Getting by with a little help from Taxi (and my Friends)
Posted: Mon Jun 21, 2021 6:11 pm
Since Michael Laskow asked me "Vince, where have you been?" tonight on TaxiTV, I figure that I've been neglecting the Taxi community lately. So here is an update:
Two years ago I went to the Road Rally with the intention of meeting some collaborators, and that's what I did. I made a bunch of connections that grew into partnerships. I now have about 40 tunes in 4 different libraries, and I have a steady stream of projects to work on that are coming to me from those libraries or people I have met through Taxi connections. I should mention that although only one of the libraries found me through a Taxi forward, every one of the others (and all of my partnerships) have come from the Taxi Road Rally. So getting forwarded is not the only way to build your career at Taxi. Pay attention to the PEOPLE you meet.
SO... I have less time for working on submissions to Taxi listings. However, I still sometimes do submit to those listings because they are really interesting challenges. I loved doing the "minimalistic ethnic traditional tunes" for Taxi Dispatch. I got 7 tunes forwarded, and still have hopes that I might score on that one. Taxi seems to be the place where I can make these personal connections with like-minded musicians , and also get a chance to find new libraries outside my network.
One more thing: you can also get better by NOT getting forwarded. Rejection taught me my strengths and weaknesses. I learned that while I can get a forward writing dramedy or EDM, my work in those areas is pedestrian, and is unlikely to stand out from the crowd. Most of my library placements have been jazz or ethnic traditional. Taxi taught me to concentrate in those areas where I can really shine, and to let go of my fantasy that I can do everything well.
So although I'm logging less hours on Taxi stuff, I remain very grateful, and I will endeavor to spend a bit more time in the Forum and watching TaxiTV in the months to come.
And I'll be at the Virtual Rally this year, for sure! I'm still on board the Taxi (hope the meter isn't running...)
All the Best,
Vince
Two years ago I went to the Road Rally with the intention of meeting some collaborators, and that's what I did. I made a bunch of connections that grew into partnerships. I now have about 40 tunes in 4 different libraries, and I have a steady stream of projects to work on that are coming to me from those libraries or people I have met through Taxi connections. I should mention that although only one of the libraries found me through a Taxi forward, every one of the others (and all of my partnerships) have come from the Taxi Road Rally. So getting forwarded is not the only way to build your career at Taxi. Pay attention to the PEOPLE you meet.
SO... I have less time for working on submissions to Taxi listings. However, I still sometimes do submit to those listings because they are really interesting challenges. I loved doing the "minimalistic ethnic traditional tunes" for Taxi Dispatch. I got 7 tunes forwarded, and still have hopes that I might score on that one. Taxi seems to be the place where I can make these personal connections with like-minded musicians , and also get a chance to find new libraries outside my network.
One more thing: you can also get better by NOT getting forwarded. Rejection taught me my strengths and weaknesses. I learned that while I can get a forward writing dramedy or EDM, my work in those areas is pedestrian, and is unlikely to stand out from the crowd. Most of my library placements have been jazz or ethnic traditional. Taxi taught me to concentrate in those areas where I can really shine, and to let go of my fantasy that I can do everything well.
So although I'm logging less hours on Taxi stuff, I remain very grateful, and I will endeavor to spend a bit more time in the Forum and watching TaxiTV in the months to come.
And I'll be at the Virtual Rally this year, for sure! I'm still on board the Taxi (hope the meter isn't running...)
All the Best,
Vince
Like you, I've met almost all my collaborators and WFH peeps through the forum and the rally. 
