Broadjam Pro Song Reviews

Broadjam Artist: Tom Ballister
Song: You Never Know

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

Pro General Comments: Hi Tom -Thanks for bringing this song and yourself to my attention. "You Never Know" is really an excellent song and I really enjoyed listening to it multiple times while reviewing it.The songwriting itself is very strong. I can tell you've been at this many years I can hear your experience in the recording and the writing both. Lyrically, it's excellent and I don't really have any suggestions there. The vocal is very pure and '60s sounding in my opinion (which is good). It puts me in-mind of some of the great Folk music from that era.Instrumentally, again... excellent. The finger-picked guitar has a nice gentle touch that fits this song perfectly and the string arrangement is really great as well. The only thing I might suggest, and I know this wouldn't be cheap... is to use a real string section instead of the synth strings. Now, *what* the strings are playing is really great, but to me it's a little too synthy sounding to be convincing - only for that reason - but the arrangement is really great and fits the song very well.Coming from an engineer's perspective, I really can't find anything to mention other than it's been recorded and mixed very well, so your technical chops certainly get the job done and fits this style of song too.Overall, it's a really simple yet very beautiful song that I'm sure you're very proud of. It's very pure-sounding and has an innocence about it that I really like.

Quote From Pro: "You Never Know" is a beautiful song that has a unique, simple sound and feel to it reminiscent of 1960's or early 1970's Folk music. The craftsmanship of this song is nearly perfect in every way, with it's purity of heart and simple, yet effective lyrics and vocals, it makes it very enjoyable to listen to. Overall, an excellent song with really good synch-appeal for period-piece films, documentaries, and television shows.

Broadjam Artist: Daniel
Song: Fall out of Love

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

Pro General Comments: Solid pop song with a powerful chorus which is complimented by a full background vocal arrangement. Very good sectional contrast between verse, chorus and bridge sections. Think I would make the beginning synth drone a bit shorter and come with the vocal a bit sooner. Lyrically and chord change wise, the verse does a good job in setting up the powerful chorus. When the full chorus kicks in, the fuller sounding arrangement in this section masks a bit that the song to me sounds like its still in demo form. I'm listening to hear if it could be broadcast on TV and at this point, I think its close, but still needs an overall cleaner production sound that could probably be achieved by getting into a better studio and perhaps using a producer. Guitar and synth sounds specifically could be updated to glean a more contemporary sound. The good news is that the basic structure, vocals and lyrics are all in good shape, now its just coming down to enhancing the overall sound and making the arrangement at the beginning a bit more compact. Great use of the pre-chorus, which really sets up the full chorus. Great job in putting together the oohs and aahs of the background vocals during the chorus, really fills out the overall sound.

Quote From Pro: A solidly structured pop rock song that has a strong, identifiable lead vocal and memorable hook.

Broadjam Artist: Tom Ballister
Song: Lauren's Theme

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

Pro General Comments: Hi Tom -Thanks for the submission. "Lauren's Theme" is an interesting instrumental piece that is very simple-sounding on the surface, with not a lot of instrumentation - and yet very effective and moving. Nice job all around. I really like the chosen sounds and performance. The simplicity is a bit deceiving because there are some fairly complex things going on as well, which I really like.This song's synth strings I feel really work well with the electric piano sound they complement each other nicely.This song is mixed well and I don't really have any suggestions there.The only thing I can think of that's missing from this song is... more of it! I'd like to see it be a bit longer and go in new and interesting directions. In other words, what you have is really great, but I can hear this song building from about where it ends right now, on into an actual full-band (or orchestra) type of version with (tasteful) drums and percussion and perhaps some other instruments replacing or doubling with the electric piano melody. Building on your current arrangement might give this song the added emotion I feel it could use to make it into something that could be useful in television or film. Right now, without having other parts that add drama or emotion, it'd be fairly hard to synch in my opinion because what's there is good, but it's not "enough" and very specific-sounding. Finding a scene in a film that needs exactly this type of song might be difficult.I say take it a step further and develop an addendum to what you have. That will give it more flexibility to be licensed. Extend it by adding further production that complements and builds on the current arrangement and go in a new, more significant direction. You can still use this version you have if you'd need to, but by adding to it, you'd have even more to offer folks looking at potentially synch licensing it because then they could use the simple version like you have, but could also use the more expanded version like I'm suggesting in different areas of the film.With a "score" type of feel like it has, it's a little harder to license those types of tracks because essentially you've scored a scene that doesn't really exist if that makes sense. This song sounds like it was written for a very specific scene in a film or other type of show, so finding that perfect match would be tough in my opinion.From a music supervisor's perspective, you start with a scene and need to find (or score) music that fits your visual (and possibly dialog) perfectly - not the other way around. It's next to impossible to start with a specific song and find a scene or visual that fits the song perfectly. The visual always will take priority (as it should in filmmaking), so it's much easier to then find music to fit THAT. Hope that makes sense.

Quote From Pro: "Lauren's Theme" is an excellent instrumental piece with a memorable melody, full of emotion and depth that would work well in certain dramatic or montage scenes in a film or other type of media.

Broadjam Artist: Mary Segato
Song: Don't Give Up On Me

Broadjam Pro Reviewer:
John Anderson (Publisher)

Pro General Comments: Hey Mary, quality song all around, first thoughts of artists I can hear it for are Don Henley, John Mayer, Katy Perry, Coldplay, Seal, Ed Sheeran, or Sam Smith to name a few. Also reminds me of the Kate Bush & Peter Gabriel duet "Don't Give Up" (In theme only) which came out on 1985. Easily crosses the Rock, Pop, Country and R & B genres, incredibly universal. Works as a Duet or for a solo artist with prominent backing vocals, Male or Female leads. The demo recording and production quality is superior to what I typically hear. GREAT! I personally focus more on film/television/ad placement for artists then getting songs recorded. That said, it would certainly be an appropriate pitch for a wide range of artists crossing several genres. It does strike me as a song that would fit nicely into a film and really enhance the emotion of the scene as well. I'm sure there are song publishers out there that would be proud to submit "Don't Give Up On Me" for a major label or independent artist to record. Do be weary of getting too close to the John Mayer sound, it could turn some artists off. You're good to go with this one!

Quote From Pro: A beautiful heart felt ballad that tenderly pulls you into a damaged relationship with a plea for forgiveness. 1st class songwriting and a track that's ready for the charts.

Broadjam Artist: COSTA / Costa Ioannides
Song: Let this in

Broadjam Pro Reviewer:
Malik Williams (Producer, Artist, Engineer, Composer)

Pro General Comments: Hey Costa,Thank you for the opportunity to review your songs. I really like the drive of this track. A lot of the new songs out these days seems to have some type of flair from an older song from say the 80s or 90s and I always like hearing that. Especially because of the musicianship it might take to pull that off. In this case, I referred to an artist names "Dino" from the late 80's because of your vocal tone and his dance songs (hits) were very upbeat and fun. I think Maroon 5 might be the closest I could refer you to because you have that Adam Levine vocal tone that's pretty smooth. I'm always careful how to constructively compliment an artist regarding a throwback sound but so much of today's music is derived from songs of the past anyway. First off, I chose the title Can't Let It Go because I thought your vocal performance really drove that point home... stuck in my head a bit more to me.The intro flange fx is nice coming into the song. I like the drum programming and percussion programming. The bass guitar works overall but at about 2:52 and at the break, the timing or quantization could be tighter. It's a bit mechanical... It's really important to keep that kick and bass grove in the pocket. The piano and synth arpeggiation is great. Also, the funky guitar plucking and the nylon guitar sound in your break add a lot to the song. Vocally, the lead is pretty good and so are the lyrics. The backgrounds in the pre-chorus could be tighter and maybe even spread out a little wider. On that note the overall mix is good. Although, I'd like to hear a fatter but still punchy kick drum mix under your bass guitar. Other than that I think the choice of instruments and your preliminary mix is all in the right direction!

Quote From Pro: Costa Ioannides: "you have that Adam Levine vocal tone that's pretty smooth"

Broadjam Artist: Bill Zeffiro
Song: Universal Truth

Broadjam Pro Reviewer:
Diana Williamson (Songwriter, Music Supervisor)

Pro General Comments: Please note: I do not comment on instrumentation since my expertise lies in marketing, lyric, melody, overall presentation, etc..Hi Bill- Good concept. It may be a hard sell to an artist though- universal truth- most artists want songs that portray them as virile, competent and a winner. It can be an uphill battle to sell a song where they call themselves a schmuck. This is the age of false beauty- where everyone edits their image until it's six pack, no wrinkles, etc etc. It would take an artist who has been on top for quite a while, with a great sense of humor to undertake such a song.It is perfect for theatre though where an audience can listen along and empathize. For some reason we love actors to look like schmucks because we can see ourselves in their shoes and feel less silly about our own foibles. However in music - its usually a more sexy thing- and the preening peacock artist rarely submits themselves to ridicule no matter how warranted. Sense of humor alas seems to be a rare quality in the music biz..You may want to decide on a sexier title- Universal truth can bring to mind some religious leader about to lecture us on the perils of sin (lol). You want a title that is going to bite and make us curious- so we just have to know more. "Just Another Schmuck in Love" for eg - gives us the tone of the song- we know its going to be funny.You have a great way with lyrics. Maybe you could research comedians that sing- a lot of comedy records are done and see who is working on an album. Adam Sandler? Steve Martin? Some who sing: Jimmy Fallon, Tom Lehrer, and Steve Martin.

Quote From Pro: Bill has a great flair for comedy.

Broadjam Artist: COSTA / Costa Ioannides
Song: Comfort Zone (Acoustic/Live at CYBC)

Broadjam Pro Reviewer:
Malik Williams (Producer, Artist, Engineer, Composer)

Pro General Comments: Hi Costa,Comfort Zone is a really nice pop/world love song! I've listened to this over and over. It's a classic case of "less is more". A very moving soundtrack song with brilliant lyrics that really pull on ones conscience!I like the way you're referring to the worlds tragic issues that most of us can relate to and in my mind, i could imagine the scenes vividly. It's the common message of dealing with negative live experiences but still being able to find solace in that person or thing you love the most. Sometimes you just want to hide or lose yourself just to feel safe. Pretty much, everyone can relate to that.. It's the classic formula for a great song. In the second verse you say "I lie to God again". That's a really powerful line. What I took from that is Sometimes in life it's so hard to believe or understand. We ask the question "why", over and over, with no definite or logical answer, so we have to keep the faith just to stay sane. This live recording was done very well. You've managed to capture a very warm and classic Ovation guitar sound. Very smooth vocal performance with a nice touch of reverb in the mix! Knowing that it was recorded live makes it that much better. You vocal tone and expression works well on this song. I was listening from the perspective of this being produced in a more dramatic fashion. Maybe with rhythm and orchestral production... Just a thought. I still think the simple version prevails but it could be fun to have a version 2. If you haven't considered the music licensing route, this is a good song to pitch. Great job overall!

Quote From Pro: Comfort Zone - A very moving soundtrack song with brilliant lyrics that really pull on ones conscience!

Broadjam Artist: PYSONGS
Song: SKYLIGHTS

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

Pro General Comments: This song has some well put together, yet familiar sounding chord changes. At some points it sounds like the changes could be something like an early Sheryl Crow song, with horn and synth arrangements that sounds like its from the 70s. Overall the song and production sounds very retro to me. That's not always necessarily a negative thing, however in this case, I felt the chordal structure was inventive and something you don't hear a lot of these days in contemporary pop music. Structurally, the song took quite a while to develop. To kick off the song, it sounded like a stripped down rhythm section and evenutally at 0:51 a full horn and background vocal arrangement came in. It wasn't until after 1 minute in, that the full rhythm section came in. This is a long time to develop for a pop song. In order to grab the listener's attention right off the bat, I would have come in right at the top with a full compliment of the arrangement and instruments, then have the breakdown come in the middle of the song. Pretty inventive background vocal arrangements throughout and a full sounding wall of sound type arrangement once the song gets going. Perhaps with a bit of a restructure, the sectional contrast of the song would work better and have more potential commercially.

Quote From Pro: An inventive retro wall of sound type sound that is reminiscent of an early Sheryl Crow arrangement.

Broadjam Artist: COSTA / Costa Ioannides
Song: Don't be Cruel ( Aphrodite & I )

Broadjam Pro Reviewer:
Malik Williams (Producer, Artist, Engineer, Composer)

Pro General Comments: Costa,I can appreciate the diversity in your songwriting and composition. Don't be Cruel is a really cool mixture of electronic/pop production with a flair of Spanish flamenco style guitars creating a very exotic sound. Although the overall production sound is more modern, the only other popular pop song that comes to mind is Madonna's "La Isla Bonita". Super popular globally!Constructively There's a lot going on... in a good way. I listened on my studio monitors as well as with headphones. I really like your drum and percussion programming along with the bass guitar parts. They compliment each other and fill up the bottom well. The acoustic piano is layered with the synth pads nicely. The other delayed synth parts are very tastefully done as well. Those aren't too overbearing and they don't overtake the acoustic "island" feel of the song that the rhythm and lead guitars are creating.The overall mix of the instrumentation is done well. The verse vocals at a good level and the reverb and delay effects are good. In the chorus, I'd like to hear a fuller vocal sound and the backgrounds / ad-libs could come up in the mix slightly.Your guitar parts and arrangement could be spread out a little more to better define the different tones you're using... even consider some auto-panning techniques just for fun. Mind you, these comments are just creative mix and engineering ideas to try... hopefully to inspire future compositions. Don't be afraid to experiment with your post-production. You really do have a good ear and great feel for unitizing acoustic and electronic instruments in your music.. very cool man!

Quote From Pro: Don't be Cruel is a really cool mixture of electronic/pop production with a flair of Spanish flamenco style guitars creating a very exotic sound.

Broadjam Artist: matt taylor
Song: If I Had The Time Kmix7

Broadjam Pro Reviewer:
Tom Bocci (Music Supervisor, Producer, and Publisher)

Pro General Comments: Greetings Matt,This is another fine example of your natural talent in the areas of storytelling, melody, and production blending together to produce a memorable, maybe even signature sound.You seem to be able to sing and interpret your own words authentically,which allows you the freedom to always be real instead of trying to be stylized. In this song you have paid a lovely musical tribute to your Dad and his belief in bucket lists and reincarnation.He'd be proud.Overall this track has many stunning things going for it, but I offer a few suggestions for you to consider. First, change the title to "If I Have The Time" to keep it in the present tense always looking forward to more. Second, the key change going into the bridge is too abrupt and takes me out of the flow every time, even though it resolves and recovers nicely in the second line. Try keeping your original vocal melody line there, but find some chords that ease into it with more light and less weight.Third, the vocal repeat in the ending can be shortened by going directly to the line with the harmony. The instrumental double-stop fiddle hook and piano can carry it from there.Fourth, did you ever try singing the title with the accent on "IF i have the time".It tends to soften the repetitive elongated "if IIII have the time" Does it change the song's meaning for you that way or make no difference.This tune seems to have evolved since the original guitar/vox version which is endearing in its own way,but this version represents the best of what I've heard so far. Onward!

Quote From Pro: This is another fine example of your natural talent in the areas of storytelling, melody, and production blending together to produce a memorable, maybe even signature sound.