Clarifying the Facts: A Response to Recent False Claims About My Music
Hello everyone,
As many of you know, I have always strived to create music with integrity, passion, and professionalism. Recently, a series of false and misleading claims have surfaced regarding my involvement in the Masters of Puppets compilation and the rights to my music. These claims, made publicly by an artist involved in the project, need to be addressed, as they misrepresent the facts and damage both my reputation and the integrity of my work.
Let me take a moment to clarify the situation and set the record straight.
The Origins of the Compilation and My Role
In 2015, I was approached by the Masters of Puppets festival for a compilation CD that would feature various artists, including myself. At the time, the agreement was informal and strictly between me and the festival. There was no involvement from Blackout Records, nor was there any indication that they would later take over the rights to the release. I did not know, nor did I consent, to any further involvement from Blackout Records in distributing my music on this compilation or the compilation itself.
The compilation was intended to be a limited release, and it was agreed upon that the CD would be sold through the festival itself. However, without my consent or knowledge, Blackout Records took control of the compilation, distributed it commercially, and sold it online. I had no role in this decision, and I certainly did not grant permission for the music to be spread in this way.
The Artist’s False Claims: Addressing the Defamation
An artist involved in the compilation recently made a series of accusations in an Instagram post that are not only factually incorrect but also defamatory. They suggested that I misrepresented my involvement with the Masters of Puppets compilation and accused me of fraudulently claiming rights over the music. Here are the key points that need to be addressed:
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No Consent for Distribution:
Contrary to the artist’s claims, I never gave permission for the music to be commercially distributed by Blackout Records. The fact is, my music was taken without proper agreements or contracts, and the distribution was done without my knowledge or consent. -
Misrepresentation of My Role:
The artist’s statement implies that I had no legal claim to the works involved, suggesting that I acted outside the bounds of the music industry’s standard procedures. This is simply untrue. I had no involvement in the compilation’s distribution through Blackout Records, and I’ve made multiple attempts to resolve the issue with the label. -
The Legal Reality:
I have repeatedly requested the licensing agreements for the works in question, and Blackout Records has failed to provide any documentation or proof of legitimate rights to distribute my music. Without these contracts, their actions were, and remain, unlawful. I have also taken appropriate legal steps to protect my rights, including filing copyright claims on platforms like YouTube and Spotify.
The Truth About My Actions: Protecting My Music and My Rights
I want to make it clear that I have always acted in good faith regarding my music and my career. When I noticed that my music was being distributed without permission, I immediately took steps to rectify the situation. This included:
- Contacting the label multiple times to request documentation for the distribution of my music.
- Filing successful copyright claims on platforms like YouTube to stop the unauthorized use of my music.
- Requesting transparency and legal documentation to verify that the tracks were being used appropriately.
Despite my efforts, Blackout Records failed to provide any licensing agreements, and their response has been dismissive and disrespectful. In fact, the label’s representative, Axel Schulz, responded to my inquiries with the words, “Verklag mich,” which further underscores their lack of willingness to cooperate or resolve this issue in a professional manner.
Defamation: The Impact on My Reputation
The public accusations made by the artist are not only misleading but also defamatory. Suggesting that I have no legal claim to my music and accusing me of fraudulent behavior are false statements that can cause significant harm to my reputation. These claims misrepresent the facts and undermine my credibility within the music community.
I have always been transparent with my fans, collaborators, and the music industry about my work. These defamatory statements not only harm my reputation but also damage the trust I’ve worked so hard to build with my audience.
Next Steps: Protecting My Rights and My Reputation
I am taking this situation very seriously and am pursuing all necessary legal actions to protect my music and reputation. This includes:
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Legal Action Against Blackout Records:
I am continuing to pursue my case against Blackout Records for the unauthorized distribution of my music. I will not let them get away with violating my rights, and I am committed to ensuring that this issue is resolved fairly. -
Defamation Claim:
I am also considering legal action against the artist involved for defamation. The false accusations made about me publicly need to be addressed to prevent further damage to my reputation. -
Transparency and Communication:
I will continue to be open and transparent with my fans and the public about what is happening. It is important to me that you all know the truth behind this situation and that I am working hard to resolve it.
Closing Thoughts
I hope this post helps clarify the facts and sets the record straight. I’ve always operated with integrity and transparency in my music career, and I will continue to do so moving forward. While it’s disheartening that false claims have been made, I remain committed to ensuring that my music is protected and that I am treated fairly within the industry.
Thank you for your support, and I’ll continue to keep you all updated on any developments in this matter.
With gratitude,
Samuel Zimmermann (Parandroid)