Music and politics can be great roomies, but that’s not always the case. Yes Bill Clinton and the Fleetwood Mac tune “Don’t Stop Thinking About Tomorrow” were soulmates in the 90s, you’re reading a lot about GOP nominee Donald Trump and his problems with catchy songs.
Neil Young, Bruce Springsteen, Rolling Stones, Queen, The O’Jays, Adele and R.E.M have all vocally or legally objected to his use of their songs over the last 16 months.
Early in the presidential primary in the Fall of 2015, Donald Trump took the stage in Exeter, New Hampshire for a rally. What TV viewers did not see prior to the coverage was the use of two Adele songs “Skyfall” and “Rolling in the Deep,” prior to that entrance. Adele immediately objected and inquired about taking legal action. The problem for her is that there are different levels of royalty payments and or fees that can be paid by a known celebrity, and if paid can prevent the artist from stopping the sue of that music.
Copyright lawyers will tell you that political campaigns don’t need an artist’s permission to play their songs at rallies if the candidate and party have acquired a ‘blanket license’ from ASCAP and BMI. Political candidate may not use songs in videos, advertising, or online marketing with the permission and or paying additional fees for that use.
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