Scam and a Half
I've been looking for venues for the Look Machine to play, because we really want to play live more. A found one that looked kind of promising -- the New York Music Fest . I love New York, I love music, I love fests, so what's not to love?

I send an application in and get a call from "Nicole" that night -- already I know this is suspicious because legitimate places just don't get back to you that quickly.

I wasn't around, so I called her today. She's kind of weird, like trying to butter me up, saying she's sure I have this great band but I know she's never heard any of our music. She asks me why we would waste our time recording a demo (after she asked me to send her a demo, go figure), and playing live shows when we could go straight to getting a record deal through her fest -- where 300 major label reps are just dying "to be blown away and sign some bands, they do it every year."

OK, OK, so why is she making this fest sound so great? I know that most venues don't have the time of day for you when you're just another band to them?

Well, here's the kicker.

Me: "Ok, so where do I send that demo, what's the address?"

Nichole: "Yes, well you can just send the demo and $945 to. . . "

Me: "Wait, did you say nine dollars and forty five cents??"

Nichole: "No, I said Nine HUNDRED and FORTY FIVE dollars, which is much less than the $3000 that most festivals ask for. . . Do you want to fax me a copy of your check so I can hold a place for you?"

Me: "Um. . . well I need to talk to the rest of the band about it, I'll let you know about it later. .. "

Man, talk about a scam!!!