Australian music duo Angus and Julia Stone are taking legal action against their former manager Tim Manton, his company Manton Music, and the UK-based HNOE (operating as TaP), alleging they were overcharged in commission fees. During a recent Sydney Supreme Court hearing, their lawyer, Simon Philips, claimed that HNOE demanded commissions exceeding the limits set by the NSW Entertainment Industry Act.
However, the defence, represented by Patrick Flynn SC, contended that New South Wales laws might not be applicable, arguing that key aspects of the contract and transactions occurred outside the state. The agreement was signed in Los Angeles, and payments were made in the UK. Flynn stated that if all critical components of the agreement must be located in NSW, they would not fulfil that requirement.
Philips countered that although the contract was signed in Los Angeles, the duo has strong ties to NSW, having primarily lived and recorded their music there. Manton, who managed the duo since at least 2012, had established the HNOE office in Los Angeles while returning to NSW later. Angus and Julia, who gained fame with their hit “Big Jet Plane,” have upcoming performances scheduled at Sydney’s State Theatre, with two of the three planned shows already sold out.