by Erica M. — Chief Technical Officer (CTO), Wylde Chylde Records
Buyer Beware! Since launching Wylde Chylde Records, we’ve received dozens of DMs and emails from so-called music promoters promising big results: viral posts, playlist placements, fan growth, even radio airplay. On the surface, these pitches sound exciting—especially for independent labels and artists trying to get their work seen and heard.
But here’s the truth: every single one of these “promoters” has turned out to be a scammer.
We’ve done our due diligence. We’ve asked for:
- Business credentials
- Registered company names
- A link to their Better Business Bureau (BBB) profile
- A link to their Trustpilot profile
- Proof of past campaigns with real, verifiable clients
And every single time, after we’ve asked for verification, we’ve been ghosted.
This isn’t just frustrating—it’s dangerous for emerging artists and small labels. These so-called promoters prey on people who are passionate about their craft and desperate for exposure. They take advantage of the hunger in the music community and dangle fake numbers and empty promises in exchange for real money.
🚩 Red Flags to Watch For
If you’re an artist or label navigating this same landscape, here are some warning signs:
- No website or verifiable business info
- Vague or overly aggressive DMs (“Hey bro, I can blow up your music!”)
- Refusal to provide references or past campaign analytics
- Instagram comments that sound copy-pasted and spammy
- Pressure to pay upfront through platforms like Cash App or PayPal Friends & Family
What Real Promotion Should Look Like
Authentic music promotion takes time, transparency, and a track record. A legitimate music marketer or publicist should be able to show:
- A website with bios and business info
- A contract or clear terms of service
- Client testimonials or case studies
- Press placements or playlist links with real engagement
- Willingness to get on a call and answer questions directly
They should never dodge basic questions about their credentials.
Protecting Our Artists
At WCR, we’re fiercely protective of our AI artists, their music, and our budget. We don’t mind doing all the hard work ourselves because we know we can trust it. Until there’s a better system of vetting and accountability for online music marketers, we will continue to handle all of our promotional efforts in-house or with partners we verify through legal and professional channels.
If you’re an artist reading this: don’t let the promise of overnight success cloud your judgment. Real success is built—not bought.
Stay smart, stay skeptical, and most importantly: stay true to your sound. The harsh truth about music promotion on social media is that most, if not all, of the so-called promoters that reach out to you directly are, in reality, going to provide you with absolutely nothing for their fees.
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Erica M.
Wylde Chylde Records
https://WyldeChyldeRecords.rocks