No thanks, close this window
Hi JD Dohnal, I recently listened to your track "Spare A Prayer" and spent some time listening. The production and overall feelings really stood out to me, it has a clear direction and the melody feels more than a casual release. The arrangement and sound choice really gave it a strong, placement ready, vibe. Just wanted to reach out and say you're building something solid here. Always good to see intentional work on Broadjam. Are you currently focusing more on sync opportunities, streaming growth, or just creating freely at the moment?
Hi Patrick, I sure appreciate you taking the time to listen to "Spare A Prayer" and all the kind words about it! That means a lot to me. My focus is mainly on sync opportunities, but in doing that I still try to write quality songs that could be cut by artists. I often write in whatever style I'm feeling at the moment, so in that regard I'm usually creating freely, but with commercial sensibilities in mind.
Hey JD, That actually makes a lot of sense. The artists who tend to do well with sync usually fall into that exact space, writing freely but still keeping commercial structure and emotion in the music. When I listened to Spare A Prayer, one thing that stood out to me was that it already has a very placement friendly emotional arc, which is something supervisors tend to respond to when they're searching for reflective or cinematic moments. A lot of talented writers on Broadjam are already creating strong songs, but the part that usually holds them back isn't the music itself, but it's how the catalog is positioned and prepared for licensing opportunities. If i may ask, how large is your catalog right now? Do you mainly have finished masters that's ready to pitch, or are you still building the library? Patrick
Hi Patrick, I've been involved with sync for quite a while and have had over 80 TV/film placements (most of those through Universal Music). I have many finished masters (of somewhat varying production quality since recorded over many years), but I have one music library that has about 50 of my songs, and gets steady in-store overhead radio action on almost all of them. I'm always happy to work with new libraries as long as it's a non-exclusive agreement and of course fair terms. Thanks, JD
Hi JD, That's impressive!, 80+ placements is no small achievement, especially having that relationship with Universal. That already tells me you're doing a lot of things right on the writing side. What usually makes the biggest difference at that stage isn't necessarily writing more songs, but making sure the catalog is positioned in a way that continues generating placements consistently over time. A lot of strong writers I work with have material recorded across different years and production levels, and with the right catalog structuring and pitching strategy it can actually open up new opportunities instead of just sitting in libraries. I also completely understand your preference for non-exclusive deals and fair terms. That's actually the structure I tend to work around when helping writers prepare catalogs for additional licensing channels. If we ever move forward on anything together, my role would mainly be to help optimize and position the catalog so it performs better with supervisors and libraries, and if everything aligns and the material fits the opportunities I work with, I'm always open to pitching strategically on the artist's behalf as well. The main thing I ask from writers I work with is simply following the catalog structure and preparation process I outline, because that's what allows me to confidently put material in front of industry contacts. Out of curiosity, with the catalog you have now, do you keep everything organized specifically for sync pitching, or is most of it spread across different libraries and releases? Patrick
Hi Patrick, I did some work-for-hire sync songwriting for Universal in the past, but currently not doing new projects for them (yet still get some new placements). I don't have my catalog specifically organized for sync. I provide the metadata when needed. I have songs spread across several libraries and releases. What is it exactly that you do? Do you have a business website? -- JD
Hi JD, That makes sense, and honestly your background with Universal and the placements you've already had puts you in a very solid position. What I mainly do is work with writers who already have strong catalogs and help optimize and structure their music specifically for licensing and sync opportunities. A lot of the time the songs themselves are already strong, but the catalog organization, positioning, and pitching strategy is what determines how consistently they continue to land placements. Part of my work involves catalog optimization, sync strategy, and preparing material in a way that makes it easier for supervisors and libraries to work with, especially when the music has been created across different periods or productions like you mentioned. Yes, I do have a website that explains the process and the type of artists I work with. It's a bit easier to share and explain everything over email rather than here on Broadjam. If you're open to it, feel free to send me your best email and I'll forward you the link along with a short breakdown of how the process works. Patrick
Hi Patrick, I'm happy check out your website to get more info. You can email me the link and more info at midnight-karma@hotmail.com. Thanks, JD
Hi Patrick, I never saw an email with your info come through, so if you did send it, please send it again, and I'll be sure to check my spam folder closer in case it ended up in there. -- JD
Alright
Thank you for the 5 star ratings on "Wishing Well" and "Falling"! I appreciate you listening to them and glad you like them!
Hello, I'm new here. I'm based out of Nashville, Tn. any info would be greatly appreciated. Thanks so much.
Hey Steve, Welcome to Nashville! I'd suggest going to different writers nights for networking and to see the variety of music that gets written here. Best of luck!
Thanks JD.. much appreciated..
Hi Amy, Thanks for the 5 star ratings on If Only and Falling, and for the add on your playlist! Hope all is well with you and your music! Al the best--JD
Hi John, Thanks so much for the 5 star rating on "Beatles Without John" and for adding that song and "Falling" to your country playlist! I sure appreciate the support! I'm a former WI cheesehead too! My family all still lives up there. All the best!! *****JD
Hi! " if only" is an amazing modern rock song!! Could def. hear " 3 doors down" with this one:))!! Great lyrics and vocals are fantastic! Love your variety of choices of music to listen to... Great country songs as well!loved " wishing well" sweet - tender hearted lyrics painted such a picture:) great vocals as well!!! Blessings to ya and I will be connecting:))..... Julia
Hi Julia, thanks so very much for dropping me a note and the super sweet words!! I love to write a wide variety of styles because I love a wide variety of styles (and it keeps it fun:) I also think "If Only" would be perfect for 3 Doors Down. "Wishing Well" is one of my all-time favorites since the lyrics are so personal to me. Thanks again for your praise and stay in touch! :) --JD
You are welcome!! Hope you drop by for a few listens yourself:)) I have a a variety of music as well!! I do demos for other songwriter' here... And was just notified " the gift" had been selected for the country- contemp opp. And that same song, I came in 2nd for the singer universe contest( May 2014).... Have a great day!
Beautiful voice Julie!! I especially like your sultry, jazz style like on "Home For Christmas". You nail that! I'm off to play some shows this weekend. I hope you have a great one!
Why thank you very much!!!:) appreciate it!! Have a great weekend!!!
Beatles Without John...Very Nice JD ! Excellent ! and whoever the vocalist was did a Great Job ! I wish you Every Success mate, Really Well Done !
Thank you SO much Ian!! I really appreciate it! Actually Keifer Thompson from the big country duo Thompson Square is the vocalist on that tune! I'm glad I got him to sing it before he got famous! :)
That's way cool JD ! Well I wouldn't be surprised if he sings more of your songs ! You just keep doin' it mate, you'll get there I'm sure.
You're so kind Ian! Thank you! I listened to a bunch of your stuff and love that you write a variety of material as well! Great work!
Hey Roy, I received the email about Onliner Notes--very cool. I didn't know how to link to a song from my Broadjam page so here's a link from my website. This song won Grand Prize in the John Lennon songwriting contest a few years back. Thanks for listening! "Beatles Without John" http://www.jddohnal.com/song/0 1
A review of JD's Beatles Without John. Excellent Song! http://onlinernotes.com/jd-dohnal-roy-elkins/ 1
Thanks so much Roy!! I sure appreciate the wonderful review!!
I posted this on FB to give it some exposure. If this is against your wishes or against the law, let me know! https://www.facebook.com/MaryBelleG off
That's absolutely fine to post it on FB. I appreciate the support!
really liking JD Donhal.....
Thank you! So glad you like the tunes!
This song is just amazing! Sound is great, lyrics are genius!
Thanks so much for the super sweet message! I really appreciate it! Are you referring to "Beatles Without John"?
Yes I am! I love the way you work that song with meaning to the titles! The sound is great as well. I love your music and I am new to the sound!
Thank you! I always hope people pick up on all the titles and Beatles references in the song. There are a lot of them! That song actually one grand prize in the John Lennon songwriting contest a few years back. I definitely didn't write it for the contest, I didn't even think of entering it until a friend suggested it! As you can tell, I write in a variety of styles--country, rock, pop, whatever. I just try to write/produce good songs no matter what style it is.
Love your music! Thanks so much for connecting to us!
Thanks so much!! I appreciate you listening!
Hey Kimberly, thanks for the kind words! I really enjoy your songs as well! Keep up the good writing*****JD
Love your song "Falling" Great work man!!! All the best! Chris.
Hey Chris, thanks so much for the kind words--I sure appreciate it!! All the best to you as well!! *****JD
hey, love your songs and sound, hope you make me a connection. if you need any production or mastering work, drop me a line, i am doing great deals for broadjam members on all of my services. i have helped over 50 members so far. thanks dave-str.productions