Music Business Monday—How to Avoid Record Deal Scams

In this video, Robin Crow, Dark Horse Institute founder and CEO, explains the difference between a legitimate record deal and a scam.

Real Record Deals Pay You to Play

Understanding the caveats of contract negotiations before signing with your first label is paramount to a successful music career. One of the many pitfalls first-time recording artists should avoid is a fee-based marketing scheme widely advertised on the Internet. This pay-to-play con should be avoided at all costs.

A legitimate record label will offer to pay you instead of the other way around. They will also provide the marketing, promotion, and distribution of your work without asking for money upfront.

Watch the video to learn more about record deal scams.