| CD Baby DIY Musician Podcast |
 June 29,
2009
Ep.65 : Matthew Ebel - Stream your concerts to the world
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| CD Baby Music Podcasts |
 Music Discovery
 Hip Hop
 60's Pop
 Rockabilly
 Top Sellers
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| posted by DJ Kenneth A on Thursday May 25 2006 @ 09:23AM PDT |
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What do you guys know about A&R Select?
I've been trying to dig up some info and all I've found out is that they are a service much like Taxi.
I was going to send them a demo (since I'm getting one ready to send out to labels.)
I had heard that they charge something like 200 bucks for 6 months of their service.
But I haven't heard much else.
Anyone know anything?
Check out DJ Kenneth A's "Saint Elmo and The Osprey" on CD Baby at http://www.cdbaby.com/kennethadj2
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They contacted me. They want 199 for 3 months, 299 for 6 and 399 for 6 months...
the guy was trying to pitch it up as a great way to make alot of money from my music. If this is the case, why not take the membership from the money I will be making...
Seems as if they are another company that wants to profit from musicians and artists....
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| by
on Tuesday August 15 2006 @ 05:10PM PDT [ reply | parent ] |
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Hi I have been with A&R now for only two weeks and I don’t know what has happened with the company, Today I found out that they deleted their MySpace account. Changed all of their phone numbers. I called the LAPD and they told me that the address that A&R where giving out was simply a Building with More then 400 Mailboxes in it. I called the business next door to A&R Select and they told me that they had never heard of any such Company. I don’t know what is going on here but I will take action if I do not get a response from them soon. I have someone at the LAPD investigating this matter and I will be notifying the Federal Trade Commission as well as the BBB. I am only giving them one more day to come forward with their explanation.
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Guys, I just spent a few minutes reading through this and looking into the group. It is so clearly a scam and I feel really bad for the poor ignorant people who have been duped into paying hundreds of dollars for a service that any self-respecting musician could provide for themselves.
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This is no scam! My friends own this company and it is totally legit!
Stop saying things that you do not know for sure are true! Look
mee They are doing a transition to promo FM right now so things
may be a little strange as far as site address finding is concerned.
Clark
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This is not true. A&R Select has been at the same office for over two years and have not changed any phone numbers. There has never been any kind of investigation. This is because A&R Select is a real company that has been in business for four years now. Only a real business with real services stays in business for years.
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Thanks for the info. I had been asking around and others seemed to say the same thing.
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which service of these is the best and most legitimate as far as anyone knows, indie911, a&r select,taxi and there are more. does any one know?
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With a&r select from what i understand, the main difference is
that for the 299 membership, they include services like writing
artist bios, as well as personalized songwriting and image
consultations by phone with an assigned rep (which i thought
was actually kind of cool). Also they don't charge per submission
like the others do (which is what turned me off about taxi) so
there is no "up-sell". I contacted some of the artists that were
members on the www.myspace/arselect page . They verfied all
that to be true, (and many had already recieved the services and
were quite happy with A&R).They also give you a storefront to
sell your product and let you keep 100% of your earnings (works
for me!). Apparantly many of their members on the site claim to
have signed deals with MTV through them. Unnfortunatley i dont
have the $$ to pay for their service right now, but i've done quite
a bit of research at this point,and it seems like they offer more
than anyone else for the price.For now im justthinking abouty
setting up an account here on cd baby. I'd suggest asking a
current member of their service to get a real perspective on
whether its worth it. Many are leaving positive comments on the
myspace site.
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cool. That sounds good to me. If I had the money to do it I probably would.
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they contacted me aswell today, but i missed the call. it sounds interesting, but to expensive for me atm.
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I have been with A&R Select since March and I paid the 199.00 for my three month membership. I figured I would give it a shot since I would be paying the same amount in either management or booking agent fees anyway so I didn't think it would be a big deal.
I talked with them about what they offered and they seemed sincere and they didn't try to pressure me into doing anything. They said they would assign me an "image consultant" and help with artist bios as well. I didn't talk with anyone that claimed to be my personal "image consultant" and I don't remember my bio coming up in conversations either.
My only complaint with A&R Select was that they had taken down my e-mail address wrong and I didn't receive my "deal sheets" through the e-mail like I was supposed to and it wasn't until I had re-verified my e-mail address with them that I received my first deal sheet.
I too was contacted regarding a deal with MTV but, I passed on it. The agreement was quite vague and didn't look official so I didn't sign it. The deal basically allowed them (MTV) to use your music or to record your music and use it in their programming as they see fit. My only payment was going to be 1.00 and the "promotional consideration" for my song. It didn't seem like the deal I was looking for.
This is a new company and I think they are trying to conduct themselves professionally and fairly. They need some work in the customer service dept. perhaps but, all in all I think they are trying. Here is my advice!!!
1. Really ask them questions. Have them explain in detail what your membership fee is going to guarantee.
2. Browse the internet and do your homework. Check out the websites at BMI and ASCAP, they have alot of good information for their members.
3. Don't sign anything without understanding what is is. Find an attorney who specializes in music law and run it passed them first.
4. Ask fellow musicians about their experiences with dealing with "licensing" their music and what resulted from their dealings.
5. Decide up front if "x" amount of dollars is worth losing if nothing pans out. They were good about not promising anything from that standpoint so, I could afford to lose 199.00.
I hope this helps out a little.
I do believe we as artists need to help one another so, passing along good information is our best defense in ths business.
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Thank you. I got the same thing, but pressure to order now over
the phone. I don't do business like that and they should know
better than to do pressure sales. It's not good for business. I am
new in this here realm and wondering what the best place to go to
is for AR Representation. Are these the only choices. I will do more
reseach. I just want to be had again.
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Thanks! That's actually a good set of questions to think about. I'm so skeptical of so many A&R businesses you know? But it's good to hear this sort of feedback from other artists.
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| by
on Monday August 18 2008 @ 10:52AM PDT [ reply | parent ] |
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I was pressured intensely. They didn't even notice that I was not on their site for six months, yet they called me to ask me for more money. No one there really helped me.
I'm just taking this one as a loss.
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I just got called today on my cell phone, during dinner, by one of the guys at A+R. After telling him i was headed to college, and didn't have the investment, he said he'd let me pay 99.99 right now, and pay the remaining 100 next month. i thought about it, and said i was onboard. i gave him my debt card #, and he sent me the acceptance email. nothing gets withdrawn until i accept. It seemed like a great idea, and he told me that with the 199$ deal, i would get that bio thing and image consultation. i live on the other side of the country, so how that's possible is beyond me. anyways, it still sounds very reliable, i was not pressured, and felt very comfortable talking to him. i would just like to get some other opinions on A+R itself just so that i can accept this soon.
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Ok here's the deal!! A&R Select is a total scam... Go to their website and their MySpace and you will see a bunch of manufactured crap about what they will do for you. Anyone who has done anything in this industry will tell you that if you have to pay for anything up front it's a scam and a joke. I confronted A&R Select about this and they became very hostile and abruptly ended the conversation, I have not heard from the since. Does this sound like the behavior of a company on the up and up? All the feedback on their web page and MySpace is all B.S. you can contact their "artists" all you want and they will tell you how great they are but has anyone ever stopped to think that these are fake profiles set up by A&R to intice you? Much like the positive feedback people have left on this forum (it's abviously writen by someone inside the company) You can do whatever you want with your money but if you are going to throw it away like that why don't you just give it to me?
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that's exactly the problem... you're the kind of person that wants something (my money, success in the industry) for nothing. consider the source people.
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| by jim
on Wednesday September 26 2007 @ 11:11PM PDT [ reply | parent ] |
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I dont get this bunch. thay tell me i got to pay now.i told them ,Hey man i can pay all at once next month. i mean i dont feel this is a good idea to fork over 200 bucks now an 200 buckes next month an i dont have any thing in writing. never got an e-mail from them after i was told 2 times that thay would send me stuff to look at.thay wont even let me on there friends list on myspace.my band is www.myspace.com/diamonzedgeband i write than not for onley the free plug but so that you can get back to me an let me know what the hell is up with this ar select.jim
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I know a guy at a label in New York that works with them..He
says really good things about the music he gets from them and
what they are trying to do for Indy artists. Im interested, but I
looked but couldnt find out where I can sign up? Anybody know?
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I've been using these guys since february. They're killer. I was
kind of skeptical at first, since I hadn't heard of them, but it's
been rad so far. Rita rewrote my bio, Mark goes over
submissions, the guys in the office are cool. I went to see an
Interstate show with them, and they're cool guys. My songs were
on a radio station because of them.
I guess it's like this: they don't guarantee that your stuff gets
signed, because how can they? But, if you want someone in the
"industry" to help you through it, give you exposure and be
some guidance, then they are there for you. If you straight up
want God to place your music....then you're shooting too high.
I'm cool wtih putting money into my art. Like an artist pays a
gallery to hang their work and HOPE someone buys it, A&R puts
our music out there in HOPES that it gets placed.
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FYI: An artist doesn't usually pay a gallery to hang their work. The gallery gets a consignment fee if the artist sells an item.
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Okay, here's the deal. They contacted me on myspace telling me to contact them asap. I've dealt with this bullshit before (not from them)... But it's easy. If they tell you something, a good way to shut them up is to tell them that a real agent makes money from what the artist MAKES and if they truly believe in you, they'll do it, and then take the money from what you make ya know? Because in all reality, an entertainment agent is supposed to be just that. I've been an extra on TV, and all the main characters on the show I was on even told me that... Music industry and entertainment industry agents are the same, and if they aren't (such as if they try to charge up front), then they aren't doing their jobs right, or they're scamming something.
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Wow this is crazy. I searched A&R after a myspace email I got yesterday and a phone call (which I sent to my voicemail) today. Luckily I got sent to this page. I think I agree with the last comment posted...if someone wants you bad enough and believes that you have the talent they want, wouldnt THEY be paying YOU? I may be wrong..I'm new at all of this. But making someone pay for something that they are giving you sounds ridiculous. Especially if we end up making them money...?
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we signed up with A&R over 2 weeks ago and have heard NOTHING since then...i sent them an email and got back a response that i think was supposed to go to someone in their office....we also set up our webstore, but the link they gave us isn't working either....i'm starting to smell a scam....it's very disappointing....we spent the $299 for a 6 month subscription, were told that one of our songs was already being considered for a film, and then nothing since then....has anyone else had this same experience??
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I got contacted by these guys as well. To me it doesn't seem right. If they aren't making money from your success than what is the incentive for them to do anything for you. Once you sign up they have your money no matter what happens. It was exciting to see that email from an A&R company but since I've thought about it I don't like it I think. Also to the poster who asked about cdbaby, I believe this is a very valid and legit company. They profit from your profit so therefore it works.
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Im a member, and i've had nothing but a poisitive experience. I think they really have helped me and my partner with alot of aspects that we really werent considering as part of what we need to get a record deal. My rep spent 30 minutes on the phone with me going over my music, which i was not expecting. Im not surprised that most of the negativity on this blog comes from non members, or people that have that old school mentality and are just expecting to be scammed. Things are changing for musicians, and A&R select is an obvious step in the right direction. I call them once a week to check in and they are always proffesional and courteous. Just one consultation was worth the 199 i paid for the membership. In my opionion there is too much ignorance on this blog. I am with CD baby and A&R btw.
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hi.
my name is beth wimmer, and i'm a new member of A&R Select. i'm also with cdbaby and various other musicians' promo sites. some are free and some are not
i met the founders of A&R Select at a party - they were fun and neat people with a real Love for music, and seemed up to some interesting things in the music biz.
the staff has been very personable and helpful on the phone and via email, and have answered all my questions.
i went in person to their office and met the rest of the staff, who took time to talk with me, even though they were at work on computers and phones looking for and submitting artists for deals.
they have very interesting deals and opportunities to submit my music to, so i am really giving it a shot. they also have interesting extra opportunities, like gigs in other cities, and chances to win a free 6-month renewal, so i think that's cool.
i have not encountered any hidden fees. but yes, they are a business and need to pay their overhead (office and staff, computers, and do the things people in the music biz do to maintain relations)
to me, they are a bunch of authentic people with a Love for music and a desire to do something similar to TAXI, and why not?
my thinking is: if you have the money to spare, would like to build a relationship with some people that are making things happen in the music biz, and would like to take a chance, then try it out. if you're not happy with the service after 6 months, or maybe can't afford to renew, then don't renew.
thanks for listening,
~beth
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Beth is on JPF forum saying the same exact thing.
Smells like a scam.
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Personally, I use TAXI. While it is true that they charge you per
submission ($5 per song), they ARE solid. I was referred to them
through friends who are musicians (some songwritters who have
had their songs connected to artists such as Dionne
Warwick..through TAXI) and have used them successfully, so I had
back-up. So far, it is working and I have not been ripped off. We
keep finding our way, slowly, in this daunting but wonderful world
of being artists...
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Here's the thing. I submitted many songs through A & R Select,
and every time they just disappeared into a black hole, no
response. there was once I was told that we were being
considered for some gigs down in Austin, and then nothing.
I prefer Taxi at this point because they will at least give you
some sort of feedback about what you've submitted. I don't care
if they think it sucks or if they're ready to sign it, either way I
want the feedback!! They also ignored me once I gave them the
$400.00, they re-wrote my bio, wasn't all that great, I've since
had to re-write it myself again, and I never received an image or
phone consultation. So I'm pretty pissed off at A and R Select.
Not to mention, I actually sold songs by releasing them on Itunes
and Amazon so who needs them?
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I got an email from them too. They had two artists that gave them props in the massage they sent me. I went to those myspaces to see how well the artists were doing. What I noticed is that without A&R's help I am already doing better than the two artists they use to prop them selves up in the email and I've only been doing my music for about 6 months now. Why the heck would I pay all that money for something I am already achieving?
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A&R Select is a cleaver scam. I was contacted by A&R Select two weeks ago. I was dumb enough to send $399.00 All they guarantee is that they will write you a bio. Their false claim is that they will send your music to the record labels they have listed, some of which include: ASCAP, BMI, Def Jam, eE, Maverick, Universal music corp., Reprise Records, and WB Records to name a few. I did a little dirty work here and decided to contact these record companies. I called ASCAP and talked to one of their reps. He told me that he had never heard of A&R Select and when I gave him their website address (http://www.arselect.com) he let out a deep breath and said "it does appear that we are listed as one of their business associates". Then he said that his company will look into this. Then I decided to call up BMI. They told me that they work with thousands of companies but have never heard of A&R Select. Then I called Reprise Records. The man on the phone sounded like he was in a hurry. He told me that he had never heard of A&R Select but that he deals with thousands of companies. Then he pretty much closed the conversation with I'm sorry, there is nothing I can do to help you. Good bye. That's it! You decide if A&R Select is a legitimate company. Do the dirty work! Find all the numbers to these record companies and ask them if they work with A&R Select. The more people who call in, the better. I claimed fraud on my credit card already because I know A&R Select won't guarantee me anything other than a stupid bio because no one I've talked to has ever heard of A&R Select. The question you must ask yourself is "Am I willing to pay a company with no reputation to write my bio?"
Do the dirty work!
Cheers!
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WOW I along with other's wish I would have read this site before hand so here it is!! I was aproached by Kelly so her name is if this is her name????? I let it ride for a couple of week's thinking it was BS from the start then I thought ok I'll check it out.I was phoned by one of their so called Rep's Andy Bloch is his name another big maybe ? I find out his number is not a Hollywood Beach number.They told me for 5 bills for a year they would do everything they told you all ok so I start thinking like you all.But I said let's do 50/50 on the payment ok.First mistake I don't see on their site a secure payment form this should of been my first clue!! I called my bank and put a stop on the payment the next day I was to late but wait till they try to make the next payment on the 25th.They want to take me court F*** Y**!!And who want's to give up the right's to their music sure as hell not me!! If I do 1 million up front B***H!! All the negative S**T on here is true but I found out to late there links don't work that they send you and one big thing that told me I was had I paid 249 and the remainder is to be paid on the 25th of next month well once I paided them I tried to call the next day nothing and nothing I would alway's get turned to their answering service with no return call back that started to piss me off if I could go through the phone once I had one of those ass clowns on the phone I'd pulled him by the neck clean through the other side.Myspace for me is this I create mymusic so why do you need someone telling me what to write isn't it your music or do you need someone telling you what is good or not so in my eye's mymusic myspace number one remember that for yourself's.So as soon as I could not speak to no one on the phone I knew I was had I immediately sent my cancellation email wow go figure they called I told them about all this on this site and they told me it was all lie's well to many lie's don't you think!! I called the BBB in Hollywood and the first thing that they said was Wow they have alot of complaint's once again I told them that well people get madd because you can't please everyone is what I was told!! and the BBB told me they have never heard of them.I also called ASCAP they told me they have never heard of them.Well another red light!! A&R told me they work with DiscMakers I called DiscMaker's in California they also said never heard of them another red light!! Now for me I build custom motorcycles check out myspace page www.myspace.com/cactus62 you will see me on one I built for a customer in New Jersey now one thing about my business is being in Nebraska and people by a bike from me if I don't anwser the phone I think someone is going to come calling for the price of bike's I build I am legitimate and so is my business so when you deal with someone who does'nt anwser the phone until you cancell it is a scam believe me!! No one can stay in business like that and that is not the way I want to be treated by someone I am doing business with even if they are legitimate or not if I pay you for something then I want to be able to speak with you don't you!! I hope they see this call me up you F**KS I would love to come and pay you a visit but for me I could afford the 249 not a big deal and I enjoy my freedom but all in all don't deal with them they will take your money and then you won't be able to speak with them is that the way you want to do business if so send me your money and I will give you the phone number to the Gas Station up the block!! They got me don't let them get you!!!!!!!!!!!! And sure as Hell don't send your C.D. to them which I did'nt do thank god or I would've had to hunt someone DOWN!!!!!!!!!!!! I also post comment's on their myspace now as a member they still don't post them so don't do business with these joker's you've been warned!! Do the work yourself ITUNES and also one true good tip is DiscMakers has the same deal and will work with you to post your song's on digstation they are legitimate and I will be working with them check them out they have a real site with their services posted on their with a secure payment form and the BBB icon on their they are legitimate I just wish I would have seen before these ass clown's and I have spoke with them they do answer their phone calls big plus in my book of business!! If A&R was true to the game why would'nt they clear all the bad rap about them I don't do business with people like that I suggest you don't either!!
1. Get in with ASCAP
2.Get in with someone like DiscMakers
3.Work with a reputible company
4.Post your song's on any digital stations you can
5.Also get in with SnoCap so the money goe's to you for selling your mp3's & C.D.'s
6.Get a paypal account and only you can access
7.Get a tax ID#
8. Goodluck
9.Check out www.myspace.com/cactus62
Your Friend!!!!!!!!!!!
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In Retro To A&R
Well I have tried to remove my previous comment about A&R it took them awhile to come around and to actually have contact with someone and thing's seem to be moving in a positive direction no BS ! I also thought this was a scam along with everyone but I guess I relized that my purpose for joing A&R was to create more traffic to mysapce page and so far it seem's to be working so another positive.I went from 3200 people who have listed to my song's to 4400 in 2 day's so for me that is a good thing because I don't want my music to become stagnent in cyberspace I want people to still listen to them so I guess the avenue of more people to introduce to my music through them was a good thing.I will keep you posted thanks.
Cactus62
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A&R Select is wishy washy at best. I know. I've been with them since May. I realized that this company was much like TAXI, except they didn't charge per submission. And the fact that they were smaller eased my fears about signing up.
Since I signed up, I've had a lot of positive feedback from them, Mark especially. So much that Mike, the director, played one of my songs at his wedding. I thought he was lying at first.
I've always been one to be skeptical about positive affirmations about one's own music. I find it uncomfortable and forced from most, but when they tell me they dig the music, I know they're spitting the truth.
If you have a problem investing $$$ into your music, then how did you get this far without $$$. The truth is, unless you find and invite a bunch of publishing agents to your show, they're not going to find you when you've never been in the public eye. A&R Select/TAXI/Indie911 extend their services for a fee to the lesser known artists in hopes to make 'em huge. They're actually extending a co-publishing agreement to me, which would withhold me from any subscription fees, because they've found my music and believe in it enough to put their asses on the line.
I hope this answers some of your questions.
And oh yeah- BUY MY CD @ www.musicadd.com!!!
Paz,
Gejius
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Thank you everyone. I received a email on my myspace site. Reading the comments has been so helpful and appreciated.
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Frauds. Were very nasty after I thought about where my $299 was going and cancelled within 2 hours after saying I was going to do it. Nasty and verbally abusive to me over the phone for wasting 10 minutes of their precious time. Scam Scam!!
Should never have to pay this much up front.
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| by
on Sunday February 04 2007 @ 12:43PM PST [ reply | parent ] |
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Instead of listening to other bloggers rank on a&r select why wouldnt you look at all of the artists on theirsite and myspace site www.myspcea.com/arselect who have paid and are happy with having someone rep their music? I think most people who blog are just crybabys happy to find other crybabys who dont know anything about the industry and how it actually works. Get a life guys!
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Be careful of A&R do your own promotion they don't answer there phone call's anyway's is that the way you want to be treated after paying them not me!!
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| by CS
on Saturday February 03 2007 @ 10:53PM PST [ reply | parent ] |
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What do you have to loose? You only have one life. Do you want to be 1 40 yr. old musician that's never done shit or made any real money. I all about movin' forward I paid for a year w/ money I don't have. My plan is to get all the insight and advice I can then do it my damn self.
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***Im posting this on both threads I found; all the events related are true***
So as a musician I got a mail in my myspace box from a company called 'A&R Select' (http://www.arselect.com/). I usually delete these things ASAP because I know scams a mile away but I looked it up with the better business buearu and they were members with only one complaint 'resolved' against them so I figured 'what the hey' and gave them my #.
I got called today (completly forgetting I had ever been contacted LOL) from a guy named 'Mark'. First it was the compliments: we love your music, is it original, your very marketable, Im the 2nd level guy so your special, what do you wanna do tra la la la la. Once I explained my plans he started selling me what they were...without using any real plain terms. It was very vague: oh we can make you a lot of $ ($5,000-$50,000 were #s given), we can give your music to TV shows and online radio tra la la la la, and it wont cost you any royalities. Now for non music folk a publishing company (which was what he was making them out to be) usually takes a percentage of your royalities (pennies on the dollar) and publishing deals are usually pointless anyways (for what they cost).
So then he gets into another spiel about how they can promote me, make me a website, give me an image consultant, and *whisper* theres a small fee but...*continue with rambling*. It took 3 tries to get him to explain what the fee was for and what it was. Turned out you could be increments of 3: 3 months for $200, 6 for like $400, and a year for like $500. He even said himself they barely help the 3 month folk; more focus is put into the higher paying people.
He was pressuring pretty hard by then and Im like 'Hahaha yeah I think I have better uses for $500...besides everything your describing to me is useless. I can promote myself online (its not hard), I do promo crap well for myself, and Im good with image, etc..." He didnt like that...he started reselling it (pimping writing a 'bio' professionally for me heavily) and constantly using the word 'online' like "Get your songs played on online radio stations, and given to online promoters, etc". I called bull on that. I said "What about offline?" You know what his reply was? "What does offline mean?" Im like "Real physical places and people. For instance could you get me played on KIIS or get me featured in Seventeen Magazine?" His reply: "Well we cant promise anything we only show you to people its up to them...and I still dont know what you mean by physical..." My reply: "Well so you cant SHOW me to offline places?" He again went back to previous reply.
This went on for about 5 mins before he got a bit beligerent. Now all of a sudden hes saying "We should stop going in circles; look you got potential; your marketable; but your promotion and image needs work and without using our service you wont be able to do that on your own/it'll cost you more to get other people to do it for you..." Basically bullying me into "If u dont buy our service you will never succeed." Ladies and gentleman despite trying to be professional 'just incase' I finally HUNG UP.
Good thing I did: http://cdbaby.org/stories/06/05/25/4215506.html and http://www.justplainfolks.org/ubb/Forum7/HTML/000536.html shows why one shouldnt pay them. Its old school common sense that if you have to pay up front for anything your being stupid/swindled. Especially in their case: if they are supposed to promote, develop, and market me to places what is their incentive if I just pay them by the month increments? If they were getting a percentage then they would have motivation...very suspicious.
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anastacia- good timing on the hang-up. unfortunately, i had some extra cash to spend and gave a&r select $299 for a bio, which was surprisingly good (here's some of it for an example: "Ryan Rounkles is a name to bear in mind. This is the man who is taking acoustic songwriting to new levels. A genre particularly rooted in emotion and heavily dependent on its ability to be evocative and resonant, it has found a hero in Rounkles. Ryan Rounkles writes songs that reverberate across the emotional spectrum and ring true. There’s nothing contrived or artificially heartstring-tugging about Rounkles work. This is honest, affecting songwriting. The proof is in the pudding, as they say; Rounkles spent over two months traveling Europe with his music and never failed to encounter praise and thanks for his music – even from those who didn’t understand his language!"...and so on) and suggestions on what i needed to change on my MySpace page. That's right, my MySpace page. I've tried to contact them 5 times since November to no avail. Just my experience: A&R Select is a get the money and run operation.
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Wow, thanks a lot for writing this, you saved me a ton of money. Between talking to "Bob" or whatever, my phone dying, and getting a call back, I googled them and found this page, and you saved my ass. Frankly, it sounds like A&R builds you up just to shoot you down, and overprices seemingly useless crap that you can give 20 bucks to a monkey to do.
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Hey man...I just read this. Good thing I did. I really didn't think it was going to lead me anywhere, and here's the brick wall. Good thing I stumbled by this. I'll let them off easy.
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Hey guys- Thanks coming to you from my direction.
Yes, it's flattering to be contacted about my music. But, the promises on the website sent my spider sense tingling. I'm glad I did a search and stumbled onto this page as well.
I'll spend the time searching their other artist bio's and copying the comments, and I'll spend the money on getting more demo's copied and driving around distributing them to clubs.
Stay tuned, all...Peace
-Keith
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We got an e-mail today. It sounded convincing because not only
did they direct it to me personally, but also took the time to
know not only my songs names, which they said they were
interested in, but the content of the lyric as if they has accually
listened to them. They must be going through CD baby and my
space to find us because I don't remember sending them
anything. I have added up the amounts above me, and it looks
to me like these guys are making quite a bit of money, not that
we all don't deserve to be paid, esspecially if we have done the
work for it. This will be so disappointing if it turns out to be a
scam. You all know how much we want to see our music fly, and
I am sure you have all done as much work trying to get it out
there, as I have. I wish I knew what to do.
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thanks everyone for the feedback on this company .
I almost fell for it even though I always can tell a scam .
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i don't think any company would be contacting you via myspace if was leggit and wanted to use your music for anything...i was called last year by ARS and i wasn't sure what to think. i heard stories that they weren't real. im not falling for it. if i've missed my chance, then i have missed my chance, screw being screwed....
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I wouldn't go so far as to say that no one legitimate contacts you on myspace. My band and I got a tv pilot and more gear than we could ever possibly use from MTV, thanks to a random myspace message from one of their casting associates. But as far as A&R select is concerned, if you're considering signing up with them and have gotten this far in the thread and are still looking for something to renew your hope in them...forget it! Spend your money on banner ads or stickers or something that will actually help you. Or at least take me to dinner...nothing too fancy...I really like the Olive Garden. We can even go during the unlimited soup salad and breadsticks hours.
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ARSelect is alright, I like the weekly deal sheet and personal attention they give to their musicians. They are a work in progress...I think most of the people who've commented are being a little too harsh on 'em.
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http://www.copyright.gov/
Here is a very good link the main thing is protect yourself and educate yourself!!! I was no different then anyone here I believed them also but a little to late but for 249 it has made me wiser and you will see my new C.D. on digstation very soon!! Never send your music to anyone unless you have copywrite don't let people like that fool you!! Take Care!
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I too was contacted by A&R Select. When I returned their phone call, I was connected to an "A&R" rep who claimed that they were so busy it was "ridiculous" because it's now "pilot production season" and that "MTV and all the major networks were asking for music."
The bottom line is that this dude wanted me give them 499.99 to cover their "administrative expenses" because "this is the music business".
He claimed that A&R could be pitching my music to TV shows, films and even bigger clients like music for a Coca-Cola commercial.
When I balked at the price tag, he was willing to have me "post date" the charge. He kept saying that Kelly(their so-called A&R head)must have thought they they could do something with my music, otherwise they wouldn't have contacted me.
What's wierd is this same dude kept saying that he had to get off the phone, because "they were busy with network pilot production season", but then he kept on talking and kept trying to get me to forward the 499.99 or even a "50% deposit"
In the end, I didn't give this dude one dime. Yes, I agree, this is nothing more than a creative scam.
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What you should have done is "offered to let him go and tend to his business, since he was sooo busy". hahahha
http://www.myspace.com/880south
I'm with the guy above, DIY. Copyright your shit, call these companies yourself. Just be prepared to deal with rejection, it's a huge part of the music business.
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Do the work yourself. It will save you money. You will build a
fanbase, and you will feel the gratification of getting signed
because you are good. Not because an A&R said you are good, and
then sent it to another A&R who said you are okay, and then sent it
to someone who could really sign you who liked it, but found that
you haven't sold a single cd...
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They are relatively new (1 year in business).In my opinion, It's good to see new companies forming to promote indies in new ways, and they just got written up in 944 magazine, In LA.
Check it out:
http://www.944.com/losangeles/more.php?article=4584
there are a lot of questionable companies, but I think what A&R is doing is a little different and unique at a minimum. I did some research and they do artist development giving bands digital stores, press kits, publicity,marketing, advertising and such... for a fee of course, but then again who works for free? Id pay someone for help if i think i'll benefit from it. I think the that rules out the possibility of them being a scam, since scams are people who ask you for money and then disappear leaving you with nothing. I also emailed a bunch with their artists who overall seemed pretty satisfied with the service and tools they offer.
Looks pretty legit to me. I don't know why a lot of people on this blog are so angry at being solicited by a music company designed to promote indie artists?? Especially if they're doing a decent job?
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To those of you who have had actual experience with A&R Select, thank you for posting your thoughts on your experience. For everyone else, especially those of you who are making assumptions that this "smells" like a scam, you may in fact be doing more harm than good.
If you have not been scammed, than you have no right to call this a scam. If you have been taken, then please tell us. I've read most of the postings here and 3/4 of you are crying "wolf" with absolutely nothing to go by expect crap like "did you see their lousy web site, it must be a scam" and other nonsense. What if this is a legit business that is trying to get off the ground? If so, then you're potentially turning many potential members away by scraming SCAM without knowing the truth...shame on you.
I am still wresting with this idea and I have to realize that I may blow a few $hundred on this for little to no gain. Ever gamble before? Any of you ever "throw away" $5 on a lotto ticket? I for one am doing my homework and will then make as best a decision as I can based on factual information and not the BS speculation that so many of you are spewing.
To those who are legitimately chiming in, thank you for your efforts.
Oh yes, I do not work for A&R and only heard about them a few weeks ago when they called.
Steve
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Yeah I can see where you're going with this comment. It's a good point. I for one haven't cried "wolf", but I'm an advocate for the indie musician to be independent. DIY. Plain and Pimple.
----
http://www.myspace.com/880south
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take a look at their website
the band profile pages are completely sub-standard. i beg anyone to differ
i got alot of talk from an A&R select scout on the phone about their webteam, and being cutting edge.
their site is like a 1988 version of myspace if there had been such a thing.
its weak.
basically it looks to me like your paying for a sub-standard myspace page,
oh yeah and a bio which judgin by their feedback page, everyone seems so incredibly over the moon and thankful about.
smells fishy. ive never known any musicians to cream themselves over a new bio like this lot on a&r select. a new bio doesnt turn you from hanson to led zepellin. its a bio. please read the bio they submitted Ryan above. its actually funny.
their site is so overabundently filled with cheesy comments and the positive posts on the forums. its hilarious.
im imagining their taking money off alot of bands in alot of countries and i bet theres alot of kids bugging their parents for $500 or £250
how many bands on myspace do you reckon? 1 million, 2 million, ive no idea but its a shit load
its a goldmine for them.
money upfront please with no guarantees..and a rubbish website.
no details of what submissions they've succeeded in as far as i can see.
i guess they cant tell us that, because its a secret and being able to tell us exactly who they got work for on what would be really bad. hmmmm fishy fishy
they sure hype you up, but take one look at their website, you know its bollocks
i beg anyone to differ my opinion with a response that wasnt written by a robot.
i think i got that off my chest now.
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I'll break it down like this:
-I've been a member of A&R Select since the beginning of '07 and I've paid for a year's service with them ($499.99).
-I had used to be one of their most popular musicians with my ranking on their page at number one, until more artists signed on, then I've fallen past number 13 just recently.
-What must be understood is that these fake music charts are an industry joke. Read in "The Truth About The Music Business by Steve Moore", these "charts" only satisfy the feeling of accomplishment for artists on their site and are not legitimate music charts.
-What also needs to be noticed first is how A&R Select CAN'T GUARANTEE A THING, but how can they in the "music business?
-What they do for artists is the BARE MINIMUM to prevent the musicians they scam from suing them. This includes the artist bio, the music campaign, the phone image and music consultation, the little fake myspace page, and the tease of money through "submission" possibilities.
-What artists need to get from my experience is this:
*AFTER YOU PAY YOUR MONEY, THEY DON'T RETURN PHONE CALLS NOR EMAILS.
*THEY ONLY STICK TO THE BASICS OF THEIR AGREEMENT THEN THEY DON'T HAVE TO DO ANYTHING ELSE.
- This is a clever scam because they give you the impression that they are one of the top producing A&R Companies in California, with Grammy nominated artists and such - But they are music sharks. They get your money and toss you aside for their next prey.
- If there's anything to learn from this experience is that 1) You need to do extensive research on what your getting into with the music business. 2) If you were scammed by these people, or others, then this acts as a test to see if you can withstand the pot holes and pitfalls that line your path to success in this business. 3) Almost NEVER PAY UPFRONT OR BEFORE SEEING ANY REAL RESULTS.
If you're serious about pursuing your music goals, I suggest you buy books on the subject. "The Truth About The Music Business" is like a bible for me. Other books include "All You Need To Know About The Music Business", "The Songwriter's Market", "The Business of Music", and others. In addition to innumerable amounts of information of legitimate websites, THEY ALL SUGGEST YOU DON'T PAY MONEY UPFRONT! Granted, there are few exceptions where you may need to pay money upfront to a record producer and you do need to take care of YOUR OWN supply expenses. But to PAY FOR PROMISES is a costly mistake that new musicians make. And sharks like A&R Select know that.
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ANGRY?
i think its more like intelligent, cautious, wise and suspicious of very suspicious organisations such as A&R select who based on feedback from anyone who have encountered them offer nothing but a willingness to take $500 dollars from any band who has a myspace page.
there's nothing bitter and twisted about recognising people who want to exploit your desire for exposure by taking your money for nothing.
Zero evidence of A&R select offering anything good to anyone.
If you consider those fake posts offering positive experiences real, you are clearly of a below average intelligence level and should take guidance in your music career by someone of higher intellect. they will save you $500.
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well i guess i feel stupid now. thinking my music was gonna get $3000+ from people ive never heard of. I even checked the BBB and they had only one complaint. Well there goes $399. I don't get this company. =
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I'm extremely skeptical of A&R Select. I was searching for reviews and found this site. What concerns me more than anything about A&R Select is not that they appear to be a scam, although they might be. What concerns me more is their ability (or inability) to actually promote the music to labels or film productions (which is the point of A&R Select).
I do not see anywhere on their site where they list huge success stories. In fact, I don't really see any success stories at all. I only see lots of people thanking them for advice, help, etc etc. Advice and help is great, but not for $399. You can buy better gear with that $399!
Worse, I have yet to find one message saying, "Thanks so much for getting us that Reprise Record deal. Now we're off for a world tour" or "Wow, I'm so impressed that you were able to place my music in Fantastic Four!!". I'm just not seeing these types of placement testimonials. Again, what you see is a lot of "You guys are the best!" or "Great Job!" "Thanks for the review!" or "Wow, I'm so impressed!" or "You guys were great to hang out with!". What are these statements supposed to mean? These are NOT success stories!
If they were actually successful at music placement and promotion, there would be some actual success story testimonials of music placement prominently listed at the top of the testimonials page (and that can be easily confirmed). Seems like there have been a number of people who have shelled out $200 to $600 in cash to this firm. Yet, not one success story of placement is listed in comments. You decide.
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All i have to say is....ARSE, as in blowing smoking up...ARSELECT,
how amusing! Don't waste your money you'd be better of doing
karoke down the local bar, you'd probably have more of a chance of
being noticed!! ha ha ha ha...they contacted me too, needless to
say i did't waste my time "joining"
KEEP GOING PEOPLE, ITS TOUGH OUT THERE, BUT IF YOU'VE GOT
REAL TALENT KEEP GOING, AND IF NOTHING ELSE FEEL FLATTERED
YOU'VE GOT SOMETHING PEOPLE WANT!
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When companies start trying to make stars out of folks that are not star material, most of the above is what happens.
Thats why it is best that if you are an artists of talent, learn it for yourself (most info can be found free on the internet with a lot of research}. Then get your music career launched by getting your own buzz started and how to make your music profitable at whatever level you are at. Labels want artists that are already profitable, their competition is too tough to take chances on undiscovered bedroom musicians.
...THEN, if you are profitable enough and making a good buzz, the industry will approach you when they see profits already being made, and will want a piece of it (contract, percentage) offers. ...and if they don't, its no big deal, because you have learned to make a good living doing your music anyway.
I am not familar with the company in question, but if they are legit, they will offer a proposal reserving them a cut for future earnings in exchange for their goods and services, and no front money asked for (other than studio time).
It is how the professional music industry works. Anything else (if it involves asking for front money) is just sharking on the inexperienced and vulnerable new artists trying to learn the music business.
Your first investments should be with yourself, making sure you have your sound at a professional level acceptance, then if you do not have a Completed CD, or a 3 song demo along with a promo kit, get that first. Then as you start making money by getting bookings and selling CD's at live venues, there will be lots of fun things to waste your money on as you go (grin).
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I've heard of A&R Select at the Durango Songwriter Expo - they
were involved there, one of their reps spoke on a few panels.
Interestingly, I heard their name on another panel where their
rep wasn't involved.
Just hearing their name mentioned from other players in the
industry made me check out their website.
People are so anxious to hold on to the old "If they ask for
money up front - it's a scam."
I feel like - the more people you can get your music in the hands
of - the better.
If you want your music placed on a tv show, they're probably not
going to come knocking on your door in Minnesota and beg for
that song.
Chances are, they've heard of you through the industry. From
what I know (and I attend a lot of expos/ conferences for this
kind of info - very informative!!), music supervisors, etc. aren't
necessarily out going through hords of myspace pages looking
for YOU - - - they're going to their contact list of industry
people who have already filtered through those myspace pages.
You've got to take risks if you want to gain anything.
From what I can tell, from what I'm hearing from those expos,
and from what I've read about them - seems like a pretty safe
bet.
Cheers!
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| by
on Monday August 27 2007 @ 11:07PM PDT [ reply | parent ] |
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From previous post-- [quote] People are so anxious to hold on to the old "If they ask for
money up front - it's a scam." [unquote]
Thats because it usually is. Handing over front money to a stranger is not "risks to gain", It is just plain stupid and it is costly to new inexperienced singers and musicians. ...and anyone that defends it either is 1)Ignorant 2)Has no idea how the professional music business is ran, or 3)already in the shark business.
...but hey, don't take my word for it, do the research, and search the 'net. The internet is one of the best things that ever happened to independent artists, by providing "musician to musician" information of good and bad companies to be associated with as one starts their music career.
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"Thats because it usually is. Handing over front money to a
stranger is not "risks to gain", It is just plain stupid and it is
costly to new inexperienced singers and musicians. ...and
anyone that defends it either is 1)Ignorant 2)Has no idea how
the professional music business is ran, or 3)already in the shark
business."
I don't agree with this. Getting your music out there usually
takes an intial fee these days, since labels are broke - most
industry ears won't listen unless your music is escorted by the
hands of someone else in the industry, or you're just reallllyyyy
lucky (which doesn't happen THAT often).
Anyone who has any experience getting their music placed, or
who has contact w/ industry people knows that the industry
supports or approves of places like Taxi / A&R Select ...
I don't know which is better, but it ends up being more of a
personal choice/ experience, anyway.
Keep the music going!
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I was contacted by them this week, and had a chance to talk with them.
I also own a roofing company. I spent 600 dollars producing 6000 fliers, and had them distributed to every house in our little town. I got 1 phone call.. YES!!! 1 Should go to the distribution company and call them a scam, or the person that designed the fliers. NO!!! The fact is, that is the way advertising works.. The best advertising is by word of mouth. But, people need to see your name in the phone book, or in the local advertiser, or on the side of your vehicles, and so on. Very few people will get very far without these things, and they all individually cost money. There is no sign company that is gonna make signs for you, and wait to get paid when you make it big. So, unless you have virgin records knocking your door down, then you may have to pay to get your name out there. SO, as long as they (A&R) provide the initial service that they are specifying, they are not a scam. I felt that it was a fare charge, as long as they did a good job providing those services. if i could manage to get 1 record company to look at me It would be worth a lot more to me. Success probably rides on your efforts ,too. Using the materials they provide to promote yourself. If I bought a sign for my truck, I wouldn't keep it in the garage.
The key is They don't offer promises, they offer a vehicle to get your name out. it all depends on what this worth to you.
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Look at this way: Would you pay a real-estate agent big bucks upfront to sell your house OR would you wait until after the house is sold to give the agent his/her commission? I think everybody knows what the answer is!
Several years ago a lawyer who does pro-bono work for 'starving artists' via a non-profit arts organization told me that "anyone who asks for money upfront to promote your music is a scam".
I think the whoe A@R Select pitch speaks for itself.
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The videos interviews are real interviews just poorly edited. A&R Select works with these companies, organizations, and people on a day to day basis.
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Ha!
You guys are freakin' babiiies - two takes of the same vdieo - -
does ANYONE here know anything about videos? Editing?
ANYTHING?
The guy is TALKING about A&R select - so how could they fake it?
go look up this guy's info - he's for real.
you guys make us sound like IDIOT baby MUSICIANS...
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A-R Select Sucks! They ripped my friend off and he's pissed. Heres some facts about A-R Select:
1. They have a fake staff (countless number of times I've tried calling A-R Select asking for Amy) She supposedly works for A-R (she messaged my friends band myspace) but every time my friend and I try to call for her she's always at a Meeting or on a phone conference, I guess shes a pretty busy girl cause she has meetings and phone conferences every single day from whenever there open to 5! All this A-R company wants is your money.
2. Here's another reason Its about the comment 2 up from mine there are 2 videos but one of them is different from the other. Why the hell would A-R Select put 2 different videos up. It makes no sense why not just shoot one video. I find this suspicious.
3. From what I read I made a phone call to A-r Select asking why all this hate mail is up about them. The guy paused and said " sir its great doing business with you have a nice day." and he hung up. (who can explain that)
Bottom Line is that A-R Select is a rip off and don't be stupid and get yourself into it. Just research all you can about this "A-R SELECT"
PEACE
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wow! this is fucking crazy! we were so close to going through with A&R select and i came to this page. wow. thanks guys so much for saveing me and my band members money/ass! this all adds up. i've talked to the guy( MIKE BURN) and he told me the same bullshit he's been telling everyone else. he's suppose to call me two day........that dick is getten an ass chewing! and the reason i know this is all bullshit is not just because of all this but this "mike" guy said he got our cd in the mail.......we didnt mail them shit! and the whole " were ganna get ur music on tv and add's on tv.....that sounds kinda lame and gay to me. we just wanna get on a record lable. we want to be herd and make this a living. when i looked on there website they listed alot of major lables and i asked him if they got any bands signed......then he said "like on a major lable" and i said yea sure. then he's like "we dont mess with major lables....we only do indie lables cus of all there bullshit". WTF is that about? things just didnt add up.
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“.......we didnt mail them shit! and the whole " were ganna get ur music on tv and add's on tv “
“Zero evidence of A&R select offering anything good to anyone.”
Please check arselect.com and go to RECENT WORKS
we dont mess with major lables....we only do indie lables cus of all there bullshit".
Right now as Josh previously pointed out major labels are in serious jeopardy and the strength lies with the artist because of the power of the internet. You should try to catch an episode of our radio show on operator11.com and listen to Scott Austin who has worked with major labels talk about todays industry.
“*AFTER YOU PAY YOUR MONEY, THEY DON'T RETURN PHONE CALLS NOR EMAILS.
*THEY ONLY STICK TO THE BASICS OF THEIR AGREEMENT THEN THEY DON'T HAVE TO DO ANYTHING ELSE.”
With all due respect AR select consists of a small amount of employees to keep the cost down. Otherwise the annual fees would be higher to match the economy of todays world. We work with over five hundred artists so we ask that you be patient. We will return your phone call or email but understand we have other artists phone calls or emails ahead of you that we must honor.
“and the BBB told me they have never heard of them.”
"Am I willing to pay a company with no reputation to write my bio?"
Please check the Better Business Bureau website again and do a search for arselect.com
Posting negative commentary is a good way to cause real damage to a company who is trying to help out the independent artist. We are a small but powerful company and we need all the help we can get. Please think before you post.
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is see ARSE Select's planted posts having become more imaginative, they were so childishly unconvincing a while back. dont fall for them kids. and a word of advice to arselect, make a better website at leat. its so lame, just on that alone i wouldnt wanna have anything to do with it, aside from the numerous bad stories from people who've actually used them and non-existant success stories...
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http://myspace.com/jusnod I would like for someone, anyone to check out my music on my page and tell me what I should do next for promotion and marketing... Cause the way I see it if your music aint hot then you will be wastin your money anyway you look at it with these companies... I've been doin my research and Im goin around in circles. Im bout to just pick a random company. So check out my music and tell me what you think personall any one...
http://myspace.com/jusnod
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www.myspace.com/the3trees
I just got the message from A&R also..
If you went to my page and listened to our song we have posted, you will clearly see they are offering a SCAM. What real record guy would think our song was good. They even listed the Song titled "Just another day" which is the only one we have up and said this was the one they liked the most. THERE IS ONLY ONE SONG UP THERE AHOLE..Our bio on our myspace is true and Dave letterman realy did dig our song, If Dave couldn't get it done then who could...A&R select ??...Don't think so Copy and paste and see for yourself..http://www.myspace.com/the3trees
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Hi from Australia
HMMMMMMMMMM........Yes, we were contacted too and the e-mail immediately mad alarm bells go off, first of all, their message is very non committal, it makes you believe that they already have found you a deal of some sort, if they have, why not attach details about the organization that has shown interest, also, the e-mail was not directed to anyone in particular, it did not sound like they knew whom they were talking too and also did not state the band's name, rest assured its just a random e-mail they have sent out, I also looked at their web site and can't find anything about their achievements within the Industry, no success story's in particular just a lot of hype and hyped up young guys strutting their stuff on video. I also need to express this experience we had with the IFQ and NY independent film festival people, it raises my suspicion if they are not one and the same organization, similar tactic, sending out e-mails and then hyping you up with a phone call, we were talked into paying close to a AUD $ 1000 for submitting our documentary to them to be shown at their festivals, we were stupid enough to fall for it, we realized too laste that if you could not be present at the actual festivals, which we couldn't, there is absolutely no point in submitting, after we expressed this concern and wanted our money back after we received an e-mail that they would re fund, we never ever heard back from them after many contempts of contacting them, years later we still suffer the loss of that $ 1000 bucks, which in the eyes of hard working musicians and film makers is a lot of money, both Company's tactics looks the same and also the footer of the e-mails they send out look identical, both using exactly the same system, It makes me sick to think that there are guys out there, praying on an endless stream of naieve young artists ripe for the taking, so please , do you homework, ask the right questions and don't get sucked into the hype!
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This company is a complete scan.
Anyone who has dealt with getting your music licensed with a
publishing company or music supervisor knows you don't have
to pay a company to get your placements.
Publishing companies and music supervisors will search and find
you if you've got enough buzz and are doing things right.
This company with a staff nobody has ever heard of ... a bunch
of cool dudes who are probably dying to be even cooler by
having your money and saying they "work in the biz" ...
is just going to take your money and run.
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HERE'S THE NOTE I GOT FROM "JOSH" AT A&R SELECT TODAY:
Hey, I was listening to your music, and I think it would work well with some projects we have coming up. We're a licensing company that places artists in television, movies, video games, and commercials.
So, I'd like to talk with you about what we do, and see where you are in your career. So, why don't you give me a call at the office. 323-924-5897, and ask for Josh, or drop me your number and I'll give you a call.
If you're curious about the company, check us out at ARselect.com
Talk to you soon
Josh
MY RESPONSE?
Since you asked, I'm at a point in my career where I don't take calls from people with Google ads on their corporate sites. You've GOT to be kidding.
SOME ADVICE TO THOSE WHO WANT IT:
Come on, guys. People are in this business to make money. If you have to pay some guy $300 to get your music in the right hands, then $300 is all you're worth to him.
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...I just got called from a rep today...
Long story short...I e-mailed my Lawyer, and, in big, bold letters, she stated - DO NOT COMMIT TO THIS! Anyone who is interested in you as an artist, would commit to YOU and not charge you A DIME!!
Think about it...We all are extremely vulnerable when it comes to someone we think is high up, interested in our music. And, guess what, they know it. They are not stupid - They are smart business individuals.
I've been doing this for several years, and have worked w/ many people...
If you decide to put your faith into a company that wants money from YOU now for a "Service", then they are ALWAYS going to find a way to get MORE money from you down the road for more "Services"...
Be smart...Invest into YOURSELF not somebody else.
Check me out!
www.myspace.com/memoirsofchrisray
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Hey Zack Ferris, ive thought about it before ive posted.
and a&r select are either a scam or they are 2-bit cheap ass, low budget cheapskates who i reckon only pitch music by friends of theirs but clearly need $300 of as many artists as possible to function
"With all due respect AR select consists of a small amount of employees to keep the cost down. Otherwise the annual fees would be higher to match the economy of todays world. We work with over five hundred artists so we ask that you be patient. We will return your phone call or email but understand we have other artists phone calls or emails ahead of you that we must honor."
doesnt sound good to me
a & r select will basically take anyone on who'll pay the cash. they are not interested in your band, they want your cash.
why would you want an A&R select music player on your myspace, they look so lame,
why would you give money to someone who is too understaffed to call you back
why would you sign with someone with so much negative feedback, someone clearly terrified of music lawyers and someone who wants money before doing anything for you. this is not how things are done, this is not the future for artists
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I go tan email too...googled their name...came to this page...deleting their email...lol.
Thanks guys.
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www.myspace.com/arselectisascam
EVERYBODY PLEASE JOIN THIS MYSPACE PAGE!!!
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To be honest with you guys...and gals I understand that it's hard
to imagine a company just working your album out of the
goodness of their heart without asking for payment upfront...but
what do you think a lawyer does with a contract? What do you
think a label does with your deal? What do you think radio has
been doing for the past 50 years? A&R Select hasn't re-invented
the wheel...this is the BUSINESS of music!
If you are too broke to invest in your career...sell it out of the
trunk of your car....if you have some cash, take a chance...but do
your research first...
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But on that note....I did get a call from a rep there....(ha ha
ha)....I am laughing because he acted like I was the next Stevie
Wonder..."man, your music is amazing! We are looking for..blah
blah blah" what an ego boost...I started talking to him about
mobile downloads, ringtones, new ways of distributing digital
music. Sounded cool,,,hmmm...maybe I will invest...told him I
was headed to MacWorld that day and that I would check out the
site and fees and call him later in the week....well...about 3
hours later I got a call from the same guy...this time he sounded
"hungry"...i mean it was like a pit bull who hasn't been fed in
days...lol...he was saying "did you get a chance to check out the
website? I really think this would be a great match"...I think I
heard him actually choke on his own saliva as he was trying to
pitch to me...
So...I guessI will have to do some more homework on these
guys...you should too
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Wow! So, don't do this. I got an email dated a few days ago that I opened from this company and did a search on them.
But before this company, I got one from another company called zoomoozik.com and claims to be an online label and the only online label. They also want money. I told them I don't have it and to contact me later. I found more on this company then that one. They charge a one time fee of about 300 bucks and that's it. I thought that sounded cheap. But they take half of your downloads. . .
Glad I haven't given money away. I can do better on my own. I know I can.
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Hey, Thank you for all the postings about A&R Select!
They approached me today. At least I have a clue what they can and cannot do.
The rest is up to me.
Thanks again!
Debby Turner www.youtube.com/debbyturner
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I know there are alot of people on here under the age of 40 that are quite naive about how things work in the Music Business.
I have been in the Music Business for many decades now and have seen all the scams.
A&R Select is a scam of sorts, First you NEVER pay anyone up front for anything, especially promises. At the same time if you think paying someone 500 dollars for doing 6 months of nothing but putting your music on a website is worth it to you then go for it, you must have enough money to throw around.
Go see this movie "Great World of Sound"
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0826547/
that will open your eyes a bit.
My advise is to do the work yourself, also it's a better education for you,- you know for 500 dollars I once put and ad for my music in a national magazine publication and got tremedous response immediatly!
This was before the days of the internet.
As far as A&R goes, they try to put an image of a big sucessful company in your mind. It's smoke and mirrors run by one or two people out of an apartment. Make a great website, have a important looking address (which is most likely a P.O.Box), and an enless line of fake associates and clients.
And do exactly and legaly what is stated in the contract, and also join the BBB. Oh yea, and flatter the victim- or I mean artist with ego boosting realisms. That is until they have your cash.
I could do this too, but as a musician myself I wouldn't be able to sleep at night.
Do your research, even hire a entertainment lawyer (it's worth it).
Don't let your dreams get in the way of bad judgement and poor business decisions.
The music business is just that (a business) with shark infested waters.
Good luck all you young artist.
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Damn man! I'm a young aspriring artist and I just got on with this company. prior to seeing this page, call me crazy, but what they offered me seemed reasonable for the most part. The dude made it sound like they can and will do exactly what I can't at the moment: promote me in a mainstream market, make my music available to purchase in a few different ways, and essentially just guide me down the path to success. Needless to say I'm having my share of doubts but still I seem to be getting WAY too much of completely oposed reviews. It seems like they are a company who has some kind of a pull in the music business but at the same time ALL of these posts make a whole lot of sense as well. "Josh" told me that girl who had a commercial put in the Superbowl for winning a doritos concert was one of their artists as well and got signed to Interscope soon after that aired. That's what pushed me over the edge into believing this was a legitimate company but if anyone can help me understand what the hell is really going on with this, PLEASE let me know! Good Looking Out!
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hmm...soo if ALL of these people hate A&R Select so much....why dont you go file a complaint with the Better Business Bureau??..I just looked them up on that site and they have a pretty reputable review by the BBB..sounds like a bunch of people that want to get something for nothing...
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TheGuy1027,
You said that A&R Select has a 'pretty reputable' review at the BBB? Which BBB is that? Clearly not the one I'm viewing. Since when is a company with a D rating considered reputable? I just visited their BBB listing as of today and they have a D rating. That's right, a 'D'. D means that you should be suspicious of doing business with this company. You should also review the types and amounts of complaints on the BBB's page as well.
I think you need to revisit the following BBB link again:
http://www.labbb.org/BBBWeb/Forms/Business/CompanyReportPage_Expository.aspx?CompanyID=100029138
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I just wanted to throw in my 2 cents regarding my experience with A&R Select.
I was contacted on myspace late last year by one of their reps with a number to call. I didn't respond to that message. Another one followed shortly. It was very similar to the other message.. almost a cut and paste job.. so I ignored it again. Well, recently (Jan. '08) they sent me another message, so I thought I'd check out their website and give 'em a call to see what they're all about and what they had to offer. It was difficult to get through to anyone, I would leave voice mails, the rep would return my message and we played phone tag for quite a bit. But anyway, eventually we finally spoke over the phone. The rep knew nothing of my band.. the people who contact you through myspace are scouts of sorts. Anyway, I continued talking to the rep and he continued to tell me of their services. He said that A&R Select has several resources that would be beneficial to any artist. Most of what he mentioned didn't particularly interest me because you can do basically everything on your own and do it better because you can't rely on someone else to accurately portray you or your band. I don't need someone to re-write my band's bio, nor do I need someone to consult me with my image. What DID interest me was that the rep said that one of their services was that they send your music out to plenty of different sources for reviews and feedback. That, and they said that they can get my music onto t.v. shows and other spots. Oh God, once I told the getting my music into t.v. shows and commercials was exactly what I wanted out of their company, he kept pushing that licensing/placement was their primary source of income ("that's what we do! that's how we make our money!"). He kept saying things to push the promise of licensing. He said that since they were in L.A., they were known around Hollywood and the t.v. industry, and therefore, it was easy for them to get my music licensed on a t.v. spot. We continued to talk about their services and somewhere in the conversation he quickly snuck in the $599 registration fee (for one year.. then $99 for each following year). I told him I'd need more time to consider before I commit to anything. He was ready to take my credit card info over the phone. I asked for a written contract/agreement or even some kind of online terms of agreement. The rep said that they don't have any written contract and compared it to membership to a fitness center. "You pay for a yearly fee, and you're free to use our services." I told him that I needed more time to consider this before committing to anything. He pressured me into signing on then and there because "we're sending stuff out to t.v. shows this Friday." Previously in the conversation, he said that they send music out to be considered for t.v. show placement every Friday. Funny how he mentioned it the first time to assure me and the second time to pressure me. hmm.
Anyway, after that I looked online for reactions/feedback on A&R Select and found a good mix of positive and negative comments. I asked reliable sources if all of this sounded like a good idea and the answer was unanimous. "Don't pay for anything up front! Especially if they don't present a written contract or agreement. If your music is good, companies will go out and find you, you don't pay someone to get you exposure." They're right. Without a written contract, they're not obligated to do a single thing. There's nothing legally binding and you're basically throwing your money at them with the hope that they'll actually do something with your music.
Well, I wrote the rep back in an e-mail, notifying him that we would decline the offer for now if they couldn't provide any paperwork or some sort of online agreement. He responded with a snappy comeback. This was the last paragraph of his e-mail:
"However, since you know so much about how to run a similar company, I look forward to competing with the licensing, development, and
publicity company that surely starting."
(Yeah, I know the word "you're" is missing, but that's how it was typed, so I'm leaving it as is)
Okay.. let's get this straight.. so, I'm on the fence about doing business with their company, all I asked for in order to proceed was some sort of documentation to guarantee that I'm not getting screwed over, and THEY have the audacity to respond with a smartass comment like that?
That settled it. Legitimate or not, the lack of professionalism that I've seen from them completely pushed me away. I'm just glad they (or rather the rep I spoke to) showed their true colors before I gave them a single cent.
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I MUST SAY THANKYOU TO ALL OF YOU GUYS BECAUSE YOU SAVED ME $600..I KIND OF FIGURED IT WAS A SKAM..THATS WHY I LOOKED INTO THIS BEFORE SENDING A PAYMENT AND FOUND THIS...IT'S A SCAM...KEEP YOUR MONEY IN YOUR POKET BUT IF YOU DO WANNA TAKE THE CHANCE BUT THEY DON'T ACCEPT MONEY ORDERS OR PAYPAL...PAYPAL..THINK ABOUT IT???THEY CAN KEEP TAKING MONEY OUT YOUR ACCOUNT IF YOU PAY THROUGH PAYPAL...I WOULD HATE TO SEE ANYBODYS MONEY GO TO A SKAM...I LOVE YOU CDBABY...
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IM SORRY, LET ME RETYPE THAT..THEY CAN KEEP TAKING MONEY OUT YOUR CREDITCARD IF YOU USE THAT OPTION..THROUGH PAYPAL YOU CAN ONLY SEND MONEY....
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I saw an ad for A&R Select asking artists to contact them on myspace. I figured it couldn't hurt and gave them my number. The ad emphasized to not contact them and that they will contact you if they are interested. They called me two hours later. This automatically seemed a little sketchy, but my "A&R Rep" explained to me that he'd been browsing through artists all day and wasn't impressed with anything until he came across me. I've also always been told that a real agent won't charge you up front, but with seemingly legit companies like TAXI out there, which do charge you up front, I was willing to hear them out. He was really nice and made a lot of attractive offers, but once he started pressuring me to give him my credit card number, I was skeptical. I told him I wanted to research their company first and he got a little uncomfortable, but told me he thought that was smart and hung up. From what I've read, these guys provide just enough service for their clients not to get sued in a court of law and then completely ignore you. Think about it, how many bands have you ever seen on MTV that endorse A&R Select? If they really helped artists get to the top, they would advertise these bands heavily on their website. Even the so called positive feedback about A&R Select you see from artists are completely vague and don't even specify what band they're with. You're better off selling your soul to the devil. Save your money.
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Why is it that everyone sticking up for these scammers sounds like they're trying to be something they're not. It's really phony.
"They're really RAD"???? Are you kidding me???
"I met them at a party and they're cool people"???? Hello????
Who gives a crap how "rad" and "cool" they are.
I'm sure Charles Manson was a very cool, rad dude when he needed to be. Gimme a break.
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I am a published fiction writer as well as a musician and this same BS goes on in that field. It's vanity press.
These rip off organizations know flattery will get them far with the many poor artists trying so hard to be noticed
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OKAY GUYS
What is A&R Select?!?
1) It's not completely a scam.
What I mean by that is sure you will get somethings from them but after a short period of time you will be throw in a hole like all others musicians & bands that work with them. Normally a REAL scam you end up with nothing in your hands.
2) They work WITH you, not FOR you.
In fact, what is funny is you have to call them to make an appointment with a A&R Rep and call them again for your image consultation. They say you have to be PROACTIVE. Normally, when I subscribed to a company, they set me an appointment...They write you a Press Release and they say that they send this to a large number of radios and companies...what's funny here again is I didn't find any places on the net where it talks about me with my Press Release....In fact, I found only those websites where I sended it myself. So, they work WITH you not FOR you. If you succeed, they take the credits and tells everybody that you work WITH them.
3) Emails, emails... annoying!!!
Okay this part is really really funny.
I subscribed and they sended me an email to help me to configure my profile. After that, Check this out:
a) I received an email to let me know where to send my CD. I sended my CD the day after.
b) I received an email to answer questions for the Press Release which I did the same day.
c) One week later (after a) and b) ), I received another Thank you email and an email to let me know that they received my CD.
d) One week later (after c) ), I received an email to let me know that I have to answered the Bio Questionnaire and be PROACTIVE...which I did 2 weeks before !!!(refer letter b) )!!!
e) The day after, I received an email from an A&R Rep to told me to answer the Bio Questionnaire and sended my CD...Which I did 2 weeks before....!!!(refer letter b) and c) )!!!
f) I decided to send an email to let them know about the situation. They never answered me...In fact, I received an email the day after which contains my Press Release...
g) 5 days later I received another email to let me know that I have to call Shaun to make an appointment for my Image consultation AND to let me know to answer the Bio Questionnaire and send my CD AGAIN!!!!
h) I sended emails for submissions (They have a section like TAXI). The first time, I sended my song ******* ** ******** and I received an email three days later to confirm that it was sended. The second time, I sended again the same song, and they sended me another email 3 days later to confirm that they sended...but it was the same email... SO the third time I decided to send another song called **** and 2 days later I received the same email again with the other song name in it.
What a mess!! ahah AND all these emails contains bad writing skills. English is a second language for me and I'm better than them AND English is their first language!! Only my Press Release was written well.
PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE
SAVE YOUR MONEY
INVEST IN YOURSELF
A GUY ABOVE REFER TO A MOVIE CALLED "Great World of Sound"
I WATCHED IT AND EVERY MUSICIANS HAVE TO WATCH THIS MOVIE.
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this was possibly the most explicit and helpful message i've seen. they seem like a company that does the bare minimum to not be legally considered a scam. i'd rather spend $500 on myspace adds directly. you can do that now.
also, their website has a music player that is available from sourceforge. if they are legit, they are CHEAP, as in NOT VALUABLE. And their images are broken links from photobucket... if you're not going to host your own, at least maintain the links.
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Damn! I have been on the phone with them before, and have written emails with them. So I just talked to them again an hour ago, and gave them my info.
I then got an email in which I am asked to authorize A&R to withdraw the money from my account.
Then I got another email that says my payment was approved.
What's that about? Don't I have to approve it myself first?
I'm already regretting, and I feel so stupid right now. First thing tomorrow, I'm checking my balance, and hope to God that the monet hasn't actually been withdrawn yet.
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A&R Select obviously doesn't keep track of who they have talked with in the past year. After not falling for their scam over a year ago, they recently sent me the following e-mail message:
"Dear Artist,
Your music is currently being considered for a potential label/publishing deal through our company. If you are currently unsigned and interested in releasign your music, please call me at (323) 924-5897 at at your earliest convenience to speak with myself or someone in the A&R department."
Wow, they're considering my music and I haven't talked with these people in over a year. Amazing!
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Thanks for the information everyone,they contacted me through MySpace today and decided to look up everything I could from them,glad I did.Also,I live in Europe so what would have been the point to join them,this was the first thing that got me suspicious,and as if a scout from the USA has to search in Europe for talent,what a joke!
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Hey guys, this is Josh with A&R Select. I found this forum recently, and have been reading it here and there. Well I'm finally finished, and I must say that I saw some pretty amusing, and mostly completely unfounded stuff.
Anybody who would take the word of angry bloggers (probably rejected by A&R) over an actual rep that takes time out of their day to have a phone conversation or to take a meeting, then you're not going to make it very far anyway.
So, if you've been scouted, give us a call. If not, continue to make bitter posts in this forum.
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Omega Realm is the band that my indie label has hired A&R Select to promote. I must wonder about these bloggers who have had 'no response' from A&R Select as we have always had a great immediate response. While I am yet to have Omega Realm consulted over thier image by the "image consultant"; because of the length of time that passed unused, A&R Select have increased Omega Realms membership without additional charge. As a very new indie label but long time industry participant I am very aware of the cost of advertising. And as we are not in the US deem this a small price to pay for advertising over there. So while I understand the wariness of other musicians I feel I must express this to you that we are in the music industy people and there are over 80 million artists worldwide constantly trying to find ways of exposing thier talents to the world. Risks are a part of this industries nature.
A&R Select are not a record label, they are a advertising avenue. And no lawyer will disagree with me that advertising does not come cheap. So while I wait to hear the radio ad and tv ad that was promised to Omega Realm I will reserve my judgement until thier membership has passed.
If you are expecting the world to fall into your hands just because you hired one sole company then yes I can understand your biterness but everyone knows promises are made and broken in this game and your pro-active passion for your music should compel you to place your music in other avenues as well.
For those who are serious but wary about the music game I then suggesst sellaband.co.nz (and its free)
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I signed up for the basic minimum account with them; to get their deal sheets. I tried to get someone to help me get my music up on their site, but all they sent me was another page to click for PAYMENT.
I've emailed them to no avail. Basically, I paid money for a bio; which was well written. They called me last month, asking me for more money for a promotions deal, but failed to notice that I was NOT EVEN ON THEIR SITE. I can't tell you how pissed off I was about this.
Then, the guy told me he would place an endorsement of them in my name on the site!!! I emailed them to ask them not to do that.
I'm going to cancel my subscription with them, and even go so far as changing my debit card so that they cannot take any money from me without my consent. Sure, it's a pain in the butt, but it's worth it. From now on I won't even bother with these types of companies. I will just go on with my own promotions, or hire a professional radio promo person with a rock solid reputation.
THE NERVE OF THESE PEOPLE!
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What these companies are basically selling you is a wish. They
put your 300 dollars into a few pre-constructed success stories
to keep their ball rolling and profits booming. We all have known
the musician who won't accept reality for what it is and
companies like A&R know that a large demographic of musicians
are those people. Why not ask them to fork over 300$ for
nothing if they will? Do 10 minutes of google research
(especially on the better business bureau site) and it's not hard
to figure out the truth. The folks who pay 300$ most likely don't
want to know that truth or they would have sought it the he first
place i suppose. If you are on this forum doing research don't
believe the positive reviews. The facts are out there, what you
are really reading are testimonials from A&R employees and associates posing as average musicians. I have known some
people and bands who have gotten record deals and have known
some amount of "success". Money up front scams didn't lead
them there. Save your cash and put it back into your music, not
this garbage. These people are clever for sure. It's a great scam.
You fork over some money and they never really promise
anything.
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so ya i talked to these people not to long ago they told me the same crap they told everyone else that they can promote you and get you air play and all that b.s. to make a long story short they guy told me we could do payments and that he needed my debt card number to make the first payment i told him i would not pay until i talked all this over with my band and he told me the first payment would not be made until a few days later after you confirmed you want that and i called back later that night saying i wanted to cancel the order i wont know for a few more day if they are going to charge me but if you are in the same boat as me make sure you get a email confirming your cancellation so if they try to slam you with a payment you could sue them stating that they cancelled your term. if anyone could give me some advice on here that would be good like do you think that will still charge me even though they said the cancelled the account? remember they do have my debt card number
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Greetings Everyone,
I like to give thanks to any and all fellow Artist/musicians/Entertainment Enterprenaurs who partaked in an opinion status to this entity called "A&R Select" what they are about,what they can do for the Independent Artist/Entertainers,and their status quo to us Independently and Industry alike.
I recieved an email from "A&R Select" that actually went right into my email junk file where I usually delete them. What caught my attention was their message title "A&R'ing your music" sent to me by "Mike Burns". Their Talent Scout: "Alysha P." wrote a message regarding an intrest in me/my music for a record deal or licensed deal...like others said in this forum before me Alysha request for me to call them at (323)924-5897 and /or leave the best number for them to be able to contact me with.
I started to follow my first instinct,delete this message and move on. But curiousity had set-in and I gave them a call.
Their answering service was on and I left a breif message and returned number to reach me.they have caller ID because the number I called them from was different from the number I request them to reach me with. So, they called me on the number I called them from about 3 times and I was on that phone line taking other phone calls. Each time I recall them back,(about 3 times) they did not respond and my returned calls was right behind each call they made to me.
Finally my line was free and they called me back on the number I first called them from and their I spoke with their rep. name "Andy" and like others who experienced "A&R Select's" sales pitch it was a brief description of what services they have available to independent entertainers in music, film,T.V. etc. he asked me have I spoken to anyone from their organization and asked what genre of music I partake in. I responded accordingly and without a humorous response from him he then told me their prices per service plan. and they were running a half price,($499/ to $299). I told him I don't have that kind of money to give out at this time, then he pitched "The partial payment" of $99 I told him I maybe able to do something like that next week and without delay he gave me another number to speak to him,(Andy)only basically shy him off this way I can do my research on them, I know they are a scam and I will tell you why...
About 5 years ago I got an email from an entity called: "Talent 2k",(does this name ring a bell to any of you??)anyway "Talent 2k" was doing a simular service for money up front with an agreement signature to grant the Artist/Entertainer a record deal The President of this entity was also running an online radio station and online record label called: "Deftone Records" and boast and claimed they have signed Artist-"Good Charlotte" and a host of other fine local Acts... They were charging local Acts any where from $300 to $1000 to sign and/or get them signed and "Deftone Records",(before I knew all this I signed on with Talent 2K for $300) claimed that year they were looking to sign "30 new acts" for the year,and this was back in the year 2003. Talent 2K recieved so many complaints due to none signments to labels which lead to complaints fromrecients to the "BBB" and the "BBB" found the owner of "Talent 2K" was also owner of an online radio station and online/offline record label,(Deftone Records)and was scamming hundreds of Artist/Entertainers thru these 3 entities and was subject to have his business license revoked.
I went to Music School and I have a degree in Audio Engineering and Music Business and Production, one of my Teachers is an active Entertainment Attorney and I consent to him a contract "Deftone Records",(located in Manhattan New York) sent me. My teacher then said to me research them I did and I spoke to another local Entertainment I attorney I dealt with in the past who put together some songwriters/Producer contracts for my production company and he said: "This Contract is a MEATBALL Contract",(Ball it up into a round meatball and throw it away!). "Talent 2K" also had another record label contract sent to me,(JetSpeed/Red Galaxy Records in California) at this time there were local Artist/Musicians,Bands contacting me about Talent 2k's fraudulent services. I then went to "Deftone Records" in New York according to their address printed on their contract.
Me and my girl went there in New York and found that "Deftone Records" only have there mail being sent there at the office building and they(The receptionist )only have 3 phone numbers and 2 names to contact...Now thru these 3 numbers 1 number was from Arizona where "Talent 2K" was based and working out of, and the other 2 numbers were from "CALIFORNIA!!!". and 1 of the 2 phone numbers were the contact to their,(Talent 2K,The Online Radio Station,and Deftone Records) web site designer and the third and last number was suppose to be Deftone Records Corp. in CALIFORNIA!!!(These phone numbers were actually disposable cell phone numbers!!!).
Getting Back to the other record label Contract "Talent 2K" sent to me "JetSpeed/Red Galaxy Records, this label offered me a signed 3 album deal with them with an Artist earning of $90,000.00 in 1 1/2 years,(not including touring this would be my seperate earnings)and upon signing send them a check for $2,000.00 and for the Production of the 3 albums give them $250.00 per month for 17 months without a signed contract agreement of partnership, all copyrights and publishing would be granted to me.
I know you can imagine my response..."These people have lost their Minds" They had the audacity to show off there Production facility to me online and to be honest My Production facility has Bigger Consoles more outboard gear than theres and better sounding,(according to their sampled Artist tracks on their site).
Call this what you want my fellow Entertainers But I would'nt doubt that some and/or all of these people,(from:Talent 2K,their Online Radio Station and Deftone Records) possibly now a part of "A&R Select"!! I would'nt doubt it,and I would'nt be a bit surprise,and you know by now I'm not calling "Andy's Ass" back next week!
Now that I informed you on their dirt. The good news is you have a choice and now that we have the internet, the internet has leveled the music "Playing Field". There are a lot of how to do your bio/resume software at your local Computer/Tech stores surf the internet for "Independent Music Websites" their are millions of them!! and the search engines will tell you "The Good Independent Music Websites". Looking at the economy right now is bad and lets look at it for what it's worth good record labels ,(independent and industry alike) may hire anywhere from 1 to 5 if that to each genre of music per year and you have Thousands of bands and totaling millions of entertainers world wide...do it yourselves Baby! and you'll have no regrets...oh by the way research all this I've mentioned it holds true I did thru "Look Smart" search engines and a host of others...
Look me up
http://www.SoundClick.com/GMANgerald
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I contacted a band that actually benefited from A&R Select's services. They think it's decent what they do, but it's NOT FOR EVERYONE.
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SCAM SCAM SCAM....I have been contacted by them and others like them.. They have a slick way of talking with you, making you feel great and you let your gaurd down. send them money. I have been making music for a while and came to my SENSES.. JUST LOOK at their name A&R.. They will do nothing for you but accept your money glady... ASK them to take their fee's and money on the back end... Ask them for people they have gotten signed... PROBLEM,, is every one wants to be a a star and they will be all too glad to put stars in your eyes when in a year later you have nothing and they had lunch on you.. Make sure to be rude to them on the phone if you talk to them and ask them point blank hard ball questions then tell them to fuck off,, you ain't getting my money..
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Lets see hundreds if not thousands contacted thru my space. A certain number will fall for this and pay. This is FOOL's Gold. If you pay them you are the fool.
1. Make sure you copyright your music with the US copy right office.
2. Have an attorney look over all legal documents.
3. If these clowns contact you and say you have to move fast and a certain song is the one they want then tell lead them along for a bit on the phone and say yes we always thought this songs was the one. Let them tell you how great it is a nd how much money it can make. Then when they ask for the fee tell them no but since you think it is great you can get your fee's on the back end after it makes money.
4. In music buisness it does not work like this of you paying upfornt fees.
5. WAKE UP smell the scam before it starts.
6. be aware of the techniques of scam artists.
6.(a) they will slick talk you and you will be feeling on cloud 9 that this is your golden ticket to the chocalate factory.
6.(b) Make you feel like they have your best interest at heart and you and your band or you and your song or songs are it. Then comes the FEE.((MUSIC BUISNESS DOESN"T WORK THIS WAY))
6. (c) If it sounds to good to be true it probably is.
7. It may be legal what they do but still a scam.
Example: I could go aorund to my space and say I will get your music to the major recor labels. I need a fee and so you send your music and fee they send out the songs from all these bands. They kept to there agreement but then the songs get there and make it to the trash can. Oh yeah they got sent but there is no real contact,, they have gotten noone signed.
The above post is correct,, look at the name. A&R is a nice buzz phrase these days to lure fools so they make their gold of you
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Alright, I feel like I need to say something here. I of course was also contacted... its funny because all of our bands were the S***. I called them up and tried getting information. Everytime I called the phone system had completely changed. I thought was a little strange, but I called back anyway to give them a chance atleast. The guy said I was amazing. But I had to join right now. I told him I would join next month because Im broke...Im a musician lol. He pretty much blew me off then. He told me who knows how good my music would be in a month... hilarious. It was the same basterd that posted earlier.
If you look, youll see that pretty much all of the good posts are actually formatted, and the real people that hate a&r could care less, and wtf is the cheers! bs. The people that are pro A&R dont even make good arguements and the guy that was from A&R and being an ass lol he made things even better for them.
Definately save ur money.
Anywho, to get to my point. The right people will find you, and you wont pay upfront. Its illegal to pay to entertain anyways. Ive paid no money to anyone not even for deposits, and Ive been on all kinds of radio stations, and Ive had all kinds of opportunities from the source themselves, not through a F***n middle man. Booking agencies contant me direct as well.
Seriously A&R you can be pissed because your scam isnt taking off right. You are just like the people that you are pissed at that contribute to this forum, but your a million times worse. YOU want something for nothing. What is it you said about gambling, its so easy to point fingers, but what money are you gambling with... none, just stealing everyone elses. You sit at a desk, you make phone calls and ask for 40% of earnings of someone who spends their life creating the music that you will earn from. You should be ashamed. I think its time you guys found new jobs. Wal-mart is always hiring... no gambling involved.
Seriously, Ive watched so many documentaries about bands. Not one story started with I paid someone money. Get out there and tour, throw some shows in parking lots. You dont want to look back at your lives when youre older and not have any amazing storied about how you got to the top. "I paid a company and I got big" really is a sucky story. And if youre going to be gambling, definately do it with you setting the law, not someone else.
Im about typed out. I hope this helps people out, and maybe pisses some people off that work at A&R.
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Hi everybody!.
I talked to Bret a 20 minutes ago. He wanted me to pay 999 bucks for services you already know. Of course I wasn't going to pay anything before I find something of them. So here I am. Looks like I found out everything I wanted.
Thanks God for the internet and for that forum.
www.ArekReliga.com
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yer my band paid these guys $599, then found this site, we emailed them saying we wanted our money back and they insisted that they dont do refunds.. but guess what those fuckers paid back!
so if u get caught out and they say no refunds, by law in the united kingdom if the service you paid for isnt what you are getting they cannot refuse!
the way they go about getting bands is stupid!
if ur good enough your music will speak! maybe it will cost money but spend that shit on tees and cds not a toss pot with a gay accent over the phone.
gotta admit they are so good at getting you to believe them, but dont!
a&r select= BULL FUCKING SHIT!!!!!!!
keep it real
d x
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I dont understand why people are giving such bad talk about this service. I have been with them for a few months and have been very pleased with the services provided. I had submitted work to their scouts originally and after about 5 months I got contacted through the phone (I had completely forgotten about my submission through them) I signed up for the $300 service & don't see how people think this is a scam. Their services aren't something that is rushed it takes time for some things. If you need to reach them give them a call. The staff seems very professional, very friendly and knowledgeable about what they do. They offer services such as promotional campaigns, radio campaigns and a whole bunch more. I had signed up with them to get me moving in the right direction in the music business. Nothing is promised in services like these (ie record deals ect) but there are possibilities and you wont know till you try. They have even helped me with other aspects about the music business that I was unsure about aside from what they offer. I dont see how this is a scam and think people are very ignorant for stating that a website that is a scam is NUMBERONEMUSIC.COM sign up for that if you want to see a real scam. A&R Select is legit and I love the reps assigned to me.
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Hi All You Impatient Superstars.
What The!!!
I don't know why the Hell some people Shit on A+R Select, There service might not be the best, But have you tried some of the others. I have been with them for several months now and have had no problems with them. It seams to me that some Dick heads actually believe when they join up with a company offering these sevices....They should hit the big time within a few days, Or even sooner.
Ha Fucking Ha.
James
P.S. Maybe it's your Music that's Shit!!!
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| by z
on Monday March 02 2009 @ 05:51PM PST [ reply | parent ] |
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(((I just read an article from a BMI link. One thing that stuck out was "...NEVER, NEVER, NEVER pay to have your song published."
Check it out at http://songwriter101.com/articles/982_0_6_0_M/)))
That's it- that's the final word for me. WOW, I was just contacted by A&R on MySpace (first red flag!) and did a google search on the words "A&R Select" and "scam"- I found this, plus the BBB, plus chat sites, and everywhere I go I see people complaining.
While it is true most artists who sign up with any kind of service (Taxi, etc) are not going to see returns (this is a gamble folks!) the point is that we should ALWAYS GAMBLE WITH SOMEONE ELSE'S MONEY. If management/lable, etc "believes in you" they will bank on you or ignore you. Looks like A&R takes your money, then mostly ignores you.
I see all these testimonials here and elsewhere that stink of phony-ness... supporters say things like "they're cool" "they're rad" and "best bang for your buck." People don't fucking talk like that, I'm sorry.
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I found this blog because I'm thinking of working for one of these companies. I never knew they even existed until I interviewed. I was researching because I don't want to work for any scams because I believe in karma. I read some of these blogs and this is my input...
If you are an artist who believes in yourself enough to invest in another avenue to promote yourself, $400 or whatever it costs per year is not that much money. A service like this isnt' a guarantee for fame and fortune, it's just another tool for promotion...a promotional expense, and nothing more. Just remember that this is your business and it's up to you to succeed. Agents, managers, these companies are just tools! If the person who sold you the service promised you the world, that person will deserve what's coming but I don't think the entire company should go down because of an individual. I agree that if a company truly believes in you they will invest in you. At the same time, I don't know any investors that will put in money into your idea without you putting skin in the game. It's good to be cautious but don't let people who let their negativity and skeptism guide them make decisions for you because a bad attitude doesn't get you far. You usually find what you're looking for.
I still haven't decided which company to work for. A&R select, Hitt Music Group, what other companies are out there like these? I just want to play a part of getting good music heard and I know for sure I would only solicit artists I believe in if I decided to work for one of these companies.
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haha Ok, so I got an email from them telling me my music had
been selected and I should contact them at their number. I called,
no one answered, so I left a VM. I did receive a call from a guy,
who was asking me if i wanted to push the sales of my new cd
worldwide, and asking how serious I am about my music. To which
I replied, I would like to go more in the direction of local shows
and music licensing, and that i didn't want to be a pop star. The
guys actually hung up on me! Talk about unprofessional!
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Does anyone know about AnR Unlimited? I have been contacted by
someone from there. It seems similar to A&R Select.
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Yes, I know all about A&R select. They did not charge me $300. A talent scout, Ira, I won't give out last names found me & I have had a wonderful experience w/them so far. Yes, I have gotten myself lots of radio play but this place gets your music on more radios, college radios, tv shows, movies etc. My music rep is joe & we have had many conversations. My store is all set up & I am beginning my submissions. It is an awesome awesome, very professional place.
I have been w/ cdbaby for a while & I love it, music submit & avenuehifi.com All of these places are fantastic!!
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Hey. First. BMI has alot of affilates and you can get one if you bug them enough. A&R Select is not even a real webpage its a twink site with links. They approached our artist, Susan Hickman, and advised her they are well known with Nashville HMG. Confirmed this story was NOT true from HMG rep.. Vivian Perry. The company has been throwing names out that say they are references but once checked comes back with terrible reviews.
I wanted to let everyone know there is also now another scam going around, http://universalaronline.com/ Claiming to be Unviersal A&R. This one is asking for 29.99 a month now for submissions and is being posted via myspace profiles that deal with 'PEPSI' and then pepsi is not a known affiliate. Be on the lookout!
Chad Fahnestock
National Artist Manager
Seventh Avenue Agency
www.SeventhAvenueAgency.com
866.611.7545
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I'm interested to hear about anr unlimited too, it seems VERY much like a scam, in the same vein as the hitt music group, i just wanted to know if anyone else had been contacted by them or knew anything more.
thanks!
-loren
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I too received a call from A&R Select demanding $599 up front to get started.
I requested detailed information regarding the company and services from "Danny" before I made any type of decision like this.
Once I received the information and did some research of my own, this was my email response.
"Danny.
Thanks for the information.
Based on the information you have provided (and information I have researched outlined in the links below) I will not pay for any type of service(s) up front offering no guarantee’s.
http://cdbaby.org/stories/06/05/25/4215506.html
http://www.la.bbb.org/BusinessReport.aspx?CompanyID=100029138
If you would like to discuss compensation percentages from licensing successes, radio, TV, Movies and other media placement, I would be happy to discuss the details further.
Thank you."
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I am a bass player in a band, But I want to keep us anonymous. We have seen all the scams since moving to Southern California. This appears to be another one.
They sent us something about being interested in us on myspace a couple months ago, so I responded with my phone number asking them to call me.
They finally did today. The young man who called said that they really liked our music and that they are particular about who they choose to select. However, he did not know the name of any of our songs, CDs, the other members of the band, or EVEN THE BAND NAME! All of which can be found on our myspace page, website, or google search.
I ask him what they would do for us. He listed a dozen things such as tour booking, radio play, and getting us gig on the Sunset Strip (big deal, we play there once a month anyways).
Then I asked how they tried to get us radio play. He responded that he, "wouldn't try, but would submit us to radio stations." I had to try not to laugh, the play on words was hilarious.
He continued to ask how much money we could afford to pay them for their services. My scam meter was going off the charts, so I said I will have to speak to the other guys about it. He then repeated that they were in a hurry to 'sign' a band in our genre (even though he didn't know what our music sounded like!) and he gave me 24 hours to get back to him before he gave his offer to another band.
With the number of people writing their story about this, I have trouble believing they are selective with who they sign.
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My band signed with them about 6 months ago..we paid 399....so far not much. The bio they wrote for us was laughable, honestly it looked like a 4th grade kid wrote it. They basically just got us a bunch of internet radio plays, thats it that I know of...I have no idea if we have been shopped or our music has been submitted anywhere. I figure all the internet submissions is probably worth around 100...I don't really have the time to sit on a computer and do it myself.. My band has gotten tours with national acts and radio play on over 70 stations nationwide and satellite and we currently have two labels we are talking with that our new manager has set up...all of this without arselect..they don't even answer the phone when we call..for anybody who is thinking of joining...don't
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My little brother signed up with universalaronline.com and was signed to Geffen Records in 3 months. Taxi didn't do anything for him, and he was with them for 2 years. Most sites are scams, but www.universalaronline.com and www.taxi.com are not scams at all. Thanks
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These companies (Hitt Music Group, ARSelect, etc) prey upon
the vulnerability of bands and their dreams. What young band
doesn't want to believe that they have been selected above all
the others, and think their music is "special"? Trust me, if your
music is good enough to be licensed, then get it out there and
submit it to the appropriate channels, and cut out the
middleman. If thousands of bands are receiving the same emails
from these companies, then you can be sure that a fair number
of them will be suckers for the scam. This means that these
companies, even if they were legit (which they are not - sorry)
have piles and piles of random, nameless, bands cds sitting on
their desks and shelves in their offices, which they are too busy
counting their money to listen to, and they are more likely sitting
around the office joking about how crap your music is and
thinking how there is a sucker born every minute. These are
phishing scams, nothing more. They don't even listen to your
music before they send the email. They will tell you they
"particularly liked" such and such a song, and the fact is they
don't even know what song they like cuz they never actually
heard the song. They also don't even know who the hell they are
soliciting half the time. Alot of the time, they even target
already-signed bands, having not paid attention or researched
who they are sending the email out to.
The internet has a lot of information and resources and personal
experiences and testimonials to draw from. This forum is a good
example of the law of averages: 50 negative posts/experiences,
and a handful of "positive" ones, clearly written by people who
either work for the company, or have some other sort of agenda.
Follow your gut. If it looks like shit, and smells like shit, you
know what it probably is.
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| by
on Wednesday June 03 2009 @ 09:45PM PDT [ reply | parent ] |
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You guys as musicians we have to stick together fuck these fake programs who wanna steal money from honest musicians
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From all the people who have positive things to say about this company, I've yet to hear any success stories. (ie our music got played on House) Could it be you just found out you got scammed and are now trying to make yourself feel like it was okay?
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| NOTE: If you need a reply you should email CD Baby directly instead of posting here. We don't often read old message board postings, and have no way of replying to them!
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