Broadjam Artist: Justin Seegert Music
Song: Lanterns in the Sky
Broadjam Pro Reviewer:
A.J. Gundell (Songwriter, Composer, Music Supervisor, Producer)
Pro General Comments: "Lanterns in the Sky" is a sweet, endearing heartland/acoustic contemporary folk song with strongly crafted lyrical messages, a simple memorable melody, and appropriately supportive harmonic motion. The song paints a vivid, inspiring picture of an earth mother/almost goddess woman with the charms and talents to "light lanterns in the sky, make a garden grow, craft stars and angels and help them fly." We see her and feel her powers... as well as the way that that they seduce the singer through his performance--all good, really nicely done. And again, along with the singer(s), the melody and chords lend just the right folk-Americana touch that the song and the main idea are selling.As I often reference in my Pro Reviews, I believe in the essential importance of what I call the "holy trinity" in independent music submitted for licensing: song, singer, record. In this case, I think the artist/producers have nailed the first two of three--but the last, the recording, needs work. Broadjam licensing listings, referenced below, are almost always asking for "Broadcast Quality". Home recordings are fine, we all work on our DAWs now. But records that feel like demos are not. Media clients are looking to make "all-in" song and master deals with indie artists--so the recording needs to support the song and the singer and come along with the package. If/when it doesn't, clients likely will pass.For me, "Lanterns" falls short here. The basic drum track is really well done, builds well, and is almost certainly programmed. It works but it's timed to the click of the DAW. A lot of the phrasing and performances--mostly the acoustic and lead/fill electric guitars, some of the lead singing--drifts in and out of the pocket. Mix is also a little off--electric fills too loud. Is there a bass? If not, there should be if so, it should be louder. The effect is that 'demo'y' quality I refer to. I'd just revisit these performances and tighten them up, and it should all be there. Not significant aside, I feel the addition of the female vocalist's harmonies and answers is a fantastic touch that works really well--suggesting the presence of the goddess with her voice. With these adjustments to the recording, "Lanterns in the Sky" has some real potential to interest licensing clients looking for a simple, charming Americana folk song for their projects.
Quote From Pro: "Lanterns in the Sky" is a sweet, endearing heartland/acoustic contemporary folk song with strongly crafted lyrical messages, a simple memorable melody, and appropriately supportive harmonic motion. The song has some real potential to interest licensing clients looking for a simple, charming Americana folk tune for their projects.