TAXI.com

Posted: **Thu Dec 22, 2016 11:42 am**

After reviewing the references for this listing, all 3 references are quite different in mood and style of orchestration. The listing does not explain what mood they are looking for, and if they are looking for String-only instrumentals, or instruments with Strings and percussive elements? It seems like this can go in any which way. Anyone have an idea on what to focus on, or is it a call to Taxi to clarify it? Thanks.

Here's the listing:

New Listing STRING-BASED, ORCHESTRAL INSTRUMENTAL CUES are needed for a direct placement to specific TV Show through this giant Media Company’s own In-House Music Library (that pays a $250 upfront fee). They’re looking for Cues in All Tempos that are in the stylistic range of the references below:

“Humming” by Portishead:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fzm1DY3hJL8

“Until the Morning” by Thievery Corporation:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gvlNy8CdlIY

“All of the Lights” by Kanye West (String Quartet Cover):
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I2a1KjfbGt0

Although some of the references have vocals, this request is for instrumentals only.
Please submit instrumental Cues that sound have convincing string samples that sound like the real thing. Build your Cue around a central melodic theme, while layering instruments in and out as your Cue progresses to add dynamics and keep your Cue from sounding repetitive. Avoid using any MIDI-driven instruments that sound stiff or unnatural, as well as playing anything that’s overly busy or frenetic, as that could distract from a scene’s dialog.

All submissions should be approximately 90 seconds in length, and have a buttoned/stinger ending. Please do NOT copy or rip off the referenced music in any way, shape, or form. Use it only as a general guide for the tone, texture, and vibe. Broadcast Quality is needed (great sounding home recordings are fine).

This Exclusive, In-House Library will pay an initial buyout fee of $250 for 100% of the Composition and Master rights. On top of the per song fee, you will also keep 100% of the Writer’s share of the publishing and make applicable performance income. This Library offers an EXCLUSIVE deal, so the music you submit for this pitch CANNOT be signed with any other publishers or catalogs. Please submit 1-3 Instrumental Cues Online or per CD. All submissions will be screened and critiqued by TAXI and must be received no later than 11:59PM (PDT), on Tuesday, January 17th, 2017.TAXI #S170117OI

Posted: **Tue Jan 03, 2017 7:35 am**

Probably if you call to Taxi they will not say direct answer whether to include percussions or not, or otherwise they should have stated it on the listing also. In Taxi TV Michael commented that reference tracks are to give ideas what the music could be and to be specific to demonstrate the variety of spectrum what it could be.

In my opinion the message behind in these type of listing is that composer is able to enjoy some room for creativity as long as strings are the main element of the composition.

I've submitted music quite far from the reference tracks and still got forwarded as long as the mood and genre in general matches the requirement.

Posted: **Tue Jan 10, 2017 12:08 am**

I have been puzzling over this one too. None of the references are "string based orchestral."

Posted: **Thu Jan 12, 2017 3:23 am**

artturner wrote:I have been puzzling over this one too. None of the references are "string based orchestral."

I agree. I puzzled over this one too. I managed to find a common trait among the three references but 'orchestral' definitely is not the right word.

Greetings from a new TAXi member from Italy.

Alessandro

Posted: **Mon Jan 16, 2017 5:02 am**

Hi People. yes i have found myself at the wrong end of a screener by solely following the you tube vids over the text on more than one occasion and tbh still struggle with the ways you can interpret various wording..

Iam going to try and submit 6 pieces to this one 4 string only and 2 string/ piano where both piano and strings are dominant to test the water

below is a link to my taxi music files (hopefully that works, please let me know if it doesnt or how to correct it)

http://www.taxi.com/alasdairdodds

tracks i will submit are:

"Losing control"
"Falling Down"
"A Treasure hunt"
"Remembering You"
"Soaring high"
"Moments"

I will also test strictness on time allowance as 2 tracks are just over 2 mins and 1 track is about 60 secs.

I will look to share teh feedback so we can all learn and i can get further opinions on what i need to do from you lovely people

Posted: **Wed Jan 18, 2017 2:44 am**

In the end I have thought that all these references, besides the wording in the brief, shared a sad, reflective mood and a kind of hip-hop or chill-out groove. These were the common traits I have tried and put in my submission.

A question from a rookie like me: do you often submit more than one song per listing?

TAXI.com

Listing #S170117OI STRING-BASED, ORCHESTRAL INSTRUMENTAL CUES

Listing #S170117OI STRING-BASED, ORCHESTRAL INSTRUMENTAL CUES

Re: Listing #S170117OI STRING-BASED, ORCHESTRAL INSTRUMENTAL CUES

Re: Listing #S170117OI STRING-BASED, ORCHESTRAL INSTRUMENTAL CUES

Re: Listing #S170117OI STRING-BASED, ORCHESTRAL INSTRUMENTAL CUES

Re: Listing #S170117OI STRING-BASED, ORCHESTRAL INSTRUMENTAL CUES

Re: Listing #S170117OI STRING-BASED, ORCHESTRAL INSTRUMENTAL CUES