The American Music Manager’s Blog

Music industry scams, we’ve all heard of them, but how do we keep ourselves protected from falling into their far reaching grasps?  I am going to lay out some of the most common scams and some tips to keep yourself, and your band, safe. 

 I do want to preface this by saying not everyone out there is trying to scam you.  Be cautious, do your research and make smart decisions.

 Record Labels – This is one of the most common types of music industry scams.  Since many musicians have dreams of getting signed to a label, producing a record, and becoming stars, these scam artists prey heavily on new and young bands. 

 Example –

Label representative contacts you via email or phone call telling you they love your music and are interested in doing business with you. 

 Couple of things to watch for;

* How does the phone call/email sound?  Does it seem scripted as in they filled in the blank with your band name and song? 

* Are they asking for money to “preview” or “screen” your music?  If they already listened to your music and said they love it, why do they need money to listen to it again?

* Are they promising fame and fortune?  One of the most tell tale signs of an industry scam.  No one can guarantee success in any industry let alone the music industry.

* References.  Can they provide references to other bands, or distribution companies they work with?  If not, steer clear.

 Tip – Do your research.  Use the Internet, the Better Business Bureau, or other bands that have worked with the label and find out if it’s legit.

 Recording Studios – With all of the new changes in technologies that make it easier and cheaper for recording studios to spring up in anyone’s basement, more and more bands are being lured into the dungeons of disaster and spending their hard earned money on less then stellar recordings.  This isn’t as much a scam as it is just getting your moneys worth for spending your time and money.

 Tip – Ask for references, contact them and listen to their recordings.  Are they happy with their results?  Again, use the Internet.  Do your research.

 Music Industry Contact Lists – If you’ve done any online marketing of your band/music, I’m sure you’ve come across web sites that are trying to sell you a contact list of record labels, managers, publishers, agents, etc.  Do not waste your money. 

 * You have no way of knowing whether or not the information you are buying is current, legit, or even legal. 

* Most industry people and contacts do not accept unsolicited material, why would they accept you calling them on their direct number?

 Tip – If you can’t find the contact info listed publicly, there’s probably a reason for that.  They don’t want you to contact them.  Make a list of what you are looking for, labels, manager’s etc. sit down at your computer, spend some time and come up with your own list.  The absolute best way to get industry contacts is to network.  Go to trade shows, go to live shows, introduce yourself, shake some hands, and buy some drinks, that’s the key to making industry contacts.  There are some nationally published trade magazines that have this information, but again, why spend money when all of this information is more then likely publicly listed already.

 Live Shows – The good ol’ pay to play scam.  This one is very common and found in every major market city that has live music. 

 Example – You’ve done your due diligence, contacted the venue, submitted your music, and you get the call back.  They are interested and want you to play.  But wait, there’s a catch.  They tell you, you have to sell 50 tickets at $5.00 a piece and you get to keep everything over that.  However, if you don’t sell the 50 tickets, you have to pay the difference.  Wait a second, I thought they liked your music and wanted you to play.  Wrong, they want your money and could care less about your music. 

 * Most new bands aren’t going to make much for performing at first, if any, but you should never have to pay to play.

* Showcase Gig – You’re asked to pay to play a showcase gig that will be filled with industry professionals and it will only cost you $200, not bad for your ticket to stardom.  More then likely there will be no industry professionals in the audience, and if there are, it’s probably the intern that was given the tickets because the head cheese was busy with some real clients. 

* Tour Buy On – Once and a while a band will get offered a spot on a national tour and they are asked to pay their way.  These can be legit, but do your research here, what band is headlining, who are you paying your money to, and how many shows are you going to get?  The tour buy on can be a good way to get some national exposure, just make sure it’s the right tour for you.

 Compilation CD – A compilation CD is a great way to get your music into the hands of potential fans, but to what price?

 Example – You get an email saying that “Company X” loves your music and wants to add you to their compilation CD they will distribute to record labels and at industry showcases.  All you have to do is give them some cash.

 * Does the company that is putting together the compilation CD have a good history?  Do they have a track record of quality compilation records that have bands on them that are now signed to legitimate record deals?

* Ask them who else will be on the compilation CD, contact those bands.  If they refuse to release the names, walk away.

* How much is it going to cost?

 Tip – If the company does have a strong history of putting out solid compilation CD’s, and you possibly even have one in your collection, it may be worth it.  However, if after doing your research, you can’t find anyone that has heard of this company, grab your cash and run in the other direction.

 Lawyers – You’ll hear me many times say “Don’t be afraid to run it past a lawyer.”  But, it has to be the right lawyer.  I’m sure I sound like a broken record, but do your research, ask for references, and actually talk to the references.  If it doesn’t seem legit, more then likely it’s not. 

  This post is not to tell you that everyone is out to get you.  There are many good companies that do have your best interest in mind and you can use them to help better your career.  Look into services like Taxi or CD Baby.  MySpace is a good way to get your name out there.  There are agents, managers, indie labels execs and lawyers that are good people that like to see young bands succeed.  The Internet is a wonderful tool, use it to find connections but when it comes down to it, there’s no better way to make a good connection then getting out on the scene and meeting people face to face.  Be careful, do your research, and don’t let fame and fortune cloud your vision.

 A.P.