Modular Founder On UMA Lawsuit: 'It's An Outcome I Regret Terribly'

Founder of Modular Recordings, Stephen 'Pav' Pavlovic has finally opened up about his much publicised court case just weeks after Universal Music Australia were successful in their lawsuit against him.

Speaking to Billboard, Pavlovic hit back at claims that he was responsible for missing money belonging to Aussie band Tame Impala.

"Modular supported Tame Impala over the first four years of their career," Pavlovic said.

"At no point did our belief or support in [Lead singer Kevin Parker] waiver, and through that belief he was able to get into a position where he started to recoup that investment and build a substantial career. I'm sincerely sorry that Kevin became caught in the middle of the Modular and Universal dispute — it’s an outcome I regret terribly."

He went on to say however that Parker is incorrect for claiming that he never received any money made from sales. 

"...Advances are just that — an advance payment against future royalties and Kevin has been the recipient of considerable international advances from BMG, Universal and Modular."

While it has been noted that BMG are suing Modular and Universal for a sum of more than $500,000, Pavlovic believes that BMG will withdraw the lawsuit shortly. 

"...In the last week we’ve been able to establish the payment actually due. Incidentally, my share is a fraction of what has been reported in the press."

"I believe with the sums now allocated to Modular and Universal the accounting can be settled quickly and therefore BMG are prepared to withdraw the case."

Following the June 19 verdict, while remaining vague in detail, Pavlovic hinted his working relationship with Universal has run its course. 

"Universal claimed that I agreed to sign and that this was legally binding and that therefore the deed is in effect," Pavlovic explained. 

"A deed is a solemn document and it has always been my understanding that for a deed to bind a person, they have to actually sign it. It seems illogical to me that someone cannot have the right to deliberate about executing a document, especially one that they feel pressured into signing. As the proceedings are still live I unable to say much more than this."

He also strongly rejects any allegation that he wrongly kept money given to him from Universal for an unspecified payment: "This is a serious and implausible allegation which needless to say, I reject entirely."

"I'm disappointed with the Supreme Court hearing which ruled that the separation deed is in effect because it has robbed me of the opportunity to defend myself against this preposterous allegation at a hearing."

Pavlovic said he is unsure of his next move following the court case, but he will take some time to reflect on the past events. 

"It was always a gamble to take on Universal but my principles wouldn’t allow me to roll over just because I was one person in the face of a music behemoth." 

"I'm a man prepared to stand up for what I believe in and I’d rather go to bed at night knowing I’m strong enough to do that."