From Music Business Worldwide · · 1m 50s
Erica Campbell Label Sets Royalty Lawsuit Settlement
Erica Campbell's label settles $1M+ royalty lawsuit with distributor SRG/ILS Group after 15 days.
In brief
Erica Campbell's label settles $1M+ royalty lawsuit with distributor SRG/ILS Group after 15 days. My Block Records settled a $1 million+ royalty lawsuit against SRG/ILS Group after 15 days, claiming the distributor never sent royalty statements for three albums. Originally reported by Music Business Worldwide.
My Block Records sues SRG/ILS Group
My Block Records filed a lawsuit against SRG/ILS Group in New York federal court on September 17 for over one million dollars in unpaid royalties.
“My Block 's label has sued SRG for more than USD $1 million, claiming the distributor never sent it a single royalty statement across three albums it said drew more than 113 million streams.”
Settlement reached after 15 days
My Block Records withdrew the case in New York federal court on October 2, 15 days after filing it, voluntarily dismissing the action without prejudice.
“The label had sued SRG for more than USD $1 million, claiming the distributor never sent it a single royalty statement across three albums it said drew more than 113 million streams.”
Three albums at stake
The lawsuit centered on three albums released under a licensing deal signed in October 2021: Lena Byrd Miles's Brand New, The Walls Group's Four Walls, and Erica Campbell's I Love You.
“The complaint centered on three albums released under a licensing deal the two companies signed in October 2021.”
Stream and sales figures
The three albums generated over 113 million streams between 2022 and 2024, with Erica Campbell's album earning over 55 million streams and $360,000 in gross sales.
“The filing put Campbell’s album, which was nominated for Best Gospel Album at the 66th Grammy Awards, at over 55 million streams and over USD $360,000 in gross sales.”
SRG/ILS Group's response
SRG/ILS Group stated it resolved the matter with My Block Inc. and wished the label continued success, but the terms of the settlement were not disclosed.
“SRG is pleased to announce that it has resolved the matter with My Block Inc.," the company said in a statement to Billboard, which first reported the settlement.”
My Block's claims
My Block alleged SRG/ILS Group never provided royalty statements for any of the three albums and failed to spend contractual marketing funds allocated for the label's releases.
“SRG has never provided Block a royalty statement. Due to SRG 's breaches, Block has been harmed in its business.”
Settlement without prejudice
The dismissal is 'without prejudice,' meaning My Block can refile the same claims if needed, but no court has ruled on whether their claims were valid.
“The dismissal is 'without prejudice,' which means it does not by itself bar My Block from refiling the same claims.”
SRG/ILS Group's background
SRG/ILS Group, based in Norwalk, Connecticut, provides distribution services in partnership with Universal Music Group's Virgin Music Group since 2015.
“SRG/ILS, based in Norwalk, Connecticut, provides distribution and label services in partnership with Universal Music Group 's Virgin Music Group .”
The main idea
My Block Records settled a $1 million+ royalty lawsuit against SRG/ILS Group after 15 days, claiming the distributor never sent royalty statements for three albums.
