Protecting Your Music Career: How to Spot and Avoid Scams in the Music Industry (VIDEO)

As a Chicago recording studio dedicated to supporting musicians, we understand the importance of navigating the music industry with caution and awareness. One question we often get asked is how to spot scams when it comes to booking shows and music promotion. We've compiled valuable insights to help you stay vigilant and safeguard your musical journey.

When it comes to booking shows, remember this golden rule: Never pay to play. Be cautious of any venue that asks for money in exchange for a performance or tickets. Such arrangements are typically scams. Even if they promise connections to industry insiders or famous names, it's likely a waste of time. These pay-to-play shows often attract nothing more than other artists who have fallen for the same deceptive scheme.

Instead, focus on genuine opportunities to showcase your talent. Consider playing at small, intimate venues like coffee shops, house parties, dive bars, or even perform on the streets with a portable speaker. These grassroots performances can actually reach more people and build a real connection with your audience.

To help you in booking shows, we've developed a useful template that you can use to reach out to venues and secure gigs. Just reach out to us, and we'll gladly provide it to you.

Moving on to music promotion, be cautious of playlists, radio stations, and reviewers that ask for money to promote your art. These outlets lack credibility, and engaging with them usually yields minimal results. Instead, focus on building relationships with reputable tastemakers and reviewers who genuinely appreciate and support emerging artists. To assist you in this aspect, we've curated a list of 175+ places in Chicago that review music for free. Let us know if you'd like to receive it.

In summary, always be cautious of anyone asking you to pay to play or pay for promotion. If you encounter such a scenario, it's most likely a scam. Stay true to your art, seek genuine opportunities, and connect with credible industry figures who share your passion for music.

We're excited to see your next steps in the recording booth. Whether you need the reviewers list or the booking template, just hit us up, and we'll be thrilled to support you on your musical journey. Together, let's build a strong and thriving music community!