not proud of this, but...

[LittleRedChurch]

Allends,

So does it follow that once music no longer satisfying, we'll have succeeded? Not trying to be rude. Honestly. I just think that, yes, that is the case. In the mean time I'd put my forward/return rate at about 2%, maybe, and my income thus far at $0.00.

LittleRedChurch

[allends]

So does it follow that once music no longer satisfying, we'll have succeeded?

Hi Graham,

Thanks for asking! Your question is the key! In fact, it's THE BIG ONE!

I believe the answer goes like this:

When an artist writes/records deeply personal satisfying music, the artist is happy (and maybe a few others, too).
When an artist writes/records music that satisfies the needs of others, everybody is happy!!

FWIW: I'm still learning this lesson!


Here's another way of looking at it:

Many artists got into this business because we were inspired by big-name recording stars, so naturally many of us write and record as if we are stars, too! The trouble is, the world doesn't revolve around a million stars, so we have two choices:
1) keep on recording songs for CDs and radio, or
2) make the switch to music for film & tv.

Personally, I love the feeling of seeing another placement on my royalty statement, so I'm happy with my choice. Btw: nothing is stopping me from creating my own niche music, I just don't expect to be rewarded for it financially.

-Allen

PS: Graham, your music is awesome! Oh, and so is the music of the original poster!

[Casey H]

Hi PJ
If you are getting some forwards, that's a good sign since Taxi screening is very selective, in general. Everything in this business is a long haul, things rarely happen quickly.

Some suggestions:
Look at your returns and honestly evaluate if you want to and are able to incorporate any feedback to make the tracks more likely for forwards in the future. If you don't see yourself changing anything, then only you can say if Taxi is worth it for you. 12% is still better than A LOT of members, early on.... Maybe you can get that up to 25-40% by incorporating feedback.

Speaking of feedback, post your tracks and targeted listings on the peer-to-peer forum here for feedback from other members. MOST folks will tell you that is one of the single most valuable aspects of the Taxi experience.

Consider co-writing with other members you meet here who get more forwards. Two heads can be better than one.

Take a look at the listings you've been submitting to as far as the breakdown of the listing "bars". Direct to sup and ad agency listings are ultra high bar and therefore (as expected), odds of getting a call are much lower. Music libraries are much more likely to contact you, but of course there are no guarantees. Many of us have had library forwards and not been contacted. But I would make sure you are spreading out the "bar" and not focusing too exclusively on the high $$$ listings.

Continue submitting to Taxi listings while researching library opps on your own. Ultimately, YOU are in charge of your own career.

Don't be surprised if one of those forwards results in a contact when you least expect it. Many of us have had that happen many months or even years after the forward.

Best of luck,
Casey

[LittleRedChurch]

I see what you're saying Allears. And so you know, I'm not referring to your music or anybody's music when I say the following.

In my darker moments i think Taxi (or shall we say TV) wants music that is easily talked over. Music that provides an uneventful background for some 'greater purpose'. Music that's well packaged, but lacks a 'voice' of it's own. You're rightly saying that some of us may want to try to simplify. While I have always tried to write stuff that stood out and 'moved' people I'm beginning to think that's the wrong tack. We're second fiddle. We have the straight lines, not the jokes. With this latest I'm going to try this new approach. I have a feeling there will be a satisfaction, just of a different kind We're not, as you say, the stars here.

Thanks

LittleRedChurch

[Russell Landwehr]

In my darker moments i think Taxi (or shall we say TV) wants music that is easily talked over. Music that provides an uneventful background for some 'greater purpose'. Music that's well packaged, but lacks a 'voice' of it's own. You're rightly saying that some of us may want to try to simplify. While I have always tried to write stuff that stood out and 'moved' people I'm beginning to think that's the wrong tack. We're second fiddle. We have the straight lines, not the jokes. With this latest I'm going to try this new approach. I have a feeling there will be a satisfaction, just of a different kind We're not, as you say, the stars here.

Thanks

LittleRedChurch

Ya know. I "kinda" agree. That we are not the stars, we are the supporting cast.... "kinda." Ya, if we are making "furniture music" then what we have to capture is the emotion without jumping out and saying "EMOTION!!!" Unless it's a car chase or fight scene or kissy-kissy scene. or any other non-dialog scene... but then we still aren't suppose to take the spotlight, just enhance the emotion of the visual.

At the same time... I hear a LOT of Singer/Songwriter stuff in Dramas that really GRAB me while supporting the emotion of the episode... I usually hear the best ones at the end of an episode where they seem to sum up the emotion. Those songs seem to come across as a "co-star."

Russell

[michael11]

I see what you're saying Allears. And so you know, I'm not referring to your music or anybody's music when I say the following.

In my darker moments i think Taxi (or shall we say TV) wants music that is easily talked over. Music that provides an uneventful background for some 'greater purpose'. Music that's well packaged, but lacks a 'voice' of it's own. You're rightly saying that some of us may want to try to simplify. While I have always tried to write stuff that stood out and 'moved' people I'm beginning to think that's the wrong tack. We're second fiddle. We have the straight lines, not the jokes. With this latest I'm going to try this new approach. I have a feeling there will be a satisfaction, just of a different kind We're not, as you say, the stars here.

Thanks

LittleRedChurch

I agree Graham.


Sometimes we meet people,they have a presence,they talk a lot,they are entertaining,interesting and maybe even amusing but if you go away and think about what they said,it turns out there was no real substance.Just froth.

That’s my take on library music.

Michael.

[pjlamberty]

Wow! thanks so much for all the feedback, everyone! yes, I know I need to spend more time in the Forums!

So, since my original post, I've not had any new forwards, which is kind of sad, but in being honest with myself, I haven't been manic about my dedication to studio time lately, either. The creative process has always come in fits and starts, as I have to fit it into my busy schedule of other non-musical obligations, (a.k.a., my day job).

I have started submitting music for custom critiques, which has been hugely helpful. The screeners have pointed out some things I've been doing wrong, that I either wasn't aware of, or had a vague suspicion of these counterproductive composing techniques.

I also have to admit that I usually let the spirit of creativity rule the moment, and can easily get "off-track" when trying to compose something for a specific listing. I also compose just for the fun of it, and keep numerous selections of music in my quiver - just in case one or more of them come close to what a listing is asking for.

Regarding the comment about how we are making music that is furniture, or intentionally background, I'd have to agree that there is sometimes a "dumbing down", (pardon the expression), that is required to really nail a listing. I don't have a huge problem with that, if I could figure out how to do it every time it's necessary. I've always said that I never wanted the Fame and Fortune...just the Fortune.

Finally, I should point out that, while securing deals is still my ultimate goal, I'm not oblivious to the fact that the other benefits of being a TAXI member are not lost on me. The Rally alone is more than worth the annual fee. and TAXI TV has been invaluable to me as a composer, (especially the webcasts over the past month).

So, I guess I didn't mean to sound like I was at the end of my rope - far from it. This is a journey, not a sprint.

Thanks again for letting me vent.

Pete

[DesireInspires]

The secret is to get your music to the right people.

[coachdebra]

I also think the secret is to understand the business you're in and learn to succeed in that business. Which in EVERY business translates to what the clients/customers/fans want? How do they want it? And what are they willing to pay for? And how much are they willing to pay?

If you can answer those questions first. Then look at what you uniquely do and find where the answers to those questions and your unique thing overlaps, then you will create success in your business.

If what you do isn't going to work for the music supe's, then they're not going to buy. That doesn't mean your music doesn't have value. It just means, they're NOT your target audience.

Making music for TV wrong in some way doesn't get you any closer to the money. You may feel better, but you won't get more successful. Rather, look at your music and ask - who am I right for?

It's like going into a romantic relationship thinking "If he/she will just change in this way, we can be happy...." It doesn't work, not for long, anyway...