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Owned by Dave

Cinematic music feedback

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High level support and feedback group for composers

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206 contributions to Audio Artist Academy
Help with Mixing
Hey everyone, I hope you're having a great time! I kind of am stuck with the song I'm producing and I can't figure out what's wrong with the mix. Some help would be amazing and I'd be eternally grateful. Cause after hours of work this song is bugging me slowly... If you could tell me what I could change for the mix so it doesn't sound muddy or chaotic, that would be great. Thank you for your time:) From 0:42 is the relevant part and build up. The beginning is to be recorded again:3 My goal is to have a beautiful atmospheric bride mix but it should sound clean. (I'm starting to hate mixing 😭) (What I already tried: Mono listening and I know that brideness is luxury, Checking the busses/sections to cut out the annoying frequencies, putting some mixes down like reverb and being subtle with it) https://on.soundcloud.com/qRT2ScFkCAyfJpUXRU
Help with Mixing
2 likes • 5d
The balance between high-mids and low-mids is a tiny bit off. If you push the vocals and choir/keys between 2000-5000hz by a few db it should sound cleaner. I'd also take down the solo violin a bit, it feels bit too upfront to me, when the vocals are the star. Also take down the low mids a little bit...around 200-500hz range...just slightly and it should sound cleaner. You've also got some very deep bass, but a little gap above it in the mix around 100hz (although it moves around). I'd try adding the same bass again but an octave up, very quietly, and making the really deep bass quieter...but I'm not 100% that will work, but it might just balance out the sound, it's not essential, and might not work, but worth trying! Hope that helps! I grabbed a few seconds of the audio and added my tweaks...hope you don't mind! It sounds really nice...I think with a bit of eq you are there. Edit: Also added a screenshot of the eq curve I used, just as a guide - don't need to copy it exactly - can probably be improved or adjusted to your taste!
Advice Needed: composer/director Zoom meeting
I have a zoom meeting scheduled with a film director this week. This will be my first ever meeting with a director, so I don't want to mess it up. Are there any things that directors are looking for in the initial meeting with a composer or is it just a meet and greet to get to know each other? I don't want to end up losing a potential gig because I didn't say something. I know the genre and the title of the film she is directing.
3 likes • 7d
Just be professional, polite and helpful - follow their lead as to how casual they are. Be (pleasantly) confident in yourself and your work, and don't accidentally talk yourself down or be self-deprecating heh (I do this when nervous and have to watch out for it). Chances are the first meeting will just be getting know each other a bit - what might come up is how musical they are...they may know how to describe the music they want, referencing styles/composers/instruments - or might not know to how to express it, in which case you can reassure them that you can "translate" their ideas. This is the crux of your relationship - if she feels the communication between you will be straightforward. I'd also just make sure the space around you on camera looks decent and your lighting and sound is ok in advance. The main impression you want to give is of being someone it'll be easy to work with. Aside from that just be yourself, and be honest - like if they ask something you don't know, don't bluff...I had that with a few technical things to do with film that I hadn't heard of...a bit embarrassing but at least they know that you are not going to bs them. (Edit: maybe also have a think about film makers you could list if they ask who you are a fan of...nothing worse than going blank when asked hahah)
2 likes • 6d
@Brandon Kootnekoff just to jump in on this...I would not ask if she's considering any other composers - because it's not your business, and it's not like you can do anything with that information...there's no reason to discuss it. You are starting to overthink...there's no real right or wrong here regarding when to send things etc, only how you present yourself. Relax, be pleasant and calm. Make a list of what you might want to ask...and ask what seems appropriate in the moment. Chances are it will just be a chat with a nice person.
Pitch bending strings?
Does anyone have any insights on how guys like this pitch bend strings? I've tried AUNewPitch in Logic but it gives it a really fake sounding pitch bend.. When I use the pitch bend midi automation I can only pitch bend like a half step? Curious how this is done 'professionally'. Cheers https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vVV37TpJ2a0&list=RDvVV37TpJ2a0&start_radio=1
1 like • 7d
I've got low-budget versions of this effect by using 4 or 5 tracks of solo strings playing the same line, but drawing in pitch automation slightly differently on each one and then putting reverb on that group to make them sound more distant and like an ensemble. Doesn't work on it's own, sound too fake, but it can work within a bigger mix. I'd also recommend starting with the pitch bent and ending on the unbent note as it sounds more realistic. You might need to dig into the settings of whatever you are using to find the pitch bend range. Second and worse option is to render it and bend the audio file but it can be pretty rough. A semitone will be about as far as you can go before the sound makes you depressed. Again it's best to do multiple tracks and bend them individually or its guaranteed to sound godawful.
What Strings do you use for Trailer Music?
So I’ve collected a bunch of string libraries since I started in this genre about 2.5 years ago, but as you all know, the grass is always greener on the other side 🫠 I have Nucleus, Jaeger, CSS, and Pacific Ensemble, but I still have the feeling I’m missing something. Personally, I’m looking at AERIA for the extra articulations, but it feels a bit wasted since most of the content overlaps with Nucleus and Jaeger. I’d appreciate hearing some trailer cues from you guys, along with information on which libraries were used, to see everything in context 😊
1 like • 13d
Nucleus ensemble spiccato patch is literally all trailer music ever 😂
Trailer cuts?
So I was talking to good ol ChatGPT earlier tonight and had asked it about strategies for contacting publishers. It mentioned using cut versions of my music and that got me thinking as I don’t think I’ve heard of doing that before. Part of its reasoning was my track are too long (2:30-3:00, doesn’t seem too long to me 😂) and people make their decisions within the first 10-15 seconds. I know that’s true. I recognize it’s a bot so I’m skeptical to put all my eggs in that basket. So naturally I came here to see what people think about sending different versions in a demo reel. Would love to hear any feedback in this area as I’m still working to get my first placement!
2 likes • 13d
Essentially agree with @Jim Offerman although I have been successful with a few trailer libraries using 60s clips...full tracks would probably be better but it's vital to send streaming links where they can see the waveform - like DISCO and Reelcrafter, as they can write off some unsuitable production choices just by looking first...as Jim mentioned.
3 likes • 13d
@Zach Broberg free version is fine for getting started...main thing is to make it really easy for them to say yes...by showing a few key things in your reel and email: - Good music is just standard. - You understand production/trailer music - shown by the production, style and structure of the tracks - You value their time - shown by sending it in a way that is clear and easy for them to check. - Being pleasant, professional and easy to deal with - short, polite, clear messages. If those are present and they need composers, there's not really any reason for them to say no.
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Dave Graham
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800points to level up
@dave-graham-8068
Composer of music | Executive producer of short films

Active 5h ago
Joined Apr 15, 2024
London, UK
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