The Best Music Convention Keeps Getting Better

Music Convention For Independent Artists

Our goal for the Road Rally is to make each one better than the last. We could rest on our laurels and "phone it in", but we don't. We love to see the excitement on the faces of the people who come from all over the world to spend this incredible weekend with us.

And for their effort, we reward them with so much information and access to the top people in the music industry that lots of them tell us they go home with their "heads spinning".

We wouldn't have it any other way.

We love to delight our members and their guests. Not only is the Road Rally the Best convention... it's the only one that's FREE.

And we plan to keep it that way!

I hope you enjoy these photos, and please try to join us next year!

See you then,
Michael

Sony/BMG, A&M Records, Sony Nashville, Columbia Records, Sony Urban

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

Music Convention For Independent Artists

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 Rally attendee.

"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.

See more photos from TAXI's Road Rally here!

"With help from you guys, the music is pouring out and I'm having such fun! Thanks!"

— Willie McCulloch,
TAXI Member

"I had the drive, and the passion. I just needed help, and you keep supplying it."

— Justin K.,
TAXI Member

"I'm really enjoying being a Taxi member, and appreciate all the critiques . . . especially the nice ones!"

— Carole Nelson,
TAXI Member

"Listen to what the critiquer is saying . . . they're usually on the money. Most important of all: don't give up."

— Jimmy Clark,
TAXI Member

"I am enclosing a check for my third year of membership in TAXI. You've got a great thing going, and it's fun being a member."

— Thomas Hipps,
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

"Getting all these critques in the mail is encouraging and instructive as well. Thanks for your help!"

— Lisa Knouse,
TAXI Member

"I am in awe of the sheer volume of amazing ideas to help musicians that you not only come up with, but make into real opportunities."

— Mara,
TAXI Member

"You are making an incredible difference in the lives of musicians and artists trying to break into the business!"

— Rob Khurana,
TAXI Member

"My only regret is that I didn't join TAXI years ago — but it's never too late to make up for lost time."

— Richard Scotti,
TAXI Member

"I am enclosing a check for my third year of membership in TAXI. You've got a great thing going, and it's fun being a member."

— Thomas Hipps,
TAXI Member

"I think I'm lucky that I've found out about TAXI so early in my career."

— Djamel,
TAXI Member

"I have spent my life playing and singing in bands and this is the most real thing I have ever seen."

— Dwight Nichols,
TAXI Member

"TAXI provides opportunities to people who otherwise would have no access to the music industry."

— Tom Wasinger,
TAXI Member

"I have spent my life playing and singing in bands and this is the most real thing I have ever seen."

— Dwight Nichols,
TAXI Member

"I recently got my first deal as a result of a submission to TAXI! I'm very excited to see that this actually works!"

— George Leverett,
TAXI Member