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Capital -USA

They've been talking to me about getting a single recorded and what-not. I don't know alot about scams out there, but they have me set up with recording time in Ohio on the 17th.

they work with universalrecordingcompany.com and some guy named Andrew W. is the only one I've talked to..

Other than that I don't know much, but I'll be happy to keep ya updated :)


Invalid Link Removed
 
SCAM ALERT! We all have heard of Capitol Records. They had that huge round skyscrapper in Hollywood, Ca. Sounds to me that "Capital USA" is trying to ride on the tailcoats of Capitol Records and sound like a big legit recording company to suck people in. Be careful
when they have their hands out and start asking for money.
 

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We've run into Capital USA. It's a scam. They are not affiliated with Capitol Records and their recording partner, Universal Recording Company is not affiliated with Universal Records. Be careful!
 
Is this place legit?

Here is the body of the email:
The best way I can probably describe what it is we do and what we're about
is two main categories:

1) Representation.One of the most obvious ways we work is connecting
artist with record labels. Of course, there are many facets that come into
play, and what we do extends into getting our artists connected with every
need pertaining to their artistry and career.

2) A kick in the butt. Strategy, consultation, ideas, business,
technique, accountability, business plan, etc.


Basically the next step would be this:

We would put you in the studio for a single with a production team and
use that for a number of things, first of all to evaluate where you are
in the grand scheme, and build more of an understanding of the full scope
related to you, and what needs done, what the ins and outs are, as well,
use it to shop and try and generate possible deals, etc. We do work with
a lot of people and may be able to connect something for you in terms of
backing, labels, etc. From there, basically work on a specific business
plan for you, which would be based off of where you are now, what's
immediately available in terms of deals, and where it is you ultimately
want to take this.

We would be willing to cover 60% of the cost on the production and
recording of this single. It would be with a production team we have a
relationship with and can give us the intimate first hand knowledge of the
band that we're really looking at, and that I know will deliver the result
we're looking for sonically and production value wise. The total cost to
you would be $390. You wouldn't need to pay for that up front of course,
but you would need to make a deposit ($150) to the studio in order to set
up a date. You wouldn't pay the rest ($240) until you physically went into
the studio for the single process. You would own it 100% in every way no
matter what. But, that's the first major step we'd take with you, in order
to gain a lot more nuts and bolts details on every level,and most
importantly, develop a relationship with you, establish trust on both
sides, and really evaluate the full dynamic of what our working
relationship could look like, the future potentials, and explore what
resources we can bring to the table for you in terms of backing and
support, etc, etc.

As mentioned in our conversation you would be going to the studio's
Columbus, OH location.


Here is the studio's web site: Link Removed

There you can listen to some of their work, see credits, as well as other
info about the studio.

Here is a link to our site: Link Removed

Current open studio dates:

Oct: 4,5,23,24
Nov: 10, 19-21,26-30
Dec: 3-8,10-15,17-22 (after that I don't know what the studio's holiday
schedule looks like)





Regards,
Alex Bradley
 
No direct experience w/ Capital, but their pitch has a strong whiff to it. The main thing is this: don't expect anything to come of anyone's vague promises to "connect you with record labels."

The budget they project is shoestring, and it doesn't make sense to bring a band from FLA to OH to bang out a quick shoestring demo. As they're only looking to advise you (and "kick you in the butt"), they ought to be able to do that much (or that little) with any decent demos you already have.

As far as "where you stand in the grand scheme," if they don't even know what they like about your music (or even whether they like your music), it's just talk.
 
Who are their current top shelf artists and what percentage of their "clients" actually get signed? Do they pay for travel and expenses? Just a couple of questions that come to mind.
 
Trust me when I tell you this: I know every artist signed by "Capital" (sic) Capitol records in the last 9 years. It's my job.

Hint: (and please remember that I mean no offense here) but if you have to ask whether or not you should work with these folks - they aren't legit.

Now, that having been said, there might actually being an Independent out there called "Capital", but honestly, I haven't heard.

Hope this helps you ought a little
 
The total cost to
you would be $390. You wouldn't need to pay for that up front of course,
but you would need to make a deposit ($150) to the studio in order to set
up a date. You wouldn't pay the rest ($240) until you physically went into
the studio for the single process.

PLEASE read what I said in post # 9.

If they ask you for ANY money up front it is NOT a legit "DEAL".

Plus you get the added pleasure of traveling to Ohio to record this spectacular marvel of audio engineering. This expense is also YOURS.



C'mon, Think for a moment.
Does that sound even remotely like a legitimate deal ?
 
I figured something has to be wrong here. But I am not from FLA. From OH. I think they have contacts in a few areas. I live about an hour away from the place. My problem is that if they could do something for us and thought we were that good, they wouldn't they pay for the whole thing? You know take a bit of a chance? But I have some younger members in the band that don't understand the ways of the world and get all excited over things like this. I for one investigate everything, ask others and then try to see the reality of things. I've hardly found a word on this company, which in itself makes me worry. Basically just two posts and Their website. Nothing Negitive, Nothing Positive, just their website. Things that make you go hmmmmmmmmmmmm.
 
My problem is that if they could do something for us and thought we were that good, they wouldn't they pay for the whole thing? You know take a bit of a chance?

Absolutely CORRECT.

A legit deal will require ZERO out of pocket for you.
A legit deal will recover all expenses from the "profit" they anticipate to result.

There is NO WAY a legit deal would require YOU to pay for a recording up front, AND then have the audacity to tell you where to record it.