TAXI Road Rally 2005: Music Industry Convention for Songwriters, Bands, Artists

The Major Label A&R panelists pause for a photo after their panel. (L to R) Ken Komisar, V.P. of A&R, Sony/BMG; Tony Ferguson, V.P. of A&R, A&M Records; Michael Laskow, TAXI, CEO; LeeAnn Phelan, Sr. Director of A&R, Sony Nashville; Marshall Altman, A&R Consultant, Columbia Records; Kawan Prather, Executive Vice-President of A&R, Sony Urban.

"You should believe Michael's "hype" about the rally. It alone was worth my membership in TAXI. The programming was incredible, the A-list mentors and speakers were informative and accessible to attendees, and the talented TAXI members were some of the nicest people anyone could hope to meet. Thanks, TAXI staff!"

Kathy Greenholdt
Singer/Songwriter
Chicago

"I get invited to dozens of conferences each year, and the TAXI Road Rally is the only one I attend faithfully. This is the best music industry convention in the country, by a mile. There is great practical advice about songwriting, as well as about the business of being an artist."

Tony van Veen,
Discmakers

TAXI's Successful Members Panel 2005 (L to R) Daniel Holter, got his song cut by Emma Roberts on Columbia; Gary Sredzienski, placed two songs in 'Bad News Bears'; TAXI's Michael Laskow; Stuart Ridgway, got a gig doing music for hit TV show, 'Starting Over'; Adam Watts & Andy Dodd, had a huge hit with their song, 'Beautiful Soul' after TAXI connected them with Jesse McCartney's team.

Okay... the Rally is a great place to meet music industry celebs up close and personal, but it looks like this guy might be getting a little too close. Hit songwriter (and really good sport) Tia Sillers ('I Hope you Dance') seems to be taking it all in stride, more or less. We promise to hire security next year Tia ;-)

Dear Friends,

This was my 4th Road Rally and once again I was blown away by what a great weekend it was. TAXI went above and beyond this time. If anyone left without a notebook full of useful and inspirational ideas, then they were sleeping in the back.

I've been to many other music conventions and they don't have everything that the TAXI Road Rally has: top notch and relevant speakers who are loaded with great info to share; smart people in the industry who are excited to talk to you and hear your music; and a staff that makes sure that you get the most out of the weekend (they really freakin' care!).

I love the positive buzz of the Rally. I love meeting and hanging out with some really great musicians. I love feeling totally energized and excited about music every time I come home from one. Do NOT miss next year!

Best,
Stuart Ridgway

"The TAXI Road Rally has always been and still is the best conference for songwriters. Kudos and congratulations to Michael Laskow and a great team."

Barry DeVorzon,
hit songwriter

A&M Records V.P. of A&R, Tony Ferguson taking CDs from audience members.

Hit Songwriter, Steve Seskin (Right w/glasses, songs cut by Tim McGraw, Mark Wills, Neal McCoy, John Michael Montgomery, Colin Raye, and Kenny Chesney) takes time to talk shop with some eager members.

"It is rare that the hype ever lives up to the reality. The Road Rally not only matched the hype, it exceeded it. For those who attended, you know what I mean. For those who didn't; there's always next year. Just save me a seat.

Thanks to Michael, the entire taxi staff, and volonteers for putting on such a superb event. See you next year."

Howard M. Ferber

"With a new "sexier" location and new formats, such as the Desmond Child interview, the Road Rally reached a new plateau of professionalism. Michael Laskow's attention to detail and membership concerns, coupled with the ever-increasing standard of songwriters, made 2005 one of the best Road Rallies."

Tony Ferguson,
Interscope Records

Just to give you a little perspective, this only shows about 20% of the audience in the huge ballroom that held the Rally this year.

Mega Hit songwriter, Desmond Child proudly displays the Lifetime Achievement Award presented to him at this year's Road Rally. Desmond has written songs for, and/or produced records for such diverse artists as Ricky Martin, Aerosmith, Bon Jovi, Hanson, Daryl Hall & John Oates, Cher , Kiss, Michael Bolton, Alice Cooper, Joan Jett, Robbie Williams, Iggy Pop, Bonnie Tyler, Ronnie Spector, Christina Aguilera, BajaMen, Hilary Duff, LeAnn Rimes, Kelly Clarkson, Clay Aiken, and Jesse McCartney, and that's just to name a few.

Dear Michael,

One of the most often asked questions I get from music business students is, "what should I do if I have no connections in the industry"? My answer to them is always, "join TAXI and you will be immediately connected".

As a professor of music industry for almost 15 years one of the things I stress to students is to work in a spirit of cooperation and not competition. The Road Rally provides just such an environment. It is great to be in an industry setting that has that kind of vibe. That's why I'm a member and why I attend the Road Rally whenever I can. It is the best music business conference, period! The fact that's it is free with your TAXI membership makes it unbelievable!

Kudos to you and the TAXI staff.

Robert Porembski
Songwriter/Composer
Professor of Music Industry, Mercy College
TAXI Member

"TAXI puts you and your music in front of decision-makers, and it's in your best interest to attend if you are serious about your career."

Tanvi Patel,
AMZ Music and Point Classics

Does it get any better than this? Pickin' and hangin' with friends by the pool on a balmy November night in the heart of Hollywood.

Chris York (r), (Director of A&R, EMI Christian) checking out a CD from a TAXI Member Laura Principato.

"I truly and sincerely thought that the Taxi Road Rally was the best conference I've attended in the last few years, and that is saying a lot. I have been all across the country, AND europe and attended, spoken and exhibited at probably around 15-20 music conferences... and this weekend was the BEST."

Gilli Moon,
Indie Artist

"The most helpful, encouraging, and educational conference I have EVER attended!"

Derek Sivers, president,
CD Baby

The Hit Songwriters panelists strike a pose after their panel. (L to R) Kara DioGuardi; Michael Laskow (moderator), Tia Sillers, Barry DeVorzon, Ron Miller, and Mark Selby.

More Road Rally Photos!

Road Rally 2005:

	Road Rally 2005, part 1

	Road Rally 2005, part 2

	Road Rally 2005, part 3

More Road Rally:

	Road Rally 2008

	Road Rally 2007

	Road Rally 2006

	Road Rally 2005

	Road Rally 2004

	Road Rally 2003

	Road Rally 2002

	Road Rally 2001

	Road Rally 2000

	Road Rally 1999

	Road Rally 1998

"The TAXI rally was one of the most wonderful experiences I have had in our business."

— Alan Abrahams,
TAXI Member

"What a fantastic Road Rally. Every time we go it gets better! We learned so much and now we are ready to roll!"

— Nancy & Phil Halpin,
TAXI Members

"Just want to thank you again for the great Road Rally and for all the great work you guys do for us all year long."

— Hunter Payne,
TAXI Member

"Thank you again for trying so hard to make everyone feel like they are a part of this and keeping the quality so high!!"

— Steve Fulton,
TAXI Member

"Some of the greatest musical information and networking ever presented in one glorious place."

— Ellen St. Peter,
TAXI Member

"I seriously didn't expect such a loving, openhearted and giving group of people."

— Nik Sakellarides,
TAXI Member

"The way I figure it, I get the return on my membership investment three times over, just from the Rally."

— Bill Edwards,
TAXI Member

"Thank you for the singularly most exciting weekend for me as a composer and songwriter."

— Nik Sakellarides,
TAXI Member

"Again, it was great. It was my fifth and I came away inspired and full of new ideas."

— Tom Johnson,
TAXI Member

"After the rally, the friend that I brought looked at me and said, "I'll never hear a song the same way again.""

— Zupe,
TAXI Member

"Where else could an old hippy, pro country guitarist/writer from California meet a techno-dance programmer from England and develop a close friendship?"

— Tom Johnson,
TAXI Member

"This was the first one I've been to and it was enlightening, inspirational and extremely helpful."

— Scott Atkinson,
TAXI Member

"Thank you again for trying so hard to make everyone feel like they are a part of this and keeping the quality so high!!"

— Steve Fulton,
TAXI Member

"Business is business, but TAXI has a heart. I wanted to send my praise to you for creating this "family" of members."

— Tom Johnson,
TAXI Member