Is anyone able to confirm the legitimacy of being signed up on Apple Records by John F. Smith via Soundcloud? Is it real or a scam?

 

Apple Records was/is the legendary, short-lived Beatles label, no? So i very much doubt it's legit.
Do you mean Apple Music?

 

John F Smith (British 1934-): Still Life of Apples, pair oils on board signed 24cm x 19cm

Source: www.davidduggleby.com/auctions/2266/The-Spring-Art-Sale/96796/

 

It's almost certainly a scam.

I took a quick glance at your SoundCloud and saw that you're making ambient/drone? Even if you're among the best in your genre, it's a small/niche market. Outside of Cryo Chamber and whatnot you aren't really gonna receive any label offers, especially not from a supposed major label. Major labels want pop-oriented, hooky, radio-friendly music, not ambient. And even if all those boxes are checked, it's still expensive and risky to invest in an artist that isn't already well established all over social media.

I wouldn't bother responding to that guy at all, he will be asking you for money soon enough.

 

Do you really need to ask, of course someone is either scamming or playing a trick on you.

 

Soon or later they will get your money, "Resistance is futile".

The Borg

 

I'd advise you not to bite! The dude is rotten to the core.

 

Ask him for an advance on sales or publishing or to send you a copy of the contract.. This is normal for major labels.
That weeds out the BS pretty quickly. If you're met with a disappearing act or outright refusal or no contract, then no contract means there is nothing to sign.

If you are concerned about pushing your luck by asking for an advance, then any label will have contracts. Ask him for a copy of the contract telling him because you need a lawyer to look over it.
If he's full of shit he'll go away very quickly making excuses or more likely know he's been caught out and not reply.

If the contract is legitimate, then definitely get a music contract lawyer to negotiate on your behalf.
By the sound of it he may not be.

 

It's a scam, sign up to my Scooby-Doo label instead.