- They took my picture off of myspace & marketed the song using my name and likeness. Without my permission, of course.
- I was paid to sing a demo & never signed any documentation to authorize the use or release of my voice commercially. I never got royalties from sales or any further compensation.
- I’m just going to put it out there: “Like a virgin knows, I take off my clothes.” Sick. The words could not be more distasteful & I was laughing while recording the demo. Damaging to my reputation? I think so.
- I contributed to the lyric & melodic structure of the song. Thus, I’m a co-writer. Not that I care to take credit for my creative input, but it is what it is.
Here’s where it really gets fun: Thanks to the lack of intellectual property protection or any protection of the creative arts for that matter, my only legitimate legal claim had to fall under “Name & Likeness.” The DJ & his record label Ctrl-Ced my picture and used my name & likeness to sell the song. We filed a lawsuit last February & basically nothing substantial has happened. The DJ filed a motion to dismiss my claim. A judge overruled his motion. That’s it. You’d think that we’d be able to go after this crook with vengeance but now it’s just a waiting game. As to how long I’ll be waiting…who knows.
In the meantime, people around the world can still download "Love Confusion" & twirl their glow sticks around in clubs to its infectious melody. There’s a part of me that can only hope it will eventually help my career – international exposure, crossover audience, etc. At this point, that’s probably a stretch. My attorney tells me to “be patient,” cases like this “just take time.” I’ll be sure to update on the progress of the legal proceedings…but it might be awhile.
Moral of the story: Be careful who you work with & don’t count on the legal system to make it all better!
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