The 29th TAXI Road Rally music conference is in the books, and by all accounts, it was a smash hit. But rather than hearing it from us, we think this quote from TAXI member Andre Stepanian sums up what it’s like to attend the Rally:
“I can't believe I'm here once again!! First year: shy and trying to make friends only with two libraries; second year: signed tracks, gazillion collabs, placement, and with fourteen libraries; third year: being invited to group dinners, hangouts with members that I have worked with that I wished I would be a part of in the first year. Michael promised us that every year would be better than the last one, and he delivered.
For those who have never attended a Road Rally or think TAXI is fake, you need to try to make the next one, and I assure you, when you do, you will have a moment of regret for why you waited so long to do so. I will never miss a TAXI Road Rally. Onwards to 2026!!!”
—Andre Stepanian, Vancouver, Canada
Off to the races with a full ballroom despite the government shutdown and tons of canceled flights!
The Keynote Panel – It’s Not the Best Music, We Need the Right Music, with panelists (left to right) Biagio Messina (Executive Producer), Ryan Gaines (Music Licensing Executive), Frank Palazzolo (Music Supervisor), and Brock Carlson (TV Editor).
Networking at the Road Rally is legendary, and this year was no exception. Many said it was the best ever!
“I flew over from the UK for my first RR this year, apprehensive, excited, and exhausted by the time I arrived. What a fantastic event. I was able to meet library owners I currently work with, new libraries, fellow composers, and get some seriously good education. It’s like I have progressed three years in one weekend - extraordinary!”— Darren Glover, Cheshire, UK
Panelists (and all-star TAXI members) from the Where Do I Start? What Do I Do First? panel (left to right), Greg Carrozza, Keith LuBrant, Matt Vander Boegh, and Chuck Henry cracking up right before they hit the stage.
Music Row publisher Steve Bloch giving great feedback to a member during a One-to-One Mentor session.
Steve Clark (standing) was the first TAXI member to land a music library deal and a TV placement in 1995. Prior to that, music libraries only had music from professional composers in their catalogs. TAXI and Steve Clark started a revolution that changed the face of music licensing for indie musicians all over the world.
“TAXI’s Road Rally gave me the opportunity to meet with a library owner who, for 15 minutes, listened to some of my stuff and spoke with me about the library. We met again later during the Rally weekend, right there at the hotel, and firmed up the start of a new working relationship. This is how attending the Rally can become a golden opportunity. There’s really nothing that compares with a face-to-face meeting.”—Glenn Rueger, Torrance, CA
The Eat & Greet Luncheons have become legendary for deals, placements, and collaborations. From the TAXI staff’s perspective, it’s organized chaos.
Six-time Grammy winner Rob Chiarelli dishes up some mentoring during one of the luncheons. Members who didn’t attend probably don’t get many opportunities like that where they live.
Music licensing executives (left to right) Jeff Freundlich, Stephanie Reid, Geoff Seigel, and Dan Waldkirch on the Film & TV Song Pitch and Feedback panel. They look like they’re making a serious point in this shot.
“The Road Rally was the most transformative music-related weekend I've experienced in a very long time. The sessions were practical and informative. So many of my questions were answered. I'm a wallflower when it comes to large groups, and I don't know people. Everybody was so friendly that I couldn't find a wall to back into!”—Sheryl Martin, Decatur, GA
TAXI members essentially overtake the entire hotel during the Rally, and jam sessions pop up in the lobby, hallways, and every other nook and cranny of the hotel.
The Game On! Breaking Into Video Game Music panel was exceptional! Panelists (left to right) Reid Heidel (Senior Composer–Sound Designer at AGS) and award-winning AAA game composers Hillel Teplitzki and Nir Shor were nothing short of amazing, and the audience members were blown away by what they learned.
AAA game composer Hillel Teplitzki took time to hang out with some TAXI members after he wrapped up his panel.
“I am a first-year TAXI member. I’m so grateful that I made the commitment to attend the Road Rally. It was everything and more than it was promised to be. Next year is already on my calendar!”—Susan Peloza, Apple Valley, CA
We love our sponsors, and it’s easy to see why when you get smiles like this all weekend long from the ladies at Hear Technologies.
These highly accomplished women did an incredible job of encouraging more women (and men) to break free from dependency, gain confidence in the studio, and build the skills that turn inspiration into finished tracks. They are (left to right) moderator Robina Ritchie-Barker, Sharon Farber (Award-Winning Composer and Producer), Kim Tibbs (Chart-Topping Songwriter, Artist, and Producer), and Christine Wu (Virtuoso Violinist, Composer, and Producer).
TAXI member Julius J. Davis Jr. playing keys late one night in the Jam Room. Tons of fun, and some great music to boot!
“I used to go to TAXI’s Road Rally to be discovered. Now I just go to discover. There is only one TAXI, and every Rally is truly unique.”—Carl Wurzbach, Staten Island, NY
We love to kid music library owner Chuck Henry that he never smiles when he’s on a panel. In his defense, neither were Steve Barden, Matt Vander Boegh, or Jim Thacker. They were concentrating on the track being played, getting ready to give some insightful feedback on the Instrumental Pitch and Feedback panel.
Game composer Reid Heidel takes time to chat with TAXI member Christopher Alvarez Quiros after the video game music panel.
Music licensing executives David DeMarco (left) and Jeff Freundlich gave some great advice about zigging when everybody else zags during the Hidden Gold: Riches in the Niches panel.
“TAXI’s Road Rally surpassed all my expectations. I walked in curious and left genuinely inspired. Being surrounded by talented musicians, creative minds, and meaningful ideas lit something up in me. I left excited about what’s possible, and honestly, I couldn’t wait to get home and start creating.”—Aina K., Calabasas, CA
Music licensing executive David DeMarco sharing his expertise with some TAXI members after he finished his panel. The Road Rally is famous for how accessible the industry experts are to the attendees.
Music library owner Jeff Freundlich appears to be taking a business card or thumb drive from an audience member after his panel.
Where Do I Start? What Do I Do First? panelists (left to right) Keith LuBrant, Matt Vander Boegh, Chuck Henry, and Greg Carrozza strike a pose with TAXI CEO Michael Laskow when their panel finished up.
“My favorite moment was in the mentor lunch, seeing the grin of a first-time attendee after hearing me say, ‘I’ve been where you are, TAXI is legit, and changed my life. You belong here, keep coming back.’ The member shed a tear, and then my eyes misted up a bit, too!!”—James Kocian, Green Bay, WI
TAXI member Del Mize didn’t hold back when he tested the awesome microphones at the Warm Audio booth.
Michael Laskow, Michael Lloyd, Rob Chiarelli, and Tony Van Veen did an after-hours hangout in the ballroom, and from the looks of things, they really enjoyed themselves—especially Michael Lloyd!
Another fun jam in the Jam Room on Saturday night!
“Everyone was friendly (including all the support staff), and I was made welcome despite being a lone traveler with no previous friends/acquaintances. I’m much clearer about where I want to take my music and learned a ton to boot. It’s been a genuinely career-changing (and possibly life-changing) experience, and I cannot recommend it enough.”— Edward Bryan, Sheffield, UK
Composer Marc Jovani gave a master class on orchestral composing in the ballroom. He’s a very talented and inspiring teacher!
Orchestral composer Marc Jovani chatting with a Taxi member after he finished his Master Class.
TAXI still runs listings for major and indie record labels, so we do a Label Listening panel in the private theater at the hotel. A&R people, publishers, and managers listen and give feedback.
“I’m not sure I can remember a better weekend. The TAXI staff were so friendly and helpful. In the Happy Ending feedback panel, they played our entire song. It received really great feedback, and I signed it and several other songs with no less than three libraries. It might be my best weekend ever. P.S. Don’t tell my wife!”—David Finch, Costa Mesa, CA
Hollywood film composer Brian Ralston did a session on the main stage called The Business of Music: Everything but the Notes, and it was nothing short of fantastic! He took time to hang out with TAXI members after his session and give them even more great advice.
Music attorney Ben McLane (right) holds court during one of the Eat & Greet luncheons.
We don’t know who this young lady is, but she did a great performance at one of the Open Mics.
“The TAXI Road Rally music conference is my adult version of Christmas. I spend all year looking forward to it, and can’t sleep the night before it starts. There’s a reason I call this the BEST music conference in the world. Four non-stop days of the kind of education that’s not taught in ANY music program in the world. Thank you TAXI for such an amazing weekend!!!”—Matthew Vander Boegh, Nampa, ID
Multi-Platinum producer and A&R executive Ron Harris (back to camera) is so incredibly generous with his time and wisdom at the Rally each year. As you can see, this year was no different.
Music licensing executive Stephanie Reid listens intently to library owner Geoff Seigel during the Happy Ending Listening panel. Both of them are incredibly smart and articulate people, and we’re always excited when they join us for the Rally.
This year’s winner of the nearly $6,000 prize package for the PRS Pop Up Studio, Brenna Swanger, and her carts full of booty. How did she get it all home is the question?!
Legendary record producer Michael Lloyd (left) and six-time Grammy-winning mixer/producer Rob Chiarelli always have a great time when they’re on a panel together. The wisdom they impart is also legendary.
“TAXI’s Road Rally has presented me with many opportunities I would not have otherwise had, including signing music to a library, meeting my collaborator, meeting my awesome mentors, and getting the feedback and education to help me grow as a production music composer. I know I’m far farther along in my composer journey due to this conference.”—Ethan Morrisette, Owatanna, MN
We always close out the Rally with the Happy Ending Listening panel, and it’s a fan favorite because the people selected for this panel are unbelievably good at giving musical and career advice.
The TAXI staff gets a very well-deserved ovation at the end of the Rally. They are (left to right): Eric Anderson, Liz Cohen, Ashmita Deo, Debra Laskow, Matt Hutchison, Angel Maradiaga, Michelle Montoya, Aaron Overton, Craig Pilo, and Tom Stillwagon. They work incredibly hard for a very long time to make sure each and every Road Rally attendee has an experience that can’t be matched at any other music conference.
“All of the Road Rally was excellent and well worth the long journey. I am really grateful for the friendships and connections I've made over the four years I've been attending. I loved all the sessions!”—Peter Kirkbride, Dorset, UK
Yes sir, that’s our baby! TAXI owns this classic 1968 Checker Marathon, and she only comes out to play once a year—at the Road Rally, of course! It’s fun to see TAXI members taking selfies with her. She loves the attention!