fbd wrote: ↑Thu Aug 25, 2022 2:55 am
Hi Casey , I did point out in the previous posts that although Taxi isn't ideal for me ( I was offered a refund ) Im going to stick around because there's stuff on the site I like , I also said previously that at this early point Im not interested in commercials and that there are a few opportunities where demos are acceptable and as they are intended for other artists to sing . the point about being harsh , well I think it was more rude than harsh and anyway there's absolutely no need to talk to people you dont know like that ( harsh or rude ), I know other people agree with me , If someone you dont know , from the off speaks to you in a harsh way then I think its only natural to be defensive , Im fine I've been around a long time and I love music . As for my goal , I think this is where the problem lies , people assume Im on the same page as them ( I can understand that) Taxi on the inside is different than on the outside , at this early stage my goal is to try and write songs for the odd placement that wants demo standard and find someone to write the odd song with , but as I get more time I will hopefully adapt and try other stuff . Thanks . Cheers Frank .
Thanks for clarifying where you are as far as goals and Taxi.
A side note: When I said "commercial music" I didn't mean music for commercials (ads), I meant anything you can use to pitch for Film/TV, artists to re-record, etc.
Regarding "the odd placement that wants demo standard", I assume that you mean pitching songs for other artists to record. Nothing wrong with seeking that goal but keep in mind what an incredibly tough nut that is to crack. Songs have to be "walk on water" great in all ways from a writing standpoint and today's "demos" are pretty much broadcast quality as well (There are exceptions). Over the past 2 decades or so, with home recording studio gear being so readily accessible to all, the competition became fierce. It always was fierce actually, it's just now you have to have both the song and the recording to be up there.
Finding collaborators is the best way to raise your output to pitch-worthy material, regardless of the target. The Taxi forum and the rally are wonderful places to connect with co-writers, co-producers, producers, work fire hire musicians/vocalists, etc. You might have a good song idea that needs production help and find someone to do the production side for co-write split, a fee, or a combo of both. You might have melody that needs lyrics or better lyrics or lyrics that need melody, etc. You'd be amazed at how many placements have come from collaborations that started right here. I personally have had a lot of library and TV placements and they all started with relationships made here.
Taxi and the community can be a great way to learn to get better at it all. You are keeping your membership so the best thing for you there is to submit (at least right now!) to listings that are pitch to artists and/or do not require BQ recordings. The feedback you get from the screeners will be very valuable. Watch Taxi TV, attend the rally if you can, and form relationships. Also, I think I mentioned before that Taxi offers custom critiques for $20 which are a terrific value for the money. On the outside, critiques like that cost more like $50. Again, state what your goals are and any questions when you order one.
Don't give up on using peer to peer here. Just make sure you let people know your goal for the song/recording. If you think someone is harsh on their response, best thing to do is just don't respond to them. Even better, is simply thank them for their input. When I pitch a song to a music library and they reject it, sometimes with their reasons that I don't agree with at all, my reply is "Thanks for listening". That's the pro way.
As far as making best use of the forum community, the WORST thing you could do when someone gives you a negative critique, is come back with a song and dance (no pun) about how many years you've been doing this, you're previous career, how others like your music, etc. That's a turnoff and people will stop responding to you. Just take in what they are saying with an open mind, keep what sticks and sweep the rest. Sometimes a strongly disagree with feedback from a peer or a screener and come back to it months or years later and realize their points were right on the money.
Also, this is something I often offer to new members, people with concerns or questions about writing/pitching music, the Taxi world etc. If you would like to chat on the phone, drop me a PM and we can set up a time.
Best,
Casey