R.E.M. removes Danish song in copyright row

American supergroup R.E.M. have accused Danish pop band Hej Matematik of copying one of their new songs. The only problem is that the disputed Danish song ‘Walkmand’ is actually a cover version of a 1980s hit by a fellow Danish artist.

Hej Matematik’s record label, Copenhagen Records, said in a statement today that they have been accused by R.E.M’s label, Warner Music, of plagiarising part or all of the recent song ‘Supernatural Superserious’. As a result Hej Matematik’s ‘Walkmand’ may not be uploaded to either YouTube or MySpace.

The band received a message from YouTube blocking them for uploading further versions of the song.

‘A copyright owner has claimed it owns some or all of the audio content in your video “Walkmand – Hej Matematik”. The audio content identified in your video is Supernatural Superserious by R.E.M. We regret to inform you that your video has been blocked from playback due to a music rights issue,’ read the YouTube statement.

The original ‘Walkmand’ was recorded by Michael Hardinger in 1981 and he approves of the Hej Matematik version, even joining them on stage at Vega for a performance last May.

Hej Matematik member, Nicolaj Rasted, said he couldn’t hear the alleged similarities between their song and that of R.E.M.

‘We really can’t hear the similarity ourselves and if there’s any at all, then it would be that “Walkmand” originated from a sample of Michael Hardinger’s “Walk, Mand!!” from 1981.’

The band is now trying to get in touch with R.E.M. and Warner Music to clear up the matter. Meanwhile the popular YouTube website has been flooded with comments from outraged Hej Matematik fans expressing disappointment that R.E.M. have taken this action.

Hej Matematik is comprised of Aqua singer, Søren Rasted, and his nephew Nicolaj Rasted. The band was formed in 2007.

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