“An Open Door …”

Erwin Lazaro Angels Among Us

“An Open Door …”

5/27/2014

Hello Everyone,

I was recently approached by the Creative Director for Bel Air Talent Group in Hollywood, CA, Ashley Camden. She works with Executive Producer, Skyler Lexx, who works with countless celebrities. Skyler's partner is Romeo Johnson, who was the vocal coach for The Voice, seasons 1-4. He also works with countless celebrities. Both, Skyler Lexx and Romeo Johnson, have a remarkable number of accolades under their collective belts.

Skyler has been watching my YouTube videos and wants to produce music with me. He wants to shop me to Atlantic and Universal Records. He also showed interest in Ever, Emersen, and Cara. Ashley contacted me several times over the last few days and we coordinated via YouTube. We finally spoke this morning for about 45 minutes. I was absolutely grateful for the time and effort she spent sharing all of the information about many of the people I would potentially be working with in order to create the music. I was mesmerized by all of the incredible people I could potentially meet within their circles.

In the end, I politely declined, at this point in time. I told Ashley I understand that the music industry is a business and that it takes money to make money. I respect that. All of the people involved, from celebrity session players, to writers, recording engineers, studio facilities, etc., want to get paid for their efforts. I understand that. I have a real and viable opportunity to finally show the world what I can do. I’m also hoping I can do so with my children performing with me. That would be a Blast!

I felt that Ashley was a little disappointed by my response. She dedicated some of her valuable time for me. She was enthusiastic and very knowledgeable. I truly appreciated her energy and effort. I did let her know that my door is open. If they are interested and can’t get me off of their conscience (elbow, elbow), I’m a phone call away. We can definitely continue the discussion.

I am honored and thrilled by the attention from Ashley Camden, Skyler Lexx, and Romeo Johnson. I was definitely chosen because they want to work with me. I am truly grateful for their confidence. Thank you, respectfully.

I forwarded all of the above to Ashley so she knows her efforts meant a great deal to me.

Thanks for your time, again!

Erwin

2 Comments

John

2/19/2015 12:30:47 pm

Skyler Lexx Music Producer - SCAM?
I was recently contacted by Ashley Camden of Bel Air Talent, who stated that the music producer, Skyler Lexx, after "discovering" my daughter on YouTube, felt that she was an amazing singer, and that he therefore wished to record/produce her at the world-famous Paramount Recording Studios in Hollywood (Los Angeles), California. Following this, he would then introduce her to various record labels.

Please note that although never mentioned at the time of our conversation, Ashley Camden of Bel Air Talent is Skyler Lexx's wife. She then went on to tell me how wonderful and amazing Skyler was, blah, blah, blah, name-dropping, name-dropping, stars shooting out his butt, etc. etc.

You get the picture.

When asked if it would cost anything for Skyler to produce a song for my daughter (remember, she's this "amazing" singer discovered by Skyler), Ashley was quick to ask for $5,000.00, explaining that the famous Paramount Recording Studios in Hollywood are not cheap. Then why do you need to "rent" such an expensive studio? Oh, I know, to impress us!

On top of the actual recording fee, I estimate that it would cost my daughter and I $2,000.00 for travel and accommodation expenses to attend LaLa land for the recording session.
When I pointed out that Taylor Swift or Justin Bieber didn't have to cough up these expenses, Ashley quickly countered (perhaps reading from a script) that Taylor Swift's parents invested $1-million in their daughter's career (yeah, right) before she became famous, and that Justin Bieber's grandparents paid for all of Justin's expenses when he and his mother flew to the United States to meet with Usher and others in the music industry (maybe, but you can be sure he didn't have to fork over $5,000.00 for a demo recording before being signed).

My response: ‘Wow! Really? And you're only asking $5,000.00 (plus travel and accommodation expenses) to start? What a deal! Thank you sooo much for “discovering” my daughter on YouTube! What wonderful human beings you are.’

And the best part? Get ready, because once you’ve made the initial recording, you’re then told that an artist must have 3-4 recordings for record labels to make a proper evaluation. Or perhaps it just wasn’t the right song to begin with, so let’s give it another try!

Great! Let me just back my truck up to your door and empty all the money I’ve worked so hard to earn over a lifetime.

THE BOTTOM LINE:

- Is it a scam? You be the judge.
- Is it a business? Yes.
- Do they want your money? Yes.
- Does Ashley Camden misrepresent herself (through omission)? Yes.
- Do they give you false hope? Yes.
- Do they care if your son or daughter has any real talent? No.
- Do music companies need a $5,000.00 recording before they will consider your son or daughter's potential as an artist on their label? Absolutely not.

SUMMARY:

Look to your own backyard. There are good local music producers who will record your son or daughter for as low as $250.00 - with no travel expenses! Search Google for music producers in your area and then check Craigslist under "musicians."

For even more information (and references), contact:

Association of Music Producers
http://www.ampnow.com/

I’m sure they would be quick to offer an opinion on the sales practices (YouTube “discoveries” of young children) employed by Skyler Lexx, and his wife, Ashley Camden.

Finally, $5,000.00 (plus travel and accommodation expenses) will buy you a lot of lessons, music equipment, and recordings by highly skilled music producers in your own city. Do you really want to drop this money on Skyler Lexx “Music Producer” and his wife, Ashley Camden of Bel Air Talent? I mean, really, who is this guy besides someone who is going to rent Paramount Recording Studios - with your money!!!

Erwin

9/29/2015 01:41:20 pm

Wow, John, I'm incredibly sorry for the 7 month delayed response. I just happened to find your comment as I was browsing through my pages. I haven't been working on my site very much this year.

Thank you very much for your insight. I obviously didn't pursue this "opportunity" for the obvious reasoning you defined here. I told Ashley that if they really wanted me to record then we'd find a way to make it work without all of that money funneling from my pockets. Of course, nothing came of it except for my pride being elevated by being noticed. I left it at that.

Someone did contact me on FB about their child also being approached. She had similar concerns and I also gave my cautious advice.

I also didn't know that Ashley was Skyler Lexx's wife. The relationship and promotion makes perfect sense.

As it stands, life moves forward and I'm still posting my videos on YT, sharing my love for the music I cover. I'm certain your daughter is a talented musician and I wish her great success in sharing her music with as many people as possible.

Thanks for your time here and for sharing the valuable research you have obtained through all of your efforts. I am grateful for your commentary.

Many Blessings to you and yours. May your daughter have great success with her music!

We'd love to here from you ...

“An Open Door …”

Leave a Reply.

Author

Archives

Categories