Music in Politics

 

One of the interesting things that happens during a Presidential campaign, is the selectivity of various artists as it relates to the use of their songs in those campaigns. During normal times, artists don’t care about the political positions of those that choose to use their music. I don’t recall anyone asking me for my voter registration card the last time I downloaded a song or purchased a CD. I haven’t been able to tell if John Mellencamp favors Quizno’s or Subway, because his music is played in each. He seems not to mind collecting the royalties, no matter the establishment playing his music, or the radio station playing it, or the individual purchasing it. But, play his song at a Republican rally and you are likely to get slapped with a lawsuit! 

 

There is no problem with any individual stating their political opinions. I personally don’t put a lot of stock in a musician or celebrities take on politics or politicians. The fact that they are successful at entertaining people doesn’t make their opinion more valid that someone who is successful at changing the oil in my car. However, to state that their music (which presumably have been properly licensed through ASCAP or other entity) shouldn’t be used to introduce this speaker, or that politician is ludicrous. (Especially if it is Ludacris) Once a musician has used their right to free speech to publish a work of art, and put it into the public sphere (for which they are compensated) they have no more right to control the free expression of those using their licensed music. If they don’t want to license their music, they shouldn’t publish it. Or, they should distribute the music directly, only to those that they deem “worthy” to use or listen to it. To play both sides of the licensing game is hypocritical. To take the easy money through generic licensing deals with the clearing houses throughout the world one day, and then cry foul when someone reaches into the catalog of music they threw out to the world, is disingenuous at best. Take the money from the royalties, vote your own conscience in November and shut up about someone you don’t like listening or playing your music. 

 

Notwithstanding the above, it should be pointed out that while politicians, or anyone else, should be able to have the same access to generally licensed music as another party would have, the wisdom of their song choices should be put to the test. Did the campaign organizers actually listen to the words of Heart’s “Barracuda” when they announced Sarah “Barracuda” Palin to the world? I can’t imagine that they want the following phrase associated with a Vice Presidential candidate, even if it was her nickname in high school: 

“You lying so low in the weeds
I bet you gonna ambush me
Youd have me down down down down on my knees
Now wouldnt you, barracuda?”

Good thing her name isn’t Lola.