Mr Beck - owner of Orange Mound Records, found me on the web, talentmatch.com, in January. After viewing my profile he contacted me with interest in working with me. I sent him some of my music and pictures as he requested. He contacted me and had me speak with his "A&R" reps, KC and Shakir. They had me sing for them and decided they were truly interested in working with me.
I was very ill for many months following. On Sunday, August 6, Mr. Beck and KC responded to the email that I sent, I believe on Friday, August 4, that went something like, "I've been really ill, but I'm better now, if you still want to work with me contact me". They did. Mr. Beck had me speak with KC (Koviun) to set up a time for me to come down to Memphis. The agreement was that they would take care of the hotel costs and anything that I needed when I was down there.
I asked if there were any other cost involved and the answer was "no" and that I could investigate their company even further if I chose using the Better Business Bureau and that they were members of ASCAP, RIAA, and other notable organizations. We agreed that I would arrive on Thursday and then Friday, go to Mr. Beck's office and have a meeting about signing a contract.
Thursday came and KC/Koviun called to see if I was still coming - not to mention the numerous times he called during the week. His claim was that he wanted to make sure I got there safely and that he was looking out for my safety. This was like an 8 hour drive.
About hour 7 I got a phone call from KC/Koviun - who Mr. Beck called his, Leadman of A&R - supposedly to check and make sure I was doing okay. This is when he informed me of a $500 fee that Mr. Beck would ask me about and that he would handle that situation and not to worry about it. Okay... This is hour seven of my drive and I'm like almost to Memphis!
I kind of brushed it off since he said 'not to worry about it'. Okay, so I finally get there and I meet up with KC, he said that next time he was going to fly me down because he was too worried about me driving. He then escorts me to my room - carried my bags - and then informs me that it was "our" room and tries to make a move (sexual) on me! I had to tell him over three times to get off of me, and finally to get out!
He left and I had made up my mind that as soon as I could safely drive back home, then I was heading out. Early Friday morning, I received a phone call from KC informing me that Mr. Beck was on his way to my hotel room! And surely enough, Mr. Beck showed up and a few minutes later, KC did also. Mr. Beck presented himself in a more professional way but it was unprofessional to have a meeting about music in a hotel room and not in an office as I was informed previously.
However, I was so beyond annoyed, upset and every other emotion, that when he asked me to sing for him, I refused. I had already made up my mind that these weren't the type of people or so-called "business" that I would do business with and honestly, I wouldn't let my friends, family, or even my worst enemy work with or be put in an awkward position.
Mr. Beck decided that he wanted to sign a deal with restrictions - however, I decided the night before that I wanted to leave and not sign a deal of any sort. During our meeting the money part was brought up but I didn't care because they couldn't pay me enough to work with them or have my name associated with them.
After Mr. Beck left, KC/Koviun apologized for his actions the night before, but reality is it shouldn't have happened in the first place. KC informed me that Saturday morning we would have another meeting (in the hotel room) to sign the contract and that I should wear something sexy.
Needless to say, I gathered my belongings, loaded up my car, and left.
Please do not let anyone you know be lured into any situation with this company and especially not with their LEAD A&R KC.
I have requested at least a written apology from the company and I will let you all know if I ever receive one.
Oh yeah - The two female "artist" they informed me about were from another country.
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