Episodes

  • Music Licensing Myths and Misconceptions—What’s Actually True_[081726]

    Music Licensing Myths and Misconceptions—What’s Actually True_[081726]
    Aug 18 2026
    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 The music licensing world is full of myths, misconceptions, outdated advice, and conflicting information—especially on social media and online forums.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 producers have about music licensing. You'll learn the truth about: How music supervisors, production music libraries, and TV editors choose music. Whether the “best” song always wins a placement. How many music libraries should you work with? Whether you should keep pitching a song after submitting it to a library. The fastest way to build a career in sync licensing. How TAXI submissions are evaluated and forwarded. How many submissions TAXI receives for each listing. Why you may receive different feedback on the same song. What happens after your music is forwarded to a client? What happens after a music library signs your music? What to do when a library asks if you have more music. Developmental arcs, edit points, button endings, and stingers. What a PRO (Performing Rights Organization) is. Whether you need to join a PRO and how they work. What “broadcast quality” means. What a “universal” lyric is. The difference between an instrumental cue and an instrumental. Whether you're just getting started with sync licensing or you've already had music placed in TV, film, commercials, or production music libraries, this episode is designed to help you make better decisions based on how the industry actually works—not on myths repeated online. Grab a notebook, because there are a lot of misconceptions to unpack! Plus: One viewer will win a copy of Writing Production Music during the live broadcast.
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    1 hr and 33 mins
  • The Hidden “Tax” Every Sync Musician Pays[081026]

    The Hidden “Tax” Every Sync Musician Pays[081026]
    Aug 11 2026
    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 talks with music industry professional Robina Ritchie-Barker about the business side of music licensing and how musicians can spend less time dealing with administrative tasks and more time doing what they actually want to do: creating music. You’ll learn about: The hidden time “tax” that comes with sync licensing Music licensing administration and paperwork How organization can save musicians valuable time Business practices that can make your music workflow more efficient The behind-the-scenes work involved in getting music ready for licensing How to minimize time-consuming tasks after creating a track Why treating your music career like a business matters Whether you're a songwriter, composer, producer, or artist creating music for TV, film, commercials, or music libraries, understanding the business side of sync licensing can help you work more efficiently and protect more of your valuable creative time. The goal isn't to work harder. It's to spend less time on the tasks that keep you from making music. Watch this episode of TAXI TV and discover how to minimize the hidden “tax” you're paying on every track. Check out TrackStage: https://go.trackstagepro.com/taxi-tv
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    1 hr and 33 mins
  • The Networking Mistake Most Musicians Make _ Sync Licensing Success Tips[072726]

    The Networking Mistake Most Musicians Make _ Sync Licensing Success Tips[072726]
    Jul 28 2026
    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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    1 hr and 42 mins
  • TAXI Success Stories + Road Rally Airfare Giveaway _ Live Member Placement Celebration[072026]

    TAXI Success Stories + Road Rally Airfare Giveaway _ Live Member Placement Celebration[072026]
    Jul 21 2026
    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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    1 hr and 31 mins
  • What Music Supervisors Are Looking For In 2026 (The Sync Licensing Blueprint)![071326]

    What Music Supervisors Are Looking For In 2026 (The Sync Licensing Blueprint)![071326]
    Jul 15 2026
    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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    1 hr and 31 mins
  • The Shortcut Most Musicians Never Discover![070626]

    The Shortcut Most Musicians Never Discover![070626]
    Jul 7 2026
    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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    1 hr and 38 mins
  • Music Pros vs. Hobbyists Part 2_ Sync Licensing Secrets from Industry Veterans[062926]

    Music Pros vs. Hobbyists Part 2_ Sync Licensing Secrets from Industry Veterans[062926]
    Jun 30 2026
    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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    1 hr and 6 mins
  • Music Pros vs. Hobbyists_ What Really Separates Them_[062226]

    Music Pros vs. Hobbyists_ What Really Separates Them_[062226]
    Jun 23 2026
    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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    1 hr and 16 mins