Sony "appalled" by Jon Stevens outburst

Bosses at Sony Music have revealed that they are "shocked" by Jon Stevens' recent outburst.

The former Noiseworks rocker, who was born in New Zealand, said yesterday that he had decided to become an independent artist after becoming disappointed with the commercial recording industry, targeting his former label in particular.

A spokesperson for Sony Music told The Daily Telegraph: "Sony Music Entertainment Australia is shocked and appalled by the statements attributed to Jon Stevens.

"Jon's alleged statements are completely inaccurate and uninformed. Sony Music has a long-standing relationship with Jon both as a member of Noiseworks and as a solo artist.

"In fact, we have recently been in constructive discussions with Jon's management to make his Sony Music solo albums available for the first time on digital services as well as providing for Jon to sell them at his live shows.

"We are sure Jon would, on reflection, distance himself from those statements and agree that Sony Music continues to be a leader in establishing and supporting the careers of Australian recording artists."