TAXI TV
TAXI TV is a podcast by TAXI, the world's leading independent A&R company. It provides music opportunities with record labels, music publishing, and film & TV placements. The show offers insights and tips for musicians looking to advance their careers.
Episodes
![Does Your Music Sound Dated_ How to Make Your Production Sound Modern![101226]](https://i1.sndcdn.com/artworks-0DM5bnyHKljHjBAO-zNMHMQ-t3000x3000.jpg)
Does Your Music Sound Dated_ How to Make Your Production Sound Modern![101226]
Does your music sound dated? Have you ever received feedback that your production sounds outdated, but nobody can explain exactly why or what you should change?
In this episode of TAXI TV, acclaimed engineer and producer Ronan Chris Murphy breaks down common music production mistakes that can make songs sound dated, less contemporary, or inconsistent with the sound you're trying to achieve.
Rona
Could Using AI Cost You a Music Placement_ _ AI Music & Sync Licensing[100526]
Can you use AI-generated music for sync licensing? And is TAXI really the only company drawing a line around AI-generated music?
In this episode of TAXI TV, Michael Laskow takes a deeper look at the growing debate surrounding AI music, music licensing, and sync placements.
If you've ever wondered why AI-generated music isn't accepted for certain TAXI opportunities—or whether the same concerns ex
How to Finish MORE Music Without AI![092826]
Have a great song stuck in your head—or sitting unfinished on your hard drive? You're not alone.
Many songwriters, artists, and composers have ideas they're excited about but don't have all the skills, instruments, production experience, or resources needed to turn those ideas into finished recordings.
In this episode of TAXI TV, Michael Laskow talks with TAXI members Michelle Witmer and Khris B
![AI Music in 2026_ What Songwriters, Artists & Composers Need to Know![091426]](https://i1.sndcdn.com/avatars-000239864384-eopxu4-original.jpg){kind=avatar}
AI Music in 2026_ What Songwriters, Artists & Composers Need to Know![091426]
AI music is changing incredibly fast. But what does it actually mean for songwriters, artists, composers, and producers?
There’s no shortage of headlines, videos, predictions, lawsuits, and opinions about AI music and the future of the music industry. Keeping up with all of it can feel like a full-time job.
In this episode of TAXI TV, Michael Laskow talks with TAXI member and music-for-media cre
How to Compose Music for Movie Trailers_ 10 Things You Need to Know![083126]
Want to learn how to compose music for movie trailers? Trailer music is becoming a major opportunity for composers, producers, and musicians creating music for production libraries—and the demand for high-quality trailer music continues to grow.
In this episode of TAXI TV, Michael Laskow sits down with composer Michael Whittaker to discuss what composers need to know when creating music for trail
Would YOU Forward These Songs_ _ TAXI TV A&R Hot Seat[082426]
Could you tell which songs are worth forwarding to a music industry client?
Put your A&R ears to the test in this episode of TAXI TV, where Michael Laskow puts viewers in the A&R Hot Seat and challenges them to listen to real music submissions and decide what they would forward—and what they wouldn't.
This episode features actual submissions for recent TAXI listings seeking Singer/Songwriter son
Music Licensing Myths and Misconceptions—What’s Actually True_[081726]
How much of what you’ve heard about sync licensing and the music industry is actually true?
The music licensing world is full of myths, misconceptions, outdated advice, and conflicting information—especially on social media and online forums. In this episode of TAXI TV, Michael Laskow separates fact from fiction and answers some of the most common questions musicians, songwriters, composers, and
The Hidden “Tax” Every Sync Musician Pays[081026]
What’s the hidden “tax” every sync musician pays—and how can you reduce it?
When you create music for sync licensing, making the music is only part of the job. There’s also metadata, paperwork, registrations, organization, administration, and other business tasks that can quietly consume hours of your time.
And as every musician knows, time is money.
In this episode of TAXI TV, Michael Laskow t
The Networking Mistake Most Musicians Make _ Sync Licensing Success Tips[072726]
What's the biggest networking mistake musicians make?
In this episode of TAXI TV, Michael Laskow sits down with successful TAXI members Tracey and Vance Marino to discuss how they've built an incredible network of music industry relationships that has helped fuel their growing sync licensing career.
They've developed meaningful connections with music libraries, industry executives, and fellow cr
TAXI Success Stories + Road Rally Airfare Giveaway _ Live Member Placement Celebration[072026]
Have you landed a sync placement through a TAXI listing or a connection you made at the TAXI Road Rally?
This week's TAXI TV is all about celebrating member success stories, and one eligible member could win (up to) $400 USD of their Road Rally airfare reimbursed during the live broadcast.
If your placement came directly from:
• A TAXI listing that led to signing with a music library and ultimat
What Music Supervisors Are Looking For In 2026 (The Sync Licensing Blueprint)![071326]
What are music supervisors, editors, and TV producers actually looking for in 2026?
In this episode of TAXI TV, Michael Laskow shares the trends, patterns, and creative decisions he's observed while studying the music used in today's TV shows, films, and streaming series.
Rather than focusing on hit songs, Michael breaks down how successful sync music supports emotion, tension, pacing, and story
![The Shortcut Most Musicians Never Discover![070626]](https://i1.sndcdn.com/artworks-J4lNH00sjQjsflUy-ycRpaw-t3000x3000.png)
The Shortcut Most Musicians Never Discover![070626]
What's the biggest mistake musicians make?
It's not a lack of talent.
It's not a lack of hard work.
It's a lack of strategy.
In this episode of TAXI TV, Michael Laskow sits down with one of TAXI's greatest success stories, Matt Vander Boegh, to discuss the one thing that transformed his music career—and why it has nothing to do with writing more songs.
Matt went from knowing virtually nothing
Music Pros vs. Hobbyists Part 2_ Sync Licensing Secrets from Industry Veterans[062926]
What separates professional musicians from hobbyists when it comes to sync licensing?
In Part 2 of this TAXI TV conversation, Michael Laskow continues his discussion with Grammy-winning producer and mixer Rob Chiarelli and producer, songwriter, and film/TV music supervisor Michael Lloyd.
This episode goes deeper into the sync side of the music business — including what music supervisors, produce
Music Pros vs. Hobbyists_ What Really Separates Them_[062226]
What really separates music industry professionals from hobbyists?
Is it talent? Connections? Expensive gear? Or is it something much deeper?
In this episode of TAXI TV, Michael Laskow sits down with legendary producers, engineers, songwriters, and music industry veterans Rob Chiarelli and Michael Lloyd for an honest conversation about what they've learned from decades at the highest levels of t
Sync Licensing Mistakes Music Libraries Notice Immediately![061526]
Why do some talented composers consistently land sync placements while others keep getting overlooked?
In this episode of TAXI TV, music library owner, composer, and longtime TAXI member Chuck Henry shares the common mistakes he sees from the library side of the sync business—mistakes that can quietly cost composers valuable placements.
After decades in the industry, Chuck has reviewed thousands
How to Make Instrumental Cues More Licensable for TV & Film_.[060826]mp4
What makes one instrumental cue instantly more licensable than another?
In this episode of TAXI TV, successful TAXI member, composer, and author Dean Krippaehne shares practical, real-world tips that can dramatically improve your chances of landing sync placements in TV, film, commercials, and production music libraries.
Drawing from his book Cue Tips, Dean breaks down the small but critical det
Commercials vs Film & TV_ The REAL Secret to Higher-Paying Sync Placements![060126]
Why do some music placements in commercials pay significantly more than TV and film, and how do you actually get them?
On this episode of TAXI TV, we sit down with successful sync writer and producer John Pearson to break down exactly what changes when you shift from writing for film & TV to writing for advertising.
John’s music has landed worldwide advertising placements with major brands like
Inside a TV Editor’s Mind_ How Music Gets Chosen for TV![051826]
Want to know how TV editors actually choose music for shows?
In this TAXI TV episode, veteran TV editor and executive producer Biagio Messina breaks down the real-world TV editing process — from building scenes and shaping emotion to selecting, cutting, and using music in television.
Learn:
✔ How TV editors find and use sync music
✔ What makes production music “usable” for editors
✔ Why some tra
Ask Michael Anything_ Sync Licensing Tips, AI Music, & TV Placement Secrets![051126]
Want to get more music placements in TV, film, trailers, and sync licensing?
In this TAXI TV “Ask Michael Anything” episode, we answer real questions about music licensing, sync placements, production, AI music, contracts, developmental arcs, edit points, home studio production, and how to succeed in the music library world.
Learn:
✔ Why some tracks never get placements
✔ The biggest mistakes in
Inside a Pro Track_ Developmental Arcs & Edit Points (Live Breakdown)![050426]
Want to write music that actually gets placed in TV and film?
In this TAXI TV episode, we break down a real production music track to show how developmental arcs, edit points, and structure make your music sync-ready.
Learn how to:
✔ Build tracks for sync licensing
✔ Add clean edit points for editors
✔ Create dynamic arrangement and transitions
Featuring TAXI member Steve Barden, author of Writ
What Nashville Is REALLY Looking For in Country Songs (Right Now)_[041326]
What does Nashville actually listen for when deciding whether a country song gets cut—or passed on?
In this TAXI TV live stream, we’re joined by Steve Bloch, a veteran Nashville music publisher, song plugger, and A&R professional who’s been working in the Music Row community since 1993.
Steve has had songs cut by major artists including Faith Hill, Lee Ann Womack, Dierks Bentley, and Cody Johnso
Why Editors Reject Your Music (vs What They Actually Love)![040626]
Why isn’t your music getting placed in film and TV, even when it sounds great?
Most composers assume that high-quality production is enough to land sync placements, but in reality, music for film, TV, and media is chosen very differently.
In many cases, it’s not the music supervisor making the initial call—it’s the video editor. And editors aren’t looking for the most impressive or complex track
Why YOUR Music Doesn’t Get Placed (Sync Agent Explains)![033026]
Why isn’t your music getting placed...even when it sounds good?
In this episode of TAXI TV, I’m joined by sync agent Jim Thacker, who started out as a TAXI member and now represents music for placements in film, TV, and media.
Having worked on both sides of the business, Jim shares what actually happens after you submit your music and why some tracks move forward while others don’t.
We cover:
•
Reasons Your Music Isn’t Getting Licensed (And How to Fix It)![032326]
Why isn’t your music getting sync placements?
If you’ve been submitting for film & TV opportunities but not getting licensed, this episode of TAXI TV breaks down 20 common reasons your music isn’t getting placed and what you can do to fix it.
TAXI CEO, Michael Laskow, is joined by special guest Greg Carrozza to talk about the real reasons songs don’t get licensed for film, TV, ads, and trailers.
Would YOU Forward This Song_ (Real A&R Decisions)[030926]
Would YOU Forward This Song_ (Real A&R Decisions)[030926] by TAXI Independent A&R
Is Your Age Killing Your Sync Licensing Chances_[030226]
Is there an age limit for success in sync licensing?
For decades, the traditional music industry favored youth, image, and marketability — leaving many talented songwriters, composers, producers, and artists believing their window of opportunity had closed.
But does age actually matter when creating music for film, TV, advertising, and streaming media?
In this episode of TAXI TV, Michael Laskow
6X Grammy-Winner Rob Chiarelli![022326]
We’ve got a great show lined up for you today on TAXI TV!
Joining me is six-time Grammy Award winner Rob Chiarelli, one of the most respected producers and mixers in the music industry. Rob has worked with countless major artists across multiple genres, and today he’s sharing real-world insight into what it takes to build a successful music career —creatively and professionally.
We’ll be talkin
How TV Producers Choose the Music They Use![021626]
Biagio Messina is a successful TV and documentary film producer, director, editor, and music composer! Those roles make him incredibly well-qualified to explain how and why music gets used in media. He’s been on the main stage at the 2023 and 2025 Road Rallies, and the audiences loved him and learned a lot!
I’m still many time zones away from Pacific Standard Time, and not able to do live shows u
How Editors Decide Which Music to Use![020926]
Adonis Aletras is a long-time TAXI member and successful composer who lives on the island of Cyprus, several thousand miles away from the United States. But being thousands of miles away from the epicenter of the U.S. sync market hasn’t been an issue for him!
As a matter of fact, he’s repeatedly told me, “If I can succeed at this from a tiny island nation in the Mediterranean, I think anybody fro
What AI Really Means for Music Creators![020226]
Michael Eames might be the smartest person I know in the music industry. We’ve been friends for 15 or 20 years, and I’m always amazed by his insights, depth of understanding, and wisdom. I feel enriched each time we speak about all things music industry-related, and this interview lives up to that promise. Read his bio, and I think you’ll see why you shouldn’t miss what he’s got to say about AI an
TAXI’s Head Screener Answers Members' Questions![012626]
I had a whole bunch of questions I didn't get to ask our Head Screener the last couple of times he joined me on TAXI TV. He's a consummate pro, and you guys seem to love his answers, so I pulled out the unasked questions from his last two appearances and got some great answers!
I'm not going to hype this up, but I really think you'll learn how to use your TAXI membership more effectively if you w
10 Ways to Become a MORE Successful Songwriter![011926]
There’s a reason Robin Frederick always packs the ballroom at our conference each year, and gets great reviews when she joins me on TAXI TV—she researches what the rest of us don’t have time to, and then gives advice that’s straightforward, easy-to-follow, and many would even say, life-changing.
At least, songwriters and artists say that, lol.
If you’re new to TAXI, new to our email list, or yo
This Deep Dive Into AI Music Changed How I See It![011226]
There's so much information, disinformation, and countless opinions on the future of music in the shadow of generative AI that it's virtually impossible to keep up with it all. I try, but long-time TAXI member, indie musician, composer, and producer Paul Croteau does a far better job than I do.
Paul has what some might call an "obsession" with gathering facts before he forms his opinions, so I l
Will These New Year's Resolutions Help You Get Sync Placements_.[010526]mp4
I hope your holidays have been warm and inspiring. With 2026 right around the corner, now is the perfect time to reset, refocus, and talk about New Year’s resolutions for musicians that can actually move your music career forward.
We'll break down practical ideas and habits for independent artists and songwriters navigating today’s music industry. It’s a long list, so don’t try to do everything.
![Ask TAXI Music's CEO Any Question, LIVE![121525]](https://i1.sndcdn.com/artworks-TJEvLtvrHKNwqzZO-ARULQA-t3000x3000.png)
Ask TAXI Music's CEO Any Question, LIVE![121525]
It's been a while since we've done an "Ask Michael Anything" on TAXI TV, so that's exactly what we're going to do on today's show! Ask me anything about TAXI, engineering & production (from the mics and wires aspect), or the music licensing business, and I'll do my best to give straight-ahead, helpful answers.
Btw, I was at a session at the Foo Fighters' private studio a few days ago and had my m
Ignorance Isn't Bliss For Musicians![120825]
There are so many ways to get paid for your work in the age of digital music that I admit I’m confused as to who exactly pays what. One thing I do know is that the people who attended the presentation by the MLC (Mechanical Licensing Collective) at this year’s TAXI Road Rally were SO glad they went!
They were so grateful that I’ve invited one of the MLC’s executives (Dae Bogan, Head of Third-Par
Navigating Today’s Music Business Is Much More Than the Notes![120125]
Hollywood Score Composer and Film Producer Brian Ralston is one of the most well-informed and articulate people I’ve met during my 50 years in the music business. He’s so clear-headed about so many aspects of the music and film industries that I did a solo interview with him at this year’s Road Rally—our annual conference.
Brian didn’t disappoint! The people in the ballroom felt like they had lea
The Hidden Habits Shared by Successful Media Composers![122425]
During my 33 years as the CEO of TAXI, the Holy Grail I’ve been relentlessly searching for has been that “thing” that makes some composers, producers, songwriters, and artists successful, while others never achieve their goals. What is the “secret sauce?” Why some and not others?
I recently ran into long-time TAXI member, Chuck Schlacter, in the hotel lobby during our annual conference—the TAXI R
TAXI's Road Rally Round Up![111725]
My two favorite things I hear from members at our annual conference are: 1) “I went to school at Berklee, but I’ve learned more in a single weekend at the Road Rally than I learned in four years of college,” and 2) “I was certain that I was going to be let down after all your hype about the Rally, but it’s actually way better than you said it would be.”
I hear those same things every single year.
![Creating Music that's Perfect for Advertising![110325]](https://i1.sndcdn.com/artworks-hkwq4WVZU2XhwsxY-h5YpNQ-t3000x3000.png)
Creating Music that's Perfect for Advertising![110325]
I got really excited when I recently listened to a TAXI compilation with emotionally upbeat songs for advertising on it. Why?
I heard a great example of a particular style of music that gets used all the time in TV commercials. I liked it so much that I planned on playing that particular song in the grand ballroom at our annual conference, the Road Rally, later this week.
After listening to mo
Robin Frederick's Top 10 Songwriting Hacks![102725]
Monday’s episode of TAXI TV should be amazing! Robin Frederick is going to join us, and she’s going to tell us what her Top 10 Songwriting Hacks are.
Robin’s book, Shortcuts to Hit Songwriting, is a best-seller, and we’ve never heard anything but raves, so even I’m excited to hear what her “hacks” are. If you’re new to our email list or TAXI TV, you really don’t miss this episode.
You’ll find
Production and Mixing for Sync with Ronan Chris Murphy![101325]
We always love having Ronan on TAXI TV, so we’re excited to have him join us on today’s show (4 pm Pacific time) to teach us some tricks of the trade about production and mixing variables that can make your tracks more “synch-able.” We’ll discuss how to approach reverbs, panning, EQ, arrangement, mastering, etc., to make sure your track fits the style/genre, era, and overall sound the music superv
5 Reasons This Composer is So Successful![100625]
If you’ve ever been frustrated that your sync career is taking off as quickly as you’d like, you really don’t want to miss today’s live episode of TAXI TV (4 pm Pacific time) on YouTube!
I’ll be joined by one of TAXI’s most successful members, Matt Vander Boegh, and I’ve asked him to distill all the things he’s done to become so successful down to the 5 most important.
Matt’s music can be heard
Ask TAXI’s Head Screener Anything! LIVE Q&A![092925]
Get your questions ready for TAXI’s Head Screener, Craig Pilo, because he’s going to join us on this week’s TAXI TV! He’s always a popular guest and has a great deal of knowledge to share about the sync industry in general, as well as insight relating to TAXI’s screeners, the screening process, common mistakes, and great tips for getting more of your music forwarded to the industry people who are
Hear TAXI's Top 10 and Win a FREE Book![091525]
It's time to hear some great music from TAXI's members — songs and instrumentals, alike! Our Top 10 episodes are viewer favorites, so please join us today at 4 pm (PDT) for the LIVE show and you'll have a shot at winning a copy of Dean Krippaehne's latest must-have book, Cue Tips!
If you want to get your music on TV, this book is indispensable! And you'll have a shot at winning a FREE copy if you
Why You Haven't _Made It__[090825]
Are you frustrated that you haven’t “made it” yet? No forwards from TAXI? No music libraries contacting you after TAXI forwards your music? No placements resulting from the music you’ve signed with music libraries or sync companies?
We’re going to dive into some reasons why those things may not have happened for you yet on today’s episode, and what you can do about it.
This episode was inspired
How Long Does Sync _Success_ Take_.[082525]mp4
Have you ever wondered what the answers to these questions are?
"How many submissions does it take until I start getting forwards from TAXI?"
"How many forwards from TAXI does it take until I start to get deals and offers?"
"How long after TAXI forwards my music does it take until I hear from the client?"
"How long after I sign with the music library will it take for placements to happen?"
"How
A&R Ear Training! Would You Forward This Music or Not_.[081825]mp4
“Michael, I’ve learned so much from the A&R Hot Seat episodes on TAXI TV! Can you please do them more often? My music has improved quite a bit because it’s much easier to be objective when deciding what works and what doesn’t about somebody else’s music rather than my own." — Timothy Reardon
We’ve been hearing the same thing from other viewers for years!
With that in mind, on this week’s TAXI TV
Ask the Guy with 105,000 Syncs Anything![081125]
Long-time TAXI member, Keith LuBrant, has had more than 105,000 sync placements on more than 1,711 TV shows, on more than 283 TV networks, worldwide.
He has a family, a full-time job, a mortgage, and all of the typical responsibilities you probably have. So, how has he accomplished what virtually every person reading this would like to do?
You’ll have your chance to ask him that and every other
![TAXI’s CEO Needs Your Opinion![080425]](https://i1.sndcdn.com/artworks-JtNhzuvTIi9zQa1Z-dTG9Fg-t3000x3000.png)
TAXI’s CEO Needs Your Opinion![080425]
I’ve got most of the main panels sorted out for this year’s conference, the TAXI Road Rally. But I need your opinion before I start calling to invite and confirm the panelists. Do you like the topics? Do you have other ideas? Is there consensus?
As always, I want to get your opinions before I lock things down.
Win a FREE Copy of Dean Krippaehne’s latest book,
Cue Tips! — 50 songwriting, compos
Music Library CEO Shares “Pain Points!”[072825]
“So, Michael? Exactly what are the complaints you get from music library executives, if they’re not about the music?”
I was going to do a TAXI TV episode and enumerate the complaints myself until I spent 47 minutes on the phone this past Sunday with a very wise music library CEO.
He was frustrated… actually, you might even say, exasperated. He told me about his “pain points,” and they sounded n
Ask This Six-Time Grammy-Winner Your Questions![072125]
I’m excited to have Rob Chiarelli join us for this week’s episode! He’s a huge fan-favorite on TAXI TV, and at our FREE (for TAXI members) annual conference, TAXI’s Road Rally (November 6th-9th, this year).
Rob’s down-to-earth advice covers a wide range of topics, including production, engineering, mixing, music licensing, and general career advice, which is always relatable because he comes from
Three HUGE Mistakes That Can Prevent Sync Placements![071425]
I was doing some research yesterday, and I stumbled on something that’s been staring me in the face for decades. It’s a “formula” that TAXI’s most successful members use. Especially, the members who want to earn income with sync placements.
Conversely, when I researched TAXI’s least successful members, I discovered that virtually none of them used the same formula. Why wouldn’t they, when it obvi
Ask TAXI Music's CEO Any Question, LIVE![070725]
It's been a while since we've done an "Ask Michael Anything" on TAXI TV, so that's exactly what we're going to do on today's show! Ask me anything about TAXI, engineering & production (from the mics and wires aspect), or the music licensing business, and I'll do my best to give straightforward and helpful answers.
Want to know what production music libraries are looking for?
I can tell you!
Wan
Lyric _Speed Writing_ with Robin Frederick![062325]
For many songwriters, birthing a great lyric can be agonizingly slow and painful. Yep, sort of like childbirth! Well, any mom would tell you that it’s not even close, but you get my point; It can be daunting, slow, and yes, even painful to write a great lyric. But it doesn’t have to be!
If you’ve ever had writer’s block or find that it takes so long to craft a great lyric, you miss opportunities
True Swans & Their 4 Keys to SUCCESS with TAXI![061625]
True Swans are a duo who are becoming quite successful using TAXI to launch their career. Michelle Lindley and Todd Dunnigan live more than 600 miles from each other, yet their collaboration has been nothing short of remarkable!
If you’d like to know how and why long-distance collaborations can work and what the 4 keys to success Todd and Michelle have uncovered, then don’t miss this fascinating
Crowdfunding Your Music Without Followers with Kevin McNoldy![060925]
I thought you needed tens of thousands (or more) followers to pull off a successful crowdfunding campaign to raise money for your music. I was wrong, you don’t!
Frankly, I knew very little about crowdfunding to raise money for music (or any other type of project). When Kevin McNoldy was doing his excellent TAXI TV episode about music mastering a few weeks ago, he mentioned that he knew quite a bi
Title Your Music So It Gets Discovered and Licensed like a PRO![060225]
If you think that making great music is the key to making more money in sync licensing, you’re half wrong!
If you don’t have great (and appropriate) titles for your music, nobody will know how great it is because they won’t find it, hear it, or license it.
Shocked? Don’t be! There’s not a single music supervisor or TV editor side who wouldn’t back me up on that.
I couldn’t find great informat
An Achievable Path to Success with Your Music![051925]
TAXI member, Jim Thacker, is experiencing what many—if not most—other musicians hope to accomplish. His music is being heard all over the world, and he’s landing some really nice sync placements on an ever-increasing basis. Some of them are in brand-name TV commercials!
But things weren’t always going the way Jim wanted them to! Is the same true for you?
Are you frustrated, disappointed, or just
How Spotify Diverted $47 Million of Indie Artists’ Royalties![051225]
A year ago, Spotify decided they weren’t going to pay royalties on tracks that streamed less than 1,000 times. Instead, those royalties would go to other artists proportionately to their streaming totals.
Our friend Tony van Veen, CEO of Disc Makers, recently calculated that in 2024 alone, this resulted in $47 million in independent artist royalties being diverted to (mostly) the majors! He went
Mastering_ The Art and Science Demystified[050525]
Very few music creators really understand what audio mastering is, what it does, and when you need it… or not!
There are plenty of people who think that mastering is some sort of “magical fairy dust” that, when sprinkled on a song or track, makes it much, much better. As if mastering can make a mediocre song become a hit.
It can’t, and it won’t. It can only make it a better-sounding mediocre s
![Making Stems and Alt Mixes with Greg Carrozza![042825]](https://i1.sndcdn.com/artworks-Kfk2vaivBgzQv33J-AZ8CfA-t3000x3000.jpg)
Making Stems and Alt Mixes with Greg Carrozza![042825]
More and more music libraries and music supervisors are asking for stems and alt mixes because it makes your music much more “usable.” If you’re somewhat new to the music licensing world, you might need a little help in understanding how to deliver what the industry pros need, so we’re going to show you on this week’s episode!
TAXI Member, Greg Carrozza, is going to join us this week, and if the
Would You Forward This Music or Not_ A&R Ear Training![042125]
Our viewers love it when we do the “A&R Hot Seat” episodes, and here’s why…
“Michael, I’ve learned so much from the A&R Hot Seat episodes on TAXI TV! Can you please do them more often? My music has improved quite a bit because it’s much easier to be objective when deciding what works and what doesn’t about somebody else’s music rather than my own." —Timothy Reardon
We’ve been hearing the same th
TAXI’s CEO Flies to Idaho for More Tough Questions![041425]
Highly successful TAXI member Matt Vander Boegh interviewed me a month or so ago, and the TAXI TV audience was blown away by the quality of the questions asked.
Here’s the dirty little secret: Many of those questions came from Matt’s group of musicians he mentors at monthly meetings at his house. Matt’s a Pay-It-Forward kind of guy!
I was so impressed with the questions from Matt’s Mentees that
Edit Points, Buttoned_Stinger Endings, And Developmental Arcs Explained![040725]
If you’ve ever wondered what an Edit Point, Buttoned Ending, Stinger Ending, or a Developmental Arc are, you’re going to love this week’s episode of TAXI TV!
We’re going to play examples from a Production Music Library and show you waveforms that should make things crystal clear. You’ll also get the chance to hear some tracks from a successful Music Library.
If you’re new to creating music for
10 Things I Wish I Knew When I Was Starting in Sync![033125]
Successful TAXI member, Jim Thacker stopped by the office when he was in Los Angeles, recently. He asked if I thought the TAXI TV audience would be interested in knowing what he didn’t know at the start of his career in music for sync.
He sent me his list of 10 Things he wishes he’d known in the beginning of his journey into sync, and I immediately invited him to be my guest on this week’s episod
10 Ways You’re Killing Your Music Career![032425]
Andrew Jordan knows all about making career-killing mistakes because he’s either made them himself or has seen friends make them. During a recent phone call, he suggested that we do a panel at the 2025 TAXI music conference, the Road Rally.
I added the topic to my list of ideas, and also suggested that we do a TAXI TV ASAP because people need to know what these career-killers are sooner than late
Sync All-Star Matt Vander Boegh Asks TAXI’s CEO Some Tough Questions![031725]
Matt Vander Boegh has gone from Zero-to-Hero in the world of Music Licensing. Here’s a snippet of his bio from his website:
“In his 14 years of making music for TV, Vander Boegh has amassed a staggering 30,000+ placements on over 1,000 TV programs, including various major sporting events, Hollywood movies, high-profile reality TV shows, soap operas, commercials, and daytime & evening talk shows.
MUSICIANS_ Are You Making This HUGE Mistake_[031025]
You’ve dreamed about becoming successful with your music for your entire adult life. You joined TAXI. You’ve watched TAXI TV and attended our conference—The Road Rally— to learn how to create what the industry is asking for. You’ve done everything right, and then…
BAM! With one fell swoop, you made this common mistake that killed a golden opportunity, and possibly your career. What IS that mistak
How this TAXI Member Got Advice from Stevie Wonder![030325]
We’ve all heard about how “manifestation” can make things happen for you, right? But, how many of us consciously put manifestation to work in our daily lives—especially in our pursuit of finding success in our music careers?
My guest on this week’s TAXI TV is the best “manifestor” I’ve ever met in my entire life! Kim Tibbs is a TAXI member, and has accomplished more in her career (so far!) than m
10 Ways to Make Your Film_TV Music Sound More Pro![022425]
“What can I do to make my recordings sound more professional?” I’ve been getting that question since I started TAXI 33 years ago.
Being a “retired” engineer/producer, I’ve got opinions and suggestions, but they’re not as good as somebody who’s currently in the trenches, doing what you do. But I know a guy who IS in the trenches, and I watch his Youtube videos quite often. And I really like them!
How To Get Sync Placements 365 Days A Year! [021725]
Have you ever asked yourself this question? “What do I need to do to get people to recognize how good my music is, and start paying me now to license it for their TV shows, films, or commercials?”
Give me an “Amen, brother!” if you’ve ever asked yourself that question.
The Answer Will be Revealed (for real!) on This Week’s TAXI TV!
I just got an email from a TAXI member who’s only been pursuing
TAXI's Head Screener Reveals ALL, Behind The Scenes![020325]
Craig Pilo is our Head Screener at TAXI. He knows the sync industry inside and out. He also knows some very common mistakes that TAXI members should avoid making, as well as every other musician trying to make it in the music licensing side of the industry.
Want to know how to get more music forwarded by TAXI? Watch this!
Want to know what causes about 80% of the “returns” from TAXI? Watch this!
How To SUCCEED In The Music Business With 5X Grammy Winner, Rob Chiarelli![012725]
I’ve watched Rob Chiarelli go from music industry hopeful (when he was in his twenties) to one of the most in-demand mixers/producers in the music business today. With about 100 gold and platinum records and 5 Grammy Awards under his belt, he’s learned a thing or two along the way. And he’s learned from some of the best mentors anybody could ask for!
Our viewers always love it when Rob joins me o
How TV Producers Choose the Music They Use![012025]
I’ve become close friends with TV Producer, Editor, Director, and Composer Biagio Messina over the last 18 months. Whenever we go out to dinner, Biagio always drops gold nuggets about how he chooses and uses music in his shows, his tricks for making his music much more “usable,” and how TV editors choose and use the music that lands in their shows, as well.
In this episode, Biagio will share the
How To Get Started In Sync Music Licensing With Matt Vander Boegh![011325]
If you’d like to jump into doing music for film, TV, and Commercials, you might be wondering, “How do I start, or where do I start?”
Both are great questions, and I’ve got the perfect person to help you figure it out!
Matt Vander Boegh is an unlikely TAXI All-Star whose music is played all over the world on a daily basis. But, like many of you reading this, Matt’s foray into earning income with
The Easiest, FASTEST Way To Sync Success![010625]
I’ve been asked a gazillion times, “What’s the fastest way to succeed in sync licensing?” Some folks have asked, “What’s the easiest way to launch my music licensing career?”
Well, it’s the beginning of a New Year, and I’m sure many of you watching this have decided that 2025 is the year in which you’ll finally hunker down and go for the gold with film and TV music licensing.
If you really want
The Best New Year's Resolutions For Musicians![123024]
I hope your holidays have been warm and wonderful so far, and with 2025 just around the corner we thought it would be a good idea to list off a whole bunch of resolutions that could help you become successful with your music in 2025.
It’s a long list, so pick the ones that are most applicable and most likely to move you ahead in leaps and bounds. There are some really good ones in there!
Turn Your Authentic Story Into HIT Songs, Part 2, With Robin Frederick![121624]
As I sat in the dimly lit grand ballroom listening to Robin Frederick’s presentation at this year’s TAXI Road Rally, I noticed how nearly every person in the audience was leaning forward. Just a tad. Not quite bent over, but definitely leaning in the direction of the stage where a single spotlight illuminated the gravitas of what Robin was saying.
Why were 1,000 musicians leaning toward her?
Bec
Music Libraries Will LOVE YOU For Doing THIS![120924]
TAXI member, Jim Thacker has experienced a bit of a meteoric rise in the world of music licensing. As I’ve gotten to know the straight-ahead, No-B.S. person that he is, Jim has really impressed me with his ability to get so much right that he’s now in what I call, “Sync’s Inner Circle.”
Yes, he’s one of the people who music libraries and music supervisors call on when they need to deal with a rel
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