For most songwriters in the early stages of their careers, the idea of being hired as a staff songwriter for a publishing company is close to the Holy Grail. It represents that most coveted prize of industry recognition and validation of your talent along with a gateway to cuts, movie placements and any one of a number of other exciting possibilities. However, keep in mind that wanting or entering into a relationship with a publisher in order to simply validate your talent is probably not the best approach.

In Part 1 of our exclusive interview with TAXI founder and CEO Michael Laskow, Michael shared his insights about current opportunities for songwriters and the best way to get your music heard by the right people. In Part 2 Michael gives advice on how to work with TAXI and the work ethic needed to compete in today’s marketplace.

TAXI has been giving artists, bands, and songwriters access to the people in the music business with the power to sign deals since 1992. For an annual subscription fee, songwriters can pitch their material to TAXI industry listings in a broad range of categories. Many TAXI members have achieved chart success and TV/Film music placements using the service. In this exclusive two-part interview, TAXI CEO Michael Laskow shares his insights on the music business with Serve The Song and offers readers candid advice on the best way to get their music heard.

Jeff Greenleaf teaches blind children how to read and write Braille music notation by day and works nights and weekends as a successful film/TV composer from his home studio in Malibu, CA. To date, Jeff has signed over 300 songs to several publishers, one of which places music on the most popular daytime talk shows. Jeff’s music can be heard on many television programs, including “Keeping Up With The Kardashians” on the E! network and MTV’s “Styl’D” and “Nitro Circus”.