Month: November 2016

Broadjam Artist: Dave Schnur
Song: Possibilities

Broadjam Pro Reviewer:
Doug Diamond (Music Supervisor, Engineer, Producer, Composer )

Pro General Comments: Hey Dave -I think "Possibilities" is a very good song and puts me in-mind of some other really great classic rock type songs like older Genesis, or maybe Dire Straits, and others. Excellent guitar work on this song and the production value on the track overall is very high. Nice job. Good vocals throughout and a good feeling / vibe too. On this song, I think your vocals work fine and seems to be more within your range and possibly more "you" (versus my comments about the vocals on "Lipstick Lies").I think the verses are very thoughtful and conjure up good word-pictures lyrically - really throughout the whole song. Some of the loose rhymes are a little distracting when you're expecting to hear a rhyme, but overall I think you have to know the rules to break the rules and you do a good job. The chorus is also very nice (melodically). It's simple, but it really should be for a song like this it does have a sort of soaring effect to it which I really like!The song is fairly long, so I'd consider having a shorter edit of it available if a music supervisor or someone else asks (as well as an instrumental). When the guitar solo and instrumental section that starts after the final chorus at 3:47 kicks in and runs for two-minutes - when it's done I actually *want* to hear you go back to the chorus again... that would make the song REALLY long though. Maybe that's a suggestion for the live version. :)This song is very synch-able too in my opinion and would fit perfectly in the right place in a TV show or film.Thanks again and good work my friend!Doug

Quote From Pro: "Possibilities" is a very thoughtful and soaring melodic Classic Rock sounding track with strong songwriting, excellent performances and a high production value!

Broadjam Artist: Dave Schnur
Song: Possibilities

Broadjam Pro Reviewer:
Doug Diamond (Music Supervisor, Engineer, Producer, Composer )

Pro General Comments: Hey Dave -I think "Possibilities" is a very good song and puts me in-mind of some other really great classic rock type songs like older Genesis, or maybe Dire Straits, and others. Excellent guitar work on this song and the production value on the track overall is very high. Nice job. Good vocals throughout and a good feeling / vibe too. On this song, I think your vocals work fine and seems to be more within your range and possibly more "you" (versus my comments about the vocals on "Lipstick Lies").I think the verses are very thoughtful and conjure up good word-pictures lyrically - really throughout the whole song. Some of the loose rhymes are a little distracting when you're expecting to hear a rhyme, but overall I think you have to know the rules to break the rules and you do a good job. The chorus is also very nice (melodically). It's simple, but it really should be for a song like this it does have a sort of soaring effect to it which I really like!The song is fairly long, so I'd consider having a shorter edit of it available if a music supervisor or someone else asks (as well as an instrumental). When the guitar solo and instrumental section that starts after the final chorus at 3:47 kicks in and runs for two-minutes - when it's done I actually *want* to hear you go back to the chorus again... that would make the song REALLY long though. Maybe that's a suggestion for the live version. :)This song is very synch-able too in my opinion and would fit perfectly in the right place in a TV show or film.Thanks again and good work my friend!Doug

Quote From Pro: "Possibilities" is a very thoughtful and soaring melodic Classic Rock sounding track with strong songwriting, excellent performances and a high production value!

Broadjam Artist: Dave Schnur
Song: Lipstick Lies

Broadjam Pro Reviewer:
Doug Diamond (Music Supervisor, Engineer, Producer, Composer )

Pro General Comments: Hey Dave -Thanks for letting me know about your song, "Lipstick Lies". I've enjoyed listening to it and have a few ideas for you. The song puts me in-mind of some other Country-Rock or even Southern Rock groups like those I mentioned in the similar artists line.In general, I do like this song quite a bit. The instrumentation and performances, as well as the recording and mix are spot-on for this type of music, so kudos for great work on those elements. Great guitar solo too! So from an arrangement, performance and production standpoint I think this song is really good and very strong. I also think an instrumental version, as sort of a Country-Rock jam might be fun to just listen to -- as well as would be very synch licensable too - like for instance, source music in a bar scene or something (with a band playing your tune on-screen). I can definitely see that working well.As far as constructive criticism, there are few things I am hearing from a music supervisor standpoint that I think would need to be addressed for this song with lyrics/vocals to be a serious contender in the synch licensing world. I like the lyrics in general and the only thought there I had was that perhaps the line "Lipstick Lies" should be repeated a second time after you say it once at the end of the chorus. So, for instance you sing the line the one time, then currently there is a 4-bar instrumental section / turnaround before the next verse. I'd like to hear "Lipstick Lies" sung again right there for a second time to reinforce the idea that this girl is lying and being deceitful. You want to bring more attention to that idea, I think. So, that's really just a performance issue a bit as well as a slight lyrical change nothing serious. The main issue I have overall with this song is the lead vocals. While I do think the vocals are strong enough to get the idea of across to the listener and perhaps even to another artist who might be interested in recording this song (with you as the songwriter) and making it their own, I don't think the lead vocals are strong enough performance and pitch-wise to greatly help this song get the traction it deserves. I would consider trying to pitch this song to other artists you respect and/or hire a session singer or someone else you know who might be able to help you really dial-in the vocals and make them more of the star of the show. With this current vocal, while they are ok, I don't think it suits the song as well as it could. I like this song from the male perspective, but I think with just a few adjustments, a woman could just as easily sing this song, so I don't think you're limited to just another male vocal.Anyway, don't take any of that the wrong way, I'm just trying to help you get the most out of your song and I think you have a excellent start here for sure. Find yourself a really great, killer lead singer for this tune and you will have a song that others in the industry will really take notice of (in my opinion). Again, as-is the instrumental would be highly synch licensable for the right situation, so you could pursue that at any point. The key is finding the right music supervisor with the exact spot open in a film or TV show that this song would fit in (the hard part!).Ok? Hope that helps and thanks again. Feel free to contact me at doug@thesonghunters.com with any additional comments or questions.Thanks,Doug

Quote From Pro: "Lipstick Lies" is a really great Country-Rock jam tune with an excellent feel, good lyrics, and a great overall vibe.

Broadjam Artist: Dave Schnur
Song: Lipstick Lies

Broadjam Pro Reviewer:
Doug Diamond (Music Supervisor, Engineer, Producer, Composer )

Pro General Comments: Hey Dave -Thanks for letting me know about your song, "Lipstick Lies". I've enjoyed listening to it and have a few ideas for you. The song puts me in-mind of some other Country-Rock or even Southern Rock groups like those I mentioned in the similar artists line.In general, I do like this song quite a bit. The instrumentation and performances, as well as the recording and mix are spot-on for this type of music, so kudos for great work on those elements. Great guitar solo too! So from an arrangement, performance and production standpoint I think this song is really good and very strong. I also think an instrumental version, as sort of a Country-Rock jam might be fun to just listen to -- as well as would be very synch licensable too - like for instance, source music in a bar scene or something (with a band playing your tune on-screen). I can definitely see that working well.As far as constructive criticism, there are few things I am hearing from a music supervisor standpoint that I think would need to be addressed for this song with lyrics/vocals to be a serious contender in the synch licensing world. I like the lyrics in general and the only thought there I had was that perhaps the line "Lipstick Lies" should be repeated a second time after you say it once at the end of the chorus. So, for instance you sing the line the one time, then currently there is a 4-bar instrumental section / turnaround before the next verse. I'd like to hear "Lipstick Lies" sung again right there for a second time to reinforce the idea that this girl is lying and being deceitful. You want to bring more attention to that idea, I think. So, that's really just a performance issue a bit as well as a slight lyrical change nothing serious. The main issue I have overall with this song is the lead vocals. While I do think the vocals are strong enough to get the idea of across to the listener and perhaps even to another artist who might be interested in recording this song (with you as the songwriter) and making it their own, I don't think the lead vocals are strong enough performance and pitch-wise to greatly help this song get the traction it deserves. I would consider trying to pitch this song to other artists you respect and/or hire a session singer or someone else you know who might be able to help you really dial-in the vocals and make them more of the star of the show. With this current vocal, while they are ok, I don't think it suits the song as well as it could. I like this song from the male perspective, but I think with just a few adjustments, a woman could just as easily sing this song, so I don't think you're limited to just another male vocal.Anyway, don't take any of that the wrong way, I'm just trying to help you get the most out of your song and I think you have a excellent start here for sure. Find yourself a really great, killer lead singer for this tune and you will have a song that others in the industry will really take notice of (in my opinion). Again, as-is the instrumental would be highly synch licensable for the right situation, so you could pursue that at any point. The key is finding the right music supervisor with the exact spot open in a film or TV show that this song would fit in (the hard part!).Ok? Hope that helps and thanks again. Feel free to contact me at doug@thesonghunters.com with any additional comments or questions.Thanks,Doug

Quote From Pro: "Lipstick Lies" is a really great Country-Rock jam tune with an excellent feel, good lyrics, and a great overall vibe.

Broadjam Artist: Dwayne Ferris
Song: All Inclusive

Broadjam Pro Reviewer:
Robert Dellaposta (Writer, A&R, Publisher)

Pro General Comments: Hi Dwayne, I'm a big western swing fan and i enjoyed listening to your song...The arrangement was unpredictable and didn't follow standard verse/verse/bridge/verse form/structure which kept me interested...the hook was used at the end of your chorus section which sounded to me like a hybrid bridge/chorus...the guitar was a little too busy throughout the verses which was a little distracting after awhile...sometimes less is more...allow the lyrics to carry the verse and don't ad-lib as much...I liked your use of imagery and action...there's room for a lot more details in this song...your vocal was authentic and believable for the genre...you have a good sense of meter and phrasing...the story line moves along well and each verse advances the narrative...my only concern is you are using a lot of E rhymes throughout the song which tended to become predictable...avoid over using any one rhyming vowel if possible...as far as commercial uses this genre has limits.The artists in this genre almost always write their own songs to record and release and perform live. Commercial radio doesn't play western swing unless it's a golden oldie or standard and even then its limited to only a few Texas stations or regional stations. The best place to promote your music is on the internet...you-tube, CD baby, i-tunes etc...performing live is always a great option for selling CD's and getting performance royalties. These types of songs are often used as background music for TV and movies as well as being used in commercials...this arrangement gives off a live feel which would work in a scene with a band on stage...it's not as slick or polished as major western swing releases but that's OK...you captured a retro sound which is true to the genre...you always have the option to add a fiddle to the band...I hope my comments and suggestions are helpful. This song should fit some of the country leads posted on Broad jam. I'd also pitch it to other music libraries and music placement companies.Good luck with your songwriting and singing career...

Quote From Pro: Dwayne Ferris has the soul of a Texas Troubadour in the spirit of Bob Wills...his retro arrangement of All Inclusive is humorous and entertaining and should fill the dance floor of any Texas Honky-Tonk.

Broadjam Artist: Dwayne Ferris
Song: All Inclusive

Broadjam Pro Reviewer:
Robert Dellaposta (Writer, A&R, Publisher)

Pro General Comments: Hi Dwayne, I'm a big western swing fan and i enjoyed listening to your song...The arrangement was unpredictable and didn't follow standard verse/verse/bridge/verse form/structure which kept me interested...the hook was used at the end of your chorus section which sounded to me like a hybrid bridge/chorus...the guitar was a little too busy throughout the verses which was a little distracting after awhile...sometimes less is more...allow the lyrics to carry the verse and don't ad-lib as much...I liked your use of imagery and action...there's room for a lot more details in this song...your vocal was authentic and believable for the genre...you have a good sense of meter and phrasing...the story line moves along well and each verse advances the narrative...my only concern is you are using a lot of E rhymes throughout the song which tended to become predictable...avoid over using any one rhyming vowel if possible...as far as commercial uses this genre has limits.The artists in this genre almost always write their own songs to record and release and perform live. Commercial radio doesn't play western swing unless it's a golden oldie or standard and even then its limited to only a few Texas stations or regional stations. The best place to promote your music is on the internet...you-tube, CD baby, i-tunes etc...performing live is always a great option for selling CD's and getting performance royalties. These types of songs are often used as background music for TV and movies as well as being used in commercials...this arrangement gives off a live feel which would work in a scene with a band on stage...it's not as slick or polished as major western swing releases but that's OK...you captured a retro sound which is true to the genre...you always have the option to add a fiddle to the band...I hope my comments and suggestions are helpful. This song should fit some of the country leads posted on Broad jam. I'd also pitch it to other music libraries and music placement companies.Good luck with your songwriting and singing career...

Quote From Pro: Dwayne Ferris has the soul of a Texas Troubadour in the spirit of Bob Wills...his retro arrangement of All Inclusive is humorous and entertaining and should fill the dance floor of any Texas Honky-Tonk.

Broadjam Artist: Tim Sharp
Song: Still Here

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

Pro General Comments: Great Texas Swing number. Remember if you release single this would be a good one first. Then follow with ballad if you are doing a full CD.Nothing worse on putting a CD together with #4 or #5 quality in with a few #1 quality tunes as many inexperienced writers or searching for fame singer musicians maybe do. That's only giving others investments not a good name in the business which is a longer respected ride to do it the right way for all involved. Only my opinion as I've seen producers careers ruined or studio engineers or arrangers etc. Hired quality like a good suite and you will wear it longer. So doing poor work released ends up in the goodwill pile.) I normally don't give career advice without $250 one to one but you guys have quality work so far presented verse those wanting to learn. Maybe you already know this approach but maybe not: IF you are marketing the song for a record labeled artist then you get to the table through their lawyer through your lawyer to negotiate even percentages of rights with the record label's go to publisher etc. Remember as a songwriter (lyrics & music) It's a piece of a pie you will get into the door first. Then from their like an old associate named Jeff did after I told his group what to do in 80s succeeded...It's is where you can write for their go to publisher like a few songwriters in the past like Jeff did until quite a few hits that got him his own publishing company as a go to for a lot of groups. When a solo major recording artist believes in you if you are not known as a go to writer they may also help your singer into his own career. It's all good but not investing in the events and the organizations to meet and greet within the professional organizations is important too. Or you can do the Independent route which can give you direct profits into your own bank nets with ALL the responsibilities that go with it which many today choose to do when they have the initiative, knowledge, and stick to it bug.

Quote From Pro: I just can't help trying to support emotionally and even critically anyone with a God given talent. I would tell anyone these songwriters DO have that talent. Only maybe they only need more capital invested dollars. Don't know but do know: This is where the rubber meets the road in the business of the recording industry. I also have met many wannabees who never did make it even when their poor family members invested lots of money they didn't have (unless it was billions to start with) and they had negatives. They met folks that swim around in this business taking it all $ before the artist got out of local talent contests or state charts of their recording. There are some too that went blindly to major labels everywhere in the USA and got a broken heart. They leave discouraged to never make it to the Major national charts always regretting for one reason or another. I did none of those things but succeeded more than many and not as much as some too. So I am here to do a review. Ok, this song in my opinion (like so many songs from these guys) only needs good management (aka proven path blazers of shoppers) OR their own fortitude to make $ if that's the main goal. Choices by each of us in music are made for whatever reasons. So we do what we do when we do it. Remembering for me, we all know, music is an inherited protected by federal laws a piece of intellectual property and even after the writers have left this life their music can be marketed and profited from like good land aka real estate.I am honored to have heard this and one more of you guys collaboration hearing talent driven work. The song building you are constructing has a good foundation and I hope you continue so the money can move in and take residence for all of your life. Keep going. All will be good.Finally, again let me thank you for letting me review "Still Here" a great two step up tempo song with a positive messaged as a true Texas original Swing. I hope you (as a musician I say this) you start to list ALL the musicians on any and all productions. Pleased give credits where credit is due down to studios engineers that you already do. This gives those wanting to following your path the ability to do so. THAT is something finally the NARAS (Grammys) has started since I've done that since 1990s. Ha! Not that they heard me as I was silent lady like about things until I got older-) Glad I am for all the talented songwriting contributors that have come to Broadjam.com as I as a pro reviewer have heard like this song too. The people involved with the arts today in my opinion ARE responsible for building excellent products. It is in our profession for our music recording industry that we are responsible for history to hear that we all do our best. Then it goes to the consumer that really needs music. As I've always said for years: Music is a healing emotional tool. Today the world needs a lot of good songs & music and always will. God bless you guys in Texas from a Virginia raised lady. Have a great week & keep writing!

Broadjam Artist: Tim Sharp
Song: Still Here

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

Pro General Comments: Great Texas Swing number. Remember if you release single this would be a good one first. Then follow with ballad if you are doing a full CD.Nothing worse on putting a CD together with #4 or #5 quality in with a few #1 quality tunes as many inexperienced writers or searching for fame singer musicians maybe do. That's only giving others investments not a good name in the business which is a longer respected ride to do it the right way for all involved. Only my opinion as I've seen producers careers ruined or studio engineers or arrangers etc. Hired quality like a good suite and you will wear it longer. So doing poor work released ends up in the goodwill pile.) I normally don't give career advice without $250 one to one but you guys have quality work so far presented verse those wanting to learn. Maybe you already know this approach but maybe not: IF you are marketing the song for a record labeled artist then you get to the table through their lawyer through your lawyer to negotiate even percentages of rights with the record label's go to publisher etc. Remember as a songwriter (lyrics & music) It's a piece of a pie you will get into the door first. Then from their like an old associate named Jeff did after I told his group what to do in 80s succeeded...It's is where you can write for their go to publisher like a few songwriters in the past like Jeff did until quite a few hits that got him his own publishing company as a go to for a lot of groups. When a solo major recording artist believes in you if you are not known as a go to writer they may also help your singer into his own career. It's all good but not investing in the events and the organizations to meet and greet within the professional organizations is important too. Or you can do the Independent route which can give you direct profits into your own bank nets with ALL the responsibilities that go with it which many today choose to do when they have the initiative, knowledge, and stick to it bug.

Quote From Pro: I just can't help trying to support emotionally and even critically anyone with a God given talent. I would tell anyone these songwriters DO have that talent. Only maybe they only need more capital invested dollars. Don't know but do know: This is where the rubber meets the road in the business of the recording industry. I also have met many wannabees who never did make it even when their poor family members invested lots of money they didn't have (unless it was billions to start with) and they had negatives. They met folks that swim around in this business taking it all $ before the artist got out of local talent contests or state charts of their recording. There are some too that went blindly to major labels everywhere in the USA and got a broken heart. They leave discouraged to never make it to the Major national charts always regretting for one reason or another. I did none of those things but succeeded more than many and not as much as some too. So I am here to do a review. Ok, this song in my opinion (like so many songs from these guys) only needs good management (aka proven path blazers of shoppers) OR their own fortitude to make $ if that's the main goal. Choices by each of us in music are made for whatever reasons. So we do what we do when we do it. Remembering for me, we all know, music is an inherited protected by federal laws a piece of intellectual property and even after the writers have left this life their music can be marketed and profited from like good land aka real estate.I am honored to have heard this and one more of you guys collaboration hearing talent driven work. The song building you are constructing has a good foundation and I hope you continue so the money can move in and take residence for all of your life. Keep going. All will be good.Finally, again let me thank you for letting me review "Still Here" a great two step up tempo song with a positive messaged as a true Texas original Swing. I hope you (as a musician I say this) you start to list ALL the musicians on any and all productions. Pleased give credits where credit is due down to studios engineers that you already do. This gives those wanting to following your path the ability to do so. THAT is something finally the NARAS (Grammys) has started since I've done that since 1990s. Ha! Not that they heard me as I was silent lady like about things until I got older-) Glad I am for all the talented songwriting contributors that have come to Broadjam.com as I as a pro reviewer have heard like this song too. The people involved with the arts today in my opinion ARE responsible for building excellent products. It is in our profession for our music recording industry that we are responsible for history to hear that we all do our best. Then it goes to the consumer that really needs music. As I've always said for years: Music is a healing emotional tool. Today the world needs a lot of good songs & music and always will. God bless you guys in Texas from a Virginia raised lady. Have a great week & keep writing!