A resolved dispute over the “Liberator” video distribution stands as a testament to our perseverance and commitment to artist rights.
Every enterprise faces challenges at its inception. At YZ Music, the sonic arm of Yinc Group Ltd, our commitment to our artists and our intellectual property was tested early on. This is the story of that challenge, and how it ultimately reinforced our core values of transparency, perseverance, and fierce protection of our creative assets.
The Case of the “Ghost” Video: Liberator (2013)
In 2013, YZ Records released Sev LeSaved’s “Liberator,” a project met with growing audience engagement. The video was distributed through a third-party service and appeared successfully on platforms like VEVO. For a time, our dashboard showed promising view counts and accruing ad revenue—a sign of a successful release for a new label.
However, in December 2014, as views significantly increased, our account access inexplicably failed. The official dashboard data vanished. When we inquired, we were initially told the release “never existed,” despite our receipts and prior confirmations. This began a long, frustrating process to reclaim what was rightfully ours.
The Fight for Accountability
As evidenced in our communications from October 2015, the responses from our distributor at the time were inconsistent. We received emails claiming a technical “issue” that prevented distribution years prior, followed by assurances of a “fix” that never materialized. The core issue was clear: the video had generated significant revenue, but those funds were not being routed to the rightful owner—the artist and the label, YZ Music.
The problem, as confirmed by a VEVO representative, was that the video was “not paired to our account.” This meant that while “Liberator” was live and generating revenue, the views and royalties were being credited to an unknown entity. Our persistence involved escalating the matter through multiple organizations, including Merlin, to find a resolution.
A Resolution Forged in Tenacity
This situation was ultimately resolved. While the specific details remain confidential, the experience was a pivotal learning moment. It taught us invaluable lessons about the intricacies of digital rights management, the critical importance of ironclad distribution agreements, and the necessity of relentless advocacy for our artists.
A Statement on the Matter
“This early challenge was a rite of passage,” said a Yinc Group spokesperson. “While frustrating, it did not deter us; it defined us. It cemented our resolve to build systems that protect our creators from such pitfalls. We emerged from this experience not embittered, but empowered with knowledge and a zero-tolerance policy for opacity in royalty management. Our subsequent projects, and the robust systems we’ve built for them, are a direct result of the lessons learned here.”
Stronger Systems for a Stronger Future
This experience directly influenced the development of Yinc Group’s later ventures. The demand for transparency and immutable record-keeping is a core principle behind our blockchain-based projects like StabilyX. It reinforced our belief in building our own platforms, like CollabX, where creators maintain control and visibility.
The ordeal with “Liberator” is a chapter in our history. It is a testament to our tenacity and a reminder of why we operate with vigilance, ensuring that every view, every stream, and every penny of royalty is accurately accounted for for the talented creators who place their trust in YZ Music and Yinc Group.