Month: April 2020

Broadjam Artist: Delta Burnett Reed
Song: Thunder Road

Reviewer: Ian Graham

Positive Comments: Bright if tragic tale of a mountain boy who runs illicit whiskey. A good, solid ballad, well constructed and performed.

Constructive Comments: I would have liked the vocal slightly further to the front and with a little less reverb. Occasionally, the lyrics get lost when the voice ducks down, which is a pity, as they’re well written. But overall, a worthwhile listen. Good luck with it.

Broadjam Artist: Kate Carpenter
Song: Do it Again

Reviewer: Ian Graham

Positive Comments: Do It Again? Well, I’ll certainly play it again. Bright, entertaining children’s song with plenty of bounce. A good singalong.

Constructive Comments: A bit long – especially if you’re aiming it at children. The spoken intro could be cut, and perhaps one verse + chorus. But otherwise, a well-built, well-paced song with a discreet but effective accompaniment. A pleasure to listen to. Good luck with it.

Broadjam Artist: Randall Mark
Song: Magic of Music

Reviewer: Ian Graham

Positive Comments: Indeed the Magic of Music. Pleasant song well sung. A good listen for a lazy day.

Constructive Comments: Personally, I would have liked slightly less reverb on the vocal – but that’s just my own taste. Effective accompaniment, well spread out across the channels, but very occasionally a little too loud in relation to the vocals. Overall, a well crafted song, well sung and recorded. Good luck with it.

Broadjam Artist: StarburstRecords
Song: 70. The Great Dragon ft. Michael Lusk

Reviewer: Bob Birthisel

Positive Comments: Very nice sound, with an excellent blend of instruments and a strong lead vocal. I really enjoyed it and found the arrangement equally impressive and well-recorded.

Constructive Comments: When this came on, I had to look up to see if I made a mistake on what category I was listening to. I had chosen “Classic Rock” and this was anything but. Re-classify this in any of 5 different Country genres and you’ll find your market with better results in my opinion.

Broadjam Artist: Greg Lambert
Song: The Lonely (Julia Schmidt Vocal)

Reviewer: Bob Birthisel

Positive Comments: This has a familiar sound, without sounding like a copy. Nice production and recording sounds Very smooth. I think I’d recategorize this as Country “General” instead of “Contemporary” as it sounds more retro than current, but I like it and was happy to listen start to finish!

Constructive Comments: I detected a couple of places the vocal was slightly under on a note, and one “push” that was almost distorted from being too hot, but overall really good stuff!

Broadjam Artist: StarburstRecords
Song: 09. Now That You’re Gone ft. Cali Tucker

Reviewer: Bob Birthisel

Positive Comments: Outstanding voice. The instruments and overall sound are rock solid, and add to the backdrop well. Nice dynamic drop around 2:20. I liked the harmonies too, though they seemed a bit back in the mix. I really enjoyed listening and this song has a lot of potential.

Constructive Comments: I’d love to re-mix this song with slight changes. The “2nd kick” coming back in around 3:37 seemed unnecessary. Had it just faded out at 3:36 it would have been more commercial in my opinion. Also, the guitar that was panned full left (or right depending on your headphones) got in the way of the vocal a couple of times. It would have blended better in with the other instruments, or maybe 3db down. Still, an excellent song that I enjoyed very much.

Broadjam Artist: Uncle Spider & The Electric Dirt Clods
Song: And When You Say I Love You / Country

Reviewer: Bob Birthisel

Positive Comments: This had a clear sound and some potential with work.

Constructive Comments: Sorry, I don’t get it at all. It’s not a song as much as a concept, and the rhythm was out of tempo almost the entire time. I would work with a metronome or a drummer to keep pace, and work on making things together and tight. Right now there’s no market as it’s a collection of loose instruments. I realize I’m picky being a professional drummer for over 20 years, but any music supervisor or industry pro wanting material absolutely requires a song be in time.

Broadjam Artist: Charlie Shock
Song: BOUND FOR NOWHERE (performed by GORD MAXWELL)

Reviewer: Bob Birthisel

Positive Comments: Very fluid and a fun, easy listen. Instrumentation was solid and the vocal suited the song. I enjoyed the dynamics and breaths taken during the song, and the arrangement is also very strong.

Constructive Comments: I’d re-work the opening line which dates the song back to the 1990s. That would get you a much higher grade as I had to deduct for marketability and lyrics.

Broadjam Artist: Bob Birthisel
Song: What About My Reward (Stuart Epps Remix)

Reviewer: Groove Fondue

Positive Comments: Nice anthemic sound right from get go with those guitars really driving the song. Nice instrumentation and some nice playing. Like the vocal and harmonies, they work well within the structure of the song. I selected the Rock as the genre but there’s a touch of Country going on here as well which I love. Nicely done.

Constructive Comments: Wouldn’t change a thing, it all sounds good to me.

Broadjam Artist: StarburstRecords
Song: RM 02. Less Elegant

Reviewer: Bob Birthisel

Positive Comments: Excellent vibe and an impressive lead vocal. I liked the mix including well-balanced backing vocals. Really good. The instruments were solid as well, with tasteful fills and some very nice dynamics.

Constructive Comments: The hook didn’t set for me. Song title is a guess and with a more memorable/sing-along chorus it could really be a winner