Month: July 2016

Broadjam Artist: The Skylift
Song: Raindrops

Broadjam Pro Reviewer:
Jonathan Weiss (Music Supervisor, A&R)

Pro General Comments: Very pretty melody overall and uplifting type of a central melodic theme. The track builds towards the end and then comes down in dynamics, which gives it a nice tension and release type feel. Most of the keyboard sounds and acoustic piano samples sound pretty authentic and organic. I would try and always update the synth string sounds whenever possible in general and in particular for this song, the lower cello sample and the higher end violin sound, both of which sound a bit synthetic and synth sounding. The cue overall has a positive and uplifting feel that makes it a nice calling card for any type of music scoring opportunities that you may have a chance to bid for.

Quote From Pro: Solid orchestrated arrangement that gives the listener a positive and uplifting feeling.

Broadjam Artist: TJ Doyle Band
Song: We Are Here

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

Pro General Comments: "We Are Here" is an emotionally gripping and effectively evocative classic rock protest song. The subject matter--a generation's promise to bring about social change, its successes and disappointments--is a refreshing change from so much of what makes the charts and trends on the socials these days. TJ and the Band absolutely crush the performances, sonics, and the recording. The guitar-centric band slams with heartfelt intensity and totally sells the messages that the song intends to convey.The chorus sings, "We Are Here, We Are Here.... Raise your arms into the air." We can see an entire arena of fans, and possibly a whole world of followers, following along. Feelin' it, guys. Right on.

Quote From Pro: "We Are Here" is an emotionally gripping and effectively evocative classic rock protest song. The subject matter--a generation's promise to bring about social change, its successes and disappointments--is a refreshing change from so much of what makes the charts and trends on the socials these days. The chorus sings, "We Are Here, We Are Here.... Raise your arms into the air." We can see an entire arena of fans, and possibly a whole world of followers, following along. Feelin' it, guys. Right on.

Broadjam Artist: Elle Ray
Song: Out Of The Maze

Broadjam Pro Reviewer:
John Anderson (Publisher)

Pro General Comments: Hello Elle Ray, I'm so happy to see a submission from you. Overall, I think this is a really great song with great potential. It's an anthemic and moving ballad with solid song writing structure focusing on redemption. It's a perfect emotional track for placement in television or film. The production quality is amazing and already suitable for film and TV. Your vocals are definitely up to par and able to translate all that tremendous emotion to the listener. The lyrics are also very well written and anyone who's ever been in a relationship can relate to this this song.I feel really empowered just listening to this song. You remind me a bit of Melissa Etheridge especially in terms of your uplifting and empowering vocals. I was intrigued so I actually found your EDM version because I see a lot of potential for use there. The subject matter is right on point for a big dance club hit. I thought it was good and I think you should pursue other remix opportunities as well. It really is a great track for it.

Quote From Pro: An anthemic and moving ballad. Solid song writing structure focusing on redemption. It's a perfect emotional track for placement in television or film.

Broadjam Artist: Cindy Tuttle
Song: Did Ya Know

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

Pro General Comments: Greetings Cindy,Thanks for the opportunity to review another lovely song of yours. Your natural ability with melody and a catchy hook is alive and well again in this tune. Your lead vocal has a surprisingly soulful, bluesy color to it that serves as an interesting counterpoint to the positive message of the lyric.Your tendency to start with a chorus works especially well here, because it's always a good idea to begin with an opening question so that you can develop a number of multi-faceted answers within the rest of the song's story. Well done!In the second section of the first verse you might want to try singing the word vanish instead of push to see how it feels without it changing your intended meaning. Also the structure starts to fall apart in the second verse. Suggest you drop "new" before "hope", it sounds awkward and end the second verse with "look deep and you'll be glad" by deleting the "Taking One Step..." half verse. Then go directly back to repeating the chorus one last time. The ending/outro in my opinion would be much more effective using a slow fade by singing the line, "See the Light Within, See the Light of Love" three times. This leaves the listener with the memory of your main overall message, and sounds more organic than the abrupt ending that is there now. It's also why I think the title should be "See The Light". Your instrumental partner's musical tracks and arrangements are major assets to these demos and I encourage you to work together more on tighter structures that enhance your style of writing.

Quote From Pro: Your natural ability with melody and a catchy hook is alive and well again in this tune.Tom Bocci

Broadjam Artist: Jim Reeder
Song: I Believe

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

Pro General Comments: This is a timeless classic song, recorded by such notables as Elvis Presley and LeAnn Rimes. Jim Reeder covers it with a sincere, heartfelt vocal performance a bit reminiscent of classic Roy Orbison--and a recording that honors the intentions of the original music and lyric: a deep and almost spiritual commitment to believing in the good, simple virtues of life.

Quote From Pro: This is a timeless classic song, recorded by such notables as Elvis Presley and LeAnn Rimes. Jim Reeder covers it with a sincere, heartfelt vocal performance a bit reminiscent of classic Roy Orbison--and a recording that honors the intentions of the original music and lyric: a deep and almost spiritual commitment to believing in the good, simple virtues of life.

Broadjam Artist: Bob Hutson
Song: Run Til I'm Free

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

Pro General Comments: Hi Bob: As you probably know- Please note I don't rate individual instrumentation since my expertise lies more in marketability, lyric, melody, and overall performance.You have an interesting idea of mixing a rock-ish style with a gospel- type vocal. I could possibly hear a few more bluesy licks in there to really fuse the two together. They are two very rich styles that have the potential to really merge in interesting ways.My first initial instinct after reading the lyric says you have a powerful idea/concept. It's simple and focussed which is good. You don't always need overly clever or poetic lines. Just ask Adelle's "Hello it's me Again" or the Beatles "I Wanna Hold Your Hand". Simple and direct can be powerful and your lines ring with a good urgency. The visuals of chained hands and feet paint a vivid picture.However when the music first came in- it sounded pretty but I was waiting/hoping for a bit more emotion, a bit more tension in the melody/arrangement. It's a full 30 seconds before the verse and vocal comes in. This is an eternity in today's music- people are very used to short intros- (as opposed to the 80's). It's different if you are doing your own record and are not worried about selling it to another artist- in a pitch. But unfortunately people have short attention spans so cut to the meat of the song pretty quickly whenever possible. The vocal feels a bit buried in the track- the singer has a nice timbre so you want to showcase that. Also the guitar line might want to get a bit more sparse in the verse- it feels a bit like it's competing with the vocal. That guitar riff is also feeling a bit repetitive, can you change it up a bit?

Quote From Pro: A lot of heart in this song.

Broadjam Artist: Ian Lee
Song: Rainbows without rain

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

Pro General Comments: Hi Ian,Thank you so much for allowing me to review your music!This is a really great story and a really nice pop/rock ballad.. It's timeless! I love the emotion you put into this performance as well. I like the simplicity of this song and the somber, but rich piano sound. "Why can't there be rainbows without rain?". Very cool.. that vocal line really drew me in! The lyric is well written and you did a great job with the vocal performance. Christopher Cross came to mind in regard to your vocal tone and delivery. As I listened to it, I could also hear this song produced with a bigger orchestral arrangement. I'm not suggesting that you do that because the "less is more" factor is working in your favor already. Indeed this a good soundtrack song and lots of people can relate to the theme. It has a lot of film and tv licensing potential. Overall, the songwriting, performance and mix of this song was very well done!

Quote From Pro: This is a really great story and a really nice pop/rock ballad.. It's timeless!

Broadjam Artist: Maxim Senin
Song: Murder Ballad

Broadjam Pro Reviewer:
John Anderson (Publisher)

Pro General Comments: Hey Maxim,We'll I like to think you're asking the right guy, I'm a big fan of the Murder Ballad genre. I had the privilege of working Nick Cave's catalog for a decade and know his work well. It's quality song all around. My overall impression is quite positive, you've managed to truly capture a dark solemn feeling. Made my also think of the Bob Dylan song "Death Is Not The End" as well as the band The Pogues and their song "Fairytale of New York". Easily crosses the Singer Songwriter, Indie Rock, World Music genres, incredibly universal. Could also work as a Duet or for a solo artist with prominent backing vocals, Male or Female leads. Big Celtic influence. Scottish or Irish sounding. The Lyrics form a great narrative and pulls you into the story.I recommend self-releasing with you as the artist but I'm sure there are song publishers out there that would be proud to submit "Murder Ballad" for a major label or independent artist to record or cover crossing several genres.The demo recording and production quality is superior to what I typically hear. Solid production, instrumentation with lovely backing vocals. GREAT! It a timeless sounding record.I personally focus my efforts on film/television/ad placement for artists. It does strike me as a song that would fit nicely into a film or TV show and really enhance the emotion of the scene as well. Relaxing and evocative, well done!

Quote From Pro: Murder Ballads (The Hangman, the Chariot a Queen of Hearts) tells a dark engaging story that takes you on a man's journey through time that leads to a violent end. Hunnypot Approved!

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: Punk Ass Mo Fo
Song: Taxman

Broadjam Pro Reviewer:
John Anderson (Publisher)

Pro General Comments: Hey Punk Ass Mo Fo,We'll I like to think you're asking the right guy, I'm a big fan of the Rock/Punk genre. I had the privilege of working with The Cramps, The Bellrays, and Dramarama's catalogs to name a few. TAXMAN is a quality song all around. My overall impression is quite positive, you've managed to make a political statement and still rock it out.It's a great message that challenges the system in this politically charged environment. Perfect song to release in an election year.The recording and production quality is solid and similar to what I typically hear from young bands working with limited budgets. The production may be a bit polished or smooth for the hard core punk audience but the flip side is that it plays better for getting added at radio. The Lyrics form a great narrative and pulls you into the hook while the overall track kicks ass.I recommend self-releasing with Punk Ass Mo Fo as the artist but I'm sure there are song publishers out there that would be proud to submit "Taxman" for a major label or independent artist to record or cover.I personally focus my efforts on film/television/ad placement for artists. It does strike me as a song that would fit nicely into a film or TV show and really enhance the emotion of the scene. The limitations is the songs political message. Finding scenes that require this type of statement are few and far between but they are out there.Thanks for the listen.John Anderson

Quote From Pro: TAXMAN is a quality song all around. Punk Ass Mo Fo make a political statement and still rock it out.Hunnypot Approved!