| Questions and comments about Rodell Records make up a huge portion of our mail. This company is extremely well known. Unfortunately, it's not because of the music they produce, but the number of people they've upset. Rodell has a huge advertising budget and we've seen ads for their "Nationwide Talent Search" in magazines from Music Connection to Guitar Player to Musician. Here's an example from Guitar Player. ATTENTION BANDS/ARTISTS & SONGWRITERS!!
Fastest growing indy label aggressively seeks fresh and original talent for upcoming releases. If you are ready to be heard by top-level industry decision makers and private investors, submit demo (1-3 songs) and press kit to Rodell Records, Inc., PO Box 93457-GP, Hollywood, CA 90093. Their process for getting clients is so effective, we've seen it repeated several times by other companies. In fact, many of the people they've influenced use Rodell's ads and letters verbatim. Of the dozens of comments we've gotten on Rodell, the story on how these bands get involved with the company remains the exact same. Using a combination of old fashioned ego stroking and high pressure sales, Rodell thrives on the ignorance of the musicians who have submitted material. - STEP ONE...THE LETTER OF RECEIPT
After the musician has answered the call to send in a 1-3 song demo, they receive this letter in the mail notifying them that their package has been received. A nice touch and a good set up for future interaction, most companies don't have time send back something like this. - STEP TWO...THE LETTER OF ACCEPTANCE
About 4-5 weeks later, when the person who submitted the demo has all but forgotten about it, they receive this letter telling them of their "good fortune" and giving them specific instructions on how to cash in on this window of opportunity. The envelope also contains this bio on Rodell Records. - STEP THREE...THE PHONE CALL
Adam Rodell is a busy man, so bands who want to talk to him only have a couple of chances to get him on the phone. When they finally do, they get a First Class ego stroking by Mr. Rodell who tells them how they were selected from over (insert number of other bands here...we're heard anywhere from 5000 to 27,000) bands. After a few minutes of ass shining, it's time to close the sale-- bands need to show their dedication to the project by paying $600-800 for a spot on one of Rodell's compilation cd's. - STEP FOUR...THE COMPILATION
After the check has been cashed and the demo tape has been lumped with 18-20 more bands, a compilation is made. The disc has no contact information about the bands, is part of a series of at least 10 others that have the exact same cover art, and contains anything that came with a $600-800 check. There are no standards and 99% of the bands involved that have contacted us don't have anything to show for it but a few comps they're embarassed to even give away and $600-800 less in their checking account. Still, Rodell is a smooth talker, very ambitious in his recruitment of new bands, and an excellent salesman. We've gotten a few positive letters from people involved in the early stages of the process, but 90% of those turn around a few months after the discs come out to say, "if only I'd listened to you." Judge for yourself! Have you received the receipt letter or the acceptance letter? Take a look at these usenet posts about Rodell Records and see what you think. NOTE: We have received word that Rodell Records is out of business. However, you still need to be aware of this operation of it is unlikely that Adam Rodell is very far away from the music industry. We are also aware of at least two other companies using the exact same letters for a similar scam. | Have a question, comment, or something to add to this site? We want to hear from you! 
BBB
BMI
ASCAP
SESAC |
