The Deal to Leave You Broke
In my 19 years of being a musician I would like to think I have seen it all. Unfortunately though, as of late, I realized that is not the case.
Recently, if you have been watching my SoundCloud, or even some of the stuff I have been posting on social media, you would see quite a substantial growth.
Plays have increased, surpassing the 500k mark on SoundCloud alone in just 7 days. I have been releasing new music, dropping two albums within a two week period.
With the amount of growth on social media, I immediately began to think that someone could perhaps finally notice me. About two weeks ago I was contacted by someone that claimed to be an A&R for a label owned by Wale. They said that they were interested in my music and they wanted to hear more. As I advised them that all my music was available on every major streaming platform, they advised me that they wanted YouTube videos instead.
I immediately started to think, “Yea Right.” I sent them some anyway. At that moment they didn’t really say much about the songs they just replied with “We will be in touch.” I had to take into consideration that perhaps with covid-19 they could be reaching out using social media as it gives them a lot of opportunity for finding new talent without really gong anywhere.
After a day or two this guy referred me to someone who sent me a contract via e-mail. This contract looking good and all caught my attention. I mean as an artist I know that being shopped by a label is somewhat of a unspoken goal. After some time in conversation they took my phone number and called me.
What they decided on was having me fly out to Atlanta to meet with them, but first wanted to discuss a $1,500.00 initial investment by myself. Immediately I thought to myself “Well that’s a damn joke.” Which in turn they explained to me the things they would or would not do for me as an artist. Production and recording was made out to be my responsibility. They decided that it would be best for me to pay to host the meeting and that is why they wanted the money, though the said they would buy my plane ticket. They even went as far as saying, we are a vanity label and will only distribute the music. Whilst they would be getting twenty five percent of the royalties.
I decided that the trust was not there any more and decided to decline the so called “Two Million Dollar” deal, even their five hundred thousand dollar sign on bonus they explained I wouldn’t get, but should consider it as in incentive.
My reason for writing this, If you are an independent artist in any stage of your music career, do not become a victim of a vanity label. They just want to steal your royalties and give you little to no support as an artist. In short, it’s a scam. Do not do it. As for Black Royce Music, I suggest avoiding them at all cost.
3 Ways to Tell if a Music Company Is Scamming You
While there are many reputable companies and organizations in the music industry – in fact, the vast majority are on the up and up – there are a few that like to prey on the unaware. While I can’t give specific names (and even if I could, there are likely ones that haven’t hit the radar yet), here are three hallmarks to watch out for to know whether or not you’re about to get scammed.
1. It’s too good to be true
You’ve never been to Nashville, never even sent off one demo in that direction, and yet, a supposed label contacts you out of the blue and wants to sign you. It may work that way in the movies, but there’s pretty much a zero-percent chance of that happening in real life.
You need to be prepared with questions, like “How did you hear about me?” “What genre do you think I fit into?” and “If I sign, what sort of plan would you lay out for my career?” Any legit person is happy to answer reasonable questions like this, and more importantly, will have intelligent and well-thought-out answers.
2. They want money upfront
Nobody in town can promise you a guaranteed number-one hit or a cut with a specific artist (unless you happen to be writing with that artist, then it’s a possibility). In fact, the most I’ve gotten is, “Well, so-and-so is looking. Let me see what I can do.” But again, no direct promises, because it just doesn’t work that way.
I’ve heard horror stories of scam artists asking big money to pitch songs and then straight-up lying to the writer that the project was on hold or that the song had been recorded, or that the track was even being pitched at all.
Be sure to ask what someone’s track record is: what recent cuts has he or she gotten? What artists/managers/labels does he or she have relationships with? If that person’s evasive, that’s a red flag.
The exception are “song pluggers” that are legit. These are independent individuals who aren’t really publishers but try to get songs placed. Generally speaking, they don’t ask for an upfront fee. They’re 100 percent above board though, have long track records, and are straightforward and honest about what they can do.
3. Their promises are unrealistic
Nobody in town can promise you a guaranteed number-one hit or a cut with a specific artist (unless you happen to be writing with that artist, then it’s a possibility). In fact, the most I’ve gotten is, “Well, so-and-so is looking. Let me see what I can do.” But again, no direct promises, because it just doesn’t work that way.
I’ve heard horror stories of scam artists asking big money to pitch songs and then straight-up lying to the writer that the project was on hold or that the song had been recorded, or that the track was even being pitched at all.
Be sure to ask what someone’s track record is: what recent cuts has he or she gotten? What artists/managers/labels does he or she have relationships with? If that person’s evasive, that’s a red flag.
The exception are “song pluggers” that are legit. These are independent individuals who aren’t really publishers but try to get songs placed. Generally speaking, they don’t ask for an upfront fee. They’re 100 percent above board though, have long track records, and are straightforward and honest about what they can do.
Remember, just because someone has an office on Music Row doesn’t necessarily mean that person’s legit – it just means he or she can afford it. Always ask questions, and be cautious of anything “too good to be true” or red flags in someone’s track record. Don’t be afraid to check with places like ASCAP, SESAC, BMI, and the Songwriters Guild. They can often tell you if something sounds right or not.