Taxi feels more and more like a scam after all these years...

[Casey H]

Is it just me or does anyone feel like Taxi is probably just the most well played A&R scam out there??

You never said it was a scam? Is it just me or does the above sure look like that? Or at least you VERY STRONGLY implied it.

Casey

[bmete]

I'm late to this thread... being a traveling man and all....

53 submissions in 11 years..... damn... In the first 6 months of my TAXI membership 11 years ago I went 0 for 37.... then through all the wonderful members on the forum, the Road Rally...co-writers things started happening. I started learning my trade, learned by listening to the those who were way ahead of me. Two worldwide commercials for Donna Karan, music on all the major networks , tons of cable channels.. HBO Showtime, NETFlIX in store radio, internet shows ... TAXI is hardy a scam.... it is however what YOU make of it ...

Bob

[SquareBiz]

Hi Colten,

One thing I have learned at the Road Rally that isn't necessarily obvious, and that you might have no way of knowing if you don't attend the rally or frequent the forums is that it is essential to include certain information in the metadata of songs you submit. At the very least you should have your contact info, the PRO numbers and splits for all authors, whether or not you have power to sign-off, in addition to title, tempo, genre, key, etc.

Since you have had some success in the industry you probably already know this, but I figured it was worth mentioning just in case

-Bill

Hey Bill, can you add metadata AFTER a song has been forwarded? Probably not but I just wanted to check--Thanks!

[SquareBiz]

Okay...this has been the most thoroughly entertaining thread I've read in a while....Obviously, the title made me want to dig in more. The level of passion, conviction, intelligence, and eloquence has me chuckling with conviction that I understand what Taxi is here for and I have made the right decision to join Taxi. Here's what was reinforced for me from reading this string:

1. Taxi is NOT a scam!
2. Taxi offers an efficient way for a novice to get feedback, hone one's skillset, network with professionals all WHILE providing an additional avenue to get your music to decision makers in the industry(what happens after that is not on Taxi)
3. The standards are high at Taxi
4. Michael Laskow is a very sincere and passionate leader
5. The staff at Taxi is freaking amazing
6. The members will light you up if you attack the integrity of the leaders or members of this organization.
7. Go to the Rally....you will "win" in one way or another
8. Taxi is 100% LEGIT!

Btw, I joined in November of 2018...so in roughly 6 months, this what I've learned. THANK YOU to everyone that makes this organization so great!

[HigherSelf]

Hi Colten,

One thing I have learned at the Road Rally that isn't necessarily obvious, and that you might have no way of knowing if you don't attend the rally or frequent the forums is that it is essential to include certain information in the metadata of songs you submit. At the very least you should have your contact info, the PRO numbers and splits for all authors, whether or not you have power to sign-off, in addition to title, tempo, genre, key, etc.

Since you have had some success in the industry you probably already know this, but I figured it was worth mentioning just in case

-Bill

Hey Bill, can you add metadata AFTER a song has been forwarded? Probably not but I just wanted to check--Thanks!

I called Taxi and they confirmed to me, the tracks that are put up initially and forwarded to the clients DO NOT NEED metadata, as everything is sent directly to client with all info.

Metadata can be added later if required.

[HigherSelf]

Oh just for the record on this subject, I have been a member about 3 months, I've only submitted 5 times got 3 deals from that.

Certainly not a scam.

[Casey H]

I called Taxi and they confirmed to me, the tracks that are put up initially and forwarded to the clients DO NOT NEED metadata, as everything is sent directly to client with all info.

Metadata can be added later if required.

Hi HS
It would be a good idea to take this particular discussion about metadata to another thread and not perpetuate this one. As far as metadata, for the mp3 you upload to Taxi, there's no good reason NOT to have at least your name and contact info (name, phone, email address) in there. It takes a few seconds to tag these fields on an mp3. Taxi themselves used to always recommend this; I've heard Michael mention it a few times. Although it's rare, there is a slight chance that your mp3 will get separated from it's associated info-- A file gets downloaded and copied, emailed, etc.

I agree that beyond contact info isn't necessary- if a library needs your PRO, etc. they will ask you. But not taking a few minutes to tag those basics makes no sense at all.

Best,
Casey

PS Please don't reply on this thread. Please start a new one on this subject.