The music industry is a competitive space where talented artists strive to make a name for themselves. However, amidst the excitement of pursuing a music career, there are artists who fall prey to scams.
These scams can result in financial loss, damaged reputations and shattered dreams. If you are a music artist, do you know how to spot and address these scams?
Fake record deals
Scammers can promise a record deal with a hefty advance and guarantees of stardom. However, these deals can be too good to be true, and artists may pay thousands of dollars for marketing and promotion services that never materialize. To avoid falling prey to these scams, artists should research the record label and its representatives and never pay for services that seem suspicious.
Phony music promoters
Another scam to watch out for is the phony music promoter. They promise to book shows and festivals but will instead take your money and disappear. To avoid this, artists must research the promoter and their company and never pay for services upfront.
Royalty scams
In addition, royalty scams happen when scammers claim to represent music publishing companies or performance rights organizations. They promise to help artists collect royalties but will take a cut of the money instead of distributing the royalties. To avoid royalty scams, artists should only deal with reputable organizations, such as the American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers (ASCAP) or the Recording Academy.
Fake music producers and engineers
Finally, fake music producers and engineers promise high-quality work but deliver low-quality tracks or nothing at all. Thus, artists must research their background, check for references and ask for samples of their completed work. Additionally, it is advisable to be wary of anyone who is overly pushy in their sales pitch.
Aiming to protect your rights and career
By being informed and vigilant, you may better shield yourself from financial and emotional ruin. However, navigating legalities in the music industry can be difficult and daunting. With legal guidance, you may study your options and make informed decisions as you aim to protect your rights and career.