RALLY

[nomiyah]

Quote:Over the next days or weeks as I listen to about twenty CD's of my new friends and follow up with emails of praise and support ,I'll probably be even more inspired to write, write, and write more, When you're running with the dogs you can't lay on the porch. (not a bad hook if I wrote country, feel free to steal that Nomi (an inside joke)) Tired and insired ( another hook!!!) ChuckIf you're flying with eagles, don't scratch dirt with hensIf you want to know who you are, look at your friends(easier to rhyme than porch)That was fun hanging out at dot lounge

[ragani]

Ditto for the "surreal sense", Aub. It was my second Rally, and I must say it just keeps getting better and better (in part, no doubt, by my own process in learning how to make the best use of the short time we have there with everyone). And in the end, I'm sad to leave, though I'm full of new levels of inspiration and buzz with so many great contacts and leads... Another smashing Rally!I did notice one thing different this year-- there seemed to be a high percentage of new folks in attendance compared to a few years ago. Where were all the Rally vets? So instead of hanging out with the folks I knew, I had to spread my wings and make new connections. I've never had so much fun! What incredible camaraderie flows through these Rally's, and I feel much of it comes from the tone that Michael has set with his approachability and interest in being a genuine connection for the world of music. I heard giving positive and genuine feedback to the open mic participants, praising the Rally forum gods and goddesses (you all are!), and sharing the personal stories of TAXI member successes.Thank you, Michael! And a huge thanks to all of you on the forum posts. I've been reading the posts for the past few years, and this year was the final push to get registered and get on board. To contribute! So you'll hopefully be seeing a little more of me here now. Yes, I'm a "newbie" on the boards here. Been on and off with TAXI for the past three years. My background is sacred world music, and I'm branching out into the film/TV commercial music library work. When I see the "Introduce Yourself" topic show up here (a great idea suggestion, Hummingbird), I'll go post more about myself there... I didn't get any of the hotel towels, but I did keep the note pad with the fish on it. Raags

[liamkelly]

Well... this is what I took home from the Rally1) My music as it stands is good enough to get forwards. But good enough probably isn’t good enough for the next level (placements). A major component of excellence is the ability to learn from others and to apply it. Additionally, many excellent songwriters co-write regularly. And the higher your output, the better your craftsmanship. I have Jai Josef’s one-on-one and melody class and Kara DiGuardia’s talk to thank for this.2) There are many opportunities with industry types for excellent music. It is not restricted by age or genre or whatever. Aub and I were lucky enough to get an hour with B***. B*** owns a label that is a joint venture with one of the biggies. He produces in the big league (he’s doing Kelly Clarkson’s next album) and one of his label acts recently charted at No 1. He discussed, in detail, many aspects of his business from artist development, recording, shopping to majors, distribution, marketing, positioning etc. No money could have bought this hour of advice. I’m sure Aub agrees.3) It is never too late in life to make meaningful relationships. And it’s not hard. Just be yourself and forget the swagger that is so prevalent in this industry.Regarding the Forum members, who could put a monetary value on such a bonding weekend. Some of things that will make me smile for ages:- hearing Mazz and Jai Josefs jam - Aub, Ponco, Steve, Ted and I planning the Lamborghini theft - Ponco and I plotting guitar lines on our cowrite in a garage at 3.30 am - Matt emptying out his bar fridge so the party could continue - getting a verbal tour of Von’s bass collection (what a positive guy ).- Soucy jumping up bellowing ‘awesome’ at random points through the weekend - discussing Stick’s studio. If I ever am lucky enough to professionally record an album I’m heading out his way. If anyone has a spare half-million, Stick and I can put it to good use - Casey, Vikki, Aub and I shared a table at Saturday’s mentor lunch. The questions were incisive and flying thick and fast. For me this was an excellent hour in good company.- rooming with Martin. Best room-mate a guy could ask for - getting Kelly and Jon’s CD at last!- dissecting Ted’s lyrics (what a moment ). Also happened at 2 am. A LOT happened in the early hours.- promising Walton I would punt his electronica here in Ibiza to see what happens (haven’t forgotten, Dave).- making Chuck promise that his next family holiday will be in Spain - hanging with Anne House. She has countless stories of her and her hubby’s years in the industry that had me captivated. And she is a class act.- getting my 15 minutes with Matt Hirt, a man who has a lot of knowledge to share and is tirelessly generous in sharing it.- telling Aub that the earth revolves around the sun and not Texas - big shout-out to Vikki for all her posts pre-Rally. They ensured that I came prepared.Hasta luegoLiam

[jchitty]

Thanks to Liam (and everyone else here) for all your summaries of the highlights concerning the Rally.It makes you feel like you were there.

[nomiyah]

Quote:Well... this is what I took home from the Rally1) My music as it stands is good enough to get forwards. But good enough probably isn’t good enough for the next level (placements). A major component of excellence is the ability to learn from others and to apply it. Additionally, many excellent songwriters co-write regularly. And the higher your output, the better your craftsmanship. I have Jai Josef’s one-on-one and melody class and Kara DiGuardia’s talk to thank for this.2) There are many opportunities with industry types for excellent music. It is not restricted by age or genre or whatever. Aub and I were lucky enough to get an hour with B***. B*** owns a label that is a joint venture with one of the biggies. He produces in the big league (he’s doing Kelly Clarkson’s next album) and one of his label acts recently charted at No 1. He discussed, in detail, many aspects of his business from artist development, recording, shopping to majors, distribution, marketing, positioning etc. No money could have bought this hour of advice. I’m sure Aub agrees.3) It is never too late in life to make meaningful relationships. And it’s not hard. Just be yourself and forget the swagger that is so prevalent in this industry.Regarding the Forum members, who could put a monetary value on such a bonding weekend. Some of things that will make me smile for ages:- hearing Mazz and Jai Josefs jam - Aub, Ponco, Steve, Ted and I planning the Lamborghini theft - Ponco and I plotting guitar lines on our cowrite in a garage at 3.30 am - Matt emptying out his bar fridge so the party could continue - getting a verbal tour of Von’s bass collection (what a positive guy ).- Soucy jumping up bellowing ‘awesome’ at random points through the weekend - discussing Stick’s studio. If I ever am lucky enough to professionally record an album I’m heading out his way. If anyone has a spare half-million, Stick and I can put it to good use - Casey, Vikki, Aub and I shared a table at Saturday’s mentor lunch. The questions were incisive and flying thick and fast. For me this was an excellent hour in good company.- rooming with Martin. Best room-mate a guy could ask for - getting Kelly and Jon’s CD at last!- dissecting Ted’s lyrics (what a moment ). Also happened at 2 am. A LOT happened in the early hours.- promising Walton I would punt his electronica here in Ibiza to see what happens (haven’t forgotten, Dave).- making Chuck promise that his next family holiday will be in Spain - hanging with Anne House. She has countless stories of her and her hubby’s years in the industry that had me captivated. And she is a class act.- getting my 15 minutes with Matt Hirt, a man who has a lot of knowledge to share and is tirelessly generous in sharing it.- telling Aub that the earth revolves around the sun and not Texas - big shout-out to Vikki for all her posts pre-Rally. They ensured that I came prepared.Hasta luegoLiamLiamSorry I didn't make your list of forum buddies, you made mine. Actually, you are one of the people I regret not having more conversations with. So many people, so little time. Great to meet you anyway.Nomi

[liamkelly]

Quote:Quote:Well... this is what I took home from the Rally1) My music as it stands is good enough to get forwards. But good enough probably isn’t good enough for the next level (placements). A major component of excellence is the ability to learn from others and to apply it. Additionally, many excellent songwriters co-write regularly. And the higher your output, the better your craftsmanship. I have Jai Josef’s one-on-one and melody class and Kara DiGuardia’s talk to thank for this.2) There are many opportunities with industry types for excellent music. It is not restricted by age or genre or whatever. Aub and I were lucky enough to get an hour with B***. B*** owns a label that is a joint venture with one of the biggies. He produces in the big league (he’s doing Kelly Clarkson’s next album) and one of his label acts recently charted at No 1. He discussed, in detail, many aspects of his business from artist development, recording, shopping to majors, distribution, marketing, positioning etc. No money could have bought this hour of advice. I’m sure Aub agrees.3) It is never too late in life to make meaningful relationships. And it’s not hard. Just be yourself and forget the swagger that is so prevalent in this industry.Regarding the Forum members, who could put a monetary value on such a bonding weekend. Some of things that will make me smile for ages:- hearing Mazz and Jai Josefs jam - Aub, Ponco, Steve, Ted and I planning the Lamborghini theft - Ponco and I plotting guitar lines on our cowrite in a garage at 3.30 am - Matt emptying out his bar fridge so the party could continue - getting a verbal tour of Von’s bass collection (what a positive guy ).- Soucy jumping up bellowing ‘awesome’ at random points through the weekend - discussing Stick’s studio. If I ever am lucky enough to professionally record an album I’m heading out his way. If anyone has a spare half-million, Stick and I can put it to good use - Casey, Vikki, Aub and I shared a table at Saturday’s mentor lunch. The questions were incisive and flying thick and fast. For me this was an excellent hour in good company.- rooming with Martin. Best room-mate a guy could ask for - getting Kelly and Jon’s CD at last!- dissecting Ted’s lyrics (what a moment ). Also happened at 2 am. A LOT happened in the early hours.- promising Walton I would punt his electronica here in Ibiza to see what happens (haven’t forgotten, Dave).- making Chuck promise that his next family holiday will be in Spain - hanging with Anne House. She has countless stories of her and her hubby’s years in the industry that had me captivated. And she is a class act.- getting my 15 minutes with Matt Hirt, a man who has a lot of knowledge to share and is tirelessly generous in sharing it.- telling Aub that the earth revolves around the sun and not Texas - big shout-out to Vikki for all her posts pre-Rally. They ensured that I came prepared.Hasta luegoLiamLiamSorry I didn't make your list of forum buddies, you made mine. Actually, you are one of the people I regret not having more conversations with. So many people, so little time. Great to meet you anyway.NomiNomi!!Wasn't a list of Forum buddies: just events that came to my stream of consciousness One of my few regrets about the Rally is that I didn't get to spend a whole lot more time with you . As you said - so much to do, so little time.Liam

[sgs4u]

Quote:One of my few regrets about the Rally is that I didn't get to spend a whole lot more time with you . As you said - so much to do, so little time.LiamI do not have that regret. I got to walk the lovely MissNomi homey 2 nites. and what lovely tattoos she has! The privledge, was mine Nomi. aah, in another lifetime...steve

[onoffon]

I had the extreme privilege of spending some quality time with the lovely Nomi Yah. It was amazing to find out the similarities in our musical lives, especially our early influences - her from her parents, mine from my older brother. It was really quite nice to meet you, Nomi... Oh, yeah, you too, Steve...

[squidlips]

Hey Nomi!!Wish I coulda been there ta meetcha too. We'll get it together one day. Where do we get the stick t-shirts? I wanna know!

[mazz]

I don't think I can fully put in to words the experiences and memories I've brought home with me from the Rally. I've jumped right back in to composing and completing 13 cuts for the "O lady" due December 1st and my butt's been in the chair until 3AM some nights. I'm not complaining, I absolutely love it but it's taken me away a little from my feelings for all of you "dots" and all the others I met at the Rally. I'm sure it'll all come flooding back to me as I listen to your CDs in December. Seeing your posts here remind me of you all. It's funny, but I felt like I knew everyone already even though most of us had never met. I'm amazed at how our personalities and personas come through in our posts! I can't call out any highlights (the Clinton room was pretty cool, though! ). The whole weekend was on a very high level of intensity. It seems like we all got what we came for and more. For me, it was being able to go "under the hood" on some aspects of the business by talking with all my colleagues here. I didn't take any classes but the knowledge I got from hanging with folks like Matt, Dave and the rest was so deep and powerful that it is priceless!Here's to everyone's continuing success. Aub, maybe we should all meet in LA in the summer, I too would like to hang more with people of your caliber. Bring Ponch along too!Cheers and tears,Mazz