TAXI TV

About this podcast

🚕 World's Leading Independent A&R Co. 🏁 Music Opportunities with: Record Labels / Music Publishing / Film & TV 🎵TAXI.com Phone: (818) 222-2464 Email: taxitv@taxi.com

TAXI TV

Episodes

2021
Creating Income When COVID Killed Touring Gigs
Pro guitarist Sean Hurwitz plays with big acts on stages all over the world and gets paid well to do it! It’s got to be a pretty exciting life. During COVID, not so much! But Hurwitz is a “hustler” in the best sense of the word, so he’s ramping up his home studio productions of music for media to create future income while he’s got some unexpected and unwanted downtime. Sean always brings his “A-Game,” whether he's writing, producing, recording, or touring and playing stadiums with top-echelon artists like Enrique Iglesias, Smash Mouth, Gin Blossoms, and more. On this episode of TAXI TV, you’ll learn how this multi-faceted "hired gun" has built an enviable career and pivoted when he had to!
March 2, 2021
93 min
Can You Pick The Song That Landed A Placement On NETFLIX
Do you think your ears are good enough to figure out which of the songs TAXI forwarded to the Music Supervisor of a Netflix TV series got picked to be in the show? We know how our viewers love to be in the A&R Hot Seat, so this episode should be especially fun for you. Why is that? Because you'll get to hear the great music we forwarded to the Supe, and you'll get some education about why one great song got picked over the other great songs. Intrigued? You should be! This episode will give you an insider's look into some of the variables that can determine what gets picked, and what doesn't. You really don't want to miss this episode, and PLEASE don't be late. Some of the information I'm going to give out at the top of the episode could help you pick the winner ;-) Here's the request we sent out! TAXI #S210117UR ORIGINAL SOLO ACOUSTIC GUITAR-BASED SINGER/SONGWRITER SONG needed by MUSIC SUPERVISOR VERY QUICKLY for NETFLIX SHOW! The Sync Fee is $2,000! We just got this before closing time at TAXI, but thankfully the brief we got from the Supervisor tells you everything you need to know, so we’re just pasting it in below. Quoting the Music Supervisor: “Here’s what’s going on, Netflix show I’m working on has a scene that takes place in the UK at an outdoor tourist market and they want something that sounds like a Male or Female Solo Guitar Busker is playing somewhere in the market, outside of the shot. Male or female vocal Solo acoustic guitar Folky, slow to mid-tempo, nothing too upbeat. Thick British accent, 'something that would signal British charm to the tourists.' Must be able to license master and pub from the creator. Additional note from the show’s editors: ‘[Producer] used the phrase “English Folk”, for what it’s worth. Not sure if that’s pushing more towards Sea Shanty/ pub song, or “Once” film territory…’ So I guess if they have something a little more traditional sounding, that’s fine too. Might help sell the British imagery. We have 2K all-in for this.” Pretty self-explanatory. Please make sure you are, or at least “sound” legitimately British for this request. Remember, you’re a busker, so some live feel is recommended! This is a Direct-to-Music Supervisor pitch, so you’ll keep 100% of the $2,000 sync fee, plus you’ll keep 100% of the Publishing and Master ownership. You must own or control your Master and Copyright to submit. Please DO NOT submit material that is already published by any 3rd party such as CDBaby Pro, Tunecore, etc. Please submit as many songs as you'd like, online (only). NO DEADLINE EXTENSIONS for this request. Sorry folks, but we're on an extremely tight deadline, so please don't ask! All submissions will be screened and critiqued by TAXI. Submissions must be received no later than 12 NOON on Sunday, January 17th, 2021. TAXI # S210117UR
February 23, 2021
96 min
SONG REVIEWS With Legendary Producer Michael Lloyd
Michael Lloyd’s feedback sessions in the theater at the TAXI Road Rally have long been a fan favorite, so I'm inviting him to join me on this week's TAXI TV to review some of your songs! Michael's reviews are honest, in-depth, and encouraging. His feedback is pointed and helpful in taking your songwriting, production, and overall sound to the next level.
February 16, 2021
95 min
Pro Mixing Workflow Tips From Grammy - Winning Producer Mixer Rob Chiarelli
We’ve been chatting about mixing work flow and the “intent” you might have when you start a mix on TAXI’s Quarantini Happy Hours lately. I thought it might be cool to get some insight, tips, and ideas from a multi-Grammy-Winning Mixer/Producer, so I’ve invited Rob Chiarelli to join us on Monday’s TAXI TV to do just that! See Rob’s credits here: https://www.finalmix.com/discography This is going to be a great episode of TAXI TV, and if you join us for the live show you’ll have a shot at getting your questions answered in the last half hour of the show!
February 9, 2021
92 min
Music Licensing Success Despite Having A VERY Full Time Job With Bob Mete
Pianist/Composer/Songwriter Bob Mete is on an airplane more than he's on the ground, yet somehow he finds time to create Jazz Piano Music that's regularly placed in top TV shows and movies on ABC, NBC, CBS, FOX, Showtime, HBO and Netflix: Adult Beginners – Indie Film, The Undoing, Supergirl, Cobra Kai, The Voice, Younger, Comedians in Cars Getting Coffee, Chicago Fire, Search Party, commercials for DKNY, Whole Foods, Public Storage, and more! I’ll be asking Bob questions that will help viewers learn how to best use TAXI, and what he’s done that has helped him become successful in spite of the fact that he travels a LOT for his "day job!" How to Be Successful with Your Music! This is your big chance to find out how a successful TAXI member decides which Industry Listings he chooses to submit to, how many submissions he averages per month, what he’s learned about creating music that’s more “useable,” how he finds time to write and record his music, and some of the misconceptions musicians have when they’re just starting out in the sync business!
February 2, 2021
92 min
How Musicians Are Making Money During The Pandemic
Musicians have been hit hard by the pandemic-driven lockdown(s). Gigging, rehearsing, session work, and the day gigs that pay the bills for many musicians have largely ground to a halt. Unemployment and "stimulus" checks may help, but tragically, they don't cover the devastating loss of income most musicians are faced with. But I know somebody who just might be able to help you with that. My friend Dave Cool (yes, that's his real name), Bandzoogle's V.P. of Business Development, has ferreted out some practical ways to help you create income until we can finally rip our masks off and return to our normal lives! It looks like we've got at least several more months to go until that becomes a reality. Don't wait until you're really hurting to dig out this episode of TAXI TV and watch it. Get out in front of what could be a financial nightmare by joining Dave and me on this week's LIVE episode, so you can ask him questions after he doles out some actionable advice!
January 26, 2021
93 min
Would You Pick Or Pass On These Songs About Home
Our viewers love to tune up their ears by hearing submissions for a hot request from TAXI, then casting their votes to see if they line up with what our A&R team decided. One of our regular viewers summed it up nicely when she emailed, "Judging songs on TAXI TV helps me judge my own music more objectively. I create better music because of these episodes, please do more of them!" Join us for the fun, the education, and the community spirit in the live chat room during this week's episode of TAXI TV!
January 19, 2021
96 min
Hear SONGS And INSTRUMENTALS Our Staff Liked In January 2021!
Every month, our A&R Team makes a list of 10 of their favorite TAXI Member songs or instrumentals that they've heard lately. We call them the "Top 10," but don't let that mislead you into thinking they're THE 10 best songs or instrumentals out of ALL the music our members make. Really, it's more like a list of, "Hey, these are really cool and you should check them out" songs and tracks. And you should! Please join me on today's episode of TAXI TV as we listen together! We did it on a recent Quarantini Happy Hour, and the viewers of the live show seemed to love the experience. We hope you do as well!
January 12, 2021
91 min
NEW YEAR RESOLUTIONS That Will Help You MAKE MONEY With Your Music In 2021
If you’ve ever made a New Year’s resolution that this is FINALLY going to be the year that you make some money with your music, but don't follow through, then do NOT miss this episode of TAXI TV! Why make broad, general, overreaching resolutions that you’ll never follow through with, when you can do the easy-to-follow steps I recommend and see real results? I’m going to give you some crystal clear resolutions that can really help you achieve what you've always wanted; to earn some income doing what you love most, creating music! How quickly will you see those results? You’ll need to watch this inspiring, laser-focused first episode of 2021 to find out!
January 5, 2021
83 min
2020
Writing BETTER MUSIC For FILM & TV [A&R Instrumental Cue Reviews]
Want to know what it takes to write music that gets more placements in Film & TV? We invited one of our A&R Team Members (and Instrumental Cue Expert), Craig Pilo, to join us for this episode of TAXI TV to review some viewers' music! Watch this episode to find out what does and doesn't work for Film & TV Instrumental Cues.
December 29, 2020
92 min
How This ROCKSTAR Revolutionized MUSIC For FILM & TV [with Marc Ferrari]
TAXI CEO Michael Laskow talks with rockstar Marc Ferrari completely revolutionized music libraries by signing Indie artists instead of using Marc Ferrari was in the “hair bands,” Keel, Cold Sweat, and Medicine Wheel in the ‘80s and early ‘90s. I personally think his greatest legacy might be starting the MasterSource music library in the early 1990s. Marc was a visionary who realized that music from independent musicians had real value in the music licensing industry. Especially at a time when virtually all the music in library catalogs was “canned.” He founded MasterSource to get more of his own music synced, and it grew from there until he sold it in 2007 to Universal Music. MasterSource signed quite a few TAXI members back in the day. Our companies sort of grew up together, so Marc and I have always had a warm relationship. He often reminds me that he was probably the first person to sign music from long-time TAXI member Matt Hirt. That relationship panned out really well for both of them! Marc will be my special guest on this episode of TAXI TV, and I think his insights will be valuable to all anybody looking to create great music for the Film/TV sync business. I might also get him to cough up a couple of behind-the-scenes stories about what it was like to be in bands that used hair spray. BTW, Marc appeared in Wayne’s World 1 and 2! Just sayin’!! Please join me for this very special episode!
December 22, 2020
94 min
BEST HIT SONGWRITING TIPS For 2021 [Song Reviews With Robin Frederick][121420]
During this episode of TAXI TV, songwriting coach Robin Frederick reviews viewers' songs and gives some tips on how to make them better! This is a great episode to watch if you want to write songs that are competitive in 2021!
December 15, 2020
95 min
How to WRITE BETTER SONGS with Jai Josefs [SUCCESS SECRETS]
Learn the secrets of successful songwriting in this episode of TAXI TV! Jai Josefs is a world-renowned songwriting coach whose students have had songs on the Billboard charts, major label record deals and publishing deals, and thousands of placements in film and television. He also has worked as a songwriter/producer on projects for such companies as Universal, RCA, Motown, and Disney and placed songs in over 80 network TV shows and 20 major motion pictures with such stars as Harrison Ford, Billy Bob Thornton, and Denzel Washington. In this workshop, Jai will give you insights into the melodic and lyric techniques successful hit writers use to create their songs that reach millions worldwide. Then, he’ll give you specific keys to immediately begin incorporating those techniques into your own writing to help you write BETTER songs! For more info about Jai and his various classes and coaching, please visit: http://jaijomusic.com/
December 8, 2020
93 min
BEST TIPS for Writing INSTRUMENTAL CUES for TV
More TAXI members are earning income from Instrumental Cues for TV than ever before! Sounds easy, right? Just mute the vocal, and there you go… wrong! There’s more to it, but frankly, it’s not that hard. Doing it well requires that you know what works, and what doesn’t. That’s what we’re going to talk about on this week’s TAXI TV – the do’s and don’ts of creating Instrumental Cues! Just a few of the many topics we’ll be covering: How long your Cues should be Which genres are the best for you to start with? Where to find inspiration before you compose Instrumentals VS Instrumental Cues How Cues are structured How to create titles that get your Cues used How to become more efficient and productive in cranking them out Much, much more! Get "Writing Production Music for TV" by Steve Barden here: https://amzn.to/36qZZif
December 1, 2020
93 min
Why Some Music Libraries DON'T Want To Hear Your Music
TAXI has been getting some emails and phone calls from frustrated members who want to know more about some of TAXI’s listings that have language like this in them: IMPORTANT NOTE: This company offers an Exclusive deal, and is only interested in signing material from composers who have worked for libraries and licensing companies in the past and understand how standard deals work. If you don't have that experience and you don't know the drill on typical deals, then they politely ask that you don't submit to this request. IMPORTANT! Per our client, your Submissions must NOT be encumbered by ANY other publishing, licensing, administration, and/or exploitation deals (whether non-exclusive or exclusive) including publishing/licensing agreements with CD Baby, TuneCore, DistroKid, etc. NOTE: This company is NOT interested in composers that turn in 1 or 2 tracks every couple of months, they want composers who have experience writing full albums in this genre. They're only interested in signing material from composers who have worked with music libraries and music licensing companies in the past, and understand how those deals work. If you don't understand the drill on library deals, they politely ask that you don't submit to this request. IMPORTANT NOTE: This producer has specifically asked that you ONLY send UNRELEASED Songs that aren't already commercially available. If you've already commercially released them, then they can't use them! This includes releases on Spotify, CD Baby, etc. IMPORTANT! Per our client, your Submissions must: 1) NOT be encumbered by ANY other publishing, licensing, administration, and/or exploitation deals (whether non-exclusive or exclusive) including publishing/licensing agreements with CD Baby, TuneCore, DistroKid, etc. 2) Be 100% original – no soundalikes, Cover Songs, and no recordings with samples. Quoting the Company: “Only artists/writers affiliated with ASCAP, BMI, SESAC, and APRA-AMCOS are eligible to submit their music for this opportunity.” We’re going to discuss this issue at length during this week’s show, and with any luck, you’ll be better prepared to make your music available to more companies that need what you’ve created!
November 24, 2020
91 min
Ask TAXI’s Head Screener Anything!
TAXI’s Head Screener is on the front line of quality control, making sure our A&R team forwards the right music and gives great feedback. Angela Mukul was one of the best screeners on TAXI’s A&R team before she was elevated to her current position. We knew we made a great choice as she got settled in and earned the respect of the regular TAXI staff, as well as the screeners. Our choice was further confirmed when Angela sat on a panel during the Road Rally! She really shined, and that didn’t get past the audience. In fact, audience members recommended that we have her join us for some Q&A on this week’s TAXI TV! Great recommendation! If you‘d like to know: • What the Head Screener’s tasks are • What Angela’s background is • The most common mistakes members make that prevent material from being forwarded • How she helps the A&R team communicate with you better • What she looks for when she’s in quality control mode And much more…
November 17, 2020
101 min
TAXI's CEO Calls And Answers YOUR Music Industry Questions
On this episode of TAXI TV, TAXI CEO Michael Laskow calls viewers and answers their music industry questions LIVE on the show!
October 20, 2020
91 min
How GOOD Do INSTRUMENTALS Need To Be For SYNC PLACEMENTS
We had a blast on last week’s show when the live audience got to test their A&R skills on Country songs, so this week, we're listening to TAXI Members' Stomp-Clap, Blues Rock Instrumentals to see which ones could make the cut for film/TV sync placements!. Here's the opportunity we sent out to our members: MODERN STOMP-CLAP BLUES ROCK INSTRUMENTALS and/or INSTRUMENTAL CUES Send them contemporary-sounding Instrumentals and/or Cues infused with lots of Bluesy Rock flavor. Be sure your submissions use standard Rock-band instrumentation. Killer melodies, great guitar riffs, and a solid rhythm section are all elements that will make your Instrumentals appealing to this Music Library. You’d be wise to avoid guitar solos (especially in the higher registers) as they tend to be distracting or overpowering when placed under dialogue. TAXI Tip: Pay close attention to the drum parts and rhythm sections in the referenced tracks. We think that capturing that authentic "stomp-clap" feeling they have in common could really help you stand out for this pitch.
October 13, 2020
95 min
COUNTRY Song Reviews - You're In The A&R Hot Seat!
If you've ever wondered, "How good does a Country song need to be to get forwarded by TAXI to an A&R Executive working with a HUGE Grammy-winning group?" then you're going to love being in the A&R Hot Seat during this episode! Here's the request we got from the Music Licensing Company! TAXI # S200803CS COUNTRY SONGS with REFLECTIVE Lyric Themes and Male Vocals are needed by a super well-connected A&R Executive for a HUGE chart-topping, Grammy Award-winning SUPER GROUP that’s working on their next album! The A&R Executive is searching for Songs in All Tempos that could be found on the same playlist as the following references: “How They Remember You" by Rascal Flatts “Letter To Me” by Brad Paisley “Time" by Dean Brody NOTE: The bar is high for this request, so pull out your best and pay special attention to your Songcraft! Getting Songs cut by this act could be absolutely career-changing! Please submit radio-worthy Country Songs that have solid productions and great lyrics with substance. Your submissions should have fresh, compelling Country melodies and super strong choruses that are ready for the charts! Please be sure your vocal performances are good enough to get this A&R Executive and Artist excited about cutting your Songs. Lyric Tip: We’ve been told that they're looking for "reflective" material, with lyric themes along the lines of (but not limited to) "This is my life" or "Taking a look back at our lives." The quality of your Songs should be competitive with material being pitched on Music Row – in other words, submissions have to be really, really strong! Please submit as many Songs as you’d like, online or per CD. Please include lyrics. All submissions will be screened and critiqued by TAXI. Submissions must be received no later than 11:59 PM (PDT) on Monday, August 3rd, 2020. TAXI # S200803CS Cast your vote! You're going to be in the A&R decision-maker's seat by voting with your fellow viewers. Did TAXI's A&R people get it right? Will you get it right? Let's see! Join us in the chat room to participate!
October 6, 2020
100 min
SCORING Short & INDIE FILMS With Ed Hartman
I’ve known TAXI member Ed Hartman for a number of years, and frankly, I had little idea just how successful he’s been! He’s pretty soft-spoken and humble. Ed specializes in making music with mallets, so maybe he’s not as “cool” as a guitar slinging Rock Star. But when rock stars look at his credits, they’re probably a little jealous ;-) His music has been in feature films like, The Blind Side, Scooby Doo, The Mystery Begins, The Cold Light of Day, Surviving Christmas, Into the Fire, Spirit of the Game, A Different Sun, Cool It, Mini's First Time, and The Turkey Bowl. He’s also scored music for the feature films, As the Earth Turns (34 best score awards/nominations), Fitz (Who Made Who Productions) - 2008 Alberta Film and Television Awards Nominee: Best Feature Film), and the documentary Project Colombia (The MapMakers). As if all that isn’t impressive enough, Ed has also scored a bunch of short films, including: “SHAM Therapy” (Web-series), “The Son, The Father,” “Pause,” “Little Peter Needs to Fly,” "End Zone,” “The Three Stars,” “Trauma,” “Winston,” “Those in Need,” and “A Rich Mann.” Some of his TV placements include: The Twilight Zone, Revenge, Motive, Twas the Night, Katie Morgan, Big Love, Lucifer, Brooklyn Nine-Nine, Passions, Let's Make a Deal, Doc-Block, Greek, Emeril Green, Nature, Gourmet Adventures with Ruth, Channel 5 Takes Latin, Relic Hunter, Extreme Towns, America Now, Shalom In The Home, Toddlers and Tiaras, and many others we didn’t have room to list here! But it’s mainly the Short and Indie Film Scores I want to ask him about! I’m pretty sure many musicians would love to do some film scoring, but they all have the same questions… How do I find clients? How do you get paid? Should I do one on spec to get the experience? What do I need to know from a musical perspective? How did you learn the craft of scoring to picture? How much time does it take to score a short film? How many changes do you have to make? What kind of technical stuff do you have to know? Which instrument libraries do you find most useful? And many more questions you probably want answers to! Questions or comments for Ed? Please email him: edhartmanmusic.com
September 22, 2020
92 min

TAXI TV

About this podcast

Categories

About this podcast

Categories

TAXI TV

Episodes

Creating Income When COVID Killed Touring Gigs

Can You Pick The Song That Landed A Placement On NETFLIX

SONG REVIEWS With Legendary Producer Michael Lloyd

Pro Mixing Workflow Tips From Grammy - Winning Producer Mixer Rob Chiarelli

Music Licensing Success Despite Having A VERY Full Time Job With Bob Mete

How Musicians Are Making Money During The Pandemic

Would You Pick Or Pass On These Songs About Home

Hear SONGS And INSTRUMENTALS Our Staff Liked In January 2021!

NEW YEAR RESOLUTIONS That Will Help You MAKE MONEY With Your Music In 2021

Writing BETTER MUSIC For FILM & TV [A&R Instrumental Cue Reviews]

How This ROCKSTAR Revolutionized MUSIC For FILM & TV [with Marc Ferrari]

BEST HIT SONGWRITING TIPS For 2021 [Song Reviews With Robin Frederick][121420]

How to WRITE BETTER SONGS with Jai Josefs [SUCCESS SECRETS]

BEST TIPS for Writing INSTRUMENTAL CUES for TV

Why Some Music Libraries DON'T Want To Hear Your Music

Ask TAXI’s Head Screener Anything!

TAXI's CEO Calls And Answers YOUR Music Industry Questions

How GOOD Do INSTRUMENTALS Need To Be For SYNC PLACEMENTS

COUNTRY Song Reviews - You're In The A&R Hot Seat!

SCORING Short & INDIE FILMS With Ed Hartman