TAXI RALLY IN NASHVILLE -please use this thread

[jchitty]

You know, I have one more proposal I'd like to throw out here, although I realize this should event be spontaneous. If behind the scenes, we do manage to decide to go to Nashville together, and we just have a small crew, maybe if Mr. Laskow would like to fly to Nashville just to speak to us in a small setting, (it could be the living room of our hotel or even a hotel room), that would be an option. We wouldn't ask him to hire any speakers....he'd just be there mentoring us for an evening ......letting us know the ins and outs of Nashville. In other words, he'd be the main or only speaker. I think that would be enough myself, being such a small event.No committments whatsoever either....just everyone waiting around to the nearest date to see if people are going to this event. And then if we go, he could come too. I realize he's busy though, so it might not be possible. If he did come, he could get a feel for if there is interest in a future gathering.... I don't know, sometimes the biggest trees come from the smallest acorn, sentimental sappiness and all, hehe. All this would depend on having a certain amount of people who did decide to go when it comes closer to crunch time....if you have less than ten or twenty people, it's probably no doable.I have a lot of enthusiasm about this only because I live 3 hours from Nashville, and I've always wished there could be some sort of Rally in Nashville. I don't have Mr. Laskow's addy, (and don't post his addy here, folks) so I just will post this here, but it will be my last post for now....(unless something important comes up).....it looks like we've got the prob solved for now anyway.

[arkjack]

ArkJack's 2 cents.....First thank you Michael for putting it on the table for consideration. I wouldn't be up front by saying if Taxi had a East Rally in Nashville, that I would NOT also go to the event in LA. It would be a one or the other. I also don't think I would attend a Rally event that was co-mingled or put on concurrently with another major event like Tin Pan. I would think my own interests would be better served by it being a TAXI event, that is conducted at the most opportune time to provide ACCESS. That is access to Nashville decision makers, teachers and panelists availability, and being presented to the Nashville scene as a Taxi member, as opposed to someone in a mob of songwriters. I would like to have a more captive audience in that regard. I also feel that it is something important for Taxi in terms of establishing a stronger presence in the Nashville scene. Another major difference in the LA Rally vs. the Nashville Rally is the resort nature of Nashville. If I were to go to LA, I would basically hang at the Hotel as a conference participant. I believe sightseeing excursions in LA involve a lot of travel. In Nashville, it would defeat the purpose of my visit to not get tickets to the Opry, and try and get to play at the Bluebird, as well as sight see other places in town. Of course it would be all the more fun to be doing those things with friends from Taxi. This brings to mind that a Taxi Ride to Nashville should be a different event altogether than Rally, and might be better organized as a "all inclusive trip" as opposed to a free conference. What I'm suggesting is a package that is more like a working vacation. That will involve cost to attend, but Michael's clout in getting speakers and A&R listening panels together is a critical factor that is worth the additional cost. I guess another way to put it is, I am going to visit Nashville in 2008 regardless. If there is a Taxi event in Nashville, I am going to plan my trip to coincide and definitely be there.ArkJack

[tedsingingfox]

And then, last night, I realized that if we WERE able to get to Nashville, we could actually MEET Jimi and Gary AND Abram (Baby Dot) in person. That had me so excited, I was jumping up and down and bouncing all around my living room. That concept ALONE is enough motivation for me to thumb my way to Nashville for ANY gathering that happens with TAXI members.Ted

[hookstownbrown]

Dear Michael.I am so happy that I found this post. I haven't been on the boards lately, so it was an unexpected pleasure to to know that you have seriously considered the idea of holding a rally in Nashville, and to read your thoughts about the logistics of it.I must admit, I knew the rally in LA was a major undertaking, but I had no idea of the cost and financial risk.Now that I am a little more educated, let me throw a few of my own thoughts your way.I know I've gone on about this before, but I want to reiterate...I probably should have called you and personally explained these points, but I know you're busy. Anyhoo...We know the first rule of a successful business venture... Location.Nashville is in the middle of the country and anyone can fly there pretty cheap. I drive the 563 miles from Pittsburgh in eight hours and I burn three tanks of gas -- round trip! Also... The cost of living in Nashville is probably half of what it is in LA... Finding a hotel room for less than a hundred bucks around Music Row is not much of a chore.Location...Nashville is Music City. Not just Country Music City... Music of all genres is there to be heard.Location...You can walk to major venues, clubs, publishers, labels, PRO's... all of the good stuff.Also, I believe you have the brand. More people on Music Row know that Taxi is becoming a serious source of high quality talent. I don't like to knock the folks down there, but I've been there enough to know that 98% of the talent in Nashville is non-competitive talent. Also, NSAI puts on a good show, but they cater to the wannabees for the most part -- And they still draw a thousand or more at the SongPosium.Last, but not least...When you started Taxi, you had that entrepreneurial spirit. You knew you could crash and burn, but you believed in your idea. And I realize that you could possibly go into Nashville and risk drawing the ire of a lot of powerful people there. But I can tell you with out any doubt...There are so many talented, disenchanted songwriters, indie publishers, indie labels and otherwise, due to the corporate invasion in Nashville... I go there and I'm on the ground floor.I believe if you go there, it might take a few years, but I think you could become a real competitor. A respected competitor.I'll make a deal with you.You hold a rally in Nashville and I'll do whatever -- set up chairs, organize, hang fricken banners... I'll even make friends with that guy that annoys me to no end... Ahhh, what's his name? Well, I forget... Hehhehheh...Happy holidays to you and yours, bud. I wish you peace and spirtual freedom.You da man,Ron "Hookstown" Brown

[stansongman]

I'm intrigued with this thread. As a TAXI member who now works at it on Music Row full time, it would be interesting to see something TAXI-related happen in Nashville. It would be especially interesting for TAXI members who haven't been to town, but are interested in writing for that market to meet the players and hear about it first hand. The culture is completely different from L.A. and other music centers. If TAXI wants to organize something for Nashville, let me know how I can help. I think the best suggestion was Michael's - have a song camp type of thing, lower key, but bring in the people who are actually making the decisions on what's getting cut. Part of the goal would be to raise Nashville's awareness of the talent TAXI members have, and maybe break down that "must be present to win" wall somewhat as well. I also agree that if you want to get some attention by folks with some clout, you want to do it when the noise level's low. CMA Fest, CMA week, Tin Pan South, CRS, etc. are all times when it's probably hard to get these folks time. My .02

[tedsingingfox]

Quote:I'm intrigued with this thread. As a TAXI member who now works at it on Music Row full time, it would be interesting to see something TAXI-related happen in Nashville. It would be especially interesting for TAXI members who haven't been to town, but are interested in writing for that market to meet the players and hear about it first hand. The culture is completely different from L.A. and other music centers. If TAXI wants to organize something for Nashville, let me know how I can help. I think the best suggestion was Michael's - have a song camp type of thing, lower key, but bring in the people who are actually making the decisions on what's getting cut. Part of the goal would be to raise Nashville's awareness of the talent TAXI members have, and maybe break down that "must be present to win" wall somewhat as well. I also agree that if you want to get some attention by folks with some clout, you want to do it when the noise level's low. CMA Fest, CMA week, Tin Pan South, CRS, etc. are all times when it's probably hard to get these folks time. My .02VERY smart, very insightful comments here. Thank you for those 2 cents' worth. I'd actually value them at closer to $0.25 (on the two-cent scale), even though I think they are HUNDREDS of times more weighty than that.Lord, I hope this comes together.Ted

[jchitty]

Quote:NSAI is the one my co-writer wanted me to go to, chits. If only it was next week during Mardi Gras! Sheesh. Sure wish we could meet up in Nashville in April, but I understand, Squiddy. I probably won't get to attend myself because the fees are pretty steep. I'd rather spend my funds on production right now.

[squids]

Yeah, I know exactly your pain, swee'pea. This home studio thing......good investment (I hope! ) but really cuts into my funds.

[davewalton]

Quote:Yeah, I know exactly your pain, swee'pea. This home studio thing......good investment (I hope! ) but really cuts into my funds. It'll turn out to be a great investment. Cranking out tracks at $0 per track (other than the electricity to run the computer) can't be beat in the long run. Studio time has to add up quickly.Plus it'll be REALLY handy for doing all those future collaborations with forum members.

[squids]

Quote:It'll turn out to be a great investment. Cranking out tracks at $0 per track (other than the electricity to run the computer) can't be beat in the long run. Studio time has to add up quickly.Plus it'll be REALLY handy for doing all those future collaborations with forum members. Gosh, I hope so!!