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Independent musicians around the Internet are being contacted by an individual named Joe Gentile from a so-called record label called Deka Records. Here is a copy of the eMail he is sending to vulnerable artists:
Hello, my name is Joe Gentile from Deka Records. I would be interested in
releasing your music on our label. Are you the person I should contact? My
assistant found you on getsigned.com. If so please email me back so I can
send you information pertaining to possibly signing you with Deka Records. I
would like to send this to you in email. Once I receive your email I will
then forward you a preliminary contract.
We are a small label but do have charting artist. Please see Trinity Lane on
our website.
This is not a scam, spam email or a bot of any kind. I am from Deka Records
we are a small indie label and we have been open for about a year. We do
have a few artist on the label doing very well, selling records throughout
the world.
I thank you in advance, and
I look forward to hearing from you!
Joe Gentile
Deka Records
A&R Executive
After you contact him, he pitches the con on you. You pay him $1000 and he will distribute your music on the Internet. If you sell 200 CDs, then he will give back your original $1000 investment. Since most of these artists are unknowns, they will never make their money back! Like me!
I know, I was ripped off by this scam. We live in the Phoenix area and tried to track down his office. There is no office! The address he gives out is a strip mall with various businesses like a hardware store. It’s a paid mail box location! No office of a record label!
He claims his label will make a $15, 000 investment into your music to promote it in the real world and make you a big star, after you send him the $1000! But he never provides this information!
His website has tons of unknown artists he has scammed money out of them! Many have complained but get nowhere! We have complained to the BBB and consulting with an attorney, since I was under 18 years old when I signed his contract. He didn’t even care I was 17 at the time, he just wanted my money and promised me stardom!
Harry, I read your response to the "Headbanger" and I disagree. Did Deka Records put you up to posting these messages? Your facts are incorrect, more opinion than anything. Actually, the BBB in Arizona had 2 complaints against Deka... it's right on their website? SO you are attacking "Mr.Headbanger" for stating his opinion and truth?. I am an Entertainment Attorney. Thanks for posting your personal link. Who is your attorney? I'd love to call him or her and share your pubic postings. Defamation of Character is serious. Deka is clearly guilty of unethical practices. Maybe you had a better experience with them, but many others have not. This message board allows those who have been done wrong, to share their experiences. Not to be attacked by individuals defending the entity in question.
P.S. I represent the girl in question. After her parents shared this posting, I was given the login information. A Class-Action suit is being prepared. For those of you who have been taken advantage of by Deka Records please post your information as an investigation is taking place.
I have seen several of these type of scams come in my junk mail. They target struggling artists who don't have much knowledge of the business or management. You are straight up correct about Deka Records being a fraud. I'm sorry to hear they ripped you off, sounds like your attorney will have a good case, especially since you were under age.
Desperate musicians will fall for a con like this, hope your posting educates them!