Apple Soundtrack Loops noticeable?
by Nicholas Johnson
on
Jul 21, 2009 at 1:29:44 am
Hi all,
I'm helping out a company with a promo-fundraising video for a historical exhibit and laid in a Soundtrack Loop track as a place holder.
The problem is the client REALLY likes it and they haven't been satisfied with any other options.
The track is "Dustbowl"
My question is twofold - would using this for the promotional piece, possibly viewed by hundreds if not thousands of potentials donors to the project, be considered 'amateur' using this track ie would it be very noticeable?
2. Any recommendations for getting a track that's similar? I haven't been able to come up with anything myself.
Re: Apple Soundtrack Loops noticeable? by Stephen Vidano on Jul 22, 2009 at 12:56:26 am
Nick,
That's a tough one. I can see your dilemma. You want to produce something "professional" for your client but they are "stuck in the moment" with a song that took zero effort to produce.
On the other hand I would think the real question is "how does it sound" and "does it enhance the scene?" If the answers are "sounds great" and "yes, it really brings the scene alive" then you have to seriously reconsider.
I have worked on many different productions and I'm sure of one thing...NO ONE in the audience (maybe 1 person) will know where the song came from or that it's stock music. I guarantee it. They will either be engaged in the movie because it's emotionally compelling and dynamic, or they'll be bored because it's another "information" driven movie.
AND, "stock" music doesn't have to be a bad word. There are many tracks with terrible production value. Does it sound like it's come from a Casio keyboard? We've all heard it and we know that it's out there. But I have used track after track of stock music that is awesome!
I am listening to the song now. Sounds great to me. Sometimes simple is better. In fact, there are many motion pictures I've seen with tracks that are similar to the one you're using. So, the production value doesn't suck.
Now you have to answer the question "does it enhance the scene and bring it alive?"
Re: Apple Soundtrack Loops noticeable? by Nicholas Johnson on Jul 27, 2009 at 6:25:18 pm
Hmmm interesting to note that you haven't found many people to recognize those clips - that is good to know!
I'm not against the clip at all - I wouldn't have put it in the production, even as a placeholder, had I not appreciated what it added.
The only worry was that people would recognize it as Apple's. I'm just clarifying with Apple the copyright and usage agreement, as it may not be legally ok to use it in the fashion I have used it (that being stand-alone without other layered music tracks)
If it doesn't work out, is there anything that Tune Society has that you'd recommend? Anything come to mind? If not, no worries, I will take a look when I can.
Re: Apple Soundtrack Loops noticeable? by Stephen Vidano on Jul 27, 2009 at 11:50:23 pm
NIck,
Nothing "exactly" like what you've chosen.
But...I'll do a quick search under a few different genres (featuring guitar) and let you know. We have a few artists that have some very cool guitar based pieces.
Also, I"d be interested to know what you find out about Apple's license on that tune. Just for my info in the future.
Re: Apple Soundtrack Loops noticeable? by Stephen Vidano on Jul 28, 2009 at 3:13:42 am
Nick,
I did a little searching for a song that would be similar to the "Dustbowl" tune and I found one song that is close. (stress on the word "CLOSE".) But it's difficult to match a tune when you're searching through finished pieces.
The closest tune I found is a song called "Mojo Mesa", scored by a composer named Michael Reese.
I have put together a music box of various guitar related tunes that might be in the same genre. I found about 10 different tunes.
Here is the link to the music box. "Mojo Mesa" should be second from the top.
Re: Apple Soundtrack Loops noticeable? by Jeremy Cummings on Aug 20, 2009 at 3:43:22 pm
Well, if you own the Apple programs your using, then you are free to use them legally in your project. I hear tons of apple loops and songs on commercials all the time. I think you have to judge if your audience would care or not. I could see how editors or music creators would frown upon using Apple songs, but that probably wont matter for what you are doing.
If it was my client, I would use the song and maybe put something else over it, but really, it is what the client wants and it is a time saver. Unless your making a movie, you might as well go along with it.
Re: Apple Soundtrack Loops noticeable? by Eric Bertko on Aug 15, 2009 at 3:42:45 pm
Nick,
Please excuse my late reply, as I am new to the boards.
I have always found Apple's loops to be rather impressive. Someone else had commented on this but I really don't think anyone is going to notice the loop, and I don't think anyone will care, if they do. As far as any legal problems, Apple states that if you are using their loops for non-profit, there are no issues, knock yourself out. However, if the video you are producing will generate profit then the loop can still be used, provided it is not used as a "soundbed".
"Knowledge is an unending adventure at the edge of uncertainty"
