How to Detect (And Avoid) Music Scams
If you’re an artist, and you’ve spent at least five minutes looking for ways to advance your career, chances are you have already encountered a wide variety of music services displayed to you through ads. They’re highly prevalent on any website related to music, on Google searches, in Gmail (if any of your emails are music-related), on YouTube, and in physical sources like print magazines or classified ads.
Isn’t it great that in an industry that is seeing the entry of tens of thousands of new musicians every year, there are so many nice businesses out there looking to help them?
Yeah, right!
The truth is, there are plenty of sleazy individuals and business entities that have been observing the decline of the traditional recording industry. They have noticed all the new artists cropping up, looking for fame and fortune. They smile when they see the common portrayal of artists on MTV and VH1 as rich, living extravagant and glamorous lifestyles, getting huge “record deals”, and so on - even though that image is extremely distorted. All of this has created a prime market for services and products targeted towards musicians who want to make it big, and unfortunately for us, the majority of these are scams.
So, what are you supposed to do? Ignore any seemingly-pleasant emails from important-sounding people that are “interested in your music”? Definitely not. While illegitimate organizations looking to take advantage of artists are prevalent, there are still honest people in the business, and some of them really might be interested in you, personally. Since that’s the case, if you’re interested in maximizing your opportunities and minimizing the time and money spent on potentially useless services, it’s important to learn how to detect and avoid scams.
As you read all of the points below, do keep in mind that just because some factors may warrant more caution, you should always evaluate opportunities thoroughly. An offer might have one or two red flags, but in actuality is completely earnest and worthwhile. Be smart, think like a businessperson, and above all, be objective. The dream of a killer deal can cloud your judgment, as can senseless paranoia of anyone commenting on your music. Try to set aside your personal feelings, and consider all of the factors below.
Dear [Artist]…
If you are contacted personally by someone with regards to your music, the first thing you need to pay attention to is how the email is written. This can be applied to snail mail or even phone calls, as well. Don’t be swayed just because the solicitor knows your name or your MySpace. Anyone can find that info. Take note of the general style of their “pitch”. Are they only speaking about your music in general terms? Are they not referencing specific songs, or if they are, are they being so vague that they could really be describing any song? These should all send up red flags. Real professionals that like your music enough to contact you about it should be able to say more than “your music is great.”
If you poke around online, you may even find other artists or musicians receiving the same letter(s) you did. This is commonplace, and another sign that whoever is contacting you just wants your money, and doesn’t care about your music. If you suspect something is up, be cold and ruthless when you email or call up the company. Demand to be told all the facts. Grill the “talent scout” on why YOUR music was picked. Honest businesses can stand up to the pressure because they have nothing to hide - scam companies will falter, fumble, become overly defensive, and give wishy-washy answers.
References?
Most legitimate music services have plenty of satisfied clients and customers. It should NOT be hard to find real people who have benefited from a service you are looking into. Don’t just take the word of a company at face value if something seems fishy. Look up and personally contact any artists who are listed in a testimonials section to ask what the full story is. Ask the company for specific references. Don’t be surprised the “happy customers” don’t respond - they might not even be real - or if the company refuses to give you references. Look at organizations such as CD Baby, Taxi, or Ariel Publicity - there is no shortage of people shouting praise for these companies, because they are 100% legit!
If someone tells you that they don’t have references or testimonials because their business is “new”… keep walking. Do you really want to invest your time, money, and emotional energy in a company that is untested and unproven, especially considering how volatile this industry is?
Show (Them) the Money
“We’d love to represent you and place your music in five films right now! Just pay us $300 and we’ll get right on that.” Yes, a similar pitch really is used by lots of sleazy businesses. You should always ask “how much does this cost?” anytime someone pitches something to you, or asks for your music. Be VERY wary of anyone promising or guaranteeing your success, in exchange for money. The music industry is not an industry of “guarantees”, and if any organization is opening up its services to the general public, they can’t possibly guarantee success for everyone… but they will tell people that they can.
If someone is looking for money in order to put your music on a compilation, or place your music in a film, hang up the phone or delete the email. You should never have to PAY money for someone to use your music. They might try to obfuscate the facts by talking about royalties, or that you’re just “covering production costs”… and it’s all total bull! Real publishers and agents that can actually do something profitable with your music will not need you to pay anything. They will be getting their cut from the success of the music.
Taxi is an example of a legitimate company in a sea of competitors that are scams. With Taxi, you pay a yearly fee for access to opportunities that you very likely would not have access to anywhere else. Your music is then thoroughly screened when it is submitted - only the highest caliber material is passed along (’forwarded’). The screeners, who are all industry professionals, then give you feedback on your track, something that is very useful if you have been rejected! Taxi never promises success. Even their ads emphasize that your music must be high-quality, and that you must be a serious musician in order for your money to be well-spent. They offer a money-back guarantee, too.
Filters & Exclusivity
Derek Sivers of CD Baby has written on this topic before, but it is worth repeating. Exclusivity is a very good thing. Let’s look at publishers, for example. If a label evaluates 1000 demos in a year, and only selects 5 artists to be added to their roster, then the label will be inclined to spend their resources in promoting and cultivating those artists. There is a vested interest in those artists on the part of the label. The artists’ success means the label’s success, so the label is going to work hard on behalf of anyone they’ve signed!
On the other end of the spectrum, we have scam labels, publishers, and “music groups”. Their strategy is to tell all 1000 people who submitted demos that their music is excellent. All the artists have to do is pay the organization for the privilege of being added! Now, what motivation does the scam organization have to promote all those artists? Sure, they might focus on the same 0.5% of quality musicians that the REAL label did - and that’s being highly optimistic - but why would they care about anyone else? They wouldn’t. The scam is done. The sleazy company already has the money of those 995 musicians.
Contests and Competitions
This is a popular category for scams because it’s just so appealing. For a low fee, you can enter your music into a contest and win something amazing. Sure, there are honest competitions out there, such as the International Songwriting Competition and John Lennon Songwriting Contest, but there are just as many (if not more) bunk ones. If you are invited to a contest, or you’ve heard of one and are interested in submitting, you must find out the following…
* How long has the contest been around? The longer, the better.
* Who were the previous winners? Can they be contacted to verify they received their prize? See the “References?” section, above.
* Exactly how is the contest being judged? Is it a popular vote, are there judges? Who are the judges? Legit competitions tend to attract and make use of established artists and industry pros, and do not vaguely allude to a “panel of experts” or something similar.
* Who is sponsoring the contest? Real competitions should be backed by prominent music-related organizations and manufacturers. Contact the sponsors and ask them for more info, too!
* Do you lose any rights to your music if you submit? You’d be surprised at some of the legalese in contests even with major TV network names attached! In several cases, I’ve seen contests where all entrants automatically forfeit all rights to their music - the people running the contest could use the music however they wanted and not owe the artists a dime. Read the terms of any competition very carefully, or you might regret it.
Preventive Measures
If you’re writing original music, you want to make sure that it is protected and reduce the chance that someone will steal it and call it their own. By default, as soon as you complete a new, unique creative work, it is copyrighted and protected by the government, but if someone were to infringe on your work you would be unable to bring suit against them unless the work were actually registered with the government. Luckily, it’s not too complicated to do this. At the U.S. Copyright Office website, you can find the forms you need to register copyrights for songs and sound recordings with the federal government. There’s a fee involved, but with the right form you can register multiple works at once for no extra cost.
Another step you can take is becoming a member of a performing rights organization like ASCAP or BMI. These entities collect royalties on behalf of their members (composers, writers, publishers) and generally look out for them in a number of ways. By becoming a member of a PRO and registering your works with them (note that this is not the same as copyright registration) you are further protecting your music.
Oh and I came here because I got that same letter from Hitt Music Group.
Hi everyone. Tate Music Group was mentioned earlier, and I’m their industry music consultant, so I thought I’d throw my two cents in the discussion. I’ve been in the industry for 12 years now, and I’ve started a blog on the industry and I cover a lot of these topics that you guys are talking about. If you want an insider’s perspective on some of these things, check it out-
http://tatemusicgroupradio.blogspot.com/
i also got the same message from ruby cobur, what a bummer…
HITT MUSIC GROUP IS NOT A SCAM! They have place my music and keep in touch with my band.
I don’t understand why you people must hate so much. Everyone has bad things to say about everyone. Leave it alone.
Heads up people. Hitt Music Group have changed there name and site and are now going by Songplacements.com
http://www.songplacements.com/ws/index.php
Same set-up etc just different site and name.
Also alot of comments about them being 2 guys in a basement etc is wrong its an operation and they operate out of -
7039 W. Sunset Blvd
Hollywood, CA 90028
So feel free to stop by and ask them any questions you may have in person
also - http://groovemanifest.wordpress.com/2009/07/23/independent-musicians-beware-hitt-music-group-is-a-total-scam/
The International Songwriting Competition is indeed a scam in that they purposely don’t have a deadline. Every year they advertise a deadline, and then whaddya know, they extend it, sometimes more than once. This is very unfair to the people who rushed or were responsible to get their entries in by what should have been the only deadline. Is it a deadline or not?? They don’t seem to know the definition of that or have any ethical standards. Last year they even offered a special extra prize for people who got their entries in for one of the extra deadlines (which was the third one, I believe). My wife called them to complain and they admitted that they do that on purpose every year and have every intention to continue doing that. They said that every contest does that, as if that made it alright, but that’s BS… the JLSC and others do not do that. I think that’s terrible and I will not give them my money anymore and neither should any musician who cares about ethics.
Hitt Music Group is a scam. Now they are going by Song Placements. You can’t stop by their office, because 7039 W. Sunset Blvd is vacant, and has a big fat “for lease” sign out front.
The International Songwriting Competition was something I was really looking forward to. Are you sure it is a scam. I mean maybe they have a lot of contestants so they cannot get back to everyone. Can somebody please help! Is The International Songwriting Competition really a scam? Thanks for the help guys.
Dennis, when did you last contact The International Songwriting Competition? Was it last year or when? I am so curious because I really was interested in it. I am getting mixed reviews. Does anyone have real experience with them. Did anyone win with them recently? I gujess its not that expensive so I would like to get info on this if anyone has a clue or knows for certain. Did anyone else have any experience with them? I read their testimonials here http://www.songwritingcompetition.com/Testimonials.htm and it seemed interesting. They have reviews from several legitimate sources like Guitar News Weekly, Universal Records, Blu Sanders, First Place winner of the Country category in 2007. I mean how can that NOT be real or fake if they actually have real people that have testimonials on their website. They can get in trouble or cant we just contact Universal Records and just simply ask if they have anything to with with this competition or if they have even heard of it. I think I will try to do this and maybe get some insight. I have tried to find more information on this competition to see if I should enter because I am really interested in this competition and I really think I have a great chance. Anyway, any insight on The International Songwriting Competition would be great. This is their website http://www.songwritingcompetition.com.
Hey guys does anyone know anything about The International Songwriting Competition? I really want to get started with them. Any advice would be much appreciated. Thanks again.
HITT MUSIC GROUP
SONGPLACEMENTS
It has come to my attention that a couple e-mails a month with “music -tips” is not worth $400. This group is a scam, whether they operate in a legit atmosphere or not, they have completely ripped off my band and MANY MANY MANY OTHERS!!! and on top of that…when our guy asked them to fix the website URL he responded:
“compared to other features it is not very high on the list of things to be fixed or updated.”
$400 and your not going to fix a URL
Screw them, they will all go to hell for what they’ve done. To even listen to music is a sin for these fuckers, because they obviously don’t understand the effort, blood, and pain poured into music by original artists. haha One day I’m going to laugh at them and know that whatever punishment they are given they very well deserve.
Our #1 hit song will be about you people involved in this group, and it will be harsh and beautiful.
Just follow the link below and you’ll clearly see that this group songplacements of hitt music group is NOT REAL!!!
Red Flag:
“we’re interested in your music…we have a fee…”
“Come on…we can do so much for you….”
http://www.jpfolks.com/forum/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=616401
Definitely a lot of truth to what you are saying. However, I do not agree that when you a signed to record label they will definitely work hard for you. Even the biggest of major often only focus on 10% or less of the deals signed. This is usually referred to as shelving. Many will also sign promising artists that might be competition to someone already signed, just to shelve them. In short, the scams are not just with the little guys and unknowns. In the entertainment business you need to be looking out for sharks from every angle, including the major companies. Remember to ALWAYS consult a qualified lawyer before signing any sort of exclusive deal, no matter how long the company has been around.
I have read about all the pers above writing about scams. True ther are allot out there. I happen to know Samantha King and she won the John Lennon Contest. So now you say this is a scam. Maybe the ones that are saying that these are scams should look at doing something else instead of writing music songs. Maybe they should try working at something that they are real good at like complaining about not being chosen. maybe your song did not catch the judges ear.
Guys (and Gals), I used to dream of the big record deal and became pretty disillusioned at never finding that magic break. But I’ve heard so many stories of people who got the ‘Big Break’ only to find out there was nothing behind the Golden Door. Just ask Rick Astley - who bailed out after two albums, wanting nothing more to do with the industry. Then Luke and Mark Goss (Bros) who ended up owing more than they made. Sting summed it up well - “Music is its own reward”. Just keep writing and playing to whoever will listen - and enjoy making music. The music industry is interested in ‘making money’ not ‘making music’. Keep playing and networking - everyone I’ve ever heard of making it big knew someone inside the industry who got them heard. Keep Making Music!
We received a call as well. She was kinda nervous and beating around the bush so I asked “How much is the fee” and she was a little surprised. Them I said she should pay US for using our song in a movie NOT the other way around.
From what i hear in the industry, Song Placement Co and their owners and employees are under Investigation on a few levels, DECEPTION and UNLAWFUL BUSINESS PRACTICES an well as PLAGIARISM, all of which are serious crimes.
justified refunds are not being honored and credit cards are being charged.. I don’t think they realize how much trouble they are in.
EVERYBODY look out for a website called Song Placements http://www.songplacements.com as they look VERY similar to Hitt Music Group!!
MY SISTER”S FRIEND WORKS FOR ONE OF THE LAW FIRMS ASSIGNED TO HELPING CLOSE DOWN THE SONG PLACEMENT CO/HITT MUSIC GROUP ONCE AND FOR ALL..
THEY HAVE RECEIVED SO MANY LEGIT COMPLAINTS THAT ATTORNEY GENERAL HAS GOTTEN INVOLVED.
THEY ARE NOT ALLOWED TO DISCLOSE ANY DETAILS AT THIS MOMENT BUT MAKE NO MISTAKE , THE SONG PLACEMENT CO WILL BE CLOSED DOWN VERY SOON. THEY HAVE ALL THE PROOF THEY NEED AND ARE GOING TO SUPENA PAST AND PRESENT EMPLOYEES AND THEIR OWNERS.
THE SONG PLACEMENT CO IS ONE OF THE BIGGEST SCAMS IN THE INDUSTRY..
They have infiltrated Berkleemusic.com Website now–beware of these people!
If you have really great, original music, and treat your band like a business, you’ll know better than to go with any of these companies that charge a fee for their services (Song Placement) or take an exorbitant percentage (70% Pump Audio/Getty) - both are guilty of taking a large quantity of music and shoving it in a database where ad companies on a budget can license music for very little. It’s the 99cent store of music, basically full of crap you probably would avoid unless it was cheap enough.
It was pointed out to me by a legitimate agency who represents my music that they have a bunch of logos of networks claiming they pitch, but anyone can make that claim. You can make that claim. Legitimate companies usually indicate what shows they’ve had placements and can show you the actual placement and band associated. Legitimate companies represent a smaller quantity of vetted material and have direct relationships with music supervisors, composers, ad agencies, etc. They don’t charge you a fee to shop your music, they take a percentage, and these days it’s common to take some of the back end because many networks are not paying up front synch/master use fees, or much lower ones. I pay 30% of synch and publisher royalties (not writer’s share, and that’s a whole other conversation) and have had enough placements to make it totally worth avoiding the Pump Audios, Rumblefish, lost in the masses options, and absolutely NEVER paying a fee to one of these bogus companies that are capitalizing on selling you the dream.
Be smart with your intellectual property, and spend more time making it great so when you get an opportunity to submit to a legit agency, maybe they’ll take it. Otherwise these companies are just taxing stupid people which is certainly amusing to watch from the sidelines.
HITT MUSIC GROUP changed to SONG PLACEMENTS!!! The owners also have another company in the works DRIVE MUSIC. I am a former employee. This company did start off with good intentions, to help independent musicians. That is what they did. After about 2 years, the owners got money hungry and fed us all bullshit. The address they give you is real! The “FOR LEASE” sign is only because the upper unit is vacant. DO NOT SIGN!!!
If you do a Google search on Song Placements’ phone number - which is the number that appears at the bottom of most of these scam emails (with and extension of x106), you’ll find the following. ‘Nuff said…
http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=3522074&blogId=513353365
I can tell you all for sure that the International Songwriting Competition is not a ’scam’.
I won 1st place for Blues last year and all my prizes were honoured. With the notable exception of one sponsor, Luna guitars who behaved dishonourably much to the chagrin of myself and the ISC organisers.
I can recommend ICS as honest and worth entering.
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Excellent post.
This is one of the main challenges we’re trying to solve here at Music Xray. We’ve developed a completely transparent system where music industry professionals can receive submissions. Many of them charge a small fee but guarantee they will listen and provide specific feedback. We don’t charge a membership fee so the onus is on us to keep the opportunities legit and interesting. Additionally, artists can comment and rate the professionals and opportunities they submit to so everything is above board. See some comments here for example: http://submit.musicxray.com/profiles/662
There are a number of top industry professionals including a Grammy-winning producer or two who are providing feedback on artists songs 100% for free. No strings. No catches.
On the back side, we’re helping the industry professionals make sense of their submissions, organize them, share them with colleagues and share their opinions. I’d love to know what anyone here thinks of the service. I recognize we have a ways to go but we’re building diligently everyday.
Has any one has success with Ariel Publicity, any good or bad… please share..thanks
Song placements is a SCAM. They are misleading and sometimes straight out lie to you. they really only help 5% of the artist they work with. DO NOT SIGN!!!!
They did change their name from Hitt music group for the reason that they got bad press cause they are a shit company .