Month: July 2019

Broadjam Artist: Hank Thomas
Song: Hooten's Holler

Broadjam Pro Reviewer:
Elizabeth Elkins (Songwriter)

Pro General Comments: This song is a very enjoyable, fun and uplifting listen. My main reason for some lower rankings (the 3s out of 5) is because it's outdated for current country music, and that may make it difficult if you want to pitch it or are looking for an artist deal. It sounds like a great song from the late 90s/early 2000s that a band like Shenandoah or Little Texas would do a great job with. I also think that the chorus could lift a little more. The melody in the chorus is very repetitive and it never takes us to the fun place a listener needs in a song like this one. I think it's just the top of the chorus that needs a kick to take us up there. The harmonies sound absolutely great by the way - solid, well done country singing. Overall, I feel like the mix is a little lackluster, across the board the sound is staying in one place and is lacking the dynamic to make it soar. I think it's in the mix and arrangement (and maybe that missing chorus lift) because the instruments are played very well and the lead vocal is a stellar performance as well. That leads me to believe it's the song itself missing the "X" factor to make it great. As is, it's good - but I have a feeling based on your stuff you can knock a homerun.

Quote From Pro: A get-down, super fun song that harkens back to the best of Shenandoah. Hank brings the party!

Broadjam Artist: Stefanie Johnson
Song: Everything You Need

Broadjam Pro Reviewer:
Elizabeth Elkins (Songwriter)

Pro General Comments: Hi Stefanie, this one feels a little outdated to me, and slightly off brand for the other songs I've heard from you. I think it's the super high piano in the mix that throws me off at the start, as hearing such a clean piano played that way isn't that common in modern pop. I wouldn't mind it coming down in the mix a good bit, as it fights the vocal a little (and nothing should fight your vocal!). This song also struggles more with the originality issue. Lyrically it feels more pedestrian and a little boring, and the hook doesn't knock me out. Though the production and performances remain stellar, this song just leaves me wanting something more. I do see it as a good live song, as audiences love tempo and fun - but it may be no more than filler for an album in a recorded version and I am more than confident you have many stronger songs. This direction musically does feel like 15-20 years ago, so I caution you to stay closer to the Carrie / Pink / Kelly AC pop of the other songs, which will keep you current. As always, a lovely vocal and strong recording.

Quote From Pro: A rollicking tempo from Stefanie that keeps your toes tappin and your lighter in the air.

Broadjam Artist: Alan Lee Carpenter
Song: Craziest Woman

Broadjam Pro Reviewer:
Elizabeth Elkins (Songwriter)

Pro General Comments: The recording and vocal performance on this song is very compelling. You've got a very interesting vocal presence and this song really does it justice. I'm also a huge fan of the melodies across the board here. The shift between chorus and verse melody is superb. Great work. Once again, my main concern is with the lyrics. At times, the simplicity is cool - like the repetition of the chorus hook. It feels like both an insult and a sincere love statement, which is hard to accomplish (thank your awesome melody for that). But lines like "Take walks in the park and feed the birds, think of your smiles and I can hear your words" make me cringe. I think you can beat that, and make it much more compelling for the listener to get lost in. You've got a lot of cool elements happening here, and I'm a fan. Just focus on making your storylines and lyrics as unique as you can as you develop your writer voice.

Quote From Pro: Weirdly cool and original, Alan Lee Carpenter lets go of love with this laid-back break-up tune.

Broadjam Artist: Stefanie Johnson
Song: Hello Love

Broadjam Pro Reviewer:
Elizabeth Elkins (Songwriter)

Pro General Comments: I have very mixed feelings on this song. My first listen, I felt like there was so much going on lyrically that it was hard to really grab the hook and idea out of it, but once I dug in on the lyric sheet and relistened, it crystallized in a very cool way for me. But because so many people do just give things one listen, it may be worth streamling the first verse lyric as much as possible to make sure you're grabbing everyone's attention. I'm also torn on whether this hook is better served as "Dear Love" rather than "Hello Love", of course the problem there is that Maren Morris has a "Dear Hate" and it's more of a common approach. Once again, I love your vocal, and you knocked a homerun on this song as well. It's nice to hear your voice with just the basic arrangement, guitar and harmonies. This indicates you would do very well in a showcase in an office scenario, which is so common in Nashville these days. I'm curious to know more if your goal is to be a signed artist, or a songwriter for other artists. This will help me tailor future reviews better for your career. I'm a fan, keep up the strong work and get these songs out there.

Quote From Pro: One heck of a letter to love. Stefanie literally sings her heart out.

Broadjam Artist: Alan Lee Carpenter
Song: She Ain't Love Me No More

Broadjam Pro Reviewer:
Elizabeth Elkins (Songwriter)

Pro General Comments: Overall, this is a well-produced, well-sung and strongly-written song. This type of throwback, deep in the holler country is making a comeback (thank goodness) and there will be plenty of room for more artists as its popularity expands. This is a very simple lyric, but it's so nicely paired with the melody that I can let go of some of the cliches within. My criticism only is that the storyline and lyric could be developed further. The more unique and interesting the storyline is in this genre, the more compelling you become as an artist. Think of "White House Road" and it's very detailed images and places. That's what is missing here. I think you're on the right road though. Stick with your production team, and play this song out as much as you can. Don't be afraid to write and re-write lyrics as it progresses. For example: "Ain't no use in tellin no liesI been missin her badThis tune is telling me I oughta call herThis hearts tellin me that its sad". I think you can beat "my heart's tellin me that it's sad" with something much deeper and more personal that really blows the audience away. Those little changes are all this song needs.

Quote From Pro: Alan Lee Carpenter takes a page from the Tyler Childers' playbook and delivers a stompin', heart-achin' ode to lost love.

Broadjam Artist: Stefanie Johnson
Song: Gypsy Heart

Broadjam Pro Reviewer:
Elizabeth Elkins (Songwriter)

Pro General Comments: Man, you've got a thing with melodies. This is another super strong melodic composition that really shows off your vocal abilities. My main concern with this song is that "Gypsy Heart" is a pretty common idea, which may mean it may not get the attention it should because people have heard it before. "Word Man" is such a cool and different concept that I feel industry and fans alike will be drawn to it. This song, however, may still draw the fans but is less likely to be as compelling in a songwriting contest or for the industry. What it does continue to showcase is your great voice though, and when you sell a song like this vocally you can pretty much sing anything. I do see this as a great song for a movie (even more so than television), so if you have opportunities to submit for films, especially ones with a female lead, go for it.

Quote From Pro: Gypsy Heart is a beautiful, skillfully sung song about never letting go of the need for freedom.

Broadjam Artist: Stefanie Johnson
Song: Word Man

Broadjam Pro Reviewer:
Elizabeth Elkins (Songwriter)

Pro General Comments: Stefanie, this track fixes all of my concerns from "One Life". This song feels very competitively modern, closer to Pink and Kelly Clarkson and current radio than the other tune. Also, this is a fantastic idea. I think the strength of the hook is such an important thing, and you've found a title and idea I have never heard before and you've hit a homerun with the idea. This is great writing, with huge melodic power. This is a song you should play at showcases for labels, managers, etc. and is also a song I could hear with similar sync opportunities (though slightly trickier to place because it's a unique and darker perspective). Your recordings sound master quality and competitive with the best AC pop on the market. Whoever is doing your production - keep her or him around. This song gives you some vocal room to deliver, and you do it well. I'm very impressed and now a fan of your songwriting.

Quote From Pro: "Word Man" is one heck of a concept. Stephanie Johnson takes the idea that actions speak louder than words and turns it on its edge in a moving, dramatic song that is equal parts vocal lightning and songwriting strength.

Broadjam Artist: Stefanie Johnson
Song: One Life

Broadjam Pro Reviewer:
Elizabeth Elkins (Songwriter)

Pro General Comments: Hi Stefanie, there are a lot of really cool things happening here for me. First off, the vocal performance and the production on the track as a whole are stellar. The melody writing is also exemplary. I couldn't shake the melody of the hook out of my head if I tried. That's great work. This falls somewhere between pop about a decade ago and contemporary Christian pop. So my main concern for you is where to pitch this song, as it's a good one. I think you could have some success in the sync world, as this is very well done and master-quality and your vocal is empowering and enjoyable. So many sync opportunities are looking for positive tempo songs about carrying on, so if you haven't already made the rounds with this one, I would certainly focus your efforts in that direction. To be more critical, I think the lyrics are on the cliche side, in particular the opening line. I would love a more personal story to set up this broad, likeable, universal chorus. That's me being picky, but it could be what sets you apart as an artist. You clearly can sing, have a great look and a great recording method. I'm a fan.

Quote From Pro: Stefanie's killer vocal chops, fantastic production and powerful, positive message make this a must-listen.

Broadjam Artist: The Pursuit from the Original Wilson Mower Pursuit Detroit
Song: Small Town Affair-Female Vocal with Guitar Break

Broadjam Pro Reviewer:
Elizabeth Elkins (Songwriter)

Pro General Comments: There are a lot of very cool things happening here, but some issues. I want to focus on the good things first. First, it's really different and cool and weird. Second, the arrangement is non-traditional. In this case, I think it works, but it would hold you back if you were trying to get other artists to record this, or if you want this to go to the radio right now. For an artist statement, it's pretty awesome. Here are my concerns with the song - first, the female vocal doesn't really seem to fit the vibe of the band. I could hear her working in a duet, but I'm not certain if she is a guest vocalist, or a part of the band when I checked out your artist page, so it left me a little bit confused. The other main issue I have is that the drums are all over the place. The rhythm section groove loses me a few times, and with a cool, interesting vibe like this song, I really want those players to lock in and keep me grooving. Another concern for me is that arrangement. Even though the unique arrangement could be seen as a good thing, there is not enough repetition of a lyrical hook to stick in my head. "Small Town Affair" is a really cool idea - could that phrase come back a few times as a refrain to really nail the point? I think it's worth messing with.

Quote From Pro: Weird, wild and wonderful - The Pursuit from the Original Wilson Mower Pursuit Detroit pull out all the stops on this crazy ride inspired by a small town wedding run amok.

Broadjam Artist: KIN
Song: 90 Days

Broadjam Pro Reviewer:
Elizabeth Elkins (Songwriter)

Pro General Comments: I really love the recording - it feels modern and comfortable all at once. Lovely chord choices, and a melody that is both familiar and emotional. I am hopeful you are an artist as well, as the vocal performance is really strong. I hear hints of old school melodies like John Denver, but the way this is presented it could work for a song-lover like Tim McGraw or Kenny Chesney. Lovely guitar hook at the top and in the turn. My only concern with this song is the depth of the storyline. Sometimes this makes for a harder pitch in Nashville, where artists really want to connect with every word written, so unless somebody has experienced this story in their family, they may shy away. Overall, I think this is a great effort and is ready to be pitched and/or played for A&R and managers. The 90 days hook sticks with me and is written with enough repetition to drive the point home without feeling overbearing. It's a great mix of sadness and endurance, and an important reminder of the struggles faced by farmers every day across America.

Quote From Pro: A modern country ode to the struggle farmers face daily in America. Thoughtful and beautifully sung.