TAXI Road Rally 2007

“This was my first Rally and I w as expecting it to be great, but when I tell you that it was life-changing, I'm not exaggerating even one bit.”

Photos by James DiModica

Kara DioGuardi with Michael Laskow at TAXI Road Rally 2007

Mega-Hit Songwriter/Producer Kara DioGuardi (songs on 100 Million CDs including Faith Hill, Christina Aguilera, Gwen Stefani, Kelly Clarkson and many, many more), during her Keynote interview with TAXI CEO Michael Laskow in front of a packed house.

"I read all the testimonials saying that getting free tickets to the Rally alone was worth the membership fee, but I still had my doubts. After experiencing it first hand I could not agree with them more!"

Thomas Courtney

Don Griffin (Left) beaming after being presented with the Musician Advocacy Award right after Kara DioGuardi (Center) had been presented with TAXI's Humanitarian of the Year Award by Michael Laskow (Right).

TAXI's Teaching Concert was a great success. (L to R) Hit songwriter Adam Watts (Jesse McCartney, Hannah Montana, High School Musical & more); wife Natalie Watts; songwriting partner Andy Dodd; hit Country writer Don Rollins (Five O'clock Somewhere); and hit songwriter Jason Blume (Backstreet Boys, Britney Spears & more) joined by TAXI's Michael Laskow shortly after receiving their standing ovation.

"The Rally DID live up to the "hype." All of the seminars were very informative and were worth the membership fee at three times the cost!"

Randy Merrill

"The 2007 Road Rally was the most stimulating gathering of all levels of songwriters and artists I have ever attended. TAXI does it right, at all levels."

Don Rollins,
Hit Songwriter
('5 O'Clock Somewhere')

A fisheye view of the highly successful Mentor Lunch where members got to meet and greet industry professionals while dining.

Mega-Hit Songwriter Jason Blume (R) (songs on 50,000,000 CDs) holding court and dispensing great advice at a Mentor Lunch table while a TAXI member looks on.

"In four days I was able to amass information, wisdom and contacts that could have taken a decade or more to acquire by any other means — if ever at all."

Aub Delane Robertson

"If someone has found a company that offers more opportunities in so many aspects of this business please tell me."

Lee Johnson

Striking a pose after the Major Label A&R panel are (L to R) TAXI's Michael Laskow; Bob Baker, buzzfactor.com; Brian Howes, CEO Wreck Beach/Interscope Records; Sara Kapuchinski, Director of A&R, Chrysalis Music; Autumn House, Sr. Director of A&R Capitol Nashville.

Tons of hits have been written by these gentlemen. Hit Country songwriter Don Rollins (Five O'clock Somewhere); Brian Howes, CEO Wreck Beach/Interscope Records; TAXI's Michael Laskow; Hit songwriter Adam Watts (Jesse McCartney, Hannah Montana, High School Musical & more); Adam's songwriting partner Andy Dodd; Mike Elizondo (50 Cent, Eminem, Snoop Dogg, Busta Rhymes & more).

"TAXI provides direct access to top level executives and songwriters, giving its members an incredible opportunity."

Mike Elizondo,
Hit Songwriter,
50 Cent, Eminem

"I traveled 16,000 kilometers from Johannesburg, South Africa to come to the Rally. What a brilliant job you all did. It was worth every cent."

Rob Richards

Adam Watts (L) and Andy Dodd (R) are presented with TAXI Inspiration Awards by Michael Laskow. One TAXI 'forward' resulted in Watts & Dodd having their songs on more than 20 Million CDs in a three and half year period.

Mega-hit Urban songwriter Mike Elizondo (50 Cent, Eminem, Snoop Dogg, Busta Rhymes & more), hanging out and chatting with a TAXI member shortly after completing his panel.

"The Rally is already perhaps the most focused, educational and even life changing music convention out there."

Matt Hirt

"This was my first Rally. I thought my expectations were unrealistically high, but the reality was they weren't nearly high enough. It turned out to be the most meaningful and productive experience of my professional career — period."

Aub Delane Robertson

Mega-hit songwriter Kara DioGuardi taking a CD from TAXI member Robert Cooper.

Legendary A&R person Don Grierson (L) seems to be enjoying the company of several TAXI members during the Mentor Lunch.

"I met many other writers and everyone was very easy to talk to. I came by myself... I was not disappointed, or feeling lonely, left out, whatever. It was great! Thanks!"

Doug Neckers

"Getting the messages directly from the industry pros who make it all happen is truly an exceptional membership benefit."

Randy Merrill

Top Christian music publisher, Michael Puryear, obviously surprised by what he sees on this young lady's CD cover. We're trying to get a copy for the office ;)

Hit songwriter Andy Dodd (R) joyfully looks on as fellow hit songwriter Don Rollins performs his mega hit 'Five O'clock Somewhere' at the Road Rally Teaching Concert.

"This was my first Road Rally. One word: FANTASTIC !! Okay I'll add another INSPIRATIONAL! Alright one more, MOTIVATIONAL!"

Dan McCafferty

"There's more of a down-to-earth energy at the Taxi Rally than I've experienced at many of the other music conferences I've been to."

Debra Gussin

Vice President/General Manager of Domo/Kampai Records, Dino Malito is left holding the bag — quite literally. We're pretty sure it was full of CDs from happy TAXI members who work in the World music, New Age & Electronica genres.

Legendary songwriting coach and author of 'The Craft of Business of Songwriting' John Braheny (L) during a One to One Mentor Session.

"Another great Rally experience! It's always a pleasure to meet & greet. I hope I'm invited back."

Autumn House,
Sr. Director A&R,
Capitol Records, Nashville

"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 was cynical at first, but my wife convinced me to join and I'm very impressed."

— L.A. Van Fleet,
TAXI Member

"The Road Rally is worth at least 4 times the cost of my TAXI membership, and it's free!"

— Dale Gustavson,
TAXI Member

"We appreciate all that you do and try to do to help us struggling songwriters!"

— Pat Harris,
TAXI Member

"I just want a shot, and I feel that TAXI has given that to me."

— Roger Yeardley,
TAXI Member

"Thanks to TAXI I no longer have a day job! The membership fee was a drop in the bucket compared to what I have earned because of TAXI."

— George Nelson,
TAXI Member

"Wow! 6 forwards for one listing! Thanks guys, you made my day (week, month, etc!)"

— Reid Power,
TAXI Member

"We appreciate all that you do and try to do to help us struggling songwriters!"

— Pat Harris,
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

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

— Liz Aday,
TAXI Member

"I've known most of TAXI's A&R people for years. These are real industry pros. I'd be happy to listen to anything they send me."

— John Carter,
Vice President of A&R,
Island Records

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

— Carole Nelson,
TAXI Member

"I've been to tons of music seminars put on by reputable companies. None of them have ever come close to the Road Rally."

— Stuart Ridgway,
TAXI Member

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

— Willie McCulloch,
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

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

— Tom Wasinger,
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

"My writing and production skills have improved 200%! Although some credit belongs to me for such hard work, a lot belongs to you!"

— Chris Musulin,
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