Producer Won't Let Me Hear Tracks - Topic Powered by eve community

Madguitrst

Yondan

Posted

quote:
Originally posted by sixstringlass:
That DBA has to be on file, and you have to be paying taxes, or you can get in deep you-know-what.

That's why I mentioned the IRS in my first post.

Let me get something straight: You're the female singer in the band, correct?
You're doing the fighting?
This picture has become much more focused - taking advantage of your gender.

Listen, you have to get tough.
Threaten them with Consumer Affairs, the Federal trade Commision and whoever else you can threaten with.

This is fraudulant....depending on a few things, maybe mail fraud.
I'd threaten them with that and the IRS too.

If they are not a "real business" (LLC, or a corp of some kind) their personal belongings may become subject to a lawsuit.

You see, it's not a metter of what's real, it's a matter of what you make seem real and how far you want to take it. The thing is, you can take pretty far with just a few well written letters and an authoritative presence, peferably male....unless you or another female you know can be the ultimate bitch (which may even be preferable).

The bottom line: Shit or get off of the pot.
Either you're going to do somethin or not.
Your current plan of action has been ineffective, so you need to change it.
Einstein: "Insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results".
Get aggressive.
You don't need a lawyer, just someone to act as one.......even yourself.

I'll make you this offer one more time.
If you want me to write a draft I will.
I'll even follow it with direct communication.
Just PM (or in this forum) detailed info about your dealings.

FWIW, I deal with this from both ends here at work.
I do very well

And if you don't want to do that, then as has been mentioned, DEMAND your material/work be given back to you and just move on. I wouldn't take it lying down but conversely, if it's the worse thing you allow to happen in your life I guess you'll be okay. Just don't let it become a pattern..............

Good luck.......

Madguitrst has left the Forums.......but not before committing acts designed to offend the senses.

Posts: 1944 | Registered:: 06-20-03

Ignored post by Madguitrst posted

dunc

1st kyu

Posted

SSL - Where are you in Idaho? I have a friend up there who's a refugee from the LA scene. He'd be perfect for playing the part of the big-time record producer, but he's in Clark's Fork.

There are different ways to handle this. Since they already think you're gullible, they might fall for the ruse in my previous post. Keep in mind, once you go nuclear on them, the chances of you actually getting something from them are going to diminish - unless you win. Adversarial relationships are like that. People lose the big picture because they get entrenched in their defensive position, protecting their turf or their ego.

But I like the idea of threatening to bring in the IRS, since many little studios and hustler producers are working the underground economy, and the last thing they want is attention from the authorities. The studio could be especially vulnerable if the guy doesn't have a business license and is operating against local zoning. You might even be able to work something out with the engineer, bypassing the producer, just to get your tracks back, in order to keep his studio out of the limelight.
I listened to a bit of your cover song mp3's, and your band sounds fine. I think the producer just wanted to bypass your band in order to have more control and make more money. Since a producer lives or dies by his reputation, I'm surprised he isn't concerned. It wouldn't take much to turn his internet presence into a living nightmare. You might remind him of that, if the situation deteriorates to that point.

*****
Give a man a fish and he will eat for a day. Teach a man to fish and he will wipe out an entire species.

Posts: 278 | Location: Tucson AZ | Registered:: 07-23-06

Ignored post by dunc posted

5th kyu

Posted

quote:
Originally posted by Kel:
this is the super secret EQ technique in action?
this would take me, or nearly anyone here, about 2 hours to do better. It's not horrible work, just sounds beginner-ish. It's horrible for $700/song
at a certain point you cut your losses, quit messing with these people and get your music done somewhere. If the money spent is every penny you've saved and very hard to come by then by all means, try to get some back. If not, don't expect much. start a new chapter.

do these people advertise, like on Craigslist?

They advertised for their contest on Craigslist, but I asked them about their studio's advertising (hoping to offset the cost of recording with some web design and SEO work) and I was told that they "don't advertise."

I suppose I should now tell you the whole tale.
I've put it here.

I was naive and stupid for a long time.

Posts: 32 | Location: Idaho | Registered:: 10-13-07

Ignored post by sixstringlass posted

5th kyu

Posted

quote:
Originally posted by BLueROom:
I think the best course of action, considering the $ amount and the he said/she said factor ...would be to simply tell them to get you the raw tracks and that you'll gladly walk away from them without a legal battle. This way you at least have your tracks and can get them mixed somewhere else. You might actually have a product after all is said and done and your money was simply worth less. Let the word spread around town that they are a couple sheisters and watch their business fail miserably.

That's the only other option I'll consider at this point, but I believe that nothing has been done except what I've linked to here. Oh... and that one other partial guitar track. I don't think there are bass tracks or good drum tracks or strings or anything else I was promised.

I think I'm going to have to take them to court, re-record everything myself, and get some help with the rest. I was hoping to avoid that because I don't know what I am doing. I just wanted a recording. Why is that so hard for these people to get?

WAH!

Posts: 32 | Location: Idaho | Registered:: 10-13-07

Ignored post by sixstringlass posted

5th kyu

Posted

quote:
Originally posted by Zygon:
Best of luck in this.

Thank you!

Posts: 32 | Location: Idaho | Registered:: 10-13-07

Ignored post by sixstringlass posted

5th kyu

Posted

quote:
Originally posted by Bassman:
All the best for the future, hope you'll get at least some of your money back.

Thanks, Bassman!

Posts: 32 | Location: Idaho | Registered:: 10-13-07

Ignored post by sixstringlass posted

5th kyu

Posted

quote:
Originally posted by Madguitrst:
quote:
Originally posted by sixstringlass:
That DBA has to be on file, and you have to be paying taxes, or you can get in deep you-know-what.

That's why I mentioned the IRS in my first post.

Let me get something straight: You're the female singer in the band, correct?
You're doing the fighting?
This picture has become much more focused - taking advantage of your gender.

Listen, you have to get tough.
Threaten them with Consumer Affairs, the Federal trade Commision and whoever else you can threaten with.

This is fraudulant....depending on a few things, maybe mail fraud.
I'd threaten them with that and the IRS too.

If they are not a "real business" (LLC, or a corp of some kind) their personal belongings may become subject to a lawsuit.

You see, it's not a metter of what's real, it's a matter of what you make seem real and how far you want to take it. The thing is, you can take pretty far with just a few well written letters and an authoritative presence, peferably male....unless you or another female you know can be the ultimate bitch (which may even be preferable).

The bottom line: Shit or get off of the pot.
Either you're going to do somethin or not.
Your current plan of action has been ineffective, so you need to change it.
Einstein: "Insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results".
Get aggressive.
You don't need a lawyer, just someone to act as one.......even yourself.

I'll make you this offer one more time.
If you want me to write a draft I will.
I'll even follow it with direct communication.
Just PM (or in this forum) detailed info about your dealings.

FWIW, I deal with this from both ends here at work.
I do very well

And if you don't want to do that, then as has been mentioned, DEMAND your material/work be given back to you and just move on. I wouldn't take it lying down but conversely, if it's the worse thing you allow to happen in your life I guess you'll be okay. Just don't let it become a pattern..............

Good luck.......

My band isn't involved in this at all. The producer said that they weren't good enough, but that I was. he went on and on and on about how I was destined to make money and be famous or whatever... and a scant three months later, can't shut up about how much I stink, in his opinion.

Well, you're right... and I want to take you up on the offer, but I'm not sure what it would accomplish. Can you explain a little more to me? I'd like to give them until Saturday afternoon to respond to my e-mail (that a week from when I sent it). If they don't reply by Saturday, I will have to do something else to get my money back from them. At this point, I don't think there's enough recorded to bother salvaging the tracks. I just want my money back or a recording up to my standards. I don't think they can come up with the latter.

I'm not a bitch... I've tried being one, and end up chickening out. I'm just a regular nice person who doesn't screw people over and doesn't want to get screwed over. I just want what they promised: a recording that I will love or my money back. Period.

Thank you for your offer. Feel free to e-mail me to talk about it.

Posts: 32 | Location: Idaho | Registered:: 10-13-07

Ignored post by sixstringlass posted

5th kyu

Posted

quote:
Originally posted by dunc:
SSL - Where are you in Idaho? I have a friend up there who's a refugee from the LA scene. He'd be perfect for playing the part of the big-time record producer, but he's in Clark's Fork.

Clark Fork is not that far from me; I'm near Sandpoint.

quote:
There are different ways to handle this. Since they already think you're gullible, they might fall for the ruse in my previous post. Keep in mind, once you go nuclear on them, the chances of you actually getting something from them are going to diminish - unless you win. Adversarial relationships are like that. People lose the big picture because they get entrenched in their defensive position, protecting their turf or their ego.

Oh, I know. At this point, I see no point in salvaging the relationship with them. I see no point in getting the tracks from them. I just want my money back so I can get a recording done somewhere that actually gives a shit.

quote:
But I like the idea of threatening to bring in the IRS, since many little studios and hustler producers are working the underground economy, and the last thing they want is attention from the authorities. The studio could be especially vulnerable if the guy doesn't have a business license and is operating against local zoning. You might even be able to work something out with the engineer, bypassing the producer, just to get your tracks back, in order to keep his studio out of the limelight.

It may come to threats of the IRS or the Attorney General of Washington. I hope not. I hope they just give me my money back and let me go about my merry way. But I don't think that's going to happen.

quote:
I listened to a bit of your cover song mp3's, and your band sounds fine. I think the producer just wanted to bypass your band in order to have more control and make more money.

Thanks. Those were live, recorded in a friend's basement studio that is just starting up.

quote:
Since a producer lives or dies by his reputation, I'm surprised he isn't concerned. It wouldn't take much to turn his internet presence into a living nightmare. You might remind him of that, if the situation deteriorates to that point.

It's really beyond that. He refuses to communicate with me in any way shape or form since I called him on his lies, and I don't think he realizes just what a kettle of fish he's gotten himself into by not living up to what he promised.

Thanks again for your support.

Posts: 32 | Location: Idaho | Registered:: 10-13-07

Ignored post by sixstringlass posted

dunc

1st kyu

Posted

SSL - I sent you an email with the contact info for my friend up there. Sandpoint's not that big of a place. I'm surprised your producer is being so cavelier about this whole thing.

Good luck

*****
Give a man a fish and he will eat for a day. Teach a man to fish and he will wipe out an entire species.

Posts: 278 | Location: Tucson AZ | Registered:: 07-23-06

Ignored post by dunc posted

0db

6th kyu

Posted

"I am surprised your Producer is so cavelier about this whole thing."

I am suprised we are! I apologize . I am brand new on this message board and I find this story to be so bizarre that I am having a hard time following it. Let's say that if one inch of this text is true. We would have one of the most sinister tales of 'Creepery' that has hit these kind of pages!
Granted, we have only heard one side of this story so nothing can really be verified, in addition, no names have been used so this is story can really only be taken as some kind of 'Urban Legend'.

Of Course.....
I invite all parties involved to post their version of these events in effort to bring balance to these accusations.

Having said that. If this story is really true ,we owe it to our community to put these kind of pickpocket, pilferer, pirate, plunderer producers out of business!!!!!!

Sorry, got a little personally involved there.

Anyway, Do you find this believable?
Do you think we should do something as aunited front?
Do you think this kind of behavior is the norm/cool?

Am I overboard?

PS Big Ups to all who offered advice and also offered thier time to rectify this situation.

0

Posts: 1 | Registered:: 11-09-07

Ignored post by 0db posted

5th kyu

Posted

quote:
Originally posted by 0db:
I am suprised we are! I apologize . I am brand new on this message board and I find this story to be so bizarre that I am having a hard time following it. Let's say that if one inch of this text is true. We would have one of the most sinister tales of 'Creepery' that has hit these kind of pages!
Granted, we have only heard one side of this story so nothing can really be verified, in addition, no names have been used so this is story can really only be taken as some kind of 'Urban Legend'.

Perhaps no names have been used because I'm not going to smear someone's name through the mud needlessly? Until I'm sure of what's happening, my lips are sealed on who these people are. Besides, I'm sure you would never have heard of them.

quote:
Of Course.....
I invite all parties involved to post their version of these events in effort to bring balance to these accusations.

I have verification of everything, including witnesses to phone calls, e-mails saved, et cetera. I've said NOTHING here that wasn't the absolute truth from my point of view. And, since it is my perspective on this, when/if these people decide to enlighten me on some of what I perceive as BS, I might change my point of view on what's BS and what isn't. But I don't hold out much hope for that.

quote:
Having said that. If this story is really true ,we owe it to our community to put these kind of pickpocket, pilferer, pirate, plunderer producers out of business!!!!!!

It's true. I wish it weren't. But it is.

quote:
Sorry, got a little personally involved there.

Why?

quote:
Anyway, Do you find this believable?

Yes. I known people who've been screwed over for less. I remember one case of a booking agent sending bands to shows he never booked, costing the band more than $1,200. This business is full of shysters. In this situation, I tried to overlook my misgivings... perhaps for too long.

quote:
Do you think this kind of behavior is the norm/cool?

Which behavior? This producer's or me asking for some clarification on something they told me and then providing more information when it was requested of me?

quote:
Am I overboard?

Of course not. A healthy dose of skepticism is always helpful. It's misguided in this case, as I swear on everything I am that every word of this is true. But, skepticism is something I could probably use a lot more of, so I don't get myself into these kinds of situations.

quote:
PS Big Ups to all who offered advice and also offered thier time to rectify this situation.

Yes, indeed. Thank you to everyone here to offered advice and help. I appreciate it.

Posts: 32 | Location: Idaho | Registered:: 10-13-07

Ignored post by sixstringlass posted

5th kyu

Posted

I need to delete this topic. Anybody know if that can be done?

Thanks

Posts: 32 | Location: Idaho | Registered:: 10-13-07

Ignored post by sixstringlass posted

WalkerGibson

Shodan

Posted

I'd assume the topic can be deleted, but why do you want to? Seems like it serves as a good warning to people in situations similar to yours.

------------------------------
http://www.walkergibson.com

Posts: 347 | Location: Lancaster, CA | Registered:: 07-29-07

Ignored post by WalkerGibson posted

6th kyu

Posted

Sounds like you got cheated. I had this happen to some friends, but it was some cheap studio for only $200. I do a lot of home studio work myself for other people and I usually ask for 1/2 up front. But full? That's almost excessive. I also NEVER go to work in a studio without having some kind of written and signed agreement with a copy for myself. Good luck with getting your money back!

Posts: 18 | Registered:: 11-16-07

Ignored post by TD posted