Taxi ... anyone?

[Ceasefire]

Anyone here apart of Taxi? My dad signed me up last week for a year subscription. Just wondering if anyone else is on that boat or has had experiences with it .. good or bad.

Cheers
Greg

[Journeyman]

Greg,

This very question has been asked many times in many different forums across the web, and unfortunately I see the same answer every time:

None of the respondants ever actually placed a song that was ever professionally released. Some replied that they found the critiques they received useful in improving their craft, but that's about it. I have no doubt that your Dad's heart was in the right place, but I've yet to see anyone who's placed a song using this "service". Sorry to be the bearer of bad news...

[A_Sapp]

Yea - my pop also signed me up several years ago. Quite honestly, you'd have better luck finding work contacting music companies directly. I've had a number of pieces 'forwarded' by the folks at TAXI, but nothing ever came out of it. If their policy is the same, you should be able to get your money back.

My opinion only! :)

[linwood]

Man, what a cool thing to do for you!! Take Dad out for a lap dance or something. Use the service, try to work it the best you can, but don't put all your eggs in the Taxi basket. Make phone calls, send e mails, try and meet as many people as you can. I've found that an E mail to open the door and then a follow up phone call, so that someone can hear your voice is a good way to go. Giving good phone is really important. A lot of times, it's just being nice, easy to work with, willing to make changes that brings in work. I don't know of anyone that has gotten a ton of paying gigs with taxi, but that doesn't mean their not out there. I'd look at it like it could be one sourse of many that you'll be working with this next year.

[StrangeCat]

Taxi isn't just about songs, wait till you start getting there forwards for what producers want. Send great masters for the areas you interested in and you should be going places. I know more then a few people that have benifited from Taxi(that was hip hop though) but there all style of music, like Jazz, film scores, electronic etc...

[kid-surf]

Anyone wanna get specific?

I'm one of the types that bash TAXI whenever I hear it brought up. So please post some specific situations where you made money so i/we know the "legit" deal.........

To me the pitch is about as bad as any modeling "school" or actors "cattle call" (you know, why would you need to take some "class" in order to model? You just walk into an agency and they either sign you or they don't.)........ but I'm interested to hear how you two had~success with this service. I still wouldn't join, but at least I may not slam it as hard if there were some real~success stories other than the 10 year old~success stories they list on their site.


I'm always left very skeptical about TAXI~because no one is ever specific about what they got placed, and where, and to who..... and for how much.

No~offense meant to anyone --- I~just find it hard to believe. IMO it's the age old "pay to be strung along" scheme........ a scheme~which is in every sector of entertainment btw. (and all they need to do is book "one" gig to be "legal")

[Andrew Aversa]

I was a member of TAXI, and I think they're a great service - but mainly for singer/songwriters and rock/pop bands. Underscore stuff is not in high demand there, and neither is electronic music (particularly the kind I write, even though I got some forwards). It's absolutely NOT a scam, and plenty of people have success with it. I know a few people personally, such as one of my piano teachers, who has had placements. And again, for $300 a year, it is much cheaper than hiring a music attorney for an extended period of time.

Most people misinterpret exactly what Taxi does, also. They don't guarantee success. They tell you straight up that less than 50% of all submissions get forwarded, and only about 6-7% of all submissions result in a deal of some sort. The idea is that they get your music to people who WILL listen to it - assuming it's good enough. When you're just blindly sending your music to different labels or libraries, you cannot be guaranteed a listen, or that those places are even looking for new talent, whereas when you see a Taxi listing, you know there is a real business that is actively looking for people, and Taxi is one of the places they are looking.

[kid-surf]

I don't believe I'm cynical, just been around the block a bit (in various~entertainment avenues) so~therefore I'm a realist - at the end of the day.

To me it sounds like they are basically looking for source material. But when you figure what they make off the $300 yearly subscriptions + the $5 dollar per song submission fee.... well, I added it up once in some TAXI~discussion and it was (if I recall correctly) several million dollars. That's with a very loose agreement to "represent" those who are members.

I guess I'm the type that~believes in the "representation for free" deal, with~commission going to those that get you work, and only "after" they get you work. That's how every legit form of representation I've ever heard of works.



I guess if you guys are making money from TAXI you are one of the few... most people have not made a dime through them. And yes, I'm fairly skeptical of establishments~where the majority of their "clients" haven't made any money... only 'paid' money.

No big deal......... I'm just blunt and to the point ............~just my point of view is all.~

[kid-surf]

And BTW ---- I also feel that workshops are a waste of time and money. They're always expensive and all they really are intending to do is get you riled up and excited. I guess some people need/like that. And well, if you are naive to the business, then sure, maybe going to "one" workshop would be helpful.... other than that?


I think it's probably better to read a book about it for $20, more info and you won't need to take notes. ;-)


There's really two industries, the 'real' one, and the 'fringe' one that deals with all this side stuff (workshops and such)

[Moonmusic]

I was a member last year but didn't rejoin because of being too busy with other non musical chores....All year I only submitted 2 pieces, both got forwarded but I didn't hear anything beyond that...I think it could be a successful venture but it would take time, focus and dedication...I plan on joining again when I can actually take a serious stab at it but it's definitely not for everyone....moon

[Moonmusic]

I don't believe I'm cynical, just been around the block a bit (in various~entertainment avenues) so~therefore I'm a realist - at the end of the day.
No big deal......... I'm just blunt and to the point ............~just my point of view is all.~

So how many millions have you made following your agenda so far? Me, being a realist also would like to know?

[SeanHannifin]

I don't know how the heck they got my address, but I once got a advertisement in the mail from TAXI . . . I had no idea what it was, so I just ripped it up and threw it away . . . :o

[Moonmusic]

I don't know how the heck they got my address, but I once got a advertisement in the mail from TAXI . . . I had no idea what it was, so I just ripped it up and threw it away . . . :o

Ever sent in songs for copyright?....They get addresses that way sometimes....

[SeanHannifin]

Ever sent in songs for copyright?....They get addresses that way sometimes....
Ah-ha, that might be how! They are so sneaky! :D

[Moonmusic]

Geez, kid, you sure ARE extremely negative! I went to National Academy of Songwriters workshops WEEKLY for years at $5 a pop and wouldn't have traded that experience for anything. The networking, the knowledge about songwriting, production, sampling etc. etc. I got so many happy clients into my studio just by hanging around NAS for a couple hours a week --- it was invaluable.

So YOU'VE been "around the block", eh!? How old are you? Twenty-something? It seems like you *KNOW* everything about everything! I don't understand where you're coming from, but I believe it's time to get back on your surfboard and mellow out.

Ern

Yeah...With all that negativity, it just reaks of success doesn't it? :D Personally I've never been to workshops because of my location but even with all the years I've been playing music, I would love to attend some....If there's one thing I've learned over the years is you never know-it-all...

[kid-surf]

So how many millions have you made following your agenda so far? Me, being a realist also would like to know?


Well, I made a few hundred thousand from previous agents.... but that was before I became a composer. So I figure that sort of game plan will serve me well for film composing. But now a days my wife basically represents me. So, had I not had these experiences maybe I'd be less~knowledgeable about the way things work and be right there paying TAXI (or whoever) $300 a year.... who's to say?

The type of people my wife represents get checks for over a million dollars, so i sorta trust that way of doing things. I seriously doubt TAXI could make that claim.


Rule of thumb is never pay money.......... just the way it is.

[Moonmusic]

Well, I made a few hundred thousand from previous agents.... but that was before I became a composer. So I figure that sort of game plan will serve me well for film composing. But now a days my wife basically represents me. So, had I not had these experiences maybe I'd be less~knowledgeable about the way things work and be right there paying TAXI (or whoever) $300 a year.... who's to say?

The type of people my wife represents get checks for over a million dollars, so i sorta trust that way of doing things. I seriously doubt TAXI could make that claim.


Rule of thumb is never pay money.......... just the way it is.

So you got where you are because of your wife? $1,000,000.00 clients? Wow! Tell her to tell Danny Elfman I said hello....yawn

[kid-surf]

Geez, kid, you sure ARE extremely negative! I went to National Academy of Songwriters workshops WEEKLY for years at $5 a pop and wouldn't have traded that experience for anything. The networking, the knowledge about songwriting, production, sampling etc. etc. I got so many happy clients into my studio just by hanging around NAS for a couple hours a week --- it was invaluable.

So YOU'VE been "around the block", eh!? How old are you? Twenty-something? It seems like you *KNOW* everything about everything! I don't understand where you're coming from, but I believe it's time to get back on your surfboard and mellow out.

Ern


Nah, not negative... just realistic. ;-) Big diff............ and yes, I'm completely relaxed right now, why would I be otherwise?


Well, $5 is a fair price for a workshop. That's not what I'm referring to, I'm referring to these $200 to $400 workshops (probably even as high as $1000 somewhere, who knows)


And no, I don't know everything, nor pretend to. But when your wife is an agent at the most powerful agency in the world you pick up things by the company you keep. Not to mention I've had 3 agents around the world myself. That's where my knowledge comes from...........


Nothing personal... it just "is" what it is..........

[kid-surf]

So you got where you are because of your wife? $1,000,000.00 clients? Wow! Tell her to tell Danny Elfman I said hello....yawn


Funny you take my comments that way... ;-) But no she doesn't represent composers.


But yeah, if I do get somewhere it'll mostly be because of my wife, no doubt about it. I have no prob with that.

[Moonmusic]

[QUOTE=kid-surf] But no she doesn't represent composers.
QUOTE]

I thought you just said she represented you?

[kid-surf]

hip pocket..........

[artsoundz]

thread all done now.

[kid-surf]

Well, I think people are capable of deciding that for themselves. Thread monitors serve no purpose......

just say'n........

[kid-surf]

Well, you're sort of off in left field here. The reason being; I don't expect "every" (or even, any) composer to have the perquisites I do, why would I, it's a rare combination. Aside from that playing a role in "how" I come to these conclusions - about what generally works and what doesn't - it's not a factor in this conversation.


But like I said, I weigh all sorts of career decisions based on the knowledge and experience I do have, and to a great extent, a sort of inside view of the film industry at a high level (much higher than where "I'm" at). Whether I become a star composer is really not the issue here. The issue was whether or not TAXI (and the like) is a good idea for a new composer, and based on my experience and knowledge of the industry I say "no". That's one guy's opinion....... take it or leave it.

So no, I don't represent myself as a "Mr. know it all", this is all just "matter of fact" to me. The fact that my wife works as an agent at the most powerful agency in the world is a fairly benign statement, it's a fact, nothing more. It would be just as relevant to say "Hi, my career advice is XYZ, and btw I have no experience in the industry and live on a small farm in Iowa". Relevant info gives the back-story from which you/they/me can better weigh the thoughts of the dude posting.........

When I read opinions on-line I like to know where the dude is coming from....... so I put it out there myself, if people take it the wrong way, that's on them.

So anyway ---- I'm not ripping on TAXI "because" of my connections, I'm ripping on TAXI because I feel they string people along and take their money and don't have a whole lot of success stories to show for it ---- for being a "pro minded" entity. I think that for the amount of money they make they should be getting more people work. Plain and simple.

Anyway.........


If a composer isn't a good self promoter/marketer they probably should look for something else to do..... because that's about half the battle.


Yes.... I'm opinionated when discussing this subject..... so feel free to accuse me of that, cuz it's definitely true. ;-)

[StrangeCat]

If a composer isn't a good self promoter/marketer they probably should look for something else to do..... because that's about half the battle.


Yes.... I'm opinionated when discussing this subject..... so feel free to accuse me of that, cuz it's definitely true. ;-)


Man Kidsurf that certianly is true of being a composer. You have to wear many hats. I just hope I don't put on that Hat from Hogwarts WAHAHAHA.
So hey guys look it's all about who you know, networking is the key. Don't limit yourself to one style or one medium even.

Also Taxi doesn't know (####) about Japanese Pop. ;)

[Ceasefire]

well that was more feedback than I had anticipated, thanks!

I'll use Taxi as a means to get someone to hopefully listen to my music that's not a close friends or family member, work associate, or random person at my buddy's cafe shop asking what music this is that they like so much playing over the cafe shops cd player .. ;) Not tooting my own horn here by any means, but I've had so many people, friend and stranger tell me that I need to promote my music because it's "good" enough .. well, thanks to dad, i *might* have such a means to do that now .. we'll see .. thanks again tho for responses!

[Marko]

Taxi's motto:

"Let TAXI take you for a ride!"

[dpasdernick]

There's really two industries, the 'real' one, and the 'fringe' one that deals with all this side stuff (workshops and such)

This is so true. Like the old saying "those that can't do Teach"

Years ago, while living in Vancouver, I saw an ad in a local entertainment paper by the bass player of the Guess Who. (a very successful 60's-70's rock band from Canada in case you're too young to know) He basically had a business where you sent demo tapes to him to get his expert opinion. Of course he was doing this to make a few bucks on the side as the Guess Who had been defunct for quite some time. I got a call from his "assistant" saying they liked my stuff. Turned out the assistant was a "wanna be" song writer and tried to muscle in on my stuff. I never did meet the infamous bass player. (oh to be young, naive and full of hope again ;) )

I guess my point is like Kid Surf's, there are a ton of "fringe" companies out there making a buck off of the real business. Like those pilot fish that swim around with the sharks looking for a scrap.

However with this said, I will consider taxi as an option. From the little research i have done it seems best to have a large catalog of diverse songs all ready to go. So when they send out request for 2 hip hops, and a grunge rocker, you have those ready to go.

My 2 cents,

Darren

[matto]

Greg,

This very question has been asked many times in many different forums across the web, and unfortunately I see the same answer every time:

None of the respondants ever actually placed a song that was ever professionally released. Some replied that they found the critiques they received useful in improving their craft, but that's about it. I have no doubt that your Dad's heart was in the right place, but I've yet to see anyone who's placed a song using this "service". Sorry to be the bearer of bad news...

Well, let's change that!:)

I've been a member of Taxi for about 8 years. I now make a living as a composer/songwriter because of it.
I write songs and instrumental music in a lot of different styles, and Taxi has been doning a great job at placing my songs, particularly with music libraries.

Since somebody asked for specifics, my songs have been heard on tv shows such as Las Vegas, Law And Order SVU, Dateline NBC, Judging Amy, Angel, Americ'a Most Wanted, America's Next Top Model, The Osbournes, The Bernie Mac Show, Access Hollywood, among many others.

Last summer one of my songs was used in the movie "Mr and Mrs Smith", and in spring I responded to a Taxi listing and got hired to write music for the Oprah Winfrey Show; they just started using my music and I've already had seven placements in less than 20 shows.

So for me, Taxi has definitely worked big time. Your mileage may vary, but this is a legit company that can produce real results.

matto

[Nick Batzdorf]

Did you read what Ern posted?


I've signed over 30 masters through TAXI forwards, and made thousands of $$$$.

It's not for everybody - certainly not for Kid - but it's obviously for somebody. They've been around for about 14 years, not exactly a fly-by-night outfit.

Disclaimer: they do advertise in Virtual Instruments magazine and I moderate the hi-tech forum on their site as a favor to Michael Laskow. But I'd say the same thing either way.

[Ceasefire]

Would it be fair to say that the biggest ingredient you need is talent? Not so sure anymore .. cause sometimes I hear what they play on the radio and think "what the ... now i KNOW my stuff is better than that!" ... gotta be at the right place at the right time for everything in life it seems .. hopefully taxi can help place people there ...

also .. after reviewing their site some more, i'm realizing that people submit to a listing, don't get a contract deal, and figure the service is a scam. And because nobody they know personally has gotten a deal, it must be that plain and simple. Couldn't be that the producer or whomever listened to yours but thought a different submission would suit the project even just a little better.. no one knows .. luckily, I do this as a hobby because I love creating music .. and if something blessid happens, than that will make it even more sweet.

[Journeyman]

Would it be fair to say that the biggest ingredient you need is talent? Not so sure anymore ..
Perhaps "Relevance" might be a more accurate description.

also .. after reviewing their site some more, i'm realizing that people submit to a listing, don't get a contract deal, and figure the service is a scam. And because nobody they know personally has gotten a deal, it must be that plain and simple. Couldn't be that the producer or whomever listened to yours but thought a different submission would suit the project even just a little better.. no one knows ..
Which is why this question is frequently asked in numerous music forums on the web. One assumes that somewhere out there, someone would report a Taxi success story. This is very first time I've ever seen anyone answer in the affirmative.

[kid-surf]

Which is why this question is frequently asked in numerous music forums on the web. One assumes that somewhere out there, someone would report a Taxi success story. This is very first time I've ever seen anyone answer in the affirmative.


Same here.......


And thanks Matto for being specific, helps me/us get a better read of them. So yeah, they're all about source music placement, which is fine. But it seems that "now we know what their focus is" in that regard. (BTW --- I'd be interested to hear one of the pieces of music you got placed, if you feel like posting it here or PM-ing me..... I'm just curious is all)




But like dpasdernick was saying; there are thousands of fringe "fishys'" looking to make money off peoples dreams and naivety to the workings of "the industry". Those entities bring in hundreds of millions of dollars a year from regular folks looking for that "big break".... yet they aren't "obligated" to find these people any work (they'd still make money if they found NO ONE work, and that's the diff). IMO it's a fairly convenient way of representing people. That being you are told that if you aren't "there" you are "almost" there. Not only that, you pay them to tell you that, and no matter who you are they'll "represent" you. Apparently some people get work through TAXI and the majority are basically strung along IMO. The dynamic to me is a bit like organized religion........ ;-) Faith goes a really long way when people are willing to pay for it.


also .. after reviewing their site some more, I'm realizing that people submit to a listing, don't get a contract deal, and figure the service is a scam. And because nobody they know personally has gotten a deal, it must be that plain and simple. Couldn't be that the producer or whomever listened to yours but thought a different submission would suit the project even just a little better..


Nope that's not what brings me to my conclusions about TAXI (and such). The first thing that brings me to my conclusions is the really bad pitch TAXI has, whether they get a few people jobs or not, the pitch is really amateur. But you know what, that's the market they're going after so I guess it fits their target audience. The first thing they say on their site is that they "help unsigned bands, artists, and songwriters get record deals, publishing deals, and placement in film and TV shows"

Notice how "placement" is the very "last" thing they mention? Yet it's the bread and butter of the company it seems....... you know, aside from all the submission and membership fees.

Then right below that pitch they go into "How to get your music heard by XYZ film and TV companies". Why not just SAY what their market is from the get go. It's a bit of a bait and switch IMO. That's the first thing that bugs me about their pitch.


When you click on "about" it reads like a really sleazy bottom feeder two bit pitch with all sorts of "Biz" buz words and such.

I'll tell you what. If you clicked onto the website of the most powerful talent agency in the world do you know what you'd find? ............... well, you'd find the name of the company, address, phone and fax number. Nothing else, just "one" html page that probably cost $1.50 and 10 minutes to build. And that's a company that has every "top" (as Taxi says) person in the business, from Brad Pitt, Tom hanks, Steven Spielberg and on, and on, and on the list goes. (actors, directors, musicians, screenwriters, video game companies, corporation consulting and so forth). All that and they basically have "no" pitch at all.

So Ceasefire, there's some info for ya, from both sides of the street. Can't get much better than that! ;-)


PS.... I was just in NYC this past week and noticed that the one of the dudes staying at my hotel was Harvey Weinstein. Maybe I should have given him my CD, and done the pitch. :D ;) (joking). I was there with 5 agents (I'm sure one or all of them were meeting w/him, I didn't ask). That's the sorta world I'm in, and much if it is 'too high up' to be of any use to me. My wife really has to stoop lower than she's used to to help lil' ole me. (so yeah, I'm way connected, but being that connected doesn't guarantee anything. Which is probably obvious. And when the people you're dealing with are that high up they can't do a whole lot for you, it's not like my wife can walk into a meeting and pitch my music to Steven Spielberg (or whoever). But you do get a different perspective of the business. It's more or less what you can create for yourself, no matter who you know. No matter who you know, you gotta be extremely proactive. Which means getting out there and talking the talk while walking the walk. Gotta sell it.......... that's the industry. And it's the same deal for everyone, connected or not.)



[***disclaimer*** ---- The thoughts put forth by me in no way represent the thoughts of anyone other than myself] just say'n ......... ;)

[matto]

Hey, Matto, whazzup!? Good to see you here. This is NickB's and my other hang. Ern

Hiya Ern...I know, been lurking here for ages. I try to avoid registering for these things, cause once I register I start posting...and more posting equals less writing...
See, I'm doing it already. Aargh!

matto

[Nick Batzdorf]

Would it be fair to say that the biggest ingredient you need is talent?

:D :D :D :D :D :D

[Nick Batzdorf]

:D :D :D :D
Wheeze. Hahahahaha...

[Len]

All I know is that occassionally I take the time to visit various websites to listen to "unsigned music". OH MY GOD is 99.99999999% of the stuff out there utter garbage. I mean, what do these people think, that radio stations are actually going to play their cack? The trouble is, recording music in a home studio is now so easy that everyone can do it, and so even the most talentless twit can submit something to TAXI and then whine about why their stuff never gets selected.

And no I haven't joined TAXI myself because I too am suspicious of the fact that they make money from encouraging even the most talentless twits to keep submitting music. But that is beside the point.

Rant for the day over :n:

Len
www.lenmusic.com

[TC5]

Maybe Taxi should offer TWO separate services. One to artists that are up to speed that they will represent (on a commission / fee only when placed basis?), and a "critique" only service to all others. At least that would clarify that they're not just stringing hordes of hopefuls alongs...

[matto]

I'll tell you what. If you clicked onto the website of the most powerful talent agency in the world do you know what you'd find? ............... well, you'd find the name of the company, address, phone and fax number. Nothing else, just "one" html page that probably cost $1.50 and 10 minutes to build.

You make some good points, kid, but I think comparing Taxi to a high-end talent agency or management firm is a flawed approach.
That's not Taxi's business model. Taxi's business model is basically that of a Tip Sheet, with some added extras.
Like any other Tip Sheet Taxi finds leads for its members/subscribers, and like any Tip Sheety they live exclusively off subscription fees. The main difference is that they screen and critique the submissions, which I personally believe is both directly and indirectly beneficial to the members.
Tip Sheets have been around for a long time, are used by most songwriters and publishers and are considered a legitimate service in the music industry. And compared to other Tip Sheets, Taxi offers great VFM.

Btw I was trying to post links where you can hear some of my music, but it won't let me post urls...

matto

[Journeyman]

They just can't come to terms that they aren't brilliant talents. This became so clear to me after watching the early rounds of American Idol. People would just be incredulous that they could possibly be considered anything but amazingly talented, because all their friends & family told them so. It's actually kinda scary to watch how spooky people can get when they're in denial. :eek:

[kid-surf]

Denial / Taking responsibility for sucking: -- Yep I agree, it's a dreamers world out there for sure. I mean, clearly the majority of folks with stars in their eyes just want to be rich an famous ("important"). Then you have the folks that want to be taken seriously but don't have the goods, yet they are sincere. Then you have the folks that almost have the goods but need to develop. Then the folks that have the goods but lack certain attributes (connections, people skills, location etc). Then the folks with the whole package. (And those folks are still a tuff sell... now they are simply "in the door". Right along side a 1000 other equally talented folks). The you have the tip top "brilliantly talented". Those folks "usually" rise to the top and find some sort of legit representation if they put forth an effort. But sure, they are less then 1% of the active market.



Right, the problem for many is they "believe" they are this "1%" when in actuality they are typically the folks that want to be taken seriously, are sincere, but don't have the goods. I'd say that is the typical person hoping to make a career (or some cash) from music. So yeah, I more or less know what you guys mean.


Matto --- yeah, maybe it's not the best thing to make a side by side comparison between TAXI and the most prominent talent agency in the world (and I'm not using that term metaphorically -- I'm referring to the most bookings and the highest grossing). But that's just where my head is at when weighing this stuff. I mean it's like Len said, "for me" that is, it would make 'me' uncomfortable being a paid member to an entity I feel are stringing along severely talentless people. But I've always been that way. I mean, that was my first induction into entertainment (at 21 y/o). Back when I got my first agent for modeling the first agency I went to did get a 'few' people work but everyone else really had no business with representation, and it was the same idea, these people had to pay for it (much of the money they made came from their "clients" --- which as a totally green kid still struck me as odd). Then I met this girl (actually, she became my girlfriend. She was a fairly successful model doing high end fashion Magz and shows, you know, Vogue and such) and she basically schooled me on what the deal was. Then I went to a bigger more prominent agency and got signed for 'free'. I never paid any money till they made me money.... then I went overseas, etc. Already had jobs booked before I got there. (I'm used to that style of representation -- and it's the same type my wife gives her clients)

Yeah I know, modeling is different than film composing, but that fundamental rule of thumb is really hard for me to get past with any entertainment. That being I don't want to pay for anything till someone gets "me" paid. That's the way I started so it just feels right to me. Not to mention the fact that my wife doesn't "charge" clients money till she finds them work. But really, all entertainment works the same. (Btw --- I feel into acting through modeling simply because your agents sends you on those gigs. So yeah, I had my SAG card "before" ASCAP. Which I find funny because that whole modeling/acting thing was just a way to make money to buy music stuff. :D Anyway......)

Anyway, my point is that all enertainment is the same dynamic...


There's also the aspect of how my wife has been a panelist at a few "conventions" (is that the right term? -- and by the way she did it for free. She and a few other big time agents) But yeah there was a fee to get into these particular events I'm sure. But it wasn't so much about making any sort of deal, they flat out say "we will not consider any material". It's more so just to answer questions and such. General industry info.


It's true, I've never been to a TAXI event, or many other events like that but that's the impression they give me. But the thing is, those type of events usually have folks speak that are now "out of the loop". These various companies drop all sorts of names to get you in the door, but if you dig a little deeper you'll usually find that, sure, at "one time" this person was a "mover and shaker" (as TAXI puts it) but not anymore. Now a days they couldn't get a person "in side" the industry to take their calls if they begged. But they still have a pretty impressive "old-school" discography. That's what my opinion is of most of those events. I mean it really boils down to who these people can call "right now today ... who can they have on the phone within a few minutes..."


I feel that most of that 'general-type info' can be found on-line anyway.........


But I'll back up a sec to say that ----------- I'm sure there are people that feel that there "is" a chance in hell that my wife (specifically) 'might' consider their material. In fact she's told me that people approach them at these things and try to get in like that, or they might later lie and call to say that my wife asked them to call her. There was a story once about some~material that was had through those means and the film was actually "made" and successful. That's enough to give people false hope.... even though there really isn't any in this regard. (and that's not to say that people shouldn't try clever things to get in/heard...)


So that is also info that forms my way of thinking.... there's plenty of things that brought me to my frame of mind, these are a few of those.


But hey, if TAXI is sending you checks... they're sending you checks. ;-)


I just try to stay clear of any help that is paid for..... I don't want to be associated with people who are willing to pay. IMO that sends many folks on a wild goose chase. I either want to get the job or not get the job, and I don't want to pay for the chance at a job, and I don't want any feedback or critique of my music from anyone other than friends (who are good composers ;) ) or more importantly directors, producers, and agents.......

Lastly --- yeah, the responsibility falls squarely on the shoulders of the dude creating this music. They should "know" where they stand as far as their talent or lack off. It should be blatantly obvious. (doesn't mean you should try to sell crap, just know that it is when you "go out" with it. I mean, we are our own agents more or less)



Just thinking out loud.......... no offense mean.

[kid-surf]

And BTW --- If anyone assumes that I'm trying to be all 'puffed up' about this stuff that's not it at all... I'm just sharing about my life's experiences and why/how they helped form my opinions on the industry. It's all matter of fact info.......

[sporter]

And BTW --- If anyone assumes that I'm trying to be all 'puffed up' about this stuff that's not it at all... I'm just sharing about my life's experiences and why/how they helped form my opinions on the industry. It's all matter of fact info.......

Don't piss your wife off, dude.

[kid-surf]

Too late... I'm a guy, she's a girl. ;-)


:D

[Houston Haynes]

Denial / Taking responsibility for sucking:

Spot-on post, dude.

As far as TAXI goes - I tried it for while when I lived in NC and MD. Honestly, it's like throwing darts over your shoulder at a dartboard that's hanging on a pendulum swing - swinging in the middle of a hurricane.

:o

Ironically, I now live in a town that's right down the street from TAXI's HQ, and have driven by their place on occasion while running errands - but have always been too busy to stop by and say "hi". While my studio and music production skills have grown up some in the intervening years, I don't think that there's any question that being in town, meeting people, and being able to respond quickly and deliver the goods has a more to do with what I've done so far. There's no substitute for being here.

I don't have anything against the TAXI folks, per se, but after nearly two years with them and getting *no* action versus being here in L.A. and on the verge of quitting my day job and composing full-time after two years here - I can say with some confidence that the first three rules of the entertainment business are the same as the first three rules of real estate.

1) location
2) location
3) location

But, as kid pointed out - all of the other factors need to be in place first, if you want to recognized and ascend the ranks. There are lots of really talented people who stay busy outside of the major media centers, but they have to obey the same principals - albeit in an environment that's not such a crucible. And just as there are plenty of home-town heros that will *never* be heard in the larger media markets, there are PLENTY of marginal characters that continue to pick up work here and stay busy. Have you listened to the TV or radio recently? What about the weak and flimsy music beds behind some of the programs on specialty cable channels?

There are some truly AVERAGE talents out there that are getting the work. They are in the grey area of having the gear and the access as well as enough talent to get them through - but the key ingredients, securing the gig and delivering on time - are the two places where these guys excel. Think about it - is TAXI going to get you into a gig past one of those guys that may not be as talented, but the show-runners KNOW they can count on?

TAXI is just *not* the place where you cultivate a long-term working relationship. It *can* open the door (congratulations, matto), but I'd rather take those dues and buy a lottery ticket at the liquer store.