In September I applied to MKVibe as a recording artist, looking to get signed. They sent me a reply email saying they had listened to my music online (which was odd as I didn't have any) and they wanted me to go meet them the next week to discuss options regarding my music and a possible recording deal, which seemed very exciteing.
I eventually went to see them in their then tiny office, where there were 3 guys sat at desks and a sofa.
They listened to the demo CD i took with me and because the recordings were low quality they were laughing a bit, but then they got me to sing one of the songs live and seemed impressed, so said they would be in touch soon.
They got in touch offering me the 'development deal' which is a photoshoot, a couple of video recordings of singing in the studio and an interview video, which are then put into an 'e-book' on their website. They said this usually costs 700 but they were happy to split the cost with me and so I paid 350 and went to get the stuff done. The photographer I had was really nice, but has since left the company because he doesn't like them and they still owe him money over 6 months since he left the company. I had a couple of videos recorded, including the interview (which never got put into the e-book). It took about 3 months for them to make the e-book and get it online, along with my name spelt incorrectly and several typos.
Now the part where they scammed me - They sent me a song saying it would be great as my debut single and offered to 'split the cost' of an 800 music video so I would only have to pay 400. I was stupid enough to go along with this... As they said there would be 3 cameramen, a storyboard, HD camera, hair and make-up artists etc. I turned up for the video shoot, and there was one cameraman who didn't really know what he was doing, no hair and make-up artists, no storyboard, and all I did was stand/sit there and sing in different changes of clothes. I was meant to be going in the studio that day to record but the guy who had the guys was in a foreign country, and they somehow only just realised this on the day. After 4 months I was sent a youtube link to my video, and frankly it is the worst music video I have ever seen and I could have done a much better job myself using just 10 in petrol to travel around locations, instead of over 750 after paying for travel and accomodation.
After seeing the video I was furious, and I sent them an email demanding a refund as the service was terrible and the video shoot was mis-sold to me as there was no hair and make up artists, no storyboard etc. They replied saying that basically they feel the video is excellent, and failed to acknowledge that it was mis-sold to me, and didn't even mention giving me a refund.
Since then I have sent several emails threatening taking legal action against them, but they won't take notice of my requests for my money back and they try to worm there way around it.
It took me 7 months from my first meeting with them to get a single and video done, yet in 2 months on my own, I have found a great songwriter who has so-far written half an album for me and I am well on the way to getting all my promo material etc.
They still refuse to give me a refund so I am looking for a good solicitor to help me with the case, even though I am strapped for cash as I spent it all on the scammers.
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