Use of music in presidential campaigns...

gimmesometruth27

:fp:

good for the silversun pickups. i would think that a politician would ask permission to use a song from any artist, and the artist should have the right to refuse them permission to use their work. instead we get politicians using songs that a) are not permissable for them to use, b) are completely opposite of their message, ie. reagan and born in the usa.

perhaps we should make politicians compose their own music and spell out their platform in the songs? it might be more effective because they clearly can not tell us in their own words in interviews or debates...

Silversun Pickups object to Romney's use of song

http://news.yahoo.com/silversun-pickups ... 44375.html

The Silversun Pickups want Mitt Romney's presidential campaign to immediately stop the use of the rock group's song "Panic Switch." And the Romney campaign has no problem with that.

The Los Angeles-based band's attorney sent a cease and desist letter to the Republican presidential candidate's campaign on Wednesday. A news release says neither the band nor its representatives were contacted for permission to use the 2009 alternative rock hit and the group "has no intention of endorsing the Romney campaign."

"We don't like people going behind our backs, using our music without asking, and we don't like the Romney campaign," Silversun Pickups lead singer Brian Aubert said in the statement. "We're nice, approachable people. We won't bite. Unless you're Mitt Romney! We were very close to just letting this go because the irony was too good. While he is inadvertently playing a song that describes his whole campaign, we doubt that 'Panic Switch' really sends the message he intends."

Romney spokeswoman Andrea Saul said in an email that the song was inadvertently played during the setup for one event before Romney arrived. The band learned about it in a tweet from Romney's North Carolina stopover.

"As anyone who attends Gov. Romney's events knows, this is not a song we would have played intentionally," she wrote. "That said, it was covered under the campaign's regular blanket license, but we will not play it again."

Saul says the campaign has licensing agreements with BMI and ASCAP.

Silversun Pickups publicist Ken Weinstein says the group and its team don't agree that the song's use is covered. Attorney Tamara Milagros-Butler said she received a call from the campaign's general counsel within about an hour of sending the letter.

"As the former governor (of) the state of Massachusetts, a graduate of Harvard Law School, and candidate for U.S. President, we're pretty sure you're familiar with the laws of this great country of ours," it reads in part. "We're writing because we, like you, think these laws are important."

Milagros-Butler said the band is pleased with the result. She said it was important for politicians to respect musicians' rights.

"Hard-working folks like them who have worked for years, and years and years building the value of their copyright" know the law and that they have to be vigilant about their rights, she said.

"Panic Switch," which seems to be an indictment of "red views" that "keep ripping the divide," helped the quartet earn a Grammy nomination for best new artist in 2009 and joins a long list of songs allegedly purloined by politicians.

These types of dustups are nothing new.

There was Ronald Reagan's appropriation of Bruce Springsteen's "Born in the USA." Tommy Petty and Michelle Bachmann squared off over "American Girl." And John McCain's campaign ran afoul of a number of acts in 2008, including Jackson Browne and Foo Fighters.

Republican candidates aren't always targeted. Soul singer Sam Moore asked President Barack Obama to stop the use of "Soul Man" in his 2008 campaign.

Byrnzie

Maybe Romney could ask Ted Nugent to write a campaign song for him/

gimmesometruth27

Byrnzie wrote:

Maybe Romney could ask Ted Nugent to write a campaign song for him/

he already did...

it's called "stranglehold"

gimmesometruth27

i remember heart made sarah palin stop playing "barracuda" in 2008.

cincybearcat

I'm torn. A band has the right to protect it's "brand", but then again, they sell there music to anyone and anyone should be able to play it as long as it isn't for profit.

These situations are messy for me because it could give the appearance, to an idiot of course, that the band supports the campaign...but then again, who really gives a shit what campaign a band supports?

And really who cares? Is there a more overrated band out there?

Byrnzie

cincybearcat wrote:

who really gives a shit what campaign a band supports?

Someone with any principles?

I.e, If a band I liked started supporting some right-wing idiot like Mitt Romney, or George W Bush, then I'd stop listening to them. They'd become redundant for me.

gimmesometruth27

cincybearcat wrote:

I'm torn. A band has the right to protect it's "brand", but then again, they sell there music to anyone and anyone should be able to play it as long as it isn't for profit.

These situations are messy for me because it could give the appearance, to an idiot of course, that the band supports the campaign...but then again, who really gives a shit what campaign a band supports?

And really who cares? Is there a more overrated band out there?

if a candidate plays a song at a fundraising event, which solely exists for the purpose of raising funds, it can be argued that that candidate is profiting from the use of the song.

having been in bands for the last 13 years, i think the artist has a right to protect their work, and if someone is using that work in a way that the artist does not approve, or there is a candidate that the artist opposes uses their work, there should be recourse to stop it.

look at MCA's will. his will expressly states that no music that he has been involved with can be used for any advertising purposes. yes that is potentially depriving his family of selling rights to his music, but it is also a sign of artist integrity. i think at the end of the day, from an artist's perspective it comes down to integrity.

cincybearcat

Byrnzie wrote:

cincybearcat wrote:

who really gives a shit what campaign a band supports?

Someone with any principles?

I.e, If a band I liked started supporting some right-wing idiot like Mitt Romney, or George W Bush, then I'd stop listening to them. They'd become redundant for me.

Well, someone that projects their principles onto their music I guess.

But fair enough.

cincybearcat

gimmesometruth27 wrote:

cincybearcat wrote:

I'm torn. A band has the right to protect it's "brand", but then again, they sell there music to anyone and anyone should be able to play it as long as it isn't for profit.

These situations are messy for me because it could give the appearance, to an idiot of course, that the band supports the campaign...but then again, who really gives a shit what campaign a band supports?

And really who cares? Is there a more overrated band out there?

if a candidate plays a song at a fundraising event, which solely exists for the purpose of raising funds, it can be argued that that candidate is profiting from the use of the song.

having been in bands for the last 13 years, i think the artist has a right to protect their work, and if someone is using that work in a way that the artist does not approve, or there is a candidate that the artist opposes uses their work, there should be recourse to stop it.

look at MCA's will. his will expressly states that no music that he has been involved with can be used for any advertising purposes. yes that is potentially depriving his family of selling rights to his music, but it is also a sign of artist integrity. i think at the end of the day, from an artist's perspective it comes down to integrity.

Yeah, it;s a fine line. No one is paying to hear that song though. if it were replaced, no one would notice or care. I just find it a bit annoying when musicians sell there music and then want to determine who can play it. Just rubs me the wrong way. But, in reality, I don;t really care one way or the other.

If it was so black and white though then I would think we wouldn't have this issue coming up EVERY election.

And I still have no idea why anyone would pick one of their songs. One of the most boring opening acts I've seen...I think they opened for Muse when I saw them. One of those bands where the song sounds better on the album in my car. But I guess I'm derailing the thread, so I'll stop.

gimmesometruth27

cincybearcat wrote:

Yeah, it;s a fine line. No one is paying to hear that song though. if it were replaced, no one would notice or care. I just find it a bit annoying when musicians sell there music and then want to determine who can play it. Just rubs me the wrong way. But, in reality, I don;t really care one way or the other.

If it was so black and white though then I would think we wouldn't have this issue coming up EVERY election.

And I still have no idea why anyone would pick one of their songs. One of the most boring opening acts I've seen...I think they opened for Muse when I saw them. One of those bands where the song sounds better on the album in my car. But I guess I'm derailing the thread, so I'll stop.

no it's not a fine line.

i think you are missing the greater point in that politicians are using music without approval of the artist, and it is a good thing that there is recourse to protect the use of the artist's work.

you said it rubs you the wrong way, but you don't care. how is that possible? sounds to me like you just don't like the band, which is fine. i don't mind them and i don't know much of their work, i am just applauding them for standing up for their work.

cincybearcat

gimmesometruth27 wrote:

cincybearcat wrote:

Yeah, it;s a fine line. No one is paying to hear that song though. if it were replaced, no one would notice or care. I just find it a bit annoying when musicians sell there music and then want to determine who can play it. Just rubs me the wrong way. But, in reality, I don;t really care one way or the other.

If it was so black and white though then I would think we wouldn't have this issue coming up EVERY election.

And I still have no idea why anyone would pick one of their songs. One of the most boring opening acts I've seen...I think they opened for Muse when I saw them. One of those bands where the song sounds better on the album in my car. But I guess I'm derailing the thread, so I'll stop.

no it's not a fine line.

i think you are missing the greater point in that politicians are using music without approval of the artist, and it is a good thing that there is recourse to protect the use of the artist's work.

you said it rubs you the wrong way, but you don't care. how is that possible? sounds to me like you just don't like the band, which is fine. i don't mind them and i don't know much of their work, i am just applauding them for standing up for their work.

"As anyone who attends Gov. Romney's events knows, this is not a song we would have played intentionally," she wrote. "That said, it was covered under the campaign's regular blanket license, but we will not play it again."

They were licensed to use it.

And it's not just about this band, I shouldn't had brought it up.

inlet13

I read this earlier. I think it's fine they don't want to be affiliated with a campaign. They also said they don't like Romney, fair enough. I get that.

One thing I don't get - don't think I ever will:

There's nothing punk rock about big gov't. I don't get the blind allegiance a lot of rock bands have to big gov't - particularly via the Democratic Party. I mean it's obvious a lot of bands dislike Republicans, fair enough. That's fine - I mean for the most part they are a bit smaller govt, but still big government and have a different take on social issues. So, I get that. But, Punk Rock is about challenging oppressing forces like big gov't. Naturally, if this is the case, bands should fall into the Libertarian camp.

But, they don't - or atleast consistently want to be visualized as Democrats. This never made sense to me, and I'm honestly saying it doesn't make sense not because of my personal political POV.

brianlux

If I played music in my business (other than radio) without a license I'd get fined. I wonder if they'll fine Romney? (Doubtful) It's just not right to use these artists songs without permission.

Inlet: I don't think this is about punk rock. If it were, then you're right, most true punk songs would be off limits for political parties especially, of course, The Sex Pistols "Anarchy in the UK"... although Lydon did give a nod to Ron Paul who was also a guest when they played it on Leno a couple of years ago. That cracked me up.

hedonist

To me - politics aside - it just comes down to manners.

"Hey, this is yours, OK if I use it?"

Also, isn't there a law in place that allows a finite portion (few seconds?) of any song to be used for whatever purpose? And then beyond that it's up to whomever owns the rights to say it's alright?

Maybe that should be changed.

cincybearcat

brianlux wrote:

If I played music in my business (other than radio) without a license I'd get fined. I wonder if they'll fine Romney? (Doubtful) It's just not right to use these artists songs without permission.

Inlet: I don't think this is about punk rock. If it were, then you're right, most true punk songs would be off limits for political parties especially, of course, The Sex Pistols "Anarchy in the UK"... although Lydon did give a nod to Ron Paul who was also a guest when they played it on Leno a couple of years ago. That cracked me up.

Seriously, does everyone miss the fact that....

"As anyone who attends Gov. Romney's events knows, this is not a song we would have played intentionally," she wrote. "That said, it was covered under the campaign's regular blanket license, but we will not play it again."

cincybearcat

brianlux wrote:

If I played music in my business (other than radio) without a license I'd get fined. I wonder if they'll fine Romney? (Doubtful) It's just not right to use these artists songs without permission.

Sure you would. I would bet you $100. Go ahead and play some cds for 2 weeks. Nothing will happen to you!!!

gimmesometruth27

cincybearcat wrote:

brianlux wrote:

If I played music in my business (other than radio) without a license I'd get fined. I wonder if they'll fine Romney? (Doubtful) It's just not right to use these artists songs without permission.

Inlet: I don't think this is about punk rock. If it were, then you're right, most true punk songs would be off limits for political parties especially, of course, The Sex Pistols "Anarchy in the UK"... although Lydon did give a nod to Ron Paul who was also a guest when they played it on Leno a couple of years ago. That cracked me up.

Seriously, does everyone miss the fact that....

"As anyone who attends Gov. Romney's events knows, this is not a song we would have played intentionally," she wrote. "That said, it was covered under the campaign's regular blanket license, but we will not play it again."

if you are playing someone's music to hawk a product, in this case mitt romney is the product, then permission should be obtained.

if they stick to nugent, avenged sevenfold, staind, and kid rock, and 97% of country acts, they won't have any issues...

Jason P

I would use NFL Films music at my campaign stops.

cincybearcat

gimmesometruth27 wrote:

cincybearcat wrote:

brianlux wrote:

If I played music in my business (other than radio) without a license I'd get fined. I wonder if they'll fine Romney? (Doubtful) It's just not right to use these artists songs without permission.

Inlet: I don't think this is about punk rock. If it were, then you're right, most true punk songs would be off limits for political parties especially, of course, The Sex Pistols "Anarchy in the UK"... although Lydon did give a nod to Ron Paul who was also a guest when they played it on Leno a couple of years ago. That cracked me up.

Seriously, does everyone miss the fact that....

"As anyone who attends Gov. Romney's events knows, this is not a song we would have played intentionally," she wrote. "That said, it was covered under the campaign's regular blanket license, but we will not play it again."

if you are playing someone's music to hawk a product, in this case mitt romney is the product, then permission should be obtained.

if they stick to nugent, avenged sevenfold, staind, and kid rock, and 97% of country acts, they won't have any issues...

You keep ignoring the fact that they had permission per the standards... "That said, it was covered under the campaign's regular blanket license

Jason P

This is the first time I've ever heard of the Silversun Pickups. Looks like a good marketing opportunity.

gimmesometruth27

cincybearcat wrote:

You keep ignoring the fact that they had permission per the standards... "That said, it was covered under the campaign's regular blanket license

it is no permissable to hawk a product (romney and his platform) with someone's music without permission. that is the crux of the issue. otherwise everyone would have carte blanche to use metallica to sell their stuff.

cincybearcat

gimmesometruth27 wrote:

cincybearcat wrote:

You keep ignoring the fact that they had permission per the standards... "That said, it was covered under the campaign's regular blanket license

it is no permissable to hawk a product (romney and his platform) with someone's music without permission. that is the crux of the issue. otherwise everyone would have carte blanche to use metallica to sell their stuff.

They are saying they have a license to use it.

gimmesometruth27

dee snyder ripped paul ryan for using his song "we're not gonna take it"... :fp: he needs to stick with nugent, megadeth, staind, and hank jr...

Dee Snider Rips Paul Ryan for Using 'We're Not Gonna Take It'
GOP played Twisted Sister hit at a campaign rally

http://www.rollingstone.com/music/news/ ... t-20120822

Rocker Dee Snider is unhappy with Republican vice presidential candidate Paul Ryan for using Twisted Sister's 1984 hit "We're Not Gonna Take It" as intro music at a rally yesterday in Pennsylvania, reports Talking Points Memo.

"I emphatically denounce Paul Ryan's use of my band Twisted Sister's song, 'We're Not Gonna Take It,' in any capacity," Snider said. "There is almost nothing he stands for that I agree with except the use of the P90X."

Snider's not the first musician this year irate over Republicans' use of their songs: Just last week, Silversun Pickups told Mitt Romney to stop using their song "Panic Switch" at campaign events. Ryan recently expressed fondness for the music of Rage Against the Machine, prompting a pointed response from guitarist Tom Morello in a Rolling Stone op-ed.


Read more: http://www.rollingstone.com/music/news/ ... z24Ok1GVcP

inlet13

gimmesometruth27 wrote:

dee snyder ripped paul ryan for using his song "we're not gonna take it"... :fp: he needs to stick with nugent, megadeth, staind, and hank jr...

Dee Snider Rips Paul Ryan for Using 'We're Not Gonna Take It'
GOP played Twisted Sister hit at a campaign rally

http://www.rollingstone.com/music/news/ ... t-20120822

Rocker Dee Snider is unhappy with Republican vice presidential candidate Paul Ryan for using Twisted Sister's 1984 hit "We're Not Gonna Take It" as intro music at a rally yesterday in Pennsylvania, reports Talking Points Memo.

"I emphatically denounce Paul Ryan's use of my band Twisted Sister's song, 'We're Not Gonna Take It,' in any capacity," Snider said. "There is almost nothing he stands for that I agree with except the use of the P90X."

Snider's not the first musician this year irate over Republicans' use of their songs: Just last week, Silversun Pickups told Mitt Romney to stop using their song "Panic Switch" at campaign events. Ryan recently expressed fondness for the music of Rage Against the Machine, prompting a pointed response from guitarist Tom Morello in a Rolling Stone op-ed.


Read more: http://www.rollingstone.com/music/news/ ... z24Ok1GVcP

pom-poms.

hedonist

I was impressed with Mr. Snider when he was on Celebrity Apprentice; he strikes me as an intelligent, well-spoken man.

Now reading this, I'm kinda surprised he even appeared on Trump's show...perhaps the charity potential made it easier, more worthwhile, for him?

Who knows.

Jeanwah

God, are politicians that stupid to continue to attempt to use songs without permission? This has been going on for years...

Zoso

remember sarah palin using nick cave's bring it on.. pretty funny. obviously asked palin to stop using it..

unsung

Byrnzie wrote:

cincybearcat wrote:

who really gives a shit what campaign a band supports?

Someone with any principles?

I.e, If a band I liked started supporting some right-wing idiot like Mitt Romney, or George W Bush, then I'd stop listening to them. They'd become redundant for me.

Is it ok, to you, that they take a large payout from a Fortune 500 company for a private party?