From the other side of the handshake

[Cat Herder]

Believe it or not I read the TAXI forum. A lot. There is one Rally question I see often, and I hope I can shed some light on this. "What should I bring?" That probably would solicit 10 answers from 10 A&R and publishing guest, but I am sure there are some commonalities. First I want to know you are a professional, and in the first two seconds I can sometimes spot that. I call it the "Sharpie Disk". I don't mind disks, myself, in paper sleeves because they are easy to cary. I hate those thick bulky heavy jewel cases though. But when I see sharpie scribblings all over the CD I have just gotten my first impression of you. And that is a pretty sloppy impression. Print you CD labels. They do not have to be fancy. I just want to read them clearly. Think about that for a second and put yourself in my shoes. Now what do you print on that label. OK, you put your phone number. I don't know you, I'm not going to call you, but that is me, others may prefer that method, I just don't have chit chat time. That said, make sure your number is there. Next you put your website. I think that is a good idea although again, I do not have time to chase websites, BUT, I have done it in the past because the writer was that good that I wanted to hear more before contacting them. What is missing too often is an e-mail address which is the first thing I look for. No e-mail address, no demo, straight to the circle file. I am not in the business of chasing writers down. Again. I do not have time. Don't print black on blue, or orange on red, or some impossibly small font so I need a microscope to find your info.

How many works do I want to see, or how many genres. I do not care, as long as you have a sleeve to break them into track numbers, and categories, or genres. I cannot read track numbers on a CD label that is in my player. If you want to pitch a certain type of cue, or a specific piece to me, have a highlighter and highlight what you want me to listen to. If I want to listen to more I am smart enough to figure that out all on my own. In other words, be respectful and make it easy on me. You may be, and likely are 1 of a hundred or more demos I have had to haul a couple thousand or more miles. Make the work I have to do when I get around to your CD worth my effort.

[eeoo]

Thank you Cat Herder for these posts, very enlightening and helpful! As far as the material we include on our cd's, is it advisable to include songs that are already signed or would that be frowned upon? Just trying to learn the game here...

Thanks again for your insights!

eo

[Cat Herder]

I have no problem with hearing songs that are signed. I am looking for talent, and craftmanship, and oddly enough rarely sign a demo piece. I want to know how talented you are. I suspect if I like a certain piece I can ask you to write a similar one, and will.

[bmete]

Thanks Dave,

"I have no problem with hearing songs that are signed. I am looking for talent, and craftmanship, and oddly enough rarely sign a demo piece. I want to know how talented you are. I suspect if I like a certain piece I can ask you to write a similar one, and will."

That answers a was a big question I was going back and forth on!!

See you at the Rally!

Bob

[T&V Marino]

That's great advice about bringing the CDs, Cat Herder!

We'd also like to mention that it's helpful to bring BUSINESS CARDS to the TAXI Rally. A lot of the panelists say they are trying to "go green" and don't like to go home with a box full of CDs. Some will actually take your business card (and you might be able to get their card so you can send them a link to your music).

It drives us CRAZY when we meet songwriters and composers who don't have a business card. We hear the excuses, "This is my first Road Rally, so I didn't think I needed them!" Or, "I'm not a full-time songwriter/composer/artist yet." Not a great first impression!

It's worth it to run down to the local Staples/Office Depot or stationery store (or go online to a place like Vista Print) and get them printed up NOW before it's too late. It usually takes 1-2 days. All the card needs to say is: Jack Smith, Songwriter (or whatever title is desired!), PHONE NUMBER, email address, and website or MySpace address. No fancy graphics or logos required. We don't spend a lot of time and money on making a ton of CDs anymore -- but we always have business cards.

Cost for business cards: $10-20.
TAXI Rally: Free -- with your membership.
Future possible opportunities: PRICELESS.

Keep writing,

Tracey & Vance Marino

[suzdoyle]

Not to mention giving out chocolate bars with your name on 'em!

,
Suz

[svallee]

Thanks for providing some clarity.

Warm regards

[Cat Herder]

Yes, good clean business cards that are easy to read. To often I see a business card that is slick, Nice graphics and artwork, but I can't read a thing on it. And it has nothing to do with my age. I have a magnifying glass for that. Although in one case it may have something to do with my smudgy chocolate fingerprints.

Seriously, I would prefer a plain white business card with all the proper information clearly visible. I was never influenced by the artwork, but I have been influenced by the lack of readability.

[jazzstan]

And in some circles, best practice is NO GLOSSY cards - folk can't write on them! Stuff like where & when you met, and most importantly - notes about WHY they want to follow-up with you.

[Cat Herder]

Good point Stan. I had not thought of that. Maybe because I can't write.