Band With A Mission BWAM Looking for a way to showcase your talent in hopes of someone recognizing your music and connecting you with Industry personel? Don't do it here. These people know how to take your money and fake it Franklin, Tennessee

Are you looking for a way to showcase your talent in hopes of connecting with "Industry personell?"  Don't do it here.  These people know how to take your money and fake it. 

If you log onto their website, they clearly list a number of Christian artists they have showcased and signed?

I was contacted by them thru Reverbnation.  (Don't let that fool you!) They charge each person $235.00 to perform at a rehearsal facility in Nashville. Ok fine.  I did it.  I took a risk thinking, maybe this time, this will not be a scam.  Maybe, just maybe these people do have some Christian industry connections??

I show up, and there are a few other artists and bands setting up their instruments.  Ok cool.  We are sitting around waiting on someone to tell us what is going on or what we need to do.  "Austin Cook" finally shows up and says hello.

Now, we are all sitting on some couches and Austin comes over and tells us we need to get up because he needs to use them.  A group of men come in wearing shorts and button down shirts and flip flops and sit on the couches.  So, we all find some chairs outside of the room and sit down.

Where is the set list?  Who is going first?  Who are these people on the couch?  Any introductions?  Anything, no?  We are all just all like many deer in headlights.

One band goes up.  Performs three songs.  The rule is no speaking at all during your set.  Now who is next?  O, Austin points to me?  Ok, I go up.  Do the same.  I do a great job!

All for them to do this::: take me to a small breakroom like setting outside of the room with no air conditioning, with a vending machine beside me.  They have a sheet of paper with critiques.  Everything they say is wonderful about myself and my strong, powerful, voice. 

What can you offer me?  (Nothing)  Who do you know?  (Didn't mention any names)  What exactly does your company do?  (They cannot give me a specific answer)

One gentleman offers a side service that he does with his wife on Artist development.  (But who are you Sir?)  (I have never heard of you or your services?)  He states it is all very inexpensive only $500.00 a month!!!! What??  Ok, right there is a red flag.

About a week later I get an email of critiques on my songs.  The funny thing is, most of it was a general email that sounded like they send to all artists. It stated about how when speaking during a set, make sure it's genuine.  What?  I didn't speak at all?  The rules stated no speaking aloud???

I say all of this to make you weary about any talent agency, showcase, management, or any services that will charge you and mention they helped signed "so and so" or can make you a star, or bring you to record labels or Industry people.  DO NOT, I repeat, DO NOT give away your money.  If the company or service is legitte, they will take a percentage from your shows or tours, cd sales, etc...they will not ask for money upfront. 

Do not waste your time with this scam, BWAM especially.  Don't let them fool you.  They do not have connections, they are not a legitte company.  It is a group of guys that got together and said, "How can we make a living without having to really work?"