Month: March 2015

Broadjam Artist: matt taylor
Song: If I Had The Time Kmix7

Broadjam Pro Reviewer:
A.J. Gundell (Songwriter, Composer, Music Supervisor, Producer)

Pro General Comments: "If I Had The Time" is a genuine, heartfelt song, sensitively delivered by the warm and believable voice of Matt Taylor. The subject matter has that universal appeal that makes every listener want to listen: who hasn't yearned for the day, or even just a day, when we could all have a little more time to do the things we really want to do? That idea is effectively woven into the tag line of the A section--making for that sweet marriage of main idea with hook and title. With an authentic, country/folk/Americana backing track and beautiful, organic instrumentation, this one is right in the singer-songwriter's pocket and Matt sells it beautifully.

Quote From Pro: "If I Had The Time" is a genuine, heartfelt song, sensitively delivered by the warm and believable voice of Matt Taylor. The subject matter has that universal appeal that makes every listener want to listen: who hasn't yearned for the day, or even just a day, when we could all have a little more time to do the things we really want to do? That idea is effectively woven into the tag line of the A section--making for that sweet marriage of main idea with hook and title. With an authentic, country/folk/Americana backing track and beautiful, organic instrumentation, this one is right in the singer-songwriter's pocket and Matt sells it beautifully.

Broadjam Artist: matt taylor
Song: If I Had The Time Kmix7

Broadjam Pro Reviewer:
A.J. Gundell (Songwriter, Composer, Music Supervisor, Producer)

Pro General Comments: "If I Had The Time" is a genuine, heartfelt song, sensitively delivered by the warm and believable voice of Matt Taylor. The subject matter has that universal appeal that makes every listener want to listen: who hasn't yearned for the day, or even just a day, when we could all have a little more time to do the things we really want to do? That idea is effectively woven into the tag line of the A section--making for that sweet marriage of main idea with hook and title. With an authentic, country/folk/Americana backing track and beautiful, organic instrumentation, this one is right in the singer-songwriter's pocket and Matt sells it beautifully.

Quote From Pro: "If I Had The Time" is a genuine, heartfelt song, sensitively delivered by the warm and believable voice of Matt Taylor. The subject matter has that universal appeal that makes every listener want to listen: who hasn't yearned for the day, or even just a day, when we could all have a little more time to do the things we really want to do? That idea is effectively woven into the tag line of the A section--making for that sweet marriage of main idea with hook and title. With an authentic, country/folk/Americana backing track and beautiful, organic instrumentation, this one is right in the singer-songwriter's pocket and Matt sells it beautifully.

Broadjam Artist: TBD...
Song: Half A Love

Broadjam Pro Reviewer:
A.J. Gundell (Songwriter, Composer, Music Supervisor, Producer)

Pro General Comments: I appreciated being asked by the Artists to review "Half A Love" specifically because my previous Pro Reviews have been straightforward and honest--and they welcome the criticism, even if it's 'rigorous and harsh.' Sorry if this disappoints you then, guys--but I love "Half A Love", and the most rigorous criticism hardly turns up anything for me that's not to love. So, first and foremost, congrats on a truly exceptional piece of work. This is both a perfect Nashville artist pitch, and an extremely licensable song for film and TV.As I also say in previous reviews, I'm always on the lookout for what I call the 'holy trinity': excellence in songwriting, vocals/performance, and record/production. "Half A Love" nails the trinity--the song craft/storytelling is evident in every line, with a truly original central song idea the singing and playing is world-class the record is state of the art Nashville demo production that rises to the level of a broadcast/release-ready master. Anything less than that in today's insanely competitive indie music market doesn't stand a chance. So that, along with their willingness to dig deep and welcome the chance to always improve, points the way to an extremely promising future for Tell Her I Love Her.

Quote From Pro: I love "Half A Love", and the most rigorous criticism hardly turns up anything for me that's not to love. So, first and foremost, congrats on a truly exceptional piece of work. This is both a perfect Nashville artist pitch, and an extremely licensable song for film and TV.I'm always on the lookout for what I call the 'holy trinity': excellence in songwriting, vocals/performance, and record/production. "Half A Love" nails the trinity--the song craft/storytelling is evident in every line, with a truly original central song idea the singing and playing is world-class the record is state of the art Nashville demo production that rises to the level of a broadcast/release-ready master. Anything less in today's insanely competitive indie music market doesn't stand a chance. So that, along with their willingness to dig deep and welcome the opportunity to always improve, points the way to an extremely promising future for Tell Her I Love Her.

Broadjam Artist: RekLes Studios
Song: Buried Alive

Broadjam Pro Reviewer:
Shawn McKenzie (Producer, Artist)

Pro General Comments: You're sitting on a cool track, but you don't get to hear much of it as you have vocals riding from beginning to end. You should give your music some breathing room, by creating a 4-8 bar intro buildup and then lead into the chorus, it makes it more radio friendly that way. Your vocal styling is a little on the dated style, not a lot of dynamics in the phrasing of your words. In saying that, what is old is new now, so it could possibly work in your favour. . In the future when you are crating sung choruses don't make it too wordy, you can say more with less. Plus when a vocalist is performing live the song it allows them to catch their breath. Your vocals styling reminds me of Young MC. I could see this track being placed in a TV series or movie Drama relating to your subject matter, you can definitely get the song licenced. Take advantage of those opportunities. You have the ability to create a picture so that your audience gets involved in your song. Today's lyrics don't deal with much in terms of subject matter, with the exception of a few rappers, good to see that you stay true to your art. Keep going for it.

Quote From Pro: You have the ability to create a picture so that your audience gets involved in your song. Today's lyrics don't deal with much in terms of subject matter, with the exception of a few rappers, good to see that you stay true to your art. Keep going for it.

Broadjam Artist: Pink and White Bridge
Song: Later

Broadjam Pro Reviewer:
Joe Vitale (Producer, Songwriter, Drummer)

Pro General Comments: Hey Paul (Pink & White Bridge)....Thanks so much for sending me this song to review. I've listened to it a few times now and it really grows on you !! This story can be told forever it seems. No matter how you say it, it hits home with so many folks !! I especially love the harp and other instrumentation. It fits the lyrics and mood so well. This is a great vibe and so easy to listen to. BRAVO !!

Quote From Pro: Pink and White Bridge have a beautiful song here !! I don't know anyone who couldn't relate to and feel the depth of these lyrics. Great passion here !!! It's wonderful to hear original music with great melody and words....BRAVO GUYS !!!Joe Vitale

Broadjam Artist: Jim Reeder
Song: I Believe

Broadjam Pro Reviewer:
Dave Hnatiuk (Music Supervisor)

Pro General Comments: Hi Jim,Thank you for your patience in receiving my review. I have been BEYOND busy lately which I am thankful for! Generally speaking, this is a classic song with a ton of emotion behind it, a very inspirational message, and generations of fans and listeners who have experienced it in a variety of different ways and contexts. I think your simplistic instrumentation choices were the right way to go here. This song is all about the lyrics and the vocal melody, and the instrumental aspect of the song is very much secondary. Good job on this.I think the general mix and production is fine although I would DEFINITELY consider pulling back on the delay effect on your vocals. The delay gets so intense at times that I seriously cannot decipher what your lyrics are saying, and for a message heavy song like this one, you cannot risk any one not being able to understand the lyrics. And by the way, I'm listening to your song on a perfectly working pair of Genelec 1030a studio monitors.

Quote From Pro: Jim Reeder was smart to accurately cover the classic song "I Believe" written by Ervin Drake, Irvin Graham, Jimmy Shirl and Al Stillman in 1953 and made popular by Frankie Laine's original performance. It's my belief that Jim Reeder's cover of "I Believe" could be a useful alternative version of the song for those media producers who cannot afford to license more well known versions of the song.

Broadjam Artist: Frank Dixon
Song: Back to the Stars

Broadjam Pro Reviewer:
Chris Keaton (Music Publisher, Artist Manager, Song Plugger)

Pro General Comments: I am absolutely enamored with the gorgeous piano intro...the recording of the piano is exquisite!The lead vocal is enchanting and really attracts the listener's attention from the first note. Reminiscent of Michael Buble, yet still an original style and timbre.What a wonderful melody and lyric. They really work together well and deliver the message in a lovely style. The lyric is dreamy yet right on point and, to me, the message stays clear throughout.The chorus is memorable and singable and, again re-engages the listener and demands his attention.By the time you get to the "We're going home" section, the musical tension has built to a marvelous crescendo and the release at the end of the section is really climactic and effective.In my personal opinion the vocal seems to be a bit buried or masked when all of the instruments are playing and I think it would have been better if the vocal was brought out front just a bit.Your vocal range is excellent and never sounds strained or forced...beautiful. The e motion you display in your voice is truly magical and makes the listener want to hear more.

Quote From Pro: An incredible talent and song. If this song and performance are any indication, Frank Dixon will be a major star!

Broadjam Artist: Ian Lee
Song: Lonely nights

Broadjam Pro Reviewer:
Malik Williams (Producer, Artist, Engineer, Composer)

Pro General Comments: Lonely Nights is very catchy and smooth! Out of the three songs, this one is my favorite and I like the intro a lot. It's simple but it sets the mood. This song's instrumentation reminds me of The Script but the more I listen to your vocal tone, I hear the same voice texture of Bruce Hornsby and Christopher Cross (I mentioned him before). I couldn't figure that out at first but... I really mean that as a compliment! This song style is very different from Runaway With Me and Rainbows Without Rain. It makes me appreciate you more as a songwriter. Diversity is good, especially considering the music licensing and song placement route. Nice arrangement on this song as well. My only constructive comment is in the chorus vocals. I feel that the backing vocal under your lead lines could be a bit tighter but it's not super critical if you're not able to go back to edit. Intonation and timing is something to pay attention to anyway. Spreading or panning the vocals out can remedy this as well. Just treat the voices like another acoustic instrument to have fun with. It helps to have another set of trusted ears in the room too. The overall production and mix of this song is really good. It seems that you have a recording formula that works well. The guitar mix, tremolo effects and stereo imaging of your guitars sound pretty full and interesting. You should definitely stick to this recording and engineering methods. It's definitely working for you!Very easy listening and the market is definitely there for you as an artist, for film and tv placements or even to pitch for other signed artist looking for songs.

Quote From Pro: Very easy listening and the market is definitely there for you as an artist, for film and tv placements or even to pitch for other signed artist looking for songs.

Broadjam Artist: Michael Brandmeier
Song: JUST LIKE THAT

Broadjam Pro Reviewer:
Chris Keaton (Music Publisher, Artist Manager, Song Plugger)

Pro General Comments: I am very impressed with the emotion and vibe of this song. The lyrics, obviously heartfelt and real, work SO well with the melody. I agree with you that is certainly a universal, yet very personal theme, and, to me, that is one of the things that really makes this work for me. The lyric, melody and the texture of the rhythm section pulled me in and made me want to really get inside the song.Your love, respect and gratitude for your mother is quite obvious from not only the melody and lyric, but the vocal delivery which is quite beautiful.I'm not sure I would suggest changing anything about this song. In my humble opinion, it really works!Don't know if you ever play this song in a live setting but I would be interested to know how it is received...what kind of responses you get...does it move people...those types of things. Again, this is really excellent on all levels.

Quote From Pro: In my professional opinion, this is a hit waiting to happen. The melody and lyric never waver from the intimate and loving message.

Broadjam Artist: Ian Lee
Song: Runaway with me

Broadjam Pro Reviewer:
Malik Williams (Producer, Artist, Engineer, Composer)

Pro General Comments: Hey Ian,First off.. I really like the diversity I'm hearing in your music so far. I listened to this one a bunch of times and there's a ton of potential for this song.This is a cool grove with a sing-along chorus. This song sounds like a true story for sure. Most listeners can probably relate to a story about the knight in shining armor that tries to save the helpless little girl, take her to a far far away and live happily ever after! Good job with that! I like the vocal style, attitude and tone, although I think the verse performance could be a little tighter and in the pocket. I like the big chorus vocals and you did a pretty good job layering those parts. Especially at the end of the song. I like the big chorus vocals and you did a pretty good job layering those too and I can really hear the "voices" well in the mix.The instruments were very well produced. The drum execution and arrangement caught my attention for sure. You bass is simple and holding down the groove and the guitar parts and the sound is pretty retro. Nice stereo imaging with the guitars too! Overall, I really do think this song has a lot of commercial appeal.

Quote From Pro: This is a cool grove with a sing-along chorus!