It seems like the music world may be losing another band to the trials and tribulations of sex, drugs and rock ‘n’ roll.  Well, in this case,:friendship, alcohol and EDM. Although the dark melodies and sexy vocals of the wildly popular group Krewella have been consistently buzzing through social media and major music festivals worldwide, there is trouble in their hellish paradise. 

Rewinding back to June 8, 2010, Kris “Rainman” Trindl along with the Yousaf sisters Jahan and Yasmine vowed to commit themselves completely to the success of their creation, with matching tattoos reading “6-8-10,” a permanent reminder to put Krewella before any other career plans. Unfortunately, the ink did not account for other life obstacles that might pose a distraction.

For a group founded on the basis of teen angst and partying, the objective of the music itself foreshadows a rather bumpy road.  From the start of their success in the summer of 2012, with EPs “Play Hard” and “Play Harder,” the trio made no attempt to conceal their alcoholic tendencies, and when this partying started to catch up with the group’s producer Kris, tension among members was imminent.

Public announcements of the group’s excessive drinking was perpetuating their reputation in the party scene, so, when Kris started paying more rightfully deserved attention to his mental and physical health by checking into a rehab clinic, the rest of the group became apprehensive about the future of Krewella. Is it possible to cater to an audience of partyers if you have quit partying? According to the Yousaf sisters, the answer was no. 

It is hard to say whether the sisters were acting out of frustration or genuine concern, but they decided to take matters into their own hands by slowly removing Kris from the band. They erected billboards that completely omitted his position, despite the fact that his songwriting talent is what got them recognized in the first place. They argue that the new, sober Kris was showing signs of depression and urged him to take a break in order to seek help.

However, according to the lawsuit, “the sister defendants – advised by aggressive and greedy handlers – have pounced on what they see as an opportunity to remove plaintiff from the group and keep more of the money for themselves.” From Kris’ perspective, it is hard to recognize the Yousaf’s outreach as sincere when the prospect of more money and success is at stake, given that they could “hire outside people to write and produce music for far less money than it would cost to continue splitting their income equally with Kris, as they have done (one-third to each member).”  

The sisters’ argument seems even more impractical when you look at all of the work that Kris had put towards the group. Even while in rehab, Kris promptly put together a remix of “Alone Together” (by Fall Out Boy) per request of Jake Udell, a long time friend of the members of Krewella who was acting as their co-manager. Meanwhile, Udell had been hinting that dismissing Kris’ role would be beneficial. Udell had already been accused of taking advantage of the group’s income and was known for constantly spending money in excess, which makes his role in the case that much more suspicious.  

As of September 25, 2014, Kris has resigned from the band indefinitely, his return depending on completion of a 60-day rehabilitation program for depression and the consent of the Yousaf sisters.  It is hard to say which is the worst part of the situation: breaking ties between long term pals or letting the music suffer.  Either way, the fate of Krewella now lies in the Yousaf sisters’ moral balance of friendship, partying and profit.

Trindl v. Yousaf, Et Al

Via: [The Hollywood Reporter]