Forward rate: 29% (first time around it was 28%)
34 submissions
10 forwards (several are on my Taxi bio page)
Genres: Blues, Dramedy, Drone, Sad Piano Strings, Tropical House
24 returns
I disagreed with about 1/3 of them, some strongly. Several I totally agreed with and laughed at myself for not recognizing what the screeners identified in my return (usually happens when I rush to meet a deadline instead of giving the project proper time). Several of my returns are in libraries now. Ironically, while trap/hip-hop make up a large portion of my tv placements, none of my submissions in that genre were forwarded.
Things I've learned since coming back:
- Focus on what you are good at. Just because you *can* write a genre doesn't mean you *should.*
- Screeners are human, this business is subjective. You won't always agree with them. They are right more often than not.
- The Forwards Blog can be very educational and frustrating at the same time. Mostly educational.
- The Taxi web site has improved tremendously the past couple of years (although I did get hit by the accidental return error that I believe has been addressed internally). Kudos to the web team for that!
- Some people are not meant for this business. The ability to receive and tolerate quality feedback is vital. Being stubborn is not a good quality for a composer. TV placements are not about "art." We are trying to create products that libraries and tv music editors will consume. Your music is not the star, it exists to support others. We are sidemen, role players, supporting cast.
- Read the listings completely, then read them again. The information you need is there, don't assume anything.
- Keep it simple. Less is more. Listen to the references provided in the listings, trying to figure out what the three of them have in common.
- Don't get stuck in the trap of buying every new software library that comes out. But, be sure you have quality libraries to start with. No one wants to hear the greatest music in the world if it is performed on bad sounding patches.
- Think like a musician when recording your parts. Horn players have to breathe. String players have to change bow directions. Music breathes, it is not monotone. Do everything you can to make your music sound human. The notes you don't play are just as important as the notes you play.
But this community is great, and while it is true that anyone can participate in the forums and on YouTube for free, I feel in my heart that it makes sense to continue giving back and paying it forward to Taxi for all of the help and education I have received over the years. In calendar 2021 I had music placed on nearly 50 different tv series, on 30 networks across nearly 30 countries. My quarterly BMI statements are regularly in the four figures range (my goal is to reach five figures per quarter). All while having a full time job in the tech sector.
So, for better or worse, I'm sticking around... membership renewed.