TAXI Road Rally 2003: Music Industry Convention for Songwriters, Bands, Artists

2,500 TAXI members from all over the world attended TAXI's FREE convention this year. They were treated to panels on the A&R process, Hit Songwriting, Film & TV placement, Music Publishing, Song Pitches and much more at this exclusive, members-only conference.

No matter where you are in the hotel, somebody's either jamming or playing a song for fellow members. The spirit of mutual support is amazing.

Capitol A&R exec, Loren Israel taking a copy of a TAXI member Susanna Benn's CD. Several labels expressed interest in her, making her trip from London very worthwhile.

N.S.A.I. President Bob Regan (right) admiring N.S.A.I. Executive Director, Bart Herbison's speech on illegal downloading of music. TAXI President, Michael Laskow joined them on a Washington, D.C. trip to lobby Congress for songwriters' rights.

Motown songwriting legend Brian Holland got a standing ovation when his medley of hits was played during his introduction. Scores of members spoke to him personally after the panel.
Dear TAXI, I just got back from the Road Rally 2003. This was my third Rally and It was GREAT!!! I've been invited to travel to Nashville and write with some "big wigs." Every year my contacts get bigger and better. Thank you to all the TAXI staff, you have helped make my dream a reality! Shawne Lucas Canton, OH

A&R legend, Don Grierson (left) gets deep into a song analysis during a one-to-one consultation with TAXI member Carla Sacco.

Legendary music attorney, Donald Passman (left) and TAXI president, Michael Laskow going over Passman's keynote address before he hits the stage.

The Major Label A&R Panel with Sony's Marshall Altman, Sony Nashville's Cliff Audretch Jr., Interscope's Tony Ferguson, Aware's Steve Smith, and Capitol's Loren Israel.

You won't see this at other music conventions! Capitol A&R man, Loren Israel, hugs member Christene LeDoux, after being so impressed with her full-time, self-booked tour that he may hire her to help his artists.
Dearest TAXI team, I spent the weekend as a guest with your wonderful family. I want to say thank you for the singularly most exciting weekend for me as a composer and songwriter. I'm still on a high from a wonderful weekend that was a gift to me. I seriously didn't expect such a loving, openhearted and giving group of people. Thank you so much for everything. Nik Sakellarides Los Angeles, Ca

Interscope V.P. of A&R, Tony Ferguson taking time to answer a bevy of questions from TAXI members after his panel.

Sony A&R executive, Marshall Altman (left) making a point while Cliff Audretch and Tony Ferguson listen intently.

More Road Rally Photos!

Road Rally 2003:

	Road Rally 2003, part 1

	Road Rally 2003, part 2

	Road Rally 2003, part 3

	Road Rally 2003, part 4

	Road Rally 2003, part 5

	Road Rally 2003, part 6

More Road Rally:

	Road Rally 2007

	Road Rally 2006

	Road Rally 2005

	Road Rally 2004

	Road Rally 2003

	Road Rally 2002

	Road Rally 2001

	Road Rally 2000

	Road Rally 1999

	Road Rally 1998

"Just a quick note to say thanks for another great Road Rally. Somehow, every year you make it distinctly better than the year before!"

— Bill Edwards,
TAXI Member

"Thanks for organizing this wonderful event. All the members I met were friendly and open and pleasant to be around. I've made many new friends and some great business contacts."

— Greg Teplik,
TAXI Member

"What a fantastic Road Rally. Every time we go it gets better! We learned so much and now we are ready to roll!"

— Nancy & Phil Halpin,
TAXI Member

"I particularly appreciated the breakout day, and the one-on-one mentoring sessions. I gladly and repeatedly pay $500-600 for something similar in Nashville, and I am so impressed that you continue to offer this for free!"

— Bill Edwards,
TAXI Member

"Your staff are to be commended on their hard work and willingness to make everything run smoothly. Everything was done very professionally, and the overall vibe was very friendly."

— Greg Teplik,
TAXI Member

"I feel that I met some of the most amazing people I have ever met and will be keeping in touch with these people for a LONG TIME TO COME!"

— Steve Fulton,
TAXI Member

"Being able to be around so many people from all walks of life, all having the same purpose (love of music) was truly a blessing."

— Lance Newman,
TAXI Member

"I was just amazed at the resources available. I now can't wait to delve deeper into the TAXI resources to expand on the information I learned at the Rally."

— Jennifer Hira,
TAXI Member