⚠️ **ARTIST WARNING – FAKE RCA PROMOTIONS SCAM** ⚠️

This song was inspired by a scam that targets independent artists and songwriters. Scammers are impersonating **Keith Rothschild (Head of Promotions at RCA)** and **Christian Salhany (A&R)**, promising development deals, record contracts, or studio sessions. They may send fake contracts, ask for upfront money, or push you to hand over your music files.

👉 **The truth:** RCA Records does not approach artists this way. Real opportunities come through official channels, with proper contracts handled by attorneys and without requests for money.

If you get one of these messages:

* **Do not send money.**
* **Do not sign fake contracts.**
* **Verify all emails** (real RCA addresses end with `@sonymusic.com`).
* **Report it** to RCA/Sony Music and the FTC.

These scammers prey on passion and dreams. Don’t let them. Stay alert, protect your music, and know your worth.

This is why I wrote *“Smoke and Mirrors”* — because no one should fall victim to the lies behind the curtain.




Smoke and Mirrors

Raised in Concrete Washington, I learned to play the guitar when I was 12 years old.  We had a music teacher by the name of Daryl Cooper who was like my older brother.  He started a guitar class and I couldn't wait to be in it.  By the 2nd or 3rd week I had probably outgrown the class but I enjoyed every minute of it.  I was in his band by the time I was 14 playing dances all over Western Washington.  I was awarded the National Choral Award Scholarship my senior year of high school.  This goes to one student in the United States.  I wasn't smart enough to use it.  I joined the United States Navy in 1979 and stayed for almost 22 years.  During that time I was a submariner and eventually the pilot of a small submersible (DSV3 Turtle) that would dive to 10,000 feet deep.  I was in bands playing guitar and singing throughout my military career.  We actually had a couple songs play on DC101 in the 80's.  Now in my 60's, I'm able to relax and write songs without any pressure or dreams of grandeur.  I like the songs I write and hope you like them too.

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