Broadjam Pro Song Reviews

Broadjam Artist: Hugo Bass
Song: Alpha Dancer (Remix)

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.Hi there, Hugo. First off you have a winning attitude. I always encourage people to give me truth and can't stand anyone who says they like something then secretly hates it. My one cardinal rule is to tell the truth- because that's how everyone LEARNS and gets better! The fact that you ask for the brutal truth is a feather in your cap! Of course you have to be careful who you listen to and disregard people with unworthy intentions. You are only going to grow and that's how you perfect your craft. So that is major step one.The good news is you have a great handle on this type of writing. You lured me in immediately with the intro and vibe. The song has a very cool vibe to it. The instrumentation and arrangement has a tasteful flavor that is easy on the ears.One of the easiest and overlooked things to fix is to always try to have a title with an emotional lure to it. Something that everyone immediately gets curious about. Alpha Dancer is interesting but could be more interesting. I'm left wondering what it means. For eg "Dancing in the Moonlight" suggests a midnight rendevous- so we're wondering "who" are the lovers- something relating to our own emotional experiences. So if it was something like "Dancing into Love" it makes it more personal for the listener because they can relate to it. Something to keep in mind.Great opening- nice feel. Nice choice of vocalist. Interesting vocal effect part round 48 & 2:48, some sonic bells and whistles give the track a fun feel.When verse comes in you might want to add a little more ear candy- you want it to build a little more rapidly. The vocal is mixed a little low in places so I can't really make out the lyrics. Lyrics are important so make sure we can hear them.When getting reviews- be sure to include them so you can get feedback on them.It seems that perhaps the rhymes may be a little forced (but since I can't really hear the words- a clearer mix would help- ) I can't say for sure- but humanity /sanity and dominant/prominent seem a bit awkward. The general rule is to keep lyrics conversational so they have a good flow to them. Prominent and humanity may be a bit formal for a song. Be careful on this.Lyric comes out off the top a little preachy- be very careful with this- big words such as "humanity" can scare someone off. Today's society is all about instant gratification - so if you want to say something important- you have to lure them into it. Music is escape for most people so you have to deliver escapism and then add something deep in a fun way so they don't realize they are being preached to. It's very hard to talk about issues without coming off preachy- it's a fine line. You don't want to alienate your listener.I can't seem to follow lyrical story. Part of it is the mix buries some of the words but I think also that the lyric may need a bit of going over. Make sure it progresses from the beginning and evolves. I like what you seem to be trying to do- (your intent) but it feels a bit confusing- as mentioned- when you keep it conversational versus overly poetic- it feels natural to the listener and flows.

Quote From Pro: Track has beautiful feel and suggests writer would be good at crafting commercials and scores.

Broadjam Artist: Nonviolenze
Song: Girl in Rags

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

Pro General Comments: Quite a unique sounding vocal and arrangement. Hard to categorize this piece, but if I had to, I would say it lends itself to more of a song from a staged musical. Obviously the music, chord structure and vocal quality conveys a state of heartbreak, either from the melodic lines and from the haunting, plaintive lead vocal and background flute/synth counter melodies. Acoustic guitar accompaniment is well played and and conceptually works for this genre. If this was part of a staged musical production, it would make sense that this kind of lyrical content would be able to convey to the audience the loneliness that this woman in rags is suffering from. Beyond that however, as a piece of contemporary pop music, I don't really see how it fits in. The vocals are solidly performed, on pitch and the overall arrangement is rich and full sounding. I guess you could call it progressive rock as you say in your bio, but to me, it does not connote that type of sound.Lyrically, beyond some of the visual connotations that it evokes, I'm not seeing a consistent through line of what its about. To me, its a bit vague, but definitely sad sounding in all areas.

Quote From Pro: A haunting vocal melodyballad and solidly played acoustic guitar, make this a very entertaining piece that I could hear being performed in a staged musical production.

Broadjam Artist: Bill Zeffiro
Song: What The Hell It's Christmas

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 apologize for being a few days late- I fell down like a dead soldier with the flu- but am now back in action.This song the way it is, would be perfect for theatre. It sounds tailor made for theatre. However there may not be that many appropriate plays. However one of the beauties of the season is there are new xmas movies out each year that are always looking for songs and original Christmas songs can be hard to come by.There is the one publisher Justin Wylde's company that specializes in placing Christmas songs in movies and you may want to see if he is interested. You'd have to google him to find his contact info. The demo the way it is would have to be given a fresh coat of paint. It sounds "theatre-ish" and would need a bit more finesse.Infact Justin may be able to give you a good review of how he sees it fitting into the marketplace- you may want to ask him in your email to get his thoughts since he knows the Christmas marketplace very well.It would have to be a Christmas comedy of course that would use such as song. Since it's very specific, it makes it a bit tougher to place because it is like a story song and not "universal" which are easier songs to place. However some of the most remote songs in my library have been some of the ones I've placed the easiest for some reasons. A song such as "I'm dreaming of a White Christmas" is a bit easier to place since it's not so specific.It's great to write comedic Christmas songs which is why the one about a reindeer running over Grandma or whatever that title was- was such a hit. There hadn't been many out like that before. Woody Allen could probably have a field day finding all the funny things that go on at Christmas.You did a great job on the lyric. It sounds old school of course with the words like "frisky", etc. One way you could also use this version is to perhaps make a comedic video for youtube with a talented videographer. (doesn't have to be expensive these days). Have an older couple playing off each other in a comedic way. If done well, you could attract some attention to the song and use this as a marketing tool.Another clever thing you did is make it into a duet. There are a lack of duets around. Stars always want to find a way to work with their heroes such as David Bowie and Bing Crosby. So delivering a duet is a smart move in itself. Very good work. I wish you the best of luck with it.

Quote From Pro: Songwriter has a flair for writing a rare and tricky thing, a comedic Christmas song.

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: Tom & Mary Erangey
Song: Reach Out

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

Pro General Comments: Really liked how the song started out lyrically, it began to tell a story that many families can relate to. I also liked the way the dynamics of the song structure changed gaining more energy and emotion as the song went on. It's a nice surprise that the vocal goes up an octave in the second verse. The double-time and background harmonies during the bridge sort of take you out of the first part of the feel of the song, but does give it a sectional contrast that the listener would not be expecting. Harmony and double time rhythm also comes in during the last chorus. Overall, I enjoyed the sentiment expressed in the song that could be interpreted in several different ways.

Quote From Pro: A very melodic lead vocal, strong arrangement and a sensitive and important lyrical topic make this song a powerful statement in the struggle against Alzheimer's disease.

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: Christina Linda Lyons
Song: Carousel of the Critters -- a Medley for Children

Broadjam Pro Reviewer:
David Weiss (Music Supervisor)

Pro General Comments: Christina,Hi, thanks so much for submitting "Carousel of the Critters", and requesting my feedback. It's not easy to put together an extensive classical composition and arrangement, so congratulations for putting the time and effort in to make it happen!From a constructive criticism standpoint, I believe this song still needs a lot of work to take it to the next level. While the arrangement is exuberant and joyous, there seems to be far too much going on to make it suitable for extended listening by children or adults. It feels like the various instruments are "all over the place", and not doing their individual performances with any direct connection to each other. In fact, at many times it feels like there are two completely different songs playing at the same time! The way to correct this is to look at your arrangement, and see how each section can be vastly simplified. As it is now, the sections are "fighting" each other, making it difficult for the ear to lock in any one melody at any point. I'd suggest that the recording quality be improved, and the mix could have better balance and clarity as well.

Quote From Pro: I must defer at this time. Please feel free to send me an improved arrangement/recording, and I will be happy to make a quote that will be beneficial. I hope my input has been helpful to you! Making great classical music, for kids or adults, is not easy -- keep up the hard work and I'm sure you will realize the benefits. Best,David Weiss

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: matt taylor
Song: I Can't Help It

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

Pro General Comments: Greetings Matt,Sure appreciate hearing such a soulful song performed and produced in an appropriately natural environment. No need to"hard sell" this one. Your vocal tone caresses the lyric with a combination of a "too good to be true" and "don't sweat the small stuff" delivery.The only different vocal inflection could come in the next to last bridge line try emphasizing Why Do I Love You? by elongating the question.Musically,your choices of upright bass, brushes,rhythm guitar and dobro lead(or is it a slide?) are right in the pocket with the laid back lead vocal and cool harmony.If you haven't already done so, you might think of a visually and financially real way to present this track on YouTube since you nailed it musically as well as anyone could. If this is an indication melodically of the rest of your repertoire, consider releasing a long-form with 10 songs of this quality independently.You've got the right creative instincts for success with your songs, but you'll need to find a true-beliver in the form of a door-opening music supervisor, publisher, co-producer,or small label owner who can help position you and your sound to the right audience, and help get you to the next step.Wishing you all the best now and in the future,Tom Bocci

Quote From Pro: Matt,Your naturally soulful approach to songwriting and performing is a great asset to success.

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.