SODA POP 30-30 RATING: 20
*Track sounds a bit thin and you give too much away at the onset of the track
*We hear the biggest part of your track in the intro
*When the drums come in we don't hear that much of a lift because we have heard the theme
*Your track seems very redundant; try changing or adding something new every four measures.
*Arrangement will make your music grow by leaps and bounds.
*Also be careful about using thin overly synthesized sounds in your tracks.
*Your mix needs to be a lot stronger as well. We don't hear the thickness and impact in your drums and since your track relies heavily on the drums, we need to hear unexpected sounding drums that really lift your track. The drums you use on this track are adequate but not special.
*In order for this track to be sellable, you have to come up with a stronger melody once the drums kick in and add much stronger drums
TWILIGHTS 30-30 RATING: 20
*I think think this track is missing a special quality that needs to be there.
*The synth progression gets tired and redundant very fast. A track like this needs breakdowns or change-ups early in the arrangement so listeners don't get tired of it fast.
*The music sounds a bit dated to us as well.
*The snare is tight and popping; the kick is where it needs to be, but the synth chord progression is very dated. This sound and progression needs to be revamped in order to rectify this track
ROC A WEAR 30-30 RATING: 25
*This track has a tight bounce to it and sounds like it has an infectious vibe to it
*Again arrangement will go a long way for you because this track also gets redundant fast
*Cutting this to 30 or 60 seconds is the key here
*Try adding a change or bridge to expand the potential of this track.
*Mix wise it sounds like it could be mixed a lot stronger
*I think if you put the right mix on this track it would be highly sellable!
*Nice job on this vibe Very strong idea, you just need to arrange it better
*Maybe start out without the drums
*But definitely mute the main sound in it for a while to give it a break, because without a rap on it, this track gets tired fast.
SOUL MAN 30-30 RATING: 15
*Try working on the mix of this track because it sounds distorted
*Also, the sounds in it are very synthesized and therefore the track feels fake to us
*When you use synth horns and play them in registers that they are not supposed to be played in, it sounds forced and loses authenticity
*Synth trumpets and horns are probably the least realistic sounds on keyboards. We like to stay away from them.
*You should also try to stay away from them in order to preserve your credibility and authenticity
*This track does not have much soul in it to be called Soul Man
*Trust your instincts and let your passion guide you; this will result in stronger musical ideas.
REGAL RMX 30-30 RATING: 20
*Nice set up musically and instrumentation wise, but just when this track builds up it fades out
*It never really gets started.
*There is a distortion present in your mix
*At 21 seconds you should be kicking in to your track with the beats or some drive or motivation; instead your track goes back down in intensity and fades out
*This track feels elegant and regal in the beginning and makes us feel like something big is coming.
*The cymbal crashes are distorted
*Take this track to the next level and don't think about creating the full track in 30 seconds yet. Just run with it and make a great track at any length.
COLDER 30-30 RATING 20
*Nice ideas overall; but a couple of things must be addressed in order to make this a sellable track.
*Need more realistic sounding drums to make this convincing.
*These drums sound a bit hollow even though the programming is pretty good.
*Guitars need to be mixed thicker in order to resonate; they sound synthetic, but maybe they aren't.
*Nice change ups from section to section; in order to make this track more sellable you need to make the drums much stronger; add more realistic drum fills and thicken up the guitars.
*The actual guitar progressions are good but the overall track doesn't sound authentic enough to compete.
JAMBA 30-30 RATING 25
*This track is a good rendition of Bob Marley, but it is distorted in areas which makes it NOT SELLABLE in its current form
*NIce creative drum fills
*Very good instrumentation; modern and carribean and authentic
*SELLABLE if mixed correctly
GOT GAME 30-30 RATING 27
*This track is tight from the beginning.
*Very good vibe begging for a rap
*To make this track sellable you have to take it to the next level and make it go somewhere
*Maybe add a steady dance kick underneath it to make it more versatile genre wise.
*Add a change-up to the track so it doesn't feel redundant
*This track sounds like it is dancing in one place and needs to move forward.
*Extend this track beyond the 1 bar loop and you will have a highly sellable track
*Great vibe!
RADIO AD 30-30 RATING 20
*This track sounds okay but it doesn't sound competitive with the radio and I don't see the commercial viability
*I think if you are going to have a library of party tracks you have to make tracks that are HOT 97 ready and competitive because advertisers buy what is on the radio
*If your songs sound like the radio, then you have a high sell-abilty factor
*Your mix could be much stronger overall and your sound choice should be better--too much synthesizer laser type sounds
*Think about what a popular rapper would rhyme on and that is what you should create for hip hop party tracks
*Do not dummy down your tracks for commercials
MJ TRIBUTE 30-30 RATING 22
*Good impression of ABC by the Jackson 5 but again your music sounds like it is on the border of being distorted
*The track sounds like it never full kicks into gear even when the drums come in
*You need a bassline somewhere in this track to get the groove going
*I like the way you made us feel like the JAckson 5 without infringing on the copyright
*Not a hard thing to do at all and you did a good job of it
*Pretty effective
*Sell-ability is low unless someone asks specifically of a Jackson 5 type song in which case the sell-ability would be much higher provided there was no distortion
*Mixes are very important!!!!
MADE IT 30-30 RATING 24
*The boldness of this track is good but the mix is unsteady and the instruments are tinny and synthy
*Watch out for the distortion in section
*The bounce is right but I'm not feeling like it is radio ready due to the thinness of the synth
*But it gets repetitive and it needs more sections to it
*Add more sections and stack the drums bigger and get an overall bigger bolder sound
*Make every hip hop track as if Jay-Z, TI, Snoop or Kanye is going to rhyme on it
*That's the kind of care you need to take and that's the kind of competition you are going to run up against in this industry
LUXURY 30-30 RATING 28
*We like this track a lot
*Very convincing; very well done
*Track is not wanting for anything
*The mix is on point and we think it is radio ready
*Sounds like different people composing different tracks in your catalogue because sometimes they are mixed well and produced well and other times they are lacking
*This track is highly sell-able and ready to go
MACY'S FOR LIFE 30-30 RATING 25
*Good energy and texture and vibe
*Very good; nice breakdowns
*Highly sell-able
*Nice mix; very punchy; whoever mixed this should continue mixing your tracks
*Consider a change-up in this track in order to give it some more versatility
*Be careful of getting redundant
VOLITION LUCKY STAR 30-30 RATING 22
*Good energy in the open even with the fake synth sounding guitars
*Once the verse kicks in and all the instruments have been dropped out , the track sounds weak
*You must get a real guitarist to compete in this business
Drums are cool but the pizzacato's sound thin and synthy
*Be careful with your sound selection overall
*Seems like your tracks can be a lot stronger with the right instrumentation
*Track is not sellable in the current state
*The techno synthesizers are reminiscent of Timbaland and therefore effective and commercially viable but the snare sounds fake and the guitars sound like they are triggered from a keyboard
*You have to step up your instrumentation to step up your sell-ability in this industry
*These are the facts: even if you have good ideas, the sonic quality of your tracks needs to be more authentic
Monday, November 23, 2009
PORTLIFE COMPOSER and AGENCY PRODUCER CATALOGUE CRITIQUES
MACY'S FOR LIFE 30-30 RATING:
RADIO AD 30-30 RATING:
SODAPOP 30-30 RATING:
JAMBA 30-30 RATING:
MJ TRIBUTE 30-30 RATING:
LUXURY 30-30 RATING:
COLDER 30-30 RATING:
GOT GAME 30-30 RATING:
REGAL RMX 30-30 RATING:
SOUL MAN 30-30 RATING:
TWILIGHTS 30-30 RATING:
ROC A WEAR 30-30 RATING
MADE IT 30-30 RATING:
SHOE COMMERCIAL 30-30 RATING:
RADIO AD 30-30 RATING:
SODAPOP 30-30 RATING:
JAMBA 30-30 RATING:
MJ TRIBUTE 30-30 RATING:
LUXURY 30-30 RATING:
COLDER 30-30 RATING:
GOT GAME 30-30 RATING:
REGAL RMX 30-30 RATING:
SOUL MAN 30-30 RATING:
TWILIGHTS 30-30 RATING:
ROC A WEAR 30-30 RATING
MADE IT 30-30 RATING:
SHOE COMMERCIAL 30-30 RATING:
AFROKEYS COMPOSER and AGENCY PRODUCER CATALOGUE CRITIQUES
ALL TRACKS are analyzed on SELL-ABILITY, WINNABILITY, MIX quality and given a 30-30 rating on whether it is a track that has high money earning potential and commercial VERSATILITY. (In other words, can this track be used for a lot of different types of commercials and formats. CRITIQUES BY: Composer Wendell H and agency producer Bob S
JUMP OFF MASTER 30-30 RATING 20
*Nice musical changes and textures
*However in the commercial world, a track like this would have a tough time getting licensed
if we are thinking about track versatility.
*The fact that the instrumentation is slightly smooth and jazzy makes people lump it into
a style of music more suited for the over forty smooth jazz crowd.
To make this track more sellable in commercials, you can do the following:
-strip down some of the instrumentation in section so that it is not full from beginning to end
-Add a jungle or big beat techno drum track to it
-Change the arrangement of the track so that it is not so repititious and predictable
-Get rid of the solo synth sound because that makes it a smooth jazz track in the eyes of the ad business where you have
people who feel a need to categorize everything
KANGOL 30-30 RATING 20
*Cool neo soul/Maxwell vibe
*Nice musicianship and live instrumentation
*Try to spread out your mix on this; it feels like it needs more space
*Very nice overall however again in terms of the commercial sellability this track would be hard to sell because of the jazz and solo style arrangement and repetition
*This track needs a breakdown to drums and bass or a new change-up in the vibe in order to help it in the 30 second world
*Jazz is not a popular form of music in commercials and when it is used, it is used in a very traditional almosgt overtly obvious way. This track is part jazz, part neo soul and sits in the middle. I like the vibe though but sell-ability is low especially for the fact that it is so crowded musically with instrumentation throughout
*Why does the amount of instrumentation matter? It makes it difficult to place voiceover on top of the track without the music fighting the dialogue
*Believe it or not, this make a difference...that is why I say to create a section where it is just drums and bass for a while or just guitar and no drums.
*Everything at once makes it difficult to arrange in 30 seconds effectively.
ORGANIC REFLECTIONS 3-30 RATING 25
*Very nice groove! Very well mixed music with very cool changes
*I like this a lot in terms of the mood and how it makes you feel. Very nice strings come in over top to give new life to the track
*You should create a 30 second or 60 second piece out of this track and cut together the best parts.
*Very nice drumming and stereo mix
*If arranged properly, this track could be sellable and viable for the right spot. I see a cool car spot.
*Try putting a sample voice on the track to give it some personality...not a vocalist! a sample vocal that you trigger here and there.
*Needs a very specific style commercial to be sold for commercials, but not impossible. People with good ears will gravitate to it!
*Very nice climax and resolve towards the end. Love it!
GRAVY 30-30 RATING 28
*Love the beginning edgy groove.
*Sounds very authentic; the mix is great
*Nice build! Great chord progressions! I can't wait as I listen to this track!
*High sell-ability on the right style spot.
*I am so disappointed that this track never took me to that mountain top!
*So much potential..you must finish this track immediately!!!!!!!!!!!
*You have to take it to another place and then come back. It's too great not to finish
31 POP 30-30 RATING 30
*Great changes in this music; love the unpredictability factor
*Great sonic textures throughout; keep doing what you do!
*Your change-up shows your musicianship and command of your sound; you're not confined to a loop and that is great!
*Love the chord changes and build up in this piece! Your theme and progression is terrific!!!!
*You need to cut this track to 30 and 60 seconds as well utilizing the best parts
BUMPNMIXED 30-30 RATING 20
*Interesting sound mixture here, but a little random in terms of purpose
*I don't see this track finding a quick home in the commercial world
*The theme of the track isn't compelling enough;don't get me wrong the track works as its own piece but I don't see a sell-ability value in it due to the dense instrumentation and high synth factor and hip hop drums.
*Maybe for a video game, but this would be a tough piece to sell
*To fix that, I would suggest coming up with a better main theme or musical hook to the track that is more special and less predictable or with less "DONE BEFORE" characteristics
*The mix also could use an adjustment; turn the drums up more and give some space. Your tracks can get cluttered a bit without the right spacing.
MEL 30-30 RATING 20
*Why does this track remind us of a Keisha Cole track?
*This track is arranged more to be a song or instrumental do to its repetitive nature and lack of changes
*Very cool nature but needs a vocal to add character; doesn't quite hold up well on its own for a commercial
*More of an underscore for a sexy spot.
*Don't see this for a commercial, but more for a long narrative; but very effective in that regard.
* Very well mixed and spaced out. I like it for what it is
*Sell-ability factor is low because it just stays in that groove and mood.
MINT-REDO 30-30 RATING 28
*Music is a great recording and a slow burn; very effective
*If cut into a 30 or 60 second piece this is sellable and very effective
*Great sounds! Great mix! Great vibe!
*Sounds authentic; love the ending
*Love this ERICK
Wendell Hanes QUOTE: There is a genuine commitment I hear in your music; that doesn't always come through in others. I can tell when people are faking it. You commit then you create! A beautiful thing.
JOURNEY PART THREE 30-30 RATING 30
*I love this track! You take your time and tease us and lure us in at just the right time.
*This piece is far too short for its magnitude and impact.
*It's innocence allowed to run free!!!!!!!! Great exposition of musicianship and focus. Your mastery comes through on this track!
*I don't know how you could take the paint brush off this track Erick. Why stop at the point that you stop?
*Keep it going; add new instruments; perhaps a change-up that leads back to an all out push towards the world opening up to you.
*This track has great potential! It's already great. It just needs more because it is THAT GOOD!
*High sell-ability!
Wendell Hanes QUOTE: "Patience is key, you do not rush us and draw us in gradually with grandeur and a humbleness that makes us want more every time
BREATHE 30-30 RATING 20
*Stars off Purple Rainish then finds its identity quickly.
*Very nice upright bass vibe
*Love the authentic sounds; great finger snaps
*Sell-ability with this track however is low because it stays locked in the same groove and the groove itself is abstract
*Vibes work well when they have a directive or motive.
*Vibes that are just vibes and force you to become part of its world or else don't work well in the ad industry
*If you are trying to sell on commercials, this is they type of track that needs more dynamics rather than a locked in vibe because it takes a long while to settle in to this track in order to feel the energy of its sound.
JUMP OFF MASTER 30-30 RATING 20
*Nice musical changes and textures
*However in the commercial world, a track like this would have a tough time getting licensed
if we are thinking about track versatility.
*The fact that the instrumentation is slightly smooth and jazzy makes people lump it into
a style of music more suited for the over forty smooth jazz crowd.
To make this track more sellable in commercials, you can do the following:
-strip down some of the instrumentation in section so that it is not full from beginning to end
-Add a jungle or big beat techno drum track to it
-Change the arrangement of the track so that it is not so repititious and predictable
-Get rid of the solo synth sound because that makes it a smooth jazz track in the eyes of the ad business where you have
people who feel a need to categorize everything
KANGOL 30-30 RATING 20
*Cool neo soul/Maxwell vibe
*Nice musicianship and live instrumentation
*Try to spread out your mix on this; it feels like it needs more space
*Very nice overall however again in terms of the commercial sellability this track would be hard to sell because of the jazz and solo style arrangement and repetition
*This track needs a breakdown to drums and bass or a new change-up in the vibe in order to help it in the 30 second world
*Jazz is not a popular form of music in commercials and when it is used, it is used in a very traditional almosgt overtly obvious way. This track is part jazz, part neo soul and sits in the middle. I like the vibe though but sell-ability is low especially for the fact that it is so crowded musically with instrumentation throughout
*Why does the amount of instrumentation matter? It makes it difficult to place voiceover on top of the track without the music fighting the dialogue
*Believe it or not, this make a difference...that is why I say to create a section where it is just drums and bass for a while or just guitar and no drums.
*Everything at once makes it difficult to arrange in 30 seconds effectively.
ORGANIC REFLECTIONS 3-30 RATING 25
*Very nice groove! Very well mixed music with very cool changes
*I like this a lot in terms of the mood and how it makes you feel. Very nice strings come in over top to give new life to the track
*You should create a 30 second or 60 second piece out of this track and cut together the best parts.
*Very nice drumming and stereo mix
*If arranged properly, this track could be sellable and viable for the right spot. I see a cool car spot.
*Try putting a sample voice on the track to give it some personality...not a vocalist! a sample vocal that you trigger here and there.
*Needs a very specific style commercial to be sold for commercials, but not impossible. People with good ears will gravitate to it!
*Very nice climax and resolve towards the end. Love it!
GRAVY 30-30 RATING 28
*Love the beginning edgy groove.
*Sounds very authentic; the mix is great
*Nice build! Great chord progressions! I can't wait as I listen to this track!
*High sell-ability on the right style spot.
*I am so disappointed that this track never took me to that mountain top!
*So much potential..you must finish this track immediately!!!!!!!!!!!
*You have to take it to another place and then come back. It's too great not to finish
31 POP 30-30 RATING 30
*Great changes in this music; love the unpredictability factor
*Great sonic textures throughout; keep doing what you do!
*Your change-up shows your musicianship and command of your sound; you're not confined to a loop and that is great!
*Love the chord changes and build up in this piece! Your theme and progression is terrific!!!!
*You need to cut this track to 30 and 60 seconds as well utilizing the best parts
BUMPNMIXED 30-30 RATING 20
*Interesting sound mixture here, but a little random in terms of purpose
*I don't see this track finding a quick home in the commercial world
*The theme of the track isn't compelling enough;don't get me wrong the track works as its own piece but I don't see a sell-ability value in it due to the dense instrumentation and high synth factor and hip hop drums.
*Maybe for a video game, but this would be a tough piece to sell
*To fix that, I would suggest coming up with a better main theme or musical hook to the track that is more special and less predictable or with less "DONE BEFORE" characteristics
*The mix also could use an adjustment; turn the drums up more and give some space. Your tracks can get cluttered a bit without the right spacing.
MEL 30-30 RATING 20
*Why does this track remind us of a Keisha Cole track?
*This track is arranged more to be a song or instrumental do to its repetitive nature and lack of changes
*Very cool nature but needs a vocal to add character; doesn't quite hold up well on its own for a commercial
*More of an underscore for a sexy spot.
*Don't see this for a commercial, but more for a long narrative; but very effective in that regard.
* Very well mixed and spaced out. I like it for what it is
*Sell-ability factor is low because it just stays in that groove and mood.
MINT-REDO 30-30 RATING 28
*Music is a great recording and a slow burn; very effective
*If cut into a 30 or 60 second piece this is sellable and very effective
*Great sounds! Great mix! Great vibe!
*Sounds authentic; love the ending
*Love this ERICK
Wendell Hanes QUOTE: There is a genuine commitment I hear in your music; that doesn't always come through in others. I can tell when people are faking it. You commit then you create! A beautiful thing.
JOURNEY PART THREE 30-30 RATING 30
*I love this track! You take your time and tease us and lure us in at just the right time.
*This piece is far too short for its magnitude and impact.
*It's innocence allowed to run free!!!!!!!! Great exposition of musicianship and focus. Your mastery comes through on this track!
*I don't know how you could take the paint brush off this track Erick. Why stop at the point that you stop?
*Keep it going; add new instruments; perhaps a change-up that leads back to an all out push towards the world opening up to you.
*This track has great potential! It's already great. It just needs more because it is THAT GOOD!
*High sell-ability!
Wendell Hanes QUOTE: "Patience is key, you do not rush us and draw us in gradually with grandeur and a humbleness that makes us want more every time
BREATHE 30-30 RATING 20
*Stars off Purple Rainish then finds its identity quickly.
*Very nice upright bass vibe
*Love the authentic sounds; great finger snaps
*Sell-ability with this track however is low because it stays locked in the same groove and the groove itself is abstract
*Vibes work well when they have a directive or motive.
*Vibes that are just vibes and force you to become part of its world or else don't work well in the ad industry
*If you are trying to sell on commercials, this is they type of track that needs more dynamics rather than a locked in vibe because it takes a long while to settle in to this track in order to feel the energy of its sound.
Sunday, November 22, 2009
JAKE OTATTI COMPOSER and AGENCY PRODUCER CATALOGUE CRITIQUES
Wendell and agency producer Bob S. have critiqued your music catalogue Jake! Here's what they wrote for each of your tracks. They have never been this complimentary of a composer's catalogue since the inception of the 30-30.
UP UP 30-30 RATING 29
*Very interesting textures. I like the unexpected nature of this track.
*There is nothing predictable about it. Very cool mix of sounds. Nice tempo.
*This style would be classified as quirky because it doesn't quite fall into a henre and the combination of sounds is odd, humorous, and cool all in one.
*Very sellable provided the right opportunity arrives.
*Buyers will gravitate to this track because it is very different.
*You should create a 30 second piece and a 60 second piece for the purpose of commercial use and cut the best sections together.
*I can tell this is you at your finest. You seem very free and uninhibited with your sound selection and arrangement.
SWITCH CALIBER 30-30 RATING 29
*I remember the 30 30 playing this for me on a car presentation a while back.
* I liked it then and I like it now. Great sonic textures. Very convincing authentic sounds.
*Nice bell breakdown
*If this spot were in 60 second form I would introduce the bell midway through and then go back to the strong orchestration that begins the spot.
*Very sellable track.
ANTS 30-30 RATING 30
*Very strong instrumentation; great musicianship
*Love the sounds and the mix; very visual
*The drive and motivation in your music is very confident and focused.
*This track is very sellable!
CREATE 30-30 RATING 26
*Nice setup musically. I like the breaks and start/stop sounds in this track
*Track is mixed well and takes a stand. I like the fact that this track has a definite motivation as if it is meant to be something or represent something.
*I think to reach its potential, it should have a couple other sections in this track that kick it up a notch
* If you bring a new break beat in right after the break, your track will go to the next level and you will have the proper rise and dynamic in your track. It's almost there, we just want more.
SAHWIING 30-30 RATING 30
*Nice approach to the swing era
*Love the 2009 textures you brought to the table on this track and they way you switch up the tempo in the middle.
*There are a lot of nice sections in this track; wee like the versatility that it has.
*Track is well mixed, but be careful of the overly synthesized sounding solo piano at the 2 minute mark. Once the other instruments gather around it, it sounds cool.
*Very sellable track. The type of track that can take the spot to the next level. Usually the type of track that is better than the picture.
GIN AND PHONIC 30-30 RATING 30
*Cool textures Jake
* I am very impressed with your command over your sounds; very parts Nice integration of sounds;
*very good movement;
*love the trance nature of this track as it almost hypnotizes you.
*Great pulse
*With the right picture, this track is very sellable.
*I'm giving you a 30 because it is different and well done! Nothing conventional.
BOOMBOP 30-30 RATING 29
*Nice start; I nthink you could use a better sounding uprightbass for this track but once the other sounds come in it's irrelevant.
*Love the percussion that comes in at 41 seconds. The mix also makes these sounds stanf out.
*Nice piano intro that sets everything up. SOlo bass needs to be more authentic to keep pace with the rest of the track.
*Great rhythms and again your mixes go a long way toward listeners liking what you create.
*Nice ending; very well produced. Nice job! Very sellable
OH YEAH 30-30 RATING 28
*I like your ART OF NOISE approach; do you remember that group?
*Interesting use of sounds; your non-traditional approach is really extraordinary.
*Very good use of instruments as sound effects.
*I like the difference in volume in the middle and the pulse shift
*With the right project, this track has all the fundamentals to be sellable.
*This track sounds like it would be for a very specific picture; but that keeps your music special and not generic.
HAPPY 30-30 RATING 30
*Very well produced! You have found a niche sound that is quirky and vibey.
*It may not be sellable on many levels, but with the right picture, this makes a good picture great.
*Very visual and I love the stereo mix of your track
*Once again, nothing is predictable. Great blend of sound, instrumentation, and texture
*Once again, this seems like true Jake here. I can tell you were in your zone on this track and that is what makes your music so convincing. It sounds like you are 100 percent in it to win it.
*Nice tempo shifts!
SHMINTZY 30-30 RATING 25
*Nice mix;
*sounds seem a little dated in places
*Track seems to stop out of no where without really taking us anywhere
*Maybe you could create another section that elevates the track
*The track gets us started but stops without telling us why we were even listening to it
* Very well spread out sounds in this, but I feel like I want more to happen in this track.
*It's all set up and no pay off.
*Create a payoff that isn't bland and take this track to the next level with bigger badder drums and edgy chord 4 chord turnaround progressions.
*Don't be afraid to take it there JAKE!
Wendell Hanes QUOTE: "Your catalogue music is excellent and unpredictable. Great sounds, great ideas and highly sellable!" Bring your score to picture and music brief interpretation skills to this level and you are ready to take charge!
UP UP 30-30 RATING 29
*Very interesting textures. I like the unexpected nature of this track.
*There is nothing predictable about it. Very cool mix of sounds. Nice tempo.
*This style would be classified as quirky because it doesn't quite fall into a henre and the combination of sounds is odd, humorous, and cool all in one.
*Very sellable provided the right opportunity arrives.
*Buyers will gravitate to this track because it is very different.
*You should create a 30 second piece and a 60 second piece for the purpose of commercial use and cut the best sections together.
*I can tell this is you at your finest. You seem very free and uninhibited with your sound selection and arrangement.
SWITCH CALIBER 30-30 RATING 29
*I remember the 30 30 playing this for me on a car presentation a while back.
* I liked it then and I like it now. Great sonic textures. Very convincing authentic sounds.
*Nice bell breakdown
*If this spot were in 60 second form I would introduce the bell midway through and then go back to the strong orchestration that begins the spot.
*Very sellable track.
ANTS 30-30 RATING 30
*Very strong instrumentation; great musicianship
*Love the sounds and the mix; very visual
*The drive and motivation in your music is very confident and focused.
*This track is very sellable!
CREATE 30-30 RATING 26
*Nice setup musically. I like the breaks and start/stop sounds in this track
*Track is mixed well and takes a stand. I like the fact that this track has a definite motivation as if it is meant to be something or represent something.
*I think to reach its potential, it should have a couple other sections in this track that kick it up a notch
* If you bring a new break beat in right after the break, your track will go to the next level and you will have the proper rise and dynamic in your track. It's almost there, we just want more.
SAHWIING 30-30 RATING 30
*Nice approach to the swing era
*Love the 2009 textures you brought to the table on this track and they way you switch up the tempo in the middle.
*There are a lot of nice sections in this track; wee like the versatility that it has.
*Track is well mixed, but be careful of the overly synthesized sounding solo piano at the 2 minute mark. Once the other instruments gather around it, it sounds cool.
*Very sellable track. The type of track that can take the spot to the next level. Usually the type of track that is better than the picture.
GIN AND PHONIC 30-30 RATING 30
*Cool textures Jake
* I am very impressed with your command over your sounds; very parts Nice integration of sounds;
*very good movement;
*love the trance nature of this track as it almost hypnotizes you.
*Great pulse
*With the right picture, this track is very sellable.
*I'm giving you a 30 because it is different and well done! Nothing conventional.
BOOMBOP 30-30 RATING 29
*Nice start; I nthink you could use a better sounding uprightbass for this track but once the other sounds come in it's irrelevant.
*Love the percussion that comes in at 41 seconds. The mix also makes these sounds stanf out.
*Nice piano intro that sets everything up. SOlo bass needs to be more authentic to keep pace with the rest of the track.
*Great rhythms and again your mixes go a long way toward listeners liking what you create.
*Nice ending; very well produced. Nice job! Very sellable
OH YEAH 30-30 RATING 28
*I like your ART OF NOISE approach; do you remember that group?
*Interesting use of sounds; your non-traditional approach is really extraordinary.
*Very good use of instruments as sound effects.
*I like the difference in volume in the middle and the pulse shift
*With the right project, this track has all the fundamentals to be sellable.
*This track sounds like it would be for a very specific picture; but that keeps your music special and not generic.
HAPPY 30-30 RATING 30
*Very well produced! You have found a niche sound that is quirky and vibey.
*It may not be sellable on many levels, but with the right picture, this makes a good picture great.
*Very visual and I love the stereo mix of your track
*Once again, nothing is predictable. Great blend of sound, instrumentation, and texture
*Once again, this seems like true Jake here. I can tell you were in your zone on this track and that is what makes your music so convincing. It sounds like you are 100 percent in it to win it.
*Nice tempo shifts!
SHMINTZY 30-30 RATING 25
*Nice mix;
*sounds seem a little dated in places
*Track seems to stop out of no where without really taking us anywhere
*Maybe you could create another section that elevates the track
*The track gets us started but stops without telling us why we were even listening to it
* Very well spread out sounds in this, but I feel like I want more to happen in this track.
*It's all set up and no pay off.
*Create a payoff that isn't bland and take this track to the next level with bigger badder drums and edgy chord 4 chord turnaround progressions.
*Don't be afraid to take it there JAKE!
Wendell Hanes QUOTE: "Your catalogue music is excellent and unpredictable. Great sounds, great ideas and highly sellable!" Bring your score to picture and music brief interpretation skills to this level and you are ready to take charge!
NAKIA SIMON COMPOSER and AGENCY PRODUCER CATALOGUE CRITIQUES
ALL TRACKS are analyzed on SELL-ABILITY, WINNABILITY, MIX quality and given a 30-30 rating on whether it is a track that has high money earning potential and commercial VERSATILITY. (In other words, can this track be used for a lot of different types of commercials and formats.
EVERYTHING 30-30 RATING 15
*Very nice build in this track
*I would suggest starting it out even thinner with just the acoustic guitar
*If this is not a real guitar, get a real guitarist to play it. Sounds a bit fake, but the emotion is correct.
*Very nice chorus progression, but be careful of making sentimental music that has no edge or youth to it, it can easily be viewed as "STOCK MUSIC or middle of the road.
*This is the type of track you would see on a reality show and hear way, way in the background and get paid small performance residuals for
*To make it monetarily viable, I would suggest the following:
-Use real guitar and let the strumming be the driving force as opposed to the piano
-Take the reverb off the piano so it's not so bright and soft
-Add an aggressive baseline to the chorus progression
-You need a more aggressive mix
-Your drums on the chorus are a bit lethargic...chorus drums should be different than the verse drums
LIKE THIS 30-30 rating 10
*This track is very generic and canned.
*This is the type of track that should not be part of a presentation unless a client asks for the most cliche' cheesy funk music
*There are ways to do funk music that is innovative and hip and cool and edgy
*This sounds like a demo you would find on an old casio keyboard
*I can tell this track is not your passion. There is no NAKIA in it.
*Your potential is much greater than this track
*It sounds more like you are trying to fill a style of music for the sake of sounding versatile, but it has the opposite effect and shows your weakness
*Be careful
*To fix this track you would need better drum sounds, a cooler more unique guitar riff and bassline
*Again this is the type of music you would hear in the background of a reality show that needed cheesy funk music
*If you do funk it needs to be more convincing and make it your own Nakia style funk...that's how you step up the sellability
GET AROUND 30-30 rating 20
*This sounds more your style
*The drum patterns are current, the string progression is convincing
*It sounds like there is a real person behind this track and not a canned sample demo from the 70's or 80's
*Very good mix in terms of the snare popping and the kick hitting properly
*Good use of drops, but to take this track to the next level you need another sound on top of the chorus of the music to drive it a bit more and to give it a bit more flexibility you could create another section of music to allow us to get away from the loop
*Track could use a bit more personality on it as an instrumental
*In it's current state, the track is begging for a rapper to fill in the wholes. Without a rapper, you need to give the track a little more personality by adding a memorable new sound or vocal accent
SEE YOU AGAIN 30-30 rating 15
*Real guitar? Sounds like a keyboard
*This is a business where real guitars are needed
*Again this sounds like a track that would be in the background on a reality show where someone is about to cry or crying
*If you use real guitars it will allow you to stack different textures of guitar on top more effectively.
*To improve this track, bring in some pizzacato strings on the chorus with a bit of bounce
*Use bigger strings to overtake the pizzacato strings on the chorus to give the track some life and energy and positivity
*Also, your drums are really holding this track and the synthetic nature of your guitar
*You should have electric guitar come in and really overtake the ascoustic guitars;you can control how much muscle or emotion you want in the track but your fundamental elements need to be convincing
ONE MORE 30-30 rating 28
*This track has more life and energy and I like the progression. It's not predictable or cliche.
*The panning of the guitar gets to be a bit much and becomes gimmicky and even distracting after a short while
*Get rid of the panning
*Good drumming on this track. I feel like more of Nakia is coming out in this track.
*You have all the musical sections you need in this track.
*This track is very sellable and commercially versatile. Nice job!
*Your mix could be a tad stronger but that is it.
RIDE WITH ME 30-30 rating 25
*This track is mixed well and has up to date sounds that make it useful for a pop track or a hip hop track and can go masculine or feminine which is good.
*You have a good chorus, a good verse section, good drop outs; you could use one other section for commercial purposes that takes us away from the loop and adds one more dimension
*The ending of your track is abrupt and awkward. Give us a good strong ending
SUNSHINE 30-30 Rating 22
*Drums sound a bit dull and muffled; mix could pop more; it's a bit muddy
*The synthetic guitar vibe is still not translating well.
* The ideas are nice but the overall authenticity needs to be better starting with the guitar and ending with the drums
*Also this track does not seem to go anywhere once it reaches it's initial groove
*To take this to the next level, the track needs to go to another level after the pre-chorus climb but instead it settles back into its initial groove
*Make sure you have a purpose to this track, because it is a nice vibe, but it doesn't reach its potential and therefore decreases its selling potential
ARGENTINE 30-30 rating 30
*Very nice job on this track
*It's a niche style of music and you have done a very convincing job on the percussion, the piano, the accordion
*Whether the accordian is synthetic or not, the elements around it are strong enough to carry the piece. Very nice.
*Very nice progression; very authentic sounding
SOMEWHERE 30-30 rating 28
*Very heartwarming piece
*Love the changes and chord progressions throughout
*We hear Nakia in this track. It comes from a real place
*Be careful not to ruin your authenticity with a cheesy half-hearted ending
*Love the jazz changes you bring into it halfway through
*Because it is passionate and convincing, I can see this piece on a real commercial
*Very good sell-ability potential; the only thing that would truly make this better is if it were played on a real piano where you could feel the weight of the keys and the fullness of the room
*Very nice, but fix that ending!
JUST BECAUSE 30-30 Rating 27
*Very cool percussion
*Great sonic mix; great textures
*Try increasing the intensity a lot more however in order to take it to the next level
*Once we as listeners get the vibe of the track we want to continue to be thrilled as we listen
*Make sure your track continues to build and grow to a climax
ONE NIGHT 30-30 rating 20
*This track is cool when the drums kick in, but gets redundant fast and we loose interest when it drops down to only the pulse
*Nice percussion; nice use of reverb and delay on the synth, but these types of one dimensional tracks have a low sell-ability rate in commercials because of their tempo and redundant nature
*Try adding another section to this track that takes us away from the loop and is not just a drop out of the main theme
*This track is missing some personality and texture on the drop out verse section
*It loses it's vibe on the drop out and the synth theme is not strong enough to carry the whole track
*Add another layer to this track on top of the theme just to give it some more personality and overall vibe and character
READY 30-30 rating 28
* I'm ready! I like this because the tempo forces me to have an immediate reaction Very good. It holds its own without a vocalist
*You cold use another section to this track however to keep it from getting redundant; however be careful because the main loop feels so good that the new section has to be equally as infectious!
*Nice job!!
*I hear conviction in this track. I hear Nakia.
AGENCY PRODUCER QUOTE: "You've got good potential Nakia, you just need some coaching and overall mentoring to go from good to VERY GOOD to GREAT!"
EVERYTHING 30-30 RATING 15
*Very nice build in this track
*I would suggest starting it out even thinner with just the acoustic guitar
*If this is not a real guitar, get a real guitarist to play it. Sounds a bit fake, but the emotion is correct.
*Very nice chorus progression, but be careful of making sentimental music that has no edge or youth to it, it can easily be viewed as "STOCK MUSIC or middle of the road.
*This is the type of track you would see on a reality show and hear way, way in the background and get paid small performance residuals for
*To make it monetarily viable, I would suggest the following:
-Use real guitar and let the strumming be the driving force as opposed to the piano
-Take the reverb off the piano so it's not so bright and soft
-Add an aggressive baseline to the chorus progression
-You need a more aggressive mix
-Your drums on the chorus are a bit lethargic...chorus drums should be different than the verse drums
LIKE THIS 30-30 rating 10
*This track is very generic and canned.
*This is the type of track that should not be part of a presentation unless a client asks for the most cliche' cheesy funk music
*There are ways to do funk music that is innovative and hip and cool and edgy
*This sounds like a demo you would find on an old casio keyboard
*I can tell this track is not your passion. There is no NAKIA in it.
*Your potential is much greater than this track
*It sounds more like you are trying to fill a style of music for the sake of sounding versatile, but it has the opposite effect and shows your weakness
*Be careful
*To fix this track you would need better drum sounds, a cooler more unique guitar riff and bassline
*Again this is the type of music you would hear in the background of a reality show that needed cheesy funk music
*If you do funk it needs to be more convincing and make it your own Nakia style funk...that's how you step up the sellability
GET AROUND 30-30 rating 20
*This sounds more your style
*The drum patterns are current, the string progression is convincing
*It sounds like there is a real person behind this track and not a canned sample demo from the 70's or 80's
*Very good mix in terms of the snare popping and the kick hitting properly
*Good use of drops, but to take this track to the next level you need another sound on top of the chorus of the music to drive it a bit more and to give it a bit more flexibility you could create another section of music to allow us to get away from the loop
*Track could use a bit more personality on it as an instrumental
*In it's current state, the track is begging for a rapper to fill in the wholes. Without a rapper, you need to give the track a little more personality by adding a memorable new sound or vocal accent
SEE YOU AGAIN 30-30 rating 15
*Real guitar? Sounds like a keyboard
*This is a business where real guitars are needed
*Again this sounds like a track that would be in the background on a reality show where someone is about to cry or crying
*If you use real guitars it will allow you to stack different textures of guitar on top more effectively.
*To improve this track, bring in some pizzacato strings on the chorus with a bit of bounce
*Use bigger strings to overtake the pizzacato strings on the chorus to give the track some life and energy and positivity
*Also, your drums are really holding this track and the synthetic nature of your guitar
*You should have electric guitar come in and really overtake the ascoustic guitars;you can control how much muscle or emotion you want in the track but your fundamental elements need to be convincing
ONE MORE 30-30 rating 28
*This track has more life and energy and I like the progression. It's not predictable or cliche.
*The panning of the guitar gets to be a bit much and becomes gimmicky and even distracting after a short while
*Get rid of the panning
*Good drumming on this track. I feel like more of Nakia is coming out in this track.
*You have all the musical sections you need in this track.
*This track is very sellable and commercially versatile. Nice job!
*Your mix could be a tad stronger but that is it.
RIDE WITH ME 30-30 rating 25
*This track is mixed well and has up to date sounds that make it useful for a pop track or a hip hop track and can go masculine or feminine which is good.
*You have a good chorus, a good verse section, good drop outs; you could use one other section for commercial purposes that takes us away from the loop and adds one more dimension
*The ending of your track is abrupt and awkward. Give us a good strong ending
SUNSHINE 30-30 Rating 22
*Drums sound a bit dull and muffled; mix could pop more; it's a bit muddy
*The synthetic guitar vibe is still not translating well.
* The ideas are nice but the overall authenticity needs to be better starting with the guitar and ending with the drums
*Also this track does not seem to go anywhere once it reaches it's initial groove
*To take this to the next level, the track needs to go to another level after the pre-chorus climb but instead it settles back into its initial groove
*Make sure you have a purpose to this track, because it is a nice vibe, but it doesn't reach its potential and therefore decreases its selling potential
ARGENTINE 30-30 rating 30
*Very nice job on this track
*It's a niche style of music and you have done a very convincing job on the percussion, the piano, the accordion
*Whether the accordian is synthetic or not, the elements around it are strong enough to carry the piece. Very nice.
*Very nice progression; very authentic sounding
SOMEWHERE 30-30 rating 28
*Very heartwarming piece
*Love the changes and chord progressions throughout
*We hear Nakia in this track. It comes from a real place
*Be careful not to ruin your authenticity with a cheesy half-hearted ending
*Love the jazz changes you bring into it halfway through
*Because it is passionate and convincing, I can see this piece on a real commercial
*Very good sell-ability potential; the only thing that would truly make this better is if it were played on a real piano where you could feel the weight of the keys and the fullness of the room
*Very nice, but fix that ending!
JUST BECAUSE 30-30 Rating 27
*Very cool percussion
*Great sonic mix; great textures
*Try increasing the intensity a lot more however in order to take it to the next level
*Once we as listeners get the vibe of the track we want to continue to be thrilled as we listen
*Make sure your track continues to build and grow to a climax
ONE NIGHT 30-30 rating 20
*This track is cool when the drums kick in, but gets redundant fast and we loose interest when it drops down to only the pulse
*Nice percussion; nice use of reverb and delay on the synth, but these types of one dimensional tracks have a low sell-ability rate in commercials because of their tempo and redundant nature
*Try adding another section to this track that takes us away from the loop and is not just a drop out of the main theme
*This track is missing some personality and texture on the drop out verse section
*It loses it's vibe on the drop out and the synth theme is not strong enough to carry the whole track
*Add another layer to this track on top of the theme just to give it some more personality and overall vibe and character
READY 30-30 rating 28
* I'm ready! I like this because the tempo forces me to have an immediate reaction Very good. It holds its own without a vocalist
*You cold use another section to this track however to keep it from getting redundant; however be careful because the main loop feels so good that the new section has to be equally as infectious!
*Nice job!!
*I hear conviction in this track. I hear Nakia.
AGENCY PRODUCER QUOTE: "You've got good potential Nakia, you just need some coaching and overall mentoring to go from good to VERY GOOD to GREAT!"
Tuesday, November 3, 2009
AGENCY CRITIQUES for 3 TOP 30-30 QUALIFIERS on 30-30 PROMO
AGENCY PRODUCER CRITIQUES******************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************
NAKIA SIMON***30-30 rating 23
*Great impactful intro Nakia; very anticipatory vibe
* Sound effects could have been stronger on the title cards
*At 6 seconds your music gets softer instrumentation wise. I would have liked it to only get stronger at that point.
*I think if you had started your track off sparser, you would have more room to grow. But your track brought in your theme and a full sound so early that you didn't have many places to go.
* I would have liked to hear a break down of silence some where to make the most important title card stand out. Then come back in with the impact.
*Nice Job!
PORTLIFE***30-30 rating 25
*Nice impact and intro
*I think for this spot to reach its potential, it needs sound design on all the title cards.
*Be careful when you create one repetitive loop. No matter how cool a 2 bar loop is, it becomes repetitive and redundant fast.
*The change up midway through in your spot wasn't very compelling to me; especially after being drawn into your intro.
*More attention to the picture would improve the connection between sound and image.
*Sometimes instrumental music has to do more in order to compensate for the lack of vocals.
*But I liked this approach...
ERIK ANDERSON 30-30 rating 27
*Very strong idea and approach
*Beautiful set up in the 1st 18 seconds
*At the 18 second mark the change-up feels a lot less intriguing than your build up to that point. Even the instrumentation seems to reveal a more synth like quality
*For my liking, I would prefer a different B section here that not only takes us somewhere interesting, but also makes a more compelling connection to your wonderful timpani build that takes the spot home.
*And finally your punctuation note at the end sounds like a Casio keyboard. I felt like you gave up on the last note. You've got to be convincing from beginning to end.
*Very nice job Erik!
NAKIA SIMON***30-30 rating 23
*Great impactful intro Nakia; very anticipatory vibe
* Sound effects could have been stronger on the title cards
*At 6 seconds your music gets softer instrumentation wise. I would have liked it to only get stronger at that point.
*I think if you had started your track off sparser, you would have more room to grow. But your track brought in your theme and a full sound so early that you didn't have many places to go.
* I would have liked to hear a break down of silence some where to make the most important title card stand out. Then come back in with the impact.
*Nice Job!
PORTLIFE***30-30 rating 25
*Nice impact and intro
*I think for this spot to reach its potential, it needs sound design on all the title cards.
*Be careful when you create one repetitive loop. No matter how cool a 2 bar loop is, it becomes repetitive and redundant fast.
*The change up midway through in your spot wasn't very compelling to me; especially after being drawn into your intro.
*More attention to the picture would improve the connection between sound and image.
*Sometimes instrumental music has to do more in order to compensate for the lack of vocals.
*But I liked this approach...
ERIK ANDERSON 30-30 rating 27
*Very strong idea and approach
*Beautiful set up in the 1st 18 seconds
*At the 18 second mark the change-up feels a lot less intriguing than your build up to that point. Even the instrumentation seems to reveal a more synth like quality
*For my liking, I would prefer a different B section here that not only takes us somewhere interesting, but also makes a more compelling connection to your wonderful timpani build that takes the spot home.
*And finally your punctuation note at the end sounds like a Casio keyboard. I felt like you gave up on the last note. You've got to be convincing from beginning to end.
*Very nice job Erik!
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