TAXI.com

Need some help figuring out why this was returned.

Track: https://soundcloud.com/hummingbirddraft/burnt-toast

Feedback on Return from #261: "Some fun ideas and sound but the piece could do a little more to be compelling enough to stand out for this listing I believe."

QUIRKY, DRAMEDY-Style INSTRUMENTAL CUES are needed by a big Production Company's NON-Exclusive, In-House Music Library for placements in a variety of Hit Reality TV Shows they produce. They're looking for Mid-to-Up-Tempo Cues that you could hear on shows like, (but not limited to): Long Island Medium, The Little Couple, Leah Remini: It's All Relative, etc., etc., etc. Please listen to the following references to get an idea of what they need for this pitch: "Long Island Medium" (:03 to :15): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_JBdrFhK7qs "The Little Couple" (0:27-1:42): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RSnuEbcaOY0 Leah Remini: It's All Relative (0:29 – 1:09): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C_RvJqA4pl8 Give them fun, lighthearted, bouncy Instrumental Cues that could work for silly, funny, or sneaky scenes in a reality television series. Instrumentation that could work well for this pitch includes (but not limited to): Pizzicato Strings, Glockenspiel, Marimba, Xylophone, Tympani, Oboe, Clarinet, Whistles, etc. Your Cue should have an optimistic melodic theme throughout, with Instrumentation layered in and out as it progresses to create dynamics and interest. You’d be smart to avoid submitting anything that’s frenetic or overly busy for this pitch, as it could distract from a scene’s dialog. All Instrumentals should be at least 2 minutes in length. Easy edit points and non-faded, buttoned/ stinger endings are strongly recommended. Please do NOT copy or rip off the referenced artists or their music in any way, shape, or form. Use them only as a general guide for tempo, texture, tone, and overall vibe. Broadcast quality is needed (great sounding home recordings are fine). This company offers a NON-EXCLUSIVE, 50/50 deal. You’ll split any applicable sync fees 50/50. You’ll get 100% of the Master rights and Writer’s share, and the Library will get 100% of the Publishing for any placements they generate. You must own or control your Master and Copyright to submit for this opportunity. Please submit one to three Instrumentals online or per CD. All submissions will be screened on a Yes/No basis by a TAXI screener handpicked by the Publisher - No full critiques. Submissions must be received no later than 11:59PM (PST), on Sunday, February 12th, 2017. TAXI #Y170212QD

Hey Vikki

Dramedy isn't a genre I'm particularly familiar with, so all I can offer is what I hear between the references and your track (which I'm enjoying!)

I think you've got the right kind of syncopation going on; but I think the references are a bit more up-tempo. I think it could probably do with a bit more variation in the main percussion part. Also, this feels a little "tribal" to me, which I'm enjoying but seems a little out of step with the references (but like I say - not really my genre).

I think the references also have a more obvious melodic line. Your melody has a lot of space in it by comparison, which I assume is about leaving room for dialogue.

I feel like the references have a bit more going on in the upper frequencies, too, which makes them sound a bit brighter. I imagine you've done this with dialogue in mind, too.

I hope that's useful, for what it's worth!
Matt

Hi Vikki
This sounds much more like it's in the comedy genre than dramedy. Dramedy cues tend to have pizzicato string based melody lines backed by the other sounds. This is mainly percussion and whistling. It would be good for comedy but not dramedy IMHO.

HTH!!
Casey

Yep. comedy and quirky come to mind but not dramedy. Will fit a future listing perfectly!

Agree with other comments; I hear a bit of 'mischief' in there, too.
Hope that helps.

The rhythm never seems to change, neither does the tempo. It's like a comedian telling a joke and never pausing for the punch line.

Here's what I was looking for, it's called "comedic timing"
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Comic_timing

Thanks for the feedback everyone. Sounds like it was off target. I have it in for another listing that might suit it better... will see what the results are!

Cheers,
H

Hey Vicki, everyone already nailed the main reason, so I won't rehash it (though I completely agree with them). One thing that may help you is to study this particular style by listening to composers who are brilliant at it. I learned everything I could about dramedy music by listening to a SoundCloud set by Russell Bell 3 or 4 years ago. I streamed it everywhere... the car, at the gym, in my house, etc, until I lived and breathed dramedy. It may help you too. Here it is: https://soundcloud.com/russellbell/sets ... dy-project

There's also some great easy-to-find dramedy stuff on SoundCloud by many of your fellow Taxi friends. Just search a handful of the big names and you'll probably find a dramedy set that'll surely have some good study material.

It's an easy style to miss if you don't know all the in's & out's, but once you get it figured out (pizzicato strings are the obvious first step), you'll be well on your way to nailing forwards in this genre.

~~Matt

Vikki, I didn't hear a lot of development in your piece.
That would be my two cents...


Henry

Dean's tracks from his book (Demystifying the Genre) are available on Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/all-screen-music

I found these extremely helpful!

Cheers,
Matt