I may be repsonding to things I read on multiple threads— not sure. 😉
Of course there is no absolutes as far as “good” or “bad”. We’re talking about the goal of getting music into libraries and ultimately placed in film/TV. So what matters is what the industry (in general), as it exists today, thinks is acceptable.
When I said opinions will vary I was mainly referring to how one library might think a piece is ok for their catalog, while another would not. Different libraries have different target markets, and the “bar” is not set the same across the board. And yes, even with all other things being equal, human factors exist.
The Beatles being rejected early on is brought up a lot. That holds more water for a new artist or band, with an innovative sound, trying to get their break. It’s much less applicable for film/TV library music which, like it or not, is a lot based on sounding like familiar music.
The people we submit music to **ARE** the authoritative word even if it is difficult to accept. If you were looking for a job, each time you went on an interview the people who interview you are the authoritative word. If you were getting turned down for jobs over and over, wouldn’t you look at what changes **YOU** had to make?
I’ve seen people rant at the suits and get nowhere. I’ve seen others adapt and become successful.
I agree that music for music libraries is very much geared to sounding like familiar music and one should write in that direction if that’s the arena you want to play in. That arena includes many different styles and sounds which once again gets back to what is “good” or “bad”.
>The people we submit music to **ARE** the authoritative word even if it is difficult to accept.
Yea but my authoritative word may be different than yours. I’m going to naturally gravitate towards mine:)
BTW I find I’m replying on this site so much I’m not getting any music done so I’ve got to get back to work!
Im with you wholeheartedly on the “wrong guy” scenario, but what can we do, other than go elsewhere, which in some cases, can be a blessing in disguise.
The best case scenario, and certainly the most well known, is THE BEATLES, when they went to decca with a demo, only to be told that “..guitar groups are on their way out, mr epstein”. Imagine what the guy who made that decision, must have had to live with for the rest of his years.
Art, the reality is that with regards to music libraries, they ARE in an authoritative position because musicians AND the tv/film people have put them in such a position. One man’s meat, is another man’s poison, so the concept of judgement is endemic everywhere…From minutae to massive.
Sometimes its covert, other times its subtle. Lets not get ahead of ourselves and believe we live in a logical world where everything is RATIONAL. It isnt, and that’s a part of life too. How THE INDIVIDUAL accepts or rejects things, is what sometimes determines win or lose.
I agree it’s not a rational world but it’s always been one of my pet peeves when anyone sets themselves up as an authority figure and then tries to convince someone that they are the final word. After many decades in the business I’ve just seen too many times when the “authority” figure has been proven wrong.
Rejection, at least for most people, isn’t (or shouldn’t) be a problem, that’s just part of the biz. What really gets me are people who feel they are in a position of authority passing judgment as if they really are an authority. Time will usually humble them but it’s annoying just the same.
In the words of LEO TOLSTOY :-
“”Everyone thinks about changing the world, but no one thinks about changing himself”
😉
I may be repsonding to things I read on multiple threads— not sure. 😉
Of course there is no absolutes as far as “good” or “bad”. We’re talking about the goal of getting music into libraries and ultimately placed in film/TV. So what matters is what the industry (in general), as it exists today, thinks is acceptable.
When I said opinions will vary I was mainly referring to how one library might think a piece is ok for their catalog, while another would not. Different libraries have different target markets, and the “bar” is not set the same across the board. And yes, even with all other things being equal, human factors exist.
The Beatles being rejected early on is brought up a lot. That holds more water for a new artist or band, with an innovative sound, trying to get their break. It’s much less applicable for film/TV library music which, like it or not, is a lot based on sounding like familiar music.
The people we submit music to **ARE** the authoritative word even if it is difficult to accept. If you were looking for a job, each time you went on an interview the people who interview you are the authoritative word. If you were getting turned down for jobs over and over, wouldn’t you look at what changes **YOU** had to make?
I’ve seen people rant at the suits and get nowhere. I’ve seen others adapt and become successful.
🙂
I agree that music for music libraries is very much geared to sounding like familiar music and one should write in that direction if that’s the arena you want to play in. That arena includes many different styles and sounds which once again gets back to what is “good” or “bad”.
>The people we submit music to **ARE** the authoritative word even if it is difficult to accept.
Yea but my authoritative word may be different than yours. I’m going to naturally gravitate towards mine:)
BTW I find I’m replying on this site so much I’m not getting any music done so I’ve got to get back to work!
Thanks for the great conversation!
Im with you wholeheartedly on the “wrong guy” scenario, but what can we do, other than go elsewhere, which in some cases, can be a blessing in disguise.
The best case scenario, and certainly the most well known, is THE BEATLES, when they went to decca with a demo, only to be told that “..guitar groups are on their way out, mr epstein”. Imagine what the guy who made that decision, must have had to live with for the rest of his years.
Yes indeed. You highlighted my point perfectly!
Art, the reality is that with regards to music libraries, they ARE in an authoritative position because musicians AND the tv/film people have put them in such a position. One man’s meat, is another man’s poison, so the concept of judgement is endemic everywhere…From minutae to massive.
Sometimes its covert, other times its subtle. Lets not get ahead of ourselves and believe we live in a logical world where everything is RATIONAL. It isnt, and that’s a part of life too. How THE INDIVIDUAL accepts or rejects things, is what sometimes determines win or lose.
I agree it’s not a rational world but it’s always been one of my pet peeves when anyone sets themselves up as an authority figure and then tries to convince someone that they are the final word. After many decades in the business I’ve just seen too many times when the “authority” figure has been proven wrong.
Rejection, at least for most people, isn’t (or shouldn’t) be a problem, that’s just part of the biz. What really gets me are people who feel they are in a position of authority passing judgment as if they really are an authority. Time will usually humble them but it’s annoying just the same.