First Placement, EVER!

[treesbygb]

I'm extremely pleased to post, that I've had my first ever placement. A couple of months ago I was wondering whether to sign up for a third year at taxi. I was a little despondent due to the high return to forward ratio, nothing from the forwards (I know that takes time) but above all, a real dearth of instrumental listings, not to mention the same artists being mentioned time and time again in the singer/songwriter listings.

Well, the placement I've got isn't through taxi, it was through my own contacts, but I'm posting on here for a couple of reasons. Firstly I've been on this forum off and on since I started and the help and advice I've been given has been phenomenal. The invaluable information that has been so generously offered on this forum has gone a long way in helping me achieve this placement.

Secondly being a taxi member has allowed me to think of myself as a composer/musician/producer etc. Until I joined taxi I was just a guy doing some music, but having taxi, as a means to submit that music, as a channel and as a guide has enabled me to think professionally. OK, I've had one placement and I'm not getting carried away, but although the music placed was recorded before I joined taxi, the taxi process has enabled me to start putting it around with some purpose and a little confidence.

So thank you and here's to many more, hopefully through taxi!

[admin]

Hi Gary,

Congratulations on your placement, and you're certainly right about our forum members being generous. But when I saw, "a real dearth of instrumental listings" in your post, it got me worried. I'm heading out to a lunch meeting (yes, I even work Saturdays), but did a quick scan of the September 1st listings and looked in my email for single listings that have come out recently, and here's the dearth of instrumental listings I found:

An Industry Veteran working with a new female artist heading into the studio needs CONTEMPORARY ELECTRO POP INSTRUMENTALS that could work well for artists like Ellie Goulding, Sia, Alex Clare, etc. He's looking for instrumentals that this talented artist can write over. Be sure your tracks have a solid Pop structure that make it easy for this artist to write his own lyrics and melodies to. Current production techniques are needed, and don't be afraid to push the envelope just a tad, while remaining accessible to the mainstream audience. Do NOT send instrumentals with samples of any other artists' sounds or songs. Mid-to-Up tempo instrumentals only, please. Submit one to three instrumentals online or per CD. All submissions will be screened and critiqued by TAXI and must be received no later than Monday, September 2, 2013.
TAXI # S130902PI

CONTEMPORARY DUBSTEP INSTRUMENTALS are desperately needed by the Owner of a Creative Marketing, Multi-Media, and Production Company to pitch for a brand new ad campaign.

This is their very FIRST listing with TAXI, and because they're looking for music to include in their pitch, this is a low dollar gig. We're putting this out to our members because the company normally works on MUCH larger projects for some huge brands, and we want them to keep coming back for music for THOSE projects!

He's looking for tracks that are stylistically in the ballpark of "Kyoto" by Skrillex ft. Sirah. QUOTING THE SOURCE: " I really need a cool, fresh Dubstep track! We really dig the guitar on "Kyoto," and we'd like to hear tracks that incorporate a similar vibe." As always, do not rip off the referenced song or artist in any way, shape, or form. Broadcast Quality is needed (great sounding home recordings are fine).

Your instrumentals should be driving, energetic, and aggressive, and of course, they must have the GIANT dub step drop! The agency stressed that BIG-TIME, so give them a nice, big drop!!

The fee for this particular project is $100. And like we said earlier, they usually work on much bigger projects with much bigger budgets. This is a direct placement, so you'll keep 100% of the license fee and ALL of your Master and Publishing rights. You must own and control 100% of your master and composition rights to pitch for this. Do not submit unauthorized samples or sounds of any other artists' songs or any other media. All instrumentals will be screened on a Yes/No basis. No full critiques. Please submit one to three tracks online or per CD no later than TOMORROW, WEDNESDAY, September 4th, by 4pm (PDT). TAXI #U130904DS

HIP HOP INSTRUMENTALS ranging from the old school sound of Run DMC, to the current sound of Jay-Z, etc., are needed by the Music Supervisor of a Hip Hop based reality show. Quoting the source: "Instrumentals need to be tight and well-recorded. Strong programming skills are a must. Tracks can range from '80s sounding beats to forward-thinking, contemporary style beats." All moods and tempos are good to go for this pitch. Do NOT submit any tracks that have samples of any other artist's work. You must own or control 100% of the master recording. Instrumentals must be broadcast quality (excellent home recordings are fine). Please submit one to three instrumentals online or per CD. All submissions will be screened and critiqued by TAXI and must be received no later than Thursday, September 5, 2013.
TAXI # S130905HI

TOP MUSIC SUPERVISOR working on several well know Film and TV projects needs "SOPHISTICATED, CONTEMPORARY AMBIENT LOUNGE INSTRUMENTALS" that she can place as background source music in any or all of her shows and films. Quoting the Music Supervisor: "I use this type of music ALL of the time, on ALL of my projects." See, we told you!

Stylistically, get your head into the realm of artists like Bonobo, Zero 7, and Air. Down-To-Mid Tempo Instrumental Tracks will work best. Songs with a cool, hip, ambient, electronic sounds are needed. Do NOT submit edgy, saw tooth wave type of music. Think groovy and mellow sounds insead. Keep in mind that this will be used for background source for a high-end restaurant, bar, club, or lounge. Your instrumentation and melodic themes should NOT be too complex, loud, chaotic, or distracting so that they'll take away from dialogue. Keep the vibe very "chill."

Broadcast Quality is needed (great sounding home recordings are okay). Maybe this is something you recorded directly to your iPhone? As long as it has the right, competitive sound, style, and feel, you're in! She doesn't need to see what a virtuoso you are. She needs tracks that create a nice ambient mood.

The estimated license fee for this use is $500- $2,000, depending on the ultimate use. These will be Direct-to-Music Supervisor placements, so you'll keep 100% of the sync fee and keep all of your Master and Composition rights. No publisher splits. You must own or control 100% of your Master and Composition. Do not copy or rip off the referenced artists in any way, shape, or form. Do not submit any material with unauthorized samples of any other media. All instrumentals will be screened by a person hand-picked by the Music Supervisor. No full critiques. Please submit 1-3 instrumentals online or per CD no later than Thursday, September 5th, 2013 at 5pm (PDT). TAXI #U130905IN

The owner of a successful FILM & TV Music Library needs Up-Tempo, aggressive '90s ROCK/ELECTRONICA SONGS and INSTRUMENTALS to add to his catalog. He's very busy pitching for countless Film and TV opportunities, and he needs more great music to work with.

Stylistically, give him Songs or Instrumental Tracks that would be heard on the same playlists as The Prodigy, The Chemical Brothers, and the Chrystal Method. He wants Big-Beat Electronica with strong break/beat drops, and edgy synthesized or guitar sounds. Your songs should stay true to the dance underground and, at the same time, force entry into the rock arena. He's interested in Songs or Instrumental Tracks that have mainstream crossover appeal. Here are a few references that will get you in the stylistic ballpark:

"Firestarter" by The Prodigy: http://bit.ly/8EhlX

"Dig Your Own Hole" by The Chemical Brothers: http://bit.ly/3x7lUp

"Busy Child" by The Chrystal Method: http://bit.ly/9BbYnB

Keep the lyrics minimal, Universal and PG-13. Avoid references to specific names, places, dates, times, brands, etc. He needs big, catchy, repeating hooks, rather than full storylines with lots of details.

This company offers an Exclusive 50/50 deal. You must own or control 100% of your Master and Composition. Do not copy or rip off the referenced artists in any way, shape, or form. Do not submit songs or tracks with unauthorized samples of any other artists' songs or existing media. All Songs or Instrumental Tracks will be screened on a Yes/No basis. No full critiques. Please submit 1-3 songs or instrumentals online or per CD, no later than Thursday, September 5th, at 5pm (PDT). TAXI #U130905EL

CONTEMPORARY ELECTRONIC DANCE INSTRUMENTALS that would be played at the same music festival as David Guetta, Calvin Harris, Swedish House Mafia, etc., are needed by the Owner of a successful Music Library that's pitching to a number of different TV shows. He needs super cool instrumentals with tons of energy, pulsating beats, and hypnotic rhythms that will keep you dancing till the wee hours of the morning. Tunes with current sounding, interesting beats, and strong melodic sensibilities are needed for this pitch. He wants tracks with intriguing changes and drops that will play well with picture for different TV opportunities. We ran a similar listing for this in Dispatch, but he'd like to hear more. Broadcast quality is needed (excellent home recordings are fine). This offer is a non -exclusive 50/50 split deal. You'll split all upfront sync fees with the library. You must own or control 100% of your Master and Composition to submit for this Library. Please submit one to three instrumentals online or per CD. All submissions will be screened and critiqued by TAXI and must be received no later than Friday, September 6, 2013.
TAXI # S130906DA

WELL CONNECTED LICENSING AGENCY working with a corporate GIANT U-R-G-E-N-T-L-Y needs Mid-To-Up Tempo, GRITTY BLUES ROCK INSTRUMENTALS in the spirit of The White Stripes and The Black Keys.

Your track will be used in an inspirational video along with cutting edge computer graphics and LOTS of voice over. Quoting the source: "We'll need the music to be as fresh and dynamic as the animated graphic approach we're taking."

Here's the catch. Although the referenced artists have a Retro-Blues/Garage Rock sound, they're also riding the crest of a very current stylistic wave. It's a fine line, so be careful not to submit anything that sounds too dated.

Keep your instrumentation real, and honest. Make it sound like a group of musicians who have worked very hard to create a relaxed yet driving sound. Remember, there'll be TONS of voice over/dialogue (about 98% of the spot), so the music has to be able to stand on its own with interesting musical movements and a melody line to support and carry the viewer through the video without stepping on the Voice Over dialogue and storyline. Your instrumentals must be at least 3 minutes long.

Please do not submit anything that's maudlin or melancholy in any way. They want tracks that are energetic, contemporary and if possible, have a familiar sound to it. Quoting the source, again: "It needs to be more engaging and energizing than somber or 'thought provoking'. I put the latter in quotes because thought provoking can be good if it has that uplifting tonality."

The license fee for this will be no less than $50,000. You will split the sync fee 50/50 with the Licensing Agency. Broadcast Quality is needed. Excellent home recordings will be fine. Do not copy or rip off the referenced artists in any way, shape or form. Do not submit tracks with samples of any other artist's work, or any unauthorized form of media. You must own or control 100% of your Master and Copyright. All instrumentals will be screened on a Yes/No basis with no full critiques. Submissions are due no later than TOMORROW, FRIDAY, September 6th, 2013 at 10am (PDT). TAXI #U130906BR


DANCE/ELECTRONICA ARTISTS that have a progressive sound like Avicii, Tiesto, Zedd, etc., are needed by one of the biggest Dance/Electronica Labels out there. This is the label's FIRST listing with TAXI, and we're more than excited to show them how talented our members are. They're looking for hard-working artists with crowd-pleasing songs that keep the party going and the glow sticks moving! Be sure the songs you submit are upbeat, contemporary, with a modern approach. They're open to songs with vocals, Instrumental Dance tracks, and songs with vocal embellishments. Please include a bio with any touring experience, CD sales, online marketing, etc., Vocal and instrumental presentation needs to be amazing and blow this company away. Please submit one to three songs online or per CD, include lyrics, photo, and bio. All submissions will be screened and critiqued by TAXI and must be received no later than Monday, September 9, 2013.
TAXI # S130909DA

Music Licensing Company needs DARK, CREEPY BLUES ROCK INSTRUMENTALS for an immediate pitch for an upcoming TV placement. Essentially, they want some dark tones and textures with a modern edge, and a bit of a creepy, deep Southern feel.

Here's the request straight from our source: "I'm looking for spooky Delta Blues (slide guitar, Dobro, dulcimer, maybe some creepy fiddle). Eerie, atmospheric stuff a la Daniel Lanois. We're also open to listening to big, dark, chaotic Blues/Rock with a strong Delta Blues spirit."

Broadcast Quality is needed (excellent home recordings are fine). Please do NOT copy or rip off the referenced artists in any way, shape or form.

The estimated license fee for this is $3,000-$5,000. This company offers an Exclusive deal, so be sure the Instrumental Tracks you submit are not already signed with another library or catalog. You must own or control 100% of your Master and Composition rights to be considered for this opportunity. You'll split the sync fee 50/50 with the Library. They'll keep 100% of Publishing, and you'll keep 100% of the Writer's share. All Tracks will be screened on a Yes/No basis. No full critiques. Please submit one to three Instrumental tracks no later than Monday, September 9th, 2013, at 9am (PDT). TAXI #U130909BR


ALL STYLES of TRADITIONAL sounding LATIN SONGS and INSTRUMENTALS are needed by the Creative Director of a high-end Music Library. He's looking for virtually ALL styles of Latin music, except for Latin Pop or other Contemporary Latin genres. Keep your Shakira inspired songs on the shelf for this one. The key component to this listing is the "traditional sound," so don't submit anything that's obviously MIDI-driven, or electro based. Keep your submissions authentic sounding and believable. Instrumentation may vary depending on the region. Solo guitar Instrumentals to full-fledged ensembles will all be considered. If you submit a song with vocals, English, or Latin dialects will both work. Your submissions must be at least two minutes in length, with a button ending. Mid-to-Up Tempo music only. This company offers an exclusive deal, so please be sure the Songs or Instrumentals you submit aren't already signed to any other library or catalog. You must own or control 100% of the Master and Composition rights. Broadcast Quality is needed (great sounding home recordings are fine). Please submit one to three songs and/or instrumentals online or on CD, include lyrics (if applicable). All submissions will be screened on a Yes/No basis - No full critiques. Submissions must be received no later than Wednesday, September 11, 2013.
TAXI # Y130911LA

SKA INSTRUMENTALS in the stylistic range of The Specials, The English Beat, Reel Big Fish, Streetlight Manifesto, etc., are needed by a successful Production Music Library that licenses music to virtually all the Major TV Networks. They're open to hearing ALL forms of Ska Music for this pitch! Submissions must be Up-Tempo, emotionally upbeat, feel good, and deliver the happy sound that all Ska music shares. Instrumentation should be typical of the genre. Tracks can range between 1-4 minutes in length. Instrumental presentation needs to sound professional! Broadcast quality is needed (excellent sounding home recordings are fine). Please submit one to three instrumentals online or per CD. All submissions will be screened on a Yes/No basis - No full critiques. Submissions must be received no later than Tuesday, September 17, 2013.
TAXI # Y130917SI

CLASSICAL PIANISTS are needed by the A&R Manager of a Major Classical Record Label looking to expand their roster. She's looking for dedicated, Classical Pianists who have incredible talent, and the drive to take their playing to the main stage. You can submit original material, OR performances of Classical compositions by one of the greats - Chopin, Schumann, Liszt, Beethoven, etc. Your submissions can range from a romantic piece, to a more technical, high intensity piece, as long as your submissions demonstrate your flawless interpretation and technique. It's absolutely essential that your submissions be played on a real piano, no MIDI whatsoever! Your presentation needs to be amazing to help sell you as a performer. Please submit two to three pieces online or per CD. All submissions will be screened on a Yes/No basis - No full critiques. Submissions must be received no later than Wednesday, September 18, 2013.
TAXI # Y130918CP

CONTEMPORARY ALT ROCK INSTRUMENTALS in the general stylistic range of Coldplay, Snow Patrol, OneRepublic, etc., are needed by a the Owner of a very busy NY-based Music Library for corporate videos, ad campaigns, and commercials. This is their first listing with TAXI in 5 years and we're glad to see them back! Chances are, you probably don't have any material in this library yet! They're looking for positive and optimistic instrumentals that have a safe, corporate-friendly Rock sound. Please don't submit anything too intense or aggressive sounding. Your Instrumental track must be at least 2 minutes in length. Broadcast Quality is needed (great home recordings are fine). This company offers both an exclusive AND non-exclusive deal. If you choose to enter into an exclusive deal, they split any licensing fee 50/50 and keep 100% of publishing. You'll retain your writer's share. If you chose a non-exclusive deal, they'll collect 60% of any licensing fee, while you keep 40%. They'll keep publishing, and you'll retain your full writer's share. Please submit one to three instrumentals online or per CD. All submissions will be screened and critiqued by TAXI and must be received no later than Monday, September 23, 2013.
TAXI # S130923RI

R&B/RAP based INSTRUMENTALS in the current, contemporary style of Nicki Minaj, Ke$ha, DEV, etc., are needed for a female artist who's being developed by a Grammy nominated Producer. This Producer has worked with some of the biggest names on the charts, so please send tracks that are unpredictably creative, and hold the producer's attention from the beginning to the end. Quoting the source: "This artist has a very catchy singer/rap style of performing, but she can also soulfully belt it out as well. Think of her as a sort of female Drake, but with more vocal chops." He's looking for Mid-to-Up Tempo Instrumental tracks that will relate to an Urban audience, but have enough universal appeal to stand out to the Top 40, Pop crowd. Instrumentals must be cutting edge, well-developed, and distinctive. This artist has a great voice and an interesting melodic presence, so don't be afraid to think outside of the box in terms of your overall production. Mid-to-Up Tempo instrumentals only. Please submit one to three instrumentals online or per CD. All submissions will be screened and critiqued by TAXI and must be received no later than Tuesday, September 24, 2013.
TAXI # S130924IN

CONTEMPORARY HIP HOP INSTRUMENTALS/BEATS in the Pop-friendly style of Outkast, Cee Lo Green, N.E.R.D., etc., are needed by VP of A&R at a Major Label for a HUGE Superstar Rapper. He's looking for inventive and forward thinking beats that are well-developed, unique, and appeal to Pop and Urban audiences alike. Don't be afraid to push the envelope a bit with this one! Your Instrumentals need to develop and leave room for a chorus/hook. Avoid beats that remain linear, stagnant, or sound like they came from a music library. This rapper has incredible skills, so be sure the instrumentals you submit will appeal to somebody at his level. Your production needs to be the "shiz!" Mid-to-Up Tempo Instrumentals only. Please submit one to three Instrumentals online or per CD. All submissions will be screened on a Yes/No basis - No full critiques. Submissions must be received no later than Friday, September 27, 2013.
TAXI # Y130927HI

POP/R&B INSTRUMENTALS in a Top 40 style that could work well for artists like Chris Brown, Justin Bieber, Rihanna, etc., are needed by a the Director of A&R at a Major Label for a amazingly talented artist heading into the studio. Quoting the source: "Tracks have to be Top 40 competitive. The style track must be relevant to the R&B audience, as well as have Pop crossover appeal. Tracks need to establish a rhythm and melodic structure that will standout instantly to the artist. The chorus arrangement needs to take the track to another level. This artist is great with melody, so don't be afraid to go outside the box musically." He's not looking for linear beats that stay flat throughout the entire song and don't develop. Keep it well structured, contemporary, and something this artist can easily write lyrics over. Your production must sound amazing! Mid-to-Up Tempo instrumentals only. Please submit one to three instrumentals online or per CD. All submissions will be screened on a Yes/No basis - No full critiques. Submissions must be received no later than Monday, October 7, 2013.
TAXI # Y131007IN

Dearth is defined as:
dearth
dərTH/
noun
noun: dearth; plural noun: dearths

1.
a scarcity or lack of something.

I know that sometimes certain genres ebb and flow, but there doesn't seem to be a dearth of instrumental listings. I might have missed a few because I'm in a hurry, but that looks like a pretty good selection of Instrumentals to me... jus' sayin'!

Best,
Michael

[andygabrys]

congrats on the placement Gary!

this month is a BIG month for instrumental listings, it is true.

[treesbygb]

First off, I'd like to say thank you to Michael for taking the time to reply in such detail to my post. I appreciate the effort it took to take the instrumental listings and drag them in front of me! It's quite a shock to have the head of a company personally respond to a post and such a gesture is very welcome indeed.

I should perhaps, have qualified my concern at the dearth of instrumental listings by adding the statement that such listings be suitable to my expertise and abilities! Many returns and helpful feedback have helped me to understand where my strengths lie. I would ultimately like to be able to compose electronica, dance, dubstep, pop/rock etc, but my only forwards have been folk, acousitic, ambient, and anything slow and emotionally charged. I would wish to concentrate and have some success with the areas I feel most comfortable with before attempting to branch out. I realise that my scope is fairly narrow and am happy that 99% of listings will not be suitable for me, indeed, I have learnt that submitting less, though more on target is the correct approach. I am satisfied if there is simply one listing per month that I am comfortable with, my concern was that there seemed to be a decline in such listings over the last year.

So, I stand corrected, there are certainly plenty of instrumental listings! It's a point well made! However, it would only be one, the SOPHISTICATED, CONTEMPORARY AMBIENT LOUNGE Instumental, from the sixteen illustrated that I would have any confidence in submitting for, though as I said, that would be fine if at least one came up every month. I'm currently kicking myself for missing that as I must have taken my eye off the ball!

Thanks again Michael for taking the time and thanks to andygabrys for your congratulations. Yes I seemed to have picked a month when instrumentals are plentiful!!

I forgot to mention that my music has been placed in Jamie Oliver's Dream School USA and it's gonna have Oliver Stone and Jesse Jackson in it!! Still smiling about that!!

Gary

[cassmcentee]

Congrats Gary!

[treesbygb]

Thanks,
I've now joined a music library on the back of it too!

[sedge]

I was wondering how the folks here are doing! Long time!

Well happy to be reading this!! Congrats mate!