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#210384 04/15/05 10:13 PM
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ill be joining taxi on monday ive heard them mentioned several times in the jpf arena.any thing i should know?has anybody from jpf gotten anywhere with them?any insight as to what i can expect(or not expect)would be most helpful....thanks tom

#210385 04/15/05 11:51 PM
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<font face="Verdana, Arial" size="2">Originally posted by tom scudiero:
ill be joining taxi on monday ive heard them mentioned several times in the jpf arena.any thing i should know?has anybody from jpf gotten anywhere with them?any insight as to what i can expect(or not expect)would be most helpful....thanks tom</font>



Uh oh...:-)

Hi Tom, you might wanna use the 'search' function here & scroll through a few years worth of TAXI related Posts....

For what it's worth, expect to spend the first year learning, getting pissed off, & hopefully, learning some more...& if you can make it to the Road Rally, then it will all be worth it.

Midnite

P.S...No cash success for me in the year I've been with them, but my focus & intensity seem to keep getting stronger...Oh, & their Custom Critiques don't totally suck either.

------------------
Satchel was right...Something is gaining on me....
www.jackcouldntmakeit.com


Satchel was right...Something is gaining on me....
http://www.jackcouldntmakeit.com
#210386 04/16/05 04:52 AM
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midnight bob thanks,ive decided the worst that can happen is i lose 300 bucks.hope i get to meet you at the road rally...tom

#210387 04/16/05 06:46 PM
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Hi Tom,

What I can say about Taxi is that it is a great reality check for you as to how your music is really seen by the people in the industry. If you take the constructive criticism and apply it, you will see improvements in your writing. I have been a member of Taxi for severals years, have had some forwards, no deals yet but I have seen my music go from needing a lot of work to pitchable. Something I probably would not have learned all that easily without Taxi. By the way $300 bucks buys you 2 years membership after the first year.

If you want to write/perform and be noticed by the industry, this is a good way of going. Just be open to the critiques, remeber that while they are one person's opinion, that person does work in the music industry and it is a professional opinion that they are offering.

Best,
Rachel


http://www.broadjam.com/rachelkerr

As you grow older, you'll find the only things you regret are the things you didn't do. ~Zachary Scott
#210388 04/17/05 06:24 PM
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thank you rachel,appreciate your response...tom

#210389 04/17/05 06:34 PM
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You are quite welcome Tom, anything else you want to know about them, feel free to ask.

Best,
Rachel


http://www.broadjam.com/rachelkerr

As you grow older, you'll find the only things you regret are the things you didn't do. ~Zachary Scott
#210390 04/21/05 02:45 AM
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tom -
i joined TAXI last year, with only my three first written/recorded songs to have pitched. my experience was similar to those mentioned. i did request critiques for each submission, and found many to be quite constructive. however, i received a lot of conflicting comments and ratings by different screeners for the same song. as a beginning writer, this was somewhat confusing.
e.g. - one screener gave me 9 out of ten on lyrics, another gave me 4. in the end, you take what makes sense to you, leave the rest.
none were forwarded. the songs are not flawless, but there is very little chance with taxi.

i hired a songplugger shortly afterwards, who pitched them for eight months. i saw that they were kept often, by a long list well known artists. i'm sure they were pitched to the same artists that taxi did not forward the songs to. i also made sure it was understood that i'm open to changes or re writes if necessary, and would be flexible.
although i did not get any holds, this told me that if i want a better chance, i'm better off using a songplugger, or learning to pitch myself. at least there is a lot more opportunity to get your songs heard.

however, you have nothing to lose, as TAXI will refund your fee if you feel it's not working for you. i personally appreciated the critques, and would suggest asking for them.

best of luck - i hope you'll let us know how it goes...



[This message has been edited by sascha (edited 04-20-2005).]

#210391 04/21/05 03:26 AM
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Tom and Sascha,

What I did find out from Taxi is that while they critique your song, and it is a subjective thing, the business of forwarding depended more on how right they felt that song was for the listing stylewise and in terms of sound. They may not forward something that got a good critique because they don't feel it is not quite what is being asked for. That's why it is very important to pay attention to the artists mentioned in the listings and be familiar with their stuff.

I too had a probelm in the beginning until I understood the process which I did by asking questions and yes I did find that critiques could vary quite a bit from screener to screener. However, if enough people reviewed the song, usually the majority weresaying the same thing.

Let me know how it works for you Tom, I'm interested.

Best,
Rachel


http://www.broadjam.com/rachelkerr

As you grow older, you'll find the only things you regret are the things you didn't do. ~Zachary Scott
#210392 04/21/05 03:41 AM
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ria -
thanks - i agree - the critiques are subjective, and apply to that particular listing/artist. and though there was much conflict, i received some very good advice - no question. there is definitely value in that alone.
i should mention that the most helpful critique actually came from john breheny, which i found out with a phone call, wondering who was critiquing, their track records, backgrounds, etc. ironically, my songwriting teacher used his book to guide me along, feeling it is the best one written.

i have thought about trying their service again once i have more demos, and feel my writing has improved, and will have a better chance. i didn't mean to imply they don't need improvement, but once i saw how many people kept the songs, i felt that the less people the songs go through, the better.
even through the songplugger, it happened a few times that a song was passed on by one person but was kept by another for the same artist. go figure... it's tough no matter what channels we choose.

#210393 04/21/05 03:58 AM
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Sascha,

(Tom I am just borrowing your thread) ALL the channels we can use to get our music out there are important. It is a rough business and just from these boards alone we can see how many people are trying for the same thing as us. It would be good I think to try Taxi again, use these boarsd to get feedback from your peers and help you improve. Submit songs to Taxi that you have written and REWRITTEN many times. I have been many times to the Taxi Road Rally and what I have found is that the panels they have that screen music with an audience, the AUDIENCE is opting to turn off the song before the industry guys so I think there is a lot to be gained from JPF.

Best of luck to you and I will check out stuff you have written if you post it.

Rachel


http://www.broadjam.com/rachelkerr

As you grow older, you'll find the only things you regret are the things you didn't do. ~Zachary Scott
#210394 04/21/05 01:13 PM
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<font face="Verdana, Arial" size="2">Originally posted by tom scudiero:
(regarding TAXI)... the worst that can happen is i lose 300 bucks.</font>


Of all the snarling and arguing, and gnashing of teeth about TAXI, Tom's sentence above makes the most sense to me and brings the whole debate into sharp focus.

For the cost of one Coke, or one cup of coffee per day, you can invest in your writing career. It may or may not help, but you don't know unless you try. If you don't like it, bail and take them up on their money-back guarantee. If the whole thing tanks, all you are out is the Coke or coffee, and you are probably better for it.

#210395 04/21/05 01:24 PM
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<font face="Verdana, Arial" size="2">Originally posted by TrumanCoyote:

Of all the snarling and arguing, and gnashing of teeth about TAXI,...

</font>


Truman,

Where in all of this thread did you get snarling, arguing and gnashing of teeth? Just curious. Tom asked a question, all of us here were just trying to answer it from our own experiences. Tom can take whatever he wants from all of this.

Best,
Rachel


http://www.broadjam.com/rachelkerr

As you grow older, you'll find the only things you regret are the things you didn't do. ~Zachary Scott
#210396 04/21/05 02:11 PM
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Ria,

If you are new here, you would have no way of knowing. But TAXI is a controversial issue here, and in the past, there have been some pretty knock-down, drag-out fights about it.

It was wrong of me to assume that everyone knew that.

#210397 04/21/05 02:42 PM
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Hi Truman,

Thanks for the info, it does explain why aside from yourself, the only people who have been answering Tom have only registered with JPF this year. I myself am a long standing member of Taxi and I will say this:

If your music is more commercial or you are aiming to be commercial Taxi will probably be of help to you in one way or another.

If your music is for the niche market, you may be better off doing your own thing and building a fan base yourself.

I have a friend who does cutting edge Trip Hop/ Hip Hop and the Taxi people told him personally that while they loved his music, it was too far ahead of what radio was playing and where industry was in that genre.

This is where we really need the independents.

Here's to changing industry one listener at a time!

Best,
Rachel


http://www.broadjam.com/rachelkerr

As you grow older, you'll find the only things you regret are the things you didn't do. ~Zachary Scott
#210398 04/22/05 07:16 AM
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rachel,

thanks -you have some very good suggestions. i always wondered about the road rally's. they look like they're probably quite constructive, and it certainly can't hurt to network.

truman -
i wasn't aware of the TAXI dispute here either, but can imagine how people would see them differently. it's one way of getting critiques, but i think there are better avenues in terms of opportunity for artists to hear our songs.

#210399 04/22/05 09:00 AM
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Actually the only negativity about TAXI has come from 2 individuals with ulterior motives who sign on as multiple different people and slam TAXI and just about everything else around here. Beyond those two idiots (who clearly have no life), most of the problems folks have had with TAXI historically is that they don't really understand what TAXI does and how they do it when they join and/or they simply have very unrealistic expectations and unrealistic regard for their talent when they really aren't good enough yet to find success professionally. I can't tell you how many people over the years who were unhappy with TAXI were also among the bottom 10-20% in musical talent when you listened to their material. It's important for folks to learn that no one, no matter who they are, can make a weak song and/or a weak recording a hit. Paying money to TAXI or to Radio Promoters or Song Mills or anyone else, legit or not legit, isn't going to get you anywhere. The only way to find success is to write MANY great songs.. and keep writing them and keep getting better. Many folks write a few decent songs, and then spend the rest of their life trying to get THOSE songs recorded by someone. Successful writers just keep cranking out new songs.. trying new things.. putting it out there and chipping away until they finally have the right song at the right time for the right opportunity and get it in the right place for something to happen. TAXI is one cool way to do that when your material is strong enough. They can also give you feedback to keep writing better and better. I've spoken with Michael Laskow (the TAXI CEO/Founder) many times about the fact that many writers simply send the same half dozen songs to every listing year after year. When they keep getting rejected, rather than re-write or write something new, they simply resend it to a new/different listing. But if you try and tell some of those folks they should write new and better material, they get offended and blame everyone else but themselves.

One of the great things for artists is recording your songs, putting them on a CD and getting past them so you can write new ones. That often serves as a way for an active artists to "get it out of their system." Unfortunately, songwriters who aren't performers don't often have that same outlet and thus it it much harder for them to let go of those songs and move on to new ones. But successful ones figure out you just have to keep writing.. keep improving.. keep expanding your talent and connections (co-writing is a great way to do all of the above) and try every trick in the book to get your music out there, whether it's TAXI, sending it to NSAI or Muses Muse for critiques or reviews.. sending it for our music awards (we've had a few songwriter demos get nominated.. though the competition in our music awards is far more fierce than the Grammy's these days), or posting it here and other places for feedback and to see if anyone gets interested. But if they don't.. move on to the next song.. and the next.. and the next.

Food for thought!

Brian

[This message has been edited by Brian Austin Whitney (edited 04-22-2005).]


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"Don't sit around and wait for success to come to you... it doesn't know the way." -Brian Austin Whitney

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"Sometimes all you have to do to inspire humans to greatness is to give them a reason and opportunity to do something great." -Brian Austin Whitney
#210400 04/22/05 02:22 PM
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Thanks Brian for the further clarification, it helps put things in perspective where JPF and Taxi are concerned. I do agree that the people most disappointed with Taxi are those with unrealistic expectations about where their music is and what Taxi can do for them. Not everybody can handle a reality check well but the attitude is as you have mentioned, move on to the next song, with what you've learned it should be a lot better than the previous one.

Tom, we are quite interested in how Taxi will work out for you, keep us up to date please.

Sascha, The Road Rallies are great, lots of informative panels, songwriting classes, critiqueing, performance opportunities and NETWORKING GALORE. If you join Taxi again and plan on going, let me know, I will be there this November. Would be great to meet ya.

Best,
Rachel


http://www.broadjam.com/rachelkerr

As you grow older, you'll find the only things you regret are the things you didn't do. ~Zachary Scott
#210401 04/23/05 09:11 AM
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thank you brian -
i agree; our main goal should be to improve our writing, and probably not become too attached to our songs. i suppose we'd all like them to go somewhere, but it's so worth doing regardless. i can't see doing this, or anything else, unless it was.
in an interview on "inside sessions" sheryl crow discussed how, like an athlete, we should develop this craft by doing it every day, if we're serious. - also talked about she may write ten songs, but manage to come up with only one brilliant song, or only one brilliant section of a song, then goes from there. it doesn't come easily - even for her!

ria,
if i have enough good material by then, maybe i'll give them another shot. it would certainly be nice to meet you. where is the rally this year?

#210402 04/23/05 01:59 PM
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Sascha,

The Road Rally is usually in LA, first or second weekend in November at one of the major hotels near LAX. If you have stuff to shop by then, it would be worth your while, otherwise even for the experience, you can't go wrong.

Best,
Rachel


http://www.broadjam.com/rachelkerr

As you grow older, you'll find the only things you regret are the things you didn't do. ~Zachary Scott
#210403 04/23/05 04:09 PM
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I am glad to see this type of thread that details the things that TAXI can and can't do; many of the issues brought up on the JPF message boards about TAXI are indicative of a lack of information. Thanks to Brian, Sascha and Rachel for sharing your experiences with TAXI.

Emily

#210404 04/24/05 03:38 AM
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ria -
great! - i'll be living near LA most of the time by then - we'll arrange something...
btw, are you a guitarist? if so, you've got to check out McCabes in santa monica, if you haven't already.

emily -
are you considering submitting your work through taxi?

[This message has been edited by sascha (edited 04-24-2005).]

#210405 04/25/05 02:48 AM
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Hi Sascha,

I am only an elementary guitarist but my husband is an amazing one so I will bear McCabes in Santa Monica in mind. Great that you will be living in LA then, the Road Rally is not to be missed. By the way I work in the genres of Jazz, Contemporary Christian, Reggae, Adult Contemporary and classic R&B (I write and sing). What kind of music do you do?

Rachel


http://www.broadjam.com/rachelkerr

As you grow older, you'll find the only things you regret are the things you didn't do. ~Zachary Scott
#210406 04/25/05 05:27 AM
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rachel -
i haven't been writing all that long - i make my living as a painter. i've been writing country, adult contemporary, pop. looking to explore latin, R&B, and love writing instrumental and orchestral music.

i don't sing, and hire a producer and vocalists to prepare my demos. i couldn't find female singers who seemed right for some of my songs, so used the male vocalist i liked, and still have had them pitched to male and female artists. so i really do envy that you can sing, and can phrase and emote the way you hear your songs in your head - this has been incredibly frustrating for me in the studio!

i have only one song on the internet- no direct link (please email me).
i would love to hear some of your songs if they're available online.

i'm not a virtuoso guitarist - really a relative beginner, but your husband would feel like a kid who's in the best candy store on the planet at Mc Cabes Guitar Shop. you can leave him there all day and he'd be happy. (is he going with you to LA?). it has the biggest selection of acoustic instruments - not only guitars - anywhere, including some exotic ones i couldn't identify. i'm hoping to find a good guitar teacher who's with them, once i'm settled.




[This message has been edited by sascha (edited 04-25-2005).]

#210407 04/25/05 03:37 PM
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Hey Y'all,

When I first responded to this Post, I forgot to mention that I had originally joined TAXI back in the year 2000...

I sent in a half dozen or so songs & none of them were forwarded...A lot was going on in my life back then & I was amazed that the TAXI screeners didn't realize what a genius I was...After a few months, I started re-reading the critiques & discovered that the song, my precious songs, really weren't quite ready yet...So, I let my membership lapse, spent the next several years using every resource I could find to improve my writing & have now been back with TAXI for about a year.

This time around, I study the listings and the artists, and only submit to the ones that my research indicates might be appropriate.

I also use their $10.00 Custom Critique service & have established a very helpful relationship with one of their screeners.

Between Submissions & Custom Critiques I spend about $30.00 per month(Instead of getting a super-sized meal,I only order off the 'dollar menu' at Mc'D's & stash the $3.00 saved in my TAXI envelope), so I'm losing weight & writing better at the same time:-)

Another option, if someone can't afford the $300 up front fee, is to find a professional mentor...John Braheny is the one that I ocassionally use....You can get a very good critique of a song for $20. John WILL NOT help you to submit your song to publishers or artists, but he WILL help you to make sure that you'll be submitting the best song possible.

There are other good mentors/critiquers & of course, there are always the JPFolks forums & the others that Brian mentioned.

I'm in danger of rambling too much here, so I'll just slip on off...Best wishes...

Midnite




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Satchel was right...Something is gaining on me....
http://www.jackcouldntmakeit.com
#210408 04/25/05 11:01 PM
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Sascha,

I totally agree with what you said abut McCabe's Guitar Shop in Santa Monica;
it is one of the most incredible places in LA...I live in Santa Monica, so I go there often, and one of my close friends- who I also sing with -- has worked there for over 20 years!

McCabe's has so much to offer:
-A top rate repair shop for acoustic instruments
-An impressive retail selection of guitars and other instruments, books and accessories
-private and group lessons from the best teachers around
- A concert series
-the best customer service of any music store I have seen in LA.

To answer your question about whether I am planning to join TAXI...well...that remains unanswered for now. I am currently pursuing a number of resources and contacts that I already have, and will re-visit this question in the near future! [Linked Image]

Emily
emilysanders.net
http://cdbaby.com/cd/emilysanders

[This message has been edited by Emily Sanders (edited 06-10-2005).]

#210409 04/27/05 05:21 AM
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emily -

best of luck with your cd; the songs, and your voice are really lovely!

#210410 04/28/05 12:49 AM
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Like many, I received the TAXI material in the mail over and over, and kind of half looked at it, then threw it away for years. Honestly, I have to say, their particular approach in the promotional material (i.e., "My Wife Will Kick Me Out If I Don't Offer This Special Deal!!!", etc.) always smacked of info-mercial. Hokey. It caused me to be pretty skeptical.

They ran a "Super Duper I Really Mean It This Time Extended Christmas Gift Special Offer!" type thing that offered the year membership for a reduced rate; so, on a whim actually, I joined in February of this year.

I will say that, live, they are very nice people who do strive for high levels of customer satisfaction. Beyond that, I submitted to my first listing with them a month ago, and learned this week that I was, indeed, forwarded -- for a listing that had over 150 submissions, only three of which were forwarded.

Who knows what will happen. I tend to think that, the more irons one has in different fires, the more likely one is to eventually have one in the right fire at the right time. They did congratulate me on having passed muster on this particularly demanding listing, as well as having had my very first submission forwarded (apparently quite rare with them). I plan to submit to my second listing (a high-stakes, high-profile artist submission) tomorrow. I'm interested to see how my batting average holds up.

So -- all I can say from my experience thus far is, I'm pleased with TAXI; and the opportunities to reach the right ears appear to be legit.

Hope that didn't sound like too much horn tooting. But, it's my experience with TAXI, so I thought I'd share it as it happened.

Erik / Baz
www.eriktyler.com
www.soundclick.com/eriktyler

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"The only way to get anywhere is to cross a few lines."

[This message has been edited by TheBaz (edited 04-27-2005).]

[This message has been edited by TheBaz (edited 06-02-2005).]


"The only way to get anywhere is to cross a few lines."
#210411 04/28/05 03:26 AM
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sascha,

Thanks for your ncie comments about my music..I really appreciate it... [Linked Image]

Hope to meet up with ya one of these days in LA!

And...good luck with YOUR music as well...
Emily

#210412 04/28/05 05:11 AM
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emily -

thanks! would be great to meet up with you; will let you know when i'm moved and settled there. and i can't wait to get back to Mc Cabes! by the way, do you know of a good guitar teacher there? i will need one.


erik -

this is great news! and knowing how tough it is to get forwarded through taxi, this says a lot about the song.

i went to your link at soundclick, and Holy ____!!! no wonder!
i absolutely LOVE your song "Love Like Time" - the melody is beautiful, the lyric outstanding. i have no doubt this is a hit - seriously.
i recently mentioned to a JPF member how much i liked a guy who was on Nashville Stars, named Jayron something - so much that i'm planning to write something specifically for him.
if you can get the song to him, he seems to me a perfect person to record this. vince gill and many others come to mind too, of course.


[This message has been edited by sascha (edited 04-28-2005).]

#210413 04/28/05 11:26 PM
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Hi Sascha,

Thanks for the kind words on my songs. I do write to pitch for specific artists. I will look into this Jayron. "Love Like Time" is actually one I can't let go of, though. The artist it was written for is ... me. It's the final cut on my debut CD release and is very "near and dear". I wrote it as a Christmas gift for a friend who inadvertently fell in love with me, but with whom I couldn't reciprocate. That relationship ended, because it was too hard to "just be friends" and this Christmas Gift Song was never heard by the intended ears. It is the only song I've ever sung in one take in the studio and, despite it's quirks, asked that it not be touched, because it has the emotion I feel just the way it is.

Best of luck as you pursue your musical dreams!

Erik / Baz
www.eriktyler.com
www.soundclick.com/eriktyler

By the way, in case anyone is interested, one of the songs TAXI forwarded (I submitted it as one of three for the same listing, which requested 1-3 songs) is "Breath in December" -- posted on my SoundClick site above. It was only a rough demo, and the backing tracks aren't even complete. So it doesn't have to be perfect, apparently.

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"The only way to get anywhere is to cross a few lines."

[This message has been edited by TheBaz (edited 04-28-2005).]


"The only way to get anywhere is to cross a few lines."
#210414 04/28/05 11:38 PM
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Erik,

I can see why they forwarded that track. It's also a great lesson for folks about what it means to say that sending a "demo" is okay. Though we both know that's a demo, it's dramatically better than 90% of the "demos" that people actually send around. The music is simple and functional, but the vocal performance is first class. It's very similar to Corrinne May or Vienna Teng, both highly successful singer/songwriters right now (and JPF Awards winners/nominees). You don't have to spend a fortune to demo your song, but you HAVE to have a great vocal performance if you want folks to pay any attention.

Nice job,

Brian


Brian Austin Whitney
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Just Plain Folks
jpfolkspro@gmail.com
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"Don't sit around and wait for success to come to you... it doesn't know the way." -Brian Austin Whitney

"It's easier to be the bigger man when you actually are..." -Brian Austin Whitney

"Sometimes all you have to do to inspire humans to greatness is to give them a reason and opportunity to do something great." -Brian Austin Whitney
#210415 04/29/05 02:31 AM
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Thanks, Brian.

I mentioned this I think in years past. But Heather LoBalbo, the vocalist on that song, was only 17 years old at the time, with no training! I heard her at a random high school talent show and she blew me away. Got her right into the studio. She heard the song that day -- totally new to the studio process -- and listened through it 2 or 3 times with the lyric sheet in hand. Then nailed it in 2 takes!

Erik / Baz
www.eriktyler.com
www.soundclick.com/eriktyler

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"The only way to get anywhere is to cross a few lines."


"The only way to get anywhere is to cross a few lines."
#210416 05/27/05 06:21 PM
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Well, I told everyone I'd keep you posted on my SECOND submission to TAXI since joining a couple months back. Maybe I'm just lucky, but I'm batting 1000 so far. I received the notice today that my second song, "Anything Is Possible", was forwarded for a listing touting "a legendary, multi-platinum, Grammy-winning diva". We'll see where it goes. If you'd like to hear the song, click here:

CLICK TO HEAR SONG

The entire thing was constructed in collaborations over the Internet.

Baz / Erik
www.eriktyler.com
www.soundclick.com/eriktyler

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"The only way to get anywhere is to cross a few lines."


"The only way to get anywhere is to cross a few lines."
#210417 06/08/05 04:57 PM
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That's a great song and demo erik...


Boo...my name is Doug
#210418 06/08/05 11:29 PM
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Thanks for the nice words, Liszt. My primary reason for posting the songs was that people have asked about what level of demo seems to be forwarded. Maybe it will help people to hear what IS getting through, as a sort of standard. But ... of course, I don't mind a kind comment on the song itself, too.

Thanks again,
Erik / Baz
www.eriktyler.com
www.soundclick.com/eriktyler

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"The only way to get anywhere is to cross a few lines."


"The only way to get anywhere is to cross a few lines."
#210419 06/09/05 03:53 AM
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I think you should become a record label and sign the singer too, she's excellent!


Boo...my name is Doug
#210420 06/09/05 04:05 PM
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Hey Erik,

Beautiful music. Under your "For the Fans of..." you should list Jim Brickman. I am sure his fans would love your music as well. Maybe you should check him out and see if you can tour with him...

Vondelle

#210421 07/25/05 03:58 AM
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Oh man.. another TAXI post. As much as I would rather leave this alone I feel driven to throw a post up here.

I joined with taxi about 4 months ago, to make a long story short, the ONLY good thing I can say about them is that they make good on their money-back policy. I know I am probably going to get blasted by a bunch of people who like or even love taxi. But I feel that they are out there going to work for the record labels to help mold fresh new artists into cardboard cut-outs of the same boring music I hear everyday. This based on my comments received and overall generalization of that company. Its funny, I wrote them an email saying just about the same thing in this post, only much more elaboratly put, never asking for a refund though. Yet they wrote me back saying my "check was in the mail." Perhaps I touched a nerve?

Anyway, dont base your decision on my opinion, like I said, they DO make good on their one year money-back policy. So really, you dont have anything to lose except $5.00 here & there to submit your music to a listing. YES, they still make you pay to submit your music to them... 5 bucks a song.

I wish you the best!

#210422 07/25/05 04:40 AM
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Quote
<font face="Verdana, Arial" size="2">I feel that they are out there going to work for the record labels to help mold fresh new artists into cardboard cut-outs of the same boring music I hear everyday.</font>


Man, I guess I'm just the same boring crap as everything else out there, then. To date, TAXI has forwarded every submission I've sent (4 to date). What a disappointment to find that I suck bad enough for even TAXI to pick my stuff. *man!*

Baz / Erik
www.eriktyler.com
www.soundclick.com/eriktyler

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"The only way to get anywhere is to cross a few lines."


"The only way to get anywhere is to cross a few lines."
#210423 07/25/05 03:07 PM
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OK, here we go. I knew this would happen. First off, I never said "crap" in my post nor did I take any shots at anyone's music, and I never will. I think your reading a bit too much into this. I also made it clear that my view of taxi was only my opinion, nothing more.

Its great that 4 out of 4 of your submissions have been forwarded on. I took a listen to your songs and I am quick to say that you have great material & they are well recorded.

However, we are coming from two completely different directions as far as the music is concerned. I am 100 % rock-n-roll. The word "ballad" does not exist in my vocabulary when it comes to writing songs. Maybe thats my undoing, who knows?

My opinion is based entirely on my personal experience. And the fact that I never read anything about having to pay over & over again to submit songs once I paid the initial up-front fee.

Also the word "music" & "critic" is a contridictory in itself. Music is a form of art (which we all know) and again, in my opinion, art is impossible to critique... unless you are a critic trying to mold someone's art into something that is socially and/or commercially acceptable, (again, another oxymoron.)

That was the point I was really trying to make when I said "fresh" artists. The artists who write from the gut and have not yet been tainted by the music business part of it. Which is why I love indie music so much.

Yes, I thought it would be nice to be able to make a few bucks here & there with my tunes, thats the whole reason I signed up with taxi. But the more I submitted, the more I realized they were not for me. I didnt want to lose my edge if I started taking their comments to heart. And the comments that I am referring to was the ones saying my lyrics were "cliche" and so forth. Which is when I wrote them asking "if you know what lyrics you want, why dont you write them yourself?"

That was & is the point I am trying to make. I hope I was able to clarify my previous post.

Again, your songs are great! I wish you the best with your music & taxi. Its sounds like you are off to a great start!

#210424 07/25/05 07:50 PM
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jrooster,

No, you didn't say "crap," but by saying Taxi was creating "cutout" songwriters doing "boring" songs, you were indirectly calling baz's stuff boring. I'd rather be called crap than boring.

Maybe today's music bores you. That's fine. But, when you publicly post that today's music is boring, you insult the songwriters, singers, musicians, producers, radio folks, and executives who were responsible for making those hits. When we hear music on the radio or tv, that means that someone invested bread and sweat in it, and someone else believed in it. It may bore you, but it didn't bore them. (Funny that, after calling todays music boring, you say that music should have no critics.)

Some of my all time favorite songs would not get passed by Taxi. I know a lot of fine songwriters who will never get a Faith Hill cut. This is life. The folks who reject my songs aren't "bad" or disingenuous. They're just not interested in my songs. Maybe my stuff won't fit their project. Maybe my music bores them.

I'm glad to see this all turned out well for you. Taxi, to their credit, gave you your money back without you even asking, and you got some cheap critiques (Taxi's money back policy is probably one of the things that lead them to that $5 charge...at least they got a few bucks out of you LOL) This is all good to hear. I know very little about Taxi, though any of Brian's recommendations carry a lot of weight with me. Your story has improved my impression of them.

All the Best,
Mike




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You have to practice improvisation. -Art Tatum

Mike Dunbar Music


You've got to know your limitations. I don't know what your limitations are. I found out what mine were when I was twelve. I found out that there weren't too many limitations, if I did it my way. -Johnny Cash

It's only music.
-niteshift

Mike Dunbar Music

#210425 07/25/05 08:31 PM
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Hey Mike,

Nice job with the response. Its amazing how one simple comment can cause such controversy. Believe me when I say that I respect everything you had to say, as well as Baz. It was not my intent to insult anyone's music, if I did I apologize. I am extremely opinionated and rarely hold back on making my thoughts known. This small character trait of mine has made friends out of enemies & enemies out of friends. But life is too short to hold back, ya know?

Also, saying that something is boring is not a critique, its an opinion. If I got paid for it, then it would be a critique. Although I could never be a critic because I would never say that a song or any music is "not good" or "not good enough". What right does anyone have to make that judgement? Just because you or I might not like it, does not mean its not good music!

I am also not posting on here to slam taxi. I do have respect for them, they are simply not for me. All I did was give my little bit of info about my experience closely followed by my opinion.

But really when its all said and done, its about having fun right? And thats just what we're doing.

Thanks for your reply. Take care & rock on!



[This message has been edited by jtrooster (edited 07-25-2005).]

#210426 07/25/05 08:51 PM
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jtrooster,

Thanks back at 'ya for the quick response.

One of my pet peeves is "commercial" critics. I'm a critic. I don't charge for my criticism, I point out others' flaws for free. I critique my wife, my dog, my kids and my friends. I don't charge for this...so how dare you say I'm merely "opinion"-ated? I'm a gosh darn critic! But now I'm getting bored, so:

All the Best,
Mike

------------------
You have to practice improvisation. -Art Tatum

Mike Dunbar Music


You've got to know your limitations. I don't know what your limitations are. I found out what mine were when I was twelve. I found out that there weren't too many limitations, if I did it my way. -Johnny Cash

It's only music.
-niteshift

Mike Dunbar Music

#210427 07/26/05 02:45 AM
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Thank you for listening to my material and for the kind comments.

Quote
<font face="Verdana, Arial" size="2">However, we are coming from two completely different directions as far as the music is concerned. I am 100 % rock-n-roll. The word "ballad" does not exist in my vocabulary when it comes to writing songs.</font>


I write across the spectrum. Of the songs I submitted to TAXI, two would be in the "ballad" realm, one was Rock and one was Pop.

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<font face="Verdana, Arial" size="2">I never read anything about having to pay over & over again to submit songs once I paid the initial up-front fee.</font>


When I joined TAXI, I immediately (3 days) received materials, including their short handbook, "Rules of the Road". After the initial welcome and web site information pages, page 5 has a header in bold print: "Submission Fees Simplified". This one-paragraph section has, in underlined sentences, the following quote:

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<font face="Verdana, Arial" size="2">The submission fee for a listing that asks for one song is $5(US). The submission fee for a listing that asks for three songs is $15(US).</font>


Further on, in the Questions And Answers section (page 16), and on the first page, are the following Questions and Answers:

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<font face="Verdana, Arial" size="2">
Q: Why does TAXI charge a $5 per song submission fee?
A: Here at TAXI, we call it the "discouragement fee." It keeps people from sending every song they have for every listing. By keeping your submissions well focused, the system works better for everybody.

Q: Why does TAXI charge $5 for submissions that aren't prescreened?
A: The submission fee is often mistaken for a screening fee. It's not. It is designed to keep subscribers from sending in Country tunes for R&B listings. Can you imagine how many tapes would be sent in for a non-screened listing if there was no fee to make people think twice about what they were sending? You can be sure we'd never get another listing from that company!</font>


I found the material to be pretty straight-forward and easy to understand. TAXI representatives have told me directly (and Michael Laskow has often written in his emails) their frustration at how many people simply don't read the material, but quickly blame TAXI for "not telling them."

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<font face="Verdana, Arial" size="2">Music is a form of art (which we all know) and again, in my opinion, art is impossible to critique... unless you are a critic trying to mold someone's art into something that is socially and/or commercially acceptable, (again, another oxymoron.)</font>


I teach -- language and grammar specifically. Over the years, I have taught Creative Writing. While writing is an art, it also has "rules" and principles. One may "feel" like what they wrote was compelling, but I as a professional in the language CAN and DO say, "YOU felt this. But the reader does not. Let me show you how to use the rules and principles of words and language to make us see and feel what you see and feel." Is this an oxymoron? Should teachers allow students to write in "whatever way they feel"? Am I hypocritical as an artist in steering them? Is my opinion more weighty than theirs?

My opinion, in this case, is not really an opinion. While my students have the freedom to write what they feel within very broad parameters, there ARE still rules. Sometimes, a careful breaking of those rules is necessary to achieve the goal. But it is deliberate. And, frankly, my input DOES matter and IS necessary -- because I "know language". I understand the journey of thought to word back into thought more than the average person. And so, I am "qualified" to critique. In doing so, I am not squashing the creative spirit. I'm actually freeing it to create and have an audience. Now, if the purpose of the writing is merely as a personal journal or cathartic measure, I would offer no say at all.

Point? I do not agree that music, being art, cannot have "critics" who are more knowledgeable than others, who've "been there" and understand a given audience, market, etc. Are critics gods? No. Are they sometimes less than helpful, governing their comments on a bad hair day at times rather than on vision? For sure. But, there is a place for the music critic/mentor/call-it-what-you-may.

Now, one can play and listen to whatever one chooses! Absolutely! But, as far as the market goes, it wouldn't make any sense to invest money in music that does not have the "trademarks" of mass appeal. It wouldn't be a good business decision.

Editors accept or reject copy from writers for publications or advertisements based on what experience has shown them will fly with readers. The list goes on and on.

Let's make it less of an abstract debate and more concrete. Consider the following novel opening:

"I like ponies. Ponies are nice. Ponies are pretty. I once saw a pony that I really liked. He was SO cute. But I also think other things are cute, like puppies and some toys. Especially toy ponies. But I also like toy puppies, but I like real ones better, but not as much as a real, real pony."

Now, I as the writer may REALLY love ponies and MIGHT even have managed to write a 350-page novel with this opening. But, folks -- whether I feel it or not -- an editor would be an idiot to let this be published by his company. Now, some out there are going to try to make sense of my pony crap, saying, "Yes, but in the RIGHT book, from the RIGHT character...", yada, yada, yada. But the fact is, it stinks. It isn't engaging. It might be MY idea of "art", but most anyone -- particularly a book publisher -- would easily know before reading even the first few pages that "this stinks". They aren't being mean by telling me so. They are being realistic. It just feels mean, because I "know it is good and they criticized it [me]."

Why is this any different from someone who is deeper into the music business than we are giving an informed critique of our music? Does it hurt? Maybe. Some will lick the wounds and skulk away, not facing that "rejection" again. Some will say, "Well, maybe they know what they're talking about," and consider the criticisms toward improving.

If your goal is to make music for fun or self-expression, by all means, do it as you feel it and be happy with whomever becomes your listenership. But if you are doing it to be part of "the business", the fact is, there ARE rules. They aren't hypocritical, deep, mysterious or part of a layered oxymoron. They're just sound principles, broad enough to create limitless songs within, but rules nonetheless.

Quote
<font face="Verdana, Arial" size="2">And the comments that I am referring to was the ones saying my lyrics were "cliche" and so forth. Which is when I wrote them asking "if you know what lyrics you want, why dont you write them yourself?"</font>


Again, consider a book publisher ever saying, "I myself have all the ideas and plots and characters in my own head, along with the time and limitless creativity to write all the novels to keep my company in business." Of course not! Yet, he/she DOES have the know-how and professional qualifications to give educated and meaningful opinions about what comes across their desk.

As a teacher, I don't want my students to write what -- or even how -- I write. I want to see each student in his or her writing. But I can still guide and give feedback to make what THEY want to say better -- to make sure their ideas and passion are received with full force by THEIR readers (not just by me).

Why is the music critic any different? Of course they don't have all the lyrics and melodies and creativity in themselves to write all the hits. But that doesn't negate their ability to say, "This doesn't work" or "This is overused" or "This has potential with a teen market."

I could go on and on, but it's late. I think I've made at least a point or two, perhaps too ardently.

I don't take disagreement personally here. I'm just wanting to share another opinion and viewpoint for consideration. And again, I am sincerely appreciative of the kind words on my music.

Erik / Baz
www.eriktyler.com
www.soundclick.com/eriktyler

------------------
"The only way to get anywhere is to cross a few lines."


[This message has been edited by TheBaz (edited 07-26-2005).]


"The only way to get anywhere is to cross a few lines."
#210428 09/06/06 07:05 PM
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 36
Casual Observer
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Casual Observer
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 36
Well here we are, a little bit over a year later. I'm not sure if this post is even read anymore, but I'll go ahead and record my thoughts for public viewing just the same.

A little bit about me, as I mentioned a year ago I am very opinionated and sometimes I let my emotions get the best of me. Thankfully that little fact has not yet landed me in jail! If it does though, I will do my best to to continue to participate in this message board [Linked Image]

Although I have experienced several concussions over the past few years (Hockey... gotta love it), and lost a good portion of my short term memory... this post has not fallen into the part of my brain that tends to forget quickly (the frontal lobe from what Doctors have told me [Linked Image]

Basically what I am trying to say is, I'm sorry. I should not have jumped without first seeing how far I was off the ground. As Mike pointed out out, I insulted other people's music... please understand I had no intention of doing so. I was wrong to say what I did & I am so sorry for that. Those who responded in anger & frustration had every right... and those who bit their tongue's, I can only imagine the strength that must have took. Again to quote myself "life is too short.." I still believe that. However I did alter my way of interpreting that just a bit, to the point where, sometimes an apology is in order... and hopefully it wont be too late.

I really enjoy being part of this message board and come here often. I hope those whom I have insulted can forgive me, maybe a little. I have learned a lot over the past year, much of it because I continue to come here.

Thanks for listening (reading),

Jake


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