TAXIBOSS Thanks You

[ragani]

Michael-- after finally unburying myself from a crazy post-Rally week, I finally signed in here-- and WOW, I'm not surprised at all by the incredible posts here about this past Rally!! This was my 4th Rally, and once again, it blew me away. I just got the newsletter, and the photo of Anthony Snape and Kara DioGuardi just about sums it up-- the Rally events are life changing! When Anthony sang to the few of us that were still around on Sunday after the Rally, it felt like we were watching the future unfolding. And it was probably the last time we'll have front row for free too. Thank you, Michael. There is an undeniable magic in the air at these Rally events. It's an incredible moment of the year for those of us who attend, and I thank you from the bottom of my heart for your work all year long to host this event for us-- hugs to you!!! Few people probably know that for you and the TAXI staff, these Rally event plans take place nearly all year long, as you all work to get the sponsors and programs in place so that we members can attend for FREE I am so grateful. You have made such a difference in my music world.And to all you forum friend "dots"-- I had way too much fun with you this year!!!! My face still hurts from all the laughing!! Or maybe it was that Denny's dinner? Aaargh. Photos are coming soon... This is the year to write some WOW music!!! Love to you all,Raags

[anthonysnape]

Thank you Michael for having the vision and energy to create TAXI and empowering everyone with the opportunity to step up and be counted. What happened at the rally this year was incredible! The stars must have been in line for everything to come together so randomly perfectly! As I was thinking about the random aspect of the opportunity to play for Kara I realized that, not only did I decide to attend the rally (against great odds) but I was ready for any opportunity that might come my way, and I think that is key. I realized that the year preceding the rally was made up of attending lots of music events, Tin Pan South in Nashville (seeing Kara perform for the first time), SXSW music festival, The Key West Songwriters events, meetings with publishers and music professionals, watching, listening, learning, writing, performing as well as submitting for a bunch of TAXI listings. The point is, every morning I wake up and look for the next step forward, its hard work, its relentless but it means that I am always ready for whats round the corner whatever that might be. TAXI gives me the opportunity to reach out and connect with people, open doors that would have otherwise been closed.I want to not only thank you for your faith in me as an artist and a writer but for your faith in everyone. Knowing that with time, work and determination everyone can have an opportunity to shine, feel that incredible feeling and be the one on stage looking out over a standing ovation.

[angoramusic]

Anthony-you rock!

[Casey H]

I can't say enough about an aspect of the rally that's above and beyond the GREAT classes, panels, mentors, motivational speakers, etc... BTW, those alone are well worth the taxi membership fee. (I wish more people out there on the Internet 'got' that!)The personal relationships you form by meeting PEERS in person adds even more to your music career as well as enriching your lives. This was my third rally. I wish there was a way to put in words what meeting many of you has done for me. It runs the gamut from 5 unforgettable & motivational minutes sitting together in the dot lounge, to hanging out together most of the rally.Co-writes, exchanging ideas and reviews, support and motivation, industry advice, etc, etc... Yes, there is a ton of that here on the forum. But it's like that on speed once you form certain bonds in-person.I have co-writes, deals, contacts, taxi forwards, and so on and so on as a result of 3 rallies. And many friends who 'get it' when it comes to this crazy thing and we are always there for each other in music and in life. CaseyPS A 'thank you' shout out to my mentor, Meg H., for a great job with advice in 10 minutes. Much appreciated!

[soundtrack]

Mr. Laskow, I talk about TAXI whenever I run into people doing hip-hop. Its usefulness is misunderstood, and I used to think that maybe you should be distrusted because nobody I knew doing hip-hop had ever taken TAXI seriously. I realize that mistrust was a way of life for some of these artists/personas, and that they had no idea what they were missing. But that is not your fault. Your business model consistently delivers an amazing product and I finally got to see this for myself.As an up-and-coming songwriter and 2-year member, I had had some things forwarded to listings run by TAXI. I had heard promising feedback and honest criticism, and I studied everything you guys were doing and saying. I love the organization, and I hope the industry heavyweights recognize how vital you are to the System. Without TAXI and the Road Rally, most musicians who fancy themselves songwriters would never know how to improve upon their skills and make themselves more profitable.The music I heard at the Rally demonstrated that any members (myself included) who struggle with pitching songs to TAXI must realize that it’s not because the listings are MISLEADING, but because the listings are MISUNDERSTOOD. A world of difference, sir, would you agree? And that is the brilliance of the service you provide for promising new talent.TAXI is like the NCAA of the music industry and the Road Rally is like March Madness. It is one of the best ways of getting a decision-maker to critically listen to your songs and commit (if it’s good enough). Think about it: he’s listening to YOUR song in front of hundreds of others just like you, and if he likes it the room holds him accountable for it? And it’s FREE for members? And membership is less than a car payment?This was my first Road Rally and I came away a different artist. As a hip-hop artist I was less than impressed because the “hip-hop” that I heard at the general panels were not radio-ready (and some of them weren’t even categorizable as hip-hop, in all truth, and NONE of them were hits). Despite the amazing production I heard this weekend, I had failed to hear a single HIT… and that alarmed me.It is apparent that most of your members don’t know how to write a HOOK. Maybe they’ve never studied how to build a hit song. Maybe they’re not as good as they think. Maybe they don’t read TAXI listings critically, thereby submitting inappropriate material and sabotaging whatever good first impression they might’ve otherwise rendered. Maybe they’re in denial. Maybe they’re THAT MUCH CLOSER to being discovered. Or maybe they just have to wait a little bit longer, and hone their craft a little bit more, and everything will fall into place like it always does…Songwriting is a CRAFT that must be taken seriously (and perhaps taught) in order for TAXI to continue to deliver on its promises. The Road Rally forces its members to take an honest look at where they stand. In front of your peers, suddenly the song you thought was a sure shot may be unable to hold up to scrutiny. The Road Rally is humbling for some and inspirational for others. Either way, thank you.I’m glad I attended, because I know where I stand among my peers now, and I am more fully aware of what it’s going to take for me to succeed. It’s clear that the best is yet to come (and if THAT was the only service TAXI provided, it would STILL be a Godsend). That knowledge is what makes your organization and its services such a steal at only $300 a year.Ergo, I have the utmost respect for you and your crew. What you did was not an easy thing, and you do this annually? There are a lot of people out there who THINK their music is good. My challenge to them is: come to the Road Rally and see who you’re up against. TAXI provides all this and more.

[mazz]

Excellent post, soundtrack! I think that your statement about hooks is what I was trying to say in my other post. Not that I can write a great hook at this point in my career, but I'm not trying to write hits right now. If I was, I'd be in search of that hook above all else. There's a ton of material available at the Rally and elsewhere that lays out the knowledge of how to write this stuff. It's not easy and the business part has to be a big component, but the info is out there in book form and also on the charts for the past 50 years or so.Is there a magic bullet? Probably not? Is there a support system for improving one's chances? Most definitely, right here and and the Rally.Cheers!Mazz

[adrienne]

Hi All. I've finally got a chance to sit down and write after barely recovering from last week. I want to say thank you to Michael for creating TAXI and the Rally. I am one of those people who will very gladly say that TAXI has been life changing for me. I will admit that a few years ago when I read all the hype about the Rally, I didn't believe it. I also couldn't understand how people went back year after year. But after attending last year, it completely changed my mind. Yes, the classes and panels were amazing (and thank you for Jeffrey Steele this year who was incredible)! But the absolute BEST part of the rally for me is the people. That is a huge thing for me to say since networking is not my strength (those of you who know me are probably laughing right now ). But I have met some amazingly gifted people who share my love and passion for music. And even better is that many of these people have become my life long friends. Now sure, I know I've only known them for a year or some even less. But I know that I will have them in my life for a very long time. And for that I could not be more grateful. The Rally is a magical event where there is this indescribable energy created from a mass of people who love music all coming together in one place to share that love. You have to go to understand but once you do, your life will be forever changed.To all my TAXI friends, thank you for enriching my life and I look forward to continuing to share our journeys ahead together. LoveAdriennexo

[briemusic]

Greetings! This was my second road rally and as I was saying in another post, I thought I "got it" last year. Well this year was a whole new level for me and I'm willing to bet that next year I will pick up even more incredible tools and ideas for writing and turning my average to good songs into great ones!- not to mention that have potential of making back some of the $$ I put into equipment and schooling! I have always wanted to pave my way in the music industry and never written a hit or proper film/tv pitches, but now, after the road rally this year I know what it takes and I'm going to keep applying everything I've learned. Also picked up Robin Frederick's Shortcuts to Hits book and sat in on some totally incredible workshops- can't go wrong with that!I'm convinced the people that rise to the top are people like us that go to seminars, get seen/heard, play on stage, have mentors, talk to industry professionals, hand out CDs, make friends in the industry, and attend pertinent workshops. Note to self- TAXI houses all of this at the rallies! (and lobby jams and I heard the odd roof top party as well) The vibe is indescribable- songwriters that go to these rallies seem like a different breed. Everyone is so supportive with no ego. Everyone is serious about their craft regardless of genre and it's so great to see people's enthusiasm having epiphanies about their music and the industry.I literally "dragged" a musical friend of mine down with me as a guest, but after the first day, he was totally recharged and said he learned more in one day than he ever thought possible- first thing on the way back home he said, "That's it... I'm starting a band up again, are you in?" haha He won a microphone at the rally to boot!Thank you so much, Michael, for providing this valuable and relevant event annually for people who have been struggling to connect the dots to the success they've always craved as a songwriter, artist or other talent in the music industry! See you all again soon!

[jpmuzic]

BrigitteMusic It was great seeing you again keep up the good work on writing good songs take care.

[ren]

Micheal, thank you SO much for offering this extraordinary experience. This was my 6th Rally, and each year I come away with this inspirational shot in the arm that gives me renewed faith that I know I'm following the right path no matter how long it takes. I experienced so many "Majical" moments including Steven Memel's extreme performance class, Guy Marshal's ear candy, Anthony Snapes two performances (Pimp my Song, Dioguardi makeover), and each hit songwriter's and producer's precious "two cents". I feel so lucky to be a part of this organization. I feel blessed to be on this path. Thanks for helping me confirm that.