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 creator Paul Croteau, better known as Yo Paulie, who has made it his mission to follow the rapidly changing world of AI-generated music and understand how these developments could affect independent musicians. Rather than focusing exclusively on the doom-and-gloom predictions surrounding artificial intelligence and music, Paul takes a broader look at the technology, the business, and the potential implications for working musicians. In this conversation, you'll learn more about: - How AI music is changing the music industry - What AI-generated music could mean for independent songwriters and artists - The impact of AI on composers and music creators - Major developments involving AI music companies - The legal battles surrounding AI-generated music - What musicians should understand about companies such as Suno and Udio - How record labels, publishers, and other music industry companies are responding to AI - The difference between facts, opinions, predictions, and hype surrounding AI music - Potential opportunities AI could create for musicians - What independent music creators should be paying attention to as AI technology evolves If you're a songwriter, artist, composer, producer, or musician working in sync licensing or film and TV music, this episode will help you get a clearer picture of where AI music fits into the changing landscape. Paulie has been doing the homework. Watch this episode of TAXI TV to get the 10,000-foot view of AI music and what it could mean for your career.

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 trailers and production music libraries. For years, trailer music was often associated with large orchestral recordings, professional studios, and substantial production budgets. But advances in home studio technology, virtual instruments, orchestral libraries, and music production have changed the landscape dramatically. Today, production music libraries are increasingly being asked to supply trailer music—and they're looking for composers who can create powerful, cinematic instrumentals that work for film and television marketing. In this episode, you'll discover 10 important things to know about composing trailer music, including practical insights that can help you create music that production music libraries and trailer clients actually want. You'll learn more about: - How to compose music for movie and TV trailers - What makes a great trailer music instrumental - Writing cinematic music for production music libraries - What trailer music companies are looking for - How home studios have changed trailer music production - Creating powerful, dramatic instrumental music - Approaching trailer music differently from other types of sync music - What composers should consider when writing for music libraries - How to make your music more licensable for film and television - Opportunities for composers in the growing trailer music market Whether you're an experienced composer or you're just getting started creating cinematic music, production music, or sync music, this episode is packed with practical advice you can use when writing your next trailer cue. If you're interested in trailer music, sync licensing, production music libraries, film music, TV music, or composing for film and television, don't miss this conversation with Michael Whittaker. Grab your headphones and take notes—there are some trailer-writing concepts in this episode we haven't covered before on TAXI TV.

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 songs and Investigative Tension Hybrid instrumentals. Before revealing what TAXI's A&R team decided, you'll get the chance to make your own call. Would you forward it? Would you pass? And, most importantly, will your decision match the professional A&R team's decision? This exercise isn't just about identifying music you personally like. It's about learning to listen objectively and recognizing whether a song or instrumental actually fits a specific music licensing opportunity. In this episode, you'll learn: How professional A&R teams evaluate music What makes a song worth forwarding for a music licensing opportunity How to listen objectively instead of relying on personal taste What to listen for in Singer/Songwriter submissions What makes an Investigative Tension Hybrid instrumental work How matching music to a specific brief affects A&R decisions Why objective listening can improve your own songwriting and production How to develop better ears for sync licensing and music placement opportunities One of the best ways to improve your own music is to learn how to objectively evaluate someone else's. So grab your headphones, make your picks, and see how your A&R instincts compare with TAXI's professional screeners. Would you forward these songs? Let's find out.

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.

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

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.

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!

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.

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.

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!

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.