Can you get (Sign) deals at the Rally

[Cat Herder]

I have over 100 writers with my company, and with the exception of 5 or 6 they all come from TAXI, and those 5 or 6 are referals from writers I signed from Taxi. What is interesting is, I reviewed our writers and how I met them. Out of the whole group 55 (more than half) I met at the Rally, accepted a disk, or a business card, and they followed up. Not every writer I took a disk from was signed, but everyone was listened to and evaluated. So, as I agree that the Rally is a great place to get an education, I equally agree that it is a great place to establish business relationships. Carpe Diem.

[Casey H]

People have ended up with deals because of the rally, no doubt!

I also think it's important to go to the rally with realistic expectations, involving both short term and long term goals. So much depends on where you are right now in your musical journey. You might be signed within a few months by Cat Herder or other film/TV library owner. You might get the feedback you need to improve your music and get a deal 1, 2, or 3 years from now. You might be a beginning songwriter who needs help with lyrics, structure, hooks, etc. You might learn tips on how to better present yourself and your music for the future... You could get rejected based on a rally contact but the reason for rejection is key to your career... And so on and so on...

So it runs the full gamut. Just about everyone comes home better in some way!

I don't to see anyone come home and say, "I'm disappointed. I went to the rally and didn't get a deal." Most folks are pretty level headed about this stuff, but once in a while I see someone just not "get it". I once saw someone complain because their CD didn't get randomly pulled out of any of the listening panel drop boxes which typically have hundreds or thousands of CDs!

And never discount the tremendous value of peer relationships developed at the rally. I'm sure more deals have been made due to collabs from people who got to know each other at the rally than "instant" ones. For example, I have a track with Cat Herder that is a co-write as a result of the rally. I had this piece for years and was stuck on it. I showed it to 2 other Taxi members at the rally and the 3-way collab was "herded".

So be excited and optimistic! But also stay well grounded.

I hope to see you all in a few days!

Casey

[Cat Herder]

Well said Casey. I am a good example. I have learned so much at the Rally. I have learned from top people in the industry, and I have learned from 19 year old hopefuls who are brand new to the business. Never take one minute for granted, the next words out of "anyones" mouth my be life changing. Not to mention those lifetime friendships which are forged.

[tinozigzag]

Can NOT wait to meet you all!!

[anne]

Casey and Dave, I love your points about learning from other people at the rally. Every year I am more convinced that the information at the rally shaves a year off of people's "music education".

One note in particular that you mentioned - people who are just beginning can come and learn so much. It is not all about getting deals; it is as much about moving forward, where ever you are now.

I will be there with bells ... er, dots... on!