Broadjam Pro Song Reviews

Broadjam Artist: allison bolton
Song: NO REASON AT ALL

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

Pro General Comments: I like the spirit of this song. We desperately need artists who will stand up to war and all things wrong. From the opening guitar and harmonica riffs, I felt this song would be special. The plaintive vocal pleads and pulls at the heartstrings while remain strong, encouraging us to stand shoulder to shoulder in defense of freedom.However, I do feel the title could be tweaked. I offered a suggestion but even that is not string enough. The challenge I offer you is to come up with a title that encourages people to listen and take action. (I actually LOVE the outdo lines "WE ALL STAND WITH UKRAINE! GLORY TO UKRAINE" and wonder if they could enter earlier and be repeated throughout the songNearly daily I read journalists begging for artists to lead the way. Back in the day, art lead the world and, to this listener, the time has come once again. Perhaps this Allison Bolton number can break through and unite the world against the evils of war. Unjust war at that!Technically, the tracks are very strong. The recording is tight, effective and professional. The vocal os out front, clearly heard. The mix is professional and to my ears does not need any changes at all. The instrumentation is genre appropriate and although it's clearly a throwback to "protest" songs it never gets preachy or "holier than thou"The song sounds radio ready and all set either for release, as is, or covered by a caring artist. The inspiration to write this is acknowledged and appreciated by me. The time is right for this song!WE ALL STAND WITH UKRAINE! GLORY TO UKRAINE, INDEED!!

Quote From Pro: This patriotic love song to Ukraine and her global supporters has the ability to lift spirits, unite, and motivate. It absolutely deserves to be heard.WE ALL STAND WITH UKRAINE! GLORY TO UKRAINE

Broadjam Artist: Evan Pace
Song: Don't Tip Toe (around my heart)

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

Pro General Comments: Upbeat and energetic female vocal pop song with some Latin flairs. Solid arrangement and sectional contrast happening between verse and chorus sections. The dynamics between verse and chorus are mixed appropriately so that the energy of the chorus section really ramps up. Professional and soulful female lead and background vocals help to convey the lyrical message in the song. Inventive background vocal arrangement helps to elevate the song's emotional energy as well. Lyrically this kind of theme is not unique, but the verses are able to give it an original take on this familiar sounding take on love gone wrong so to speak. I like the conga drum track that begin the song, along with the horn stab. They synth line and sample that comes in at 0:07 could stand to be updated in terms of it having a contemporary production quality to it. It has a very "reedy," sound to it which is quite reminiscent of 90's synths. I think this track has potential in the film/tv synch world if a production was looking for a 90's sounding Latin pop type track a la Pointer Sisters/Gloria Estefan as an example when producers could not afford major label masters and publishing.

Quote From Pro: Solid production, lead vocals and arrangement in this Latin tinged pop song. The track could have some potential in the synch world when trying to replace similar sounding major label artists.

Broadjam Artist: Charles Edmund Carter
Song: Ballad of Wally Funk

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

Pro General Comments: The music is typical funk tempo with the sax intro I really do love too. The story Ballad of Wally Funk may not be relatable to younger generations about someone born in 1939. It's actually a folk story song and may appeal to those who do know who Chuck Yeager was for commercial releasing for purchasing. "Funky Fly Girl "or "Funky Flight Girl" might be another choice title too. I know this older woman went on that maiden flight. It's actually a catchy name Wally Funk. Maybe that music transition to break away with the Hollywood brass horns you might want to review again but it'll do the way it is now. The song really is a great tribute to older women who have seen her dreams come true. Repeating the name "wally funk" is a great hook tied to the funky music style ending. Stays in the listeners head. That way IF the person doesn't know who Wally Funk is they might look it up as my younger assistant did yesterday. That helps history of women in flight.

Quote From Pro: This is a true funky story aka tribute song. I listened again once with an assistant yesterday who I told later the hook of name "wally funk" kept coming back repeating over in my head. The result is WF is a fun song. Great song for submission next year to the women international day here in the USA. I can see a parade of women in a line with this playing with dancers choreographed to moving to the tempo and smiles. Thank you for sharing again your work. Keep writing using your songwriting talents I've been honored to enjoy as you share with Broadjam pro reviewers. Looking forward to more in 2022 too!

Broadjam Artist: Charles Edmund Carter
Song: Ballad of Wally Funk

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

Pro General Comments: The music is typical funk tempo with the sax intro I really do love too. The story Ballad of Wally Funk may not be relatable to younger generations about someone born in 1939. It's actually a folk story song and may appeal to those who do know who Chuck Yeager was for commercial releasing for purchasing. "Funky Fly Girl "or "Funky Flight Girl" might be another choice title too. I know this older woman went on that maiden flight. It's actually a catchy name Wally Funk. Maybe that music transition to break away with the Hollywood brass horns you might want to review again but it'll do the way it is now. The song really is a great tribute to older women who have seen her dreams come true. Repeating the name "wally funk" is a great hook tied to the funky music style ending. Stays in the listeners head. That way IF the person doesn't know who Wally Funk is they might look it up as my younger assistant did yesterday. That helps history of women in flight.

Quote From Pro: This is a true funky story aka tribute song. I listened again once with an assistant yesterday who I told later the hook of name "wally funk" kept coming back repeating over in my head. The result is WF is a fun song. Great song for submission next year to the women international day here in the USA. I can see a parade of women in a line with this playing with dancers choreographed to moving to the tempo and smiles. Thank you for sharing again your work. Keep writing using your songwriting talents I've been honored to enjoy as you share with Broadjam pro reviewers. Looking forward to more in 2022 too!

Broadjam Artist: SAMSARA.
Song: NEVERMIND

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

Pro General Comments: Hey guys -Another quality submission in "Nevermind". Personally, unless the song is a nod to Nirvana, I would probably differentiate the name to something a little more memorable like, "Nevermind (I Can't Let You Go)" or something similar. Because the actual word "nevermind" isn't in the song at all, it makes the title somewhat forgettable because there's nothing to connect that title/word to the actual hook of the song itself. Make sense? You want people to remember your songs and giving them a somewhat-forgettable title isn't the best way to do that. By adding a little more to it, that makes it more memorable, in my opinion.Again, excellent production value on this one too (the recording, mix, and master). At times, I would have liked a tiny bit more vocals in the mix, but that was probably intentional given this genre of music. I didn't mention in the review for "Awake", but meant to and it also applies to this song - I really love the guitar work overall and the way you've mixed them into the song. Great job and very creative. Excellent playing and cool guitar tones. The bass and drums are nice and tight on this one as well as the other tracks, which is exactly what you'd want with this style of music. Great playing, guys. It's really nice to hear young guys who are actually able to play their instruments and not relying on samples, loops, and other people's work to get their points across musically. Very refreshing - thanks. It gives me hope... we're constantly exposed to "artists" who can barely sing and play their instruments and are all marketing and packaging by the record label. For Samsara. though, that is not the case, I can tell you guys have put the work in to be a really great band.Your songs have good arrangements too and an interesting style. They don't quite follow the "hit song" format, but they don't need to. It's almost like you know the rules well enough to break them just enough to make it interesting, so kudos for that too. Good hook on this one. Very memorable. I like the slow-clap at the end too.This is another song where we could probably pitch it to Sports TV and/or an Action Sports Video Game developer, like we should also do for "Awake". Loads of energy and attitude that might just work for something like that. I could definitely hear this one in a skateboarding video game (which we've actually provided music for previously) - or something similar. Make sure you have your instrumental version of this song (and all others) mastered and ready to go too because you never know when you need them (or if an editor/producer/music supervisor asks for that).Not a lot of other pointers I can give you on this one. Keep up the great work and write songs together as a band as much as you can... and do stay in touch. I'll be interested to see where you guys go!Best of luck now and in the future!Sincerely,Doug D.doug@musicopps.com

Quote From Pro: "Nevermind" would be an excellent sync licensing placement choice for Sports TV or a high energy Video Game. The attitude and production are there, and the hook is very memorable. Samsara. is one of the best young bands out there. Give any of their songs a listen and you won't be disappointed.

Broadjam Artist: SAMSARA.
Song: NEVERMIND

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

Pro General Comments: Hey guys -Another quality submission in "Nevermind". Personally, unless the song is a nod to Nirvana, I would probably differentiate the name to something a little more memorable like, "Nevermind (I Can't Let You Go)" or something similar. Because the actual word "nevermind" isn't in the song at all, it makes the title somewhat forgettable because there's nothing to connect that title/word to the actual hook of the song itself. Make sense? You want people to remember your songs and giving them a somewhat-forgettable title isn't the best way to do that. By adding a little more to it, that makes it more memorable, in my opinion.Again, excellent production value on this one too (the recording, mix, and master). At times, I would have liked a tiny bit more vocals in the mix, but that was probably intentional given this genre of music. I didn't mention in the review for "Awake", but meant to and it also applies to this song - I really love the guitar work overall and the way you've mixed them into the song. Great job and very creative. Excellent playing and cool guitar tones. The bass and drums are nice and tight on this one as well as the other tracks, which is exactly what you'd want with this style of music. Great playing, guys. It's really nice to hear young guys who are actually able to play their instruments and not relying on samples, loops, and other people's work to get their points across musically. Very refreshing - thanks. It gives me hope... we're constantly exposed to "artists" who can barely sing and play their instruments and are all marketing and packaging by the record label. For Samsara. though, that is not the case, I can tell you guys have put the work in to be a really great band.Your songs have good arrangements too and an interesting style. They don't quite follow the "hit song" format, but they don't need to. It's almost like you know the rules well enough to break them just enough to make it interesting, so kudos for that too. Good hook on this one. Very memorable. I like the slow-clap at the end too.This is another song where we could probably pitch it to Sports TV and/or an Action Sports Video Game developer, like we should also do for "Awake". Loads of energy and attitude that might just work for something like that. I could definitely hear this one in a skateboarding video game (which we've actually provided music for previously) - or something similar. Make sure you have your instrumental version of this song (and all others) mastered and ready to go too because you never know when you need them (or if an editor/producer/music supervisor asks for that).Not a lot of other pointers I can give you on this one. Keep up the great work and write songs together as a band as much as you can... and do stay in touch. I'll be interested to see where you guys go!Best of luck now and in the future!Sincerely,Doug D.doug@musicopps.com

Quote From Pro: "Nevermind" would be an excellent sync licensing placement choice for Sports TV or a high energy Video Game. The attitude and production are there, and the hook is very memorable. Samsara. is one of the best young bands out there. Give any of their songs a listen and you won't be disappointed.

Broadjam Artist: SAMSARA.
Song: AWAKE

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

Pro General Comments: Hi guys -Thanks for sending "Awake". Tons of energy on this one too. I dig it. Great production value and performances again on this song, similar to "By Your Side". You-all are a very talented, young band. One thing I noticed when looking up the lyrics to your songs (by Googling them - source Musixmatch), it does list the songwriter(s) at the bottom of the page. This song lists only Dylan as the songwriter. Guys, I would suggest that you split all of the songwriting credits (and therefore the songwriting royalties) evenly, instead of just one of you getting essentially any/all royalties, per song. "By Your Side" just listed Brendan as the writer instead of the whole band. The problem with this arrangement is that even though you do have one main writer of any given song, ALL of you contribute your parts to it to make it what it is ultimately. It should go without saying that not *every* song will be a success, so because of this, the successful songs will make the most money and that writer will get the bulk of any royalties, leaving the rest of the band out of the picture, which can breed animosity and bitterness (it's only human nature). Maybe you guys already know this and what I'm seeing on Musixmatch isn't correct, I don't know. Just my 2-cents... split the songwriting royalties evenly as well as the publishing, no matter "who does what" in a given song. It will balance out and everybody will be making the same $$ - on the successful songs and all the others. I hope you don't mind that bit of advice, but I've seen it break bands up when one guy is making all the bank, you know? Everybody does their part and contributes something and should be recognized for their work, so in my opinion, each should get a fair share.So on this song, while I do like it and love the energy, it doesn't have as memorable a hook/melody as some of your other songs. That's not a bad thing necessarily, just something I noticed. The first thing that came to mind on this one, is that it might be a really great song for a video game, in the right context... both with or without the lyric/vocals. You definitely should have an instrumental version of this song ready to go too (fully mastered like the main version with the vocals). This is because sometimes sync opportunities work better with an instrumental version of the song in certain contexts. In the case of a video game, it could go either way... I like the vocals, but you never know if the lyrics will fit in with what's happening on-screen. We have an Action Sports Video Game opportunity that we run from time to time that it might be perfect for that developer. I also would not have a problem pitching it for Sports TV - like Fox Sports, etc. We pitch songs and place with them often. For those types of things, the main hook/melody isn't quite as big a deal as the overall feel and energy a track has. I'd be happy to send this one along for that and see what comes back from them, if anything. They may like it...Again, great work on this and do consider the songwriting thing I mentioned. I would like to see you guys succeed and for that to happen, so many things have to align correctly, but ironing out the financials is super-important, if you haven't already done that. Have a band meeting and talk about it. There are good courses out there that you might consider taking so that you understand how it all works.Best of luck to you now and in the future and keep up the excellent work!Doug D.doug@musicopps.com

Quote From Pro: "Awake" might be a perfect fit for Sports TV or a high-action / high-energy video game soundtrack. Excellent performances and production value make this song an obvious pick for the right sync situation. Good job guys!

Broadjam Artist: SAMSARA.
Song: AWAKE

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

Pro General Comments: Hi guys -Thanks for sending "Awake". Tons of energy on this one too. I dig it. Great production value and performances again on this song, similar to "By Your Side". You-all are a very talented, young band. One thing I noticed when looking up the lyrics to your songs (by Googling them - source Musixmatch), it does list the songwriter(s) at the bottom of the page. This song lists only Dylan as the songwriter. Guys, I would suggest that you split all of the songwriting credits (and therefore the songwriting royalties) evenly, instead of just one of you getting essentially any/all royalties, per song. "By Your Side" just listed Brendan as the writer instead of the whole band. The problem with this arrangement is that even though you do have one main writer of any given song, ALL of you contribute your parts to it to make it what it is ultimately. It should go without saying that not *every* song will be a success, so because of this, the successful songs will make the most money and that writer will get the bulk of any royalties, leaving the rest of the band out of the picture, which can breed animosity and bitterness (it's only human nature). Maybe you guys already know this and what I'm seeing on Musixmatch isn't correct, I don't know. Just my 2-cents... split the songwriting royalties evenly as well as the publishing, no matter "who does what" in a given song. It will balance out and everybody will be making the same $$ - on the successful songs and all the others. I hope you don't mind that bit of advice, but I've seen it break bands up when one guy is making all the bank, you know? Everybody does their part and contributes something and should be recognized for their work, so in my opinion, each should get a fair share.So on this song, while I do like it and love the energy, it doesn't have as memorable a hook/melody as some of your other songs. That's not a bad thing necessarily, just something I noticed. The first thing that came to mind on this one, is that it might be a really great song for a video game, in the right context... both with or without the lyric/vocals. You definitely should have an instrumental version of this song ready to go too (fully mastered like the main version with the vocals). This is because sometimes sync opportunities work better with an instrumental version of the song in certain contexts. In the case of a video game, it could go either way... I like the vocals, but you never know if the lyrics will fit in with what's happening on-screen. We have an Action Sports Video Game opportunity that we run from time to time that it might be perfect for that developer. I also would not have a problem pitching it for Sports TV - like Fox Sports, etc. We pitch songs and place with them often. For those types of things, the main hook/melody isn't quite as big a deal as the overall feel and energy a track has. I'd be happy to send this one along for that and see what comes back from them, if anything. They may like it...Again, great work on this and do consider the songwriting thing I mentioned. I would like to see you guys succeed and for that to happen, so many things have to align correctly, but ironing out the financials is super-important, if you haven't already done that. Have a band meeting and talk about it. There are good courses out there that you might consider taking so that you understand how it all works.Best of luck to you now and in the future and keep up the excellent work!Doug D.doug@musicopps.com

Quote From Pro: "Awake" might be a perfect fit for Sports TV or a high-action / high-energy video game soundtrack. Excellent performances and production value make this song an obvious pick for the right sync situation. Good job guys!

Broadjam Artist: SAMSARA.
Song: BY YOUR SIDE

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

Pro General Comments: Hey guys -Thanks for letting me know about your song "By Your Side" again. I've heard it before and really liked it - even upon first listen awhile back. I appreciate the opportunity to dive deeper into it for this review. Overall, I really like it a lot. Loads of energy and a great, memorable hook. The production value - the technical aspects of the recording, mix, and master are also excellent (a *must* in today's sync licensing/music placement world - because it's your actual recording that would get used). Your performances are all excellent. I wouldn't change a thing. I really like Dylan's vocals, the vocal phrasing and tonality in general. It's a really good fit for your sound as a band. I know you guys are very young, but had I not read your bio, I wouldn't necessarily know that by hearing your music. It's better than a lot of band's music of people twice your age - or more! Just all around excellent job. I'm not sure how you guys got to be so good given your very young age (lots of hard work is my guess), but other bands could certainly learn from you. Whatever you're doing, you're doing it right. Keep up the good work. I can tell you've spent a lot of time individually working on learning your instruments and vocals, and it really comes together well as a group. I really hope you guys go far. I think you have the makings of being great. Of your songs I've heard previously, "By Your Side" is probably my favorite. I think it does have commercial appeal and seems like a perfect fit for the right type of radio - terrestrial or satellite (looks like you've had some SiriusXM play - congrats), but also college radio. As I work in the sync licensing and placement world, I will certainly keep it in mind for anything that comes up that I think it could fit for. The quality is there. It could definitely work for the right scene in a television show or indie film, commercial, trailer, video game, etc. The production value and performances are a huge first hurdle that a lot of bands can't make it through successfully, but I think you've navigated that extremely well. Beyond that, it's all about the hook, the melody, the attitude, and the sound - if it might work in the right placement situation, and I definitely feel it could. One thought I had was, it would be cool to have an instrumental mix of this song with an extended "oohs and aahs" section taken from the Bridge. That part is really good. I can see/hear just that part in a commercial or montage scene, etc. It might be good to showcase it by having a separate mix to pitch for film/TV. Again, great job overall and keep it up. Keeping a band together can be quite a challenge, especially when you're young, so I hope you guys give it a priority in your lives and take it seriously long-term. The dividends will pay off if you can keep it together. But I know it's tough. Good luck and I look forward to reviewing your other tunes too.Best,Dougdoug@musicopps.com

Quote From Pro: "By Your Side" is such a cool tune. I wish I had the perfect sync opportunity for it in a film or TV show right now - I'd place it it's that good. Samsara. is one of the best young bands I know of, period. Keep up the excellent work, guys!

Broadjam Artist: SAMSARA.
Song: BY YOUR SIDE

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

Pro General Comments: Hey guys -Thanks for letting me know about your song "By Your Side" again. I've heard it before and really liked it - even upon first listen awhile back. I appreciate the opportunity to dive deeper into it for this review. Overall, I really like it a lot. Loads of energy and a great, memorable hook. The production value - the technical aspects of the recording, mix, and master are also excellent (a *must* in today's sync licensing/music placement world - because it's your actual recording that would get used). Your performances are all excellent. I wouldn't change a thing. I really like Dylan's vocals, the vocal phrasing and tonality in general. It's a really good fit for your sound as a band. I know you guys are very young, but had I not read your bio, I wouldn't necessarily know that by hearing your music. It's better than a lot of band's music of people twice your age - or more! Just all around excellent job. I'm not sure how you guys got to be so good given your very young age (lots of hard work is my guess), but other bands could certainly learn from you. Whatever you're doing, you're doing it right. Keep up the good work. I can tell you've spent a lot of time individually working on learning your instruments and vocals, and it really comes together well as a group. I really hope you guys go far. I think you have the makings of being great. Of your songs I've heard previously, "By Your Side" is probably my favorite. I think it does have commercial appeal and seems like a perfect fit for the right type of radio - terrestrial or satellite (looks like you've had some SiriusXM play - congrats), but also college radio. As I work in the sync licensing and placement world, I will certainly keep it in mind for anything that comes up that I think it could fit for. The quality is there. It could definitely work for the right scene in a television show or indie film, commercial, trailer, video game, etc. The production value and performances are a huge first hurdle that a lot of bands can't make it through successfully, but I think you've navigated that extremely well. Beyond that, it's all about the hook, the melody, the attitude, and the sound - if it might work in the right placement situation, and I definitely feel it could. One thought I had was, it would be cool to have an instrumental mix of this song with an extended "oohs and aahs" section taken from the Bridge. That part is really good. I can see/hear just that part in a commercial or montage scene, etc. It might be good to showcase it by having a separate mix to pitch for film/TV. Again, great job overall and keep it up. Keeping a band together can be quite a challenge, especially when you're young, so I hope you guys give it a priority in your lives and take it seriously long-term. The dividends will pay off if you can keep it together. But I know it's tough. Good luck and I look forward to reviewing your other tunes too.Best,Dougdoug@musicopps.com

Quote From Pro: "By Your Side" is such a cool tune. I wish I had the perfect sync opportunity for it in a film or TV show right now - I'd place it it's that good. Samsara. is one of the best young bands I know of, period. Keep up the excellent work, guys!