Month: July 2016

Broadjam Artist: Sergio Simone
Song: Snowflakes in the Sun

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 Sergio from Kleinburg! I am considering creating a studio in that neck of the woods- what a strange coincidence! Love it there.Great to start with a visual title. That is usually half the battle. I love the idea of your story- and the story title invites curiousity. You want to pull your listener in and you do.Love the opening visual -mood has that "Vincent" song quality. Your hook really comes into its own when that bg vocal comes in on snowflakes. They really add a great dimension to the song.The vocals are nice but feel a tad tentative in the beginning which draws me out of the song. I think the vocalist can do it but maybe with a bit more conviction to make it a lot stronger. It feels a bit sing/songish in parts- with too much emphasis on the rhythm when a more fluid vocal might help it "flow" a bit better.You might also want to try it with a hot female session singer who can really sell the song for you- especially since its from a female pov. The song sounds like it's worth it. I can see it in films about aging- that hook sells your song.Appropriate instrumentation and arrangements effectively build your songs momentum. You got that hard part down. Your melody and marriage of melody to lyric works nicely.If it's the old woman who is the singer you might want to make the language a little less formal so that she is talking to us, - such as "as I sit on my worn out chair" instead of "upon" or "and wonder how the years moved on" instead of "at how" (just little picky thoughts- not totally necessary)- but to make you aware. Also "I'll never forget" sounds less formal and better than "I'll not forget".. If I could only "just" hold on to one- adding the word just- makes it that more poignant desperate.Guitar solo captures the wonderful emotion of the song. However they are getting to be a thing of the past unfortunately. It seems like it dates the song a bit. (though I can live with it- I'm still a big fan of guitar solos) However, since the song feels like it's running a bit long, you may want to cut the guitar solo and just use the piano part- maybe double the piano instead. It's really such a pretty part. Piano solo instrumentation, takes you out of the song for a minute to give the musical palette a little rest. It's got a great feel and flows effortlessly from part to part transition wise. Guitar works- don't' get me wrong- but it also declares itself and you may want a softer transition for the song story.Overall wonderful soulful work!

Quote From Pro: Song has soul and a delicate grace.

Broadjam Artist: Tom & Mary Erangey
Song: Reach Out

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

Pro General Comments: Really liked how the song started out lyrically, it began to tell a story that many families can relate to. I also liked the way the dynamics of the song structure changed gaining more energy and emotion as the song went on. It's a nice surprise that the vocal goes up an octave in the second verse. The double-time and background harmonies during the bridge sort of take you out of the first part of the feel of the song, but does give it a sectional contrast that the listener would not be expecting. Harmony and double time rhythm also comes in during the last chorus. Overall, I enjoyed the sentiment expressed in the song that could be interpreted in several different ways.

Quote From Pro: A very melodic lead vocal, strong arrangement and a sensitive and important lyrical topic make this song a powerful statement in the struggle against Alzheimer's disease.

Broadjam Artist: TaBoo Timmons
Song: LET'S RIDE

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

Pro General Comments: I think this song has great licensing potential. I think the track can be mixed a little better. I think the hook is catchy and memorable. The verses are solid. I would pitch this song to NASCAR, video games, and Film/TV music supervisors. It doesn't strike me as a hit, but it doesn't have to be because it seems like it was written specifically for licensing usage. I think you have something with this record. I would suggest that you have your management pitch it to as manay music supervisors as possible.

Quote From Pro: I think "Let's Ride" is a great licensing song. Makes me mo want to hear more from Taboo Simmons.

Broadjam Artist: matt taylor
Song: Like A Mountain

Broadjam Pro Reviewer:
Jim Bruno (Songwriter)

Pro General Comments: Hi Matt, Sorry for the delay. I reviewed this song a couple of weeks ago but for whatever reason it didn't go through. I don't think that Broadjam like Firefox. Anyway...I really like this song a lot. The prosody between lyrics and melody is very strong. I think your bridge is especially strong. It did exactly what a well written bridge should do, it re-engaged this listener by having tangentially related lyrics and melody. Well written bridges are not easy to write. Your use of the title as a refrain was also very well done. I think that this form of romantic determination is a great subject to write about. It gives voice to so many who empathize with the singers situation. Due to its theme, the song is also highly coverable making it I would imagine desirable to a publisher. I could see any number of recording artists recording this song. I think your understated production is very effective and lends support to the sincerity of both the song and the performance. Your performance vocally matched your guitar work really well. If I were to produce this song I'd make every effort to keep the production simple. Maybe just add a bass and a lead instrument like a cello or how about a steel guitar? Overall a very well crafted song, performed in a very effective manner. I wish you much success!

Quote From Pro: If like me you appreciate sincerity in singer-songwriters, you're going to love Matt Taylor. Do yourself a favor and check him out!

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: Christina Linda Lyons
Song: Carousel of the Critters -- a Medley for Children

Broadjam Pro Reviewer:
David Weiss (Music Supervisor)

Pro General Comments: Christina,Hi, thanks so much for submitting "Carousel of the Critters", and requesting my feedback. It's not easy to put together an extensive classical composition and arrangement, so congratulations for putting the time and effort in to make it happen!From a constructive criticism standpoint, I believe this song still needs a lot of work to take it to the next level. While the arrangement is exuberant and joyous, there seems to be far too much going on to make it suitable for extended listening by children or adults. It feels like the various instruments are "all over the place", and not doing their individual performances with any direct connection to each other. In fact, at many times it feels like there are two completely different songs playing at the same time! The way to correct this is to look at your arrangement, and see how each section can be vastly simplified. As it is now, the sections are "fighting" each other, making it difficult for the ear to lock in any one melody at any point. I'd suggest that the recording quality be improved, and the mix could have better balance and clarity as well.

Quote From Pro: I must defer at this time. Please feel free to send me an improved arrangement/recording, and I will be happy to make a quote that will be beneficial. I hope my input has been helpful to you! Making great classical music, for kids or adults, is not easy -- keep up the hard work and I'm sure you will realize the benefits. Best,David Weiss

Broadjam Artist: Thierry Coupey
Song: One Of a Kind

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

Pro General Comments: Hi Thierry,Nice sounding song overall. Obviously it sounds like it has a special meaning to you and was written with someone specific in mind. I liked the arrangement and sectional contrast. While I don't hear it having a ton of potential in a contemporary rock market, it could make some headway in the spiritual or Christian rock area. Really solid guitar playing throughout which helps the song move along and helps the overall positivity of the message. While I'm hearing the heartfelt lyrics in the song, perhaps it hits the emotion a little too on the head. In other words, sometimes its better to leave the listener with something to ponder in terms of interpreting the lyrics, instead of going forward with a simple and overly familiar phrase like One Of A Kind.

Quote From Pro: A very positive and uplifting message in this song, along with a solid vocal and instrumental arrangement.

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

Broadjam Pro Reviewer:
Jim Bruno (Songwriter)

Pro General Comments: Hi Mike,Another strong song and this one is really different from your previous one but both were well crafted and performed. I categorized the song as R&B mainly for its influences and not for the marketplace.Your vocals and the treatment sounded to my ears a bit like David Bromberg, who's one of my favorites. There's a sincerity that I mentioned in my review of your previous song that I'm hearing hear as well. The recording is very tastefully done. The main thing I liked about it was your restraint. In this era of Pro Tools too many songwriters/ artists feel that since they have endless tracks that they need to fill them up. Don't they realize that music isn't spackle? You didn't make that mistake. I like how every instrument and vocal are clear and discernable. That bridge worked well too. Came at just the right time. The harmonies were absolutely on the money. I always liked the way they were mixed. Too often harmonies are considered background vocals and not mixed hot enough. Regards,Jim

Quote From Pro: Matt Taylor writes songs that stick to your ribs. They have very deep roots and definitely stay with you. He's on the way up!

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

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

Pro General Comments: This is an exceptional country song. The lyric is as strong as gas and really evokes deep emotion in the listener. The vocal reminds me of the late, great John Denver and his great song writing and vocal delivery. I am very impressed with the vocalist and the instrumentalists (it sounds like a very professional demo). This is definitely ready to be pitched to major artists in the country genre. The melody in the chorus is easy to sing and very memorable (in my professional opinion, those two elements are essential in a hit song's chorus.) I will find myself humming this melody all day long today. Let me also mention the bridge...it ties the story together in a very neat bow and does what a chorus should do...be the morale of the story. If you are not getting this song in front of music industry professionals, you certainly should be. It sounds like a hit song to this reviewer. Thanks for allowing me to hear this!

Quote From Pro: "Sometimes You Just Don't See It Coming" is a hit song waiting to be discovered. It has timeless appeal and should be in Country Radio right now!!!

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.