Their album of Christmas String Quartets got signed because of the Road Rally
Michael Hurwicz - Eastsound, WA USA
Here’s another cool TAXI Road Rally success story. “Thank you, TAXI! Robin Ravazzini, Sharon Abreu, and I are thrilled to announce that our album of acoustic string quartets for Christmas has been published through a TAXI-friendly production music library with distribution in over 70 countries! Sharon played first violin, second violin, and viola, while Robin played cello. I handled the engineering for Sharon’s parts.
The album features 14 original arrangements of public domain Christmas songs, with seven arrangements by Robin and seven by Sharon. We had so much fun working on this project together, and it’s been an incredible partnership! We’re already looking forward to collaborating on more projects in the future.
This project was born during a One-to-One Mentoring Session Sharon and I had with the music library owner at the 2022 TAXI Road Rally. Robin, who had already worked with this library and highly recommended it, joined the collaboration shortly after. During the mentoring session, we played a piano-violin instrumental track. Based on Sharon's violin skills, the library owner expressed interest in us creating an acoustic Christmas string quartet album. Right after the session, we talked to Robin in the hallway, and she was excited to join the project as well!
We’ve learned so much from TAXI screener feedback, the TAXI forums (forums.taxi.com), and the amazing connections we’ve made through the TAXI community. Thank you, TAXI, for making this possible!”
Congratulations, Michael, Robin, and Sharon! It sounds like a marriage made in Heaven, and members who haven’t attended a Road Rally yet should take a cue from your wonderful story. Deals get done every day!
Two placements: Real Housewives and the feature film, Meathook
Paul Grover - Tiffin, OH USA
Here’s a great note from Paul: “This past year has been a breakout year for me with TAXI. After countless returns, I gradually began to receive forwards, and now I have more than 20 pieces under contract with various publishers. One of my cues was used in Bravo’s Real Housewives of the Potomac, and my song ‘Both Hands’ is featured as the final credit music in the independent film Meathook, which is set for release in 2025. None of this would have happened without TAXI.
TAXI has been like a songwriter bootcamp for me. I went from having no idea what I was doing to being able to produce commercially viable music in a very short time. I still strive to become even more productive, and through TAXI, I have the confidence and opportunities to reach my goals.
The depth of resources available through TAXI is astounding, and I’ve always felt that the staff genuinely wants to see us succeed. As with all worthwhile endeavors, it takes time, effort, and learning from mistakes along the way. But as long as I’m writing music, I will be a proud TAXI member!”
Congratulations, Paul, and may these placements be the first of many for you! Please keep us posted!!
Got a Feature Film placement and Best Song nomination
Jon Dray Lee - Madison, MS USA
“I spent most of my 20s writing and playing guitar for my bands Absence of Concern and Creep Left. Now, in my 40s, I’m a Family Medicine/Sports Medicine physician, and TAXI has played a pivotal role in keeping me connected to the music industry despite a busy medical practice and full-time responsibilities as a husband and father.
One of my Pop/EDM songs was recently placed in Jeremy Ashley’s full-length horror film Meathook, which was nominated for a ‘Best Song in a Feature Film’ award at the Dawn of the Dead Horror Film Festival. I currently have several more songs that were forwarded for placement, and I’m eagerly awaiting any updates.
I highly recommend TAXI to any musician or songwriter looking to break into film and TV!”
Congratulations on the placement, and especially on the Best Song nomination, Jon!
Two Chiptune tracks got signed to a music library
Tom R. Quick - Bentham, Purton, Wiltshire UK
Here’s a nice note from a relatively new member, Tom Quick. “Hello! I’m very pleased to share that I’ve had two Chiptune tracks signed to an American library: ‘Munchy Bytes’ and ‘Hyper Quest.’ I’ve been a TAXI member for only six months and still feel relatively new to the process, so having two Chiptune tracks forwarded and signed was a wonderful achievement—especially as it happened right before my trip across the Atlantic for the Road Rally, which was fantastic, by the way. Coincidentally, I met Albin from Sweden there, who also had two tracks signed from the same listing!
I’m not yet sure if these tunes have been placed, but it’s exciting to know the door is now open to submit more tracks to that library. Writing for the various TAXI briefs has been a great way for me to refine my listening, composing, and production skills. With a total of 13 forwards so far, I feel like real success is just around the corner.
Thank you to everyone at TAXI, and may this journey continue for a long time!”
Well, congratulations, Tom, and thanks for letting us know about this. Please keep us in the loop when your tracks get some placements!
Got her first music library deal
Brenna Swanger - Endicott, NY USA
Brenna reports, “I rejoined TAXI after being away for a few years. Within just a few months, I landed my first deal! My instrumental ‘Lemonade’ was signed to a music library, along with several other custom tracks. I also attended the TAXI Road Rally and left with direct music library opportunities, new collaboration friends, and I was thrilled to be the runner-up in the Pop-Up Studio contest!
Thank you, TAXI, for being such a supportive and open community. My favorite thing about TAXI is how everyone genuinely wants you to succeed, and they give you the tools to make that happen. Big thanks to the TAXI staff for all your hard work!"
Big congrats on the deal, Brenna, and for being runner-up in the Pop-Up Studio contest at the Road Rally! Both accomplishments are very cool, and hopefully the first of many more!
Two songs signed, and royalties came very quickly
Nick Hammerson - Sykesville, MD USA
Nick let us know, “A few years back, I became part of a talented writing trio known as FITTRON. Upon releasing our first EP, I submitted a number of our songs to a TAXI request from a UK music licensing company that was looking for Grunge Rock tracks. Our songs ‘CAV’ and ‘Break Rock Rhythm’ were forwarded, and about a month later, we received our first checks from our PRO. We also began earning royalties from almost every country in Europe! Thanks so much to everyone at TAXI for providing such great opportunities to musicians like us. TAXI truly rocks! We couldn’t be more excited or thankful. It only happened because of my TAXI membership, and it proves that dreams really do come true. TAXI rocks!
What I enjoy most about TAXI are Michael’s sometimes cringe-worthy ‘dad jokes’ on TAXI TV. More than once, I’ve literally spit out my drink because the joke was either hilariously good or hilariously bad. Either way, it’s extremely entertaining, and TAXI TV overall is such a great place to gain knowledge about every facet of the music business.”
Wow, congratulations on getting signed to a great company, and for getting your first royalty checks so quickly! That almost never happens. As to Michael’s Dad Jokes… we’ll have a talk with his writing staff ;-)
Got her very first royalty payment from a placement!
Janet Brooks - Coopersburg, PA USA
Janet emailed to let us know, “I’m still tracking down all the details of the placement, but here’s a summary of what happened:
In the spring of 2023, I spotted a TAXI brief asking for Jazz covers of public domain Christmas songs. At the time, I’d just started collaborating with a female vocalist, and we needed a project. So we decided to submit our version of ‘Silent Night,’ arranged with a cocktail piano style. The track was forwarded, and about a week later, the library contacted me with a contract offer—my first library deal! They also asked if we had other tracks in a similar style, so we sent a Jazz orchestral version of ‘Auld Lang Syne,’ which they also signed.
Fast-forward to mid-November 2024: I received my first royalty payment from BMI for these two tracks! The placement came from somewhere in Hong Kong, but I don’t yet know all the specifics. Thanks to that forward, I now have an ongoing relationship with this library. It also gave me the confidence to approach other libraries and generate even more opportunities to place my music.
Becoming a TAXI member has been one of the best decisions I’ve made in my music career. Aside from deals and placements, I’ve learned so much about the business from TAXI TV and the Road Rally. Above all, the people at TAXI—both staff and fellow members—are truly special. Their encouragement, camaraderie, and talent provide endless inspiration! Thank you, TAXI!”
Congratulations, and thank you for letting us know about this placement and payment! Keep us in the loop when you get more signings and placements.
Got three tracks and songs signed to two music publishers
Shirley Goines - Katy, TX USA
Shirley recently told us, “I’ve been a TAXI member for about two years, and so far, I’ve had eight forwards. I’ve signed three non-exclusive deals—one EDM/Hip Hop track and two K-Pop songs. I haven’t had a placement yet, but I’m confident it’s coming!
Even on the songs that weren’t forwarded, the critiques were incredibly helpful and made those tracks stronger. It’s still a win in my book! Thank you to everyone, and thank you, TAXI!”
Shirley added, “I had heard about TAXI long before I joined, and I regret not diving into Film and TV music earlier. I responded to a pitch looking for K-Pop songs with Korean vocals and submitted two tracks: ‘All About U’ and ‘Get Up and Dance.’. Both were forwarded, and both were signed to a sync-only deal—where I retain the publishing. Another forwarded and signed track is my Hip Hop/EDM piece, 'Ball to Win'. That one is under a two-year exclusive deal, and this particular publisher recently placed a song in the Super Bowl! Both publishers have been sending me briefs when they need new material, and it would have been very difficult to build these relationships without TAXI!”
I look forward to remaining part of the TAXI family. The screeners are so thorough in their critiques that even my returns have been very valuable. The sync world has its own lane, and TAXI is helping me navigate it.”
Congratulations, Shirley, and please let us know when you get more signings and placements!
Signed deals via the Road Rally, and now through submissions to Listings
Dennis Hughett - Adairsville, GA, USA
Dennis just let us know, “I’ve been a TAXI member for a number of years and have received a decent number of forwards. I’ve also signed with a few libraries. Until now, all of these contracts have come specifically from connections made at the TAXI Road Rally. Today, I’m happy to report that I recently received my first signing from a TAXI forward on my track, ‘Substance.’ Perseverance and determination really do pay off.
My earlier point about the Rallies is why I highly recommend the TAXI Road Rally. Anyone who misses the Rally is, in my opinion, missing out on the most important part of what TAXI offers. You can learn and achieve a great deal from all that TAXI provides, but nothing compares to what you get from attending a Road Rally. I’m living proof of that. I’ve learned that the sync road can be a long one, but it’s a journey I’m thrilled to be on, and I feel I’m on track to accomplish my goal of changing careers—in time.
Thank you, Michael and TAXI. None of this would have happened without you, and I’m beyond grateful for everything you do. I’m excited and looking forward to a bright future as a composer—thanks to all of you!”
Congratulations, Dennis! And we completely agree with you about the Road Rally being a golden opportunity that every TAXI member should take advantage of.
Got a placement on an NBC Prime Time TV show
Bill Gordon - Baltimore, MD USA
Here’s some great news from Bill Gordon, “A recent NBC prime-time episode of The Irrational featured my solo piano Jazz track 'Here’s a Story.’ This placement comes on the heels of my tracks being featured in Hulu’s Only Murders in the Building and Freeform’s Good Trouble.
It’s especially satisfying to see this success come through a label and library that has supported a lot of my work and landed some of my juiciest film and TV moments. Their encouragement meant the world to me during a personally difficult time.
All of my numerous placements are a testament to TAXI’s unwavering dedication to helping musicians find meaningful outlets for their work. TAXI is the reason you can use the words ‘honorable’ and ‘music biz’ in the same sentence. I look forward to connecting with my amazing colleagues at every Road Rally, by far the most inspiring, motivating, information-packed, and love-filled music conference in the industry! This year will mark my 25th Road Rally.”
Well, congrats, Bill, and it was great to see you at your 25th Road Rally! And thanks for your help at the head of the Rally registration line!
3 feature film placements in the last 3 months!
Bob Mete - Earlysville, VA USA
“I’m so happy to share that this has been an incredibly busy year—and I mean that in the best way possible. Over the past three months, I’ve had three feature film placements! Two were indie films, one of which starred Mary Louise Parker. The movie, The Omni Loop, was an absolute thrill to watch last weekend. It never gets old hearing your music on screen, and the cherry on top is snapping a photo of your name in the credits at the end. Sure, everyone else might leave during the credits, but I’m staying to see my name up there!
As for the third placement, I unfortunately can’t reveal much about it yet, other than it’s for a Netflix original movie that will be released in 2025. I’ll be sure to share all the details once it’s out!
What’s really interesting about this placement is that the publisher pitched it back in December 2023—yes, 10 months ago! You have to play the long game in this industry. Write, Submit, Forget, Repeat—those are extremely wise words to live by. So don’t get discouraged if you don’t hear back immediately after a forward or a submission to a brief. Just keep doing what you do and let the universe work its magic. Now, go write something amazing!
I’m so grateful to everyone at TAXI—they’ve truly helped make my dreams come true. Where else on Earth can you find all the tools, resources, and support you need to succeed in the music industry?”
Wow, congratulations, Bob! We can’t wait to hear what the new film is! It was great having you on the panel at the Rally!! And yes, patience is a virtue in this industry, and those who hang in there long enough reap the rewards.
3 deals with 3 different publishers and radio play
Jesse Boltz - Bridgeton, NJ USA
Do you think Jesse is excited? We do! “Wow, I can’t believe how TAXI led to my very first radio play and three contracts with three different music publishers. When I first came to TAXI, I had high hopes of gaining the knowledge I needed to take the next step in my music career. But, honestly, I thought, ‘Oh, it’s just another site.’ But wow—what a surprise it turned out to be.
TAXI not only provided me with invaluable opportunities but also led me to three or four other connections. It landed several of my songs on the radio, which led to a few great radio interviews as well. Before I knew it, I had landed a movie deal for my music and two publishing deals. A few of my songs even had me feeling over the moon with excitement. TAXI gave me a ride into the music world, and now I’m eagerly creating new songs and working with singers. Thank you, TAXI, for opening so many doors and making it all possible!”
Very cool, Jesse! Congratulations, especially on the radio play. That’s a big deal!
Placements on Netflix, Telemundo, and many other networks in Australia, Brazil, Hungary, the Netherlands, and Germany
Blanche Blacke - Chicago, IL USA
Blanche writes, “I want to thank you and everyone at TAXI for giving me a new lease on my music life. I was a member of TAXI decades ago when I lived in Los Angeles. At the time, I didn’t get that ‘big deal’ I was seeking, but I left with a vault of songs and master recordings featuring top musicians.
A few months ago, I decided to sign up again, and I truly appreciated the welcome call—it inspired me to get to work. I began digitizing my recordings and reworking them to fit the listings TAXI provides. The critiques have been incredibly helpful, and I take them to heart. Within just a few months, my piece ‘Fancy Blue’ was forwarded and signed! I’m looking forward to placements and many more opportunities to share my music. Even more exciting, I feel inspired again! I’m writing new songs and updating my studio. Thank you, TAXI, for reigniting my passion!”
Congratulations, Blanche! BTW, if you have old songs and recordings from the year 2000 or earlier, keep your eyes open for TAXI Listings asking for Vintage music!
Seven tracks published, resulting from the Road Rally
Michael Joseph Leeman - Chapel Hill, AUSTRALIA
We love stories like this! “I traveled all the way from Brisbane, Australia, to attend the 2023 Road Rally. During the event, I registered for a One-to-One Mentoring session with a library owner/mentor. We met on Saturday afternoon, and I provided a QR code link to several of my nylon string guitar tracks.
The mentor's reactions were unforgettable: first, ‘Michael, this is your lucky day!’ and second, ‘How many more similar tracks could you provide in the next 3 months for a flamenco-ish album?’
I am quite certain this opportunity would not have happened if I hadn’t attended the Road Rally. I had previously hoped that a TAXI forward would eventually lead to a deal, but after three or four forwards over the years without follow-up, this direct connection at the Road Rally was a game-changer.
I sent the library six guitar demo tracks, all of which were accepted. From there, I spent a great deal of time learning how to properly prepare and present music for publication. I now have a total of nine tracks—six nylon string guitar tracks, one dark ambient tension track, and two Christmas crooner songs—with seven already published and awaiting licensing.
For me, the best part of this experience is knowing there is still so much to learn. Thank you, TAXI, for creating such an invaluable event and opportunity!”
Congratulations, Michael! See, we don’t exaggerate about how many deals come from Road Rally introductions. It was worth the trip!
Signed 7 songs in his first 6 months!
Dave Preston - Imperial Beach, CA USA
Dave wrote to tell us, “I’ve only been a member for about six months, but I’ve already signed a 50/50 exclusive deal with a major catalog that places music in film and TV shows. I signed seven songs with them, and while only time will tell, I’m hopeful that they’ll end up in something cool!
Just a few weeks ago, one of my songs was forwarded to a major network/studio for an upcoming project. I haven’t heard back from the studio yet, but I’m just happy to know that TAXI got my music heard and into the right hands. That’s the true power of TAXI. Whether a song is returned or forwarded, the feedback they provide is invaluable. TAXI can’t promise success, but they can certainly give you a ride to the show. I’m a happy rider!
The biggest advantage TAXI provides is getting the right people to hear your music—and that’s exactly what TAXI does: it gets you in the building. Thank you for everything, TAXI!”
You’re welcome, Dave, and congratulations. Keep us updated when these deals turn into placements!
Got five tracks signed, and no longer anxious
Geoffrey Sweeney-Taylor - Long Island City, NY USA
Here’s some great news from Geoff and Lisa, “Real Pickle (a husband-and-wife composing team, Geoff and Lisa) joined TAXI in March of 2024, and have received a good number of forwards over the past few months. In October, we were contacted by a library that had received two of our drumline tracks, forwarded to them back in July. They expressed interest in signing those tracks and asked if we could provide more. We ended up submitting three additional tracks in the same style, bringing the total to five tracks signed with the library!
We love the sync music education that TAXI offers, as well as the access to high-quality libraries that need our music. Both of these were on full display at the recent Road Rally, which was our first. We learned so much and had the opportunity to meet so many interesting and successful people in the sync music world. Thank you, TAXI!”
Congratulations Geoff and Lisa, that’s great news! Please keep us updated when you start to see some placements, and as always, remain patient!
“There are so many reasons to be incredibly grateful for TAXI!”
Karen Mitchell - Oak Hills, CA USA
Here’s a very cool report from Karen! “I have been a long-time TAXI member and absolutely love being part of this awesome community!
Recently, our team submitted one of our songs to a TAXI listing and got a forward. Shortly afterward, we received an email from the company saying they loved the track and asked for more. We sent them a Disco playlist, and they loved all the songs. We ended up signing a non-exclusive agreement for those tracks, and they’ve requested even more to complete a full album of our work. We go by the name ‘Evergreen Song Factory (James Kocian, Matt Glickstein, and Karen R. Mitchell).
Interestingly, ‘Evergreen Song Factory’ was born after meeting John Pearson during a One-to-One Mentor session several years ago at the TAXI Road Rally. He loved one of our songs and recommended we send it to Jim Thacker. Jim loved it, asked for more, and when he needed an artist name, ‘Evergreen Song Factory’ was created. We’ve loved working with Jim ever since!
Additionally, we recently had a TAXI forward for another song that ended up being signed with another fantastic music library connection made possible by TAXI! To top it all off, I met fellow TAXI member, James Kocian through TAXI, and I can’t even put into words how incredible it has been working with him.
Wow! There are so many reasons to be incredibly grateful for TAXI! Thank you, TAXI, and a huge thank you to Michael Laskow and the entire team!”
Wow, Karen, that’s great news! And congratulations on being paired up with some of our best members and music library clients!!!
32 songs signed and 8 placements, already!
Glenn Lavender - Williamsburg, VA USA
I just passed my third year with TAXI and attended my fourth Road Rally! Each time I go, it gives me a renewed burst of motivation to create more music.
Since joining in October 2021, I’ve submitted to 67 briefs. It took until my 11th submission to get a forward, but since then, I’ve had 23 more forwards, with 12 of those songs signed across four libraries. In 2024, I celebrated my first placements, with 8 detections on Tunesat from just those 12 songs.
Thanks to TAXI and collaborations with other writers, I’ve signed 20 additional tracks with four more libraries. I’ve approached my sync journey like school, focusing on specific goals each year: Year One was about understanding the industry and improving production; Year Two was about building relationships; and Year Three was about exploring different writing paths, including artist songs, instrumentals, trailers, and scoring. Now, in my ‘senior year,’ I’m focusing on increasing speed and quantity.
By next year, I hope to expand my catalog across multiple libraries, secure more placements, start to cover my equipment and education costs, and ultimately turn this into a steady income stream. Thank you, TAXI, for supporting your members and the industry so well. I’m incredibly grateful for all you do to help us succeed!”
You’re welcome, and congratulations, Glenn! It sounds like you’re doing everything right, and we have little doubt that you’ll soon be posting even more success stories. We look forward to hearing about them!