Ed Sheeran, Ellie Goulding, Halsey, and more involved in alleged Payola scandal.
Anyone who has an idea what goes on in the music industry knows that it is illegal to pay for radio spins. The act of paying radio stations to put certain artists in heavy rotation has since been banned in the music industry. Everyone knows this.
But, it is obvious that it still wouldn’t stop some from doing it behind closed doors. A recently published exposé by Rolling Stone claims that this still happens in the music industry. Also, there are quite a number of people alleged involved, including teams of high profile artists including Halsey, Shawn Mendes, Ed Sheeran and more.
The exposé reveals that several record labels have been making deals with certain radio stations under the table, to keep their artists in heavy rotation. The article also claims that Rolling Stone obtained over 2500 text message correspondences between independent radio promoter, Steven Zap and several industry professionals.
Zap, who used to work for labels including Warner Records, MCA and Virgin Records reportedly built a relationship with them, which also extended to the radio. The texts include conversations like “Can we do Flora cash and Khalid”, “Promise them 35 spins each. Will cover that cash giveaway.” “Can we move Ellie c Goulding to a steady 40 a week? And x-ambassadors to start 5 a day. We need beach swag.”
Zap has denied any wrong doing saying “The actual texts, though, do not support your characterizations. In the texts, no specific consideration is linked with any specific instance of airplay. Therefore, allegations that I purchased airplay through quid pro quo agreements would be reckless and extremely damaging.” The artists have also denied any dealings with him.
