TAXI TV

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.

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 The music licensing world is full of myths, misconceptions, outdated advice, and conflicting information—especially on social media and online forums.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 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.