0 forwards for this listing. Don't see any on the forwards page.

[daveydad]

It was a Dispatch listing which, unfortunately, don't show up on the forwards blog.

[WeWillWriteUaSong]

Ah ok. Makes sense. I didn't post for this one but was curious..thanks

[markhimley]

I also got a return for this one, I was also a little disappointed with the comments.. I don't really understand.

"Like the style but the piece could have a more solid emotional focus for a listing like this one I believe. Interesting work though!"


my cue:

www.soundcloud.com/markhimley/what-have-we-done

[SteinThorSoundtracks]

what is the forwards blog/page?