Month: June 2015

Broadjam Artist: matt taylor
Song: Like A Mountain

Broadjam Pro Reviewer:
Tirk Wilder (Songwriter, Performer)

Pro General Comments: Like A Mountain - Matt Taylor 062815Nice ballad. Love song for your lady?You have a great melodic feel, as usual. And I like hearing songs from the standpoint of rawness, just you and your trusty nylon strings.I need to state at the outset that you have limited your chances of getting it picked up by a publisher just by dint of the fact that it IS a ballad. Most (I dare say ALL that could do you any good) publishers are lousy with ballads. But more on that in a second.Some of these lines are strong and could be left as is. I'll come back to that, too, but first I want to talk about song form.If you are looking to make this song stand on its own, there needs to be some kind of repetitive theme somewhere that is the reason for the whole song. You only have your hook, your title, ONCE in the song. Your second Chorus contains a completely different lyrical content than the first, and my ear found that confusing. If this is a song you want to use in live performance, I would suggest repeating the first chorus in that slot, getting your hook in there again. THEN, maybe take the lyrical content of the second chorus and make it into a bridge instead. Maybe with a whole new melody and chord structure, even.Then, I might consider changing the melody of the verses ever so slightly. For instance. The word "know" ends up as an "E" note. Okay, make the word "grow" turn out to be a G# or a B. Some small variance every other line that eliminates the possibility of monotony.Small suggestions: "loving you it made my life begin," ditch the "it". No extra unnecessary syllables.The line "My love will weather through" could be better as "My love weathers through".The line "like a mountain I go to the sea" bothers me because, for the life of me, I can't recall any reports of mountains suddenly barging into the sea. Mountain STREAMS REACH the sea... Mountains don't "go to the sea". You could try something like "until the mountains sink in the sea," and I might could buy THAT.Okay, so, summarizing:Change the arrangement to be Verse, Chorus, Verse, Chorus, (NEW) BRIDGE, Chorus and out. The Chorus should be the "Like a Mountain" passage, and the Bridge will be the "I'll find you in the sky" passage, with a new musical structure behind it.Some thought should be given to tampering with the melodies in the verses for the sake of variation.Get it so it's worthy of the "by Matt Taylor" statement, and you'll have something to expose to music libraries, like Broadjam, and many others online and see if you can get a "license to use" purchased.I might also suggest to you that you consider becoming your own publisher. You may as well. You're doing everything a publisher does except sign the forms.Las Vegas, huh? Cool.

Quote From Pro: Matt Taylor will capture your senses and take them on a nice, smooth ride.

Broadjam Artist: matt taylor
Song: Like A Mountain

Broadjam Pro Reviewer:
Tirk Wilder (Songwriter, Performer)

Pro General Comments: Like A Mountain - Matt Taylor 062815Nice ballad. Love song for your lady?You have a great melodic feel, as usual. And I like hearing songs from the standpoint of rawness, just you and your trusty nylon strings.I need to state at the outset that you have limited your chances of getting it picked up by a publisher just by dint of the fact that it IS a ballad. Most (I dare say ALL that could do you any good) publishers are lousy with ballads. But more on that in a second.Some of these lines are strong and could be left as is. I'll come back to that, too, but first I want to talk about song form.If you are looking to make this song stand on its own, there needs to be some kind of repetitive theme somewhere that is the reason for the whole song. You only have your hook, your title, ONCE in the song. Your second Chorus contains a completely different lyrical content than the first, and my ear found that confusing. If this is a song you want to use in live performance, I would suggest repeating the first chorus in that slot, getting your hook in there again. THEN, maybe take the lyrical content of the second chorus and make it into a bridge instead. Maybe with a whole new melody and chord structure, even.Then, I might consider changing the melody of the verses ever so slightly. For instance. The word "know" ends up as an "E" note. Okay, make the word "grow" turn out to be a G# or a B. Some small variance every other line that eliminates the possibility of monotony.Small suggestions: "loving you it made my life begin," ditch the "it". No extra unnecessary syllables.The line "My love will weather through" could be better as "My love weathers through".The line "like a mountain I go to the sea" bothers me because, for the life of me, I can't recall any reports of mountains suddenly barging into the sea. Mountain STREAMS REACH the sea... Mountains don't "go to the sea". You could try something like "until the mountains sink in the sea," and I might could buy THAT.Okay, so, summarizing:Change the arrangement to be Verse, Chorus, Verse, Chorus, (NEW) BRIDGE, Chorus and out. The Chorus should be the "Like a Mountain" passage, and the Bridge will be the "I'll find you in the sky" passage, with a new musical structure behind it.Some thought should be given to tampering with the melodies in the verses for the sake of variation.Get it so it's worthy of the "by Matt Taylor" statement, and you'll have something to expose to music libraries, like Broadjam, and many others online and see if you can get a "license to use" purchased.I might also suggest to you that you consider becoming your own publisher. You may as well. You're doing everything a publisher does except sign the forms.Las Vegas, huh? Cool.

Quote From Pro: Matt Taylor will capture your senses and take them on a nice, smooth ride.

Broadjam Artist: matt taylor
Song: I Can't Help It

Broadjam Pro Reviewer:
Tirk Wilder (Songwriter, Performer)

Pro General Comments: Can't Help It - Matt Taylor 062815When a song critique artist (and it IS an art) runs into someone on your (rare) level, the line between critique and co-write is stretched thin. I DO have suggestions to make, but only as examples.I love the groove. Comfortable and relaxing 1-4. It helps when you have Nashville level monster sidemen, too. Bass player flat out blows the walls down in your video. Killer dobro man. Hey, ALL these guys should have been expensive. Sweet, sweet licks.Your unique and very good vocal styles are outstanding, as usual. On key backup singers. Costly. Very cool, though.Now, down to business.If you go to BMI.com and do a "repertoire" search for that title ("Can't Help It"), you will see there are already 59 songs with identical title that are published and registered at BMI. Some of them are already cut, some are vanity cuts, but the point is that there are a LOT of them. You, having decided that's your HOOK, have to out write them all to get attention. I'm not saying that's by any means impossible, especially not for YOU.But it doesn't matter how hot your backup is (and all those guys are hot!), you have to have something that INVOLVES the casual listener. That HAS to be the song, lyric and all. But you are going to have to have EVERY LINE SPARKLE, in some way. It has to perk up the ears of even the most jaded listener. The lyric of the hook, "Can't Help It", has not been a huge hit for the other 59 versions of the title, so it probably has to come from the rest of the lyric.If it doesn't tell me a story, paint me a picture, or hit my funny bone, find something better."My credit cards have gone into shock, but I love you, I can't help itThe last time you left I almost changed the locks, but I love you, Can't help it,"Just a suggestion/example..."Hard to believe the way I'm feeling now" should probably be the template for the couplets you need to write to replace it. You might want to try brainstorming couplets like that. Sit there for five minutes, or a half an hour with a blank piece of paper and come up with every one of those couplets you can think of, whether they're ridiculous or not. Write them down. Don't quit till you've got 20 of them. Don't edit yourself, just write what comes into your head. There you will find the gems. You need about five really great ones. That's where the meat of the groove is.But they have to be WAY better than what is here right now."I want to up and leave but I don't see how..." C'mon, man. I can tell when a line has the "I Need To Fill Something In Here" feel from a MILE AWAY, and so can your average listener.(Continued in the Artist's Submitted Question box)

Quote From Pro: Matt Taylor is the real deal.

Broadjam Artist: matt taylor
Song: I Can't Help It

Broadjam Pro Reviewer:
Tirk Wilder (Songwriter, Performer)

Pro General Comments: Can't Help It - Matt Taylor 062815When a song critique artist (and it IS an art) runs into someone on your (rare) level, the line between critique and co-write is stretched thin. I DO have suggestions to make, but only as examples.I love the groove. Comfortable and relaxing 1-4. It helps when you have Nashville level monster sidemen, too. Bass player flat out blows the walls down in your video. Killer dobro man. Hey, ALL these guys should have been expensive. Sweet, sweet licks.Your unique and very good vocal styles are outstanding, as usual. On key backup singers. Costly. Very cool, though.Now, down to business.If you go to BMI.com and do a "repertoire" search for that title ("Can't Help It"), you will see there are already 59 songs with identical title that are published and registered at BMI. Some of them are already cut, some are vanity cuts, but the point is that there are a LOT of them. You, having decided that's your HOOK, have to out write them all to get attention. I'm not saying that's by any means impossible, especially not for YOU.But it doesn't matter how hot your backup is (and all those guys are hot!), you have to have something that INVOLVES the casual listener. That HAS to be the song, lyric and all. But you are going to have to have EVERY LINE SPARKLE, in some way. It has to perk up the ears of even the most jaded listener. The lyric of the hook, "Can't Help It", has not been a huge hit for the other 59 versions of the title, so it probably has to come from the rest of the lyric.If it doesn't tell me a story, paint me a picture, or hit my funny bone, find something better."My credit cards have gone into shock, but I love you, I can't help itThe last time you left I almost changed the locks, but I love you, Can't help it,"Just a suggestion/example..."Hard to believe the way I'm feeling now" should probably be the template for the couplets you need to write to replace it. You might want to try brainstorming couplets like that. Sit there for five minutes, or a half an hour with a blank piece of paper and come up with every one of those couplets you can think of, whether they're ridiculous or not. Write them down. Don't quit till you've got 20 of them. Don't edit yourself, just write what comes into your head. There you will find the gems. You need about five really great ones. That's where the meat of the groove is.But they have to be WAY better than what is here right now."I want to up and leave but I don't see how..." C'mon, man. I can tell when a line has the "I Need To Fill Something In Here" feel from a MILE AWAY, and so can your average listener.(Continued in the Artist's Submitted Question box)

Quote From Pro: Matt Taylor is the real deal.

Broadjam Artist: One More River Music
Song: Take My Advice

Broadjam Pro Reviewer:
Diana Williamson (Songwriter, Music Supervisor)

Pro General Comments: Dear Sergio from Kleinburg- ha ha- where is the contact button on your site- to contact you direct? Try emailing me again- it's been very hectic and I can't seem to find it.As usual- Please be advised that I don't comment on individual instrumentation as my forte is more in the overall picture- lyrics, melody, arrangements and marketing.The word appalling sounds like a convenient rhyme- songs usually do best with everyday speech- not something that feels tacked on. Some of the lyrics here have a feel that they are mostly too easy rhymes- "quick as a flash/make a mad dash"- appalling/calling, what she's like, took a hike. You want to use phrases that you would use when talking to a friend- more or less- so they have that natural flow to them. Be careful of this. For eg "give her the news" isn't something you would really say to a friend.Vocal sounds a bit sing song-ey- versus the subject matter which could be a bit more angst ridden concerning the topic. This singer isn't selling me this song. I am too aware of his vocal instead of what he's saying. You might want to look for a richer bluesy voice- one that has more color. You don't have to be too clever in a blues song- sometimes its just about the singer - saying he's hurting- is enough. But that voice has to draw us in immediately. Maybe study some Robert Cray for ideas?- he deals with those subjects but also has a catchiness to his work that some blues don't always have. Eg- https://youtu.be/2gQEDwjhaDE?list=PLUmnnNR3rRsR2vdw9b765Jow6ZgICtqL-

Quote From Pro: Sergio Simone's songs tell stories from the heart.

Broadjam Artist: Sergio Simone
Song: Take My Advice

Broadjam Pro Reviewer:
Diana Williamson (Songwriter, Music Supervisor)

Pro General Comments: Dear Sergio from Kleinburg- ha ha- where is the contact button on your site- to contact you direct? Try emailing me again- it's been very hectic and I can't seem to find it.As usual- Please be advised that I don't comment on individual instrumentation as my forte is more in the overall picture- lyrics, melody, arrangements and marketing.The word appalling sounds like a convenient rhyme- songs usually do best with everyday speech- not something that feels tacked on. Some of the lyrics here have a feel that they are mostly too easy rhymes- "quick as a flash/make a mad dash"- appalling/calling, what she's like, took a hike. You want to use phrases that you would use when talking to a friend- more or less- so they have that natural flow to them. Be careful of this. For eg "give her the news" isn't something you would really say to a friend.Vocal sounds a bit sing song-ey- versus the subject matter which could be a bit more angst ridden concerning the topic. This singer isn't selling me this song. I am too aware of his vocal instead of what he's saying. You might want to look for a richer bluesy voice- one that has more color. You don't have to be too clever in a blues song- sometimes its just about the singer - saying he's hurting- is enough. But that voice has to draw us in immediately. Maybe study some Robert Cray for ideas?- he deals with those subjects but also has a catchiness to his work that some blues don't always have. Eg- https://youtu.be/2gQEDwjhaDE?list=PLUmnnNR3rRsR2vdw9b765Jow6ZgICtqL-

Quote From Pro: Sergio Simone's songs tell stories from the heart.

Broadjam Artist: Andy Barlow
Song: The Beauty Inside

Broadjam Pro Reviewer:
Tom Bocci (Music Supervisor, Producer, and Publisher)

Pro General Comments: Greetings Andy,Thanks for the opportunity to offer comments on such a beautifully melodic,heartfelt song. The verses are well-constructed by using a personal past/present reality check in the lyric that foreshadows the emotional longing in the hook and chorus,and captures additional imagery within each time it comes around. This form is unusual and effective, especially if used to underscore a visual illustrating inner thoughts.The bridge offers a lovely lyrical chance to pause and reflect on a momentary safe place to go when these feelings are too much to endure.The half chorus #3 is a strong device that builds to the modulation into Chorus #4 and the sensitive vocal performance that supports the final plea.From a recording standpoint,at times the dynamic string/woodwind presence in the first two choruses seems bit much in contrast to the lead singer's airy vocal. Try reducing the volume and balance the low tonalities to the vocal more so that it doesn't get lost. "The Beauty Inside" demonstrates your in-depth knowledge of the marriage between a theatrical song form and a poetic presentation.All best wishes for future success.Tom Bocci

Quote From Pro: "The Beauty Inside" demonstrates your in-depth knowledge of the marriage between a theatrical song form and a poetic presentation.

Broadjam Artist: Andy Barlow
Song: The Beauty Inside

Broadjam Pro Reviewer:
Tom Bocci (Music Supervisor, Producer, and Publisher)

Pro General Comments: Greetings Andy,Thanks for the opportunity to offer comments on such a beautifully melodic,heartfelt song. The verses are well-constructed by using a personal past/present reality check in the lyric that foreshadows the emotional longing in the hook and chorus,and captures additional imagery within each time it comes around. This form is unusual and effective, especially if used to underscore a visual illustrating inner thoughts.The bridge offers a lovely lyrical chance to pause and reflect on a momentary safe place to go when these feelings are too much to endure.The half chorus #3 is a strong device that builds to the modulation into Chorus #4 and the sensitive vocal performance that supports the final plea.From a recording standpoint,at times the dynamic string/woodwind presence in the first two choruses seems bit much in contrast to the lead singer's airy vocal. Try reducing the volume and balance the low tonalities to the vocal more so that it doesn't get lost. "The Beauty Inside" demonstrates your in-depth knowledge of the marriage between a theatrical song form and a poetic presentation.All best wishes for future success.Tom Bocci

Quote From Pro: "The Beauty Inside" demonstrates your in-depth knowledge of the marriage between a theatrical song form and a poetic presentation.

Broadjam Artist: matt taylor
Song: I Can't Help It

Broadjam Pro Reviewer:
Tom Bocci (Music Supervisor, Producer, and Publisher)

Pro General Comments: Greetings Matt,Sure appreciate hearing such a soulful song performed and produced in an appropriately natural environment. No need to"hard sell" this one. Your vocal tone caresses the lyric with a combination of a "too good to be true" and "don't sweat the small stuff" delivery.The only different vocal inflection could come in the next to last bridge line try emphasizing Why Do I Love You? by elongating the question.Musically,your choices of upright bass, brushes,rhythm guitar and dobro lead(or is it a slide?) are right in the pocket with the laid back lead vocal and cool harmony.If you haven't already done so, you might think of a visually and financially real way to present this track on YouTube since you nailed it musically as well as anyone could. If this is an indication melodically of the rest of your repertoire, consider releasing a long-form with 10 songs of this quality independently.You've got the right creative instincts for success with your songs, but you'll need to find a true-beliver in the form of a door-opening music supervisor, publisher, co-producer,or small label owner who can help position you and your sound to the right audience, and help get you to the next step.Wishing you all the best now and in the future,Tom Bocci

Quote From Pro: Matt,Your naturally soulful approach to songwriting and performing is a great asset to success.

Broadjam Artist: matt taylor
Song: I Can't Help It

Broadjam Pro Reviewer:
Tom Bocci (Music Supervisor, Producer, and Publisher)

Pro General Comments: Greetings Matt,Sure appreciate hearing such a soulful song performed and produced in an appropriately natural environment. No need to"hard sell" this one. Your vocal tone caresses the lyric with a combination of a "too good to be true" and "don't sweat the small stuff" delivery.The only different vocal inflection could come in the next to last bridge line try emphasizing Why Do I Love You? by elongating the question.Musically,your choices of upright bass, brushes,rhythm guitar and dobro lead(or is it a slide?) are right in the pocket with the laid back lead vocal and cool harmony.If you haven't already done so, you might think of a visually and financially real way to present this track on YouTube since you nailed it musically as well as anyone could. If this is an indication melodically of the rest of your repertoire, consider releasing a long-form with 10 songs of this quality independently.You've got the right creative instincts for success with your songs, but you'll need to find a true-beliver in the form of a door-opening music supervisor, publisher, co-producer,or small label owner who can help position you and your sound to the right audience, and help get you to the next step.Wishing you all the best now and in the future,Tom Bocci

Quote From Pro: Matt,Your naturally soulful approach to songwriting and performing is a great asset to success.