Band Sues Over Being Called "christian"

[shaungroves]

From Reuters: Rock act Mute Math is so frustrated at being branded a Christian band by Warner Music Group's Christian outlet Word Records, it has taken matters into its own hands, self-releasing its debut album Feb. 1.

And last September, Billboard has learned, Teleprompt Records -- a label co-founded by Mute Math keyboardist Paul Meany -- filed suit against Warner Bros. Records and Word.

The suit is for breach of contract and negligent misrepresentation, and seeks punitive damages. Warner, however, might be somewhat pardoned for the marketing approach.

Read more at shlog.com

 

[SteelDisciple]

I never could stand mutemath...absolutely hate reggae style singing.

 

[charvel]

I've gotta laugh...

 

[fifi]

if they are not christian who are they talking about in the song control. that sacry if they are not talking about god. this sad.

 

[WalkOn]

if they are not christian who are they talking about in the song control. that sacry if they are not talking about god. this sad.

They are Christians in a band. They just don't want to be labeled a CCM Christian band. In their contract it specifically stated that they wanted to go mainstream first and if they found success then enter the Christian Market as well. There was a breach of contract because they were only marketed toward the Christian market. That is why they are suing.

 

[MoreInSorrow]

they are trying to escape being set into one category, which they feel will 'typecast' them, so to speak, making them less accessible to the mainstream. can't blame them for not wanting the label, mainly because it's SOMEWHAT out of their control.

That being said, this is a BAD move on their part. They are bound to lose fans over it, and that's a shame.

 

[Sketcher]

I can understand not nescesarily wanting to be labeled a Christian band. But geez, if you're going to sue over that, that sounds like you're being ashamed of Jesus IMO.

Also, I don't think being labelled a Christian band is as much of a stigma anymore. People used to think that just because you're Christian, you will automatically make bad music. Some people still do, but not as many thanks to the success of bands such as P.O.D. and Blindside. For this reason, I wouldn't go out of my way to avoid the Christian label if I were in a band. Also because of faith - if you have it, it's going to show anyway and people will call you what they're going to call you. If you don't want to advertise as a Christian band, that's your decision. But IMO there is no reason to outright deny it.

 

[WalkOn]

I can understand not nescesarily wanting to be labeled a Christian band. But geez, if you're going to sue over that, that sounds like you're being ashamed of Jesus IMO.

They are suing because there was a breach of contract. When they signed with their label they made a contract that specifically stated they go mainstream first and then go into the Christian market. That did not happen because the label did not market them in the mainstream. That is why they are suing. They have every right to sue because of that.

What they should do is just release and market in the secular and Christian markets like other bands such as Switchfoot, Anberlin, Mae, Blindside and POD. I don't understand why they wanted to go one way first and then both. But, whatever. lol.

 

[foo-oswald]

I never could stand mutemath...absolutely hate reggae style singing.

Ooh. I love ya man, but that's not really a fair description of Mutemath.

I've always thought of them as a mixture of The Police and U2.

There are some tunes that have reggae influences, and that's cool if you don't care for it, but Mutemath is way more than that...

 

[WintarNaht]

I love Mutemath and am proud of them for doing this.

 

[Here_I_am]

I love mutemath and am kinda dissapointed in this....

 

[vexroid]

I love Mutemath and am proud of them for doing this.

Proud? Of?

 

[WintarNaht]

Yes, for taking a stand and not letting themselves get walked over.