Full PYT Break Up Story

Contributed anonymously:

The full details on the former Epic Recording artists P.Y.T. breakup, future plans of the members, and the post that shut down the P.Y.T. board.

The full story is that, after spending an estimated $2 - $5 million (Between two music videos, nearly 40 songs, which means studio time, production, etc, a full press of CDs that were recalled, etc), Sony/Epic terminated their contract. Without the contractual binding to be the group P.Y.T., Tracy and Ashley and Lauren and Lydia split over what, in the nicest of terms, could be considered “creative differences.” In an unfortunate series of actions, Lauren and Lydia continued promoting themselves as the group P.Y.T., including an event where they advertised as P.Y.T. but had two girls from another girl group perform along with them. Ashley Niven has decided to pursue plans as a solo artist, and according to posters on the now-deceased PYT Message Board, has had numerous offers from various producers, managers, and song writers. She will be pursuing a decidedly low key musical style, with less performance and more personality. She’s trying to avoid elaborate dance numbers in favor of strong music - lyrically and acoustically.

Tracy Williams, according to posts, will be pursuing a separate girl group. No information on the name or members are available at this time.

Lauren Mayhew and Lydia Bell, in light of Tracy and Ashley’s decisions, have decided to continue the P.Y.T. name and seek replacement members. They will need new management and a new record deal if they hope to make it.

As far as the rumor circuit, the prevailing rumor is that Lydia and Lauren more than just “left” over creative differences - they were removed from the group due to personality conflicts. When Ashley and Tracy decided to make separate plans, they decided to take advantage of the P.Y.T. brand. Again, this is unconfirmed rumor, but has been repeated by many people who attend their schools.

In addition, the last new post to be made before the P.Y.T. board was deleted by Sony was made by Lydia. Below is a transcript of the final thread, in which Lydia Bell shows a decidedly unfriendly side.

Sweetlips29

12/11/01 06:01 AM

THE TRUTH>BY LYDIA

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I know a lot of you have been asking..why didn’t they tell us sooner? Well we just didn’t want to hurt Tracy and Ashley’s feelings and we wanted them to have the opportunity to tell you themselves.. unfortunately you haven’t been told what’s really going on so here it is. Lauren and I have been writing our own songs and have already started recording and are still best friends and going to keep the PYT name. Tracy is starting a different group and Ashley has said she’s going solo. PYT is NOT over I just want to let you all know. There are still two girls together and we are going to find a new member. I am sorry if you are confused by different members telling you different stories..honestly I was pretty shocked when my friends at school were saying that they see Ashley working at Chucky Cheese and she tells them she is having a solo career. But I feel that everybody should know what’s really going on. Thank you so much for always supporting us through the good and the worst. You are truly loyal and we love you for it.

Love always,

Lydia Bell

PYTFan21

12/11/01 06:13 AM

Re: THE TRUTH>BY LYDIA

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so this is really what happened?

*~* Emily *~*

No, it’s ok. It’s ok, u r allowed 1 mistake. Just kidding, u r of course fired.

Kd266433

12/11/01 06:23 AM

Re: THE TRUTH>BY LYDIA

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Thanks for clearing that up Lydz… Maybe its not so bad after all… I’m happy for u Gurlz

~Lauren*not Mayhew~

~*When its rough*uv had enough*the music takes control*let it cure ur soul*~

pyt_fan_07

12/11/01 11:18 AM

Re: THE TRUTH>BY LYDIA

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Why can’t Ashley work at a job and pursue a solo career????? I don’t think she is in a rush- I’m sure she knows she has talent and that even when you are talented, things take time. Are the other girls too good to work? I don’t think any one should knock Ashley for having a job.

Unknown_Patriot

12/11/01 11:25 AM

Re: THE TRUTH>BY LYDIA

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Wow, that sounded a bit harsh Lydia. I mean, I felt pretty lied to when at Night of Giving ya’ll said you were still together - and when I asked explicitly about why Ashley and Tracy weren’t there, I was told it’s because this is a “slow season for sales, so no one really does a lot of promotion” - I mean, Christmas season has always been the biggest two month period for CD sales, so I’m not sure where that’s coming from. I mean, yeah, that has bugged me since that night, so I had to get that out in the air.

But I mean, I don’t see how what you said really differs from what the others have said, so I don’t know how it’s “what’s really going on”. I mean, either way, there were some “creative differences” (which are starting to seem apparent) between you+Lauren and Ashley+Tracy, and you girls decided to go your separate ways. I think that’s great that you and Lauren and continuing the PYT name, and that Tracy and Ashley are pursuing their careers in different veins. I mean, can’t we let bygones be bygones, say “I hope they’ll be successful and that you will continue to support us as well”, rather than imply that we were lied to or told different stories? I mean, the only thing lacking from your post and Lauren, Tracy’s, and Ashley’s were that you were going to be adding another member to the P.Y.T. group (which just doesn’t seem like it’ll be the same)

I guess since I’m such the big Ashley fan (as this board has known for over 2 years, heheh, right Duck? =P), I don’t really see how Ashley having a job affects her singing career. I mean, you girls were able to do school while you pursued your careers, and I mean, as long as you have understanding teachers and understanding bosses, does it really matter? To me, it says that she’s taking on more responsibility, financial and with her time, but yeah, I mean, the way you wrote it just sorta bugged me.

I know, I know, I’m probably wigging out about nothing. But I guess when I read that, I saw a lot of “creative differences” in there, between the words you chose and how you chose them. Anyways, congrats on continuing the group, I’m definitely excited to see how things turn out. :)

pyt_fan_07

12/11/01 11:36 AM

Re: THE TRUTH>BY LYDIA

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Thank-you- you that’s exactly what I meant

sf49rminer1

12/11/01 11:59 AM

Re: THE TRUTH>BY LYDIA

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I’m looking forward to new endeavours:) i know none of you girls will disappear in the entertainment field:)

If you trust(instincts)that,that’s your spirit, man. Trust that and everything will be OK.~WaJeRo

Sassy*Spunk

12/11/01 12:07 PM

Re: THE TRUTH>BY LYDIA

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Going from a singing career to a real job doesn’t make Ashley any less of a person she just wants to me “normal” in a teenage life. I applaud her for that. Hopefully you all work out your differences and what you wish to do but like Ryan said PYT wont be the same with different members.

Princess Nikki *Finally 18 on Nov 10th*

Sweetlips29

12/11/01 1:43 PM

Re: THE TRUTH>BY LYDIA

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I’m sorry if you feel that way. I don’t mean to sound “harsh” at all. We are happy for Ashley, and I am not trashing her so why was that even brought up?

Lydia

Unknown_Patriot

12/11/01 1:54 PM

Re: THE TRUTH>BY LYDIA

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I guess I felt that way because you kept implying we were lied to (The subject of the post, and then you mention a couple times “Sorry you weren’t told what really happened” and “Sorry you were mislead” stuff like that, “honestly”). I mean, most people find that to be “aggressive” language. I don’t really think we were lied to or mislead. We just weren’t told the full story behind the “creative differences” so that it doesn’t come across like anyone’s trashing anyone else. And it’s probably better that way.

And I guess I’m not the only one, judging from the replies, that felt you were implying Ashley couldn’t be successful as a solo artist because she had a job, or that somehow made her less of an artist. I guess those were my pet peeves.

But I’m glad to know you weren’t trashing her, that’s definitely reassuring.

God bless,

Ryan

Sweetlips29

12/11/01 2:09 PM

Re: THE TRUTH>BY LYDIA

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Ryan you really don’t have to get defensive I never ever tried to “imply that Ashley was less of an artist because she had a job” why would you even think that. I am looking for a job. Stop thinking that im out to bash everybody. No you weren’t told the whole truth and I am sorry if I happen to be hurt because member are saying that Lauren and I quit when we have done nothing but try to keep the group together. I’m sorry that you have no idea where I am coming from Ryan but I wish you wouldn’t make judgements. That’s all I wanted to say.

Lydia

jessismyidol

12/11/01 2:15 PM

Re: THE TRUTH>BY LYDIA

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Right on Lydia…….

Sweetlips29

12/11/01 2:18 PM

Re: THE TRUTH>BY LYDIA

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thanks :) and i mean it. I’m not trying to make anybody look bad i just wanted people to know that Lauren and I never quit PYT and I don’t want people to think that.

Lydia

jessismyidol

12/11/01 2:19 PM

Re: THE TRUTH>BY LYDIA

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Lydia I support you and Lauren 110%!!! Always have always will!!

Heather

pyt_fan_07

12/11/01 2:39 PM

Re: THE TRUTH>BY LYDIA

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Because you said you were “surprised” that Ashley was working at C.Cheese-it sounded derogatory. No one starts a career overnight and Ashley is just showing a lot of maturity. She is a very focused girl. She is also secure enough with her talent that she doesn’t feel rushed to prove anything.