Industry Rule #4080

One thing about the music industry, and entertainment industry as a whole, is there’s a low barrier to entry. You don’t need a master’s degree, and in reality, you don’t need any schooling or training at all. Anyone can join the free-for-all that is the music biz. And I love that about our community, as you can come from overwhelming struggle to build an empire. But, as we know, the open door policy combined with the appeal of money and fame attracts a significant amount of greed and seediness as well.

Luckily, internet background checks are easier than ever before, and I’m personally lucky enough to have a solid network that can usually identify a snake before I have to deal with one. Usually, but not always... And it wasn’t always that way. I’ve definitely had to maneuver through my share of shysters on my way to legitimacy.

For years, I found these situations embarrassing, and didn’t want to share my idiotic, weak moments when others got one over on me. But I’m letting y’all in my inner circle, and have vowed to share my mistakes so you can learn from them. I'm still not detailing names, but the stories deserve to be told.

Put Me On

Early in my artist career, I was desperate to get on stage. This was before the "pay to play" option of having opening acts sell tickets became such a popular business model among promoters. Back then, you had to either throw your own show or network and convince a promoter to put you on. I did the latter, and I connected with the receptionist at the most respected venue in town.

Being the determined young artist I was, I continued to check in with this receptionist every couple weeks, although I'm pretty sure she made it seem as though she had more power within the company than she actually did. Eventually, she told me she had an investment opportunity, and if I just invested $2500 into her Roy Jones Jr. afterparty, I'd make my money back and more-- and my group could perform. I know, I know... it sounds too good to be true.

Now, for those who don't know- Jones is one of the greatest pound for pound fighters in boxing history. Unbeatable in the ring. And on the mic? Welllllll... that's a different story.

But of course I had to give it a shot, as this was my big break, so I borrowed $2500 because I was flat broke. Needless to say, when my group showed up to perform, there were about twenty openers that were scheduled to go on before Roy Jones Jr. was to take the stage. So we waited patiently as nineteen other acts did their short 5-10 minute sets, and we were finally scheduled to go on, right at the height of the night. Just then, Roy Jones Jr. showed up with his crew, and immediately collected his money, and demanded to go on. So the promoter/ receptionist told us she had to get Roy on stage, and we would go on right after.

You can probably imagine what happened by the time Roy Jones Jr. got off stage. Yep, the building had cleared out. And there I was, standing there like a complete idiot, performing in front of the janitorial crew. Even the promoter had disappeared, before we could receive our investment back from her, not to mention the profits she promised.

The following Monday, I arrived at the venue office, only to be told they didn't know where the receptionist was. Then I called. And called again. Then showed up again... and again. But she was nowhere to be seen or heard from. My heart dropped. The experience was humiliating. In fact, so humiliating that I blocked it from my memory, and never mentioned it publicly until now.

But this was a lesson I needed on my path to becoming more skeptical and less gullible. And even if someone seems legit, that's not enough, because what good is paperwork when the agreement is with someone who disappears from the Universe?

Follow Your Instincts

Looking back, I knew something seemed off. It didn't feel right. The red flags were apparent. But I wanted it so bad that I ignored all of the signs.

I know many of you feel the same way I felt as a young artist. Like you've found your calling, and you're impassioned, determined, and destined to make it, no matter the sacrifice. And you will. If you believe in yourself, and you continue to work diligently towards your vision, you're going to see gains. And you're going to find success.

But it's not going to be without obstacles. It's not going to be without the shady promoters of the world.

The key is to always trust your gut. Look people up. Ask around. Do your research. And if they're asking for money up front, it should trigger some apprehension. Don't just hand over money, or your work, or ideas, without making sure you're protected.

My Pain is Your Gain

I hope you enjoyed this embarrassing story at my expense. It's all good, because after years of hard work and team building, I've now created enough good will, leverage, and opportunity that anyone who considers trying to screw me over is actually hurting themselves in the long run. And that's how you ensure your own protection. Just something for you to keep in mind, as you continue along your journey.

Tweet of the Week

There's always going to be outside noise. Those who doubt themselves, attempting to cast that self-doubt onto you. Others who are too afraid to follow the path they secretly desire to walk; transmitting that fear into your psyche. Some lack vision. And others can't imagine attempting the impossible. Drown out all of the noise. The vision is yours, and nobody else's. You don't need approval or permission to do what makes you happy, and makes you feel complete. Stay on your path.

Thanks for all of the support. Let your music and entertainment friends know about the "Follow the Thread Crumbs" Newsletter. They can subscribe here.