Month: June 2020

Broadjam Artist: Bob Nesom
Song: Isolation Blues

Reviewer: Empty Atlas

Positive Comments: Truly, no one can say this isn’t a unique one, which is something special. This feels like a sort of modern take on The Doors with that atmospheric, psychedelic vibe throughout. That’s not something I always get into, but I found myself really listening closely on this one and curious where it would go next. It’s also clear you had a really strong vision for this song, and I think it came together well.

Constructive Comments: I hate to add an asterisk to what I said above because I really think you did a great job on this one, but I did find myself getting a little worn out on the “Isolation Blues” hook and wanting more. That’s obviously the nature of a lot of the more psychedelic tunes, and I totally get why you kind of returned to that as your base line throughout the song, but I think even introducing more instruments as the song goes on would give it a bit more of a dynamic presence and lift as we get near the end.

Broadjam Artist: StarburstRecords
Song: Dear World

Reviewer: Empty Atlas

Positive Comments: Man, really enjoyed the vocal performance on this one. I think the melody fits well with the rest of the instrumentation. It’s also tracked well enough that I really could hear. There’s also some really unique delivery in different moments that made me pay even closer attention. I think that delivery also helped to break up the song and always bring something new to the table.

Constructive Comments: I think the lyrics could use another pass, truthfully. I sure don’t hate what’s there, but you could benefit from writing them out and seeing if there are some words/phrases you could cut or reword to feel a little more cohesive. For instance, there are instances of “really really” and “always always” that just feel like you were filling space as opposed to using the rhythm real estate given to you. I also was really struggling to find the through-line on this song to tell you what exactly it’s about or how each verse connected to the chorus. A second listen may reveal a bit more, but obviously a lot of listeners aren’t going to give you two times to make a point.

Broadjam Artist: Craig Bishop
Song: Mirage

Reviewer: Empty Atlas

Positive Comments: I think the vocals and instrumentation perfectly scratch that Foreigner/Journey type itch without feeling like it’s a flat-out copy. Kicking into the distorted guitars more on the choruses was a great idea, as I think those make you really look forward to the chorus every time. I also think the solo sounds nice and hits some super pleasantly surprising notes.

Constructive Comments: Obviously, given the classic rock vibe we’re going for, I totally get why the drums and guitars are more lo-fi, but I think it does come at the sacrifice of the overall sound a bit. Your vocals sound nice and crisp, so I would love for the other instrumentation to sort of meet them halfway. That being said, with some super minor mix changes, I could hear this blaring in a sort of 70s throwback flick any day of the week.

Broadjam Artist: Bob Birthisel
Song: I’ve Got My Telephone

Reviewer: Empty Atlas

Positive Comments: That keys solo after the first hook is really fantastic – I’d listen back for that alone. Another thing I think you did really well is keep your lyrics really centered on the main concept, which isn’t always the case. I also think your voice is a great fit for the sort of modernized New Wave pop sound, so no complaints on that front.

Constructive Comments: Just full disclosure, I feel like this song may sound older than it’s intended to. It’s talking about technology but feels outdated in how it does that. I do think a second pass on the verses would help to remove some of the more old-school terminology and make it feel a bit more timely. Given that it does have an 80s-esque sound, that may be intentional, but as is, I can’t tell for sure. I also think the chorus/hook could use something to really make it stand out – it blends in a bit with what came before musically. Think it’s nearly there, though!

Broadjam Artist: MGB
Song: ANSWER MAN

Reviewer: Empty Atlas

Positive Comments: I think the instrumentation is great – really feels like a modernization of the quintessential “classic rock” sound. The guitars sounded strong, in particular. With this sort of song, I really want those to feel front and center in a few places without stepping on the vocals, and I think you managed to do that really well.

Constructive Comments: My only real hangup is that I don’t feel like the hook or lead vocals are quite strong enough to carry the song. On the hook, I feel like it’s more the production (getting quieter and more difficult to hear when this should be the part of the song we’re waiting for), and on the verses, the melody didn’t grab me. It’s heading a good direction, though – keep it up!

Broadjam Artist: Marilyn Hall
Song: Salvation Army Man

Reviewer: Phil Bouldry

Positive Comments: What a wonderful story this tells.Definitely not overused, The lyric is well crafted and flows nicely. The music forms a nice backdrop for the story without being intrusive. The singer is confident and in tune. The recording is clean and clear. The mix is even so all parts can be heard.

Constructive Comments: As beautiful as it all is, this is not a song that sticks in your head later. No catchy hook or chorus. But so what. I don’t think that is the purpose of this song anyways.Although I don’t hear a country song here, if you’re like me you don’t know what to call it so you picked what you felt is closest, in the drop down list.

Broadjam Artist: Craig Bishop
Song: Egde Of Time

Reviewer: Sam Cooper

Positive Comments: Nice of use of tension to sell the song. Everything, including the sound effects, is great! Nice production! Solid vocals.

Constructive Comments: I like it all, so don’t change a thing.

Broadjam Artist: Greg Lambert
Song: Rise Up

Reviewer: Sam Cooper

Positive Comments: Well done recording. Good songwriting.

Constructive Comments: Somehow, the snare seems to distracting instead of blending into the rest of the mix.

Broadjam Artist: Hartmut Oberdieck
Song: neue wege

Reviewer: Sam Cooper

Positive Comments: Beautifully done instrument with nicely featured guitar.

Constructive Comments: If I had any suggestions, it would be to put in some underlying hooks such as diamonds, pushes, modulations, counter melodies…but that is all subjective.

Broadjam Artist: Caden
Song: Come Clean

Reviewer: John van Wicklen

Positive Comments: Good rock voice, song is powerful.

Constructive Comments: Intro long…lyrics okay