Testimony - '09 Road Rally Rocks Solid!

[skyko]

I really dislike beginning this incredibly positive post with a negative thought. But before I witnessed TAXI'S revelatory Road Rally first hand, my attitude and perspective was just that - negative with a capital N. (Booooo!)My experience as a musician here in Los Angeles over the past 25 years has left me a little more than jaded. I have had such difficulties with so many aspects of the music business it would break anyones spirit. It's not that I haven't had some success, it was mainly the fact that getting through to the decision makers consistently was just so darn difficult if not impossible. (And many of the decision makers I have had close contact with haven't a creative bone in their body).I have never given up hope. I never stopped writing, playing, recording or practicing. I always knew that I was a lifer when it came to my musical persistence, but I wasn't sure what kept me going after being so dissatisfied with the business. Something inside just kept pushing me to continue . . . I now understand why . . .I joined TAXI last month. I went to the Road Rally and it was an experience that I will never forget. To say it was a life changing experience is an understatement! (and an all too familiar Taxi-esque cliche).What was so life changing you might ask. Hmmmmm. How much time do you have . . .First of all, my initial reason for attending the rally was to see if it was legit. I did not book a room to stay in the hotel, because I was pretty much certain that this was going to be just another of the many, many, MANY rip off scams that I've wasted my time (and money) with over the years. A corporate attack on the creative independent community. All of my apprehensions were soon properly amended.Thursday, the first day of the rally in itself didn't convert me, obviously because it was a day just to register and check in. I was however very much intrigued by watching, listening and talking to many of the Taxi members. The sign in procedure was smooth even considering the line that went down the hall out into the parking garage. These guys were definitely organized. My wife and I hung around to listen to the open mic and were very pleased with quite a few of the performers! It was our unanimous decision to spend the night and continue on until Friday to see what was up.Twenty-five years of living in La-La land, if nothing else, has enabled me with a very unique talent of sniffing B.S. from a hundred miles away. So come Friday morning I was ready, really ready, with my B.S. detector all fired up and prepared for action. I had never heard of Jeffery Steele, but that didn't surprise me much, as I've locked myself away in the studio for most of the last decade. I initially thought that my detector was broken because I was not getting any reading whatsoever! In fact I found myself swept away with Jeffery, Michael, and pretty much every other person I came in contact with.At the end of day one, my head was buzzing! (and it wasn't just from the Starbucks or our occasional trips to the bar). I had met and exchanged conversation, music, emails, information and contact info with a dozen or more extremely talented people. I was lucky enough to have my music listened to - and approved of - during an A&R panel. (talk about your heart skipping beats)! And another panel exec. asked me to connect with him on Facebook. Holy sheet. That was more interaction than I've had in the past 10 years easily!The next two days were as absolutely wonderful as Friday, and in some ways even better. Everything was so well thought out - even down to having water coolers on either isle in the main auditorium. I've been a part of many productions and shows and there is ALWAYS something that is in need of improvement. Not with this show.The most important thing I came away with is that locking myself away from the world is only going to be beneficial in one specific area of the music biz. I always knew that connections were vital to success as an artist/songwriter/musician and even producers/composers. What I didn't know is that those connections were not going to come from a Hollywood party or movie premier. They are going to come from people in prominent positions in the industry who are connected to their craft entirely, spiritually and are willing to give back and rub shoulders with eager new talent. This is what the TAXI Road Rally was to me.I am humbled with all of the useful, insightful info, strategies, and the uplifting vibe that I absorbed at the rally. To think that I thought I couldn't learn a thing or two (or a thousand) embarrasses the heck out of me, but I now realize that by letting go of my ego and getting out of my own way - I have the ability to soar as high as I've always dreamed. Taxi has taught me that all of my hopes and dreams CAN become a reality if a few rules are understood, practiced and then eventually broken - (the right way).It's already one week since the rally and I'm still buzzing. If anyone wants to contact me for any reason I can be reached at skyko@skylabsound.net I welcome any and all who are wondering if Taxi is legit or worth the investment. (Oh, I almost forgot I got forwarded on my first two submissions this week!)It would be easy to overlook the obvious with so much excitement. I was only able to thank a few of the TAXI staff who were directly responsible for making last weekend spectacular. Our thanks go out to every person that went the extra mile to make this years rally rock. Thank you!One last thing. I could clearly see the immense esteem in which ALL of the music professionals held Michael Laskow. He has such a definite and genuine love for music, his staff, his business and the people it affects. He asked all the right questions and took part in the rally as if he were submitting music himself. How frickin' cool is that!? Ron Harris and I were talking about our mutual desire to play and create music obsessively when we were younger - it was all that mattered. Now that we are older we can see things differently. There is something behind the music - something that makes it so enchanting, so irresistible . . .He was spot on when referring to the love of music. He said, "Music is just the vehicle . . ."

[mazz]

Wow. Amazing post!!Kudos to you Skyko for taking the step to come to the Rally despite your significant (and justified) reservations. I'm humbled by your ability to let your ego go and fully experience the Rally and to be open to anything. Obviously you benefitted on many levels.A most inspiring account of your experience. Thanks!!And my nose tells me that you will henceforth be experiencing some excellent success!! Looking forward to the reports!!Mazz

[squids]

I agree! This is a great post. Sounds like you picked the right ride this time. I look forward to hearing many more forwards and successes this year.

[suzdoyle]

Awesome post, Skyko! So glad you finally found Taxi. It is an amazing place!Suz

[cardell]

I really enjoyed this post. Can't wait to go to a rally one day.Stuart

[tedsingingfox]

Wow.

[fusilierb]

This is a really cool post. You're enthusiasm is infectious. Glad you had such an inspiring time and that it rekindled your fire. Looking forward to seeing how things progress for you. B

[crystallions]

Wonderful post. Thank you so much for sharing this!

[allends]

Nov 13, 2009, 8:51pm, skyko wrote:...I joined TAXI last month. I went to the Road Rally and it was an experience that I will never forget. To say it was a life changing experience is an understatement! (and an all too familiar Taxi-esque cliche).Wow, Skyko! Your post really validates our experience here. I'm glad you jumped in with both feet. Good luck to you in the future. It's all about the future, you know! LOL Allen

[Casey H]

Nov 14, 2009, 12:43am, tedsingingfox wrote:Wow.ditto