Note: I have received a letter about this entry from A&R Unlimited’s lawyers. I have edited it and deleted or edited user comments where necessary in a spirit of cooperation. The entry below is my opinion only. Develop your own!
I was leaving the bike shop on Monday when my phone rang. The caller ID number read 13638. So, already I knew I was about to be pitched something silly.
I went ahead and picked it up, but I didn’t answer, I just listened. I heard an actual person moving around on the other end, so I said “hello?”
“Hello, is this Jim?”
I indicated that it was me. The person identified themselves as Paul from A&R Unlimited and said that he was interested in my songs.
Without pausing, he asked “Where are you with your career right now?”
I said “Paul, I’ve got to tell you, I’m skeptical.”
Paul was amazed and incredulous, presumably because, in his mind, I should already be mailing him my entire wallet by this point in the call.
I said “Paul, record companies don’t really work that way. There is no such thing as A&R like that”
He said “I assure you that there is, and they absolutely do!”
I decided that this was pointless to argue the point with Paul who was very polite, but ultimately selling something not worth my money. So I just happily yepped along with the remainder of his spiel and gave him my throwaway email account for him to send more info to.
So far, I haven’t gotten any emails from Paul.
I looked up their web site just to see if I I was right, and it is indeed some manner of “Pay us and we will get your music heard by key industry personnel” type site, like Sonicbids or whoever else.
Avoid these sites. If you want to be a successful artist, go out and earn a fan base one fan at a time with great material and a great show. There is no other way to do it. There are some great tools to use along the way like iTunes and YouTube and ReverbNation, but anyone asking for your money to promote you is selling you a shortcut, and there are none.
Let me repeat that. There are no shortcuts. None.
What I really want to know is how they got my number. They said they got it from Reverb Nation, but those guys are totally on the up and up with information privacy and that didn’t sound right to me.
I emailed Reverbnation anyway just to ask. I got a response from Neal Moody the next day. He pointed out that they didn’t even have my number, even if they wanted to share it.
Oh yeah! Good point, Neal!
I have no doubt that these people are talented, kind folks with the best of intentions, but that does not change the stark reality that paying someone to play your song for purportedly top industry personnel will never be any sort of replacement for going out and earning a fan base. This is particularly true in a climate when barely anyone gets signed any more.
I am still interested in how you and Paul got my cell phone number.
UPDATE: Credit where it’s due, Joann Gullo, chief proponent of A&R Unlimited, has shared her phone number and email address and offered to explain to anyone what they do and how they do business.
She also raises some pertinent questions about what a shame it is that I have enough time on my hands to actually help musicians instead of trying to get them to spend money frivolously.
She says:
I am offering anyone of you the opportunity to give me a call personally and go over what our company offers so you all truly understand what our mission is. 631 244 1624 or feel free to email me directly at arunlimited@gmail.com.
Thanks for reading Joann. I am still interested to know how you got my cell phone number to begin with. Personal information is not something to be thrown around lightly, in my opinion.
You very clearly agree, since I note that the above phone number and email address are the corporate contacts for your business, and not your personal info. Just sayin!
35 Comments
Glad to see I’m not the only one with suspicions. It’s not even a CHEAP membership — almost 600 bucks for their regular “plan”.
Nobody who wants to be paid before producing any results for you has your best interests in mind.
I am responding to the ridiculous accusations that our company is [not worth the money]. It certainly doesn’t surprise me that there are skeptics out there because of the bad business many have had in their past, however if you truly did your research, you would see who was involved in this company, good, honest, hardworking music executive / musicians at heart who have accomplished ALOT over the years.
If you have any knowledge of the music industry then you should know about The Inside Connection Music Magazine. It was a free magazine that was distributed country wide for free to help musicians further their career. We had top executives who wrote for the magazine, it was a pretty well respected entity in the music industry.
Try going to the about us page, to really do your research before you call a company that has good intentions [not worth the money]. Yes, we have to charge a fee, to keep the doors open – because we certainly won’t be rich. And we did not get your information from Reverbnation, and Paul never stated that. I know one of the owners of Reverbnation very well, and know that they do not give phone numbers out.
So rather then trying to crush something that is honest and good and is helping musicians, maybe you should really do your research first, and not blame every bad experience you may have had on a company that is really trying to make a difference!
Oh one more thing, your caller ID listed an “extension” number. We maintain our offices in a very professional building, with a very professional phone system, and each person that works here has their own voicemail and extension, which is what you “viewed”. We don’t hide our phone number. Shame on you for not doing your research and shame on you more for trying to create drama because you have had a bad experience.
This will be my last response to set the record straight.
The company has tens of thousands of musicians phone numbers compiled in a database from over the years. Those databases were compiled through various sources, websites, readers, conferences etc. The executives that work for A&R Unlimited take their time and go through those databases and call only the musicians that they feel would benefit from our firm. So I have no idea “specifically” how your number was obtained – but I assure you it was one of the above ways. If you did get a call from one of our executives – specifically Paul, it was only because he believed we could help.
We are very selective in our process. We do our research because good results for the musicians mean good results for everyone. And that’s all we want.
And to address your statement above, the fee that we charge is NOT for sending your material to the executives. If you read our website, there are tangible items you are paying for. Yes, we have amazing contacts as you have seen, but you are not paying for that, that is just something that is “included”. The fee is for the tangible items that we offer (and once again to keep the doors open for expenses to allow us to offer such opportunities). Tangible items meaning a track on the CD Compilation, the directory, the member webpage that we create for you, the live shows that we set up nationwide, the music conferences, the newsletter, great customer service and consulting aspects, etc. There are real costs with doing these things. So yes we have to charge a fee, but no it’s not for sending material to executives or receiving a critique. Those are just added items.
As a member, we DON’T take your money and walk away. Someone is always available to give our members advise, which is another reason we are so successful in our efforts. And members appreciate that.
As far as how the industry works anymore – you are incorrect. Labels are looking to sign deals – but good ones. And we are trying to introduce musicians to the fact that they can make income in many other ways then just a record deal (publishing, song placement, hooking up with an agency who can put them on supporting tours, etc).
How do I know this? If you did your research, you would have seen that I also own a rather large management firm. I negotiate record deals, publishing deals and many other deals all the time. I have also been consulting for companies for years, and do keep up on the trend.
You are correct, this is your blog and your opinion, but you really should research your information – or anyone for that matter before stating what you think is a fact, when “in fact” it’s not.
Joann Gullo
ARU is definitely a real business created to collect fees from people that have absolutely no chance of being successful in the music business. If you cant sing — you cant succeed and getting in front of someone (that is being paid to listen to you) is going to get the attention as long as the clock is still ticking on their compensation. A real music person can tell in the first 20 seconds the possibilities, and that’s what ARU is going to give you – 20 seconds.
Labels are looking to sign ’sure things’, they are no longer willing to take a chance on someone that may develop into something. That’s just the way business is, nothing specific to the graft filled music industry.
I don’t believe anybody knows how exactly how ‘the music business’ works.
I just got a call from these guys. Thanks for putting this up, so I know not to return the call. I think it is funny how Joan uses incorrect English/spelling. Seriously professional.
“Paul” called me today for the second time in about a year. I also got the 4 digit number on the caller ID. If you look at their website, you’ll notice that ANYONE with $600 can sign up for their services.
Yes there are real companies that will, for a fee, help you with marketing, will service your record to radio stations on a national level, and generally do the work that a record company would do for you if you were signed. However, if you suck, and your music sucks, they will not work for you no matter how much money you pay them. Why? because if they tried to shovel shit at the radio stations and show promoters, their reputation as industry pros with musical taste and the ability to spot talent would go down the drain.
A&R Unlimited is [not worth the money]. They will tell you that your album “The Sounds Of My Ass” is great and for $600 give you all the resources they have at their disposal to help you and your ass become stars.
Here is the bottom line. NO ONE is going to come along and discover you. NO ONE is going to come along and take care of the business side for you so you can concentrate on being an artist. This is such an extremely rare occurrence that you can safely assume it’s a fairy tale.
The reality is that the business side of the music business is so much more important than the music side. Kanye West’s singing is proof positive.
Unless you, someone you pay, or someone you trick, does the hard, dirty, grueling, never ending, business of building relationships, marketing, and promotion, you and your band will in all reality, continue to make 7 dollars each per gig on Tuesday nights, in front of 8 of your friends down at the local club, no matter how good you are.
So don’t give Paul, Joan and their 2 office staffers your hard earned cash. Paul is full of shit and you are just one of the 35 or so suckers he needs every month to pay his secretary, phone bill, rent, mortgage, and kid’s orthodontist.
I must reply to this entire ridiculous blog because everyone that is writing on this IS NOT A CLIENT. It would be understandable if a client wrote on this and after the fact claimed we are [not worth the money], but that will never be the case.
It strikes me as odd that so many people have opinions about something that they have never even tried (or maybe you have all been burned by other companies). It’s obvious to me that musicians are very jaded – which is upsetting, but we are trying our very best to help with that.
But really people, understand as a whole what our company offers rather then jumping to conclusions. We are not JUST offering you the connections, we are also offering you tangible items that “you would normally have to pay for.” And I’m not referring to the “contact” aspect.
Take the time and speak to anyone at our company and you will understand that WE ARE [GREAT]. Do your research and ask questions about what I have done over my 19 years of being in the industry and my accomplishments, and you will see that we are not just here to “make a buck”.
One very small example of this is… for 10 years, I owned a national music magazine called The Inside Connection which was distributed at all the Sam Ashs’, Daddy Junky Music and Guitar Center chains. IT WAS FREE. We had major executives writing advice columns in order to guide musicians. I had received many offers to have it distributed by companies that wanted to pay us and charge musicians (the public), but I did not want to compromise the mission. We made our revenue via advertising, because the entire purpose of the magazine was to help musicians. This is just one example of doing something that gave back to the community. I can go on and on about my 18 years in the industry, but at this point don’t feel the need to justify this any further. My point is made.
As I’ve said, I’ve been in this business for a very long time, and I’m sure as you can all see from our company and executive list, which is located on our site, that we work with MANY executives. These companies and executives work with us because (a) I’ve known and developed these executive relationships throughout the years of being in the business (b) because of my reputation in the industry, and (c) because they believe in A&R Unlimited. The companies and executives we work with would NEVER be affiliated with a [disreputable entity]. Their reputation would be on the line.
And to clarify one more point, we DO NOT pay our executives. These executives that have dedicated their time to work with us, because they believe in changing the industry for the better – as we do.
It’s a sad world when people have nothing better to do then bash a company that they know nothing about. A message to everyone who has written on this… take a good hard look at where you are in life with your music career and understand that not every company is out to get you – but may actually be trying to help you.
Of course we have to make a living in general, and fortunately we are all lucky enough to make a small living doing something we love to do – which is help musicians.
Last… I am offering anyone of you the opportunity to give me a call personally and go over what our company offers so you all truly understand what our mission is. 631 244 1624 or feel free to email me directly at anrunlimited@gmail.com
Do not use this servide it is a waste of money.. TRUST ME I KNOW!!!!!!
I just got another call from Paul today. I told him I wasn’t interested and that I didn’t have time to argue about our differing opinions about his company. He then told me that was the reason why I wasn’t making any money, that I wasn’t taking the time to research his company. Wait a minute, how does Paul know how much money I make? That sealed it for me, and I hung up. I know the sound of a salesman when I hear it. I never would have written on this message board again if Paul hadn’t decided today that I was in need of a lecture describing why I’m not successful.
For the record I’d like to say that yes I have researched A&R Unlimited. I cruised their entire web site and did searches on them for about an hour. I find their web site misleading with all the pictures of pens and signatures, and with their yearly packages starting at $695 labeled gold, platinum, and multi-platinum. I find their hard-sell, phone-solicitor techniques employing flattery to be suspect.
There are thousands of these service type firms formed by ex-record company employees because of the slow collapse of the record industry. There is no shortage of people who will sell you access to their contacts. Just realize that record deals with labels are becoming more and more rare, and artists who do get signed do it by developing a large fan-base, putting out at least two albums, selling 10,000 copies, getting on the radio, and touring, all by themselves. Artist development in the record industry is so rare as to not exist anymore and record companies rely on the artist themselves to do all their own development and market testing before they even contact them.
I guess my main point here is that there are no shortcuts anywhere in life, especially in the music business. Whether it’s you or someone who works for you, the business side of your music needs to be fiercely executed by a tireless person or team with a talent for building relationships in a tough and unforgiving industry. Whether you like it or not, your albums and live show are products that need to be marketed, and sold for a profit. The marriage of art and commerce is a precarious one and no matter which route you embark on towards success, it will require more hard work and stamina than you can imagine. Don’t for a minute think that a $700 a year membership will take care of it. And that is what is for sale here, a shortcut. Implied promises and flattery can be yours. Visa or MasterCard?
By the way Joan and Paul, please take my phone number (I’m not sure where you obtained it) off of your list, and don’t call me again. Thanks.
Hi Jim. I am a client of A&R Unlimited. I don’t know Joann. I have dealt with Scott Kuchler. I agree with you that there are no shortcuts and that you need a person or team to work fiercely for you. I belong to, use and/or pay from time to time Sonicbids, Indie-Music, American Songwriter, Reverbnation, YouLicense, MySpace, Facebook, Twitter, OurStage, MyStage, Roadtrip Nation, MTVu, NuMuBu, Live Music Media …a slew of others including A&R Unlimited – you can find Brett Mitchell on just about everything that is available. Unfortunately, I cannot supply all my food needs with my own garden so I visit a grocery store. A [disreputable maneuver] is a scheme or a swindle. There are many out there and I have fallen for a few while shopping – you know the kind where the product they have on the endcap in a larger quantity is actually more money than two of the small packages with more ounces of the same product on the aisle? I still shop in the store, however. I read your opinion on A & R Unlimited and I have read some on Sonicbids that are bitter towards that organization. I don’t really think of A & R Unlimited as a shortcut to hard work, we are doing all that, too! There is no replacement for dedication, for being the best you can be, and working on your fanbase one fan at a time but I don’t feel like I am taking a lesser road by using these people to produce that which I may not be able. So yes…I am a client and I can tell you that I would never have been able to talk with one of the heads of Virgin records like I did if it hadn’t been for A & R Unlimited’s hook up for me. You just don’t call Virgin records and ask to speak with the CEO. I have received 3 critiques for 3 different songs from 3 big record companies – one was from the head of Breaking Records and she was very interested and helpful. She requested I send her our catalog and I just did! A & R U hooked us up with Abe Bradshaw from 2:59 records and his comment led us to get some new promo shots taken. Sometimes you just don’t know how you come off to other people unless someone honest tells you some honest stuff. I just got off the phone with Jim Nelson from the Taste of Triple A cd compilations (found him through Sonicbids) that are very respected all over the country (cd samplers DO make a difference) and he knew Scott Kuchler very well and thought highly of him. The A & R Unlimited cd compilation that just came out has our song Born Too Late on it. Those people have spent hours and hours with us making sure all the information was right, responding to my phone calls and emails at all times of the day and night (Jackie Shea is wonderful there). I’ve got to tell you, Jim, from personal experience that all that I have worked with at A & R Unlimited have been sincerely interested in helping. I expect to pay for that service. I looked at it as $50 a month. I pay that for cable. I decided to try it for a year and if they didn’t live up to everything they promised, I would end the relationship. I am into it 9 months and they’ve already fulfilled all they promised, with radio play and such. We didn’t become famous overnight but I didn’t expect that. I just wanted a little extra produce that I couldn’t grow in my own garden. I am sorry your privacy was invaded. I have no idea about that and I am not making any excuses for anyone. I am very very happy with Sonicbids, too. We got a personal contact with encouragement from Mike Pinder from the original Moody Blues, SPIN magazine chose one of our songs to showcase on their website, we’ve won prizes and awards for our video because of them. We have also gotten many, many rejections. It’s all part of the process. I think labels are still part of the process, as well, though I think they have less control and also less influence, which is good and bad. I guess I just want to say don’t throw the baby out with the bathwater. If you don’t want to pay A & R Unlimited for their services, don’t do it, hang up on them but really [snip], scheme, swindle? In my opinion, no.
Thanks for posting, Jan.
In my mind, the big difference between A&R Unlimited and a grocery store is that the things you buy at a grocery store will make you not hungry. The things you buy from A&R Unlimited will not make you famous.
If there were a section of the grocery store where people looked you up and down and told you what sort of food you wanted to eat, then I think that would be more analogous and equally as useless.
Thank you Jan for your comment. As I said in my previous statements, these comments came from people who are skeptical about the industry in general. There are many comments on this blog that are simply not relevant to what we do, and are seen as personal attacks to the company – for no reason opinion or not. A&R Unlimited has NEVER made a claim to make a musician famous. What we do is give musicians the tools and knowledge to help generate a buzz, while hooking them up with the right contacts. I understand success does not come easy, because I’ve been in the trenches for many years. However, if a band works hard on their end, while having the proper tools, it will only help increase their chances of success. I understand why some people see things as [sneaky manuevers], but I must defend our company – and our reputation. The reality of it is that you can’t make everyone happy all of the time, but we certainly do our best to try. We pride ourselves in making sure any money spent is well spent. We are ALWAYS available to consult, because we have the knowledge, even when the membership ends. And this blog will shortly end, because quite honestly many comments made are a misrepresentation of A&R Unlimited. As for the person who had a personal comment about me specifically, they will be delt with. Never in all of my years of business have I ever had such a comment written about me. That is a statement that is clearly viewed on our end as Defimation of Character which is illegal. Feel free to do a search on me, and you will find that not one negative comment has ever been spoken or written about me. I also own a very well known management company, and work with many major and independent labels, music publishers and supervisors on a daily basis, and have had an amazing reputation in the industry. I am mortified by the statements made by many of the individuals on this blog – and it’s obvious NOT ALL ARE OPINIONS, but they are also NOT FACT. And although I had offered my number (and yes it was my office number, not my personal one) for people to reach out to me, not ONE person has taken me up on that. Instead people want to continue to speculate and gossip. We are here to work hard on behalf of the musician, and this drama is taking away from our mission. And Jim, if you had a problem and wanted answers, the proper thing to do would have been to call us directly (and I still invite you to), rather then set out on a mission to hurt the reputation of our company without cause (regardless if that was your intention or not) because that is what you have done – and that is illegal. I addressed your questions on this blog, and if you felt as though I didn’t address them all, you could have called, and I would have answered any additional questions you had. Needless to say, this blog will be delt with accordingly from this point on. This will in fact be my last communication regarding this matter on this blog and will be handled in a different manner moving forward – because many of these allegations are beyond the point of legal. However, for anyone that is truly interested in speaking about the industry, your career or simply is in need of advice, I am available to speak – and yes at no cost. 631 244 1634. The number given above in my last communication was simply a typo. But in my first communication the number was correct. Just clarifying this in the event this brings up more negativity. THE END.
Actually Joann, expressing opinions (as well as the conclusions drawn as a result of those opinions) is well within the bounds of the law. The Bill of Rights pretty much covers that from the get-go, therefore it’s not at all accurate to claim that Jim’s post here is somehow “illegal” as convenient as that would be for you and your company. I don’t have any kind of fancy law degree, but if you would like to ask someone who does that’s cool with me. They’ll agree, since it’s right there in the first amendment to the United States Constitution. (Actually I would almost bet that’s probably covered in the first chapter in the first course of United States Law Studies, but like I said, I’m no lawyer.)
Anyway, this post was very obviously expressing an opinion based on experience. Jim’s readers expect no less from him, and here in the United States we enjoy this as an inalienable right – a right that both readers and writers have come to greatly appreciate.
I would seriously reconsider your stance here since you’re doing little more than getting inordinately wound up over an opinion piece, and the energy you’re expending is only hurting you and your organization far more than the original commentary ever did. You need to understand that the post, while containing content with which you disagree, is a matter of opinion. As such, tossing around legal threats only serves to further damage your image and in the end, won’t really get you anywhere since no laws are being broken.
If A&R Unlimited is as extraordinary as you say, then keep on keepin’ on. Obviously you can’t please everyone all the time, but baseless threats of legal action against those that express negative opinions about your company is not terribly ethical, and it’s certainly not good business.
I’d go so far as to say that doing so only reinforces the negative view people have of you.
Just sayin’.
Yikes! I thought I was expressing an opinion on a blog entry with the word opinion in the title. Jim! Why did you change the title? So now expressing your opinion is illegal? Let me check, hmmmm, yes I still appear to be in America.
This is so ridiculous. Does this now mean that anyone posting anything on any website should now take out opinion insurance? Hey Jim, please take my opinions off of here before I get sued for exercising my rights as an American Citizen. The last thing I need is to waste a chunk of my too short life in a courtroom with a bunch of East Coast music executives and their pit bull lawyers debating the constitution and arguing over whether the drop in sales of “Platinum” membership packages is due to my incredible influence or the shitty economy.
Give me a fucking break!
Me thinks Joan (ARU) doth protest too much, and that doesn’t pass the smell test. If you do your own promotional work and have good product, success will come.
IMHO, the best deal is when they (ARU and their ilk) take a % cut after proving themselves.
Sell my stuff and you’ll get your share!
Yeah. I don’t think it’s worth the money.
I changed the title of this post because it’s not technically a scam. They provide exactly what they say they’re going to provide. I just happen to think that thing that they’re offering is worthless.
It’s not A&R Unlimited’s fault if musicians think what they offer will help them. Moreover, based on some of the comments here, some people think it’s great. I don’t want to be guilty of saying things about people that aren’t true, even if it’s only my opinion.
Still do wonder how they got my cell phone number, though. They never did answer that one.
Me thinks Joann Gullo doth protest too much!
I’m not getting between all the bickering that has been posted, I am only looking to offer my experience. I am in a grindcore band called Stabbing Eden http://www.myspace.com/stabbingedenduo Long story short we are under A&R Unlimited, and it is no scam, it’s no bullshit. We’ve already been in touch with the owner of Earache Records, with plans to contact two other major labels. I challenge any one of you naysayers to try speaking personally with the owner of a major record label on your own, with no help, assistance, or inside connection. In today’s music industry, you don’t just call a major record label and ask to speak with their owner, CEO, etc. The purpose of the phone call or interview is so that the executive you are speaking with already has listened to your music, evaluated your strong and weak points, and is prepared to give his or her feedback on what you as an artist or band have going on. We (my band and I) were told by Earache Records and given three things that we needed to work on or accomplish to get to where we want to be as a band, which is obviously making enough income to support ourselves through our music. After the conversation we were told to keep in touch and keep Earache updated with our new releases, merch, touring, etc. This is a professional contact who is now familiar with our band. Again, I challenge anyone to get this kind of feedback from a major label executive with no help. Yes, there is a fee for A&R’s services (welcome to Earth). But when you break it down, it costs approximately the same as a basic cell phone plan at 50 dollars a month. In my opinion, the fee is well worth the advantages gained with the help of A&R. Not only do they offer contacts out the wazoo, they also put together a webpage for you, place an ad in a nationally distributed magazine (sent to guess who? more major label executives), offer opportunities to place your material in video games, tv shows, etc. There are other things that this company does for its clients, and if you don’t feel or think that what I’ve listed above isn’t worth the relatively reasonable price they ask for, pardon my candor, but you’ve got your head up your rear. Furthermore, no one said working with A&R Unlimited makes you famous. Nothing is instant, nothing happens overnight, but when someone offers me a prime opportunity to advance my career in something I love more than anything else, you can bet your bottom dollar I’ll take it. I hope this helps dispel some of the negativity. Thanks
i still agree with jim. you may actually have something where you can go after anr if they ever contact you again. Since you’re being called on your cell phone, you’re paying for the call. they’ll never take you off their call list.
This is a very interesting blog. Simply because the fact that there are leeches out there that attempt to suck the blood of and swindle the massive pool of artists. It is a very easy way to bilk. Two main reasons allow this. The first, many young, gullible, star struck, and egotistically inflated musicians/songwriters are the easiest prey. Simply because of their blindness. The second fact is that swindlers think they understand the “LAW”, if not they hire or partner with a so-called entertainment “Lawyer”, whom may be someone that is basically a consultant whom has never passed the bar. This provides more almost believable smoke for their screen because you think they are legit because they have a “LAWYER” ooohh. Or this may scare anyone away who actually does have a case, such as Jim because he don’t see any value other than getting crooks off the net or the street. Joann has obviously pulled the “Law” card, a rather naive move, credibility suicide if you will. They think that their tracks are covered, thus boldly discuss legal matters because of the scare factor, (as Jim has recanted, because of his lack of legal knowledge) to fortifying their claims. Now, I have noticed that A&R Unlimited has actually broken the law in it’s terms and agreements, pertaining to refunds. Anyone whom has signed on to their service under their “Letter in writing” requesting a refund should be due a refund. Now I have copied their original intent posted on their “A&R Unlimited” “Terms and Agreement” stating that a refund is due upon request in writing. This was probably drafted by an “Entertainment Lawyer”. These little words that many fail to read have since been changed. Now, there is no refund. This is actually illegal, and I hope A&R Unlimited’s “Entertainment Lawyer” is aware of this little wording trick. This actually does more than place them in a potentially negative situation legally it also displays their incompetence when selling services and creating terms. Sorry ladies you can’t go out and round up monies on ONE agreement and then turn around and change the rules after you begin to lose client faith. You must stand good on the original intent. There has been a violation here as operating under false pretenses. This can be easily proven. You cannot change an agreement signed upon. So, IF you do not wish a serious legal matter I would suggest that you honor all those requested refunds and find another way to sponsor an artist you personally feel has a shot at the big leagues. Not from the wallets of the uninformed. This also violates a serious problem we have in the USA and that is called “TRUST” do any of you remember what this word means?
Moreover, Paul, the Internet troller; because e-mailing has proven to be the worst way to catch potential fish A&R Unlimited has installed “Paul Michael” as their talking head. Also, violating privacy by obtaining private numbers and partaking in illegal telemarketing solicitation.
As JoAnn has mentioned about doing the research, research Paul Micheal, supposed Songwriter/musician/engineer whom has worked many years in the industry, advertising his achievements, yet not producing any evidence of this thus hurting the credibility of A&R Unlimited’s claims. That is also an infraction operating under false pretenses, and is illegal. So JoAnn, how do you explain doing research if your associates offer no information to justify your/their claims? This warrants rightful suspicion if you claim to be offering such a diligent service to the public.
I seriously think it is time for some fessing up here or some serious smoke removal. First, make it real clear your intentions and add a disclaimer. Don’t think you have the legal edge when as I said before, you have been copied and observed as making legal alterations without written notification of certain legal change that would affect any “Terms and Agreement”. Please consider these words, and do the right thing.
Now, JoAnn Gullo has several times mentioned her founding and distribution of a free Magazine. I welcome this offering as a nice jesture and had respect for JoAnn. But, things change and the times also change. By citing a good deed in the past does not justify todays events.
The very fact that they named the company A&R is deceptive.
Yikes! I am not going to waste my time reading all of the mindless banter, but it seems that someone complaining about a sales pitch gone awry has turned into a lynching and at worst the slander of someone’s hard work and good name.
I have had a great working relationship with the people now operating as A&R Unlimited from the days of the Inside Connection Magazine. From those days, Joann Gullo has always been a true advocate for the musician.
While the Inside Connection was in existance Joann Gullo had the idea to put together a country wide event called the Indie Sessions. This event was basically a music industry summit held in New York, LA and Nashville on three different weekends that brought the music industry to the musicians. The vibe was absolutely incredible. Among other things, it consisted of industry panels where the musicans could actively participate in the Q&A periods as well as private listening sessions where the industry people would take time and listen to an artist’s music and give a critique. Some of the musicians walked out looking completely drained as if the life had been sucked out of them, some were jumping up and down, some came out with a look of extreme determination. Both the industry people and the musicians were raving about the events. As great as it was, this event didn’t happen overnight. The hard part wasn’t booking the place, scheduling the events, etc. These industry people didn’t just “show up”. Joann Gullo had spent YEARS meeting these industry people, developing relationships, gaining their respect and trust so they knew that their time would not be wasted. These industry people were presidents, A&R directors and the like, not interns. These relationships were continued over the years with the magazine and all of their other events.
When Joann Gullo told me about A&R Unlimited, it made complete sense. It is bringing the artist closer to the industry. Joann Gullo has invested many years into developing her relationships with the music industry. These relationships give them an inside track first of all to get a top quality act to the people that count in the music industry and second it gives them an inside ear about what the industry is looking for.
If people don’t already know this, the industry is tring to hold on to as much money as they can! There is really no development money. There is no risk taking going on. It is either a sure thing or nothing! And if an artist doesn’t have their s**t together, they surely aren’t listening. You can play clubs, bring 100s of your closest friends, get a crazy buzz going on, sell out college tours and do a CD then send the press kit to the labels and POW they sign you! Great! You get a $100k advance for the band and you are off and running!
Or you can play clubs, bring 100s of your closest friends, get a crazy buzz going on, sell out college tours and do a CD then send the press kit to the labels and get the form letter back saying thanks but no thanks and never know why. But you keep persisting and banging your head against the wall. Either your press kit went to an intern and she dumped in the trash because the name of the band was Bush or maybe it made it all the way to a VP of A&R and she canned it becuase the guitar sounds that were used were a bit too dated. You had you shot and you will never know.
The missing link here is feedback!
A&R Unlimited’s goal is to get GREAT acts into the hands of the music industry. They give you that feedback that you need to ultimately provide a quality product and get it to them. You might not have that particular product that the industry is looking for right now, but the point is to put your best foot forward.
Once that quality is reached, the industry listens to A&R Unlimited because of their relationship of mutual respect to bring them something that is quality. Honestly, if A&R dumped a load of unprofessional acts on the industry desks, their credibility wouldn’t last very long.
Does it cost money? Of course it does! You can’t be a 25yr old wanna be rock star and have 20 years of music industry experience at the same time. But if you are a 25yr old singer with a golden voice that needs to be heard, wouldn’t you want to make sure you are heard?
A four piece band will spend big bucks on airfare, hotel and food to play at SXSW. You may return with a record deal! Most likely, you will return having a GREAT show and a GREAT time. Musicians always spend money to play music in the hopes of getting it plus more back. A&R Unlimted costs money. It is a matter of whether you choose to spend it to utilize their experience and services. You are paying for that experience!
As far as sales. I can’t stand sales people. I ALWAYS hang up on them! Do I condemn them? No! How do you expect businesses to get the word out about their services? ANYWAY they can! They can’t just sit back and hope someone is going to call them. I don’t know if their salesperson committed a telefopah. But don’t let that reflect the value of a company and it’s builders.
I peronally vouch for the intentions of A&R Unlimited. They are not a scam! They are the real deal and there is nothing underhanded about their practices. They and Joann Gullo are highly respected in the industry. I know this on a professional level. If you are an artist with the intentions of making a living doing it and whole-heartedly feel that you are great at what you do and are dedicated to all of the hard work that comes along with it, A&R Unlimited is an invaluable option. If you think you are God’s gift to world and think someone should make you a rockstar, don’t bother. From my affiliation with them and reputation I have built as an artist I have gotten many oppotunities as a direct result. Remember that you always have to be in it and doing it. And always be at your best. If people dig working with you, you will ALWAYS have opportunities!
It really upset me to see this blog. I Google my name eve
ry once in a while to make sure I know what is going on and this blog came up since I am an artist listed on the A&R Ultimited site. I hold A&R Unlimited and Joann Gullo in the highest regard and would never associate my name with anything or anyone that I didn’t. Sorry for any mispellings. I’m at the airport on my Crackberry!
Google me: John Montalbano
Thanks for your comments, John. I think that your perspective assumes that an artist needs the record industry, though, and they just don’t in my opinion.
The days when people had to make a deal with the record companies in return for a fleeting shot at a career in music are over. They had a good run, but it’s over now.
That being said, what’s the point of a company selling access to the purported captains of a failing industry?
Aye chihuahua!
First of all, my reason for adressing this blog was intended to diffuse someone’s petty attempt to ruin someone’s reputation and the company that they built, which indirectly has an affect on my reputation since I gave them permission to use my image and quote on their website as a supporter. The purpose was not to supply content on my experience in the music industry.
Anyway…. You are absolutely right! You absolutely do NOT need the record labels to make a living as a musician or artist! Being “signed” to record label does NOT and should NOT be the criteria that validates you as a successful artist or musician. With the tools and technology we have today, you have everything you need at your fingertips to record, promote, tour and sell your art! Artists have done it and are doing it right now! I encourage everyone to do it! In fact, it is popular right now for a lot of bands and artists to say ” F*** the labels, we don’t need them.”
However, just becuase you have an outlook of gloom and doom, do not mislead anyone into thinking that the music industry is dead and that “the record labels” are a thing of the past. Many major labels have shut their doors, merged, layed off their executives, sold catalogs, etc. In fact there are tons of ex-label employees either on the unemployment line or in other lines of work. The fact is that the industry has changed dramatically. For decades the industry was full of what I call “FU Money”. With billions in record sales and money oozing from everywhere possible, not only did interns take limousines everywhere, and rock stars have cocaine budgets, but it was a regular thing for the labels to throw $100k at a band that they thought might be good, to “see what they would come up with” in the studio. As we all know, the industry crashed. Why? The formula had changed! The heart of the industry was based on retail, and that is pretty much gone! So, eventually most of the executives and staff got let go. Why? Most of them were like maintenance workers. They maintained a machine that was already running, and nothing more. When the machine became obsolete, if they were not resourceful thinkers…. GONE!
After the smoke cleared… and it IS still clearing. What do you have left? Merged companies, the remainder of the machines that are still valid and a leaner, meaner more focused group of music industry people who are determined to…. make money! Not to “bring back or restore the music industry” or “relive the good old days”. The essence of the music industry is still valid, just like mortgages and credit cards. Just because the bottom dropped out doesn’t mean it’s gone. Music sales are valid, retail is valid, promotions are valid, touring is valid, licensing and publishing are extremely valid!
So, the bottom line is, the record labels ARE LOOKING FOR ARTISTS. They are not basing their next months salary on re-packaging the ABBA catalog and using their promotions team to flood the airwaves with Dancing Queen yet again. They sure as hell weren’t waiting for Michael Jackson to pass away in hopes that his catalog will fly off the shelves! They ARE LOOKING FOR ARTISTS to sign, promote and make a LOT of money. However, as lean as they have gotten, they are even more selective than ever! But, they are most certainly NOT afraid to spend money on artist that they feel is according to their marketing research “guaranteed” to be a hit. The record labels have been forced to be smarter in their choices. No more cocaine decisions or gut feelings. Gut feelings are now researched. There are no more “spec deals” or “development deals”. It is now the responsibility of the artist to develop themselves.
One thing that has not changed, is that the labels still get flooded with demos and phone calls and the leaner staff is still as overwhelmed as ever. While technology has afforded many potentially monumental artists to actually record good sounding demos, it has also lowered the bar and afforded many “hacks” to record demos as well. So you can imagine how much stuff gets piled in the corners of the label offices! This is the job of a company like A&R Unlimited. TO GET GOOD MUSIC HEARD.
Enough of the music industry lesson.
I spoke to Joann Gullo about this just to make sure I’m not talking out of my a** and I’m not going to rehash their services, but give THEM a call if you really want to know what they do and all of the features they offer. I haven’t even taken full advantage of A&R Unlimited becuase I am so wrapped up in my own career. But thanks to this “situation” I will now be taking more advantage of what they have to offer.
All I can say is, how dare you turn an annoying cold call experience into an excuse to crucify a company and a hard working HUMAN BEING who has dedicated their life to doing something constructive in the music industry and is fortunate enough to make a living doing it! Of course your opinion is valid, but make sure you know what you are talking about before you start bashing someone. Congratulations, you attracted 5 more people to your blog site!
Good luck in your future endeavors.
Radio silence……
Thanks for another lengthy post, John.
I’m not sure how posting my opinion about someone’s service amounts to crucifying a hard working human being, but you’ll note that Joann’s comments are here for anyone to read as well as her phone number and links to her site. Also, I have no doubt that she and the people she works with are good, well-intentioned folks.
I even changed some of the harsher parts when she asked me to via her lawyers. They asked nicely, though there was an undercurrent of threat to sue that I didn’t much appreciate.
I still haven’t heard how she managed to get my cell phone number, and my lawyer brought up the fact that it is on the National Do Not Call registry. I could probably initiate a complaint that might result in a fine, since A&R are not (as far as I know) a charity or political organization and I did not have an existing business relationship with them.
Who knows? Had she apologized for having Paul call me instead of getting upset and hiring lawyers to threaten me, this could all be a much happier story.
It’s a fitting metaphor, really, for the way the music industry used to work and the way it doesn’t work anymore.
Now the little guys have a voice. :)
Rather than try to go point for point on every ridiculous comment and accusation made against A/R unlimited, I will point out what I consider to be the broad strokes of each side of the argument.
First to be noted is that none of the people making these accusations have ever been clients. I did not see one negative post from an existing or past client . That in itself is very telling. Congrats!
True, there are many companies out there that solicit their services to unsigned bands. True, many of these companies are not as ethical as they should be. And finally yes there are companies that are outright scams. Then again this would be the same for every industry type. Ie Bernie Madoff was a scam but that doesn’t mean all investment firms are scams.
The problem is that there is a lot of grey area when it comes to music. Music is art. It’s not like selling shovels whereby every body needs one in their garage and it’s simply a matter of producing a better shovel and people will buy it. Bands and musicians need to understand that simple economic fact. Musicians have chosen to get into a business selling a product that is in many respects not a practical necessity such as car insurance, rent, food, clothing etc. therefore it really has to be something quite special in order for people to buy it and even then, the cost of marketing a non necessity item is a consideration all in itself. Music is a hard sale; you have to appeal to peoples feelings and personal tastes rather than their practical needs. Another grey area is that many bands are unable to take an objective look at their material. That’s so obvious. Every band thinks they are great. But how often is that truly the case? Every band has the hope of making it big, but how realistic are those hopes? This is all grey area. Again music is not a standardized commodity. We can not fairly evaluate any particular company’s performance for gaining results because the question is always, Was the music ever marketable from the start? What makes music saleable? If we had that answer we would all be rich. The reasons are reasons that are nearly impossible to fathom. That’s just how it is. Its intangible, it’s a feeling, a certain charisma that all has to tie in together. All of this is what gets lost in the translation when a band believes that a company has ripped them off.
Unlike A/R unlimited, a company that has a strict policy on which bands they work with, many companies offer their services to any band willing to pay. Is that really unethical? Some could argue that it is not. Being a business man, I can understand how these companies can rationalize. It’s not necessarily their responsibility to alert bands that their product isn’t all that good and truth be told, even with promotion and radio play, chances are it will never take off. It is however their responsibility to deliver the items and services sold. Now I’m sure during the initial sales pitch, bands are told that their music is good, but bands should at least have the sense to know that it’s in the company’s best interest to say that. Let the buyer beware. And the band should also know that the company didn’t necessarily lie to them, perhaps their music was considered better than average, but of course we all know that being better than average is also grey and perhaps moot.
I don’t have a problem paying for services. I can’t do it all myself. Radio promotion is a service. Internet marketing is a service. This is standardized. And obviously money is the variable. More money buys more advertising. Doesn’t mean the product will sell but at least the services are tangible and comparable. The blogger who wrote that bands should not pay to have their music heard is wrong. He is right that building a fan base and playing successful shows is where its at, but that goes without saying. What he doesn’t mention is how hard it is for bands to do that. He doesn’t mention how time consuming and costly it is to try to gather people and get them to pay cash to come out and see you play on a tue night at 11 pm. He doesn’t mention that if you can’t bring 50 people to club on a tue night you will never get the fri night were chances are the club can draw folks who go out on weekends.. This is why bands such as us end up bottlenecked. This is a recognized dilemma. This is why companies like A/R have come up with ways for GREAT bands truly deserving to be heard and taken serious but are perhaps bottlenecked like us have a way forward. He mentions that labels aren’t signing and that the music industry doesn’t work that way….How the hell does he know? Labels are always looking to sign something that has all of the components of the next big thing…Just because none of them ever saw that in him doesn’t mean he can make a blanket statement by saying labels aren’t signing or the industry doesn’t work that way. If he’s so bold, why doesn’t he post some of his music? Why wont he let the people he’s trying to impress at least be able to sense whether he should be taken seriously or if in fact his music is lackluster and that he is simply the victim of false hopes thus “sour grapes in general” ….
A real scam is a co that tells you are great, they will generate great recognition for you will get you high paying shows, touring across the country then upon taking your money they never deliver the services and then become unreachable….For a real scam Google j Rashley agency…..This is what a scam really looks like…
A/R unlimited is the furthest thing from a scam…..They are a real company, with a real facility and real people answering the phones. The staff is extremely supportive and kind. The bands on the website are head and heels above average and do have an honest chance at getting to the next level. I chose to join because Paul was one of the first people who ever talked to me straight. He didn’t promise that he was going to make us stars. But he did say that we would definitely be able to get us in touch with people in the industry that would perhaps be able to help in advancing our careers. That’s all we are asking for. It wouldn’t be Paul’s fault if these people pass on us. It’s truly up to us to bring fourth a great product that will get the buy in from the industry. Paul mentioned that only bands with real potential are chosen. Of course again and again having great potential doesn’t necessarily mean stardom but it means a better chance for success…Like I told Paul, Im not looking for instant stardom, I just need help in getting up to bat. If I fail I want to fail on my own merit. We feel we deserve to have the shot at failing with the masses, rather than failing because we never got up to bat. Therefore I look forward to exciting times working with this wonderful Company.
Blue Moon Harem
Is it me or are all the commenters who support ARU starting each of their lengthy posts by saying they haven’t read and/or don’t care about anyone else’s opinion? Oh well.
Thanks for adding to the discussion Demetri.
After reading through this thread, which has somehow stayed on topic, I would like to add my opinion. I also find this blog entertaining and I think Jim is a talented writer. The Fed Ed truck, and the girl or snot ball chick he bumped into. A rather articulated style.
Yes, I’m a member of this company. I share the same opinion of the industry as many do. Scams, scams, everywhere there is scams. Many set their fees to be affordable to us poor struggling artists. Their fees are somewhat higher than other services looking for the quick buck. Some are higher for example Tim Sweeney and Asscociates in Temecula, CA. He once worked at Metal Blade records as an exec, now he’s the “god father of the indie music movement”, he will take, the last time I checked 2-3,000 bucks for his plan. So he services the more privilaged, I know, I went to one of his workshops.
In the case with ANR I have always followed up on Joann Gullo, a boss there. I used to look through the “Inside Connection” mag she started. That was years ago. Since then I had sent a song submission to them via SonicBids, about 4 yrs ago. I knew it was her the founder of this “Indie” minded mag. Well she responded and I didn’t make a spot on their Sunday night radio program, but, she wanted to put me on a pod-cast. That meant a great deal to me. I never sent a song. Because of the controversy around the music I do. You metal heads on Long Island would,ve laughed me outta town. So, I continued to polish and practice. Still knowing metal heads were very critical. I did always embrace the Long Island scene though, many great artists emerged from that place. So, when Paul called I was interested, although Paul’s salesmanship did raise some flags I still decided to once again shoot for that Long Island connection. I live outside the country so Long away Island.
Because I still BELIEVE Jo and co. are doing what they can for people like you and me Jim. Jo should KNOW (lyrical) that in this biz, skceptism and cynical opinion are out there. Scams don’t last very long, Jo is not going anywhere, her heart is attached to her mission. But she obviously has trouble controlling her emotions, I guess it is an Italian thing(guess) So, in trying to maintain a spotfree reputation she charges in full force. She raised the heat on this blog and some people called that. This really shows her frustration of being someone who is doing the right, good thing and can’t stand the pigion holing. So much that she thinks that I made the observer post. Me a loyal client whom has recently been cracking the whip over at ANR did not post that. They have to me, and I admit I’m getting a little anxious been dragging their feet. I’m waiting to hear from a particular exec in music supervision, I would like to place a one song before I die if possible. Also, they are putting together a powerhouse compilation that I believe will be super effective! I hope to still be apart of this. Now since they think I posted the Observer post, that I didn’t, my chances seem bleek. They think I’m so smart, and yes I’m back in school now. To study what it takes to help make this world a better place. Not law as Joann suspects. I hate law and I think lawers are a big part of the blame for sucking trust(as observermentioned) out of society. So no law here. Science of the Politics is my study. My focus on getting America back on its feet socially.
Sorry Jim for eating up hard disk. But you must be a great guitarist! I would like to here you play to see if I would call you up. If this is the case you should use this leverage to get in on what ANR has to offer. Barter it right here on your blog. Let’s make this into something fun, something really memorable!! Instead of keeping that anti-trust thingy alive and well. Come on man make a landmark move in the music industry. A valuable story, which you have the capability to do will grow. And it could be win-win. See if you can get on the comp for nutten!
I enjoy reading this post every so often to see what pathetic comments the ANR apologists have offered. Thanks for lightening my day!
Thanks for this blog, Jim!
I got the call today and did my research.
This reminds me a lot of Illuminati Records.
Same deal, same response:
http://illuminarecordsscams.blogspot.com/
What I find very interesting (in both cases) is that the people arguing in favor of these companies all sound like one person making up different names.
Look at the writing style. Its the same person.
I had similar suspicions. Nearly everyone writing in favor of A&R has exactly the same writing style, tone, and verbosity.
I also maintain that legitimate companies don’t repeatedly attack and hound you with lawyers touting bogus legal threats the way A&R Unlimited did with Jim. If they were any kind of reputable company, they’d have shrugged off Jim’s opinion from the start.
A&R Unlimited is a scam.
Interesting posts here. I have positive experiences with A&R Unlimited and in my view not a scam and thus why I am posting. You probably don’t care about the lengthy details but what I can say is speak to them yourself and reach your own conclusions. I will disagree with Jim’s claim that what A&R’s product is worthless from personal experience as these folks can connect to industry folks that I never would have the opportunity to engage with. I am curious to see how many people questioning the value of A&R actually engaged them? I am always up for gaining new insight – but would prefer it came from an educated / experienced perspective rather than shooting from the hip. Please reply with insights :).
My $0.02….
Thanks for your comment, Rhythm11. I’m glad your experiences with A&R have been positive.
I agree with you that A&R have made themselves very available to answer any questions that readers of this blog may have.
In fact, they are so eager to spread the word that they called me on my cell phone before I’d ever heard of them. They’ve even had their lawyers threaten me personally with legal action.
That’s what I call service.