Listings or libraries.. Where do you put your faith...

[johnlewitt]

Man, this is a great thread (hopefully it stays near the top of the list so everyone can benefit from it).

While I've been a member a while, I've only started really using Taxi in the past 12 months and I'm still learning all the ins and outs of this business. While I've signed a couple tracks to libraries in the that time, I've never really followed up with them pushing new music. I guess I should. Further to that, I turned down an exclusive deal with another library because it was in perpetuity (probably a mistake, but I let my ego get in the way). Based on that experience, I've been focusing on non-exclusive listings and direct to sup. listings. From all the comments here, I maybe shooting myself in the foot a little here. Time to rethink.

SO, having said that, my only advice would be to make part of your decision on how prolific you are. If you can pump out a song a week, then yes, go for it. If you're crafting 1-2 tracks a month, then only do what you're comfortable with.

John

[songmaster]

Hey Graham

Here's my take on it. A library will take your song because they can see all the possibilities of where it might fit. A screener will take the song only if it fits a very certain project. It seems to me the odds are better with the library in the long run ( sort of like long term mutual funds compared with someone who does day trading ) Anyway, here is another metaphor, what fisherman has better luck catching fish, the one with the fishing pole or the one with the net? ( the library being the one with the net ). Having said all that , I still submit to listings because even if the song is rejected, I get some great advice about which of my songs work and which don't. and it only cost me 5 dollars ( or loonies eh! ) So all in all, in the great crap shoot of life, you have to choose your casino wisely my son, and PS, if you happen to see me in one of them...don't tell my wife

That's all I have grasshopper, suddenly I want some fish and chips

Just keep writing Graham. The world needs great songs

Tom

[Casey H]

The word "listings" is a misnomer in this discussion since many listings are for libraries. So I think we're discussing direct to sup vs. libraries.

As mentioned earlier by some, one technique that has worked well for Taxi members is to write music for any listings you can (library or direct to sup). If that piece doesn't work out for that particular listing (either no forward or forward with no contact), pitch it elsewhere.

Casey

[andygabrys]

great discussion.

the long term view favors the balanced portfolio.

submit to direct to supers and writer for libraries. non-exclusives, and exclusives. go to networking events in your home city and drum up your own leads too.

can't really argue with this https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6FguwMMsDZA (7 parts)

[themichaelscott]

I submit to any Taxi listing a song works for (many times the same songs to different listings at the same time.) Whoever contacts me first gets the song. Taxi critiques help me gauge the overall song. If nothing seems to stick I batch together a group and send them to libraries.


A bird in the hand is worth two in the bush for now.

Michael

[HectorRContreras]

Great discussion.
Can't really argue with this https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6FguwMMsDZA (7 parts)

Yes, thank you dear Andy, I watched one or two of these Videos, they are quite to the point, and completely helpful. And they are so calm, one has time to think .... and take notes !

[LittleRedChurch]

Alright...

Thanks Andy, for the clip. Maybe this speaks to something bigger. If libraries are, in fact, the way to go, then it follows that our writing should be strictly for placement. Sound bites. Underscores. Cues. I know songs tend to take countless hours while former can be done in a day. I always write with the idea of knocking it out of the park. But I think I'm learning it doesn't happen that way. I think we're supposed to bunt our way around the plates..If we do write 'songs' maybe they should be stripped, repetitive. TV friendly - obviously - but short. Quick - to the point. Maybe this is a direction question that I should have asked long ago. Or maybe I had to, like so many things in life, learn it on my own.

Personal note here, I've been writing piano pieces lately. They're done in I swear a twentieth of the time I'd spend on a song..
That seals it. My new name is Cue! Doctor Cue. The cue meister..

hmmm... but wait, if I just write cues and underscores, or in my case, Baby Bach songs on the piano, then will I get the same level of satisfaction.. Make no mistake, writing is fun. Maybe we're all faced with the issue of 'passion' versus 'business'. I know I'm lucky to have at least found my passion in life... hmmm ?? To what extent do I exploit it? ... i hate to end on such a cliche but maybe it's a balancing act we all have to wrestle with... OR maybe song writers make crappy cue writers and vice versa?... Dunno..

I would like to pose a question for anyone still interested, if you're the type who has found success with cues and underscores, etc, is it satisfying?? Honestly, I wanna know. I'd imagine it's still music, right??

Curious...

LRC

[pedrocosta]

Hi Graham,

I think it's an everyday balancing act.
I think it was Michael that mentioned before a good ratio is 80/20 cues/songs.
So for every song you write create 4 cues.
Personally I enjoy writing cues, but I think it's because I'm more of a music, soundscapes writer.
I struggle with writing lyrics. But I do enjoy writing songs also although they take a huge amount of time.
Whereas I can knockout many of my cues in a couple of hours.
I boils down to what you love and what your business goals are and then finding a good balance.
Speaking from experience, I also have a few publishers asking for music and I've found it hard to get them new tracks (may be a case of resistance). But I find comfort in the fact that I am balancing my load as best as I can in addition to my demanding full time job and spending much valuable time with my wife and my boys.
Totally feel your pain though Graham. Tough to make that call.
For the most part for songs though I prefer to keep them non-exclusive to allow for more flexibility.
Unless it's one of the really high end libraries in which case I am willing to do exclusive.
Sorry for the long post. Hopefully some of it makes sense :p

[HectorRContreras]

You are an Artist dear Graham, you cannot help yourself ! It is your Fate ...

And I think that you are Aquarius, or may be Pisces, not sure ... Anyway, this will always make you want to step out of the Box. To create differently, to explore the yet non conceived.
And do we complain ? Oh Nooooo ...
You know what I told you before, I would so much want you to be on stage and perform Concerts like your Sister. And sell CDs all over the World. It is not a matter of perhaps failing, because you will never fail. Your Public adore you.

Now TAXI. How to handle TAXI when one is an Artist.
Well, first Michael told us that we can do both :
- working on Cues according to the Supervisors needs, and only that, following the Listings to the letter,
AND
- creating heartfelt Compositions that listen to your personal Muse only. For yourself and your Fans, and your Students only. Those special Music Compositions will stay for ever for Posterity, you know.

Or, you can play with the whole System that is TAXI. This is a wee bit what I do myself.
You read Listings, and then one or two strike your attention, you say : "oh let's have a go at this", you feel that you can meet the challenge.
In your case, what would be the challenge ? Well ...
To follow the Listing requirements to the letter, AND to do it differently, unconventionally, to do it like no one has ever done it before. To give it your 100%.

I suggest then that you choose always the most difficult and the most expensive Listings ( expensive for them, when they are going to pay your Fees ! )

[LittleRedChurch]

Good advice, C!

Just might try that..or quit..

Speaking from experience, I also have a few publishers asking for music and I've found it hard to get them new tracks

Boy do I hear THAT! Just the other day a publisher was hounding me to, 'give me this' and give me that'. 'I can only do so much!" was my response. "I'm only human!!"... Wait, did I say 'publisher'? I meant 'wife'. "Give me this, give me that"! But I just emptied the kitty litter, can't you see I'm working?!!

Pedro, I'd kill to have your problems... well, you know... I'm very envious and happy for you!! ! You're so deserving. Your stuff is great AND you write smart. Thought I'd throw that in. And yeah, I get that ratio. 80/20 cue/song. Interesting. Makes perfect sense. Today's project is to write another piano George Winston/classical piece (They really need a little yellow face feeling ill... I'd use that green guy but he's way to happy...) In truth I don't mind writing these things either. I don't think they're quite a filling as the full meal deal, but they make a nice snack!

Thanks Pedro!!

Graham