Month: March 2020

Broadjam Artist: Randall Mark
Song: Wonder Girl

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

Pro General Comments: Hi Randall -I really like your track, "Wonder Girl". I think the title is very unique and memorable, so good job there. I instantly thought of a super hero - but it turns out that's not at all what it's about he's wondering about a girl he's fond of and what a future with her might be like. Very cool double-meaning. I think your lyrics are excellent (it would've been nice to see them on your B'jam page). I like your vocals, both the lead and BGV's overall, but I'm wondering if a different vocal might be good to hear too. I feel like your vocal is okay, but it doesn't really "knock it out of the park" for me. You really need that with a lead vocal performance because that's often what the listener connects with on an emotional level (the vocal and the melody primarily). If you had an alternate version of the song with a different singer, I'd like to hear that one too. The lyric is fluid enough that you could even have a girl singer singing about "Wonder Boy" instead - if you found the right female singer. Just an idea. For sync, having that option is REALLY helpful because you don't know what show and character might most identify with the song, so you really need both versions. For instance, if the song fit a scene with a girl actress wondering what life might be like with her "Wonder Boy", you wouldn't get that sync unless you had a version of the song coming from that perspective too (or there would be a request for that and you'd have to make a hurried version of it, which might not be as good). It's always a good idea to be as prepared as possible for those types of requests from producers and editors.I really like your arrangements and instrumentation in general. I'm a drummer and percussionist though, and it sounds like this song was not cut with a "click". It feels a little bit "drifty" meter-wise at times (not always), which sort of bothers me a little, honestly. I think having the right drum loop (or live kit) that comes in later into the song, might be really cool - and would help develop and change the song enough to keep the listener's interest a little more than it already does. Again, just an idea. I also feel that the rhythm guitar could be a little more "in the pocket" rhythmically too. I really love the piano and woodwinds, how they sound, and what they're playing - super!I think you have a really good demo here that is almost ready for prime-time, but still needs a little bit of work in order to take it to the next level. Keep working on it. It's *good*, but it's not quite reached the level of GREAT yet (in my opinion, take it or leave it).I do think that with a few tweaks, it could perfectly match the exact, right sync situation - like a scene in a TV show or film. Of course as a music supervisor, finding that situation, is a little like a needle-in-a-haystack scenario, but it certainly COULD happen. I have the place for the song I'm trying to find the match for, not the *song* that I'm looking for a place for. Make sense? It's the opposite of what most musicians/artists think.Keep up the great work and please stay in touch. Send me an email if you would and I'd be happy to consider pitching it for something, should the right thing come along. Let me know if you decide to rework anything with the song that might make it lend itself to sync pitching even more than it already does.Thanks so much!Best,Doug

Quote From Pro: "Wonder Girl" is a terrific original tune that brings to mind super heroes (when the actual subject matter is not that at all - a nice surprise!). Great lyrics and excellent arrangement. Love the piano and woodwinds! I think this song might work in the exact, right sync opportunity even with its very specific lyrics. Nice job.

Broadjam Artist: Rian Music
Song: I'm The One

Broadjam Pro Reviewer:
Cortez Farris (Producer and Engineer)

Pro General Comments: Wow what a great song. REminds me of the great Phil Collins.The harmonies are very good. The mix of male and female vocals are beautiful. The instrumental arrangement is good I was wondering if it is a live drummer. Sounds like maybe programmed drums, which sounds great!I wondering what a live drummer would sound like.The reason I say that is because the swing of the record is just a bit stiff. Which is ok if that is what you are going for. A live drummer will give you that automatic human feel. Programmed drums can give you a more human or natural if you can manipulate the quantize value of the notes in programs sequencer. Overall the drums and bass sound great together. The violin sound that carries the meldy is excellent Im lover it. Seems as if there are stringas and synth gpoing on throught thfe chorus and the verses. with the melody of the verses being a bit layed back and trhe melody in the chorus being more amped up. love it! It makes the record move, what in mean by that is that I don't get bored listening...Seems liken a no brainer but you would be surprised.

Quote From Pro: Great vibe!Reminds me of the great Phil Collins.

Broadjam Artist: B.Still
Song: SHADOWS

Broadjam Pro Reviewer:
David Arkenstone (Performer, Composer, Producer)

Pro General Comments: Hi B - hope you're staying safe!Very nice track. Nice textures, reminds me of Patrick O'Hearn a bit. Would like to see the bit @around 3:06 come a little sooner. The whole thing is pretty hypnotic with nice keyboard touches. Love the panning stuff! And it's always fun to hear tasteful use of tambourine. I think there's probably a market for an album of this kind of material. You might want to send some feelers out.Also, you might want to try some elements that help the bridges between the sections, and even augment the percussion in that section. Then bring it back at 4:24.It's refreshing when the horn sound comes in and takes you into the new chord progression. You might consider thinning it out a little for clarity, there seems to be a few things on the same material. But that's probably just my taste. Overall, you've got a groovy track that has a calming effect with interesting sounds around every corner.I like the use of tremolo on one of your keyboard sounds, it's a refreshing sound, as well as the panning, especially cool with headphones.One other suggestion, totally arbitrary - you might want to experiment with a clearer bass track. Something that adds some propulsion to the horn section. I feel the track turns a corner at that point, with the new progression and such. And for having a life of its own the track really goes on an adventure. If I were producing this, I would just beef up things that I've suggested and clean it up a little.(Sorry about the lateness of this review, I was only recently informed that it was in the hopper)

Quote From Pro: B. Still's tracks 'Shadows' is a cool, calming adventure!

Broadjam Artist: Andre Kerek
Song: Heart In Vain

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

Pro General Comments: this is a very poignant emotionally moving instrumental. It builds and explodes in a beautiful B section that is uplifting and stirs the senses. the overall sound of your instrument choices is very good to excellent. The flute sounded more artificial than the others because of the attack and breathing but that can be fixed easily.I had a problem starting at the 2:03 mark to the 2:55 mark...the piano was pretty much balls to the walls during those sections...it became predictable...again something easily fixed. I loved your melodic choices. Very cinematic and romantic classical orchestration...I would think this song will be signed to a music library and a music placement company soon. You mentioned this is your first attempt...This shows a lot of musical skill and talent. Don't let this be your last classical instrumental.

Quote From Pro: Andre Kerek is a classical composer of cinematic romantic orchestral instrumentals. His melodies and piano playing will touch your soul and move you.

Broadjam Artist: Soulscript
Song: Resting My Head On A Raindrop

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

Pro General Comments: Good concept with your intriguing title as well as by your providing the story of your writing it. Glad that you sent the lyric sheet which helps songwriters / musicians / producer arrangers etc. in the recording business. There is a method to place the key its written in as well in the numerical system (i.e., 1 4 4 5 1 used by old musicians who don't read music) most professionals making music in the studio or in play live could follow your lyric sheet if it was indication that way. Like the Key of C 1 4 4 5. I say this since I've been a professional musician all my life in and out of studios plus leading groups of professional full time musicians. Since I have been hands on in professional studios since a teenager learning from some great songwriters I've observed mega things. Suggestion is the lyric sheets to original works might contain more data for you to keep on file in order to shop or display these things with you work in the future, i.e., ownership symbol as well as your publishing company or name of publisher(s) ?. Of course we know your publishers will or should have their own system of shopping your intellectual property (songs) material for their percentage of the entire life long financial returns. This is indicated in the contract that you give the publisher(s) & even co writers. So hopefully you have just a simple release clause on your publishing contract unless they've already secured it for your prior works that may be used in broadcasting, film, cable or even local to national commercials. 'This the songwriting business most artist don't consider in advance of which I studied to know, but you are an educated doctor and certain you did the same research first. We all know - The waters of my industry are FILLED with all kinds of fish at all kinds of levels but being able to know in advance which kind they'd be from sharks to flounder or crabs then there are no surprises down the line. We know creating music is a lifelong learning lesson to reach even the Grammy nomination or submission level in the USA. Internationally there are different tastes to feed IF that's your goal. With such a different intro this song has, it does go to blend things further on musically in this song. Then it does draw you musically further into listening and referencing the lyrics. I have tried to look separately at the music verses the lyric content which is why I asked you to send me a lyric sheet. The use of a lyric sheet / chart may be only my concern since I know how important this may be in concert preparation or even studio with musician arranging & engineering preparation etc. Helps everyone with lyric chart referral. First, I humbly suggest every time you list your song lyrics (online or off) please try to list symbol and date plus the Publisher (p) etc. who you know must be requested for the use of your original material by anyone. That of course protects your interest IF you do shop your songs for broadcast or even to the public.

Quote From Pro: The Soulscript song title "Resting My Head on a Raindrop" is good for many a curious soul with quite a lot of mental visuals that a professional video shoot would be fun to see to support this musical composition. Song Formatting is followed in your writing this song and since I always do a repetition of playing the song (Lyrics & music) to judge I noticed only a very few things in the production and the arranging that I may have tried to change with the vocalist(s). Frankly, we know opinions are only as your choice of which pro Broadjam reviewer you ask therefore, an opinion from me is what you will get every time. Suggestion for this song is you share with as many professionals in the field of reviewers as possible to get a wide spectrum of opinions. This if you may afford to do so. This might find a good honest reviewer unless they only stroke the ego of which should not be done in my humble opinion. Helping other artists within the industry should never to be a reason of profit for reviewing song writing & recordings at all levels especially noting the costs, time and polish of any production. Live performances often to strangers will help get a general public response too with visuals but never play to family or friends. We all know Mastering can be accomplish anywhere but I am glad you had this song mastered as you indicated. Who you contract is also selective by the person on the board in studio work you have chosen too. Please know perfection is not an artist's job (although we are not often satisfied) like surgery in the emergency room the doctors might strive to save a patient from leaving this world. Yes? No? So, the paid services of the engineer, producer(s), arranger(s), musician(s) or even the song writer(s) that may be hired on commission basis for a product is all still work. Some work maybe better than others. It's because people are naturally different with different tastes in every product created. With many a singer, songwriter, producer, engineer, etc. trying to reach a NARAS top five level it is not through marketing or sales this occurs. Depends on WHY you are in the music recording business. In our professional business we all look for those special gems that you may connect with at the time of writing of course. Then find professionals or people who might hear & see it performed and say "I wish I wrote that song" even if it never was or may be a Grammy Winner. Thank you for sharing your "Resting my head on a Raindrop" or aka "Head on A Raindrop" or "Resting My Head" song with me. I look forward to reviewing more at any time of your original cooperative songwriting production work. But my last quote for you and all songwriters is never stop creating as there is a reason your heart & soul knows why you write.

Broadjam Artist: Alan Lee Carpenter
Song: Romance Chance

Broadjam Pro Reviewer:
Elizabeth Elkins (Songwriter)

Pro General Comments: I like this one, but I don't love it as much as some of your others that really stand out as special. This one feels like a solid uptempo pop/rock tune that will likely find a home on television or in the movies because it feels good. It's happy and optimistic, and that is most often what the music supervisors are looking for. That said, the melody and lyric don't grab me as much as some of your other heartbreak efforts. The title is a little awkward and cheesy - it might be better as "Take A Chance". You know I always say it, but man, these vocals are really good, there's so much heart in every word you sing and that sells the song big time. The verse melody is very memorable, but I was expecting a stronger chorus pay off. The chorus feels like a pre-chorus right now, and never goes to a big pop place. But overall this is low-key and positive enough that a placement is likely in your future. It's not my favorite personally, but it should be on your sync pitch list for sure. Production is an A as usual, and I'll likely be singing the musical hook for days. Could that bridge turn into a bigger chorus? Some food for thought. There's just some minor element missing to take this one to the next level, to make it undeniable. As they say, right now it feels like a nice album filler, but not a single.

Quote From Pro: Rollicking uptempo with a positive vibe and a stellar lead vocal.

Broadjam Artist: Alan Lee Carpenter
Song: Who Will You Love Now

Broadjam Pro Reviewer:
Elizabeth Elkins (Songwriter)

Pro General Comments: This vibe is really where you do your best work, Alan - somewhere between rock and modern pop, with soaring melodies, fantastic vocals and a lush, lovely production style. Nice opening line, well-written chorus and hook, and nice supporting verses. Music is well-played and produced. This one isn't quite radio pop now, it still holds on to a full-band style that mimics 80s radio pop and leans a bit more toward today's indie rock. Your vocals continue to be the star of the show, and I strongly suggest releasing music like this song with you as the artist to increase your exposure for sync television and film opportunities. The production quality is great, and your melodies are familiar yet unique. You may want to focus some on making sure your lyrics are as modern as possible. Sometimes they feel a little formal/poetic - which will work if you're an artist but makes things seems a little less "radio" if you are pitching to other artists for cuts. Lines like "flavors of eternity" feel a little stiff. Think of words being as conversational and laid back as possible as you write new material You know I am a big fan of your work, and think this style of song is really your bull's eye. It's good stuff, and one of your very best.Again please let me know your goals in a future submission so I can help tailor my advice to be most helpful to what you're looking to do as a songwriter.

Quote From Pro: An extraordinarily well-sung ode to love lost, with a melody reminiscent of the very best of George Michael.

Broadjam Artist: Randall Mark
Song: Wonder Girl

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

Pro General Comments: I absolutely love the navet and innocence of this song. From the opening strums of the acoustic guitar in the intro. Simple and elegant.As soon as the lead vocal comes in with the statement, "I've been looking at you" the listener is hooked and wants to hear more. The vocal timbre really pulled me in and in an odd way, demanded my attention. I love the double meaning of Wonder Girl and the way the lyric moves through time. My absolute favorite line is "heaven on Mars." Let me spend a minute here. What a creative sentiment. What wonderful way of describing a new, fresh type of love. I am very impressed with the lyric.By the third verse I feel almost sorry for the singer. He's too afraid to follow his heart for this astound wonder of a woman who can change his life. This is some really good writing.Now, that being said, is this a hit song? I really don't know. What I do know is that I really love the message and the sentimentally gentle delivery.Is this a song that some other artist would cover? Most likely not. And, in my opinion, that would be their loss.In a perfect world this song will end up in a movie or TV show. I absolutely LOVE this!Thanks for allowing me to listen!

Quote From Pro: Wonderfully sentimental delivery of a massively creative lyric!