A&R on the Web: The Good the Bad and the Ugly

When I was working in Nashville, a group of around 10 to 15 of us would meet for breakfast at Shoney's on Music Row.  We consisted of major label executives, writers, publishers, A&R executives, etc.  At the same time, there was another group meeting in the back.  These were the guys waiting on their prey to get off the bus while greeting you with a big friendly smile.  While promising you stardom, they were all the while hoping to slip their hand in your pocket.  Well, these guys have now switched from the Shoney's breakfast club to the world wide web cafeteria.

Caveat Emptor
There are some reputable web services out there on the web, and AMP can help guide you through the maze of land mines in the hope that you will arrive at your destination safely.  We have learned through many hours of research that seemingly harmless offers often turn out to be cons.  There is no way I could list all of the culprits here. So, what I will attempt to do in this article is point out some of the more glaring types of scams:

1. The "Song Contest" sites.  While there are some legitimate ones out there, most are scams to get your money.  Be careful, and and speak to a company representative before signing up.
2. Sites that promise to get your songs cut.
3. Over-the-web demos.  While there are many great studios that can do this, you really need to be in the studio while your song gets recorded.  Your songs are your baby, your creation, and you want to be there from inception to birth.
4. Offers of publicity deals, selling your songs, making you a star, tour support, booking, etc.

This list goes on and on and there are many variations of each theme.  Please do your homework and research the sites carefully before forking over your hard-earned cash!

Check with the Better Business Bureau and don't take everything at face value.  Ask questions like, What service am I getting?  Are the sites truly offering valuable services like artist mentoring or artist education?  What's the potential value / return on my investment?  Are the sites endorsed by reputable industry organizations like AMP, the GRAMMYs, SESAC or others?

Always remember, like the predators on Music Row, a lot of sites are geared to prey on your emotions and dreams just to get into your wallet.  Don't base your decisions on your emotions.  Do your homework!