TAXI.com

I am a new Taxi member and plan to attend my first Road Rally. I am 17, and was wondering who I should bring as my guest? Would it be appropriate (or weird) for me to bring one of my parents? Or should I bring my 31-year old guitar teacher, who is also a singer/songwriter and in a band? Or one of my own band members? Thanks for your help.

I'd bring whoever might buy the most dinners or pay the airfare or motel. Sounds like probably a parent, so no I don't think it's wierd.
Besides, even though I don't know them, the other two might upstage you or something,lol! At least with a parent if there were two events that coincided, there wouldn't be any friction about which event to attend.

Hmm - I could see an argument for either. I've met a lot of young songwriters with their parents at the Road Rally. So don't worry about feeling out of place if you come with a parent. If your parent wants to help you with your endeavors, you could also split up which Driver's Ed/Main Stage Panels you go to, and take notes for each other. Of course, you could also do that with your teacher.

You might sit for a minute with your eyes closed and imagine being in the rally - lots of people, excitement, information, etc - and try out being there with your parent .... how does that feel?

Then try out being there with your teacher .... how does that feel?

I recommend picking the one that makes you feel strongest, most empowered.

I'd say parents. First, it's very cool for kids/parents to hit the Rally. Second, they're the supporters and providers and really the reason, even indirectly, for your music so they probably would really enjoy seeing the Rally first hand. I think it'll go a long way towards them seeing music (or the way we do it at least) as a real business where livings can and are being made.

I'd say parents first too....of course I don't know YOUR parents, but they are more likely to support you all the way, both during the event and afterwards. The more they know and understand about the business, and what you do, the better for you....(and them). It's REAL hard to explain what the Rally is all about, but if they have attended one, they sure will get 'the fever' too and be able to help you much more and better. They may also open doors for you at the Rally, that you yourself couldn't, where your teacher/songwriter probably would focus more on himself?

See you at the Rally! SO cool you start this early!

Thanks for all of your suggestions. I really appreciate your guidance. Looking forward to the Road Rally!

Shea

FWIW. I'm bringing my daughter to the rally...at least some of the rally anyway. My wife and son will also be in LA with me since we're in CA for two weeks anyway. But she really got into composing electronica stuff. I gave her a bunch of my old gear a year or so ago. Just an old Roland synth, a hard drive recorder and an Electrotribe thingy and she took this stuff and makes some amazing electronica pieces....OK maybe I'm biased... . But no it's pretty darn good.
Not knowing your parents of course but if they're at all supportive of your musical ambitions then a parent would be my choice. They'll see that it is a viable business, there'll be great bonding time, and they'll pay for meals.. .
Anyways, just my $0.02.

Derek

I'd say to bring your parents as well. They will see that "music" is a viable pursuit for those who are willing to put in the time and effort. Many younger members come with their parents, and some of us older members bring them too!