In an interview with The Herald Sun, Sneaky Soundsystem bassist/keyboardist Donnie Sloan who also produces under his own name is reported to have had to fight to gain writing, performing and producing credits on the tracks he helped pen for Empire of the Sun We Are The People, Walking on a Dream, Half Mast and Without You.
The Herald Sun used the following quotes from Sloan in their article:
“I created these tracks, on my own in 2005, long before EOTS existed…Musically, the template for EOTS is mine. They pulled the rug from under my feet and took my sound.” Sloan said. “I told Nick I didn’t want him to use the tracks. I was hoping to save them for my own project,”
“They were trying to copy and recreate my music,”
“This would have, in effect, left me with nothing. So my hand was forced into allowing them to use the backing tracks.”
“I had to threaten it in order for them to recognise my contribution. It has been a bittersweet experience. But I have worked hard to move on…I’m not bitter about it any more,”
“It’s the hit I had to take to move to the next level.
“If I can capitalise on it then it’s a blessing.”
Shortly after The Herald Sun interview was published Sloan posted a blog titled “ME AND EMPIRE OF THE SUN” on his Myspace assuring fans he enjoyed a “great working relationship” with the band, harboured no resentment towards them and was excited to work on their second album:
“For anyone who may have read any recent press regarding my involvement with Empire Of The Sun I would like to make it absolutely clear that I am very happy with my credits and thank you on the album art. Any statements to the contrary have been taken out of context. I enjoy a great working relationship with Empire of the Sun and we’re all very excited about continuing this especially in the form of the second Empire LP. – Donnie”
