A TRUE STORY OF INDUSTRY ABUSE

Allen L. Johnston – The Music Specialistwww.asha.com

This story needs to be told because, even in 2025, people are still falling for the same industry scams.

A distressed parent recently called me, desperate to make their child’s entertainment dreams come true. They had attended a networking event hosted by an industry-related association, where they heard glowing success stories about how this group helps new artists thrive. Encouraged by these testimonials, they eagerly collected contact information from people they believed could guide them.

A few days later, the parent reached out to one of these contacts and asked how they could take their child’s career to the next level. The response was immediate: Send money, and we’ll take care of everything. Trusting the promise of success, the parent sent the requested funds and eagerly awaited results.

Within a week, the contact claimed that the child’s music was being played on several radio stations and tracked by Broadcast Data Systems (BDS). To sustain airplay and secure a feature in a national trade magazine, they were told to send even more money. Once again, the parent complied, believing that they were investing in their child’s future.

Two weeks later, another contact—this time from a different market—reached out with an even bigger opportunity. They assured the parent that they had a powerful plan to elevate the child’s career, but of course, more money was needed. When the parent hesitated, saying they could only send half upfront and deliver the rest in person, the response was blunt: Send half now, but if you wait, the price doubles.

At this point, alarm bells finally started ringing. The parent began to suspect they were being taken advantage of and reached out to me for guidance.

My Response Wasn’t What They Wanted to Hear.

I told them that their lack of knowledge, blind trust, and failure to do due diligence made them a perfect target for scammers. Here’s why:

• They didn’t verify the airplay. They sent money without checking which stations were playing the song, whether the song was properly registered with BDS, or whether they even had a presence in those markets.

• They had no sales strategy. There was no plan to sell CDs, digital downloads, or even merchandise.

• They didn’t research the trade magazine. They had never even heard of it before paying for coverage.

• They didn’t investigate the association. The group that introduced them to these contacts hadn’t been a credible industry player in over a decade.

The truth is, if you don’t understand the business, you’re setting yourself up for failure.

How to Avoid Industry Scams in 2025

The music industry has evolved, but the scams remain the same. The best way to protect yourself is by educating yourself and taking control of your own career.

1. HONESTY IS STILL THE BEST POLICY

Despite what some believe, integrity matters in the entertainment industry. The people who scammed this parent are now the subject of discussions across industry circles, both online and offline. The internet never forgets, and word spreads fast.

2. KNOWLEDGE IS POWER

If you’re serious about a career in music, learn the business from the ground up. Just like running a restaurant means knowing everything from greeting customers to taking out the trash, a successful music career requires understanding distribution, promotion, publishing, contracts, and digital tracking.

3. VERIFY EVERYTHING

If someone claims your song is getting airplay, ask for proof. If they mention a feature in a magazine, confirm it with the publication. If they promise connections, check their credentials before handing over money.

4. NETWORK WITH PURPOSE

Real relationships build real careers. Attend industry events, connect with legitimate professionals, and stay in touch. Friends do business together—strangers don’t.

5. PICK UP THE PHONE

In an era of DMs and emails, the value of a real phone call or face-to-face meeting cannot be overstated. Business is about relationships, and personal connections go a long way.

6. SHOW UP & SHAKE HANDS

The most successful artists don’t just rely on digital promotion. They visit radio stations, attend industry events, and engage with fans in person. If you want people to invest in your career, you have to show up for yourself first.

FINAL THOUGHTS

Somewhere along the way, our generation failed to pass down essential industry knowledge. The values of honesty, hard work, and accountability have been overshadowed by the illusion of instant fame.

Let’s change that. Let’s educate, empower, and protect the next generation of artists.

The dream is real, but so are the scams. Choose wisely.