Angus & Julia Stone Suing Former Manager & Team Over Alleged Overcharged Fees

We would like to apologise to Mr. Manton, his company Manton Music and HNOE Ltd (TaP) for an earlier version of this article that mischaracterised the facts

Angus & Julia Stone are taking their ex-manager (as well as his company and the international firm he represented) to court, alleging he overcharged them on management fees.

As reported by The Daily Telegraph, the powerhouse siblings launched their lawsuit in the NSW Supreme Court on January 31, targeting former manager Tim Manton, his company Manton Music, and the management firm TaP (operated by the UK-based company HNOE), to whose roster the pair were signed by Manton. The famed indie duo reportedly allege that Manton overcharged them more than $750,000.

Manton, his company Manton Music and HNOE Ltd (TaP) deny the claims.

The Claim brought by the Stones includes an acknowledgement that over $1.8m is owed to their former manager.

The claim is reportedly linked to a 2014 agreement between Manton and the Stones, which is said to have been breached by the former party. The Telegraph notes that when the case was first brought to court, Justice Michael Ball gave Manton (and the other two defendants) until March 15 to file defence statements. It’s not said whether they have as of yet.

The Stones signed with Manton – and by extension, his company Manton Management – in 2013. By way of their partnership with TaP, it’s noted in the Telegraph’s report, they shared a roster with the likes of Lana Del Rey, Ellie Goulding and Noah Cyrus.

The pair are now said to be managing themselves independently, and have signed to Sony Music for distribution. Last month saw them announce their sixth studio album, Cape Forestier, for release in May. It came alongside lead single The Wedding Song, describing it in a press statement as “a celebration of love and human connection”.

They expounded on the sentiment: “In a world that can feel disconnected and frightening, we want to share something that reflects the beauty of how humans choose to treat each other, love each other, and make promises to build something beautiful together.”