Y111220MR Kings of Leon/Killers/Arctic Monkeys Question

[sperljam]

Hi everyone,

So I'm looking at this listing, Y111220MR:

MODERN/ALT ROCK SONGS and/or INSTRUMENTALS a la Kings of Leon, The Killers, Arctic Monkeys, etc., needed by a Licensing Agent that does clearance for DVDs. She is looking for songs they can pitch as possible replacement tracks for well-known songs. They're NOT looking for sound-alikes or covers! Original songs only! Your song must convey a single emotion, atmosphere, or energy that will underscore a scene.

I'm wondering what the difference is between "a la's" and sounds alikes? I have a track started that I could finish and submit for this... but now I'm not sure if I should. Make it sound like, but don't make it sound-alike? Help, please! Any advice would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks!!
Erik

[andygabrys]

from what I know:

a la = in the style of, but not a cover or rip-off of the reference tunes.

cover = a version of the referenced tune that has the same melody and lyrics, but sometimes done in a new style

sound-alike = a cover done in a way to be as close as possible to the original style and recording quality

[sperljam]

Thanks, Andy. That helps. So for the listing above, they'd want similar instrumentation and feel to the a la artists, but not blatantly re-writing sex on fire with a couple note changes in the guitar riffs?

[mattharveymusic]

I think that's pretty much what they're after. Using the instrumentation/production as a guide is fine, but generally in those "a la" listings they usually say to not rip off or copy the artists in any way. Better to come up with your own melodies/riffs/beats etc and do it in a way that fits their style rather than trying to rework what they've done as that's liable to lead to something too close.

[andygabrys]

Erik,

just came across this too. from the words of Michael Laskow:

http://forums.taxi.com/topic40750.html