We started Sidenote because good notes changed our lives — and were almost impossible to get.
Built by people who actually listen for a living.
Sidenote started in a back-room studio in 2022, after our founder Theo spent a decade watching brilliant independent artists ship music that was 80% there — and never get the one or two notes that would have made it land.
The honest feedback they needed lived inside major-label A&R rooms, expensive consultancies, or favors between mix engineers. We thought that was unfair.
So we built the thing we wished we'd had at twenty-two: a real, structured, written song review from people who do this work professionally — at a price an independent artist can actually pay.
The four notes we live by.
Honest, never harsh
We tell you what's working before what isn't. But we don't soften the parts that need to change.
Structured, not vibes
Every report follows the same framework: arrangement, mix, vocal, lyric, commercial fit. No moods.
Actionable, always
If we point out a problem, we point at the fix — with timestamps, references and priority.
Independent at heart
We started this because the artists we love couldn't afford the feedback they needed. That hasn't changed.
People who've spent years in the rooms you want to be in.
Theo Marsh
A&R · Founder
11 yrs at indie labels. Signed 40+ artists.
Riya Okafor
Mix Engineer
Credits with FKA twigs, Arlo Parks, Loyle Carner.
Sam Velez
Producer
Grammy-nominated. Mostly hides in his studio.
Ready when you are
Your track deserves
better feedback.
Stop guessing. Get clear direction and improve faster.