Obsessive Fans a Reality for Rising and Established Celebrities

NEW YORK, N.Y. — Killian Wells, an up-and-coming young pop singer, songwriter and producer, has allegedly become the target of a stalker from British Columbia, Canada, according to his label Inferno Records. Wells claims the overly zealous fan has e-mailed and made multiple phone calls to his Manhattan recording studio posing as a DJ from a phony radio station in an attempt to obtain unreleased tracks and to set up an interview. As a result, Wells has changed his phone number.

On October 12th Wells discovered the actions of the alleged stalker had turned from unsettling to criminal. “He was attempting to pass my songs off as his own on a MySpace music profile and other websites,” said Wells. One of the allegedly stolen songs was “Crank Up My Holiday,” a track Wells had recorded not a week earlier and added to his official MySpace profile for fans to hear prior to its November iTunes release. “He received over 1,000 plays of my new track in less than 5 hours after uploading it,” said Wells.

In addition to the alleged unauthorized use of his material, Wells claims the individual has also committed music piracy. Since February of 2007 a CD donning this person’s name but comprised of Wells’ music has been for sale through an online store. Wells also alleges that the fan has been actively trying to license his music for use in shows and gave a YouTube director permission to use “Freak,” a favorite amongst Killian’s fans, in a production.

Beyond copyright issues, Wells says he’s concerned for the personal safety of young MySpace users who could have potentially been tricked into giving out their contact information. In a video blog uploaded to YouTube, in which Wells’ song “Looking For A Way” can be heard playing in the background, the alleged stalker claims “I’m going to stop by their (fans) house and pick them up and take them into the studio with me.” The video in question can still be seen on YouTube under the title Graham Dodge Vlog #1.

Wells has retained legal representation with Greenberg Traurig, one of the largest and most prestigious law firms in the world. After consulting with his attorney, Wells is taking the necessary steps to ensure the situation is resolved in accordance with the law. Under federal copyright law 17 U.S.C. S 504(c), he could potentially seek statutory damages of up to $150,000 per song infringement though he said no charges are pending.

Wells’ debut single “(If Only Life Could Be Like) Hollywood” was released this month to mainstream radio stations across the country via Orlando based Promo Only alongside Britney Spears, Kanye West, and Sean Kingston. Wells co-wrote the single with Mark Calderon of Color Me Badd fame.

Photo of Killian Wells in Manhattan by Wil Fernandez.

[tags]Inferno Records, singer songwriter Killian Wells, Greenberg Traurig, phony radio station[/tags]