Easy Life reveal name change on Spotify following Easy Jet legal saga
After being forced to change their name due to a legal conflict with the Easy Jet company, it appears that Easy Life is no more as they seemingly relaunch as the aptly more pessimistic Hard Life.
The conflict began in October 2023 when the Leicestershire indie band announced that they were facing a lawsuit over naming rights by airline giants Easy Jet. The band was being forced to change the band name that they’d held since 2017 or somehow go up against the company with a market capitalisation of over three billion pounds.
“Easy Jet are suing us for being called Easy Life. They’re forcing us to change our name or take up a legal battle which we could never afford. We’ve worked hard to establish our brand, and I’m certain in no way have we affected their business,” the band wrote last year. It was a message of helplessness as they admitted, “Although we find the whole situation hilarious, we are virtually powerless against such a massive corporation. I don’t really know what else to say, will keep you updated.”
In a statement provided to Far Out in October 2023, Easy Jet made it clear that they wouldn’t drop the issue as they called out the band’s lead singer, Murray Matravers. “With reference to the brand thief Mr Matravers and his fellow band members who have decided to use our brand, easyLife without permission,” they said. “We have a long-established record of legally stopping thieves from using our brands, and I am confident we will stop Mr Matravers.”
In the end, they did stop the band. On October 10th 2023, the band announced their final show under the name Easy Life. Speaking to Far Out, a trademark lawyer deemed the battle a “David v Goliath” case. “You don’t need to worry about whether you will win in court if the other side is going to fold,” he said of the matter as the indie band couldn’t afford to fight the corporation.
However, it seems that the group are making a comeback like a phoenix rising from the ashes. Fans noticed that their Spotify has switched to the name Hard Life, suggesting a rebrand is in action.
The group also tweeted that music is coming,.“Good to be back. 24 hours until new music,” they shared on June 10th. So far, the group’s username on social media remains Easy Life, and no formal announcement has been made regarding the name change, however, it has been updated on streaming platforms. With the countdown to a new release ticking down quickly, there are more updates to follow.
Never Miss A Beat
The Far Out Music Newsletter
All the latest music news from the independent voice of culture.
Straight to your inbox.