Music Industry Scams

The music industry, like any other, has its fair share of scams. But it seems like the scams are really rampant in this industry, and I think it's due to the fact that so many people have hopes and dreams revolving around music that others love to prey on.

Be on the lookout for scams that look anything like the ones I will list below! I got hit up by several of the types I will share with you, while some of my other industry friends put me onto other fakers.

Pay-to-Play Gigs: Venues or promoters require artists to sell a certain number of tickets or pay a fee upfront to perform. These gigs often promise exposure but rarely provide meaningful opportunities or significant audience turnout.

Fake Record Labels: Scammers pose as legitimate record labels and offer enticing contracts, but require upfront fees for services like marketing, recording, or distribution. These labels often disappear after receiving payment.

Songwriting Contests: Some contests charge high entry fees and promise exposure, record deals, or cash prizes. However, they often provide minimal benefits, and winners are typically chosen at random or based on favoritism. Some straight-up have no rewards to give out. 

Bogus Management Deals: Individuals pretending to be managers offer to represent artists for an upfront fee. Genuine managers usually work on a percentage of the artist's earnings and have verifiable track records in the industry.

Paid Reviews and Airplay: These can be hit or miss. Some waste-of-time services promise to get your music reviewed by critics or played on radio stations for a fee. Authentic reviews and airplay are typically merit-based and not influenced by payments.

False Endorsements and Sponsorships: Scammers claim they can secure lucrative endorsements or sponsorships for artists, but require an upfront fee to "initiate" the process. Real endorsements are usually based on the artist's popularity and influence.

Expensive Demo Submissions: Companies charge high fees to "review" or "submit" your demo to industry professionals. These submissions rarely lead to any real opportunities, and the feedback provided is often generic.

Fake Concert Promoters: Promoters sell tickets for non-existent events, leaving artists and fans out of pocket and without a show. Always verify the legitimacy of the promoter and event before committing.

Music Distribution Scams: Some companies offer to distribute your music to major platforms for a high fee but fail to deliver on their promises. Use well-known distribution services with positive reviews.

Ghost Producers: Producers who sell the same track to multiple artists or sell low-quality, unoriginal beats while claiming them to be exclusive or custom-made. Verify the producer's work and reputation before purchasing.

False Press Packages: Services that offer to create or distribute press kits for a high fee but deliver subpar materials or fail to distribute them effectively. Research the company’s previous work and client testimonials.

Vanity Labels: These labels sign artists but require them to pay for all their own recording, marketing, and distribution costs, often without providing meaningful support or resources to help the artist succeed.

Pay-for-Play Radio: Internet or satellite radio stations that charge artists to play their songs, often with little to no audience. Genuine airplay is typically earned through quality music and organic promotion.

Fake Playlist Placements: Scammers promise to place your songs on popular streaming playlists for a fee, but the placements never happen or are on low-traffic, irrelevant playlists. Use trusted playlist curators with verifiable success.

Bogus Music Licensing Opportunities: Companies or individuals offer to license your music for film, TV, or ads for a fee, but these opportunities are often fake. Legitimate licensing deals typically involve direct negotiations and no upfront fees.

Phony Talent Scouts: Scammers pose as talent scouts for major labels or agencies, asking for upfront fees to "fast-track" your career. Authentic talent scouts are paid by the labels or agencies they represent, not the artists.

Fake Music Promotion Services: Services that claim to boost your social media following or streaming numbers for a fee but use fake accounts or bots. This can harm your credibility and violate platform policies, leading to account bans.

Workshop and Seminar Scams: High-cost seminars or workshops promise industry connections or secrets but provide little value or access to legitimate opportunities. Research the organizers and speakers before investing.