Why Country Songwriters Should join TAXI

[jchitty]

Jun 9, 2009, 1:26pm, jwebbinspired wrote:This might come across as cocky, but it's not meant to be. It's confidence and kind of an epiphany that I feel closer than I thought I was to the "high bar" level of writing...of course even if you get to the "bar" it's still a numbers game. But after hearing the songs that the panel played last night I actually feel better about what I'm writing right now. It's amazing to me how far I've come. And I definitely credit TAXI for putting me in my place to get where I am. Obviously it hasn't single-handedly been TAXI, but they have certainly played a major role in my growth as a songwriter. A huge part of that has been this forum. Thanks guys. And I still have my old songs on my computer so I can see where I came from, it's inspiring in and of itself.Thanks Michael for putting that together. They must be good friends of yours because I could tell it wasn't where they wanted to be...answering questions from a bunch songwriters can't be too high on their favorite list.AndyNext year, I predict only Andy's songs will be played at the panel. You write some really quality stuff.I think Laskow is proud of the caliber of talent he has....just a few more tweaks, and one day, someone is gonna break out.

[tedsingingfox]

Jun 9, 2009, 1:26pm, jwebbinspired wrote:This might come across as cocky, but it's not meant to be. It's confidence and kind of an epiphany that I feel closer than I thought I was to the "high bar" level of writing...of course even if you get to the "bar" it's still a numbers game. But after hearing the songs that the panel played last night I actually feel better about what I'm writing right now. It's amazing to me how far I've come. And I definitely credit TAXI for putting me in my place to get where I am. Obviously it hasn't single-handedly been TAXI, but they have certainly played a major role in my growth as a songwriter. A huge part of that has been this forum. Thanks guys. And I still have my old songs on my computer so I can see where I came from, it's inspiring in and of itself.Thanks Michael for putting that together. They must be good friends of yours because I could tell it wasn't where they wanted to be...answering questions from a bunch songwriters can't be too high on their favorite list.AndyNot cocky at all, Andy. Although you are miles ahead of me, I got some of the same reinforcement for where I'm going with my writing.You are already knocking on the door, it's only a matter of time before someone opens it up for you.Ted

[tedsingingfox]

And I am REALLY glad to see you posting this up, Chits. I was probably even MORE excited about this panel for your sake than my own. And it sounds like my excitement was well-founded.SO glad you made it. But next time, we're going to have more time for more chat (and a few more Mojitos ).Ted

[adrienne]

This is a great thread. I'm glad it was a valuable trip for you Chits. And I would LOVE it if you came to the rally so we could finally meet!!Andy - doesn't sound cocky when it's true. You have a lot of talent and you will go places!!And Casey, yes you know nothing about country music...but I'll change that eventually

[mojobone]

I'd like to thank Michael again for throwing this shindig. It was a real eye-opener for me and many others; Chits did a great job of summing up what we learned. Another thing that impressed me was how intently the panel listened to the songs-they really cared about the music, and their professionalism was clearly displayed in their comments. I'm only sorry I couldn't stick around afterwards; I had to drive another six hours back to meet some deadlines, but I hope we can do this again, soon.

[jwebbinspired]

I appreciate everyone's confidence in me. But I wouldn't be making any predictions Chits It'll jinx me lolThe best part of all of it was getting to meet everyone! Andy

[bucyboy]

I really enjoyed the seminar, it was a very eye opening session. I don't know if anyone else was there at the end. Michael was speaking to a woman who drove 22 hrs with her two kids to be there. He reached into his wallet and handed her $100.00 towards gas. I thought it was a very classy thing to do!Buc

[jchitty]

Ted, I'm telling ya when I come up there next time, we'll paint the town red....wish I'd had more time to talk to you. Adrienne, I'd love to make the Rally this year....who knows, maybe I'll make it out there this time. Mojo, I wish you could have come with us for dinner afterwards too....maybe next year, eh?And yeah, bucyboy, that was nice of Michael to help that lady with gas costs.

[derekmcfarland]

well-said. I was also very impressed with the effort ML put into this event. It was first-class all the way. He could have taken a different route and held a "cheaper" event, but he didn't. There should be no question that Michael has our best interests in mind. I was pleased to see him at lunch as well. A+I learned a lot from the panelists, but I also place great value on the personal relationships with the Taxi members that were there. I hope to continue these relationships.For those of us still developing the "craft" portion of songwriting, I totally agree with your thread title. I think country writers, such as ourselves, gain a lot from the structure, discipline, and access that Taxi gives. One thing that was clear to me is that if you want to be successful, Taxi cannot be the only thing you do. I would say the writers you are addressing need Taxi like a handyman needs a screwdriver. Very important, but don't forget the pliers, hammer, etc...I intend to continue with Taxi as a tool to achieve my personal goals in this business. Hope to see you all in November!Derek

[jchitty]

Jun 9, 2009, 3:38pm, derekmcfarland wrote:well-said. I was also very impressed with the effort ML put into this event. It was first-class all the way. He could have taken a different route and held a "cheaper" event, but he didn't. There should be no question that Michael has our best interests in mind. I was pleased to see him at lunch as well. A+I learned a lot from the panelists, but I also place great value on the personal relationships with the Taxi members that were there. I hope to continue these relationships.For those of us still developing the "craft" portion of songwriting, I totally agree with your thread title. I think country writers, such as ourselves, gain a lot from the structure, discipline, and access that Taxi gives. One thing that was clear to me is that if you want to be successful, Taxi cannot be the only thing you do. I would say the writers you are addressing need Taxi like a handyman needs a screwdriver. Very important, but don't forget the pliers, hammer, etc...I intend to continue with Taxi as a tool to achieve my personal goals in this business. Hope to see you all in November!DerekVery good post, Derek....yeah, I agree. TAXI is only one tool in the tool box, but a good one to have.