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I think that's what I've found.. I suppose like all things in life, it's luck of the draw... Then if you believe in manifestation and intention, I said to myself, oh those years ago, "This year, I will get myself heard on (inter)national TV", and then just responded to the Taxi listings that were of .... reputability, and within 2 weeks got the 'call'..
The call in which I was asked to 'sit down'... and it was a worthwhile sitdown.
I suppose what it shows is that you can *never* evaluate a listing based on description alone ... mine was "TV Show looking for permanent writer of a John Williams, Gary Zucheimer, Hans Zimmer style" - I was like, what the heck! Why not! And So I submitted, and got the call back within days... Not trying to sound in any-way self-ego, but they heard what they needed and wanted within seconds...
All this through Taxi... Lifechanging, and mind blowing.
Funny... not planned.. yet perfect.
G
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About 10 years ago I was a member of TAXI. It was convenient for me to actually drop off submissions at their office in Southern California. They were always nice and respectable to me when I visited. I attended several Road Rallies in LA, partially thanks to JP Folks. I got good feedback on my songs from which I thought was accurate. I got several things forwarded also but nothing ever became of any of them. I was always told who the recipient of the forward was but not given any contact info for them. I had some email dialect going with Michael Laskow (creator of TAXI) about the contact info and was told they had problems with members harassing some of the recipients so they had to stop giving the contact info. I sent an email suggesting TAXI institute a way to determine the mental stability and maturity of members as a way to screen who can be given the contact info and can handle the privileged info professionally and properly. I never heard back which was no surprise of course since something like that is not easy to implement and has all kinds of legal ramifications. I chose not to renew my membership with TAXI because of my feelings about the importance of being able to build a relationship with potential buyers of my skills. it's true you have a chance to hobnob with some music biz 'movers and shakers' at the Road Rallies but be ready to stand in line to try and impress them with your nice smile and good karma and know they have their guard up for all these people willing to do who-knows-what to get a few minutes of their time. Frankly I believe I have a better chance these days of meeting a mover and shaker playing golf which I have fallen in love with in this decade and I have met employees from Warner Bros. and Universal doing so. But that's bound to happen living in So. Cal. and playing as much as I do.
As in selling anything you have a much better chance at doing so if you can build a relationship somehow and get the buyer to like you and care about you. When it comes to music, where you can make a whole lot of money, that is even more important. Bottom line is people that have the capability to open doors that allow someone to make money will do so first for people they know, like, love and/or care about. That's human nature and that's how we all work. Nevertheless a good song and incredible talent speak for themselves and can open doors for you and has for some unknown people. If you get in that door and show yourself to be unlikeable though the door might get closed. I am a talented person, nice guy and a good songwriter living in So. Cal. now for 23 years transplanted from the midwest USA. Those attributes have allowed me to mingle with some major stars through the years and I can even show you pictures of myself with a lot of them. All of the stars I have spent time around were very cool, down to earth people that were cordial and treated me with respect during my moments with. These are primarily R&B and jazz folks many whose names you would definitely recognize. That was inspiring to me because frankly I feel the same way about myself and I've learned you can become a star and still be cool and down to earth. It's some of the people between you and the stars that are jerks.
So having said all that you are now wondering am I making money in music from my talent and/or songwriting. The answer is no, not yet anyway. I can tell you that part of the reason I'm not is because when I was in the company of some of those people I did not simply find a way to be assertive in a cool way and ask for an opportunity to spend time with them and let them hear my capabilities. I have also had other people that know stars try to open doors for me because they like me and are impressed with my skills. Nothing yet has become of any of that either. Nevertheless it's not over until the proverbial fat lady sings and I continue to stay somewhat active musically. And fortunately I am able to survive in So. Cal. using my day job skills as a electrical engineer. Actually I work in the technical side of the entertainment industry for a company whose name you would also recognize so you could say I work in the industry.
I don't regret joining TAXI but, as someone said, the competition is fierce and I bet Michael Laskow has a nice house and life somewhere is LA thanks to TAXI. Fortunately now thanks to the internet there are many avenues to get exposure which is great especially if you live in the middle of Arkansas somewhere. Heck; at the rate I am going I might end up being your next door neighbor one day since I can't really afford to retire in Cali and not sure I want to anyway in this expensive and in-debt state always in danger of a major earthquake occuring. So my advise is check out all the avenues, expose yourself as much as possible, keep developing yours skills and business knowledge, and keep your head on straight. And don't forget to say thank you when someone gives you their time, a listen, feedback, etc. That seems to be a forgotten phrase by a lot of people these days as well as other good ol' manners. Sorry this turned out so long but maybe it will help someone. I hope so anyway.[php][/php]
Last edited by NateofCA; 05/07/09 12:39 PM.
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Drifting off topic from this undying thread:
Having submitted a couple of songs before withdrawing a previous membership to Taxi (several reasons to quit at the time, but reconsidering joining), I was curious about the critiques. I only received 2, so I was wondering:
What kind of scores get forwarded? Is it an "all 10's" type of thing? My two songs were generally 8's across the board and I wondered how the scale worked....I mean, were my 8's really 5's, as in midpack, were they just outside getting forwarded? (according to reviewers, they were 10's for applicability, so not the wrong material)
I'm dying to know where I stood and if I'm wasting my time with them and should pursue other angles.
I mainly quit because what I really wanted was Dispatch and was upset to learn that I had to pay another $150 to get the listings I really wanted (I didn't know at the time there was a separate service inside).
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I've had forwards with 8s and 9s. The scores are just a way of that individual screener to give you their assessment of the different elements of the song. The reason for not forwarding would be in your critique.
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PS - I wanted to mention that apparently TAXI is working on TAXI 2.0, not sure when it will be launched, but if you are considering rejoining, I might watch and see what changes are made to the service.
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Thanks for the quick response.
Taxi 2.0? Did they send out an e-mail saying they'd be making changes? Did they say when?
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I don't know when it will be launched, but Michael Laskow has mentioned he's working on it.
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Hi, I’m a bit late for this post but I do have a question. 20+ years ago in my last life as a songwriter and dealing with BMI. I had an offer to have my song listed in a catalog with a publisher also a member of BMI. The catch was that the publisher wanted cash to add my song to their catalog. Long story short…BMI members where not aloud to solicit cash for catalog placement. And I did get the song placed for free.
Now has BMI changed its rules on song placement or is TAXI not a member of BMI? I guess I’m missing something here.
I thought the rule of thumb has always been “as far as I know” for many industries included music, NEVER PAY to get published or to get a modeling gig. lol!
Has something changed?
Dave
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TAXI isn't a publisher Dave. They're a middleman that can deliver your songs to legitimate publishers, record companies, producers, etc., but only if they deem your material appropriate. Best, John
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OH! I see. More of a manager or agent that you pay for. thanks have a good one! Dave
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Dave,
Everyone you involve in your career, publishers, pluggers, managers, agents, promoters, are middle men who take you where you cannot go yourself. You have to use them because the industry has segmented itself in that way for many years. The higher the level you go, the more people are involved.
MAB
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Then TAXI's a middleman for the middlemen. John:)
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that cool. Still, middle men work on commission and only take clients they can sell. Anyone here use Taxi? Thanks folks, Dave
Spelling and grammer are not my thing, so excuse the type-Os... Iffin I don't review your song, sorry, I'm trying to stay with styles I like. But I do listen to all on 2 pages when I have time.
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that cool. Still, middle men work on commission and only take clients they can sell. Anyone here use Taxi? Thanks folks, Dave Here's a link that describes what TAXI does: http://www.taxi.com/songwriting3/index.php?icid=TXINSB0000001BI'm not a member at present, but I've had some successes through the TAXI contacts in the past. Best, John
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thanks John, I'm thinking of joinin but its like 300 bucks. I can see where it could be cool. but I need to make sure.. you know.
thanks again for the help and the link!
have a good day! Dave
Spelling and grammer are not my thing, so excuse the type-Os... Iffin I don't review your song, sorry, I'm trying to stay with styles I like. But I do listen to all on 2 pages when I have time.
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Dave,
I strongly suggest that part of your decision in joining TAXI include a trip to their Road Rally music conference. If you plan and include that event into your overall strategy, you'll find that it alone is worth more than $300 dollars. The networking and friendly contacts and access to industry and education you'll get is really useful and important (and fun). If you can get to LA for the event, it's a huge added bonus to being a TAXI member.
Brian
Brian Austin Whitney Founder Just Plain Folks jpfolkspro@gmail.com Skype: Brian Austin Whitney Facebook: www.facebook.com/justplainfolks"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
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I'm still a member of Taxi. i've sent them over the past year about 15 songs. most all fit the catogories they said. they usually said i was sooo close to being good enough to forward but not one was. very dissapointing. i don't think i'll renew. http://www.garymazzola.comfree song downloads http://www.garymazzola.com/store.html
Last edited by Gary Mazzola; 12/03/09 11:46 PM.
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So far this year I've signed 22 tracks as a direct result of TAXI. Road Rally 2008 turned out to be the turning point, as I met the head of a music library who handles Harpo. This summer, he invited me to send him a demo, and in September I signed with him as a composer.
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I've been reading this thread and I just want to thank everybody for giving me many useful tips about TAXI. Yesterday I signed up as a member of TAXI. I've been a member of Sonicbids for 4 month and I've submitted about 10 times to different contests and publishers. I've been turned down by five. I'm still waiting for answers for the rest. One of the turndowns was a "Not selected" by Durango Song Contest 2010, but I was happy to get this message:
"Great stuff, you were in heavy consideration for this contest, and finished in the top 35. Anybody that finished high in this contest should certainly be proud because the bar was very high"
Well, then I thought - It can’t be that bad and I'll keep on improving my stuff. I got selected by Eugene Foley Entertainment and the last 14 days Eugene has provided me with more information and advises that I've ever got from any place or person before. He is straight forward saying that I'm almost there, but need some more education. He wants me to keep him updated in the future when I have new songs to present. Also Eugene is the one who advised me to join TAXI.
Well - that’s just my little story about Sonicbids vs TAXI, though right now I just found out it was TAXI vs Broadjam. I don't know Broadjam, and for now and due to your responses here, I'll stick to TAXI and Sonicbids for now.
Thanks again for letting me know about the business.
Ken
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I don't think it's odd that Taxi don't know what their clients really want. That's the nature of music.. I mean it's a creative thing, and if you have something in mind and get it, it'll probably be boring. I believe all clients want something that's unique sounding in a good way within a distinguishable genre, without really having more precise ideas about it.
That's the same thing we do when arranging a song. We have an idea about the sound, but the creative process can take us elsewhere. If you get excactly what you set out for, you probably have your thing standarized, and it'll surely sound fine, but probably be too boring or don't stand out enough to stand pro competition.
I'm a member of both Broadjam and Taxi, and submit for listing at both. Their listings are a lot different at the moment, where there are way more instrumental opportunities at Broadjam, and more song opportunities at Taxi (for me, anyway). But that may change next month, so I don't think it's anything for generalizing. I don't rely on any of those companies for Country pitches.
I find Broadjam a little less attracktive, though, due to the higher submission fees and the lack of critiques (which you don't get at Broadjam). So I think I get more value for the money with Taxi, but in the end they are both neccesary tools of the trade as the state-of-the-art is, IMO.
You pay for access to the markets, so assigning a budget for that is a no brainer today, if you want to go anywhere with your music.
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Let us know how your experiences are with Taxi. I am also a member and have found their comments sometimes very useful.
Tom
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I can't add much, Tom. Im happy they comment on my work as well, but Im not one who trust experience as a determinator of truth.
I always approach everything philosophically, because that way I can think about and adjust the way I react to my experiences. It makes it a lot easier to make the neccesary adaptions and changes in attitude towards things.
Basically, I don't believe you can buy yourself a place on a work of art (say a record). You can however improve your craft until you get so good, that others would WANT you to contribute. Taxi helps me with a framework for improvements, and have some people who can get other people to listen if they judge me in. I think there can be two-three links more to reach a decision maker, after a Taxi forward.
I write for the listings (instrumentals, for the most part, but also 'genre' songs for tv/film), and when my songs are good enough (and 'good' means that they match the specs and are broadcast quality - VERY tangible), I believe they'll get licenced and used. Taxi helps me clarify the criteria MY music needs to meet, in order to be marketable.
I also write country pop/rock songs, and hope to reach a level where I can visit Nashville, do a few performances and start making connections. That's a whole different ballgame! And Taxi does not really work for me to follow that particular lead, but they DO help me assess the quality of my own demo work.
That's just how things work for me, at this particular moment in time. Others are in different circumstances, and other things might work for them.
One thing about Taxi that's not getting enough attention, I think, is how much FUN it is to try to nail a listing, submit your best attempt, and get feedback in return. All from the comfort zone in your livingroom at home. I love that!
I would say the fee to Taxi is worth it alone for the entertainment value (think about how much crap you pay for in your daily household, that you get nothing in return for!). But you get so much more..
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The way publishers work is listings come out and they ask "What do we have for this?" It should never be "Chasing the tail." Every writer should have a large catalogue ready to go, and be able to present that.
We all should be writing songs that work in a variety of markets. just like the Boy Scouts "Be Prepared."
Taxi, as I have said before increases focus, helps build understanding of markets and has opportunities for like minded people to get together. That is the real value as I see it.
MAB
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The one thing (which Marc so clearly has noted for us) is that almost all of the songs for cd's of major artists are inside cuts. That is no Taxi's fault. They can only do what they can. They cannot change the business climate for songs. It seems, though, that there is more room for outside cuts in the film and tv areas.
Tom
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The one thing (which Marc so clearly has noted for us) is that almost all of the songs for cd's of major artists are inside cuts. That is no Taxi's fault. They can only do what they can. They cannot change the business climate for songs. It seems, though, that there is more room for outside cuts in the film and tv areas.
Tom So they say. I'll be very glad to confirm that for you, IF I ever get one through :-)
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The one thing (which Marc so clearly has noted for us) is that almost all of the songs for cd's of major artists are inside cuts. That is no Taxi's fault. They can only do what they can. They cannot change the business climate for songs. It seems, though, that there is more room for outside cuts in the film and tv areas.
Tom So they say. I'll be very glad to confirm that for you, IF I ever get one through :-) Right you are! -Dave
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Great read ... I joined Taxi this morning ... yay! Joanne
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Xome,
Welcome to the site. Do you have a website or a real name? I see you're from Wisconsin, just as BroadJam is.
Brian Yeah I'm currently living in Wisconsin, currently in Fond du Lac. I'm not affiliated with BroadJam at all. My name is Patrick Chan and I write freelance in my spare time. I'm a journalism grad that can't get work in journalism! I'm currently planning a move to California in an attempt to break into radio. I have a deep love for music, a solid hatred of where things are headed, especially in radio and I just write mostly for fun, sometimes for a little beer money. When I first started that project I wasn't aware that they were down in Madison at all. My familiarity with BroadJam starts and ends with what I could glean from my research. I got the number of employees by calling them and asking. That simple. I only stopped by this site the once when I found it while looking for references to my original article that I wrote in April 2008. My research wasn't solely aimed at services, but also in regards to certain 'usability' issues and just a general overview of which sites worked best. Last.fm came out top overall even though it has a different business model entirely. My justification being that they also host 'commercial' music, and it is that music that draws music supervisors. Something that I didn't publish in the article (because it was a little off topic) was that there are so many different ways to be noticed by the industry. If a band isn't playing live, gigging as much as possible and using every promotional tool at their fingertips (selling CD's at shows, etc.) then they may sell some songs or get a spot on a TV show/independent movie/commercial, but it will end there and go no further. These sites represent only one aspect of the industry, and it's sad to say that I was told repeatedly that music is often brought to the attention of music supervisors by way of a friend of a friend. When a buyer is really stumped for cash, she may use royalty free snippets that are available both on and offline. There are a number of sites that use internal and third party contributions. This most certainly involves signing a somewhat exclusive contract and it still doesn't guarantee being placed anywhere. Sad truth is that some industry folk recognize the depth of talent that is out there, but their requirements call for music that is overtly modern and commercial (and unfortunately not very good). At the end of the day the industry is still hit or miss, and often it's not what you know but some random vibration in the universe that gets a track noticed. You can spend hundreds of dollars with these services and be successful (big maybe), or you can post a phenomenal video on You Tube and be signed for a two album deal.
Xome
_./'\._¸¸.•¤**¤•.¸.•¤**¤•. *•. .•* * Wrock Wrock!!! * /.•*•.\_¸¸•¤**¤•.,.•¤**¤•.
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I have been a member at Taxi for 2 weeks. All I can say is . . . I'm very impressed! There's lots of feedback where people critique your songs, help you get better with them and you can make great connections with other writers and composers.
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Xome, If you think Journalism is having a hard time, wait till you see radio in LA. It is about ten thousand times worse. I'd do some solid research there first before you moved. Make some trips and find out what is going on first, or get with someone who is in that field. One of my friends here in Nashville moved from there after being in radio for 21 years. Radio has shifted the way it does business with automation and downsizing of employees. So it is laying people off, not hiring.
Look around your area and see what the demand is there first before you try to make a huge move like that. You are going to need experience first and that usually comes through smaller markets first before moving to the major markets.
Everything in the music industry is changing the way it works and delivers it's product. All of this, from how songs are created, recorded, the way business is done and the changes going on, Taxi, Broadjam, etc. Are part of that discussion.
Try to find experiences that others have had before you and incorporate that into your thinking as you approach whatever you want to do. This is a natural evolution of communication. And everything that follows will be part of that evolution.
Don't try and pack up the Amish horse and buggy and try to get on the modern Interstate.
MAB
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So far this year I've signed 22 tracks as a direct result of TAXI. Road Rally 2008 turned out to be the turning point, as I met the head of a music library who handles Harpo. This summer, he invited me to send him a demo, and in September I signed with him as a composer. I joined TAXI for a coupla years, back around the same time that Vikki did, and in fact, interacted with her a few times on the TAXI forum when we were both in way over our heads. When people ask about success stories, they always seem to focus on that one Kenny Rogers hit, which is a pity. The real success stories are of the everyday workers who sweat and prune and craft their songs until they're up to industry standards. If you wanna know how to make TAXI work for you, then do yourself a favor and check out Vikki's blogs. Seriously!! As for me, TAXI saved me thousands of $$$ over the last six or seven years by convincing me that music & songwriting were not in my best interests financially. Call it a reality check. I'm a heckuva songwriter, ask my mom, but I'm stuck in the storytelling mode with melodies that I enjoy, but are not "current". Performing in cafes, I can make people laugh, cry, or dance, but the songs are never gonna be "current" sounding...That's just the way it is. As for my own experiences with TAXI, the best part was establishing relationships with a couple of reviewers, who, for what was then a $10 fee, helped with personal critiques of a few songs. They were invaluable. The songs didn't really improve much, but as I said, I became convinced that music was not my cuppa. The only time a reviewer totally missed the mark on a submission, was when I had submitted a song for a Country Listing, and was told that it sounded too much like something that Jimmy Buffett would do...The irony, is that "It's Five O'clock Somewhere" had just hit #1...I mean, huh?...Took me a few years to get over that:-) As others will tell you (hello Brian, Marc Alan B. & Da Foot!!), TAXI is only ONE avenue that should be part of a larger plan. The dream of somehow being magically discovered as a one hit wonder is exactly that. A dream..does anyone really think that "Buy me a rose" was the only song those Dudes had written? Or that TAXI was their only outlet? You pay your money and you take your chance...OR, you become a working class hero like our Hummingbird...OR, you turn to screenwriting and make sure you write something that absolutely requires a song or two of yours in order to make the story work...I've gotten a couple of independent film placements that way:-) Midnite
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I'm a member of Broadjam. Ssomeone from there contacted me. As a result, I want on google to see if broadjam is a scam. I've contacted about 5 artists whose songs were accepted on a licensing opportunity, but they never received a dime.
Is Broadjam a scam? It might be. They could put listings on there that are not legit.
It's terrible to take advantage of musicians. I can't figure it out if Broadjam is legit or not.
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Midnight,
I have detailed an experience I had once with Kenny Rodger's manager who told me that He had been the one to find "Buy Me A Rose" and was not submitted to him through TAXI. It is my belief that while Taxi did pitch it, and while the writers did pitch it, I believe these things don't have one pitch source. It comes for many directions.I can only go on what I have been told.
Taxi, Broadjam, etc. are all parts of a larger approach to Music which has to go in many directions. From reality shows, to live performance, social networking, the Internet, everything comes into play. There is no one pathway.
Writers and artists have to find out as much as they can about these things, use the experiences of others, and make educated decisions about what works for them and what doesn't work.
My particular suggestion is teaming up with other writers, artists, etc. and get as much face to face time as you can. Outside of that you have to take your best shot. Never put your eggs in one basket and never expect too much.
MAB
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Midnight,
I have detailed an experience I had once with Kenny Rodger's manager who told me that He had been the one to find "Buy Me A Rose" and was not submitted to him through TAXI. It is my belief that while Taxi did pitch it, and while the writers did pitch it, I believe these things don't have one pitch source. It comes for many directions.I can only go on what I have been told.
Taxi, Broadjam, etc. are all parts of a larger approach to Music which has to go in many directions. From reality shows, to live performance, social networking, the Internet, everything comes into play. There is no one pathway.
Writers and artists have to find out as much as they can about these things, use the experiences of others, and make educated decisions about what works for them and what doesn't work.
My particular suggestion is teaming up with other writers, artists, etc. and get as much face to face time as you can. Outside of that you have to take your best shot. Never put your eggs in one basket and never expect too much.
MAB Yes Marc, and most roads lead nowhere (or worse) with very few roads leading to success. Probably best to make a road of your own. "Never put your eggs in one basket and never expect too much" - great advice! Kind of my philosophy. I spread my music around like manure in hopes of something besides weeds sprouting up. A few mushrooms here and there is nice. Although "success" is in the eyes of the beholder. Most think of success in terms of money and fame. In the music library business "fame" isn't in the equation. And money is continually dwindling (except for the music library owners). John
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Marc,
Well, I will take the word of the actual writers on who, what and how they got their cut rather than hearsay from someone casually talking to a friend. The writers have clearly stated the source of their success zas TAXI and there was nothing in it for them to make that statement. They weren't paid to say it nor did they have any other reason to make it other than telling the truth.
Can songs have several factors that lead to their success? Sure. So should no one ever get credit for doing anything? What if you subtract the primary or even ONE of several primary reasons for success? Doesn't that usually mean failure?
Not sure what your bone is to pick with TAXI. The Buy Me A Rose story is an older example of thousands of success stories using TAXI. A quick visit to their site will show you lots of recent and ongoing success stories. The "Rose" story was simply their first major success on the charts which they were involved in. Around the same time they also helped get JPF band Fisher their deal with Interscope which resulted in a LOT of money in their pocket (over a million from the contract alone). They acknowledged TAXI as well in our newsletter voluntarily. Ironically, there was a major label company which lied and told a false story about their discovery and success which Fisher themselves debunked. As in that case, I simply don't trust the validity of your friends off the cuff comment over the people involed telling me and the public in no uncertain terms TAXI was invaluable to them. We have no idea what his agenda was, what context it was said in nor do we have any reason to doubt the truthfullness of the writers themselves saying in person to a large crowd and in several print interviews that TAXI was the driving factor in their success. I also have no reason to distrust TAXI who is completely honest in everything I have found or witnessed or heard about in all the years I have known them.
The only question is why you continue to attempt to trash TAXI here? Because they charge a fee? Don't you charge as much or more to people to show them around Nashville? Should we compare your success rate in creating hit songs for those folks or paid placements with TAXI? Do you offer a money back guarentee after the fact if people aren't satisfied and want their money back from you Marc? We allow you access to a lot of potential clients here, and many board users and other members have paid you for services. I don't see or allow people trashing you based on disputed hearsay only. Should we open those doors?
Brian
Brian Austin Whitney Founder Just Plain Folks jpfolkspro@gmail.com Skype: Brian Austin Whitney Facebook: www.facebook.com/justplainfolks"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
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Yikes Brian! I hope I don't get hit with any rotten tomatoes for trashing TAXI (case of mistaken identity) via the unintentional subject title in your post (re: John Lawrence Schick). TAXI is responsible for getting me into my first music library, which led to my first TV placement. I hold TAXI in high regard. Best, John
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"Never put your eggs in one basket and never expect too much" - great advice! Kind of my philosophy. I spread my music around like manure in hopes of something besides weeds sprouting up. A few mushrooms here and there is nice.
I don't see this as trashing taxi... I see this as reality. ANY placement w/ any publisher/library/etc. is extraordinarily difficult. Even if it's thru TAXI. I'm reading this because I'm thinking of rejoining Taxi... there really isn't any other service like it... But it doesn't hurt to approach the situation w/ both eyes open. And that's what it seems John's statement is. Peace, Ian
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Exactly the point Ian! However, I believe Brian's post was referring to Marc's statement about Kenny Roger's manager. John
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I referred to Marc. It's just a quirk of the boards that when you use the quick reply, it references the last post, as this one will. I almost never use the actual reply button. = )
Brian
Brian Austin Whitney Founder Just Plain Folks jpfolkspro@gmail.com Skype: Brian Austin Whitney Facebook: www.facebook.com/justplainfolks"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
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I didn't know that about the quick reply glitch, but it was obvious to me which post you were referring to Brian. Wasn't sure about others though. John
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I've been a member of Taxi for 1½ year. I posted about 20 songs the first year without getting a single forward. The cretique was very helpfull and let me on to another trail - Instrumentals. The last 6 month I've had 6 forwards and I've learned that my Danish accent and my singing skills are simply not good enough to compete with the many exelent tallents using Taxi. I'm yet to experience the big company contacting me and it may never happen, but one thing is for sure: Taxi can be exactly what you need if you want to be a better writer/composer/singer/enginer/musician. But you need to face the fact, that no matter how good you think you are, there are others that does it better than you and untill you are at least as good as those others, you wont have a chance to do well in the business. Another thing I want to point out is the Taxi Tv on youstream.com broadcasting every monday for one hour. Some of those broadcasts contains golden info for plain folks with a disire to improve needed skills.
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Brian,
Once again, you are picking something with me that there is no need for. I have never trashed Taxi. I have met Michael Laskow in DC, and have given his answer to me about using his service. Which is that they are "based in LA, so they have better success in Film and television and that it is totally incumbant on the quality of songs and the demos. I have applauded the Taxi Road Rally and their other events and processes. I have said that Micheal and his entire company have done very good in their intentions and results. They instill discipline as well as set up a bar and networking opportunities. I have said this over and over again.
The "Buy me a Rose" story is one they use which is fine, I also say they did pitch the song. I was told it came from a different source to get to Kenny by his manager. This happens where a song will be pitched from a variety of angles, and everyone claims some part of it's success but I don't think there is one source on anyone's success. Sometimes the writers don't even know the total story.
I also say that you have to check out each individual resource and that professionals use a variety of them, from private song pluggers, publishers, personal contact, and frankly any way you can get them out there. I maintain that the farther you get away from the source, the artists themselves, the managers, producers, etc. you are taking shots in the dark.
Any service or activity be it TAXI, Broadjam, workshops, trips to a music center, writing with any of the above people, even my own services are only one part of the journey and nothing is an end all. I have said this over and over again.
As far as what business I get here, frankly there really isn't any. That is fine. That is not the main reason I come here or have ever come here. Over several years I have worked with many people who have frequented this site as well as doing workshops (FOR FREE) for JPF members in Orange County CA. I do it to keep in contact with people I know and provide a particular point view.
This is my view on Taxi. A fine orgainization I have no problem with, but not a be all to end all. None of us are.
MAB
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Wow, Sounds great. Can you tell us what the names of the songs?albums? Movies or songs that have garnered you that kind of return? Welcome Aboard!
Ray E. Strode
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Yes Tony, I agree with Ray. It would be a great education for us to hear the kind of quality that generates a quarter million in advance.
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Yes, you are 100% misinformed. Neither company is nor claims to be a publisher. In the case of Taxi, they take 0% of any deal you make. So, you may want to have a clue about a topic before you attack someone.
As for the rest of your claims, I know plenty of top notch film composers and those who place a single song in a film almost never get advances anywhere near what you claim. The credits you claim on your Pretty T website don't seem to match a $250K advance. But if that is what you got, did they ever recoup it all?
If you are in fact "Pretty T" as you claim, why not come out and say it? Your credits, as claimed, are fine, but your credibility is damaged when you make false attacks.
Brian
Brian Austin Whitney Founder Just Plain Folks jpfolkspro@gmail.com Skype: Brian Austin Whitney Facebook: www.facebook.com/justplainfolks"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
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Very interesting posts here. Has anyone used MusicXray to pitch songs and what's the thoughts on them?
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Very interesting posts here. Has anyone used MusicXray to pitch songs and what's the thoughts on them? Music Dealers is a semi-similar business also.
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