Hard Life: Formerly Easy Life Band's Journey Through Legal Turmoil

In an unexpected turn of events, the Leicester-based band known as Easy Life has rebranded itself as Hard Life following a trademark infringement lawsuit initiated by easyGroup, the parent company of the budget airline easyJet. The legal confrontation, which began in 2023, posed a significant threat to the band's burgeoning career, prompting them to abandon their original name to avoid potentially devastating financial repercussions. Frontman Murray Matravers described the lawsuit as a pivotal moment in his life, stating, "The lawsuit was my life. Of course I’m writing about it."

The band, which achieved considerable success with two consecutive No. 2 albums, faced a daunting decision. Although initially buoyed by public support and contemplating a GoFundMe campaign to fight the legal battle, the risk of losing all their assets proved too great. According to Matravers, "Our court date would have been in July 2025, so we would only now be going to court."

Instead of enduring years of legal limbo, Easy Life opted for a swift rebranding to Hard Life. The transition was not without its challenges; the band had to scrub all references to their former name from online platforms and artwork, a task described by Matravers as a full-time job. The financial impact was substantial, as the band did not perform for 18 months during the rebranding process.

Last June, Hard Life released their comeback single, "Tears," which cleverly referenced the controversy surrounding their name change and attracted further legal scrutiny from easyGroup, who labeled the song as "disparaging and defamatory." Despite this, Matravers expressed no regrets about the song, acknowledging the emotional turmoil that fueled his lyrics.

The upcoming album, titled "Onion," set for release on July 18, reflects Matravers' fresh outlook on life following a transformative trip to Japan. The album was largely conceived during his stay in Kyushu, where he collaborated with Australian-Japanese producer Taka Perry. Matravers described the experience as rejuvenating, stating, "I never thought that I would go back to England with the album, present it to Island Records, this big major label, and they’d be like: yeah, let’s put that out."

The title "Onion" serves as a metaphorical reference layered with personal significance, as the band explores themes of emotional depth and vulnerability throughout the album. Matravers noted that the concept of layers resonates with his own experiences, echoing sentiments from his past struggles with anxiety and the changes in his personal life.

Matravers’ journey from a self-described "wild" lifestyle to a more reflective state is evident in his songwriting. He has addressed his mental health journey in tracks like "Proximityeffect," which delves into the complexities of friendship and loss, particularly in light of the departure of bassist Sam Hewitt, a long-time collaborator.

While the legal battle with easyGroup has concluded, the implications of this experience extend beyond the courtroom. The band's evolution, both musically and personally, signals a new chapter for Hard Life. Matravers expressed optimism about the future, stating, "I can’t imagine what next year is going to look like, either."

As Hard Life prepares to release "Onion," the band stands as a testament to resilience in the face of adversity, illustrating how art can emerge from tumultuous experiences. With their rebranding, they not only reclaim their identity but also pave the way for artistic growth and exploration, inviting listeners to join them on this transformative journey.