TAXI.com

Hey everyone, I just wanted to say hello and express my thanks for the incredible service that Taxi is providing in giving us newbs access to such great advice from you old hands. I've been lurking around for about a month now, and just wanted to come on out and say hello to everyone.

I've been writing for the last 5 or so years (I'm 34), but I've been playing piano since I was 13. I've gotten pretty serious about writing lately and have been looking for an outlet. I heard an interview online somewhere where the person said the key to writing good music was to write 50 songs, throw them away, and start over with your 51st being your first real song. It depressed me: I had written about 40 songs at that point! After looking back over them, though, I saw what he meant, especially in the early ones. I thought they were great at the time; I mean, seriously, why even bother if they're no good, right? But in retrospect, they were sad. With that in mind, I've been trying to work on my craft ever since. I haven't joined Taxi yet, but will here in a few weeks (just wanted to finish up a few recordings first so I can maximize my year!).

I do have a question, though. If you had a limited budget (and NO VOICE at all, but, alas, an ear to hear), do you think it would be better to spend the budget on that one song in your catalog to get it all polished up at a local studio? Or would it be better to do halfway decent recordings in Logic, melodyne the vocals into shape, and maximize your distribution and submit several songs to several listings? I'm still (after searching and reading!) just a little confused by the concept of a "high bar" listing. I've seen some refer to it more in terms of the quality of song that they're looking for, and others in terms of the quality of engineering/production. Like I said, I'm "green," "wet behind the ears," or whatever cliche you want to come up with, so I'm not delusional enough to think that I'm ready to go for something like a high bar listing. But at the same time, I'm just trying to focus my efforts (and resources) where they'll benefit me the most. Thoughts?

Oh, by the way, I'll post something hopefully later tonight for a point of reference. Thanks again for the incredible community that you all are!

-Tim

Ha! Familiar-sounding introduction, there, but Taxi is a three-step program: write, submit, repeat. (or is that two steps?) Doesn't do to put too much emphasis on a single song, particularly if you're planning a long career. (you were, right?) How you craft your recordings can depend greatly on the intended use; the bar's a bit lower for instrumental music intended for synchronization, stuff with vocals is usually (but not always) meant for an artist pitch, meaning it will be re-recorded. (still doesn't mean your recording doesn't count) Welcome to the forum!

Hi Tim! Welcome to TAXI and the boards!

In answer to your question, I don't think there is ONE easy answer for everyone. It's more about you and what you think you can get done on your own or using a studio. When I've called TAXI, something you are free to do, they tell me high bar means, "ready to play on the radio". Makes the audio requirements THAT GOOD. Not sure I have ears THAT GOOD... Film and TV is not quite as high so they say... Today, there is so much that can be done to really poor vocals to make them sound spectacular that I don't know if I would take it to a studio, if you can hear it, know how to fix it AND you have the stuff to do it yourself. That's a lot of ground right there. Now, I think there's more than one way to skin ol' puddytat. Listen to ZZ Top and tell me about high quality vocals. But they're more about playin' than sangin'. So its frustrating. Sorry but it is what it is.

Keith

Hey Tim, nice to meet you!

If you haven't been doing so, I suggest listening to some of the music posted by others, its very helpful to hear what gets forwarded and what doesn't, and it can give you an idea of where the bar is in regards to particular listings. Also, post some of your songs in peer to peer to get feedback, just remember to return the favor by listening and give feedback to other peoples music as well.

Tim:
Welcome to the forums. The most inexpensive way to get an answer is to post something you've done yourself on peer ro peer. A whole lot of talented people will give you legitimate criticism as to to the quality of your music. And it's free.
Ott

Thanks for the welcomes and replies! I've listened to quite a bit over the last month, and I love the diversity that everyone brings to the table. So many different types of music and so much talent. I'll post a few things over in the P2P here soon. Thanks again!

Hi Tim, I'm new here too. Beyond the actual Taxi opportunities, I would have to say I joined primarily because the community seems to be one of the friendliest and most constructive I've come across online, and I've been involved in quite a few. Look forward to seeing you around the traps!

Rob O.

Welcome Tim,

I've written a song a day for three years (you count), and have still to come up with one great one. I've heard about pro writers moving to a major music city ditch their whole catalogue of 800 songs, when they got there and realized they didn't cut it. So.. 40-50

If you can do your own instrumentals well, you'll do really good at Taxi. Especially for production music (music for tv/film/games/commercials ect).

If you can't sing, get a one on who can. chack out pure vocals, demosinger.com or just ask around Myspace. Lot's of singers wants the work. Remember to get a work-for-hire agreement, if it's not a demo, though. Fee's should be around 50-150$ a song.

For artist pitches, I would suggest you do as much as you can with pro studios. The competition is fierce, and the bars are very high. You can get great pro demos for 300-400$, and that's mostly what it'll take for that market.

Looking forward to hear your work.

Welcome Tim,

Most of what needed to be said in reply to your post was said so I will just say, good luck in all you do.

Rob

Welcome Tim,

You have been wading through a lot of "sound" advice here and all I can do is pass along my 2cents worth along with my own experiences.

The question of investing in top quality demo production is hotly debated even among established writers in Nashville with many of them agreeing that it's all about the song. If the song is strong (as in undeniable monster) a guitar or piano vocal with a voice like Townes Van Zandt is all you need: (watch the video and listen to his voice)

http://www.lyricsmode.com/lyrics/t/town ... lefty.html

If you are pitching to publishers who require polished, broadcast quality demos, they are basically telling you that they expect you to do their job for them. I don't pitch to those publisher through Taxi. I do it eyeball to eyeball when I'm in Nashville. Because I know that songs that may not pass screening here may pass that publisher's ears with direct contact.

So the key here at Taxi is pay close attention to the listing details and you'll be fine. If you can write, and I expect you can. Can't wait to listen to your stuff man.