TAXI Road Rally 2006: Music Industry Convention for Songwriters, Bands, Artists

Disc Makers Executive Vice President, Tony VanVeen is a world class expert in marketing. That must be why this very attentive TAXI member snagged a few minutes of his time. Good catch!

"The knowledge I gained at the Rally was priceless to me and the trip itself was well worth every penny it took to get to Hollywood. Thank you to everyone at Taxi for putting on a truly exceptional convention!"

Brett Gillan

"Michael:

I was truly baffled at how you can offer a convention that is worth way more than the annual price of a TAXI membership, let alone the fact that you allow a guest to come for free as well. You could easily charge $400 per person for such an event."

Kerry Cox

Hit songwriter Kara DioGuardi may be the most in-demand writer in the music business, but she's not too busy to take the time to take a CD from a TAXI member. That's why we love her.

TAXI CEO, Michael Laskow surprises member Elliott Park with an award to commemorate his first #1 Hit with the song, 'I Loved Her First," co-written with Walt Aldridge. Elliott got his publishing deal that secured him the cut through his membership with TAXI.

"There is such a wealth of knowledge from the panelists and the people in the industry at the Road Rally that I can't see how anyone could NOT go because if you really want to BE in the Music Industry this Convention is the BEST investment of your time!!"

Steve Archdeacon

"Loved the enthusiasm, energy, and commitment showed from the Road Rally.... oh, and the talent also!!"

Steven Melrose,
A&R,
Virgin Records

Hit Songwriter and legendary teacher of the craft, Steve Seskin, teaches a standing room only Drivers' Ed class at the Road Rally.

(L to R) Linda Kordek, CEO of The Kordek Agency; Michael Laskow, CEO Taxi; Mike Zarin, Sr. Director, Film Trailers & New Media for Groove Addicts; and Victor Rodriquez, Music Director, THQ Video Games pose for a quick shot after the Composers, Trailers, Commercials, and Video Games panel.

"When I joined TAXI, I was told the Road Rally alone would be worth the cost of joining and it is true. My guest could not believe that all that great stuff that was happening at no cost. He said he would expect the tickets to be at least $500 apiece for any other event of this kind, not that there is one. Thanks again, truly a life-altering event."

"The TAXI Road Rally gives aspiring songwriters, composers and artists unprecedented access to industry personnel via workshops, panels and networking opportunities. What an invaluable resource!"

Jeff Freundlich,
Wild Whirled Music

TAXI members loved the hands-on classes provided by Apple Computer at this year's Rally.

Hit in Country songwriter, James Dean Hicks enjoys a light-hearted moment on his panel.

"I've been to dozens of confabs, but none as useful as this."

Crabmeat Thompson

"I hope TAXI members know what a cool organization they are a part of! They've created an avenue for talent to rise to the top. TAXI reduces the "luck" factor and increases the "chance" factor for the truly talented and deserving."

Elliott Park,
TAXI member success story

Legendary artist Robbie Robertson takes a moment to sign an autograph for a happy Rally attendee.

5 Alarm Music's Cassie Lord takes a moment to go over a press kit with a TAXI member.

"Taxi has created an avenue for creative artists to get their work heard by the right people in a way that has integrity and class. Not bad for an industry not always known for those qualities!"

Bud Harner,
A&R Consultant,
Rendezvous Entertainment

"I had a lot of fun being a panelist again at this year's Road Rally. I'm always reminded of how great it is that TAXI is there, not only to inspire musicians to work hard, but that real results can come from their listings. From industry relationships that started with one song and one TAXI listing, my partner, Andy Dodd and I have had songs and productions on over 9 million albums sold over the last 3 years. TAXI is a great company."

Adam Watts,
TAXI success story

This young lady is all smiles while she catches up on her notes after a panel.

ASCAP Vice President, Ralph Murphy appears to be selling a used cup of coffee to a somewhat suspicious audience member.

"Michael,

This was my first Road Rally and it exceeded my expectations ten fold!! The Rally was such an incredible learning, socializing and networking experience. People coming together in such a supportive way without regard to race, religion, age, national origin or gender to learn and motivate each other is something I will never forget. Wish we could find a way to bottle and market it worldwide!! Looking forward to a year of work and progress. Have a great year and see at the 2007 rally."

Leonard Cohen

"TAXI's Road Rally affords the up-and-coming artist or songwriter a priceless opportunity to get up close and personal with some of the music industry's most notable experts."

Kirk Boyer,
Senior Director of A&R,
Lyric Street Records

Another great example of how the Road Rally brings people together from all over the world to join in song. "I'd like to buy the world a coke..."

Unplugged and unafraid! These folks seem to be having a great time jamming in Road Rally Alley.

"There is a feeling of camaraderie at the Road Rally — we are all in this together. The 'networking' is spontaneous, and even the most shy will make friends. This is a must attend event. There are years of knowledge and experience to be gained from this incredible weekend. Next year please make it a week!!"

Hugh Lehane

More Road Rally Photos!

Road Rally 2006:

	Road Rally 2006, part 1

	Road Rally 2006, part 2

	Road Rally 2006, part 3

	Road Rally 2006, part 4

More Road Rally:

	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

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

— Ellen St. Peter,
TAXI Member

"I feel that I met some of the most amazing people I have ever met and will be keeping in touch with these people for a LONG TIME TO COME!"

— Steve Fulton,
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

"The Road Rally was a life changing event and has helped my music career in so many different positive ways."

— Ellen St. Peter,
TAXI Member

"The one-on-one mentoring has been very advantageous for me!"

— Zupe,
TAXI Member

"Just a quick note to say thanks for another great Road Rally. Somehow, every year you make it distinctly better than the year before!"

— Bill Edwards,
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

"I was just amazed at the resources available. I now can't wait to delve deeper into the TAXI resources to expand on the information I learned at the Rally."

— Jennifer Hira,
TAXI Member

"Being able to be around so many people from all walks of life, all having the same purpose (love of music) was truly a blessing."

— Lance Newman,
TAXI Member

"TAXI not only helps me craft better songs, but it hones my people and business skills, as well. And that's worth a lot more than the price of admission."

— Zupe,
TAXI Member

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

— Tom Johnson,
TAXI Member

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

— Nik Sakellarides,
TAXI Member

"We came many thousands of miles to attend the Road Rally convention, and it was worth every inch of the journey."

— Peter Martin,
TAXI Member

"The Road Rally was a life changing event and has helped my music career in so many different positive ways."

— Ellen St. Peter,
TAXI Member