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Comedy/Novelty - definition of "Novelty"?

Posted: Sat Jul 07, 2007 7:57 am
by davewalton
Hi,Regarding the Dispatch that starts like this:The Owner of a new Music Library needs a wide range of COMEDY/NOVELTY INSTRUMENTALS (no vocals) for use in film/TV/commercials, etc. Two questions:1. Is "novelty" necessarily related to "comedy" or can a "novelty" track be just something unique and not necessarily comical or comic-like?2. Regarding comedy music, I wrote this track as a "tongue-in-cheek" parody of something "urban" for a scene in a film where two "loser" characters are fumbling around "in the sack". My thought when I wrote it was that the characters didn't have any redeeming values so I didn't want the music to have any redeeming values either. Since I have NO knowlege of the real urban genre, this isn't something that anyone would take seriously is it? Since I wrote it as a parody, you're not going to hurt my feelings by saying "This is so awful it's definitely comedic". It sure made the scene pretty silly. www.DaveWaltonMusic.com/MyMusic/InTheSack.mp3Thanks for any opinions,Dave

Re: Comedy/Novelty - definition of "Novelty"?

Posted: Sat Jul 07, 2007 8:49 am
by matto
Generally I think novelty is not synonymous with "unique", it implies some kind of "quirky" or "strange" element, at least in library music.As far as the piece you posted, I think this is a good example of a cue that needs the accompaning film footage to come across as comedic. By itself it's not really "comedy" enough for a listing like this IMHO. The comedy stuff I've had success with has been pretty over the top, and I think it would be a good idea to submit something really obviously funny to get your foot in the door with this opp.matto

Re: Comedy/Novelty - definition of "Novelty"?

Posted: Sat Jul 07, 2007 11:15 am
by sgs4u
Does the first half of this qualify as funny , or just lo-fi only? Or could it be a waste of $5? OohlalaBand stevethe listing - The Owner of a new Music Library needs a wide range of COMEDY/NOVELTY INSTRUMENTALS (no vocals) for use in film/TV/commercials, etc. This production music veteran signed dozens of TAXI writers to his previous company, and wants to repeat that same type of success with this new venture. This company will offer a standard exclusive deal where they will control the publishing rights of the songs they sign, the writer keeps the writer’s share of the royalties, and the license fees are split between the company and the writer. Great performances are essential. He needs to start receiving material ASAP, hence he asked us to run this as a Dispatch listing. Broadcast quality needed [excellent-sounding home recordings are OK]. Please submit one to three songs online or per CD. All submissions will be screened on a YES/NO BASIS ONLY - NO CRITIQUES FROM TAXI. For ground submissions, please enclose a S.A.S.E. if you would like a response. As always, we will notify everyone via e-mail, whether your submissions have been Forwarded or Returned. Submissions must be received no later than 4:00 pm Pacific Daylight Time (California time), Tuesday, July 10, 2007. TAXI # D070710CN

Re: Comedy/Novelty - definition of "Novelty"?

Posted: Sat Jul 07, 2007 12:42 pm
by mazz
Steve,I can't comment on the sound quality, I'm on laptop right now.I like the first half. I remember this from another listing, circus maybe? I'd submit the first half, IMO it cries out NOVELTY! Dave, I have to agree with matto on this piece. If I saw the scene I'm sure it's funny but it's not funny music in and of itself. Maybe your local softcore porn producer could use it! Mazz

Re: Comedy/Novelty - definition of "Novelty"?

Posted: Sat Jul 07, 2007 12:59 pm
by crs7string
Steve,I like the second half, it's a little more subtle. This type of listing is an interesting one. There seems to be a fine line between comedy/novelty and just plain "corny as hell". ( that's not a comment on your work, it's a comment on mine) I think about great themes like the theme from "Seinfeld" but then there is Andy Griffith and I Love Lucy. I find it a little challenging to just get a sense of direction on this type of listing.Chuck

Re: Comedy/Novelty - definition of "Novelty"?

Posted: Sun Jul 08, 2007 6:26 am
by oneeyewillie
Geeeze DaveI had the volume turned up and boom!...Bloody well almost made me drop my tea...Verry well done though I think the listin` wants ha ha funny...ye kin...Ouch my ears...

Re: Comedy/Novelty - definition of "Novelty"?

Posted: Tue Jul 10, 2007 11:27 am
by mazz
With 30 minutes to spare for the deadline I whacked together "The Approximate Clock", my novelty piece in 11/4 with a B section in 4/4. Sort of in the vein of my circus submission some time ago (Two Left Feet Waltz).http://www.johnmazzei.com/song/0I have no idea after writing and mixing to the 11th hour. Enjoy. Mazz

Re: Comedy/Novelty - definition of "Novelty"?

Posted: Tue Jul 10, 2007 9:03 pm
by hummingbird
Quote:With 30 minutes to spare for the deadline I whacked together "The Approximate Clock", my novelty piece in 11/4 with a B section in 4/4. Sort of in the vein of my circus submission some time ago (Two Left Feet Waltz).http://www.johnmazzei.com/song/0I have no idea after writing and mixing to the 11th hour. Enjoy. MazzMazz - I like this a lot!!! Good luck with it!Steve - I liked your oohlalaband. Lively & well produced.Dave - In the Sack -- very cool indeed. I don't know if it fits this listing, but I like it, especially that little bass riff that almost sounds like someone talking.I didn't get mine ready in time for the listing... but would love to know what you think of it...Martian Elementary Marching Band -- http://www.vikkiflawith.com/song/1

Re: Comedy/Novelty - definition of "Novelty"?

Posted: Sat Jul 21, 2007 9:44 pm
by sgs4u
ba da boom!My kids said I should change the title to "Baroomph." It worked. I got another forward. Time for a new pair of shoes!

Re: Comedy/Novelty - definition of "Novelty"?

Posted: Sun Jul 22, 2007 2:18 am
by Casey H
Quote:ba da boom!My kids said I should change the title to "Baroomph." It worked. I got another forward. Time for a new pair of shoes!Congrats on the forward... I was wondering if you were still alive... Hadn't seen you here for a long time... Was starting to wonder about you and Johnny Dean who also has been missing... Casey