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It’s challenging for anyone to navigate a complex, dynamic industry like the music business. But because a small minority makes it seem simple, many musicians just become victims of dubious transactions and relationships. Everyone in the industry has their scheme, and they all aim to take advantage of the artists they come across, whether those artists have unrealistic expectations of success. As an aspiring music artist, it can be incredibly difficult to know who to trust in the music industry. Unfortunately, scams are all too common in the music world and it’s important to be aware of the potential pitfalls.
There are many reasons why music artists get scammed in the music industry, ranging from the increasing prevalence of online scams to the lack of transparency in some deals. Knowing the common scams and understanding how to avoid them can help you protect yourself and your music. In this article, we’ll look at five reasons why music artists get scammed in the music industry, as well as some tips for avoiding them. With the right knowledge, you can protect yourself from being taken advantage of and make sure that your music career is a success.
Reason 1: Online Scams
There are many types of online music scams, but they all have the same goal: to take money from aspiring artists. Some of the most common types include counterfeit websites, fake contests, and fake music distributors. Counterfeit websites look very official, with logos and information copied directly from legitimate sources. They may seem like a good option for buying equipment and other music equipment, but they don’t deliver and are almost always false. This is a unusual method music artists get scammed but it happens Blocked domains – It’s also worth checking to see if the site you’re using has been blocked by any authorities. If it has, then you know that it’s likely a scam.
Fake contests – Many artists are tempted by the promise of a recording contract or other music industry deal. While there are legitimate contests, many are fake and designed to take money from artists. Be wary of any contests that ask you to pay money to enter or promise an instant music deal. Fake music distributors – It’s also possible to find fake music distributors online. These companies promise to get your music to the top music artists, but they often charge exorbitant fees and don’t deliver on their promises.
Reason 2: Unclear Deals
This is a very common reason why music artists get scammed in the music industry. Many artists are desperate to sign a deal and sign whatever they’re offered, with no knowledge of what they’re getting into. While there are many legitimate record labels, there are also many that are out to scam artists. The best way to protect yourself from unclear deals is to do your research and make sure you understand any deal you sign. The most important part of any deal is the contract. The contract is the document that outlines the terms of the deal. It explains what each party is responsible for and what they will get out of the deal.
The problem with many deals is that the contract is vague and doesn’t clearly outline what each party is responsible for. Artists should always read their contracts and make sure that they know exactly what they’re signing up for. If anything is unclear, you should ask your manager or record label rep to clarify it and this is another sad reason why music artists get scammed.
Reason 3: Unethical Record Labels
While most major record labels are legitimate, some are interested in exploiting music artists. This can lead to several different types of scams, from exorbitant fines to unfair contracts. Exorbitant fines – Some record labels try to scam artists out of money by fining them for relatively minor infractions. While some record labels do impose fines for things like missed deadlines or poor performance, these fines should be reasonable. If your record label fines you an exorbitant amount for something minor, like missed timing or a bad show, then it’s likely an unethical label.
Unfair contracts – Another way unethical record labels scam artists are by offering unfair contracts. Many record labels require artists to sign a contract, but they don’t provide the artist with a copy of that contract. If your record label won’t provide a copy of the contract, be wary. This is often a sign that the contract is unfair and designed to benefit the record label, not the artist.
Reason 4: Unprofessional Managers
Music managers can be a great asset, helping you grow your fanbase and get more shows. However, some managers are unprofessional, which can lead to scams. Unclear contracts – Like record labels, some managers will provide their artists with an unfair contracts. Be sure to read your contract and make sure it’s fair. You can also ask someone you trust, like a friend or family member, to look over the contract and see if it’s fair.
Overpromising and under-delivering – Other managers will overpromise and under-deliver. This happens when the manager promises more than they can deliver and can often lead to missed payments or broken promises. To avoid this, make sure that you set realistic goals for your manager and don’t promise more than you can deliver.
Reason 5: Unreliable Publishers
Lastly, why music artists get scammed; Music publishing companies provide various services for artists, including finding opportunities and placing music in TV shows, films and commercials. While many publishing companies are legitimate, others are interested in scamming artists. Unclear contracts – Like record labels and managers, some publishing companies will provide artists with an unfair contracts. Be sure to read your contract and make sure it’s fair.
You can also ask someone you trust, like a friend or family member, to look over the contract and see if it’s fair. Overpromising and under-delivering – Other publishing companies will overpromise and under-deliver. This happens when the publishing company promises more than it can deliver and can lead to missed payments or broken promises. To avoid this, make sure that you set realistic goals for your publishing company and don’t promise more than you can deliver.
Tips for Avoiding Scams
The best way to avoid being scammed in the music industry is to be aware of the potential scams. The more you know about these scams and how they work, the better able you are to avoid them. Ask questions – Always make sure you understand any deal you’re offered. Ask lots of questions about what you’re signing and who you’re dealing with. If someone is pressuring you to sign a contract before you’re ready, walk away.
Trust your gut – If someone offers you a deal that sounds too good to be true, it probably is. If something sounds fishy, it probably is. Trust your instincts and walk away if something feels off. Educate yourself -Great distro companies are TuneCore and Distrokid, The more you know about the music industry, the better able you are to spot scammers. Read articles like this one and educate yourself about the most common scams in the music industry.
Conclusion
There are many reasons why music artists get scammed in the music industry, ranging from counterfeit websites to unethical record labels. By knowing the common scams and taking steps to avoid them, you can protect yourself from being taken advantage of and make sure that your music career is a success.
