TAXI TV

Episod

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  The Networking Mistake Most Musicians Make _ Sync Licensing Success Tips[072726] 28.07.2026 1j 42min

  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 creators—but there's one thing they never do when meeting industry professionals. In this episode, you'll learn: - How to network without feeling awkward or "salesy" - Building genuine music industry relationships - Networking tips for introverts and shy musicians - How networking can lead to sync licensing opportunities - Writing to briefs instead of waiting for inspiration - Making virtual instruments sound more realistic - How many music libraries you should target - Understanding neighboring rights and international income - Practical strategies for growing your music career Whether you're a songwriter, composer, producer, or artist, this episode is packed with practical advice for anyone looking to build a sustainable career in sync licensing and the music industry. You'll also hear about Hey! That's My Song!, Tracey and Vance Marino's guide to getting music placed in film, television, and media. Link to book: https://amzn.to/4fmVB7q If you're serious about music licensing, networking, and building long-term industry relationships, don't miss this conversation.
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  TAXI Success Stories + Road Rally Airfare Giveaway _ Live Member Placement Celebration[072026] 21.07.2026 1j 31min

  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 ultimately a TV, film, or commercial placement, or • A face-to-face meeting at the TAXI Road Rally that led to signing with a music library and eventually a placement, you may be eligible to participate. During the livestream, eligible members can submit five qualifying placements in the live chat. At the end of the show, one placement will be randomly selected for airfare reimbursement (up to $400 USD). We'll also be celebrating the incredible success of TAXI members whose music has been placed in television, films, and commercials around the world. Whether you're already licensing music or working toward your first placement, you'll hear inspiring stories and see what's possible through sync licensing and industry networking. To participate: • Be present in the live chat. • Submit qualifying placements in the required format. • Placements must be directly connected to a TAXI listing or Road Rally meeting. • Verification will be required before reimbursement. Join us live and celebrate the successes of the TAXI community!
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  What Music Supervisors Are Looking For In 2026 (The Sync Licensing Blueprint)![071326] 15.07.2026 1j 30min

  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 storytelling, and why understanding those choices can dramatically improve your chances of landing placements. In this episode, you'll learn: - What music supervisors are listening for in 2026 - Why emotional impact matters more than chart potential - How songs are chosen for TV, film, and streaming - Common songwriting mistakes that hurt sync opportunities - How to write music that serves the scene - Current sync licensing trends and creative strategies - Practical ways to make your songs more licensable If you're a songwriter, producer, composer, or artist hoping to build a career in sync licensing, this episode offers a practical framework for thinking like the people who choose the music. Stop writing only for the listener. Start writing for the scene. Watch this episode & discover how a strategic shift in your songwriting could open the door to more TV, film, and streaming placements.
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  The Shortcut Most Musicians Never Discover![070626] 07.07.2026 1j 37min

  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 about writing music for TV and film to building a thriving sync licensing career, with his music being heard around the world every day. In this episode, you'll discover: Why strategy beats working harder The mindset that successful musicians develop How to build a sustainable music career Common mistakes that slow artists down The role of strategy in sync licensing How to think like a professional composer, songwriter, or producer Practical ways to improve your career without spending more time or money Whether you're pursuing songwriting, producing, composing, or sync licensing, this conversation will help you see your music career from a completely different perspective. Sometimes the biggest breakthrough doesn't come from making more music—it comes from making smarter decisions. If you're serious about building a long-term career in music, don't miss this episode.
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  Music Pros vs. Hobbyists Part 2_ Sync Licensing Secrets from Industry Veterans[062926] 30.06.2026 1j 6min

  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, producers, and industry professionals actually look for when evaluating songs and artists. With nearly 100 years of combined professional experience, Rob and Michael share hard-earned insights on: How sync licensing really works What makes music stand out for film & TV Common mistakes artists make Thinking like a professional creator Building relationships in the industry Why some talented musicians never break through Creative and business lessons from decades at the top Whether you're a songwriter, composer, producer, artist, or sync writer, this conversation is packed with practical advice you can apply immediately. If you're trying to get music placed in TV, film, commercials, or production libraries, don't miss this episode. 📺 Watch Part 2 and take notes — there are a lot of industry gems in this one!
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  Music Pros vs. Hobbyists_ What Really Separates Them_[062226] 23.06.2026 1j 15min

  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 the music business. Between them, Rob and Michael have worked on roughly 200 Gold and Platinum records, earned multiple Grammy Awards, produced hit records, supervised film and television projects, and helped countless artists develop successful careers. In this candid discussion, they share: What separates professionals from hobbyists Why talent alone isn't enough The mindset that successful musicians have in common Career mistakes that keep talented artists stuck How professionals approach creativity and opportunity The realities of building a sustainable music career Lessons learned from decades in the recording industry Whether you're a songwriter, artist, producer, composer, or musician trying to take the next step, this conversation is packed with practical wisdom and hard-earned insights from people who've spent their lives making music at the highest level. If you've ever wondered what it really takes to move from being passionate about music to building a professional career, this episode is for you. 📺 Watch Part 1 and join the conversation.
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  Sync Licensing Mistakes Music Libraries Notice Immediately![061526] 16.06.2026 1j 41min

  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 of submissions and worked with composers at every level. Surprisingly, many of the errors that hurt placement opportunities aren't made by beginners—they're made by experienced writers who simply don't realize what's holding them back. In this episode, you'll learn: Common sync licensing mistakes that hurt placement potential What music libraries wish composers understood Why great music alone isn't always enough Submission and production issues that raise red flags How to improve your chances of getting signed and placed What successful composers do differently Chuck also shares his inspiring journey from teaching piano lessons and performing in retail stores to becoming a successful composer and the CEO of a music library. Whether you're writing production music, composing for TV and film, or building a sync catalog, this conversation could save you years of trial and error. Join us live and learn how to avoid the mistakes that can quietly kill sync opportunities before they ever reach a music supervisor, editor, or library.
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  How to Make Instrumental Cues More Licensable for TV & Film_.[060826]mp4 09.06.2026 1j 47min

  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 details that music supervisors, editors, producers, and libraries listen for every day, and why those details often determine whether a cue gets licensed or passed over. This episode covers: How to make instrumental cues more sync-friendly Common mistakes that hurt licensing potential What production music libraries actually want Arrangement and structure tips for TV & film music Practical cue-writing advice you can apply immediately How experienced sync composers think differently Whether you're brand new to sync licensing or already building a catalog, this conversation is packed with actionable insight for composers, producers, and instrumental writers looking to create more usable, marketable music. If you write production music, trailer music, underscore, cinematic cues, or instrumental tracks for sync, this episode is a must-watch. Reference Book 📚: Cue Tips: 50 songwriting, composing, and music production hacks to speed up your sync journey by Dean Krippaehne: https://amzn.to/4nD3uYP
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  Commercials vs Film & TV_ The REAL Secret to Higher-Paying Sync Placements![060126] 02.06.2026 1j 35min

  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 Chase Card, Hyundai, Samsung, Nissan, FedEx, Target, and Cricket Wireless, but his path wasn’t instant. We’ll explore: - Why commercials often outperform TV/film placements in payouts - What libraries and music supervisors are actually looking for in ad music - How John transitioned from Nashville touring musician to full-time sync writer - The real “secret sauce” behind landing premium advertising placements - How persistence and strategy change everything in the sync world From placements in shows like Outer Banks, S.W.A.T., The Rookie, and more, then breaking into major global ad campaigns, John’s journey is packed with actionable insight for any composer, producer, or songwriter looking to break into sync licensing. If you're serious about getting higher-level placements and understanding how the industry really works, this episode is essential viewing.
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  Inside a TV Editor’s Mind_ How Music Gets Chosen for TV![051826] 19.05.2026 1j 40min

  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 tracks instantly work in TV shows ✔ How edit points, pacing, and transitions affect placements ✔ The role of temp music in TV editing ✔ What composers don’t understand about editor workflow ✔ How to create music that gets chosen more often If you create music for sync licensing, TV placements, film, trailers, commercials, or music libraries, understanding how editors think can completely change the way you produce and structure your tracks. Perfect for composers, producers, artists, and musicians working in production music, sync licensing, film scoring, and TV music.
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  Ask Michael Anything_ Sync Licensing Tips, AI Music, & TV Placement Secrets![051126] 12.05.2026 1j 42min

  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 the first 10 seconds of a song ✔ How to write better production music & instrumental cues ✔ The truth about AI music and sync licensing ✔ How successful composers dominate music library catalogs ✔ How to improve faster using TAXI critiques Perfect for artists, producers, composers, and musicians working in sync licensing, production music, TV music, film scoring, trailer music, and music libraries.
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  Inside a Pro Track_ Developmental Arcs & Edit Points (Live Breakdown)![050426] 05.05.2026 1j 33min

  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 Writing Production Music for TV, with real-time waveform analysis and pro-level insights. Get the book on Amazon here: https://amzn.to/4cxxSzY Perfect for composers and artists working in production music, TV, film, trailers, and commercials.
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  What Nashville Is REALLY Looking For in Country Songs (Right Now)_[041326] 14.04.2026 1j 41min

  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 Johnson, and has pitched material that landed with artists like Kenny Chesney and Tracy Byrd. Today, he continues working closely with top Nashville talent and artists at labels like Black River Entertainment, including Kelsea Ballerini and Chris Young, as well as long-time collaborators tied to Dolly Parton’s camp. We’re going inside the decision-making process that most songwriters never get to see. 🎯 In this episode, we cover: • What Nashville A&R listens for in the first seconds of a song • Why some well-written songs still never get cut • What separates a “good song” from a “cut-worthy” song • How authenticity in country music is judged today • Whether modern demos need to sound like finished records • How writers can stay current without chasing trends • What improves (or kills) your chances in co-writes and song camps • How new country artists are discovered and signed If you’ve ever wondered how your songs are evaluated behind the scenes in Nashville, this conversation gives you a rare inside look.
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  Why Editors Reject Your Music (vs What They Actually Love)![040626] 07.04.2026 1j 44min

  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. They’re looking for music that is usable, flexible, and easy to work with in a scene. So what actually gets your music placed? In this episode of TAXI TV, host Michael Laskow is joined by composer and educator Dave Kropf (52 Cues) to break down what editors really want and why so many tracks get passed over. You’ll learn: • What makes music “easy to cut to” for editors • The most common sync licensing mistakes composers make • Why simplicity often beats complexity in film and TV music • How arrangement and production impact usability • Why phrase lengths and edit points are critical • How to create emotional clarity that fits the scene • How to evaluate your own music more objectively If you’re a composer, producer, or artist trying to get your music placed in film, TV, ads, or trailers, this episode will give you a clear understanding of how to make your tracks more sync-ready and increase your chances of getting licensed. Have a question or something you’ve struggled with? Drop it in the comments, I do read them!
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  Why YOUR Music Doesn’t Get Placed (Sync Agent Explains)![033026] 31.03.2026 1j 33min

  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: • What makes a track “representable” vs. just “good.” • The difference between music that gets signed and music that actually gets placed • How sync agents pitch music to supervisors behind the scenes • Why strong tracks still get passed over • Why does he often not listen to music when people send it directly And we take a deeper look at how AI is starting to impact the sync world: • Why many sync agents and libraries aren’t using AI-generated music (yet) • How TV networks, film studios, and advertisers currently view AI music • Why AI is being used in some parts of the music industry, but not in others • What this means for composers right now If you’re trying to get your music placed in film, TV, or media, this conversation will give you a clearer picture of how the business really works and what you can do to improve your chances. About TAXI: TAXI is the world’s leading independent A&R company, helping songwriters, composers, artists, and producers connect with music libraries, music supervisors, publishers, and record industry decision-makers since 1992.
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  Reasons Your Music Isn’t Getting Licensed (And How to Fix It)![032326] 24.03.2026 1j 41min

  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. Many songwriters believe they just need to write one great song and have the right person hear it. But sync licensing works very differently, and understanding how the industry actually makes decisions can dramatically improve your chances. In this episode, you'll learn: • The 20 biggest mistakes that stop songs from getting sync placements • Why good songs sometimes still don’t get licensed • How music supervisors and libraries actually choose songs • What makes music “sync-ready” for film and TV • How to increase your chances of getting placements If you’re a songwriter, composer, producer, or artist trying to get your music into film and television, this episode will help you better understand what the industry is really looking for.
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  Would YOU Forward This Song_ (Real A&R Decisions)[030926] 12.03.2026 1j 34min

  Would YOU Forward This Song_ (Real A&R Decisions)[030926] by TAXI Independent A&R
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  Is Your Age Killing Your Sync Licensing Chances_[030226] 03.03.2026 1j 34min

  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 — founder and CEO of TAXI and a 50+ year music industry veteran — shares an honest look at how age, perception, and experience really affect opportunities in today’s sync licensing world. You’ll learn: • Whether “older” musicians are at a disadvantage in sync • Why film & TV music operates differently from the record business • The surprising advantages experience can bring • Common misconceptions that stop talented creators from submitting music • How the sync industry evaluates music vs. record labels If you’ve ever wondered whether it’s too late to break into music licensing, this conversation may change how you see your opportunities.
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  6X Grammy-Winner Rob Chiarelli![022326] 24.02.2026 1j 48min

  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 talking about: • What separates music that gets used from music that gets ignored • How to think like producers, labels, and decision-makers • Career lessons Rob has learned working at the highest levels of the industry If you’re serious about improving your music and your chances of success, this episode is packed with practical, experience-based advice.
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  How TV Producers Choose the Music They Use![021626] 17.02.2026 1j 36min

  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 until I get back in a few days, so I wanted to feature this interview I did with Biagio in 2025. I especially want to encourage new TAXI members to watch this. It’s like getting a free year of school. Actually, school was never this informative (at least the classes I took). More importantly, it’s real-world information that I don’t think any music schools currently teach. And the tuition for an episode of TAXI TV is… wait for it… FREE! If you want highly valuable sync tips and composing techniques that can help you navigate the music licensing world faster than you might have ever hoped, this is a great episode to watch!