Singer-songwriter Pete Yorn and Actress Scarlett Johanson reunited this past month when they released their collaborative track “Bad Dreams.” The song is the first single from their upcoming collaborative EP called Apart which will include four brand new tracks as well as new version of a song off Yorn’s 2016 album ArrangingTime.
“Bad Dreams” is a cover of the song “Worried” by the indie-pop band The Echo Friendly and comes off their 2014 album Love Panic. According to Stereogum, despite it being a cover, there is no mention on any of the streaming services nor does it say it anywhere in the press release for the song.
Jake Rabinbach, The Echo Friendly’s guitarist, and vocalist posted on the band’s Facebook page. In the statement, he expressed that they feel “exploited.” The band had initially granted Yorn 25% of the band’s publishing rights for the cover. They had thought Yorn would adapt their song “Worried” into a new composition and that the band would be credited as songwriters. Despite all this, it did not turn out that way.
“We have zero legal claim, but we do feel exploited and like we were lied to a little,” Rabinbach wrote. “It’s a bummer because you would think there would be more solidarity between songwriters and that maybe the bigger artist would make sure the little indie band didn’t get screwed.”
Yorn responded to these claims in the comment section of Rabinbach’s post where he expressed his love for the song and giving credit where it was due. “You know I Love the Echo Friendly and always loved the song and video since my cousin max showed me the cut he worked on,” he wrote. “Of course I want to bring attention to the band…And always planned to so when we do actual press for the record.” Yorn also links to a previous video interview that he posted on Facebook. Rabinbach’s Facebook has since been deleted.
Below, you can listen to both of the songs.
Update: The Echo Friendly shared a post on their social media account this past Wednesday, May 9th expressing that there was an understanding between everyone. According to a comment posted by Rabinbach on the band’s Facebook’s post, Yorn had got a hold of the band directly. According to a comment posted by Rabinbach and that “we heard each other out and settled our differences like two artists without lawyers or harsh words. I really appreciate him coming to me to make things right.” At the very end of the comment, he continued by saying, “the Echo Friendly remains flattered that he chose to interpret our song and we wish him all the best with his new EP. Thanks to everyone who showed us support.” The Facebook post can be viewed below.
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