TAXI Whore

[k o star]

hey Wig,I still hope to see U ard these forums & to listen to more of Ur tracks...Regards,Kel

[cameron]

Hey Wig,I get a little frustrated with Taxi's screener format too. After 15 Taxi returns on one particular song, I got it published the first time I tried pitching it directly to a publisher. Besides that, tastes are so subjective that I'm convinced that screeners can't possibly know exactly what the customer wants any more that you know what the screener wants. That's why I try to pitch directly if I can. That's a big IF because Taxi has lots more contacts than I have, at least at this stage in my career. I understand why they're so picky, but sometimes what's good for Taxi is not what's good for me.Nevertheless, the cream does eventually rise to the top, and Taxi mostly just reflects what the industry wants, so I don't think they can be blamed when our material doesn't fit into the neat little categories the industry has defined. It's a fact of life that if we're going to write songs for others to record there has to be an artist that it fits. I don't think Dolly Parton is going to sing a song called "Taxi Whore", so who could you see recording this? Your voice is very strong and your songs are often compelling. This particular song does take too long to get to a somewhat low-key chorus, but it's pretty cool otherwise. My feeling is that if you want to actually sell some of your music-- rather than just having something to play for friends and family-- you either need to make your own CD and market yourself as a singer/songwriter OR start writing songs that fit other artists. That's a choice we songwriters all have to make. In my case my voice made that an easy decision. I don't think it would be that hard for you to write commercial songs if you tried, as you write very good melodies and lyrics. Either that, or develop an artist in your mold and try to market him/her.Anyway, I hope you'll stick around the forums as I enjoy hearing your songs whenever you post them.Cam

[wignelson]

Apr 18, 2009, 4:16pm, cameron wrote:Hey Wig,I get a little frustrated with Taxi's screener format too. After 15 Taxi returns on one particular song, I got it published the first time I tried pitching it directly to a publisher. Besides that, tastes are so subjective that I'm convinced that screeners can't possibly know exactly what the customer wants any more that you know what the screener wants. That's why I try to pitch directly if I can. That's a big IF because Taxi has lots more contacts than I have, at least at this stage in my career. I understand why they're so picky, but sometimes what's good for Taxi is not what's good for me.Nevertheless, the cream does eventually rise to the top, and Taxi mostly just reflects what the industry wants, so I don't think they can be blamed when our material doesn't fit into the neat little categories the industry has defined. It's a fact of life that if we're going to write songs for others to record there has to be an artist that it fits. I don't think Dolly Parton is going to sing a song called "Taxi Whore", so who could you see recording this? Your voice is very strong and your songs are often compelling. This particular song does take too long to get to a somewhat low-key chorus, but it's pretty cool otherwise. My feeling is that if you want to actually sell some of your music-- rather than just having something to play for friends and family-- you either need to make your own CD and market yourself as a singer/songwriter OR start writing songs that fit other artists. That's a choice we songwriters all have to make. In my case my voice made that an easy decision. I don't think it would be that hard for you to write commercial songs if you tried, as you write very good melodies and lyrics. Either that, or develop an artist in your mold and try to market him/her.Anyway, I hope you'll stick around the forums as I enjoy hearing your songs whenever you post them.CamThanks for the comments, Cam,Dolly Parton? Hmm, I can picture her agent reading a treatment for "The Best Little Whorehouse In Texas" and saying. Hey, that's a natural for Dolly. She's strong enough to sing this song. So is Bonnie Raitt.But I have no way to reach them and pitch the song.Obviously I couldn't submit it through TAXI.And I think that that is a shame. It's only a metaphor as are most of my songs. When I wrote My Lobotomy Baby, obviously it wasn't about a person, but rather the whole punk music movement.I wrote it a very long time ago and I have a signed letter from Dr. Demento asking me if he could play it on his radio show.I guess he can take things in perspective and not take the whole thing too seriously.Perhaps an example for us all. You say, Dolly wouldn't sing this and ask who do I think would.I'd have to say just about anyone who is not afraid to take chances.Everyone feels so comfortable being a scared little rabbit afraid of what someone else might think. I'll bet Dolly Parton is not scared of anything.You seem to have a paradigm in play about what people will or will not sing. I don't think I share that opinion. I always leave a little hope in play that I might hear something totally different.I have to think that there are thousands of "commercial" sounding bands out there like Death Cab For Cutie or Uncle Tupelo. That's fine for them and they have a place in the music scene.But I have to maintain hope that there is a place for something new and a little outside the box.I joined TAXI for the sole purpose of making a connection to a publisher. That's all, just one connection for my five volumes of music that I have copyrighted over the last 30 years. I was foolish to think that TAXI could connect someone new and original. TAXI only connects people who sound like someone else. The a la syndrome.Whatever, I make mistakes every day. TAXI is just one of them for me. Hopefully, they will refund my money when I ask them for it and I can move on.I'll still participate in the forum here because I feel that some people are genuine and take an interest in my music.Good luck with your music, Cam. Oh yeah, and take some chances, will ya'?Wig

[hummingbird]

Apr 18, 2009, 5:20pm, wignelson wrote:TAXI only connects people who sound like someone else. The a la syndrome.With that statement you insult everyone on this board who has been forwarded, or who has been forwarded & signed. Big Blue & Logan with their terrific rock songs, Matto with his great Latin songs, Chuck with his world vibe, and many others who have been successful, according to this sentence... that would mean that their music has no heart, no soul, no spirit. Bullshit.Commerical doesn't necessarily equal unoriginal or uninteresting or homogenized. Just like non-commerical doesn't necessarily mean knock-your-socks off cool.I can appreciate everything else you say, that your music is radically different, and it's hard to find a market for it.I'd say then, use your terrific creativity to come up with new and original ways to market your music. Blaze a trail. Be different. If there are people out there who would buy music like this (and I think there is), then figure out how get it to them yourself. Find bands and singers who would record & perform your music. Show everyone how wrong they are when they say it's not commercially viable. Whatever you do, don't stop writing because you have a unique voice.

[Casey H]

Apr 18, 2009, 5:20pm, wignelson wrote: ...Dolly Parton? Hmm, I can picture her agent reading a treatment for "The Best Little Whorehouse In Texas" and saying. Hey, that's a natural for Dolly. She's strong enough to sing this song. So is Bonnie Raitt.But I have no way to reach them and pitch the song.Obviously I couldn't submit it through TAXI.You seem to have a paradigm in play about what people will or will not sing. I don't think I share that opinion. I always leave a little hope in play that I might hear something totally different.I have to think that there are thousands of "commercial" sounding bands out there like Death Cab For Cutie or Uncle Tupelo. That's fine for them and they have a place in the music scene.But I have to maintain hope that there is a place for something new and a little outside the box.I joined TAXI for the sole purpose of making a connection to a publisher. That's all, just one connection for my five volumes of music that I have copyrighted over the last 30 years. I was foolish to think that TAXI could connect someone new and original. TAXI only connects people who sound like someone else. The a la syndrome.Hey WigMy post is not at all about taxi. It's about pitching songs to publishers. When I first started writing songs, getting them demo'd, and sending them to publishers some years back (on cassette back then!), I quickly learned how they listen. They wanted a killer hook within the first minute and if they didn't hear it, they couldn't care less. It had to clearly stand out from the verse, have melodic excitement such as a 'lift', etc. There is a difference between fresh new ideas (which they DO seek out) and less-than-great songwriting.I still have a file with all the letters that came back from publishers (when they replied at all) saying "pass" or "hook not strong enough". I get the feeling that you think that the song on this thread would get picked up by a publisher. But it wouldn't. No publisher will get excited by a song that takes 1:30 to get to a weak chorus. With respect to THIS song, it's definitely about the songwriting. I'm not saying that with attitude towards you- we all need to get better and I'm no different.Taxi is not the only way to get your music heard and sometimes their screening standards are overly tough. But regardless of what path you take, I sincerely hope you'll be open to the fact that improving your craft has to be a big part of the plan. In any endeavor in life, the "it's them, not me" approach is extremely limiting.I wish you the best, and I would be thrilled to hear one day of your success. Best, Casey

[allends]

Apr 18, 2009, 5:20pm, wignelson wrote:...I joined TAXI for the sole purpose of making a connection to a publisher. That's all, just one connection for my five volumes of music that I have copyrighted over the last 30 years. Ya know, I have to admit that I felt something similar when I joined. I had a couple of songs that I thought were awfully sweet & I was looking for a way to get them signed. It took me a while to realize that's the wrong way to approach the music business in general - let alone TAXI. The right approach turns out to be: learn-adapt-improve, learn-adapt-improve, learn-adapt-improve, learn-adapt-improve... you get the idea. I may be wrong, but I think the only kind of originality the music industry wants is whatever the music gurus predict the public wants badly enough to pay for. So unless an artist's originality is poised to become the next big thing, they'll be better off using their creative talent to create projects that target an already thiving market. I wouldn't call that the "a la syndrome"; I'd call that reaching out and connecting with your audience. Anyway, Wig buddy, despite the fact that I don't agree with some of the things you said, I'm really glad to hear that you have some success pitching to the Dr. Demento show. Here's to many-many more successes for you & your treasure chest of songs!! All The Best,Allen

[heinsite]

hey wigs--if i were you--heck i've BEEN you as far as taxi is concerned...i'd chalk your experience up to being naive. and i do NOT mean that as an insult.after nearly 400 submissions, and 4 forwards, (talk about naive, or maybe just stupid...) i chose to take a break. in my case naive=just plain dumb--or actually being "right" that for SONGWRITERS, taxi is a very hard nut to crack, and not where to put most of your eggs..... some friends on this forum (where i've learned much) suggested a coupla libraries. the same songs that were turned down by the screeners are now in 4 libraries that regular list with taxi. some have been turned down, but 3/4's are in. for a non-musician and still learning how to write, for me it is gratifying. and that's what the benefit of taxi is, IMHO--the connections you seek on your own. the co-write and co-production connections (very important for a non-musician who has very bonifide musical ideas= me, but limited production and musicianship skills=me....the point is this: i thought taxi was the end of all ends, the "answer", and what was a damn stupid and inexperienced thing to think. i have NEVER failed at anything i worked hard at and believed in in my life--and that's a fact. so i'm not proud nor happy about being a taxi failure (so far), but hell, i'm trying other things, i didn't start writing until i was 51, and have never been on stage. but i still believe in what i'm writing, and my self-imposed sabbatical from being a member was just for what i've accomplished--forcing myself to get out of the taxi comfort zone, and try more venues. and i'm spending more time writing and finding the right producers. and hell, i've turned down the cut-rate offers to renew, 'cuz i will join again for FULL price--just as another venue, when i have more songs to pitch. and if they get sold somewhere else first, that's fine too. still working, and not giving up, all the best,warren so what i'm saying is--and it sounds damn simple, but isn't--you need to find your niche, because i can hear some of your songs being placed in film and in libraries--but try some of them directly--all they will say is Yes, or No...all the best,warren

[wignelson]

Apr 18, 2009, 5:58pm, hummingbird wrote:Apr 18, 2009, 5:20pm, wignelson wrote:TAXI only connects people who sound like someone else. The a la syndrome.With that statement you insult everyone on this board who has been forwarded, or who has been forwarded & signed. Big Blue & Logan with their terrific rock songs, Matto with his great Latin songs, Chuck with his world vibe, and many others who have been successful, according to this sentence... that would mean that their music has no heart, no soul, no spirit. Bullshit.Commerical doesn't necessarily equal unoriginal or uninteresting or homogenized. Just like non-commerical doesn't necessarily mean knock-your-socks off cool.I can appreciate everything else you say, that your music is radically different, and it's hard to find a market for it.I'd say then, use your terrific creativity to come up with new and original ways to market your music. Blaze a trail. Be different. If there are people out there who would buy music like this (and I think there is), then figure out how get it to them yourself. Find bands and singers who would record & perform your music. Show everyone how wrong they are when they say it's not commercially viable. Whatever you do, don't stop writing because you have a unique voice.Sorry to hear that you think I am speaking bullshit or disparaging anyone, Bird. I would never do that. I don't mean to insult anyone who is successful submitting through TAXI. I have respect for all my peers and cheer on their successes.All I was trying to say is that due to the a la syndrome, the listing are always looking for something that sounds like something else.If you have found a listing that says "Looking for something new and different" then you have better eyesight than I do.You don't know who I am as a person and I don't know who you are. All we can do is try to get an idea through the words that we say. Somehow you think that my words say that everybody is worthless except me. I think that's not what I try to do. I support many musicians and their efforts and tweak their lyrics. Let me state for the record, (although it won't do any good - you hear what you want to hear) I am 100% behind any success that artists can achieve through any means, not only TAXI. It's a real tough nut to crack and everyone who does deserves a lot of credit.Wig

[wignelson]

Apr 18, 2009, 6:08pm, hurowitz wrote:Apr 18, 2009, 5:20pm, wignelson wrote: ...Dolly Parton? Hmm, I can picture her agent reading a treatment for "The Best Little Whorehouse In Texas" and saying. Hey, that's a natural for Dolly. She's strong enough to sing this song. So is Bonnie Raitt.But I have no way to reach them and pitch the song.Obviously I couldn't submit it through TAXI.You seem to have a paradigm in play about what people will or will not sing. I don't think I share that opinion. I always leave a little hope in play that I might hear something totally different.I have to think that there are thousands of "commercial" sounding bands out there like Death Cab For Cutie or Uncle Tupelo. That's fine for them and they have a place in the music scene.But I have to maintain hope that there is a place for something new and a little outside the box.I joined TAXI for the sole purpose of making a connection to a publisher. That's all, just one connection for my five volumes of music that I have copyrighted over the last 30 years. I was foolish to think that TAXI could connect someone new and original. TAXI only connects people who sound like someone else. The a la syndrome.Hey WigMy post is not at all about taxi. It's about pitching songs to publishers. When I first started writing songs, getting them demo'd, and sending them to publishers some years back (on cassette back then!), I quickly learned how they listen. They wanted a killer hook within the first minute and if they didn't hear it, they couldn't care less. It had to clearly stand out from the verse, have melodic excitement such as a 'lift', etc. There is a difference between fresh new ideas (which they DO seek out) and less-than-great songwriting.I still have a file with all the letters that came back from publishers (when they replied at all) saying "pass" or "hook not strong enough". I get the feeling that you think that the song on this thread would get picked up by a publisher. But it wouldn't. No publisher will get excited by a song that takes 1:30 to get to a weak chorus. With respect to THIS song, it's definitely about the songwriting. I'm not saying that with attitude towards you- we all need to get better and I'm no different.Taxi is not the only way to get your music heard and sometimes their screening standards are overly tough. But regardless of what path you take, I sincerely hope you'll be open to the fact that improving your craft has to be a big part of the plan. In any endeavor in life, the "it's them, not me" approach is extremely limiting.I wish you the best, and I would be thrilled to hear one day of your success. Best, CaseyThanks for your advice, Casey,You will be thrilled one day by hearing of my success. But don't worry, I'll never forget the little people. Seriously, though,This thread has to die out. I doubt that anyone is interested in the remix of the song. It had it's day in the studio (actually about two hours) and will now rest in peace.Wig

[wignelson]

Apr 19, 2009, 12:07pm, heinsite wrote:hey wigs--if i were you--heck i've BEEN you as far as taxi is concerned...i'd chalk your experience up to being naive. and i do NOT mean that as an insult.after nearly 400 submissions, and 4 forwards, (talk about naive, or maybe just stupid...) i chose to take a break. in my case naive=just plain dumb--or actually being "right" that for SONGWRITERS, taxi is a very hard nut to crack, and not where to put most of your eggs..... some friends on this forum (where i've learned much) suggested a coupla libraries. the same songs that were turned down by the screeners are now in 4 libraries that regular list with taxi. some have been turned down, but 3/4's are in. for a non-musician and still learning how to write, for me it is gratifying. and that's what the benefit of taxi is, IMHO--the connections you seek on your own. the co-write and co-production connections (very important for a non-musician who has very bonifide musical ideas= me, but limited production and musicianship skills=me....the point is this: i thought taxi was the end of all ends, the "answer", and what was a damn stupid and inexperienced thing to think. i have NEVER failed at anything i worked hard at and believed in in my life--and that's a fact. so i'm not proud nor happy about being a taxi failure (so far), but hell, i'm trying other things, i didn't start writing until i was 51, and have never been on stage. but i still believe in what i'm writing, and my self-imposed sabbatical from being a member was just for what i've accomplished--forcing myself to get out of the taxi comfort zone, and try more venues. and i'm spending more time writing and finding the right producers. and hell, i've turned down the cut-rate offers to renew, 'cuz i will join again for FULL price--just as another venue, when i have more songs to pitch. and if they get sold somewhere else first, that's fine too. still working, and not giving up, all the best,warren so what i'm saying is--and it sounds damn simple, but isn't--you need to find your niche, because i can hear some of your songs being placed in film and in libraries--but try some of them directly--all they will say is Yes, or No...all the best,warrenYeah, Warren, I'm like you. I won't give up. Ever. Heck, joining TAXI wasn't even my idea. I was begged to join by a sound man who is constantly touring and wanted my music to be heard. Well, we're not holding out breath anymore. One time I chopped up a classical piece and submitted it in three parts to a listing looking for some corporate background music. He thought it was too dynamic for the listing, too interesting I think were his words. That's fine. It was my fault for submitting to the wrong listing, but the screener also said, this is so good I'd really like to hear the whole thing. Well, how can I find out who this guy is? He never followed up and contacted me. If he thought it was so good and he was a screener of contemporary classical, then he was probably a screener who would screen more dynamic works as well. Get my drift? He forgot about me after the two minutes he gave my submission and could care less whether or not I make a connection to a library. He didn't lie, he wasn't dishonest, he did his job, he found a way to reject the music legitimately, but he didn't give a damn either. Even after he stated that he DID give a damn.I know I could get some forwards through TAXI, but I don't think they would be in my best interest. At this point I feel I would get some "mercy placings" in some library or other so I would renew my membership. I don't think that's in the cards.I would LOVE to submit directly to some librarys or publishers, but I have no contacts. That was what TAXI was supposed to do for me.Some day I will meet someone who will give me a chance. But that's what it takes. Even within TAXI, you have to know someone.Good luck with your music, Wig