Look out Cali... here I come!

[bigbluebarry]

I just finished registering for the Road Rally, booking my flight and reserving my room!! I'm VERY excited about this as it'll also be my first time to visit California. I wasn't sure if I was going to go or not. In fact, as of last week, I wasn't going to be going. But after reading one of the last emails that Michael sent out (the max out the credit card or whatever you have to do to get there one), and seeing the tentative schedule I started giving it a second thought.Financially, I had the ability, though it would mean sacrifice in other areas of our lives, but my wife was willing to make the sacrifice. I thought about just waiting till next year but who knows what will happen between now and then. Then I started thinking about the opportunity to network and face-to-face meetings with the people that could help me get to where I want to be. Why would I want to wait another year if I didn't have to? I think I have enough strong material now that I could make a quality demo to hand out so the argument of "Wait till I have something to show" doesn't hold water.Earlier this year I had a chance to spend some time in the Studio with Fett from Azalea Music Group (also a TAXI speaker). During one of our conversations we talked about steps people can take to improve their music. Being a gear-head, one of my first inclinations has always been that if I get a new piece of gear, that'll help me make better music. And while that is true, to some extent (thank you Guitar Rig 3 and Waves SSL 4000), there's more to it than that.One thing that Fett said that really stuck with me is that most people will easily invest money into new gear, whether it's a new mic or a new plug-in. But how many people will take that money and invest it education for their skills? Instead of spending a couple of hundred on a new mic, why not spend that money on a class that will teach you how to use your existing mic BETTER. Which brings me to the Road Rally. I could take the money that I'm about to spend on travel expenses, room and meals and put that towards some new gear that would help me record a great sounding song. Or, I can take that money, and go to the Rally and meet some new people that will be able to help me take the songs that I've already got and learn how I can USE THEM BETTER.- Big Blueps - this message is a not a paid advertisement for TAXI, it is strictly me speaking from my heart regarding where I'm at in my life and career. Nothing more, nothing less.

[greenetunes]

nice message man.... I'll be there for my first rally too! I'm looking forward to it... and whole heartedly agree with your sentiments! See you there!!

[bigbluebarry]

Thanks Ron... looking forward to meeting you... One thing I forgot to mention is I'd be willing to split the cost on my room if someone wants to go in with me. I'm booked at the hotel that the Rally is being held at. Just send me a PM if anyone is interested.- Big Blue

[christig]

I just registered for my husband and I too. I was also wondering if I was going to go. We've had a string of bad luck this past week but hopefully it is behind us.We were going to go camping for our anniversary but when my husband went to get the trailer ready it caught on fire. Luckily he was fine and the house didn't burn down. It was due to a faulty recall part that nobody bothered to notify us about.Then to top it off he blew the engine in his truck. The service station accidentally forgot to put oil back in. Only 28K on the engine! What a waste.I think his eyebrows will be grown back by the time of the rally so I went ahead a booked it! Looking forward to the Rally, it's always fun. Hoping to meet many of you in person!Now I'm in the mood to write a country tune . . .Christi

[kyleellen]

Hi Everyone, This will be my sixth Rally and there is always great things to learn and good people to network with. You are making a good decision to come to the Rally. Make sure you sign up for a mentor lunch or two no matter the price it's one of the best experiences. Last year at the mentor lunch they kept having the mentors switching tables so we could hand out Cd and learn up close with about seven mentors. Really fun! If you have any questions e-mail me at Kyleellen@cox.net I have a network of ten friends that only see each other at the Rally's then the rest of the year we e-mail, sometimes talk on the phone and always share information about music or problem solve regarding issues with our music. It's worth every penny cost me and has helped me to be about finished on a huge project with an awesome producer that I meet outside of Taxi, but knew he was the right person for me to work with. Glad you will be there this year. Best Wishes, Kyleellen

[hazineju]

Sept 17, 2008, 9:18am, christig wrote:Now I'm in the mood to write a country tune . . .Christi"our trailer caught on fire." yep, that's screaming country to me! sorry to hear about that though, glad you can still make it. will see you there!

[hazineju]

Sept 16, 2008, 7:53am, bigbluebarry wrote:IOne thing that Fett said that really stuck with me is that most people will easily invest money into new gear, whether it's a new mic or a new plug-in. But how many people will take that money and invest it education for their skills? Instead of spending a couple of hundred on a new mic, why not spend that money on a class that will teach you how to use your existing mic BETTER. Hi BB, i know it's hard for a lot of us (definitely including me) to find the means to go to the rally. but you're right, i can't even say how much i've learned from rallies past and i plan to glean even more out of the coming one. (i've gone to a few of fett's rally classes and learned a TON- i still refer to the notes i took during his class all the time. he is awesome!) in fact i think it's nearly impossible to NOT learn anything at the rally. it will be worth it, see you there!

[bigbluebarry]

Thanks hazineju... looking forward to meeting you!- Big Blue