Avoiding Bad Deals and Bad Contracts from Robella LLC.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Avoiding Music Scams
Warner Music, Robella, LLC, and Bad Dealings…
Description: Many new music artists have to be cautious in their dealings with record labels, as even major labels have been known for bad dealings.
CHICAGO, IL, 04/18/2014 – We have heard stories and rumors of how artists, performers, actors/actresses and models sometimes end up in shady deals, as recently illustrated by the TLC movie. Many of us think that these deals only happen with small companies, but what happens when the company comes backed by a major label? In the case of Robella, LLC, they come backed by Warner Entertainment and David Michery, the Warner executive whom paid Nate Dogg’s medical bills (see resources).
Robella, LLC is run and owned by Sergio Saia whom has over a decade in the entertainment industry; however, not all their dealings are fair. Sergio’s right hand, Wesley Cochran, is known for finding artists and placing them under Robella, who sends those artists to Warner Music Group and David Michery for final approval and signing. The contracts and letters used to solicit entertainers and artists are neither legal nor binding, according to the samples we have seen, nor are their music deals favorable.
So, what are these deals they sign artists to? Well, if you’re an artist that is getting radio play or are an underground talent, Robella will likely come to you saying they work for Warner, Sony or Interscope. They will send you an LOI (letter of interest) that has no legal relevance, then Wesley will use his personality to ‘hype’ the artist and get them to overlook small details. Those details include little to no advance, along with a lengthy explanation of why advances are the worst thing in the world. Artists are then expected to go to a local studio on their own time (often while still working a full time job) and produce their record. During this time, artists receive minimal supervision and no financial support; however, if the artist is a group receiving regular and frequent radio plays (“spins”) and are performing regularly at clubs and venues, then the group may be able to negotiate a $25k advance (for the entire group, not each individual).
Sergio and Wesley also use Robella, LLC to place artists at events, such as the appearance of Whodini and “Lil G”, of the group Silk, at a Bermingham, AL show during Nov. of 2013. While these events normally go off without a hitch, Robella will likely charge an extra 50% to double for the artist’s appearance. There have also been reports of artists not showing up for a Robella deal, due to allegedly misspending/mishandling financial resources that were intended to pay an artist: essentially ‘borrowing’ the money to pay for another show’s artist, then playing catch-up later.
So, how do you avoid being scammed by these so-called entertainment professionals? If you are an upcoming artist, it is advised to be cautious and find an experienced agent with a long talent list to take you as their client. A great way to check up on companies and individuals is to search ripoffreport.com and other “scam” websites, in order to see if the person you are dealing with is listed. Finally, visit their website. In the entertainment industry, websites are necessary, and the quality of a website speaks volumes about the quality a company can offer you.
Wesley Cochran has also worked for Pioneer Sports and Entertainment, Inc. in St. Louis, MO and Sergio Saia is also a realtor in Saint James, NY, under Executive Group Realty, and is the COO of International Film and Music, Inc., along with the GM of David Michery Group.
Robella LLC Reviews
Avoiding Bad Deals and Bad Contracts from Robella LLC.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Avoiding Music Scams
Warner Music, Robella, LLC, and Bad Dealings…
Description: Many new music artists have to be cautious in their dealings with record labels, as even major labels have been known for bad dealings.
CHICAGO, IL, 04/18/2014 – We have heard stories and rumors of how artists, performers, actors/actresses and models sometimes end up in shady deals, as recently illustrated by the TLC movie. Many of us think that these deals only happen with small companies, but what happens when the company comes backed by a major label? In the case of Robella, LLC, they come backed by Warner Entertainment and David Michery, the Warner executive whom paid Nate Dogg’s medical bills (see resources).
Robella, LLC is run and owned by Sergio Saia whom has over a decade in the entertainment industry; however, not all their dealings are fair. Sergio’s right hand, Wesley Cochran, is known for finding artists and placing them under Robella, who sends those artists to Warner Music Group and David Michery for final approval and signing. The contracts and letters used to solicit entertainers and artists are neither legal nor binding, according to the samples we have seen, nor are their music deals favorable.
So, what are these deals they sign artists to? Well, if you’re an artist that is getting radio play or are an underground talent, Robella will likely come to you saying they work for Warner, Sony or Interscope. They will send you an LOI (letter of interest) that has no legal relevance, then Wesley will use his personality to ‘hype’ the artist and get them to overlook small details. Those details include little to no advance, along with a lengthy explanation of why advances are the worst thing in the world. Artists are then expected to go to a local studio on their own time (often while still working a full time job) and produce their record. During this time, artists receive minimal supervision and no financial support; however, if the artist is a group receiving regular and frequent radio plays (“spins”) and are performing regularly at clubs and venues, then the group may be able to negotiate a $25k advance (for the entire group, not each individual).
Sergio and Wesley also use Robella, LLC to place artists at events, such as the appearance of Whodini and “Lil G”, of the group Silk, at a Bermingham, AL show during Nov. of 2013. While these events normally go off without a hitch, Robella will likely charge an extra 50% to double for the artist’s appearance. There have also been reports of artists not showing up for a Robella deal, due to allegedly misspending/mishandling financial resources that were intended to pay an artist: essentially ‘borrowing’ the money to pay for another show’s artist, then playing catch-up later.
So, how do you avoid being scammed by these so-called entertainment professionals? If you are an upcoming artist, it is advised to be cautious and find an experienced agent with a long talent list to take you as their client. A great way to check up on companies and individuals is to search ripoffreport.com and other “scam” websites, in order to see if the person you are dealing with is listed. Finally, visit their website. In the entertainment industry, websites are necessary, and the quality of a website speaks volumes about the quality a company can offer you.
Wesley Cochran has also worked for Pioneer Sports and Entertainment, Inc. in St. Louis, MO and Sergio Saia is also a realtor in Saint James, NY, under Executive Group Realty, and is the COO of International Film and Music, Inc., along with the GM of David Michery Group.