Vampire Weekend have settled out of court with the model whose likeness was used on the cover of ‘Contra’.
‘Contra’ was a breakthrough moment for Vampire Weekend. A hugely successful album, it marks the point where the band’s carefree, breezy Afro-pop collided with the mainstream on both sides of the Atlantic.
The cover image was a young girl in a RL polo, managing to capture a sense of nostalgia for the early 80s preppy era.
However in a twist the model soon emerged, explaining that she had not given permission for the polaroid to be used. Ann Kirsten Kennis argued that the photo was a test shot, which had used without her knowledge.
Photographer Tod Brody was pulled into the case, with Ann Kirsten Kennis deciding to sue both Vampire Weekend and XL Recordings. The legal debate dragged on throughout 2010, but it seems that the American group have managed to escape a courtroom appearance.
According to Photo District News the model has settled out of court with both Vampire Weekend and XL Recordings. The final amount will remain undisclosed, with the case being formally dismissed by a Los Angeles federal court.
Photographer Tod Brody apparently paid $5000 to license the image, but in a counter claim by Kennis the model claims that he forged her signature.
Vampire Weekend and XL Recordings have also filed a suit against the photographer, arguing that Brody is responsible for any liability. The case remains pending, with Photo District News reporting that Tod Brody is now representing himself after failing to pay his lawyers.
Meanwhile, Vampire Weekend are beginning writing sessions for a potential new album. The band have agreed that 2011 will be down time, and recently cancelled their only live appearance of the year after a Brooklyn festival went under.
