How are showcases done? Am I getting Scammed?
I’ve been approached by a company who wants to do a showcase with my band. There will be several bands playing that night and they told me a bunch of record labels will be there. They want me to pay $350 to play. Is this how showcases are normally done? They also want my act to be responsible for selling 200 tickets, none of which we get to keep. Are they trying to scam us or not?
-Joe. Elizabeth, NJ
If anyone asks you for any type of money upfront run as fast as you can from the offer. Anybody who wants to see your act in a showcase that is in fact serious about you or your band will have that set up for you and pay for it. Under no circumstances should your act ever have to sell tickets for a showcase. It’s a scam and happens more often then people realize. It’s a disreputable part of the business and prays upon young acts with no knowledge of how things should be done. Don’t send them a dime. You’re better off investing that $350 in gas money and playing shows in some new towns.
