Am I wasting my time?

[markdman]

I posted this in "Screener Shoutouts", and then noticed that it probably belongs here. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------I have read through these messages, and it is only now - 2 months after I joined Taxi - that I am beginning to understand what's going on here. It would seem from what several members are suggesting that the only way to get forwarded is to tailor your "style" to what the listing asks for. At first, I saw that I did not even know of most of the artists the listings referred to, then wondered if I'd have time to go and listen to some of them. The thing that struck me right away is that Taxi brags about having "industry veterans" but they can't even produce a listing that speaks in terms of musical style, nuance, structure, or sound. All they say in most of the listings is "Pop rock songs al a "So & So" band, Jim McDoodle & the Ding Dongs, etc.Then I go and listen to some of these artists and they put me to sleep or bore me to death. Even the "up-tempo" songs (Pink & whoever) are so simplistic in terms of the actual music, that it leads me to believe what they are mostly looking for are pin up dolls, and/or puppets that can sing, to appeal to overly sentimental teenagers who vacillate between insatiable lust and straight up angst. If the screeners, and/or listing writers are industry veterans, they should know how to speak in terms a musician can understand. And, instead of just complaining - here's what I would suggest: Before you post a listing exactly the way the client has worded it, go to the Music Magazines that review these people and look at what the music critics are saying about the artists in question. The music critics will speak in terms we musicians can understand. Otherwise, this whole thing is beginning to look like a great big waste of my time. I'm interested in doing mostly background instrumentals for Film and/or television. I have some material with lyrics, but I'm not aiming the lyrics at any particular fan base. I'm saying what I think is important, and relevant for our times. I even have some romantic stuff, but it's honest, and not overly emotional. Am I in the wrong place? - MarkDman

[watksco]

If you're looking to do 'background intrumentals' then looking at listings for 'songs ala Pink etc.' - then you are looking at the wrong listings.You need to search thru for TV/Film instrumental listings, which can occur in many of the different genre headings.As far as descriptions are concerned - to list an artist is pretty decriptive to me. If you don't like the artist(s) listed - then you're simply looking at the wrong listing for you!Keep looking...Scott

[celeste]

I understand what you mean. Basically, I have been in Taxi since January, and I finally found something that really fits my music. If they reject it, then I will say I am wasting my time and money. As far as trying to copy a bunch of modern pop songs, I have no interest. There have been several instrumental listings lately. Good luck.Celeste

[keithl]

Another great option is before siging up, join the mailing list...you will see the monthly listings (just can't submit)Then you can at least see if the listings are right for you. If they are, then join up and fire away.

[mikefederalidotcom]

I've been wondering for some time why Taxi doesn't have a monthly option or a free trial. I've been told it's because there is a money back guarantee but what are the exact rules on it?

[hummingbird]

Jul 12, 2009, 7:23pm, mikefederalidotcom wrote:I've been wondering for some time why Taxi doesn't have a monthly option or a free trial. I've been told it's because there is a money back guarantee but what are the exact rules on it?hi Mike - that info is on TAXI's site - hmmmm... here...http://www.taxi.com/about.htmlscroll down.

[coachdebra]

Quote:If they reject it, then I will say I am wasting my time and money. That's an interesting approach to me. Is there nothing to be learned from the rejection other than that you're wasting your time/money? To me, the only thing that is a waste is you're not taking the opportunity to learn, to hone your craft.True, TAXI may not be the right place for everybody. And in my experience working with clients who use TAXI successfully, the ones who took the rejection as an opportunity to learn both the TAXI system and how to use it to your advantage and used the rejection as an opportunity to become a better composer and songwriter.I think the opportunities exist for songwriters who are willing to set their ego aside and do whatever it takes to become the best songwriter you can be and then learn to work the system. This takes time. Look at Mazz, when I met him several years ago, I don't think he'd had a single forward - now look at him! Music on some of the biggest shows in TV, library signings up the wazoo.But it takes time. It takes a willingness to listen to criticism. It takes being willing to learn and master a tool. That's what TAXI is - it's a tool. It may not be the right tool for you. But to make that decision based on a single submission, I think that's missing a huge opportunity.

[hookjawbrown]

IMHO it is hard to find an honest opinion from someone with professional ears for 5 bucks. The critiques often mimic my own questions about my artistic decisions as to regards to construction of a song. They also often make me go - Huh?Oh Wellle Hookthe thick skined one

[sheringo]

Hi everyone, hope your all well.Well I must say that its pretty hear breaking when your waiting for a forward, and get a strike. Not to worry, such is life! I submitted 3 songs and, they didn't make it, but I have to tell you, that is not to say, my songs don't have merit. As a newbie I read the listings and believe in my heart, I just sent them to the wrong listing. The old timers in this site, have paid their dues, I'm sure. They probably had the same doubts and thoughts, when they first tried to match their music with the perfect listing. I am going to take up the challenge and create music for the listing that best suits my melody or emotional state, at the time. Always happy to review and share ideas, so don't be a stranger and drop me Aline. The folks Ive chatted too in here are both vets and newbies (like me), so far, they have been wonderful and very helpful.Regards'DomingoSheringo

[airproofing]

My question is a little bit related to this topic... I get responses back that often say that the song I submitted is very good, the reviewer liked it a lot, etc. but it is passed over because it should go to another listing. So why don't they yell across the room (metaphorically) to another listing department and say, "Hey, we got a good one here!" Are they really letting good songs go that could be placed elsewhere because they didn't fit the listing? Or does this happen, just hasn't happened to me? If it's the $5, I'm sure I would pay it if they asked and forwarded it on.Bruce