Broadjam Pro Song Reviews

Broadjam Artist: jdsoundworx
Song: Rocks in my head

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

Pro General Comments: Hi James:Please note I don't rate individual instrumentation since my expertise lies more in marketability, lyric, melody, and overall performance.Hello, good energetic performance. Definitely Romantics- What I Like About You vibe- but also you may be curious to check this little "hit ditty" out... https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Sz-2jckjeHo (The Monkees- Little Bit Me, Little Bit You)- reminds me of the melody a bit... (not in a bad way/legal way).. in the jangly part.It's got a fun title- definitely not boring. You want a title to evoke a mood and your title suits your song. A bored music supervisor sifting through a ton of tracks would definitely pick this to listen to over "track thirty six metal" as a title. And if you can add a little bit of humor into the title- all the better.The thing that may be hindering the song/instrumental from getting cut for one are the voices. I actually like the voices but if someone was to use the song for an action sequence- the voices would seem to come out of nowhere and distract. Do you have a mix without?It's kind of like when people put people clapping in the beginning- it limits the songs usage (for a lazy editor). Sure they can edit around it- but some can't be bothered and just go on to the next track.

Quote From Pro: Energetic 80's flavored track.

Broadjam Artist: Coach Fox
Song: Coach Fox (feat. Rudiger) Soldiers of Love

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

Pro General Comments: Please note I don't rate individual instrumentation since my expertise lies more in marketability, lyric, melody, and overall performance.I'm going to mention some things to think about- always to consider- but the general consensus is that you wrote a pretty good little song and I wouldn't change too much! Great work!That is a voice that begs to be listened to. Smart and tasteful choice of vocalist. Really, really good. The vocal and track go together very well. When that hook comes in- the vocal really sells it.Your arrangements are very colorful, tasteful and intriguing- they never get stale- good going. Arrangements build nicely.Your hook resonates- just like it should. It feels like "Maybe" you should have some kinda lyric over the percussive part- doesn't have to be much- but something that is a call back to the soldiers of love....? On second thought- the space might be nice there. Just something to consider.Maybe when the second percussive part comes in- you could have an additional instrument- to add another dynamic- (would be nice)- but not absolutely necessary. For eg- a bit of strings to build some tension? Maybe have some loud hand claps to increase the intensity of the percussion?

Quote From Pro: Soldiers of Love bursts with heart, good song.

Broadjam Artist: John Hazlett
Song: I'm So Lonely Without You

Broadjam Pro Reviewer:
David Weiss (Music Supervisor)

Pro General Comments: John,Thank you for submitting your work to me. Please accept my sincere apologies for the delay in reviewing your submission -- thank you for your patience.I like the emotion that you convey in this song. I know it has a sad title, but I heard a lot of positivity here, and hopeful/optimistic music. It sounds like you have a good ear for music, and I hope you continue to compose and record. As you see from my scores, I do believe you have some additional work to do. The biggest thing that stands out is that "I'm so Lonely Without You" sounds like many MIDI instruments recorded in a computer, or from a MIDI keyboard/synth. If you are gunning for synch placements on TV, film, etc... I believe you'll need to make your sounds more realistic, since many of your competitors have mastered the art of MIDI orchestration to make highly realistic sounds. The progressions are nice, but they feel like they meander to me -- the song should have more changes of some sort, to take the listener on a deeper journey. Does that make sense?

Quote From Pro: Atmospheric and pleasingly ambient.

Broadjam Artist: COSTA / Costa Ioannides
Song: Looking at Me

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

Pro General Comments: Costa,You've really locked in on this track. Looking At Me is a really great commercial dance song.. super catchy... classic! This is also.. by far my favorite song style from you thus far. I really like the opening line "Guess who's been bleeding blue now they've lost it?" It made me wonder where the song would go. The lyrical melody flows nicely and is very easy to sing along with... and I think if it wasn't for the love of music, we'd all love our minds! So many people can relate to that. The song concept is pretty universal and I really like the vocal performance. Good idea to create the video as well. Using the disgruntled employee concept was brilliant. The video really supports the concept of the song and really fun to watch. (For those that haven't seen it, check it out here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=irXulC5I6iA)Solid music and vocal arrangement! I like the breaks and the background and ad-lib vocal parts flying in and out. The production quality is pretty tight overall as well. One again, I really appreciate your drum programming and on this one, the bass sound you chose is really edgy and fat. The base line itself is also really good and it's cutting right though the track.. really cool!The song has a lot of energy and movement just with the bass and drums. That's the foundation you need with this kind of dance track. You definitely nailed that. The mix on this song is really clear and tight and with so much going and all the instrument parts, that can be a difficult task!Very good low-end and pretty crisp high-end. You are a very talented songwriter and producer! Keep up the good work.. I'm looking forward to hearing more of your music!

Quote From Pro: Looking At Me is a really great commercial dance song.. super catchy... classic!

Broadjam Artist: matt taylor
Song: If I Had The Time Kmix4

Broadjam Pro Reviewer:
Tirk Wilder (Songwriter, Performer)

Pro General Comments: Okay, Matt, I like this song. I like this song a lot. That's the good news.The bad news is that if I like a song, it's usually the kiss of death.It almost has a 70s folk pop feel to it. Almost like a cross between James Taylor and Steely Dan, with maybe a little Simon and Garfunkel thrown in.Since it's CLOSE, I'm going to nitpick you to death.On first listen, it was difficult to know where the chorus was beginning. As a matter of fact, what I believe you are calling your chorus sounds more like a bridge to me. But then comes along another bridge, complete with jolting key change. And you repeat your hook at the end of every four-line verse.Very odd song form. But that's okay, you almost pull it off.I would love to hear your signature lick played on an honest to goodness cello. In harmony, maybe, with a violin.The cheesy synthetic fiddle was almost irritating.You only need ONE of those licks in the intro, anyway. No matter what it's played on. Get into the song as quick as you can.Your VERSES are very hooky. The line in the 2nd verse, "while all the lines in my face start to show" was a bit of a speed bump the way you had to sing it. All you need is "while lines in my face start to show" and it sings much more with the flow. IMHO. (Hey! That all RHYMES!)The chorus needs some work, I fear.I understand that this is about your actual father, and as such, it's kind of a memorial to him. But to the casual listener who doesn't know you, "Dad used to say that just one lifetime," is a poisonously clichd line. The "Daddy told me" thing is so old and overused, it's meaningless. It's great for you and your family as a commemoration, but if you want to commercially exploit this song (and it has GREAT potential for that), something like "I've heard it said", for instance, might be better. Also jettison either the "that" or the "just" in that line. As in, "I've heard it said just one lifetime""would surely never be enough" is okay here, if you can't polish it somehow."you need the first one just to figure out what you want to do and another one to make those dreams come true". The objection is not to content, but to person. You suddenly change to second person here, which makes it sound preachier than it maybe should. If the singer includes himself in with the listener, as in "WE need the first to figure out what WE want to do...etc." Please notice I left out the word "just". I suggest you consider doing the same thing. It's almost ALWAYS a meaningless fill word. Like "THAT".You change person the same way in your key-change bridge. "The time WE have in life is fleetingand it's easy to forget just what YOU'VE got." They need to be the same person. I strongly suggest the "WE". And get rid of that friggin' "just". "It easy to forget what WE'VE got..."Which makes the last two lines of the bridge: "Before WE know it they'll be leavingWE should take some time in the uphill climb, to love the ones WE love a lot." And, when you re-sing that last line, enunciate the words VERY CLEARLY. They are the MEAT of the song, actually. Give the listener a clear melody and understandable lyric they can sing along to right there. I didn't understand the words until I READ them.I'd love to hear what this sucker turns out to be. It has serious potential. As a matter of fact, you get this right, and there are a lot of opportunities here on Broadjam that you could pitch it to.Keep the faith.Tirk Wilder

Quote From Pro: A cross between James Taylor, Stephen Bishop, Steely Dan and other favorites, Matt Taylor mixes it all together into his own unique approach, turning himself into a "MUST LISTEN".

Broadjam Artist: Mary Segato
Song: Wishing

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

Pro General Comments: What a wonderful song. The lyric is poignant and moving and really tugs at ones heart strings. With the right artist, I could hear this translating into a big hit. The melody is memorable, singable and pleasing to my ears. The signature theme in the intro makes me want to hear the song...it really welcomes the listener and invites him/her into the story. The vocalist really brings it..the emotion in her voice is honest and elegant. Just the right amount of variance in the vocals in the verses and the chorus. The lyric flows easily and allows the story to unfold in an honest manner. Instrumentally, the track builds in a wonderful manner...just enough tension and when the new instruments appear it builds the listener's interest. Sonically the textures are lush without being sappy. The track really works well. I keep going back to the vocalist...WOW! It's like she's sitting here and relating this story to me...one on one. To me, that really makes this song and demo special...the intimacy. Lyrically the story is told on a way that allows the listener to feel like they are connected and not just a bystander, but an invited guest. I feel like I'm gushing, but this song works for me on all levels. Great lyric, great melody, great track, great vocal, great delivery!

Quote From Pro: "Wishing" is an incredibly special song. From the instrumental signature opening to the last note, it invites the listener to be an integral part of the story as it unfolds. I'll be humming this all day!

Broadjam Artist: David Banks
Song: The Machines Are Coming (less is more mix)

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

Pro General Comments: Very inventive film oriented score piece. When the track started out, I thought as a listener that is going to remain plaintive and string and piano oriented and did not expect the heavy electronic aspect with choral arrangements to come into play. When it did, it was an interesting surprise and the cue a unique feel and tension and release arrangement. This would be a solid calling card of a cue to attempt to gain work in the film or TV scoring arena. It shows a good grasp of arrangements and also an ability to think out of the box, combining classical type string arrangements and contemporary sounding electronic beats. The choral arrangement was also a pleasant surprise that gave it a lighter feel over the more harsh electronic slightly dub step sounds. Overall, an inventive piece that shows a versatility in composing and overall arranging skills.

Quote From Pro: An inventive and contemporary score cue that has both classical and contemporary electronic elements, along with a lilting choral arrangement. All combined, it shows a versatility for arranging and original composition.

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.

Broadjam Artist: Veo Coun
Song: Fly tonight

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

Pro General Comments: Veo,Verses in this song started out with some promise as it leads up to the hook of the song. Lyrical subject matter seems a bit overly familiar to me, "tonight will bring a brighter day, tonight we're going to fly away, there's going to bring a brighter day." "We're going wild on the dance floor."I liked how the verses built up in energy in the arrangement as the song continues on. The vocal also builds up in energy and is able to handle the lead melody well. To me, the track sounds like in its in demo form. If this was sent to me for film & TV, I would not be able to use, due to the overall quality of the recording. While I think that aspect can be worked on, I'd be more concerned with the overly familiar sounding lyric and concept. Sounds like something I've heard before and unless the arrangement is so slamming that it brings everyone to the dance floor, then I think its an ok electronic dance track that still needs some development and work.

Quote From Pro: A pop electronic track that has some solid movements and sectional contrast in the arrangement. A familiar sounding lyrical hook that with further development in this genre, could gain some regional play in clubs.

Broadjam Artist: Sergio Simone
Song: Partners In Crime

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

Pro General Comments: Please note: I don't comment on individual instrumentation- since my specialty is more in the marketing, overall vibe, presentation, lyric, etc..Great title, great vibe. You did it on this song. The vibe doesn't stop- what a feel good song. Arrangements and singer really bring this to life- good selections.Opening has that Joe Cocker vibe- "You can leave your hat on".... With a little mix of Stevie Wonder on the side. Nice influences.Solo is tasteful, works to give the ear a nice break just like it should.I like Partners in Crime for the title however for marketing "Summer of 73" may be a bit better. The song has a retro vibe and Summer of 73 is in the hook therefore more memorable for a music supervisor sifting through music.The hook works like it should- it makes you want to hear it again. There could possibly be a bit more melodic contrast between verse and hook but it works just the same. You don't want too too much going on since the lyric needs a simpler bed to tell its story. Maybe another instrumental bed of some kind in the chorus to give it an extra flavor and signal it has arrived?You're giving me a very hard task to critique this song because its very very good. Your lyrics paint a picture just like they should. We can see these guys and maybe even want to join them on their escapades. You give life to a place in time in a very dynamic way. Lyrics full of action and colorful descriptions. "We love to talk about the good old days Acapulco Gold and Purple Haze"- your description takes us right there.You're smart and work with people who bring out your lyrics. That's the secret of success- just ask Madonna. You may want to pitch this for retro films and tv when you get a good mix on it. It is very specific- but it seems the songs I think are the hardest to place are sometimes the easiest because they're so specific. Niche things can work in your favor.

Quote From Pro: Sergio paints a very colorful picture of the good ole days, bringing you right into his world. Great work.