When a Record Label or Agency Reaches Out: How to Separate the Legitimate from the Scam
Getting a message from a record label, music agency, or PR firm can be exciting – but it can also be risky if you don’t know what to look for.
Scams are increasingly common in the music industry, and even legitimate offers can come with hidden traps. Here’s a guide to help artists, managers, and creative professionals evaluate opportunities before saying yes.
1. Verify Their Identity
Before engaging, confirm the label or agency is real:
- Website and contact info: Do they have a professional website, verified social media accounts, and legitimate email domains? Avoid generic Gmail or Yahoo addresses.
- Industry presence: Check if they are listed in industry directories, have media mentions, or a history of artists they’ve worked with.
- Artist roster: Look at the artists they represent. Legitimate agencies are transparent about their clients.
2. Understand What They’re Offering
Legitimate labels or agencies should clearly explain:
- The type of deal (record contract, PR services, distribution, management, etc.)
- What they expect from you in return
- Payment structures and any potential costs
- Duration of the agreement and exit terms
Avoid vague promises like “we’ll make you famous” or “guaranteed chart success.” These are red flags.
3. Watch for Alarm Bells
Some common warning signs of scams or bad deals include:
- Upfront fees or payments: If they ask you to pay for promotion, submission, or “securing a spot on our roster,” this is usually a scam. Legitimate labels take a cut from revenue, not your money upfront.
- Pressure to sign quickly: If they say things like “sign now or lose the opportunity,” or discourage you from seeking legal advice, be cautious.
- Excessive flattery or hype: Statements like “you’re the next big superstar” or “we only work with once-in-a-lifetime talent” without specifics can be manipulative.
- Vague or missing contracts: Any deal without a detailed written agreement covering rights, royalties, and obligations is risky.
- Unprofessional communication: Frequent typos, inconsistent information, or communication via only text/social media rather than official emails can indicate a lack of legitimacy.
- Requests for personal or sensitive information: Never give social security numbers, banking details, or passport info unless verified and legally required.
- Suspicious social proof: Stock photos, fake followers, or unverifiable testimonials are red flags.
4. Check Reviews and References
- Ask current or past artists about their experience.
- Look for testimonials on trusted platforms, social media, or music industry forums.
- Search the company name with terms like “scam,” “fraud,” or “lawsuit” to see if red flags appear online.
5. Read Contracts Carefully
- Know your rights: Pay attention to ownership of your music, royalties, and creative control.
- Duration and exit clauses: Make sure you’re not locked into a long-term agreement without recourse.
- Legal review: Have an entertainment lawyer or trusted industry professional review all agreements before signing.
6. Trust Your Gut
Even if everything looks legitimate on paper, your instincts matter. If something feels off—whether it’s a pushy agent, inconsistent information, or unclear communication—it’s worth stepping back.
7. Do Your Due Diligence
- Cross-check contact info, websites, and social media.
- Ask detailed questions about their process, promotion strategy, and past results.
- Look for tangible proof of success, not just promises.
Bottom Line
A legitimate label or agency will be transparent, professional, and patient, providing clear agreements and real-world examples of their work. Scams rely on hype, pressure, and upfront payments. Always take time to verify credentials, read contracts, and trust your instincts.
By staying vigilant and informed, you can separate the genuine opportunities from the ones that could cost you money, time, and creative control.
