Month: July 2016

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: Flava Hype
Song: I'm Lethal

Broadjam Pro Reviewer:
Serge Durand (A&R/Publisher/Manager)

Pro General Comments: I think this is a good hip hop record. The hip hop purists appreciate songs like this. We're in a time now where rappers aren't rapping about anything with substance. Songs like this have a fan base because there are thousands of fans out there that feel like what you're rapping about. I like your raps on this song. I appreciated your word play. I also enjoyed the female rapper. She killed it. I would shoot a video to this song making fun of the rappers promoting the flashy/baller lifestyle and promote it to multiple hip hop blogs like Allhiphop, Hiphopdx, 2dopeboyz, etc... Just make sure that your vid is quality. Videos don't cost as much as they used to, but they still cost. You can get a decent video shot for $2500-5000 using a good camera nowadays. I think you have potential and a lane. Judging front the songs that I've heard from you is that you have a message. You're anti-gimmicks. That's a good thing, but it's a long road. The gimmicky guys come and go, but they catch fast. The route you're taking takes a while longer, but if you break you're fans will be loyal like J. Cole/Kendrick's fan base. Stick to your guns. Keep creating music with a message and promote your music as much as you can. Also put together a good team around you. You can't do it all by yourself.

Quote From Pro: Flava Hype has something to say and I think hip hop fans out there want to hear the message that he preaches in his music.

Broadjam Artist: Maxim Senin
Song: Old Shoebox

Broadjam Pro Reviewer:
Mitch Goldfarb (Producer)

Pro General Comments: Great Intro. I love the musical line. It has an appealing euro-ethnic quality. Tempo is perfect. You captured a great toe-tapping groove.The sonics & recording are really good. There's a balance of highs & lows. The instruments are crystal clear. The sound of the acoustic guitars, the percussion, the band, and the lead instruments fit like a glove, focusing the listener on the vocals. You've captured the Knopfler quality--just right for storytelling. Your vocals make the track!The first verse pulls the listener in with its stripped down intimate feel. Try holding off on the fills and have the violin's entrance around the turn (My heart sank to the stomach). Let the track build slower. Don't be in a rush to give away all your fun musical flavors right away.The band entrance is in the correct place to build the excitement. Again, try holding off on all the fills. Let the listener enjoy the band establishing itself. Great use of the snare drum to amp up the beat. It adds real character to the track.In general, the fills (the violin, the flute, and the guitar licks) need to be mixed in a way that directs the listener. Instead of going gangbusters, I suggest picking one element at a time and allow that instrument to speak and establish itself in the holes around the vocal statements. Then switch to another instrument and do the same. At times, there is too much to focus on. All the instruments seem to be vying for the same space. Most people can process up to three ideas, but give them a forth and it all goes out the window. Plus, be careful not to let the fills obfuscate your hook line, which is great. This is a good example of where "less is more." By the way, I love your choices of the fill instruments. The colors are perfect for this song.The melody in your Pre-Chorus is a wonderful lift. The Chorus is very good too. The lyrics are just right. The vocal double gives the hook character without going overboard. I love the beat change in the Chorus. It makes it stand out as special. Nice job!The Breakdown Verse after the Solo is perfect. This creates the rollercoaster of ups and downs for the listener, and gives you an opportunity to build the track again. Well done!All the performances are very good. The track keeps chugging right along.The song feels too long. You have two Solos and a one-minute tag. By time we are at the Tag, the listener has heard everything. More licks do not make it better. If the listener isn't sold on the track by the Tag, something is wrong, which is not the case here. I suggest that you focus your creativity on leaving the listener "wanting to hear more" and not satiating them. This way they will play the song again, and again, and hopefully again. Consider dropping one of the Solos, or at least cutting them in half. Fade out much earlier. Play with getting the track down to 3:30 or even just over 3 minutes. You can always save an extended version to use elsewhere. I often create several versions of a key track to give the record company options for marketing.In addition, the Solos and the Tag needs to be focused in the mix. Direct the listener. Actively choose which instrument and which statement you want the listener to hear. Use the best licks and forget the rest. You can even create a call and response theme with trading licks back and forth, giving one part to the violin, then the next to the guitar or flute. Be careful not to have all the lead instruments speak at the same time. If you are going to cut the Solos in half, I suggest using only one instrument to make the statements in that section.One last note, consider changing the title to something more poetic, like The Only One. Even "Shoebox" would be easier for the listener to remember. The lyrics "Old Shoebox" are not in the song, only Shoebox.I've very impressed with your growth as an artist. You are bringing a maturity to your expression.Congrats on your son--a wonderful life changing experience!

Quote From Pro: "Old Shoebox" is a winner. This upbeat track focuses playfully on the age-old story of "what do you tell the new live-in girlfriend about the ex-girlfriend." If that's not enough, Maxim Senin takes the back peddling for an explanation to an art form when what tipped off the new lover is a box of old photographs, only the photos are from years of ex-girlfriends. Just try getting out of that jam with a smile and a song.

Broadjam Artist: Hugo Bass
Song: Alpha Dancer (Remix)

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

Pro General Comments: Please note I don't rate individual instrumentation since my expertise lies more in marketability, lyric, melody, and overall performance.Hi there, Hugo. First off you have a winning attitude. I always encourage people to give me truth and can't stand anyone who says they like something then secretly hates it. My one cardinal rule is to tell the truth- because that's how everyone LEARNS and gets better! The fact that you ask for the brutal truth is a feather in your cap! Of course you have to be careful who you listen to and disregard people with unworthy intentions. You are only going to grow and that's how you perfect your craft. So that is major step one.The good news is you have a great handle on this type of writing. You lured me in immediately with the intro and vibe. The song has a very cool vibe to it. The instrumentation and arrangement has a tasteful flavor that is easy on the ears.One of the easiest and overlooked things to fix is to always try to have a title with an emotional lure to it. Something that everyone immediately gets curious about. Alpha Dancer is interesting but could be more interesting. I'm left wondering what it means. For eg "Dancing in the Moonlight" suggests a midnight rendevous- so we're wondering "who" are the lovers- something relating to our own emotional experiences. So if it was something like "Dancing into Love" it makes it more personal for the listener because they can relate to it. Something to keep in mind.Great opening- nice feel. Nice choice of vocalist. Interesting vocal effect part round 48 & 2:48, some sonic bells and whistles give the track a fun feel.When verse comes in you might want to add a little more ear candy- you want it to build a little more rapidly. The vocal is mixed a little low in places so I can't really make out the lyrics. Lyrics are important so make sure we can hear them.When getting reviews- be sure to include them so you can get feedback on them.It seems that perhaps the rhymes may be a little forced (but since I can't really hear the words- a clearer mix would help- ) I can't say for sure- but humanity /sanity and dominant/prominent seem a bit awkward. The general rule is to keep lyrics conversational so they have a good flow to them. Prominent and humanity may be a bit formal for a song. Be careful on this.Lyric comes out off the top a little preachy- be very careful with this- big words such as "humanity" can scare someone off. Today's society is all about instant gratification - so if you want to say something important- you have to lure them into it. Music is escape for most people so you have to deliver escapism and then add something deep in a fun way so they don't realize they are being preached to. It's very hard to talk about issues without coming off preachy- it's a fine line. You don't want to alienate your listener.I can't seem to follow lyrical story. Part of it is the mix buries some of the words but I think also that the lyric may need a bit of going over. Make sure it progresses from the beginning and evolves. I like what you seem to be trying to do- (your intent) but it feels a bit confusing- as mentioned- when you keep it conversational versus overly poetic- it feels natural to the listener and flows.

Quote From Pro: Track has beautiful feel and suggests writer would be good at crafting commercials and scores.

Broadjam Artist: Ian Lee
Song: Love song

Broadjam Pro Reviewer:
Doug Beck (Producer, Remixer, Composer)

Pro General Comments: Ian Lee - Love SongThis is a nicely done ballad. Your production value is always really very nice. You know how to build a track and your songs and productions always sound extremely good.I love the electric piano intro with the synth embellishment. Love how the drum break brings in the rest of the instrumentation. As with all of your productions the dynamics are excellent. It's really very well done.Here's my issue. The song itself seems a little dated to me and a little lyrically pedestrian. Especially when compared to the previous track 'Missi'. Missi has a far more contemporary feel than this track and I think is 'Missi' is much more commercially viable in the current market place. I would also maybe try to find a more clever title. Something in the lyric that can work as a title as well.That said. Love Song is still a very nice track. I would just lean a little more towards the vibe and production of 'Missi' because I think that will serve you better in this marketplace.Artist's Submitted Question: Hi Doug, Thanks for your previous review. This certainly spurred me on to write more material and I've now completed a full album of 11 songs. I'd like your feedback on artists you feel are in a similar genre and which distribution channels might be best for me to focus on. Also do you feel this is of release quality or are there areas I still need to work more on? I'm now starting to write my next album and would like to incorporate what ever I can to improve and develop my sound. Thanks IanLBHey Ian,Like I stated above. I think the direction of 'Misi' is the way to go. All of your songs have great emotional appeal but 'Misi' captures it in such a way that works for what is happening now in the music industry. I also think music supervisors would really love that track and style. A placement in a TV show or movie can yield big dividends for a young artist. In any event, all of your stuff is really nice and very well done. You've got serious skills!

Quote From Pro: 'Love Song' is a beautiful song about an age old emotion.

Broadjam Artist: Ron Wilson
Song: Bye Bye Orlando

Broadjam Pro Reviewer:
Nikki Hornsby (Songwriter, Artist, Producer, Arranger)

Pro General Comments: Demo quality of instruments arrangement producer is not good for this catchy product song. Let me share something from our CJP-NHRecords files we give to our clients that might explain why it is important: "[Quoting G. Marshall Instructor, H. Musicians Institute. Source: Disc Makers Fast Forward, Vol. 5, No. 3 Issue 1997]"Years ago you could have given A & R reps and publishers a demo with just vocal and guitar on it, and they may have been able to hear how it would sound with a full band behind it but today they don't have time. They want to hear a fully produced, finished album. Remember, your demo is your business card. You get one chance to make an impression don't give out your card until you're sure it's ready." Hope this helps since I and my staff have been telling this in CJP-NHRecords clients in the one to one consultation since 2000. Hope this helps explain what is needed since I know your material has great bones! Maybe it needs some better clothing to be shopped for acquisition if that is the goal you are working towards. I would love to know who your professional studio musicians and even the name of the studio where you recorded your song(s). Now back to my listening as I do this over & over to make sure I am touching all bases with my personal knowledge. I do this technically as a producer including like publisher would do for your production towards marketing it to the consumer which a label with staff would also do plus the responsibility of a studio engineer that cares if his name is on it would help improve your product and not just engineer it for the money and get it out the door. I believe good money spent should have a good product and anything less is bad character in an honorable profession of the recording music industry.

Quote From Pro: The introduction part of this song could be improved but the complete song does sound like a commercial for the Auto Train if that was your intent. It is a catching melody message but like the ones they made many years ago for radio advertising. But in my opinion the fact that it's a demo is no excuse for the song suffering by what you present. It is still only my opinion of a poor production for your song which no professional in the area of acquisition or marketing would take now. Sometimes the better dressed get a better seat at the table and you want to give your songs a better chance to be heard without the negative distraction of such mistakes in the recording process especially the notes that were sung off key with the music or as I see it musicians are off from the vocal lead. Thank you, Ron, for sharing another catchy melody that you have written even with the flaws I heard. I look forward to reviewing others of your creation and I look forward to a better demo production if you can afford doing that for songwriting your talents. God bless.

Broadjam Artist: Jim Reeder
Song: I Believe

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

Pro General Comments: "I Believe" is an elegant and moving composition and has always been one of my favorite hymns. The melody and lyric are memories I have carried close to my hear nearly all my life. I loved singing it as a child and hearing it sung in church from the time I was very, very young. I loved it when Elvis recorded it (with his direct and emotive delivery) Your voice sounds calming and the timbre evokes the right emotions in me. I am vey impressed that you would be bold enough to tackle such a well known song and carry it off in such a professional manner. The backing vocals never shade the lead but only enhance the listener's experience. I love the guitar figure that carries the instrumental track. The sparseness of the track really makes this arrangement work...the intimacy and the tenderness of your voice match the lyric perfectly. In my humble opinion, you should have this mastered and released to CCM radio. It's a timeless message that everyone should hear. My only critique would be the reverb on the vocal...it is not my favorite. Otherwise, I am very impressed with this wonderful performance. I'm not sure what else I can say about this performance. Please keep up the great work and feel free to submit more material to me at any time!!! Thank you for submitting and allowing me to listen and respond.

Quote From Pro: This is a very impressive cover of a classic and timeless hymn.

Broadjam Artist: Bill Zeffiro
Song: What The Hell It's Christmas

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

Pro General Comments: Please note I don't rate individual instrumentation since my expertise lies more in marketability, lyric, melody, and overall performance.I apologize for being a few days late- I fell down like a dead soldier with the flu- but am now back in action.This song the way it is, would be perfect for theatre. It sounds tailor made for theatre. However there may not be that many appropriate plays. However one of the beauties of the season is there are new xmas movies out each year that are always looking for songs and original Christmas songs can be hard to come by.There is the one publisher Justin Wylde's company that specializes in placing Christmas songs in movies and you may want to see if he is interested. You'd have to google him to find his contact info. The demo the way it is would have to be given a fresh coat of paint. It sounds "theatre-ish" and would need a bit more finesse.Infact Justin may be able to give you a good review of how he sees it fitting into the marketplace- you may want to ask him in your email to get his thoughts since he knows the Christmas marketplace very well.It would have to be a Christmas comedy of course that would use such as song. Since it's very specific, it makes it a bit tougher to place because it is like a story song and not "universal" which are easier songs to place. However some of the most remote songs in my library have been some of the ones I've placed the easiest for some reasons. A song such as "I'm dreaming of a White Christmas" is a bit easier to place since it's not so specific.It's great to write comedic Christmas songs which is why the one about a reindeer running over Grandma or whatever that title was- was such a hit. There hadn't been many out like that before. Woody Allen could probably have a field day finding all the funny things that go on at Christmas.You did a great job on the lyric. It sounds old school of course with the words like "frisky", etc. One way you could also use this version is to perhaps make a comedic video for youtube with a talented videographer. (doesn't have to be expensive these days). Have an older couple playing off each other in a comedic way. If done well, you could attract some attention to the song and use this as a marketing tool.Another clever thing you did is make it into a duet. There are a lack of duets around. Stars always want to find a way to work with their heroes such as David Bowie and Bing Crosby. So delivering a duet is a smart move in itself. Very good work. I wish you the best of luck with it.

Quote From Pro: Songwriter has a flair for writing a rare and tricky thing, a comedic Christmas song.

Broadjam Artist: matt taylor
Song: Sometimes You Just Don't See It Coming 3:33

Broadjam Pro Reviewer:
Tirk Wilder (Songwriter, Performer)

Pro General Comments: Okay, Matt, there is much that is cool about this song.I like the hook "Sometimes you just don't see it coming". I like the way it gets laid in there at the top of the chorus, and that there is serious melodic differences between chorus and verse, so that the chorus "soars", if you will.I truly admire your melodic feel, and the way your chord structure is emotive harmony for that melody.Let's go to the lyrics.I'm none too crazy about the opening lines. Don't think they grab the casual listener.Next lyrical speed bump was "I hold it in as long as I am able". It may not be necessary to have a rhyme line here, as you have the second and the fourth lines already rhyming. "I hold it in as long as I can," sounds a little more like natural conversation, which is better, I think.The chorus?Well, the melody of the first two lines is impeccable, as usual, in your stuff.The words of the second line are weak. "Never thought I'd see the day," is a clich. It's sitting in the second line of the chorus where it almost HAS to be powerful. Something like, "Like a train wreck in the night, It came roaring through the tunnel, before I ever saw the light".You use that, I'm a co-writer. And I wouldn't mind that on this song.But, seriously, I hope you see what I mean. The lines, "When home to you I would be runningTo hear you say your going away."? I can't imagine those lines flying with any publisher. No power. Not something someone would say to their estranged lover while trying to hash things out.If not an image, a strong metaphor. Something someone would be saying in conversation. Something that plays off "sometimes you just don't see it coming."Consider this, Matt.Completely remove what you have here as the first verse. The "Another ordinary dayThe sun came up the sky is blue, There's something that you need to sayAnd you seem to think somehow I knew."The more I look at it, the less it works. The SECOND four lines is a POWERFUL way to start this song. The listener is almost sitting down at the kitchen table with you, and it's all you need to get you to the chorus.The second verse is the "A long time ago you called me baby" passage. Then you need to rewrite the bridge. "Time carry's on, And I'll get along, Believing that you're gone"? Very blah. Doesn't convey any information or move the song along.My advice is to take the last verse and worm it around so it becomes your bridge. The first two lines, "It's hard to think of moving on now, But moving on is what I'll do," convey the right sentiment to wrap up the song in a tight little bow. After that, you go straight into a chorus.That makes your song form:Verse --- CHORUS --- Verse ---CHORUS --- Bridge --- ChorusWhich happens to be about the MOST effective song form for climbing the charts in the history OF the charts. 70% of top ten hits in the history of our art has been this form or a slight variation thereof. I hardily recommend you consider it.It also would cut the time of your song down to a little less than three minutes, which is optimum for radio airplay.Matt, I don't get many true talents coming through my critique service. You have it going on. PLEASE stay with it.

Quote From Pro: Matt Taylor is the REAL DEAL.

Broadjam Artist: Tom & Mary Erangey
Song: Blue Umbrella

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

Pro General Comments: Great chorus in this song. The chorus, lead and background vocals remind me of something that Carole King would've have sung back in her hey day. I felt the verses let me down a bit after lyrically, melodically and rhythmically after hearing such a strong chorus, each time it went back to the verses. The chorus seems to be in sort of a cut time, or doubled rhythm, whereas the verses do not have that same sort of forward movement. I think in this case, the verses need to be as strong as the chorus, and in this piece, in my opinion, it's not. Lyrically, it's a lighthearted song about being with someone you care about while its raining. Think we've all been there at one time and this is a great representation of what an experience like this might be like. Solid lead vocals do a good job of expressing the joy of this experience. The background vocal arrangements are also quite strong and harmonically work perfectly.

Quote From Pro: Strong chorus in this song that would evoke visual images from the listener. Creative and solid background vocal arrangements in the chorus, make this a very catchy song that would work well behind visuals in an advertisement.