Taxi "kinda" working...

[jamkern]

Hi all!! I’d like to respectfully share my Taxi experience and see what you think.-Been with taxi for 7 years.-Got a big library deal within a year-ASCAP checks in 2 years-Contacted by at least 4 more libraries- 2 “big”, 2 “not so big” took a very good deal with the most sensible one (in the first year with them they’ve scored me a couple of HUGE placements)-Worked with 5 indie films—no cash yet, but great exposure when I had no credits.-Taxi is one of the most consistent things I’ve encountered in the VERY unpredictable music business. Without a doubt worth the money (join -don’t but an extra Flying V you don’t need!!)NOW, here’s where I can relate to the frustrations of “accomplished” musicians feeling like their being looked over by taxi--- (only speaking for myself)I make a decent income from T.V. placements. Taxi gets me about 15% of it. The rest are from a variety of contacts I’ve found on my own (some luck involved). I have about 500 tracks in a variety of styles. I write constantly!Since the online accounts have been available I have had:12 forwards50 returns3 custom critiques (2 had no or minimal criticism- 1 was ripped apart with suggestions for improvement---totally cool)I can assume that many of my returns are “off target” etc…BUT, most of these returns have been “proven” by being played on national/international T.V. Several were forwards on other listings, as well. -Most recent example—I had 3 returns on a recent “medical instrumentals” listing and one of these returns was played on a national reality show last week in…a tense hospital scene. This has happened quite a bit.My biggest question with taxi is why do I have multiple music supervisors on multiple networks frequently using music that generally does not get past taxi screeners. I feel it’s very likely that some Taxi clients, Taxi AND myself are missing some opportunities here. Maybe my music is just “off the wall” and the screeners have to play it safe. So, Taxi “can” work—maybe there’s some luck involved with the screeners.P.S. I love the forum and hate to come in with a negative vibe, but this is business

[ggalen]

JamKern,I think you are experiencing the fact that music quality is subjective.Overall the percentages work out so that well-done music DOES get through and sell eventually.But any single critique or screener can be "wrong" as to the track's actual marketability.It's art, after all, not science.

[onoffon]

Bottom line is - "one man's ceiling is another man's floor".Everyone hears art in music differently. Even when a submission gets forwarded, it doesn't mean that the music supervisor will like it, or they may like it but the director doesn't. I mean, c'mon - it's art...

[ggalen]

ONOFFON,Wow, we posted at about the same instant and made a similar comment about art vs science. Cool!

[onoffon]

I could say something about 'great minds think alike' but I'll resist the temptation...

[matto]

First off, congrats on making a living at this, many people would gladly trade places with you. I think Taxi is clearly working for you.I have also had music on national tv that was rejected by Taxi, but I really think that's normal. By and large Taxi will have stricter standards about forwarding stuff than a company you've already built a relationship with, because they're providing that first foot in the door, and we all know how important first impressions are.When you go on a first date, you usually would get dressed up nicely and expect your date to do the same. After you've been going out for a while, you wouldn't expect your date to show up dolled up to the nines if you guys are just going out for lunch... I think people like you and me who do this for a living have to be careful not to think we're the sh!t and all of our stuff should be forwarded because we're "proven moneymakers". It's a bit presumptuous to assume that Taxi's clients are "missing out" because *your* music wasn't forwarded to them, don't you think? I mean, there *was* music forwarded, and I think you have to at least allow for the possibility that the music that was forwarded might've simply been better or more appropriate to what the listing was asking for.I think what you're saying is that because you have music on national tv your submissions should be good enough to be forwarded. I don't think that's always the case...and besides, personally I have zero interest in being "good enough"...I want my stuff to be the best damn thing that lands on that library's/publisher's/A&R's desk so they *have* to offer *me* a deal over everybody else who's also forwarded.So when I get a rejection...well trust me, I'm not happy about it either , but I use it to get myself fired up to step up my game.Best of luck to you, and continued success!matto

[jamkern]

You're both absolutley right! Art-subjectivity-etc .. I agree! I'm just suprised that I'm batting high with a variety of national music supervisors (had about 10 national plays yesterday- that I know of) but, a very low average with Taxi screeners. I'd like to think that screeners and music supervisors are similar types of music professionals with similar opinions . The number just don't add up. It could just be luck--I might have a ton of forwards next year. Thanks for the input and I don't mean to come off as unnappreciative or bragging. I've been lucky and I spend A LOT of time in my studio!

[jamkern]

Matto---as always, you're dead on.I do not by any means think my music is the sh*t--that's what keeps me competetive and writing/learning while my friends are playing video games! I hear people that blow me away all the time and I'm always trying to get to their level!!! Like I said, maybe I'll get on a roll with forwards and I'll be back in the forum singing Taxis praises! I'm lucky , I work hard, and I still love Taxi!!

[jamkern]

Oh yeah--I written MANY tracks specifically for taxi listings that ended up making good money somehere else...Am i changing my tune already?

[aubreyz]

I would agree with the previous "great mind synchronism" above, but would also note that because a track wasn't forwarded doesn't necessarily mean a screener missed it, or that the quality wasn't there. The medical example you gave for instance. The "listing" for medical pieces could have been looking for something entirely different than the "tense hospital scene" music required for the show. Just because something got placed outside of Taxi doesn't mean that Taxi should have forwarded it, IF it didn't meet the criteria for their client.Taxi is going to pick up on some things that a music supervisors might reject (it happens with every forward that is not placed) -- and the opposite will happen as well. IMHO this has more to do with the nature of the game rather than a valid indictment of either side. Perhaps you said it best:Quote:-Taxi is one of the most consistent things I’ve encountered in the VERY unpredictable music business.Welcome to the forum. 500 tracks is a nice library!Aubedit -- and my post was being written while Matto posted, but I think I missed the whole "great minds thing" on that one