Deerhunter songwriter Bradford Cox has forced Sony to back down over a download issue.
Between his work with Deerhunter and Atlas Sound songwriter Bradford Cox has become an underground icon. Capable of churning out potential classics on a daily basis, the songwriter can barely stop working.
Left with huge amounts of material which never leave his bedroom, Bradford Cox decided to simply release the tracks on his blog. Containing early versions of well known tracks, total rarities and covers the download series was a treasure trove for fans.
However his label Sony weren't pleased. Sending the songwriter a stern 'cease and desist' order the label demanded that Bradford Cox take down almost every track from the download series.
Infuriated, Bradford Cox complied with the order then simply re-loaded them. Writing to fans, he singer admitted that he had failed to secure clearance for the covers - but since none of the original artists were signed to Sony none was legally needed.
"Apparently Sony Music Owns my bedroom," he complained. "I am re-uploading the files now."
A bizarre case, which just took a rather pleasing twist. Bradford Cox recently received an apology from the label, which has admitted that it was in the wrong. Speaking to American magazine Billboard, a spokesperson for the label bemoaned the decision to take action.
"The Bradford Cox tracks were mistakenly removed. We advised Mediafire that the titles were mistakenly taken down. We have communicated all of this to Bradford Cox and his manager."
So Bradford Cox wins the day. Yet despite this the case leaves a bad taste in the mouth, perhaps indicating the paranoia which exists amongst the upper echelons of the major label system.