Concerning the reports on RCI Music Promotion
My name is Manuel D. Virata CEO of HaffBlood Entertainment (R) and started my company in 2005. My pseudoname is Manny Lee, and I released my first album in 2005 under the promotion of RCI Music Promotion. Like the other artists who have had problems, I was sent a return letter, and I fell into the hype of the idea that they only promote radio worthy music. I was offered a full contract with manufacturing and distribution costs.
My cut would be 70% of the profits made with royalties and sales. I thought it was a dream, but I had already spent money on manufacturing, so i read the contract and signed it within a couple weeks. I called and checked up on a weekly, and then monthly basis. I was given radio reports of the progress and by the end of a year had airplay on 16 different radio stations including one in Albany NY, Houston TX, and LA CA.
The full contract does not promise the movement of 10,000 units, or at least did not in 2005. It is not a promise of monies, and is not a promise that the artist will get airplay. If one thing I have learned in this business, it's that everything is a gamble. Ray Roberts would be stupid to promise such thing. In my contract, the promise of payment is gauranteed when 10,000 units are sold.
As for pirating and reselling, it is possible. Later in 2005, I heard a song by a british artist that sounded very close to one of my album tracks. It was a hip-hop artist under 3D Beats and promoted by Def Jam. I have to ask myself if I am becoming paranoid because of all the hard work I have put into a project, and seeing someone else get the credit for it. Lyrics are easy to copy, but for most music, it is hard to snag a sample and run with it when the song is made properly.
Never Send Original Scores or Tapes! This should be common knowledge for any label or artist. They are yours, and promotional artists do not need them unless they want different mastering. I use 7th Frett Music to Master, so once it's done, it's done. Promotional companies will only get the publishing quality tracks.
I have not been able to confirm airplay at this point from RCI, but i have used other promotional companies, and have known my music to be on the radio. The reports I recieved were light airplay and in the mid-night to 3 am range. Day time DJ's will more than likely only be familiar with more popular artists rather than newbies. This should be a given, who the heck is Joe Schmoe? Oh, you mean Manny Fresh? I heard that the first time I tried to request one of my songs. The key is repitition. Unless you are signed to a major label, you may have to come out with 2, 3, or even 5 albums before radio will recognize your name. Keep submission, and keep bringing it.
I have not seen any money for my efforts with RCI Music Promotion, but objectively I must defend the position. I did find my music in Tower Record before it was closed down in LA. A friend of mine saw my record and bought it for $18.00. I never sent my music there, and my other promoters did not send it there, in fact I never touched the California market. RCI can be the only possible solution.
I also had to come to grips with the fact that my music may not be that desireable. I may not be horrible, but I'm not the one that decides that. The fans, the DJ's and the music industry Kings hold the keys to that dominion. Just because your music is air worthy, doesn't mean everyone will accept it from you.
On the last note; I have looked up RCI on the Better Business Bureau, and there is no reports filed. If you have a problem with a business, that is the best way to get the business "out of business". Now that I have seen the taint, I am questioning the use of this company, but let's face it. The only reason we used RCI and Ray Roberts was because he was cheep. The cheapest contestant in the business in $12,000 for a single song promotion. 3-5k sounds good to me.
