By Michael Laskow
The TAXI Road Rally starts in just a few days. Thursday, November 2, to be exact!
When you consider that thousands of music licensing deals have had their start at the Rally, that’s a date worth marking on your calander!
When you think about the hundreds of thousands of Film and TV Music Placements that have resulted because of those deals, I’m curious as to why some people remain skeptical about TAXI and the Road Rally?
Do musicians choose to remain skeptical so they have an excuse for remaining unsuscessful? Possibly.
Do they say they’re skeptical about TAXI so they can continue to complain about “how unfair the music industry is,” while they ignore how successful TAXI’s members actually are? Probably!
Here’s How to Become Successful
If you’re one of those “skeptical” people, I’d like to challenge you to get off your butt and do something about becoming successful with your music. I’d like to challenge you to read the following quotes and look at the photos and then tell yourself, “TAXI must have made all that stuff up. They must have paid a bunch of strangers to say that amazing stuff about TAXI. They must have photoshopped all those music industry executvies speaking face-to-face with musicans at the Rally.”
Go ahead, I dare you to use your skepticsim as your excuse to remain unsuccessful while other people who are just like you are succeeding. How long have you been trying to “make it” with your music?
When was the last time you actually finished a song or instrumental track and got it hear by somebody who could sign it? C’mon, be honest with yourself!
Tough love? Yeah, but maybe that’s exactly what you need!
How Can You Say “No” to FREE?
Remember, the Road Rally is FREE for every TAXI member a guest of their choosing. You can scratch that excuse off your list! And if you read the quotes below, you’ll be able to scratch every other excuse off your list and finally become successful with your music!
“I’m skeptical of any service that offers to help musicians ‘make it’… so I didn’t know what to expect. …90% of [the TAXI Road Rally] was the most focused, specific, high-quality advice I’ve ever seen distributed in a seminar format.”
-Stephen Fortner, Editor, Keyboard Magazine
“This was my first TAXI Road Rally, and I have to admit I was a bit skeptical of the claims that it could "change my life.” The first day blew my doubts away. Inspiring, helpful speakers and teachers from the upper echelons of the music industry willingly sharing their knowledge. Rooms full of people with similar interests, all excited to talk to complete strangers. I got an excellent critique of my music from an exec at a famous publisher, and made lots of contacts. I'll never be able to thank you enough!”
-Dave Ogden, TAXI member
"The TAXI Road Rally is the best conference I have ever been to for musicians looking to become better at songwriting, performing, networking, and marketing."
-Ariel Hyatt, Social Media Expert
Music Supervisor Jacob Nathan gives feedback during a One-to-One Mentoring session during the first day of TAXI's Road Rally.
“Many relationships began for me at the Rally, not only with fellow members, but also with music library owners and publishers who eventually signed my music. I would not have any of the success I have had so far without the TAXI Road Rally. It’s a no-brainer in my opinion, if you’re serious about your career.”
-Robbie Hancock, TAXI Member
“I have made more contacts in the industry and made several deals from people I’ve met at the Rally. Not to mention the friends I’ve made. It’s hard to describe in words. You just have to experience it for yourself.”
-Steve Barden, TAXI Member
"The Rally removed any doubt I have about TAXI. When my renewal is due, I'm signing up for two years!"
-Felix Wong, TAXI member
“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, Hit Songwriter, 50 Million Records
"I just returned home last night from my first Road Rally. I learned more in three days about the business of music than I have from 45 years in playing bars. It was great, I loved it, and I will be back next year."
-Dean Brittain, TAXI Member
Right after his track was played, young Benjamin Sinek was called up to the stage for a lunch invitation by veteran A&R people Ron Harris and Andrea Torchia. Everybody in the ballroom was stunned by how good Benjamin’s track was! This young man is going to pack stadiums in the not too distant future!
“I almost never come away from anything like this even remotely impressed, let alone enough to write an editor’s letter about it. I now believe that for anyone who starts with a baseline of motivation and talent, a year in TAXI and one visit to the Road Rally will do more for you then ten NAMM shows worth of schmoozing…”
-Stephen Fortner, Editor, Keyboard Magazine
“Andy and I had a great time at the TAXI Road Rally this year. It's always fun and a little surreal for us to come back as panelists and remember what it was like to be out in the audience during the panels dreaming about future success. We're truly grateful to TAXI and to Michael Laskow for being true to their claims and getting our music out there to the people who can really do something with it. One single connection made for us by TAXI has resulted in our songs and productions being on over 45 million albums sold over the last three and half years. And then they gave us the Inspiration Award this year! TAXI is the one that deserves the award!”
-Adam Watts and Andy Dodd, TAXI members
"I was told that Rally would be a life-changing experience, and it proved to be absolutely true."
-Adriana Lycette, TAXI Member
"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, TAXI Member
“I flew 15 hours from Sao Paulo to LA just for the Rally. And I can tell you: it was one of the best experiences in my life!”
-Rogerio Maudonnet, TAXI Member
“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, TAXI Member
TAXI A&R person and Film/TV music expert Brooke Ferri takes some music from a member during the Mentor Lunch at our 20th Road Rally.
“I would pose this question to anyone who could but didn't come [to the Rally]. Are you serious about music?”
-Terry Anthony, TAXI Member
“Will the Rally be a waste of my time if my music isn't ‘ready?’ I almost didn't go to the Road Rally this year because I didn't feel ready and professional enough. I decided to go anyway, and I'm so glad I did. Not only did I make some incredible contacts, 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, TAXI Member
"What happens at the Rally is nothing short of magic, and in my case, life-changing. If you’ve frequented the Forums and TAXI TV, you now get to put real faces to the names of the people you’ve chatted with. And if you were using the Peer-to-Peer section of the Forums, now a lot of these people have even heard your music. When you get to the Rally, if you’ve used all the tools TAXI offers, it’s the Super Bowl."
-Marcus Cohen, TAXI Member
"Do what you need to in order to attend the Road Rally in November. It is an information gold mine, an amazing social atmosphere and a major motivator."
-Paul Croteau, TAXI Member
"Thank you all for welcoming me (us) with open arms… it really feels like being part of an amazing family… And to the new members... follow the plan… don't get down… keep creating and trust your path and the process. Go ‘all-in’ with TAXI. Try the listings, get on Taxi TV, GET ON/STAY ON these forums... they are priceless. AND FOR THE LOVE OF GOD GET TO NEXT YEAR'S RALLY. It is an impossible event to describe… and trust me, despite what any of us say, it will far surpass your expectations."
-Adriana Lycette, TAXI Member
Crucial Music's Joy Springer takes some time chatting with TAXI member Clark van Norris after she finished her Music Library panel.
"The experience not only lived up to my expectations, it surpassed them!"
-Russ Reiter, TAXI Member
"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."
-Craig Larson, TAXI member
"I nearly didn't make the trip over from Hong Kong, thinking that it was too early to benefit from the Rally after joining only 6 months ago. I couldn't have been more wrong, and this really was one of the most outstanding and enriching events I have ever been to."
-Andrew, TAXI member
"I speak at a lot of music events nationally and internationally throughout the year. The TAXI Road Rally is my favorite – by miles."
-Debra Russell, Career Coach
"The TAXI Road Rally is an extremely energizing experience for everyone including artists, songwriters, and composers. So many contacts are made at the Rally, and there is so much to learn. Attending the Rally can be a career-changing weekend. You really can’t put a price on this. Attending the Rally is an investment, not an expense. Place a priority on this and make it happen."
-Russell Landwehr, TAXI Member
Music Library owner Donna Ross-Jones takes a minute to speak with TAXI Composer Brian Curtin when she finished her panel.
"I gotta say, it lived up to the hype and then some. That was one of the greatest experiences of my life."
-Mike Baressi, TAXI Member
"TAXI and the Road Rally have been the best investment in my musical career that I ever made. Nobody delivers like TAXI!"
-Kurt Kreimier, TAXI Member
"The entire atmosphere at the Rally is like... one big family. My wife said that she didn't want to leave such a warm environment to go back to the real world. Neither did I."
-Clay Butler, TAXI member
"If you can only go to one convention, go to the TAXI Road Rally"
-Rob Chiarelli, Multi-platinum, 2 X Grammy winning mixer/producer
"The Rally simply has to be experienced to be believed. Thank you TAXI for being so extraordinary!"
-Suzannah Doyle, TAXI member
"If someone has found a company that offers more opportunities in so many aspects of this business please tell me."
-Lee Johnson, TAXI member
Hit Songwriter Jud Friedman co-wrote the mega-hit "Run to You" with his writing partner Allan Rich. After they finished their "Stories Behind the Songs," Jud took time to chat with TAXI member Tamara Miller and many others!
"The Road Rally, I cannot recommend highly enough. It is fun, and informative. It’s free. You should check how much similar industry events around the country cost. You might not have much of a chance to meet that many people who are making money from their music in the same place at the same time. You can have your pieces played and live critiqued in front of industry pros and they might ask to take home a copy of something they like."
-Andy Gabrys, TAXI Member
"I was very impressed with the support, enthusiasm and excitement generated by TAXI members. Clearly, TAXI’s service is something they truly believe in. Their energy certainly got my attention. I think TAXI did a great job with their conference."
-Jerry Davis, Music Supervisor, Fox Sports
"This year's Rally was my first. I was impressed with how many panels and workshops they offered at the event. TAXI provides direct access to top level executives and songwriters giving its members an incredible opportunity.”
-Mike Elizondo, Hit Songwriter and Producer; 50 Cent, Eminem, Snoop Dogg, and Busta Rhymes
"I was thrilled to be apart of this year's TAXI convention. I am a big fan of TAXI and how it supports the realization of people's musical dreams."
-Kara DioGuardi, Songwriter/Producer; Celine Dion, Faith Hill, Kelly Clarkson, Santana, Taylor Hicks, Hannah Montana, and many others.
“TAXI teaches us how to reach the bar that is set so high in this industry. Most companies would have rejected the vast majority of us long ago, rather than teach us how to reach the bar and be competitive in the industry.”
-Kevin Mathie, TAXI Member
TAXI member Russell Landwehr (left) meets Music Supervisor Jonathan Weiss in the foreground, while his friend and fellow member Pedro Costa (left, rear) meets Reality Show Editor David McCintosh in the background. Gotta love the connections that are made at the Road Rally!
"The Rally is already perhaps the most focused, educational and even life-changing music convention out there."
-Matt Hirt, TAXI Member
“TAXI’s Road Rally is often the first and only chance many of these people ever have to connect with the industry they want to be part of."
-Cliff Audretch III, Sr. Dir. A&R/Staff Producer, Universal Records South
“The Rally exceeded my expectations. TAXI is a shining example of ethics in a jaded industry, putting in countless hours for the benefit of its members, going above and beyond what most businesses would do.”
-Nomi Yah, TAXI Member
“The music professionals at the Road Rally are among the most humble, funny, encouraging, generous, and helpful professionals I've ever met.”
-John Cimino, TAXI member
TAXI member F.M. Cossey came all the way from New Zealand to join us at the Rally, so we're really happy that she got to meet Publisher Bob Mair and ask him a question or two.
“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.”
-Vikki Flawith, TAXI member
“I had a blast at the Rally this year. The Mentor Luncheons were the greatest! I loved being able to actually hand my CD's to those A&R folks! I'll be back next year!”
-Rebecca Dale Peaden, TAXI member
“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.”
-LJ, TAXI member
“Michael, the Road Rally was phenomenal! I met people from all over and actually
got to meet several major label A&R guys! I've already gotten an email from
one of them so it just goes to show that they DO take the time to listen to
what you give them. See ya next year Michael!”
-NIKO, TAXI member
“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, TAXI member
“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 Archdecon, TAXI member
What Are You Waiting For?
So, there you have it. Plenty of evidence that the TAXI Road Rally coud very well be the thing that dramatically increase your chances of licenses your music. It’s all up to you atthis point. We hope you can join us on November 2!