TAXI bashing - a new approach

Jan 03, 2007, 03:42 PM

I think I’ve made my opininion known already (and t’eed off some people in the process), but giving Taxi the “Benefit of Doubt” (hey, that’s the title of one of my songs, which can be heard at [url=http://www.broadjam.com/jaypounders]http://www.broadjam.com/jaypounders[/url] (shameless self-promotion), it would definitely only be worth trying if your songs are BLATENTLY COMMERCIAL sounding, ie. if you don’t get to the Chorus within the first 45 seconds…and if your song’s don’t sound EXACTLY LIKE SOMETHING YOU HAVE HEARD A MILLION TIMES BEFORE, I certainly wouldn’t bother sending it in. 

My songs are pretty freakin’ mainstream and yet, nothing I submit even gets forwarded to the company that is seeking to place the song. 

does Taxi get some songs placed? Absolutely, otherwise it would be a total fraud (ie, criminal)...but I think they exist primarily to take advantage of naive songwriters through membership and submission fees, rather than to place songs in film/tv/etc.

My feelings are that your $300 would be better spent mailing CDs to Publishers/Managers/etc…maybe even spent on new guitar strings. :-)

To play Devil’s Advocate,  I will say this, if someone were a novice songwriter and/or a horrible songwriter, then yes, he or she could probably benefit from the TAXI reviewers comments…but as a vehicle to get your songs placed, it has failed me BIG TIME.
You could probably get the same benefit by posting your songs here and asking people what they think of it.
I’ve wasted $500 and still counting (going to hang in there a few more months because I’m the most NAIVE person on the planet, and still think I’m going to make it some how, some day.

That’s $$$ to Taxi’s ears.
:-)

Jay

 

 

Jan 03, 2007, 07:12 PM

Jay, nice music.  i listened to some and will again.  I agree with your last post as well as Dyson’s comment.  We, as artists, should not be forking over tons of bucks with our creations.  It’s supposed to work the other way around.  Folks offer services….. legit… songwriters pay for it…chasing a dream.  Who is going to turn down the fee from legit services???

Some folks got it, and some don’t.  “it” means the ability to create or write or play.  “it” also means having perseverance and drive to get the music out, or yourself to get it heard.  (i fall into category A….. I suck at the second it)

more examples…. just because I want to play and be a major league basketball player (I’m 5’9”) doesn’t mean that i can because I practice hard and take lessons from experts.  You need the right combo…..and I don’t have it…...despite how hard i want to do it…..and how much money i put into it.

another….  I taught several students piano and drum lessons.  Some kids just don’t have it.  They are empty when it comes to music.  You try, have patience, enccourage them…. and then you go to mom and dad and say…. “I can keep going and teaching and taking your money, but I don’t think this is where your child is going to excel.”  Most times, parents are thankful for that honesty….and do whatever. 

we can look at this another way too.  For most of us, this is a dream.  it’s also a paid or unpaid hobby.  Folks pay for hobbies all the time.  Golf, fisthing, hunting, etc.  Do what makes you happy. 

Jay, i’m not saying you don’t have “it”..... because you clearly do.  you’ve got great talent.  i’m defintely going back to listen to more.  I wish you the best of luck.

Dave…... and his shameless self promotion
[url=http://www.soundclick.com/davidderbes]http://www.soundclick.com/davidderbes[/url]
[url=http://www.myspace.com/davidderbes]http://www.myspace.com/davidderbes[/url]

Jan 03, 2007, 10:38 PM

Sorry, but I have to disagree with those who say you shouldn’t sign up for TAXI. They do have major connections that you will have much trouble getting on your own. If your songs suck, you will benefit from the critiques, and Road Rally…the Road Rally will help you realize how bad your songs really are compared to everyone else, and should motivate you to write better songs (doesn’t matter what genre). If your songs are great, TAXI WILL connect you with people. Simple as that. Your chances of being connected only increases with TAXI (with great songs)...without joining it, who would you submit to?

If you knew all the contacts TAXI has, and could reach them, you wouldn’t need TAXI.

If you’re going to pay 300 bucks to join, you might as well go to the Road Rally too…

Jan 03, 2007, 10:50 PM

>> it would definitely only be worth trying if your songs are BLATENTLY COMMERCIAL sounding, ie. if you don’t get to the Chorus within the first 45 seconds…and if your song’s don’t sound EXACTLY LIKE SOMETHING YOU HAVE HEARD A MILLION TIMES BEFORE, I certainly wouldn’t bother sending it in.

Not so true for movies and TV.  They listen more for atmosphere & vibe, often going for much “edgier” stuff than what makes a radio hit.

With radio it’s about keeping the listener dialed in to the station.  They believe that if listeners are challenged emotionally or mentally by “edgy” music they’ll become uncomfortable and flip to another station… and for all I know they’re right.  Maybe.  That ain’t me, but whatever.

With movies it’s about telling a story, engaging and (frankly) manipulating the viewer’s emotions.  A radio hit might sometimes fit that bill, but not always.  I hear a lot more very, very cool and interesting music in movies than I do on the radio.

Jan 03, 2007, 10:59 PM

You know, I used to be a Taxi skeptic.  I’m in my 3rd year of membership… and just attended my second Rally.  Even after one-and-a-half years of membership, I still was a skeptic. 

But there’s nothing like going to a Rally with 1,000 other songwriters and hearing all the music played for the different panels, and hear the music industry execs talk about what they’re looking for and why… and then hear a song played for them and see what they’re saying - I was actually shocked and amazed at a) how wonderfully produced some woefully bad songs are, and b) how immediately recognizable the great stuff is.  As far as I’m concerned, the yearly membership is well worth the cost if all you do is attend the Rally, and get to meet and give music to, all the music industry reps who are there.  Meet personally with a mentor.  Attend classes in marketing, pitching, networking, producing, recording, vocals, and songwriting, all provided free by Taxi.

The fact of the matter is, it doesn’t matter if you think your music is great - it’s what the industry thinks.  And, if you are targetting your “pitching” ineffectively, you won’t get far.  You sit there and they pull a song out of the ‘country’ box, and it’s not country.  Or the ‘pop’ box and it’s not pop.  You have to know what it is you are trying to achieve with your music and get really specific.  What’s the difference between an AAA and a AC in pop?  What’s the difference between ‘edgy country rock’ and ‘bluegrass’.

Anyway, I’m getting away from the point of this post, which is, should I give up on Taxi after 4 months of membership?  How long does anything think it takes to make it in this business, whether your Taxi member or not?  A lot longer than 4 months, that’s for sure.  At least with Taxi, you can get your money back if you’re not happy.  Just call them up and ask.

VF

Jan 06, 2007, 12:19 AM

Taxi is a real joke. I sold out several times locally they had the nerve to say I wouldn’t make it. I am one of the best dance producers in KC. It seemed when I sent my cd to them there were several sound alike artist around after that. You can go to cd baby now and type in the word shy calr I am sold out. I have been popular on the underground. Can you believe billboard has the nerve to use them in their contest. Billboard is loosing credibility with their contest. I can’t believe the stuff they say like people want to hear what taxi has to say. I compare the service close to payola. I wrote my congressman and told him what they said. Even my congress man had heard my music. The problem with billboard and the song contest they have a secret panel of A&R’S and they won’t tell who they are it sounds fishy. Like maybe its a demo stealing ring. You know you send the demo’s they send it to one of the label producers and take bits and pieces from a song the contacts on the web site are in a band and want to release a cd soon. I did research did you know 5 companies (record) control 90% of what you hear. You think it’s one label it’s really several labels. Sony owns how many labels. And can you believe they have the nerve to blame downlods on slump music sales. We know this is a lie because you could record from radio or mtv in the 80’s. The truth is they are under reporting sales and there needs to be an investigation. Congress has never fully investigated. As a artist if you don’t own the site i.e. I tunes can you track sales? They just are saying they undersale. I am pushing for everyone reading this to write congress or the FCC to create standards for tracking downloads. The indistry is real unorganized. Did you know only recently did sound scan start tracking online sales. I wouldn’t say they have a scientific aproach either. If the downloads are down I would say its payola sites like Taxi also. Can you believe the billboard song contest won’t release how many people enter. They don’t even let people vote online. Thats how idol got popular. Don’t you think its weird its so secret. I basically have joined for ships and giggles.

Jan 06, 2007, 12:27 AM

Taxi is a real joke. I sold out several times locally they had the nerve to say I wouldn’t make it. I am one of the best dance producers in KC. It seemed when I sent my cd to them there were several sound alike artist around after that.

how about if you:

-post a listing you submitted to
-post a link to the song you submitted
-post the entire review of the song

I doubt very much Taxi said you “wouldn’t make it”. I think the farthest they would go is to say that the song you submitted didn’t fit the listing for some reason.  Did you ask for your money back?

V

Jan 06, 2007, 12:34 AM

Yea you can check me out on the web I am not a weak producer. If you think taxi is a joke don’t enter the billboard song contest you won’t win. Thats why people are not entering the billboard contest it’s TAXI the industry joke. Soon as you ask for your money back Taxi will rig the contest wait and see. Billboard boast people have won with recordings made in a shower. Now lets examine this lie why do you need taxi if past winners have won in a bathroom. See where I am going. And doesn’t taxi mostly do movie and comercials? They had some group they were boasting about on their site but they fell off. Any real artist wouldn’t pay for a deal. When I was younger I admit I was niave I joined but they couldn’t produce. The company was negative they couldn’t dirrect me in the demo process. You would think they have a studio to show you what they talk about and get you in the studio. They didn’t. They have some panel some dude from the eurythmics who is about 60. Yes he was good in his time but everybody knows he’s paid for. They should have a panel of successful artists they put out. But we know that won’t happen. All the people on the panel were never part of taxi when they made it. What does that tell you.

but you can check me on the web.

http://www.myspace.com/2nastyrecords

Jan 06, 2007, 12:44 AM

Vicki if there are any more questions your wrong. I am real popular in KC. And Taxi is to blind to see the light and billboard is messing up…..

As for you you must be down with someone in taxi don’t deney me as a artist you can’t listen. Some of the entries are on myspace and people have been talking about it locally and we have cd coming out soon…

choices Vicki which ones are wrong and right…

Jan 06, 2007, 01:25 AM

Also the main lead song choices was produced by charlie baby aks charlie rosario what does that tell you about taxi’s ability to spot music. charlie baby is big doing songs for destines child sweet sensation you name it. and they don’t think its good. i tell you they are blind. i know they black list people when you want your money back. they act like we need to release every production credit. choices was entered as non entry but they should get an idea…

Jan 07, 2007, 11:22 PM

The reality is the listee comes to Taxi and says, “I want a song about angels and it has to sound like Norah Jones but not be Norah Jones.” You send in your cool, hot groovin’ on-the-cutting-edge pop song - but it’s not what they’re looking for.  So they try to tell you, within the context of the listing, some reasons why they think your song wouldn’t work for that client’s needs.  They try to explain why your song didn’t make it to the top 5 out of 1000 submissions. So either you need to work on your songwriting, and/or your production, and/or you need to target your submissions more effectively.

Maybe I think differently than you because I’m an actor and a singer.  And I do auditions all the time.  I can sing my socks off and still not get the part.  Why?  I wasn’t what they were looking for.  I can cry and say they scammed me, or I can understand that the commerical market is looking for commercially viable music that EXACTLY fits their requirements.

It’s Taxi job to SCREEN the submissions EXACTLY the way their client wishes.  If they don’t, they will very soon be out of business.  That’s the reality.  So you can send in the hottest cutting edge music they have ever heard - and they have turn it down because IT’S NOT WHAT THE CLIENT WANTS.  They want purple paint and you’re trying to sell them butternut.

You should only join once you have figured out whether or not it’s going to be a vehicle for YOUR INDIVIDUAL MUSIC or to grow YOUR INDIVIDUAL SKILLS. 

Taxi does work for some people.  I KNOW THEM.  THEY MAKE A LIVING MAKING MUSIC BECAUSE OF TAXI.  Taxi got them started.  And how long did it take before they could quit their day jobs?  YEARS.  Years of investment in their writing career.  Years of learning what the commercial industry wants and how they want it.  Years of rejections and few deals? but 6 or 7 years later, they are making lucrative deals. But they are only a few out of many aspirants.

Whether you use Taxi or not, if you seriously want to be a professional songwriter, then you have to get your ego out of the way, and find out what the industry wants, and write it, produce it, market it to them.

Otherwise, write for the joy of it, write for yourself, perform your own stuff.  You’ll be less bitter.

One last note:  I’m not saying everyone should join Taxi.  I’m saying it’s not a scam to education professional songwriters who are willing to write what the clients want.

Jan 07, 2007, 11:24 PM

One last note:  I’m not saying everyone should join Taxi.  I’m saying it’s not a scam to educatED professional songwriters who are willing to write what the clients want.

Jan 07, 2007, 11:35 PM

And doesn’t taxi mostly do movie and comercials? They had some group they were boasting about on their site but they fell off. Any real artist wouldn’t pay for a deal. When I was younger I admit I was niave I joined but they couldn’t produce. The company was negative they couldn’t dirrect me in the demo process. You would think they have a studio to show you what they talk about and get you in the studio.

I have no idea what you’re talking about.  Taxi doesn’t produce. Taxi doesn’t do demos, Taxi doesn’t have a studio.  Taxi hires A&R reps, publishers, music supervisors, producers and professional songwriters to SCREEN SUBMISSIONS members have made to each listing EXACTLY ACCORDING TO THE CLIENT’S WISHES, and forward the TOP 5 or 10 CHOICES to the CLIENT for REVIEW.

And no, I don’t work for Taxi (I live in Canada).  In fact, I haven’t been too successful getting through the screening myself.  However, I figure, if I can get good enough, and target my submissions right, I’ll crack it.  And if I can crack Taxi, then I can crack anything. 

No, I don’t remmend everyone join Taxi.  In fact, most songwriters are not going to have a happy experience.  Like Bobbyjoe said on another thread, when 1,200 songs are put on hold for one 14-song album, someone’s going to be pissed.  If you do join Taxi, it should be only one way that you market your music to the industry.  It should be only one of the many investments you make in your songwriting career.

In fact, I suggest songwriters check out SongU - it’s a good way to hone your craft & creativity and also get some pitching opps.

Jan 08, 2007, 03:19 AM

Now listen up all you songwriters.  This is your TAXI mother duck speaking.  We have a client that wants a song about (you fill in the blank) and it has to sound EXACTLY like this.  So all you little duckies get in line and give me what they want.  So, about 2,000 songwriters sit down and try to write a song about the same thing and the vast majority don’t have a snowball’s chance in hell of going anywhere.  Why?  Because they weren’t written from the heart.  They were written for someone else trying their damndest to write something they know absolutely nothing about.  Is it any wonder why all the music sounds the same.  Cookie cutter to the Nth degree.  We have music executives trying to tell artists what they want them to record and trying to tell songwriters what to write.  What happened to the old days, when great songwriters wrote great songs, written the only way they know how, and they had no trouble getting their songs recorded, because they were great songs and everybody knew it.  I doubt very seriously if anyone came to Harlan Howard and told him, now Harlan, I want you write a song about Miller’s Cave in Waycross, Gerogia because we have an artist that wants to sing a song about a cave down South that doesn’t even exist.  If you are hell bemt on spending money to join TAXI, SongU and all these other outfits that charge an
arm and leg to join I would suggest taking that money and spend it on recording song demos of songs you wrote and took great pleasure in writing.  Will they ever go anywhere?  Probably not, just like a song you try to write for TAXI’s clients won’t go anywhere but at least you will get the satisfaction of doing something you enjoy and not have to have someone else tell you, “this is not what I want”  Or better yet, take the money and put it on a downpayment on a new truck and drive the hell out of that sucker. 

Jan 08, 2007, 03:37 AM

Amen, Roy!