Allegations snuff out NZ band
A record label has dumped Wellington band The Eversons, saying it regrets its handling of allegations made against band frontman Mark Turner.
According to the New Zealand label and other sources spoken to by Stuff, two women alleged inappropriate behaviour by Turner. Those allegations were raised with the record label and others in the music industry at the time.
At the same time, The Eversons were facing heat for a song they admitted was ‘‘offensive’’. Turner apologised for writing a song that made him appear as ‘‘another misogynistic, ignorant guy’’.
His former girlfriend said the song, Harlot, was a ‘‘calculated’’ attack against her – because she had been working as a prostitute.
The band is now more or less dead. Its members moved on to form the internationally popular group Superorganism, which is due to play at Coachella in April.
The new band is made up of five main players, including former Eversons’ musicians Turner, Tim Shann, Blair Everson and Christopher Young.
Orono Noguchi, 18, joined Superorganism after talking to its band members online.
The Eversons’ record label, Lil’ Chief Records, issued a statement this week saying it regretted not cutting ties with the band earlier.
Lil’ Chief also said it would stop distributing The Eversons’ music.
The local label said allegations made against Turner between 2012 and 2013 remained ‘‘unresolved’’. It apologised for not doing more to help those who spoke out. ‘‘We are against sexism and sexual misconduct in any form.’’
The company said there were complaints from ‘‘third parties’’ about Turner. ‘‘We referred those making the allegations to the appropriate authorities because we never saw ourselves as being an arbiter of justice.’’
Stuff understands those allegations relate to two separate incidents.
Multiple sources close to The Eversons during those years have contacted Stuff to corroborate claims that two women have made allegations of misconduct against Turner.
Police did not say if they received complaints about Turner.
Turner took legal action in 2013 against at least two people.
The Auckland District Court has declined to release details about the case.
When allegations were made against him in 2013, The Eversons started to lose bookings.
Ian Jorgensen, who used to manage the Wellington venue Puppies, said the allegations became common knowledge among the New Zealand indie music scene.
When he heard about the allegations, he cancelled the band’s show at his venue.
He said some people had incorrectly suspected the shows were cancelled because of the song Harlot.
Verdigris Management, which manages Superorganism, was contacted for comment.