FREE RECORDING (or maybe not...)
 

I saw this ad on a local music forum-

FREE RECORDING! (VOCALISTS LOOK HERE...)

We urgently need vocalists and backing vocalists to complete our recording. The content is somewhere blurred between alternative/funky rock. Anyone who likes hitting those high notes like Arethra Franklin, Etta James, Marvin Gaye. (Male and Female for really strong harmonies and vocal riffing)

Everybody will receive a copy of the two recordedsongs to use in their "C.V" or if ever asked for musical examples.

Looking forward to hearing from you...
Thanks
James


Am I totally missing the point here, or is this not a disgusting example of 'pay-to-play' under a misleading title? This kind of thing annoys me. *sigh*

This looks like a band who need someone to help finish a record they're working on. I guess they don't have what they need on hand and they're not in the mood to pay a session vocalist.

There are plenty of people who would jump at the chance to get on a record, any record, for free. I dare say that they'll get their money's worth though. Nobody who can sing at that level well is going to help these cat's for free. It'll be total amateur hour and the recording will probably end up costing the band a large amount more than it should. You're better off just cutting the carp and hiring a pro.

If I were to respond to an ad like that, I would kindly ask them what the hourly rate would be in addition to the "free recordings". I'm guessing they would balk, but it would be fun to see if they come to their senses...

How so? The poster is looking for someone to do the vocals, and isn't going to pay, but will supply copies of the finished project. Not much in it for many people, but for some they might get their first studio experience and some credit.