TAXI Transmitter December 2006 Headline: The TAXI Road Rally 2006

Christian Music expert, Michael Puryear from Final Four/Universal Music, says it's "This close."

"It still amazes me more people don't take advantage of this opportunity! At first I didn't think I could afford to go. After thinking it through, I realized I couldn't afford NOT to go."

Blessings,
Craig Larson

"As always, this year's Road Rally did not disappoint and it continues to be the best music convention out there. TAXI continues to prove that it is the greatest single resource available for musicians and songwriters to get their art into the hands of the people that matter most in the industry. Great work, Michael and staff!"

Mike Colledge,
Musician finance,
Merrill Lynch

Successful Members panelists, Matt Hirt (earns his entire living from music as result of TAXI deals), Elliott Park (landed publishing deal through TAXI, that resulted in #1 Country Hit), Michael Laskow, Denny Earnest (earns his entire living from music as result of TAXI deals), Adam Watts & Andy Dodd (one TAXI forward resulted in deals that brought them cuts on 9 million albums so far, and a hit with Jesse McCartney).

Electronic Music expert Barbara Cohen takes a CD from a member.

"I flew 15 hours from Sao Paulo to LA just for that. And I can tell you: it was one of the best experiences in my life!"

Best Regards,
Rogerio Maudonnet

"Michael,

"There is such an intense level of reciprocal energy and enthusiasm between everyone at the Rally, that I'm still buzzing from it. As the saying goes, "Be there or be square."

Cheers,
Joe Slyzelia

The Mentor Luncheon in full swing. Nine members and a mentor at each table, with the mentors rotating every fifteen minutes.

These members are hanging on every word that Country Music mentor Diana Williamson says.

"My experience at my first TAXI Road Rally panel was fun and informative to me. I thought the panel questions were great and gave us a chance to address misconceptions about A&R and give people a real sense of what we are looking for and how our process works. The listening session was great as well as it gave us a chance to show what we do with real music, with the artist and or writer present. Thanks for the experience."

Guy C. Routte,
A&R Consultant,
Sony Urban

"Michael,

What can I say? A tremendous, fabulous conference. The Road Rally is THE best, bar none!"

Gilli Moon

Urban Music expert Stacey Turner definitely has the attention of these two gentlemen at the Mentor Luncheon.

The Publishing all-stars line up for a photo after their panel. (L to R) Ted Lowe, President of Choicetracks; Judy Stakee, Sr. V.P., Warner Chappell; Michael Laskow; Jeff Freundlich, President, Wired Whirled Music; Cassie Lord, General Mgr., 5 Alarm Music; Michael Eames, President, Pen Music Group.

"Once again, I was blown away by the level of talent I found at the Road Rally. As far as I'm concerned, it's the top educational and networking event in the music business and I recommend it in all of my books and workshops. Bravo!"

Jason Blume,
Best-selling author (Billboard Books) / Songwriter with more than 50 million album sales

"What an honor to serve on the Taxi Rally Panel, total "Pro Company" heads up and informative, and creative, you have to be in this business to survive. TAXI opens doors."

Denny Earnest,
TAXI Success Story

Judy Stakee listens to a member's question while Jeff Freundlich appears to be sneaking a peek at her notes. Maybe he's trying to figure out how she was so highly instrumental in launching Sheryl Crow's career.

Camille and Kelly Rudisill of the band, Karmina, surrounded by young men in the jam area of Road Rally Alley. We have the feeling these young ladies attract young men wherever they go!

"I would pose this question to anyone who could but didn't come. Are you serious about music?"

Terry Anthony

"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

A couple of happy members stand and deliver near the entrance to Road Rally Alley. The sign said, Play, Jam, Collaborate, and Hang Out Here, and hundreds of people did just that.

A member takes a few minutes to update his iPod while poolside. Ahhh... Los Angeles in November!

"Michael,

I almost didn't go to the Road Rally this year because I didn't feel ready and professional enough, with a new demo and nice business cards, etc. I decided last minute to go anyways, and I'm so glad I did. Not only did I make some incredible contacts (that I can send my new demo to once it's ready), but also I came home feeling much more professional and knowledgeable about the industry and my own direction as an artist.

Thanks again for opening so many doors for me!"

Celia Rose

"Yet another reason a TAXI membership pays for itself. The Road Rally is priceless!"

Derek Sivers,
president,
CD Baby

John Braheny, author of 'The Craft and Business of Songwriting,' gives some pretty heavy-duty advice to this member at the One to One Mentoring Sessions.

Two-time Grammy Nominated Producer, Frank Fuchs gives some Grammy-level advice to this member at the One to One Mentoring Sessions.

"What a great convention. This was my first year, and I could not get over the fact that it's FREE! I cannot figure out why TAXI's not charging $400-$500 for something of that caliber."

Kerry Cox
from TAXI message boards

"There were so many great speakers and classes that choosing between them was difficult! It's amazing that you can 'get up close and personal' with so many music industry people at the Rally. I also loved the opportunity to listen to/participate in music-making, at the open mics and jams. I came away with a real sense of how high the bar is, but yet also a real belief that I can reach that bar if I work at it."

Cheers,
Vikki Flawith

Michael Lloyd (wearing sunglasses) has produced more than 100 Gold and Platinum Records and hundreds of songs for film and TV during his lengthy career. These five lucky members were finalists in a contest to work with him on one of their songs in his studio in Beverly Hills. Richard Harris (4th from left) won, and he his joined by (from the left): Amy Monaghan, Karen Jacobsen, Sunny Hilden, and Joseph Alley.

We had to add Steve Corn (Co-founder, Big Fish Media, in striped shirt) to the Declaration of Independents panel for obvious reasons! The gents with the shaved heads are (L to R) Tony VanVeen, Exec. V.P., Disc Makers; Michael Colledge, V.P. and Financial Advisor, Merill Lynch; and Derek Sivers, Founder and President, CDBaby; and Michael Laskow (with hair).

"It was a real honor to speak at the this year's Road Rally. TAXI is simply a fantastic organization and their commitment to working with aspiring music talent is truly commendable. The Rally was an unabashed success for all of the presenters and guests that were fortunate enough to attend!"

Mike Zarin,
Senior Director,
Film Trailers and New Media, Groove Addicts

"Even if you suck at schmoozing you'd still get a ton out of the Rally. I honestly believe if everybody knew what they were missing by not attending the Rally, they would start saving up TODAY for next year."

Matt Hirt

Good friends Michael Laskow (standing) and Derek Sivers (CDBaby) yuck it up at somebody else's expense.

TAXI's Sr. Director of A&R, Chris Baptiste, and the entire audience listen carefully to a panel response during the Publishers Listening panel.

"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

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

"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

"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

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

— Alan Abrahams,
TAXI Member

"I'm really glad you guys are there for us!"

— Brad Snyder,
TAXI Member

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

— Tom Wasinger,
TAXI Member

"TAXI provided real access to a nearly inaccessible industry."

— John Mendoza,
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

"I received a giant BMI check from TV airplay that I probably wouldn't have earned without TAXI."

— Julie Ann Bailey,
TAXI Member

"The Road Rally was the most productive weekend of my music career."

— Dean Person,
TAXI Member

"I would like to thank Taxi for helping me and my partner and become more polished writers."

— Liz Aday,
TAXI Member

"I get a lot of music from many different sources, but I find the quality of the music I get from TAXI is always high caliber."

— Tom Vickers,
Senior Director of A&R,
Mercury Records

"I must recommend it to anyone I think is serious about songwriting."

— Dwight Nichols,
TAXI Member

"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