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The jaws of the song shark
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Just like our oceans, there are also sharks prowling the waters of the music business. The difference is these carnivores are in search of un-signed musicians and songwriters.
Getting a recording or publishing deal is a tough nut to crack. To make music matters even more difficult, there are many unscrupulous individuals trolling the shallows ready to cash-in on the dreams of the unsuspecting artist. These scams are everywhere, especially on the internet and one must be vigilant.
While maneuvering through these murky, musical waters, it is helpful to be able to identify the dangerous species from the harmless ones. Common sense is the first and most important piece of equipment to have before submerging into the depths. Remember, nothing is totally free; anyone who solicits services or the ability to help you with your career-search will want something from you. Some of the many schemes are:
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Song Sharks - These are individuals who claim to be legitamate publishers, record labels or firms. They will sign almost any song regardless of quality. Then they will request money from you for a number of different services (submission fees, paperwork, office expenses, packaging, etc.) while at the same time telling you that they are on the brink of getting your music to a major label or artist. Legit publishers never ask the songwriter to pay for items and services that are a standard part of the business. Publishers get paid in the form of royalties after the song has been recorded.
The Demo Mill – Once these people receive your song, they will stroke your ego by telling you how good the song is. Then comes the pitch - you will be told that your song has hit potential but needs to be of studio quality before they can shop it, and they have top-notch studio musicians who will re-record it for a minimal fee (because the song is so good). Once you commit to paying for their services they will consider you hooked. Soon, one cost after another will be thrust upon you for as long as you will continue to pay. Respectible publishers are used to hearing basic, productionless demos. At this early stage they are only interested in the melody and lyrics of the song and not the production. If a good publisher is interested in your song they will most likely re-record the song themselves, or have an idea of what they want to do with it. This is not the responsibility of the songwriter.
Compilation CD’s – This is a popular one. The songwriter will be offered the oportunity to have his or her song included on a compilation CD that will later be shopped to hundreds of record companies, agents and managers. This will be explained as a cost-cutting approach because all of the artists will contribute to the production costs by each paying a fee. Unfortunately, the only people who will probably hear this CD are the people performing on it. Record labels rarely (if ever) listen to these types of compilation recordings. The artists send in their money and their demo recordings. In return the scammers burn a CD of all the songs, slap a label on it and mail a copy to all the contributers. Included will be a letter stating that they are very excited about the many positive industry responses to the CD. They will ask you to be patient, and you will hear from them as soon as all of the results are in. Don’t hold your breath!
Song Contests – This scam is so simple that non-music sharks have entered these waters. The contest requires that you send in a copy of your song along with $10 - $20 (per song). The winner supposedly will receive a recording contract for that song and/or a complete band package of instruments, audio equipment and accessories. Of course, a bogus name is announced as the winner and everyone is sent an email stating that they were runnerup. The songwriter is encouraged to submit their music again for the next contest because they were so close to winning the first time.
Song-pluggers – These are individuals who claim to be part of an experienced team of music industry pros. For a fee they will use the contacts that they have accumulated over the years to shop your songs. The songwriter must first pay a membership fee to be included in this exclusive service. The company will offer a yearly or multi-year membership. Many of these memberships will range from $150 to $400. The songwriter will also receive an optional critique of their songs for an additional fee per song.
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There are supposedly legit music placement services out there that require membership fees. Check all of these services carefully before joining. Email a few members and ask what they think of that particular service. Take time to research independent reviews and articles regarding these companies in respectable music magazines and websites. Keep in mind that if your songs are that good, you don’t need to pay anyone to shop it for you. The composition itself will draw legitimate interest and reward if you take the proper steps to get it heard. This requires research, patience and a professional approach.
Never sell anyone your songs or the rights to them! Unless someone has hired you to write a particular song, don’t allow anyone legal rights to your musical property. In doing so, someone can take your name off of the song and replace it with their own. If someone wants to record your song, be sure to follow the proper licensing procedures.
Let’s face it, most of us can easily be swayed by someone who raves about our talent and offers to assist us in getting that ‘big break.’ Although they will ask for money, some of us will look at this as a small price to pay for fame. But don’t be fooled by compliments and promises that sound too good to be true, because …
Respectable industry people understand that they must pay good money for good songs. These individuals are more than willing to pay the artist in order to get-on-board with a product that they feel will reap rewards down the road. Anyone who asks the songwriter for a fee or payment regardless of the reason should be looked upon with suspicion. As with most things in this world, there are exceptions, but very few!
With these few things in mind, swim carefully and safely in the sandy, salty, surf of the sometimes seedy sea of song.
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