Competing samples for Beta Band & I Monster.

The Beta Band are set to go head-to-head with the first signing to former WEA A&R executive Jonathan Dickins' new imprint with singles that are both based around the same easy listening sample.

Squares, the first single from the Regal/ Parlophone act's Hot Shots II album, features a hook replayed from Gunter Kallmann Choir's version of Daydream, which was originally released in the late Sixties and has more recently provided the bassline for Portishead's Sour Times. The hook is also set to become known through its use as a sample on the forthcoming single from experimental pop outfit I Monster, who last week signed to Dickins' new Showbiz imprint through Instant Karma.

Parlophone/Regal A&R director Miles Leonard says the two parties only recently became aware of the similarity between the two tracks. "The Beta Band use the music as a soundbed while the I Monster track samples it directly. I don't think either party knew each other was using the sample but coincidentally they are both coming out within a week of each other," he says.

Hot Shots II, due for release through Parlophone in July, is the Scottish band's second full album release ...