Yeah, that’s what we all want to believe, right? However in those two categories, it’s either Hans Zimmer on steroids or domesticated U2/Coldplay or you’re not going to get the sales. Actually, it may even be true for most categories that it’s better to produce something that sounds like something people already are accustomed with, than to be overly creative and stand out in a way that buyers will feel awkward with. So, being “best” at your music is probably not enough, you also need to evoke emotions of familiarity and perceived reliability, at least that’s what I’ve found with micro licensing. The typical buyer isn’t necessarily listening with his or her “own ears”, but rather with the “end clients’ ears”, taking into account the risk of going too far out on a limb and choosing something too original. Whatever style you may fancy, make sure you’re knowledgeable of the current leaders in the field and stay close to the norm. AJ is not a talent competition or an art fair, it’s a means to an end, satisfying buyers’ needs of finding a suitable track for a project directed at a potentially broad audience. Dig deep, sow shallow 
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