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Relaxing Pedal Steel

I've been looking into licensing some of mu tunes and realized that a lot of the deals are for instrumentals. So I decided to mess around a bit and see what kind of relaxing instrumental I could come up with that might be good background music for a movie or commercial. Don't know if this hits the mark exactly but I like the way it sounds.

Real Tracks Used:
366 Bass, Electric Country Ev
365 Guitar, Acoustic, Fingerpicking Ev
627 Pedal Steel, Background 12-8 Crystal Sw
367 Guitar, Electric, Background, Dreamy Ev
Real Drums: Nashville Even8 Side Stick


Samuel Davis Jr
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Well, it certainly is 'Relaxing'.

This is quite enjoyable actually.

I wonder if inserting a different instrument in one of the 'verses' might give it a little more dimension? Perhaps guitar or other stringed instrument. Just an idea.


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I agree with Ian. I suggest trading off with bent-note piano in the bridge. There are several ways of accomplishing that if you need help.

Another popular trick, a key change somewhere, usually the entire 2nd verse/chorus.

Otherwise, I like your tune.

I mainly write instrumentals since a severe stroke left me mute.

Donny

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Good Afternoon Samuel,

I'm a huge fan of pedal steel. I'm originally from St. Louis and went to Scotty's International Steel Guitar Convention every year. He passed away earlier this year but knew him quite well starting in 1967. One of my best friends is John Heinrich, pedal steel & dobro player for Ronnie Milsap.

This is a great example of country pedal steel. It sounds very authentic. You did a real nice job putting this together. I kinda agree with the suggestion offered previously to have a different instrument on one verse to expand the dynamic. I think that would work to even better showcase the pedal steel. But it's pretty danged good as is!

And you are right about instrumentals being more in demand than vocals for submission opportunities. I've written about 120 instrumentals for that very purpose. Good luck finding as placement. The odds are daunting but it takes just good placement to make it feel worthwhile.

Nicely done and good luck with it.

Alan


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Nice steel and mix! I agree with tossing in another instrument. So many of the instrumentals that I've listened to at the libraries are fairly short and somewhat varied as they will likely only be used for a few minutes or seconds.

Check out Songtradr if you haven't already. Unlike most of the other libraries you can upload your songs w/o an upfront review process and then offer them for review when you see a "music wanted" listing that fits your bill. The song will then go through a two step review for submission to the requesting entity. Pretty cool model and free at the basic level.

Always been a steel fan and we enjoyed it!

J&B


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I succeeded today to get airplay in London for myself , my son, and Joanne Wilson-Cooper.

We weren't paid but ANY exposure is a good thing, in my opinion. Your mileage may vary.

The DJ wants Classic Country which fits your tune perfectly. So if you'd like me to submit it for possible airplay, just send me a clean mp3. Obviously, there are no guarantees and the queue is currently several weeks long.

I was a long time friend ( 60 years ) of Mike Auldridge, famed Dobro player, and we were co-designing a new resonator guitar at the time of his succumbing to prostate cancer.

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Thank you everybody for your input. I decided to add a fiddle in the second chorus for some variety as many of you have suggested changing things up. I think it works well. Thanks for the advice.

Real track added:
618 Fiddle, Background Allis Ev

You can listen on my Soundcloud at https://soundcloud.com/user-742389722/relaxing-country-instrumental


Samuel Davis Jr
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Another neat trick - apply a long fade-out for the last 5 seconds or so. Just a thought.

Donny

Last edited by Don Gaynor; 10/24/17 04:22 PM.
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Hello, Mr. Davis...

You said: "So I decided to mess around a bit and see what kind of relaxing instrumental I could come up with that might be good background music for a movie or commercial."

Actually, while I listened to "Relaxing Pedal Steel (Instrumental)", I imagined myself playing it at a soft volume for a sleeping infant in a crib, as an underscore for a wedding party, in a hotel room for a tired trucker, over a loudspeaker at gas station at night, backgrounding a pleasant dining experience, in the vestibule of a church after a service...shucks, Mr. Davis, "Relaxing Pedal Steel (Instrumental)" would sound just as sweet and soothing anywhere it was being listened to!

Sincerely,

LOREN


"Music is what feelings sound like."-- borrowed from a Cakewalk Music Creator forum member, "Mamabear".
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Originally Posted By: VideoTrack
Well, it certainly is 'Relaxing'.

This is quite enjoyable actually.

I wonder if inserting a different instrument in one of the 'verses' might give it a little more dimension? Perhaps guitar or other stringed instrument. Just an idea.


I agree! smile

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Great work on this, Samuel smile I liked the original, but adding that fiddle seriously took it to the next level! It is certainly cinematic, and I could definitely imagine it being used in a film. It brings a sense of calm, and almost nostalgia to me.

Thanks so much for sharing, and keep up the great work!


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Deryk
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LOVE this one Samuel. Fancy trying a dreamy guitar for maybe 16 bars ?

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Nice work Samuel. I like it.

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"Relaxing" is the perfect word for this instrumental! It paired really well with my chamomile tea. :'D I feel super relaxed now, and I want to hear more stuff like this. This song was absolutely beautiful. Glad to hear you're getting some deals! Can't wait for the next one.


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Ember
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Originally Posted By: Ember - PG Music
"Relaxing" is the perfect word for this instrumental! It paired really well with my chamomile tea. :'D I feel super relaxed now, and I want to hear more stuff like this. This song was absolutely beautiful. Glad to hear you're getting some deals! Can't wait for the next one.

Glad I could give you a nice relaxing soundtrack to go with your tea. I'll definitely be messing around with some more ideas like this. No deals yet but looking into options. Thanks.


Samuel Davis Jr
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Samuel, I think you accomplished what you set out to do. I was listening to your cut, intending to leave a comment, but I got so engrossed in the tune I forgot to leave the comment. I listened to it twice. Great tune.

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This is so pretty and enjoyable. Very well done.


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A good listen, Sammy. Maybe a bit longer than it needs to be...

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Very sweet, enjoyable, and YES relaxing!! I really enjoyed this. Found myself wanting to hear a vocal come in-just my nature I guess. Good stuff Samuel!! Take care. Greg

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