Label boss suing over Blunt album

Linda Perry, the US producer who signed James Blunt, is suing Warner Music Group over lost royalties for the singer's debut album Back to Bedlam.

Blunt's Custard label - run by Perry - has filed a lawsuit against Atlantic Records, a subsidiary of Warner, citing breach of contract and seeking £2.5 million ($5 million) in lost royalties.

The suit claims that Custard signed Blunt and produced his album, before delivering it to Atlantic for distribution.

The suit added: "Atlantic's wrongdoing follows the far too familiar scenario involving a large multinational corporate record company which takes advantage of a small, independent production company."

Atlantic has grossed more than £50 million ($100 million ) in sales from Blunt, the suit claimed.

Warner spokesman Will Tanous denied there had been any breach of contract on Atlantic's part, saying: "Custard has always been and will continue to be compensated in accordance with the terms of its contractual arrangement with Atlantic."

Perry, who once fronted rock band 4 Non Blondes, has forged a career behind the scenes in the music business by writing and producing hits for the likes of Gwen Stefani, Pink and Christina Aguilera.