TAXI TV

How to Make Instrumental Cues More Licensable for TV & Film_.[060826]mp4 09.06.2026 1h 47m

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

Commercials vs Film & TV_ The REAL Secret to Higher-Paying Sync Placements![060126] 02.06.2026 1h 35m

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.

Inside a TV Editor’s Mind_ How Music Gets Chosen for TV![051826] 19.05.2026 1h 40m

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.

Ask Michael Anything_ Sync Licensing Tips, AI Music, & TV Placement Secrets![051126] 12.05.2026 1h 42m

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.

Inside a Pro Track_ Developmental Arcs & Edit Points (Live Breakdown)![050426] 05.05.2026 1h 33m

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.

What Nashville Is REALLY Looking For in Country Songs (Right Now)_[041326] 14.04.2026 1h 41m

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.

Why Editors Reject Your Music (vs What They Actually Love)![040626] 07.04.2026 1h 44m

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!

Why YOUR Music Doesn’t Get Placed (Sync Agent Explains)![033026] 31.03.2026 1h 33m

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.

Reasons Your Music Isn’t Getting Licensed (And How to Fix It)![032326] 24.03.2026 1h 41m

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.

Would YOU Forward This Song_ (Real A&R Decisions)[030926] 12.03.2026 1h 34m

Would YOU Forward This Song_ (Real A&R Decisions)[030926] by TAXI Independent A&R

Is Your Age Killing Your Sync Licensing Chances_[030226] 03.03.2026 1h 34m

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.

6X Grammy-Winner Rob Chiarelli![022326] 24.02.2026 1h 48m

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.

How TV Producers Choose the Music They Use![021626] 17.02.2026 1h 36m

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!

How Editors Decide Which Music to Use![020926] 10.02.2026 1h 40m

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 from anywhere can do it as well.” I recently asked Adonis what he’d like to discuss on this episode of TAXI TV, and his answer was immediate: “Let’s talk about what composers and artists can do to make editors want to use their music more often!” I’ve been talking about the “usability” factor when creating music for sync licensing for years, so I was excited that he suggested that topic! Please join Aletras and me for this frank and informative conversation that could help you succeed as well!

What AI Really Means for Music Creators![020226] 03.02.2026 1h 36m

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 and the music industry… Michael Eames is a trained composer, songwriter, and pianist with experience in film scoring who studied music at Cornell University and UCLA Extension; Michael also secured a minor in Business Management from Cornell. As President of PEN, Michael oversees all aspects of the operation, as well as focuses on pitching the catalogue to all media and business development. Michael was chosen to serve (along with four other independent music publishers and five songwriters) on the Unclaimed Royalties Oversight Committee (UROC) of The Mechanical Licensing Collective (MLC) that will commence blanket mechanical licensing of the digital services in the U.S. as of January 1, 2021. Prior to starting his publishing company, Michael oversaw the international activities and film & television department of Don Williams Music Group, where he was responsible for song catalogues such as Jimi Hendrix, Chicago, and Roy Orbison, among numerous others. He also worked previously for Brian Wilson of The Beach Boys and the management and music supervision firms The Derek Power Co and Seth Kaplan Entertainment.

TAXI’s Head Screener Answers Members' Questions![012626] 27.01.2026 1h 39m

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 watch this episode. I'm also sure you'll learn how the sync industry really works, rather than relying on sketchy info and opinions from people who know some stuff, but not all of it. Do yourself (and your career) a favor and invest less time than it takes to stream another mediocre movie. Craig and I will give you more accurate inside information about sync than you'd get by taking a full-semester of a college music class. How do I know this? Because they don't teach this stuff in college! Get real-world tips that can make all the difference by watching today's episode.

10 Ways to Become a MORE Successful Songwriter![011926] 20.01.2026 1h 32m

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 you’ve never seen Robin on TAXI TV or at the Road Rally, then you’re about to see why she’s achieved “guru” status among songwriters and artists all over the world.

This Deep Dive Into AI Music Changed How I See It![011226] 13.01.2026 1h 26m

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 listen carefully to what he has to say. In other words, he's done the heavy lifting, so the rest of us don't have to! If you'd like to become far better informed about AI as it relates to the music industry, you really don't want to miss this episode! Actually, if you create music, I don't think you can afford to not watch it. Paulie is a very smart, well-informed person, and you'll be much better informed having heard what he's got to say.

Will These New Year's Resolutions Help You Get Sync Placements_.[010526]mp4 06.01.2026 1h 4m

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. Instead, choose the resolutions that fit where you are right now, and that can create the biggest momentum in the year ahead. Whether your goals are writing better songs, pitching more strategically, understanding the music business, or building a sustainable career, these industry tips are meant to help you make smarter moves in 2026. If you’re serious about your growth as an artist, there’s a lot here to take with you into the new year.

Ask TAXI Music's CEO Any Question, LIVE![121525] 16.12.2025 1h 39m

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 mind blown! I'm going to tell you all about that and show you some photos of the control room, live room, guitar amps, and especially the vintage Neve recording console Dave Grohl bought from the legendary Sound City studio when it closed its doors. Other stuff I'll be talking about... Want to know how many tracks you really need before music libraries take you seriously? I get that question all the time, and frankly, the answer will surprise you! And, I’m going to tell you today. These are the types of questions I’ll be happy to answer, and anything else you’ve got! Viewers love these episodes, and I always have fun doing them.