British-Australian Pop Singer Takes NZ Label to Court Over Alleged Unpaid Royalties

British-Australian pop artist Alexandra Hainsworth is embroiled in a legal battle with New Zealand label Do It Management and distributor The Orchard, claiming copyright and contract breaches left her unpaid and unable to release new music.

According to a report by Rolling Stone AU/NZ, Hainsworth signed with Do It Records in 2022 under an agreement that allegedly entitled her to 50% of profits after expenses. She claims issues soon emerged around royalty tracking and payments, eventually leading her to try and terminate the contract in late 2024. Do It Management disputes her claims, according to Stuff.

Hainsworth said attempts to resolve the matter privately stalled with Do It Management difficult to reach, prompting her and manager Victor Paul to pursue legal action in New Zealand’s High Court with the help of a music lawyer.

Speaking to Rolling Stone AU/NZ, she said: “I did give the documents over to The Orchard, then there really wasn’t any cooperation from Do It Records to try and resolve it. And that’s why I actually had to go legal with it, because that was the last thing I ever wanted to [do]."

Hainsworth said the ongoing case has prevented her from releasing music for more than a year, including collaborations with DJ VINNE. "I’ve got two tracks that were supposed to be out like a year ago. They’re with DJ VINNE and he’s worked with Alok and remixed for Marshmello. These are excellent tracks that need to be going out there in the world, but I haven’t been able to do it," she said.

Hoping to "just [be] able to be a normal musician again", Hainsworth is "confident because [she's] on the side of truth".

The case is currently before a judge at the memorandum stage, with Hainsworth hopeful a resolution will come soon.