Bitter Words about TAXI, So I've Heard...

[dpenn]

Like with anything, you get out what you put into it. TAXI gives you the tools and opportunities to get your songs in front of industry decision makers. But it's up to you to make sure your songs are the best they can be and on target for the listings. If your songs aren't, you won't get through - period. I can attest through personal experience that yes, you can get through the screening process and have your songs forwarded. I can also attest that many times your songs won't hit the mark and they'll be returned. It's a constant growing/learning experience...and your expectations need to be realistic. If you're not getting forwards, then you need to figure out why and adjust accordingly. So again - you get out what you put into it! (No one said it was going to be easy!)Dave

[jeffgreenleaf]

I've found that it is hard to explain to people exactly what Taxi is without them being skeptical. I've even had musician friends second guess me whether or not I either work for Taxi or will profit somehow by getting them to sign up. It's gotten to the point where I don't really tell people about it anymore. That's why it's cool to be on the forums!

[bc]

I received a call last week from a Nashville producer; he's a second tier cat I've pitched a ton of songs to -- and though he hasn't used ONE song, he thinks I have a good one in me someplace and I have an open invite to pitch songs directly to him; if I only to send him "high bar, appropriate stuff." When a songwriter discovers they're crafting a title with commercial potential, how do we discern, with specificity, the appropriate environment, place, artist, time, to pitch our work?For calibrating your music at the professional/commercial level, TAXI is one of the most cost effective methods available. If you cost out all the travel, time, frustration (you're gonna have anyway), food, place to stay and other sundry expenses, verses submitting your stuff via mp3 from the comfort of your home or studio, it ain't even close. For me, TAXI isn't about the big dream ticket getting punched. Like I said, it's a multi-tool. I don't always agree with the ears of some of the gatekeepers, and conversely, I have very high regard for many of the screeners -- especially those who forward my stuff True story: That same Nashville producer, (just after telling me won't even open a CD without a Nashville zip code on the outside -- and only friends and certain business contacts outside the 615 area code will get a call back), asked me about TAXI's Film and TV opportunities! We both had a good laugh at his expense, and then I told him that TAXI was unparalleled for the amount of quality placement opportunities. He said he was going to join TAXI! I told him to mention my name but I have a feeling he will just quietly join up. I know he has a ton of killer stuff in his catalog. So there you go. You might hear some bitter words. But I don't think you will hear any big rumble of feet leaving TAXI anytime soon. In fact, there seems to be a steady shuffling of feet in TAXI's direction. best,bcTAXI and this here board Jan - 2004

[tedsingingfox]

there have been SO Many Nay-sayers in the 15 months I've been on these forums (and yet I am living proof that the opportunities offered to us here are real) that I am close to the point of being tired of defending something/some organization which I have personal experience and success with to people who simply don't want to hear it. It blows my mind how vehemently so many people simply do NOT want to believe that it might take more than simply writing a song to get your song out there.I will only speak for myself here, but TAXI and, even more specifically, these forums have totally changed the course of my life, in the best, most positive way imaginable.Screw the non-believers. I shouldn't have to hold their hands, and frankly, I'm not doing it anymore.I know how special this place is. that's enough for me.

[georginasaint]

I've had lots of similar experiences to you all. Sometimes I think people think I've joined a cult When I stumbled upon Taxi late 2007 I was itching to do something with my music - I was advised to take a course - get a university degree - something like that - I didn't want to sit in classes and discuss music and creativity - I wanted to DO IT. I always have done, anyway, in one form or another, but I was desperate to do more. I always wrote musicals before and although I've had a few productions it's not something that's going to make me money and I was ready to make some money with it. So, Taxi member for nearly 9 months now and I can say it has by far exceeded all my expectations... BUT I also have to say that I have exceeded MY OWN expectations of how much I've put into it. I've made writing music my first priority whenever I possibly can, and now I'm getting to where I wanted to go. Simply put, it's the best university course I never took!

[mewman]

Frankly, I think you hear a lot of people call it a scam because Taxi does, in some ways, break the "rules" of the game. I've read from several sources that a company should not charge you to listen to your music, and that a music placement should always be 50/50. Yet when you think about it, the Taxi "model" makes a lot of sense. It's easy to feel insecure in this business and to run the other way (or trash talk) when things don't go the way you expect them to, but the fact is, Taxi is for real and the contract I just signed the other day is proof enough of that for me!Mewman

[weslong]

All good points. I agree fully. This person who's been talking trash about TAXI to me swears up and down that, based on his experience, that I'm wasting my time.I tried to patiently explain to him that you could be creative as long as you were willing to learn the system and present music in such a way that it meets the current demands of the clients.He seemed to think just because TAXI tells you must have a bridge and that your intro shouldn't be longer than 20 seconds for a particular genre that they're a bunch of incompetent nincompoops who don't 'get' your music. I explained that you can't be kooky like Philip Glass or Pat Metheny and expect to get too far in the commercial realm.I don't want to deal this person anymore. That kind of shit saps my creative energy and leads me down a bad path. I'm going with you guys. Screw the naysayers. I believe your success here depends solely on you and what you're investing yourself. You have to invest in yourself first before others will invest your output...

[weslong]

Oh, case in point about investing in one's self? I'm not plugging here, just giving an example of how hard freaking work pays off. I just heard back and another radio station from my MusicSubmit campaign is playing my album. They even gave me a 4-star rating and nice comment on my CD Baby page. Hmmm...come to think of it, I've heard people say MusicSubmit is just a big scam also...very interesting, no?

[ibanez468]

Sept 11, 2008, 4:10pm, weslong wrote:Screw the naysayers. I believe your success here depends solely on you and what you're investing yourself. You have to invest in yourself first before others will invest your output...Hey Weslong!I would say that's the correct attitude! I've been spending the last several months investing in myself, to get to the point where I can have more successes. That meant upgrading my sounds. Taking the time to learn new programs. Stepping up my compositions, so they sound acceptable to those involved in the listening process. I'm tryin' ta' make it difficult for them to reject me. That's how I see it. I think I'm making progress. But it all started with me re-dedicating myself to myself. An investment in ME! I've spent thousands of dollars in order to do that. I believe in ME, just gotta get others to believe in ME as well.The very wise & wealthy folks will usually say something along these lines: Don't go where the crowd is going (meaning the naysayers), blaze a trail in the other direction! Sounds good ta' me! I never was one for blind following. I-468

[ggalen]

Sept 11, 2008, 4:10pm, weslong wrote:... you can't be kooky like Philip Glass or Pat Metheny and expect to get too far in the commercial realm.Yeah, that kooky Pat Metheny. He ain't no Gnarls Barkley or Red Hot Chili Peppers, I'll give you that.